Proceedings at the reception and dinner in honor of George Peabody, esq. of London, by the citizens of the old town of Danvers, October 9, 1856. To which is appended an historical sketch of the Peabody institute, with the exercises at the laying of the corner-stone and at the dedication ...

Front matter

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Preface

The remarkable degree of success attending the efforts of the people of the Old Town of Danvers to give suitable expression of their gratitude to their eminent townsman, and the interest manifested at the time and since in the proceedings of that occasion, by the public at largo, seemed to render it proper that the events of the Reception should have a more enduring record than the newspapers of the day. The Committee to v/hom was entrusted the arrangements for the ovation, therefore appointed a Sub-Committee to attend to this publication, desiring to have it placed in the hands of our citizens at the earliest possible time consistent with a correct record of the transactions 'of the day.

In preparing this volume for the press, the Compiler has felt the want of sufficient time to collect and arrange his materials in order to present the work to the public in a suitable form.

Much of the material came late into his hands, and many of the details were furnished by different persons, having different modes of presenting the same kind of information, so that he has found it impossible to present the more descriptive parts with that uniformity which would have been desirable. Rather than delay the publication of the work, he has preferred to adopt the narrative of events, with but slight changes from the form and language in which they were presented to him.

The proceedings at the Institute and at the banquet, which, after all, gave the most extended importance to the Festival, are correctly narrated, and most of the speeches have been revised by their authors.

IV

The Compiler confesses himself indebted to many of our citizens for materials and other aid for different parts of the work. Among others, to Messrs. Samuel Preston, Amos Merrill, James D. Black, and Augustus Mudge, for accounts of the several Schools ; Mr. John V. Stevens and Mr. William Green for descriptions of the Fire Department ; Thomas M. Stimpson, Esq., for the Historical Sketch of the Peabody Institute, and to many other gentlemen for valuable information and suggestions during the progress of the compilation.

Contents

Introduction, - - - -•- - ' ^

Decorations at Danvers, - - - - - - 6

" Danversport, ... - - 8

Introduction

The Reception and Dinner in honor of Mr. Peabody, an account of which it is proposed to offer in this publication, was given by a joint arrangement between the towns of Danvers and South Danvers, which constituted the ancient town of Danvers. The initiative was taken by South Danvers, at a legal public meeting, held on petition of the Trustees of the Peabody Institute, on the 21st day of August, 1856 ; when, on motion of Hon. A. A. Abbott, the following Resolutions were adopted, and a Committee of twenty-three gentlemen were chosen to carry into elFect the wishes of the inhabitants : —

Whereas, reliable information has been received that George Peabody, Esq., of London, a native of this town, whose life and character entitle him to our admiration and respect, and whose munificent donations have identified him with our local interests and history, is about to revisit the United States, — therefore

Resoh'ed, by us, the citizens of South Danvers, in town meeting assembled, that we hail with deep pleasure this promised realization of a long cherished wish, and praying for Mr. Peabody a prosperous voyage, bid him a hearty welcome to his native town.

Resolved^ That a committee of twenty gentlemen be chosen, whose duty it shall be, on the arrival of Mr. Peabody in this country, to invite him to this town, the home of his youth and the seat of his noble benefactions; and, if he shall accept theif invitation, to adopt such m(;asures for his reception and entertainment as, in their judgment, will best express the love and honor which we bear him.

It was afterwards voted that an attested copy of the above Resolves be communicated to the authorities of the town of Danvers, with an invitation to unite in the propoised Reception.

The Selectmen of the town were afterwards added to the Committee, increasing the number to twenty-three, as follows :

Robert S. Daniels, Chairman.

I

Henry Poor, Lewis Allen, Eben Sutton, Elijah W. Upton, Francis Dane, Alfred A. Abbott, William Sutton, George Osborne, Joseph Jacobs, Nathan H. Poor, Kendall OsborN,

Ebenezer King, Daniel Taylor, Richard Osborn, Stephen Blaney, Fitch Poole, Sydney C. Bancroft, John B. Peabody, John V. Stevens, Henry A. Hardy,

■ ■■ ■■' Thomas M. Stimpson.

Francis Baker, Secretary.

Subsequently, namely, on the 10th day of September, the citizens of the town of Danvers adopted the following Resolves, and elected a Committee of twenty-one gentlemen to represent the views, and to carry into effect the wishes, of the people of that town :

Resolved, By the citizens of Danvers in town meeting assembled, that we anticipate with much pleasure the promised visit of Mr. Peabody to his native land, and cordially bid him welcome to the place of his nativity.

Rcsolred, That our thanks are due, and are hereby tendered to our sister town of South Danvers, for the invitation extended to cooperate with them in the reception and entertainment of Mr. Peabody, and while heartily concurring in the sentiments of the resolutions adopted by them, it will give us pleasure to cooperate with them in adopting such measures as will best accord with the views herein expressed ; and to this end,

Resolved., That a Committee of twenty-one be chosen to take the requisite measures in cooperation with our friends in South Danvers.

The following persons were then chosen to constitute the

Committee :

Joshua Silvester, Chairman.

Samuel Preston, Ebenezer Hunt, Samuel P. Fowler, William L. Weston, Matthew Hooper, •' I. H. Putnam, Augustus Mudge, James D. Black, John A. Learoyd, Nathan Tapley,

Philemon Putnam,

Levi Merrill,

Charles Page,

Reuben Wilkins,

William Endicott,

William Green,

Charles P. Preston, !

Benjamin F. Hutchinson,

George A. Tapley.

Arthur A. Putnam, Secretary.

The Committees thus primarily chosen by the people of the two municipalities, afterwards met and organized as a joint Committee to make arrangements for the proposed festival in behalf of the old town of Danvers, as it existed previous to the separation. The expenses were to be borne by the inhabitants of both towns, in the same proportion as if no division had taken place, with tlie exception of such as were strictly local in their character.

The gentlemen composing the Joint-Committee of Arrangements were organized as a united Committee by the appointment of Hon. R. S. Daniels as Chairman, and Francis Baker, Esq., Secretary, the two Town Committees still retaining their separate organization.

Previous to the union of the two Committees, that of South Danvers appointed a delegation of five of their number, viz., Messrs. Daniels, E. Sutton, Allen, Dane and Abbott, to meet Mr. Peabody in New York, on his arrival in the country, and invite him to a public reception at his native town. A delegation was also sent on a similar errand from Danvers, consisting of Messrs. Silvester, Page, Hooper and Langley.

Both delegations were cordially received by Mr. Peabody, who was much gratified and deeply affected on being informed of the designs of his townsmen, expressing his readiness to comply with their wishes, but at the same time strongly desiring that the affair might be conducted in a quiet and unostentatious manner and at as little expense as might be consistent with a public reception.

Deputations were present, representing the merchants of New York and other commercial cities of the Union, to offer similar honors and eager to obtain audience, yet Mr. Peabody embraced the earliest opportunity to receive our Committees and express his unabated attachment to the place of his nativity.

It is not proposed in these pages to give the details of the arrangements made, but only the results as they transpired in the course of the day. It may be proper to state that it was at first proposed, in Committee, that the celebration should be more strictly of a domestic character, a family meeting, to weicome home one of its honored and long absent members, as well as an occasion to express gratitude to a public benefactor. In consequence, however, of the refusal of Mr. Peabody, in his letter to the New York deputation,* to accept any public demonstration, except from his own townsmen, a preference which they could not but regard as highly complimentary, as well as evincing his unabated love for the place of his nativity, they were induced to give the proposed ovation a more extended import. This was now understood to be the only opportunity to be afforded to the numerous friends of Mr. Peabody to unite in such a testimonial of gratitude and respect. The plan was therefore enlarged and invitations extended in a liberal manner Ho Mr. Peabody's friends in distant places.

The presence of so large a number of Mr. Peabody's per- ■sonal friends, many of whom had partaken of his hospitalities, and were eager to greet him at the first public welcome of his

* The terms of this admirable letter are so honorable to the writer as well a.i :tlattering to his townsmen, that wo here insert it : —

Newport, Monday, Sept. 22, 185G.

Gentlemen.: — Your letter of the IGtli inst. is before me. Allow me to say Vithont affectation that no one can be more surprised than myself at the cordial weloome which vou extend to me. Had my commercial and social life in London produced even half the results with which your kiiiduess endows it, I should esteem myself more than repaid for uU labors there by such a letter, subscribed as it is by many old and dear friends, by gentlemen whose names in letters are coextensive withthe knowledge of our own language, and by merchants whose enteqirisc has carried the Hag of our country into every sea that commerce penetrates.

If during my long residence in London the commennal character and honor of our countrymen" have stood ui>on an elevated ])osition, it has not been the result of my luinible (Hurts. In common with many of you, I have tried to do my part in aceoinplisliiug these ends. That the American name now stands wliere it docs in the commercial world, is maiidy owing to her merchants at home, who have extended her commerce till its tonnage equals that of any other nation, who have drawn to her siiores the wealth of other lands, under whose directions the fertile fields of the interior have been made accessible and jjeopled, and whose fidelity to their engagements has become proverbial throughout the world.

It has been my pleasure during a long residence in London, to renew many old friendships, and to form many new acciuaintances among my countrymen and -countrywomen ; and it has been my good fortune to be permitted to cultivate these ^in social life, where I have endeavored as much as possible, to bring my British and American friends together. I believed that by so doing I should, in my humble way, assist "to remove any prejudices, to soften political asperities, and to promote feelings of good will and fraternity between the two countries. It gives me great ])leasure to be assured that my countrymen at home have symj)athized in these objects, and Itelieved that they arc partially accomplished. The recent temporary estrangement between the two governments served to demonstrate how deep and cordial is the alliance between the interests and the sympathies of the two people. liv aiding to make individuals of the two nations known to each other, I sn])posed that 1 was contribntintj my mite towards the most solid and sure foundation of peace grateful countrymen, added new joy to the occasion. From being simply a village festival it became almost national in its character. Gentlemen of the highest standing among the learned professions and in mercantile and other pursuits, were here from abroad, to unite with us in the outpouring of gratitude to one, whose benefactions, great as they have been to us, have not been limited to any narrow locality.

In their gratitude for benefits showered upon themselves, his townsmen have by no means forgotten his wider sphere of benevolent action. His protection of State, and consequently of National Credit ; his generous hospitalities to his travelling countrymen, and his efforts to promote kindly and brotherly feeling between the people of kindred nations, are known and appreciated. They are not ignorant of his timely aid to the American exhibiters at the Crystal Palace, or of the humanity which prompted him to send forward the Arctic ships in search of Sir John Franklin. These and other instances of his claims to be considered as a " world's benefactor," impressed his

and good will between them ; and while the power remains to nic I shall continue in a course which you approve.

In returning to mr native land after an absence of twenty years, I had several objects in view. I wished once more to see the land of my birth and early youth, and the surviving members of my family; once more to greet my friends in every part of the country ; and to see and know the new generations that have come up since I left, and who are to l)e their successors. I also desired to visit every section of the Union, and to witness with my own eyes the evidences at home of the prosperity of which I have seen abundant proofs abroad. Tiie twenty years that have elapsed since my last visit are the most important twenty years in the commercial history of America. Like Rip Van Winkle, I am almost appalled at the wonderful changes that already meet my eyes. Although, as you well know, I have not slumbered meanwhile in a Sleepy Hollow, I stand amazed at the energy and activity which characterize yoin- city. It is my wish and purpose to remain iu the country long enough to understand these changes and their causes.

On mature reflection, gentlemen, I think that if I accept the hospitalities which have been tendered to me by yourselves, and by friends in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston and other cities, I shall very seriously interfere with the objects of my visit. I have, therefore, been obliged to come to the conclusion to refuse all invitations to dinner with the single exception of my native town of Danvcrs, in Massachusetts. I assure you most sincerely that I regret very much that my plans thus compel me to decline the high honor which you propose to confer upon me, and to deny myself the pleasure of meeting so many personal friends.

With great esteem and respect,

I am, gentlemen, your faithful servant,

George Peabodt.

Messrs. Nathaniel L. & George Griswold, Brown Brothers & Co., Duncan, iSherman & Co., Grinnell, Minturn & Co., Goodliue & Co., Wetmore, Cryder & Co., Spofford, Tileston & Co., A. & A. Lawrence & Co., Washington Irving, WilliaiH B. Astor, Daniel Lord, George Newbold, John J. Palmer, William J. Wetmore, Charles Augustus Davis, E. Cunard and others.

townsmen with the belief, that their demonstration should have something of the character of hiternationalily. This feature was in some measure given to it by the presence of the British Consul, at Boston, and of other distinguished subjects of the United Kingdom. It was seen in the various decorations in our streets and upon our buildings, where the stars and stripes everywhere waved in amity with the cross of St. George. It was also manifest at the Dinner, where the utmost enthusiasm followed the mention of England's beloved Q,ueen. These tokens of friendly feeling, which it was so gratifying to us to exhibit, as the sincere expression of enlightened American sentiment towards the fatherland, we are happy to learn have been warmly acknowledged by our transatlantic guests.

DECORATIONS.

As the decorations of our public streets and private residences would naturally attract the first attention of a visitor, and an account of them better present the scene as it existed during the progress of the Procession, it has been thought proper to give them the first place in the order of events to be described.

It should be remarked that most of the decorations of private

citizens were the work of a few hours' preparation on the day

preceding the reception, or on the morning of the day itself.

Yet the general good taste displayed, in giving the town an

aspect of gaiety and joy, seems to render apology scarcely

necessary.

DANVERS.

All the public buildings on Maple Street wore highly decorated; four beautiful flags floated from the spire of Rev. Mr. Fletcher's cliurch, and the railroad crossing near it was elegantly trimmed with evergreen and flags. The unfinished grammar schoolhouse bore the motto —

"Frke Schools the Nation's Strength."

The Village Bank building was ornamented with evergreen and streamers. Near this was the magnificent arch, which was admitted to be one of the most tasteful in design, and elegant in execution, ever seen in the country, and was decidedly the most splendid decoration on the whole route. It was a triple arch, the main one being forty feet wide and forty high, with lateral arches twenty feet wide and twenty high. Six large American flags floated above the principal arch, and on its very summit sal a large gilded eagle with spread wings. Across the arcli, in great letters, was the word

" Welcome."

From the under side were suspended six beautiful medallions, tastefully enwreathed with evergreen, and studded with gems of the richest flowers. The two central ones were red, six feet in diameter, and had inserted on them, in gilt letters, —

"He has honored us Abroad, we honor him at Home."

On each side of these was one of blue, somewhat smaller than the red, but equally ornamented. In the center of one was the large gilt letter G. and in the other the letter P.

The remaining medallions were white, with a splendid bouquet of flowers in the center, and richly enwreathed as the others. This superb structure was covered with green boughs and evergreens, and was decorated with blue, white, and red streamers. We understand this beautiful tribute was wholly domestic in its origin, erection and adornments, the ladies bearing a conspicuous part in the latter, and that great credit is due in the premises to Joshua Silvester, Esq., who had enjoyed Mr. Peabody's hospitalities in London, and to others of his neighbors, who took an active part in its erection.

Passing through this arch you came under a most magnificent display of the flags of all nations. More than four hundred feet of line, attached at the corners, at an elevation of more than sixty feet, crossing each other over the center of the square in the form of a horizontal X, filled with the various flags of the maritime nations, emblematic of that peace and concord which Mr. Peabody has labored so assiduously to promote, had a striking efleci to elevate the mind and give wings to the best wishes of the heart, wafting them to all nations, tongues and people on the face of the globe.

These, with the tasteful and airy decorations of the houses and stores on every side, made an exceedingly brilliant display, and will be long remembered by those who beheld it. It was said that this scene by moonlight was almost enchanting and seemed an entrance to a fairy land. So many were those who came from a distance to see these decorations, from the first Magistrate of the State to the more humble mechanic, in carriages, on horseback, on foot, by day and by night ; so many requested they might be kept up that others might see them, they were all sufTered to remain unchanged for several days, that both the ta.ste and curiosity of the people might be gratified. When the carriage in which Mr. Peabody rode, came under the arch, the procession was stopped, and Mr. Peabody stood erect, while an artist stationed for the purpose took a photographic impression of the scene.

Of private decorations, several dwellings on liocust Street were hung with wreaths and bouquets, and a vase of beautiful flowers stood in each of the lower windows of Mr. Joel Putnam's residence.

On Maple Street a graceful arcli spanned the gateway before Mr.

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J. A. Learoyd's dwelling, which was beautifully ornamented with wreaths, festoons and flags. The store of F. Perley, Esq., was trimmed with pine boughs, evergreen and flowers. It bore the motto, —

"Danvkrs Welcomes her Noble Son."

Just below, the shoe manufactory of Mr. Charles Gould was ornamented in a similar manner, with the motto —

"Thy Native Land."

The residences of Mr. 11. Preston and Messrs. Sanger and Stimpson were tastefully adorned with evergreen and brilliant flowers. A large American flag floated above the bakery. The dwellings of Deacon F. Howe and Samuel Preston, Esq., were trimmed with festoons and wreaths of flowers.

On the Square, the store of Messrs. Perley & Currier and the adjoining buildings were beautifully decorated with lu.xuriant foliage, wreaths of flowers, and streamers. In front of the residence of the late John Page, Esq., an American flag hung between two noble elms, and streamers extended from them to the brick building on the corner. A line of flags connected Mr. E. G. Berry's hotel with Mr. I). Richards' store ; both of which buildings were highly ornamented with forest trees, streamers and flowers. Small flags were displayed from every window in the front of Mr. F. Noyes' brick block.

On High Street, the residences of Messrs. D. Clough, J. Spaulding, and S. Brown, were ornamented with arched gateways, flags, evergreen and flowers. On this street, at the dwelling of VV. L. Weston, JGsq., was a novel and beautiful display. A picture of Mr. Peabody, encircled by an elegant wreath, ornamented the front of the house, beneath which appeared the word

"Welcome"

in evergreen letters. Over the front door two American flags leaned gracefully : before them a platform was erected, which extended over the fence of the front yard ; it was draped with white and trimmed with gorgeous flowers. On this stood two lovely little girls (daughters of Mr. W.) dressed in white, holding white banners, with evergreen letters. Motto on the first,

"We receive the Debt."

On the other, —

"We'll try to pay it."

DANVERSPORT.

Passing down from the Plains, we find by the brook leading into Porter's River, flags stretched across the street, on the largest of which and central one, was the word

" Danversport,"

signifying to the passers by that the village by that name has its beginning at this place, — and here again the eye is gratified by the varied exhibitions of taste displayed in ornamenting the streets and residences of the inhabitants.

First is observable the residence of Mr. Philip Smith, which is one of the first dwelling houses met witii in entering the village. IJere were seen tasteful wreatiis of evergreen interwoven with flowers, and the inscription —

"Welcome rEABOi>Y,"

wrought in evergreen, on white back ground, and with a border of green.

Just beyond, in front of the residence of the Hon. James D. Black, a beautiful arch was constructed covered with evergreen, dotted with flowers, and bearing the motto,

* "Dan VERS welcomes her Favorite Son ;"

surmounted by a piece of carved work, in the form of a spire. Four national flags waved from its pillars. The residence of Mrs. J. Trask was decorated with wreaths and flowers.

Mr. Black''s fine residence was also dressed with festoons of evergreen, encircling the pillars of the portico, and tastefully draped with bunting : beautiful bouquets of showy flowers and wreaths were displayed, adding greatly to the efrect. Two national flags, diverging' from the top of the portico, waved to the breeze ; also, a flag and beautiful streamer from the tall and graceful flag-staff erected on the highest part of his grounds.

Passing down. High Street presented to the eyes of the procession, as far as their vision could reach, a succession of decorations, giving to the occasion the appearance of a gala day indeed. The cottage of Capt. Thomas Johnson had flags displayed from the various angles with streamers festooned, &c. ; in the gable end, on the street, was tlie inscription —

" Welcome,"

encircled by a very handsome w^rcath ; above it, a gilt eagle sat perched in a thicket of evergreen, arranged in such a manner as to do credit to the natural instincts of that noble bird ; over the gateway was a small arch tastefully decorated.

Opposite, Mr. Hezekiah Dwinell had erected a beautiful arch over the gateway leading to his residence.

Capt. Henrv Johnson had a fine display of flags and streamers across the street, and the fence in front of his residence festooned with streamers.

Mr. Charles Chaplin had caused a line filled with a variety of flags and banners, to be extended across the street in front of his residence,

Mr, Peter R. Crowell also had a line of flags in front of his residence.

Again, another line of flags, opposite the house of Mr. Benjamin Kent,

VVe next come to the splendid arch, by the Baptist Church, on the corner of High and Water Streets. This arch, although not of so great dimensions as the one erected on the Plains, was thought by many to be equal to anything ever before seen in this vicinity for design and for its exquisite taste ; the general form was similar to the others, but the motto was placed in two festoons of gilt letters, on green back ground, with a graceful festoon of oak leaves underneath. Bunting of bright red and white draped the arch, and mottoes and national flags waved from its pillars. A splendid gilded eagle surmounted the whole. The motto, —

"Danvers Welcomes a Nation's Guest,"

being considered appropriate to the occasion, as our guest had received invitations to partake of the hospitalities of the more important commercial cities of the nation.

The Square, at the junction of High and Water Streets, presented a truly splendid show. Here were the flags of the largest dimensions placed, some of which were fifty feet in length.

The stores of Messrs. T. J. Melvin and Pliineas Comins, and the residences of Messrs. E. M. Waldron and Dr. Ebon Hunt, were very tastefully ornamented by the display of bunting, festooned, evergreen wreaths, flowers, and shrubs. River Street, also, which was seen on the left of the route of the procession, had quite a display of flags, &.C. The line, with the Fremont and Dayton flag, in front of the store of Mr. Comins, had also two other national flags.

Passing down Water Street, the procession passed under a beautiful wreath, of a diameter of ten feet, suspended from the limb of the noble old elm in front of the dwelling-house owned by Mr. M. C. Oby ; this wreath was the handiwork of Mr. Oby, and bore the inscription, in large letters, extending across the same,

" Welcome."

The residence of Mr. Wm. Endicott had a small arch erected over the gateway, bearing the inscription, —

"Oun Benefactor."

The stores of Messrs. Warren and Wm. Black were also finely dressed with flags, bunting, bouquets, and evergreen trees and boughs. Flags of all nations suspended above the street, in front of the residence of Maj. Moses Black.

The wool store of M. Black, .Tr. & Co. made the most magnificent display of flags in the village. A line containing fifteen flags, no two of them alike, stretched across the street ; another containing three large national flags, surmounting the first, the central one bearing the motto —

" Eijucation's Friend."

Out of nine windows in the upper stories of the tall storehouse were suspended as many American flags. The carved lamb, erected about midway of the height, had a beautiful wreath of evergreen and flowers around its neck ; the whole tastefully draped with streamers. The ship[)ing in port caught the enthusiasm of the occasion and made a very fine display, with their flags and streamers at masthead.

Passing to the Danvers Iron Works, we noticed another exceedingly tasteful arch, erected over the entrance of Liberty Street. This added materially to the series of arches, with mottoes, in this part of the town. Across the arch were put thirty-one silvered stars, on blue ground.