The seventy-sixth annual convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Connecticut held last

THE EPISCOPAL CONVENTION. | E. Beardsley, after which the Conven-issued weekly from the Patent Office, in tion adjourned till the next morning at Washington, are published regularly in 8 for prayer, and 9 for business. its columns. All the most important PatThe business of the convention the fol-ents issued by the United States Patent lowing morning was resumed and many Office, are illustrated and described on its pages, thus forming an unrivalled history of Americen inventions.

week in New London, was an occasion of much interest, not only to those eonnected with that denomination, but all the friends of the cause of truth and religion in the community. The members, com

posed of the Rt. Rev. Bishop, Clergy, and Laity assembled at half past ten o'clock A. M., and after the reading of the morning prayer by the Rev. Dr. Clark of Waterbury, the sermon, rich in its intellectual merit as it was deep in its religious fervor, was preached by the Rev. E. E. Beardley, D. D. Rector of St. Thomas' Church New Haven, from Ezra, 5, 11.

Rev. Jesse E. Heald, formerly of the Methodist denomination, was then presented by Rev. John Purves, rector of Christ church, Westport, and ordained as Deacon by the Rt. Rev. assistant Bishop, according to the usages of the Protestant Episcopal church.

The celebration of the Holy Communion by the Right Rev. Bishop Williams, assisted in the delivery of the elements by the Rev. Drs. Mead, Holcomb, Hallam and Todd concluded the morning service. The roll was then called, and a committee appointed to receive, examine and report upon the credentials of the day delegates, after which the Convention adjourned to afternoon.

On reassembling at 3 o'clock P. M.The report of the committee on credentials was received and accepted, Rev, J. M. Willey reelected Secretary and Dr. P. A

Jewett elected assistant Secretary.

matters of much interest were discussed

and interesting Reports read, after which
the following gentlemen were appointed
Directors of the Christian Knowledge So-
ciety, viz., Rev. Richard M. Abercrombie,
John Purves, D. C. Weston, Newton E.
Marble, D. D., Wm T. Lee, Esq., Enoch
V. Stoddard, Esq., John C. Hollister,
Esq., S, M. Buckingham, Esq.

After the reports of the Directors and
some discussion in the best manner of
regulating the collection of funds for the
Society, the Convention resolved itself in-
to the "Church Scholarship Society."

The Secretary made his annual report, showing that 16 young men have received aid varying in amount from $80 to

$150 each

The Treasurer's report was then read
and accepted, showing that $1293 had
been received, and $1220 paid out.

The whole amount of the fund of the
Society is about $17,009, safely invested.

The following persons were appointed
as members of the Board of Education for
the ensuing year.

Rev. Dr. Samuel Fuller, Rev. Dr.
Wheaton, E. A. Washburn, Messrs.
Dudley Buck, Zephaniah Preston, Wm.
T. Lee, Geo, M. Bartholomew; Sec't,
Rev. R. N. Abercrombie, Treas., Jas. M.
Goodwin, Auditor, Thos. Belknap, Esq.

It is not only the best, but the largest and cheapest paper devoted to Science, Mechanics, Manufacturers, and the useful

arts published in the world. Hon. Judge Mason, formerly Commissioner of Patents, is not only engaged with the Publishers in their immense Patent Agency department, but as a writer on Patent Laws and Practice, his ability is forcibly portrayed in the columns of this paper.

Its illustrated descriptions of all the most important improvements in steam and agricultural machinery, will commend it to the Engineer and Farmer, while the new household inventions and shop tools which are illustrated by engravings, and described in its columns, with the practical receipts in each number, renders the work desirable to housekeepers, and almost indispensable to every mechanic.

The Scientific American has been published for fifteen years, by the well known Patent Solicitors, Messrs. Munn & Co., 37 Park Row, New York; and has yearly increased in interest and circulation, until it has attained, we understand, nearly 30,000 subscribers, which is the best of evidence that the publication is appreciated by the reading public.

The Scientific American is published The utmost harmony and felicitous and happy feeling predominated during the once a week, (every Saturday,) each numsitting of the convention and we doubt ber containing sixteen pages of Letter, not every participant in the exercises and press, and from ten to twelve original enAfter the standing commitees were ap-business of the meeting was deeply im. gravings of new inventions, consisting of pointed, the Right Rev. Assistant Bishop delivered his annual address, which show-pressed with the proceedings and felt that the most improved Tools, Engines, Mills, ed a large and most gratifying increase of progress has been, and is still being Agricultural Machines and Household made in the church, and in the advance- Utensils, making fifiy-two numbers in a ment of the various benevolent enterpris-year, comprising 832 pages, and over 500 es in which it is engaged. May it con- original engravings, printed on heavy, tinue widely and increasingly to prosper. fine paper, in a form expressly for bindingand all for $2 per annum.

the church in this Diocese. Several churches have been connected and re-opened, and several enlarged and beautified.

During the last six months 800 persons have been confirmed, and on every hand there is a growing interest in the Church.

A VALUABLE PUBLICATION.

The reports of the Secretary and One of the most interesting and useful Treasurer and others relating to the Dio-publications whieh comes to our sanctum cese were severally read and accepted, is the Scientific American, a weekly publiand a committee of nine appointed by the Chair to nominate Directors of the Christian Knowledge Society.

The Convention proceeded to elect the Standing Committee of the Diocese, as

cation, devoted to popular science, new inventions, and the whole range of mechanics and manufacturing arts. It is universally regarded as the inventor's advocate and monitor; the repository of American inventions, and the great authority Rev. Drs. McCooper Mead, Robert Hal-on law, and all business connected with lam, J. Lyman Clark, F. J. Goodwin, E. Patents. The Official List of Claims, as

follows:

A new volume commences on the 1st of July, and we hope a large number of our townsmen will avail themselves of the present opportunity to subscribe. By remitting $2 by mail to the publishers Messrs. MUNN & Co., 37 Park Row, New York, they will send you their paper one year, at the end of which time you will have a volume which you would not part with for treble what it costs. The publishers express their willingness to mail a single copy of the paper to such as may wish to see it without charge.

REGISTER OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, AT EAST NEW LONDON,
FOR THE WEEK ENDING SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 1860. REPORTED BY H. E. CHITTY.

HORTICULTURAL.

THE ZANTE CUKRANT.-Some plants of this new Grape, received from the Patent Office, are now growing finely at " Vineland." It promises to succeed well there,

and we doubt not will be found suitable to nearly all the Southern States, as well as California. ANDREW W. MCKEE, of San Francisco, writes to the Patent Office:

"To the efforts of the Agricultural Di

attention. The method is simple, and the inches high, they harrow the ground that process easily performed.

had been prepared the autumn before, and "Have a box two feet high, and about with a wooden dibble, eighteen inches two and a half feet wide-the length as long, they make holes ten inches deep, at you require-fill half full of well pulver-proper distances apart, and enlarge them ized soil-place them in a slanting pesi- by working the dibble round till the hole tion, with the last bud just above the soil at the top is about three inches in diametake six penny white cotton cloth, nail ter. They immediately fill these holes tightly over the box - give warm soft water with water, and repeat this three times the freely every evening-place the box in a same day. In the evening they fill them

vision of the Patent Office, California is sunny nook, and in a few weeks your box will be filled with grape vines, ready for potting or planting in borders.

From one who is experimenting on the culture of the vine in a small green house in Summer, and in the cellar through the

Winter."

TO DRIVE BUGS FROM VINES.-A Correspondent of the Country Gentleman writes as follows:

indebted for the introduction of most val-
uable vines of the Zante grape which pro-
duces the celebrated dried currants of
commerce. These are growing and thriv-
ing exceedingly well-a most significant
fact, when it is said that this variety of
grape is rapidly failing, and great fears
are entertained of its total loss in the
country where it has hitherto been grown,
the Islands of Zante, Cephalonia, &c.—
Procure fresh fish-of any kind what
Should these fears be realized, and these ever, commonest and cheapest just as
grapes reproduced and brought to its pris-good-a sufficient quantity, according to
tine quality in California, it is believed circumstances, say one peck to a barrel of
that the result, to this State alone, will water. Let them stand therein a day or
tenfold reimburse the entire appropriatwo, in order to commence decomposition,
tions for that office. Six hundred and and emit necessary unpleasant odor; then
forty three vessels annually leave the remove the barrel to your patch, jnst
Mediterranean for the Atlantic ports, dampening the leaves.
loaded with figs, lemons, oranges, limes,
almonds, and the products of the vine, to
the amount of $7,250,000, the total yield
from the Mediterranean, for all countries,
being over $20,000,000. It is merely a
question of time, when California will sup-
ply her sister States with the above named

articles, and still have more to spare."

We of the South are quite willing that California should do her part towards supplying her "sister States" with some of the fruits mentioned; but in Figs and Grapes, we shall share the honor with her. It is a singular fact, that the foreign grape succeeds best in California, while on the Atlantic side of the continent, we have, thus far, found our Native varieties altogether the most certain and

reliable.-So. Cult.

GRAPES FROM CUTTINGS.-The following, from the Country Gentleman, is worth

In addition to driving away the bugs. your plants will become green and healthy and soon grow beyond the reach of any further swarm of depredators. It may be necessary to use water two or three times in the course of two weeks, but remember that the application is equivalent to a dressing of manure, and the labor is very trifling. Fresh fish offal is of equal value with the fish.

THE CAULIFLOWER.-The Revue Horticole extracts from a German newspaper the method used by the Dutch to obtain their cauliflowers, so famous for their size and delicacy. It is as follows:

"In the Autumn they dig deep some ground that has been manured; at the beginning of May they sow the large English cauliflower upon a bed of manure, and cover it with straw mats at night. When the young plants are three or four

with sheep's dung, leaving only room for the young plant, which they very carefully remove from the bed of manure and place in the hole with a little earth. Directly afterwards they give them a good watering, and as soon as the sun begins to dry them water them again. Furthermore, as the plants grow, they dig around them, and earth them up in rows. When the head is forming, they pinch off some of the lower leaves of the plant, and use them to cover the young head.

BEAUTIFUL IDEA.-You cannot go into the meadow and pluck up a single daisy by the roots, without breaking up a society of nice relations, and detecting a

principle more extensive and refined than mere gravitation. The handful of earth that follows the finny roots of the little little social circle has been formed around flower is replete with social elements. A that germinating daisy. The sunbeam

and dew-drop met there, and the soft summer breeze came whispering through the earth took them to the daisy gem; and tall grass to join the silent concert. The all went to work to show that flower to the sun. Each mingled in the honey of its influence, and they nursed the "wee canny thing" with an aliment that made it grow. And when it lifted it eyes towards the sky they were a soft carpet of grass for its feet. And the sun saw it through the green leaves and smiled as he passed on; and, by starlight and the moonlight, they worked on. And the daisy lifted up its head, and one morning while the sun was looking, it put on its silver rimmed diadem, and showed its yellow petals to the stars.

COMMUNICATIONS.

For the Repository.

EN. WASHINGTON IN DANGER.

BY PROF. C. C. BENNETT.

ing.

PUBLIC ACTS.

PASSED MAY SESSION, 1860.

OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STate, }
New Haven, May 5th, 1860.

CHAPTER XXII.

Approved, June 6th, 1860.

CHAPTER XXIII.

SEC. 3. Said commissioners are hereby authorized whenever in their judgment it shall be necessary, to prevent the spread of said disease within this state, to fix and establish certain bounds and limits and to prohibit the removal of any neat cattle from within said bounds and limits to any other place, and to prohibit the driving of any neat cattle on the public highways within said limits and bounds beyond the premises or farm of the owner of such neat cattle, and on which they may be at the time of said prohibition. Said commissioners shall cause notice of such probibition to be given to all persons interested therein by publishing such prohibition in all the newspapers published in such county where the prohibition is made, and in such further manner as they shall deem necessary, hibition by said commissioners, and such and any person who shall, after such propend-notice thereof, neglect or refuse to comply

An Act to prevent the spread of Disease

among Cattle.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre

with such prohibition, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeaner, and shall, on conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars or by imprison ment in the common jail not exceeding six months, or by such fine and imprisonment both, at the discretion of the court.

SEC. 4. Said commissioners shall cause

An Act in addition to "An Act for the As sessment and Collection of Taxes." Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Assembly convened: The battle of Long Island had been That in all cases where the State tax shall have been added to any rate bill of town Fought. Bravely and shrewdly had the taxes, without a special vote of the town, retreat been conducted; but now came to authorizing the same, and said tax so ad Washington one of the most severe trials ded shall have been collected in part, all of his life. The American army had not taxes so added shall be valid and collecta evacuated the city of New York before ble in the law; and all warrants issued in due form of law, for the collection of taxes Gen. Howe's army landed under cover of so laid or added, shall be of full force and five sloops of war, the British and Hes-effect to collect said taxes, any law to the sians in two separate divisions. This was contrary notwithstanding; provided, that announced to Washington by the heavy this act shall not affect any suit now cannonade from the men of war. Instantly he rode toward the American lines, to find them, together with two brigades sent to their support, retreating in wild disorder, without firing a gun. He besought and urged them, but all in vain; sentatives in General Assembly convened: as the booming thunder made the rever- SEC. 1. That three commissioners be apberating air tremulous far around the pointed by His Excellency, the Governor, belching ships, battallion after battallion (who shall have power to remove either or to be appraised all damages which the all of said commissioners, and appoint oth-owner or owners of any neat cattle removof the enemy landing in quick succession, ers in their stead, or to suspend the actioned as hereinbefore provided, from one localithe very shadow of whom sent terror into of said Commissioners of any of them ty to another, hall reasonably suffer in con the hearts of our retreating and confused at his discretion,) whose duty it shall columns-a palor like that of death over- be to visit, without delay, the seve spread many a countenance, and a panic ral places in this State where the disease called "Pulmonary Murrain or Pleuro the most supreme and disastrous spread pneumonia" may be known or suspected to from man to man of the American ranks. exist aruong neat cattle, and who shall have How must the great Chief have felt at full power to cause all neat cattle belonging this moment amid all that precipitation to the herds in which the said disease has and flight! He, distressed and enraged, appeared or may appear, or which have bedrew his sword and snapped his pistols to be known to have existed therein, or such longed to such herds since the disease may check them, but they continued their herds as in the opinion of the commissionflight. Not even thinking of his own per-ers may be exposed to the same, to be son, but riding his horse towards the ene- forth with isolated and removed by their my's ranks, he must inevitably have fallen owners to such safe distance from all surouinto their hands, but for an attendant, who nding and cattle to within such fixed bounds "seized the reins and gave his horse a dif- and limits to be named by said commissioners, as will prevent the spread of said disferent direction"-which act, slight as it was, perhaps was the saving of the great Washington from a "rebel's" doom and our country from the firm fastenings of the British yoke. Often such small events turn the the tide of empires and the fate

of millions!

ease.

sequence of such removal or isolated which
appraisal shall be made by three disinteres-
ted men, who shall be duly sworn, one of
whom sbali be appointed by said cominis-
sioners, one by the owner or owners of
said cattle, and the third by said apprais
ers; and in case said owner or owners will
not appoint an appraiser, said commission.
ers shall appoint two, and the two thus ap-
owner or owners of said cattle so removed
And the
pointed shall choose a third.
by said commissionors shall receive the
amount so appraised for such dama res from
the treasury of the state,as bereinafter pro-
vided, and said appraisal shall be binding,
and from the same there shall be no ap-
peal.

SEC. 5. Said commissioners shall duly certify all damages which may be a praised to any SEC 2. The introduction of all neat cattle person or persons for the removal of isolation into this state, except neat cattle from of neat cattle, under this act to the comptrolcountries beyond the limits of the United ler of state; and the comptroller is hereby diStates, may be prohibited by said Commis-rected to draw orders upon the treasurer in sioners, public notice being given by post- favor of the person or persons who may be ening a copy of such probibition on all the titled to such damages, for the respective travelled roads at or near the line mention amounts thereof; and said commissoiners shall ed in such prohibition, and in such other duly certify all other expenses incurred by manner as they shall deem necessary. And them or under their direction, in the execution any person or persons who shall introduce of their service, to the Governor, together or aid or assist in introducing, any neat with the vouchers therefor, and, upon the upcattle into this State, where said prohibi-proval of the Governor, endorsed thereon, the tion may be made, shall be deemed guilty comptroller is hereby directed to draw orders of a misdemeanor and shall on conviction on the treasurer for the amount thereof in fathereof, be punished by a fine not exceed vor of said commissioners; provided, the ing five hundred dollars, or be imprisoned amount expended under this act shall not exmonths or by such fine and imprisonment in the common jail not exceeding six ceed the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars. both, at the discretion of the court.

4

SEC. 6. Said conmissioners shall make a full report of their proceedings and of the re

108

sults of their observations and inquiries_ralative to the nature and character of the disease and of the expenses incurred, once every month, to to the Governor, and shall also make a full report to the next General Assembly. SEC. 7. Said commissioners shall receive, as compensation for their services the sum o three dollars each, per day while actually employed, and their expenses and may employ such assistance as they may deem necessary, at a reasonable compen ation.

SEC. &. It shall be the duty of every owner or keeper of neat cattle, if he shall know or believe that any of said neat cattle are ailing or sick with said "Pulmonary Murrain" or have died of said dis ase or if he shall have reason to believe or suspect that said cattle have been near or in contact with animals having this contagious disease, or otherwise exposed to take said disease, to give immediate notice of the same to the selectineu of the town ic which the animals are. If said owner or keeper shall fail to make such report to the selectmen he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be punisshed by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the common jail, not exceeding three months, or by such fine and imprisonment both to the discretion of the court.

SEC. 9. It shall be the duty of tlie selectmen of each town, immediately upon receiving information of disease, or suspected disease, or death, among any of the neat cattle of such town, to visit the same, or cause them to be visited by some competent person or persons, and if it shall appear or there shall be reason to suspect that the discase or ailment by the said Pulmonary Murrain, or unless there be clear evidence that it be not said disease, said selectmen shall cause said animal or animals, or the herd in which said animals may be or may have been, or both, or all, to be isolated or confined within certain bounds fixed by said selectmen, which bourds shall be such that aid animals cannot come near or be approached by other neat cattle. The said selectmen shall moreover forthwith give notice to the said commissioners of each and every case of disease and of their action taken, and when said commissioners shall have visited the sick or ailing animals aforesaid, the special authority and responsibility of the selectmen shall cease, unless said commissioners shall deem it advisable that said authority and responsibility shall remain in the hands of said selectmen. SEC. 10. Any person or persons who shall knowingly disregard or refuse to obey any lawful order of said commissioners or selectmen, made under and by virtue of this act, or shall sell or otherwise dispose of any animal or animals which he knows or has good reason to suspect to have been exposed to said disease, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction of the same, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars, or imprisonment in the common jail not exceeding six months, or by such fine and imprisonment both, at the discretion of the

court.

SEC. 11. This act shall take effect from the day of its passage.

Approved, June 6th, 1860.

CHAPTER XXIV.

An Act in addition to "An Act concerning
Domestic Relations."

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Represent
tives, in General Assembly convened:

any bank in this State, owned by any married
SEC. 1. That all transfers of any stock of
owner thereof, and all powers of attorney for
woman which has been transferred by the
the transfer of any such stock in any bank in
this state, heretofore made and delivered by
effectual to all intents and purposes.as though
the owner of such stock, shall be as valid and
the husband of the owner thereof bad joined in
the transfer of said stock, or in the execution
of such powers of attorney.

now pending.
SEC. 2. This act shall not affect any suit

alter the day of its passage.
SEC. 3. This act shall take effect from and

Approved, June 8, 1860.

CHAPTER XXV.

An Act in alteration of an Act entitled "An
Act concerning Crimes and Punishments."
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa

tives, in General Assembly convened:

mit manslaughter, and be duly convicted there-
SEC. 1. That every person who sh 11 com-
of, shall forfeit and pay a fine, not exceeding
one thousand dollars, and suffer imprisonment
for a term not exceeding ten years.
in the Connecticut state prison, or county jail,

which this is in alteration be, and the same is,
SEC. 2. That section sixth of the act of
hereby repealed.

Approved, June 8, 1860.

CHAPTER XXVI.

An Act in addition to "An Act coneerning
Crimes and Punishments."

CHAPTER XXVIII.

An Act in alteration of of and in addition to 'An Act for the Assessment and Co lection of Taxes,

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre sentatives, in General Assembly convened.

and corrected by the assessors and board town, as the same shall annually be made SEC 1. That the assessment list of each of relief, according to the provisions of the act entitled "An Act for the Assessment addition thereto, sbali be the list on which and Collection of Taxes," and the acts in all county, town, society, school district, and highway taxes shall be laid.

act to which this is in alteration and addi-
SEC 2. The forty-seventh section of the
same act, relating to the compensation of
tion and the thirty eighth section of the
assessors, are hereby repealed.
Approved, June 12th, 1860.

CHAPTER

XXIX.

An Act in addition to an Act, entitled "An
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repr
Act concerning Idiots, Lunatics and
Spendthrifts.
sentatives, in General Assembly convened :

may, for just and reasonable cause, order SEC 1. The several courts of probate the sale of real estate of any incapable person under charge of a conservator, on seil and convey the same; such conserv power him, or some other meet person, to application of such conservator, and emtor or other person first giving bond with surety to the judge of probate and his sold as may not be required for the imme successors in office to the satisfaction of said court, to vest such part of the avails the payment of his debts, in other real es diate support of said incapable person and and maliciously throw into, against or upon son, or to place the same at interest on SEC. 1. Every person who shail willfully tate, to be conveyed to such incapable per any dwelling house, office, shop or other build- good security by mortgage of real estate of ing, or any vessel, or shall put or place therein at least double the value of the estate sold, other noxious or filthy substance with intent savings bank of this state as said court or thereon, any oil of vitrol, coal-tar, or any or to deposit the same in some incorporated unlawfully to injure, deface or defile such dwell-shall direct and approve, and to make due ing house, office, shop, building or vessel, or any return to said court,and render his account exceeding one hundred dollars, or by imprison- shall order said sale to be made by any ment in the county jail, not exceeding four other person, the conservator may be the property therein, shall be punished by a fine not when required. And whenever said court months, or by such fine and imprisonment both. purchaser thereof.

e it enacted by the Senate and House of Represen

tatives, in General Assembly convened:

and maliciously throw against or upon any SEC. 2. Every person who shall wilfully dress or dresses, garments or clothing of any person, whether worn by and upon the person of the owner or not, or shall put or place there on ary oil of vitriol, or any other noxious or filthy substance, with intent unlawfully to injure or destroy such dresses, garments or clothing, shall be punished by a fine not exceed ing one hundred dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail, not exceeding four months, or by such fine and imprisonment both. Approved, June 8, 1860.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre-
An act relating to Salaries and Fees.

sentatives in General Assembly convened:
sum of one dollar and fifty cents a day, to
Messengers of courts shall be allowed the
be taxed by the court.

Approved June 12th, 1860.

which this is in addition is hereby repealed and any reference made to said section, in said act or in addition thereto, shall apply to this act.

SEC. 2. The fifth section of the act to

Approved, June 12th, 1860.

CHAPTER XXX.

An Act in addition to an Act entitled "An

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre Act providing for the supporto! Paupers” sentatives in General Assembly convened :

That whenever the parents or parent of any minor child or children sball neglect or refuse to provide for their support and such parents or parent shall therefrom be abandon them to be supported by the town where they belong or reside as paupers to all the provisions and regulations of the deemed to be paupers, and as such, subject

act to which this is an addition.
Approved, June 12th, 1860,

DEVOTED TO THE CAUSE OF TRUTH, VIRTUE, AND GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.

PUBLISHED WEEKLY.

Vol. III.

GENEROUS AND SINCERE,

How pure the blessings they impart,
Who, generous and sincere,

To lead to truth the wayward heart,
Drop bleeding Mercy's tear.
The impulse of a love divine,

Glows in their generous breast-
And all the heavenly graces shine
Where'er they make a guest.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

NUMBER THREE

GOVERNOR SALTONSTALL.

BY F. M. C.

BY W. H. STARR

NEW-LONDON, CT.

Thursday, June 28, 1860.

ONE DOLLAR A YEAR

No. 19.

pearance in the pulpit was wonderfully ingly chosen to office by the general voice
imposing and majestic; the audience seem- of the freemen at the election in May
ed chained to his lips and the eloquence of 1708.
his eye was said to be no less impressive
than that of his tongue. His fame spread
rapidly, and it was considered a great
privilege to spend a Sabbath in New Lon-
don and hear Mr. Saltonstall preach.

On the death of Fitz John Winthrop
in November, 1707, an extra session of the
Legislature was convened and Mr. Sal-
tonstall was chosen Governor of the Colo-
ny to serve until the next annual elec-
tion. It was an unprecedented cir
cumstance that the pastor of a church should
be thus publicly summoned to relinquish the
sacred office and attend to secular affairs
The Rev. Gurdon Saltonstall, the fourth and a Committee of eight persons, four of
minister of New London, is more frequent- them assistants, with three deputies and thei
ly mentioned as a statesman than a clergy-speaker of the house, were sent to New
His life presents us with a remark- London, to solicit his acceptance of the ap-
able transition from the pulpit to the pointment, and break the force of all objec-
chair of state. From being the shepherd tions that might be urged against it.
of a single flock, he becomes the Governor
of a colony and drops the title of Rever-people the Legislature addressed a letter
end for that of His Excellency.

man.

Expecting some opposition from his

|

A Baptist historian, the Rev. Isaac Backus, displays this transition in a less favorable light. He says:

"They broke over the law and elected an ordained minister for their Governor, and he readily quitted the solemn charge of souls, for worldly promotion, after which they repealed the law they had before broken,"

Governor Saltonstall was annually reelected to office, till his death, a period of 16 years. He was uniformly popular, except with those religious sects that dissented from the prevailing ecclesiastical sysTo them he was a rigorous magistrate. The Rogerenes and other seceders felt his heavy hand, In the year 1698, he brought a suit against John Rogers for defamation, and obtained a verdict against

tem.

him for £600 and the costs of court.This is but one instance of his stern prosecution of offenders. He was severe in his to the church and congregation, entreat-decisions against all non-conformists and labored to have church and state combined in one effective system of Government.

The cotemporaries of Governor Saltonstall lavished the most extravagant encomiums upon his character and attainments. Great as were his merits it is scarcely conceivable that he was deserying of all the praise bestowed upon him. He was eulogized as a person "peculiarly formed for the benefit and delight of mankind."

He was the son of Col. Nathaniel Saling them to submit to the dispensation
tonstall, and the great-grandson of Sir and proffering to them a gratuity of one
Richard Saltonstall, one of the original hundred pounds to enable them to settle
purchasers of Massachusetts Bay, and al- another pastor,
so one of the Patentees of Connecticut.- This deputation arrived at New Lon-
He was born at Haverhill Mass., May 27, den during the last week of December.—
first held with Mr.
1666, and received the name of Gurdon in A conterence was
remembrance of his grandmother, whose Saltonstall; then the church and the
maiden name was Meriel Gurdon. After town convened and discussed the matter
graduating at Harvard College in 1684 in their respective assemblies, and at
and studying for the ministry, he came to length, with much expressed reluctance
New Londor. as a candidate for the pulpit on all sides, the consent of the three
in 1687, and was ordained Nov. 19, 1691. ties was obtained, and the assistants, ac-
At Cambridge he had been a distinguish-cording to their instructions, administer-
ed scholar and he soon acquired the repu-ed to the Governor elect, the oath of office.
tation of an eloquent preacher and a dis- This ceremony was performed on New
criminating theologian. He was noted Year's day 1708, and without doubt in the
also for a sound judgement in cases of law meeting house upon the hill, where Mr.eral admiration.
and jurisprudence, and in general for a Saltonstall had preached, and in the pres-
penetrating mind, and great fluency of ence of the assembled town's people.
expression.

par

His person, aspect and demeanor, the nobility of his deportment, the grace and ease of his address, his quick and sprightly conversation, were all themes of gen

"He had" says one, "a great compass of learning, was a profound divine, a great judge in the law, and a consummate statesman."

It was at that time a law of the colony Altogether he was a remarkable man; that the Governor should always be chosen Dr. Eliot, who is usually moderate and a rigid disciplinarian in church affairs; out of a list of magistrates nominated by very tenacious of his opinions; very dig. the freemen at the preceding election.-discriminating in eulogy, describes him nified in his bearing, but courteous in This law was repealed by the General Asas "a very accomplished preacher, and an speech, lively in imagination and with sembly, in order to allow the people to oracle of wisdom to literary men of all noble and engaging manners. His ap- vote for Mr. Saltonstall. He was accord- I professions."