was just one clap, resembling, only so much more | do, and of what had been done; and obtained anpowerful, the discharge of a tremendous cannon. other 10,000 dollars. It shook the house and the ground; and within half a mile of us, it struck a large tree adjoining a house, split it, and shattered all the windows of the dwelling. nected with difference of religious creed; but at length the matter was adjusted, and in favor of orthodox principles. It appeared that similar intentions, without the exchange of opinions, had been entertained by Mr Abbott and Mrs. Phillips, of Andover; and that they were willing to apply 10,000 dollars each to a You cannot well conceive of a spot more eligible like use. An overture was immediately made to for its purposes than is that occupied by the Institu- them, and immediately accepted. But, in coming tions of Andover. It is a fine piece of headland, to a definite arrangement, there were difficulties embracing about 150 acres, and dwelling in light which made delay, and threatened to prevent the and air. On looking down its slopes, in one direc-execution of the plan. These difficulties were contion, you see the pretty village crouching among the trees, and showing here and there its white gables and turrets. And beyond it, and all around you, is spread a fine and extensive country, beauti- Thus the good work began. It has uniformly fied by hills, rich with woodlands, and animated by been under wise and efficient management; and its cultivation. It is enclosed by the outline formed of resources have been fed time after time by its orithe Temple Hills, the Blue Hills, and the Monad-ginal friend, Mr. Bartlett. In addition to his first noc, some of them standing away at a distance of gift, he built the chapel, which cost 50,000 dollars; forty and sixty miles. afterward, one of the wings, and several houses for the professors, as well as endowed several professorships. It is thought that, in various ways, he has not given to this object less than 200,000 dollars; and there is reason to believe that all his benevolent intentions are not yet fulfilled. He is, I think, the only original trustee now living. He was present at this anniversary; is about seventy-eight years of age, and has a portly, intelligent, and venerable aspect. He was at first a shoemaker in Newbury, and became, in the end, for talents and success, a first-rate merchant. The whole of this elevated and commanding platform is in the possession of the trustees, and this allows them to keep it select. It is appropriated to its uses with much advantage. On the right hand side of the road, and receding from it, are the dwellings of the officers and professors, and the Mansion House, or Hotel. All these are detached; of considerable size; with double fronts, fore-courts, and gardens, and composing good elevations. On the left hand, and therefore in front of these dwellings, is an extensive opening of many acres, rising on the eye, laid down in grass and gravel walks, and planted with fine trees, and kept in a state of preservation very uncommon here. At the head of this verdant and shady area is placed the Theolological Institution, composed of three parts; a handsome chapel filling the centre, and two colleges becoming the wings. On the one side there is the Phillips Academy, and on the other the Classical School, and the dwelling of a professor; the angles are all left open, and the eye takes in the distant landscape. The entire aspect of these objects is very grateful to the eye; and the finish and order of the estate, and its sensible adaptation to its proposed end, make it as grateful to the mind, and secure its approbation. There are then, in fact, three institutions matured here; and they are perfectly distinct, although they are held and managed by the same trust. The Academy supplies only an English education, and is meant to prepare young men as teachers; a sort of normal school. The classical school is for bors, and meant to qualify them for college; and the Theological Institution receives pious young men, who have had collegiate or equal advantages, and prepares them for the ministry. They are all well appointed. The accommodations for the divinity students are good. The chapel is really handsome. There is a fair philosophical apparatus, and a considerable library; not less than 11,000 volumes, and more select than many. My arrival was the more pleasant, as I met with so many of my former friends; and among them, the Lieutenant-governor Armstrong and his lady, and Drs. Codman, Woods, Stuart, and Skinner. Mr. Matheson and myself met the trustees to dinner at the Mansion House, and afterward went to hear a sermon, which was called an oration, to the students, from Dr. Wheeler, of Burlington College. The subject was, "The manifestation of truth to every man's conscience." The discourse, if I may venture to criticise it, showed good mind, and power to say good things, with good feeling and expression. But it wanted harmony. There was a frequent effort to be fine, which ended in being turgid and abstruse. He appeared to have studied Coleridge and Chalmers, and with bad effect. It was, however, an interesting exercise. The origin of this extensive foundation is remarkable, and perhaps I may not have a better occasion to refer to it. Dr. Spring, the father, I believe, of the present Dr. Spring, of New York, was pastor of a church at Newburyport. Some of his people at that time were very prosperous in business. He was of a generous mind, and rejoiced in their prosperity; and he was of a pious and lofty mind, and desired to stimulate them to proportionate exertion. There were two especially with whom he did not labor in vain, Messrs. Bartlet and Brown. Having prepared his way, he got a meeting with them, and applied to Mr. Woods, now Dr. Woods, of Andover, to attend it. They engaged in free conversation. It was admitted that something ought to be done; they were ready to do something: what, among many claims, would it be best to do? Dr. Spring inquired what they would like to do? Would they like an Academy? It was much wanted, for the use of the ministry. They were quite willing. How should they begin? He suggested, that they might make a commencement by securing Mr. Woods, who, with the aid of a preceptor, might take six young men. "Well," said Mr. Brown, "I will give 10,000 dollars." Why," said Mr. Bartlett, "did you not say 20,000, and I would too?" Before they parted, Mr. Bartlett observed to Dr. Spring, "Let the work go on, and you may look to me." Dr. S. knew his man, and was satisfied and thankful. He went to Salem; saw his friend Mr. | Norris there; told him of what it was proposed to cle. The next day was really the day. We were all accordingly summoned to assemble at or before the Mansion House, at eight in the morning, that we might go in procession to the chapel. I was rejoiced to find in the muster new accessions of our former friends. The candidates, or students, were first; then came the alumni; then the trustees, professors, visiters, and ministers, amounting altoge ther to about 300 persons. We got into line, and moved forward; and had you seen it wind along among the trees, and athwart the grass-plots, with the morning sun sparkling on it through the trembling foliage, you had not deemed it a bad specta When the head of the procession reached the chapel doors, instead of entering, it paused; and the students and alumni filed off, and formed a line on each side, and uncovered, as to seniors and benefactors; while the remaining portions of the procession uncovered to them in turn, and moved on through their ranks to their places in the chapel. I need not be particular in stating the order of service, as it was very similar to that which was adopted at Amherst Commencement. The exceptions were, that the speakers were supplied with a stand and a Bible, and that their address lay written before them, although they made little or no use of it. Besides this, the subjects were of a more theological complexion, and the exercises were suspended midway, for the purpose of dining, and renewed in the afternoon. As it must always happen, the exercises were of various character and merit. Generally, they were delivered with fair action and accent; but with little that was free and graceful. There was less declamation and bad taste than might have been expected; and, with good average talent, there was much right feeling and just distinction. They discovered less vanity, and more directness of purpose, than is usual in these exhibitions. To be sure, they were older than is common with us; still their danger would be rather to err from want of prudence than want of zeal. As a whole, the exercises were of a very refreshing and promising character; highly creditable alike to the teachers and the taught. The congratulatory addresses at the close were not used. Instead of them, some verses were sung. Dr. Woods, who presided, looked to me to offer the concluding prayer and benediction. The people showed that they could unite the spirit of true devotion with the avocations of the day. They were interested; though weary, and the place so crowded, the profound silence was affecting. It gave to our last acts great solemnity. sons. After the services, we called on the widows of Dr. Porter and the Rev. Mr. Cornelius. Dr. Porter was president of this college; and Mr. Cornelius was well known by his labors, as secretary to the Foreign Missionary Society; it owes, perhaps, as much to him as to any one person. The church has lost in them two of her most gifted and pious This day, while one of joy to others, was one of extra grief to these widows; and they required the gentle sympathy of their friends. Mrs. Cornelius is left with six children. She seemed gratified with an opportunity of intercourse. I. in turn, was gratified to learn from her, that so excellent a man as her husband had had communion of spirit with me, through the medium of the Missionary Sermon. I left this house of quiet mourning, with its widow and fatherless children, with much concern. But "God is in his holy habitation." We took tea at Professor Stuart's, with many friends. A Mr. Styles, from Georgia, came, and begged an introduction, and expressed much affection and pleasure at the visit of the Delegation. He had been an attorney, at once worldly and successful, and even opposed to religion. Suddenly his wife died; he fell under the stroke; gave up the world; studied at Andover; and returned to preach the faith which once he denied. He has now labored in this cause for twelve years, and been very useful. Throughout, his attention has been chiefly directed to the welfare of the slave. Before he left, he and Dr. Stuart retired with us, and they both engaged in prayer with much tenderness and simpli son. Meantime, Drs. Beecher and Woods came in, and we had got into a corner of the room with our host in a good round conversation. I was not willing to leave such an opportunity without improvement; and we spent the evening together most agreeably, and to me most profitably. On returning to Dr. Woods', we found ourselves in the bosom of a large and affectionate family circle. We closed our intercourse with a common act of domestic worship, which was delightfully sojemn; and then sought repose from the fatigues of the day. On the following morning we breakfasted at Mr. Farrar's, the treasurer of the Institution, in company with Drs. Church and Wisner, and other friends. Mrs. Farrar is the grand-daughter of President Edwards; and it was a real gratification to meet with a branch of his family. We afterward visited again the schools and colleges; had some pleasant intercourse with Dr. Woods and his family; took a hasty refreshment at Professor Emerson's; and left in a carriage which had been procured for us by the zeal of Professor Stuart, when other means of conveyance had failed. Though thus hasty, I know of no visit that has been more delightful. The Woods family, of which I saw most, is full of sweet natural affection. Dr. Woods is greatly blessed in his children, and they in their father. On every side, indeed, there was an overflow of kindness. The remembrance of Andover will be sweet and sunny to me! LETTER XXV. The MY DEAR FRIEND-We were now making our way into Maine, and taking the most interesting places in our course. Our first object was Salem, to which our friend's carriage was to convey us. The quiet of this ride assorted well with my state of mind; and the passage through the cool air refreshed the spirits, under excitement and separation. scenery had no remarkable features, but it was not uninteresting. We wound our way along through heads of granite rock, partly covered with trees, which found a precarious and dwarfed existence on their impenetrable sides. These and the roadside were enlivened, and even beautified, by the great abundance of the barberry shrub, which was now in fruit. On reaching Salem, a gentleman immediately came up and greeted us. He said we had met on the platform at the Boston meetings. I found from him that we had about an hour and a half to wait for the stage which was to take us onward; and engaged him to acquaint us with the things in the town best worth knowing. The Museum is the lion of this place. We made a hasty survey of it; and it is unusually good and extensive, considering where it is found. It arose in a very laudable spirit. This town enjoyed an extensive trade to the East; and it was thought it might be made to con tribute to science, as well as to opulence. A sou ety was formed; and all those were eligible as mem bers who had doubled the Cape, or who had vessels that did. Each master or supercargo was supplied with a journal, in which he was to make notes, and he was expected to collect, as occasion offered itself, such curiosities as might illustrate the character of the people and of the regions which they visited. We ascended to the top of our hotel, to take a bird's eye view of the town, and to observe in the distance the spot where the persons were burnt, who were condemned for the sin of witchcraft. After tea, most of the friends moved off to cha- What lamentation, that even here the fires of per pel, to hear a concluding sermon by Mr. Dicken-secution should have been enkindled! city. The towns along this sea-board were mostly of early settlement. Salem was among the earliest, and is more than two centuries old. It is, after Boston, one of the most populous towns in NewEngland; and, allowing for that nakedness which is so common on the sea-shore, is very pleasant. It has a fine harbor; but its trade has fallen away greatly. There are, however, upon it no marks of dilapidation or decay. splendid monument to the name of Whitefield. I was prepared in Italy, and bears the following epitaph, from the pen of the excellent Dr. Poner: himself now needing, from some kindred hand, the like office: THIS CENOTAPH IS ERECTED, WITH AFFECTIONATE VENERATION, THE REV. GRORGE WHITEFIELD, At four we took leave of our friend, and started for Ipswich. We arrived at the close of day; and having refreshed ourselves by tea, we went in | EDUCATED AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY; ORDAINED, 1736 search of the school here, which is superintended by Miss Grant. I had met this lady at Cincinnati; and although she had not returned, she had prepared Miss Lyon, who acted as principal in her absence, to receive us. The evening was pleasantly and usefully employed, in obtaining, by free conversation, the details of the establishment. It is one of high repute in New-England, and will require attention elsewhere. The temperature here changed in the night very suddenly. I was awoke twice with the cold; and, in the morning, found my thermometer, which had been in the chamber all night, at 46°. The brethren called on us early, and were deputed by Miss Lyon to request that we would open the school by prayer. I excused myself, as I had devoted an hour to writing, and Mr. Matheson went. I afterward walked out with one of the brethren. The town stands on a rock, and is relieved by pretty declivities and a fine stream. I was shown a head of granite rock, on which George Whitefield stood, and preached on those words, "On this rock will I build my church," &c. There is now a church standing on part of it; and it is not unlikely that it owes its existence, in a great measure, to his apostolic labors. I called to take leave of my obliging friend, Miss Lyon. Nothing would satisfy her but that I should meet the school. I did so; and we united together in an act of worship. IN A MINISTRY OF 34 YEARS, HE CROSSED THE ATLANTIC 13 TIMES, AND PREACHED MORE THAN 18,000 SERMONS. As a soldier of the cross, humble, devout, ardent, he put on the whole armor of God, preferring the honor of Christ to his own interest, repose, reputation. or life. As a Christian orator, his deep piety, disieterested zeal, and vivid imagination, gare unzen ferrent, pungent, and popular in his eloquence, w pled energy to his look, action, and utterance. Bad other uninspired man ever preached to so large as semblies, or enforced the simple truths of the gospe by motives so persuasive and av frl, and with an w fluence so powerful on the hearts of the hearers. He died of asthma, Sept. 30, 1770; Suddenly exchanging his life of unparalleled labor for his eternal rest. On leaving the church, we called on Mr. Barlett. He occupies a good house; but lives in a very plain style; and has evidently more pleasure in be stowing than in consuming his property. We me in haste, at a friend's to tea, and to enjoy some las words with the brethren; and were thus engaged, when the mail called for us to go on to Portsmout The ministers here are excellent and useful mer Religion is in a thriving state; and during the last winter, much serious concern obtained among the people. The town has a clean and agreeable ap pearance, and many of the residents are very re At eleven o'clock, we went on to Newburyport. Here we were met by Dr. Dana and Mr. Bannis-spectable. ter; and were received with much courtesy and cordiality at the residence of the latter gentleman. He has a most comfortable house; it is not only like ours, it is quite English; but English in the olden style. The forms, carvings, cornices, and patterns, such as I have seen a hundred times; and the beautiful limes in the fore-court were literally brought from England. We had a conference with the pastors here; and afterward went to the church, which is enriched with the remains of Whitefield. The elders of the church were present in the porch to receive us. We descended to the vault. There were three coffins before us. Two pastors of the church lay on either side; and the remains of Whitefield in the centre. The cover was slipped aside, and they lay beneath my eye. I had before stood in his pulpits; seen his books, his rings, and chairs; but never before had I looked on part of his very self. The scull, which is perfect, clean, and fair, I received, as is the custom, into my hand. I could say nothing; but thought and feeling were busy. On returning to the church, I proposed an exercise of worship. We collected over the grave of the eloquent, the devoted, and seraphic man, and gave expression to the sentiments that possessed us, by solemn psalmody and fervent prayer. It was not an ordinary service to any of us. More care should be taken to preserve these remains, and less freedom used in the exhibition of them. There are three slabs before the pulpit, to record the interments beneath. But, recently, Mr. Bartlett has erected, in one angle of the church, a Portsmouth is a sea-port and naval establish ment; and is usually spoken of as an abandored and wicked place. During our stay, nothing or curred to confirm such an opinion, and there wa some testimony to the contrary; at least, as it af fected its present condition. On arriving, I was glad to get near to a good fire, in a room of the ins open to common use. Here were several persons of the town in full chat. Among other things, the Temperance cause gained attention, and was more leniently dealt with than might be expected from a tap-room company. All allowed that a great charge had been wrought; and one of them argued agais its continuance from this circumstance. he exclaimed, "three years ago, the people woul get drunk four days in the week; now, they wi not drink at all. It is impossible that this can con tinue." There was a wicked hope at the botton of this prediction, which gave strength to the admission in favor of the town. On the next morning, at eight, we took the stage to Portland. There was added to a low temper ture a sharp wind, which made the ride a cold one and there was little on the road, beyond its novelty to fill the attention. The Rev. Mr. Johnson metus at Saco, and urged us to divide our services for the Sabbath. Mr. Matheson, therefore, stayed here: and I went on to Portland, where the friends were expecting my arrival. In accordance with previous invitation, I took my residence at the Rev. Mr. Beckwith's. Portland is a populous town, containing abou 14,000 persons. It has an extremely fine location on the ridge and side of a hill, running down to the water, and having a beautiful bay on the one hand, and harbor on the other; and, beyond both, the vast ocean. The harbor is completely land-locked, and yet possessing an easy and safe access to the sea; and the projecting lands, which shut it in, present so many capes, of different formation to the sight, as greatly to raise and ornament the scene. It is very considerable as a shipping port; and its fair waters are enlivened by the constant movement of a great variety of vessels. The main street has the advantage of running along the ridge of the hill. It is wide and cheerful; it is decorated by the town-hall, custom-house, and a church, which has a portico, with granite columns; and its higher extremity terminates with a tower, called an observatory, used for nautical and pleasurable, but not scientific purposes. From this point of sight, which is 140 feet above the level of the waters, you get a commanding and combined view of earth and sea, of great extent. I declined only on the ground of prior engagement. From this day's exercise, although it was evident there was a large proportion of religious persons in the town, it did not appear to me that religion at this time was in a thriving state. Their pastors had been removed; the people had got unsettled, and in some cases disappointed; and though other men of talent and piety had been chosen to stand in their places, it required some time to put forth a pastor's influence, and to gather together that which had been scattered, or enliven what had become torpid. Payson, too, was gone! and for his flock, as yet, no shepherd had been found! We dined at Mrs. Payson's the widow of Dr. Payson, with Dr. Humphrey, Mr. Nettleton, and other friends. I felt, as you may suppose, an interest in the family and in the house. Yes, in the house! This was the very dwelling in which he lived, and wrestled and prayed: and there was the very chamber, the very couch, where he communed with heaven, till he scarcely knew whether he was " in the body or out of the body." After dinner, agreeably to appointment, the brethren from the country came in, and we held a conference. About twenty were assembled. It was a delightful interview. Prayer was offered by Messrs. Nettleton and Johnson. The Monday, being the only day remaining, was a very busy one. I visited the town, received calls and made them, and sought information. At noon I had an appointment with the Ladies' Committee to inspect the Orphan Asylum. It has within it twenty-three female children; they are not all orphans. The dwelling is clean, and managed with On the day after my arrival, the Sabbath, I economy and care. I felt half at home amid the preached at Mr. Dwight's church in the morning, little fatherless family. We sang and prayed toand at Mr. Beckwith's in the afternoon, to consi-gether; and took a respectful leave of the managderable and attentive congregations. In the even- ing ladies. Of course, there was nothing to learn. ing, an annual sermon was to be delivered by the America herself has no London Orphan Asylum; Rev. Mr. M'Ginnis, in favor of the Female Orphan it would be absurd to expect that she had. HapAsylum, lately established in this place. He is a pily, at present, she does not need these charities Baptist minister, of good repute here; and I had as we do; when she does, she will learn of us, and pleasure in the prospect of attending the service. rival us. The other churches were closed on the occasion; and the congregation was made up by a contribution from all. The service and the object are both popular with the people; and the place was very crowded. I was pressed to take a seat in the pulpit, as very common here; but, as a hearer, I did not enjoy so conspicuous a station, and I declined it. Besides which, being in the pulpit is the next step to partaking in its duties; and I was already exhausted, and had much desire to hear. The usual service went on. The singing was rather theatrical, but it was a special occasion; and professed singers seldom neglect any occasion for display. The sermon was read; it was superior as a composition; but it was somewhat above the congregation. The closing appeals were good, and such as I had been familiar to at home. The preacher closed; the children sung; and a collection was about to be made, when he came forward again to the front of the pulpit, and said, he understood that they were favored with the presence of a minister from England; and that he had, for many years, been devoted to some orphan establishments in that country; and solicited it as a great benefit to this infant Asylum, that I would oblige the congregation with some particulars relative to those institutions. I was confounded; for I had never spoken to the preacher, and knew not that my name, much less my engagements, had ever been before him. But, in an instant, the eyes of all present were directed towards me, and a movement made to let me pass. I had no option. To have riser and declined the request was as trying as to comply with it; and, as to comply was the more grateful part, I obeyed the bidding, and went to the pulpit. I scarcely know what I said. Briefly, I gave them a sketch of the origin and advancement of the London Orphan Asylum; and, by a reference to its difficulties and success, used its history as an encouragement to their incipient exertions. My observations were then made to fall in with the preacher's address, and to support his appeal. It was most kindly received; and the collection was greater than it had been on any former occasion. Mr. Cutter, the Mayor, and his lady, sought an introduction after the service, and invited me to return and stay with them. An invitation which In the evening we had to attend a public meeting. It was held in the church that was Payson's. It is the largest in the town, and it was very full. There were three prayers, and three addresses. Dr. Humphrey, Mr. Matheson, and myself, gave the addresses. As a deputation, we were introduced to the congregation by my esteemed friend, Mr. Nettleton. The service was long, but it was not felt to be so. It appeared to have made a good impression. By this time, about forty of the ministers had come together; some of them from great distances. As we could not hope to meet with them on the morrow, they stayed after the service, and we were introduced to each other. When our duties were closed, I amused myself, while waiting for a conveyance, with looking over the place. One of the elders attended me. He pointed to the pulpit, and said, emphatically, "That is the place, sir, where Payson prayed." I was struck with this remark. It gave me Payson's peculiarity in an instant. I had thought that whatever might have been his power as a preacher, it was greatest in prayer. I was now sure of it. On the morning of the 15th, we had to leave, by the steamboat, early for Boston. Mr. Cutter kindly took us to the wharf in his carriage; and he, with Dr. Humphrey and other friends, saw us to the ship. All our pleasant meetings were now beginning to be dashed with sorrow, from the prevalent idea that we were parting-perhaps for ever. The town had a fine aspect as we moved out of the harbor. As we got farther out, the haze which is common here, closed in around us, like a gauze | the finest houses and churches in the town. At its curtain illuminated by the growing lights of the rising sun. Every thing was mist, and every thing was hidden, except a pretty fishing sloop, which lay sufficiently near to be seen, surrounded by the haze, and glowing with light. It had an indefiniteness and a lustre about it which made it look unreal, I and it presented the most perfect picture of repose in an object and on an element almost always agitated. It was lovely and fascinating; and supplied an evidence how readily, when nature is the painter, an ordinary and insignificant object may be made illustrious. We had a charming run; a good sight of Lynn, Salem, Marblehead, and Nahant, on our way; and reached Boston at five o'clock, having been ten hours in making a distance of ninety miles. Mr. Matheson went to Mr. Stoddard's; and I was kindly welcomed to my former accommodations in the family of Lieutenant-governor Armstrong. LETTER XXVI. MY DEAR FRIEND-I believe, in my former hasty visit to Boston, I took no notice of its topography; yet it ought not to be passed over in silence. Every where it meets the eye in imposing forms, and nowhere, perhaps, so forcibly, as by the entrance we made to it yesterday from the water. The expanded waters are themselves fine objects, being relieved by a variety of islands and headlands of very picturesque character and position, and animated by the number of vessels which are seeking egress or ingress to this port. From these, and above the shipping, the town rises on the three hills which compose its site, crowned with its domed and turreted State House. These hills spring about 100 feet above the level of the water; and the State House rises about 120 feet above them; and they have, from the lower surfaces, to a great distance, a commanding and magnificent effect. highest point it is perfected by the State House; and from this point it runs off in beautiful slopes and swells, to the waters which separate Boston from the adjoining country. These waters are more than two miles wide, and, broken by the land, they have the air of a confluence of lakes and rivers: and beyond them is seen, among the wooded hills, the smiling villages and hamlets which are the offspring of the parent city. The park itself is kept in a verdant state, with excellent walks, and has a very cool and refreshing aspect, from it natural basin of water, and its fine overshadowing trees. On a fine summer's evening, when this scene is animated by the families of the worthy citizens, the elder moving down the shaded avenues, and the children, buoyant with life, chasing the elastic football over the green, I know nothing of its kind more admirable. I cannot dismiss this spot without expressing a fear that, in their excess of love, the Bostonians may spoil it. I observed with regret, that a number of young trees had been recently planted over this park, which, if allowed to grow up as they stand, will entirely destroy the charming effect of this picture. What had been previously done, had been done with great taste and efficiency; but if the present plantations are realized, there will be a few French avenues, and nothing more. On the morning after our arrival I attended my friends to an exhibition of the Horticultural Society. It is made in the Public Hall—a large room, with galleries in chapel style. It is frequently called the Cradle of Liberty; since it was here that the celebrated resolutions were passed to resist the tea-tax. The room is decorated with several pictures, and at this time the galleries were filled with young pines, and among the pines were suspended a variety of singing-birds; rather a foreed attempt, certainly, to bring the freshness and melody of the woods into the city. To the eye, however, it was more grateful than a vacant space. The town of Boston is more like an English town For the area, there were along the sides of the walls, than any other in the Union. It often reminds one and resting against them, galleries filled with rare of Bristol, though it is not enriched with such fine and curious plants; and in the centre of the room landscape scenery as is that favorite city. Its were tables covered with the handsomest specimens streets of business are narrow and irregular; but of fruits and flowers that could be produced by the those of more recent date, and for domestic use, members. And everywhere there were gay fes have more freedom. It has been outrun in popula- toons, and garlands of flowers, suspended from table tion by the other great cities of the seaboard; but, to gallery, and gallery to ceiling. The specimens, for its size, it has still the greater number of wealthy which were really the subject of exhibition, were, and well-educated residents; and there is a pro- for the age of the institution, and the circumstances portionate number of commodious and handsome under which they were produced, exceedingly good, dwellings. It has, besides the State House, an and discovered great zeal and practical skill on the Athenæum, a market-place, picture-gallery, halls, part of the contributors and reading-rooms, which would be good in Bristol When the company had had leisure to inspect or Liverpool. There are some recent erections of and admire the productions, an address was delistores and warehouses on a large scale, faced with vered before the Society by Mr. Gray, an intelligent a fine white granite. When you enter the narrow-merchant of the place. It commended the subject est and poorest portions of the city, you meet with to their attention and pursuit, by an exposition of its nothing that offends you. Poverty here is deprived advantages and their facilities. It was a very of half its evil, by having for its wedded companion sensible address, and composed in good taste and decided cleanliness. Indeed, it can be said to ex-liberal spirit; and was, in fact, an evidence of the ist here only in a comparative and mild sense; for humanizing and elevating influence which nature the poorest have enough, and competency is wealth. exerts on her true disciples. For casualties, however, charity is not asleep; she stands with open door at the hospital and infirmary; and her helping hand is ready in a thousand ways to aid those who are lowest to a better standing. But the advantage which Boston has, as distinguished from its rivals, is to be found in what is called the common, or mall, but which has a better right to the name of park than many things so named elsewhere. It consists of an opening in the heart of the city of upwards of seventy acres. You could not choose the land to lie more handsomely han it does. It is bounded, as you may expect, by In the afternoon we made a visit to Cambridge and Mount Auburn. This college, or university, is the oldest in the Union, and has high claims to consideration and respect, though it has ceased to be the friend of orthodox opinions. There is a sweet village-green here, surrounded by detached cottages, professors' residences, and two churches. The colleges are of various dates, and conform to no plan, either in elevation or arrangement, and occupy a flat surface. Nevertheless, with their verdant courts, and their ancient trees, they have, together, a venerable and interesting appearance. |