Ohio History Journal

COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO THE CEL-

EBRATION.

 

LETTERS AND TELEGRAMS OF CONGRATULATION.

MARIETTA, April 6, 1888.

Dr. I. W. Andrews, Hartford, Conn.:

The Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society, in session

at its annual meeting, sends greeting, and congratulates

you on the great success of the Marietta Centennial, so largely

the result of your labors. Nothing but your presence is

wanting to complete it. Our best wishes for your speedy

recovery.                   F. C. SESSIONS, President.

 

HARTFORD, CONN., April 7, 1888.

F. C. Sessions, President:

Thanks for your kind greeting. Am gaining slowly.

With you in spirit on this memorable day. Congratula-

tions to the eminent visitors and all at home on your suc-

cessful celebration.                 I. W. ANDREWS.

PONCE DE LEON,

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA., April 6, 1888.

President I. W. Andrews:

The oldest city in the United States sends hearty greeting

to the oldest city in the Northwest Territory.

GEO. S. GREEN, Mayor.

 

MARIETTA, O., April 9, 1888.

Hon. Geo. S. Green, Mayor, St. Augustine, Fla.:

Your telegram, addressed to Dr. Andrews, was received,

and afforded the highest gratification to the large audience.

In the absence of Dr. Andrews, the committee in charge

direct me to respond, with the cordial greeting, that while

Ohio may have a colder climate, she vies with Florida in

warmth of fraternal affection.  W. P. CUTLER,

For the Committee.

234

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Communications Relating to the Celebration.  235

NEW YORK, April 7, 1888.

Dr. I. W. Andrews, Chairman:

The Ohio Society of New York now assembled, two

hundred and fifty strong, sends greeting to the Pioneer

Association at Marietta, celebrating the ever memorable

Centennial.

CINCINNATI, O., April 7, 1888.

President I. W. Andrews:

Congratulations and good wishes of the Historical and

Philosophical Society of Ohio.

M. F. FORCE,

President.

 

CINCINNATI, O., March 29, 1888.

The Cincinnati Pioneer Association sends greeting to

Pioneer Association at Marietta, O., settled April 7, 1788,

by General Putnam's party. Its members and friends, old

and young, will meet at Unitarian Church, Eighth and Plum

streets, at 2 o'clock p. m., Saturday, April 7, and by speeches

and music celebrate the anniversary.

JOHN D. CALDWELL,

Secretary.

NEW YORK, April 7, 1888.

Prof I. W. Andrews, Marietta, Ohio:

Accept my congratulations and best wishes for a suc-

cessful celebration. I regret that recent illness prevents

my presence.

JAMES M. VARNUM.

 

COMMUNICATIONS FROM STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETIES.

On the 24th of February, 1887, a resolution was adopted

by the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society instruct-

ing the Secretary to invite each of the State Historical

Societies of the old thirteen States and of those formed

out of the Northwest Territory, to co-operate in the cele-

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236   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

 

bration of April 7th, 1888. In accordance with this reso-

lution the invitations were extended, and among others

the following responses were received:

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA., March 23, 1888.

DEAR SIR:-Your communication addressed to me as

President of the Maine Historical Society, with the ac-

companying circular extending an invitation to Historical

Societies to send delegates to the annual meeting of the

Ohio State Historical and Archaeological Society and the

celebration of Ohio's birthday Centennial, at Marietta, on

the 7th of April, reached my residence in Maine after I had

left home for the South; and they have been forwarded to me,

so that I now have the honor of acknowledging their receipt

and of thanking you for your kindness.

I regret that I shall not be able to be present on that

occasion, for it will be one that will exhibit a gratifying

contrast hardly paralleled in history- a single century

transforming the hunting ground of a few scattered sav-

ages into the comfortable and elegant homes of a great

Christian community of many hundreds of thousands of

educated, intelligent and prosperous citizens, enjoying the

blessings of a government, the best to be found upon the

earth.           Most respectfully yours,

I. W. ANDREWS, ESQ.,                              JAMES W. BRADBURY,

Chairman.                   Pres. Maine Hist: Society.

 

NEW HAMPSHIRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

CONCORD, N. H., March 28, 1888.

I. W. Andrews, Chairman:

MY DEAR SIR-We held a meeting of our Executive

Committee yesterday, and they authorized me to appoint

delegates on behalf of this Society to attend your Histori-

cal Society on the 6th and 7th of April next.

I have appointed yourself and Mr. Perry, of Exeter, as

such delegates, and send a commission to you for you

both. I doubt if Mr. Perry can attend, but I will notify

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Communications Relating to the Celebration.  237

 

him of his appointment at once and request him to do so.

Yours truly,     J. E. SARGENT,

Pres't. N. H. Hist. Soc.

 

NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, )

NEWARK, N. J., March 21, 1888.

To the Hon. W. P. Cutler, Chairman:

DEAR SIR-Your circular in reference to the "Centen-

nial of Ohio's Birthday", has been received, for which, and

the invitation to be present on the interesting occasion, please

accept our hearty thanks.

To the State of Ohio, the mother of Presidents and dis-

tinguished statesmen, on the hundreth anniversary of the

first settlement at Marietta, the New Jersey Historical Society

sends "Greeting."

We beg leave to advise you that Israel W. Andrews, D. D.,

LL. D., an honorary member, is hereby authorized to repre-

sent the New Jersey Historical Society at the Centennial

celebration of Ohio's birthday, April 7th, 1888.

SAMUEL M. HAMILL,

Pres. N. J. Hist. Society.

STEPHEN WICKES,

Cor. Sec'y. N. J. Hist. Society.

 

NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY, )

170 SECOND AVENUE,

NEW YORK, March 7, 1888.

I. W. Andrews, Chairman Centennial Committee, Marietta,

Ohio.

DEAR. SIR-Yours of 28th Feb., inviting, on behalf of

the Committee of the Ohio Historical Society, this Society

to send delegates to the Centennial celebration to be held

at Marietta on the 7th of April next, was laid before this

Society last evening, at the first stated meeting held since

its reception.

The invitation was accepted with thanks, and in con-

formity with your expressed wish that a descendant of

Hon. John Keane should be chosen, Mr. Nicholas Fish,

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238   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

 

the eldest son of the Hon. Hamilton Fish, our first Vice

President, was appointed the delegate.

In a few days he will receive his credentials. I notify

you of the fact and request that if you have any prefer-

ence for any particular form of credentials that you will

kindly inform me at once.

I am, yours very respectfully,

EDWARD F. DELANCEY,

Corresponding Sec'y. N. Y. Hist. Soc'y.

 

TENNESSEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, )

NASHVILLE, March 10th, 1888.

^I. W. Andrews, Esq., Chairman Centennial Committee.

DEAR SIR-The Tennessee Historical Society has re-

ceived your kind invitation to attend the approaching cel-

ebration of the settlement of Ohio, at Marietta, on the 7th

proximo.

I regret very much to say that, in all prbability, none

of our members will be able to be present on the interesting

occasion.

This Society begs to send fraternal greetings and earnest

wishes for the complete success of the celebration. The

Washington County Pioneer Association and Ohio State

Archaeological and Historical Society deserve much credit

for inaugurating the movement.  Very respectfully,

ANSON NELSON,

Rec. Sec.

 

LETTERS OF REGRET.

WASHINGTON, D. C., April 2, 1888.

Dr. I. W. Andrews, Chairman, &c.:

DEAR SIR:-Your card of invitation to attend the Cen-

tennial celebration of the landing of the first settlement

at Marietta in the Northwest Territory, and to make an

address, was received, and I hoped until within a few days

that I would have the pleasure of accepting it, and of

sharing with you in the ceremonies of this interesting

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Communications Relating to the Celebration.  239

 

event; but it is now manifest that I can only do so by a

neglect of the public business committed to my charge,

and I know that neither the men who founded the settle-

ment at Marietta nor its citizens of our day would justify

a neglect of the public business to participate in a cele-

bration so interesting even as your Centennial. I share in

the opinions and enthusiasm of my friend Senator Hoar,

who will deliver your principal address. I believe, with

him, that the ordinance of 1787, and the settlement of the

Northwest Territory chiefly by revolutionary soldiers from

New England, was one of the most important civil events

of the last century, second only to the Declaration of In-

dependence and the adoption of the Constitution.   All

that has happened since that time, though not directly

traceable to those events, has been colored by the prin-

ciples and ideas of the first settlement at Marietta, and

those which soon followed along the valley of the Ohio.

These are the topics which will fill the minds of the de-

scendants of the early settlers and of many millions who

have spread over the Northwest and founded States, and

cities, and villages, and hamlets without number, popu-

lated by many more millions than lived in the United States

at the time of the settlement of Marietta, one hundred years

ago.

My early association in boyhood times with the people

of Marietta and the Muskingum Valley has always spread

a halo of enchantment over the familiar scenes about you,

and perhaps I, more than strangers less fortunate, will

appreciate the interesting surroundings amid which you

stand. Many of the old pioneer settlers were living at

Marietta and Beverly when, just fifty years ago, I aided as

a subordinate in the work of the Muskingum Improve-

ment. A single life then carried me back to the first set-

tlement at Marietta. The stories of hardship, of suffering,

of Indian warfare, of constant watchfulness, of sturdy

courage, and the simple habits of those early settlers, left

an impression upon my mind that can never be effaced.

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240    Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

 

I would gladly add my affectionate remembrance to the many

eloquent words that will be uttered in their praise and in

extolling the wonderful progress which their sacrifices and

services made possible.          Very truly yours,

JOHN SHERMAN.

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

WASHINGTON, D. C., March 1st, 1888.

Mr. William G. Way, Secretary, Marietta, Ohio.

DEAR SIR:-I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt

of an invitation to attend the Centennial of the first set-

tlement of Ohio and the Northwest Territory, on the 6th,

7th and 8th of April next. It is not probable that my

official duties here will permit of my being present upon

this interesting occasion, but should it be possible to leave

I will gladly attend. There are many features of peculiar

interest to Americans, and to the entire human race in the

development you commemorate. Perhaps the world does

not afford an instance in which man has shown all the

elements of greatness to such an extent as in the growth

of these communities.        Very truly yours,

C. R. BRECKINRIDGE.

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

WASHINGTON, D. C., 29 March, 1888.

Hon. Douglas Putnam, President, Marietta, Ohio.

DEAR SIR:-I acknowledge with thanks the courtesy of

yourself and Messrs. Andrews and Way, in asking me to

be present at your Centennial in April next.

If my engagements permitted, I would gladly embrace

the opportunity tendered me, and would join cheerfully, as

a son of one of the "old thirteen" States in commemor-

ating the birth of other sisters, which have added so much

of glory and greatness to our common country. But other

duties prevent my attendance so I am constrained to send

my regrets, with my best wishes for the success of your

celebration, and the assurance of my appreciation of your

kind attention to myself.      Very truly yours,

SAM'L DIBBLE.



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Communications Relating to the Celebration.  241

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U. S.,

WASHINGTON, D. C., March 1, 1888.

William G. Way, Esq., Secretary, Marietta, O.:

DEAR SIR-The kind invitation to attend the Centen-

nial celebration of the first settlement of Ohio and the

Northwest Territory is received. Distance and press of

business precludes my acceptance.  However, I should

delight to join in a celebration commemorative of an

event fraught with such consequences in the history and

development of this country, and that laid the foundation

for the achievements, greatness, importance and possibili-

ties that cluster around this favored portion of our favored

nation. Accept my thanks and regrets.

Yours very truly,       WALTER I. HAYES.

 

 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS,

WASHINGTON, March 22, 1888.

Mr. William G. Way, Secretary, etc.:

I have been honored by your invitation to be present at

the celebration of the Centenary of the first settlement of

the Northwest Territory at Marietta. While prevented by

pressing daily labors here from participating in this most

interesting historical commemoration, you have my earnest

wishes for the success of the laudable endeavor to do honor

to the patriotic men who first planted civilization in the Ohio

wilderness a hundred years ago.

Very respectfully,      A. R. SPOFFORD.

 

 

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

BOSTON, March, 19, 1888. )

Professor Israel W. Andrews, Marietta, 0.:

DEAR SIR-I have the pleasure of informing you that

the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be represented

at the Centennial celebration in your city on the 7th

proximo by Hon. George B. Loring of Salem, Professor

Vol. 11-16

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242   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

 

Frederick W. Putnam of Cambridge, Rev. E. E. Hale, D. D.,

of this city, and Rev. Temple Cutler of Essex.

Regretting that I shall not be able to be with you, but feel-

ing glad that the State is to be so well represented,

I am yours very respectfully,

OLIVER AMES.

 

 

SPRINGFIELD, MASS., March 24, 1888.

William G. Way, Esq.:

Permit me to acknowledge, through you, the Secretary,

the invitation to Mrs. Hawkes and myself to attend "the

Centennial of the first settlement of Ohio and the North-

west Territory," which will be on the 6th, 7th and 8th of

April.

Such an observance is a most worthy one. It appeals

to the lofty sentiment of patriotism in us, and to our venera-

tion for the noble and wise men who, under the Ordinance of

1787, not only settled at Marietta, but also laid the foundation

of great States.

I am sure that the event will be fitly commemorated.

Of this we have assurance, both in the interest taken in

it by the people of Marietta and its vicinity, and the societies

that have united in its commemoration, and also in the ability

of the distinguished gentlemen who will be the principal

speakers.

We greatly regret that we cannot accept the invitation

to be present.   The many years of our residence in

Marietta, the affection we have for the people and institutions,

and our sincere sympathy with the spirit that has prompted

the observance, and the ends it is intended to promote

thereby, impel us to be with you. But engagements and

duties that cannot be put aside forbid it.

We shall rejoice in the tidings of a celebration which will,

undoubtedly, be befitting and successful.

With sincere esteem, yours truly,

T. H. HAWKS.

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Communications Relating to the Celebration.  243

 

BOSTON, March 8, 1888.

To Messrs. Douglas Putnam, Israel W. Andrews and Wm.

G. Way, Marietta, Ohio.

DEAR SIRS:-I beg to present to the Committee of

Arrangements my acknowledgments of their exceeding

favor in extending to me an invitation to attend, at Marietta,

Ohio, on the 6th, 7th and 8th proximo, the Centennial cel-

ebration of the first settlement of Ohio and the Northwest

Territory, under the auspices of the Ohio Archaeological

and Historical Society and the Washington County Pioneer

Association.

The occasion can not fail to be of great interest, and I

regret that my engagements here are such as will make it

impossible for me to be present. My paternal grandfather,

Col. David Cobb, whose compatriots in arms settled Mari-

etta, in 1788, was, I believe, interested personally in that

enterprise.

I can not doubt the coming celebration will be one worthy

of the important event to be commemorated, as well as a

fitting testimonial to the memories of the brave men who left

the East to establish for themselves a new home in the then

far West.

I thank you sincerely for your kind remembrance of me at

this time. I am, gentlemen, with much respect,

Your Obedient Servant,

SAMUEL C. COBB.

 

In addition to the foregoing many letters and notes were

received from those who had been specially invited, re-

gretting inability to be present.  Among others in the

possession of the Committee are letters from Mr. Justice

Blatchford, of the United States Supreme Court, Hon.

Chas. S. Fairchild, Secretary of the Treasury, Hon. W. C.

Whitney, Secretary of the Navy, Lieutenant-General P.

H. Sheridan, Senators J. D. Cameron, Jonathan Chace,

John H. Mitchell, J. R. McPherson, Hon. Henry H. Bing-

ham, of Pennsylvania, Dr. James B. Angell, Major General

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244   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

D. C. Buell, Hon. J. S. Robinson, Secretary of State of

Ohio, Rev. A. P. Putnam, of Concord, Massachusetts, Gen-

eral J. D. Cox, S. R. Reed and E. R. Montfort, of Cin-

cinnati.

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