above-stated incidents I heard from the colonel's own mouth, and have given many of them in his own words-especially in regard to the battles of Hubbertstown and Bennington. I remember, upon one occasion, the colonel's relating to my father an interview which he once had with Gen. Washington, and said, that the general offered to recommend him to Congress for a brigadier's commission. But he said he declined the offer, telling the general "that his early.education was too defective to induce him to aspire to such a station; that he thought himself qualified to be the colonel of the Green Mountain Boys, and aspired to no higher station." beside the veritable drum that beat to arms on Bunker Hill, and other warlike relics. The blood-drenched soil of Lexington, being the first field of contest in our country for civil liberty and independence, every new fact regarding it is ever welcome. Having requested the Rev. Theodore Parker, an honored grandson of the commander of the Lexington provincials, to furnish a relation of their position in the battle of Lexington, and the manner in which the British musket on the table was captured, we have received a statement herewith, detailing a few new facts not generally known. We will premise, however, by stating that Captain Parker was an actor in the conquest of Quebec, in 1756, and the gun he shouldered in that expedition hangs suspended on one side of the door of his grandson's library, as does the captured gun on the other side. Our captain commanded a company also in the battle of Bunker Hill. He had a noble forehead, covered by a three-cornered hat, and was of colossal stature-six feet and two inches in height-and of great muscular power. He died in August, 1775. It matters not to us who were the descendants. It is fully to our purpose that we have the original musket captured at the Lexington contest. In reference to the last trophies of the Revolution, we find them on the battle-field of Yorktown, where Lord Cornwallis surrendered his own sword to Gen. Washington, together with twenty-eight standards, nearly eight thousand muskets, and all their other equipments. traces of any of these trophies to be found in Virginia or elsewhere? But we will resume the first trophy, as related by Rev. Mr. Parker: Are BOSTON, 16th Feb., 1858. MR. LORING, DEAR SIR:-Here are a few words touching the capture of the gun you spokeof the other day. In the library of a Boston clergyman, whose singular powers of eloquence ever gathereth "a sea of upturned faces," (a rare library, shelved from basement to attic, comprising twenty thousand volumes), we have recently shouldered a British musket that was the trophy of his grandfather, in the battle of Lexington. We here exhibit this relic, blackened, tarnished, and rusted, by the lapse of almost a century. It was Hancock and Adams were staying at Lexing manufactured by Grice, of London, in the year ton, with Rev. Jonas Clark, the minister, an emi1762, for the 430 royal regiment. On one side it nent patriot. In the afternoon of April 18th, is inscribed "The First Fire-arm captured in the several British subordinate officers were seen War for Independence." On the other side-riding up the main road in the town. This ex"Taken on the ever memorable morning of April 19, 1775, by Captain John Parker, commander of the Rebels at Lexington." While this is regarded as the first trophy of the Revolutionary War, we would not forget the heroic Dr. Downer, who, in single combat with a royal soldier, killed him with a bayonet. We think it possible the doctor may have secured a trophy, yet in the excitement of the moment, it is not probable. We know of no trophy beside Captain Parker's musket in this first battle. Its weight is eleven pounds and one-half. It will be deposited in the Massachusetts senate-chamber, cited the suspicions of men who knew them to be British soldiers, though they were disguised. In the night, intelligence was brought to Messrs. Hancock and Adams, that a British expedition was on foot, destined for Lexington and Concord, to get possession of their persons, it was sup-. posed, and to destroy the military stores at Concord. They gave the alarm to the proper persons, whom Capt. Parker had selected for that work, and he sent men through the town to give notice for assembling the militia. The churchbell was also rung. Captain Parker lived about two and one-half or three miles from the meeting-house. He had been there late in the evening and conferred with Hancock and Adams, and others, and made arrangements, in case it was necessary to call out the soldiers. He went to bed late that night, April 18, and ill. About two o'clock he was called up by the men referred to above, and went to the meeting-house (the Common is just behind it). He formed his company a little after daybreak. About one hundred and twenty men answered to their names-armed and equipped. But as the intelligence was not quite certain, he sent out other scouts to obtain information of the advance of the enemy, and dismissed the soldiers, telling them to be within call, and assemble again at beat of drum. They dispersed. Not long after, one of his scouts returned and told him the British were near at hand. Societies and their Proceedings. MARYLAND. MARYLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY.—Baltimore, May 3, 1860.-After the reading of the minutes, the librarian announced the receipt of donations from Essex, Mass., Institute, Dr. Wm. E. Coale, Boston, Rev. Dr. Bacchus, Baltimore, Lieut. W. F. Lynch, U. S. N., Dr. Lewis H. Steiner, Joseph Forrest, St. Mary's Co., Md. Dr. James H. Butler, A. G. P. Dodge, and Jno. S. Reese, nominated at the last meeting, were elected active members. W. Noel Sainsbury, Esq., of London, was, on nomination by the committee, elected an honor The president reported that the accounts and vouchers of the treasurer for the last fiscal year had been examined by himself and the secretary, and found correct. The president stated that he had received from Mr. Dawson several proof-pages of an account of the attack by the British on Baltimore, in September, 1814, in which he had made a few corrections. The account was read by Dr. Steiner, and gave rise to some remarks on the subject by different members. He ordered the drum beat in front of the tav-ary member. ern, close by the Common. Seventy men appeared, were formed into four platoons, and marched on to the Common. His nephew, Jonathan Harrington, the last survivor of the battle, then a lad of sixteen, played the fife, which, with a drum, was the only music. He formed them in a single line, then wheeled the first and fourth platoon at right angles, stepped in front and ordered every man to load his piece with powder and ball. When this was done, he said: "Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they want to have a war, let it begin here." He then wheeled back the two wings into a continuous line, and stood a little in front of the end of the right wing. Soon the British came close upon them, and some were soon terrified, and began to skulk off. He drew his sword, and called them by name to come back, and said he would order the first man shot who should run away. You know what followed-the fire of the British, the return of the fire by the Americans-the killing of eight of his company, his order to them to disperse and take care of themselves. After they were gone, the British soldiers gave three huzzas, and stopped half an hour and ate their breakfast, and then resumed their march toward Concord. After they were gone, Capt. Parker and his men came back, took up the dead, looked after the wounded, &c. Capt. Parker saw a British soldier who had loitered behind, a little drunk, seized him and made him a prisoner. He was completely armed, having the musket you saw, a knapsack, blankets, provisions, cartouch-box, with sixty rounds of ball-cartridges, &c., &c. Capt. Parker kept them as the Spolia Opima, as did also his son, and so now likewise does Yours, truly, To J. S. LORING. THEODORE PARKER. Mr. Brantz Mayer stated, that he had been informed by Mr. Benson J. Lossing of his intention to prepare a "Field Book of the War of 1814,” and to visit Baltimore for the purpose of obtaining facts relative to the battle of North Point. The president remarked that he had gathered considerable material bearing upon that subject, which was at Mr. Lossing's service.* A very interesting and amusing original narrative of a "Cruise in the Chesapeake, in 1781," written by John Greenwood, and communicated by Mr. Isaac J. Greenwood, of New York, was read by Dr. Dalrymple. A vote of thanks to Mr. Isaac J. Greenwood, for the communication of his grandfather's naïve account of his experiences in the Chesapeake, in 1781, was unanimously passed. MASSACHUSETTS. NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC-GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY.-The regular monthly meeting of this Society, was held June 6th, at their room, No. 13 Bromfield-street, the president, Almon D. Hodges, Esq., in the chair. The librarian, Mr. Trask, reported that 84 bound volumes and 488 pamphlets have been presented to the library during the past month. NEW JERSEY. The corresponding secretary, Mr. Deane, reported several letters accepting membership. The historiographer, Dr. Palmer, read bio- NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.—May 17, graphical notices of William Edwards Mayhew, 1860.-This Society met to-day, in accordance an honorary member, who died in Baltimore, with the by-laws, in their new rooms, on the cor10th April last, aged 75 years; of Hon. Thomas | ner of Broad and Bank streets, over the Newark Sergeant, an honorary member, who died in Banking Co. The Society occupies three apartCambridge, 6th May last, aged 73 years. ments-the largest, which extends across the front Col. Samuel Swett read an interesting paper of the building, is appropriated to their meetings on Gen. St. Clair, and several extracts from an and literary entertainments, being merely prooriginal journal kept by Capt. Newman of Bos- vided with desks and tables for the officers, the ton, during the campaign of St. Clair against the walls being hung with maps and pictures. The Indians, in which he served until slain in the fatal adjoining or main library room, is nineteen feet battle of Nov. 4, 1791. Five Massachusetts offi- wide, and extends along Bank-street thirty feet, cers were killed there, and another desperately and is neatly fitted up with shelves and closets, wounded. Two of the officers slain were from and is well filled with historical works, the books Boston. being classified and labelled according to the States On motion of Rev. Martin Moore, the thanks or subjects to which they refer. There are of the Society were voted to Col. Swett for his also cabinets for manuscripts and curiosities. remarks. A spacious room in the rear is devoted to ConThanks were also voted to Gen. Samuel An-gressional and State documents, laws, pamdrews for a roll containing the autographic signatures of over two hundred officers, who had taken before him, as a field or general officer, since 1844, the oath to sustain the Constitution of the State and the Union; and to Jeremiah Colburn, for a great number of autograph letters and documents, and a large and finely engraved portrait of Col. Barré, the "friend of America." After the transaction of some private business, the meeting was dissolved. BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.-June 2.-The meeting was called to order by the vice-president, and the secretary being absent, Henry Davenport was chosen secretary pro tem. Mr. Colburn brought forward a set of five Danish coins, struck for the West Indies, presented to the Society by E. C. Hanmer, Danish vice-consul. Mr. Pratt presented one silver and two copper medals, a donation to the Society from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The thanks of the Society were voted to Mr. Hanmer and the Horticultural Society. Mr. Pratt exhibited a beautiful bronze medal of Washington, struck by the mint at Philadelphia, to commemorate the inauguration of the Washington Cabinet of medals, Feb. 22, 1860. phlets, &c. The meeting of the Society was organized with the venerable president, Hon. Joseph C. Hornblower, LL. D., in the chair. After reading the minutes of the last meeting, Mr. Whitehead, the corresponding secretary laid before the members letters from Hon. A. D. Hodges, of Boston, and Rev. C. D. Bradlee, of Cambridge, Mass., acknowledging their election as honorary members, and from various parties transmitting donations. The librarian, Mr. S. H. Congar, reported donations received since the last meeting. The treasurer, Mr. Alofsen, reported a balance in the treasury of $600 83, of which $347 33 belonged to the general fund, and $100 00 to the library fund, and $163 50 to the building fund. He suggests the transfer of the latter amount to the library fund; and a resolution to that effect was adopted. He also proposed an amendment to the constitution to be acted on at the next meeting, restricting the privilege of becoming life-members by the payment of $20 at any one time, to those who were not in arrears. the Livingston papers. A brief statement was received from Chancellor Green, in behalf of the executive committee, Dr. Lewis, Messrs. Pratt and Davenport were to the effect that they had not deemed it advisaappointed to prepare a circular, stating the ex-ble to attempt to raise funds for the purchase of istence of this Society, and its readiness to receive and preserve such coins and medals as may be presented to it. The Society also changed the day of its meetings to the first Friday in each month, at the same time and place. On motion of Mr. Davenport, the Society voted to adopt the scale of sizes used and adopted by the Numismatic Society of Philadelphia. Dr. Pennington, from the committee on publications, reported that nothing had been published by the Society since the last meeting, but that matter had been prepared for another number of the " Proceedings," and also for volume VI. of the "Collections," which, it is intended, shall contain the early records of Newark. Mr. Duryee, from the committee on the fire proof building, reported that they had leased rooms in the Newark Banking Co.'s house. Mr. Whitehead said that it gave him great pleasure to be the medium of a communication Mr. Whitehead made some remarks upon the which he was sure would be received with satisamount of the library fund, the advantage that faction by all present. Miss Rutherfurd, of Eastwould result from its increase, and placed upon ridge, near Newark, tendered, through him, the the table the subscription-list for additional names. papers of Ferdinand John Paris, referring to Chancellor Green, chairman of the committee New Jersey, and he did not hesitate to say that appointed at the last meeting to make some in-no gift of equal historical value had ever been requiries as to the condition of the monuments ceived by the Society. along the northern boundary line of the State, Mr. Paris was a distinguished lawyer of Lontransmitted a report, stating that soon after their don, who, for many years prior to and during the appointment they procured, chiefly through the administration of Governor Belcher-a most inkind attention of Messrs. John Rutherford and teresting period of the provincial_history-was Abraham Hewitt, maps, surveys, and reports, the solicitor and agent of the East Jersey propriefurnished by practical surveyors, from which it tors, charged with the management of their satisfactorily appeared that the monuments at affairs and the protection of their interests in the station-points upon the Hudson and Delaware England. His social position and professional rivers, and for several iniles of its course, es- standing were such as to afford him every facility pecially near the Delaware, remain undisturbed, for obtaining information and exerting a favoraand the line continues in or near its true position; ble influence in their behalf, and he appeared to but that in other parts of its course the monu-have devoted himself with untiring zeal to their ments have been removed so far that it is impos- service. sible to determine the true position of the line The date of his appointment had not been defiwithout an actual survey. So far as the informa-nitely ascertained, but it must have been about tion procured by the committee extended, the 1744, and he seems to have been the first to hold principal difficulty exists on the line of the county of Passaic, from the 19th to the 25th milestone. Here the removal of the monuments appears to have been so great as materially to affect the course of the line. The committee deemed it important that the subject should receive the early attention of the Legislature, and, as the simplest inode of obtaining the object in view, they determined to ask that authority should be granted to the governor to commission some suitable person to make the requisite survey and examination of the entire line, and report to the next meeting of the Legislature. The same committee, who were authorized to call the attention of the Legislature to the importance of making some more efficient provision for the preservation of the official correspondence of the executive and other public records, reported that, although the object proposed met with very general approval, yet, upon conference, the committee deemed it inexpedient to urge the matter upon the Legislature, with the view to any definite action, at their last session. The Society received from Mr. E. T. Hillyer a pleasing memorial of the past, in the study-chair of the Rev. Dr. McWhorter, for forty years pastor of the First Presbyterian church, Newark; which subsequently passed into the possession of his father, the late Rev. Dr. Hillyer, of Orange. Rev. Dr. Rogers presented a copy of the accounts of the treasurer of West Jersey, in 1771, showing a result very different from our modern experience the public were indebted to the treasurer, instead of the reverse. the agency of the proprietors; prior thereto, the provincial agent-for all the colonies had their representative to facilitate the transactions with the government at home-having acted for them when necessary, as well as for the province at large. Neither had he learned the date of his death, nor other information respecting him more than was revealed by his business correspondence with the proprietors. Of his ability, that correspondence affords abundant evidence; and the simple inspection of the papers shows him and those about him to have been a perfect pattern of neatness and method. As for the papers, they consist of all the correspondence and documentary evidence connected with the matters at issue, and are contained in properly arranged books and bundles lettered from A to X, all systematically numbered and indexed, and are divided into two classes,papers referring to the disputes with New York, relative to the boundary line, and papers referring to the land riots and controversies with the people of Elizabethtown and Newark-and comprise every essential document bearing upon these matters, from 1744 to 1755, besides a very large number of prior documents relating to various events and circumstances from the first settlement of the country, the total number of books, pamphlets, and documents being about 560. Among these are found several manuscript maps of great interest, and a considerable amount of printed matter exceedingly rare. Mr. Whitehead drew attention, particularly, to "A Brief Vindication of The Purchasers against the Proprietors in a Christian Manner"-a small pamphlet of 37 pages, of which one copy only was thought to be extant, in the English Statepaper office-in which the author, professedly one Griffin Jenkins, gives some good advice to all parties, strengthening it with some "psalins and hymns and spiritual songs;" and to the "Answer to the Elizabethtown Bill in Chancery" -of which he had seen only three other copiesand various other publications of the day. In consequence of the solicitor being on one side of the Atlantic, and his clients on the other, the letters between them were necessarily very full of particulars, and one was read from Mr. Paris, giving an account of Governor Belcher's appointment, and his own estimate of the governor's character, which was of great interest. Mr. W. remarked, that so well satisfied was he of the value of these papers, that eleven years ago, when drawing up Mr. Stevens' instructions, on his commencing his researches in the English archives for the Society, he had urged his endeavoring to ascertain if the heirs or descendants of Mr. Paris could be found, being confident that they must have left many interesting documents, It was only recently that he had learned of their existence so near at hand. Mr. Field expressed his great gratification at receiving such a mine of historical treasures. The period to which the papers referred was one of the most important in our colonial era, and the two great questions to which they principally referred were, in fact, those upon which all others affecting New Jersey turned for several years. It was only necessary to look over the Index to the collection, which exceeded any thing of the kind for neatness, method, and tastefulness that he had ever seen, to be convinced of the value of the papers. He referred in appropriate terms to the many favors received from the donor, and offered the following preamble and resolution, which were adopted: "Whereas, The frequent manifestations of interest in the New Jersey Historical Society exhibited by Miss Rutherfurd—her intelligent appreciation | of its objects, her liberal donations to its funds, and kind disposition to aid the members in their researches, have placed them under great obligations, therefore, 66 Burlington-the neglected son being Samuel J. Smith, a lost poet," born in Burlington in 1771, died in 1835-who has not received from his countrymen the consideration his talents and acquirements entitled him to. The extracts from his writings introduced in the paper, humorous, pathetic, and serious, excited general surprise from their great excellence and beauty, so entirely unknown has been their author. Mr. Alofsen followed with a paper upon the origin of the name of “Pavonia," as applied to a portion of New Jersey west of New York Baytracing it to Herr Michael Pauw. Both gentlemen received the thanks of the Society, and were requested to deposit copies of their papers with the committee on publications. The Society then adjourned. NEW YORK. NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY.-At the meeting of the N. Y. Historical Society, held on the evening of the 17th of April, Mr. W. G. Jackman presented to the Society, through the Hon. Luther Bradish, who, as president of the Society, occupied the chair, a proof-impression of the large and elegant engraved likeness of their venerable associate, Dr. John W. Francis, dedicated to the Society by permission. The engraving, in point of size and finish, is superior to any similar work executed in this country, besides being an excellent likeness. It was taken from a large photograph by Brady. The fol lowing is Mr. Jackman's letter: NEW YORK, April 17, 1860. TO THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY : Gentlemen,—In accordance with the kind permission you extended to me several months since, I have now the honor to offer for your acceptance an engraved likeness of your venerable and endeared associate, Dr. J. W. Francis,dedicated to the New York Historical Society, of which institution he is one of the few surviving founders; and in the object and prosperity of which he has for so many years manifested such efficient interest by liberal donations, by valuaResolved, That the corresponding secretary ble historical communications, and by active convey to Miss Rutherfurd, with their best wishes, sympathy and co-operation. These services, as the assurance of the members that they fully ap-well as the high personal regard in which he is preciate the consideration she has shown for the welfare of the Society, and their warmest thanks, individually and collectively, for the benefits received." "A Brief Memoir of one of New Jersey's neglected sons, with some reminiscences of Burlington," was then read by John Jay Smith, Esq., of held by the members individually, make the |