In December 1833 Herman Melville was fourteen, living with his mother and siblings in Albany. His older brother Gansevoort turned eighteen that month. Now in the business of making and selling fur hats, Gansevoort was regarded as the man of the family after their father Allan Melvill died in January the year before. Hershel Parker's chapter for this time is titled, "In the Shadow of the Young Furrier" (Herman Melville: A Biography V1. 84-103). Withdrawn from school, Herman worked as a clerk for the New York State Bank. His mother's brother Peter Gansevoort was one of the Directors there. Earlier in 1833 Peter and another uncle, Herman Gansevoort, opened Stanwix Hall (originally to be named "The Pavilion"). On December 6th, Gansevoort Melville's birthday as well as the traditional feast day of St. Nicholas, the St. Nicholas Benevolent Society of Albany held its annual banquet in the brand new building. Naturally, festivities 185 years ago included congratulations and formal toasts to and by the proud landlords: Herman Melville's Dutch-descended uncles.
New York Governor William L. Marcy made it to the affair, along with the Lieut. Gov. John Tracy. Martin Van Buren, then Vice President of the United States, unfortunately had to send his regrets. Former Chargé Rutger B. Huygens was the most prominent of guests actually from the Netherlands.
The toasts that night make intoxicating reading. Herman Melville's former school principal T. Romeyn Beck toasted Herman's maternal grandfather Peter Gansevoort, Hero of Fort Stanwix.
Excerpts below are from the report in the Albany Evening Journal on Friday, December 13, 1833; reprinted in the Albany Argus on December 16, 1833. Both issues are accessible online via fultonhistory.com.
A Visit from St Nicholas, 1830 illustration by Myron King via Spectrum News
ST. NICHOLAS BENEVOLENT SOCIETY,
OF THE CITY OF ALBANY.
The anniversary festival of this society was celebrated on the evening of the 6th inst., at the large room of Stanwix Hall--the splendid and substantial building recently erected by the Messrs. Gansevoort.
The room was beautifully decorated with various appropriate banners, devices, festoons and other ornaments, in which Orange was the predominant color. Through the politeness of several gentlemen, many portraits of distinguished individuals of the olden time of Dutch descent, were politely loaned for the occasion, and added much to the interest of the decorations. Among them were those of Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, the second Patroon; Philip Livingston, one of the signers of the declaration of Independence; Abraham Yates, formerly Mayor of the city; and Gen. Abraham Ten Broeck.
Opposite the centre panel of the gallery, the portrait of Gen. Gansevoort, with that of his brother Judge Gansevoort on the one side, and Col. Varrick on the other. Busts of various distinguished individuals were also placed in appropriate situations about the room. Among others, were those of Pierre Van Cortland, Alexander Hamilton, De Witt Clinton, and John V. Henry. Several fine paintings and engravings from the collection of John Meads, Esq., were also politely loaned by him for the occasion; and under the guidance of his established and excellent taste the decorations were arranged.
The room was opened in the afternoon for the reception of visitors, and many hundreds of ladies and gentlemen took the opportunity of viewing the table and decorations.
At 8 o'clock the members of the society, together with their guests, sat down to a table most sumptuously prepared by Mr. Charles F. Rice, late of the Pavilion at Saratoga Springs, who has taken the refectory connected with the Hall.
The bill of fare, in addition to the national dishes, contained all that could be wished or desired, and did honor to the host and the occasion.
The venerable Abraham Van Vechten, Esq., President of the society, presided at the table, assisted by Harmanus Bleecker, Esq., as 1st Vice President, Jacob Ten Eyck, Esq., as 2nd Vice President, and Peter Gansevoort, Esq., as 3d Vice President. Among the guests were Rutger B. Huygens, late Chargé of his Majesty the King of the Netherlands to this country; his Excellency Gov. Marcy; Lieut. Gov. Tracy; the Mayor; Gen. Pierre Van Cortland of Westchester county; Guert Van Schoonhoven, Esq., of Waterford; S. F. B. Morse, Esq., President of the Academy of Design; Rensselaer Schuyler and Herman Gansevoort, Esqs, of Saratoga county.
After the removal of the various courses, the following toasts were drunk:
STANDING TOASTS.
I. Netherland--Our father land. Auld Lang Syne.
II. The President of the United States. Hail Columbia.
III. The King of the Netherlands--True to his great name; true to his illustrious house; true to a patriotic people. God save the King.
(Drunk with great enthusiasm.)
IV. The memory of William the first, Prince of Orange--Tolerant in an age of bigotry; liberal, when all around were tyrants. Marseilles Hymn.
V. The memory of Grotius--An illustrious example of moral and intellectual power: a private individual in adversity and in exile, he gave law to the law-givers of Christendom. Roslin Castle.
VI. The memory of the Rev. Dr. Eilardus Westerlo--The learned and pious man; the dignified and affectionate Pastor. Adeste fideles.
VII. The Schoolmaster--The mighty conqueror, whose march no holy or unholy alliance can oppose. Flow on thou shining River.
VOLUNTEER TOASTS.
By the President. Baron Huygens, the late resident Minister in the United States, of a nation we delight to honor--A gentleman whose official conduct and private virtues, entitle him to our profound respect.
[This toast was drunk with great applause.]
By the First Vice president, Harmanus Bleecker, Esq. Massachusetts--A republic, founded on board of the May Flower, in 1620, and yet exhibiting unsurpassed happiness, and the complete dominion of law and order.
By the Second Vice President, Jacob Ten Eyck, Esq. Our Guest, Rutger B. Huygens, late Chargé of the Netherlands--For his own sake, for his fathers sake, we are gratified that this festival is distinguished by his presence.
[After the long continued cheering with which this toast was received, had subsided, Mr. Huygens rose and addressed the company in Dutch.--The following is a translation of his remarks:--]
* * *
... Permit me, gentlemen, to offer you as a sentiment--
The St. Nicholas Benevolent Society of Albany--Whose members throw, by their patriotic exertions, a new splendor upon the virtues of a glorious ancestry.--May the band of brotherly love between children of the same family connect them closer and closer every day.
By Volkert P. Douw, Treasurer of the Society. May the ebbings of our treasury be replenished by floods of liberality; and our dollars, in the cause of benevolence, be kept as bright as our grandmother's copper kettles.
[The Secretary of the Society, John V. L. Pruyn, being called upon by the President for a toast, accompanied the same with the following remarks.]
* * *
… I give you, Sir, as a sentiment,
THE FESTIVAL OF ST. NICHOLAS.--A link connecting the past with the present--may it extend to the future.
[Richard V. De Witt, Chairman of the Board of Managers, then read a letter from Mr. Adrian Martini, Chargé d' Affaires of His Majesty, the King of the Netherlands, in reply to an invitation to attend the Anniversary Festival.]
…I beg leave to offer the subjoined toast:
"The virtue, firmness and constancy of our Dutch Ancestors, and of the Williams of Orange--May these high qualities always be remembered, and, if necessary, imitated by their descendants on both sides of the Atlantic."
[Mr. Martini's toast was then drunk.]
Mr. DeWitt then gave as a sentiment, the health of Adrian Martini, the representative of the King of Holland, to the United States--A true Dutchman, we hail him as a friend and brother:
[A letter was then read from J. C. Zimmerman, Esq. Consul of the Netherlands, at New York, in reply to a similar invitation--apologizing for his absence, and offering the following toast, which was drunk:]
The Lion of the Netherlands, and the Eagle of the United States of America--Noble emblems of both Nations--Honor and Independence.
Dr. Herman Wendell, one of the Managers, then proposed the health of Mr. Zimmerman, which was drunk by the company.
[The following communication from the Hon. Martin Van Buren, Vice President of the United States and a member of the society, was then read….]
* * *
... The health of the Baron [Minister of foreign affairs, Baron Verstolk van Soelen] was then drunk.
After which, Dr. Barent P. Staats, one of the Managers, gave as a sentiment.
Our distinguished fellow member, Martin Van Buren--Who, by his magic power, has fully demonstrated himself a true descendant of St. Nicholas.
Mr. Huygens then rose and said--
… I am too well aware, Gentlemen, of the feelings which animate Baron Verstolk Van Soelen, not to offer you in his name the following sentiment.
The United States of America--Their Star Spangled Banner is a noble emblem of the motto of our ancestors--"Eendragt maakt maght."
[The following communication from Professor Lauts of Medenblik, Holland, was then read.--The original was in Dutch, and the following translation has been prepared by a member of the Society.]
* * *
... The health of Mr. Lauts was then drunk.
A letter from Mr. Bierman, of Amsterdam, to Harmanus Bleecker, Esq. 1st Vice President of the Society, was then read--after which, the toast proposed by him was drunk by the company.
* * *
... The health of Mr. Bierman was then drunk.
A letter received from Hendrik Kuyper of Rotterdam, accompanied by two poems of his--one on the eighty years war, and the other a eulogy of Admiral Pieter Pieters Hein, addressed to the 1st Vice President--was communicated to the society, and the health of Mr. Kuyper was drunk.
A letter from B. Thooft, Esq. of New York, to the 1st Vice President, was then read, in reply to an invitation from the Managers to attend the festival, regretting his inability to do so, and enclosing a toast, which was drunk by the Society.-- The following is the toast.
The memory of the illustrious patriots and statesmen, Kornelis and John De Witt--The admiration of their countrymen and of the world.
The health of Mr. Thooft was then drunk.
By Egbert Egberts, Esq. one of the Managers. Industry and perseverance--Characteristics of our Dutch ancestors.
Dr. Beck being called upon for a toast, remarked, that in connexion with the occasion, the place where we were assembled deserved some notice. This building had been erected through the liberality and public spirit of two gentlemen, brothers, natives of this city, and bearing an honorable name. This beautiful and spacious edifice bore the name of "Stanwix Hall," and he took pleasure in stating, as it was not probably known generally, that this appellation had been given to it at the request of a number of our fellow citizens. It alluded to a memorable fact in the history of the father of these gentlemen. At an eventful period of the Revolutionary war, when the forces of Burgoyne were pouring down in this state, when every circumstance seemed threatening to the American arms, Fort Stanwix (now Rome) was gallantly defended by Colonels Willet and Gansevoort against a detachment of British and Indians. The importance of this protracted and signal defence need not be mentioned to any who are familiar with our Revolutionary annals. For this gallant exploit, the name of Gansevoort was inscribed on that imperishable scroll, which is headed by the name of Washington. As a descendant of Dutch ancestors, and in reference to the place, connected with his services, it appeared peculiarly appropriate to drink
"The memory of General Peter Gansevoort."
[The toast was drunk--After which Peter Gansevoort, Esq. rose and said.]
For this compliment, so unexpected--so flattering--permit me, Mr. President, to return to this company, the warmest thanks of the proprietors of Stanwix Hall.
They have erected this spacious building on a site, which, under the blessing of Divine Providence, has descended to the sixth generation. As the recipients of this blessing, they are humbly grateful.
This Hall, in compliance with the expressed wish of our fellow citizens, bears a name in reference to an important event in our Revolutionary History--a name associated with an actor in that scene, who was cradled on this very spot, and whose memory is most dear to its present owners.
If the proprietors, actuated by the spirit of the times, have reared a structure, which not only adds to the embellishment of their native city, but affords conveniences so long required for the exhibition of works of art, and suitable and ample accommodations for those public amusements, innocent in themselves and indispensably necessary in a large and growing commercial community, they have accomplished their intention, and experience a high satisfaction, which is greatly increased by the moral spectacle now exhibited in this Hall.
Mr. Gansevoort then offered as a toast--
The President and other Officers of the St. Nicholas Benevolent Society--We thank them for their spirited exertions, indicated by this sumptuous banquet and these splendid decorations. As representatives of a society, based on benevolence, they have higher praise in their prompt ministrations to the wants of the poor.
[His Excellency, the Governor, being called on by the President, for a sentiment, remarked, that he regretted that no Dutch blood flowed in his veins, but to show that he was, in some measure, connected with the father land of Dutchmen, he would give]
Holland--Endeared to the descendants of the New England Pilgrims, as the first Asylum of their persecuted forefathers.
[The sentiment was received with great applause.]
By John B. Van Schaick, one of the Managers. The memory of Laurens Koster, of Haerlem--Printer, 1430--The early and conspicuous promoter of the art, which gives wings to thought, and renders the products of genius, the common property of mankind.
By His Honor, the Lieutenant Governor. The Albany St. Nicholas Society--Its members well sustain the patriotic and honorable character of their Ancestors.
By G. W. Ryckman, one of the Managers. The characteristics of our Ancestors--Industry, frugality, virtue, courage and hospitality--Let the sons of St. Nicholas emulate the noble example of their forefathers.
[Dr. Johnathan Eights, one of the Physicians of the Society, being called upon for a toast, made the following prefatory remarks:]
Mr. President:-- I believe the national character of the Dutch, for Heroic Patriotism, and desperate resolution, is proverbial, and, although it has frequently been asserted, that they have degenerated from their former reputation, I believe the same inherent principle, still remains. The obstinate defence of the Citadel of the City of Antwerp, of a very recent date, is strong evidence that it is not extinct.
I beg leave, as introductory to a toast I am about to give, to relate an Historical Anecdote, corroborative of the sentiment it contains:
In the year 1574, if I recollect right, the city of Leyden, (celebrated for its university, and as being the birth place, of many eminent men, sustained a memorable Siege against the Spaniards. From the great length of the Siege, and the great severity, with which it was carried on, the inhabitants were so reduced by famine, as to be under the horrible necessity of feeding on the dead bodies of their companions. The Spanish General being well informed of their distressed condition, summoned them to surrender. The answer was returned to the summons, by the unanimous consent of the citizens and soldiers, is worthy of the best days of Rome or Sparta, and deserves to be engraved on Tablets of Gold, and on the hearts of their descendants to the latest generation:--
"They would rather, than surrender, eat the flesh from their left arms, and, with the right, defend the city, themselves, and their families." [David Ramsay, Universal History Americanised, v. 8.]
Their courage and their Heroism was crowned with success. They had already opened their sluices, and inundated the country. But the Spaniards obstinately pressed the Siege. In the mean-time, Admiral Brissot, with a fleet of flat-bottomed boats, calculated to navigate the deluged country, aided by a strong wind, which drove the water, with violence against their works, compelled them to raise the Siege, after losing the flower of their army.
There was a remarkable circumstance attending this memorable Siege, which, I think, is worth mentioning: during the whole of this period, the inhabitants of the city carried on a correspondence with other places, by means of Carrier Pigeons.-- Several of those Pigeons were embalmed and are preserved in the Town House of Leyden, in commemoration of this event.
I now, Sir, give you--Dutch Courage, and Dutch Patriotism.
Gen. Van Cortland. Albany--with a strong stamp of the Dutch upon it--it will not cease to be respected and admired until frugality, honesty, and, hospitality cease to pass current as virtues in the world.
John Van Buren, one of the Managers. De Stad Saardam--An wien behoort de Eer van een der gooteste mannen van latere tyden tohebben opgekweckt.
Gen. Van Schoonhoven, of Waterford. The British Tourists--A little of Dutch honesty imparted to their journals would render them more just to the American, as well as more honorable to the British character.
Judge Vanderpoel. Our mothers, and their daughters--Characterized by intelligence, frugality and neatness. Our happy homes bear testimony to their virtues and their worth.
Simeon De Witt, Esq. Our Atavi more noble than the Atavis regibus of Maecenas--His fought, conquered and triumphed to entail slavery and misery on the earth. Ours fought, struggled, suffered and died to entail liberty and happiness on their posterity.
T. Van Vechten. The memory of Abraham Yates, former Mayor of the city of Albany--The sturdy rough hewer. A strenuous opponent of oppression in every form, and a decided advocate for the rights and liberties of the people, during the dark days of the revolution.
George M. Bleecker, one of the managers.--Commerce and liberty, the glory of Holland.
D. Graham, Jr. Esq. of New York. The ancient city of Albany--May it ever be the happiness of strangers, as it is now, to acknowledge its hospitality.
Dr. Herman Wendell, one of the managers.--Our Dutch Ancestry--May we, their descendants, ever cherish their memory, and revere their worth.
General Solomon Van Rensselaer. Leeuw van Holland en de Arend van America--Moogen zy als blicksem stralen on de vyandem van vryheid springen. The Lion of Holland and the Eagle of America--May they pounce like lightning upon the enemies of freedom.
John Meads, Esq. a guest. Stanwix Hall--The new temple of St. Nicholas--May it always hereafter be toasted, yet never be burnt.
Rensselaer Schuyler, Esq. of Saratoga county. The prince of Orange--May he ever be successful in guarding the liberty of his country, and expelling English pensioners from the soil of his ancestors.
C. W. Groesbeeck. The Dutchmen of Albany. May they emulate the improvements and spirit of the age.
J. Blunt, Esq. of New York. Dutch Hospitality--As warm hearted in its welcome of the stranger here, as when it sheltered the exiled Pilgrims in the father land.
P. V. Shankland. The city of Albany--Its inhabitants exhibiting the unwearied industry, and practical sagacity, associated with the ancient name of Beverwyck, proudly point to their present prosperity, as the result of these qualities.
S. F. B. Morse, Esq. of New York. Holland--The hospitable asylum of the Puritans, and the land of Reubens and Van Dyck: descendants of the former, and admirers of the latter, may well connect with thanks for present hospitalities, grateful recollection of the generosity of the Vaderland.
C. C. Sebring, esq. of New York. The pilgrim voyagers in the Goede Vrouw, who, under the patronage of St. Nicholas, laid the foundations of this great states--may their descendants ever be as celebrated for their probity and social virtues, as they are for their enterprising public spirit.
Wm. Smith. Integrity, the pride of our ancestors--May our children imbibe their principles.
C. A. Ten Eyck. The St. Nicholas Society--Not the least among the societies of this republic, for out of thee may yet be called a ruler to preside over the people.
L. Cruttenden. The St. Nicholas Benevolent Society of the city of Albany--It has caused many tears of joy to flow, by wiping the tears of sorrow from the eyes of the widow and the fatherless.
Adjutant General Hubbell. The memory of Count Van Polanen--A noble and learned Dutchman, who represented his country with honor in the four quarters of the globe, and retired to this land of liberty to spend the evening of his life.-- He died, during the present year, at Bridgeport, in the state of Connecticut, a true friend to freedom, to literature and to the christian religion.
Doct. Peter Wendell.-- May our strong predilections in favour of Dutch Presidents continue, and increase until their benign and salutary influence shall be felt and acknowledged from Georgia to Maine, and from the Atlantic to the Mississippi.
Herman Gansevoort, of Saratoga county. The memory of Col. Marinus Willett, a patriot and soldier of the revolution.
Cornelius Egberts. The memory of the brave Van Speyk.
W. W. Groesbeck. May Dutchmen never forget to celebrate the annual festival of St. Nicholas.
Silas C. Herring. Stanwix Hall--Its granite walls are no unfit emblem of the enduring glory of the hero of Fort Stanwix.
George Brinckerhoof. Unhappy Poland--She claims and has our sympathies.
H. H. Martin. Our Dutch Vice President, Martin Van Buren.--At the anniversary of St. Nicholas in 1837, may he be smoking his pipe in the "east room" at Washington.
J. F. Porter. The memory of Daniel D. Tompkins.--[Drunk standing.]
William Seymour. The Messrs. Gansevoort, descendants of a revolutionary patriot, (and one of that noble phalanx of Dutch patriots,) they have displayed an enterprizing spirit worthy their illustrious ancestor, in erecting this magnificent edifice, which, while it adorns the city and affords the most splendid accommodations to the St. Nicholas Society, also hands down to posterity the birth place of the Hero of Fort Stanwix.
Cornelius Ten Broeck. The late Peter Van Schaack of Kinderhook.--His name is a proud one among those of "our fathers in the law."
J. Rhoades. Martin Van Buren, our Dutch Vice President.--The ides of November, 1836, will purge all sin from his title.
Isaac W. Staats. The memory of Col. Richard Varick, a patriot of our glorious revolution.--He lived rich in the esteem of his fellow citizens, and full of good works he has departed, ripe in years and rich in faith: Let such men not be forgotten.
A. M. Strong. Dutch character.--But another name for Industry and Integrity.
W. H. Staats. The memory of DeWitt Clinton.
"Bright eye'd genius mourns a brilliant gem
Torn rudely from its sparkling diadem."
S. S. Benedict. Dutch Girls--The fairest and rarest among the daughters of men.
After the President had retired, Albert Gallup gave--
Our venerable fellow citizen, Abraham Van Vechten--A Dutchman of the old school, admired for his talents, revered for his virtues--[Received with cheers.]
Dr. A. Groesbeck. The Dutchman's Pipe--"May its shadow never be the less."
D. P. Marshall. The city of Albany--Founded by the Dutch--may it continue to the latest posterity to sustain a population as prosperous and happy as were the families of its founders and their immediate descendants.
Charles N. Bleecker. The Dutchmen of the old school--Practical illustrations of the fact that these are "piping times of peace."
Wm. H. Fondey. The Torch of Science--Which hath lighted to the Escurial the Philips and the Alvas of the earth.
H. Ames. The citizens of Albany, and her sons in the councils of the nation--May their efforts be united in the removal of the deposites from the Overslaugh.
By a guest. Knickerbacker and other venerable Dutch names--May we always know how to spell them, and thus prove that we are not ignorant of their origin and signification.
Stephen Groesbeck, Esq. of Watervliet, being called upon for a toast, addressed the chair as follows.
We have this evening recurred to some of the most brilliant instances recorded in the history of the past. Let us not, however, forget one instance in our own age, which is yet too recent to appear on the page of history, but which will surely be written there in the fairest and most indelible characters. But a short time has elapsed, wince a veteran general in the service of Holland, with a mere handful of men, successfully resisted the combined forces of two nations, immediately greater than his own, until his provisions and ammunition were exhausted, his last fortification leveled to the earth, and his last magazine dismantled. His brave but ineffectual resistance was far more glorious than the victory obtained by his enemies. He is, I believe, still living, to receive the just tribute of universal respect and admiration. I propose, sir,
General Chasse--the heroic defender of the city of Antwerp.
Charles B. Lansing. The phlegmatic character of the Dutchman, lost in imparting his hospitality.
Mr. Pruyn. The Fair--Our guardian angels.--In childhood we are nursed by their care--in youth our characters are formed by their influence--in manhood our joys and sorrows are sanctified by their participation of our lot. With grateful affection we say--Love to them all.
J. P. Bradstreet. The present festival an appropriate christening to the monument of the illustrious defender of Fort Stanwix.
W. H. De Witt. The Sons of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Schiedam and the other Dams of Holland--may their known valor and patriotism always form an impervious Dam to the enemies of their country's rights.
J. G. Mather. I will give you the Saint Nicholas Society--it is National, and it is rational, for it cultivates one of the most endearing ties of humanity--a respect and love for 'Home, Sweet Home.'
P. H. Ostrander. The memory of our illustrious Washington--The greatest and best of men. His character, like the pyramids of Egypt, will forever stand the unrivalled object of our admiration.
John Knower. The Dikes of Holland--A lasting monument of the energy and perseverance of the Dutch.
D. B. Slingerland. The genius of temperance which sheds its balmy influence over our western hemisphere--May its healthful blessings visit all the nations of the earth.
R. V. De Witt, read an extract from a letter from James Stevenson, Esq. one of the members of the society now in Europe, referring to the hospitality he had received from Mr. Matthiesen, residing in the vicinity of Haerlem.
The health of Mr. Matthiesen was then drunk, followed by that of Mr. Stevenson.
Henry Bleecker, Jr. The revolution of the seven Provinces--As the character of their people was mild and pacific, their achievements of valor were brilliant, as the yoke of tyranny had been cruel and oppressive, their emancipation was glorious.
Wm. E. Bleecker. The history of Holland--As a record of events, it is a repository of wonders: as a biography of a nation, a monument of glory.
J. C. Van Schoonhoven. St. Nicholas--May the name ever be reverenced by the descendants of Dutchmen.
A. M. Slingerland: Mr. President--Sir: It gives me pleasure to have the opportunity, on this occasion, to pay a small tribute of respect to a class of men, well deserving to be remembered at our anniversary festivals. I allude, sir, to the Horticulturalists of Holland. We have, with true national pride, toasted the Patriots, the Statesmen, and the Jurists, and it is very gratifying that we can, with propriety, refer back to our ancestors, and find men of heroism, of wisdom, and of learning, fully equal to any other nation in the world.--But sir, when I consider Holland, renowned as a garden of flowers, and that we annually import from her shores, some of the finest bulbous roots, from the small crocuses and snow flakes, which shoot forth from the earth as soon as the snow leaves us in the spring, together with the beautiful tints and delightful flavor of the hyacinths, the various and glowing colors of the tulips, the splendid and much admired peoneas, the lofty crown imperial, and many other varieties, all beautiful, and many of them very fragrant, we must acknowledge that we receive a treat from the labors of those men, which is not only delightful but highly gratifying. I think, sir, of all recreations the cultivation of fruits and flowers is one which ought to be the most encouraged; and every rank of people, from the humble cottager, with his favorite geraniums and marygolds, to the lady of fashion, with her more tender exotics, equally enjoy flowers as a gratification. Indeed, of all luxurious indulgences, the cultivation of flowers is the most innocent; and they are of all embellishments the most beautiful. I therefore give you, sir,
Holland--The land of Flower Gardens;
Her Horticulturists--Men of correct taste.
Dr. J. F. Townsend. The industry of our ancestors--Exemplified in their habits of patient thinking, laborious attention, and close application.
P. Carmichael. Virtue, wisdom and patriotism, the chief materials in a Dutchman's character.
John C. Staats. Henry Hudson--May his memory be cherished as long as the noble stream which wafted the adventurer to this happy shore, shall wear his name and roll in its mighty channel.
Mr. Whale being called upon, remarked that at the moment he could think of no sentiment of his own worthy of offering, and therefore begged the company to accept one which he had somewhere seen in rhyme.
When nature, yet unskilled, 'tis said,
Contrived of man the cunning art,
She formed at first the Yankee'shead,
And moulded then the Dutchman'sheart.
L. Fidler. Dutch Supper--A cognomen significant of intellectual banqueting, and delicious feasting.
By a Guest. The memory of Rip Van Winkle--He being dead yet "sleepeth."
H. H. Martin. Stanwix Hall--A noble monument of Dutch enterprise--May it never be rent in twain, but may it sustain the rents made by time, and in time may its rents sustain it.
From Giles F. Yates, Esq. of Schenectady--Holandesche Aenelach--Tot welcken wy lieden danckbearlyck verbonden syne, voor het eersten, upbouwen der steden Beverwyck, Nieuw Amsterdam en Schachnachtada, tusschen de jaren 1610 en 1617, by onsen voorouderen. Zegenigen tot Haren gedachtenesse!
Translation. Dutch Enterprise--To it we are indebted for the settlement between the years 1610 and 1617 of the three cities, Albany, New York, and Schenectady. Blessed be the memories of their founders!
Dr. B. P. Staats. The sons of St Nicholas at Fort Stanwix in 1777, and at Stanwix Hall in 1833--The former shook the bush and endured real pain. The latter caught the birds and have champagne.
By a Guest. The commercial prosperity of our happy country, the best evidence of a well regulated government.
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