from our pulpits large and respectable assemblies on the subject of temperance. His addresses were received with universal approbation, and his unceasing efforts in the temperance cause, have been productive of such astonishing results, as to entitle him to the highest honor. By his influence, chiefly, more than 1000 names were inscribed here on the paper pledging themselves to abstain from the use of ardent spirits, and to discourage the practice in others. A temperance society has recently been formed in this town. The promotion of temperance has long been an object of solicitude among most of the inhabitants of this town, and they have wisely attended to the awful desolations of intemperance, and in the great work of reformation which is now extending around us. Most decided is our opinion that this alarming evil is only to be suppressed by a general union in the means of entire abstinence from all ardent spirits, as a drink, or as an auxiliary to labor. It is auspicious to our community, that it has pleased Heaven to bless us with the temperance reformation. It may be presumed that the consumption of ardent spirits is diminished not less than three fourths within the last seven years, and in the same diminished proportion is life sacrificed, health, happiness, and domestic comfort destroyed, and the character and morals of our fellow men impaired by the practice of intemperance. Long may it be our happy condition that our temperance societies may meet with the co-operation of all classes of people in their efforts to improve the health of the community, to promote the industry and the means of living of individuals, to increase their self-respect and love of character, and to give a new impulse to the domestic virtues in the private relations of life. Formerly there were two rum distilleries in this town, producing large quantities of New England rum, from which the neighboring towns were supplied with the fiery element, and considerable quantities were sent to the southern states annually. One of these houses was located where Mr. Gale's long house now stands, and the other occupied the lot now vacant, adjoining the lot of Mr. William Holmes. This was taken down in 1814, and we hope never to see another erected. It is a matter of gratulation that there is so great a combination against intemperance throughout our country. It is truly honorable to all who enlist in this holy warfare; and may God grant that every effort, calculated to annihilate the practice of inebriation, may be crowned with success. The Old Colony Peace Society hold their meetings occasionally in this town. There is also a Debating Society in town. The ladies have for about fifteen years sustained a Fragment Society, much to their honor, having afforded essential benefit and relief to many poor and destitute families, bestowing charity to the poor, and are friends to the friendless. Banks. The Plymouth Bank was incorporated June 23d, 1804, capital $100,000; first president, was Hon. William Sever of Kingston, after him Hon. William Davis, at present, Barnabas Hedge, Esq. First Cashier, William Goodwin, at present, Nathaniel Goodwin. Plymouth Institution for Savings, president, Barnabas Hedge; treasurer, Allen Danforth, office at Plymouth Bank. Deposit day, first Tuesday of every month. Amount of deposits in 1833, $100,000. Old Colony Bank, incorporated in February, 1832, capital $100,000; president, Jacob Covington; cashier, Ebenezer G. Parker. The following is a list of those gentlemen who have delivered discourses in the town on the anniversary of the arrival of our Forefathers. Those marked with an asterisk, (*) have not been printed. 1769, First celebration by Old Colony Club. 1770, Second celebration by Old Colony Club. 1771, Third celebration by Old Colony Club. 1772, Rev. Chandler Robbins-For Old Colony Club. 1773, Rev. Charles Turner-For Old Colony Club. By the town and by the first parish. 1774, Rev. Gad Hitchcock, Pembroke. 1775, Rev. Samuel Baldwin, Hanover, 1776, Rev. Sylvanus Conant, Middleborough, 1777, Rev. Samuel West, Dartmouth. 1779, Rev. William Shaw, Marshfield.* 1780, Rev. Jonathan Moor, Rochester.* From this time the public observances of the day were suspended, till 1794, Rev. Chandler Robbins, D. D. of Plymouth. 1795, 1796, Private Celebration. 1797, 1798, Dr. Zaccheus Bartlett, Plymouth, Oration.* 1799, The day came so near that appointed for the ordination of Rev. Mr. Kendall, that it was not celebrated by a public discourse. 1800, John Davis, Esq., Boston, Oration.* 1801, Rev. John Allyn, D. D., Duxbury. 1806, Rev. Abiel Holmes, D. D., Cambridge. 1820, Daniel Webster, Esq., Boston, by Pilgrim Society. 1824, Professor Edward Everett, Cambridge, by Pilgrim Society. 1831, Rev. John Brazer, Salem, by First Parish in Plymouth. The following anniversaries were commemorated by the third parish in Plymouth. 1826, Rev. Richard S. Storrs, Braintree. 1827, Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D., Boston. 1828, Rev. Samuel Green, Boston. 1829, Rev. Daniel Huntington, Bridgewater, 1830, Rev. Benjamin Wisner, D. D., Boston. 1831, Rev. John Codman, D. D., Dorchester. 1832, Rev. Convers Francis of Watertown for the First Parish. Rev. Mr. Bigelow, of Rochester, for the third Parish. 1833, Rev. Mr. Barrett of Boston, for the first Parish. 1834, Rev. G. W. Blagden of Boston, for the Pilgrim Society. Hail, Pilgrim Fathers of our race! We'll pay due honors to your urns. ODE FOR THE 22D OF DECEMBER. BY HON. JOHN DAVIS. Composed for the Anniversary Festival at Plymouth, in the year 1794. SONS of renowned Sires, Dwell on your tongues. From frowning Albion's seat, Blue tumbling billows roar, By yon wave-beaten Rock, Collected stand; To seek some sheltering grove, Dear pledges of their love Not winter's sullen face, In arms array'd; Not hunger shook their faith Their souls dismay'd |