his "Sketches of American History " written in 1785. The lines which I quote are certainly better history than poetry: "Good fortune, Vespucius, pronounced thee her own, Or else to mankind thou hadst scarcely been known - It is unnecessary to pursue the topic much further. The name was speedily associated with many objects and subjects, natural, civil, and political, as well as literary. The first time it appeared in legislation was in the law of the State of New York giving the name of Columbia to King's College in 1784. Two years later (April 4, 1786), a new county was set off from Albany County, and established with the name of Columbia County. Since that time the name is legion, scattered throughout the land "Thick as autumnal leaves that strow the brooks In Vallombrosa." The Hon. ROBERT C. WINTHROP alluded to a note which he had received in reference to an elaborate picture of Niagara Falls, which represented it as it was sixty-two years ago. The writer of the note wished to dispose of the picture, which had been painted on canvas in oil by his father; but Mr. Winthrop thought that it ought to be purchased by the State of New York, which now had charge of that region, or, better still, that a museum should be established in connection with the Niagara Falls Park, and that this, together with all other views illustrating the same subject, should be deposited there for all coming time. Mr. JENKS said: I have here a photograph presented to this Society at its last meeting, which I think you will agree with me deserves more notice than the mere mention of the donor's name; and perhaps some here will be glad to have their attention called to it, and to take the opportunity to look at it, for it is a representation of the flag under which the minute-men of Bedford marched to Concord fight. It is of red silk, about two feet square, not far (as nearly as I can remember from having seen it borne in processions once or twice) from the size of, and in general appearance resembling, the celebrated Eutaw Springs flag, which is held with such pride and affection by the Washington Light Infantry Company of Charleston, South Carolina; and it seems a pleasing coincidence that there should be in existence, and carefully preserved, two flags of such a nature, one borne in the first battle of the Revolution, and the other carried in one of its latest conflicts. The device on the flag is a mailed hand, extended out of what appears to be intended for a cloud, and grasping a dagger or small sword. Three large silver balls are on different parts of the surface, and the whole is partially encircled by a scroll bearing the motto, "Vince aut morire." Perhaps some of our members more familiar with heraldry may explain the significance of the bearings, and tell us more about this flag. It has been kept in the family of the Ensign. John Page, who bore it to Concord, and on the 19th of October, of this year, was presented to the town of Bedford by his grandson, now in his eighty-fifth year. The long staff to which it is attached shows plainly that it was a cavalry flag; and it is said to have been carried in the French and Indian war by a cavalry company, largely or entirely made up from this town, in which, I believe, the same Page had been ensign. When the minute-men were summoned to go to Concord, he came, and naturally brought with him the flag he had borne before; and under it they marched to the fight. This flag and the event with which it is connected have a special interest for me, because the house before which the minute-men assembled, supposed to be the oldest now standing in the village of Bedford, had been opened some years before by my great-grandfather as a tavern, and has remained for over a hundred years in his family (in the same name of Fitch); and it is reported that Jonathan Wilson, their captain, having drawn them up in line, addressed them, saying, Boys, we will give you a cold breakfast, but before night we will give the British a hot supper." 66 |