162 



Now is past Oppression's night ; 



Breaks the coming morn ! 

 Look, behold the morning star 

 Freedom's pathway gilds afar ; 

 While behind her conquering car, 



See a Nation born ! 



Dr. Wheatland then introduced Abner C. Goodell, 

 Jr., Esq., Vice President of the Historical Department, 

 who proceeded to deliver an elaborate and most admi- 

 rable oration on the subject of the commemoration, which 

 was attentively listened to, and at various points emphati- 

 cally applauded. This valuable contribution to our his- 

 torical literature, in which was given a minute history of 

 the occurrences which led to the meeting whose one hun- 

 dredth anniversary the society had met to celebrate, will 

 soon be published in the "Historical Collections" of the 

 Institute, and be accessible to all who take an interest in 

 the great events here transacted and commemorated. 



Mr. Goodell first drew from the Greek mythology a 

 parallel between the story of the Greek founder of Athens 

 and the genius of independence in creating the harmo- 

 nious confederation of States. He followed this with a 

 review of the relations existing between Great Britain and 

 the American colonies one hundred years ago, especially 

 what took place in Salem at that time — the removal of 

 the General Court, etc. Speaking of this court, he said, 

 When the whole Assembly met here in June, the upper 

 room was the hall of the representatives. The council 

 chamber may have been below, or more likely in the old 

 tavern opposite, on the site now covered by the Stearns 

 Building; while the governor, doubtless, had rooms not 

 far distant, or possibly he may have remained at his head- 

 quarters in Dan vers. On this occasion ; viz., in October, 

 the whole body of legislators, consisting of the assembled 



