that have long since passed away, to revive pleasurable 

 events in the recollections of surviving members and as- 

 sociates, or to interest the present or future generations, 

 by reminiscences of an entertaining historical character. 

 The observation peculiarly applies to our own social in- 

 stitutions, originating as most of them did in our national 

 infancy, by emigrants to the land of freedom, froni for- 

 eign climes. Withoutany invidious distinction of country 

 or religion, they amalgamated like brethren in a bond of 

 harmonious intercourse, and consecrated the social union, 

 by the cultivation and exercise of friendly offices and 

 dispositions, in the ordinary pursuits of life. In a newly 

 settled colony, sparsely populated, or its settlers scattered, 

 men of trade or business are in some measure dependent 

 on each other in ordinary dealing. Mutual assistance and 

 patronage, usually results in mutual convenience and ben- 

 efit. Prosperity crowned honest industry, and wealth and 

 happiness were dift'used through the land . An honorable 

 spirit of independence then prevailed amongst our high 

 minded ancestors, who afterwards became the conserva- 

 tors, defenders and preservers, of the national blessings 

 we enjoy. When by their heroic exertions the colonial 

 bonds were cancelled, many were the friendly associa- 

 tions pre-existing in the times of peace, which survived 

 not the storms of war. From various causes they ceased 

 longer to exist, from the turbulence of the times, the in- 

 vasion of our country, and the consequent dispersion of 

 associates destined never to meet again. 



