47 



long and protracted voyages. The nucleus then formed in 

 1799, by gradual accretions became the world-renowned 

 museum of the East India Marine Society. This museum, 

 and the scientific collections of the Institute, have recently 

 been rearranged in the East India Marine Hall, under the 

 direction of the trustees of the Peabody Academy of 

 Science, and opened to the public, free, six days in the 

 week. 



The portraits on these walls, the old relics in the cabi- 

 nets, the frame of the first building erected for the first 

 church in Salem, cared for and placed in good condition 

 for preservation by the kindness and liberality of our late 

 President, Francis Peabody, are alike suggestive of topics 

 for consideration ; but time will not permit me to dwell 

 longer. 



In 1638, Emmanuel Downing, of the Inner Temple, 

 London, came to Salem, where he lived several years in 

 great esteem, often representing the town in the General 

 Court. His dwelling was on or near this spot, in the 

 middle of an estate comprising some four acres. His 

 wife was a sister of Gov. Winthrop. His son George, a 

 lad of about fourteen summers, was preparing, under the 

 tuition of Rev. John Fisk, to enter the college, where he 

 graduated in the first class in 1642. This son then went 

 to England, entered into CromwelFs service and became 

 highly distinguished. Was his (Cromwell's) minister to 

 the Hague, and afterwards held the same situation under 

 Charles II, from whom he received a baronetcy ; united 

 with "the blood of all the Howards," by marrying Fran- 

 ces, sister of the first Earl of Carlisle. A grandson, Sir 

 George Downing, dying in 1747, left a large bequest 

 (150,000) for the founding of Downing College, in 

 Cambridge, England. 



Ann, the youngest daughter of Emmanuel, came into 



