105 



enjoyment. The party went by the train leaving Boston 

 at 7.30, and on arrival at Newburyport were met by 

 Messrs. Brown and Crane, a committee of the Amesbury 

 and Salisbury Historical Society, who had come thus far 

 to welcome them and to escort them to their destination. 

 On arrival at the Salisbury station, guides were found in 

 readiness to accompany those who desired to visit the 

 Indian shell heaps, which were more accessible from that 

 point than from the one at Amesbury. On arrival at the 

 end of the route, many of the leading citizens had assem- 

 bled and extended a cordial reception. The party then 

 separated into groups, and sallied forth in charge of 

 trustworthy guides to visit various objects of interest 

 abounding in the vicinity. Many who had been long 

 familiar with the writings of the distinguished poet, JOHN 

 G. WHITTIER, now for the first time saw his cheerful 

 face ; and his home, and the unpretending meeting-house 

 where he worships, were among the objects sought with a 

 feeling akin to veneration by those who have admired his 

 touching word pictures in simple verse. The extensive 

 woollen mills and the flourishing carriage manufactories 

 attracted much attention, and the general appearance of 

 thrift and industry was a subject of commendation. Sev- 

 eral of the churches and school-houses were also objects 

 of interest. The woods, swamps and ponds were pecu- 

 liarly attractive, and were visited by many. A large 

 company ascended Powow Hill, said to be the highest 

 land in the county, and were well repaid for their toil by 

 the extensive views in all directions. With the unaided 

 eye four states can be clearly seen, and with a powerful 

 glass the mountain peaks of the Green and White rajiges 

 can be readily discerned. 



Shortly after one o'clock the party repaired to Merri- 

 mac Hall, where the ladies of Amesbury had prepared 



