HISTORICAL RECORD.
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Maine:
Dec. 22.—Meeting of the Maine Historical Society in Portland, President James W. Bradbury in the chair. A communication from Curtis M. Sawyer, of Mechanics Falls, called attention to the fact that traces of Indian settlements in Maine are now disappearing, and suggested that some means should be taken to mark sites of Indian villages and shell-heaps. The Rev. Henry O. Thayer read a paper on Popham colony. E. H. Elwell read a paper on the "British View of the Ashburton Treaty, and the Northeastern Boundary Question;" the Hon. Joseph Williamson on "The Rumored French Invasion of Maine in 1798;" the Rev. Dr. Burrage on "Additional Facts concerning George Waymouth;" Dr. Charles E. Banks on "The Administration of William Gorges from 1636 to 1637." The original diploma of the Society of the Cincinnati, signed by George Washington and General Knox, was exhibited by Thomas L. Talbot. B. F. Stevens, of London, who has for many years collected documents relating to the Revolution, and negotiations of that period, requested that the attention of Congress be called to these manuscripts, and an effort be made to have the government purchase them. It was voted to refer the matter to a standing committee with power. It was also voted that the subject relating to the limits of Indian towns be left to a standing committee.
Massachusetts:
Dec. 21.—Forefather's Day was appropriately celebrated in many places. At Plymouth, addresses were delivered by Hon. Thomas Russell, President of the Pilgrim Society, James Russell Lowell, Rev. George E. Ellis, D. D., Dr. Henry M. Dexter, Judge Charles Levi Woodbury, and others.
Dec. 22.—Dedication of new public library building in Chelsea, the gift of Eustace C. Fitz. An eloquent dedicatory address was delivered by James Russell Lowell.
Dec. 24.—Streets of Lawrence lighted for the first time by the incandescent electric light.