CORRESPONDENCE. NEWTON, March 22, 1876. TO HIS EXCELLENCY ALEX. H. RICE, Governor of the State of Massachusetts. Sir, - In behalf of the City Government of the City of Newton, and in accordance with what we know to be the wishes of a large number of our citizens, we most respectfully solicit your attendance at the celebration which the City Government propose to have on the evening of the 17th of June, next at 7.30. The occasion will be to endeavor to duly honor the memory and the deeds of the noble men who, one hundred years ago, on the 17th of June, 1776, in town meeting assembled, passed the following vote: "That in case the Continental Congress should, for the safety of the American Colonies, declare them independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain, whether the inhabitants of the town will solemnly engage with their lives and fortunes to support them in the measure." It was passed by a unanimous vote. As a justly honored son of Newton, your presence will be most heartily welcomed; and we are well assured that the inspiration will not be wanting to give you utterance fitting the occasion. G. D. GILMAN, JAMES F. EDMANDS, J. STURGIS POtter, D. S. SIMPSON, RUFUS MOULTON, Joint Special Committee of Arrangements. ! COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS, &c. Gentlemen, — I have received your valued favor of the 22d inst., and beg to say that I expect to enjoy the pleasure of being with you in my native Newton on the coming 17th of June, and I shall permit nothing but necessity to prevent me from carrying out that purpose. I am, my dear sirs, with great respect, Yours very truly, ALEX. H. RICE. WEST NEWTON, March 22, 1876. TO THE HON. JAMES F. C. HYDE, ex-Mayor of Newton. Dear Sir, In behalf of the committee of the City Government of Newton, we respectfully invite you to address our citizens assembled at Eliot Hall, Ward 7, on the evening of June 17 next, at 7.30. The occasion will be the one hundredth anniversary of passing the vote by the inhabitants of the then town, in town meeting assembled, pledging their lives and fortunes in support of "Independence." But so recently associated with the City Government, after years of service in town affairs, and ever ready with heart and hand for the best interests of our beloved municipality, we confidently hope for your acquiescence to the wishes of our people. I have the honor to be for the Committee, yours truly, G. D. GILMAN, Chairman. NEWTON HIGHLANDS, April 10, 1876. TO MESSRS. G. D. GILMAN, JAMES F. EDMANDS, J. STURGIS POTTER, D. S. SIMPSON, and RUFUS MOULTON, Esqs. Gentlemen,-Yours of March 22 was duly received, inviting me to address the City Government and citizens of Newton on the evening of June 17 next. I accept the invitation in the kindly spirit in which it is extended to me, hoping I may be able to meet your expectations, and present some matters of interest in the history of my native town. With kind regards, I am yours truly, JAMES F. C. HYDE. |