Generation
"With one or two exceptions, I have out lived all my contemp- oraries, relatives and friends.
Joseph Darling, Esq. of the class of 1777 and classmate Hon. Elizur Goodrich, D.D.L., are now living in the city. I am oldest of the three.
The former Treasurer, of dear Yale, the venerable Deacon Beers, is several years my senior.
More than three score years ago three Brothers, in good health were daily looking and expecting to see me sink into the grave. I was struggling with a violent cough and disordered lungs. But, I remain a monument of mercy "A wonder to many!" A wonder to myself!
In my 90th year, 63rd of wedded life. Read and write more, than in any former time, without the aid of glasses.
I an the only survivor of my Father's numerous family. Mrs. M. is the only one living of her Father's family and is closing her 85th year.
My connection with College was in 1775. In days that "tried men's souls"--in time of the Revolution.
A war spirit prevailed in all the old 13--Patriotism, warmed the hearts of free born sons of Yale. Fired with the news of the death of their countrymen at Lexington, 100 of her sons marshalled for fight, rush to Boston and I see an old gentleman point his cane and hear him say: "What do you think Gage will say, when he knows that a hundred men from Yale college are come to fight him!"
"The upper classes, in the interval of studies, are on the lower green, with their music practising, marching, meneuvering--- ---
Soon after my acquaintance with Alma Mater, Col. Ira Allen of Vermont, brought the good news of the capture of the fort of St. John. A thrill of joy pervades the city and the College. Cannon are ordered out. 13 thunders, one for each State, tell the heart- felt joy. At the last fire, the Colonel, soldier-like, leaped on the cannon--swung his hat and cried aloud: "God save the Continental Congress--three cheers!" Oh, they were given to the life.
The war occupied too much of the students mind. And such was exposed state of College, while at New Haven, that it was dispersed into several towns in the interior of the State for two or three years, to the great disadvantage of the students. Classes (1776, 1777-78-79) had no public Commencement.
In the summer term of '78--College returned. President Stiles was inducted into office and took charge of the Seminary.
July, 1779. Tryon and Traitor Arnold with three or four thous- and British troops enter New Haven.
Night before, at 9 o'clock an alarm was fired; again at 1, which put the town in the utmost consternation. That night and next day, exhibited such excruciating distress among the women and children as I hope and pray I never again witness.
The students request the selectmen of the town to furnish them with arms to meet the enemy, but are not able. 3 of my class obtain arms and go out with Capt. Hillhouse and the Guards--David Austin and Elizur Goodrich are wounded. Austin brings in a prisoner. After Rev'd D. Austin. Hon. Elizur Goodrich was a Captain and Dr. Nesbit pronounced his wound mortal.
After being one night in town, they cross next morning to East
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