your corrupt natural liberties, and will do what is good in your own eyes, you will not endure the least weight of authority, but will murmur, and oppose, and be always striving to shake off that yoke; but, if you will be satisfied to enjoy such civil and lawful liberties, such as Christianity allows you, then you will quietly and cheerfully submit unto that authority which is set over you, in all the administrations of it, for your good. Wherein, if we fail at any time, we hope we shall be willing (by God's assistance) to hearken to good advice from any of you, or in any other way of God; so shall your liberties be preserved, in upholding the honour and power of authority amongst you.' What an admirable description is this of genuine American liberty! Certain noblemen at home, among whom were the lords Say and Sele, and lord Brooke, offered to the consideration of those colonists a few proposals, as conditions of their own removing to New England. They first required, "That the commonwealth should consist of two distinct ranks of men, whereof the one should be for them and their heirs, gentlemen of the country, the other for them and their heirs, freeholders." To this they reply: "Two distinct ranks we willingly acknowledge, from the light of nature and Scripture; the one of them called Princes, or Nobles, or Elders, (amongst whom gentlemen have their place), the other the people. Hereditary dignity or honors we willingly allow to the former, unless by the scandalous and base conversation of any of them, they become degenerate. Hereditary liberty, an estate of freemen, we willingly allow to the other, unless they also, by some unworthy and slavish carriage, do disfranchise themselves." Thus far was agreed. But when it was urged, that civil offices should be bestowed on persons of this rank, as such, and on their posterity, the reply was decidedly, though respectfully given in the negative; and, though it was their intention and practice to choose their governor "out of the rank of gentlemen," they stated that personal qualifications, "a spirit and gifts fit for government must be the foundation of their choice. "And thus," says (another of our respected fellow-laborers) the able historian of the United States, "the proposition for establishing hereditary nobility was defeated." What a happy escape for us! But, though a legal aristocracy was not established or countenanced by our Puritan Fathers, human differences, as we have seen, and the decencies of civil life were carefully regarded. Not only is there an express recognition of them, but respect was actually paid to them. Nor should it be otherwise. For it cannot be denied, that there are and must be distinctions among men. Could you equalize their external conditions to-day, these would be altered to-morrow. Families differ in character also. And races of men differ. Their moral sentiments, intellectual powers and animal propensities vary, to say the least. They may all, nevertheless, have and enjoy their title to civil liberty, and in the eye of the law are equal. Yet in the constant bickerings concerning aristocracy and democracy, let us ever remember, that there are other aristocracies besides those which are established by mere law. We have them among ourselves, nor could we well be without them. Possession of office creates for a time, at least, one class of aristocrats for they would not be invested with it, if their partizans did not reckon them among the "best men. Wealth is another form *See Winthrop's Journal, vol. ii. † See the Hutchinson Collection of Papers. felt everywhere among us, but having no authority by law. The mystic ballot-box is a decided leveller; and the poor man's vote counts as does that of the man of millions. Family, family, I repeat, even among ourselves, constitutes another class, and establishes its own circle-and what unqualified individual would wish to intrude, or be permitted with any personal comfort if he did? It is happy, in fact, that there are incitements to excellence, if that be the avenue to the favored coterie. Eminent talents and acquirements, too, constitute an aristocracy. And who more noble, than those whom we customarily style "the nobles of nature?" In fact, whatever creates distinction has the effect to produce, while it lasts, the aristocracy whose existence among us we cannot deny. And even grace, and elegance, and beauty claim the honor, and it is granted by young and old, most cheerfully. We are embarked, my friends, on "the tempestuous sea of liberty." And we may say to our cherished Massachusetts, to New England, to our blessed country-in the words of the poet, but slightly altered "Through the wild waves, as they roar, INTERESTING GEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES.-The workmen employed in making excavations for the proposed improvements at the Upper Water Shops in this city, made a discovery on Monday of last week, which promises to be of great value to the geological world. In preparing the foundations for the new buildings, it was found necessary to penetrate a considerable depth of red sandstone, which in this valley is remarkable for its fossil footprints, and here, at about six feet below the surface, a piece of rock was turned up, found to contain a number of fragments of petrified bones, some of which formed a complete bone eight inches in length and about an inch in diameter. Subsequently other fossiliferous rocks were found, containing similar bony fragments. The bones that have been exhumed thus far have been examined by President Hitchcock, of Amherst, Lieut. Benton, and others, and are regarded as portions of a skeleton, whether of bird or reptile is not yet known. If of the former the discovery will be of the highest value, as it will tend to convert European savans who are loth to agree with President Hitchcock in his conclusions relative to the formations of the Connecticut valley, because, as they claim, no bones have yet been discovered to establish his theory based on the "bird-tracks." The whole matter, however, is to be investigated by Mr. Hitchcock, and Profs. Agassiz, of Cambridge, and Silliman, of New Haven. In addition to the above, other interesting petrifactions have been exhumed; among them two eels each about two feet long, and several leaves perfect even to a minute representation of the fibres and stems.-Springfield Republican, 15 Oct. 1855. CROWFOOT.-Mr. John Crowfoot of Springfield went to bed the Night following the 20th of March [1727] as well as he had been for some years, but dy'd in the Night, as is supposed, in an Epiliptick Fit.-N. Eng. Week. Jour. 17 April. INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE JAMAICA PLAIN BURIAL GROUND IN WEST ROXBURY, MASS., BEING THE WHOLE NUMBER THEREIN CONTAINED. [Copied by LUTHER M. HARRIS, M. D.] Samuel Keyes died Oct. 26, 1785, aged 9 weeks. In memory of Mary Woods, Daught. of Mr. George Woods & Wife, who died Apl. 17, 1795; aged 5 years and 6 months. In memory of Mr. Sylvanus Woods, youngest son of Mr. George & Mrs. Dolly Woods, who died March 25, 1808; aged 17. In Memory of Mr. George Woods, obt Oct 15, 1815, Aged 73 years. George, son of Mr. Richard and Mrs. Mary Lethbridge, died Sept. 21, 1818, aged 5 mo. 14 da. In Memory of Mrs. Mary Lethbridge, wife of Mr. Richard Lethbridge, Who died Dec. 27, 1818, Æt. 32. In Memory of Mrs. Martha Ellis, Wife of Mr. Amasa Ellis; Who died Nov. 26, 1812. Erected in Memory of Mrs. Mary Harris, Wife of Mr. John Harris, who died May 7, 1814, in the 57th year of her age. In Memory of Mr. John Harris, born Oct. 1, Ö. S. 1750, died Dec. 5, 1831, in the 82d year of his age. In Memory of Mr. Robert Harris, who died April 8, 1826, Æt. 40. In memory of William Henry Cobleigh, who died Aug. 21, 1836, aged 17 years and 10 mo". In memory of Capt. Lemuel May, died Novr 19, 1805, Æ. 67. In memory of Miss Rebecca Goddard, Daughter of Mr. Samuel & Mrs. Joanna Goddard, who died March 26, 1798, in the 12th year of her age. Erected to the Memory of Mr. Lyman Springer, Who died Nov. 25th 1839, aged 32 years & 11 months. In memory of Mrs. Rosina Lawrence, wife of Mr. Reuben Lawrence, who died Dec. 3, 1842, aged 36 years. Also Hannah S., daughter of Reuben and Rosina Lawrence, who died Mar. 7, 1841, aged 8 years. In Memory of Mr. David White, who died April 28, 1816, aged 70 years. Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Margaret White, who died July 18, 1841, aged 92. Sacred to the Memory of Capt. Isaac Sturtevant of Roxbury, who died July 10, 1806, Æ. 66. In memory of Mrs. Rebecca Sturtevant, who died June 7, 1827, aged 69. Sacred to the memery of Betsey S. Gregory, who died Jan. 4, 1834, aged 17 years. Sacred to the memory of Sila Pierce, who died Oct. 13, 1837, aged 30. Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Esther Weld, wife of Mr. Thomas Weld, who died July 1, 1811, aged 56-and Mr. Thomas Weld, who died May 12, 1821, aged 70. In Memory of Mr. Samuel White, who died Sept. 8, 1793, Ætatis 52. In memory of Thomas W. Seaverns, son of Josiah & Rebecca Seaverns, who died January 29, 1802, aged 4 months. In memory of Mrs. Anna Winchester, wife of Mr. Gulliver Winchester, who died April 18, 1797, Ætatis 60. Erected in Memory of Mr. Gulliver Winchester, who died Nov. 12, 1811, Æt. 79. In Memory of Mr. Henry Winchester, who died June 12, 1801, Etatis 40. In memory of Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. William Holmes, who died Jan. 6, 1835, aged 50 years. In Memory of Mr. Charles Stimpson, died Aug. 15, 1800, aged 27 years. In Memory of Capt. John Gould, died Jan. 10, 1814, aged 41. In Memory of Mr. Royal Gould, died July 13, 1822, Aged 35. Sacred to the Memory of Mr. Lemuel Harring, Obit June 20, 1815, Æ. 20. John Payson died Jan. 14, 1819, aged 6 years. [On a tasteful marble monument.] Passed into the Superiour State, June 9, 1832, Frederick Chandler, Et. 40 years. Elizabeth N. Angus, Jan. 6, 1847, Et. 53. In memory of Frederick, son of Frederick & Elizabeth Chandler, who died Dec. 14, 1830, aged 13 years. In Memory of Mr. William Shepherd, who died Augt. 28, 1801, Æt. 38. In Memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Child, wife of Mr. Phineas Child, who died Sept. 28, 1800, Æ. 49. Sacred to the memory of Abigail Child, dau. of Mr. Phineas and Mrs. Elizabeth Child, who died May 10, 1795, aged 6 years. In memory of Mr. Phineas Child, who died March 17, 1813, aged 64. In memory of Mr. Joseph Cranch, who died Nov. 17, 1806, E. 60. In memory of Maria Vietch Cranch, E. 22, died May 29, 1810, of a lingering and painful disease, which she bore with almost unexampled patience. In Memory of Andrew Riddle, who died Dec. 14, 1830, aged 58 years. In memory of Jane Riddle, wife of Andrew Riddle, who died Sept. 18, 1830, aged 56. In memory of John Riddle, who died July 24, 1836, aged 29 years. Mrs. Margaret Smith died Sept. 25, 1812, aged 47. Henry J., son of Morris and Esther Millet, died Aug. 24, 1836, Æt. 2 years. In memory of Mrs. Zibiah Randall, wife of Mr. Abraham Randall, died Mar. 18, 1833, aged 78 years. In memory of Mr. Abraham Randall, who died April 7, 1834, aged 78 years. Joseph Randall, son of Mr. Abraham Randall, died Oct. 7, 1793, aged 14 months. Mary Jemerson died Aug. 31, 1839, aged 63 years-Louisa Jemerson died Oct. 15, 1844, aged 38 years. Wife and daughter of Wil liam Jemerson. [A monument-on one side of the shaft is inscribed-] A. P. H. died Apr. 3, 1836, aged 3 years and 9 months.-J. W. H. died July 7, 1842, aged 2 years, children of Mr. Abraham and Mrs. Emily Hodgdon. [On another side.] Sacred to the Memory of Mrs. Emily Hodgdon, wife of Mr. Abraham Hodgdon, who died July 1, 1843, aged 41 years. Sacred to the memory of John Fessenden, Esq., who died Nov. 16, 1845, aged 75 years. [Two monuments within an enclosure. On the shaft of one is inscribed-] Mary Ashton died Dec. 15, 1840. [On the other-] Sarah E. H. Ashton, wife of Benjamin Callender, died Feb. 3, 1848, aged 31 years. [On a marble slab within an inclosure is inscribed]— Williams. Those flowrets fair, so lately given, Have joined their Parent Rose-in Heaven. Ellen, aged 30. J. W., 14 m. J. S. W., 3 m. [The two next inscriptions were copied from head stones standing in open fields.] 1st. "In memory of Miss Sarah Druse, who died Dec. 23, 1792, aged 42 years." [She was the housekeeper and intended wife of the late Dea. Nathl. Weld. She died of natural small-pox. The Deacon had her buried on his own ground, about 30 rods from his house.] [On a marble slab standing in a field on the Boylston estate, about 20 rods from Boylston street.] 2d. "In memoria Doctoris Ludovici Leprilete, Mass. Med. Soc. Socii, Nati Nante in Gallia, Oct. 10, Anno Domin MDCCL. Obiit carcinomate in glandula prostata, Julii die 29, MDCCCIV. Etat suæ LIV. Celeberrimus in Chirurgia. Hic etiam, ejus filius solus Ludovicus Leprilete sepultus est, natus Jan. 12, Anno Domini MDCCLXXXV. Obiit Oct. 30, MDCCXCII. Etat. suæ octavo anno." [The burial ground at Jamaica Plain is a part of the original parish lot. At a parish meeting held March 14, 1785, it was voted, "that the ground behind the meeting-house stable, when wanted, shall be appropriated to a burying yard." The stable has been removed; and the appropriated yard now lies directly in the rear of the Unitarian Church, and fronts upon Eliot street. There are within its area 24 tombs, which contain, probably, more remains than are deposited in graves. Since the current of public opinion has set so strongly in favor of cemeteries in retired locations, and particularly since the consecration of Forest Hills, comparatively few interments have been made in this ground. It is even whispered, occasionally, that it would be good policy to "remove the deposits" entirely; as by so doing two or three good house lots might be gained. The ground belonging exclusively to the Unitarian Society, they might authorize their Treasurer to give warranty deeds of it; but could he, or they, warrant that the old occupants should not sometimes appear there to "revisit the glimpses of the moon," or that the ghosts of "unmannerly corses,' whose names no monuments preserve, should not so infest "the allarge," that no one, except a butler who " speaks latin," or a spiritualist, could lay them. There are three other places within the limits of Jamaica Plain, where burials have been made. In the summer of 1775, one or more regiments were stationed on the Plain, and many of the soldiers quartered in different houses, upon the inhabitants. (See Dr. Gray's Half Century Sermon.) Three estates in the place were confiscated, and the houses standing on them used as hospitals; viz., Commodore Loring's, Governor Bernard's, and Capt. Benjamin Hallowell's. The Commodore's house, built in 1760, on a corner made by the intersection of Austin and South streets, after having weathered the storms of 95 years, is at this day, taken in connection with its surroundings, hardly exceeded by |