Page:History of the Press in Western New York (1847).djvu/28

Rh By C. N. Lewis—An art above all arts: To make clean pi in a printing office.

We have some twenty others, (twenty journeymen and four apprentices,) but think this will suffice:

All hands—The Fraternity of Rochester and all Guests with them: Plenty of Phat Copy.

From, Esq., of the Organ Office.

, Jan. 12, 1847.,

Gentlemen:—Your favor of the 9th November, 1846, was duly received.

To commemorate the anniversary of the birth-day of so eminent an American, by a public festive association of the Typographical Fraternity, is an object for which you have my best wishes for a happy enjoyment, on the 18th, and may its recurrence be annual. Although unable to enjoy a personal pleasure, my spirit will be with you. I tender you the following sentiment:

The Boston Printer: Utility, Patriotism, Moderation, were the attributes of. Having enjoyed the fruits of the useful and the glorious, may our countrymen always remember to practice the magnanimous traits.

I remain, gentlemen, respectfully,

Your ob't servant,

J. D..

To Messrs. P. Canfield, Geo. Dawson and others, Committee.

From J., Esq., Foreman in the Courier Office.

, N. Y., Dec. 30, 1846.

Gentlemen:—Absence from home at the time of the arrival of your favor, will, I trust, be sufficient apology for any late compliance with its request of a response.

You will, gentlemen, please to accept my warm thanks for the honor done me by your polite and brotherly invitation to attend the celebration of the anniversary of the birth-day of the Immortal Franklin.

I fear that business will not permit my attendance on that occasion; a circumstance which I deeply regret, as it promises to be a gathering of congenial spirits, which it is not one's lot often to witness or enjoy.

I bid you a hearty God-speed in the undertaking. It is a laudable enterprise. Their is something practical—substantial, about it; something more than mere pleasure to be attained—which carries it far in advance of most other assemblages of the day. If persevered in, it must have the most happy effects. Its tendency would be to promote more of a familiar and brotherly feeling among the craft generally, than at present prevails. It will give us a better knowledge of each other; and as we become more acquainted, I am satisfied we shall like each other better. At all events, I little fear that we shall have occasion to be ashamaed of the font!

But aside even from these considerations, could a nobler object—a higher or more intellectual source of enjoyment be ours, than to commemorate departed worth—to spend an hour in remembrance of the treat and good Franklin—of him whom "antiquity would have worshipped as a god, or praised as one having dealings with a supernatural power;" but who, viewed through the milder and truer medium of modern times, is presented to our view, a self-made man—his name first on the roll of enduring Fame, and his memory venerated and fondly cherished by an intelligent and patriotic people?

As a sentiment, I would propose:

Our Fellow-Craftsmen in Mexico—First alike at feast or fray; ever ready to leave their stick and case, and shouldering their muskets, with the national bodkin, march to correct the errors of the Mexicans, either in columns, in line, or in the chase.

Wishing you, gentlemen, in behalf of brother typos employed in the establishment, and also for myself, and through you, to the assemblage, individually and collectively, a pleasant and joyous celebration of the anniversary, and hoping you may witness and enjoy many a happy return of the same, I remain,

Yours, respectfully,

J..

To Messrs. Philemon Canfield, Geo. Dawson, and others, Committee.

From R. H., Esq., Editor of the Cattaraugus Republican.

, N. Y., Dec. 11, 1846.

Gentlemen:—Your favor, under date of the 9th ult., inviting me to attend the celebration of the birth-day of the Immortal, to be held at Rochester on the 18th proximo, came to hand a few days since. It would afford me much pleasure to be present and join my brethren of the craft in the festivities of the occasion, but my duties are such in the office that it will be out of my power to do so. I rejoice to see the printers of Western New York so mindful of the memory and fame of our illustrious craftsman; though dead, he still lives in the hearts of all who appreciate true greatness. As your festival will be a banquet to printers, permit me to offer one of Franklin's sentiments:

"Eat not to fullness—and drink not to elevation."

Yours, respectfully,

R. H..

To Messrs. P. Canfield, Geo. Dawson, &c, Com.

From M. P., Foreman in the Detroit Advertiser Office.

, Mich., Dec. 15, 1846.

Gentlemen:—I had the pleasure of receiving a Circular from your Committee a short time since, requesting my attendance at a Festival to be held in our city on the 18th of January next, the Anniversary of the birth-day of the Immortal —our guardian spirit—for which I return my sincere thanks.

Nothing would give me more pleasure than a personal attendance on the occasion, not only for the purpose of paying homage at the shrine of him whom we all adore, but to meet and exchange friendly salutations with my fellow craftsmen of a neighboring city and State. But the season of the year in which that celebration takes place—when all personal intercommunication is almost wholly cut off—and the necessity of my presence