Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/363

 CHANDLER EASTMAN POTTER.

��3 2 7

��Col. Potter was a writer of superior abilities and force, both in poetry and prose, and an enthusiastic student of history. Locating at Hillsborough, in 1856, he devoted a portion of his time to agricultural pursuits, editing at the time the agricultural department of the weekly Mirror, published at Man- chester, and in writing books. " His taste led him chiefly into historical re- search. As an historian, possessed of extensive and valuable information re- lating to New Hampshire, which he diffused with a ready and liberal pen, Mr. Potter could hardly be ranked second to any man in the state. His history of Manchester, published by himself in 1856, containing 763 pages octavo, is a rich store-house of facts, respecting the rise and growth of that thrifty city. Incorporated into it, also, is valuable information relative to the provincial history of the state, notices of public men, and events of general interest." It is a work exhibiting careful research and great industry. " His last and crowning work, the Military History of New Hampshire, was an arduous labor ; but he diligent- ly pursued and succeeded in arrest- ing from decay, and in disinterring from pay-rolls, old papers, and rubbish of antiquity, such a record as devoted labor might yield. This Military His- tory extends from the first settlement in the province, 1623, to the close of the war with Great Britain, in 181 2. This work consists of two volumes, and embraces a detailed account of all the wars with the Indians in which the colonists were engaged. It also contains a full account of campaigns of the old French war ; also, those of the Revolutionary war, the war of 1812, and all other conflicts in which New Hampshire troops were engaged up to that period. The work, beside, contains a very large number of bio- graphical sketches of the eminent men who have been connected with the military organizations of the state. By the patient and critical research of Col. Potter, many interesting facts pertaining to early history of the state

��are rescued from oblivion, and have been preserved for the benefit of com- ing generations."

After his removal to Hillsborough Col. Potter continued his connection with the Amoskeag Veterans, and a large portion of the time was their commander. In 1865 the members of the battalion showed their high re- spect for him by visiting him at his home. The corps marched from the railroad station to the old family man- sion of the late Gov. Pierce and Gen. John McNeil, where they were met by Col. Potter. In a very feeling address he expressed his pleasure at meeting them at his home, and his apprecia- tion of the high compliment which they had bestowed upon him. Subse- quently the members of the corps were entertained by their commander at a dinner in a large tent upon the grounds.

During his later years the Veter- ans, under his command, visited New- buryport, Portsmouth, and other cities. The last visit of this kind was to the citv of Hartford, in the autumn of 1867. The Veterans, on their way, were received with high honor at Wor- cester and Springfield. At Hartford, they were entertained at a banquet by the city authorities. On this visit Col. Potter again acquitted himself in so able, judicious and satisfactory a manner that a unanimous vote of thanks was extended to him by the members of the corps, on their return home.

In the spring and summer of 1868 his health had become considerably impaired on account of his excessive literary labors. Having completed his military history of the state, he started, in company with his wife, in July, on a journey to the West. On his way out his spirits were buoyant, and he felt that his general health was improv- ing, and no one could have believed, from his appearance, that he was so soon to be removed from earth. He arrived at the city of Flint, Michigan, on Thursday, July 30. He remained in that city, transacting considerable

�� �