Excerpt from Historical Address at the Dedication of a Monument in Charlestown

In this tendency of the public mind, there is a deep signifi cance it must have its origin in some settled conviction of truth and duty. A charitable interpretation would divest it of all selfish ends, and give it this broad and liberal construction, viz It looks to the past, and desires to do justice to the brave, the good, and to those who endured hardships and privations in procuring the blessings which we enjoy; it contemplates the present, and would impress Upon the minds and hearts of the young, sentiments of respect and reverence for the men and the women who braved the dangers of forest, field and Hood, for the good of their posterity; it forecasts the future, and endeavors to transmit to coming ages, a knowledge of important characters and events in a manner more impressive and enduring than is usually done on paper or parchment.

Men and events partially forgotten, are, in this age of mon umental renown, brought forth from their long oblivion, and presented to the world for recognition and admiration. This seeming love of the past cannot be mere affectation; it is not confined to our own people, whose whole history, ancient and modern, is comprised within the brief period of three hundred years but among nations that can boast of an antiquity worthy of the name, the same spirit of research among the records of antiquity, for the purpose of rendering due honor and praise to national benefactors, is sometimes exhibited in a striking man ner. Let me give a single instance by way of illustration One thousand years ago, what is now the kingdom of Norway, consisted of small provinces and petty estates, which, in 872 were, by the wisdom and valor of a powerful chief, reduced to complete unity, and made a strong kingdom, recognized and respected by the other nations of Europe. His name was Harald Haarfagar, or Harald of the Fair Hair. Nearly one thousand years have elapsed, and no public monument has been erected to commemorate that epoch in N orway's history, or to do honor to the brave hero and national benefactor; but in this age of active reminiscences, the long neglected duty is to be performed. Preparations are now in progress for constructing a fitting tes timonial which shall proclaim to the present and the future, the debt of gratitude due to the Chieftain by Whose heroism Norway became a united and prosperous nation. In 1872, a monument will be completed on the shore of that kingdom, and combining historical allusions, grateful recollections and public utility, will take the form of a lighthouse, and thus, While it guides mari ners in the navigation of a dangerous coast, it will, at the same time, transmit to all coming ages, the brave exploits and pru dent counsels of Harald of the Fair Hair.

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