Family-histories and genealogies : containing a series of ...

€;^tf!9tuoitr
statesmen in Boston, and have no doubt it would be of good political effect. Should
you do us this honour, any attentions of mine that might contribute towards the
objects of your visit would be at your command ; for, while your public services
entitle you to such attentions from every citizen, they are peculiarly due to you from
one who cherishes a very grateful sense of your early patronage, and who is,
" His Excellency Gov. Griswold."
" With great respect and regard,
" Your Excellency's humble servant
A. Holmes."
Years before this, in the midst of Mr. Griswold's greatest activity, a
disease of the heart had suddenly manifested itself ; but, though he was
thenceforth hopeless of cure, his activity never ceased. The letter last
quoted—written by Rev. Dr. Abiel Holmes, author of "American
Annals," and father of our poet Oliver Wendell Holmes—is only one of
many proofs of a really tender solicitude manifested by the public as Mr.
Griswold's health continued to fail. When death had come, a Httle over a
month after the date of this letter, the common admiration and mourning
found expression upon his tombstone, in the burial-ground of the family
overlooking Blackball River, in an epitaph by which it is still echoed, and
will be transmitted to later generations :
"This monument is erected to the memory of his Excellency Roger Griswold,
LL.D., late Governour of this State. He was born at Lyme, May 25th, 1762 ; and
died at Norwich, Oct. 25th, 1812.
" He was the son of his Excellency Matthew Griswold, who had been Chief
Justice of the Sup' Court. His mother was daughter of Roger Wolcott Esq. of
Windsor, who was for many years Gouvernour of this State.
"Gov. Griswold graduated at Yale College in 1780, and in 1785 entered upon
the profession of law. At the age of 34 he was elected into the Congress of the
United States. In 1807 he was appointed a Judge of the Sup'' Court, in 1809 Lieut.
Governour, and in 1811 was elected Governour; upon all these eminent stations he
conferred dignity and honour.
" Not less conspicuous by honorable parentage and elevated rank in society than
by personal merit, talents and virtue.
104
-