words which your toastmaster has just repeated--God save the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts--I felt in every fibre of my body that
I would be true to my oath and to the people who had shown their
confidence in me.

"But the satisfaction I felt on that occasion was no greater than
that which I experience to-night. I came among you entirely unknown.
I have heard that some wondered whether I was a city swell, what my
business was, what led me to choose your town for a vacation, and how
long that vacation was to be, especially as I came in the winter when
country life is popularly, but erroneously, supposed to be dull.

"By some I was welcomed,--others--I don't blame them--refused to
extend to me the hand of fellowship. But, I liked some of your people
so well--and one in particular"--all eyes were turned towards his
wife, who bore the scrutiny bravely--"that I determined to stay--and
I did."

Hiram Maxwell could not forget past events in which he had figured
prominently and cried, "Three cheers for Quincy Adams Sawyer," which
were given with a will, and accompanied by many expressions of
approval in the shape of clapping of hands, pounding of canes, and
stamping of thick-soled boots. The Governor continued his remarks.

"I staid so long that I might have become a voter. I did not, but
besides my native city of Boston, I shall always render my allegiance
to this town, which turned the current of my life into such happy
channels.

"I will not weary you with a long speech."