“But ’tis at night beneath the heavens we cry: ‘These same kind stars with ever-friendly eye Upon our well-beloved graves look down, Far, far away, in dear New Milford town.’” Charles N. Hall, Secretary of the General Bi-Centennial Committee, read the following cablegram: “London, England, June 15, 1907. “Success to the Bi-Centennial and best wishes for the dear old town! Deeply regret my absence. FRANK HINE.” He also read the following letter, explaining that, although addressed to the Committee, it belonged to all New Milford, since it came straight from the heart of one whom all New Milford loves: “New York, June 11, 1907. “CHARLES N. HALL, Esq., Secretary of the Bi-Centennial Association of New Milford, “_Dear Sir_:-- “Owing to a severe and unexpected attack of illness I am reluctantly compelled, acting under the imperative orders of my physician, Dr. Allan McLane Hamilton, of New York, to relinquish any participation in the Bi-Centennial ceremonies, and I, therefore, request that arrangements be made to have my duties assumed by the officers upon whom they will devolve. “It is impossible for me to express my deep regret at the necessity of giving up any part in these exercises, to which I have looked forward with so much pleasure and pride, and my profound appreciation of the high honor conferred on me by the people of New Milford in electing me President of this Association. “I desire to extend to them all, through you, my sincere and heartfelt thanks; and to all guests and friends who honor us with their presence on this glad and memorable occasion, and whom I hoped to meet personally, I extend a warm welcome and a hearty greeting. “Very truly yours, “HENRY S. MYGATT.” Before and after the exercises of the evening, much informal sociability was indulged in, in the course of which many stories of old times were exchanged and many old friendships renewed. The occasion was a highly enjoyable one, especially to those who had come from a distance after an absence of many years. It was an “old home gathering” in the best and fullest acceptation of the term. OUR FOREFATHERS WRITTEN FOR BI-CENTENNIAL SUNDAY BY CHARLES N. HALL Lord of the Pilgrims; they who came Far over-seas to praise Thy name; Braving the wave, the wilderness, Firm in their faith that Thou wouldst bless; Planting upon a new world’s shore Thy name, their faith, forevermore-- Grant us, their children, thus to be Persistent in our faith in Thee. Dark seemed the way; grim forests frowned, Hunger and cold crouched close around That Pilgrim band; while wintry seas Rolled wide, ’twixt English homes and these, Who, faithful still, to doubt unknown, Laid here the Nation’s cornerstone. Grant us, their children, thus to be Unfaltering in our faith in Thee.