The Massachusetts Spy, And Worcester County Advertiser

DESTRUCTION OF LANCASTER

The one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the destruction of Lancaster by the Indians was commemorated in that town the 21st inst. by public services. The following was the order of exercises, which were attended by a numerous and respectable audience from Lancaster and the neighboring towns.

Introductory Prayer and reading of select portions of Scripture—by Rev. Mr. Osgood, of Sterling.

Prayer—by Rev. Dr. Thayer, of Lancaster.

Oration—by Isaac Goodwin, Esq. of Sterling.

Hymns adapted to the occasion were sung with effect, by a large choir.

On account of the indisposition of William Lincoln, Esq. of Worcester, a poem expected from him was not delivered.

The devotional performances were appropriate and affecting.

As it is expected that the oration will soon be before the public, we shall not give an analysis of its contents. Suffice it to say, that the orator selected with discrimination from the numerous topics which the occasion furnished him, and set them forth in a spirited and interesting style. He portrayed, with the accuracy and zeal of one who has attended with fidelity and industry to the first periods of our history: that dark hour of New-England, when King Philip had sown the seeds of destruction throughout her borders, and threatened the utter extermination of the whites; when fire and destruction lighted upon so many of our settlements, especially upon the now beautiful and flourishing valley of Lancaster, then an outpost in the wilderness, and the oldest settlement in the county of Worcester.

Centinn