Inauguration of
president at Cambridge. Heavy rain in morning. Went to Cambridge in the saddle;
got to Boston from there at half past nine, wet through. Home at two and
changed dress, then to Cambridge again. Went up in the pulpit where Mr. Felton
was delivering his address with great earnestness. The Governor and all the
dignitaries of church and state, including ex-Presidents Everett, Quincy, and
Sparks. Mr. Quincy is quite feeble. I spoke to him afterwards and asked him if
he was going to dinner with us, and he said “No,” he was too feeble. I fear the
old gentleman has taken part for the last time in the celebration of his Alma
Mater.
After the exercises
in the church, we had the grand dinner in Harvard Hall; Henry Lee with his
twenty marshals managing everything. I sat at the official table, next to Dr.
Walton, the oldest graduate after Mr. Quincy; he is nearly ninety years old.
Governor Banks spoke exceedingly well; so did Rev. Dr. Osgood. After satisfying
my appetite, I went down and sat with my class.
SOURCE: William
Lawrence, Life of Amos A. Lawrence: With Extracts from His Diary and
Correspondence, p. 154-5
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