HILLSBOROUGH.
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��McNeil, a promising young officer, was slain during an attack on an Indian en- campment in the Florida war of 1814.
The war of the Rebellion conjured up that feeling of patriotism left as a legacy by the fathers to the sons, and the first regiment recruited for the war was large- ly composed of Hillsborough County men. The town of Hillsborough con- tributed, under the presidential calls for troops its quota of 159 men, while its enrolled militia list was but 132. The town's share of the municipal war loan was $8,833.39. Recent and impar- tial history speaks most creditably of the bravery of her sons in many a bloody contest.
Among the pioneers of the town there were many men who rose to eminence in local statesmanship and in legal repute. Their immediate successors largely gain- ed reputation for great skill in law, med- icine and theological learning. Some of the most eminent men of all the profes- sions have drawn their earlier inspira- tions in Hillsborough. Among those who have risen to high political distinction was Franklin Pierce, who was President of the United States from March 1853, to 1857, the fourth son of Gov. Benjamin Pierce. This is neither the time nor place, nor is the writer the person to present an elaborate or impartial sketch of Franklin Pierce. History can be consulted con- cerning his career, and his National Ad- ministration, as conducted to benefit all sections of the country, covering four years of unparalleled prosperity to the nation. His earlier and later days are, however, so intimately connected with the history of Hillsborough, that a sketch of the town would be very incomplete without brief personal mention. Here he passed his youth; here he commenced the practice of law ; here he gained great success, and here laid the foundation of future legal celebrity. The building oc- cupied by him as a law office no longer exists. The old Pierce homestead re- mains intact, as do many memorials of the love and esteem of his fellow towns- men, — among them, even, the immense oven, used at the great barbecue in 1852, wherein was roasted whole, the big ox,
��for the partial feeding of the thousands there assembled, a relic of a notable and happy occasion. The memories of his early years, and the friendships formed in youth at Hillsborough, were retained and cherished throughout his entire life. His native town was ever dear to him, and he always manifested the deepest in- terest in its welfare and the happiness of its people. No engagements or cares prevented his frequent visits to his old home. His welcome was always most cordial, and based on no empty forms, but was the expression of true and lov- ing hearts. The people of Hillsborough proudly claimed him as their own. His visits to his brother were the occasions of the most respectful demonstration on the part of his old friends and former neighbors. He was, as I have said, be- loved by old and young, and there was no partisan limit to their affection. He reciprocated their sentiments and their love. Happy were they in the conscious- ness that he ever remained the same faithful friend ; while his presence sent a quicker thrill through their hearts and a warmer grasp into every hand. In a word, they loved him, and he gratefully cherished their affection.
POLITICAL MATTERS.
Democracy, as an heritage of the Fa- thers of the town, has been fondly, zeal- ously and intelligently cherished by those of its people -t to the manor born ;" and it is but just to say of them that its prin- ciples are held and acted upon with de- ■ voted attachment to that purity which distinguished their noble and patriotic ancestry. It is equally fair to acknowl- edge that the opposition to Democracy is founded on what its opponents consider as enlightened conscientious reasons, and embraces an able and respectable mi- nority. Men will always differ on mat- ters of National, State and social policy; but the locality is ever safe where con- flicting sentiments are based on intelli- gent ideas — safe, against inharmonious or corrupt consequences. It is due to the credit of both parties to state the undeni- able fact, that their differences never wear a sinister or frowning aspect, either be- fore or after political battles.
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