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��THE GRANITE MONTHLY.
��that the feelings of his companions were never wounded by sarcasm or ridicule. His generosity like his wit knew no bounds. He often remarked, " if I give to all I shall be sure to hit the right." While holding the office of judge, Col. Potter was editor of the Farmer's Monthty Visitor, and a week- ly journal called the Granite Farmer. The files of these journals bear evi- dence of his original powers of ob- servation and study. As an agricult- ural writer, Col. Potter was not con- tent to adopt the opinions of others. He boldly attacked many errors which prevailed in regard to this branch of industry, and made many suggestions of practical value. In these journals he also illustrated his taste for history and biography.
In 1854 a military association was formed at Manchester, called the Amoskeag Veterans. Col. Potter, with others, embraced the opportuni- ty to do honor to the memory of the military heroes of his native state who defended the early colonies and aided in establishing our national independ- ence. This corps was composed of the most prominent and influential citi- zens of the city and state. The uni- form adopted was patterned from that of the " Father of his Country " — Washington. The first public parade of this corps took place February 22, 1855, the anniversary of the birth of Washington. The event called togeth- er a large concourse of people from all parts of the state. The governor, accompanied by his staff, and many distinguished citizens, were present.
Col. Potter delivered an eloquent address at that time.
In the winter, after the corps was organized, Col. Potter was elected its commander. In December the Vet- erans, with full ranks, visited the na- tional capital — Washington. The va- rious cities through which they passed, on their route, vied with each other in doing honor to the descendants of the patriots who fought on revolutionary fields with Washington, and Green, and Knox, and Sumpter, aud Schuyler,
��and other great chieftains. At Wor- cester, Springfield, New York, Phila- delphia, and Baltimore, they received the most flattering attentions. At all these places banquets were given in their honor by the municipal author- ities, and they were met and welcomed by the most distinguished citizens. Their visit to Philadelphia was espe- cially interesting. They were welcomed by the mayor and city council, in In- dependence Hall, where American free- dom was first proclaimed. Col. Potter, in reply to the welcoming speech of the mayor, made a very eloquent, patriotic and thrilling address, which awakened great enthusiasm among those who listened to him.
At Washington, the Veterans were the guests of Gen. Franklin Pierce, the president of the United States. He gave a splendid banquet in their honor, at which many of the most eminent statesmen of the country were present. The presence of so many of the representative men of his native state, at the seat of government, so far away from his and their homes, of course could not be otherwise than gratifying to the president, and his ad- dress, on welcoming them to the Ex- ecutive Mansion, was long spoken of by the Veterans and others who were present, as one of the finest specimens of simple, unstudied eloquence, ever listened to on a similar occasion. The response of Col. Potter, who, on be- half of the Veterans, expressed the unalloyed satisfaction which was felt on meeting their distinguished fellow- citizen, was no less eloquent and ap- propriate.
During this visit of the Veterans, the warmest praises were bestowed upon Col. Potter, for the very able, dis- creet, and efficient manner in which he acquitted himself as commander of the battalion ; the members were proud to be led by such a command- er, whose talents, dignity, courtesy, knowledge and ability, as a public speaker, entitled him to rank with the foremost men of the land.
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