XV.

Oris is an old Revolutionary name, and “has the true patriotic ring." In that great charter of freedom, the Declaration of American Independence, it occupies an honored place, and has always been cherished as a household name in the United States. Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis is the daughter of a Boston merchant, William H. Bordman, who was largely engaged in the Northwest Coast, China, and India trade. He married Elizabeth Henderson, the daughter of Joseph Henderson, who was the first high sheriff of the county of Suffolk, in Massachusetts. The sword he once wore is now hanging in the City Hall of Boston, as a historical relic. It was his duty to read the proclamation of Congress, announcing "A Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and America," from the State House balcony, on the 23d of April, 1783.

The parents of Miss Elizabeth Bordman were devoted to their children, and gave personal care to their education, which was not only thorough in all branches, but elevated by all the salutary and beneficent influences felt only in a happy and religious home. The subject of our sketch at an early age married the eldest son of the Hon. Harrison Gray Otis, who bore the same name with his

father. They were said to be the handsomest bridal pair in Boston. Her term of married life was short, and she was left a widow with young sons dependent on her care. Anxious to secure them the best advantages of education, and to improve her own mind by study and observation, Mrs. Otis took her sons to Europe, remaining abroad seven years. During that time she visited many friends of rank and distinction, and was received with marked favor among literary circles and the aristocracy of different countries, being presented at several courts. Thus her time passed agreeably; but the attainment of social distinction was never an object with her. As soon as she had accomplished her design in forwarding the studies of her boys, Mrs. Otis returned to America, and took up her permanent residence in Boston. Here she employed all her time that could be spared from domestic and educational duties in works of benevolence, lending ever ready aid to institutions of charity and temporary efforts to benefit those in need. She gave efficient aid to "The Blind Asylum Fair," "The Sailors' Snug Harbor," "The Washington Equestrian Statue," and other fairs, and devoted much time and labor to the enterprise of purchasing Mount Vernon. After the work was stopped by Miss Cunningham's departure for the South, Mrs. Otis persevered in her exertions, and had the pleasure of giving to the cause its crowning contribution-the last sum which secured the purchase of Washington's tomb. Thus the record of her life, almost from early youth, has been a

chronicle of noble deeds for the benefit of the public and the country.

This last gift to the Treasury was from the proceeds of the Mount Vernon Ball, got up by Mrs. Otis at the Boston Theatre, March 4th, 1859. It was said to be "more splendid in its arrangement, more brilliant in its array of fair women and brave men, and nobler in its purpose, than any thing which had ever preceded it." The Boston Theatre presented a scene of unsurpassed beauty and magnificence. In the vestibule the flags of all nations covered the heads of the children of America, and hung in graceful folds at their sides, while the scene beyond was one more gorgeous than is often offered to the eye. An angel of mercy sounded forth upon his trumpet the new offering which those who had assembled were about to make to a noble object. The decorations were admirable. The sum realized towards the purchase of Mount Vernon was about ten thousand dollars.

It was due to the untiring exertions of Mrs. Otis, commenced about 1850, that the birthday of Washington was made by law a holiday in Massachusetts. It had been her custom to open her house for a public reception on that day, and the guests were coming and departing all day. The house was usually dressed with American flags. The rooms were fragrant with large bouquets and flowers of the choicest variety, sent by friends. The military bodies celebrating the day passed by the house, and the band paid the customary salute to this patriotic lady.

On the return of Mrs. Otis from Europe she opened her house for Saturday morning receptions and Thursday evening soirées, conducted on the foreign plan of tea and cakes. She did not vary this simple style of entertainment, even when strangers of distinction were her guests. On one occasion, at the opening of the railway between Boston and Montreal, the President of the United States, Mr. Fillmore, the Governor General of Canada, Lord Elgin and suite, an Indian chief, and many strangers of note were present at the same time. Her house was then kept open a week for the reception of visitors, but the same plain style of refreshments was preserved. The house standing at the corner of Mount Vernon and Joy Streets was the well-known resort of all the fashion and gayety of Boston, and of all distinguished strangers who came to the city. Many brought letters from the European friends of Mrs. Otis, and some were commended by sovereigns in the old world to her hospitable attentions.

Mrs. Otis's connection, by blood and by marriage, with the oldest and most distinguished families in the country, her command of wealth, her literary accomplishments, her sprightly humor, and her attainments as a linguist-speaking fluently four or five languageswith a personal power acknowledged by all who became acquainted with her as irresistibly charming, gave her an influence in society unrivaled in her own city or State. It was her delight to use this power in doing good, and especially by her example to lead others to

seek opportunities of aiding worthy charities. Few left her after a long interview without enlarged views and more earnest aspirations in some good work; and many who were friendless and destitute had reason to be grateful for efficient aid. Mrs. Otis visited other parts of the United States, and spent much time in Norfolk, gathering information she was afterwards to make useful.

The time came when she resolved to relinquish her social honors, to give up visiting and receiving guests, to pack up and put away her books and her works of art, and to devote her whole time, her house, and her means to a needed public service. This was immediately after the commencement of the late civil war. The city government of Boston at that time was offered the use of a hotel, called the Evans House, as a place of deposit for goods and money for American soldiers and sailors and their families. The high position of Mrs. Otis, her administrative energy and untiring zeal, and her habit of leading projects of improvement, rendered her very name a tower of strength, and the authorities invited her to take charge of the new enterprise, and to carry out her own plans. One of these was the establishment of a Bank of Faith; and most successful did she make it. The following extract from her first report will give the best idea of her work ::

"Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis presents her compliments to His Honor the Mayor and the gentlemen of the Donation Committee of the City Government of Boston; and having entered the Evans