The following letter, written on the occasion of the Centennial Celebration - Orford, NH.
Philadelphia, August 23, 1865
Gentlemen: Some time since, I received your invitation to attend the "Centennial Celebration" of the town of Orford. I have delayed my answer, hoping that it would be in my power to accept it, and unite with you in the commemoration of such an interesting event. I find that it will not be possible for me to do so. Please, therefore, convey to those who assemble, my sincere regret that I cannot personally participate with them; but that I feel a deep interest in all that relates to the past history and future welfare of "Old Orford." Aside from other considerations, in her ancient burial place, repose the remains of my honored father and elder brother. Although born in Fairlee, my early recollections are associated with Orford and Fairlee alike. Being only thirteen years of age when we left there, I have a distinct recollection of many events and associates of my childhood, as well as of the then old inhabitants of both places. My mother, a daughter of General Israel Morey, of Orford, was, I have been told, the first white female born in Orford. As there are many of the lineal descendants of General Morey now living there, whose testimony relating to the early history of the vicinity and its inhabitants, can be had, my imperfect reminiscences could add nothing to the interest of the occassion. If it be so, "that history is philosophy teaching by example," what a lesson has been taught us in the last four years. While as a christian people we should acknowledge God in all our ways, in calling to mind what He has done for us in the past, our special thanks are due for the triumph of freedom and the downfall of tyranny and oppression, as the result of our struggle to preserve the life of the nation, so lately in such imminent peril. The camp-fires of hostile armies have been extinguished; but the fire of rebellion still burns in many a rebel heart. "Eternal vigilance" is, therefore, now, as ever, the price at which our liberties are to be preserved.
Thanking you for the remembrance of me, I am,
Very truly, yours,
I. M. Bissell.
He married Augusta Turner MEADE.
They had one child:
i.
Elizabeth Hill. Born on 4 Jan 1836 in Cincinnati, OH.