Boston , Mass.
August 27, 1855
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Vienna , Maine
Gentlemen:
Owing to my pressing business duties, it will be quite inconvenient for me to be present with you at your coming meeting. You will, I trust, accept of my apology. But I shall be among you in spirit, and to make you more certain of the attachments which I have for my native town and the affections which have been growing stronger for more than forty years, to the inhabitants of Vienna, I enclose herewith a deed of a parcel of land and the beautifull town house recently erected on the same.
Through a desire to benefit the place of my birth, and out of respect and esteem for you and all, I give them to you and your posterity for public and town purposes, as fully set forth in the deed. They now belong to you and yours, and I am satisfied, that if the same industry, integrity, and perseverance, as now distinguish the Inhabitants of the town of Vienna , shall hereafter characterize those who may take your places. I shall never regret having left with you these testimonials of my love and respect for my native town. Vienna has ever prided herself upon the sterling worth of her sons. And as in times past, so for the future may she give birth to men of character, who will go forth through the world and disseminate those principals of virtue and republican liberty which may have been instilled in them at home.
Take this new Townhouse and use it for your resort when you wish to discufs questions of public interest, and exercise those principles of the ballot box, so sacredly given us by our Constitution.
May nothing but the principles upon which our Government was founded, those of union, liberty and universal good, ever have sway in that building. Then will you prosper, and in your schools and churches will be taught the true theories of life, and succefs will crown all your efforts.
Hoping you may enjoy yourselves in your anticipated meetings, I subscribe myself your humble and obedient servant.
J. M. Whittier
(signed)
A true Coppy
Thomas C. Norris, Town Clerk
Vienna, September 7th 1855
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