Rambles about Portsmouth. Sketches of persons, localities, and incidents of two centuries: principally from tradition and unpublished documents. By Charles W. Brewster.

JEFFERSON HALL. 31
The entrance to Jefferson Hall was originally in the east
end, by two easy flights of stairs, and through ante-rooms.
It was for many years the place from which public processions were formed-the place for 4th of July and other
public dinners, and for meetings of citizens on public occasions; but it was not until 1818 that it was used for
town or state elections. Up to that year all meetings for
election took place in the Old State House. In 1814, after
the third great fire, the boys' high school, under Master
Taft, was kept there for about a year. In 1819 it was for
one season used as the great Sabbath School Room of
Portsmouth, which the children of all parishes attended.
Of the scenes of the last forty years which Jefferson Hall
has presented on town meeting days, many of you must
have vivid recollections. The turmoil which arises where
party spirit is inflamed by other spirits, (we speak of other
days,) has often burst forth here like a volcano. For some
men, who are sedate all the year, will somehow get excited
on these occasions, where every man knows that his vote
is of as much value as that of any one else. Jefferson Hall
has been the forum where native eloquence has flourished.
Here have been heard the voices of Webster, Mason, Woodbury, Cutts, Bartlett, Cutter, Cheever, Drown, and a host of
those now living who were ready with the voice of wisdom
to guide their fellow citizens-and there might be enumerated another class of orators, whose rough-hewn arguments
never lacked fire and quaintness. The life of Jefferson
Hall on election days was however almost extinguished by
the adoption of the City Government in 1849. The North
and the South wards withdrew the leading spirits, and since
that time the Old Hall has seemed to say to the voters on
election day, as they silently come and go, Where is the
spirit of the former day? It seems to have expired with
"that night" which followed March 13, 1849, when for only
once in the history of Jefferson Hall, the morning sun rose
with the Moderator of the former day yet in his chair.