The Merrimack River: its source and its tributaries. Embracing a history of manufactures, and of the towns along its course; their geography, topography, and products, with a description of the magnificent natural scenery about its upper waters./ By J. W. Meader.

ITS SOURCE AND ITS TRIB UTARIES.
Amherst has produced a large number of eminent men, among
whom may be mentioned Hon. Moses Nichols, who was engaged in
the battle of Bennington, being a colonel under Stark. He also
held many important civil offices. Hon. Samuel Dana was a classmate of the elder Adams at old Harvard. He also held many positions of honor and trust. Hon. William Gordon was member of
Congress in 1796, and afterwards Attorney-General of the State.
Hon. Robert Means, a native of Ireland, settled in Amherst soon
after its incorporation, and was elected to many high official stations.
The Athertons - Joshua, Charles H., and Charles G.- were very
eminent and distinguished men. Hon. Charles G. Atherton was
Senator in Congress for several years, and was a prominent member
of that august body, while at the bar it has been said he had but few
equals. One of the most eminent members of the New Iampshire
bar said of him: "In that gentleman are united many of the rarest qualifications
of an advocate. Of inimitable self-possession, with a coolness and
clearness of intellect which no sudden emergencies can disturb; with
that confidence in his resources which nothingi but native strength,
ai(led by the most thorough training, can bestow; with a felicity and
fertility of illustration, the result alike of an exquisite natural taste
and a cultivation of those studies which refine, while they strengthen
the mind for forensic contests."
In 1853, MIr. Atherton was suddenly stricken in the court-house
at -Ianchester. He was taken to his hotel, where he expired in a
few days after the attack. His last words were: "I expected this,
but not so soon."
Horace Greeley, of the "New York Tribune," is a native of Am herst, and, as a journalist, has probably achieved as much wealth,
fame, and influence as any of its native citizens.
" Amherst jail," which was for so many years the terror of rogues,
has been discontinued,- new and elegant county buildings having
been erected at Manchester.
"The Amherst Cabinet" was first issued in 1802, and, though
nearly threescore years and ten, is yet hale and vigorous.
Merrimack was formerly called "' Souhbegan East." It was settled
in 1733, and incorporated in 1746. It claims the credit of making
the first Leghorn bonnets, which often sold for forty or fifty dollars.
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