nies
was a guarantee that sturdy traits would be found in the descendants of
the first settlers. In the world's history we find no higher type of
patriotism than on the barren, rocky shores of Massachusetts. It is
undoubtedly true that there were some whose sympathies were not with the
principles which inspired the majority of the people of that day, who
were distrustful of the consequences which would result from failure,
and who gave but feeble encouragement. We find such in every age and
country. But it must be put down to the credit of even these few that
they paid heavy taxes without resistance, and yielded to the popular
will after independence was once declared. "Royalists as well as
republicans, tories as well as whigs, gave of their substance to
establish the liberties of their country."

The acts and motives of the men of this town deserved to be crowned with
that success which came in due season, a priceless benefit to posterity.

It was General Benjamin Lincoln, of Hingham, the wise counsellor, the
foremost citizen of his time, the trusted friend of Washington, who was
designated to receive the sword of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Among the
many worthy and distinguished names of the sons of Hingham, that of
General Lincoln stands in the foremost rank. His monument stands in the
cemetery near the Old Meeting-house, characteristic of the man in its
rich simplicity.

In the war of 1812, although a majority of the citizens disapproved of
the State administration, "all manifested a disposition to defend their
houses and firesides against the common foe, and repaired with alacrity
to resist any invasion upon their neighbors."

In the war of the Rebellion it is the same story of patriotism and a
ready response to the call of the country. Early in the field and late
to leave it, the record of the town does not differ from others in the
State. A monument bearing the names of those who gave their lives for
the country was erected in 1870, in the Hingham cemetery, near the
statue of Governor Andrew.

The town has always made liberal provision for education, and its
schools stand to-day, as they have always stood, among the best. The
public schools have, for several years past, contained between 600 and
700 pupils, and appropriations of $13,000 to $14,000 are made annually
for their support. Besides the public schools there are a number of
small private schools, and the Derby Academy, which was established by
Mrs. Sar