A CONGRESS OF NATIONS

This week marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of our country's involvement in World War II. Rather than think of conflict,  we suggest that our focus this week (and in the coming new year)  be on peace.  And we recommend that you read this book in the Bullis Collection that is a collection of essays on promoting peace without resorting to arms.

Prize Essays on a Congress of Nations;

for the adjustment of international disputes, and for the

promotion of universal peace without resort to arms. 

Together with a sixth essay, comprising the

substance of the rejected essays.

By William Ladd (1778-1841), etc.

Published in Boston by Whipple & Damrell, 

for the American Peace Society, 1840.

 According to Wikipedia, William Ladd "was one of the earliest American anti-war activists, and the first president of the American Peace Society." Although other state and local peace societies already existed at that time, Ladd established the American Peace Society in 1828 and was its first president.

Ladd's proposed plan was for a World Congress and Court of Nations, "somewhat similar to the later League of Nations or United Nations." 

And the Lawbook Exchange website reports that this book was "The first important statement on the preservation of peace through international mediation published in the United States. It became a central text for American peace organizations and participants in international law conferences, and did much to persuade Americans to accept the idea of an international peace organization. It was also distributed widely in Europe, where it was well-received."

As we've mentioned in prior posts, the Bullis family members,  throughout the generations, always supported and served their country in wartimes.  The presence of William Ladd's book in the Bullis Collection indicates they possibly were also supportive of the author's premise of "promoting peace without resorting to arms."  Perhaps those of us today, by reading this book, can get an idea of what we need to  do individually to help bring about peace to this world that we share with each other.

HONORING VETERANS

Again, we remember Bullis family members who have served their country through military service.

Philip Bullis, born circa 1630 in England. Philip was a mariner who immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts. He served in Major Savage's Company under Lieut. Gillam from 1675 to 1676 on the Connecticut River during King Philip's War.

Son of John Bullis, born circa 1695 in Dutchess County, New York. John married and had eight sons who grew up on the Bullis Homestead in Dutchess County. One of these sons was a general in the French and Indian War.

Charles Bullis, born 1723 in Greenwich, Connecticut. He later moved to Manchester, Vermont. He served in the Revolutionary War in Captain Gideon Brownson's Company, Warner Regiment, Vermont Militia.

John Lapham Bullis, born 1841 in Macedon, New York. In 1862, he enlisted in the Volunteer Army and was commissioned in 1864, seeing extensive service during the Civil War. He continued his military service in Texas and Mexico with the Buffalo Soldiers, served in the Phillipines and Cuba during the Spanish-American War, and ended his career after President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him Brigadier General in 1904.

Charles R. Bullis, born 1891 in Macedon, New York. He enlisted in the Army on September 26, 1917 and was discharged on December 11, 1918. He served as a Private in the 20^th Company, 157 Depot Brigade during World War I. He was stationed at Camp McClellan, Alabama, for part of that time.

To these Bullis men and to all the men and women who have served and are serving in our Armed Forces, we once again say a sincere “Thank You

REMEMBERING ARMED FORCES DAY

Written by Nettie Bullis, November, 1944


HIS NEED FOR A GUN

He'd been playing war on the sitting-room floor,

He sprang to meet you, as you came in the door,

You told him that night as he sat on your knee

How the pirates of old had raided the sea.

And he told you that night how he'd make them run,

If you'd only buy him a little toy gun.


You went out to the store and bought him the toy,

For you realized then the need of your boy.

And now in a war far away from our shore,

In a danger far greater, his need is much more;

but the bonds you will buy on the way home tonight

Will help him tomorrow in winning the right.