My own self

The 19th of May, 1788, was remarkably dark in Connecticut. Candles were lighted in many houses, the birds were silent and disappeared, and the domestic fowls retired to roost. The people were impressed by the idea that the Day of Judgment was at hand. This opinion was entertained by the legislature, at that time sitting at Hartford. The House of Representatives adjourned, and the council proposed to follow the example. But a Colonel Davenport objected on remarkable grounds:

"The day of judgment," he said, "is either approaching, or it is not. If not, there is no cause for adjournment If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish therefore that candles be brought."