Derby, — the old THAXTER HOUSE.   At the time of the Revolution it was owned and occupied by a Mr. Elisha Leavitt, who was a bitter Tory.   It was thought by the patriots that he suggested to the British commander, during the siege of Boston, the sending of the expedition to Grape Island for the purpose of securing forage.   To punish him for this, a mob assembled and started for his house, with the idea, perhaps, of destroying the mansion, or possibly, even, of offering him personal violence.   He got wind of their coming, however, and had a barrel of rum rolled out of his cellar in front of the house, with other refreshments, such as crackers and cheese, for the rank and file of the mob, while cake and wine were provided in the house for the gentlemen leading the populace.   Upon the arrival of the crowd, they were invited to help themselves to the refreshments, while the gentlemen aforesaid were received by Mrs. Leavitt, in elegant dress, and urged to walk in and partake of the wine.   This unexpected and politic courtesy disarmed the fury of the Whigs, and the threatened violence was drowned in good cheer.
   Just beyond South Street the road formerly divided.   The principal roadway came over the low hill upon which the DERBY ACADEMY stands, the westerly portion of which has since been cut down.   The other road ran along the foot of this hill.   Between the two roads on the high land stood the post-office, and one or two other buildings.   Several old gravestones also were