USA > Connecticut > The history of Connecticut, from its earliest settlement to the present time. Ed. by W. H. Carpenter and T. S. Arthur > Part 1
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M. L.
DIANA TOWNSHIP LIBRARY.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
50
THE PROPERTY OF
El veland Township, County of
White
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
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Gc 974.6 C22h 1377426
VIM.
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01150 4997
Lippincott's Cabinet Historien of the States.
CONNECTICUT.
LIPPINCOTT'S
CABINET HISTORIES.
Lshs
TRANS
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CONNECTICUT.
1
PHILADELPHIA J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 1856
THE
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT, ~
FROM ITS
Earliest Settlement to the Present Time.
C
EDITED BY
W. H. CARPENTER,
AND
T. S. ARTHUR.
Gc 974.6 c22h
PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 1856.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by T. S. ARTHUR AND W. H. CARPENTER, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON AND CO. PHILADELPHIA.
PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
THERE are but few persons in this country who have not, at some time or other, felt the want of an accurate, well written, concise, yet clear and reliable history of their own or some other state.
The want here indicated is now about being sup- plied ; and, as the task of doing so is no light or superficial one, the publishers have given into the hands of the two gentlemen whose names appear in the title-page, the work of preparing a series of CABI- NET HISTORIES, embracing a volume for each state in the Union. Of their ability to perform this well, we need not speak. They are no strangers in the literary world. What they undertake the public may rest assured will be performed thoroughly; and that no sectarian, sectional, or party feelings will bias their judgment, or lead them to violate the integrity of history.
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The importance of a series of state histories like those now commenced, can scarcely be estimated. Being condensed as carefully as accuracy and interest of narrative will permit, the size and price of the volumes will bring them within the reach of every family in the country, thus making them home-read- ing books for old and young. Each individual will,
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PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
in consequence, become familiar, not only with the history of his own state, but with that of other states : -thus mutual interest will be re-awakened, and old bonds cemented in a firmer union.
In this series of CABINET HISTORIES, the authors, while presenting a concise but accurate narrative of the domestic policy of each state, will give greater prominence to the personal history of the people. The dangers which continually hovered around the early colonists ; the stirring romance of a life passed fearlessly amid peril; the incidents of border war- fare; the adventures of hardy pioneers; the keen watchfulness, the subtle surprise, the ruthless attack, and prompt retaliation-all these having had an im- portant influence upon the formation of the American character, are to be freely recorded. While the progres- sive development of the citizens of each individual state from the rough forest-life of the earlier day to the polished condition of the present, will exhibit a pic- ture of national expansion as instructing as it is inte- resting.
The size and style of the series will be uniform with the present volume. The authors, who have been for some time collecting and arranging materials, will furnish the succeeding volumes as rapidly as their careful preparation will warrant.
PREFACE.
THIS volume presents, within as small a com- pass as was consistent with clearness of expression, a narrative of the events which have occurred within the limits of Connecticut, adapted to the wants of all those who cherish a respect for the patriotism of their ancestors, or who desire a knowledge of the leading facts in the history of the State.
The honourable example of the small band of exiles by whom it was first founded, alike sturdy in defence of their religious creed and their po- litical independence, fostered that brave and uncompromising spirit in their successors which was displayed in their opposition to the encroach- ments of the mother country, and which still
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PREFACE.
more signally manifested itself during the War of the Revolution.
In reciting the progress of these events, all the prominent incidents, prior to and connected with so glorious a struggle, as well as those which have occurred in the subsequent history of the State, will be found accurately recorded.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Adriaen Blok discovers and explores Connecticut River-As- pect of the country - Contemporaneous explorations of Captain John Smith-New England so named by Smith- Plymouth council established-Settlement of New England influenced by the persecution of the Puritans-Enactments against Puritanism during the reign of James the First- Puritan exiles settle in Amsterdam-Motives which in- duced them to remove to New England-Their voyage in the Mayflower-New Plymouth founded-Sufferings of the colonists-Emigrations to New England continue-Com- pany of Massachusetts Bay obtains a charter - Rapid growth of the new colony planted under its protection- Early grants of Connecticut to Earl Warwick, and to Lords Say and Brooke-Boundaries according to the original patent-Dutch traders on the Connecticut-River Indians invite the English to traffic-House of Good Hope built by the Dutch, near Hartford - Plymouth people establish a trading-house at Windsor-Governor of New Netherlands sends a force to drive them away-Failure of this new ex- pedition-English and Dutch claims upon Connecticut- Lord Say and his associate propose to settle there-Rea- sons for their abandonment of that project-Winthrop and others arrive at Boston as commissioners for Say and Brooke-Fort Saybrook built at the mouth of the Con- Page 19 necticut
CHAPTER II.
. . Reverend Thomas Hooker-Silenced for nonconformity- Flies from England to Holland-Affection of his congrega- tion for him-They emigrate to New England-Solicit Hooker to join them-He arrives at Boston in company with Stone and Haynes-Charmed by reports of the ferti- lity of Connecticut, Hooker's people determine to emigrate there - General court of Massachusetts objects-Renew their petition in the spring of 1635-Permission granted
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CONTENTS.
them to emigrate-Pioneer companies plant Windsor, Hart- ford, and Wethersfield-Early and severe winter-Suffer- ing of the colonists-Many compelled to return to Massa- chusetts-Trials of those left behind-Representative court established in the spring of 1636-First meeting of the court-Hooker and his congregation set out from Cam- bridge-Difficulties of their journey-They purchase lands at Hartford-Division of lands-Activity of the colonists - Windsor and Wethersfield receive new accessions - Churches formed-Difficulties between the Windsor people and the Plymouth colony-Fort Saybrook completed .. Page
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CHAPTER III.
Renewed trials-Prospect of an Indian war-Indians of Con- necticut-River tribes-Mohegans-Pequods-Population -Origin of the Pequod war-Captain Stone killed by the Pequods-Oldham murdered by the Block Island Indians -Massachusetts despatches Endicott against them-He destroys their villages-Proceeds to Thames River-Calls upon the Pequods to surrender the murderers of Stone- His demand being refused, he burns two of their villages -Exasperation of the Pequods-They lurk around Fort Saybrook-Colonists massacred-Fortitude and death of John Tilley-Outhouses of the fort destroyed-Party under Lieutenant Gardiner attacked-Alarm of the Connecticut towns-Regulations adopted to prevent surprise-Indians attack Wethersfield - Connecticut towns raise troops - Headed by Mason, they depart against the Pequods- Cruelty of the Mohegan auxiliaries-Narraganset warriors join the expedition-Mason advances into the Pequod country-Attacks and burns Fort Mistic-Terrible slaugh- ter of the Indians-Pursuit of the fugitives-Close of the war
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CHAPTER IV.
Effect of the war on the Indians-Subsequent distress of the colonists - First public tax levied -Settlement of New Haven as an independent colony-Plantation covenant- Lands purchased from the natives-City of New Haven laid out-Planters of Connecticut frame a constitution- Its liberal character-First assembly meets-John Haynes governor-Primary code of laws enacted-Town of Say- brook founded-Proceedings of the constitutional conven- tion of New Haven-Scriptural character of the constitution framed by it-Eaton governor of New Haven-Davenport's
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CONTENTS.
charge to the governor-New towns planted-Connecticut colony's difficulty with Sequeen, sachem of the River In- dians-Singular decision of the Massachusetts elders-Ex- pedition against the Pequods-Hopkins governor-New towns planted-Governor of New Netherlands complains of English encroachments-New Haven sends out colonists to the Delaware-They commence settlements there- Dutch governor protests-Sends troops to destroy the new plantations-Complete success of the expedition-New Ha- ven remonstrates-Second code of laws in Connecticut .. Page
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CHAPTER V.
Confederation of the New England colonies-Quarrel of Uncas and Miantonimo-Colonies side with Uncas-Miantonimo attacks him-Is defeated and taken captive-Claims the protection of the English-Colonial commissioners condemn him to death-He is executed by Uncas-Miantonimo's tribe persist in making war upon Uncas-Threatened by the colonies, they agree to a treaty of peace-Difficulties with the governor of New Netherlands-Cheerless opening of the year 1644-Monthly fast proclaimed-Road ordered to be laid out from Boston to the Connecticut-Saybrook purchased by Connecticut-New Haven people appoint an agent to apply for a charter-Their losses in planting- They fit out a vessel to trade with England-Vessel sails with the charter agent on board-Is never heard of again -Gloom of the colonists-Death and character of Hooker -New London settled by Winthrop-Disputes between Connecticut and Massachusetts-Pequods placed under English protection-Renewed difficulties with the govern- ment of New Netherlands-Temporarily arranged by a treaty with Stuyvesant.
CHAPTER VI.
First complete code of Connecticut laws-Penalties inflicted upon the irreligious-Regulations for the support of religion -Recommendations for christianizing the Indians-Efforts of Elliott-Free-school system fostered-Penalties of lying -Use of tobacco restricted -Debtors saleable - Negro slavery-Regulation in regard to courtship and marriage -Renewed attempt of New Haven to plant on the Dela- ware -Emigrants seized by Stuyvesant- England and Holland at war-Massachusetts refuses to join the other colonies against New Netherlands-Indignation of Con- necticut and New Haven-They solicit the aid of Crom- well-Death of Haynes-Peace between England and
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CONTENTS.
Holland-House of Good Hope seized by Connecticut- Harmony restored to the New England confederacy-John Winthrop governor-Death of Eaton-Newman governor of New Haven-Death of Hopkins-His liberality-Church dissensions-Law against Quakers-Lenient treatment of the Quakers in Connecticut and New Haven-Severity of Massachusetts-Wells governor-Re-election of Winthrop -Change in the rule with regard to the election of go- Page vernors.
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CHAPTER VII.
Charles II. King of England-Goffe and Whalley arrive at Boston-Their arrest ordered-They fly to New Haven- Are pursued-New Haven authorities refuse a warrant for their arrest-They are secretly favoured by the colonists- Finally escape to Hadley-Course of Governor Leet cen- sured by Massachusetts-Dislike of the New Haven people for Charles II .- Their reluctance to acknowledge him king -Connecticut applies for a charter-Winthrop is appointed agent in procuring it-His character-His success-Demo- cratic character of the charter-New Haven included in it -People of that colony cling to their independence-Com- plain against the Connecticut authorities-Winthrop's letter on the subject-His return-His moderation and prudence .- War between England and Holland-New Netherlands conquered by the English-Royal commissioners arrive at Boston-Consequent alarm of the colonists-New Haven yields jurisdiction to Connecticut-Day of thanksgiving appointed-Political advantages of the colony-Its tolera- tion-Rapid increase of population-Domestic character- istics of the people-Economy in government -Town meetings-Their character-Their records.
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CHAPTER VIII.
Prosperity of Connecticut-Apprehension of trouble -The Duke of York claims jurisdiction to the Connecticut-Ed- mund Andross governor of the duke's province-Embarks to seize Fort Saybrook-Connecticut militia sent to oppose him-He attempts to assume authority-Is overawed by the determined conduct of Captain Bull-Returns to New York-King Philip's war-Its origin-Massacre at Swan- zey-Philip a fugitive-Frontier towns of Massachusetts destroyed-Fearful character of the war-Exemption of Connecticut from its immediate horrors-Preparations for defence-Expedition against the Narragansets-Their fort
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CONTENTS.
attacked-Their obstinate resistance-Colonists finally vic- torious-Narraganset fort burned-Connecticut captains killed in the fight-Sufferings of the fugitive Indians- Their despair and fury-Connecticut volunteer companies -Canonchet captured by Captain Denison's men-His execution-Pursuit of Philip-He is shot by one of his own tribe-Death of Winthrop-William Leet governor-State of the colony in 1680-Rogerenes. Page 112
CHAPTER IX.
Robert Treat governor-Territorial dispute with Rhode Island -Conduct of that colony-Dispute finally terminates unfa- vourably to Connecticut-James II. King of England- His scheme to consolidate the New England colonies-Quo warrantos served upon Connecticut-Prudent course of the assembly-Andross appointed governor of New England- Meets the Connecticut assembly-Demands the charter- It is secretly borne away-Andross assumes authority- Ends the records of the assembly-Revolution in England -Andross's authority overthrown -Connecticut charter reproduced-Assembly addresses King William-English lawyers declare the charter of Connecticut unimpaired- War between France and England-French and Indian war parties attack the frontiers of New York and Massa- chusetts-Expeditions against Canada-Their ill success -Designs of the English crown upon the liberties of Con- necticut-Fletcher commissioned to command its militia- Opposition of the assembly-Winthrop bears a petition to the king-Rage of Fletcher-He attempts to assume com- mand of the troops-Is thwarted by the courage of Captain Wadsworth-Course of Connecticut sustained by the crown lawyers-Rejoicing in consequence-Winthrop returns- His reception-Peace.
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CHAPTER X. .
Fitz-John Winthrop governor-Yale College founded-Is removed to New Haven-Hartford and New Haven esta- blished as the colonial capitals-Charges against the colo- nies-Bill to abrogate their charters-Defence of Connecticut -Withdrawal of the obnoxious bill-War between Eng- land, France and Spain-Attempt of Cornbury and Dudley' to abridge the liberties of Connecticut-Charges brought against the colony-Its vindication and triumph-Dudley renews his attacks upon the colony-Promotes the claims of the heirs of Major Mason-Long-continuance of the
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CONTENTS.
Mason controversy-Is finally decided in favour of the colony-Death of Winthrop-Saltonstall governor-Pro- gress of the war-Invasion of Canada projected-Design abandoned - Successful expedition against Acadia-Re- newed attempt to conquer Canada-Its failure-Disap- pointment of the colonies-Peace-Condition of Connecti- cut-Boundary dispute with Massachusetts settled .... Page 137
CHAPTER XI.
Decline in morals-Consequent action of the assembly-Re- newed attempts to abridge the charters of New England- Liberality of Governor Saltonstall-Proposed union of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, into one royal province-Spirited refusal of the colonists-Talcott and Law governors -- Political quiet-Religious contro- versies-War between England and France-New England colonies resolve upon the conquest of Louisburg-Expedi- tion prepared-Departs-Arrives before Louisburg-Troops effect a landing-Royal battery taken-Labours of the siege-French reinforcements captured-Colonists repulsed in an assault on the island battery-Preparations to storm the city-Louisburg capitulates-Rejoicings of the colo- nists-French plan an invasion of New England-Colonies prepare to conquer Canada-Project abandoned-Alarm caused by a French squadron-Peace
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CHAPTER XII.
Prosperity of Connecticut-Towns of Enfield, Woodstock, Somers, and Duffield received under the jurisdiction of Connecticut-Governors Wolcott and Fitch-Difficulties between England and France-Hostilities commenced- Plan of colonial union proposed-Rejected by the colonies and the Lords of Trade-Campaign of 1775-Israel Putnam -Sketch of his life-His character-His adventure with the wolf-Victory of Lake George-Honour of it claimed for Lyman of Connecticut-Defeat of Braddock-Failure of Shirley-Campaign of 1756-Loudoun appointed com- mander-in-chief-Oswego captured by the French-Shame- ful close of the campaign-Campaign of 1756-Expedition set on foot against Louisburg-Loudoun's inactivity at Halifax-Returns to New York-Montcalm descends upon Fort William Henry-Putnam informs Webb, at Fort Ed- ward, of Montcalm's approach-Vacillating conduct of Webb-Surrender of Munro-Massacre of the English pri- soners attempted-Heroism of Montcalm-Alarm of the colonies-Promptness of Connecticut-Fort Edward saved by the daring energy of Putnam
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
Campaign of 1758-Energetic course of Pitt-Popularity of his measures-Louisburg captured-Abercrombie advances against Ticonderoga-Lord Howe killed-Abercrombie de- feated-Frontenac surprised by Bradstreet-Fort Duquesne abandoned by the French-Perilous adventure of Putnam -- He is captured by the Indians-Is saved from torture and death by Molang-Molang sends him a prisoner to Montcalm-Colonel Schuyler procures his exchange-Cam- paign of 1759-Niagara surrendered to the English-Ti- conderoga and Crown Point abandoned by the French- Amherst takes possession of the deserted posts-Quebec taken by Wolfe-Campaign of 1760-Three English armies advance upon Montreal-Putnam at the capture of Fort Oswegatchie-His important services in that affair-Mon- treal surrenders-Final conquest of Canada - Benedict Arnold-His character-Anecdotes of him-Enlists in the army, and is stationed at Ticonderoga-His desertion .. Page 173
CHAPTER XIV.
Spain joins France against England-Expedition against Ha- vana-Putnam joins it-Transport bearing the Connecticut regiment driven on a reef-Escape of all on board-Havana taken-Great mortality among the provincial troops- Peace of Fontainebleau-Wyoming settled by Connecticut emigrants-Jurisdiction claim of Connecticut-Wyoming settlers driven away by the Indians-Stamp Act proposed -Alarm of the colonies-Colonel Barre's reply to Towns- hend-Stamp Act passed-Course of Governor Fitch-Of Trumbull and Putnam-National Congress assembles-Its action-Proceedings approved by Connecticut-"Sons of Liberty"-Ingersoll's address to the Connecticut people- Stamp Act a nullity-It is repealed-Rejoicings in Con- necticut-Sad accident at Hartford-Townshend's revenue bill passed-Action of the colonies-Pitkin governor of Connecticut-Townshend's bill repealed- Wyoming re- occupied by emigrants from Connecticut-Collisions with the Pennsylvanians-Connecticut people triumphant- Assumption of jurisdiction by Connecticut.
CHAPTER XV.
Tax on tea rendered nugatory by non-importation agreements -Parliament attempts to force tea into America-Opposi- tion of the colonies-Tea destroyed at Boston-Rage of
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CONTENTS.
the ministers-Port of Boston closed-National Congress of 1774-Action of the Connecticut assembly-Battle of Lexington-Boston invested-Patriotism of Putnam-Ar -- nold before Boston-Zeal of Governor Trumbull-Of the Connecticut assembly-Connecticut during the war-Allen and Arnold at the capture of Ticonderoga-Enterprise of Arnold-Complaints of his enemies-Throws up his com- mission-Putnam at the battle of Bunker Hill-Washing- ton commander-in-chief-Arnold's march through the wil- derness to Quebec-Joins Montgomery-Assault on Quebec, and death of Montgomery-Arnold maintains the blockade of Quebec-Canada evacuated-Arnold the last to quit the Page 198 enemy's shores
CHAPTER XVI.
Boston evacuated-Declaration of Independence-Battle of Brooklyn Heights-Nathan Hale-His patriotism-He is captured by the British-Is sentenced to death as a spy- Cruelty of his captors-His last words-New York cap- tured-Death of Colonel Knowlton-Arnold on Lake Cham- plain-Charge of dishonesty preferred against him-Wash- ington retreats across the Jerseys-Battles of Trenton and Princeton-Neglect of Arnold by Congress-Tryon's attack on Danbury-British assailed by the militia-Death of Wooster-Bravery of Arnold-Exploit of Colonel Meigs- Arnold appointed a major-general-Singular inconsistency of Congress-Arnold demands an investigation into his conduct-Favourable report of the Board of War-Action of Congress-Arnold tenders his resignation-At the re- commendation of Washington is sent to the northern army -Battles of Behmus' Heights-Surrender of Burgoyne ..... 208
CHAPTER XVII.
Effect of Burgoyne's surrender-Arnold raised to his full rank -Lord North's conciliatory bills-Alliance with France- Battle of Monmouth-Massacre of Wyoming-Close of the campaign-Mutiny at Danbury-Putnam's address to the troops-Its good effect-Tryon at Horseneck-Perilous feat of Putnam-British operations in the south-Move- ments of Clinton-Tryon's attack on New Haven-Murder of inhabitants-Patriotism of Rev. Mr. Dagget-Burning of Fairfield and Norwalk-Stony Point retaken by Wayne -Sullivan's expedition against the Indians
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CONTENTS.
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CHAPTER XVIII.
Campaign of 1780-South Carolina invaded-Fall of Charles- ton-Defeat of Gates-Gloomy aspect of affairs-Arnold at Philadelphia-His quarrel with the Pennsylvania authori- ties-Tried by court-martial-Sentenced to a reprimand from the commander-in-chief-Washington's reprimand- Mortification of Arnold-His extravagance-Its result- Treason of Arnold-Execution of André-Arnold in Vir- ginia-Campaign of 1781-Greene in South Carolina-Corn- wallis concentrates his troops at Yorktown-Arnold's attack on New London-Massacre of the garrison of Fort Gris- wold-New London burned-Surrender of Cornwallis- Subsequent life of Arnold-His death at London. ...... Page 232
CHAPTER XIX.
Negotiations for peace-Settlement of the jurisdiction dispute between Connecticut and Pennsylvania-Dissatisfaction of the Wyoming colonists -- Peace-Condition of the country - Slavery abolished in Connecticut-Griswold and Hun- tingdon governors-Cession of public lands-Connecticut reserve sold-Permanent common-school fund established -Proposed federal impost-New York refuses to sanction it-National convention recommended-Meeting of the convention-Character of the delegates-Roger Sherman- Proceedings of the convention-Struggle between the larger and smaller states-Sherman procures a committee of con- ference-Franklin's proposition-Northern and southern parties-Connecticut delegates act as compromisers-New difficulties between the north and south-Third great com- promise of the constitution-Constitution signed-Gloomy presentiments. 243
CHAPTER XX.
Ratification of the constitution by Connecticut-Federal and Republican parties-Political complexion of Connecticut- Amendments of the constitution adopted - Washington elected president-New partisan differences-Contest be- tween the administration and Genet-Public sentiment in Connecticut-Governors Wolcott and Trumbull-Difficul- ties with France-Alien and sedition acts-Fall of the Fe- deralists-Foreign relations of the United States-British orders in council-Berlin and Milan decrees-Effect of
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CONTENTS.
these measures-Assumptions of Great Britain-Adoption of the embargo-Denounced by the New England states- Address of Governor Trumbull-Action of the legislature -Repeal of the embargo-Continued aggressions of Eng- land-Declaration of war. Page 255
CHAPTER XXI.
New England peace party-Contest between the executives of Connecticut and the United States-Governor Griswold refuses to yield the command of the militia to officers of the regular service-General assembly approves his course -Law for a provisional army in Connecticut-Federal tri- umphs-John Cotton Smith, governor-Progress of the war -Captain Isaac Hull-Militia called out to defend the United States ships of war-Report of a joint committee of the assembly against withdrawing the regular troops from the seaboard-Peace party losing strength-Origin of tho term "blue-light federalist"-Shipping destroyed at Saybrook-British repulsed in an attack on Stonington- Conscription and minor enlistment bills-Denounced by the Connecticut assembly-Hartford convention called- Meeting of the convention-Outline of its report-State law relative to the enlistment of minors-Peace 264
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