USA > Connecticut > The history of Connecticut, from the first settlement of the colony to the adoption of the present constitution, vol. I > Part 1
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Engd for Hollisters History of Connecticut.
THE
HISTORY
OF
CONNECTICUT,
FROM THE
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE COLONY TO THE ADOPTION OF THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION.
BY G. H. HOLLISTER.
In Two Volumes:
VOL. I.
"I wish [this task ] had fallen into some better hands, that might have performed it to the life. I shall only draw the curtain and open my little casement, that so others of larger hearts and abilities may let in a bigger light ; that so at least some small glimmering may be left to posterity what difficulties and obstructions their forefathers met with in first settling these desert parts of America."-Mason's History of the Pequot War.
Lc 974.6 H12h 1. 1
NEW HAVEN: DURRIE AND PECK. 1855.
ENTERED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, BY G. H. HOLLISTER, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut.
R. H. HOBBS, Stereotyper, Hartford, Ct.
CASE, TIFFANY & CO., Printers, Hartford, Conn.
1208920
TO THE HON. I. WILLIAM STUART.
MY DEAR SIR :
IT GIVES ME THE HIGHEST PLEASURE TO DEDICATE THIS WORK TO YOU. I KNOW NO GENTLEMAN IN THE STATE WHOSE LOVE FOR ITS HISTORY IS SO MUCH LIKE A POET'S PASSION FOR HIS MUSE, AS YOUR OWN. THE SONS OF CONNECTICUT WILL AGREE WITH ME IN THANKING YOU FOR YOUR FILIAL CARE OF THE DEAR OLD CHARTER OAK. NOR WILL THAT GENIUS OF WYLLYS HILL FORGET TO REWARD THE TENDER OFFICES THAT NURSED ITS SECOND CHILDHOOD. EVERY RUSSET LEAF THAT LINGERS AMONG ITS HOARY LOCKS TO RECEIVE THE CARESSES OF THE INDIAN SUMMER, WILL WHISPER YOUR NAME ; EVERY ACORN THAT DROPS FROM ITS AGED HANDS TO GERMINATE AND PERPETUATE ITS LINE, WILL KEEP YOUR MEMORY ALIVE IN THE HEARTS OF ITS CHILDREN.
ACCEPT THIS SLIGHT TOKEN OF MY GRATEFUL REGARD,
AND BELIEVE ME EVER YOUR FRIEND,
G. H. HOLLISTER.
PREFACE.
IT is not without much reluctance that I submit this work to the examination of the public. The difficulties that beset the path of the author of a local history, are not likely to be appreciated by the majority of readers whose avocations are for the most part connected with the stirring scenes of the present day and with the bustle of active life. The historian of the United States is at liberty to choose those facts that, from their large proportions and prominence, can be seen as the Green Mountains, the Alleghanies or the White Hills may be, beyond the boundaries of states or other arbitrary lines that designate their locality upon the map. He may speak of Washington, of Laurens, of Putnam, or of Warren, and feel that the northern and southern reader alike is quickened with the theme. So free is he to choose from the materials before him, that common events may be passed by, common incidents may be left out of view, without awakening personal animosity or enkindling local jealousies.
The task that I have undertaken is widely different. The following pages are not a record of the doings of a mighty nation, stretching over a continent; but rather of a people humble in their beginnings, unambitious in their aims ; content with the moral grandeur that alone attends the discharge of their duty, and in silent unconsciousness building up a political structure more sublime in its beauty than the towered palaces of kings.
I have often been inquired of if I could find material for a history of so small a state ? My answer is, that I have found quite too much, and I have been more at a loss what I should be justified in leaving out, than how I should find interest- ing matter to insert.
I am much indebted to Dr. Trumbull, for going before me and gathering as he did whatever the most untiring diligence could glean from records, family papers, oral communications, and even traditions. But Trumbull did not touch upon the American revolution -- that part of our history by far the most interesting to the people. From the close of the last French war, down to the adoption of our State Constitution, I have been obliged to shape my course without any general guide, but not without many local ones, who have pointed out the way to me for a little distance and then smilingly committed me to the care of others.
My main object in undertaking this work was to turn the attention of the descendants of the Connecticut emigrants from the present to the glorious past ; to remind them of the sacrifices, the toils, the sufferings of their fathers' fathers ; and to awaken, though it be with a momentary breath, the coals that once glowed like the vestal fire day and night upon the altar of Freedom. Those who read these pages, will find that they have little need to be ashamed of their origin, and that it can be said of them as truly and in a higher sense than the fifth Henry
vi
PREFACE.
could say to his troops on the eve of battle, that " their blood is fet from fathers of war-proof." Indeed, no state since the fall of Lacedæmon has ever, in the history of the world, waged so many wars in the same number of years, with equal success, or voluntarily borne such heavy burdens, as Connecticut. If I have failed to prove these facts, I am sure they are capable of proof when some author more worthy of the theme shall address his energies to the task. Meanwhile, I humbly commend my labors to my brothers who still remain upon the soil of the State, and to those who, in regions far remote, yet turn their eyes with a fond regard toward the green hills and soft valleys where lie the bones of the men who felled the forest and planted the vines.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE
Settlement of the Connecticut River Valley .- Wah-qui-ma-cut visits the governors of Massachusetts and Plymouth ; he describes the Valley of the Connecticut; he wishes the English to settle there; Gov. Winslow visits the Valley; the Warwick patent; Massa- chusetts planters straightened for room ; their removal to Con- necticut opposed ; Wethersfield settled; leave granted Hooker to remove ; first settlement of Windsor ; march through the wilder- ness ; arrival of Winthrop ; severity of the winter ; sufferings of the settlers ; construction of the General Court; journey of Hooker to Hartford ; the valley of the Connecticut; its primitive appearance ; its aboriginal inhabitants ; their Anglo Saxon successors.
CHAPTER II.
17
Connecticut a Wilderness : The Pequot War and its causes .- Con- trast between the past and present; number and characteristics of the Indians ; murder of Captains Stone and Norton ; Narragansetts and Pequots; John Oldham killed; Gallop captures Oldham's vessel; Endicott sent to Block Island; he lays it waste; remon- strance of Gardiner; Endicott invades the Pequot country ; But- terfield roasted alive ; Tilley tortured to death ; Gardiner wounded ; an English shallop captured ; interview between Gardiner and the Indians at Saybrook ; Indians attack Wethersfield; declara- tion of war against the Pequots ; Mason sails for Pequot ; it is decided to sail to Narragansett; their arrival, and interview with Miantinomoh ; conduct of the Nihanticks; Mason reinforced by Narragansetts ; boastings of Uncas ; desertion and cowardice of the Narragansetts ; the English reach the Pequot fort ; Mason burns the fort; terrible destruction of life; sad condition of the English soldiers ; return to Hartford. .
CHAPTER III.
Prosecution of the Pequot War .- Sassacus disgraced in the view of his tribe ; the Pequots burn their remaining fort and disperse; Massachusetts prosecutes the war ; Mason joins Stoughton at Pequot harbor; pursuit of Sassacus; sachems murdered at "Sachem's Head ;" the " swamp fight" at Fairfield ; bravery of Captain Mason ;
32
viii
CONTENTS.
PAGE
and Patrick; the English triumph; the captives and booty divi- ded; sufferings of the captives ; Sassacus killed by the Mohawks; his scalp sent to Boston; the remnant of the Pequots distributed among the captors; the war unnecessary ; Endicott's expedition ill-advised; Connecticut compelled to take the field in self-defense ; it became a war of extermination; the Pequot tribe extinct. . . 66
CHAPTER IV.
The first American Constitution .- Civil and religious liberty had their rise in England; their progress; Henry VIII. ; his character and career ; his destruction and confiscation of Monastic buildings and estates ; his religious affinities ; progress of the Reformation; death of Henry VIII .; the "reformation party;" the English liturgy framed; accession of Elizabeth; the liberal party divided ; character of the queen; strict conformity required; the High Court of Commission established ; its despotic nature; clergymen executed for non-conformity ; James I .; union of Eng- land and Scotland; many clergymen silenced, imprisoned, or exiled ; conduct of the king; both parties intolerant; the puritans compelled to take repugnant oaths, or to leave the country ; their motives in coming to the new world; origin of human government; the founders of our government; their character- istics ; the Constitution of Connecticut; its objects and provisions ; two annual assemblies or General Courts; mode of nominating candidates for office ; requisite qualifications for office ; the several towns to send four deputies; convening of regular and special courts; deputies chosen by ballot; the supreme power of the commonwealth vested in the General Court; our Constitution com- pared with those of Europe ; it recognizes all power as vested with the people; no taxation without representation; the king not named in it; our early laws; Bancroft's tribute to Connecticut. . 74
CHAPTER V.
Founding of New Haven Colony .- People threatened with famine; corn purchased of the Indians ; colony in debt; heavy taxes ; John Mason appointed commander-in-chief of the militia; Hooker presents him with the staff of office; the scene described by Dr. Bushnell ; Davenport, Eaton and Hopkins arrive in Massachusetts ; efforts made to retain them in that colony; they settle in New Haven ; their first Sabbath there; Davenport's discourse; plantation covenant; earthquake; purchase of the land at Quinnipiack ; char- acter of the planters ; meeting in " Mr. Newman's barn ;" constitu- tion adopted; the "seven pillars" of the church; the charge of
ix
CONTENTS.
PAGE
bigotry considered ; purchase and settlement of Guilford and Mil- ford ; principal settlers of Milford and Guilford ; Whitfield, Des- borough, and Leete ; Ludlow ; settlement of Fairfield and Stratford. 91
CHAPTER VI.
Colonel Fenwick establishes a government at Saybrook .- Arrival of Colonel Fenwick, Lady Fenwick, and others, at Saybrook; a civil government organized ; the first proprietors and other settlers ; quarrel between Sowheag and the people of Wethersfield; attempts at reconciliation ; the remnant of the Pequots take possession of Pawcatuck; a war against them resolved on; Mason and Uncas invade their territory, burn their wigwams, carry off their corn, wampum, and other valuables; attempt to form a "general con- federation" of the colonies; the several towns incorporated; all deeds, mortgages, and conveyances of lands to be recorded; the office of town clerk established; provisions made for settling estates of deceased persons ; difficulties arising from Indian titles ; purchase of Norwalk and Greenwich ; purchase of lands on Long Island ; purchase of Stamford; Captain Turner sent to Delaware Bay to buy lands; character of the Wethersfield people ; Mr. Ware- ham and other proprietors of Windsor ; attempts to quiet the dis- turbances at Wethersfield ; many remove to Stamford ; principal proprietors who remained; a union of the New England colonies effected; New England Congress ; how constituted ; its powers ; Miantinomoh and Uncas; the former invades the territory of the latter ; stratagem of Uncas; the Narragansetts put to flight; Miantinomoh captured ; his death, and burial-place. . 106
CHAPTER VII.
Progress of Settlement. Troubles with the Dutch and Indians .- Claims of the English and Dutch; discoveries of Adrian Block ; the Dutch visit and purchase lands in Connecticut ; war between the Dutch and Indians; how it originated ; the Indians murder Mrs. Hutchinson and her family ; the Dutch are aided by Captain Underhill; Indian depredations and murders upon the English ; settlement of Branford; commissioners of the united colonies meet at Hartford ; agreement with the Narragansetts and certain Long Island Indians; the jurisdiction of Westfield, and South Hamp- ton ; purchase of Saybrook fort, &c. of Col. Fenwick; a duty to be paid Col. Fenwick; Death of George Wyllys, Esq. ; sketch of his history ; the Charter Oak Place ; the Narragansetts commence hostilities against Uncas; interference of the English ; declaration of war against the Narragansetts ; the Narragansetts ask permis-
xii
CONTENTS.
PAGE
are there concealed ; sketch of Whalley; sketch of Goffe; Col. Dixwell; sketch of his life and services; he is concealed in New Haven ; Sir Edmund Andross' visit at New Haven ; death of Dix- well.
. 234
CHAPTER XII.
King Philip's War .- Conduct of the king's commissioners ; they annul purchases of the Indians ; attempt to form an independent government in Narragansett; counties established ; Lyme named ; Haddam, Simsbury, and Wallingford incorporated ; controversy about Paugasset (Derby ;) the town incorporated; dispute in the church at Stratford; the parties separate; settlement of Pamperaug (Woodbury ;) adventures of the emigrating party ; Philip, the sachem of the Wampanoags; his conspiracy ; attempts to chris- tianize the Indians; the prospects of Philip ; apprehensions of the English ; the crisis approaches ; Swansey, Taunton, Middleborough, and Dartmouth destroyed by the Indians; Philip attacked and pursued; Captains Hutchinson and Beers, and several of their men killed; Major Treat; services of Connecticut; the Narragansetts and Wampanoags; treaty with the Narragansett sachems; rewards offered for Philip; Capt. Lathrop slain; Mosely attacked and driven back; Major Treat's timely arrival; the enemy repulsed ; means for the general defense; Springfield destroyed; Major Treat drives the enemy from the place, and saves the people from promis- cuous slaughter; vote of thanks to Major Treat ; Philip attacks Hadley; he is driven back by the Connecticut troops; defense of the eastern towns; Congress decided to raise one thousand men ; the Narragansetts to be attacked in their principal fort ; union of the forces from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Plymouth ; attack upon the fort; dreadful slaughter ; the enemy dispersed-six hun- dred wigwams burned ; three Connecticut captains killed ; a dearly bought victory; the war continues; Nanuntenoo captured; he spurns a conditional offer of life ; he is executed ; Major Talcott's expedition ; " the long and hungry march;" he is stationed at West- field; he attacks a party of the enemy near the Housatonick; the sachem of Quoboug and twenty-four of his warriors killed. . . . . 253
CHAPTER XIII.
Andross attempts to land at Saybrook .- The Duke of York's new patent; the duke commissions Andross as governor of New York ; Andross disregards previous boundaries; war with Philip still pending ; Andross approaches Saybrook ; the militia rally ; legisla- tive instructions to Capt. Bull and Mr. Chapman; they are to act
xiii
CONTENTS.
PAGE
in self-defense; the protest of the General Assembly; Andross and his suite permitted to land; his object; his clerk is ordered to read aloud his commission, &c .; Capt. Bull prevents him; the militia escort Andross to his boat; a statement to be made to the king; death of Gov. Winthrop; his public and private life; the Winthrop letters.
. 288
CHAPTER XIV.
Administration of Andross .- The colony involved in debt; heavy taxes levied ; she takes possession of the country of Nanuntenoo; the Andross affair ; committee on claims and jurisdiction appoint- ed; their decision in favor of Connecticut ; a new enemy appears ; the marquis of Hamilton's claim ; complaints against the colonies ; Waterbury settled and incorporated ; the Naugatuck valley ; James II .; Writs of quo warranto ; Mr. Whiting appointed agent to Eng- land ; conduct of the king; charters annulled ; Connecticut alarm- ed ; the General Assembly refuse to direct ; Mr. Whiting's efforts unavailing ; Andross arrives in Boston as governor of New England; he informs Connecticut of his appointment ; is "commissioned to receive their charter;" appeals to their loyalty ; they petition the king, without avail; Andross visits Hartford; his reception by the General Assembly ; he publicly demands the charter; remonstrance of Gov. Treat; debate prolonged until evening ; the charter sud- denly disappears; Andross assumes the government; he proceeds to appoint officers; many odious measures adopted and enforced by him ; he declares the land titles of the colonists valueless; or- ders that new titles or patents shall be purchased ; abdication of James II .; Andross seized and confined in Boston; the charter officers resume the government; the advent of king William wel- comed by the colonists ; the charter oak; Indian legend; the charter concealed by Capt. Wadsworth.
. 300
CHAPTER XV.
Frontenac's Invasion. Attempt upon Quebec .- The French and In- dians threaten northern New York; Leisler asks the aid of Con- necticut; assistance rendered; Count Frontenac invades the fron- tier settlements ; Schenectady destroyed ; horrible massacres ; set- tlement at Salmon Falls broken up; Massachusetts asks the assist- ance of Connecticut ; she responds to the call; Glastenbury incor- porated ; New England and New York determine to invade the enemy's country ; plan of operations ; Fitz John Winthrop appoint- ed commander-in-chief; he arrives at Wood Creek; the "five na- tions" refuse to cooperate with him; no canoes in readiness; he
xiv
CONTENTS.
PAGE
retreats to Albany ; Sir William Phipps' fleet reach Quebec ; he at- tacks the city, but soon re-embarks; conduct of Leisler and Mil- born; Leisler seizes and court-martials Winthrop; he is rescued by the Mohawks; letter from the authorities of Connecticut; the General Assembly sustain Winthrop; vote of thanks; Windham incorporated ; Frontenac.in vades the Mohawk country ; Col. Schuy- ler pursues the French; Connecticut sends more men to Albany ; Gov. Phipps asks for more men; Capt. Whiting sent to his aid ; Gov. Fletcher of New York; he claims the command of the militia of Connecticut; Gen. Winthrop sent as agent to England; his in- structions ; Fletcher visits Hartford; attempts to enforce his authority over the militia ; scene between him and Capt. Wads- worth.
. 325
CHAPTER XVI.
Conspiracy of Dudley and Cornbury .- Money raised for the defense of Albany ; it is paid to Gov. Fletcher; result of Winthrop's mis- sion to England; satisfactory to Connecticut ; services of the colony ; enormous taxation; dishonorable conduct of Fletcher ; the Earl of Bellamont; committee appointed to wait upon him; Win- throp elected governor; two houses of the legislature established ; Plainfield, Colchester, and Durham incorporated; New York and Connecticut boundary line; "Oblong;" Voluntown, Mansfield, Danbury, and Canterbury, incorporated; war against France and Spain ; the colonies involved in the conflict ; Connecticut sends troops to aid Massachusetts and New York; friendly Indians to be enlisted; Dudley and Cornbury; their hatred to Connecticut ; Dudley's charges against her ; his attempt to reunite all the char- ter governments to the crown ; interference of Sir Henry Ashurst; Dudley fails in his project ; further attempts to rob Connecticut of her charter; new charges preferred against her; Bulkley's "Will and Doom;" the colony charged with oppressing the Mohegans; the queen appoints commissioners to investigate the charge; survey and map of the Mohegan country ; meeting of the commis- sioners ; Connecticut not officially notified ; an ex parte trial; ver- dict against Connecticut ; the trial of the colony for her charter ; noble defense by Sir Henry Ashurst; the decision favorable to Connecticut ; her enemies frustrated. 343
CHAPTER XVII.
Death of Treat. Surrender of Port Royal .- Colonies again alarm- ed; rumors of a French and Indian invasion ; removal of Indians ; Dudley's proposed expedition against Canada; death of Gov. Win-
XV
CONTENTS.
PAGE
throp; Gurdon Saltonstall chosen governor ; sketch of the life and services of Gov. Treat; Connecticut raises troops for Canada ; Nicholson commands the land army ; non-arrival of the fleet from England ; failure of the expedition ; Bills of Credit issued; Congress of governors ; address to the queen; Gov. Saltonstall appointed agent to England ; Ridgefield incorporated ; sachems visit England with Col. Schuyler; their interview with the queen; more troops raised; provincial fleet reaches Port Royal; the fort surrenders ; fleet arrives from England; it is destitute of supplies ; men and provisions speedily raised; expedition against Canada; wreck of the English fleet ; land army return ; Hebron, Killingly, Coventry,
. 367 New Milford, and Pomfret incorporated.
CHAPTER XVIII.
War with the Eastern Indians .- French Jesuits; their influence with the Indians ; Father Ralle; incursions of the French and Indians ; eastern Massachusetts alarmed ; Col. Walton sent to defend the eastern frontier ; complaints of the Indians against the English ; expedition against Norridgewock; the enemy had fled; the Eng- lish carry off the books and papers of Father Ralle; the Indians retaliate; they burn Brunswick, and capture sixteen English fish- ing vessels ; war formally declared; Governors Shute and Burnett call upon Connecticut for troops ; she determines to defend her own frontiers and the county of Hampshire; expeditions of West- brook, Moulton, and Lovell ; Ashford, Tolland, Stafford, Bolton, and Litchfield, incorporated.
CHAPTER XIX.
War with France. Capture of Louisbourg .- Prospect of a war be- tween England and Spain; the colony takes measures to defend herself; the war declared ; Admiral Vernon sent against the Span- ish West Indies; measures for raising troops in Connecticut; Bills of Credit issued ; union of Lord Cathcart's fleet with that of Ver- non; unsuccessful attack upon Carthagena; pestilence ; fearful mortality among the troops; Gov. Oglethorpe; England declares war against France; French privateers; the commerce of New England destroyed by them; the English determine to capture Louisbourg; measures adopted to that end; arguments for and against the project; the enterprise temporarily abandoned; the determination is renewed ; troops raised and officers appointed in Connecticut; Sir William Pepperell appointed commander-in-chief; the troops sail for Louisbourg; they are joined by Commodore Warren's fleet; a part of the troops effect a landing; they take
. 382
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CONTENTS.
PAGE
surrender of Louisbourg; services of Connecticut ; England resolves to pursue her conquests ; French fleet sails for America ; sudden death of D'Anville and D'Estournelle; Jonquiere's plans defeated. . 390
CHAPTER XX.
Early Manners and Customs in Connecticut .- Preliminary remarks ; the undistinguished men and women of the colony ; the early plan- ters were of good descent ; their heraldric bearings ; their disre- gard for the past; servants ; the pedigree of the first settlers ; their industry and privations; the dignity of labor ; civil, military, and ecclesiastical titles; classes or grades of society ; architecture ; superstitions of the people ; their meals ; furniture ; modes of conveyance ; the charge of bigotry considered; Fast and Thanks- giving ; customs at funerals ; peculiarities of dress and ornament. 415
CHAPTER XXI.
The established Religion of Connecticut .- Religious opinions of the settlers ; their motives in coming to New England; the first churches and ministers of Connecticut ; the specific duties of pastors, teachers, ruling elders, and deacons; quali- fications for church-membership ; the half-way covenant; con- struction and views of the churches; religious controversies ; Rev. Henry Smith and the people of Wethersfield; death and character of the Rev. Thomas Hooker ; Rev. James Pier- pont ; the Hartford controversy; dissensions at Wethersfield ; the Russell and Hollister controversy ; Mr. Russell removes to Hadley; assembly of ministers ; difficulties at Windsor ; the Saybrook platform ; the Ruggles controversy at Guilford ; the "Great Revival ;" opposition to the measures of the re- vivalists ; errors and irregularities ; laws passed to suppress the "new lights ;" difficulties at Branford, Milford, New Haven, and Wallingford ; religious toleration ; practical operation of the new system ; concluding remarks. . 446
APPENDIX.
The Patent of 1631. 475
The Charter of 1662. 476
Letter from Charles II.
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