USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Simsbury > A record and documentary history of Simsbury > Part 26
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313
S. T. R. P. 56 B. 4
half a bushel. To encourage its manufacture, a bounty of one shilling per bushel was offered. This was afterwards increased to two shillings for each bushel of salt made of natural salt water. At length the great cry for salt and the want of it threatened the public peace and safety of the State.
1777.
The Governor and Council therefore ordered and author- ized the (impressment) of a suitable number of vessels to be fitted out and, protected by an armed ship, to purchase salt for the State, this to be done "with the greatest secrecy and dispatch". Thus imported, it was deposited with agents for distribution to towns and individuals. These facts render intelligible the following record of the town:
At a Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Simsbury on the Ist day of December 1777, it was
"Voted that the Refpective School Committee men in ye Several Societies in this Town, and in the refpective Diftricts, are directed to Exhibit an account of the Number of In- habitants, that is of each family and the number belonging to each family, and to exhibit the Said Number as Soon as may be to ye prefent Select men, in order that ye Towns Salt may be equally Divided."
From the commencement of the war as was to be ex- pected, a considerable number of persons remained firm in their allegiance to the Government of Great Britain, and con- scientiously opposed to a separation from it. These, throughout the continuance of the war, were a source of trouble and anxiety to the patriots of the revolution. The appellation of "Tories", which at first attached to them as adherents of the Crown, became a term of reproach, allied to treason. Several measures were adopted to restrain and punish them. "Com- mittees of Safety" were appointed in the several towns, whose duty it was to learn the opinions, and watch the conduct of every member of the community.
At a Town Meeting held in December 1774, it was voted. "Upon a motion of the moderator, to hear Read the Continental Afsociation, agreed upon by the congrefs held at Philadelphia, in September and October laft, and the Same being Read, was concurred with by Vote, and Samuel Lawrence, Lemuel
314
S. T. R. B. 4 P. 54
Roberts, Elifha Cornifh, Abel Pettibone, Afahel Holcomb, Ezekiel Humphry, Joel Hays, Peter Rice, Begelow Lawrence, Elifha Barber, Joseph Forward and Brewfter Higley, were Chofen a Committee of Infpection, according to the Eleventh Article in Said Afsociation agreement."
If suspicion fell upon any individual as to his political opinions, he was closely watched. If guilty of favoring the Government of England, he was restrained and punished, whatever might have been his former standing or profession. Simsbury was not exempt from this class of persons. Among them was the Rev. Roger Viets, rector of St. Andrew's Church. He was a native of the town, an amiable man, and greatly beloved by his parishoners. His connection with the Church of England caused him to be more closely associated in the minds of the public with the royal cause, and therefore to be more closely watched. And being a public man, his influence was more to be feared. He was naturally of a kind and charitable disposition, and ever ready to extend relief to the suffering. It so happened that some men came to his house one night and asked for aid. They were probably Tories, and perhaps, as they were endeavoring to elude pursuit, they were escaped prisoners from Newgate. Mr. Viets dared not give them lodg- ing, so strict was the law against harboring Tories; but he could not refuse to feed the hungry. The authorities were led by circumstances to suspect him, and accused him of feeding Tories. He would not deny the charge. Perhaps he was found guilty of other acts of disloyalty to the cause of liberty. No doubt he was at heart a Tory. He "was sentenced in January, 1777, to one years imprisonment, and fined £ 20 and the Assembly enlarged his confinement in prison, and permitted him to be confined within the town lines of Simsbury, by his paying costs of prosecution, &c., and giving a bond, with surety, in the penal sum of £ 1,000 lawful money, conditioned that he should not go out of said town, or do or say anything against the United States within the time for which he was sentenced."
Like many others of the same sentiments he subsequently removed to Nova Scotia, where he died.
315
1777. Hinman's War of the Revolution. P. 283
Many Tories were sent to the prison in Simsbury, from this State and elsewhere. So great was its reputation for strength and security, that in 1775, General Washington sent from his camp at Cambridge some prisoners, with the following Letter to the Committee of Safety, Simsbury:
"Cambridge, December 11th 1775.
"Gentlemen: The prisoners which will be delivered you with this, having been tried by a Court-martial, and deemed to be such flagrant and atrocious villains that they cannot by any means be set at large or confined in any place near this camp, were sentenced to be sent to Symsbury in Connecticut. You will therefore be pleased to have them secured in your jail, or in such other manner as to you shall seem necessary, so that they cannot possibly make their escape. The charges of their imprisonment will be at the Continental expense.
I am &c.
George Washington."
As the Tories were in the habit of wandering from place to place, in various disguises, to spy out the state of the colonies and give intelligence to the British, to prevent this, the Governor and Council resolved, "that no person unknown or suspected, whether in the character of gentleman, expresses, travellers, beggars, should be permitted to travel or pass from town to town in the Colony unless he should produce a pass from some Congress, Committee of Safety or inspection, some magistrate, General or field officer of the army, stating therein from whence he came, to what place bound, that he was friendly to the States, unless he was well known in the Colony." And it was made the duty of all officers, civil and military, to require all persons travelling as aforesaid to produce such certificate, and to stop and examine them.
The following are specimens of these passes, the originals of which are in the possession of the present writer:
"Simsbury October 27th A.D. 1777.
"Mr. Daniel Barber having occasion to Travel towards the sea-side, to endeavour to purchase some Salt for himself and some neighbours, is hereby permitted to travel for that purpose; any person who Deals with him in that way may
316
expect he will fulfill his contract; and all Gentlemen are Desired to Treat him well, as long as he Conducts as a true friend to this State.
Pr John Owen, Justice of peace"
"Hartford County Simsbury October 14.th 1778. These certify that Mr Daniel Barber, the Bearer has taken the Oath of Fidelity to these States, and that he has lately hired a Man into the Continental Service & I never Knew that he behaved unfriendly to sd States, - please let him pass and repass so long as he behaves well and friendly to said States.
Pr John Owen. Justice of Peace."
It is interesting to notice with what vigilance the people of that day watched the acts of the Government. The men of preceding generations had, with unquestioning obedience, sub- mitted to the laws of the country because they were laws; but, at the period of the Revolution, the spirit of liberty and independence led to an intelligent scrutiny of all acts of their rulers, in which the rights or interests of the people were in- volved. The Town Meetings in Connecticut were schools in which the measures of the government were originated or dis- cussed. Here the people received instruction in government by governing themselves. From their universal participation in the management of their own municipal affairs, they were led to take an interest in State affairs. Their legislators they elected as they did their Selectmen, and they looked upon both as their agents or servants. Hence their right to instruct them or call in question their acts.
The delegates of the several Colonies in Congress as- sembled had prepared "Articles of Confederation," and pro- posed them for the consideration of the Legislatures of their respective states for approval. These, being laid before the legislature of Connecticut on the 8th of January 1778, were not immediately adopted, but their consideration was post- poned till the next session. Meantime, having been sent out by the Governor to the several towns of the State, for their consideration, Simsbury took the following action:
"At a Lawfull Town Meeting held in Simfbury by Special
317
1778.
S. T. R.
B. 4. P. 56 order of the Selectmen, Convened at the Meeting Houfe in the firft Society in said Town on the 12th day of January Anno Domini 1778.
"Col1. Noah Phelps was Chofen Moderator of sd Meeting. After reading the Articles of Confederation Drawn up & adopted by the Continental Congrefs of the united States of N: America, and recommended by ye General Afsembly of this State, to ye Confideration of ye Towns &c.
1778.
"Voted to confider Sd Confederation Article by Article, and after confidering the Same to ye 8th Article, Voted to adjourn this meeting to the 19th Day of January Inftant to meet at this place at 10: Clock in ye morning.
"And on Monday the 19th Day of January 1778, This meeting was opened according to the adjournment, Col1: Noah Phelps Continued Moderator; Voted, to adopt and Concur with all the Articles of Confederation aforementioned, and John Owen and Daniel Humphrey Esqrs and Mr: Andrew Hillyer were chofen and appointed a Committee to Tranfmit the Doings of this meeting to ye General Afsembly of this State in their prefent Sefsions" "Voted the remaining Salt belonging to the Town Shall be Diftributed to the Soldiers families and widows, at Difcretion off the Selectmen."
Whether the other towns of the State took similar ac- tion does not appear; but the Legislature, at its next Session in February, voted to ratify the Articles of Confederation. It might promote the public good, if, occasionally at the present time, the towns, being in part constituencies of the legislature would take a like action on matters pending in that body.
1779.
The next year, February, 1779, at a special town meet- ing, it was "voted to Raife a Rate or Tax of One Shilling on the Pound" ... "the monie so Raifed to be laid out by the Selectmen of this Town to purchafe Blankits, and other Clothing for ye Continental Soldrs belonging to this Town." . "
"This meeting alfo Resolve, That it is the opinion of this meeting, That a Late Act of the General Afsembly of this State Pafsed at their Sefsions at Hartford in January
318
laft, made for the Raifing the Courts Fees &c., Is: Prejudicial & Injurious to ye Public, and has a great tendency to hurt and Depreciate the Continental Bills, &c, and therefore this meet- ing prays that some Speedy meafures may be taken that said Act may be repealed, And the prefent Selectmen of this Town (as a Committee) are directed to write to his Excellency the Governor of this State and Inform him of thefe Refolves, and pray him that Sd act of afsembly may be repealed. ... and alfo Caufe the Same to be published in the Connecticut Courant, at Hartford as Soon as conveniently may be."
The people took an interest in all public affairs, and their patriotism increased with the progress of the war. Again they took measures to provide for the soldiers in the field. In Febru- ary 1780, it was "voted that the Selectmen Shall Enquire and if the Soldiers, and Militia-men's public Incouragement & wages called into Service from this Town, Shall be found in- adiquate to their Service, that then the said Selectmen are advifed to warn a Town meeting for the purpofe of hearing, and recompenceing Said Soldiers &c." Every means in their power was used to fill up, and keep full the town's quota of troops and supplies.
Another meeting was held in June of that year, when it was "voted that there Shall be paid out of Said Town Treafury for the Encouragement of Soldiers, that have In- listed Since the firft day of March laft, or Shall Inlift into the Continental or this State Service belonging to this Towns quota shall have. ... paid as aforesaid as a premium the Sum of Twelve Shillings pr month for each Soldier in Said Service for so long a Time Each Soldier Shall Serve, at any Time between Said firft day of March laft until the firft Day of January next, and this Encouragement to Extend to the Non Commifsioned officers according to their Rank in office.
"Alfo Voted, that Each Non Commifsioned officer ac- cording to their Rank, and. Each Private Soldier belonging to this Towns Quota or Regiment, that have Inlifted or are taken into the publick Military Service from the firft Day of March Laft, or that Shall be Imployed in Said Service until the firft day of January next, Shall have for their wages for
319
S. T. R. B. 4. P. 58
S. T. R. B. 4. P. 61
1780. ib.
each month, any Such Officer, or Soldier (as) Shall be Imployed as aforesaid Forty Shillings to be Eftimated as wheat at four Shillings pr Bufhall, for the Term they Shall be in Said Service, and that (if) what is allowed to them by the State of Congrefs Shall fall Short of Said Sum, the Remainder Shall be paid out of this Town Treafury, So that their monthly wages Shall be Sufficient to purchafe Ten bufhalls of wheat, whether it be paid in Silver, Connecticut States money or Continental, and that Said Premium or bounty Shall be Eftimated and paid in the Same Manner."
1780. 1781.
S. T. R. B. 4. P. 81
Still with unabated ardor, the town continued its patriotic efforts to make the war a success. In 1781, it was voted to raise a given number of men "to Stand as Minute men to be ready to march upon the Shorteft notice at any Time whenever Called for by the Commander in Chief to march upon any Suden Imergency to Serve for Three months, or until Dif- mifsed - and that for Such Soldiers they Shall have the States bounty which is 40s hard money pr month and 208 hard money pr month, for the Time they Shall be in actual service."
S. T. R. B. 4 P. 84
In 1782, at a Town meeting in Simsbury, it was Voted "to Raise 14. men, or Soldiers to Supply the State Guard at Horfeneck for one year," and at a subsequent meeting, - Col. Noah Phelps, Col. Ozias Pettibone and Capt. Abel Pettibone & Major Amasa Mills were appointed a Committee "to look up Continental Soldiers belonging to this State to be accounted for this Town to Supply ye Connecticut Line."
Hinman's Preface.
By this time the war was virtually brought to a close. "No State supplied more men, money, and means of every kind, according to her ability, than did Connecticut; or did more to hasten on the glorious issue of the revolutionary war." And from the preceding narrative, it may with truth be said that no town supplied more men, money and means of every kind according to its ability, than did Simsbury.
As this narration of the part which Simsbury took in the war opens with a brilliant exploit in which a Simsbury man was a prominent actor, it seems fitting that it should close by the narration of another exploit, in which the gallant
320
Hinman P. 627
conduct of another Simsbury hero sheds an added lustre upon its name.
"In 1779, one Bearmore, a famous cowboy chief, or Tory, was eminently successful in plundering and committing de- predations on his countrymen about the lines, (at Horse- neck) and as a spy for the British troops in that vicinity.
Captain Andrew Hillyer (late Col. Hillyer of Simsbury) was then stationed at Horse Neck, with his troop of light horse, and was ordered to "beat up" Bearmore's quarters, and, if possible, make him prisoner. Accordingly Capt. Hillyer mustered his troop in the evening, and marched in the night with all caution to Bearmore's rendezvous; but he in some way was alarmed, and leaped from his bed, through a window, naked (and) escaped in the darkness of the night, leaving his clothes, sword and some plunder in the hands of the con- tinentals. The troop then being in the vicinity of the enemy, it became necessary they should make a hasty march for their own quarters, which they did, keeping out scouts in all direc- tions to avoid surprise. About daybreak, the troops overtook a company of infantry, numbering about 50 men, commanded by Capt. White, who had been out through the night on some special service. At this moment, two scouts that had covered the rear of the light horse, came dashing in among them, one of which was covered with blood, his hand hanging by the skin, having been lopped off at the wrist by a British dragoon; and reported that a squadron of British cavalry were close upon them. Capt. White exclaimed, 'I am lost, my infantry cannot escape.' Capt. Hillyer said 'No, that must not be; follow my directions, we will make a stand, and fare alike; divide your men and throw them over the stone wall on each side of the road, in a quartering direction, that the fire of one party may not injure the other; be deliberate, and when you have the word "charge", do what you can.'
"The light horse were formed across the road, out of the fire of the infantry, and displayed as large a front as their numbers would warrant. The arrangement was barely com- pleted when the British cavalry in large force, was discovered sweeping along with great speed, apparently intending to ride
321
down the small troop of continentals, who, with swords loosened and pistols cocked, were drawn up to receive them. When the British had reached the mark, about four rods from the light horse, and against the spot where the infantry were posted, and who had not been discovered, Capt. Hillyer gave the signal 'charge them, my lads.' The troopers discharged their pistols, drew their swords, and spurred against the enemy; at the same time the infantry rose from behind the wall and poured in such a deadly and well directed fire, that a con- siderable number of the enemy were killed, while the ranks of the light horse were much embarrassed by the rush of horses, without riders, among them. The British were completely sur- prised, and immediately faced about and retired beyond the reach of the infantry, when they again formed and advanced to the attack, but before they were within reach of shot, the infantry could not be restrained, and commenced firing. The British then wheeled and retreated in good order; the light horse, highly excited, urged their commander to allow them to follow and cut the red coats to pieces.
"The Americans kept their ground until the British had crossed Byram river. Capt. White then made for the woods. The light horse, after securing what was valuable on the field, and the horses that had lost their riders, with all speed made their own headquarters. The plunder taken from Bearmore and the British on that occasion was sold for more than $20,000 continental money. Capt. Hillyer was presented with a beautiful Yager's Rifle, as testimony of his gallant conduct."
And now the war brought to a successful issue, Peace restored, Independence achieved, and a matchless Govern- ment formed and put in operation, and successfully carried on for a hundred years, through the aid and cooperative instrumentality of the men of Simsbury who went forth and perilled their lives in defense of Liberty and the rights of man, it seems fitting that we, their descendants, should pay to them our tribute of respect and gratitude.
322
Gen. Phelps, Col. Pettibone Col. Humphrey Col. Hillyer Major Humphrey Capt. Pettibone
Officers and Soldiers
of the War, by whose efforts and sufferings and perils, our liberties were gained. "We greet you well!" We raise no marble monuments to your memory; we erect no granite columns to commemorate your names; you need them not! They are engraven upon our hearts. Your names and heroic deeds will be cherished and had in remembrance, by your grateful posterity, when marble monuments and granite columns shall have crumbled into dust!
These peaceful scenes, - these everlasting hills which environ us, - these beautiful meadows, - these smiling fields, which you redeemed from the wilderness, and which you have transmitted to us, with all that pertains to them, are your monument!
323
FIRST CHURCH BUILDING . 168 3
XXIX
"Commutation"-Division of the Town, Etc.
In the last Chapter mention was made of the lively inter- est taken by the people of Simsbury in matters pending before the State or General Government.
At the close of the war, the officers of the American army, who were still retained but unemployed, forwarded a petition to Congress, praying that all arrears which were due them might be discharged, and that, instead of half-pay for life, a sum equal to five years' full pay should be paid or secured to them, when disbanded. The delay of Congress to comply with the request caused great excitement among them, and at the same time the proposition itself aroused opposition and discus- sion throughout the country. In Connecticut there was great opposition to the measure. In Simsbury, a town meeting was called and the matter laid before it, and discussed, and the following action taken.
S. T. Rev. B. 4. P. 91.
"At a lawfull Town Meeting held in Simfbury in ye first Society on the 2nd Day of July, 1783 by Special order of ye Selectmen. Colº. Noah Phelps was chofen Moderator of said Meeting. ... And ye Question being put whether it be ye opinion of this Town that ye Officers of the Continental Army ought to receive ye amount of Five Years pay or ye Commutation after they are Difcharged from actual Service? Refolved by this Meeting -
1783
"I. That ye Officers ought to have a full just adequate and honorable Satiffaction for ye Time they in fact Served their
324
Country in Defence of ye United States of America and no Longer. ... refolved
"II. That ye Stated Wages of ye Officers of ye Continental line for which they Stipulated and engaged to ferve are a full just adequate Reward and honorable Satiffaction for their Services which have been liquidated by a Committee. . Refolved,
"III. That as one great Caufe of our late War is well known to be ye exorbitant and unreafonable Penfions granted to par- ticular perfons, so it must be Suppofed for the Honble Con- tinental Congrefs to grant Such Penfions will be Dangerous alarming & unconftitutional.
"Resolved. IV. That in all Grants of Money the Legiflatures ought carefully to follow the Opinion of ye Major part of their Conftituents and to inform them for what purpofes Such Monies are granted and in what manner they are actually ex- pended and to grant no more Taxes until that Matter is mani- fefted and published.
"Resolved. V. That this Town do earnestly defire & Inftruct their Refpective Reprefentatives to ye next General Afsembly of this State that they Streneously oppofe the Opprefsive and Ernomous propofed Grant of ye aforesaid Commutation, & that they ufe their utmost Endeavours, that we may be in- formed how ye Great Sums Collected of us in public Taxes are difpofed of.
"VI. Refolved that if the aforesaid Commutation to Officers Should be granted so contrary to our just Expectation Should we be so fortunate as to find out for what purpofe such sum is granted, & if ye Towns in General agree with this Opinion of ours we refolve not to pay ye same in anywise.
"VII. 'Tis the Opinion of this meeting to raife monies by Im- pofts and Excife is detrimental to ye Trade of this State and is Levying and collecting a Tax on ye Inhabitants of this State without their Confent, and therefore we think it is proper to oppofe it.
"VIII. Voted that it is ye Opinion of this Meeting that Notes Ifsued by Robert Morris Esq shall not be received in payment of any Taxes in this State till it is known that they
325
1783.
Ib.
P. 92
1
1783. are not to be appropriated in Payment of sd Officers Wages or Commutation.
"IX. Voted that it is ye Request of this meeting that ye Rate granted in ye Month of May 1780 of 7d on ye Pound in State Money payable in ye month of January A.D. 1784 be reduced to & paid in Silver as State money can be obtained by few Per- fons & of courfe ye Collecting & Levying ye same will be very unequal. . . .
"Voted by this Meeting this be communicated to ye next General Afsembly by our Representatives". The foregoing resolutions, adopted by the people of Simsbury, evince an intelligent understanding of the situation. They had just emerged from a seven years' war, waged against the tyrannical encroachments of a privileged and pensioned aristocracy, and to them the thought or possibility of fostering or even suf- fering the existence of such a class among themselves was abhorrent and repulsive. Sturdy, stalwart, independent demo- crats - believing in the equal rights of all men - they watched and guarded these rights with jealous care. Robert Morris had been appointed Finance Minister of the Confederation by Congress, and had obtained from that body a charter for a national bank. The notes of this bank were to be receivable as specie, for duties and taxes, and in payment of dues from the respective states. It was to these notes that reference is had in the 8th of the foregoing resolutions.
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