USA > Connecticut > New London County > Groton > Groton, Conn. 1705-1905 > Part 20
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"Should the churches of Christendom ever awake to the fact that not one of them but has made and countenanced signal departures from the teachings of Christ and his apostles, both in principles and modes, and that their dif- ferences one from the other are founded upon variations from the first divinely instituted church, and should they, on thus awakening, join hands, in council assembled, with the purpose of uniting in one church of the apostolic model, fully devoted to the cause of peace on earth and good will to men, then would dawn the millenium.
"It is plain that John Rogers had faith in the people at large for the realization of such a church universal, could
Every moment Mr. Whipple could spare,-for he was a poor man, and besides his own family there were some orphan children de- pending upon him,-he devoted to teaching his little son. It was astonishing what progress was made. Other members of the fam- ily also acted as teachers, and as Enoch grew towards manhood, he was not merely on par with his associates, but acknowledged by all to be a superior youth. He could read, could write a nice hand, and for deciphering poor penmanship there was scarcely his equal for miles around. He could also talk. To such perfection was his instruction carried by his energetic father that this deaf man has done business with strangers, bought goods from mer- chants, etc., and has gone away without leaving a suspicion of his infirmity.
As has been seen, the efforts of Mr. Whipple did not end with teaching his own son. He made many successful experiments with other deaf mutes, which led to the founding of The Home School for the deaf at Mystic.
After Jonathan Whipple had passed his seventieth year, his facul- ties remained unimpaired, and he was as indefatigable in his efforts to improve the condition of the afflicted as when his theory was first put in practice. His life was a useful and beautiful one; not a struggle to gain wealth or to win fame; but simply to do good. His declining years were cheered by the knowledge that he had wronged none and bettered many .- Abstract from Life of Jona- than Whipple in "Men of Mark."
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adequate leadership be procured. He believed that of exist- ing societies of the evangelical order having in his day a fair start, that of the Quakers, (by its peace principles and dependence on the Holy Spirit), was best fitted to take the lead. For such an end he had urged upon that society the instituting among them the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, which they had rejected, and he expressed his opinion forcibly when he said to Mr. Bownas in 1703 that if the Quakers would take those two ordinances they could 'carry all before them.' (As quoted by Mr. Bownas.)"
CHAPTER XII
REVOLUTIONARY WAR
IN THE OPENING CHAPTERS of this volume we have given a full account of the Pequot War and of the bloody fight of John Mason's forces at Pequot Hill. For nearly forty years this terrible lesson was heeded, and it was not until another generation had arisen that the Indians, led by the daring and able chieftain, Philip, attempted to con- test the title to the land so rapidly filling up with white men. The territory now embraced in Groton was not directly involved, though great fears were felt for the safety of the border towns of Stonington and Norwich.
In the fall of 1675, the colonial authorities of Massachu- setts, Plymouth and Connecticut, realizing the danger that would come to them if the threatened coalition between Philip and the Narragansetts should be carried out in the coming spring, resolved on a winter campaign. "The com- missioners of the united colonies," says Trumbull in his History of Connecticut (Vol. 1, p. 337), therefore resolved that an army of a thousand men should be raised for a winter campaign, to attack the enemy at their head- quarters in the Narragansett country. The pro-
portion of Connecticut was three-hundred and fifteen men, but they sent into the field three hundred Englishmen and one-hundred and fifty Mohegans 'and Pequot Indians."
The quota of New London County was seventy men be- sides Indians. Of this number New London, Stonington and Lyme furnished forty.
The whole force was ordered to rendezvous at New Lon- don on December 10, 1675, and no time was lost, as a junction was effected with the troops from the other col-
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onies, and the Indians were totally defeated at the "Swamp Fight" in South Kingstown, R. I., on December 19th. The severe loss sustained by the Connecticut troops in this battle-eighty killed and wounded-caused them to return home to refit, but we find them again in the field in January 1676.
Miss Caulkins says in her History of New London (1860, p. 186) : "Returning to an early period of the contest, we find that in February 1675-6 commenced that series of forays into the Indian territory which, issuing at short in- tervals from New London county and led by those noted Indian fighters, Denison and Avery, contributed in no small degree to the favorable result." Hubbard tells us :* "The inhabitants of New London, Norwich and Stonington, ap- prehensive of their danger, by reason of the near bordering of the enemy, and upon other prudent considerations, vol- untarily listed themselves under some able gentlemen and resolute soldiers among themselves, Major Palmer, Cap- tain George Denison, Captain Avery, with whom or under whom, within the compass of 1676, they made ten or more several expeditions in all of which at those several times they killed and took two-hundred and thirty-nine of the enemy, by the help and assistance of the Pequots, Mohegans and a few friendly Narragansetts; besides thirty taken in their long march homeward after the fort fight December 19th, '75, and besides sixteen captivated in the second ex- pedition not reckoned within the company of the said num- ber; together with fifty guns and spoiling the enemy of one hundred bushels of corn."
The names of the inhabitants of Groton who participated in this war have not been preserved, but among the volun- teers who were granted land in Voluntown for their services in the Narragansett war, we find in Miss Larned's History of Windham County, (Vol. 1, p. 241), the following that be- long to Groton : Captain James Avery, James Avery, John Avery, Thomas Avery, Ephraim Colver, Edward Colver, Philip Bill, William Burnett, Thomas Rose, Nehemiah Smith,
* Narrative of the Indian Wars, p. 187.
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James Morgan, John Latham, John Waterhouse, Nathaniel Park, Aaron Stark, John Stark, Peter Spicer, Joseph Water- house, John Packer, Samuel Packer and Joseph Colver.
Of other wars in which Groton men took part we find only scattered records. Of the French and Indian war an old orderly book of Captain Benadam Gallup, which has been preserved in the family, gives the travel of a company which marched from Groton to Fort Edward: "Capt. B. Adm Gallup. His Minnt Book 1757. beginning or baring Date from the 15th of April. I marched from Groton with my men the 7th day of April 1757 it being Thursday. April the 13. 1757 the first part of my men began their March from Norwich. the 14th of April the Rest marched from Norwich we aRived at Hartford 16 of April. the 20 of April we marched to farmington. 21st of April we marched to harwington. 22 of April it being friday we marched to Litchfield to Corol Mashes. on Saturday 23 of April we marched to Cornwell. Sunday the 24th of April wee marched to Salisbury.
"on Monday the 25 of April we marched to Livingstons Manna. on the 26 day of April we marched to Cloverick it being tuesday to Lieut. John van Hogan. we encamped their to the 11 day of May then we Received orders to march to Scatacook which was wednesday the 11 Day of May 1757. Wednesday the 11th day of May we marched from Claverick to Canterhoock. on thirsday the 12 day of May we marched from Canterhoock to Greanburgh. friday 13 day of May we marched to the flats. on Saturday the 14 day of May we marched to Scatacook. on Sunday the 15 Day of May we Received orders to march 3 miles down the River to vanantwarps where we incamped.
"thirsDay the 19 Day of May we was a Larramed by a party of Indians 7 in number fired at a man on the west side of the River shot his close through in several places the man escaped. Saturday May 21. we was ordered to cross the River and on the west side we Pitched our tents that night. on Sunday the 22 of May we marched to Still- water the medows where we incamped that night. on
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Monday the 23 of May we marched to Saratoga where we incamped. on thursday the 26 day of May General Lyman Capt. Putnam. Capt. fitch and the major Companys marched for fort Edward.
"on Saturday the 28 day of May Capt. Slay Capt. Jef- fords and I marched to the West side of the River where we incamped that night. on Sunday the 29 day of May we marched into fort Edward and their pitched our tents within the Pickets. on the 16 Day of September we had orders to March over to the Island and their incamp."
Letters written by Abel Spicer* have been preserved, showing that he was a member of Captain John Stanton's company of Whiting's regiment, in camp near Lake George, August 7, 1758 ; also that he was a member of the "General's Gard at Crownpoynt August ye 20th A. D. 1759."
Sergeant John Burrows ** "was a regimental orderly sergeant in the French and Indian War. He was present at the capture of Quebec in 1759 under General Wolfe. His pocket order book and journal is carefully preserved by (the family of) his grandson John Burrows of Groton, Conn. It contains minute and interesting records of his services at Crown Point and Ticonderoga."
The experience gained in this war proved of great value a few years later when the war of the Revolution became a stern reality. In the events that led up to that struggle Groton acted an honorable part, and had her full share of responsibility. On June 20, 1774, at a town meeting over which William Williams presided it was
"Voted, this town taking into consideration the dangerous situation of the British Colonies in North America, respect- ing sundry late acts of the British Parliament, particularly those of shutting up the port of Boston the metropolis of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and abridging their chartered rights &c. which if carried into execution, not only deprives us all of our privileges, but renders life and property very precarious, and as we esteem the inhabitants
* The Spicer Genealogy, p. 71.
** Burrows Family, by F. Denison, p. 30.
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of Boston, now suffering the tyranny of said acts of Parlia- ment, and in the common cause of America ;
"Voted-That we will join with the other towns in this Colony in such reasonable measures as shall be judged best for the general good, and most likely to obtain redress of our grievances.
"Voted-That we esteem a general Congress of all the Colonies the only probable method to adopt a uniform plan for the preservation of the whole.
"Voted-That if it shall be judged best by said Congress to stop all exports to Great Britain and the West Indies, and all imports from them we will most cheerfully acquiesce in their determinations, esteeming the benefits arising therefrom mere trifles compared with the rights and priv- ileges of America.
"Voted-That Capt. William Ledyard, Thomas Mumford, Benadam Gallup, Doct. Amos Prentice, Mess. Charles Eldredge Jr., Dea. John Hurlbut and Amos Gere be a com- mittee to correspond with the Committees of the several' towns of this and other British colonies.
"Voted-That the above resolution be published in the New London Gazette."
(Signed) "William Avery, Town Clerk."
Again on December 12, 1774:
"The inhabitants of this town, being sensible that a strict adherence to and observance of the Resolves of the Continental Congress, held in Philadelphia in September last, is of the utmost importance for the preservation of American rights and liberties to effect which according to the 11th article of said Congress, we do choose the follow- ing gentlemen a Committee of Inspection for the purpose therein contained viz., Ebenezer Ledyard, Thomas Mum- ford, William Williams, Benadam Gallup, William Avery, Solomon Perkins, David Avery, William Morgan, John Elderkin, Joseph Packer, John Harlbut, Ebenezer Avery (2) and Amos Gere as a Committee of Inspection for the ensuing year."
(Signed) "William Avery, Town Clerk."
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The names of Simeon Avery, Stephen Billings, Rev. Park Avery and Nathan Gallup were added in 1775. Of the men named Captain Ledyard was slain while commanding Fort Griswold in 1781. Thomas Mumford filled various positions of honor and trust throughout the war. He was one of the company of Connecticut men who planned and carried out the capture of Ticonderoga in April 1775. Benadam Gal- lup, although an old man at the breaking out of the war, served as lieutenant colonel until after the campaign ending at White Plains, when he was retired on account of the infirmities of age. Dr. Amos Prentice served the town faithfully as selectman and representative and was the resident physician of the town at the time of the Fort Griswold massacre in 1781, and to the exercise of his skill is due the recovery of so many of the severely wounded. Charles Eldredge and Solomon Perkins appear among those wounded and David and Ebenezer Avery among those killed at Fort Griswold, and Ebenezer Ledyard was carried away a prisoner as hostage for those paroled and left behind. Deacon John Hurlbut served but a short time, having removed in 1778 to the Susquehanna country. Amos Gere, a graduate of Yale College, served the town many years as justice of the peace, and also served three terms in the Legislature.
The defenceless condition of Groton was early called to the attention of the Colony and in 1775, at a town meeting, it was
"Voted-That Thos. Mumford Esq. and Lieut. Nathan Gallup be agents for said town to represent to the Honor- able General Assembly the situation and circumstances of said town respecting their need and necessity of erecting a fortification near the Ferry, and to obtain an order to draw money out of the Colony Treasury for what cost they have (been) or may be at for the purpose aforesaid, with the officers to take care of the same."
(Signed) "Col. Ebenezer Avery, "Moderator.
"Wm. Avery, "Clerk."
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In April of the same year, 1775, a committee was ap- pointed which later reported that three positions should be fortified, one of which was Groton Heights. Miss Caulkins writes of conditions in Groton as follows :* "On the Groton side of the river with a spirit of enthusiasm that did not wait for legislative aid, the inhabitants voluntarily threw up embankments, excavated ditches and erected breast- works at sundry exposed places, which, though they had no ordnance except a few pieces at the principal battery on the heights, obtained from the supply brought in by Com- modore Hopkins, they resolved to defend to the last ex- tremity."
An acre and a quarter of land was purchased of Jonathan Chester and Elisha Prior, and Fort Griswold was com- menced on December 5, 1775. The name given to it in honor of the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony was not bestowed upon it until a year later, at which time it was still unfinished. Colonel Samuel Mott was the engineer of Fort Griswold, Ebenezer Ledyard had charge of purchas- ing necessary materials and Edward Mott, brother of the Colonel, was the first commanding officer, being appointed in February 1776.
In March 1778 Captain William Ledyard was given com- mand of New London, Groton and Stonington, being raised to the rank of major, and William Latham was made cap- tain of artillery. Groton responded to the Lexington alarm by sending a company under Captain Abel Spicer, which company was at Bunker Hill and remained with the army under Washington until after the evacuation of Boston. A letter from the first lieutenant of the company, Isaac Gallup, has been preserved and is worthy of a place here:
"Roxbury, March 27 A. D. 1776
"Honored Father and Mother
"I embrace this opportunity to acquaint you with our circumstances at present. It is generally healthy in the army. We have had but one that is sick in our Company
* History of New London, 1st ed., p. 513.
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so as to be confined, several complaining. I am in good health at this time and I hope these lines will find you and your family and friends. I conclude you have heard before this time that the town of Boston is in our possession-to give you every particular would be very lengthy. I should have wrote you before but have had no opportunity when off duty, as our duty has been very hard for some time back. To give you a short detail of their leaving the town.
"On Saturday night, the 16th instant we took possession of Dorchester Point next to a town called Nookpoint. The enemy kept up a steady fire all night but hurt no man except one,-hurt with a piece of stone but not dangerous. In the morning when the enemy could see our works they began to hoist sail and push out of the harbor as fast as possible in the greatest confusion. They fell down below the castle. Our regiments were paraded, expecting they were coming out to attack us. We were kept under arms until about 12 o'clock when the selectmen of the town came out and gave information that they had deserted the town. In the afternoon we had a detachment draughted of such as had (had) the small pox to go in and take possession of the town.
"The enemy left a large quantity of wheat in the granary said to be 30,000 bushels, a large quantity of sea coals, a large number of cannon, said to be about 50, two mortars, a large quantity of shots and shells. They left about 100 horses. The most of the cannon were plugged up fast but we have got the most of them drilled out since. They stayed in the Castle about two or three days. The 21 instant at night, they blew up the castle and burnt all the buildings on the Island. They left about 120 pieces of cannon at the · castle, all with their arms broken off except S. They left a number of shots there likewise.
"The shipping hauled out into Nantasket Roads and lay there until 25 and 26 a number of them sailed. Where they are bound is uncertain but mostly judge to Halifax. Some regiments have orders to march, we expect to have orders soon. Which way we shall march is uncertain, but mostly
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thought to the southward to York or Virginia. We are now leveling their line on the Neck. Our men are not allowed to go into the town for fear of the small pox, but some do steal in, by which means it is likely it will be spread in the army. There are a number of regiments stationed in the town and are fortifying Fort Hill. They are likewise for- tifying in Charlestown. I have nothing further worth mentioning at present. Give my compliments to all brothers and sisters. To conclude, I subscribe myself
"Your affectionate son (Signed) "Isaac Gallup."
Isaac Gallup served in Parsons's regiment in 1776 .* The following names taken from an old account book found in the Colonel Benadam Gallup house in Ledyard were no doubt those of members of his company at that time:
Sergt. Jonathan Eldredge " Simeon Avery
David Barber
Robert Berry, d. Feb. 10, 1776, at Rox- bury
Eli Widger
John Broton, exchanged with Capt. Brewster
Joe Bennett
Thomas Barrows
John Burnham
Elisha Malleson
Perez Chapman
Matthew Morphet
Nathan Coy
William Morgan
Christopher Chester
Elkanah Morgan
Simeon Comstock
John Merchant
David Davis, deserted Apr. 2, 1776, at Roxbury John Daboll
Elihu Newberry
David Pelton
Nathan Denison
Benj. Daboll
Joseph Randall
Bildad Edwards
Jonathan Ruff
Abel Franklin
Rheuben Randall
Andrew Forsith
Edmund Steward Joseph Sheffield
Rufus Fisk
Samuel Stafford
Rheuben Fisk Israel Geer
James Swift Thomas Simmons
Isaac Harrington
Charles Swift
Samuel Heath
John Williams
Robert Heard
· William Knight, deserted Apr. 13, 1776 Asa Lamb
David Williams
Peter Wilie
* Connecticut Men in the Revel ation, Adj. Gen.'s Office, 1889, p. 100.
Samuel Welch Solomon Williams
Alexander Williams
Isaac Williams
Sergt. William Steward
Corp. Jesse Star Benjamin Dimmick
Thomas Malleson
Oliver Plumbly
Amos Park
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Moses Stark Solomon Stark
Nathan Stoddard, d. July 10, 1776, at New York
William Smith, d. July 25, 1776, at New York. Aaron Sholes Cyrus Sholes Nathan Sabins
Elnathan Smith
Jonathan Whipple Jesse Yerrington
Josiah Woodworth Seasar Parkhurst
Jacob Heard
Robert Dunbar
Erich Johnson
Isaac Kent James Scott
The town records give us a little idea of the progress of the war and of the attitude of the inhabitants towards its prosecution :
"At a legal meeting held by adjournment 15th Feb. 1776 Voted-That the Comee of inspection and correspondence be directed to inspect all persons that shall unnecessarily waste their powder and count them inimical to the good of their country and make them publick in the New London Gazette."
"At a legal meeting in Groton the 1st of April 1777 William Williams Esq., Moderator.
"Voted-That this town will supply the families of those soldiers in their Reasonable Requests who shall voluntarily engage and go into any of the Continental battalions for the term of three years or during the war, with the necessaries of life as stated by law, so far as those soldiers that list into the said Continental service shall lodge with or remit money with a Committee to be chosen for the purpose aforesaid.
"Voted-That Mess. Thomas Mumford David Avery Joseph Starr William Avery Robert Geer Thomas Fanning Col. Benadam Gallup John Hurlbut Jonathan Fish Thomas Np. Niles be a committee agreeable to the above vote, and to execute the same as far as lies in their power."
"At a town meeting held by adjournment in Groton the 7th of April 1777, William Williams Esq. Moderator.
"Voted-This town will give in addition to what has al- ready been offered by the Honorable Continental Congress and this State, six pounds to every individual soldier who shall inlist for three years or during the war, and shall pass muster, exclusive of commissioned officers that shall volun-
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tarily enlist out of this Town and in this State, and if the number of soldiers should so enlist as to make the number 105, Then all those soldiers that have enlisted and count for this town are to be Intitled to the same sum.
"Voted-That there be a rate or Tax for six pence in the pound made in the list of 1775 on all the Poles and Ratable estate of said Town for the above said purpose." "Groton May 6 1777 A report of the Comee chosen by the Town of Groton to examine and make report to said Town of the number of men that have Inlisted into the Continental army since the 7th of April last-the number is twenty-seven."
"At a legal meeting held in Groton the 9th day of Sept. 1777
"Voted-That Col. Nathan Gallup and Dea. John Hurl- but be a Committee to purchase as many of those guns that are Col. Motts as can be obtained for the use of the town and its inhabitants."
"At a meeting held in Groton the 3d Sept. 1777
"Voted-That this town will comply with the Governors request to procure some clothing for the army.
"Voted-That Mess. James Avery Stephen Billings Samuel Allen Joseph Packer &c shall be a committee to go immediately and take in subscriptions and receive those articles that are or shall be subscribed for in order to fur- nish those non-commissioned officers and soldiers that are now in the Continental army from this town, with neces- sary articles of clothing, agreeable to the request of His Excellency the Governor and Council of Safety. And if said Committee should not be able to take in subscriptions for said purpose, then to procure said articles at the town's cost."
"At a town meeting held on the 30th of December 1777 upon the recommendation of his Excellency the Governor to take into consideration the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union recommended by the Continental Con- gress of the 13 united American States ---
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"They approve and accept the same."
"At a town meeting held in Groton the 18th of March 1778
"Voted-That the Committee of supplies be directed to hire so much money as to pay for all the clothing they have already supplied the Continental army with. That David Avery, Esq. Capt. Joseph Morgan Mr. Hubbard Burrows Col. Benadam Gallup Lieut. Theophilus Avery be a Comee to supply the non commissioned officers and soldiers with : that have Inlisted into the Continental Army out of said Town To act for the ensuing year."
A letter written by William Ledyard to Benadam Gallup about this time gives us a glimpse of the details of admin- istration pertaining to his department :
"Groton 21. Sept. 1778
"Sir. I would beg leave to inform your worship with my knowledge respecting the droves of cattle and sheep said to belong to Mr. Robinson Mumford Mr. Colins Gorton and others. On Friday of last week as I was returning home to dinner from New London, I saw on the beach a drove of cattle and inquired of some people who stood by, who those cattle belonged to, but received no answer. Mr. Robinson Mumford then standing near by, I then addressed myself to a butcher standing by, and asked him if he had any knowledge who those cattle belonged to, his answer was he believed they belonged to Mr. Gorton. I then asked if he-Mr. Gorton-had any permit to drive them out of the State, his answer was that he did not know. I then over and was obliged to return directly after dinner upon urgent business which occationed my giving directions to Lieut. Ledyard to keep a look out and see that the cattle were not drove out of the State until I could have time to acquaint the authorities about the matter and while I was at Marvin Wait's Esq. in the afternoon Mr. Robinson Mumford called upon me and wanted to know if the cattle could not then be drove on to Point Jude, where he said he wanted to put them to pasture to fat, that he and Mr. Gorton were the owners of them.
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