USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > History and antiquities of New Haven, (Conn.) from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 7
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On the 17th inst. the Freemen of this town met here, After choosing Roger Sherman, Esq. and Mr. Samuel Bishop to represent them in the General Assembly to be holden next month, they unanimously desired those Representatives to use their utmost endeavours, (at the assembly now sitting at Hartford, and also at the ensuing Session here.) to obtain a Repeal of the stamp act. The Stamp Master General of this Colony was at the said meeting where these words were read aloud, " Likewise voted that the Freemen present earnestly desire Mr. Ingersoll to re- sign his Stamp Office immediately." Numerous were the signs of consent to this vote, when a gentleman condemned it as needless and in- consistent after their former proceedings. The Stamp Officer then arose and declared in the strongest terms, that he would not resign till he dis- covered how the General Assembly were in that respect. 'Tis said he is gone to Hartford in order to make that important discovery ; and that he has wrote to New York, requesting that the Stamp Paper may be de- tained there, 'till they are wanted here.
The following is the principal part of Mr. J. Ingersoll's account of his resignation of the office of Stamp Master, on his way to Hartford from New Haven, as given in the Connecticut Gazette of Sept. 27th, 1765.
"On Thursday the 9th inst. I set off alone about seven o'clock, for Hartford, but just as I was mounting, Mr. Bish- op said he would go along and see what would happen, and accordingly overtook me, as I'dil Major Hall, a member of the assembly, upon the road ; and so we went on togethour until we come within about two or three miles of Wethersfelt, when we met an advanced party of about. four or five persons. Itold them who I was, upon which they turned, and I fell into conversation with them, upon the subject of my office, &c. About half a mile further we nat another party of about thirty whom I accosted, and who turned and went on in the same manner. We rid a little further and met with the main body, who, I judge, were about five hundred men, all on horse-back, and having white staves. They were preceded by three trumpets; next followed two persons dressed in red, with laced hats ; then the rest. two abreast; some others, I think, were in red, being, I suppose Militi: officers. They opened and received me : then all went forward until we came into the main street in the town of Wethersfield, when one tiling up to the person with whom I was joined, and who I took to be the principal leader or commandant, said to him, We can't all hear and see so well in a house, we had as good have the business done bete ; upon this they formed into a circle, having me in the middle with some two or three more, who seemed to be principal managers, Major Hall att Mr. Fishop at-o keeping near me. I began to speak to the audience, but stopt and said I did not know why I should say any-thing. for that I was not certain I knew what they wanted of ine : they said they wanted me to resign my office of Stamp Distributor. I
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then went on to tell them that I had always declared that I would not exercise the office against the general inclinations of the people. That I had given to the Governor, to be communicated to the Assembly, my declarations upon that head ; and that I had given orders to have the stamp papers stopt at New York, from whence it should not come until I should be able to learn from the Assembly that it was their choice and inclination to have it come, as I did not think it safe to have it come with- out their consent. That I was under bonds to the Stamp Office in Eng- land, and did not think it safe or proper for me to resign the office to every one that should ask it of me; and that I only waited to have the sense of the government, whether to conform to the act or not, in order to my getting dismissed from the office in a proper manner. And as it had been said that the Assembly would not say any-thing about the mat- ter, I had now put it upon this fair footing, that if they did not by some act relative to the affair show their minds and inclination to have the stampt paper brought into the colony, I should not think it safe, as times were, to suffer the same to come in, nor take any steps in my office ; also observed to 'em, that the governor would have power and instruc- tions to put in another if I should be removed ; that the step could do them no good, &c. They said, Here is the sense of the government, and no man shall exercise that office. I askt if they thought it was fair that the counties of Windham and New London should dictate to all the rest of the colony ? Upon this one said, it dont signify to parly-here is a great many people waiting and you must resign. I said, I dont think it proper to resign 'till I meet a proper authority to ask it of me ; and.ad- ded, What if I dont resign ? What will be the consequence ? One said, Your Fate. Upon which I looked him full in the face and said with some warmth, My Fate you say ? Upon which a person just behind said the fate of your office. I answered that I could die and perhaps as well now as another time ; and that I should die but once. Upon which the Commandant, (for so, for brevity sake, I beg leave to call the per- son who seemed to have the principal conduct of the affair,) said, We had better go along to a tavern, (and which we did,) and cautioned me not to irritate the people. When we came against the house and the people began to alight, I said, You can soon tell what you intend to do-my bu- siness is at Hartford-may I go there or home ? and made a motion to go. They said No, you shan't go two rods from this spot before you have resigned ; and took hold of my horse's bridle ; when after some lit- tle time, I dismounted and went into the house with the persons who were called the committee, being a certain number of the principal per- sons, the main body continuing without doors. And here I ought to mention that I was told repeatedly that they had no intentions of hurting me or my estate ; but would use ine like a gentleman ; this however I conclude they will understand was on condition that I should comply with their demands.
When I came into the house with this select committee, a great deal of conversation passed upon the subject, and upon some other matters, as my being supposed to be in England when the first leading vote of Par- liament passed relative to the Stamp Act, and my not advising the gov- ernor of it; whereas I was at that time in America, -- and the like, too tedious to relate. Upon the whole, this committee behaved with mode -. ration and civility, and I thought, seemed inclined to listen to certain' proposals which I made ; but when the body of the people come to hear them they rejected 'em, and nothing would do but I must resign.
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While I was detained here, I saw several members of the assembly pass by, whom I hailed acquainting them that I was there kept and de- tained as a prisoner ; and desired their and the assembly's relief; they stopt and spoke to the people ; but were told they had better go along to the assembly where they might possibly be wanted. Major Hall also finding his presence not altogethour agreeable, went away; and Mr. Bishop, by my desire, went away to let the governor and assembly know the situation I was in.
After much time spent in fruitless proposals, I was told the people grew very impatient, and that I must bring the matter to a conclusion ; I then told them I had no more to say, and askt what would they do with me ? They said they would carry me to Windham a prisoner, but would keep me like a gentleman. I told them I would go to Windham, that I had lived very well there, and should like to go and live there again. This did not do. They then advised me to move from the front window, as the sight of me seemed to enrage the people. Sometimes the people from below would rush into the room in great numbers and look pretty fierce at me, and then the committee would desire them to withdraw.
To conclude .- After about three hours spent in this kind of way, and they telling me that certain of their gentlemen, members of the general assembly, had told them that they must get the matter over before the assembly had time to do any thing about it ; and that it was my artifice to wheedle the matter along until the assembly should, some how or other, get ensnared in the matter, &c. the Commandant coming up from below, with numbers following close behind in the passage, told me with seeming concern in his countenance, that he could not keep the people off from me any longer ; and if they once begun, he could not promise me when they would end. I now thought it was time to sub- mit. I told him I did not think the cause worth dying for, and I would do whatever they should desire me to do .- Upon this I looked out of a front window, beckoned to the people, and told them I had consented to comply with their desires ; and only waited to have something drawn up for me to sign. We then went to work to prepare the draught. I at- tempted to make one myself; but they not liking it said they would draw one themselves which they did, and I signed it. They then told me that the people insisted on my being sworn never to execute the office. This I'refused to do somewhat peremptorily, urging that I thought it would be a prophanation of an oath. The committee seemed to think it might be dispersed with ; but said the people would not ex- cuse it. One of the committee however, said he would go down and try to persuade them off from it. I saw him from the window amidst the cir- cle, and observing that the people seemed more and more fixt in their resolution of insisting upon it, I got up and told the people in the room, I would go and throw myself among them, and went down, they follow- ing me. When I came to the circle, they opened and let me in, when I mounted a chair which stood there by a table, and having beckoned si- jenee, I proceeded to read off the declaration which I had signed ; and then proceeded to tell them, that I believed I was as averse to the Stamp Act as any of them : that I had accepted my appointment to this office, I thought upon the fairest motives, finding, however, how very obnoxious it was to the people, I had found myself in a very disagreeable situation ever since my coming home ; that I found myself, at the same time, un- der such obligations that I did not think myself at liberty peremptorily to resign my office without the leave of those who had appointed ine ; that I was very sorry to see the country in the situation it was in; that I
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could nevertheless in some measure excuse the people, as I believed they were actuated, by a zeal, though I feared, a misguided zeal for the good of their country ; and that I wished the transactions of that day might prove happy to the colony, though, I much feared the contrary ; -and much more to the same purpose.
When I had done, a person who stood near me, told me to give Liber- ty and Property, with three Cheers, which I did, throwing up my Hat into the air ; this was following by loud Huzzas; and then the people inany of them, even pleased to take me by the band and tell me I was restored to their former friendship .. I then went with two or three more to a neighbouring house, where we dined. I was then told the company expected to wait on me into Hartford, where they expected I should publish my declaration again. I reminded them of what they had be- fore it might possibly ensnare the Assembly for them to have an oppor- tunity to act, or do any thing about this matter ; some inclined to forego this step, but the main body insisted on it. We accordingly mounted I believe by this time, to the number of near one thousand, and rode into Hartford, the Assembly then sitting, They dismounted opposite the As- sembly house, and about twenty yards from it. Some of them conduct- ed me into an adjoining Tavern, while the main body drew up four abreast and marched in form round the Court House, preceded by three trumpets sounding ; then formed into a semi-circle at the door of the Tavern. I was then directed to go down to the door and read the paper i had signed, and which I did within the hearing and presence of the assembly ; and only added, that I wished the consequences of this day's transaction might be happy. This was succeeded with Liberty and Pro- perty, and three cheers ; soon after which the people began to draw off and I suppose went home. I understood they came out with eight days
provision, determined to find me if in the colony.". *
COPY OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED RESIGNATION.
Wethersfield, Sept. 19th, 1765.
I do hereby promise, that I will never receive any Stampt-Papers, which may arrive from Europe, in consequence of any act lately passed in the Parliament of Great Britain, nor officiate in any manner as Stamp Master, or Distributor of Stamps within the Colony of Connecticut, either directly or indirectly, and I do hereby request all the Inhabitants of this his majesty's Colony of Connecticut, (notwithstanding the said Office or Trust has been committed to me,) not to apply to me, ever hereafter, for any such stamped Papers, hereby declaring, that I do resign said office, and execute these Presents of my own free will and accord, without any Equivocation or mental Reservation.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand,
J. INGERSOLL.
New Haven, November Ist, 1765.
This Morning three Bells in this town which are near neighbors, be- gan to toll here : and still continue tolling and saluting each other at suitable Intervals. They seem to speak the word No-vein -- ber, in the most melancholy tone imaginable.
* November was the month in which the stamp act was to take effect.
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BENEDICT ARNOLD
Wants to buy a number of large genteel fat Horses, Pork, Oats and . Hay .- And has to sell choice Cotton and Salt, by quantity or retail ; and other Goods as usual.
New Haven, January 24, 1766.
MR. PRINTER : Sir-As I was a party concerned in whipping the In- former, the other day, and unluckily out of town when the Court set, and finding the affair misrepresented much to my disadvantage and many animadversions thercon, especially in one of your last by a very fair candid gentleman indeed, as he pretends; after he had insinuated all that malice could do, adds, that he will say nothing to prejudice the minds of the people .- He is clearly seen through the Grass, but the weather is too cold for him to bite .- To satisfy the public, and in justice to myself and those concerned, I beg you'd insert in your next, the following de- tail of the affair.
The Informer having been a voyage with me, in which he was used with the greatest humanity, on our return was paid his wages to his full satisfaction ; and informed me of his intention to leave the town that day. wished mne well, and departed the town as I imagined .- But he two days after endeavoured to make information to a Custom House Officer; but it being holy time was desired to call on Monday, early on which day I heard of his intention, and gave him a little Chastisement ; on which he left the town; and on Wednesday returned to Mr. Beecher's, where I saw the fellow, who agreed to and signed the following acknowledgment and Oath.
I, Peter Boole, not having the fear of God before my Eyes, but being instigated by the Devil, did, on the 24th instant, make information, or endeavour to do the same, to one of the Custom House Officers for the Port of New Haven, against Benedict Arnold for importing contraband goods, do hereby acknowledge I justly deserve a Halter for my mali- cious, wicked and cruel intentions.
I do now solemnly swear I will never hereafter make information, di- rectly or indirectly, or cause the same to be done against any person or persons, whatever. for importing Contraband or any other goods into this Colony, or any' Port of America ; and that I will immediately leave New Haven and never enter the same again. So help me God.
New Haven, 29th January, 1765.
This was done precisely at 7 o'clock, on which I engaged not to in- form the sallors of his being in town, provided he would leave it immedi- ately according to our agreement. Near four hours after I heard a noise in the street and a person informed me the sailors were at Mr. Beecher's. On enquiry, I found the fellow bad not left the town. I then made one of the party and took him to the Whipping- Post, where he received near forty lashes with a small cord, and was conducted out of town ; since which, on his return. the affair was submitted to Col. David Wooster and Mr. Enos Allen, (Gentlemen of reputed good judgment and understand- ing) who were of opinion that the fellow was not whipped too much, and gave him 50s. damages ouly.
Query -- Is it good policy ; or would so great a number of People. in any trading town on the Continent. (New Haven excepted,) vindicate. protect and caress an informer-a character particularly at this alarming time so justly odious to the Public ? Every such information tends to
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suppress our trade, so advantageous to the Colony, and to almost every individual both here and in Great Britain, and which is nearly ruined by the late detestable stamp and other oppressive acts-acts which we have so severely felt, and so loudly complained of, and so earnestly remon- strated against, that one would imagine every sensible man would strive . to encourage trade and discountenance such useless, such infamous In- formers.
I am, Sir, Your humble servant,
BENEDICT ARNOLD.
New Haven, May 23, 1766.
" Last Monday morning early, an Express arrived here with the charm- ing news; soon after which many of the Inhabitants were awakened with the noise of small-arms from different quarters of the town; all the Bells were rung; and cannon roared the glad tidings. In the afternoon the Clergy publickly returned thanks for the blessing, and a company of Militia were collected under the principal direction of Colonel Wooster. In the evening were Illumination, Bonfire and Dances-all without any remarkable indecency or disorder. The arrival of the regular Post from Boston last night, has completed our joy for the wise and interesting re- peal of the stamp act .- Business will soon be transacted as usual in this loyal Colony .- In short, every thing in nature seems to wear a more cheerful aspect than usual-to a great majority."
New Haven, July 22, 1768.
There has been lately discovered within three miles of this town, a prodigious quantity of a brown species of Paint. It is nearest the color of a dark Spanish Brown, and may with little preparation answer all the purposes of a common painting-and is as yet, entirely unpolluted with any duty. A sample of the above paint, may be scen at the Printing Office.
The news of the battle of Lexington arrived at New Ha- ven on Friday, about noon, and Capt. Benedict Arnold,* af- terwards General Arnold, who was at the time commander of the Governor's Guards, immediately called out his com- pany, and proposed their starting for Lexington, to join the American army ; about forty of them consented to accom- pany their commander. Being in want of ammunition, Ar- nold requested the Town Authorities to furnish the compa- ny, which they refused to do. The next day, immediately before they started, Arnold marched his company to the house where the select men were sitting, and after forming them in front of the building, sent in word that if the keys of the powder house were not delivered up to him in five minutes, he would order the company to break it open and
* Arnold lived in Water street, near the Ship-Yard. His house is still standing.
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furnish themselves. This threat had the desired effect, and the keys were delivered up. They stopped at Wethersfield the second night, where the inhabitants vied with each other in their attentions to them. They took the middle road through Pomfret, at which place they were joined by General Putnam. On the Guards' arrival at Cambridge. they took up their quarters at a splendid mansion owned by Lieut. Governor Oliver, who was obliged to flee on account of his attachment to the British cause. This company was the only one on the ground that was complete in their uni- form and equipments, and, owing to their soldier-like ap- pearance, were appointed to deliver the body of a British. oficer, who had been taken prisoner by the Americans, and had died in consequence of wounds received at the battle of Lexington. Upon this occasion, one of the British officers appointed to receive the body from the Guards, expressed his surprise at seeing an American 'company appear so well in every respect, observing that in their military movements and equipments, "they were not excelled by any of his Ma- jesty's troops."
Whilst at Cambridge, Arnold was sent by Gen. Washing- tor, with 1000 men, with orders to penetrate into Canada, which after encountering immense obstacles, was finally ac- complished. About a dozen of the guards accompanied him in this expedition. The remainder, after remaining nearly three weeks at Cambridge, returned to New Haven.
During the Revolutionary War, while the enemy held possession of New York, the towns on the sea board were continually liable to their incursions. In the campaign of 1979, the British seemed to have aimed at little more than to plunder, distress, and consume. The attack on this town took place on Monday, July 5th, 1279, the day on which the citizens were to assemble for the purpose of commemo- rating the Declaration of Independence. The following ac- count of this event is taken from the Connecticut Journal, published in New Haven, July 7th, 1779.
New Haven, July 7th.
About 2 o'clock on the morning of the 5th instant, a fleet consisting of the Camilla and Scorpion men of war, with tenders, transports, &e, to the number of 48, commanded by commodore Sir George Collier. anchored off West Ha- ven. They had on board about 3000 land forces, command- ed by Major Gen. Tryon : about 1500 of whom, under Brig-
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adier Gen. Garth, landed about sun-rise on West Haven point. The town being alarmed, all the preparation which the con- fusion and distress of the inhabitants, and a necessary care of their families would permit, was made for resistance. The West Bridge, on Milford road was taken up, several field pieces were carried thither and some slight works thrown up for the defence of that pass. The division un- der Gen. Garth, being landed, immediately began their march towards the town. The first opposition was made by about 25 of the inhabitants to an advanced party of the enemy of two companies of light infantry. These, though advancing on the height of Milford hill, were attacked with great spirit by the handful of our people, driven back almost to West Ha- ven, and one of them was taken prisoner. The enemy then advanced in their main body, with strong flanking parties, and two field pieces : and finding a smart fire kept up from our field pieces at the bridge aforesaid, chose not to force an entrance to the town by that, the usual road, but to make a circuitous march of nine miles, in order to enter by the Derby road. In this march our small party on Milford hill now increased to perhaps 150, promiscuously collected from several companies of the militia, had a small encounter with the enemy's loft flank near the Milford road, in which was killed their adjutant Campbell, the loss of whom they la- nented with much apparent sensibility. Our people on the hill, being obliged by superior numbers, to give way, kept up a continual fire on the enemy, and galled them much. through all their march to Thomson's bridge on Derby road. In the mean time, those who were posted at the West bridge, perceiving the movements of the enemy, and also that another large body of them had landed at the South- End, on the east side of the Harbor, quitted the bridge and marched thence to oppose the enemy at Thomson's bridge. But by the time they had reached the banks of the river. the enemy were in possession of the bridge, and the places at which the river is here fordable ; yet having received a small accession of strength by the coming in of the militia. they gave the enemy a smart fire from two field pieces and small arms, which continued with little abatement, till the enemy were in possession of the town. Our people being obliged to retreat, either to the fields north and west of the town, or through the town across the Neck bridge, the ene- my entered the town between 12. and 1 o'clock. In the meantime, the divisions of the enemy, before mentioned to
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have landed at South-End, which was under the immediate command of Gen. Tryon, was bravely resisted by a small party of men, with one field piece, who, besides other exe- cution, killed an officer of the enemy, in one of their boats at their landing. This division marched up by land, and attacked the fort at Black Rock; at the same time their shipping drew up and attacked it from the harbor. The fort had only 19 men, and 3 pieces of artillery, yet was defended as long as reason or valor dictated, and then the men made good their retreat.
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