USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > History and antiquities of New Haven, Conn. : from its earliest settlement to the present time, with biographical sketches and statistical information of the public institutions, &c., &c., 3rd ed. > Part 12
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New Haven, 14th Nov., 1775.
FRANCIS VANDALE, from Old France,
Intends to open a Dancing School in this town, and also teach the French Language, on very reasonable terms ; as he gave entire satisfaction to his pupils, of both sexes, at Cambridge, Boston, and New Port, (Rhode Island,) in these necessary arts, he will acquit himself of his duty in the same manner. He is a Protestant, and provided with good certificates. For further particulars, inquire at Mr. Gould Sherman's, where he lives, in New Haven.
Dec. 13th, 1775.
New Haven, April 10.
In Committee Meeting, New Haven, March 7th, 1776.
A complaint being made against William Glen, Merchant, for a breach of association, by buying Tea, and selling it at an extortion- ous price, and also refusing paper currency therefor : said Glen was cited to appear before the Committee, and make answer to the fore- going charge; he appeared, and plead not guilty; wherefore the evidences against him were called in and sworn; and, on motion, voted that the evidence is sufficient to convict William Glen of buying and selling tea contrary to the Association, and ordered that he be advertised accordingly, that no person hereafter have any dealing or intercourse with him. Also, Freeman Huse, Jr., be- ing complained of for buying and selling tea contrary to Associa- tion, was cited to appear before the Committee. He neglecting to appear, or make his defence, the evidences were called in and sworn. On motion, voted that the evidence is sufficient to convict Freeman Huse, Jr., of a breach of the Association, by buying and selling Tea, and ordered that he be advertised accordingly, that no person have any further dealing or intercourse with him.
Signed per order of Committee. JON'TH. FITCH, Chairman. PETER COLT, Clerk.
A copy of the minutes. Test.
I, WILLIAM GLEN, merchant, being advertised by the Committee of Inspection in this town, as a violator of the Continental Associa- tion for buying tea, and selling it at an exorbitant price, confess my- self guilty of the same, for which I humbly ask their and the pub- lick's pardon, and promise for the future my conduct shall be such
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as shall give no occasion of offence, professing myself firm for the liberties of America. I desire the Committee and the public to re- store me to my wonted favor. I am, with sincerity, their most humble and obedient servant, WM. GLEN.
The confession of Wm. Glen, being read, voted satisfactory, and ordered to be published. JON. FITCH, Chairman.
A true copy of minutes, examined by
MARK LEAVENWORTH, Clerk pro temp.
May 1st, 1776.
The intention of marriage was lately published between Hiram Beecher and Hestor Thomas : As the Consent of their parents has not been obtained, all persons are cautioned against marrying them. MOSES BEECHER.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
An express having arrived in this town on Monday evening last, from GENERAL WASHINGTON, on his way to Providence, with dispatch- es to Governor Cook and General Spencer; and beiug in great want of a horse to proceed, application was made to a Justice of Peace for a warrant to impress one, which he absolutely refused granting.
New Haven, 8th April, 1777.
N. B. The Printers are at liberty to mention the author's name whenever the Justice pleases to call upon them; likewise the names of the persons ready to testify to the above charge.
New Haven, July 15th, 1778.
On Wednesday, the 8th inst., the Rev. EZRA STILES, D. D. was in- ducted and inaugurated into the Presidency of Yale College, in this town.
The formalities of this installation were conducted in the follow- ing manner :
At half after ten in the forenoon, the students were assembled into the Chapel, whence the procession was formed, consisting of the Undergraduates and Bachelors. At the tolling of the Bell, they moved forward to the President's House to receive and escort the Rev. Corporation and President elect, by whom being joined, the Procession returned to the Chapel in the following order.
The four classes of Undergraduates, consisting of 116 students present Bachelors of Arts, The Beadle and Butler, >
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carrying The College Charter, Records, Key, and Seal, The Senior Presiding Fellow, One of the Hon. Council, and the President Elect, The Reverend Corporation, The Professors of Divinity and Natural Philosophy, The Tutors, The Reverend Ministers. Masters of Arts, Respectable Gentlemen.
The Rev. Eliphalet Williams, Senior and Presiding Fellow, began the solemnity with prayer. The Oath of Fidelity to this State was then administered to the President Elect, by the Hon. Jabez Ham- lin, Esq., one of the Council of the State; which being done, the President Elect Publicly gave his assent to the Ecclesiastical Con- stitution of this Government, and thereupon the Presiding Fellow delivered a Latin Oration well adapted to the occasion; in which he committed the Care, instruction, and Government of the College to the President Elect : and, in the name, and by the authority of the Rev. Corporation, constituted him President of Yale College in New Haven, and Professor of Ecclesiastical History and delivered to him the Charter, Records, Key and Seal of the College. The President being seated in the chair, Sir Dana, one of the Senior Bachelors, addressed him in the Auditory, in a beautiful Latin Ora- tion, delivered in a graceful manner. Then the President arose, and politely addressed the audience, in an elegant, learned, and animated Oration in Latin, upon the Cyclopaedia, or general system of universal literature ; which, for the beauty of classical diction, elevation of thought, and importance to the cause of learning in general, was worthy its author. After which an anthem, the 122 Psalm set to music, was sung by the students; and the President closed the solemnity with a blessing.
The Rev. Corporation, Officers of institution, Ministers, and other respectable Gentlemen, after a short recess in the Library, dined together in the College Hall; an Entertainment having been pro- vided for the occasion.
Messrs. Printers : By inserting the following in your next Paper, you'll oblige one of your constant readers. A. B.
New Haven, Jan. 30, 1778.
Last evening, a number of persons in this town presented a very short Dialogue, with a short Farce, to a very large number of spec- tators, who paid the very reasonable price of one dollar each for their seats. Considering the serious state of our public affairs, the absolute necessity of industry and frugality among all ranks of people ; and more especially among common tradesmen, mechanics, &c., (who, almost invariably, have the vanity of aping their supe-
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riors in every fashionable extravagance,) I conceive an entertain- ment of this kind very improper, both on account of the expense, and the time taking up in preparation for attendance at the exhibi- bition. As the Hon. Continental Congress have strongly enjoined on all the good people of the United States, to abstain from all ex- pensive diversions, such as Theatrical Entertainments, Gaming, &c., I believe no good Whig, who duly considers the respect due to that venerable body, (were there no other objection,) can approve of this transaction. I am far from supposing the persons concerned had any criminal design ; but believe they engaged without delib- erating on the consequences that naturally attend a performance of this kind at the present day; but if the sentiments here held forth are just, I presume they will be kindly received, and any thing of this sort not attempted hereafter.
New Haven, May 6, 1778.
Monday last came to town, Major General BENEDICT ARNOLD; he was met on the road by several Continental and Militia Officers, the Cadet Company, and a number of respectable Inhabitants, from this place, to testify their esteem for one who has, by his bravery, rendered his country many important services. On his arrival in town he was saluted by a discharge of thirteen cannon.
All Gentlemen Volunteers who are desirous of making their for- tunes in eight weeks time, are hereby informed, that the fine new Privateer called the New Broome, mounting sixteen sixes and four pounders, besides swivels, Israel Bishop, commander, is now com- pletely fitted for an eight weeks cruise near Sandy Hook, and in the Sound, where she will be under the protection of his Most Christian Majesty's fleet, and will have his best chance that there has been this war of taking prizes; she only waits for a few more men, and then will immediately sail on her cruise. All those who are desirous of entering for the cruise are requested to apply soon on board said brig, now laying in Connecticut River, or on board her in New London harbor, where she will be on the first of Au- gust.
Wethersfield, July 25, 1778.
The Privateer New Broome, from Conn. River, commanded by Israel Bishop, of this town, is taken, and carried into New York. We are told that several of her crew were prisoners on board the Somerset man-of-war, lately stranded on Cape Cod.
New Haven, November 18th, 1778.
The students of Yale College are hereby notified, that the present winter vacation is extended a fortnight from the 4th of next month
12*
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As this is occasioned by the difficulty which the Steward finds in procuring flour or bread, it is earnestly requested of the parents, that they would assist in furnishing the necessary supplies. EZRA STILES, President.
Yale College, Jan. 29th, 1779,
Wanted to purchase immediately,
Two Negro or Mulatto Boys, or men, from 14 to 24 years of age. Also, wanted a second hand Sulkey. Inquire of the Printers.
New Haven, May 9, 1779.
New Haven, August 18th, 1779.
Yesterday a Cartel Ship sailed from this port with a number of prisoners, to be exchanged for those who were taken by the enemy from this town, and by them considered as prisoners of war.
The STEWARD of Yale College wants to purchase a quantity of Butter and Cheese, for which he will pay the best kind of Rock Salt, Molasses, Continental or State's money, or part in hard mo- ney.
November 2d 1780.
New Haven, Sept. 6, 1781.
On Friday morning last, between one and two o'clock, three of the enemy's vessels, a brig of 16 guns, and two armed sloops, came off to West Haven, and landed 150 men, who, having secured the sentinels and guards, eleven in all, they surrounded several houses, where they fixed guard in such a manner that not the least alarm was given, nor was the invasion generally known in the parish (though compact) till near sunrise ; all which time the enemy were collecting cattle, horses, and other plunder. Some families knew nothing of the affair, nor missed their cows, till they went to milk them. The alarm was not given in town till too late to afford any assistance, the enemy having effected their designs, and got on board the vessels. They took off four of the inhabitants, besides the above, and about 30 head of cattle and horses.
New Haven, Nov. 8, 1781.
There has been public rejoicings in this and the neighboring towns, on account of the signal and important victory obtained by his Excellency, General Washington, over General Earl Corn wallis. In this town, on Monday last, a numerous assembly convened at the Brick Meeting House, where the audience were highly enter-
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tained with an animating, pathetic and ingenious oration, delivered by one of the Tutors of the College, and a triumphant Hymn sung by the Students; the Clergy, and a number of other gentlemen dined in the State House ; in the evening, the State House, College, and all the Houses round the Market Place, were beautifully illu- minated. The whole was conducted with the greatest regularity, good nature, festivity and joy.
We, the subscribers, being (by the Court of Probate for the Dis- trict of New Haven, Conn.) appointed Commissioners to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors of Benedict Ar- nold, late of New Haven, in New Haven County, now joined with the enemies of the United States of America, whose estate hath been in due form of law confiscated, give notice to all con- cerned, that we shall attend to the business of our said appoint- ment, at the dwelling house of Pierpont Edwards, Esq., in said New Haven, on the second Monday of December next, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon; on the second Monday of January next, at the same time of day ; and on the third Monday of February next, also at the same time of day.
ISAAC JONES, MICHAEL TODD, S Commissioners.
New Haven, November 29, 1781.
All persons who were indebted to the said Arnold at the time he joined said enemies, are requested by the subscriber, who is, by said Court of Probate, appointed Administrator on said Arnold's estate, that was the property of said Arnold at the time he joined as aforesaid, are requested to deliver the same to the subscriber, or account with him therefor.
New Haven, Nov. 29, 1781.
PIERPONT EDWARDS.
To be sold, a Mulatto Slave, about 21 years old ; is healthy, strong, and active; well acquainted with all kinds of farming business, and can work at the shoemaker's trade. For further particulars, inquire of Edward Barker, of Branford, or the Printers hereof. November 25, 1778.
Any Gentleman, Farmers, or others, that have any juice extracted from Corn-stalks, which they are desirous of having distilled into Rum, are hereby notified, that the subscribers, Distillers in the Town of New Haven, will distill the same on shares, or other- wise, as they can agree. And those who will please to favor them with their employ, may depend on having the strictest justice done them, and their liquor distilled to the fullest proof. Or any
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person that would rather dispose of said juice of Corn-Stalks, on delivering it at the Distillery, will receive the market price ; and every favor will be most gratefully acknowledged by the Public's very obedient servants.
JACOBS & ISRAEL.
September 24, 1777.
N. B. Private families may have Cider distilled for their own use by Jacobs & Israel.
In the Connecticut Journal, from which the foregoing advertisements and notices are taken, we find the follow- ing notice :
We are very sorry that we cannot procure a sufficiency of paper to publish a whole sheet ; but, as there is now a paper-mill erecting in this town, we expect, after a few weeks, to be supplied with such a quantity as to publish the Journal regularly, on a uni- form sized paper, and to be able to make ample amends for past deficiencies.
July 3, 1776
The average size of this paper was fourteen inches long, and sixteen wide ; occasionally there was a supple- ment, which varied from six to eight inches square. It contained three columns to a side, and was printed by Thomas and Samuel Green, near the College.
The following is an account of the manner in which the news of peace between the United States and Great Britain, at the close of the Revolutionary War, was celebrated in New Haven.
New Haven, May 1st, 1783.
Thursday last was observed as a day of festivity and rejoicing in this town, on receipt of indubitable testimony of the most im- portant, grand, and ever memorable event-the total cessation of hostilities between Great Britain and these United States, and the full acknowledgment of their sovereignty and independence. Ac- cordingly, the day, with the rising sun, was ushered in by the dis- charge of thirteen cannon, paraded on the Green for that purpose, under elegant silk colors, with the Coat of Arms of the United States most ingeniously represented thereon, which was generously contributed upon the occasion by the ladies of the town. At nine o'clock in the forenoon, the inhabitants met in the brick Meeting- House for divine service, where were convened a very crowded as- sembly. The service was opened with an anthem, then a very per-
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tinent prayer, together with thanksgiving, was made by the Rev. Dr. Stiles, President of Yale College ; after was sung some lines purposely composed for the occasion, by the singers of all the congregations in consort Then followed a very ingenious Oration, spoken by Mr. Eli- zur Goodrich, one of the Tutors of the College ; after which a very liberal collection was made for the poor of the town, to elevate their hearts for rejoicing. The service concluded with an anthem.
A number of respectable gentlemen of the town dined together at the Coffee- House. After dinner several patriotic toasts were drank.
At 3 o'clock were discharged thirteen cannon-at 4, twenty-one dit- to-at 5, seven ditto-at 6, thirteen ditto-at 7 were displayed the fire- works, with rockets, serpents, &c .- at 9 o'clock, a bon-fire on the green concluded the diversions of the day. The whole affair was conducted with a decorum and decency uncommon for such occasions, without any unfortunate accident ; a most pacific disposition and heartfelt joy was universally conspicuous, and most emphatically expressed by the fea- tures of every countenance.
The following account of the most destructive fire which ever occurred in New Haven, is copied from the Colum- bian Register, of Oct. 28, 1820.
On Thursday night, the 26th inst., at about 12 o'clock, our citi- zens were alarmed by the cry of fire. The fire originated near the head of Long Wharf, in a wooden building, owned by Mr. Isaac Town- send, the lower part of which formed two Grocery stores, occupied by Mr. Charles Leek, and Mr. Eli Humiston, and in one of the chambers was the Counting Room of Hinman, Burritt & Co., who had a Lum- ber Yard adjoining the building. The fire was not discovered till the flames were bursting out of the windows and roof. Although every exertion was made to get it under, yet such was the quantity of lumber and other combustibles in the vicinity, that the destructive element was caught and communicated to the adjacent buildings, almost with the rapidity of lightning. The fire was arrested in its progress north by the fire-proof brick store of J. N. Clark & Co. This building, from the intensity of the heat without, was frequently on fire withmn ; but by great exertions the building, with its valuable contents, were preserved from destruction ; the rafters now appear to have been burnt to a coal. But for »the saving of this store, a considerable number of valuable buildings on the north must have been destroyed.
Unfortunately the tide was out, and whilst the flames were making progress south, the very scanty supply of water for the two Engines in that direction, could only be obtained from the pumps at the head of the wharf It was difficult to preserve the line, which was necessarily so near the fire that the people were literally scorched ; the wind, though light, was N. W., favoring the progress of the fire down the wharf, and driving the flames across the line, whilst the burning materials were
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falling in every direction. At this time, the store of E. & J. Shipman, in which was the Marine Insurance Office, and the store of Mr. Abra- ham Heaton, partly occupied by him as a counting room, and by Mr J. Darrow, as a Grocery, were on fire, and the heat became so insufferable that the line broke, and formed on the line below, where the tide began to favor them ; the flames soon cut off all communication with those above. The fire had still to pass the store of S. Collis & Co., the store of Thomas Ward, occupied by S. Jackson, and the store occupied by E. Beecher & Co , before it should reach the large brick store of R. & E. Hotchkiss. With this building it was hoped to make a stand against the fire. When the flames reached the large quantities of lumber in the yard of R. & E. Hotchkiss, every effort to save their store proved un- availing. Little remained to be done besides saving property ; great quantities of Rum and Molasses were rolled out, and other articles car- ried across the bridge below, out of danger. The fire advanced, and destroyed two wooden stores of R. &. E. Hotchkiss, in one of which the Ocean Insurance Office was kept, by Truman Woodward-three stores occupied by Prescott & Sherman-Kidston & Fenn's store and lumber yard-store of Henry Trowbridge-two stores of Hotchkiss & Harrison, in one of which was the Sail Loft of Mr. John Hempstead, and lastly, the long range of ten stores,* owned and occupied by At- water & Daggett, Tho's Ward, Samuel Langdon, Prescott & Sherman, Bush & Beach, &c., a building at the end of this range, owned by Capt. Goff Phipps, and occupied by J. Graham, as a Grocery, was pulled down, and the progress of the fire arrested about half-past 4 o'clock in the morning. The wharf is now stripped of buildings, except one brick, two stone, and four wooden stores, below where this fire has wasted ; the two stone buildings out of this number were also erected in place of two wooden stores, belonging to J. Forbes & Son, burnt about two years ago.
About twenty-six stores and warehouses, many of them filled with West India produce, are reduced to ashes. Besides these, there were several large storage buildings in rear of the stores which were also destroyed.
New brig Hannah, on the west side of the wharf, unable to move on account of the tide, was in great danger, and it was by the most daring exertions that she was saved ; her masts and rigging were cut away. A sloop on the east side of the wharf caught fire, and her mast was- destroyed.
Several of the sufferers have saved little besides their books and pa- pers. The buildings were so generally filled with rum, tar, and other combustible materials, and the yards, many of them so blocked up by dry lumber, that the flames baffled every effort to subdue them. New
* These buildings were erected by the Rev. David Austin. It is said by some that he built them for the purpose of accommodating the Jews, whom, he was persuaded, would come to his native city. About the year 1800, Mr. Austin was sanguine in his belief that the Millen- nium was at hand.
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Haven was never visited by such a dreadful calamity before. It is fortunate, however, that no individual was seriously injured during the fire. The principal sufferers re -Messrs Prescott & Sherman, Th om- as & Henry Ward, R. & E. Hotchkiss, Kidston & Fenn, Truman Woodward, Atwater & Daggett, E. & J. Shipman, Hinman & Bur- ritt, Solomon Collis, Abraham Heaton, Eli Beecher & Co., Henry Trowbridge.
Indeed, there are few of our merchants engaged in commerce who have not suffered more or less by this disastrous conflagration.
The loss is differently estimated, at from $150,000 to $250,000.
The following is an account of General Lafayette's visit to New Haven, 21st August, 1824.
On Tuesday, the 17th of August, news was received of the Gene- ral's arrival at New York. This joyful intelligence was announced here by ringing all the bells, and a discharge of 24 guns.
A delegation was immediately sent on to New York, to invite the General to visit New Haven, which invitation he accepted. He was expected in this city on the night of the 20th, in consequence of which the whole city was illuminated, and a large and splendid transparency, with the words, " Welcome La Fayette," legible at a great distance, appeared aloft, in front of Morse's Hotel, Church-street, with American and French flags waving around it. Smaller transparencies, with the same words, were seen over the doors of many houses. The shops were full of people, old and young, ladies and gentlemen, inquiring for the General. Owing to numerous detentions on the way, he did not reach the city until 10 o'clock next day, when his arrival was an- nounced by the discharge of 24 cannon, and a procession formed, by which the General was conducted to the room of the Court of the Common Council, and an address presented to the General by the Mayor.
The General was presented to the Governor, those officers of the Revolution who were in New Haven, the civil and military authori- ties, the Faculty of Yale College, the Clergy, and hundreds of the citizens, and, as they were presented, the General took them each by the hand.
The troops were paraded in front of the Hotel, and fired a salute. They then marched by in review, followed by a train of three hundred Students of the College, two and two, with the badges of their several societies. He addressed them to the following effect :
He thanked them for the very kind reception they gave him. He had passed through the town in 1778. He was now most agreeably surprised at the great improvements since made To see such very fine troops had given him a particular pleasure ; but, above all, he should always have the profoundest sense of the cordial welcome given him here Pressing his hand upon his breast, he said he was delighted with the manner of his reception by every kind of person
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At 11 o'clock, the General, with his suite, sat down to breakfast with the Common Council. Among the guests were His Excellency, Gov. Wolcott, and all the authorities, civil and military, the Rev. Clergy, the Faculty of the College, the New York Committee, and the surviv- ing Officers of the Revolution. At the same time refreshments were furnished to the Military.
While at breakfast, the rooms just left by the gentlemen were imme- diately occupied by the ladies, more than three hundred of whom, with their children, had the pleasure of a particular introduction to the General.
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