History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 125

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) comp. cn
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1572

USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 125

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" Whereas, The slow progress made in filling up the continental Bat- tallions to be raised by this state, and the vast importance of their being immediately completed, etc., was on the 18th day of March, 1777, taken into consideration by his Honor the Governor and the Council of Safety ; and thereon voted and resolved by said board, to ascertain the quota or proportion of each town to complete sd battallions and to promote and encourage said enlistment. Lest any should be embarrassed by a pros- pect of leaving their families without a security of their being properly provided for, it is by said board earnestly recommended to the several towns in this State to engage and promise such soldiers as shall under- take in sd service, and have not time and opportunity to lay out their money and make provision for their families (such as have any), that their said families on their reasonable request, shall be supplied in their absence with necessaries at the prices stated by law; and that each town severally appoint a committee for that purpose, to see them provided for and supplied accordingly, on such soldiers lodging, or from time to time remitting money to said committee for that purpose, and without any ad- ditional expense ; and the necessary expense attending the same, to be borne by the town respectively, etc .; It is therefore recommended by this meeting that all the inhabitants, of every rank and condition, vigorously exert themselves in encouraging, promoting, and forwarding the filling up the quota or proportion ascertained by said board for this town, in order to complete said Battallions; and also voted, that Messrs. Stephen St. John 2d, Thomas Benedict, Phinehas Hanford, Jesse Raymond, Thadds. Hubbell, Oliver Whitlock, James Richards, and Nehemialı Bene- dict be a committee for the purposes contained in said resolves, with full power and authority to engage and promise to such soldier as shall inlist in sd service that all matters and things contained in sd resolve respect- ing them shall be punctually performed agreeably thercto, and it is rec- ommended by this meeting that the virtuous sons of liberty cheerfully and readily engage in sd service at this critical time, so that peace and rest may once more be restored to the United States of America; by means whereof this meeting have reason, by the blessing of God, to ex- pect the same may be effected.

" Messrs. Eli Reed, Asa Hoyt, John Gregory, Jr., Levi Taylor, Nathan Hubbell, and Moses Comstock are appointed a committee to endeavor to find the number of soldiers enlisted in the continental army in this town, and report to this meeting.

507

NORWALK.

" This meeting is adjourned to meet Tuesday, at 2 o'clock."

" Met according to the foregoing adjournment. Doct. Thadds, Betts, Moderator, present.

" Voted, That it is tho desiro of this mecfing that tho recruiting offi- cers in the Continental service roquest the several Captains of tho mili- tary companies in this place to warn their respective companies and Householders to muster as soon as may be, to beat up for volunteers; and the inhabitants are desired to incourage the enlistment by their liber- ality. Tho companies and inhabitants of the first society are desired to muster together on the parade of the first company."

At the same meeting,

" Hezekiah Hanford, John Lockwood, Jr., Ilooker St. John, Levi Tay- lor, Thadds, Hubbell, Abijah Betts, James Olmsted, Samuel Gates, Abijalı Comstock, Timothy Reed, Levi Hanford, James Lock wood, and Gershom Richards were appointed a connuittee to procure and collect such arti- eles of clothing as is requested by a resolve of the Governor and Council of Safety for the use of the soldiers in the Continental army, and deliver the same to the select men in order that the same niny be forwarded ac- cording to said resolve."

At the same meeting,

" Voted that the Committee formerly appointed to procuro provisions for the families of those soldiers which are gone into the army from this town go on and procure the same for such families, at the rate set by law ; and in case they are obliged to give more, the select men to order the treasurer to pay the overplus,

" Dec. 1, 1777. Matthew Marvine added to the Committee for provid- ing for the families of those that are in the army."

The following action was taken in regard to the Artieles of Confederation :

" Voted, Messrs. Thomas Fitch, Thaddens Betts, Stephen St. John, Da- vid Comstock, Joseph Chapman, Nehemiah Mead, and Samuel Gruman are appointed a committee to revise the articles of Confederation pub- lislied by Congress, and make report to this meeting, which is to be adjourned."

" Jan. 13, 1778, at one of the clock, Mct according to tho foregoing ad- journment.

" Black leach Jesup was chosen to supply the families of ye soldiers of the Continental army, in addition to the former committee.

" Whereas, Ilis Excellency the Governor, on receipt of the articles of the confederation published by Congress, for the approbation of the sev- eral assemblies of the United States, sent a copy of the samo to this town, in order for the town to show their sense relative thereto,

" It is voted by this town that they are sensiblo of the great difficulty of coucerting any plan of union with so many different States, under so many different circumstances, free from objection, and without being liable to exceptions; yet the articles contained in said confederation generally appear to this town to be well framed, and calculated to form a union for the general benefit of the whole; yet, notwithstanding, this town beg leave to submit to ye consideration of the Genoral Assembly whether the method of supplying the common treasury, contained in the eightli article, and the mode of raising a continental army, in the niutli article, is so just and equitable as may be devised.

" Voted, also, that a copy of this be sent forthwith to the General As- sembly to show the sense of the town in tho premises."

" Ang. 10, 1778 .- Voted, That the committee herctofore appointed to procure clothing for the officers and soldiers iu the Continental army are desired to procure money on interest, to purchase said clothing as soon as may be; and the select wien nre ordered to pay the interest and cost of procuring the said money, out of the town treasury."

" Ang. 10, 1778 .- Whereas, On a division of salt belonging to the town, there is yet a small part remains on hand, and the inhabitants agree aud vote that the select men shall pay the expenso that has arisen on sd salt out of the said remainder ; and if there is still any remains, to deliver the same to ye families of such soldiers belonging to this town as are in the army."

"2d Monday in March, 1779 .- Dr. Betts not being present, Capt. James Richards chosen Moderator.

" Voted and agreed, That all fines and forfeitures that shall bo collected out of the alarm list, and militia companies, and light horse, in this town, for neglecting to turn out at the time the cnemy landed at Tarry Town last Decr., and at the time tho enemy came to Horseneck last Feb., and shall hereafter neglect to turn out, shall be delivered by the town treas.

nrer to the Captain of the company from which the same shall be col- lected, and this vote to continne in force during the pleasure of the towil."

"3d Monday In June, 1779, at 4 o'clock, Col. Thomas Fitch, Capt. Kliphalet Lockwood, and Samnel C. Silliman, Esq., were chosen com- mittee to meet a County Convention at Fairfield, to consult the address from the Continental Congress respecting the depreciation of the Conti- uental curreney, etc.

At the same meeting,

"Voted, That the inhabitants of this town shall be put into as many classes as their cota of soldiers in the Continental Army, and each claws to provide clothing for one soldier."

TOWN-HOUSE.

At the same meeting (1st.Monday of August, 1779),

"Voted, To have a town-honse built as soon as conveniently may be.

"The dimensions to be forty-five feet by thirty, posts sixteen feet; lower story twelve feet in height, a convenient chimney at each end and to be set on the Westerly part of the Town House Hill."

Aug. 16, 1779,

" Voted, That we will strictly and punctually adhere to the reconuneu- dation of gd cenvention (of the County) with respect to putting a stop to the depreciation of the Continental Currency; and also abide by any such measure as gd convention shall hereafter adopt for such purpose."

" 27th Day of June, 1780. Doct. Thaddens Betts chosen moderator.

"l'oted, That we will tax ourselves to raise money to hire the number of Soldiers to compleat the quota of this town for the Continental Army.

"Voted, That Col. Matthew Mead, Capt. Nathan Gilbert, Capt. Samuel Keeler, Lt. James Betts, Capt, Solomon Morehouse, Lt. Jer. B. Ells, and Capt. Danl. Richards be a committee with full power to enlist such a number of able-bodied men as shall be sufficient to compleat the quota of this town for the Continental Service during the war, or three years resolved by the General Assembly last May ; and that they engage snch sums, and in such a way as their diseretion and judgment shall direct, to such as shall appear to engage in said service ; and that the same be doue forthwith, and a report thereof be made to this meeting at their adjouru- ment."

At the same meeting,

"Voted, That we will take the late emission of paper money emitted by this state, equal to silver and gold in all payments whatever."

" Nov. 13th, 1780. The inhabitants grant a tax of sixpence lawful money on the pound,* in silver and gold equivalent, upon the polls and ratable estate of the inhabitants of this town, on the list for the year 1779 to be paid in beef, pork, wheatflour, or money ; the beef to be delivered before the 16th day of December next, and the pork and flour before the 15th of January next, to the person or persons that may be appointed to receive the same or the money; the beef, pork, aud flour at the prices mentioned in one certain statute law of this State, intituled an Act for Collecting und Storing a quantity of Provisions for the use of the Conti- nental army, und the forces for the defense of this State.

"4th day of Dec., 1781, The select men are directed to deliver the sun of ninety pounds in State money, which they have now in their hands to the collectors and receivers of provisions, for them to lay out in pur- chasing casks and beef.

" The Select men are desired to hire money to procure this town's quota of Soldiers for the Continental Army ; and the towu engages to indem- nify them in doing the same.

" The inhibitants grant a tax of one penny on the pound, on the list of 1779, to be paid in wheat & rye flour and Indian corn, agreeable to one certain statnte, &c."

The following action was taken concerning inimical persons :

" The authority and select men are directed to send for the committee respecting inimical persons, at the expeuse of this town."

The committee reported as follows :

* On Aug. 25, 1779, they had levied a tax of two shillings and sixpence on the pound to defray the charges arisen and arising on the town.

On the 13th of March, 1780, they had laid a tax of twopence on the ponnd to hire soldiers for the contiueutal arury .- IlALL.

508

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY; CONNECTICUT.

" We the subscribers, agreeable to an act and appointment of the Hon- orable Gen'l Assembly, having been called upon and requested by the Civil authority and select men of the Town of Norwalk, to enquire into the character and conduct of a mimber of persons whose names are con- tained in a list or roll by theun presented to us as Inimical and Danger- ous to the Liberties and Independence of the United States of America, and we, having duly examined into the premises, are of opinion that the following persons whose names are hereafter expressed are inimical and dangerous as aforesaid, and therefore give judgment and order that their names be enrolled in the town clerk's office in sd town of Norwalk as dangerons and inimical as aforesaid for the purposes mentioned in an act of the Gen'l Assembly of this State, entituled, An Act more effectually to prevent robberies and plunders from our open and secret enemies, vizt. : Obadiah Wright, Nathan Burwell, Jr., Thomas Hanford, Nathan Jarvis, Thomas Fairweather, David Bolt, Peter White, Hezekiah Whit- mey (2d), Nathan Gregory, Philip Scribner, Hezekiah Belden, John Beldin, Edward Nash, Gershom Raymond, James Fillio, William Bolt, Ebenezer Church, David Lambert, Gould Hoyt, Abraham Whitney, John Saunders, Jr., Garner Olmsted, Richard Patrick, Nathan Fitch, all of Norwalk aforesaid; each of the above named persons having first been duly notified and cited to appear before us at time and place by us ap- pointed for that purpose,-to shew reason if any they had, why their names should not be enrolled as aforesaid,

" Done at Norwalk, this 20th Day of April, A.D. 1771,

" By ns,

" To the Town Clerk

of Norwalk."

" DANIEL SHERMAN, .

" BENJA. HENMAN,

" ANDW. ADAMS,

" INCREASE MOSELY."

" Dec. 4, 1781. James Selleck, Tlos. Benedict, Eli Reed, Ezra Bene- dict, David St. Johu, Aaron C. Comstock, & Matthew Merwine, are chosen a committee to purchase cloathing for the soldiers belonging to this town in the Continental Army; - and directed to hire money on in- terest to purchase the same; aud the town engages that the same shall be made good to them with interest, as the same was at the time of hiring."

" At the same meeting the select men and military officers are to look into the affair of the Continental Soldiers; and the select men are to class the inhabitants for such a number as they shall find wanted for the quota of this town ; and also to class the inhabitants for such a number of soldiers as shall be wanted in a State regiment at Horseneck for ono year."

TIIE BURNING OF NORWALK.

Norwalk, together with Fairfield, Danbury, and other towns, suffered severely during the war of the Revolution. Its proximity to New York, then in the possession of Governor Tryon, rendered its situation hazardous in the extreme. On the evening of the 11th of July, 1779, Governor Tryon appeared with his fleet before Norwalk, and immediately ordered the British torch to be applied to the town; and not much time elapsed ere the dwellings of the colonists, the publie stores and magazines, vessels in the harbor, and other combustible property were a mass of smouldering ruins. Various opinions have been advaneed as to the real animus which prompted this wholesale de- struction by Governor Tyron of an unguarded* town, but the most reasonable would seem to be that it was in retaliation for the plunders committed on Long Island-which was then in possession of the Britishi -by Long Island refugees then in Connecticut and the Americans. These refugees would pilot the whale-boats of the Americans to the Long Island shore for plunder, and the people of Connecticut, it is said, were repeatedly warned by the English Gov- ernor that this unlawful plundering and robbing must cease or he would burn its coast-towns.

The inhabitants in whose minds was still fresh the ravages of that July night when the torch of the in- vaders reduced these defenseless towns to ashes, were slow to open their doors to the return of their Tory neighbors, as the following vote, under date Feb. 24, 1783, shows :

"Put to vote whether these persons which have gone off and joined themselves with the enemy should return back and inhabit in this town. " Past in the Negative."

At an adjourned meeting, a fortnight from the above date,

"Eli Reed, Danl. Betts, Jr., James Benedict, Justus Hayt, Saml. Sey- more, Lt. Joseph Rockwell, Thomas Betts, Jr., & Enoch Scribner, were appointed a committee to assist the civil authority and select men, in · keeping out of this town any suspected or transient persons who shall attempt to reside within the limits thercof; and make information of such persons to the authority and select men; & take their direction in all proceedings with them."

"Dec. 1, 1783. Hezekiah Rogers, Job Bartram, Isaac Keeler, Saml. Deforest, Justus Hayt, Matthew Gregory, Sanıl. Comstock, Stephen Betts, Eli Reed, were appointed a committec to take directions from the select men of this town, and deal with those persons who have been to the enemy and returned, according to their directions."

" Last Monday in December, 1783. Voted, That the select men and Committeo are to act their discretion respecting those persons which havo joyucd the enemy, notwithstanding any former votes."

DEFENSE OF NORWALK.

The people, alarmed lest at any time their town might be invaded and again plundered by the Brit- ish, under date Feb. 18, 1782, voted as follows :

" That a sufficient number of men be raised, by inlistment, for a suffi- cient guard in this town.

"Col. Thos. Fitch, Col. Matthew Mead, Capt. James Richards, Capt Eliph. Lockwood, & Mr. Hooker St. Jolin are chosen a committee to as- certain the number of men wanted for a guard, and lay a plan for raising the same.

"To the inhabitants of the town of Norwalk now assembled in town meeting : We the subscribers being appointed to lay a plan for raising a number of guards sufficient to defend this town, with a sum of twelve hundred and forty pounds lawful money granted to this town by the General Assembly for that purpose, beg leave to Report: That there be forthwith raised by inlistment for the town, of six months unless sooner discharged, ninety meu including corporals; and that there be appointed one Captain, and one Ensign for the purpose of defending this town; and that a Captain have £6 lawful money per month ; an Ensign £3 5 0 per month, a Corporal £2 4 0, and a Private £2 0 0 per month ; and that we find that the said sum will amount, for six months, to the sum of Eleven Hundred and fifty-three pounds Ten Shillings : and that 18 be stationed at the lower end of the town ou the East side of the river ; and 18 at Ketchum's, one-half thereof to keep centry at the going on at Ste- phens Island ; and 18 at the Old Well, and 18 at Flax Hill, and 18 at Middlesex; aud that officers or privates, at their election, have one-half of their wages in provisions at the following prices, viz. : fresh beef, 312d; salt beef, 4d; flour, at 216d per pound; and that there be a Corporal to each class; and that the officers be appointed by the authority and select men ; all of which is submitted by your most obed't humble serv'ts."

" Aug. 1, 1782. Whereas the wages given by this town to the Guard to serve for the defense of this town for the term of five months unless sooner discharged, are found insufficient to induce a sufficient number to engage in sd service, it is therefore voted and agrced by this town, that the officers already engaged in said service receive, in addition to the wages given, the usual rations for such officers hereafter; and that the soldiers already engaged, receive from this time, in addition, rations as usual, and that those who shall hereafter enlist into sd service to the 20th of August next, shall receive 40s per month to that time, unless sooner discharged, and ratious ; and that such a number of sd guard to duty, in the day time, as the Captain shall judge proper; and at all times when he shall judge it necessary for the safety and defense of the town,

* The principal male portion of the town was serving in the Continental army in other sections of the country.

569

NORWALK.

" The authority and solcet men to maintain a Lieutenant to serve in tho guard & in this town ; and to have his pay and rations in proportion to the othor officers."

At the same meeting,

"Voted, That on a complaint being made to the authority and select men of this town, against any officer or soklier in tho guard, of his or their not being faithful in doing their duty, the said authority and select men shall causo tho sd officer or soldier to bo called before them and ex- amine into their conduct, and on proof of their misconduct, may dismiss them from servico."

May 6, 1782,

"Voted, That there shall bo a committee appointed to hire threc sol- diers to serve in the continontal army for the term of ono year."

The following application for relief in consequence of the burning of the town was made under date Aug. 11, 1783:

"This town taking into consideration tho many and great distresses, difficulties, and losses a number of the inhabitants havo sustained, met with, and are reduced to, by means of the enemy's burning up, destroy- ing and plundoring thom of their most necessary property during tho lato war with Great Britain; and tho very great injury and damage done to tho town by means thercof; and that tho samo was brought on the town during the courso of war undertaken by tho direction and order of the inhabitants of this State united with the other States, and the common consent of the inhabitants of this State, for tho defense and security of the common liberties, privileges, and freedom of this State; in which war it was then understood and fully expected the misfortunes accidentally thrown on any particular part during tho courso of the war, as it was un- dertaken for tho defense and security of the whole, and considering that it is altogether just, equitable, and righteous so to be, havo thereupon agreed and voted that Col. Stephen St. John, Esq., bo agont for the town make use of such measures as he shall judgo proper, by memorial in conjunction with other suffering towns, or separately, to the General As- sembly, or otherwise, in order to obtain redress of the town's grievances sustained and met with during tho course of tho war, and for a repair of the damages dono by the enemy, to be made to the individual sufferers, excepting to thoso sufferers who aro known to bo inimical to tho liber- ties and indopendence of the United States of America."

In 1792 the Legislature allowed these sufferers the sum of £26,066 0s. 1d. in lands in the present State of Ohio, known as the "Connecticut Reserve."

REMINISCENCES.

The following reminiseenees of the burning of Nor- walk are taken from Hall's "Norwalk :"

"Thomas Benediet, who was aged eighty-two, March 14, 1847, says, 'After the burning of Fairfield the enemy was expected here. They came Saturday, while the people were harvesting. While he was driving the team, John Saunders, one of the Tories, came along and said, 'Oh, boys, you are too late to harvest.' Saunders had finished his harvest. The sun was about two hours high, and Saunders was in high spirits at the coming of the enemy, as one of his sons was with the enemy, and he expected his property would be spared. But it was all burnt; and the other son with his negro went off with the enemy.

"'Our soldiers were collecting fast, and stopped at his father's house, which stood where Mrs. Phillips now lives. A tub of wine and a bowl stood on the stoop; as they came along they stopped and drank, and were very merry. His father's family hastily packed up what goods they could, put them on the eart, which he drove that night up to Belden's Hill,

to Thomas St. John's. He and the oxen had worked hard that day, and were very tired. At Mr. St. John's a party of light-horse came in the night. He fell asleep ; some of them took out his silver brooch and carried it off. Saw the first smoke of the burning of Norwalk in the morning. Heard the guns " pop, pop, pop, a good while." The first house burned was where George Day now lives. The house where Mr. Bene- diet now lives was occupied by the British as a hos- pital for the wounded, and therefore was not burnt at first. When the British retreated they set it on fire, but our people rallied soon enough to put it out. The house was built by Mr. Benedict's grandfather. On his return to Norwalk saw a British soldier that had been killed ; Seth Abbott shot him as he was getting over a wall. "Now," says Abbott before he fired, "if I kill him, it will go right through his heart." He fired, and the soldier fell backward, dead. The British, when they landed on the west side, marched up to near where Capt. Daniel K. Nash now lives. A tall British soldier was shot there.

"'Mr. Leaming used to preach on the wickedness of resisting the king, and most of the Tories were of his congregation. According to his creed and preach- ing, we "were only a parcel of rebels." There would not have been so many Tories but for his preaching up such doctrine. He went off with the British.'

" Mrs. Benedict, wife of Thomas, aged eighty-one, November, 1846, daughter of Phineas Waterbury, lived at Rooton River, at the head of the pond; saw the British fleet when they came from Long Island to the burning of Norwalk. There were twenty-six sail, -sloops. The enemy used to come every little while to the place where she lived to drive off cattle. One night she heard the eows low and the dogs bark and some one hallooing, 'The Tories are after the cattle ;' 'The Tories have got all our cows.' Her mother raised the window and called out, 'Turn out the guard ! Turn out the Guard!' so loud that people a mile distant heard her in two places. One of the Tories called to her to be still, or he would shoot her. ' I am not afraid of you,' she answered; and called out again, 'Turn out the guard! Turn out the guard!' The man fired, and Mrs. Benedict heard the ball whistle; but the Tories ran for their lives, frightened off by her mother's call for the guard.

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History of Fairfield County, Connecticut : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 125

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) comp. cn Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 1572

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) comp. cn
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1572