History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 2

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818

USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 2

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The rapid advance of science in modern times has led many to a belief in the existence of pre-Adamitic man. In adopting this belief they have not called in question the truth of Genesis, but have insisted that it has hitherto been incorrectly interpreted.

As early as 1655 a work was published in Europe, setting forth the doctrine of the existence of pre-Adam- ites on purely Scriptural grounds. Anthropological and ethnological science had scarcely an existence then, and such a bold innovation without their support could, of course, niake but little headway.

The adoption of this doctrine removes some of the

difficulties which the historian encounters. In the case of the aborigines of this country, he is freed from the perplexing and useless task of endeavoring to show whether they came from Egypt, Asia, or Europe, or by what routes they came. He is also freed from the task beliefs, or ceremonies, domestic, social, or national cus- toms, or physical conformation.

Prior to its discovery and settlement by the whites, Connecticut was inhabited by numerous tribes or clans of Indians. Of these the most numerous and powerful were the Pequots and Mohegans. The former, of whom tradition said they were once an inland tribe that had gradually migrated to the region bordering the Sound, occupied the portion of the State along the coast east from the Connecticut River, and their principal seats were at New London, Groton, and Stonington.

Their principal chief, at the time the English began their settlements, was Sassacus, who had under him twenty. six sub-chiefs, or war captains. The country of the Mohegans lay north from that of the Pequots, and extended'into Massachusetts.

Although the Pequots and Mohegans have been treat- ed of by historians as separate or distinct tribes, it ap- pears that the latter were the followers of Uncas, who had been a sachem under Sassacus, and who was in re- bellion against him when the English first came to Con- necticut. By his subsequent alliance with the whites, he maintained his own and his people's independence of the Pequots under Sassacus. The towns that were es- tablished in the territory of the Mohegans obtained their title deeds from Uncas or his successors.

Besides these, there were many smaller tribes or sov- ereignties, especially along the Connecticut River. Most of these were within the limits of Windsor, Hartford, Wethersfield, and Middletown. In Windsor alone, it is said there were ten sovereignties.

West of the river there were scattering families in al-

OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT.

most every part, and in some places large bodies. At Simsbury and New Hartford they were numerous; at Farmington there was a large clan; at Guilford a small tribe; and at Branford and New Haven another; at Mil- ford there were great numbers; at Turkey Hill, in the northwestern part of the town, there was a large settle- ment; about half a mile north of Stratford Ferry they had a strong fortress, built as a defense against the Mo- hawks. There were two clans in Derby; one at Pangus- set, erected on the banks of the river, about a mile above Derby Ferry, a strong fort against the Mohawks; four miles above, at the mouth of the Naugatuck River, was another tribe. At Stratford the Indians were very numerous, though they had been very much wasted by the hostile incursions of the Mohawks; in Stamford there were several tribes, and two small clans in Nor- walk; there were many in Woodbury, most of whom were in that part since named South Britain.

In the northeasterly part of the colony was a portion of the territory of the Nipmucks. This was called the Wabbequasset and Whetstone country, and because Un- cas had conquered it, the Mohegan conquered country.

The number of Indians in Connecticut when the set- tlement commenced has been variously estimated. Some have placed it as low as 7,000, others as high as 20,000. Probably the number was about 16,000.

CHAPTER II.

FIRST SETTLEMENT AND INDIAN WARS.

W HEN CONNECTICUT was first visited by Europeans is not known. Probably the Dutch, from their trading post on Manhattan Island, entered some portion of the State soon after that post was estab- lished, or as early as 1615. Whether the Dutch or the people at New Plymouth were the first to discover the Connecticut River is uncertain. Both claimed priority, and both occupied lands on it at about the same time.

In 1630 a patent had been granted by the Plymouth Council, and confirmed by King Charles the First, to Robert, Earl of Warwick. In 1631 the Earl of Warwick granted to Lords Say and Seal, and Brook, and their associates, the original patent of Connecticut.

In 1633 William Holmes, with a party of the Ply- mouth colonists, sailed up the Connecticut River, bring- ing with them the frame and other materials which they had prepared for erecting a house. On Dutch Point, in Hartford, he found that the Dutch had built a light fort and planted two pieces of artillery. Notwithstanding their threats to fire on him he passed this fort, proceeded up the river, landed on the west side near the mouth of the little river in Windsor, and erected and fortified his house there. This, it is said, was the first house erected in Connecticut.

During the summer of 1635, settlers came here and planted settlements at Windsor, Hartford, and Wethers- field. In October of that year 60 more came overland

from Massachusetts, and in November, John Winthrop, under a commission from the proprietors, which styled him " Governor of the River Connecticut," came with a crew in a small vessel and took possession of the mouth of the Connecticut, built a fort there, and thus prevented the Dutch from ascending the river.

The first winter of the settlers who came in 1635 was one of great suffering because of the rigor of the season. Many made their way back to Massachusetts, and the health of those that remained was much impaired.

The next year courts were established; for the set- tlers, though nominally under the rule of the mother country, really governed themselves. The first court was held at Hartford, April 26th 1636; the second at Wind- sor, June 7th, and the third, September Ist, of the same year. These courts consisted of two principal men from each town, and, on important occasions, they were joined with committees of three from each town. These courts were invested with all the legislative and judicial powers and functions of the colony.

In 1636 the population of the colony was increased by the arrival at Hartford of Rev. Thomas Hooker and his congregation, about 100 in all. They came across the country through the untamed wilderness, from their pre- vious home in Cambridge. A congregation also came from Dorchester to Windsor, and another from Water- town to Wethersfield .. The population in that year, in the three towns on the river and the garrison at the mouth of it, reached about 800 persons.

In 1635 and 1636 the powerful tribe of Pequots be- came hostile to the settlers. They had been guilty of several murders, and, when called on to make reparation, they not only refused to do so, but assumed a hostile attitude. The murdered people were citizens of Massa- chusetts, and an expedition from that colony was sent against the Indians. One or two of the Peqnots were killed, and a large amount of property was destroyed. This only exasperated the Indians, who became more actively hostile. They were haughty and independent savages, and under the warlike and ambitious chief, Sas- sacus, they had conquered and governed the tribes around them. They regarded the English as intruders, and they were determined to extirpate them or drive them from the country. They therefore sought to unite other tribes, and especially the Narragansetts, with them against the whites, though with the latter they were not successful. The Pequots continued their hostilities dur- ing 1636, and, in the following winter, they kept the fort at Saybrook almost in a state of siege. In the spring they became still more actively warlike, and kept the en- tire colony in a constant state of alarm by waylaying the roads, fields, and streams, so that the settlers could neither hunt, labor, nor fish without being in constant

peril of their lives. In May of that year a court was summoned at Hartford to deliberate on matters concern- ing the defense of the colony, and an active offensive war was determined on. Ninety men were raised in the towns of Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield, and a sense of common danger induced Massachusetts and

COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS-TROUBLES WITH THE DUTCH.

Plymouth to send 240. In that month the Connecticut troops, with about 70 friendly Mohegans under Uncas, descended the river to Saybrook. Thence they proceed- ed to Groton, where they took the Pequot fort. The Pequots were pursued to the westward, and were finally overtaken in Fairfield county. They were surrounded in a swamp, many were killed, about 60 escaped, and the rest fell into the hands of the English and their Indian allies.

CHAPTER III.

COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS OF CONNECTICUT, NEW HAVEN, AND SAYBROOK .- PROGRESS OF CONNECTICUT COL- ONY .- PURCHASE OF SAYBROOK .- DIFFI- CULTIES WITH THE DUTCH.

B Y THE pursuit of the Pequots, the colonists be- came acquainted with the lands on the coast of the Sound to the west of Saybrook. This led to the emigration from Massachusetts, in 1638, of Mr. Eaton, Mr. Hopkins, Rev. Mr. Davenport, and many others, who landed at New Haven and founded a flourishing colony.

The inhabitants of Hartford, Windsor, and Wethers- field were without the limits of the Massachusetts pat- ent and beyond the jurisdiction of that colony. They therefore resolved to form themselves into a distinct commonwealth, and, on the 14th of January, 1639, the free planters of these towns convened at Hartford and adopted a constitution. The preamble to this instru- ment set forth that it was to preserve "the libberty and purity of the Gospell," as they understood it, " and the regulation of civil affairs."

This was the first constitution adopted in the New World, and it recognized as among its fundamental principles the great bulwarks of American freedom. It has been said of it that it was " simple in its terms, com- prehensive in its policy, methodical in its arrangement, and beautiful in its adaptation of parts to a whole, of means to an end."

On the 4th of June, 1639, the free planters of Quinni- piack, or New Haven, met and formed a civil and relig- ious organization. The constitution, if such it may be termed, of this colony was original, and, in some of the provisions, unique. The government thus established .has been termed a theocracy, and, although this term was hardly applicable, it is not too much to say that it was widely different from that of Connecticut.

In 1639 the towns of Milford and Guilford were founded in the colony of New Haven. In the same year Fairfield and Stratford were founded, under the jurisdic- tion of Connecticut.

In 1639 the commonwealth of Saybrook was founded by Colonel George Fenwick, one of the original pat- entees. The fort there had been garrisoned since its erection, but no civil government had been established. This government was administered by Fenwick till 1644.

Under the constitution of Connecticut, the freemen assembled at Hartford, in April 1639, and chose as of- ficers: John Haynes Esq., governor; Roger Ludlow, George Willys, Edward Hopkins, Thomas Welles, John Webster, and William Phelps, magistrates; Roger Lud- low, deputy governor; Edward Hopkins, secretary; and Thomas Welles, treasurer. Twelve delegates composed the first General Assembly. At an adjourned session of this assembly the several towns in the colony were incor - porated, and their municipal powers and privileges de- fined.

In 1642 the capital laws of Connecticut were record- ed. These are a portion of what have sometimes been termed the " blue laws," and the passages of Scripture on which they were founded were noted in each instance.

The death penalty was prescribed for 14 crimes, in- cluding witchcraft, blasphemy, various forms of un- chastity, cursing or smiting of parents, and incorrigible stubbornness of children.

The colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven, formed, in 1643, a confederacy for mu- tual safety, under the name of " United Colonies of New England."

In 1644 the colony of Connecticut purchased from Colonel Fenwick, for £1,600, the jurisdiction right in the colony of Saybrook.

During the decade from 1640 to 1650, many towns were founded, both in the colonies of Connecticut and New Haven. Each sought to extend her territory by the purchase of portions of Long Island, and the latter attempted to plant a colony on the Delaware Bay.

New London was founded in 1646, under the auspices of the General Court of Massachusetts; but the jurisdic- tion was, in the next year, relinquished to Connecticut.

At about the commencement of the decade from 1650 to 1660, the Dutch, at New Netherland, who had never relinquished their claim to the territory of Connecticut, had become troublesome by their plotting and inciting the Indians against the English, and in 1663 measures were adopted by the colonies of Connecticut and New Haven for defense against a projected expedition by Long Island Indians against the Indians in alliance with the colonies. In 1654 the colony received an order from Parliament to treat the Dutch as enemies, and the Dutch possessions at Hartford were seized for the benefit of the commonwealth.

CHAPTER IV.

UNION OF CONNECTICUT AND NEW HAVEN UNDER A CHARTER .- BOUNDARIES ESTABLISHED .- CLAIM OF JURISDICTION BY SIR EDMUND ANDROSS .- KING PHILIP'S WAR.

TN 1661 measures were taken to procure for Connec- ticut a patent directly from the Crown of Great Britain. Governor Winthrop was sent to England for this purpose. He was a man of superior address, and his applicationwas made under favorable circumstances;

OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT.

and on the 20th of April, 1662, Charles the Second granted the colony letters patent, conveying ample privi- leges, under the Great Seal of England.

This charter included the colony of New Haven. The inhabitants of this colony were greatly dissatisfied with this. Mr. Davenport and other ministers were strongly of the opinion that all government powers should be vested in the churches, and the churches were unani- mously opposed to being united with Connecticut. In New Haven only church members in full communion could be freemen, but in Connecticut all orderly persons, who were possessors of a freehold to a certain amount, might enjoy all the rights of citizenship. Doubtless the people of New Haven were fearful that the purity of their churches would be marred, and the civil adminis- tration corrupted by a union with Connecticut. After much difficulty, however, the two colonies, at the general election, May 12th 1664, united, and John Winthrop was chosen governor.

March 12th 1664, Charles the Second granted to his brother, the Duke of York and Albany, a patent, cover- ing several extensive tracts in North America, and the lands on the west side of the Connecticut River were in- cluded in this patent. Colonel Richard Nichols was then sent from England with an armament, to reduce the Dutch possessions in America, and to hear and determine all matters of controversy between the New England colonies. After he had possessed New Netherland, and rechristened it New York, he, with his associates, met the agents of Connecticut, and on the 30th of November 1664, determined the boundaries between the two col- onies. They also determined the southern boundary of Connecticut to be the sea, thus cutting off her posses- sions on Long Island.

Ten years later the Duke of York received from the King another patent, granting the same territory de- scribed in a former patent. He commissioned Major Edmund Andross to be Governor of New York, and all his territories in these parts. Andross was a petty ty- rant, and a pliant tool of the Duke. Under the patent of 1674 he laid claim to the lands on the east side of Connecticut River, in violation of the agreement of 1664, and in disregard of the priority of the patent of Connec- ticut. In 1675, he attempted to force his claim by taking possession of the fort at Saybrook. By the firm- ness and resolution of Captain Bull, however, he was de- feated in this attempt.

In 1675, what is known in history as King Philip's war broke out, and during its continuance a veritable reign of terror prevailed in some portions of New Eng- land. Philip was the principal chief of the Wampanoags, and to prevent the formation of an alliance between him and the Narragansetts the English made with the latter a friendly treaty, in July 1675. Within six months from that time it was found that the Narragansetts were se- cretly aiding the Wampanoags. A winter campaign against the Narragansetts was accordingly undertaken, and for this Massachusetts furnished five hundred and twenty-seven men, Plymouth one hundred and fifty-nine,

and Connecticut three hundred, besides one hundred and fifty Mohegan Indians. This force, in December 1675, came together at a place called Pettyquamsequot. Sixteen miles from that place the Narragansetts had a strong fort, on a piece of dry ground, in the midst of a large swamp. This fort consisted of a circle of palisades, surrounded by a thick fence of trees. Within the fort were about six hundred wigwams, and large stores of corn, wampum, etc.

The English maiched for this fort on the morning of the 19th of December. deep snow impeded their march, but at 4 P.M. of the same day they attacked the Indians in their fortress. They were at first re- pulsed, but a second onset was made, and after a terrible conflict, in which many of the attacking party fell, the Indians were destroyed or dispersed in the wilderness. It was computed that about three hundred Indians were slain in this fight, and that many others who were wounded, died in the cold cedar swamp, where they had taken refuge. Hollister says: " The village was burned to ashes, and the valuable stores that it contained, with the women and children, whose number history has never recorded, and whose agony, though brief, was only heard in its full significance by the ear of a mercy that is infinite." Trumbull says: " They were in much doubt then, and afterward seriously inquired, whether burning their enemies alive could be consistent with humanity, and the benevolent principles of the gospel." Humanity revolts at such atrocities.

Of the 300 from Connecticut 80 were killed and wounded, and of these about 40 were killed or died of their wounds.

This overthrow of the Narragansetts did not terminate the war, which was continued by Philip and his allies till the summer of 1676.

This terrible war, as well as many others that have been waged between the whites and the aboriginal pro- prietors of the soil, might doubtless have been averted had the fact been recognized that the Indians had rights that Christians were under obligation to respect.

CHAPTER V.

ATTEMPTS TO DEPRIVE CONNECTICUT OF ITS CHARTER

AND ITS CHARTERED RIGHTS, AND SUCCESS- FUL RESISTANCE TO THESE ATTEMPTS.

C HARLES THE SECOND died in 1685, and was succeeded by the Duke of York, under the title of James the Second. The disregard of the rights of his subjects that had characterized the latter years of Charles's reign was increased rather than diminished un- der the reign of James. It was considered desirable by this king and those in authority under him to procure a surrender of all the patents that had been granted to the American colonies, and to rearrange them for provinces, witli a governor-general over the whole.

In July 1685 a writ of quo warranto was issued against

ADMINISTRATION OF ANDROSS.

the officers of Connecticut, summoning them to appear and show by what authority they exercised their func- tions and privileges. This was answered in July 1686 by an address beseeching pardon for any fault in their gov- ernment, and requesting a continuance of their rights. On the 21st of that month two writs of quo warranto were served on the governor, requiring appearance and answer at a date prior to their service. Another bearing date October 23d was served December 28th, and this gave insufficient time for appearance and answer. All these writs declared the chartered rights of the colony vacated by failure to appear at the time and place re- quired.

When an agent was sent to present the petition of the colony and endeavor to preserve its rights, it was found that the king and council had already determined to va- cate all the colonial charters, and unite all the colonies under a governor of royal appointment. Accordingly Sir Edmund (previously Major) Andross was appointed governor-general of New England. He arrived in Bos- ton on the 19th of December 1686, and at once demand- ed, by letter, the surrender of the charter of Connecti- cut. He did not succeed, and, in October of the next year, while the Assembly was in session, he visited Hart- ford with a company of soldiers and demanded the sur- render of the charter. It was produced, but, pending a debate between Andross and the officers of the govern- ment, the lights were extinguished, and it was carried away and secreted in a hollow oak. Andross took form- al possession of the government, however, annexed it to Massachusetts, and appointed civil and military officers.

Although Andross commenced his administration with strong professions of regard for the happiness and wel- fare of the people, it soon became evident that these pro- fessions were insincere, and that the colonists were to suffer under the exercise of an arbitrary and despotic power. The titles of the colonists to their lands were declared to be invalid, and they were required, even after they had improved their possessions during more than half a century, to take out new patents and pay for them a heavy fee. Many other oppressive measures were in- stituted, and the people were made to feel the weight of the tyranny under which they were placed.

The reign of Andross was, however, not of long dura- tion. King James, who was as odious in England as was Andross in America, was compelled to flee from the kingdom, and on the 5th of November 1638, William, Prince of Orange, landed in England and assumed the functions of government. The news of this revolution was received in Boston in April 1689, and the people arrested and imprisoned Andross, and reinstated the old officers of the colony.

The former government of Connecticut was re-estab- lished. The charter had not been surrendered nor invali- dated, and the ablest lawyers in England decided that the government had not been legally interrupted.

The population of the colony continued to increase, and new towns were founded. The limits of this sketch

will not permit an account of the founding of these towns. The free basis on which the colonial govern- ment of Connecticut was originally established was fa- vorable to the development of the spirit of liberty, inde- pendence, and jealousy of their rights that has always characterized her citizens. The existence and exercise of that spirit was illustrated by an episode in the coloni- al history in 1692.

In August of that year Colonel Benjamin Fletcher, governor of New York, arrived in his colony with a commission which empowered hini to assume command of the militia in the neighboring colonies. The charter of Connecticut conferred this power on the colony, and the Legislature would not submit to its assumption by Governor Fletcher. In September 1693, the court caused a petition for their chartered rights to be drafted and sent to King William. An agent was also sent to New York for the purpose of making terms with Governor Fletcher till the pleasure of the king should be further known. No terms, however, short of an entire relin- quishment of the militia to his command could be made. Trumbull says:

"On the 26th of October he came to Hartford, while the Assembly were sitting, and, in his Majesty's name, demanded the submission of the militia to his command, as they would answer it to his Majesty: and that they would give him a speedy answer in two words, Yes, or No. He subscribed himself his Majesty's lieutenant and commander-in chief of all the militia, and the forces by sea and land, and of all the forts and places of strength in the colony of Connecticut. He ordered the militia of Hartford under arms, that he might beat up for volun- teers. It was judged expedient to call the train bands of Hartford to- gether; but the Assembly insisted that the command of the militia was expressly vested, by the charter, in the governor and company; and that they could by no means, consistently with their just rights and the common safety, resign it into other hands. They insinuated that his demands were an invasion of their essential privileges, and subversive of their constitution.

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History of Middlesex county, Connecticut, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 2

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 818

Author: Whittemore, Henry, b. 1833; Beers, J.B. & Company, publishers
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 818