USA > Connecticut > Windham County > History of Windham County, Connecticut, Volume II, 1760-1880 > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
And we do farther engage to each other that we will discourage and dis- countenance to the ntmost of our power the excessive use of all foreign teas, china ware, spices and black pepper, all British and foreign superfluities and manufactures not herein enumerated as by due encouragement are or may be fabricated in North America, and also the present excessive use of rum, brandy and other spirituous liquors in all house-hoklers, families, taverns and laborers. And all extravagant, unnecessary and expensive treats, as have by custom been introduced by military officers, holding such in reputation who shall for the future negleet the same-and whereas wool and flax are the natural pro- duce and staple of this Colony, the increase of which must prove beneficial ; it is farther agreed not to drive out of this Colony to market any wethers of more than two years old, or ewes of more than six years old, for the space of three years next coming, and would recommend the raising of flax, hemp, and barley for the making of good beer which would have the greatest tendency to discourage the pernicious use of distilled spirits; also would recommend to families to save and preserve all refuge linen rags to promote the manu- facture of paper in this Colony ; also recommend an inquiry into the method and expedieney of manufacturing glass-and furthermore, to the end that this union be not violated and the good effects be frustrated, if any inhabitant does not sign and conform to these regulations but still continues to import and introduce any of the above-mentioned restricted articles, such persons shall be by us discountenanced in the most effectual but decent and lawful manner,
117
OPPOSITION TO STAMP ACT, ETC.
and that a committee be appointed to correspond with committees from the several towns in the County in order to render the fore-going proposals as extensive and effectnal as may be.
JEDIDIAH ELDERKIN.
DAVID ADAMS.
SAMUEL GRAY.
JOSEPH GINNINGS.
NATHANIEL WALES, Jun.
JONATHAN KINGSLEY.
JACOB SIMMONS.
JOSHUA ELDERKIN.
HEZEKIAH MANNING.
ELISHA HURLBUT.
WILLIAM DURKEE.
EBENEZER HOVERY.
EBENEZER DEVOTION, Jun."
The foregoing report being publicly read three times was accepted in a very full meeting of the inhabitants of the town, nemine contra- dicente ! !
It was farther voted, " That the form of subscription be the same as come into by the town of Grafton, and that the previous committee with Joshua Reed, Thomas Traey and Nathaniel Linkon should take care and see subscription filled up by the inhabitants of the town, and when completed lodge the same with the town clerk." In compliance with the suggestion of the report, " Nathaniel Wales, Jun., Esq., Sam- uel Gray, Esq., and Dr. Joshua Elderkin were appointed a committee to correspond with committees from the several towns of the county to render the foregoing proposals as extensive and effectual as may be." The honor of "inventing" the system of corresponding committees which proved so effective in promoting the Revolution has been ascribed to Samuel Adams and other notable persons, but we find it at this early date proposed and carried into execution by Windham. The stringent agreement was signed by nearly every inhabitant and faith- fully observed though at great loss and self-sacrifice. The foreign traffic that had so enriched them was given up. The foreign luxuries so freely used were all abandoned. The enthusiastic Windhamites re- joiced in this signal opportunity of testing their patriotism and devo- tion. Home-raised food and home-spun clothes came at once into nse and fashion. A decoction of the common red-root " of very salutary nature," under the dignified appellation of Hyperion or Labrador tea. replaced the prohibited Hyson and Bohea. Ribbons, laces and all for- eign finery were vociferonsly eschewed by the ardent "Daughters of Liberty." The wedding of Miss Dora Flint during this December was made a grand patriotic demonstration. The numerous guests from Norwich and Windham were all arrayed in home-spun. The bountiful refreshments were of colonial production, their flavor heightened by patriotic fervor. Any infringement of the agreement was quickly ob- served, and reported to the town authorities. "Joshua Elderkin, one of the committee, not keeping the same but importing felt hats and worsted patterns, the town agrees to look upon him as a person not fit to sustain any office of trust or profit till he properly manifests his re- pentance."
118
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
The spirit and self-sacrifice of Windham were emulated by the other towns of the county, and all were ready to pledge themselves to total abstinence from foreign luxuries. Ashford held a meeting Dec. 14, and appointed Captains Elisha Wales, Benjamin Clark and Benjamin Russel. Elijah Whiton, Esq., and Benjamin Sumner, Esq., "to be a committee to correspond with other committees in the county and else- where, to encourage and help forward mannfactures and a spirit of industry in this government." Canterbury citizens met Dec. 21 ; Jo seph Woodward, moderator. Jabez Fitch, John Curtis, Samuel Hunt- ington, Captain Benjamin Pierce, Lieutenants Aaron Cleveland and Stephen Frost, Ensign Benjamin Smith and Mr. Solomon Paine were chosen committee to consider the premises and make report. Their report was accepted and provision made for procuring subscriptions to the agreement. Plainfield made haste to express her conenrrence with the other towns, and agreed to draw up subscriptions in pursuance of their wise and happy measures for the encouragement of frugality, economy and our own mannfactures. The formal Non-Importation Agreement of 1769, as promulgated by ardent patriots in Virginia and adopted by the several colonies, was most heartily endorsed by the eiti- zens of Windham County. When it was found that interested indi- viduals connived at the evasion of the Agreement by the illicit intro- duction of contraband goods, such persons were publicly denounced as covenant-breakers and enemies of their country. The withdrawal of New York from the Non-Importation league excited general indigna- tion and reprobation. Many spirited meetings were hell in Connecti- cut in 1770, to devise more effectual means for the enforcement of the Agreement. "Merchants and traders" met at Middletown. Hartford and New Haven, condemned the conduct of merchants in Newport and denounced the insolent behavior of New Yorkers. The names of the New York importers were printed and hung up in every public house in Connecticut for public exeeration. "What is the difference." asks a Connecticut journal, " between an Importer and an Indian ? An Indian drinks cyder ; an Importer drinks the blood of his country ; an Indian is enemy only to himself, an Importer is an enemy to America." A meeting of the several committees of correspondence at Hartford State- house, August 9, recommended a general convention at New Haven the day after Commencement, every town to send delegates. Wind- ham County responded with delegates from every town and implicit instructions. One or two specimens will show the temper and spirit of its inhabitants. Canterbury agrees :-
" 1. That Jabez Fitch and Benjamin Bacon be chosen to represent the town at the meeting of the Mercantile and Landed Interest of this Colony, to be convened at New Haven on the day next after the ensuing Commence- ment.
119
OPPOSITION TO STAMP ACT, ETC.
2. That if any person, whether an inhabitant of this town or not, shall at any time before a general importation takes place bring into this town either for their own use or for sale any British mannfactures which have been im- ported contrary to the Non-Importation Agreement, or any goods whatever which have been purchased by those persons who have violated said agree- ment, they will incur the displeasure and resentments of the inhabitants of this town.
3. That whereas the Parliament of Great Britain have continued the duty on all Tea imported into and consumed in any of the American Colonies as a Test and Proof of their right to tax America, which we think very unreason- able and unconstitutional ; therefore, voted, That all persons who will at this critical time persist in using tea until the duty is taken off show a great dis- regard for the rights and liberties of America, and deserve to be treated with contempt."
Ashford was especially earnest and emphatic in resolving :-
"1. That we will not give up our native and loyal rights.
2. That in the patriotic Agreement of the merchants, the interests and rights of America were thoroughly considered.
3. That to break in upon the Non-importation Agreement strikes at the life of America and is a multiplied evil.
4. That as the faith and virtue of sundry of the merchants have notoriously failed it is high time for the people to step forward in earnest to support the tottering canse and afford their united assistance to those merchants who still abide by the patriotic Agreement ; and, therefore,
5. Our utmost effort shall be put forth in vindication of the Non-importa- tion Agreement, as a measure without which the safety and prosperity of the Colonies cannot be supported.
6. That peddlers who without law or license go about the country selling wares are a nuisance to the public, and, if in our power, shall be picked up and put to hard labor and compelled to earn their bread in the house of cor- rection.
7. We highly resent every breach of the Non-importation Agreement, and are always ready to let our resentment fall upon those who are so hardy and abandoned as to violate the same.
8. It is our earnest desire that every town in this Colony and in every Col- ony in America would explicitly and publicly disclose their sentiments relating to the Non-importation Agreement and the violations thereof.
9. That the infamous conduct of the Yorkers in violating the patriotic en- gagement of the merchants is a daring insult upon the spirit and understand- ing of the country, an open contempt of every benevolent and patriotic senti- ment, and an instance of treachery and wickedness sufficient to excite astonishment in every witnessing mind, and we doubt not but their actions will appear infamous till the ideas of virtue are obliterated in the human mind, and the advocates of liberty and patriotism are persecuted out of the world.
10. That if the people of America properly attend to the concern of salva- tion and (unitedly) resolve upon an unshaken perseverance in the affair of non-importation till there is a total repeal of the revenue acts and an ample redress of American grievances, we shall be a free and flourishing people !
In consequence of the above resolutions we have chosen Capt. Benjamin Clark to attend the general meeting of the mercantile and landed interests at New Haven-the sense of the town as above-and to use his utmost influence to establish in the most solid and durable form the Non-importation Agree- ment."
Elisha Wales, Benjamin Clark and Samuel Snow were at the same meeting chosen a committee "To see that no merchants, shop-keepers nor peddlers import, put off, or traffick in Ashford, any goods, wares or merchandize that are imported contrary to the Non importation Agreement."
120
HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.
This important gathering was attended by representatives of a great majority of the towns in the Colony. Gurdon Saltonstall presided. Silas Deane served as clerk. After full and large discussion it was unanimously resolved :-
" That the Non-Importation Agreement come into by the Colonies in gen- eral, and by this in particular by their formal agreement, and the more general one entered into at Middletown, Feb. 20, was founded on patriotic principles and must be most effective, that we find no reason for relaxing said agree- ment now, to which we do agree and resolve that until Acts of Parliament be repealed, or until a general importation be agreed to we will not by ourselves or others, directly or indirectly [purchase] any goods except those mentioned in Agreement. The late defection in New York we highly reprobate, and judge it needful to break off commercial intercourse with New York."
These various convocations and combinations fired the zeal of the people and strengthened their determination to resist British exactions. Events successively occurring-the massaere at Boston, the burning of the Gaspee at Newport, the destruction of the tea in Boston Harbor -heightened the flame. Reports of every new aggression and collis- ion flew at once over the land and were discussed in every town and hamlet, and when at length the news came that Boston was to be pun- ished for her contumacy by having her harbor shut up, the Colonies rose as one to express their indignation and abhorrence. "The ancient destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire and brimstone from the Lord out of Heaven was a just, righteous and merciful dispensation of the Most High God compared with the late Boston Port Bill !"
Connecticut's General Assembly, having recommended and observed a day of public fasting and prayer, expressed their sentiments in the following resolves :-
" 1. We do most expressly declare, recognize and acknowledge his Majesty King George the Third, to be the lawful and rightful king of Great Britain, and all other his dominions and countries ; and that it is the indispensable duty of the people of. this colony as being part of his Majesty's ilominion, always to bear faithful and true allegiance to his Majesty, and him to defend to the utmost of their power against all attempts upon his person, crown and dig- nity.
2. That the subjects of his Majesty in this Colony ever have had, and of right ought to have and enjoy all the liberties, immunities and privileges of free and natural-born subjects within any of the dominions of our said King, his heirs and successors, to all intents, constructions and purposes whatsoever, as fully and amply as if they and every one of them were born within the realm of England; that they have a property in their own estates, and are to be taxed by their own consent only, given in person or by their representa- tives, and are not to be disseized of their liberties or free customs, sentenced or condemned, but by lawful judgment of their peers, and that the said rights and immunities are recognized and confirmed to the inhabitants of this Colony by the royal grant and charter aforesaid, and are their undoubted right to all intents, construction and purposes whatsover.
3. That the only lawful representatives of the freemen of this colony are the persons they elect to serve as members of the General Assembly thereof.
4. That it is the just right and privilege of his Majesty's liege subjects of this colony to be governed by their General Assembly in the article of taxing
121
HELP FOR BOSTON, ETC.
and internal policy, agreeable to the powers and privilege recognized and con- firmed in the royal charter aforesaid, which they have enjoyed for more than a century past, and have neither forfeited nor surrendered, but the same have been constantly recognized by the King and Parliament of Great Britain.
7. That any harbor or port duly opened and constituted cannot be shut up and discharged but by an Aet of the Legislature of the province or colony in which such port or harbor is situated, without subverting the rights and liber- ties, and destroying the property of his Majesty's subjects.
8. That the late act of Parliament inflicting pains and penalties on the town of Boston, by blocking up their harbor, is a precedent justly alarming to the British colonies in America, and wholly inconsistent with, and sub- versive of their constitutional rights and liberties.
9. That whenever his Majesty's service shall require the aid of the inhabit- ants of this Colony, the same fixed principles of loyalty, as well as self-pre- servation, which have hitherto induced us fully to comply with his Majesty's reqnisitions, together with the deep sense we have of its being our indespen- sable duty, in the opinion of this House, will ever hold us under the strongest obligations which can be given or desired, most cheerfully to grant his Majesty from time to time our further proportion of men and money for the defence, protection, security and other services of the British American dominions.
11. That it is an indespensable duty which we owe to our King, our coun- try, ourselves and our posterity, by all lawful ways and means in our power, to maintain, defend and preserve these our rights and liberties, and to trans- mit them entire and inviolate to the latest generation ; and that it is our fixed determination and unalterable resolution faithfully to discharge this our (luty."
This calm and Ineid exposition of Connecticut's position, her claims and purposes, was accepted by the Lower House with great unanimity, but the more cautious Council deferred action till the following Octo- ber. Meanwhile these resolutions were circulated throughout the Colony and ratified by the several towns. The inhabitants of every town were called together to discuss the situation and act for the relief of Boston. The Windham County towns hastened to obey the sum- mons and embodied their views in many spirited declarations. A very full meeting was held in Woodstock, June 21. Nathaniel Child was chosen moderator. The resolves of the General Assembly were then read, and the following declaration adopted :-
" 1. That the thanks of this town be given to Capt. Elisha Child and Jedidiah Morse, E-q., the representatives of this corporate body, for their consenting to, and voting the above resolves in conjunction with the other representa- tives of this Colony, in General Court assembled, as said resolves do honor to the worthy representatives of a free, loyal and virtuous people, are very ex- pressive of the sentiments of the inhabitants of this town, and by them judged necessary in such a day as this, when we have the most convincing proofs of a fixed and determined plan of the British administration to overthrow the liberties of America, and subject these colonies to a bondage that our fathers did not, would not-fled into the wilderness that they might not, and God grant that we, their posterity, never may-bear.
2. Being animated from the consideration of the absolute importance of adopting every rational and probable means in our power for the political sal- vation of our country, we engage to contribute our utmost exertions in defence of our American liberties aud privileges, and stand ready to join our brethren in this and the other American colonies in every probable measure that may influence Great Britain to withdraw her oppressive hand. At the same time,
16
122
HISTORY OF WINDIIAM COUNTY.
we apprehend that a General Congress consisting of delegates from each col- ony on the continent. is necessary speedily to be formed that the sentiments of the whole may be known, and such an unity in measures established as may constitute a strength invincible by tyranny, and break out in one general burst against the attempts that are made, and making, to destroy the consti- tution of their governments.
3. And inasmuch as the promotion of industry, frugality, economy, arts and mannfactures among ourselves, is of great importance to the good of a community, we determine, from this very day, to live as much within our- selves, and purchase as few British goods, wares and merchandises as possi- ble, and give all due encouragement to every useful art among us.
4. It having been judged needful at this alarming crisis, and generally come into. that committees of correspondence be appointed- Voted,
That Capt. Elisha Child, Charles C. Chandler, Jedidiah Morse, Esqs., Capt. Samuel MeClellan and Nathaniel Child, E-q., be a committee for maintaining a correspondence with the towns of this and the neighboring colonies.
5. Toted, That a copy of these votes be printed in the New London Gazette, to manifest the deep sense we have of the Parliamentary invasion of the con- stitutional rights of the British Americans."
Pomfret, June 23, thus expressed her sentiments :-
"The present situation of the American colonies and plantations on account of the measures pursued by the Parliament of Great Britain respecting them, has become of so much importance and of so serious a nature, that it calls alond for the sentiments of every town and even every individual to be known and communicated. We therefore hereby assure our brethren, that we will to the utmost of our abilities, contribute to the maintaining and supporting of our just rights and privileges, and to the removal of those evils already come upon us, and more particularly felt by the town of Boston, viewing them as the more immediate sufferers, yet that our liberties and privileges are all thereby threatened and endangered.
We do therefore Resolve to this important end, we will unite in the neces- sary measures that may be adopted and more particularly pointed out at the proposed General Congress, which, we pray may be hastened-the several dissolutions of the House of Assemblies by their Governors, to prevent the same, notwithstanding. And in the meantime we cannot refrain from adding, we will exert ourselves in promoting and encouraging useful and necessary manufactures, and such a spirit of economy and frugality among ourselves, as may prevent much of our present demands for British manufactures.
And we do resolve, that every person who shall hereafter send for, and import any British manufactures from Great Britain, or trade or deal with any who shall do so, until the loyal subjects of America are restored to, and can enjoy their just rights and privileges, shall be deemed and treated by us an ungrateful enemy to America, and with such person or persons we will have no commerce or deal."
Colonel Ebenezer Williams, Thomas Williams and Samnel Crafts were then chosen a committee to correspond with other Committees of Correspondence in Connecticut and other colonies. On the same day, Windham thus declared herself with her accustomed vehement volu- bility :-
" This meeting being impressed with a deep sense of the present alarming aspects of Divine Providence over the British colonies in North America, arising from the present depressed simation and condition of the capital of a neighboring province, in having their barbor and port blocked up by ships- of-war in hostile array to the terror of the people, totally and actually obstructing all commerce by sea into or from said port, thereby forcibly pre- venting the due performance of all private maritime contracts, rendering useless their whole navigation, stores and wharves, built and erected at a vast
123
HELP FOR BOSTON, ETC.
expense by the inhabitants; a principle which threatens ruhi and destruction both to the liberties and properties of every subject throughout the British empire.
And being further alarmed by a bill late depending before the Parliament of Great Britain. for regulating the the government of the Missachusetts Bay, too long to be here recited, though replete with arbitrary threatening resolu- tions, threatening destruction to all corporations in Great Britain, and all chartered rights in America. In view of these, as well as many other im- pending dangers and calamities, and from a firm belief and persuasion that there is a supreme almighty, infinitely good and merciful Being, who sits at the helm of universal nature by whom king's reign and princes deeree justice, and who has the hearts of all princes and potemrates of the earth in his hands, and under his almighty control ; and however faulty the instruments and pro- curers of those calamities may be, yet considering our sins and im- pieties, they are just on coming from the hand of God, and are to be averted by humiliation, deep repentance and reform ition. We therefore sincerely wish and hope a day may be set apart for solemn fasting and prayer as recommended by our late General Assembly ; and beg further to intimate to our brethren in the several towns in this colony, to render the observation of that day more agreeable to the divine direction (viz. : to undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free. to distribute to the necessities of the distressed), that on that day we be united in opening our hearts in contributing to the relief of the injured and oppressed indigent inhabitants of the town of Boston, especially those who are now more im ne- diately so by means of the late iron hand of oppression on that worthy metro- polis.
But fully to express our sense of the late attempts upon the town and port of Boston, the arbitrary attacks on the most sacred rights of communities, the violent depredations on private property and liberty, and those more viru- lent efforts to break down the great barriers of civil society, founded on the solemn compact of kings, a principle proclaiming sudden destruction upon all corporations throughout the British dominions at the will and pleasure of a vengeful British ministry, even without complaint, notice, trial, orconstitutional adjudication or forfeiture-words fail and the English language is deficient. But this is in part executed, and much more than threatened, only under the pretence at most, that some of the inhabitants of Boston or the neighboring towns have committed a trespass on the property of the East India Com- pany, a company (horrendum dietn !) who have spread destruction over the eastern world ! Behold the tragic scenes in that eastern clime ! the murders of millions by sword and baleful famine; depriving those innocents of the necessaries of life, who by the favor of Heaven and their own indastry, were overflowing with the wealth and profusion of the Indias, and all to satisfy the insatiable lust of gain and oppression! Let the Spanish barbarities in Mexico, and the name of Cortez sink in everlasting oblivion, while such more recent superior cruelties bear away the palm in the late annals of their rapine and cruelty; though many worthy individuals of that body onght no doubt to be excused from the general imputation. We applaud the solemnity of the noble Virginians and Philadelphians in their religious observations of that memorable first day of June; we approve their opinions and sentiments as to the threatened calamities and dangers impending America ; as also the Mary- land resolves, with the others by many worthy towns and bodies of people in this and neighboring provinces. We only wish there may be no delay in appointing time and place for a General Congress, which only can give union, firmness and stability to the whole. We impatiently wait for injured Boston to give the lead in that appointment. Providence no doubt has put into our hands the means to work out our temporal salvation, which has been repeat- edly suggested. Let us, dear fellow Americans, for a few years at least, abandon that narrow, contracted principle of self-love, which is the source of every vice: let us once feel for our country and posterity; let our hearts expand and dilate with the noble and generous sentiments of benevolence, though attended with the severer virtue of self denial. The blessing- of Heaven attending, America is saved; children yet nnborn will rise and call you blessed; the present generation will, by future-to the latest period of American glory-be extolled and celebrated as the happy instruments, uuder
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.