USA > Connecticut > The history of Connecticut, from the first settlement to the present time > Part 29
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ernor Smith, in his speech to the Legislature in May of that year, remarked as follows : "I am not informed that any effectual arrangements are made by the national government to put our sea- coast into a more respectable state of defence. Should the plan of the last campaign be revived, and especially should the war retain the desolating character it has been made to assume, the states on the Atlantic border cannot be insensible to the dangers which await them. To provide for our common defence was an avowed, and, it may be said with truth, the chief purpose for which the present Constitution was formed. How far this object is promoted by aiming at foreign conquest, and resigning our most wealthy and populous fron- tier to pillage and devastation, becomes a moment- ous inquiry." * * * " In any event, I am persuaded that we shall place no reliance on a declared ene- my ; and that, if the aid to which we are entitled is withheld, the means which God has given us will be faithfully employed for our safety. It is with concern I lay before you an official statement of the destruction of a very considerable number of private vessels at Saybrook, by a detachment from the British squadron. The misfortune is imbitter- ed by the reflection that it would probably have been prevented by a small force stationed at Fort Fenwick, at the entrance of Connecticut River. It will be recollected that a guard, authorized by the United States, was kept at that post nearly the whole of the last season. It was dismissed carly in December. Information of the exposed condi- tion of these vessels, and of the consequent appre- hensions of the town for their safety, was duly
430
MEN FURNISHED.
[1814.
transmitted to the war department, and the atten- tion of the government to these important objects was earnestly solicited. It was presumed, as there were regular troops in the vicinity, either that the request would be promptly complied with, or, if such an arrangement was inconvenient, that this government would be frankly and seasonably ap- prized of it. In the latter case, the force of the state would have been applied not less readily to the protection of the persons and property of our citizens, than it had been to the defence of the na- tional squadron."
In July, 1814, Governor Smith received a letter from the department of war, being a circular, cop- ies of which were sent to the governors of several other states. The secretary (General Armstrong) having remarked that " the late pacification in Eu- rope offers to the enemy a large disposable force, both naval and military," adds, that " the president deemed it advisable to invite the executive of cer- tain states to organize, and hold in readiness for immediate service, a corps of 93,500 men, under the laws of February, 1795, and the 18th of April, 1814."
The detail of the requisition on Connecticut was as follows : three regiments, viz., 300 artillery, 2700 infantry ; total, 3000. General staff, one ma- jor-general, one brigadier-general, one deputy- quartermaster-general, one assistant-adjutant-gen- eral. General Cushing made a requisition on Governor Smith for 1700 of these troops, of which Gen. Taylor took command : afterward the whole 3000 were ordered out, and stationed at points most exposed to the enemy.
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431
1814.] HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
On the 9th of August Stonington was attacked by the enemy. The Ramilies 74 (the flagship), the Pactolus 38, a bombship, and the 22-gun brig Despatch, were observed in the morning ; and at 5 o'clock notice was received from Commodore Har- dy by the magistrates that they would destroy the town, after allowing one hour for the removal of the inhabitants and their effects. The officer said that Admiral Cochrane had ordered the destruc- tion of the place, and that no propositions would be received.
The fort on the Point was immediately occupied by a few volunteers, though it had only a slight breastwork and two 18 and one 4 pounder on field carriages, while some militia were stationed at different places on the shore by Lieutenant Ilough, expresses sent off to General Cushing at New- London for help, and the inhabitants hurried into the country. General Cushing, the United States commander of the district, considering the move- ment as only a feint to draw off his forces from Fort Griswold, arranged with the commanding state officer, to send a regiment to Stonington, one to the head of Mystic River to guard Fort Gris- wold, a regiment of artillery to Norwich port to protect the United States' ships, and a like force to New-London.
At 8 in the morning the bombardment of Sto- nington commenced ; and it continued till mid- night, with frequent discharges of rockets and car. casses from a number of barges and launches, while the fort fired in return. It is remarkable that no injury was done by the enemy. At daylight the boats, having passed round to the east side of the
432
DEFENCE OF STONINGTON. [1814.
town, began their firing again : but they were soon driven off by one of the cannon brought from the fort. The brig, however, coming up near the Point, the fort was abandoned after spiking the guns, and she kept an ineffectual fire upon the town during an hour. In the mean time, a consid- · erable number of troops having arrived, as well as a supply of powder, one of the large guns at the fort was bored, and directed with such effect that the brig drew off.
The two larger vessels then anchored within two miles of the town, when the magistrates sent a flag of truce on board, asking the commodore's designs. He demanded a promise that no torpe- does should be sent against the squadron, and that Mrs. Stewart, the wife of the British consul at New.London, should be sent on board. They re- plied that they had no control over that lady. Bombshells were thrown from 3 P.M. till night, and from the following morning till noon, accom- panied with the fire of the other ships. During this time only 50 men were left in the town to ex- tinguish fires, as the few guns of the Americans could not reach the enemy ; and, although most of the houses were injured, and some set on fire, none were destroyed, no lives lost, and only two or three men wounded. The Norwich artillery, under Lieutenant Lathrop, distinguished themselves, next to the defenders of the fort, by boldness and activ- ity in this brave and successful defence. The en- emy, having been entirely thwarted in their unjus- tifiable design, abandoned the undertaking ; and the safety of other places on the coast is to be at- tributed in a great measure to the gallantry of these militia-men.
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1815.] HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. 433
In 1814 the British cruisers kept the whole At- lantic coast in a state of alarm, and destroyed so much property wherever they made a descent, that the public anxiety was extreme in places most ex- posed to their ships. They held complete com- mand of Chesapeake Bay; and in August landed a large force, which, with little opposition, march- ed through Bladensburgh to Washington. All the
national buildings, except the Patent Office, were burned. Alexandria was at the same time cap- tured by a squadron, and robbed of all her naval stores and merchandise, as well as shipping. Bal- timore was next attacked, but successfully defended by extraordinary bravery and exertions ; and the enemy retreated to their vessels with the loss of their commander, General Ross.
CHAPTER XLVIII. 1815.
The President calls an extra Session of Congress .- Alarming Apprehensions from the Enemy .- Mr. Monroe's Plan for in- creasing and concentrating the Military Power of the United States .- Resolutions passed by the Assembly of Connecti- cut, protesting against it as Unconstitutional and threaten- ing to Liberty .- Castine captured by the Enemy .- Petitions to the Legislature of Massachusetts for a Convention .- It meets at Hartford .- Its Proceedings .- The News of Peace. -Received with general Joy.
THE president convoked Congress in Septem- ber, 1814, when he expressed expectations of an increase of the enemy's force, with determined at- 0 0
434
PROSPECTS OF THE WAR.
[1815.
tempts from them to conquer the United States. He, with Mr. Monroe, secretary of war, recom- mended an increase of the regular troops (from 62,448 men to 102,448), and a more efficient or- ganization of the militia. He spoke of the nation as one "contending for its existence against an en- emy powerful by land and sea," and " forced to contend again for our liberties and independence." He said it was " the avowed purpose of the ene- my to lay waste and destroy our cities and vil- lages, and to desolate our coast, of which exam- ples have already been afforded ;" and it was “ ev- idently his intention to press the war along the whole extent of our seaboard ;" also, that there was " reason to presume that it is the intention to press the war from Canada on the adjoining states, while attempts are to be made on the city of New- York and other important points, with a view to dismemberment or subjugation." He inferred, be- sides, that parts of the scheme were to continue to invade the country near Washington, and to capture New-Orleans. One hundred thousand regular troops, actively aided on emergencies by militia and volunteers, he thought, would ensure success, " fix on a solid and imperishable foundation our union and independence," and secure " an ear- ly and advantageous peace."
The secretary of war, at the same time, declared in his report, that "if the United States sacrifice any right or make any dishonourable concession to the claims of the British government, the spirit of the nation will be broken, and the foundation of their union and independence shaken. The United States must relinquish no right, or perish in the
435
1815.] HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
struggle. There is no intermediate ground to rest on."
Such expressions and propositions, from such of- ficers as the president and secretary of war, caused a strong sensation. Those who were opposed to the war charged the administration with having rashly engaged in it when Napoleon was on his march into Russia with the prospect of victory ; and now, after his defeat and flight had led to a general peace in Europe, with being afraid of the consequences, and ready to resort to desperate measures, dangerous to the country. The orders in Council having been repealed immediately after the declaration, no ground remained except the question of the impressment of seamen; and that might probably be soon satisfactorily settled by negotiation during an armistice. Common sense, as well as Christianity, they urged, should demand that hostilities be at least suspended between two Protestant nations, united by language, mutual in- terests, and blood.
To increase the regular army, Mr. Monroe had proposed two plans. The former was to divide the citizens of the United States into divisions of 100 men each, so that each division might em- brace a nearly equal amount of property, and be required to furnish and equip a number of men for the army, paying them a sum equal to the bounty allowed to soldiers by the United States. If not paid, their taxable property was to be levied on to raise it. The recruits were to be delivered to the recruiting officer of the district, and marched whithersoever the secretary of war might direct. It was proposed also, soon after, by the secretary
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436
THE ENEMY CAPTURE CASTINE. [1815.
of the navy, to keep a register of all the seamen in the country, and require them to perform service in the navy in turn, when needed. A bill was brought before the Senate to authorize the enlist- ment of men between 18 and 50 years of age, with- out requiring the consent of parents or guardians for minors ; and this, perhaps, as much as any other step, excited extreme anxiety, especially among " the cautious people" of Connecticut. The Assembly were in session when the news arrived ; and the Representatives passed a resolution, with but six dissentient voices, that, whereas a bill was pending by which " our sons, brothers, and friends are made liable to be delivered against their wills, and by force, to the marshals and recruiting offi- cers of the United States, to be employed, not for our own defence, but for the conquest of Canada, or upon any foreign service upon which the ad- ministration may choose to send them, or impose upon the people of this state 'a capitation or other direct tax,' limited by no rules but the will of the officers appointed by the President of the Uni- ted States ;" and whereas such principles are op- pressive, subversive of liberty, inconsistent with the Constitution, &c. ; " and whereas it will become the imperious duty of the Legislature of this state to ward off a blow so fatal to the liberties of a free people," it was determined that the governor should immediately convoke the Legislature in case the bill should be adopted.
In the course of the same season the British cap- tured Castine, and had command of that part of Maine cast from it, and threatened farther en- croachments ; and the Legislature of Massachu-
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437
1815.] HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
setts, in a great majority, sustained Governor Strong in a course like that taken by Connecticut.
Some of the difficulties of the times were in- creased by the suspension of specie payments by most of the banks south of Connecticut; and this threatened to enhance the great pecuniary embar- rassments caused by the war. Connecticut had already suffered much : for the government of the United States had decidedly refused to pay the ex- penses of the troops for the two preceding years.
Early in the year, numerous towns in Massa- chusetts had petitioned for energetic measures for the protection of the country, proposing a conven- tion of delegates from other states, to devise " prop- er methods to procure the united efforts of the commercial states, to obtain such amendments and explanations of the Constitution as will secure them from farther evils. This was the origin of the Hartford Convention, which consisted of twelve delegates from the Massachusetts legislature, seven from that of Connecticut, four from that of Rhode Island, two from two counties of New-Hampshire, . and one from a county of Vermont.
The delegates from Connecticut were appointed at the October session of the Assembly, on the in- vitation of that of Massachusetts; and, after an address, a resolution was also adopted, declaring that they were to meet other delegates to confer on subjects proposed by Massachusetts, and others which might come before them, " for the purpose of devising and recommending such measures for the safety and welfare of these states as may con- sist with our obligations as members of the Nation- al Union."
002
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438
HARTFORD CONVENTION.
[1815.
The delegates met on the 15th of December ; and, after a session of three weeks, adjourned, pro- viding for another meeting in case of need, and pub- lishing a report of their proceedings. Many had de- nounced the meeting as treasonable. Their resolu- tions were in substance these : to recommend meas- ures to be taken to guard the citizens "from the op- eration and effects of all acts" of the United States " subjecting the militia or other citizens to forcible draughts, conscriptions, or impressments, not au- thorized by the Constitution of the United States ;" to petition the general government to allow the states to defend themselves ; and that a portion of their taxes be given to pay the balance due and fu- ture expenses ; and to request the legislatures to authorize their governors to detach militia or form volunteer corps ready for service, and send them to assist any neighbouring state to repel invasion. The Convention then proposed seven amendments to the United States' Constitution, to be laid before a general convention if approved by legislatures. These amendments were, in brief, to have repre- sentatives and taxes apportioned according to the number of free persons and those held to service for a term of years, excluding Indians not taxed and slaves ; that a vote of two thirds of both houses should be required to admit any new state into the Union, or to forbid commerce with any foreign country ; that no embargo should be laid by the president for more than sixty days; that two thirds of Congress shall be required to declare or make war, except for defence; that no person thereafter to be naturalized be eligible to Congress, and hold no civil office under United States' au-
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439
1815.] HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
thority ; that the same person should not be twice president ; and that two presidents should not be elected from any one state twice in succession.
Soon after, the news was received of the conclu- sion of peace with Great Britain; and it excited general satisfaction, especially in New-England. The right of search was not renounced by Great Britain; for the treaty was made without mention- ing it. The opposers of the war, therefore, per- sisted in their opinion that it had been unneces- sary, and resorted to from partiality to the French party in Europe.
All, however, united in active preparations for the pleasing employments of peace along the streams and in the numerous little harbours of Connecticut. Vessels were drawn from their hiding-places, and the banks began again to ring with the cheerful sounds of reviving commerce. A period of gloom and dissension was past, in which the country had been still more agitated by internal dissension than distressed or disquieted by foreign focs.
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440
WEST INDIA TRADE.
[1815.
CHAPTER XLIX. 1814.
Depression of Manufactures .- Fall of Prices .- Immense Moral Evils resulting from the Trade with the West Indies .- In- temperance prevails .- Temperance Societies.
THE return of peace caused a great and sudden fall in the prices of most of the necessaries of life as well as its luxuries ; and many merchants and manufacturers in different parts of the country be- came bankrupt.
In 1815 a convention was held to regulate the commerce between the United States and Great Britain for four years ; and it was agreed that ves- sels should pay at British ports in Europe the same duties on tonnage and imports as those laid on British vessels in the United States. No arrange- ment, however, was made with respect to our trade with the West Indies.
The value of land in the different states was es- timated in 1814 and 1815; and the general aver- age was made out at $10 per acre, while that of Connecticut was placed as high as $34.
The commerce with Great Britain and parts of the West Indies was soon restored ; and immense moral injury was caused by the latter branch of trade for many years, by the introduction of vast quantities of rum, and the distillation of the same pernicious liquor from molasses. Intemperance prevailed in a degree which seemed to threaten ruin to the state; and good men almost despaired
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441
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
1818.]
of finding any means of resisting the overwhelming evil. Temperance societies were happily devised, and their influence has gone far to effect the desired change. The Rev. Mr. Hewitt, of Connecticut, gave the first impulse to that great reformation, which has since extended throughout the United States and into several countries of Europe.
The present Constitution of Connecticut was adopted in 1818, instead of the charter of King Charles. One of the principal grounds on which the latter was objected to, was the distinction it made between Congregationalists and other Chris- tian denominations.
The history of Connecticut under the charter presents a remarkable example of political uni- formity and stability in government, a parallel to which it would be difficult to find in other elective governments. All the legislative officers except the representatives were chosen every year by the whole body of freemen, as were the governor, deputy-governor, secretary, and treasurer. The representatives were chosen twice a year by the towns. Many of these various officers, as we have seen, held their places till death or advanced age. General Wyllys was elected secretary 63 years in succession, including the agitating years of the Stamp Act and the Revolution. All judicial offi- cers were appointed annually by the General As- sembly, and the members of Congress by a gen- eral ticket. Yet, within a period of more than 20 years preceding the adoption of the present Con- stitution, the number of men who lost their places in the Assembly and Council, in consequence of a loss of popularity, did not exceed two, although it
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442
IMPROVEMENTS.
[1818.
was a period marked by peculiar excitement and violent party spirit, embracing the wars of Europe and the last American war.
At the time of the adoption of the State Consti- tution, a political change took place, and other men and measures were supported by the people. Some of the various conflicting views which have since divided the opinions of our countrymen, have since prevailed by turns in Connecticut. The progress of the state in almost every species of improve- ment, however, has been very great. The means of travelling and transportation have been much extended, and the people have applied themselves to numerous branches of manufacture, agriculture, science, literature, domestic and foreign trade and enterprise. Multitudes have emigrated to distant parts of the Union, and are now propagating the principles of their ancestors in our new states and territories, and disseminating the institutions of their native region, while reclaiming the wilder- ness or building new villages and towns. The great increase of the population is therefore not to be sought for in the census tables, which show only the numbers of that portion of the inhabitants which remain at home.
Much money has been expended by the Legisla- ture to decpen the channel of Connecticut River in several places where the shallows impede the navigation at low water, principally by forming piers of stones and driving piles. In some parts the banks have been much worn away by the en- croachments of the current, when not protected by the roots of trees. That river has been daily navigated by steamboats for several years, which
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443
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
1832.]
run between Hartford and New-York, touching at numerous landing-places on both its banks ; while smaller steamboats extend the line into Vermont. Steam navigation has been annually increasing ever since the United States Courts declared it to be a part of the coasting trade; and Long Island Sound is one of its principal channels. Steam- boats in great numbers now proceed from New- ' York to many of the towns on the southern line of Connecticut, touching at numerous intermediate points ; while those of great size and superior swiftness daily take numerous passengers and large quantities of freight to the railroads leading north- ward from New-Haven, Norwich, and Stonington.
During the war, the scarcity of foreign goods had induced many persons to engage in various kinds of manufacture, with which they had before been almost unacquainted. When peace was pub- lished in 1814, it was welcomed with the highest pleasure, and business was resumed with activity. The prices of almost all articles, however, sud- denly sunk very low, so that great losses were suf- fered by those merchants who had merchandise on hand, as well as many of the manufacturers. Manufactures have since revived, and new branches have been introduced, having been encouraged by the laws regulating the tariff, so that almost every stream is compelled to divert its water-power to some useful purpose.
In 1832 the value of manufactures in copper, brass, tin, and Brittania ware was $430,050. But- tons are made in great quantities in Meriden and Waterbury. The carriages made in New-Haven in 1832 were valued at $221,000, and in 1834 at
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444
COMMERCE.
[1832.
$275,000. At Thompsonville, in Enfield, is an extensive carpet manufactory ; at Norwich, Mid- dletown, and many other places, are large and small manufactories of different kinds, built on the banks of streams; and all these, which are far too nu- merous and various to be particularized here, yield a considerable proportion of the whole amount of manufactures of the United States, which were es- timated by Mr. Pitkin, in 1835, at between 325 and 350 millions of dollars.
At the close of 1830 there were 12,250 vessels owned in the United States, of which 934 were ships, and 343 belonged to steam navigation. Con- necticut had 377 vessels, of 1496 tons, navigated by 1496 men. In 1832, to the port of New-Lon- don alone belonged 24,225 tons.
Imports of Connecticut.
Year.
Amount.
Principal Exports.
1821
.
$312,090
· $376,187
1822
507,094
485,312
1823
456,643
482,061
1824
581,510
575,852
1825
704,478
689,270
1826
136,194
708,893
1827
630,004
590,275
1828
485,174
521,545
1829
309,538
457,970
1830
269,583
389,511
1831
405,066
482,883
1832
437,715
430,456
1833
352,014
427,603
1834
385,720
422,416
1835
439,502
519,270
1836
469,163
438,199
1837
318,849
532,500
1833
.
343,331
543,610
The whale fishery is now extensively pursued from New-London, and sealing from Stonington .!
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445.
1832.]
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
The Pilgrims in the Mayflower saw many whales near Cape Cod in 1620; the people of Nantucket began to take them in boats in 1690; about 1750 they were pursued to the West Indies and Brazil ; and now they are taken in the Northern and Pa- cific Oceans. In 1834 New-London had 41 wha- ling vessels, with 11,251 tons and 1087 men.
. Silk has been produced in Connecticut about 80 years, though in small quantities. Mulberry-trees were introduced into Mansfield in 1760, and there most of the silk has been made. In 1793 the As- sembly offered for ten years a bounty of ten shil- lings for every hundred white mulberry-trees plant- ed, and three shillings for every ounce of silk man- ufactured. In 1785 the American Silk Company was formed in New-Haven, which promoted the planting of trees. In Mansfield, in 1793, 362 pounds of raw silk were made. In 1832 a bounty of one dollar was offered for every hundred trees three years old, and fifty cents a pound for reeled silk. In 1834 the bounty was extended to the Chi- nese mulberry-tree, and a company was incorpo- rated, with a capital of $15,000. The specula- tions of 183S and 1839 caused much loss in Con- necticut, as well as in some other states.
In 1832, the paper made in Connecticut was val- ued at $516,000. The manufacture of books is carried on to a great extent, so that more business in that department has been done in Hartford in a year than in any other place in the Union, ex- cepting only Philadelphia, New-York, and Boston.
In 1796, the importation of foreign books in Con- necticut was commenced by Mr. Nathan Beers, a bookseller in New-Haven. The business was af.
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446
MAIL ROUTES.
[1838.
terward carried on for many years by Messrs.' Beers and Howe, for the supply of Yale College, as well as of many private libraries in this state and elsewhere. Messrs. Cooke afterward began bookselling in New-Haven; and, removing to Hartford in 1796, began to import and republish English books of standard value. They supplied Dartmouth College, and carried on, for many years, an extensive business in adjacent and distant parts of the country. These establishments had an im- portant and most favourable influence on the lit- erature of Connecticut, and a considerable part of the Union. It is believed that the two houses possessed together a larger assortment of standard books than any single house in the country. There were no other importing booksellers in New-Eng. land for several years after they commenced, ex- cept in Boston; nor elsewhere except in two or three of the principal cities south of it.
The following, among other books, were early published by Messrs. Cooke : the Wealth of Na- tions, three editions, Johnson and Elliot's Diction- ary, Strong's Sermons, the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine. The same house, at later periods, un- der different members, established the first book- stores in several of the principal western towns.
Mail Routes, &c .- In 1838 there were in Con- necticut 2134 mail routes, extending in all 745,160 miles, of which the mails were carried by horses and sulkeys 104,624 miles; 611,416 in stage- coaches ; and 29,120 by steamboats and railroads. The postage paid on letters amounted, in the year ending June 30, 1838, to $90,977 35 cents ; and on newspapers, magazines, &c., to $14,063 53
447.
HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
1839.]
cents ; while the postmasters received $29,760 90 cents.
In 1833 there were 21 banks in Connecticut, with capitals amounting to $5,708,015. The notes issued amounted to $2,557,227 ; specie and specie funds, $400,000; deposites, $900,228 ; dis- count of notes, $7,432,055. The number of banks in the United States was at that time 562, and their aggregate capital 35 millions, besides the Bank of the United States.
The militia of Connecticut in 1839 amounted to 29,950 : viz., infantry, 25,547; cavalry, 986 ; ar. tillery, 2125 ; and riflemen, 1294.
The United States' Courts .- The United States' Circuit Courts sit at New Haven on the last Wed. nesday of April, and at Hartford on the 17th of September. The District Court at New-Haven on the fourth Tuesday in February and August, and at Hartford on the fourth Wednesday in May and November.
There were 31 newspapers and periodical mag- azines printed in Connecticut in 1839.
The old copper-mine at Simsbury had been used for many years as the state prison, which was called Newgate. In the course of the nine and a half years preceding 1827, it had cost the state, above all the earnings of the convicts, $80,500. That year the new prison at Wethersfield was opened, having been constructed on the improved plan first introduced in the prison at Auburn, New- York, with 136 solitary cells, and excellent arrangements for health and cleanliness, and a ju- dicious system of moral and religious improvement. The total cost of the ground and buildings was
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1
448
COLLEGES.
[1839.
$45,602 18 cts. In 1839 it contained 183 prison- ers, and had had 59 committed that year. The earnings in 1837 had already repaid to the state the above amount of cost and the expenses, and left a balance of $10,746 47 cts.
The paupers are generally supported by the towns, under the charge of the men who offer the lowest terms. No returns are made to the Legis- lature, and the system probably admits of improve- ments. A few paupers are supported by the state.
The governor of Connecticut has $1100 a year ; the lieutenant-governor and president of the Sen- ate, $300 ; treasurer, $1000; secretary, $84 and fees ; comptroller, $1000; commissioner of the school fund, $1250; chief-justice, $1100 ; associ- ate judges, $1050; and reporter, $350.
Yale College or University, a Congregational institution of learning, founded in the year 1700, had, in 1840, 31 instructers, 403 students, 10,500 volumes in its library, and 15,000 in society li- braries. The ministers educated there previously to 1839 had been 1237. The annual expenses for each student are, rent, &c., $21; instruction, $33; wood, &c., $20; board for 40 weeks, $85. Pres- ident, Jeremiah Day. Commencement on the third Wednesday in August. The departments of the- ology, medicine, and law have been founded within a few years.
Washington College, an Episcopal institution, founded in 1824 ; had 54 students, 10 instructers, 2000 volumes, in society libraries 2500, alumni 115, ministers educated 42, and expenses-for rent, $19 50 cts. ; instruction, $33 ; board for 39 weeks, $85. President, Silas Totten. Commencement is held on first Thursday in August.
449
1838.] HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT.
The Wesleyan University, a Methodist institu- tion, founded in 1831 at Middletown ; had 152 students, and 3000 volumes in the library. The expenses, for rent, $11 25 cts. ; instruction, $36 ; board for 40 weeks, $70. Stephen Olin, Presi- dent. Commencement on the first Wednesday in August.
The Theological Institute of Connecticut, com- menced in 1834 at East Windsor, has three pro- fessors, 23 students, and 3500 volumes in its library.
The first considerable law school in the United States was opened in Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1798, and continued till 1827, by Judge Reeve, and had, in all, 730 students.
The Common School Fund yields an annual in- come of about $113,000 ; and improvements in the schools have been commenced, under the direction of a Board of Education. The state has no debt, and expends only $80,000 annually, except the school money.
GOVERNORS OF THE COLONY AND STATE OF CON- NECTICUT.
Governors of the Colony.
1
1st. John Haynes, first elected in 1640, and af- terward every other year till 1653.
2d. Edward Hopkins, first clected in 1640, and afterward every year, alternately with Governor Haynes, till 1654.
3d. George Wyllys, from 1643.
4th. Thomas Welles, 1655 and 1658.
5th. John Webster, 1656.
6th. John Winthrop, 1657, 1659, and till 1675.
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450
GOVERNORS OF THE STATE,
7th. William Leet, from 1676 to 1682.
8th. Robert Treat, from 1683 to 1687, and from 1689 to 1697.
9th. (The usurped government, under Sir Ed. mund Andross, from October 31st, 1687, to May 9th, 1689.)
10th. Fitz John Winthrop, from 1698 to 1707.
11th. Gurdon Saltonstall, from 1708 to 1724.
12th. Joseph Talcott, from 1725 to 1741.
13th. Jonathan Law, from 1742 to 1750. 14th. Roger Wolcott, from 1751 to 1753.
15th. Thomas Fitch, from 1754 to 1765.
16th. William Pitkin, from 1766 to 1769.
Governors of the State.
17th. Jonathan Trumbull, from 1770 to 1783.
18th. Matthew Griswold, from 1784 to 1785.
19th. Samuel Huntington, from 1786 to 1795. 20th. Oliver Wolcott, from 1796 to 1797.
21st. Jonathan Trumbull, from 1798 to 1809.
22d. John Treadwell, 1810.
23d. Roger Griswold, from 1811 to 1812.
24th. John Cotton Smith, from 1813 to 1816. 25th. Oliver Wolcott, from 1817 to 1826. 26th. Gideon Tomlinson, from 1827 to 1830. 27th. John S. Peters, from 1831 to 1832.
28th. Henry W. Edwards, 1833.
29th. Samuel A Foot, in 1834.
30th. Henry W. Edwards, from 1835 to 1836.
31st. William W. Ellsworth, from 1836 till the present time.
THE END.
F846.74
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