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Gc 974.4 B719h 1151734
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01100 6472
.
HISTORY
OF
MASSACHUSETTS,
FOR TWO HUNDRED YEARS :
FROM THE YEAR 1620 TO 1820.
BY ALDEN BRADFORD,
An Original Member of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and Honorary Member of the Historical Society of New York.
BOSTON. HILLIARD, GRAY, AND CO. 1835.
4
.
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1835, By ALDEN BRADFORD, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
J. D. FREEMAN, PRINTER.
ADVERTISEMENT.
1151734
THERE are now extant several volumes of the History of Mas- sachusetts, embracing different periods, and making, indeed, a connected series of events, from the first settlement to the beginning of the present century. But, in the form in which they were published, they are too expensive for general circu- lation : and yet it may be assumed, that the people, generally, are desirous of being well acquainted with the history of their own state. The volumes, now before the public, contain many state papers, which, though useful to the legislator and the antiquarian, are not necessary, in extenso, for the common reader. A much more concise statement will give all which is important ; and thus save many pages, and the history still be complete. It has not been the object of the writer of this volume, however, to present a mere chronological statement of facts and events. Such remarks have been made as were believed proper to explain important transactions, and to illus- trate, as well individual characters, as the condition and opinions of the age. How far he has succeeded in this design, the pub- lic must decide. The work, on this plan, was suggested by a literary and intelligent friend; in the belief, that a full but con- densed narrative was wanted to meet the wishes of the great body of the people.
The writer proposes, if the present volume should be ac- ceptable, to prepare an abridgment of it, for the use of acade- mies and schools in the commonwealth.
PO
FROM THE SALEM GAZETTE.
Among the many books which have issued from the press the past year, and have received their regular puffs in the periodicals, I have been sur- prised, that a valuable History of Massachusetts from 1620 to 1820, by Alden Bradford, Esq. late Secretary of the Commonwealth, has not been more generally noticed, and recommended to all, who wish to find within a reasonable compass, a connected narrative of the leading facts and events, and an impartial delineation of the characters who have found a place in the recorded annals of the State, in its eventful progress of two centuries. It is written in a clear, compact and unambitious style, as history should be written. Its diction is uniformly drawn from the wells of pure English, undefiled by the use of foreign idioms. The reflections on events or agents, and their actions, and the remarks, explanatory and illustrative of individual character, of important transactions, and of the condition and opinions of successive epochs, conceived and expressed in a liberal spirit, dispensing approbation and censure with a just discrimina- tion, and an enlightened judgment. Here may be found in a single vol- ume what the reader has heretofore had to search for in many volumes, or various unconnected tracts and scattered documents. I am persuaded, that when its merits are known, it will be in general request, as it ought, with readers of mature years, as well as with our young men and women, whose interest in the history of their native State ought to make their acquaintance with, the contents of this volume more familiar and thorough than with the history of any other Society, ancient or modern. It would be a valuable accession to our School-books, if as the author proposes, and the demand for the present volume warrant it, he should prepare an abridgement for the use of Academies and schools in the Commonwealth.
FROM THE CHRISTIAN REGISTER OF AUGUST LAST.
" On the first appearance of Bradford's History of Massachusetts, (a few months ago) we expressed a favorable opinion of it, after such examination as we were able to give it : we are now happy to add the following testimo- ny of a correspondent, whom we know not only to be competent to estimate its merits, but whose opinion is entitled to high respect .- A work with the above title (Bradford's History of Massachusetts from 1620 to 1820) has re- cently been published in a Volume of 480 pages. The most interesting events during this period of our history are delineated with conciseness and perspieuity. It is evidently a work which would be a very valnable addition to the library of any private gentleman, or any public institution. The re- marks and reflections of the author, on the various occurrences he relates, are highly worthy of the attention of all persons who feel an interest in the welfare and prosperity of our country. We think no one can peruse them without pleasure and satisfaction. Mr. B. was early a member of the Historical Society of Massachusetts, and for several years was Secretary of the State, and has had peculiar advantages for preparing his History, and he has executed it in a successful manner."
FROM THE BOSTON COMMERCIAL GAZETTE.
" It is singular, that up to the present time, the public has not been in possession of a History of Massachusetts, except in a form so voluminous as to be forbidding to all persons but professed antiquarians, and to many, therefore, as 'a sealed book. Extending through five or six volumes, it was disproportionate to the subject, and too massy for a private library, and the general reader : and yet, it is a history which all persons ought to know, and most must desire to read. In itself of no small importance as a state, and a conspicuous member of a great nation, Massachusetts is en- titled to have its history known to the citizens through the Union, and to
the reading world in general. But whatever consequence may belong to its history from these considerations, it falls far short of that which it pos- sesses as a delineation of the progress and practical developement of the principles of civil liberty, in the most remarkable manner, hitherto known to the world. It is the history of an institution of government on the principles of civil liberty, originally rising on a voluntary association and compact of a few men, claiming, and reciprocally acknowledging equal rights ; and, by individual consent, expressed by hand and seal, establish- ing a Republic, which, in connection with other like communities, has risen upon those principles, ripening and strengthening with time, to be a nation of the first rank, for resources and power, and a beautiful specimen of a republican government. The present work, in one volume, covers the whole time to 1820 ; is written with fidelity and accuracy, and will form an important acquisition to all other books relating to America, and to readers of every age."
FROM THE REGISTER AND OBSERVER.
Mr. Editor,-I have lately perused with much interest the 'History of Massachusetts, for two hundred years, from 1620 to 1820,' in 480 pages, 8vo. by Alden Bradford, Esq.
Mr. Bradford bas enjoyed singular advantages, of which he has faithfully availed himself, in preparing this work.
He published a History of Massachusetts from 1764 to 1820, in three volumes ; the first volume, in 1822; the second, in 1825; the third, in 1829, containing in the whole 1117 pages.
The past Histories of this State are either so small as to be very de- fective, or so large, as to be voluminous and expensive for common use.
He has taken notice of all the leading events, which transpired in the Commonwealth, within the period described. No portion important to be known is omitted, none disproportionately magnified ; none unreasonably neglected.
The author appears to have availed himself of standard authorities, though they are not enumerated with a tedious minuteness.
Indeed it may be safely asserted, that no work extant gives a history of the Commonwealth so well adapted to its professed objects.
It is confidently believed, that it would form an excellent manual for academies ; and that the abridgement, which the author proposes, might be very useful for our common schools.
It is therefore earnestly hoped, that all, who feel an interest in such a work, and a desire that the inhabitants of this Commonwealth should be- come familiar with its general history, would examine it for themselves.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Discovery of North America-Causes of Emigrating to America -- Character and Adventures of the Plymouth Pilgrims-Claim to America by Kings of England-Patents and Grants-The Native Indians-Civil Compact at Cape Cod-Settlement of Wessaguscus and Mount Wollaston-Morton, Lyford, Oldham, Conant, Blaxton, Cape Ann, Salem, Endicott, Charlestown, Sprague-Arrivals in 1629 -Higginson, Skelton-Salem Church-Opinions of the Errors of Church of England-Buildings at Salem-State and Number of In- dians-Arrival of Winthrop and Company at Charlestown, Johnson at Boston, Saltonstal at Watertown, Pynchon at Roxbury, Wilson and Phillips, Warham and Maverick-Settlement of Boston-Tax on the several Plantations-Death of Jolinson-Eminent Females- Friendly Connexion with Plymouth-Patent, Formation of Company in England-First Court of Governor and Assistants at Charlestown -Church Government-Purchases of Indians-Fortified Town- Early Sickness in the Colony-Execution for Murder in Plymouth --. Power and Influence of Clergy, of Assistants and Freemen-First Vessel built by Gov. Winthrop-Tax on the Colony and Committees, or Deputies-Watertown objects-Dudley Governor-A few Disaf- fected-Character of First Settlers, and love of Liberty.
CHAPTER II.
13
Opposers of the Colony-Complaints against it, and threatened with loss of Charter-Intolerance-Roger Williams-Eminent men who arrived after the first settlement-Connecticut settled-Militia-Forts Taxes-Haynes Governor-Elections by the People and Deputies- Bellingham-Dutch on Connecticut River-Disputes with R. Wil- liams-His Banisliment-Increase of Plymouth-Sir H. Vane arrives, and is chosen Governor-Governor Winthrop-Pequot War-Reli- gious Disputes-Mrs. Hutchinson-First Settlers the Friends of Hu- man Learning-Many of them Learned Men-Artillery Company and Militia-Charter recalled-Claims of Colony to Political Power -Printing Press-Distribution of the Powers of Government- Standing Council-Dudley Governor-His Character-Prosperity of the Colony-Bellingham Governor-Trade-North Line of Patent- Assembly of Divines at Westminster, England-Union of the four New England Colonies.
CHAPTER III.
Treatment of the Indians-Gorton-Episcopalians-French in Acadie -Shipping-Militia-Slavery-Baptists and Quakers persecuted- Iron Works-Magistrates direct in Religion-Economy and Sobriety -Troubles in England-Synod-Publication of Laws-Witchcraft- Death of Gov. Winthrop-Maine-State of Plymouth Colony-Great Powers exercised by the Colony-Dispute with Connecticut about duties-Canada proposes an Alliance-Disputes in Great Britain- Gov. Winslow Agent-Dutch at New York troublesome-Mrs. Hib-
32
vi
CONTENTS.
bins executed for a Witch-Maine-Trade of Massachusetts-Crom- well proposes a removal of the People of New England to Jamaica- Leverett Agent in England-Treatment of Quakers and Baptists- Government of England forbid their persecution-Efforts to improve Indians-Ecclesiastical Affairs in hands of Magistrates as well as Ciergy-Pynchon-Dr. Owen-Youth of Massachusetts-Number of Towns and Churches-Population-College.
48
CHAPTER IV.
Dudley Governor-His Death-Endicot, and Bellingham-Liberty in the Colony in danger, on the restoration of Charles II .- Policy of Massachusetts - The Regicides-Charges against the Colony- Agents sent to England-King's letter and Requirements-Ecclesias- tical Affairs-Baptism, Independence of Churches-Baptists oppress- ed-Chauncey President of College-His Opinion on Baptism- Schools in Plymouth-Commissioners from England, with great powers-Their Reception in Massachusetts-Letter to the King, and contend for Charter Rights-Dispute with Commissioners- Treatment of Commissioners in Plymouth-Religious Liberties- Commissioners in Maine-King dissatisfied, and orders Agents to appear before him-Bellingham, and Willoughby-Troubles in Eng- land-Trade and Navigation-Disputes in the Churches in Boston.
CHAPTER V.
War with Philip-He meditates the destruction of the English-War defensive on part of the English-Plymouth Colony most exposed- United Colonies raise 'Troops-Battle at Narragansett-War continu- ed to 1676-Character of Philip-Col. Church-Death of Philip- Difficulties with Government of England-Claims of Gorges and Mason -- Leverett, Bradstreet, Dudley and Danforth -- Claims of Power -Regulations of Trade-Randolph-Agents to England-Charter vacated, and Dudley appointed President-Andros arbitrary and op- pressive-His Council-J. Mather Agent to England-Arrest of An- dros and Randolph-Revolution-New Charter-Sir William Phipps -Expedition to Nova Scotia, and to Quebec-Failure-Expenses- Paper Money-Difference of New and Old Charters-Sir William Phipps first Governor-His Character. . 76
CHAPTER VI.
Witchcraft-Laws for Religious Worship, for Education, and for so- briety of manners-Disputes with Government of England-French at Pemaquid-Lt. Gov. Stoughton-Law against Jesuits, and against Slavery-Gov. Bellamont-Gov. Dudley-His Character-War be- tween England and France-Depredations of Indians-Col. Church goes against Indians in Acadie-Expedition to Port Royal-Medi- tated attack on Canada-Heavy Debt and Tax, and Paper Money -Peace between France and England-Prosperity of the Province -Newspapers-Gov. Shute-His Character-Indians in Maine hos- tile, conquered-Dispute between Gov. Shute and General Court- Gov. Shute, on his return to England, complained of the Court- Agent Dummer-Lt. Gov. Dummer-Treaty with Eastern Indians -Clergy propose a Synod-Earthquake. . 91
CHAPTER VII.
Governor Burnet-His Character-Dispute with General Court, about his salary-Gov. Belcher-His Character-At first very popular- Paper Money depreciated-Occasion of long embarrassments-Par-
63
vii
CONTENTS.
ties-Opposition to Gov. Belcher-Naval Officer removed by the King, and not by the Governor-Expedition to the West Indies- Line between Massachusetts and New Hampshire run-Line run be- tween Rhode Island-Governor Shirley-His Character-War be- tween England and France-Disputes and contests with Eastern Indians -Expedition to Louisburg-Successful-New England threatened by the French-Plans against Canada, and Nova Scotia- Peace, and Troops recalled from Nova Scotia-Impressments in Bos- ton, and Riots-Plan for Bishops in America-Paper Money redeem- ed, and discontinued-Reimbursements from England-Society for Industry and Economy-Clergy-Eastern Indians-British prohibi- tions on Trade-Agent in England-Heavy Taxes-Commerce.
102
CHAPTER VIII.
Gov. Shirley returns-Lt. Gov. Phipps-Indians hostile-Forts built on Kennebec-Treaty with six nations-Proposal of a union of the Colo- nies-Heavy taxes. Excise proposed-Printer imprisoned for a libel --- Further preparations for war-Expedition to Nova Scotia and against Canada unsuccessful-Opposers of Shirley-Expedition to Oswego, and to Crown Point-Earthquake-New Campaign-Gov. Shirley made Commander-in-Chief-Gen. Winslow-Shirley superseded by Gen. Abercrombie, and returned to England-Campaign of 1756 un- successful- Great expenses to the Province-Rogers' Rangers.
118
CHAPTER IX.
Military Plans for 1757-Lord Loudon-Nova Scotia, Louisburg, and Crown Point-Governor Pownall-Failure of Expedition -- Massachu- setts lost many Troops-Character of Pownall-Dispute about quar- tering Troops-House contend for the authority of the Province- Duties on Trade-Complaints against it-Campaign of 1757-Mr. Pitt-Gen. Amherst-Efforts of Massachusetts-Failure of Expedi- tion to Crown Point-Lord Howe slain-Louisburg taken-Quebec taken-Wolfe slain-Major Rogers -- Complaints of Provincial Troops -Great Expenses of War-Insolvent law-Gov. Bernard-Lt. Gov. Hutchinson-Campaign of 1760-Montreal taken. 130
CHAPTER X.
Dispute between the House and Council-Expenses of War and loss of lives-Schools and Colleges-New Troops raised-Dispute with Governor-Claims of House and of the Governor-Customs-Col- lector sued-Mr. Otis-Mr. Hutchinson-Writs of Assistance-Ex- citement on the occasion-Gold Coin-Wilkes-Whig and Tory- State of the province at the Peace of 1763 -- Views of Ministers- Census-Plan to tax the Province-Controversy on Episcopacy. 142
CHAPTER XI.
British propose to raise a revenue in the Colonies-Sugar Act-Op- posed-Resolves as to right of Taxing-Otis' Pamphlet-Its doc- trines-Views of British Ministry-Petition to Parliament-Differ- ence on its tenor-Letter to Agent-Answer to Governor's Speech -Opinions of Trade-Representatives in Parliament from Colonies proposed-Stamp Act-Convention at New York-Riots and Mobs at Stamp Office, and elsewere-Opinions on public rights and duties of Governor and Representatives-Stamps sent into Province- Distributor of them resigns-House declines to interfere. .
156
CHAPTER XII.
Judicial Courts suspended, on account of Stamps-Opinion of Repre- sentatives, and of the Council thereon-Dispute with Governor and Council on drawing Money from the Treasury-Extracts from Gov- ernor's Speeches, and Answers of the House-Stamp Act repealed, and assertion of the right of Parliament to make laws for the Colo-
vini
CONTENTS.
nies-Mr. Pitt-Dispute with Governor about choice of Counsellors -Reflections of the Council on the Riots-Address of House to the King-Political views of Gov. Bernard-Different opinions among the People-Dispute in granting compensation for the losses by the Mob-Trade-Arrival of British Troops-Dispute about Expenses of the Troops. . 170
CHAPTER XIII.
Conduct towards the Native Indians-Gov. Bernard gave his negative to several Counsellors elected by the House-Plan to establish Epis- copacy-Gov. Bernard misrepresents the General Court-Complains that he is attacked in the public prints-Plays prohibited-Slave trade condemned by General Court-Town Meeting in Boston ; Resolutions passed-Petition of House to the King, and Circular to other Colonies-Refuse to rescind Circulars-Governor dissolves the Assembly-Complaints of the People-Convention in Boston-Brit- ish Troops stationed in Boston-Conduct of Colonel of Troops- Gen. Gage in Boston-General Court convened-Gov. Bernard un- popular-Firmness of the Council-Dispute between Governor and House.
185
CHAPTER XIV.
British Troops remain in Boston-General Court adjourned a long time -Statement and Protest of the Citizens of Boston-Massacre in Bos- ton, March, 1770-General Court held in Cambridge-House remon- strate against it-Riot at Gloucester-Ministerial Instructions-Gov. Hutchinson's political views-Dispute continued, on holding the General Court out of Boston-Governor's salary paid from England -Courts-Mr. Hancock-Public finances-Samuel Adams-Con- troversy on salary of Governor and Judges-John Adams-Proceed- ings of Boston-Their statement and circular.
206
CHAPTER XV.
Governor Hutchinson's opinion and speech on the supremacy of Par- liament-Opinion of General Court, and dispute with Governor on the subject-Governor's letters published, and added to his unpopu- larity-He is called to England by the King-Correspondence of General Court with Virginia-Tea imported and destroyed-Dispute about Salaries of the Judges-Declaration of Ministers and others in England-The Charter altered, and the rights of the Province in- fringed-Boston Port Bill-Jurors refuse to take the orth and to act -Governor Hutchinson sails for England-Gen. G succeeds- Negatives several Counsellors-Adjourns the General Court to Salem -Delegates chosen for a Continental Congress-Gov. Gage dis- solves the Court-Military Companies. . 228
CHAPTER XVI.
Objections to the Judges -- Jurors refuse to act-Col. Hancock dismissed from command of the Cadets-Gov. Gage erects fortifications in and near Boston, and collects military stores-Conventions in Suffolk and Essex-Governor forbids meetings of the People-Resolutions of Convention-Provincial Congress-Its proceedings-Measures of the Continental Congress-Committee of Safety-Delegates to sec- ond General Congress-Clergy-New Provincial Congress, 1775- General Warren Chairman of Committee of Safety-British Troops sent to Salem to seize military stores.
CHAPTER XVI
Third Provincial Congress, March 775-J ยท"advice and orders- More British Troops arrive-Wartesubmission-British Patriots- Affair at Lexington and Concord- 'of eeting of Provincial Congress- More men raised-Gov. Gage . ounced as an enemy to the Pro-
243
ix
CONTENTS.
vince-Militia collect at Cambridge and Roxbury, and from Massa- chusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island-Advice of General Congress desired, as to civil government-Measures of defence-Battle of Bunker Hill-Great slaughter-Death of General Warren-Cause of its Failure-Gen. Washington appointed Com- mander-in-Chief-Measures adopted to augment the Army. 250
CHAPTER XVIII.
Representives meet, 19th July, 1775, and elect an Executive Council -Population and state of the Province-Army at Cambridge and Roxbury-Destitute of equipments-Want of cannon, fire-arms, and powder-Falmouth burnt by the British-Powder Mills erected- Measures of defence adopted-Forts built-Privations-Courts or- ganized-Public expenses-Invasion of Canada unsuccessful-Death of General Montgomery-Men enlisted for a year-Plan to attack Boston-Dorchester Heights fortified-British leave Boston.
260
CHAPTER XIX.
General Washington, with the American Army, proceeds to New York -Address of the General Court and People of Boston, to Washing- ton-General Thomas ordered to Canada with several Regiments- The Expedition unsuccessful-Death of General Thomas -- Declara- tion of Independence-War in the Middle States-Tories-Militia discipline-Style of Writs altered -- Calls for the Militia -- Great ef- forts to recruit the Army-Paper Money depreciates-Laws for the relief of the People, and against monopolies-Military affairs at and near New York -- Washington proceeds to Delaware-Battle of Tren- ton and Princeton-Success of Americans under Washington-En- listments for 1777-Difficulty of raising Men for three years-Large bounties given-Massachusetts' Regiments-New emission of paper -High taxes-Attack on Rhode Island, and on St. Johns, in Nova Scotia.
269
CHAPTER XX.
A Constitution proposed and formed by General Court, but rejected by the majority of the citizens-Large body of the Militia called out -- Northern Army-The British advance-Battle near Lake George and at Saratoga-British Army captured, October, 1777-Affairs at the South, and in the Middle States -- Battle of Brandywine and of Ger- mantown-British take possession of Philadelphia, and the American Army have q "ters at Valley Forge, in vicinity -- The Men suffer for want of clothes- Heavy Assessments laid on the States by Congress -- More Men required -- Loans-Appeals to the people -- Confederation -- John Adams Envoy to France and Holland -- An able Negotiator -- Delegates to Congress, and Judges of Superior Court, 1778.
277
CHAPTER XXI.
British Army leaves Philadelphia-Battle of Monmouth-Massachu- setts' Regiments -- Gen. Lee arrested -- Rhode Island invaded-Mili- tia ordered there-French Fleet-American Army retreat -- Lafayette -Additional expenses and taxes in Massachusetts-New Bedford attacked and burnt by the British-Col. Alden killed at Cherry Valley -Gen. Gates commands in Boston sometime in 1778-9-British Government offer to negotiate-Engage the Savages-Finances- Congress call for money-Attempts to prevent monopoly and specu- lation-Gen. Washington calls for more Men-Want of provisions in Massachusetts-Officer . Army poorly paid-Convention -- Further requisitions of Congress-Penob1 ... Expedition-Further attempts to regulate the price of provision- ft and money called for-Boun- ties of land promised to Officers ancu. oldiers-Public Fasts.
284
B
X
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXII.
War at the South, in Georgia and South Carolina-Charleston taken- Gen. Lincoln commanded American Troops-Constitution reported for Massachusetts, and accepted-Alterations in it proposed by Peo- ple of Boston -- John Hancock chosen Governor -- Finances -- Congress propose to call in old bills -- New emission of paper-Continental and State debt-Agent sent to Europe-People in Maine harassed by the British -- Academy of Arts and Sciences-Gen. Washington calls for more of the Militia -- Complaints of the People. . 293
CHAPTER XXIII.
Session of General Court, October, 1780 -- Recommendations of the Governor -- Sale of Refugees' estates --- Loans --- Appeals to the People --- Massachusetts' Regiments reduced --- State of the debt of the Com- monwealth --- Laws revised --- Impost duties --- Duty on sales at public auction --- Troops sent to Rhode Island, and Executive authorized to call out more --- Treachery of Arnold --- Gen. Washington called on Massachusetts for six thousand of the Militia --- Capture of Lord Corn- wallis, in Virginia --- Great Expenses --- British offer to negotiate --- Terms not acceptable to Congress --- More Men called for in 1782 --- Additional sums required by Congress --- People complain of heavy taxes --- Negotiations for peace --- Cod Fishery --- Massachusetts' propor- tion of Continental debt --- The People ready to despair --- Population --- Members of Congress.
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