USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts from the year 1790, to 1820. v. 3 > Part 1
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.
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
Gc 974.4 B719hi v.3 1779233
M. L
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
Ga-
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00083 5915
n E
-
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofmassach3179brad
·
HISTORY
OF
MASSACHUSETTS,
1790-1820
FROM THE YEAR 1790, TO 1820.
1 3
BY ALDEN BRADFORD. +
Boston : PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY J. H. EASTBURN, NO. 60, CONGRESS STREET. 1829.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
1
1779233
Bradford, Alden, 1765-1843.
History of Massachusetts ... By Alden Bradford ...
Boston. Richardson and Lord [etc.] 1822-29.
3 v. 22°m. ( v. 3: 25(1) Vol. 2 pub. by Wells and Lilly; v. 3, by the author. 1 CONTEXTS- V. II From 1764, to July, 1775 .- V. 21 From July, 1775, to the year 1789 ( inclusive ) -- tv. 31 From the year 1790, to 1820.
CARO
414 /AV.2
914.4 3719 Kč 1. Massachusetts -- Hist.
NEED VI3
1-12015 0
Library of Congress F64.B79
Gá
F 84 .07
1
5
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT :
District Clerk's Office.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on tho ninth day of June, A. D. 1829, in the fifty-third year of the Independence of the United States of America, Alden Bradford, of the said District, has deposited in this Office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author, in the words following, to wit :
" History of Massachusetts, from the year 1790, to 1820. By Alden Bradford."
In Conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies,. during the times therein mentioned ;" and also to an Act entitled "An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled, An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the Au- thors and Proprietors of such Copies during the times therein mentioned ; and extending the benefits thereof to the Arts of Designing, Engraving and Etching Historical and other Prints."
JOHN W. DAVIS, Clerk of the District of Massachusetts.
2506
-
·
To THE YOUNG MEN
OF MASSACHUSETTS,
WHO FEEL AN INTEREST IN THE PUBLIC CONDUCT OF THE GOVERNORS AND LEGISLATORS OF THE STATE,
IN A CRITICAL PERIOD OF THE COUNTRY, AND WHO WISH TO HAVE A CORRECT KNOWLEDGE OF POLITICAL MEASURES AND EVENTS,
. AS THEY TOOK PLACE,
THAT THEY MAY DO JUSTICE TO THE CHARACTERS OF THE DISTINGUISHED STATESMEN OF PAST TIMES,
AND BE FORTIFIED IN THEIR ATTACHMENT TO CIVIL LIBERTY,
AND TO THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CONSTITUTION, THIS VOLUME .
IS DEDICATED, WITH ARDENT WISHES FOR THEIR PROSPERITY,
BY
THE WRITER.
PREFACE.
A volume, published in 1825, brought down the history of Massachusetts to the year 1790. The relation, given in the present volume, commences at that period. 'The federal, or general govern- ment, had then been organized ; and all political measures relating to foreign countries, to com- merce, and to affairs of a national character, were regulated by the Legislature of the Union. After that period, the history of an individual State be- comes less interesting and less important. Each State, however, retaining all the power it possess- ed, when entirely sovereign and independent, which was not delegated to the Congress of the United States, for great national purposes, much was done worthy of record, and ought to be stated, to exhibit the condition, the enterprise, the pros- perity, the opinions, and the character, of the peo- ple of this ancient Commonwealth. To accom- plish this, with some good degree of correctness
.
,
VI
and fidelity, has been the object of the writer, in the present volume. And it was found necessary, frequently, to refer to the transactions and mea- sures of the federal government, most of which affected, in a greater or less degree, the State of Massachusetts. The political condition of the latter could not, indeed, be justly and fully exhibit- ed, without relating something of the policy and proceedings of the former.
It has been the sincere wish and purpose of the writer, to notice public occurrences and to refer to public characters, with impartiality. Whether this has been done, must be left to the well-informed and the candid to determine. The difficulty of di- vesting oneself of all preference or partiality, must be felt by every honest mind, on reflection. It should be the desire and aim, however, to rise su- perior to party views and feelings.
It is difficult, also, to do full justice to the ser- vices of all public characters. But, intentionally, to misrepresent their conduct, or to withhold the praise which is justly their due, is a moral error - very reprehensible. When a bare statement of facts is unfavourable to the reputation of some citizens and creditable to others, the reproach does not justly attach to the narrator, but to the indi-
1
-
VII
viduals who have conducted unfaithfully or unwise- ly. In referring to the public men, however, it has been an invariable desire to avoid impeaching their motives, or to bring into notice any defects of their private characters. It was thought proper to speak only of their official or public conduct. This should be fairly stated, and the reader will judge of motives and principles for himself.
A portion of the volume refers to periods of great party excitement and political strife. And it is therefore, possible that to some, the statements will appear not altogether impartial. Opposing opinions were entertained, both as to the policy of the war of 1812, and the manner of conducting it. And the question growing out of that war, as to the authority of the federal Executive and its officers over the militia, was considered one of great importance. For the rights and liberty of every citizen were involved in the decision. A particular account of the subject, so far as Massachusetts was concerned, is attempted to be given in this volume. It seems to be very impor- tant, that the true meaning of the Constitution, on this point, should be determined. A constructive power claimed by the national rulers and exercis- cd without restraint in a time of war, might affect
-
1
VIII
most injuriously the liberties of the whole people. And, of a doubtful power, which operates as an abridgment of the rights and a diminution of the comfort and happiness of the people, they will al- ways complain. The necessity of confining the authority of the federal government, and especially of its individual officers and agents, to the letter, or to the plain natural meaning of the Constitution, cannot be too often, nor too strongly urged. As it would be paralyzing to public agents to deny them the exercise of power clearly delegated or fully implied, so, on the other hand, it will be fatal to the liberties of the citizens, if rulers may tran- scend the authority given them, and assume power according to their own caprice or wishes.
This question, as to the extent of the power of the federal government over the militia, and the propriety of the conduct of the rulers in Massa- chusetts, who declined placing them in the service of the United States, as was required by national officers, gave occasion to much discussion and ex- citement. It has appeared proper, therefore, to give a particular statement of the opinions express- ed, and the proceedings had, at that time, on the subject. Perhaps, it will be considered, that the statement is unnecessarily minute; and, that the
i
1
:
-
IX
reflections might have been well spared. Still it must be remembered that the transactions are le- gitimate materials for history ; and as to the re- flections, they will be received only according to their relevancy and reasonableness. If the writer has any feelings of partiality, they are in favor of those patriots, who advocate and contend for the constitutional liberty of the people ; and if he has any prejudices, they are against those only, he trusts, who change their principles and their con- duct when they attain to places of power, and as- sume authority not given by the constitution, and the exercise of which in others they had loudly con- demned.
. The writer had some doubt of the propriety of continuing the history to so late a period ; as some living characters are brought into view. But pre- cedents may be found to justify this, both in Amer- ica and in Europe. The life of Washington, by Judge Marshall, was published, while many prominent characters mentioned, were living. And this remark applies also, to the history of the insurrection in Massachusetts, 1786, by Judge Minot. It may be said, also, that the characters given of Governors Strong and Brooks are more in VOL III. 2
.
X
the style of the eulogist than of the impartial his- torian. But it was impossible to do them full jus- tice, either as public agents or private .citizens, without speaking of them in terms, which, to those who know not all their worth, may appear to be exaggerated praise. 'They were of the party, formerly called federal, and yet they could not justly be considered party-men, in the common acceptation of the term. They fully approved of the policy and measures of WASHINGTON: and their great desire and object were to conform to his political principles.
A more pregnant wish for the welfare of the Commonwealth, it is believed, cannot be expressed or cherished, than that all future chief magistrates may be as able, as patriotic, as virtuous and as faithful as they were. And such a wish, the writer begs devoutly to offer.
-
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Benefits of federal government .... Public Debt of the United States, and of Massachusetts ..... Credit of the State and of the United States ..... Mr. Hancock chosen Governor, in 1787 and until 1794 ..... His character ..... His opinion of the federal constitution and of the federal government ..... Extract from his Speech .... Urges the support of public credit ..... Census for Massachusetts in 1790, 1800, 1810 ..... No Slaves in Massachusetts ... Justices of Supreme Judicial Court ..... Theatre in Boston ..... Decision of Supreme J, Court respecting the Slave Trade by citizens of the State .... Public lands in State of New-York ..... Project for a Canal across Cape Cod ..... Internal Improvements ..... Public roads, turnpikes ..... Middlesex Canal ..... Choice of Electors of President in 1792 ..... Suit against the State ..... Extra Session of General Court, Sept. 1793, on that account .... The opinion of the Governor on the subject adopted ..... Federal Consti- tution amended .... Death of Governor Hancock. 17
CHAPTER II.
Lieutenant Governor Adams Chief Magistrate on death of Governor Han- cock .... Elected Governor in 1774 .... Extract from his Public Speech. .. French Revolution .... New State House .... Political parties .... Treaty with Great Britain .... Great opposition to the treaty .... Violence of parties .... Governor Adams favours the conduct of the French Rulers .... Public Schools .... Choice of Electors in 1796 .... Governor Adams declines a re- clection. - 41
XII
CHAPTER III.
Judge Sumner chosen Governor for 1797 ..... He approves the policy of the federal government .... Re-elected for 1798 and 1799 .... His death .... Em- bassy to France in 1797 .... Not accredited .... Two of them return .... Mr. Gerry remains .... Public religious worship and Ministers of the gospel. 59
CHAPTER IV.
. Caleb Strong chosen Governor in 1800 ..... ITis character ..... Political parties continue ..... Governor Strong approves of the policy of the federal gov- ernment ... .Addresses of the people, to the President of the United States ..... Mr. Jefferson elected President of the United States ..... Gov- crnor Strong re-elected in Massachusetts ..... His conciliatory sentiments and advice ..... Part of the State debt paid ..... State Penitentiary ..... Elec- tors of President and Vice President of the United States ..... State laws. 76
CHAPTER V.
Governor Strong re-elected in 1806, but with much opposition ..... Law on Plantation Votos ..... Mr. Sullivan chosen Governor, for 1807 ..... Embar- go ...... Senators Pickering and Adams ..... Complaints of the Embargo., ... Governor Sullivan not intolerant ..... Courts of Session ..... Pretended Plot to destroy the Union ..... County Attornies ... Death of Governor Sulli- van ..... Lieutenant Governor Lincoln. 92
CHAPTER VI.
Mr. Gore elected Governor in 1809 ..... His character and administration .... Settlers in Maine quieted ..... Mr. Gerry chosen Governor in 1810 ..... Hc approves the measures of the federal government ..... Re-chosen for 1812. Adopts an exclusive political system, and denounces those who differed from him as to national policy ..... Courts altered ..... Clerks, Sheriffs and · Registers of Probate removed from office, merely on account of their political opinions ..... Expenses of 1811, for Representatives. 110
XIII
CHAPTER VII.
Caleb Strong elected Governor in 1812 ..... His Council ..... Extracts from his Speech ..... Restoration of civil officers who had been removed ..... War de- clared by the United States against Great Britain ..... Unpopular in Mas -_ sachusetts ..... Memorial and address of the House of Representatives ..... Requisition for the militia ..... The Governor declines calling them out .... Opinion of the Judges of the Supreme Judicial Court ..... Different opin- ions on the Governor's conduct ..... Rights of the militia ..... Constitutional power of the President over the militia ..... Opinions of Chief Magis- trates of other States. 124
CHAPTER VIII.
A reference to the arguments for and against the course pursued by the Governor respecting the militia ..... Electors of President and Vice Presi- dent of the United States ..... Governor's Speech in October 1812 ..... His reasons for not calling out the militia ..... Representatives approve of his conduct in this respect ..... Extract from their reply to the Speech of the Governor ..... Loan proposed ..... Charge of plotting to destroy the Union ..... Opinions expressed on the subject ..... Declarations of Virginia and Ken- tucky. - 143
CHAPTER IX.
Hope of Peace disappointed .... Session of the General Court, January and February 1813 ..... Measures of defence adopted ..... Money appropriated for means of defence ..... Commissioners appointed for defence of Sea- Coast ..... Application to Congress for aid, and for fire arms ..... Congress requested to increase the Navy .. ... Seats of some Senators vacated ..... Vote of thanks to Naval Officers ..... Governor re-elected in 1813 ..... Ex- tracts from his Speech ..... Remonstrances of Representatives and Sen- ate against the war ..... Second request to Congress for fire arms ..... Mr. Gore, Senator ..... Capture of the Chesapeake. 158
CHAPTER X.
British Ships on the coast .... Alarms of invasion .... Detachment of militia ordered out .... Spirit and bravery of the people .... Embargo .... Governor's Speech, January 1818 .... Extracts from it .... Reply of Representatives ....
1
XIV
People complain of grievances .... Embargo obnoxious and distressing .... Memorials to General Court, from towns and from fishermen .... Resolu- · tions of Legislature thereon .... Governor of Vermont threatened .... Resolve to defend hin .... Strictures on the conduct of Governor Strong .... Militia called out, on request of Naval Officers of the United States, April, - 169
1814. .
CHAPTER XI.
Mr. Strong re-elected for 1814 .... Extracts from his speech to the Legisla- ture .... Extracts from the answer of the Senate and House of Represen- tatives .... General alarm on the seaboard, and militia called out .... A mil- lion of dollars appropriated for defence .... Forts built .... Citizens volunteer their services .... Castine taken by the enemy .... Arrangements with com- manding officer of the United States .... Objections to the plan. 188
CHAPTER XII.
Extra meeting of General Court in October 1814 .. ... Extracts from the Message of the Governor to the General Court .. .Report and Resolu- tions of the Legislature ..... Further measures proposed for defence of towns on the sea coast .... A convention recommended of delegates from the New England States ..... Places defended by the militia. 206
CHAPTER XIII.
Convention at Hartford ..... Result of the meeting ..... Approved by the Le- gislature of Massachusetts ..... Extracts from Governor's Message .... State Rights ..... Mr. Gore's speech in Congress respecting the Militia. 218
CHAPTER XIV.
Governor Strong re-chosen in 1815 ..... Extracts from his speech to the Le- gislature ... Answer of the House of Representatives ... Their opinion of the authority of the State ..... Laws passed in 1816 ..... Message of the Gov- ernor in January 1816 ..... IIe declines being a candidate for re-election. General Brooks chosen Governor ..... Sketch of his character ..... Extracts
XV
from his first public speech to the Legislature, June, 1816 ..... IIis views of the Constitution approved ..... Choice of Electors of President and Vice President of the United States ..... Separation of Maine proposed ..... Agents appointed to present claims to Congress. - 232
CHAPTER XV.
Governor Brooks re-elected in 1817 ..... His speech to the Legislature, at the commencement of the session ..... Visit of the President of the United States to Massachusetts ..... His reception by the Governor and by the people ..... Attempts to settle the eastern boundary line ..... Speech of Governor Brooks in June 1818, on his re-election ..... His attention to the militia and to the State Penitentiary ..... The separation of Maine ..... Number of inhabitants ..... Governor's advice to maintain the credit of the Commonwealth .... To encourage industry and economy. 247
CHAPTER XVI.
Convention for alterations of the Constitution ... Mr. Adams chosen Presi -. dent .... Alterations proposed by the Convention ..... Part approved by the people, and part rejected ..... Proposition to pay Representatives from the public Treasury ..... Electors of President and Vice President of the United States ..... Governor Brooks re-elected ..... His speeches ..... His political opinions ..... His administration ..... Manufactures extended ..... state of so- ciety, of religion and learning. 261 -
APPENDIX,
291
HISTORY
OF
.
MASSACHUSETTS.
CHAPTER I.
Benefits of federal government .... Public Debt of the United States, and of Massachusetts ..... Credit of the State and of the United States ..... Mr. Hancock chosen Governor, in 1787 and until 1794 ..... His character ..... His opinion of the federal constitution and of the federal government ..... Extract from his Speech .... Urges the support of public credit ..... Census for Massachusetts in 1790, 1800, 1810 ..... No Slaves in Massachusetts ... Justices of Supreme Judicial Court ..... Theatre in Boston ..... Decision of
Supreme J. Court respecting the Slave Trade by citizens of the State .... Public lands in State of New-York ..... Project for a Canal across Cape Cod ..... Internal Improvements ..... Public roads, turnpikes ..... Middlesex Canal ..... Choice of Electors of President in 1792 ..... Suit against the State ..... Extra Session of General Court, Sept. 1793, on that account ....
- The opinion of the Governor on the subject adopted ..... Federal Consti- tution amended .... Death of Governor Hancock.
No STATE in the Union, probably, was more im- mediately and substantially benefited by the federal government, formed in 1789, under the constitu- tion adopted the preceding year, than Massachu- setts. The prosperity of all the States composing the confederacy, was, indeed, soon and greatly aug- VOL. III. 3
18
mented, by the exercise of the new powers granted to the legislature of the nation. Previously to this period and to this extension of the power of the federal government, both the commerce and the finances of the country were in a state of great em- barrassment and depression. In consequence of the very limited authority of Congress, under the old confederation, there was no efficient, uniform system through the United States, either of muni- cipal law relating to navigation and trade, or of commercial intercourse with foreign countries .- The interests of commerce suffered exceedingly, both from want of uniform laws through the States, and from the inability of the Old Congress to en- force its recommendations. The trade of the United States with foreign nations was thus subject to very serious embarrassments and disadvantages.
'The immense debt of the States, respectively, and in their collective, united character, was cal- culated, also, to alarm and discourage the people. The most intelligent acknowledged the difficulty of restoring the credit of the country ; and the most patriotic were ready to despond. At the close of the war of the revolution, the continental or na- tional debt was upwards of $42,000,000 ; And cv- ery State had a large demand on the United States on account of services for the common defence, which amounted in the whole to $25,000,000 .- Each State was indebted, also, for expences incur- red for its own particular, immediate protection, during that critical period, to a large amount .-- The failure, for several years, to pay the interest on the public debt, except as to a very small part, had consequently increased the financial delinquen- cies of the State and nation. In 1790, the debt of
19
the United States amounted to $54,000,000, even before assuming those of the individual States, which had accrued for expences for the common defence. The debt of Massachusetts, at this peri- od, was very nearly $5,000,000, without taking into the estimate, the liability to pay the demands of those who held the paper money, emitted during the revolutionary war. The resources of the State could not be made available to discharge such a large amount. For several years even the interest on the debt of the Commonwealth, like that of the nation, had been omitted to be paid. Notes were issued for interest, to the public creditors ; and sold, by those who were not very opulent, at a great discount.
At the session of 1790-91, Congress assumed $21,510,000 of the debts of the several States, which were considered to be properly chargeable on the United States, to be provided for by the federal government, as it had the whole controul of the revenue arising from the commerce and navi- gation of the country. This sum was apportioned among the States according to the expences of each, respectively, which had been incurred in the course of the war, for the common defence, in compliance with requests and recommendations of the Old Congress. The amount thus assumed of the debt of Massachusetts, was $ 4,000,000. The Legis- lature prayed the federal government to assume the residue of the debt of the State, which was of this character. This was not immediately done ; but Congress soon after appointed commissioners to ascertain the amount expended by the several States, in prosecuting the war of the revolution ; and it was found, that Massachusetts had disbur-
20
sed, or incurred debts, to an amount of $18,000, 000 ; of this, $2,000,000, had been paid or advan- ced by Congress, during the war ; and $4,000,000, had been assumed by the federal government. Be- tween the sums advanced by each State, or for which they were liable, and the amount of their proportion towards the whole expenses of the war, according to an estimation officially made, balances were struck ; and six States were found to have advanced more than their proportion, and seven less. The largest balance was in favour of South Carolina. Massachusetts was the next highest of the Creditor States ; and a balance of $1,250, 000, was credited to the State accordingly. I results from this statement, that Massachusetts, in fact, bore the expenses of the war of indepen- dr .ce to the amount of $11,500,000. But still in 14790, her debt was only $5,000,000 ; for, during the war, by great effort and sacrifies, many expen- ses were, annually, paid.
The State of Massachusetts, as well as some others, had attempted to raise a revenue, by means of an excise on various articles of consumption or use, chicfly on such as were considered a luxury ; and a considerable amount was thus collected, to meet the public exigencies of the times. On the recommendation of the Continental Congress, in 1785 and 1786, the Legislature consented, that duties might be imposed, by that body, on import- ed goods, for the purpose of paying the debts of the Nation. But some of the States declined giv- ing such power to Congress; and the commerce of the country was in a condition, which yielded little profit to the merchant, and still less to the goverment.
·
1
21
It was in this unhappy condition of the country, that a proposition was made, as stated in a for- mer volume, to enlarge the powers of the Conti- nental Congress, particularly, as to commercial concerns ; so that the trade with foreign nations might be better regulated, and prove more benefi- cial in its results. It may be difficult to determine, in which State in the Union, this measure was first proposed or suggested. But it is certain, that Governor Bowdoin, in June 1785, recommended to the General Court of Massachusetts, that the powers of Congress be increased, for the purpose of a general and efficient regulation of the com- merce of the country, and of providing for the cer- tain and speedy payment of the national debts .* A committee of four eminent citizens was chosen to attend a meeting of delegates from the other States, to be holden in Maryland ; but it does not appear that any of the Committee of Massachusetts at- tended the Convention. As it recommended, if it did not originate the plan of a more general con- vention, which was soon after approved, this meet- ing was an important one. The Continental Con- gress, under the confederation, had also urged the. measure. For they found their powers not com- petent to adopt all proper measures for the pros- perity of the country and the protection and en- couragement of commerce, without the consent of the Legislatures of the several States in the Un- jon.
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.