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Gc 974.4 B27h 1775-1820 v.3 1143266
M. L.
GENEALCOY COLLECTION
/L (GE)
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01092 6035
E
1
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
THE
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
.
THE
COMMONWEALTH PERIOD.
1775 -1820 V. III
BY JOHN STETSON BARRY,
MEMBER OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AND OF THE NEW ENGLAND 1 HISTORIC-GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY.
E .1.4 -
BOSTON :
PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR, AND FOR SALE BY HIS GENERAL AGENT, HENRY BARRY, AT No. 20 WASHINGTON STREET. 1857.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1857, by JOHN S. BARRY,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
STEREOTYPED AT THE BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.
1143266
TO
THE PEOPLE OF MASSACHUSETTS,
PROMPT TO ASSERT AND DEFEND THEIR RIGHTS,
AND JEALOUS OF ENCROACHMENTS UPON THEIR REPUBLICAN LIBERTIES, This Volume,
RECORDING THE DEEDS OF THE FATHERS OF THE REVOLUTION, AND THE FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION,
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,
BY
THE AUTHOR.
INTRODUCTION.
THE present volume closes the series originally proposed on the History of Massachusetts - bringing that history down to a period within the memory of thousands now living. To many, without doubt, the incidents narrated in the following pages will prove more interesting, and possibly more attractive, than those which have been previously described ; while to others, the more distant the scene, or the more remote the period, the greater the charm the historian's page has for their minds. That the difficulties attending the elucidation of our annals for the forty years which followed the opening of the revolution are much more perplexing than those which the forty years preceding the revolution present, will be evident to every one who has attempted the task of writing concerning a period about which conflicting and even opposite opinions may honestly prevail, which are too intimately connected with early recollec- tions to be disturbed without awakening the slumbering mem- ory, and exciting afresh feelings and passions which have long been dormant. If, in discharging his delicate duty, the author shall be found to have dealt impartially with the characters who figure in his pages, he will certainly have reached the height of his wishes. Yet, considering how differently his readers are constituted, and that, in every community, and in relation to
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INTRODUCTION.
every work, all cannot be expected to harmonize in their views, it would not be surprising if, in some cases, and to a certain extent, he should be found to have reflected his own prejudices too strongly to escape the imputation of having been biased in his judgment, or, at least, of having overlooked those more remote causes which influence the actions of men, and which should never be lost sight of in forming a just estimate of their motives and deeds. It will probably be conceded, however, that it is better to err on the side of charity than on that of intolerance or general censoriousness. It is much easier, indeed, to blame than to commend ; and it is a more common fault to arraign and condemn the past than to speak of it calmly, and to draw from it the lessons of prudence it should teach. It is hoped, therefore, that those who may read the following pages will not too hastily censure the author, if they cannot in every instance agree with him in his conclusions, and will make due allowance for the necessary infirmities of a fallible judgment. That the health of the author has been spared to complete his work is, to him, a source of unfeigned thankfulness ; and if the public shall find that work such as is needed, the consciousness that the labor it has cost has not been in vain will prove of itself a sufficient reward.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. BATTLE OF LEXINGTON.
Preparations for raising an Army - Officers of the Army - Condition of the Inhabitants of Boston - Preparations for leaving the Town - Obstructions to the Removal of the Patriots - Enlistments for the Army - Military Stores - Rank and Services of the Officers - Movements of the Tories - Resump- tion of Government - Position of the Clergy - Prospects of the Army - For- tifications commenced - Skirmishes with the Enemy - Meeting of the Second Congress - Propositions of John Adams - Washington chosen Commander- in-Chief - Proclamation of Gage - Counter Proclamation proposed - Position of the American Army - Topography of Charlestown - Orders to intrench on Bunker Hill - The Fortifications commenced - Amazement of the British - Preparations for an Attack - Movements of General Ward - The British embark for Charlestown - More Troops sent over - Position of the Ameri- cans - Number and Officers of the British Army -Commencement of the Battle - Directions of the American Officers - Result of the first Charge - Burning of Charlestown -The third Attack - Retreat of Prescott-Triumph of the British - Close of the Battle. pp. 1-39.
CHAPTER II.
THE SIEGE OF BOSTON.
American Intrenchments - Additional Forces raised - Arrival of Washing- ton - Forces of the British - Scenery around Boston -Incidents of the Siege (vii)
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viii
CONTENTS.
in July - Correspondence between Lee and Burgoyne - Incidents of the Siege - Proceedings of the Americans - Occupation of Ploughed Hill - Corre- spondence between Washington and Gage - Occurrences in September - Preparations for quartering the Army - Arrival of Howe -Proclamations of Howe -Position of the British Ships - Position of the American Forces - A Naval Armament fitted out - Conference in Boston -Proceedings of the Continental Congress - Address to the King -State of Public Feeling in England - Rejection of the Petition of the Colonies - Convocation of Parlia- ment - Discussions in Parliament - Examination of Penn - Lord North's Prohibitory Bill - Movements in America - Embarrassments of Washington - Prosecution of the Siege - Operations in December - Condition of the Army at the Close of the Year- Recruits for the Army - Washington's Reflections - Position of the British - A Council of War called - A second Council convened - Improvement in the Condition of the Americans - The approaching Conflict - Intrenchments at Dorchester - Movements of the British - Feeling in Boston - Evacuation of the Town - Departure of the British Fleet- Condition of the Town. pp. 40-86.
CHAPTER III.
INDEPENDENCE DECLARED.
State of public Feeling in America- Thomas Paine's " Common Sense "- Views of Congress - Position of Massachusetts - State of Feeling at the South -Position of John Adams-Course of Massachusetts - Vote of the Towns in Favor of Independence - Effects of the Action of Parliament - The Duke of Grafton's Conciliatory Plan - Discussion of the Question of Inde- pendence - Action of Virginia - Motion submitted by R. H. Lee- Debates on the Question of Independence - Arguments against the Declaration - Arguments in Favor of the Declaration - Committee appointed to draught a Declaration - Mr. Jefferson selected to make this Draught - Discussion re- sumed - Letter of John Adams - Unanimity with Difficulty secured -The Declaration of Independence considered - Discussion upon the same - Char- acter of the Instrument - Rejoicings on its Passage - Propriety of this Step. pp. 87-122.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
MILITARY MOVEMENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS.
Fortifications in Boston Harbor -General Lincoln enters the Service - Naval Armament of Massachusetts -The British Fleet expelled - Exploits of the Privateers -Tardiness in raising Troops -Local Jealousies - More Troops called for -Enlistments for the Army - Sufferings of the People - Treatment of the Tories - A new Army raised - Board of War appointed - Enlistments in Massachusetts - Organization of the Regiments - Prepara- tions for Defence - Successes of the Navy - Perilous Position of Affairs - Capture of Burgoyne - Secret Expedition to Rhode Island - Expenses of the War -New Quotas called for - Appeals to the People- Expedition to Rhode Island -Disaster to the French Fleet - La Fayette visits Boston - Commissioners sent to America from England - Conduct of the Commis- sioners - The Ministry condemned - Opening of the new Year- State of Affairs -Financial Embarrassments - Expedition to the Eastward - Fresh Levies raised -The National Debt - Provision for its Payment - Sufferings of the War - Preliminaries of Peace - A Treaty of Peace concluded - Close of the War. pp. 123-171.
CHAPTER V.
ADOPTION OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION. PROCEEDINGS OF THE GOVERNMENT. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS,
A Constitutional Convention proposed - Propriety of this Step - Re- jection of the First Constitution - A Convention called - A Constitution draughted - Objections to this Instrument - Discussion on the Bill of Rights - Election of State Officers - Views of the Statesmen of Massa- chusetts - Incorporation of the Academy of Arts and Sciences - The Dark Day - Revision of the Laws - Massachusetts Bank incorporated - Massachusetts Mint - Character of Governor Hancock - The Question of Slavery discussed - Abolition of Slavery in Massachusetts - Census of the State - Character of Governor Bowdoin - Convention at Portland - Project of a separate Government - Reelection of Governor Bowdoin -Progress of Manufactures - Settlement of the Massachusetts and New York Claim - Manners and Customs. pp. 172-217.
x
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
SHAYS'S REBELLION.
Gathering at Northampton - Gathering at Hatfield - Convention at Deer- field - State of Affairs at the Close of the War -Causes of Complaint - Conduct of the Seditious - Convention at Worcester - Convention at Hat- field -Proceedings in Worcester County - Proceedings in Middlesex - Dis- turbances at Taunton - Proceedings in Berkshire County - Position of the Citizens of Boston - Disturbances at Springfield - Character of Day - Con- duct of the Insurgents - Proceedings of the General Court - Renewed Dis- turbances - Memorial of the Worcester Convention - Warrants for the Arrest of the Insurgents - Disturbances at Worcester-Proceedings in Hampshire County - Troops raised to suppress the Rebellion - The Arsenal at Spring- field attacked - Situation of Shepard - Pursuit of the Insurgents - Session of the General Court -Pursuit of Shays - Vigilance of the Government - Disqualifying Resolves - Views of General Lincoln - Subsidence of the Dis- turbances - Reformatory Measures proposed - Approval of Governor Bow- doin's Policy - Expected Change of Measures - Suppression of the Rebellion - Wisdom of the Government Measures. pp. 218-260.
CHAPTER VII.
ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. DEBATES IN MASSACHUSETTS.
Defects of the Confederation - Preparatory Steps to a Convention - Con- gress consents to call a Convention - Wisdom of this Measure - Consequences of the Failure of the Convention - The Convention assembles in Philadelphia - Rules of the Convention -Division of Partics - Difficulty of framing a perfect system -Points of Debate- The Question of Slavery discussed - Discussion on the Slave Trade - Rendition of Fugitives - Difficulties of the Slave Question - Results of the Convention - The Massachusetts Convention meets -Debate on Biennial Elections - Choice of Representatives - Property Qualification - The "Three Fifths Clause" debatcd - Construction of the Senate - Powers of Congress - Discussion on the Slave Trade - General Heath's Views -Close of the Debate- Importance of the Question - Propo- sals to secure Unanimity - Discussion on these Proposals - The Question taken - Result of the Vote - Nature of the Amendments proposed - Close of the Convention - Action of Congress- Washington looked to for Presi-
xi
CONTENTS.
dent - Acceptance of the Trust urged upon him - His Acquiescence and Choice - Ceremonies of Inauguration - Questions connected with the Con- stitution. pp. 261-308.
CHAPTER VIII.
FROM THE ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION TO THE ELECTION OF ELBRIDGE GERRY.
Washington's Visit to Boston - Address of the Governor and Council - Reply of Washington - Division of Parties -Benefits of the Adoption of the Constitution -Resumption of the State Debts - Internal Improvements - Revision of the Laws - Educational Laws - Establishment of Sunday Schools - Samuel Adams chosen Governor - His Character- French Revolution - Conduct of Genet - Charges against Washington - Insolence of Genet - Difficulties with England - Meeting in Boston - Reply of Washington - Increase Sumner chosen Governor - John Adams chosen President - Views of Mr. Adams - Difficulties with France -Commissioners appointed - Recep- tion of the Commissioners - Return of Pinkney and Marshall - Measures of the Government - Reelection of Mr. Sumner - Caleb Strong chosen Governor - Fourth Presidential Canvass - Choice of Jefferson - Fifth Presidential Elec- tion - Character of Jefferson - The Embargo laid - Effects of the Embargo upon Massachusetts - Policy of this Measure - Policy of the Rejection of the offered Treaty - Pressure of the Embargo - Resistance of an Attempt for its Repeal - Sixth Presidential Election - Mr. Lloyd chosen Senator in the Place of Mr. Adams - Charge of an Attempt to dissolve the Union - Mission of Henry - Overtures of Erskine - Mr. Gerry chosen Governor of Massachusetts. pp. 309-364.
CHAPTER IX.
THE WAR OF 1812. HARTFORD CONVENTION. PEACE DECLARED. REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION. CONCLUSION.
Removals from Office - Governor Gerry's political Sympathies - Libels charged upon the Federal Press - Reelection of Caleb Strong - Lloyd's Speech in Congress - War Movements of the Administration - Position of the British Ministry - War declared - Policy of this Step - State of Feeling in Boston - Charges against the People - Reception of the News of the War in Boston - Appeal of the Senate of Massachusetts - Address of the House - Address of the Federal Members of Congress - State of Feeling at the
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CONTENTS.
South - Requisitions upon Massachusetts - Course of Governor Strong - Correspondence with General Dearborn -The Governor's Defence -- Recep- tion of the War News in England - Prosecution of the War in the United States - Remonstrance of New York -Proposals for an Armistice - The War proceeds on the Policy of Impressment - Measures adopted in Massachusetts - Application to Congress for Aid - Reelection of Governor Strong - Cap- ture of the Chesapeake - British Blockade of the Coast - Interdiction of the Coasting Trade - Reply of the House to the Governor's Speech -The Parties who were benefited by the War - Arrangements for the Defence of the Coast - Proposals for a Negotiation at London - Ghent selected as the Place of Meeting - Action of Massachusetts - Report of the Legislative Committee- Resolutions of the General Court - A Convention proposed - Hartford Con- vention called - Character of the Members - Proceedings of the Convention - Amendments proposed - Action of Congress - Massachusetts approves the Action of the Convention - Peace concluded - Proceedings in Boston. - Manufacturing Companies incorporated - Revision of the Constitution - Amendments proposed - Conclusion. pp. 365-426.
Index, pp. 429.454. List of subscribers. Pp. 455-468,
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HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
CHAPTER I.
THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL.
THE battle of Lexington was the opening scene of the war CHAP of the revolution. As the action, in its consequences, was of I. the greatest importance, an official account was draughted, to 1775. be sent to England, and, by express, to South Carolina.1 All America was exasperated at the conduct of Gage. "To arms ! to arms !" was the general cry. "Divide and conquer," was the maxim of the enemy. " Unite and be invincible," was the maxim of the Americans. "Liberty or death," " Unite or die," were the mottoes which blazoned the chronicles of the day, and embellished the standards of nearly every company. The enthusiasm of the people was inflamed to the highest pitch ; the militia from all parts rushed to arms, and preparations for future hostilities were prosecuted with vigor.2
1 The despatches to England, in- Mems. i. 231, 248, 276-285; Gor- cluding a letter to Dr. Franklin and don's Am. Rev. i. 331. an address to the people of Great 2 Sparks's Franklin, viii. 153 ; Sted- man's Am. War, i. 120; Bissett's Hist. Eng. i. 426; Thacher's Jour. 21; Webster's Bunker Hill Monu- ment Address, 20. An alarm, attend- ed with somewhat ludicrous results, occurred in Essex county on the 21st of April. Coffin's Newbury, 245-247. Britain, were sent in a vessel belong- ing to Richard Derby, Esq., of Sa- lem; and the despatches to South Carolina were forwarded from post to post, and duly endorsed, until they reached their destination. Jour. Prov. Cong. 148, 153-156, 159, 523; Force's Am. Archives, ii. 363-369 ; Drayton's VOL. III. 1
2
PROVISIONS FOR RAISING AN ARMY.
CHAP. The Provincial Congress had adjourned until May ; but, by
I. a special vote of the committee of safety, the executive for 1775. the time being, the members reassembled in the town of Con- Apr. 22. cord, and, adjourning from thence to Watertown, entered at Apr. 18. once upon those measures which, at that crisis, were "indis- Apr. 20. pensable for the salvation of the country." Already had a circular been addressed to the towns, urging upon the people the necessity of raising troops to "defend their wives and children from the butchering hands of an inhuman soldiery," and entreating them to " hasten and encourage by all possible means the enlistment of men to form an army." " Our all," it was said, "is at stake. Death and devastation are the consequences of delay. Every moment is infinitely precious. An hour lost may deluge the country in blood, and entail per- petual slavery upon the few of our posterity who may survive the carnage." 1
Apr. 23.
The local Congress, feeling the importance of this subject, zealously entered upon its consideration, and voted, at the opening of its session, "that an army of thirty thousand men be immediately raised, and that thirteen thousand six hundred be raised by this province."2 Provision was likewise made for levying money to defray expenses ; the committee of safety was ordered to "bring in a plan for the establishment of the officers and soldiers ; " and committees were sent to the New Hampshire Congress at Exeter, and to Connecticut and Rhode Island, to inform them of these resolutions, and request their concurrence.3
Up to this date, the officers appointed by the former Con- gress had directed the movements of the provincial troops ;
1 Jour. Prov. Cong. 147 and note, 518; Gordon's Am. Rov. i. 336; Thacher's Jour. 20; Frothingham's Siege, 191; Shattnek's Concord, 118. 2 Jour. Prov. Cong. 148, and comp. ibid. 520; Jour. Cont. Cong. i. 76; Gordon's Am. Rev. i. 316; Ramsay's
Am. Rev. i. 192; Thacher's Jour. 20; Bradford, i. 375.
3 Jour. Prov. Cong. 149; Force's Am. Archives, ii. 377, 378 ; Gordon's Am. Rev. i. 318; Stedman's Am. War, i. 121; Sparks's Washington, iii. 487.
3
OFFICERS OF THE ARMY.
and General Heath issued his orders until the arrival of CHAP. Ward, who assumed the command.1 The same day, a coun- I. cil of war was held ; 2 for the protection of the neighbor- 1775. hood, guards were stationed on the Charlestown road and at Apr. 20. other points ; and on the following day, at the instance of Apr. 21 Ward, Colonels Prescott, Learned, and Warren were ordered to march their regiments to Roxbury, to join General Thom- as.3 The exact number of men in the field it is impossible to determine ; 4 but reinforcements daily arrived, and the army was joined by the resolute Putnam, a native of Massachusetts, but a resident of Connecticut,5 and by the chivalrous Stark, and Paul Dudley Sargeant, of New Hampshire, whose services at this juncture were exceedingly valuable.6 Nor should the gallantry of Warren, the young physician, be forgotten, who "did wonders in preserving order among the troops."7 He was one of the most active of the Boston patriots, beloved for his virtues and renowned for his courage ; and such was the confidence inspired by his wisdom that he was looked up to by all with unbounded respect.
It could not, of course, be expected, at this period, that the strictest discipline should have prevailed in the army. Com- ing from different colonies, and thrown together by accident, as it were, concert of action could only be gradually secured.
1 Gordon's Am. Rev. i. 315, 316 ; Heath's Mems. 16, 17; Ward's Ward Family, 47 ; Sparks's Washington, iii. 488. General Ward had command at Cambridge, and General Thomas at Roxbury.
2 At which were present Generals Ward, Heath, and Whitcomb; Colo- nels Bridge, Foye, J. Prescott, W. Prescott, Bullard, and Barrett; and Lieutenant Colonels Spaulding, Nix- on, Whitney, Mansfield, and Whee- lock. Frothingham's Siege, 91, 92.
3 Ward's Orderly Book ; Heath's Mems. 17; Frothingham's Siege, 92. The regiments named in the text were under the command of General
Heath, who remained at Roxbury un- til the arrival of Washington.
4 Thacher, Jour., says the army consisted of 40,000 ; and Stiles, in his Diary, and Stedman, Am. War, i. 120, say 20,000. But both these estimates seem to be too high. Comp. Froth- ingham's Siege, 91, note.
He was born in Salem, Mass., Jan. 7, 1718. Humphreys's Life of Putnam, 15, ed. 1818.
6 Bradford, i. 380 ; Frothingham's Siege, 92.
7 Ramsay's Am. Rev. i. 205; Froth- ingham's Siege, 92. See also Swett's sketch, in Life of Putnam, 190, ed. 1818.
4
CONDITION OF THE INHABITANTS OF BOSTON.
CHAP. Yet the difficulties which were encountered did not preclude I. harmony ; and in a very short time, this "unshaken embryo 1775. of a military corps, composed of militia, minute men, and vol- unteers, with a burlesque appearance of multiformity in arms, accoutrements, clothing, and conduct," grew into "a regular army," which "vindicated the rights of human nature, and established the independence " of a glorious republic.1
The ravages committed by the British troops at Lexington and Concord alarmed the people of Boston and its vicinity, and led them to fear for the safety of their own homes. Hence, in the metropolis, the "hotbed of disaffection," and in Charlestown and Cambridge, numbers prepared to remove to the country. The American officers, with a generous spirit, afforded them all the protection in their power ; and the regi- ments posted at Waltham, Watertown, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Medford were serviceable for this purpose.2 The Con- gress likewise labored for the organization of the army, appointed engineers, authorized the purchase of stores and supplies, and provided for the payment of officers and men.3 Before much was effected, however, a large number of minute men left for their homes, so that some of the avenues into the country were but slightly guarded. On the Neck, in particu- lar, between Boston and Roxbury, but six or seven hundred men were posted, under Colonel Robinson ; and for nine days together they were obliged to maintain their position without relief.4
The inhabitants of Boston, hemmed in by the British troops, found their situation peculiarly distressing. By the orders of the governor, they had been cut off from intercourse with their friends in the country ; and, conscious of the dangers to
1 Bradford, i. 380; Humphreys's Life of Putnam, 92, 93.
2 Frothingham's Siege, 92. The regiments at Waltham and Water- town were ordered to Cambridge on the 26th of April.
3 Jour. Prov. Cong. 152, 153, 157, 165 ; Bradford, i. 376.
4 Gordon's Am. Rev. i. 337; Heath's Memoirs, 18; Frothingham's Siege, 93, and note.
5
PREPARATIONS FOR LEAVING THE TOWN.
which they were exposed, they could not but view their con- CHAP. dition with alarm. Fortunately for them, Gage was equally I. alarmed ; and, fearing that the provincial troops might be- 1775. siege the town, and the inhabitants within second them, an interview was had with the selectmen, and an arrangement was made, which was approved by the people and by the com- Apr. 22. mittee of safety, granting to the women and children a safe conduct without the garrison, and to the men also upon con- dition of delivering up their arms, and pledging themselves to maintain neutrality for a season.1
Under these stipulations, which were sanctioned by both parties, all who could leave prepared to do so; and for a short time the treaty was faithfully observed. Nearly two thousand stands of arms were delivered up, with a large Apr. 27. number of other weapons ; 2 permission was given to the in- habitants to remove, with their effects, by land or water ; and applications for passes were to be made to General Robert- son.3 Nearly at the same time, a letter was written to Dr. Warren, "that those persons in the country who inclined to remove into Boston with their effects might have liberty to do so without molestation ;" and the Provincial Congress, not to be behind his excellency in courtesy, voted to comply Apr. 30. with his request ; officers were appointed to grant permits ; 4 and a large number of " tories," as they were termed by the patriots, availed themselves of this opportunity to seek the shelter of the British guns.5 Already had two hundred of the
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