USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Williamstown > Centennial discourse, delivered in Williamstown, Mass., November 19, 1865 > Part 6
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N B All the assertions in the Bove writen Petition Can and may be proved by able witness at the Desire or by order of the Honrble Court --
SAMUEL KELLOGG
SETH HUDSON
NEHEMIAH SMEDLY
WILLIAM HORSFORD
JONATHAN KILBORN
ISAAC VANARENEM
SOLOMON BUELL
JOSIAH HORSFORD
JOHN HORSFORD
SETH KENT ELISHA IIIGGINS
ISAAC SEARI,
JOSIAH DEAN JR
TYRAS PRATT
ELNATHAN ASIMUN
GIDEON WARRIN
NOAH PRATT
WILLIAM CHIDESTER JUNI
JABEZ WARRIN
ARCHELAUS TEMPLE
JESSE SAWYER
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IN HOUSE REPS JAN'Y 11. 1757-
Read and Ordered, That Mr Lyman and Capt Richardson with such as the HIonble Board shall join be a Committee to consider this Petition, to repair to Hoo- suck to examine ye state of ye forts there, and consider whether it be most expedi- ent to Repair Fort Massachusetts & to Keep a Garrison there and at the Block- house, or to build anew elsewhere, & that the Comtee inquire into the Facts al- leged in the Petition & hear ye parties, and are hereby impowered to take Evidences relative thereto on oath, and report.
Also Voted, That the Ten men stationed at West Hoosuck, as within mentioned, be allowed to Billet themselves at ye charge of the Province until the further order of this Court, provided they do not charge more than five shillings and four pence pr week for each mau.
Sent up for Concurrence T. HUBBARD Spkr
IN COUNCIL 11 JANY 1757.
Read & Concurred & James Minot Esq is joined in the affair.
A. OLIVER, Secy
Consented to S. PHIPPS-
For some unexplained reason the committee thus appointed did not act, whereupon Hudson, in behalf of the petitioners, on the 22d of April, presented the following :
Province of the ? To the Honble his majesty's Council and the Honble House of Massachusetts Bay § Representa ives.
The Petition of Seth Hudson, Humbly Sheweth
Whereas Josiah Horsford, and others, Proprietors and Inhabitants of West Hoo- snck, on the Stl. day of Jany last preser ted a memorial and Petition to this Houble Court, representing their grievances, and praying relief, and the Court was pleased, on the 11th of Jany, to grant us the liberty of Billeting ourselves, and also to ap- point a Committee to repair to West Hoosuck, and examine the truth of our Com- plaint, but it hath so happened that the Committee hath not yet been there-
Your Petitioner humbly prays; That the Committee appointed, or any other Committee, be directed to repair to West Hoosuek, and view our situation and cir- cumstances, which when justly represented to your honours, will we doubt not, incet with due encouragement, as it is the most exposed of any upon the western Frontiers, and the properest place to make a stand against the Enemy-
Your Petitioner as in duty bound shall pray &e SETH HUDSON
Commanding Officer at West Hoosuck
BOSTON 22D APRIL 1757
IN COUNCIL APRIL 25. 1757
Read and ordered that Timothy Woodbridge Esq, of Stockbridge with such as the Honble House shall joyn be a Comtee to take the Petition above referred to into Consideration, Repair to Hoosuck to Examine the state of the Forts there, and Consider whether it be most Expedient to Repair Fort Massachusetts, to keep a Garrison there and at the Block-house, or to build Elsewhere ; That the sd Comtce inquire into the Facts alledg'd, hear the Parties, and they are hereby Impowered to take Evidence relative thereto on oath,
Sent down for Coneurrenee A. OLIVER Secy
IN THE HOUSE OF REPS APRIL 25, 1757 Read and Concurred, and Coll. Morey & Capt Livermore are Joined in the affair T. HUBBARD S'K'r
1
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Mr. Woodbridge and his associates at once "repaired" to the western frontier, examined into the state of affairs there, and made a full report which is given below together with the action of the General Court thereon.
No artillery had as yet been allowed at the block-house, and a second petition was presented therefor, and also for the services of a chaplain.
Province of the ? To the Honble his Majesty's Council
Mass. Day $
The petition of Seth Iludson of West Housuck, in behalf of the Inhabitants there-Humbly Showeth :
That the Block-house at W. Honsuck is, by the continued labors of the Inhabi- tants made very strong, and greatly improved by additional works, so as to be the strongest Fort on the Western Frontier, well situated for a Barrier, and will proba- bly save in a short time, great charge to the Government by its being in a Town- ship of the finest land in the Province, which will soon fill with People, many of the Proprietors being in Connecticut, and others from that Colony being desirous of settling there; but we are wholly without artillery,
They therefore humbly pray your Honours would grant such a part of the artil- lery from Fort Massachusetts, with Powder, Shott, & Shells, with other necessarys, as may be suitable for defending the Block-house. And if a Chaplain should be ap- pointed this summer for Fort Mass, we leg we may likewise have the privilege of his preaching with us, a favour we have not hitherto enjoyed, tho but four milos distant from Fort Massachusetts.
Your Petitioner as in Duty bound, shall ever Pray &c
SETH HUDSON
Commanding Officer of West Hoosuck
Presented. May 1757
The artillery in Fort Massa are
3-4 Pounders
1-field piece
2-Swivells
2 -- Cohorn mortars-
In reply to this request one of the "four pounders," and two swivels, named in the above memorandum, were sent to the block. house.
The Comtee appointed to repair to Hoosuck to examine the state of the forts there and to consider the complaints contained in a petition Exhibited by Sundry persons of West Hoosuck,
Are of the opinion that the fort Called the Massachusetts being placed and built where it is was owing to the want of a better acquaintance of the state, Situation and Circumstances of that part of the province.
The Comtee Humbly conceive that the great ends and designs of the Govern- ment in being at the Expense of fortifying and maintaining a garrison there was to promote and bring forward settlements in that expos'd & unsettled part of the pro- vince, and to be a protection to such as would bring forward Settlements, and in some measure a defence to the Settlements below, by diverting, discovouring, an- noying & giving intelligence of the approach of the Enemy. And if those things were the purpose of the Government the Comtee are of opinion that the said fort is
56
not so Suitably and conveniently situated to answer those Ends as might be in seme other place. For by the best information it appears that the enemies chief gang- way to the western frontiers is about the west part of the west Township. Tho Comtee upon a carefull Examination of the Condition of the said fort find it much decayed. but still in such condition as may answer for a while the purposes of a garrison without cost to repair it
The Comtee upon a view of the Fort or block-house Erected in the west Town- ship find it a place of considerable strength and tolarable situation, and with some additional building and properly man'd it would be in a condition of being main- tained against a considerable force. And altho the fortress is not built on the Square yet it is so near that it will accomodate the Settlers almost as well, and with the addition of Barracks or Stockades from the block-house to the TOP OF THE HILL, ABOUT SEVEN RODS, with a mount at ye end of the said Barracks or Stock- ades ON SAID HILL, the whole will be as well situated for defence as any place the Comtee could discover.
The Comtee having Examined into the grounds of the Complaints in the said pe- tition committed to their Consideration are of the opinion that the complaints Ex- hibited in Said petition are well supported Excepting the change of the Subsistence being withheld on all occasions when any soldiar is absent from tho fort. For it appeared to the Comtee that when any soldier is sent on an express his Subsistence is not withheld. The Comtee are also of opinion that the adding of twenty more men to the ten at tho block-house or fort in the west Township would be of publio service.
All which is Humbly submitted TIMO WOODBRIDGE SAMUEL LIVERMORE MOSES MARCY
STOCKBRIDGE JUNE 10. 1757
IX THE HOUSE OF REP'S JANUARY 10. 1758
Read, and Voted, That this report be accepted so far as it relates to Fort Massa- chusetts and the block-house at West Hoosuck
Sent up for concurrence T. HUBBARD Spkr -
Ix COUNCIL JANY 10. 1758 Read and Concurred A OLIVER Secy
That part of the above report which related to the conduct of Capt. Wyman, the commander at Fort Massachusetts, Maj. Elijah, the commissary, and Col. Israel Williams, the commander of the western department, together with the memorials of each of these officers, were referred to a new committee to make further and more thorough investigations.
A large mass of testimony was taken, including numerous depo- sitions, in support of and in opposition to the complaints of the petitioners ; and after a full examination the committee made a report, that the complaints, with one or two exceptions, as to the conduct of Capt. Wyman, were not proved.
But the times of trial and danger for the hardy pioneers of our
,
57
town were drawing to a close. The war was soon to be trans- ferred from the banks of the Hoosic and the Connecticut to those of the St. Lawrence. The footsteps of the Indian warrior were no more seen within our borders, and the frontier settlements thenceforward had rest and peace.
CORRESPONDENCE, &c.
The following letters were called forth by the invitation sent abroad by the committee to former residents of Williamstown to unite in the celebration of the centennial. They were not written with the expectation that they would be published. But the committee have thought that the great ends of the celebration would be more perfectly attained by giving them a permanent form in the published proceedings of the day.
12 WEST 29TH STREET, NEW YORK, NOT. 9, 1865. DR. H. L. SABIN,-MY DEAR SIR :-
Yours of the 6th came to hand last evening. It took us by surprise, but we should be delighted to be with you on the 19th, if it were possible. We have talked it over and tried to make it so, but we are getting old and neither Mrs. Peters nor myself feel quite able to brave the journey at this season, and I am pledged to some other engagements about that time which I cannot well forego. On the whole, we feel obliged to deny ourselves the coveted pleasure.
The occasion, we have no doubt, would be one of great interest to us, as well as to the natives of Williamstown. The thought is a gued one, and the selection of Mr. Noble as the Historian for the occasion is admirable. Our hearts will be with you and we shall hope for the best results from so genial a gathering on one of the way- marks of time. Our best love to your family and other friends.
I write by the hand of another, for reasons which you understand, and remain
Very cordially yours,
A. PETERS.
UNIVERSITY AT LEWISBURG, PENY., NOV. 14, 1865.
MY DEAR SIR :---
Your note informing me of the intended commemoration at Williamstown was was duly received, having been forwarded to me from iny lote residence. I need not say to you how happy I should be to attend and take part. From the time when I first heard that a celebration was contemplated, 1 looked forward to it with great pleasure, not allowing myself to doubt that I should be there, if it were phys- ically possible. But my duties here have been too recently assumed and are too engrossing to permit me to be absent at this time, I cannot tell you how greatly I regret this. My heart will be there. I suppose that every thoughtful person has a very special interest in the place of his birth and education. But we may be
59
jiermitted to look with no common interest and gratitude upon our old home. The associations that bind our hearts to old Williamstown, I am sure, can never let go their hold. I beg you to convey the expression of my very cordial regards to your colleagues of the committee, and to those-every year growing fewer-by whom I shall be missed.
I remain, as ever, Your Friend and Obt. Serv't, LUCIUS E. SMITHI.
DR. IL. L., SABIN.
MONROE, Nov. 12, 1865.
MY DEAR BROTHER :-
I saw in the New York Observer, a day or two since a notice of the centennial cel- ebration in our dear old native town, of its first settlement and the ordination of the first Pastor, and an invitation to all who were born there, now seattered over the broad land, to return and review with them the memories of the past, and unito with them in a prayer meeting on the evening of that day (the 19th instant.) I certainly consider myself as embraced within that eall-myself already in the sear and yellow leaf of life-so many years away, I need not tell you what pleasure it would give me te be there and meet you and others, and particularly on that occa . sion.
One hundred years ago! They must indeed have been a little band, feeble and few, who stood around their Pastor at the laying on of hands upon his devoted head. But they felt the value of that ministry, and of that Book which brings life and inmortality to light, and which breathes of that charity which seeketh not her own. One hundred years! The heads of those venerable men who were active in the formation of that church and society have been laid low. To come down within my own recollection, old Doct. Fitch, Rev. Mr. King, Doct. Griffin, Rev. Mr. Gridley, and the Deacons Stratton, Ford, Smedley, Skinner and our own hon- ored father, the Whitmans and other active and intelligent members of that church and society, whose voices have so often been heard at the church conference meet- ings, and were once so familiar to us, where are they ? Each year in its revolution has taken them from our sight, and some who perhaps may yet remain stand bend- ing over the entrance to their final resting place, and soon will glide as shadows from our sight. I love my native tewn, I love her people, it seems to me like holy ground. It has always seemed to me, that a place where so many grand enterprises have originated, so much prayer been offered, so many good and holy men lived and died, must always be greatly blessed of God. The influences of that church and that college have been felt in the remotest corners of the earth, and given wings to many messengers of peace, who have made glad the hearts of many destituto heathen, and many broken hearted suppliants at the cross. I believe the Pastors of that church have always endeavored to lead their people to the Rock on which they could build for eternity. The descendants of such sires need never be ashamed, or afraid of being left out in the cold. Who would not love to live there, who would not love to die and be buried there, anidet that people, among those hills, and take part with them in the great resurrection ? I find.it very difficult, my dear brother, to resist that call to prayer from my kindred in my native town. I should love to be there, and mingle my poor prayer with you on that delightful occasion, but the time necessarily spent in going and coming so long a distance involves too much for me to spare at this time. May God be with you and bless you there.
We are all pretty well- my love to all my kindred and friends.
Affectionately your Bra hor, CHARLES AUDI.
REY. MASON NOBLE, WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS.
1
60
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS TO THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WILLIAMSTOWN.
We whose names are hereunto subscribed do severally promise and agree to pay unto such persons as a majority of the subseribers shall appoint a committee to re- ceive the same, the several sums set against our names respectively-to be applied to the purpose of erecting a house of publie worship on the eminence where the old meeting house now stands in Williamstown. The money so subscribed to be paid at such time or times, and the house to be built of such dimensions and upon such model as the majority of the subscribers shall direct.
SEPTEMBER 26th, 1796.
€ s. d.
£ s. d.
T. I. & B. Skinners
100-0-0
James Greene
3-0-0
William Hamilton
25-0-0
William Touner
15-0-0
Eli Cotton
4-10-0
Asa Russell
10-0-0
O. Barrit
20-0-0
Josiah Wright 3d
3-0-0
Shubael Wilmarth
9-0-0
Stephen Hickox
10-0-0
Samuel Sloan
60-0-0
N. Chamberlain
15-0-0
R. Sheldon
15-0-0
D. & Dea. Noblo
80-0-0
Daniel Day
40-0-0
Z. Forad
12-0-0
C. Baker
25-0-0
Josiah Wright, Jr.
5-0-0
A. Harrison
12-0-0
J. & T. - Meacham
24-0-0
C. Sabin
15-0-0
Wm. Foster
15-0-0
E. Cotton, Jr.
3-0-0
Wm. Wells
20-0-0
Abram Starks
1-10-0
Win. Smith
9-0-0
S. Kellogg
25-0-0
T. Boardman
600
I. Day
12-0-0
Sam'l Satterlee
300
L. & E. Smedley
50-0-0
Ezekiel Burk
1 10 0
H. Richardson
5-0-0
T. & D. Smith
12 0 0
E. Mather
15-0-0
Jacob Bacon
12 0 0
Corporation
100-0-0
Chas. Bulkley, Jr.
900
Dan'l Dewey
15-0-0
Rev. Seth Swift
15 0 0
Aaron Footo
3-0-0
Jas. Meacham
600
Stephen Patchen
1-10-0
Barth. Woodcock
30 0 0
Barney MeMan
2-10-0
Absalom Blair
12 0 0
Tim'y Northam
9-0-0
Warren Roberts
200
Dan'l Foote
2-0-0
John Sweet
600
Lemuel Stewart
75-0-0
Isaac Sherwood
10 0 0
Ebenezer Stratton
20-0-0
Wm. Sloan
300
William Young
20-0-0
Dan'l Burbank
400
W. Starkweather
20-0-0
Joseph Osborn
7 10 0
David Johnson
20-0-0
John Douning
5 10 0
Isaac Miller
0-12-0
Amza Smith
2 10 9
Samuel Higgins
15-0-0
Thomas Bishop
12 0 0
Tim'y Balch
9-0-0
Jedidiah Stone
140
Pirly Putnam
20-0-0
Jeremiah Smith
140
.Jos'h Balch
8-0-0
Jos'h Talmage & Son
20 0 0
Jona. Danforth
22-0-0
Constant William
10 0 0
Stephen Scott
5-0-0
Sam'l Tyler
15 0 0
Pardon Starks
1-10-0
Reuben Sealey
1000
Benj'n Simonds
6-0-0
Jonathan Bridges
15 0 0
Elijah Thomas
8-0-0
Lewis Tousant
140
Soloman Wooleot
7-0-0
Jas. Fowler
10 0 0
Elisha Williams
15-0-0
Abial Hawkins
1000
Nathaniel Kellogg
10-0-0
Nehemiah Woodcock
1000
Nathan Smith
6-0-0
Joel Baldwin
20 0 0
Amount, £1,367 14 9.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0 014 079 652 9
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