USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Mattapoisett > Historic sketches of Hanson, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro', Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Wareham, and West Bridgewater > Part 6
USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Middleborough > Historic sketches of Hanson, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro', Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Wareham, and West Bridgewater > Part 6
USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Plympton > Historic sketches of Hanson, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro', Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Wareham, and West Bridgewater > Part 6
USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Wareham > Historic sketches of Hanson, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro', Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Wareham, and West Bridgewater > Part 6
USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Hanson > Historic sketches of Hanson, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro', Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Wareham, and West Bridgewater > Part 6
USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Historic sketches of Hanson, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro', Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Wareham, and West Bridgewater > Part 6
USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Lakeville > Historic sketches of Hanson, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro', Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Wareham, and West Bridgewater > Part 6
USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Pembroke > Historic sketches of Hanson, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro', Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Wareham, and West Bridgewater > Part 6
USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Rochester > Historic sketches of Hanson, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Middleboro', Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, Wareham, and West Bridgewater > Part 6
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 (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
Colonels - Charles Sturtevant, from Jan. 4, 1797, to 1800 ; Noah Dexter, from 1812, to Aug. 5th, 1812; David Hatha- way, from 1826 to 1829; John H. Clark, from December 8th, 1829. Abial P. Robinson, from May 7, 1834, to 1837.
Lieutenant Colonels - Ebenezer White, from 1775 to 1781; Charles Sturtevant, from May 1, 1794, to Jan. 4, 1797; Noah Dexter, from June, 1809, to 1812 ; Ebenezer Barrows, from 1826 to 1827; John H. Clark, from 1827 to Dec. 8, 1829; Gilbert Hathaway, from 1839 to April 24, 1840.
Majors - Edward Winslow, from an early and unknown date. Elisha Ruggles, from 1787, to 17- Charles Sturte- vant, from 179- to May 1, 1794 ; Roland Luce, from July 22, 1800, to 1806 ; Noah Dexter, from 1807, to June, 1809 ; Nathaniel Haskell, from 1814, to 1821 ; David Hathaway, from Oct. 10, 1823, to 1826 ; John H. Clark, from 1826 to 1827. Abial P. Robinson, from 1832, to May 7, 1834 ; Charles H. Clark, from May 7, 1834, to 1836; Gilbert Hathaway, from 1837, to 1839; Rogers L. Barstow, from 1853, to 1858.
Part of a company of cavalry, for several years existed in
8
58
HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
town, and and of which Nathaniel Haskell, John Bennett, Ira Clark, and James H. Clark, were successively command- ders, Captain Haskell, being promoted to Major of the Cav- alry Battallion.
A company of Light Infantry, was raised in 1849, and James H. Look, commissioned Captain. He was succeedd by Rogers L. Barstow, in 1851. This company belonged to the Third Regiment of Light Infantry, then commanded by Colonel Eliab Ward, of Middleborough, and in the Second Brigade Mass. Volunteer Militia, then under Brigadier Gen- eral Henry Durham, of Abington.
While Marion and Mattapoisett, remained as parts of Roch- ester, the town could properly lay claim to considerable com- mercial enterprise, two hundred and fifteen workmen being at one time engaged in ship building.
Whaling was also carried on and the making of salt. At one time about sixty sail of merchant and coasting vessels, were owned here. What by many was believed to have been the most valuable private Library in the State, was owned by Rev. Thomas Robbins, formerly a settled clergyman, in that part of Rochester, now Mattapoisett.
This library consisted of about three thousand volumes and four thousand pamphlets. He also had an extensive collec tion of coins, manuscripts, &c.
Rochester Company of " Minute Men" that responded to the first callApril 19th, 1775.
Commissioned Officers. Edward Hammond, Captain ; Jo- siah Burgess, Lieutantant ; Timothy Ruggles, Ensign. Non Commissioned Officers. Sergeants ; William Nye, Jonathan King, Stafford Hammond, Sylvester Bates. Corporals ; Church Mendall, Elisha Briggs, David Snow, William Crapo. Private Soldiers ; Ichabod Nye, William Randall, Nathan Savery, - Bassett, Richard Warren, Nathaniel Ryder, George Hammond, Joseph Clark, Shubael Hammond, Rufus Bassett, Jonathan Clark, Lemuel Caswell, Nathan Nye, Seth Mendall, Moses Bates, Consider King. Hathaway Randall, Seth Hathaway, Elijah Caswell, jr., Nathan Perry, Isaac Washburn, Japhet Washburn, Caleb Combs, Joseph Ham- mond, Benjamin Haskins, John Briggs, Elijah Bates, David Bates, Daniel Mendall, Samuel Snow, Nathan Sears, Nathan- iel King, Weston Clark, Robert Rider, Silas Bassett, Eben- ezer Foster, George Clark, William Hopper.
Rochester 2d foot company of Militia that responded to the " Lexington Alarm" April 19th, 1775.
59
ROCHESTER.
Nathaniel Hammond, Captain ; Nathaniel Briggs, Lieu- tenant; John Briggs, Lemuel Le Baron Sergeants ; Cor- porals, Increase Clapp, Samuel Jenness. John -, Charles Sturtevant, --- Sturdevant, - Hammond, Joel Ellis, Nathaniel Sears, Joseph Ilaskell, 2d, Benjamin Dexter, Daniel Hammond, - Briggs, Samuel Sampson, Ichabod Clapp, Joshua Allen, John Allen, jr., John Clark, IIosea Bolles, John Keen, Jos. Wing, Ebenezer Hammond, Elisha Briggs, Private Soldiers. (See roll at State House).
The 4th regiment in 2d Brigade 5th Division, that from about the commencement of the war of the revolution, cm- braced all the militia companies of Middleborough, Roches- ter, and Wareham, were divided in the days of gerrymander- ing (see order of Governor and Council, at the State House, Boston, Jan. 15, 1812), and the companies of Rochester and Wareham set off, and wish those of Carver, mnade a new and distinct regiment, of which Major Noah Dexter, of Roches- ter was elected and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel Com- mandant. Benjamin Ellis of Carver, Major, and Asa Bar- rows appointed Adjutant. This was disbanded by order of the Governor and Council August 5th, 181.º, and the com- panies of Rochester and Wareham set back to the 4th regi- ment, then commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Abial Wash- burn of Middleborough, Levi Peirce of Middleborough be- ing Senior or First Major, and Samuel White, Junior Major.
From 1812 to 1826, Rochester and Wareham militia con- tinued to form a part of the 4th regiment, and at the date last mentioned was again divided pursuant to the following order.
" The committee of Council on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the petition of Sylvanus Barrows and other commissioned officers in the 4th regiment, 1st Brigade, 5th Division of the militia of this commonwealth, praying, for the reasons therein set forth, that the said 4th regiment may be divided, and that the several companies of militia in the towns of Rochester and Wareham, now constituting a part of said fourth regiment, together with the south company in the town of Carver, now constituting a part of the first regiment in said Brigade, may form and constitute a new regiment, re- spectfully report that His Excellency be advised to detach from the fourth regiment aforesaid the companies of militia, with their officers, within the limits of the said towns of Rochester and Wareham, and the south company in Carver with their officers, from the aforesaid first regiment, and to
60
HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
form the aforesaid detachment into a new regiment, to be de- nominated the fifth regiment in first Brigade fifth Division aforesaid, and that such field and staff officers as belonged to the fourth regiment aforesaid, and who are now resident and domiciled within the limits now provided for said new regi- ment shall retain their respective ranks and be attached to said new regiment. The committee further report that it ap- pears that the field officers of the fourth regiment aforesaid, the Brigadier and Major Generals of the first Brigade and fifth Division, have approved of the petition aforesaid and that no objection appears from the officers of the south com- pany in Carver aforesaid, or from the officers of the first regi- ment, all of which is submitted by order of the committee."
"In Council July 8th, 1826, Nathan Willis Chairman."
" The above report is considered and accepted, and by the Governor approved,"
" Attest Edward D. Bangs, Secretary."
" Commonwealth of Massachusetts," Head Quarters, Bos- ton, July 14th 1826. General orders. Major General Lin- coln of the fifth Division is directed to carry the above advice of Council, approved by the Governor, into effect, and to give the necessary orders for the organization of the new Regi- ment."
" By His Excellency's Command, William H. Sumner, Adjutant Genera .. "
" Head Quarters, New Bedford, July 17th 1826." " Division Orders."
The Major General directs that Brigadier General Ephraim Ward of the first Brigade issue the orders necessary for carrying into effect immediately the foregoing advice of Council of the 8th, and general orders of the 14th current." " By order of the Major General 5th Division, Timothy G. Coffin, Aid De Camp."
" Head Quarters, Middleborough, July 28th 1826," e " Brigade Order."
The Brigadier General directs that the aforegoing advice of Council of the 8th, and general orders of the 14th, and division orders of the 17th current be carried into imme- diate effect.
Lieutenant Colonel Wood, commandant of the 4th regi -. ment will transmit copies of the foregoing advice of Council, General and Division orders, together with this order, to each of the commanding officers of companies in the town of Mid- dleborough, now composing said fourth regiment.
61
ROCHESTER.
" Major David Hathaway, senior officer of the fifth or new regiment will transmit similar copies to each commanding of- ficer of a company within the limits prescribed by the advice of Council aforesaid, to constitute said new or 5th regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Wood, Major Hathaway, and all others concerned, will take due notice of the advice of Council afore- said, General, Division and Brigade orders, and govern them- selves according to the precept thereof.
By order of the Brigadier General, 1st Brigade 5th Division, Nathaniel Wilder, B. Major."
The field officers in this new regiment were filled by elect- ing and commissioning three Rochester gentlemen, namely : David Hathaway, Colonel, Ebenezer Barrows, Lieutenant-Col- onel, and John H. Clark, Major. Doctor Thomas E. Gage, of Rochester, was appointed Adjutant.
Colonel David Hathaway, was born in Freetown, Sept. 24, 1788. He was a son of Gilbert Hathaway of Freetown, and wife, Mary Evans. Gilbert and Mary were married Nov. 24th 1779. She was born Feb. 12th 1751. She was a daughter of David Evans Jr., and wife, Anna Weaver, of Swansey, who were married Nov. 29 1745. Anna was a daughter of Benjamin Weaver of Swansey, and wife, Ruth Sheffield, Benjamin and Ruth were married April 11, 1723.
Ebenezer Barrows was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel from the office of Captain of the Light Infantry company then existing in that part of Rochester now Mattapoisett. He resigned, and was succeeded as Lieutenant Colonel by Major John H. Clark, who finally succeeded Colonel Hathaway in the command of the regiment December 8th, 1829.
The first election for the choice of Field officers for this regiment was held 1826. Major John H. Clark was pro- moted to Lieutenant Colonel, in place of Ebenezer Barrows. September 11th, 1827, was the time set for the election to be held at the house of Elisha Ruggles, innholder, but this was countermanded in Brigade orders of Sept. 7th, 1827, and Major Clark was not promoted until some time after.
Lucius Downs succeeded John H. Clark as Major, and was in turn succeeded by Stillman Shaw. This 5th regiment cx- isted but a few years, when it was disbanded, and the com- panies of Rochester and Wareham again became a part of the fourth regiment, and thus continued until the abolition of the old militia system, by an act of the Massachusetts Legis- lature, April 24th, 1840.
62
ROCHESTER.
Rochester Justices of the Peace, and date of appointments.
Ebenezer White, Oct. 31, 1775 ; David Wing, Aug. 28, 1775 ; David Nye, May 17, 1787 ; Elnathan Haskell, May 28, 1787 ; Abraham Holmes, March 2, 1789; Nathan Wil- lis, March 4, 1800 ; Nathaniel Hammoud 31d, Feb. 19, 1805 ; Nathaniel Ruggles, Jan. 26, 1810 ; Elisha Ruggles, May 5, 1810 ; Gideon Barstow Jr, Feb. 22, 1811 ; Caleb Briggs, Feb. 22, 1811 ; Elijah Willis, Feb. 22, 1811 ; Peleg Whitridge, May 8, 1812 ; Charles J. Holmes, Feb. 15, 1814 ; Micah H. Ruggles, Jan. 31, 1815 ; Thomas Bassett, Jan. 30, 1816 ; Charles Sturtevant, Jan. 30, 1816 ; Joseph Meigs, Feb. 3, 1816 ; George Wing, Feb. 5, 1822 ; James Ruggles, April 16, 1822; Jesse Martin, May 26, 1823 ; Joseph Look, May 26, 1823 ; Philip Crandon, Feb. 17, 1824 ; Lothrop Perkins, Feb. 17, 1824; Butler Wing, Jan. 7, 1825 ; Wil- liam Le Baron, July 1, 1825 ; George King, Jan. 24, 1829 ; Theophilus Pitcher, Jr., Feb. 1, 1831 ; David Hathaway, Jan. 12, 1836 ; Walton N. Ellis, Jan. 12, 1836 ; Joseph Haskell, Feb. 7, 1837 ; Joseph W. Church, April 11, 1839 ; Theophilus King, July 25, 1839 ; Noah C. Perkins, Feb. 17, 1841; Amitta B. Hammond, March 6, 1841 ; Rogers L. Barstow, Jan. 14, 1843; Benjamin F. Barstow, Feb. 12, 1851. James H. Lock, George Peirce, Thos. Ellis.
Coroners. - Nathaniel Haskell, March 1, 1794 ; Peleg Whitridge, Jan. 26, 1802; Nathaniel Haskell Jr., June 17, 1815.
TOWN OFFICERS, 1873-4.
Town Clerk, Treasurer, and Collector - Henry C. Nye. Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, and Assessors - John Blackmer, George H. Peirce, John G. Dexter.
School Committee - G. B. Blackmer, Joseph E. Church, Henry H. Bennett, L. D. Braley, Charles H. Alley.
Constables - Robert C. Randall, Judah Hathaway, Town Agent, James Ruggles, Herring Inspector, G. B, Blackmer.
CHURCHES.
Congregational Church - Rev. Nelson Clark, Pastor. North Rochester Congl. Church - No settled Pastor. Union Church - No settled Pastor.
63
WAREHAM.
WAREHAM.
Agawam was the Indian name of this locality. It was sold by the natives in 1655, the town of Plymouth being the purchaser. In 1682 the town of Plymouth, for two hundred pounds, conveyd it by deed of sale to Joseph Warren, Wm. Clark, Joseph Bartlett and Josiah Morton, of Plymouth, Isaac Little, of Marshfield and Seth Pope, of Dartmouth.
The earliest permanent English settlers came from Hingham and chief among whom was Israel Fearing.
It was incorporated as a township in 1739. Their first settled minister was Rev. Roland Thatcher, who was ordained in 1740 and died in 1773. Thus it appears that from the date of purchase to that of incorporation, was eighty-four years. Rev. Josiah Cotton succeeded Mr. Thatcher as the town's minister, and he was in turn succeeded by Rev. Noble Everett, ordained in 1784.
At the breaking out or commencement of the war of the American Revolution, the train bands and alarm lists of Middleborough, Rochester and Wareham were detached and set off from the Plymouth or first regiment in Plymouth County Militia, and made to constitute a new regiment, numbered and known as the Fourth Regiment.
Of this then new Fourth Regiment, Ebenezer Sprout, of Middleborough, who had been Major of the first regiment, was promoted to Colonel. Ebenezer White, of Rochester, Lieut. Colonel, Israel Fearing, of Wareham, Senior, or first Major, and John Nelson, of Middleborough, now Lakeville, Junior or second Major.
Israel Fearing was in 1785 promoted to Lieut. Colonel, in 1787, to Colonel, and in a few years after to Brigadier General.
While General Fearing commanded the Brigade, and Major General Nathaniel Goodwin the Division, Fearing's Brigade was called out pursuant to orders, as follows :
DIVISION ORDERS.
Head Quarters, Plymouth, August 27, 1803
" Brigadier General Fearing is ordered to parade with his Brigade, including Cavalry and Artillery, for review, inspec- tion and discipline, near the widow Dunbar's, in Halifax, on Wednesday, 12 October next, at 9 o'clock A. M., completely equipped with arms and accoutrements and eight rounds of sporting cartridges.
" The Commander-in-Chief it is expected will review the
64
HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
Brigade, and the Major General flatters himself the officers and soldiers will conduct with that martial spirit, order and subordination which they displayed on a similar occasion."
By order of the Major General, 5 Division.
(Signed) N. HAYWARD, A. D. C.
BRIGADE ORDERS. Head Quarters, Wareham, Sept. 1st. 1803.
" In pursuance of the foregoing Division Orders, and to carry the same into effect, the General of Brigade directs the officers commanding Regiments and Battalions in 1st Brigade 5th Division to parade with their respective commands at the time and place therein mentioned. Punctuality is the main spring of military subordination. He recommends that each commanding officer appoint his alarm post so near the parade as to enable him to lead on his command at the appointed moment. For the order and regulation of the day, reference may be had to Brigade Orders 29 August and 9 Sept., 1799, part of which will probably be attempted. If any other ar- rangements are made they will be seasonably communicated."
Per Order, (signed) W. JACKSON. Brigade Major.
The Brigade then consisted of 4 Regiments of Infantry, a Battalion of Cavalry, and a Battalion of Artillery, and these commands were officered in the field as follows :
1st Regiment, Militia of Plymouth, Carver and Kings- ton. "John Thomas, Lieut. Colonel Commandant, Zacheus Bartlett, and George Russell, Mayors.
2d. Regiment, Militia of Scituate, Hanover and Pembroke. Charles Turner, of Scituate, Lieut. Colonel Commandant, Nathaniel Sylvester and John James, Majors, and Samuel Eels, Adjutant.
3d Regiment, Militia of Abington and the Bridgewaters. Sylvanus Lazell, of Bridgewater, Lieut. Colonel Com- mandant, Caleb Howard and James Barrett, Majors, and Hector Orr, Adjutant.
*Colonel John Thomas was from a military stork. He was a son of Major General Thomas, of the Patriot Army of the Revolution, and who perished in the service of his country at Chamblee. The son re- sided on the same spot of ground in Kingston, that had been the home of his father. Of Ist Regiment, John Thomas held successively the offices of Adjutant, Major, Lient. Colonel and Colonel. 'Col. Sylvanus Lazell succeeded General Fearing as Brigadier General He was the founder of and a large proprietor in the extensive "Iron Works " in Bridgewater.
65
WAREHAM.
4th Regiment, Militia of Middleborough, Rochester and Wareham. * Abiel Washburn, of Middleborough, Lieut. Col. Commandant, Peter Hoar, of Middleborough and Roland Luce, of Rochester, Majors, and Cyrus Keith, of Middle- borough, Adjutant.
CAVALRY BATTALION.
Companies of Cavalry in Bridgewaters and Middleborough. William Bourne, t of Middleborough, Major Commandant. Elias Dunbar, of Bridgewater, Adjutant.
ARTILLERY BATTALION.
Companies of Artillery# in Plymouth, Abington and Han- over. Joseph Thomas, of Plymouth, Major Commandant and William Hammatt, Adjutant.
These three companies of Artillery constituted a Battalion for many years. Disbanded in or about 1831, reformed again in 1834, again disbanded in 1843.
But it was not as a Brigadier General of the Plymouth County Militia that Israel Fearing acquired that notoriety among the people, and the good name for which he was dis- tinguished. The circumstance which caused him to stand forth so conspicuously in the public mind, and to hold so high a place in its affections and such a share in its love, esteem and confidence, was of an earlier date, and transpired during the war of the Revolution, when Israel Fearing had only attained to the rank and commission of Major in 4th Regiment Ply- mouth County Militia.
*Col. Abiel Washburn was a son of Edward Washburn, of Middle- borough, (that part now Lakeville,) Edward was a patriot soldier in war of Revolution.
Col. Washburn succeeded Sylvanus Lazell as Brigadier General, Sept. 4, 1816.
+Major William Bourne was a son of Capt. Abner Bourne, of Middle- borough, who commanded a company in the Revolutionary war. Major Bourne was a senator from Plymouth County and one of County Com- missioners. Died Dec. 10, 1845, in the house where he was born.
¿The Plymouth Artillery Company was organized July 8, 1777, Thomas Mayhew was the first captain. It was disbanded in or about 1850.
The Abington Artillery was organized Dec. 24, 1787.
The Hanover Artillery Company was organized May 3d, 1802. Hon. Benjamin Whitman was the first captain. These companies, together with the Norton Artillery Company that was organized in October, 1776, were brought together in 1843 and organized as a Regiment of Artillery. Wendall Hall, of Plymouth, commissioned Colonel, Ephraim B. Richards, of Boston, Lieut. Colonel, Ebenezer W. Peirce, of Free- town, Major ; Francis I. Noyes, of Boston, Adjutant, Robert B. Hall, of Plymouth, Chaplain ; John P. Wade, of No Dighton, Paymaster.
9
66
HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
The story has oft been told, and repeatedly appeared in different publications, and to many of the readers of this ar- ticle are, perhaps, as familiar as " household words," yet in this connection it seems that to omit it would be inexcusable, and therefore we here present that version of the affair given in " Dwight's Travels," volume 3, page 71, describing the cir- cumstances which attended the attempt made by the British troops to destroy the village of Fairhaven on the night of Sept. 7, 1778, they having previously burned some of the houses and destroyed a large amount of property at New Bed- ford.
" From this place they marched around the head of the riv- er to Sconticut Point, on the eastern side, leaving in their course, for some unknown reason, the villages of Oxford and Fairhaven. Here they continued until Monday morning, and then re-embarked.
" The following night a large body of them proceeded up the river with the design to finish the work of destruction by burning Fairhaven.
" A critical attention to their movements had convinced the inhabitants that this was their design, and induced them to prepare for their reception.
" The militia of the neighboring country had been sum- moned for the defence of this village.
Their commander was a man far advanced in years.
" Under the influence of that languor which at this period enfeebles both the body and the mind, he determined that the place must be given up to the enemy, and that no oppo - sition to their ravages could be made with any hope of suc- cess.
" This decision of their officer, necessarily spread its be- numbing influence over the militia, and threatened an absolute prevention of all enterprise and the destruction of this hand- some village.
" Among the officers belonging to the brigade was Israel Fearing, Esq., a Major of one of the regiments.
"This gallant young man, observing the torpor which was spreading among the troops, invited as many as had sufficient spirit to follow him, and station themselves at the post of danger.
" Among those who accepted the invitation was one of the Colonels, who, of course, became commandant ; but after they had arrived at Fairhaven, and the night had come on, he proposed to march the troops back into the country.
67
WAREHAM.
" He was warmly opposed by Major Fearing, and finding that he could not prevail, prudently retired to a house three miles distant, where he passed the night in safety.
" After the Colonel had withdrawn, Major Fearing, now commander-in-chief, arranged his men with activity and skill, and soon perceived the British approaching.
" The militia, in the strictest sense, raw, already alarmed by the reluctance of their superior officers to meet the enemy, and naturally judging that men of years must understand the real state of the danger better than Major Fearing, a mere youth, were panic struck at the approach of the enemy, and instantly withdrew from their post.
At this critical moment, Major Fearing, with the decision which awes men into a strong sense of duty, rallied them ; and placing himself in the rear, declared in a tone which re- moved all doubt, that he would kill the first man whom he found retreating.
" The resolution of their chief recalled theirs. With the utmost expedition he then led them to the scene of danger.
" The British had already set fire to several stores. Be- tween these buildings and the rest of the village he stationed his troops, and ordered them to lie close in profound silence, until the enemy, who were advancing, should have come so near, that no marksman could easily mistake his object. The orders were punctually obeyed. When the enemy had arrived within this distance the Americans arose, and with a well directed fire, gave them a warm and unexpected recep- tion. The British fled instantly to their boats, and fell down the river with the utmost expedition.
" From the quantity of blood found the next day in their line of march, it was supposed that their loss was conside - able.
" Thus did this heroic youth, in opposition to his superior officers, preserve Fairhaven, and merit a statue from its in- habitants."
Major Fearing was also for a time on duty in Rhode Is- land, and stationed at or near a place called " Fogland."
From this account of the stirring scenes witnessed at, and of what was transpiring in the little village of Fairhaven on that memorable night in September, almost one hundred years ago, it appears that a certain Colonel greatly over-rated himself, snuffing the battle bravely so long as the danger was far off, but proving wholly useless when trouble was near.
That Colonel, if we trust to tradition, became a laughing
.
68
HISTORY OF TOWNS IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY.
stock then, and his conduct the subject of ridicule for many years after.
Half a century later, some personal enemies of Colonel John Nelson of Middleborough, tried to create the belief that he was the cowardly colonel referred to, which any one con- versant with the facts must have known were untrue, because impossible, as John Nelson was at that date (viz., Sept. 1778) holding the commission of Junior Major, and was not a Col- onel until July 1st, 1781, or almost three years later. He was Junior in rank at that time (1778) to Israel Fearing, and consequently the withdrawal of John Nelson was not neces- sary to give the command to or make the leadership de- volve on Fearing, who at that time was a Senior Major, and consequently Nelson's superior officer.
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.