History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 34

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1672

USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II > Part 34

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This action of the town gave great satisfaction to the friends of the administration throughout the country. The resolutions were published by Repub- lican (Democratic) newspapers everywhere; and from one and all the town received words of praise and encouragement. Of the manner of their recep- tion in Congress, Representative Story wrote to his brother, under date of December 21, 1808:

" This day I had the pleasure of presenting the Marblehead petition, and as a part of my address on this occasion, which was short, I read in the hearing of the House the resolves of Marblehead. The effect was electricnl. It gave a degree of delight, it awakened a sensation of ad- miration far beyond what I ever knew in a public body. On every side the patriotism, the honorable, the tried and uniform patriotism of Mar- blehead resounded. All the Republicans declare their determination to assist in some way to honor and relieve the citizens of the Town, and I feel au assurance that some of our fishermen will be employed as pro- tertors of our coasts, the able Republican member from South Carolina (Mr. D. K. Williams) declared that such was his sense of the virtue and character of the town, that he would willingly give them a thousand bushels of coru from his plantation. But all the friends of the Govern- ment rejoiced that in this day of disaffection in the Eastern States a people could he found who were so true to the honor and rights of their country. Mr. Giles, of the Senate, hearing of my having the resolves, sent for them, and, in a speech which he made to-day in the Seuate, read them, and complimented you all. You may depend that a more reason- able and welcome resolution never came to l'ongress, It is an example worthy to be followed. When I named the facts to the President he ap- peared highly delighted."

The anxiety expressed concerning the effect of the opposition to the embargo, manifested by the people of the Eastern States, was not without reason. Sena- tor Adams expressed his belief, in a communication to the President, that "from information received by him, and which might be relied upon, it was the de- termination of the ruling party in Massachusetts, and of the Federalists in New England generally, if the embargo was persisted in, no longer to submit to it, but to separate themselves from the Union, at least until the existing obstacles to foreign commerce were removed." This, it has been said, was a false alarm ; but that such was the sincere belief of the citizens of Marblehead, is evident from the following resolutions adopted at a town meeting, held on the 9th of Feb- ruary, 1809:

" honderd, That we view with the utmost abborrence and indignation the e aduct ot u party among us, who are continually endeavoring to

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excite the good people of this commonwealth to a disobedience of the laws of the Union, by false and libellous publications respecting the motives and measures of the general government, and gross mirstate- ments of the nature and sources of our present embarrassments; that the real object of this party is to separate the United States, and excite rebellion and civil war for the purpose of establishing a monarchy under the pretence of a Northern Confederacy, or force us into a destructive war with the continent of Europe, and consequently a fatal alliance with the corrupt monarchy of Britain, whose embrace is death.

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" Resolred, That we are determined never to yield our Liberties and Rights, purchased by the best blood of our country, either to external foes or domestic traitors ; but we are determined, at all hazards, to main- tain the Constitution of the United States and all laws made in pursu- ance thereof ; and we do most solemnly pledge our lives, our property and our sacred honor for their support, through every peril of insurrec tion, rebellion or invasion.

" Resolved, That we hold sacred those inestimable privileges resigned to our hands by a numerous class of brave and hardy townsmen, who sacrificed their lives for the achievement of our glorious independence ; that in order to protect and defend these privileges, ever to be held sacred by Americans, we will arm and equip ourselves in such a manner as our circumstances will admit, and do hereby publicly declare that we will die Freemen, and never live slaves."

The people of Marblehead did not forget their reso- lution to arm and equip themselves, and during the month of Jnne the company known as the Marble- head Light Infantry was organized. Joshua O. Bow- den was the first commander, and the company has maintained its organization ever since.

The events of the year 1810 were of more than ordinary interest to the people of Marblehead. Early in the month of January two schooners were cap- tured by British cruisers and carried into St. Jean de Luce. This was considered an evidence that the British government intended to continue its policy of seizing American vessels and impressing Ameri- can seamen, and had the effect to increase the indig- nation felt hy the people. "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights " was the cry everywhere, and when, in the month of May, the annual State election took place, Elbridge Gerry, the Democratic candidate for Gov- ernor, received four hundred and seventy-one of the five hundred and twenty-four votes cast in Marble- head. Mr. Gerry was elected, and in both branches of the Legislature the majorities were Democratic.

By the census of this year, it appeared that the number of inhabitants in the town was five thousand eight hundred and forty-two, of whom sixty-three were people of color.

During the month of February the First Baptist Church was organized, twenty-one persons being reg- ularly dismissed from the First Baptist Church of Salem for this purpose.

On the 18th of June, 1812, war was formally de- clared against Great Britain by the Congress of the United States.

From the moment when was was declared, the cit- izens of Boston, the metropolis of New England, " clamored for peace and reprobated the war as wick- ed, unjust and unnecessary." Many other towns in the State were only too ready to follow the example set by Boston, and on the 29th of June the citizens of Newbury declared :

" We consider the war ruinous to the property as well as the happi- ness and morals of the nation. It is brought on the country by sur- quise ; it was conceived in darkness and secret conclave ; the people were kept in profound ignorance of their impending destruction."

Far different were the resolutions adopted by the citizens of Marblehead. On the very day that the meeting was held in Newbury a town-meeting was held in Marblehead and the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

" Resolred, That we view the late solemn act, derlaring war against Great Britain and her dependencies, as the last resort of a much injured people, freely persuaded that its justice and necessity will be acknowl- edged by all who candidly pass in review the doctrines of our enemy ; and nothing short of a base submission would have prolonged peare.

" Resolred, That, whatever sacrifices may result, we pledge ourselves to support our government, our laws, and our Liberty, through the present arduous conflict. We also pledge ourselves to support and pro- tect the I'nion of the States as the ark of our political safety ; and that we view all those who dare intimate a wish for the separation of the Union as the worst enemies to our prace, prosperity and happiness."

As soon as the news of the declaration of war was received in Marblehead the town was the scene of the ntmost activity. Nowhere in the country did the people spring to arms with more alacrity. Four privateers, namely-the "Lion," the "Thorn," the "Snowbird" and the " Industry "-were immediately fitted out, and began a series of remarkably successful cruises against the ships of the British nation. This was not all. Forty private armed schooners were soon fitted out in Salem, a large proportion of which were manned by Marblehead seamen. One schooner, the "Growler," was commanded by Cap- tain Nathaniel Lindsey, of Marblehead, and had an entire crew of Marblehead men. Of the ship " America," one of the most conspicuous and she- cessful cruisers during the entire war, thirty were from Marblehead.

The fishermen of Marblehead were also largely represented on board the frigates of the United States Navy. Eighty men of the crew of the "Constitution " were from Marblehead, and were on board her throughout the entire period of her brilliant career.

The war had now begun in earnest. On the 20th of July the ship "Orient," of Marblehead, Captain Andrews, commander, while on the passage home from a merchant voyage to Gibraltar, was captured on the banks of Newfoundland by the British sloop- of-war " Harvard." The "Orient," which had on board a rich cargo and about thirteen thousand dollars in specie, was sent into St. John's, N. B. The crew, ten in number, were placed on board a prison-ship, from which they were subsequently released by the United States frigate "Essex," and sent to New York on board a cartel ship.

Early in the month of August the schooner " Dol- phin," of Salem, was captured by the British cruiser " Belvidera." Among the crew of the "Dolphin," who became prisoners of war, was Joseph Furness, of Marblehead. Shortly after his confinement on board the " Belvidera " he was carried on board the ship

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Sah Domingo," where an attempt was made to im- pres han into the British naval service.' With mauly horbi-m. Furness declared that he would not fight azunst his country, and told his captors to shoot 0for : he stood if they chose to do so. They then pbvel him on board the guard-ship, where his steady res oution and undaunted e surage inspired the ad- miration of the British officers. Soon after, docu- Brats Were sent down for his release and he returned pome.

On the 19th of August the celebrated battle be- tween the I'nited States frigate "Constitution " and the British frigate " Guerriere" took place, which re- sted in a glorious victory for the "Constitution." The loss on board the "Guerriere" in killed, wounded and missing, was one hundred and one. The loss on boarl the " Constitution " was seven killed and seven wounded.

The news of this engagement was received in Mar- lehead with the greatest enthusiam ; and so large a proportion of the crew of the "Constitution " were tizens of the town, it was considered almost a local victory.

The Presidential election of 1812 resulted in another trumph for the Democratic party, and the re-election ut President Madison. This was accepted as an in- dorsement of the war policy of the administration and Kwe great satisfaction to its friends throughout the utry In Marblehead, especially, the event was hailed with great rejoicing. Elbridge Gerry, who way revered and honored as a patriot and a states- man, had been elected Vice-President of the United States, and nowhere was the honor conferred upon luum and Massachusetts more sincerely appreciated than in his native town.

On the 20th of December a desperate engagement w. - tonight off San Salvador between the United state - frigate "t'onstitution," then commanded by C'om- modore Bainbridge, and the British frigate " Java," of thirty eight gun -. The combat lasted more than chris hours, and when the " Java " struck she was re- duced to a mere wreck Of her crew, one hundred and -Ixty were killed and wounded, while on board The "Constitution " there were only thirty- four. Among the killel on board the " Constitution " in this action we . two brothers named Cheever, of Marblehead, Is er ls son of a poor widows.

On the 1st of June, 1513, a battle was fought in the bay wo k af Marble head Neck, in sight of a multitude Invous spectators between the United States frig- Che jske." commanded by Captain Lawrence, mlthe british frigate "Shanhon," commanded by Degusta Broke The action terminated fatally for the -

Chegrake Pin Ithe intrepid Lawrence was mortally wennobej o the cen et the ' Shannon " twenty-four we. kiel and it's wis wounded. Of the crew of hettheapeske ' forty corht were killed and nearly

fMal do dd wir Oped into the British

one hundred wounded. When carried below and asked ifthe colors should be struck, Captain Lawrence replied " No; they shall never while I live." Delirious from excess of suffering, he continued to exclaim : " Don't give up the ship !" an expression consecrated by the people of Marblehead as the last words also of the heroic MIngford thirty-seven years before. During the engagement three Marblehead sailors were on board the "Shannon " as prisoners of war, by whom the progress of the battle was watched with the utmost interest. They had been taken on board a prize of the privateer " America," several days before, and their hopes of a speedy delivery were suddenly brought to an end by the capture of the " Chesapeake."

The body of Captain Lawrence was carried to Hal- ifax, but was subsequently brought to Salem, and re- buried with great parade, the Hon. Joseph Story, a native of Marblehead, acting as orator of the day.

The large number of British sloops-of-war which were ernising about the bay, caused the inhabitants to fear an attack upon the town, and in the spring and summer of this year active preparations were made for its defense. Fortifications were erected, and batteries were stationed on Twisden's Hill, Goodwin's Head, Hewitt's Head and on the Neck. The town was divided into two wards, and all the able-bodied men re- maining at home were enlisted into companies and de- tailed for general duty. The Marblehead Light In- fantry, which now numbered one hundred men in its ranks, acted as a reserve force to be called upon in case of an attack. A company was also recruited and mustered into the service of the United States for duty at Fort Sewall. This company was under com- mand of Captain John Bailey, and Joshua O. Bow- den, the efficient commander of the Light Infantry, was its first lieutenant.

Gnards were stationed along the coast, on the Neck and at various localities in the town, for the purpose of alarming the inhabitants should an attack be made.

These precautionary measures were not adopted with- out sufficient cause. The British cruisers had become so bold that in several instances unarmed American vessels were captured within full sight of the shore, and almost within range of the guns of the fort. On one occasion, during the month of August, two Eng- lish ships-of-war sailed close to the Neck and cap- tured six coasting-vessels which were bound to Boston.

During this period of excitement two men were killed by the guards in the public streets of the town. Both of the unfortunate incidents occurred in the night, when it was impossible for the sentinels to see who was approaching. One of the victims was a young man named Joseph Butman, who was foolishly trying to alarm the sentinels stationed at the town- house. The other was a negro known as Black Charley, who was shot by the sentinel stationed at Lovis's Cove. Charley was on his way home from a

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dancing-party, where he had performed the important service of fiddler, and being somewhat deaf, it is pre- sumed did not hear the challenge of the guard. These sad events cast a general gloom over the community, and were deeply regretted ; but the stern necessities of war demanded that the guards should be com- mended for the faithful performance of duty.

On Sunday, the 3d of April, 1814, the people were alarmed by the sudden appearance of three ships-of- war, which appeared to be sailing directly for Marble- head harbor. Two of the frigates were ascertained to have British flags at their mast-heads, while the third, which was in advance of the others, carried the stars and stripes. It proved to be the trigate "Constitu- tion," which for three days had been chased by the English frigates "Tenedos" and "Endymion." As the three stately ships neared the land, and the excit- ing chase could be more distinctly witnessed, the headlands and house-tops were filled with interested and anxious spectators. The "Constitution " suc- ceeded in escaping from her pursuers, and as she ma- jestically sailed into the harbor cheer after cheer rent the air, and from many a heart a prayer of thanks- giving went forth for the preservation and safety of "Old Ironsides." When about three miles out the commander of the "Constitution " inquired if any of the Marblehead seamen felt competent to pilot the ship into the harbor. "Aye, aye, sir!" was the an- swer from a score of volunteers, and from the number Samuel Green was selected, by whom the good ship was successfully brought in. Towards evening she again weighed anchor and sailed into Salem harbor, where she was not so much exposed, and was less liable to attack.

While these events were transpiring at home, the heroic sons of Marblehead were winning unfading laurels by their valorous conduct npon the water. In the spring of 1814, Capt. David Porter, in the frigate " Essex," engaged the British frigate " Phoebe," of fifty-two, and the sloop-of-war "Cherub," of twenty- eight guns, in the harbor of Valparaiso. For more than two hours he sustained the unegal encounter before he surrendered, and his crew fought with a bravery never exceeded. Of his intrepid officers and seamen, fifty-eight were killed, thirty-one were miss- ing, thirty-eight were severely and twenty-five slightly wounded. During the action Lieutenant John Glover Cowell, a son of the intrepid Captain Richard Cowell, and a grandson of General John Glover, of Revolutionary fame, was wounded. After having the wound dressed a second time he returned to his station, where another shot severely wounded him in the leg. He was taken up to be carried below, but peremptorily refusing to go, he continued at his post until loss of blood rendered him insensible. He was then taken below and placed under the care of the surgeon.

After the battle he was taken on shore, where his leg was amputated, and after suffering with exem-

plary fortitude for twenty-one days, he expired in the presence of his gallant companions. "His case excited in Valparaiso the liveliest interest. The whole city most feelingly and deeply sympathized in his sufferings, and lamented his fate. His heroism had made everyone his friend and his mourner. He was buried with the most distinguished honors, both military and civil, that the place could afford. All the American and British officers, the crews of the 'Essex' and the 'Essex Junior,' of the 'Phoebe' and 'Cherub,' and of every other vessel in port, joined to swell the funeral procession. But the chief pomp that was displayed on this solemn and interest- ing occasion arose from the attention of the inhabi- tants of the place. It would be scarcely hyperbolical to say that the ashes of the gallant Cowell were wa- tered by the tears of all Valparaiso. The concourse of Spaniards, headed by the Governor of the district and a large military escort, was immense.

"Followed by this vast and magnificent procession, and attended by solemn music and lighted tapers, the remains of the hero were carried to the principal church of the city. Here, after having been exposed to publie view for two days, shrouded in elegant fun- eral apparel, they were interred in consecrated ground within the walls of the building, an honor never perhaps before conferred on a stranger in that part of the world."

The war virtually ended in December of this year, when the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent by the representatives of the United States and Great Brit- tain. In February, 1815, the treaty was ratified by the two governments, and President Madison issued a proclamation to that effect. On the reception of the news in Marblehead, every house in town was illuminated and from nearly every house-top some- thing was set flying to the breeze; those who could not procure flags, hoisting sheets, pillow-cases, and in some instances even petticoats, in honor of the great event. For an entire week the church-bells were rung, and as day after day their merry peals rang out, they left full conviction on every heart of the sincere joy and most ardent patriotism of the people.

Though peace had been declared, over seven hun- dred citizens of Marblehead were confined in British prisons. Halifax, Chatham, Plymonth and the loathsome prison-ships each had their quota, while in Dartmoor Prison alone more than five hundred were confined. The majority of these men were cap- tured in privateers of many times their size and armament. Many, however, were taken from un- armed merchant vessels on their voyages to and from the various foreign ports.

During the massacre in Dartmoor Prison on the 6th of April, 1815, when the soldiers fired on the defenseless prisoners, John Peach and Thomas Tind- ley, of Marblehead, were wounded. Over one thou- sand men from Marblehead were engaged in the war

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

for . Free Trade and Sailors' Rights." Of these, seven hundred and twenty-six were on board privateers, one hundred and twenty were in the navy, fifty-seven were in the army, and one hundred were members of the Marblehead Light Infantry.

CHAPTER LXXXVII.

MARBLEHEAD- Continued .

mon co y. .. the Tien List of President Monroe-Sabbath schools font se Sust f General de Lafayette-The Columbusu So- sety -Pat Greets \ not the Manufacturing Established- First HI Ve per Fit Hush If; and Benk Incorporated- Marblehead Camera fruitle & ty Organized- Female Humane Society Or- I - Food . Fraudent J. dann-Road Celebrations on the Fourth 1 Jul what The verylos Botes l'ordre .ray - Eastern Railroad Opened- lehety I' , om . 1- 1. ceum Hall Built The Great Gule of Imf I Bit rate , 15th-Sh jo Building in Marblehead - Pie- Post of M . ( Ie kell - Presentations to Infant y Companies~('el- ord N / Inera n Ind pendente Third Congregational Church th of Hier Friend, So oly Westerwelle Cemetery Dedi- Heck Church Funded-Five st Paul's Hall Great

Ar the close of the war the people applied them- s Ives earnestly and industriously to the task of re- wtoring their shattered fortunes. There were now only forty eight vessels employed in the bank fish- enies, eighteen of which were of less than fifty tons burden. When the embargo of 1807 went into oper- ation there were one hundred and sixteen vessels en- gagel in the business, ninety-eight of which were of more than fifty tons burden. This great reduction in the number of vessels engaged in the industry, by which the inhabitants obtained a livelihood, is the best evidence that can be given of the sacrifices made by the town during the period of controversy and war with Great Britain.

On the 4th of March, 1817, James Monroe, of Vir- ginia, was inaugurated President of the United States. A few months after his inauguration he made a tour of the Eastern States, and in so doing, honored the Wown of Marblehead with a brief visit. He was re- unved at the entrance of the town by a procession whosting of the military, the boards of town officers, the pujols of the public and private schools, the clergy. when lagre concourse of citizens. He was escorted to Itu ire Mansion, where a large number of prominent citizens assembled " to pay their respects, Stol derwards visited Fort Sewall and other points of interest

The organization of Sabbath schools in Marble- Il, Viem in the pring of Isis, when measures were taken for the Formation of the " Sabbath-School Imm Sun\" Ha Willian Reed was chosen preblent of the woody The schools of the several cherche etinuel une ler the direction of this society for eleven yere when cach church assumed control

The year 1824 was marked by an event of the greatest interest to the people of Marblehead. The venerable Marquis de Lafayette, who had come to the United States at the express invitation of Congress, was traveling through the country, and the citizens voted unanimously to invite him to visit the town. The invitation was accepted, and a day late in the month of August was appointed for his reception. The distinguished visitor, accompanied by his son, George Washington Lafayette, was received at the entrance of the town by a procession of eivic and military organizations, and escorted through the principal streets amid the joyful acelamations of the people. He was then conducted to the " Lee Man- sion," where a grand dinner was served, and a public reception was given to the citizens. The dinner- table, it is said, presented a magnificent appearance. All the " well-to-do " families of the town contributed their silverware to grace the festal board, and neither pains nor expense were spared in its arrangement. General Lafayette remained in Marblehead several hours, and before departing made a brief call upon Mrs. Mary Glover Hooper, the wife of Robert Hooper, Esq., and the only surviving daughter of his old friend and companion-in-arms, Gen. John Glover.

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History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 34

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1672

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1672