USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts, for two hundred years: from the year 1620 to 1820 > Part 31
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The state was still threatened with an attack from the Brit- ish, and the alarm on the seacoasts was kept up by reports of an intended invasion. There had always been state or conti- nental regular troops stationed in Boston ; and occasionally, the militia had been called in, for the defence of that place. In September, 1779, Colonel Jackson's regiment, then recently returned from the Penobscot expedition, was ordered to Castle Island, and four hundred of the militia were called out to man the other fortified places in the vicinity. £600,000, (or $65,000 real value,) were put into the hands of the board of war, for the purchase of provisions, military stores, and vessels
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for individuals, to replace those lost at Penobscot. The ex- penses of that unfortunate expedition added much to the debt of the state. The tax for 1779, besides the portion of the continental tax, was two millions of dollars, being $200,000 in real value. Added to all these burdens and expenses, pro- vision was to be made for raising men after the year expired. The term of enlistment of the men then in service, would close with the year ; for but a small part had engaged for the whole war. It was an object to have the enlistments made from the men already in the army : and a committee of the general court visited the camp, to engage them for a longer time. They were authorized to give a bounty of $300. The sum of $700,000 was appropriated for the purpose : and advances were again made to the officers. The towns were also required to furnish clothing, to be sent on to the soldiers who should enlist anew. While efforts were making for a new en- listment, and before the numbers required were engaged, General Washington called on congress for the militia, and Massachusetts furnished two thousand, on a requisition from that body. A bounty was also given to those who engaged at this time; and a large sum besides placed at the disposal of the board of war. The general court was in session the greater part of the year 1779, from January to October; and when they adjourned, they authorized the council to call out more of the militia, if required, not exceeding four thousand. The state of the continental army was such as to render it probable they might be called for at short notice. The British had then a large force at New York, and there was an apprehension of some formidable attack from them. A pub- lic fast was appointed in Massachusetts ; which was the fourth, besides those usual, after the war began; and two were also appointed by congress.
At this time, when many, both of the officers and soldiers of the army were discouraged by the protracted term of the service and depreciated paper for pay, at the instance of Gen- eral Washington, congress promised the officers half pay, first for seven years, and soon after for life, if they would continue till the close of the war. To the soldiers, a large bounty was given, and a promise of land when peace should take place.
CHAPTER XXII.
War at the South, in Georgia and South Carolina -- Charleston taken -- General Lincoln commanded American troops-Constitution reported for Mas- sachusetts, and accepted-Alterations in it proposed by people of Boston -John Hancock chosen Governor-Finances-Congress propose to call in old bills-New emission of paper-Continental and State debt-Agent sent to Europe-People in Maine harassed by the British-Academy of Arts and Sciences-General Washington calls for more of the Militia- Complaints of the people.
THE principal scene of hostilities, in the autumn of 1779, was in the southern part of the United States, in Georgia and South Carolina. General Lincoln, of Massachusetts, was then the commander of the American troops in that department : but he had to contend with the enemy at great disadvantage. They were more numerous ; and the American forces consisted chiefly of militia. A French fleet afforded some aid in the siege of Savannah; but it departed before the preparations for an assault were completed. General Lincoln, however, made an attack on the city ; but was repulsed with great loss. He then marched to Charleston, but the British in that quarter were soon reinforced by troops from New York; and after a siege of five months, the place was taken. The besiegers were far more numerous than the Americans. No aid could justly be expected by General Lincoln; and the inhabitants repeatedly urged him to surrender. In this situation, Charles- ton was given up to the enemy, but on terms honorable to the American general.
In January, 1780, the convention of Massachusetts, chosen to prepare a form of civil government, agreed on a constitution ; which was submitted to the people in March, for their con- sideration. The votes given, on the question of its adoption, were ordered to be returned in June, when it appeared that more than two thirds were for its acceptance.
The return of votes from Boston, though in favor of the
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constitution, was accompanied by a proposition for some alter- ations, if practicable. One was, that the governor alone should have power to march the militia to a neighboring state, in time of imminent danger. Another was respecting the privi- lege of the writ of habeas corpus, which they wished extend- ed, so that none should be held in confinement merely on suspicion. But the chief objection they offered was to the third article in the bill of rights. They were satisfied of the importance of having public religious worship, and religious teachers, for the order and peace of society. And they thought all the people should be obliged to pay for the sup- port of ministers of the gospel. But they expressed the opinion, that none should be compelled to attend on teachers, except such as they chose ; and that the tax of those who did not attend at all, should be for the benefit of the poor.
The Baptists generally complained of this article. For, although every one had full liberty to attend on such teacher or society as he should prefer, and there was a perfect equality of civil and religious privileges secured to every one, yet it would be necessary, to become a member of a society which was not of the standing or congregational order, to obtain a license and certificate therefor. This was said to be a hard- ship, and inconsistent with the idea of a perfect equality of rights and privileges. It was contended, that the civil author- ity should not interfere, in any way, with religion, and that the constitution should contain no restriction or provision on the subject. It was provided in the constitution, that in fifteen years, there might be another convention, to make such alter- ations in it, as experience should prove necessary or important. In 1795, the question was submitted to the people, and they expressed an opinion against having a convention to make any alterations. The government was organized, agreeably to this constitution, in October, 1780: when John Hancock was chosen governor of the commonwealth, by a large majority of votes, and James Bowdoin, lieutenant governor ; but he de- clined the office.
During the year 1780, congress proposed to call in $15,- 000,000 monthly, for the term of a year. The continental paper bills, which had been issued, then amounted to $160,- 000,000. The proportion of this sum, for Massachusetts to redeem, was $2,000,000 monthly : but the depreciation was then forty to one ; and the real value of the monthly tax, for this purpose, was $50,000; making $600,000 for a year. But even this exceeded the ability of the state. It was there- fore proposed to congress, that eacli state should become
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debtors to those who bought in the continental paper, and be answerable to pay them at a future day, charging the same to account of the United States ; or provide a new emission of bills, to the amount of one twentieth part of the sum called in of the bills then in circulation.
It was hoped, by having a new emission, and that only to the amount of a twentieth part of the bills in circulation, the paper would be kept from depreciation ; especially as congress engaged to redeem it at the nominal value ; pledged the faith of the country for such redemption ; and at the same time called on the several states to provide for the payment, by instalments within six years. The old paper money was soon taken out of circulation, and the new emission was substituted in its place. But this soon depreciated also : and as the coun- try was unable to redeem it by specie, and had a very great debt to provide for, it could not be otherwise justly expected. After this period, specie was gradually introduced into circula- tion ; and the new bills were almost as much opposed as the old.
Besides the share of the continental debt, for which Massa- chusetts had to provide, the separate debt of the state, though chiefly incurred for the common defence of the country, was nom- inally $200,000,000. But, on the calculation of forty for one, only $5,000,000; which was probably more than a third part of the whole property of the state, according to the valuation of that period .* It was believed, that Massachusetts had made such great advances, in course of the war, that it would have a large balance due from the continent : and that its debt, on a final adjustment of accounts with congress, would be much less than appeared by the above estimate.
In the spring of 1780, a tax was laid by the general court, of nearly a million of dollars ; to be paid in specie, or in the new bills, then just issued ; with a view to call in 36;000,000 of the old paper. A part of the new emission was ordered to be retained for the use of the state, but the greater portion of it was appropriated for the public service of the country, as congress should require. At the same session, it was voted to raise 240,000 annually, for seven years, to enable the state to meet its engagements to the officers and soldiers of the army, and other public creditors.
The debt of the commonwealth was now very great, and
* Probably the valuation was too low, and that one fourth part would be a more correct estimate. Real estate was then sold and purchased at a very low rate.
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was the cause of complaints among the people, generally. The legislature did not escape blame, on pretence of inattention, or want of economy in making purchases for the public service, Perhaps, in some cases, the agents were not altogether so care- ful as they might have been. But there were very few defaulters. And it is rather matter of surprise, when the im- mense disbursements are considered, and the services rendered, for five years, that the debt and the taxes were not still greater. The expenses of the British, for supporting their army for five years, amounted to £37,500,000 sterling. An agent was sent to Europe, at this time, by Massachusetts, to obtain loans and goods on the credit of the state .*
The inhabitants of Maine suffered much from the enemy at Penobscot, and a detachment of the militia, amounting to seven hundred and fifty, under General Wadsworth, was ordered to the western shores of that bay for their protection. These men were mostly residents in Maine. Some armed vessels were also ordered for the defence of that part of the state. Two companies were stationed at Machias, to prevent the depreda- tions of the British, who had often before that time plundered the people to a large amount.
Amidst the great anxiety for the safety of the country, and unremitting efforts made for military preparations, the interests of science and of letters were not disregarded. The " Academy of Arts and Sciences" was this year instituted in Massachu- setts, composed of a number of the clergy and laity, who were distinguished for their philosophical taste and pursuits. James Bowdoin was the first president of the society ; a man equally celebrated for patriotism, for private worth, and for literary attainments. During the same year, a high school or academy was estabished at Andover, with the design of preparing young men for admission into the university, and for the business of the merchants' counting-houses.
General Washington called again for men, in the fall of 1780. The enlistments of the preceding year had not been effected to the number required. The regiments were incom- plete ; and he wished to have a more efficient army. He was expecting troops from France ; but he proposed also to congress to raise an additional number, with the view of obliging the enemy to leave the country and sue for peace. Congress im- mediately called for four thousand men from Massachusetts, for six months. And shortly after, General Washington made a request for four thousand seven hundred, to be marched
* Jonathan L. Austin, Esq., an eminent merchant of Boston.
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immediately to head quarters, near New York. A portion of the continental troops was then in the southern department, under General Greene. In attempts to comply with these requests, the general court was subject to heavy complaints from the people, who charged them with demanding more than they were able to perform or endure. This led to an application of Massachusetts to the other states, to invest con- gress with the sole power of providing men and the other expenses for prosecuting the war. Some of the states received the proposition with favor, but it was never fully adopted,
CHAPTER XXIII.
Session of General Court, October, 1780-Recommendations of the Gov. ernor-Sale of Refugees' estates-Loans-Appeals to the people-Massa- chusetts regiments reduced-State of the debt of the Commonwealth- Laws revised-Impost duties-Duty on sales at public auction-Troops sent to Rhode Island, and Executive authorized to call out more-Treach- ery of Arnold-General Washington called on Massachusetts for six thousand of the militia-Capture of Lord Cornwallis, in Virginia-Great expenses-British offer to negotiate-Terms not acceptable to Congress- More men called for in 1782-Additional sums required by Congress- People complain of heavy taxes-Negotiations for peace-Cod Fishery- Massachusetts' proportion of Continental debt-The people ready to de- spair-Population-Members of Congress.
THE first session of the general court, under the constitution, was holden in October, 1780, and the house consisted of two hundred memhers. In his address, at the opening of the ses- sion, Governor Hancock recommended a speedy enlistment of the men requested by General Washington ; to make efforts to maintain the credit of the state ; to cherish the means of edu- cation, and the observance of sabbatical institutions, which, in a time of war, were too much disregarded.
Various methods were proposed to raise money ; particularly by the sale of the estates of refugees, and by loans. A large committee was appointed to obtain loans, to the amount of £400,000 .* The efforts were not very successful; only a small portion of that sum was procured
At this period of complaints and distress, the general court published an address to the people; in which they said -" We conjure you, in the name of honor and patriotism, to give up every consideration of private advantage, and to assist in sup- plying the public treasury ; as it is impossible to maintain an army if the people withhold their taxes and money. Let it be evident, that the citizens of Massachusetts are animated with
* Of this committee were William Phillips, Edward Payne, Stephen Higginson, George Cabot, E. H. Derby, Jonathan Jackson, and E. Gerry.
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the same principles which inspired them in the early stages of the contest, and that the salvation of the country absorbs every other concern. Thus shall we dash the last hope of the enemy, founded, as it may be, on the inattention or avarice of any part of the community."
In 1780, a new arrangement of the continental army was made, by which the regiments belonging to Massachusetts were reduced from sixteen to twelve. The older officers were allowed to retire on half pay. At this time, also, the term for which many of the soldiers had enlisted expired, and the num- ber of four thousand two hundred were necessary to fill up the twelve regiments. A great part of these were induced, by the offer of large bounties, to engage during the 'war .*
The complaints of the people continuing and increasing, the general court was induced to make a statement of the debt of the commonwealth, and of the sums requisite for the year 1781; at the same time exhorting the people to bear the burdens of the occasion, and contribute to the means of supporting the war in every possible manner. They stated that £950,000 would be required : a part of it for the common expenses of the gov- ernment, a part for an instalment of the public debt, and for interest on the residue ; for clothing for the soldiers; and for meeting the demands of congress, as a portion of continental expenses. For this, it was proposed to provide, by the tax of the preceding year, uncollected, by the sale of absentees' estates, by loans, and a tax of £320,000. Loans were effected to such an amount, as to afford some relief. To raise the whole sum required would be utterly impracticable, without borrowing ; and yet it was highly important to maintain the credit of the state. It was also considered just to require of another gener-
* The treachery of General Benedict Arnold, of Rhode Island, who had the command of the military post at West Point, in the fall of 1780, created a great sensation through the country. The main body of the American army was then posted at that place and vicinity. General Washington was absent for a few days, to meet the French admiral at Hartford. Arnold found means to correspond with the enemy, who were at New York, and whose armed ships had command of the Hudson, ahnost up to West Point. Major Andre, who came out from New York as a spy, to confer with Ar- nold, was taken on his return, and the treachery was discovered. Arnold immediately fled to a British frigate, in the river below, a few hours before the report was circulated. The British officer was executed as a spy ; but the traitor escaped. The people were surprised at such an instance of per- fidy in one who generally had the reputation of a brave and meritorious officer. Afterwards, however, it was known, that his moral character was stained by former acts of dishonesty and oppression. It was just cause of gratitude, that his treachery was seasonably discovered, and the country saved. It was a proud reflection also, that scarcely an instance of perfidy, except this, occurred during the war ; especially when it was known, that others had been assailed by the tender of bribes from the enemy.
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ation some exertions for the rich legacy of liberty, which was hoped to be transmitted to them. The debt of the state, at that time, on account of loans, was nearly $1,000,000; the interest of which would make a large item of the annual tax.
When the general court adjourned, after the session of Octo- ber, (1780,) which was not till the following winter, a committee was appointed "to revise the laws in force in the state, to select, abridge, alter, and digest them, so as to be accommodated to the present government." The committee consisted of the justices of the superior court, the attorney general, James Bowdoin, and John Pickering.
In 1781, congress proposed to the several states to raise money by impost, but Massachusetts did not approve of the plan, as it would be an unequal tax; the commerce of the state being greater than that of any other. The next year, however, the general court passed a law for an impost duty, and provided that it be appropriated as congress might direct, to discharge the public debt ; or to be expended within the state, but to meet expenses which congress might incur for the common defence. The law was to take effect on con- dition the other states adopted a similar act, and appropriated the proceeds for the public benefit. Only a few of the other states adopted the plan ; and nothing was collected in this way, till 1783; when an excise act was also passed, and a law laying a duty on sales at public auction.
The militia, amounting to twelve hundred, were ordered to Rhode Island in February, 1781, by request of the French admiral on that station, who was apprehensive of an attack by the British from New York. The men were chiefly from the southern part of the state, and were commanded by General Lincoln. The militia in other parts of the state were re- quired to be prepared to march to the same place, on short notice, if called for.
When the general court was adjourned in March, 1781, it gave power to the executive, as had often been done before, to order out the militia if required by General Washington ; the board of war having been discontinued. As the regular enlist- ments were not fully made, there was a call for more of the mili- tia, soon after ; and the towns, which did not furnish their respec- tive quota of men, were made liable to a fine. During the spring, clothing and provisions were also furnished by Massachusetts,* and some other states, by request of the commander-in-chief.
* The state furnished two thousand head of cattle, four thousand blankets, and eight thousand pairs of shoes and hose at this time.
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It was a more direct and sure way of obtaining supplies than by applying first to congress.
A detachment of the army near New York was sent to Virginia this season, where the enemy were numerous, and were committing great depredations. General Washington called on Massachusetts for six thousand of the militia ; and the greater part of that number were engaged for three months. It was reported that he intended to make an attack on New York ; but this probably was only to prevent the British sending reinforcements to their army at the south. He soon marched to Virginia with part of the main army, to oppose Cornwallis, then the British commander in that state. The British were besieged at Yorktown, in Virginia ; and after some weeks, surrendered to the combined American and French armies. Generals Lafayette, Lincoln, and Knox, were distinguished on the occasion; Colonel Scammel, of Massa- chusetts, a brave and intelligent officer, and assistant adjutant- general in the army, was killed, during the siege, when with an advanced party. Many of the troops engaged in the siege and capture of Cornwallis were from the New England states.
The expenses of the year 1781, were as great as for any year of the war, owing to the calls of congress for pecuniary aid, and to the efforts of the general court to sustain the credit of the state, and collect outstanding taxes.
After the capture of the British army, under Cornwallis, there was great hope of peace. The administration in Eng- land made propositions for a settlement of the dispute with the United States ; but the offer was to negotiate without reference to France, then the ally of America. Congress would not listen to such terms. The army of the enemy was therefore reinforced in the winter and spring of 1782; and it became necessary to keep up the military force in the states to oppose them. The militia, who enlisted for the year 1781, both for three months and nine months, had finished their term of service. New recruits were required to fill up the regular regiments, after the manner of the preceding year. Massachusetts furnished one thousand five hundred. The requisitions of congress on the states for money continued to be for a large amount. The sum required to be raised was $8,000,000; and of this Massachusetts' proportion was $1,300- 000. Before the close of the year, congress called for the further sum of $1,650,000. The people heard these re- peated and heavy calls with unreasonable complaints. Un-
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reasonable, because the expenses were necessary to support the war ; and there was no just charge of extravagance or improvi- dence on the part of the rulers. The taxes had been very great for six years, and the towns had been divided into dis- tricts, each of which was required to enlist and pay a man to join the army. Some misguided individuals attempted to stop the courts in the western part of the state. But the in- telligence and patriotism of the people prevailed against the few who would have interrupted the regular course of law and justice. The least reflection must show that the burdens laid on the people were great beyond all other times; and required uncommon virtue to endure.
When the prospect of peace increased, and congress was consulting as to the instructions to be given to their envoys on the subject, the general court of Massachusetts requested their delegates to that body to have the right and privilege of the cod-fishery secured. The British could hardly be ex- pected to object to the right of fishing on the banks, far dis- tant from land ; but they might wish to prohibit to the Amer- icans the claim of fishing near their territory, either at New- foundland, or the Labrador coasts. The members of congress from the middle and southern states felt little interest in the subject. The instructions given to the envoys, respecting the fishery, was therefore of a general character ; nor was the right to be insisted on as indispensable. It was fortunate for Massachusetts that one of the negotiators for peace was a citizen of the state, who knew the value of the cod-fishery to the people and was faithful in urging the right to it .*
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