USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts, for two hundred years: from the year 1620 to 1820 > Part 4
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 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
29
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
the civil magistrates claimed authority to direct or to advise in ecclesiastical affairs. Such power was often exercised by them, not merely as individual members of a church, but when acting as a body and in the capacity of magistrates. They aimed not at a real alliance of the church and state ; but they contended, that religious teachers and institutions were necessary to the good order of society; and they considered it their duty to regulate the churches and to keep them pure.
Many individuals of the company, who formed the first settle- ment, were intelligent and judicious, as well as pious characters. Winthrop, especially, was well qualified for the leader and gov- ernor of this infant colony, by his literary attainments, his legal and political knowledge, and by his prudence and discretion as well as by his strict probity .* A close, if not a severe discipline was necessary for some in the plantation, who were not of the church, but who had come over as servants, or as mere adven- turers for gain. Six persons were sent to England with Captain Pierce in the spring of 1631, as they were thought to be dan- gerous to the order of the colony and the morals of the people. Some of the leading men of the company returned to England in 1630, and early in 1631; as Sir R. Saltonstal, Messrs. Coddington, Revel, Vassall, and Sharp. But additions were made to the colony, by emigrations in 1631 ; and a number of neat cattle were also imported.
At a meeting, in May 1631, of the freemen, and the gov- ernor, deputy governor, and assistants of the preceding year, which was called "the General Court," it was agreed, that there should be such a meeting or court, annually, and the freemen propose such for assistants as they chose. Winthrop and Dudley were then chosen to be governor and deputy governor. It was soon after agreed that the assistants should be chosen by the whole body of freemen ; and the governor and deputy governor be selected out of that body. The emigrations were greater in 1632 than in 1631; and the settlements in the jurisdiction were extended. Governor Winthrop had a farm at Medford or Mistic ; where he built a small vessel called "The Blessing of the Bay."
On the levy of the first tax, the people of Watertown objected to pay it, alleging that it was without just authority,
៛ Gov. Bradford says, in a letter, " the Governor of Massachusetts is that worthy and pious gentleman, John Winthrop, under whose able, prudent and godly government, the plantation and churches there have much in- creased, to the great joy of our hearts and of all good men." Fuller, a phy- sician and deacon of the church at Plymouth, says, " Gov. Winthrop is a godly, wise and discreet gentleman, humble withal, and of a fine and good temper."
3
.
30
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
and arbitrary, that the governor and assistants should impose taxes without the voice of the whole freemen. But the objec- tion was withdrawn, when they were told that the assistants were chosen by all the freemen, with the power to govern the plantation. When a tax was afterwards to be assessed to defray certain public expenses during this year, it was proposed to have a meeting of committees from the several plantations ; and two were chosen for that purpose. This probably led to the measure adopted in 1634, of having representatives of the freemen from every town in the colony, to form a legislative body with the board of assistants, instead of having all the free- men assemble, who, at first, chose the governor and assistants, and had then no other power in the government. The pro- priety of this measure was doubted, as the charter only provi- ded for the meeting of the whole company ; but it was justly argued, that it was not inconsistent with its spirit, and that the freemen might vote and act in person or by deputies chosen for the purpose; such being the case in all companies and societies. This course was therefore continued, from that year ; though, at first, the deputies made but one assembly with the assistants. The towns represented, in 1634, were Boston, Salem, Charlestown, Watertown, Dorchester, Roxbury, Cambridge (or the New Town) and Saugust, or Lynn ; Wes- saguscus and Mistic were not represented, in this assembly, and probably had then very few inhabitants, or freemen. Some of the settlers at Mistic were servants or tenants of Mr. Craddock, one of the principal patentees, but who never came to the country.
At the election in May, 1634, Mr. Dudley, who had been several years the deputy governor, and was the oldest of the company, was chosen governor; and in 1635, Mr. Haynes was elected to the chief magistracy; Mr. Winthrop, like Gov- ernor Bradford of Plymouth, being desirous of some relief from the heavy cares of that office. He was, however, appoint- ed one of the assistants for these years ; and thus the colony had the benefit of his opinion in all public affairs, as an adviser of the governor and as a magistrate.
It was soon found that the soil was friendly to the cultivation of fruit, vegetables, and grain. Indian corn was raised by the natives in most places, though in small parcels. In 1633, rye was also raised, much to the comfort and benefit of the people.
In 1633 and 1634, Ipswich was visited and settled ; a son of Governor Winthrop was early there, but did not long remain. The intercourse with the Indians was frequent and friendly ; but the people of the colony were in trouble from
31
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
the enmity of some individuals among themselves, who were immoral and turbulent characters, and who, for some just punishment, complained of the conduct of the governor and assistants to the parent country.
The character and education of the leading men both of Plymouth and Massachusetts, was such as to fit them for the enterprise which they undertook, to form a religious and polit- ical society, founded in the equal rights of men, and of obedi- ence to God as their Supreme lawgiver and Governor. Their distinguishing trait of character was a sacred regard for divine revelation, united with the conviction, that civil government was essential to social order and justice. But republican or democratic principles were recognised in their full extent. The whole body of the freemen were to choose magistrates, and make the laws in person or by their deputies, and every attempt to evade this principle was early opposed and sup- pressed. Their zeal for religion and for the support of chris- tianity was, generally, wisely tempered by their knowledge of human nature and of the importance of civil authority. The condition of their native country had served to prepare them to be political as well as religious guides. Brewster, Brad- ford, Winslow and Prence of Plymouth, and Winthrop, Bellingham, Ludlow, Dudley, Nowell, Pelham, Pynchon and Bradstreet, were qualified from their knowledge and experience to direct the affairs of civil government. If they differed, in some of their enactments and policy, from the old govern- ments of Europe, it was not through ignorance or fanaticism, but from a reference to their peculiar situation, and from a supreme regard to the divine authority. All the freemen were on a level, and therefore had equal rights ; and a less strict discipline than was adopted towards strangers and intruders would have subjected the infant colony to confusion and misrule, if not to an entire overthrow.
CHAPTER II.
Opposers of the Colony-Complaints against it, and threatened with loss of Charter-Intolerance-Roger Williams-Eminent Men who arrived after the first settlement-Connecticut settled-Militia -- Forts -- Taxes-Haynes Governor-Elections by the People and Deputies-Bellingham-Dutch on Connecticut River-Disputes with R. Williams-His Banishment- Increase of Plymouth-Sir H. Vane arrives, and is chosen Governor- Governor Winthrop-Pequot War-Religious Disputes-Mrs. Hutchin- son -- First Settlers the Friends of Human Learning -- Many of them Learned Men-Artillery Company and Militia-Charter recalled-Claims of Col- ony to Political Power-Printing Press-Distribution of the Powers of Government-Standing Council-Dudley Governor-His Character- Prosperity of the Colony-Bellingham Governor-Trade-North Line of Patent-Assembly of Divines at Westminster, England-Union of the four New England Colonies.
THE colonies. in New England had enemies in the parent country, from their first settlement. The puritans, by whom these colonies were first projected and planted, were very obnoxious to the English hierarchy ; and the supporters of the Stuart family, were no less opposed to them, for their political opinions. They were watched, with an evil eye, and attempts were often made to withdraw or curtail the civil powers grant- ed them by the royal charter. Some merchants, also, who regarded America only as a theatre for gain, were instrumental in inflicting injuries, or in obstructing their prosperity. And a few individuals, for sometime resident in the colony, who were secret friends of the established church of England, or envious of the prosperity of the puritans, plotted against them. Sir Christopher Gardner, a traveller and adventurer without character, Morton, who had been at Mount Wollaston some years, and Radcliffe, sometime a tenant of Mr. Craddock, were banished from Massachusetts in 1632; as Lyford and Oldham had been from Plymouth, at an earlier day. Soon after they reached England, whither they were transported, they preferred a memorial to the government, in which they complained, that the rulers of Massachusetts were intolerant and severe towards all persons, not of their peculiar views ; and that they assumed and exercised greater civil power than. was given by the charter, or was consistent with the entire sovereignty of the parent state. Sir Ferdinand Gorges, and Mason, who had grants of land in Maine, and on Piscataqua
33
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
river, and some others, were active in urging the presentation of this complaint. But the decision of the king and his privy council on the petition, was favorable to the colony of Massa- chusetts ; which was acknowledged to have been planted, without cost to the English government, and was inhabited by peaceable and loyal subjects of his majesty. But the follow- ing year, on other similar complaints, and great numbers intending to remove from England to Massachusetts, which alarmed the government there, an order of the council was adopted, forbidding all emigration; and Mr. Craddock, the principal character of the patentees of the colony, was directed to bring the charter before the board. But this order was not immediately followed by any oppressive measures towards the colony. At a little later period, the archbishop of England and ten others, officers of the court, obtained a commission from Charles I. granting them full power to alter or revoke the colonial charters, and to govern the inhabitants according to their own mere will and pleasure. But this commission also was superseded, or remained without operation and effect.
'These measures of menace and these designs of oppression, were chiefly owing to the character of the puritans in the colony, who were unwilling even to tolerate episcopalians and other dissenters from their ecclesiastical rules and discipline ; and were also known to be opposed to all arbitrary power in the state. The first planters of Plymouth, of Salem, of Boston, and other places in Massachusetts, cannot, perhaps, be fully justified for their strict discipline and government, in all cases, or for their severity towards those who would not conform to their opinions and usages ; yet some apology may be found for them, in the fact, that they came to America under great privations, after long persecutions in England, to enjoy their forms of worship, which they believed were agreeable to the word of God; and had they not been select in receiving new comers, and in ejecting the turbulent and schismatic, their object would have been entirely defeated, and the colony probably broken up. But these considerations may not fully justify the conduct of the first and early settlers, in their exclusive and censorious spirit towards such as dissent- ed from their opinions and forms. They were inexcusable in their treatment of Roger Williams, who was an honest, though an eccentric character; of Child, Brown, and others, who were desirous of worshiping God according to the liturgy and prayer book of the established English church; of Mrs. Hutchinson and her adherents, who, though very fanatical, did not deserve the harshness with which they were visited
34
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
for their extravagant and erroneous opinions ; and least of all, for their persecutions and punishment of the Quakers. Wil- liams, merely for his honest independence of opinion, was driven out of the colony in the midst of a severe winter, (1635-6)* and it seems almost miraculous that he did not perish under his accumulated sufferings. It was a memorable remark of Governor Haynes to Mr. Williams, in 1635, " that he believed God had prepared this part of the world for people of all sorts of consciences and opinions.". Mr. Williams was considered by his friends to be precipitate and passionate.
Among those who arrived in the colony and became perma- nent settlers, after the year 1630, and within three or four years, were Richard Bellingham, who was one of the original patentees, with Endicot, Saltonstal, Johnson, and others ; John Winthrop, Jr., oldest son of the governor; Sir Henry Vane, who, the year after his arrival was chosen chief magistrate ; John Haynes, who was also governor for one year ; Herbert Pelham, a near relative of the Duke of New Castle ; Sir R. Saltonstal, Jr. ; and Rev. Messrs. John Elliot, John Cotton, Thomas Hooker, Samuel Stone, John Norton, Thomas Shep- erd, Nathaniel Ward, John Lothrop, and Thomas Parker. Mr. Elliot, after a few months of preaching in Boston, in 1631, in the absence of Mr. Wilson, and before the arrival of Mr. Cotton, was ordained over the church at Roxbury, where Mr. Pynchon and others settled, soon after landing at Charlestown ; and probably in the fall of 1630. Mr. Cotton, who arrived in the colony in 1633, and had been long intending to come over, was settled, with Mr. Wilson, over the church in Boston. Mr. Hooker, and Mr. Stone, were placed at the New Town, or Cambridge ; and removed, in 1635, with several of their church and people, to Connecticut ; and about the same time, a part of the Dorchester people settled Windsor. Mr. Pyn- chon soon left Roxbury also, and fixed his residence higher up on that river, the present site of Springfield. Mr. Ward was at Ipswich, and there also Mr Norton settled, after passing a few months in Plymouth, where he first landed. Mr. Lothrop first settled in Scituate, and thence removed to Barnstable ; Mr. Sheperd succeeded Mr. Hooker at Cambridge, and Mr. Parker was at Newbury, with a Mr. Noyes. To these may
. It is not very important whether Williams was banished in 1635 or '36. It has been generally stated that it was in 1635; but Dr. Holmes and Dr. Bently fix it in 1636. Williams says, in one of his letters, that it was the year before' the Pequot war, which was in the spring of 1637. He was banished in the winter of 1635-6. He came over in 1631, was about a year at Salem ; then two years at Plymouth ; then again at Salem about a year more.
35
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
be added Rev. Mr. James, who became the pastor of the church in Charlestown, in 1632, on its separation from that of Boston; Rev. Mr. Whiting, who was at Lynn, Richard Mather at Dorchester, after the removal of Warham and Maverick, and Jonathan Mitchell, who was early settled in Cambridge.
A fort was erected on Castle Island in 1634; and one had been thrown up on the hill in the south-east part of Boston in 1632. Militia companies were also early formed; and the officers were required to train and discipline them every week. There were then fears of an attack from the French in Acadie, as well as from the Indians, who complained that the English were encroaching on their lands.
When a tax was assessed in 1633, the proportion was as follows, viz: Boston, £16, Roxbury, £13, Charlestown and Watertown, £13 each, Dorchester, £15, Salem, Lynn, and Cambridge, each £8. And in the fall of the same year, Boston, Roxbury, Charlestown, Watertown, and Cambridge, were taxed alike; the other towns less. At this period, the clergy were consulted, for preparing a code of laws suitable to the condition of the colony, and the character of the people ; and they were also requested to consider the propriety and importance of some regular discipline of church government. Laws were made to prevent extortion and oppression, espe- cially, as to the price of labor and necessary articles of living. The governor discouraged all needless ceremonies and expen- ses ; and set an example of economy and sobriety. For the first three years, the powers of government were alnost wholly with the board of assistants, including, indeed, the governor and deputy. But this was with the general consent of the people, who also had the privilege and the power to elect these magistrates.
In 1635, when Mr. Haynes was chosen governor in the room of Mr. Winthrop, a change took place in the government, of having representatives from every town, to be a part of the legislative body, as before mentioned. This change was not, probably, made because Winthrop was not chosen governor, for he was still one of the board of assistants, or council, and he desired to be excused. The great increase of citizens, no doubt, was the principal reason for the alteration. The whole body of freemen had been accustomed to assemble, though it was only to elect the governor, deputy and assistants. The first year, indeed, the assistants chose the governor and deputy. There were, now, eight towns, besides some smaller settle- ments, as Agawam, Wessaguscus, Mistic, and Winnesimit. The whole population was probably not less than four thousand,
1151734
36
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
for in 1630 it was estimated at two thousand ; and large addi- tions were made in 1632 and 1633; and seven years from this period it was more than twenty thousand. It was now thought proper and expedient, for the freemen to meet in their respec- tive towns, and choose three of their number to represent the people in a general court, or a legislative assembly, a part of which was the governor, deputy, and the assistants, also chosen by the freemen. Four general courts a year were holden a short time, for legislative business ; and for a few years, the representatives and assistants formed only one assembly. Hav- ing gained this portion of power in the government, the repre- sentatives soon claimed a share in both the executive and judi- cial proceedings. But this was warmly opposed.
At this time, when the people and the deputies demanded a share of the legislative power, and even claimed judicial author- ity, they proceeded so far as to impose a fine on the assistants, for disregarding an order of the general court. Mr. Endicot was also reprimanded for indiscreet and rash conduct, in cutting the cross out of the king's colors, with, the pretence that it was a relique of popish superstition. It was supposed he was urged to this imprudent act, by Roger Williams, who then resided in Salem. Mr. Endicot was further punished for this conduct, by being declared ineligible to any public office for a year. Com- plaints were even made against Governor Winthrop; and he was questioned as to some public receipts and disbursements, while he was in office. But on inquiry, he was honorably ac- quitted; and not even a suspicion against his integrity remained.
Richard Bellingham, one of the original patentees of Massa- chusetts, and who arrived in the colony in 1634, was chosen deputy governor in May, 1635, when Mr. Haynes was elected the governor. Mr. Bellingham was educated a lawyer, and had a greater share in framing the laws of the colony, than any others, except Winthrop and Cotton. He was distinguished alike for good judgment and incorruptible integrity. He was generally one of the assistants, and at a later period, was several years chief magistrate of the colony.
When the settlements were made at Hartford and Windsor, on Connecticut River, in 1635, by the people from Cambridge and Dorchester, there were conflicting claims to that part of the country, by Massachusetts, Plymouth, and the Dutch, on Hudson River. The place had been visited, several years before, by some Plymouth people, who erected a house for trade with the Indians. The Dutch, soon after, took posses- sion, a little lower on the river, claiming the place to be within their patent. Some disputes arose, in consequence of these
37
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
various claims ; but no serious difficulties occurred with the Dutch at the time ; and yet it was supposed, that they insti- gated the Indians, two years after, to make hostile attacks on the English, in that part of the country.
There was much public excitement through the colony, in 1634 and 1635, relating to the opinions and conduct of Roger Williams. His honesty was never justly doubted, but he was wanting in prudence and stability of character, and indulged in very extravagant theories. He made himself obnoxious to the government, by denying the validity of their title to the soil, on account of the royal grant ; insisting that the Indians were the only proprietors ; and by opposing the claims of the civil authority, to make any laws touching the observance of the sabbatlı, or other religious ordinances. In the assertion and publication of these sentiments, he was considered a dis- turber of the public peace ; and when he could not be con- vinced of his errors, was ordered to depart from the colony. His opinions led him to refuse religious communion with most others, and even with members of his own family. And he condemned all who would not join him in anathematizing the church of England. With all these extravagances, he had a great portion of human kindness in his disposition, and was ever ready to make personal sacrifices for the welfare of others. Individuals of distinction, both in Massachusetts and Plymouth, showed him much kindness, even at the time of his banish- ment ; and afterwards, till his death, he was esteemed for his benevolence, honesty and piety. Mr. Williams was a scholar and a clergyman. He preached some time in Salem, after his arrival ; then at Plymouth, for about two years; thence he re- turned to Salem, where he openly advanced his peculiar and obnoxious opinions ; and in the winter of 1635-6, when ordered to leave Massachusetts, he went south, and took up his abode at a place which he called Providence.
The colony of Plymouth was, at this time, in a prosperous condition, though it was still small and feeble, compared to Massachusetts. Under the direction of wise and prudent characters, the debts, early contracted for their transportation and original settlement, were discharged; some vessels were built ; and their trade increased ; and several towns were settled in different parts of the colony.
When it was proposed, in 1634-5, by Mr. Hooker and the people of Cambridge, to remove to Connecticut River, a ques- tion arose, as to the power of the representatives, acting sepa- rately from the assistants. The consent of the general court was asked, for the removal, as it was believed the welfare of
4
38
HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Massachusetts might be affected by it ; and it was said that all ought to remain together for the common defence and pros- perity. The majority of the representatives were in favor of the removal ; but a vote could not be obtained for it in the board of assistants. The representatives insisted, that the assistants should yield to them, as the larger body ; and as the votes for removal, taking those of the deputies and assistants, were more than those against it. The assistants resisted this claim of power on the part of the representatives ; but in 1635-6 the removal took place ; and it was afterwards settled, that no order or law should be binding, or take effect, unless the majority, both of the deputies and assistants, approved of it.
Sir Henry Vane, who came into the colony in 1635, was elected governor the following year. He was under thirty years of age, høyt of accomplished manners, and very conciliat- ing and popular in his deportment; and he was also a high pro- fessor of piety. His religion, however, was not such as to divest him of a love of power. He sought the favor of the people, particularly of those who made great pretensions to sanctity, and was put forward by them, as a rival and competitor to Governor Winthrop. In 1637, after some electioneering by the particular friends of these gentlemen, Winthrop was elected to the place of governor ; and Vane soon after returned to England, where he acted a conspicuous part, in the time of the commonwealth ; and afterwards suffered heroically, under Charles II. The qualities of Governor Winthrop, both of the head and the heart, were such as to secure the utmost confi- dence from all the intelligent and . judicious characters in the colony.
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.