USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Cambridge > History of Massachusetts from July 1775, when general Washington took command of the American Army at Cambridge, to the year 1789, (inclusive) when federal government was established under the present constitution, Vol 2 > Part 8
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It was considered prudent to retain the two re- giments and the battalion of artillery in the ser- vice of the province through the season : and to keep guards at the fortifications, which had been erected in various parts of the harbour. Several other companies were also retained, at populous places on the coast, which were most liable to be approached by the enemy's ships. But there were still greater demands upon Massachusetts in June and July for men to recruit the army at New York, and at the northward, on lake Champlain, where attacks were threatened by formidable forces of the British, who had lately been victorious, in that quarter, over the Americans.
On the arrival of the British at New York in June, general Washington called upon Congress for an additional force, to enable him to prevent their landing, or to check them in any plans of ra- vaging the country. The regular troops under his command were but few, compared to the numbers
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with which it was expected the British would open the campaign in that quarter .* Many of the con- tinental regiments belonging to Massachusetts were in the northern department, where a large force was also deemed necessary. General Bourgoyne had arrived in Canada with fresh troops, and was driving before him the Americans, who were worn down with fatigue and sickness. Congress address- ed the legislature of Massachusetts, as well as of some other colonies, and urged them to send on the militia with the greatest possible dispatch. On the 25th of June, the general assembly resolv- ed to raise five thousand militia for six months, to re- inforce the continental army. This must have been a great effort and have required great sacrifices, when it is recollected, that the province had already fur- nished more than its portion of regular troops for the year's service, and had also a great number of men doing duty at Boston and other places on the
* On the 20th of June, an attack was made upon some Bri- tish soldiers at Sandy Hook near New York, by a party of Americans of about 300, commanded by colonel Tupper, with major Brooks as second in command, all belonging to Massa- chusetts. The British retreated to the light house, which served them as a shelter ; and two ships of war, lying in the offing kept up a fire upon the Americans for nearly two hours, which prevented them in the pursuit of the English soldiers. But the party under colonel Tupper received no injury. Ma- jor Henly, aid to general Heath, a brave and meritorious offi- cer, was killed soon after, in an engagement with some Bri- tish troops at Harlem, near New York. Heath had then re- cently been appointed a major general in the continental army. In October, a party of the Americans chiefly from Massachusetts, under colonel Shepherd, attacked some Bri- tish at New Rochelle, near New York, and a severe skirmish ensued, when the enemy fell back to the main army. It was said by one of the officers, "that the Massachusetts boys fought the regulars bravely for some time in the open field."
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sea coasts. The preamble to the resolve for rais- ing these men is indicative alike of the sense they had of the danger to which the country was ex- posed, and of their resolute purpose to sacrifice every thing for the preservation of their liberties. It is as follows :
" As the unrelenting spirit, which possesses the king and Parliament of Great Britain, has pushed them on to leave no measures unessayed to accom- plish our destruction, and with infinite disgrace to themselves are about to pour in upon us a number of foreign troops, with intent this year to decide the contest and to enslave us forever ; and as such a manly and brave resistance, as with the smiles of heaven we are able to make, will, we trust, utterly defeat their haughty and unrighteous designs, and establish our liberty ; the American Congress have called upon this colony for five thousand of its mi- litia to co-operate with the continental troops at Canada and New York, and it is absolutely neces- sary that a proper number of men should be re- served for the defence of the sea coasts against the attacks which may be made upon them, it ren- ders it unavoidable that the levies should be made on the towns least exposed to invasion from the sea ; and although the numbers are large, yet the exertions now called for are not to be regarded when compared to the great and noble objects for which we are contending; this court, therefore, have the fullest assurance that their brethren, on this occasion, will not confer with flesh and blood, but being convinced of the necessity of the mea- sure, will without hesitation and with the utmost alacrity and despatch, fill up the numbers propor- tioned on the several towns, in which case we shall VOL. II. 15
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have the highest prospect of defeating the bloody designs of our unjust and cruel adversaries. We derive the greatest confidence from the spirited and distinguished part our constituents have taken upon all important occasions, and we flatter our- selves that a noble defence this campaign will put an end to the contest. Every thing, therefore, calls for our united exertions; not only the safety of our property, children and families, but the se- curity of the rights of the present and future gene- rations."
These men were raised at great expense to the province ; and committees were employed in every county to assist and encourage the enlistments. A bounty and a month's pay in advance were allowed as an inducement to the people to engage in the public service. The sum of 50,000l. was appro- priated for the purpose. Three thousand of these militia were ordered to the northern department, and two thousand for New York. Before the whole were enlisted, the legislature proposed to general Washington to take two regiments of the continental troops stationed at Boston, for the de- fence of that place, and offered to call out the in- habitants in the vicinity as a guard, till they should be able to relieve them by others which should be enlisted.
The first of July several additional regiments were ordered to be marched to New York; to- gether with a large number of light-horse, and se- veral companies of artillery. The British had landed a great force, and threatened to subdue the whole country. Two more regiments were required to be forwarded to Canada, the tenth of July ; and the legislature ordered a levy of every 25th man
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for the purpose. These were raised principally in the western parts of the province, and in Mid- dlesex and Essex ; while those which marched for New York were from Suffolk, Plymouth and Bris- tol. For although several of the continental regi- ments were hurried off immediately from the Bos- ton station, and some of the militia repaired thither to take their place, others of them hastened di- rectly from the towns where they were mustered to the southern and northern departments.
Such exertions as these could not have been made without great patriotism and zeal, both in the General Court and in the people of Massachu- setts. To those who live in peaceful times and pass their days in ease and quiet, it appears al- most incredible, what sufferings were endured and hazards met by the brave men of that eventful period. Few persons in any age have made great- er efforts for the enjoyment of any earthly bless- ing. In communicating the resolves of Congress at this time, Hancock urged the General Court and people, by every consideration which could in- fluence honourable men and freemen, to assist in the great work of saving the country from tyranny and oppression. Many others were equally de- cided and zealous : and without such characters to animate and rouse the people, brave and attached to liberty as they were, they would have been dis- couraged, and have sunk under the increasing diffi- culties which surrounded them.
Under all these difficulties and threatened as they were with ministerial vengeance, the dele- gates of the several North American colonies, in General Congress assembled, after much de- liberation and mutual consultation, on the fourth
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of July (1776) declared themselves INDEPENDENT of the crown and government of Great Britain. But it was not without some opposition, that this declaration was adopted and publickly made. Some highly patriotic citizens were not then pre- pared for such a serious measure ; nor were they willing to relinquish entirely the hope of a recon- ciliation with the parent country. But a large majority of the members were decidedly of opin- ion, that no reconciliation could be effected, and that the period had arrived, when it was necessa- ry to declare the colonies a separate government from England. The British ministry might be in- censed. But their vengeance was already in ex- ercise, to its utmost extent ; and by becoming an independent nation, the governments of Europe might be induced to assist them against an unnatural foe. The resolution of Congress was zealously advocated by all the delegates from Massachu- setts ; and was approved by a vast majority of the people, in this and the other twelve colonies; which, from this memorable period, were called and known as the thirteen United States of Ame- rica. On the eighteenth of July, this Declaration of Independence was publickly read from the balcony of the State House in Boston, in presence of a vast concourse of the citizens, of several mili- tary companies, of the officers of the militia and of the continental army on the station, of the selectmen and other municipal officers of the town, and of many members of the executive council and General Assembly of Massachusetts. There was great parade and exultation. The king's arms were taken down, and a public dinner given on the occasion. And afterwards, the declaration
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was read in the churches on the Lord's day, after the religious service had closed.
The several states were now considered sove- reign, as well as independent. The supreme civil authority resided in the legislature in each state ; and each claimed the right to exercise sovereign power, within its own jurisdiction, yielding due re- spect to the advice and recommendations of the General Congress. It soon became an important question in Massachusetts, what should be the particular form of civil government. Some gave an opinion in favour of one branch for the legisla- · ture, others prefered two branches, as in the Bri- tish parliament. There was indeed no necessity for an immediate decision on the subject. For the government was then such as had long existed in the colony, except a vacancy of the office of governor, the duties of which were performed by the executive council. It was proposed however, at this session of the General Court, to appoint a committee of their own body, to prepare a form of government ; but they did not proceed to the business, as the opinion was generally expressed, that the subject ought to originate with the peo- ple, and that they should elect delegates for that specific purpose : and accordingly, it was only re- commended by the House of Representatives to their constituents, to choose their deputies to the next General Court, with power to adopt a form of government for the state. This advice was first given in September 1776: and afterwards more formally, in April 1777. Between these dates, the committees of safety from a majority of the towns in Worcester county assembled, and voted that it would not be proper for the (then)
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General Court to form a constitution; but that a convention of delegates from all the towns in the state should be called for the express purpose.
In the month of August, a day was set apart by the General Court of Massachusetts for public humiliation and prayer. The situation of the state and of the country was very critical. The enemy had two large armies, commanded by able generals, resolved, if possible, to overrun the con- tinent. The one at New York consisted of nearly 20,000 men; and that on Lake Champlain at the northward, was estimated at 12, or 14,000. Many of the American troops, though probably almost as numerous as the British, were militia called out for only a few months. And the re- sources of the country were too limited to furnish all needful means of defence against such a for- midable enemy. But no efforts were spared to oppose a sufficient force to the invaders, for de- fending the United States; and no part of the country afforded more ready assistance than Mas- sachusetts.
Another requisition for men was made on Mas- sachusetts in September by Congress, who had been solicited by general Washington to furnish a fresh supply of troops; and the legislature or- dered every fifth man to march to the neighbour- hood of New York, the quarters of the com- mander in chief. The towns on the sea coast were excepted, in this order of the General Court, as their service would probably be required for the defence of the state. Major General Lincoln was appointed to command this detachment; and they marched immediately to Fairfield in Connec- · ticut, with directions to report themselves to gene-
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ral Washington. They were raised to remain in service until such time as the General Court should determine, though an assurance was given, that they would probably be discharged within three months. In the terms of enlistment, it was also stated that they were to serve in the New En- gland States, or in New York and New Jersey. Before the whole of these were ready to march, two regiments were ordered to Rhode Island, which was now attacked by a British squadron, and whale boats were furnished to convey them from Falmouth, Dartmouth and Buzzard's bay. The residue were discharged in two months, as the British near New York discovered no disposi- tion to penetrate into the country, and part of their fleet sailed to Newport. General Lincoln soon after took command of the troops raised for the de- fence of Rhode Island. The General Court of Massachusetts, in the same month, employed a large number of ship carpenters to repair to the army on Lake Champlain, where it was consider- ed important to have a fleet of small vessels to check the enemy ; and, at the request of general Schuyler, they furnished him with powder, nails, &c. in that quarter. Misfortunes still attended the American army in the northern department. The British took several important posts there in August and September; and were also victorious in a naval engagement on the lake.
With very short intervals, the General Assem- bly was in session the whole of this year. The one formed in July 1775, was together until the middle of May 1776: and afterwards, there were only three adjournments of the court for a few weeks for the residue of the year; in November
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they sat in Boston. And when the House of Re- presentatives adjourned, the council had power given them to provide all necessary measures for the defence of the state, and for calling out the militia to recruit the continental army. This body was usually in session ; or a committee remained to act in any sudden emergency. Their attention and advice were almost constantly required. Scarce- ly a week elapsed, 'in which there was not a call upon the civil authority of the state for the militia to march to head quarters near New York, to lake Champlain, or to Rhode Island ; and fre- quently there were alarms within the state, which rendered it expedient to increase the forces at Boston, or station men at other parts of the ex- tensive sea coasts.
The General Court had, also, much legislative duty to perform, respecting the internal regula- tion of the State. At one time, they found it ex- pedient to suspend the ordinary execution of the laws, which regarded merely pecuniary disputes between the people. And the interruption which took place in the common business and pursuits of life, and the difficulties occasioned by great taxes and heavy drafts of men for the military service, produced so much distress and discontent, that the prudence and wisdom of the most intelligent pat- riots were called forth, in adopting means of re- lief for the people and of protection to the coun- try. The paper currency had now depreciated : many, who had demands upon the state, were un- willing to receive it in payment; and the sol- diers and their families complained, not without reason, that before their wages were paid, the bills were far less valuable than the nominal sums
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purported to be. The General Court appointed a committee, about this time, to meet others from Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, for the adoption of some measures to restore the credit of paper money, or to prevent its further depreciation; and to check a spirit of monopoly, speculation and extortion, which was manifested in many places ; and in consequence of which the poorer classes, especially the soldiers, were subjected to great injustice and sufferings. This committee was to have met at Providence ; but that place was occupied by the military, and no meeting was held. The following spring, another committee was appointed for the purpose, to meet at Springfield ; and New York was also represent-
ed on the occasion. A plan was reported, chiefly for the relief of those who were in the public ser- vice, by which the articles of food and clothing furnished their families were fixed at certain prices ; and the evil to which they were before liable was in some measure checked. But it was found difficult to prevent all speculation and mono- poly. And whenever such an attempt has been made, it has generally been found ineffectual.
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CHAPTER V.
Continental army for 1777 ... Slavery forbidden ... Several calls for mili- tia ... Invasion of Rhode Island under general Lincoln ... Military stores from France . . . Monopolies and depreciation .. . Additional State troops, and drafts of militia.
IN the month of September of this year, (1776)* in order to prepare seasonably for a powerful army for the next campaign, Congress recommend- ed that 70,000 men be raised by the States for the term of three years, or during the war; and apportioned to the several States their respective
quotas. Massachusetts was first required to raise fifteen battalions ; and soon after there was a requisition for two additional regiments, and a battalion of artillery ; being in the whole about thirteen thousand, and nearly one fifth of the whole continental establishment. . The term for which those then in service had engaged would expire with the present year, and they had been enlisted directly by continental agents and officers, without the special intervention of the individual States. It was now concluded to have each State raise a certain number of troops, but when enlisted, to form, as before, a continental army. The time for which they were to enlist, was to be so long
* Members of Congress for 1776, from Massachusetts, S. Adams, J. Adams, J. Hancock, R. T. Paine, and E. Gerry.
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as the war might continue; or at least for the period of three years. This was certainly a wise and judicious plan; but some of the States were averse to it, as the people objected to an engage- ment in the service for more than a year. Nor will this appear strange, when it is recollected that most of the soldiers were the yeomanry and citizens of the country, who were unwilling to devote themselves to a military life.
A committee of the Legislature of Massachu- setts was chosen in October, to go on to the head quarters of general Washington, and if necessary, to Philadelphia, to consult with Congress upon the subject of bounty and wages for the soldiers. They waited on the commander in chief, and hav- ing made known the object of their mission, desir- ed to learn if an enlistment for one year would not meet his approbation. He was very decided,* that during the war, or three years, should be the term of the enlistment; and expressed a strong apprehension of the final success of the British, unless the States would consent to raise an army for a long period, so that the men could be taught the military discipline. He had already suffered much for want of regular troops, on whom he could rely for a long period of service. Many of his men were militia at that time ; he saw that he must depend upon the militia also at the close of the
* Hon. Mr. Partridge, one of the committee, related after- wards, that he never saw .Washington discover any thing but perfect self-command, except on that occasion. When a year was mentioned for the time of service, he started from his chair, and exclaimed, " Good God, gentlemen, our cause is ruined, if you engage men only for a year. You must not think of it. If we ever hope for success, we must have men enlisted for the whole term of the war."
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year, while a new army should be forming ; and he was determined to guard against such an evil at any future period.
During this month, an estimate was made of the sums expended and advanced by Massachusetts, for the service of the continent, in addition to the amount for various services in the State, and was found to be 150,000l., after a former calculation, towards the close of the preceding year. Appli- cation was soon after made to Congress for a reim- bursement of that sum, or the greater part of it. 100,000l. was ordered to be paid, and was accor- dingly sent on to the treasurer of the Common- wealth, the beginning of 1777.
On several occasions, before this period, the General Court of Massachusetts had expressed a disapprobation of the slave trade, and a disposition to put an end to the practice of retaining the Africans in the degrading condition, in which they were held in many parts of the country. Several of these unfortunate persons were brought into Salem, at this time, who were found on board a British prize ship from Jamaica, and they were publicly advertised to be sold; but the Legisla- ture forbid the sale, and ordered them to be set at liberty.
A board of war was appointed in October, for the purpose of providing military stores, cannon and fire arms, for the men stationed within the State, as well as for those to be enlisted for the service of the continent. Several detachments of the militia were called for, at this time, to strengthen the army near New York, and on the lake ; and in December many were marched to Rhode Island, for the defence of Newport. All
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these were to be furnished with arms and ammu- nition; and though there were some of these in the public stores, many were to be collected to meet the great demand made for them. Some military articles were also loaned to the governor of Connecticut for the militia of that State, a great number of whom were in service at Rhode Island, with general Washington, or in the north- ern department.
During the months of November and December, large detachments of the militia were ordered out to reinforce the continental armies, and to assist in protecting Rhode Island, which was attacked, in the latter of these months, by a party of the Bri- tish from New York, estimated at 6000, with a large fleet. Within the same period, committees of the legislature were sent on, both to the head quarters of Washington at the south, and of Gates at the north, to urge the men belonging to Massa- chusetts, whose term of service would soon expire, to enlist, on the new establishment, for three years, or during the war; and to prevail with those who chose not to engage for that time, to remain in service till the new recruits should join the army. A few consented to remain; but many returned home as soon as their time was out. At this time, likewise, arms were furnished to all the militia in the county of Berkshire, who were destitute ; as it was believed they might be called out en masse, to strengthen the army on the lake. In November, the two regiments stationed at Boston, and around the harbour, whose time would soon expire, were engaged to continue in service several months beyond their former enlist- ment; and some additional regiments were march-
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ed to New Jersey to join the army under general Washington, who was pursued by a powerful enemy, and whose already scanty forces were daily diminishing .* Towards the close of the same month, the militia of Plymouth and Barn- stable counties, were ordered to Rhode Island ; and a part of them were transported by whale boats from Dartmouth, Falmouth, and from some other places on Buzzards Bay. Two regiments from Worcester county were also marched to Providence for the protection of Rhode Island ; and the militia lately ordered to be raised in Berkshire and Hampshire counties were directed to proceed to Albany, to act as the public service might require. The latter were permitted soon to return home ; for the British retired into Ca- nada, and it was concluded by the American ge- neral only to maintain his station at Ticonderoga for the winter.
The detachment of British troops from the main army at New York ordered to Newport, at this time, was estimated to be nearly 6000; and were commanded by several distinguished officers; gene- ral Clinton, lord Piercy, major general Prescott, and others. A large number of the militia from Connecticut and Massachusetts were immediately collected there, to act with those of Rhode Island, and some few continental troops, for the defence of the country. Besides those already ordered from Plymouth and Barnstable, an additional num- ber was sent in from the former county, and from
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