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 9
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* Two regiments from Worcester were among them ; and a large company of volunteers of respectable citizens march- ed from Salem, though the people of that town, being on the sea board, were not required to furnish men at this time.
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Bristol, Suffolk, and the southern parts of Wor- cester county. Major general Lincoln, who had been sent on some time before with the militia of Massachusetts to reinforce the continental army near New York, was ordered to take command of- the troops at Rhode Island and Providence. A part of those ordered for Rhode Island, were di- rected to proceed to New Jersey, and join gene- ral Washington, whose situation was now become very critical, being pursued by a British army of regular troops estimated at 15,000, while he had scarcely one third of that number, some of which were temporary recruits. Boston being thus left unprotected, two regiments were immediately raised in the vicinity for its defence. All these va- rious establishments amounted to more than one half of the militia in the counties above mentioned, besides a great number from all the other counties in the state.
The aspect of public affairs was, at this period, most gloomy and alarming ; and but for the reso- lute efforts and brilliant successes of general Wash- ington at Trenton and Princeton, the country would have sunk into a state of despondence. With a handful of men, whom the British general thought scarcely worth immediate pursuit, as he concluded they could not again become formidable, Washington fell upon a detached division of the enemy at each of these places within a short pe- riod; and destroyed and captured almost the whole, to the utter astonishment of the British, and carrying conviction to their fears, that they were opposed by a man whom difficulties could not appal, nor numbers overpower. Many Massachu- setts troops were with the commander in chief in
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these important attacks; for, though their term of enlistment was about to expire, they had been pre- vailed upon to remain till some fresh troops should arrive for the ensuing year.
Among the officers of high rank, then with gene- ral Washington, were Green and Knox, who urged the pursuit of the enemy immediately after the affair at Trenton; which probably would have been attended with the happiest effects to the American arms. General Washington was in fa- vour of the plan; but the majority of the officers were opposed to it.
In January (1777) a plan was laid to re-take fort Independence, near King's bridge in the vi- cinity of Hudson's river ; which was to be execut- ed by the militia from Massachusetts and Connec- ticut, to the number of about 4000. Major general Heath had the command, and Lincoln, Wooster, and Parsons, were brigadiers in the detachment. But nothing important was effected; and it was believed that the general in chief did not discover all that energy and promptness which some others might have exhibited; and which could not have failed of success.
The call for aid upon Massachusetts by the governor of Rhode Island in December, was so urgent, that almost the whole of the militia in the southern counties, and many from Worcester, Mid-
* Extract of a letter from general Washington, January 1777. " It is painful for me to hear such illiberal reflections upon the eastern troops, as you say prevails in N -. I al- ways have, and always shall say, that I do not believe any of the states produce better men. Equal injustice is done them in other respects : for no people fly to arms more promptly, or come better equipped, or with more regularity into the field.""
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dlesex, and Suffolk, were ordered for the defence of that state. It was believed also to be the plan of the enemy to march through the country to Boston. The two continental regiments stationed in the capital of Massachusetts were ordered to · Providence. The corps of artillery, and an inde- pendent company soon followed ;* and several field pieces and military stores were sent on to Rhode Island at the same time.
The troops required of Massachusetts for the continental service, for the whole period of the war, or three years, to be enlisted the beginning of this year, (1777,) were raised with great diffi- culty. A similar delay, indeed, attended the ef- forts to engage them in all the other States. In the preceding campaign, the Americans had been generally unfortunate. Many were desirous of re- maining at home to provide for their families. They had suffered much for want of sufficient clothing; and the bills by which their wages were paid had depreciated nearly one half. The Ge- neral Assembly of Massachusetts proposed to of- fer an additional bounty ; but Congress disapproved of the plan, as it would render it necessary for other states to do the same, and it was believed that some of them would not consent. Indeed, twenty dollars and land were promised by Con- gress ; but this was a very distant good, and not valued as it ought to have been. The enlistment was so slow, that Massachusetts engaged to pay the men raised for her regiments, in addition to the offer by Congress, 20l. to be paid in two equal
* One of these was commanded by Thomas Melvill, and one by Henry Jackson.
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instalments, and promised that the depreciation of paper, received in payment of their wages from the continent, should be made up to them by the state. In many cases, also, they were furnished with clothing at a fixed price, by which they were saved from the loss to which they would have been · subjected, if they had received their whole com- pensation in the bills of the continent.
Four of the fifteen regiments were raised with all possible dispatch and ordered to the northward, in January, where the British movements now in- dicated the renewal of offensive operations .* The American army in that department, which in Oc- tober preceding was estimated at 13,000, including militia, had been reduced to a number so low as to be scarcely adequate to the maintenance of the fort of Tyconderoga. The regular troops had gone home, as their term of service expired with the year just past ; excepting the few who had been induced to engage upon the new establish- ment. The militia, also, who had been forwarded at different times during the summer and autumn of 1776, for reinforcing the army in that quarter,
had been dismissed. The above number of regi- ments had been requested by the commanding offi- cer in that department ; and great efforts were made by the General Court to raise this portion at an early day. All the other regiments were not filled until the months of May and June ; although the people were frequently urged to enlist, by all the powerful considerations, which could operate with free and patriotic citizens. The General
* These were commanded by Brewer, Francis, Bradford, and Marshall.
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Court prepared an address to be read in the churches and at the head of the militia companies, soliciting the enlistment of soldiers for three years or during the war. " We entreat you," this was their language, " for the sake of religion, for the enjoyment of which our ancestors fled to a wilder- ness, for the sake of freedom and social happiness, to act vigorously in this critical state of our coun- try ; and we doubt not that your exertions will be crowned with that success which is due to the brave, the wise and patriotic." There was a pub- lic Fast this year in January, by advice of the Ge- neral Court. Officers of militia and selectmen of the several towns in the state were enjoined to make constant exertions for raising the men re- quired. The proportion for each town was de- termined, and a resolve passed, that they should provide the number fixed. In some places, the citizens were taken by lot or drafted ; and all such were obliged to enter the service or to engage sol- diers in their stead .*
In January, as the new levies came in very slow- ly, general Washington called again upon several states for the militia, for a short period. Massa- chusetts furnished 2000, which joined the conti- nental army in New Jersey in the month of Feb- ruary. They were forwarded under command of general Lincoln, who was succeeded as the chief officer at Providence, by major general Arnold. But general Spencer of Connecticut soon after had the command on that station. On this occasion, as well as many others, the militia were of great
* Every seventh man was called for at this period ; and the towns were also required to furnish 5000 blankets.
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service in the' war of the revolution. Lincoln was created a major general in the continental ar- my, in 1777, and he possessed in a peculiar degree the esteem and confidence of the commander in chief .*
A greater part of the British left Newport in March, without effecting the object of their expe- dition, except it was merely to find winter quar- ters for a large portion of their troops, who could not procure support at New York. They excited great apprehensions, indeed among the inhabitants of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut ; and the exertions made to collect a military force to prevent any scheme of conquest or plunder, oc- casioned much distress to the citizens of these states, already nearly exhausted by other and pre- vious sacrifices for the public welfare. General Clinton, left Newport for England at an earlier day ; and it was supposed that there was a serious misunderstanding between him and Lord Piercy, who was second in command in this expedition. When it was known, that the British fleet was preparing to sail from Newport, there was an ap- prehension that they were destined for Boston. This circumstance induced the General Court to order the forts in the harbour of Boston to be repaired and manned, and to call in the militia to aid in the defence of the capital. As the enemy did not proceed to Boston from Newport, the militia were soon dismissed. But two regi- ments were ordered to be raised for that place, and several companies in the service of the state
* Glover, Patterson, Learned and Nixon of Massachusetts, were this year appointed brigadiers, and Knox, general of artillery.
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were stationed in many towns on the sea board, during the year. In the spring of 1777, general Ward resigned his military commission, and was elected one of the council. He was succeeded on the Boston station by general Heath.
The private and public armed vessels belonging to Massachusetts, as well as the larger ships com- missioned by the continent, were still successful in their cruises near the coast, and even in the lati- tudes of the West Indies. Richly laden English ships bound from those islands to Europe, and others on their voyage from Great Britain to New York, to furnish the enemy with military stores, provisions and clothing, were captured by the Americans; and thus the continental troops were supplied with necessary articles, which it would have been impossible, perhaps, to collect else- where. A calculation was made in England, that in eighteen months, from July 1775, to January 1777, the Americans had captured English mer- chant ships to the amount of 1,500,000l. sterling ; besides a great number of transports, and provi- sion vessels destined for the British troops.
Early this season, in the months of March and April, several ships arrived from France with woollen and linen goods, hardware, and large quan- tities of fire arms and military stores. This was supposed to be in consequence of the applications of the American agents, Franklin and Dean, then at Paris. One of these vessels, which arrived at Portsmouth, had about 5000 stands of arms, and various other articles for the American army. The General Court of Massachusetts applied for the fire arms to equip their troops just then pre- paring to march to Ticonderoga. Aware of the
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necessity of the case, the continental agent fur- nished them; and the new recruits were therefore able to join the northern army immediately ; many of whom had been delayed for want of this neces- sary article. Further efforts were required, in- deed, to complete the battalions alloted to Massa- chusetts for the continental establishment. The towns from which the requisite number had not been furnished were again addressed; and an or- der of the General Court was issued for drafting them, if they could not be persuaded voluntarily to enlist. The regiments were not entirely filled after all these efforts .* But the militia were frequently employed, at different times, and for different periods, during the season, by which the regular army was greatly strengthened.
The General Court ordered a new emission of paper in February (1777) to the amount of 125,000l. ; and a tax of 100,000/. At the same session, they consented that general Ward should order a part of the continental troops to Provi- dence, who were stationed at or near Boston ; and the citizens of the metropolis, to the number of 350, were embodied for its defence. At this time, 400 additional militia were sent on to the former place, to complete the quota of 2000, which had been before required from Massachusetts. The inhabitants of Boston had a large meeting, during
* The commanders of the Massachusetts regiments were Vose, Bailey, Greaton, Shephard, Putnam, Nixon, Francis, Brewer, Alden, M. Jackson, Wesson, Marshall, Bradford, Smith, Bigelow, H. Jackson, and Crane, of artillery. Francis was killed early this year, and Sproat had command of the regi- ment. Brewer left the service, and Tupper took command of his regiment. Brooks was lieutenant colonel commandant of M. Jackson's.
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this month, to take into consideration the com- plaints of the poorer classes, respecting monopo- lies, and the high prices on articles in common use. The conduct of some individuals was censured for extortion, and more public spirit was recommend- ed; and it was voted that the names of all who should offend in this way, in future, should be made public. There were a few persons in the state, also, who refused to take the bills issued either by the General Court or by Congress, which tended to lessen their value in the estimation of the com- mon people. This was severely condemned, as injurious to the public welfare and credit ; and many patriotic citizens of distinction made great personal sacrifices and efforts for the good of the community. But the debt of the state was so great, and the resources so inadequate to provide for immediate payment, that public paper of all kinds continued to depreciate, which was the occa- sion of great distress to many of the people.
Lead and flints to a considerable amount, were again furnished the state of Connecticut, for the supply of their troops. Nor was this done because of a great quantity in Massachusetts; for at this time the people were requested to take the weights from their windows for the public use.
In March, companies were ordered to be raised at the expense of the state, and stationed at Fal- mouth, Cape Elizabeth, Kittery, Newburyport, Gloucester, Salem, Marblehead, Plymouth, and Dartmouth. There were already several compa- nies raised by the state at different places round the harbour of Boston, besides the two continental regiments, generally on this station, when not or- dered away to head quarters on some sudden
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emergency. They were so ordered to Rhode Island, on two occasions ; once to the head quar- ters of Washington, and once to the northern de- partment. And in all these instances, the militia were embodied for the public service, until the troops enlisted by the order of Congress could re- lieve them. In the same month, when there was an alarm at Boston, after the continental regiments had marched, by consent of the legislature, to strengthen the main army, and general Washington was requested to furnish some regular troops, he could not prudently comply with the request, and the state was obliged to call out the militia for its own protection.
In April, 1500 of the militia from the counties of Hampshire and Berkshire were ordered to Tyconderoga. The regular regiments of Massa- chusetts were not yet even entirely full ; and the British had commenced hostilities with a force much superior to that employed by them in that quarter, the preceding year. A regiment of artillery, in addition to the one raised for the con- tinental service, was ordered to be enlisted for the particular defence of the state; but liable, however, by direction of the General Court, to do duty in any part of the Continent. And upon an urgent request of the governor of Rhode Isl-, and, an additional number of the militia of Suffolk and Bristol were marched to Providence. At this period, there still remained a large body of the enemy at Newport, and several ships of war were in the waters in that vicinity; by which the peo- ple were kept in a constant state of alarm; and the principal force which could be had to oppose them was the militia of that state and of Massachu-
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setts and Connecticut. Each of these, especially the two last, had several regiments of this descrip- tion of troops employed in other places. General Spencer of Connecticut commanded on that sta- tion ; and the great object was to defend the coun- try and to prevent all attempts at further invasion. The British were too powerful, especially as they had command of the bay and river, to justi- fy the Americans in an attack ; though at a sub- sequent period, it was supposed they might have acted with more effect and with success, if the commander had been more resolute and energetic. It was important in the opinion of judicious in- dividuals, that the enemy should be driven from their station on Rhode Island, and that an attempt should be made for that purpose. The General Court of Massachusetts sent a committee to Pro- vidence, to consult with the governor of Rhode Island, for such an expedition, as well as for the defence of that state; and they were authorised to promise 5000 men, in addition to 2000 already there from Massachusetts. But no plan was set- tled for the purpose at that time ; though a con- siderable force was kept up through the season. The militia of Massachusetts, who had been on that station for two months and some even for a longer time, were relieved by 1500 others, early in June. And these again, after a short period, were permitted to return home, two regiments being raised for six months, to take their place. At this session of the legislature, a resolve was passed, requiring all the militia of the state to be equipped, and ready to march at the shortest . notice.
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CHAPTER VI.
General Court 1777 ... Expedition to Nova Scotia ... Constitution pre- pared by General Court, and rejected by the people . .. 4th of July . .. Militia to reinforce northern army ... Secret expedition to Rhode Island ... Bourgoyne checked and captured ... Affairs at the south ... Capture of captain Manly.
WHEN the General Court was organized in May, this year (1777) it assembled in Boston. The representatives from that ancient town were not so numerous as the preceding year ; there being only six returned, when for the former year there were twelve. The members of the supreme executive council, with the exception of a small part, who declined a re-election, were the same as the year before. A board of war was again chosen, to attend to the pressing demands for military stores ; and committees appointed, for fur- nishing clothing and provisions for the great body of troops, which the state had to support. They were estimated at about 12,000, besides militia, and those engaged on the sea coasts within its own jurisdiction.
The state incurred considerable expense in the month of June by projecting an expedition for the defence and relief of the people of St. Johns and other places on the bay of Fundy, who were friendly to the United States and called for assistance, as they were harassed and oppressed by the British
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in Nova Scotia. The expedition was proposed with the consent of Congress ; but it was prepar- ed by the government and people of Massachu- setts. A regiment was raised in Maine, and a naval force, such as was supposed would be neces- sary, was procured for the purpose. But unex- pected difficulties arose in the prosecution of the plan; and after much delay, it was abandoned, in the form first intended. Some months after, how- ever, a single company from Maine without excit- ing alarm in the British at Halifax, proceeded up to the head of the bay of Fundy, took a small fort there situated, and brought off several fami- lies, who were attached to the cause of American liberty, and obnoxious to the English government. It had long been meditated to afford assistance to the inhabitants of Nova Scotia, many of whom were supposed to be friendly to the rights of America. When general Washington was at Cambridge, and during the winter of 1776, it was represented to him, that an expedition to that province would afford relief to some well disposed citizens, and be of advantage to the other colonies. He sent two gentlemen at that time to learn the views and situation of the people in Nova Scotia. But they proceeded only to the lines of the pro- vince ; and found it would be very hazardous to go further, as the British authority there was sus- picious of all intercourse between the people of that province and Massachusetts. The Indians in that quarter manifested a friendly disposition. Some of them were taken into the pay of the state, and served with a battalion raised in the course of this year, for the defence of the settle- ments in the eastern part of Maine.
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During the session in June, the House of Repre- sentatives and the Council formed themselves into a convention for the purpose of preparing a con- stitution, or frame of civil government for the state ; and a committee of twelve was chosen to consider the important subject. The former Gene- ral Court had advised the people to elect their next representatives for such an object. The majority of towns in the state, it would seem,* chose their representatives with this view, and gave, at least, an implied assent to this mode of forming a constitution; although Boston and seve- ral other towns were opposed to such a proceed- ing, and expressed an opinion, that a Convention ought to be called, to be composed of delegates for the express and sole purpose of preparing a form of civil government. This committee report- ed a draft of a constitution in January 1778, which the General Assembly submitted to the people ; but which they did not approve.f
The fourth of July 1777, being the first anni- versary of the declaration of the independence of the United States, was publicly celebrated in Bos- ton, by order of the General Court, which was sit- ting at that time. A sermon was delivered by the chaplain before the representatives, councillors,
* It is presumed the representatives would not have pro- ceeded to prepare a constitution, unless the greater part of the towns in the state had authorised the measure. No docu- ment can be found in the secretary's office, to determine how many towns voted for it. The committee was composed of the following gentlemen :- I. Powell, T. Cushing, D. Davis, I. Taylor, of the council ; and J. Warren, R. T. Paine, A. Orne, J. Bliss, J. Prescott, J. Pickering, G. Partridge, J. Simpson, representatives.
+ See Appendix.
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and other public characters, military and civil. There was also a military parade on the occasion, a public dinner, and other demonstrations of grati- tude and joy.
At this session, the legislature ordered specie, to a considerable amount, to be sent to persons in prison at New York, belonging to the state, whose privations and sufferings were represented to be very severe. It was forwarded to general Wash- ington, with a request that he would send it into New York by a flag of truce, and take suitable precaution, that is should be safely delivered.
At this period, more of the militia were ordered from Hampshire and Berkshire counties, to rein- force the northern army. And a few weeks sub- sequently, the enemy having taken Ticonderoga, an additional number was required to proceed to that quarter, not only from those two counties, but from Worcester, Middlesex, York, and also from Suffolk and Essex, except from Boston and the regiments in Essex on the sea coast. This was an urgent call; and every seventh man was ordered to be marched off with the greatest dispatch .* General Heath was specially desired by the House of Representatives to ascertain what deficiencies there were in the regular regiments ordered to be raised by the state, and to use every effort to com- plete the battalions which were not already full. Large sums were also appropriated for purchasing provisions and clothes for the troops on the lake ; and for rendering the road passable through the
* In the address of the General Court to the people, on this occasion, they said, " we rely upon that public virtue, and that unbounded love of freedom and of their country, with which the militia of this state have always been inspired."
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