USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts from the year 1790, to 1820. v. 3 > Part 13
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During the month of April, (1814) there were alarms in the counties of Barnstable, Plymouth, Cumberland, Lincoln and Hancock ; and the in- habitants were furnished with the means of defence by the military commissioners of the State, as they applied for them, and usually to the amount they requested. Many towns had been supplied before. Detachments of the militia were also ordered out, at these places, and kept in service as long as dan- ger was apprehended by the officers in the vicinity. By the general order of the Governor, of July 3d, VOI .. III. 24
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1812, the officers of the militia had much discre- tionary power given them. But it was seldom abused. In no instance did the militia officer re- fuse to call out his men, when there was real dan- ger of invasion ; but, sometimes, they marched on alarms, when no just cause of fear existed. Gen- crally, the militia were required to march but short distances, and were kept in service no longer than was necessary to protect the people, or till their fears had subsided.
In June, there was an alarm at Salem, as sev- eral armed vessels of the enemy were near the coast, and at a short distance from the entrance into the harbour of that populous town. The fort belong- ing to the United States, at the mouth of the har- bour, was not sufficiently manned to afford protec- tion to the town against the British ships of war. Cannon and other military articles, to a large amount, were accordingly provided, by order of the Governor, for the defence of that ancient and opulent town. 'The militia also were called out from the towns in the vicinity, and a regiment marched from Boston, for its protection.
The alarms now became very frequent in the towns on the seaboard. The citizens of Boston were apprehensive of an attack at this period ; and a regiment of militia was encamped upon the Com- mon for a short time, and then ordered to Dorchester heights, where it remained for several weeks. The companies composing the other two regiments of the town, were frequently called out for discipline ; and were in a state of preparation for service at a. moment's warning. The heights of Dorchester (or South Boston) were fortified ; and a new fort built on Noddle's Island, opposite to the town, in
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an eastern direction, chiefly by the voluntary labours of the people of Boston and vicinity. Many of the - citizens, also gave their service, in putting the United States fort on Governor's Island in a more efficient condition than it had been for some time before. Intelligence from Europe, at this time, was not favorable to a speedy restoration of peace. The necessity of defensive measures became more apparent. In Boston, as well as in many other places, public meetings were held, at which all po- litical parties attended, and united in recommend- ing further means of preparation and defence.
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CHAPTER XI.
Mr. Strong re-elected for 1814 ..... Extracts from his speech to the Legisla- ture ..... Extracts from the answer of the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives ..... General alarm on the seaboard, and militia called out ..... A million of dollars appropriated for defence ..... Forts built ..... Citizens vol- unteer their services ..... Castine taken by the enemy ..... Arrangements with commanding officer of the United States ..... Objections to the plan.
Mr. Strong was elected Governor for the year 1814, by a large majority of the votes of the poo- ple, which was justly considered an expression of their approbation of his public course during the two preceding years. The majorities of both branches of the General Court, also, approved of the policy of Governor Strong, and supported him in all the measures he proposed. Great efforts were made, however, by those who were in favour of the war, to elect rulers of different political views .*
* The political opponents of Mr. Strong supported Samuel Dexter for Governor. Mr. Dexter was at Washington when he was proposed as a candidate by the Democratic party. But he addressed his fellow citizens of the State on the subject. He did not expressly refuse to be a candidate, and yet declared that he was not one of the party who had nominated him. He also condemned the policy of the war and the anti-commer- cial measures which led to that event. He said " the Embargo overleaped the bounds of the Constitution ; that it was unjust and oppressive to the commercial part of the community ; that
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Governor Strong never wished to assume any power which was not given him by the Constitu- tion for the public welfare ; and never attempted to dictate to the Legislature what measures it would be proper for them to adopt; at the same time, he did not shrink from an expression of his opinions, nor from suggesting what he believed important and necessary to be done. The Repre- sentatives indeed acted under a deep conviction of their accountability to the people, and of their having important public duties to perform for the
prosperity of the State. And so far were the ru- lers and representatives from urging or exciting their fellow citizens to any acts of opposition to the general government, that they exerted their in- fluence to keep down the spirit of discontent, which was manifested in various parts of the State; and particularly among the people on the sea board, who were suffering very severely by the war. The Governor, repeatedly, in his public speeches, cx- horted the people to moderation and forbearance ; and the Representatives, while they readily made known the grievances and sufferings of their con- stituents, and at their request, remonstrated to Congress against the war, never failed to recom- mend to them to seck for redress only by legal and
it was impossible to execute it; and that the attempt to exc- cute it corrupts the people by destroying the correct habits of the merchants, and rendering perjury familiar." Still he seem- ed to be of the opinion that as war had been declared by the competent authority of the country, the national government, it was proper to join in prosecuting it, that it might be sooner brought to a successful issue. Governor Strong received al- most as large a majority of votes as he did in 1813, when the opposing candidate was far less talented or impartial than Mr. Dexter.
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constitutional means. It was a great satisfaction to Governor Strong, that, during the critical peri- od of the war, his constitutional council and advis- ers were wise, intelligent and patriotic characters. Those elected for 1814 were Generals Cobb and Brooks, Honorable James Lloyd, Benjamin Pick- man, Samuel Fales, Oliver Fiske, George Bliss, John Lord and Nahum Mitchell.
'The Governor had so often and so recently giv en his opinion respecting the war and the effects of it, that, on his election, in May 1814, he did not go very fully into the policy of the measure. But it was evident his opinions and views on the subject were not changed. For it was not his desire to find fault with the national government, nor to in- crease the discontent and opposition of the citizens of the Commonwealth. His sentiments may be gathered from the following paragraph in his Speech to the Legislature.
"Since the last session of the Legislature, the embargo and non-importation laws have been re- pealed. This measure must afford peculiar pleas- ure to the people of this State, and it seems to in- dicate a more mild and pacific disposition in the general government, and may be considered as a final relinquishment of that restrictive system, the distressing effects of which we have abundantly experienced in the course of the last seven years ; and which, however, designed to operate against a · foreign nation, has been found to be far more inju- rious to ourselves. The last embargo law inter- dicted the right of navigating from port to port within the limits of the State, and fishing on its coast, from which we suffered, probably, more than the people of any other part of the nation. But
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though these provisions and some other parts of the act were generally believed to be infringe- ments of the Constitution, we have not heard of any violence in opposing them. Our fellow citi- zens are entitled to much credit for the exercise of that forbearance which was recommended by the late Legislature. From the time that war was declared, a great proportion of the people in this State have viewed the measure as unnecessary and unjustifiable. Their sentiments were well expres- sed by their Representatives then assembled, and afterwards at every subsequent meeting of the State Legislature. Our national rulers, therefore, had no reason to expect, that, with these senti- ments, we should do any thing more in support of the war, than they had a right, by the Constitution, to demand ; and they could not expect it unless they supposed us destitute of all moral principle. Nor has the manner of conducting the war had any tendency to satisfy us of its policy or justice. It was commenced and is still prosecuted against the unoffending inhabitants of Canada. But as Congress have authority, by the Constitution, to declare war, and to impose taxes to defray its ex- pense, we are bound to obey the laws which are duly enacted for that purpose; and I am happy to observe, that none of the measures of the general government have been opposed by force or violence, and that no dangerous commotions have disgraced the people of this Commonwealth."
The answer to the Governor's Speech, both from the Senate and from the House of Repre- sentatives, afforded proof of the agreement of the citizens, very generally, with the opinions express- ed by the Chief Magistrate. He was elected, this
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year by a majority of ten thousand votes ; and more than two thirds of the Representatives had the same views of the war which the Governor enter- tained. Some extracts from the answers of the two branches of the General Court will exhibit the sentiments of the majorities in each.
" The injuries which the people of this Common- wealth have experienced, and the sufferings they have endured, from the oppressive measures of the national government have been great and manifold, and have been borne with a patience almost unex- ampled. Among these measures, the system of commercial restrictions, which for nearly seven years has been so cruelly enforced, is not the least considerable. Under the operation of this system, our citizens have been driven from their accustom- ed employments, deprived of the means of subsist- ence, and cut off from all the sources of wealth. Not only has their intercourse with foreign nations and the neighbouring Statos been prohibited, but they have even been interdicted the right of navigat- ing from port to port within the limits of the State and of fishing on its coasts.
" Powers, which the people of this Common- wealth had never delegated to the national rulers, have been exercised with great severity for their distress and impoverishment : and rights, which they never surrendered, have been torn from them by a ruthless violence, under the forms of law. And to oppressions and restraints, alike hos- tile to the principles of civil liberty and the express provisions of the Constitution, it was not to be ex- pected, that a free people, jealous of their rights, would long submit in silence.
" The sentiments of the people of this State, as
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well as of their Legislature, upon the subject of the war with Great Britain, have been so often express- ed, that it is unnecessary for the Senate to repeat their solemn conviction of its injustice. Our na- tional rulers and the world well know, that the sons of Massachusetts, the legitimate descendants of those who achieved our Independence and founded the American Republic, are not regardless of the rights, the honor, or the interests of the nation. They know full well, that in a just and necessary war -- a war for the maintenance or defence of ei- ther of these great objects, no sacrifice would be deemed too great, and no privations intolerable.
" In the opinion of the Senate, it is not only the - right, but the duty of a people, mindful of what they owe to their country and posterity, to oppose by all peaceful and constitutional means, a war thus declared and thus prosecuted. But we are happy to observe, that none of the measures of the gener- al government have been opposed by violence, and that no dangerous commotions have disgraced the people of this Commonwealth. The war has been one of great expense and suffering ; and may be one of disgrace to the rulers of the nation; but we trust and believe it will not terminate in our slave- ry and subjugation."
:In the answer of the Representatives, after con- gatulating the Governor on his re-election, they observe, "that, in this event, they perceived with the highest satisfaction the renewed pledge, given by the people of the State, of their determination to maintain and support those great principles of public policy, which had characterised his admin- istration." Referring to the Embargo law, which was passed in December, 1813, they say, "this VOL. III. 25
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act, not only overleaped at once the limits of con- stitutional authority, but manifested an open and undisguised · attempt to establish an arbitrary des- potism, enforced by military power, not sanctioned even by the forms of legal process, and utterly subversive of the first principles of civil liberty. What are the high and invaluable privileges which distinguish a free people from the slaves of a ca- pricious despotisin ? Are they not these,-to be at all times secure in their persons, property, and pur- suits,-to be governed by known and equal laws, and to be judged only by legal and constitutional tribunals ? Yet how deeply does the act mentioned entrench upon all these rights and privileges ? Af- ter a general prohibition of the coasting trade, the President was authorized to give permission to in- dividuals, at his pleasure, which must necessarily introduce an odious system of favouritism.
" We concur with your Excellency in commend- ing the forbearance and moderation which have been uniformly displayed by our fellow citizens, under their various privations and sufferings. Though deeply imbued with the love of civil lib- erty, yet they are impressed with the love of order, of good government, and of respect for the laws. The love of liberty, which animates the people of this Commonwealth, is not the unprincipled licen- tiousness of such as scek, in violence and civil commotion, the gratification of selfish passions ; but a firm and unshaken attachment to their con- stitutional rights, regulated by wholesome and en- ergetic laws. Grossly, therefore, do those mistake the character of our citizens, who regard their for- bearance as the result, either of that ignorance which cannot discern, or of that pusillanimity which will not protect their essential rights.
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" The House of Representatives still deeply la- ments, in common with your Excellency, the con- tinuance of the war in which we are involved. This House has invariably expressed its disappro- bation of the measure. We can only add, that we concur with our predecessors in the belief, that it was neither necessary, justifiable, nor politic. We have no hesitation, therefore, in expressing our firm conviction, that as men governed by moral principle, it is still our duty to abstain from every voluntary act, which would give encouragement to the prosecution of the war. We shall, however. concur in any measure, which may be considered expedient, for defensive purposes ; and which may become necessary, in consequence of the neglect of the national government to employ the means which the constitution has put into their hands to provide for the common defence and general wel- fare of the people."'
Before the General Court was prorogued, in June, one million of dollars was voted for provid- ing the means of defence to the State, to be ex- pended in such manner as the Supreme Executive should judge proper. By this resolve, the mem- bers of the Legislature gave the highest proofs of their confidence in the integrity and judgment of the Governor. This additional appropriation was rendered necessary, by the increase of the enemy's ships on the coast, and by the voice of the people, that, in their exposed situation, greater means of protection and safety should be provided. For the invasion of Canada, by the national troops, the British seemed to retaliate, by annoying the inhab- itants of the United States on the sea board. The alarms were so frequent and so extensive, that a
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great portion of the citizens of Massachusetts were under arms, most of the time, for several months.
In the month of June, an arrangement was made by the Adjutant General# of the Commonwealth
* General John Brooks was then that officer. But difficul- ties arose on the occasion of calling out this detachment, which rendered it prudent, if not necessary, afterwards to decline pla- cing the militia under the command of an officer of the regular army. The organization proposed by the officer of the United States army was different from that to which the citizens had been accustomed, or required to conform ; and by which the militia companies would be wholly deranged, taken from the command of officers of their own choice, and subjected to that of officers, who were strangers to them, and whom they had not elected. . The militia officers themselves objected to the proposed organization, and remonstrated against the command of officers in the United States army, except that of the General in chief.
The greatest number of the eleven hundred men, called out in compliance with the request of the United States officer, and placed under his command, were by him ordered to Fort War- ren in the harbour of Boston. The residue were ordered to Castino and Eastport in Maine, to be placed in the forts of the United States, before these places were taken by the British. One of the officers of the militia placed in Fort War- ren was of the rank of Colonel, and two of them were Majors ; and they were put under the command of a Colonel of the Uni- ted States army. What added to this untoward circumstance, was the fact, that the officer who then commanded the fort, was, a short time before, in the militia of Massachusetts, in the same Brigade, and of an inferior rank, to one of the officers now placed under him, and had been censured for unmilitary and improper conduct.
In the month of July, Eastport, on the Bay of Passamaquod- dy, was attacked and taken by the enemy. The United States had a fort at this place, in which at the time were seventy-five men, under command of a Major. The British force was con- siderable, both in vessels and men. The fleet consisted of sev- en armed ships.
Colonel (afterwards General) Sumner, who was at that time an aid to the Governor, was sent to Portland, and other places
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with Brigadier General Cushing, then the com- manding officer of the United States on the station, on the request of the latter, to call out all the militia of Boston and vicinity, if it should be- come necessary to repel an invading enemy ; and the militia, when so called out, were to be under the direction of General Cushing, though the offi- cers of the militia were to retain their respective stations of command, as they had been elected. On the removal of this officer to another station, General Dearborn again had the command, as an officer of the United States, in Massachusetts ; and when, in July, he requested that the militia should be called out and placed under his com- mand, to the number of 1100 or 1200, the Adju- tant General was directed by the Governor to call out the militia, as asked for, if a similar arrange-
in Maine, clothed with discretionary power to direct in the measures of defence by the militia in that part of the State. It was also expected of him to give early and correct information to the Supreme Executive, as to the situation of public affairs in that quarter. He had much to accomplish, and proved a faithful and efficient officer. By his advice and influence, an ar- rangement was made for calling forth the militia to protect the town of Portland, and putting them under a General officer of the United States, commanding in that place. But that officer was soon called to a distant service, and an officer of the rank of Major left in command. The militia officers, therefore, ab- solutely declined the service, when ordered out. The citizens of the place, however, prepared for its defence, with all the means at their command. See Appendix.
By the general order of the Governor, of July 18, 1814, the Major Generals near the sea coast, were required to inspect anew their respective divisions, and to have them in readiness to march, at the shortest notice, for the protection of any place in their vicinity, which might be attacked or invaded. This was in addition to the specific order for a detachment of 1100, in compliance with the request of General Dearborn ; though the orders were issued at the same time. Sce Appendix.
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ment could be effected, to that made with General Cushing. This was full proof of a disposition in Governor Strong to act in concert with the officers of the national government, for the public defence, when the exigency existed to require it.
On the first of September, the town of Castine, in Maine, was taken by the British, who came with a large fleet, consisting of thirty vessels, among which were two seventy-four gun ships, and several frigates, and upwards of 3000 troops. The enemy came unexpectedly, and no resistance was made by the inhabitants. It could not have been defended without a great number of troops ; nor be retaken from the enemy, without a naval force superior to them. The governor was censur- ed for not attempting to drive off the British and to take possession of the place ; but the attempt would have been utterly vain, with any force at the command of the Executive of Massachusetts ; and the militia were also needed to prevent the capture or plunder of many other towns. The British remained in possession of Castine until the intelligence of peace arrived the following Spring ; but they were charged with very few acts of dep- redation on the inhabitants of the place while they continued there. On their first arrival, however, they landed at Belfast, Hampden and Bangor, - where the troops committed various outrages. 'The British officers conducted with less violence, and pretended to be unable to restrain their men in all cases. Their principal object in going up the riv- er, it was supposed, was to take an American sloop of war then lying opposite to Hampden. The commander ordered his ship burnt, to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy. 'The mi-
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litia were collected at that place under General Blake to oppose the British. But his force was not sufficient to withstand them. Some skirmish- ing took place; and two of the militia were killed and several were wounded.
It was pretended by the opponents of Governor Strong, that he was averse from affording any as- sistance to the people, even when there was real danger. But not only his declarations go-to dis- prove the charge, but his acts also, by which he placed the whole State in an attitude of defence, and recommended, repeatedly, to the Legislature, to provide the means of protection. If the Adju- tant General advised to or suggested the plan of placing the militia under the United States officers, the Governor readily consented, insisting, indeed, that they should not be marched out of the State, nor have their officers removed. In 1814, when invasion threatened and danger was imminent, the Governor consented to put the militia under the command of an officer of the United States, in several instances-but the officers of the militia re- monstrated against it.
The following extracts from letters of Governor Strong to the Adjutant General are further in proof of his willingness to afford assistance by the militia, in time of danger. In a letter of June 12th, 1814, he said, "I have just received your letter inclosing one from Commodore Bainbridge, and I am disposed to do every thing in my power to aid his views in defending the town of Boston and navy yard at Charlestown and the ships in the harbour, so far as my authority, by the Constitu- tion will warrant. And in the present case, I sec no difficulty in complying with his or General
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Cushing's verbal request (which you stated to me yesterday) that a company of militia be called out to guard the approach to the navy yard, by Chel- sea ; and also that in case of imminent danger of attack, a requisite number of the militia be called to Forts Independence and Warren, to be under the command of General Cushing, as he proposed, and to be discharged when the danger ceases."
On the 12th July, in a note to General Brooks, he said, " I have received a request from General Dearborn, that the necessary orders may be issued for detaching a number of the militia for the de- fence of the sea coast within this State. It ap- pears to me, that the danger now apprehended of an invasion will justify a call of this kind by the national government, and a compliance with it on my part. General Dearborn proposes fully to communicate to you his views, as to the partic- ular destination of the militia which may be de- tached. His suggestion, that they should be taken as far as may be, from the vicinity of the respect- ive posts, to which they are to be called, I think is reasonable and proper. The militia, in that case, will be less burdened, and will feel more responsi- bility : For young men, at a distance from their homes, are apt to forget what is due to their own character, and the restraints of a moral kind, which regulate their couduct. As a number of the militia have been lately called out to defend the towns on the sea coasts, perhaps, the same may be designated as a part of the force required by General Dearborn. If you can make such ar- rangements with General Dearborn as were pro- posed by General Cushing, it will be satisfactory to me."
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