USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts from the year 1790, to 1820. v. 3 > Part 14
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At this time, the Governor issued a general or- der, as commander in chief of the militia of the State, calling upon the officers of Brigade and Di- vision near the sea coast, to see that those of their respective commands were in readiness for service and action whenever summoned to the field. The Major Generals of the first, second, third and fifth Divisions, which include the counties of Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, Plymouth, Bristol, and Barn- stable, and of the Divisions, to which belong the counties of York, Cumberland, Lincoln, and Han- cock, were particularly mentioned in the order and directed to be on the alert to prepare to meet attacks in their vicinity, however suddenly made. Major General King, in the county of Lincoln, was authorised to call out the militia, and to place a part of them in the United States' forts on Ken- nebec, Sheepscut, and Damariscotta rivers, if he should consider it necessary, or suppose they could there defend the towns with the best effect. He was very active in devising measures of defence ; and usually consulted with a national officer of the rank of Colonel, then stationed in that quarter. He also gave full information to the Governor, of the conduct of the enemy on the coast, and of the wishes of the people as to the means of defence. On several occasions, the militia were called out by his orders ; but only at times when the enemy's ships were near ; nor were they kept in service when danger no longer existed.
The collision, which at any time took place be- tween the Governor of Massachusetts and the chief officer in the United States' service in the District, was owing to a requisition from the lat- ter when no invasion existed, or immediately VOL III. 26
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threatened ; or when the militia were to be com- manded by other officers of the regular army, be- sides the General in chief on the station. The or- ganization proposed by the officer of the United States was obnoxious to the militia officers. They presented remonstrances against it to the Govern- or and to the Generals of Division to which they belonged ; and in one case all the officers of a Brigade which had been called out near Portland, refused to march, on that account. The. General officers in and near Boston, when interrogated by the Governor, expressed the opinion, that such an' organization of the militia could not be effected. Still, the militia turned out with great alacrity, whenever required. In the month of September, orders were issued, on request of General Dear- born, for the militia within twenty-five miles of Boston, and near the coast, to be in perfect readi- ness to march at any moment when called for. A few days after when there was an alarm in Boston, nearly 3000 from the county of Norfolk assembled on the Common in that town, within twenty-four hours after the order was issued. The sentiment universally prevailed, that, whether the war was at first expedient and proper, or not, it was an ab- solute duty to defend the Commonwealth against the enemy ; and to show them that when the coun- try was in danger no service would be withheld.
In some cases, however, the plan of putting the militia under the chief command of the United States' officer, while they were commanded imme- diately by their own officers, was carried into ef- fect. In consequence of an agreement with Major General Dearborn of the United States' army, the militia, amounting to nearly a Brigade, were
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placed under his command, in the fall of 1814, and ordered to Fort Warren, in the harbour of Boston. 'They were commanded by Brigadier General Dearborn, of the first Brigade and first Division, son of the United States' officer, and in compliance with his particular request ; although there were older Brigadier Generals in the Divis- ion. On request of Major General Dearborn, in the month of September, it was proposed to call out a Division of the militia for three months, to be stationed in and near the capital of the State, and to place them under his command; but there were so many objections to this arrangement by the militia, both men and officers, that the Govern- or considered it proper to relinquish it.
This course was adopted by the Supreme Exec- utive, in conformity to the sentiments and feelings manifested by the great body of the people. Ma- ny intelligent citizens, who were as much dissatis- fied with the war as the Governor was, approved of the policy of this conduct. It was evident the exi- gency existed, and that the Governor had acknowl- edged it, for calling the militia into the service of the United States. How far a desire to comply with the opinion of the people, in a republican gov- ernment, is an apology for deviating from the course clearly required by law and the Constitu- tion, may be a question with many honest States- men. But may be proper, to be governed by considerations of expediency, when the people gen- erally, in a free government, are in a state of high excitement. The situation of the country was such as to require the service of the militia; but at the same time, it would have been hazardous to compel them into that service, on the conditions
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proposed by the United States' officer in the Dis- trict. 'Though the service was not rendered pre- cisely in the way required, it was promptly and ef- ficaciously performed. The circumstances of the case might furnish an excuse, if it did not fully jus- tify the course pursued by the Executive authority of Massachusetts.
A Division was immediately called into service, and stationed at Dorchester, about four miles from Boston. But they were not put under the com- mand of the officer of the regular army. A Ma- jor General of the Militia was appointed to com- mand them; and had two Generals of Brigade under him. This detachment remained at Dor- chester about two months, when they were dis- charged, it being supposed the enemy would not attempt any invasion during the winter. 'They were taken from the western Counties of the State, and from the interior, while those who resided near the sea coast were required to be in readiness for the defence of their respective towns. A re- serve corps was stationed at Cambridge, three miles west of Boston, for the purpose of aiding in the defence of the Capital and the Navy Yard, if an attack should be made by the enemy.
These measures were attended with great ex- pense to the State; but it was considered neces- sary to call out this large body of men, to quiet the fears of the people, for which there was far greater cause, than at any former period of the war. Attacks had been made on most of the large towns in various parts of the country, as well as within the State of Massachusetts, and it was be- fieved that an attack was meditated on the town of Boston, and the navy yard at Charlestown in the vicinity.
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The Governor wrote to the Secretary of War, at this time, stating the great expenses incurred by the Commonwealth in the measures of defence which had been adopted by the State authority, as there were no regular troops of the United States ordered for its protection ; and requesting assist- ance from the general government. The Secreta- ry of war replied, that no expenses for the militia would be reimbursed, except in cases where they had been called out in compliance with the requi- sition of an officer of the United States .* Nor did he promise money or troops for future protec- tion. And thus the State was abandoned to de- struction or great calamity and expense, by an act of the general government, and was obliged to pro- vide for its own welfare at the expense of its citi- zens, while it was contributing its full share to the public treasury of the nation.
* But the national government did, in 1793, 4, order reim- bursement to be made to the State of Georgia, for expenses of the militia to protect the inhabitants against the Indians, who had been called out by the Governor, without any direction from the President of the United States. But as it was considered that the measure was proper, Congress voted to pay the ex- pense. And in several instances where the militia were called into service, without orders from the President, but where the danger required it, in 1813, and 1814, the expense was paid by the United States.
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CHAPTER XII.
Extra meeting of General Court in October 1814 ..... Extracts from the Message of the Governor to the General Court ..... Report and Resolu- tions of the Legislature ..... Further measures proposed for defence of towns on the sea coast .... A convention recommended of delegates from the New England States ..... Places defended by the militia.
Notwithstanding the power granted to the Gov- ernor in June, to provide the means of protection to the people, and much was done under his direc- tion for the defence of the State, he called the General Court together in an extra session the 5th of October, to consult for the safety of the Com- monwealth. The crisis was full of danger to the State ; and the Governor did not choose to take upon himself the whole responsibility of the public measures, when there was so much alarm and dis- content. It was not merely on account of the danger of occasional attacks upon the towns on the sea coast, that the Governor concluded to sum- mon a special meeting of the Legislature: For he had power and means, by calling out the militia, to repel such invasions. But the hope of a speedy termination of the war had been extinguished, and the naval force of the enemy, on the coast, was greatly augmented. Thus the danger increased; and the expenses of defensive measures were accu-
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mulating a heavy debt on the Commonwealth. The opinion also generally prevailed among the people, that some further means should be adopted to prevail on Congress to make peace, or to enable the State to prosecute the war, instead of drawing solely from its own individual resources.
When the General Court convened, the Govern- or immediately sent a message to both branches, in which he observed, that the war in which we were unhappily involved had assumed an aspect threatening and destructive; and thus a great change had taken place in the state of public af- fairs. He therefore thought an extra meeting of the Legislature indispensable, and the Council al- so advised to the measure. "At different times and for short periods," he said, " a few of the United States' troops had been stationed within the Com- monwealth ; but most of them having been with- drawn for the purpose of aiding in the operations against Canada, it was found necessary to call out a number of the militia for the protection of the places most exposed on the maritime frontier, and to furnish the citizens thereof with the means of defence." He then referred to the request of Gen- eral Cushing to call out the militia and place them in Fort Warren, to defend the town of Boston, and the navy yard at Charlestown, in case of dan- ger ; (General Cushing having agreed that the mi- litia should be subject to the command of no ofli- cer of the United States' army, except the Gene- . ral in chief of the District ; ) and his consent to the request, in the exigency of the period, and the ab- sence of the regular troops in the service of the United States. The Governor referred also to the application of General Dearborn in July, for elev- en hundred of the militia, to be placed (principally)
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in the forts of the harbour of Boston; to which. he said, he gave his consent, on the condition, that the Adjutant General would make the same arrangement respecting the militia officers, as had been made with General Cushing, when he com- manded on the station, a short time before .*
The Governor then mentioned the other requi- sition of General Dearborn, in September, for five thousand of the militia; chiefly for the defence of Boston and Charlestown ; but in part also for that of towns in the counties of York, Cumberland and Lincoln. With this request, the Governor said he did not comply, because of the difficulties and objections before stated. Before the last applica- tion was, received, he had issued an order, dated September the 6th, for a division of the militia to be detached from the interior of the State, and to march to the vicinity of Boston. This order was promptly carried into effect, and a Major General of the militia was appointed to command them. But had there been any attack on the forts in the harbour, or on the navy yard at Charlestown, no doubt they would have been ordered to act in con- formity to the wishes of the commanding officer of the United States army, on the station. The Gov- ernor concluded his message, by observing, "that. the situation of the State was very dangerous and perplexing. We have been led, by the terms of the Constitution, to rely on the general government to provide the means of defence ; and to that gov-
* These militia were called out, and ordered by Gen. Dear- born to fort Warren, where difficulties arose on the part of the officers, as before mentioned; which afterwards prevented the placing of the militia under command of the United States of- ficer.
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ernment, we have resigned the revenues of the State. It has declared war against a powerful maritime nation, whose fleet can approach every part of our extended coast ; and we are disappoint- ed in the expectation of a national defence. But though we may believe the war was unnecessary, and has been prosecuted without any useful or practicable object against a province of the enemy, while the sea coast of this State has been left al- most wholly defenceless ; and though in such a war, we may not afford voluntary aid to any of the offensive operations, there can be no doubt of our right to defend our possessions and dwellings against any hostile attacks."
The committee, to whom the Governor's message was referred, made a report ; from which the fol- lowing paragraphs are given.
" The state of the national treasury requires a. great augmentation of existing taxes ; and if, in addition to these, the people of Massachusetts, deprived of their commerce and harrassed by a for- midable enemy, are compelled to provide for self defence, it will soon be impossible for them to sus- tain the burden. There remains to them no alter- native but submission to the enemy, or the control of her own resources, to repel his aggressions. It is impossible to hesitate in making the election. This people are not ready for conquest or submis- sion. But being ready and determined to defend themselves, and having no other prospect of ade- quate means of defence, they have the greatest need of all those resources derivable from themselves, which the national government has thought prop- er to employ elsewhere. Your committee is also of opinion, that, ifthe war is to continue, provision
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should be made for a military force, in addition to the ordinary militia ; that a considerable force must be- embodied and maintained ready to meet the enemy in his varied enterprises ; that the con- tinnal calls upon the militia to march from home at all seasons, and to remain at a distance from their families, will be the most oppressive and least economical of any mode of defence, which can be devised, in a protracted warfare.
"But while your committee think, that the peo- ple of this Commonwealth ought to unite, and that they will unite, under any circumstances, at the hazard of all which is dear, in repelling an invading foc, it is not believed, that this solemn obligation imposes silence upon their just complaints against the authors of the national calamities. It is, on the contrary, a sacred duty to hold up to view, on all occasions, the destructive policy by which a state of unparalleled national felicity has been con- verted into one of humiliation, of danger and dis- tress ; believing, that unless an almost ruined peo- ple will discard the men and change the measures,, which haveinduced this state of peril and suffering, the day of their political salvation is past.
"It is not to be forgotten, that this disastrous state of affairs has been brought upon Massachu- setts, not only against her consent, but in opposition to her most carnest protestations. Of the many great evils of war, especially in the present state of Europe, the national rulers were often warned by the people of Massachusetts, whose vital inter- ests were thus put in jeopardy .- But the general government, deaf to this voice, and listening to men distinguished in their native state, only by their disloyalty to its interests, and the enjoyment of a
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patronage bestowed upon them as its price, have affected to consider the patriotic citizens of this great State as tainted with disaffection to the Un- ion and with predilections for Great Britain, and have lavished the public treasure, in vain attempts to fasten the odious imputation."'
Resolutions were also offered by the committee, and adopted, of the following import-" That the calamities of war being brought home to the terri- tory of the Commonwealth, the sea coast invaded, in many places, and exposed to immediate danger in all, the people of Massachusetts are impelled by the duty of self defence and by all the feelings and attachments which bind good citizens to their country, to unite in the most vigorous means for defending the State and repelling the invader ; and that no party feelings or political dissentions should interfere with the discharge of this exalted duty-That a number of men be raised not ex- ceeding 10,000, for twelve months, to be organized and officered by the Governor, for the defence of the State-That the Governor be authorized to borrow from time to time, a sum not exceeding one million of dollars, and that the faith of the Legis- lature be pledged to provide funds for the payment of the same-And that persons be appointed as delegates from the Legislature, to meet and confer with delegates from other States of New England, upon the subject of their public grievances and concerns, upon the best means of preserving our resources, and of defence against the enemy, and to devise and suggest for adoption by those re- spective States such measures as they may deem expedient ; and also to procure, if they think prop- er, a convention of delegates from all the United
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States, in order to revise the Constitution, and more effectually to secure the support and attach- ment of all the people, by placing all upon the ba- sis of fair representation."'
These resolutions were adopted, in the Senate, by a vote of 22 to 12 ; and in the House of Rep- resentatives, by a vote of 250 to 70.
A few days after, the committee made another and further report on the state of public affairs ; from which the following extracts are taken, ex- pressive of the views of the General Court at that period.
" In the opinion of the committee, the applica- tion to the Secretary of War, for aid and means, for the protection of this State, was highly proper ; and that the reply of the Secretary is of a charac- ter justly to alarm the citizens of this Common- wealth. It is provided by the Constitution, that the United States shall guarantee to every State in the Union, a republican form of government, and shall protect them against invasion. To ena- ble the United States to do this, power is given to call forth the militia " to repel invasions,"' to pro- vide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, for governing those employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the States, re- spectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress.
" Before the adoption of the national form of government, the State of Massachusetts possessed every attribute of sovereignty ; and the people would not have surrendered those relating to peace and war, to negotiation with foreign powers, and to the resources of the State founded in taxation, but on
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the assurance that the surrendered powers would have been used to provide for the common defence to protect the State against invasion, to promote the general welfare, and to secure the blessings of liberty to them and their posterity. At a moment, then, when a war, commenced by our national ru- lers, is prosecuted to conquer the provinces of the enemy, and is retaliated on the Atlantic States with powerful fleets to desolate the country, the committee cannot but consider the answer of the Secretary of War as evidence of a disposition on the part of the national administration to withhold the equal benefits of the Union, to which this Com- monwealth is entitled.
" It appears by this answer, that the national rulers, soon after the declaration of war, anticipa- ted danger to the sea board; and though it was cer- tain the Atlantic frontier would be invaded, the troops of the United States were employed fo of- fect the conquest of Canada, and the only provis- ion for defence was to divide the United States in- to military districts, with a few regular troops, un- der the command of an officer of high rank in the national army, with power to call for the militia as he might think proper. If this system was in- tended as a performance of the responsible duties which the general government owed to the individ- ual States, it behoves Massachusetts to inquire, whether those acts were a performance of those duties ; and if not, to seek that redress which is consistent with its rights, and to ascertain the measures necessary to be adopted to meet the dan- gers, which the policy of the national rulers has. produced.
" To the inquiry of the Governor, whether the
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heavy expenses incurred for the defence of this State, when no adequate protection was afforded by the general government, would be reimbursed, the Secretary of War replies ' that the measures adopted by a State for its defence, must be consid- ered as its own measures ; and the expenses attend- ing them are chargeable to the State, and not to the United States.'
" When the people of this Commonwealth call to mind, that since the adoption of the federal con- stitution $30,000,000 have been paid into the treasury of the United States from this State; when they reflect that $300,000 are now to be col- lected, as a direct tax, that of $11,660,000 al- - ready appropriated for this year, they must pay 1,265,000, and that the proportion of this State of the 50,000,000 to be raised in 1815, will exceed $5,000,000, they cannot learn, without indigna- tion, that no part of these sums are intended to be applied to defray expenses incurred by them, in protecting themselves against invasion, except when the militia have been called for by an officer of the United States' regular army, and the ex - pense incurred under his direction."
The general orders of the Governor of Massa- chusetts, of September 6th, 1814, as well as that of July ISth, in the same year, and those issued July 3d, 1812, directing the whole of the militia in the State to be in readiness to repel invasion, when it had actually taken place, or when immedi- ate danger threatened ; and requiring the officers not only to inspect their respective regiments, Brigades and Divisions ; but to march with such portion of men under their command as the case required ; were proof of good judgment, a regard
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for the rights of the people, and a disposition to provide for the public welfare of the Common- wealth, so far as the Constitution of the State or Union gave him authority. No doubt, great ex- penses were prevented by the system which was adopted by the Governor, and the rights of the militia preserved inviolate. Adjutant General Brooks, under whose immediate direction the or- ders were issued, and who was highly esteemed by the Commander in Chief, both for his bravery and prudence, probably suggested the details ; but the principles which were adopted, and which govern- ed in the measures of defence, must have been ap- proved by the Governor himself.
A distinction was made, at a subsequent period, between the services rendered by the militia in the counties of Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable, and belonging to the fifth Division, under Major General Goodwin, and those performed by the men in other Divisions. It was said, that the ser- vices of the former were more patriotic, having been entirely voluntary; and therefore justly enti- tled to remuneration. But there was no just foundation for this distinction. In all places, the militia turned out voluntarily and readily ; but, strictly speaking, not without orders from the Com- mander in Chief; for all detachments of the mili- tia were made by authority, emanating, originally, from his orders of July 3d, 1812, of July IS, and Sept. 6, 1814. The Major General of the fifth Di- vision referred, in several of his orders for calling out the militia, to those of the Governor before issued, directing all the higher officers of the militia to re- pel attacks and protect the inhabitants. He also: observes, in a public letter of February IS17, that
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