History of New Bedford and its vicinity, 1620-1892, Part 8

Author: Ellis, Leonard Bolles
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., Mason
Number of Pages: 1170

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"Our own situation (being shut up in Dr. Perry's hospital) makes us extremely uneasy for our families in Bedford, and urges us most earnestly to petition your honours to make immediate inquiry into the grounds of this information and to use your authority to suppress a plan big with so many evils, and your petitioners will forever pray. Thomas Tripp, George Claghorn, Samuel Thrasher, Daniel Smith, John Wanton, Joshua Doune, Manasseh Kempton, Thomas Whitridge, Anthony Wilbour, Jabez Hammond, Thomas

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

Ingraham, Gideon -," and four or five others, whose names have been torn from the paper.

" Angust 9, 1775. An account of the things received out of the province house of General Thomas : 1 pair shoes for Giles Tallman ; 1 shirt and 1 pair stockings for David Lewis ; 1 shirt for Jonathan Mosher ; 1 pair breeches and I pair of shoes for Humphrey Maccumber; 1 pair breeches and 1 pair of shoes for Gobes Bennit ; 1 pair breeches for John Youmans."

At the very beginning of the war the patriotic spirit of the inhabitants of Dartmouth was thoroughly aroused. July 18, 1774, a town meeting was held to decide what steps should be taken in regard to certain op- pressive restrictions enacted by the British government. The warrant stated that the majority of the inhabitants were confident that in order to maintain their liberty and freedom some positive action should be taken by the town.

Agreeable to the said warrant a town meeting was held on the above- mentioned date, and the Hon. Walter Spooner, esq., chosen moderator :

" Voted to act on this warrant for calling this meeting.

" Voted that the Honorable Walter Spooner, Esq., Benjamin Aiken, Esq., William Davis, William Tallman, Maj. Ebenezer Willis, Jirah Willis, Seth Pope, Seth Hathaway and Hannaniah Cornish, be a committee to prepare and draw up what they shall think most proper relating to said warrant and make report to this meeting for the towns con- sideration as soon as they conveniently can. Voted to adjourn to three of the clock this afternoon.

"July 18th, three o'clock afternoon. The town meeting according to the adjourn- ment, the above committee agreeable to order made the following report which was voted by the town.

" Voted that we are Grieved being necessitated to act a part which at first appears unfriendly with respect to our manufacturing brethren and friends in Great Britain and Ireland. But we trust we shall readily be excused by them when they consider that this part of our conduct is wholly designed and in our judgment will have the greatest tendency of anything in our power to save both them and us from Bondage and Slav- ery. For upon mature consideration we judge the several late unconstitutional acts of the British Parliament have a direct tendency to destroy the harmony which has snb- sisted among all the British subjects and to entirely abolish the English constitution and form of Government, and therefore as the most probable means to prevent those De- structive purposes, we unite with our American Brethren and Resolve that we will not purchase any goods manufactured in Great Britain and Ireland which shall be imported from thence after this day ; that we will not purchase any English goods of any hawker or pedler, that we will not purchase any foreign teas whatever, that we will not ex- port any flaxseed to any foreign market, that we do acquiesce in the need and necessity of raising our proportion of money to pay the Congress and to raise the sum by sub-

COMMITTEES APPOINTED.

scription, and that these resolves do remain in force so long as the present grievous acts of the British Parliament remain unrepealed, or until this town shall see fit to alter the said resolves, and that the town clerk transcribe a copy of these proceedings to the committee of correspondence this day chosen for publication.

" Also voted that Benjamin Akin, Esq., Messrs. Jirah Willis, William Davis, William Tallman, Seth Pope, Hannaniah Cornish, Jirah Swift, Jr., be a committee of corres- pondence with the other committees of correspondence in America.

" Attest BENJAMIN RUSSELL, Town clerk.

"N. B. Immediately after the above resolves were passed the towns proportion of the money to pay the committee of Congress was advanced."

At a subsequent meeting Benjamin Akin, William Davis, and Will- iam Tallman were selected as a committee to attend the County Con- gress to be held at Taunton, September 28, 1774, and it was voted "that said Delegates be Impowered only to advise and consult upon such meas- ures as the magistrate of the county Congress shall judge expedient, and make report to said town as soon as convenient."

At a town meeting held January 7, 1775, it was voted that a com- mittee of twenty-one persons be chosen agreeable to the advice of the Congress held at Taunton. The following is a list of those composing this committee : "Benjamin Akin, Capt. Philip Taber, Samuel Perry, James Akin, Nathaniel Richmond, Richard Kerby, George Brownell, Fortinatus Sherman, Seth Pope, John Perkins, John Smith 3d, Thomas Crandon, Gamaliel Brient, Abraham Smith, John Chase, Griffith Bar- ney, John Alden, Daniel Eggey, Nathan Delino, William Wood 2d, and Philip Sherman."

It was voted that this committee "be continued in said service until the acts or parts of acts mentioned in the Continental Congress Associ- ation Agreement be repealed." A committee was also appointed to "receive all the donations for the poor of Boston and Charlestown now suffering by reason of the Boston Port Bill, so-called, that may be offered by the inhabitants of this town, make remittance as soon as may be to the overseer of the poor of Boston."

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

CHAPTER VI.

REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY CONTINUED.

A Celebrated Cipher Letter - Rev. Dr. Samuel West deciphers it - A Modern Document - Captain Kempton and His Kindness - Many Quaint and Interesting Documents - Rolls of Dartmouth Soldiers - Location of Whipping Posts - Price of Provisions, etc.

W HEN Washington's headquarters of the army were at Cambridge, in 1775, the movements of the troops and much of the secret action of the Provincial Congress were known by the English admiral, whose headquarters were at Newport. How this news was obtained was for some time a mystery. Its solution was accomplished by one of our distinguished citizens, the Rev. Dr. Samuel West, to whom allusion has already been made.

Among the officers belonging to General Washington's staff was one named Church, who lived at Cambridge. His mistress had a brother in Newport ; and, proposing to make him a visit, she was entrusted with a sealed letter by this officer, with instructions to deliver it to the Eng- lish admiral, who, it seems, was expected to arrive there with the Eng- lish fleet. Her visit was concluded before his arrival, and she gave the letter to her brother to deliver. Suspicious that something was wrong about it, he spent a sleepless night, and the next morning went to his neighbor, a Quaker, celebrated for his good judgment and counsel. Frankly stating the affair to him he asked his advice. "Thee knows," said the Friend, " that I have nothing to do with this war, but if thee wants advice I can give it to thee. I advise thee to take it to the gov- ernor; he can open it and if nothing wrong is found in it, it can be sent to its destination." Acting on this suggestion he himself took it to Boston. The governor opened it but could not read it, neither could his secretary, for the letter was written in cipher. The brother was then sent with an escort to Cambridge, where he delivered the mis- terious epistle to Washington. He also was unable to read it. A Frenchman in the camp suggested that there was a chaplain at Dor-

8 1

A TREASONABLE LETTER.

chester who could decipher such writing. This proved to be Dr. Sam- uel West, of Acushnet, then pastor of the Congregational Church of that village. Washington sent the letter to him, and all night long Dr. West worked upon it. Captain Kempton, with his company of Dartmouth soldiers, was on guard duty that night about Dr. West's quarters, and saw him through the half-opened door, busy at his task. He was at last successful in deciphering the letter, the contents of which proved to be of the most treacherous character. Tradition says that the letter was then given to a clergyman belonging in Northampton, with the same results, the two versions being alike, with the difference of some grammatical errors of no great importance. " I am not responsible for Church's bad grammar," was the reply made by Dr. West, when told the circumstances. Church was arrested and placed in confinement during the war.

This was the story as told by Rev. Addison Woodward, an elderly clergyman of New Bedford, who said that he received it many years ago from the lips of Thomas Kempton, son of Captain Kempton.

A few weeks after this interview with Mr. Woodward, a similar ac- count was received from Jireh Swift, jr., whose father, Jireh Swift, was a Revolutionary soldier. In reply to the question if he had ever heard the story related above regarding Dr. West, he answered that his father told the same incidents, the similarity of the traditions from two separate and distinct sources being of a very striking character. The following is the translation of the cipher letter :

"I hope this will reach you. Three attempts have I made without success in effect- ing. In the last the man was discovered in attempting his escape ; but fortunately iny letter was sewed in the waist band of his breeches. He was confined for a few days, during which you may guess my feelings, but a little art and a little money settled the matter. It is a month since my return from Philadelphia. I went by the way of Providence to visit my mother. The committee for warlike stores made me a formal tender of 12 cannon, 18 and 24 pounds, they having taken a previous resolution to make the offer to Gen. Ward. To make a merit of my services, I sent them down ; and when they received them they sent them to Stoughton to be out of danger, even though they had formed the resolution as before hinted of fortifying Bunker's hill which, together with the cowardice of Clumsy Gerrish and Col. Scamnion was the lucky occasion of their defeat. The affair happened before my return from Philadelphia. We lost 165 killed there and since dead of their wounds; 120 more lie wounded ; they will chiefly recover. They boast that you have 1,400 killed and wounded in the action.

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

You say the rebles loft 1,500; I suppose with equal truth. The people of Connecticut are raving in the cause of liberty. A number of their colony from the town of Stam- forel, robbed the King's stores near New York, with some small assistance which the New Yorkers lent them. These were growing turbulent ; I counted 280 pieces of can- non, from 13 to 24 pounders, at King's-bridge, which the committee has secured for the use of the Colonies. The Jerseys are not a whit behind Connecticut in zeal. The Phil- adelphians exceed them both; I saw 2,000 men reviewed there by Gen. Lee, consisting of Quakers, and other inhabitants in uniform, with I,000 riflemen and 40 horses, who together, made a most warlike appearance. I mingled freely and frequently with the members of the Continental Congress; they were united and determined in opposition, and appeared assured of success. Now to come home, the opposition is become formid- able. Eighteen thousand brave and determined men with Washington and Lee at their head are no contemptable enemy. Adjutant-General Gates is indefatigable in arraying the army. Provisions are very plentiful; cloaths are manufactured in almost every town for the soldiers. Twenty tons of gunpowder have lately arrived at Philadelphia, Connecticut and Providence; and upwards of 20 tons are now in eamp. Saltpetre is made in every colony. Powder-mills have been erected and are consequently employed at Philadelphia and New York. Volunteers of the first fortunes daily flock to the eamp. One thousand riflemen will arrive in town in a few days. Recruits are now levying to augment the army to 22,000 men ; besides 10,000 militia of this government are appointed to appear on the first summons.

The bills of all the colonies (probably those issued by the Congress) circulate freely, and are readily exchanged for cash. Add to this unless some plan of accommodation takes place immediately their harbours will swarm with privateers. An army will be raised in the middle colonies to take possession of Canada. For the sake of the miser- able convulsed empire, solicit peace, repeal the acts or Britain is undone.

This advice is the result of a warm affection for my King and realm. Remember I never deceived you. Every article here sent you is sacredly true. The papers will ac- quaint you that I am a member again for Boston. You will there see our motley Coun- cil. A general arraingement of officers will take place, except the chief, which will be suspended hut for a little while, to see what part Britain takes in consequence of the late Continental Petition. A view to independence appears to be more and more gen- eral. Should Britain declare war against the Colonies they would be lost forever; Should Spam declare war against England the Colonies would declare a neutrality, which would doubtless produce a league offensive and defensive between them. For God's Sake prevent it by a speedy accommodation !

Writing this has employed me for a day. I have been to Salein to reconnoitre, but could not escape the Geese in the Capital. To- morrow I set out for Newport purposely to send this. I write you fully, it being scarcely practieable to prevent discovery. I am out of my place here by choice and therefore out of pay ; and am determined to be so, unless something be offered in my way.

I wish you would contrive to write to me largely in cyphers, by way of Newport, adressed to Tom Richards, Merchant, inclosed under cover to me, intimating that I am a perfect stranger to you; but that being recommended to you as a gentleman of honor,

DR. SAMUEL WEST.

you took the liberty to inclose it entreating me to deliver it as directed to the person liv- ing, as you are informed, in Cambridge. Sign some fictitious name and send it to some confident friend in Newport, to be delivered to me at Watertown. Make use of every precantion or I perish."

In a sketch of the life and character of the Rev. Dr. Samuel West, published in 1808, by Rev. John Allen of Duxboro', who was a student in theology with Dr. West, the following paragraph is found which will explain Dr. West's relation to this remarkable event :

" In the latter stages of life he is said to have applied himself to chenustry, in which it is testified by adepts that he was a distinguished proficient. The year 1775 awakened his attention to politics, and he became a Whig partisan, writing many forcible pieces in the newspapers, which animated the confident and revived the spirits of the timid for the important contest. These speculations gratified his friends, and were highly ap- planded by the public. He also brought himself into a considerable degree of notice by deciphering Dr. Church's letter, which was written at the commencement of the Revo- lutionary war and exposed to a relation-who had joined the party of the enemy -- the particular state of the army. The alarm which that letter occasioned is still remem- bered, and it was natural for every one to inquire who the person was that made it in- telligible for the public eye, and it was acknowledged by the writer that it was done correctly."

It is a singular fact that Samuel West and Dr. Benjamin Church were both members of the class of 1754 in Harvard. That Dr. West was one of the distinguished men of his day is shown by the fact that he was selected to preach a sermon before the Honorable Council and the Hon - orable House of Representatives of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, May 29, 1776. His text was from Titus iii. I, "Put them in mind to be subjects to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, and to be ready to do every good work." The sermon is given in the "Pulpit of the American Revolution, or the Political Ser - mons of the Period of 1776, by John Wingate Thornton, A.M."

Captain Kempton, in whose company we are specially interested, possessed a kind, accommodating spirit, which is revealed on nearly every page of the camp books. It seems as if every soldier looked to him, not only for his regular supplies, but for every need, real or imagin- ary. So we find a record of money advanced and clothing furnished. From the varied character of articles supplied we infer that Captain Kempton possessed the characteristics of the Quaker who was contin- ually called upon by a neighbor for the loan of tools and implements

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

about his farm. One day he returned the wheelbarrow with the remark, "Here's your blamed old wheelbarrer ; it's broke !" "Well," blandly remarked the Quaker. "Well," says the neighbor, "I want yer to have it mended ; I want to borrow it again this arternoon !" Gazing serenely at him for a moment, the Quaker replied, " It shall be repaired; I will send it to thee."

Lieutenant Soper seemed to require frequent accommodations, most likely on account of the liberal patronage bestowed on the sutler.

"October 18, 1775, Lent him [Soper] 6 shillings.

£2, 10s., 6d.

Paid the clarke 12s. for Soper for his horse to ride to Denham."

The lieutenant occasionally furnished money for his family, for the captain passed over to his son "one month's pay of his for son, £1, 17s. 4d." Without doubt, Soper was a good soldier and a jolly fellow, for we find him commanding a company in 1776. John Sullings was short of funds in October, so the captain loaned him £1, for which he took his note. November 25, 1775, John Solomon paid his "loan in phool," 7s. 6d. Many other accounts of like character are on record, but enough have been mentioned to illustrate the military banking business of the period. In May, 1775, Captain Kempton's company was supplied with " cartouch boxes," and the account gives the list of names. Each man is charged 3s. 4.

The soldiers were well supplied with milk in August, 1775, for a con- siderable " quonti " is recorded as being received on September 2.

" Recd, at Barestones, 75 qts., 10s. low money.

" Mr. Coburns, 179 " £1, 4s. Mr. Clarks, 208" £1, 7s, 8d."

August 17, 1,274 feet of "white pein clabbords" at 40s. per thousand were received from Jonathan Hart Howard. August 18, Jacob Mott bought 31/2 yards of " clorth," for which he paid £3, 3S. October 12, 1775, “ Preserved Merrihew, Roger Hammond, Silas Cidreg, Jonathan Moshar, Jacob Mott, John Spooner, Obed Cushman, Isaac Noble, John Coggeshall, Jonathan Bradshaw, receipted for their blanket money-12s. low money pr man."

The following charges were also made :

"Jolin Spooner, 1 pare Sheepskin Breeches, 14s .; Isaac Noble, 1 pare Sheepskin Breeches, 13s. ; Silus Derrey, 1 pare Dearskin, 14s. ; Sergeant John Swift, 1 pair Sheep-

n" Within

PAYROLLS AND RECEIPTS.

skin Breeches, and Capt. Kempton treated himself to the same, both charged in one item, £1, 8s .; John Coggeshall, 1 Pair Sheepskin Breeches, 14s .; James Spooner, 1 Pair Sheepskin Breeches, 14s .; Jonathan Mosher, 1 Pair Sheepskin Breeches, 14s."

In the Pope manuscripts is found a pay-roll that bears the date Sep- tember 5, 1775. This appears to have been for an expedition from Dartmouth to the Elizabeth Islands. Most likely this was another at- tempt to capture some of the enemy's vessels or barges cruising about the Vineyard. The company was largely composed of seafaring men of Fairhaven village. The roster is as follows :

" Captain, Nathaniel Pope ; first lieutenant, Edmund Pope; second lieutenant, Elisha Parker ; sergeants, Eleazer Hathaway, James Jenne, William Spooner; drummer, Ben- jamin Spooner ; privates, Seth Grant, John - -, Hervey Cushman, Jonathan Jenne, Philip Wing, Aaron Parker, Gideon Delano, Joseph Shockley, William West, Nathaniel Church, Timothy Jenne, Jonathan Cushman, Benjamin Spooner, Jr., Elisha Hammond, Barnabas Hammond, George Shockley, Joseph Langdon, John

Mrs. Roland Fish, the granddaughter of Capt. Nathaniel Pope, gave some interesting facts concerning her grandfather. He was in com- mand of a merchant vessel in the earliest period of the war, and with his mate was taken prisoner and confined on board the prison-ship Belvidere at New York. After a brief confinement he was selected for exchange and was given five minutes in which to get ready to leave the ship. He pleaded with the officers in behalf of his mate, whose wife was very sick at home, and was successful in securing his release. He then demanded his watch which was taken from him when he entered on his imprisonment. Both departed on their journey homeward, with happy hearts. This watch is now in the possession of his nephew, Nathaniel Pope, of New York city. The sword of the English officer, captured at the first naval battle, is now owned by Mr. Henry D. Pope, of Boston.

The red letter year of the American nation, 1776, is now reached, and in the camp books the diligence and patriotism of Dartmouth are mani- fest. The following receipts for money incident to the first clash of arms is of interest :

" Recd of Thos. Kempton fifteen shillings & two pence, itt Being my fool Demand upon him for my travel & Time of Service Larst April att The Lexington Alarum.

JOHN SWIFT."

" Dartmo', April 16th, 1776.

HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.

" Dartmo', April ye 10, 1776.

" Received of Thos. Kempton the Whole of My Wages Due for my Service for the pro- vincial and continal service, and Likewise for my Travel and Time of Service att the Lexington Alarum. Recd pr. mee, SIMEON FULLER."

" Dartmo', April ye 10th, 1776.

" Received of Thos. Kempton Twenty Eight shillings & ten pence on half penney, itt Being in fool for myself and my brother Ezra Winslow for our Travel and Time of serv- ice att the Lexington Alarum in April, 1775.

" Received by me, JOB WINSLOW."

March 13, 1776, another Dartmouth company of soldiers went into camp at Winter Hill, forming part of Colonel French's regiment, Briga- dier-General Sullivan's brigade :

" Captain, Benjamin Dillingham ; first lieutenant, Amasa Soper ; second lieutenant, Avery Parker ; privates, Eleazar Hathaway, James Spooner, Ishmael Tripp, Jonathan Cushman. John Skiff, Job Tripp, Stephen Martin, Jeremiah Stoddard, Thomas Crandon, Nicolo Stoddard, Samuel Shockley, Thomas Tripp, Ruben Hathaway, Gardner Spooner, Ruben Hathaway, John Humphrey, Michael Mosher, Devenpt. Brightman, Prince Tobey, Joseph Whitefield, William Kempton, Thomas Thomson, Noah Tobey, Nathaniel Ingraham, Benjamin Obediah, Thomas Personlou, David Hathaway, Barzilla Merick, Joseph Francis, Nathan Wait, David Devoal, Prunli Hall, Daniel Bennet. Elisha Parker, David Clarke, Elkanah Mitchel, Jonathan Hathaway, Henry Wrightington, Simeon Fuller, George Gifford, Pomp Peckham, Tisdel Read, Elnathan Jenner, George Hitch, Robert Crossman, David Pope, David Spooner, Lemuel Cushman, Lewis Gifford, Ben- jamin Hammond, Thomas Booth, John Hathaway, Jethro Taber, Samuel Hitch, James Pratt, Joseph Powel, Samuel Howland, Lewis Demeranville, Ameziah Palmer, Benja- min Willis, Silas Hathaway, Samuel Nash, William Japes, Humph'y Maccumber, Elijah Maccumber, Samuel Sherman, Jesse Keen, Robert Piggsly, Barnabas Spley."

Acushnet has the credit of this roll of honor. This pay-roll belongs to the collection of the Kempton papers. At the State House is found another Dartmouth pay-roll of a company enlisted June 19, 1776:

"Officers and privates of Capt. Amasa Soper's Company in Col. Thomas Marshall's regiment, June 19, 1776: Captain, Amasa Soper; sergeant, Freeman Taber; corporal Nathaniel Hathaway ; drummer, Job Tripp; privates, Thomas Phillips, Ichabod Potter, Salathiel Handy, David Hathaway, Richard Hathaway, Elnathan Jenne, Gamaliel Handy, William Willis, Benjamin Willis, Elnathan West, Jacob Anthony, Richard Ma- son, Reuben Hathaway, Nathan Crossley, Elijah Joket, Cudgio Burden, William Russell."

At the State House is found another pay-roll of a company under command of Captain Soper, dated November 17, 1776, which contains several names not before mentioned, as follows :

MUSTER ROLLS.

"Captain, Amasa Soper; first lieutenant, David Snow; second lieutenant, Freeman Taber; sergeants, Gamaliel Howard, Joshua Larance, John West, Chris. Walliut; cor- porals, Nathaniel Hathaway, Israel Alger, Benja. Willis, Gideon Soal; drummer, Job Tripp ; fifer, Josiah Williams; privates, Elnathan West, Ichabod Potter, Thomas Phil- lips, Richard Hathaway, Elnathan Gennie, Gaml. Hardy, William Willis, Jacob An- thony, Reuben Hathaway, William Russell, Nathan Crossley, Jason White, Benj. Was- cot, Robert Piggsly, John Larance, Goanus Crapo, Elisha Zacket, Richard Mason, David Hawley, Thaddeus Howard, Calvin Keith, John Pool, Joseph Knap, Edward Howard, John Lathrop, Thaddeus Snell, Daniel Tolman, Josiah Williams, Carey Haywood, Enos Whitman, Benjamin Alger, Silas French, Joseph Knap, Jr., Cyrus Tabour, Humphrey Taber, F. Burden, Solm. Handy, Cudgjo Burden, Spencer Larance, Jonathan Porter, Daniel Thomson, Solomon Engly, Joseph Whillen, Noah Perre, Abisha Willis, Solomon Willis, Asa Keith, William Leach."

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History of New Bedford and its vicinity, 1620-1892, Part 8

Author: Ellis, Leonard Bolles Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., Mason Number of Pages: 1170

Author: Ellis, Leonard Bolles
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., Mason
Number of Pages: 1170