USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > History of Newburyport, Mass., 1764-1905, Volume I > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61
Pay Role of Captain Ezra Lunt's Company, Col. Nath'l Waide's Regi- ment Who Sarvd in the Late Expidition against ye Rebels.
NAMES :
RANK :
NAMES : RANK :
Ezra Lunt,
Captain
William P. Lunt,
Drummer
Moses Pike,
Lieutenant
Thomas Knight, Private
Aaron Colby, Ensign
Joseph Mace,
do
John Cook,
Clark
Samuel Fisk,
do
Enoch Titcomb, Sergeant
James Hasilton, do
Enoch Collins, do
Josiah Chase, do
Samuel Morrell, do
Thales G. Yeaton, do
Samuel Foot, Corporal
Phillip Stanwood, do
Jonathan Edwards, do
Joseph Moody, do
William Whittle, do
Benjamin Colby, do
Nath'l Knap, do
Nickolas Moody, do
1 History of Newburyport (Mrs. E. Vale Smith ), p. 127.
90
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
David Dauerty,
Private
Jeremiah Bagley,
Private
Moses Huse,
do
Nathaniel Chandlor, do
Joseph Perkins,
do
John Evens, do
Joseph Bleaney, do
Jonathan Dalton, do
Thomas Pettingill,
do
Theophilas Edwards, do
Aaron Dow, do
Samuel Stevens, do
Eliphalet Noyes,
do
James Lock, do
Stephen Merrill,
do
Benjamin Page,
do
Stephen French,
do
Joseph Stockman,
do
John Boyd,
do
Enoch Bartlet,
do
Samuel Joy,
do
David Currier,
do
Frances Hollarday,
do
Richard Blasdell, do
John Blunt,
do
Ephraium Gale, do
Joshua Trask,
do
John Colby, do
Amos Kimball,
do
Samson Bartlet,
do
Charles Simmons,
do
Samuel Barnard, do
Theophilas Bradbury,
do
Eckabord Tictcomb,
do
George Pecker,
do
Thomas Colby, do
Samuel Pettingell,
do
Barnud Lowell,
do
Stephen Tilton,
do
Robart Sergant, do
Samuel Whelor, do
Jacob Hoyt,
do
Moses Thorndick,
do
Jacob Sergant,
do
Samuel Couch,
do
Nathaniel Proctor,
do
David Hale,
do
Moses Sergant,
do
John Turner,
do
Ezekel Morrell,
Quartermaster Sergeant
Company served between Jan. 8, 1787, and Feb. 23, 1787, in the western counties under General Lincoln.I
Pay Roll of the late Captain Ezra Lunt's Company, Col. Timothy Newell's Regiment, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
NAMES :
RANK :
NAMES :
RANK :
Ezra Lunt,
Captain
William Lunt,
Drummer
Peter Carleton,
Lieutenant
Caleb Cushing,
Fifer
Enos Runnels,
Ensign
Voise Ames,
Private
David Davies,
Clerk
Thomas Andrews,
do
John Herrick,
Sergeant
David Ayre, do
John Montgomery,
do
Simeon Bradley, do
Moses Brickett, do
Richard Buckminster, Abner Ross Bailey, do
do
Benjamin Egar, Corporal
do
Joseph Bowley, do
Abraham Peabody,
do
Samuel Carver, do
John Bishop,
do
Samuel Currier, do
1 Mass. Archives, vol. 191, P 319.
Simon Foster,
91
BEVERLY BRIDGE
Jonathan Edwards,
Private
John Tasket,
Private.
David Edwards,
do
Daniel Wood do
Daniel Emery, do
Ebenezer Peabody, do
Jeremiah Foster,
do
Timothy Swan, do
Aaron Gardner,
do
Edward Mullickan, do
William Hazen, do
Joseph Mullickan, do
Thomas Hutchinson, do
John Stayns,
do
Nathaniel P. Moody, do
Alexander Thompson, do
George Pecker,
do
Samuel Davies, do
Jabez Rollins,
do
Moses Pingre, do
John Reddington,
do
Thomas Sedman, do
Company served between Feb. 23, 1787, and July 2, 1787.1
[March 10, 1789] voted to grant to the soldiers that went upon the ex- pedition against Shays and Company a sum to make up their pay to the sum of forty-eight shillings per month when they shall ascertain to the selectmen such deficiency.2
BEVERLY BRIDGE.
Early in the spring of 1787, the building of a bridge over the North river, between Beverly and Salem, was. earnestly advocated by some of the merchants living in that vicinity, and vigorously opposed by others.
The inhabitants of Newburyport voted, June 25, 1787, to petition the General Court to grant George Cabot of Beverly, and others associated with him, liberty to build and maintain a toll bridge over the river separating the above named towns " to save delay and annoyance to travellers, and facilitate and quicken communication between Newburyport, Salem and Boston."3
On the sixth day of November following, the subject was again brought to the attention of the legal voters of the town, and an agent was appointed to favor the petition presented by George Cabot and others to the General Court.
Voted, unanimously, that the Town conceive it of great importance to the County of Essex, and particularly to this Town, that a Bridge be built from Beverly over to Salem at or near where the ferry now is.
1 Mass. Archives, vol. 191, p. 320.
2 Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., p. 534.
3 Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., p. 495.
92
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
Voted, unanimously, that Mr. John Mycall be an agent with full powers, in behalf of the Town of Newburyport, to apply by petition, memorial, representation, remonstrance, or any other way, and to take any measures he may judge necessary to satisfy the legislature of the propriety and reasonableness of the petition & request of George Cabot, Esq. & others for building the Bridge at said place.I
The charter was granted November 17, 1787, and on the twenty-fourth day of September, 1788, the bridge was com- pleted and opened to public travel.
It attracted much attention and was considered a model of architectural beauty and strength. Washington, on his way from Boston to Newburyport, in October, 1789, stopped to examine it, and the draw was raised and lowered in his presence to show the ease with which it could be operated.
THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.
Delegates appointed by the several states, to revise the articles of confederation, assembled in Philadelphia, May 14, 1787. His Excellency, Governor Bowdoin, appointed Fran- cis Dana, Elbridge Gerry, Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King and Caleb Strong delegates from the state of Massachusetts. Francis Dana, however, did not take his seat and only Nathan- iel Gorham of Charlestown and Rufus King of Newburyport signed the constitution, at the close of the convention, in the month of September following. Elbridge Gerry objected to the arbitrary power conferred upon congress and declined to affix his signature, and Caleb Strong was absent.
October 25, 1787, the General Court passed a series of resolutions recommending the people of the commonwealth to meet in convention to discuss the important and complica- ted questions involved in the adoption, or in the rejection, of the proposed constitution.
November 20, 1787, Hon. Rufus King, Hon. Benjamin Greenleaf, Theophilus Parsons, Esq., and Hon. Jonathan Tit- comb were chosen delegates from Newburyport to the conven- tion to be held at the state house in Boston "on the second
' Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., p. 500.
93
THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION
Wednesday of January next for the purpose of assenting to and ratifying the Federal Constitution lately framed for the government of the United States,"' and on the fourth day of December following Tristram Dalton, Esq., Enoch Sawyer, Esq., and Ebenezer March, Esq., were chosen delegates to the same convention from the town of Newbury.2
The old state house at the head of State street was unable to accomodate the large number of delegates who assembled there on Wednesday, the ninth day of January, and on the fol- lowing day the convention adjourned to the Brattle Street meeting house. On the afternoon of January fifteenth a com- mittee was appointed to see if a more convenient house could be obtained for the use of the convention. Tristram Dalton, chairman of the committee, reported on the seventeenth day of January as follows :-
The Committee appointed to provide a more convenient place for the sit- ting of the convention have attended to that service and ask leave to report.
That they have examined the meeting house in Long Lane, wherein the Rev. Mr. Belknap officiates, and are unanimously of the opinion that the members of the Convention can all be commodiously disposed so as to hear and be heard, by having the pews on the ground floor assigned for that purpose :
That the galleries will accommodate the spectators :
That gentlemen have offered to put up, at their own expense, a stove, temporary stairs, a temporary porch and to make other dispositions for the accommodating of the Convention.
And that the committee of the proprietors of said meeting house have offered the use of the same during the sitting of the Convention.
That the Committee of the Convention have given directions for the necessary preparations to be made for their reception.3
The report of the committee was accepted, and the conven- tion adjourned to meet in the afternoon "at the meeting-house in Long lane." 4
1 Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., pp. 500, 501.
2 Town of Newbury Records.
3 Debates and Proceedings of the Convention, published by order of the General Court in 1856, p. 60.
4 Rev. Jeremy Belknap was the author of the History of New Hampshire, pub- lished in 1784. He was installed pastor of the church in Long lane, Boston, on the fourth day of April, 1787. Rev. John Snelling Popkin, who succeeded him was afterwards pastor of the First Parish church in Newbury. Long lane, extend- ing from Milk to Purchase streets, was called Federal street after the ratification of the federal constitution by the convention.
94
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
It is certain that a majority of the delegates were not then in favor of ratifying the constitution.
John Hancock and Samuel Adams were two of the most important members of the Convention. Both were doubtful ; but it was generally supposed that, while they were not friendly to each other, they agreed in a decided leaning against the Constitution ; and if both or if either, had become professedly and actively hostile to it, its adoption would probably have been impossible.I
Great interest was manifested in the proceedings of the con- vention. The friends of the constitution vibrated between hope and despair, one day full of courage and the next despon- dent. Rev. Jeremy Belknap in a letter, dated Boston, Janua- ry 25, 1788, to his friend Ebenezer Hazard, postmaster-gen- eral, in New York, wrote as follows :-
Rufus King shines among the Feds with a superior lustre. His speeches are clear, cool, nervous, pointed and conclusive. Parsons dis- tinguishes accurately and reasons forcibly ; but I need not give the par- ticular merits of each. You will have them in the papers ; for the print- ers are vigilant, and keep a scribe constantly employed to take minutes, though they cannot copy the energy and pathos of the speakers.2
Parsons, King and Dalton were untiring in their efforts to induce the undecided delegates to come out in favor of the constitution, and reported from time to time, to their constitu- ents in Newburyport, the progress made in securing the co- operation and support of some of these men of influence. In a letter dated Boston, January 14, 1788, Theophilus Parsons wrote to Michael Hodges as follows :-
Dear Sir :- I sit down to communicate thro' you to our friends the present appearances of the convention. It is much crowded and is by far the most numerous representation this State ever saw. The weight of abilities, property and probity is decidedly in favor of the Constitu- tion but I fear the balance of numbers is against it. Great numbers come determined and upon them reason or argument will make no im- pression, but among the opposers there are men of integrity and candor who declare they come not decided, but are ready and desirous of being
1 Memoir of Chief-Justice Parsons by his son, p. 60.
2 Mass. Hist. Society Coll., vol. III., Fifth series, r. II.
95
THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION
informed. The effect of argument upon these will determine the fate of the constitution and I have therefore some faint hopes. The conduct of Connecticut will have some weight in our favor. You have, no doubt, heard that their convention have adopted the Constitution 128 to 40. But I fear this event will have its effect chiefly upon a few wavering ones. To-day we agreed to consider the Constitution by paragraphs but to take no question but upon the whole.
This mode was moved on outside and is the most favorable way for us, as it will give us time to exert our influence before the great question.
The most favorable state of the parties I can now give you which must be secret is as follows :--
In Suffolk we have a majority of 31, in Essex 27, and in the old colony 20, in all 78. But against us are 43 in Worcester and 20 in Middlesex which leaves 15. We hope Berkshire and Hampshire are balanced and we have then 15 to spare for the lower counties which I fear at present is not enough.
King arrived to my great joy on Friday ev'g. You must see March and get Dr. Sawyer to see his brother. They must come down imme- diately, at all events. One of the Amesbury men is still absent. Let me know the situation of my family the moment there is any alteration in it. Be discreet to whom you show this letter.
Yours sincerely, T. PARSONS.I
Rufus King, in a letter dated January 27, 1788, wrote to General Knox, then in New York, as follows :-
Our hopes do not diminish although our own confidence is not com- plete. The opposition are less positive of their strength, and those few among them who are honest and capable of reflection appear uneasy concerning the fate of the question. Yesterday's Centinel contains a pro- posal for a conditional ratification said to have come from Sullivan. The opposition give it some countenance. I mention the circumstance rather to show that our opponents are not so confident of their numbers since hitherto they have reprobated the suggestion of amendments, and insisted among their party on a total rejection of the Constitution. From mo- tives of policy we have not taken any question which has divided the House or shown the strength of sides. Hancock is still confined. He appears to me to wish well to the Constitution but does'nt care to risk anything in its favor.I
At or about this time the plan to secure the vote and influ-
1 Parsons and the Constitutional Convention, by Hon. Eben F. Stone, published in the Essex Institute Hist. Coll., vol. XXXV., April, 1899.
96
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
ence of Governor Hancock was perfected. He had not atten- ded the meetings of the convention being detained at home by a severe attack of the gout, it was said. He was told that the friends of the constitution would support him, "as the only fair candidate for President," in case the state of Virginia declined to come into the Union, which was then somewhat uncertain. He was persuaded to attend the convention and offer a series of amendments, or " Conciliatory Resolutions," as they were called, that had been written for him by Theophilus Parsons.
Tristram Dalton, in a letter, dated Boston, January 30, 1788, to his friend Michael Hodge, in Newburyport, states the following additional facts :- -
This day Governor Hancock attended as President in Convention and if he may be depended on, he will give countenance to the proposed Constitution, which will carry a large majority in favor of it. . . I will tell you as a confidential communication that Mr. S. Adams will come out in favor of the Constitution. This and the Governor on the same side will settle the matter favorably. All this is scarcely known out of our caucus, wherein we work as hard as in Convention. . Mr. Parsons is with us this evening thoroughly well and ardently engaged.I
To this letter the following postscript was added by Theophilus Parsons :-
Our friend D's communication will give you all the information we are at liberty, at present, to put on paper. We have stolen a moment in caucus to write this. Yours,
T. P.
In order to secure the vote and influence of Samuel Adams who had great confidence in the democratic instincts of the people, a caucus of mechanics and tradesmen was held in the " Green Dragon Inn " at the north end of Boston, and a series of resolutions were passed favoring the ratification of the consti- tution. Notwithstanding his wariness and circumspection, Mr. Adams was evidently surprised at the tone of the resolutions
1 Parsons and the Constitutional Convention, by Hon. Eben F. Stone, published in the Essex Institute Hist. Coll., vol. XXXV., April, 1899.
97
THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION
and did not suspect that the meeting had been carefully planned by the Federalists, but after reflection considered it advisable to accept the views publicly expressed by his con- stituents, and favor the interest and wishes of men who had always had great weight with him.
The following letter from Tristram Dalton to his brother-in- law, Stephen Hooper, confirms the statement that neither Hancock nor Adams came forward in support of the constitu- tion until near the close of the convention.
BOSTON, Jan. 31, 1788.
Thursday Eve'g, II o'clock.
Dear Brother :- Just returned from Caucus. I cannot avoid acquaint- ing you, in addition to my advice last Eve'g to our friend Hodge, that the Governor, this afternoon came forward in full support of adopting the constitution,-and accompanied the proposed ratification with recommen- datory amendments which the old Patriot, Mr. S. Adams, seconded warmly-this plan the Feds hope will cause a party to leave the Antis. We are not idle by night or day-and sacrifice everything but moral Honesty to carry our point.
The grand Question is now before us, and will probably be decided on Saturday-if not then Tuesday will be the important day. I tremble at the approach and dread the feelings I shall have when the Names and Answers are called and marked ! Yea, Yea,-Nay, Nay, says the Scrip- ture ! Heaven will determine in our favor unless we deserve Ruin.
Adieu ; Love Compliments, etc.
T. DALTON.I
Rev. Jeremy Belknap, in a letter dated Boston, February 3, 1788, wrote as follows to Ebenezer Hazard in regard to the proceedings of the constitutional convention :-
Hancock is the ostensible puppet in proposing amendments ; but they are the product of the Feds in concert, and it was thought that coming from him they would be better received than from any other person. Should they finally take it will greatly help his popularity and ensure his election the next year.
Yesterday they chose a committee of two from each county, a Fed, and an Anti as nearly as they could guess, who are to consider the proposed amendments and report tomorrow. Tuesday is the day appointed, but it may be Wednesday or Thursday before the final determination. As
1 Parsons and the Constitutional Convention, by Hon. Eben F. Stone, published in the Essex Institute Hist. Coll., vol. XXXV., April, 1899.
98
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
the day approaches, and the strength of both sides is so great that neith- er can certainly depend on a majority, the anxiety of every friend to gov- ernment and justice is increased. "Life and death are before us." Heaven grant a favourable issue. One of the most sanguine of the Feds, and best informed, told me yesterday that he could not count on a major- ity of more than five for the Constitution.I
Theophilus Parsons was conspicuous among the eminent members of the convention. Although not a frequent speak- er he presented his views clearly and forcibly and was evident- ly the master spirit in the most important debates. " Upon all sudden emergencies, and upon plausible and unexpected objections, he was the sentinel to guard the patriot camp, and to prevent confusion from unexpected assault."2
Samuel Thompson was one of the most virulent opposers of the constitution and continued to denounce it after a majority of the convention had voted in its favor. " Parsons gave him a caution against indulging his opposition now the matter was settled and reminded him of the danger of being punished for treason. His answer was, he should not fear being hanged if he could have him for his lawyer."3
The report of the proceedings of the convention, published by order of the General Court in 1856, contains, in addition to the official journal and other documents, notes of the de- bates taken by Mr. Parsons. These notes give a brief out- line of the speeches made and the questions discussed, from day to day, in which he was interested. They end, somewhat abruptly, a day or two before the amendments proposed by Governor Hancock were presented to the convention. The original notes, in Mr. Parsons' handwriting, are now in the Boston Athenaeum.
There can be no doubt that it required great skill and sagac- ity to convert a large minority of the convention into a small majority and that it was necessary to conciliate and control Hancock and Adams in order to secure that result. Parsons
' Mass. Hist. Society Coll., vol. III., Fifth series, p. 15.
2 Address of Hon. Isaac Parker at the opening of the supreme court in Bos- ton, Nov. 23, 1813. See appendix to the Memoirs of Theophilus Parsons, by his son, p. 416.
3 Mass. Hist. Society Coll., vol. III., Fifth series, p. 18.
99
THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION
was well qualified to mature the plans and carry them to a successful conclusion.
In matters of science and scholarship he was the peer of the most distinguished of his contemporaries, and in matters of trade and business, relating to the ordinary affairs of life, so familiar did he seem with the special knowledge of the mechanic or the tradesman that, in talking with. them, he was often taken for one of their number. His mind was insa- tiable of knowledge in all forms. His intellectual powers were of a very high order. He excelled in that quality which is called worldly wisdom, notwithstanding his great attainments in science and scholar- ship. Easily the first in his profession as an accomplished jurist and great judge, he dealt with the most difficult problems in science and mathematics, as a pastime.I
The half-tone print on the next page is reproduced, by permission, from the Essex Institute Historical Collections. It is taken from an unfinished sketch of Theophilus Parsons painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1813.2
The amendments to the constitution, written by Theophilus Parsons and proposed to the convention by Governor Hancock, were submitted to a committee of two from each county, for further consideration. This committee reported two or three days later recommending the convention to assent to and rati- fy the proposed constitution and then appeal to congress to make certain amendments and alterations " agreeably to the fifth article of the said constitution."
February 6, 1788, the great question was decided, and the constitution ratified, by a majority of nineteen in a total vote of three hundred and fifty-five. All the delegates from New- bury and Newburyport voted with the majority in favor of ratification.3 The news was received with great demonstra- tions of joy in Boston, and a procession of shipwrights, block- makers, boat builders, painters, riggers, shoemakers, tailors
' Parsons and the Constitutional Convention, by Hon. Eben F. Stone, published in the Essex Institute Hist. Coll., vol. XXXV., April, 1899.
2 Theophilus Parsons built the house still standing on the northwesterly corner of Green and Washington streets, Newburyport. See " Ould Newbury," pp. 331- 338.
3 Debates and Proceedings of the Convention, published by order of the General Court in 1856, p. 87.
JOO
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
and tradesmen marched from Faneuil hall through the prin- cipal streets of the town and afterward partook of a bountiful collation. Tristram Dalton wrote to his brother-in-law Stephen Hooper, in Newburyport, as follows :-
THEOPHILUS PARSONS.
BOSTON, Wednesday Evening, Feb. 6, 1788. To STEPHEN HOOPER, ESQ.
My Dear Brother :
God be praised ! With the utmost satisfaction I now announce to you and to my fellow citizens, which pray communicate, the joyful, -the important news, that this afternoon, at 5 o'clock the convention consented to ratify the proposed constitution ;- the members for, were 187 ; against, 168.
IOI
THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION
Ardent, indeed, have been the labors of the Federalists,-anxious their hours by night, as well as by day. The decision of the great question amply rewards them.
We, the delegates of Newburyport and Newbury, anticipate the pleas- ure of taking you all by the hand on Friday evening or Saturday morn- ing, proposing to take a coach or sley here on Friday.
Some little ceremonies are yet necessary for which purpose the Con- vention meets to-morrow. There is no doubt of our seeing you on Sat- urday. Please to acquaint your dear sister of this.
Time does not permit me to add, save my love, compliments, etc., as due, and that I am, with great regards
Your aff. Brother, TRISTRAM DALTON.
P. S. The Judge [Hon. Benjamin Greenleaf] is ten years younger.1
The Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet published, February 13, 1788, the following notice :--
On Friday afternoon the principal gentlemen of the Trade and Officers of the militia of the town, being informed that the delegates from this town and Newbury were on their way home, and being disposed to show some mark of their satisfaction at the adoption of the Constitu- tion, and of their warm approbation of the conduct of those honourable and worthy gentlemen in Convention, met them at Newbury Green, and escorted them into town where they were received amidst the acclama- tion of a numerous collection of their applauding fellow-citizens.
John Quincy Adams was at that date a student in the office of Theophilus Parsons at Newburyport. The following items were recorded in his diary :-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.