USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > History of Newburyport, Mass., 1764-1905, Volume I > Part 9
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[February 7, 1788.] This day at about noon the news arrived that the Federal Constitution was yesterday adopted and ratified by a majority of the members in our state convention. In this town the satisfaction is almost universal.
[February 8, 1788.] A number of very respectable citizens and a number who were not very respectable went out on horseback to meet the members and escort them to town ; as they came along the bells at the different churches were set to ringing and the noisy expression of joy continued with some intermission until 8 o'clock in the evening.2
1 Biographical sketch of Tristram Dalton, by Hon. Eben F. Stone, p. 20.
2 Life in a New England Town (Diary of John Quincy Adams), pp. 93, 94.
IO2
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE RELIEF OF SUFFERERS BY FIRE IN BOSTON.
July 30, 1794, a disastrous fire destroyed seven cordage manufactories and many shops and dwelling houses between Milk street and the west side of Fort hill, in Boston. Over three hundred dollars were collected in the five religious soci- eties of Newburyport for the benefit of the persons whose property had been destroyed. The amount credited to each society, in the selectmen's records, is as follows :-
From the Titcomb Street Society, Rev. Samuel Spring £ 17. 03. 7 First Religious Society, Rev. John Andrews 33. 14. 6 St. Paul's Church, Rev. Edward Bass 7. II. I
Presbyterian Society, Rev. Daniel Dana 30. OI. I
Temple Street Society, Rev. Chas. W. Milton
II. 13. IO
£100. 4. I
Additional from Presbyterian Society, Rev. John Murray 30. I. I
October 15, 1794, S. Parker, treasurer of the town of Boston, acknowledged the receipt of two hundred and thirty- four dollars from the selectmen and one hundred dollars and thirty cents additional from the deacons of the Presbyterian society, "making a total of $334.30 collected for the relief of the sufferers by the fire in Boston."
RESOLUTIONS IN FAVOR OF NUTRALITY IN THE WAR BETWEEN ENGLAND AND FRANCE.
August 5, 1793, a committee, consisting of Hon. Jonathan Jackson, Theophilus Parsons, Esq., and Capt. William Coombs, was chosen to take into consideration the proclama- tion of the president of the United States relating to the claims of the French government and to the maintenance of a strict neutrality in the contest between France and the allied powers of Europe. This committee reported on the seventh day of August in favor of forbidding the fitting out of armed vessels in aid of the nations at war with each other, and at the same time submitted the following resolutions which were promptly adopted :- -
103
RESOLUTIONS IN FAVOR OF NEUTRALITY
Voted, unanimously, That, in the opinion of this town, the neutrality of the United States during the war now waged by the several belligerent powers in Europe, is consistent with the honor and good faith of our gov- ernment and not repugnant to any treaties existing between the United States and any of those powers.
Voted, unanimously, That in the opinion of this town, a strict and uniform adherence to that neutrality is of the utmost importance to the best interests and happiness of our country.
Voted, unanimously, That, in the opinion of this town, the late proc- lamation of the President declaring that neutrality was a constitutional and wise measure, resulted from his ardent affection for his fellow citi- zens, his knowledge of, and vigilant attention to, their just rights and true interest.
Voted, unanimously, That in the opinion of this town, any infraction of the laws of neutrality, by any of the citizens of the United States fit- ting out, or being interested in armed vessels, to cruise against the citi- zens or subjects of either of the belligerent powers, or personally engag- ing in such cruise, will naturally tend to injure essentially the agricultu- ral, manufacturing and commercial interests of this country.
Voted, unanimously, That to prevent any such breach of the laws of the land we will take every legal method in our power to discover and prosecute to condign punishment any citizen who regardless of the duties he owes to his country may be guilty of such dangerous offences.I
At that date the shipment of merchandise in American vessels was attended with many difficulties and dangers. A few months later when the impressment of seamen and the capture and confiscation of neutral ships on the high seas had become frequent, congress was induced to pass an act prohibiting merchant vessels from leaving American ports. May 13, 1794, the inhabitants of Newburyport, assembled to consider the critical condition of commercial affairs, "Voted unanimously that it is the opinion of this town that the present embargo be continued as long as the public exigencies require it, " and a committee, consisting of Jonathan Jackson, John Mycall, Thomas W. Hooper, Capt. W. P. Johnson and Thom- as Thomas, Jr., was appointed to convey to the president of the United States and to congress, if in session, a copy of the above vote with renewed assurances of co-operation and support.2
1 Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., p. 76.
2 Newburyport Town Records, vol. II., pp. 94, 95.
-
CHAPTER III.
1794-1824.
AT a meeting of the legal voters of Newburyport held March 29, 1785, the discharge of firearms in the streets was prohib- ited and the owners of horses were ordered to drive carefully, keeping a firm hold on the bridle under a penalty of five shil- lings to be paid to the poor of the town.
September 18, 1794, the smoking of pipes and cigars on the wharves and in the streets and lanes was forbidden, and on the second day of October following the owners of ducks and geese were ordered to keep them from resorting to Frog pond, or the margin thereof, under a penalty of two shillings for each offence.I
March 17, 1795, a committee was appointed to look after rude and disorderly boys " and so far as possible secure to all the full enjoyment of their just rights and privileges." This committee was requested especially " to attend to the behavior of people on the approaching fast, and if possible by their advice and admonitions prevent their assembling in the streets, fields or other places for carrying on sports of any kind unsuit- able to the day, and if they cannot succeed in their endeavors to preserve decency and order, they are desired to give the town, at their next meeting, a list of the names of all such as will not conform to the sentiments & desires of the committee and the town."2
July 5, 1797, rules regulating the sale of fish, the building of dwelling houses, the burial of the dead, the tolling of bells for funerals, the fees to be paid undertakers, etc., were adopted, and, May· 13, 1807, the use of carts smaller than the regularly
1 Newburyport Town Records, vol. II., p. 98; Morning Star, Oct. 14, 1794 (Newburyport Public library).
2 Newburyport Town Records, vol. II., p. 109.
104
105
· POWDER HOUSE
established size, for carrying wood and other merchandise, was prohibited and also the driving of horses in the streets of the town at a rate of speed inconsistent with public safety.1
No person was allowed to cart wood unless licensed by the selectmen, and no cart could be used for that purpose unless four feet wide and two feet high on the inside. Riding through the streets of the town on horseback or in an open or covered carriage at a speed exceeding six miles an hour was punishable by a fine of one dollar for each offence, and the use of lighted candles or lamps in workshops and stores was pro- hibited after certain hours in the evening, and the firewards were ordered to carefully examine all dwelling houses where stoves were used for heating or cooking.2
POWDER HOUSE.
In 1754, the inhabitants of the town of Newbury erected a powder house near the Old Hill burying-ground.3
June 27, 1767, the keys of this powder house were placed in charge of John Downer, by the selectmen of Newburyport, and on the tenth day of August following they were delivered to John Bromfield.4
[March 13, 1771] Voted that the selectmen see into the state of the Stock of Gunpowder and ammunition of this Town and be directed to supply it if deficient.5
On the twenty-second day of March following, the selectmen purchased of Nathaniel Carter, eight half-barrels of powder, twelve hundred flints and eight hundred weight of bullets, and on the fourth day of April they appointed Paul Shackford keeper of the powder and ammunition, directing him " never to go in himself or permit others to go into the Powder House with their shoes on."4
Mr. Shackford probably had charge of the powder house
1 Newburyport Town Records, vol. II., p. 351.
2 Newburyport Town Records, vol. II., pp. 359, 362.
3 History of Newbury (Currier), p. 226.
4 Newburyport (Selectmen's) Records.
5 Newburyport Town Records, vol. I., p. 150.
106
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
until March 12, 1779, when John Little was appointed "to receive in & deliver out Powder & Keep a record of the same & not to suffer any Person to enter sd House with Shoes on."I
November 28, 1820, the selectmen were requested to select a safe and convenient location for a new powder house.
[April 11, 1822] Voted to accept the report of the selectmen recom- mending Godfrey's Hill, near Common pasture as the most suitable place on which to erect a Powder House.2
POWDER HOUSE ERECTED IN 1822.
The above half-tone print is reproduced from a photograph of the powder house, erected in 1822, now standing on Godfrey's hill on the southwesterly side of Low street on land owned by the city of Newburyport.
FRENCH WAR.
Vessels sailing under the American flag in the vicinity of the West Indies, in 1793, were in danger of capture by English as well as French privateers.
1 Newburyport (Selectmen's) Records.
2 Newburyport Town Records, vol. III., p. 117.
FRENCH WAR
107
The brig Olive Branch, Captain Toppan, and the brig William, Captain Trow, taken into St. Christopher's and subsequently released, arrived in Newburyport on the sixth day of August, 1793. The next day the Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet published the following statement : -
Yesterday Captains Toppan and Trow arrived here from the West Indies. They were both taken by the British privateers and carried into St. Christophers where they underwent an examination, but it appearing that the former had not any French property on board he was released. On board Captain Trow's [vessel] 70 hogsheads of sugar were seized, which Captain Toppan claimed as his property, but the claim appearing to them to be without foundation, it is detained for trial at their next maritime court.
During the next ten or twelve months several Newburyport vessels were seized, taken into the West Indies, condemned and sold at public auction, while others were detained for a short time and then released on such terms as the captors chose to dictate. Previous to September 2, 1794, the follow- ing named vessels, owned in Newburyport, were captured and a large amount of valuable property confiscated.
Ship Russell, Brig Beaver,
J. Young, captain,
Wm. Bartlett, J. Greenleaf, Peter Le Breton,
66
6
Betsy, J. Wiley,
66
6 Dolphin,
E. Knapp, 66
Samuel Knapp, 66
66 Essex,
Wm Brown, 66
A. Davenport, 66
66 Mary,
Margaret,
J. Dalton,
O'Brien & Pike, 60
66 Nancy,
R. Adams, 66 William Coombs, 66
66
Polly,
H. Goodhue,
J. Stanwood,
66 Stark,
J. Holland, 66
William Coombs,
66
Sch. Fox,
T. Adams,
66
Wm & Phil Coombs, "
66 Flora,
T. Follansbee, "
S. Howard,
Hope,
D. Farley, 66
T. Brown, Smith, Pettingell & Coffin
66
Speed well, A. Rejan,
66
Bayley, O'Brien &
Pike,
Two Brothers, B. Calley,
D. Richards, 66
owner
N. Pierce,
M. Pearson,
Joshua Carter, 66
William,
W. Trow,
Wm. Bartlett,
66
Sally, -- Noyes,
108
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
Sloop Mary, J. Wells, captain Smith & Pettingell, owner
Polly, W. Milberry, 66
Gage & Balch,
Sally,
G. Colby,
Joseph Wadleigh & Co."I
British armed vessels claimed the right to impress American seamen and seize American property on the high seas. These outrages were vigorously denounced by the president of the United States, and the following note was addressed to the collector of customs at Newburyport :-
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, March 25, 1796.
Sir :- The newspapers give accounts of impressment of American sea- men and of other outrages committed upon our citizens by British ships of war. But however well founded these relations may be, yet other documents will be required whenever reparation for these wrongs shall be demanded. I am therefore directed by the president of the United States to endeavor to obtain correct information on this subject, verified by the oaths of the informants. Such of these as shall enter the port of New- buryport will fall under your notice and I must request you to have their depositions taken at the public expense in a most fair and impartial manner before a notary public, and transmitted from time to time to this office.
I am respectfully, Sir, your obedient servant,
TIMOTHY PICKERING.2
In order to put a stop to these depredations on American commerce a treaty was made with Great Britain and proclaimed the supreme law of the land, but the Republicans in congress denounced it as unconstitutional and the house of represen- tatives declined to make the appropriations necessary to carry it into effect.
Saturday afternoon, April 23, 1796, the inhabitants of New- buryport called together by the ringing of the church bells, assembled in the town house and elected Hon. Jonathan Tit- comb, chairman. After a brief address by Hon. Theophilus Parsons a petition similar to one adopted by the merchants of Philadelphia and New York was prepared to be presented to congress "praying for the reasons therein stated that the
1 Morning Star, Sept. 2, 1794 (Newburyport Public library).
2 Impartial Herald, Friday, April 8, 1796.
109
FRENCH WAR
treaty concluded between Great Britain and the United States be carried into operation."
This petition, signed by more than four hundred persons within a few hours, was sent, the same day, to Hon. Theophilus Bradbury of Newburyport, representative in congress "from the Fourth Middle District in the County of Essex, state of Massachusetts."I
In 1797, American envoys were appointed to settle, if pos- sible, all claims and causes of difference between the United States and France. March 19, 1798, John Adams, then pres- ident, announced that the mission was a failure and that the country ought therefore to prepare for the worst.
At a meeting of the inhabitants of Newburyport, held on the thirtieth day of April, a committee, consisting of Benja- min Greenleaf, Charles Jackson, Theophilus Parsons, Samuel A. Otis and Jonathan Boardman, prepared the following address which was read, briefly discussed and unanimously adopted :-
TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
SIR :- The inhabitants of the town of Newburyport fully impressed with the present important crisis of public affairs are prompted no less by a sense of duty then by their own feelings to express those sentiments which the occasion so naturally inspires in the breast of every American. From the long experience of your conduct in the many public offices to which you have been called by your own country they feel the most per- fect confidence in your wisdom, integrity and patriotism : and they with cheerfulness declare their entire approbation of your attempt to adjust all existing disputes with the French Republic by an amicable negotiation of that spirit of conciliation which dictated your instructions to our minis- ters and of the principles of justice on which they were founded. They
learn with equal indignation and astonishment that this spirit of concilia- tion has been repelled with contempt that these principles of justice have been disregarded and that a heavy tribute with humiliating concessions on our part has been proposed to us in a manner arbitrary and unfriend- ly as the price at which we must purchase the right of being heard. The inhabitants of this town duly appreciate the blessing of peace and neu_ trality but they will never complain at the loss of these blessings, when constrained to sacrifice them to the honor, the dignity and the essential interests of their country. They consider the present interesting state of
1 Impartial Herald, April 26, 1796.
JIO
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
public affairs as a solemn appeal to the hearts of all independent Ameri- cans, and a call on them to come forward with unanimity and firmness, in support of the government and the men of their choice, to resist with becoming dignity any vain attempt to derogate from our common sov- ereignty, or to degrade our national character from the rank it now justly holds among nations to convince the world that we are alike uninfluenced by corruption and by fear and that we will not be a divided people, the miserable slaves of a foreign power or the despicable tools of foreign influence.
Impressed with these sentiments and relying with full confidence on the wisdom and patriotism of every branch of government, they take this occasion solemnly to pledge their lives and fortunes to support the meas- ures judged necessary by the President and Congress to preserve and secure the happiness, the dignity, and the essential interests of the United States.1
To this address the president replied as follows : -
TO THE INHABITANTS OF NEWBURYPORT.
GENTLEMEN : The address of the inhabitants of the ancient, popu- lous and wealthy town of Newburyport, passed without a dissentient voice, at a late meeting, as certified by your selectmen and presented to me by your representative in Congress, Mr. Bartlett, does me great honor.
The astonishment and indignation you express at the contempt with which a spirit of conciliation has been replied to; your resolution never to complain at the loss of the blessings of peace and neutrality, when constrained to sacrifice them to the honor, dignity and essential interests of your country ; to resist with becoming dignity any vain attempt to derogate from our common sovereignty or to degrade our national char- acter from the rank it now justly holds among nations ; to convince the world that you are alike uninfluenced by corruption and by fear ; that you are not a divided people, the miserable slaves of foreign influence, do equal honor to your hearts and judgment.
Your reliance with full confidence on the wisdom and patriotism of every branch of the government, and the solemn pledge of your lives and fortunes to support the measures of the legislature and administration, to preserve and secure the happiness, dignity and essential interests of the United States are all the assurances which the best of governments could desire from the best of citizens.
JOHN ADAMS.
PHILADELPHIA, May 6, 1798.
1 Newburyport Town Records, vol. II., p. 178.
III
FRENCH WAR
For the protection of American commerce several vessels were speedily built and equipped for the naval service.
In ninety days from the date of contract, Jonathan, Nathan and Orlando B. Merrill, completed the U. S. Brig Pickering, at their shipyard in Newbury and she sailed in July from New- buryport for Boston " to take in her guns and complement of men."I
The ship Merrimack, three hundred and fifty-five tons bur- den, carrying twenty six-pound cannon, was built at the Fed- eral shipyard in Newburyport for the general government on the terms and conditions stated in the following communica- tion to Hon. Bailey Bartlett of Haverhill, representative-elect to congress in place of Hon. Theophilus Bradbury who had resigned :-
NEWBURYPORT, June 1, 1798.
SIR : A number of the inhabitants of this town have agreed to build and equip a ship of three hundred and fifty-five tons burthen, to be mounted with 20 six-pound cannon and to offer her to the government of the United States for their use. They have also voted that they will not accept of any further or other compensation from the government than an interest of six per cent per annum on the net cost of the ship and equipments, and a final reimbursement, at the convenience of government, of the said net cost ; and they have appointed us a committee to inform you of their intentions, and to request you to promote a provision where- by they may be enabled to carry their designs into execution by the countenance of government so far as the same shall appear necessary. As we indulge a hope that this intention of the citizens of Newburyport will lead to proportionate exertions in larger and wealthier towns, we beg leave to suggest the convenience that any provision which may be thought proper and applicable to the case might be general. The inhabitants of this town at the present moment are animated with the most zealous res- olution to support and defend with their lives and property, the govern- ment of their country, as well against the open attacks of foreign enemies as the insidious attempts of domestic traitors. They heartily wish their abilities extended beyond their present offer, but the immense ravages which have been committed on their property by sea, and the great pro- portion of the remnant yet at risk, forbid their further indulgence of their inclinations. It may be that under a late act of government authorizing
1 Newburyport Herald and Country Gazette, July 27, 1798 ; History of Newbury (Currier), p. 485.
II2
HISTORY OF NEWBURYPORT
the Executive to purchase ships of war, the proposal may be closed with- out legislative aid. If such should be your opinion we wish you to lay the plan before the executive and we shall be the more gratified in this way as the whole business may probably be thus considerably expedited. The materials are already in forwardness and provisional contracts will be entered into, so that probably in ninety days from our receiving assur- ances that government patronizes our design the ship may be afloat. The best calculations we have been able to make of the whole expense, reduce it below thirty thousand dollars and if the utmost attention to economy and despatch can effect any thing the cost will finally fall con- siderably within that sum.
Among the good effects of the present proposal we have contemplated that in this way government may at this period, when so many calls for money exist, procure the means of defence without actual advances, perhaps with more promptitude and undoubtedly with considerably less expense than in the common mode of contracts.
With best wishes for your health and happiness, we are, sir, your most obedient servants.
WILLIAM BARTLET WILLIAM COOMBS DUDLEY A. TYNG MOSES BROWN WM. P. JOHNSON NICHOLAS JOHNSON WILLIAM FARRIS EBENEZER STOCKER SAMI A. OTIS, JR.
Committee I
HON. BAILEY BARTLETT
Ship builders, caulkers, blacksmiths, mast makers, riggers, and sail makers were invited to name the lowest prices at which they would agree to furnish the labor and materials for a ship of three hundred and sixty tons burthen to be built and launched previous to the first day of October.2
June 13, 1798, William Cross, shipwright, and Thomas M. Clark, merchant, agreed with William Bartlett, William Coombs, Nicholas Johnson, Ebenezer Stocker and Abraham Wheelwright, representing the merchants of Newburyport, to build a vessel ninety-two feet long, thirty feet wide and fifteen feet deep, from gun deck to lower hold, for the sum of twenty-
' Newburyport Herald and Country Gazette, June 19, 1798.
2 Newburyport Herald and Country Gazette, June 5, 1798.
113
FRENCH WAR
two dollars and fifty cents per ton for the carpenter work, "one third down, one third when ship is shut in under the wale, remaining one third when the hull of the ship is completed and delivered afloat in Newburyport."I
William Hackett superintended the building of the ship in the middle shipyard near where the police station now stands. Capt. Moses Brown marched at the head of a com- pany of young men to the yard where the ship was building and addressed the carpenters at work there on the fourth day of July.2 Nicholas Johnson was appointed agent, by the gen- eral government, to purchase supplies for the ship and fit her for sea as speedily as possible.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, TRENTON, September 1, 1798.
SIR :- It being necessary that a person of Character & Judgement should be appointed to act as the Agent of the Puplic in superintending the Equipment of the Ship building at Newburyport by the Patriotic Subscriptions of your Citizens and as you have already had an Agency, as I am informed, with respect to her, and are mentioned in favorable Terms by Mr. Bartlett, I request that you will undertake to act for the public also.
I enclose for your Government a List of the Articles considered as necessary for a ship of that force, and it will be desirable that the whole of them should be procurred by you except the Powder & Muskets which will be supplied from hence. If however you should find that there are any other of the articles contained in the enclosed List that you cannot furnish, please to send me an exact list of them that they may be sent to you in time.
The Customary Commission allowed to the Navy Agents in other ports is two per cent on the amount of the Expenditures and you will charge the same, with which I hope you will be content, as you will also possess the Gratification of rendering service to your Country at this important Period.
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