USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Scituate > History of Scituate, Massachusetts, from its first settlement to 1831 > Part 13
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
. * We learn from Gov. Winslow's letter to Mr Hinckley, (dated May 23, 1676), that " fourteen men marched up from Marshfield as far as Joseph Barstow's, and had sight of the enemy at William Barstow's, but being unhappily discovered by them also, they ran away, leaving some horses and cattle they were about to carry away, and those houses at that time secured from the flames." This we understand to have been on the same day, when the great attack was made on Scituate - and that this was but a small detachment of the enemy.
t Since writing this account, we have ascertained that it was in the former attack, on the 21st of April, that Blackmore was killed.
April
+
-
126
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
Their path may be traced directly onward towards this garrison. The house of Nicholas (the Sweede) was the next burnt, which stood on a small hill thirty rods north-east of Parker lane. We observe that the Town voted, the next year, to allow him three pounds towards rebuilding his house. In their further progress they doubtless burnt other houses, as Wm. Parker's, Robert Stet- son, jr.'s, Standlake's, Sutliffe's, Holmes's, John Buck's and others were nigh their path, but unfortunately the committee's report to Gov. Winslow is not extant, at least in full. They passed over Walnut Tree hill, on the northward of the late Judge William Cushing's, and entered Ewell's house which stood at the "turn of the road," which spot may be known in modern times, by saying, it was nearly midway between Judge Cushing's man- sion and farm house. Ewell's wife was alone, save an infant grandchild, John Northey,* sleeping in the cradle; the house being situated beneath a high hill, she had no notice of the approach of the savages until they were rushing down the hill towards the house. In the moment of alarm, she fled towards the garrison, which was not more than sixty rods distant, and either through a momentary forgetfulness, or despair, or with the hope of alarming the garrison in season, she forgot the child. She reached the garrison in safety. The savages entered her house, and stopping only to take the bread from the oven which she was in the act of putting in, when she was first alarmed, then rushed forward to assault the garrison. After they had become closely engaged, Ewell's wife returned by a circuitous path, to learn the fate of the babe, and to her happy surprise, found it quietly sleeping in the cradle as she had left it, and carried it safely to the garrison. A few hours afterward the house was burnt. There was a considerable village around this place, and the houses of Northey, Palmer, Russell, Thoz mas King, jr. and some others were doubtless burnt, though we are not able to quote record for it. That Ewell's house was burnt we learn from his will, in which it was incidentally mentioned, (see Family Sketches). The garrison house of Stockbridge was pallisadoed on three sides, the fourth being defended by the mill pond. Beside this there was a small out work near the mill, on a little island between the mill stream and the waste way, where a blacksmith's shop has for several years stood. It was thought to be a point of importance to the settlement, to defend these mills. Here the Indians fought several hours, made many efforts to fire the buildings, and
* Whose genealogy is in this work.
127
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
sustained heavy losses, from the well directed shot from the garrison. They chiefly occupied the ground at the south end of the mill dam. They were not repulsed until night close, when nearly the whole force of the Town that was left at home, was collected for the purpose. Lieut. Buck had mustered all the men below, and the veteran Cornet Stetson had descended the river, with what people could be raised in the south part of the Town. Unfortunately, Capt. John Williams with thirty Scituate men, was absent, "ranging the woods," about Namas- kett (Middleboro). A letter written by Gov. Josiah Winslow, the same week of this affair, throws out some reproaches against the inactivity of the inhabitants of Scituate about this time :* but though we give the excellent Governor all due praise for his ardor, we must suppose that he could not have been fully apprized of the circumstances at the time when he wrote. When we reflect on the amazing losses which Scituate had recently sustained, and that Capt. Williams was ranging the woods beyond Plymouth with thirty men, and that a great part of the Town was in flames, and many persons killed on the 20th of May, it is easy for us to imagine why the inhabi- tants of Scituate did not chase away this large force of the Indians, as Gov. Winslow would have desired. They were scarcely able to maintain their garrisons at home, with their diminished forces. The "forty smart lads from Plymouth, Duxbury and Marshfield," who are praised in the Governor's letter for venturing as far as Bridgewater, saw only a straggling party; the main body was ravaging Scituate. In short, we are confirmed in the opinion that the worthy Governor blamed the inactivity of Scituate at this terrible crisis, without fully knowing the circumstances, by the facts, that after this tremen- dous attack had been sustained, and a short breathing time had been allowed, Scituate was at the head of offensive opera- tions against the enemy. The long persecuted Cudworth, with a magnanimity rarely equalled, though waxing old, had accepted the chief command of the Colony forces, and contin- ued in that command until Philip was subdued. Lieut. Buck was in constant service, and his brother John the Cornet : and the veteran Cornet Stetson was constantly on horseback, either in making voluntary excursions with Gen. Cudworth, (as tra- dition asserts), or in returning to encourage the garrisons at home, or in guiding the directions of the council of war. In July, Capt. John Williams with a company from Scituate
* Dated May 23d. See Hinckley papers, Historical Society's Library.
128
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
chiefly, was detached to follow Philip to mount Hope, and commanded the right wing of the ambuscade, when that perse- vering prince was slain, (see Church's History).
In an appendix to the last edition of the New England Memorial, a paper is quoted, purporting to be a return to Gov. Winslow of the losses of Scituate. That paper was said to be thus endorsed : "13 dwelling houses burnt with their barns - one saw mill-six heads of families (Pierce, Russell, Savary, Whitcomb, Pratt, Blackmore), many others killed and made cripples." Thus far reference can be had to a part only of the war, because we have already named many other heads of families, and we will here add that we find authentic records, (incidentally), to show that Mr Isaac Chittenden, a highly respectable citizen, a deputy to the Court, and a member of the council of war, was slain at Scituate on the memorable 20th May, 1676. The quotation from Gov. Winslow's paper con- tinues thus, "in all 32 families, wherin are about 132 persons." By this we understand thirty-two heads of families; and this we think can embrace only the year of 1676, exclusive of the Narragansett expedition, the year previous .*
At the close of this war, the Commissioners of the United Colonies reported the state of the debt, and recommended a tax to be levied. The proportion of Plymouth Colony amounted to £3692, 16s. 2d. of which sum, Scituate paid £586, 7s. 4d. which was above £100 more than was paid by any other town in the Colony.+
In the autumn of 1676, some of the conquered lands were ordered to be sold, viz. "Showamett Neck, (between Taunton and Swanzey), Mount Hope, (Bristol), Pocassett, (Tiverton), and Assonet, (Freetown), 'for the relief of maymed soldiers and persons impoverished by the wars, and poor widows such as have lost their husbands in the wars, &c.'" The Governor, Gen. Cudworth and the Treasurer, together with one chosen from each town, were to be the committee for this purpose.}
We notice also in the transactions of the town of Scituate in the autumn of 1676, "The Town chose a committee to join
* See Appendix, 2d.
+ In 1663, the taxes of Scituate were as 16 to 10 compared with Plymouth, and as 16 to 4 compared with Bridgewater.
# Amongst the purchasers of Showamett we notice the following Scituate men (1667) : Richard Prouty, Walter Briggs, Capt. John Williams, William Hatch, William Peaks, Jonathan Jackson, Lieut. Isaac Buck, Zechary Daman, Daniel Daman. The whole company was thirty. It may be proper to distinguish Showamett from Shaomet, (Warwick, Rhode Island), some- times written Shawamett.
129
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
with that committee of the General Court, viz, the Governor, Gen. Cudworth and the Treasurer, according to Law, to divide the proceeds of the sales of land at Showamett amongst the soldiers, widows, &c." Thomas King was chosen.
Also in reference to the same subject, in the spring of 1677, "The Town instructed their Deputies to move the Corte, that this Town may have their part of whatsoever lands and profits have been obtained by the late warres. Also that some speedy course be taken for the relief of some wounded soldiers. Also that Capt. Williams and about 30 men which were pressed out to range the woods about Namastick and Plymouth, may be paid by the country as well as other prest soldiers."
Some of the soldiers, probably by consent, received their pay in lands, for services in Philip's war. There appears in the Colony records, and also an attested copy of the same in the town records of Scituate, the following entry :
"The persons to have land as allowed by the Court, are as followeth :
£
Lieut. Isaac Buck, 10 .. 00 .. 00. d. 8.
Zechariah Daman, 06 .. 06 .. 01.
John Daman 06 .. 05 .. 07.
Richard Prouty, 06 .. 12 .. 03.
Cornet John Buck,
08 .. 09 .. 05. Jonathan Jackson, 06 .. 05 .. 04.
Thomas Clark, 05 .. 05 .. 02.
William Hatch, 02 .. 01 .. 00.
Richard Dwelley, 11 .. 13 .. 03.
Walter Briggs, 05 .. 18 .. 07. Charles Stockbridge
for Benj. Woodworth, 07 .. 09 .. 07. Joseph Garrett, 05 .. 09 .. 07.
Plymouth, July 22d, 1676. NATHANIEL MORETON, Sec'ry." The wages in Philip's war were ordered by the Court to be as follows :
General 6s per day. Ensign 4s per day.
Captain 5s 66 Sergeant 2s 6d 66
Commissary 4s 66 Corporal 2s 0d
Paymaster 4s 66
Soldier 1s 6d
Lieutenant 4s 66
We notice also in the Colony records, 1680, "Serj. John Barker was freed from bearing arms for the wounds in the late war."
17
130
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
Also, the same year, "Job Randall was allowed 10£ for wounds in Philip's war."
Henceforth we are able to give but little account of the part borne by Scituate in the Indian wars.
We shall pass over the northern expedition of Sir Edmund Andros in 1687.
In the eastern expedition, planned and urged chiefly by Massachusetts General Court in 1689, commanded by Colonel Church, we can only state that Scituate furnished six men and two officers, viz. Capt. Joseph Sylvester, (the same whose house was burnt in Philip's war), and Ensign Israel Chittenden, (son of the very respectable Mr Isaac Chittenden, who was killed as noticed above). This expedition, though not very successful, was not disasterous in losses, and probably all our town'smen returned. Scituate paid a tax of £88 for the expenses.
In the Canada expedition in 1690, under Sir William Phipps, at the taking of Port Royal and the attempts upon Quebec, Scituate furnished sixteen men, under Capt. Joseph Sylvester, Lieut. Israel Chittenden and Ensign John Stetson. This expedition proved fatal to Capt. Sylvester (see Family Sketches) and to many of his men : but we are unable to give a list of them. We have collected a few notes from the Probate records relative to these losses. For example, the Court appointed Timothy Rogers to administer on the estate of Na- thaniel Parker, who died in the Canada expedition 1690. Benjamin Stetson was appointed administrator to his son Mathew Stetson, who died in the same expedition.
The widow Mary appointed administratrix to her husband Ensign John Stetson, who died in the same expedition.
Moses Simons in his will, "being bound to Canada as a soldier in 1690; in case he shall never return," orders his property to be equally divided between his brothers : brother John to be executor. He did not return, and the will was executed by John.
Eliab Turner was appointed administrator to Lazarus Turner his brother, who died in the same expedition.
Samuel Bryant (son of John, sen.) died in the same expedi- tion. The inventory of his estate taken by William Perry and Samuel Stetson.
Samuel Dwelley (son of Richard) died in the same expedi- tion -inventory taken by Jeremiah Hatch and James Bowker. Thomas Hyland also - his father Thomas was appointed ad- ministrator.
131
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
Robert Sprout died in June on this expedition.
The object of the war, that of conquering and possessing Canada, was not at that time secured. Some brilliant partizan exploits were performed by the sons of Edward Wanton in 1697, (see Family Sketches), when Count Frontenac was Governor in Canada.
A second military company was established in Scituate when new regulations were ordered for the militia in 1695, three years after the union of Plymouth and Massachusetts. Our town records notice these general orders, so far as to record " that the Commands of Capt. Chittenden on the north, and Capt. Stetson on the south were to be limited by the first Her- ring brook, with the exception of Samuel Clap, Thomas Pincin and David Jacob, on the south side of said brook, to belong to the command on the north side." 'This was conformable to the division of Parishes, or nearly so. Capt. Anthony Colla- more was commander of the Scituate company at the time of his decease in 1693, and an elegy on his death, which has been preserved by the family, contrives to mention that his train band consisted of two hundred. The poet must have taken some license : it may however have amounted to that number at that time, if the muster-roll included all between sixteen and sixty, as it had done under the Plymouth Colony government.
We now pass to the French war, so called, of which we shall attempt no narrative. We shall merely give a list of such men as served in that war, informing the reader that it must be far from a complete one.
Capt. John Clap, (son of Thomas Clap), at Quebec 1759.
Capt. Benjamin Briggs, in that war 1756.
Lieut. Elisha Turner, (in Capt. Keen's company 1757), and Capt. 1759.
Lieut. John Clap-a Col. in the Revol. - died in Scituate 1810. Serjeant Barnabas Barker, in Capt. Keen's company, Colonel Thomas's regiment, 1757.
Capt. Keen's company 1757, William Carlisle, James Cushing, Samuel Bowker, Consider Cole, Stephen Lapham, Elisha Palmer, Samuel Ramsdel, Peleg Turner, Benj. Lapham.
Capt. Bassett's company 1757, John Caswell, Edward Corlew, David Marvel, Zaccheus Nash, Thomas Pearce, Gideon Rose, Luther Wade.
James Briggs, (at the first taking of Louisburg 1744) .*
* Louisburg was taken by the New England Troops, the first time ; it was one of the greatest achievements of the French war. Col. John Winslow of Marshfield led the New England forces,
132
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
Samuel Randall, died of small pox in the army 1756.
Isaac Torrey, wounded at St. John's 1757, d. in Scituate 1812.
Staunton James,
Nehemiah Randall, killed at St. John's 1757.
Job Cowen, at St. John's 1759, living in Scituate 1831, a. 90. Lieut. Viney Turner, at St. John's 1759.
Lieut. Job Tyrrell, as above.
William Hayden, do.
Ezekiel Hayden,
do.
William Perry, do.
Nehemiah Sylvester, do.
Seth Sylvester,
Richard Sylvester,
sons of Nehemiah do.
Elisha Stodder, do.
Nathaniel Ellmes, died returning from Halifax 1759.
Josiah Litchfield, died at Halifax 1759.
James Tower, with Col. Bradstreet at Skenectady 1756.
John Gross, taken in a Country ship and d. at Guadaloupe 1758.
Edmund Gross, do. and returned.
Isaac Lapham, in attack on Ticonderoga 1758.
Edmund Bowker, do. died in Scituate 1826, aged 95.
Reuben Bates, at second taking of Louisburg 1758, living in Scituate 1831, aged 95.
David Dunbar, at Louisburg as above, also at Crown pt. 1759. Benjamin Bowker, at Ticonderoga and Lake George 1758.
The following were at Crown point in 1759.
John Foster, died in Scituate 1815.
Benjamin Palmer, died in Scituate 1820.
Elisha Barrel, died in Hanover 1829, aged 96.
Colburn Barrel, died in Rev. war.
Samuel Brooks, died in Hanover 1830, aged 95.
Nehemiah Palmer.
George Stetson.
Jedidiah Dwelley.
Henry Lambert.
Simeon Nash, died of small pox at Ticonderoga 1759.
Reuben Daman, drowned in swimming Connecticut river, on his return 1759.
Zechariah Lambert.
Daniel Lambert. John Corlew, Edward Corlew, ¿sons of Edward named above.
twins. Thomas Corlew,
William Corlew,
133
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Elisha Litchfield.
Wiborn Hollaway.
Benjamin Collamore.
Dr. Ephraim Otis, at Fort William Henry 1757, surgeon.
Joseph Bowker, at Crown point 1759.
Luke Lambert, do.
James Woodworth, do.
Oliver Winslow, killed near Crown point 1759.
William Gould, James Orian, Thomas Pierce, Thomas Vicars, Michael Vicars, Joseph Randall, Ezekiel Sprague, Will- iam Westcott.
Dr. James Otis, surgeon's mate at Crown point 1758, Colonel Bagley's Regiment.
It will be seen, by the above notes, that two veterans of the French war survive in 1831 : Reuben Bates and Job Cowen : they are intelligent men, and retain their faculties in an extraor- dinary degree.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
It becomes us, in the history of events so well known as those of the American war, to confine ourselves to very narrow limits, conscious that we can bring nothing new to light, and record nothing of much interest that is not already made publick. Still it may be gratifying to posterity, if haply our book may reach posterity, to see some collection of the names of their townsmen and ancestors, who acted a part in that trying time.
The first act of the Town that had a reference to this war, appears on the record March 1774.
" It was put whether the Town would act upon the request of William Clap and others, touching the difficulties of the present times, and passed in the affirmative. The Town then chose Nathan Cushing, Esq., Doct. Ephraim Otis, Nathaniel Clap, Esq., William Turner, Doct. James Otis, Israel Vinal, Galen Clap, Joseph Tolman, Barnabas Little, Anthony Water- man, and John Clap, jr. a committee to draft such resolutions as they may think proper, and present the same to the Town at their next meeting."
May 23, 1774, the committee reported
"That we cordially join in sentiment with most of our brethren in this and other Colonies, that those acts of the British
134
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Parliament which have a tendency to control our internal com- merce and 'manufactures, and more especially to extort our monies, are not only disconsonant with good and lawful Gov- ernment, but subversive of those rights and liberties which our Fathers have handed down to us-Therefore we advise and move that a committee be appointed to make all suitable en- quiry into our public disturbances and difficulties, and lay their counsels, determinations and results before the Town, when and so often as they shall think necessary, applying to the select men to warn a meeting for the purpose.
"NATHAN CUSHING, per order."
October 3, 1774.
" It was put whether the Town would chose a com- mittee of Inspection, to see that the Continental Association shall be strictly adhered to, and passed in the affirmative. A Committee of Inspection was then chosen, consisting of John Cushing, jr., Nathan Cushing, Esq., Charles Turner, Israel Vinal, jr., Nathaniel Waterman, Joseph Tolman, James Otis, William Turner, Barnabas Little, John Palmer, Galen Clap, Anthony Waterman, Noah Otis, Joseph Stetson, Increase Clap, Gideon Vinal, Eli Curtis, Samuel Clap, Abiel Turner, Barna- bas Barker, George Morton, Ignatius Otis, Thomas Mann, Deacon Samuel Jenkins, Paul Bailey, Calvin Pierce, Amasa Bailey, Deacon Joseph Bailey, Constant Clap, John Jacob, and James Briggs."
At the same meeting a committee of correspondence was chosen, viz. "John Cushing, jr., Nathan Cushing, Esq., Joseph Tolman, Barnabas Little, Israel Vinal, jr., Galen Clap, Abiel Turner, Noah Otis, Nathaniel Waterman, Dea. Joseph Bailey and Eli Curtis."
January 18, 1775, the committee of inspection reported to the Town this "Publick Information."
"The Publick are hereby informed that on the 9th Inst. the Committee of Inspection, by request of the Town, waited on Charles Curtis and Frederick Henderson, shopkeepers, to know whether they intended to adhere to the Continental Association, the former of whom rendered the following answer : ' I shall not adhere to it,' and the latter replied as the former, adding, 'I don't know any Congress,'-whose ignorance is the more to be wondered at, seeing he has been an inhabitant of this Continent and Town several years, since quitting his marine vocation. Therefore the inhabitants of this Town do hereby resolve to break off all dealing whatsoever with said
135
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
refractory shopkeepers, until they shall give publick and abso- lute satisfaction to the foresaid Committee and Town, touching their open refractoriness relative to said salutary Association - trusting in the mean time that the publick will condescend to trouble their memories with their names and characters.
"JOHN CUSHING, jr., Chairman."
At a meeting of the Town, May 29, 1775.
"Voted to recommend to the inhabitants of this Town to bring their fire arms and accoutrements with them to meet- ing, on the Sabbath, June 19, 1775."
This may have had reference to a plan concerted about that time, for capturing Capt. Balfour, who was stationed in the neighboring town of Marshfield, with the "Queen's Guards," and who, it was thought, might attempt to march through Scit- uate to Boston. But the British at Boston, by some means, learned the design, and took off this beautiful company of Guards by water, just in season to be annihilated at the battle of Bunker-hill, on the 17th of June.
July 1775, "Voted to choose a committee to consult with Mr Nathaniel Waterman about keeping the soldiers at the Harbour."
" Voted that a guard of nine men be kept day and night, and that this guard be commanded by Capt. Noah Otis."
"Voted that a watch box be established near Eleazer Litch- field's, to be under his care -another at the Glades, under the care of Paul Bailey and Barnabas Little, and another at the 3d Cliff, under the care of James Briggs."
"Voted that if the persons who have the care of said Boxes, may fail at any time of procuring said guards, they are imme- diately to acquaint the committees of Correspondence and of Inspection."
June 4, 1776.
" Chose a Committee to draft instructions for our Rep- resentatives in General Court, viz. William Cushing, Esq., Major William Turner, Capt. Joseph Tolman, Capt. Israel Vinal, jr. and Mr Anthony Waterman."
At the same meeting the committee reported these Instructions.
" The inhabitants of this Town being called together on the recommendation of our General Assembly, to signify their minds on the great point of Independence of Great Britain, think fit to instruct you on that head. The Ministry of that
136
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Kingdom having formed the design of subjecting the Colonies to a distant, external and absolute power in all cases whatsoever, wherein the Colonies have not, and in the nature of things, cannot have any share by representation, have, for a course of years past, exerted their utmost endeavors, to put the same plan, so des- tructive to both countries into execution ; but finding it, (through the noble and virtuous opposition of the sons of freedom), imprac- ticable, they have had at length, a fatal recourse to that which is still more repugnant to a free Government, viz. a standing army-to fire and sword, to blood and devastation -calling in the aid of foreign troops, as well as endeavoring to stir up the Savages of the wilderness, being determined to exercise their barbarities upon us, and to all appearance, to extirpate if practicable, the Americans from the face of the earth, unless they will tamely resign the rights of humanity, and to repeople this once happy Country with the ready sons of Vassalage.
"We therefore, apprehending that such subjection will be inconsistent with the just rights and blessings of society, unan- imously instruct you to endeavour that our Delegates in Con- gress be informed (in case that Representative Body shall think fit to declare the Colonies independant of Great Britain) of our readiness and determination to assist with our lives and fortunes, in support of that necessary measure. Touching other matters, we trust in your fidelity, discretion and zeal for the publick welfare, to propose and forward all such measures as you shall apprehend may contribute to our necessary defence in the present threatening aspect of affairs, or to the promoting of the internal peace, order and good Government of this Colony."
CAMPAIGN OF RHODE ISLAND.
September 23, 1776.
" The Town voted to pay 40s a month in addition to the Continental pay, and half a month's advance pay to such as shall go this Campaign."
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.