USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > History of Worcester, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement to September, 1836 : with various notices relating to the history of Worcester County > Part 8
USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > History of Worcester, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement to September, 1836 : with various notices relating to the history of Worcester County > Part 8
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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
Adonijahı Rice and another soldier, engaged in the expedition against Crown Point, in August. In September, orders were issued to Col. Chandler to impress troops for the reenforcement of the army. Sept. 17, fourteen volunteers were returned from Worcester.
On the 21st of October, the inhabitants instructed Col. Doolittle, the representative, to join in no measure countenancing a stamp act.
In the autumn of 1755, that cruel measure of policy, the darkest blot on our history, the removal of the inhabitants of Nova Scotia and their dispersion through the provinces, was executed by General Winslow. About a thousand of the French Neutrals, as these un- fortunate people were called, arrived in Boston at the beginning of winter, and were distributed among the several towns designated by a committee. The proportion assigned to Worcester was eleven. They were received and supported by the selectmen, at the expense of
63
FRENCH NEUTRALS.
1755.]
the province. 'The following description is annexed to an account rendered for their subsistence.
' Eleven French persons; an aged man and woman 65 or 70 years old, past labor ; the female very weak ; a girl about seventeen years old, who employs her whole time in taking care of the old people. They have four sons who support themselves. In this family are Jean Herbert and Monsieur Lebere. Justin White and his wife, aged about thirty, both very feeble, the man inclining to a consump- tion and unfit for labor ; they have three small children, the eldest but about five years old, all chargeable; one of the children has been born very lately, so that the whole number now is twelve.'
These families, torn from their homes, reduced from comparative affluence to desolate poverty, thrown among strangers of different language and religion, excited pity for their misfortunes. Their in- dustrious and frugal habits, and mild and simple manners, attracted regard, and they were treated here with great kindness. They cul- tivated a little tract of land, were permitted to hunt deer at all sea- sons, and aided in their own support by laboring as reapers and by manufacturing wooden implements. Although they tilled the fields, they kept no animals for labor. The young men drew their fuel and materials for fencing on the ground, with thongs of sinew, and turn- ed the earth with a spade. So deep was the feeling of their suffer- ings in their violent removal, that any allusion to their native country drew from them a flood of tears. The aged persons died broken hearted. In 1767, the remnant removed to Canada among their countrymen. The town then granted £7 to lay in stores and pay the passage of John Lehere to Quebec, and authorised the select- men to raise that sum by loan.
The year 1756 was marked by increased exertions of the inhabit- ants to fill the ranks of the army destined to act against Crown Point. Our own citizens freely volunteered in the expedition, whose success, it was confidently expected, would terminate the war which pressed so heavily on the resources and population of the province. A com- pany of 43 men was raised under Capt. Aaron Rice of Rutland ; on his death in camp, he was succeeded in the command by Lieut. Jacob Hemmenway. Forty-four other soldiers were returned by oth- er officers in Col. Ruggles' regiment, in the service of the country. Some of these troops suffered in the reverses of the campaign. Dan- iel Stearns was made prisoner near Fort Edward ; Edward Hair, at the capitulation of Oswego : and Jonathan Child in the vicinity of Fort William Henry. They were detained in captivity at Montreal
64
MILITARY SERVICES.
[1757.
until the exchange in 1758. Many died of epidemic diseases at Lake George.
Regimental head quarters were established at Worcester, which was appointed the rendezvous of troops to be mustered into service. The town was often filled with military detachments waiting orders to march, and the neighboring hills whitened with tents.
A depot of munitions of war was formed for the armament of the levies as they advanced towards the scene of operations on the western frontiers. A report of the commissary shows a total of 403 arms complete, 7 boxes of guns, 403 bayonets, 212 blankets, 151 bandoliers, 80 cartouch boxes, 1 cask of powder.
Earl Loudon, successor of Gen. Shirley, in expectation of an at- tack from the enemy, ordered Col. Chandler, on the 30th of Sep- tember, to detach one hundred and fifty men for the reenforcement of his army. The militia companies of the town, with the former lev- ies from the regiment, promptly marched under James Putnam, the distinguished counsellor, bearing the military rank of Major. Af- ter waiting at Westfield for the troops of Hampshire, finding the ne- cessity for their services had passed, the forces of Worcester county, amounting to 300, were dismissed and returned.
Intelligence of the siege of Fort William Henry, Aug. 4, 1757, induced the Governor to order the colonels of all the regiments to hold each man in readiness to march at a moment's warning.
The following report, July 20, 1757, shows the preparation of Wor- cester, then included in the first regiment under the command of Col. John Chandler, jr.
' Agreeably to an order of the honorable, his majesty's council, of the fifth of July last, requiring me to take effectual care that every person, both upon the alarm and train band lists, within my regiment, and the several town stocks in said regiment, be furnished with arms and ammunition according to law, if not already provided : immedi- ately on the receipt of said order, I forthwith sent out my warrant requiring a strict view into the state of the respective companies and town stocks in my regiment, and returns have since been made to me that they are well equipt.
' And agreeably to an order of the honorable, his majesty's coun- cil, of the 6th of June last,1 requiring me, in case of an alarm being made, or notice given of the approach of an enemy by sea, to cause
1 A French fleet having appeared off the coast, alarm and dismay spread through the country, in the apprehension of an invasion of New England. These orders were is- sued to meet the danger from this source.
65
MILITARY SERVICES.
1757.]
my regiment to appear complete in arms, with ammunition accor- ding to law, and each man to be furnished with seven days provision of meat. I also sent out my warrant, requiring the several compa- nies, in such case, with the utmost expedition to march to Boston, and further to act agreeably to such orders as they shall receive. Agreeably to the order aforesaid, return has been made from the respective companies that they are each ready to march at an hour's warning. John Chandler, jr. Colonel.'
Fort William Henry having surrendered, and advices having been received of the advance of the French to attack Gen. Webb, orders were issued to Col. Chandler ' to march the regiment of militia under his command into the extreme parts of the province on the western frontier, there to receive such further orders as shall be ne- cessary for the aid and assistance of his majesty's troops.' The country, which had been resting on its arms during the whole sum- mer, roused itself at the summons. The whole militia of the town marched on the 10th of August. One company mustered 56 men, with Col. Chandler himself at the head; James Goodwin, was Cap- tain, Noah Jones, Lieut. David Bancroft, Ensign, and Nahum Wil- lard, Surgeon. Another company, 54 strong, was under Major Gardner Chandler, with Captain John Curtis, Lieut. Luke Brown, and Ens. Asa Flagg. They reached Sheffield, 105 miles distant as the roads then were, where they were met by orders from Gen. Webb, and intelligence that the enemy remained contented with his acquisi- tion. On the 8th of August they were disbanded, except a few men detached to Stockbridge.
Eight of our men, in the troop of cavalry under Lieut. Jonathan Newhall of Leicester, reached the army at Fort Edward. Ten soldiers, regularly enlisted, served during the campaign.
On the 17th of September, Gen. Amherst halted for a day here, on his march westward, with an army of 4500 men. Capt. Samuel Clark Paine commanded a company, principally raised in Worces- ter, in this body, and served during the winter. There were nine soldiers under Gen. Abercrombie in the unfortunate attack on Ticon- deroga.
This company continued in service in the splendid campaign of Gen. Amherst, during 1759. Daniel Mc Farland was Lieutenant, and the late Samuel Ward of Lancaster, Ensign. Twenty-three non-commissioned officers and privates are returned from Worces- ter as doing duty in its ranks. Fourteen men more were in other
9
66
MILITARY SERVICES.
[1760.
companies of Gen. Ruggles' regiment. William Crawford officia- ted as Chaplain of Col. Abijah Willard's regiment. Benjamin Stow- ell was Lieutenant of Capt. Johnson's company. Many returned laboring under the diseases contracted by residence in the region of fever and ague.
Capt. Paine having died in December, Lieut. Daniel McFarland was elected to the command of the company, in Feb. 1760. Wil- liam Ward is returned as Lieut. Samuel Ward, the Ensign, was promoted to be Adjutant of Col. Willard's regiment. William Crawford, the former Chaplain, became Surgeon in Gen. Ruggles' regiment. Thomas Cowden served as Lieutenant in Capt. Jefferds company, and twelve privates are borne on the rolls, as from Wor- cester.
In 1761, Thomas Cowden was commissioned as Captain : twen- ty-five men from Worcester were in the army from May to Novem- ber, principally under his command. He remained in service till the end of the following year. Nine soldiers only appear to have enlisted with him.
The peace of 1763 terminated exertions, which, in reference to the population and resources of the province, may well be deemed extraordinary. The whole number of men furnished by this town alone, during the French wars for defence and conquest, as derived from the well authenticated rolls still preserved, exceeded 450, as appears from the following summary.
1748, 69. 1758, 20.
1754,
13.
1759, 43.
1755,
3.4. 1760, 17.
1756, 93. 1761, 26. 1757, 130.
1762, 8 ..... 453 men.
In these numbers are not included those who enlisted into the regular army : nor, except in 1748 and 1757, the occasional service of the militia companies. It is probable that many names have been omitted in the examination of voluminous papers in the ar- chives of the state, and as the series is not perfect, many may have been lost.
Worcester furnished to the provincial service during this period, 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant colonel, 2 majors, 6 captains, 8 lieutenants, 7 ensigns, 27 serjeants, 2 surgeons, a chaplain, and an adjutant.
The same patriotic spirit, which was the moving spring of efforts so considerable, pervaded the province. 'Nearly one third of the effective men,' says Minot, ' were in military service in some mode
67
PROPOSED DIVISION OF THE COUNTY.
1764.]
or other, and all this zeal was manifested after the most depressing disappointments, and a burden of taxes which is said to have been so great in the capital, as to equal two thirds of the income of the real estate.'
The advantages from the sessions of courts, the erection of build- ings, and the residence of public officers, having become apparent in the prosperity of Worcester, attempts were made to transfer these benefits to the towns who had once declined their enjoyment.
In 1764, Timothy Paine, James Putnam, John Chandler, were a committee to give reasons to the General Court, why the petition of Abel Lawrence and others, praying for a new county from the northern part of Worcester and the western part of Middlesex, should not be granted.
This project was urged during several sessions of the Legislature. Remonstrances were presented from towns in both counties against the dismemberment. After orders of notice had been issued, and several committees had taken the expediency of division into con- sideration, the petitioners abandoned their object, in 1766
Lancaster having petitioned for the sessions of some of the courts there, it was voted, 'that by removing any of them from the town of Worcester, the shire of the county, to Lancaster, three fourths of the inhabitants of the county, will be obliged to travel farther than they now do.' Mr. Joshua Bigelow, then representative, was instruc- ted to use his utmost endeavor to prevent the removal, and procure the establishment here of another term of the Superior Court. In the former he was successful.
CHAPTER VI.
1765 to 1775. American Revolution. Instructions, 1766, 1767. Resolutions, 1768. Covenant, 1768. Tea. Votes, 1773. Committee of Correspondence, 1773. Polit- ical Society. Peter Oliver. Address of Grand Jury, 1774. Report on grievances, 1774. Instructions. Protest of royalists. Town meeting. Record expunged. Non-consumption covenant and oath. Mandamus counsellors. Assembly of the people. Alarm. Minute men. Courts stopped. County Convention. Sheriff Chandler. William Campbell. Instructions. Blacksmith's Convention. Depot of military stores.
We have now reached the period of deepest interest in our histo- ry. The middle of the century had scarcely past, before the shad-
68
AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
[1765.
ows of oppression began to darken the land, and the first tremulous motions of the revolution, which finally upheaved the colonial gov- ernment, were felt. The collision of popular privilege with royal prerogative, maintained during successive years by the representa- tives, had prepared the people for the investigation of the principles on which their connection with the mother country rested, and wa- ked their vigilance for the protection of chartered and inherited rights. The long series of wars we have reviewed, were useful schools, diffusing military spirit, and imparting knowledge of strengtlı, and skill and confidence for repulsing encroachments.
When the appeal to arms approached, many of the inhabitants of Worcester most distinguished for talents, influence, and honors, ad- hered with constancy to the king. In the hostility of party and the struggles of warfare, they were driven into exile and loaded with reproach. At this distance of time, when the bitterness of the con- troversy has long subsided, while we do justice to their memories, a warmer glow of gratitude springs in our hearts for the patriots whose prophetic forecast saw, beyond the dangers and sufferings of the con- test, the prosperity and happiness that brighten over our republican institutions. The royalists here, were those who had sustained with equal fidelity and ability, the highest civil and military offices, en- joyed the confidence of their fellow citizens, and given testimony of their love of country by earnest exertions in its service.
Standing as they did, and knowing how scanty were the resour- ces for resistance, they might well entertain doubts whether the pe- riod had arrived, when it was possible to secure independence, and refuse to hazard all that was dear on the uncertain issue of a war with the most formidable nation of Europe. Educated with senti- ments of veneration for the sovereign to whom they had sworn feal- ty, indebted to his bounty for the honors and wealth they possessed, loyalty and gratitude alike influenced them to resist acts, which, to them, seemed treasonable and rebellious. However much they err- ed in judgment and feeling, we may respect the sincerity of mo- tives, attested by the sacrifice of property, the loss of home, and all the miseries of confiscation and exile. Some among them, it is known, were ardently attached to the principles of liberty : but, in their view, the opposition to the measures of government was pre- mature in its advance to extremities. The times did not admit of a middle course. The crisis had indeed arrived, although they mis- understood the progress of events, and became involved in indiscrim- inate denunciation.
69
INSTRUCTIONS.
1765.]
It is not for the purpose of wantonly drawing from oblivion those, whose descendants have been among our worthiest citizens, that the names of the royalists are mentioned in the following narrative. To understand the transactions, it is necessary to know the persons who were engaged in them, and to whom they applied. By chang- ing even slight features, the resemblance of the picture would be des- troyed. The annals would be worthless, which impaired confidence by the suppression of truth, even though unpleasant and unwelcome. There is no discretion entrusted to the historian to select among the events of the past. It is his task to relate with fidelity the incidents of the times he reviews, that he may place loyalty and patriotism in their just contrast.
The earliest expression of opinion, on the records of the town, in relation to revolutionary measures, was on the 21st of October, 1765, when Capt. Ephraim Doolittle, the representative, was in- structed to join in no measure countenancing the stamp act.
Soon after the destruction of the property of Gov. Hutchinson and other officers of the crown, in August 1765, at the Superior Court, the Grand Jury expressed to the Chief Justice, in strong terms, the disapprobation of the people of the riotous proceedings in Boston.
In May following, the town refused to give instructions respect- ing restitution to those who had suffered from the disgraceful vio- lence.
The instructions to the representative1 19th of May, 1766, are, generally, marked by singular good sense and moderation.
' 1. That you use the whole of your influence and endeavor, that no person holding any fee or military office whatsoever, especially Judges of the Superior Court, Judges of the Probate, Registers of Probate, Secretary, Clerk of either of the Courts, Sheriffs, or Prov- ince Treasurer, be chosen into his majesty's Council of this prov- ince, and that you attend at the election of Counsellors, and give your vote accordingly.
' 2. That you endeavor, that, for the future, the General Court of this province be held in an open manner, that such as are so minded and behave agreeable to good order, may see and hear how affairs are conducted in said court, and if the desired end be obtained, that a
1 Ephraim Doolittle. The instructions were reported by Jonathan Stone, Benjamin Flagg, and Nathan Baldwin.
70
INSTRUCTIONS.
[1766.
proper and convenient house, both for the court and spectators, be forthwith prepared.
'3. That you endeavor, that the present fee table of this province be made null and void, and that a new fee table be made and estab- lished instead thereof, which shall be more equal and impartial ; not giving to any officer in the government, except the Governor, more nor less than you would be willing to do the same service for your- self; and that you observe this rule in granting pay for contingencies and occasional services.
' 4. That you endeavor, that there be no monopoly of public offices in this government, and that one man be not invested with more than one office at one time, except it be compatible with the true in- terests of the people in general.
'5. That you endeavor, that there be a law made, that when- ever any representative shall receive any office or commission from the Governor, he shall be dismissed the house, and not be al- lowed to act as a member thereof, without he should be chosen anew by his constituents ; and that the said constituents be forthwith ser- ved with a new precept to call a meeting for the choice of some meet and suitable person to represent them in the Great and General Court.
' 6. That you endeavor, the excise act be repealed, and that there be no excise laid upon any commodities of trade, but that all lawful trade be encouraged, and free of duty or excise ; and that all the public charge be paid directly by a rate, except such money as shall be raised by fines for the breach of the good, wholesome laws of this province.
' 7. That the law for keeping of Latin grammar schools be re- pealed, and that we be not obliged to keep more than one grammar school in a county, and that to be at the county charge, and that each town be obliged by law to keep good and sufficient schools for the education of their youth in the art of reading, writing and arith- metic, and that the schoolmasters for the said purpose shall be such as shall be approved of by the selectmen of each respective town.
'S. That you use your utmost endeavor, that a law be made to prevent bribery and corruption in the several towns in this province in the choice of representatives.
' 9. 'That you give diligent attendance at every session of the Gen- eral Court of this province this present year, and adhere to these our instructions, and the spirit of them, as you regard our friendship and would avoid our just resentment.'
71
INSTRUCTIONS.
1767.]
The instructions, reported by Ephraim Doolittle, Nathan Baldwin, and Jonathan Stone, on the 18th of May, 1767, breathe a similar spirit, and are, in many respects, applicable to the present times.
' To Mr. Joshua Bigelow : Sir : As we have devolved upon you the important trust of representing us, at the Great and General Court, the year ensuing, we, your constituents, therefore, think it our duty and interest to give you the following instructions relative to some of your conduct in said trust.
' 1. That you use your influence to maintain and continue that harmony and good will between Great Britian and this province [which] may be most conducive to the prosperity of each, by a steady and firm attachment to English liberty and the charter rights of this province, and [that] you willingly suffer no invasions, either through pretext of precedency, or any other way whatsoever : and if you find any encroachments on our charter rights, that you use your utmost ability to obtain constitutional redress.
' 2. That you use your influence to obtain a law to put an end to that unchristian and impolitic practice of making slaves of the human species in this province ; and that you give your vote for none to serve in his majesty's Council, who, you may have reason to think, will use their influence against such a law, or that sustain any office incompatible with such trust : and in such choice, prefer such gen- tlemen, and such only, who have distinguished themselves in the de- fence of our liberty.
' 3. That you use your influence that the fee table of this province be established more agreeable to the rules of justice. Set not to the sheriff, as fees, double as much pay as the service may be done for, and in general is by the deputy sheriffs ; neither oblige jurymen, &c. to do service at the expense of their own private estates, or be subjected to large fines or penalties ; but subject all, or none at all, by penalties, and appoint so much fees and no more, as may be agreeable to each service ; and that you observe this rule, in grant- ing pay for occasional and contingent charges.
' 4. That you use your endeavor to relieve the people of this prov- ince, from the great burden of supporting so many Latin grammar schools, whereby they are prevented from attaining such a degree of English learning as is necessary to retain the freedom of any state.
' 5. That you make diligent inquiry into the cause of such general neglect of the Militia of this province, and endeavor a redress of
72
RESOLUTIONS.
[1768.
such grievance ; without which, we apprehend, in time, we may be made an easy prey of, by the enemies of Great Britain.
'6. Take special care of the liberty of the press.
' And, Sir, we hope and trust, that in all matters that may come before you, you will have a single eye to the public good, have a watchful eye over those who are seeking the ruin of this province, and endeavor to make this province reciprocally happy with our mother country.'
The indignation of the people on the promulgation of the act of Parliament imposing duties on paper, tea, and other articles impor- ted into the colonies, was first manifested in Boston. In October, 1767, a meeting was held there, and resolutions to encourage domes- tic manufactures and refrain from purchasing the taxed articles, were passed and transmitted to the selectmen of every town.
At the next session of the Legislature, resolves of similar import were adopted, which are recited in the papers copied below.
On the 14th of March, 1768, a town meeting was held in Wor- cester, when the subject was presented. The following extract from the record exhibits the proceedings of the inhabitants.
' The article in the warrant being read relative to promoting in- dustry and economy, Mr. Joshua Bigelow, our representative, mo- ved to the town, that before they came to a vote he might read the vote of the hon. House of Representatives of this province, passed the 26th of Feb. last, relative to the promoting industry, economy and good morals and for the discountenancing the use of foreign su- perfinities, and to encourage the manufactures of this province ; which was granted him : it was also moved and seconded, that the reasons given by the Hon. Timothy Ruggles, the representative of Hardwick, on his dissenting answer to the vote aforesaid, might be read also : 1 which accordingly was done, and the question was put
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