USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Concord > History of the town of Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts : from its earliest settlement to 1832; and of the adjoining towns, Bedford, Acton, Lincoln, and Carlisle; containing various notices of county and state history not before published. > Part 13
USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Concord > History of the town of Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts : from its earliest settlement to 1832 : and of the adjoining towns, Bedford, Acton, Lincoln, and Carlisle > 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
The number of men furnished by Concord for actual service in the war of the revolution was very great in proportion to her population ; but how great cannot now be fully estimated. From the commencement of the war till May, 1778, unless voluntary enlistments could be procured, the militia officers were called upon to make drafts. These drafts were often made on the property, and sometimes included females and persons ordinarily exempted from military duty, who were obliged to hire a man. These were hired in or out of town, as was most convenient. From that time the town by its committees, or in classes, procured
124
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
[1780.
men. On the 10th of May, 1777, the 9th of December, 1778, and the 4th of April, 1780, estimates were made by the town of the "several services done in the war, 3 years' men excepted, by the town, classes, or individuals," and an average of the same made and assessed upon the inhabitants, and called average or war taxes. The amount of the first average was £2161 0s. 3d .; the 2d, £5192; and the 3d, (in silver), £1295 4s. 11d. The following table, compiled with labor and care from these estimates and other authentic sources of information, exhibits, though imperfectly, the number of men from Concord, the date of the resolve of the Council, or General Court, when they were required, at what place they were employed, and the bounties paid by the town. In this abstract are not included many who enlisted voluntarily, or marched on a sudden alarm for a short period, or were procured in classes, or where it is doubtful to what campaign they belonged. This would swell the list very much. In some instances they were not exclusively stationed as mentioned in the table, but marched to other places.
When required.
Men.
ĮTime.
Where employed.
Bounty.
Amount.
1
Jan. 1, 1775
100
Minute Men.
£ 58
2
April 20, 1775
56
8 mo.
Cambridge.
£
52- 308
3 Dec. 1, 1775 18 2-
Cambridge.
1}
27
4 Jan. 20, 1776
36 2-
Cambridge.
14
634
5
March 1, 1776 145
10 dys. Dorchester Heights.
6
April 9, 1776
31 9 mo.
Near Boston.
554
7
June, 1776
19 12 -
New York.
10
190
8
June 25, 1776
48 6-
Ticonderoga.
9
432
9
Sept. 12, 1776
23
3-
White Plains.
8
184
10
1776
7
Dorchester.
11
Nov. 21, 1776
34
3 mo.
New York.
10
340
12
Dec. 1, 1776
8
Boston.
Rhode Island.
20
880
15
April 12, 1777
11
-
Rhode Island.
6
66
16
- 30, 1777 5
6 mo.
Continental Army.
8
40
17
July,
1777
29
-
Rhode Island.
10
290
18
Aug. 9, 1777
16 5 mo. Northward.
35
560
19
Sept. 22, 1777
46
41 dys.
Taking of Burgoyne.
16
640
20 Nov. 28, 1777
23
5 mo.
Guard at Cambridge. Do.
10
220
22
April 12, 1778
11
Rhode Island.
18
198
23
- 20, 1778 10
9 -
Continental Army.
130
1300
13 Dec.
1776 6
14
Jan. 26, 1777
44
3 yrs.
Continental Army.
9
207
21
March 3, 1778
22 3-
125
GENERAL HISTORY.
1780.]
When required. Men.
Time.
Where employed.
Bounty.
Amount.
24 April 20, 1778
9
8 mo.
Guard at North River.
100
900
25
June 23, 1778
8 6-
Guard at Cambridge.
15
120
26
- 27, 1778
26
6 wks. Rhode Island.
30
780
27 Sept. 6, 1778 7 4 mo.
Do.
734
514₺
28 - 19, 1778 46
To march to Boston.
$ 3
$ 138
29
April 27, 1779
5 6 wks. Rhode Island.
30 June 8, 1779
8
9 mo. Continental Army.
3248
31 -- ,
1779
4 6-
Rhode Island.
32 Aug. 9,
1779
9
Rhode Island.
33
Sept.,
1779
4
Works at Boston.
12
48
34 -1,
1779
20
2 mo.
Rhode Island.
35
June 5,
1780
19
6-
Continental Army.
1000
16000
36
- - 22, 1780
19
3-
Rhode Island.
17090
37 Dec. 2, 1780
16
3 yrs. Continental Army. Hired in Classes.
38 Dec. 28, 1780
10
9 mo.
Do. at Fishkill.
39 June 15, 1781 3
5-
Rhode Island.
40 -30, 1781
14
4 -
Continental Army.
41
March 1, 1782
-
3 yrs. Continental Army. Hired in Classes.
Some particulars respecting each of these campaigns will be given in the Appendix.
The pecuniary sacrifices made by Concord on account of the revolution were also very great ; but how great, it is impossible fully to estimate. I have gathered the following facts on the subject.
Whilst Boston was occupied with the British troops, in 1775, the poor endured great sufferings. In January and February £70 in money, 225 bushels of grain, and a quantity of meat and wood were, at different times, contributed by Concord for their relief. May 1st, the provincial Congress ordered that they should be sup- ported by the country towns ; 66 were assigned to Concord, 32 to Acton, 29 to Bedford, and 29 to Lincoln. It appears, however, that 21 families, containing 82 persons, were supported here. £80 was paid for them between May 13th and October. In the winter of 1775 and 1776, the town carried to Cambridge, for the use of the army, 210 cords of wood, 5 tons of hay, and some other articles, for which it paid £150. In July, 1775, the town was required to furnish " 37 pairs of shirts, breeches, and stock- ings, and 75 coats." In January, 1776, Concord provided 20 blankets, Bedford 12, Acton 10, and Lincoln 14. In November, 1777, and at several other times, the town voted to provide for the families of those engaged in the continental army. £1214
126
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
[1780.
was paid for this purpose before September, 1779. The town voted, in March, 1778, to procure, at an expense of £285, " shirts, shoes, and stockings, equal to the number of soldiers in the conti- nental army, or the seventh part of the male inhabitants of the town over 16 years of age : " 60 were assigned to Concord, 19 to Bedford, 28 to Acton, and 28 to Lincoln. Captain Joseph Hos- mer was the receiver for the whole county. From October, 1780, to the July following, 42,779 lbs. of beef were furnished by the town for the army. Every aid, whether in men, money, clothing, or provisions, required for the public service during the war, was readily furnished.
As a specimen of the enormous expenses of the town at this period, I select, from its records, the taxes actually assessed and collected during 1780 and 1781. In 1779 the taxes amounted, in silver, to $6,281-88, in 1732 to $9,544.98, and in 1783 to $5,208.69. When it is recollected that the town then contained about 1300 inhabitants only, their sacrifices will appear still greater. The annual taxes, principally for the public benefit, were then double what they have been for some time past with a population more than one third greater. The currency having been fluctuating, I have reduced the several sums to their real value in silver at the time they were assessed, according to the authorized tables of depreciation.
When assessed.
For what object.
Currency.
In Silver.
Feb. 2, 1780 Continental tax.
£12,433 4s.0d .= $1,412 54
April 4,
3d town " average or war tax." .
1,295 4 11
115 56
-22,
Half of the minister's salary.
3,438 15 0
286 56
- -,
Highway tax.
1,800 0 0
150 00
June 14,
To hire continental soldiers.
16,921 12 6
818 92
-30,
To pay drafted militia.
17,090 5
6
837 75
July 14,
State tax to call in bills of credit.
26,852 18
0 1,297 24
Sept. 2,
do. do. in silver.
346 18
0
1,156 33
Oct. 25,
To purchase 11,520 lbs. of beef. 18,731 2
0
879 39
- -- ,
County tax.
1,158 10
0
54 39
- -,
Town charges.
15,495 11
0
727 49
Dec. 21,
To hire soldiers for 6 and 3 months.
40,801
3 0
1,837 89
Half of the minister's salary.
7,101
3 0
319 81
- 28,
State tax to call in bills of credit.
26,880 0 0
1,210 81
Total amount of the assessments in 1780
$11,104 68
127
1780.]
. GENERAL HISTORY.
When assessed.
For what object.
Currency.
In Silver.
March 1, 1781
To purchase 22,125 1bs. of beef.
33,259 8 0
1,478 19
July
State tax to be paid in silver.
692
2 9
2,307 12
To pay town debts.
229 10 8
765 12
Sept. 15,
Half of the minister's salary.
85 9 2
268 20
- 18, - To purchase clothing for soldiers.
57 10 9 191 79
Nov.
To purchase beef.
216
0 1 720 01
Dec. 30,
Continental tax.
1,369
9
9 4,564 96
Total amount of the assessments in 1781
$10,295 39
In addition to these oppressive taxes, large sums were raised in classes to hire soldiers, and by individuals who were drafted and compelled to go into actual service, or hire a substitute. It is as impossible to estimate the exact amount paid by the citi- zens of Concord to purchase our independence, as it is too much to admire their exalted patriotism.
On the first of October, 1776, the town was called upon to act on the question, "whether it would give its consent that the House of Representatives with the Council should enact a con- stitution or form of government for this state." The subject was referred to a committee, consisting of Ephraim Wood, Jr., Nathan Bond, Colonel James Barrett, Colonel John Buttrick, and James Barrett, Esq., who reported the following resolves, which were unanimously accepted by the town.
" Resolved, 1. That this state being at present destitute of a properly established form of government, it is absolutely necessa- sary that one should be immediately formed and established.
" 2. That the supreme legislature, in their proper capacity, are by no means a body proper to form and establish a constitution or form of government, for reasons following, viz. 1. Because we conceive that a constitution, in its proper sense, intends a system of principles established to secure the subject in the possession and enjoyment of the rights and privileges against any encroach- ments of the governing party. 2. Because the same body that forms a constitution have of consequence a power to alter it. 3. Because a constitution alterable by the supreme legislature is no security at all to the subject against the encroachments of the governing party on any or all their rights and privileges.
128
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
[1780.
"3. That it appears to this town highly expedient, that a con- vention or congress be immediately chosen to form and establish a constitution, by the inhabitants of the respective towns in the state, being free and twenty-one years of age and upwards, in proportion as the representatives of the state were formerly chosen : the convention or congress not to consist of a greater number, than the House of Assembly in this state heretofore might consist of, ex- cept that each town and district shall have liberty to send one representative or otherwise, as shall appear meet to the inhabitants of this state in general.
" 4. That when the convention or congress have formed a con- stitution, they adjourn for a short time, and publish their proposed constitution for the inspection and remarks of the people of the state.
" 5. That the House of Assembly of this state be desired to recommend to the inhabitants to proceed to choose a convention or congress, for the purpose above mentioned, as soon as possible."
Notwithstanding these wholesome instructions, a constitution was made by the General Court and sent to this town; but it refused, June 15, 1778, unanimously, by 111 votes, to accept it, for reasons above mentioned.
A convention, to which John Cuming and Ephraim Wood, Jr., Esqrs., were delegates from Concord, met in Cambridge in the fall of 1779, and formed a constitution, which was submitted to the town, May 27, 1780. The bill of rights was approved with the follow- ing exceptions. The 2d article had 2 votes against it ; the 3d, 8 ; the 9th, 3; and to the 29th, one desired to add the words " no longer." The 1st, 2d, 4th, 5th, and 6th chapters were unani- mously adopted with the following exceptions. The 1st and 2d article of the 2d section, 1st chapter, had 3 votes against it ; the 8th article in the same section, 8; the 3d and 6th articles of the 3d section, in the same chapter, had 1 vote each against them. The 2d article, 1st section, 2d chapter, was proposed to be amended by inserting the word " Protestant"; and the 13th . of the same section, by having the " salary of the governor," &c. stated yearly. The word " Protestant " was also proposed to be inserted in the 1st article in the 6th chapter .* The first town
* The votes on the constitution, as revised, in 1820, were as follows. The first article 46 yeas and 77 nays ; the 2d, 46 ycas, 81 nays ; the 3d,
129
GENERAL HISTORY.
1786.]
meeting under the new constitution was held, August 23, 1780, when 121 votes were given for governor, all for John Hancock.
-
CHAPTER IX.
State of Feeling subsequent to the Revolution .- Proceedings of the County and of the Town. - Mr. Avery's Letter. - Armed Men assemble at Concord. - Courts stopped. - Notice of the Insurgents. - Proceedings of the Town. - The War of 1812. - County Courts and Shire Towns regulated. - Proceed- ings of the Town on this Subject.
CONCORD, from its central situation and importance in the county, was also the theatre of many interesting events during the insurrection of 1786, known as "Shays's Insurrection." In common with other towns, it felt, with great severity, the pressure of the times immediately succeeding the revolutionary war. The large drafts on the town for men and money to carry on that war, the scarcity of money, and the depreciation in value of that received for public service, the decay of business, the increase of public and private debts, and the numerous law-suits arising therefrom, the introduction of profligate manners, and the want of confidence in government, with other existing evils, were grievances (as they were then generally called), which produced great public and private embarrassment. There were a few persons in this, and many in other towns in the county, who were in- clined to join in such an appeal to arms as would, in their opin- ion, compel the government to grant relief. A great majority of the inhabitants of Concord lamented the existing evils, but their proceedings were constitutional, conciliatory, and highly com- mendable. Interesting and able instructions, given to the repre- sentatives in 1782, 1784, and 1786, express the sentiments of
76 yeas, 49 nays ; the 4th, 59 yeas, 68 nays; the 5th, 55 yeas, 72 nays ; the 6th, 78 yeas, 50 nays; the 7th, 69 yeas, 58 nays ; the 8th, 67 yeas, 60 nays; the 9th, 62 yeas, 65 nays ; the 10th, 58 yeas, 68 nays ; the 11th, 78 yeas, 48 nays ; the 12th, 68 yeas, 58 nays ; the 13th, 81 yeas, 44 nays ; and the 14th, 49 yeas, 69 nays.
17
130
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
[1786.
the town on the subjects which then agitated the community, and are found in the town records.
A convention of delegates from a majority of the towns in the county of Middlesex was held in Concord, August 23, 1786, " to consult on matters of public grievance under which the people labor." This convention was called by Captain John Nutting, of Pepperell, chairman of a convention of committees from Groton, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, and Ashby, which had met at Groton the 29th of the previous June. Concord was represented in the convention by Messrs. Isaac Hubbard, David Brown, Jonas Lee, Joseph Chandler, and Samuel Bartlett ; and, to guard them against any rash proceedings, the town instructed them " to op- pose every unconstitutional measure that may be proposed by said convention, strictly to adhere to the rules prescribed by the constitution of this commonwealth ; in particular, to oppose any instructions in favor of paper money being emitted ; and that they endeavour to take every measure to encourage industry, frugality, and good economy through the country." John Merriam and Timothy Jones were delegates from Bedford ; Simon Tuttle and Thomas Noyes, from Acton ; Samuel Farrar and Samuel Hoar, from Lincoln ; and Thomas Hutchins and Asa Parlin, from Car- lisle. After the objects of the meeting had been considered, ten articles of grievance voted, and an address to the public adopted and ordered to be published, the convention adjourned to meet again on the first Tuesday in October. There were several in this convention who took an active part in the subsequent opposition to government.
These proceedings did not meet the entire approbation of the people of Concord. They were aware that some of these sentiments were highly improper, and, if carried into effect, would lead to open rebellion. On the 22d of August, con- ventions had been held in the counties of Hampshire and Berk- shire, whose proceedings were similar to those in Middlesex ; and about 1500 men had actually assembled under arms at North- ampton, and prevented the sitting of the court there. The Court of Common Pleas, which was to sit in Concord on the 12th of September following, had been mentioned, by the Middlesex con- vention, as one of the public grievances. And though there was good ground to believe the people of this county were more
131
GENERAL HISTORY.
1786.]
averse to rebellion than some others, yet disturbance was antici- pated.
September Sth, the Governor ordered that the artillery compa- nies of Roxbury and Dorchester be called upon to march to Con- cord " to support the court on Tuesday next, to be under the command of General Brooks." Such other companies as the exigencies might require were to be ordered from the county of Suffolk.
At this critical period, a special town meeting was called on Saturday the 9th, when the riotous measures, which had taken place in other counties to suppress courts of justice, were " se- riously and deliberately " discussed. The town voted that they were " alarming," and " declared their utter abhorrence of such riotous conduct." A committee, consisting of the Hon. Joseph Hosmer, Rev. Ezra Ripley, Mr. Samuel Bartlett, Jonas Hey- wood, Esq., and Captain David Brown, was chosen to prepare a circular letter to other towns in the county, "inviting their cooperation in acting as mediators between the government and the opposition, and in using their utmost endeavours to calm the people's minds," should they meet the next week to prevent the session of the court. After an adjournment of half an hour, the committee reported the following address, which was several times read, and unanimously adopted.
" To the Town of
" GENTLEMEN, - Alarmed at the threatening aspect of our public affairs, this town has this day held a meeting, and declared, unanimously, their utter disapprobation of the disorderly proceed- ings of a number of persons in the counties of Hampshire and Worcester, in preventing the sitting of the courts there. And apprehending the like may be attempted in this county, and probably attended with very dangerous consequences, we have thought it advisable to endeavour, in conjunction with as many of the neighbouring towns, as we can give seasonable information to, by lenient measures, to dissuade from such rash conduct as may involve the state in anarchy and confusion, and the deprecated horrors of civil war. We conceive the present uneasiness of the people to be not altogether groundless ; and although many de- signing men, enemies to the present government, may wish and actually are fomenting uneasiness among the people, yet we are
132
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
[1786.
fully persuaded, that the views of by far the greater part are to obtain redress of what they conceive to be real grievances. And since the method they have taken cannot fail of meeting the hearty disapprobation of every friend of peace and good order, we cannot but hope, from what we know of the strenuous ex- ertions which have been made by the towns around us, and in which those disorders above mentioned now exist, to purchase at the expense of blood our independence, and the great unanimity with which they have established our present government ; and from what we know of the real grounds of their complaints ; were lenient measures used, and a number of towns united to endeavour, by every rational argument, to dissuade those who may seem re- fractory from measures which tend immediately to destroy the fair fabric of our government, and to join in legal and constitu- tional measures to obtain redress of what may be found to be real grievances ; they would be attended with happy effects. We have therefore chosen a committee to act in concert with the neigh- bouring towns, for the purpose of mediating between opposing parties, should they meet. And we cannot but hope, our united endeavours to support the dignity of government and prevent the effusion of blood, will meet with general approbation, and be at- tended with happy consequences.
" If the above should meet with your approbation, we request you to choose some persons to meet a committee of this town, chosen for that purpose, at the house of Captain Oliver Brown, innholder in Concord, on Monday evening or Tuesday morning next, that we may confer together, and adopt measures which may be thought best calculated for the attainment of the ends above proposed. We are, gentlemen, with great esteem and friendship, your humble servants.
JOSEPH HOSMER, Chairman, in behalf of the Town's Committee.
" Concord, September 9, 1786."
Copies of this address were immediately sent to the several towns in the county, and, notwithstanding the short notice, twenty- four were represented in the convention. Captain Duncan In- graham, of Concord, was chosen to present the address to the Governor for his approbation. This was done the next day (Sun-
133
GENERAL HISTORY.
1786.]
day), when, on account of the critical state of public affairs, a special session of the council was convened in Boston. The proceedings of Concord were highly approved, and the address was copied, by order of the Executive, and sent to Bristol county, with an urgent request that similar measures might be adopted there. In consequence of these timely proceedings, the orders to General Brooks for calling out the militia were countermanded ; and much good was anticipated from the proposed mediation.
The following letter to the Honorable Joseph Hosmer from the Secretary of the State, in relation to the proceedings of Concord, is deemed worthy of preservation.
" Boston, September 10, 1786.
" DEAR SIR, - The address of the town of Concord, to the several towns in the county of Middlesex, does the town great honor ; and I cannot but think, that the measures you have adopted will have a happy tendency to conciliate the minds of the people, and be productive of great good. Your address came in a critical moment, which his Excellency communicated to the judges of the Supreme Judicial Court, and several gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives, who were as- sembled, by the desire of the Governor, to consult on measures necessary to be adopted at this very alarming crisis of our affairs, who expressed their approbation, in the warmest terms, respecting the proceedings of your town. And be assured, that the measures that were taken in consequence thereof gave me the highest satisfaction ; and as a convincing proof, I have set myself down this evening to express it to my good friend Major Hosmer, whose goodness of heart I have long been acquainted with through very perilous times."
[Here follows a copy of the counter order to General Brooks above noticed.]
" It is the greatest grief to me to see people, who might be the happiest in the world, adopt measures to sap the very founda- tion of our excellent constitution. I am sensible that we are under great embarrassments and there are grievances, but in my humble opinion they are most of them really imaginary. If a little more industry and economy were practised by the community at large, they would be very happy; but there are some idle people going from county to county, inflaming the minds of many,
134
HISTORY OF CONCORD.
[1786.
filling their heads with stories of the most improbable nature, sowing sedition, and making every attempt to overthrow our ex- cellent constitution. The stopping of the Courts of Common Pleas, in the several counties, is but a small part of their infernal plan, which many worthy good people, who join these persons, are little aware of, but sooner or later they will be acquainted with it.
" I have not time to add further, except wishing that the gen- tlemen, who shall meet at Concord on Tuesday next, upon the subject matter of your address, may have divine direction in their deliberations.
" I am, Sir, with respect, your friend and humble servant.
JOHN AVERY. 1
" Hon. JOSEPH HOSMER, Esq."
Notwithstanding these precautionary measures, about 100 men under arms from Groton and its neighbourhood, commanded by Captains Job Shattuck, of Groton, and Nathan Smith and Syl- vanus Smith, of Shirley, assembled at Concord, about 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon, September 12. They lodged that night in the court-house, barns, and such temporary shelter as they could obtain, and on Tuesday took possession of the ground in front of the court-house, marked out their lines, and formed in columns around it, to prevent any but their own party from entering. About 2 o'clock, P. M. one of the party, acting as a sergeant, with two drums and fifes, went some distance, and in about half an hour returned at the head of about 90 men, armed and on horseback, from the counties of Hampshire and Worcester, led by one Wheeler of Hubbardstown, and Converse of Hardwick, and joined the other party, which had increased to about 200.
The convention, invited by Concord, convened at the meeting- house on Tuesday morning, and was organized by choosing Isaac Stearns, of Billerica, chairman, and Samuel Bartlett, of Concord, secretary. It was opened with prayer by the Reverend Ezra Rip- ley. A committee was appointed to confer with the people under arms, to know the purpose of their assembling ; and another to. wait on the justices of the courts to inform them of the objects of the convention and of the insurgents. In this manner, commu- cation was opened between the different parties. The com- mittee to confer with the armed men were unsuccessful in con- vincing them of the impropriety of their conduct. About one o'clock they received the following note.
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.