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 14
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 14
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" To the Honorable Justices of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace and Court of Common Pleas for the county of Mid- dlesex, &c.
" The voice of the people of this county is, that the Court of General Sessions of the Peace and Court of Common Pleas shall not enter this court-house until such time as the people shall have a redress of a number of grievances they labor under at present, which will be set forth in a petition, or remonstrance, to the next General Court.
JOB SHATTUCK.
" Concord, September 12, 1786."
After the reception of this paper the committee used further arguments to dissuade from violence, and to be contented with the opening and adjournment of the courts, which finally pro- duced the following endorsement.
" Half past 3 o'clock.
" Since writing the within, it is agreed that the Court of Ses- sions may open and adjourn to the last Tuesday of November next without going into the court-house.
JOB SHATTUCK."
The committee laid these communications before the justices of the courts, and stated the particulars of their conference with the insurgents ; and it was recommended that they should sus- pend their session. While this subject was under consideration, the insurgents became impatient. Smith beat round for volun- teers, and addressed the people, declaring that " any person who did not follow his drum and join his standard, should be drove out of town at the point of the bayonet, let them be court, town committee, or what else." " I am going," said he, " to give the court four hours to agree to our terms, and if they do not, I and my party will compel them to it. I will lay down my life to suppress the government from all triannical oppression, and you, who are willing to join us in this here affair, may fall into our ranks." Few, however, joined his standard. His language was offensive even to his own party.
Two companies, one on horseback, and another on foot, marched to Jones's tavern, where the court was assembled, and halted and faced about towards the house in a menacing manner. They were informed that neither court would be opened ; and the party marched off to the main body. The court soon after
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left town ; and the convention separated, after choosing a com- mittee to lay their proceedings before the Governor, and adopt- ing the following expression of their sentiments.
" This body cannot forbear to express their disagreeable and painful sensations, that their endeavours to dissuade from rash and unlawful measures have proved so ineffectual. They declare their utter abhorrence of the measures adopted by the body in arms, and are fully sensible of the high criminality of such oppo- sition to established authority, which, if not speedily prevented, must unavoidably involve the commonwealth in calamities innu- merable and inexpressible."
The insurgents increased during the day to about 300, nearly 200 of whom were armed with guns, and the remainder with swords, clubs, &c. They generally looked wretchedly. " Almost all the muskets," says a cotemporary writer, " were rendered useless by the rain, and the men by New-England rum, so that probably, if occasion required, not above 30 or 40 men would have been procured capable of opposing any governmental meas- ures." They dispersed late on Tuesday night ; and it was several weeks from that time before any new exertions were made in Concord in opposition to government. The discontented turned their attention to other counties. These events, however, pro- duced great excitement among the people. All classes arranged themselves with, or in opposition to the government. Even the boys in the streets were seen with their hats labelled with " gov- ernment," or " opposition." It was indeed a day of great anxiety.
The county convention, which met here, as already noticed, on the 23d of August, met again by adjournment on the 3d of October. Eighteen towns were represented. The following pe- tition to the general court was drawn up, and signed by Samuel Reed, chairman, praying relief for seventeen specified articles of grievance. The first ten were the same as voted at the first meeting of the convention, on the 23d of August. It specifies,
" That your petitioners, being chosen by their respective towns for the purpose of collecting the sentiments of those towns which they represent respecting their present grievances, and to seek relief in a peaceable, orderly, and constitutional way ; viewing, with the greatest abhorrence and detestation, the late riotous pro-
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ceedings of a rash and inconsiderate body of people, in opposing the sitting of the courts of justice, notwithstanding their leaders did falsely pretend to signify the ' voice of the people' in this county in so doing ; and, having collected the sentiments of the several towns, which we here represent, do point out the follow- ing particulars as grievances, and pray the honorable court for re- dress, viz.
" Ist. The sitting of the General Court in the town of Boston, which, for reasons we trust obvious to the honorable Court, is by no means adapted to expedite public business.1
" 2d. That the Court of Common Pleas is so burthensome by reason of the extraordinary expense arising therefrom, without any considerable advantage to the people.
" 3d. That lawyers are permitted to exact such exorbitant fees, to the great injury of many in the community.
" 4th. That the salaries of several public officers are greater than the abilities of the people will admit of.
" 5th. The want of a circulating medium has so stagnated busi- ness, that, unless speedily remedied, it will involve the greater part of the community in a state of bankruptcy.
" 6th. The taking of men's bodies, and confining them in jail for debt, when they have property sufficient to answer the demands of their creditors.
" 7th. That the accounts of the United States are not settled, by which means we apprehend ourselves disproportionably burthened.
" 8th. That greater duties, or imposts, are not laid on superflui- ties, imported from foreign nations.
" 9th. The manner of electing jurors, as to their qualifications and pay. Serving as jurors has been esteemed as a burthen on the subject, which has been the means of filling our boxes with many men entirely unqualified for that business.
" 10th. That such heavy taxes are laid on lands, and no en- couragements given to agriculture and our own manufactures.
" 11th. That our unappropriated lands are not disposed of to- wards the discharge of our domestic debt.
1 The people wished the General Court should sit in the country ; and Concord was, for several years about this time, talked of as the place of meeting.
18
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" 12th. That the moneys arising from the imposts and excise are not appropriated towards the discharge of our foreign debt.
" 13th. That the registering of deeds, under the present estab- lishment, is far more expensive than is necessary, as the same might be done in the several towns.
" 14th. That the duties on writs and executions should be ex- acted of the debtors.
" 15th. The present fee table, as it now stands, being higher, in some instances, than is necessary.
" 16th. The present method of collecting excise, as the same might be collected in the several towns at much less expense to government.
" 17th. That the thirtieth article in the bill of rights in the Constitution is not more strictly attended to, - in admitting per- sons to hold seats in our legislature to enact laws, and at the same time hold and exercise the judicial powers of government, as thereby our government becomes a government of men and not of laws.
" Your petitioners humbly beg your honors' attention to these our grievances, and pray for a speedy redress, and, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
By order of the committee,
SAMUEL REED, Chairman."
The proceedings of this convention were taken into considera- tion by the town of Concord at a meeting held October 9th, when, after long deliberation, it was voted not to approve of them. A committee was chosen to draw up instructions to their representa- tive, who reported, at great length and with great ability, the reasons which governed them.
On the 31st of October the Supreme Court met at Cambridge, and it was anticipated that efforts would be made to oppose its proceedings ; and about 3000 of the militia marched thither for its protection. They were shortly dismissed. The chief justice, in his charge to the grand jury, spoke of the riotous proceedings of the insurgents in strong terms of disapprobation.
On the 28th of November the Court of Common Pleas was to sit in Cambridge ; and though the leading insurgent of the 12th of September had been persuaded not to take any measure in op- position to government, his agreement was overruled in secret
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council with the leaders in Worcester county. On the 27th a party, headed by Oliver Parker, marched into Concord, intending to proceed to Cambridge. Job Shattuck came in a secret man- ner ; and, after his arrival, went under cover of night " to Weston to get intelligence of the Worcester forces ; but though they had begun their march, they did not appear ; and from want of coöpe- ration the whole plan fell through. The insurgents at Concord, growing disheartened, scattered before any force could reach them."
Warrants were issued for apprehending the leading insurgents in Middlesex, and were committed to the sheriff. A military force volunteered to assist him, leaving Boston the 29th of No- vember, and proceeding immediately to Concord. The militia of this town stood ready to afford any assistance. A party of horse was despatched to secure the subjects of the warrants, and re- turned at night with Page and Parker prisoners. Not having succeeded in apprehending Shattuck, the principal leader, they proceeded to his house in Groton, and on their arrival found he had taken the alarm and fled to the woods. A search was made, and after considerable exertion he was taken, about 10 o'clock, A. M. November 30th. He received several wounds from his pursuers during his arrest, some of which were very dangerous, -a treat- ment which was generally censured. He was taken to Boston the next day and confined in prison, where he received medical aid, but never entirely recovered the use of his limbs. In the fol lowing May he was tried at Concord, and condemned to be hanged. But the government treated him with lenity, as they did all those who unfortunately acted, as he did, from mistaken views, and gave him a full pardon, September 20, 1787.1 Ephraim Wood, Esq. obtained this pardon from government.
1 Captain Job Shattuck died in Groton, January 13, 1819, aged 84. He had been a brave and successful officer in the French and revolutionary wars, and often affirmed, that he looked on no act of his life with more satisfaction than that to which I have adverted ; though he is said to have felt grateful for the pardon at the time, and remarked, he "would always be a good subject afterwards." Whatever the object of those acts might originally have been, the ultimate results were undoubtedly good. The people were thereby taught the necessity of a general union of the states, and of the speedy adoption of the federal constitution. They were induced to take such measures as gave the people confidence in the gov- ernment, and promoted the general prosperity.
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HISTORY OF CONCORD. [1786.
After the apprehension of the opposing leaders in Middlesex, the insurrection was confined to other counties. Detachments of soldiers were made in January to suppress it. One from Con- cord marched to Worcester, Springfield, Hadley, Amherst, Pe- tersham, back to Amherst, Hadley, Northampton, Westhampton, Pittsfield, Farmington, Loudon, Sandersfield, Southwick, West- Springfield, back to Worcester and home. The officers of this company were Roger Brown, Captain ; Amos Barrett, Lieutenant ; and Jonas Heald, of Acton, Ensign ; and were attached to the regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Woods, of Pepperell, and Lieutenant Colonel William Monroe, of Lexington. They left Concord, January 19th, and returned February 26th. On the 27th of January the town voted " to provide the families of those soldiers, that were gone, with the necessaries of life, while absent, if asked for." A bounty was paid by subscription. All the militia marched as far as Marlborough ; but, before they had been long absent, they were ordered back again. The people of this town took no further part in the insurrection.1
From the following instructions, given to the representative in May, 1787, it will be perceived that the town had not forgotten the critical state of the times. As it was the last time the town instructed its representative, it is thought proper to present them entire.
" To Mr. ISAAC HUBBARD,
" SIR, -The critical period, in which you are appointed to represent this town in the General Court, points out to us the importance of a strict adherence to the principles of our constitu- tion, while we express our sentiments on those measures we sup- pose necessary to be adopted. With real sorrow we have seen, in the course of the year past, an attempt made by wicked and unreasonable men to destroy that constitution we have so lately established, and to interrupt the execution of those laws, without which our lives, property, and every thing dear and sacred, would be insecure. We should be wanting in gratitude should we neg- lect, on this occasion, to express cur hearty approbation of the
1 General Daniel Shays, the leader in this insurrection, died at Sparta, New York, September 29, 1825, aged 84. Notwithstanding his conduct in this affair, he was pardoned, and was afterwards a pensioner on govern- ment.
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wise and spirited measures, adopted by the legislature, for pre- venting the calamities which of late threatened this common- wealth, and for supporting the dignity and authority of our gov- ernment, and for the effects which have happily followed those measures. We conceive it to be highly expedient, that a similar line of conduct should still be preserved in order to perfect peace and tranquillity among us.
" The happy privilege enjoyed by us of choosing annually our rulers, men from among ourselves, who must share equally with their brethren the weight and burthen which may be necessarily laid, and who are responsible to their constituents for the faithful discharge of their duty, must greatly aggravate the folly and mad- ness of those, who, under pretence of procuring a redress of grievances, have drawn the sword against their own govern- ment and laws ; especially as our representatives, if they are men of ability and integrity, may remove every real grievance complained of. Many causes concur to render our present situa- tion critical and distressing. The debts contracted in the late war, public and private ; the decay of public faith and credit ; the want of public and private virtue ; the shameful neglect of economy, frugality, and industry ; an unbounded fondness for foreign luxuries, fashions, and manners, with a restless, impatient, and unreasonable jealousy of our rulers, are the causes of our present unhappiness ; to remove which we conceive no effectual remedy can be applied, unless as a people we tread back the steps that have led us to our present unhappy situation.
" The want of confidence in public promises requires, that every exertion should be made, when promises are made by public bodies, that they should be held sacred and inviolable. To restore public and private virtue, those in higher stations (whose manners are readily copied by the lower classes of men) should set the example ; and all orders endeavour to revive and practise that honesty and simplicity of manners, that have hitherto been the characteristic of the inhabitants of this state.
" There is certainly need of economy and prudence in the expense of government, as far as it consists with the preserva- tion of the same ; that every encouragement be given to our own manufactures, and that such further duties be laid on foreign luxuries as shall tend to stop their importation. And that our
.
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[1787.
government may be preserved and respected, it is necessary that the laws should be punctually executed. To provide some way for raising some supplies for the public expenses, which shall be less burdensome on the landed interest, is an object we particu- larly recommend to you. And we especially instruct you to op- pose the emission of paper money. When any matter of impor- tance is to be transacted, respecting which the mind of your con- stituents is not known, you will have recourse to them for direc- tion. And at the close of the session, or at the end of the year, in order that your constituents may have the fullest information of the doings of the legislature, as well as the reasons therefor, that you be ready to satisfy them. And in every respect, that you make the constitution of this commonwealth your rule, and the happiness and prosperity of this and the United States the end, in all measures adopted.
By order of the committee,
" Concord, May 28, 1787. EPHRAIM WOOD, Chairman."
These instructions were drawn up by a committee, consisting of Messrs. Ephraim Wood, James Barrett, Samuel Bartlett, Jonas Lee, and Asa Brooks, and were attributed to the pen of Mr. Bartlett.1
From this time to 1812, no events of great importance took place in town, excepting such as will hereafter be mentioned in the miscellaneous history. June 6, 1794, there were detached 41 persons, under command of Captain William Jones, and com- posed part of the " Oxford Army."
In the war, declared in 1812, Concord furnished several en- listed and several drafted soldiers. The Honorable John L. Tuttle, a Colonel till his death,2 and Frederick Hildreth, a
1 Samuel Bartlett, Esq. was son of Roger Bartlett and Anna Hurd, and born in Boston, November 17, 1752. He was bred a goldsmith, and soon after commencing business removed to Concord in 1775, and was married the next year. While resident here he was an influential and useful man. In 1795 he was chosen register of deeds, and removed to Cambridge, where he died, September 29, 1821, aged 69; having held that office till his death. Of three sons, all born in Concord, Samuel was bred a me- chanic ; John, born May 23, 1784, graduated at Harvard College, in 1805, and is now minister at Marblehead ; and Benjamin Dixon, born September 12, 1789, graduated at Harvard College in 1810, and is now settled as a physician in Maine.
2 He will be noticed among the professional men.
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1812.]
Lieutenant a short time, were the only commissioned officers in the regular service. Lieutenant Sullivan Burbank was stationed, as a recruiting officer, in the house now owned by the Honorable Samuel Hoar.
The militia were called upon several times. The town voted, in May, 1812, to allow $3 each, in addition to their wages, to all who should be detached under the United States law. Early in September, 1814, orders were issued for calling out the militia of the state for the defence of the sea-coast. The Light Infantry and Artillery companies of Concord, and the Acton Blues, marched September 10th. Nehemiah Flint was Captain, John Brown, Lieutenant, and Artemas Wheeler, Ensign, of the Concord Infan- try ; and Reuben Brown, Captain, Francis Wheeler, First Lieuten- ant, and Cyrus Wheeler, Second Lieutenant, of the Artillery. The Infantry were attached to the first regiment, under the com- mand of Col. Joseph Valentine. Eliab W. Metcalf was Adjutant, and the Reverend Nathaniel How, Chaplain. These companies were stationed at South Boston, and returned home, October 31.
Military affairs then much engaged the attention of the people. A company of exempts was organized here, September 13, 1814, and Colonel Roger Brown was chosen Captain, Colonel John Buttrick, Lieutenant, and Major James Barrett, Ensign. At a parade, October 3d, a standard was presented by the ladies, with appropriate ceremonies.
In 1813 several British naval officers, prisoners of war, resided in Concord on parole, some of whom were taken in the Guerriere. A number left here, November 23d, but their places were sup- plied by others the next day. Some of them were of distinguished families, and scattered their wealth with liberal hands.
In regard to the political sentiments of the town at this period, it will be sufficient to remark generally, that they partook of the excitement of the times. For many years the vote of the two parties was nearly equal, and in one instance a sick man was carried to the poll, and turned the scale. Many of the political conventions of the county were held here ; and some of them were distinguished for the high party zeal with which they were managed. The political history of those times is, however, marked with no peculiar feature in this town, and is therefore omitted.1
1 For a list of votes for governor, from 1780 to 1829, see Appendix.
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HISTORY OF CONCORD.
[1812.
In 1814 efforts to establish Concord as the principal shire town, where the county records should be kept, were made for the last time. And it may not be amiss in this place to give a brief his- tory of these efforts.1
The county of Worcester was incorporated April 2, 1731 ; and in the following winter a convention of delegates, from several towns in Middlesex, was held in Concord ; and, by adjournment, May 26, 1732, when it was agreed to petition the General Court to have the towns of Concord, Sudbury, Framingham, Marlbo-
1 During the colony charter, the county courts were held alternately at Cambridge and Charlestown. After the second charter, a new organiza- tion of the courts took place. In 1692 the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, and the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, were established, and ordered to sit at Cambridge on the 2d Tuesday of September; at Charlestown, on the 2d Tuesday of December and March ; and at Concord on the 2d Tuesday of June. In 1742, at Cambridge, 3d Tuesday of May ; at Charlestown, 2d Tuesday of December and March ; and at Concord, last Tuesday of August. In 1751 the session at Concord was altered to the 1st Tuesday of September. In 1765, at Charlestown on the 1st Tues- day of March and last Tuesday of November ; at Cambridge, 3d Tuesday of May ; and at Concord, 2d Tuesday of September. In 1770, at Cambridge, 3d Tuesday of May ; at Charlestown, 2d Tuesday of March and last Tuesday of November ; and at Concord, Ist Tuesday of September. November 9, 1775, both the sessions, before held at Charlestown, were ordered to be held at Concord at the same time. In 1778, a session was ordered at Groton, 3d Tuesday of May, and at Cambridge last Tuesday of November. In 1790, at Concord 3d Tuesday of March and 2d Tuesday of September, and at Cambridge last Tuesday of November. In 1795, an additional session at Concord, 3d Tuesday of May. In 1796 all the sessions were altered from Tuesday to Monday. In 1797, at Cambridge, the Monday next preceding the last Tuesday of November, and at Concord the Mon- day next preceding the 3d Tuesday of March, Ist Tuesday of June, and 2d Tuesday of September, and at Cambridge 3d Tuesday of December. In 1812 and since, at Concord 2d Monday of March, 2d of June, and 2d of September, and at Cambridge 2d of December.
The Supreme Court was first held in Concord on the 2d Tuesday of April, 1776, having before been annually held in Charlestown at the same time. In 1783, at Concord 2d Tuesday of April, and at Cambridge last Tuesday of October. In 1800, at Cambridge 4th Tuesday of October, and, in 1805, 1st Tuesday of November. In 1816, at Concord 1st Tues- day of April. In 1820, the 2d after the 4th Tuesday of September at Cambridge, and at Concord the 4th Monday of March. In 1826, on the 2d Tuesday of April, and at Cambridge on the 3d after the 4th Tuesday in October.
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1812.]
rough, Groton, Chelmsford, Billerica, Stow, Littleton, Bedford, Dunstable, Westford, Dracut, and North Town [?], incorporated into a separate county, of which Concord was to be the shire town. Messrs. Benjamin Whittemore and John Fox were chosen, by Concord, to aid the object. It does not appear, however, that any definite measures were taken.
In 1763 petitions were again presented from several towns, and the agents had a hearing in January, 1764. Captain Abel Lawrence and several others, of Groton and the adjacent towns, renewed the petition, at the following June session, to have the western part of Middlesex, and the northern part of Worcester, erected into a separate county. These petitions were continued
under agitation till 1766. Remonstrances were sent in by the town of Concord, and others more easterly ; and also petitions for Concord to become the only shire town in the county. Sev- eral towns were very anxious that the last project should be car- ried into effect. The whole subject, however, was finally aban- doned after several orders of notice had been issued, and several different committees of the General Court had had it under con- sideration. .
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