USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > History of the town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, with genealogical registers > Part 16
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Thus says the eulogist of Judge Minot, in speaking of the character of Mr. Wadsworth, in its influences upon him as his pupil.
In 1808, there was erected in the old burying ground at Cambridge, a monument to his memory " by a few contem- porary friends, who loved and honored his character, and
157
DEA. PELEG WADSWORTH.
several pupils who enjoyed at the University the benefit of his instruction." It bears the following epitaph.
Huic tumulo mandantur exuviæ JOHANNIS WADSWORTH, A. M. Duxburgiæ nati Collegii Harvardini Alumni, Cujus Septem per annos fideliter utilissimèque Tutoris officium præstitit et modo aptissimo, facillimo, gratissimoque optimis præceptis ac institutis Juvenum animos imbuit moresque ipsorum amicè ac sedulò curavit. Hujus temporis tres per annos et ultra
Senatus Academici Socii munera peritè explevit. Ingenio sagaci et acutissimo Literis Scientiisque penitus instructo, etiam facilitate mira Sententias impertiendi, Omnium observantiam sese attraxit. Amicitia ingenua atque constanti, et consuetudinis suavitate facetiisque, Amor ac delicia fuit amicorum. Inter alias virtutes Pietas erga Parentes et affectio Fraterna præcipue fuerunt insignes. Viri tam boni ac utilis omnibusque cari, in Ætatem senectam spes vitam produxerat. Ah spes inanis ! Variolis (illo generi humani flagello) correptus, Animam efflavit Die Julii 12mo Anno Salutis MDCCLXXVII Etatisque suæ XXXVII.
DEA. PELEG WADSWORTH was a brother of the Doctor, though quite a different man ; yet was also a great wit. In his language his style was characteristically quaint and fanci- ful, often indulging in expressions which struck the stranger's ear not only as singular, but also as wonderfully significant. At the time when the modern innovation of singing the psalm in church, without first reading it line by line, began to be established, many were opposed to it, and were strongly in favor of continuing in the old method. Some, it is said, even left the church, shocked at the idea of the impending extinc- tion of that time-honored practice. One individual, in partic-
158
GEN. PELEG WADSWORTH.
ular, frequently went out. This same person shortly after having purchased of the Deacon a barrel of cider, which had begun to work, was assisted by him in placing it upon his wagon, and was about leaving, when the deacon called out to him, in a tone of admonition, "Have a care, have a care, neighbor Delano, this cider may sing before you get home, without reading." The cut was irresistible, and Mr. Delano henceforth gave up his prejudices.
GEN. PELEG WADSWORTH was a son of Dea. Peleg Wads- worth. He graduated at Harvard College in 1769, and it was the intention of his father that he should be educated in the ministry. However, he unknown to him opened a private school in Plymouth. At the same time Gen. Alexander Scammel, famous in the Revolutionary annals, was likewise teaching there. They had been very intimate friends through- out their college course. Gen. W. afterwards kept a store in Duxbury, and soon after removed it to Kingston. In 1775 when minute companies were formed and manual exercise arrested general attention, he devoted much of his time in the instruction of young men in the use of firearms, and instilling into the minds of youth a true sense and value of Liberty and Freedom. He had at this time the command of a com- pany of minute men in Kingston ; and immediately after the battle of Lexington, joined Col. Cotton's regiment. In Sep- tember he joined the army at Roxbury, and was employed as an engineer; but afterwards as Gen. Ward's aid-de-camp. In 1776 he was appointed Captain in Col. Bailey's regiment. In 1777 he received the appointment from the State, of Brigadier General, and had command over the whole district of Maine. In the spring of 1778, while he was in Boston, General Lovell was appointed to command an expedition against the possessions of the British on the Penobscot; and Gen. W. was chosen second in command. Capt. Saltonstall was charged with a fleet to cooperate with them. They landed and made an attack; but failed of complete success. At this time Samuel Alden of Duxbury was mortally wound- ed. A British fleet now hove in sight, and their ships were run up the river, and set on fire; and soon after they marched off their men through the forests. Gen. W., in 1780, had the command of a detachment of State troops at Camden, Me., and here he was assaulted and captured by a host of the enemy, and in the affair was wounded in the arm. He was at first treated with great humanity; but soon confined in prison, to await his removal to England to be tried as a rebel of consequence. He however escaped from his confinement. After the war he was a very successful merchant in Portland, and built the splendid mansion, since occupied by his son-in-
159
ALEXANDER SCAMMEL WADSWORTH.
law, Stephen Longfellow, Esq. He took as pay for his services from the State 7000 acres of land on the Saco river, which was then valued at the rate of 122 cents per acre. He afterwards removed and settled on this tract, and was consid- ered the patriarch of the settlement. Here he built him a house, and passed his old age, and died in 1829, aged 80. He was for eight years, while he resided in Portland, a member of Congress. Gen. W. was very energetic in his nature, and quick and rapid in his motions, and of restless activity. Mr. Ward of Boston, who was fellow aid-de-camp with him in Roxbury, used to say of him, "It makes no difference what you do with Peleg Wadsworth. If he were a porter, he would have the office respectable."*
His son ALEXANDER SCAMMEL WADSWORTH, was second lieutenant on board the Constitution, when she captured the Guerriere. The citizens of Portland, his native place, in testimony of their high sense of the brave and important part he acted on that memorable occasion, presented him with an elegant sword, decorated with appropriate devices. Alden's epitaphs. Another son, Henry Wadsworth, became a lieutenant in the navy, and fought under Com. Preble at the seige of Tripoli. He was one of that devoted band of thir- teen, who conducted the attack, and, says Com. Preble, "determined rather to suffer death and the destruction of the enemy, than captivity and torturing slavery." And by the resolves of Congress he was esteemed "an honor to his country and an example to all excellent youth." He was buried at Portland, and his monument bears this inscription : In memory of Henry Wadsworth, Lieutenant in the United States Navy, who fell before the walls of Tripoli on the evening of the 4th of September, 1804, in the 20th year of his age, by the explosion of a fire ship which he with others gallantly conducted against the enemy.
My country calls, This world adieu, I have one life, This life I give for you. - Alden's Epi.
* Hist. Plymouth, Dwight's Travels, Thacher's Military Journal, and B. Kent's notes.
160
ANNALS SUBSEQUENT TO THE REVOLUTION.
1788. The town chose Geo. Partridge delegate to the Con- vention to be holden at Boston on the second Wednesday in January.
1795. At a meeting, called to consider the question of re- vising the Constitution, it was decided that it was not expe- dient, all the votes (47) being against it.
1808. The Embargo Act of Congress fell upon the inhab- itants of this town like a thunderbolt. They were solely dependent on the sea for support, and the interruption of their business, occasioned by the enforcement of this act, soon brought them to a deplorable situation. Assembled in town meeting, they resolved to petition, and accordingly a memorial was sent to the President, dated Sept. 5th, 1808. Therein they stated, that they were chiefly dependent on the sea for support; and the sterility of their soil was such, that means for their subsistence could not be raised. That the fishermen, who could before but hardly support their families, were now wholly dependent on the fish caught previously, which still remained unsold, and that they had no means to support their households. That there was a large quantity of fish in the town, which must perish if liberty is not given to export them. They represented their inability to enter into manufactures, and want of skilful men to instruct them, and of money to purchase materials, and of buildings necessary for carrying it on, and their reluctance to have their sons and daughters en- gage in that unhealthy employment, and be reduced to the state of that class in the old country. They granted, that without doubt the legislators thought it for the good and hap- piness of the country ; but the embargo, when not felt in Eu- rope, brought injury and ruin upon themselves. They also thought, that as large an armed force would be required to prevent the citizens from exporting their perishing commodi- ties, as would serve to protect their commerce against any foreign power; that merchants and seamen, heretofore exem- plary, would acquire habits of evading the laws and cheating the revenues of the country; that the prostration of our com- merce would afford other nations the opportunity of building up flourishing trades, and turn its channels into new kingdoms, which it might be impossible to prevent. To this President Jefferson returned an answer, stating, that the embargo could not be raised, consistent with the good of the country, until a repeal of the obnoxious edicts of Europe.
At one time fears were entertained by the authorities of the
161
WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
1812.]
custom-house at Plymouth, that an attempt would be made to run the embargo, on the part of some vessels in Duxbury ; and accordingly an armed sloop was stationed in the bay to pre- vent any violation of the Government orders. Nevertheless, taking advantage of a thick and foggy night, a schooner, laden with fish, and belonging to Mr. Samuel A. Frazar, succeeded in an attempt to escape, and on the next morning was not to be seen. She was commanded by Capt. Asa Hewitt, and it is supposed went to the West Indies, where she was disposed of.
1812. WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. As New England was distant from the principal scenes of the war, her towns suffer- ed not much from the immediate incursions of the enemy, - their sufferings being chiefly occasioned by the interruption of business and the scarcity of foreign commodities. Her fish- ermen suffered most from the numerous disguised vessels of the enemy, which often cruised along her coasts.
Most of the townsmen, as were a majority of the State, were decidedly opposed to the war and the measures of the admin- istration, and favored the principles of the Federal party. Soon after the declaration of war by the Government (June 18th), the friends of peace in this county determined to hold a meeting for deliberation ; and the 29th of July was appointed as the day. On the 27th the town assembled, and chose Capt. Samuel Loring, Reuben Delano, Ezra Weston, Judah Alden, and Capt. Abner Dingley to attend ; and at the same meeting this delegation was authorized to circulate a memorial for peace, -- to obtain as many signers as they could, and to print it in the Boston papers. Capt. Loring, at the head of this delegation, though now far advanced in years, was a firm opposer of the war. Having in his younger days assisted in the establishment of that liberty too precious to be hazarded, he now looked upon the preparations for war with no feigned feeling of regret. Major Alden was also strongly in favor of the Federalists, and one of the most influential on their side, as were most of the older inhabitants of the town, who had seen the victories and defeats of one war, and naturally shun- ned another, though, in time of danger from their country's foe, they were ever ready to act and fight for their country's good. They would oppose the war in the beginning; but when once entered upon, it was in accordance with their honor and patriotism to repel all hostile aggressions.
Preparations were afterwards made for the defence of the town. Many of the larger vessels in the harbor were drawn up the river to prevent their falling into the hands of the ene- my. There were at one time two ships, one brig, and six schooners here secured. At the entrance of the river two small forts were built. For the fortification of these a commit- 21
162
PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE. [1812.
tee of safety was chosen to devise ways and means. Mr. Seth Sprague, one of the number, was directed to make application to the Board of war, then sitting at Boston, for cannon and ammunition. In reply to their applications, General Cobb. a member of the Board, remarked, that it would be idle to listen to it; for, he alleged, the inhabitants would not know how to use cannon and ammunition if they had them. Governor Brooks thought differently, and influenced the Board to com- ply ; and accordingly a quantity of powder and balls, and two field pieces were granted .* Three other field pieces were pro- vided by the custom-house at Plymouth, and others were pro- cured by the inhabitants.t The upper fort mounted three six- pounders, and the lower two twelve-pounders. Cannon were also placed at other places along the shore, where it was ex-
pected the enemy might land. "There were two on the wharf of Mr. Sampson, and one near Mr. Lot Hunt's. These were manned in the night-time by a company of Sea-Fencibles, formed among the inhabitants for the defence of the coast, consisting of between thirty and forty men. They were com- manded by Capt. Gershom Bradford. Thomas Winsor was first lieutenant, Capt. Thomas Herrick the second, and Wm. Sampson, clerk. There was a company of militia stationed at the barracks, amounting to nearly ninety men, from the neighboring towns, and commanded by Capt. John Alden.
The entrance to the harbor was guarded by the fort at the Gurnet, which mounted six or eight cannon, some of them forty-two pounders, and was manned by a detachment of State troops, consisting of about thirty men, under the command of Capt. Pope of Salem, and afterwards of Lt. Simmons of Scitu- ate. Alarm-boats constantly plied in time of danger between Plymouth beach and Saquish. One was furnished by Ply- mouth, and another by Duxbury. This was manned by the row-guard, who served six at a time, under the command of Capt. Zenas Winsor. Instructions were given them to fire a gun on the approach of any of the enemy's barges, which was to be answered by the cannon at the batteries and along the shore, and a lighted tar-barrel at Captain's Hill, and similar demonstrations in Plymouth and Kingston.
Notwithstanding their vigorous preparations for the defence of the town, it was proposed by some members of the Com- mittee of safety, while they were making out an official report, to recommend that a messenger be sent to the British ships
* Soule's Sprague Memorial.
t The owners of the shipping, Messrs. Reuben and Charles Drew, Na- thaniel and Joshua Winsor, Ezra Weston, Job and Levi Sampson, at an expense of $140, purchased two nine-pounders, and also two casks of powder, containing each one hundred weight.
163
PROPOSED NEUTRALITY.
1812.]
cruising between the capes, with the assurance of the neutral- ity of the inhabitants. These measures were favored by the majority, and the vote was about to be taken, when Mr. Seth Sprague, one of the number, arose, and most strenuously op- posed it; stating that it was cowardly and treasonable, and inconsistent with their previous means of defence ; but still the motion prevailed, and the report was made to the inhabitants legally assembled. Before this town meeting Mr. Sprague again protested, but yet the report was accepted. However, at a later stage of the meeting, Capt. John Alden, in a few remarks, so influenced the meeting, that the vote was recon- sidered and the motion rejected. But still a message of this kind was sent by some persons, though unauthorized and unknown to the greater part of the inhabitants, to the com- mander of the British ship, as the reply of the latter is still preserved.
" His Britannic Majesty's Ship Leander, 10th August, 1814.
" To the Selectmen and the Committee of Safety of the Town of Duxbury :
GENTLEMEN : I am to acknowledge your letter of the 9th instant. I can easily understand the motives which have in- duced your addressing me; and, much as I deplore this war, and deeply as I feel for the distresses of innocent individuals, a sense of public duty will always compel me to follow up the utmost extent of my instructions. But in the belief that your town has neither the means nor intention of carrying on offen- sive war, I shall, as far as lies in my power, endeavor to respect it accordingly. The schooner you require, [i. e. the Despatch, see following,] shall therefore be returned as soon as opportunity permits, and that [as soon as] I have obtained the sanction of Captain Ragget, which I shall urge by every honest means in my power. But I must again remark, in addition to the observations contained in a letter to the magis- trates of Plymouth, which you allude to, that nothing but neutrality the most perfect will induce me either to respect your fishing craft, or the town itself. It is not in the charac- ter of Englishmen to act harshly towards the unoffending, - though in a state of war, - unless provoked to a system of retaliation. And thus far (though not authorized) I am sure I only speak the sentiments of my superior officers. Be there- fore tranquil ! carry on war only to defend your homes, and do not permit your fishermen to assist directly or indirectly,- as any deviation will be marked some day or other !
The fishermen who took possession of the Rover did wrong; but not more so than those who towed in the barge sunk off the battery near Plymouth. Had they left her to her fate, no
164
WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
[1814.
mischief would have perhaps ever threatened the fishermen of Plymouth ; but, as it is, until that barge is returned, it must be supposed that the fishermen of Plymouth are authorized by their Government to intrigue in war.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, Your most Obedient Servant, GEORGE R. COLLIER, Captain H. B. M. S. Leander.
" P. S. - As there are some American armed boats disguis- ed as fishermen, is is necessary that every fishing boat should be examined ; and unless they bring to when fired at, they will be punished accordingly."
[The allusion to the Rover and the barge will be explained in the sequel, pp. 166-7. - Sprague Memorial.]
Gen. Dearborn, of Boston, was immediately informed of this, and orders were despatched to the fort at the Gurnet to allow no boat of the enemy to pass that point, if it could be prevented. Shortly after, a boat from the British vessel ap- peared with a white flag, and the officer desired permission to visit the town. He was told to make his communication, if he had any, to the commander of the fort; and if he proceed- ed further he would be fired upon; when, taking the hint, he quietly returned to the ship.
During 1814, there were three of the enemy's ships cruising between the capes. They were, the flag-ship Spencer ; the La Hogue, Capt. Ragget, and the Leander, Capt. Collier. These were a source of great annoyance to the various fishing and other small craft of the bay, and especially to boats run- ning along the shore with commodities from New York, which had been transported across the isthmus, as it was unsafe to proceed around the cape, owing to the enemy's vessels. They were also in constant danger of capture by the many boats and barges of the English, many of which were disguised crafts taken from the Americans. At times, one or more of the British frigates were seen off Duxbury beach, and their presence was the cause of greater vigilance on the part of the inhabitants, who feared an attack from the numerous barges of the enemy, who would attempt to burn their shipping.
This year the town records, which heretofore have been destitute of every thing relating to the war, show that the town voted (June 13th), that the committee of safety appoint sentinels and posts of alarm. In the autumn (Oct. 8th) they determined that if the exempt militia form themselves into a company, those who are unable to furnish themselves, be ' provided from the equipments in the town's possession. The militia were to be furnished with provisions, if called out of
165
MARITIME AFFAIRS.
1814.]
town on camp duty. They also agreed to continue prepara- tions for defence .*
Though no indication was made on the part of the enemy of attacking the town; yet an incident occurred from which we may judge that they would not quietly have submitted to the invasion of their soil and the devastation of their proper- ty. One clear moonlight evening it was agreed upon among the members of the row guard to execute a scheme for testing the courage of the people. They accordingly gave the usual signal for the approach of the enemy, which was immedi- ately answered, as they had expected, when they returned with all haste to the town. The report spread like electricity from house to house, the forts were instantly manned, all assumed the attitude of defence, and their cannon pointed in the direction of the looked for enemy. The militia were paraded on the hill by the barracks, and countermarched in the streets. A body of about thirty men with Captain Seth Sprague at their head, were despatched to reconnoitre the shores, and sentries were immediately stationed at the posts. The inhabitants of the neighboring towns came pouring in to their assistance; while the women and children were con- veyed to places of security. A few minutes of silence prevailed, all were endeavoring to espy the awaited foe, but the clear beams of the moon as they fell on the smooth and unruffled surface of the harbor, and the glowing light of the beacon towering to the sky, disclosed to their extended visions naught but the silent waves, untouched by hostile keels ! +
In the summer of this year (July 23d, 1814,) while two of the enemy's barges were chasing a small boat, loaded with flour and bound for Boston, the American ran under the guns of the Gurnet fort, where the men landed. At this time the barges were fired upon by the fort, and the second shot, aimed by the commander himself, though at a distance of nearly
* Mar. 11, 1816. Voted to make up the first detachment of soldiers' pay, including State's pay, $ 14 per month. - Town Rec.
{ This trick of the guard was suspected by some on the same night, though it has never yet been fairly acknowledged. The officers of the two companies of militia at this time were of the South -John Alden, Capt. ; Prince Bradford, First Lt. ; and Martin Sampson, Second Lt. : of the North -John Partridge, Capt. ; Eleazer Harlow, First Lt. ; and Daniel Weston, Second Lt. These belonged to the coast division of Gen. Wm. Gooding, consisting of four brigades.
The previous officers of the militia companies since the Revolution, had been - of the first (after Capt. S. Loring,) Capt. Samuel Delano, and Lt's Joshua Brewster and Eliphalet Waterman ; Capt. Seth Sprague was the next commanding officer, who was succeeded by Capt. Alden, whose officers at first were Lt. Wm. Freeman and Lt. James Weston - of the second, (after Capt. Baker,) were Captains Nathan Sampson, Ichabod Sampson, Abner Dingley, and John Partridge, as above.
166
WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
[1814.
three miles, struck one of them, wounding some of the men. The boat immediately filled, and the crew were taken up by the other barge, which then returned to the ship then lying off the beach. A small English flag, which they recovered from the sunken barge, was afterwards displayed at the fort in token of victory. In revenge for this Capt. Epworth of the Nymphe frigate burnt and sunk a Plymouth schooner of 25 tons. An inhabitant of Duxbury, having occasion a short time afterwards to visit the enemy's frigate La Hogue, Capt. Ragget, while speaking of this affair, the Captain praised in high terms the courage and skill of the troops at the battery, and did not blame their firing; but coming to the fact that one or more shots were fired after the men were in the water, he gave vent to his rage in a characteristic manner, accom- panied by no ordinary imprecations, threatening vengeance upon them. However the Englishman's threats were never executed .*
The following are some of the fishing and other crafts, belonging to Duxbury, which were captured by the enemy during the war. - The schooner Cherub, owned by Joshua Winsor, and manned by John Winsor, George Winsor, (son of Joshua, ) and James Chandler, who were taken by the La Hogue. - The schooner Ospra, owned by Ahira Wads- worth, was captured by the Leander, and her crew, (Stephen Churchill, James Woodward and a small boy) were retained for a short time as prisoners. - The sloop Lady Jane, owned by Perez H. Sampson, James Soule and Richard Soule, was sailing in the bay on a pleasure excursion, with a party, when an enemy's barge suddenly appeared and gave chase. The sloop was run aground on Plymouth flats, and the com- pany escaped. The barge coming up endeavored to float her; but seeing the beach thronging with men, they retreated.
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