USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, from its first settlement in 1657 to 1861; with a brief sketch of the town of Northborough, a genealogy of the families in Marlborough to 1800 > Part 18
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This document was signed by Alpheus Woods, Jonas Morse, and Benjamin Sawin; and though somewhat long, it throws important light upon the state of feeling at that time, and shows the issues then before the people. We may not sympa- thize with all the views therein expressed ; but at the same time we admire that jealousy of the rights of the people, to secure which they had just passed through a seven years' war. The idea of removing the seat of the Government into the interior, so that the Legislature might be free from the corrupt- ing influence of a large town, was quite prevalent at that day ; and we are not prepared to say that their views were not sound.
The ideas they express in relation to the militia, though not in accordance with the popular views of the present day, were wisely adapted to the wants of that period, and showed the forethought of our fathers. They had just passed through a war in which the want of discipline was severely felt, and they were then on the eve, if not in the midst, of a rebellion in which the military were relied upon to keep the peace and sustain the institutions of the State. And the condition in which the country has been found at this day, on the breaking
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out of the Secession Rebellion, may admonish us that the old maxim, " in peace prepare for war," has been of late too much neglected.
But the part of these instructions which relates to the regula- lation of trade and commerce, exhibits a high degree of sound statesmanship, and a correct view of the principles of political economy. The intimation here thrown out, that the regulation of trade or commerce, being a national affair, should be left to Congress, embodied one of the principal considerations which led to the formation of the Constitution of the United States. The people found, by experience, that commerce was too broad a subject to be left to the separate, varying action of thirteen different States ; that the regulation should be uniform ; and hence the power should be reposed in one Central Government. In another respect these instructions suggest the doctrine of a protective policy, which has been advocated by most of the sound statesmen of the country. In the regulation of trade, they recommend that a distinction should be made between the necessaries of life and the luxuries. Their intimation that the free importation of luxuries led to extravagance and prodigality, is what experience has abundantly shown ; and one fruitful source of our financial embarrassments at this day, is our prone- ness to indulge in a practice which the fathers of the town of Marlborough condemned seventy-five years ago.
Their recommendation to encourage the growth of wool, hemp and flax, shows that they had an eye to the production of every article necessary to render us in fact, what we were in name, an independent nation. They had in their own persons protected the country against British bayonets, and they saw the wisdom of protecting the country against British looms. We notice this suggestion the more readily, because we have long been satisfied, that with all our boast of improvement, the great mass of the people, at this day, know less of the true sci- ence of government, than our fathers did in the days of the Revolution. Illiterate as most of them were, and unfinished, in point of composition, as were many of the documents which emanated from the common farmers of that day, their produc- tions often contain the soundest principles of civil polity. In fact, they were bred in the school of politics in which the science of civil government was the great topic taught, and
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where it was studied, not as a mere abstraction, but as a prac- tical reality.
One important fact connected with the history of the times, shows the wisdom of the view taken by the committee. After the peace of 1783, we immediately commenced a ruinous sys- tem of imports, making the balance of trade greatly against the country. From Great Britain alone we imported, in 1784 and 1785, goods, wares and merchandise, to the amount of about $30,000,000 ; while our exports to that country, during the same years, amounted only to about $8,500,000-thus increasing our foreign indebtedness $10,000,000 a year. This fact shows the necessity which existed at that time of adopting some regulation to check foreign importations. The great laws of trade, and the importance of having a balance in our favor, which lie at the foundation of national prosperity, were so far appreciated at that day, that the committee urge the necessity of encouraging home industry, and building up domestic manufactures. And well would it have been for the country, if the sound and prac- tical views of our fathers had been more steadily adhered to by their sons.
Another question, after the Treaty of 1783, arose, and pro- duced considerable feeling in the community. By that Treaty Congress agreed to recommend to the respective States to allow the tories and refugees who had left the country, and whose estates had generally been confiscated, to return and receive a restoration of their property. Still the States, being sovereign on questions of this nature, could do as they pleased in the premises. This question was agitated in Marlborough, in 1783, when the report of a committee of which Captain Moses Woods was Chairman, came up and was adopted. The report which follows, clearly shows the feelings of the people on the subject.
" As to the reports we have heard from different quarters, concerning the return of the conspirators and absentees, whose conduct has merited eternal banishment from these States, and whose presence among the genuine sons of liberty would be as unnatural as that of Satan among the sons of God ; though it may be good policy to insist upon a perpetual separation, we recommend it to the town to refrain from giving instructions to their Repre- sentative, until the doings of Congress may be known respecting the matter, when they will be better able to judge of the propriety of such proceedings ; and till then, rely upon the wisdom, goodness, and patriotism of our Repre-
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sentative to oppose the return of any of the above described miscreants to this State, so far as is consistent with its interest, or the Treaty of Peace."
Nothing is more true than that adversity makes men. True patriots, like true saints, frequently " come out of great tribula- tion." The Revolution tried the courage of our fathers, and fitted them for soldiers ; and the exhausted state of their finances taught them economy, and proved the parent of that industry and frugality which have made Massachusetts what she is. We have already seen that the good people of Marlborough were aware that a protective system was the wisest policy for the State, and that the balance of trade with Great Brit- ain, in 1784 and 1785, was heavily against us, and that our financial embarrassment arose, in part, from that cause. Of this fact our fathers appear to have been perfectly conscious. A comunittee, consisting of Simon Stow, Jonas Morse, Sinon Howe, Alpheus Woods, and William Boyd, was appointed to take into consideration the embarrassed condition of the com- munity, and report at the next meeting. In January, 1787, they submitted the result of their consideration and reflection to their fellow-citizens, as follows :
" The political evils, under which this town, as a part of the community, labors, are truly alarming and distressing. Yet we are not without hopes ; but on the contrary, are confident that by a speedy exertion of that noble principle, virtue, we may yet rise superior to, and brave every difficulty that threatens us as a people. But in order the better to show how we are to amend, it may be proper to point out some of the evils which have been the procuring causes of our present difficulties. We conceive that the past impolitic commercial intercourse with Great Britain has drained us of our money, so that we are unable to pay our taxes and discharge our private debts ; therefore, the contrary must work a cure ; namely. by the encourage- ment of our own manufactures, as far and as speedily as possible. The ex- ertion of this town, collectively considered, will be but as a drop in the bucket ; yet we have this consolation, that if every one will mend one, we shall soon feel the benefit of it ; more especially, when assisted by the form- ation and execution of wise and wholesome laws.
" We cannot but observe, with deep-felt sorrow and concern, the conduct of a large number of towns in this Commonwealth, at the last election, in not being represented at the General Court the present year ; although, by the present mode of representation, the lower house would be exceedingly bulky, yet since there is such uneasiness in different parts of the Commonwealth, as we fear threatens a dissolution of the political fabric, we could earnestly wish and hope that there might not be a single town or plantation, at the
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next election, unrepresented ; for by this peaceable and constitutional way, any act may be passed, and every real grievance redressed, in preference to a recourse to arms.
" But to return. We, taking into consideration the distresses of the town, do earnestly recommend to every inhabitant thereof, to receive and cherish the spirit of 1775, by refraining from, as far as is in our power, the excessive use of foreign manufactures, especially articles of luxury and extravagance, and by exerting their best endeavors that they, and all under their care, promote industry and economy, and our own manufactures. And here we cannot but lament the expense of time and money that is taken up in public houses, and in unnecessary tea-table visits, &c. We would recommend to the inhabitants of this town, that they exercise as much economy in these matters as is possible. But we conceive it will not be in our power to man- ufacture to advantage, while the land-holders are loaded with so great a share of the public taxes. We, therefore, recommend to the town, with a view to accomplish these noble ends, to instruct their Representative, at the next session, to use his best endeavors, that such other laws be enacted as will encourage the farmers to raise raw materials, either by lowering the land tax, or by bounty, or an excise on such articles as we are liable to im- port, by an act passed on the 17th of November last, and other articles of a like nature; or by either or all of these ways, as the General Court may judge proper.
"We are fully satisfied of the propriety and justice of a duty being paid immediately, in hard money, by every store-keeper and shop-keeper, when they take their license, as well as by inn-holders and retailers of spirituous liquors ; and would therefore recommend to the town, that their Representa- tive be again instructed to use his influence in this matter.
" And whereas there is danger of an undue influence being exercised over the minds of the members of the General Court, sitting in a populous city or town ; we therefore advise the town to charge their Representative again, in the most peremptory terms, to exert his best endeavors, that the General Court meet in some inland town at the next election.
" Voted, That said committee should get the above report printed free of charge to the town."
It is due to this committee, and to the people at that day, to state that the Commonwealth at that period was in the midst of an insurrection, growing out of the embarrassed state of financial affairs ; and it is natural to suppose that every effort would be made to lighten the burdens of taxation; and if some of the measures recommended were not altogether judicious, in the estimation of the people at this day, we must remember, that the state of things at that period was altogether different from what exists at the present time. Their views in relation to the free importation of luxuries were the perfection of wisdom ; and their fears of the influence of large cities and towns upon legis-
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lation, were not without foundation. History has made it pro- verbial, that 'Paris is France,' and that the French capital not only influences the legislation of that country, but, in fact, puts down one dynasty and puts up another, at its will and pleasure, not only without the consent, but even without the previous knowledge or suspicion of France. And when we see, in our own national capital, that a strong array of military is deemed necessary to hold and protect the property and records of the Government, we almost wish that our capital was situated elsewhere. But at the same time it is obvious, that the location of the seat of government, especially of a nation, will, of itself, build up a large community ; so that the evils dreaded cannot be entirely avoided. " Where the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together."
Keeping constantly in view the evils of too great importations of foreign luxuries, the town, in 1787, instructed their Repre- sentative, Col. Edward Barnes, as follows :
" Sir,-As the present critical situation of our public affairs demands the attention of every well-wisher to the peace and happiness of the community, we, your constituents, think fit to express our minds to you on some particu- lar points, for your guidance in conducting the important concerns of the Commonwealth.
" As we have heretofore instructed you to use your influence, that the General Court be removed from the town of Boston, to some convenient inland town; so we do again lay the same instructions on you respecting that matter, so that it be not less than twenty miles distant.
" Whereas, we conceive the principal cause of our present distresses, and the late rebellion, to arise from the large importation and unrestrained use of British goods, and foreign superfluities, to the draining us of our hard- earned money, (witness the £200,000 sterling shipped to London the year past in one vessel,) and the discouragement of agriculture and our own manufactures, the bulwark of the nation : 'Therefore we again instruct you to exert your best endeavors for a reform hierein ; that there be an excise laid on all foreign goods and superfluities, excepting some necessary articles, if any should appear ; that every person licensed to sell such articles be obliged to pay a duty for his license, equal to an inn-holder ; and that every possible encouragement be given for the raising of raw materials, by lowering the land tax, and by giving a bounty on sheep, wool, hemp, and flax.
" That you use your influence that the money paid towards the discharge of the foreign debt, be solely paid out of such monies, as shall arise from imposts and excise.
" That special care be taken that the Confederation of the thirteen United States, be maintained and strengthened."
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Nothing of special moment occurred in the town during the residue of the century. The burdens of the war passed away, and a state of prosperity was approaching. The adoption of the Federal Constitution gave the power of regulating trade and the currency to the General Government ; and measures were adopted, at the first Congress, which checked in some degree, the importations, and enabled the Government to realize from imposts, something towards the payment of the public debt.
The nineteenth century opened with a general lamentation at the loss of the great and good man who had led our armies through the revolutionary struggle, aided in the establishment of our civil institutions, and filled the office of the first President of the United States. To express their grief at the loss, and to testify their respect for the memory of WASHINGTON, the people of Marlborough assembled, on the 22d of February, 1800, agreeably to previous arrangements, when a Eulogy was delivered by Joseph Brigham, Esq. The exercises were opened with solemn prayer by Rev. Mr. Packard, and a suitable dirge by the choir. The people also testified their grief by wearing suitable badges of mourning for thirty days-the males wear- ing crape upon the left arm, and the females crape or black ribbons.
In 1809, the inhabitants of Marlborough voted, in town meeting, " 'That the morals and prosperity of many persons are greatly injured in consequence of the retailers selling spirituous liquors, which are drank in the shops contrary to law, and that the Selectmen be directed to withhold their approbation for license to retailers of spiritnous liquors, who shall offend in future as above-mentioned, and cause them to be prosecuted for their offense." Thus did Marlborough, more than half a century ago, adopt a policy which some towns would do well to imitate at the present day. It is rather a reproach upon us, that we, in this day of light upon that subject, should allow an evil among us which they would not tolerate.
Having brought the civil or political history of the town up to the commencement of the present century, we will recur to the ecclesiastical, which in those days occupied a large share of public attention. We have seen that Rev. Mr. Smith was
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dismissed in 1798. For about five years the town was desti- tute of a settled minister. Various attempts were made to obtain one, but their efforts were unavailing. They found it difficult to agree upon a man, and more difficult to induce one to accept their call.
Knowing, by sad experience, that it was not easy for them to act harmoniously in the selection of a minister, and finding a diversity of opinion already developing itself, the town united with the church in setting apart the 6th day of August, 1778, "for fasting and prayer, to supplicate Divine aid and direction, in order to their proceeding in a method to re-settle a gospel minister among them; " and Rev. Mr. Whitney of North- borongh, Rev. Mr. Sumner of Shrewsbury, Rev. Mr. Newell of Stow, Rev. Mr. Parkman of Westborough, and Rev. Mr. Stone of Southborough, were invited to lead the devotions, and aid them by their counsels.
In January, 1779, the town concurred with the church in making choice of Mr. Joel Foster as their minister, with a salary of one hundred pounds, graduated on Indian corn at three shillings per bushel, and a handsome sum as a settlement. But though they had the labors and advice of the neighboring churches to induce unity, it appears that their divisions were too deeply scated to 'go out by their prayer and fasting.' For immediately after the call was given, Thomas Howe, Josiah Stow, Jabez Rice, and thirty-two others, mostly from the east- erly part of the town, addressed a letter to the candidate, in which they declare that there are two hundred and thirty-nine voters in Marlborough, and that only fifty-eight voted for him ; and that they will pay no part of his salary, unless they are compelled to ; that they have many reasons for adopting that course, but to state them would stir up strife." Under these circumstances, Mr. Foster declined the invitation. But not satisfied with this, the town was called together again, when it appeared that there were one hundred and thirty-seven for renewing the invitation, and only twenty against it. The same salary and settlement as before offered, were again voted by about the same majority. But in the mean time, Mr. Foster . had agreed to settle at New Salem, and so again declined the call.
At a meeting held November 20, 1780, the town voted to
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concur with the church in appointing December 20th as a day of fasting and prayer, for Divine aid in selecting a minister ; and Rev. Messrs. Newell, Whitney and Sumner, were invited to lead their devotions. In April, 1781, they voted, seventy- two to sixty-seven, to give Rev. Ebenezer Grosvenor a call, on a salary of ninety pounds, lawful money, and a settlement of eighty pounds ; but the invitation was declined, probably on the ground of the division in the vote.
In February, 1783, they made choice of Mr. John Mellen as their minister, by a vote of seventy-four to thirty-four, with a settlement of two hundred pounds, and a salary of one hundred pounds. Mr. Mellen declined the call, on account of opposition to him, especially in the church. In 1784, a call was extended to Mr. Moses Haven, with a salary of one hundred pounds, and a settlement of one hundred and fifty pounds, who, after taking the advice of his ministering brethren, declined the invitation on the ground of " want of sufficient encouragement from the town-the coldness and neutrality of many, and the opposi- tion of others."
In each of the above cases, there appears to have been a large minority opposed to the call, or to the salary. Whether this opposition proceeded from the same individuals in each case, does not appear ; or whether it had reference to particular doctrinal tenets, is not stated. Certain it is, that the elements of opposition existed, and occasions enough occurred to bring them into action, much to the annoyance, and somewhat to the hinderance of the growth of the town.
But after about seven years' trial and destitution of a settled minister, Mr. Asa Packard, of Bridgewater, received and ac- cepted a call, and was ordained, March 23, 1785. This day was long remembered from the fact that the snow upon the ground was so deep as to cover the tops of their fences, not- withstanding there had been a recent thaw, which greatly settled the snow, so that in freezing it became sufficiently solid to bear up a team. The people went to the ordination in their sleighs, upon the crust, passing across their lots, over the tops of walls and rail-fences without difficulty. The depth of snow was so remarkable, that it became, and continued for a long time to be, a household standard of comparison-" the deepest snow we have had since the year Mr. Packard was ordained."
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Mr. Packard was settled on a salary of one hundred pounds, " and twenty cords of good marketable oak wood, cut and brought to the door annually, so long as he remains our min- ister." They also voted him a settlement of three hundred pounds, one half to be paid in one year, and the other half in two years from his ordination.
Mr. Packard was a native of Bridgewater, and son of Jacob and Dorothy (Perkins) Packard. Jacob was son of Solomon, who was son of Zacchens, who was the son of Samuel, the original emigrant, who, with his wife and child, came from Windham, near Hingham, England, in the ship Diligent of Ipswich, with one hundred and thirty-three passengers, John Martin, master, and settled in Hingham, 1638. From Hing- ham, Samuel Packard moved to Bridgewater, and became the ancestor of a numerous family in that town and elsewhere. Asa was graduated at Harvard University, in 1783.
Like many other young men of that day, he entered into the Revolutionary service. Hle enlisted as a fifer, at the age of six- teen years. In an engagement near Haerlem Heights, in 1776, a companion, who had made great boast of his bravery, seized Mr. Packard's fife, and handing him his musket in return, fled to a place of safety-preferring, it would seem, the music he could make with a stolen fife, to that made by the balls of the enemy. Mr. Packard, thus armed, engaged in the conflict, but soon received a wound which nearly proved fatal. The ball entered his back, just above his hip; and though an attempt was made to extract it, yet so severe was the operation, that the surgeon feared he would die in his hands, and so was induced to desist. A severe illness followed in consequence, and when sufficiently recovered, he left the army and returned home, and commenced a course of studies preparatory to entering college.
The ball he received was never extracted, but remained in his back during his life. Mr. Packard was a man of great facetiousness, and often alluded in pleasantry to the circum- stance of his having fought and bled for his country. He once in a merry cirele said : " I bear about in my body a weighty testimonial of my bravery." To which a jovial companion replied, "I think, from the position of the wound, our hero must have been playing a retreat." " Playing a retreat," said
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Mr. Packard ; "I had a musket in my hand, and was found skillful as a grenadier." "I think," rejoined the other, " our friend must have been skilled in the motion-' to the right about face'-and must have performed it when he received his wound." The joke was appreciated and enjoyed by Mr. Pack- ard as much as by any of the company.
Mr. Packard married, July 2, 1790, Nancy Quincy, daughter of Josiah Quincy, of Braintree, with whom he lived more than half a century. They had six children .* Frederick Adol- phus was graduated at Harvard, 1814, studied law and com- menced practice at Springfield. In 1829, removed to Phila- delphia, and took the editorial charge of the publications of the American Sunday School Union. In 1847, was elected President of Girard College. He resides at Philadelphia.
Mr. Packard was a man of sprightly talent, and was noted for his readiness rather than for his profundity. He had great conversational powers, and was remarkable for his eccentricity. His sermons were practical rather than doctrinal, and more dis- tinguished for happy descriptions of life and manners, than for connected views of gospel truths. He was liberal in his theo- logical opinions-belonging to what was denominated the Arminian school. As Unitarianism developed itself in Massa- chusetts, he was considered as coinciding with that class of his brethren ; though later in life, his sentiments are supposed to have undergone some change.
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