USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Northfield > History of the town of Northfield, Massachusetts : for 150 years, with an account of the prior occupation of the territory by the Squakheags : and with family genealogies > Part 33
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No mention is made of a school on the west side of the river till 1775, when 20 shillings was appropriated for a school at the south farms on that side ; and in 1780 Moses Dickinson, Titus Dickinson and Nathan Prindle were allowed to have their proportion of the school money for a school among themselves.
From 1780 to 1792, 60 pounds was usually raised for schools ; in the latter year it was increased to 80 pounds.
In some years the town voted " to hire a master to instruct in reading, writing and singing, for one month in addition to the usual winter school.
A new Church in Hinsdale. August 14, 1763, Capt. Orlando Bridg- man, Peter Evens and wife, Thomas Taylor and wife were dismissed from the church in Northfield " to lie in the foundation of the church in Hinsdale."
LOGS FOR SHIP TIMBER .- The Indians had not burnt over the country above West river ; and the meadows in Putney and vicinity were covered with a magnificent growth of yellow pines. As early as 1732 parties were sent hither by New London merchants to cut mast timber. Enough to load a vessel was floated down in the spring of '33 ; and at one time that season there were 70 men in the woods at Great Meadow cutting and preparing another ship load. After the new Province line was run, the New Hampshire authorities claimed all this timber as within their jurisdiction. In 1763, im- mense numbers of logs broke away in the spring freshet, and lodged on the meadows in the different towns on the river. The inhabit- ants and the town authorities took possession of these logs, and re- sisted the agents of Gov. Wentworth, who were sent to reclaim them. In April of this year, 266 logs were seized by the selectmen
318
History of Northfield.
of Northfield within the town limits. There was a fierce conten- tion ; and it is not known which party kept possession.
SINGING .- This part of religious worship had an important place in the Sabbath services, in our fathers' time. And as few, except the pastor and deacons had books, it was customary to " deacon " or " line " the psalm ; i. e. after the minister had read the psalm or hymn, the senior deacon would rise, face the congregation, and read off the first line, which would then be sung ; then the second line, which would be sung ; and so on to the end of the psalm. As most of the psalms had six or eight stanzas, the time occupied was consi- derable -or would be thought so, now.
The practice of " lining the psalm," which was one of the che- rished prerogatives of the deacon's office, was abolished in this town at a comparatively early date, as the following vote will show :
Jan 11, 1770, The town voted, " That hereafter the singers shall sing altogether without the deacon's reading the psalm line by line, except at the Lord's table, when the deacon is to read, and at no other time ; this to begin the first Sabbath in March next."
At the same meeting it was voted to choose a committee to make the hind seats in the front gallery into four pews for the convenient seating of the singers. And in November, Mr. Seth Hastings was hired one month, to teach the youth of Northfield the art of singing.
Saw-mill. In 1763 or '64 Capt. Samuel Hunt built a saw-mill on the first Salmon brook (now in Vernon Vt.).
POTASH HOUSE .- At a meeting in 1765, the town voted to allow Seth Field and others to put up a potash house in the south lane, by Nehemiah Wright's home-lot. This house was set on what was afterwards known as the second 6 X 12 lot. The ashes were bought of the villagers and farmers, at 8d. per bushel ; and the great con- sumption of wood in the open fire-places of those days, yielded a large amount of ashes, which thus became a source of considerable income. The company commenced boiling in October, and continued through the cold season, or as long as the stock lasted. The potash was in part consumed in the town and vicinity ; and the balance was sent to Boston. In '67, the potash sent to Boston brought £34 18s. 9d ; cost of freight £6 6s. 4d. In '68 the net loss of the works to the partners was £1 3s. od. If. each. In '69 the net profit to each partner was £o 6s. 3d. 3f. The business was carried on for many years ; and with varying results.
1771. The town was fined for neglecting to send a representative to the General Court.
Matters of Interest.
319
Polls and Estates, Northfield 1771.
Polls.
Dw. Ho.
Polls.
N = = | Dw. Ho.
Polls.
- | Dw. Ho.
Jonathan Belding,
Reuben Wright,
-
Elias Bascom,
2
Jonathan Belding Jr.,
David Wright,
1
Medad Pomeroy,
Ebenezer Field Jr.,
Zebediah Stebbins,
George Field,
Martha Dickinson,
Benjamin Wright,
Rufus Field,
Nathan Fisk,
Joseph Stebbins,
I
I
Seth Field,
I
1
Oliver Taylor,
I
William Field,
I
Eleazar Stratton,
I
I
Benoni Dickinson,
I
I
Mary Wright,
I
Hezekiah Stratton,
2
I
Alexander Norton,
2
Elisha Stebbins,
1
Ebenezer Severance,
Elihu Lyman,
I
I
Shammah Pomeroy,
1
I
Ebenezer Severance Jr.,
I
Aaron Burt,
2
I
Eleazar Stratton,
I Reuben Petty,
Simeon Lyman,
I
Philip Mattoon,
I
- Reuben Smith,
-
Elisha Smith,
Samuel Smith,
2
I
Pedajah Field, Hophni King,
I
I
John Larrabee,
I
Samuel Field, Paul Field,
2
1
Benjamin Miller,
I
Titus Dickinson,
I
Joshua Lyman,
I
I
Aaron Whitney, John Brown,
I
Lucius Doolittle,
I
I
Ebenezer Field,
2
-
Moses Stockwell,
I
I
Samuel Root,
4
I
Moses Field,
I
I John Moffatt,
I
I
Simeon Alexander,
3
I Phinehas Wright,
2
I Bradford Newcomb,
-
I
Seth Lyman,
I
Eliphas Wright,
I
John Farrar,
1
Abner Wright,
I
Joanna Holton,
-
William Askey,
Stephen Belding,
Samuel Holton,
I
1
Gad Corse,
Ebenezer Harvey,
1
1
Elijah Mattoon,
I
I
Samuel Merriman Jr., John Allen,
-
Eleazar Pomeroy,
I
2
Ebenezer Janes,
I
Asahel Stebbins,
1
Oliver Wright,
I
I
Noah Munn,
3
I Cyrus Stebbins,
I
Abraham Parkhurst,
I
William Holton,
2
I
Israel Warner,
Samuel Warner,
I
I
Benjamin Brooks,
2
I George Robbins,
I
Elisha Hunt,
I
I
Lemuel Holton,
I
Eleazar Holton,
Oliver Watriss,
I
I
Samuel Merrriman,
I
I
I
I
Eldad Wright,
I
2
James Lyman,
I
1
Samuel Mattoon,
2
I
John Holton,
3
I
Oliver Smith,
I
I
I
Moses Dickinson,
Thomas Alexander,
I
I
Elijah Holton,
Number of rateable polls, 106 ; not rateable, 10. Number of dwelling houses, 65. Alexander Norton had a tan house ; Simeon Alexander a blacksmith's shop ; Elias Bascom a clothier's shop and saw-mill ; Aaron Whitney a store ; Stephen Belding and Ebenezer Janes grist mills, and Jona. Belding a saw-mill. Paul Field was taxed for one slave. The number of horses 3 years old and over was 107 ; oxen 4 years old 131 ; cows 3 years old 220 ; sheep I year old 437 ; barrels of cider made 168 ; acres of tillage land 1268 ; bushels of corn grown 7701 ; acres of English mowing 251 ; tons of English hay 354.
Warning persons out of town. The custom prevailed at this date throughout the province, of " warning out of town " all transient per- sons, and all who did not purchase real estate, and all strangers not vouched for by some inhabitant. When a stranger moved into town
-
3
320
History of Northfield.
to reside, the person into whose family or tenement he came, was required to give notice to the selectmen, of the name of such stranger or strangers, the place whence he came, his pecuniary circumstances and the date of his coming to town. The selectmen would then, at their discretion, allow him to remain, or order him to be " warned and cautioned as the law directs." A person so warned was pre- vented from gaining a settlement, and the town escaped liability for his support. The process implied nothing against the character of the individual or family ; and it often happened that such warned per- sons eventually became honored and wealthy citizens. The following warrant, which was served upon the parties named, will show the intent and manner of the warning :
" Hampfhire ss :
To Reuben Wright conftable of the town of Northfield in fd county of Hampfhire, Greeting : Whereas sundry persons herein mentioned, lately came into and do now refide in the town of Northfield (where they are not inhabit- ants freeholders or proprietors) to the hurt and damage of [ª town, viz : Abraham Parker of Richmond in New Hampshire, and Hannah his wife, and Abraham Jun., Hannah Jun., John, Solomon, David, Ruth and Betty Parker, minors, all fons and daughters of the above named Abraham and Hannah Parker; and Edward Lyman Tiffany of Lebanon in Connecticut, Thomas Richardfon of Chefhire in New Hampshire, and William Afkey fuppofed to be a deferter from the regular Troops : And whereas the town of Northfield may be obliged to be at charge for the relief and fupport of the above named perfons, by their refiding in fª town until they become proper inhabitants of the fame, in cafe they or either of them fhall ftand in need ;
Now to prevent the fame
You are hereby required in his Majefty's name forthwith to notify and warn the above named perfons, to depart and leave the fd town of Northfield, within the fpace of fourteen days from the day of fd warning, if they would avoid being conveyed away by warrants from the proper authorities, to their refpective towns or regiment'; and that they nor either of them return back again or obtrude themfelves upon the town of Northfield by refiding within the fame, left they be proceeded againft as vagabonds. Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant and your doings thereon into the next Court of Quarter Seffions.
Dated at Northfield, Jan. 22, 1771. PHINEHAS WRIGHT Selectmen SIMEON LYMAN
EBENEZER JANES
of Northfield.
In the year 1790, 25 families were thus warned, many of whom purchased real estate, and became citizens, and their descendants are now among our best people. In '92, 6 families ; and in '93, 16 families or individuals received warning. .
321
Matters of Interest.
THE PEMBROKE FARM AND HACK'S GRANT .- Dec. 16, 1772, the town chose Seth Field Esq. an agent, to present a petition to the General Court, that the fine for not sending a representative be re- mitted : Also for a grant of the 250 acres of country land within the town limits : Also that 500 acres of land granted to the town of Pem- broke and laid out adjoining to the town of Northfield, and 150 acres granted to William Hack, be annexed to Northfield.
June 23, 1773, an act was passed for annexing the two tracts above named to Northfield ; but no action of the legislature in regard to the country land can be found.
NOXIOUS ANIMALS .- The town offered a bounty of 6 pence for every old crow, and 3 pence for every young crow that should be killed within the town limits. In 1772, bounties were paid as fol- lows: Moses Field, 4 crows ; Oliver Wright, 10; Abraham Ro- berts, 1 ; Cyrus Stebbins, 2; Abner Field, 6; Oliver Watriss, 2 ; Hezekiah Stratton, 2 ; Ebenezer Janes, 5 ; Samuel Holton, I young and Dea. Field 4 young and I old crow.
A bounty of 10 pounds was offered to any inhabitant of North- field, who should kill a grown wolf any where between Miller's river and the Ashuelot, and the east and west bounds of the. town ; and bounties varying from 6 shillings to 4 dollars were offered for wild cats killed within the above named limits.
INDUSTRIES .- Elias Bascom set up a clothier's shop, and a saw- mill as early as 1770. Hophni King the carpenter was in town in '63 ; Ebenezer Walbridge in '66 ; and David Barrett carpenter and wheelwright in '65. Ebenezer Field opened a house of entertain- ment in '71 or '72 ; and Hezekiah Stratton had a tavern at the farms somewhat earlier, perhaps in '63. Aaron Whitney commenced business as a trader here in '70. Eleazar and Josiah Pomeroy had a store some years earlier. Dr. Medad Pomeroy was in practice as a physi- cian in Northfield in '68 and 9, and in the latter year removed to Warwick. Dr. Isaac Hurlburt came in town just before the opening of the Revolutionary war.
CHAPTER XI.
War of the Revolution.
ORTHFIELD as a border town had been so thoroughly schooled in the realities of war, that our people were pre- pared to estimate truly the duties and dangers of the im- pending struggle with the mother country. Hence there was less of violence and turbulence in words and acts when the con- test came, and more tolerance of sentiment between conservatives and patriots, than in the commercial centres and.in some of the interior and the more recently settled towns. There was no hesitancy in discussing grievances, and no backwardness in protesting against the arbitrary measures of the British government ; and when the time came, the sword was cheerfully and promptly taken.
The part borne by Northfield in the war which resulted in the in- dependence of the American colonies, is best exhibited in the action of the town and the men sent into the service of the country.
When the Revenue Act was passed, laying a duty on several arti- cles of luxury and necessity, most of the families in this town, quietly but with singular unanimity, resolved to forego entirely the use of tea, and of foreign calicoes and woolen dress goods, and return to sage and red-root, and the flaxen and woolen homespun stuffs of earlier days. A fair sample of the change in public sentiment and practice is seen in the fact, that in 1771 the number of sheep owned in Northfield was 437 ; and in 1777 the number had increased to 2116. Probably the acreage of flax grown had increased in the same ratio. The spinning wheels were restored to their place in the kitchen ; the looms were repaired ; and the younger girls became ambitious to learn all the mysteries of making and dyeing cloths and bedding.
1774. Sept. 1, Gov. Gage issued his proclamation convening the General Court at Salem Oct. 5. In response, Northfield elected Ens. Phinehas Wright as representative. And notwithstanding the governor revoked his proclamation, Ens. Wright with 90 others met at Salem, organized themselves into a Provincial Congress, and then adjourned to meet at Concord Oct. 11. After a session of three days, they adjourned to Cambridge, and continued their sittings from Oct. 17 to
War of the Revolution. 323
Dec. 10. Mr. Wright was paid by the town £9 12s. 6d. lawful money, for his expenses and time.
At a meeting held in December, the town instructed the assessors not to levy a Province tax, and agreed to indemnify them for any trouble or cost which might ensue from such neglect.
1775. At a town meeting Jan. 13, Mr. Ebenezer Janes was chosen a delegate to the Provincial Congress to be held at Cambridge February first next.
At the same meeting, Dea. Samuel Smith, Ens. Phinehas Wright, Dea. Samuel Root, Ens. Thomas Alexander and Seth Field Esq. were appointed a committee of inspection. And Lieut. Ebenezer Janes and Mr. Aaron Whitney were chosen a committee to receive the donation for the poor at Boston, and transmit the same to the committee at Boston.
It was also voted, " that the selectmen give orders that such of the Minute Men belonging to this town, that are not able to supply them- selves with ammunition for any expedition that they may be called to, be supplied out of the town's stock whenever they shall be called forth."
A company of Minute Men, consisting of 26 belonging to North- field and 25 belonging to Warwick, was organized the preceding au- tumn, and had been in training under Joseph Allen and Gad Corse.
April 3. The town voted to pay 24 shillings to Joseph Allen, and 7 shillings to Gad Corse, for instructing the Minute Men in the mili- tary exercise.
Extract from records of second Provincial Congress : April 5, Voted, That as the present delegate from Northfield, Mr. Ebenezer Janes being sick, and unable to attend, the inhabitants be. desired to add another man to him, in order to a full expression of opinion.
THE LEXINGTON ALARM .- The battle at Lexington was fought April 19 ; and the alarm reached Northfield about noon on the 20th. The long roll was beaten by Elihu Lyman ; and before night Capt. Wright and his Minute Men were on the way to Warwick and Cambridge.
Mufter-Roll of Capt. Eldad Wright's Co. of Minute Men that marched from Northfield and Warwick to Cambridge April y' 20th, 1775, in Col. Samuel Williams's regiment.
Northfield men. Capt. Eldad Wright,
Sergt. Eliphaz Wright,
" Hophini King,
Warwick men.
Lieut. Thomas Rich,
Serg *. Jofeph Mayo, " Abraham Barns,
.
3 24
History of Northfield.
Corp. Seth Peck,
Corp. John Holton, Oliver Smith, Henry Burnet, Daniel Whitney,
Fifer, Cotton Dickinfon,
Drummer, Elihu Lyman,
John Whiting,
Eldad Alexander,
Samuel Denny,
Cyrus Stebbins,
William Pitcher,
Moles Root,
Jotham Merriam,
Jofeplı Allen,
Ifaac Burnet,
Auguitus Belding,
William Burnet,
Ebenezer Petty,
Afahel Newton,
Rufus Carver,
· Simeon Stearns,
Elifha Alexander,
Francis Leonard, .
Luther Fairbanks,
Wilder Stevens, Jonathan Gale,
George Robbins,
Caleb Rich,
Jofeph Fuller,
Stephen Gould,
Barzillai Wood,
Peter Ripley,
Elitha Stebbins,
Gove Stephens,
Benjamin Miller,
John Mayo,
Elijah Rifley,
Jedediah Gould,
Nathan Fifk,
Samuel Griffiths,
William Clemmens,
William Bradley.
David Goodenough,
Rations allowed ; from Northfield, 16 shillings 8 pence per man ; and from Warwick, 15 shillings 6 pence lawful money, to and from the camp. Capt Wright and about half his men were in service 4 weeks and 2 days ; others were out 23 days ; and some returned in a less time.
The townspeople that gathered on the alarm, organized a meeting and chose a committee of correspondence, viz. : Dea. Samuel Smith, Ens. Phinehas Wright, Dea. Samuel Root, Ens. Thomas Alexander and Seth Field Esq.
The following despatch received on the day of its issue will indi- cate the vigilance of the people :
" Montague April 30, 1775.
By this you are informed that there is a Poft fent out from New York to General Gage, with a packet. You are defired to intercept him, or follow him, if any intelligence can be had of him on either fide of the River. His name is Oliver Delarsee ; he is a bluff fat young man, 22 years of age, born in New York, and rides a Dutch trotting horfe. His packet is fupp fed to be configned [for deception] to Mr. Hancock or Adams, or fome other popular gentleman. Pleafe to infpect thofe that may take his packet, and carry it down to Bofton. Infpect taverns, ferries, and all fuspected perfons.
MOSES GUN,
To Com. of Corr. Northfield.
Chair" Com. of Corr.
Thomas Stebbins,
War of the Revolution. 325
May 22. Ensign Phinehas Wright was chosen a delegate " to re- present the town at the Provincial Congress to be holden at Water- town on the 31st day of May instant, and to be continued by adjournment as they shall see cause until the expiration of six months and no longer."
July 14. The town chose Ens. Phinehas Wright representative to serve at the General Court to be held at Watertown on the 19th of July instant.
1776. At the annual meeting, March 4, the town chose Col. Phinehas Wright, Dea. Samuel Smith, Seth Field Esq., Dea. Samuel Root, Lieut. Simeon Alexander, committee of correspondence, in- spection and safety. Voted, that said committee keep a fair record of all their proceedings. Voted, that the selectmen be impowered to pro- cure spades, pickaxes, etc. according to an act of the General Court, and to draw money out of the town treasury to pay for the same.
In the February preceding a company had been recruited at North- field and vicinity, and had made choice of Thomas Alexander as captain. The first of March this company was ordered to join the ex- pedition against Canada.
Mufter-Roll of Capt. Thomas Alexander's Company.
Capt. Thos. Alexander, Samuel Dean,
John Dewey,
Lı. Peter Bifhop,
Reuben Sheldon,
James Whalen,
" Noadiah Warner,
Richard Lucas,
Charles Campbell,
" Jacob Pool,
Charles Carter,
Malachi Wilfon,
Ens. Abner Nims,
Uriah Weeks,
Obadiah Wells,
Serg& John Hendrick, Hazel Ranfom,
Ezekiel Folter,
" Mofes Watkins,
Philip Maxwell,
Ezra Folter,
" Arad Sheldon,
William Clark,
Nath1 Brown Dodge,
" John Ball,
Jonathan Robbins,
Levi Prutt,
Corp. Barth. Bartlett,
Ephraim Potter,
Quartus Alexander,
Jacob Town,
Moles Cook,
Timothy Force,
Jeduthan Morfe,
Drummer, Jas. Warren, John Beaman,
Charles Hutfon, Edw. Skinner, Jonathan Gleafon,
Afa Barton, Silas Town,
George Wilfon,
Ephraim Town,
Ebenezer Petty,
George Robbins,
Ebenezer Scott,
Samuel Goodale,
Jofeph Allen, Cephas Sheldon,
Elijah Town,
John Ranfom,
Samuel Marth,
Simon Leonard,
Stephen Ralph or Rolph,
Jofiah Gaylord,
Hophni Rider,
Lemuel Martendale,
Eben' Mariendale,
Elias Parmenter,
Francis Mun.
Joab Belding,
Lemuel Roberts,
Elnathan Pritchard,
-
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History of Northfield.
Capt. Alexander kept a Diary for a part of the time he was out. This and his petition to the General Court, furnish important mate- rials for a history of this unfortunate expedition.
" March ye 6th, 1776. Then I marched from Northfield with a number of men to Hadley 26 miles, for the expedition to Canada, and tarried there till the 12th, and then marched to Williamfburg, and put up at Fairfield's. 13th, marched to Worthington and lay at Miller's one day. 15th, we marched to Eaft Hoofuck to Mr. Wright's. 16th, marched 6 miles to Mr. Jones's. 17th, marched to Bennington, 15 miles and lay there one day. 19th, marched to Shafts- bury to Mr. Galufha's ; from thence to Arlington to Mr. Halley's. 20th, marched thro' a corner of Sunderland and then into Manchefter to Mr. French's ; from thence to Mr. Kent's at Dorfet. 21ft, marched to Eaftman's in Rupert, and thro' Paulet, and to Merriman's in Wells. 22d, we marched from Wells to Poultney and Caftleton 14 miles. 23d, marched from Caftleton to Hubbardfton 9 miles. 24th, marched from thence to Sudbury to Mr. Morfe's 9 miles, then to Mr. Earl's in Shoreham 12 miles to Shoreham Lake. 25th, marched thence acrofs the Lake to Ticonderoga. 29th, marched from thence to a point of land 5 miles, and there encamped. 30th, marched to Crown Point 10 miles.
April 14th, failed from Crown Point and lodged at Bafon harbor. 15th, failed and lodged at Cumberland head. 16th, failed to Saint Johns and lodged there, the whole is 120 miles, and I ftayed there.
April 17th, Major Butterfield, Capt. Eafterbrooks and. Capt. Wilkins came to St. Johns. April 18th, Capt. Shaw arrived at St. Johns from the Point.
April 19th, Colonel Porter, Capt. Lyman and Capt. Shepard came to St. Johns.
April 21ft, I failed from St. Johns and joined the regiment at Shamblee. 22d, failed for Quebec. 23d, failed 9 miles down the River Lapare to the mouth. 24th, we failed 19 leagues down the St. Lawrence, and at Three Rivers I left Lieut. Pool and 25 men. 25th, we failed to P- 16 leagues, and lay there one day. 27th, we failed and landed at Salary ? and marched from thence 4 miles to Head quarters at Quebeck.
May 2d, General Thomas came to Quebeck, and Friday the 3d Capt. Ba- con, Capt. Lyman, Capt. Shepard and inyfelf went from Quebeck to Point a trumble and arrived there the 4th. The 5th, got into quarters ; the 6th, our men retreated from Quebeck. It was from the 7th to the 13th before I ar- rived at Sorell, being all fick with the fmall pox, and I went up the river Sor- ell 6 miles to a place called Santtane ? and there abode with my men from the 13th to the 23d ; and the 23d I had orders to go up to Shamblee, where we arrived the 25th at night, and remained there to the 5th day of June. June 5th, the colonel had orders to fail from Shamblee to Sorell, with Capt. Chapin, Capt. Bacon, Capt. Lyman, Capt. Shepard and myfelf.
June the 2d, which is Sunday, General Thomas died, and was buried in the afternoon.
June 6th, we arrived at Sorell. The 8th I went on the main guard, and the fhipping at the Three Rivers began to fire early in the morning at our men who
327
War of the Revolution.
were ordered to take poffeffion of Three Rivers, and the enemy by land at- tacked them in the front, and our men fought on a retreat. Our force engaged confifted of 2000 ; the enemy of 5 or 6000. We were in the utmoft concern left ours had fallen into the hands of the enemy ; but Monday the 10th, we had refreshing news that our men were returning to the camp. And the fame day at night Colonel Maxfield came into the camp with a large party of the men, and 'tis fuppofed that there was not more than 20 men iniffing. General Thompfon is taken. June 14th, the whole army decamped from Sorell to go to Shamblee. Thofe of us that were in the bateaux failed in the night ; and when we had got within a league and a half of Shamblee we heard that the fort was befet by the enemy. But it proved a miftake ; and when we got there we went to drawing the ftores over the Rapids. The 16th 17th we did the fame. The 17th, we left Shamblee in flames and marched to St. Johns and camped there ; and the 18th we failed to Ifle-au-noix, and left St. Johns in flames. On the 21ft one of our boats went down towards St. Johns to a French houfe to drink beer, and the enemy came on them and killed one captain and one en- fign and two privates, and took feven prifoners. The 26th which is Wednef- day, we failed from Ifle-au-noix to the Ifle of Mot, which is 21 miles, and there lay, the whole army being collected in order to go to Crown Point. Friday which is the 28th, we failed for Crown Point, and lay at Cumberland head"; and the 29th we failed to Schiler's Ifland, and lay there. Sunday the 30th we failed to Gillolan's Creek. July 11t, we failed to Crown Point and there en- camped. July 5th, Sergt Francis Mun, John Ranfom and Charles Carter difcharged. July 9th, Timothy Force was difcharged. July 16th, the news arrived at head-quarters that the Congrefs had declared Independence. Day of rejoicing that. The colonel invited all his officers to his tent, and gave them a treat at the hearing of the news.
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