USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Princeton > History of the town of Princeton in the county of Worcester and commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1759-1915, Volume I > Part 19
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History of Princeton
1782. Among the warrants drawn on the treasurer 8 to Sadey Mason for two pairs of Stockings for the Army 12 Joseph Eveleth for three shirts I.2
Humfrey Moore for a horse for the Army 9.10
1782. Eph. Hartwell & Timothy Ruggles officers at Rutland Bar- racks for themselves and the Guards Oct. 20, '79 to Apl. 20 '80 peti- tioned for extra pay and allowance.
"Which was the most vigorous and severe winter ever known in this Part of America, by Means of which Severity said officers & Guards were often destitute of the common necessaries of Life except Beef & Rice & were obliged often to furnish themselves with wood by draw- ing it by hand from a considerable Distance, &c."
1783, Jan. Lt. Col. Benj. Holden petitioned Legislature for compensation on acct. of depreciation in value of money he having been taken prisoner Nov. 16, 1776, at Fort Washington & recd. his pay a long time after exchange.
1783, July. Delinquent towns which have not procured their quotas of beef required by law 1781 &c. there were 3 calls.
Princeton filled Ist & 2nd but was deficient on 3rd 49 (?) valued at 8
16.4.
1808. Paid Sam Stevenson for 100 weight Powder & five tin kittles for use of town $44.26
18II. Voted to buy 100 knapsacks.
1812. Old demands due town including class rates, notes of H. Gale and Committee to buy Soldiers &c. stricken out of Treasurer's account
1814. Samuel Richardson & Charles Gregory from the East Company Jasen Woodward & Wm Johnson from the West Company were detached from the Militia & ordered to service marching to Northboro Aug. 1, 1814. Oliver Davis took Mr. Woodward's place. Samuel Richardson sent Willard Houghton as substitute.
Charles Gregory and Wm Johnson received grants of bounty land in recognition of their military service.
1814, Nov. 7. Voted to J. M., S. R., W. J., & C. G. $36. each additional sum to the wages of the soldiers detatched in July last
1830-40 One Company called Slam-bangs Capt. Smith, Temple, Dana, Osgood "Independent Co." Capt. John Whitney - I. Hartwell.
An Acct of Sundry Articles lost on Charlestown Hills 17th June 1775 by Capt. John Jones Company. Col. Eph™ Doolittle's Regt. Daniel Haws wounded lost his Cartridge box £ o.4
Jabez Gerould wounded lost his Gun 2.8
Jabez Maynard Samuel Temple, Ichabod Farrington
& Joseph Bailey lost each a Blanket 12/p Blanket 2.8
Jonas (Jesse ?) Fisher a Bayonet 0.6
Curtis Fowle a Sword .12
£ 5.18
Errors Excepted
Attested John Jones Capt.
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Military History
The Captain certifies that "they fought on Bunker's Hill on the 17th of June & fought courageously, but unfortunately lost the articles mentioned."
The following is a Return of the hire & bounty which has been ad- vanced by the Town of Princeton for the purpose of hiring men for the Army for the term of three years, which were Required by a Resolve of the General Court of the 2nd of Decem™ 1780 -
To Levi Parker
£ 30.0. hard money
To James Thomson
30.0.
To Ephr™ Norcross
30.0.
To Sam' Ball
30.0.
To Benja Stearns
30.0.
To Thomas Rowan
30.0.
To James Rowan
30.0.
To John Rowan
30.0.
£ 240
And to each of the above mentioned Soldiers Twelve three year Old Cattle estimated at £6.o. Each which Amounts to £576.0.0 To Jonas Beaman One hundred hard Dollars and thirteen three year Old Cattle Estimated at £6. Each £78.0 hard money 30.
£ 108.
Also the Eight Soldiers first mentiond are Entitled to one horned Creature three years Old, Each, by Agreement of the Committee although it is not mentiond in their Receipts.
which Amounts to £48.0. hard money
Also the Abovessd Encouragement in Cash was Engaged to be sent to Camp to the Soldierz, at Two Different times, which Journeys we Estimate at £50
The whole Cost Amounts to £1022.0.0
Errorz Excepted
The above men are averag'd
Benja Holden
Selectmen of
on the whole cost which is £113:11.12 each
Sadey Mason
Boaz Moore
Princeton
Worc. S. S. July 3 1781. the above named Benja Holden Sady Mason & Boaz Moore Came before me and make Oath to the Truth of the above account Moses Gill Justice Peace
Princeton July 4th 1781 -
The original receipts Signed by these Soldiers are on file
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History of Princeton
LETTER OF CAPT. JOHN JONES TO HIS WIFE MARY IN PRINCETON.
See facsimile framed in Princeton Library.
Cambridge Apr. 22, 1775
Loving Wife.
There was a hot Battle fought Between the Regulars that march'd to Concord and our People on Wednesday the 19 of this Instant in which many on both sides were slain (but most of the Enimies) as we heard before we march'd. As we marched to Con- cord we were often Inform'd that the Enemy had marched from Boston a second time & had got as far as Lincoln - we hurried on as fast as Possible Expecting to meet them in Concord, but when we arrived there we were Informed that they had Return from their first engagement to Charleston - from which they are gone to Boston - we are now Stationed in one of ye Colleges as are many more of ye Army - all in good health Through ye Divine goodness and hope for the Blessing of Heaven. In ye first Combat among those that were slain were Lieut. John Bacon of Needham two Mills's. Nat. Chamb'n and two others from Needham, Elias Haven from Springfield.
If you have an Oppertunity you may send Brother Hapgood a Shirt and a Pair of stockings. - Tis uncertain when we shall Return may we all be enabled to Repent and to turn to our God that he may save us from Ruin.
I am with the Greatest Respect your
Affectionate & Loving Husband till Death John Jones
N.B. My Best Love to Brother Jones & Children - Let us all be Patient & Remember that it is ye hand of God.
Capt. Moore has Sold his flaxseed but if you apply in season you may get some of Mr. Wood.
Captain Jones remained in the army some time, and died at Crown Point on that memorable day, July 4, 1776, aged 33.
TO THE COUNCIL
"The petition of Joseph Tame, Thos. Mitchell, James Ellis, James Lack, James Arch, Benj. White of Brittain, and James Stuart native of Ireland. -
Humbly Sheweth. - That your Petioners desended from Credible Parents, and was Provided with such an Education as the nature of their station would admit of. That through unexperience in age and the arts of Designing men they ware Hurried into the service of the King of Great Brittian, and came to Quebec and was Captavated with Troops under the Command of General Burgoyne and marched down to Cambridge agreeable to the Stipulation with General Gates.
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Military History
That your Petitioners soon found the service not only dis- agreeable to them but founded in principles both cruel and unjust, and Therefore determined to leave the service and actually took the first favorable opportunity to quit a station they could no longer hold with satisfaction to their own minds, and have been resident in Princeton in the County of Worcester for near Two years, in all which Time they hope their Conduct has been such as to merit the esteem of their worthy Neighbors. That your Petitioners are detirmined by leave from your Honour8 to become Inhabitants of this State and are willing to be Sub- jected to all the rules and orders thereof and willing to take up arms in Defence thereof when called thereto by lawful Authority.
Your petitioners Therefore most humbly prays that they may be admitted to take the oath of allegiance and fidelity to These States and by an act of Government be made the Naturelized Subjects thereof, subject to all the rules and enjoy all the ad- vantages arising therefrom agreeable to their most earnest wish as it will Confirm them in A Happy Situation and Prevent their being put to Death if they should be obliged to return and your Petitioners as in duty Bound shall ever Pray.
his . Joseph X Tame mark Thomas Mitchell of Brittian
James Lack
James Arch James Ellis Benjamin White 1 of Ireland
James Stuart
Jan. 24, 1780.
The Selectmen of Princeton endorsing this petition stated, "they have for a Considerable time been Resident in this place, and for ought we know, have Conducted themselves agreeable to what is set forth in the within Petition, and have been Recom- mended by the persons with whom they Reside to be industrious persons and no strollers, and have Conducted themselves pru- dently in General." The Council ordered "that they be per- mitted to reside in the Town of Princeton and to follow their several occupations and to remain there till the further order of Council - They engaging to be of good behavior in the mean Time."
Mr. Lack and Mr. Arch remained in town several years, and Mr. Ellis became a permanent resident. He was a manufacturer of door latches, which were stamped with the initials I. E. Joseph Baker was also one of the 300 Burgoyne Soldiers who escaped. He married and lived for nearly forty years on the C. S. Mirick place, raised a family of five children, removing to Guilford, N. Y. in 1827. (See page 8, vol. II.)
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History of Princeton
1791. "Account of the Town Stock of Ammunition,
At M' Paul Matthews 100 lb Powder 150 lb Lead.
At Dean Hows 114 lb Lead 80 flints
At Maj" Jnº Mathews - Powder - Lead - Flints." (Town Records)
Muster Roll of Capt And'w Whitney's Company, May 6, 1794
Capt. An'w Whitney
Corpl. Solomon P. Parker
Lieut. Stephen Mirick
John Mirick
Ensign Eb'r Hobbs
Samuel Richardson
Sargt. Henery Printis
Amos Sargant
William Everit
Daniel Cheevors
Hoten Osgood
Eliphas Coplin
Drum Ezra Hastings John Everit
Isaac Rice
Fifer Moses Gould
Ephraim Keys
Joshua Everit, Jr.
Jesse Sawing
John Brooks
John Bartlett
Quincy Parker
James Brown
Samuel Mirick
Thoma Wymon
- Jones
Artemas Willard
John Roper
John Hunt
June 1794 The Selectmen "discharged from the roll Obadiah Thacher on account of his being a miller"
(Company Records)
1794. Sept 24
"Voted that in Case the minute men viz .:
Lieut Asa Brigham 2 Cor1 John Fisher
Sert William Everet Sert Houghton Osgood
Aaron Willard
Ephraim Davis
Soloman Wilson
Nathaniel Hastings
Aaron Livermore
Caleb Mirick
David Hoyt
Benjamin Harrington
George Hogney
John Brooks
Levi Harris
Charles Mirick
Josiah Richardson
Theophilus Eveleth
Joel Newton
William Whitteker Jur
Joel Holden
Viah Franklin
Elijah Wilds Nathan Munroe
Should be Called upon to March that the Town will agment their Continental wages to such sumes as are useally given by the ajasants Town for such Services."
(Town Records)
1798. Septer. "Voted that the Selectmen provide a suitable Chest made of Boards one and one Quarter thick with a sufficient Lock on the same Large enough to contain the town Stock of Ammunition and that they lay a floor in the Herse House, and deposit the Chest and Ammunition therein under a Lock as soon as may be."
(Town Records)
West Company
John Herris
Corpl. Caleb Mirick, Jr. Benjamin Herrington
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Military History
1799. May 6. "Voted that the Selectmen cause a number of Cartridges sufficient to equipt each training Soldier to be made at the expense of the town, out of the Powder & balls Provided by the town."
18II. May 6 Voted "for Knapsacks to be bought & Delivered to Com- manding officer of each Company for use of soldiers on days of Training & returned at night."
How I Found Oliver Mosman
In my endeavor to learn what became of the Revolu- tionary soldiers who went from Princeton, I spent several months looking for some hint of Oliver Mosman, examin- ing every book I thought might bring information about him; this was without avail until one day I was glancing at the books on the shelves of a certain library, when I was attracted to the title of a bibliography of Bunker Hill. This proved to be a publication of Mr. Hunnewell's of Charleston, which included the names of all the books known to him, referring to the battle of Bunker Hill. In this volume I found to my surprise, the title of a pamphlet, Bunker Hill Battle, by Oliver Mosman, indicated as being in the possession of the Congressional Library. Upon application to the library I found the book was missing, altho it is said to have been found. I felt very sure this must be our Oliver Mosman. I could not think it probable that there were in this battle two of the same name. so my next efforts were directed to finding a copy of it. I wrote to a business acquaintance at Watertown, N. Y., suggesting that he might find some one who was interested in it, among his friends at Sacketts' Harbor. The place of publication was located near his residence. I soon received the reply that he had given my letter to someone who would probably give the information desired. To my surprise I found he had put the letter into the hands of the grandson of Oliver Mosman. From the letter I received particulars of Mr. Mosman's life, family, and death at Henderson, N. Y. He also sent me for examination, a printed copy of the pamphlet, of which there appeared to be only four copies extant.
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History of Princeton
Repeated efforts have been made to purchase a copy, without success. Lately, one James J. Mosman, of Chicago, connected with the family, has proposed giving one to the Princeton library. Thus ended a long search for some information about the man. There is no doubt this is the Princeton Mosman, as he makes the statement in his book that he was born in Princeton in 1760. Later I attempted to identify the place where he lived. I knew the Mosmans' lived somewhere in the neighborhood of Mayhew's farm. Of this farm I was anxious to trace the boundaries.
On finding reference in the deed, to a wall in the brook I had curiosity to see what could be found in the vicinity. With a friend, I went to the supposed location, and to my surprise I found the brook, running on the course indicated by the deed, and an intersecting wall running at a right angle with a pier supporting the two walls. The course of the walls remaining in that vicinity were just what was needed to enable me to trace without difficulty the bound- aries of Mayhew's farm. The remains of an old cellar hole and door stone led me to wonder whether the old Morsman house was found, but with this I could prove nothing.
The Shays Rebellion. - How many Princeton men were openly engaged in this movement we have no means of determining, but there is no doubt that a large number of the inhabitants were in sympathy with the object, while a few were prominent among the leaders.
Of the latter were Captain Abraham Gale, Henry Gale, Lieutenant Joseph Sargent, and Norman Clark, all of whom had seen service during the Revolution. Among those equally in sympathy, but not so prominent, were David Rice, Soloman Rice, and Jacob Morse among the " Insurgents," and many others, some of them holding important positions in the town government, who could not consistently say that they had been " on the side of the Government during the unhappy tumult." No one now doubts that all had equally the good of the people in view
247
Military History
however much their judgment as to methods of relief may be questioned.
Capt. Abraham Gale, was in command of one com- pany of " regulators " and marched from Princeton to Worcester with sixty men on the 21st of November, 1786, " to prevent the Courts from doing business." This pro- ceeding identified him with the leaders of the movement, which position he maintained for several months.
He was with Shays and his followers at Pelham, Feb. 3, and when they took flight, he was wounded by a kick from the horse of Shays and was unable to proceed. He, who- ever, overtook them at Warwick and was of the number who escorted Shays beyond the bounds of the State.
In 1787, a warrant was issued for his arrest, but he had the good fortune to escape capture .* Subsequently he took
* Worcester Ss the Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
To the sheriffs of the county of Worcester his under sheriff or Deputy or either of the Constables of the town of Princeton in the said county of Worcester -
Because Abraham Gale late of Princeton in the County of Worcester, on the second day of April in the year of our Lord 1787 before me Ephriam Wood- son Esq., one of the Justices of the peace for the said county of Worcester acknowledged that he was indebted to John Russell of Princeton in the County of Worcester trader in the sum of fourteen shillings and eleven pence which he ought to have paid on the second day of April last and there now appears to be due the sum of fourteen shillings and eleven pence
We command you therefore that of the goods chattels or real estate of said Gale within your precinct you cause to be paid and satisfied unto the said Russell at the value thereof in money above mentioned the aforesaid sum of fourteen shillings and eleven pence together with eleven shillings and eleven pence cost of process and one shilling and eight pence for this writ and therefor also to satisfy yourself your own lawful fees and for want of goods chattels or real estate of said Gale to be found within your precinct to the acceptance of said Russell, to satisfy the sums aforesaid and your said fees,
we command you to take the body of the said Gale and him commit unto our Gaol in our county of Worcester aforesaid these to be detained in the said Gaol until he pay the full sums above mentioned with your said fees or that the said Gale be discharged by the said Russell the creditor, or otherwise by order of law Hereof fail not and make return of this writt with your doings therein unto the above named Ephr™ Woolson within ninety days next coming.
Witness to said Ephraim Woolson at Princeton the twenty second day of May in the year of our Lord 1787.
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History of Princeton
the oath of allegiance, and soon after removed to New Hampshire.
Warrants were also issued for the arrest of Norman Clark, who lived in the west part of the town near the Gales's, and for Lt .- Col. Joseph Sargent, whose tavern was the resort of many sympathizers, but both successfully eluded the officers.
Captain Henry Gale was not as fortunate as the others, perhaps because he was more bold in his movements, or made no attempt at concealment, though he is reported as saying that he was fearful the " light horse " would capture him. We are, however, inclined to think that the arrest of Henry alarmed his brother Abraham and the others above- named, giving them time to escape.
In 1775, Mr. Gale was living at Ward (Auburn), from whence at the Lexington alarm he marched to Cambridge. He also served in the army in 1777, participating in the victory over Burgoyne's forces. About 1778, he removed to Princeton, where he attained a good social position, and identified himself with the affairs of the town. He is said to have been a man of good education, well informed, and " after the close of the Revolution joined heartily in the discussions of the day, how an independent but bankrupt State might be galvanized into life, and a circulating medium in the shape of money established."
In the earliest movements of the " Regulators " of Worcester County, he was conspicuous and assumed com- mand of a company composed in a great measure of his neighbors and friends, marching into Worcester in Sep-
The town record further shows that in addition to the original debt of £o, 148, IId there was added cost of process, cost of this writ, Justices' fees, Appraisers' fees, and Sheriff's fees, £2, 28, 8d.
It required the services of Ephraim Woolson, lawyer, for the swearing of two appraisers, Michael Gill, Esq., and Capt. John Watson, and Michael Gill swore in Ephraim Woolson, Esq. Woolson was chosen by Russell and Michael Gill and John Watson by the Deputy Sheriff Elisha Allen. (They were re- ferred to as "three Disinterested and Discret men being freeholders.") They "set off" to said Russell seven feet and one third of a foot of a pew in the meeting house, next to the part previously set off to John Dana.
Vol. 2, Page 41, 42 Town Records.
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Military History
tember, 1786, and taking possession of the grounds about the Court house.
We have no positive statement as to his whereabouts until the following January, but it is probable that he returned to Princeton, keeping up, however, communica- tion with Shays and his men, and often visiting neighboring towns where there were many sympathizers. From the testimony of many of his acquaintances it, appears that he was convinced of the error of his ways, and would have gladly put himself right with the Government but for the influence of some of his associates, although it is somewhat questionable whether this change occurred until the tide of popular feeling had turned in favor of the authorities.
On Sunday, the 29th of January, as we learn from the statement of his neighbor, Captain Boaz Moore, he re- turned to Princeton " with a Design not to Join the Insurgents again at Present, and meant to keep about his Business at Home." In pursuance of this commendable purpose, he was present at a town meeting the following Wednesday, February Ist, participating in the business of the hour. But the Sheriff had other plans for Mr. Gale, and upon that day he was arrested and immediately conveyed to Boston and there confined in jail. In April following he petitioned the Governor and Council to be released on bail, which request was at first refused, but on the 12th of April his release was ordered upon giving bonds in the sum of £200. to appear at the next term of the Supreme Judicial Court. It is quite likely that two of his neighbors, Messrs. Thompson and Savage became his sureties, as early in April they visited Boston, for that special purpose, bearing a letter from Judge Gill, commend- ing them as " being amply sufficient security."
The Court convened on the 25th of April, and the trial of Mr. Gale soon after commenced, eminent council being assigned him. We have no record of the testimony given in behalf of the Government, but a portion of that for the defence is preserved and throws some light upon the sub- ject. One witness testified that he heard some of the
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History of Princeton
Insurgents say that " Gale was as good a Government man as any there was."
Testimony of various individuals, about Henry Gale. Phineas Flagg testified.
" That about the twentieth of January last I went to Convince the Insurgents of their Error and persuade them to their Duty, and found Henry Gale, the Late convict, at Capt. Gales at Princeton, and in Conversation found him convinced of his Error and willing to Return to his Duty if a door Could be opened therefor, and wished me to stay till other officers could meet at Hubbardston, at Clark's tavern. Accordingly did so, and found some of the prensiple offercis there, sd Henery still appeared to want to Returne to his Duty I Left them and Returned Home about the 23d. Went again to Princeton found sd Henery at Col. Sergents, went from there to Miricks tavern in sª princeton where finding sª Henery with a number of officers sd Henery said he would signe any paper uncondi- tionaly and said for Gods sake don't Leve us till something is done and said if others would not he would for he would not stay with them. "
Capt. John Holland :
" In December Last on Satterday Evening before the Court of Common Pleas at Worcester that henry Gail of prinston was at my house in Sutton and in Conversation with sd gail he said he wished the people had Not have Rose to stop Courts the Question being asked him Why they Did not all stay at home he said they Ware afraid he was told their was an act of indemnity passed by the General Court he said for his part he should be glad to imbrace it but he was afraid the Light hors would Take him and Abuse him as they Did Capt. Chattuck. On Sundy Evening following I saw the sd henry Gale in Sutton and Adam Wheeler of hubardston and others from hubardston and prinston they Wase then a going to take the ground Round the Court house in Worcester but Gail apered to be vary Loth to go with them they Told him he had better go with them for their is No Safety here for they said if they Did Not git
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Military History
all together they should be taken. gale sd they had better Not go for it was the best way the matter Setled befor they went any further."
Abel Chase testified that at Hubbardston Gale said "it was an unhappy affair " and " wisht it mite be settled and professed he was willing to do anything that mite be thought Resonable to settel the matter " 'it was remarked that Gale apered most sick of the job than any of them."
Some others testified that they believed the only reason " why he did not comply was the unwillingness of the others."
The trial resulted as was probably expected, in his conviction of high treason and rebellion, and on the 11th of May he was sentenced to death, Thursday the 21st of June, being named as the date of his execution. He was re- manded to the jail in Worcester, from which on the 4th of June he sent the following petition for pardon. The paper has the appearance of being written by Mr. Gale himself.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts This Excellency John Hancock, Esq"
Governor and Commander in chief of said Commonwealth; and to the Honourable Council of the Same.
The Petition of Henry Gale of Princeton in the County of Worcester a Convict who is under Sentance of Death in the Goal in Said County
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