USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Shrewsbury > History of the town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1717 to 1829, with other matter relating thereto not before published, including an extensive family register > Part 4
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In regard to Jotham Bush, Benjamin Fiske, and Timothy Ross, we have admitted them to sign the association, and recom- mend to the town to receive them, upon their faithfully promis- ing to do their full and complete proportion of duty to resist and repel the King's troops, &c. The town then
Voted, That the Committee of correspondence forthwith take . from said Morse, his arms, ammunition and warlike implements of all kinds, to remain in said Committee's hands for the present ; and that the said Morse do not pass over the lines of the 2d Par- ish in Shrewsbury, on any occasion whatever, without a permit from two or more of the Committee of said precinct.
Voted, That the Committee of correspondence do forthwith take from William Crawford, his arms, ammunition and warlike implements of all kinds, to be lodged in the hands of said Com- mittee for the present ; and further,
Voted, That said Crawford shall remain within the bounds of his own land, except on Sabbath days, and then not go out of the Parish in which he lives, unless on those and other days, the Committee give him a permit ; this to continue until the town shall further liberate him.
Voted, To accept the acknowledgment of Jotham Bush, Ben- jamin Fiske, and Timothy Ross, and receive them again into favor.
Soon after the peace of 1763, coming events began to cast their shadows over the land, causing anxiety and alarm, while
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through the gloom was seen naught, but impending strife. Our fathers, from their political watch towers, ere its approach, saw the coming tempest, and at once, manfully resolved to seize and guide the elements, rather than shelter themselves from their fury. The crisis soon found them assembled in Provincial Congress, deliberating on the state of the Province, and adopting measures for its defence and safety. There they laid the foundation of those future measures, that led to the downfall of arbitrary power, and resulted in the freedom of the States. Yet but little is pub- licly known, especially by the younger portion of the community, of the preliminary transactions, how they were brought about, the time and place, when and where they were matured, with the attendant circumstances, that led to the emancipation of our country ; all of which are yet, and always will be, interesting ; and were better known through the community in the lifetime of those, who participated in the work ; for with them it was a pleas- ing and prevailing theme of fireside discourse to their listening children. But, our Fathers ! where are they ? Gone. And with them, much of the knowledge, which they, and only they pos- sessed. Even they outlived much of the record of their proceed- ings. A portion of their journal kept at the time, has been pre- served, which, with copies of some of their proceedings, that afterwards found their way into the public prints, with gleanings from old manuscript documents, and other interesting historical matter, relating to the early period of the Revolution, was collated into one volume, and in 1838, 1500 copies printed by order of the Legislature, and distributed among the members of the Court, the Executive and Council, to each of the numerous public offices several copies, and one to each town. So far, well. But it is, to the great body of the people, a sealed book - not within their reach, and, its existence, in all probability, not within the knowl- edge of one in fifty of the voters.
Hence, I have thought a brief account of the three Provincial Congresses, and of some of their proceedings, with some notice of the County Conventions would be interesting to many, and have subjoined the following.
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On the first day of September, 1774, Gov. Gage issued precepts to the several towns, requiring them to choose, and return Representatives to the General Court, to be convened at Salem, on the fifth day of October then next ; but on the 28th of Sep- tember, issued a proclamation, declaring his intention not to meet the Legislature at Salem on the fifth of October, on account of the tumults and disorders that had recently taken place, and the extraordinary resolves, that had been passed in several of the County Conventions, and the instructions given to their Represen- tatives by many of the towns ; and therein excused and discharged all persons that had been, or might be elected Representatives to serve at that Court from giving their attendance.
Nevertheless, 90 of the Representatives, who did not choose to be thus discharged, assembled at Salem Court House at the time appointed. Having waited through the day for the Gover- nor to attend and administer the customary oaths (more from courtesy than any expectation of his appearance,) they, on the next, formed themselves into a Convention, of which John Han- cock was made Chairman, and Benjamin Lincoln, Clerk.
A Committee was then raised to consider the proclamation, and consult on the measures proper to be adopted. The Committee reported on Friday, the 7th, and resolutions with a preamble were adopted, in which the Governor's proclamation and conduct were reviewed, and severely censured. They then resolved them- selves into a Provincial Congress, to be joined by such other per- sons as had been, or might be chosen for that purpose ; and adjourned to meet at the Court House in Concord, on the Tues- day following at 10 of the clock in the forenoon. Previous to this the County Conventions had appointed the 2d Tuesday of October, as the time, and Concord, as the place, for holding a Provincial Congress, and delegates thereto had already been chosen in several of the towns, and the election of a full delega- tion speedily followed.
At the time and place appointed, those who had been elected Representatives, and those elected Delegates, assembled to the number of 293, or rather that was the number deputed, as ap- pears from the roll of their names and the towns they represented.
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Those from this town, were Artemas Ward, Representative to the Court, to have been holden at Salem, and Phineas Heywood cho- sen Delegate to act in conjunction with the Representative.
The next day they adjourned to the Meeting House in Con- cord, and reconsidered the vote passed at Salem, appointing a Chairman, and voted to choose a President by written votes. Whereupon, John Hancock was thus chosen President, unani- mously. And Benjamin Lincoln appointed Secretary.
On Thursday, the 13th, a Committee on the state of the Prov- ince, reported an address to the Governor, which was read, ac- cepted and signed by the President, and a Committee of 21 appointed to wait upon the Governor early the next morning, and present the same.
On the 14th they adjourned to meet at the Court House in Cambridge, on Monday next, (17th) at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. Where having met according to adjournment, an answer was re- ceived from the Governor to the message to him of the 13th. On the 18th, " Ordered, that the galleries be now cleared, and the doors of the house be kept shut, during the debates of Congress, until the further order thereof."
On the 20th, Committees were appointed on various subjects, one consisting of 13 members, " to consider what is necessary to be now done for the defence and safety of the Province."
A resolve was reported, and accepted on the 14th, " advising the Constables and Collectors of taxes throughout the Province, as to any monies in their hands collected on Province assessment, or any County monies then in their hands, or that might come to them, not to pay the same or any part thereof, to Harrison Gray, Esq., (Treasurer,) but that they take and observe such orders re- specting the same as shall be given them by their several towns."
Friday, 21st of October. A preamble, reciting the names of several Counsellors and others, who had acted in obedience to the late act of Parliament, for altering the civil constitution of the Province, was, with several accompanying resolves, read and accepted, and ordered to be printed in all the Boston Newspapers. 'The first of which reads thus,
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"Resolved, That the persons aforesaid, who shall not give sat- isfaction to this injured Province and Continent, within ten days from the publication of this resolve, by causing to be published in all the Boston newspapers, acknowledgements of their former misconduct and renunciations of the commissions and authority mentioned, ought to be considered as infamous betrayers of their country ; and that a Committee of Congress be ordered to cause their names to be published repeatedly, that the inhabitants of this Province, by having them entered on the records of each town, as rebels against the state, may send them down to poster- ity with the infamy they deserve ; and that other parts of Amer- ica may have an opportunity of stigmatizing them in such way, as shall effectually answer a similar purpose."
By another resolve those who complied with the forgoing re- quisitions were recommended to favor.
A non-consumption agreement relative to British and India goods, was reported, and accepted - Recommending the total disuse of India teas in this Province ; and to the several towns to choose Committees to post up in some public place, the names of all such in their respective towns, who shall sell or consume so extravagant and unnecessary an article of luxury.
23d. A Committee was appointed "to consider and report the most proper time for this Province to provide a stock of pow- der, ordnance, and ordnance stores, and that they sit forthwith."
The Committee quickly reported, " that, in their opinion, NOW is the proper time for the Province to procure a stock of powder, ordnance, and ordnance stores."
The next day, a schedule was reported of what they consid- ered necessary to be procured, with an estimate of the expenses. To which was added 5000 arms and bayonets. The estimated cost of the whole was nearly twenty-one thousand pounds.
All matters coming under the consideration of Congress, were to be kept secret, and not be disclosed to any but the members thereof, until further order.
The most important Committee in regard to matters to be con- sidered and reported upon, was that appointed relative to the de- fence and safety of the Province ; and which consisted of 13
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members. A number made memorable then for the fearlessness and ability displayed in their report, and subsequently more so, as being the number of the States that achieved our national Independence.
The Report of that Committee, consisting of a lengthy pream- ble, which contains a recital of the grievances under which the Province was suffering, and the dangers to which the liberties and lives of the people were exposed, was accompanied with several resolves, too lengthy for insertion here. Their " report was read, and accepted almost unanimously."
As therein recommended, a Committee of safety was cho- sen, consisting of nine, three from Boston and six from the Country, by ballot, " Whose business it shall be, most care- fully and diligently to inspect and observe all and every such per- son and persons as shall at any time attempt or enterprise the destruction, invasion, detriment or annoyance of this Province," &c. "The said Committee shall have power, and they are here- by directed, any five of them (only one of the five to be from Boston,) whenever they shall judge it necessary, for the safety and defence of the inhabitants of this Province, or their property, against such person or persons, to alarm, muster, and cause to be assembled with the utmost expedition, and completely armed, accoutred and supplied with provisions sufficient for their support in their march to the place of rendezvous, such and so many of the militia of this Province as they shall judge necessary for the ends aforesaid ; and at such place or places, as they shall judge proper, and them to discharge as soon as the safety of the Prov- ince shall permit."
" And this body do most earnestly recommend to all the offi- cers and soldiers of the militia in this Province, who shall, from time to time, during the commission of the said Committee of Safety, receive any and all orders from the said Committee, to pay the strictest obedience thereto, as they regard the liberties and lives of themselves and the people of this Province."
A Committee of supplies was also raised, " whose duty it was, upon the assembling of the militia as aforesaid, to procure and furnish provisions for their support, and without delay, from the
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monies in the Province Treasury ; provide so many cannon and carriages for the same, small arms, and such quantities of ammu- nition and ordnance stores as they shall judge necessary, not exceeding the value of twenty thousand, eight hundred and thirty seven pounds, and to be deposited in such secure places as the said Committee of Safety shall direct. And that [ ] be, and they hereby are appointed officers to command, lead &c., such of the militia as shall be mustered, &c., by order of the said Committee of Safety, so long as they shall be retained by said Committee ; and no longer. Who shall while in the service command in the order they are named." The above blank was filled the next day, with the names of Jedediah Preble, Artemas Ward, and Seth Pomroy, severally elected by ballot. The for- mer did not accept the appointment, or if he did, never appeared to take upon himself the command.
Provision was likewise made for paying the militia, if called out. It was " recommended to the several companies of militia, who have not chosen and appointed officers, that they meet forth- with, and elect officers to command their respective companies, and that the officers so chosen, assemble as soon as may be, and where they shall judge the limits of the present regiments too extensive, that they divide them, determine their limits, and pro- ceed to elect field officers to command the respective regiments, and that the field officers forthwith endeavor to enlist one quarter at least, of the respective companies, who shall equip, and hold themselves in readiness, on the shortest notice from the said Com- mittee of Safety, to march &c. Each and every company to choose a Captain and two Lieutenants, to command them," &c.
Henry Gardner of Stow, was elected Receiver General, - whose duty it was, "to receive all such monies, as should be of- fered to be paid into his hands, to the use of the Province, by the several Constables and Collectors, or other persons, by order of the several towns, and give his receipt for the same."
On the 29th of October, the Congress adjourned to the 23d of November, then to meet at the same place, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon ; when they again assembled, and continued in ses- sion until the 10th day of December following. When the Con- gress was dissolved by a vote of their own body.
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The second Congress was chosen, as recommended by the first, and assembled at Cambridge, Feb. 1st, 1775. They recom- mended to the Committees of correspondence of the several towns, to inquire into the principles and conduct of suspected persons, and cause to be disarmed all such as did not give full and ample assurances of their readiness to join their countrymen on all occasions in defence of the rights and liberties of America.
A commission was prepared, read and accepted, on the 19th of May ; and on the 20th, presented by the President to General Artemas Ward, constituting him " Commander in chief of all the forces raised by the Congress aforesaid, for the defence of this and the other American Colonies."
This Congress continued in session until May 29, 1775, when it was dissolved.
Two days after, viz, on the 31st of May, 1775, the third Provincial Congress convened at the Meeting House in Water- town, and continued in session until the 19th day of July, 1775, when it was dissolved.
A standing Committee of Safety, with whom was lodged cer- tain powers in the absence of any Congress, co-operated with, and held their meetings, as did also a Committee of Supplies, near the several Congresses, and kept up a constant communica- tion with them, and from time to time received their instructions. Their powers and duties were strictly defined ; their duties were arduous in the extreme, and in their fulfilment, required a vigi- lance, that admitted of no rest day or night.
Possessing little or nothing to do with, but stout hearts, they were suddenly called to provide ways and means to raise, clothe, feed, and equip an army of 13,000 men, and prepare them for immediate action.
Town meetings led to County Conventions, and these to the formation of Provincial Congresses.
The first County Convention was that held at Stockbridge on the 6th day of July, 1774. The others in the following order.
Worcester, at Worcester, August 9th, and continued by adjourn- ment, to the 31st of that month. Middlesex, at Concord, August 30th. Suffolk, at Dedliam, September 6th. Essex, at Ipswich,
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September 6th. Cumberland, at Falmouth, September 21st. Hampshire, at Northampton, September 22d. ; and Plymouth, at Plympton, September 26th.
The Convention at Worcester, among other things, "recom- mended to the several towns to give it in charge to their Consta- bles and Collectors, on their peril, not to pay any public monies to Harrison Gray, Esq., Treasurer of the Province; and that they indemnify them for paying, where the towns should order them to pay." " And that the assessors do not return any lists of assessment to said Gray ;" and required the field officers to resign their commissions, and publish their resignations in the Bos- ton newspapers. And,
At an adjournment, chose a Committee to go to the field offi- cers of the County, to know the reason, why they had not resigned their commissions to the Governor, and published their resignations in the Boston newspapers agreeably to a vote of the Convention at a former meeting, and demand a categorical an- swer, whether they would comply or not, and make report." " Recommended to the towns to choose Committees of Inspec- tion, to carry into effect the resolves of the Continental Congress," (that convened at Philadelphia, September 5, 1774,) saying, " we are determined, firmly and religiously, to support and maintain our rights, even to the loss of our lives and fortunes, before we will dastardly and impiously give up and submit to an arbitrary power."
The Convention divided the County into 7 Regiments, speci- fying the towns, that should compose each, and which underwent but little alterations for 50 years. Southboro', Westboro', North- boro', Shrewsbury, and Grafton, composed the 6th Regiment.
They recommended to the towns to choose as many military officers as were necessary for each town, and those officers then to convene and choose field officers. They also recommended to the towns to indemnify their Constables for neglecting to return to the Court, lists of persons for Jurors.
Under an expectation, that Governor Gage would send troops to Worcester to compel obedience to the Justices of the Supreme Court, then about to hold a session there, and protect them in the
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discharge of their duties, the Convention invited the people of the County to be present, to resist them. The troops did not make their appearance, yet the people assembled to the number of six thousand ; and the Convention, being in session, " Voted, That the body of the people of this County, now in town, assemble on the common." 'The companies of the several towns were under officers of their own choosing, and marched in military order. They formed in two lines on the common ; and the Royal- ist Justices, and officers were made to attend, and compelled to pass through the ranks, halting occasionally, to read their declara- tions of submission to the public will.
On the 21st of September, 1774, a Convention of the Black- smiths of the County was held at Worcester, and their patriotic proceedings, signed by forty three members, were printed, and dis- tributed through the County. Ross Wyman of Shrewsbury, Chairman. They resolved, that they would not, nor either of them do any blacksmith work for the tories, nor for any one in their employ, nor for any one, who had not signed the non-con- sumption agreement agreed upon, and signed by the Congress at Philadelphia ; and requested all denominations of artificers to call meetings of their craftsmen, and adopt like measures. The pro- ceedings of the several conventions were communicated to, and read in the Provincial Congress, which gave free utterance to the combined will of the people, so consonant to their own.
Their recommendations and resolves were received as laws duly enacted, and were enforced with a promptitude and zeal, that nothing could withstand.
This brief and imperfect account shows the then state of pub- lic opinion, and with what diligence and energy the master spirits labored to put the Province in a condition to repel aggression ; nor was the great body of the people a whit behind them. They seconded their efforts with a zeal and unanimity never known be- fore nor since.
In this Province, legislation under the Crown had ceased, and, as subsequent events proved, had ceased forever.
All power, civil and military, was assumed by the people, and by them entrusted to a Provincial Congress, composed, to be sure
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of cautious, foreseeing men, distinguished for their intelligence and inflexible patriotism, yet composing a single body, without a co-ordinate branch to check imprudent measures, which as a bal- ance wheel, if ever necessary, seemed to be the more so then, as under the influence of feelings highly incensed at their country's wrongs, and impelled to action by an exasperated constituency, they were in eminent danger of being hurried into the adoption of rash and ill judged proceedings. This they foresaw. In the meantime, their enemies predicted, that whatever they might do, the mass of the people would desert them on the first shock, and leave them to take care of themselves.
But, under the smiles of a benignant Providence, they weighed well the matters committed to their charge, and, in all their pro- ceedings, exercised that cautious prudence, that was equalled only by their determination, neither to surrender their chartered rights, nor suffer them to be wrested out of their hands.
The Provincial Congress deemed it expedient to invite the Stockbridge Indians to take part with them in the contest; and applied to their chief, Solomon Uhhaunnouwaumet, for his and their services. They sent him a talk, which they dressed up in Indian style. His reply was truly indicative of a son of the for- est, and shews that nature, and not art, held the precedence in clothing ideas with words. It was as follows :
" Brothers ! we have heard you speak by your letter. We thank you for it. We now make answer."
" Brothers ! you remember, when you first came over the great waters, I was great, and you was little, very small. I then took you in for a friend, and kept you under my arms, so that no one might injure you. Since that time, we have ever been true friends ; there has never been any quarrel between us.
But now our conditions are changed. You have become great and tall. You reach to the clouds. You are seen all round the world; and I am become small, very little. I am not so high as your heel. Now you take care of me and I look to you for protection."
" Brothers ! I am sorry to hear of this great quarrel between you and Old England. It appears that blood must soon be shed
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to end this quarrel. We never till this day understood the foun- dation of this quarrel between you and the country you came from." "Brothers ! whenever I see your blood running, you will find me about you to revenge my brother's blood. Although I am low and very small, I will gripe hold of your enemy's heel, that he cannot run so fast and so light, as if he had nothing at his heels."
" Brothers ! you know I am not so wise as you are, therefore I ask your advice in what I am now going to say. I have been thinking, before you come to action, to take a run to the west- ward, and feel the mind of my Indian brethren, the Six Nations, and know how they stand ; whether they are on your side, or for your enemies. If I find they are against you, I will try to turn their minds. I think they will listen to me, for they have always looked this way for advice concerning all important news that cornes from the rising of the sun. If they hearken to me, you will not be afraid of any danger from behind you.
However their minds are affected, you shall know by me. . Now I think, I can do you more service in this way, than by marching off immediately to Boston, and staying there ; it may be a great while before blood runs. Now, as I said, you are wiser than I, I leave this for your consideration, whether I come down immediately or wait till I hear some blood is spilled."
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