USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Longmeadow > Proceedings at the centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town of Longmeadow, October 17th, 1883 > Part 20
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Second Lieutenant, -
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Jonathan Hale.
§ Ebenezer Colton, -
Sergeants, -
Samuel Keep.
Corporals, -
Nathaniel Ely, Josiah Cooley.
Privates-Abner Colton, -
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Oliver King,
John Colton, -
Nehemiah Rumrill,
Ebenezer Bliss, 2d,
- Thomas Stebbins,
Aaron Bliss,
- Sam' Morgan,
Sam1 Smith, -
- James Parker,
David White, - Gad Lamb,
John Ackley, - Ebenezer Stebbins,
Elijah Burt, - Sam1 Burt.]
Richard Woolworth.
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22-This morning the post, Mr. Adams, came along, and we got his account of matters ; they are very indistinct, but we learn that there has been a battle between the king's troops and our people, and that on both sides it was supported with great spirit ; thus a war is begun. In the even- ing our people, excepting the minute men, came home and bring an account that the king's troops are gone back to Boston ; the account of the battle is yet very uncertain. It is said that Gen'l Haldiman is killed.
23-By the post from Hartford, 'tis said that a number of men at H. went to the P. O. and took away a packet of letters to Gov'r Gage. This is a very unadvised, imprudent measure, in my opinion, and doubtless we shall be looked upon as in a state of daring rebellion.
24-Various reports; accounts of men's gathering together from all parts of the country, and 'tis said that a number of men from R. I. went to Marshfield and killed and took a considerable number of the king's troops, and laid many houses in ashes of such people as took part with the king's forces.
25-Reports still various ; some things reported yesterday, contradicted this day. In the P. M. we met for prayer. Jonathan Stebbins and Dea. Colton prayed. I read a sermon of Dr. Doddridge's from Deut. 23 : 9, and we concluded with singing.
26-The story of Marshfield being laid in ashes is contradicted, and whether any persons have been killed there is yet uncertain; the most probable account is that they are contriving to collect an army to be raised by the N. E. provinces and colonies. Messengers are sent to Hartford, where the Conn. Assembly is now sitting. The Lord give wisdom. prudence, discretion, and moderation. I learn the people are very ready to misrepre- sent my words, even in prayer. The Lord be pleased to direct and assist me and keep me from doing anything displeasing to His Majesty.
27-I perceive the people are out of humor with me for things that I have said and done. My own conscience don't upbraid me for what they pretend to be uneasy at. I desire to refer myself to the Lord and cast my care upon Him, praying that I may be kept from sinning against God and that my use- fulness may not be obstructed.
April 28-George Cooley, who went with a wagon and provisions, is returned. He says that our men, who went from home, are stopped at Waltham at present. I wish that they may behave as becoming their Christian profession ; reports are so various that we know not what is to be depended upon.
May 5 -- Various reports indicating the disquietness of the times .- 6- Our country is in tumult by reason of the late measures taken by the king's troops ; blood is shed and people are in a great uproar and distress, especially in Boston, where the inhabitants are shut up, as prisoners and people are got to be jealous of one another, because they have different opinions as to the times and measures taken. The accounts from home are very different ; some are for violent measures with the colonies and prov- inces, some for lenient and moderate measures. The Lord be pleased to help, pity, and reform.
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II-A public fast. Mr. Trotter of Stafford came hither to preach for me ; his forenoon text, from Job 36: 18 ; P. M., from Luke 18: 1-8. He appears a bold and daring man, was very popular, and doubtless greatly pleased our warm people. Some of his notions I could not join in with ; but I hope his calls to repent, reform, and engage God's presence may be well attended to. I myself shamefully fell on sleep in the time of the fore- noon sermon. The Lord be pleased to humble me.
16-Report as if Ticonderoga had been taken possession of by some of the king's troops from Montreal, but that a party from N. England had dis- possessed them, and without shedding blood. Thus we are evidently in a state of war, and I fear we shall feel the horrors of a civil war. But our God is infinitely wise, powerful, and merciful. He reigns, he governs the world ; to Him I desire to look, and upon Him alone have my dependence.
23-I perceive a coldness among my own people towards me because they apprehend I don't think with them as to the present times and measures. I heartily desire their welfare and happiness. My conscience is void of offense. As to people's jealousies, reproaches, hard speeches, they are but trifles in comparison with what many others, very excellent men, have met with. Oh, my heavenly Father, forgive and bless those that have in any measure and manner been unkind to me.
June 16-'Tis said that there are considerable numbers of troops arrived at Boston .- 17-The post confirms the account of more troops, but makes light of it as to their numbers. Gen. Gage has published a proclamation inviting people to lay down their arms, and promising favor to those who do so ; but in his proclamation Mr. Hancock and Mr. Samuel Adams are excepted.
20-This day we have a sorrowful account from our troops-that there had been an engagement between them and the regulars at Bunkers Hill, in Charlestown, and considerable numbers slain on both sides. Our people were driven out of their entrenchment and the town of Charlestown was burnt down by the king's troops. I hear of no particular persons being killed but Dr. Warrer., who was president of the Provincial Congress. The slaughter was probably great, but we at present have only flying reports. My wife's son Nathaniel (Lieutenant of the Longmeadow company) is returned home, for which God be praised. He was not far from Bunkers Hill where the fight was, and saw the fire at Charlestown, and heard the hurras and shout- ings among the troops.
23-We hear that all was still at Boston on Wednesday noon. 26-We are looking, hoping, waiting, fearing. Still various reports. A quantity of powder carried to-day through the town for the army. A general action expected by some. 29-This day Mr. John Hale came home from the Con- gress. Things look exceeding dark to me.
July 1-The sword of civil war is drawn in this land ; the fruits of the earth languish ; the earth is parched ; the drought is distressing .- 3-From the accounts brought this day, the clouds thicken. 'Tis said the Canowaga Indians have taken up the hatchet against the English ; skirmishing on the sea-coasts ; vessels taken and retaken ; substances wasted and destroyed.
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18-This day I saw in the Hartford paper a declaration of the General Congress at Philadelphia which will doubtless be called a declaration of war with Great Britain. 21-News from England that when the news of the Lexington and Concord fight got thither that the mob gathered and were much out of humor, and that Lord North promised that there should be no more troops sent to America ; but whether they dispersed upon that 'tis not said, and truly what the news is and how it comes, I don't know, but expect when the post comes along, we may learn something.
January 1, 1876-Grant us help in this day of trouble ; a very remarkable year past ; the most that I ever saw-unnatural war, great sickness, and remarkable drought. 100 years ago we were in a struggle with the Indians, who rose up in rebellion and designed the ruin of the country, but God pre- served us. In the year past the leaders of our nation have sent troops to subdue and bring us under in this country, to submit to their arbitrary and tyrannical measures. Much blood has been shed-towns destroyed. I do humbly pray that God would humble and reform us, and heal our backslid- ings, and yet regard us in our low estate, and relieve us in this calamity, and grant that real religion may yet revive and flourish, and that we may know God and turn to Him and accept the punishment of our sins, and answer the ends of it.
5-By post we have the king's speech to Parliament and observe that he seems resolutely set to bring the Americans under. O Lord, be pleased to restrain the wrath of man and cause it to praise thee .- 12-Report that the great mortar and some cannon are brought through the woods from Ticon- deroga. What the design is I do not know. The Lord mercifully regard and help; otherwise all these schemes and pains and labors and expenses will be to no purpose.
March 28-This day our military company was called together and chose their officers. I prayed with them at the meeting house.
April 9-I hear of tumults and disorderly practices, stupidity, hardness of heart, atheism, and unbelief prevail. The British ministry breathe out cruelty against the colonies still. Things look darker and darker. 21- Sabbath, and a quiet Sabbath. No alarm or tumult, praised be God.
May 1 .- A report of 20,000 troops at Halifax from England, not yet co :.- firmed.
July 24 .- A number of people gathered together, some dressed like Indians with blankets, and manifested uneasiness with those that trade in rum, molasses, sugar, etc. I understand that a number went to Merchant Colton's and have again taken away his goods. I don't see the justice or equity of it. Many don't approve of it, but have not resolution enough to interpose and endeavour redress. I am fearful of special troubles in this place, not only on account of Samuel Colton's goods, but also because sev- eral of our people are going into service in Connecticut, and so our quota will be deficient, and possibly men may be drafted.
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August II .- This day I read publickly, being required thereto by the Provincial Council, the Declaration of the Continental Congress for Inde- pendency. 21 .- Joseph Bumstead (a trusty man servant of the family) and grandson Stephen set out for Roxbury to join the army.
[The following directions are found in a letter addressed to this grandson :
MY DEAR GRANDCHILD-As you are going abroad, and may be expofed to diffi- culties and dangers to fickness, and possibly to ye fword of ye enemy ; as alfo you may be in danger-Great danger-of fin, I Give you thefe directions:
Ist. Take care of your health, don't unneceffarily expofe yourfelf to heat and cold ; be careful as to your diet, and don't be too free with fruits that are like to chill your ftomach and expofe you to ye dyffentery and difeafes common to ye fall of ye year .- 2d. Obey ye orders of your officers, don't expofe yourfelf to military punishment by difregarding ye orders of your Superiors: be kind to your com- panions and fellow soldiers .- 3d. Avoid temptation to fin, to all manner of fin : don't accustom yourfelf to drinking, to fit with thofe y' meet together to drink. Don't take God's name in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Carefully avoid Gaming, playing at cards, and dice; thofe per- fons that do fo, Generally fall into much fin .- 4th. Fear God and keep his com- mandments. Eccl. 12: 13 .- 5th. Attend upon the public worfhip of God, when you can .- 6th. Pray to God in fecret. Matt. 6: 6 .- 7th. Read ye Scriptures daily. John 5: 39 .- 8th. Avoid quarreling and contention. Get fome acquaintance with my Relations in Roxbury and let them know who you be.
Behave with decency and modefty, and fo as to credit religion, to adorn the Doc- trine of God our Saviour. The Lord be with you and keep you in his fear. Hear oh my Grandfon, and receive my faying, that the years of thy life may be many. If the Lord pleafe I hope I may yet fee you in the Land of the living. The Lord pre- pare for what his pleafure may be as to that.
I am your loving Grand-Father, STEPH" WILLIAMS.] L.m. Aug'. 20, 1776.
14-Sabbath. This day a number of soldiers came from town on their march to the southward and breakfasted eastward of Dea. Ely's. Not so much interruption as we feared. The men behaved with moderation. They are under the conduct of Gen. Lee, who is gone down the other side.
16-Report, probably true, that our forces at Quebec have inet with a great rebuff. Gen. Montgomery killed, Col. Arnold wounded, 70 men killed, 300 taken.
Sept. 4-Awful work ; our troops driven from Long Island ; reports more affecting and distressing ; thousands destroyed, especially Connecticut people. 6-A gentleman of intelligence came from New York and gave me a more favorable account. 12- Report of regulars and Indians coming down the Mohawk river towards Albany ; likely to divide our forces and distress us on every side. Report that the General Court has voted that every fifth man of our militia be ready at a minute's warning. 14-In the evening an order came to have the militia ready at a minute's warning. Sabbath disturbed.
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Oct. I-Several persons inimical to American liberty brought to town some confined in the jail; others carried to Worcester, brought from the Westward, near Hudson river.
Nov. 16-This day a number of men called tories were escorted by a party of armed men and came to Dea. Ely's and breakfasted, from Long Island, who have showed themselves unfriendly to the liberties of America. Lord grant moderation and kindness. 25-Dark weather, dark things, stupidity, and obstinacy ; disregard of the business of the house of God.
30-Military Co. called together at a minute's warning to go wherever called. People don't appear forward.
December 4-Our soldiers begin to return that enlisted for a stated time, and people seem engaged to get money, and I fear by oppression and unjust measure. 6-Reported a large fleet appears before New London. People are in a fright and the Connecticut militia flocking down to New London.
31-The last day of the year. It has been one of the most remarkable in the history of America. The people, by their Congress, have declared Independency, and the king's troops and fleets are come against us. Battles have been fought; forts and towns taken; much blood shed ; many taken captive and wounded ; many sick, and many have died in our army. Sick- ness has everywhere prevailed ; deaths have been many ; a day of darkness indeed.
And so the good old pastor's diary goes on in alternate rumors, forebodings, and spiritual lamentations, giving us a vivid insight of those troublous times. The Revolutionary period might also be illus- trated by many other papers of old Longmeadow families, muster-rolls, officers' commissions, certificates of soldiers' claims, etc., all showing how close and sympathetic was the relation of this New England pre- cinct to the great national struggle. We have also, revealed, honest differences of opinion, hinted at in Parson Williams's remembrance of the king continued till he was reminded of its untimeliness by the sudden sitting down of his patriotic auditors when that petition came ; in his reading from the pulpit the Declaration of Independence "being required thereto by the Provincial Congress; " and in his sympathetic allusion to the Merchant Colton case, a fuller explanation of which is given in the following section.
As the case progresses towards its close, gleams of sunshine light up the clouded pages. On the day of the surrender of Cornwallis the diary records "great rejoicing in town ; great guns fired ; bells rung ; rockets played at ye Court-house ; taverns illuminated. Rev. Mr. Breck and many people went into ye meeting-house ; he prayed ; the people sang psalms and hymns."
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I .- THE MERCHANT SAMUEL COLTON DOCUMENTS.
The original documents in the care of Merchant Colton, referred to in the Historical Address, page 42, and in Appendix H, page 210, are of great interest as throwing light upon some of the transactions of those troublous times. The petition of the citizens to the General Assembly for an act of indemnity, when they were afterwards threat- ened with civil suits to compel their restoration of the property they had taken, and the counter remonstrance of Merchant Colton pre- pared for, but vainly presented to, the next General Assembly, are both able and interesting documents ; and only their great length pre- cludes their publication in full. A synopsis of each is, however, given and, as far as possible, in the very words of the documents themselves : To the Honble Senate and Houfe of Reprofentatives of the Commonwealth of Maffa- chufetts in General Court affembled on the firft Wednefday of January the 7th 1881 :
The Petition of Nath1 Ely, Feftus Colton, Azariah Woolworth all of a Parifh called Long Meadow in Springfield in the County of Hampfhire humbly fheweth, that at the Beginning of the prefent Conteft between Great Britain and the American States there was a Confiderable Time when the courts of Juftice were fhut up and the Operation of the Laws of the Land fufpended and all Power having originated from the Body of the people reverted back to its fource and Fountain and was in Fact exercifed by them in fome Inftances and in others by Comtees appointed by the People for that Purpofe; That it was found abfolutely neceffary at that Time to guard againft Evils and Mischiefs which then threatened the Deftruction of the whole Body, that for that Purpofe it was found Neceffary to hinder fome Members of the Community from acting Contrary to the general Welfare Juft as their Humor or malice thould Direct as to imprifon thofe that were hoftile to feize on Private property where neceffary and in fome Inftances to prevent People from Ufeing their Property in fuch a Manner as effentially to injure the whole. That in fome In- ftances whole Towns or Parithes arofe in a Body to Correct or prevent Something which appeared inconfittant with the general Good and in fome Inftances the people when thus affembled acted for themfelves without Delegating Their Authority to any others that on other occafions when the people were affembled they chofe fev- eral Perfons out of their Body to act for them, and that ufually when People were affembled in Town Meetings they chofe general Comtees of Safety to manage the Pudentials of their Conftituents for fome Limited Time but as all Power was vefted in the body of the people, they had a Right to Delegate it to others in any Way they thot beft and the power Derived was the fame in each of the above Cafes, that at thofe times many things were done by the body of People and by their Comtees which Could not be Juftified at a Time when Juftice was administered by the Law of the Land tho at the time of doing them they were not only Juftifiable but neceffary and Commendable as being done for the general Good. That on the Happy Re- iftablifhment of order and Juftice as adminiftered by Law there was Danger that thofe that had efcaped themfelves for the public would be ruined by the Malice and Revenge of their Enemies, in order for the Prevention Whereof the Legiflature have paffed feveral Acts of Indemnification and Pardon but unhappily for your
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Petitioners the provifion already made Does not extend to all Cafes that Come within the fame Reafon and require the fame or fome other Remedy.
To this Merchant Colton replies by first exposing at equal length 'the Artifice of the Petitioners,' in first concealing from him for two weeks the knowledge of the citation upon him which they had procured from the General Assembly, to show cause within twenty days why such an act of indemnity should not be passed, and in finally serving this cita- tion upon him at a distance of a hundred miles from Boston only six days before the expiration of the time allowed ; and in then using their own knowledge of his partial answer thus hurriedly prepared, and his plea for a longer time for preparation-which had accidentally fallen into their hands instead of those to whom it was sent-to hasten a meeting of the Assembly Committee appointed to consider the case, to compel the attendance and answer in his behalf of counsel unin- structed by him and wholly unprepared, and in thus finally procuring the passage of the desired act upon a hearing which was really only an "ex parte " one, through their ' Artifice.'
Replying then more particularly to their preamble, the remonstrant says that he "Cannot but Take Notice of the Artful Manner in which the Subject is Introduced." Conceding then most fully all which they have claimed, so far as it applies to periods when the laws were in- deed suspended, he yet claims that the whole case of the petitioners lies outside of this line of argument, as they have themselves practi- cally admitted by asking for a peculiar act of indemnity in addition to those general ones which they cite as precedents.
To the further allegation of the petitioner that
The fd Sam1 Early thewed an unfriendly Difpofition to the Liberties of his Coun- try and exerted himfelf with the People to blaft the Power and Influence of the Congrefs of the United States and the general Court of this State as we Can fhew by a Variety of Inftances, and Contemning and Difpifing the Recommendations and Authority of both and fordidly preferring his own private Intereft to the general Welfare of the whole he acted in direct Oppofition thereto in Divers Inftances par- ticularly he raifed Confiderable on the prices of his Rum, Salt, &c on Hand and declined felling unlefs for filver Money whereupon after moderate Meafures to Re- claim him had been found ineffectual, the Body of the People of fd Parifh moved with Juft Indignation at his Conduct Deprived him of the Poffeffion of id Rum Salt &c, whereupon fª Colton defired his Goods might be Reftored to him which was Done on his Promifing freely to Difpofe of them at the ufual Prices of thofe Arti- cles but he very foon relapfed into his former Conduct the people then arofe a Second Time and Retook the Goods from fd Colton and Delivered the fame to your Petitioners and fome others who were appointed a Comtee for the Body of the people of fd parifh to Difpofe of the fame whereupon an exact Account of the Quantity of each was taken by a Perfon under Oath for that Purpofe, and a Partic- ular account kept of the Quantity fold to each perfon and the price alfo which we Can now produce. the price was high as the Regulated Price for the fame Articles the next Spring and no Deduction made therefrom for felling and the Money arifing from the Sale of the whole foon Carried to the Houfe of the f Samt and there left for him tho he then declined accepting thereof, but there is no Doubt but he afterwards Converted the Money to his Ufe.
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The remonstrant replies that-it is True your Memorialift was Poffeffed with a Confiderable Quantity of weft India Goods in July 1776 and at the time as Mentioned In the Petition which he was felling and Retailing at fuch Reafonable Prices as He could afford the fame, but that he ever manifefted any Unfriendly Dif- pofition to the liberties of his Country by any Prediliction or Attach' to Britain or the British Government (which no Doubt is the Idea Defignd to be Conveyd by the Terms) he utterly denys. Nor Does he think this was ever his Character however his Enemies may Reprefent him to aniwer their Own particular private views. on the Contrary he hath always Entertained the moft Cordial Efteem Regard and attach- ment to the Liberties of this Country and of Mankind and a finceer abhorrence of Tyranny in all its forms But Then Being a Perfon Naturally of a Good and Steady Temper of mind and a Lover of peace and order in fociety and one that avoided Contention and Strife as much as Poffible throughout the whole Courfe of his Life he did not fall in with all the madnefs and Extravagances of the Times or act the part of one who might be Juftly called Liberty Mad. Or that your Memorialift ever Exerted himfelf or did any act Either by himfelf or in Connection with . others to Blaft the Power and influence of Congrefs or of the Gen1 Court he utterly Denys or that he ever Contemnd or Difpisd their Recommendation or acted in Di- rect oppofition thereto knowingly in any Inftances Is what he Likewise Denys tho' poffibly he may have Done it Thro' Inadvertence or inattention. on the Contrary he hath Conftantly Endeavoured to Demean himfelf as a Peaceable Member of Soci- ety and Govern himfelf by and Conform to fuch Regulations and Recommendations as were made from time to time by The Honle Congrefs or Gen1 Court in Like Man- ner as other of his fellow Citizens did at the fame time. But now as to the partic- ular Inftances that are given your Memo" Begs leave to obferve fome things more particularly, and As to his . ... and Raifing upon the prices of Goods then upon Hand which is firft Mentioned this your Memorialift Conceives not to be Contrary to or in Direct Oppofition to any Recommendations of Congrefs then in force. But that the Refolution of Congrefs for that purpofe had been fome time Before Re- pealed Not indeed before it had Loft its Effect and opperation Throughout the whole Continent for it is a Matter of too publick General knowledge to Queftion it that the prices of almoft every Article of Foreign goods and moft articles of this Coun- try Produce were then Raifed Confiderably higher than Before the War, of which the fcarcity of the Currency was the Undoubted Caufe and your Memost thinks he may With Truth and Confidence fay of himfelf that the Articles Mentioned Rum and Salt were fold by him at Lower and more Reafonable Rate than by other Deal- ers In Gen1 at that Diftance in the Country and that Both by Whole Sail and Retail and of which he trufts he can give your Honours undoubted Proof. as to the other Inftances Given, that your Memoralift Declind Selling only for Silver Money this your Memorialift prefumes to fay is as falfe as it is invidious and Malicious and what your Memost is abundantly able to difprove, all his Neighbours and others that delt with him Know the Contrary and that He Received Both Silver and paper In- difcriminately In Payment for his Goods but chiefly the Latter, And indeed he fur- nifhed the Publick with very Confiderable Supplies which were paid only in paper Bills; and So far has your Memorialift Been from Taking advantage of the times to Encreafe his Eftate by Oppreffion Extortion Or Monopily fo far from fordidly im- proving his own Intereft to the Gen1 welfare as is Suggefted that he Believes he may Truly fay he Hath Sufferd more in His fortune and Loft more of his intereft During the War Than the whole Parifh Befide and he is Confident that before he was
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