USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Haverhill > The history of Haverhill, Massachusetts, from its first settlement, in 1640, to the year 1860 > Part 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70
" The principles of Col. Richard Saltonstall, who was a Tory, were very repugnant to the Whig party, which composed a majority of the voters. A party from the West Parish, and Salem, New-Hampshire, collected before his house, armed with clubs and other instruments, to mob him ; but he made them rather ashamed of their conduct. He came to the door, and with much dignity, told them his reasons for pursuing a different
377
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
course from that which they had adopted. He ordered refreshments for them, and requested them to go to the tavern and call for entertainment at his expense. They accepted of his invitation, and huzzacd to his praise. He soon after went to England, to escape the resentment of the Whigs, where he was well received by his connexions."
This account is, in substance, taken from the " Sketch of Haverhill," a paper prepared and read before the Massachusetts Historical Society, in 1816, by Leverett Saltonstall, Esq., and is, we think, a partial account of the affair.
It is a tradition in the family of Timothy Eaton, who was the leader of the party that called on Colonel Saltonstall, that the bold and unpatriotic words and actions of the latter, had become so obnoxious to the public opinion of the town, that a large party was made up to call on him, and notify him that such was the case. They went, and Mr. Eaton, leaving his company a short distance from the house, called the Colonel to the door, and informed him of his errand. Upon this, the Colonel "drew himself up " and exclaimed, " Is that any of your business ?" Eaton quickly replied, " I'll let you know that it is my business," and was about retiring to his companions, when the Colonel, finding that the affair was like to terminate seriously, dropped his lofty air, beld a parley, promised to give them no more cause for offence, and invited them all to refresh- ments at his expense.
After hearing several versions of this affair, and an examination of the town records, (which seem to have been altogether overlooked by Mirick) we have concluded that the facts were probably something like these : -
Colonel Saltonstall had, for years, and, indeed, from the beginning of the troubles between the colonies and the mother country, espoused the cause of the latter, When, in 1768, the House of Representatives were ordered to rescind the obnoxious resolutions already referred to, Colonel Saltonstall was a "rescinder ; " and he was not a man to disguise his sen- timents, or remain quiet and silent when such a contest was going on. Hence he became known as a " Tory " - an enemy to the patriot cause ; " an enemy to his country." Timothy Eaton was a zealous patriot, and one of the leading ones in the town. He had just been chosen to the sec- ond place on the " Committee of Inspection," and was also one of those chosen to " show each man his proportion " of the one hundred pounds voted for the relief of Boston. He was also one of the town's " Commit- tee of Correspondence." It is, therefore, quite reasonable to suppose, that he called on Colonel Saltonstall officially, taking with him a sufficient posse to prove to the Colonel that it was not a matter to be trifled with. 48
378
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
The recent action of the town, and this ominous visit convinced the latter that it was no longer safe or consistent for him to remain in the town, and he decided to leave. That the company were "treated " at his ex- pense, is equally creditable to both parties. It was an carnest that they parted as personal friends, though divided as to the all-absorbing question before the colonies.
In further proof that neither rioters nor a " mob " managed the affairs of the patriots, in the times of which we write, we quote the following, from the original paper now in the archives of the State : --
" The Committee of Corrispondence &c for Haverhill In Complyance with the orders & directions of this Great & General Cort, took posession of the House and abut an half acre of land in sd Haverhill belonging to- Mr Moses Badger late fled from Boston with the Ministeral fleet and leased the same for the Term of one year, to Mr Isaac Redington of Haverhill for Seven Pound to be Paid at the years end ..
Also took posession of the Personal Estate of Coll Richard Saltonstall of Haverhill who fled as aforesd, (after having carefully Examined Re- specting his Real Estate and in the opinion of the Committee according to Law Justice & Equity he had not any as the House & land he lately occupied was Mortgaged for the full Value thereof )
Made an Inventory of the Same which is as Followeth viz :
(Here follows, in the original paper, a minute inventory of Colonel Saltonstall's personal estate.)
Haverhill June 4th 1776
by order of the Committee
Isaac Redington Chairman ..
To the Honble James Warren Esq Speaker of the Honble House of Representitives Massachusetts Bay."
Colonel Saltonstall left town soon after, and ere long embarked for England. The King granted him a pension, and he passed the remainder of his days in that country.
While these proceedings were being had in this town, the other towns in the colony, and in the other colonies, were by no means idle, or indif- ferent. Ata meeting of the committees of correspondence of those towns which had such committees, held at Fancuil Hall, August 26th and 27th, it was resolved that a Provincial Congress was necessary, to counteract the systems of despotism. The next step in the progress of the cause, was the holding of county conventions of delegates from cach town. That
379
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
Of Essex was convened at Ipswich, on the 6th and 7th of September, 1774. The delegates from Haverhill were Samuel White, Esq., Mr. Jonathan Webster, Mr. Isaac Redington, Mr. Joseph Haynes. After passing a series of resolutions, the convention dissolved.
In the meantime, (September 5th) the CONTINENTAL CONGRESS assem- bled at Philadelphia, where the glowing eloquence of Patrick Henry recited the wrongs which the colonists had suffered, and for which redress was imperiously demanded. After a careful examination of the subject, and an interchange of thoughts, sentiments, and opinions, the Congress unani- mously resolved " that from & after the first day of December next, there be no importation into British America, from Great Britain or Ireland, of any goods, wares, or merchandise whatever, or from any other place of any such goods, wares, or merchandises, as shall have been exported from Great Britain or Ireland ; and that no such goods, &c imported after the said first day of December next be used or purchased."
To return again to our own province. Writs had been issued convening the General Court at Salem," on the 5th of October ; but before the time arrived, a proclamation from the Governor dissolved the assembly. For this step, the patriots were prepared ; and, pursuant to the course which had already been agreed upon, after meeting at Salem on the appointed day, they resolved themselves into a PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. The dele- gates to the Congress from this town were Samuel White, Esq., and Mr. Joseph Haynes .¡ After organizing, the Congress adjourned to Concord, and, still later, to Cambridge.}
This body took the government of the province into their own hands, and made vigorous preparations for the approaching contest. Towns were recommended to provide arms and ammunition, and to enlist and equip minute-men, who should hold themselves in readiness to march " on the shortest notice," and in the meantime " to use their utmost diligence to perfect themselves in military skill."
This town had already anticipated the Congress in the first recommenda- tion, and it now lost no time in carrying out the others.
o Whither it had been previously removed by instructions to the governor.
t The delegates from this town to the second and the third Provincial Congress, were Nathaniel Peas- lee Sargeant, Esq., and Jonathan Webster, Jr.
# The First Provincial Congress convened at Salem, October 7, 1774, and adjourned the same day. Convened at Concord, October 11th, and adjourned the 14th. Convened at Cambridge, October 17th, and adjourned the 20th. Convened at Cambridge, November 23d, and dissolved December 10th.
The Second Provincial Congress convened at Cambridge, February 1st, 1775, and adjourned the 16th. Convened at Concord, March 22d, and adjourned April 15th. Convened at Concord, April 22d, and imme diately adjourned to Watertown, where it again convened the same day, and dissolved May 29th.
The Third Provincial Congress convened at Watertown, May 31st, 1775, and dissolved July 19th of the same year.
380
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
As soon as their delegates to the Provincial Congress returned home, and reported the doings of that body, a town meeting was immediately warned, for January 3d, 1775, to consider their recommendations. Among the matters specified in the warrant for this meeting were the following : -
" To agree on some measures for the carrying into execution the Recom- mendation of the grand Continental and Provincial Congresses ; and all those matters and things which Respect us: 9 0 0 0
" To see what Encouragement the Town will give for the inlisting one Quarter part of the Military :
" To see what Money the Town will give the Poor unhappy Sufferers of the Town of Boston, occasioned by the oppressive Port Bill :
" To see what number of Arms the Town will vote to purchase for its own use :
" To see if the Town will chuse one or more meet Persons to attend the Provincial Congress in February next or sooner according to the Direction of the late Congress."
Jonathan Webster, Jr., Samuel White, Esq., Samuel Merrill, Nathaniel P. Sargeant, and Doctor James Brickett were chosen to consider the first matter above mentioned anl report at an adjourned meeting.
It being " put to vote to see if the town would give anything to the Minite Men," it was decided in the affirmative, and Isaac Redington, Dan- iel Dennison Rogers, Deacon Joseph Kelly, and Deacon John Ayer, were added to the above committee, to whom the whole matter was referred.
It was then "voted to give unto the Poor of Boston one hundred pounds. Voted that the said hundred pounds be Raised by a Rate or an equal pro- portion - but none are to be compelled to pay " !
The following persons were chosen committees " to show cach man his proportion " : - For the West Parish, Timothy Eaton, Stephen Webster, and Samuel Merrill; for the Old Parish, Nathaniel Bradley, Moses Clem- ent, and Captain William Greenleaf; for the East Parish, John Ela, Ephraim Eliot, and Captain Daniel Johnson ; for the North Parish, Dea- con Benjamin Clements, and Isaac Snow.
The meeting adjourned to the 12th of the same month, at which time Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant, and Jonathan Webster, Jr., were chosen dele- gates to the Provincial Congress. The town "voted to stand by, and firmly adhere to the Resolves of the Continental Congress; " and also " to sign a covenant similar to the Association agreed upon by the Continental Congress ; " and Nathaniel Peaslce Sargeant, Esq., Joseph Haynes, and Jonathan Webster Jr., were chosen a committee " to draw a Covenant for the people to sign."
Fifty pounds were voted to the Provincial Congress, for its use.
381
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
The vote in relation to the " Poor of Boston " was at this meeting re- considered, and it was determined to raise money for them by voluntary subscription. Edward Ordway was added to the committee for that pur- pose, and the meeting then adjourned to the 30th of the same month.
January 30th, the town met according to adjournment. At this mect- ing, the vote " respecting the peoples signing a Covenant," was re-consid- cred, and it was then unanimously voted " to adhere strictly to & firmly to abide by the association of the Continental Congress." It was then
" Voted that there be a Committee consisting of 15 Persons (which are called the Committee of Inspection) to Inspect & Duly observe that the association of the Continental Congress is put into Execution. The Committee are as followeth : - Messrs Samuel Merrill, Timothy Eaton, Doctr William Bachellor, Richard Ayer, Isaac Redington, Thomas West, Doctor James Brickett, Thomas Cogswell, Enoch Marsh, James Sawyer, John Ela, Dea Ezra Chase, Dea Ebenezer Colby, Isaac Snow, Edward Ordway."
The committee chosen to consider the proposition relating to raising " Minite Men," made the following report : -
" We have carefully examined Our Numbers and find we ought to Raise Sixty three Men including three Commission officers to make up one Quar- ter part. We Recommend it to the Town to appoint three Commission officers to inlist, discipline, and upon occasion when called for in defence of the Province to march the same. We further Recommend it that the Minite Men be duly disciplined in Squads three half days in a Week, three hours in each half day, and that they be allowed for each half day, eight pence till ye middle of March next, and one shilling for cach half day afterwards, until they are called out to actual service from home, or dis- banded. That when they are called to leave home on actual service they shall Receive ye same wages & subsistence as Soldiers received the last war. That if they are called upon & do actually march from home in dc- fence of the Province they shall be intitled to recieve three dollars each as a Bounty, either from the Town or Province. Further that the three chief officers recieve for each half Day two Shillings Each till ye middle of March next, & after that time three shillings each half Day till called upon to march from home, or are disbanded - when called upon to march to recieve such pay as shall be ordered by the Province. All inlistments to be for the Space of one year from this time, unless sooner disbanded by the Town or Province.
N. B. The words to march the same-meaneth Sixty Three men in- cluding Three officers, being one Quarter part of the Soldiers in Town."
(Signed) Jonathan Webster, per order."
The report and its recommendations were adopted.
382
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
After a long and tedious search for the names of these minute-men, we have been so fortunate as to find a list of them, which we give below. The paper of which the following is a copy, and several other exceedingly valu- able documents relating to that period, were found among the town's old papers, and proved to be part of a parcel of loose papers found in an old bag which had been kicked about the assessors' room for years. They were finally carefully placed with the town's other papers, by R. G. Walker, Esq., and thus luckily preserved : -
" A Rol of the Minit Men in Capt James Sawyer's Company & the Number of days Each man Trained according to the Voat of the Town of Haverhill in March and Apirel 1775"
Days
Days
James Sawyer Capt
5 Samuel gips Mitchel
Timothy Johnson Licut
5 Joshua Emory
6
Nathaniel Eaton Lieut
5 Jerimiah Stickney
5
Mitchel Whiticher Sargt
6 Joseph Webster
5
Moses Heselton Sargt
5 Isaiah Eaton
5
Wm Rolf Sargt
5 Ebenezer Grifen
4
Charles Davis Sargt
5
Samuel Emerson
5
Enock Eaton Coprel
4
John Silver
Chas Sarjant Coprel
3
Seth Wymon
4
John Bery Coprel
6 Daniel Lord
5
Ruben Sargent
3 Nathan Peabody
5
Asa Currer
5
James Whiticker
4
Thomus Tiylor
3
Henerey Springer
1
John Dow
6
Ebenezer Webster
4
Joseph Emorson
5 Daniel Grifen
3
Simon Pieck
4
Moses Emorson Juner
4
Lewis George
5
John gipson
3
Wm Davis
2 Nathan Ayre
4
Mosse Emorson
5
James Townsand
4
Job gage
4
Stephen Runels
4
Peter Emorson
3 John Tiylor
3
John Cheney
1
Daniel Remock
3
Nathaniel Cahaney
Stephen Jackson
3
Samuel Ealy
2
Joshua Moors
1
Wm Sawyer
4 Philip Bagley
4
James Smiley
5
Humprec Nicols
4
Joel Harrimen
5
Dudley Dusten
3
James Snow
5 Johnthan Lowger atteset
4
Mark Emorson
John Sanders
4 Mitchel Wittier Serjant
-
5 Samuel Sanders
3
Daniel Colby
John Eaton
4 Johnthan Dusten
Samuel George
James Wilson
383
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
At the annual meeting, March 14, thirty dollars were voted to procure a military instructor to " instruct the Militia in the Art Military " in the town. One week later, it was voted that the minute-men should train one whole day in each week, instead of three half days as previously voted. They were to be trained by " Mr George Marsden, whom we have hired," and to receive two shillings each for that day. We have now before us a return of the minute-men of this town, that " met at Andover for Exsise" on Thursday, the 13th of April. Forty-six men of Captain Sawyer's company were present. Little did they probably think that this was their last opportunity for preparatory " training," but so it proved. Before another week had passed, the fearful struggle had commenced.
We need not repeat the story of the morning of the immortal Nineteenth of April, 1775. The soil of Lexington and Concord was baptized with the blood of American Patriots, and the whole country was aroused. The news probably reached this town soon after noon of the same day, and the minute-men immediately left for the scene of action. Before night, one hundred and five Haverhill men were "gone to ye Army." This was almost one-half of the entire militia force of the town. Surely we can do no less than to place the names of these noble patriots on our pages.
The first of the following lists, is a roll of the " Minite Men" who marched upon the alarm.
" Cambridge April 26 1775
" A List of the men who Recieved their Part of the Billiting or Bounty Money from ye Town of Haverhill "
Capt James Sawyer,
Danl Colby,
Humphy Nichols,
Lt Tim'y Johnson,
Saml Sanders,
Thos Tyler,
Lt Nathl Eaton, Saml Ela,
Josiah Fesenden,
Sargt Heseltine Moses, John Gibson,
Joel Herrimn,
John Barry, John Dow,
Nathan Peabody,
Simn Pike,
James Townsn,
Phillip Bagley,
Moses Emerson,
Saml Emerson,
Charles Davis,
Jonathn Duston,
Joseph Webster,
James Wilson,
Lewis George,
Jonathn Louger,
Chase Sargeant,
Job Gage Danl Lord,
James Whitaker,
Isaiah Eaton,
Wm Sawyer,
Seth Wyman,
Joseph Emerson,
Asa Currier,
Ebenr Griffin,
John Sanders,
James Snow,
Peter Emerson,
Stephen Jackson,
Nathn Ayer,
Ruben Sargt,
James Smyley,
John Eaton,
Danl Griffin,
Joshua Emery,
Mitchal Whitier,
James Kimball,
Daniel Chiney, Wm Davis,
Enoch Eaton.
Each of these men, (except Peter Emerson, who received 5s, and Enoch Eaton, who received 6s) received nine shillings Bounty money. It was paid them by Colonel Brickett, and the original list of the company
384
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL
is in his hand-writing. June 26, 1776, the House of Representatives " Resolved, That there be allowed & paid out of the Public Treasury of this Colony, to the Selectmen of Haverhill, the sum of Fifty seven pounds four shillings and six pence in full of their account of provisons supplied the Army, at the time of Lexington fight, on the 19th of April 1775."
" A Muster Roll of the Company under the Command of Capt Daniel Hills in Colo Johnsons Regt of Militia which marched on ye alarm April 19th 1775, from ye Town of Haverhill to Cambridge under the Command of Lt Saml Clements."
Persons namcs
No. miles ont & home ld 8 mile Amt at
No. days each man was in service
Wages due to each Total of Travel man
& Wages
1st Lt Saml Clements,. .
70
5s 10
6
£0.17.2
£1.3-
2 Lt Ebener Gage,.
66
7
0.17.6
1.3.4
Serjt Jno Downing,
66
6
0.10.3
0.16.1
Serjt Jas Ayer, .
66
5
0.8.7
0.14.5
John Gage, .
66
7
0.10.
0.15.10
Timothy George,
5
0.7.1
0.12.11
David Peasly, .
16
7
0.10.
0.15.10
Moses Witcomb,
66
66
G
0.8.6
0.11.4
Enoch Cordwill,
G
0.8.6
0.14.4
Moses Herriman,
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Nathl Bodge,
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
James Walker,
7
0.10.
0.15.10
James Kimball,.
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Jacob Green,
66
4
0.5.8
0.11.6
Nehh Emerson,
66
7
0.10.
0.15.10
Wm Cooke, .
66
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Ebeur Ballard,
6
0.8.6
0.11.4
Wm Wingate ..
7
0.10.
0.15.10
Cotton Kimball,
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Edward Shaw,
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Philln Colby,
4
0.5.8
0.11.6
Jno Serjant,
66
66
5
0.7.1
0.12.11
Jno Perley,.
66
4
0.5.8
0.11.6
141
£11.1.5
& 18.1.5
Saml Clements Lt
a truc copy
G Tailer
" James Walker was of the sixth generation since the settlement of the town. During the war, he was an ensign in a company raised here, and afterward commanded a detachment of men who had charge of the boats belonging to one of the divisions which crossed the Delaware, on the night previous to the memorable battle of Trenton, December 25th, 1776. From 1818. until his death, Mr. Walker received & pension of twenty dollars a month. He died February 8th, 1846, in the ninety-eighth year of his age.
6
0.10 3
0.16.1
Serjt Saml Middleton, .
385
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
" A Muster Roll of the Company under ye Command of Capt Ebenezer Colby in Colo Johnsons Regt of Militia wch marchd on ye alarm April 19th 1775 from ye Town of Haverhill to Cambridge."
Persons names
No miles out & home ld 8 mil ? Amt at
No days each man was in service
Wages due to each Total of Travel man
& Wages
Capt Ebenr Colby,
70
5s 10
4
£0.17.3
£1.2.11}
Jos Greeley Sergt,
66
6
0.10.3
0.16.1
Josiah Brown do
66
5
0.8.7
0.14.5
John Gutridge,
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
John Page, .
62
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Barnard Sargent,
66
66
G
0.8.6
0.14.4
Edmd Brown,
66
66
4
0.5.8
0.11.6
Jona Ealy,
66
4
0.5.8
0.11.6
Ephm Chase,
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Leonard Chasc,.
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Jona Hunkings,
، ،
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Saml Bradbry,.
66
4
0.5.8
0.11.6
Phinea Nichols,
66
66
4
0.5.8
0.11.6
Francis Carr, .
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Richd Currier,
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Francis Morrill,
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
David Mors, .
60
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Jos Robinson, .
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Abner Kimball,
66
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Jos Hardy,
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Ezra Chase,
66
66
2
0.2.10
0.8.8
Nehh Ordaway,
66
66
2
0.2:10
0.8.8
David George
2
0.2.10
0.8.8
Saml Ayer Junr
66
2
. 0.2.10
0,8.8
Saml Page,
2
0.2,10
0.8.8
Wm Bradbry,
66
66
2
0.2.10
0.8.8
Benja Ordaway,
66
2
0.2.10
0.8.8
Ebenr Colby Capt a true copy G Tailer .
£18.12.3}
Essex Ss
Haverhill Jany 9th 1776
Then Capt Ebenr Colby within named, appeared & made Oath to ye truth of ye within accott by him subscribed Before Me Saml Phillips Jus Peace
Examined and compared with the Original Edwd Rawson ! Committee. James Dix
49
66
6
0.8.6
0.14.4
Jacob Ealey,
4
0.5.8
0.11.6
Samuel Page Jr.
66
386
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
In addition to the three companies here given, we must add the name of " Col James Brickett," (afterward General) who probably hastened to Cambridge on the first alarm, as we find he was there on the 26th, and subsequently.
The following letter, from our delegates to the Provincial Congress, dated the next day after the battle at Lexington, is additional evidence that these men marched immediately on the alarm : -
" Haverhill April 20th 1775. Sr
The late dreadful Fire in this town" - The great Number of our People gone to ye Army - The great Numbers from ye other Government that pass & repass thro this town, & ye disturbances in it, renders it ab- solutely necessary, as we apprehend, that we attend at home to preserve Order & quiet -
Therefore Sr, we hope you will excuse our nonattendance this Session -- wishing that he that giveth wisdom liberally, would enlighten your Paths, we subscribe, Sr
your Humble Servts Nathll Peaslee Sargeant Jonat Webster."
The letter is directed to
" The President of ye Provincial Congress, Ford by Isaac Merrill Esqr."
now Sitting.
The letter was received, and read. on the afternoon of the 25th, and the following answer was returned to the Town Clerk of Haverhill : -
" Sir : The Congress have this day received a letter from Nathaniel Peaslee Sargeant Esq, and Jonathan Webster Esq, acquainting them that the late dreadful fire in Haverhill, together with some public disturbances in said town, make it necessary that they should be at home at this time. The Congress apprehend that the important business of the colonies re- quires that every town should be now represented ; and therefore desire that if neither of those gentlemen can attend, others should be elected in their room, that the wisdom of the whole colony may be collected at our hour of need."
" On Sunday, 16th of April, a destructive fire broke out in Main Street, and all the west side of it from what is now Court Street to the corner, was burnt. Seventeen buildings were destroyed, including, a large brick tavern, owned by Mr. John White, the store of Deacon Joseph Dodge, the store of James Duncan, Esq., a house occupied by Mrs. Alley, and a distillery. The earth was parched with a drought, and everything was combustible. The meeting-house was frequently on fire, and there being but one engine, it was difficult to subdue the raging element.
1
1
---
387
HISTORY OF HAVERHILL.
At the opening of the third Congress, at Watertown, May 31st, Mr. Webster was present. and took an active part throughout the session. Wc notice that he was almost daily appointed on important committees.
In the midst of the excitement, anxiety, and distress, of the inhabitants of the town, consequent upon the news from Lexington and Concord, and the departure of so many men for the war, now actually begun, there occurred an event which added ten-fold to the distress of those left behind. Those who witnessed it, can never forget its scenes, and those who did not, can have but a faint idea from any description. We allude to what has been sometimes called " the Ipswich fright," and which happened some- thing in this wise : -
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.