USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Haverhill > The history of Haverhill, Massachusetts, from its first settlement, in 1640, to the year 1860 > Part 45
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If at any time we are agrieved, the avenues to Government, when we apply for redress, are not closed against us, nor guarded by a military power to overawe us. We have a right to apply for relief, and the Con- stitution has pointed out an easy, cheap, and expeditious mode, unattended with any of those dangers to which the Commonwealth may be exposed, when combinations of armed men undertake to redress what they deem grievances, and in effect legislate for the whole people. The late tumul-
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tuous and riotous proceedings in some counties of this Commonwealth in interrupting and stopping the Courts of Justice, from which government derives so much energy and support, are so repugnant to the Constitution, and so abhorent to every idea of peace and good order, that we think it is our indispensable duty to bear this public testimony against them, as sub- versive of government, and tending to introduce a state of anarchy which may terminate in the establishment of despotism and arbitrary power.
We deprecate the consequences of such proceedings, as having a tendency to remove every guard and barrier which the Constitution has placed over our lives, liberties and property, and everything else men hold dear in civilized societies.
The zeal and activity displayed by his Excellency the Governor in calling upon the good people of this State to exert their efforts to avert the impending ruin, are so expressive of his anxious solicitude for the safety of the Commonwealth, and of his determination to support it, that we cannot on this occasion forbear to express the highest approbation of his conduct. We are sensible there are grievances, we feel them in common with our fellow-citizens, and have cheerfully participated in all their calamities and embarrassments. But whether all the grievances we com- plain of originated from government, is a subject of very serious enquiry. Cannot we trace many of them in luxurious, dissipated living, in idleness, in want of temperance, honesty, industry, frugality and economy. *Surely these are sources from whence many spring, and a reformation in these respects will operate a cure of almost all the evils that at present distress us. We know of no grievances that cannot be redressed in a con- . stitutional manner, and are unwilling to cast a reproach upon government while our own private vices are the principal obstacles to its doing all that good we might reasonably expect from it.
We lament the delusion of some of our brethren, and that the arts and intrigues of wicked and designing men have precipitated them into such violent outrages upon law and government. We doubt not, however, upon a cool and dispassionate consideration of the evil consequences of such measures, they will be convinced of their inefficiency in procuring the redress of any grievances, that the design of their leaders is the total sub- version of our Constitution and erecting their power upon its ruin, and that the evils they and we labor under are rather the offsprings of our vices than the faults of goverment.
This town has borne its full share of all the burdens, losses and ex- penses, of the late war, and its subsequent proportion of public expenses since the peace. The present form of government was deliberately
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adopted, and we wish not to see it sacrificed. We are ready, therefore, to join you in a firm and vigorous support of our Constitution, in the redress of grievances and in promoting industry, economy, and every other virtue which can exalt and render a nation respectable.
Per order, James Brickett, Chairman of the Committee."
Well may the descendants of these patriotic men glory in the title " Son of Old Haverhill." Though the "full share of all the burdens, losses and expenses," of the long and arduous struggle for liberty, had fallen upon them, they had " deliberately adopted " the rules for their government, would not consent to see them sacrificed, and were "ready to join in a firm and vigorous support of our Constitution." Shame on him who can speak lightly of blessings and privileges purchased at such a price ! Rather let us fervently pray -
" Long be our father's temple ours ; Wo to the hand by which it falls ; Departed spirits watch its towers- May living patriots guard its walls !"
The General Court passed several measures for the relief of the heavily burdened tax-payers, and by offers of free pardon for the past, endeavored to induce the mis-guided insurgents to cease their opposition to the gov- ernment. It was not, however, until several regiments of militia were ordered out, and the most vigorous measures adopted, that the insurrection was finally quelled.
Among those called out, was a detachment of the militia of this town.º At a meeting in April, 1787, the town voted to pay them " Ss per month," in addition to what they received from the State.
One of the safeguards adopted in the then unsettled state of the public mind, was that requiring persons elected to office, to " take and subscribe the oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," in order to qualify them to act in their several offices. At the March meeting in 1787, each and every town officer was "sworn into office," and the principal officers " took and subscribed to the oath of allegiance," in addition. This is the first mention we find of one of our town officers taking the oath of office.
In November, of the same year, Bailey Bartlett, Esq., and Captain Nathaniel Marsh, were chosen delegates to a State Convention at Boston,
* Their names were, Moses Marsh, Sargeant ; Moses Brickett, Joseph Mullican, Samuel Middleton, Caleb Cushing, Daniel Eames, Timothy Johnson, David Ayer. They enlisted January 9th, 1787, to serve thirty days from the 23d of the same month.
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to ratify the Federal Constitution. After several weeks' discussion, it was approved, by a vote of 187 to 168. The first clection under the new Constitution, was held December 18th, 1788.
At the annual meeting in 1789, it was " Voted to choose a Committee to Inspect the schools. The committee chosen were as follows- viz : --- The settled Clergymen and Selectmen, Isaac Osgood Esq, Hon Nathaniel P. Sargeant Esq, Mr John White, Capt Francis Carr, & Capt Samuel Merrill.
Voted the above Committee Visit the Schools Quarterly and make Re- port to the Town, at their Annual March & fall Meetings."
This was the first "School Committee " in the town, and so well did the plan commend itself to the inhabitants, that the next year the committee were " desired to reccommend such rules and regulations in the schools as they shall think proper ; " and a similar committee has been annually chosen since that time.
October Gth, of the same year, a meeting was called to see if the town would build a " Work House " for their poor. After choosing a committee to consider the matter, visit other towns, and ascertain the present cost of supporting the poor of the town, the meeting adjourned. The next April the committee reported that it would not be good policy or economy for the town to creet a work-house, as most of their poor were too old or infrm to labor much. and could be better supported as they then were (in " good families.") They give the names of twenty persons and one family, iLen mostly supported by the town, at an expense of about one hundred and twenty-seven pounds per annum.
The year 1789 occupies a prominent place in the unwritten history of our town, and deserves an equally prominent one in its written history, as the year in which the First President of the Republic visited the town, and gladdened the hearts of its patriotic inhabitants by his visible pre- sence among them.
George Washington was elected President of the United States on the 4th of March, 1789, and was inaugurated on the 30th of the following month. The peculiar and unsettled state of the public mind and affairs at that period of our political history, together with a desire on the part of Washington to examine the resources of the new goverment, and the dis- position of the people toward it, induced him to make an carly tour through New England. Soon after the adjournment of the first Congress, he started on the proposed journey.
He left New York on the 15th of October, 1789, and visited as far cast as the old town (now city) of Portsmouth, N. H. Everywhere on the 56
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route he was received with the strongest marks of respect -in many in- stances bordering on veneration. He journeyed in an open carriage, drawn by four horses, accompanied only by his Secretary, (Mr. Lear,) Major Jackson, and a single servant. Mr. Lear, upon a beautiful white horse, usually rode in advance of the carriage, which was occupied by Washing- ton and Mr. Jackson, and driven by the Presidents's private coachman. Compared with modern turnouts, the equipage of our first President was plain and unpretending, and a model of Republican simplicity. His journey east from Boston lay along the seaboard, through Salem, Newbury- port, and the line of towns on the then principal road from Boston to Maine.
The news of Washington's tour early reached the people of Haverhill, and, as might be expected, awakened the liveliest interest. Soon the in- telligence came that he had passed through Newburyport on his way to Portsmouth, and would return by way of Haverhill. This added to the already rapidly increasing interest and excitement, and the most respecta- ble citizens of the town prepared to receive their Chief Magistrate in a manner becoming his exalted station and distinguished character. Anon, came a rumor that Washington would go from Portsmouth direct to Con- cord, and would not return this way, which cast its dark shadow over the whole community. To have the joyfully-anticipated honor and pleasure of a visit from Washington so suddenly taken away, was a most painful disappointment to the good people of Haverhill ; and their sad faces and subdued tones of voice, in the frequent and earnest discussion as to the probabilities of his coming, and of the reasons why he should so suddenly change his route, fully revealed the deep and firm hold our country's Father had in the hearts and affections of his children.
Among those who most keenly felt the disappointment were Rev. Gyles Merrill and Mr. Jonathan Payson. When the day arrived that the dis- tinguished visitor was to have passed through the town, they could not be content to risk losing the golden opportunity of seeing him ; and resolving that " see him they must," if it were possible, they mounted their horses and started for Exeter, through which place Washington would pass on his way to Concord. The young daughters of these gentlemen, (Sally White and Sally Merrill - the first-named a step-daughter of Mr. Payson) through much pleading, and most probably tears, obtained permission of their parents to accompany them in the family chaise. With hearts light- ened by the renewed prospect of a consummation of their much-desired wishes, the little party started early in the forenoon for Exeter.
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A few miles this side of their place of destination (in the town of King- ston), they unexpectedly met the equipage of Washington ! The gentlemen in their own all-absorbing interest, quite forgot their young charges; and the latter, well-nigh transported at the sight of the noble and dignified form and face of Washington, forgot all things else, and in an absent- minded attempt to turn aside and give room for the carriage to pass, the young ladies were thrown from the chaise. The excitement of the moment, rendered them quite insensible to fright or pain ; and before the horsemen could dismount, the young misses were upon their feet, declaring most vehemently that they were not hurt - not in the least. Arriving oppo- site to them, Washington ordered his carriage stopped, and kindly enquired -" I hope, young ladies, you are not injured ? " Being assured by their appearance and replies that they had escaped unhurt, he congratulated them on their good fortune, and, respectfully saluting them and their com- panions, directed his party to move on.
The people of Haverhill had reluctantly yielded to the unwelcome rumor above-mentioned, and had settled into the conviction that notwithstanding their well-earned fame in the (then) recent struggle for their country's independence, and their well-known devotion to the cause and its distin- guished defender, their beloved and venerated chief had passed them by. Oppressed with such thoughts as these, each turned aside to attend to his daily avocation, and the day wore slowly away, until the sun had passed his meridian, and unusual quiet and stillness reigned in the pleasant little village " at the foot of the hill."
But hark ! what sound was that ? Again it comes upon the unwonted stillness. It is a trumpet ! The villagers rush to their doors to learn from whence comes the strange sound. It is soon explained. Down the hill gallops a single horseman, bare-headed, and at full speed, one hand guiding his foaming steed, while with the other he at short intervals imi- tates the shrill blast of a trumpet, alternating it with the cry, " Washington is coming ; Washington is coming !" As he draws up to the " Mason's Arms,"" he is recognized as Timothy Osgood a well-known citizen of the town. He had seen Washington at Exeter, and learning that he was en route for Haverhill, had lost no time in hastening to notify his townsmen.
Immediately the tones of the village bell broke forth. Those who had not heard the ex-tempore trumpet, quickly caught the sound of the bell, and it needed no other tongue to interpret the meaning of the sudden peal ! Never before had spoken that little bell more acceptably to the villagers ;
" Harrod's Tavern, the sign for which was a painting representing the Freemason's Arms.
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never before had it rang a merrier peal. Round and round it went, with a speed almost suj crnaturel; it scomed as if indeed propelled ly some weird power; while its musical teres, cogaily caught up by the swift- moving November breeze, followed cach other with marvellous rapidity, and fell upon the cars of the cvcijeyed citizens in golden showers.
The old schoolmaster, as le raced lack and forth in his little palace at the head of the green, suddenly stopped midway his round, as the first tone leaped through the whittled-edged chink in the docr, and with a spas- modic " School's dismissed," scarce found patience to wait the exit of his startled scholars.º Horses were saddled and mounted in such a brief space of time that their very legs trembled with excitement; and in an exceedingly short time, a company of horsemen was formed, composed of some of the most respectable citizens in the place, and advanced to meet and escort the President into town.
Washington entered the village about half-past two o'clock in the afternoon of Wednesday, November 4th, and took up his quarters at Har- rod's Tavern, which was situated on what is now the Town Hall lot, though earnestly invited to occupy apartments prepared for him by Mr. John White, at his residence on Water Street, (on the site of Mr. West's present residence). The President called on Mr. White, whose daughter- in-law had often been a visitor at his own house in Philadelphia; took a social glass of wine with him, and acknowledged his obligations for such kindness; but expressed his preference for a public house ; and, in answer to a suggestion of his would-be hostess, observed that he was " an old sol- dier, and used to hard fare, and a hard bed."
IIc had on, at the time, a drab surtout, then a fashionable color with the "most respectable gentlemen," and a military hat. He is described to us, by several who distinctly remember his visit to the place, as very tall and straight, and remarkably dignified in his looks and manners.
On alighting at the tavern, he was introduced to several of the most prominent citizens of the town ; and after a short `rest, he walked about the town, visiting various points of interest, and entering into conversa- tion upon the location, business, and commercial and other advantages of the town. He called at the residence of Sheriff Bartlett, (who was absent at the time) and left his regards for Mr. B., and his thanks for the attentions shown him on his journey east. (Mr. Bartlett, as Sheriff, aided by his Deputies, had escorted Washington through the county). He paid a visit to the small duck factory which had been recently started by Samuel Blod- gett, Esq., on Kent Street, and seemed to share in the interest with which
O A fact; as is also every other incident given in this sketch.
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the enterprise was regarded by the citizens. He walked up Merrimack , Street, and as far as what is now Washington Square and Washington Street (so named in honor of his visit), and repeatedly remarked upon the pleasantness and beauty of the scenery, the location of the village, and his pleasure in noticing the thrift and enterprise of its citizens. His ob- servation that .. Haverhill is the pleasantest village I have passed through," was esteemed a high compliment at the time, and has been transmitted from father to son, as an unanswerable argument in favor of his "home, sweet home," as the best place for the exercise of enterprise, and the en- joyment of life.
As Washington's eye, from his eligible stand-point near Little River Bridge, took in the then unobstructed view for miles up and down the Merrimack, he almost involuntarily exclaimed, - " Beautiful, beautiful !" He especially admired the situation of the Saltonstall residence, just below the village (now the Duncan place), and pronounced it a most charming and picturesque location for a home.
Among the several parties who called upon Washington, at his lodgings, were Revs. John Shaw and Gyles Merrill, and Mr. Jonathan Payson, with the little daughter of Mr. Shaw, and the step-daughter of Mr. Payson - two bright little misses, and play-mates, of about eight years of age, named Mary White and Betsey Shaw. The pleasant " And how do the little ladies do ?" with the familiar shake of the hand which followed their in- troduction to the President, was never forgotten by those to whom it was addressed, and they never tired repeating all the little incidents of their interview with the " Great Washington." While engaged in easy conver- sation with the gentlemen, the President called the little girls to him, and taking one upon each knee, soon completely dispelled their childish timid- ity by his kind words and gentle manner. During the interview, Washington drew from his pocket a glove, and smilingly enquired - " Which of the little misses will mend my glove ?" After a little pleas- ant rivalry between them, each being eager for the honor, the matter was duly arranged on a sort of copartnership basis, and the young misses retired with the glove.
On their return to the room, with the glove neatly repaired, he thanked them for the favor, and drawing them to his chair, imprinted a kiss upon the lips of each; the recollection of which, the reader may be assured, never lost the vividness and freshness of the first gentle pressure. A kiss from the lips of WASHINGTON was a treasure of no mean value ! As might be supposed, the quickly-published success of these little misses stimulated a desire on the part of others to secure a like favor ; among whom were
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two of about the same age, who, after much teasing, were allowed to ask permission to " kiss his hand." On answering their timid knock at his door, and hearing their respectful request, Washington expressed his will- ingness to exchange kisses with the little beggars; and suiting the action to the word, the " Father of his Country " made happy the hearts of two more of his large family of children, by a paternal kiss.
In accordance with his usual custom, Washington made preparations to retire at an early hour. Soon after he had retired to his room, a little boy came into the tavern, and expressed a desire to see " George Wash- ington." He was told that he could not see him; upon which he burst into tears, and declared that he " must see George Washington." After vainly endeavoring to pacify the boy, he was ordered to leave the house, as his request could not be granted. Upon this, the little fellow's distress burst through all barriers of self-restraint, and he startled the inmates of the whole house with his piercing cries. Before he could be removed, Washington, hearing the uproar, and learning the cause, requested that the boy be brought to his room. The little fellow was accordingly taken up ; and, as he entered the room, and through his tears looked upon Washington, he seemed completely bewildered, and riveted to the spot. He had doubtless listened to many a story of the " great Washington " from his mother's lips, and had seen the interest and excitement in the village in consequence of his visit ; and these had so wrought upon his childish imagination, that he verily believed he was to see a being of cor- responding physical magnitude, and completely answering his boyish ideal of a god. Washington kindly enquired of the boy what he wanted. " I want to sec George Washington," stammered the little fellow. Calling the lad to his side, Washington gently patted his head, saying- " I am George Washington, my little lad, but I am only a man."
It was an unusually cold day for the season, and as Washington was chilly and fatigued with the day's travel, and the " best bed " had not been used for some time, the careful hostess concluded that it would be prudent to have the bed warmed before her distinguished lodger retired. This conclusion was overheard by her young daughter, who lost no time in carrying the plan into execution. Her adventure is thus narrated by herself, seventy years afterward : -
" As all and everybody were contending for the honor of doing some- thing for that great and good man, I, with others, thought, what can I do ? Accordingly, I took the warming-pan, and rushed into the chamber, where sat in state, in my mother's easy-chair, President Washington. As I
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remember, I was about eleven years old," and at that time, being very diffident, I was almost frightened to death to think in whose presence I was. I guess I did not stop to make the bed very warm, but as I was leaving the chamber, he rose from his chair and kissed me. I went below and told of it, and for years after, it was my boast and pride."t
The next morning, the militia of the town were called out and paraded, for the inspection of their Commander-in-Chief. The line was formed on the north side of Water Street, extending from the corner of Main Street east. There were about one hundred in the line, and several are still living who remember of seeing Washington standing on the opposite side of Water Street, with Major Jackson on his right and Mr. Lear on his left, as he witnessed the modest parade of the " citizen soldiers " of the town in honor of his visit.
He left town about sun-rise the next morning after his arrival, via the old ferry, nearly opposite the foot of Kent Street. For some cause, not now distinctly remembered, except that it was occasioned by the ferry- boat, he was delayed some little time, after arriving at the ferry-way. While standing in the porch of Mr. Bartlett's residence, (Israel Bartlett, Esq.,) on the north-east corner of Water and Kent Streets, waiting the slow motions of the boat, and surrounded by the principal citizens of the place, and nearly the whole of the neighboring population, Mr. Bart- lett politely invited him to " step in and sit till the boat was ready." Washington was apparently about to accept the invitation, when a near neighbor of Mr. Bartlett's, Gen. Brickett, who lived just below, and directly opposite the ferry, said -"General, won't you please go into my house ? it is much nearer the boat." With the sagacity for which he was ever so remarkable, Washington detected in an instant the real reason of the second invitation, and thanking the gentlemen for their invitations, cour- teously declined them both. This little incident was never forgotten by the first party, who could hardly forgive his neighbor for depriving him of the distinguished honor of having received Washington beneath his own roof.
Among those who had tried hard to obtain an interview with Washing- ton while in Haverhill, was Bart Pecker - one who had served his country long and faithfully as a soldier in the Revolutionary army. Bart had been a brave man and a faithful soldier, and was for some time one of the
* She was in her twelfth year.
t Since the above was written, we have had the pleasure of an interview with the writer, who is still living, (September, 1860,) and in the enjoyment of excellent health. She remembers that in her contusion and awkwardness, she stumbled and fell, as she was leaving the room, and thinks that this was, perhaps, the immediate occasion of her receiving the envied kiss.
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