USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > The history of New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts : including a history of the old township of Dartmouth and the present townships of Westport, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven, from their settlement to the present time > Part 17
USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Westport > The history of New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts : including a history of the old township of Dartmouth and the present townships of Westport, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven, from their settlement to the present time > Part 17
USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dartmouth > The history of New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts : including a history of the old township of Dartmouth and the present townships of Westport, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven, from their settlement to the present time > Part 17
USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fairhaven > The history of New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts : including a history of the old township of Dartmouth and the present townships of Westport, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven, from their settlement to the present time > Part 17
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" " On some fond breast the parting soul relies, Some pious drops the closing eye requires; Even from the tomb the voice of nature cries, Even in our ashes live their wonted fires."
Separated from most of the amusements of other sects, the Friends naturally depend more upon their domestic relationships, and in their simple modes of life-I am speaking of true Quakers-probably realize more substantial hap-
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piness than any other class of people. Their thrift has become proverbial; it is, in fact, one of their besetting snares. So harmoniously with accumu- lation do their simple habits and usual industry operate, together with the provision made for their needy ones, that an indigent Quaker is a case of the rarest occurrence.
It will be a sad day for humanity when this body shall have so far lost sight of its ancient spirit as to rest alone upon forms and ceremonies, the rocks upon which so many gallant barks of Chris- tians have before been wrecked-the Scylla and Charybdis of Christendom.
I have sometimes thought that a George Fox was almost as much needed among the Quakers of the present day as in the time of their beginning was this bold and faithful apostle of Christianity called for, to break the image-worship of a priest- ridden and benighted people.
I must apologize to the general reader for this digression from my main object; but old Dartmouth is to my mind so suggestive of the faith of its early settlers that I find myself involuntarily led to such reflections; and if it should appear that I have given an undue amount of notice to this sect, it should be remembered how inseparably connected with my subject it has been.
The village of Russell's Mills is situate in the southern part of the township of Dartmouth about seven miles south-west from New Bedford and four miles north of Buzzard's Bay, upon the river aforesaid, which empties into the bay between Slo-
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cum's and Smith's Necks. The shore of South Dartmouth, in its originalc omprehensiveness, with its bays and inlets, more than twenty miles in length, is one of the finest marine coasts in New England-the soil naturally fertile; and from the products of the ocean,-the seaweed and kelp, be- sides the rock-weed, and the fish-menhaden- seined in the spring, and used in the cultivation of the soil, -the farms are usually productive, and im- proved by a substantial and thrifty people. It will be remembered by those who have read my earlier chapters that this was the shore traced by Bar- tholomew Gosnold in 1602, and with which him- self and his companions were so much pleased.
The village of Russell's Mills contains about fifty dwelling-houses and a post-office. The re- mains of the original iron-forge are still to be seen there. The river and a tributary stream formerly afforded fine trout. The mayflower-epigæa repens-so much sought for by young botanists, grows in the neighborhood.
During the Indian wars, the people of this part of Dartmouth suffered greatly from their scattered way of living, which was the occasion of a legisla- tive act on the part of the Old Colony jurisdiction, requiring them to build their houses more compact- ly, for self-preservation. But the Indians became so hostile that the settlers were obliged to leave their homes to the destruction of their enemy. John Russell, the Representative before spoken of, removed to the east side of the Apponeganset River. Here a garrison was erected, of which mention is
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made in Church's History of the Indian War, at " Russell's Orchard," and here were born John and Joseph Russell, twins, the ancestors of nearly all who bear the surname of Russell in New Bedford. The next move of this ancient family was that of the last-named of the aforesaid twin brothers, Joseph, who came into the present limits of our city.
The next village in course is Westport, situate about eight miles west of New Bedford, at the head of the Nokochok* River, which takes its rise from several sources in North Dartmouth and in the township of Fall River: one of these branches, the westernmost, is known by the singular name of "Bread-and-Cheese Brook." The Westport River has two main branches; the western was formerly called the Acoaxet, which was also the Indian name of the western part of old Dartmouth. The scenery at the village and along the river is very pleasant; and there are some good farms in the neighborhood.
Westport Point is also a thriving little village, where there are a number of vessels engaged in the whale-fishery.
The home of the celebrated Captain Paul Cuffee was upon the west side of the Nokochok River, about four miles below the "Head of the River."
The township of Westport, as well as that of Dartmouth, is chiefly an agricultural district, for which New Bedford affords a ready market for all manner of produce. The village of Westport
* The orthography of this word varies in the old surveys of land. It is also spelt Noquochoke.
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contains about fifty houses. In the township there are five meeting-houses, two for Friends, two for Baptists, and one for Methodists. The stage- coach from New Bedford to Newport passes through this village, where there is also a post-office.
On the road from New Bedford to Westport is the pleasant little village of Smith's Mills, lying about three miles west of New Bedford. The Pas- camanset River, affording excellent mill privileges, passes through this village on its course to Russell's Mills and its final goal, Buzzard's Bay. As I have previously, in an incidental manner, written of this place, as well as the others, I shall have but little herein to record, except that it is another of the pleasant drives of the citizens of New Bedford, and that for many years it has been the home of several of our ship-owners, to the enterprise of one of whom in particular the prosperity of the village is much indebted. Here also still continues one of the large old country stores, containing a general assortment of articles of domestic consumption, to which, as to that spoken of at Russell's Mills, it was formerly the custom of the matrons of New Bedford to ride out, for the purchase of a new gown or some other equally necessary article. With the introduction of the great number of fashionable establishments now to be found in our city of notions, this simple custom of recreation and sup- posed economy has probably passed away.
There are several good farms in the neighborhood of Smith's Mills, particularly those of Benjamin Pot- ter and John Cummings. The latter was formerly
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little more than a quarry of stones, but, by the inde- fatigable energy of the proprietor, it now affords some of the best farming land in the vicinity of our city. The stock of cattle, particularly the cows, is of the best blood, in which, as well as in the depart- ments of agriculture, Mr. Cummings manifests a commendable pride and interest.
The village contains about forty dwelling-houses, and has a post-office, two Friends' and one Chris- tian Baptist meeting-house.
Padanaram, in South Dartmouth, about three miles south-west from New Bedford, is pleasantly located on the east side of Apponeganset River, so called, but which is rather an inlet from Buz- zard's Bay, over which there is a substantial stone bridge, leading to that part of Dartmouth known as Nomquid, or "Smith's Neck."* It contains some fifty or sixty dwelling-houses, a post-office, and a Congregational church. The inhabitants are engaged in the whaling and other fisheries. It is advantageously situated for a summer residence or resort, from the vicinity of the sea.
The pleasantest village in the vicinity of New Bedford-to the writer at least-and the one which is most intimately connected with it, is Acushnet. Situate in the valley of the river, at the head of tide- water, with the surrounding hills, some of them wooded and affording pleasant rambles, sheltered from the north-east winds and open to the cooling
* The point laid down on the chart of Buzzard's Bay as "Salter's Point " is called "Salt-House Point" in the original surveys made by Crane. It lies a little north of Mishaum Point.
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sea-breeze that comes up the river from the bay, it possesses great advantages as to temperature, as well as rural beauty and quiet.' To those who are con- fined through the day in town, an evening drive or walk to this village in summer is very pleasant. The best and the most frequented road in the vi- cinity of New Bedford is that leading to Acushnet. This village was the first stopping-place on the old post route to Boston; and many of my readers will remember the notes of the stage horn, as the mail- coach came rattling through the village, the horses often going at a tearing gallop. How often too have the slumbers of the good people of the quondam village of New Bedford, now, alas, a city! been aroused by the same sonorous peals, blown by some old " Shepherd," " Southard," or other of those hardy rosy-faced "drivers " of "lang syne."
The suburbs of New Bedford afford many pleas- ant localities for rural residences ; but none possesses the amount of natural advantages that are to be found in the neighborhood of Acushnet and the road leading to it from the city. Should New Bedford continue in its prosperity, with the taste for landscape gardening and rural architecture which is already awakened here as well as else- where in New England, these pleasant and health- ful localities will be eagerly sought. It appears to be a natural consequence, as society becomes cul- tivated, that men of taste seek the country, whose refreshing and inspiring influence is ever in har- mony with our purer and more enlightened aspira- tions. There is many a man now confined to the
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drudgery of business who looks forward to the time when he shall be emancipated from its chains, and who in the words of the poet may truly say -
" I never framed a wish, or formed a plan That flattered me with hopes of earthly bliss, But there I laid the scene."
But to enjoy the country, the habits and pursuits of the city must in a great measure be relinquished, and no lingering business left behind which re- quires a daily or too frequent attention. A man might as well attempt to play upon two fiddles at once, as to endeavor to enjoy the retirement of the country and attend to his daily business in town.
It does not necessarily follow that a man must be very rich to live happily in the country. The very rich probably enjoy the country the least of all. A family of moderate means, with frugal habits and cultivated minds, is the best fitted to realize the advantages of a country life. He who is unsat- isfied unless his fields are in the highest state of cultivation; all the shrubs and vines that fringe them, so ornamental to the eye of the lover of nature, and where the early Spring flowers grow, and some of the sweetest song-birds build their nests-all these destroyed by the scythe and fire; he who calculates upon a paying investment as closely as in his stocks and trade; he who cannot see beauty in the wild flower, whose ear is not charmed by the songs of birds, who cannot admire even the lichens upon old stone walls and rail fences,-will obtain but little satisfaction from a rural residence. Let him keep to his counting-
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house, his shop, his gas-lighted drawing-rooms, and solace himself with social chat and an occa- sional drive into fair domains of nature and nature's folk.
The village of Acushnet was one of the earliest settled parts of Dartmouth, and dates nearly half a century before New Bedford. A considerable destruction was done to the property here by the British troops. At the time of their attack upon New Bedford, it will be remembered they marched around the river. Several dwelling-houses and other buildings were here burned by them.
The village lies upon both sides of the river, the east part being in Fairhaven and the west in New Bedford; the division line, taking a north-westerly course from the bridge, leaves the river above, and a narrow strip of land which gradually widens to the northernmost bound of old Dartmouth, on the Fairhaven side.
There are three meeting-houses in the village, one Congregational, one Methodist, and one Friends'. The celebrated divine, Dr. Samuel West, D. D., was for many years settled in this village. The old meeting-house in which he preached stood upon the top of the hill on the east side of the river. It was taken down some years ago. The graveyard connected with it was one of the oldest in the state. The house of Dr. West is still stand- ing, a short distance north from the Fairhaven road, and on the east side of the road leading to Long Plain, the old Boston post-road. It was at this house, under the care of Dr. West, that the
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distinguished ante-Revolutionary patriot, James Otis, resided for some time after he had received the blow from a British official which proved fatal to his intellectual powers. He occasionally walked to Bedford ; and many years ago I met with an old citizen who remembered to have seen him and heard him discourse in a very amusing but incohe- rent manner, the particular subject of which was concerning a pumpkin of remarkable properties and growth that he had observed in a field by the roadside, on his way from Acushnet to Bedford village. Dr. West was a man of considerable erudition, and in his personal appearance, as well as his remarkable eccentricities of character, is thought to have resembled the great Dr. Johnson.
The view from the hill near this old burying- place, looking over the valley of the river, with the adjoining country, interspersed with farms and country-seats and groups of fine woods, is rarely surpassed for picturesque beauty. A short distance beyond, to the east, are some fine masses of lofty rocks from which extensive views are also present- ed. The naturalist and the lover of nature need not run away from New Bedford in search of a pleasanter or more productive field; here will enough be found to gratify his tastes and employ his hours of recreation, should he reach the extreme age of man.
The last village in the old township, and the northernmost one, situate about four miles from Acushnet, on the old Boston road, is Long Plain, which receives its name from the extended table-
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land upon which a considerable portion of the set- tlement lies. It can hardly be called a village, but a. row of houses - most of them neat and comfort- able - extending for nearly a mile in length. Here are two meeting-houses, one of the Baptists, and one of the Friends. Formerly there was a numer- ous society of the latter denomination here, - sub- stantial farmers. There are a few good farms in this village or settlement, but the soil is usually light ; yet it is one of the healthiest and pleasantest parts of the township in which it is situate, - that of Fairhaven, the easternmost portion of the old township of Dartmouth.
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CHAPTER XXII.
THE DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY BY THE BRITISH TROOPS -EXTRACTS FROM THE OFFICIAL LETTERS OF GENERAL GREY, THE COMMANDER OF THE EXPEDITION, TO SIR HENRY CLINTON-LETTER OF ROBERT FANSHAWE TO SIR HENRY CLINTON -DOCTOR DWIGHT'S ACCOUNT OF THE INVASION, DURING A VISIT TO NEW BEDFORD, FROM INFORMATION OBTAINED OF JUDGE POPE'S INCI- DENTAL OBSERVATIONS- ADDITIONAL ACCOUNT OF THE SAME, OF A LATER DATE, BY JUDGE POPE-FUR- THER REMINISCENCES OF THE REVOLUTION, FROM A RETIRED SHIP-MASTER OF FAIRHAVEN.
THE following official account of the invasion of New Bedford by the British during the Revolution is taken from the "Remembrancer," a magazine published at that period in London :
Extract of a letter from Major-General Grey * to His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton, dated on board the Carysfort frigate, off Bedford harbor, Sept. 6th, 1778.
"I am happy to be able to acquaint you that I have been so fortunate, in the fullest manner, to execute the service your Goodness entrusted me with at Bedford and Fair Haven.
A favorable wind, and every possible exertion and assistance received from the navy, enabled us to land so rapidly, yesterday evening about six
* Charles, Earl Grey, (Major-General,) born A. D. 1729, died A. D. 1807. He is represented as having on several occasions evinced as much blood-thirstiness as courage. He acquired the name of the "no-flint general," from his common practice of ordering the men under his command to take the flints out of their muskets, that they might be confined to the use of their bayonets.
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o'clock, that the enemy had a very few hours' notice of our approach: the business was finished, and the troops all re-embarked, this morning by twelve o'clock, with the loss, which particularly gives me pleasure and content, of only five or six men wounded, one of whom is since dead. The stores destroyed were valuable, and the number of ships burnt about 70, privateers and other ships, ready with their cargoes in for sailing. The only battery they had was on the Fair Haven side, an enclosed fort with eleven pieces of cannon, which was abandoned, and the cannon properly demol- ished by Captain Scott, commanding officer of the artillery, and the magazine blown up.
I cannot enough praise the spirit, zeal and activity of the troops you have honoured me with the command of upon this service, also their so- briety in the midst of temptation, and obedience to orders, as not one house in Bedford and Fair Haven, I think, was consumed that could be avoided, except those with stores.
I write in haste, and not a little tired, therefore must beg leave to refer you for the late plan of operations and particulars to Captain Andre."
Extract of a letter from General Sir Henry Clinton to Lord George Germain, dated New York, Sept. 21st, 1778, brought by His Majesty's ship, the Eagle, and received 26th instant.
" In my last I had the honor to inform your Lordship of the success of Major-General Grey at Bedford and Fair Haven. I have now the pleasure to transmit an account of his whole proceedings upon that expedition, which will shew how effect- ually this enterprize has been executed, and the very great loss the enemy have sustained; at the same time that it reflects much honour upon the abilities of the General, and the behaviour of the . troops employed on the occasion."
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Copy of a letter from Major-General Grey to General Sir Henry Clinton, dated on board the Carysfort, Whitestone, Sept. 18th, 1778.
" Sir: In the evening of the 4th instant, the fleet, with the detachment under my command, sailed from New London, and stood to the eastward, with a very favorable wind. We were only retarded in the run from thence to Buzzard's Bay by the altering our course for some hours in the night, in conse- · quence of the discovery of a strange fleet, which was not known to be Lord Howe's until morning. By five o'clock in the afternoon of the 5th, the ships were at an anchor in Clark's Cove, and the boats having been previously hoisted out, the de- barkation of the troops took place immediately. I proceeded without loss of time to destroy the vessels and stores in the whole extent of Acushnet River (about six miles,) particularly at Bedford and Fairhaven; and having dismantled and burnt a fort on the east side of the river mounting eleven pieces of heavy cannon, with a magazine and bar- racks, completed the re-embarkation before noon the next day. I refer your Excellency to the annexed re- turn for the enemy's losses, as far as we were able to ascertain them, and for our own casualties.
The wind did not admit of any further move- ment of the fleet the 6th and 7th than hauling a little distance from the shore. Advantage was taken of this circumstance to burn a large privateer ship on the stocks, and to send a small armament of boats, with two galleys, to destroy two or three vessels, which, being in the stream, the troops had not been able to set fire to.
From the difficulties in passing out of Buzzard's Bay into the Vineyard Sound, through Quickse's Hole, and from head winds, the fleet did not reach Holme's Hole harbour, in the island of Martha's Vineyard, until the 10th. The transports, with the light infantry, grenadiers, and 33d regiment,
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were anchored without the harbour, as I had at that time a service in view for those corps whilst the business of collecting cattle should be carrying on upon the island. I was obliged by contrary winds to relinquish my designs.
On our arrival off the harbour the inhabitants sent persons on board to ask my intentions with respect to them, to whom a requisition was made of the arms of the militia, the public money, 300 oxen, and 10,000 sheep. They promised each of these articles should be delivered without delay. I afterwards found it necessary to send small de- tachments into the island, and detain the deputed inhabitants for a time, in order to accelerate their compliance with the demand.
The 12th I was able to embark on board the vessels, which arrived that day from Rhode Island, 6000 sheep and 130 oxen.
The 13th and 14th were employed in embarking cattle and sheep on board our own fleet, in destroy- ing some salt-works, in burning or taking in the inlets what vessels and boats could be found, and in receiving the arms of the militia. I here again refer your Excellency to returns.
On the 15th the fleet left Martha's Vineyard ; and after sustaining, the next day, a very severe . gale of wind, arrived the 17th at Whitestone, without any material damage.
I hold myself much obliged to the commanding officers of corps, and to the troops in general, for the alacrity with which every service was performed. I have the honour to be, &c. CHARLES GREY, M. G."
Return of killed, wounded, and missing, of the detachment under the command of Major-Gen- eral Grey.
" 1st battalion light infantry-1 wounded, 3 missing.
1st battalion of grenadiers-1 killed, 1 wounded, 3 missing.
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33d regiment-1 missing. Hir tA
42d regiment-1 wounded, 8 missing. 46th regiment -1 missing. 64th regiment-1 wounded.
Total-1 killed, 4 wounded, and 16 missing.
The enemy's loss, which came to our knowledge, was an officer and 3 men, killed by the advanced parties of light infantry, who, on receiving a fire from the inclosures, rushed on with their bayonets. Sixteen were brought prisoners from Bedford, to exchange for that number missing from the troops. [Signed] CHARLES GREY, M. G."
" Return of vessels and stores destroyed on Ac- cushnet River the 5th of.September, 1778.
8 sail of large vessels, from 200 to 300 tons, most of them prizes. 6 armed vessels, carrying from 10 to 16 guns.
A number of sloops and schooners of inferior size, amounting in all to 70, besides whale-boats and others; amongst the prizes were three taken by Count D' Estaign's fleet.
26 store-houses at Bedford, several at M'Pherson's wharf, Crans Mills and Fairhaven; these were filled with very great quantities of rum, sugar, melasses, coffee, tobacco, cotton, tea, medicines, gun- powder, sail-cloth, cordage, &c.
Two large rope-walks.
At Falmouth, in the Vineyard Sound, the 10th of Sept., 1778.
2 sloops and a schooner taken by the galleys, 1 loaded with staves. 1 sloop burnt.
In Old Town harbour, Martha's Vineyard.
1 brig of 150 tons burthen, burnt by the Scorpion.
1 schooner of 70 tons burthen, burnt by ditto.
23 whale-boats taken or destroyed.
A quantity of plank taken.
At Holmes's Hole, Martha's Vineyard.
4 vessels, with several boats, taken or destroyed.
A salt-work destroyed, and a considerable quantity of salt taken.
Arms taken at Martha's Vineyard.
388 stand, with bayonets, pouches, &c., some powder, and a quantity of lead, as by artillery return.
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At the battery near Fair Haven, and on Clark's Point.
13 pieces of iron ordinance destroyed, the magazine blown up, and the platforms, &c., and barracks for 200 men burnt.
£.1000 sterl. in paper, the amount of a tax collected by authority of the Congress, was received at Martha's Vineyard from the collector.
Cattle and sheep taken from Martha's Vineyard. 300 oxen. 10,000 sheep.
[Signed] CHARLES GREY, M. G."
" CARYSFORT, off Bedford, Sept. 6, 1778.
My Lord : I enclose to your Lordship a copy of Rear-Admiral Gambier's * order to proceed with a detachment of ships and transports, and assist in such services as His Excellency Sir H. Clinton, or Major-General Grey, should propose.
Last evening the fleet came before Bedford har- bour. I send to your Lordship an outline sketch of the scene of operation, the plan for the execution of the naval part, with minutes of the manner in which it was performed.
I am informed that the army in its progress de- stroyed all the stores, wharves, and shipping at them ; two or three sloops only, by being on float, escaped the flames. No part of the town seems to be destroyed, except such houses whose vicinity to the wharfs and storehouses made their preserva- tion impossible at such time.
It is with very great pleasure I hear that the army has had very little loss. The enemy, not ex- pecting an attack, was not prepared to resist.
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