USA > Massachusetts > The journals of each Provincial congress of Massachusetts in 1774 and 1775, and of the Committee of safety, with an appendix, containing the proceedings of the county conventions-narratives of the events of the nineteenth of April, 1775 > Part 33
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[Gentlemen and brethren : could you have seen the horrid devasta- tion and carnage in this colony, committed by ministerial troops, those sons of violence, who have got some footing in this colony, the breach of a most solemn treaty with respect to the inhabitants of Boston, when they had surrendered their arms, and put themselves wholly in the power of a military commander, relying upon his faith then pledged, that they should immediately depart from the town with their effects, as stipulated, which was no sooner done, than they were not only refused liberty to carry out the most valuable part of those effects, but their persons were detained under the most idle pretences, and suffered only to scatter from their prison, a few in a day, hardly to be seen or noticed ; we say, gentlemen, could you see and realize these scenes of distress, you could not refrain one moment from doing every thing in your power to prevent the like distress from happening to your metropolis, and availing yourselves of every article which our en- emies can improve with the least advantage to themselves for effecting the like desolation, horrors and insults, on the inhabitants of your city and colony, or which might enable you to make the most effectual de- fence.]
[Have you not, gentlemen, divers of those articles, as it were, under your hand ? If you should delay securing them until they should be out of your power, and, within a few days, you should behold those very materials improved in murdering you, and yourselves perishing for the want of them, will not the chagrin and regret be intolerable ?
260
SECOND PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[May 26,
Brethren, pardon our importunity. It is our own case. We behold Castle William, and realize the ample warlike provisions and apparatus therein, held by our enemies, to our infinite and inexpressible mortifi- cation. We wish to Heaven that you may be timely admonished by the consequences of our delay.
We are, &c.]
[The committee to whom was referred the letter of the Hon. James Russell, reported the following resolve, which was accepted.]
[Resolved, That the Hon. James Russell, Esq. be, and he hereby is directed, immediately to call in all the public moneys committed to his care as impost officer, and pay the same to Henry Gardner, Esq., re- ceiver general of this province.]
[It having been represented to this Congress, that. it would be agree- able to the inhabitants of the colony of New Hampshire, that the post rider on the road from Cambridge to Haverhill, should extend his route to the town of Exeter, to meet the post rider from Portsmouth to that place, and a post office having been appointed at Exeter, by the inhabitants of New Hampshire :]
[Resolved, That the route of the post rider from Cambridge be ex- tended to said Exeter, so long as it shall be found to be expedient, or until the Massachusetts or New Hampshire Congress, or future house of representatives, shall otherwise order.]
[Whereas, it appears to this Congress, that although divers able bodied and effective men, who have enlisted into the Massachusetts army, are either not furnished with arms and accoutrements, or with such only as are insufficient for use, yet, that it will be for the public service that such men be accepted :]
[Therefore, Resolved, That the resolve of this Congress, passed on the 6th instant, be so far reconsidered, that the muster masters be, and they hereby are directed, to accept of all such able bodied and effec- tive men, and muster them accordingly, any thing contained in the aforementioned resolve to the contrary notwithstanding; and that the several muster masters be, and hereby are directed, to make a return to this or some future congress, or house of representatives, of the names of such soldiers as shall be found deficient in arms and accou- trements, and also of the names of the towns to which they respec- tively belong.]
[Upon a representation of the committee of safety, that Mr. Jona- than Brewer, of Waltham, has, contrary to the orders of said commit- tee, undertaken to enlist a company of rangers, has made use of artifices
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261
SECOND PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
and impositions to obtain said enlistments, and that he has also seized and retained possession of horses and certain real estate, the private property of various individuals, and converted the same to his own use, whereby he has disqualified himself for the command of a regi- ment, it was Ordered, that the matter be referred to Doct. Perkins, Mr. Kollock and Mr. Bent.]
[The committee appointed to consider of the charges alleged against Mr. Jonathan Brewer, by the honorable committee of safety, having attended that service, beg leave to report the defence of said Brewer, viz. : that he, the said Brewer, absolutely denies the charge of seducing men, belonging to other corps, to enlist in his regiment, or any of the companies thereof. As to the taking the horses of Cols. Jones and Taylor, he acknowledges his thus doing, and thinks himself justified therein, by furthering the service of the province in which he was engaged, that he had used them some time past in that way, and. on Saturday last past had returned Jones's horse.]
[He also owns the leasing part of said Jones's estate, and taking se- curity ; which security, he says, was in the keeping of one Capt. But- ler ; that he had proceeded in the affair merely from a principle of saving the improvement of one Mr. Jennison, (whose lands were con- tiguous to those of said Jones,) and which were exposed by a neglect of said Jones in keeping up sufficient fences. Said Jennison, (as Brewer says,) supposing, if he would thus dispose of the above leased land to him, he could fence and improve it without molestation. And that the committee can proceed no further, unless they are enabled, by hearing the full of the evidence supposed to support the complaint.
Per order : RICHARD PERKINS, Chairman.]
SATURDAY, May 27, 1775.
[Resolved, That the committee of safety be directed to write to Col. Arnold, and inform him that it is his duty to conformn himself to such advices and orders as he shall receive from this Congress.]
[Doct. Richard Perkins, from the committee appointed to examine into the complaint against lieutenant colonel Brown, setting forth that said Col. Brown has, at various times and places, used language disre- spectful to the Congress, and tending to lessen and bring into con- tempt the power and authority of the Congress of this province, made the following report, which was accepted, viz. : ]
[That after a full hearing of the allegations and proofs, for and against said Brown, on the complaint of some unknown person, through the selectmen of Waltham, to this honorable Congress, we
262
SECOND PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. [May 27,
are of the sentiment, that an unhappy controversy has existed in said town, relating to public affairs, in which said Brown had exerted him- self very earnestly in favor of the cause of liberty, by which means he had disgusted several persons, who have since endeavored therefor to censure and stigmatize him as being an officious, busy, designing man ; and, unhappily, it appears, that Mr. Brown has associated in taverns, indiscriminately, with many persons, in discourse with whom, he, at some times, had inadvertently expressed himself, which he would not strictly justify himself in. And that it is evident, those disaffected an- tagonists of Mr. Brown's, had taken the advantage of his halting, purely from revenge ; and the committee adjudge, from the whole of the evidence for and against said Brown, that he is injuriously treated by the secret resentment of designing persons, and that he ought to be reinstated to the esteem and countenance of every friend to the liber- ties of this country.]
[Hon. Joseph Hawley, from the committee to bring in a resolve for the regular administration of justice, reported the following :]
[Whereas, it appears to this Congress, that a want of a due and regular execution of justice in this colony, has encouraged divers wicked and disorderly persons, not only to commit outrages and tres- passes upon private property and private persons, but also to make the most daring attacks upon the constitution, and to unite in their en- deavors to disturb the peace, and destroy the happiness and security of their country : and, whereas, this Congress conceive it to be their in- dispensable duty to take effectual measures to restrain all disorders, and promote the peace and happiness of this colony, by the execution of justice in criminal matters :]
[Therefore, Resolved, That a court of inquiry be inimediately erect- ed, consisting of seven persons, to be chosen by this Congress, whose business it shall be to hear all complaints against any person or per- sons, for treason against the constitution of their country, or other breaches of the public peace and security, and to determine and make up judgment thereon, according to the laws of this province, and those of reason and equity ; no judgments to be made up, or punishments inflicted, in consequence of them, unless in such cases where five of the judges, so appointed, were agreed ; any three of said judges to have power, upon complaint made, to cause any person or persons complained of, to be imprisoned, until the said court can be convened to hear the same, or for any further orders of Congress which may be thought necessary, five of said judges to be a quorum, and to be vested with the full powers of the court, and to meet and sit in such place or places as they shall agree on.]
263
SECOND PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
[ Resolved, That [blank ] be, and hereby are appointed, as judges of the said court of inquiry, to execute the trust, agreeable to the above resolve.]
[This report having been read, after some debate, Ordered, that the further consideration thereof be referred to the next Congress.]
['The following letter, reported by a committee, to the governor and company of the colony of Connecticut, was accepted, and ordered to be forwarded :]
[WATERTOWN, May 27, 1775.
GENTLEMEN :- Enclosed are copies of a letter from Col. Arnold, and a list of military stores at Ticonderoga, &c. We have wrote you of the 17th instant, relative to that fortress, &c., and we are desirous that you would give such orders relative thereto, as to you should seein meet ; but, we are of opinion, that the advice of the Continental Congress should be had therein, as soon as may be, and also the par- ticular advice of the Provincial Congress of New York, to each of whom we have wrote upon this matter : those fortresses being within the jurisdiction of the colony of New York, we are of opinion that it is necessary to consult them upon a matter in which they are so great- ly interested.]
[We have appointed and directed Col. Joseph Henshaw to repair to you, and consult with you upon the affair of that fortress, the mainte- nance of which, we think of the utmost importance to the security of New York, and the New England colonies. His instructions will be laid before you, and, we have no doubt, you will take such measures relative thereto, as will promote the general safety of these colonies. To the Hon. the Governor and Company of the
Colony of Connecticut.]
[The following letter to Col. Benedict Arnold, reported by a com- mittee, was read, accepted, and ordered to be forwarded :]
[WATERTOWN, May 27, 1775.
SIR :- We have this day, with pleasure, received your letter to the committee of safety, of the 19th instant, by Capt. Brown, and return you our hearty thanks for your exertions in the public cause, and fully agree with you, that the interposition of Providence, in this, and many other instances, is apparent, for which we have the greatest cause of thankfulness. ]
[We are clearly of opinion, that keeping Ticonderoga is a matter of great importance, and, we make no doubt, the honorable Continental
4
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264
SECOND PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[May 27,
Congress will take that affair immediately under their wise considera- tion, and give all necessary orders therefor, as we have addressed them most earnestly on the subject.]
[You inform us you have had intimation that some persons were de- termined to apply, in order to injure your character ; if any such ap- plications should be made here, you may be assured, we shall be so candid as not to suffer any impressions to your disadvantage, until you shall have opportunity to vindicate your conduct.]
[We enclose a resolve of this Congress, appointing and directing Col. Joseph Henshaw to repair to Hartford, and consult with the gen- eral assembly there upon this important matter, by which you will see the resolution this Congress has taken relative thereto.]
[We would just add, that the letter you refer to, of the 14th instant, by Mr. Romans, has not come to hand, so that no order can be taken thereon.
To Col. Benedict Arnold, Ticonderoga.
We are, &c.]
[Resolved, That Col. Joseph Henshaw, be appointed and directed to repair to Hartford, and inquire whether provision is made, by the gen- eral assembly of the colony of Connecticut, for securing and maintain- ing the fortress at Ticonderoga, and the adjacent posts; and if that assembly has made provision for that purpose, the said Col. Henshaw proceed directly to Ticonderoga, and acquaint Col. Arnold that it is the order of this Congress that he return, and render accounts of his expenses in that expedition, in order that he may be honorably dis- charged ; but if Col. Henshaw shall find that such provision is not made, and the general assembly be not sitting, that he proceed to Ti- conderoga, and inform Col. Arnold that it is the order of this Con- gress that he continue there, with such number of forces as said Col. Henshaw shall judge necessary for the purpose. Nevertheless, if the said Col. Henshaw shall find the general assembly sitting, and that they have not made such provision, that he consult with them touching this important matter, and take their proposals, and immediately make report to the Congress of this colony.]
MONDAY, May 29, 1775.
[The committee appointed to prepare a letter to the Continental Congress, upon the necessity of maintaining a fortress at Ticonderoga, reported. The report being read, Ordered, that it be accepted, and a copy of the same, fairly transcribed, be sent immediately to Philadel- phia. It is as follows, viz. : ]
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265
SECOND PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
[MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONORS :- Enclosed are copies of a letter from Col. Arnold, and a list of military stores at Ticonderoga, &c.
It seems that the step Col. Arnold is taking, in transporting into this colony part of the ordnance taken at the Lake Champlain, is in consequence of directions given him in the haste and confusion of war; and if this Congress had considered the proposal in a calmer season, perhaps they might have thought it would have been proper, previously to have consulted our brethren of the colony of New York. Certain it is, that this colony is in the most pressing need of the ord- nance which Col. Arnold is transporting hither. We beg leave, on this occasion, most solemnly to assure your honors, that nothing can be more abhorrent to the temper and spirit of this Congress, and the people of this colony, than any attempt to usurp on the jurisdiction of any of our sister colonies, which, upon the superficial consideration of this step, there may seem to be some appearance of. But we assure ourselves, that such is the candor and generous sentiments of our brethren of the colony of New York, as that we may rest secure that they will readily overlook this mistake, if it is one, committed in the haste of war, and which may be naturally attributed thereto. And if any of those cannon should arrive within the limits of this colony, we shall hold ourselves accountable for them, to your honors, or any suc- ceeding representatives of the continent. Permit us to observe, that, in our opinion, nothing can be more obvious, than the infinite import- ance to the safety of the inhabitants of the colonies of New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and even Connecticut, than the main- taining, holding, and effectually securing the post of Ticonderoga, or some spot near the southwest end of Lake Champlain ; for if that post is abandoned, the whole Lake Champlain will be commanded by the government of Canada ; and the command of that water will amazingly facilitate all such descents upon these colonies, whether greater or less, which administration shall see fit to order ; but if that post should be held by the colonies, all such attempts, for the destruction of the colo- nies, may be vastly obstructed, if not wholly defeated. We have, therefore, the most full confidence, that your honors will immediately take these inatters into your most serious consideration, and make such order thereon as will appear most fit and reasonable, and most conducive to the general safety.]
[We would further humbly suggest, that we stand in need of large quantities of gunpowder, and it is impossible to obtain that article from any quarter this way; we, therefore, most earnestly entreat your honors, that some effectual measures may be devised, that we may be 34
266
SECOND PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. [May 29,
supplied with that most necessary means of defence; and we find that deficiency of that article prevails in all the colonies. We most earn- estly press this matter, as the salvation of these colonies so much de- pends thereon. We would not presume to dictate to your honors, but would quere whether it would not be prudent, to advertise all nations of. the opportunity they now have to dispose of that article in America at the best market. We have the strongest persuasion, that the settled plan of the British administration, is, to break the chain of union of the colonies at New York ; and we are sure that the evidence of such design, and their machinations for that purpose, cannot escape your attention. We confide in the wisdom and vigilance of your honors to devise such measures as, under God, will effectually defeat a plan so fatal, and which, if effected, will be the destruction of all the colonies.]
[Hon. Joseph Hawley, from the committee appointed to prepare a letter to the governor of the colony of Connecticut, relative to the for- tresses at Ticonderoga, Crown Point, &c., reported the following, which was read, accepted, and ordered to be sent, viz. :
[WATERTOWN, May 29, 1775.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOR :- Yesterday, about three of the clock, P. M., this Congress received your honor's most kind and friendly letter of the 25th instant, enclosing the resolution of the gen- eral Congress, of the 18th instant, relating to Ticonderoga, the order of the general committee of association of New York for executing the said resolution, the letter from the Connecticut delegates at New York, each of which contain articles of intelligence very important and interesting to all the New England governments. But while we are consoled and rejoiced to find that the general Congress is attentive to the safety and general interests of the colonies, we cannot conceal from the general assembly of your colony, that we should be to the last degree agitated, if we really supposed that the said resolution of general Congress, touching Ticonderoga and said posts on Lake Champlain, was their ultimatum, and that they would not reconsider that resolution. But as we cannot suffer ourselves to doubt of their best intentions, and great concern for the liberty and safety of all the colonies, we assure ourselves, that, upon better information, and knowl- edge more just, they will be fully convinced of the great impolicy of abandoning Lake Champlain, which we conceive they have, in effect, advised to ; although we confess their expressions are not of the clear- est ; but we are confirmed in our construction of the said resolution,
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SECOND PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
by the order taken by the general committee of New York, to execute the same.]
[May it please your honor : Permit us to acquaint you, that as soon as possible after we had received advice of the success of our people at Crown Point and St. Johns, and the taking of the armed sloop on that lake, by Col. Arnold's letter, a copy whereof we have sent you by Col. Henshaw, we sent an express to New York, and to the general Congress, signifying to the general Congress, and to the Congress of New York, in the strongest manner, our opinion of the absolute ne- cessity, and great advantages, of maintaining the post of Ticonderoga: but, as we conceived the reasons and grounds of such an opinion were obvious, and generally known, we supposed that a detail of the argu- ments and proofs was altogether unnecessary. But, upon seeing the resolution of the general Congress, upon that important matter, we were much surprised and concerned, and in the little time we have had to deliberate on the subject, we have resolved to endeavor to sug- gest to your honor, and your assembly, the reasons which at present occur to us; which, we apprehend, make it evident, that the maintain- ing that post is not only practicable, and, under God, in the power of the colonies, but of inexpressible necessity for the defence of the col- ony of New York, and all the New England colonies; and having enumerated those reasons, as they occur, without consulting method, or any orderly arrangement, to submit them to your assembly; most im- portunately praying that if your honors approve them, you will, with the greatest despatch, communicate them, with many more observa- tions, which your better knowledge of facts will suggest, to the gene- ral Congress; and, if you should judge it advisable, also to the Con- gress of New York, conceiving that, in several respects, they would go from you with more advantage, not only to New York but also to the general Congress, than from us. It seems natural to compare the two stations proposed to be maintained, namely, Ticonderoga and William Henry, in the following manner, that is to say : with regard to the benefits and advantages of the two stations, which will arise for the purposes of general defence, and annoyance of the Canada ene- my, and with regard to the feasibility of maintaining each place. And, in the first place, as to the advantages of general defence, result- ing from a post at Ticonderoga, beyond those of William Henry, they are so great and many, that they cannot be enumerated in an ordinary letter. In the view of a post of observation, we beg leave to observe, that all movements from Canada, intended against New England or New York, by the way of Lake Champlain, whether by scalping par-
268
SECOND PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[May 29,
ties or large bodies, whether in the winter or open seasons of the year, may almost certainly be discovered, so seasonably, as that the blow may be generally warded off: whereas, if the post at William Henry be only kept, it is probable that three fourths of the attempts on the frontiers of New York and New England, by Champlain, will never be known until executed; as to enterprises, by any large bodies, by the way of Champlain, it is clear that they may be known much earlier from the former than the latter station; also, if it should become ne- cessary and just that the united colonies should annoy the inhabitants of Canada, and cause them to feel the grievousness of war on their borders, as it most certainly will be felt, in case they engage in the war upon us, the two stations scarcely bear any comparison ; for, if we abandon the post at Ticonderoga, the enemy will infallibly seize it, and, in that case, what annoyance can we give Canada, by the way of Champlain, by means of a fortified post at William Henry ? If the enemy hold Ticonderoga, they will effectually command the whole of Lake Champlain; if the united colonies hold it, they will so far com- mand that lake, as by the way of it, they will be able to make descents by small parties, upon great part of the country of Canada, and infi- nitely distress them : but from William Henry none can be made with- out vast difficulty and risk. As to the advantages of subsisting and defending a garrison, and maintaining a post against the efforts of Canada, either at Ticonderoga or fort William Henry, we conceive they are much in favor of the former. For us to supply victuals for a garrison or an army stationed at some one place or the other, we con- ceive, that on the whole, they may be more easily and certainly afforded to Ticonderoga than William Henry. We suppose that what should be sent from ports on the westerly side of Hudson's river, may almost as easily be transported to Ticonderoga or to William Henry; and as to such supplies as would go from all parts eastward of Hudson's river, they may be conveyed to the former place with much more facil- ity than the latter. And as to the speed and certainty of marching succors, for the relief of a garrison at one place or the other, in case of an attack, we suppose the advantages of Ticonderoga are vast- ly superior to those of William Henry ; for we cannot forbear observ- ing, that our brethren of New York government, settled on the west- erly side of Hudson's river, have been always rather slow in warlike efforts, and if the succors must go from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or the northeasterly parts of New York governments, they may be mustered and marched much sooner to the former station than the latter. We have no doubt, but, on a pressing emergency, a
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