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 50
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(1) The intercepted letter was addressed to Hugh Henderson, and is without signature. The copy follows :
" BOSTON, 22 JUNE, 1775."
"DEAR HUGH :- I take this opportunity of letting you know our welfare. We have had a great deal of confusion last Saturday ; but we have great reason of thankfulness that the troops got the
423
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
Ordered, That such of the committee who were appointed to deliv- er out commissions, as are now present, be directed to attest the list of officers commissioned.
Ordered, That Mr. Wheeler, be directed to deliver the supernumer- ary bills to the receiver, and take his receipt for the same.
A petition of Doct. William Whiting was read,1 whereupon, Resolu- ed, that the receiver general be, and he is hereby directed, to pay to Doct. Whiting, the sum of eight pounds, in colony notes, towards de- fraying the expenses of the said Doct. Whiting, which may accrue in his journey to New York, said Whiting to be accountable for the same to this Congress or some future House of Assembly of this colony.
The committee appointed to consider some measures to prevent the spreading of the small pox, were directed to sit forthwith.
Ordered, That Deacon Fisher, Mr. Lothrop, and Col. Richmond, be a committee to consider a resolve of the committee of safety, rela- . tive to artificer's accounts, and that said committee be directed to con- sider such accounts as may be transmitted to this Congress, by the committee of safety, and to report thereon.
Resolved, That the resolve of this Congress relative to procuring powder from the counties of Hampshire and Worcester, be reconsider- ed, and that the same, together with the report of the committee ap- pointed to prepare instructions to the committee appointed to procure powder from said counties, be recommitted.
Ordered, That Capt. Stone, Mr. Plympton, and Mr. Johnson, be a committee to bring in a resolve for the purpose of making provision for the poor of the town of Charlestown.
Ordered, That Col. Coffin, Mr Lothrop, Capt. Nye, Capt. Bragdon, and Col. Mitchell, be a committee to inquire into the state of the two light houses at Cape Ann, and the light house at the entrance of Bos- ton harbor, and also, that at Plymouth, and consider whether it is ex- pedient to continue the lights therein.
better of the people. It was one of the boldest attacks almost of the ago, as they had [Bunker- Ilill] very strong ; but they did not keep it fifteen minutes after the attack begun, and such firing I never heard, so constant, I saw it all the time. Thoro are a groat many country people killed and among them is Doctor Warren : About thirty are taken prisoners and are in town. One vessel of the second fleet came in last night ; so, I am in hopes the troops will be soon enabled to bring them to a sense of duty."
" If you have any apprehension of danger, I think you had best come to town."
" Yours, &c."
Tho committee of Portsmouth informed Congress, that a ship had been sent from Boston, to pro- cure provisions from the islands.
(1) Doctor Whiting stated, that he had not recoivod pay for attendance on tho sessions of Con- gress from tho town he represented ; and requested, that funds might bo advanced from the public treasury to defray the oxpenses of his mission to New York.
424
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[June 30,
Major Hawley, agreeably to order, brought in the following resolve, which was accepted,
Resolvcd, That the committee of safety be a committee, forthwith to consider, whether the exigencies of this colony do require, that there should be, as soon as possible, a grant made by this Congress of a further emission of notes or bills of credit, and that they consider of what sum it is proper that grant should consist, and of what denomina- tions such bills should be, and whether they should bear any interest, and if any, what the rate of such interest should be, and at what time such notes or bills should be payable or redeemed, and whatever other regulations the said committee shall judge it expedient such notes or bills should be issued upon, and that the said committee report as soon as may be.
Ordered, That Deacon Fisher bring in a resolve, directing the re- ceiver general to pay the sum of three pounds ten shillings, to the com- mittee appointed to procure powder from the county of Worcester, and two pounds ten shillings, to Capt. Goodman, who is appointed to pro- cure powder from the county of Hampshire.
Afternoon.
The form of a warrant for surgeons of the hospital, was read and accepted, and is as follows, viz. :
The Congress of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, to Greeting.
Being informed of your skill in surgery, and reposing special trust and confidence in your ability and good conduct, [we] do by these presents, constitute and appoint you, the said - to be a surgeon of the hospital, established by order of the Congress, in -, for the sick and wounded of the colony army. You are, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a surgeon of said hos- pital, in all things appertaining thereto, observing such orders and in- structions as you shall, from time to time, receive from any, your su- perior officers, according to the rules and discipline established by said Congress, for which, this shall be your sufficient warrant.
By order of Congress, Dated the - day of - A. D. 1775.
Ordered, That warrants be made out to the following officers, viz. : Doct. Lemuel Cushing, surgeon; Doct. Gad Hitchcock, surgeon's - mate; Adam Bayley, quarter master; Luther Bayley, adjutant ; in
425
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
General Thomas's regiment : Doct. Lemuel Howard, surgeon to the Roxbury Hospital.
Mr. Jabez Matthews was admitted to give an account of his embas- sy to Quebec.
Ordered, That commissions be delivered to sundry officers in Col. Whitcomb's regiment, agreeably to a list of this date, by him exhib- ited.
Deacon Fisher, agreeably to order, reported the following resolves, which were accepted :
Resolved, That the sum of three pounds and ten shillings, be paid out of the public treasury, by the receiver general, who is directed to pay the same, to John ["Caldwell,] Esq., for the use of the committee that was chosen to collect gunpowder within the county of Worcester, for the use of the army, and that they be accountable to this Congress or some future House of Representatives.
Resolved, That the sum of two pounds and ten shillings, be paid out of the public treasury, by the receiver general, who is hereby directed to pay the same, unto Mr. Noah Goodman, to bear his expenses in col- lecting gunpowder within the county of Hampshire, for the use of the army, he to be accountable for the same to this Congress or some fu- ture House of Representatives.
The committee appointed to prepare a form of a commission, &c., for the officers of those companies, who are to be stationed on the sea coasts, reported. The report was accepted, and is as follows :
The committee appointed to take into consideration in what manner and form commissions, beating and enlisting orders, be made out to the officers to be appointed and raised for defence of the sea coast, having taken the premises into consideration, would humbly report the following draught of a blank for commissions, viz. :
The Congress of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, to - -
Greeting. - -, Gentleman,
We, reposing especial trust and confidence in your courage and good conduct, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you, thie said - to be a -, of a company of foot, appointed by said Congress, to be raised for the protection and defence of the sea coast in this colony. You are, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a -, in leading, ordering, and exercising the said company in arms, both inferior officers and soldiers, and to
a [Colvill.]
54
426
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. [June 30,
keep them in good order and discipline; and they are hereby com- manded to obey you as their -, and you are yourself to observe and follow such orders and instructions as you shall, from time to time, receive from your superior officers, or from those who are or may be appointed to have the direction of the said company or companies, in the several towns or counties where you may be stationed, according to military rules and discipline in war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you.
"By order of Congress. - -, President.
- the - day of -, A. D. 1775.
Attest, -, Secretary.
Also, your committee beg leave to report the following blank or form for beating orders, viz. :
To --
Sir :- You are hereby empowered, immediately, to enlist a compa- ny, to consist of forty-seven able-bodied, effective men, including ser- geants, corporals, drummers, &c., as soldiers in the Massachusetts service, for the defence of the sea coast in this colony, and cause them to pass muster as soon as may be.
By order of Congress,
- -, President. - day of -, A. D. 1775.
Attest, -- , Secretary.
Your committee likewise report the following form of an enlist- ment, viz. :
We, the subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage and enlist our- selves, as soldiers in the service of the Massachusetts colony, for the defence and protection of the sea coasts in said colony, from the day of our enlistment to the last day of December next, unless the said service should admit of a discharge of a part, or the whole, sooner, which is to be determined by the Congress or General Court, or Assembly of said colony. And we do hereby promise to submit ourselves to all the orders and regulations of the army, and faithfully to observe and obey all such or- ders as we shall, from time to time, receive from our superior officers.
Your committee also beg leave to report, that the committees in the several counties, appointed by this Congress, to give out beating, and enlisting orders, be directed to fill up said commissions and orders, and -
427
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
to deliver the commissions to the officers as soon as their companies are full ; also, that a person be appointed in each of those counties upon the sea coast, to administer the oath to officers and soldiers.
NATHANIEL FREEMAN, Chairman.
Resolved, That there be one hundred and twenty blank commis- sions printed, sixty beating orders and one hundred and twenty enlist- ing orders.
Ordered, That Col. Freeman, Doct. Taylor, and Col. Farley, be a committee to consider in what manner crimes shall be punished, which may be committed by any of the officers or soldiers of the forces sta- tioned on the sea coasts.
Resolved, That all warrants for staff officers, which may in future be delivered, be dated the day they are delivered.
Resolved, That all commissions to fill up vacancies, be dated the day they are delivered.
The committee appointed to consider some measures for making pro- vision for the poor of the town of Charlestown, reported. The report was recommitted.
Ordered, That Col. Grout, and Mr. Woodbridge, be added to the committee appointed to consider the accounts which the committee of safety may transmit to this Congress.
Ordered, That the committee appointed to inspect the letters brought by Capt. Jenkins, be a committee to consider what is best to be done with them ; and that Mr. Dickinson be of that committee, in the room of Mr. Phillips.
The committee appointed to inquire where safe and convenient stores for securing gunpowder might be had, reported. The report was accepted, and is as follows :
The committee appointed to look out for a place, or places, for the safe keeping the powder that is, or may be lodged in this town, have attended that service, and beg leave to report, as their opinion, that some part of the powder be kept in the middle school-house, and some part in the east school-house, also, some part in a building belonging to Mr. Josiah Capen, near the great bridge; also, that a building be erected, as soon as possible, within the limits of the said Capen's land, not far from the great bridge in said Watertown, which place was pro- posed sometime since, to build a provincial magazine at, agreeably to a law of this colony. All which is humbly submitted.
JONATHAN BROWN, per order.
The same committee [were directed] to see that the powder is well guarded, and to consider and report what sort of a building shall be erected.
428
1 THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[June 30,
The committee directed to prepare instructions to the committee who were appointed to procure powder from the counties of Worces- ter and Hampshire, reported. The report was accepted, and is as fol- lows, viz. :
To the several towns in the county of Hampshire, on the easterly side of Connecticut river, and the towns in the county of Worcester.
This Congress, taking into their most serious consideration the great want of powder in our public magazines, and considering how much depends on that important and most necessary article, which, under God, if provided, may prove the salvation of America; and, as your towns lay the least exposed to the ravages of our enemy : there- fore, it is most earnestly recommended by this Congress to the select- men of each town and district in the county of Worcester, that they deliver the whole of the towns' stock of powder, in said county of Worcester, to John Caldwell, Esq., Mr. Amos Singletary, and Mr. Israel Nichols, or either of them, a committee appointed by this Con- gress to receive the same, except so much as is allowed to be kept in each town, which will appear by the schedule hereunto annexed; and that it be replaced so soon as the state of the colony magazines will admit thereof, or otherwise will be paid for in money.
And it is likewise recommended to the selectmen of each town and district in the county of Hampshire, except those on the westerly side of Connecticut river, to deliver the respective town stocks of powder to Mr. Noah Goodman, who is appointed by this Congress to receive the same from the county of Hampshire, agreeably to the. annexed schedule : therefore, Resolved, that the said committees, appointed by this Congress to collect the powder from the counties of Worcester and Hampshire, be directed to give a receipt to the selectmen of such towns as they shall receive powder from, in the form following :
The - day of -, 1775. Received of A. B., selectmen of the town of -, the town stock of powder, containing - weight, to ' the use of the Massachusetts' Bay; which powder is to be replaced again, as soon as the state of the colony magazine will admit of it, or paid for in money.
And the committee appointed to receive the powder are hereby, sev- erally, empowered and directed, to employ such wagoners, or team- sters, as shall be necessary, with great despatch, to convey the same to the committee of supplies; for which service, said wagoners and teamsters, when they have delivered said powder to the committee of supplies, and shall produce a certificate from either of the committee men appointed to collect said powder, setting forth the sum agreed
1775 }
for the conveyance of said powder, then the committee of supplies shall give orders to the receiver general of the colony, for the sum so agreed for, to be paid in cash ; and the receiver general is hereby di- rected to pay the same accordingly.
The schedule is as follows, viz. :
Towns' names.
Town's stock of powder.
Supplied already.
To be left in town.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER.
Worcester,
2, barrels,
1 barrel,
¿ barrel.
Lancaster,
-
do.
1 do.
do.
Mendon, -
54
do.
2
do.
do.
Brookfield,
6
do.
3
do.
do.
Oxford,
-
3,1
do.
1
do.
do.
Charlton,
13
do.
do.
₹
do.
Sutton,
-
-
do.
Leicester,
2
do.
1
do.
do.
Spencer, -
-
-
1
-
·
1
do.
Hubbardston,
11
do.
do.
Southborough,
2
do.
do.
Shrewsbury,
5
do.
do.
Lunenburg,
2
do.
1
do. do.
Uxbridge,
2
do.
do.
Harvard, -
-
2
do.
do.
2
do. do. do.
Upton,
13
do.
do.
Sturbridge,
33
do.
do.
Leominster,
1
do.
Hardwick,
2
do.
Western,
Holden, -
do.
do.
Douglas, -
-
1
do.
Grafton, -
2+
do.
Petersham,
do.
do.
Westminster,
do.
Athol,
-
Templeton,
2
do.
do.
Princeton,
13
do.
do.
Ashburnham,
-
do.
Winchendon,
3
do.
do.
do.
Northbridge,
.
1
1
do.
COUNTY OF IIAMPSIIIRE.
Springfield,
11
do.
do.
Wilbraham,
1
do.
do.
Hadley,
do.
do.
South Hadley, -
-
do.
-
do.
.
-
-
1
do.
New Braintree,
do.
11
-
-
-
do.
do.
Bolton,
-
2
do.
ʻ
-
1
do.
Paxton,
do.
Rutland, -
do.
Oakham,
do.
Northborough,
do.
-
do. do. do.
do. do.
Royalston,
-
do. do.
do.
Westborough,
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
429
Fitchburg,
Dudley,
Hutchinson,
do.
-
do.
430
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[July 1,
SCHEDULE-Continued.
Towns' names.
Town's stock of powder.
Supplied already.
To be left in town.
Amherst,
-
-
¿ barrel,
Granby, -
¿ barrel,
do.
Montague,
do.
Northfield,
14
do.
do.
Brimfield,
do.
do.
South Brimfield,
Monson, -
do.
1
do.
Pelham, -
-
-
do.
Palmer, -
do.
New Salem,
1
do.
$
do.
Belchertown,
1
do.
do.
Warwick,
1
do.
₹
do.
Shutesbury,
-
do.
Ordered, That Capt. Brown make provision for the two poor women, late of the town of Charlestown, now at the door, till to-mor- row morning.
Ordered, That Mr. Kollock, Col. Grout, and Mr. Dickerson, be a committee to examine the accounts of Major Barber, agreeably to his letter.
A letter from the committee of inspection of the town of Biddeford, was read, and committed to Col. Richmond, Capt. Stone, and Mr. Langdon, who are directed to examine the prisoner, Thomas Neat, brought from Biddeford, and report.1
Adjourned to S o'clock, to-morrow morning.
SATURDAY, JULY 1, 1775.
[The committee appointed to bring in a resolve for the purpose of making provision for the poor of the town of Charlestown, reported the following, which was accepted, viz :]
Whereas, the distressed circumstances of the inhabitants of the town of Charlestown, calls for the charitable aid of this colony : therefore, Resolved, that such of those inhabitants as are unable to remove or support themselves, be removed to the several towns in the county of Worcester, mentioned in the schedule hereunto annexed.
And it is further recommended to the selectmen of the aforesaid towns to provide for, and employ said inhabitants, in the best and most prudent manner that may be, and render their accounts to this or some
(1) A suspicious person, named Thomas Neat, a deserter from one of the king's ships, was ar- rested in Biddeford, and sent as prisoner to Watertown.
111:4 1
do.
431
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
future Congress, or House of Representatives, which reasonable ac- counts shall be paid out of the public treasury of said colony.
And it is further Resolved, that Deacon Cheever, Capt. Brown, and Major Fuller, of Newton, be a committee to agree with teamsters, not exceeding the rate of nine pence per ton per mile, for transporting such inhabitants as are unable to travel, with their effects, and give certifi- cates to such teamsters, expressing that they are the poor of the town of Charlestown, and the sum they are to receive for sucli service ; and upon said teamsters producing said certificate to the committee of supplies, endorsed with the test of the selectmen of the town where such poor and their effects are lodged, that said teamster has done the service agreed for, per said certificate, the committee of supplies are hereby directed to draw, on the receiver general of said colony, for the payment of said teamster; and the said receiver general is hereby ordered to pay the same.
County of Worcester. Lancaster, 30; Mendon, 30; Brookfield, 20; Oxford, 15; Charlton, 10; Sutton, 30; Leicester, 12; Spencer, 10; Paxton, 7; Rutland, 15; Oakham, 6; Hutchinson, 20; New Braintree, 15; Southborough, 6; Westborough, 20; Northborough, 10; Shrewsbury, 10; Fitchburg, 10; Uxbridge, 10.
The committee appointed to consider what methods would be proper to try and punish crimes which may be committed by the soldiers sta- tioned on the sea coasts, reported. The report was recommitted, and Major Hawley and Mr. Greenleaf added to the committee.
Two letters from Rev. John Murray were read, and committed to Col. Grout, Major Fuller, of Newton, and Major Goodwin.
An account of Jabez Matthews [for a journey to Quebec] was read, and committed to Major Fuller, Col. Mitchell, and Mr. Ingalls.
Ordered, That Mr. Lothrop, Mr. Dickensou, and Mr. Nye, be a committee to consider a resolve of the committee of safety, respecting whaleboats.
A resolve of the committee of safety, proposing that electrical points should be erected over the powder magazines, was read, and commit- ted to the committee who were appointed to build a store for depositing gunpowder therein, and seeing that it is well guarded.
A petition from eighteen Stockbridge Indians was read, and com- mitted to Mr. Kollock, Mr. Crane, and Major White.
The committee appointed to examine Thomas Neat, reported. The report was accepted, and is as follows: The committee appointed to examine Thomas Neat, have attended that service, and are liumbly of opinion, that he ought to be discharged, and set at liberty, and do
432
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
[July 1,
recommend him for a pass, to be signed by the secretary, to go to New York, there to apply for a further pass, as he proposes to go to Vir- ginia. Submitted. EZRA RICHMOND, pr. order.
Resolved, That the following persons be appointed deputy commis- saries in the Massachusetts army, being one to each regiment :
Mr. Samuel Norton, recommended by Col. Lincoln.
Capt. Ebenezer Craft, of Sturbridge, recommended by Col. Learned, Rev. Mr. Paine, &c.
Mr. Jedediah Easterbrooks, Lunenburg, recommended by Mr. Gill and Dr. Taylor.
Mr. Ezekiel Cheever, Boston, recommended by ª[Col. Pigeon.]
Mr. Samuel Russell Gerry, Marblehead, recommended by do.
Mr. Ebenezer Warren, Boston, recommended by the hon. committee of supplies.
Mr. John Fenno, Boston, recommended by Secretary Ward.
Mr. Alexander Sheppard, Newton, recommended by "[Col. Pigeon.]
Mr. Ephraim Russell, Stow, recommended by Col. Doolittle, and the paymaster general.
Mr. Daniel Bell, Boston, recommended by Mr. Pitt.
Mr. William Mollineaux, Boston, recommended by do.
Mr. Daniel Henshaw, Jr., 66 by Doct. Church.
Mr. John Checkley, by do. and others.
Mr. Jabez Brown, Stow, recommended by the paymaster general.
Mr. Joseph Clark, Boston, recommended by Gen. Warren, Doct. Church, &c.
Mr. Gillam Taylor, Boston, recommended by Gen. Warren and others. Mr. Andrew Newell, Charlestown, recommended by Mr. Cheever.
Capt. James Littlefield, Wells, recommended by Col. Scammon and others.
Mr. Waterman Thomas, Marshfield, recommended by Gen. Thomas. Mr. Peter Clark, Newfoundland, recommended by Col. Palmer & Son.
Mr. Timothy Newell, Sturbridge, recommended by Capt. Timothy Parker.
Mr. John Story, Ipswich, recommended by Col. Farley.
Mr. Eliakim Atherton, Bolton, recommended by Col. Whitecomb.
Mr. Abraham Tuckerman, Boston, recommended by Col. Palmer and Col. Brewer.
Mr. William Holmes, Boston, recommended by his father.
Mr. Enoch Woodbridge, Stockbridge, recommended by Col. Porter for Col. Paterson's regiment.
a [myself.]
433
THIRD PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
1775.]
Resolved, That the commissary general be directed to see that a sufficient number of deputy commissaries be placed at or near Prospect Hill, for the more convenient supply of the forces stationed there.
The president, by leave of Congress, brought in a resolve, directing General Ward to order two companies to Plymouth, which was ac- cepted, and is as follows, viz :
Whereas, the town of Plymouth appears to be in danger of being attacked by the enemy : therefore, Resolved, that General Ward be and hereby is directed, immediately to issue his orders, that two full com- panies, from Col. Cotton's regiment, under proper officers, march, without delay, to Plymouth, and there remain for the guard and de- fence of the inhabitants, till they can be relieved by such companies as are to be raised for the defence and protection of the sea coasts, and to be stationed there for that purpose.
Ordered, That Col. Palmer bring in a resolve, directing that the rules and regulations of the army be frequently read to the soldiers.
The committee appointed to consider some method of trying crimi- nals on the sea coast, reported again. The report was accepted, and is as follows, viz. :
Resolved, That all offences committed by any of the forces raised for the defence of the sea coast, shall be tried by a court martial, con- sisting of the field officers of the regiment of militia within which, that company to which the offender belongs is stationed, together with the commissioned officers of that company, according to the rules and regulations for the Massachusetts army, agreed upon by a former Con- gress, excepting those offences and causes which are punishable with death, which are to be tried, agreeably to the laws of the land, by the civil authority.
Also Resolved, That in case any of the soldiers shall lose, destroy, or unnecessarily fire away any of his powder, ammunition, or cartridges, without giving reasonable satisfaction to his commanding officer there- for, the captain shall deduct four [^times] the value thereof out of his wages, to be applied as is directed in the first article of the rules and regulations abovementioned.
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