USA > Maine > A catalogue of original documents in the English archives, relating to the early history of the state of Maine > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
1.கு.
91
RELATING TO MAINE.
same to continue. Nor is it possible for Messrs Mason and Gorges if they had the Government, to protect the people within their alledged claim, as experience has already proved. (11 f.)
1684 May 14. N. Hampshire.
Letter "signed Edwd Cranfield, addressed to the Committee of Trude. Since his last the Indians to the eastward in the province of Maine have been very disorderly, threatening to kill the English and burn their houses. Has written to the Governors of the several colo- nies to request they would send to the leaders of the Indians who are called Sagamores to endeavour to promote a good understanding. Nevertheless the government of the Massachusetts, himself and Council thought fit to solicit Col. Dungan for the assistance of the Moquaers and some of the southern Indians in case of a war, which was readily complied with. Necessity of peace, as there is no money in the Treasury, can get none, although he has earnestly prest the point in two assemblies. Has been obliged to suspend Mr Elliot, one of the council and a great owner of ships (in whom he has been much mis- taken) and recommends for confirmation Mr Francis Champernoun and Mr James Sherlock. Mr Fryer gone to live out of the province. Account of seditous speeches, spoken at a town meeting by Mr Mather, Minister of the North Church in Boston and Mr Nowell, one of the Magistrates there, against his Matys declaration sent here concerning the Quo War- ranto, telling the people that the inheritance which God had given them was going to be taken away as was Naboths vineyard, exciting them to arms in its defence, reminding them of David, that it was better to fall into the hands of God than of man. Also that a Minister near Boston on the 20th last past declared Hugh Peters to be a martyr and unlaw- fully put to death. The same spirit prevalent amongst others in the province. Affidavits of approbrious speeches alluded to, that the King knows nothing of the writer and Mr Mason's coming hither, but were sent by the Duke of York. Such virulent speeches of the Ministers contaminate the peoples minds. Death of the brother of Mr Randolph whom he left his deputy-Canary wine and French commodities being more plentiful than ever in Boston, it is necessary to have the vacancy supplied. Conceives that the continuing the Taxes and other Imposts will be the most effectual way of establishing the Church of England and silencing these. Considers it will be a work of great time before they can be brought to it by assemblies, there " being such a canker among the generality of the people", &c. &c. (13 f.)
92
EARLY DOCUMENTS
1680 Oct. 19. Boston.
Copy of a letter of MY Thos Danforth to the Magistrates of the province of Maine.
Mr Edward Randolph having requested the calling of a Court to judge between him and one Mr Nicolls, Master of a ketch, seized for infringing the act of Trade -Order is hereby given that on Mr Ran- dolph exhibiting his libel and depositing 1£ as caution money, time for a special court shall be appointed to meet to give judgment in the said cause, the secretary to give notice thereof to the magistrates and timely warrants to be sent to the Constables of York, Kittery and Wells for summoning a jury &c., which said jury are to be allowed for expenses 48 per diem during the session of the court-to the magistrates and other officers allowance according as the charges may be and surplus to be delivered again to M' Randolph. (4 f.)
Transcribed from and collated
with the original, 5th Nov. 1680.
Pr ED. RISHWORTH.
1685 May 5.
Proposals offered for encouragement of such of His Majestys subjects as design to transport themselves and families to Pejepscot, being the northernmost part of N. England.
Every one shall have a convenient quantity of land allotted him, suf- ficient for the maintenance of his family, provided he apply himself to planting or fishing, &c., at a peppercorn rent.
Every one to have free right of fishery in any of the rivers, running thro' the said lands for the supply of their families.
All the King's subjects to have free liberty to fish on the coast and without paying any thing for landing, may bring the fish on shore, &c.
All vessels coming from England shall have license to fish in any of the sd rivers upon payment of a reasonable sum for such license, and to dispose of such goods as they may bring from England, &c. (4 f.)
[Endorsed as received from Mr Wharton, 4th and read May 5th 1685 ]
1682 Jan' 30.
At a County Court for Suffolk, held at Boston under this date. Edward Randolph Esq., plt versus Thos Danforth Esq., Deft.
According to attachment 13th Janr.
Deft objecting against the process as being illegal and claiming a non suit. The Court considering the deficiency thereof, the action being only for 10£ deposited, and no mention of what was kept of the said
·
93
RELATING TO MAINE.
sum. And notwithstanding the president's letters to the justices of Maine for calling a special Court at plaintiff's request, directing them to take cantion for answering the charges thereof. The members of that Court not being obliged upon the said letter to act contrary to law, are the persons liable to respond the plts damage (if sustained). Likewise the president of that province being accountable to the Massachusetts and not to any inferior Court here for any illegality in the admon of his authority, the Court declare an abatement of the writ. (3 f.)
1685 July 15.
A paper, entitled Abstract of His Matys K. Jas 2ds grant and confir- mation of lands at Pejepscot in N. England.
Whereas Richd Wharton has been a suiter to the King, to confirm to him divers lands and islands at or near Pejepscot in the province of Maine, the same is granted and assigned to him paying yearly ***** reserving the 5th part of all gold and silver, &c. The said land also ordained a manor to be called by the name of * * * manor, the said Wharton, his heirs &c., to be Lords and proprs of the same with juris- diction &c., as customarily exercised within the realm of England. Li- berty of religion conceded to such as yield due obedience to the laws, &c., also power to the sd Wharton, to erect fairs and markets and with the consent of the gen1 Governor and Freeholders to make by-laws, Liberty of Ships or vessels to enter and clear with the chief officer resi- dent on the manor. No crimes or misdemeanors (excepting treason or felony) arising within the manor or actions under £100 to be tried elsewhere. Planters or residents within the said manor may bring their commodities to any part of the united Kingdom, subject to no more dues than paid by subjects born within the realm. The said Wharton may erect within the sd manor convenient ports, havens &c., for the lading and unlading ships, provided that this grant do not restrain any of His Matys subjects from fishing on the coast, &c. (6 f.)
[The draft of this grant in extenso occurs at pag. 207 of the same Vol. 4. It therein describes the tract as divers lands at or near Pe- jepscot in the province of Mayne, together with divers lands, islands and other places, adjacent, lying upon and between the rivers of Kenne- bec, Amdrose Coggan and Cascoe Bay within the province of Maine, granted formely in the time of the late King to Thomas Purchase late of Pejepscot, and Geo. Way of Dorchester, Co. Dorest (England) which have been in the possession of the sa Purchase and Way for nearly 60
94
EARLY DOCUMENTS
years and lately by the heirs of the sª Purchase and sundry Indian Sacheis sold and conveyed to Richd Wharton and his heirs, paying as a yearly quit rent to the King six beaver skins, &c. &c.
Council Minute.
1685 Sept. 9.
The Lord's of Trade &c., having read the enclosed draught of Mr Whartons grant, desire the opinion of Mr Attorney Gen1 thereon.
1686 May 1.
The opinion of the Attorney gen1 (R. Sawyer), is, that there is nothing unfitting his Maty to grant, it amounting only to a confirmation of such lands as he is already seized of by purchase.
N. B. The name of the manor is left blank in this draft.
[It is marked in dorso as] . Recd 26. Aug. 1685. Read at ye Comtee, Sept. 9 1685 and 10 June 86. Referred to Sr Edmund Andros. [The grant in extenso comprises abt 20 folios]
Letter to JOHN WINTHROP, Governor of Connecticut.
1670 Boston.
Right Honorable
I was at Boston in the Massachusetts Colony when Mr John Pell arrived there, by whom I had the great favour of your Lordships letter. He came into that Harhour very opportunely for the expedition of his business. For one Mr John Bankes, a neighbour of Mr Thomas Pell, deceased and one of those whom he had intrusted with the estate, was in a vessel of Fairfield [the place where Mr Pell had lived] re- turning thither and met the ship coming in and came back with Mr John P'ell to Boston. Where I spake with them both and upon the reading of your Lordships letter informed Mr Bankes that I had full assurance from your Lordship and divers others that the person there present was Mr John Pell and he to whom Mr Thomas Pell deceased had given his Estate. And that very day, Mr John Pell imbarqued with Mr Bankes, and sailed towards Fairfield carrying also with him my letters to the magistrate and others there, certifying the same to them concerning him with desires of all good loving respects to him and their help- fulnesse as his occasions should require, and that order might be taken forthwith for his quiet possession of that estate. I have heard since of
95
RELATING TO MAINE.
his safe arrival and welcome there and that he hath accordingly the pos- session of the lands and houses and goods to which he had right both at Fairfield and Westchester, which is a place neere New York, where his uncle had also a considerable plantation, with good accommodations belonging to it.
My Lord, the relation which I am now presenting to your Lordship is of a very strange and prodigious wonder this last summer in this part of the world, that the like hath been knowen for the whole manner of it I doe not remember that I have read or heard.
There was an hill neere Kenebunke River in the province of Maine (the eastern part of New England) which is removed out of its place and the bottom turned upward. The time is not certaine when it was done, but that it is so is very certaine. And it is concluded by those who live neerest to it, that it was removed eyther the later end of June or the beginning of July last. The relation which I have from credible persons concerning the manner of it is this, viz. that the hill being about eyght rodds from Kenebunke River side on the west side of the River, about foure miles from the sea, was removed over the drye land about eyght rods or perches, and over the tops of the trees also which grew between the hill and that river, leaping as it were over them into the River, where it was placed (the upper part being downward) and dam- med up the river till the water did work itself a passage thorow it. The length of the hill was about two hundred and fifty foote, the breadth of it about fourscore foot, the depth of it about twenty foot. The situation of the hill as to the length of it was norwest and south east. The earth of it is a blue clay without stones. Many round bullets were within it which seem to be of the same clay hardened. I have not yet seene the place my selfe, but sent purposely to inquire into the truth of what had beene reported concerning it. And had this relation from Major William Phillips who dwelleth not farr from the place and Mr Herla- kenden Symons, who went to the place and took very good notice and brought me the same report of the truth and manner of it, which I had before received by a letter from Major Philips in answer to my letter of enquiry and told me that the earth of the hill did not lie between the former place of the hill and river, but was caried together over the tops of the trees into the river, which seemes to be as if it were blowne up by such a force as caried the whole body of it so farr to- gether. I had fro' them some few of those rounds bullets, I think. there were but two or three, and some pieces of the earth in other for- mes, which were found upon that now-upper part, which was before the
-
٠
96
EARLY DOCUMENTS
lower or the inward bowells of that hill. As also a small shell or two of a kinde of shell fish, like some shell fishe commonly founde where the sea floweth, but how they should be within that hill is strange to consider. I have sent all that I had thence with other things to the Royall society for their repository. I understand also from some of those parts, that there was no notice taken of any earthquake about that time, nor did I hear of any in other parts of the country. I give your Lordship the relation only of this prodigie as I had it upon the best inquiry I could make, leaving the discussion of the natural causes which might concurre a matter too hard for man to comprehend, but the power of his Almighty arm is herein manifest to all who weigheth the hills in a balance and at whose presence the heavens drop, the hills are melted like wax. Sinai it selfe is moved. I hope to have opportunity to see the place and if any other matter considerable upon my obser- vation or further inquiry shall appeare, I shall be obliged to give your Lordship further account thereof and for present am bold humbly to subscribe my selfe.
Right Honble Your Lordships most obliged humble servant Boston, Oct. 11. 1670. JOHN WINTHROP,
BRITISH MUSEUM. Add. Mss. Nº 15488. A volume entitled, "Papers relating to the Case of the Kennebeck River, Maine. 1752-1762."
A list of the Papers sent by the proprietors of a tract of land lying on both sides of Kenebeck River pr the ship Halifax, John Phillips, Commdr, to the care of Florentius Vassall, Esq". (3 f.)
1752 Apr. 2.
Deposition of Philip Call, Obediah Call and James Coller, residents on the Kennebeck river, touching their knowledge of Nescumskeck, Nehumkeeg or Negumkick, and various others localities. , (3 f.)
1753. May 25. York. ss.
Memorandum that the above deposition was sworn before Samuel Denny and Sam1 Moody, two Justices of the Peace. (1 f.)
1752 Apr. 2.
Deposition of John Herron to the same effect, with a like attestation under date of 1753 May 25.
1735 June 10. (3 f.)
Report of a Committee appointed (at a gen1 Court of Massachusetts Bay, held at Boston, 28 May 1735) to run the lines between the province land and the town of North Yarmouth, noting certain boundaries or marks, &c.
-
5
97
RELATING TO MAINE ..
With a memorandum, that the said report was accepted, and the line therein described determined on accordingly.
The report bears the signatures of
DAVID SEABURY, BENJ. INGERSOL, EBEN BURRIL,
ABNER BROWN, DANI EPES,
EDWd KING, JOHN HOBSON,
JOSEPH BLANEY.
1750 Nov. 20. Charlestown. (6 f.)
Deposition of John Phillips of Charlestown (at 76) to the effect, that the river Kenebeck bears the same name quite down to the Ocean. Sa- gadalock, a rock or island otherwise called Parkers island, from Thomas Parker, mate of the first ship that came from England with the Ply- mouth people. This Thomas Parker was uncle to John Phillips, the father of the deponent John Phillips, and was father to Thomas Parker, who then lived on Parkers island and also to John Parker, who lived opposite to Arrowsick island.
Attested before Thomas Jenner and Thad Maior, Justices of the peace (3 f.)
1753 Jan' 15.
Deposition of John Gyles of Roxburgh, in the county of Suffolk (at 73) testifying that he always understood both from Indians and the English, that Kenebeck river not only extended from Merry-meeting Bay upward into the country, but also from the said Bay downwards quite into the ocean, also that the word Sagadarock, called by the Eng- lish Sagadahock, means no more than the mouth of or entrance into a river.
Declared before Samuel Wells and Dan' Henchinan, Justices of the peace. (3 f)
1753 Apr. 6.
Deposition of Samuel Welles of Boston in N. England, declaring that in 1727 great search was made after the patent of the late Colony of Plymouth, which was studiously sought after in the years 1733 and and 1739. And again in 1741 at Plymouth, Ipswich and Cambridge; at length Perez Bradford Esq. was desired to enquire and with much . difficulty he procured it, having been designedly concealed. Sworn be- fore Edwd Winslow and Wm Stoddard, Justices of the Peace. (4 f.) 13
-
98
EARLY DOCUMENTS
1753 Febr. 15.
Deposition of Francis Pirey, resident on Swan Island in Kennebeck River, deposing that the said river was always called by the name of Kennebeck River from Swan Island to the sea, &c.
Deposed before William Stoddard and Dan1 Henchman, Justices of the Peace. (3 f.)
1753 Apr. 30.
Deposition of Thomas Pearcey of George Town (at 64) formerly re- sident on Swan Island, testifying that the river beareth the name of Kennebeck from Hunnywells point many leagues upwards into the wilderness, and that he never heard it called by any other name until since the time when Mr Sam' Goodwin went upon the survey in the service of the Plymouth Company, viz about three years ago. Sworn and declared before Sam1 Wells and John Hill, Justices of the Peace. (1753 May 1st.) (4 f.)
1753 May 12.
Deposition of John North, that he measured the Kennebeck River about 20 miles above Cobbasconte, finishing his survey 27 Apr. 1753, and that he saw no Falls for that distance, &c.
Attestation of John Rand jun", Will Jones and Sam! Marson, three persons employed as assistants in the said survey.
Affidavit that the three persons above mentioned appeared and swore to the truth of the above attestation. Signed by two Justices, Sam1 Denny and Sam1 Moody. (3 f.)
1752 Oct. 20.
Deposition of Joseph Beane, Resident at St Georges Fort (at 76), stating that about 1692 he was taken captive by the Indians, remaining with them some years and learning their language, during which time he travelled with them in Amrescoging and Kenebeck river, remembers the said river from the mouth to Norigwalk and a place called Nahumkeeg brook and falls on the East side of the said River, about seven miles above Swan Island, also a place or river called Cobbaseconte, about ten or twelve miles above Swan Island, &c. Testifies further that Ken- nebeck river is so called to the sea or ocean. Unterstands the Indian language well, the mouth of Kennebeck river called by the Indians Sunkadarock and by the English Sagadahock, viz. the mouth of Kenne- beck. Sworn Oct. 21 1752, before Jacob Wendell and Jabez Bradbury, Justices of the Peace. (5 f.)
-
99
RELATING TO MAINE.
Deposition of Joseph Bean, resident of St George's, (at 76) touching his knowledge of a small rivulet on the west side of Kenebeck river, called Cobbaseconte, which runs into the said river about fourteen or fifteen miles from the sea. That Nehunekee and Negunckike are two distinct places, about twenty miles distant from each other.
Declared before Jacob Wendell and Jabez Bradbury, two Justices of the peace.
A note states that
This deposition was taken by opposite party to the Plymouth Patent (4 f.)
1753 Febr. 15. Boston.
Deposition of Edward King, (Surveyor) of Boston (at 47) stating that in the year 1728 he went down into the eastern parts of this pro- vince (Massachusetts Bay) where he remained until 1752, being chain- man to Mr Phineas Jones in his survey of Kenebeck, which survey was in the year 1731, and that he never understood Kenebeck River to be called by any other name from its mouth to where it empties itself into the sea.
Sworn before Wm Stoddard and Dan' Henchman, Justices of the peace.
(3 f.)
1752 Oct. 17. Boston.
Attestation, signed Edward Winslow, J. P., that Thomas Marshall appeared this day and was sworn, being chosen clerk to the proprietors of a Tract of land, extending fifteen miles in breadth on each side of Kene- beck river, extending in length from the utmost limits of Cobbaseconte to the western ocean, which was purchased Aº 1661 from the late Co- lony of N. Plymouth, by Antipas Boyes and Compy. (2 f.)
1753 June 16.
Certificate, signed Wm Winter, Not. Pub., that Edward Winslow Esq. was on the 17th of Oct' 1752 duly admitted as a justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk (N. E.) (2 f.)
1752 Aug. 31.
A petition for a meeting of the proprietors of a tract of land on both sides the Kenebeck river, addressed to Samuel Danforth Esqr. one of the. Justices of the Peace for the Co. of York, praying that he would grant a warrant for calling a proprietors' meeting to consider of and if they
100
EARLY DOCUMENTS
think proper to act upon certain articles, which are detailed at length in twenty-five Sections, subscribed by the undernamed :
JAMES BOWDOIN. JOSEPH WINSLOW.
JACOB WANDELL.
EDWARD TYNG. Wm BOWDOIN. CHA. APTHORPE .-
JAMES PITTS.
THOM. WOLLEY. Ww BRATTLE.
GERSHAM FLAGG.
SILV. GARDINER.
I'm TAYLOR. BENJ. HALLOWELL.
SAMI GOODWIN. THOM. HANCOCK.
ROBERT TEMPLE. JOSHUA WINSLOW. JOHN JONES. (20 f.)
[Attached to the above is]
A warrant, signed Sam1 Danforth, J. P., addressed to M' Sam Good- win, one of the proprietors of the tract of common and undivided land before mentioned, requiring him in his Matys name to notifiy to the se- veral proprietors a meeting to take place at the Royal Exchange Tavern in Boston, Co. Suffolk, on Tuesday, Oct. 17. 1752, to consider of the articles above alluded to.
| Annexed is]
A Memdm, signed Sam1 Goodwin, Clerk, of his having given due no- tice according to the said warrant, which was posted up twenty days previous to the time fixed upon for the meeting. (3 f.)
1752 Oct. 17.
Duplicate copy of the Attestation, signed Edwd Winslow (vid. p. 16) touching Thomas Marshall with certificate of its being a true copy of the Record, dated Boston June 15, 1753, and signed Thos Marshall, Proprietors Clerk. (1 f.)
1753.
Meeting of the proprietors of the Tract of land lying fifteen miles on either side of Kenebeck river, Boston, June 6th, 1753, whereat it was unanimously voted, that Florentius Vassall be fully empowered to trausact all affairs for them in Great Britain, to prefer any petitions or commence any suit in Council, &c. &c., with certificate of its being a true copy of the Record. (2 f.)
The supplement grant from the Council of Plymouth to John Beau- champ of London, merchant, and Thomas Leverett of Boston in the Youity of Lincoln, gentleman, of lands lying between a place called Mn-congus towards the S. or S. W., and a straight line extending from
101
RELATING TO MAINE.
thence directly ten leagues up into the main land towards the sea cal- led the South Sea, and the space of ten leagues on the N. and N. E. of a river in N. England, called Penobscott, &c. &c. (4 f.)
1664 Mar. 12.
Extract of a patent, granted by K. Chas 2nd to James Duke of York, viz. All that portion of the main land of New England, beginning at a place called St. Croix, adjoining New Scotland, and from thence extending along the sea coast to a place, called Petuaquine or Pemmaquid, and so up the river to the furthest head of the same as it tendeth Northward, and extending from thence to the River of Kennebequi and so upwards, &c. &c.
(2 f.)
An extract of the Butts and bounds of Sr Ferdinando Gorges Patent, Viz.
At the entrance of Picataqua Harbour and so to pass up the same into the River Newitchwannock and thro' the same into the furthest head thereof, and from thence northwestward till one hundred and twenty miles be finished, and from Piscataqua Harbour mouth aforesaid north eastward along the sea coast to Sagadahock and up the river there- of to Kynybeque river and thro the same into the head thereof and unto the land northwestward until 120 miles be ended, being accompted from the mouth of Sagadahock and from the period of 120 miles before reckoned up into the land from Piscataqua Harbour thro Newitchwan- nock river.
Indenture, granting to Robert Alsworth and Giles Elbridge in con- sideration of their transporting divers persons at their own charges into N. England, 100 acres of land for every person so transported, and over and above the said 100 acres the proportion of 12000 acres more to be laid out near the river, called Pemaquid, adjoining to the place where the people of the said Alsworth and Elbridge are now settled, to be chosen together and not straggling both along the sea coast as the coast lieth and so up the river, &e. &. (9 f.)
1653 Sept. 10.
Certificate by Essemenosque (an Indian) an inhabitant in Kenebeck river, touching the sale of certain lands therein to Mr William Brad- ford of Plymouth and his associates, signed
ESSEMENOSQUE. his mark.
Witnessed by
William Harttopp, John Winslowe and John Sprague,
with attestation that on the 29th of June 1672, Mr John Winslow ap-
102
EARLY DOCUMENTS
peared and made oath to the truth of the above before John Leverett, Deputy Govr.
Another Attestation, signed Constant Southworth, Assistant, to the effect, that on this 10 Sept. 1670 John Sprague made oath to his signa- ture as attesting witness. (4 f.)
1648 Aug. 8.
Indian Sale of lands (by J. Monquine alias Natahanada) on both sides of Kenebeck river from Cusenocke to Wesserrunskeck unto William Bradford, Edward Winslow, Thomas Prence, Thomas Willett and William Pady, in consideration of two hogsheads of provisions, one of bread and one of peas, two coats of cloth, two gallons of wine and a bottle of strong waters.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.