USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Boothbay Harbor > History of Boothbay, Southport and Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 1623-1905. With family genealogies > Part 20
USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Southport > History of Boothbay, Southport and Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 1623-1905. With family genealogies > Part 20
USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Boothbay > History of Boothbay, Southport and Boothbay Harbor, Maine. 1623-1905. With family genealogies > Part 20
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This meeting of May 23d was closely followed by the battle of Bunker Hill, on June 17th, after which time hostilities were constant until the close of the war. The coast of Maine was settled at nearly all places of good harborage from St. George to Kittery. The spoils it afforded, coupled with its peculiarly defenseless position, continually invited attack. A specimen of the vigilance of the Boothbay soldiery is afforded in case of the capture of Crooker and Phillips during the early summer of 1775. Edward Emerson, with an aid, took the prisoners overland, on horseback, to Watertown, delivered them for trial to the authorities of the Provincial Congress and returned to Boothbay, making a distance of 400 miles in ten days. The following documents will show that Congress voted Colonel Emerson about thirty dollars for the trip.
To1 Honored Great and General Court assembled at Water- town on the 19th of July, A. D. 1775, the Petition of Edward Emerson humbly sheweth.
That whereas your memorialists was appointed by Col. James Cargill and the other officers of his Regiment of the County of Lincoln to convoy to this Honorbl Court Peleg Crooker and Nathan Phillips supposing being guilty of violat- ing the law of Congress to which they had been. Yr Peti- tioners Humbly Prays that Honl Congress would allow yr Petitioners for himself one man and two horses Time and Expenses from Boothbay to Watertown, and from Watertown to Boothbay, which is about 400 miles out and home, and have been on the Journey ten days, that yr Honbell Court would take the same into your wise Considerations as soon as your wisdom will admit as in Duty
Bound Shall Ever Pray
Edwd Emerson.
Watertown, August 16, 1775.
1. Revolutionary Resolves, 1775, Vol. 195, p. 257,
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BOOTHBAY IN THE REVOLUTION.
In the House of Representatives August 18 / 75
Resolved that Major Edw Emerson be allowed and paid out of the Public Treasury Seven Pounds Four Shillings in full discharge for services within Specified.
Sent up for concurrence. Saml Freeman, Speaker.
At about the same time the foregoing petition was pre- sented to the General Court the following one was also presented and granted.
To1 the Honorable the Council and House of Representatives of the colony of Mass. now in general court assembled, July 19, 1775.
Humbly showeth your petitioner, that he with the Eastern regiment in the county of Lincoln, on hearing that a man of war with sundry other vessels were come to the eastern shore of said county, in order to supply the regiment with Wood and Provisions, went down in order to this design, and had the good fortune to take five vessels in that employ, which have since been disposed of by your Honors ; - one of which vessels your honors have thot fit to put into my care a schooner of about 70 Tons, is all firm and might easily be fitted & ren- dered very suitable to defend the Sea Coast. Your petitioner would further inform your Honors, that said Regiment before they destroyed Fort Downal, took into their possession Quan- tity of cannon Ball & langrage, the Property of this Colony, & is now on board said schooner. Your Petioner therefore prays your Honors, that as the eastern shore of this colony is exposed to the ravages of the Enemy, he may be allowed to fit out sed schooner for a Privateer, make use of the Balls & Langrage taken from Fort Downal, and enlist Thirty men to serve on board said vessel, and use & improve said vessel for the Defense of the Sea Coast in the Eastern part of this Col- ony, and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall ever pray &c. Your Petitioner for this humbly prays he may be allowed 100 lbs. Powder - - to be used on board said vessel for the pur- poses aforesaid.
Edw. Emerson.
Another petition, signed by Edward Emerson, at the request of the under officers of Colonel Cargill's regiment, bearing date at the very time that Arnold was ascending the Kennebec, on
1. Mass. Archives, Vol. 180, p. 103.
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HISTORY OF BOOTHBAY.
his march through the forests of Maine to attack Quebec, is here presented.
To1 the Honbl the Great and General Court of the Colony of Massachusetts bay now setting at Watertown.
The Officers of the Eastern Reg. of militia in the County of Lincoln, in a council at Boothbay in said County met Octo- ber 16th 1775. Most humbly show that at the beginning of the present war the town stocks of ammunition within their bounds were very insignificant ; and many able and spirited men in the regiment were destitute of effective fire arms. That every means possible in their circumstances have been tried to remedy these defects and tried in vain. That the frequent alarms and consequent general muster of this regiment, arising from the restless attempts of our unnatural enemies, to which the easy and extensive sea-coast within our bounds peculiarly exposes the inhabitants of this county, especially the eastern part of it, occasions a greater waste of ammunition here than in most places distant from the coast ; and unavoidably pro- duces a constant demand for it.
That the appearance of a fleet in this harbor (which after three days stay and various amusing movements, has magnified its valor by the burning of one dwelling house & carrying off about 100 sheep and this morning disappeared) has called out to use all the ammunition which had not gone off with Col. Cargill to Long Island.
That the expedition under Col. Cargill is like to spend all the ammunition he has taken ; and if so this Regiment is like to be left destitute of an article without which this much endangered coast can never be defended ; and with which, tho' chearfully ready to lay down the price, they see no way to supply themselves. That the schooner Brittannia of and for Newburyport, Wm Prince Johnson, master, arrived here yes- terday, with a quantity of powder and arms from the West Indies ; on account of the late Com. of supplies of this col- ony. That the conveyance of said stores will be very hazard- ous while this coast continues to be harrassed as at present by the foe. That the inhabitants being ready cheerfully to pay for what arms and ammunition may be supplied them, & be as ready to use both in the defence of American Liberty, tho' their lives be expended with them.
Your petitioners pray that such part of the said cargo as to your Honors may seem meet may be ordered to be delivered to Col. Cargill for the use of the militia of his regiment they
1. Mass. Archives, Vol. 180, p. 158.
223
BOOTHBAY IN THE REVOLUTION.
paying him for the same, & your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Signed in the absence of Col. Cargill in behalf & desire of the officers of the said Eastern regiment of the County of Lincoln
by
Edwd Emerson, Major.
This petition was granted by the General Court in 1775.
Early in 1775 the owners of Damariscove, Daniel Knight and John Wheeler, with their families came to the mainland for safety, and the Committees attended to getting their live stock, consisting principally of a large flock of sheep. The next year, Joseph, the son of John Wheeler, secretly removed a part of the flock back upon the island. A day or two later Captain Mowatt, who had burned Falmouth, now Portland, October 18, 1775, appeared and cast anchor inside Damariscove. Wheeler went aboard Mowatt's ship and then with some of the crew went to the island, caught the sheep, and they were taken on board. It was ascertained that Cap- tain Mowatt paid Wheeler two dollars apiece for them, some- what above the price on shore. The act was fully reported to the General Court, but action by the Court does not appear recorded.
Col. James Cargill, of Newcastle, referred to in the fore- going petitions, lived near Sheepscot Bridge, and the house built by him, on the old Cargill homestead, is still pointed out as one of the historic landmarks of that ancient locality. He was a good fighter, a natural fighter, and did excellent ser- vice, but he had an imperious and unreasoning temper which detracted much from an otherwise strong character. A statement found on file in the Massachusetts Archives, by Col. Andrew Reed, of Boothbay, illustrates Cargill's weakness.
To1 the Honorable, the Great and General Court, at Water- town.
I beg leave to inform your Honors that Jas. Cargill, whom the Honorable court last year appointed a Colonel in the County of Lincoln, on the 23d day of March past, came to this town of Boothbay and in my presence and hearing began
1. Mass. Archives, Vol. 194. p. 323.
224
HISTORY OF BOOTHBAY.
to rail at ye Rev. John Murray, calling said Mr. Murray a lyer and maker of mischief. Then found fault with the Regu- lating Bill calling it a Tory bill. Then proceeded to damn the general court in the next place, said Cargill, as far as his words could, Damned all officers who had taken commissions under said Honorable General Court, in Particular Sir Wm Jones and myself, for reasons to me unknown, nor were his speeches in private, but in public company, therefore pray your Honours, to give some directions concerning said Car- gill, as his language may lead many weak minded out of the Path of Duty.
These are, Gentlemen, from your most obedient
Humble Servt.
Andrew Reed, Colonel.
Boothbay, Apr. 3, 1776.
By the early part of 1776 the blockade was very effective. Trade had been cut off for nearly a year and there was little or no income in the community. Taxes had been increased for purposes of defense and the able-bodied men and boys, of all ages, were largely in the service. Poverty was pinching everywhere in the Colonies, but nowhere in so extreme a form as in the eastern settlements. Added to their other troubles several land claimants were pressing them. The Rev. John Murray, who had just represented them at the General Court, now memorialized that body in behalf of his people, as follows : Tol the Honorable the Great and General Court of Massa- chusetts Bay :
The Memorial and petition of John Murray in behalf of the inhabitants of the town of Boothbay.
Humbly shewcth :
That in the year 1729 many of the present inhabitants and the ancestors of many more of them began the first plantation there under Col. Dunbar, agent for the King, on promises of a Royal grant and many encouragements. That though disap- pointed in all these promises they have continued on their settlements ever since; excepting such intervals in which the ravages of the French and Indians drove them off to garrisons of their own erecting. That while they were struggling with all the hardships incident to a state of abject poverty and war, their titles to their possessions were never scrupled, - and from the idea of defending them as their own property they
1. Rev. Petitions, 1775-1776. Vol. 180, p. 370.
225
BOOTHBAY IN THE REVOLUTION.
waded resolutely through all their difficulties, without receiv- ing any sort of assistance from the public, but since the late peace they have been attacked by several persons claiming the property of their lands under various pretexts, of which, till then, they never had heard. By these claimants the settlers have been constantly harassed, and many so terrified as to purchase their own farms at different times and from three or four different and opposite claimants. Others still continue to disturb them in like manner. The Hon. Court will see sufficient cause to support the Inhabitants in the rights they have so dearly acquired and, therefore, pray your wise consideration of the case, and that an act may pass the Hon. Court for quieting the Inhabitants in the possession of their lands.
2d. Your Memorialists would humbly represent that the Inhabitants of this town have in general lived altogether by their trade at sca, this being now, and for many months past, entirely cut off, all these vessels are hauled up, useless and decaying. Several of them 'tis presumed would be very fit for public service and by a return herewith transmitted are offerred for the use of the Colony. The owners are not able to furnish said vessels with arms, ammunitions and other neces- saries as private adventurers ; and whilst no trade to the West Indies, or elsewhere, is indulged thus they will be reduced to great distresses on account of their vessels being left unem- ployed.
Your Memorialists therefore beseech the Hom'ble Court, either to permit the use of the vessels in this town in some way of trade, or to take them into the service of the Colony, either by purchase or hire, and dispose of them as to your Wisdom may seem meet.
This petition, to a greater length, states in a general way the hardships and grievances of the settlers. It was read March 28, 1776, and the Council acted on the first part for quieting the settlers in possession of their lands, appointing the second Wednesday of the session in May as an opportunity for all persons having adverse claims, to show cause why the prayers of these petitioners should not be granted.
The Rev. John Murray's ability as a minister has been mentioned in an earlier chapter, but it is reserved for the present to tell of his tireless labors and beneficent influence for the unfortunate and poverty-stricken people under his charge during the Revolutionary period, in other ways. His fame as the leader of his people had gone before him to that
226
HISTORY OF BOOTHBAY.
extent that in 1777, when Commodore Collier, of the British Navy, visited Boothbay Harbor with his men-of-war, Rainbow and Hope, and having some grievance against the inhabitants, addressed a polite note to Mr. Murray, inviting him to come aboard his ship and adjust the matter. Collier's ships had burned some small vessels at Damariscotta, and captured a French vessel in the Sheepscot, being active in the blockade of the coast. Mr. Murray without hesitation was set aboard at once, where he was received with every mark of respect and carefully listened to by those in authority. Suffice it to say that his negotiations in behalf of the inhabitants were entirely successful, but a writer on board the ship, who observed his methods as a diplomat, left the following as his estimate of the man : 1
" A cunning, sensible man, who had acquired a wonderful ascendeney over, and had the entire guidance of all the people in the country around Townshend. His house was on an eminence not far from the water side, and appeared to be a very handsome edifice, with gardens and shrubbery happily disposed around it. Sir George Collier offered him some trifling presents, which he refused for fear of giving jealousy to his fellow rebels."
Earlier than this in the hostilities several British men-of- war, using the harbor as a haven of safety, as the seafaring public generally have, were very annoying to the settlers about its shores. The people appealed without effect. They then asked Mr. Murray to interpose in their behalf. Donning his canonicals, -the white wig and gown and bands, - he was taken to the ships and went aboard, where he talked with so much eloquence and earnestness in behalf of his people that sympathy was created and the annoyances ceased.2
Capt. Paul Reed, who was present, afterward wrote :
"The dignity of his appearance was such, that all the min- isters in Maine put together would not equal hini ; that he was superior in personal knowledge to any other man that ever walked God's footstool ; that if he had not said a word, such was the grandeur of his looks that he would have carried his
1. See Town's Details, published 1835.
2. Me. Hist. Coll., Vol. VI. p. 163.
227
BOOTHBAY IN THE REVOLUTION.
point ; and that the officers were greatly surprised to see such a specimen of dignity coming from the coast of Maine. "
The nature of the war along the Maine coast, from its opening until 1779, was that of continual annoyance, petty attacks, burning houses here and there, stealing stock, block- ading the coast to prevent trade, destroying shipping, and work of a similar nature. At the very outset terror had been struck deep in the minds of all by the wanton destruction of Falmouth. Coast defense was the principal service of the Maine soldiers, though many were in the Continental Army and many more in privateers. Fort Pownal, the principal defense on the Penobscot, was dismantled by Captain Mowatt early in 1775. Colonel Cargill, of Newcastle, burned it in July of that year lest it might become of use to the British. Colonel Emerson refers to the act in his petition, which has been presented. Thus the Penobscot remained until General McLane landed at Major Bagaduce, now Castine, on June 12th, with 900 men and seven or eight sail, from Halifax, and took possession of it, as a strategic point, for the English Govern- ment. At this time, one of the darkest in the Revolution, the Tories were largely taking refuge in Lincoln County and along the eastern coast, having been driven ont from places farther to the westward. With this traitorous element thick about and the Penobscot in the possession of real enemies, money depreciated to an almost worthless medium, and Congress unable to pay its soldiers, stout hearts alone stood up and pre- sented an unyielding attitude.
June 24, 1779, twelve days after McLane took possession of Major Bagaduce, a convention was held at Wiscasset of delegates from the Lincoln County towns. They petitioned the General Court to act at once in the matter. By unanimous consent of the convention it was signed by James McCobb, of Georgetown, then an old man but a stalwart patriot, who at first, with his brother Samuel, had been a Townsend settler under Dunbar, and father of Col., later Brig. Gen., Samuel McCobb, of Georgetown. William McCobb, Boothbay's lead- ing citizen in civil affairs, was selected to bear the petition to the Court and present it. These facts and others to be pre- sented will show how prominent a part our immediate locality
228
HISTORY OF BOOTHBAY.
played in the historic expedition that soon followed. The petition is here presented : 1
Humbly sheweth, that a number of armed vessels belonging to and in the service of the King of Britain, have for some time past infested the seacoasts of said county, that a fleet of transports having 900 troops on board, with all their Necessa- ries and Materials for building a number of forts have arrived at Penobscot under convoy of the following vessels of war, viz. - the Blonde of 36 guns, Milford 28, a ship of 20, the Hope 18, a brig 16, schooner 12, sloop 10. That the troops of the said King have at last taken possession of a place in said county called Major Bagaduce on the Eastern side of that River and are fortifying the same. That from the latest reports received the Enemy are Determined to take possession of the ground where the old fort stood, and to fortify that also, and possess themselves of the whole county of Lincoln ; and that where it is necessary to keep Garrisons they would further represent that a number of persons, at the aforesaid places, have taken the oath of allegiance to said King, and it is feared that if the Enemy should extend further west numbers of others would be compelled to do the same. That by reason of a severe drought last Summer and the scarcity usual in a new country, there is not sufficient provisions in the County of either bread or meat to Support the Militia two Days in the field, nor arms or ammunition sufficient to equip one-fourth of the Inhabitants ; that the seacoasts of the County extend more than 300 miles ; and supplies the western Seaports of the State with the greatest part of the lumber and wood that is there consumed ; and should the Enemy take possession of it they would acquire a Large Quantity of masts &c. which is much wanted by them & it would be severely felt by the other parts of this State. They would further declare, that although they are unwilling to say anything that may sound harsh in the ears of their Rulers yet they must observe that they think they are hardly dealt with when, notwithstanding the County has sup- plied many more than their quota of men for the war; and have paid full their proportion of taxes, it has been so little regarded that they could not have Companies to guard their most valuable parts, and when the Militia have been called Necessarily to defend them, and have made up their muster- Rolls and presented them for payment to the Court, they have been Refused ; that by reason of the Militia having been often called upon and obliged to maintain themselves at their own cost, they are almost wearied out, and unless some assistance
1. Rev. Petitions, Vol. 185, p. 231 ; Will. Hist. of Maine, Vol. II, p. 469.
229
BOOTHBAY IN THE REVOLUTION.
ean be given them by the Court the whole County must fall a prey to the Enemy.
The said Convention Therefore humbly and earnestly pray the Honourable Court that they would as soon as may be, send such a supply of provisions, as also of Arms and Ammunitions into the County, to be under the care of the Brigadier, as shall enable him to muster the Militia and repel the said Enemy ; that this be accompanied with an armed force Especially of some companies of Artillery and above all that a Squadron of vessels of War may be immediately ordered, sufficient to destroy or at least block up the Enemys fleet where they now lay; as without this it appears to your petitioner's that no number of Troops, that might be assembled on the Shore would be of any avail for the Deliverance of this County ; and finally that the Honourable Court would be pleased to Repeal so much of the Resolve for levying a new Draught of men to reinforce the Continental Army as respects the County of Lincoln.
The Convention therefore have Dispatched their represen- tation by William MeCobb, Esq., one of its members to whom full eredence is to be given on the subject matter it contains, anxiously waiting his Return in order to this Peoples being able to Determine what is their Duty in their present erisis.
Your petitioners beg leave to add that from various Cir- cumstances there is reason to believe that the Enemy and their Emisaries are tampering with the Indians in this County, and this Convention are apprehensive that the tribes of Penobscot and Norridgewoek may be tempted to Join them, your peti- tioners therefore humbly request that such measures may be taken by the Honourable Court as may be adapted to secure their friendship at this juneture.
James MeCobb, Chairman.
Signed in the Presence and by Order of the Convention.
The Rev. John Murray on June 18, 1779, prepared a lengthy letter setting forth the arrival of the British fleet at Major Bagaduce, the landing of troops and the commencement of fortifications there. He made extended statements as to the poverty of the inhabitants and the dangers of their weakening if not supported by the Court. He elosed with these words :
"These things dictated by unfeigned zeal for the preserva- tion of this defenceless country, as well as for the support of
230
HISTORY OF BOOTHBAY.
the common, glorious cause, and written by request of such of the respectable inhabitants as I have had opportunity to see since the alarm, are now hastened off to your Honors in the greatest hurry, but without any design of foreclosing the accounts which you may receive from the proper authority."
To both letter and petition is affixed the following :
In the House of Representatives, June 30, 1779.
Read and thereupon resolved that the President of the Council be and hereby is requested to write to the Rev. Mr. Murray and inform him of the measures the Court have taken to Dislodge the Enemy from Penobscot.
Sent up for concurrence. In Council June 30, 1779, Read and Concurred, John Avery, D. Sec.
On the same date of the Wiscasset convention, General Cushing, of Pownalboro, addressed the General Court in a similar manner to the foregoing. But the Court was apprised previous to this of the investment of the Penobscot by McLane's troops and had commenced preparations for raising a sufficient force and fleet to dislodge them. Directions were given the Board of War, on the 25th, to engage such vessels, State or National, as could be made ready to sail in six days, and to employ or impress in the harbors of Boston, Salem, Beverly and Newburyport such vessels as were fit for service, promising their owners compensation for all damages or losses they might sustain. General Cushing, of Lincoln, and Gen- eral Thompson, of Cumberland, were to each detach 600 men, and General Frost, of York, to detach 300 more from the militia of that county. Com. Dudley Saltonstall, of New Haven, was given command of the fleet. Gen. Solomon Lovell, Weymouth, Mass., was commander-in-chief of the land forces ; Gen. Peleg Wadsworth, Duxbury, Mass., grand- father to the poct Longfellow and builder of the first brick house in Portland, in 1785, now known as the Longfellow home, was second in command ; the famous Col. Paul Revere was Commander of Artillery. Col. Samuel McCobb was a prominent officer, commanding the Lincoln regiment. £50,000 was raised to defray the expenses of the expedition. The
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