USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Bristol > History of York, Maine, successively known as Bristol (1632), Agamenticus (1641), Gorgeana (1642), and York (1652) Vol. I > Part 32
USA > Maine > York County > York > History of York, Maine, successively known as Bristol (1632), Agamenticus (1641), Gorgeana (1642), and York (1652) Vol. I > Part 32
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By the Treaty of Utrecht, April 11, 1713, the territory of Nova Scotia had been ceded by France to Great Britain, and in the northwestern part of the Province there lived large colonies of descendants of the ancient French habi- tants, who were by that document guaranteed not only their title to their lands, but were accorded the status of
346
· THE FRENCH NEUTRALS
neutrals as between the two sovereigns. They were not required to take the oath of allegiance to the king of Eng- land and remained in this anomalous position. These people were not directly affected by either the fall or the return of Louisburg. For a generation they had been undisturbed in their political relations. Abbe Raynal describes them as a virtuous, simple-minded, industrious, unambitious and religious people, a characterization which we can accept without controversy. They lived in equal- ity, contentment and brotherhood - rich enough for their modest needs and led by the parish priest as shepherd of the flock to whom all spiritual as well as material matters in their lives were referred. (Historie Philosophique et Politique, vii.)
The English colonists were settled on the Atlantic Coast with Halifax as the center of government when Great Britain resumed control of Nova Scotia. These French neutrals, in the conception of the Halifax officials, at once engaged attention as a source of potential trouble. As early as 1745 Governor Shirley of Massachusetts had proposed their deportation to other British colonies (Palfrey v, 134), and he may be considered the instigator of the inexcusable political crime which was perpetrated by subsequent English officials on these simple Acadian peasants.
At the end of a decade following the capture of Louis- burg in 1745 the relations existing between the local officials at Halifax and the French neutrals were far from satisfactory, due to the suspicions of the English that these people were surreptitiously giving aid and comfort to the French in Canada. Complaints of trespassing and sniping and even military activity were charged against the Acadian farmers who were always hoping for a return of French sovereignty. Constant recurrences of these incidents produced the necessary incitement to a renewal of the inevitable conflict which was staged at Fort Du- quesne, Crown Point, Niagara and the French province of Acadia. At this date the French claimed territorial rights as far west in Maine as the Penobscot and as much more as they could possess by continued pressure on the line of English settlements. The Acadian province, inhabited solely by descendants of the early French settlers, covered settlements about Annapolis, Chignecto, Bay Verte and
347
HISTORY OF YORK
the Basin of Minas, containing by estimation about eighteen thousand souls. They had refused to take the oath of allegiance unless it was modified to relieve them of the necessity of bearing arms against the French gov- ernment even in defense of the Province. Thus they be- came in character as well as in name "French Neutrals." They were an industrious, frugal people, passionately attached to their national culture and to their religion. They firmly refused whenever attempts were made to coerce them to take the required oath. Thus these simple peasants became an awkward problem in the British Colonial government. The extremists considered they were harboring a potential enemy in their midst and determined to force the issue. The Governor and Coun- cillors of Nova Scotia in conjunction with the military representatives of England in 1755 determined on a policy of dispersion of the neutrals among the British colonies on the Atlantic seaboard. Actual hostilities broke out afresh. Encroachments of both nations on disputed ter- ritories furnished the sparks which developed into furious flames of war. Hostilities extended from Pittsburgh in the south to Louisburg in the north. The latter fortress was again besieged by Major-General Jeffery Amherst commanding the land forces and Admiral Boscawen com- manding an English fleet of fifty-seven vessels, as related in a preceding chapter.
Before the conclusion of hostilities an expedition, headed by Gen. John Winslow, sent by Massachusetts to this region conveyed a momentous decision to these people. Without knowing its purport they were summoned to meet in their chapels September 5, 1755 to hear their doom. Acting under instructions at Grand Pre, General Winslow delivered to them a preachment on their dis- loyal attitude, after which he informed them that all their possessions, moveable and immoveable, except money and household goods, were forfeited to the Crown; that they were in the status of prisoners to remain in custody of the king's troops until they should be removed to such places outside of the Province according to his Majesty's pleasure. The pathos and shock of this scene have been portrayed in poetry and prose by famous writers, both French and English, in excuse and censure of this tragic decree. Some stood petrified, unable to express their
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· THE FRENCH NEUTRALS
emotions. Some gave vent to their distress in pitiful wail- ing, while others in their terror fled to the woods in an aim- less endeavor to escape the scene of their plight. Houses were put to the torch, the country laid waste and every heartless measure taken to force these hapless peasants into obedience.
The more hardy were able to penetrate into the wilder- ness where they found sanctuary and sympathy in the camps of the savages. Some even reached the outlying settlements of lower Canada, but those who attempted with their aged parents and the encumbrance of children to reach friendly protection were driven back by hunger and infirmity to surrender as prisoners at discretion. The transports sent to Annapolis to convey the ill-fated people of that vicinity met with sullen but passive resistance. The heavens were clouded with the blackening smoke of hundreds of their simple habitations. Men of our race and traditions were engaged in as inexcusable an orgy of devastation as was ever perpetrated by the Huns in ancient or recent wars. The story is a blot on the record of the muddling management adopted by English Colonial officials. No adequate excuse has ever been offered for this brutal decision. Thousands of these helpless unfor- tunates were driven like cattle - weeping, praying and chanting hymns to the Virgin in a language unknown to their oppressors. The burden of their cry was "Au revoir but not adieu." Transports delivered them to every British colony from Maine to Georgia. The Province of Maine received a share of this despoiled and expatriated people. The exact time of the arrival of the number assigned to York cannot be stated. In 1761 there were twenty-one of these unfortunates living in York among a people alien in culture, religion, and language. Despoiled of their property, they came and remained in the capacity of paupers. In 1760 there were over a thousand of these miserable captives domiciled in the Province of Massa- chusetts. An act was passed for the support and relief of them in the various towns. Overseers of the poor were required to make provision for their support until reim- bursed by the Crown or the government of Nova Scotia. To whatever locality they were assigned they were unwel- come. Differences in language and religion made friendly intercourse impossible. Williamson (History of Maine ii,
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HISTORY OF YORK
349) refers to them as "ignorant, bigoted Catholics, " but if anything could exceed Puritan bigotry the parallel does not readily come to mind. Their request for ministrations by their priests was refused, and they were not even per- mitted to leave their location. To the discredit of our Anglo-Saxon race this crime has only a precedent since the galley slaves were herded by Nero. Broken-spirited, they had no incentive to work or opportunity to do so and were falsely regarded as indolent. This condition gradu- ally became intolerable both to the towns and to the French exiles. They held a natural dislike for the English and, deprived of the means of following their religious ceremonies, they remained disaffected and unhappy exiles longing to return to their native land. Under the circum- stances they had no ambition to perfect settlement or encourage industrial habits. There is no reference to them in the town records, but the provincial records show that thirty pounds was paid to York for her disbursements in their behalf. When the policy of exile was found to be permanent those who could do so undertook to rejoin their relatives, but owing to lack of means of communica- tion they often wandered from province to province in a hopeless quest. Even this humane concession was often denied them and the General Court forbade the landing of them within its jurisdiction and drove them back whence they came. Had these outrages been perpetrated by the Bedouins of the desert or Inquisitors of Spain, English writers would have filled volumes with righteous indigna- tion in poetry and prose.
The church records of this town have preserved the names of Thomas LaVallee, one Murdeu and Thomas La Valle-Gillard who apparently became property holders as they were on the tax list of 1761. It is possible that some of the French names became Anglicized and have lost their identity in the course of time. Some names like Dirco, Facundas, Mellin and Fontaine have the appear- ance of being French names or attempts at Anglicizing them. Perhaps the most distinctive French name found in the records is that of one Stephen Decatur, a name which in the succeeding generation furnished many a thrill to American patriots in the War of 1812 against Great Britain. He was taxed in this town as late as 1770, show- ing that he had become naturalized and had accepted the
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1
. THE FRENCH NEUTRALS
alternative of joining his future with hospitable English people in York, but his connection with the famous Decatur is not known.
There is nothing of record to show that the above- named were deported from Acadia. In fact, the town records have no reference to these people whatever and, as far as official information permits, but one family is known by name as residing here and supported by the Province, while another, Francois LeBlanc, "late In- habitant of Nova Scotia" petitioned the General Court in 1756:
Praying that he & his Family may be removed from Point Shirley where he now dwells to the Town of York for his more comfortable Subsistense among some Friends & Relations of his who dwell there/ (Acts and Resolves of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Vol. xv, 582.)
As his petition was granted it is presumed that he came here to live with his family (Prov. Laws 1756-7, c. 129). Of one French neutral family, that of Peter Doucet, con- sisting of himself, wife and seven children, there are suffi- cient documents to establish his residence in this town for several years. They were assigned to this town by a com- mittee of the General Court and arrived January 15, 1756. They were placed in the care of Col. Nathaniel Donnell as agent for the Province and he rendered accounts for lodg- ing, subsistence and clothing. He charged board at the rate of thirty shillings a week at first and afterwards twenty-two shillings. In 1757 he rented a house for their occupancy and provided them with facilities for house- keeping, necessary provisions and other supplies for this purpose. One of his bills is here incorporated showing what was furnished these unfortunate exiles as well as giving interesting information concerning the cost of staple articles at that period.
1757 To Suplyd the French Neutral Family at York:
Novbr 11 To 172 Bushel Corn @ 25/ £1-17-6
To I gallon Oyl 20/ 6 Bushells Potatoes @ 20/ 7-0-0
To 95 lb. Beef @ 1/- 4-15-O
Dec 16 To 126 Ditto & head & Pluck &c 7-10-0
Jan 24 To 2 lb Hogs fatt @ 4 0-8-0
1758
27 To 216 In Pork @ 2/ 21-12-O
Jan To 112 Bushel Corn 25/ 11/2 Ditto Rye @ 30/ 4-2-6
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HISTORY OF YORK
£I-2-6
Feb 7 To I gallon Molasses
9 To I Load Wood 2-5-0
15 To 4 Load Ditto @ 45- 112 Bushel Corn 37/6 IO-17-6
27 To 12 Bush. Peas 30/ 12 Bushel Beans 20/ 2-10-O
Mch 4 To 70 lb Hogs fatt 4/
14-0-0
8 To I gallon Molasses To 112 Bushel Corn @ 25/
I-17-6
IO To 712 Flower @ 1/3
0-12-6
15 To 33 1b Good fish @ 1/3
2-I-3
Apr
4 To 3 Bushel Corn @ 25/
3-15-O
14 To 6 1b Flower @ 1/ 3 0-100
15 To the Rent of the House & Garden
12-10-0
Old Tenor £103-8-9
To 5 Pair Shoes omitted
7-10-0
£110-18-9
In Lawful Money 14-15-10
York May 27, 1758.
(Mass. Arch. xxiv, 37)
An itemized account of Colonel Donnell for support of this family from June 1758 to May 1759 shows an addition to the items of the previous account. They were allowed rice, milk, barley, cheese, salt, mutton and cotton wool. Pasturing of a cow was charged at twenty-five pounds and rent of house and garden the same amount. The total bill for that year was £201-15-3 old tenor. As no bills are found after November 1759 it is probable that this family was sent or permitted to go elsewhere, as the Province by this time encouraged their removal under certain restric- tions. The renting of the house above referred to was occasioned by the birth of a child in this family. In record- ing this it was stated that none of the children were able to earn their living except the two eldest, and of these the daughter (fifteen years of age) was obliged to look after the household during her mother's confinement and long convalescence, for Donnell reported that "she was dis- ordered the Whole Winter and not able to doe anything to suport the family & I was obliged to find Wood for two fires the most part of the Winter." (Mass. Arch. xxiii, 522).
In 1760 it was found that the county was not caring for as many neutrals in proportion as other counties in the Province, and thirty-four were assigned to some of the eastern towns. They stopped at York on their way and while here were furnished with one hundred seventy-seven
352
I-2-6
23 To I gallon Molasses 22/6 132 Bushel Corn @ 25/ 3-0-0
. THE FRENCH NEUTRALS
quarts of milk, eleven loaves of bread and forty-two pounds of flour together with one quart of "rum and shugar" for a sick woman. They were housed in the storehouse of Mr. Nowell for which a charge of £4-10 was made, but one-half of it was disallowed.
John Fontaine, before mentioned, had three children baptized here 1757-1760, and Thomas Levalle-Gilard was married here to Mary, daughter of Hugh Holman, and a son was baptized in 1769 by Rev. Mr. Lyman.
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CHAPTER XXXI
A JOURNAL OF OCCURRENCES IN YORK I735
Nothing can give a more intimate view of the daily life of a community than the well-filled diary of some resi- dent who had the habit of jotting down the things that happened in his town, or the news of occurrences else- where, to form the topics of interested talk in the tap rooms of the local taverns. Such diaries or journals be- come the source of a great variety of facts which supple- ment the more formal official records, giving them a human touch, and so become our most valuable historical ma- terial. Unfortunately only three such journals exist for this town. Two of them are very brief, covering but a few years each, while the third begins rather late (1761), but is extremely useful for the period it treats.
In order to present such a picture as a diary would convey the attempt is here made to supply the deficiency by collating all the known facts which are of record, in their chronological sequence, relating to events occurring in this town in the year 1735, as an example of the daily life of the people here at that time. This year has been selected for no particular reason, but as an average twelve- month, which is disconnected with any general matter of paramount importance, like a war, to give it an abnormal tinge. These daily entries are typical of the time, and represent actual occurrences gleaned from all available sources, and are set down in the manner of a contem- porary diary to give a suggestion of the human and per- sonal element, such as an actual journalist would write it in recording the day's doings and the news from "abroad."
I735.
JANUARY.
I. (Wednesday). Cousin William is arrived at Portsmouth from the West Indies.
2. Lt. Banks sold a marsh lot, formerly his father's, to John McIn- tire, Jr.
4. the 27th of the last Month, a young Man of this Place walking along the Street, slipt and fell on the hard Ground, and was so hurt, that he vomited Blood abundantly, and lived but a
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A. JOURNAL OF OCCURRENCES
few Days; during which Time he was in Distress of Conscience, lamenting his mis-spent Life, and giving most solemn and earnest Warning to the many that came to visit him; especially young People and his vain Companions, that they would leave their evil Courses and not put off their Repentance till a Death- Bed, as he had done; particularly he vehemently requested of One of his Acquaintance, that he would promise him two things. viz. Ist That the Money he purposed to spend in Strong Drink he would lay out in buying good Books; And zly. that the Time he would have spent in the Tavern he would employ in Reading of them. It was the dying Desire of the Deceased that the Ministers of the Town would improve his Example for the Warn- ing of others.
5. (Sunday).
6. John Harmon bought a lot of land on the Road near Lindsay's, of Jonathan Bane.
7. Cos. Wm. informs that Negroes in Jamaico have risen and intend to make themselves Masters of the island (if not soon subdued).
IO. Inferior Court has been in session.
II. A girl was born to Lieut. Moses Banks, named Elizabeth.
12. (Sunday).
13. Joseph Moulton gave a marsh lot to his son Abel today.
14. Nath. Ramsdell sold a small lot in Brixham to Joseph Leavitt, the tanner.
15. Doctor Bennett had a son born to-day which he called William.
19 (Sunday). Parson Moody preached on the Death of the Sinful young Man who Repented on his Death-Bed, to great acceptance of Many.
20. Lt Banks gave a marsh lot to his son Job to-day, as I hear.
24. A son born to Joseph Farnham across the River, called Starlin.
25. My grandfather and his brother were barbarously murdered by the Savages forty three Years ago this day at the great Massacre, when Parson Dummer was shot off his horse and a hundred Captivated and Kill'd. I was only two years old at that time. 26. (Sunday). Very high tide in river today.
27. Dr. Bulman sold 14 @ in Scituate to Crisp Bradbury to-day. The estate of Joseph Young was appraised to-day.
29. Hear that Jo. Youngs estate was worth over £400.
31. Crisp Bradbury sold 12 @ on the South side to Aleck McIntirs.
FEBRUARY.
2. (Sunday).
6. There was a daughter born to John Milberry to-day named Susanna.
8. Josiah Main sold four shares of Common Land to his son Amos, the School Master.
9. (Sunday).
13. Daniel Moody and Mary Pearce were married to-day. James Donnell sold part of the Preble homestead lot to Deacon Sayward.
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HISTORY OF YORK
15. The News Letter is come to hand which relates the Story of the Young Man whose death here last Month is given as a Warn- ing to those who keep Evil Companions.
16. (Sunday).
18. Crisp Bradbury sold 14 @ at Scituate to Jona. Sayward.
20. William Boynton, son of Caleb, was married to-day to Hannah Tones.
21. Hear that Aleck Junkins made his will to-day.
22. High today on Account of Full Moon.
23. (Sunday).
24. From the News Letter come to hand we learn of great storms in the Country and the Posts delayed by the deep snow.
28. News is brought that Elder James Sayward of Gloucester, for- merly of this town, was married on January 30th, to the widow of Ebenezer Davis of Gloucester as second wife. His first wife was named Stover and lived at Cape Neddick. This has been a summer month only two or three cold days.
MARCH.
I. Nathaniel Crediford entered his intent to Marry Elizabeth Beale, but she forbid publishment Tis said she prefers Josiah Littlefield of Wells.
2. (Sunday).
3. Paul Nowell had a son born today which he called Paul. His wife was Mary Nutting of Cambridge. They were married last year in Newbury. Arthur Bragdon sold 6 acres to John Grover and 12 @ to Nathan- iel Lewis both on the South Side.
8. Joseph Gray's daughter was baptized Sarah.
9. (Sunday)
II. Town meeting today, Deacon John Harmon Moderator. Voted against paying the Selectmen 5 shillings a day for their services. Jeremiah Moulton Dea. Thomas Bragdon Samuel Sewall John Sayward and Samuel Clarke elected Selectmen for ensuing yeare.
I2. Jerry Bumstead the Glazier sold a lott to Nathaniel Donnell this day. James Donnell sold his halfe of the Homestead to his brother Nathaniel.
15. John Curtis and Abigail Donnell intentions published.
16. (Sunday)
17. Samuel Donnell the Shipwright sold 5 @ on South Side to Joseph Cole.
18. A surprising thing happened on Tuesday sennight in Kittery which is certified by Parson Moody, his son Joseph and two other ministers. Mary Smith baked 3 loaves of Indian breade of the same meal One came out of the oven the Colour of a Blood Puddinge This loaf can still be seen.
22. Daughter born to Barsham Allen named Mary. Doctor Bulman bought 30 @ at Tonemy Hill of William Grow. Crisp Bradbury sold some land to Enoch Dill.
23. (Sunday).
24. Jonathan Bane sold 10 @ to John Card. 356
A JOURNAL OF OCCURRENCES
25. Samuel Webber the Miller of Cape Neddick is mortally sick and made his will today. Elias Weare his neighbour informs this and saith Doctor Bulman attends him but gives no encourage- ment.
28. Deacon Joseph Sayward got a release of Mortgage on his Home- stead today from William Pepperrell. It has been running II years but since the town appointed a Committee three years ago to compound with his Creditors and pay his debts his affairs are nearly straightened out.
Parish meeting today. Took action to prosecute Trespassers on the Parsonage Land. Those who live next this lott are con- tinually Fencinge in land that does not belong to them.
30. (Sunday).
31. Not so warm as last month, very little snow left on ground.
APRIL.
I. Inferior Court began sitting today Mr. Moody prayed.
4. Samuel Bragdon deeded 20 @ on SW Side to his son Jeremiah.
5. The snow is not yet gone from the woods.
6. (Sunday).
7. Sam Preble the Mason bought 16 @ of Dr Bulman at Tonemy.
8. Daniel Farnum sold 6 @ on SW Side to Joseph Main.
9. Crisp Bradbury bought of Jonathan Sayward the lott at Scituate which he had sold last February.
Joseph Kingsbury had a son born today which he named Samuel.
IO. Nathanial Leman the Tailor is very sick and made his will today. He came from Charlestown several years ago.
13. (Sunday).
17. Quite hot.
18. Esquire Moulton sold 14 @ to Amos Main the Teacher on Country Road.
20. (Sunday).
21. Another hot day.
23. Began plowing the lower field Very warm today.
25. News from London that the Queen of Prussia is safely delivered of a prince amidst great rejoicing.
27. (Sunday).
MAY.
4. (Sunday).
8. Town meeting today. Elder Milbury Moderator. Chose jurors for the next Court of Assize and Gaol delivery.
IO. Our Pastor has been preaching the Gospel in York thirty seven yeares this instant month. The Lord has blest his work with us and his son labours acceptably in Scotland.
II. (Sunday).
15. Town meeting today. Elder Milberry re-elected as Representa- tive for the General Court. Also there was a parish meeting same time Lieut Daniel Simpson Moderator and they voted to hire a Supply for the Pulpit as occasion requires : also to Fence in the Burying Place.
IS. (Sunday).
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HISTORY OF YORK
19. Jabez Blackledge sold to John Grover the five acre lott which he bought of Elihu Parsons in 1716.
20. Superior Court began today. Sheriff escorted Judges to the Town House.
22. Dr. Bulman bought 14 @ at Scituate of Crisp Bradbury.
25. (Sunday).
26. Andrew Pearce was married to Jane Carr today. Samuel Thompson sold his brother Joseph 10 @ at Huckleberry Plain.
A son born to Ralph Freeman. His name is John.
29: Samuel Webbers will allowed in Court today. He gave all his property to his five sons and six daughters. His sister Bathsheba captivated by the Indians many years ago is yet in Canada and married there to a Frenchman.
31. Intentions of marriage of John Drew a new Resident here and Hannah Staples of Kittery are Published today.
JUNE.
I. (Sunday).
2. Elizabeth Swett was married to Mark Prime of Rowley.
6. Samuel Johnson had a daughter today which he has named Humility. I opine she was called this out of regard for Humility Preble.
7. Aleck Junkins bought 3 @ on South Side of Enoch Dill.
8. (Sunday).
II. Anniversary of Accession of His Majesty to the Throne. We drank his health at Ingrahams.
12. A daughter was born to Lieut Benjamin Stone today named Elizabeth.
15. (Sunday).
17. Enoch Dill sold two tracts on S. W. Side to Aleck MacIntire Jr.
18. Dill sold another lott to young MacIntire.
19. Court sat today Parson Smith of Falmouth prayed. The Indian woman Patience Boston was brought to triall for murdering her bastard child. A great throng in attendance. She says it is Trott's child.
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