USA > Maine > Knox County > Camden > Sketches of the history of the town of Camden, Maine; including incidental references to the neighboring places and adjacent waters > Part 10
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* Eaton's Annals of Warren, p. 295; Williamson's History of Maine, p. €41-642.
t There is a diversity of opinion as to the number employed in erecting the forts, and the length of time it took to accomplish the work .- Ilaving no authentic data to rely upon, it is impossible to determine which of the cenflicting conjectures are the nearest correct. We have given the most probable statement.
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length. It was made in part of timber belonging to Capt. Nath'l Hosmer, of which he was going to build a vessel, but which he was prevented doing by the imposition of the Embargo. * The height of this fortress was 8 or 10 feet, and its thickness 3 or 4 feet. The space between the outer and inner walls was filled with dirt. Inside, there was a platform which brought the soldiers into so elevated a position as to easily rest their muskets on the top of the breastwork. On this platform were two 12 pounders mounted upon carriages, pointing through an embrasure each. On the northerly side of the fortress, was the barrack building. About 20 rods to the south, on the bank near the shore, was a guard-house, from which the movements of the enemy could more readily be seen. A short time since we examined the spot on which the fortification stood, and had not its position been traced out to us by one who knew perfectly about it, we should have been at loss to define the place. As the timber and dirt was hauled away some years since, nothing is now left to indicate the spot save a few knolls and ridges, by which the semi-lunar shape of the fort may quite readily be traced.
The fortification on Eaton's Point, (near the steamboat wharf.) and on Timo. Fernald's land, was nearly opposite the one above described. It was about the same size and shape, and mounted the same number of guns of the same calibre, and had the same number of embrasures. A small portion of this fort is still to be seen. Something like 20 feet of the bank has been washed away since it was erected. At that time there was quite a wide space between the fort and the edge of the bank, but the sea, aided by the frost, has since washed a large part of it away. It seems a pity that the hand of utilitarianism should aid in the demolition of the only relic that remains to remind us, and tell the passing stranger of " the times that tried men's souls." We hope the mound that still remains to point to the site of the fortification
*At this time (1514) Farnum Hall, Esq., had a ship of about 400 tuns on the stocks nearly completed. She was afterward launched without suf- fering any molestation from the enemy.
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will be suffered to remain for years to come, to perpetuate one of the most important events in our local history. Of such memorials it may well be said, that,
"They are the
Registers, the chronicles of the age, They were made in, and speak the truth of history Better than a hundred of your printed Communications."
Soon after the fortifications were completed a party of our men went down to Fort George with a team of several yoke of oxen, and got one of the 18 pounders that had been spiked by the enemy, and hauled it up here.
As it was decided to plant it upon Mt. Batty it was too difficult an undertaking to attempt to drag it up the sides, and so John Grose was engaged to undertake the contract for $25. A road was cleared on the north western slope of the mountain .- from near Timothy Fay's to the summit, and then the 18 pounder and two 12s * were carried up and planted on the flat spot just this side of " the Rolling Road." A barrack was also erected on the mountain, and the necessary muni- tions of war provided.t
The number stationed on the mountain were six, viz .: Jona. Leighton, corporal ; Jesse Derry, Isaac Sheldon, Jas. Metcalf and Robert Corthell, privates.
The guards stationed in the town at this time were about as follows, as near as we can ascertain : The main guard was stationed where the Post Office now stand,-in the old red building that formerly stood where A. E. Clark's house and shop now stand ; the picket guard on Ogier's hill ; and another guard at Clam Cove. The soldiers on duty at this time, (as guards, and in the forts) were designated as "the 30 days' men."
* It is believed the six 12 pounders (two in each fort and two on the mountain) were sent here from Boston by Gen. Dearborn.
t May 1, 1957, an 18 pound ball was found on the mountain ;- belonged probably to the aforesaid 13 pounder. A few years since a 12 pound shot (we think) was found in Jas. Richard's field, and a few months since a smaller sized ball was found by workmen while digging near Col. Berry's house. The two latter, we think it probable, were fired by the British during the Revolution.
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Number XVIII.
The U. S. Sloop-of-War Adams-Runs ashore on the Isle au Haut- Brought into Camden-Lands part of her crew sick with the scurvy- Prisoners landed-The Adams goes to Hampden-British Officers admit- ted to their parole-Death of one of the Prisoners-Lieut Hanford marches the Prisoners to Wiscasset-Fruitless search for the Officers- Bribes a Pilot to convey them to Eastport -- One of them re-taken-The others pursued-Overtaken and re-captured-Officors rise upon their captors-Release their companion :- Take the muskets and best boat and shape their course for Eastport-Return of our Party-The Pilot sent to Portland-Convicted-Pardoned.
1814. THE U. S. sloop-of-war Adams, of 24 guns, commanded by Capt. Chas. Morris, left Sa- vannah in May, and after making several captures, shaped her course for Penobscot Bay. As she was entering the Bay on the 17th of August, in very thick weather, she run ashore on the Isle au Haut, and in a critical condition, was got off by lightening. She then came to Camden for repairs, and when arrived at the mouth of the harbor fired a signal gun. The water being too shoal, and the port being too much exposed to view, it was concluded to go up the Pe- nobscot, both for repairs and safety-as Castine was then in our possession. After landing about 25 men disabled by the scurvy, and about 60 prisoners, she sailed for Hampden, where she arrived the 20th of the month .* The Adams' crew and the prisoners were landed on Eaton's Point. A guard was set over the prisoners, while those on the sick list were carried by Nathan Hobbs in an ox team, out to the old Bacon house, (now torn down) opposite to where Capt. Josiah Hopkins now lives, where they were nursed until they regained their health.
* See Whipple's Hist. of Arcadia, Penobscot Bay and River, page 90; Cooper's Naval Hist., page 122-125; Will. Iist. of Maine, ii., 643; also, see two letters written by Lieut. C. Morris, Aug. 22, at Hampden, in the Boston Daily Advertiser and Repertory of Sept. 16th, 1814.
/
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Of the prisoners, five were officers, who, being under a parole of honor, visited the different parts of the town.
A few hours after being landed, one of the prisoners died. Being a hard drinker, he greatly craved liquor, and as he was not supplied to his desired extent, it was thought by his comrades that his death was occasioned by the deprivation. Having a doubloon about his person, he requested that it be sent to his folks in England. After the burial, Lieut. Edw. Hanford with an armed guard of about 80 men, of which Asa Richards was orderly sergeant, prepared to carry the prisoners to Wiscasset jail, but, contrary to their parole, the British officers were not present at the stated time and place. Search being made, they were not to be found, and so the guard proceeded with the number in charge. They carried them to Wiscasset, whence they were soon afterward carried to Portland, and thence to Salem, where they were exchanged for American prisoners.
But, to return to the officers. While perambulating the town, they fell in with one Allen T-y, an expert pilot, whom they easily bribed to consent to convey them in a boat to Eastport. When the boat was in readiness-just below Negro Island, it was found they had neglected to take any liquor with them-an article they deemed indispensable, and so dispatched one of their number ashore to get a supply. Lieut. Hanford having started with the guard and prisoners but a few hours previous, the search was still being made for the escaped officers. As soon as the venturing officer made his appearance, Capt. Calvin Curtis was apprised of the fact, and as he entered a store Capt. C. approached him, and placing his hand upon the customer's shoulder, with an authoritative mien, and an earnest voice, he said, "You are my prisoner, sir !" The re-taken officer vainly tried to plead off. He was immediately taken into the custody of keepers, and marched on to the main guard, which was overtaken at Blackington's corner.
The whereabouts of the remainder of the runaway officers being soon ascertained, a new and fast sailing boat belonging to Richard Conway, was immediately manned for the pursuit by the following well armed party : Capt. Asha Palmer, Richard
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Conway, one Robbins, (a sea captain) one Brown, (who came in the prize Victory) and John Tarr, a young man.
In the meantime, the British officers having waited with impatience a greater length of time than was necessary for their comrade to do his errand, they began to suspect that his proceedings had been checked, and thinking theirs might share the same fate, they began with the energy that impels the fugitive to escape, to pull at their oars in the direction indicated by their pilot. They had proceeded but a few miles when they were discovered by Capt. Palmer. The race then began in earnest. Both parties plied their oars with renewed vigor. For some time, the distance intervening seemed neither to increase nor diminish : the contest appeared to be an equal one. But at length it became apparent that the pursuers were gaining on the pursued. The superior speed of Conway's boat began to be seen with alarm by the Britishers. In vain they tried their utmost to augment the space between their pursuers. The furlongs' distance kept gradually diminishing until the upper end of Deer Island, or Edgemaroggan Reach was approached, when our Yankee crew came alongside, and commanded the objects of their pursuit to cease rowing, or they would give them a volley that would bring them to in a hurry. The chase was concluded. With but little ceremony the re-captured prisoners and pilot were bound with cords and placed in Conway's boat, under charge of Capt. Palmer, Robbins and Brown, while the other two remained in the pilot's boat, with him in the custody of Conway and Tarr. They then shaped their course for Camden. The faster boat soon took the lead, and began to leave the prize in the rear.
Oblivious of danger, Conway laid his gun on the thwart for a few moments, and stepped to the bow to attend to something. Pilot T- taking advantage of Conway's absent-mindness, unloosed himself from his manacles, and seizing the gun, threatened to shoot Tarr if he did not instantly surrender his piece. Fearful of the execution of the menace, Tarr quickly complied with the demand. As soon as Tarr gave up his gun, Pilot T- cut loose the two English officers, and handing a gun to one of them, he kept the other himself.
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So sudden and unexpected was the rising, that Conway and Tarr were as much astonished as they were terrified at the issue, but deeming " discretion the better part of valor," they submissively exchanged relations with the new victors with becoming grace.
Now commenced another race. Determined to overhaul the other boat, and rescue their companions. was the next thing to call for energetic action on the part of the released English prisoners and their bribed pilot. Their recruted strength ena- bled them to soon come within hailing distance of the other boat, and by redoubling their exertion. they were soon enabled to come alongside. "Heave to, or we'll shoot you!" shouted one of the officers to Capt. Palmer. The rowing ceased. It was needless to ask any question ; the story told itself. To prevent the effusion of blood, Capt. Palmer surrendered by delivering up the three guns. The two other officers were soon released, and supplied with a musket each. Our men were now within the power, and subject to the mercies of those who were their prisoners but a short time previous. As their object was to escape to the British dominions, all they wished for was the means with which to accomplish their ends. So securing the five muskets, selecting the best oars, and taking the most staunch and fast sailing boat-Conway's-they deliv- ered up their pilot, whom they had sufficiently used to advan- tage,-dropped astern, gave their brother Jonathans three hearty huzzars, waved their hats in adieu, and shaped their course for Eastport.
It must have been with infelicitous feelings, that our adven- turous party saw receding from sight, the forms of those they expected to bring into port as re-captured prisoners of war. Concluding to make the best of a bad expedition, our party wearily plied their oars in retracing the distance of the race. As they came in sight of the harbor, many eagerly gathered on the wharf to ascertain the result of the chase. Only one prisoner, Pilot T-, was to be seen. Christy was at the highest pitch to know the whys and wherefores. As soon as they approached the wharf, T- was given up to the custody of Deputy Sheriff Lewis Ogier, as being guilty of treason
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and mutiny. The particulars of the achievement were then recounted by the actors in the scene, while the crowd listened to them with deep attention. Many were the comments made, and various the conjectures expressed. and opinions formed by those who heard the recital.
Pilot T- was forthwith sent to Portland jail to await the summons of the Court. Being tried, and adjudged guilty of a capital offense. he was remanded back to prison to abide the execution of his sentence. Based upon palliating circum- stances. and the fact that T- had a family dependent upon him for support, a petition was got up by some of his friends, . and circulated throughout the town. From feelings of sympa- thy, many of our citizens signed the petition. Being presented to the proper authorities, the prayer ot said petitioners pre- vailed. a pardon was granted, and the decoyed pilot was returned to his family.
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HISTORY OF CAMDEN.
Number XIX.
A British Squadron sails from Halifax-Enters Penobscot Bay-De. mand the surrender of Costine Fort-Fort blown up-Retreat of Lieut. Lewis-Castine taken possession of-Proclamation issued-Belfast occ 1- pied by the enemy-The Hampden skirmish-A sight seeing party captured-Released-Apprehension of an attack on Camden-Brigade Order-Munitions of War for the Forts-Col. Foote's Regiment mustered - Individual actions-Military Orders-Col. Thatcher's Regiment ordered to Camden-Belfast and other Companies-Additional military supplies for the Parapets -- The hostile fleet sails for Halifax-Military Companies dismissed-Rations.
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0 N the 26th of August, (1814) a British expedition sailed from Halifax for the Penobscot, "composed of the first company of royal artillery, two rifle companies of the 7th battalion, of the 60th regiment, detachments from the 29th, 62d, and 98th regiments, the whole divided into two brigades, consisting of between 3 and 4,000 men, commanded by Major-General Gerard Gosselin, and Col. Douglas, and all under the immediate command of Lieut. Gen. Sir John Coape Sherbroke, Governor of Nova Scotia.
"The fleet consisted of the Bulwark, Dragon and Spencer, of 74 guns ; the frigate Buchante and Tenedos ; the ship Sylph and Peruvian brig, of 18 guus cach; and the schooner Picton, and 10 transports, under the command of Rear Admiral Edward Griffith."* It was the original design of this expedi- tion to have taken Machias on their way to Penobscot, but 00 learning that the U. S. Corvette Adams had arrived a Week previous at Hampden, they proceeded on their course without delay, with all possible dispatch.
Before the dawn of day, on the 1st of September, the fleet entered Penobscot Bay, and as they passed along among the Islands, tishermen were taken from their craft to pilot them to Castine.
* Whipple's History of Acedia, page 90-91.
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In the fort at Castine was a garrison of about 40 men, under Lieut. Lewis, of the U. S. army. Soon after sunrise, the British armament entered the harbor, and sent Lieut. Nichols, commander of the royal engineers, with a small schooner to reconnoiter the works, and demand a surrender. The Ameri- can officer refused to obey the summons, and immediately opened a fire from four 24 pounders upon the vessel. Deem- ing it futile to attempt to defend the place against the combined British force, Lient. Lewis blew up the fort, * and with his men escaped in boats to Hampden, carrying with him two field pieces, with which to assist in checking the further progress of the enemy up the river.
Castine was then taken possession of by Col. Douglass, when the following proclamation was issued :
" Proclamation by Lieut. Gen. Sir John Coape Sherbroke, K. B., commanding a body of his Britannic Majesty's land forces, and Edward Griffith, Esq., Rear Admiral of the White, com- manding a squadron of his Majesty's ships, now arrived in the Penobscot.
" WHEREAS it is the intention of the British commanders to take possession of the country lying between the Penobscot River and Passamaquoddy Bay, the peaceable inhabitants of' that district are hereby notified, that if they remain quietly at their respective homes and carry on their useful occupa- tions, every protection will be afforded them so long as they shall comply with such regulations as may be established for their conduct and guidance by the authority of the British commanders. All persons taken in arms, or employed in con- veying intelligence to the enemy, or in assisting him in amy way, shall be treated accordingly. Such of the inhabitants as may wish to avail themselves of the terms offered in the pre- ceding part of this Proclamation, will be required to give up their arms and demean themselves in a quiet and peaceable manner ; and those who may be willing to supply the British forces with provisions, &c., will be regularly paid for the arti-
* Quite a number of our citizens were then on Mt. Batty, watching the operations of the English, and distinctly saw the explosion.
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cles furnished, and will receive every encouragement and protection in so doing.
[Signed.] " T. F. ADDISON, Military Secretary. By Command CHAS. MARTYR, Noval Sec'y. " Given at Castine Sept. 1, 1814." *
An armed vessel was immediately sent across the Bay to Belfast, by Gen. Sherbroke, with a flag, informing the inhabi- tants that they purposed to land a body of troops to remain four days to recruit their strength, and if during that time a gun was fired. they would burn the town, but if not molested they would peaceably leave at the appointed time. Six hundred troops of the 29th regiment were then landed, under command of Gen. Gerard Gosselin.
" A part of the fleet, consisting of the Dragon, the Sylph and Peruvian, the Harmony, a transport, and a prize-tender, all under Capt. Barrie, carrying about 500 infantry, riflemen, or sharp shooters, and a small train of light-artillery, under Col. Henry, John and Maj. Riddle, proceeded without delay up the waters of the Penobscot, and came to anchor in Marsh bay : where the shipping lay, about four or five leagues below Bangor harbor during the night."t
The story of the inglorious defeat of the Americans under command of Gen. Blake, is too well known to here require a recital. Suffice it to say, that our force was there routed, the sloop-of-war Adams was set fire by Capt. Morris, her gallant commander, and he and his brave companions retreated to Bangor, and thence through the woods to the Kennebec. A scene of pillage and wanton destruction of property ensued such as is a disgrace to the English name. " The losses and damages sustained by the people of Hampden, as subsequently ascertained, amounted to $44,000."
But, we will return to the state of affairs in Camden. While the English fleet were proceeding up river, a party of our young men, thinking to gratify their curiosity, went in a boat with Capt. Oliver Pendleton to observe the operations of the
* Whipple's Acadia, page 91-92.
+ Williamson's History of Maine, ii., 643.
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hostile squadron. While in Penobscot Bay, making their observations, they were discovered by an approaching British vessel, which took them to be spies, and at once summoned them to heave to. The boat and spectators were then taken under charge, and carried to Castine. They remained there several days, until the town deputed Capt. Isaac Russ to go over and obtain their release. *
The following day after Castine was taken, the presumption was that Camden would be visited by the enemy. The alarm became general, and in the excitement that pervaded this com- munity, quite a number sought safety by fleeing to the more inland towns.
The following Brigade Order was forthwith issued :
" 2D BRIGADE, 11TH DIVISION.
" Camden, Sept. 2d, 1814.
" The enemy have occupied Castine and Belfast. The com- manding officer of the Brigade considers the time as now arrived when it becomes the indispensable duty of the Militia to fly to arms.
" Lieutenant Foote, of the 5th Regiment, will order his whole Regiment immediately to assemble near Camden Harbor in Camden.
" The troops must all be well equipped for actual service, and with three days' provisions.
[Signed] DAVID PAYSON, Brigadier General, &c.
"The commanding officer of the 5th Regiment directs the above Order to be forthwith carried into effect.
" The field and staff officers of the Regiment will immedi- ately repair to Camden.
" By Order Lieut. Col. Commander 5th Regiment, 2d Briga le, 11th Division.
"W.M. CARLTON, Adjutant."
While the above order was being carried into effect, the
" Among the number carried to Castine were the following: Alden Basa, Robt. Chase, Simon Hunt and Perley F. Pike. The English were degirous for Pike to remain and enlist in their cause, as he was a smart and robust fellow, but he was neither to be coaxed or hired, and so returned with his companions.
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forts were put in a more defensive condition, and the select- men were notified to forthwith furnish the requisite supply of ammunition, &c. We will quote one of the orders, as interesting information is contained in it :
" To the Selectmen of Camden : Deliver to Sergeant Hark- ness 6 Cannon Cartridges: 6 Cannon Balls : 6 do. Grape : 4 Cannister Shot : 2 Rammers and Sponges: 1 Spoon and Worm : 2 Lint Stocks : 2 part fine Stocks : 2 Powder horns and priming wires, for the use of the Parapet at Jacob's Point. "C. CURTIS, " Capt. Commanding parapet at Camden Harbor. " Camden, Sept. 2, 1814."
At the same time another order was issued, requiring the same as the above to be furnished " for the use of the Parapet at Eaton's Point."
On the following day, Col. Foote's regiment arrived, " armed and equipped as the law directs." Throughout the town, all was commotion. Every one felt, and manifested a deep con- cern in the anticipated visit of the enemy. The martial display on the occasion by the different companies; the sound of the drum and fife as they sent forth solemn music to the tune of Roslin Castle or Boyne Water, begat in the minds of the old and young, feelings peculiar to the times of war. The Alarm List, or Exempts, composed in part of veterans who had seen actual service, tended to inflame the military ardor of the younger troops, and infuse into the minds of the more timid, feelings of confidence and resolution. Matrons and maidens repressed their fears as they witnessed the firm steps and determined looks of their husbands, brothers and sons, as they marched along the streets, keeping pace to the sound of mar- tial music. Boys and girls were running to and fro, recog- nizing familiar faces, suggesting many queries, and enlivening the scene by their juvenile actions. The day was principally spent in military parade, and towards night the following order was promulgated by the Colonel of the Regiment :
" Sept. 3d, 1814. Capt. Curtis will take command of the
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Parapets at Eaton's and Jacobs' Points, and will, for this pur- pose, take the whole of his Company and his officers, and will have a detachment from Capt. Palmer's Company, making the force equal to 50 men,-will station Guards and Pickets, and Sentinels.
" Lieut. Brooks will assemble the residue of Capt. Palmer's Company near the meeting house, and arrange quarters for the night for his and other Troops.
" The Companies from Thomaston and St. George will meet at the Camden meeting house and take quarters for the night, also the Troops from Hope and Appleton.
" By order E. FOOTE,
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