USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Portland > The history of Portland, from its first settlement: with notices of the neighbouring towns, and of the changes of government in Maine, Part II 1700-1833 > Part 15
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The people who lived at a distance from Boston, and consequent- ly not wrought up to the degree of excitement, which existed there, were filled with apprehension at the consequences expected from this daring ineasure. They were however soon reassured by the tone of confidence which animated the circulars and correspondence of the Boston committees. Although some of the boldest leaders had not only contemplated but even desired a separation from the mother country, yet the people generally did not entertain an idea or wish of the kind ; they looked upon an opposition carried to the extent of a civil war at first with the utmost dread, and a result to be avoided by every means short of absolute submission.2 We can trace the progress of the views of the people in Falmouth, by com- paring the conciliating, we may almost say, tame instructions given to their representative in January 1773, with their proceedings, in relation to the tea transaction in January 1774. The committee of correspondence in Boston, had written letters to the- selectmen of the town, calling upon them for a firm and decided expression of opinion regarding public measures, and animating them by all the considerations of patriotic feeling to enlist at once in the great cause of resistance to the arbitrary measures of the English government. A town meeting was' held January 25, " to choose a committee to make answer to the several letters received from the committee of
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1 This took place Dec. 16, 1773.
2 Samuel Adams, long before this, had said " The country shall be indepen- dent, and we will be satisfied with nothing short of it." 1 Gord. 347.
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correspondence in Boston," and to report what ought to be done " for the public welfare under the alarming circumstances" which existed.1 On the 3d of Feb. they made a long report, declaring that having considered attentively some late acts of parliament which laid taxes for the purpose of raising a revenue from the colonies without their consent, they think it the duty of the town to declare their opinion in a matter which so highly concerned their own and future generations, " that neither the Parliament of Great Britain nor any other power on earth has a right to lay a tax on us but by our own consent or the consent of those whom we may choose to represent us."" The report was accompanied by a set of resolves in which they declared their determination that they would not suffer to be imported into the town any article on which Parliament had laid a duty, nor have any dealings with persons who will promote such arbitrary acts, and that they will desist from the use of tea, and dis- countenance by all means any attempt to introduce it while the duty continues, and finally applauded the conduct of the inhabitants of Bos- ton in relation to the tea ships. A committee of correspondence was. then chosen,3 and the selectmen were appointed a committee of inspection, to observe if any person bought or sold tea contrary to the resolves of the town, and to withhold their approbation for license from such tavern keepers and retailers as presume to violate the re- solves. A committee was also raised to ascertain the quantity and description of the tea then in town, and report at a future meeting.4 In the May following Enoch Freeman was chosen representative, and was instructed to vote against paying for the tea destroyed.
1 The committee consisted of Jedediah Preble, Richard Codman, John Waite, Enoch Freeman, Benjamin Winslow, John Butler and Samuel Free- man.
2 For the report and resolves at length see Appendix IV.
3 This committee consisted of the persons who made the report, and was the first committee of the kind raised in town.
4 This committee consisted of Benjamin Mussey, Robert Pagan and Enoch Moody, who reported that the whole quantity of tea in town was 2320 lbs. of bohea and 35 lbs. of green ; that Enoch Ilsley had all the green tea, and 1000 lbs. of the bohea, the rest was held by Dr. Watts, Samuel Freeman, Eben'r Owen, John Archer, Thomas Oxnard, Simeon Mayo, Paul Little, John Fox, and Ebez'r. Mayo ; that the green tea was selling at 18s. a lb. lawful money, and the bohea at 2s. 5d. On this report the town voted that the owners of the tea might do what they pleased with it. I suppose that we may infer from this that the tea was smuggled, and not being flavored with the obnoxious tax, was less injurious to the nerves of the people.
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This entire defeat of the favorite plan of the English administra- tion, exceedingly exasperated government, and under the influence of their excited feelings, they adopted measures which tended still fartlier to alienate the minds of the colonists and to produce a crisis. Their whole displeasure was poured out upon Massachusetts. On the 31st of March the Boston port bill was passed, by which the officers of the customs were removed from Boston, and all trade interdicted with that place. This was followed by an act for " the better regulating the government of Massachusetts Bay," by which the appointment of all civil officers of the colony was taken from the people and vested in the crown. And a third act nominally " for the impartial administration of justice," authorised the removal of persons indicted for any capital offence committed in the support of public authority, to England or some other colony for trial. These acts passed both houses of Parliament by overwhelming majorities.
The effect of these severe laws was to unite at once all parts of the continent in measures of resistance. The several towns in the province promptly expressed their sympathy toward the people of Boston, their readiness to assist them, and their firm determination to aid them in the great cause of American liberty. On the 14th of June, the day on which the harbour of Boston was shut, the bell in this town was muffled and tolled all day without cessation, from sun- rise until nine o'clock in the evening, and the 29th was observed in town as a day of fast, on account of the gloomy state of affairs.2 The next day a meeting of the inhabitants was held to take into considera- tion the alarming state of this province, and of the other provinces, when it was voted that the committee of correspondence be directed to write a letter of sympathy to the inhabitants of Boston, and assure them of the encouragement and support of this town as far as their abilities extended. They also voted to write to the principal towns
' The act went into operation June 1, but vessels then within the harbour were allowed until the 14th to depart, after which no vessels were allowed to go in or out except coastwise with provisions for the sustenance of the inhab- itants. The House of Burgesses in Virginia, appointed the first day of June to be kept as a day of fasting and prayer ; and in Philadelphia the bells were rung muffled, and business was generally suspended.
2 The fast was generally strictly kept, although some improved the occa- sion to show their hostility to public opinion. Mr. Smith says, "June 30, * * * made an entertainment yesterday for the tories in opposition to the fast, and * * and * * kept their shops open." Sheriff Tyng probably made the feast.
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Proceedings in Falmouth. 141
in Massachusetts to ascertain their views in relation to the non-im- portation agreement. Hopes were still entertained that this engine which had operated so powerfully upon the stamp act, might again be used with success. With this view endeavours were made to bring about a union on this point, in which the people of the several colonies heartily concurred. A public meeting in New-York, held in July, expressed the opinion " that a non-importation agreement faithfully observed would prove the most efficacious means to pro- cure a redress of grievances." On the 23d of July, this town voted to observe the non-importation agreement, and the same meeting recommended that a contribution should be taken in the several par- ishes for the relief of the poor in Boston.1 On the 25th of August, another meeting was held on occasion of a circular from Boston, in anticipation of the arrival of the two acts of Parliament altering the course of justice and annihilating the constitution of the province. The meeting expressed a firm opposition to these obnoxious meas- ures, their trust that some method of redress would be adopted by the approaching Congress, and their ardent wish that harmony with the mother country might be again restored. The town at the same time recommended that a convention should be held of delegates from all the towns in the county for the purpose of effecting a concert of action in relation to the non-importation agreement and other meas- ures of general interest, and appointed a committee to attend the convention and correspond with other towns on the subject.2 In pursuance of this recommendation, a convention of delegates from the several towns in the county, assembled at Falmouth September 21st.3 A large collection of people came to town the same day to compel Sheriff Tyng to refuse compliance with the act of Parlia- ment regulating civil government in the province.+ The people sent a committee to the convention to invite their co-operation, which was
1 This was had in the first parish Sept. 11, the amount raised in town we cannot ascertain. In February 1775, Falmouth sent to Boston as a donation 51 1-2 cords of wood and Cape Elizabeth 44 1-2 cords.
2 The committee consisted of Enoch Freeman, Stephen Longfellow, Enoch Ilsley, Samuel Freeman, Richard Codman, and John Waite.
3 The convention met at Mrs. Greele's tavern : the house is now standing on the corner of Congress and Hampshire streets, one story high : they ad- journed in the afternoon to the town house.
4 Mr. Tyng received his appointment as sheriff in 1767, on the resignation of Moses Pearson. See the proceedings of this convention in Appendix V.
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complied with, and Mr. Tyng was requested to attend upon that body ; where, " in compliance with the commands of the inhabi- tants," he subscribed a declaration, that he would not without the consent of the county, exercise any authority under the obnoxious acts. His declaration was voted to be satisfactory, and the conven- tion proceeded to its deliberations. A spirited report, accompanied by a series of propositions in which sound principles of independence were maintained, was drawn up and ordered to be published and transmitted to the several towns in the county, and votes were passed which manifested a determination to resist at every hazard the odious acts of Parliament which deprived them of their chartered rights.1
On the 22d of Sept. a town meeting was held, at which Enoch Freeman, the representative of the town, was empowered to join the other members in a provincial Congress, if it should be thought ex- pedient to form one ; at the same time a large committee was chosen to receive complaints against any person who may exorbitantly en- hance the prices of his goods after the non-importation agreement should take effect. But the town did not exhaust itself in good resolu- tions, measures of defence were also adopted, and the selectmen were directed forthwith to provide arms and ammunition, and make pro- vision for the same by a rate according to law. Joshua Moody, Daniel Ilsley, Jabez Jones, Wm. Frost and Benjamin Winslow were appointed captains, with power to appoint suitable officers under them, of such volunteers as would put themselves under their res- pective commands.
On the 24th of October 1774, the continental Congress unani- mously adopted articles of association for " a non-importation, non- consumption and a non-exportation agreement," and recommended its observance to the people of the several colonies, which they say if " faithfully adhered to will prove the most speedy, effectual and peaceful measure" to obtain redress of grievances. These articles, fourteen in number, received the hearty approbation of the town, who appointed a committee of eleven to see that they were duly ob-
As the proceedings of the convention will be found entire in the appendix it is not necessary to dwell more particularly upon them here : the report is believed to have been drawn up by the late Judge Freeman who was secreta- ry of the convention and chairman of the committee. Enoch Freeman was President of the convention.
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Preparations for War. 143
served by the inhabitants.' December 26, a committee was chosen to remove the cannon from the fort and secure them as they thought proper, as also the powder, balls and gun carriages belonging to the town ;" and the officers of the several companies were ordered to enlist minute-men agreeably to the recommendation of the provincial Congress.
Thus ended this anxious and eventful year with the busy note of preparation which rung from Nova Scotia to Georgia. The hope yet was that it would all result in an abandonment by the mother country of the fatal measures which had hurried on the people of the colonies with a maddening impulse to rise as a single man in defence of their rights, and that the sad necessity of a civil war would be averted. The people in every act exhibited a calmness and fixed- ness of purpose, which, to an unprejudiced and intelligent observer, might have furnished a prophetic vision of the termination of the con- troversy. The proceedings of the continental Congress were reso- lute and without noisy precipitation, the members had taken their lives in their hands, they kept one object, the maintenance of their liberty, steadily in view, and their march was onward. The House of Representatives of Massachusetts, which met at Salem on the fifth of October, resolved itself into a provincial Congress, and on the 8th adjourned to Concord. This body took the government of the province into their hands, and made vigorous preparations for the approaching contest. October 27, Jedediah Preble of this town, with Artemas Ward and Col. Pomeroy, were appointed general officers of the provincial forces, the chief command of which was offered to General Preble, who declined it on account of his health and advancing age, and it was bestowed upon General Ward.3
The English authorities both at home and in this country pursued without relaxation measures of severity towards the colonists ; the whole tendency of their policy was to compel them to acknowledge the supremacy of Parliament.4 In this scheme they were supported
" This committee consisted of E. Freeman, John Waite, B. Mussey, Wm. Owen, Theophilus Parsons, Alexander Gray, Daniel Ilsley, Daniel Dole, Ja- bez Jones, Samuel Knight, and Thomas Sanford.
2 This committee consisted of B. Mussey, Jos. Noyes and Jos. Mclellan. 3Gordon, 414, 486.
4 The haughty Wedderburne in a speech in the British Parliament exclaim- ed, "Shall that Congress with woollen caps and leathern strings in their shoes dare oppose the right of Parliament taxing them ?"
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by overwhelming majorities in both houses, although a few great men like Chatham, and Camden, and Burke, threw themselves be- tween the uplifted arm and the victims of arbitrary power. Boston had sometime before the commencement of this year, exhibited the appearance of a camp, the neck was guarded by a breast work, at which sentinels were placed, and the inhabitants were made to feel the evils of military power.
On the other hand the colonists had not been inactive spectators of the work of oppression : they were not only bringing their minds to contemplate the last argument which it was in the power of freemen to use, but they were preparing their bodies and their resources for the conflict. Committees had been chosen by the provincial Con- gress in October, of supplies and safety, who were making arrange- ments for defence ; and the whole people in pursuance of recom- mendations from the same body, were organizing themselves into companies, which were regularly disciplining themselves in military practice. Some of thein under the name of minute-men held them- selves in constant readiness to move when occasion required. In January, this town assessed the inhabitants £80 to purchase powder, and directed the collectors and sheriff to pay the province tax levied upon the town into the town treasury for the use of the provincial Congress, and voted that "they would cheerfully raise their propor- tion of money to pay the minute-men."'
The legal government of the province was at an end, and public opinion bore the sway which was due to just laws. But this power- ful machinery accomplistied all the purposes of the most perfect gov- ernment ; each town was a little republic, observing with magnetic influence the recommendations of the continental and provincial Con- gresses. The government of this town was exercised principally by committees of correspondence, safety and inspection ; they watched vigilantly over all concerns of a public nature, and issued from their committee rooms decrees which had the effect of laws.2 They main- tained inviolably the non-importation agreement, refusing to relax it on any occasion, even at the earnest solicitation of those friendly to
1 In the first four months of this year £575. were assessed for the purchase of powder and other public charges-when in 1773 only £123 were raised for town charges.
" For proceedings of these committees see appendix No. VI.
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their cause. Such a universal exhibition of patriotism throughout the whole country, and such entire self-devotion to the cause of liber- ty were probably never before displayed.
At the annual meeting in March, no person was elected to office who was not known to be decidedly favorable to the cause of the people.1 Great hope had been entertained that when news of the resolute spirit of the colonies should reach England, it would pro- duce a more temperate consideration of the grievances than ministers had been disposed to take, especially as the manufacturers and mer- chants were generally in favor of a repeal of the obnoxious laws. But when instead of perceiving a relaxation in their favor, they found the administration determined to force down their arbitrary doctrines at the point of the bayonet, they despaired of reconciliation and pre- pared with more vigor to resist encroachment. The feelings of the people became exceedingly irritated against those who still counte- nanced the course of the mother country, and personal quarrels often took place between individuals.2 Capt. Colson, who was largely concerned in the masting business, was violently opposed to popular measures, and became very troublesome.3 The committee of in- spection had refused him permission to land some rigging, sails and stores which he had just imported for a ship he was building here, and ordered them sent back to England. Colson was very angry at this order, and instead of obeying it, he procured the assistance of Capt. Mowatt, in the sloop of war Canceau to rig his ship, and sailed with her in company with Mowatt in May.4
1 Capt. John Waite, moderator, Deacon Moody, Clerk, Smith Cobb, Treas- urer, Major Freeman, B. Mussey, Wm. Owen, - Brackett and H. Merrill, Selectmen.
2 A rencontre of this kind took place in King-street in this town between Gen. Preble and Sheriff Tyng, noticed in Dr. Deane's diary as follows. "The 8th day of April Gen. P. said to Mr. T. it is talked that there will be a mob. They met Mr. O. (Oxnard) T. said to O. we are going to have a mob to night : the Gen. denied that he said so. T. contradicted him and called him an old fool, and threatened he would chastise him if he were not an old man. The Gen threatened to cane him or knock him down if he should repeat those words : then T. drew his sword and threatened to run him through. Then Preble colored and shook T .: afterwards T. asked pardon of the Gen. and it was granted. The populace inquired if the Gen. was satisfied and told him he should have all the further satisfaction he desired, but he desired nothing more."
3 He had resided here about 3 years ; he had married Dorcas a daughter of the Elder Dr. Coffin, and lived in the old Doctor's house in King-street.
4 Colson's ship was 1000 tons burthen and was built at the ship yard east of King-street.
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CHAPTER 8. 1775-1783.
Revolutionary war-Proceedings in Falmouth-Mowatt taken pris- oner-Proceedings against tories-Troops raised-Denunciation . of Gov. Hutchinson-Arrival of Mowatt and destruction of the town-Applications for relief-Measures of defence-Privateer- ing-Sacrifices of the people-Capture of Bagaduce-Expedi- tion to the Penobscot-Capture of Gen. Wadsworth-Surrender of Cornwallis-Civil affairs of the revolution-Constitution pre- pared and adopted-Acts against Monopolies-Close of the war-the fisheries-Peace.
ON the 21st of April, in the midst of the excitement and irrita- tion produced by Colson's inviting the sloop of war here to assist him in violating the articles of association, news of the battle of Lexington was received. Much consternation and alarm was pro- duced by this event which was viewed as the commencement of a civil war: the same day a company of soldiers belonging to this town set off to aid the people in the neighbourhood of Boston. On the 23d, a town meeting was held and the selectmen were authoris- ed " to borrow instantly £113. 6. 8." to purchase powder ; it was also voted that the minute-men on the Neck should turn out 4 days in a week to exercise two hours for each day for two months, to be paid by the town 6d. a piece for each day, and that those who lived off the Neck should turn out 3 times a week and be allowed Sd a day. It was voted at the same meeting to pay 24 shillings bounty to each minute-man who shall march out of the county when required. The town treasurer was directed to forward the amount of the province tax in his hands to Henry Gardner, the treasurer of the provincial Congress, " instantly," and hire what remained due of the tax and transmit it without delay. A committee of safety was chosen at the same meeting, who were directed to procure "instantly," such a quantity of provisions for the use of the town as they should think necessary, and deposit it in suitable places, for which the town treasurer was authorised to give his notes of hand.1 Jedediah Pre- ble, Wm. Frost, John Fox, Wm. Mclellan, and Simeon Mayo were added to the committee of inspection and Joseph McLellan,
1 This committee consisted of Timothy Pike, Daniel Dole, Wm. Frost Enoch Ilsley, B. Titcomb and Stephen Waite.
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Capt. Mowatt taken prisoner. 147
Enoch Ilsley, Thomas Smith and Paul Little to the committee of correspondence. These prompt and spirited proceedings were adopted, notwithstanding the Canceau was then lying in the harbour whose commander was constantly urged to check them, by the vindictive feelings of Colson and others, who had suffered for their non-compliance with the decrees of the popular party. The peo- ple however were alarmed the day after these spirited proceedings by the arrival of two tenders, which were supposed to be intended to reinforce Mowatt and enable him to pursue offensive measures. Many people under this impression moved their property out of town.1
Although the apprehension from these vessels, which were on their return from Penobscot, where they had been to dismantle a fort, proved to be groundless ; yet the people from the country entertained the idea of destroying Mowatt's ship under an expectation of ridding themselves of future trouble from that quarter. But the inhabitants - of the Neck dissuaded them, reasoning with good judgment that the attempt would not only be futile, but be attended with dangerous con- sequences to themselves. The mad zeal of some would not listen to the suggestions of prudence, and on the 9th of May Col. Thomp- son of Brunswick came here with about 50 men, with a design to destroy the ship.2 They encamped in a thick grove of pines which then stood on the northern side of Munjoy's hill, near sandy point. Their arrival was unknown to our inhabitants, until the same day an opportunity occurring, they seized Capt. Mowatt, his surgeon and the Rev. Mr. Wiswall, who were walking upon the hill. This event created among the inhabitants both surprice and consternation, es- pecially that when the affair was known on board of the ship, the officer in command gave notice that unless the prisoners were given up immediately, he would lay the town in ashes.3
1 " April 25, we sent away to Windham our principal things. Our people are many of them doing the same." Sm. Jour. "People moving their goods out of town in great numbers. The country people are flocking in to buy corn and other provisions." Deane's diary.
2 Each soldier had a spruce bow in his hat and their standard was a small spruce tree stripped of all but its head branches.
3 "Our women were, I believe every one of them in tears or praying or screaming ; precipitately leaving their houses, especially those whose hus- bands were not at home, and widows ; hurrying their goods into countrymen's carts, never asking their names though strangers, and carrying their children either out of town or to the south end." Letter Freem. extracts 2d part p. 32.
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