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 18
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1 Peter Warren was Captain, Daniel Mussey Lieut. John Dole 1st Ser- geant, Richard Codman, Daniel Cobb, Wm. Moody, Stephen Tukey, Hugh McLellan, Micah Sampson and Zachariah Baker were privates.
2 In this assault about 60 of our troops were killed.
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been entrusted to him, success would have crowned our arms. Nothing of consequence towards reducing the place was accomplish- ed after the first day ; the enemy labored assiduously to strengthen their fortifications, and at the end of a fortnight, on the approach of a large reinforcement to the British, our army hastily abandoned their lines in the night and embarked with their cannon and stores on board the transports, which immediately commenced moving up the Penobscot river. The British pursued and the whole fleet was abandoned and burnt, some by our own men and others by the ene- my. Gen. Wadsworth conducted the retreat with great skill, and labored incessantly to keep his little army together after the disgrace- ful result.1 Our troops returned in scattered parties, making their best way home, deeply mortified and disappointed. It was, as Mr. Smith observes, "a sad affair," and while it weakened the resources of the State, it had a disheartening tendency, casting a gloom upon our prospects and a deep stain upon the military reputation of Mas- sachusetts.
. On the third of Sept. our town was thrown into great confusion, by the appearance in the offing of three ships of war ; the inhabi- tants were fearful that the British were about to return the visit made to them at Bagaduce. Col. Henry Jackson's regiment was here at the time, having proceeded thus far toward reinforcing the army at Penobscot, when news of the termination of that ill fated undertaking arrested their progress ; part of Col. Mitchell's regiment was also here, so that the town was filled with troops." The batteries were immediately and strongly manned, and every preparation made for defence. Three batteries were occupied on the occasion, one on the hill in Free-street, another and the principal one at the foot of King- street, where fort Loyall stood, and a third on the brow of Munjoy's hill. In the fortification at the foot of King-street, were placed one 18 pounder and three or four 12 pounders. The fears of the people were soon dissipated by the arrival of the American frigates Boston
1 Further particulars of this expedition may be found in Williamson's His. of Ma. 2, 468. Wheeler Riggs, a carpenter, was the only person from this town who was killed ; a ball from the enemy's battery struck a tree, and glanc- ing, fell on his back ; he was engaged in building a battery. He was son of Jeremiah Riggs, was married to Mary Cobb in 1742, and lived in Plumb- street-his children were Josiah, Joseph, Daniel, Mary, Wheeler and Abigail.
- 2 Col. Jackson's regiment sailed for Boston Sept. 7, and Col. Mitchell's was discharged Sept. 25.
C. 8.]
Capture of General Wadsworth.
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and Dean, with a large prize ship ; the next day another prize arriv- ed ; both of them were men of war.
. 1780.] The British now feeling secure in their position on the Pe- nobscot, began to commit depredations upon the inhabitants on both sides of the Bay. To counteract this state of things, the general court ordered a regular force of 750 men, under the command of Gen. Wadsworth, to be stationed on the western side of the Bay for the protection of the inhabitants. Two companies were also order- ed to Machias. These troops were raised in Maine, but not repair- ing to the place of rendezvous by the time appointed, Gen. Wads- worth came here from Camden to hasten the levy. He wrote to Brig. Gen. Frost of York county, April 27, urging him " in the name of public virtue" to send forward his detachment without further de- lay. This letter had the desired effect of hastening on the troops ; of the regiment of 600 men, 300 were stationed in Falmouth, 200 were sent to Camden, and 100 to Machias. The forts here were put in order and preparations made for an effectual resistance. There were frequent alarms from the Penobscot during the remainder of the war, which often called out the troops, but nothing was seriously attempted, if any thing was ever designed from that quarter.' Nothing of importance took place on the Penobscot during the year 1780, and in the winter all the troops returned but a small guard, which remain- ed at Gen. Wadsworth's head quarters at Thomaston. The British hearing by a spy, the situation of the General, sent a party of 25 men in February 1781, to surprise him. They were guided to his quarters at night by an abandoned traitor and secured an entrance to the house before they were discovered. As soon as the alarm was given, the General who was in bed, seized his blunderbuss and two pistols which he kept loaded by him, and defended himself resolutely in his chamber until he was disabled by a wound in his arm, when he surrendered and was taken to Bagaduce. His wife and two children, with a female friend, who formed his family, were left behind. The General was kept a close prisoner until he and Major Burton, another
'Mr. Smith says, under March 1, 1781, " We are in a woful toss by news from Capt. M'Cobb of a scheme of an attack from Bagaduce. Two men that were in it, say that a number of tories were to disable our cannon and secure our magazine, while the vessels made the attack ;" and Sept. 1, "We have news of the arrival of 5 ships and 5 brigs at Bagaduce that much disquiets us."
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prisoner ingeniously effected their escape in June following and re- turned to this place.1
This town, notwithstanding its serious loss at the commencement of hostilities, contributed its full proportion of men and supplies to support the war, and it is believed more than any other town in Maine. In 1780, its proportion of beef for the army was 12,360 lbs. and in 1781, 9,796 lbs. and the same year it was required to furnish 41 shirts and as many pairs of shoes and stockings, and 113 blankets .? They also raised a committee of nine in that year to procure 30 men to serve during the war and voted to each man who would enlist $20 in silver bounty and $10 a month pay. It may safely be affirmed that no town in the State suffered more or contrib- uted more in proportion to its means than did Falmouth.
After the attack upon New London and Groton by Arnold in Sept. of this year, some uneasiness was felt lest he should extend his visit to this place ; but all fears were soon turned to the brightest hopes by the arrival of a large French fleet in the Chesapeake, which gave a preponderating influence to our arms. Public expectations cen- tered on the movements in Virginia, and every rumour from that quarter was eagerly caught. On the 4th of October, news was brought to town by hand-bills struck off in Boston, of the surrender of Cornwallis, 15 days before that auspicious event took place, which occasioned great rejoicing. On the 27th of the same month an ex-
1Gen. Wadsworth was born at Duxbury, in Mass. May 6, 1748, and gradu- ated at Harv. Col. in 1769. He joined the army at Roxbury in 1775, as Capt. of a company of minute-men, and the next year received a commission of Captain from the provincial Congress : he was appointed by Gen. Thomas an Engineer in forming the lines in Roxbury and Dorchester, and was aid to Maj. Gen. Ward, when possession was taken of Dorchester heights. He was subsequently appointed Adjutant General of the militia of Mass. ; in 1779 had the second command of the expedition to Penobscot, and 1780 he received the chief command of the whole coast of Maine. In 1784 he established his residence in Portland ; in 1792 he was elected Senator to the Legislature of Massachusetts from the County, and while holding this office, he was chosen representative to the Congress of the U. S. which office he filled by succes- sive elections 14 years, when he declined a re-election and retired to private life. In 1807 he moved to Hiram on a large tract of land granted to him by government, where he died Nov. 12, 1:29, aged 81 years. He had a large family of children, of whom seven survived him ; one of whom, Alexander, is a distinguished officer in the Navy. His son Henry will ever be remem- bered as one of that noble band which sacrificed itself before Tripoli in the service of the country, rather than fall into the hands of the enemy. One daughter married Stephen Longfellow of this town.
2In 1781 the quantity of beef furnished by Massachusetts was 1,900,487 Ibs., of which the proportion for the County of Cumberland was 53,809 1bs. ; North Yarmouth 9,010 ; Cape Elizabeth 5611.
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Civil affairs of the Revolution.
C. 8.]
press arrived with the joyful and veritable tidings of the great victory at Yorktown, which elevated the spirits of the people, and scattered all the shadows which the correction of the late premature informa- tion had cast upon them. On the next day, which was Sunday, our ministers improved the occasion by suitable discourses, and on Mon- day the day was spent in public rejoicing.
Having hastily run through the principal military events of the war in which our town was interested, we will briefly notice the course it pursued in relation to civil affairs. After the House of Represen- tatives resolved themselves into a provincial Congress, its recom- mendations received the implicit obedience of the people devoted to the cause of liberty. This assembly soon afterwards, in pursuance of the recommendation of the continental Congress, to bring itself as near to the old form of government as circumstances would admit, elected a council consisting of 28 persons, who in the vacancy of the office of governor exercised the duties of that office.1 After the dec- laration of Independence, it became a question what form of govern- ment Massachusetts should establish, and in Sept. 1776, the House recommended to their constituents to choose their representatives to the next general court with power to adopt a form of government for the State.
In pursuance of this recommendation, this town on the 14th of October following, voted "that their representatives in the House and Council might join in forming a constitution for the province, as in their wisdom they may judge most for the safety, peace and happi- ness of the State, and use their endeavors that the government shall consist of two branches, a Council and House of Representatives." But before the following May, public sentiment underwent a change on the subject, and the town adopted a resolution that it was better to delay the forming of a constitution on account of the war and the absence of many people ; they however empowered their represen- tatives to join in the deliberations if it was found that a majority of. the towns were in favor of the measure." Boston and several other towns had expressed their disapprobation of the forming of a consti-
"Before this, the committee of safety discharged the principal executive duties.
2The Representatives in 1786 were Jedediah Preble, Joseph Noyes, Sam- uel Freeman and John Waite. In 1777, Jedediah Preble and Joseph Noyes.
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tution by the general court at this time, although the representatives bad generally been elected with that view. The two houses, how- ever, in June 1777, formed themselves into a convention and raised a committee of twelve to prepare a constitution. This committee reported a form of government in December, which received the approbation of the general court in March following, and was sub- mitted to the people for their ratification. This constitution was re- jected by a large majority ; the vote in this town was taken May 19 1778, and was unanimous against it, the whole number of votes being 68.1
In January 1778, the town expressed its opinion in favor of a confederation of the colonies as recommended by Congress, and that it ought to be immediately adopted ; they however submitted the subject to their representatives in the general court, Samuel Free- man and Joseph Noyes, without giving them positive instructions, declaring that they were not acquainted with the arguments against it.
When the constitution was rejected, a sentiment generally pre- vailed that a convention should be called, for the express purpose of preparing a form of government. To meet the prevailing opinion, and seeing the necessity of a regularly organized government, the general court in February 1779, submitted the subject again to the people in their primary assemblies. The recommendation was accom- panied by a proposition, that if a majority of votes was in the affir- mative, the convention should meet at Cambridge in Sept. The votes in this town given in May, were adverse to the measure, being 10 for and 33 against it. It was thought that this was not a proper time to act upon so important a subject, on account of the absence of many people, and that the confusion, excitement and distress of war were not favorable to that calm deliberation which the impor- tance of the subject required. The majority of the people however having entertained a different opinion, the town in August chose John Waite their delegate to the convention.
The convention met in September, when a large committee was chosen to report a draft of a constitution ; after a short session they adjourned to meet again in January ; at which time they agreed upon a form of government, which was published and distributed to the
1 The votes of the State which were returned, were 2000 for and 10,000 against the constitution reported ; 120 towns made no return. For the feat- ures of this instrument, Bradford's Hist. of Mass. may be consulted. 2. 158.
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Constitution formed.
C. S.]
several towns in March. On the 22d of May 1780, the considera- tion of its adoption came before this town, and a committee of seven was appointed to examine the instrument and report whether any amendments were necessary ; they were specially instructed to report on the objections to the 3d article of the bill of rights.1 This article related to the support of public worship, and made it obligatory on towns to furnish suitable provision for the support of protestant teach- ers of religion. Objections were made in many towns, and Boston particularly to the exercise of any compulsion on the subject, lest the liberty of conscience should be infringed ; it was also discussed largely in the newspapers. The committee of this town reported unanimously that the 3d article ought to be rejected, they thought there ought to be no restrictions whatever on the subject of religion. The constitution was notwithstanding approved, the vote on the 3d, the most objectionable article being 49 for and 34 against it. Gen. Preble was chosen to meet the convention on the first Wednesday in June. The constitution was adopted by the people by a majority of more than two thirds of the votes, and the first election under it took place Sept. 4th, 1780. The votes in this town for Governor, were for Hancock 46, Bowdoin 3 ; for Lt. Governor, James Warren 44, Bowdoin 3, Artemas Ward 4, Hancock 1. The senatorial votes were for Gen. Preble 35, John Waite 4 and David Mitchell S, John Hancock was elected Governor, of Lt. Governor there was no choice by the people ; Gen. Preble was chosen senator for the county.
In consequence of the depreciation of paper in 1776, great injus- tice was done to those who were in the service of government, which led to much suffering and complaint, especially among the soldiers and their families. This evil was increased by the conduct of some persons, who, regardless of what they owed their country, endeavoured to convert the hardship of the times into a source of profit to themselves. To prevent this spirit of monopoly and ex- tortion, the patriotic men of that day labored zealously. In the spring of 1777 a convention' met at Springfield, composed of dele- gates from New York and the several colonies of New-England, which recommended that certain prices should be fixed upon articles
1 The committee consisted of John Waite, John Burnham, James Frost, Joseph Mclellan. Wm. Crocker, George Warren and John Thrasher.
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of food and clothing furnished to the families of those who were in the public service. Upon this recommendation, an act was passed by the general court which checked in a measure and for a time, the evil.' But the law could not remove the original cause of the dis- tress, and cupidity and speculation found means to evade it ; the war suspended importations and devoured the diminished products of the field." In June the town applied for assistance to the gov- ernment for the poor, and 200 bushels of indian corn were ordered to be delivered to the overseers, " they paying its value." The season of 1777 was very productive in this region and afforded a temporary relief ;3 but a year of famine followed, and there was a lamentable deficiency not only here, but throughout the country, of the necessary articles of subsistence. But here the evil was increas- ed by a failure of the usual sources of employment, by which the means whereby our people lived, were taken away. This state of things raised up an unworthy class of men to speculate upon the miseries of their fellow citizens. Against this class of people com- plaints were loud and general, and at length attracted the attention of the continental Congress, which endeavored to provide a remedy .. In pursuance of their recommendation, a convention of delegates for the northern district of the United Colonies was held at New Hav e early in 1779, who formed a plan for regulating prices on all the ar- ticles of living, and preventing extortion. This was approved by the general court of Massachusetts, and a law passsed on the subject.
The depreciation of money however, which was one cause of the evils lamented, went on, and in the circumstances of the country could not be prevented ; there was nothing but paper in circulation, which from its continually sinking in value, people were unwilling to take in payment for their commodoties. Still it was believed that
- 1 In pursuance of this act, the selectmen and a committee of Falmouth es- tablished prices upon the principal articles of merchandise, some of which were as follows : salt pork 96s. for a bbl. of 220 lbs. by retail best pieces 8d. Good beef 72s. for a bbl. of 220 lbs. Good cotton wool from the West Indies 3s. a lb. by the bag at retail 33. 8d. In June, a committee of nine was chosen in Falmouth to prosecute for breach of the act.
2 April 1777, Mr. Smith says, " distressing time for provisions," and August, "provisions awfully scarce and dear ; we live from hand to mouth."
3 " 1777, July 29, a marvellous fruitful season as to every thing. Aug. 18, never was there such gardens, never such fields, never such pastures, never. such a year for every thing. Sept. 2, the earth is burdened with its fruits." Sm. Jour.
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C. S.] Acts against Monopolies. 173
positive enactment could do something to alleviate the prevailing suffering, and a convention was held at Concord in July 1779, gen- erally attended by delegates from the towns in Massachusetts, which fixed certain prices on all the products and business of the country, and recommended a general effort to prevent a greater depreciation of public paper. In August a meeting was held in this town, which adopted the proceedings of the convention at Concord, and appoint- ed a committee to establish a table of prices applicable to every branch of industry and to all commodoties. A vote was also passed that if any person refused to receive the current money for any arti- cle he had to sell, he should be viewed as a violator of the resolu- tions and treated as such. A committee was also chosen to meet delegates from other towns to produce union and energy of action on this subject.'
Another convention was held at Concord on the same subject October 6, 1779, whose recommendations received the sanction of the town, and the like proceedings were had as in the former case. But they were alike ineffectual, except to give a very brief check to a prevailing and an unavoidable evil. So also was the law of 1780 making the bills of the new emission a tender in payment of all debts, and was therefore soon after repealed. A material change was not produced until 1781, when a bright glow was thrown over our military and financial operations by effective aid from the French in men and money, which brought large supplies of specie into the country and crowned our arms with brilliant success at sea and on land. Most of the old paper had been taken up by government and its place supplied by a new emission, which sustained its value more firmly than the former issue. In August 1781, Mr. Smith remarks, " there is only hard money passing," but he adds, " and little of that;"' it however was a certain standard of value and gave steadiness to prices. Wood at that time he quotes at two dollars a cord.
1 The following extract from our records will show how minute this scheme was : for innholders the prices fixed were for toddy made of West-India rum 18s. per mug, do. of N. Eng. rum 12s. dinners 20s. suppers 15s. For labour- ers per day, viz. carpenters 4s. and find themselves, masons 4s. common labour- ers 3s. Merchantable boards a M. £22.10. clear boards £30. clapboards £3G per thousand, sheep's wool 25s. a lb. men's yarn stockings £3. best English hay £30 a ton, milk 28. 6d. a quart, beaver hats £35 a piece,* peas and beans £6 a bushel. (For a scale of depreciation see note page 163).
*Under March 24, 1780, Mr. Smith says, " Young Mussey asks 500 i. e. above £1100 for a hat. Labourers 30 a day."
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Revolutionary War. [P. 11.
The war was now drawing to a close, but still the burdens were severe and heavy, and probably pressed more heavily in consequence of the less need there seemed to be of continued exertion. Although hostilities actually ceased in America after the surrender of Corn- wallis, yet the indications from England continued to be of a hostile character and to threaten a further and more vigorous prosecution of the war, until public opinion produced a change of administration in the spring of 1782. From that time varying prospects of rest and the unsteady progress of the negociations kept up a feverish excite- ment in the public mind, until the acknowledgement of our indepen- dence and the final ratification cast their broad and bright beams over our wearied and distressed country.
One subject of deep interest relating to the negotiations of peace engaged the minds of the people of Massachusetts ; this was the protection of the fisheries, which had contributed largely to the pros- perity of our State. And notwithstanding Congress had given general instructions to their ambassadors, the anxiety of our people lest this important interest should be overlooked or not receive its due regard, induced them to act specially on the subject. With a view to bring it fully before the government, a meeting was held by the inhabitants of Boston on the occasion, and circulars were trans- mitted to other towns to ensure a united expression to the general court regarding this valuable branch of their industry. A meeting was held in this town January 7, 1782, at which the following res- olutions were passed : " Voted, in answer to a letter from Boston, that this town fully approve and still adhere to the original principle upon which the United States first had recourse to arms. Voted, that those principles as understood by this town were the security of our just and natural rights. Voted, that one of those rights, and that an important one, is the privilege of the fishery. Voted, unanimous- ly, that Stephen Hall, our representative to the general court, be directed and he hereby is directed to use his utmost endeavours at the approaching session of said court, that an application be made from the whole court to the Hon. Congress requesting that they would direct their commissioners for negotiating a peace to make the right of the United States to the fishery an indispensable article of treaty, without which a peace should not be concluded."" How success- fully the negotiation terminated in this particular we need not mention.
' Town Rec.
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Peace.
C. 8.]
On the 31st of March 1783, news was brought to this town from Boston, of the conclusion of peace, and on the 4th of April, a hand bill containing a confirmation of the happy event having been receiv- ed, the people gave loose to their joy. Mr. Smith says, " they had a mad day of rejoicing, firing cannon incessantly from morning to night among the houses, and ended in killing Mr. Rollins."1
News was received April 26 of the ratification of the preliminary articles of peace, with a proclamation for the cessation of hostilities. The first day of May was appointed for a public celebration of the joyous occasion in town, at which time a discourse was preached by Mr. Brown of Stroudwater, accompanied by a contribution for the poor and a public dinner." In the course of the day several rounds of cannon, thirteen at each round were fired, and the whole passed off without any circumstance to disturb the joy and heart-felt satisfac- tion of the truly happy occasion.
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