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 34
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We therefore further resolve,
1. That we will not suffer to be imported from Great Britain to this town any article whatever, on which the parliament has laid a duty with the pur- pose of raising a revenue from us without our consent.
2. That we will have no dealings or correspondence with any person who may wilfully promote either directly or indirectly, the operation of such arbi- trary acts.
3. That it is the opinion of this town that one of the most effectual means for obtaining a redress of our grievances is, for every town to make proof of their virtue by desisting from the use of all India tea. Therefore,
4. Resolved, that whoever shall endeavor to allure the minds of the people by any means whatever to use India tea until the act imposing a duty there- on is repealed, is pursuing measures in direct opposition to that freedom which the whole continent are at this time contending for, and evidently proves how little they are concerned if all America are enslaved if they can but thereby enrich themselves. Therefore,
5. Resolved, that we will not buy or sell any India tea whatever, after this third day of February, until the act which lays a duty thereon is repealed, and will hold in detestation every person who shall aim to counteract the designs of this town in this respect.
6. Resolved, that as we are at a great distance from Boston, the metropolis of this province, and cannot have so early intelligence of encroachments up- on our rights as they have, we do acknowledge our obligations to them for their early notices of approaching danger, and for intrepid behaviour upon the late tea ships arrival. And we trust they will still be our watch tower, and they may depend on our utmost endeavors to support them at all times, in de- fence of our rights and liberties. Then
Voted 2d. That the said committee of correspondence be a standing com- mittee to correspond with the committee of correspondence for the town of Boston.
Voted 3d. That the selectmen of this town be a committee of inspection, whose business it shall be to observe if any persons buy or sell tea contrary to the resolves of this town, and to make report thereof to the committee of correspondence.
Voted 4th. The selectmen be and hereby are desired to withhold their ap- probation for license for tavern keeping or retailing, to such person or per- sons as may presume to buy or sell tea contrary to the aforesaid resolves.
Voted 5th. That Mr. Benjamin Mussey, Mr. Robert Pagan and Mr. Enoch Moody be a committee to enquire what quantity of tea is in town, of what
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quality, in whose hands it is, and when imported, and make report at the annu- al meeting in March next.
Voted 6th. That a copy of these proceedings be by the town clerk trans- mitted to the committee of correspondence in Boston.
At this meeting Capt. Jeremiah Pote and Mr. Robert Pagan desired their dissent might be entered to the sixth resolve, and to the epithets given the Ministry and East India Company.
No. V-Page 141.
Proceedings of the Convention of Delegates from the towns in Cumberland County, Sept. 21, 1774, at Falmouth, for the purpose of effecting a concert of action in relation to a non-importation agreement, &c.
At a meeting of the following gentlemen chosen by the several towns in the County of Cumberland, held at Falmouth, in said County, on the 21st day of September, 1774, at the house of Mrs. Greele, viz. from Falmouth, the Hon. Enoch Freeman Esq. Stephen Longfellow Esq. Mr. Richard Codman, Capt. John Waite, Mr. Enoch Ilsley, and Mr. Samuel Freeman. Scarborough, Capt. Timothy Mc Daniel, Capt. Reuben Fogg, Mr. Joshua Fabyan. North Yarmouth, Mr. John Lewis, David Mitchell Esq. Messrs. Jonathan Mitchell, John Gray, William Cutter. Gorham, Solomon Lombard Esq. William Gorham Esq. Capt. Edmund Phiney, Capt. Briant Morton, Mr. Joseph Davis. Cape Elizabeth, Dr. Clement Jordan, Messrs. Peter Woodbury, Samuel Dunn, Capt. Judah Dyer, Dr. Nathaniel Jones, Mr. George Strout. Brunswick, Messrs. Samuel Thompson, Samuel Stanwood, Capt. Thomas Moulton. Harpswell, Mr. Joseph Ewing, Capt. John Stover, Mr. Andrew Dunning. Windham, Messrs. Zerubbabel Honywell, Thomas Trott, David Barker. New-Gloucester, Messrs. William Harris, Isaac Parsons.
The Hon. Enoch Freeman Esq. was chosen chairman. Mr. Samuel Free- man, clerk.
A committee from the body of people who were assembled at the entrance * of the town, waited on this convention, to see if they would choose a committee of one member out of each town, to join them to wait upon Mr. Sheriff Tyng to see whether he would act in his office, under the late act of Parliament for regulating the government.
On a motion made, Voted, That a messenger be sent to the said Sheriff Tyng, to desire his attendance at this convention. A messenger then waited upon Mr. Tyng with the following billet, viz :
" Mr. Sheriff Tyng's company is desired at the Convention of the County, now sitting at Mrs. Greele's. SAMUEL FREEMAN, Clerk.
" Wednesday, Sept. 21st, 1774, 11 o'clock, A. M."
Mr. Tyng accordingly attended, and after some interrogations, subscribed the following declarations, viz.
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" County of Cumberland, Falmouth, Sept. 21, 1774.
"Whereas great numbers of the inhabitants of this County are now assem- bled near my house, in consequence of the false representation of some evil minded persons, who have reported that I have endeavored all in my power to enforce the late acts of Parliament, relating to this province : I do hereby solemnly declare that I have not in any way whatever acted or endeavored to act in conformity to said act of Parliament : And in compliance with the commands of the inhabitants so assembled, and by the advice of a committee from the several towns in this County now assembled in Congress, I further declare I will not as Sheriff of said County, or otherwise, act in conforinity to, or by virtue of, said acts, unless by the general consent of the said County. I further declare, I have not received any commission inconsistent with the charter of this Province, nor any commission whatever, since the first day of July last. " WILLIAM TYNG."
" County of Cumberland-At the convention of committees from the several towns in the said County, held at the house of Mrs. Greele, in Falmouth, in said County, September 21st, 1774, Voted, That the foregoing, by William Tyng Esq. subscribed, is satisfactory to this convention.
" Attest : SAMUEL FREEMAN."
The convention then formed themselves into a committee to accompany Mr. Tyng to the body of the people, to present the above declaration, and adjourned to the old Town House, at 3 o'clock, P. M. the deliberation to be in public.
The committee accordingly went with Mr. Tyng, who read the declaration to the people, which they voted to be satisfactory, and after refreshing them- selves, returned peaceably to their several homes.
P. M. 3 o'clock, met according to adjournment.
Voted, That Mr. Samuel Freeman, Solomon Lombard Esq. Stephen Long- fellow Esq. David Mitchell Esq. John Lewis, Capt. John Waite, Samuel Thompson, Capt. Timothy McDaniel, Doct. Nathaniel Jones, Isaac Parsons, Enoch Freeman Esq. David Barker and Capt. John Stover, be a committee to - draw up the sentiments of this convention, and report the same at the adjourn- ment.
Then adjourned to Thursday morning at 8 o'clock.
September 22-Met according to adjournment, when the committee pre- sented the following report, which after being read, paragraph by paragraph, was unanimously accepted, viz.
The great concern with which the people of this county view the increasing differences, which now subsist between the mother country and the colonies, and the dark prospect which some late acts of the British parliament have in particular opened to them, has occasioned the several towns herein to choose committees for this convention, "To consider what measures it would be thought expedient to adopt for the general interest of the county, in the pres- ent alarming situation of our public affairs." We therefore, the said commit-
,
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tees, pursuant to the request of our respective towns, guided by a strong at- · tachment to the interests of our oppressed country, think it proper with res- pect and deference to our brethren in other counties, to make known our minds as follows :
We think it the indispensable duty of every subject of the English consti- tution, for our own sakes as well as that of future generations, to use his utmost care, and endeavour, according to the station he is in, to preserve the same inviolate and unimpaired ; for we regard it, not only as the foundation of all our civil rights and liberties, but as a system of government, the best calcu- lated to promote the people's peace and happiness. And we lament that in the present administration there are men so lost to all the principles of honor, equity and justice, as to attempt a violation of the rights which we have long enjoyed, and which, while we profess ourselves, as we now declare we do, allegiant subjects to George the third, our rightful Sovereign, we have a right still to enjoy entire and unmolested : And it is a melancholy consideration, that the acknowledged head of this respected State should be induced to pass his sanction to such laws as tend to the subversion of that glorious freedom, which preserves the greatness of the British empire, and gives it reputation throughout all the nations of the civil world. It is too apparent that the Brit- ish ministry have long been hatching monstrous acts to break our constitution, and some they have at length brought forth. We think the colonies deserve a better treatment from his Majesty than this which he assents to. We are his loyal subjects, and merit his regard, and cannot help thinking that if he would pursue his own unbiassed judgment, and lay aside the selfish council of wicked and designing men, he and his subjects would be mutually happy, and provocations on both sides cease. But since the ministry have borne their tyranny to such a length as to endeavour to execute their wicked designs by military force in our metropolis we fear it is their aim to introduce despotic monarchy. But though their tyranny and oppression seems now with hasty strides to threaten all the colonies with ruin and destruction, we hope no ven- geance will affright, or wiles allure us to give up our dear bought liberty, that choicest boon of heaven, which our fathers came into these regions to enjoy, and which we therefore will retain, while life enables us to struggle for its blessings.
We believe our enemies supposed we must submit and tamely give up all our rights. It is true a vigorous opposition will subject us to many inconven- iences, but how much greater will our misery be if we relinquish all we now enjoy, and lay our future earnings at the mercy of despotic men ? We cannot bear the thought. Distant posterity would have cause to curse our folly, and the rising generation would justly execrate our memory. We therefore re- commend a manly opposition to those cruel acts, and every measure which despotism can invent to "abridge our English liberties," and we hope that patience will possess our souls, till Providence shall dissipate the gloomy cloud, and restore us to our former happy state.
The late act for regulating the government of this province we consider, in
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particular, as big with mischief and destruction, tending to the subversion of our charter and our province laws, and in its dire example, alarming to all the colonies. This through the conduct of some enemies among ourselves, will soon bring us into difficulties which will require some able council to remove. We therefore recommend to each town in this county to instruct their several Representatives to resolve themselves with the other members of the House, at their approaching session, into a provincial Congress for this purpose.
To this Congress we shall submit the general interest of the province, but for the particular benefit of this county, we do advise and recommend,
1. That the justices of the sessions and court of common pleas, and every other civil officer in this county, which no authority can remove, but that which constituted them agreeable to charter and our own provincial laws, would re- ligiously officiate in their several departments, as if the aforesaid act had nev- er been invented, and that every private person would pay a strict obedience to such officers, be always ready to protect and to support them, and promote a due observance of our own established laws. Andifany person whatsoever should henceforth in any manner dare to aid the operation of the said tyrannic act, they should be considered as malignant enemies to our charter rights, un- fit for civil society, and undeserving of the least regard or favor from their fellow countrymen.
2. That every one would do his utmost to discourage law suits, and likewise compromise disputes as much as possible.
3. That it be recommended to the Hon. Jeremiah Powell, Esq. and Jede- diah Preble, Esq. constitutional counsellors of this Province, residing in this county, that they would take their places at the board the ensuing session as usual.
4. We cannot but approve of the recommendation given by the convention of Suffolk county to the several collectors of province taxes not to pay one far- thing more into the province treasury, until the government of the province is placed on a constitutional foundation, or until the provincial Congress shall order otherwise ; and we recommend the same to the several collectors in this county. But we think it the duty of the several collectors of county, town and district taxes, to perfect their collections, and pay the same into their several treasuries as soon as possible. And here we think it proper to observe, that though we do not coincide in every instance with our Suffolk brethren, which may be owing to a want of knowing all the circumstances of affairs, yet we highly applaud their virtuous zeal, and determined resolutions.
5. We recommend to every town in this county, charitably to contribute to the relief of our suffering brethren in our distressed metropolis.
6. Lest oppression, which maketh even wise men mad, should hurry some people into tumults and disorders, we would recommend that every individual in the county use his best endeavors to suppress, at all times, riots, mobs,and all licentiousness, and that our fellow subjects would consider themselves as they always are, in the presence of the great God, who loveth order, and not confusion.
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7. That when a general non-importation agreement takes place, we shall look upon it to be the duty of every vender of merchandise to sell his goods at the present rates ; and if any person shall exorbitantly enhance the prices of his goods, we shall look upon him as an oppressor of his country. And in order to prevent imposition in this respect, we recommend that a committee be chosen in each town to receive complaints against any who may be to blame herein. . And if he shall refuse to wait on such committee, on notice given, or be found culpable in this respect, his name shall be published in the several towns of the county, as undeserving of the future custom of his countrymen.
8. That every one who has it in his power, would improve our breed of sheep and as far as possible, increase their number ; and also encourage the raising of flax, and promote the manufactures of the country.
9. As the very extraordinary and alarming act for establishing the Roman catholic religion, and French laws in Canada, may introduce the French or Indians into our frontier towns, we recommend that every town, and individual in this county, should be provided with a proper stock of military stores, ac- cording to our province law, and that some patriotic military officers be chosen in each town to exercise their several companies, and make them perfect in the military art.
10. Our general grievances being the subject of deliberation before the con- tinental Congress, renders it inexpedient to consider them particularly ; on their wisdom we have a great dependence, and we think it will be our duty to lay aside every measure to which we have advised, that may be variant from theirs, and pay a due regard to their result.
And now we think it proper to declare, that as we have been recounting the hardships we endure by the machinations of our enemies at home, we cannot but gratefully acknowledge our obligation to those illustrious worthies, our friends of the minority, who constantly opposed those wicked measures, and would heartily wish that some great and good men would invent and mark out some plan that will unite the parent state to these its colonies, and thereby prevent the effusion of christian blood.
Then, Voted, That every member of this convention be severally interro- gated whether he now has, or will hereafter take any commission under the present act of parliament, for regulating the government of this province.
The members were accordingly interrogated, and each and every one of them answered in the negative.
Voted, That the several committees which compose this convention, or the major part of each, be, and hereby are, desired to interrogate the civil of- ficers and other persons whom they may think fit, in their respective towns, whether they now have, or will hereafter take, any commission under the aforesaid act.
Voted, That the whole proceedings of this convention be, by the clerk, transmitted to the press, and also to the town clerks of the respective towns in this county, as soon as may be.
Voted, That this convention be continued, and that the committee of Fal-
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mouth, or the major part of them, be, and hereby are, empowered, on any oc- casion, that in their opinion requires it, to notify a meeting of the delegates thereof, at such time and place as they may think proper, setting forth the occasion thereof.
Voted, That the thanks of this convention be given to the Hon. Enoch Freeman, Esq. for his faithful services as chairman. A true copy, SAMUEL FREEMAN, Clerk. Attest,
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Ro. VI-Page 144.
Proceedings of the Committees of Correspondence and Inspection in Falmouth.
The following will exhibit some of the proceedings of the committees of the town at three different periods of this year.
FALMOUTH, January 4, 1775.
The committee of inspection met, pursuant to adjournnient at Mrs. Greele's. Present, Messrs. Benjamin Titcomb, Enoch Ilsley, Benj. Mussey, Jos. McLel- lan, Pelatiah March, Joseph Noyes, Smith W. Cobb, Pearson Jones, Jedediah Cobb, John Butler, Sam'l Freeman, Theo. Parsons. The Chairman absent.
Voted, That, Mr. Benjamin Titcomb be chairman of this committee for this evening.
The committee proceeded to give their opinions respecting Mr. Smith's request [made with due deference to the committee, as the only proper author- ity, existing at that time.]
Voted, That Mr. Smith be desired to attend.
Mr. Smith attended and was heard.
Voted, That it is the opinion of this committee that Mr. Smith if he should sell the powder he imported from Great Britain at 20s. per lb. would violate the 9th article of the American Association.
Voted, That the chairman or (in case of his absence) any three of the com- mittee should be empowered to convene the committee whenever he or they should think proper. Attest, THEO. PARSONS, Clerk.
FALMOUTH, March 2, 1775.
At a meeting of the committee of inspection, at the library chamber, to de- termine what ought to be done with respect to a vessel that arrived here this day from Bristol, supposed to have goods and merchandize for Capt. Thomas Coulson on board,
Voted, That Mr. Benjamin Mussey, Capt. Joseph Mclellan and Mr. Benj. Titcomb be a committee to employ some persons to see that no goods are landed from said vessel during the debates of the committee of inspection, and to desire that Capt. Coulson and the master of said vessel would attend this committee. Capt. Coulson and the master accordingly attended ; and being asked if said vessel came from Bristol, and what she had on board, an- swered that she did come from Bristol, and had on board rigging, sails and stores for a new ship lately built here by Capt. Coulson.
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Voted, That Capt. Joseph Mclellan, Mr. Jedediah Cobb, Mr. Benjamin Mussey, and Mr. Samuel Freeman be a committee to go on board said vessel or employ some other persons to go on board her to see whether she has on board any goods other than the rigging, sails and stores for said new ship.
The meeting was then adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning to meet at the library chamber, and that in the mean time the absent members be desired to attend.
FALMOUTH, March 3, 1775.
The committee ofinspection met pursuant to adjournment. Present, Enoch Freeman, Esq. Messrs. Daniel Ilsley, Benj. Titcomb, Enoch Ilsley, John Waite, Stephen Waite, Benj. Mussey, Wm. Owen, Sam'l Knights, Jedediah Cobb, John Butler, Jabez Jones, Smith Cobb, Peletiah March, Pearson Jones, Joseph Noyes, Samuel Freeman, Joseph Mclellan, Theophilus Parsons.
The question being put, whether Capt. Coulson's taking said rigging and sails out of the vessel in which they arrived, and his appropriating them to rig his new ship in order to send her to England, will be a violation of the Amer- ican Association.
After a long and serious debate, it was resolved in the affirmative by a ma- jority of 14 to 5.
Voted, therefore, that said rigging, sails and stores, for said new ship, ought forthwith to be sent back again, without breaking any of the packages thereof-by a majority of 14 to 5.
Voted, N. C. D. That all other goods and merchandize that were imported in said vessel ought also forthwith to be sent back again, without breaking any of the packages thereof.
Voted, That Messrs. Enoch Ilsley, John Waite and Daniel Ilsley be a com- mittee, immediately to inform Capt. Coulson of the result of this committee, and that they are now sitting, if he is desirous to attend them. Capt. Coul- son attended, and informed the committee the vessel in which his rigging and sails arrived, was so out of repair that she was unfit to return back again, un- til she was repaired, and that in order to repair her, the freight must be taken out. The meeting was then adjourned to 3 o'clock P. M. to meet at the same place.
FALMOUTH, 3d March, 1775.
The committee met at 3 o'clock, P. M. pursuant to adjournment.
Voted, That the sub-committees chosen by the 1st and 2d votes of yester- day be discharged from any further service as sub-committees.
Voted, That this committee will exert their utmost endeavours to prevent all the inhabitants of this town from engaging in any riots, tumults and insur- rections, or attacks on the private property of any person, as pernicious to the real interest thereof, as well as injurious to the liberty of America in general, and that they will, as far as lies in their power, promote peace and good or- der, as absolutely necessary to the existence of society.
Ordered, That the result of this committee, together with the foregoing vote, last past, be posted up in some public place in the town, signed by the chairman. Attest, THEOPHILUS PARSONS, Clerk.
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FALMOUTH, September 22d, 1775.
At a meeting of a committee of the said town of Falmouth, chosen on the 19th instant, to put the Resolves of the General Court and Congress of this colony in execution,
Voted, Mr. Enoch Moody, Chairman-Mr. Nat. Green Moody, Clerk.
Voted, That Capt. P-be ordered to go to the General Court, by land, on or before Thursday next, to answer for his conduct with respect to exporting fish.
Voted, That Capt. Wm. Mclellan, and Messrs. B. Marston and I. Nichols be a committee to wait on Mrs. Ross, concerning a letter sent her from Boston.
Meeting adjourned to 5 o'clock.
The committee met according to adjournment.
The committee who waited on Mrs. Ross reported, that she said she had not received any letter from her daughter at Boston, since August 10th, and that not relating to any public affairs ; and if in future she shall hear any thing that may probably injure the town, they may depend upon her giving information.
Mr. W- was sent for and examined, and found guilty of being concern- ed with Capt. P-, in shipping fish from the Isle of Shoals to the West In- dies ; Therefore, Voted, that Mr. W- be ordered to go to the General Court, by land, at the same time with Capt. P-, and upon the same occa- sion.1
Sent for Mr. P-, and upon examination, found him clear of being con- cerned in shipping the above fish.
Voted, That Messrs. Moses Plumer, John Bagley and Wm. Mclellan be a committee to inspect inward and outward bound vessels.
Meeting adjourned to the house of Enoch Moody on Tuesday next at 5 · o'clock, P. M.
Met, and adjourned to Thursday, 11 o'clock at the same place. Then a letter was despatched to the General Court, concerning - - and -
-, who were this day ordered to go there under the care of Mr. John Thrasher, who has a warrant for that purpose.
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