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 4
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2 2 Hutch. 198, 237-1 Doug. 199.
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Indian War of 1722.
C. 2.]
upon them severe sufferings and the loss of many lives. In 1719 they renewed their claims for the removal of the English from their lands, but a small force on the frontiers prevented an open violation of the treaty. In 1720 they were persuaded by the French to com- mit depredations, and parties from the Norridgewock and Penobscot tribes killed some cattle and threatened the lives of the English. The Nova Scotia Indians proceeded to further extremities, they surprised the English at Canseau, robbed them of every thing and - killed three or four persons. Further hostilities at this time were prevented by Col. Walton of New Hampshire, who was detached with a force of 200 men to guard the frontiers.1 In August 1721, a party of 200 Indians, accompanied by their spiritual leaders, Ralle and La Chasse, under French colors and armed, went to Arrowsic and held a " talk" with Capt. Penhallow who commanded the fort there. This ended without satisfaction to either party ; the Indians being entirely under the influence of their Priests, were permitted to do nothing which would infringe upon French power or influence. They left a letter for the governor in which they uttered serious com- plaints against the English for unjustly invading their property, depriv- ing them of the country which God had given them, and threatening if they did not remove from their lands in three weeks, they would kill them, burn their houses and destroy their cattle. The English endeavoured to obtain a conference, but were unable to effect it without the presence of the missionaries. The Indians were ac- companied by M. Crozier from Canada and a son of the Baron de St. Castine. The government, irritated by the conduct of the French, determined to attempt the removal of what they apprehend- ed to be the cause of all the trouble. For that purpose a force of 300 men was raised in 1721, and sent to Norridgewock under Col. Thomas Westbrook, with orders to seize father Ralle and bring him to Boston. No other success attended this expedition than the seisure of the private papers of the Jesuit, among which was his correspondence with the governor of Canada, which developed the
1 The government afterwards sent Col. Walton, Major Moody, Captains Harmon, Penhallow and Wainwright, to demand satisfaction of the Chiefs for these outrages. Patrick Rogers, in 1773, testified that he lived at George- town in 1720 or 21, and at that time there was not one house that he knew of between Georgetown and Annapolis, except one at Damariscove.
1
,
32
Indian War of 1722. [P. II.
secret machinations of the French to influence, and send upon our defenceless frontiers, a barbarous foe.
This invasion of their head quarters exasperated the enemy in an unusual degree, and although the government, perceiving by the ill success of the expedition, that they had made a false step, endeav- ored by presents to conciliate the chiefs, their vengeance was visited in the following season upon the unoffending inhabitants of the fron- tiers. In June 1722, a party of 60 men in twenty canoes, captured 'nine families in Merry-meeting Bay, and committed depredations on the coast east of the Kennebeck, which was soon followed by the destruction of Brunswick.1 Immediately after information of this latter event reached Boston, the governor and council made a forma! declaration of war.2 Col. Walton of N. H. was the commanding officer of the forces on this coast, with whom Major Moody of this town, was associated as second in command. But disputes having arisen between governor Shute and the House of Representatives; the unhappy consequences were felt even in the management of the military service. Complaints were preferred against Walton and Moody ; they were summoned by the House to answer before it, and the governor was desired to dismiss them from the service. The governor contended that it was his prerogative as captain general of the province, to appoint military officers and superintend and control the military operations, and denied their right to interfere in it. They, on the other hand, threatened to withhold the resources for car- rying on the war. In this difficulty, a sort of compromise was made by which the two principal officers were ordered to Boston, where they underwent an examination before the House, and finally after the departure of Gov. Shute from the province, were dismissed from the service without any sufficient reason having been assigned for it, and Col. Thomas Westbrook of Portsmouth, N. H. appointed to the chief command.3 The principal ground of the opposition in the
1 In Sept. they followed up their successes by attacking Georgetown ; they were not able to take the fort, but they killed 50 head of cattle and burnt 26 dwelling houses-2 Hutch. 268 .- Penhallow. In 1722, 30 men were stationed at Falmouth and 20 at North Yarmouth-Williamson 2, 118.
2 July 25, 1722.
3 A committee of the House in 1722 had reported that there was great lax- ity of discipline among the troops, that they were guilty of intemperance, and the officers were remiss in their duty, -they say, "We walked through the town of Falmouth twice in one night without being hailed, though there were several military companies in the place." In Dec. 1722, Major Moody
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1
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Indian War of 1722.
C. 2.]
House to these officers, seems to have been that they were disposed to follow the instructions of the governor rather than a branch of the Legislature ; the complaints in fact proceeded from political and not personal considerations. The Govenor was so much disgusted with the opposition he met with in the province, that he secretly obtained leave to return home, and left the country in January 1723. The administration and the conduct of the war devolved upon Wm. Dummer, the Lt. Governor.
The Lieut. Governor, after some opposition, in consideration of the exposed state of the country, having gratified the House by the removal of Walton and Moody from command, the war from that time was carried on with spirit ; premiums were voted for scalps and prisoners,1 and money raised for the enlistment and support of troops. In Jan. 1723, soldiers were stationed in Falmouth as follows, on the Neck 24 men in three garrisons, viz. at Major Moody's, Ingersoll's and Wass's ; in Purpooduck, at Sawyer's and York's, 4 men and a corporal ; "at Spurwink, at Mr. Jordan's where a ferry is kept, 3 men under the care of a corporal." At Black point 9 men and to be recruited. In Sept. following the gar- risons at Purpooduck and Spurwink were increased, the former to 12 and the latter to 9 men, these were placed under the command of Lieut. Dominicus Jordan. In February an expedition was sent to Penobscot under Col. Westbrook, and another to Norridgewock under Capt. Harmon, but both were unsuccessful. The enemy re- mained in their retreats until the weather became suitable to open the campaign, when they divided into small parties and harrassed
petitioned for liberty to answer before the General Court, the complaints made against him, and warrants were issued to summon witnesses, "touching the management of Major Moody and his company." In the council, the fol- lowing questions were put to the members and the subjoined answers given. " Whether the complaints against Major Moody for indulging his soldiers in excessive drinking be proved ? Ans. No. Whether he denied assistance to the inhabitants unreasonably when demanded? No. Whether it was proved that the watch was not duly kept at his garrison in the night season, and that at some seasons when he was at home ? Yes. Whether Major Moody be to blame for the watch not being kept when he was at home? Yes. Whether it was proved that Major Moody unreasonably drew off his men from Topsham ? No." The council voted that the Governor reprimand him about the watch, and request him to be more careful. In the House, all the above questions were answered in the affirmative except the last: and this additional one also received an affirmative reply. " Whether he unreasona- bly denied Lieut. Hilton the whale boats to go in quest of the Indians."
1 £100 for each scalp was voted to volunteers and £60 to regular soldiers.
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Indian War of 1722. [P. II.
the whole line of frontier settlements. In April they took eight persons in Scarborough and Falmouth and killed some, among whom was Sergeant Chubb, of the Scarboro.' garrison. They passed west- ward and committed depredations in Berwick, Wells, and York. In June they attacked Roger Deering's garrison house in Scarboro.' killed his wife, Thomas Larrabee and his son, and took three of his children, and Mary Scammon, John Hunnewell and Robert Jordan, prisoners. No further injuries were done in this neighborhood dur- ing the remainder of the season : but on the opening of spring in 1724, the enemy were again found renewing their desultory attacks. In May they killed one man and wounded another at Purpooduck. In July they mortally wounded Solomon Jordan, as he was going out of the garrison at Spurwink ; the next day Lieut. Joseph Bean, with a file of soldiers, went in pursuit of the enemy and overtook a party consisting of 30 men. These he attacked and having killed one of their leaders, the rest fled, leaving behind 25 packs, 12 blan- kets, a gun and several other articles. The scalp of the slain Indi- an was carried to Boston, for which Bean and his company received £100. The early part of the campaign had been unfortunate to the English; numerous parties of the Indians were scattered over the country plundering and murdering the inhabitants and eluding all pursuit. The government discouraged by the ill success which attended their efforts to check the progress of this marauder warfare, determined to beard the lion in his den. For this purpose they fitted out an expedition in August of 4 companies consisting of 208 men, commanded by Captains Harmon, Moulton, Brown, and Bean, to proceed to Norridgewock, the head quarters of this warlike tribe. The undertaking was crowned with complete success; on the 23d of August they surprised and entirely destroyed the settlement, con- sisting of the Catholic chapel, the cottages which were spread around it, together with all their canoes. The number of the enemy killed and drowned in the attack was about 80, among whom was father Ralle, who, as he was considered the principal cause of the cruel visits of his flock, was regarded as the greatest trophy of the war.1
1 Father Ralle had lived among these people over 30 years, having first arrived from France at Quebec in Oct. 1689: during which period he had been unremitted in his exertions to convert the natives to the Catholic faith. A few years before the time of which we are speaking, he procured a chapel .
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1648506
C. 2.]
Father Ralle killed. 35
This achievement was celebrated throughout New England, as the greatest performed since Philip's war, and it was no less dis- tinguished in its consequences as breaking the power of a tribe which had exercised a commanding influence over Indian counsels, and over the fate of our settlements.1-
The next and last considerable engagement in this war took place at Pequakett, now Fryburg in May 1725, by a party of 34 volun- teers, under Capt. Lovell. The company unfortunately fell into an ambush and many of them were destroyed : but they rendered so good an account of their lives as to check all further depredations from that quarter during the war. Paugus, their cruel chief and a number of his companions were slain. The English after sustain- ing themselves until the close of the day against more than double their number were left in possession of the field ; they lost ten killed and six mortally wounded, among whom were Capt. Lov- ell, Lieut. Farwell and Ensign Robbins : eight only returned home.2 1215350
Soon after this unfortunate affair, the government understanding that the Penobscot Indians were desirous of peace, sent commis- sioners to St. Georges to meet the head men of that tribe. A conference was held there, which resulted in a cessation of hostili- ties, and proposals for a peace to be entered into at Boston. A delegation of the tribe soon after proceeded to Boston, and a treaty was executed Dec. 15, 1725. By one of the articles, it was agreed that the treaty should be ratified at Falmouth, in the following May,
to be built at Norridgewock, the seat of a numerous tribe, in which he had placed a bell. His influence was very extensive, and deserved, not less for his zeal and entire devotion to their service, than for his learning and talents. He was master of the learned languages and wrote the latin with classical purity. He taught many of his converts to write and corresponded with them in their own language; he said "he knew all the languages in this vast desert." The French writers place him among the saints, while his Eng- lish cotemporaries give him a place the very opposite. He died in the 67th year of his age. The dictionary of the Abenaquis language which he prepared is being translated for publication at Cambridge, where it has been deposited more than 100 years.
1 A detailed account of the expedition may be found in Hutch. 2, 279, and Penhallow 108.
2 Rev. Mr. Symmes of Bradford, published an account of this unfortunate affair at the time. See also Belkn. N. H. This event was commemora- ted at Fryburg, in May 1825, by a large collection of people from differ- ent parts of the State; the late Gov. Lincoln delivered a poem and Cha's. S. Davies, Esq. of this town, an oration on the occasion ; the latter was soon after published. A procession moved to the scene of action on the margin
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Peace. [P. II.
by all the eastern tribes. The time of the ratification was subse- quently postponed to the 20th of June, and again to July ; at which time Lt. Gov. Dummer, with a majority of the council, and a num- ber of the representatives, together with Lt. Gov. John Wentworth of N. H. accompanied by a committee of the council and house of that State, and Paul Mascarene delegated by the governor of Nova Scotia, proceeded to Falmouth. The Indians did not arrive until July 29th, when 40 of the Penobscot tribe came in, and in the after- noon of that day, the conference commenced. Several days were spent in negotiations, which were closed on the 4th of August, and on the 5th, the peace was publicly ratified in the meeting-house. A public dinner, furnished by government, was given at the commence- ment, and another at the close of the negotiations ; the commission- ers of Massachusetts and the Indians remained here a week after the ratification in interpreting the treaty and "fully settling some other matters," when the latter were transported by government to St. Georges, and the commissioners sailed for Boston.1 The Penob- scots on this occasion acted for the Wowenocks, the Arreguntenocks and the St. Francois. Penhallow, an accurate observer, says " in these conferences the discretion and prudence of the salvages was discernable." One instance of their prudence and sagacity, deserves to be noticed. " One of the first things," says Penhallow, " that the Indians desired of our governors, was, that they would give order that the vessels in the harbour, as well as the taverns ashore, might berestrained from selling any liquors to their young men." The governor approved of this precaution, and gave the order accordingly. When the first day of the conference, which was Saturday, was over, the governor said to them, " to-morrow is the Lord's day, on which we do no business. Lorou, their speaker answered, " to-morrow is our Sabbath, we also keep the day."
In 1727, the tribes which had not been represented at the confer- ence of the former year, notified the government of Massachusetts of their desire to make a public confirmation of the peace. To this
of a pond, where appropriate remarks were made by Col. Bradley of Fry- burg, a public dinner and a ball in the evening lent their attractions to the day. Two of our inhabitants, Matthew and William Scales, who had moved to North Yarmouth, were killed there in April, this year, in an at- tack on the Garrison.
1 Mr. Smith's Journal.
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37
Treaty confirmed.
C. 2.]
the governor assented, and informed them that he would meet them at Falmouth, in July, for that purpose. Accordingly with a delega- tion from New-Hampshire and Massachusetts, he met the tribes of Arreguntonocks, Wawenocks, Norridgewocks and Penobscots in this place, when the articles of the peace were publicly and solemn- ly confirmed by the respective parties. There were over 200 In- dians present, and more than 40 gentlemen in the delegation from the two provinces. The conferences were held in a spacious tent on Munjoy's hill, where on the close of the negotiations, a public din- ner was provided at the expense of government, of which both par- ties partook. Mr. Smith, in his Journal, says the Indians appeared " with French colours, and made a great show." This was the largest collection of people that had ever assembled in town, and the inhabitants were ill prepared in provisions and accommodations for so large an addition to their numbers ; on their departure, Mr. Smith adds, " they left us quite bare and nothing of the country's produce left, only three bushels of corn and some small things."
This was considered a judicious treaty, and a long peace succeeded it, which was partly owing no doubt to the inroad which the war had made upon savage strength.1 Falmouth suffered less in this war than any which preceded it. It was the head-quarters of the troops, and was thus secured from any direct attack. Its growth and pros- perity were however entirely checked during its continuance, and its population was rendered more unsteady and degraded. The army had received supplies of men from among our inhabitants, and returned them, and brought others by no means improved by the service.2
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The town which had been depressed during the war, immediately revived on the conclusion of peace. In the three years following, the number of persons who were admitted proprietors, was about 140, among whom are found the ancestors of many of our present inhabi- tants.
In the autumn of 1725, Jeremiah Riggs and John Sawyer came
1 2 Hutch. 287. The ratification may be found in 2 N. H. Hist. Col. 260. It is said that the Indians lost at least one third of their effective force in this war.
2 Falmouth furnished over 60 men for the army. The expense of the war to Massachusetts and New-Hampshire, was estimated at £245,000, most of which was borne by Massachusetts.
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38
Accessions to the Population.
[P. II.
here from Cape Ann with their families, they became useful inhabi- tants, and are the ancestors of a numerous race, who continue to reside among us.1 Sawyer settled at Purpooduck. Riggs lived first upon the Neck, but about 1735, he moved to Capisic on to the old John Ingersoll farm, where he pursued his trade, which was that of a tanner.2
In 1726, several other persons moved here from Cape Ann ; among whom were Thomas Haskell, and John and Wm. White; the Whites were descendants of an ancient settler, and occupied the old possessions at Purpooduck. Haskell is the ancestor of the persons bearing that name now here, and was 37 years old when he came ; in August 1726, he bought a house lot on the corner of King and Fore-streets, where he lived. He was selectman in 1731, and for several years one of the committee of the proprietors for laying out lands.3 Isaac Savage and Joseph Pride, the first emigrants of the name, also came this year with their families.
In 1727, the number of emigrants considerably increased, and some of them were men of property and character. Among these, was Joshua Woodbury, the first of the name who settled here ; he established himself at Purpooduck, where some of his descendants still live; others are among the enterprising inhabitants of this town.+ Eight persons, some of them having families, settled this year at Pond Cove, in Cape-Elizabeth, where they built a garrison for their defence, and agreed to support each other in peace or war.
Some who in that day filled a large space in the annals of the town, have left no living memorial to perpetuate their memory. Of these was Col. Thomas Westbrook, who had been commander of the forces in the late war ; he came from Portsmouth N. H. in 1727, and was admitted a proprietor on the payment of £10. He was a very active and useful man, became a large proprietor of land,
'Mr. Smith says of them "they were both good sort of men, errors excepted."
?He left four sons, Wheeler, Jeremiah, Joseph and Stephen. John Jones, Esq. of Westbrook, married one of his grand-daughters, and lives upon the same farm. It appears by a vote relating to the ferry in May 1719, that a John Sawyer lived then at Purpooduck-the privilege of the ferry having been then granted to him. The first Sawyer who came to this country, was Wm. who arrived in Salem about 1640 from England, from that place he went to Newbury : he was a baptist : he had a son Wm. born in Newbury 1655.
3 Thomas Haskell died in 1785, aged 97, he had had 10 children, 79 grand- children, and 58 great grand-children.
4 Mr. Smith says he " built a handsome house and barn, and was a man of great substance."
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Accesstons to the Population.
C. 2.]
built mills, employed many men, and by his activity and capital, es- sentially promoted the prosperity of the town. He fixed his resi- dence at Stroudwater, in the neighborhood of which his estates were situated. Unfortunately he entered into large speculations in eastern lands with General Waldo and others, by which he was eventually ruined. In 1743, Waldo recovered judgment against him for £10,500 which he levied upon his property, and swept it nearly all away. He died in February 1744 ; the fragments of his estate sold at auction in 1759, by Enoch Freeman, his adr. amounted to £6406. 17. 9. O. T. equal to £850 lawful money.1
Edward Shove was the same year admitted an inhabitant ; he came from Dighton, Mass. was the son of the Rev. George Shove, minister of Taunton, and was born in Oct. 1680 ; he had a house lot granted him at the foot of Centre-street, where he lived. He had a family of nine children, all born before he came here, but none of them remained.2
In the latter part of 1726, Mr. Smith says, "I reckoned up the families in town, and found there were 64, accounting a man and his wife a family. There are likewise 13 or 14 young men marriageable, that have land in town and are inhabitants : and above 38 fighting men.""" From this statement we estimate the population of the whole town at about 400, at that time.
It became an object of immediate attention after the establishment of a government in town, to provide for the regular exercise of reli- . gion. On the 28th of May 1719, the town appointed Major Moody to look out for a suitable minister, and voted to be at the charge of his transportation. In the following Aus ust they voted £55 for the support of the minister the ensuing year, in addition to the sum he
" He first lived on the hill which you ascend after crossing Stroudwater bridge : he subsequently built a house on the other side of Stroudwater river, near where there is now a tan-yard. In July 1727, Mr. Smith mentions that the Governor and his suit went up to the Col's. to dinner.
1 2 "September 18. The town admitted 5 persons into the town. Among others, the town thought their wisdom to admit a number of gentlemen that stand their friends, viz. Mr. Shove, Capt Walton, Mr. Powell and Lewis. Some of them the town admitted are substantial men." Smith's Jour. p. 17. These admissions were made by the New Proprietors to strengthen their party. Seven persons were admitted in May and twenty-three in August previous, under the £10 vote.
3 Page 16.
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Ecclesiastical Affairs. [P. II
might receive from the strangers' contribution.1 The principal sum was to be raised by subscription ; in September it was voted that if the subscriptions were not sufficient to satisfy the minister, they would make it up to £1. 5. a week by a rate ; this would be equal to an allowance of £65 a year. It does not appear whether any person was employed under these provisions. In August 1720, the selectmen were requested to look out for a minister by writing to the President of the college, and in the November following, the town voted a tax to pay the arrears of the minister's salary, and 20s. a week for the support of any minister. In January 1721, a commit- tee was raised to agree with the minister who was come to town, " referring to his salary and continuance with us in the work of the ministry." This person was Jonathan Pierpont, probably the same who graduated at Harvard College in 1714. He was employed first for six months, but his engagement was renewed ; he continued here in 1722, and boarded with Major Moody. But in the pro- gress of the Indian war, the people were so miserably poor, that they were unable of themselves to support a minister. In April 1723, they speak the following language : "Voted, that considering the present circumstances of the town, their inability wholly to maintain a minister of themselves, that some suitable person or persons be employed to agree with the minister at Black Point to preach with us half his time, and to know if the selectmen of Black Point be will- ing." We do not know what was the result of this application ; the people however were not contented with the existing state of things whatever it was, and early next year, February 1724, made a re- newed effort to be supplied. The selectmen were empowered to write to some ministers in or about Boston to pray their assistance in procuring a suitable minister for the town.
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