USA > New Hampshire > The history of New Hampshire, from its discovery, in 1614, to the passage of the Toleration act, in 1819 > Part 1
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M.L.
Gc 974.2 B28h 1288666
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
7
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01092 3008
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofnewhamp1614bars
Painted by A Ritchie .
MAJ. GEN. JOHN STARK
John Stown
THE
C
HISTORY
OF
NEW HAMPSHIRE
FROM ITS DISCOVERY, IN 1614, TO THE PAS- SAGE OF THE TOLERATION ACT, IN 1819.
"
Y
BY GEORGE BARSTOW.
CONCORD, N. H. PUBLISHED BY I. S. BOYD. JUNE 4, 1842.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842, BY GEORGE BARSTOW, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
STEREOTYPED BY GEORGE A. CURTIS, N. ENGLAND TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDERY.
CAMBRIDGE PRESS : LYMAN THURSTON & WM. TORRY.
100/11
02-0118-200
1288666 PREFACE.
IT is not without distrusting my own abilities, that I have resolved to perpetuate what is worthy of remembrance in the history of my native state. I am aware of the difficulties and dangers of such an undertaking.
To discard prejudice-to sit in calm judgment upon those who cannot speak for themselves, but who require justice from history-to examine with a faithful scrutiny the institutions of one's own : just
leas-
. few
ERRATA.
1 can
Page 21, 10th line from the top, for an read and.
Page 116, 27th line, for presented read prevented.
Page 137, 29th line, for Penhollow read Penhallow. 'ifling
Page 226, in the margin, for 1.776 read 1766. Detter
Page 228, in the margin, for 1776 read 1770.
Page 232, 18th line, for 19th read 18th. ected
Page 232, 29th line, for eighteenth read nineteenth.
nt of
Page 336, 25th line, for illuison read illusion.
d an-
Page 389, 13th line, for nine read eight.
Page 402, 31st line, omit &c.
Page 441, 8th line, for quoth read said.
Page 453, 2d line, for Bows read Boughs.
have
pro-
en to
make
T the history of New Hampshire not simply a record of facts. I have endeavored to trace actions to
Yet I
those
Page 246, 16th line, for mottoes read mottos.
Page 256, 6th line, for Warren read Warner.
iv
PREFACE.
motives, and results to causes. I have sometimes delineated the character of those whose actions I have portrayed. I have dared to censure where I thought censure to be due, and have applauded whenever superior virtues have presented a spec- tacle for admiration. Above all, I have sought to place in bold relief those examples of moral great- ness which are fitted for the instruction and emu- lation of posterity. Such are the duties which I have assumed, and which I have endeavored to execute faithfully and impartially ; but it is not without many misgivings that I now commit this volume to the judgment of the public.
The valuable assistance rendered me by others demands a suitable acknowledgment. Of these I take great pleasure in mentioning my talented friend JAMES M. RIX, of Lancaster, to whose research I am indebted for many important facts. I am under like obligations to ALEXANDER LADD, of Portsmouth, for all that relates to the commerce of that town. Among those who have furnished me with rare files of papers and documents, are the Directors of the Portsmouth Athenaeum, and VIRGIN & MOSES, the present publishers of the New Hampshire Gazette. It is due to JOSIAH STEVENS, JR., secretary, and to ZENAS CLEM- ENT, treasurer, of the state, to say that their politeness and attention have greatly facilitated the examinations which I have been obliged to make of the state records and papers deposited at Concord in the public archives.
BOSTON, JUNE 1, 1842.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION .- The red race-The first settlers of New Hampshire, their character-The Scottish emigrants-Columbus-Early voyages-The Cabots- Discoveries of the English, French, and Portuguese-Conquests of the Span- iards-North American Indians-Discovery of New Hampshire-Smith-His character-Mason and Gorges-Sir Walter Raleigh-Landing at Portsmouth- Melancholy decay of the Indians-Search for gold-Description of the country- Attempt to introduce the feudal system into New Hampshire -- Death of Mason -His character-Failure of the colony of Mason and Gorges-Reflections, 5
CHAPTER II.
Dover-The Antinomians-Exeter-Form of government a democracy-Antino- mian controversy in Massachusetts-Hampton-Government formed at Ports- mouth-At Dover-Constitution-Causes which led to the settlement of Exeter -The Puritans-Contest between them and the Antinomians, Henry Vane, Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, Wheelwright-They are banished from Massachusetts -They come to Exeter-Their doctrines-Calvin-Calvinism-Union with Massachusetts-Wheelwright-His interview with Oliver Cromwell-The con- federation-Passaconaway disarmed-The White Mountains explored-Neal searches their summits for gold-Description of them-Superstitious reverence of the Indians for their invisible inhabitants, 38
CHAPTER III.
Witchcraft at Portsmouth-In England and France-In Germany and Scotland- Trial of a witch-The Salem witchcraft-Conjectures as to the phenomena of witchcraft-Persecution of the Quakers-Execution of Leddra, Robinson and Stevenson-Reflections, 62
CHAPTER IV.
War with the Indians-Passaconaway-His character-His dying speech-The Penacooks refuse an alliance with king Philip-Indian depredations-Fall of Philip-Waldron seizes the refugees by stratagem-The Mohawks instigated to attack the eastern Indians-Union with Massachusetts dissolved-New Hamp- shire made a royal province-President Cutts, . 76
2
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
Organization of the new government-Laws-Crimes-Courts-Militia-Dis- content of the people-Death of Cutts-Cranfield-His character-Arbitrary measures-Gove's rebellion-He is sent to the tower of London-Persecution of Moody-Character of Moody-Riot at Exeter-Andros made governor-gene- ral-Revolution in England-Revolution in the colonies-Andros deposed- Union with Massachusetts-War with the Indians-Death of Waldron-Indian cruelty-Sufferings of the captives, . . 93
CHAPTER VI.
Conquest of Canada attempted-It fails-Governor Allen-Union with Massachu- setts dissolved-Sir William Phipps-The small-pox first imported into New Hampshire-Peace with the Indians-The war resumed-Madokewando- Usher-Durham destroyed-Peace-The return of the captives-The Earl of Bellomont-His character-His death-Death of Allen-War between France and England-Dudley-His conference with the Indians-Indian depredations -Expedition against Port Royal-It fails-Congress of delegates-Second ex- pedition against Port Royal-It is successful-Death of Hilton-Expedition to Quebec-The fleet wrecked in the St. Lawrence-One thousand men perish- Peace-The captives return-Vaughan-John Wentworth-Industry revives- Monopoly resisted-Gov. Shute holds a conference with the Indians on an island in the Kennebec-The Scottish emigrants-Their character, . 109
CHAPTER VII.
. The Aurora Borealis seen for the first time in New England in 1721-Inoculation first used as an antidote to the small-pox-War with the Indians-The Jesuit missionaries-Father Rasle-his labors-his death and character-War with the Indians-The family of Hauson-Captain Lovewell-Last battle with the Indians at Lovewell's Pond-Defeat and death of Lovewell-Description of the battle-ground and the scenery in the valley of the Saco-Departure of the Pena- cooks-Boundary dispute-Settlement of Concord-Triennial act-Burnet- Belcher-Death of Wentworth-his character-Dunbar-Contest between the friends of the union with Massachusetts and the advocates of a separate gov- ernment-Boundary dispute-continues-decided in favor of New Hampshire- Benning Wentworth appointed governor-Sickness in New Hampshire-Intelli- gence-Morals-Schools-George Whitefield-comes to New Hampshire-his eloquence-his character, 132 .
CHAPTER VIII.
Expedition to Cape Breton-William Pepperell-Siege and fall of Louisburg- Vaughan-War with the Indians-Settlement with the Masonian proprietors -- Defence of Number-Four by Capt. Stevens-Contest concerning the Vermont lands-Stark-France resolves to connect Canada with Louisiana-Union of the colonies for defence-Congress of delegates meet at Albany-Campaign of 1755 -Defeat of Braddock-Washington-The Rangers-Expedition to Crown Point -Massacre at Fort William Henry-Montcalm-Pitt-Attack upon the fortress of Ticonderoga-The English repulsed-Quebec-Expedition against the St. Francis Indians-Destruction of their village-Disasters of the Rangers-Con- quest of Canada completed-The Rangers-Unsuccessful attempt of the Indians to exterminate the English-N. H. Gazette-Progress of settlement-Contest between New York and New Hampshire for the lands of Vermont-The Revo- lution dawning, . 161
3
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
Administration of Pitt-Taxation-Stamp act-Duties-Debates in Parliament -Excitement occasioned by the stamp act-Stamp distributor at Portsmouth compelled to resign-Riots in other colonies-Threatened destruction of tea at Portsmouth-Removal of Gov. Wentworth, and appointment of John Went- worth-Assault upon fort William and Mary, led by Langdon and Sullivan- Ammunition and cannon removed by the provincials-Battle of Concord and Lexington-A convention called at Exeter-Governor Wentworth recommends reconciliation-Royal government dissolved in New Hampshire-Boston be- sieged by the provincials-Battle of Bunker's Hill-Death of Warren and Mc- Clary-Whigs and tories-Formation of a state government in New Hampshire -Adoption of a constitution-Meshech Ware, president-New Hampshire fits out a ship of war-Land forces-Expedition to Canada-Sullivan meets the army retreating-New Hampshire resolves on a declaration of independence- Public sentiment-Burgoyne advances into Vermont-Battles of Bennington and Stillwater-General Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island-Surrender of Corn- wallis-Great Britain acknowledges the independence of the United Colonies- Washington retires to Mount Vernon, 211
CHAPTER X.
Depreciation of continental money-Efforts of Congress to prevent the deprecia- tion-Proscription of persons and confiscation of estates-Constitution proposed -rejected by the people-Another proposed-Revolt of sixteen towns-Mone- tary distress-Insurrection-the insurgents made prisoners-Union of the states -Convention of delegates at Philadelphia-The Federal Constitution-sub- mitted to the people-Convention assembles at Exeter to ratify the Federal Constitution-Conflicting opinions-Joshua Atherton's speech against the adop- tion of the Constitution-It is finally ratified-Washington chosen President of the United States-John Langdon elected President of New Hampshire-Wash- ington visits New Hampshire-Progress of settlements-Increase of population -Support of common schools-Education-Establishment of post offices-State debts-Revision of the State Constitution-Josiah Bartlett-Formation of par- ties-Republicans-Federalists-Depreciation of paper money-The privateer ship M'Clary-Case of the prize ship Susanna-Remonstrances against the acts of the general government-Jay's treaty-Progress of settlements-Lake Win- nipiseogee-A medical school established-Troubles with France-Laws for the observance of the Sabbath-Death of Washington-Administration of John Adams-Organization of parties-Manufactures-Coos county-Scenery around the mountains, .
. 265
CHAPTER XI.
Samuel Livermore-Matthew Thornton-Amendment of the federal constitution -Ascendency of the republican party-Laws-District schools-Iron mines --- Franconia mountain scenery-The notch-Mount Lafayette-The basin-The flume-The Old Man of the Mountain, or Profile rock-Ascent of Mt. Lafay- ette-Execution of Burnham at Haverhill-Removal of the seat of government to Concord-Commerce of Portsmouth-The effect of the embargo, the war of 1812, and other causes-Right of search-Orders in council-French decrees-The embargo-it is unpopular-The federal party again in the ascendency-George Sullivan-Aggressions of Great Britain-War becomes a probable event-Mes-
4,
CONTENTS.
sage of Governor Langdon-Debates in the senate and house-Speech of Gil- man-Specch of Parrott-Lotterics-Banks-Election of William Plummer- his war message-Preparations for war-Madison calls an extra session of con- gress-Increase of the army and navy-The militia called out-Campaign of 1812-Daniel Webster-Progress of the war-Campaign of 1813-Change in the judiciary-Great fire at Portsmouth-Campaign of 1814-Battle of Chip- pewa-Battle of Bridgwater-Miller-M'Nicl-Weeks-Machinations of the federal party-Battle of New Orleans-Peace-Debates in the legislature- Speech of Mr. Handerson-Speech of Mr. Parrott-Gov. Plummer's message --- Change in the judiciary-Richardson-Bell-Woodbury-Pierce-Release of the poor prisoners-Project of a canal-Western emigration, 327
CHAPTER XII.
Controversy with Dartmouth College-Message of Governor Plummer-The state assumes jurisdiction-The trustees refuse to submit to the law-they are sum- moned to meet at Hanover-A quorum do not obey the summons-they declare the law unconstitutional-Second message of Governor Plummer-Wheelock re-appointed president-Charges against the professors-their address to the public -- Death of President Wheelock-Trial of the Dartmouth college case- Arguments of counsel-Opinion of Chief Justice Richardson-overruled by the supreme court of the U. S .- President Monroe-The tolcration act-Toleration in Connecticut-Bill of rights-Act of 1791-Vexatious lawsuits brought against dissenters-Toleration in Maryland and Vermont, Pennsylvania and Maine-Speech of Dr. Whipple-Bill of rights-Speech of Dr. Whipple-Speech of Henry Hubbard-Dr. Whipple in reply to Mr. Parker-Speech of Ichabod Bartlett-The toleration act is assailed-it passes-is again assailed violently- finally becomes popular-The Methodists-The Baptists-The Universalists- Scenery of New Hampshire-Ascent up Moosehillock mountain-Owl's Head -- Scenes in the valley of the Connecticut-View from Moosehillock-from Cata- mount hill-from Haverhill corner-from mount Pulaski-Appearance of an American forest in autumn-Route to the White Hills from Haverhill through Bethlehem and Franconia-from Lancaster-The Notch-Valley of the Saco- Scenery about Indian Stream and the country near the Magalloway-Dixville Notch, . -393
HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
CHAPTER 1.
INTRODUCTION .- The red race-The first settlers of New Hampshire, their character-The Scottish emigrants-Columbus-Early voyages-The Cabots-Discoveries of the English, French, and Portuguese-Conquests of the Spaniards-North American Indians-Discovery of New Hamp- shire-Smith-His character-Mason and Gorges-Sir Walter Raleigh- Landing at Portsmouth-Melancholy decay of the Indians-Search for gold-Description of the country-Attempt to introduce the feudal sys- tem into New Hampshire-Death of Mason-His character-Failure of the colony of Mason and Gorges-Reflections.
THE origin of American history is not found in CHAP the region of fabulous legend. Its beginning and I. progress are distinctly known. The people of the United States are acquainted with their earliest ancestors, and with all the succeeding generations. They cannot, like the Romans, consecrate their origin, or rank the founders of the Republic with the gods. Nor have they built, like the nations of modern Europe, over the ruins of fallen greatness. They inhabit a new world-a world conquered from barbarians but yesterday, and subdued by civili- zation to-day-a world which has begun to witness the birth and growth, but not the decay and death, of nations. No ancient empire has risen or moul- dered away within these limits. Except the red race, of doubtful origin and melancholy fate, America has no " surviving memorials of the
6
HISTORY OF
CHAP. past." I. Here are no magnificent and picturesque ruins-no stupendous monuments of forgotten skill -no curious relics of lost arts, the history and birth of which are in dispute. Here were neither high dukes nor mighty earls-neither a nobility, a banditti, nor a priesthood. Yet American history would be a treasure, if it could offer to the world nothing but the name of Washington. Massachu- setts would be honored, if it were only for the genius of Franklin. New Hampshire will not be. forgotten while she preserves the memory of Stark.
The first settlers of New Hampshire were a few merchant adventurers. They were not distin- guished for literature or religion. They did not come, like the pilgrims,
Breaking "the depths of the desert's gloom With their hymns of lofty cheer."
Yet they were, like them, a bold and hardy few. Forsaking their English homes in quest of better fortune, they opened a path over the ocean, and chose the wildest solitudes of nature for the scene of their experiment. Their energy and perse- verance, their fortitude and courage, made them the terror of the Indians, and fitted them for the struggles of freedom against oppression. They were obliged to fight and conquer a savage foe. They gained their subsistence by a constant war- fare against the obstacles of nature. They went out to the field of toil with arms in their hands. While with their axes they bowed the woods, their firelocks leaned against the nearest trees. Their swords hung at their sides. In the character of these men avarice and romance were blended.
7
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
After them came a band of the persecuted. CHAP. They were driven from a neighboring colony* I. " for conscience sake." These shared the perils of the others. Their character took its impress from the troubled scenes in which their lives were passed. Their days, also, were devoted to the fields of toil and battle. Their descendants were nurtured from childhood in the midst of hardships. They were taught in the school of adversity. Resolution, firmness of purpose, and patient en- · durance impress themselves on their character and mark their history.
The next and most brilliant period of New Hampshire colonization is that which is connected with the history of Scotland. The border ro- mances, the songs of the bard, the Covenanter's honest faith, and all the proud recollections and glorious memories of the land of Burns, were to be transported to the wild woods of New Hampshire. They came with the settlers of Londonderry.
In one thing the companies of the emigrants were all agreed. They founded government on the natural equality of men. They trusted to find all the duties growing out of civil society enforced and performed by the popular will. They believed that all the rights of man may be secured and en- joyed by a government purely elective and free. It is the province of history to hand down to pos- terity the evidence of their efforts and their suc- cess. I shall begin the narrative with the dis- covery of America.
On the fourteenth of October, at dawn of day, 1492. Columbus led his followers to the shores of the
* Massachusetts.
Oct.14.
8
HISTORY OF
CHAP. new world. The brilliant court of Spain received I. the news with transports of joy, and chanted " Te Deum* " for the discovery of a continent. But the great navigator sunk to the grave in neglect, while the world was yet unconscious of the nature and the merit of his services. A jealous rivalt had sent him home from the theatre of his achieve- ments, loaded with fetters. He could solace him- self only by the consciousness of integrity, and by reflecting upon the great things he had performed. An illiberal envy attended his whole career.
Many were struck with a sense of the great actions of Columbus. Many more were touched with sentiments of veneration and pity ;į but no one appeared as the avenger of his wrongs. The empress Isabella, his patroness, preceded him to the tomb, and when she was gone, there was none left to redress his injuries. He was doomed to em- ploy the little remainder of his days in fruitless solicitation to Ferdinand, for the punishment of his oppressors and the restoration of his privileges. Vain effort ! The heartless monarch amused with unmeaning promises the man who had added a world to his dominions.
Meanwhile, the health of Columbus declined. The ingratitude of his sovereign, whose reign he had rendered illustrious, wounded his generous spirit, and at length, exhausted by hardships, and heart-broken by being deceived in his expectations, he ended his days, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. He was buried at Valadolid, leaving an admir-
* Irving. + Bovadilla.
¿ Among these was Alonzo del Vallejo, the Captain of the vessel, on board which Columbus was confined.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE.
ing world to reap the fruits of the most memorable CHAP. EXPERIMENT that human genius ever planned or I. performed.
The voyage of Columbus, while it filled Europe with astonishment, excited England to emulate the glory of Spain. In less than two years after his return, Henry VIII. invested John Cabot, a 1495. Venetian merchant, and his son Sebastian, with March 5. the command of an armament, destined to explore unknown regions.
The chief object of Cabot was to reach India by the shortest course. He embarked at Bristol, and 1497. sailing due west, discovered an island, which the May. sailors called Newfoundland, and, in a few days June 24. after, a smaller one, which he named St. Johns. He landed on both and brought off several of the natives. Continuing his course westward, he reached the continent at Labrador, and sailed along the coast as far south as Virginia.
Thus England was the second nation that ventured to visit the New World, and the first that discovered the continent of America. The Cabots, like Columbus, derived little benefit from their genius and maritime skill. They gave a continent to England, and were reverenced as the most re- markable men of their day. History preserves the fact, among the few incidents of their career, that the mean jealousy which pursued Columbus, when thwarted by his death, did not fail to seek out the luminous track of the Cabots and pursue them.
The scheme of finding a shorter passage to the Indies was twice resumed under the reign of Hen- ry VIII. But neither voyage was successful, and both were disastrous. The fisheries on the banks
2
10
HISTORY OF
CHAP. I. of Newfoundland were an object of attention in the reign of Edward VI .; and the prospect of opening a communication with China and the Spice Islands, without doubling the Cape of Good Hope, con- tinued to allure the English.
1524. Jan. 17.
France and Portugal, also, resolved to compete with England and Spain. Gaspar Cortereal, under the patronage of the king of Portugal, 1501. ranged the coast of America for six hundred miles,* 1508. and Francis I., of France, excited, perhaps, by the stories of some savagest from the north-eastern coast, sent John Verazzani, a Florentine, to explore the west. It is worthy of remark, that the repub- lics of Italy furnished all the great captains, who, under the patronage of foreign kings, made the early voyages to America. In the benefits or evils of those voyages Italy was destined to have no share.
The reign of Henry VIII. was unfavorable to discovery ; and a period of more than sixty years elapsed, during which the sovereigns of England gave but little attention to the country which was to add so much opulence to their crown. Yet the spirit of adventure did not slumber. Voyages con- tinued to be undertaken by companies and private adventurers. Merchants fitted out ships, and gave them to the conduct of the ablest captains. Though the voyages were seldom profitable to the projectors, yet, the sphere of English navigation was enlarged and the shores of North America became known. Hitherto no settlements had been attempted.
The French were forward in these enter-
* Bancroft's History United States, I. 14.
+ Bancroft, I. 15.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE.
prises .* They were early awake to the glory of CHAP. discovery, eager for gain-emulous to excel. I. 1578.
Eighty-six years from the date of Columbus' first voyage, they had a hundred and fifty vessels at New- foundland, and in 1609 one French mariner had made more than forty voyages to the American coast.t
While the English and French extended their discoveries over the north, the active spirits of Spain rushed to the more favored regions of Mex- ico and Peru. Cortez, Pizarro and Almagro were leading their followers to the climes of the New World. Mad with the passion for gold, they swept like a whirlwind through half-civilized hordes of natives, and gathered their booty amidst the ruins of cities. Their love of riches was equalled only by their contempt for industry. They hurried the Indians in crowds to the mountains, and forced them, with merciless rigor, to the fatal toil of the mines. Inflexible pride, determined valor, and deliberate atrocity marked their whole career of conquest and oppression. It was a union of ava- rice, fanaticism and chivalry. These three ele- ments combined, gave rise to those amazing efforts of mind and body, before which the effeminate idolaters of South America fell and disappeared. Desolation marked the footsteps of the Spaniards. The native emperors, incas, and people were in- volved in common destruction. Never were courage, fortitude and valor devoted to more sordid, unjust and barbarous ends. Never was genius more powerfully employed to scourge mankind.
* See Bancroft's account of the voyages of Cartier, Roberval, and Chau- vin, I. 18-25.
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