USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Boscawen > A chronological register of Boscawen, in the county of Merrimack, and state of New-Hampshire, from the first settlement of the town to 1820. In three parts: descriptive, historical & miscellaneous > Part 7
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Serg't. Joseph Flanders,
Moses Corser,
Moses Jackman,
Nathan Danforth,
Daniel Colby,
Bernard Young,
Benjamin Fisk, Joshua Sawyer.
Names of the Soldiers stationed at Portsmouth, N. H. in the late war with England ; drafted in Sept. & Oct. 1814.
First draft for three months.
Second draft for two months. Capt. Silas Call,
Eleazer Burbank,
Moses Call,
Jesse Sweat,
Enoch Burbank,
Benj. Severance,
Samuel Burbank,
Amos Rolf,
Moses Cross,
Wm. Haines,
Stephen Danforth,
Guy C. Flanders,
f hn Eastman,
Abel Eastman,
. cob Flanders,
Samuel Watson,
', siah Gale,
Eph. Noyes, James Noyes,
. bolas Gookin,
Soreon Jackman,
Theodore George,
J. ph Moore,
Ebenezer Moody,
Del Shepherd,-14.
Amos Sawyer,
Sam'l. Jackman,-15.
Nor. of those who died, or were killed in the Army.
Je,ilip Flanders killed at Crown Point, in the French War, - 6, belonging to the N. H. Rangers under Major Rogers. saac Davis, killed at Fort Ann, in 1777.
John and Phineas Stevens, brothers and sons of the Rev. P. tevens died in1776.
In the late War with Eng. Edmund Day, killed.
Benjamin Fisk & Son, Chellis Eastman, George Littlefield and Eliphalet Burpee, died in camp.
Capt. Silas Call died while stationed at Portsmouth ; and Col. Timothy Dix, jun. at the French Mills, Canada.
Ens. Richard Little, John Stone,
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
Names of Magistrates, Post-Masters, &c. accord- ing to their standing in office.
Magistrates. George Jackman.
Henry Gerrish.
Samuel Fowler. Nathaniel Green. Benjamin Little. Timothy Dix, jun. Joseph Gerrish.
Caleb Knight.
Daniel Webster.
Ezekiel Webster. Joseph Muzzy. Hezekiah Fellows.
Deputy Post-Masters. Timothy Dix, appointed Jan- uary 31, 1806. Benjamin H. Oak, Esq. in 1817.
Ministers.
Rev. Phineas Stevens, A. M. Graduated at Harvard in 1734. Robie Morrill, A. M. Graduated at Harvard in 1755. Nathaniel Merrill,
Graduated at Harvard in 1767. Samuel Wood, D. D.
Graduated at Dart. Coll. 1779. Ebenezer Price, A. M. Graduated at Dart. Coll. 1793.
Deacons in the 1st Church, when elected.
1740, George Jackman. 1761, Jesse Flanders. Benjamin Eastman. About Joseph Hoit, & 1770, Isaac Pearson. 1786, Enoch Gerrish, & Cutting Noyes.
1802, Samuel Jackman.
1817, Edmund Chadwick, & Thomas Gerrish.
14
1820, Isaac Pearson, grandson to the former Deacon of that name, and Nehemiah Cogswell, jun. has been since elected.
Deacons in the 2d Church, when elected.
1805, Benjamin Sweatt, who ) died Oct. 11, 1810, and
Eliphalet Kilborn. 1811, Enoch Little, jun.
Attorneys.
Peter Green, Esq. ¡Nathaniel Green, Esq.
Hon. Daniel Webster, Esq.
Dartmouth, 1801.
Hon. Ezekiel Webster, Esq. Dart. 1804.
Physicians.
Daniel Peterson
Daniel Peterson, jun.
Richard Hazeltine
Denison Bowers
Job Wilson, M. D.
Samuel Peterson
John Chandler, M. D. Dart. 1805.
Elijah Rowel
Thomas Peach
Thomas G. Wells
Samuel Sawyer
Austin George, M. D. John Proctor.
Graduates.
Rev. Jonathan Atkinson, Darr. 1787 Timothy Call, Esq. Dart. 1790 Dr. Samuel Gerrish, Dart. 1793
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
Hon. Daniel C. Atkinson, Dart.|Rev. Enoch Corser, Mid. Col. 1806 1811
Rev. Samuel W. Colburn, Dart. Samuel Atkinson,
Jacob Atkinson, Prov. 1815 1808
Remarkable Deaths.
Drowned in Merrimack river .- Samuel. Davis, turned from a load of hay into the river, and was drowned. Gideon Gould, an ap- prentice, went in to bathe on Sabbath morning and was drowned. Hezekiah Colby, a pauper, fell out of a boat on the Sabbath, and drowned. Jacob George, crossing the river on logs, was drown- ed, 1816. William Ramage, foreigner, diverting himself upon the river on the Sabbath, fell out of the boat in sight of his com- panions, and drowned, 1818. - Burt, a youth, drowned in attempting to ride across the river. And a young lad, not named, while bathing.
Drowned in Blackwater river .- Jacob Garland, slipped from a log in Gerrish's mill-dam, July, 1776. Manly Danforth, while bathing, Aug. 1797, aged 20.
Drowned in Contoocook river .- Richard Kimball and Jeremiah Abbot, attempting to run the falls of the river in a small canoe, perished April 23, 1812. William Corser and Son were drowned in Great Pond, near the shore by the upsetting of a birch canoe, 1773 ; Asa, another son, reached the shore in safety. Daughter of Tristram Bernard, aged 5 years, went to a spring for water, slipped in and drowned July, 1776. A Child of Isaac Blanchard fell into a tub of water and drowned. Daughter of Daniel Morse, 5 or 6 years old, fell into a tub of boiling water, and survived but a few hours. A Son of William Gage, 3 years old, drowned in the canal before the house, May 25, 1819.
Deaths otherwise than by drowning.
Isaac Myric, killed by a falling trec. Bitfield Plummer, in- stantly killed by the limb of a tree, 1788, aged 46. David Car- ter, supposed to have been killed by the kick of a horse, and his waggon wheel passing over him. John Kilborn, killed by the wheel of a loaded waggon passing over his body, 1803, aged 25. Son of Joseph Couch, about 4 years old, killed by oxen and cart running over him. Daughter of Moses Calef, 2 or 3 years old, killed by a sled falling on her. Son of Nathan Pearson, 5 years old, fell from a horse in a team, and was instantly killed, by the cart wheel passing over his body, Sept. 27, 1797. Rhoda Colby, insane person, suddenly disappeared, and was never found, 1785. William Eastman, attempting to cross on the string-pieces of a high bridge in the night, fell and broke his neck. Jesse Carter, 9 vears old, in the early settlement of the town, was killed,
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while playing upon a side hill, by a stump rolling over him. Daughter of Nathan Chandler, killed by the fall of a well-sweep, aged 5 years. Capt. Stephen Webster fell from his horse and in- stantly died, April, 1794. Daniel Couch kicked by a horse in the forehead, which terminated his life in 11 days, 1806. Samuel Muzzy, when ploughing,kicked by a horse and died next day, May 19, 1813, aged 74. Daughter of Lt. Nathan K. Holt, 4 years old, burnt by her clothes taking fire, when at school, and soon expired, 1814.
In the same year 1814, Mr. Samuel Jackman experienced an uncommon mortality in his family by the Spotted fever, which then prevailed in many places. The substance of the circum- stances, then published, is here subjoined.
"On Sabbath morning,Nov. 27, Mr. Jackman had seven children in apparent good health At 8 o'clock Hannah Kimball, aged 9, and Isaac Gerrish, aged 7 years, were taken ill. The boy died in 8, and the girl in 24 hours. Their funeral attend- ed on Monday-Discourse delivered by Rev. Mr. Wood from Prov. 27, 1 verse, and both interred in one grave. Walter Harris, 5 years old, was attacked by the same disease on Tuesday morning ;- died in 12 hours, and was buried on Wednes- day. On Friday, David Flanders, 2 years old, was in like manner seized and died in 6 hours ;- his funeral attended on Saturday ;- Rev. Mr. Wood preached on the occasion from John 6. 20 : but in the time of the funeral exercise, Nancy, ahout 3 years old received the fatal attack, and died in 10 hours ; and was buried on the Sabbath." Thus a holy God whose Providence is inscrutable, took from the fond parents out of seven, five lovely children, in the short term of seven days !! Medical aid was early resorted to in these cases, but the violence of the attack in each case, admitted of no relief from the application of medicine.
Wife of Jonathan Downing, instantly killed by lightning, June 12, 1816. Wife of Jeremiah Burpee, precipitated 30 feet from a sleigh, the horse running off the Bridge over the Gulf, and survived but a few hours, Dec. 1817. Child of James French fell into boiling Beer, which soon terminated his life. Mary Blaisdell, under the influence of melancholy, put an end to her existence by hanging, Jan. 9, 1818. James Brown committed suicide by the use of opium, May 24, 1818. Infant Son of Mr. John Greenough, fell from a chair into the fire and lived but a few hours, 1819.
Providential escapes from death.
1745. John Corser, tending a saw-mill alone at the head of K. street, while using a crow-bar about a mill log, in an unac- countable manner, the end of the bar struck his head-cut off his nose-took out his right eye-raised the fore half of the skull- bone, and left the brain bare, but not injured. In this situa- tion he was soon found by William Emery. Surgical aid was ad- ministered, and his wounds healed. He however shortly after lost the sight of his other eye ; but lived and enjoyed good health for more than thirty years.
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
Benjamin Little, Esq. when a youth, fell into the floom and passed through the waste-gate of Gerrish's mill-dam in a jam of logs and drift stuff, in the month of April, and being driven among the logs nearly a quarter of an hour was discovered, and taken out much injured, but no bones broken.
John Manuel, when barking trees, was struck on the side of the head by a falling limb, which fractured his skull, turned out his left eye, so as to destroy the sight ; but recovered, except the loss of the sight of one eye, without any surgical aid.
Benjamin Fisk fell from a saw-mill carriage through the floor- ing of the mill fifteen feet,and was taken up for dead ; but, though his jaw was broken, and greatly injured otherwise, was restored to perfect health and soundness.
Thomas Eastman was crushed by a large pile of boards over- turned upon him in 1800 ; from which perilous situation he was immediately taken, very much bruised, but was finally restored to usual health.
Daniel Calef, at the raising of Norris' Gristmill, very narrowly escaped death, though considerably injured in the chest, by the accidental falling of one side of the Frame, 1805.
Jacob Little, June 9, 1807, 12 years old, was struck by a falling tree upon the left side of his head. A concussion was made upon the right side, and the seam of the head opened nearly from ear to ear. The operation of trepanning in two places being per- formed by Dr. Nathan Smith, beyond all expectation, he was restored to his usual health, and strength of mind, and is now a member of Dartmouth College.
Wells Burbank, at the raising of a saw-mill fell from the plate, but his heel providentially caught in the brace below, which held him till assistance was afforded, and prevented his falling head first nearly 20 feet upon the rocks.
Moses Burbank fell into the floom of Gerrish's mill-dam and the gate being up, was drawn under a cross timber, which confined him under water ; from this dangerous situation he was relieved, though nearly exhausted, by the uncommon exertions of by-stand- érs.
John Elliot fell from the top of Joshua Jackman's saw-mill, when raising, but caught the timber below and thus narrowly escaped death. -
Daniel Shepherd, in the fall of Stirrup-iron Bridge, was buried in its ruins ; but by aid afforded was taken out with a broken limb, and other injuries ; and so far restored as to be active in business for several years.
Amos Stone, when boarding a barn by the heat of a summer's day, fainted and fell from the ridge-pole to the ground, without receiving essential injury either to limbs or health, July, 1818.
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
Among those characters, who have been the active promoters of the interest of this town, either in a secular or moral point of view, the following names claim a concise tribute of respect.
Capt. Stephen Gerrish was one of the original proprietors, and of the first settlers of the town. He was particularly prepared to advance the settlement of a new country ; being young, robust, acquainted with husbandry, enterprising, industrious and econom- ical. Though his education was small, and his manners unpol- ished, yet his strength of mind, his frankness and sympathetic feelings rendered him both useful and agreeable.
Ile weil knew the discouragements, and wants of the new set- tlers of a country ; and to him many resorted for succour. Pos- sessing both the means, and the disposition, he was liberal and hospitable-a friend and father to multitudes. He died 1788, at the age of 74 ; having lived to see his children settled and pros- perous, and useful members of both civil and religious societies.
Col. Henry Gerrish, eldest son of Capt. S. G.,at an early period of life distinguished himself as an active and very useful citizen. His literary acquirements, though good for his day, were con- tracted; but possessing a capacious and discriminating mind, his knowledge of men and things, the correctness of his opinions, his independence and decision, mild deportment and uniform moral and religious habits, ensured the esteem and confidence of his fellow men in every station. He was acquainted with the art of surveying, and practised that art much through life. Possessing a military turn, he was early promoted. In the transactions of the town he was very commonly chosen to moderate their meet- ings ; for several years a selectman, and very often made one of important committees .*
He was a friend of his country, and an active supporter of the revolution. For many years, he bore a commission of the peace. From early life he was a professor of religion, and uniformly gave his support to religious society. He acquired a great es- tate, and brought up a large family of children, the most of whom he lived to see well settled, and whose habits evidenced that his government over them was salutary ; and his house, though for many years the stranger's home, was a house of order. Col. Gerrish died at the age of 64, May 16, 1806.
*1773-Col. Gerrish was chosen the first Grand Juror to his Majesty's Sup. Court. 1774 Delegate to the Convention for the choice of members of the 1st Continental Congress. 1775, Delegate to the Convention for the choice of members of the 2d Continental Congress ; Also Delegate to the Provincial Congress. 1779, Repre- sented the towns of Boscawen and Salisbury in the Gen. Court, and 1790 was elect- ed Representative of the town of Boscawen.
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
Capt. Peter Kimball moved into the town of Boscawen about the year 1765. Possessing great self-command, a sound judg- ment, and unwavering integrity, he soon came into public notice, and was elected selectman in 1768 ; in which office he served nine years. In our revolutionary struggle, he manifested a truly patriotic spirit ; readily accepted those appointments, with others, which involved the dearest interests of individuals and of the public. He contributed to the security of our independence, not merely by his assiduous services at home, but endured the pri- vations of four campaigns in defence of his country. In one of them he volunteered as a private soldier ; but, in the other three, he bore a Captain's commission, and at Bennington received a wound at the head of his company-a precious memento of that signal battle. Capt. Kimball was a valuable citizen; a much esteemed neighbour and a consistant man. Though he never made a public profession of religion, he was the constant sup- porter of religious society, and always attended public worship as long as health would permit. He clearly understood the doc- trines of grace, and evidenced to his pious acquaintance, that his belief in them was his joy and salvation. His death was sudden, June 4, 1811, at the age of 72.
Mr. Enoch Little, a native of Newbury, Mass. moved into this town in 1774, and died 1816, aged 88 years. His name is not here inserted on account of his personal services in the public affairs of society, but as the head of a numerous family, whose ability and influence have contributed largely to the promotion of the public good ; and, as a man of great eqality of mind, and singular piety. The subject of this notice was made to bow to Immanuel's sceptre at the age of 11 years ; and thus like Enoch of old, "walked with God" 77 years; 64 of which he was a disciple of Christ by a christian profession. He sought retire-' ment, particularly in his advanced age, for that was most congenial with the habits of his mind. Here he could give free indulgence to pious meditation, prayer and to reading the holy Scriptures, which were as his meat and drink ; and by which he was pre- pared to exhibit the excellencies of his character-his meekness, humility, self-loathing, faith, patience, hope and charity in the domestic circle ; to pious visitors, and to the church of Christ. Mr. Little's example had a very happy influence upon his poster- ity, and by them to society more generally ; for he lived to see them multiplied to nearly an hundred, and many of them parta- kers of the same glorious hope with himself. For many years, he spoke of his being in this world a stranger and sojourner, " looking for a city, which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." The good resulting from the example and prayers of this pious man has been, and will no doubt be, for many gen-
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rations to come, the precious seed yielding its tem poral and spiritual benefits to the people of this town.
George Jackman, Esq. was born at Newbury, Oct. 28, O. S. 1735, son of George Jackman, a proprietor, who became a settler in town 1737, and was elected Deacon in the organization of the first church. The character before us has been so long and so abundantly employed in the transactions of this town, that, in alluding to those who have contributed to its present prosperous state, the most active agent, though living, could not be omitted. In 1760, at the first meeting of the town, after its incorporation, George Jackman, jun. was chosen Town Clerk,and re-chosen for 36 years successively ; afterwards 2 years more, making 38 years in that office. The same year, 1760, he was appointed a civil magistrate in the reign of George II. and his commission signed by Benning Wentworth, Governor of N. H .; and was in commission to the year 1818, 50 years ; and the oldest Justice of the Peace in the state of New-Hampshire. In 1765, the pro- prietors elected him their Clerk ; (though he had performed the business of the office the five preceding years for his father, who was Clerk ;) and has kept the records, and attended to the busi- ness to this time, 55 years. At the same time, he served the town in the office of Selectman 22 years ;- twice a Delegate to the State Convention ; four times chosen, and three times repre- sented the town in the General Court; and has been a member of the Church of Christ 44 years. For nearly 60 years, Mr. J. has been actively employed in public services. As a Scribe, he was ready, and kept a fair record, written with his left hand. In all business assigned him by the town, he was prompt and faithful ; and in discharging the duties of a magistrate, he mani- fested an unwavering attachment to justice and impartiality. He was uniformly active in securing the independence of his country ; and the unshaken friend of the Constitution and Govern- ment, which the wisdom of the nation had adopted. In his intercourse with his fellow men, his conversation and habits have been unexceptionable. He highly prized, steadily supported and constantly attended the institutions of the Gospel. And, as a christian, his walk has been such to this day, as became his pro- fession. At this advanced period of his life, nearly 85, he enjoys good health-performs manual labor-spends much time in reading, and in the warm season of the year, is a constant attend- ant on the public worship of God.
The notice here taken of the characters and services of some, was not intended to diminish any thing from the merits of others, now numbered either with the dead or the living, whose worthy deeds will long live in the memory of a grateful people ; but, in a record like this, reasonable expectation could not be answer- ed without particularizing a few.
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NARRATIVES of those who were taken captive or killed by the Indians.
Mrs. Duston's captivity, spoken of by Belknap and other histo- rians, having concern in our history, we shall offer the outlines of the extraordinary story. Mrs. Duston, her infant babe, but only a week old, and her nurse, the widow Mary Niff, were taken captive by the Indians at Haverhill, Mass. March 15, 1698 ; while her husband magnanimously retreated with their seven older children, from before the enemy to a place of safety. The Indians soon barbarously dispatched the tender babe, and conveyed the enfeebled, afflicted mother and nurse up the Merri- mack river to a small island in the mouth of Contoocook river, which forms the south-east corner of this town. Here the Indians, 10 or 12, for the number is variously stated, after refreshing themselves, being fatigued and fearless, lay down and readily sunk into a profound, but fatal sleep. Mrs. D. viewing the circumstance as favourable to her escape, improved the moment. By the aid of her nurse and a captive youth, with the death weapons of her savage enemies, instantly despatched them all, except two, who made their escape. And in retaliation took the scalps of their captors slain, and one of their birch canoes, returned down the river to Haverhill in safety, to the unspeaka- ble joy and astonishment of her family and friends ; and was soon after generously rewarded by the Massachusetts government for this unexampled deed. This heroic exploit took place April 30, 1698, about 35 years before the settlement of this town.
Josiah Bishop was the first of the settlers, who was taken by the Indians. He was surprised and taken, when at work in his field, at the lower end of King-street. The Indians took him in- to the woods ; but finding him unyielding to their wishes, they killed him, as reported by other captives, who were informed by the perpetrators.
On May 4, 1746, several men were at work on Clay Hill, and were surprized by a party of Indians in ambush. Thomas Cook and Caesar, the negro servant of Rev. Mr. Stevens, were killed, and Elisha Jones was taken captive, and carried to Canada, and there sickened and died.
The following August, two others were taken captive by the Indians ; not inhabitants of the town, but belonging to Hopkin- ton ; and it is recollected that one of them bore the name of Putney, and the name of the other, a young man, Abraham Kim- ball.
1752. In April the two negroes belonging to Messrs. Miles and Lindsey, were taken captive in Canterbury by Sabatis and Plausawa. And the following year 1753, Bowen and Morrill
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killed those two Indians at Indian-Bridge, in Boscawen. Sce the account Section 9, page 44.
May, 1754. Nathaniel Meloon and family were taken captive. Mr. M. had recently moved his family from the fort to Stevens- town, the westward part of Salisbury. While on his way back to the fort on business, a party of Indians came upon him, and took him. They knew him-where he lived, and directed him home. The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. M. and five child- ren, named Nathaniel, Rachel, John, Daniel and Sarah ; and in surprise were all taken captive, except their eldest son, who was at work in the field in sight. The father was ordered to call his son, and he did ; but the son saw the Indians, and understood his father's wish for his escape, by the significancy of his voice, dropped his hoe, fled to the woods, swam Blackwater river, elu- ded the Indian's pursuit, and reached the fort in safety. The alarm being thus given, a strong detachment marched direct- ly up, in hope of recovering the captives, but it was too late. The Indians had hastily taken a few things and the six captives, and were out of their reach on their way toward Canada. Mr. Meloon's youngest daughter, about a year old, was sick, and be- ing exposed grew worse The Indians took the child from the parents, under pretence of applying medicine, who never be- held her afterwards. In other respects they were treated hu- manely by their savage captors, though their travel and fare were very hard. When they arrived at Canada, they were sep- arated, and sold to the French. Mr. M. and wife, however, liv- ed together, and their son Joseph, now living in Salisbury, N. H. was born in their captivity, 1755. After a servitude of more than three years in Canada, Mr. M. and wife and their three sons were shipped for France ; but on their voyage, near the Grand Banks, were taken by the British, and safely landed at Portland, Me .; from whence they travelled by land, and once more re- gained their home, after an absence of 4 long years in tedious captivity. Their eldest daughter, Rachel, was left behind, and continued in Canada, among the French and Indians nine years ; when Samuel Fowler, Esq. employed by her parents, brought her home, though much against her inclination. She afterwards married, and had a family ; but always retained a partiality for the manners and habits of an Indian life.
August 15, 1754, a party of Indians came to the house of Philip Call, who had just before moved from the fort into the edge of Bakerstown, now the castwardly part of Salisbury. Mrs. Call was in the house, but Mr. Call, his son and a hired man were laboring in the field. They saw the Indians, and ran to- wards home ; but before they arrived, the barbarous enemy had killed Mrs. Call with a tomahawk, while her husband and son were so near as to hear the fatal blow. The Indians took her
15
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scalp, and immediately retired to the woods. Mr. Call's young man repaired to the fort as quick as possible to give information ;. and to avoid the chase of the Indians, he swam the Merrimack several times. A detachment of fourteen men well armed with muskets, marched directly on ; but the Indians, in the mean time, suspecting that an alarm had been given, and that they should be pursued, secreted themselves in ambush by the way side. Our men had no sooner passed them, than the Indians rose from their ambush-gave the war-whoop-rushed upon them and took Enos Bishop. Timothy Cook, whose father had been killed at Clay Hill, plunged into the river ; seven shots were made at him, and the seventh took his life. But the other twelve of the detachment made their escape, and returned in safety to the fort, not having been able, from some cause, to fire a single gun. Mr. E. Bishop was carried captive to Canada, and there un- fortunately, by accident, lost one of his eyes ; but the next year made his escape and returned home. It seems that provision was made for his ransom, but he made his escape before it was applied.
1756. Ezekiel Flanders and Edward Emery were killed by In- dians, when hunting beaver by New-found pond, between Bris- tol and Hebron, in the county of Grafton, N. H. The In- dians afterward informed, that one of them was shot when skin- ning a beaver in the camp, and the other shot at the same time, in sight of the camp, bringing in a beaver on his back.
Mr. Moses Jackman, now living, at the age of 73, son of Rich- ard Jackman, deceased, was taken captive by the Indians, June 1757, when about 11 years old. Being on a visit at his uncle Clough's in Canterbury, and, at that time hoeing in the orchard with Dorset, Mr. Ciough's negro man ; four Indians of the St. Francis tribe unexpectedly leaped over the log fence within a few rods of them. The sight was so appalling, that Dorset caught young Jackman by the arm, and endeavored to hide ; but when the Indians had gotten within a few feet of them, they separated. Jackman ran toward the barn, but before he reached it he stum- bled, and fell, and was taken by an old Indian and young sanop, who pursued him. He very soon made an attempt to escape out of their hands by running, but was re-taken, beaten and tied ; and to intimidate him, as it should seem, the old Indian, who held him, drew his hatchet over him as if to cleave his head asunder, but stopped the blow. This was all the violent usage he experienced from his savage master. Dorset, who had fled to the woods, was pursued by the other two Indians; who took the poor fellow, after he had made the most obstinate resistance, and received from them much abuse, by beating his face and head ; which drew from him many bitter cries of "master ! mur- der ! murder !! "
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The Indians soon joined in company with their captives, and without rifling the house, the family having all gone down to the fort, they sat off for Canada. They travelled through the woods, and crossed Merrimack river, at the falls, having made a light raft for Dorset, who could not swim, and one carried young Jack- man over upon his shoulders. Their first night's encampment was by Smith's river. Jackman being without shoes, his feet and legs were very much injured ; and, for his relief and comfort, the Indians kindly provided him with moccasons and stockings. He was too young to notice the points or the distances of their daily marches, or the country over which they passed ; but after several days hard travel, supported mostly by the scanty game they took in their way, the Indians reached their encampment, where they had large packs of beaver's fur and one canoe. Here they stopped long enough to make another canoe, and then em- barked with their captives and effects, and descended the stream, which brought them into Lake Champlain ;- thence to St. Johns and to Montreal. At Montreal,Jackman and Dorset were imprison- ed for a fortnight, while the Indians were employed in trafficking off their furs. But on their return, to the no small grief of these captives, they were separated ; and Jackman never saw or heard from Dorset afterwards.
The Indians soon after this conveyed Jackman to St. Francis, and sold him to a Frenchman. While on this tour, he saw Chris- ti, whom he had often seen in Boscawen, and knew him, and was recognized by the Indian. He lived with his new master until 1761, after peace was settled between the French and En- glish, and he regained his liberty. This was to Jackman a very long and tedious servitude, especially so the first year. He was among strangers; unacquainted with their language; his diet new and unpleasant, and the impressive thought of home quite overpowered him-impaired his health,and prevented his growth. He, however, regained his health ; acquired such a knowledge of the French language as to speak it fluently ;- found in his mistress much kind indulgence, both in food and employment, which ren- dered his situation tolerable ; though never prevented, for a mo- ment, the ardent desire to be restored to the company of his rel- atives. To secure to him so desirable a blessing, his widowed mother employed Mr. Enos Bishop to go in pursuit of him ; who found him, and pilotted him home in safety, after a captivity of four years; in which term, though between the age of 11 and 15, he had grown but one inch.
The foregoing is, for substance, the account which Mr. Jack- man verbally gave to the writer.
It may not be improper to conclude this article of captivities by subjoining the capture and imprisonment of Lieut. John Flan- ders, by the British, at Quebec, in 1775.
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HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.
On the alarm being given at Lexington, John Flanders, jun. volunteered his services ;- joined the company of Capt. Joshua Abbot, of Concord, N. H. with others, in April, and continued in the service till the last of the following September.
At this time, the expedition to Quebec was undertaken, and Col. Arnold took command of the troops. Oct. 1, 1775, Flanders en- listed in the company of Capt. Henry Dearborn, since Secretary of war, and commander of the U. S. army in the late war. Their march was by the way of Kennebec river, through the woods over the high lands-carrying their batteaux and baggage ; and after experiencing incalculable hardships from bad travel- ling, want of accommodation. the advanced season, want of pro- vision, and prevailing sickness, which proved fatal to many ; they arrived at Point Levi, opposite to Quebec, Nov. 9. Here they continued making preparations for storming the city until the 31st of Dec., when the unsuccessful attempt was made. The fatal day, when the brave Montgomery fell, Arnold carried off with the wounded, 60 killed, and 350 were taken prisoners, on entering the city. Among the latter was John Flanders; who was taken, imprisoned, and secured in irons. From his irons, however, he was liberated the 1st of March, 1776, by order of the British commander, but continued in prison until the 1st of August following : then was permitted to sign a parole, and re- turn home. He shipped, and on the 25th of September landed at N. York ; from thence he travelled on foot, and was once more welcomed by his friends in his native town, after an absence of eighteen months. He was three months in the service- more than seven imprisoned, two of which in irons, and nearly two months on his passage home :- months of hardships, depri- vations and peril ! From Flander's Journal.
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