USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Charlestown > History of Charlestown, New-Hampshire, the old No. 4 > Part 12
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A regiment, under Colonel Moses Nichols, was raised for the defense of West Point in 1780, in which Peter Page of Charlestown was Cap- tain of Co. No. 1.
In the summer of 1777, not only a large proportion of the citizens of Charlestown were engaged in the military service of the country, but the same was true of many other towns in the County of Cheshire. When an order came from General Stark, dated Brumley, (Bromley, Vermont, now Peru) August 6, 1777, to Colonel Hunt, of Charlestown, " To mount the cannon at No. 4 immediately, and get all the cannon from Walpole brought up to No. 4, and fix them on carriages," Colonel Hunt wrote to the Council of Safety, in Exeter, the next day, " That so many of the inhabitants 'of this county are now abroad in the service that it is extremely difficult to hire workmen ; nor do I know where it
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
is possible to procure iron ; nor can timber that is seasoned and proper for that business be handily got," consequently the mounting of the can- non was postponed.
At this time there was a company of volunteers from Charlestown with Stark, under the command of Captain Abel Walker, which was embraced in Colonel Hobart's regiment, which, we have reason to believe, did good service in the Battle of Bennington, which followed a few days after. Burgoyne's movements had excited intense interest in all the towns along the Connecticut River. After the evacuation of Ticonde- roga, by our army, most of the militia from New-Hampshire who had gone forward to assist in the defense of that fortress, on finding that they could render no service towards that object, immediately returned to No. 4, where a copy of the General's express had preceded them ; directing that the militia should be sent to Bennington, towards which the main army had retreated, and where it was proposed that a stand should be made. After becoming acquainted with the contents of the express, the officers and militia met in a body to consult in relation to what they would do in respect to complying with its direction. But, on consultation, they all, finally, concluded to return home and wait till they should receive further orders from the General Court. Not one company of militia, therefore, from the State, went forward, at this time, to join the Continental army.
When the militia left for their homes, Charlestown and the other towns, similarly situated, had no protection whatever. Meantime, the British General, in the exposed situation of the frontiers, embraced the opportunity to play upon the feelings of the people, by exciting their fears in every way that lay in his power. He artfully caused rumors to be spread for the purpose of concealing his real intentions ; that he was about to make a descent on some point on the Connecticut River, but, de- signedly, that he might create a wider alarm, left the place undesignated on which his vengeance might ultimately fall. Many of the towns on the river, therefore, had their fears excited, and none more than Charlestown, on account of its position, as lying in the war-path of the forces of New- Hampshire, and on the old military road.
We shall better understand the excitement of the people, by reference to despatches and letters written at the time.
" Letters giving warning of the advance of the British troops.
From Joel Matthews to General Bailey.
SIR :- I have this moment received intelligence from Otter Creek of the motion of the Enemy, viz. That yesterday they were at Rutland, and
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
this day they will be at White's, nine miles this side, with an intent to march to No. 4; also another Detachment to march to Cohos. This in- telligence comes by way of Windsor to me. I have ordered to raise the Militia in these parts. We have sent to Colonel Marsh, who likely will also send to you. I still wait your orders tho' I shall march what men I can raise to oppose the Enemy.
In haste I am sir Your Hum'l Serv't,
JOEL MATTHEWS.
Gen. Bailey.
Hartford, July 19th, 1777."
Letter from Beza (Bezaleel) Woodward, Esq.
"To the Committees, Military officers, and good People in the State of New-Hampshire.
Post called on me this moment with the Letter from which the above (from Mr. Matthews) is a copy. As you regard the safety of this Fron- tier for God's sake come forward without delay. The bearers Messrs. Wood and Longfellow are sent Express for that purpose. Please for- ward them with despatch.
BEZ. WOODWARD, CIk.
Com'tee of Safety for Hanover.
Hanover, Midnight, Saturday night, July 19, 1777.
Assembly at Exeter are earnestly requested to send forw'd arms and ammunition for the People in this County as well as men .* Capt. Storrs returned home this day.
BEZA WOODWARD, Clk."
A similar letter, by Major Francis Smith, of Lebanon, was despatched to the Committee of Safety of New-Hampshire, July 20th, 1777, implor- ing immediate assistance in arms and ammunition, &c., and Lieutenant Jonathan Freeman, of Hanover, was despatched, as agent, to the General Assembly, at Exeter, to make representation of their case.
Colonel John Hurd, July 21st, 1777, wrote from Haverhill to Honor- able Meshech Weare:
"SIR :- We were alarmed yesterday by News from No, 4, that the regular army (British army) were upon their march towards Connecticut River. But this afternoon we have seen a copy of another Letter from
Captain Aaron Storrs, who had been sent to Exeter by Lieutenant Colonel Elisha Payne, of Lebanon, to request a supply of two hundred stands of arms.
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
Strafford, a Township lying West of Thetford, opposite Lime, request- ing immediate assistance to them, for that one half of the people of that Town were gone off to the Regulars. This seems to be an alarming cir- cumstance, as we apprehend these people who have been known to be Tories, some time past, have held correspondence with the Regular Ar- my and know their designs of marching towards this River. So that now we may most certainly expect a Visit from 'em, if our people do not muster strong enough to repel them, which we hope will be the case ; for by Reports we have, the whole Country seems to be highly exasper- ated, since the unfortunate and unexpected Loss of Ty- and its dependencies. The people in this Quarter are most of them, we trust, spirited to exert themselves all in their power, but are much in want of good fire arms. If there's any fire arms belonging to the State to be Spared, a proportionable part ought to be sent this way for the use of Colonel Marcy's Reg't; what comes to Cohos may be intrusted to Colo- nel Johnston and Major Hale, on whose care you may depend to dis- tribute them, and take such security from each man as the Committee of Safety shall direct.
Sir Y'r most hum'l Serv't, J. HURD.
To the Hon. Meshech Weare."
Letter from Colonel Jacob Bailey, relating to the same matter.
" Lyme, July 21st, 1777.
Gent'n, Sundry Expresses has arrived from Windsor, informing of the Enemy pressing towards No. 4 and Coos ; and this day we find that about thirty men has deserted from Strafford and Thetford to the enemy, which obliges to move at least twenty Families, and at least four hundred Cattle and sheep across the River at Lyme ; neither can we secure what is left at Strafford without help, unless the Militia now raised march to Otter Creek, which if they do we will operate with them, which will make us secure :- otherways five hundred men will not be able to guard this River,-beg you will take the matter under your consideration and act therein as you think proper.
I am Gent'n your very Hum'le Serv't JACOB BAILEY."
Walpole and other towns below Charlestown were equally excited. Colonel Benjamin Bellows, who had been in the army, but had returned home on account of the indisposition of his father, Colonel Bellows, Sen., wrote, on the 13th of July, 1777 to the Committee of Safety as follows :
.
.
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
" Gentlemen, you no doubt have heard of the disaster we have met with at the westward ; so shall not undertake to give you the Particu- lars, but to sum it up in short ; we have lost all our Stores and Baggage, with some of our men, the number I am not able to ascertain. I shall represent to you something of the distressed situation of our Frontiers, Especially of persons who are easily intimidated as well as women and children,-and it is my humble opinion if some resolutions are not adopted and speedily and vigorously carried into Execution the People's hearts will fail and conclude it is a gone case; and this part of the Country I fear will be deserted and left without any body to receive Hay or Grain, &c. I submit to Superior Wisdom, as to the best man- ner to prevent those evils we dread, and hope the most strenuous efforts will be made by Government at this most critical time; and as the In- habitants on the other side of the River in New-York State (now the State of Vermont) would try to keep their ground, if they could in some measure be supported, if we could lend them any assistance it would an- swer as good a Purpose, as tho' done to ourselves, as there must be a Frontier ; the People on Otter Creek have many of them moved off al- ready .- Should think it best to keep out the Frontier in New-York State (Vermont) if possible. By the best information, I can get, there is not short of six or seven hundred men above this place on York side of the River that are destitute of fire arms ; if there could be any way found out to supply them it would answer a good purpose. I must further in- form you, that when we retreated from Ticonderoga, that many of the Continental Troops, instead of following the army, steared for their homes.
I am Gentlemen your very humb'l Serv't BENJ'N BELLOWS.
To the Hon'ble Com'tee of Safety. "
The following letter from the New-Hampshire committee of safety to the Massachusetts committee, will also be of interest in this connec- tion.
" In Committee of Safety July 16th, 1777.
Sir. The accounts we are continually receiving make it more than probable, that our Northern army have suffered very much on their retreat, and those who escaped are much scattered. We have sent of- ficers to No. 4 to stop all the soldiers on their way home, as well of the other States as our own. And we understand a considerable number is collected there.
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
We have no letter from the army, and know not the route they have taken, and are greatly at a loss what measures are necessary to be taken at this Important crisis, and desire a communication of your sentiments on the subject. Our General Assembly will meet to-mor- row, and we are sure will readily coincide with our sister States in adopting the most spirited exertions to retrieve the losses, and save our Country from the threatened Destruction.
P. S. The Inhabitants of our Frontier Towns on Connecticut River are sending their Committees in the most pathetic manner, begging to be supplied with fire arms, as half of them (they say) are destitute, and other parts of the State not much better stocked. We must again repeat our solicitation in the most urgent manner to our sister State to sell us some of the large Quantities of Guns they have lately Import- ed, or a considerable part of our Militia must remain unwilling spec- tators of the War in which they would gladly assist their country."
The answer of the Massachusetts committee to the foregoing, was as follows. "We are sorry it is not in our power to supply you with the arms you request. We have furnished you by Colonel Folsom with five Tons of Lead and five thousand Flints."
The above letters and despatches have been given for the purpose of conveying to the reader the state of public feeling in the townships, on the Connecticut River, and also in the State, more definitely, as well as more vividly, than it could possibly be done by any description ; as they present a true and most lively transcript of the publie mind at the time. Happily all this excitement was not without the produc- tion of its effect in a right direction. Not only the Committee of Safe- ty and Assembly of New-Hampshire, but the people also, especially in the western part of the state, were deeply moved ; and the most prompt and energetic measures were instituted to meet the emergencies of the times. The Assembly of New-Hampshire which had concluded their spring session and gone home, were again, by a summons from the Com- mittee of Safety, brought together. They met on the 17th of July and held a session of three days; and three more important days never oc- curred in the legislation of the State. The whole Militia of the State were formed into two Brigades; the first of which was placed under the command of B. General William Whipple, and the second under General John Stark who with one fourth of his own Brigade and one fourth of the Brigade of General Whipple, was ordered to march immediately for the purpose of checking the progress of the enemy ; and a messen- ger was despatched to Charlestown to Colonel Samuel Hunt with or-
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
ders from the Committee of Safety, to provide and store what provis- ions and other stores he could for the service of the state, which or- ders were accompanied with one thousand pounds out of the treasury of the state, to be by him accounted for ; and all other necessary acts were passed for promoting and carrying into effect the design which they had in view.
Stark, to whose movements all eyes were now looking, lost no time in delay. But immediately having concerted all necessary measures for expediting the arrival of his forces at No. 4, hastened forward himself to that appointed place of rendezvous; from which he wrote to the Committee of Safety of New-Hampshire as follows :
" Charlestown No. 4, July 30, 1777.
SIRS :
I received yours of the 22d instant with the enclosed, informing me of the situation of the enemy, and of our Frontiers ; but previous to your letter, I had received an Express from Colonel Warner, inform- ing me of their situation, and I forwarded 250 men to their relief on the 28th. I sent another detachment off this day, and as fast as they come in will send them. I expect to march myself to-morrow or next day ; we are detained a good deal for want of Bullet molds as there is but one pair in Town, and the few Balls you sent goes but a little way in supplying the whole.
I am afraid we shall meet with difficulty in procuring Kettles or utensils to cook our Victuals as the Troops has not brought any. If such articles can be procured, I believe it would be of the utmost im- portance to the safety and welfare of the Troops. I am informed this day by a man from Otter Creek that the Enemy is left Castletown and is gone to Skeensborough, with an intent to march to Bennington ; but I rather think they do it by way of a feint to call the attention of General Schuyler from fort Edward, or to Fatigue our Troops. There is four pieces of small Cannon at this place, that looks good, but wants to be cleaned out and put on Carriages. If you should think proper I will order it done, as there is people here that says they can do it; as there is but very little Rum in the Store here, if some could be for- warded to us it would oblige us very much, as there is none of that ar- ticle in them parts where we are agoing. I enclose you a Copy of a Letter I this moment received from Colonel Williams, and as you in- formed me when I saw you last, that you had not received any ac- count from any Gentleman in the army since the disertion of Ticon-
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
deroga, I likewise enclose you a Copy of a letter I received from Mr. Cogan, and by the best informations, is as near the truth as any you may receive. I have showed it to Col. Bellows and a number of other officers that was present, and they say they could all sign it.
I am, Sirs, your Honors most Obed't Humble Servant,
JOHN STARK."
The following are the instructions by the Committee of Safety, to Colonel Samuel Folsom, for General Stark.
"SIR: The Committee desire you to proceed to No. 4, and if Gener- al Stark has marched from thence to follow him and endeavor to find out what circumstances his men are in, how they are provided for, and what they are likely to want that can be supplied from this State. As the Convention of Vermont, proposed supplying them with Provisions we depend they will.
You will inform General Stark, that it is expected that he with the advice of his Field Officers will appoint such necessary officers as they may have Occasion for.
We are fearful that the troops will suffer for the want of Kettles, but hope they have carried some from home. None could be procured in New-England, that we could hear of which you will let them know.
You will inform General Stark that all the Medicines that could be procured, as also 44 bushels of salt, and one thousand lbs of Balls, are now on their way to No. 4.
You will endeavor to be informed whether there is a magazine of ammunition at Bennington, or whether our men must be supplied from this State, as we have but a small quantity on hand, you will inquire of Colonel Hunt, and Mr. Grout at No 4 what Quantity of ammuni- tion they have delivered to General Stark's men, and what remains in their hands ; and on the whole give such advice as you find needful for the public good to all persons concerned in the service of the State in those parts, and endeavor to contrive to the furnishing such things as you can that are absolutely needful, and make report on your return of such assistance as' to you appears necessary to be sent them from home.
July 30, 1777. (B. G. STARK.)"
" Letters from General Stark relating to Stores at Charlestown and the State of the army.
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
CHARLESTOWN, AUG. 2, 1777.
SIR :
I this day Received your favour by Col. Folsom, for which I re- turn you my hearty thanks.
I enclose you a Copy of a return of what Stores there are now in the Commissioner's hands and what they have delivered out to the Brigade.
The Brigade is not yet completed. But I expect there is a sufficient quantity of ammunition on hand to furnish it. Had all the powder here in Store proved good, and fit for use, we might have had a full supply of that article for present use.
As to the quantity of State Stores at Bennington, it is quite out of my power to give you an account of them at present; but refer you to Col. William's letter which I transmitted to you by Express, and which I hope came safe to hand.
I purpose to set out for Manchester to-morrow, and after I arrive there I will forward you an account of what supplies can be got there.
I should have gone from here before now, but could not get our Balls run for want of molds.
I received nothing new from the Enemy since I wrote to you last : Whenever anything comes to hand worth communicating I will forward it to you with all speed. I would have sent you an account of the strength of the Brigade, was it in my power, but cannot, because they only arrive in small parties, and as soon as I can complete a Division, I commonly give them marching orders, for to set out for Manchester without delay. After I arrive there, I will obtain a List of the num- ber of men in that department and shall send you an account of the same.
I have ordered one Company to tarry here to guard the State Stores, and two Company's I have stationed on the height of land between this place and Otter Creek for the security of the Inhabitants.
As there are no spirits to be had at our Station I would esteem it a favour, if you would order the Stores that are at this place, to be forwarded to that place, and set a price upon the same; more will be wanted.
I am, with regard, your most Obedient and humble Servant,
JOHN STARK Br. G.
N. B. Sealing Wax and Paper is much wanted.
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
RETURN OF STORES AT CHARLESTOWN.
An Account of the State Stores now in the Custody of the following persons in this Town.
Colonel Samuel Hunt has now on hand 13 Barrels of Powder, 7 sheets of lead or pieces,-100 Flints.
Commissary Grout has on hand the following articles ; 11 Barrels of powder, 9 of which are condemned. About 34 Bushels of Salt.
Mr. White* has on hand also 5 Hogsheads of Rum, 5 Barrels of Sugar, 2 Do. Do.
Commissary Grout has dealt out to my Brigade 509 Pounds of Pow. der, 710 Do Balls and Lead."
General Stark entered the camp at Manchester, on the 8th of Au- gust; and was just in season to countermand the order which had been given to his troops to march to Saratoga. They had even set out, un- der General Lincoln of Massachusetts, in obedience to an order of General Gates, to march and join the Northern Army at that place ; but Stark, opportunely arriving, immediately commanded them to halt, when he informed General Lincoln, that by the State of New- Hampshire, he had been intrusted with a separate command, and promptly and decidedly refused permission to his troops to comply with the order of General Gates. This produced a great excitement, and a great outcry was raised against New-Hampshire, on account of the course she had pursued. It was denounced as being subversive of all military discipline and order ; and the matter was carried into Con- gress, where an exciting debate occurred on the subject, and it was proposed and seconded by Maryland, that a resolve of Congress might be passed to censure General Stark's conduct in refusing to submit to the rules and regulations of the army. But, on motion being made to that effect, it was agreed by a great majority, that it should lie on the table .- Said the New-Hampshire delegates in communicating the mat- ter to the government. "We informed Congress that a motion of that sort came with a very bad grace from Maryland who, only, of the thirteen United States had seen fit to make laws directly in oppo- sition to Congress by refusing that their Militia should be subjected to the rules and regulations of the army when Joined; and we informed Congress that we had not the least doubt but the first battle they heard of from the North would be fought by Stark and the troops commanded by him." That was true; and the battle had already
* This was Jotham White, afterwards Major Jotham White.
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
been fought at the time of the debate; and whatever judgment may be passed on the action of New-Hampshire, when viewed in a military light, one thing is certain, and that is that the victory at Bennington resulted from it.
This Battle was fought on the 16th of August, 1777, and had not only the effect to free the inhabitants of No. 4, and others on the River from many of their apprehensions, but caused a thrill of joy through all the American Colonies. After the Battle of Bennington, Stark, at the earnest solicitation of New-Hampshire, remained in the service and patriotically co-operated with General Gates in all his plans for circumventing and subjugating Burgoyne. General Whip- ple's Brigade was also ordered by New-Hampshire to the scene of ex- pected conflict, from which, soon after his arrival, he wrote as follows :
" BATTEN KILL, 15 Oct. 1777.
SIR : I have been so much engaged since I have been at this Post that it has not been in my power to wait on Gen. Gates till yesterday ; while I was there Mr. Burgoyne sent his Adjutant Gen'l with a Flag desiring a cessation of arms for a short time ; which was granted till sunset ; the substance of the proposal made by Gen. Gates is that Gen. Burgoyne shall surrender prisoner of war-the officers and men to have their baggage and be sent to some part of New-England,-the officers to be on their parole except such as have heretofore broke their parole ; these terms I expect will be agreed to to-day when the army will be in a situation to march down the Country, and I hope will soon have Mr. Clinton in the same situation that Mr. Burgoyne is in now. If Mr. Burgoyne does not agree to the terms proposed by Gates we shall have a smart brush to-morrow. You'll excuse this hasty scrawl as the man who takes it to Charlestown is in a hurry.
I have the honor to be with every sentiment of respect
Your most Humble Serv't, WM. WHIPPLE."
Supposed to have been addressed to Hon. Meshech Weare.
A few days afterwards he wrote of General Burgoyne's surrender as follows ;-
" ALBANY, 21st Oct. 1777.
SIR : I did myself the pleasure to advise you a few days ago that a Capitulation was negotiating between Gen'l Gates and Gen'l Burgoyne. This business was happily concluded on the 16th Inst. And on the 17th the British army marched out of their encampment and layed
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HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
down their arms. I beg leave most heartily to congratulate you and my Country on this happy event. Gen. Gates has given the Volunteers of New-Hampshire an honorable dismission. The two Regiments who engaged till the last of Nov'r still remain here. I am directed by the Gen'l to attend Mr. Burgoyne to Boston."
So ended the formidable expedition of Burgoyne, much to the joy of the country and to the special relief of those sections which had en- tertained apprehensions of an invasion from his army.
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