USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Charlestown > History of Charlestown, New-Hampshire, the old No. 4 > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73
On the 27th of September, Congress again resumed the subject of the controversy ; but having heard the evidence on the part of New-Hamp- shire, it was resolved, "That all further consideration of the matter be postponed." And this was doubtless the wisest course of policy, which that body, conditioned as they were, could have pursued.
The war with Great Britain was still going on, and how it would be ultimately decided was not absolutely certain. The government, how- ever, was not so convinced of a favorable result that they could afford to take any course that would be liable to render any State hostile to itself, or create, in any section, any feeling of indifference as to the termi- nation of the struggle.
It is not improbable that Congress supposed that its indefinite post- ponement of the decision of the controversy would have a tendency to allay, at least in a measure, the excited feelings of the inhabitants of Vermont, as well as those of the citizens of New-York and New-Hamp- shire. But the matter had been carried too far to be permitted to die out so easily. From the time of the dissolution of the union between Vermont and the sixteen towns to the east of the Connecticut, notwith-
A
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN. 141
standing the exciting circumstances under which that union was dis- solved, a large number of the inhabitants of the western part of New- Hampshire, had continued to be solicitous for annexation to that State. Others had a project in their minds for a new State, formed out of the eastern part of Vermont and the western part of New-Hampshire. Others still were desirous that New-Hampshire should exercise juris- diction over the whole of the grants. While thus there was no well- considered plan on which all the inhabitants had settled down, there still seemed to be a general desire for change.
The inhabitants of the south-eastern part of Vermont were the first to move. They had been favorable to the New-York jurisdiction, and had been hopefully looking forward to the time when Congress should make a decision that would relieve them from the necessity of submitting to Vermont authority. But, whatever expectations had been excited by the resolutions and promises of Congress, they felt no longer any confi- dence in that body, after its indefinite postponement of the determina- tion of the controversy, to afford them aid. "They resolved, there- fore, if they could not be permitted to live under the jurisdiction of New-York, to make a bold attempt to better their condition, by form- ing a new State organization, with which they proposed to unite. To this end they called a convention of the New York committees of the several towns in that section of Vermont, the 31st day of October being appointed for the meeting. At this meeting a committee consisting of Luke Knowlton, Hilkiah Grout, Oliver Lovell, John Sargeant, Micah Townsend, Jonathan Hunt, Simon Stevens, Charles Phelps, Benjamin Henry, James Clay, Charles Cutler, Barzilla Rice and Elkanah Day were appointed to take into consideration, the feasibility of a new gov- ernment ; and to meet and consult with committees, or conventions of the inhabitants on both sides of the Connecticut river. The object proposed by this convention, was " To unite in one political body all the inhabitants from Mason's grant, on the east side of Connecticut River, to the heights of land on the west side." Mr. Knowlton, who had just returned from Philadelphia, where he had been to represent the Vermont friends of New York at the hearing before Congress, was chairman. He had returned full of determination to do something to relieve the New-York adherents from the difficulties of their situa- tion. For the accomplishment of this object, some of the other mem- bers of the committee were also equally solicitous. Their first work was to get the subject of their movement before the people ; and this they found not very difficult ; for, everywhere, in the towns on both sides
-
142
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
of the Connecticut River, there was a large number of the inhabitants, who were favorable to some change. Definitely what that change should be of course could only be known by conventions of the peo- ple and comparison of views. As an initiatory movement, on the 8th of November, delegations from three counties met, by previous agreement, at Charlestown. Such was the encouragement which their project re- ceived at this meeting that another convention was agreed upon, to be held at Walpole, on the 15th of the same month ; of the proceedings of which the following is a report.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION AT WALPOLE NOVEMBER 15 AND 16, 1780.
At a Convention of Delegates from the several towns in the County of Cheshire, in the State of New-Hampshire, held at Walpole, in said County, on the 15th day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty,
VOTED-That Dr. Page, Colonel Hunt, Captain Holmes, Daniel Jones, Esq., and Colonel Bellows, be a Committee to confer with gen- tlemen from any parts of the territory called the New-Hampshire Grants, concerning the jurisdiction of said Grants ; and to consider what is proper to be done by the inhabitants thereof, relative to their jurisdiction ; that the same may be ascertained and established. Which Committee after due inquiry and consideration, report as follows, viz.
The Committee appointed by the Convention held at Walpole, No- vember 15th, 1780, do report, that we have conferred with the several gentlemen present, who were Committees from the different parts of the territory called the New-Hampshire Grants, viz. Cumberland, Gloucester, and Grafton* Counties, and do find, that matters lately agitated, with respect to the jurisdiction of the New-Hampshire Grants render a union of that territory indispensably necessary. The said inhabitants received the grants of their lands from the same jurisdic- tion, and settled them while a union was extant : which was an implicit engagement of authority that it should be continued. But we were unjustly deprived of the advantages resulting from it, in the year 1764, by an arbitrary decree from Great Britain, to which we never acceded ; which decree, however, cannot be esteemed efficacious, since the declaration of independence ; it being one of those iniquitous meas- ures, by which they were attempting to oppress the Colonies, and for which we have since thrown off subjection. This being the case, the
* New York names for the Counties.
1
143
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
union re-exists. And shall we throw it off ? God forbid. The situa- tion of the territory aforesaid, by reason of their being a frontier, as well as many other matters, which are obvious, respecting commerce and transactions of a public nature, make it expedient that they be united in all their interests, in order to make their efforts, in that quar- ter, against the common enemy, more vigorous and efficacious. In respect to government, great disadvantages may arise by a division. In that case, delinquents may easily evade the operation of justice, by passing from one State to another, and thereby be induced more read- ily to practice iniquity in that part where the body of the inhabitants and the principal traffic centre. And we imagine that a union of pub- lic interests is the only means by which the contentions and animosi- ties now subsisting among the inhabitants of the territory aforesaid can be brought to a happy issue ; for, so long as the cause of justice is in different Channels, where people are so nearly allied, disturbances will arise. From authentic information, we cannot but apprehend that the State of New-Hampshire is greatly remiss, if not grossly neg- ligent, (to call it by no harsher name), in trusting affairs of such great importance as the settlement of their western boundary to a commit- tee some of whom we conceive would risk the loss of half the State, rather than New-Hampshire should extend their claim West of the Connecticut river. And from the best authority that can be obtained it appears that the agent of the State aforesaid, is endeavoring to con- firm a division of the Grants, contrary to their true interests which has given the people on the Grants just occasion to rouse and exert themselves in support of a union of the whole. We, therefore, ear- nestly recommend, as the only means to obtain a union, preserve peace, harmony, and brotherly love, and the interest of the community in general, that a Convention be called from every town within the said grants, to be held at Charlestown, on the 3d Tuesday of January next, at one of the clock, in the afternoon ; and that one or more members be appointed from each town, with proper instructions, to unite in such measures as the majority shall judge most conducive to consolidate a union of the Grants, and effect a final settlement of the line of ju- risdiction.
B. BELLOWS,
S. HUNT, D. JONES, L. HOLMES, W. PAGE.
Committee.
In Convention at Walpole, November 16th, 1780.
144
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
The above report, being repeatedly read-Voted, That it be accepted and a sufficient number of copies be printed and transmitted to the several towns in the New-Hampshire Grants on both sides of Connecti- cut River, for their notice, to appoint one or more members to attend the said General Convention, which shall be deemed a sufficient notifi- cation.
By order of the Convention,
BENJAMIN BELLOWS, Chairman. A true COPY, Attest.
DANIEL NEWCOMB, Clerk.
Two of the members of the foregoing Committee, Colonel Samuel Hunt, and Dr. William Page, were the delegates sent to the Conven- tion from Charlestown. Benjamin Bellows was the distinguished Col- onel, afterwards General Bellows of Walpole. Daniel Jones, Esq. was a citizen of Hinsdale, and was the first Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas appointed after the organization of Cheshire County, in 1771. The residence of Captain Holmes has not been ascertained. The Clerk, Daniel Newcomb, was of Keene ; and was, subsequently, Judge Newcomb of the Superior Court. The Committee, then, were persons to exert an extensive influence ; and it is not therefore a mat- ter that needs to excite surprise, that when the Convention met at Charlestown, there was a very full attendance of delegates.
When it became known that there was to be a Convention at Charlestown, each of the different parties exerted themselves to the utmost to convince the people of the importance of adopting their fa- vorite scheme. New-Hampshire, elated with expectation, on account of the report of the Convention at Walpole, was busy, through her agents, to gain every possible advantage to herself. The New-York adherents, who were in favor of a new State, that should comprehend the towns from the Masonian line to the ridge of the Green Mountains, were also busy in propagating their views. Vermont had also those in the field who to an indomitable energy added a vigilance that was not to be easily foiled.
Thus all the parties were fully aroused; and each was on the alert for the accomplishment of its favorite purpose. No instrumentality by any of them was omitted which, it might be supposed, would be adopted to exert an influence in their favor. The agents of New-Hamp- shire were noisy and violent ; and, as they expected to have things all their own way, somewhat boastful of what they intended to do. Those
145
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
of Vermont, on the contrary, were men of indomitable energy, and thoroughly trained in strategy ; who well knew how to make the best of every situation ; who were accustomed to keep their own counsel, and who seldom disclosed their intentions till the time came for action ; when, if they were not successful, they would try again. From the beginning, the project for a new state had little chance for success ; yet its adher- ents did not seem to know it, and were, therefore, not less active. It was thus, after a very exciting and energetic political contest, that the par- ties, by their delegates, assembled at Charlestown on the day appointed for the convention.
Charlestown was represented at the convention by Colonel Samuel Hunt, Doctor William Page and Captain Samuel Wetherbe. Dele- gates to the convention were present from forty-three towns, situated on both sides of the Connecticut River.
CHARLESTOWN CONVENTION.
Journal of the Convention of Delegates from forty-three Towns of the New-Hampshire Grants, Jan. 16, 1781.
" At a Convention of Members from forty-three Towns on the New- Hampshire Grants, begun and held at Charlestown, Jan. 16, 1781.
The Honorable Samuel Chase, Esq. was chosen Chairman, and Beza- leel Woodard, Esq., Clerk.
Resolved, that General Bellows, Daniel Jones, Esq., Colonel Hunt, Mr. Woodard, Colonel Bedel, Colonel Paine, Colonel Olcott, Captain Curtiss, Mr. White, Colonel Wells, Mr. Knowlton and Mr. Townsend be a Committee to prepare matters necessary to be transacted by this Convention ; and that they report the same with all convenient speed.
January 18th, 10 o'clock, A. M."
The Committee above named, made report, which, being read, is in the words following, viz .- Whereas, the Governor of New-Hampshire, before and after the close of the last war, did exercise jurisdiction over and grant the greatest part of the Lands within the territory commonly called the New-Hampshire Grants, on both sides of Connecticut River, to sundry companies of persons, principally inhabitants of New-England ; who offered to undertake, and carry into effect, settlements thereon, sub- ject to the jurisdiction of the Crown of Great Britain, in connection with the Colony of New-Hampshire.
And, Whereas, the said undertakers did undergo infinite hardships, trials and fatigues, in forming settlements in the several townships, on both sides of the river, agreeable to their engagement; induced by the
ยท
146
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
happiness in prospect for themselves and posterity, resulting, in great measure, from an happy union of their settlements on the two sides of the river, under the same jurisdiction ; the benefits of which had long been experienced in adjacent governments, and which were plighted to them by the circumstances and conditions under which they received and held their grants.
And, Whereas, the King of Great Britain did, in the year 1764, pass an arbitrary decree, that the said territory should be divided at Connec- ticut River : subjecting one part to the jurisdiction of his Governor of New-York and continuing the other part under the jurisdiction of his Governor of New-Hampshire, whereby the said territory was divided without the consent or knowledge of the owners and proprietors, in vio- lation of the royal engagements, and contrary to the true interests of the inhabitants ; against which measure those most immediately affected, so soon as the matter came to their knowledge, did, in the most humble, earnest and affecting manner remonstrate, and petition ; sent agents to Great Britain, to state before the King their grievances, and humbly interceded for redress ; and at the same time took every prudent measure to obtain the interest of adjacent Colonies in their favor, especially that of New-Hampshire from connection with which they had been separated.
And, Whereas, the said connection rendered the government of New- Hampshire more extensive than the object of their first incorporation, viz .- the Mason Patent ; which extension has ever been a source of un- easiness and discontent to several persons of influence and importance in that government, and the Assembly of New-Hampshire therefore re- fused to use their influence in favor of a reunion of the Grants, after the division of them by the decree of 1764, when applied to for that purpose, in behalf of the owners, proprietors and inhabitants of the said territory.
And, Whereas, the obligations of the inhabitants of the said territo- ry, as well as of all others in the United States, to allegiance and sub- ordination to the Crown of Great Britain have ceased, on account of the series of unconstitutional and oppressive measures of that author- ity, towards the American plantations ; and independence has there- fore been declared by the inhabitants of the said Grants, with the Uni- ted States, whereby all these connections have ceased, which resulted from, and were dependent on a subordination to Great Britain. And as the said territory was never annexed by Charter to any one or more of the American Colonies, nor otherwise connected than by an order of the King to his Governors, to exercise authority there in behalf of the
147
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
Crown, and by a grant of the feoffees to claim a right to be continued in union with one another in matters of Government; The jurisdic . tion was, of consequence, by the declaration of independence, transfer- red to the inhabitants ; which they had good right to undertake and exercise, whenever they should see fit-Yet the said inhabitants, influ- enced by attachments to the different governments with which they had been connected (resulting from a habituated submission to despotic power) and not immediately attending to the singular circumstances, under which independence from the power of Great Britain left them, did many of them passively submit to, and act with those governments to which the King of Great Britain had last annexed them ; While on the other hand, a considerable part of the inhabitants of the said ter- ritory, influenced by uneasiness with the measures of those governments and being early led to enquire into our peculiar situation (to which others were inattentive) did observe and publish to the world, their views in respect to our independence ; and in conformity thereto broke off connection with the States of New-York and New-Hampshire, and of those on the west side of the river, who had withdrawn connec- tion from the State of New-York, only viewing the operation of in- dependence from Great Britain, in respect to themselves, and not at- tending that the whole of the Grants were thereby placed in similar situation, did associate together, and set up a new and independent government.
And Whereas, as the States of New-York and New-Hampshire, influ- enced by the refusal of a respectable number of inhabitants of those parts of the Grants, which they severally claimed, to submit to their respective jurisdictions, complained to the Congress of the United States, of measures taken by the said inhabitants in respect to their independ- ency ; and also, made known to Congress, that they had claims to the said territory : And as Congress, on the 24th of September, 1779, did resolve and publish that they would take upon themselves a final set- tlement of the disputes respecting the said Grants, provided the States concerned should agree thereto ; (and, among other things, recommend- ed that no State should exercise jurisdiction over any of the inhabi- tants of the said district, except such as should profess allegiance to, and confess the jurisdiction of the same) which was complied with by the States. And as sundry periods have elapsed, which Congress had appointed for a decision of the said matter in controversy, without any thing material being transacted on the subject, and as, notwith- standing the claim of New-Hampshire to the whole of the Grants, the
148
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
evident object of both States, by their agent at Congress, has of late been to establish a division at the river, contrary to the true interest of the inhabitants ; as they would thereby be deprived of those advant- ages, in respect to commerce, and transactions of a public nature, which would naturally result from that union of the two sides of the river, which they had warrant to expect, and have right to demand, from the nature, tenor and circumstances of the Grants which they hold.
And Whereas, a considerable part of the inhabitants on the said territory, having disavowed connection with any State already formed, have subsisted for some time without any regular form of government, and have been destitute of civil regulations, for want of which they are reduced to lamentable circumstances ; and as they are thereby prevented, in a great degree, from performing that part in the present contest with Great Britain, which might otherwise reasonably be ex- pected, and which might be of essential service in the grand dispute ; And as the contiguity of the said Grants to the Province of Canada, renders the inhabitants a frontier to the New-England States ; and as the parliament of Great Britain have done what in them lies, towards annexing the greater part of the said territory to the Province of Can- ada, by the act commonly called the Quebec Bill : for the purpose of obtaining an establishment whereof, it is to be expected they will fur- ther employ their force, in attempting the reduction of the inhabitants, or destruction of them and their property. And as the British forces, in conjunction with their savage allies, have of late begun a new scene of devastation among us, by burning some of our towns, and carrying the peaceable inhabitants into captivity ; and it is to be expected that great part of the said territory will be treated in the same manner, un- less vigorous measures are taken to prevent them ; And as there is no military force employed by the continent, or any of the States for our defense : which renders an union without delay absolutely necessary, or great numbers will immediately abandon their habitations, which will give such advantage to the cause of Britain, and so open and extend this frontier, that a much greater force will then be necessary for its defense. And as nothing considerable can be done by the inhabitants of the said territory, tending to their own defense, until they are firm- ly united for that purpose, and in measures of government.
This Convention Therefore, taking the aforesaid matters into their most serious consideration, and being duly authorized by their consti- tuents, the inhabitants of the said territory, do hereby publish and
149
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
declare, that notwithstanding all the unjust measures which have been, or may be, taken to divide us, the right of union still remains to the inhabitants of the said territory, which we are determined to main- tain and support: and bind ourselves by the ties of virtue and honor as we are already bound by the ties of interest, to unite in all such lawful measures as the majority of the representative body of the inhabitants of said territory, duly convened or such as they may appoint under them, shall agree upon, to maintain and support a union of the inhab- itants on the whole of the said Grants ; holding ourselves in duty bound to abide the decisions of Congress on the subject, when the matter shall be properly stated before them, and their resolutions thereon be ob- tained.
As the primary object of this Convention is, that an union of the whole of the Grants be formed and Consolidated upon principles that the majority think proper; and as a considerable part of the said Grants are represented in the State of Vermont,
Resolved-That a Committee be chosen to confer with the said As- sembly, at their next session, on the subject of said union ; and invite them to join in measures which may be most conducive to obtain the object proposed.
Resolved,-That the proceedings of this Convention be laid before the several towns on the Grants, for their approbation ; recommend- ing that those towns which concur in the measures, and have no repre- sentatives or delegates in this Convention, appoint members for that purpose; and that each and every town impower their members to join with the representatives of other towns on the Grants, who shall agree to unite together, in all such measures as shall be necessary for our internal regulations and defense.
Which declarations and resolutions having been repeatedly read, and maturely considered, the question was put whether this Conven- tion do agree with their Committee in their said report? which was carried in the affirmative.
Whereupon Resolved-That Dr. William Page, Daniel Jones Esq., and Mr. Elijah Frink of the County of Cheshire; Luke Knowlton, Micah Townsend, and John Bridgman Esqrs. of the County of Cum- berland ; Colonel Peter Olcott, Noah White, Esq., and Captain John Strong, of the County of Gloucester ; and Colonel Paine, Bezaleel Woodard, Esq, and Mr. Davenport Phelps of the County of Grafton, be a Committee to confer with the Assembly of Vermont ageeable to the foregoing resolutions.
150
HISTORY OF CHARLESTOWN.
Resolved-That the proceedings of this Convention be printed and one copy thereof transmitted to each town on the Grants; and that Major Day, Mr. Townsend, and Mr. Lovell be a Committee for that purpose.
Resolved-That this convention do adjourn to meet at the meeting House in Cornish on the first Wednesday in February next, at one of the clock in the afternoon.
[PROTEST OF A MINORITY OF THE DELEGATES.]
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.