USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Manchester > History of Manchester, formerly Derryfield, in New-Hampshire : including that of ancient Amoskeag, or the middle Merrimack Valley, together with the address, poem, and other proceedings of the centennial celebration of the incorporation of Derryfield at Manchester, October 22, 1851 > Part 47
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 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79
Stark was at work in his saw-mill, at the head of the Amos- keag Falls, when he heard this news and without a moments delay, he shut down the gate of his mill, repaired to his house, took his gun and ammunition, mounted his horse in his shirt
3
2
Daniel Hall,
0
Sergt.
420
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
sleeves, as he came from the mill, and rode on to meet the ene- my. As he journeyed on, he left word for volunteers to meet him at Medford and without delay, made the best of his way to Lexington. On his entire route, his force continually ir- creased, so that the following morning, when he arrived at Lexington, he had at his command a large force of "back- woodsmen."
On the 21st of April the Convention met at Exeter, sixty- eight members being in attendance.
Hon. John Wentworth of Somersworth, was chosen Presi- dent of the Convention, and Ebenezer Thompson, Esq., Clerk. The Convention, "voted unanimously that Col. Nathaniel Fol- som, Esq., be desired immediately to the chief command of the troops who have gone or may go from this Government to as- sist our suffering brethren in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, who are now opposing the hostile violence of the Regular Troops there, and to order for the troops that may be under his command from time to time, all necessary supplies, and to transmit to us the earliest accounts thereof, and what may be thought further necessary for support of the common cause." They also appointed Josiah Bartlett and Theophilus Gilman, Esqrs., a Committee to proceed "immediately to Concord, or where the Congress of Massachusetts Province may be sitting, to consult with them what quota of men will be necessary for this province to provide, and such measures as may be thought expedient at this critical juncture, and make report to this con- vention as soon as may be."
The convention then adjourned to the 25th instant, to wait the report of their committee, and the accession of members.
When the Convention met on the 25th inst. the number of members was increased to one hundred and nine. The Hon. John Wentworth being absent by reason of sickness, Hon. Meshech Weare, was chosen President pro tempore. A letter having been received from the Congress of Massachusetts, the following answer was sent to that body by a special committee appointed for that purpose.
" Upon the receipt of your letter, intelligence of the tragical scene which hath lately been acted in your Colony by the Reg- ular Troops, had pierced the ears of the inhabitants of this, upon which many of our men fired with zeal in the common cause, and resentment at the inhumane cruelty and savage barbarity of the action, instantly flew to your assistance, and vast num- bers more on their march were stopt, npon hearing they ewer not needed.
421
GOV. WENTWORTH AND ASSEMBLY.
The Provincial Committee upon the alarm, immediately called a special Convention of Delegates from the nearest towns, to consult with the Committee what was then absolutely necessa- ry to be done upon that pressing occasion. In consequence of which the convention met.
Previous to this our Provincial Committee upon application to them from a Committee of your body, had notified the res- pective towns in this province to choose and empower dele- gates to meet at Exeter, on the 17th of May next, to deliber- ate upon the important and momentous objects proposed by your Congress, for the consideration and concurrence of ours. At which the important matters recommended will naturally come under mature deliberation of our Congress, and no doubt they will readily concur and co-operate with their brethren in New England, in all such measures as shall be thought best for the common safety. But this body though heartily willing to contribute in every advisable method to your aid, and for the common safety, judge it not expedient now to determine upon the establishment of an army of observation, as the towns in this Government are not generally represented.
But it is recommended in the mean time to the towns in this Colony, to supply the men gone from it with provissions and other necessaries if their continuance shall be thought necessa- ry ; from the spirit of the inhabitants you may expect their aid, should any emergency require it.
We most fervently wish you the blessing and direction of Heaven in all your deliberations, and God Almighty who pro- tected our pious Ancestors, amid ten thonsand dangers, pre- serve New England from the horrors and desolations of a civil war.
By order of the Convention."
After voting to recommend to the several towns in the Prov- ince "to provide their proportion of £500 L. M. worth of bis- cuit, flour and pork," * * * * "for the public use upon ur- gent necessity," and that they "engage as many men in each town as they think fit, to be properly equipt and ready to march at a minute's warning on any emergency." this convention adjourned to the 2d day of May, when having met, and re- ceived a favorable report from the Committe which had visited the Congress of Massachusetts, they voted not to discourage persons from being enlisted in this province, "in the Massachu- setts service in the present emergency," raised a Committe of correspondence to correspond with the Committees of other
422
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
Colonies' "as to matters concerning the public safety," raising forces, &c., and soon after adjourned, sine die.
Governor Wentworth was no idle spectator of these open movements, and saw at once the rising of a power above the royal prerogatives. In fact the royal power of the Province had passed from the Royal Assembly, to the Convention of the people. And although the Convention at Exeter was called upon the spur of the moment, it was evident from their pro- ceedings, that the people had taken the power into their own hands, and would use it.
Such being the state of things, the Governor thought only of conciliatory measures, and in his speech to the Assembly on the 5th of May, made use of the following language ;
"We cannot but view with inexpressible concern, the alarm- ing pitch to which the unfortunate dispute between Great Brit- ain and her Co'onies is daily advancing ; a matter of such mo- mentous nature fills every human mind with the greatest anx- iety and affliction, and wherein this Province is unhappily in- volved, cannot, I presume, fall of engaging your most serious attention ; it is therefore my duty in such a critical and impor- tant moment to call, in the most earnest and solemn manner up- on you, gentlemen, who are the only constitutional and legal representatives of the people, to direct your counsels to such measures as may tend to secure their peace and safety. On the wisdom, candor, and moderation of your deliberations, it will greatly depend to avert the calam ties that must naturally attend a continuance of this unhappy contest, and I trust your conduct will be guided by such principles as shall effectually lead to the restoration of the public tranquility, and a per- fect re establishment of an affectionate reconciliation with our Mother Country, upon a solid, equitable, and permanent foun- dation."
The House appointed a committee to wait upon the Govern- or and request an adjournment.
"On Saturday the 6th, his Excellency sent the following message to the house of Representatives.
Mr. Speaker and gentlemen of the Assembly.
The Speaker, Mr. Giddinge and Mr. Langdon, three of your members, came to me last evening as a committee from the House, desiring a short adjournment. I am always disposed to show every indulgent regard in my power to the wishes of
423
GOV. WENTWORTH AND ASSEMBLY.
the House, but when I consider what uneasiness prevails at present among your constituents, of which I dare say you are not insensible, and that they must look to your Councils for re- lief, from their fears and jealousies, I think it my duty to rec- ommend to you to consider the matter, and if you should be of opinion that you will better consult the interest of your constituents by continuing to sit, I doubt not but your own private concerns will give way to the public welfare.
J. WENTWORTH. Council Chamber, May 6, 1775.
THE HOUSE'S ANSWER.
May it please your Excellency.
In answer to your Message of this day, in consequence of a verbal message to your Excellency from the House last even- ing by the Speaker, Mr. Giddinge and Mr. Langdon, requesting a short adjournment. We would observe that we think it not · only very necessary for our private interest at this particular season of the year, but espe ially for the interest of the Pro- vince generaly at this alarming crisis, that this House should be adjourned to some time early in June next, in order that we may in the mean time have au opportunity of fully consulting our constituents, respecting ths several weighty matters, ne- cessary to be considered by the House the present Session.
In the House of representatives, May 6th, 1775.
Voted, That the foregoing be presented to His Excellency, as an answer to his message of this day.
J. WENTWORTH, Speaker.
"HIS EXCELLENCY'S ANSWER.
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Assembly.
In consequence of your representation to me in your answer to my message of this day's date, that it will be expedient for you, as well for the accommodation of your own private af- fairs, as to give you an opportunity of consulting your constit- uents, on the matters necessary to be considered by you in the present Session, that the House should be adjonrned for a short time.
I have thought fit to aljourn the General Assembly, and they are accordingly adjourned to Monday the 12th day o June next, at ten o'clock in the morning ; then to meet at th
424
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
State House in Portsmouth, for the dispatch of the public business.
J. WENTWORTH.
Council Chamber, May, 6th, 1775."
The members of the House, asked this adjournment from motives of policy, rather than from a desire to attend to their private affairs, of this the Governor was doubtless well aware, and hence his disinclination to comply with their wishes. But as he had determined upon conciliation, he yielded to their request with the best grace he could assume.
The reason for asking for an adjournment on the part of the members, was that a convention was to be holden at Exeter on the 17th instant, in which the people of all sections of the State, were to be represented, and the House wished to learn the action of this Convention, and to receive its instructions, upon certain subjects most likely to come before them.
Meantime, the excitement in the public mind was kept up by the injudicious conduct of Capt. Barclay, who commanded the ship of war Scarborough, which had been sent down from Boston to dismantle Fort William and Mary, and which still remained in Piscataqua Harbor.
He seized upon two vessels coming into the harbor laden with provissions, and sent them to Boston for the use of the British troops.
The people remonstrated, and Governor Wentworth advised their return, but in vain. By way of retaliation, a body of arm- ed citizens went upon Great Island, and dismantled a battery at Jerry's Point, bringing off twenty eight peices of cannon of large calibre.
Capt. Barclay continued his seizures, and would not permit boats to pass up the river with fresh fish to supply the market. Upon this it was determined to stop the boats of the Scarbor- ough from passing up the river. Accordingly, Capt. Thomas Pickering, (he who led the attack upon Fort William and Mary and afterwards perished on board the Hamnden, in the hour of victory,) with a party, stationed themselves upon Union Wharf, and fired upon the barge of the Scarborough, as · it passed up the river, wounding some of the soldiers on board. Barclay was loud in his threats of retaliation, and the people in town meeting voted a disapproval of the act. A few days afterwards the same barge was found near the "Mill Dam Bridge," upon Pickering's premises, and in company with a party of "sons of liberty," he fastened a team of horses to it, and drew it through
425
ANOTHER CONVENTION.
the streets of Portsmohth followed by throngs of people, filling the air with shouts. The Barge was thus drawn through the streets until its keel was worn off, when it was put in the town pound for safe keeping ! Such open contempt of British power appalled the loyalists, while the Patriots became still more sanguine and elated.
The Convention called at Exeter on the 17th of May, was looked forward to with the greatest interest, as it in reality was to take the place of the Provincial Assembly. Much pains had been taken to have a full representation of the towns in the Province. For this purpose circulars had been sent to all the towns, of which the following is a copy,
"Province of New Hampshire. S To the Selectmen of
Gentlemen, as we are appointed by the late Provintial Convention a committee to call another whenever the Exegency of public affairs might require it, the late intelli- gence of the alarming measures propounded to be pursued against the American Colonies, in our opinion render it necessa- ry that there should be a Convention of Deputies from the sev- eral towns in this Government held at Exeter the 17th day of May next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. which when met, should be fully impowered and authorized to'adopt and pursue such meas- ures as may be judged most expedient to preserve and restore the rights of this and the other Colonies, and that such Depu- ties should be impowered to act in behalf of themselves and their Constituents for six months, if they should judge the same necessary, and adjourn as occasion may require.
By order of the Committee,
J. Wentworth, Chairman.
On the 4th of May, 1775, the warrant of the Selectmen of Derryfield was issued calling a town meeting on the 15th in- stant to act upon the following articles ;
"lly to Choose a Moderator to Regulate said meeting."
"2ly to see if the town will Choose a Delegate or Delegates to join the Delegates from the several towns in this Govern- ment, held at Exeter the 17th of May Enstant."
"3ly to see if the town will provide a Stock of Ammuni- ticn."
426
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
"Aly to see if the town will Consult on measures for our Safety."
At the meeting on the 15th instant it was,
"Voted on the 2 article not to send a man to Exeter on ye 17th day of May."
"Voted to dismiss the third article."
"Voted Capt. Alexander Mc Murphy, Lieut. James McCally, Ensign Samnel Moors, Ebenezer Stevens,' John Pirham, a Committee in Behalf of us."
This Committee was a kind of "Committee of Safety" for the town, and was the first one chosen.
It is probable that the vote on the 2d article, was dictated by the same policy of that of the loth of January preceding, fear of incurring expense and the proximity of a County Congress. For on the same day a Committee issued a call for a County Congress to be held at Amherst on the 24th of May. A mere fragment of a circular of this Committee has been preesrved, but this is sufficient to show the object of the Congress, and is as follows ;
"God forbid. Let every Brest swell with disdain at the Im- pious thought.
The British Troops have invaded every sacred Right of Na- ture. Then let us defend them as long as we have life : And we believe the great God that Gave them to us will look down with gracious Approbation and Canse us and our Posterity to Rejoice in his Salvation. And while we are vigorously Defend- ing ourselves against the Attacks of the British Troops, it is · expedient and equally necessary to give due attention to our internal Policy in this country.
Stimulated by these reflections, we have Thought proper by and with the Advice of a Number of respectable Men in Am- herst, to appoint a County Congress. Accordingly Wednesday the Twenty-fourth day of this instant May at eleven of the clock in the forenoon at the Cort Honse in said Amherst, is ap- pointed for that purpose to consider and determine upon the following Particulars ; (viz.)
FIRST. "To see if the Congress will appoint a Committee of Corrispondence to wait upon or join with the Congress in the Province of Massachuseets Bay.
427
COUNTY CONGRESS.
SECONDLY. To go into some measures for the better Secur- ity of the internal Polity of this County to prevent dechuing into a state of Nature.
THIRDLY. To enforce a strict Adherence to the Association of the late Continental Congress.
It is Desired that you send your Delegates and with them a certificate of their appointment.
. Gentlemen we are your
hble Servt's.
DAN'L CAMPBELL, ? Committee for calling JON'A MARTIN, a Congress. May, 13th A. D. 1775*
The Congress met on the 24th of May at Amherst and pro- ceeded to take measures for the "better security of the internal polity of the Country." Among other measures, a Committee was chosen to take possession of the Jail, and the Congress ad- journed to the 4th day July.
Capt. John Stark had been chosen to the Congress from this town, but being absent at Cambridge, the town was not repre- sented It was thought neccesary, that the town should be represented either in the Provincial or Country Congress and accordingly, on the 27th day of June, 1775, the selectmen is- sued their warrant notifying the inhabitants to meet in town- meeting the same day, and among other things,
"2ly to See if they will Vote to send a delegate or delegates to the Provincial or County Congress, or Either of them.
3ly to see if the town will provide any Amunition.
6ly to Act and doe any other thing that Releates to ouer pre- sent Safety In Defence of our Libertays."
And on the same day, June, 27, it was
"Voted to send one delegate to the County Congress,-John Harve.
Voted to dismiss the third article.
Voted to Chuese five Men a Committee of Scafety In e-
*Th or ginal is in the hands of Charies Richardson, Esq .. of this city and was found among th- pipers of John Bell, E-q, of Bedford, deceased, who was one of the Selectmen of that town in that y ar.
428
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
half of the town agreabeal to the order of the Provincial Con- gress."
Voted, John Harve, Levt. James Mc Caley, Samuel Boyd, Esign Samuel Moors, and John Hall, Countrymen."
This was the first Committee of Safety in the town under the authority of the Provincial Congress.
On the 4th day of July, the County Congress met at Amherst according to their adjournment. Mr. John Harvey doubtless was in attendence from this town. The keys of the Jail were duly given into the care of the Congress by the committee.
They then chose various Committees,-one consisting of men in each town to "judge the tories," and another to exercise the powers of Justices of the Peace within the County. They also established a Court of Justice to be held at Amherst at sta- ted periods. Of this Court Hon. Timothy Farrar was a Justice and "held Court" at Amherst during the summer of 1775 by vir- tue of authority of this Congress. After making the neccessary arrangements for "securing the internal polity of the County," the Congres adjourned.
Thus the County of Hillsborough took the initiative in form- ing a government for the protection of its people. This sys- tem was kept in operation till the formation of the State gov- ernment in January following.
It is highly probable that at this Congress, and at a similar one held at Keene for the County of Cheshire, about the same time, that some proposition was made for co-operating with the people of Massachusetts, in the struggle already commenced at Lexington. And hence it was, that upon the arrival of Capt John Stark from Hillsborough County and Capt. Reid from Cheshire County, at Cambridge on the 21st of April, with vol- unteers from their Counties, that both of those gentlemen were commissioned as Colonels in the Massachusetts line, thus to con- tinue unless they were adopted by New Hampshire. They were adopted and commissioned by New Hampshire ; but the fact that they had taken commissions under Massachusetts, was a source of trouble to them through their military career.
On the 17th of May, the Convention assembled at Exeter. One hundred and thirty-three delegates were present, a more full and equal representation of the Province, than had ever as- sembled, many of the leading members being members of the Assembly. Hon. John Wentworth, Speaker of the House, was
429
GOV. WENTWORTH AND ASSEMBLY.
chosen President of the Convention, and Ebenezer Thompson, Secretary.
The greatest enthusiasm and unanimity prevailed in the Con- vention. They forthwith adopted the most effective meas- ures. On the 20th of May, they voted to raise a force of 2000 men, and to adopt those already in the field. On the 23d they organized this force into a Brigade to consist of three Regiments ; appointed Capt. Nathaniel Folsom to its com- mand. as Brigadier General, and appointed James Reed and Enoch Poor, Colonels of two of the Regiments. They also appointed a Committee of supplies for the army, and a "Com- mittee of Safety" which was the supreme executive of the Province. Various other matters were transacted; but the most important in their bearing as being in the very face and eyes of the existing government, were the passing a vote of thanks to those engaged in attacking and dismantling the Forts on the Piscataqua, and the instructing by resolution the mem- bers of the House of Representatives, to expel the new mem- bers from Lyme, Orford, and Plymouth.
These were bold measures, and were dictated and carried out by a spirit that would not brook British oppression, and dared to defy British power.
The loyalists became alarmed, associated for their defence, and the Governor made arrangements with Capt. Barclay, and the officer of the Fort, for the assistance of a detachment of marines from the Scarborough, and of soldiers from Fort William and Mary.
Such measures did not intimidate the patriots in the least ; they were strong in numbers, and had as leaders, men wise in council, and who had seen service at Louisburg and Lake George ; beside by provident acts, they were well supplied with powder, muskets ond cannon.
In this posture of affairs, the Assembly commenced its ad- journed session, and Governor Wentworth pressed upon their attention, "Lord North's conciliatory proposition." But they would attend to no public business, until in obedience to the instructions of the Convention, they had purged the House. Accordingly their first act was to expel the members from Lyme, Orford, and Plymouth. Their expulsion produced the greatest excitement. The loyalists boasted of what the troops from the Fort and the Scarborough would do, and the patriots returned the boast by telling them that the Indian fighters of
32
430
THE HISTORY OF MANCHESTER.
the back woods were in town, and ready to repel the attacks of any forces the Governor could bring against them.
Col. Fenton, the expelled member from Plymonth, was par- ticularly boastful, and expressing himself in the most decided terms of reproach and disrespect of the measures of the patri- ots, and of the patriots themselves, the populace became en- raged, surrounded his lodgings, determined to deal with him according to his deserts. Fenton, affrighted at their determi- nation and rage, effected his escape from the house, and took refuge in the house of the Governor, for protection. The peo- ple surrounded the house, and demanded him of the Governor, but he refused to deliver him up. At length, becoming exasper- ated, they planted a cannon in front of the Governor's house, and gave him five minutes to produce Fenton, threatening to fire upon the house, if he was not forth coming at the expira- tion of that time. A long nine pounder that had thundered at Louisburg, now in the hands of the enraged populace, with the gunner swinging his lintstock, ready for action, was a most persuasive advocate on this occasion, and the discomfitted tory member, was surrendered to the populace, who exhibited their regard for justice, by sending him to Exeter for trial before the Committee of Safety.
This scene satisfied Governor Wentworth that his influence was at an end in New Hampshire, and affecting to believe it a personal insult to himself, he forthwith took refuge in the Fort. Having deserted his house, the furniture, books, &c., were des- troyed, or carried away, in spite of the remonstrances of those disposed to good order. A like calamity befel the governor's country seat at Wolfborough. To restrain such disorderly pro- ceedings, required the utmost vigilance and discretion on the part of the patriot leaders, and it bespeaks a people disposed to good order, that in the absence of all legal restraint, amid so much of political excitement and rancour, this was the only instance during the Revolution in New Hampshire, where the property of the loyalists was injured.
Upon the expulsion of Green, Morey and Fenton, Governor Wentworth adjourned the assembly to the eleventh of July, and upon their meeting at that time, he sent a message from Fort William and Mary, adjourning the Assembly to the twenty-eighth of September. The Governor stayed at the Fort until the same was completely dismantled, and the can- non removed on board the British ships, and then sailed for Boston. Prior to the time of the adjourned session in Septem- ber, he came to the Isles of Shoals, and issued his proclama-
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.