USA > New Hampshire > Carroll County > Wolfeborough > History of Wolfeborough (New Hampshire) > Part 6
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We cannot help mentioning as a peculiar happiness of the people un- der your excellency's charge, that your ears have always been open to their voice. The easy access they have gained and the polite reception they have met with from you, has afforded them the means of communi- cating and your excellency of receiving all necessary information of their wishes and their wants.
We have been excited to make this address to your excellency as a testimonial of our sense of your benign administration, and as an evi- dence of our opinion of any suggestions that may have been made to the predjudice of your excellency in these respects, and to assure you of our loyality to the king, and of our affection to your person."
This address was signed by the town clerk of Londonderry, and was probably a fair expression of the attitude of the people of New Hampshire towards Governor Wentworth at the time of its writing, 1773. It is evident that the Livius episode did not disparage him either with his sovereign or subjects.
In the earlier stages of the controversy between the home government and the provinces, Governor Wentworth counseled moderation and loyalty to the King of England, of whom per-
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sonally there was little complaint, and by his cautious words and guarded strategy endeavored to prevent the occurrence of events that might be hazardous to the quiet of the community. Loyalty to his government would, of course, require of him the enforce- ments of its enactments, while aggressive laws would justify resistance on the part of the people; hence although there might exist between the governor and citizens personal friendships, there would also be political antagonisms. The inhabitants of New Hampshire were as determined in their opposition to the aggressions of the British government as were those of any other province, but the kindly feeling generally existing between the governor and people had a tendency to prevent violent out- breaks. The frequent occurrence of exasperating events, however, increased estrangement, and a rupture was unavoidable.
The first overt act which led to the departure of Governor Wentworth from New Hampshire occurred early in June, 1775. Colonel John Fenton, who had been elected to a seat in the pro- vincial assembly by the citizens of Plymouth, but who had not been allowed to take that seat on account of an alleged infor- mality in the election, was charged with hostility to the American cause. So great was the excitement among the people, that he feared assault, and fled to the governor's house for protection. Here is an account of the affair as given by the governor himself in a letter to General Gage, of Massachusetts, dated June 15, 1775 :-
"The spirit of outrage runs so high that on Tuesday last my house was beset by great bodies of armed men who proceeded to such length of violence as to bring a cannon directly before my house, and point it at my door, threatening fire and distruction, unless Mr. Fenton (a member of the Assembly then sitting) who happened to call upon me, and against whom they had taken up such resentment as occasioned him some days to retire on board a man-of-war in the Harbour out of their way, should instantly deliver himself up to them; and notwithstanding every effort to procure effectual resistance to disperse the multitude, Mr. Fenton was obliged to surrender himself, and they have carried him to Exeter about fifteen miles from Portsmouth, where he is, as I am informed, kept in confinement.
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Seeing every idea of the respect due to his Majesty's Commission so far lost in the frantic rage and fury of the people as to find them to proceed to such daring violence against the person of his Representative, I found myself under the necessity of immediately withdrawing to Fort William and Mary, Both to prevent as much as may be a Repetition of the like insults and to provide for my own security.
I think it exceedingly for the King's service to remain as long as possible at the Fort, where I now am with my Family in a small incom- modious house without any other prospect of safety, if the prevailing madness of the people should follow me hither, than the hope of retreat- ing on board his Majesty's ship Scarborough; if it should be in my pow- er. This fort, although containing upwards of sixty pieces Cannon, is without men or ammunition."
The governor writes again under date of June 19 :-
"Besides the inconvenience of being crowded into this miserable house, confined for room and neither wind or water tight, I am inevitably ob- liged to incur some extra expense for my safety and existence even here. Being of necessity compelled to make some small repairs to make it hab- itable, and to employ six men as watches to prevent my being surprised, and made prisoner. These, with my three servants, and Mr. Benning Wentworth, and Captain Cochran are divided into three guards of four hours each; by which means I have some security of getting on board the Scarborough. The six men are at the expence of Twelve dollars per month each, including their dieting, allowance of Rum, &c .; under which expence no trusty man can possibly be had for so unpopular a service in this time of general opposition to Government."
Governor Wentworth still continued to hold official relation with the province through its secretary, Hon. Theodore Atkin- son, and there was considerable correspondence between them in relation to various matters. Here follows a copy of a letter from Wentworth to Atkinson :-
Fort William & Mary, 17th August 1775.
Sir-
I desire that you will summon the Council to meet here this after- noon at 4 o'clock, if possible, if not' at nine o'clock to morrow morning without fail, having occasion to lay some matters concerning his Majes-
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ty's service before them for their consideration and advice. Please to send me an answer as soon as may be.
I am, Sir, your most obedient Humble Servant J' Wentworth.
The Honorable Theodore Atkinson, Esq.
It is doubtful if the council had a meeting, but here is a copy of Atkinson's reply :-
Portsmouth, August 17, 1775 half after 4 o'clock, P. M.
Sir-I this Inst. received your Excellency's Command, of this Day, but too late to Summon the Council to attend your Excellency at Fort Wm. and Mary but shall endeavor to do it so as to attend on your Ex- cellency on the morrow as you order.
I am your Excellency's most obedient Humble Servant. A-
Another letter from Wentworth to Atkinson :-
Fort William & Mary, August 23, 1775.
Sir-
I find it necessary to go to sea for a few days, and I must desire that in the mean time you will use your best endeavors to preserve peace and quietness as much as possible. I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant.
J' Wentworth.
Honorable Theodore Atkinson, Esq.
The reply :-
Portsmouth, August 29, 1775.
Sir-I received your Excellency's favour of the 23rd, and shall use every method to preserve the peace of town and land. I hope it will not be long ere your return.
I have been importuned to write a few lines to the Commander of his Majesty's guard ship at Nantasket, in favor of Mr. Hale appearing for the freighter of the ship Elizabeth. A copy you have enclosed.
Your Excellency's most obliged and most obedient humble servant,
Theodore Atkinson.
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Here is a copy of the letter from Governor Wentworth, ad- dressed to Secretary Atkinson, accompanying the proclamation by which he prorogued the general assembly of New Hamp- shire :---
Gosport, September 21, 1775.
Sir-
Being just arrived at the Shoals, and pressed for time, I can only de- sire that the Enclosed Proclamation for Prorogueing the General Court to the 24th of April next, may be forthwith published and made effectual to its intent. Mr. King will transmit me the copy of Captain Gamble's Patent properly countersigned.
I am, in haste, dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant.
Honorable Theodore Atkinson, Esq.
J' Wentworth.
The following is the proclamation :-
Province of New Hampshire-By the Governor.
A Proclamation.
Whereas, the General Assembly is now under adjournment to Thurs- day, the 28th Instant, and it appearing to me no way conducive to his Majesty's service or the welfare of the Province, that the Assembly should meet on that day, but that it is expedient to prorogue them to a farther time, I therefore thought fit to issue this Proclamation, prorogue- ing the meeting of the General Assembly to be held at Portsmouth on the 28th of September instant, to the 24th of April next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon; and the General Assembly is hereby prorogued according- ly, to that time, then to meet at the Court House at Portsmouth afore- said; and hereof all persons concerned are to take notice and Govern themselves accordingly.
Given at Gosport, the 21st day of September, in the fifteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, George the Third, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. and in the year of our Lord Christ, 1775.
By his Excellency's Command, J' Wentworth.
Theodore Atkinson, Secretary.
The issuing of this proclamation was the last official act of Governor Wentworth's administration. Never again did he set foot within the province of New Hampshire. It appears, however,
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from letters which he wrote that he continued to remain in this country two years or more after hostilities commenced, expecting the subjugation of the colonies and consequently a return to his former government. From Nantasket Road, under date of March 18, 1776, he writes to the Earl of Dartmouth, "On the withdrawing of the troops from Boston I have taken a vessel for my removal to whatever place the Fleet and Army shall go to, and purpose to remain under its protection." He next writes from Halifax, April 10, 1776; then from Long Island, November 5, 1776; from New York, January 6, 1777; from Flat Bush (Long Island), January 17, 1777, he writes to his sister; again, February 3, 1777, from the same place he writes to the Secretary of the Treasury ( Eng- land) thanking him for a grant of five hundred pounds a year ; and in a letter dated London, May 15, 1778, he says he sailed for England, February 7, 1778, and resides in London.
The departure of Governor Wentworth from New Hampshire was in striking contrast to his triumphal entrance as chief magis- trate of that province. He was compelled to leave the land of his nativity, the home of his dearest and most constant friends, the scenes of his brief official career, the estate where he hoped to illustrate the profits of agriculture and the pleasures of rural life, and the province which he so much loved, just beginning to give evidences of an approaching vigorous prosperity,-to become literally a wanderer. And this had occurred through no fault of his or the people whom he had governed. Such are at times the inexorable mutations of human life. The departure from New Hampshire is thus announced to the provincial congress, sitting at Exeter :-
Portsmouth, Aug. 25, 1775.
Sir:
We beg leave to inform the Honorable Provincial Congress that yes- terday his Majesty's ships, Scarborough and Canso, sailed from this Har- bour, 'tis said, for Boston, with Governor Wentworth and his family on board.
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I am, by order of the committee of safety, Sir, your most Humble Servant,
H. Wentworth, chairman.
To the Honorable, the President of the Provincial Congress.
In 1792 Governor Wentworth was appointed lieutenant-gov- ernor of Nova Scotia. He resided in Halifax, where he died April 8, 1820, aged eighty-three years.
CHAPTER VI.
SKETCH OF DR. AMMI RUHAMAII CUTTER-A NOTABLE FIGURE IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE TOWN-OTHER PROPRIE- TORS-JUDGE DAVID SEWALL.
N TO person not a resident of the town of Wolfeborough, except Governor Wentworth, sustained so intimate relations with it as did Dr. Ammi Ruhamah Cutter, and therefore it is fitting that a somewhat extended notice of him should be given.
Dr. Cutter was the eldest child of the Rev. Ammi Ruhamah Cutter. He was born at North Yarmouth, Mass. (now Maine), March 15, 1735. At the age of twelve years, accompanied by a servant, he rode on horseback, mostly through a wilderness, one hundred and fifty miles to Cambridge. After a year's preparatory discipline, he entered Harvard College, and graduated with honor in 1752, being seventeen years old, and began the study of medi- cine with Dr. Clement Jackson of Portsmouth, N. H. He was induced to select this town to pursue his medical studies on ac- count of pleasant companionships formed at Harvard with young men from that place. Among his most intimate friends was John Wentworth, afterwards Governor of the Province of New Hamp- shire. He was soon after admitted to practice, and was appointed surgeon of a body of rangers which formed a part of the army on
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the frontiers in the war with the Indians in 1765. He remained with the army until the spring of 1768, when he was attacked with small pox. On his recovery from this, he returned to Portsmouth. In 1758 he married, and entered on the practice of medicine in Portsmouth, where he was eminently successful. He was urged to enter the army again, but declined.
The friendship between Dr. Cutter and Governor Wentworth commenced in youth and ripened with the increase of years, al- though on the great questions soon agitating the country they differed. The Governor offered him a commission as counsellor, which he declined. Here is a copy of his reply :-
"May it please your Excellency,-the unexpected honor you have done me in recommending me to a seat in his Majesty's Council for this Prov- ince, and my Appointment in Consequence, demand my grateful Ac- knowledgements, but at the same time I beg leave to inform your Excel- lency, that the necessary attention to my Profession as a Physician, and the present unhappy Controversy between the Parent State and the Colo- nies, are the Reasons that oblige me to excuse myself from accepting the Honorary Appointment intended me.
I am, with the greatest Respect, Your Excellency's Most Obedient Servant."
In joining the Whigs, therefore, against the Governor, which Dr. Cutter did early and decidedly, he had to make a sacrifice of private feelings on the altar of patriotism which fell not to the lot of all. Their friendly intercourse was not interrupted, how- ever, by difference of political opinions, for after the Governor had been compelled to take refuge on board the ship-of-war near the fort, he sent a pressing request to Dr. Cutter to give him an- other meeting. It was their last interview, as the Governor soon after left the harbor never again to return, and Dr. Cutter was probably the last New Hampshire gentleman whom he had an opportunity of seeing within the limits of the republic. Forty years afterward, when a gentleman from Portsmouth happened to see Sir John at Halifax, Nova Scotia, when he was Governor of
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that province, the first question he asked, after the usual saluta- tion, was as to the welfare of his early friend.
In the beginning of the year 1777 Congress resolved to re- organize the medical department, and Dr. Cutter was called upon to give his time and his services to his country in her hour of need. He had then a family of ten small children and an exten- sive and lucrative range of practice, but in those days no man felt at liberty to choose between the service of his country and his own convenience. The post offered to him was that of Physician General of the eastern department, and his station was to be at Fishkill, on the North River. The following extract of a letter from General Whipple, one of the signers of the Declara- tion of Independence, will show the nature of this appointment, and serve to exhibit the high estimation in which Dr. Cutter was held. It is dated at Philadelphia, April 15, 1777.
"The army now forming will, I hope, under Heaven, free America from the calamities of a destructive war. The scenes of horror and dis- tress, occasioned by some mismanagement in the medical department last year, were real shocking to humanity. Congress being sensible of this, and determined to remedy the evil, if possible, have formed a plan on the most liberal principles with a design, if possible, to draw into the service of their country gentlemen of the first eminence from different parts of the continent, many of whom have already engaged. Your hu- manity and firm attachment to the most glorious cause that ever man- kind was engaged in, will, I flatter myself, induce you to forego the pleasure of domestic happiness for a time, as you will thereby render a most essential service to your country. I hope, therefore, soon to have the pleasure of hearing your acceptance of the trust, and of your arrival at the hospital, which for the department in which you are placed will be at some convenient place on the eastern side of the Hudson River."
Dr. Cutter remained at Fishkill most of the year and until the beginning of the next, when the circumstances of his family com- pelled him to resign his office. He gladly returned to his family and the business of his profession.
Dr. Cutter had no taste or time for political life, and held no civil office except a seat in the convention that framed the Con-
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stitution of the State of New Hampshire. Before and after the Revolution he allied himself with those political organizations that entertained the most liberal views. Foregoing pages have given something of his history as connected with the town of Wolfe- borough. He died suddenly on the eighth of December, A. D. 1820, aged eighty-five years. His old and constant friend, Gov- ernor Wentworth, died the same year. A son, Nathaniel, spent the latter part of his life in Wolfeborough. His remains were in- terred in the Wolfeborough cemetery.
It may not be out of place to give in this connection brief sketches of the proprietors. Few of these men became settlers, it is true, but it is largely due to their enterprise that the town was settled at all, and there is little evidence that they profited greatly by their association with the new town.
Thomas Packer, a purchaser of Mason's Patent, was the sheriff of the Province of New Hampshire who executed Ruth Blay in December, 1768. He is represented as an upright man, faithful but rigidly severe in the discharge of his duties.
Theodore Atkinson was the largest owner of the Masonian claim, having purchased one-fifth. He was educated at Harvard College, graduating in 1718. Soon after he was made a lieutenant and in 1720 clerk of the court of common pleas. For many years he commanded the first regiment of militia in the province. He held the offices of collector of customs, naval officer, and sheriff, in 1734 was admitted to a seat in the Council, in 174I was appointed secretary of the province, in 1754 was a delegate to the Congress that met at Albany, and was afterwards a justice of the superior court. He died in 1779.
Mark H. Wentworth, father of Governor John Wentworth, was a merchant, and furnished large quantities of masts and spars for the British navy. His various business operations brought him a large fortune. He was one of the original purchasers of Mason's Patent, of which he owned two-fifteenths. A large claimant against the confiscated estate of his son, he generously withdrew
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his claim that other creditors might be paid in full. He was for many years a member of the Provincial Council. He died in 1785.
George Jaffrey was treasurer of the provisional Council for sev- eral years. He was for a long time clerk of the Masonian Pro- prietors, of whom he was one.
John Parker, second son of William Parker, Esq., was born in 1732. He was made sheriff of the province in 1771, and after the division into counties, was appointed sheriff of Rockingham County. When the federal government went into operation, he was appointed marshal of the district of New Hampshire. These offices he held until his death, which occurred in 1791. His de- scendants have played a prominent part in the history of this town.
Joshua Brackett was born in Greenland in 1733, and graduated at Harvard in 1752. He studied theology, and was for a time a preacher, but afterward took up the practice of medicine, in which he won great honor. In 1783 the Massachusetts Medical Society elected him an honorary member, in 1791 "he was complimented by his alma mater with a medical doctorate." The same year he was made first vice-president of the New Hampshire Medical So- ciety, and in 1793 succeeded Governor Bartlett as president. He laid the foundation of the society's medical library by a gift of one hundred and forty-three valuable books, and bestowed certain property valued at fifteen hundred dollars upon the University of Cambridge for a professorship in natural history and botany. He was appointed judge of the maritime court of the state at the be- ginning of the Revolution. He gave his nephew, John Brackett, one hundred acres of land out of his proprietor's lot, No. 11. His death occurred in 1802.
Daniel Pierce was characterized as being "affable, judicious, and sensible" and a friend to the poor. He usually acted as moderator at the proprietors' meetings. He held the offices of
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recorder of deeds and justice of the peace, and in 1766 was ap- pointed one of His Majesty's Council. He died in 1773.
David Sewall, after practicing law for a time in Portsmouth, moved to York County, Maine. He was afterwards judge of the United States Circuit Court. He frequently visited Wolfe- borough, being for many years joint owner with Dr. Cutter of the mills on Smith River. Sewall's Point, to which now leads Sewall Street, was named for the Judge. At his death he bequeathed to the public the landing, now covered with buildings and con- trolled by private individuals. This bequest is treated of else- where, at greater length.
William Parker, Jr., was probably a brother of John Parker and a son of William Parker, Esq., of Portsmouth. He died in 1813.
Jotham, John, Daniel, and Isaac Rindge were relatives of Gov- ernor Wentworth. Jotham appears to have had the care of the Governor's estate. He was authorized to call the first meeting of the inhabitants of Wolfeborough, and was appointed the first town clerk. Daniel was a member of the Provincial Council, be- ing appointed in 1776. Isaac was quite prominent. He aided in establishing the north-east boundary, and during the Gov- ernor's operation built a house here. As he was a loyalist, the Provincial Congress directed him, November 15, 1775, to remove himself to sonie place at least fifteen miles from Portsmouth and there to remain until he was granted leave to go abroad. This restriction was removed January 3, 1776. Wolfeborough was doubtless the place of his exile, as he was evidently here before and after the Governor's departure.
Thomas Wallingford was a native of Somersworth. He en- gaged in business and was very successful. By becoming a pur- chaser of the Mason Patent he acquired great landed interests in various parts of the province. He commanded a regiment of militia and was one of the judges of the superior court. He died in 1771.
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HISTORY OF WOLFEBOROUGH.
Jotham Odiorne was a member of the Council and a purchaser of Mason's Patent.
James Stoodley was a noted taverner in Portsmouth. His hotel on Daniel Street was burned in 1761, and rebuilt. His place was for years the usual resort for travelers from Boston to Maine.
Jonathan Warner married a cousin of Governor Wentworth and was a member of the Council previous to the Revolution. His tax in 1770 was exceeded in amount by only two persons.
George Meserve, Esq., of Portsmouth, is considered in a pre- ceding chapter.
CHAPTER VII.
THE GOVERNOR'S FARM-INNATE LOVE OF EARTH-INFLUENCE OF ENGLISH COUNTRY LIFE ON GOVERNOR WENTWORTH- LOCATION AND AREA OF THE FARM-THE MANSION- HOUSE AND SURROUNDINGS-HOW THE LAND WAS PRE- PARED-THE WALL-THE PARK-PROMOTION OF LOCAL INTERESTS-THE PISCATAQUA CANAL-ROADS TO CANADA -PURSUITS OF FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE- DR. DWIGHT'S CHARACTERIZATION-DEVELOPMENT OF THE GOVERNOR'S PLANS-HIS INTENTIONS-OCCUPATION OF THE NEW HOUSE-NEW HAMPSHIRE'S OLDEST WATER- ING PLACE-LEGENDARY LORE-THE GOVERNOR'S SLAVES -THE "HIGH GUST OF WIND"-DESCRIPTION OF THE MAN- SION IN 1770-THE GOVERNOR'S RETAINERS-WAR CLOUDS ARISE-HURRIED VISIT TO THE FARM-THE FINAL SCENES OF THE DRAMA.
M EN love the solid earth ; other possessions seem evanescent, but a portion of terra firma appears tangible and perma- nent. Thus it is that so many persons, on retiring from official po- sitions or active business life, are desirous of possessing real estate.
GOVERNOR WENTWORTH MANSION - RESTORED
-
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HISTORY OF WOLFEBOROUGH.
John Wentworth spent a portion of his early manhood in Eng- land. His family and social relations in America were such as to entitle him to a place in the higher ranks of society in the mother country, many of his friends being noblemen who pos- sessed baronial estates. He was charmed with their mode of liv- ing, and on returning to his native land, where there was ample opportunity to gratify a natural taste for agriculture, intensified by association and observation, it is not strange that he should have essayed to establish an extensive domain.
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