USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Hampton Falls > History of the town of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire : from the time of the first settlement within its borders, 1640 until 1900 > Part 25
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In 1827 the rifle company was formed in Hampton. They were handsomely uniformed and armed with rifles. The rifle company remained in existence until military musters were done away with. It was the choice company of the third regiment in personnel and appearance. A number of men from Hampton Falls were mem-
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bers of this company. Besides the Hampton Rifles were a com- pany called the South Hampton Rifles, composed of men from that town, a company of artillery, who were mostly from Hampton and North Hampton, also a company of cavalry from the several towns which was called the "Troop."
At first the gunhouse where the cannon was kept was on the com- mon between the schoolhouse and the highway leading to Exeter, the town having deeded land enough to the state to set the house upon. Afterward the gun was removed and kept at Hampton. The first was a three-pound gun; the later was a six-pounder and made of brass. At the beginning of the late war it was taken by the state and used in actual service.
From its central location, the regimental muster, or "great training," as it was called, was usually held in Hampton Falls. At one time it was held on the Dodge pasture, south of the hill school- house, the companies forming upon the common and marching from there to the muster-field; the common which was set apart for this purpose having been dug up and left in a condition which made it unfit to be used for the purpose for which it was originally designed. A number of times the muster was held upon the Toppan pasture, opposite the house where Arthur Chase now lives. Sometimes it has been held on the west side of the turnpike, back of where the Scotch settlement now is, and once near Gen. C. A. Nason's house. In the later years it was held upon the Brimner- pasture, so called, near where Joseph Brown now lives.
The regimental muster was the great event of the year. This was before the days of cattle shows, camp meetings, and reunions of various kinds which are now so common and so numerous as to occupy nearly the entire month of September. The muster was made to take the place which all these gatherings now occupy. The training was anticipated and looked forward to with a great deal of interest by both old and young as a day of pleasure and enjoyment. The boys carefully saved their money for weeks before to use upon that day, which was the great holiday of the year.
Early in the day the soldiers which compose the various com- panies began to assemble. Some of those who lived at a distance were compelled to take an early start, the drum and fife calling the companies to assemble without delay. The corporals and sergeants soon bring order out of chaos and each man finds his proper position. The adjutant, who is mounted, escorts each com-
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pany to its place in regimental line, the troop or cavalry on the ex- treme right, then the artillery, next the uniformed companies of infantry, then the companies of ununiformed infantry.
The regiment is formed in two parallel lines. The colonel and the other field officers take their positions in front. Then the adjutant gives the order, "Present arms." The infantry companies obey the order, and the colonel takes command of the regiment. The regimental standard is then escorted to the field by a company of infantry under the direction of the adjutant, after which the regiment is formed into a hollow square. The chaplain appears upon horseback and offers an appropriate prayer. The regiment is then brought again into line and various military exercises are performed under the direction of the colonel.
At about 10 o'clock the regiment is broken into companies for inspection. All the field officers dismount, and the boys are lucky who get a chance to take care of the horses while the inspection is in progress. The shillings and quarters which they receive for this service are found to be convenient to pay for candy, ginger- bread, and other things which they like to take home.
The brigade or division inspector, acompanied by an aid-de- camp, appears upon the field, mounted, and proceeds at once to make a thorough inspection of the arms and equipments of the regi- ment, beginning with the cavalry. He first rides around the com- pany and then critically examines every sword, pistol, and all the other equipments, one by one, and if any imperfections are discov- ered the aid-de-camp notes them in a book which he carries for the purpose, and the delinquent is doomed to pay a fine. After com- pleting the inspection of this arm of the service, the inspector and his aid dismount and next inspect the artillery. When the old cannon and all the old sabers and other accouterments of the mem- bers of the company have been examined, the various infantry companies are attended to. The privates stand in ranks a few feet apart, with their ramrods inserted loosely in the barrels of their guns. The inspector with great formality seizes each musket as it is presented to him and shakes it up and down vigorously to ascertain by the jingle which follows whether the barrel is clean or foul, and whether there is any ramrod at all. There were no breech-loaders in those days and the percussion cap had not been invented.
Every infantry man was required to furnish himself with a flint- lock musket, two spare flints, a priming wire and brush, the latter
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being necessary in case the aperture which connects the powder in the pan of the lock and the charge in the barrel became foul and obstructed. The guns which were known as kings' and queens' arms, with an occasional French gun, were the kinds commonly used, to which bayonets were attached. If the inspector succeeds in cock- ing the musket of ancient days, and in springing its lock without difficulty, no fault is found with it no matter how old or rusty it may have become. Many of the inspectors of those days after ex- amining a musket often returned it with a stiff arm and a sudden horizontal jerk which was liable to knock the owner down unless he was well on his guard.
At the close of an examination of a company some inspectors made an address to the captain, in the course of which they gave some account of their investigations. Sometimes they criticised severely, and sometimes praised without stint. In most cases they pointed out a very few imperfections, but were very careful to give credit where it was due. The following is a specimen of an ad- dress by an inspecting officer, made to the captain of each company:
Capt. Jones, I have very carefully inspected your company and am happy in being able to state, that with a very few slight exceptions, I have found that it is in excellent condition. Your company, sir, is an honor to the regiment and the State of New Hampshire. I sin- cerely hope and trust, sir, that all imperfections and deficiencies will be remedied before our next annual inspection.
Then, after making a very profound bow to the captain, the elo- quent official turns upon his heels with military precision and marches off with a majestic air to perform like service for another company, the scabbard of his sword dangling against his boots and spurs.
After the inspection the regiment is placed in readiness for a grand review. The brigadier or major-general and all the members of his staff, superbly mounted, appear upon the grounds and ride at a moderate pace around the regiment, which is formed in two parallel lines or battalions. The general, as he passes up and down the lines, carefully notes the appearance and bearing of the several companies. After performing this duty, the reviewing officers take a position opposite the center of the regiment, the general being posted three paces in advance of his subordinate officers.
When the review was about to take place at the musters, sixty years or more ago, all the bands of the several companies were con-
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solidated into one regimental band, under the direction of the drum- major.
Previous to 1820, the fife and the bass and tenor, or snare, drums were the principal instruments in use to make music at trainings. The eight or ten fifes and as many bass and snare drums in the hands of enthusiastic performers must have made a great deal of racket, if not the most charming music.
As the regiment, with the band at its head, marched before the general, each officer, as he passed, saluted him by bringing his sword in front, with the hilt on a level with his face, then bringing it to his right and extending it outward at an angle of forty-five degrees with the point nearly touching the ground, next by bringing it again in front, then to its place at the shoulder.
One of the attractive features of the muster was the splendid ap- pearance of the general and the members of his staff in their gay uniforms, which consisted of fine dark blue broadcloth coats trimmed with gold lace, buff breeches and vests, high-top boots, gold epaulets, and black beaver cocked hats with plumes of black ostrich feathers.
Their horses, which were the handsomest and most spirited that could be found in the region, were furnished with highly orna- mental bridles, breastplates, martingales, and saddles with leopard- skin housings. The uniforms of the regimental and brigade officers cost quite a sum of money, and there were some men who aspired to high military honors who could ill afford to make the outlay, and so it became a custom with men of this class to hire uniforms and horse equipments of officers who were able to own them.
The uniform of a colonel or a brigade staff officer which had been worn at a muster in one locality was very easily transported a dozen or more miles for the use of an officer at a muster of another regiment a few days later. When the officer who hired a uniform was some- where near the size of the owner, the economical scheme to shine in borrowed plumage worked well, but there were times when it could be seen at a glance that the clothes were not made for the wearer.
While the inspectors were progressing with their work the officers and privates were presented with the sum of thirty-five cents, by the selectmen of the towns to which they belonged, to purchase for themselves a dinner. At a later date the sum was increased to fifty cents. Each of the uniformed companies generally dined together and were feasted with roast beef, plum pudding, mince and apple pies with all the trimmings.
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Before the temperance reform was inaugurated, nearly all took a glass of good old West India or New England rum before they sat down to dinner. The general and his staff and the regimental offi- cers sometimes dined together at a tavern or at the residence of some prominent citizen.
The old-time musters were sure to attract a large number of ped- dlers of all sorts of goods, such as hats, jewelry, cutlery, patent medicines, books, pictures, etc., but none of the enterprising traders were better patronized than the venders of candy, gingerbread, and other sweetmeats, some of which was generally carried home to the children who were too small to go to the training. The ginger- bread sold at that time appears to have been different from that sold at present. Some of these peddlers sold their goods at auction, and their funny stories and comie songs greatly entertained the listen- ers. The things sold were cheap and often worthless articles. Many will remember Jacob Bartlett of Haverhill, who used to visit our muster and sell at auction and entertain the crowd in various ways. The writer, who saw him performing on the muster-field for the first time in not a very reverential manner, was greatly astonished a short time after to find him preaching in the Christian chapel on the Sabbath. The amount of capital, moral and intel- lectual, necessary for a ranting preacher is very small.
There was always a greater or less variety of shows at the muster. Sometimes a bear, a couple of wildcats, or a live rattlesnake could be seen for a few cents. Pugilists and wrestlers were generally on hand to try their luck and skill with others of the same character from other localities. There were men who danced on a platform, or on boards laid upon the ground, which attracted a crowd. These men obtained their revenue by "passing the hat." Gamblers and those who sold liquor were always in attendance. In 1827, the selectmen of Hampton Falls granted three licenses to sell spirit- uous liquors upon the training field. Public sentiment later did not countenance the open sale of liquor on these occasions, yet it was sold, more or less openly, as long as the muster continued. Mr. Brimner would not allow gambling or liquor selling upon his land when the muster was held there. Some of the adjoining land owners were not so serupulous, and gambling and liquor selling were in full blast in a neighboring field and always attended with an outbreak and serious trouble at some time during the day.
In 1844, when the last muster was held on the Dodge pasture, near the schoolhouse, a man who was selling liquor was arrested
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and taken to the house of Thayer S. Sanborn, where he was de- tained in the care of a keeper. His friends and other kindred spirits surrounded the house and demanded his release or they would demolish the house. Things became serious. The rifle company was detailed to guard the house and keep the rioters in check. The selection of the rifle company for this purpose was not a judicious one, as their arms were not provided with bayonets and from this cause they were at a disadvantage in defending them- selves. They were jostled and pushed about in a very uncere- monious manner by the rioters, nothing of a military nature being visible except the uniforms, which were not treated with respect.
This was continued until the Seabrook ununiformed infantry, 150 strong, commanded by Capt. John M. Weare and John Plum- mer Dow, came along the road. This company either in drill or dress did not bear much resemblance to the Roman army as de- scribed by Josephus, but they had determination in their walk and blood in their eyes. The rioters began jostling and pushing them as they had done the rifle company. The Seabrook men were ordered to fire upon them, which they did at short range with blank cartridges. Many of the rioters were badly burned, some of them receiving marks which they carried ever after. This contin- ued for a few minutes, when the crowd became possessed with the idea that the Seabrook men were men of blood, and killing men was a mere pastime with them. With this uppermost in their minds they ran down the road. In attempting to get on to a stage coach near Charles Gove's shop, so many in their haste got up on one side that it was overturned.
While the crowd was around Mr. Sanborn's house Dr. Sewell Brown, who was adjutant of the regiment, wished to go into the house. He entered the chamber window by climbing up on the outside without a ladder or anything of the kind to aid him, which was viewed with astonishment by the crowd.
In 1840 the legislature passed an act exempting persons who had conscientious scruples against bearing arms, from military duty, and also those between forty and forty-five. The military spirit, so far as holding musters was concerned. had abated. Many considered them, as conducted, immoral and disgraceful, and pro- ductive only of evil. In 1846 the representative from this town was instructed by a vote to use his best endeavor to abolish military musters in this state. The performance of military duty had
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become irksome to many, and all kinds of ruses were adopted to avoid it. In 1849 a number did not appear when warned, and the captain and orderly spent one or two days in unsuccessful attempts to arrest them.
In 1850 the legislature passed a law abolishing all parade duty, inspections, and reviews of all companies not raised by volunteer enlistments, and provided that uniformed companies might remain organized or become organized by the enlistment of persons who were of eighteen years and upwards of age. It was further enacted that instead of regimental reviews and inspections the several briga- dier-generals, subject to orders of the division-general, might order out their brigades for inspection and review.
In 1851 the legislature passed a law in effect that the militia of the state should not be required to perform any active duty except in case of war or insurrection.
The last military muster ever held in this town was a brigade muster, held Wednesday, September 18, 1850, which fully main- tained the exciting features of its predecessors. We are fortunate in being able to give an account which was written at the time by a correspondent who was on the ground and an eyewitness to the proceedings.
The First Brigade, First Division of New Hampshire Volunteers, mustered last Wednesday at Hampton Falls near Seabrook under com- mand of Brigadier General Nason. It was the first brigade muster that has been holden in this vicinity for many years, and it was com- posed entirely of uniformed companies. It of course drew together a large multitude of spectators, together with a very considerable force of gamblers and their associates. Thirteen companies and seven bands were on the field. Of the former the Rockingham Guards of Portsmouth under the command of Capt. Beck, and the Portsmouth Greys commanded by Capt. Geo. W. Towle, were deservedly regarded with admiration by all present. The Exeter Light Guards under Capt. Tuck, and the Rifle Guards under Capt. Gordon, were present with nearly full ranks, and their appearance was in every respect soldier- like and highly creditable. Indeed, all the companies looked well, much better than we had expected to see them. Better, we venture to say, as a whole than any brigade ever appeared before in New Hampshire, and to speak of any company as being superior in many points would seem unjust to the remainder. The ordinary evolutions on a muster field are far too stiff and methodical to afford much oppor- tunity for the display of the merits of any particular company, but an unpracticed eye can easily discover even in going through the sim- plest exercises the difference between a well drilled and poorly drilled soldier.
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The company of cavalry belonging to the third, regiment and com- manded by Capt. Wadleigh appeared in its usual fine style and high spirits.
The Granite Brass Band of Exeter played with its usual skill and good taste and contributed its full quota to not the least entertaining portion of the proceedings. We noticed also the Atkinson Band, num- bering seventeen instruments, as looking very finely and playing well. Other bands whose names we did not learn were very efficient in dis- coursing sweet music, and much admired by connoisseurs. Owing to some misunderstanding in the arrangement of the companies, the nature of which we did not care to learn, the brigade did not arrive on the field until about eleven o'clock, and through still worse misman- agement, they were not reviewed until after 4 P. M. These facts, together with the assembling of the brigade at the extreme corner of the limits of the division, much to the dissatisfaction of a large por- tion of the officers and soldiers, convinced us that if the commanding officer understood the duties which devolved upon his position he was very remiss in performing them.
We believe it is only the volunteer militia system that can com- mand any degree of popularity or respect in New Hampshire. When a muster fails to give general satisfaction to the soldiers themselves, and those soldiers all volunteers, who merely do duty for the fun of the thing we are pretty sure the fault must rest with the commanding officers.
There surely never was a better looking body of soldiers than were paraded at Hampton Falls, and we know that they, and the officers generally, many of whom are really skillful in military matters, were extremely desirous of making an appearance which should be credit- able to themselves and the First Division.
If any man thinks to hold a high military commission, under the present system, without the necessary qualifications, or making an effort to acquire them, he will not only injure himself, and drag better men down, but will find that the title appended to his name is neither useful or ornamental.
The field as at all other musters was fringed with numerous tents, dealing out all sorts and qualities of refreshments, while the "tents of the wicked," the temporary gambling hells, were in an adjoining field and we regret to say appeared to be very largely patronized. We saw no drinking but sundry casks and decanters which we observed in different tents had a very suspicious look and two or three men whom we saw extended under the fences in different quarters of the field had evidently been struck by a grape rine. Peddlers of all deserip- tion hawked their wares, some valuable, but mostly worthless, with keen wit mingled with stale jokes.
Toward the close of the day the mob made a rush on the gambling quarters and in the twinkling of an eye the tables of the money cangers and the poles of their tents were scattered to the four winds. Two or three of the boys attempted to stand their ground, and battle
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the whirlwind. Quite a number were accommodated with sore heads and sundry other uncomfortable bruises. One poor fellow, a black leg, as we learned, had a fenee rail broken upon his head, and another blow flattened his nose quite up to his skull. He had sense enough to flee for his life and sought protection in the lines. Here the mob, sev- eral hundred strong, pursued him so fiercely as to break the order of the lines, and they were only kept at a proper distance by charging upon them, with fixed bayonets, which proved a decidedly "dircet argument." We believe that the report that the man has since died of his wounds is incorrect.
We have only time for an additional remark. While the baser pas- sions were roused, and life was in jeopardy, we could not help asking ourselves who is responsible for these disgraceful proceedings. The miltary were performing the duties required of them by the law, peacefully and quietly, when the mob rushed in upon their lines. Cer- tain it is if there had been no gambling there would have been no riot.
Colonel Benjamin Shaw commanded the third regiment in 1808. In 1812 Thomas Lovering was lieutenant-colonel, John Dearborn was major of the first battalion, and Merrill Flanders major of the second battalion.
In 1823, the officers were, colonel, Jacob Noyes; lieutenant-colo- nel, John Taylor, Jr .; major, Abel Brown; adjutant, Nathan Mer- rill. In 1836, they were, colonel, Jolin Gale; lieutenant-colonel, Aaron Prescott; major, Rufus Dow. Brigade officers in 1836 were, brigadier-general, John Lock, Seabrook; aid-de-camp, Reuben Peaslee, Plaistow; inspector, James Lock, Seabrook; quartermaster, George H. Dodge, Hampton Falls; judge advocate, William Tenney, Newmarket. Regimental officers in 1844 were, colonel, John T. Blake, Kensington; lieutenant-colonel, Jeremiah Poor, Kensington; major, Horatio D. Hobbs, North Hampton; adjutant, Sewell Brown, Seabrook; quartermaster, James M. Goodwin, South Hampton. In 1850 they were, colonel, John M. Weare, Seabrook; lieutenant-colo- nel, David C. Marston, Hampton; major, Benjamin F. Hill; adju- tant, George A. Chase; quartermaster, Stephen A. Brown.
Brigade officers in 1850 were, brigadier-general, Charles A. Nason, of Hampton Falls; inspector, John N. Brown; quartermas- ter, Franklin Brown; aid-de-camp, William B. Small; drill master, A. I. Hill.
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.
WASHINGTON'S VISIT TO THIS VICINITY.
WASHINGTON was inaugurated president on the 30th day of April, 1789, and soon after attended the first session of congress at New York, which closed on the 29th of September. A few days after its close, attended only by his two private secretaries and servants, he left New York on a tour through Connecticut and Massachusetts to New Hampshire. In nine days he reached Boston and seven days after he arrived in Portsmouth, which was the eastern ter- mination of his tour.
Washington came to Newburyport over Parker river bridge, Fri- day, October 30, 1789. He left his carriage at the upper green and mounted his favorite white horse. From here he was escorted by the artillery and militia to Newburyport, where he received an ad- dress of welcome written by John Quincy Adams, afterward pres- ident of the United States, but at that time a law student in the office of Theophilus Parsons. He was received and entertained by the people of Newburyport in a manner which was in keeping with one in his exalted station. He passed the night at the Tracy House.
The following is from Washington's diary, first printed and made public about 1858:
Oct. 30th At this place (Ipswich) I was met by Mr. Dalton and some other gentlemen from Newburyport, partook of a cold collation, and proceeded on to the last mentioned place where I was received with much respect and parade about 4 o'clock. In the evening there were rockets and some other fireworks, and every demonstration to wel- come me to the Town. The place is pleasantly situated upon Mer- rimack River, and appears to have carried on (here and above) the ship building business to a great extent. The number of souls is esti- mated at 5000.
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