USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Henniker > History of the town of Henniker, Merrimack County, New Hampshire, from the date of the Canada grant by the province of Massachusetts, in 1735, to 1880 with a genealogical register of the families of Henniker > Part 14
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Previous to the Declaration of Independence, the Conti- nental Congress, wishing to bind still closer together the several colonies. for their better protection, recommended that all persons be disarmed who were notoriously disaf-
176
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
fected to the cause of the colonies, or who should refuse to associate in arms against the British armies or fleets. Hon. Meshech Weare, the efficient leader of the Committee of Safety for New Hampshire, immediately sent this recom- mendation to the several towns and parishes, together with a pledge of loyalty for the citizens of each town or parish, to which to affix their signatures. This pledge was styled the "Association Test."
The citizens of this town were notified to meet at the log meeting-house, to consider the matter. The original papers, containing the names of those who signed, and of those who refused so to do, are preserved in the office of the secretary of state, in Concord, and from them the following is copied:
To the Selectmen of Hannacor Colony of New Hampshire, in Committee of Safety April ye 12th 1776, in order to Carry the underwritten resolve to the Hon'ble Continental Congress into Execution, you are request- ed to desire all Males above twenty one years of age, (lunatics, idiots Negroes excepted) to sine to the declaration on this pa- per and when so done to make return hereof together with the Name or Names of all who shall refuse to sign the same, to the General Assembly, or Committee of Safety, of the Colony. M. Weare Chairman.
In Congress March 14 1776
Resolved that it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conventions and Councils, or Committees of Safety of the Uni- ted Colonies immediately to cause all persons to be disarmed within the respective Colonies who are notoriously disaffected to the Cause of America, or who have not associated, or refused to associate, to defend by Arms the united Colonies against the hostile attempts of the british fleets and Armies.
Copy Extract from the Minutes.
Charles Thompson Sec'try.
In Consequence of the above Resolution of the Hon. Conti- nental Congress and to Shew our determination in joining our American brethren in defending the lives, liberties and Proper- ties of the inhabitants of the United Colonies, we the Subscrib- ors do hereby solemnly engage and Promise, that we will to the utmost of our power, at the risque of our lives and fortunes, with arms oppose the hostile proceedings of the british fleets and armies against the United American Colonies.
177
ASSOCIATION TEST.
Rev. Jacob Rice, thomas Pope, Alexander Whitney, Jonas Bowman, William Powers, Ebenezer Harthorn, Amos Goold,
Thomas Howlett,
Francis Withington,
James Joslyn,
Jacob Whitcomb,
Joseph Williams,
Benjamin Whitcomb,
Ephraim Morrill,
Reuben Whitcomb,
Jesse Ross,
Uriah Amsden,
Thomas Townsend,
James Peters, Otis How,
Elijah Rice,
William Clark,
Thomas Stone,
Charles Whitcomb,
timothy Ross,
Isaac Gates,
David Pope,
William Heath,
Jonathan Wood,
Eliakim How,
Stephen Spalding,
Daniel Rice,
Jonas Alexander,
Ezekiel Smith,
John Putney,
Asa Putney,
Alexander Patterson,
Eliphalet Colby,
Nath'l Joslyn,
Moses Smith,
Benjm Clark,
Abel Gibson,
Timº Gibson, Junr,
Timothy Gibson
Samuel Farizel,
Joshua Heath,
Samll Wadsworth,
NAMES OF THOSE WHO REFUSED TO SIGN.
Those Persons Refuse to Sign the within Decliration are un- der writen.
Joseph Kimball,
Joshua Kimball,
William Kimball,
Corp. Samuel Kimball,
Ensign Bej Currier,
William Chambers,
Nathaniel Merick,
Sam Morisson,
Amos Estane,
Ezra Tucker, Present Lieut,
Noah Gile,
Moses Huse, Capt,
Robert Cambell,
Aaron Adams, Cap.
James Stone.
21 Names.
Jonas Bowman, Selectmen Saml Wadsworth, y of Henniker.
The other selectman for this year was Joseph Kimball, and he did not sign the return.
The preceding test was the Declaration of Independence by the people of New Hampshire. It was a similar act to that of the patriots who signed the national declaration on the 4th of July, 1776. It preceded that event, and seems to have been a sanction, or encouragement, to those who con- templated it. It was a bold and hazardous step, in subjects,
James Duston,
Samuel Barstow,
Thomas Stone, Jr.
Eben' Heraman,
Josiah Ward,
Sergent Hethe,
Ezekiel Stone,
Joseph Lewis,
51 names.
David Campbell,
Phinies Ward,
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HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
thus to resist the authority of one of the most powerful sov- ereigns in the world. Had the cause in which these men pledged their lives and fortunes failed, it would have sub- jected every individual who signed it to the pains and pen- alties of treason,-" to a cruel and ignominious death." It is not to be understood that those who declined signing this test, in Henniker, were Tories, or were disaffected to the American cause. Some of them professed the principles of the Friends, and these forbade their taking up arms ; others had conscientious scruples ; and others, doubtless, were in- fluenced by timidity, fearful of the punishment that would be meted out to them in case of failure on the part of the patriots.
Of the twenty-one who refused to sign, over two thirds of them were afterwards in the American service, and did their duty faithfully ; and to the honor of the town it can be said, that, although upon a question of expediency there were various and conflicting opinions, yet, upon the main ques- tion of defending their homes and supporting the cause of liberty against any and all foes, the people of this town were a unit, and obtained for themselves the reputation of being some of the most patriotic in the state; and most deserv- edly was it bestowed.
March 5, 1776, the following men enlisted for one year :
David Campbell, Ezra Tucker.
Mr. Campbell was commissioned as first lieutenant, March 5, 1776, and Mr. Tucker second lieutenant, March 5, 1776. Amos Gould was already a second lieutenant.
A call was made in July, 1776, for reinforcements for the Northern army. The following men enlisted for three months, July 16, 1776.
Josiah Stone, Benjamin Goodenough, William Gould, Stephen Adams,
Elijah Mansfield, William Gould, Jacob Adams.
179
PETITION OF JOSEPH PATTERSON.
In September, another regiment was called for from New Hampshire, and the following men from this town enlisted for three months, on Sept. 20, 1776 :
Samuel Smith,
Nahum Newton,
Joshua Whitney,
Joseph Patterson,
Isaac Patterson,
Elias Gould,
Gideon Gould,
Oliver Noyes,
Nathaniel Noyes,
Timothy Noyes,
Benjamin Stone,
John Johnson.
Jesse Heath,
These men were in Capt. Emory's company. Col. Bald- win's regiment joined the Northern army, and were at the battle of White Plains, New York, Oct. 28, 1776. This was a severely contested battle, and it was fought under the leadership of Washington himself, who had made White Plains his head-quarters after his retreat from Long Island. Contending with a superior force, the Americans were obliged to abandon their position. Among the wounded was Joseph Patterson, of this town. A bullet entered one side of his neck and came out near his nose. He lost sev- eral articles, and afterwards petitioned the government for pay for their loss. The following is his communication :
Joseph Patterson, To the Hon'ble the General Assembly of the State of New Hampshire,
The Petitioner Joseph Patterson, of Hennekir Sheweth, That your Petitioner was a Soldier in Capt Emery's Company & Col. Baldwins Regiment, Belonging to this State, and being in the Battle at White Plains on the 28th Day of October, last, was wounded by a Musket Ball, which went through the side of his head. Your Petitioner likewise lost several articles in said bat- tle to the amount of five pounds & fourteen shillings Lawful Money at a very moderate Charge.
The Articles above enumerated with the value thereof in an Inventory of the same under the Captains hand as also Certi- fied by one Ezra Badger who was with your Petitioner when wounded & lost the said Articles. Your Petitioner therefore prays that your Hon's take the premises under your Impartial
180
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
Consideration & grant him the aforesaid sum of five pounds, fourteen shillings, & your petitioner, as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Joseph Patterson.
The following is the answer :
Exeter March 18th 1777
The Committee from both Houses appointed to Consider of the petitions of wounded soldiers &c beg leave to report their Opinion. That Joseph Patterson, a soldier in Capt Emerys Company, in Col. Baldwin's Regi'm't, who was wounded at White Plains, & lost sundry articles to the amount of five Pounds, fourteen shillings, be allowed & paid the said sum of £5-14s-op, Which is submitted
Nich Gilman for the Committee.
These may Certify, that Joseph Patterson a soldier under my command, in the reinforcement of the Army in the State of New York, when in battle, with the enemy, being then wound- ed by a Musket ball in the head, lost his Gun, Cartridge Box & Surtout Coat, blanket & hat, according to the best of my knowledge was worth five pounds & fourteen shillings.
Benjm Emery, Capt.
North Castle 30th, November 1776.
N. B. The above named Patterson was in a party whereof I was a part, & being in battle with the enemy, suffered as above. Ezra Badger
The old patriot received full compensation for his loss, and lived many years to enjoy the liberty for which he so nobly fought.
Up to the latter part of 1776, the enlistments had been mostly for short terms. The first enlistments were for six weeks ; and the soldiers were called " six weeks soldiers." Then the term was extended to three months ; but the gov- ernment, seeing the wisdom of longer over shorter terms of enlistment, authorized the states to enlist men for one year or for the war. The beneficial effects of this law soon be- gan to be made manifest.
The year 1777 opened with fair prospects for the cause of the colonies. Washington had become master of the situa- tion about him, and was prepared to act on the offensive.
18I
DETERMINATION OF BURGOYNE.
He ushered in the new year by outflanking Cornwallis at Princeton, and after a hard fight at Trenton he went into winter quarters at Morristown. Several of the soldiers from this town were with him at Trenton, and also in his winter quarters. Summer came before either army commenced an active campaign.
All through the warm days of June rumors often reached the ears of the settlers of this town that Burgoyne was about to invest Fort Ticonderoga, all of which for the time being proved to be false alarms. On the 2d of July, 1777, Burgoyne sat down before the fort with ten thousand men, while St. Clair's force, to defend the fort, was less than three thousand. Runners were immediately sent in all directions for help. One came into this town on the morning of July 5, notified the selectmen of the alarm, and then pushed on to the towns below. The selectmen immediately caused the alarm of danger to be given ; and before three o'clock in the afternoon ten men were away, under command of Ensign 2Elijah Rice. His comrades were,-
Benjamin Whitcomb, 2Joshua Whitney,
John Putney,
Thomas Putney,
Abiathar Bowman,
Levi Bowman,
John Campbell,
Asa Putney,
2Ezekiel Stone,
Zachariah Bowman.
These men were assigned to Col. Gerrish's regiment, and marched fifty-eight miles, when they were met with the news that the fort had fallen. They were ordered home, having been in the service eight days in all.
Burgoyne, flushed with his success, determined to subju- gate New England. It was a gloomy hour for the American cause. The Americans had lost within one short week over two hundred pieces of artillery, and a large amount of pro- visions and military stores, besides hundreds upon hundreds of brave men either killed, wounded, or captured. Every possible hindrance to Burgoyne's progress was thrown in
182
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
his way. The roads were obstructed by felled trees, and bridges destroyed in large numbers.
In the meantime, the old patriots were rapidly enlisting. Gen. John Stark, then a colonel, called out the militia of the state. The following men enlisted from this town, July 5, 1777, for three months, and were under command of Capt. Jonas Bowman, who was now commissioned as captain, for his valuable services. The men were assigned to Capt. Bag- ley's company, in which Capt. Bowman performed duty as a lieutenant during the battle of Bennington.
Capt. Jonas Bowman,
Jabez Alexander,
Sergt. Peter How,
2Samuel Eastman, 2 Abraham Kimball,
Sergt. Joshua Gile,
Jonathan Eastman, corporal,
Levi Colby,
Thomas Pope,
Lemuel Ross,
Moses Smith,
2Isaac Patterson,
Sargent Heath,
Moses Powell,
William Heath,
James Duston,
Zacariah Bowman,
Levi Harriman,
Ezekiel Stone,
John Putney,
David Colby, Zadok Bowman,
2Joshua Whitney.
Burgoyne's intention was to replenish his army from the military stores that had been collected at Bennington, Vt. When within thirty-five miles of that town, he sent forward a large force to make the seizure, following slowly with the remainder of his army. When these troops reached Ben- nington, they found Gen. Stark and his brave boys there to dispute their right to these stores. Col. Baum, command- ing the enemy, halted, sent word to his commander of his situation, and, throwing up strong log breastworks, bade de- fiance to the little American army. Gen. Stark was quick to see his situation ; that what was to be done, must be done promptly. During the forenoon of August 16, 1777, he formed his line of battle in front of the enemy's entrench-
183
BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.
ments. After a furious cannonade of a couple of hours, the order for an assault upon the works was given. "Forward!" rang out the shrill notes of Stark ; and over and into the works went his men, completely routing the enemy, captur- ing several hundred prisoners, and securing a large amount of the munitions of war. Among the first men to mount the works were Moses Smith and Sargent Heath. As Mr. Smith leaped over the works, he was met by a burly Hes- sian, with whom he grappled, felled him to the ground, and, plunging his bayonet through his body, fairly pinned it to the earth. Mr. Smith unfixed his bayonet, and went through the remainder of the battle without one. After the battle, Mr. Smith related his adventure to some of his comrades, who doubted his veracity. He asked them to go over the battle-field with him, and he would make his words good. They did so, and there lay the dead Hessian, the bayonet still in its position. Smith recovered his bayonet, brought it home with him, and for many years it was used at train- ings and musters of the militia.
Abraham Kimball was severely wounded, and was soon after placed upon half-pay for two years.
This battle was a heavy blow to the enemy, but it raised the drooping spirits of the Americans wonderfully. This victory was really to them a day-star of hope. The praise of the New Hampshire militia rang through the land ; and Stark was made a brigadier in the Continental army.
The following men from this town enlisted Dec. 17, 1777, for three years :
Jesse Campbell, James Peters, Jr., Joseph Marsh, Daniel Squire.
These men joined the army under Washington, and were in the battle of Monmouth, N. J. This battle was fought Sun- day, June 28, 1778. The historian says,-"The morning was one of the finest ever known, and the day one of the warmest." The army was in motion before daybreak, and
184
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
early in the morning the conflict began. The battle lasted all day, both armies resting on their arms at night, intend- ing to renew the attack in the early morning. When the morning came, Gen. Clinton was far away towards Sandy Hook.
That Sabbath day was one of the most sultry that had been experienced in this town during the season. While the people were assembled in the log meeting-house, listen- ing to the words of inspiration as they fell from Mr. Rice's lips, four of the stalwart heroes of the town were far away, fighting at that very time with the foe which was dreaded by all, and who, amid the fearful carnage of the day, were thinking with silent and loving hearts of the dear ones upon the banks of the Contoocook, who were ever thinking of them.
So many of the men of the town were now in the army, that when a requisition was made for more, it became a serious question how they should be raised. At the annual meeting, held "March ye 3ª 1777," it was
Voted to pay the men that went to Cambridge on the Alarrum in April 1775, the saim wages and Rations that other Solgers have.
And at a meeting held April 1, 1777, it was
Voted to assess the Town To Raise money to hire Nine Abel Bodied men for the Continental service.
A committee of nine were chosen to secure the men; and then it was
Voted to give fifty Dolars and No more to each man that shall enlist for three years.
The meeting then adjourned for one week, when, having met again, it was
Voted to Trye further to ingage the men for three years.
Voted, that all above sixteen years old shall Bee subjected to Pay Rates to Raise the Money to Hire the 3 year Men for the Continental Service.
185
COMPANY PAY-ROLL.
These votes have been given, but we repeat them for comment.
Those were most truly serious times : the larger part of the able-bodied men already in the service, the spring just opening when the seed was to be sown and planted, and a call for more men! How terribly in earnest those patriots were! Even the boys over sixteen years of age were not only called upon to do military duty, but also to pay taxes. And most cheerfully was every burden borne by all, both old and young; and all were animated by the same common spirit for the defence of the country and their homes.
In August, 1778, the enemy appeared off the coast of Rhode Island with a large fleet, when another call was made for troops.
Aug. 6, 1778, the following men enlisted from this town for three months, and joined the army in Rhode Island :
2Jonas Bowman, Capt., Samuel Preston, Serg't,
William Pope, Ensign,
James Joslin,
3 Joshua Whitney, Sergeant,
2Sargent Heath,
Tilly How, Corporal,
Reuben Whitcomb,
Robert Campbell,
2Levi Harriman,
Ezekiel Stone,
2Lt. Jonathan How,
Elisha Barns,
Joseph Spaulding,
John Clough,
2 Abiathar Bowman.
Daniel Gibson,
The enemy disappearing from the coast, these men were discharged Aug. 27 following, and were allowed two days each to reach their homes, having served twenty-four days in all. They travelled with their horses, and, upon settle- ment, each received ten pounds for the use of his horse.
Capt. Bowman settled the pay-roll for the company at Exeter,-
And was allowed £8-14s. for going to Exeter to return his muster roll. The whole am't of the expense of this company was £493-14s.
This is a true roll. Attest. Jonas Bowman, Capt.
13
I86
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
The following men enlisted for one year, April 5, 1778, and were in the Northern army :
2James Stone, Nathaniel Tucker.
They were in the Second Regiment. Mr. Tucker died in the service March 15, 1779, from disease.
July 9, 1778, Simeon Pope and John Powell enlisted for six months, and joined the Northern army.
The year 1779 opened with gloomy forebodings to the American cause. The little American army were almost disheartened at the prospect before them. The finances of the country were in a wretched condition. The "paste- board money," as the enemy called the money of the Amer- icans, was almost worthless. Over one hundred millions of Continental money was scattered throughout the country. New emissions of money were made, but without any pro- visions for redemption. Still the animating zeal of all was to be free of the mother country.
March 26th of this year, a small force of Americans at Horseneck, Conn., under Gen. Putnam, was attacked by a superior British force. Several men from this town were in the fight. Among them was Joseph Marsh, who saw Gen. Putnam take his famous ride, not down stone steps, as is now known to be an absurdity, but down a very steep hill in a zigzag course. Mr. Marsh says "this was the true state of the affair," and that he measured thirty-two feet as the leap the General's horse made at one time on his way down the hill.
The following men enlisted for one year on July 21, 1779, and joined the Northern army :
2Oliver Clough, David Kezer. & John Clough,
The following item appears from the records :
State of New Hampshire, to the Selectmen of Henniker. Paid 3 Soldiers inlisted in the New Hampshire Regiments, Continental Army for one year £60 each, 180 Pounds, & Rec'd to Capn Bowman. Errors excepted in behalf of the Selectmen of Henniker.
William Taggart.
187
GEN. BENEDICT ARNOLD.
In Committee on Claims Exeter, April Ist 1780.
The above Soldiers were mustered by Col. Thomas Stickney ; the receits are lodg'd in this Office. Josiah Gilman, jr.
Rec'd an order on the Treasury for one hundred & Eighty Pounds in behalf of the Selectmen of Henniker.
Wm. Taggart.
July 12, 1779, Samuel Spaulding enlisted for six months, and marched to the defence of Rhode Island. He was soon discharged, and was paid by the selectmen a bounty of 30 Pounds, and was paid 12 Pounds for travel.
July 5, 1779, the following men enlisted for six months and joined the army in Rhode Island :
2Simeon Pope, 2John Powell.
In the early spring of 1780, more men were called for, and the town enlisted and sent into the service during the year the following men :
July 9. James Hemphill and Daniel Campbell enlisted for three months, and joined the army at Providence, Rhode Island.
July 14, 1780, Thomas Lewis, Elijah Kemp, Jacob Adams, and 2Samuel Spaulding enlisted for six months, and joined the army in Rhode Island. They served their full term, and were discharged, being allowed twelve days to reach home, as they were then with the army in New York.
This town now had soldiers in different parts of the coun- try, north, south, and west. Several were under Capt. Jonas Bowman, who was then in command of a company stationed at West Point, New York, and were in that portion of the army under the immediate command of Gen. Benedict Arnold, and were present at the flight of Arnold and the execution of Maj. André.
Another year now drew to a close, and the patriots were not conquered. Large treasures in money and much blood had been expended and shed upon both sides, yet the deter- mination, upon the part of one to subdue, and of the other
188
HISTORY OF HENNIKER.
not to be subdued, was as strongly marked as ever before. The year 1781 opened gloomy, notwithstanding, for the American cause. Continental money had become almost worthless, forty dollars in paper being worth only one in sil- ver ; and the pay of the officers and the men was greatly in arrears. Congress had made frequent promises, and as often broken them. Large numbers of the soldiers of Pennsylva- nia had an interview with Washington, who referred their complaints to congress, then in session at Philadelphia. The conference resulted in making more determined those old patriots, who were enduring everything but death itself for their country. Sir Henry Clinton, thinking to take advan- tage of the situation, made proposals to them, through his secret agents, offering them every inducement to follow his flag. He was met with the heroic reply, "Let us show him that the American army can furnish but one Arnold, and that America has no truer friends than we."
In January, 1781, the town was called upon for more men, and measures were immediately taken to procure them. It was some time, however, before the quota was filled.
July 13th, William Brown enlisted for the war. Henry Eastman and Daniel Morrill enlisted the same day for three years. These men joined the army under Washington, who was then following up Cornwallis, watching for a chance to give the final blow for freedom. The same day John Palmer and William Wallace enlisted for nine months.
The Town of Henniker claims the following Soldiers as part of its Quota in the New Hampshire Reg't viz : Henry East- man, David Morrill, Wm Brown, Recruits July 13th 1781.
1782, April 20. Errors excepted in behalf of the Selectmen of Henniker. Jonas Bowman.
September 24, 1780, Sargent Blaisdell, 2Simeon Pope, Ebenezer Whitcher, Nehemiah Howe, Samuel Mills, Eben- ezer Whitaker, Jonathan Monroe, and William Davis enlist- ed for three months. The same day the town
189
SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS.
Voted to accept them, and to give them ten dollars per month each for the Term they are in Service.
The rum purchased for the soldiers was in accordance with the law requiring each town to furnish "as much Beef and Rum, as the proportion of the Men they had in the ser- vice."
Many votes were passed by the town during the war, espe- cially near its close, in regard to those who had moved into town during the war. These votes all had one end in view, viz., "to make them even with those who were here when the War broke out, and have them do their Share in regard to the raising of Men." This was finally agreed upon; and they also had to assume their share of the town debt in- curred during the war.
Thus was the town active in raising men, up to the very time, almost, when Cornwallis, on the 19th of October, 1781, surrendered at Yorktown to Gen. Washington, when the war was practically at an end. Great was the joy over this event. The historian says,-
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