USA > New Hampshire > The history of New Hampshire, from its discovery, in 1614, to the passage of the Toleration act, in 1819 > Part 17
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
* In compliance with the popular language, I call the scene of the battle Bunker's hill, which is a quarter of a mile north of Breed's or Russell's hill, where the battle was fought.
+ Hale's Hist. U. S., vol. I., p. 269. Morse sets it down at 355. Revo- lution, p. 232. Neither of these authors gives any authorities.
244
HISTORY OF
CHAP. IX. Reed's regiment was three killed, one missing,
twenty-nine wounded .* After the battle, the third New Hampshire regiment, under the com- mand of Colonel Poor, collected and marched to the camp; and, with the other New Hampshire regiments, was stationed on Winter Hill, under the immediate command of Brigadier General Sulli- van. Besides these troops, a company of artillery was raised to garrison the forts. A company of rangers was posted on Connecticut river, and two companies more were organized to be ready to march wherever the committee of safety should direct. The whole militia was divided into twelve regiments.t Out of these were enlisted four regi- ments of minute-men, į who were to hold themselves in readiness to march to any point, and were con- stantly trained to military duty. In the succeed- ing winter, the Connecticut forces, whose term of service had expired, withdrew from the camp, and sixteen companies of the New Hampshire militia supplied their place until the British troops evacu- ated Boston.
1776. March 17.
May, 1776. June 15,
Meanwhile the American congress had assem- bled at Philadelphia. George Washington had been appointed commander of the American 1775. army, and had entered Boston in triumph, amidst the rejoicings of the people. - In the forty-fourth year of his age, a period of life which placed him beyond the illusions of youth, and possessed of an ample fortune, renowned for his fidelity and virtue, the congress found united in him all the
*See Stark's letter, Coll. N. H. Hist. Soc., II., 145. Sweet's Hist. Bunker Hill Battle.
+ N. H. Hist. Coll., I., 336.
# So called because they were to march at a minute's warning.
MAJ. GENERAL JOHN SULLIVAN
245
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
qualities necessary to secure success in the chief CHAP. of the union. To him they resolved to adhere IX. in every extremity with their lives and fortunes. Still further to ensure success, they resolved to place at the head of the army other able and experienced officers. Accordingly, Artemas Ward, Charles Lee, and Philip Schuyler were appointed major generals. Horatio Gates, an officer known to be profoundly versed in all the details of military science, was made adjutant Botta, 1.,217. general. They also created eight brigadier gene- rals, viz., Seth Pomeroy, William Heath and John Thomas, of Massachusetts; Richard Montgomery, of New York ; David Wooster and John Spencer, of Connecticut ; John Sullivan, of New Hamp- shire ; and Nathaniel Green, of Rhode Island. .
After these appointments had been made, the congress applied themselves, with the greatest activity, to obtain the means to carry on a war. The people promptly seconded their efforts, and proceeded, in the several colonies, to raise men, to arm and equip them, and to provide themselves with arms and munitions of war. An exact scru- I., 219. Botta, tiny was commenced in the cellars and stables for saltpetre and sulphur. In every part of the coun- try manufactories of gunpowder and foundries of cannon were seen rising ; every place resounded with the preparations of war. All men fit to bear arms were ordered to form themselves into battal- ions. Those who could not bear arms, came forth to aid the cause by every other means in their power. The most rigorous religious opinions easily found evasions. Even the Quakers, kindling in the great convulsion, allowed themselves to be transported
:
246
HISTORY OF
CHAP. IX. by a zeal for liberty, and joined the companies of the Philadelphians. The aged Germans resumed the profession of arms, so long relinquished, and resolved to bear a part in the common defence. With crape upon their hats, to denote their regret at the unfortunate causes which compelled them to take up arms, they formed themselves into a body, called the " Old Men's Company," and resumed their arms to defend the liberty of that country which had offered them an asylum, when oppression forced them to abandon their own.
The women were forward to signalize their zeal for liberty. They chose to work the soldier's rough garb, rather than the embroidery of fashion. With their own hands they embroidered the colors and adorned them with appropriate mottoes; then · presented them to the regiments, with eloquent discourses on liberty, and earnest entreaties to the soldiers never to desert their banners. In the county of Bristol, Pennsylvania, they resolved to equip a regiment of men at their own cost.
Bel- knap, p. 361.
While such was the enthusiasm for liberty, it was but natural that a violent resentment should be kindled against those who still adhered to the royal cause. These took the name of tories ; their opponents, the name of whigs, or sons of lib- erty. The tories were persecuted with relentless fury. Some of them were arrested and imprison- ed. Some fled to Nova Scotia, or to England, some joined the British army in Boston. Others were restricted to certain limits, and their motions continually watched. The passions of jealousy, hatred and revenge were under no restraint. Although many lamented these excesses, there
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
247
seemed to be no effectual remedy. of ancient authority were broken. The courts were shut ; the sword of magistracy was sheathed. But amidst the general laxity in the forms of gov- ernment, order prevailed ; reputation, life and property were still secure ; thus proving that it is not in outward forms of austerity, or sanguinary punishments, or nicely written codes, or veneration for what is old, that our rights find protection- but in the potent, though unseen, influence of fam- ily ties, virtuous habits and lofty example. These contributed more, at this time, to maintain order than any other authority ; thus illustrating how much stronger are the secret than the apparent bonds of society. But the people of New Hamp- shire proceeded to perfect, as far as possible, their provisional government. The convention which had assembled at Exeter, was elected but for six months. Previous to their dissolution in November, they made provisions, pursuant to the recommendations of congress, for calling a new convention, which should be a more full represen- tation of the people. They sent copies of these provisions to the several towns, and dissolved. The elections were forthwith held. The new con- vention promptly assembled, and drew up a tempo- rary form of government.
All the bands CHAP. IX.
1775. May.
Nov. 14.
1775. Dec. 21.
Having assumed the name of HOUSE OF REPRE- 1776. SENTATIVES, they adopted a constitution,* and pro- ceeded to choose twelve persons to constitute a dis- tinct and a co-ordinate branch of the legislature, by the name of a COUNCIL. These twelve were empowered to elect their own president ; and any
Jan. 5.
Bel- knap, p. 364.
* A copy of this is in N. H. Hist. Coll., IV., p. 150.
248
HISTORY OF
CHAP. seven of them were to be a quorum. It was or-
IX. dained that no act or resolve should be valid, 1776. unless passed by both branches of the legislature ; that all money bills should originate in the house of representatives ; that neither house should ad- journ for more than two days, without the consent of the other; that a secretary and all other public officers of the colony and of each county for the current year, all general and field officers of militia, and all officers of the marching regiments, should be appointed by the two houses ; all subordinate militia officers by their respective companies; that the present assembly should subsist one year, and, if the dispute with Britain should continue longer, Bel- knap, 264. and the general congress should give no directions to the contrary, that precepts should be issued annually, to the several towns, on or before the first day of November, for the choice of council- lors and representatives.
Thus did the convention establish annual elec- tions and co-ordinate branches of government, each having a negative upon the other. But in this system there was still a material defect. It pro- vided for no executive. To remedy this, the two houses assumed to themselves the executive duty during the session, and they appointed a committee of safety to sit in the recess, varying in number from six to sixteen, vested with executive powers. The president of the council was president of the executive committee. To this responsible and honorable station they called that old and tried servant of the public, Meshech Weare ; a man of no brilliant parts, but of a sound understanding, a calm temper, and a benevolent heart ; a ripe
Bel- knap, p. 364.
1
249
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
scholar, accurate in his judgment, of modest de- CHAP. portment, prudent and diligent. So great was IX. - the confidence reposed in Weare, that he was also made judge of the superior court .* Thus the people did not scruple to invest him, at the same time, with the highest offices, legislative, executive and judicial. To the offices of president of the state and judge he continued to be chosen, by annual elections, through the stormy period of the revolution, discharging his various duties with unsurpassed fidelity and wisdom. He died in the 1786. seventy-third year of his age. As he had not enriched himself by public employments, he died poor in worldly goods, but rich in the gratitude of the people, and honored by their unaffected sorrow.
Congress now resolved to contest the power of England, on her chosen element, the seas. Having observed the skill and success of a few privateers, in protecting the coasts of the continent, and in- tercepting English navigation, they decreed that five ships of war should be constructed and armed. Of these, one was to be built in New Hampshire. After long delays, the Raleigh was completed in Portsmouth, and joined the other ships, all under command of Commodore Hopkins. With incred- ible despatch this little fleet was equipped. A multitude of privateers sprang into existence at the same time, and swarmed out into the sea, with a success fatal to English navigation. An immense quantity of provisions, cattle, arms and munitions of war, which the English were transporting across the ocean, at a vast expense, became the prey of the American ships.
* N. H. Hist. Coll., V., p. 245. 32
Jan. 25.
1776.
250
HISTORY OF
CHAP. IX.
1776.
While New Hampshire thus contributed her full share to this humble squadron, she also furnished her quota of troops. Two thousand men were raised for the service of this year, and constituted four regiments. One moved from Boston to New York, in the army of Washington, and was placed under command of General Sullivan. One, raised in the western part of the province, under com- mand of Colonel Bedell, was destined to join the expedition against Canada-one of the most sin- gularly bold, and romantic enterprises recorded in military annals. The names of Montgomery, Morgan, Allen,* Warner, Livingston, Brown and Arnold, appear as leaders-all bold spirits, distin- guished for deeds of daring; and all, with the exception of the last, true to the American cause. This expedition contemplated the bold plan of leading two forces, one of which, by the way of the Kennebec, was to emerge from the wilderness near Quebec, and join another force marching by the way of lake Champlain. With incredible for- titude, and after incredible hardships, they had reached their destination, and, in the face of fear- ful odds, had taken Montreal. Hastening to Quebec, amidst the snows of that fierce climate, in the month of December, Montgomery hurried
1775.
Dec. 31. on to the assault of that strong fortress. Pro- digies of valor were performed by the American troops, but they were overpowered by numbers. Montgomery, the brave and generous Montgomery, fell there, wept and honored; Arnold was carried off the field wounded, and Morgan succeeded to the command. Impetuous as the thunderbolt, he
* Of Vermont, who led the "Green Mountain Boys."
251
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
rushed forward, and fought like a lion at the CHAP. head of his forlorn hope ; but was forced to sur- IX. render. While the American troops were com- pelled to retreat from Quebec, calamity followed them in another quarter. The important post of the Cedars, about forty miles above Montreal, gar- risoned by four hundred men, under Col. Bedell, was surrendered, in the most cowardly manner, by a subordinate officer* of Colonel Bedell, to five hundred British and Indians. Finally, after linger- ing in the vicinity of Quebec until the augment- 1776. ed numbers of the British army rendered every hope vain, the Americans determined on evacuating Canada, and commenced their retreat. It was to meet the broken remnants of the army of Canada, that General Sullivan was detached by Washing- ton, from New York, at the head of the New Hampshire troops.
At the mouth of the Sorel he met them, in the June 1. last extremity of suffering. They had been com- pelled to subsist sometimes upon the meat of dogs, and had even boiled their shoes in the last extrem- ity of hunger. The small-pox had broken out amongst them, to which the commander-in-chief, General Thomas, had fallen a victim. Followed by an army of thirteen thousand men, they retreat- ed to St. Johns, where pursuit ceased, and on the first of July, they arrived at Ticonderoga. Near- July 1. ly one third of them had perished by sickness. Those that remained, marched under Washington, and took part in the brilliant actions of Trenton and Princeton.
The American congress were now about to take
* Colonel Bedell was, at the time, absent at Montreal to obtain assistance.
252
HISTORY OF
CHAP. an important step. Independence had become the
IX. general voice of the people. On the eleventh of
June, 1776, a committee was chosen by the assem-
New Hamp- shire re- solves on a declar-
ation of inde- pen- dence. June 15.
bly and another by the council of New Hampshire, " to make a draught of a declaration of the inde- pendence of the united colonies." On the fifteenth, the committees of both houses reported a DECLA-
RATION OF INDEPENDENCE, which was adopted
unanimously, and a copy sent forthwith to their delegates in congress. It was in these words :- " Whereas it now appears an undoubted fact, that, notwithstanding all the dutiful petitions and decent remonstrances from the American colonies, and the utmost exertions of their best friends in Eng- land on their behalf, the British ministry, arbitrary and vindictive, are yet determined to reduce, by fire and sword, our bleeding country to their abso- lute obedience ; and for this purpose, in addition to their own forces, they have engaged great num- bers of foreign mercenaries, who may now be on their passage here, accompanied by a formidable fleet to ravish and plunder the sea-coast ; from all which we may reasonably expect the most dismal scenes of distress the ensuing year, unless we exert ourselves by every means and precaution possible ; and whereas we, of this colony of New Hampshire, have the example of several of the most respectable of our sister colonies before us, for entering upon that most important step of dis- union from Great Britain, and declaring ourselves FREE AND INDEPENDENT of the crown thereof, being impelled thereto, by the most violent and injurious treatment ; and it appearing abso- lutely necessary, in this most critical juncture of
253
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
our public affairs, that the honorable, the conti- CHAP. nental congress, who have this important object IX. - under immediate consideration, should be also informed of our resolutions thereon, without loss of time ; we do hereby declare that it is the opin- ion of this assembly, that our delegates at the continental congress should be instructed, and they are hereby instructed, to join with the other colonies, in declaring the thirteen united colonies a free and independent state-solemnly pledging our faith and honor, that we will, on our parts, support the measure with our lives and fortunes- and that, in consequence thereof, they, the conti- nental congress, on whose wisdom, fidelity and integrity we rely, may enter into and form such alliances as they may judge most conducive to the present safety and future advantage of these American colonies : Provided, the regulation of our own internal police be under the direction of our own assembly."
This declaration was not in advance of the pop- ular sentiment. The New Hampshire Gazette, as early as October, 1775, had hinted at indepen- dence, and now advocated it. " Wherein," says a writer in the Gazette of June Sth, 1776, " is America lawfully subject to the crown of Great Britain, or to any other power in that island? The answer, at the present time, is very obvious ; that Great Britain, by the free consent and con- currence of the king with the other two branches of the legislature, having, by acts of the greatest injustice and inhumanity, and with unparalleled cruelty and violence, broke faith with America, the latter stands wholly disengaged from, and indepen-
N. H. Gazette June 8, 1776.
254
HISTORY OF
CHAP. dent of, and unconnected with, the former, and is IX. at liberty to form any new plan of union or dis- union, as she thinks fit and best. All charters and agreements between the two countries are entirely cancelled and vacated ; and a state of nature in America, so far as relates to the laws of Great Britain, has revolved upon the former, wholly owing to the misconduct of the latter-all laws ' naturally returning back into the hands of the people, or at least, ought so to do, as often as tyranny and oppression extend their lawless sway."
This writer only gave expression to the popular feeling and to the sentiments of the declaration.
1776.
July 4.
Other states passed similar resolves ; and on the fourth of July, a day ever memorable, that im- mortal body, the American Congress, in which New Hampshire was represented by Josiah Bart- lett, William Whipple and Matthew Thornton, published their high resolve to the world. It was framed by the philosophic mind of Jefferson, and proclaimed the complete independence of the col- onies. It dissolved all connexion with Great Brit- ain. It was received with joy by the army and the people. Within fourteen days, it was pub- lished by beat of drum in all the shire towns in New Hampshire. At Exeter it was read, by the patriotic Gilman, to the assembled multitude, with a rapturous emotion which for a few moments choked his utterance.
Bel- knap. p. 368.
And now America presented a spectacle inviting the admiration of the world. With defeat on her arms, yet with a resolution soaring above the reverses of fortune-with Washington in the field
1
255
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
-Franklin and Jefferson in her councils-Adams CHAP. and Henry in the popular assemblies, with hun- dreds like them in feeling, she stood before the world, confronting the giant power of England. The patriotism of New Hampshire, at this epoch,* did not evaporate in momentary feeling. For the service of 1777, three regiments, under the com- mand of Colonels Joseph Cilley, Nathan Hale and Alexander Scammell, were raised for long enlist- 1777. ments, and rendezvoused at Ticonderoga, under the immediate command of Brigadier General Poor. Here they remained until the approach of the British army, under General Burgoyne, rendered it advisable to abandon that post. On the retreat, Bel- knap, July 6. Colonel Hale's battalion was ordered to cover p. 374. the rear of the invalids, which brought him seven
miles behind the main body. The next morning he was attacked by an advanced party of the enemy at Hubbardton. A sharp skirmish ensued, in which Major Titcomb was wounded, and Colonel Hale, Captains Robertson, Carr and Norris, Ad- jutant Elliot and two other officers, with about one hundred men, were taken prisoners. The main body of the army fell back upon Saratoga. But, before their arrival, a skirmish took place at fort Anne, in which Captain Weare, a son of the president, was mortally wounded, and died after- wards at Albany. When the news of Burgoyne's advance reached New Hampshire, the assembly was quickly summoned together, and, in a session of three days, adopted an effectual plan of defence. They formed the militia of the state into two
* See "Returns of the Association Test," for 1776, in the office of the Secretary of State, at Concord.
IX. -
256
HISTORY OF
CHAP. brigades, under command of William Whipple IX. and John Stark. A portion of each were drafted, and were ordered to march immediately to stop the progress of the enemy. Stark pushed forward and joined the Vermont forces, under Colonel Gen. Warren, twenty miles above Bennington.
Burgoyne, with the main body of the British army, had arrived at fort Edward. Burgoyne had
1777.
vaunted that his course should lead through Ver- mont, and should be but a triumphal march, which was to complete the conquest of New England. Finding his army in want of provisions, and learn- ing that the provincials had a large depot of pork, beef and flour, at Bennington, he despatched Colonel Baum, with fifteen hundred men, to pene- trate to Connecticut river, to collect horses to mount the dragoons, and cattle for provisions. He was to persuade the people among whom he should pass that his detachment was the advanced guard of the army, which was in victorious march to Boston. Learning that the provincials had a large depot of beef, pork and flour at Bennington, Colonel Baum went, with five hundred men, to seize them. Some of the Indians who preceded this detachment, being discovered about twelve miles from Bennington, Stark detached Colonel Gregg, with two hundred men, to stop their pro- gress. In the evening of the same day, informa- tion was given that a body of regular troops were 1777. marching upon Bennington with a train of artillery. Aug. 14. The next morning he marched with his whole brigade to the support of Gregg, who, having found himself outnumbered, was retreating, the enemy pursuing within one mile of his rear. When they
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
257
perceived Stark advancing, they halted, erected CHAP. breastworks, and sent back to call a reinforce- IX. ment. Stark drew up his men on an eminence in open view, but could not bring the enemy to an engagement. He then marched back a mile, and encamped, leaving a few men to skirmish with the enemy. The next day being rainy, Stark kept his position; but, to try the spirit of his troops, he sent out skirmishing parties to harass the enemy: The militia being brave, in the several skirmishes between small detachments were uniformly suc- cessful. This sharpened their courage, and on the sixteenth of August, Stark, who now had his forces augmented by the Berkshire men from Massachusetts, resolved to attack the main body. His force now amounted to sixteen hun- dred men. Colonel Nichols, with two hundred men, was ordered to the rear of the enemy's left wing ; and Colonel Hendrick, with three hundred, to the rear of their right. Three hundred men were ordered to attack them in front, and draw their attention. Then, sending Colonels Hubbard and Stickney, with two hundred, to attack the right wing, and one hundred more to reinforce Nichols in the rear of their left, the battle commenced by an attack on the rear of the left wing, at pre- cisely three o'clock in the afternoon. It was immediately seconded by the other detachments, and, at the same time, Stark himself advanced with the main body. For two hours the Hessians* fought bravely ; but, overwhelmed by numbers, and their entrenchments assaulted by yet braver troops, they were overpowered. The Americans
* German troops in the English service.
33
Hale's Hist. U. S., vol. II., p. 33.
258
HISTORY OF
CHAP. forced their entrenchments, and they fled in dis- IX. order. But carelessness had now well nigh lost what valor had won. The Americans, apprehend- ing no danger, dispersed in search of plunder and fugitives. Suddenly the reinforcements sent to Baum arrived, and fell furiously upon the scat- tered Americans. Fortunately, at this critical juncture, the Green Mountain Boys came up, under Colonel Warner, and threw themselves impetuously upon the enemy. The scattered militia rallied fast to his support. The battle lasted till night, when the enemy, retreating under cover of the darkness, made good their escape. Four pieces of cannon, with all the baggage wag- gons and horses of the enemy, were the trophies of this victory. Two hundred and twenty-six men were found dead on the field of battle. Colonel Baum, mortally wounded, was taken; besides whom thirty-three officers and seven hundred pri- vates were made prisoners. Of Stark's brigade, four officers and ten privates were killed, and forty- two were wounded.
Long before the battle, General Poor, a junior officer, had been promoted over Stark ; who, being offended, had resigned his commission, and, in dis- gust, retired to his farm. At the news of Bur- goyne's approach, he had taken the field, and was acting under the authority of the assembly of New Hampshire. When congress heard of this, a few days before the battle, they passed a resolve, that the movements of General Stark were " destruc- tive of military subordination, and prejudicial to the common cause." But by accident the same congress heard of his victory. They immediately
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.