USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > New Ipswich > The history of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, 1735-1914, with genealogical records of the principal families > Part 11
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There were several potent conditions tending to hold Col. Reuben Kidder from joining the provincial cause. His mili- tary position, his commission as "His Majesty's Justice of the Peace," and his large estates, all of course acted against any bias of his judgment in that direction. He is said to have "always expressed his opinions freely as averse to the war, and therefore must have been extremely unpopular, still the respectability of his character seems to have preserved him from any of the annoyances which many of the loyalists of that day had to encounter." Tradition, however, gives one incident which forms a slight exception to what was doubt- less the general truth of the last statement. It is told how
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History of New Ipswich
a soldier returning home from his term of service stopped over night at the Colonel's inn, and relating his experiences to an admiring group, referred to General Washington in terms which chanced to be especially offensive to his host, who responded with a very emphatic execration upon the leader of the rebels, and received a reply in the form of a clenched fist. The Colonel was said to have arisen from his hearthstone and maintained a discreet silence.
It cannot be doubted, however, that less prominent loyal- ists were more emphatically admonished of the error of their ways than those who had long been recognized as able and worthy leaders of the town, but with later years their stories have passed into oblivion. The former town history pre- serves the record of one case which was probably especially obnoxious to the town. It chanced that a deserter from the British forces was captured in New Ipswich, and before being returned to Boston was confined for a short time at the tavern of Jonathan Dix, then standing on the site now held by the house occupied for more than forty years by Rev. Samuel Lee. The popular disapproval of the tavern-keeper's part in that incident was expressed, not only by hanging him in effigy, but also by other methods of annoyance, some of which probably would hardly bear relation in detail, so annoying that he soon left the town and the country; and his property in due time was confiscated to the state.
The former history names one member of Capt. Towne's company whose fears amid the shot which greeted them be- fore their ascent of Bunker Hill were sufficient to overcome not only whatever patriotism may have prompted his enlist- ment, but also the personal pride which had been manifested by abundant boasts before reaching the line of danger, and on the plea of sickness he sought release from duty, and also some one to accompany him. The first part of his request was granted, but the courage to go alone was supplied by Capt. Towne's threat that "if he did not instantly scamper he would run him through," and the induced activity was sufficient to give rise to the tradition that he never stopped running till he reached home. If this was really the case, his rapid departure from the region of peril must have been of considerably greater length than the fifty miles intervening between Charlestown and New Ipswich, as the company roll gives Washington as the home of Peter Lowell, and thus no stigma rests upon New Ipswich.
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Committees of Correspondence
The former history also names one soldier who traitor- ously deserted from his company, went over to the British, and was included in the proscribing act of 1778, with the penalty of death if he returned. The latter part of this story of course must have rested upon the record, but, as the name of Daniel Farnsworth does not appear on any of the 3500 pages of company rolls and other Revolutionary documents, supposed to include all that have been found, the question unavoidably arises whether he really broke the soldier's pledged faith, or was only one of the tories who by some act more offensive than that of most of his fellow loyalists brought his name, like that of Jonathan Dix, upon the roll of proscrip- tion.
There is much of interest that might be drawn from the town records suggesting the caution and discretion with which the questions arising amid the difficulties which were ever demanding resolute decisions were considered. Conclusions were sometimes reached which now seem to have been errone- ous, but the marvel of the record is that, walking in a path so nearly untrodden, the leaders of the town should have decided so wisely as the result proves that they did.
The device adopted by the colonies at the time when it was sought to deprive them of such measure of self- government as they had previously been granted was the or- ganization of the town and state "Committees of Correspon- dence," called sometimes by other names but practically the same in effect, with powers so undefined as to be capable of almost instantaneous abridgement or expansion, as the con- dition required. This has been regarded with wonder and admiration by students of history because of its general es- cape from the errors of action the probabilities of which nec- essarily inhere in such form of control, and especially at the successful and peaceful passage from this temporary and un- lawful expedient to a formal government fitted to endure.
Those things could not have been but for the wonderfully balanced powers of perception and of judgment developed by the severe but most instructive experience of the Pilgrim and the Puritan settlers whose children guided the early steps of the colonies. The consideration of the story of the part borne by New Ipswich in this struggle which marked an epoch in the world's history must not close without naming the men of the town who did the work of these committees within its bounds, as written in the town records.
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History of New Ipswich
March 13, 1775. "Chose as Committee of Correspondence and inspection Ephraim Adams, Joseph Bates, Josiah Brown, Isaac How, John Breed, William Shattuck, Eleazer Cum- mings, Edmond Briant, Benj. Knowlton."
May 29, 1775. "Nathaniel Stone was substituted in place of Josiah Brown and the Committee was made a Committee of Safety."
Oct. 27, 1775. "Chose a new Committee of Inspection, Safety and Correspondence. Chose Ephraim Adams, Paul Prichard, Peter Fletcher, Samuel Whittemore, Joseph Bates."
Mar. 11, 1776. "Chose as Committee of Inspection, Safety and Correspondence,-Josiah Brown, James Chandler, Benja- min Gibbs, Thomas Brown, Josiah Walton."
July 8, 1776. "Samuel Bartlett was substituted in place of Thomas Brown."
Mar. 10, 1777. "Chose as new Committee of Inspection Safety and Correspondence,-Thomas Heald, Nathaniel Stone, Benjamin Hoar, Isaac Appleton, Ephraim Adams."
Mar. 9, 1778. "Chose as Committee of Safety,-Samuel Whittemore, Francis Fletcher, Josiah Brown, Paul Prichard, Benjamin Williams."
Mar. 8, 1779. "Chose as Committee of Safety,-Jonathan Davis, Benjamin Adams, Thomas Heald, Josiah Walton, Thomas Brown."
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CHAPTER VI
THE CIVIL WAR-1861-65
T HE patriotic spirit which had been shown so abundantly in the Revolutionary War, and continued through the War of 1812, became strongly tinged with opposition to slavery. This intense feeling was evinced by the long dispute through- out the country which culminated in the Missouri Compro- mise. New Ipswich was ever at the front in all that had to do with liberty of act or thought or person. Later in the earlier half of the nineteenth century this feeling was shown, though in a less obtrusive way, by Anti-Slavery and Aboli- tion societies. Thus it was ready to be aroused to new life by the outbreaking of the Civil War in April, 1861. Public spirit was at white heat.
A special town meeting was called May 1, 1861, "to see if the town will vote to appropriate such sum or sums of money as will be necessary to arm and equip such persons as enlist from the town of New Ipswich for the defence of our country in the present crisis." At this meeting no definite action was taken, but another meeting was called to meet on May 21, with a broader outlook. Three articles with very practical points were offered :
"To see if the Town will raise money or authorize the selectmen to borrow money to arm and equip a voluntary company, and to provide uniforms for the same."
"To see if the Town will take measures to provide for the families of such persons as may be called into actual service."
"To adopt any other measures which may be deemed proper to aid in quelling Rebellion, arresting traitors, if un- fortunately any should be found in our vicinity, and provide such sums of money as may be necessary to accomplish the object."
At the meeting three resolutions were adopted :
"Resolved, that a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars be raised by the town for the purchase of materials for a uniform for the Military Company now formed in town and that the selectmen be instructed to assess the same upon the polls and taxable estate in the town. The
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History of New Ipswich
cost of each uniform to the town not to exceed the sum of ten dollars, and the property in the uniforms to be vested in the town, said uniforms to be loaned by the town to the company, as long as they shall be or- ganized and shall perform military duty."
"Resolved that the selectmen be instructed to render aid to the families of such residents of this town that have enlisted in this state or any other, or that may enlist for the term of three years, or the war, and be actually called into service by the Authority of this State as may from time to time be necessary, and that a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars be raised for that purpose to be assessed upon the polls and taxable estates, whenever such sum or any part of it may become necessary."
"Resolved that a Committee of five be appointed, whose duty it shall be rigorously to prosecute any person or persons who may be deemed by them guilty of Treason to our Country in this hour of peril, and that the sum of one hundred dollars be appropriated to pay necessary expenses. No part of said sum however to be received by said Com- mittee for their own services, and all bills to be approved by the selectmen."
The committee appointed by the moderator, Hosea Eaton, and accepted by vote of the town, was John Preston, Nathan Sanders, William Prichard, James Chandler, John U. Davis.
Another town meeting on October 31 was called "To see if the town will vote to raise money to aid the families of volunteers agreeable to Chapter 248 of the Pamphlet Laws passed June session 1861 or anything relating thereto."
At this meeting "The following resolution offered by John Preston Esquire was passed unanimously. Resolved that the selectmen be authorized to borrow on the credit of the town from time to time such sums as may be necessary to pay to the full extent authorized by law the families of soldiers, and that in so doing they give the most liberal construction of the law in deciding upon those entitled to relief."
No war action was taken at the annual meeting of 1862, but on August 12 the town was called upon to say "what the town will do in relation to paying a bounty to volunteers should any hereafter be called for to fill up the quota from this town for the present war," and it was voted "That a bounty of one hundred dollars be paid by the town to every volunteer who shall be accepted and mustered into the service of the United States for the term of three years or during the war under the recent call of the President for three hun- dred thousand volunteers, and also that a bounty of fifty dollars be paid by the town for each of so many volunteers as may be necessary to supply the quota of men required
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Bounties for Volunteers
for service for the term of nine months, and that the select- men be authorized to borrow so much money on the credit of the town as may be necessary to pay all such persons who may be accepted and mustered into the service of the United States, under the said requisition of the President, and also that the families of those who volunteer for the nine months shall have the same aid allowed to them by the town as is now allowed to the three years men."
Again in 1863 the annual town meeting took no action in reference to the war, but on August 31 three articles were presented for the consideration of a special meeting.
"To see if the town will vote to pay to every man belonging to New Ipswich who may be drafted under the law of the United States and may be mustered into the service, of the United States or to any Substitute of any man so drafted the sum of three hundred dollars in ten days after such drafted soldier or his substitute shall be mustered into such service, and also furnish aid to the families of drafted men or sub- stitutes."
"To raise money by a loan or otherwise to pay such sums as may be required to carry into effect the provisions of the above article and to raise any committee or committees nec- essary."
"To see if the town will vote to pay a bounty of one hun- dred dollars to all volunteers from New Ipswich who are now in the service of the United States who have not received a town bounty, and likewise to the heirs of those who have died in the service."
To the first question the town replied by the following resolution offered by John Preston, Esq.
"Resolved that the town will pay to every soldier who may be drafted, accepted and actually mustered into the service of the United States under the recent conscription law of Congress the sum of three hundred dollars in ten days after said drafted soldiers shall have been mustered into said ser- vice, and also that the town will pay for a substitute for any such man so drafted a sum not exceeding three hundred dol- lars to be paid when such substitute shall have been accepted and been mustered into said service ten days."
To meet the second one it was "voted that the selectmen be a committee to borrow on the credit of the town so much money as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of
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History of New Ipswich
the above act, and that they be the disbursing committee." The remaining article was indefinitely postponed.
November 25, 1863, the problem had taken the form pre- sented in the warrant for another meeting: "To see if the town will raise money by loan or otherwise to pay a bounty for a sufficient number of volunteers to meet the requisition upon the town under the recent call of the president of the United States for three hundred thousand volunteers or to take any measure to raise a sufficient number of men to avoid the necessity of a draft on the fifth of January next."
It was "resolved that the town treasurer be authorized to borrow on the credit of the town the sum of seven thousand two hundred dollars to pay as a bounty for eighteen volun- teers, the number of men required of the town, and that the treasurer be further authorized to take the transfer of the said volunteers of the bounty from the State and the United States and to collect said bounties and make payment of the same as far as may be to liquidate said town."
This action was taken on the motion of Esquire Preston, as was also a vote of thanks to "Hon. Hosea Eaton for his prompt action in procuring volunteers to the number re- quired of the town."
At the annual meeting in March, 1864, it was "voted to pay the sum of three hundred dollars to all veteran volun- teers that have or may reenlist."
On August 4 the town met the question of filling its "quota for five thousand soldiers called for by the United States 18th of July 1864" with a vote "that the selectmen be authorized to fill the quota of the town for the present call for troops, and also be authorized to borrow on the credit of the town such sums of money, not exceeding fifteen thou- sand dollars, as may be necessary for that purpose."
The condition at the time of the presidential election in the following November and the frame of mind at that time is recalled by an article in the warrant for that meeting: "To see if the town will continue to pay a bounty in anticipation of a call that may be made by the President of the United States for soldiers," and still more plainly by the answer of the town when it "voted that the selectmen be authorized to pay bounty for soldiers, the amount of money to be paid to be left to their discretion."
The whole amount expended by the town as given in the
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The Sixth and Thirteenth
"Report of the Commissioners upon the War Expenditures of the towns and cities in the State of New Hampshire" was $13,150.
Selectmen, 1861-65 : 1861-62, George W. Wheeler 2d, George Whiting, Sewell O. Chandler; 1863, John U. Davis ; George C. Campbell, Charles B. Preston; 1864, John U. Davis, George C. Campbell, Emerson Howe; 1865, Emerson Howe, Reuben Taylor, Horace Wheeler.
Within a few days after the first call for troops a squad of men were drilled on the common near the church twice a week by Capt. Jonas Nutting of the state militia. Capt. Nutting, himself past middle life, was one of the first to enlist and was soon followed by four of his sons. In Novem- ber the New Ipswich men were mustered in at Keene. De- cember 25, the Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, for which New Ipswich furnished twenty-three men, was ordered to Washington and began the soldier's life, which was to continue for three years.
"The Regiment during its term of service in seventeen different states was in 21 engagements, meeting all the re- quisitions of duty however onerous or perilous with cheerful and ready efficiency. While it is not asserted that the Sixth was the best regiment sent out from New Hampshire the claim may be made, and can be maintained, that it was equal to the best. Its record has added a brilliant chapter to the history of New Hampshire's always glorious achievements in war." (Revised Register of the Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-66. A. D. Ayling, Adjutant General.)
New Ipswich was also specially interested in the Thirteenth Regiment, as nineteen of her men were in the ranks, having been enrolled in October, 1861. The regiment was in "more than twenty engagements, beside days and days of skirmish- ing.""
It had the proud distinction of being the first Union regi- ment and its flags the first flags of the Union army to enter Richmond on its occupation April 3, 1865. "At once the Brigade was engaged in restoring order, putting out fires and gathering into Libby prison more than two thousand soldiers of Lee's army." Later in May it had the honor to receive Gen. Sherman's army as it passed through Richmond. "Its character for efficiency, patriotism, intelligence, bravery, and
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History of New Ipswich
trustworthiness made it surely one of the nation's most prom- inent historic Regiments." (Ayling.)
Meantime the women of New Ipswich were bravely doing their part. A Soldier's Aid Society was organized in October, 1861, and carried on its work with vigor and enthusiasm. To the army in the field were sent woolen garments, stockings, "comfort bags"-more than five hundred-and in large amount dried apples and other fruits. To the hospitals were sent pillows, dressing-gowns, lint, bandages, cordials, and all that could be found in a New England home for the comfort of an invalid. To all were sent newspapers and writing ma- terials. If sometimes a letter was added to a package the recipient thought himself specially fortunate. House mothers gave until only enough was left of their treasured supplies to meet the needs of their own households. It must be remem- bered that supplies of all kinds were held at fabulous prices; that stockings and nearly all garments were made by hand, bandages rolled, and lint scraped in the same way; but the hearts of the workers were warm and for four years they lived at high pressure.
At length, after four years of strife and sufferings in camp and on the field, four years of wearisome suspense and fear in the homes of all the land, the struggle was ended. Lee had surrendered, and there was jubilant rejoicing in this quiet, lit- tle village ; ringing of bells, firing of cannon, illuminations, con- gratulations of all who met in the street. The day was given up to varied expression of joy. That was Monday, April 10; Saturday, April 15, President Lincoln died and joy was changed to bitter sorrow. On the Sabbath the church was draped with black. Mr. Cutler, the young pastor, in the church service voiced the griefs of all hearts.
After the close of the war the wants of the Freedmen-so helpless in their sudden release from the care as well as the bondage of their masters-appealed the more to the people of the North, since the conquered South was unable to care for them, and for years relief was given until help could be ren- dered by organized charities. By the payment of $200 a year New Ipswich for three years supported a teacher for the Freedmen.
PRICES DURING THE CIVIL WAR .- From an expense book, 1862-65, we quote these prices, most of them in the hand- writing of William W. Johnson: Meal (bag), $3.90; sugar (pound), 30 cents; molasses (gallon), $1.00; kerosene oil
112
-
NEW IPSWICH TO THE
MENGRY OF NEP BRAVE SONS WHO CAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY DURING THE WARF
THE RER
ERECTED 18
THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT
The Union League
(gallon), $1.10; nutmegs (pound), $2.00; butter (pound), 50 cents ; cotton cloth, unbleached (yard), $1.00; gold, $2.851/2. In Boston flour by the carload was sold per barrel $25.00.
During the Civil War there were in the Northern States many sympathizers with the South who used all their power and influence to have the Confederacy recognized by foreign powers. To counteract the effect of this party the Union League was organized. It included patriotic men who for age or any other reason were unable to go to the front, but who by every means in their power bravely upheld the cause of Liberty here in the North. A branch of the league was or- ganized in New Ipswich. Its work, though necessarily quiet, was effective and a power in the region. Prof. E. T. Quimby was the president of the local league and Prof. C. H. Chandler held some office, probably that of secretary. No records can be found which give any clue to the number of members.
In 1878 a soldiers' monument was erected on the Village Green at the foot of the Academy campus. Its height is twenty-two feet and six inches-a simple granite shaft above a base standing four-square, bearing this inscription on the north side :
NEW IPSWICH TO THE MEMORY OF
HER BRAVE SONS
WHO GAVE THEIR
LIVES FOR THEIR
COUNTRY DURING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION
ERECTED 1878
The following names are inscribed on the other sides of the base.
WILLIAM L. WESTON
ALLEN A. NUTTING
JOHN PIKE
JOHN F. KNOWLTON
ABNER P. CRAGIN
JOHN K. WALKER
WARREN P. LOCKE
JOSIAH P. WHEELER
WALTER RAY
WARREN C. NICHOLAS
PATRICK READY
ANDREW L. SWALLOW
JOHN P. SHATTUCK
WILLIAM A. MANSUR
FRANCIS NUTTING
ALBERT H. DAVIS
GEORGE H. NUTTING
EDWARD E. DAVIS
CHARLES L. NUTTING
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History of New Ipswich
NEW IPSWICH SOLDIERS IN
NAME
BORN
AGE
RESIDENCE
ENLISTED
Appleton, Eugene F. .
Dublin, N. H. .
24
New Ipswich
Aug. 15, 1862
Avery, James E. .
Peterboro
23
Aug. 14, 1862
Baxter, Albert F.
Central Falls, R. I. .
18
May 15, 1861
Blanchard, Edwin F. .
New Ipswich
19
66
66
Aug. 26, 1864
Blanchard, Thomas W. Blood, Luther
Westmoreland
18
66
Aug. 20, 1862
Groton, Mass
26
Aug. 16, 1862
Bolton, Charles L. .
Paisley, Scot.
23
66
July 2, 1861
Boodry, Augustine W.
Pawtucket, R. I. .
18
Aug. 9, 1862
Bucknam, John B. .
New Ipswich
20
Aug. 8, 1862
Carr, Edward J. .
New Ipswich
19
Aug. 16, 1862
Chamberlin, Charles
Newbury
33
July 25, 1862
Chandler, James O. .
Pittsfield
24
May 22, 1861
Cragin, Abner P. .
Temple
23
66
Aug. 12, 1862
Davis, Edward E. .
July, 1863
Davis, Albert H. .
Ashby, Mass.
24
Oct. 22, 1861
Donley, Michael P. .
Trim, Ireland
24
Aug. 7, 1861
Eddy, John .
Northboro
38
Sept. 24, 1861
Edwards, George F.
New Ipswich
18
Nov. 18, 1861
Fisher, Albert G.
Francestown
23
66
60
Oct. 2, 1861
Fletcher, Benjamin M.
Albany
35
66
Aug. 15, 1862
Fowler, Archibald C. .
Sept. 29, 1862
Fowler, John H. . .
Sept. 29, 1862
Freeman, Sherwood A.
Madrid, N. Y. .
23
66
Aug. 20, 1862
Frissel, William B. .
Thetford, Vt.
36
Nov. 14, 1861
Fuller, Andrew C. .
Westminster
29
Aug. 9, 1862
Garland, James
Ellsworth, Me.
31
66
66
Oct. 19, 1861
Goulding, Charles H. .
Millbury, Mass. .
24
May 24, 1861
Greenleaf, Paul
Pittsfield
24
66
Oct. 17, 1861
66
66
19
41
66
66
66
66
66
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New Ipswich Soldiers
THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
REGT. Co.
REMARKS.
DIED
RANK WHEN DISCHARGED
13 N. H. Inf., G
Discharged disabled May 5, 1863.
Mar. 11, 1874
13 N. H. Inf., G
Discharged disabled Feb. 28, 1863.
2 N. H. Inf., G
Wounded and missing at Get- tysburg July 2, 1863.
Wound. sev. at Fort Harrison, Va., Sept. 29, 1864.
Corporal
13 N. H. Inf., G 13 N. H. Inf., G
Wound. Mar. 8, 1865. Disc. for wounds Dec. 22, 1865.
17 Mass. Inf. H 13 N. H. Inf., G
Wound. sev. at Cold Harbor, Va., June 7, 1864.
Corporal
9 N. H. Inf., I 13 N. H. Inf., I 9 N. H. Inf., D 2 N. H. Inf., I
Died of disease, Falmouth, Va. Discharged disabled May 28, 1863.
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