USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Windham > The history of Windham in New Hampshire (Rockingham country). 1719-1883. A Scotch settlement (commonly called Scotch-Irish), embracing nearly one third of the ancient settlement and historic township of Londonderry, N.H > Part 10
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73
NEW REGULATION OF THE MILITIA.
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Der. 2, 1776. - Taxes were collected " In the name of the Gov- ernment and people of this State."
The words "Province of New Hampshire " were used on the warrants for town-meetings till April 1, 1776. Then the words " Colony of New Hampshire" till Aug. 28, 1776, which were superseded by " State of New Hampshire."
So ends the military and civil history of the town for 1775.
IMPORTANT EVENTS IN 1776.
Captain Gilmore and his men remained with General Sullivan on Winter Hill till March 17, 1776, when the British evacuated the city, and they were discharged. John Morison, Samuel Morison, and Isaac Cochran were in his company. Robert Dins- moor, " Rustic Bard," was there; his uncle Robert Dinsmoor was there; and while the latter was wheeling a wheelbarrow load of dirt, a cannon-ball struck and split open an apple-tree by his side, but did not harm him. Abram Planet or Plunket; Hadley and Thomas Gregg; this latter was probably lieutenant of the com- pany which was under the command of Captain Runnells, or Reynolds, of Londonderry. This company was at Medford in December, 1775, and remained till the latter part of January, 1776, when their term of enlistment is supposed to have expired, but at the urgent request of General Sullivan, most of the company re-enlisted for twelve days, among whom was the " Rustic Bard."
NEW REGULATION OF THE MILITIA.
In the September following the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, an Act was passed by the government of New Hampshire, which radically changed the militia system of the State. It divided the soldiers of the State into 'two classes, a Training Band and an Alarm List.
The training band included all able-bodied male citizens, from sixteen to fifty years of age, except a few specified persons, or classes. Each officer and soldier was to " be constantly provided with a good fire-arm, good ramrod, worm, priming wire and
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74
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
brush, and a bayonet fitted to his gun, a scabbard and belt there- for, a entting-sword or tomahawk or hatchet, a pouch that will contain a cartridge-box that will hold fifteen rounds of cartridges at least, a hundred buck-shot, a jack-knife, and tow for wadding, six flints, one pound of powder, forty leaden balls, fitted to his gun, a knapsack and blanket, a canteen or wooden bottle suffi- cient to hold one quart." The town was to provide for those who could not provide for themselves. Each company was to muster eight times a year.
The alarm list included all males not included in the training band, between sixteen and sixty-five years of age; and stringent regulations were enacted for the government of both classes.
THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
Early in 1776, the Continental Congress saw the neces- sity of linking the colonies together by an unbreakable com- pact, for the better prosecution of the war and their own protec- tion. They recommended the disarming of all persons inimical to our cause, or who should refuse to aid by force of arms the war against the armies and fleets of Great Britain. The sentiments of Congress were loyally received by the people of New Hamp- shire, and in its distinguished civil leader, Meshech Weare, chair- man of the Committee of Safety, they found an able, patriotic, and efficient practical exponent, one who was both able and willing to lay the matter before the people of New Hampshire, and push it forward to a successful issue.
THE ASSOCIATION TEST.
1776, March 14 .- The Continental Congress "Resolved that it be recommended to the several assemblies, conventions, and councils or committees of safety of the United Colonies immedi- ately to cause all persons to be disarmed within their respective Colonies, who are notoriously disaffected to the cause of America, or who have not associated, and refuse to associate, to defend by arms, the United Colonies against the hostile attempts of the British fleets and armies."
[Copy.] Extract of the minutes.
CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary.
In reponse to this resolution of Congress, the following action was taken by "The Colony of New Hampshire."
"IN COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
"April 12, 1776. - In order to carry this resolve into effect an order was sent to the selectmen of towns, or to the committee of safety of each town, or to both, saying, 'You are requested to desire all males about twenty-one years of age (Lunatics, Idiots, and Negroes excepted), to sign to the declaration on this paper,
75
SIGNERS OF THE ASSOCIATION TEST.
and when so done, to make return here of, together with the name or names of all who shall refuse to sign the same, to the General Assembly or Committee of Safety of this Colony.
M. WEARE, Chairman.'
In consequence of the above Resolution of the Honorable Con- tinental Congress, and to show our determination in joining our American Brethren, in defending the Lives, Liberties, and Proper- ties of the inhabitants of the United Colonies: -
We the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage, and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our Potter, 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.
SIGNERS OF THE ASSOCIATION TEST IN WINDHAM.
Hugh Graham Jr.
Alexander Merrow
Jolın Kyel
Willm Gregg Jr. John Cochran
Hngh Clyd
Alexander McCoy
James Cochran John Wilson
John Campbell
Robt Dinsmoor
Simon Williams
Henry Campbell
William Rowell Peter Merrill
Robert Park
Willm JJameson
Peter Merrill Jr.
David Gregg
Isaac Cochran
James Wilson
William Gregg
Thomas Jameson
Alexr Richey
David Gregg Jr.
David Hopkins
Ilngh Graham
Thomas Gregg
Robert Smith
John McCoy
James Campbell Arthur Darrah
James Gilmore
James Davidson
Alexander Gregg
James Jameson
Saml Campbell William Shed
John Cochran Jr.
Moses Duty
Alex Simpson
James Dinsmoor
Ilenry Campbell Nathaniel Hemphill
John Morison
William Dikey
Robert Hemphill
Adam Templeton
John Armstrong Jr.
Gain Armour
Nathl Campbell
Saml Morison
John Morrow
Allen Hopkins
Andrew Park
John Miller 96
Thos : Wilson Danl Mellvaine George Davidson
Willm Thom Timo Ladd
James Betton
Timothy Ladd JJr.
John Anderson
Eliphalet Ladd Andrew Armor
Joseph Clyd
Robert Spear
John Dinsmoor John Davidson
Alexander Richey
John Simson
David Davidson
William Simson
Nehemiah Hadley
Samuel McAdams
Alexr Wilson Hugh Brown
Isaac Thom
Benjm Thom
Robert McAlvaine
James Caldwell David Currier
Jolın Clyd
David Armstrong
SAML MORISON
Alexdr Park
John Armstrong
NEHEMIAH HADLEY
Joseph Smith
Saml Wilson
Selectmen." *
James Richey
Ebenezer Hall
State of Newhampshire Windham Ang. 26. 1776. To the Honorable Com- mittee, of Safety of this State the foregoing Re- quest hath been Punctu- ally observed. Notwith- standing Lieut. Abraham Reed Mathew Reed Amos Merrill hath Refused or Neglected to sign the foregoing Declaration .3 ALEXR WILSON
* Provincial Papers, vol. viii, p. 295.
Alexander Park
Thomas MeCoy
William Dinsmoor
George Wilson
Jefferry Donnough
76
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
This test was signed by 8,199 persons in New Hampshire, and 733 refused to sign it. .
The "association test " was to the people of New Hampshire a declaration of their independence of Great Britain, and their determination to maintain it with force of arms, and at the peril of their lives. It preceded by nearly three months the greater Declaration of the United Colonies on the 4th of July, 1776. The people well knew the consequences of failure, and they deter- minedly hazarded all in defence of the rights they then possessed, and to win that liberty which was the object of their strongest hopes.
Of those who refused to sign in Windham, two certainly were not strongly in favor of the American cause, but were tinctured with loyalty to the British crown, namely, Matthew Reid and his brother, Abraham Reid, though the latter was lieutenant of the company of Londonderry and Windham men, under Capt. George Reid, which marched from Londonderry and joined the American forces at Medford.
WINDHAM SOLDIERS IN 1776.
In the muster-roll of Captain William Stilson's company, in Col. Joshua Wingate's regiment, raised for the army of Canada, but joined the Northern army in New York under General Sulli- van, is the name of Ebenezer MeIlvaine, of Windham. He was mustered July 4, 1776. His advance wages and bounty were £9. 18s .; billetting, 88. 6d .; total, £10. 68. 6d.
The service demanded still greater sacrifices of the people, and loud and urgent calls were made for troops. The towns were active in responding to the demands of the Government, and on July 8, 1776, Windham passed the annexed vote, " Voted, to aug- ment the Province bounty to $40 to each and every soldier of our Cotta which will voluntarily enlist to reinforce the Northern Army under Gen. Sullivan."
MEN IMMEDIATELY RESPOND.
In Capt. John Nesmith's company, Col. Matthew Thornton's regiment, mustered and paid July 11, 1776, were, - ·
Alexander Graham, 2d Lieut. David Davidson, Sergt.
Robert Dinsmoor, Sergt. John McCoy, Corp.
Samuel Thompson. James Gilmore. John Campbell.
Allen Hopkins. Samuel Dinsmoor. Joseph Corliss.
Nathaniel Hemphill. Ingh Graham. William Dickey.
Three of these men are incorrectly credited to Londonderry in Parker's history of that town, pp. 337-8. This receipt is taken from the Windham tax records, commencing 1772 :-
" Windham July ye 14th 1776-We the subscribers acknowl- edge that we have each of us 'received the sum of six pounds sixteen shillings lawful money from the selectmen of Windham
77
MEN IMMEDIATELY RESPOND.
in behalf of said town as a reward to serve on the Continental army for the space of five months.
Sammel Dinsmoor.
Allen Hopkins. John Jobe. John McCoy. Nicholus Viekstrum. Robert Dinsmoor.
Nathaniel Hemphill.
James Gilmore. William Dickey, Sergt."
David Davidson.
The town paid these ten men £GS. It paid four Continental soldiers, three years, $128. In the same company, and mustered August, 1776, were Hugh Graham, John Campbell, Joseph Corliss.
In Capt. Daniel Emerson's company, Col. David Wingate's regiment, mustered and paid July 16, 1776, were, -
John Caldwell. Thomas Caldwell. James Thompson.
Stephen Hadley. James Simpson Thompson. James Dickey.
Samuel Callwell. William Darrah.
In Capt. Joseph Parker's company, Col. Enoch Hale's regiment, mustered and paid July 18, 1776, and who joined the Northern army at Ticonderoga, were, -
John Smiley. William Smiley.
Ezra Annis.
George Clark.
Each received £10. 2s.
In Capt. William Barron's company, Col. Isaac Wyman's regi- ment, mustered and paid July 16, 1776, was James Gilmore, ensign. Windham, according to the "Great Return," had in 1776, 14 men in Colonel Wyman's regiment, and paid as bounties £64.
In Captain Marston's company, Colonel Gilman's regiment, mus- tered Aug. 10, 1776, was James Brown. Windham had nine men in Baldwin's and Gilman's regiments in 1776, and paid bounties, £56. 88.
In Col. Isaac Wyman's regiment, Capt. Joseph Dearborne's company, were John Morison and Samuel Dinsmoor. Each received advance wages and bounty, €10. 48. 3d.
Ebenezer Hall was in Capt. John Drew's company in Canada expedition, mustered in Aug. 29, 1776. James Kyle was in same company. Hall received £10. 6s. 4d .; Kyle, £9. 18s.
The town, Sept. 12, 1776, Voted that all those who were in the Cont'l service 8 months last year should be exempted from paying the additional bounty to soldiers voted July 8, 1776. Voted to Free Daniel MeIlvaine of all his aforesaid rates.
In Capt. Nathan Sanborn's company, Col. Thomas Tash's regi- ment, raised to reinforce Continental army at New York, and mustered Sept. 20, 1776, were William Simpson and John Simpson.
In Col. Matthew Thornton's regiment, Capt. Daniel Runnells' (or Reynolds') company, to serve at New York, and mustered Sept. 26, 1776, were, -
Arthur Darrah. Henry Campbell. James Moorland. John Morison. Robert Morison.
John Cochran. Thomas Wilson.
Joseph Callwell. John Stuart.
John Gilmore.
Samuel Spear. James Campbell. John Hughes.
78
IHISTORY OF WINDIIAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
In Captain McConnell's company, Col. Daniel Moore's regiment, to march to New York, were, -
Robert Hopkins, mustered Sept. 26, 1776. James Hopkins. John Kinkead.
Lieut. James Gilmore. Alexander Morrow.
The last four men are incorrectly credited to Londonderry in Parker's history of that town, p. 338. These all received one month's pay in advance "and billetting money, to carry them as far as New York."
In Capt. Philip Putnam's company, bound for New York, were Jonathan Cochran and John Cochran; not positively known as from Windham.
Nov. 14, 1776, Voted not to choose members of the Council according to the method in the writ by order of the Council and Assembly.
This method was that each voter should, on a piece of paper, " bring in votes for five persons, being reputable free-holders and inhabitants in this county, having a real Estate of Two Hundred pounds, to serve as members of the Council for the year ensuing."
The town voted to remonstrate against this method, and chose Timothy Ladd, Esq., Dr. Isaac Thom, and Samuel Campbell, together with the Selectmen, a committee for the purpose.
So ends the civil and military history of Windham for 1776.
.
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1777 .- COURT PRICES.
CHAPTER VII.
1777. - COURT PRICES. - STILL, ANGRY. - WINDHAM'S QUOTA FOR THE CONTINENTAL ARMY .- GETTING DESPERATE .- CASUALTIES TO WIND- HAM'S SOLDIERS IN THE BENNINGTON BATTLE. - WINDHAM'S SONS AT THE BENNINGTON BATTLE, AUG. 16, 1777. - POLITICAL ACTION OF THE TOWN. - THE EXEMPTED FARMS SET BACK INTO WINDHAM. - THE DAY BRIGHTENING. - TOWN LEGISLATION ; AFRAID OF DEBT. -THE WAR CONTINUES, 1778. - SUBSTITUTES ; RECEIPT FOR MEN .- RAISING MONEY TO PAY THE DEBT. - SOLDIERS; BOUNTIES; TOWN LEGISLATION, 1779. - HIGHEST TOWN BOUNTY OF THE WAR. - THE BEGINNING OF THE END, 1780. - BOUNTY OF CORN FOR WINDHAM SOLDIERS. - 1781. - WINDHAM SOLDIERS. - BEEF FOR THE ARMY IN 1781. - BOUNTIES. - TROUBLE WITH THE CURRENCY. - DEPRE- CIATIVE SCALE OF PAPER MONEY. - 1782. - THE LAST WINDHAM SOLDIER IN THE REVOLUTION. - END OF THE REVOLUTION, AND TREATY OF PEACE. - THE WINDHAM RECORDS.
SHORT enlistments had prevailed nearly to this date. The enlistments were for various lengths of time. In 1776, the Conti- mental Congress found that short enlistments and temporary levies could not be relied upon to prosecute the war successfully, and determined upon a permanent war establishment by the Gov- ernment, and in the latter part of that year the regiments were recruited for service during the war, and the officers were ap- pointed by Congress.
During the year 1776 New Hampshire had three regiments of regulars in the Continental Army, nine regiments in the field, a battalion of 300 men on her own fortifications, and a reserve force of six regiments of militia. The State law of January, 1776, was found not to be stringent enough to fill the quotas in all quarters promptly, and so Jan. 18, 1777, the legislature passed an additional and more stringent Act. This did not always fill the quotas, and it was again amended June 26, 1779. Beneficial effects arose from the new organization of the army, and the year 1777 opened with a hopeful look for the success of American arms, and the final triumph of our cause.
Jan. 14, 1777. - Voted to give instructions to our Representa- tive in General Court for present year. Chose for committee to prepare instructions, -
Alexander Simpson. Nehemiah Hadley. Lieut. John Dinsmoor. Dr. Isaac Thom.
George Davidson. Jolin Morison.
Samuel Campbell. Capt. Joseph Clyde.
Capt. David Gregg. John Clyde.
80
HISTORY OF WINDILAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
The burdens of the war bore heavily upon the people of this little settlement, and they were often pressed for means to carry on their daily affairs, their town responsibilities, and to pay the taxes for the war. Then, as now, a grist-mill was at Butler's Mills, and the people were very much inconvenienced for want of a bridge to reach it (having to go around for a mile) ; so,
March 6, 1777- one hundred and thirty of the most respecta- ble people, including many members, and some of the elders in the church, of Windham and Pelham, petitioned the General Court for power to establish a lottery, by which they could pro- cure money to build the bridge at Butler's Mills. It was not granted.
COURT PRICES.
During the greater part of the war, the money in circulation were the bills of credit of the State and the Continental money. This was issued in great quantities by State and Congress, and was also greatly counterfeited. It was what we in these days would call "fiat money." As a result it depreciated rapidly in value, and alarmed both people and government. The Legisla- ture of New Hampshire, in the spring of 1777, passed a law reg- nlating the prices of the common articles of life, at which they could be sold. A sample of the prices fixed is given : For wheat per bushel, 78. 6d .; Indian corn, 3s. 6d. ; cheese, 6d. per pound ; beef, 3d .; molasses, per gallon, 4s. ; N. E. rum, 3s. 10d .; W. I. rum, 7s. 8d .; linen cloth per yard, 48. ; coffee, 18. 4d. per pound.
March 13, 1777. - At the annual meeting the Court Act was read. May 13, 1777, as directed by the General Court, the town voted to choose a committee "respecting the stated prices of commodities among us." Chose Lieut. Joseph Smith and Nehe- miah Hadley.
STILL ANGRY.
Allusion has already been made to the remonstrance of Wind- ham to the manner of choosing county officers and members of the council. At the annual meeting, March 13, 1777, the Act for choosing a county recorder and county treasurer was read, and the town " Voted, not to votte for any."
WINDHAM'S QUOTA FOR' THE CONTINENTAL ARMY.
April 1, 1777. - "To see what method the town will take to raise their quota of the three battalions which is to be sent out of the State to join the Continental Army." The town
" Voted to raise money in addition to the State bounty for those men now called upon for the THREE-YEARS service."
" Also, voted to raise sixty dollars of a hire to be paid by this town to each man that will voluntarily inlist for the aforesaid term belonging to our present compliment now a wanting."
Adjourned to April 8.
81
GETTING DESPERATE.
April 8, 1777 .- Voted, "to all those who after the date of this warrant inlist into the Continental service for 3 years as called npon by our General Court, '5 dollars in addition' to former vote."
GETTING DESPERATE.
April 15, 1777 .- " Voted to choose a committee to see what (those belonging to this town) shall be considered for by past services in the present contest with Great Britain."
They chose a committee of Nehemiah Hadley, Timothy Ladd, Dr. Isaac Thom, Peter Merrill, Lieut. John Dinsmoor, Dea. Sam- uel Campbell, George Davidson, Capt. Joseph Clyde, and Alexan- der Park. " Adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes to Lieut. Joseph Smith's. Then assembled and resumed the meeting," and
"VOTED, One hundred Dollars to be paid down to each man that now inlists (of this towns quota) into the Continental ser- vice for the three years including the sixty-five dollars formerly voted in the foregoing meetings as a town hire."
The revivatory effects of a fifteen minutes' visit to Lieut. Joseph Smith's is plainly apparent in the subsequent legislation of that meeting.
In Kidder's History of the First New Hampshire Regiment (Col. Stark's) are the following Windham soldiers, enlisted in Col. Joseph Cilley's regiment : -
William S. Darrah, enlisted January, 1777; discharged December, 1780. James Brown, enlisted April 1. 1777 ; discharged December, 1780. James Gilmore, enlisted April 25, 1777 : discharged April 5, 1780. Joseph Polley, enlisted April 7, 1777; discharged AApril 10, 1780.
They acknowledged, April 30, 1777, having received ₺30 each of selectmen as a bounty for three years' service.
I copy the following from the unpublished Town Papers in the Secretary of State's office at Concord, N. II.
" Windham, May 8, 1777. - There is enlisted out of Windham, William Darrah, Robert Stuart, in the Continental Army to serve for three years. Enlisted with Lieutenant Cherry, John Joal, and Nicholas Vicksham.
" Lieutenant Cherry was of Londonderry, in Capt. James Carr's company, of Col. N. Hale's regiment (2d N. H. Regt. ), after- wards Col. George Reid's. Vicksham engaged Nov. 2, 1776, was taken prisoner at the battle of Hubbardston, Feb. 7, 1777, and was never heard from afterward. He served 6 mos. and 7 days.
"John Joal was in same company, enlisted Nov. 14, 1776, and deserted Jan. 5, 1781, having re-enlisted in 1779, and received a bounty of £30. He was claimed by Barrington as its soldier (see year 1779). It was no uncommon thing, during the period of short enlistments, for the same soldier at different times to go from several different towns."
In addition to the names of soldiers already given, I find the additional names of James Eisman, who enlisted with Lient.
82
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Thomas Hardy. Enlisted with Lieutenant Senter, James Wil- son, Jacob Hardy, James Gilmore, captain. The above is dock- eted " Windham Return of men enlisted 1777," in unpublished Town Papers in the Secretary of State's office at Concord.
" Feb. 7, 1777, David Nevins was taken prisoner at the battle of Hubbardston, and died Feb. 7, 1778. Early in 1777, Nathaniel Shedd, claimed by Concord, Alexander McMasters, claimed by Londonderry, and John Mansfold, enlisted in Colonel Hale's regi- ment, received town bounties of Windham. Bartholomie Cabruis (Cabuis), a Frenchman, enlisted in Col. Alexander Scammel's regiment.
" In July, 1777, General Burgoyne took Fort Ticonderoga. This was a serious loss to the Americans, and of great importance to the British commander. Over two hundred pieces of artillery had been captured by the English, besides many prisoners, inside of one week. Burgoyne pursued his victorious march to Fort Edward on the Hudson. While at this latter place he dispatched Colonel Baum with 500 English and 100 Indians to seize a maga- zine of stores at Bennington, Vt. But the patriots of New Hampshire were not inactive. The militia of the State rallied under General Stark, marched rapidly to Bennington, and dis- puted the farther progress of Colonel Baum. They joined battle Ang. 16, 1777. There were many tories in the battle who were in citizens' dress, the same as many of the New Hampshire troops, and it was difficult to distinguish friend from foe. To distinguish between friend and foe, a portion, if not all, of the New Hamp- shire troops put a corn husk in their caps. Their friends had the corn husk, their foes had not." So the battle raged, but the "Green Mountain Boys" and the New Hampshire militia were victorious.
It was a great defeat to the proud English commander, a great triumph for the Americans. It was the turning-point of the Revolution, and made possible the Independence of America. Burgoyne's fate was decided there. After that France united her fortunes with the United States, which made independence sure. On that hard-contested fiekl fourteen men of Windham braved danger and death, that the liberty of America might not perish.
The following are believed to be the correct names of Wind- ham men in that battle : -
In Col. Moses Nichols' regiment, Capt. Daniel Runnells' (or Reynolds') company, General Stark's brigade, who enlisted July 20, 1777, were, -
John Campbell. John Stuart. Samuel Campbell. John Hughes.
These are incorrectly credited to Londonderry in Parker's history of that town.
In Capt. Jesse Wilson's company, Col. Moses Nichols' regiment, Stark's brigade, were, -
83
THE BENNINGTON BATTLE.
Davia Gregg. David Campbell. James Wilson.
Ensign Samuel Morison .* John Kinkcad. Thomas Karr.
Sergt. Ephraim Kyle. John Jameson.
William Bolton.
Corp. Alexander Morrow. Jesse Davidson.
I find the names of Jonathan Morgan, James MeGlanghlin, Jesse Wyman, and Levi Wyman, in the same company. The first two were undoubtedly of that part of Salem once Windham. The two latter are presumed to be of Pelham.
CASUALTIES TO WINDHAM SOLDIERS IN THE BENNINGTON BATTLE.
Ensign David Gregg (called " Lieut." in subsequent years, but had not then received his commission) had his thumb shot off.
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