^i^ cb jrw, Nefc If ampsi|ire li!' k'-X: M mm. )>> >»•;'' ill Class _ ^1^3-^ |lnok__'M'4-N-4 'UKSKNTKl) m CELEBRATION OF THE (One 2S^u^rc^ ixnh 3[ifttctlt iVnuilicrsaru OF THE J[irst Srttlcntrut OF Nelson, Nrlu Hampshire i?iir-uiir CELEBRATION BY THE TOWN OF ■ ^clsmi, ^tiv IBanipshirc (originally called "mONADNOCK No 6 ■ AND INCORPORATED AS " PACK ERSri ELD" ) OF THE (One ^jmibrcb imh Jfiftidl| ^uuihcrsary oi lis (3[irst ^rltlcuinit 1767-1917 UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE NELSON PICNIC ASSOCIATION AT THEIR THIRTY-NINTH ANNUAL GATHERING AUGUST 15. 1917 SKETCH OF THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE TOWN By Major-General Simon Goodell Griffin A NATIVE THEREOF TO WHICH IS ADDED THE panics mxh l\cc^r^5 of the yinnccr J^rttlcrs of ^Jnrhcreficlb, luho liah part in the lllar of the l\rluihition ir?5-1783 program of anniversary exercises INCLUDING THE DEDICATION OF A memorial tablet , A/-? m OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES of the NELSON, N. II., PICNIC ASSOCIATION 1917 PRESIDENT Rev. GEom.E L. Cady, D. D. VICE-PRESIDENT Kkv. Roderick Stebbixs SECRETARY Rev Millard F. Hardy EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mr. Arthur Flood Mr. Albertis W. Wilder Mr. Wayland P. Tolman COMMITTEE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN 176M917 Hon. and Mrs. T. W. Barker Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Bassett Mr. Charles A. Be.mis Dr. and Mrs. George L. Cady Rev. and Mrs. W. O. Coxrad Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Dunn Dr. and Mrs. Seneca Egbert Rev. and Mrs. C. B. Elder Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Elliot Mr. and Mrs. Oren L. Farwell Mrs. Sumner P. Fisher Mr. Fred A. Fisher Miss Helen B. Fletcher Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Flood Mr. and Urs. Frank P. Gibson Mk. and Mrs. Charles L. Griffin Mr. and Mrs. Harry R. Green Dr. and Mrs. E. N. Hardy Rev. and Mrs. M. F. Hardy Miss H. Jennie Holt Dr. and Mrs. T. M. Lightfoot Mr. Henry J\[ELvn.LE, Chairman Mr. and Mrs. Fred M. Murdough Mrs. Delia H. Osgood, Secretary Miss Edith H. Osgood Miss Sarah E. Osgood Mr. and Mrs. George S. Page Rev. and Mrs. E. W. Phillips Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Priest Mr. and Mrs. James E. Ruffle Ihi. and Mrs. Fred A. Scott Rev. and Mrs. Roderick Stebbins Mr. and Mrs. John Stevens Rev. and Mrs. A. L. Struthers Mr. Wellington Stoddard Mrs. Hattie Towne Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Tolman Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer C. Tolman Mr. and Mrs. Horace O. Upton Mr. and ]\Irs. Albertis W. Wilder Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Wilson SELECTMEN OF NELSON Mr. Thaddeus W. Barker Mr. Wilmer C. Tolman Mr. Fred. M. Murdough ^^^^"^^^^^^^^^H ^^v^ k£m jt y^ ^^^^^H ^^^^^^. ^I^Vfi'^^K i M^^^^^^^^^^H THE MINUTE MAN By Daniel Chester French forming part of the monument at concord bridge ''Jil^hat hemes from tl]c foooMmtb sprung, (^ BlHuni, tl]rmic\l| the frcsh-altiakeneb lanb, Che thrilliiu^ cru nf freeboxu rung ^iib to the fonrk of luarfare strung ©lie yeoman's irott ha^^ ! Jiills fhtng the cru to Iiills arounb, ^nb ocean-mart replicb to mart, (Anb streams, luhose springs focrc yet unfouub, ^ealeb far afoay tl|e startling sounb ^Into the forest's heart. (Then marcheb the hralie from rocky steep, iFrom monntain-riber sdnft anb colli ; Che borbers of the stormy beep, d]C bales &jl]erc gathcreb foaters sleep, Sent up the strong anb holb, — i\s if the liery earth again (6relu quirk luith C5ob'5 creating hreath, (Anb from the sobs of grolie an^ glen l^osc ranks of iion-hearteb men (To battle to the beath." WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT NELSON '^Jttl]in tl]e bounbs of CII|csI]tre, ^nh iai\£rt tl|£ l|ills rait^e itobly, tTo form tl|E advent bi6tbe, ^he stts in ijntel c^raniJcur, JV C^ueen Cuttl] Ijoitor nrofmteb, pii|Oge eberg Ijill 's a temple, ^nb liallcy l|allo6icb grounb." M. F. HARDY SKETCH OF THE EAh'LV IIISTOHY OF THE TOWS OF NELSON,' New Hampshire. BY S. G, GHIFFIX. On the Gth day of December, 1751, tlie Proprietors of the lands purchased of Jolui Tufton !^[ason, Esq., wlio claimed to be a descendant of Capt. Jolin Mason, the oris7, about onc-clghth of It was taken to form a part of the town of Sullivan ; lnnniber 9, 1K12. another portion went to form a part of Roxbury, and finally. July '.'. 1K7'>. n third portion to form a part of Harrlsvllle. The name wau changed from PackiThHeld to Nelson. October 1. 1814. — Eds. 'Major-Goneral Simon Goodcll GrlRln was born in Nelson, August 9, 1824. Samuel Grlflln, Nehenilah WrtKht and Kev. Jacob Foster, whose services lu the Revolution arc hereafter noted. Wire three of hi.^ Krandfat^K•r^ This sketch was written by lilni • close of the Civil War. and was printed in 1870 and 1871 In two Issues of the ., a little paper published to raise money to repair the church. In con>-lderlnK to persons and places It must be txime Id mtud that ho refers to a time at>out u:;.. ..< ^o. — Ed*. ■■In 1835 a small piece. Including the "old Tarbox place", was taken from Stoddard and added to Nelson. owTied by Selim Frost and Amos "Wardwell, and those in Koxbury now o\nied and occupied by David W. Buckminster^ and Gilman Nims/ crossing the "Branch" at the edsre of the woods, about half a mile below what is now knowTi as Roxbury Bridge. This grant was dated the tenth day of ^lay, 1752, and signed by Joseph Blanchard, agent for the Grantors. By the conditions of this grant, each owner of a double share, or two lots, was to have, within three years from the last day of the following November, at least three acres of his parcel cleared and fitted for mowing or tillage, and three acres cleared annually for the same purpose for three years next following, and was to have, within the same time, a dwelling house built, and comfortably finished, and a family dwelling on the premises. These conditions were not fulfilled to the letter, but enough was done to satisfy the Grantors. Another condition was, that a convenient Meeting-house should be erected near the centre of said township within ten years, and ten acres of land reserved for public use; and another, that all lands should be subject to have all necessary roads laid out through them, without any pay or allowance for damage thereby. "All white pine trees fit for His Majesty's Royal Navy", were granted to the King and his successors, forever." The shares thus granted were frequently bought and sold on speculation, sometimes at a very low price, so that, a few years afterwards, we find men whose names do not appear among the Grantees owning a large number of the original shares. Among these was Col. Thomas Packer, of Portsmouth, who must have owned, at one time, according to the Deeds given out by him, more than one-half the land in town. On the Gth of October, 1761, a meeting of the Grantees was held at the house of Robert McClandenen, in Londonderry, N. H., at which Thomas Packer was chosen Moderator, and Thomas Packer, Jr., Clerk of the Proprietors. At this meeting it was voted, among other things, that the township be divided into quarters, by lines running through the centre, that the quarters be num- bered, and that ten acres be laid out near the centre of the town for the purpose of building a Meeting-house, and for other public uses. On the 19th of October, 1703, Breed Batcheldcr, then of Brookfield, Mass., received a Deed from Jonathan Blanchard, of Dunstable, N. H., of 2,135 acres of land in the south-west quarter of the town then called Monadnock No. 6. The consideration named in the Deed was sixty pounds sterling, and the Deed was recorded in N. H. Records, ]\Iay, 17G.5. Mr. Batchclder afterwards became the first permanent settler in the town, and his homestead was the place now owned and occupied by Gilman Nims,^ of Roxbury, which was a part of this tract of land purchased of Blanchard. He was born in Beverly, Mass., in 1740. His father, John Batchelder, afterwards removed to Brookfield, where he died, leaving considerable prop- 3Now owned by Mr. Elbridge Kingsbury and occupied by a girl's summer camp. *Now owned by heirs of David Nims. "Under date of July 9, 1750, Richard Hazzen made for the Masonian Proprietors a plan of the tract afterwards called Monadnock No. 6, in which it was divided into rectangular lots with parallel and perfectly straight highways, running east and west and north and south, so that every lot bordered on at least one of them. It also indicated the character of the timber on each lot. Very little white pine was shown, much less than exists at the present day. Most of the soft wood was hemlock. The central lot, described as "Meeting House Place," was covered with "red oak." See N. H. State Papers, Vol. 28, page 7. — Eds. "Now owned by heirs of David Nims. erty, and by administrntinn papt-rs it appears that Brood settlod his estate about the year 1763. In 1758, at the age of eighteen, young Batchelder was in the army under General Abercronibie, in the expedition against Ticonderoga, where he kept a journal, which is still preserved. Possessed of a great deal of onorgj- oi eliaracter and perseverance, and having served in the army and had some intercourse with the world, he acquired an education superior to that generally obtained by the young men of his time. In I7(i2, we find him a surveyor of land, as appears by his minutes, which testify to the intelligence and capacity of the young pioneer. In 17C4, he appears by deeds to have been a resident of Keene, and by tradition of his descendants we learn that he came to Xims's, in Keene, — nearest settler to his land — (where Brigham Nims' now lives, in Roxbury) and boarded for a time while he was clearing his land and preparing a home on his own premises. FIIJST SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWN — 1700. On the 11th day of ^March. 1706, Breed Batchelder married Ruth Davis, of Rutland, ^fass., and was published as belonging to Keene at that time. The same year, he built a large and heavily-timliered barn on his homestead, which is still standing, and was, without doubt, the first framed barn built in town. A house had previously boon built on the place, on the opposite side of the road from that now occupied by Oilman Nims (whore his sugar-house now stands) ; and there is a tradition in the neighborhood that another man had been on Batchelder's place and built a cabin, and that he suddenly disappeared, leaving all his effects, which were taken possession of by Batchelder, except one hammer, the iron handle of which is still in the possession of Brigham Nims, of Roxbury, with whose ancestors it was left. Many of Mr. Batchelder's papers have been preserved, and among them is found the indenture by which, on the 27th of June. 1767, "Josiah Billings, of Monadnock No. 0" bound out his .son, Ebonezer Billings, as an apprentice to "Breed Batchelder, gentleman". By the town records, it apiM?ars that Batchelder was afterwards paid for labor on the highway in June. 1767, and from the record of births, we find that his daughter. Betsy Batchelder, was born in this town on the 24th of August, 1767. and was the first child born in town. On the 25th of March, in tlie same year, a moisting of the Proprietors of !Monadnock No. 6 was held at the house of Zachariah Foss, in Portsmouth — Thomas Packer. Ksc].. ^lodorator — and was adjourned from time to time. On the 1st of September, it was voted to raise a tax of fifty shillings on each share, to defray the oxix'iise of surveying and laying out the lots of land, and for building necessar>' highways and bridges. Breed Batchelder was appointed collector of this tax. and he and his brother William were chosen a com- mittee to lay out highway.s. On the 30th of September, same year, a meeting of the Grantors — the original purchasers from Mason — was held at Portsmouth and the failure of ^Now owned bf betn of David NMms. the grantees to fulfill the conditions of the grant was discussed; but in "Con- sideration that they had already done much towards a settlement of the said township", it was voted that their rights be still preserved to them, and that the time of their limitation be extended. The Gazetteers state that the town was first settled in 1767; but, from the facts and circumstances above stated, it is altogether probable that Batchelder settled in 17G6, and others came about the same time. Those who appear to have been here in 1767, were Josiah Billings, who lived near Batchelder, Joseph Stanhope (a half-breed Indian), and Abraham Griffiths, who lived in the northeast quarter, Dr. Nathaniel Breed, who settled where Horatio and John Osgood now live,* Abijah Brown, who lived where the old orchard is, above the lead mine, east of Mr. Osgood's, and James Bancroft, who settled in the south part of the town, on the hill north of the late homestead of Joel Bancroft. Dr. Breed was probably the first permanent settler within the present limits of the town. He was a regularly educated physician, — had practised medicine in Easthara, on Capt Cod, and afterwards at Sudbury, Mass., from which place he came to this town. He brought his family here in 1768, and soon after removed to the south part of the town, to the place now owned and occupied by "Wellington Seaver. He built a mill directly east of the house — one of the first in town — and from him "Breed PoncJ" derived its name. SURVEY OF THE TOWN — 176S. In the months of September and October, 17GS, Breed Batchelder, assisted by his brother William, Dr. Nathaniel Breed, and others, surveyed the town, and presented a plan, on parchment, to the "Proprietors", by whose agent he had been employed, and a copy to the Grantors. He retained a copy himself, also on parchment, which is still in the possession of his descendants. On the plan is a statement of the survey, sworn to before a Justice of the Peace, dated December 7th, 1768. The town was laid out in lots of 10-t acres each, 160 rods long, north and south, and 104 rods wide, east and west. Lines were first drawn throuj^h the centre, dividing the township into quarters, and each quarter was allotted by itself, the ranges running east and west, and numbered from left to right, and the numbers of the lots in the ranges running north and south. The lots were not fixed at such a size as to divide the whole number of acres in the town without remainder. Consequently there were strips of land left in each quarter, after laying out the regular lots, and the lines of lots did not corre- spond with those in the adjoining quarters. A MAN LOST. While Batchelder and his party were surveying the town, one of the men, named Samuel Maguire, a native of Ireland, became separated from the others, and was lost. They were in the east part of the town, on or near the "Island", one Saturday afternoon, and being about to quit work, Maguire took a tin kettle, or pail, to go to a spring for water, at the same time taking his gun, saving he would see if he could get a duck for supper, — the spring being near ■■Kow owned by Mr. Charles H. Osgood. the pond. They heard liim tire his jjun, and waited some time for liim to return. Night was coming on. and they were several miles from their homes — some of them living in Keene — with no roads through the wilderness, not even marked trees, much of the way. They commenced to search, but were com- pelled to give it up and seek their homes before it should be too dark. The next day they raised a large i)arty in Keene and renewed the search. Fires were built on the hills, horns sounded, guns fired, and everything done that could be to rescue him, but he was never heard of afterward. Many years afterwards, when the farm lately owned by ^Mr. Comstoek, in Sullivan, came to be settled, there were found, near a large rock, where there had evidently been a fire, a gun barrel, from which the stock had rotted, a pair of saddle- bags, a compass-box and a horn of powder. Buttons, also, such as were worn on coats and breeches in those days, were scattered about, but no bones were found, and whether Maguire or any one else had perished there was never known. On the 2d of September, same year, !Mr. Batchelder received a Deed from Thomas Packer, senior, of the whole of the northeast quarter of the township, except one lot of 104 acres. From this large tract of more than 6,000 acres he sold farms to settlers, from time to time (some were already in possession, but had not taken deeds) until, at the time he left the country, in 1777, it was reduced to 3,510 acres in that quarter. At about the same time, he bought the original shares of James Miller, one of the grantees, comprising four lots. — 41C acres — covering the farms now owned by Prentiss Stoddard," N. W. Hardy,"' and the one lately owned by Joseph Beal, as they were originally allotted. He also o\med, about this time, the original lot now included in the homestead of Josiah Melville, and commenced at one time to clear the land on that place. On the 16th of Januarj', 1709. a meeting of the Proprietors was held at the house of Zachariah Foss, in Portsmouth. Thomas Packer, Moderator, at which it was "Voted to accept the plan of the to\mship presented by Mr. Breed, Batchelder, and that the same be filed with the Grantee's Clerk". During that year Mr. Batchelder surveyed the town of Stoddard, — Monadnock No. 7 — the minutes of which are still preserved among his papers. From the record of births in the town books, it api)ears that Abigail Breed, daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Breed, was born on the 16th of June of that year, and was the first person baptized in to\ni. The ceremony was performed in October following by Rev. Stephen Farrar, of New Ipswich. On the 8th of June, 1770, Thomas Packer Batchelder, son of Breed Batchelder, was born, and was presented with a lot of land by Thomas Packer for being the first nuile child born in town, and also with another lot for receiving the name of the donor. As early as 1771 several families had taken up their residence within the township, in addition to these already mentioned. Samuel Cook, Beriah Wet- more, Thomas TTpham, and John Stroud had .nettled in the eastern and north- eastern part, John Farwell where Darius Farwell" now lives, Kichard Far- well on the James Derby place.'- and John Frink, John LeBourveau and Jolm •Now occupied by Mr. Wellington Stoddard. »*Now occupied by Dr. E. N. Hardy. "Now owned by Mr. Arthur E. Chlldji. "Now occupied by Mr. Ortn L. Farwell. Proutee, and probably several others, were somewhere in town, but the particu- lar location of each is not known. FIRST TOWN MEETING. On the 5th of February, 1772, a meeting of the Proprietors of Monadnock Xo. 6 was held at the house of "Ensign Breed Batchelder, Innholder in said^ town", and was the first town meeting held in town. The meeting had been legally called by Thomas Frink, Esq., of Keene, a Justice of the Peace, upon a petition signed by Breed Batchelder, John Frink and Xathaniel Breed, and the warrant was published three weeks in the N. H. Gazette, in January, 1772. Thomas Frink was chosen Moderator. A vote was passed dismissing the Proprietors' Clerk — Thomas Packer, Jr., — and Breed Batchelder was chosen in his place. Breed Batchelder's account for surveying the town and making the plans, amounting to thirty-two pounds nine shillings, was accepted and allowed. Breed Batchelder, Abijah Brown and Thomas Upham were chosen a com- mittee to settle the town lines with all the towns adjoining. A tax of six shillings on each settling share was raised for defraying Pro- prietors' charges, and twelve shillings for the use of highways. Abijah Brown was chosen collector. It was also voted to clear four acres of the ten acres reserved for public use, and build a "Duty Meeting-house". On the 21st of April another meeting was held at the same place, at which John LeBourveau was chosen Moderator, and Nathaniel Breed, Breed Batchelder and John LeBourveau, Assessors. Breed Batchelder was chosen Highway Surveyor for the west half of the tOA\-n, Beriah AVetmore for the southeast quarter, and Jolm Proutee for the northeast quarter. BUILDING OF THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE, 1772. At this meeting it was voted to build a meeting house thirty feet long by twenty-five feet wide — the posts to be eight and a half feet high — and twenty- five pounds sterling was voted for that purpose. Breed Batchelder, Nath'l Breed and John Proutee were chosen a com- mittee to build the house, "or let it out by the great", as they might think jiropcr. Ten pounds sterling was raised for clearing the four acres on the public lot. During the summer of that year the four acres on the public lot were cleared, and in the autumn the meeting house was raised, but was not finished till the next year. It stood on, or very near, the spot afterwards occupied by the large meet- ing-house, facing the east. Its dimensions were as above described, and it had nine windows, two in front, one each side of the entrance, two in each end, one in the rear, over the pulpit, which was opposite the entrance, and one in each gable. A beam ran through the centre, over the door and pulpit, which served the double purpose of holding the plates of the building from spreading, and dividing the male from the female worshippers. The house was completed in June, 1773, and there the Rev. Mr. Treadway — the first minister — dispensed the gospel with puritanical rigor, and there the people 10 caino from far jiiid near tf> listen, brint'iinj: their Sunday dinners with them. Kiehard Farwell used to bring a pot of baked beans, slung on a pole, and invito everybody to join him in his feast.*^ That was their only place of worship for many years, until a larger house was needed and finally built.'* Then the old one was moved south some forty or fifty rods to the hollow near the branch of the roads, where it was fitted up and used as a store, a rum-shop and a tavern, and was afterward changed into a dwelling-house, in which the Rev. Gad Newell and others resided. Still later its timbers were used in the construction of the cabinet maker's shop — all of them except the sills — which was built at the branch of the roads, at the south end of the old "Common." Finally the shop was removed to the "Village" some thirty years ago, and a few years later was remodelled into the dwell ing-hou.^e lately occupied by Asa Taft, now by Mr. Waldron," vhere the original timbers of the first old meeting-house still e.xist, as sound, probably, as when they were first raised in 1772. At an adjourned meeting of the Proprietors held on the 21st of Sep- tember, 1772, it was voted, among other things, to allow the account of Breed Batchelder, for labor on the highways in said township from June, 17G7, to January, 1772. The accounts also of James Bancroft and Samuel Cook were allowed for labor on the highway in 1771. It was also voted that the Grantees, or those holding under them, might work out their high- way tax, and that three shillings per day be allowed each man from May 1st to October 1st and two shillings six-pence for the rest of the year. Two shillings were allowed for a pair of oxen, one shilling six-iience for a plow, and one shilling for a cart. FIRST MARRIAGE IN TOWN. On the 28th of October, 1772, Abijah Brown and Deliverance Breed, eldest daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Breed, were married by Rev. Joseph Farrar, of Dublin, and were the first couple married in town. Mr. Brown was a prominent man among the early settlers, was often employed in town busi- ness, and was, afterward, Lieutenant of Militia, and commander of tho company of twenty-seven men who marched from this town on the second morning after the battle of Lexington, to fight the British at Bunker Hill. The bride was seventeen years of age. On the 29th of March, 1773. a meeting of the Proprietors was held at the hoxise of Dr. Nath'l Breed, Dr. Breed Moderator, at which it was voted to raise nine shillings, lawful money, on each settling share, to defray the exiHJuse of getting the town ineori)oratcd, and for Proprietors' charges, and half a farthing per acre for the i)uriK)se of hiring some person to preach the Gosiwl. Breed Batchelder and Nath'l Breed were chosen a committee to hire such person, and they hired, temporarily, the Rev. Mr. Tread- "It probably wa« not used much in the wintor time. At a town mecllnK held December 4. 1780, It wan voted that the preaching each month be dlotrlbuted an follow* : one Sabbath at the bouse of Lieutenant Adams, one Sabbath at Samuel Grlflln n, and two Sabbaths at Dr. BreedH. "The "New" me^rtlng houne wan begun In 1786 and flnlnhed four or Ave yearn later. It wa« occupied until the present ntructuro wan built at the foot of the hill In 1841. In 1846. it waa nhorn of Itn porcben, the frame made one-tbird nmaller, and reconitructed Into the piMent Town H.ill. The porches were formed Into the houNc lant occupied by Mm. Uryant. DOW owned by Mm. Stillman. "Now by Mr. L. H. Bawett. 11 way, who commenced his labors that year — probably in June — but no church was organized until several years later. It was also voted to petition the Governor and Council to have the town incorporated, and Breed Batchelder was chosen agent to procure said act of incorporation. On the 1st day of July following, a meeting of the Proprietors was held at the meeting-house for the first time, Beriah "Wctmore moderator, and on the 18th of October another meeting was held at the same place, John Le- Bourveau moderator at which it was voted to "settle a Gospel minister," and to renew the petition to the Governor and Council for an act of incor- poration. Breed Batchelder was re-appointed agent to defend the same, a remonstrance having been sent in by some who were opposed to the measure. In the warrant for this meeting is an article "To see if the Proprietors will vote to give the Rev. Mr. Treadway, now preaching with them, a call to settle in the work of the ministry." INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN — 1774. On the 22d of February, 1774, John Wentworth, Governor of the Province of New Hampshire, in the name of "George the Third, by the grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith" &c., signed the Act of Incorporation, giving the town the name of Packersfield, in honor of Col. Thomas Packer, who, at one time, owned the greater part of the township. The whole of the northwest quarter was owned by him at this time, and it was called "Packer's quarter" until within a few years. He promised to give the town five hundred acres of land if they would name it Packersfield but after securing the name he refused to give the deed. The inhabitants were indignant and immediately commenced an agi- tation to change the name, in which they were successful many years after- ward.^^ The first meeting under the charter was held at the meeting-house on the 31st day of March, 1774, and the corporation was duly organized by the election of a fxill complement of town officers. Breed Batchelder was chosen moderator, John LeBourveau town clerk, and Joseph Stanhope, John LeBourveau and Eleazar Twitchell selectmen and assessors. Several families had now come into town in addition to those already named. In 1772 William Follett had come from Hubbardston, Mass., and settled on the place lately owned by Daniel M. Burpee, now by Edwin Hunt,^^ and Samuel Wilson and Jonathan Nichols had built their cabins in the north- east quarter, Bruce was on "Prospect Hill," afterwards called "City Hill," Eleazar Twitchell had settled on the place since known as the "Capt. Scrip- ture place,"^^ John Adams on the "Seaver place," Aaron Beal, afterwards called "Lef tenant Beal," on the one lately owned by James Chase, and his brother William, had a grist mill at the outlet of "Pleasant Pond," since called Breed Pond. Philip Bailash was living on the knoll north of "Duck "In 1777 an attempt was made to change the name to Sullivan in honor of the New Hampshire General of that name. See N. H. State Papers, Vol. 12, page 637. The present town of Sullivan, which includes part of Packersfield, was incorporated in 1787. Probably the land set off from the latter place contained no inhabitants. At a town meeting held March 13, 1783, it was "voted : to have the town of Packersfield be called Groton. By 35 votes ; none in the negative." — Eds. I'Now by Mr. Temple Scott. >*Now known as the Clymer Place. 12 Pond" — now callfd .Mud I'ond — between the roads, where a few apple trees still stand, John Scarlet Newhall on the hill southeast of Darius Farwell's, John Spinney on John Yeardle.v's place, Phineas Stanford a little to the east of hiui, Joseph Stanford where Chauncey Barker lives, Samuel Everett where the little orchard is, under the hill east of the "Poland place," Amos Skinner near him, James Grover on the ''Bryant place" — in the old orchard west of where Allen Tolman^" now lives — and Sylvanus Morse southwest of him. James French, Moses Adams, Johnson Proutee, Eliliu lligbee and Kphraim Pierce were all residents of the town. In 1773, James Phillips was living in the west part, Joseph Mason in the south, and Joseph Eayrs somewhere within the limits of the town. ANECDOTES OF E.UILY SETTLERS. There are many interesting facts and incidents relating to the trials and privations of the early settlers, some of which it may be worth while to record. The whole country was covered with a dense forest, there were no roads or paths through the wilderness except to go by marked trees, and in some cases the nearest neighbor was miles awaj'. Very few settlements had been made in the adjoining towns, and in some of them none at all. Their supply of food, even, was precarious, for there were no grist-mills at hand, and some of the earlier settlers had to go as far as Peterboro' and Wilton, and sometimes even to Northfield or Concord. Mass., to mill, or to buy grain to eat. They often lived almost wholly upon boiled rye, and if their crops of corn or grain failed, they were reduced at times to hunting and fishing, but even in that case, although game was tolerably plenty, it was ofteu difficult to keep up the necessary supply of powder and lead. It is true they never were annoyed by Indians, the French and Indian war having drawn off the savages from this section of country. Indeed, it is probable that this rough and hilly country never was iidiabited by them to any great extent, but was left for a hunting ground by those whose wigwams were along the banks of the great rivers. An Indian grave or two on the farm lately owned by Samuel and Orlando Osgood,-" and two or three on the east side of "llurd Hill." north of Amos Sheldon's, with traces of a few wigwams, and an arrow-head, formed of a kind of tlint rock, different from anything found in this region, discovered by Joel Bancroft near the outlet of the "great meadows," are all the relics of Indians, so far as we know, that have been found in town. Moose and deer were plenty, and the dams and huts of beaver were found along many of the streams. Bears, wolves, and wild-cats, made it dangerous for the animals of the settlers, if not for themselves, and the wolves often kept up such a howling as to make the night hidwus, and prevent all slifp in their vicinity. Bears would often come to the dwellings of the settlers and att^ick and kill their hogs, and John Farwell had a cow killed in the woods by bears or wolves. John White killinl thirteen bears here in town, although he came as late as "Now owned br Mr. War>«Ds" and their wives and cliildren on hor.seback, as there was no other means of conveyance. The women used to go in the same way to Temple, Mason, Wilton and other distant places to do their "shopping," and to mill, to save their hus- bands' time, often taking a young child with them. Aaron Beal used to work out during the day and clear his own land even- ings, and his wife used to assist him. He pastured his cows on land that is now Pottersville* in Dublin, that being the nearest place where grass grew, and his wife drove them forth and back through the woods, leaving her little children at home alone. She was a brave woman except as rcgard«'d thunder and lightning. In tliat case she was very timid. One night when it was time for her to go for the cows, the heavens were growing black with an aiMiroaching storm. She didn't dare wait till the shower was over or leave the children alone through it, .so she took them with her and started. When about half way to the neighbor's who lived by the pasture, a most furious storm overtook them, and the thunder and lightning was more terrific than anything Mrs. Beal had ever exiH'rienced. They were thoroughly drenched, ••Now Cbenbam. 15 but otherwise uuliarmed, and it cured Mrs. B. of her timidity on such occasions. Ichabod Perry, "Ensign" of the military company that afterward marched to Bennington and fought under Stark, lived at the south part of the town, near the Beals'. \Mien the war broke out he went into the army, leaving his wife and seven children at home. In the summer of 1777, the children were taken sick with the dysentery, and while they were sick, Mrs. Perry heard of the death of her husband, who was killed at Brattleboro', Vt., in a skirmish with Tories and Indians, while on the march to Bennington. Six of the children died, and soon after, the same year, her house was biirned to the ground.^^ Peter Chandler lived in the east part of the town, at the end of the road above the "Spoonwood" pond. One evening in June, when Mr. C. was away from home at work, his wife, being alone with her two little children, got the baby to sleep and laid it in the bed, and undressed the older one, a boy two years and two months old, and put him in the trundle bed, .and went after her cow. When she returned, the little boy, Moses, was gone. It was thick woods all around, and she searched and called, but could find nothing of him. She then ran to the neighbors and raised help. All turned out and searched, but in vain. The next morning they started again at daylight, and soon discovered the cat coming up from the pond. Following in the direction whence she came, they found the little fellow in a clearing near the pond, with nothing on but his little shirt, up on a pile of logs in such a situation that if he had made a misstep he would have tumbled into the pond. When asked by his mother if he "was not afraid, out there all alone?" "I wasn't alone," he says, "pussy was with me." The cat, no doubt, had been his companion through the night. Warrants for town meetings were still issued by the constable in the name of "His Majesty the King," and on the 16th of August, 1774, at such a meet- ing, the town voted to settle Eev. James Treadway permanently in the ministry, and fixed his salary at thirty pounds sterling for the first year, with an increase of five pounds each year until it should amount to sixty pounds — provided he supplied the desk all the time. William Beal, Abijah Brown and Joseph Stanhope were chosen a com- mittee to carry the vote of the town to Mr. Treadway, and conclude arrange- ments with him. At the next meeting, held on the 3d of September following, it was "voted that Mr. Treadway shall liave a good right to leave us destitute of gospel preaching for the space of four sabbaths each year, his salary to be continued."-- HIGHWAYS, &C. Probably the first highway in town laid out and built by authority, was the one leading from Keene to the centre of the town, passing Batehelder's house, as Batchelder was one of a committee in 1767 to lay out highways, -'Two men are confused, "Ichabod" Perry, at the age of 15, enlisted from Packersfield In the Continental Army, March 3, 1777. The name of "Ensign" Perry was "Ebenezer." He was the father of Ichabod, First-Lieutenant of Captain Salmon Stone's Company of militia, and was killed at Bennington, August 16, 1777. "Apparently Mr. Treadway did not remain long, and it is doubtful if there was regular preaching until the coming of Rev. Jacob Foster in 17S1. Rev. Solomon Reed supplied for a time ; and there were others. — Eds. 16 and was paid for work on the Highway in that year and those following. But tlie first of which we have any record is the one described as leading •'From Dublin line near Mr. Wood's mill to the meeting-liouse," and is iden- tical with the old road from the outlet of Breed jiond, running by the Derby, Chase and Seaver places to Nelson Centre, excepting that opposite N. W. Hardy's it turned up the hill, and ran directly over the top of the hill north- west of his house, passing down on the other side probably to the west of the I>uildings on the "Newell plaee."^^^ It was laid out in July, 1773, by Nath'l Breed, and Aaron Beal, Proprietors' Committee. The same committee also laid out, during the same month, another road, — ''Bounded as follows, viz. "and begins at a small Beach and stones. East of the Meeting-House at the "East side Line of the Public Land, and then runs southeasterly to a Hemlock "Tree marked — and stands Near the Brook running out of the Centre Line "Aleadow to mooso meadow — then Crossing said Brook to a small Hemlock, "then to a Large Ditto by a Ilocky hole — then to a spruce, then a Beach, to "Beach on the Top of a Pitch — then Birch, then to a Beach at the North "side of the Crotch of the Roads with stones Round it, then Going southerly "in Bancrofts Road to a Large Birch in a hollow, then to a small Beach south "of Skinner's Camp then to a Large Red oak tree, then to a Large maple "then to a small Beach then to Ditto. * * * then to a Large Red oak "southerly of Bancrofts old Barn Near the Brook — the marks are all on the "North and westerly side of the Road, and said Road is Laid Three Rods "wide." This road will readily be recognized as the one leading from where the old meeting-house stood, by the place where Joseph Beal lately lived,-* to the Bancroft place, the greater part of which is still in use. The continuation of this road, south, was laid out the next September by the same committee, and was described as "Beginning at a Large hemlock "at the Brook Running into the Northwesterly side of Braekshin pond so called, "and then runs Northerly to a spruce, then to a Large Black Birch, then to a "small Beach" A:c. * * * to a Large Red oak Tree southerly of James "Bancrofts old Barn Near the Brook, it being the Last mentioned Bound "of the Road Laid out from tlie Meeting House," &c. "Braekshin pond" is the one since called Twitchell's — now Harrisville pond. The brook running into it, in the above description, is the small one south of Amos Robbins's, and the road was nearly the same as that now in use leading by Amos Robbins's and Chauncey Barker's to the Bancroft place. Descriptions of others of those old roads nsight be interesting to many, but the above is sufficient to illustrate the manner of laying out roads in those early times. As for the building of the roads, very little was done to them except to mark the trees, remove those that had fallen across the path, and cut away the brush and lower branches, and it was with difficulty that they could be travelled even on horseback. It was many years after the town was first settled that wheeled vehicles of any kind were introduced, except ox-carts. A woman desiring to spend an afternoon with a distant neighbor, would mount on horseback, take a child in her arms, and sometimes lash a foot-wheel to the saddle (often a "Now oocupiMl by Mn. Reb*oc* SInimoni. **On the top of the bill above Mr. Joba Cowen't. 17 man's saddle at that) in order to improve the time profitably while enjoying a social chat; for they spun and wove the cloth for all their garments and bed-clothing, and no time must be lost. Husband and wife would both mount the same horse — sometimes taking each a child — and in that manner journey for business or pleasure. A lad attending a "junket" would take his lass behind him on the same nag, but she must herself provide the "pillion" on which she rode. The houses of those days were mere loghuts,^'' with stone chimneys — in some cases with no chimney at all, but a hole in the roof instead — usually with but one room, no chamber or cellar, and sometimes with no floor except the hard-trodden earth. The roofs were generally made of troughs dug out from large poles and laid side by side lengthwise — up and down — on the roof, then turning others of the same kind the other side up over the joints, the edges fitting into those first laid. If well made, such a roof was impervious to water. Window-glass was at first unknown, but a hole or two cut in the logs, with wooden shutters, answered the purpose of windows. Barrels of pork and rmn were brought into town in those days on a sort of truck without wheels, made by fastening the buttends of two poles together at the proper distance, and dragging them on the ground, while the top-ends were fastened on either side of the horse-collar. A barrel or two lashed on lengthwise just behind the horse would ride with safety. BREAKING OUT OF THE WAR, 1775. In 1774 the people everywhere began to be excited in relation to the treatment of the Colonies by the Mother Country. A few were loyal to the King — generally those who had large property at stake, — but the great mass of the people were inspired with a love of their own country and were deter- mined to stand by it at all hazards. These styled themselves whigs, while the others were called tories. It was believed by the whigs that war was inevitable, and they began, though without much concert of action, to lay their plans and make prepara- tion for the coming strife. On the 19th of December in that year, Joseph Stanhoi)e, Eleazer Twitchcll, and John LeBourveau, selectmen of Packersfield, directed the Constable to call a town meeting, one of the articles in the warrant for which was "To see if the town Avill grant money to purchase a stock of ammunition for said town." The meeting was held at the meeting-house on the 5th of January, 1775, and although, after some discussion, they voted to pass over the article, it was done from motives of policy rather than from any want of patriotism on the part of the voters. On the 20th of the same month another meeting was held at which John LeBourveau, Major Breed Batchelder and Lieut. Abijah Brown were chosen a committee to correspond with Capt. Isaac Wyman in relation to these preparations, and other important matters relating to the times. Capt. Isaac Wyman was chairman of the Committee of Safety for Keene, a member of the General Assembly of the Province, and a few weeks later, 2='Pole" houses were what they called them. Later they built "board" houses. 18 the coniiiiander of the coniiiaiiv that iiian-hed out of Kcene when the news came of the fight at Lexington and Concord. On the 12th of April anotlicr meeting was held — Amos Skinner moderator — and Dr. Nath'l Breed, Eleazer Twitehell and Joseph Stanhope were chosen a committee to e()rrospond with similar con)mittees in other towns "On any occasion that may offer, and they think proper," and Amos Skinner, Lieut. Abijah Brown and Dr. Xath'l Breed were chosen a "Committee of Safety, and to put the Resolves of the American Congress in force, and advertise those that refuse or neglect to comply." At the time Breed Batchelder was a Major in the militia of the province, and PJleazer Twitehell was Captain and Abijah Brown Lieutenant of the military company which had been formed here in town. The whole number of inhabitants in the town was 173. of whom b'A were females, 50 boys under sixteen years of age, 4 above the age of 50, and 34 between the ages of sixteen and fifty. The whole number of firearms fit for use was 23. On the 19th of April the British marched out of Boston and attacked the patriots at Lexington and Concord. War had begun. The first blood had been shed. Horsemen galloped in every direction, and the alarm spread from neighbor to neighbor. Before noon the next day the news had reached Packersfield, and at sunrise the next morning twenty-seven men assembled under Lieut. Abijah Brown, and hurried to the scene of action. Major Batchelder, instead of joining the troops here, went down to Keene, as he said, "To see if the report of a battle was correct." When he returned and found the company had gone he followed on, and overtook them on the road. But his townsmen had been suspicious of him before, and their siis- picions were increased by his lack of promptness in joining, and marching with them. The company marched to Cambridge, where it encamped, and lay for several weeks, and Batchelder was in command, but the coolness between him and his men continued, and some of them would not speak to him. Not having a sujtply of arms, by the advice of the generals in command, several of the men returned home to plant their corn, before the battle of Bunker Hill was fought. Batchelder was very much soured and chagrined by the treatment he received while there, and he also came home. On the 9th of May a town meeting was held at the meeting-house at which Dr. Nath'l Breed and Eleazer Twitehell were chosen delegates to repre- sent the town in the Provincial Congress, which then held its sessions at Exeter. At anotlier meeting, on the 25th of September, Eleazer Twitehell, B«"ujaraLn Nurse, John J'rench, Amos Skinner and Abijah Brown were chosen a "Committee of Inspection," which api)ears to have been the same as a Com- mittee of Safety. In December of that year the town united with Stoddard, then called Limerick, in sending a delegate to the Provincial Congress at Exeter, and sent as apiMjars by the record, a Capt. Robert Pollock from that town. The next year Packerseld united with Stoddard, Camden (now Washington) and Gilsum, and sent Joseph Rounseval of Camden as their dcleeratc. In October of that year the Provincial Congress held a special convention in 19 which it "Eesolved itself into the House of Representatives of the state of New Hampshire." Mr. Rounseval also represented the same towns the following year. He was one of the prominent men of the state, and his handwriting which appears often among the state records of that time was one of extreme neatness and elegance. On the 16th of November, 1775, the Provincial Congress at Exeter had "Voted that the Committee of Safety in each town be requested to transmit to the Committee of Safety for this Colony the names and places of abode of all such persons as they suspect to be any ways inimical to this country, with the causes and evidences of such suspicions." The "Association Test" — 1776 In the month of April, 1776, the following documents were sent by the Committee of Safety for New Hampshire to the selectmen of the variou? towns, and the "Return" from Packersfield is given below. "To the Selectmen of Packersfield. Colony of New Hampshire. In Committee of Safety April 12th 1776 In order to carry the maderwritten resolve of the Hon'ble Continental Congress into Execution you are requested to desire all Males above Twenty One Years of Age, (Lunatics, Idiots and Negroes excepted,) to sign to the Decclaration on this paper ; 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 this Colony. M. Weare, Chairman. In Congress March 14th 1776 Resolved, That it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conventions, and Councils, or Committees of Safety of the United Colonies, immediately 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. Extract from the minutes (copy) Charles Thompson, Secy. In consequence of the above Resolution of the Hon. Continental Congress, and to; show our Determination in joining our American Brethren in defending the Lives, Liberties and Properties of the Inhabitants of the United Colonies : We the Subscribers, 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. 20 Joseph Stanhope, 1 John Spinney, > ElEAZEK TWITCHELL, ) Auron Beal, Absalom FarwoU, William Beal, Joseph Mason, Benjamin Nurse, Jr., Amos Child, John Farwell, Abijah Brown, -Richard Farwell, Amos Skinner, Nathaniel Breed, Joseph Stanhope, Eleazer Twitchell, John Spinney, Benjamin Nurse, John French, Jolm S. Newhall. Philip Bailash, John Adams, James Philliiw, Jonathan yNichols, Henry Bemis, John Estnbrook, Joel Wright, William FoUett, Timothy Farley, James Bancroft, Thomas Upham, Nathaniel Breed, Jr., Jonathan Felt, Noah Day, Bunker Clark, David Mar- shall, Edmund Taylor, Samuel Everett, John Morse, Reuben Welman, John Stroud. In obedience to Your Honors we have faithfully discharged the duties requested, desiring each man to sign this covenant within our limits, all which have signed except Major Breed Batchelder.-" Joseph Stanhope, ) Select men of Packersfield. At a town meeting held not long afterwards it was "Voted to raise twenty pounds sterling in addition to ten pounds previously raised, to buy powder and other warlike stores for the town." BATCHELDER as a TORY. During that year Batohelder remained at home and did everything in his power to discourage enlistments, and intimidate his neighbors and to\\ai3- men from joining the cause of the patriots. He was a man of much natural ability, of great determination, possessed of considerable wealth for those times, and had a powerful influence upon those around him. In 1772 he had bought, in addition to all he previously ownied, 2,175 acres of land in the southeast quarter of the town, lying in detached tracts, the deeds of which are recorded in Cheshire Records. At the time of the "Tea party" in Boston, he started immediately for Canada and brought home a large quantity of tea (smuggled, no doubt), upon which he not only made an enormous profit, but which, together with rum and other articles, desirable in those times, he distributed among his neigh- bors in such a way as to place them under great obligations to him. But the patriotic feeling was strong among them, and growing stronger every day, and notwithstanding his power and influence they denounced him, both publicly and privately. He had been their leading man in all public affairs, but before the war broke out he had made himself obnoxious by his tory proclivities, and his name disappears from all town offices in the autumn of 1774. On the 17th of September (177G) a towni meeting was held, James Bancroft moderator, at which it was voted to dismiss the Committee of Safety, and a new one was chosen by ballot, consisting of Dr. Nath'l Breed, Reuben Wel- man, James Bancroft, John Adams and Aaron Boal. The former committee had been considered somewhat remi.ss in the performance of their duties, particularly in not arresting Batchelder for disloyalty. The new committee, headed by James Bancroft, who was also a recruiting ••PackeMfleld had but one •"Tory." Other townii were not no fortunate : for example. Marlboroufch had r> ; Htn.-dnlo ha«l 10; Kt^nr. \2 : Ch'ntprPcId. 13; Honneker. 22. unJ Cl.Trpmont. 31. In t«omp parts of the country they were In the majority and the ronfll< t wap a civil a* well an a foroign %t. — Eds. 21 officer at that time, soon after their election arrested Batchelder and locked him up in the jail at Keene. The arrest was made by Bancroft and two others of the Committee, who went to him ostensibly to talk with him, and persuade him, if i)ossible, to join the whigs. Batchelder treated them with much politeness and suavity, gave them an excellent dinner and as much talk as they desired. Under some pretence he was persuaded to go down to Keene with them, and there they arrested him and shut him up in jail. As they turned to leave him at the door of the jail, he inquired if they would attempt to go home that night, as it was then late. They said they must do so if possible. Batchelder politely invited them to call at his house and inform his family where he M^as, and to remain there over night. "Tell them," said he, "that I am well cared for hy my friends. If they have retired for the night, call them up, and you shall be treated to the best the house affords." They declined his invitation. "Oh, stop," says Batchelder, "and if nothing more, have the cold turkey left at dinner." Bancroft said the thrust came home, and the committee also, but they didn't stop for the cold turkey. Not long afterward, however, Batchelder was set at liberty. Probably he had not, at that time, committed any overt act of treason and therefore could not be held, but the people of the town were very indignant that he should escape punishment. About this time Col. Enoch Hale of Unity was authorized to raise a regi- ment of Continental troops — regulars — and called on Packersfield for her quota of five men, according to the allotment. On the 4th of the next April — 1777 — the town held a meeting, George Brintnall moderator, at which the town voted to send the following address or petition to Col. Hale: "To Col. Enoch Hale. Sir In obedience to your request the town has been called together in a legal meeting, and the company by themselves, and they are generally of a mind that as they are fighting against enemies, they have one more dangerous to fight against at home than any abroad, viz. Major Breed Batchelder, who has from the very first appeared inimical to the cause of America and has discouraged said cause, and he has threatened the lives and health of the good people of this town, so that some that intended to have gone in the service are afraid to leave home and to leave their families exposed to his resentments. The committee of the town have, for above a year past, endeav- ored to have him brought to a proper trial, but could not be heard, and when the committees of other towns tried and condemned him to the common jail, he was set at liberty without our knowledge, and to our astonishment. And all the information that we could get after inquiring, was, that the jailer told us Your Honor told him he was at liberty. And since we hear he has been tried at the General Court without proper evidence, which might have been produced if sunmiuned: which we tliiiik is au arbitrary way of proceediug, and is so looked on by our neighbors. We are willing, and have signed, to abide by the orders of the Continental Congress, and we think this state ought to follow Gen. Washington's orders either to make them that are inimical swear to be friends, or treat them as foes. And Major Breed Eatchelder has had his name returned to you as a man to go in tlie service, and he has done nothing yet, but still refuses, though he is much the richest man in town. We have sent nearly half of our number the first year, and more than our proportion since, and have lost a number in the war. There are but five young men left in the Train Band, and they have been in the war, and we are poor; but if we could have justice done us, we will do to the utmost of our abilities in the common cause." (Signed) ''Nath'l Breed. Town Clerk, in behalf of the town.'' It was also "voted, that Lieut. Amos Skinner go with Capt. Eleazer Twitchell to carry the above petition." That meeting was adjourned for six days, and when it reassembled, on the 10th of the same month, the town voted to furnish its quota of five men as required by Col. Hale, and raised forty-one pounds ten shillings by subscription, to pay them. Batcheldcr stubbornly persevered in his loyalty to the king, and the feeling against him grew stronger and more bitter. He had now been returned as a suitable man to serve in the field, which amounted to the same as a draft, and so long as he kept away was liable to arrest and punishment as a deserter. He was hunted like a wild beast, and the people were so exasperated, if they could have captured him no doubt he would have been shot or hung. During the early part of that summer — 1777 — he lived for three months in a cave about eighty rods south of his house, not daring to be seen by his neighbors. The cave is still called ''Batchelder's den." AMiile there his wife used to carry him provision, passing from the house in a direction different from that to the cave, and then coming round to it. Some of the neighbors, of course, were personally friendly to the man who had been a kind neighbor to them, and a prominent man among them, and they would at times render him some slight assistance. Mr. James Philips, who lived in that part of the town, used to carry a jug of rum and set it in a sly place by a brook, and Batchelder, knowing the place, would get it and use up the contents, and then set the empty jug in the same place for Philips to fill again. Rum, in those days, was thought to be almost as necessary as bread. OflScers and .scouts were constantly on the watch for him, and one day they went to his house to arrest him, thinking he had gone there at the time. Mrs. B. was a spirited woman and met them at the door and forbade them to enter. Thej* insisted upon coming in. She caught a "piggiu" of boiling water from a kettle over the fire and dared them to set foot in the house. The story goes that Batchelder was in the house at the time, but she defended the castle so bravely al the front, that he had time to slip out on the otlicr side and escape to the woods without being seen by the officers. 23 One day, while living in tiie cave, his pursuers came directly upon the rock above him, and he overheard them telling what they would do if they caught him. From their threats he came to the conclusion that the only way to save his life was to leave the country. He told his wife so when she came with his food, and arranged with her to see his children once more. The next morning the mother told the children they might go and pick some strawberries. They went to the field indicated, and there very imexpectedly to them, they met their father. This was his last interview with them. Already his enemies were on his track. He fled towards the pinnacle north of his house, — near the "Buckminster place," — and his pursuers were so close upon him they prevented him from running down the hill to the right or left, but drove him towards the top of the hill. The north side of that pinnacle is a perpendicular rock, or ledge, some sixty feet high, and they believed escape on that side impossible. Sure of their prey they closed in upon the top of the hill, when to their surprise and chagrin, they found he had eluded their grasp. He had discovered a winding chasm in the rock, leading to the foot of the precipice, down which, like "Old Put," he had escaped, and was never more seen in this part of the country. That place in the rock is called to this day "Batchelder's stairs." At that time the British army under Burgoyne was invading the states from Canada, by way of Lake Champlain. Batchelder made direct for that army, and we find by certificates of surgeons and officers in the British army that he joined that force in 1777, and was made a captain in Lieut. Col. Peters' Corps of the "Queen's Rangers." Soon afterward he was detached, with his company, to Bennington under Col. Baum, where he was severely wounded in the shoulder by a musket ball. Pieces of the bone came out a long time afterward, and his arm was rendered nearly useless. Richard Farwell, who was in that fight from this town, used to say that he saw Batchelder there, in the ranks of the British, and took as good aim at him as he ever did at a black duck. He was in the British army at Saratoga when it surrendered, but was sent into Canada among the wounded — that disposition of the wounded being in accordance with the articles of the convention. He was afterwards sent to New York City where he lay at the expense of the British until the termination of the war in 1783, when he was sent with the British troops to Digby in Nova Scotia. There he became very dissipated, and finally, in 1785, was dro\\nied by falling from a boat, in the Basin of Annapolis. On the 28th of Nov., 1778, an act was passed by the legislature confiscating the property of the tories, and naming among others, John Wentworth, Gov- ernor of the state at the time of the breaking out of the war, and Breed Batchelder of this town. In Batchelder's case a committee was appointed to receive the property, and they took the "Out lands," including "2,940 acres in the northeast quarter, and 576 acres in the same quarter, near the meeting- house, with Mill Seat," — in all 6,182 acres "valued, before the war broke out," at 4,500 pounds sterling. But the widow and children were allowed to keep the homestead which remained in possession of the family for more than half a century after the close of the war. 24 Thomas Packer Batchelder afterwards went to England to obtain from the government, if possible, a restitution of or an ecjuivalent for the property his father had lost. He succeeded in obtaining a grant of a large tract of wild land in Canada, on condition that he would settle it with a certain number of families. He went on and made a commencement himself, but finally, becoming dissipated, he lost his papers, and with them his whole grant It was the opinion of some that if Batchelder had not been so harshly, and scornfully treated, he never would have gone over to the British. It is probable, however, that his strongest motive for adhering to the cause of the king, was that he believed England would ultimately subdue the rebels, and he preferred to be on the winning side, and thus preserve his property. After he had left the country, his wife and children were very harshly treated by their neighbors, whose jmrtisan feelings were so strong as to lead them to heap indignity and abuse ui^on the innocent family of him whom they believed to be guilty of treason. Packersfield did nobly in furnishing men and means for the war. Many of these soldiers served during the war, while some were volimteers for certain expeditions, or campaigns, and were at home a part of the time. At the time of the alarm in Coos, in 17S0, when the inhabitants were attacked by the British, Indians and Tories, and Royalston was burned, thirty-two men were sent from this town to assist in repelling the invaders. Several, also, who went into the army from other towns, and did good service, came and settled in town during, or very soon after the war, and are mentioned below among the Kevolutionary Heroes of the town. (End of General Griffin's sketch.) OUTLIXE OF THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTIOX. 1775-1783. In the evening of April ISth, 1775, a British detachment niarched from Boston, bound for Concord, Mass., with the purpose of destroying military stores collected there by the patriots. An alarm, spread by Paul lievere and others, gave time for the concealment of most of such property before their arrival. (See Josiah Melville). At daybreak, April 19, 1775, such detachment, under orders of Major John Pitcaim, fired on a company of American "Minute Men" gathered on Lexing- ton Common, in front of the Meeting House, killing eight and wounding a number of others. This was the first bloodshed of the war. Pr«»civding to the Xnrth Bridge at Concord they met minute men from Acton. Sudbury and other towns. There the Acton company, under Captain Isaac Davi.s, fired on them. This was the first organized resistance. (See William Barker and Ezra Smith). On their retreat to Bostoji the British were harassetl by the fire of Minute Men who had hastily gathertnl from all the surrounding country. (See Joshiu Felt, Amos Bryant and John Burnap). 25 "And there was tumult iu the air, The fife's shrill note, the drums' loud beat; And through the wild land everywhere The answering tread of hurrying feet, While the first oath of Freedom's gun Came on the blast from Lexington."* The "Alarm" reached Packersfield in the afternoon of April 20, 1775. At daylight next morning twenty-seven men marched under Lieut. Abijah Brown. At least fifteen of them enlisted for eight months in the "Continental" Army (so-called because under the authority of the Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies). Boston was besieged. On June 17th the patriots occupied Charlestown peninsula and the battle of "Bunker Hill" took place, in which upwards of thirty, then or subsequently residents of Packersfield, were on the firing line, and at least two were killed. (See Samuel Griffin). On July 2nd George Washington took command of the army. The siege continued without further local event of great importance during the rest of the year. May 10th, Ethan Allen, by a surprise attack, took Fort Ticonderoga, at the junction of Lake George with Lake Champlain, commanding the great water route to the north. In September two expeditions were sent out for the Con- quest of Canada. One, under Montgomery, by way of Lake Champlain, and the other under Benedict Arnold by way of the Kennebec River. The latter endured extreme hardship en route. An attack on Quebec the last day of the year ended in the death of Montgomery, the wounding of Arnold, and the capture of a large part of their forces. (See Ebenezer Tolman). 1776. Reinforcements sent to the Northern Army met with disaster at "The Cedars" and elsewhere, and by July 1st the Americans were driven out of Canada and retired to Ticonderoga. (See Solomon Kittredge). There they hastily constructed a fleet which, under command of Arnold, fought the British on Lake Champlain in October and was utterly destroyed. (See Thomas Baker). Meanwhile, in the early part of the year, cannon were brought from Ticonderoga to the army before Boston and for the first time it was in a position to make an attack. Dorchester Heights, commanding the city, were seized and, on March 17th, the British were forced to sail away to Halifax. (See Samuel Felt). Anticipating that New York would next be attacked, Washington hastily marched most of his army there and took possession of the city. In June he narrowly missed being assassinated by Thomas Hickey. The latter was hung June 28, and that very day the British fleet appeared off Sandy Hook. (See John White). On July 4th the Continental Congress at Philadelphia adopted the Decla- ration of Independence. The British landed on Staten Island. Washington occupied the western end of Long Island, now Brooklyn, where, in the latter part of August, he was attacked by a superior force and tliere was fierce fighting, known as the battle *From "The Rising", by Thomas Buchanan Read. of ''Loiif^ Island", uii Aufjust 27th aiul 28th. By a skillful niaua'U\To the American Army was withdrawn in the night time to Manhattan Island, and retreated nortliward. "Ilarloni Heights," a rear guard action, was fought on Septemher 15th. (See John White). The battle of ''White Plains," twenty-five miles from New York, took place on Octoher 28th, and there the British pursuit ended. Washington retired a little farther into the "Highlands," while the enemy returned, and on No- veniher liith cajjtured the isolated garrison at "Fort Washington". (See Samuel Felt and Joseph Felt). Washington, with most of the small remnant of his forces, only about 3,300 men, then crossed tlie Hudson and marched through New Jersey trying to reach Philadelphia. He was closely pursued by Lord Cornwallis. On the night of December 8th the Americans crossed the Delaware at Trenton, taking with them all the boats in the neighborhood. (See Amos Richardson.) The British waited for the river to freeze over. On Christmas night W^ashing- jton, recrossing through the floating ice, surprised and captured the entire British garrison at Trenton. (See Samuel Felt). 1777. Kach colony was supiiosed to furnish and keep recruited a number of Con- tinental regiments (Regulars) in proportion to its population. New Hampshire and ^fassachusetts did so. Others fell short. New Hampshire never had less than three regiments, each town supplying its "quota." The Continental Congress paid these troops in paper money, which rapidly depreciated until it became worthless. The colonies were called on for supplies, but there was no way to enforce the contributions, transportation was diffi- cult or impossible, and some did not properly respond. Consequently the "Continentals" were usually in a state of destitution. They were strengthened from time to time by bodies of militia, enlisted for short terms by some of the colonies and paid by them. New Hampshire sent outside her borders six Mich regiments during 1776. Relays of such militia formed the principal liart of the garrison of Fort Ticonderoga. In the spring of 1777 there were rumors of an invasion from Canada, and the garrison was strengthened. In June an invasion under Burgoyne actually came up Lake Champlain. An alarm went out and many volunteers hastily marched, but most of them were too late, and met the American Army retreating. (See John FarwoU and David Kimball). Ticonderoga was abandoneattle of "Saratoga" and. as the result, on October 17th all that was left of the British Army surrendered. (See David Kimball). The prisoners were marched to Cambridge, where they were called "troops of convention" and confined for a long time guarded by organizations made up of either the very young or very old Colonials. (See Samuel Scripture, Jr.). Meanwhile, Washington, with the main American Army, had been fight- ing against great odds in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. On September 11th he was badly defeated at "Brandywine," and on September 26th the British entered Philadelphia. On October 4th he was again utterly defeated at "Germantown." A part of the army from the north, released from the Bur- goyne campaign, then joined him, and he went into winter quarters near Philadelphia, at "Valley Forge", where those that stuck by him endured priva- tions almost beyond belief. (See William Parker, Abijah Wetherbee and Levi Wilder.) 1778. Benjamin Franklin had been in France trying to get aid. The Marquis de La Fayette, influenced solely by his interest in the cause and love of Liberty, came at his owui expense and rendered invaluable assistance. Finally, after the capture of Burgoyne, the French government became interested. They sent Baron Steuben to serve as a much needed drill master and in- structor to officers, as well as men, and he and La Fayette were both at Valley Forge in the spring of 1778. (See William Parker). Later a French fleet, convoying 4,000 soldiers, arrived and lay off the coast. The British, fearing that they would be bottled up in Philadelphia, marched back to New York. On the way they w^ere attacked and the battle of "Monmouth" took place June 28th. (See Abijah Wetherbee, William Parker and Levi Wilder). Washington then made his headquarters in the "Highlands" at West Point, on the west side of the Hudson, where the river breaks through the Catskill Mountains. From this as a center his lines formed a "V", one arm extending southeast to Long Island Sound, and the other southwest to Mor- ristown, New Jersey. An advanced post was at White Plains. These posi- tions were maintained until the end of the war. The British were now mostly in New York City, but about 6,000 were at Newport, E. I. A plan was formed to trap the latter force between the French and a land force made up mostly of New England Militia under Gen. Sul- livan. It failed of success in August of this year, owing to a great storm that crippled the French fleet. After the battle of "Rhode Island", August 29th, Sullivan's Army was compelled to withdraw. (See Timothy Bancroft). This was the last engagement of importance in the north. On November 10th occurred an Indian Massacre on the western frontier at "Cherry Valley". (See David Kimball). 1779. The principal event of this year was a punitive expedition under General Sullivan against the Iroquois that permanently broke the power of all the great Indian tribes. (See David Kimball). In September the British evacuated Newport and the scene of war shifted to the South — the Carolinas and Georgia. The Continental Army iu winter quarters in the "Highlands" suffered almost as severely as at Valley Forge. (See Samuel Scripture, Jr., and David Kimball). 17S0. Benedict Arnold, who had shdwn himself a brave man in the Quebec E.\pe- dition in the battles of Lake Champlain and Saratoga and elsewhere, but who, it is charged, had always been a "grafter", conspicuously in Montreal in 1776, and in Philadelphia after its evacuation by the British iu 1778, now nearly ruined the American cause by agreeing to sell West Point to the British for £10,000. The i)lot was discovered just in time. Arirold tied while the un- fortunate Major Andre, who was the British negotiator, was hung. (See Noah Hardy, David Kimball and Josiah Melville). During the year occurred the conquest by the British of South Carolina and Georgia. 1781. The British Army that, under Lord Cornwallis, had been operating in the South, very unwisely gathered at Yorktown, Virginia, situated on a tongue of land between the York and James rivers, which was the scene of the so- called "Peninsula" campaign during the Civil War. Washington was quick to grasp the situation and, with the French, he planned another trap almost exactly like the one that had failed at Newport. He threatened New York City to make General Clinton in command there believe he was about to attack, while his main army (including Scammel's N. H. Regiment with several Packersfield men) made forced marches southward. He closed in on Cornwallis by land just as the French fleet arrived by sea. The siege began September 2Sth, and on October 19th the British Army was forced to uncon- ditional surrender. Colonel Scammel, not only a particularly brave and effi- cient officer, but said to have been the only man in the army who could make Washington laugh, was killed during these operations. (See Samuel Adams). Meanwhile Benedict Arnold, trying to divert Washington from his pur- I>ose, with a strong force of "Tories" was ravaging the coast of Connecticut. 1782-1783. The armies remained in the field and there were desultory engagements, ii ostly on the frontier. (Sre Nathaniel Barrett. Daniel Holt and Joel Holt). Peace negotiations went on for a long time. November IJOth, 1782, provisional articles were signed, which subsetjuently became final without change. March 23, 1783, was the day that the news reached America that the Revolutionary War was at an end. Armies were disbanded, prisoners set free on both sides, and in December Washington formally resigned his commission and retired to private life. There was no attempt made to give i>ensions until 1818, before which time many who had taken part in the war were dead. Then they were given only for Continental service, and very grudgingly. Many were revoked and had to be reapplied for with additional proof of i)ecuniary need. A general service iwnsion law was not passed until 1832, fifty-seven yeari iter the beginning of the war. 29 For this reason many who served never made any formal statement of their service, and it can only be ascertained from the fragmentary records now available. Owing to the poverty of the people — frequently they had no paper — and the lack of organization and demoralization of changing governments, the records were originally defective or at least scanty. Many that were made have been lost or destroyed, or are now in private hands, where they cannot be reached. For example, twenty-seven men marched from Packersfield on the "Lexington" Alarm, and thirty-two on the "Coos" Alarm, but in neither case can a roll giving the names be found. There even are no rolls of the Minute Men of Lexington, Concord and Acton. A portion of the Town Clerks' records of Packersfield have been lost. The editors of the following pages have, under the circumstances, done the best they could, but in some instances probably "the half has not been told." UNITED STATES REVOLUTIOSARY PENSIONERS LIVING IN NELSON, ROXBURY OR SULLIVAN, WITHIN THE LIMITS OF OLD PACKERSFIELD. "Well do I remember their assembling at the old store twice a year to receive their pensions. Josiah Robblns, Esq., one of their number and for many years town clerk, who used to sign his name with vapitals, made out their papers. The first to make his appearance In the morning was David Kimball, who was noted for his promptness ou all occasions. They were a noble band of men, and used to enjoy theniFelves and entertain others by relating stories of their hardships and sufferings In the struggle for Independence. Probably few towns of its size in New England bad more Revolutionary pensioners than Nelson." Josiah H. Melville, in "Nelson Clarion," March, 1S70. Annual Placed on Roll Allowance PHILIP ATWOOD Feb. 2,1833 50. THOMAS BAKER June G, 1833 34.99 TIMOTHY BAXCROFT Jan. 9. 1834 23.33 AMOS BRYANT July 8,1819 96. PETER CHANDLER 1818 •96. ISAAC DAVIS Mch. 15, 1833 74. SAMUEL DERBY Feb. 25, 1833 40.88 JOSEPH FELT 1818 *96. SAMUEL FELT June 18, 1818 96. NOAH HARDY Feb. 19, 1833 47.43 JOEL HOLT 1818 *96. DAVID KIMBALL Apr. 21,1818 96. JOSHUA KITTREDGE Feb. 25, 1833 30. WI LLIAM PARKER Feb. 4, 1833 88. GIDEON PHILLIPS Nov. 26, 1832 80. JOSIAH ROBBINS Feb. 28, 1833 66.66 BENJAMIN SAWYER Feb. 25, 1833 46.66 SAMUEL SCRIPTURE Feb. 25, 1833 80. EBEXEZER TOLMAN Feb. 25, 1833 53.33 ABIJAII WETHERBEE Jan. 20, 1819 96. JOHN WHITE July 7. 1819 96. NEHEMIAH WRIGHT Fob. 25. 1*^33 36.66 OLIVER WRIGHT Fob. 25. 1833 26.66 • Probable amount. General S. G. Griffin, in bis boyhood. \vn.«« probably acquainted with all of these, except Chandler and Samuel Felt. The former died before Griffin was born, and the latter when he was about three years old. Editors. 81 NAMES AND RECORDS OF PIONEER SETTLERS OF PACKERS- FIELD, NOW NELSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE, WHO HAD PART IN THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION, 1775-1783. Edited hy Henry Melville and Charles A. Bemis, Assisted hy Memoranda Prepared hy General S. G. Griffin. "They left the ploughshare in the mould, Their flocks and herds without a fold, The sickle in the unshorn grain, The corn, half garnered, on the plain. And mustered, in their simple dress, For wrongs to seek a stern redress, To right those wrongs, come weal, come woe. To perish, or o'ercome their foe."* JOSEPH ABBOTT. Born in Andover, Mass., April 2, 1744. At the time of the war living in Wilton, New Hampshire. Sergeant in Captain Nathan Ballard's- Company ; raised out of Colonel Nichols' Eegiment of Militia, which company marched from Amherst and Wilton for Ticonderoga on the alarm of June 29, 1777. Marched first to No. 4 (Charlestown), where they were ordered home, and marched as far as Dublin, when they were ordered by express to turn and march with all speed for Ticonderoga. Marched as far as Otter Creek, where had news of the evacua- tion of the fort. Service June 20, July 12, 1777 (See David Kimball). Probably other service. Came to Packersfield prior to 1787. Settled in North East Quarter. Elected Moderator of Town Meeting July 30, 1787, and of many subsequent meetings. Styled "Lieutenant" in record. JOHN ADAMS. One of the earliest settlers of Monadnock No. G (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson), at some time prior to 1773. His name appears as a town officer of Packersfield in 1774. At that time had already 15 acres cleared, 10 more cut over and a ''board house" erected. A signer of the "Association Test" in April, 1776. On September 17, 1776, chosen a member of the Committee of Safety, his associates being Dr. Nathaniel Breed, Reuben Wellman, James Bancroft and Aaron Beal. December 8, 1777, chosen a member of a committee to represent Packers- field in the election of a representative to the General Court at Exeter, for Packersfield, Stoddard, Washington and Gilsum, his associates being James Bancroft, Joel Wright, Captain Eleazer Twitchell and Richard Stoddard. At a To\\'n Meeting held March 29, 1779, elected chairman of a Committee of Safety, his associates being Stephen Cobb and Captain Stephen Parker. Also otherwise active in town affairs. Owing to the difficulty of determining identity, his military record cannot be given with certainty, though he undoubtedly had one. ♦From "New England's Dead", by Isaac McLellau. He may have been the John Adams who in May, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Benjamin Mann's Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment, and was at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775 (See Samuel Griffin), and possibly the "Lieutenant" John Adams of Captain Chase Taylor's Company in Colonel Thomas Stickney's Regiment, General Stark's Brigade, from July 22nd, to September 20th, 1777. Styled "Lieutenant" Adams in minutes of a town meeting held May 25, 17S0. ' Lived for many years on the William Seaver place above Breed Pond, and subsequently removed to Rodman, Xew York, where he died January 13, 1820. SAMUEL ADAMS. Born in Eraintree, Mass., in 1755. A member of Captain Joseph Guild's Company of Col. Greaton's Regi- iiu'ut, which marched from Pedham. Mass., on the alarm of April 19, 1775. April 30, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Guild's Company of Col. Heath's Regiment. Re-enlisted January 1, 1776, for one year in Captain Guild's Company of Col. Greaton's Regiment, Mass. Continental Line. Discharged at New- ark, Xew Jersey. Came to Packersfield about 17S0, and March 19, 1781, enlisted from Packersfield for three years in Captain Isaac Farwell's Company in Col. Scammel's First Xew Hampshire Regiment, Continental Line. His descrip- tion then was "Age 28 years, stature 5 ft. 5 in." Probably in Yorktown Campaign, which resulted in the surrender of Cornwallis. April 11, 1783, hired Jacob Eastman as a substitute for the remainder of his term. October 7, 1818, in Xelson, made a pension declaration stating forego- ing Continental service. Died, probably in Xelson. iMay 19, 1832. JOHX AT WOOD. Said to have been born in England. The father of Philip and Josiah Atwood. At the outbreak of the war is said to have resided at Templeton, !^[ass., and to have served several enlistments. The name "John Atwood" of Templeton appears on numercus roils be- twi'en 1775 and 1780, but it seems certain that the records refer to two different iiersons and it is impossible to discriminate. He probably came to Packersfield with his sons about 1780, and died in Xelson. December 31, 1S14. and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. JOSIAH ATWOOD. Probably the Josiah Atwood who eulisteil in ( iii'laiii David liront's Com- pany of Colonel Job Cushing's Regiment, Septeml)er 5, 1777, and was dis- charged Xoveml>er 29, 1777. The roll does not disclose exact place of service, simply saying "to the Xorthward". Quite likely other service. John. Josiah and Pliilip Atwood are shown as residents of Packersfield in the first United States Census of 1790. »3 PHILIP ATWOOD. Born in Woburn, Mass., January 4, 1756, son of John. At the outbreak of the war living in Templeton, Mass., from which place he made his numerous enlistments. August 16, 1832, made an application for a pension, now on file at "Wash- ington, which shows the following services, viz : 1. In September, 1776, enlisted in Captain Boynton's Company of Colonel Dana's Eegiment and marched successively to Hartford and New Haven, Conn., and thence to White Plains and Tarr;^i:own, N. Y. At the latter place he ''guarded" a British vessel of war that lay in the Hudson Kiver. Then went to Dobbs Ferry and finally to "Wliite Plains, where he was discharged. Length of service about two months. 2. May 5th, 1777, enlisted in Captain "William Henry's Company of Colonel Josiah "Whitney's Eegiment, marched through Worcester and joined his com- pany at Eutland, Mass. Then marched to Providence, E. I., where he re- mained about a month, working on a fort. Then marched to a place in Ehode Island called Boston ISTeck, where kept guard against the landing of the British until discharged. Length of service two months and nine days. 3. In June, 1778, enlisted for nine months in the Continental Army, mus- tered in at Fishkill, N. Y., where he arrived June 23rd. Detailed to Quarter- master General's Department, and employed for a time in teaming from the barracks to Fishkill Landing, then sent to a place called "Little Pine Pas- tures" to press hay and carry it down to the army. Was discharged there about March 1st, 1779. During this enlistment never did any company duty, though belonging to Captain Wilder's Company of Colonel Sparhawk's Eegiment. His discharge was signed by Colonel Hays of the Quartermaster's Department. On this enlistment he was thus described: "Age 22 years; stature five feet six inches; complexion dark; residence Templeton, Mass." 4. July 9th, 1780, enlisted in Captain Ephraem Steam's Company of Colonel John Band's Eegiment. Marched to Claverack and down the Hudson to Poughkeepsie, Fishkill and West Point, jST. Y. Then was sent up the river chopping wood. Was at West Point at the time of Arnold's escape (see David Kimball, Noah Hardy and Josiah Melville). Later went to Fishkill and relieved the guard there. Eeturned to West Point again and chopped wood at "the Great Pine Pastures". Discharged there October 10, 1780. It appears by the Cheshire Eegistry that, under date of May 9th, 1780, James Banks deeded to Philip Atwood, of Templeton, Mass., land in Packers- field. It is supposed that Atwood moved to the latter place in 1781. He lived there, in the west part of the town, until his death, October 8th, 1841, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. DAVID AYEEILL. A member of Captain Salmon Stone's Company of Colonel Enoch Hale's Eegiment that marched from Washington, N. H., to Cavendish, Vt., at the Ticonderoga Alarm in July, 1777, and then returned and joined Colonel Nichol's Eegiment of General Stark's Brigade, and marched from Eindge to Bennington and Stillwater. Took part in the Battle of Bennington, August 34 1(J, 1777. Discliarged September 25, 1777. lu the same company were Xoah Diiy, John Frrnch, Richard Farwcll, Absalom Farwell, Thomas K. Breed, Jonathan Jewett, Isaac Proctor, John Stroud, Joseph Mason and perhaps others connected with Packersiield. (See Richard Farwell.) In 1780 joined Captain Ephraim Stone's Company raised by the State of New Hampshire and put under the command of Major Benjamin Whit- comb, for the defense of the Western Frontier. Came to Packersiield during the war; probably from Jaffrey. Was a blacksmith with a shop north of the village, near the outlet of White's Pond, where later there was a saw mill. Sold it to Levi \\niitcomb about 1787. PHILIP BAILASH (Billash). One of the earliest settlers of Mouaduuck, No. (i. his name appearing on minutes of proprietors' meetings in 1773. In 1774 had nine acres cleared, six more cut over and a "pole house"' erected, occupied by himself and family. In April, 1770, one of the signers of the "Association Test" in Packersfield. Settled north of Mud Pond, where there was until recently the remains of an old orchard and probably left prior to 1785. AMOS BAKER. Born in Shrewsbury, Mass., January 26, 1764. A son of Joseph Baker and brother of Joel Baker. Enlisted from Xew Ipswich, X. H., February 2S, 1781, in the Continental Army for three years or during the war. Served in the Eighth Company of Colonel Cilley's Regiment, Xew Hampshire Continental line. Came to Packersfield with his father. Died in the service of the United States near Buffalo, X. Y., October 7, 1814. JOEL BAKER. Bom June 30, 1762. A son of Joseph Baker and brother of Amos Baker. Enlisted from Xew Ipswich. X. H., March 0, 1781, in the Continental Army for three years, or during the war. Served in the Seventh Company of Col. Cilley's Regiment, Xew Hampsliire Continental line. JOSEPH BAKER. Bi>rn in iNIarlboro, ^lass., September 8, 1742. Brother of Thomas Baker; father of Joel and Amos. Ho is supi)osed to be the "Joseph Baker" of Marlboro, who as a member of Cai)tain Cyprian Howe's Company in Colonel Jonathan Ward's Regiment marched to Cambridge on the alarm of April 19, 1775, and there enlisted fur eight months in Captain Cranson's Company of Colonel Whitcomb's Ri-gimeut (see Thomas Baker), and also was in Captain Gates' Company, on duty in Xew York in 1777. Probably other service. He came to Packersfield about 1780. Located in the northwest quarter on what was aftenvards known as the Joseph Osgood place. General Griffin states that he oiH'ratcd a saw and grist mill Ik.*1ow Munsonville. Died in Xelson, about 1824. 86 THOMAS BAIvER. Born in Marlboro, Mass., December 31, 1756, and was living there at the outbreak of the war. Went into the field at least five times, viz.: 1. In June, 1775, for a short time took the place of his brother, Joseph Baker, in Captain Cranston's Company of Colonel Whitcomb's Regiment, before Boston, and while there, on June 17, 1775, occurred the battle of Bunker Hill, in which, by his pension declaration, verified August 16, 1832, he swears he participated. He says that durnig the battle his company was comm.anded by Lieu- tenant Wyman, as Captain Cranston was in the "main guard." 2. About the middle of February, 1776, enlisted for two months in Cap tain Edgil's Company of Colonel Manning's Regiment, Massachusetts Mili- tia, and was stationed at Cambridge, about half a mile east of Harvard College, doing guard and fatigue duty. Was there when the British evac- uated Boston, March 17, 1776. 3. About the middle of July, 1776, enlisted for five months in Captain Gates' Company of Colonel Reed's Regiment and marched to Ticonderoga, >.vhere he remained till the expiration of his term. He states that during this time "our fleet was destroyed." (See David Kimball.) Wlien the patriot army was driven out of Canada in June, 1776 (See Ebenezer Tolman and Solomon Kittredge), it retreated to Ticonderoga, and there Arnold began building a navy, with which he hoped to secure control of Lake Champlain. On the 7th of October he moved north with a pitiful little fleet of three schooners, a sloop, eight gondolas and four galleys, with a few light guns, manned by about eighty men. So short was he of gun- ners that on his own vessel he had to point the guns himself. The British under Carleton, had a ship, two schooners, a radeau, a gondola, twenty gunboats and some long boats, manned by seven hundred sailors, and a large number of heavy giuis handled by a detachment from the royal artil- lery. The fighting that followed was magnificent, but hardly war. The Americans fought bravely, but had no cliance. "What was left of their boats were finally run ashore and set afire with colors flying, while the men posted themselves on the bank and .protected the colors from the enemy until all were consumed. 4. In 1777 volunteered for thirty days in Captain William Morse's Com- pany of Colonel Faulkner's Regiment and marched to Saratoga to take part in the Burgoyne campaign. The arrangements for a surrender had been made before their arrival, but his regiment marched the prisoners back to Cambridge. Overstayed the time of his enlistment fifteen days. 5. In October, 1778, enlisted for two months in Captain Coles' Company of Colonel Jacobs' Regiment and marched to Fall River, where his company was stationed at a locality knoA\'ii as "Hogsneck," about three miles from the rest of the regiment. The British meanwhile lay on Rhode Island. He came to Packersfield about 1797. Located on what is now known as the Yeardley place, near Long Pond. Died in Nelson, December 6, 1842, at the age of 86, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. 36 JA:MES BANCROFT. Bom in Dunstable, Mass., October 2<5, 1745. A brother of Timothy Ban- croft. One of the earliest settlers of Monadnock Xo. 6 (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson). His name appears in minuter* of the meetings of proprietors in 1773 and very frequently thereafter, indicatin^r that he was one of the most prominent citizens. In 177-t had twenty acres cleared, fourteen more cut over and had erected a "board house," which he occupied with his family. Probably one of tlie twenty-seven from Packersfield that on April 21, 1775, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, marched to Canjbridge on the Lexington Alarm. Signer of the "Association Test'' in April, 1770. Member of Conunittee of Safety, elected September 17, 1770, and as such arrested Breed Batchelder. His colleagues on the committee were Dr. Nathaniel Breed, Reuben Welhnan, John Adams and Aaron Beal. Recruiting officer in 1770. Sergeant in a company commanded by Captain John Mellin from Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment, which marched from Fitzwilliam and towns adja- cent to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga on the AJarm in June, 1777. Member of Captain James Lewis' Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- ment of Volunteers, which marched from the State of New Hampshire and joined the Continental Army in Rhode Island in August. 1777. Service twenty-three days. Chairman of committee chosen in 1777 to elect representative to General Court for Packersfield, Stoddard, Washington and Gilsum. His associates were Joel AVright, Captain Eleazer Twichell, John Adams and Richard Stod- dard. See anecdotes by General Griffin in his sketch of the Early History of the town. Settled in the southeast part of the town where Joel Bancroft subse- quently lived. Died at Montpelier, Vt., :March 2, 1832. TIMOTHY BANCROFT. Born in Dunstable, Mass., July 15, 1759, and living there at ti imn. ;ik "i the war. A brother of James Bancroft. June 4, 1833, made a pension declaration in which he says that in the month of July or August, 1778, he enlisted from Tyngsboro* in Captain Varnum's Company of Colonel Thatcher's Regiment, and marched to Provi- dence, R. I., wliere he remained a few days and thence to Rhode Island (re- ferring to the island of that name and not to the State) and crossed at How- land's Ferry, on to Rhode Island. That he "was in the battle under General Sullivan; retreated off tlie night after the battle and back to Providence; marched thence to the North Rivi-r (Hudson) above New York City; from there into New Jersey to Rahway or Woodbriilge ; was stationed at Wood- bridge during the winter, guarding the lines wliile the continental troops were in winter quarters." That the enemy lay at Aniboy and came out from •Part or old DuDHtable. 37 there the night before he was dismissed, and there was a battle which resulted in the enemy being driven back. That he was dismissed at "Woodbridge the first part of March, having been in the service about seven months. He concludes by saying that at Rhode Island General Sullivan was in command and that "the French fleet was there." Attached to his declaration was a certificate of Bancroft's reliability, exe- cuted by Eev. Gad Newell and Samuel Scripture, before Henry Melville, Justice of the Peace. General Griffin wrote the following : "Timothy Bancroft was at the battle of Rhode Island August 29, 1778, in General Sullivan's command. As the brigade he was in was marching up to the attack, the British, who were sta- tioned behind a stone wall, fell back to form in some different way. "Wliile they were performing the evolution the Americans rushed forward, seized the wall for a breastwork and poured in their fire. The British retreated from that point, and as they did so a battery near where he stood poured in grape shot and cannister, and seemed to cut them down by scores at a time. One of the gunners was particularly skillful and made every shot tell." A reader of these sketches cannot fail to notice that a large proportion of the subjects of them went on "onto" Rhode Island in the latter part of July, 1778, and, in most cases, came back about a month later. Many of the muster rolls refer to the expedition as the "Rhode Island Alarm". It was one of the three great "Alarms" that particularly interested the patriots of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, the first having been the "Lexington" Alarm at the outbreak of the war, and the second the "Ben- nington" Alarm in the summer of 1777. To all three they responded with great enthusiasm. Under David Kimball, Richard Farwell and others, there has been de- scribed the far-reaching results of the Bennington-Saratoga Campaign in 1777. Not only was Burgoyne's Army wiped out of existence, but that event gained from France recognition of American Independence and promise of assistance. In the summer of 1778 this promise materialized in the coming of a French fleet under Admiral D'Estaing, convoying 4,000 land troops. They lay off Virginia and gave no indication of their plans. Suddenly a call went through New Hampshire and Massachusetts that General Sullivan, of New Hampshire, the most trusted of the New England generals, wanted militia in Rhode Island and that they must come in haste. The details of what was on foot were not disclosed, but it was rumored that great things were about to be attempted that might end the war. The response was prompt and by August 10th Sullivan had about 9,000 men. The detachments frequently took horses with them, what they could get, but never enough for all. The "ride and tie" system prevailed. As many as possible would "ride" a few miles, halt and "tie"; the remainder would follow till they reached the horses, when they, in turn, would ride. Thus they could proceed thirty or forty miles a day. (See Samuel Scripture.) Washington and D'Estaing had formed the following plan: At Newport, on Rhode Island, were 6,000 British troops under General Pigot. Sullivan was to get what militia he could. "Washington was to send 2,000 Continentals under Gen. Lafayette. The French fleet were to suddenly appear off New- port with their troops. The Americans were to land on the east side of 38 the island, the French on the west. The French fleet were to guard the harbor, and the 6,000 British were already as good as captured. The French fleet appeiired July i9th, but unfortunately Sullivan was not yet quite ready. On August Sth he had about 9,000 men, which he thought was enough, and on the 9th he occupied Butts Hill, The French troops were to land the following day, and a general assault was to follow. But tlie delay had been fatal. On August 9th a British fleet appeared oflF the harbor. On the 10th the French put out to fight them. Before they could begin a tornado arose, the greatest storm ever known in the region, and the two fleets were scattered all along the coast, some ships being driven as far as the Virginia Capes. Sullivan's camp was destroyed, tents blown away, ammunition spoiled, horses and men drowned. (See Samuel Scripture, Jr.) The British fleet put into Xew York for repairs. The French ships returned, one by one, in a crippled condition, till by August 20th they were all there again. ^feanwhile, Sullivan, having straightened matters out to some extent, liad resumed operations and was on Rhode Island in a favorable position for an assault, and it was expected that the original plans would be carried out. D'Estaing Avas willing, but his ship captains said "Xo"; they must first go to Boston to refit. The Americans begged and pleaded, but to Boston they went and with them the 4,000 French troops. Tlie British were prompt to see their opportunity, and on the 29th attacked Sullivan with great vigor. This was the Battle of "Rhode Island." Sullivan's troops fought well, and the immediate result was inconclusive. It was seen, however, that to remain where they were was perilous, so at night, keping up a great show of activity at the front, which completely deceived the enemy, he withdrew his entire army, with the artillery and supplies, to the mainland, in a most masterly manner. It much resembled the retirement from Long Island in 1776. (See John "White.) The plan of campaign having broken down, the militia, full of disappointment, were allowed to go home and both sides were just where they started. The plan had been a thoroughly good one, and one almost exactly similar was successful in 17bl and resulted in the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. Bancroft came to Packersfield about 1788 and settled on the same farm as his brother James, afterwards known as Joel Bancroft's place. He died there November 15, 184S, in his ninetieth year, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. JAMES BANKS. Born September 19, 17.')1. During the war lived in Oakham, ^Mass. His name api)ears on a list of men drafted from Westchester County Militia to go to Horse Neck under Colonel Converse, who did not join regiment; drafted to serve under Cai)taiD Abner How of Brookfield. Neither year nor length of service is given. May 1, 1781, Simon Davis conveyed to James Banks "of Packersfield'' land in the South West Quarter. He lived on the ''Chote" place, joining the Esek Phillips place, in Eox- bv.ry. Died there August 13, 1835. THEODORE BAEKER. Born in Acton, Mass., May 25, 1761. Son of William Barker and brother of William S. Appears on a list of men detached from Col. Brooks' regiment to relieve guards at Cambridge and served in a company commanded by Lieut. Heald, Jr., of Acton. The year is not given. Also appears in a return of men enlisted into the Continental Army from Capt. Simon Hunt's Company, Col. Elezer Brooks' Regiment dated September 5, 1777; joined Capt. Munroe's Company of Colonel Timothy Bigelow's Regi- ment; enlistment for three years or during the war. In muster return dated February 3, 1778; reported discharged. In 1779 moved to Packersfield with his father, and from that town enlisted again in the Continental Army, and served at West Point from June 28 to December 4th, 1780, in Capt. Isaac Frye's Company of Col. Alexander Scammel's Regiment, I^ew Hampshire line. In New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 16, at page 106, is an interesting document entitled: "Return of half pint of Rum & one pound Sugar. Issued to each of follow- ing six months men by Joseph Bass Cloathier & Commissary for the State of N. Hampshire at West Point, July, 1780." Theodore Barker was one of those who signed. It is to be noted that the total amount of rum accounted for was out of proportion to the sugar. Evi- dently some did not care for sweetening. Barker subsequently removed from Packersfield to Bradford, Vermont. WILLIAM BARKER. Born in Methuen, Mass., April 10, 1734; afterwards lived in Concord and Acton, Mass., and was a resident of the latter in 1775. During the French and Indian War he appears to have served two enlist- ments. The first was as a Private in Captain Samuel Dakin's company, from September 15, 1755, to February 18, 1756, on the first expedition against CrowTi Point. In different records his residence is given as Acton and Concord. They are adjoining towns. Possibly he lived near the boundary line or had lived in one and worked in the other. His name next appears as a corporal in Captain Thomas Hartwell's company of Col. Bagley's Regiment, on the second expedition against Crown Point, with service from April 22, 1756, to November 27, 1756. His description is "Age 23 years; occupation, cord- wainer; birthplace, Methuen; residence. Concord''. He is reported as a "Yolunteer" and as having joined from "Major Minot's Company of Colonel Buckmaster's militia regiment". On the 19th day of April, 1775, at Concord he witnessed the beginning of the War for Independence. ''By the rude bridge that arched the flood. Their flag to April's breeze unfurled. Here once the embattled farmers stood And fired the shot heard round the World."* *From "The Concord Hymn", and inscribed on the monument. By Ralph Waldo Emerson. 40 Under Josiah Melville is an account of the events immediately preceding the expedition of the British from Boston. They began their march from Charleston about midnight, the force consisting of about 800 men under Lieut. Colonel I'rancis Smith, with Major John Pitcaim second in command. Their instructions were to proceed to Concord, destroy the military stores which had been collected there by the Provincial Congress, capture Col. James Barrett, who had charge of the stores, and John Hancock and Samuel Adams, members of the Committee of Safety, who were known to be in the neighbor- hood, and to do this, if possible, without bloodshed. Col. Smith, who is described as a very fat, heavy, and, presumably, placid man, seems to have been mindful of the latter part of such orders. Pitcaim, however, was a hothead and precipitated trouble at Lexington, 12 miles from Boston. His nerves may have been tried by the fact that instead of being, as intended, a profound secret, the march had hardly begun before, by the firing of guns and the ringing of bells it was announced to all the surrounding countrj'. Paul Revere reached Lexington with the news about one o'clock, a. m. The alarm was circulated from farm to farm and a considerable number of Captain John Parker's company of Minutemen soon gathered. Messengers were sent toward Boston and some returned with reports that they could find nothing, so the assembly was dismissed. Some who lived near went home and others went to the tavern. About half past four Thaddeus Bowman rode up to Parker with the startling announcement that the British were only about a hundred rods away. The drum was beat and the minute men hastened out and gathered around their captain on the Common, between the tavern and the meeting house. Parker told those who were not equipped to go into the meeting house and furnish themselves from the public magazine, and a number did so. Before they could return the advance party under Major Pitcaim came out of the darkness at the other end of the common and advanced almost on a run toward the Americans, Pitcaim on horseback in the lead. One of the minutemen afterwards stated that he counted his companions and there were "thirty-eight and no more". Others were hastening across the fields and perhaps 50 or 60 were there before the firing began. "Stand your ground!'' exclaimed Parker; .''don't fire unless fired upon. But if they want to have a war let it begin herel" Pitcaim galloi)cd up to within about six rods and shouted "Lay down your arms, you danmed rebels and disperse !'* Captain Parker, seeing the hopelessness of armed resistance, gave an order to disperse and not to fire. The men started to go when Pitcairn roared "Damn you, why don't you lay down your arms?" No answer came back and Pitcaim, furious with passion, turned and gave an order to "Fire!'' His nu-n hesitated, and he repeated "Fire, damn you, fire!" A few shots followed, all going over the heads of the Americans. Seeing that his men did not aim to kill he gave his command for the third time ■ G — d damn you, fire ai them!'' A crash of musketry followeek, as soon as about twenty men had gathered. Davis started and others joined all along the way, so he had at least forty or fifty. They marched two by two, with Francis Barker drununer, and Luther Blanchard fifer, in the lead, playing "The White Cockade." 48 Reaching the westerly part of Concord, they were warned that the British were at the house of Coh Barrett, so, instead of passing it, they went through the fields to the northward, pausing a few minutes to watch the destruction of the stores. Arriving at Punkatasset hill, near the bridge, they halted and Davis joined the group about Col. Barrett. Before them stood the soldiers guarding the bridge and beyond, over Concord, volumes of smoke began to rise. They thought the village was being destroyed. It was decided to march to the town for its defense. Col. Barrett sug- gested to one of his Concord Captains that he lead, but the latter said he had rather not. He then turned to Davis and asked him if he was afraid to go. Davis promptly responded, "No, I am not; and there isn't a man in my company that is," and gave the command to march, At the head with Davis was Major John Buttrick of Concord, then came the musicians, followed by Davis' Company, two by two, with guns at "trail." The others formed on behind. It is related that the fifer and drimamer again struck up "The White Cockade," which perhaps was the only music they knew, and to this singu- larly inappropriate tune the little army of farmers advanced. The British crossed to the other side of the bridge and began to pull up the planks. Major Buttrick, in a loud voice, ordered them to desist, whereupon they left the bridge and formed for action at its easterly end. As the Americans approached, suddenly several shots were fired, most of which passed over their heads, but Blanchard, the fifer, was slightly wounded. Whereupon Major Buttrick turned and cried "Fire, for God's sake fire!" The order was obeyed and one British private was killed, another wounded so seriously that he could not leave the field (their graves are there to this day) and a number of others were slightly wounded, including four officers. Almost at the same moment came a volley, killing Captain Davis and Abner Hosmer and wounding several others. Barker may have told the story something like this, — " 'On the Kings own highway I may travel all day. And no man hath warrant to stop me', says he ; 'I've no man that's afraid, and I'll march at their head,' Then he turned to the boys, 'Forward march ! follow me !' And we marched as he said, and the Fifer he played The old 'White Cockade' and he played it right well. We saw Davis fall dead, but no man was afraid; That bridge we'd have had, though a thousand men fell." The British at once withdrew to Concord village and the Americans fol- lowed at a distance. The companies from Col. Barrett's house returned and about noon all began retreating towards Boston. By this time the minutemen had gathered in large numbers, and, acting mostly without organization, they hung, about the flanks like a swarm of hornets, inflicting heavy damage. (See Joshua Felt, Amos Bryant and John Burnap.) •From "New England's Chevy Chase", by Edward Everett Hale. 44 "Over the hillsides the wild knell is tolling, From their far hamlets the yeomanry come; As through the storm-clouds the thunder-burst rolling, Circles the beat of the mustering drum. Fast on the soldier's path Darken the waves of wrath. — Lon?r have they gathered and loud shall they fall; Ked glares the musket's liash, Sharp pings the rilles crash, Blazin.2- ;ind clanging from thicket and wall."* Col. Smith's force would have been annihilated had they not been mot at Lexington by a reinforcement of nearly a thousand men under Earl Percy. Barker was then 41 years old, so we would hardly expect to find that he enlisted for any long period of field service, especially as both his sons, "William Smith Barker and Theodore Barker, were in the army, the latter from Packersfield (see his record). However, in the Massachusetts Rolls we find the name of William Barker of Acton twice, viz.: 1. Private in Capt. Israel Ileald's Company of Col. Eleazer Brooks' Regi- ment, which marched to Roxbury, March 4, 1776. ■2. Private in Captain Hunt's Company of Colonel Eleazer Brooks' Regi- ment in return of men in camp at "White Plains (probably in the State of Xew York). The date is not given. In 1777' or 1778 Barker moved to New Hampshire and probably enlisted again there. It may have been the Packersfield William who under Ensign David McQuaig marched from Litchfield for Ticonderoga on the alarm June 29, 1777, by order of Moses Nichols, Colonel of the Fifth Regiment of the Xew Hampshire Militia, as far as Keene. where they were ordered back by express from Colonel Bellows, being 70 miles. At a special town meeting held in Packersfield, September 6, 1779, William Barker was elected Moderator, indicating that he must have been in town l"r a considerable time before then. lie settled on a farm about half a mile north of the present village, on the old road to Stoddard. He seems to have won the confidence of his fellow citizens to an extraor- dinary degree, for, acording to the minutes of the regular Town meeting, March 27, 1780, some of the town officials elected were: Moderator — William Barker. Town Clerk — William Barker. First Selectman — William Barker. This is a record that can hardly be equalled in Nelson or any other town. In 1782, when a church was organized, he was chosen one of the first deacons. In 1782, 1783, he repre;»ented the town in the Legislature. He was Selectman and Town Clerk many other times and otherwise active in town affairs. Worthy of siKvial note is the fact that in 1793, with Samuel (Jriffin and Noah Hardy, he secured the services of Rev. Gad Newell, who ose of stealing from the British a lot of cattle and horses. That they collected and the efforts of the colt he was carried safely across and saved from the enemy. Barrett could not swim. I have heard him relate many other incidents." John Wilson, of Stoddard, says he was a neighbor of Nathaniel and INfercy Barrett, and "he further declares that he has often heard the Old Gen- tleman Nathaniel rejx^at the story of his service and hardships in the war of the Revolution. That he cannot distinctly recollect the nanies of officers whom he named, but well remembers his saying that he served to the end of the war; that he never heard it doubted among the iK»ople. That said Nathaniel Barrett ever had the rei)utation of being a warrior and was so talked of among the boys." Moses Day of Nelson says he knew Nathaniel and Mercy Barrett, and their son, Jolm, and daughter, Hannah, and that there were three other sons 47 and one other daughter, all of whom are dead, except John Barrett of Stod- dard. Sybil Proctor of Mason, SC years old, widow of Joseph Proctor of Mason, a Revolutionary soldier, and a sister of !N^athaniel Barrett, says : "I had three brothers, Nathaniel, Reuben and Isaac, who were in the Revolutionary War. Nathaniel enlisted at the commencement of the war for a few months. "Was at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was about this time living a part of the time at Mason and a part of the time at what is now Milford, — in Amherst then. He had married a girl by the name of Mercy Cummings, two or three years before the war. He married her in Massachusetts somewhere. I am very sure it was at Old Andover, but it might have been at Hatfield or Shrews^ bury. He was at work in different places in Massachusetts. He came home not long after he was married. In a few months after the Bunker Hill fight he came home; he came from the army and when he went away he was going to the army. I have also some recollection that when he started for Cambridge at first, he started with my older brothers from Mason, and that afterwards he started with a company from Amherst. I remember also very distinctly conversations that I have heard him have with a Dr. Gray, who lived in this town after the war, about a service that they were upon in Ohio during the war. Our army had got nearly starved out and the captains of the different companies picked some men to go and to find something to eat, and Nathaniel was taken with others. They had to cross a large river, — had to carry their guns ready to fire much of the way, fearing the Indians. They found some cattle, and when they were driving them to camp and had come to the river it had begvm to rain. It was just at night and they did not dare to cross. They had to lay on their guns all night to keep them dry, and in the morning they drove the cattle across and forded the river themselves, carrying their guns as high above their heads as they could to keep them dry. They got the cattle to the army. I have often heard him speak of the smoky bread and horse meat they had to eat during the time mentioned above. I have been at the house of my brother Nathaniel, both in Milford or Amherst, and at Nelson (Pecker Nelson as we used to call it). I think he lived in Milford three or four years after the war before he removed to Nelson. He used to make wooden mortars, bowls, trays and other dishes. I have a mortar which he brought me from Nelson, made of a knot which he said would last me as long as I lived. He used to bring some on his back, almost every time he came to Mason. He took a hard way to get a living. I remem- ber his coming once to Mason and having helped at reaping ; he took the grain he received for pay upon his shoulders to Nelson. The bulls ran do\ni a hill, dragging him by a chain which got hitched some how onto his leg in such a way that a cord was torn out and he was lame always afterwards. His son Nathaniel helped him much. He had a shock of Palsey when he was doing something to the roof of his house. They said it was hard work to get him down. I think the names of his children were Nathaniel, John, Phineas, Hannah and Nabby. I don't remember the names of the two who died young." 48 General Griffin, in his sketch of the early history of the town, tells another interesting story of Barrett's trip from Peterlx)ro, with tlie quarter of beef. He died September 13, 1S2C, and was buried at Nelson in the cemetery of the Town Common. His grave stone states that his age was 84 years 5 months and 5 days. SAMUEL BASSETT. Born in Xorton, Mass., March 1st, 1754. In 1775, was living at Keene, N. H. According to his pension declaration, dated October 7th, 1S33, con- firmed by the Xew Hampshire Rolls, his record was as follows, viz: 1. Marched from Keene to Cambridge on the Lexington Alarm, April, 1775. 2. About April 23rd, 1775, enlisted as fifer for eight months in Captain Jeremiah Stiles' Company of Colonel John Stark's Regiment. Soon after the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, at which he is said to have been slightly wounded, he was transferred to Colonel Paul Dudley Sargeant's Regi- ment, where he served out the rest of his time and was discharged at Cam- bridge. December 31, 1775. 3. May 7, 1777, enlisted from Keene, X. H., in Captain Davis Howlet's Company of Colonel Bellow's Regiment. Marched to Mount Independence near Fort Ticonderoga. Was stationed there until the Continental troops arrived. Discharged June 17. 1777. Enlisted as ordinary private, but acted as fifer. May possibly also have been the Samuel Bassett appearing in a Roll dated September 22, 1776, of Captain John Houghton's Company in Colonel Bald- win's Regiment, destined for Xow York. Length of service not shown. Came to Packersfield about 1787, and resided at the foot of "Bassett Hill," in what is now Roxbury. "Was living there at time of census of 1790. and for several years thereafter. Died in Keene, K H., November 8, 1834. • AARON BEAL. Bom probably in Natick, Mass., April 3, 1741. One of the earliest settlers of Monadnock No. 6, coming not later than 1772. His name appears on a petition for a special meeting of "proprietors," which was held June 10, 1773. In 1774 had 12 acres cleared. 15 more cut over and had erected a "pole house." which he occupied with his family. In April, 1776, signed the "Association Test," and at a Town ^[eeting held September 17, 1776, was chosen a memljer of the "Committee of Safety." May 6, 1776, was a member of Captain Josiah Browns Company from Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment of Militia that marched to Ticonderoga to reinforce the Continental Army at that place. In service 38 days. In the same year was ekx-ted a Lieutenant and is given that title in the iMJnutes of a To^vn ^Meeting held August 5, 1777, at which he and "Lieutenant" Abijah Brown were chosen town constables. He lived on the old road running from Corban Farwell's to Mrs. Hough- ton's on a farm that some fifty years ago was owned by James Chase. Is said to have died in 1S20. 40 WILLIAM BEAL. One of the earliest settlers of Monadnock Xo. 6, coming prior to 1772. In the record of a Tovra Meeting held September 13, 1774, there is men- tion of a road "laid out from William Beal's corn mill at the mouth of Pleas- ant Pond." "Pleasant Pond" was afterwards named "Breed Pond," for Dr. Xathaniel Breed. Beal signed the Association Test in April, 177G. A William Beal and also a William Beal, Jr., appear in the United States Census of Packersfield in 1790. HEXRY BEMIS. Born in W^eston, Mass., January 28, 1750, or '51. One of the early settlers of Monadnock ISTo. 6 prior to 1773. One of the town officers of Packersfield elected at first town meeting March 15, 1774. He then had three acres cleared, two more cut over and a "pole" house. Probably one of the twenty-seven men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, marched from Packersfield in response to the Lexington Alarm. Enlisted April 21, 1775, for eight months in Captain Jeremiah Stiles' Company of Colonel Paul Dudley Sergeant's Regiment. Was at Bunker Hill June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) Signer of the "Association Test" in Packersfield April, 1776. In Captain Josiah Parker's Company raised out of Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga in July, 1776. In Captain James Lewis' Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment that marched from the State of New Hampshire and joined the Continental Army at Rhode Island in August, 1778. (See Timothy Bancroft.) Lived on the Seth Kingsbury place in what is now Roxbury. Died in Littleton, N. H., June 24, 1833. DAVID BEARD. Born August 6, 1746. Sergeant in Captain Cadwallader Ford, Jr.'s Company of Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's Regiment, which marched from Wilmington, Mass., to Concord on the Alarm of April 19, 1775 ; service twenty-one days ; reported as belonging to "Train Band" from March 9, 1775, to June 30, 1775 ; also she vvn on receipt for wages dated Maj- 6, 1776, given to Captain Ford; also in list of men who per- formed tours of service in the Crown Point Expedition in July, 1776 ; also in Captain Ford's Company of Colonel Eleazer Brooks' Regiment of Guards; enlisted November 5, 1777; rolls made up to April 3, 1778; at Fort No. 2, Cam- bridge, guarding "troops of convention," i. e., Burgoyne's surrendered army; also shown in muster rolls for December, 1777, and January, 1778. Came to Packersfield about 1778. General Griffin in his reminiscences wrote this of him: "David Beard was at the battle of Concord. * * * About the time of the breaking out of the war a proposition was made to the inhabitants by the British to return to their allegiance on certain conditions. Their agent who visited this town 50 wns a ^Ir. Grir^woUl, of Keone, and a inoetinp was called to consider the liroposition. A speech was made by ^Ir. Beard, in which he denounced the whole scheme, saying to the a^ent, 'Pen and ink can't draw the conditions that we would sipn.' " This must have occurred a little later than the General suppe^•ts. but there is no reason to doubt the substantial truth of the stor>'. Several such pacifi- cation efforts were made, the most important and probably the one referred to, being in the latter part of 1778. Died, probably in Xelson, in 1836. BENJAMIN BIGELOW. Almost certainly one of the twenty-seven men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, on April 21, 1775, marched from Packersfield for Cambridtre on the Lexington Alarm. Enlisted in April, 1775, for eight months in Captain Abijah Wymau's Company in Colonel William Prescott's Regiment. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, fighting at the ''redoubt," wounded and taken prisoner. Died soon after in Boston. See "New Hampshire men at Bunker Hill," by George C. Gilinniu ^fan- chester, N. H., 1899. JONATHAN BLODGETT. Born March 6, 1756. Son of Joliatiian. wiio during the war. lived in Jaffrey, N. H. . In Captain Joseph Parker's Company raised out of Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga. Mustered and paid July 18, 1776. In Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Nicoll's Regiment, Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Militia, Enoch Hale. Colonel, which Company marched from Rindge in said State and joined the Northern Continental Army at Beimington and Stillwater. From July -21 to September 26, 1777. At battle of Bennington August IG, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) In Captain Samuel Twitchell's Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- ment of Volunteers, which marched from New Hampshire and joined the Con- tinental Army in Rhode Island in August, 1778, August 10th to August 28th. General Griffin says that he was in Packersfield as early as 1777, and •"lived on the place afterwards owned by Hills Scripture, near the Reuben Tarbox place, and afterwards between the road leading to Gilman Griffin's and the one to Philip Atwood's." He seems to have been considerable of a wanderer, and is reported to have lived in a number of other towns, among them JaflPrey. N. H. ; Rockingham, Vt.. and Betiiel, !N[aine. The place last named is the one to which Absalom Karwell and Eleazer Twitchell emigrated. SALMON BLODGETT. Born in Lexington, Mass., April 21.st, 176(5. Son of Josiah Blodgett, who iu 1755 had been a soldier in the French and Indian War. Hayward's History of Hancock, page 351, says that Salmon came to Han- cock from Sunderland, Mass., with his father in 17S6, and that at the age of fifteen he had enlisted in the Continental Army; was at one time a member of Washington's lifeguards, "and when he carried dispatches for the General he was on his return treated with wine." Mr. Hayward further says that Blodgett, after moving to Dublin, thence to New York, to Weston, Vt., and Acworth, N". H., finally came to Nelson, where he died. The only Salmon Blodgett, whose name appears in the Massachusetts Eolls, now on file, enlisted April 1, 1781, for three years, "Age, 16 years; stature, 5 ft. 3 in.; complexion, light; hair, light; eyes, blue; occupation, laborer; residence, Woburn." He was assigned to Captain Benjamin Pike's Company of Colonel Nixon's, afterwards Colonel Calvin Smith's Regiment, Sixth Massachusetts Continental Line. This is probably applicable. (See Hudson's History of Lexington, vol. 2, page 38.) Sixteen was the legal age of enlistment, but that did not prevent many who were only fourteen or fifteen getting in by saying they were sixteen. (See David Kimball, Samuel Scripture, Jr., and Thomas K. Breed.) ' As a matter of fact. Young Blodgett lacked three weeks of being fifteen when he enlisted. JOHN BOYNTON. Probably Fifer, in Captain Elisha Mack's Company in Colonel Moses Nichol's Regiment, of General Stark's Brigade, which company marched from the State of New Hampshire and joined the Northern Continental Army at Saratoga, September 22, 1777. Service, 2 months. Quite likely much more service. Living in Packersfield prior to 1785. First settled on the farm now o\\Tied by Dr. E. N. Hardy. Said to have been a blacksmith. Died in Nelson, December 29, 1807, and buried in cemetery on Town Common. ALLEN BREED. Born in Marblehead, ]\[ass., July 14, 1759. Son of Josiah and nephew of Dr. Nathaniel Breed. The following account of him is extracted from "A Record of the Descend- ants of Allen Breed who came to America from England in 1630", by J. Howard Breed. "At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the army and advanced to the rank of Lieutenant. During his boyhood in Marblehead the tovm was on fire with patriotic enthusiasm. "When the exciting times of 1775 came, his father enlisted at Lynn, his uncle Nathaniel and his cousin John at Nelson, N. H. He went to New Ipswich and when his cousin Allen enlisted, he also joined the same company and continued to serve in the army for the next five years. jBetween the 1st and 15th of November, 1775, he entered the service for six weeks under the command of Captain Eleazer Cummings, and marched directly to Cambridge, Mass., where they were stationed in Fort No. 2. After remaining one week they were taken by order of General Putnam to Lechmore Point to commence the erection of another fort. At the close of the first day's "tatoo" the British, who were occupying Fox Hill Fort in Boston, cannonaded them with shot and shell, but did not prevent the com- pletion of the fort^ * « ♦ About the first of February, 1776, he reenlisted for two months at the camp in Cambridge mider Captain Goodale, marching for Prospect Hill, and was present at Coble Hill, one mile below, when the Americans ''bursted" a brass mortar, captured by the ship Mauley Piere. The morning following the evacuation of Boston, about March, 1776, he obtained permission to visit friends in that place. * * * In July, 1776, he volunteered at Xew Ipswich under Capt. Joseph Parker for five months; was mustered in at Jeffrey and rendezvoused at Charlestown Xo. 4. At the latter place the company crossed the Connecticut river on their way to Skeenboro, X. Y., and Fort Independence at Ticonderoga, X. Y., where they were employed in getting out lumber in the mountain to build row galleys for service on Lake Chaniplain. * * * From April to July, 1777, the town of Xew Ipswich was in a constant -tate of alarm. The rapid advance of Gen. Burgoyne aroused the fears of tlie Colonists, and calls for more troops were frequently made. Early in July Capt. Stephen Parker enlisted a large company. The first two names on the payroll are the cousins Allen Breed and Allen Breed, Jr. * * * This company was in General Stark's Brigade. Allen Breed was with others detailed to assist in driving cattle to Stillwater, X. Y., for the subsistence of the army assembling to oppose Burgoyne. They returned just in time to be with their company in the battle of Bennington. During the night of the battle they assisted in guarding the Hessian prisoners who were con- fined in the Bennington Meeting House. * * * Soon after this the company marched to Saratoga where Breed remained until the expiration of his enlistment. In June, 17S0, he was one of six taken by a Corporal from Xew Ipswich to Winchester, wher* he was mustered in. He then marched to Litchfield, Conn. ; next to West Point, X. Y., to be attached to the Company of Capt. Cherry in the Regiment of Col. Courtland. and the division imder the com- mand of General La Fayette. His regiment with two others was sent to a place called Herrington, X. J., where an expedition was organized under Gen. La Fayette to capture Staten Island. Xear Elizabeth, X. J., the boats were so much injured as to cause their return to the tents at Herrington. Breed was soon after stationed at Fort Lee on the Hudson River, from which place he was detailed with others to Bergen, X. J., to drive off the cattle, horses, etc., so as to prevent them from falling into the hands of the British who occupied Xew York on the opposite shore. » * * He was very thin and spare, and was a carpenter by trade. As soon as he was discharged, married in July, 17&1, Lucy Taylor, and came to Packersfield. where hisJfirst child Josiah was born, April 25, 17S2. Between then and li>02. ten other children followed. Lf»cated on the "Xoah Robbins" place in the west part of the town. With Samuel Cummings and Archelus Wilson built the *'Xew" Meeting House on the Town Common. Was active in public matters as long as he lived in town. About 1806, went to Fultonville, Montgomery County, Xew York, to live with his daughter Mehitabel. Later he removed to Stafford. X. Y., where he died April 2, 1S42. 58 JOn^^ BEEED. Born at Eastham, Mass., October 15, 1757; son of Dr. Natlianiel Breed; brother of Thomas K. and Xathaniel, Jr. ; came to Monadnock Xo. 6 (after- wards Packersfield and Nelson) with his father about 1767. "The Descendants of Allen Breed" states that young John, "volunteered on the 20th day of April, 1775, in the afternoon, under Lieutenant Abijah Brown, and marched from Packersfield to Lexington, and thence to Boston." His father. Dr. Breed, went with the party. May 20th, 1775, he enlisted for eight months in Capt. Ezra Town's Com- pany of Colonel James Eeed's Regiment. In the Muster Roll in the office of the Secretary of State at Boston his description is "Born, Lynn ; age, 19 ; place of abode, Packersfield; occupation, farmer; height, 5 ft. 3 in.; com- plexion, fair; color of eyes, light." He was at the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. For an account of it, see Samuel Griffin who was in the same company. Breed had his hat knocked off by a musket ball, and another struck his "cartouch" box, passing through between the covering and the wood. After the retreat he was detailed from the company, and went under Lieut. Josiah Brown with the wounded to Medford. He remained with the regiment until January 1, 1776. In June, 1776, went to Cambridge and enlisted for five months under Capt. Warren of Cambridge, Mass., in Col. Wlieelock's Mass. Regiment, and marched to Ticonderoga, X. Y., remaining until his terra expired, engaged in scouting, fortifying and skirmishing. In September, 1777, volunteered and marched to Saratoga, and Fort Edward; was engaged mostly in scouting parties and was on the opposite side of the river when Burgoyne surrendered. July 7, 1780, enlisted for six months under Captain Benjamin Spaulding, Colonel Moses Xichols' Regiment, and marched to the Xorth River and was stationed at Fishkill, and at West Point. While Gen. Benedict Arnold was in command he was detailed, one of sixteen, to guard six hundred head of cattle at Robinson's farm, and at Camp Pond, during which time 150 British horsemen advanced to capture the guard and cattle, but the Yankees were too quick for them, and saved themselves and the cattle. His brother Thomas K. Breed, Xoah Hardy and other Packersfield men, were in the same company. Afterwards settled on the "Abijah Brown" place on the hill, near the old lead mine east of the place first settled by Dr. Breed, later known as the residence of Horatio Osgood and now owned by Mr. Charles H. Osgood. Is said to have removed, in 1828, to "Sandy Creek." DR. XATHAXIEL BREED. Born in Lynn, Mass., July 25, 1727. Came to Monadnock Xo. 6 (afterwards Packersfield, and Xelson) in 1767, and was the first permanent settler within present limits of town. First located on what was later known as the Horatio Osgood place (which he sold to Samuel Ciunmings in 1782), and later on what is now known as the Well- ington Seaver place, near the outlet of what was then known as "Pleasant Pond," subsequently called, after him, "Breed" Pond. 5i His daughter Abigail, bora June IG, 1709, was the first child baptized in town, and his daughter Anne, born January 30, 1773, was the first person baptized in the first meeting house at the first service held therein in July, 1773. In 1774 had thirty acres cleared, ten more cut over and liad erected a "Double Pole House." Was the most respected and influential citizen in town for many years. At a town meeting held April 18, 1775, the day before Lexington, was elected Town Clerk and Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence, with Eleazer Twitchell, and Joseph Stanhope as colleagues, and also n member of the **Committee of Safety to put the resolves of the American Congress in force," his colleagues being Amos Skinner and Lieut. Abijah Brown. Was one of the 27 men who marched from Packersfield to Cambridge April 21, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. His son John was anotlier of the party. ilay 9, 1775, was chos^en delegate to the Provincial Congress at E.xeter, his colleague being Eleazer Twitchell. June 27, 1775. was commissioned Surgeon's Mate in Colonel James Reed's Xew Hampshire Kegiment before Boston. Heilman's Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army states he was also Surgeon's Mate of the Second New Hampshire Continental line from January 1 to December 31, 177G, and later Surgeon of Xew Hampshire State Troops and Militia. Signer of tlie Association Test in April, 1776. March 4, 1778, elected Delegate to Convention at Concord "for forming a Plan of Government." Represented Packersfield and Stoddard in the Fourth General Court held at Exeter, Deceml)er 10, 1778, to November 19, 1779. Represented Packersfield and Stoddard in the Fifth General Court held at Exeter, December 15, 1779, to November 11, 1780. Died in Nelson, November 5th, 1810, aged 83 years, and w.as buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. NATHANIEL BREED, Ju. Born in Eastham, Mass., June 4th. 1753. Came to !Monadnock No. 6 with his father in 1707. In 1774 had 10 acres cleared, 4 cut ovit. Then living with his father. Signer of the Association Test in April, 1776. Enlisted from Packersfield !May 2, 1782, in the Continental Army for three years or during the war. Said to have removed to some place in New York. THOMAS K. BREED. Born in Sudbury, :Mass., April H), 1701. The son of Dr. Nathaniel and brother of John and Nathaniel, Jr. Came to Monadnock No. 6 (after- wards Packersfield and Nelson) with his father in 1707. From his iHjnsion declaration, vi-rified the 22nd day of Februarj', 1833. confirmed bv tlu- Xrw Hninn-liirf r«-lls. it appears that he nudind >. rvi.-o as follows: 1. In the latter part of November, 1775, when only fourteen years of age, went to Winter Hill, outside of Boston, and there enlisted for one year in Captain Ezra Town's Company of Colonel James Eoed's Regiment. His brother John was a member of the same company, and his father was at the same time Surgeon's Mate of the Regiment. Boston was captured March 17, 177G, and most of the troops marched for New York. Breed was, however, detailed to the hospital to assist his father and remained there until April 10, 1776, when he hired a substitute, John Varnum of Dracut. 2. He was a member of the company commanded by Captain John Mellin, which marched from Fitzwilliam and adjacent towns, to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga in June, 1777. The expedition turnfed back on account of the evacuation of the fort. 3. To quote his own words, ''In July, 1777, the town of Packersfield being required to furnish a certain number of men for the army, he volunteered, and immediately after went to New Marlborough, where they mustered, and he was put into a company under Captain Salmon Stone. From thence they marched to Manchester, Vermont, where he was attached to Colonel Nichols' Regiment. From Manchester they marched to Bennington, where they were attached to General Stark's brigade. Was in the battle at that place August 16, 1777. There he served out the remainder of his enlistment and was regularly discharged." Service from July 21st to September 25th. 4. Finally, was a member of Captain Benjamin Spaulding's Company in Colonel Moses Nichols' Regiment, raised by the State of New Hampshire that joined the Continental Army at West Point. From July 7 to October 21, 1780. Died in Antrim, N. H., February 2, 1849. ISAAC BREWER. Believed to be the Isaac Brewer who was born in Tyringham, Berkshire County, Mass., August 1, 1762, son of Joseph and Jane, and who, May 15, 1778, enlisted from Tyringham in Captain Enoch Noble's Com- pany of Colonel Ezra Wood's Regiment. Discharged February 7, 1779. Service eight months and twenty-eight days at Peekskill, New York. Living in Packersfield at the time of the first U. S. Census in 1790. Said to have located on the farm now occupied by Hon. T. W. Barker. JONAS BRIGHAM. Born in Sudbury, Mass., May 22, 1758. Enlisted from Sudbury, August 17, 1777, in Captain Jonathan Rice's Company of Colonel Samuel Bullard's Regiment. Service three months and twenty-four days with the Northern Army. Came to Packersfield about 1789 and settled on farm south of the Blood place in Harrisville. Removed to Dublin. GEORGE BRINTNALL. Moderator of Town Meeting in Packersfield, April 4, 1777, which adopted Presentment against Major Breed Batchelder. 56 Enlisted from Packersfield for Continental service May 13, 1777. Hired by Colonel Samuel Folsoni and mustered and paid by Eliphalet Giddings, Muster Master. (See New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 14, page 602). The regiment in which he served this enlistment is not given. Member of Committee of Safety elected August 5, 1777, his colleagues being Captain Eleazer Twitchell, Seth Cobb, Shadrach Hill, and Jonathan Drury. March 1, 177S, enlisted for one year in Captain Benjamin Stone's Company, afterwards Captain McGregore's Company, Third New Hampshire Continental Line, and was discharged March 1, 1779. Probably the George Brintnall, who as Corporal, responded to the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, from Mansfield, Mass., in Captain Samuel White's Company of Colonel John Daggett's Eegiment, and December 10, 1776, enlisted from Mansfield under Lieut. Ebenezer Brintnall. Service about three months; nature not stated. ABU AH BROWN. One of the earliest settlers. Said to come from Bedford, Mass. Located east of Dr. Nathaniel Breed, near the old lead mine. See anecdotes by General Griffin in his sketch of the Early History of the town. Li 1774 had 24 acres cleared, 20 more cut over and a %oard house" which was occupied by himself and family, his wife being a daughter of Dr. Nathaniel Breed. Lieutenant of Militia in 1774. January 20, 1775, chosen member of the Committee on Correspondence, his colleagues being John LeBourveau and Major Breed Batchelder. Member of Committee of Safety, chosen April 18, 1775, the day before Lexington, his colleagues being Amos Skinner and Dr. Nathaniel Breed. April 21, 1775, in command of party of twenty-seven men that marched from Packersfield to Cambridge on the Lexington Alarm. September 25, 1775, elected member of the Committee on Inspection, his colleagues being Eleazer Twiteliell, Benjamin Nurse, John French and Amos Skinner. Signer of the Association Test in April, I77tl. Member of Captain Jonathan Brockway's Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment that, on the Ticonderoga Alarm marched July 13, 1777, as far as Otter Creek, Vt., wliere they met the American Army retreiiting. JOHN BROWN. Elected Town Clerk and First Selectman of Packersfield, August 5, 1777. R(H;ruited from Packersfield in June, 177ti, by Colonel Enoch Hale, out of his Regiment of Militia, for Continental service in Rhode Island. Enlisted June 18, 177S. Discharged January 4, 1779. In Captain Samuel Dearborn's Company of Colonel Stei)hen Peabody's Regiment. Probably i)erformed other sen-ice but the name is so common that identity is doi'btful where residence ia not given in the record. AMOS BRYANT. Bom in Reading', -^lu-.-., .^i jin n r 17. i.."i. ijri'iiuT "i .iaiiw- hryiiiit. third in descent from Abraham Bryant, one of the earliest settlers of Reading. 57 In Captain John Bacheller's Company of Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's Regiment of Minute 'Men that marched from Reading on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, and engaged the retreating British at Merriam's Corner. (See John Burnap.) In Bryant's pension declaration, among other things, he says: "In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, in the month of April, I enlisted as a private soldier in the Continental Army in the United States of America, at Cambridge, in the province of Massachusetts, under Capt. Bachelder, in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Bridge, for eight months, and served my time and received an honorable discharge. I returned home, stayed about a month, and enlisted again for one year, under Captain William Grant (?) in a regiment commanded by Col. John Greaton, and in that marched to New York and from that to Ticonderoga, and from that down the river to (illegible) and so, from place to place, until my time was out again. I was honorably discharged at Morristown in the Jerseys. After which in the year 1778 in the month of June, I again enlisted for nine months into the Continental Army, in the Massachusetts line, and joined the army at Peekskill, in New York, in General McDougal's Brigade, and served my time and again received an honorable discharge. I was in the battle of Concord at the commencement of the war." Came to Packersfield probably about 1800. Settled on the north side of Tolman Pond on the farm now owned by Wayland P. Tolman. His sons Francis and Palmer subsequently carried on the tannery business there. Died in Nelson, August 12, 1833, at the age of 77, and is buried in the cemetery on the To^vn Common. JAMES BRYANT. Born in Reading, Mass., October 25, 1748. A brother of Amos Bryant. They were in the third generation from Abraham Bryant, one of the first settlers of Reading. In Captain John Bacheller's Company of Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's Regi- ment of Minute Men that marched from Reading on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, and engaged the retreating British at Merriam's corner. Service 11 days. (See John Burnap and Amos Bryant.) Probably did other service, which cannot with certainty be identified, as there were apparently others with the same name. Came to Packersfield in 1785 or 1786. Located on the farm where Chauncey Barker subsequently lived. Taxed in to^\Ti as late as 1813. SOLOMON BUCKMINSTER. Born February 19, 1754. At the time of the war living in Rutland, Mass. In Captain David Bent's Company of Colonel Nathan Sparhawk's Regi- ment, detached August 20, 1777, and marched from Rutland to Bennington on an Alarm. Probably other service. Settled in Packersfield in 1787. 58 When tlie town of lloxburj- was incorporated in 1812, was Chairman of the first Board of Solcctnieu, aiul subsequently chosen its first representative to the legislature. JOIIX BURNAP. Born in Beading, Mass., June 23, 1744; married there December 2-1, 17U7, Mary Hay ward; and living there in 1775. A John Burnap, probably he, was a member of Captain John Bacheller's Company of Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's Kegiment, that marched from Reading on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, and engaged the enemy retreating from Concord. (See William Barker.) Amos Bryant and his brother James Bryant were in the same company. The British left Concord at noon and for about a mile were unmolested. Then, reaching "Merriam's Corner," they encountered the Reading minutemen and there began the real battle of the 19th of April. The Reverend Edmund Foster, of Reading, a fiery young man, went along with his parishioners, in Captain Bacheler's Company, and afterwards, in a letter to Lemuel Shattuck of Concord, he told what happened, — "A little before we came to Merriam's Hill, we discovered the enemy's flank guard of about eighty or a hundred men, who, on the retreat from Concord, kept the height of land, the main body being in the road. The British troops and the Americans at that time were equally distant from Merriam's Corner. About twenty rods short of that place the Americans made a halt. The British marched down the hill with very slow but steady step, without music or a word being spoken that could be heard. Silence reigned on both sides. As soon as the British gained the main road and passed a small bridge near the corner, they faced about suddenly and fired a volley of musketry upon us. They overshot, and no one to my knowledge was injured by the fire. The fire was immediately returned by the Americans, and two British soldiers fell dead at a little distance from each other in the road near the brook. The battle now began, and was carried on with little <.r no military discipline or order on the part of the Americans, during the remainder of the day. Each sought his own place and opportunity to attack and annoy the enemy from behind trees, rocks, fences and buildings, as seemed convenient. We saw a wood at a distance which apiJcared to be on or near the road, where the enemy must pass. Many leaped over the walls and made for that wood. We arrived ju-st in time to meet the enemy. There "•as on the opiHJsite side of the road a young growth of wood filled with Auu'ricans. The enemy were now completely between two fires, renewed aiid briskly kept up. They ordered out a Hank guard on the left to dislodge the Americans from their ixjsts behind the trees; but they only became better marks to be shot at. A short but sharp contest ensued, in which the enemy received more deadly injury than at any other place from Concord to Charleston." Burnap seems to have followed them all the way, for on April 24th at I ambridgc, John Burnap of Reading eiUisted for eight months in Captain John Bacheller's Company of Colonel Ebenezer Bridge's Regiment. His name appears on Rolls dated August 1st, and September 25th. and doubtless he served out his term. The rolls, both in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, show other military service by a John Burnap, but as the residence is not given the identity is uncertain. There were many Burnaps in Reading, and some evidence that there were two Johns. Coming to Packersfield soon after the war, he settled north of the present village on the farm now owned by Mr. Patrick. Died in Nelson, May 23, 1815, and is buried in the cemetery on the old Town Common. JOHN BUXTON. Born in Beading, Mass., in 173-1. At the time of the war living in Wilton, N. H. April 23, 1775, enlisted as Corporal for eight months in Captain Benjamin Mann's Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment. At Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. In the same company were Samuel Scripture, Sr., Samuel Scripture, Jr., John Stroud, and Edmund Taylor. Paid by the State of New Hampshire for a gun lost in the engagement. Came to Packersfield about 1791. A Town Officer in 1792. Settled in North part near Stoddard line on place now owned by Mr. Chester L. Towne. Died there in 1821. His descendants remained in town for two or three generations. PETER CHANDLER. Born in Andover, Mass., Mar. 25. 1755. His pension declaration on file in Washington reads in part as follows: "On this 1st day of May, A. D. 1818, personally before me Levi Woodbury, one of the Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature in said State, appears Peter Chandler, of Nelson in said State, aged sixty-three years, who, being duly sworn, in order to obtain the benefits of the late act of Congress, entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the L^nited States in the Revolutionary War, made on oath the following declarations — 1. That at Andover, Mass., in A. D. 1775, he enlisted into Captain Ames' Company in Col. Fryes' Regiment and served eight months; 2. At the end of said term he reenlisted into Captain Benton's Company in Col. Sargent's Regiment, in the Massachusetts Line, for one year and served out said term; 3. Again June 4th, 1777, he reenlisted for three years into Captain Frye's Company in Col. Scammel's Regiment, in the New Hampshire Line, and there faithfully served out his time against the common enemy and was discharged at West Point." A supporting affidavit of Ebenezer Chandler enumerates Peter's various periods of seri-ice and concludes with the words — "making in the whole four years and eight months, which said Chandler served in the Army of the United States, I was further knowing to said Chandler receiving a wound through the hody hy a musket hall in the year 1776." In New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 16, Revolutionary Rolls, his name appears at pages 15, 25, 186 and 211. It is shown that during his last enlistment his Captain was Isaac Erye, his Colonel Alexander Scammel, his Regiment the Third N. H. Continental Line and the period of service from Juno 4, 1777, to :Ma.v 30. 17.sO. Probably at "Saratoga," "Valley Forge" and '"Monmouth" and in the "Sullivan Expedition." Came to Packersfield in 17M7 and located on the Shores of Spoonwood Pand. frequently called "Chandler" Pond. (See General Griffin's auuecdotea regarding liini.) Died in Nelson, July 14, 1S19, and is Iniried in the Cemetery on the Town Common. A^rOS CHILD. Born in Waltham, Mass., in 1753. Was one of the earliest settlers locating east of Breed Pond. Signed the "Association Test" in April, 1770. Died in Packersfield. BUNTiER CLARK. Came to Packersfield about 1775 from Xew Ipswich. Signed the "Association Test" in April, 1776. In April, 1777, enlisted from Packersfield in Captain Isaac Farwell's Com- pany of Colonel Hale's Regiment, New Hampshire Continental line "for three years or for the war." New Ipswich claimed that he should properly be counted in her quota and the matter was referred to the New Hampshire Committee of Safety, which decided in favor of Packersfield. In the minutes of a Town Meeting held in Packersfield November 27, 1778, is this item, "Voted to provide ten pounds for Bunker Clark's wife as a gift." After the war is said to have removed to Farmington, Maine. SETH COBB. Born in Medway, Mass., March 0, 1743. Brother of Stephen Cobb. ^Marched from Temple, New Hampshire, to Cambridge, on the Lexington Alarm. Absent 12 days. In December, 1775, served 2 months with the army before Boston (Blood's History of Temple, N. H., page 103). In Captain John !Mellin's Company which marched from Fitzwilliam and towns adjacent, June 2S, 1777, to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga. Come to Packersfield not later than 1777. At town meeting held August 5, 1777, elected member of Committee of Safety, the other members being Capt. Eleazer Twitchell, George Brintnall. Shadrach Hill, .and Jonathan Drury. About 1780 removed to Dublin, N. H., where he died January 8, 1700. STEPHEN COBB. Bom in HoUiston, Mass., April 15, 1747. Brother of Seth Cobb. Marched from Temple, N. H. to Cambridge, on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775. Absent 11 days. In December, 1775, served two months with army before Boston (Blood's History of Temjile, page 103). Signed the Association Test in Temple in 177'' Came to Packersfield in 1777. Gl Elected member of Committee of Safety at town meeting held March 29, 1779, the other members being John Adams and Captain Stephen Parker. Said to have lived on the Joseph Felt place, next north of the Burnap place. Died in Packersfield, June 19, 1S14. SAMUEL CUMMINGS. Born in Westford, Mass., November 18, 1742. During the war living in New Ipswich, N. H. In April, 1775, enlisted from New Ipswich for eight months in Captain John Nutting's Company of Colonel "William Prescott's Kegiment. At Bunker Hill in the redoubt, June 17, 1775. Martin and Joshua Lawrence in the same company. (See Samuel Griffin). Sergeant in Captain William Humphrey's Company of Colonel Wingate's Regiment in the Northern Army, Continental service, 1776. Under date of August 20, 17S2, Dr. Nathaniel Breed deeded to Samuel Cummings of New Ipswich the farm that the Doctor had first settled and then lived on, later known as the Horatio Osgood place, and now owned by Mr. Charles H. Osgood. At a town meeting held March 27, 17S6, it was "voted that Samuel Cum- mings, David Beard and Allen Breed be chosen a committee to draft a plan for the Meeting House and make an allotment of the Stuff." At a Town Meeting held March 20, 1787, it was "voted that Lieutenant Samuel Cummings, Lieutenant Archelus Wilson and Allen Breed be a com- mittee to procure the under hands to work on the Meeting House." In other records relating to the Meeting House he was the one referred to as the "Master Workman." (See also Archelus Wilson and Allen Breed.) About 1789 removed to Cornish, N. H., where he died January 16, 1826. The printed genealogy of the Cummings family suggests that he was in Packersfield earlier than 1782 and later than 1789. Probably this was only temporarily in connection with building operations. ISAAC DAVIS. Born in "Old" Rutland, Mass., February 28, 1756, and living there at the outbreak of the war. On August 10, 1832, made a pension declaration in part as follows: "1st. In 1775 entered the service in December for two months, Captain Reed's Company, Lieut. Evilith (?). Stationed at Roxbury and Brookline, Mass., guarding boats. Joined no regiment. "2nd. Served three months. Capt. Hussy ( 0>* Lieut. Ruggles' Company. Col. Sparhawk's Regiment, stationed at Rutland, guarding prisoners. Cannot state the year precisely. "3rd. In 1777 enlisted for two months, Capt. William Henry and Lieut. McLellan's Company, Col. Wliitney's Regiment. Served on R. Island at a place called Boston Neck, guarding the coast. Was a fifer. "4th. In 1777 enlisted and went to Half Moon, Capt. John Boynton, Lieut. Cutler. Marched from Half Moon to Bennington at the time of the battle. * This and other names of places in the record are hard to decipher. 62 After the battle of Bennington stood on guard to guard the prisoners in the meeting house. *'5th. In 1778 enlisted again for six months. Capt. Jackson's Co. of Col. Wade's Regiment. Marched to Tiverton ( ?) in R. Island. Then transferred from Col. Wade's Regt. to Col. Jacobs' Regt. Went onto the Island under Gen. Sullivan. (See Timothy Bancroft.) "Gth. In 1780 enlisted again for si.\ months, Capt. Ephraem Hartwell's Co. Stationed at Rutland guarding prisoners. Sergeant's duty. ''7th. Enlisted again for three months. Capt. Stevens' (?) Co. Went tirst to West Point. Was detached out of the company to go to Fish Kill to the laboratory and there acted as quartermaster under the Commissary. Was at Fish Kill at the time Andre was hung. Saw Gen. Washington and Gen. La Fayette when they came up from Withersfield to Fish Kill and stayed over night there the morning that Arnold escaped. "Have a distinct recollection of all the officers I served under and of terms of service, but am very likely to be mistaken as to the different years." He came to Packersfield in 1782 and settled within present limits of Rox- bury, on what is now known as the Calvin Davis place. Died there September 13, 1836. JOXAS DAVIS. In Captain David Bent's Company of Colonel Xathan Sparhawk's Regi- ment of Minute Men that marched from Rutland, Mass., to Cambridge, April 20, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. May 5, 1777, enlisted in Captain William Henry's Company of Colonel Josiah Whitney's Regiment and served in Rhode Island two months and seven days. Living in Packersfield from 1785 to ISOl and perhaps longer. BENJAMIN DAY. Born in Attleboro, Mass.. April 28. 1720. Father of Noah and Peletiah. At the outbreak of the war living in Mansfield, Mass. Though over military age, as a Minute Man marched from Mansfield to Roxbury on the Lexington Alarm April 19, 1775, in Captain Samuel White's Company of Colonel John Daggett's Regiment. Came to Packersfield about 1777 (joining his son Noah, who preceded him), and was on the Board of Selectmen there in 1778. Had purchased pro pert j' in Monadnock No. 6 several years before. In tlie Proprietors' records of apparently 1774, ''Improvements in the Northeast Quarter," is this: "Bcnj. Day, 5 acres cleared, 7 chopt over — House — Talks of coming." Settled on the farm now owned by Rev. E. W. Phillips and built the house still standing which is the oldest one in town. Died in Packersfield April 3, 1780. NOAH DAY. Born in ^lan.-tiild. ^la.--.. about 1755. Son of Benjamin Day. Ilalf- lirotlier of Lieut. Peletiah Day. Cnme to Packersfirld about 1774. Live«l on what was subsequently known as the Sewell Day place. 63 Signer of the Association Test in April, 1776. Sergeant in Captain Salmon Stone's Companj' in Col, Xichols' Eegiment, General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Eegiment of Xew Hampshire Militia, Enoch Hale, Colonel, which company marched from Rindge and joined the Continental Army' at Bennington and Stillwater July 21 to August 10, 1777. Removed to Chesterfield, N. H. PELETIAH DAY. Born in ilSTorton, Mass., November 5th, 1744. Son of Benjamin Day. Half-brother of Noah. Corporal in Captain Benjamin Morey's Company of Colonel Daggett's Regiment of Minute Men which marched on the Alarm of April 19, 1775. April 27, 1775, enlisted, probably for eight months, in Captain Itloses Knap's Company of Colonel Joseph Read's Regiment; appointed Sergeant. March 13, 1776, commissioned Second Lieutenant in Capt. Silas Cobb's Company of Colonel Jacob French's Regiment. In Packersfield prior to 17S0. At a town meeting held October 28, 1782, the following committee was appointed to consider a proposed State Constitution, viz. Lieut. Peletiah Day, Chairman; Mr. Amos Child, Mr. Thomas Kiddar, Capt. Stephen Parker and William Barker. Lieut. Day was very influential in public affairs for many years. Died in Nelson May 25, 1814, and buried in cemetery on the Town Common. SAMUEL DERBY. Born in Concord, Mass., September 6, 1757. According to his pension declaration, verified August 9, 1832, his service was as follows: 1. In June, 1777, enlisted from Groton, Mass., in Captain Aaron Jewett's Company of Colonel Job Cushing's Regt. Massachusetts Troops, and marched for Ticonderoga. Before they arrived the place was evacuated. Then marched to Bennington, where his company was attached to Colonel ''Bel- lows' " Regiment. Proceeded to Half Moon, N. Y., where an express was received from General Stark asking for reinforcements. Marched back to Bennington, but the battle there was over before they arrived. Then went to Stillwater. Was in the two battles variously known as '"Stillwater" or "Saratoga" (see David Kimball), resulting in the capture of Burgoyne's Army. After this marched to Kingsbridge (now part of New York City), and was discharged at some place between there and White Plains in December. 2. In 1778 enlisted from Concord in Captain Anderson's Company of Col. Howe's Regiment in Rhode Island. Built a fort at Butts Hill. This was when the French Fleet was in the harbor with French troops aboard. (See Timothy Bancroft.) Length of service about five months. 3. In 1780 enlisted from Concord in Captain Hale's Company and marched to Newport, R. I. Was there when the British left the place. General Gates was in command. After Benedict Arnold fled from West Point (see Noah 64 Hardy), General Gates was sent for and Derby helped man the hoat that took him to Providence. Discharpred at Newport after ahout tliree months' service. After the war moved from Concord to Lincoln, Mass., thence to Littleton, ;Mass., and finally to Nelson in the fall of 1S12. Settled on wluit is now called Dcrhy Hill, west of Breed Pond. In his pension application he was vouched for by Col. Harrington of Kcene, and Amos Stoddard, and Noah Hardy of Nelson. Died March 13, 1S;39, and is buried in Nelson in the cemetery on the old Town Conunon. .lOXATllAX DUriiY. Supposed to have been the Jonathan Drury who sipned the Association Test in Temple, N. H., in 1T7G. Member of the Conunittee of Safety in Packersfield chosen August 5, 1777, his colleagues being Capt. Eleazer Twitchell, George Brintnall, Seth Cobb and Shadraeh Hill. KOBERT EAMES. Born in Rutland, Mass., in 1749. Son of Aaron and Ann. Not later than 1773 removed to Sudbury, Mass., where he lived during the war. A member of Captain John Nixon's Company of Miimte Men organized at Sudbury March, 1775. The record book, still in existence, shows that he was present at drills on ^fareh 13, 20, 27, and April 3, 10 and 17. Ezra Smith and Uriah Wheeler were in the same company. Member of Captain John Nixon's Company of Colonel Abijah Pierce's Regiment of Minute Men that marched on the Alarm of April 19, 1775, reached Concord Bridge just as the firing began and probabl3- also engaged the British on their retreat to Boston at Merriam's Corner about 12:30 P. 'Si. (See Ezra Smitli and Uriah Wheeler.) In 1777 CoriKtral in Captain Isaac Wood's detachment of Continental guards in charge of stores at Sudbury. Service of 3 months and 2G days. In same detachment on said duty from January 2 to April 2, 177S. Also in similar service at Sudbury and Boston almost or quite continu- ously thereafter till October 0, 1780; the latter part of the time as Sergeant in ^lajor Nathaniel Heath's detachment. August 14, 1783, married Sarali. daughter of Joseph Adams, of Lincoln, Mass., and soon after removed to Packersfield, where he lived the rest of his life. Settled on the "Cushing" place in what is now Roxbury. Dieil July 2, 1828. Buried in Roxbury Cemetery. He was the father of Joseph Enmes (or Ames), the celebrated portrait painter. JOHN EASTABROOK. In Monadnock No. 6 as early as 1773. Signer of the "Association Test" April, 1776. In town several years afterwards. 65 SAMUEL EVEKETT. One of the earliest settlers. In llonadnock Xo. 6 (afterwards Packers- field and Nelson) about 1771. Settled, according to General Griffin, 'Svhere the little orchard is under the hill east of the Poland place." Signer of the Association Test in April, 1776. SOLOMON FAIRLEY. In 1777 Colonel Enoch Hale made a return to the Committee of Safety of soldiers enlisted from various towns for the Continental Army. The fol- lowing is an extract : — "Packersfield returned five men in all. Bunker Clark, Capt. Farwell's Company, Col. Hale's Eegt. and William Farley in Capt. Ellis' Company, Col. Scammel's Regt. Michael Troy ( ?) in Capt. Hill's Company, Col. Patterson's Regt. and Solomon Fairley in Capt. Wells' Company, Col. Shepard's Regt. — the two last in the Bay State — and John McRian in Capt. Smith's Company, belonging to the Train." See N. H. State Papers, Yol. 14, page 576. TIMOTHY FARLEY. Signed the Association Test in Packersfield April, 1776. WILLIAM FARLEY. May 25, 1777, enlisted from Packersfield for three years in Captain William Ellis' Company of Colonel Alexander Scammel's Regiment, New Hampshire Continental Line. Discharged May 30, 17S0. During this period the regi- ment was in the battles of Saratoga, the encampment at Valley Forge, the Sullivan expedition, etc. ABSALOM FAR WELL. Baptized in Marblehead, Mass., September 21, 1741. Came from Marble- head to Monadnock No. 6 (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson). Brother of John and Richard Farwell. Was probably one of the twenty-seven who on the morning of April 21, 1775, marched from Packersfield in response to the Lexington alarm. In April, 1776, signed the "Association Test." In July, 1777, at the time of the Burgoyne Invasion, with his brother Richard, enlisted in Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Nichols' Regiment, General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Militia, Enoch Hale Colonel, which company marched from Rindge, July 21, 1777, and joined the Northern Army at Bennington and Stillwater. Took a prominent part in the Battle of Bennington, August 16th, and was discharged September 25, 1777. (See Richard Farwell and David Kimball.) In 1792 removed to Bethel, Maine, where he died March 18, 1819. JOHN FARWELL. Born probably in England in 1739. Settled first in Marblehead, Mass., from whence he came to Monadnock No. 6 (subsequently Packersfield and Nelson) in 1772, and located where afterwards lived his grandson, Darius Farwell on a farm now owned by Mr. Arthur C. Childs. Kicliard and Absa- lom Farwell were John's brothers and came a little later. In 1774 he had six acres cleared, three more cut over and had erected a "board house," which he occui)ied with his family. Probably was one of the 27 men who marched from Packersfield April 21, 1775, in response to the Lexington alarm. In April, 1770, signed the Association Test. After the Americans were driven out of Canada (see Ebenezer Tolman and Solomon Kittredge) they fell back to Fort Ticonderoga, between Lake Champlain and Lake George, which commanded the approach to the Hudson Kiver by the great water route to the south. In June, 1777, as the Burgoyne Invasion came up Cliamplain and ap- proached Ticonderoga, messengers were sent through western New England summoning reinforcements for the feeble garrison. The militia promptly responded. Farwell was one of those from Packersfield, going as a corporal in the company of John Mellin, which gathered at Fitzwilliam, and for the most part marched on June 28th, a few following on July 3d and July 6th. Other members of the company were Lieut. Ebenezer Perry, Sergeant James Bancroft,- John Morse, Stephen Twitchel, Thomas K. Breed, Joseph Stanhope, Seth Cobb and Benjamin Nurse. Though making a forced march they could not arrive in time, for the flirt was abandoned on July 6th. (See David Kimball.) Consequently they returned home after an absence of fourteen days. It appears from the muster roll in N. H. State Papers, Vol. 15, page 108, that Farwell travelled 135 miles. Died in Nelson, November 21, 1820, and probably is buried in the ceme- tery on the Town Common. RICHARD FARWELL. Baptized in Marblehead, Mass., September 25, 1743. Brother of John and Absalom Farwell. Came from Marblehead to Monadnock No. (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson), one of the earliest settlers, and located on the farm now occupied by "Mr. Oren L, Farwell, where he lived the rest of his life. Was a man of great size and a leading citizen. See General Griffin's anecdotes of him in his account of the early history of the town.) Probably one of the 27 men who, under the command of Lieutenant Abijah Brown, marched on April 21st, 1775, in response to the Lexington Alarm. In April, 1776, signed the "Association Test". July 21, 1777, marched fmm Rindge in Captain Stone's company' of Colonel Moses Nichols' Regiment, General John Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment of ^Militia, of which Enoch Ilale was Colonel, which company joined the Northern Continental Army at Bennington and Stillwater, took a distinguished part in the Bennington battle on August 10th, and was discharged on September 20th. 1777. Others conneetetl with Packersfield in the same company were Absalom Farwell, John French, John Stroud, Noah Day, Thomas K. Breed, Isaac Proctor, Jonathan Blodgett, Jonathan Jewett. David Averill and Joseph Mason. 67 Xew Hampshire men always took more satisfaction in recalling Benning- ton than any other event of the war, and with reason, for it was highly cred- itable to them. Under David Kimball is given a general account of the Burgoyne invasion. When it was merely rumored detachments of militia had hastened to Ticon- deroga and returned when the alarm proved false. Then when, the last of June, invasion actually took place, the farmers dropped hoe and scythe and marched again, most of them only to arrive too late and meet the patriot forces retreating. (See John Farwell.) Ticonderoga was occupied by the British early in July, and messengers brought alarming reports that the object of the expedition was to subjugate New England. ' The Legislature was convened and held a session of three days. John Stark, the hero of Bunker Hill, was called from his farm to command the Second Brigade of Militia — the one in the Western part of the State nearest the enemy. Charlestown was appointed as the rendezvous, and detachments of volunteers began to pour in. Most of them were farmers who had seized their guns and started right in the midst of haying. "March! March! March! from sunrise till it's dark. And let no man straggle on the way! March ! March ! March ! as we follow Old John Stark, For the old man needs us all today."* The company in w'hich the Farwells served were among the first arrivals. With them and a few others Stark pushed on to Manchester, Vt., leaving word for the rest to follow as rapidly as possible. On August 8th he pro- ceeded to Bennington. On August 13th a British force of fifteen hundred Hessians and Tories and two hundred Indians, under command of Col. Baume, a Hessian officer, came into Cambridge, fourteen miles northwest of Bennington. The Hessians were mercenary troops in the employment of England. They got their name from the fact that they came from Hesse, a part of Germany on the upper Rhine. They had been pressed into service by their rulers and then sold for a large price, of which they received nothing. "WTiile fine men physically and well equipped and disciplined and stimulated by tales that the Americans were cannibals and the like, they had no enthusiasm for the cause for which they were expected to fight. Wlien the war was over many of them did not go back to Germany, but became highly respected American citizens. All this, however, did not prevent their being a very uncomfortable proposition at Bennington. Stark, learning of their approach, sent out a part of Nichols' Regiment under Lieut. Colonel William Gregg, to secure some flour in the neighborhood of Cambridge, and followed with his whole force on August 14th. He soon met Gregg's men retreating before the Germans and Tories. These Tories were Americans dressed like Stark's own men and undis- tinguishable till the patriots resorted to the expedient of putting corn husks in their hat bands. This was their entire "uniform". Seeing Stark's force Baume halted, entrenched himself on advantageoiis ground and sent back for reinforcements. The entrenchments of the enemy •From "The Marching Song of Stark's Men," by Edward Everett Hale. were upon the bluifs on both sides of the IIoosnc River within the State of Xew York. It rained hard all day on the loth, so Stark held his men in check. On the 16th he approached the enemy's works and coming in sight of them he halted and made an address, short and to the point: "There's the enemy, boys. We must tlog them or Molly Stark sleeps a widow this night." ''Each soldier there had left at home A sweetheart, wife, or mother. A blooming sister, or perchance, A fiiir-haired, blue-eyed brother. Each from a fireside came, and thoughts Those simple words awoke That nerved up every warrior's arm. And guided every stroke."** He then divided his force, which was only about half that to which it was opposed. Colonel Nichols with 200 men, probably including Stone's company, was sent by a circuitous route through the woods to gain the rear of the left wing of the enemy. Colonel Herrick with another small force was sent by another route to gain the rear of their center, while Cftlonels Hobart and Stickney were sent to get behind their right wing, south of the Hoosac. With the few left Stark slowly approached in front. The detachments cheered as they started. Col. Baume, viewing the scene through a glass, hearing the noise and seeing the patriots disappear, thought they were running away from their leader. Nichols was to give the signal. At precisely three o'clock the first shot from his men rang out. The others were ready and immediately the attack became general. The Hessians were brave enough, but they had not been trained for any such warfare as that, and soon fell into confusion. "SVhich- ever way they faced there was an enemy behind them, an enemy that crept up under the very muzzles of the cannon and shot the gunners and, though having no bayonets, swarmed over the entrenchments swinging their muskets like battle-axes. "The jjonderous clubs swept crashing Through the bayonets round their feet. As a woodnnua's a.\e-edge crashes Through branches mailed in sleet. "Shattering head and shoulder. Splintering arm and thigh. Hurling the red-coats earthward Like bolts from the angrj- skj-."* Within about an hour Colonel Baume was mortally wounderies of rear guard actions. One of which, to which Felt alludes, was at Kings Bridge, where they left Manhattan Island for the mainland. 74 Washington entronehod his men on every liill as soon as lie reached it, and thuR his movement was a line of detached and entrenched camps, which it was hoped could be taken by superior numbers of the British only with heavy loss. There being hardly any horses, the baggage and artillery had to be dragged by hand. The men would drag part of it forward and then go back and drag the rest. The Americans reached the vicinity of White Plains, about twenty-five miles from New York, on October L'Sth, and there occurred a very spirited, though not extensive action at Chatterton Hill, which is commonly known as the battle of White Plains. Possibly Felt's regiment was not actively engaged, but it was certainly able to witness the whole affair. This was the end of the pursuit. Washington fell back a few miles further to the almost unassailable heights at North Castle and Howe returned to New York. Fort Washington, on the bluff overlooking the Hudson, had been part of the American line of defense at Harlem Heights. After the rest of the line fell back it was useless and should have been abandoned. The mistake was made of leaving an isolated garrison of 3,000 men there which, on November 15th, was obliged to surrender. This forced the evacuation of Fort Lee on the opposite side of the Hudson, and news came of the defeat of Arnold on Lake Champlain. (See Thomas Baker.) Thus disaster piled on disaster, and Washington's reputation, even among his friends, sank to the lowest point it ever reached in his life. He concluded that the next move of the British would either be up the Hudson to capture West Point, and the line of communication with Lake Champlain, or southward to capture Philadelphia. To check the latter, with a bod:^' of about four thousand men, which soon shrunk to thirty-three hundred, he crossed the Hudson and marched into New Jersey. Being pursued by Lord Cornwallis, he proceeded southward till on De- cemlier 2nd his main body reached Trenton on the Delaware. At that moment the American cause seemed at about the lowest ebb. Its -upporters were represented, as one historian has expressed it, "by only thirty- three hundred wandering, half-clothed guerillas." The time of enlistment of most of these would expire on January 1st, less than a month away. The patriot congress had fled from Philadelphia. Thousands of people in New Jersey who formerly had been supposed to be in sympathy were now taking the British oath^f allegiance. The end appeared to be at hand. The pursuing army, increased till it was twice the size of the American force, came up on December 8th. Washington crossed the river at mid- night just ahead of it, having first secured all the boats along the shores for a distance of seventy miles. (See Amos Richardson.) The British thinking their prey secure, and that there was no need of haste, waited for the river to freeze over. Tliey were scattered about at various I)lace3 nearby. Thus, at Bordentowni on the Delaware there were upwards of fifteen hundred, another considerable body at Princeton, a third at New Brunswick, while at Trenton there were fifteen hundred Hessians under Col. Kail, an able officer. Washington planned to make n desperate surprise attack on them all. He divided his force into three divisions; one was to go against Borden- town, another was to cross the river in front of Trenton and station itself on 75 the other side of Assunpink Creek, directly south of the village, to prevent the Bordentown and Trenton garrisons joining forces, while he, with the third division, was to cross considerably above Trenton and make the main attack. If the three were successful they were to unite and push on against Princeton and 'New Brunswick. "The winter night is cold and drear Along the river's sullen flow ; The cruel frost is camping here — The air has living blades of snow, Look ! pushing from the icy strand, With ensigns freezing in the air. There sails a small but mighty band. Across the dangerous Delaware."* They started Christmas night at 11 o'clock. The weather was very cold and a northeast snowstorm was raging. The men suffered intensely; many were frostbitten and two froze to death. The river was full of floating ice, which formed a barrier too great to be surmounted by the first two divisions. "Washington's party finally got across, but far more time had been consumed than expected. It had been intended to surprise the Hessian Camp in the darkness, but it was eight o'clock and broad daylight before it was approached. It had become evident that there could be no co-operation from the other divisions, but there was nothing to do but go on. The village was surrounded and the lines closed in. The Hessians, from Col. Rail to the lowest private, had been celebrating Christmas, and most of them were aroused from heavy sleep by the sound of guns. They failed utterly to get together. Eall was killed and of the others practically all the survivors laid down their arms. Says Professor Fisher in his "Struggle for American Independence": — "The Hessian prisoners were sent to Philadelphia to be paraded in triumph for the sake of animating the patriots and depressing the loyalists. It was a curious scene as they marched up Chestnut Street by Independence Hall, patriot women screaming at them and threatening to choke them and others trying to give them bread. They were warmly clad in good uniforms, but the patriot troops who guarded them had on summer clothes and some of them were marching barefooted on that cold winter day. * * * "It was a wonderful success for the patriots ; it continued the war when it had almost ceased and the patriot cause was about to expire; it reanimated the whole patriot party; it convinced Europeans of the ability of Washington to seize an opportunity; it was a momentous turning point in the Eevolu- tion; a typical incident of American promptness, energy and good luck." Thus ended a campaign which Felt so succinctly sums up: "From that to Pennsylvania and from that to Trenton, and was in Trenton battle and from that back to Pennsylvania" — or "Pensilvany", to copy the declaration exactly. According to the New Hampshire Rolls, Felt seems to have also been in the field at least twice with the New Hampshire militia, viz: ♦From "Across the Delaware," by Will Carleton. Ill Captain Jonathan Broekway's Ci>nipany in Culoiu-l Kn<0 miles. There met the army re- treating and returned hack. Also In Captain Robert Fletcher's Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Itepiment of Volunteers, which regiment inarched from the State of New Hampshire and joined the Continental Army on Rhode Island August 10 to August 2S, 1788. These enlistments were probably from Temple, N. II., but about 1778 he came to Packerstield, where he remained the rest of his life. He died there June 26, 1827, at the age of seventy-one, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. His wife Naomi survived him till 1851, reaching the age of 92. WILLIAM FOLLETT. Born in 1742. The son of Isaac FoUett. During the French and Indian War, served at least two enlistments, viz: — 1. In Captain Lemuel Bent's Company from April 30, to November 27, 1755*, in the expedition against Crown Point. 2. In I'lbenezer Cox's Company from ^larch 14, to December 5, 1700. Both of these enlistments were from Attleboro, Mass. Came to Monadnock No. 6 (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson) from Ilubbardston, Mass., about 1772, and probably resided from time to time on the Stoddard place, the Temple Scott place, and finally, on the William Priest place in the eastern district. In 1774, had cut over more acreage than anyone else in town. Signer of the Association Test in April, 177G. In Captain James Lewis' Company of Colonel Daniel Moore's Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers, that marched from Marllwirough and joined the Continental Army at Saratoga. Serv'ice from September 28th, to October 24th, 1777. When a church was organized in 17M. he and his wife. Rebecca, were charter members. Died in Nelson. December 0, 1834, at tiie age of 92, and is buried in the Cemetery on the Town Common. REV. JACOB FOSTER. Bctrn in HoUiston, Mass., March 10. 1732. Graduated at Harvard College in 1754, in the same class as Governor John Hancock. Was ordained pastor of the Church at Berwick, Maine, in 1750. At his own request was dismissed from his charge and entered the Con- tinental .Army, May 31, 1775. as Chaplain of Col. James Scammon's Mass. Regiment, and remained until January 1. 1770, when he resigned to accept a similar inisition in the reginu-nt of Col. Edmund Phinney. His name apix'ars on a muster roll of the latter organization dated Garrison at Fort Georgo, December 8. 1770. Prior to ITSO, there was no organized church in Packersfield. On October 12th of that year the inhabitants presented a call to Mr. Foster to become their minister. He accepted, and a church of ten members was formed January 31st, 1781, and on the same day he was installed as pastor. He filled the posi- tion successfully for ten years, till compelled to resign on account of ill health. At a town meeting held January 1, 1782, the following committee was chosen "to consider the new form of government" (referring to a proposed State Constitution). Eev. Jacob Foster, chairman, Capt. James Bancroft, William Barker, Mr. Amos Child, Lieut. Peletiah Day, Lieut. Archelus Wilson, and Mr. Uriah Wheeler. The reason that William Barker was not given a title was doubtless that as To\vn Clerk he made the record. At a sub- sequent meeting Mr. Foster was appointed agent of the town ''to return the town's objections against said plan of Government." His daughter Sophia married, August 13, 1783, Samuel Griffin, and they have had numerous descendants. General Simon Goodell Griffin was one of them. Mr, Foster's parsonage was situated in the field a few yards north of the present cemetery, where an old well can still be seen. Current bushes planted by him still flourish. Died in Xelson, December 3, 1798, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. JONATHAN FRENCH. Born in Hollis, N. H., January 9, 1762. Son of John and brother of John, Jr., and William. Came to tox\'n with his father about 1775. Probably in Captain David Place's Company on Seavey's Island in November, 1775, enlisted for the defense of Portsmouth. In Captain John Goss' Company of Militia in Colonel Nichols' Regiment, and General Stark's Brigade, raised and marched to reinforce the Northern Army, July 20, 1777. Discharged September 28, 1777. At battle of Ben- nington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) In Captain Daniel Emerson's Company in Colonel Moses Nichols' Regi- ment of Volunteers which marched from State of New Hampshire and joined the Continental Army in the State of Rhode Island, August, 1778. Service August 6th, to Aug-ust 28th. (See Timothy Bancroft.) Enlisted from Packersfield July 5, 1779, for six months' service in the State of Rhode Island in Captain Ephraem Stone's Company of Colonel Mooney's Regiment. Probably left town during or soon after the war. Died in Dublin, N. H., in 1790. JOHN FRENCH. Born May 17, 1727. The father of William, John, Jr., and Jonathan. Came to Packersfield from Hollis, N. H., in March. 1775. Probably one of the 27 men who under Lieut. Abijah BroMii, marched from Packersfield to Cambridge, April 21, 1775. Chosen member of Committee of Inspection, September 25, 1775, his col- leagues being Eleazer Twitchell, Benjamin Nurse, Amos Skinner, and Abijah Brown. Signer of the Association Test in April, 1770. Possibly may have performed some of the military service attrilmti'd to his son of the same name. After living in Packerstield for about nine years in a two-room loghouse, he removed to Dublin, X. H., where he died in April, ISOS. JOHN FRENCH, JR. Born in Hollis, N. H., in April, 1757. Sou of Jolui and hrdtlier of William and Jonathan. Came to Packersfield with his father about 1775. Probably one of the 27 men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, marched from Packersfield on the Lexington Alarm April, 1775. In Captain Jonathan Brockway's Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- ment that marched on the Gth and 13th of July, 1777, on the Alarm at Ticonderoga. Marched on the Sth day of July from Washington to Cavendish, distance 40 miles, and then received orders to turn back. On the 13th they received orders to march the second time for Ticonderoga and marched as far as Otter Creek, distance over GO miles. There they met the army and retreated back. Member of Captain Salmon Stone's Company of Colonel Nichols' Regi- ment, General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the 15th Regiment of New Hampshire Militia, Enoch Hale Colonel, which company marched from Rindge, and joined the Northern Continental Army at Bennington and Still- water. From July 21 to September 20, 1777. In the Battle of Bennington August G, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) In Captain Samuel Twitchell's Company of Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- ment of Volunteers, which marched from the State of New Hampshire and joined the Continental Army on Rhode Island in August, 1778. (See Timothy Bancroft.) Januarj' 9, 1779, enlisted from Packersfield for six months' service in Colonel Mooney's Regiment for the defense of Rhode Island. After the war left town and subsequently resided in Swansey and Dublin. New Hampshire, and Northfield, Massachusetts. WILLIAM FRENCH. Born in Hollis, N. IL, May 19, 1754. The son of John French. Brother of John, Jr., and Jonathan. Marched from Peterborough, N. H., in Captain William Scott's Company of ifinute Men. Colonel Paul Dudley Sergeant's Regiment, April 20, 1775, in response to the Lexington Alarm. April 23rd enlisted for eight months in .same company and regiment, giving his residence as "Packersfield". Killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill June 17, 1775. (Sw Samuel Griffin.) JOHN GIBSON. June 29, 1780. enlisted from Packersfield t<> rt«ruit tnr ( "ntiiniital Army in New York. Discharged Docomber 4. 17!>0, age then 18 years. In same company as Theodore Barker and .Tonathan Parker. Probably considerable other service. ABRAHAM GOODENOW. Born in Sudbury, Mass., April 27, 1749, the fourth generation from Edmund Goodenow, who came from England in 1638. Private in Captain Nathaniel Lakin's Company of Colonel John Jacob's Light Infantry Regiment; enlisted September 30, 1779; discharged November 30, 1779; service in Rhode Island. Married May 14, 1780, for his second wife, Silence (Tower) Ingersoll, widow of Simeon Ingersoll. They came to Packersfield prior to 1790 and settled on the Charles Sheldon place, near Long Pond. He died there September 15, 1804, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. SAMUEL GRIFFIN. Born in Bradford, Mass., in 1755. Son of Samuel Griffin and of "Welsh descent. As a Minute Man, on the "Lexington Alarm" of April 19, 1775, he marched from Temple, N. H., to Cambridge, Mass., and there enlisted for eight months in Captain Ezra Towne's Company of Colonel James Reed's New Hampshire Regiment. Was in the battle of "Bunker Hill," June 17, 1775, and at the subsequent "Siege of Boston." A member of Captain Joseph Parker's Company, raised out of Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment, that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga in 1776. There were gathered at Cambridge, in the latter part of April, 1775, per- haps as many as sixteen thousand men, unorganized, and with no equipment except what each had brought with him when hastily summoned from home. Of the twenty-seven who came from Packersfield at least three had no muskets and probably the proportion was as great among those from most other towns. Some who had firearms had no powder and no one had but a little, and the securing of food was a terrible problem. These circumstances, and the fact that none of them had time to arrange his affairs before he came, and the season was at hand when crops must be planted, caused a large number to return home. Some of these, however, came back later. As a body they were — "A motley rout . . . In raiment tanned by years of sun and storm. Of every shape that was not uniform, Dotted with regimentals here and there; An army all of Captains, used to pray. And stiff to fight, but serious drill's despair; Skilled to debate their orders, not obey ; Deacons were there, selectmen, men of note. In half tamed hamlets ambushed round with woods."* All through May there was great activity, trying to organize an army. Men who were popiilar enough to get from 40 to 60 others to follow them organized companies. Those from New Hampshire, not liking Cambridge, *From "Under the Old Elm," by James Russell Lowell. SO went ovor to ^lodfiircl. wliere they askod John Stark, nn (>\(\ huntor, trnpper and veteran of the French and Indian wars, to take charge of them until the Xew Hampshire Provincial Conjrress could act. As there became too many for one regiment, James Reed, of Fitzwilliani, was asked to command the surplus. About the first of June the Xew Hampshire Congress commissioned Stark and Keed as Colonels, ratified the organization which the men had already made, and ordered them to put themselves under the command of General Ward of Massachusetts. Stark remained at !^^edford, but on June 13th Reed's regiment was ordered to a position near Charleston Xeck. The men were enlisted for eight months and prol)al)ly about half of those who responded to the Lexington Alarm became members of this permanent organization. The Xew Hampshire Committee of Safety took a census in the fall of l7Tr>, which showed thirteen Packersfield men then "in the army". As this vns at a later date than the battle of "Bunker Hill," where two were killed, the original number appears to have been fifteen. As nearly or quite all of these, and many others, like Griffin, who subsequently settled in the town, were in this battle, it is a matter of peculiar interest, meriting a detailed description. Boston then was a small town on a peninsula with a narrow connection with the main land at Roxbury neck. Xorth of it, only a short distance away, across the mouth of the Charles River, was the little peninsula of Charlestown. The broad end of the latter, toward Boston, was about half a mile wide. Its length was a little short of a mile. On the farther side of it was the Mystic River. From the shore next to Boston the land rose gradually till at the further and narrow end, called Bunker Hill, it was about 125 feet above sea level. This peninsula only e*;cap>ed being an island by having a causeway on its northern extremity which was sometimes covered by water at high tide. Standing on Beacon Hill in Boston and looking across, on the right-hand corner could be seen Moulton's Point, and on the left-hand corner the village of Charlestown. As Boston was almost surrounded by water, and the British had fortified Roxbury neck, the Americans saw little chance, as things were, of doing any harm to the garrison, which now numbered ten thousand veteran troops. Their few little cannon would not carrj- far enough. A council of war was held and the proix»sition was made to go on to Charleston peninsula and fortify Bunker Hill, fi-om which they could command not only the better part of Boston, but the shipping in the harlx)r. There was much ditference of opinion. Generals Ward and Warren were strongly opposed to it, but were overruled, when a rumor came that the British were about to come over and occupy the hill themselves So. in the evening of Friday, June Ifith. n detachment under command of Colonel William Prescott, consisting of about 30) of his own regiment and details from several others, gathered on Cambridge Common, and, after prayer by Rev. Samuel Langdon, President of Hnr^•ard College, marched off on an expeeriod, usually on the bare ground. At the redoubt some of tlie officers ran along the top of the parapet and kicked up the guns of those who wished to fire too soon. "Wait till you see the whites of their eyes'', and "aim at their waistbands'' was passed along the line. In front of the fence an officer paced off thirty yards, stuck up a stake, and threatened to do all kinds of violence to anyone who dared to fire until tlie redcoats passed it. The British bogan firing at long range, but were met with silence until it seemed as though there was none to opjwse them. Then came a crash, every >hot carefully aimed. After that each man fired at will and the fifteen bullets disappeared rather fast, especially as some put in more than one at a time. * From "The Death of Warr«n," bjr Ep«a Sargent. 85 In about fifteen minutes there was nothing left in front but a fleeing mob, leaving the hillside covered with their dead. Meanwhile General Putnam "Old Put," who had come on the field and was supposed to be in command, went back to Bunker Hill to try and get reinforce- ments to come up, but, in spite of his fiery language, they would not budge. Being a church member he was subsequently called to account for some of his remarks, and apologized, saying, however, that it was enough to make an angel swear. He did not come back to the line himself, which occasioned some com- ment. Many years after Xehemiah Wright, in his pension application, said that he understood Putnam retreated back to Cambridge. This was an echo of what many others had said on previous occasions. The British reformed and came up again. The fight was hotter than before. Meanwhile, the roofs of Boston, and every neighboring hilltop were black with people viewing the great sight. There probably never was another battle that furnished such a spectacle. Again they were driven back, and it was hoped that it was the end, but, after a long delay and the arrival of reinforcements from Boston, they came a third time. Charlestown was set on fire and under cover of the smoke the redoubt was approached closer than before. Even then they would have failed, but the ammunition of the Americans at the redoubt became utterly exhausted. They flung stones and clods of earth, but having no bayonets could not withstand the British as thej- swarmed over the walls. Those at the fence remained long enough to cover the retreat of those from the redoubt, and then sullenly fell back themselves in good order, having fired literally the last possible shot. The British losses, especially in front of the rail fence, were something terrible. A letter from Boston, written July 5, 1775, says "most of our grena- diers and light infantry, the moment they presented themselves, lost three- fourths, and many nine-tenths of their men. Some had only eight and nine men to a company left ; some only three, four and five." Every officer on General Howe's staff was cut down and only one survived his wounds. Major Pitcairn died in front of the redoubt. (See "William Barker and Shadrach Hill.) Their total loss was a thousand and fifty-four, of whom eighty-nine were commissioned officers. The American loss was four hundred and forty-nine. There have always been many disputes as to just what took place, and dif- ference of opinion as to the wisdom of many things that were done. On one thing everyone has agreed, — that the conduct of the New Hampshire troops was magnificent. Living in Charlestown at this time and seeing the battle was Josiah Parker, a lad eleven years old. His home was one of over 400 that were destroyed. The family then moved to Wilton, N. H. The following year his father enlisted and died in the service. Young Parker subsequently settled in Packersfield and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. General Simon Goodell Griffin has the following as to his grandfather's experiences on the retreat, — 86 "Deacon Samuel Griffin was in Heed's regiment at the battle of Bunker Hill on tile north side of the hill towards the My.stic River. There was but one bayonet in the regiment. They had tired away all their cartridges and were waiting for the British to come up again, when looking suddenly roiuid they discovered the Retl Coats coming upon them from the rear. They fled to the river. The man-of-war Glasgow and two floating batteries were lying there to cut them down. They flred upon our troops but did no injury for, keeping an eye on them our men would drop into the water when they tired, then up and wade as fast as possible, and thus escaped." Griffin came to Packersfleld as early as 1779, subsequently married Sophia, daughter of Rev. Jacob Foster, and settled on the top of the hill above the "George Hardy" place on the left-hand side of the road leading to ^Mr. Wayland P. Tolman's. He soon became very prominent in the town's affairs, and continued so the rest of his life, being a Justice of the Peace, holding important offices for many terms, and serving on numerous committees; for example — at a Town -Meeting held September 10, 1787, when they were building the new meeting house, as Town Clerk he recorded, "Voted to treat the Spectators with Liquor on the Common on the Raising Day at the Discretion of a Committee to be Chosen for that purpose. Voted that S.xMUEL Griffin, Esq., ^ De.xcon Solomon Ingalls I Be a Committee Mr. S.xmuel Warren, ^ for the Deacon William Barker, j above purpose." Lieut, Peletiah Day. J In 178S he represented Packersfiold and Dublin as a delegate to the con- vention that adopted the Federal Constitution. In ISOl was chosen a Deacon of the Church. Died January 29, 1911, and is buried in the cemeterj- on the Town ( ommon. « JAMES GROVER. In Captain Samuel White's Company (known as the Seventh or West Company) of minutemen of Mansfield, Mass., in Colonel John Dagget's Regi- ment which marched on the alarm of April 19. 1775. as far as Roxbury. Also in Lieut. John Dean's Company of Colonel John Dagget's Regiment which marched to Rhode Island on the alarm of December 8. 1776. Came to Packersfield about 1777. Said to have lived on the Amos Brjant place north of Tolman plield in 1779 and was the ancestor of all of that name that have since lived in town. Located on the hill a quarter of a mile north of the Bancroft place. His wife was Sarah Si>offord. (See David Spofford.) Was a skillful cooper and carried on that trade in addition to farming. Said to have been rather small in stature, but mentally alert, argumenta- tive and strong willed. Very active in town affairs for many years. Chosen deacon of the church in 1811. Spent his last years with his daughter Hannah, Mrs. Benjamin M. Buckminster, in Antrim, X. H., and died there December 21, 1835. ERASTUS HARraS. Born in Wrentham, Mass., April 8, 1731. Like William Barker, William Follette and probably some of the other early settlers, Harris had been a soldier in the French and Indian wars, en- listing from Medway. The rolls that have been presen-ed show the following: 1. Was a private in Captain Benjamin Wood's Company from August 26 to December 13, 1775, in the expedition against Crown Point. 2. March 29, 1758, enlisted in Captain Cox's Company in Col. Buggies' Regiment, but the length and nature of service is not shown in any roll now on file. 3. In 1759 is shown as one of the men from Capt. Jonathan Adams' Com- I'uny of Col. Francis Bindley's Regiment "for the invasion of Canada." Age -7 years at time of enlistment. 4. In 1760 ending November 2nd was a Sergeant in Captain John Taplin's Company of Colonel Frye's Regt. at Fort Cumberland. When the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775 he was rather old for field service, but undoubtedly was the Erastus Harris of Medway, who : 1. Served as Sergeant in Major J. Fullers Company commanded by Lieut. Moses Adams in Colonel John Smith's Regiment, which marched in response to the Lexington Alarm April 19, 1775, being credited with 11 days' service. 2. Served as Sergeant in Captain John Homes* Company of Colonel •Tonathan Reed's Regiment of Guards from April 1 to July 4, 1778, at < ambridge. An Erastus Harris also served other enlistments, but the identity is un- certain. Came to Packersfield near the close of the War for Indeiiendence and located in what is now Harrisville, where he died December 25, 1806. The village took its name from his family. LUTHER HEATOX. In a company commanded by Captain Davis Howlet, raise*! out of Colonel Ashley's Regiment of ^filitia, which marchetl from Keene ti-* reinforce the Continental Army at Ticonderoga, June 29-July 3. 1777. 91 In Captain Nehemiah Houghton's company of Militia in Colonel Nichols' Regiment, raised by the State of New Hampshire, which joined the Con- tinental Army at West Point, July S-October 21, 1780. Came to Packersfield about 1786, and settled in the south part of the town. SHADEACH HILL. Son of John Hill; born in Southboro, lEass., July 23, 1744. Member of Captain Simon Edget's Company of Minute Men that marched from Framingham on the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775, engaged the retreating British at Merriam's Corner and in the Lincoln woods, and con- tinued the pursuit as far as Cambridge. Enlisted at Cambridge, April 24, 1775, for eight months in Captain Thomas Druiy's Company of Col. John Nixon's Regiment. In battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. J. H. Temple, in his history of Framingham, at page 295, says: "Captain Thomas Drury of this town was there, and had with him fifty of his com- pany, all Framingham men. Part of this company fought in the redoubt with Prescott and part were at the hay breastwork. Peter Salem, who shot Major Pitcairn, was a member of this company." (See Samuel Griffin.) Hill came to Packersfield soon after completion of his term of service. August 5, 1777, was chosen a member of the Committee of Safety, his colleagues being Captain Eleazer Twitchell, George Brintnall, Seth Cobb and Jonathan Drury. He lived on what is now known as the Cabot place. Sold it to Thomas Richardson in 1784 and left town. DANIEL HOLT. Born in Andover, Mass., September 11, 1740. During the war lived at Wilton, N. H. In Captain John Bradford's Company, in Colonel Moses Nichols' Regi- ment, raised to reinforce the Northern Army, July 19, 1777. Two months. At battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard FarwelL) In Captain Josiah Crosby's Company of Colonel Moses Nichols' Regiment of Volunteers which marched from the State of New Hampshire and joined the Continental Army in Rhode Island, August 5th to August 28th, 1778. Enlisted out of Colonel Nichols' Regiment from Wilton, July 13, 1779, for six months, in a New Hampshire Regiment commanded by Colonel Mooney for the defense of Rhode Island. In Captain Daniel Emerson's Company. Promoted Corporal. In Captain William Barron's Company of Colonel Nichols' Regiment, raised by the State of New Hampshire for the defense of the United States in July, 1780, and stationed at West Point. February 27, 1781, enlisted for three years in the First Regiment, New Hampshire Continental line. Probably in the Yorktown Campaign and at surrender of Lord Cornwallis. Came to Packersfield soon after his discharge. Located on what is known as "Holt Hill" in the Northeast Quarter. Said to have removed to some place in New York about 1809. 92 JOEL HOLT. Bom in Andover, Mass., July 4, 1764. In a pension declaration verified July 4, 1S20, he stated tliat his residence was Nelson and that **he enlisted at Wilton, Xew Hampshire, in Capt. Isaac Frye's Company, in Col. Seammel's Regiment. New Hampshire line for three years in February, 1781, and was honorably discharged in December, 17S3." He also stated that he is "unable to labor on account of a breach which I received in the service." Probably in the Yorktown Campaign and at sur- render of Lord Cornwallis. Came to Packersfield prior to 1790; probably about 17S6. Located north of the Hiram Holt place. Died in Milford, N. H., June 28, 1847. SOLOMON INGALLS. Born in Andover, Mass., June 16, 1750. Probably the Solomon Ingalls of Andover who was in service with the Northern Army in New York in !^[arch, 1777, as Sergeant in Captain Samuel Johnson's Company of Colonel Wigglesworth's Regiment, and later, in same year, as Sergeant-Major of Colonel Samuel Johnson's Regiment, commanded by Major Gage. Came to Packersfield about 1783. In 1784 chosen first deacon of the church which had been organized in 1781. It appears that he joined the church by letter in 1784, indicating that he had only recently came to town. Lived in North East Quarter on a part of the Sawyer place. Died near Cape Vincent, New York, September 22. 1840. JONATTIAX JEWETT. Born in Boxford, Mass., :March 12, 1739. Settled first in Kindge. N. H . and the latter part of his life was in Jaffrey, N. H., on what is now known as* the Jonathan Comstock place. !N[ember of Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Nichols' Regi- ment, General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment. New Hampshire "Militia, Enoch Hale, Colonel, which company marched from Rindge in July, 1777, and joined the Northern Continental Army at Benning- ton and Stillwater. Service July 21-September 2.'). 1777. At battle of Ben- nington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) The editors of these sketches are not entirely free from doubt as to whether he ever resided in Packersfield for any considerable length of time. His name is included in deference to an unqualified statement by General Griffin that he was such a resident. When the General wrote his memorandum on the subject, about fifty years ago, he had facilities for information not now exist- iug. Then, Jcwett had a grandson living in Sullivan or Jaffrey, and relatives living in Nelson, with all of whom Griffin was probably personally acquainted. The well known Jewett family that flourished in Nelson for several generations was, however, not descended from Jonathan, but from Isaac Jewett, who came to town from HoUis, N. IL, about 17S8. The latter was lx»ni July :>, 1703, and was therefore too young for service at the time of the war. 93 DAVID XniEALL. Born in Bradford, Mass., April li'th, ITOO. There was no better soldier among the many good ones that lived in Xelson. His enlistments were as follows, viz.: 1. When barely 15 years of age, on the 19th of April, 1775, as a minute man, he responded to the Lexington Alarm, and marched from Boxford, Mass., as a member of Captain John Cushing's Company of Colonel Samuel John- son's Regiment. 2. The next year, 1776, at the age of 16, he formed part of the garrison at Ticonderoga, as a member of Captain Richard Peabody's Company in Colonel Edward Wigglesworth's Regiment, serving part of the time as Cap- tain Peabody's orderly. 3. On April 21st, 1777, at the age of 17, he enlisted for three years in Captain Daniel Lane's Company of Colonel Ichabod Alden's regiment, Massa- chusetts Continental Line, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of such services. 4. He then, in 1780, re-enlisted for six months in Captain Wilder's Com- pany of Colonel Jackson's Regiment, and served it out, being discharged January 10, 1781. His description on this last enlistment was "Age 20 years; stature 5 feet 7 inches; complexion light". In a very short pension declaration, made July 4, 1820, among other things he says : "I was at the Battle of Bemis Heights, so called, or Stillwater." General Griffin, after speaking of Kimball's service under Captain Pea- body, adds the following interesting information: "He was at the battle of Stillwater as a soldier with Arnold and used to relate anecdotes of the prowess of Arnold, and tell how like a tiger he fought. To him, doubtless, as much as to any one man, belonged the honor of winning the victories of Stillwater and Saratoga. Kimball himself, at Stillwater, stood behind a small ash tree when the bark, cut away by the enemy's shot, spattered in his face, but the bullets went over his head. He, also, was at West Point when that place was sold to the British, and saw Andre hung. He said he was the finest looking gentleman he ever saw, and when he saw him led to the scaffold he thought he would give anything to save so noble an officer. He was splendidly dressed in uniform, — a deep blue coat trimmed and faced with scarlet, buff breeches, white vest, buff gloves, a cocked hat and military boots. When all was ready he did not wait for them to remove the plank from under him, but settled into the rope himself. Kimball was also at Valley Porge with Washington during that terrible winter of privation and famine. He used to speak of Washington, as did all the old soldiers who knew him, with the greatest respect and veneration. He said he was a thin, spare man "not very smart looking, but always calm and dignified". Kimball also went with General Sullivan on his expedition against the Indians and was present at the massacre at Cherry Valley." Other authorities confirm all this with the exception of what is said as to "Valley Forge." That he spent with Washington a "terrible Winter of pri- vation and famine" is correct, but the place was the Highlands of the Hudson, and the time 1779-80. 94 We know a great deal about what happeiud to him, not only because Alden's regiment was connected with several of the most notable events of the war, but also because two of its officers, Captain Benjamin Warren and Quartermaster and Ensign William McKendry kept, from day to day, faithful diaries, the greater portion of which have been preserved. From October 1. ITTS, till January, ITsO, ^IcKi lulry and Kiml)all were in the same company. The Lexington Alarm in 1775 and what happened at Ticonderoga in 1776, are elsewhere deseribeil. "Stillwater". "Saratoga", "Cherry- Valley" and the "Sullivan Expedition" were during his third enlistment; Arnold's treason during his fourth. (See Noah Hardy.) In June, 1777, Burgoyne began hi^^ gn-at invasion from Canada, intending to move by way of Lake Chaniplain and Lake George to the Hudson River and down it till he joined General Howe in New York, cutting the colonies in two and isolating New England. His force, consisting of 8,000 regular troops, splendidly equipped, supple- mented by a large number of Indians and Tories, on the 17th of June started up Champlain, and about the 1st of July approached Fort Ticonderoga, situated between the two lakes. Before the war England had spent immense sums on the fortifications, and both that at Ticonderoga proper and that on Mount Independence, on the opposite side of the lake, were extensive and apparently strong. The little garrison of about 3,000 men, half of whom were ill, was, however, too small to man them, and worse than that, it had been discovered, by actual test, that from the top of Sugar Hill, which was not fortified at all, an enemy could easily shoot down on every spot in the entire position. The American Commander, General St. Clair, therefore, felt obliged, on July Gth, to evacuate the stronghold and retreat to the south, abandoning a great quantity of cannon and supplies. The British immediately hotly pursued, overtook St. Clair's rear guard at Hubbardton, and, by force of superior numbers, cut it badly to pieces before it could join the main body at Castleton. (See Ebenezer Tolman.) With hardlj* a check, Burgoyne reached the Hudson and began to move dovni toward Albany. On July 30th he captured Fort Edward on its eastern bank, and the patriot forces fell back successively to Fort Miller, Saratoga and Stillwater. (See Diarj- of Captain Warren below.) His supplies, however, were running low, and he had to wait until more could arrive from Canada. Meanwhile, New England had been aroused and militia were hastening to the scene. Some tried to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga, but turned back when they learned the place was taken. (See Noah Hardy, John Far- well.) Others kept on. seeking to join the remnants of the Northern Army that was striving in vain to check the invasion. The British General finally b«came impatient and, hearing that there were stores of corn and cattle at Bennington, only a few miles eastward, resolved to seize them. The attempt ended in complete disaster. Not only did he obtain no supplies but, in a fight with the militia under General Stark, on August ICth, he lost over 1,000 of his best men. (See Kichard Farwell.) 95 On September 13th, he crossed to the west side of the Hudson at Saratoga, twelve miles above Stillwater, where the patriots, resolving to make a final stand, had been collecting an army of mixed Continentals and Militia, and had occupied a ridge called Bemis Heights. This force was larger than that of Burgoyne, but undisciplined and poorly equipped, lacking especially artillery, of which the British had an excellent train. The x\merican leaders, therefore, decided that they would have a better chance by fighting in the woods, and took their position accordingly — hence Kimball's ash tree. A battle took place September 19th, and was stubbornly contested from noon till late at night, without definite results. It has been variously called the "Battle of Stillwater," the "First Battle of Saratoga," and the "Battle of Bemis Heights." The British called it "Freeman's Farm." Benedict Arnold commanded on the left wing and behaved with his accus- tomed vigor, gaining great admiration from the rank and file, who made invidious comparisons between him and other officers, thereby fanning jealousies which were much too hot before. There had long been bad blood between Arnold and General Gates, his immediate superior, and when Gates, in his report of the battle, made no men- tion whatever of Arnold, the latter expressed his opinion in rather unmilitary language; whereupon Gates relieved him of his command, and appointed Gen- eral Lincoln in his place. Arnold started to leave camp and was only induced to stay by the written request of all the general officers except Gates and Lincoln. October 7th, the British attacked again and at first were successful. Arnold had been fretting in his tent and drinking heavily for several days. In the midst of the battle, though having no command, he rushed on the field and rode between the lines more like a frenzied madman than an officer. His old soldiers cheered, followed him, and engaged the enemy hand to hand. His horse was shot and he was wounded in the thigh, just at the moment when the Americans won a decisive victory. This was doubtless what Kimball had in mind when he spoke of Arnold's fighting "like a tiger." " 'Forward !' he shouted, and spurring on through the sally-port then. Fell sword in hand on the Hessians, closely behind him our men. Back shrank the f oemen in terror ; off went their forces pellniell, Firing one Parthian volley ; struck by it, Arnold, he fell. Benedict Arnold, the traitor, sank deep in the pit of shame. Bartered for vengeance his honor, Ijlackened for profit his fame; Yet never a gallanter soldier, whatever his after crime. Fought on the red field of honor than he in his early time."* Popular opinion made him the h?ro of the second battle, and even when, after his treason, his name became a byword of contempt, some of the patriots always qualified the infamy with the remembrance of Saratoga. •'Cut off the leg that was wovmded at Saratoga," said one of them, "and bury it with all the honors of war; and then hang his body on the nearest tree." The Xew Hampshire and Massachusetts militia continued to arrive, till ♦From "Arnold at Stillwater," by Thomas Dunn English. See Ebenezer Tolman and Noah Hardy. See also extract from Captain Warren's Diary of October 7. finally Burgoyne was entirely surrounded, and on October ITth, he was obliged to surrender all that was left of his army — about 5,S00 men. This was the greatest victory won in the entire war, unless perhaps the surrender at Yorktowoa. No wonder Kimball was careful to mention the fact that he participated. It really was the turning point of the conflict, corres- ponding with Gettysburg in the Civil War, and ranking among the fifteen decisive battles in the history of the world. For a long time Benjamin Franklin had been trying to obtain aid in France. Says Lecky,* the historian, "It is probable indeed that the French ministers were undecided until the tidings arrived, in the first week of December, of the surrender at Saratoga. In these tidings they heard the knell of English dominion in America, of English greatness in the world. Their decision was speedily taken. On the 17th of the same month they informed the American Commissioners that they were resolved to enter into a treaty of Commerce with America, to acknowledge and support her Inde- pendence, and to seek no advantage for themselves except a participation in American Commerce and the just political end of severing the cojonies from the British Empire." The portion of Captain Warren's diary relating to this campaign is pub- lished in the Journal of American History, Vol. 3 (1909), beginning at page 201. The very first entry is to the effect that July 21st, 1777, near Fort Edward, five men out of thirty-four of a scouting party under command of Captain Lane (Kimball's Company) arrived and reported all the others cut off by the Indians. On the 22nd seven more came in and reported all the others killed or captured. (Captain Lane was exchanged September 17th.) That afternoon there was a hot fight. "The enemy consisted mostly of In- dians * * *. By great tracks of blood where they drew off we judge their loss was considerable. We had eight killed and fifteen wounded on our side." And so on, daj' after day, it was almost continuous fighting. For example, "July 24th. This day about nine o'clock we heard a number of guns; sent out to know the cause; found a Lieutenant named Saw^-er and a Sergeant killed and scalped * * * on which a scout of two hundred men were sent out to scour the woods." "July 26th. This morning came an express informing that Major Whiting (of Alden's Kegiment) was attacked * * * in which a Lieutenant and seven were killed, and a number wounded. They also took two women out of a house, killed and scalped them. Our people repaired to the fort, defended it and drove them off." July 27th. He says the body of Miss Jane McCrea, murdered and horribly mutilated, was brought in and buried. (This was an event mentioned in all the school histories.) July 28th. "This morning early was alarmed with news that Col. Loring's pickets were surroundetl at Fort Edward * * *. We had orders to pack up all and retreat to a hill about two miles above Fort Miller; on our march down the Indians crept between our rear guard and the body and killed and scali^ed an inhabitant that was watching his pigs." July 30th. "The Indians to the numb<>r of four hundred attacked our rear on both sides." July 31st. "This morning at gun firing turned out; drew provision for men; set them cooking, being twenty-four hours since we ate anything; before we had it cooked, • Hlslorr of England In the Elf hte«nth Centurr. ordered on our march again for Saratoga * * *, Arrived at a plot of ground below Schuyler's Creek, Saratoga * * * dirty, hungry, weary and wet; lodged in our wet clothes. Slept pretty well." There is much more of the same sort. Under these conditions young Kimball must have found a soldier's life rather strenuous. Monday, August 18th. Warren records that news had come of Stark's »jreat victory two days before at Bennington. (See Richard Farwell.) He thvis describes the battle of "Stillwater" or first "Saratoga" on Septem- ber 19th: "About two o'clock the action began on our left, between their advanced guard and Capt. Morgan's* who was a flanking party; he beat them back to the main body. This action lasted half an hour; the enemy soon reinforced and advanced. The engagement began again at 25 minutes after three o'clock, with great spirit on both sides. We beat them back three times and they reinforced and recovered their ground again till after sunset without any intermission, when both parties retired and left the field. We took a field piece twice and they retook it and carried it oflP with them * * *. September 20th. "The loss of the enemy was very great ; the field was covered with dead almost for several acres. The hottest battle and longest that was ever fought in America. The enemy hove in all their British troops the last reinforcement and its generals." Of the second battle of October 7th he says : "We marched up on the right of Col. Morgan's* riflemen to their lines, within ten rods of a strange fort; fought them boldly for better than half an hour, when they gave way, left the fort and fled. Our people marched in and took possession of their cannon and 600 tents, standing with baggage, &c. The fire was very hot on both sides. The fields are strewed with the dead * * *. Their loss is, by their own confession, 1,500 killed and wounded; what our loss is I cannot tell, but 17 are killed and wounded in our regiment." After Burgoyne's surrender most of the Northern Army joined Washington in "the Jerseys" and wintered at Valley Forge, Pa., near Philadelphia. (See William Parker.) Alden's regiment, however, was kept in the neighborhood of Albany and did active service of various kinds. In April orders came for it to march south, but Governor Clinton of jSTew York wrote Washington so earnestly protesting, that it was allowed to remain a little longer. This was due not only to the danger from the enemy, particularly Tories, but also distrust of the reliability of some of the other troops. McKendry (see Proceedings of Massachusetts Historical Society, Second Series, Vol. II, page 442) under date of May 14th wrote: "Col. Alden's Regt. mustered. A great day of rejoicing at Albany for the news received from France. Fired 52 cannon, 3 volleys from small arms. Gen. Conway had the command." The news was that of the French alliance, made more than four montlis before, indicating how slowly news travelled in those days. Beginning in the Wyoming Valley (near what is now Wilkesbarre, Pa.) July 1st, 1778, and sweeping up through Central New York, which was then the extreme western frontier, occurred a series of terrible Indian massacres, • This was Daniel Morgan, formerly Captain, now Colonel, who had been a prisoner with. Ebenezer Tolman at Quebec. . 98 which the historian Van Tyne wuU calls "the surj^assing horror of the Revo- lution." What happened to the fleeing settlers may be illustrated by one incident mentioned by Prof. Fiske. "A hundred women and children perished of fatigue and starvation in trying to cross the swamp which has since been known as the "Shades of Death," &c. Appeals came in for help and, on July 10th, Kimball's regiment, under command of Lieut.-Col. Stacia, Col. Alden being on leave of absence, left Albany in great haste under orders to proceed to Fort Stanwi.x (also called Fort Schuyler), about one hundred and twenty miles away, near the present site of Home, New York. It is interesting to note that the last thing they did before starting was to turn out, on July 9th, and subdue another regiment that had mutinied. As McKendry records it: ''Col. Alden's Rcgt. Mustered. Turned out and took Col. Wheelock's Eegt. for refusing their duty." They reached Fort Stanwi.x at G a. m. on the 18th, evidently having driven cattle along with them, for McKendry wrote, on the IGth, "Capt. Ballard's cow broke her leg." Hardly had they begun to enjoy "fresh Sammon brought to this fort by Indians, Six Shillings per sammon £ money," when "An express arrived from the Southard, another from Albanj% with orders from Gen. Stark for Col. Stacy to march his Regt. to Cherry Valley." Tlie latter place was a settlement about sixty miles west from Albany. What they found there is thus stated by Capt. Warren : "Friday, July 24th, 1778. Soon after we began our march came ou a heavy rain. About four o'clock arrived at the garrison, which was a meeting house picketed iii, with a large number of distressed inhabitants crowded in, men, women and children; drew some rum for the men and placed tlieni in their several quarters. The inhabitants received us with the greatest tokens of joy and respect, and it was like a general gaol delivery; they began to take the fresh air and move out into the nearest houses from their six weeks con-# finement in that place. Saturday, July 25. This morning shifted my linen and went out, having a very good night's rest, after our fatigue, having marched now one hundred and eighty miles, with stopping but two days during the whole march. Sunday, July 2Gth. This morning, after roll call, went down to the gar- rison, and from thence to the Colonel's quarters ; about eleven o'clock returned to the garrison, where we had a sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Johnson, from the words 'Be of good courage and play the man for our iKKiple, and to the cities of our God, and the Lord will do what seometh him good.' "* Rev. Mr. Johnson was a refugee who had sought protection while his sons cnlistetl, and scouted. Quartennaster ilcKendry hastened to pay his res|)ects to the regular local parson: "Went to Rev. Mr. Dunlops, and drank sillabub while diiM'oursing the old (ientleman about sundry affairs." On July 30th Col. Alden arrived. On August 1st CJeneral Ten Broock, in a lettor to Governor Clinton, writes: "I forgot to mention that Alden's regiment is at Cherry Valley, and that it consists of something better than 200 men, as I am informed." This little force had an immense territory to patrol — a territ'^ry swarming • 2 '5'in> i'>»h cbap., 12th Terse. U'ith Indians and Tories.* They passed a summer full of great anxiety, activity and danger, October 9th leading citizens of Cherry Valley sent to the General in command of the district a statement of the power of their enemies, saying: "Some of these Villans have been apprehended at the Butternuts and elsewhere on the Frontiers since Col. Alden came amongst us, and by his means, who has acted with great activity and prudence in Subduing these Eebbels to the States," but adding that his force was entirely too small and asking that it be increased. Meanwhile, the life of the garrison had its cheerful side as well as that which was tragic. For example, McKendry, after an account of the destruc- tion by the enemy of the village of German Flats — 44 houses being burned — > and the turning out of the regiment in pursuit, follows it with these, to him, important items: "October 6, 1778. Col. Stacy and Capt. Ballard had a horse race. Col. Stacy won the bet." October 15. "Went to the Salt Springs in the evening. Wet my appoint- ment— Wine— 28 dollars." October 23. "Sergt. Elijah Dickerman and Letty Gibbens was Married at the house of Jams Richey in Cherry Valley by the Eev. Mr. Johnson, late of Tunadilla. Drank seven Gall. Wine." Though the writer was undoubtedly a valiant man with the flagon, probably the other guests assisted him on the "seven Gall." The "appointment" which he found it so expensive to "wet" was that of "Ensign" in Kimball's company. Prior to that he had been Regimental Quartermaster. His diary shows that he had always been particularly intimate and friendly with Captain Lane. From the time of their arrival at Cherry Valley they had boarded together at the house of Mr. Richey "20 rods from the fort." Sergeant Dickerman was a fellow townsman of Mclvendry's from Stoughton, Mass. Very likely the latter knew how much wine was consumed from the fact that he contributed it. The young couple survived the disaster that came a few days later. Colonel Alden was a great grandson of "Why-don't-you-speak-for-yourself John" Alden and Priscilla, of Plymouth, a man of fine character and of con- siderable ability, but some thought him of too trustful a nature and too much of a gentleman to deal properly with Indians and Tories. Perhaps they were right. At any rate, on November 10th, the scouting parties having been killed or captured, so no alarm came in, the place was surprised by a force numbering over 800 men, composed of about 50 British regidars, 250 Tories and 500 Indians. The attack came so suddenly and with such violence that most of those caught outside the stockade could not reach it. Colonel Alden and 13 soldiers were killed, scalped and otherwise mutilated. Lieut. Colonel Stacia, 4 other ofiicers and 11 soldiers were captured, stripped naked and driven before the Indians into the forest; 32 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed on the spot in the most barbarous manner; 60 more taken prisoners; every building outside the stockade burned, including 20 houses and 25 barns; all live stock driven off and all provisions destroyed or ♦ New York furnished over 15,000 men to the British Army, and had In addition over 8,000 organized Tory militia. 300 carried away. The details (if the massacre were as horrible as anything in the annals of Indian warfare. The aged wife of Kev. Samuel Dunlap was in the house of her married daughter, Mrs. liobert Wells. All the people at that place were killed. Mrs. Dunlap's body was hacked to pieces, one leg and an arm cut oflF, &c. Little Aaron, a Mohawk Indian who had been befriended by Mr. Dunlap, saved the minister's life for the time being, but he died of grief shortly after. Colonel Stacia was held a captive for over four years. Prof. Fiske says: "Many other atrocious things were done in the course of the year, but the affairs of Wyoming and Cherry Valley made a deeper impression than any of the others. Among the victims there were many refined gentlemen and ladies well known in the Northern States, and this was especially true at Cherry Valley." Major Daniel Whiting rallied the survivors and they defended the so- called "fort" for two days and finally drove the enemy away. On November 13th Whiting made an official report, concluding as follows: "When we were first attacked we had not a pound of bread per man in garrison; had it not been for a barrel of powder and half a box of cartridges belonging to the town our ammunition would have failed us. One scout, a Sergt. and 8 men that went by the Butternuts has not been heard of yet. We have a soldier with his log broken that is necessary to be amputated. The Surgeon has no instruments." McKendry always consideretl the weather the most important thing for entry in his diary. He did not forget it even on the day of the massacre. After faithfully recording the names of his dead comrades he concludes with "a rainy day." On November 13th Warren wrote : "Brought in the dead. Such a shocking sight my eyes never beheld before of savage and brutal barbarity; to see the husband mourning over his dead wife with four dead children lying by her side, mangled, scalpt and some of their heads, some of their legs and arms cut off, some torn the flesh off their bones by their dogs — 12 of one family* killed and 4 of them burnt in the house," &c. The following year the regiment had its revenge. There are three muster rolls verified at Cherry Valley which bear Kim- ball's name. One of them dated February 24, 1779, is headed "Return of men who were in camp on or before August 15, 1777, and who have not been absent subse* Israel instead of Ira. 103 McKendry records the long march that followed, through Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and from there up to the Highlands of the Hudson. ''Nov. 15. This morning the Regt. marched on and crossed the river and arrived in Westpoint 2 o'clock p. m. and encampt in the bush one mile and 1/2 down the River — came 8 miles. "Nov. 16. Some snow tonight. "Nov. 17. Cold and blustering weather." And then began what General Griflfin well describes as "that terrible winter of privation and famine." (See Samuel Scripture, Jr.) McKendry very soon gives a hint of it, — "Nov. 22d. This is the fifth day that the troops have drew no hread on this Point as there was none." It was the darkest hour of the war. Almost everyone, except "Washington, was thoroughly discouraged, and it is not surprising that Arnold thought the game was over, and it was high time to sell out to the enemy. (See Noah Hardy.) Still, no sooner was Kimball discharged, after three years' service, than he enlisted again for six months. After the war was over he married Lydia Simmons of Boxford, came to Packersfield, and settled on the place now owned by Mrs. Ellen R. Houghton, south of the farm of Dr. E. N. Hardy, who is one of his descendants. From April 21, 1818, a pension was granted to him. He died in Nelson, October 18, 1842, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. JOSHUA KITTREDGE. Born in Tewksbury, Mass., March 15, 1761, son of Thomas Kittredge, who was also a Revolutionary soldier. He was in the fourth generation from John Kittredge who came from England and settled in Billerica, Mass., prior to 1655. August 16, 1832, made a pension declaration, now on file at Washington, from which, and the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Rolls, it appears that he served three enlistments, viz. : 1. April 2, 1778, enlisted from Tewksbury in Captain John Moore's Com- pany of Colonel Jonathan Brewer's Regiment of guards and served three months and two days guarding "troops of convention," i. e., prisoners from Burgoyne's army, at Cambridge. 2. October 7, 1779, enlisted in Captain Joshua Leland's Company of guards and was stationed at Cobble Hill near Boston, in the battalion of Major Nathaniel Heath, garrisoning a fort, for upwards of a month. 3. In May, 1780, then living at Amherst, N. H., enlisted at Lyndeborough, N. H. and marched to West Point, N. Y., where he was assigned to Captain McGregor's Company of Colonel Courtland's Regiment. Was selected to join the light infantry under General Lafayette and marched to Elizabeth town and elsewhere in New Jersey. Discharged in November, 1780. He mentions that his service was "the same year that Arnold escaped from West Point," indicating that he was there at the time. At sometime prior to 1787, he settled in Packersfield and purchased the farm now occupied by Mr. James E. Ruffle. His first house was at the foot 104 of the hill near the present ruins of the olil mill. Built the house, which is now standing, about 1797, from lunihcr which he cut and fashioned on the place. Besides carrying on the farm, operated a saw mill on the place now owned by Mr. Nordstrom. Died in Nelson, Februarj- 18, 1834, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. Was the ancestor of the Kittredpe families subsequently living in the tOWTl. SOLOMON KITTREDGE. Born in Tewksbury, Alass., in 175G; eldest sun oi .Solomon Kittredge, Sr., and in the fourth generation from John Kittredge who came from England and .settled in Billerica. Mass., prior to 1G55. In 1775 Solomon was living at Amherst, N. H. His military' record was an interesting one. As shown by his pension declaration, verified April 24, 1818, corroborated and supplemented by the New Hampshire Rolls, he served three enlistments, viz: — 1. May 17, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Josiah Crosby's Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment, and he swears that he "was in the Battle of Bunker Hill so called" June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) 2. On his discharge in January, 1776, reenlisted for one year in Captain Daniel Wilkin's Company in Colonel Timothy Bedel's Regiment of the New Hampshire line. The regiment was raised for guarding the frontier along the Connecticut River. Hardly was it organized before news came of the disaster to the expedition, under Arnold and Montgomery, against Quebec (See Ebeuezer Tolman). and they were ordered to join the Northern Continental Army in New York for reinforcing our array in Canada. They marched to Ticonderoga, thence to St. Johns, where they were engagetl, and finally had another battle with a superior force of British and Indians at a place called "The Cedars," about forty-five miles southwest from Montreal. Col. Bedel was absent at the time and the subordinate officer, Major Butterfield, in command, was considered by his men a coward when, against their protests, he surrendered. The promise of protection to the prisoners, made by the British officers, was promptly broken, and they were left to bo plundered, tortured and in some instances killed by the Indians. Those who remained alive were taken to an i.sland in a lake near the "Two Mountains" where they were kept naked, without shelter, and almost without food, for about ten days, till General Arnold succeeded in securing their exchange. Some of tliem had the smallpox at the time. The Indians took their clothes with the others and caught the disease therefrom, with disastrous results. This may have salved the feelings of the suflFercrs a little. In New Hampshire State Paiiers, Vol. 14, at page 476, is the following petition, signed by Kittredge, and twenty-two others: — "To the Honorable the Council and House of Representatives to be convened at Exeter, in New Hampshire on the 10th day of March, 1779— 105 The Humble Petition and Remonstrance of the Company Com- manded by Capt. Daniel "VVilkins, in Col. Beedel's Regt. in Canada, hiimbly sheweth that on ye 19th of May, 1776, we unhappily fell into the hands of our unnatural and savage Enemy at the Cedars in Canada, when Major Butterfield, our commanding officer. Capitu- lated with Capt. Foster of the British Army to the great grief and surprise of said company, on the following terms, viz: that we sur- rendered ourselves as prisoners of war, and was to deliver up our arms which accordingly we did, and we was to have our packs and Baggage, — and Capt. Foster Engaged not to suffer the savages to plunder or abuse us, nor suffer the British troops so to do. But con- trary to the Rules of War, they inhumanly without regard to their promise, suffered the savages to rob and plunder us of our packs and baggage, and strip us of our clothes off our backs, and left us entirely naked. In this deplorable condition we were left in an enemies' country without money, clothing or friends that could con- tribute to our relief. — Therefore your humble petitioners humbly pray that your honors would take the matter under consideration and grant to each prisoner a sum something adequate to the loss he sustained, and your Petitioners will gratefully acknowledge the favor and as in duty bound will ever pray." Kittredge received, in response to such petition, an appropriation for his clothes of six pounds, sixteen shillings, sixpence. This came however more than three years after he lost them. It does not appear how his temporary embarrassment was relieved. Served out his term and was discharged at Stillwater in January, 1777. 3. July 19, 1777, enlisted in Captain John Bradford's Company of Colonel Moses Nichols Regiment raised to reinforce the Northern Army, gathering at Stillwater, to oppose the advance of Burgoyne. In his pension declaration he says "1 was in Bennington Battle so called." His company there played a very important part. (See Richard Farwell.) About this time took up his residence in Packersfield for there is a record in the Town books that a son Solomon, Jr., was born to him there September 28, 1778, and a daughter in 1780. Lived on what was subsequently known as the James Clark place in the northeast quarter. Later, probably before 1800, moved to Mount Vernon, where he died October 22, 1845, aged 90 years, 2 months and 19 days. He frequently visited his relatives in Nelson, descendants of Joshua Kittredge. The late Russell H. Kittredge could recall one such visit in his own boyhood. JOSHUA LAWRENCE. Born in Pepperell, Mass., April 18, 1753. Son of Joseph and younger brother of Martin Lawrence. In Captain John Nutting's Company of Minute Men in Colonel William Prescott's Regiment that marched from Pepperell, Mass., on the Lexington Alarm on April 19, 1775. April 25, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain John Nutting's Com- pany of Colonel William Prescott's Regiment. His brother Martin was in the same company. Probably both were at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) 106 Under date of Xovcmhcr 20, 1773, Breed Bntcheller deeded to Joshua Law- rence of Pepperell. land in the Northeast Quarter of ^Monadnock Xo. G (after- wards Packersfield). Lawrcnco took up his residence in Packersfield a few years later, and is fihown in the U. S. Census of 1790. lie married lUith, daughter of David Nims, and eventually settled near Roxbijry Center. Died May 29, 1827, and is buried in the lioxbury Cemetery. MARTIN LAWRENCE. Born in Pepperill or Groton, Mass., May 17, 1751. Brother of Joshua. A member of Capt. John Nutting's Comi)any of Col. William Prescott's Regiment of Minute Men which marched on the 19th of April, 1775. Service G days. April 25, 1775. enlisted for eight months in Captain Nutting's Company of Colonel Prescott's Regiment. Residence given as Packersfield. On Com- pany return dated Cambridge, October 2, 1775, reported "sick and absent." Was probably in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) Was living in Packersfield at the time of the U. S. Census of 1790. Settled on what is now known as the Barstow place, north of the Burnap place. He died February 6, 1S22, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. JOHN LE BOURVEAU. One of the earliest settlers, not later than 1771. In 1774 had 13 acres cleared, 5 more cut and had erected a "Pole House," which he occupied with his family. A member of the Board of Selectmen, chosen March 15, 1774, and of the committee on correspondence, chosen January 20, 1775. Was probably one of the 27 that marched from Packersfield April 21, 1775, in response to the Lexington ^Vlarm. Soon afterwards moved to Keene. evidently prior to April, 177C, as his name does not appear among the Packersfield signers of the Association Test. Member of Captain John Houghton's Company of Colonel Baldwin's Regiment sent to reinforce the Continental army in New York in 177G. Jklember of Captain David Howlet's Company, out of Colonel Ashley's Regi- ment of Militia which marched from Keene to reinforce the Continental Army at Ticonderoga, in June, 1777. Died in Keene, March 15, 179G. .lONATHAN LOVEJOY. Born in Hollis, N. H., July 3, 1754. Elnlistod from Hollis in November or December, 1775, in Captain Noah Worcester's Company, part of a force of 2,000 men raised by New Hampshire to take the place of the "eight months men" whose terms were expiring. Served in siege of Boston until its evacuation about the middle of March. 1776. No roll of this company containing the names of all the men is known to exist. Lovejoy's name is given in History ol Hollis by S. T. Worcester, page i:s. 107 Came to Packersfield in 1791 and settled on what is now known as the Livermore place. Died there July 21, 1825, and buried in cemetery on the Town Common. JOHN McEIAN. In 1777 reported as having enlisted from Packersfield for three years Continental service "in Captain Smith's Company belonging to the Train" (See Solomon Fairley). See N. H. State Papers Vol. 14, page 576. Martha McRian, widow, was living in Packersfield in 1779. BANNISTER MAYNARD. Born in Shrewsbury, Mass., April 5, 1761. During the war living at Templeton, Mass. 1. In Captain Josiah Wilder's Company of Colonel Nathan Sparhawk's Regiment, commanded by Major Daniel Clapp. Enlisted July 4, 1778. Service 13 days at Rutland Barracks. 2. In Captain Jonathan Houghton's Company of Colonel Josiah Whitney's Regiment raised for service in Rhode Island, July 31, 1778, to September 14, 1778. 3. His name also appears in list of nine months men for Continental Army mustered July 2, 1779, by Thomas Newhall, Muster ^Master of Worcester County. In Captain Wilder's Company of Col. Grout's Regiment; age 17, stature 5 ft. 8 in. ; marched to Springfield July 8, 1779. Came to Packersfield about 1786. Lived on what was afterwards called the George Dodge place, west of the lead mine place now owned by Mr. Elliot. Removed to Templeton, Mass., where he died June 7, 1827. DAVID MARSHALL. Came to Monadnock No. 6, just prior to 1773. In 1774 had 2 acres cleared, 8 more cut down and a "Pole House" which he occupied with his family. Located in the Southeast Quarter. April 23, 1775, enlisted in Captain Ezra TowTie's Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment for eight months. At battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) Signed the Association Test in Packersfield, April, 1776. JOSEPH MASON. One of the early settlers. Lived in South East Quarter. In 1774 had 12 acres cleared, 10 more cut over, a "Board" house, a grist mill, and a family. Elected "Deer Rive" March 15, 1774. Probably one of the twenty-seven men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, marched from Packersfield April 21, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. Signer of the "Association Test" April, 1776. Member of Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Nichol's Regi- ment, General Stark's Brigade, which marched from Rindge and towns adjacent in Jvily, 1777, and joined the Northern Continental Army at Ben- nington and Stillwater. In battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777. Service from July 21 to September 25th. (See Richard Farwell.) 108 JOSIAH MELVILLE (Melvin.) Was descended from John Melville (or Melvin, as the name was commonly corrupted), a Scotchman who, about 1675, settled in Charlestown, Mass., and about 16i)5 removed to Concord, Mass., where his great grandson, the subject of this sketch, was born August 24, 1758. The father of the latter was also named Josiah. His mother was Lydia, daughter of Colonel James Barrett of Concord. The war of the Revolution is generally con.sidered as having begmi on April 19, 1775. Of all the men who ever lived in Nelson, Melville was the first to see the British troops in hostile array, anticipating, by perhaps an hour or two, William Barker of Acton and Ezra Smith of Sudbury. He saw them about eight o'clock in the forenoon, but first heard of them some six hours earlier, when began the events of the most exciting day of his life. The relations between Great Britain and her American Colonies had been going from bad to worse for more than ten years and for two years far seeing men had believed a peaceable solution of the estrangement no longer possible. September 5, 1774, the First Continental Congress, of delegates from all the colonies, met in Philadelphia. The First Provincial Congress of Massa- chusetts met in Concord October 11th of the same year, and from that time on Concord was a center of agitation. The proceedings of the Provincial Congress were secret, but we now know that their deliberations were almost entirely on the subject of procuring military supplies. A second Provincial Congress met at Concord, February 1st, 1775. On February 9th they issued an address, "To the Inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay", in which they said — "Though we deprecate a rupture with the Alother State, yet we must urge to every preparation for your necessary defense". A Committee of Safety was appointed with John Hancock as Chairman, and also a Committee on Supplies. On February 1st both Connnittees, in joint session, by imanimous vote, decided that the Committee on Supplies should at once purchase military stores sufScient, with those already on hand, to supply an anny of fifteen thousand men. This work was entrusted to Melville's grandfather, James Barrett, Colonel of the Middlesex militia, who was a member of the Congress and a man of ureat intlucnce and vigor, despite the fact that he was sixty-five years old and so lame as scarcely to be able to walk. Papers of Barrett, still in existence, show that, within the next six weeks, he had made great progress in his task. For example — in one consignment lie received, from David Cheever of Charlestown, ten tons of musket balls and cartridges. He also had a great quantity of provisions and other supplies, all of which were stored in various places in Concord. At Concord, too, Barrett had a mill where he made muskets and carriages for cannon. There too Timothy Whet^ler was working night and day grinding grain and Josiah Meh-ille, Sr., was manufacturing saltpeter for gunpiwder. Despite all precautions so much could not go on without the British in Boston getting wind of it. On the other hand close watch was kept to detect signs of any movement of their trooi)s. Secret societies, known as "Sons of Liberty" were organized who made it their business to watch for and report hostile preparations, and all over 109 New England other organizations known as "Minute Men" were pledged to respond instantly to any alarm. At Concord some of the minute men kept their muskets constantly within reach, even carrying them to meeting on Svmday. On April 15, 1775, the Congress at Concord took an adjournment imtil !May 10th, but, on April 18th, apprehensions of danger became so acute that a call went out for immediate reassembling. That very night the British marched from Boston. The object of the expedition was to apprehend Colonel Barrett and capture and destroy his stores. On the afternoon of the 18th the Committee of Safety met with Barrett, at Concord, and made plans for the removal of a portion of such property and its distribution in nine other towns. Illustrating the difficulty of doing this it may be noted that to Sudbury alone they ordered sent 50 barrels of beef, 100 barrels of flour, 20 casks of rice, 15 hogsheads of molasses, 10 hogs- heads of rum and 500 pounds of candles. At almost the very hour they were in session a hostler at a tavern in Boston heard an officer remark "There will be Hell to pay to-morrow", and reported it to his friend William Dawes, who told his fellow Son of Liberty, Paul Eevere, and the latter lost no time in bringing it to the attention of Dr. Joseph Warren of the Committee of Safety. Before dark Warren received similar hints from other sources and became alert. In the evening there were signs of movement in the garrison, and he correctly surmised what was on foot. Two roads led to Concord: one by way of Roxbury neck and the other by Charleston ferry and Cambridge. Without waiting to see which route would be taken, or even for the actual start, Warren dispatched Dawes by way of Roxbury and, a half hour later, he sent Revere from Charleston, when, by signal lights from the tower of the old North Church, he learned of "The muster of men at the barrack door, The sound of arms and the tramp of feet, And the measured tread of the grenadiers. Marching down to their boats on the shore."* Every schoolboy knows Longfellow's stirring poem "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere." Few ever heard of Dawes yet his work was fully as important as that of Revere. As a matter of fact neither of them ever reached Concord. Revere moimted his horse just about 11 o'clock, while the British troops were marching dovvTi to the foot of the common. Just as he was starting on his mission of alarm Richard Devans, one of the Committee of Safety, informed him that as he rode in from Lexington after dark that evening he had met ten British officers, all well mounted and armed, going up the road. It subsequently appeared that just such a ride as Revere's had been anticipated and a number of such parties had been sent in advance to head it off. He ran into one of them before he had gone two miles but managed to evade it and alarm every house as far as Lexington, which he reached between one and two o'clock, and there delivered his message to John Hancock, and another prominent member of the Congress, Samuel Adams, who were sleeping at the parsonage of Rev. Jonas Clarke. • From "Paul Revere's Ride," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 110 At the parson's door he was warned by a minute man on f?uard not to make so much noise lest he awaken the family who had just retired. "Noise," shouted he, "You'll have noise enough before long. The regulars are coming out." Revere tarried a little to rest his horse while he took a drink at the tavern and, before he left, Dawes, who had ridden about 17 miles to Kevere's 12, came up and they decided to go on together to Concord six miles away. Young Dr. Samuel Prescott, of Concord, who had been making a very late call on a Miss Mulliken, of Lexington, to whom he was engaged, volunteered to ride with them, show them the way and vouch for their responsibility. They proceeded about a third of the distance, Revere ahead, Prescott next and Dawes considerably behind, when two men sprang out of the darkness by the roadside and ordered tliem to halt. Dawes turned back. Revere and Prescott tried to ride do\ni their assailants but two more came to the letter's aid and at the muzzle of their pistols the riders were forced into a pasture where six others joined them. It was the party of ten British officers of whom Revere had previously been warned. Mr. Longfellow to the contrary notwithstanding, here ended "The Mid- night Ride of Paul Revere," and all the further riding Dawes did was back toward Boston. Revere was kept a prisoner imtil about daylight when he was compelled to swap his horse for a much poorer one and allowed to depart in the direction from which he came. Prescott however made another break and, in the darkness, being thoroughly familiar with the locality, managed to slip through the hands of his captors and make his way, by a roundabout route, to Concord. Most of the people there first learned the news a little before three o'clock, when Prescott came in and informed Josiah's cousin, young Amos "Melvin," one of the minute men, who was on guard at the Court House, and the latter fired his musket and wildly rang the meeting house bell. Immediately there was great excitement. The people assembled. The men organized for the work before them while Rev. William Emer.son (grand- father of Ralph Waldo Emerson), the patriotic clergj-man, mingled with his people and gave counsel and comfort to the terrified women and children. Lossing, in his "Field Book of the Revolution," speaking of what then happened, says — "Tho militarj' operations were under the able manage- ment of Colonel James Barrett, while the whole male population, and some women, aided in removing the stores to a place of safety in distant woods." This may bo a rather strong statement but certainly the Barrett and Melville families worked and they had help enough so the stupendous task was accomplished and when the British marched in between seven and eight o'clock there was practically nothing that they could find. Young Josiah was then a tow headed, undersized lad of sixteen, lie is said to have worked with his cousin Jimmio Barrett, aged fourteen. With oxen and cart they helped take load after load, each to a different place in the woods, and covered them with pine Ixiughs. Going back and forth the boys ran on each side of the oxen goading them- into a trot. Besides this, as they were considered too young to fight, they helped the women make cartridges. Ill Some of the stores did not go very far. At the Barrett place there were cannon hidden in the hay mow and xmder manure piles. What was apparently a garden was hastily ploughed. After one furrow was completed muskets were dropped into it and another furrow turned over them, and so on. The oxen were not detached from the plough until after the red coats were in sight. Ahout the same time the last of the musket balls were being put into the bottom of barrels in the attic with a covering of feathers above them. For an account of how the British marched from Boston to Lexington, and thence to Concord, the North Bridge and, finally, to Colonel Barrett's house, see William Barker. Between eight and nine o'clock they came and the venerable Mrs. Barrett was left alone to meet them. There were three companies of them, under Captain Parsons, who was fairly courteous. The premises were searched but nothing found except a few gun carriages which were taken out in the road in front of the house and set on fire. The troops, having had no sleep the night before and having marched some 20 miles on a hot day, were much exhausted and Mrs. Barrett was requested to supply their wants. She was in no position to refuse and gave them what food and drink there was in the house. Most of them offered to pay but she refused saying — "We are commanded to feed our enemy if he hunger." Some however insisted and tossed the money into her lap. She could only exclaim — "It is the price of blood." Before long the firing at the North Bridge was heard and her visitors hastily departed. (See William Barker.) Thus the stores were saved and the very next day the Committee on Supplies began to forward them to the patriot army assembling about Boston. The fact that young Josiah and his father had the same name makes it impossible to say which was in the garrison at Ticonderoga in 1776. One or the other was there. Josiah was then 17 years of age and his father 49. It is more probable that it was the boy. It is almost certain that Josiah, Jr., was the "Josiah Melvin" of Concord, who enlisted July 7, 1777, in Captain Abishai Brown's Company of Colonel John Robinson's Regiment and served for five months and twenty-eight days on the Rhode Island Campaign. "Josiah Melvin, JvM.ior," was a member of Captain George Minot's Com- pany of Concord Militia doing service in 1778. "Josiah Melvin, Junior" of Concord appears on numerous rolls as one of the "Six months men," enlisted in the Continental Army July 10, 1780. His description is — "age 21 years; stature five feet five inches; complexion light." He became a member of Captain Belcher Hancock's Company of Colonel Thomas Nixon's Regiment, Sixth Massachusetts Line, and was sta- tioned most of the time with Washington's Army at West- Point. There, at the same time, were Noah Hardy, David Kimball, Philip Atwood, Joshua Kittredge, John Breed and probably others who afterwards lived in Nelson. Melville was there at the time of Arnold's treason aiad when the unfor- tunate Major Andre was hung he was one of the guards that marched him to the scaffold. (See David Kimball and Noah Hardy.) 112 Sometime prior to 1790. he mf)ved to Packersfield and lived at first in a small house north of tlio present huildinprs on the hrow of the hill above the village. In a shed attached ho opornted a small store. About 1795, he built the house which is now standing and, on tho opposite side of the road, a largo store which became the center of trade for a region many miles about and was a great resort for old soldiers. It is said that when they got together there was no event of importance in the whole war that some resident of the town could not describe from having actually participated in it. In later days, when comparatively few veterans were left, an eager listener, as they fought their battles over again, was Simon Goodell Griffin, (grandson of Samuel Griffin and Nehemiah Wright, both of whom were at Bunker Hill), who, as the result perhaps of such inspiration, became New Hampshire's most distinguished soldier in the Civil War. Griffin was born in 1824 and was therefore twenty -eight years old before Samuel Scripture, the last survivor of the Revolution, died in 1852. Melville died in Nelson, January 8, 1818, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. JOHN MORSE. Born in 1720. Living in Packersfield at the time of war broke out and signed the Association Test in April, 177G. As he was over military age, it is probable that he did not do field service, though some of the records attributed to John M. ^lorse may belong to him. Died in Packersfield. January 12, 1806, in his 87th year, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. (See John M. Morse.) .lOIlX M. MORSE. In the Pension Bureau at Washington is the original "Muster Roll of a Company of Men Commanded by Cai)t. Othinel Thomas in Col. Runnel's Regt. of New Hampshire ^lilitie 1781" in which appears — "John Mors Morse, liink Corporal, town Packersfield, engaged September 20th, marched ( >etober 25." At a town meeting held in Packersfield December 13, 1781, it was "Voted to raise Two men as a Town to Servo in the Army for the Space of three months — John ^forse, John French, Jr. — Voted to raise Twenty-four i>ounds -ilver to pay said men." "John Morse" was a enri»oral in Captain Josinh Parker's Company raised out of Colonel Eiu»eh Hale's Regiment that joined the Northern Array at Ticonderoga in 177G. That it was the Packersfield man is suggested by the presence of Henry Bemis and James Phillips in the same company. The name John Mi»rse also appears on several other rolls. Apparently there were persons of that name living at the same time in Packersfield and Dublin. "John Morse" was a member of Captain John Mellin's Company which marched from Fitzwilliam and towns adjacent to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga on the alarm in June and July, 1777. Among the Packersfield 113 men in this Company were James Bancroft, Oliver Wright, John Farwell, Thomas Iv. Breed, Joseph Stanhope and Seth Cobb. (See John Morse.) JOHN SCARLETT NEWHALL. One of the early settlers of Monadnock, No. 6 (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson). Came probably before 1772. His name appears on the records of meetings of Proprietors in 1773. In 1774 had 4 acres cleared, 2 more cut over and a "pole" house which he occupied with his family. Signer of the "Association Test" April, 1776. Settled on the hill southeast of the Darius Farwell place. JOHN NEWMAN. March 21, 1781, enlisted from Packersfield in the Continental Army for three years. JONATHAN NICHOLS. Came from Princeton, Mass. One of the early settlers of Monadnock No. 6 (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson) located in the "Prospect Hill," later called City Hill, region in the northeast quarter. His name appears in the records of meetings of Proprietors in 1773. In 1774 had 7 acres cleared, 7 more cut over, a house, and a family. Probably one of the 27 men who marched from Packersfield for Cambridge, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, April 21, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. Signer of the Association Test, April, 1776. Member of Captain Elisha Whitcomb's Company of Col. Timothy Bedel's Regiment of Volunteers raised by order of Congress for an expedition against Canada. Service from February 6th to about April 1st, 1777. In Captain Samuel Wright's Company in Colonel Nichol's Regiment and General Stark's Brigade of Militia, which company marched from Win- chester, N. H., and joined the Northern Continental Army at Bennington and Stillwater, July 23rd and September 24th, 1777. Probably at battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) Also, perhaps, member of Colonel Jonathan Chase's Regiment of ]\[ilitia which marched from Cornish in September, 1777, and joined the Continental Army under General Gates at Saratoga. Probably did not remain long in Packersfield. BENJAMIN NURSE. Born in Reading, Mass., December 9, 1716. Came to Monadnock No, 6 (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson) about 1772 and settled in the W^est part of the town near the Esek Phillips' place. Chosen member of Committee of Inspection September 25, 1775, the other members being Eleazer Twitchell, John French, Amos Skinner and Abijah Brown. Signer of the "Association Test" in April, 1776. On account of his age probably did not do much field ser\nce. See Benjamin Nurse, Jr. Died in Littleton, N. H., June 20, 1806. 114 BENJAMIN NURSE, JK. Born in Rutland, Mass., February 7, 1747. Son of Benjamin Nurse, Sr. Signer of the Association Test, in Packersfield, April, 177G. !Member of Company connnanded by Captain Davis Ilowlet, raised out of Colonel Ashley's regiment of Militia, which company marched from Kccne to reinforce the Continental Army at Ticonderoga, June, 1777. Service June 29 to July 11. Member of Captain John Mellin's Company which marched from Fitz- william and towns adjacent to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga in July, 1777. Sen'ice July G to July 11. (Note — Obviously these two engagements could not have been kept by the same person. One was probably by Nurse, Sr., and the other by Nurse, Jr.) Member of Captain James Lewis' Company in Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment of Volunteers, which marched from the State of New IIami)shire and joined the Continental Army in Rhode Island in August, 177H. Service, August 8th to 2Sth. Died in Keene, April 26, 1841. JONAS NURSE. Born in Rutland, Mass., July 8, 1757. Son of Benjamin Nurse. In Captain James Lewis' Company of Colonel Daniel Moor's Regiment of N. H. Volunteers that marched from Marlboro and joined the Continental Army at Saratogo in September, 1777. Service September 28 to October 20, 1777. In the same eomi)any were William FoUett, Jonathan Felt, and Samuel Wellman. Removed to Littleton. N. II.. wlien he died January 31. 1809. ZEBEDIAII PAINE. « Born in 1752. At the time of tlie I)reaking out of the war, living in Stoutonham (now Sharon), Ma.s.s. In Captain Josiah Pratt's Company of Colonel Lemuel Robinson's Regi- ment which marched on the Lexington Alarm April 19, 1775. In Cai)tain Josiah Pratt's (Stoutonham) Company of Colonel (Jill's Regi- ment which marched to Roxbury, ^larch 4, 177G. on an alarm. In Captain Lewis Whitney's Company of Colonel Wheeloek's Regiment at Ticonderoga. Shown on rolls dated August 27, 177G, and November 11. 1776. Age then 24 years. Marriinl Sarah, daughter of Thomas Richardson. (See Richardson.) Marriage intention nH' the war. Now in Ichabod Perry ^ ^j^^ ^^^^ Samuel Adams ) Engaged in the Joseph Winch > Army for three John Newman ; years and marcht. Packersfield, June 4, 1781. 120 William Barkeu Samuel Griffin ^ Selectmen. COXSIDEU OSVER It will Lh' noted that this was four years after his enlistnieiit. Wilton put in a claim that IVrry should count in its quota, probably on the Kri'und oi his birth in Wilton, and the shortness of his residence in Packerstield before his enlistment. In like manner New Ipswich claimed Bunker Clark. The State Conunittee of Safety finally allowed Wilton's claim. See Ebeuezer Perry and (Joiicral (Iriffin's story as to the misfortunes of the Perry family in 1777. GIDEON PHILLIPS. Born November 7, 1763. Brother of James and Richard. October 12, 1779, enlisted in Captain John Carpenter's Company of Guards. Stationed at Springfield, Mass. Diseharffed January 12, 1780. July 5, 1780, enlisted from Rutland, 'Mass., in Captain Pray's Company, Colonel Shepherd's Regiment, Mass. Continental Line. "Age 18 years; stature 5 ft. 4 in.; complexion dark." Attached to General Poor's Brigade in General LaFayette's Division. Went first to West Point. Then marched into New Jersey. Was at Morristown and Trenton, but most of the time on the march. Returned to West Point and was discharged there December 6, 1780. On his way home after this discharge, at Barre, Mass., re-enlisted in the Continental service for three years. Joined the army at Newburg, N. Y. At first in Capt. Joshua Benton's Company. Afterwards in Captain Pray's Company, and several others. Was most of the time at West Point, or in the neighborhood of New York City, or in New Jersey. Discharged in March, 1783. Came to Packersfield probably about 1792, and finally settled on what was subsequently known as the "Bridge" place, near the middle of Roxbury. Died in Roxbury June 10, 1840. JAMES PHILLIPS. Brother of Gideon and Richard. An early settler of Monadnoek No. •> (afterwards Packersfield and Nelson) coming from Rutlajid. Mass., prior to 1773. Located on what was afterwards known as the "Bridge" place at Roxburj' Center. In 1774 had seven acres cleared and one more acre cut over, and a "Pole" house erected. Almost certainly one of the twenty-seven men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, marched on the Lexington Alarm, in April, 1775. May 8, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Levi Spaulding's Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment. Fought at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775 (See Samuel Griffin). Received 12 shillings for iirojK^rty lost in the engagement. See N. H. State Papers, Vol. 7, page 591. Gilmore's "N. H. men at Bunker Hill," page 64. Signer of the "AsstK-iution Test" in April, 1776. Member of Captain Joseph Parker's Company raised out of Colonel Enoch Hale's Rt-giment that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga; mustered and paid July 18, 1776, Cori)oral John Morse, Allen Breed, Samuel Griffin, William Priest, and Henry Bemis were in the same Company. See anecdotes of Phillii)s by General Griffin. 121 iilCHAED PHILLIPS. Born in Smithfield, R. L, September 4, 1754. Brother of James and Gideon. His pension declaration verified August 9, 1832, shows the following, viz: At the outbreak of the war was a resident of Hubbardston, Mass. In the spring of 1776, enlisted from there in a company commanded by Lieut. Marine (illegible) and took part in the Siege of Boston. When the Amer- ican Army took possession of Dorchester Heights in March, 1776 (See Samuel Felt), his company was one of those that marched in the night time and was the second to reach the top. He was there when the British evacuated the city, and was dismissed there at the expiration of his term of service. In June, 1776, volunteered from Hubbardston for six months' service in Captain Flint's Company. Marched to New Haven, Conn., and there took ship for New York and joined the army under General Washington. The British were then on Long Island. After the battle of Long Island retreated northward as far as White Plains and from there to Phillips Manor, where was discharged at the expiration of service. In the summer of 1777 volunteered from Smithfield, E. I., in Captain Samuel Day's Company for the Ehode Island campaign, and was discharged at Tiverton after a month's service. In December, 1777, volunteered from Smithfield as a Marine aboard the Privateer Providence under Captain Abraham Whipple. They sailed sup- posedly for Boston, but instead of that went to France with despatches. Was at Nantes and Brest. Returned first to Portsmouth, N. H., and from there went to Boston, where he was discharged the last of November, 1778. In the course of the cruise they took a number of prizes, but he never received his share of the prize money. The Providence was the most successful of all the ships of its class and became famous in song and story. The following are three of the nmnerous stanzas of a chantey, called "The Yankee Privateer," which, quite likely, Phillips used to sing — "Come listen and I'll tell you How first I went to sea, To fight against the British And earn our Liberty. We shipped with Cap'n Whipple, Who never knew a fear, The Captain of the Providence, The Yankee Privateer. Chorus We sailed and we sailed. And we made good cheer. There were many pretty men On the Yankee Privateer. ***** For ten nights we followed And ere the moon rose. Each night a prize we'd taken Beneath the Lion's nose. 122 Wlien the British l(x»kfd to see Why their ships should disappear. They found they had in convoy A Yankee Privateer. Chorus But we sailed and sailed. And made good cheer. Not a coward was aboard Of the Yankee Privateer. * * * * * Then we each manned a shii). And our sails we unfurled. And we bore the Stars and Stripes O'er the oceans of the world. From the proud flap of Britain We swept the seas clear. And we earned our Indopendenoe On the Yankee Privateer. Chorus Now landsmen and sailors, One more cheer! Here is three times three For the Yankee Privateer." From Smithfield moved to Rutland, ^Mass., and from there to Packers- field about 1780, where he located in the Ko.xbury District. Died in Dublin, X. II., November IS, 1S34. In his pension ai)plication he was vouched for by Gideon Newcomb of Ko.xbury, and John Snow of Dublin. NEIIEMIAII PIERCE. Born in 1755. In April, 1775, enlisted from Ilollis, N. II., fur eijrht montlis in Captain Reuben's Dow's Company of Colonel William Prescott's Rcfxinient. "Age 20, height 5 feet 9 inches, complexion light." At Bunker Hill, Juno 17, where six members of his company were killed and si.x others wounded. (See Samuel Griflin.) The State of New Hampshire subse- (luently paid him for "1 knapsack, 1 hat and 1 tumpline" lost iu the engage- ment. (A "tumpline" was a strap placed across the forehead to assist a man in carrying a pack on his back.) In his company 25 lost their knapsacks, and 23 their tumplincs. Probably other service. Lived in Packersfield for a brii'f iK-riud, beginning nliout l7Nn. Sub'^i'- quently in Hancock about I7s7 and later in UoIIis. WILLIAM PRIEST. Believed to bo the William Priivi um- t.i. ii., and, according to his pension declaration veritiitl August 21, 1832. ctirroborated by the New Hampshire Rolls, served the following enlistments. 1. In June, 1770, enlisted in Captain Towne's Company of Colonel Wynian's Resriment for five months. .Marched to Ticonderoga. Stationed at Mount Indei)endence. There when Arnold's tleet was destroyed in Lake 123 Champlaiu. (See Thomas Baker.) Discharged in November, 1776. In the same company were Corporal John Morse, Corporal Allen Breed, Jona- than Blodgett and Samuel Griffin. 2. In June, 1777, enlisted in Captain Gershom. Drury's Company, which marched from Temple under the command of Lieut. Col. Thomas Heald to reinforce the Northern Continental Army, when Burgoyne was advancing on Ticonderoga. Marched to (illegible), Vt., and was "there turned back as was supposed by a Tory who said the troops were not wanted. Returned to Temple, — immediately started again and got as far as Rutland, Vt., and then learned that Ticonderoga had been given up. Was out on this alarm about three weeks." 3. Priest goes on to say — "that in 1778 or 1779, in the spring or begin- ning of summer, a man came through Temple, N. H., and wanted men to go to West Point to fill up the Continental ranks; that he enlisted for nine months; that as soon as he arrived there he was ijut into the service of a French Engineer and worked on a fort; men were called for to go to Kings Ferry to prevent the enemy from landing from a vessel and driving away cattle; that he volunteered, and with a party of 30 or 40 men went to the Ferry and was stationed there several months; then joined the main force at White Plains. Application was made by the sutlers to Col. Tupper, I think it was, for me to assist them, and I served with them until the army went into .winter quarters. I then went to W^est Point and was discharged there. I did not do any regular company duty. The Commissary's name was Ballard. He was arraigned and tried by a court martial at New Windsor. I was one of the boatmen to carry him up. General Arnold com- manded at West Point. I was discharged the latter part of the winter. I recollect, in the fall helping take up a large chain '\\hich was stretched across the river." Living in Packersfield as early as 1785. At the time of his pension application living in Walpole, N. H. ISAAC PROCTOR. Member of Captain Joseph Parker's Company raised out of Colonel Enoch Plale's Regiment that joined the Northern Army at Ticonderoga. Mustered and paid July 18, 1776. In Captain Francis Towne's Company of Colonel David Edmons' Regiment raised by the State of New Hampshire in December, 1776 to reinforce the Continental Army in the State of New York. Service from December 5, 1776, to March 12, 1777. In Captain Salmon Stone's Company of Colonel Nichol's Regiment, General Stark's Brigade raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment, of New Hampshire Militia, Enoch Hale Colonel, which company marched from Rindge in said State and joined the Northern Continental Army at Bennington and Stillwater, July 21-September 25, 1777. In battle of Bennington August 16, 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) In Captain Samuel Twitchell's Company of Colonel Enoch Hale's Regi- ment of Volunteers, which marched from New Hampshire and joined the Continental Army in Rhode Island in August, 1778. 124 Proctor probably came to Packersfield from Jaffrcy, N. IL General Griffin says he lived for a time in the north part near the John Buxton place. Quite likely ho was the Isaac Proctor, who, at the time of the consus of 1790, was liviiif,' in "Canipbeirs Gore" between Stoddard and Antrim. JOIIX PliOUTKE. A settler of Monadnock No. 0, as early as ITOW. In ITTo had 1een placed on the Memorial Tablet. BENJAMIN RICE. Born in Rutland. Mass.. October 27, 17G4. Living tliere at time of the war, August 9, 1781, enlisted from Rutland in Captain Jonathan Sibley's Company of Colonel Luke Drury's Regiment. Discharged November 21, 1781. Travelled home 200 miles. Place of service not mentioned in roll. Came to Nelson, about 1813. Lived on place now owned by Prof. Rolfe. Died in Roxbury, June 21, 1834. CHARLES RICE. Born in Sudburj', Mass., January 26, 1740. Probably the Charles Rice of Sudbury who marched on the Alarm of April 19, 1775, in Captain John Nixon's Company of Minute Men in Colonel Abijnh Pierce's Regiment, and April 24. 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain David Moor's Company of Colonel John Nixon's Regiment. Came to PiirktTsfifld j>b'>ut I7s4 and sftth-d on tin- "Xt-wfomb" place in Roxbury. AMOS RICHARDSON. Born in Attleboro. Mass., in 17.">.'i. iSi.n ,,1 iiu.iMa> Richardson. General Griffin, in his reminiscences of Nelson Revolutionary .'soldiers, r-ays of him: — "Amos Richardson was with Washington when he crossed the Delaware in the night, with his army, in boats. They left one hundred men to keep ui) the tires and deceive the British, and Richardson was one of the hundred. Early in the morning the British discovered what had happened, and came down U|Kjn them, but 'Old Put' (General Israel Putnam) had declared he would save those men, and had returned for them himself, Aa they escaped to the lK>at8 the British brought their cannon Uj l>ear, c-utting down branches of trees over their heads, but not a man was hxirt." It has not beiMi found |K>ssible to identify his organization. 125 The only crossing of the Delaware by Washington that the story fits was that of December 8, 1776. (See Samuel Felt.) He came to Packersfield in 1785, and settled on what is now known as the Cabot place. Died in Nelson, November 30, 1815, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. JOHN EICHARDSON. Born August 14, 1750. Son of Thomas. During the war a resident of Attleboro, Mass. In Captain Stephen Richardson's Company of Colonel John Daggett's Regiment before Boston for eight months in 1775. Re-enlisted for six weeks as Corporal in said company in December, 1775. Corporal in same company and regiment in "Five months' campaign at York" in 1776. Probably much more service. Removed from Attleboro to Sharon and from there to Packersfield about 1784. Lived on the Charles Scripture place, now occupied by Mr. Peter I^eough. Died in Nelson August 14, 1814, and buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. THOMAS RICHARDSON. Born in 1724. Father of John and Amos Richardson. At the outbreak of the war living in Attleboro, Mass. Though over fifty years of age he probably performed the following service, viz: Member of Captain Stephen Richardson's (Attleboro) company of Minute Men that marched on the Alarm of April 19, 1775. Service 9 days. Member of Captain Stephen Richardson's Company of Colonel John Dag- gett's Regiment that marched on the Bunker Hill alarm. Service at Roxbury six weeks. Member of Captain Stephen Richardson's Company of Colonel George Williams' Regiment that marched from Attleboro September 25, 1777, "on a secret expedition". Service one month and six days. Member of Captain Alexander Foster's Company of Colonel John Daggett's regiment that marched on Rhode Island Alarm December 8, 1777. Came to Packersfield about the close of the war and settled on the Cabot place. Died in Packersfield May 5, 1806, and buried in the Cemetery on the Town Common. SAMUEL RIXFORD. Born in Grafton, Mass., January 21, 1765. Enlisted from Grafton, Mass., January 14, 1781, to serve three years in the Continental Army. In Capt. Warren's Company of Colonel Cashing's Regiment, age 16; stature 4 feet 11 inches; complexion light; occupation farmer. Immediately after his discharge came to Packersfield, where he lived until about 1789, when he moved to Rockingham, Vermont. 126 JOSIAH KOBBINS. Born in Tovvnsend, Muss., Octoljer, ITtil. DuriuK the war a roul.-nt of Peppcrill, Mass. August IG, l.sy2, made a pension declaration in which lie stated his various enlistments as follows: "1st. In 1777 about the last of April or 1st of May, enlisted as a private for two months. Capt. John Minot's Comi)any, Col. Whitney's Repinient, Mass. troops. Marched with said company to Providence, R. I. From there to East Greenwich, then to Warrick Neck. Remained there and was dis- missed there. At the expiration of my term I returned home. 2nd. About the last of June or 1st of July the same year, enlisted again in Capt. N. Lakin's Co. Col. Robertson's Regiment, Mass. troops, and marched back to Rhode Island. Stationed at North Kingston. Stayed there till Gen. Spencer attempted to take the British troops in the island by sur- prise. Marched around the East end of the Island. Stayed there a few days but the enterprise failing, returned back to N. Kingston. Remained there till our term of six months expired, on the 1st of January, 1778, and was dis- missed and returned home. 3rd. In 1778, about the first of March, enlisted again for ten months, Capt. Joseph Boynton's Co., Col. Wade's Regiment, and again marched to Providence. Was stationed there until Gen. Sullivan's engagement with the enemy. Was in sight, but was not in the battle. I was sick and retreated off before Sullivan retreated. Think there were eleven regiments of Continental troops there. Col. Wade's Regiment generally went to East Greenwich. Capt Boynton's Co. went to North Kingston. Remained there till my term of service expired, which was about the first of January, 1779. 4th. In 1779, enlisted again for two months in Capt. Latimer's (?) Co. of Col. John Jacob's Regiment. !Marched to Newport, R. I. Was there when the British evacuated the Island. Stayed there till my term of enlistment expired and was dismissed. Don't remember the day, but remember the snow was six or eight inches deep. Think it must have been in December. * Was born in Townsend, Mass., in October, 17G1. Have a record of my age in my father's bible now in my possession. Was living at Pepperill. Mass., when went into the sen-ice. Have lived in Nelson since the war, and now reside there." He lived on what is now called the Dr. Egbert place, and was a highly respected citizen, very active in public affairs. For many years he was Town Clerk, and also held other town oflBces, for example. Selectman, 1802, 1806, 1S07-1817, and Representative to General Court 1807-1808. The following samples of entries in the records of the Selectmen indicate thai the duties and habits of town officers in his day were somewhat different from those at present : ''February ye 28, 1799. Paid Josiah Melvin two d. Pnid Josiah Melvin one Dollar and sixty- six cents for Rum exiK-ndcd in taking care of Silas Shattuck and one Dollar and forty-six cents for Rum exixnided about the Pound and for Wine for the widow White." * Originally settled on what U now called the Robblnfl panture. near Mr. Stoddard'n. 127 "February ye 20th 1800. Eecd of the Selectmen one Dollar and thirty-four cents it being for one Quart of Wine for Widow White and services providing for the Singing School. (Signed) Josiah Robbins." "Jany. ye 22d 1801, paid Josiah Melvin two dollars and forty-nine cents for two quarts of Rum and one pint of Molases for Repairing the Bridge by Henry Wheeler's and for Brandy Delivered to the Select men Perambulating the Town Line four Days." "Feb. 8, 1S03. Received of Selectmen three dollars and twelve cents for Rum and other Utensils used on the road south of Gad Newell's house. (Signed) Josiah Melvix." In 1815 Robbins was chosen deacon of the church. Died in Nelson, February 22, 1850, at the age of 88, and is buried in the cemetery on the Towti Common. BENJAMIN SAAVYER. Born in Amherst, N. H., June, 1758, and living there at the outbreak of the war. From his pension declaration, verified August 9, 1832, confirmed and supplemented by the N. H. Rolls, it appears that his services were as follows : 1; December 27, 1775, enlisted from Amherst for one year from January 1, 1776, in the company commanded by Lieuts. Grosvenor and Maxwell, of Colonel James Reed's Regiment of the New Hampshire line stationed at Winter Hill near Boston; remained there until the British evacuated Boston, March 17, 1776; then marched to Providence and from there to New York. Next marched to Canada and occupied Montreal; then returned to Mount Independence opposite Ticonderoga, where remained three or four months; about the first of December marched south as far as Stillwater; there taken sick and left behind when the regiment went on; was discharged at Stillwater and took 14 days getting home. He does not mention the name of his captain saying he "went with Arnold" and was not in command. General Sullivan was Brigade Commander. 2. A member of Captain Nathan BuUard's Company of Colonel Moses Nichols Regiment that marched from Amherst and Wilton for Ticonderoga on the Alarm, June 29, 1777. Marched first to No. 4 (Charleston) where they were ordered home, and proceeded as far as Dublin, where they were ordered by express to turn and march again with all speed for Ticonderoga. Went as far as Otter Creek, Avhere they received news of the evacuation of the fort. 3. Then on July 19, 1777, joined Captain John Bradford's Company of Colonel Moses Nichols Regiment, Stark's Brigade, raised to reinforce the Northern Army. Went to Bennington and took part in the battle. (See Richard Farwell.) Discharged September 18, 1777. Came to Packersfield in 1779, and lived there the rest of his life, in the northeast quarter beyond the Kenniston place, on the hill; at the place after- wards owned by his son Joel Sa\\'yer, a part of which is still called the Joel Sawyer meadow. Died in Nelson, March 18, 1846, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. 128 It is said that ho and his wife Tabitha (Kittredge) lived together sixty- seven years, and when tlioy died, eight of their fourteen children were living; also seventy-seven grandchildren, one hundred and sixteen great grand- children, and one of the fifth generation, making in all two hundred nnd tun. SAMUEL SCRIPTURE, SR. Born, as is supposed, in Groton, Mass., April '21, 1727. At the outbreak of the war, living in Mason, N. H. April 23, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Benjamin Mann's Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment. In the same company was his son, Samuel, Jr. Both were at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See Samud Griffin.) Also in company of Volunteers commanded by Capt. Benjamin Mann of Colonel Nichols' Regiment, in the expedition to Rhode Island in August, 1777. Samuel, Jr., was also in the same company again. The "Alarm" was an urgent one, so Captain Mann's Company took with them 48 horses. (See Timothy Bancroft.) Came to Packersfield with his son about 1780. Some have suggested that the elder Scripture enlisted in order to look after his son, who in years, was but a mere boy. Others think Samuel, Jr., went along to take care of the "old man." As a matter of fact, probably each was a hardheaded individual abundantly able to manage himself. In New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. J beginning at page 586 is a record of disbursements by the State to those who lost personal property in the battle of Bunker Hill. Samuel Scripture received for a gun, one pound ten shilling, and for a "snapsack" and two shirts, eleven shillings and two pence. Nathaniel Barrett was paid for a 'gnapsack" a pair of shoes and buckles, and a handker- chief. Isaac Stanhope for a blanket, and Corporal John Buxton for a gun. How they lost their packs and clothes is explained under Samuel Griffin. Evidently the loss of guns was not regarded as reprehensible. Probably quite the contrary. It is to be noted that Captain Mann of Scripture's company and Captain Crosby of Barrett's Company both lost their own guns. Just at the end, after the ammunition gave out, there was hand to hand fighting. They may have been broken over the heads of the enemy. SAMUEL SCRIPTURE, JR. Born in Mason, N. H., December Kth, 17<30, the son of Samuel and Mary (Green) Scripture. Aside from his nmny enlistniont.s and length of service, his record is remark- able in three particulars, viz. (a) his age at the time he entered the service was less than fourteen years and five months; (6) he and his father enlisted in the same company and fought side by side; (c) he outlived all others connected with the war who ever were in Nelson, and reached a greater age tlian any of them, except. i)erhaps. Jacob Wheeler and William Follette. Under date of September 5, 183*2, he made a pension declaration in which lie enumerates his enlistments as follows: "Ist. In the year 1775, soon after the Lexington Battle. I enlisted in Captain Benjamin Mann's Company in Col. Reed's New Hampshire Regiment, 129 and joined the company at Mystic about the first of May, and served in said company eight months. After the Bunker Hill Battle, was stationed at Winter Hill and was dismissed at Winter Hill the first of January. 2nd. In 1777 I went on an alarm in Capt. Blodgett's Company to join the Northern Army at Ticonderoga. Met the Army on retreat from Mount Independence, I think near. Castleton, near a place called Picketford, was out about two months and dismissed near Castleton. 3rd. In 1777, in November, I enlisted again for 4 months in Captain Hunts Company. Don't recollect the Colonel's name. Was stationed at Cambridge and guarded the British prisoners, taken with Burgoyne, on Prospect Hill. Served my time out and was dismissed at Cambridge about the first of April. 4th. In 1778 I voltmteered in August for 2 months to go to E. Island in Captain Mann's Company. Was there during a severe storm. Was there at the time of Gen. Sullivan's retreat. Was not in the battle but retreated off with the army and was stationed a short time at Howland's Ferry, and dismissed about the 15th of October. 5th. In the fall of 1779 I enlisted again for nine months to fill vacancy in the Continental Kegiment in New York. Went to White Plains and Joined Capt. Holden's Company, Col. Nixon's Eegiment, at Bedford, not far from White Plains. Was detached from Nixon's Regiment and put into Col. Vose's Regiment. Went with Col. Vose's Regiment down the river to North Castle. Was on the march a great part of the time. Was once attacked by a party of the enemy's light horse and cowboys, and had a warm skirmish. Went to White Plains and thence to the Highlands into Winter quarters. In the spring went under Colonel Nixon down the river and into New Jersey. Marched with 3 days' provision and was not relieved for twenty days. Returned to Peekskill and was dismissed at the expiration of my 9 months service. The 1st, 2nd and 4th services above were in the New Hampshire Militia. The 3rd service in Mass. Militia. The last was Continental service. Was born in Mason, N. H., in 1760. Have a record of my age taken from the Town Book in Mason. Lived in said Mason when I went into all of said services, and moved from Mason to Nelson, where I now live. Was a volunteer in all services. I recollect Gen. Washington and Gen. Lee, in first service. In 4th knew Gen. Sullivan. In the last service Gen. Arnold and Gen. Nixon." Those who vouched for Mr. Scripture were Rev. Laban Ainsworth of Jaffrey and Doctor Amos Twitchell of Keene. An examination of the rolls in the respective offices of the Secretary of State of New Hampshire and Massachusetts confirm all of his statements and supply more particulars; viz: (1). The date of his first enlistment was April 28, 1775. His father had enlisted ^pril 23. We can well imagine the difficulty the fourteen year old lad had in getting in. As he says, the record of his birth, December 9, 1760, is in the "To^vn Book" in Mason. The Commander of his company, Captain Mann, also came from Mason. It seems that the Colony of New Hampshire had promised the troops regimental coats, which evidently were not forthcoming, for in October 130 Scripture signed a receipt for four dollars in lieu thereof. In i)ieture3, Revolutionary soldiers are shown wearing fine well-fitting uniforms of blue and buff. Such things had no existence except in the minds of the artists. It not only is possible, but probable, that in all his service Scripture wore no coat that did not come from the family flock of sheep, spun, dyed, woven, cut and .sewed by his mother or sisters. (See Stephen Parker.) Washington said of his army in 1778 — "A great many men entirely destitute of shirts and breeches, and 1 suppose not less than a fourth ur fifth of the whole are without shoes." (See David Kimball.) The first payroll was made up August 1st. It shows he had lost no time, so doubtless Scrii)ture was in the battle of Bunker Hill on June 17th. (2) The commander he si)eaks of as "Capt. Blodgett" was First Lieutenant Jacob Blodgett; Joseph Barret was Captain. (4) The storm he mentions played a very important part in tiie Khode Island campaign. (See Timothy Bancroft.) (5) The date of his discharge from final service was June 8, 1780. lie enlisted the previous September. The Regiment was the Sixth Massachusetts Line. General Griffin says Scripture was at "Valley Forge." This is a mistake, but a very natural one. The Winter Quarters of the army were at Valley Forge during the Winter of 1777 and 1778. (See William Parker and Abijah Wetherbee.) Scripture was in Winter quarters at the Highlands in 1779- 1780. (See David Kimball.) Conditions were but little, if any, better in the latter i)lace. Charles Knowles Bolton, in his book "The Private Soldier under Washington" at page 84, has this statement, "In the Winter of 1779 and 1780 the army was sometimes for five or >ix days without bread, often as long without meat, and once or twice two or three days without either." It may be added that they were without vegetables all the time and many were afflicted with scurvy in consequence. General Griffin doubtless heard the particulars of the time they went twenty days on three days provision, and it is to be regretted that he did not recTird them. Young Scripture came to Packersfield with his father about 17n<>. and I)urchased from Thomas Kidder what has since been knowni as the Captain Scripture place, or later as the Barry or Clymer place. Was Commander of the Local Militia Company, and invariably refern-d to as "Captain" Scripture. Died in Nelson and is buried in tlu' cemetery on the Town Common. His gravestone reads: "Capt. Samuel Scripture Died Januarj' 20, 1852. .E 91. A Soldier of the American Revolution." AMOS SKINNER Horn in Norton, ^Mass., August -J^, 1T;J;». One of the early settlers of Monadnock No. (aftenvards Packersfield md Nel.wn). In town as early as 1773, settling near Tolman Pond, east of ?iie "Poland Place", and very active in public matters. One of the Town 131 officers in 1774. (Brother of Dr. Samuel Skinner, who also came to town in 1778, and practiced medicine there for many years, residing on the Charles Flood place.) At a tovn.1 meeting held April 18, 1775, the day before Lexington, he was elected Moderator and also chairman of a "Committee of Safety" to put the resolutions of the American Congress in force. The other two mem- bers were Lieut. Abijah Brown and Dr. Nathaniel Breed. Probably one of the 27 men who under Lieut. Abijah Brown marched from Packersfield to Cambridge, April 21, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. Elected member of the Committee of Inspection, September 25, 1775. Signer of the "Association Test" April, 1776. Lieutenant of Militia in 1770. Probably the "Amos Skinner" in Capt. Abijah Smith's Company for New York, enlisted out of Col. Enoch Hale's Regiment of Militia, and mus- tered by him September 21, 1776. (See New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 14, page 420.) April 4, 1777, when the town made its presentment against Major Breed Batchelder, it was "Voted that Lieut. Amos Skinner go with Capt. Eleazer Twitchell to carry the above petition." Moderator of To\\ti Meeting held May 29, 1777. Recorded as "Lieutenant Amos Skinner." "Lieutenant Amos Skinner" was also elected Moderator and Selectman at Town Meeting held August 5, 1777. Probably the "Amos Skinner" who in April, 1778, enlisted in Captain Charles Nelson's company in Col. Timothy Bedel's Regiment, for Continen- tal Service, of one year. See New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. 17, pfige 250. ABIEL SMITH Living in Raynham, Mass., at the time of the outbreak of the war. In Captain Jonathan Shaw's Company of Colonel George Williams' (3d Bristol Co.) Regiment, which marched to Rhode Island December 8, 1776, on an "Alarm." Also same company and regiment on a secret expedition in September, 1777. Also in Captain Josiah Crocker's Company of Colonel Thomas Carpen- ter's Regiment on service in Rhode Island in July, 1778. He came to Packersfield in 1779, and September 2, 1778, Polly, daughter of Abiel and Abigail Smith, was born in that town. Seven previous children were born in Raynham. EZRA SMITH. Born in Sudbury, Mass., January 13, 1755, or '54. Son of Henry and Lucrecia. A resident of Sudbury during the war. In the spring of 1775 was a member of Captain John Nixon's Company of Colonel Abijah Smith's Regiment of Minute Men. The Company was organized in March. A roll is in existence showing that they drilled regu- larly. Smith was present at the drills of March 12, 20, 27, April 3, 10 and 17, 1775. 132 On April 19, iTTr), the alarm reached Sudbury between three and four o'clock in the inorninR. (Sec William Barker.) Nixon'd company started from the West Side Meeting House. As they approached Colonel Barrett's on their way to Concord, Stei)hen Barrett, son of the Colonel, met them and warned them of the presence of the British at his house, and they turned and marched through the fields and arrived at tho North Bridge just as the firing; bep:an. (See William Barker.) General Griffin, in his reminiscences of Revolutionary Soldiers, says: "Capt. Ezra Smith, who lived on the George Hardy place, was at the battle of Concord, and stood within a few feet of Capt. Davis when he fell." April 24, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain David Moore's Com- pany in Colonel John Kixon'.s Kegiment, Was at the battle of Bunker Hill June 17, 177G. His company was just at the left of the redoubt, between it and tho New Hampshire regiments. (See Uriah Wlieeler and Samuel Griffin.) Probably saw much more service, but identification in case of a person named Smith is a little difficult. Was a Captain of the local Militia and lived in Nelson for many years on what was subsequently known as the George Hardy place, now owned by Mr. John Cowen. Members of his family are buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. In his old age he went away and is said to have died in Belleville, N. Y., February 27, 1834. JACOB SMITH. Under date of November 17, 1788, Shadrach Hill of Packersfield deeded to Jacob Smith of Southborough, Worcester County, Mass., land in the South East part of Packersfield. Smith probably came to towai soon after and remained tho rest of his life. His stone in the cemetery on the old Connnon states that he died May 30, 1795. in his 75th year. This would indicate birth about 1720, and that he was about 55 at the outbreak of the war. His grave has for many years been flagged as that of a Revolutionary soldier, but there is no definite tradition as to tho nature of his service. Owing to his age, any extended enlistment would seem improbable. The name Jacob Smith frequently appears on the Massachusetts rolls, but proof of identity is lacking. Owing to tho uncertainty it has not been plaoeil on the memorial tablet. JOHN SPINNEY. One of the early settlers of ;Monadnock No. 6 (aftenvards Packersfield and Nelson), coming as early as 1773, and settling on what was afterwards known as the John Yeardley place. In 1774 had two acres cleared. Elected Selectman April 18, 1775. Signer of the Association Test in 1776, and member of the Board of Selectmen that made return of the same to the Committee of Safety of tho Colony, tho other members being Joseph Stanhope and Eleazer Twitchell. 133 DAVID SPOFFORD. Baptized July 23, 1738. Married November 22, 1761, to Mrs. Elizabeth Griffin, widow, mother of Samuel Griffin, who resided with his stepfather in Temple, N. H. As a "Minute Man", marched from Temple with Seth Cobb, Stephen Cobb, Samuel Griffin and Archelus Wilson on the "Lexington Alarm", April 19, 1775. As one of the Selectmen of Temple, corresponded with the New Hamp- shire Committee of Safety as to military matters in 1777. See N. H. State Papers, Vol. 17, page 134. Was also in same year Chairman of a "Committee of Inspection, Cor- respondence and Safety" and other\vise very active in the town's affairs. General Griffin says he removed to Packersfield and settled south of Tol- man pond. His daughter Elizabeth married Joseph Felt and his daughter Sarah married Noah Hardy. It is not know^^ just how long he was in town. JOHN SPRAGUE. Born in Attleboro, Mass., December 10, 1761. Son of Deacon John and Mary. Enlisted from Attleboro, July 27, 1778, in Capt. Alex Foster's Company in Colonel Thomas Carpenter's Regiment for campaign in Rhode Island. Service 17 days. Probably other service. Removed to Templeton and thence to Packers- field in 1784. October 25, 1784, Uriah Wheeler deeded to John Sprague land bounded by land of John French, John White, Ezra Smith and Elijah Stocker. Was a blacksmith and is said to have lived on the Sewell Day place. JOSEPH STANFORD. One of the early settlers, coming before the war and settling near the Chauncey Barker place in Harrisville. Probably one of the 27 men who, under Lieutenant Abijah Brown, marched from Packersfield on the "Lexington Alarm." Enlisted in April, 1775, for eight months in Captain William Scott's Company of Colonel Paul Dudley Sargent's Regiment. Sargent was of Amherst, N. PL, and Scott of Peterboro, N. H., and most of their men were from nearby towns. Was in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) In a Muster Roll of the Company dated October 6, 1775, "Joseph Stan- ford, Packersfield" is reported "sick." ISAAC STANHOPE. Supposed to have been a son of Joseph Stanhope and one of the earliest settlers. Probably one of the twenty-seven men that marched from Packersfield, April 21, 1775, under Lieut. Abijah Browii in response to the Lexington Alarm. 134 May 13, 1775, enlisted for eight months in Captain Ezra Towne's Com- pany of Col. James Reed's Regiment. His description was "Born Sudhury; age 19; place of abode, Packersfield; occupation, farmer; height, 5 ft. 5 in.; complexion, brown; color of eye.s, light." Was in the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, for description of which see Samuel Griffin, who was in the same company, as was also John Breed. Was paid for a blanket lost during the engagement. JOSEPH STANHOPE. Said to have been a half-breed Indian and one of the earliest settlors of the town, coming in 1767, and settling on the place now owned by Marcus M. Bailey. In 1774 had 18 acres cleared, 15 more cut over, a "Pole" house and a family. Was active in all public matters, being elected First Select- man, Assessor, Highway Surveyor and Constable, when the Town was incor- porated in 1774, and on April 18, 1775, with Dr. Nathaniel Breed and Elcazi-r Twitchell, a member of the Committee on Corresix)ndence, and ^Moderator of a town meeting on May 6, 1775. Stanhope signed the "Association Test" in April, 1770, and was chair- man of the Board of Selectmen (the others being John Spinney and Eleazer Twitchell) that made return of the same to the Committee of Safety. July 3, 1777, enlisted in a company commanded by Cai)tain John Mellin, which marched from Fitzwilliani and towns adjacent to reinforce the garri- son at Ticonderoga. In the same company were John Farwell, James Ban- croft, Thomas K. Breed, Seth Cobb and other Packersfield men. JOSEPH STILES. Born in Middleton, Mass., July 15, 1737. Son of Ebenezer and Sarah. At the breaking out of the war living in Wilton, N. H. Enlisted Au- gust 1, 1775. in Capt. John Wood's Company of Colonel Paul Dudley Sar- gent's Reg-iment before Boston. Appointed Corporal. In the diary of Lieutenant Jonathan Burton, while in Captain William Barrow's Company, in the Canada E.xpodition, August 1 to Nt^vember 29, 177C, are these items, apparently written at Crown Point: "Tuesday, Sept. 10th. This day Mr. Joseph Stiles came in here. By him I reed a letter. Dated ye .'3d of Sei)t. "Sunday, Sept. 15th, Mr. Joseph Stiles went from this place on his return to Wilton." Stiles was also a .Sergeant in Captiiin John Goss' Company of Militia in Nichol's Regiment, and Stark's Brigade, raised and marched to rein- force the Northern Army in July, 1777. Service two months and nine days. Discharged September 2S, 1777. At battle of Bennington. August 16. 1777. (See Richard Farwell.) In "The Stiles Family in America," by Mrs. Mary Stiles Gould, it is stated that, soon after 1776, he "removed to Nelstm, N. H." The date was probably several years later, and there are indications that he was afterwards in Wilton again for a short period. This may have been due to the fact that his .son Ebenezer lived in Wilton till about 1799. while his son Andrew, who married Dorca.s Btmrd. lived many years and probably died in Packers- 135 field. His son Abram, who married Hannali Stoddard, and daughter Eunice, who married David White, also lived in the latter place. Joseph deeded to both Andrew and Abram land in the North West Quarter. In the Nelson town books is recorded the death in Nelson, March 18, 1820, of "Joseph Stiles, Aged 72." This is probably correct as to date, but wrong as to age, which was 82. ELIJAH STOCKER. In Captain Benjamin Spaulding's Company in Colonel Moses Nichol's Regiment, raised by the State of New Hampshire, and joined the Conti- nental Array at West Point from July 7th to October 21st, 1780. Among other Packersfield men in this company were Noah Hardy, John Breed, Robert Usher and Thomas K. Breed. They all enlisted the same day. October 28, 1783, Elijah Stocker of Packersfield and Lois Scollay of Har- vard, Mass., were married in Packersfield by Rev. Jacob Foster. Lois was younger sister of Ann Scollay, who married Josiah Whitney. Stocker located near John "White. RICHARD STODDARD. Born in 1748. At the outbreak of the war living in Templeton, Mass., where in 1772 he had married Rachel Hill. Responded to the Lexington Alarm from that town on April 19, 1775, as a member of Captain Joel Fletcher's Company of Colonel Ephraim Doo- little's Regiment and remained in the field 16 days. A Richard Stoddard also performed other services, but as the residence is not given, the identity is uncertain. He came to Packersfield some time between April, 1776, and August, 1777, and settled on the farm now owned by his descendant, Mr. Wellington Stoddard. At a town meeting held August 5, 1777, he was chosen "Poiind Keeper" and afterwards was quite prominent in to^vn affairs. At a town meeting held December 8, 1777, a committee composed of James BaiRjroft, Joel Wright, Captain Eleazer Twitchell, John Adams and Richard Stoddard were appointed to arrange for the choice of a representative to the General Court at Exeter for the towns of Packersfield, Stoddard, Washington and Gilsum. Soon after Stoddard was elected Town Constable. He served as Sexton and Tythingman for many years, and in 1786 was chairman of a committee in charge of the stone work in connection with the building of a "new" meeting house, his colleagues being Capt. Ezra Smith and "Esquire Grif- fin." Also in 1789 built a wall four and one-half feet high around the "Bury- ing Yard" at ^'three shillings per rod," the equivalent of about fifty cents. The records of the Town Clerk also show that when Reverend Gad Newell first came to town he boarded at Mr. Stoddard's. He died in Nelson May 9th, 1818, and is buried in the cemetery on the To\vn Common. JOHN STROUD. An early settler, living on "Prospect Hill" in 1771. His name appears in records of meetings of proprietors in 1773 and 1774. 136 Almost certainly one of the 27 men who, under Lieut. Abijah Brown, marched from Packersfield, April 21, 1775, in response to the Lexington Alarm. April 23. 177r>. enlisted for eight months in Cai)tain Benjamin Mann's Company of Colonel James Keed's liegiment. At Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. Signer of the "Association Test" in April, 1776. In Captain Salmon Stone's Company in Colonel Moses Nichols' Regi- ment, General Stark's Brigade, raised out of the Fifteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Militia. Enoch Hale. Colonel, which company marched from Rindge, July 21, 1777, and joined the Northern Army at Bennington, and Stillwater. In Battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777. (See Richard Far- well.) Discharged September 26, 1777. October 4, 1781, enlisted in the Continental Army. Credited to Peter- bo ro. EDiH^ND TAYLOR. Probably one of the twenty-seven men wlio. uiidtT Lieut. Abijah I]rown, marched from Packersfield for Cambridge, April 21, 1775, on the Lex- ington Alarm. Enlisted May 10, 1775, in Captain Benjamin Mann's Company of Colonel James Reed's Regiment, for eight months. At Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) Signer of the Association Test, April, 1770. Probably did not remain long in town. JOHN TAYLOR. July 10, 1779, enlisted from Packersfield in Continental Army "for the war." See N. H. State Papers, vol. 15, pages G30, CAC, and vol. 16, page 752. Probably other sers'ice, but cannot certainly be identified, as there are several John Taylors on the Rolls. EBFNEZER TOLMAN. Was the son of Henry Tolman of Attleboro, Mass., where he was born May 31st, 1748. His mother was Mary Slack. His father dying when he was eight years old, he resided with his grandfather Slack till he was fourteen, when he was apprenticed to a cari)enter. ^V^len he was about twenty -one he went to Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. In the oflSce of the Secretary of State at Concord is a payroll of Captain Jonathan White<-omb's Company in Colonel James Reed's Regiment, dated August, 1775, with this: "Ebenr Toleman; Private; time of entry April 23d; time of service, 3 mo. 6 days; gone to Canada." In the same place is a roll signed by "Sand Ward. Jr.. Capt.." who certifies that "thf above is a true list of the men, their ages, places of abode, &c., in mj* company in the Detachment under Col. Benedict Arnold, who belonged in the New Hampshire forces." One man on the list is: — "Eben Toolman; age 27; place of abode, Fitzwilliam; occupation, carpenter; late of Regiment Reed's; Company, Whitcomb's." 137 August 16th, 1832, Tolman made a pension declaration as follows: "1st. "In 1775 enlisted at Mystic, near Boston, in Captain Jonathan "Whit- comb's Company in Colonel James Keed's Regiment of K'ew Hampshire Troops, for eight months. Stationed in Mystic and Charlestown until Bunker Hill Battle. Was in the Battle. (See Samuel Griffin.) Was afterward stationed on Winter Hill. In September volunteered and detached to go with Colonel Arnold in the expedition to Canada by the way of the Kennebec River. Marched through the woods to Quebec. Remained there until General Mont- gomery joined us with his force. Was in the attack upon Quebec and taken prisoner in the city. Was detained a prisoner until August, 1776. Then sent round by ship to New York and from there landed at Elizabethtown in New Jersey, and released on parole, making nine months, or a little over, detention after eight months' term of enlistment had expired. Was afterwards ex- changed. 2nd. In 1777 enlisted for three years in Captain Elijah Clayes, or Cloyes, Company in Colonel Nathan Hale's New Hampshire Regiment. Joined the army at Ticonderoga in May. Was appointed Orderly Sergeant. Remained until General St. Clair abandoned the place. Retreated to Saratoga; then marched to Fort Miller; then back to Stillwater. Was there taken sick in August and hired a man by the name of Amos Boynton to take my place and serve out my term, who was accepted by the Captain. Was in this service as Orderly Sergeant about three months. Was in the Hubbardton battle. Went from Fitzwilliam, County of Cheshire, State of New Hampshire, into both services, at which place I then lived." This modest narrative discloses participation in the greatest adventure of the whole Revolutionary War, and, fortunately, we know considerable about it. Some one has said that it was "productive of nothing but disaster and interesting journals". Tolman himself wrote one of the best of them, which is printed in full, beginning at page 161. Other good ones were (a) that of Private John Joseph Henry, then a lad of sixteen, who expanded and published it later when Presiding Judge in the Second Judicial District of Pennsylvania; (6) that of Private George Morrison, who was a Pennsylvania rifleman, and wrote contemporaneously; (c) that of Captain George Dearborn, who not only was a leader in the expedition, but later Secretary of War, Major-General, Collector of Customs at Boston and Minister to Portugal, and (d) that of Private Caleb Haskell, of Newburyport, who was in the same company as Tolman. Aside from extended accounts in general histories, there have been no less than three elaborate special books written on the subject, viz : "Arnold's Expe- dition to Quebec," 340 pages, by John Codman; "Arnold's March from Cam- bridge to Quebec," 498 pages, by Prof. Justin H. Smith, and "Ovir Struggle for the Fourteenth Colony," two volumes, each of over 600 pages, also by Prof. Smith. Only a bare outline of the story can be given here. Thirteen of England's American Colonies were in revolt. The only re- maining one was Canada, which still hesitated. It was believed that a bold military stroke would turn the scale, and it was determined to capture Quebec by a combination of two expeditions; a small one from New York up the 138 usual route by the Hudson River and Lake Champlain, and a larger one up tlie Kennebec River, throujih the wilderness of ^luine, over the height of land and down the Chaudiere. It was fully realized that the latter was a dangerous, a desperate enter- prise; still, even in the light of subsequent events, it was not an insane one. The difficulties were underestimated. The route was longer and harder than was supposed, and the forces of nature more formidable. Yet, had they been able to push through only ten days sooner, before Quebec was reinforced, the attempt might have succeeded. Benedict Arnold, of Connecticut, wlio already had an extraordinary repu- tation for hardihood and courage, was selected by Washington himself as leader and given a force of eleven hundred men carefully picked out of the multitude of volunteers from the patriot army before Boston. Henry thus describes Arnold: "Our connnander, Arnold, was of a remark- jilile character. He was brave, even to temerity; was beloved by the soldiery perhaps for that quality only; ho possessed great powers of persuasion, was compaisant, but withal, sordidly avaricious. Arnold was a short, handsome man of a tlorid complexion, stoutly made." Mr. Codman well states that "the detachment, as a whole, was of the very flower of the Colonial youth." Though physical qualities were specially regarded, there were, in the ranks as well as among the officers, scores of the briglitest minds in the country, who subsequently revealed their qualities, in the war and in public life. Henry and Dearborn, just mentioned, were examples. Others were Captain Daniel ^Morgan, hero of the battle of Cowpens, and Private Aaron Burr, who became Vice-President of the Tnited States. Young Samuel Ward. Tolman's Captain, was the son of the Governor of Rhode Island. About two himdred and fifty came from Rhode Island, one hundred from Connecticut, four hundred from Massachusetts, including the District of Maine, one hundred from New Hampshire, two hundred from Penn.sylvania, one hundred from Virginia, and there were about fifty more from other (juarters. About nine hundred out of eleven hundred were American born. The other two hundred, whom Tolman refers to as "old countrymen," were recent immigrants, mostly young Irishmen. Tolman's battalion marched from Cambridge on the evening of Septem- Ix.'!* 13th, as far' as Maiden that night. The next day they marched twenty- five miles and reached Newbur>-port on the evening of the 15th. On the iTth they had a grand review, and on the 19th embarked, closely packed, in eleven little vessels. Tolman says the troops numU-red thirteen hundred, but all other authorities make it eleven hundred, as already stated. In the early morning, when they weighed anchor, there was a "pleasant gale, our colors flying, drinns and fifes a-playing, and the hills all arouml covered with pretty girls weeping for their departing swains," but that night a great storm arose. They were terribly .seasick; all were called on deck, ixiiecting overj* minute to be driven on the rocky shore; but finally they reached the mouth of the Kennel>ec, passed up, and on the 21st or 22nd landed at what was then kmnni as "Gardinerstou," out of which has come the present CJardiner. 130 Here awaited them the "bateaiix" which were to be used on the expedi- tion. The contractor had built two hundred of them in about two weeks, not having received the order until September 3rd. Perhaps he had done the best he could, but the job was a bad one, as Arnold at once realized. He, however, made the best of the situation and ordered twenty more to be done within seven days, while he waited for them. The whole lot, made out of green lumber, were intolerably heavy, :iiid so badly put together that they leaked from the start, and many of them broke up when put to the strain that soon followed. Morrison, speaking of the time when they had been in use but four days, says: "Could we then have come within reach of the villains who constructed these crazy things, they would fully have experienced the effects of our vengeance. Avarice, or a desire to destroy us — perhaps both — must have been their motives — they could have had none else. Did they not know that their doings were crimes — that they were cheating their country and exposing its defenders to additional sufferings and to death?" The feebleness of the bateaux was imdoubtedly the main cause of the breakdown of the enterprise. "While waiting for the additional boats the troops marched up to Fort Western, now Augusta, the head of navigation. Just beyond were a half mile of rapids. Here, after a few days' rest, they plunged into the wilderness and the terrible struggle began. The wilderness — where for hundreds of thousands of years great trees had grown and fallen in vast net works and tangles, and the foot of man had never before trod. There was one boat for each five men. Tolmau indicates what it meant to operate them in the river. For example: "September 28. Pushed up eight miles, the water so bad that the bateaux men were obliged to drag the boats up over the shoals and in many places went up to their chins in water." "October 1. Pushed up over rocks and shoals, where we were many times over head in water, pulling the bateavix over." On October 2nd he says: "This day carried over Norridgewalk Falls, one mile and a quarter, and then encamped very uncomfortably this night after carrying our boats over roots and rocks and mud." In addition to the constant drenching, cold caused great suffering. Mr. Codman says that "on the night of September 30th it was so cold that the soaked uniforms could not be completely dried, and froze stiff even near the fires, the men being obliged to sleep with them in that condition." In spite of all this they kept up their spirits. A writer* has thus de- scribed it: "They started up the stream, rowing and poling in four divisions, a considerable distance apart, with indefatigable Daniel Morgan and his Virginians at the lead. But soon they could neither pole nor row in the roekj' stream. The men jumped overboard and dragged the boats, wading in the cold water all day, often sinking to their necks, or over their heads, in the deep pools, upsetting the leaky boats, losing provisions and often guns. They reached carrying places where they had to transport the hea\T^ bateaux and cargoes roimd falls and rapids. The black soil was soaked with * Sidney George Fisher, "The Struggle for American Independence," p. 401. 140 rail! and they sank knee deep, stumbling over stones and roots and fallen logs. With the heavy bateaux grinding on their shoulders, or almost drag- ging their arms from their sockets as they carried it on hand sjiikes, a mis- step of one man in the mud would bring the whole party, bateaux and all, to the ground. They would rise, covered with black mud, cursing and laugh- ing, and laugh still louder to see the next boat crew in the same plight " From day to day the laughter grew fainter. All of them could not stand sleeping in frozen clothes. Sickness began. Worse than that, while hardly started, the provisions began to run lov,'. (Jreat (jUantities of dry salt codfish had been piled on the boats at Fort Western. The dryness jiromptly disappeared, the saltiness followed, and then decay forced the throwing away of most of it. The wet Hour soured. Even the pork had to be repacked. The rain fell day after day in torrents till the whole country was a morass. Do the best they could, their progress was slow. Tolman says that in three days, October 5th, Cth and Tth, they they only went about twenty miles. Then it turned even colder than before. On the 25th it snowed all night. The river began to freeze and they had to break the ice with the butt3 of their guns. Tolman's record for October 24th is particularly interesting, recording as it does a calamity that nearly finished them: "October 24. Our provisions growing scanty, and some of our men being sick, held a council and agreed to send the sick back, and to send a Captain and fifty-men forward to the inhabitants as soon as possible, that they might send us more provisions. Accordingly, the sick were sent back and Captain Ilandchit with 50 men sent forward. Before this Col. Enos, with three cap- tains and their companies, turned back and took with them large stores of provisions and ammunition, being discouraged (as we suppose) by difficulties they met with. This day got forward nine miles. The water very rapid and many of our boats were upset and much of our baggage lost and provisions and guns." They came to the watershed between the head waters of the two rivers. It grew colder and colder. The provisions reached the vanishing point, ^^^lat was left was equally divided and orders were passed along that each man must look out for himself. On the 2Tth they abandoned the bateaux, "being fatigued," says Tolman, %y' carrying over such hills, rocks and swamps as were never passed 1)3' man before." Everything now was on their backs. Soon packs were discarded, axes dropped and they staggered on with little but their guns, and sometimes not even them. Says Tolman: "Here we killed a dog and we made a very great feast." Mr. Fisher alludes to this and goes into further details. "Some of them killed and ate a i)et dog, flesh, skin and entrails, and then boiled the bones. They dug roots out of the half frozen mud with bleeding hands. They boiled and ate their extra moose skin moccasins. Some six hundred men strung out in a long line by the Chaudiere, a line that rwled, stumbled and fell and bent up and down over the high wooded hills. Were these the conquerors of Quebec ? Dazed, delirious, half-blinded by famine and exhaustion, they would look back as they ascended a hill to see others falling over one another and rolling in down the opposite slope. On the top of the hill they would halt as if calcu- lating whether their strength would take them down; then they would start, falling over logs and stones, and sending their guns flying into the muddy snow. Then up the next slope they would wearily go, pulling themselves by any twig and bush that offered assistance." Men were now dropping right and left. As their comrades passed them they would beg piteously not to be abandoned, but there was nothing else to do. About one hundred in a few days were left to the w-olves. Henry tells of two thoroughly respectable young women who had accom- panied their husbands. They were stalwart and strong, undergoing all of the hardships of the men. One of them was a Mrs. Warner, When Warner was unable to go further she remained behind with him until he died, covered his body as best she could with dead wood and leaves, and then managed to overtake the column. Bullet pouches were now eaten, then the moccasins from their feet. Finally leathern breeches were cut up. There was nothing else. On October 31 Private Haskell, of Tolman's company, an unemotional matter-of-fact sort of a man, wrote: "There is scarcely any one who has more than one day's provisions, and that small, and a great number none at all. Some have had none at all for two days." On November 1 Tolman Avrote that he had been "4 or 5 days without any provision." On November 2 he says "we staggered about like drunken men." And then, just as the end of all things was at hand, a faint shout went up at the head of the column and through the woods they saw cattle and men leading horses with great sacks across their backs — it was the relief party come just in time. No wonder Tolman says "it was the joyfvillest sight that ever I beheld and some could not refrain from crying for joy." There reached Quebec just 510 men out of 1,100 that started — emaciated, almost naked, wdth hardly any ammunition, but in no way turned aside from their determination to take the city. Montgomery with the "York" troops joined them, increasing their num- bers by about 250, and they began their pitiful siege operations. Meanwhile the garrison of Quebec had been reinforced by General Carleton to 1,800 men, lodged in the strongest place on the continent — well called the Gibraltar of America. "Round Quebec's embattled^ walls Moodily the patriots lay ; Dread disease within its thralls Drew them closer day by day; Till from suffering man to man Mutinous a murmur ran. Footsore, they had wandered far, They had fasted, they had bled; They had slept beneath the star With no pillow for the head; Was it but to freeze to stone In this cruel icy zone?"* On the night of December 30th, in the midst of a howling snowstorm, they prepared for an assault, and at 2 A. M. moved forward through the snow drifts, each with the flintlock of his gun mider his coat. •From "Montgomery at Quebec," by Clinton Scollard. 142 Montgomery was to attack on one side and Arnold on tlie other. "'T was the donth-tide of the year; • Xiffht had passed its murky noon; Through the bitter atmosphere Piereed ncit ray of star nor moon; But upon tin- lik-ak earth heat Blindinff arrows of the sleet. While the trumi)et8 of the storm Pealed the hastioned heights around, Did the dauntless heroes form, Did the low, sharp order sound. 'Be the watchword Libert ij!' Cried the brave Montgomery."* At almost the first fire Montgomery fell dead and his party turned back. In like manner Arnold was hit in the leg and carried to the rear, but his men pressed on. They carried the outer fortifications, capturing prisoners and guns and reached the lower town. Then they rushed tlirough the narrow streets and planted their scaling ladders on the second barrier. And here they fought for hours. As the enemy fell they possessed them- selves of their superior weapons. Breaking open doors they fired from the windows of the houses. But soon the locks on their guns became so covered with ice that they would not prime and they could only use them as clubs. There was a time when they could have retired to safety, but few did so, and they now found themselves helpless to do anything and completely sxir- rounded by over four times their number. Finally upwards of three hun- dred surrendered. Tolman's narrative puts the number of killed and wounded at 82. The other authorities make it two to three times that. Tolman states the number of i)risoners was 372, and gives their names. This is doubtless correct. He could count them, but could have no certain knowledge of other casualties. Henry is probably nearer right when he says that six officers were killed and five wounded, and of the men at least one hundred and fifty killed and fifty or si.xty wounded. Henry relates that the following day "many carioles passed our dwelling loaded with dead, whether of the assailants or of the garrison, to a place called the dead house. Here the bodies were heaped in a monstrous pile. The horror of the sight to us Southern men principally consisted in seeing our companions borne to interment, uneoffined, and in the very clothes they had worn in battle; their limbs distorted in various directions such as would ensue in the moment of death. Many of our friends and acquaintances were apparent. Poor Nelson lay on top of half a dozen other bodies, his arms ex- tended beyond his head as if in the act of i)rayer, and one knee crooked and raised, seemingly when he last gasped the agonies of death * * *. A wound mortal or even otherwise casts the party wounded into the snow; if death should follow it throws the sufferer into various attitudes which are assumed in the extreme pain accompanying death. The moment death takes l»lace the frost fixes the limbs in whatever situation they happen to be and which cannot be reduced to decent order until they are thawed. In this state the bodies of the slain are deiK)sited in the dead house as hard as ice." *From "Montgomery at Quebec," by Clinton ScolUrd. 143 Then began a weary imprisonment for over seven months. At first they were treated very well. Carleton, the British Commander, had an idea that the rank and file were poor simple creatures deluded by -their officers, and hoped to persuade them to enlist in the King's service. Quite a number did so, particularly the foreigners, but even with them it was only a cover for an attempt to escape, and soon most of them were back with the others. Every man but one in Tolman's company spurned the suggestion. A few extracts from Tolman's diary will show the condition of affairs that soon developed. January 8 to 15. "The smallpox is very plenty with us." January 15 to 19. "Captain Hubbard died of the wound he received a- coming in." January 19. "This day I was taken down with the smallpox and carried to the hospital, and in 15 days was able to return to the prison." February 5. "Seven of our men died with the smallpox and one man died with the pleurisy. He was sick but 4 days." February 5th to 9th. "Forty men lay sick in prison." February 12th to 16th. "This morning 60 men went to the hospital with the smallpox." March 25th to 30th. "We are in a miserable condition, having no wood. We almost freeze." At the time they were thus without fire, probably the temperature was below zero. It was the severest- winter, with one exception, that the oldest inhab- itant of Quebec could remember. Early in March most of the common soldiers had been moved from their first place of confinement to what was known as the "Dauphin" jail, which was in the upper town, about 300 yards from the St. John gate. It had stone walls three feet thick and sunken windows heavily barred with iron. Round it was a massive wall some twenty feet high. In the basement was a new door below the level of St. John Street, which excited the interest of the prisoners. It suggested possibilities and gradually there grew up a most elaborate conspiracy. To escape? That would not con- tent them. They had come there to capture Quebec and were resolved not to go home without it. They planned nothing less than to overpower the guard, then seize St. John's gate, capture cannon, and turn them on the city, admit Arnold's little force that still lingered outside, and then finish the job in- terrupted on December 31st. Failing in the attempt to carry all this through they would scatter, and each for himself leap the precipice to the lower town. At the top of a staircase they found a locked room. Picking the lock they found a quantity of iron junk, including some iron hoops about three inches wide, out of which they made crude swords and spearheads. Then they took out the bottoms of their berths and split them into shafts for their weapons. A few still had knives secreted when they came in. There was an axe or two which they had been allowed for cutting wood. Besides this there were a few clubs. The prison guards, whose guard house was forty feet away, numbered but fourteen, and it was thought it would be easy to dispose of them and to take their arms. The guard at St. John's gate was composed of thirty regular 144 soldiers. At their post was quite nn arsenal with cannon and ammunition. These cannon must be fired with fuses, and the thinp that caused most trouble was providing: a stock of them for use in case the guard, when attacked, carried off theirs. For these powder was absolutely necessary. Henry has a loMfr aiul very amusing acc(tunt of liow the powder was finally o])tained. They got it and the plan of campaign was completed. Sergeant Boyd, with a small body of picked men, was to kill the prison guard ; a few others were appointed to set the jail and guard house on fire and hunt out the sentinels who, on account of the cold, might be in the sentry boxes. The main body under Sergeant Aston was to rush for St. John's gate, overpower the guard, turn the cannon on the city and wait for the arrival of their comrades from outside. But how were their comrades on the outside to know anything about it? They had arranged that. A suit of white clothes, cap, shirt and overalls, had been constructed to fit, or rather cover, young John Martin, who was. considered the spryest of their number. On a certain day he went into the yard for exercise with the others. At locking-up time there was unusual confusion and when the guards had finally hustled their charges inside, they never noticed that Martin had managed to don his white apparel and hide under a snow drift in the corner. There he remained until dark, then scaled the wall, ran to the left of St. John's Gate, and leaped the dizzy precipice into a snow-drift twenty-five feet deep. There was one place in the jail from which could be seen Arnold's camp outside. At daylight the next morning eager ej'es looked out, and behold! the American flag had a knot tied in it. This was the signal that their plan was known and approved, and cooperation was ready. The night of April 1st was the time appointed — and then, just one little thing went wrong. They intended to go out the basement door. They already knew how to take off both lock and hinges, but there was ice about the bottom of it. Two men who had knives were appointed to remove that without making any noise. But a well meaning fool who did not belong to the inner circle suddenly thought of this ice and went to remove it himself with an axe. The guard heard the chopping and made inquiry. Even then no serious harm was done. Plausible explanations were offered and were about to be accepted, when John Hall, who was a deserter from the British at Boston (although it was not then knoAvn) pushed forward and confessed the plot to its minutest detail. There could not be much more to the storj'. Tolman gives it in a few words: "At this we were put all in to strong irons." These were groat iron bars twelve feet long and three inches in diameter, to each of which ten or twelve men were secured. Most of them had handcuffs as well as foot irons. The handcuffs did not trouble Tolman greatly, for his wrists were so large that ho could slip them. Several of his companions could do the same. They set to work, and helped the others, and within a few days Yankee ingenuity had picked every lock, and so changed them that when trusted sentinels announced the approach of the guard there was a wild scramble <>( prisoners to get back into their irons. They were never caught, though this condition of affairs continued until the eighth of May. 145 The fun and good humor which had heretofore supported them now gave way to despair. Their clothing, worn \\'ithout change in the four months of imprisonment, was in rags, indescribably filthy, with dirt and vermin. Their exercise was cut off. The food grew less and worse. Scur-^-y in its most virulent form appeared — a disease far more feared than smallpox. The teeth of those attacked fell out and their flesh fairly rotted on their bones. Many died. Tolraan was not writing much in his diary these days — only this: "May the 1st to the 6th. Nothing strange — but in great distress and despair." The final relief of the survivors came from a most unexpected quarter. It has been mentioned that originally General Carleton had an idea of enlisting them in the British Army. Now he thought of something more brilliant, even this — reasoning that these poor misguided men had had their lesson, he thought that if sent home they would tell their countrymen how powerful England was, and become missionaries for peace. And send them back he did; and in August, 1776, their ships approached New York. The patriots were in possession of the city just then (though about to lose it — see John White), and it was no place to land, so they were put ashore on a New Jersey beach, at midnight, and simply turned loose. One writer says that some of them were so rejoiced that they '^kissed the soil." He then goes on to record that they "ran foot races to Elizabethport and there spent the rest of the night singing, dancing and giving the Indian war whoop." The attitude of the people of Elizabethport is not commented on, but there is something in this story suggesting that they were hospitable and probably provided refreshments. As peace advocates Tolman and his friends were dead failures. On the contrary, when at liberty to do so after their exchange, they got back into service just as quickly as possible. The battle of Ilubbardston, in which First Sergeant Tolman took part, was July 7, 1777. (See David Kimball.) As St. Clair retreated from Ticon- deroga there followed a long train of invalids who could not keep up and last, fully six miles back, was Hale's Regiment acting as rear guard. Hale himself was sick and unfit for duty. The regiment was small. When at- tacked by a superior force of the best of Burgoyne's troops they did the best they could, but, as usually happens with rear guards, suffered severely. The Colonel, Adjutant, three Captains and one hundred men were taken prisoners, and the gallant Major Titcomb was severely wounded. Colonel Hale died in the enemies' hands. Tolman, as he says in his pension application, soon after became an invalid. This is not surprising. The only wonder is that he remained alive. It was several years before he regained his health. He provided a good substitute to take his place. Amos Boynton had been a Sergeant in the same company with Tolman, both at Bunker Hill and on the expedition to Quebec. He also came from Fitzwilliam. In 1781 Tolman married Mary Clark and continued to live at Fitzwilliam until about 1787, when he moved to Marlboro and soon after to Packersfield. 146 He is shown as living? in the lattor place in the first United States Census of 1790. Settled on the farm now orcupitnl hy !Mr. Wilmer C. Tolman, which has been in the possession of the family ever since. All the Tolmans that have ever lived in Nelson were his descendants. Died in Nelson December 27, 1838, at the age of 90 years, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. ELEAZER TWITCHELL. Born January 22, 1744. Came to Monadnock No. G (afterwards Packcrsfield and Nelson) prior to 1772, and was one of the most active citizens in public matters. Settled on what was afterwards known as the Captain Scripture place. In 1774 had 20 acres cleared, 7 more cut over, a "Pole" house and a family. Elected Selectman March 15, 1774, in first Board after incorporation. Member of the Committee on Correspondence, elected April 18, 1775 (the day before Lexington), his colleagues being Dr. Nathaniel Breed and Joseph Stanhope. Captain of Packersfield Militia Company in 1775 and afterwards. Sent as delegate to Provincial Congress at Exeter May 9, 1775, his col- league being Dr. Nathaniel Breed. September 25, 1775, elected Chairman of Committee of Inspection, his colleagues being Benjamin Nurse, John French, Amos Skinner and Abijah Brown. Signer of Association Test in April, 1776. April 4, 1777, appointed, with Lieutenant Amos Skinner, to carry Present- ment against Breed Batchelder to Colonel Enoch Hale. August 5, 1777, elected chairman of Committee of Safety, his colleagues being George Brintnall, Seth Cobb, Shadrach Hill and Jonathan Drury. December 8, 1777, elected on a Committee to arrange for joint representa- tion in General Court for towns of Packersfield, Stoddard, Gilsum and Wash- ington, his colleagues being James Bancroft, Joel Wright, John Adams and Richard Stoddard. What is now known as Harrisville Pond was formerly called from him "Twitchell" Pond. Removed to Bethel, Maine, where also went Absalom Farwcll and Jonathan Blodgett. ST E PH K N T W 1 TCH E LL. In Captain Abijah Smith's Comi)any for Now York, enlisted out of Colonel Enoch Hale's Regiment of ^lilitia, and nmstored by him, Septem- ber 21. 1770. Amos Skinner in same company. In Captain John Mellin's Company, of Colonel Enoch Hale's Ri'giment, whicii marched from Fitzwilliam and towns adjacent to reinforce the garri- son at Tieonderoga on th.' Ahirm in 1777. ."<.Tvir-.' 5 days. June 28 to luly 2ud. 117 John Farwell, John Morse, James Bancroft, Oliver Wright, Thomas K. Breed, Joseph Stanhope, John Wellman, Benjamin Nurse and Seth Cobb in the same company. Living in Packersfield as early as 1TS8. THOMAS UPHAM. An early settler, his name appearing frequently in Proprietors' books in 1773. In 1774 had G acres cleared, 12 more cut over, a "Pole" house and a family. Quite likely one of the 27 who marched from Packersfield April 21, 1775, on the Lexington Alarm. Signer of the "Association Test" in April, 1776. In Captain James Lewis' Company of Col. Enoch Hale's Regiment, which marched June 29, 1777, vmder the command of Lieut.-Col. Thomas Heald to reinforce the garrison at Ticonderoga. Keturned July 3. In Captain James Lewis' Company in Colonel Daniel Moore's Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers that marched from Marlboro to join the Continental Army at Saratoga, September 28 to October 4, 1777. Lived in North East Quarter on what is now known as the Parker Hart place. ROBERT USHER. In Captain Benjamin Spaulding's Company of Militia in Colonel Moses Nichols' Regiment raised by the State of New Hampshire, and joined the Continental Army at West Point. From July 8 to October 21, 1780. In same company with Noah Hardy, John and Thomas K. Breed and Elijah Stocker. Came to town near close of war and settled next north of Hiram Holt's place. Removed to Merrimac, N. H. SOLOMON WARDWELL. Bom in Andover, Mass., in 1743, where he maried Bethia Holt in 1767, and resided in 1775, being a cabinet-maker by trade, with a shop on the present site of Phillipps Academy. Was a member in Captain Henry Abbot's Company of Minute Men, which marched from Andover, on the Lexington Alarm of April 19, 1775. The alarm was given at about sunrise and Minute Men were ready to march for Concord at about ten o'clock. On their way through Tewksbury they leai-ned that eight Americans had been killed at Lexington; at Billerica, that the British were killing Americans at Concord. Reaching Bedford, they learned more definitely that two Americans had been killed at Concord and that the enemy were falling back. When it appeared impossible to over- take them, some, including Wardwell, returned home. Continued an active member of the town militia and took the field for a short period on at least one other occasion. His name appears on a payroll of Captain John Peabody's Company of Colonel Ebenezer Francis' Regi- ment, dated November 29, 1776. 148 By deed dated Soptcinber 20, 1777, purchased tor £4ridge on the Alarm of April 19, 1775. Came to Packersfield al)out 1777. Settled in northeast quarter on ''Pros- pect Hill," afterwards called ''City Hill." Died in Nelson December 27, 1841. Buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. His gravestone states his age was 92. PETER WHEELER. Born Bedford, Mass., January 17, 1731. At the outbreak of the war living in Temple, N. H. One of the 56 who marched from Temple on the Lexington Alarm April, 1775, absent six and one-half days. In December, 1775, one of the 18 who enlisted from Temple for six weeks to take the place, at the siege of Boston, of the eight months men whose enlist- ments were expiring. Probably the Peter Wheeler who was in Captain Stephen Parker's Com- pany in Colonel ^Moses Nichols' Regiment and General John Stark's Brigade, which marched from New Ipswich July 19, 1777, and joined the Northern Continentttl Army under General Gates at Stillwater. Discharged September 20, 1777. In battle of Bfiinington August 10, 1777. (See Stephen Parker and Richard FarwcU.) In Captain Gershon Drury's Company of Militia from Temple, N. 11., which marched with Colonel Daniel Moor's Regiment September 29, 1777, and 151 joined the Northern Continental A.rniy at Saratoga. Discharged October 26, 1777. These 1777 records may refer to father and son. Soon after this came to Packersfield. Died there September 17, 1792, and is buried in the Cemetery on the Town Common. UEIAH WHEELER. Born in Sudbury, Mass., January 26, 1747, and living there at the out- break of the war. When, about six weeks before the beginning of hostilities, John Nixon (afterwards Colonel and General) organized a company of Minute Men in Sudbury, Wheeler joined as a Corporal, and the records show that he attended drills March 12th, 20th, 27th and April 3rd, 10th and 17th, 1775. Ezra Smith and Robert Eames were in the same company. On the Lexington Alarm April 19th, 1775, he marched with the company and was at the Concord Bridge. (See William Barker and Ezra Smith.) Prob- ably took part in the fight at Merriam Corner and pxu*sued the British as far as Cambridge. There he enlisted as Sergeant in Captain David Moore's Company of Colonel John Nixon's Regiment, and was at the battle of Bunker Hill June 17, 1775. (See Samuel Griffin.) Moore's Company arrived late on the field and fell in at the left of the redoubt next to Reid's Regiment. Hudson's History of Sudbtu-y has this to say of them: "The protection of the provincials at this point was weak; no entrenchments were there to protect them from the foe. The most favored had but a few rude improvised works, hastily constructed after their arrival on the ground, but the position of the regiment in which the Sudbury men served was the most exi^osed of any in that poorly protected column. A part of the line had not the slightest protection whatever. The only attempt that was made to construct a breastwork was by the gathering of some newly mown hay that was scattered about the place. But they were prevented from the completion of even such a slight breastwork as this. The foe advanced and they had to desist." In 1781 he resided in Packersfield on the Melville place. For some reason his establishment was very attractive. Such entries as this occur in the records of town meetings : "January 16, 1786, voted to adjourn for one quarter of an hour to House of Uriah Wheeler." At a town meeting held January 1, 1782, he was chosen a member of a Committee "to consider the new form of government" (referring to a pro- posed State Constitution), his colleagues being Rev. Jacob Foster, Capt. James Bancroft, William Barker, Amos Child, Lieut. Peletiah Day and Lieut. Arch- elus Wilson. Left town about 1787. LEVI WHITCOMB. Son of Job and Jemima (Farr) Whitcomb. Born in Templeton, Mass., April 24, 1763. October 28, 178G, Jonas Davis, of Packersfield, deeded to Levi Whitcomb, of Templeton, land in Packersfield. 152 In "The Whitcomb Family of America" it is stated that he "was married February 13, 1787, to Hannah Baker, who was born January 21, 1764. They settled in Nelson, X. 11., where tliey lived until 1801, when they removed to that part of Marlborough which became Troy. He was a blacksmith and later purchased a farm upon which he died September 23, 1827. His wife died February 10, 1825. Ue served for a while in the Revolutionary Army. Dates and terms of service are wanting." In Packersfield he succeeded David Averill in a blacksmith shop near the outlet of White's Pond. JOHN WHITE. _C^- r V*^ Born in ^Mansfield, !Mass., iSeptember 18, 1757. General Griffin has the following account of him: "John White was a 'minute man' from Manstield, ^Mass., and was called out at the Battle of Lexington. The corps to which he belonged remained near Boston for some time and then went to New York. They were stationed on Brookline Heights at the time of the battle of Bunker Hill, were in sight of the battle, had plenty of ammunition and desired very much to go, but were ordered to remain where they were. He was in engagements at Long Island, Trenton, Princeton, Harlem Heights, AVhite Plains and Khode Island. At the retreat from Long Island he was among the last to escape. The British drove the Americans to their boats, and as they came down upon them their officers gave the conmiand, 'lieady,' 'Aim,' and at the word 'Fire' our men dropped in the boats to avoid the shot. In the boat where White was every man 'ducked' except Major Ilendley, a noble officer, who sat erect in the stern of the boat, disdaining to flinch. The consequence was he was com- pletely riddled with balls, being struck in nineteen places, while not another man was hurt. At White Plains Mr. White saw "Old Put" when his old white mare was shot down under him. The British were within sixty rods and rapidly ad- vancing, and the old General left the beast and ran a few steps, then turning suddenly round, he says, 'They shan't have my pistols,' and trudging back as stiff as an old war horse he pulled them from the holsters, tired them both at the advancing foe and then hobbled after his retreating men. Mr. Wliite has handed down to us one narrative of thrilling interest con- nected with the plot of Conway and others against Washington. From the fre,000 men all told. Of these at least two thousand were destitute of firearms, and the weapons of half the others were in such bad condition they were scarcely fit for use. They had little ammunition, and their Conmiissary Department was in a most wretched condition. As Howe with his superb British Army, just refitted at Halifax, approached appeals were made to all the colonies from Massachusetts to Virginia to collect every man and every old musket and shotgun and come to oppose him. Many came till there was an army, on paper, of twenty thousand men, but such an army! No less than six thousand of them were sick. Says Mr. Fisher in his "Struggle for American Independence": "Besides disease, which was so prevalent among them, they were a most undisciplined, disor- derly rabble, marauding on the inhabitants and committing all kinds of irregularities. * * * To handle such a disorganized mob so as to offer any respectable resistance to Howe's disciplined troops was a task requiring qualities of mind and character which few men besides Washington pos- There was, however, a nucleus of good men from the veterans like White, and most of the others were brave, and much more efficient than they looked. The British Army landed on Statcn Island. Washington's headquarters were on Manhattan Island, or "York Island," as White calls it, in the "City" which then was only a village on the southern point. Defensive works were thrown up on Brooklyn Heights across the East river, and eight thousand of the best troops were placed in charge. Howe crossed over from Staten Island to Long Island with twenty thou- sand and, on Augrust 2Tth, made a general attack. The Americans outnumbered, and in some respects, outpeneralled, fought with suri>rising bravery, but suffered severely. The 2Sth found the survivors hemmed in with the river behind them and apparently no chance of escape as the British fleet was in the harbor. It rained, however, and the wind was tempestuous, so the ships did not move. Washington sent reinforcements, all he had, so that the force was increased to about ten thousand men, and him- self took charge. The wind and rain continued on the 2Uth. ^[t. Fisher telk the rest of the stor>' as follows: "Washington was unwilling to trust any longer to the northeast wind, because the British trenches were coming nearer, and his troops had been standing in the pelting rain for nearly two days, without sleep, not daring to lie di»wn at night, and with nothing to eat but cold bread and raw pork. He had himself been riding along the lines to encourage the men during all that time, without leaving the saddle. He accordingly issued an order, during the morning, to collect every kind of boat that could be found along the neighboring shores, for the ostensible puriKise of carrj-ing the sick and wounded to New York, and bringing some fresh regiments fn;)m New Jersey. At eight o'clock in the evening, the embarkation began, with much marching, and countermarching. As each regiment departed to the shore, at Fulton Ferr>-. anotlier vould Ik* moved or 155 extended to fill the gap, and the fires were kept burning, and the outposts at their stations. At first the northeast wind rendered the movements of the boats to the opposite shore very slow, but before midnight the weather cleared and the wind changed to southeast, so that Glover's Massachusetts men from Marble- head and Hutchinson's from Salem, most of them seamen, could use sails on the boats. But, even with this advantage, there were some six regiments still in the works, when daylight appeared, and they could hear the pickaxes and shovels of the British in the trenches. Luckily, a morning fog arose, and under cover of it these regiments slipped down to the ferry. The whole army of nearly ten thousand, with their prisoners, wounded, baggage and stores, got safely across to New York, and it has been counted one of the most skillfully conducted retreats of history." For the subsequent campaign, including Harlem Heights and "White Plains, see Samuel Felt. The battle of Harlem Heights on September 15, in which White partici- pated, was fought by the rear guard of the American army, under General Putnam, protecting the retreat of the main body toward the north. The troops engaged suffered greatly, but fought exceedingly well, thereby relieving to some extent the depression caused by the loss at Long Island. "They've turned at last! Good-by, King George, Despite your hireling band! The farmer boys have borne a brunt, The prentice lads will stand! Though Peace may lag and Fortune flag. Our fight's as good as won; We've made them yield in open field ! We've made the Redcoats rmi 1" * No wonder White mentioned it, as connection w'ith Harlem Heights was always regarded with pride. The campaign of the summer of 1776 was one of the hardest of the whole war, and it is not surprising that his health broke down under it. The plot against the life of Washington, to which Griffin refers, occurred in June, 1776, before the arrival of the British. This, however, was not the "Conway" plot, — that came later. The officer mentioned was probably not "Colonel" Heath, but General William Heath of Massachusetts, who, in his diary, published in 1798, under the title "Memoirs of the American War," makes mention of the Hickey incident and says he was hung June 28, 1776, adding "the same day the British arrived at Sandy Hook." This diary has recently been reprinted with, among others, the following editorial note: "Washington, in June, 1776, had his headquarters in the house down at Richmond Hill, near the present intersection of Charlton and Varrick Streets, New York. Comely Phoebe Fraunces, daughter of a well known publican,! of the town, was the housekeeper, and to her fidelity he owed the defeat of the conspiracy referred to by Heath. William Tryon, late royal governor of New York, from his refuge on board a British man of war ♦From "Haarlem Heights," by Arthur Guiterman. t Fraunces Tavern still stands, and is owned and occupied as headquarters, by the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution. 156 lying in the harbor, had hud, with friends on shore, a plot to seize the town. One part of the plan was to murder the American commander by Thomas Ilickey, a British deserter who liad become a member of Washiixgton's body- guard. But Ilickey lost his heart to Phoebe Fraunces, and made her his confidante. She revealed the plot to her father, who made it known to "Washington. Ilickey, when arrested, confessed his crime, and revealed the details of the plot. David ^latthews, the royalist mayor of the town, con- victed of correspondence with Tryon, was thrown into jail, while Hickey, as Heath relates, was hanged at the intersection of Grand and Chrystie Streets, in the presence of twenty thousand spectators." The expression, afterwards frequently heard, "put none but Americans on guard" originated at that time. White came to Packersfield about 1781, and located on the farm now owned by Mr. John Stevens. He died in Nelson, December 21, 1846, at the age of 89, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. SAMUEL WHITE. Born July 29, 1750, in Xorton (afterwards called ^Innsfield), Mass. The son of Captain Samuel White who commanded the local Militia Company and saw much service from 1775 to 1780. "The Nicholas White Family," an admirable genealogical work, says of the younger Samuel, that he "married November 30, 1773, Mary, daughter of Nathan and Judith (^\^lite) Williams of Mansfield. They moved to Packersfield (now Nelson), N. H., during the Revolutionary war, or soon after. He enlisted in the war from Mansfield, and was much engaged in the revolutionary service." The name "Samuel White" appears very frequently on the Massachusetts Rolls throughout the war, but the residence is usually not given, so just what relates to the subject of this sketch cannot with certainty be identified beyond the fact that he was in Captain Jolin Allen's company, enlisted July 27, 1780, on a Rhode Island "Alarm." He located in Packersfield, first on the old road running north over City Hill, and afterwards on a part of the "Gardner Fletcher" place where he di«-d K.'liruary >s, 1798. JOSIAIl WHITNEY. Born at Harvard, Mass., February 25, 1753. Son of Colonel, afterwards General Josiah Whitney, who was active throughout the war. The younger Josiah, as a coriK)ral, was a member of Captain Jonathan Davis' Company- of Colonel John Whitcomb's Regiment of Minute Men, which marched from Harvard to Cambridge on the Alarm of April 19, 1775. Absent 19 days. Member of Captain Manasseh Sawyer's Company of Colonel Nicholas Dikes Regiment from July to December, 1770. Stationed about Boston. Probably other service. Came to Packersfield about 1779. Settled in the northeast quarter on the place now owned by Miss Green. Ditd tlu-re January :.'. 1'«l'7. liuritd in cemetery on the Town Common. 157 OLIVEK WHIT^^EY. Born in Natick, Mass., in 1745. In Captain Joseph Morse's company of Colonel Samuel Bullard's Regi- ment which marched from Xatick in response to the Lexington Alarm, April 19, 1775. Enlisted April 25, 1775, probably for eight months, in Captain James Mellen's Company of Colonel Jonathan Ward's Regiment. Probably other service. Came to Packersfield prior to 1785, and located in the south part. Removed to Cavendish, Vt., where he died in 1815. LEVI WILDER. Bom in West Boylston, then part of Lancaster, Mass., August 11, 1758. From December 8, 1775, to January 17, 1776, and perhaps longer, in Cap- tain White's Company before Boston. Enlisted from Lancaster. In Captain Samu^ Sawyer's Company of Colonel Jonathan Smith's Regi- ment, four months service in 'New York ending December 1, 1776. In the engagement at Kips Bay, September 15, 177G. Enlisted from Lancaster. May 24, 1777, enlisted from Sterling, Mass., for three yearri in Captain Joseph Hodgkins Company of Colonel Timothy Bigelow's Regiment, Fifteenth Massachusetts Continental Line. Discharged May 24, 1780. In a pension declaration, verified April 4, 1818, Wilder stated that in the summer of 1777 he joined the Continental Army at Stillwater, and "was at the taking of Burgoyne." (See David Kimball.) Then marched to Pennsylvania and wintered at Valley Forge, 1777-78. (See William Parker.) In the spring of 1778 marched to Monmouth, N. J. (See Abijah Wetherbee), and later to Rhode Island, where spent the winter of 1778-79 under General Sulli- van. Then went to White Plains, N. Y. Spent the winter of 1779-80 in the Highlands near West Point. (See David Kimball.) On his discharge married Sarah ]\[oody, and lived for a time in Temple- ton, Mass., where their eldest child Clarissa was born, July 27, 1785. March 15, 1786, Clement March and others deeded to Levi Wilder .of Templeton, Mass., land in the southwest quarter of Packersfield. ]n the latter place the births of the following children of Levi and Sarah were subsequently recorded, viz.: Abner, May 15, 1787; Sally, January 24 1791; Rebecca, Sep- tember 26, 1792; and Levi, June 29, 1796. He subsequently removed to Cornish, N. H., where he was living at the time of his pension declaration. After stating his service and discharge, he adds: "This deponent further says that^in August, 1786, he lived in a house in Nelson in this county of Cheshire, then called Packersfield, and there had his said discharge, when on the 27th day of said August this deponent's said house was consumed by fire while this deponent and his family were all absent at public worship, and the said discharge together with the other contents of said house was consumed by said fire." ARCHELAUS WILSON. Born in Woburn, Mass., August 11, 1746. At the outbreak of the war living in Temple, N. H. 158 Marched from Temple to Cambridge on the Lexington Ahinn, absent 14 days. Came to Packersfield in 1777 or 177b, and settled about a mile and a half northeast of the center on "Prospect Hill" (later called City Hill), where there were in recent times some large willow trees near a cellar hole. At a town meeting held March 29, 1779, was elected Selectman. In the Clerk's Minutes is given the title "Lieutenant." In New Hampshire State Papers, Vol. IG, at page 751, is the following: "The State of New Hampshire, Debtr. to the Town of Packersfield, in the County of Cheshire, in the State of Now Hampshire, to Thirty Pounds Paid to Jonathan French in July, 1779 f(»r going to Rhode Island. Thirty Pounds bounty and twelve pounds travel money, and to Samuel Wellman and John Taylor at the same time for going in the Continental Army for one year Sixty Pounds, each we received of Constables of Packersfield aforesaid, being paid out of their State Tax, which we humbly request may be paid to said Constables and that an order on their account may be drawn on tlie treasury, in favor of Dr. Nathl. Breed, & As in Duty Bound "We shall ever Pray. Stephen P.\rker \ Selectmen of AitCHELis Wilson i Packersfield." Was subsequently active in town affairs for many years. At a town meet- ing held March 20, 1787, it was "Voted to provide two carj^enters to assist the Master Workman in framing the Meeting House. Voted that Lieut. Archelus Wilson and Mr. Allen Breed be the assistant workmen. Voted to allow the Master Workman six shillings per day and the other workmen four shillings per day. Voted to procure ten underhand.s to work at the meeting house and to allow said hands three shillings a day." Three .shillings was the equivalent of fifty cents in silver. The "Master Workman" was Samuel Cummings. Wilson died in Packersfield, June 2S, ls02, and is buried in the cemetery 1, in Continental Army for three years. Said to have come from Framinghani, ^lass., in which ca.se probably had other service, but cannot certainly be identified. JOEL WRIGHT One of the town otficers of Packersfield. Elected August 1. I77r». Signer of the Association Test in April, I77l). In Captain Francis Towne's Company in Colonel David Oilman's Regi- ment, raised by the State of New Hampshire in December, 177G, to reinforce the Continental Army in New York. SerAice from December 5th, 1776, to March 12, 1777. NEHEMIAH WRIGHT. Born in October 12, 1750. aiul living at Dunsta!)l»'. N. H.. at tlu' outbreak of the war. 159 August 16, 1832, made a pension declaration which reads as follows: "1st. In 1775 enlisted first of May for 8 months in Capt. Wm. Watkins Co., Col. James Heed's Eegt., N. H. Troops. Joined the army at Cambridge. On guard and fatigue duty. Then to Charleston. Went onto Bunker Hill. Was in the battle of Bunker or Breed's Hill under Gen. Ward, or Gen. Pomeroy. (See Samuel Griffin.) Understood Gen. Putnam was then retreated back to Cambridge. I went onto Winter Hill, worked tending mason in building the barracks on Winter Hill. Eemained there till my 8 months expired and was dismissed there the last day of December. Returned home. "2nd. In 1776, first of September, enlisted for three months, Capt. Wm, Reed's Company, Col. Baldwin's N. H. Rcgt. Went to Hartford and was there in a guard of baggage wagons to Stamford, Conn. Then rejoined the company. Then through Horseneck and to White Plains. Was there attached to Lord Stirling's Brigade. Was in sight of the battle (White Plains), but was not allowed to have any part, being on guard. Returned to the High- lands. Dismissed there on the expiration of my term of service, which was the first of December. Went from Dunstable, N. H., where I then lived, into both services, and was in the New Hampshire troops in both services." Wright was the maternal grandfather of Gen. Simon Goodell Griffin. The paternal grandfather of the latter was Samuel Griffin. The two grandfathers- that-were-to-be perhaps first met at Bunker Hill. (See story of the battle under Samuel Griffin.) It would seem a little strange, that "Lord" Stirling should command an American brigade. He was not a real Lord, but was so called because he had once unsuccessfully claimed a lapsed Scotch title. Neither was his name "Stirling," but plain William Alexander of New Jersey. Wright came to Packersfield in September, 1783, and settled near Long Pond. He died in Nelson February 18, 1842. OLIVER WRIGHT. Bom in Westford, Mass., April 14, 1758. A brother of Nehemiah Wright. At the outbreak of the war living in Dunstable, N. H. August 16, 1832, he made a pension declaration which reads as follows: "1st. In 1775 volunteered in December at Dunstable, N. H., in Capt. Blanchard's Co, N. H. troops; marched to Winter Hill, Mass. I was there attached to Col. James Reed's Regiment and was stationed at Temple's Farm, so called, till the barracks on Winter Hill were completed, then stationed there. Dismissed there after serving 6 months, and returned home. "2nd. In 1776 volunteered again at Dunstable for 3 months. Capt. Wm. Reed's Co. Col. Baldwin's Regt. N. H. Troops. Marched to Hartford, Conn., and took charge of an ammunition wagon to Stamford, Conn., and then rejoined our company. Then through Horseneck to White Plains. Was put into Lord Sterling's Brigade. AVas in sight of the battle (White Plains) but was not allowed to serve my part, being on guard, and was not in the battle. Then retreated to the Highlands and remained there till term of service expired. Was dismissed there the first of December. 160 "3rd. In 1777, last of June, volunteered aj^ain fnnn Dunstable to go to Ticonderoga under Lieut. Adams. Marched as far as ^larlboro, X. H., and then had orders to return home for Ticonderoga was taken. Joined no com- pany. Was out 4 or 5 days and returned home. "4th. In 1777, about the middle of August, took the place of Moses Hardy, Capt. Kussell's company, Col. Bullard's lieg. ^klassaehusetts troops. Wont to Bennington and then to Mount Independence near Ticonderoga. Crossed the lake to the Xew York side to cover Col. Brown's retreat from Old Ti. and retreated back to Bemis Heights, and joined the main army there. Then followed Burgoyne to Saratoga. Was there when Burgoyne surrendered. From there down the river to below White Plains. Was dismissed tliere 1st of Dec. Was out about three and a half months. "The first three services in Xew Hampshire troops, the last in ^fass. Militia. Was bom in Westford, Mass., in the year 1758. Was living in Dun- stable in New Hampshire when went into all the services. Have lived in Nelson 48 years and now live there. Was a volunteer in all services, but was a substitute for Moses Hardy in the last service. Recollect in last service Gen. Gates, Col. Scanunel and Col. Brown as mentioned. Josiah Bobbins and Joshua Kittredge, both of Xelson aforesaid, are acquainted with me and can testify as to my veracity, and as to their belief of my services in the Revolu- tion." Wright came to Packersfield, according to his statement, in 1784. He lived in South East Quarter. Died in Nelson September 3, 1846, and is buried in the cemetery on the Town Common. OLIVER WRIGHT, JR. Enlisted from Packersfield and served in the Continental Army at West Point from July 18 to December 12, 1781. At a town meeting held July 6, 1781, it was "Voted to give Mr. Oliver Wright Twenty-one Pounds in Silver and Winter Two Cows for his Serving the Town in the army until the Last day of December next. That the Selectmen agree to Cut Down Twelve acres of Land for Mr. Oliver Wright in Part of his hire. That William Barker go with Mr, Wright to see him mustered and make return." As Oliver Wright, brother of Nehemiah, does not mention this service in his pension declaration, there were evidently two of the same name. 1«1 A JOURNAL OP THE EXPEDITION AGAINST QUEBEC, 1775, 1776, Written hy Private Ehenezer Tolman of Captain Samuel Ward's Company in Colonel Benedict Arnold's Detachment. Tolman's Joiirnal has had an extraordinary history. Owing to the cir- cumstances under which it was produced, it was originally a rather crude affair and, in the course of time, it became worn and dilapidated to such extent that the last few pages were lost. Much interest was taken in it and Tolman, unfortunately, was induced to make tw^o or three copies of it for his friends. After his death the original manuscript remained in the possession of his son Mr. William Tolman of Watertown, New York. In April, 1852, the contents of most of it were printed in the "New England Historical and Genealogical Register" and attributed, not to Tolman, but to "Joseph Ware of Needham, Mass." The "Register" was published by the New England Historic-Genealogical Society, of which, at that time, Mr. John Goodwin Locke of Boston was a prominent member. He knew about Tolman and his journal from the fact that Mrs. Tolman was a daughter of Sarah Locke, and at that very time he was compiling a genealogy of the Locke family. Perceiving that the Register had made a mistake, he at once wrote William Tolman and the latter mailed him the journal, receipt of which Locke acknowledged in a letter, still in existence, dated April 8, 1852. In 1853, "The Book of the Lockes" was published. At page 323 the author, among other things, states that he had compared the Tolman manu- scripts with that of Ware; that both were in the same handwriting; that the handwriting was that of Ebenezer Tolman; that the Ware document was evidently written at one time with one pen, and was clean and unworn, while the other, obviously written at many different times, was in a bad state of preservation, etc. He also recorded the statements of Tolman's children that their father had many times told them that he wrote it con- temporaneously with the events recorded. Thirty-three years later, in 1886, as part of the proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, exactly the same thing was printed again, and this time the author was said to have been "Ebenezer Wild." In 1903, Mr. Justin H. Smith, then Professor of Modern History at Dart- mouth College, published his admirable work, "Arnold's March from Cam- bridge to Quebec." While making his preliminary investigations, he naturally concluded that the same thing covild not have been written by both Ware and Wilds. Before he was through he demonstrated conclusively not only that neither of them ever claimed he wrote such journal, but that they could not have written it, for neither of them went on the expedition. (The Ware in Tolman's Company was not the Needham man.) He further showed by official military records just where each of them was at the time. He became just as thoroughly convinced that Tolman did write it as that the others did not, and, in his book, pages 44, 273, treated the matter exhaustively, — it 162 is to be hoped, settling it fnrcvcr. TIjc present whereabouts of the original Journal seems somewhat of a mystery. Prof. Smith says, — "According to the son of William Tolman, who owned it in 1850, Mr. Locke was to have placed it for safe keeping in some historical library in Boston." Nobody seems to know exactly which one, if any, he selected. The Tolman family have a copy. Prof. Smith suggests that several of those who wrote Journals, including Tolman, conferred while in prison and thus were each able to record some things not within his personal observation. The following is what Ebenezer Tolman wrote. — Eds. Sept. ISth. Marched from Cambridge in the evening and encamped at Maiden that night. nth. This morning marched very early, and encamped that evening at Beverley. This day marched 25 miles — the weather very sultry. Nothing material. 15th. This morning marched hrish-ly along, and got into Newhuryport at 8 o'clock at night, where we were to make a stay for some days. 16th. In Neichuryport, waiting for thz vesaels, getting ready to cnrri/ us to Kennebec. 17th. This day had a general review, and our men appeared well, and in good spirits, and made a grand appearance, and we had the praise of hundreds of spectators, who were sorry to see so many brave fellows going to be sacrificed for their country. 18th. Had orders to embark in the evening; our fleet consisted of eleven sail of vessels, — sloops and schooners; our number of troops, consisted of 1300 and 11 companies of musketmen and three of riflemen. ]Ve were all embarked this evening and lay in the river all night. 19th. Early this morning weighed anchor with a pleasant gale, our colors flying, drums and fifes a playing, and the hills all around covered with pretty girls weeping for their departing swains. This night had like to have proved fatal to us, for we were close aboard of the rocks, before ice knew anything about it. We were immediately all called upon deck, expecting every moment to be dashed in pieces against the rocks, hut the wind fortunately freshening, we got clear after several tacks, to the great joy of us all. SOth. Arrived at Kennebec river, rowed and sailed up against the wind and tide. 21st. Arrived at fort Weston, where we halted for some days, and here we were furnished with bateaux and provisions, for carrying us up the river. Continued here the 22d. 23 and 2>,th. 25th. Embarked on board our bateaux and arrived at Fort Halifax in the evening of the 20th. 21th. Carried over Ttconic falls our bateaux and provisiois, IfU rods land carriage, and then pushed up three miles. 28th. Pushed up eight miles, the water so bad that the bateaux men were obliged to drag the boats up over the shoals, and in many places were up to their chins in water. 29th. Pushed up to the second carrying-place, called Cohiggin falls. SOth. Carried over 60 rods and pushed up 3 miles. 1G3 October 1st. Pushed up over rods and shoals, ivhere we were many times over head in water, pulling the bateaux over, and arrived at the third carrying place in the evening. 2nd. This day carried over Norridgeivalli falls, one mile and a quarter and then encamped very uncomfortably this night after carrying our boats over roots, and rocks and mud. Sd. Pushed up 11 miles on our way. Capt. Hendrich's company of rifle- men shot a young moose which weighed about 200 lbs; but we had none of it, they being before us. This day we left all inhabitants, and entered an uncultivated country, and a barren wilderness. The timber for the most part is birch, pine, and hemlock. Some places on the river side, there are pieces of ground, where large sugar trees grow. Jf-th. Pushed up eight miles to Tintucket or Hell Gate falls, and carry over forty perches. 6th, 6th, £• 7th. Pushed up to the head of Kennebec, where we earned out into a pond. These three last days we came about 20 miles. 8th. This day we pushed on very briskly, it being Sunday, the foremost company lying still on account of heavy rains, but we marched all day, it being very wet and cold, and we suffered a good deal from the inclemency of the weather, and came up with some of them at night. 9th, lOth, & 11th. Carried to the first pond 5^2 miles land carriage, crossed the pond two miles. 12th, ISth. Carried to a second pond ^^ of a mile, crossed the pond one mile over, then carried 2 miles to a Sd pond and crossed the pond two miles over. 14th, 15th. Carried into Dead River three miles and went up one mile, then encamped at night. This river runs so still, that it can scarcely be per- ceived which way it runs; it is black ivater, about 4 I'ods wide and runs S. E. 16th. The water now being deep and dead, we betook ourselves to our barge and rowed up six miles. 17th. Rowed up (after carrying over a small carrying place, about 10 rods) 16 miles. 18th. Rowed up 20 miles, and carried over a small carrying place. 19th. Carried over 4 carrying places, and rowed up about five miles this day.* 20th, 21st, & 22d. Were detained in our tents by heavy rain. 2Sd. The water being shallow, we were obliged to lay by our oars, and take our setting poles; we pushed up 10 miles. 2Jfth. Our provisions growing scanty, and some of our men being sick, held a council and agreed to send the sick back, and to send a Captain and 50 men forward to the inhabitants as soon as possible, that they might send us some provisions. Accordingly the sick were sent back, and Capt. Handchit with 50 men sent forward. Before this Col. Enos, ivith three captains and their companies turned back and took with them large stores of provision^ and ammunition, being discouraged, (as ive supposed) by difficulties they met with. This day got forward nine miles. The water very rapid and many of our boats were upset, and much of our baggage lost and provisions and guns. 25th. Snowed all night; very cold this morning, pushed over two carrying places, and got forward 8 miles this day. 164 26th. Pushed up Jf ponds and carried over two carri/ing places, one of thttn a mile over. The ground covered with snow. 21th. Crossed a pond V2 ^^f^c over, and carried 15 rods to another pond, 2 miles over, to the Oreat Carrf/inrj place, Jf miles and 50 perches over. Uere it was agreed to leave most of our bateaux, being greatly fatigued by carrying over such hills, rocks and swamps, as were never passed by man before. 28th. After carrying over the Great carrying place, we encamped by a small stream, running into Chaudiere Fond; dealt out to each man four pints of jiour and what little meat u'c had, which was about Jf oz. a man.^ 29th. Early this morning set out for the head of Chaudiere river. This day we suffered greatly by our bateaux passing by us, for we had to wade waist high through swamps and 7'ivers and breaking ice before us. Here we wandered round all day and came at night to the same place, we left in the morning, where we found a srnall dry spot, where we made a fire, and we were obliged to stand up all night in order to dry ourselves and keep from freezing. We continued so till next day when a bateaux came up and took us across the river. 30th. At noon were relieved from our miserable situation and we made the best of our way through the woods for Chaudiere. Slst. Pushed on for Chaudiere with all speed, in hopes of overtaking our bateaux in order to get some flour, for ours was all expended; but to our great grief and sorrow, our bateaux were stove and the flour was lost, and the men barely escaped with their lives; now we were in a miserable situation, not a mouthful of provisions, and by account 70 miles from inhabitants, and we had a wilderness, barren and destitute of any sustenance to go through, where we expected to suffer hunger, cold and fatigue. Here the captain with the ablest men pushed forward, in order to get provisions to send back for the sick. Xov. 1st. This morning started very early and hungry and little satisfied irith our night's rest. Travelled all day very briskly, and at night encamped in a miserable situation. Here tee killed a dog and we made a very great feast >i ithout either bread or salt, ive having been Jf. or 5 days without any provisions, ind we went to sleep that night, a little better satisfied. Our distress was so iireat, that dollars were offered for bits of bread, as big as the palm of one's hand. 2d. This morning when we arose, many of us were so weak, that we could hardly stand, and we staggered about like drunken men. However we made shift to get our packs on, and marched off, hoping to see some inhabitants this night. A small stick across the road was sufficient to bring the stoutest to the ground. In the evening we came in sight of the cattle coming up the river side, which were sent by Col. Arnold, who got in two days before. li was the joyfuUest sight that ever I beheld, and some could not refrain from crying for joy. We were told by the men, who came with the cattle, that we were yet twenty miles from the nearest inhabitants. Here we kilhd a creature, and we had some coarse flour served out, straws in it an inch long. Here ire made a noble feast and some of the men were so hungry, before the creature was dead, the hide and flesh were on the fire broiling. 3d. Marched this day 20 miles, tvading several small rivers, some of them up to our middle and very cold. In the mulim mmr in sluJil of a house, the first we had seen for Jfl days. Jtth. Last night had a plenty of leef and potatoes, hut little or no tread to he had. Snowed most of the night. In the morning marched doivn the river to inhabitants thick settled. 5th. Continued our march down the river. The people very hospitable, provisions plenty, but very dear, milk one shilling sterling per quart, and bread a shilling per loaf, weighing no more than 3 pounds. Came this day twelve miles. 6th. Came up with Col. Arnold, and the advance party. Marched off together at 2 o'clock and marched till 12 o'clock at night. Roads excessively bad, most of the way mid leg deep, with mud and water. Marched 17 miles. 7th. Marched three miles, then halted till night, when a lieutenant and 20 men were sent forward, to see if our way was clear. Accordingly they marched till near 2 o'clock in the morning, and when we halted we were in sight of Quebec, the river St. Lawrence between us and the totvn. 8th. Took up our quarters along the river side, until our troops behind could come up; here we stayed till the 13th. By this time all the men alive were come up, several having perished with hunger in the woods. During our stay here, we took a midshipman, belonging to a frigate in the harbor, who came on shore with some others in a boat to carry away flour from a mill on our side of the river. The river is about one mile or some better wide. At the city one 28 gun frigate and a sloop of war, with some merchant men in the harbor. 13th. Crossed the river at night in long boats and canoes. Some of the canoes over set in the river, but none of the men lost, only some few guns and some clothes. Got all over against morning at a place called ^Yolf's cove. IJtth. This morning were fired upon by the frigate, but received no damage; took up our quarters in some good houses near the town, which were forsaken by the owners. Here we remained till the 20th. During which time we were informed that there were not more than 100 regulars in the city, with a number of sailors and other new recruits, in all not exceeding four hundred under arms. The first day we came over the river, we passed close by the walls of the town, and gave three cheers without being molested by the enemy, who fired a few shots from their cannon, but did no harm. 21st. Marched up the river 20 miles to Point Aux Tremble, our ammuni- tion being almost expended, and too scanty to attack the town with. Here we were joined by Genl. Montgomery with the York forces from Montreal, who had taken St. John's fort, Chambles and Montreal. In these places they took a great quantity of provisions, clothing, ammunition and cannon, with 950 prisoners. Remained here till the 5th December, when we marched back to Quebec, and laid siege to the town. Continued the siege until the 29th, during which time we took several prisoners and cannonaded and bombarded each other both day and night. During these transactions the two men who had been left with Lt. M'Cleland, came to us and informed us that they had buried him at the first inhabitants, after he had been brought down the river by two Indians, hired by Capt. Smith for that purpose. 29th. This night prepared to storm the city in two different places. Gen. Tolman at first mistook the date. The substance of this entry for Dec. 29th, is there- fore repeated under Dec. 30th and 31st. The latter is correct. 166 Montgomery with the York forces on one quarter and Col. Arnold on the other hand. Accordingly about 5 o'clock in the morning began the attack: they could not get to the wall, but retreated back to their quarters; their General and two leading officers being killed by the fire from the enemy. Col. Arnold with his party carried on the attack in his quarter, and got possession of their two-gun battery, and took 70 prisoners. Our colonel being wounded in the beginning of the attack, was carried back. The captains themselves then took the lead, and drove the enemy until overpowered by numbers, and sur- rounded, we were obliged to surrender ourselves prisoners of war. During the attack, Capt. Ilendrick and Capt. Hubbard, with Capt. Morgan's first Lieutenant were killed. Sunday, Dec. SOth £ 31st. It began to thicken tip towards night, and snowed very much. We were ordered to be in readiness, and at 2 o'clock at night, we were mustered, and got all fit for scaling the walls, and marched near to the city, some with ladders, some with axes, and some with saws. Gen. Montgomery with his forces, on the one quarter, and Col. Arnold on the other hand. Gen. Montgomery was to throw three sky rockets into the air for a signal for each party to strike together. Accordingly, about 5 o'clock, in the morning, began the attack; but they could not get to the walls, but retreated back to their quarters. Gen. Montgomery and two leading officers being killed by the fire from the city. There were three or four false flashes made, for a signal to retreat, but Col. Arnold did not receive them, but carried on the attack on his quarter, and got possession of their tivo gun battery, and took 70 prisoners. Our colonel being wounded in the beginning of the attack, was carried back, and the captains themselves then took the lead, and drove the enemy, until overpowered by numbers and surrounded, we were obliged to surrender ourselves prisoners of war. During the attack Capt. Hendrick and Capt. Hubbard, with Capt. Morgan's first Lieutenant, were killed. Like- wise they set St. Roche all on fire. We were all put in the French convent, and there they gave us a gill of rum to drink and hard bread to eat. The following is a list of the killed, wounded and taken prisoners of the- American troops at Quebec, on the 31st December, 1775. Officers taken prison'rs Lt. Col Green Major Meggs Major Bigelow Adjt Febezer Capt. Mathew Duncan York forces killed. Genl. Montgomery Capt. Jacob Cheese- man Aid-de-camp Mc'I'her- son 1st Battalion, S killed and one wounded. Sd Battalion, 2 killed Capt John Lamb's Company. Killed. Solomon Russel Martin Clark. Wounded. Capt. lAimb linrth Fi.'^ Cunning Daniel Carlisle Richard Lynch I^hilip Maxwell Peter Burns Thomas Witherup Thomas Murdock Francis Furlow TF'i Shannon Edwn Snell George Morrow Daniel M'Cleland James Ireland Daniel O'llara Michael Young John Hardy James Greer Peter Frainer James Hogge William Burns Wm. O'Hara Alexander Burns Joseph Caskey John Cove Arch'd McFarlin Thomas Greer William Smith Joseph Wright John Cars well John Gardner Thomas Lisbe Capt. Smith's Comp'y. Killed. Alexander Elliot Henry Miller Ingrah art Mortworth James Angles *The significance of the star affixed to certain of these names is not now known. 168 Wounded. Lt. Rich'd Steele Juhn Miller Thomas Silhorne Peter Carhough Prisoners. Roht. Cunningham Thomas Boyd sergt. Sam'l Carbon gh Philip Neu'hoiise Conrad Meyers Conrad Sheyers Valentine Willey John Shafer Michael Shoaf Anthony Lehant John Henry vol. Edw. Egnew Patrick Campbell Joseph Dockerty Nicholas Nogle Thomas Gunn Listed in King's service Joseph Snodgrass sergt. Ilrnry Ilerrigan carp. Ilinry McAnalley Micliad Fitzpatrick Edward Cavener Timothy Conner William Randolph Robt. Richmond Alexander McCarter ■John Anderson Hugh Boyd TJtomas Walker Joseph Jliggins Panirl Crane Ifinry Taylor Thomas Pugh Capt. Ilandchitt's Company. Killed. J.t. Sam' Cooper Xath' Goodrich W'm. Goodrich I 'iter Heady >pencer Mertvick Inhn Morriss Iheophilus Hide Wounded. David Sage Prisoners. Capt. Oliver Uandchitt I J. Abijah Savage Benj. Catlin, Quart"*' Peletiah Deivey, serg* Gabril Ilodgkiss, do Gershom Wilcox, do Rosicell Ransom, corp Jededinh Dewey, do* John Risden Samuel Biggs Samuel Bliss Rich'^ Brewer Sam' Burroughs Nath' Coleman Stephen Fosbury* Isaac George Isaac Knapp Edw'' Lawrence Joel Loveman* Elijah Marshall Daniel Rice David Sheldon Ichabod Swaddle Jonathan Taylor Sol am on Way* Noah Whipple Abner Stocking Moses White Simon Winter Listed in the King's service. John Basset, Drum''' Patrick Newgent Capt. Topham's Com- pany. Killed. Charles King Caleb Hacker Hugh Blackburn Wounded. Joseph Kenny on Baker Garlin Prisoners. Capt. John Topham Lt. Joseph Webb Lt. Edw. Sloakum Matthew Cogshall, serg' John Finch, do Reuben Johnson, do Stephen Tift Philip Rollins John Darling Oliver Dunnel Wm. Underwood Wm. Thomas Isaac Beatey Charles Sherman Benj. Trim Benj. Durphy Wm. Pitman Wm. Clark John Bentley Jeremiah Child* Thomas Price Samuel Geers Anthony Salisbury Listed in the King's service. Dan' Booth, sergt. Michael Clause y John Linden James Green Patrick Kelley Tobias Burke Capt. Thayer's Com- pany. Killed. Daniel Davidson Patrick Tracy Wounded. John Rankins David Williams* Peter Field Prisoners. Capt. Simon Thayer Lt. Humphreys Silas Wheeler Thomas Law James Hayden James Stone Silas Hooker* Jonathan Jacobs Stephen Mills Daniel Lawrence Elijah Fowler Banni.'iter Waterman Jouatlian Scott* Cornelius Hagerty Benj. West Je.Hoii. Silas Hardy. *Oen. 8. S. Griffln. then followed the little parties which were so gladly anticipated, and which engaged our thoughts far more than our studies for days before each gathering. Then the maple sugar parties, and the singing school, which we must surely attend, without a single evening's failure. One would certainly have thought that the progress of the whole musical world depended upon our fidelity in attending the "singing school." I often live those pleasant days over again, when I visit dear old Xelson from time to time, and the scenes of the past come rushing back with peculiar freshness. I pity you, my dear friend, that, far away in your western home you can not often expect to enjoy this privilege. Each year I go to Nelson from the sandy plains where so many are longing for the cool breezes from the hills, and are wishing for some quiet home where for weeks the words dress and fashion may not be heard. Such delightful scenery! With Monadnock towering up from the south, and the vmbroken chain of wooded hills far round to the northwest, where Ascutney just lifts her head as if to allow you a slight glimpse of her beauty. Oh, yes! The everlasting hills remain just as when our young feet trod them." Mauy. 178 NELSON. I have visions to-night of a quiet old town, 'Mong the hills of old Cheshire, nestling down. I see the old Church, and the School-house, close by. And under their shadow the homes hovering nigh. The hills, and the valleys, now white with the snow. But their outline's the same as when, long ago, Their heights and their depths, were the wide world, to me, And I knew not other than what I could see, Between the hills lying eastward that bounded my view, And those rising westward to meet the bright blue. Circling round to the north, their outlines grew dim, While away in the southward Mt. Monadnock rose grim. But where are the forms, the faces of yore ? We seek them in vain, we see them no more; They sleep on the hillside that slopes to the west ! Other feet tread the paths their footsteps once pressed On others has fallen the mantle they wore. Others are bearing the burdens they bore; In familiar old homes strange faces are seen. Strange voices are heard where once thoy have been. Or the house is deserted, and time, and decay, Are doing their work ; while far, far away, In some busier spot other homes they have made, Long miles from the spot where their kindred are laid. Scattered and gone, still the old town is the same, Same in its hills and its valleys, its rocks and its name. And ofttimes we long to sit in the shade Of some leafy old tree where in childhood we played ; With the brook at our feet, where our miniature boat We freighted with pebbles and set it afloat, As now we are floating out with the tide, From old homes, and old memories, to the far, farther side; And when we anchor at la.-^t on the shores of the blest, We would that these world-weary bodies should rest In the old grave-yard, 'neath the same INfother Earth That our infant feet pressed, the home of our birth. Ellen M. Tagg.\rd. 179 XELSOX. A Xew Hampshire Village. Near where Monadnock's broad back towers In purple mantle shot with blue. The peaceful village smiles in bowers Of leafy elms its founders knew. 'Neath Melville's Hill and Black Top's peaks It nestles snug from winter's blasts, With ribbon lanes that cross its creeks And streamlets where the trout swim fast. The white frame church that tops the slope Where slants the sunset's golden rays Lifts high and clear its spire of hope To guide those hearts that bless its days. Here the pioneers met and prayed When all was yet a woodland wild, Here God his hand of blessing laid, And clearings soon in harvests smiled. Untroubled by the word's dire stress, Untrammeled by its chains of rust, Here fathers delved their homes to bless, Here sons fiilfilled their father's trust. In friendship knit with earth's kind heart, They trod the Avays of God with man: 'Tis man with man in strife doth part The ways that God for man doth plan. This hamlet, once a meeting place For farmers near and woodmen far, Now silent lifts its plaintive face To unresponsive moon and star. Where gleams the sheen of mountain lake, On summer even's silvered crest, I walk the place where pilgrims take New heart from those this village blessed. In this God's acre poplar walled, Now sleep the souls who here aspired; The rest the siren world has called; Cold are the hearths their love once fired. Only in summer's transient days By human grace is this place dressed, When those who tired of cities' ways Come here to find sweet nature's rest. 180 'Tis then that mem'ry's sacred halls Are filled with scent of pine and balm, 'Tis then its sons the village calls Its ne'er forgotten music's charm. Then once again the hills resound, And parted friends each other seek, And once again the country round Kenews its life in Old Home Week. But soon come's Autumn's burning brand To fire the maples gold and red. Then flaming hills light up the land Where only leaves their carpets spread. When winter lays its shrouding sheet O'er house and barn and lane and hill, And blazing logs Thanksgiving greet, And Christmas chimes its heart's good-will, The village shuts its wearied lids And snuggles close 'neath roofs of snow, Nor wakes again till Spring's sun bids The robins pipe and freshets flow. Then with the new year's promise seen In bud of leaf and greening mead, It chants the ancient Easter paean Of life renewed in buried seed. Dear village, thou my heart hast caught In web of nature's magic weave; I ask no higher wisdom's thought Than here from thee I may receive. 'Tis when I breathe thy ambient airs. And commune with thy starred sky, 'Tis then my mind high purpose wears, 'Tis then my soul knows God is nigh. Teach me thy brave contentment's power. Thy joyous faith in God's sure care. To bring to fruit my spirit's flower, And fulfill my being's prayer. ^TvMPi y Scott. 181 OLD HOME WEEK IX XELSOK 1917. Sunday, August 12. 11 A. M. Service in the Village Church. In Charge of Eev. M. F. Hardy, Pastor. 4 p. M. Commemoration Service, on the site of the Old Church on the Town Common. In Charge of Eev. Dr. E. IST. Hardy. Tuesday, August 14. 3 and 8 p. m. Meetings of the Nelson School Association, in the Town Hall. Granville Wardwell, Esq., President. Wednesday, August 15. 10 A. M. Dedication of a Monument to the Memory of the Pioneer Settlers who had part in the War of the Eevolution. On the Old Town Common, now the Cemetery. 12 JSToon. Basket Picnic Dinner. 1 p. M. Patriotic Exercises, in Melville Woods. Under the Auspices of the Nelson Picnic Association. Eev. George L. Cady, D.D., President. 182 Celebration by the Town of NELSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE, Of the One Hundred nnd Fiftieth Anniversary of its first settlement. 17GT-1917 under the ausi)ices of the NELSON PICNIC ASSOCIATION, at thi'ir Tliirt.v-ninth Annual Gatlicring', August 15, 1917. Kinginff of Bells at Sunrise. Pkocram of Exercises on the DEDICATION OF A MONUMENT to the Memory of the Pioueer Settlers who had part in THE WAE OF THE REVOLUTION, 1775-1783. On the Old Town Common, now the Cemetery, at 10 o'clock A. M. Cluiinnan of Reception Conunitteo Rev. Dr. E. N. Haiidv. MAE SEALS. y\n. .\i>Aii Phillii's Hardy, Chief, ;Mr. Rali'h (liHsoN. \,ln. Roderick Stebbins, Jr., ;Mr. Ralph Greex, .Mk. Francis Strithers, :N[r. John Priest, Mr. Parke Strutmers, Mr. Ri Fi s Priest. ;Mr. Gordon Tol.max, ;Mr. Everett Wilder. Color Bearer Mr. James Van Brocklin. COM Mir TEE OX DECORATIONS. Miss Mary Priest, Chairman, Miss Marion Bassett. 2kli>>s ^Iahel Osgood, Miss Etiielvn Gi illow, .Miss Cuaria)Tte Phillips, Miss Christine Hardy, ^fiss Charlotte Strithehs. Miss Arlexe Keoi»;ii. .Nfiss Doris Tolman, Miss Biknice Keoi <.h. ^[iss Helen Tolman, Miss Gladys Iveolc;h. Miss Grace Towxe, Miss £unice Van Brocklin. 188 MUSIC. Keene City Band Mr. L. A. Bemis, Director. Nelson Cadet Fife and Drum Corps, Master Morton Bailey, Master Neil Tolman, Master Francis Tolman, Master Newton Tolman, Master Eodger Tolman. Them^"r/ie Spirit of '76". 1. Concert. Keene City Band. (a) March, "Spirit of '76" BrooTcs. (6) Overture, "Drummer of the Guard" Titl. (c) Baritone Solo, Air Vare, "Old Kentucky Home" Masien. Mr. D. H. Marcon. (d) "War Songs of the Boys in Blue" Laurendeau. (e) "Cavalry Charge" Luders. 2. Decoration of the Graves of Eevolutionary Soldiers. A procession of young people, forming at the Memorial Boulder, headed by the National Colors and the Fife and Drum Corps, will march through the Cemetery, decorating all known graves of Sol- diers of the Eevolution, and halt in front of the monument. 3. Assembly Bugles. 4. Prayer Eev. Elsworth W. Phillips. 5. Welcome Eev. George Luther Cady, D.D. President of the Nelson Picnic Association. 6. "The Old Town Common" Mr. Henry Melville. 7. "Salute to Flag" By all the young people. "I pledge allegiance to my flag, and to the Eepublic for which it stands. One Nation indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all." 8. Unveiling of Tablet. The bugles will play "Eetreat" and the band will follow with the "Star Spangled Banner" during which the flag covering the tablet will be lowered by the following committee: Master Eichard Ewins Master Edward Murdouuh, Master Herman Fisher, Master Hubert Priest, Master Floyd Keough, Master Eichard Upton. 9. Dedication. Miss Elizabeth Griffin: "With these Oak Leaves^ symbol of Liberty, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those who held Liberty dearer than life." Miss Emma Brown: "With these bright Nasturtiums, symbol of Patriotism, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those whose lives so nobly exemplified true Patriotism." 184 Miss Miriam Hardy: "With these Poplar Branches, symbol of Courage, we deilicate this monument to the memory of those who with courage in heart and a sword in hand answered their countrj''s call." Miss Elsie Priest : "With these Clusters of Rudbeckia, symbol of Justice, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those who fought and bled that justice might endure." Miss Edith Osgood: "With these Larch Boughs, symbol of Boldness, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those who were bold to battle for their rights, even in the hour of seeming defeat." Miss Myra Van Brock lin: "With these Sprigs of Heliotrope, symbol of Devotiox, we dedi- cate this monument to the memory of those who gave their devotion in fullest measure to country and to home." Miss Margaret Conrad: "With these Branches of Elder, symbol of Zealousness, we dedi- cate this monument to tlie memory of those whose great zeal enabled them to conquer almost overwhelming obstacles." Miss Ruth Phillips : "With these Snow-Drops, symbol of Hope, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those to whom Hope was a guiding star through peril, toil and privation." Miss Mildred Hardy : "With these Laurel Leaves, symbol of Ambition, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those who in their high ambition laid the foundations of this great Republic." Miss Florence C.\dy: "With these fragrant Water-Lilies, symbol of Purity, we dedi- cate this monximent to the memory of those whose jJuriMiscs wen' pure, whose ideals were high." Miss Marguerite Page: "With these Willow Branches, symbol of Freedom, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those to whom we of today owe our precious heritage of freedom." Miss Mabel Gibson: "With these Sprays of Alyssum, symbol of Worth, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those behind whose plain dress and rough siKHX'h were intellects of true worth." Miss Lois Scott: "With these Cedar Boughs, symbol of Strength, we dedicate this monument to the memory of those who were as strong of heart and as strong of hand as are these granite hills tlmt cave tliem birth." 185 Miss Myra Hardy: "With these Clover Blossoms, symbol of Industry, we dedicate this mouument to the memory of those whose industry felled the forest, cleared the fields and laid the foundations of our town." 10. Tribute of the Flags Mr. Noah Phillips Hardy. "We decorate their monument with the flag; symbol alike of their purpose and achievement and of our pledge that 'government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth'." The following school children will mass around and upon the monument the colors carried by them in the procession, viz : — Ernest Bridge Paul Chase Herman Fisher Malcolm Green Irene Guillow Albert Jackson Mary Iveough Edith Nordstrom J\Iargaret Phillips Hubert Priest Cecil Ryerson Isabel Eyerson Esther Towne Eichard Upton Helen Brown Gertie Converse Herold Flood Agnes Guillow Maurice Guillow Dorothy Iveough Peter Keough GusTAv Nordstrom Dorothy Priest James Priest Edward Eyerson Frederick Smith Frances Upton George Van Brocklin Leslie Wilber Elizabeth Cady Eichard Ewins Lillian Flood Christine Guillow Margaret Hart Floyd Keough Edward Murdough Ealph Page Helen Priest Theodore Priest Grace Eyerson Henry Stebbins Katherine Upton- Susan Van Brocklin 11. A Tribute from Ashuelot Chapter, Daughters of the American Eevolution. By Officers and Delegates. The drum carried by Mr, John Chapman was in use during the Eevolution. 12. A Tribute from Keene Chapter Sons of the American Eevolution. By Officers and Delegates. Hon. Charles Gale Shedd, Speaker. 13. Eecessional Hymn- -Tune "Auld Lang Syne" Eev. M. F. Hardy. Mr. William W. Nye, accompanied by the Band, the entire Assembly joining in the chorus. "Oh God who winnowed nations wide A precious seed to gain; Who lured it o'er the stormy tide. Through danger, loss and pain. For blessings large bestowed. For blessings large. We lift our song of gratitude. For blessings large. 186 14. "Taps. We bless Thee tor those valiant iiien. Of stern and rugged mould ; Whose estimates of life were not In vanities and gold. For blessings large bestowed, For blessings large, We lift our song of gratitude, For blessings large. We bless Thee for their vision clear. Their love of truth and right; That in defense of these they dared To sacrifice and fight. For blessings large bestowed, For blessings large. We lift our song of gratitude. For blessings large. Accept our tribute to their worth. And guard their resting place; And make us share their heritage, Of service and of grace. For all thy grace bestowed, For all thy grace, We'll lift our song of gratitude. For all thy grace." 18< BASKET PICNIC DINNER. In Melville Woods and such other spots as individuals may choose on account of Old Home or other associations. Note. — For over Seventy years the people of the Town had a basket picnic dinner on the Old Town Common every Sunday during the intermission between the religious services. AFTERNOOX EXERCISES In Melville Woods, at 1:00 o'clock. Theme — "The Spirit of '76" as developed into the Spirit of 1917. War Message op April 2, 1917. "There are, it may be, many months of fiery trial and sacrifice ahead of us. It is a fearful thing to lead this great and peaceful people into war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars. Civilization itself seems to be in the balance, but right is more precious than peace, and we shall figlit for the things that we have always carried nearest our hearts, for democracy, for the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own government, for the rights and liberties of small nations, for the universal dominion of right by such a concert of free peoples as will bring peace and safety to all nations and make the world itself at last free. To such a task we can dedicate our lives, our fortunes, everything we are, everything we have, with the pride of those who know the day has come when America is privileged to spend her blood and might for the principles that gave her birth, and the happiness and peace which she has treasured. God helping her, she can do no other." WooDROw Wilson. 1. Concert. Keene City Band. (a) "Our Country" LinJce. (&) Overture, "The Despatch" : Kela Beta. (c) Cornet Solo. Mr. L. a. Bemis. {d) Selection, "Songs from the Old Folks" Lake. (e) Description, "Guard Mount" R. Eilenberg. if) Group of Songs— "Tipperary", "Marseillaise", "Dixie", "Star Spangled Banner". 2. Assembly Bugles. 3. Prayer Rev. Roderick Stebbins. 4. Opening Address Rev. George Luther Cady, D.D. President of the Association. 5. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" Julm Ward Howe. Mr. William W. Nye, accompanied by the Band, the entire Assembly joining in the chorus: 188 Mine eyes liave seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on. Chorus. Glory! Glory Hallelujah I Glory 1 Glory Hallelujah! Glory! Glory Hallelujah! His truth is nnirching on. I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps, His day is marching on. Choinis. His day is marching on. I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel; As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal ; Let the hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel; Since God is marching on. CJionis. Since God is marching on. He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat, He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat; Oh! be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant my feet! Our God is marching on. Chorus. Our God is marching on. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea; With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me: As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free; While God is marching on. Chorus. Wliile God is marching on. Address Hon. Hknry W. Kevbs, Governor of New Hampshiri'. "The State ok New HAiirsniRE — As in 1775 she furnished two-thirds of the patriots on the firing line at Bunker Hill, and in 1776, her delegate, Josiah Bartlett, in the Continental Congress, cast the first vote for the Declaration of Independence and signed first after John Hancock, and as in 1777 her yeomen turned back the tide of Invasion at Bennington, so, in the i)resent crisis, she will do all in her ix)wer to maintain and make safe the principles of Democracy which the fathers founded." 180 7. Eecitations Miss Freda Scott (a) Wake Up ! Wake Up, America ! .^ Temple Scott. "Wake up, wake up, America ! Sons of Lexington, wake! Base kings are wading in passion's mire, Eank tyrants are big with Hell's desire, Your honor is at stake. Wake up, wake up, America! Rise from your quicksand bed. Cast aside the cloak of gold's base lie. Put on the armor of impulse high, Resolved, by God's love led. Wake up, wake up, America! Hark to the thunder sound! 'Tis the cannon's chant of Freedom's song — Right's pealing anthem against Might's wrong, From France's sacred ground. Wake up, wake up, America! The despot dares his word: 'Dominion or Death', his outlaw cry. Fling back in his teeth your scorn's reply: 'Death to the Vandal herd!' Wake up, wake up, America! Once more embattled stand. Our captain's message is calling wide; Sons of our fathers, rise in their pride, Follow the old command. Wake up, wake up, America! So shall the day soon break, When the flag of peace shall tl^y the breeze, O'er every land and the free high seas. And man his glory make." (&) Fight as Your Grakdsires Fought ! Temple Scott. "Why are you hiding, you men of the towns? Why do you skulk in your dens? Are you content to sell life for mere crowns, And scratch out your souls with pens? Shall markers and money dry up your hearts? Shall Country and Freedom mean nought? God helps those alone who play their brave parts And fight as their grandsires fought. The bugle's clear call resounds through the land, For free men, true, staunch and brave, 'Tis the call for redemption; stay not your hand, God's children have souls to save. 190 Democracy's children in New World and Old, United shall live by Liberty tan^ht, And the tale in the days to conic shall be told, Of the fight their grandsires fought. Come from your borders, bold hearts of the States, Raise Liberty's flag in the dawn. Come from your hillsides, your marts, and your gates, For now is a new day born. Earth is aflame with base passion's desire, Consuming all souls by tyranny caught: Bo swift to enlist, oh, ye men who aspire To fight as your grandsires fought. Black horror 'gainst Belgium has veil'd God's face In shame, by perfidy made; The sweet light of life has gone from their place, And France in ruin is laid. Oh, sons of the light, dare ye stay at the sight, Remembering the deeds your forefathers wrought '^ Unsheathe the bright sword that of old struck for riglit. And fight as your grandsires fought. Stop not for word of command to arrive. Free men in honor are born; Honor conunands you for honor to strive, Holding all dangers in scorn. Old Glory's your flag, and freedom the prize. Healing all hearts with God's spirit fraught; And the light of His truth shall shine in your eyes, When you fight as your grandsires fought." 8. Address Prok. Edwik J. Barti.ktt, of Dartmouth College. "Education — for War. during War. and for honorable and lasting Peace." 9. "The Marseillaise" 'Sin. Wim.iam W. Xm;. 10. Address Du. Jkan Charlemagne Bracq. "From La Fayette and Washington to Pershing and Joffre." 11. America Samuel Francis Smith. By the Entire Assembly. "My country, 'tis of thee. Sweet land of liberty. Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers ditnl. Land of the pilgrims pride. From every mountain side Let freedom ring. 101 My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze. And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom's song ; Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake. Let rocks their silence break— The sound prolong. Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light; Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King." 192 The Kveiiing Post Job Printing Onici 156 Fulton St., N. Y. 5279T ^amcs aub ^luiiices Of those, born or sometime resident in Nelson, New Hampshire, who, as Volunteers, answered the call to arms for the preservation of the Union, — "that this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of free- dom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." ♦ ♦ 18131—1865 ♦♦ Together with Program of Exercises on the Dedication of a Tablet, inscribed to their memory, celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the close of the war, under the auspices of the ^clsan picnic Assnriatinu at their Thirty-Seventh Annual Gathering AUGUST 18. IP 15 OFFICERS of the NELSON, N. H., PICNIC ASSOCIATION 1915 PRESIDENT Mr. William Wallace Dunn VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Seneca Egbert SECRETARY Rev. Millard F. Hardy EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mr. Fred M. Murdough Mr. Wayland P. Tolman I Mh. Frank E. Upton MEMORIAL COMMITTEE Mrs. T. W. Barker Mb. Fred M, Brown Mr. Albert W. Cram Mr. William W. Dunn President of Association Mrs. Sumner P. Fisher Mr. Fred A. Fisher Mrs. Frank P. Gibson Mr. Charles L. Griffin Dr. E. N. Hardy Rev. M. F. Hardy Miss H. Jennie Holt Mu. Henry Melville Chairman of Committee Mrs. Delia H. Osgood Secretary of Committee Miss J]ditii H. Osgood Miss Sarah E. Osgood Miss Susie H. Stevens Mr. Robert E. Tolman Mr. Wayland P. Tolman Mr. Horace O. Upton Mrs'. Frank P. Wilson SELECTMEN OF NELSON Mr. Thaddeus W. Barker Mr. Wilmer C. Tolman Mr. Fred M. Murdough 'iSV L^j^ 'AO_1vi. r" liil'' fill LVidHJi. -^Cix V.v'i LM£OlM_IL ■v'-\ n; biCl' LHilllSli ' ^ulbicrs a^^ satiinurs uf ii]c hnmfs tuc Inbc; I^crocs nnh patrinta (iil|a marcl]c& al»ay, ^nb lul|0 marcl]cb bark, anb lului mitrcl]cb on almlic, — JMI— all arc here tobau! •^ 1^ ^ Jbnt as a fatcfxtl tempest subben loosch Ppoit our senses, so our thonc^Iits are blolun ^ark lul|erc (Elie .^^-olbier hattleb, nor refused ^ gra^e all nameless in a clime nnknoftm, — ■Qllic ^olbier — tliouglt, perchance, Inorn, olb, m\b gray; t!II]C ^olbier — tljougli, percl|ance, tl|c merest lab, — tThe ^'olbier- thongh he gade his life aluaii, ^Hearing the shout of "Victory," luas glab ; ^ .< ^ nihe :§*ol^ier of our plau^its, fkiluers anb tears, — (D this nunuorial of bronze anb stone, — J^is kitie shall outlast this a thonsaub uears ! JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY "(Lis iCife, not Death, lue relehrate. (To llife, not Death, lue bebirate (This storieb hronze. THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH NELSON'S PLEDGE. From the New Hampshire Sentinel for May 2, 1861. Nelson. At a few hours' notice a large number of the legal voters and Union loving citizens of Nelson (without respect to party differences), met in the Town Hall of said town on Tuesday, April 23rd, at 5 o'clock p. m. and organized by choosing Oilman Griffin, President, and Charles H. Whitney, Secretary, and, on motion, a committee consisting of George G. Hardy, Lewis J. Colony and Frederick Taylor, were chosen to prepare resolutions for the consideration of the meeting, who made the following report; which, after due consideration and discussion, was unanimously adopted : Whereas a part of the states of the Union have joined in an insurrection and intend to overthrow our present Government, and either to take or destroy our national capitol; in view of these difficulties, and in proteelioii of our Government property and to sustain the honor of our policy, be it: Resolved, that, in the present exigency of our country's history, it is proper that we set aside all past political differences and feeling and unite as one man to sustain the Constitution, the Executive authorities, and enforce the laws of the land. Resolved, that, as New Hampshire has responded to the call of the Executive in the enrollment of one regiment of Militia to be called into immediate service, we, the people of Nelson, stand ready to furnish our full quota of troops to such further call as may be made upon us by the Executive. Resolved, that, we pledge ourselves to render such support to the families of those persons so called into service as shall be necessary and proper for their support. Resolved, that, we now pledge ourselves to pay to those who may enroll themselves in such organization the sum of $1.75 for every day spent in active Military Drill, and -will furnish to those who may be called to actual service, all needful things for their outfit and depai-ture. L. J. Colony, F. Taylor and G. G. Hardy were chosen a comniittee to see that every soldier before he goes into actual service is furnished with need- ful outfit. Voted that these resolutions and proceedings of this meeting be presented to the Neiv Hampshire Sentinel and Cheshire Republican for publication. Oilman Griffin, Pres. CiiAS. H. Whitney, Secy. Nelson, Apr. 24, 1861. NAMES AND SERVICES of Ihosc horn or sometime resident in Nelson, New Hamp- shire, who, (IS Volunteers, answered the call to arms for (he preservation of the Union. ISCl— 18G5 SYLVESTER C. ABBOTT Sixth Kegiinent New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; enlisted November 10, ISGl; mustered in November 28, 1861; died of disease February ;J, 1862, at Ilatteras Inlet, N. C. Born in Nelson. .MILAN W. ATWOOD Eighteenth Keginient New Hampshire Infantry, Company F; mustered in September 27, 1864; appointed Corporal; mus- tered out June 10, 1865; died of disease in hospital at Georgetown, D. ('., June 15, 1865. Born in Nelson. RUFUS ATWOOD Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; enlisted May 22, 1861; mustered in May 31, 1861, as Cor- poral; promoted Sergeant; died in service of disease Janu- ary 2;}, 1864. Previously enlisted in State Service April 25, 1861, intending to join First Regiment for 23. 1864. A resident of Nelson, after the war. for many years. On the 1st of August, 1864, in pursuance of instructions from Major- General John A. Dix, Commanding the Department of the East, dated June 30, 1864, this organization, forming part of the State Militia, was mustered into the service of the United States for the period of 90 days, and sent to Fort Constitution. On the 23d day of September, 1864, it was mustered out of the United States Service. Each member was a Volunteer regularly enlisted. FRANK BAKER Forty-ninth New York Infantry, Company H; enlisted at Lockport, N. Y., August 15, 1861; mustered in as Corporal August 31, 1861; promoted Sergeant March 30, 1863; captured in action October 10, 1863, at Cedar Mountain, Va.; imprisoned at Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., and after- wards at Salisbury, N. C, where he nearly died of starva- tion, and was reduced in weight to less than one hundred pounds; paroled March 21, 1864; mustered out October 10, 1864, at Buffalo, N. Y. Born in Nelson. Baker was a man of unusual physical vigor, and at the breaking out of the war was in Canada working for the Hudson Bay Company. When he heard of it he made his way back to the most convenient point of the United States, which accounted for his enlistment at Lockport. After his capture, when put with other prisoners in a freight car for transportation to Richmond, he jumped off, escaped and was in the "bush" two weeks before he was captured again by a patrol. The next night, as they camped, he broke away again, but, owing to his enfeebled condition, did not succeed in long evading pursuit. For this reason his confinement was un- usually rigorous. When finally paroled he was sent, with thousands of others, to Annapolis, Md., where his friend and schoolmate in Nelson, John Osgood, ran across him in April, 1864. Though before they met. Baker had been bathed, clothed and as he expressed it, "fattened up" for two weeks, Osgood says that he was still the worst looking human being he ever saw alive. How he looked on his arrival may be judged from a statement of Robert R. Corson, State Agent, published in the Report of the Adjutant-General of Maine, 1864-65, at page 97, in part as follows : "Although long accustomed to the terrible scenes which are the necessary results of terrible battles ; familiar as I am with the ghastly spectacles which cover every field of conflict; acquainted with human suffer- ing in a thousand dreadful forms, I confess that I was not prepared for the terrible sight which I witnessed on the wharves and hospitals of Annapolis. Here, day after day, these floating charnel-houses poured forth their contents. Men emaciated, hunger stricken, worn away to skeletons by disease and starvation, trooped out from the ships in vast numbers until the heart sickened at the fearful scene of human misery here presented. No pen can depict the awfulness of the scene, much less overdraw it. Here were human beings, men made in God's own image, so worn out and wasted by disease and want that they were unable to move their limbs; covered with filth, their bodies alive with vermin; with gaping wounds that had never been cleansed or dressed, filled with maggots; fairly eaten up alive, sometimes with these festering sores covering the whole of one limb; with pallid, sunken cheeks, the skin dnnvu tightly over the bones * * * maimed, distorted, half rotten, unable to speak, or mumbling inarticulate words of senseless import ♦ * ♦ After landing they died by scores. To many it was but a blessed relief from intolerable agony, from misery that no tongue can ever tell. I have seen from 40 to 50 bodies in the dead house at one time, and on another occasion I attended the funeral of 43 who had died in two days. At another time 65 were buried at once," etc., etc. G. WASHINGTON BANCROFT Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted October t), 1862; mustered in November '.>, 1862; died in the service of disease at Vickaburg, Miss., August 9, 1863. Born in Nelson. See also under Charles A. Tarbox. JUSTIN D. BARKER Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company I; mus tered in September 16, 1862; discharged on expiration of term of service, July 2, 1863. Born in Nelson. THADDEUS ANGELO BARKER Twenty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company I; mustered in as musician September 30, 1861; re-enlisted January 5, 1864; wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness; discharged for disability Januarj- 17, 1865. Bom in Nelson. His wound was a severe one, shattering his right hand, and he was ordered to the amputation table. He, however, did not go, but lay beside a brook, keeping his hand in the water all night and finally retained it, but it was never of much use, and later he was pensioned on the same basis as if he had lost it. THADDEUS LISCOMB BARKER Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry; mustered in as Captain of Company — , August 19, 1862; i)romoted Major May 6, 1864; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel October 12, 1864; promoted Colonel November 13, 1864; mustered out June 8, 1865. Born in Nelson. ALFRED E. BARROWS Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted January 27, 1865; mustered out July 29, 1865. A resident of Nelson after the war. ANDREW JACKSON BEAL Ninth Regiment Vermont Infantry, Company D; enlisted June 18, 1862; mustered in July 9, 1862; captured by the enemy at Harpers Ferry, Va.. September 15, 1862; appointed Corporal January 23, 1865; mustered out June 13, 1865. He ran awny from his home in Ilarrisville and enlisted when under mili- tary age. A r<-sident of Nelson, after the war, for nuuiy years. DANIEL O. BEVERSTOCK Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G ; enlisted September 13, 1862; mustered in October 25, 1862; mustered out August 20, 1863; re-enlisted as Sergeant in Company F, Eighteenth New Hampshire Infantry, September 27, 1864; mustered out June 10, 1865. Enlisted from Nelson. See also under Charles A. Tarbox. HENRY J. BISSELL (enlisted as Knowlton). Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I'; mustered in September 27, 1864; mustered out June 10, 1865. Enlisted from Nelson. SILAS L. BLACK Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; enlisted September 6, 1861; mustered in September 17, 1861; died of disease at Budds Ferry, Md., December 20, 1861. Born in Nelson. See Charles A. Howard. ELLIOT J. BLODGETT Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; en- listed October 21, 1861; mustered in November 28, 1861; wounded May 6, 1864 at the Battle of the Wilderness, Va. ; died of wounds May 30, 1864, at Washington, D. C. Enlisted from Nelson. HENRY L. BLODGETT Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; en- listed November 9, 1861; mustered in November 28, 1861; mustered out November 28, 1864. Enlisted from Nelson. SYLVESTER BLODGETT Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted August 30, 1862; mustered in September 23, 1862; discharged for disability September 16, 1863. Born in Nelson. BENJAMIN W. BREED First Regiment New England Cavalry, Company I; enlisted November 4, 1861; mustered in December 17, 1861; wounded severely May 30, 1862, at Front Royal, Va. ; discharged for disability November 3, 1862, at Alexandria, Va. Enlisted in Sixteenth Company, Second Battalion, Veteran Reser\^e Corps ; mustered in December 11, 1863; discharged for disability August 14, 1865, at Washington, D, C. Born in Nelson. JOHN NEWTON BREED Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company K; enlisted April 19, 1861 ; mustered in as musician May 1, 1861 ; mustered out July 31, 1861; re-enlisted in the Thirty-second Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company I, July 17, 1862; mustered in as Sergeant August 11, 1862; re-enlisted in same company 8 and regrimout January 5, 1864; mustored out as musician June 29, 1865, Born in Nelson. A brother of Henjaniiii W. Iirfel in May 25, 1861; appointed Corporal; killeut this country he finally reache' strong, but could knock men down as fast as they came to him till he had them in a pile. He was conscientious, true hearted, loyal and religious. I went to Keene with him when he enlisted, and wo had to go to the old fairground, two mil»*n wi'st of the square, where the Sixth was in camp. anet. His was a tine voice and figure!" ALBERT CRAM Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; enlisted September 1, 1862; mustered in October 23, 1862; mustered out August 20, 1863; re-enlisted in Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; mustered in July 1, 1864; transferred to Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I, June 1, 1865; mustered out July 17, 1865. A resident of Nelson, after the war, for many years. He joined the Ninth Regiment before Petersburg in July, 1864, soon after the siege began. The next nine months were practically a continuous battle. As a regular thing every alternate two days were spent in the trenches exposed to constant picket firing, and the other two in a camp so near as to receive almost daily a greater or less number of missiles which in the aggregate inflicted heavy losses. He is reported to have done practically continuous duty, and to have taken part in the battles of the "Mine," Welden Railroad, Poplar Spring Church and Hatchers Run, and several arduous marches. For account of the battle of the "Mine" see William B. Robbins. GEORGE W. CUMMINGS First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Company G; en- listed August 9, 1864; mustered in August 9, 1864; appointed First Sergeant; commissioned Second Lieutenant June 10, 1865; mustered out July 15, 1865. Born in Nelson. JOHN A. CUMMINGS Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; en- listed September 23, 1861; appointed First Lieutenant No- vember 30, 1861; appointed Captain April 23, 1862; appointed Major First New Hampshire Cavalry March 19, 1864; mustered in July 19, 1864; mustered out July 15, 1865. A resident of Nelson before the war. EDWIN L. DAVIS Thirteenth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company D; mustered in July 16, 1861; appointed Corporal; transferred to Sixth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps. Born in Nelson. EDWIN T. DAVIS Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company F; enlisted September 27, 1861; mustered in September 27, 1864; mustered out June 10, 1865. Born in Nelson. CALVIN K. DAY Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted August 27, 1862; mustered in September 23, 1862; appointed Corporal October 6, 1862; mustered out July 8, 1865. Born in Nelson. 10 JOSEPH N. DAY Thirty-fourtli Massachusetts Infantry, ('ompany II; enlisted January 1, 1864; mustered in January 4, 1864; transferred June 4, 1864, to Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, Com- pany (J; mustered out July 25, 1865. A resident of Nelson before the war for many years. He took part in the various engagements of Hunter's raid in the Shen- andoah Valley in the Spring of 1S64, including the battles of Piedmont and Lynchburg, and later, muler Sheridan, in the battle of Winchester, Septenilx-r 19, 1864, the first of the brilliant series of victories that drove the rebels from the valley. In the battle last named he was severely wounded, which lat^r caused him to be placed on the rolls of the Veteran Reserve Corps. GRANVILLE S. DERBY Sixteenth Regiment Vermont Infantry, Company K; enlisted August 21, 1862; in Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2, 3, 1863, and took part in final charge that drove the enemy from the field; honorably discharged August 10, 1863. Bom in Nelson. Gettysburg was not only the greatest battle of the war, but it marked the high tide of the Rebellion. It was Derby's privilege to assist in the turning of the tide. On July 3d the confederates, under Pickett, charged in mass against the L'nion centre. The lines met in hand to hand fighting, and for a time there was great doubt which would prevail. Just at the left of the portion of the Union line which was engaged were stationed the Thirteenth and Sixteenth Vennont regiments, part of Stannard's brigade. At the critical moment they changed front, swung arouTid and attacked the enemy in flank and rear. This was just enough to turn the scale. In "Vermont in the Civil War,'' by G. G, Benedict, at page 469, what followed is thus described: "The advance of the Sixteenth, after its change of front, took it across the line of march of part of Pickett's division and over ground covered with confederate dead and wounded, but the men had eyes only for what was before them. Soon they opened a savage fire. The front of the two regi- ments was hardly a dozen rods from tlie enemy's flank, and they advanced while firing so that the distance was considerably lessened. At this short range the Thirteenth fired 10 or 12 rounds, and the Sixteenth perhaps half that number, into a mass of men on which every bullet took effect, and many doubtless found two or three victims. The effect upon the confederate mass was instJintflneous. Its progress ceased. For a few moments the gray lines crowded together, falling meanwhile like wheat before the reaper; then, breaking in a disorderly mob, they fled in all directions. On their right and center the larger portion dropped their arms and rushed within our lines as prisoners. Their dead and wounded and small arms by thousands strewed the ground over which they charged." JOHN T. FARWELL FourtiM?nth New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted August 21, 1862; mustered in September 23. 1862; mustered out July 8, 1863. A resident of Nelson both before and after the war. 11 With his regiment he did picket and provost pruard duty about the defenses of Washington for about a year and a half, and then, in March, 1864, went to Louisiana, where he was stationed at various places along the Mississippi, among others at Carrollton, Camp Parapet, Jefferson City, Pass Manchac and Morganzia. In July he returned to Virginia, and aft^r several minor engage- ments marched with Sheridan's Army into the Shenandoah Valley and took part in three memorable battles, viz.: Opequam (Winchester), September 19; Fisher's Hill, September 22, and Cedar Creek, October 19. In January, 1865, the regiment went to Savannah, Georgia, arriving just as Sherman's Army left, and he remained in that vicinity until discharged. MILES FARWELL Sixty-first Regiment Massachusetts Infantry; appointed Quartermaster September 22, 1864; mustered in September 24, 1864; transferred to Company D as First Lieutenant and afterwards to Company E; mustered out June 4, 1865. Born in Nelson. JAMES W. FELT Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; enlisted September 6, 1861 ; mustered in September 17, 1861 ; appointed Corporal December 1, 1863; re-enlisted January 1, 1864; appointed First Lieutenant Company G May 20, 1865; mustered out December 19, 1865. A resident of Nelson before the war. He took part in e\'cry engagement in which his company was concerned, and was never wounded nor seriously ill. SUMNER P. FISHER Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; enlisted September 2, 1861; mustered in September 9, 1861; captured in Peninsula campaign and for about six weeks a prisoner at Belle Isle; severely wounded in the leg June 3, 1864, at Battle of Cold Harbor; mustered out September 9, 1864; was still on crutches at the time of his discharge. Previous to the foregoing U. S. Service he volunteered in State Service April 27, 1861, and was discharged by order of the Governor June 10, 1861. Born in Nelson. See Charles A. Howard. HENRY C. FLAGG Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted December 6, 1861 ; mustered in December 7, 1861 ; wounded and taken prisoner at Second Bull Run, Virginia, August 29, 1862; on release honorably discharged at Wash- ington, D. C, December 23, 1862. Enlisted from Nelson. JEREMIAH FOSTER Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted September 12, 1862; mustered in October 24, 1862; mustered out August 20, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. 12 He was the father of J. Frank Foster and one of the most ardent patriots in town. Tliouph ov<>r niilitarj- hk*', with a son aln-ady in the sen-ice, he enlisted as an example to the younger men. See Charles A. Tarbox. JERKMIAII F. FOSTER (known as J. Frank Foster). Ninth Repiment New Hampshire Infantry. Company I; en- listcnl AufeMist 11, 1862; mustered in August 15, 18G2; taken I)risoner at Poplar Spring Church S<'ptcnil»er :{0, 18G4; paroled October 7, 18(54; must<>red out May .'JO. ISdn. Knlisted from Nelson. A son of Jeremiah Foster. He was in the batth-s of South Mountain, Antietam, Fre«lericksburg, VVildernes*!, Spottsylvania, Bcthesda Church, Cold Harbor, The Mine, Welden Railroad and Popular Grove Church. In the last he was captured and thus describes the event in the History of his Regiment, page 626: "We all rememl)er that Iwautiful day. S4'ptcmber :50th, l>st;4. the day we undertook to capture the Welden Railroad. We charged the rebel works and were driven back. As we were falling back Sergeant Partridge, of Com- pany I, was w'ing to rally the men. During this time the rebels were advancing and the bullets were flying nearer than was comfortable. I covered myself the best I could in an angle of a fence, but before I was aware of it the rebels were upon us and I was captured with a lot of others. Their first salutation was: 'Give me your pocketbook, you Yankee !' Another rebel took my new hat and put his old one, which was alive with vermin, on my head. But the rebels soon fell back with their prisoners, for they were glad to get away from our bullets. In passing the buildings on the Pegram farm a comrade named Edson, who had been wounded, called to me and I left the lines to speak to him. This incident undoubtedly saved my life, as I remained witli the wounded until the next Sunday when they took us in ambulances and carried us through Petersburg, across the river to a hospital. All this time nothing had been done for the wounded excejjt what I did. A number of the men died and wore immetliately 8tripi)ed of their clothing and tlie rebels put it on. Next day they took us on flat ears to Richmond, and as we crosseected to join them, but on arriving in Richmond those who could not walk were taken in ambulances an.chjirgi(l January IT.. ]si\:,. H..ru in Nelson. i:: His comrades say that Gibson had as much "sand" as any one in the regiment, though he was about the smallest in stature. Owing to the short- ness of his legs and the fact that he was troubled with asthma, he sometimes had difficulty in keeping pace with the others, and at Fredericksburg this led to an interesting experience. On that terrible thirteenth of December, 1862, when Burnside crossed the river and lost nearly thirteen thousand men trying in vain to capture the entrenched heights, the Sixth took a gallant part and went as far as any one. As it climbed the hill, swept by musket fire and with massed artillery sending shells plunging through the ranks, men were falling right and left, and among others Gibson was seen to drop. Those near him thought he was hit and that that was the last they would ever see of him. The others pressed on and went almost to the top, till flesh and blood could stand it no longer and they had to fall on their faces. A while after- wards who should arrive but Gibson, walking along quite leisurely. Instead of being shot he had simply tarried behind until he could recover his wind. ^'Well, you see I'm here," he casually remarked and, instead of joining his friends on the ground, stood up all alone, coolly loading and firing. In re- sponse to a shout "For God's sake get down, you'll be killed!" he said, "I've got to die sometime," and kept on. As half-faced to the rear he was talking and at the same time ramming down another charge, a bullet clipped off a portion of his nose and upper lip. The peculiar thing about it was that the bullet did not come from the enemy, but from a green regiment being brought up behind in support, which had let off a nervous volley. Gibson at all times was gifted in his vocabulary, but then he ovitdid even himself, and the his- toric army that swore so terribly in Flanders could have given him no points. There was some doubt whether his indignation was greater at those behind or at those beside him who laughed at his predicament. He finished loading and threatened to fire at his assailants. This was unnecessary as. at about that time they broke and ran. His comrades pulled him down and he gradually cooled off. The regiment remained where it was till dark, and the next day protected the retirement of the army and was one of the last to recross the river to its former camp. Gibson stuck by till the end. SIMON GOODELL GKIFFIN Captain, Second New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; Colonel, Sixth New Hampshire Infantry; Brigadier General; Major General by Brevet ; at the close of the war. Com- mander of the Second Division of the Ninth Army Corps. He was born and brought up in Nelson, — where his parents resided during the war, — and taught school there, having among his pupils a number of Nelson boys, who subsequently distinguished themselves as soldiers. On the first call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand three months' men he volunteered as private in a company being formed in Con- cord, N. H., and, on its organization, was chosen Captain. Finding that the quota of New Hampshire under this call was full he, with a large number of his men, volunteered for three years under, the second call, and they were mustered in as Company B of the Second Regiment, New Hampshire Infantry, June 4, 1861. The Company was known as the "Goodwin Rifles," and, by the exertions of Griffin and his friends, was armed with Sharpe rifles, 14 the only company sent from the State with breech loaders. At the first battle of Bull Run he conmianded the company, and handled it with re- markable coolness and bravery, although it was under a heavy fire and lost twelve men, killed and wounded. After this battle he was sent by General Joseph Hooker back to New Hampshire to try to persuade the authorities to arm an entire regiment with Sharpe's rifles, but was unsuccessful on account of the great expense involved. October 20, 1861, he was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel of the Sixth Xew Hampshire Infantry, and soon after took command of the regiment, its Colonel having resigned. He was appointed Colonel April 22, 1862. At Antietam, September 17, 1862, he led his regiment and the Second Marj-land in a desperate charge on the Stone Bridge, for which General Burnside, on several public occasions, gave him high commendation. At Fred- ericksburg, December 13, 1862, he again attracted special attention, and on !^^ay 20, 1863, was placed in permanent command of the First Brigade, Sec- ond Division, of the Ninth Army Corjis, and never after returned to his regiment. His brigade, consisting of the Sixth and Ninth New Hampshire, Second Maryland, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania and the Seventh and Twelfth Rhode Island, operated with General Sherman in the defence of the rear of Grant's army before Vicksburg in June, 1863, and was in the advance line which entered Jackson the following month. On the morning of July 13th, while he was temporarily in command of the whole Ninth Coqis of three brigades, the enemy made a sudden and furious attack, which was repulsed with great slaughter. August 7, 1863, Major General John G. Parke, commanding the Ninth Corps, wrote General Grant recommending Griffin's promotion "for soldierly qualities and gallant conduct whenever he has met the enemy." September 10, 1863. at Lexington, Ky., he was in command of the Second Division of the Ninth Corjis, and a little later was placed at the head of Camp Nelson, Ky., one of the largest and most important depots of supplies in the country, with about nine thousand men under him. In the Spring of 1864. when the anny was reorganized, in preparation for the last great campaign against Richmond, he was given the Second Brigade, Second Division of the Ninth Corps. The returns of ^fay 5, 1864, show that his brigade then incluiled the Second Maryland, the Thirty-first and Thirty- second ^faine, the Sixth. Ninth and Eleventh New Hampshire and the Seventeenth Vermont. Tlius far. desjute his great responsibilities and the large bodies of troops he commanded, and n»peated recommendations for his promotion, his rank had remained Colonel. His brigade was on the right of the Ninth Corps and on the left of Han- cock in the battle of Sjwttsylvania, !May 8-20. 1,S64, and did some of the hardest fighting in its whole experience, particularly on May 12th, at the "Bloourg, Va., May '», 1862; wounded in the hip at Cold Harbor, Va., June .'}, 1864; promoted to Sergeant July 1, 1864; promoted to Second Lieutenant 107th V. S. Colored Troops November 23, 1864; musterexl in December 3, 1864; resigned July 11, 1865. Bom in Nelson. Howard, Fisher and Worth left Munsonville together, bound for Concord, to enlist in Cajitain (Iriffin's Company, which nwded recruits from having been decimated at the Battle of Bull Run. That was the only company that Howard co\dd think of because he had been (iriffin's pupil in the Nelson School. The others wished to be with Howard, and perhaps also were influenced by the report that, while the Second Regiment was one of the steadiest in the wars first great battle. Company B had done a little better than any of the others. They were as close friends as the famous "Three Musketeers" and, in their way, were destined to become equally good fighting men. It will be recalled that in Dumas' great romance, the "Three" soon became four. Athos, Porthos, Aramis and D'Artagnan. so to our three was soon joined another, Edwin Richardson. They kept together throughout most of their service and made a wonderful record. Nothing but wounds ever kept any one of them out of battle. As far as size was concerned Howard was the Porthos of the combi- nation. Though only twenty years of age he weighed about two hundred and thirty pounds. Several others, whom they had known in Nelson, went to the Second at the same time as recruits for other companies. Silas L. Black. James W. Felt and Ara }>[. Wilson went to Company A; Phineas A. Parker to Company D; James F. Richardson and Leonard E. Robbins to Company G, and Lyman E. Wardwell to Company H. WTien they arrived, in addition to Griffin they found Rufus Atwood, Edward N. Taft and Gilman E. White, who had be<'u original members of the regiment. The members of Comi)any B were armed with Sharjx* rifles and were the ojdy company in the regiment that had breech loaders. As they could shoot farther and faster that the others they were almost invariably put on the skirmish line to begin the battles. This gave tlieni many unique experiences. During the latter part of 1861 the regiment was on the lower Potomac at Budd's Ferrj-. Md.. and there, on December 20th, occurred the death of Black, the first anumg those who had ever lived in Nelson. His body was shipped north for burial in Sidlivan. Companies A ami B paradeth. in a cold drizzling rain, occurred their first battle. The enemy hail cut tlir tiinlx-r and constructwl a strong abattis. behind 10 which were rifle pits and behind the latter redoubts, the largest of which was Fort Magruder. Company B was called on and deployed as skirmishers while the brigade formed behind them. A few moments later Howard was the first Nelson man to shed his blood on any battlefield. As he was struggling forward a bullet passed through his neck. The surgeon told him afterwards that a deviation of about a hair's breadth would have severed the jugular. He dropped out and started for the rear, and then, when it suddenly occurred to him that he had left behind his precious rifle, turned and went back, found the gun and delivered it to Worth, who promised to take care of it. The latter loaned it to Lieutenant Henry of the First Massachusetts, who used it effectively that day and had it ready for Howard when he returned from the hospital a few weeks afterwards. A little later in the day Bobbins was seriously wounded and Taft was cut in two by a cannon ball from Fort Magruder. The latter was the first Nelson man killed in action. Howard returned to the company before the first of June, and on the night of June 3rd marched with it to the trenches on the battlefield of Fair Oaks to relieve Sickles' Excelsior Brigade, which had been fighting there continu- ously for three days. It was raining and pitch dark. No lights of any kind were allowed. Howard dropped down just where he was halted, and, despite the continuous firing and the terrible stench of the battlefield, slept the sound sleep of exhaustion. When daylight came he found that the mound of earth which had served as a pillow was a grave, and that only a few inches of earth sepa- rated his head from its occupant, whose feet were entirely exposed. All around lay hundreds of corpses of which there had not been even a pretence of burial. Three weeks later, not far from there, at Oak Grove, occurred an engage- ment which in war annals only ranks as a skirmish, but it was a serious affair for Company B. As usual they were sent to drive in the enemies' pickets. They did so, but only after the most desperate fighting. Of the forty-two men who went in twenty-two were killed or wounded. Eichardson was wounded. Howard, Fisher and Worth came out unscathed. Fisher was soon after captured and sent to Belle Isle, but was exchanged and returned to the company within a few weeks. Then, as the army retreated, battle succeeded battle in rapid succession. Peach Orchard, Va., June 29; Glendale June 30, and Malvern Hill from July 1 to August 5. For six weeks they were almost constantly under fire. As Howard expressed it, "Company B skirmished all the way from Fair Oaks to Malvern Hill." After the close of the Peninsula campaign the Second went to join the army of General Pope and fought at Kettle Run, Va., August 27, 1862, and Second Bull Run August 29. The brigade, of which it was the center regiment, was ordered to drive the enemy out of the woods. It encountered the first line of rebels in a rail- road cut and received from them a murderous fire. With a yell every man dashed forward, and in a moment the railroad was carried and those there who had delivered their volley in a prone position were taken prisoners before 20 they had time to rise. Howard says that this was the only charjfe in which he participated that actually went through. Here Worth was severely wounded in the arm. Those who were unhurt dashed on for the second line, which rose and received them with a volley, but before they could realize it the Second was in their midst and the line broke and fled. A third line still remaineoral Worth was killeuld not be identifiotl, is 21 buried somewhere on the field. Edwin Richardson was wounded, and Corporal Lyman E. Wardwell captured. On July 29, Greorge W. Osgood, with the Sixth New Hampshire in Ken- tucky, wrote in his diary: '^Reported that the Second New Hampshire was all cut to pieces at Gettysbung." The report was true, and yet the old regiment had enough vitality left to fight on many a day afterwards. They gave a good account of themselves at Wapping Heights, Va., July 23, 1863, and Swift Creek, Va., May 9, 1864, and gained great distinction at Drurys Bluff, May 16, 1864. Edwin Richardson was wounded again at Swift Creek. Howard and Fisher went safely through all three. The night before Drurys Bluff Howard helped string a tangle of telegraph wire in front of the position held by the regiment and. when the enemy charged in the fog on the following morning, they suffered enormous losses. Major J. D. Cooper thus reported to the Adjutant General of New Hampshire: "In the battle of Drurys Bluff, on the sixteenth of May last, the regiment doubtless inflicted more serious damages than in any other fight in which it was engaged. It is estimated that our regiment alone killed over fifteen hun- dred rebels and wounded over three times that number. The ground was strewn for more than three hundred yards in our front so thick with rebels that it was difficult to move without treading on the dead." Then came the assault at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. General Grant, in. his memoirs, says: "I have always regretted that the last assault at CoM Harbor was ever made. No advantage whatever could be gained to compen- sate for the heavy loss we sustained." The total loss was nearly thirteen thousand men, most of them within the first twenty minutes. The wounded who then fell and were unable to crawl off without assistance, lay between the lines unaided for six days, or until they died. As, just at daybreak, the line formed for the assault, Howard was acting as left guide of his regiment. A minie ball passing through his hip splintering the bone. As he reeled from the shock a General shouted, "Sergeant, get up into your place!" "Don't you see the man is wounded?" said his Adjutant, and then the General in a different voice added, "This is no place for you. Get out of here!" Howard tried his best to do so, but would have made sad work of it had not a hostler, who was taking the Colonel's horse to the rear, seen his plight and given him assistance. As they passed along they met a group of horsemen. In the center was a very ordinary looking man, dressed hardly better than a private, almost slouchy in appearance. From the deference paid to him by his brilliant staff Howard concluded he was some one of importance and, on inquiry, was told that it was General Grant. Soon after he reached the field hospital who should be brought in but Fisher. Howard greeted him cordiallj', saying he was glad to see him and that now they could go home together. TTiey went together first to a hospital in Washington, then to another hos- pital in New Haven, Conn., and finally were furloughed and came back together to Nelson. From necessity Fisher's fighting days were over. Howard, however, re- 22 covered, re-enlisted and went back. As he was ascending the James River, August 30, 1864, he heard the explosion as the Mine was blown up at Peters- burg. (See William B. Kobbins.) In November, 1S64. he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the lOTtli Ignited States Colored Troops. None but men of proved courage were selected for such positions. The confederates boastetl that they gave no quarter to '"niggers" nor white men who commanded them. This regiment was brought to an excellent state of discipline and did good service in a rtx«onnaissance in front of Richmond and aft<>rwar(ls in the Fort Fisher Exiiedition. After Fort Fisher fell they marched to join Shennan's Army in North Carolina, and ran across a great crowd of federal prisoners which Sherman's advance had caused to be releaser dinner, hard tack and ham fat; for supper, ham fat and liard tack; for breakfast, hard tack and coffee. How is that for vegetables this time of year?" He became very ill. but rrfuswl to give up. stuck to the regiment and carried his own knapsack and other equipment to tlie boat that was to bring him home. He die«l on it, quite suddenly, before reaching Hilton Head, S. C, and is buriwi there in the National Cemetery. 28 EDWIN P. HUNT First Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; en- listed April 20, 1861; only a week after the fall of Fort Sumter; mustered in May 3, 1861; mustered out August 9. 1861 ; the first man who enlisted from Nelson. See also George G. Hardy. Later, Hunt paid $300 to secure the enlistment in Nelson's quota of Wil- liam Byefield of New York City, who, unlike most of his class, made an ex- cellent record — viz. enlisted and mustered into Fifth New Hampshire In- fantry, Company A, September 30, 1863 ; transferred to U. S. Navy, as Lands- man, April 19, 1864; served on U. S. S. Maihew Vassar, Fuschia and Mercury; discharged as Quartermaster, September 14, 1865. SYLVANUS J. KENNISTON Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; enlisted June 17, 1862; mustered in August 15, 1862; died in service of disease at Annapolis, Md., April 28, 1864. Enlisted from Nelson. MALCOLM G. IHTTREDGE Second Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company G; mustered in May 25, 1861; killed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. Born in Nelson. MINOT MELVILLE KITTREDGE Thirteenth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company H; mustered in July 25, 1862; wounded very seriously the second day at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863; discharged August 1, 1864, for disability arising from wounds. He carried a bullet in his body the rest of his life and constantly suffered from its effects. Born in Nelson. HARLAN P. KNIGHT Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; enlisted August 18, 1862; mustered in September 18, 1862; wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862; died of wounds December 26, 1862, at Falmouth, Va. Enlisted from Nelson. A piece of shell, nearly spent, hit him on the breast without breaking the skin. At first his injury was not supposed to be serious and he remained on duty for several days afterwards, but finally succumbed to internal injuries. SAMUEL G. KNIGHT Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; enlisted August 18, 1862; mustered in September 18, 1862; wounded at Battle of the Wilderness May 6, 1864; mustered out June 4, 1865. Enlisted from Nelson. 24 HENRY J. KXO\VLTOx\ (See Bissell) THOMAS J. LAHIFF First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Company A; en- listed and mustered in March 10, 1864; wounded July 8, 1864. on picket at Sycamore Church, Va.; discharged for disability May 15, 1865, at Frederick, Md. A rffsident of Nelson, after the war, for many years. .lOHN Q. LANE Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; enlisted September 2, 1864; mustered in September 13,. 1864, as Corporal; mustered out June 10, 1865. A resident of Nelson after the war. FRANCIS M. LOVELAND Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company Ir. enlisted August 11, 1862; mustered in August 15, 1862; dis- charged for disability October 14, 1864. Enlisted from Nelson. HORATIO McINTIRE First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Company K; enlisted December 23, 1863; commissioned Second Lieutenant March 18, 1864; dismissed February 15, 1865. A resident of Nelson during and after the war for many years. Mclntire was brave and patriotic. He was also young, good looking and pallant, with a volunteer's ideas of military discipline. According to a mem- ber of his regiment, his trouble arose in this way: "The orders were for no one to leave camp on a certain night, but Horatio took his horse and went to a dance, accompanied some of the fair ladies home across the creek, did not get back until morning, and arrived with his horse in a very heated condition. He was reprimanded by his superior officer and talked back in quite forcible language. For this he was court-martialed and dismissed." HOSEA B. MOULTON Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; enlisted August 10, 1862; mustered in August 18. 1862; honorably discharged at Point Lookout, Md., December 10, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. CHARLES II. NYE First Regiment U. S. Volunteer Sharpshooters, Company E; enlisted August 28, 1861; mustered in September 9, 1861; appointwl Corporal October, 1862; appointed! Sergeant Jan- uary 1, 1863; discharged September 8, 1864, on expiration of term of service. A resident of Nelson after the war. This organization was commonly known as "Berdan's Sharpshooters". Company E was in over thirty major engagements and gained an enviable- reputation. 25 ALPHONSO E. OSBORN (otherwise known as James Smith) Third Eegiment ISTew Hamijshire Infantry, Company I; en- listed January 6, 1863; mustered in January G, 1863; wounded August 16, 1864, at Deep Bottom, Va. ; appointed Corporal May 1, 1865; mustered out July 20, 1865. Bom in Nelson. Brother of Corties S., Daniel W. and Henry E. Osbom. CORTIES S. OSBORN Thirteenth New Hampshire Infantry, Company G ; enlisted August 13, 1862; mustered in September 19, 1862; died of disease October 30, 1864, at Hampton, Va. Born in Nelson. DANIEL W. OSBORN Thirteenth New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; enlisted August 12, 1862; mustered in September 19, 1862; appointed Corporal April 1, 1865; mustered out June 21, 1865. Born in Nelson. HENRY E. OSBORN Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G ; enlisted August 11, 1862 ; mustered in September 23, 1862 ; discharged for disability May 25, 1863, at Philadelphia, Pa. Bom in Nelson. ABNER W. OSGOOD T^hird Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company E; mustered in as Sergeant August 23, 1861; died of disease at Beaufort, S. C, October 10, 1862. Previous to such service he enlisted April 25, 1861, as a member of Captain George H. Gillis' company of Milford Volunteers, State Service, and was discharged at Fort Constitution July 12, 1861. Born in Nelson. GEORGE W. OSGOOD Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company K mustered in December 11, 1861; appointed First Sergeant severely wounded at Second Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862 appointed Second Lieutenant January 3, 1864; re-enlisted January 4, 1864; promoted to First Lieutenant July 3, 1864; discharged for disability November 7, 1864. Born in Nelson. He was one of the original members of the Sixth Regiment, joining while its recruits were being drilled, by Lieutenant Colonel Griffin, on the snow- covered fairground in Keene. This drill, while not popular at the time, was appreciated more later when they found that they had the reputation of being one of the best disciplined organizations in the service, and made so magnifi- cent an appearance in their first engagement at Camden, N. C, April 19, 1862, as to receive official commendation by General Burnside, by General Reno and by the Governor of New Hampshire. In Company K there was a number of men from Stoddard, including John and George Stevens, and Lyman and Frank Richardson, brothers of Edwin Richardson, and in the early days, when large Sibley tents were pro- 26 vidcd, Osgood lodgi^l with tlicm. Later, after his eoiisiii Joiiii Osjifood arrived, for quite a wliile he had him for a bed fellow. Second Hull Kim, August 29, 1862, was on the whole the worst battle in which the Sixth was ever engaged. An account of it is given elsewhere in connection with the records of the two John Stevens. During the advance into the woods a large bullet struck Osgood in a place where it might have killed him had not a Testament and other articles in his pocket broken its force. At is was, it raised a large lumj) on his body. This did not stop him, and he pressed on until ordered to retire. Just before getting out of the woods he received a severe wound in the hip. Some of the Confederates were using a smooth bore musket loaded with "buck and ball," i. e.. three buckshot and a round bullet. lie was prob- ably hit by a buckshot, which penetrated deeply and, despite cruel probings, was never extracted, and occasioned suffering all the rest of his service. This kept him in the hospital for some time, and he thus missed the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, He, however, returned in time for Fredericksburg. December 13, 18G2, which in some respects was even more terrible than Bull Run. He faithfully kept a diarv during all the years he was at the front. The •one for 1862 was lost, but those for 1863 and 186t are still in existence with every daj' accounted for. References to other Nelson men are frequent. Under date of January- 1, 1863, he writes: "No drill. It was a holiday season. Albert Taft ivas here from the 9th Regiment, and Frederick Richardson from the 2nd. Also Sumner Fisher; Hennj Worth and Edwin Richardson from the 2nd. When will the war close? Before another Xew Year?" It appears that in June, 1863, he went through the arduous Vicksburg Champaign, and in July the Campaign against Jackson, Miss., and, though his wound troubled him, brought up in Kentucky in August not much if any worse off than most of the others. The whole regiment was reduced to A state of collapse from sheer exhaustion. The following entries in his diary show a sense of humor: "July 4, 186S. Vicl'shurg said to he surrendered. Xo firing. Orders to march with 5 days' rations. Started about Jfi P. M. Marched about four miles toward Jackson. "July (1. lS6Jf. Orders to do no more foraging. "July 7, lS6Jf. I went more than two miles to confiscate some beans and after arriving at Camp they were worthless." On July 2Dth, among other things, he wrote this: "Two letters for our Company. One for myself from Xelson. Xews of the decease of George G. Hardy, 16th X. II.. at Port Hudson. La., June 22, of yellow fever. He was a good citizen at hotne and his loss will he severely felt in our town. Reported that the 2nd N. H. was all cut to pieces at Gettysburg." In the latter part of 1863 he had a short furlough, arriving in Nelson November 23 and leaving again on December 8. In the spring of 1864, after his re-enlistment and Commission, he had another furlough of 30 days, which was slightly extended on account of the state of his health. During this, on February 18th, he was married. He started back April 13, 1864, and apparently did not miss a day between then and August 2d. On May 6th began the battle of the Wilderness and, under one name or another, it was a continuous engagement for the next three months. Prob- ably there was hardly a day that he was not under fire. The Wilderness merged into Spottsylvania May 8-20; that into North Anna River, May 23-26, and the latter into Totopotomoy, May 30-31, Bethesda Church, June 2-3, and Cold Harbor, June 4-12. The Siege of Petersburg began on June 16 and continued for many months with constant picket firing. Meanwhile, on July 3rd, in recognition of his good work, he was promoted to First Lieutenant. In the latter part of July John Osgood wrote to his father, Horatio, that George W. had dysentery and was badly off but was so obstinate he would not give up. On July 30 occurred the great battle of the ''Mine," and two days later, August 2, Lieutenant Osgood. wrote this in his diary: "Another hot day. Sergeant Irving Rand, Co. H, died in the morning of wounds received July 30. He was wounded through the head. Captain Greenleaf, same Co., pretty low and feeble. I was carried to City Point in the afternoon. Rode in a baggage wagon which nearly killed me. Had kind of a fever when I arrived and felt badly generally. John Upton came in to see me, reduced to a skeleton. Expecting to go away to-morrow, he says, which he thinks his only chance of recovery." He never was able to return to duty. Growing much worse, he was sent North to the hospital at David's Island, New York, where he was visited by his wife and his brother-in-law, Orson C. Tolman, who, as soon as he could travel, brought him back to Nelson, starting August 31st. In the following November he went back to Annapolis, but the examining surgeons certified he would never again be fit for duty, so he received an honorable discharge. His period of service lacked only one month of being three years. "Deacon" Osgood, as he was afterwards commonly called, was in many respects an unique figure of a soldier. Intensely religious and with patriotism part of his religion, concealing kindness of heart by gruffness of speech, in- dependent in thought and action, with bravery and devotion that rendered him very dangerous on the battlefield, he seemed like one of Cromwell's Iron- sides translated from the Seventeenth into the Nineteenth century. Regardless of his surroundings he prayed aloud each night. None of his comrades had the courage to follow his example, but though some of them were rather rough men, no one interfered with him or insulted him. Though some laughed at him they were careful not to do so in his presence, and he had the respect of all and the affection of not a few. 28 During all his service he was an officer, and for a long time he occcupied the difficult position of Orderly Sergeant. His successive promotions indi- cated the approval of his superiors. General (Iriffin is said to have been particularly fond of him. No one was more anxious than he to preserve the memories of those who Lad part in the great struggle. As long as he lived he took the lead in the observance of Memorial Day, and no other man knew as much as he about the records of Nelson soldiers. He sought to honor not only those who were in the town's quota, but all who had ever been identified with Nelson, and he made up a roster which is the basis of the one here published. He may be regarded as the father of the present enterprise. JOHN OSGOOD Sixth Regiment, New Hampshire Infantry, Company K; en- listed August 15, 1862; mustered in August 15, 1862; ap- pointed Corporal ; mustered out June 4, 1865. Born in Nelson. John Osgood went direct from a Nelson farm to a battlefield in Mary- land without intervening military drill or experience. It came about in this way: After haying was over in August, 1862, he went to Concord, where the Ninth Regiment was in camp completing its recruiting, and visited friends who were going out with it. He had been considering for a long time what was his own duty, and while there finally reached the conclusion that he ought to enlist. The natural thing would have been to join the N^inth, for they were very anxious to obtain more men, but, \\'ith character- istic Yankee caution and shrewdness, before saying anything about his in- tention, he decided to take expert advice. He had heard that Pajonaster Henry McFarlane had been in the Regular Army and concluded that therefore he must be well posted; so, although he was an entire stranger, he called at his office and talked things over with him. McFarlane was kind and explained many matters. Finally Osgood admitted that he thought some of enlisting and asked what regiment would be best for him. McFarlane advised him to go into a veteran organization because he could learn much by watching the experienced men. In answer to a question whether the "Sixth" was a good Regiment, he said there was none better. Osgood thought of the Sixth be- tli<-ers iuid die«l of disease. More than a hundred men and a score of officers during the ?ame period had been discharged on account of ill health. There were long, weary weeks when there were not enough well men to take care of the eick, ii and not even enough to hury the dead. After so many had passed through the valley of the shadow of death the organization itself was given up. "Yet the Thirty-eighth was composed of as gallant men as any who went to the wars. If the regiment did not have an opportunity to achieve brilliant renown in the field, it did have an opportunity to fulfill a no less honored destiny than many whose banners were covered with the names of battles. It did all that men could do. It gave itself entirely up for the good of the service and is fairly entitled to the honor of being called our 'Martyr Regi- ment' ". As a member of the Thirty-fourth Scripture did efficient service in numerous and widely scattered fields, CHARLES O. SMITH Eighteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company K; mustered in March 20, 1865; mustered out May 6, 1865. En- listed from Nelson. JAMES E. SMITH Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; mustered in August 11, 1864; mustered out June 28, 1865. Enlisted from Nelson. NATHANIEL SMITH Sixteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company C; enlisted September 13, 1862; mustered in October 18, 1862; died of disease June 21, 1863, at New Orleans, La. Born in Nelson. JOHN STEVENS First Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company G; mustered in May 3, 1861; mustered out August 9, 1861; re- enlisted in Sixth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Com- pany E ; mustered in November 28, 1861 ; killed at Second Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. Enlisted from Nelson. Captain Lyman Jackman, historian of the Sixth Regiment, thus describes the death of Corporal Stevens: "Sergeant G. W. Craig, color-bearer, was killed early in the fight, and as he fell, one of the corporals of the color-guard seized the colors and carried them a few minutes, when he, too, was shot down. Then John Stevens, another corporal of the color-guard, took them, and having carried them a short distance, fell, wounded. He was, however, up again in a moment, bearing them bravely forward until another shot laid him low. Even then he continued to hold up the 'old flag,' and would not let it go down, although he knew he had received his death wound and felt his young life to be fast ebbing away. Sergeant J. A. George then took the colors and we passed on. Colonel Griffin, on looking back, saw Corporal Stevens braced against a tree, painfully loading his musket, and bound to give the rebels one more shot before he died. That was the last we ever saw of the brave and noble John Stevens. He belonged to Company E, and enlisted from Nelson. Like hundreds of other noble sons of New Hampshire, he 42 sleeps in an unknown grave. At the close of the fight Colonel Griffin brought off the colors, or what was left of them, for they were badly riddled by shot." As to the Battle of Second Bull Run see also the other John Stevens, George W. Osgood and Charles A. Howard. JOHN STEVENS Sixth I^giment New Hampshire Infantry, Company K; en- listed November 2G, 1801 ; mustered in December 3, 1861 ; ap- pointed Corporal; discharged for disability at Providence, R. I., March 22, 1863; re-enlisted in First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry March 29, 1865, for one year; mustered out May 6, 1865. A resident of Nelson, after the war, for many years. He was one of six brothers, sons of Captain Henry Stevens, of Stoddard, who made a record of patriotism hard to equal. Sergeant Charles S., Ninth New Hampshire, Company E, was wounded at the Wilderness and captured at Spottsylvania. Henry H., Eighteenth New Hampshire, Company I, died in the service of disease. Daniel W., Sixth New Hampshire, Company F, was shot through the mouth at Petersburg. George W., Sixth New Hampshire, Company K, was severely wounded at Second Bull Run, and Anthony C, Nintli New Hampshire. Company E, was killed at Fredericksburg. John was one of the original members of the Sixth, enlisting at the age of nineteen. The regiment was organized in Keene, and left for Washington on Christmas Day, 1861. There it was armed with what was known as the Austrian rifle, a muzzle-loading, long-barrelled, heavy piece, with a three- cornered bayonet. Its first great battle was Second Bull Run, August 29, 1862. The following description of it, extracted from the report of the Ad- jutant-General of New Hampshire, will aid in an understanding of Stevens' I^ersonal adventures: '*At three o'clock on the afternoon of that day, the first brigade of Reno's division was brought up and ordered to attack the enemy and drive them from the wootls in which they were massed. The brigade was formed with the Second Maryland on the right, the Sixth New Hampshire in the centre and the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania on the left and moved forward in line of battle. Immediately upon entering the woods the command was received with a sharp and murderous fire, under which, however, the Sixth and the Second ^Marj-land i)ressed steadily forward; but the Forty-eighth Pennsyl- vania, instead of holding its place in line, gave ground to the right and fell behind the Sixth New Hampshire. The regiment, determined, if possible, to obey the order to 'drive the rebels from the woods,' pushed forward in the most resolute and gallant manner, driving the enemy before them, keeping its line perfect, advancing promptly at each command 'forward' and not a man leaving the ranks, not even to carry off the wounded or to care for the dead. It was a regiment of her(x>s that day. Crossing an old railroad cut and advancing from one to two hundred yards beyond, it found itself assaileer's Ferry. Mean- while the enemy crossed the Potomac at Shepardstown and made their escape. 47 The battle line was about ten miles long, and ran through countrj' much of which was rough and wooded. It is necessary to bear these details in mind to understand Taft's per- sonal adventures. Owing to the darkness and confusion, and perhaps as much as anything, to the fact that from lack of sleep and food joined with physical exertion beyond his strength, he was nearly in a state of collapse, he failed to retreat when the others did, and was left stranded somewhere on the wooded heights, at best between the opposing forces, and quite likely within the lines of the enemy. Little expecting that any eye but his would ever see it, he wrote the follow- ing in his diary. The first paragraph was evidently written just before the battle opened, and the rest later. "Sept. 17, 1862. Laid on our arms all night. The enemy opened on us early this morning with their batteries. Ours have pretty much silenced them now. We expect warm work before night. We HAVE had warm work today and enough of it, too. I have not heard from my people for a long time. Wish I could hear from Hardy. Don't know how sick he is. They cannot hear from me at present. I am now away from our regiment. When we broke I got separated, and soon after fell in with two of our company, Davis and O'Reilly. We are lost, sure. Sept. 18. Feel somewhat the worse for wear. Got exhausted in our retreat. Forded the creek and slept in my wet clothes. Dragged out a few miles. Learned nothing of our regiment yet. Camped in the woods. Quite rainy. Feel pretty well v^ed up. Don't know, but I will be sick yet. Sept. 19. Stayed in the woods all day. Went out just at night. Bought some bread. Feel a little better. Pretty weak. The rebels have crossed the river. Our army is on the move. Have heard nothing of our regiment yet. Sept. 20. Started to find our regiment this morning. Moved up the creek as far as the bridge. How different from the first time ive passed. Then the air was full of spiteful bullets and noble men were falling all about us. Now all is calm. Occasionally a squad of straggling soldiers like ourselves passes. The curious and the relic hunters, with now and then individuals of a more economical turn, are searching the woods and fields. Often we pass groups of mounds that mark the spot where the firing was sharpest, and the brave were slain. We noticed three graves side by side with boards erected at their head, bearing the names of three of our boys. Poor fellows. They have passed through their earthly campaign and have nothing more to fear. Death has freed them from the sad scenes which we noio behold. Many of the enemies' dead are not yet buried. Dead horses, guns, equipment and clothing are scat- tered about promiscuously. After viewing these scenes till we were sad and heartsick, we moved on in the direction of our regiment. Came into camp just at dark." 48 "Sept. 21. A beautiful Sabbath. Attended divine services in the morning. In the evening we had a very interesting prayer meeting. I never felt the worth of religion like I do now. What else can afford a soldier comfort and consolation." The same diary contains this laconic account of the battle of Fredericks- burg (see William B. Robbins and Amos A. Wyman) : "December IS, 1862. After breakfast, hauled alongside the river and waited till about two o'clock. Then filed up through the cross streets by company and formed in line of battle in the field back of the city. Marched in under a dreadful fire. Fought till dark and re- turned to the city." Being of a deeply sympathetic nature, Taft frequently visited the hos- pitals trying to alleviate the suffering of their inmates. Among others, his diary has this entry: "October 28, 1862. Called at the hospital. Oh, 'tis cruel to treat sick men so. There found Braman ^Yilson, but just alive. Poor fellow. He will soon be at rest." On December 23, 1862, he wrote: "Passed by the hospital tents. Enough to sicken one of war." (See Amos A. "Wyman and Minot R. Phillips.) On January 7, 1863, he was himself carried to those same tents. He met there Sergeant (afterwards Captain) Oscar D. Robinson, of his com- pany, who pays this tribute to him: "Comrade Taft was patriotic to tlie very core, and, tho his health was not robust, he performed excellent service during the severe campaign which included the battles of South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, in all of which battles he bravely participated. His unfailing good nature and quaint humor made him popular with all his comrades of Company E, and no one ever had a harsh word or a criticism for 'Corporal Taft.' Soon after the battle of Fredericksburg he fell ill of the measles, as did many others of the regiment. Hospital accommodations were most wretched and fever patients, pneumonia and measle patients were crowded together in the same tent, with only a few pine boughs between them and the Virginia mud on which they lay as closely as they could be placed. I was myself lying sick unto death of fever and unable to raise my head, but when I saw by the light of the smoky lantern Comrade Taft brought in in a blanket one night by four men and dumped down in the charnel tent, I instantly felt a sense of relief, tho why I cannot tell, unless I felt tliat his presence would make the horrid place a little less horrid. Many died from cold, exposure and lack of care, but Corporal Taft's optimism and cheerful disposition carrieeen there some days did he care much whether he lived or not. His recovery was slow and he never could do any more regular duty, but was detailed to the kitchen of the hospital until his time expired. OLIN N. WARDWELL First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Cnmi)any F; enlisted March 8, 1865, for one year; mustered out July 15, 1865, on account of end of war. Born in Nelson. Young OHn was sorely disappointed that Lee's surrender compelled him to sheathe his sword so soon after he first drew it. He had been anxious to got into the war ever since it started, especially after his older brothers Harlan and Lyman went to the front, but one thing or another had prevented. The principal cause of delay was perhaps the fact that he was only twelve years old when Sumter was fired on, — having been born May 16, 1848, the day the first train of cars ran into Keene. No one would pay any attention to his aspirations until the fall of 1864 when he offered his services to Darius Farwell. First Selectman of Nelson, and the latter agreed to consider the matter. However, on Farwell's calling on Wardwoll's stepfather, Gen. Samuel Griffin, to see what he thought about it. he found the boy just coming down with typhoid fever, which rendered him helpless for the next two months. Finally, the following March, at the mature age of sixteen, he accomplished his purpose, — and then the war ended in Ajiril. geor(;e w. warren Sixth Regiment New Hampshire infantry, « (inipany K; en- listed November 11. 1861; mustered in November 28, 1861; died in service of disease at Saterlee General Hospital, Phil- adelphia, Pa., January 2, 1862. A resident of Nelson before the war, and includfd in town's quota. FIJAXCIS WELLES Twenty-fifth Regiment Connecticut Infantry, Company H; mustered in Aug\ist 30. 1862; honorably discharginl August 26. ist'i.l. A resilient of Nelson for many years after the war. 55 SAMUEL B. WESTON First Eegiment New England Cavalry, Company M; mus- tered in December 24, 1861; promoted Sergeant; promoted First Sergeant; wounded January 18, 1863, near Middleburgh, Va.; discharged for disability January 22, 1864. A resident of Nelson before the war, and included in town's quota. EDWAED H. WETHERBEE Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B; enlisted December 8, 1863; mustered out July 8, 1865. Born in Nelson. VIRGIL L WHEELER Eleventh Regiment Infantry, U. S. Regular Army, Company B; enlisted September 3, 1861; died September 22, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Md., of wounds received in the action at the ford of the Potomac near Shepardstown, W. Va., September 20, 1862. Born in Nelson. AUGUSTUS C. WHITE Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company K; enlisted December 8, 1863; mustered out May 22, 1865. Born in Nelson. GILMAN E. WHITE Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; enlisted May 22, 1861; mustered in May 31, 1861; died in the service of disease at Jersey City, N. J., February 20, 1862. Born in Nelson. GEORGE T. WHITNEY Thirty-fifth Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, Company F; mustered in August 19, 1862; died in the service of disease at Annapolis, Md., March 12, 1865. Born in Nelson. LEONARD F. WHITNEY Fourteenth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company D; enlisted March 9, 1865, for one year; mustered out July 8, 1865. Born in Nelson. A brother of George T. Whitney and a tent mate of George A. Howard. ARA M. WILSON Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company A; enlisted August 25, 1862 ; died in the service of disease at Point Lookout, Md., September 3, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. EDWARD E. WILSON Second Regiment, Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, Company H; mustered in December 7, 1863; died a prisoner at Charles- ton, South Carolina, October 6, 1864. Born in Nelson. 56 OWEN A. WILSON Second Regiment, Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, Company H; mustered in December 7, 1863; died a prisoner at Charles- ton, South Carolina, October 6, 18G4. Born in Nelson. In "Massachusetts in the War", page 732, James L. Bowen, speaking of the Regiment to which the brothers Edward E. and Owen A. Wilaon belonged, says: "Companies G and H were sent to form a part of the garrison of Plymouth, N. C. The fate of these companies was the tragic chapter in the history of the regiment. At the capture of the place by the confederates on the 20th of April following they were made prisoners of war. Some 275 went into captivity, and they experienced the utmost horrors of the prison pens. Captain Sampson and possibly one or two others escaped, but so deadly were the ravages of disease, starvation and exposure that when, in the spring of 1865, the survivors were exchanged and returned to the regiment, only 35 came back of more than 270 who had been captured." CHARLES H. WORTH Second Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company B enlisted September 2, 1861; mustered in September 9, 1861 wounded severely August 29, 1862, at Second Bull Run, Va. appointed Corporal May 1, 1863; killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. Of excellent character, pleasing personality, and military training from service in the regular army, he was well fitted to become an officer, and a commission was offered him. but unusual modesty prevented its acceptance. His comrades speak of him as almost an ideal soldier. (See Charles A. Howard and George W. Osgood.) AMOS A. WYMAN Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Infantry, Company I; en- listed July 26, 1862; mustered in August 15, 1862; woundeii severely at Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 1862; dis- charged on account of wounds March 19, 1863. Enlisted from Nelson. He thus tells his experiences — "I was at South Mountain 19 days after leaving Concord, and the first order we had was to charge bayonets. Wo never stopped until we reached the top. It was September 14th, 1S62. Sep- tember 17th was in Antietam where I saw the Lieutenant Colonel stand by my side, and borrow one of the private's guns to shoot a Johnny in a tree across the creek. He shot two and then got shot in the shoulder and had to go to the rear. In one charge we made, on my left side George Fox wa8 shot and dropped dead, the ball passing through his bowels. From there we went into camp at Pleasant Valley, Maryland. When we left there we went on ti march 26 days in succession, through Harpers Ferry and up the Potomac River, to where we crosseil on pontoons into Virginia, when the Johnnys burnt the bridge. We went the whole length of the Shenandoah Valley never stopping until we arrived at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and there we lay on cur oars for two weeks waiting for pontoons to come so we could cross the river. We could see the enemy fortifying day and night for two weeks. One day when they were putting the pontoons across the Rappahannock River opposite the city, the sharpshooters killed every man that showed his head, until our 150 pieces of artillery opposite the houses on the river, let go at them, when they dusted out of there mighty quick. I never heard such cannonading in all my life. I thought the heavens and earth were coming down. About dark that night we crossed the pontoons into the city and we were allowed no light that night. I found some dried peaches and a little brass kettle. The next day we were moved outside the city and came to a halt, so I thought it a good time to put my peaches a-stewing. I went into a little house on the bank of the river and got some laths that the cannonballs had knocked off, and I had just stepped out of the house when another cannon- ball went crashing through. You ought to have seen the soldiers hustle out of that house. I then put my peaches to cooking and had just got them done and had a good meal of peaches and hard tack when the order came to fall in. We marched a little way and stood in line of battle with the Colonel in front of his regiment with sword drawn to charge up to the front. The aides came galloping down and told the Colonel, Tor God's sake, make. your men lie down'. Then came the order to charge up to the stone wall on the heights. When about half way up, there was so much shot and shell in the air, that a piece of shell struck my bayonet in my belt and broke it, and drove a piece two inches long into my thigh. At the same time it made a hole in my overcoat about fifteen inches across. I could stand only with the aid of my gun until some little time after, when three of my company discovered my situation and came and cut my belt and threw my gun away. I told them 1 wanted them (belt and gun) with me, but they said I would not want them any more. Then they took me and carried me into a freight house back of the city, which was the worst sight I ever witnessed. The ambulances were carrying the wounded off the field all night, and what they didn't get off the field froze in the mud. I don't remember whether it was the next night or the night after that I was carried across the river on a board, and then the ambulance took me to Aquia Creek, where we lay on the ground two weeks. There two large surgeons got on to me and held me while they lanced my wound and then took a pair of shears and cut the flesh till they found the bayonet piece, and then they pulled it out. I lay in the water in my tent two hours one night and caught cold, so I spit blood six weeks after going to the Lincoln Hospital. As soon as they got the wounded out of the city the troops got out of there mighty quick. I kept running down at the Hospital, so they sent for my father to come after me, and he stayed with me two weeks before he could get me so I could sit up, and then he got me home, but I didn't think I could live any time, but here I am a Tax Collector at Hillsboro, N. H., for the last 14 years. I shall be 75 years old the 20th of April next. I was at South Mountain, Antietam, "WTiite Sulphur Springs and Fredericks- burg." As to the Fredericksburg battle see William B. Robbins. As to the hos- pitals see Minot R. Phillips and Albert H. Taft. 56 ^lAXLY R. YARDLEY First Rogiment New Hampshire CJavalry, Company K; enlisted and mustered in February 23, 18C4; wounded at White Oak Swamp, Va., June 13, 1864; appointed Bugler January 1, 1865; mustered out July 16, 1865. Bom in Nelson. Young- Yardley, a well grown, high spirited lad, not being able to obtain his parents' consent, ran away and enlisted at the age of fifteen, making an excellent soldier. His wound at White Oak Swamp was a quite serious one in the left arm, disabling him for a month. Later he had two horses shot under him and was slightly wounde«l in the right leg. His narrowest escape was in June, 1865, at Leesburg, Md., when a member of a detail of thirty men looking up government horses. As they passed through the village, the Captain dropped behind to speak to a citizen, and Yardley as bugler waited for him. Just then a guerrilla came out of an alley and emptied a revolver at the latter from a distance of only a few yards. Of the six shots one hit his horse, one lodged in the blankets under the saddle, one went through his hat, anothei through his collar, and the other two barelj' missed. When the outlaw was captured, after a pursuit of about two miles, the Captain said that if they forwarded him to Washington it would be a case for hanging, or a firing squad, and suggested that Yardley finish him then and there. The latter, however, declined as it set'med too much like murder. GENERAL OFFICER SIMON GOODELL GRIFFIX FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY EDWIN P. HUNT, Company G. JOSIAII RUFFLE, Company G. See Second New Hampshire Infantry and Regular Army. JOHN STEVENS, Company G. See Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. SECOND NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY RUFUS ATWOOD, Company A. SILAS L. BLACK, Company A. JAMES W. FELT, Company A and Company G. SUMNER P. FISHER, Company B. SIMON GOODELL GRIFFIN, Company B. See Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. CHARLES A. HOWARD, Company B. HOSEA B. MOULTON, Company B. PHINEAS A. PARKER, Company D. EDWIN RICHARDSON, Company B. JAItlES F. RICHARDSON, Company G. LEONARD E. ROBBINS, Company G. JOSIAH RUFFLE, Company A. See First New Hampshire Infantry and Fourth Artillery, Regular Army. EDWARD N. TAFT, Company A. LYMAN E. WARDWELL, Company H. AUGUSTUS C. WHITE, Company K. OILMAN E. WHITE, Company A. ARA M. WILSON, Company A. CHARLES H. WORTH, Company B. ****** THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY EDWARD B. HOLT, Company E. MARQUIS L. HOLT, Company E. ALPHONSO E. OSBORN, Company L ABNER W. OSGOOD, Company E. FOURTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY DAVID C. OWEN, Company C. FIFTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY JAMES E. SMITH, Company G. SIXTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY SYLVESTER C. ABBOTT, Company E. ELLIOT J. BLODGETT, Company E. HENRY L. BLODGETT, Company E. FALIS IL CASTINE, Company E. ALBERT CRAM, Company L See Ninth New Hampshire Infantry and Sixteenth New Hampshire Infantry. JOHN A. CUMMINGS, Company E. See First New Hampshire Cavalry. HENRY C. FLAGG, Company G. CHARLES F. GIBSON, Company K. SIMON GOODELL GRIFFIN, Lieut.-Col. and Col. See Second New Hampshire Infantry, HARLAN P. IvNIGHT, Company E. SAMUEL G. KNIGHT, Company E. GEORGE W. OSGOOD, Company K. JOHN OSGOOD, Company K. JOHN STEVENS, Company E. See First New Hampshire Infantry. JOHN STEVENS, Company K. See First New Hampshire Cavalry. FRANK THURSTON, Company E. See Ninth New Hampshire Infantry. GEORGE W. WARREN. Company E. ****** NINTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY VARAN ES C. ATWOOD, Company G. SAMUEL OSCAR BROWN, Company G. ALBERT CRAM. Company I. See Sixteenth New Hampshire Infantry and Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. J. FRANK FOSTER. Company L PARKER HART. Company L CLEMENT S. HOLT. Company G. SYLVANUS J. KENNISTON, Company L FRANCIS M. LOVELAND, Companv I. MI NOT R. PHILLIPS. Company L WILLIAM U. KOHBINS. Companv G. ALBERT II. TAFT. Company E. FRANK THURSTON. Company E. See Sixth New Hampshire Infiintrv. AMOS A. WYMAN. Company I. 61 ELEVENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY HENRY D. REED, Company I. THIRTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY CORTIES S. OSBORN, Company G. DANIEL W. OSBORN, Company G. FOURTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY JOHN BAHAN, Company G. SYLVESTER BLODGETT, Company G. THOMAS BURNS, Company G. CALVIN K. DAY, Company G. JOHN T. FARWELL, Company G. GEORGE A. HOWARD, Company D. HENRY E. OSBORN, Company G. LUCIUS PARKER, Company G. JAMES W. RUSSELL, Companies G, E and I. JAMES H. SCOTT, Company G. EDWARD H. WETHERBEE, Company B. LEONARD F. WHITNEY, Company D. SIXTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY G. WASHINGTON BANCROFT, Company G. DANIEL O. BEVERSTOCK, Company G. See Eighteenth New Hampshire Infantry, ALBERT A. BUXTON, Company G. ALBERT CRAM, Company I. See Ninth New Hampshire Infantry and Sixth New Hampshire Infantry, JEREMIAH FOSTER, Company G. FRANK B. HARDY, Company G. GEORGE G. HARDY, Company G. GEORGE S. PETTS, Company G. JOSEPH M. RICHARDSON, Company G, HORACE W. ROBBINS, Company C. NATHANIEL SMTH, Company C. CHARLES A. TARBOX, Company G. ORSON C. TOLMAN, Company G. EIUHTEENTll SKW JlAMJ'SIlIIiE IXFANTin' .MILAN W. ATWOOD, Company F. ALFRED E. BAKROWS, Company C. f)AXlEL O. BEVEKSTOCK, Company F. Soc Sixteenth New Hampshire Infantry. EDWIN T. DAVIS, Company F. HENRY J. RISSELL (Knowlton). Company F. JOHN Q. LANE. Company B. CHARLES O. SMITH, Company K. NATHANIEL SMITH. Company C. FIBST NEW ENGLAND CAVALin' BENJAMIN W. BREED, Company I. See Veteran Reserve Corps. SAMUEL B. WESTON, Company M. FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE CAVALRY GEORGE W. CUMMINGS, Company (J. JOHN A. CUMMINGS, Major. See Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. THOMAS J. LAIIIFF. Company A. HORATIO M( INTIRE, Company K. JOHN STEVENS. See Sixth New Hampshire Infantry. WILLIAM ORVILLE I'PTON, Compai^v OLIN N. WARDWELL, Company F. MANLY R. YARDLEY, Company K. FIRST NEW IIAMI'SIIIUE HEAVY ARTILLERY CLINTON J. PARKER. Comi.any H. ****** LAFAYETTE NEW HAMPSHIRE ARTILLERY MARCUS M. BAILEY, Musician. TWENTY-FIFTH CONNECTICUT INFANTRY KHANCIS WELLES, ('..inpany H. * • 03 THIRTY -EIGHTH IOWA INFANTRY GEOKGE G. SCRIPTUEE, Company C. FORTY-SECOND ILLINOIS INFANTRY JOSIAH PARKER, Company K. FIFTY-EIGHTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY ORANGE P. HARRIS, Company C. FIRST MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY HARLAN P. WARDWELL, Company F. SECOND MASSACHUSETTS HEAVY ARTILLERY EDWARD E. WILSON, Company H. OWEN A. WILSON, Company H. SECOND MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY GEORGE W. BUXTON, Company A. MALCOLM G. KITTREDGE, Company G. FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY JUSTIN D. BARKER, Company I. JOHN NEWTON BREED, Company K. See Thirty-second Massachusetts Infantry. THIRTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY EDWIN L. DAVIS, Company D. MINOT MELVILLE KITTREDGE, Company H. TWENTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY JOSEPH N. DAY, Company G. See Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. 64 TWExrr-sixTii Massachusetts infantry TIIADUErs ANGELO BARKER, Company I. TJUIi Tl -FO UR TU MASS A CH i SETTS INFANTRY JOSEPH N. DAY, Company H. See Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. THIRTY-FIFTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY GEORGE T. WHITNEY, Company F. THIRTY-SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY THADDEUS LISCOMB BARKER, Captain, ^Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel. GEORGE E. PLr.MMER, Company D. SIXTY-FIRST MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY MILES FARWELL, Companies D and E and Staff. FIRST MISSOURI MILITIA. INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS JUDSON PARKER, Company C. THIRTY-THIRD MISSOURI INFANTRY JOSEPH S. PHILLIPS, Company E. FORTY-NINTH NEW YORK INFANTRY FRANK BAKER, Company H. ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH NEW YORK INFANTRY JAMES K. P. TAYLOR. Compiuiy A. 65 FORTY-EIGHTH OHIO INFANTRY GEORGE L. TRAXLER, Gompany C. FIRST UNITED STATES SHARPSHOOTERS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS BERDAN'S SHARPSHOOTERS CHARLES H. NYE, Company E. FIRST VERMONT CAVALRY HENRY D. HOLMES, Companies B and F. ****** NINTH VERMONT INFANTRY ANDREW J. REAL, Company D. GEORGE W. ROBBINS, Company A. SIXTEENTH VERMONT INFANTRY GRANVILLE S. DERBY, Company K. VETERAN RESERVE CORPS JOHN BAHAN. See Fourteenth New Hampshire Infantry. BENJAMIN W. BREED. See First New England Cavalry. EDWIN L. DAVIS. See Thirteenth Massachusetts Infantry. JOSEPH N. DAY. See Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. REGULAR ARMY JOSIAH RUFFLE, Fourth Artillery. See First and Second New Hampshire Infantry. VIRGIL L WHEELER, Eleventh Infantry, Company B. 66 OFFICERS Mnjor-iivneraX SLAfOX GOODKLL GRIFFIN. * » Colonel Major THADDEUS LISCOMB BARKER. JOHN A. CUMMINGS. First Lieutenants MILES FARWELL JAMES W. FELT MARQriS L. HOLT GEORGE W. OSGOOD EDWIN RIGHARDSON JAMES W. RUSSELL. Second Lieutenants GEORCJE W. CUMMINGS 0RAN(;E p. HARRIS CHARLES A. HOWARD HORATIO McINTIRE. First Sergeant SAMUEL B. WESTON. rgeants RUFUS ATWOOD FRANIv BAKER DANIEL O. BEVERSTOCK JOHN NEWTON BREED (IIARLES H. NYE ABNER W. OSGOOD JAMES K. P. TAYLOR. fiT Corporals MILAK W. AT WOOD VARANES C. ATWOOD ANDREW J. BEAL GEORGE W. BUXTON EDWIN L. DAVIS CALVIN K. DAY FRANK B. HARDY JOHN Q. LANE ALPHONSO E. OSBORN DANIEL W. OSBORN JOHN OSGOOD JOHN STEVENS ALBERT H. TAFT JOHN STEVENS FRANK THURSTON LYMAN E. WARDWELL CHARLES H. WORTH. 68 DIED L\ THE SERVICE or before reaching home SYLVESTER C. ABBOTT, MILAN W. ATWOOD, RUFUS AT WOOD, G. WASHINGTON BANCROFT, SILAS L. BLACK, ELLIOT J. BLODGETT, GEORGE W. BUXTON, GEORGE G. HARDY, GEORGE A. HOWARD, SYLVAN US J. KENNISTON, MALCOLM G. KITTREDGE, HARLAN P. KNIGHT, CORTIES S. OSBORN, ABNER W. OSGOOD, LUCIUS PARKER, JOSEPH S. PinLLIPS, MINOT R. PHILLIPS, GEORGE E. PLUMMER, NATHANIEL SMITH, JOHN STEVENS, edward n. taft, c;eor(;e w. warren, VIRGIL 1. WHEELER, GH.M.VN E. WHITE, GEORGE T. WHITNEY, ARA M. WILSON, EDWARD E. WILSON. OWEN A. WILSON, CHARLES H. WORTH, February 3, 1862. June 15, 1865. January 23, 1864. August 9, 1863. December 20, 186L May 30, 1864. August 9, 1862. June 21, 1863. July 9, 1865. April 28, 1864. May 3, 1863. December 26, 1862. October 30, 1864. October 10, 1862. Septetmber 19, 1864. September 17, 1863. January 30, 1863. November 16, 1863. June 21, 1863. August 29, 1862. March 5, 1862. January 2, 1862. September 22, 1862. February 20, 1862. March 12, 1865. September 3, 1863. October 6. 1864. October 6, 1864. July 2, 1863. 69 CASUALTIES IN BATTLE THADDEUS AXGELO BARKER, ELLIOT J. BLODGETT, BEXJAMIN W. BREED, GEORGE W. BUXTON, JOSEPH N. DAY, SUMNER P. EISHER, HENRY C. FLAGG, CHARLES F. GIBSON, HENRY D. HOLMES, EDWARD B. HOLT, CHARLES A. HOWARD, MALCOLM G. KITTREDGE, MINOT M. EITTREDGE, HARLAN P. KNIGHT, SAMUEL G. KNIGHT, THOMAS J. LAmrF, ALPHONSO E. OSBORN, GEORGE W. OSGOOD, LUCIUS PARKER, JOSEPH S. PHILLIPS, GEORGE E. PLUMMER, EDWIN RICHARDSON, GEORGE W. ROBBINS, LEONARD E. ROBBINS, JOHN STEVENS, EDWARD N. TAFT, JAMES K. P. TAYLOR, SAMUEL B. WESTON, VIRGIL I. WHEELER, CHARLES H. WORTH, AMOS A. WTTMAN, MANLY R. YARDLEY, Wilderness, Va. Wilderness, Va. Front Royal, Va. Cedar Mountain, Va. Winchester, Va. Cold Harbor, Va. Second Bull Run, Va. Fredericksburg, Va. Middle Road, Va. Drewrys Bluff, Va. ( Williamsburg, Va. ( Cold LTarbor, Va. Chancellorsville, Va. Gettysburg, Pa. Fredericksburg, Va. Wilderness, Va. Sycamore Church, Va. Deep Bottom, Va, Second Bull Run, Va. Winchester, Va. Helena, Ark. Cambells Station, Tenn. Oak Grove, Va. Gettysburg, Pa. Petersburg, Va. Chapin's Farm, Va. Williamsburg, Va. Second Bull Run, Va. Williamsburg, Va. Gettysburg, Pa. Laurel Hill, Va. Cold Harbor, Va. Middleburgh, Va. Shepardstown, W. Va. Second Bull Run, Va. Gettysburg, Pa. Fredericksburg, Va. White Oak Swamp, Va. PRISONERS OF WAR FRANK BAKER ANDREW J. BEAL SUMNER P. FISHER JEREMIAH F. FOSTER (J. Frank Foster) HENRY C. FLAGG HENRY D. HOLMES CHARLES A. TARBOX LYMAN E. WARDWELL EDWARD E. WILSON OWEN A. WILSON. to PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF SECOND NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS BULL RirN". Va.. July 21. 1861. SIEGE OF YORKTOWN, Va., April 11 to May 4, 1862. WILLIAMSBURG, Va., May 5, 1862. Note.— Here Edward X. Taft was killed and Charles A. IToward and Leonard E. Rr>l)l)in.s were seriously wounded. SKIRMISH AT FAIR OAKS. Va., June 23. 1862. PEACH ORCHARD. Va.. June 29. 1862. GLENDALE, Va.. June 30, 1862. MALVERN HILL. Va.. July 1 to August 5. 1862. KETTLE RT'N. Va.. Augnist 27. 1862. SECOND BT'LL RUN. Va.. August 20, 1862. CHANTILLY, Va.. September 1, 1862. FREDERICKSBURG. Va.. Dec<^mber 14. 1862. GETTl^SRURG. Pa. (Peaeh Orchard), July 2. 1862. Note. — The regiment in a few hours lo.st .'54 por cent, of those engaged. One of the killed was Charles H. Worth. Edwin Richardson was wounded. Minot M. Kittredge and James K. P. Taylor serving in other regiments, were also wounded, and Lyman E. Wardwell was taken prisoner. WAPPING HEIGHTS. Va.. July 23. 1863. SWIFT CREEK. Va.. May 9, 1864. DREWRYS BLUFF. Va.. May 16. 1864. COLD HARBOR. Va., June 1. 9. 1864. Note. — Here were seriously wounded Sumner P. Fisher and Charles A. Howard of the Second: James K. P. Taylor ..f the One Hundred and Eighth New York was alflo wounded. PORT WALTHAL. Va.. June 16. 1864. PETERSBURG. Va.. August 18 to Septemher 1. 1864. RECONNOISSANCE NEAR WILLIAMSBURG ROAD. Va.. Octr.|)er 27. 1864. RICHMOND. Va.. occupation of. April 3, 1866. Note.— This regiment lost hy death in the servi.-.' :'.;17 71 PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF THIRD NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY, ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS PORT ROYAL, S. C, November 7, 1861. JA:MES island, S. C, June 8-15, 1862. SECESSIONVILLE, S. C, June 16, 1862. PINCKNEY ISLAND, S. C, August 21, 1862. POCOTALIGO, S. C, October 22, 1862. MORRIS ISLAND, S. C, July 10, 1863. FORT WAGNER, S. C, First Assault, July 11, 1863. FORT WAGNER, S. C, Second Assault, July IS, 1863. SIEGE OF FORT WAGNER, July 10-September 6, 1863. SIEGE OF FORT SUMTER, S. C., Sept. 7-Feb. 29, 1864. CHESTER STATION OR PORT WALTHAL JUNCTION, Va., May 9, 1864. DREWRYS BLUFF, Va., May 13-16, 1864. Note. — The gallantry of a charge made by the regiment was conspicuous. In twenty minutes it lost over 200 in killed and wounded. Among them was Edward B. Holt. BERMUDA HUNDRED, May 18-June 2, 1864. PETERSBURG, Va., June 9, 1864. WIER BOTTOM CHURCH, Va., June 16, 1864. DEEP BOTTOM, Va., August 16, 1864. SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, Va., August 24-September 28, 1864. NEW MARKET HEIGHTS, Va., September 29, 1864. Near RICHMOND, Va., October 1, 1864. NEW MARKET or LAUREL HILL, Va., October 7, 1864. DARBYTOWN ROAD, Va., October 13-27, 1864. FORT FISHER, N. C, January 15, 1865. SUGAR LOAF BATTERY, N. C, February 11, 1865. WILMINGTON, N. C, February 22, 1865. Note. — This regiment lost by death in the service 342 men. 72 PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF SIXTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY. ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS CAMDEN, N. C. April 19, 1862. SECOND BULL RUN, Va., August 29-30, 1862. Note. — John Stevens was killed and George W. Osgood and Henry C. Flagg seriously wounded. Charles H. Worth of the Second Regiment was also wounded. CHANTILLY, Va., September 1, 1862. SOUTH MOUNTAIN, Md., September 14, 1862. ANTIETAM, Md., September 17. 1862. WHITE SUI^PHUR SPRINGS, Va., November 15, 1862. FREDERICKSBURG. Va., December 13, 1862. Note. — Harlan P. Knight and Charles F. Gibson were wounded, the former mortally. Amos A. Wyman of the Ninth Regiment was also wounded. SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, Miss.. June 14-July 4. 1863. JACKSON, Miss., July 10-16, 1863. WILDERNESS, Va., May 6, 1864. SPOTTSYI.VANIA. Va., May 8-20, 1864. NORTH ANNA RIVER. Va., May 23-26, 1864. TOTOPOTOMOY, Va., May 30-31, 1864. BETHESDA CHURCH. Va., June 2-3, 1864. COLD HARBOR. Va.. June 4-12. 1864. SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, Vn., June 16, 1864; April 3, 1865. MINE EXPLOSION at Assault on Petersburg, Va.. July 30. 1864. WELDON RAILROAD. Va.. August 20-22, 1864. POPLAR SPRINGS (^HT'RCH. Va.. Sept. 30-Oct. 1. 1864. HATCHERS RUN. Va.. October 27. 1864. PETERSBURG. Va.. April 1-2. 1865. Note. — This regiment served in 8event<»en diflFerent States and made a brilliant record, hardly e.x- ceoded by any in the service. It lost by deaths 388 men. 73 PRINCIPAL EXGAGEMEXTS OF NINTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY, ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS SOUTH MOUNTAIN, Md., September 14, 1862. ANTIETAM, Md., September 17, 1862. WHITE SULPHUK SPKINGS, Va., November 15, 1862. FREDERICKSBURG, Va., December 13, 1862. Note. — Here Amos A. Wyman was wounded; also Harlan P. Knight and Charles F. Gibson of the Sixth. SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, Miss., June 14-July 4, 1863. JACKSON, Miss., January 10-16, 1864. WILDERNESS, Va., May 6-7, 1864. SPOTTSYLVANIA, Va., May 10-18, 1864. NORTH ANNA RIVER, Va., May 24-26, 1864. TOTOPOTOMOY, Va., May 31-June 1, 1864. BETHESDA CHURCH, Va., June 2-3, 1864. COLD HARBOR, Va., June 5-12, 1864. SIEGE OF PETERSBURG, Va., June 16, 1864- April 3, 1865. PETERSBURG, Va., Assault at the Shand House. June 17, 1864. MINE EXPLOSION in Assault on Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864. WELDEN RAILROAD, Va., August 20, 21, 1864. POPLAR SPRING CHITRCH, Va., September 30-October 1, 1864. HATCHERS RUN, Va., October 27, 1864. PETERSBURG, Va., April 1-2, 1865. Note. — This regiment lost by deaths in the service 386 'nen. 74 PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF FOURTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY, ENLISTED FOR THREE YEARS DEEP BOTTOM. Va.. July 27. 28, 1864. Companies A. B, C, D, H, I. WINCHESTER, Va., August 17, 1864. Companios E, F, (3. K. IIALLTOWX. Va.. August 26, 1864. BEKRYVILLE, Va., Sept<^mber 3. 1864. LOCKS FORD, Va., September 13, 1864. OPEQFAM or WINCHESTER, Va., September 19. 1864. FISHERS IHLL, Va., September 22, 1864. TOMS BROOK. Va.. October 9, 1864. STRASBURO. Va.. October 13, 1864. CEDAR CREEK, Va., October 19, 1864. Note. — This regiment made four sea voyages, travelled fifteen thousand miles and served in seven States of the Confederacy. PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF SIXTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY, ENLISTED FOR NINE MONTHS PORT HUDSON, La., March 14, 1863. BUTTE-A-LA ROSE, La., April 20, 1863. SIEGE OF PORT HUDSON, La., June 3-July 9, 1863. Note. — This regiment went from New Hampshire to the pestilential swamps of Louisiana and, be- fore its muster out, lost over 23 per cent, by death from disease, and within a year after its enlist- ment about 300 men out of a total of 914 belonging. The health of all the others was seriously im- paired. PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS OF EIGHTEENTH NEW HAMPSHIRE INFANTRY FORT STEDMAN, Va., March 25-29, 1865. PETERSBURG, Va., April 2, 1865. CAPTURE OF PETERSBURG, Va., April 3, 1865. THE yrAR-SPANGLED BANNER. O say, can you set-, by tlw ilawn's early li^lit, What so proudly we haiK-d at the twilight's last ^learning? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight. O'er the ramparts wc watched were so gallantly streaming! And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air. Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep. Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes. What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's faint beam, In full glory reflected now shines on the stream ; 'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. And where is the band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, A home and a country should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave. And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation! Blest with victorj- and peace, may the heaven rescued land. Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must for our cause it is just. And this be our motto: "In God is our trust", And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land uf the fnc and the home of the brave. Francis Scott Key, THE BATTLE-CRY OF FREEDOM. Yes, we'll rally 'round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again, Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. We will rally from the hillside, we'll gather from the plain, Shouting the battle-cry of freedom, — Chorus : The Union forever, hurrah ! boys, hurrah ! Down with the traitor, and up with the star. While we rally 'round the flag, boys, rally once again, Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. We are springing to the call of our brothers gone before. Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. And we'll fill the vacant ranks with a million freemen more, Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. Chorus : We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true and brave. Shouting the battle-cry of freedom, And altho' they may be poor, not a man shall be a slave. Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. Chorus: So we're springing to the call from the east and from the west. Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. And we'll hurl the rebel crew from the land we love the best. Shouting the battle-cry of freedom. Chorus: THREE HUNDRED TIIOl'SASD MORE VV^e are coming, Father Abraham, Three hundred thousand more, From Mississippi's winding stream And from New England's shore; We leave our ploughs and workshops, Our wives and children dear, With hearts too full for utterance, With but a silent tear; We dare not look behind us. But steadfastly before ; We are coming, Father Abraham, Three hundred thousand more. If you look across the hilltops That meet the northern sky, Long moving linos of rising dust Your vision may descry ; And now the wind an instant tears The cloudy veil aside, And floats aloft our spangled flag In glory and in pride; And bayonets in the sunlight glean And bands brave music pour; We are coming. Father Abraham, Three himdrod thousand more. If you look all up our valleys, where Tlu' growing hnrv«sts shine. You'll see our sturdy farmer boys Fast forming into line; And chililron from their mother's knees Are pulling at the weeds. And learning how to reap and sow Against their country's needs; And a farewell group stands wtvping At every cottage door; We are coming. Father Abraham, Three hundred thousand more. You've called us and we're coming, By Richmond's bloody tide, To lay us down for freedom's sake Our brothers' bones beside; Or from foul treason's savage grasp To wrench the murderous blade. And in the face of foreign foes Its fragments to parade. Six hundred thousand loyal men And true have gon*^ before; We are coming, Father Abraham, Three hundred thousand more. We're coming, Father Abraham, Strong hearts and ready hands; From river, lake, and mountain We are mustering our bands. From boundless Western prairie to The old Atlantic shore. We're coming, Father Abraham, Three hundred thousand more. From boundless Western prairie to The old Atlantic shore, We are coming, Father Abraham, Three hundred thousand more. James Sloane Gibbons. 80 TESTl.Xli 0.\ rill': OLD (AMI' (iJUJiWlJ Wf'rt' tciilinu t.mi^rht on tlu- old ciinip ^touihI, Ctive us a song to cheer Our wearj' luarts. a j^oii^ of home And friends wo love so dear. Chorus. .Many arc the licarts that are wcnry to jubilant my feet ! Our God is marching on. Chorus. Our God is marching on. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was bom across the sea; With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me; As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free; While God is marching on. Chorus. While God is marching on. Julia Ward Howe. AMERICA My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty. Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died. Land of the pilgrims pride, From every mountain-side Let freedom ring. My native country, thee. Land of the noble free. Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills ; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom's song; Let mortal tongues awake. Let all that breathe partake, Let rocks their silence break — The sound prolong. Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty. To Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light; Protect us by thy might. Great God, our King. Samuel Francis Smith. 84 "DITLCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI" Ii).-, — It was Warrens, — 'Tis street for our country to die! Lancaster and Coos, Laconia and Concord, Old Portsmouth and Keene send their stalwart .voung men; They come from tlie plough, and the loom and the anvil. From the marge of the sea, from the hilltop and glen. As each column wheels by. Hear their hearts battle-cry, — It was Warrens, — 'Tis sweet fur our country to die! The prayers of fair women, like legions of angels, Watch over our soldiers by day and by night; And the King of all (ilor>'. the Chief of All Annies, Shall love them and lead them who dare to be right ! As each column wheels by. Hear their hearts battle-cr>'. — It was Warrens. — '7'i-s sweet for our country to die! 86 LINCOLN'S GETTYSBURG ADDRESS November 19, 1863. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedi- cate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it will never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us; — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion ; — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that govern- ment of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. 86 Program of Exercises on the DEDICATION OF A TAHI.KT. iiisoribe, the Boys are Marching on" (Words on page S2.) Mr. Charles P. Fisher. The assembly is requested to join in the chorus. Mr. Fisher's father, Sumner P. Fisher, wa.s a prisoner at Belle Isle. 13. Response, "Our Surviving Veterans'' Mr. Daniel O. Beverstock, late Sergeant Beverstock, Eighteenth N. H. Infantrj-. U. Song. "The Battle Hymn <.f the Kepiil.lic" Mr. William W. Nye. Mr. Nye is a nephew of Charles H. Nye, Sergeant in Berdan's Sharp- shooters, whose name is on the taltlct. 15. Response, "New Hampshire Volunteers" General Joab N. Patterson. (General Patterson, a graduate of DartmoiJth Colh-ge, Class of ISGO, eidisti^l May 11. ISGl. in the Second New Hampshire Infantr>'. He he<-anje first Lieutenant, June 4, 1861. and thereafter, as an officer, participated in every engagement of the Regiment throughout ita historj*. At (lettysburg he was seriously wounded. He was pro- moted through various grades an«l on January 10, 1805, became Colonel, and dating from March l.'l, 1HG5, Brevet Brigadier General, "for courage in battle and good conduct throughout the war." 16. Description — "Cavalry Charge" Luders. Keene City Band. 17. Poem, ''Our Patriots" Rev. Millard F. Hardy. l.S Song, "Hurrah for Old New Hampshire!'' Chatnherlain. Mr. William W. Nye. 19. Exhibition of the "Posterity Box". In the wall of the building, behind the Tablet, a recess has been constructed in which, eventually, it is intended to place a sealed copper box, containing the records of Nelson soldiers, full particulars as to these dedication exercises, and such other documents, photographs, etc., as may be contributed, designed to show to posterity the nature of Nelson and her inhabitants in the year 1915. 20. Address, "The Message of America to the World Today". Rev. George L. Cady, D.D. Of the one hundred and twenty-four, whose names are on the Tablet, over one hundred are known to have "marched on", "On Fame's eternal camping-ground. Their silent tents are spread. And Glory guards, with solemn round, The bivouac of the dead." While, to their peaceful repose, the bugler plays "Taps", gentlemen will please uncover, and the entire assembly stand, remaining standing till the band strikes up America. This concludes the dedication exercises. 21. "Taps" Mr. Naramore. 22. "America" (Words on page 84) By the Entire Assembly. 90 [1807R] MG POST JOB PRINTlMG OFFICE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS lilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllliliilliiilllill'liii'lli !.i[i;!r^'*"'^'^ ii . i ; '