Columbia ^^niDeri>ttp 
 
 tnttjfCitpofJIrnjgark 
 
 THE LIBRARIES 
 
 Bequest of 
 
 Frederic Bancroft 
 
 1860-1945 
 
LIFE 
 
 JOURNALS AND CORRESPONDENCE 
 
 OF 
 
 Rev. Manasseh Cutler, LLD, 
 
 BV HIS GRANDCHILDREN 
 
 WILLIAM PARKER CUTLER 
 
 AND 
 
 JULIA PERKINS CUTLER 
 
 VOLUME 1 
 
 CINCINNATI 
 EGBERT CLARKE & CO 
 
 1888 
 

PREFACE. 
 
 The papers of the Rev. Manasseh Cutler, LL.D., have re- 
 cently fallen into the hands of the family of his eldest son, 
 Judge Ephraim Cutler, of Marietta, Ohio, who was himself 
 one of the early pioneers, having moved there in 1795 from 
 his New England home. 
 
 While the labor of preparing these papers for publication 
 has been performed from an affectionate regard for the mem- 
 ory of their ancestor, it is also hoped that they may prove a 
 valuable contribution to the early history of the North-west. 
 
 The plan of the volume may be stated as follows : 
 
 1. After a brief introduction, a sketch of his early life, to- 
 gether with extracts from a daily journal kept by himself, be- 
 ginning in 1765 and running down to 1787, at which time he 
 entered on the " Ohio business." 
 
 2. In order to arrive at a proper understanding of the 
 value and character of the negotiations he carried through 
 with the Congress of 1787, and as explanatory of the results 
 of his labors, a brief examination and review of the situation 
 of public affairs as connected with the North-west Territory 
 is presented ; also the steps taken to organize the Ohio Com- 
 pany, consisting of the plan of Colonel Timothy Pickering for 
 the organization of •' a new state westward of the Ohio ;" the 
 petition of the officers, with their names ; the correspondence 
 of General Putnam with General Washington ; the " Informa- 
 tion " published by General Putnam and General Tupper ; the 
 organization of the Ohio Company, with Dr. Cutler's appoint- 
 ment as their agent. 
 
 (iii) 
 
iv Preface. 
 
 3. Dr. Cutler's private journal, kept from the day he started 
 from his home, as the agent of the Ohio Company to visit 
 New York, embracing his visit to Philadelphia, until his re- 
 turn. 
 
 4. A journal of his second visit to New York to pay the 
 first moiety on the land purchase, and to close the contract 
 with the Board of Treasury. 
 
 5. A brief review of the personal influence exerted by Dr. 
 Cutler in the formation of the Governmental Ordinance of July 
 13, 1787. 
 
 6. A variety of correspondence between Dr. Cutler and 
 Winthrop Sargent, General Putnam and others, relating to 
 the establishment of the Colony at Marietta and Ohio Com- 
 pany affairs. 
 
 7. A journal of a visit to Marietta undertaken in July, 
 1788. 
 
 8. A history of the Scioto Purchase, prepared by E. C. 
 Dawes from papers and documents not hitherto published. 
 
 9. Dr. Cutler's correspondence while member of Congress 
 from 1801 to 1805. 
 
 10. Portions of his literary and scientific correspondence. 
 
 11. Estimates of his character by personal acquaintances. 
 
 Marietta, Ohio, September 3, 1887. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 In gathering up and arranging the materials for a biograph- 
 ical sketch of Dr. Cutler, it becomes quite evident that an 
 important chapter in the true history of the early settlement 
 of the Ohio valley and the North-west has been omitted from 
 current discussions and histories relating to that general 
 subject. 
 
 This omission is not merely one of incidents and personal- 
 ities, but extends to the staple facts that constitute true and 
 reliable data for the guidance of such an inquiry. To do jus- 
 tice to a subject of so much importance, the conditions under 
 which individual actors were compelled to exert their efforts 
 must be understood. 
 
 The great organic law passed by Congress on the 13th of 
 July, 1787, for the government of the North-west Territory, 
 occupies and deserves a prominent place in the admiration of 
 posterity ; but the reasons why some of its most valuable pro- 
 visions were inserted, and its main features suddenly and 
 favorably changed, have never been fully explained. 
 
 The reasons why a system of surveys was organized, and 
 systematic and permanent occupation of the Ohio country 
 was undertaken in direct connection with the application of the 
 institutions of civil government, are not well understood. 
 
 Any thing like a satisfactory explanation of these, and 
 many other similar inquiries in regard to vacant territory, 
 must reach back to the earliest lines of policy adopted by 
 Congress, even before its conquest from the British crown. 
 
 (v) 
 
vi Introduction. 
 
 Not only the policy of Congress, but the rights of the army, 
 arising from promised bounties, must be considered. 
 
 In placing before the reader the services performed by Dr. 
 Cutler, and claiming for him whatever of merit attaches to 
 his efforts, it is intended also to present as fully as practicable 
 the services and merits of associates, and to give to contem- 
 poraneous circumstances and influences their full weight. 
 
 It will be seen that Congress and the army were the prin- 
 cipal factors ; that there was a concert of action, if not of 
 design ; that Congress sought to prepare the way for the oc- 
 cupation of the western wilderness, to make " rough places 
 smooth, and the crooked places straight," while the army, with 
 their Commander-in-Chief in full support, sought to retrieve 
 losses, heal wounds, and find repose by encountering new 
 risks, new hardships, and new dangers, in laying deep and 
 broad the foundations of Christian civilization in " ncAv states " 
 " westward of the Ohio." 
 
 The service performed by Dr. Cutler was in bringing mto 
 harmonious action the lines of policy that were mai'ked out 
 by one party, and cordially accepted by the other. 
 
 As the agent of the Ohio Company of Associates, he suc- 
 ceeded in placing in the hands of an intelligent body of his 
 fellow-citizens, mainly composed of ofiicers of the army, the 
 first application, on an efficient scale, of the land selling pol- 
 icy, and at the same time of the governmental policy of Con- 
 gress. This effort brought him in direct contact with both 
 parties. The narrative, mainly by liimself and his contempo- 
 raries, will show the steps taken and results accomplished. 
 
 An important element in the true situation at that time is 
 found in the connection which the Commander-in-Chief had with 
 efforts to organize the permanent occupation of the Ohio valley. 
 His personal landed interests there, his efforts at colonization 
 on these lands, his earnest espousal of the petition of the oflB- 
 
Introduction. vii 
 
 cers, his early direction of their attention to the Ohio valley 
 as a resort in case of defeat, and the zeal with which he en- 
 tered upon a comprehensive system of internal improvements, 
 designed to connect the valley and the entire north-west with 
 Virginia seaports, are sufficient evidences of co-operation to 
 justify the introduction of some of his correspondence on the 
 subject. 
 
 General Putnam's letters to Washington and to Fisher 
 Ames disclose the true condition of affairs at that time. 
 
 If the reader will give careful attention to Washington's 
 letter to Grovernor Harrison, Putnam's correspondence, and 
 Dr. Cutler's Explanation, etc.. it will be found that a har- 
 mony of views and opinions can be traced through them all 
 that would indicate a preconcerted plan for presenting what 
 was at that time the true situation of affairs, as well as the 
 schemes of improvement and colonization that commanded 
 their united attention. 
 
 These papers, with others of similar import, are valuable 
 contributions to history, and afford explanations for the di- 
 rection that Dr. Cutler gave to his negotiations with Con- 
 gress. It will be clearly seen that the interests of Virginia 
 were closely connected with the plans of the Ohio Company 
 of Associates, and, as a result, harmony of action was se- 
 cured ; that the motives for such harmony were strong enough 
 to influence legislation in matters of the greatest impor- 
 tance. 
 
 No apology is required for placing Dr. Cutler's journals so 
 fully before the reader ; with other papers, they constitute the 
 body of the volume. 
 
 It is well to bear in mind that the policy adopted by Con- 
 gress, in regard to vacant territory, or the " back country," 
 was, in most respects, new and experimental. 
 
viii Introduction. 
 
 The system of surveys was adopted after " long and pain- 
 ful deliberation." The idea of making wild lands a basis of 
 revenue and of public credit was novel. Neither the Colonies 
 nor the British government had ever devoted vacant territory to 
 that purpose. 
 
 The mode of settling was also new. Hitherto, the indi- 
 vidual adventurer, either alone or with a few neighbors, en- 
 countered the dangers and liardships of pioneer life. Out- 
 side of Colonial or state jurisdiction, there was no law and no 
 value to lands. Kentucky was settled in this way. It yielded 
 no revenue, either to the parent state or nation, from sales 
 of lands. But Congress adopted the policy of " compact and 
 progressive settlements," with territorial government pro- 
 jected over them in advance. In this Avay a control was es- 
 tablished over the land as property, and lawful jurisdiction 
 exercised over the inhabitants. 
 
 It will be found that the views of the Associates and of 
 Washington were in entire harmony Avith those of Congress in 
 these respects. 
 
 It was with all these elements of a new line of landed and 
 territorial policy, constituting a new departure, that Dr. Cut- 
 ler had to deal in his efforts to bring into practical use sys- 
 tems that had not been previously tried. 
 
 It will appear that the policy of " new states," " distinct 
 governments " for the vacant territory, was announced before 
 the Peace of '83 gave Congress the full control ; that it was 
 under consideration of several committees from 1780 to 1787 ; 
 that every state except Georgia was represented on those 
 committees from time to time ; that it must have received 
 the consideration of over twenty different members during 
 the above interval. The system for surveys and disposing 
 of the lands was under the consideration of a grand com- 
 mittee, composed of a member from each state, and evidently 
 
Introduction. ix 
 
 received careful consideration before finally disposed of, May 
 20, 1785. 
 
 It is also true that the army gave early attention* to the 
 same subjects. The officers anticipated new states, and ex- 
 pected that surveys of the lands would be made by the gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 Dr. Cutler kept a daily record of his personal affairs, be- 
 ginning in the year 1765, and ending the year of his death, 
 1823. l^ine years are missing. Extracts from the years that 
 have been preserved are given in the volume, and constitute 
 an autobiography, needing little comment to add to its in- 
 terest. 
 
 His correspondence while a member of Congress presents 
 an interesting view of that period of political transition 
 when the authors and most earnest supporters of the Con- 
 stitution were set aside and only allowed to exert that influ- 
 ence which comes from an intelligent, patriotic, and talented 
 minority. Portions only of Dr. Cutler's literary and scien- 
 tific correspondence have been preserved and presented to 
 the reader. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Genealogy — Early Life — Marriage — Engages in Commerce — 
 
 Studies Divinity — Settles in Ipswich Hamlet 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Parish Life — Eevoldtionauy War — Chaplain — Expedition to 
 
 Rhode Island — Studies and Phactices Medicine 38 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Diary from 1780-1785 — Studies Botany — Establishes Private 
 Boarding School — American Acadkmy Arts and Sciences — 
 First and Second Journey to White Hills 77 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Policy of Congress in Regard to Vacant Territory — Reasons 
 FOR THE Organization of the Ohio Company of Associates — Sup- 
 port GIVEN BY General Washington to the Plan — Pickering's 
 Scheme — Officers' Petition — Correspondence 119 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Extracts from Records ok Ohio Company — Articles of Agree- 
 ment — Letters to Major Sargent and Nathan Dane — Diary, 
 1787 178 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 Journey to New York and Philadelphia, 1787 203 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 At New York and Philadelphia — Letters to Hazard and Sar- 
 gent — Diary of 1787 253 
 
 CHAPTER VIIL 
 
 The Influence Exerted by Dr. Cutler in the Formation of the 
 Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the 
 United States North-west of the River Ohio, Passed July 
 13, 1787 335 
 
 (xi) 
 
xii Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Letters — Diary ok 1788 — Lettkr from Ge.vekal Parsons to Dr. 
 CuTi-ER — Journey to the Muskingum — Rev. Daniel Story — 
 Letters 374 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Letter from General Parsons — Correspondence of Putnam and 
 Cutler — Directors' Instructions to Putnam and Cutler — 
 Letter TO Sargent — Putnam's Letter — Diary, 1790 — Letters — 
 Diary, 1701 438 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Directors' Petition to Congress — Report of Committee — Act 
 Conveying Lands to Ohio Company — Letters to Mrs. Cutler — 
 Diary, 1793 470 
 
 CHAPTER XIL 
 The Scioto Purchase 494 
 
-. *s 
 
 
 
^r>3,\ '1 /V J 
 
 LIFE OF REV. MANASSEH CUTLEfe'^rso^ 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Gexeai.ogy — Eart,y Life — Marriage — Engages ix Commerce — Studies 
 Divinity — Settles in Ipswich Hamlet. 
 
 Among the many Puritans who came to the Colony of Mas- 
 sachusetts Bay in the early years of its settlement -was James 
 Cutler, a young man from Norfolkshire, England. Those who 
 thought for themselves and lived in accord with their con- 
 victions of duty in that time of religious persecution, were 
 obliged, at much sacrifice, to leave friends and country, and 
 cross the ocean in order to secure in this ncAv continent their 
 civil and religious rights. James Cutler was the first of his 
 family to come to America. He married Anna, the sister of 
 Captain John Grout's wife, a woman of Puritan faith, and 
 " of wonderful decision, energy, and enterprise." He settled 
 in Watertown in 1634, where, having passed through the nec- 
 essary preliminaries, he was admitted to citizenship, and the 
 usual allotments of land were assigned to him. He prospered 
 in his new home and added to his possessions by the purchase 
 of more land. Here his first child, James, was born, Novem- 
 ber 6, 1635. After encountering for ten years the trials of 
 pioneer life in a rigorous climate, Anna died, and was buried 
 September 30, 164:4. He married, second, Mary King, the 
 AvidoAv of Thomas King, of Watertown ; and sold, about 1651, 
 his property there, and removed to Cambridge Farms (Lex- 
 ington) ; and is " said to have built one of the first houses 
 erected in that place, the door-steps and cellar of which are 
 now to be seen," The spacious farm he occupied was recently 
 still in possession of his descendants. Here he lost his sec- 
 ond wife, and in 1662 married Phebe Page, daughter of John 
 
 (1) 
 
2 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Page, and the niece of William Paine, a wealthy iron merchant 
 of Boston, who mentioned her in his will. 
 
 James Cutler made his will November 24, 1684, bequeath- 
 ing property to each of his twelve children, and also to two 
 step-daughters. He died at Cambridge Farms, May 17, 1694, 
 aged 88 years. His sons, James, Thomas, John, and Samuel, 
 were useful and influential men. His daughter Hannah mar- 
 ried John Winter, Jr.; Mary married John Collar ; Elizabeth 
 married John Parmenter, third, of Sudbury ; Sarah married 
 Thomas Waite, of Cambridge Farms ; Joanna married Philip 
 Russel. 
 
 James Cutler, the eldest son of James and Anna, born in 
 Watertown, November 6, 1635, married June 15, 1665, Lydia 
 (Moore) AVright, daughter of John Moore, of Sudbury, and 
 the widow of Samuel Wright before she was twenty years old. 
 She lived to an advanced age, and died at Sudbury, the widow 
 of James Cutler, November 23, 1723. He served in the 
 Indian war as a soldier under Captain Henchman, and, in 
 common with others, endured great hardships while engaged 
 in the campaigns against King Philip, in 1675 and 1676. He 
 resided in Lexington, where he made his will, July 28th, and 
 died July 30, 1685, in the 50th year of his age. His widow, 
 Lydia Cutler, and her brother, Benjamin Moore, were the ex- 
 ecutors of his will, proved October 8, 1685. He had sons — 
 James, Samuel, Joseph, John, and Thomas ; and daughters, 
 Ann and Elizabeth. 
 
 John Cutler, fourth son of James and Lydia, born April 14, 
 1675, was ten years old when his father died. He married, 
 February 6, 1700, Hannah Snow, daughter of John Snow, of 
 Woburn. She was received into the church at Lexington 
 from the church of Woburn, July 5, 1702; and he united with 
 the church in full communion February 13, 1704. He re- 
 moved with his fcimily from Lexington, where eight of his 
 eleven children Avere baptized, to Killingly, Connecticut, about 
 1713. The country was then new. He owned a large tract 
 of land east of the Quinebaug River, and a saw-mill on Five 
 Mile River. He was an upright and pious man. He died in 
 1729, at the age of 54 years. 
 
 On the ancient records of Killingly there is a deed made by 
 
Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 3 
 
 John Cutler to his chiklren, in which certain lands are con- 
 veyed, in consideration of his love and affection, to his sons, 
 Seth, Timothy, and Uriah, " on condition that Seth and Tim- 
 othy do bear their part with Hezekiah in maintaining their 
 uncle, Samuel, and pay to my two daughters, Mary and Jemima, 
 £5 each ; and Uriah to pay £5 to each of his sisters when he 
 comes of age ; Hezekiah to maintain his natural mother, 
 Hannah, with meat, drink, and apparel in sickness and in 
 health, and provide for the bringing up of the younger chil- 
 dren.'"' To his wife, Hannah, he gives : "All and singular my 
 household goods, as if mentioned in particular." To daughter, 
 Hannah Heath, land bought of John Mighill by advice of James 
 and Joseph Leavens, and also gives land to daughters, Abigail, 
 Patience, and Kezia, September 8, 1727. In another legal 
 paper John Cutler divides his saw-mill property on Five Mile 
 River, equally, between Seth, Timothy, and Hezekiah, and 
 gives one yoke of oxen to Seth and Timothy. To each of his 
 sons he gives 176 acres of land, and to Hezekiah, provided he 
 takes care of the family, and pays to his sisters £5 each, he 
 gives, in addition, fifty acres and the buildings thereon. 
 
 Hezekiah, on the death of his father, came into possession 
 of the fertile acres of the homestead on the eastern border of 
 Killingly. The line dividing Connecticut and Rhode Island 
 at that time passed directly through the house. Here his 
 mother and sisters resided with him. His brother Seth set- 
 tled at Windham, Connecticut, and left seven daughters ; Tim- 
 othy died at the age of thirty-two ; his only son. Captain 
 Benoni Cutler, served with honor in the Revolutionary war, 
 after which he removed to Vermont, From him descended 
 Rev. Calvin Cutler, and Rev. Dr. Carrol Cutler, late President 
 of the Western Reserve College, and of Adelbert College, 
 Cleveland, Ohio. The youngest brother, Uriah, went to New 
 Jersey and settled near Morristown. General Joseph Cutler 
 and Hon. Augustus W. Cutler are among his descendants. 
 
 Hezekiah Cutler faithfully performed the duties his father 
 had required, and early developed those fine traits of character 
 which distinguished him through his long life. He was re- 
 ceived to the full communion of the church in Killingly 
 February 25, 1733 ; and married, December 5, 1734, Susanna 
 
4 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 Clark. She was the daughter of Hanniel Clark, one of the 
 early surveyors of Windham County, Connecticut, who, in 
 1733, was chosen deacon of the first church in Killingly. She 
 united with the church June 27, 1736, and is said to have been 
 " a lady of great personal beauty and strength of mind, with 
 an education in advance of her time." * 
 
 The children of Hezekiah and Susanna Cutler were : 1st. 
 Mehetabel, born April 7, 1737, baptized April 10, 1737; 
 married, October 10, 1758, Simeon Lee ; died January 1, 
 1790, leaving an only daughter. 2d. Hannah, baptized De- 
 cember 24, 1738, died young. 3d. Manasseh, Rev. LL.D., 
 the subject of this memoir, born May 13, 1742, and baptized 
 at Thompson, May 30, 1742, by Rev. Marston Cabot. 4th. 
 Ephraim, born November 13, 1744, baptized by Rev. M. 
 Cabot, November 18, 1744. 5th. Hannah, born December 5, 
 1747 ; died December 25, 1753. Only the eldest daughter 
 and the sons arrived at maturity ; the two Hannahs, named to 
 commemorate his beloved mother, died in early childhood. 
 
 Those families who lived near the boundary of Killingly 
 were for a time included in the Thompson parish, an arrange- 
 ment which proved to be so inconvenient that a petition was pre- 
 sented to the Colonial Government for leave to attend worship 
 at the nearer and more accessible church in Killinglv. " In 
 the year 1746, Joseph Cady, Hezekiah Cutler, Thomas Wilson, 
 Joseph Richards, Samuel Bloss, and other leading citizens in- 
 cluded in Thompson Parish, now represented to the Assembly 
 that the worship of God was regularly attended at a convenient 
 Meeting House, which would be much less trouble to them than 
 to go to Thompson, where the distance was so great, and the 
 roads so bad, that a great part of holy time must be spent in 
 very servile labor to man and beast ; and at some seasons it 
 was impossible for themselves and families to be conveyed 
 there, and begged to be transferred to Killingly ; which was 
 granted." f 
 
 Hezekiah Cutler removed, later, to the vicinity of the 
 Meeting House on Killingly Hill, and was prominent in town 
 
 * Larned's Hist. Windham Co., Conn., Vol. I., p. 529. 
 fHist. Windham Co., Vol. 1., p. .i3I. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 5 
 
 and church affairs. He is described as a man who had a com- 
 manding influence with those around him, dignified in his 
 appearance and manners, respected for his wise and prudent 
 counsel and his great firmness of character. He was regarded 
 as a truly benevolent and Christian man, a peacemaker among 
 his neighbors, a friend to the poor, and an intelligent, public- 
 spirited citizen. 
 
 On the Killingly farm, under the guiding influence of his 
 father, and the loving, watchful care of a mother who devoted 
 herself to the improvement of her children, Manasseh Cutler 
 grew up with such habits and principles as are calculated to 
 form a useful and worthy character. The labors of the farm, 
 in which he participated, gave to him a very fine physical devel- 
 opment and valuable habits of industry. His early practical 
 knowledge led, in after life, to efl'orts for the improvement of 
 the methods then practiced in agriculture, and accounts for 
 his marked success as a farmer and horticulturist. This rural 
 life gave him a liking for skating, fishing, gunning, and other 
 field diversions, which he had abundant opportunity to enjoy ; 
 and doubtless fostered an inherent love of nature which per- 
 meated his Avhole being, influencing his studies, and leading 
 him to devote much time and thought to the pursuit of the 
 diff'erent branches of natural history. 
 
 In youth, he had the advantage of such schools as the 
 country then aff'orded, but as he approached manhood he 
 manifested an earnest desire for a more liberal and thorough 
 education. In the absence of academies, he was placed under 
 the care and instruction of the Rev. Aaron Brown, pastor of 
 the church in Killingly, to be prepared for college. In these 
 studies he was associated with Joseph Howe, a step-son of 
 Rev. Mr. Brown and a brilliant scholar, with whom he entered 
 Yale College in 1761. A local historian* states, that about 
 this time an unusually large number of young men in Wind- 
 ham County were pursuing their studies at Yale, preparing 
 themselves for professional life. At one time, eleven from Pom- 
 fret and three from Killingly were contemporary collegiates. 
 
 *Larned's History of Windham Co., Conn., Vol. I., p. 527; Vol. II., 
 pp. 90,91. 
 
6 Life of Rev. 3Icmasseh Cutler. 
 
 There were then no rapid and easy means of transit, and they 
 were accustomed to ride to New Haven in company, on horse- 
 back, taking with them a young companion to bring back the 
 string of horses. They must have formed an interesting 
 cavalcade. The three students from Killingly were Joseph 
 Howe, Manasseh Cutler, and Amasa Larned ; the latter, a son 
 of Deacon Ebenezer Larned, was also prepared for college by 
 Rev. Mr. Brown, and entered Yale a year later than his com- 
 panions. " He was a gifted young man, who, after studying 
 and serving in the ministry, turned his attention to the law, 
 and entered political life, acquiring distinction in state and 
 national councils." 
 
 Howe and Cutler graduated at Yale, 1765. The historian 
 before referred to says of them : " Howe was the first scholar 
 in a class that had its full share of distinguished names. 
 After teaching with great success at Hartford and as a tutor 
 at Yale, where his literary accomplishments, especially his re- 
 markable powers of elocution, not less than his fine social and 
 moral qualities, made him a general favorite." He was or- 
 dained. May 19, 1773, over the New South Church, in Boston, 
 and died before he reached his thirtieth year, August 25, 1776. 
 
 '' Cutler was also distinguished for diligence and proficiency, 
 and graduated with high honor from college to attain distinc- 
 tion in various departments. After practicing law for a time 
 in Edgartown, he studied theology, and was ordained pastor 
 of the church at Ipswich Hamlet, Massachusetts, September 
 11, 1771. He was a man of unusual breadth and solidity of 
 character ; and while performing his pastoral duties with great 
 fidelity and acceptance, he gave much time and thought to 
 political and scientific investigations, fitting him to bear a 
 most prominent and useful part in the development of the 
 future republic." 
 
 Of the years passed in Yale College we have few details. 
 In answer to a letter of inquiry, Prof. J. L. Kingsley wrote 
 from New Haven, June 13, 1839 : " In President Stiles' Diary 
 there is an entry, July 2, 1787, from which it appears that 
 Rev. Manasseh Cutler was in town that day on his way to 
 Philadelphia, to collect botanical information. This is the 
 amount of some half dozen lines. Among the letters remain- 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 7 
 
 ing here received by Dr. Stiles from his correspondents there 
 is none, I believe, from Dr. Cutler. 
 
 "As to the college life of Dr. Cutler, there is no record, 
 except that his Bachelor's and Master's degrees were voted in 
 the usual manner. The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws 
 Avas conferred en him in September, 1789, but the diploma 
 was not issued till 1791. There is on record a copy of the 
 diploma, but you probably have the original. Dr. Cutler, I 
 believe, was not in Congress till the commencement of the 
 present century. President Stiles died in 1795. There is no 
 letter on file from Dr. Cutler acknowledging his diploma." 
 
 The Hon. Allen Dodge, of Hamilton, wrote, several years 
 since : " I have before me a closely written MS., occupying 
 more than a quire of foolscap paper, entitled, ' Manasseh Cut- 
 ler, his Book of Astronomical Recreations, Performed at Yale 
 College, N. Haven, A. d. 1763,' The title page also contains 
 an extract of sixteen lines from Virgil, commencing, 
 
 ' Felix, qui potuit rerum cognoscei-e causas,' 
 
 which indeed seems to have been the key to his character 
 throughout his long and useful life. The MS, is filled with 
 astronomical calculations, such as phenomena of solar eclipses, 
 theory of comets, etc. One calculation is entitled, 'An Eclipse 
 of the Sun visible at Yale College, in New Haven, Wednesday, 
 24th of June, A, d, 1778, Delineated at Yale College, March 
 y*^ 24th, 1763,' There are tables of figures, diagrams and 
 calculations in the book, altogether beyond my knowledge, or 
 understanding ; they remain as a monument of the early 
 training of this disciple of science, and prophetic of his future 
 attainments and distinction. It is deposited with other of 
 his MSS., in the Archives of the Essex Institute in Salem." 
 
 With these items we leave this important period of Dr. 
 Cutler's life. It is certain that the methods and habits of 
 study then acquired were never lost, but resulted in those re- 
 searches in astronomy, meteorology, and botany, and that 
 varied culture for which he was distinguished. 
 
 Many valuable manuscripts were destroyed by a fire which 
 unfortunately occurred in his study in 1812 ; and others, after 
 his death, were scattered here and there, and can not be re- 
 
8 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 claimed. Among the papers in the possession of his family 
 are several journals and interleaved almanacs ; the earliest of 
 these is a daily journal, written on sheets of paper slightly 
 stitched together, many of which are missing or mutilated, 
 and that appears to have been rescued from the fire. The 
 first date on the remaining portion is November, 1765, some 
 months after he graduated. Much of it consists of mere 
 memoranda of personal, and often trivial affairs, but is inter- 
 esting as indicating his aspirations and habits at this time. 
 The writer, Avhile eminently social, was a close observer, 
 studious and methodical, and now that more than a century 
 intervenes, we enjoy " the backward look'' which he affords 
 us in glimpses of colonial life and revolutionary times. 
 
 At the age of twenty-three, soon after he left college, Mr. 
 Cutler engaged in teaching school at Dedham, Massachusetts, 
 where he was introduced to a very pleasant circle, among 
 w^hom were several young men near his own age who had re- 
 cently completed their education, or were still pursuing their 
 studies at Harvard. Of the number were the sons of Dr. 
 Nathaniel Ames, " the celebrated almanac maker, who pub- 
 lished forty almanacs in as many years." His son, Dr. Na- 
 thaniel Ames, graduated at Ha:rvard College in 1761, and had 
 taken the place of his father, lately deceased, as physician in 
 Dedham. Mr. Seth Ames, another son, graduated in 1764, 
 also studied medicine, and in the Revolutionary War was sur- 
 geon to an American regiment. The Hon. Fisher Ames, the 
 distinguished orator and statesman, w^as a younger son, and 
 graduated later. Mr. Benjamin Balch, son of Rev. Thomas 
 Balch, of Dedham, graduated in 1763, and served as a chap- 
 lain in the army and navy during the Revolution. Mr. Na- 
 thaniel Fisher, a classmate of Mr. Balch, went to England, 
 was ordained an Episcopal clergyman, returned, and after the 
 war was inducted rector of St. Peter's, Salem. Mr. Joshua 
 Fisher, graduated in 1766, afterward a physician in Ipswich 
 and Beverly, noted for his patriotism and disinterested benevo- 
 lence. These, with Dr. Jerauld, Messrs. West, Battelle, Deane, 
 Adams, and others of like culture, were Mr. Cutler's associates. 
 He notices in his journal the pleasant courtesies extended to 
 him ; and, among those to whom he was indebted, he mentions 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 9 
 
 the names of Bacon, Morse, Dexter, Everett, Sumner, Ellis, 
 Gay, Haven, etc. Many of his Dedham acquaintances be- 
 came his life-long friends. 
 
 At the time when we begin our extracts from his private 
 journal Mr. Cutler was teaching in Dedham. Passing over 
 the first three weeks of this fragmentary record, we come to 
 that of December 24, 1765, which introduces us to the amiable 
 and attractive lady, who afterward became his wife, and was 
 for fifty years his beloved and faithful companion. 
 
 Dec. 24, Tuesday. Set out for Boston in the carriage 
 with Miss Polly Balch ; very cold. Spent the evening at 
 Captain Hart's. Lodged at Mr. Williams'. It being Christ- 
 mas eve the bells in Christ Church were rung, chimed, played 
 tunes, etc. Christ Church is a large brick building, situated 
 at the north end, and is the first church founded in the town. 
 
 Dec. 25, Wed. Christmas. Went to church at King's 
 Chapel, where was a very gay and brilliant assembly. Sev- 
 eral intervals, in reading service, made for singing an- 
 thems, which were performed extremely well. Service was 
 read by Parson Caner, and a sermon preached, or rather a 
 harangue pronounced by Parson Trouback. After the ser- 
 mon a collection was made for the poor. Then the sacrament 
 was administered (which I did not tarry to see). Dined at 
 Mr. Williams'. A very handsome dinner. In the afternoon 
 service was read, and anthems sung, but no sermon. This 
 church is built of stone, is very beautifully adorned Avith carved 
 pillars, several images, etc. Here is a very good set of or- 
 gans, but no bells, as the steeple is not erected. This is the 
 most grand church in town, where His Excellency is obliged to 
 attend. This evening we came to Roxbury and spent it very 
 agreeably at Mr. Increase Sumner's, and lodged at Mr. Sam- 
 uel Sumner's. 
 
 Dec. 26, Thurs. This morning began to snow. At 10 
 o'clock we set out for the city of Tiot (Indian name of 
 Dedham), and came to an anchor at Dr. Ames', where we 
 dined, drank tea, and spent a very agreeable evening. We 
 came home at 10 o'clock. As it had cleared up, and was a 
 bright moonlight night, and not cold, we had a very pleasant 
 ride. So much for Christmas. 
 
10 L^f^ of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 [Mr. Cutler was at this time particularly interested in 
 astronomy, and frequently enters in his journal observations 
 on the celestial bodies, and notes their various phenomena.] 
 
 Jan. 3, 1766, Fri. Very cold, though clear. Mr. Dean and 
 I viewed Jupiter's moons in a prospective glass. Three of 
 them visible, but very dim. Their positions were thus : 
 N. ® o © d E. 
 
 Jan. 4, Sat. Extremely cold. No wood at the school-house. 
 Studied Dr. Bates on the Immortality of the Soul. 
 
 Jan. 9, Thurs. Spent the evening at Mr. Fisher's. Viewed 
 Jupiter. Four moons Avere visible in this position : 
 
 Jan. 17, Fri. Mr. Balch's lecture. Mr. Haven preached. 
 Mr. Prentice, of Cambridge, and Mr. Adams, of Medfield, 
 here. Concluded my first three months of keeping school. 
 
 Ja7i. IS, Sat. Delineated Connecticut Hall. In the evening 
 read the History of Popery. 
 
 Jan. 19, Sunday. Sacrament administered. Mr. Balch 
 preached a very good .sermon on Charity; perhaps very well 
 timed. 
 
 Jan. 20, 3Io7i. Began school again. Dined at Mr. Bacon's. 
 Spent the evening at Mr. Gay's. A^ery handsomely entertained. 
 
 Jan. 23, Thurs. Very clear. Dined at Mr. John Morse's. 
 Spent the evening at Mr. N. Dean's. The air very clear and 
 serene. This morning about 6 o'clock considerable of a shock 
 of an earthquake was felt in Boston, but was attended by no 
 perceptible noise. 
 
 Ja7i. 24, Fri. This evening concluded the History of the 
 Fair Greek. But an ordinary novel. Her character, though, 
 very remarkable. 
 
 Jan. 26, Lord's Bay. An extraordinary pleasant morning, 
 serene and warm. Mr. Balch preached. At 3 o'clock p. m. saw 
 Venus very plain with my naked eye. At 7 o'clock this even- 
 ing the moon was so near Jupiter that they could be both 
 seen through a three feet prospect glass at the same time. 
 By their situation it appeared that the moon had made a 
 transit over Jupiter before they Avere above the horizon. 
 
 Jan. 29, Wed. Still pleasant. Three of Jupiter's moons 
 appeared plain this evening, thus : gj « ^ a 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ia7iasseh Cutler. 11 
 
 Feb. 1, Sat. Much colder. Hunting with Mr. Dean. In 
 the evening read Mr. Harrison's sermons on Christ's Ascension. 
 Very fine. 
 
 Feb. 2, Lord's Day. This morning about 7 o'clock was 
 heard an uncommon noise. I was asleep, but it was so loud 
 and continued so long that I awoke and heard the latter part 
 very plainly. It was heard by most of the neighbors, who 
 imagined it was in the air, and as loud as a large number of 
 cannon fired at the same time. It is reported that some peo- 
 ple saw a large meteor break in the air. If so, it will be 
 worth the notice of the curious. In the morning the air was 
 very clear, but soon an unusual vapor seemed to cover the 
 southern part of the hemisphere, which occasioned the sun to 
 shine very red, though it did not appear in the least smoky. 
 There seemed to be something so remarkable in the face of 
 the heavens that I viewed the sun at 2 o'clock in my glass, but 
 could see nothing uncommon. Though no spot appeared on 
 the sun's disk the air was very chilly and cold. 
 
 Feb. 3, Mon. Much warmer, spring-like weather. Be- 
 gan to read the History of Oliver Cromwell, written by a 
 gentleman of the Middle Temple, author of the Life of Peter 
 the Great, Emperor of Russia. 
 
 Feb. 4, Tues. Very pleasant. Walked with Mr. Balch, 
 after school, to Governor Little's Palace, Mr. N. Everett's, etc. 
 
 Feb. 14, Fri. At three o'clock this afternoon Prudence Crane, 
 daughter of Benjamin Crane, about 8 years of age, departed 
 this life. She was one of my scholars, a very forward child? 
 and much lamented by her mates. At Esquire Sumner's and 
 Mr. Morse's in the evening. 
 
 Feb. 1, 3Ion. At 1 o'clock Prudence Crane was buried. 
 Dismissed my school in the afternoon. Received an order on 
 Mr. Isaac Whitney. 
 
 Feb. 18, Tues. Went to the Furnace in Stoughton in the 
 chaise with Mr. Asa Everett. Dined at N. Morse's. The 
 Furnace is a large building, and has within a platform, 
 twenty feet square, built with solid stone nineteen feet high. 
 In the midst of this is a tunnel in the form of an egg, small 
 at the top, bulging at the midst, and brought almost to a point 
 at the bottom. This contains the ore, coal, shells, etc., and is 
 
12 . Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 about eight feet in diameter in the bulge. The top of the tun- 
 nel is built of bricks, and the rest of grindstone. At the bot- 
 tom are two large arches built in the platform ; the one 
 for the bellows, to come to the bottom of the tunnel, Avhich 
 are very large and keep constantly blowing the whole blast ; 
 the other to come at the metal which runs into a reservoir at 
 the bottom of the tunnel, where it is ladled out. It appears 
 like liquid fire. A potash kettle had just been cast, so that 
 we saw only some cart-boxes cast while we were there. Re- 
 turned in the evening by Esquire Sumner's. A cold, melan- 
 choly ride. 
 
 Feb. 22, Sat. Hunted in Purgatory with Mr. Dean and Mr. 
 Penniman this afternoon, but found nothing. This evening 
 the moon had a tx-ansit over Jupiter. I viewed her for half an 
 hour before she obscured Jupiter, and could discern the Avhole 
 body of the moon, Jupiter, and two of his moons, at the same 
 time, situated thus : « ® a ©. 
 
 3Iar. 3, 3Ion. Town meeting. This day allowed for school- 
 masters to go to the meeting. Mr. Dean was kind enough to 
 invite me to ride with him in the chaise to Dedham. Spent a 
 very agreeable afternoon with Dr. Ames, Seth Ames, and N. 
 Fisher. We formed ourselves into a Thursday-night Club ; 
 the gentlemen in the club co be Dr. Ames, Seth Ames, Fisher, 
 West, Dr. Jerauld, and myself; to meet Thursday night of 
 next week at Deacon Ellis' at Clapboard Trees. 
 
 [The West parish at Dedham was designated by the name 
 of Clapboard Trees, and Deacon Ellis' Tavern, where the 
 club was to meet, was located there. Doubtless political, as 
 well as literary and scientific topics, furnished subjects for 
 discussion.] 
 
 Mar. 7, Fri. Evening clear. Viewed Jupiter. All his 
 moons appeared clear, thus: * ^ o ® »• 
 
 Mar. 21. A grand levee at Deacon Ellis'. Present : Dr. 
 Ames, Dr. Jerauld, his Honor, etc. A very pleasant even- 
 ing. Adjourned to next week. 
 
 3Iar. 28, Fri. A second grand levee at Ellis' Inn. Pres- 
 ent : Dr. Ames, Mr. Seth Ames, Dr. Jerauld, Mr. Nath'l 
 Fisher, Mr. Battelle, and myself. In the first place we agreed 
 to put ourselves under proper regulations — that there should 
 
^ 
 
 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 13 
 
 be a President appointed, to act as Moderator, to propose all 
 matters to the club, etc.; that there should be a Scribe to 
 record the transactions of each meeting, and that we should 
 be knoAvn and distinguished by some appropriate appellation. 
 I had the honor to be appointed their President, Dr. Ames 
 was appointed Scribe. Resolved, that we should be known as 
 the Honorable Free Brothers' Club. Several regulations Avere 
 then considered respecting our entertainments, etc., after 
 which we spent a most agreeable social evening. Every mem- 
 ber enjoyed the conversation without restraint, while their 
 hearts glowed with fraternal affection, mutually wishing to 
 each la'sting happiness in the full enjoyment of the rights and- 
 liberties that are inherent privileges of the ti'ue born sons of 
 freedom. At 9 o'clock, when we had in a frugal manner en- 
 tertained ourselves — with no kind of spirits but our own 
 country produce, viz., metheglin — the President adjourned 
 till 6 o'clock next Friday evening, at the same place. Absent 
 from necessity : Rev. D. West and Mr. Thomas Adams. 
 
 April 1, 1766. Concluded my school — between ninety and 
 one hundred scholars. Bade them farewell, with some coun- 
 sels, etc. In the afternoon only spelled, and concluded with 
 catechising them. 
 
 Apr. 2. Studied ; read Trapp on Popery, Mr. Edwards' 
 Life, etc. 
 
 Apr. 4. At 6 o'clock the Free Brothers' Club convened 
 at Mr. Ellis'. All the members present except Mr. Fisher. > 
 Present besides the members : Mr. Townshend, and Mr. West, 
 student at college. Some further regulations were considered. 
 Every mind was impressed with a lively sense of the pleas- 
 ures and advantages arising from our fraternity. The open- 
 ing rose breathes sweetness from its own nature, and the gen- 
 tle clouds drop upon the earth, producing fruits, herbage, and 
 flowers; so this society, formed and constituted to instill gen- 
 erous and catholic sentiments, and promote the edification and 
 prosperity of all it should patronize, distilled tranquillity and 
 happiness on all present. At 9 o'clock, adjourned till Friday '^ 
 next, at 3 o'clock. 
 
 Apr. 7, Mon. Mr. Edward Bullard informed me he saw - 
 a comet in the west on Friday and Saturday evenings last. \ 
 
14 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Rainy this evening, which disappointed my seeing the comet. 
 Read a system of morality taken from an Indian manuscript, 
 written by an ancient Brahmin, near China. 
 
 A^yr. 9, Wed. Dined with Mr. Thomas Adams at Medfield. 
 Dr. Jerauhl, Mr. Adams, and I drank tea at Rev. Mr. Towns- 
 hend's. In the evening a singing meeting in the school-house ; 
 sang well. Medfield, twenty miles from Boston, is a small 
 town about four miles square. The land is level and well cul- 
 tivated, and tolerably thickly inhabited, and the people are 
 generally very good livers. Their Meeting House is large, 
 though it was built sixty years ago. 
 
 Ai?r. 10. Spent the morning in viewing objects in t)he mi- 
 croscope. We could see that a hair has a path in the middle, 
 by which moisture is conveyed from the nutritive vessels to 
 the extremity of the hair. Fur is full of joints, which oc- 
 casions its softness. Came home after breakfast by Wrent- 
 ham and Walpole. Received an account of the meteor of the 
 2d of February from Miss Boyden. Read the Universal Spec- 
 tator. Just before the closing in of daylight I discovered the 
 comet of which I had heard. It was a little to the N. of the 
 Sun's apparent path, and I found by a common quadrant that 
 it was about 23^^ N. W. of the Bat's eye. The Moon was then 
 about 10° to the S. W. of the comet, being the second day 
 after its conjunction. Its train or tail was very long, though 
 considerably dull. It appears to extend one foot and a half 
 from the nucleus directly toward the zenith. Its nucleus ap- 
 peared pale, much larger, though not so bright, as any of the 
 fixed stars. It set 8 hours, 25 min. Its tail appeared after 
 the nucleus was below the horizon. 
 
 April 11, Fri. Mr. Balch's lecture. Mr. Haven, Mr. 
 Ward, Mr. Townshend, and Mr. Adams dined. Mr. Towns- 
 hend preached a very ingenious sermon. After lecture, the 
 singers came into Mr. Balch's, and sang very well. At 3 
 o'clock this afternoon, the Free Brothers convened at the 
 usual place. Present: Dr. Ames, Mr. West, Mr. Fisher, Mr. 
 Battelle, Dr. Jerauld, Mr. Adams, and myself. Free Brothers 
 absent : Mr. Ames. Likewise present, Mr. Haven and Mr. 
 Ward. The latter was admitted as a member. The peculiar 
 and real advantages of the society were sensibly enjoyed by 
 
Life of Rev. 3fana8seh Cutler. 15 
 
 each member. At 9 o'clock, adjourned till the first Wednes- 
 day in May, at the house of Thomas Adams, in Medfield, at 
 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when the Free Brothers will again 
 associate. 
 
 [Mr. Cutler left Dedham before the date of the next meet- 
 ing of the club, and it is not mentioned again in his journal.] 
 
 Apr. 16, Wed. My brother and Caleb Ciark here from 
 Killingly. Went with them to Boston. Spent the evening 
 with my old friend. Jack Watson. 
 
 Apr. 17, Thurs. Dined with Mr. Watson at Friend Bagnal's. 
 P. M. we rode in the chaise to Cambridge. We drank tea in 
 Whipple's chamber (though he has gone to Boston) with Austin 
 and Hill, his chums, both from Boston. They treated us very 
 genteelly, waited on us into the library, hall, dining-room, etc., 
 which are very neat. The chief of the books in the library 
 was Mr, Hollis' donation, neatly gilt and lettered. We had a 
 very pleasant ride to Boston in the evening, and lodged at 
 Bagnal's. News of the repeal of the Stamp Act. A large 
 bonfire in King Street. Met sundry Connecticut gentlemen. 
 
 Ajyr. 19, Sat. My brother set out for Killingly. Painted 
 my coat of arms. 
 
 Apr. 28, 3Ion. Much engaged in study. Mr. Daniel 
 Leonard and Josias Quincy drank tea here. My horse, from 
 home, per Captain Daniels. 
 
 Apr. 29, Tues. Rode to Boston. Heard nothing .respect- 
 ing the Stamp Act. Subscribed for the Universal Museum. 
 
 Apr. 30, Wed. Preparing to go home. Daniel Leonard 
 and Josias Quincy drank tea again at Mr. Balch's. JVon 
 nihil signijicat ! 
 
 [On the 1st of May Mr. Cutler returned to his Connecticut 
 home ; and on the 7th of the month went to Hartford, to at- 
 tend the general election.] 
 
 3Iai/7,Wed. Set out for Hartford. Dined at Waterman s, 
 Mansfield, in company of the representatives. Colonel Putnam 
 and Esq. I. Sumner. Arrived at Hartford, and put up at 
 Colonel Wyllys'. Spent the evening with Bull, Howe, Walker, 
 and Woodbridge (his college friends). 
 
 3Ia7/ 8, Thurs. General election. A large number of peo- 
 ple here. Mr. Lee preached. Sundry of my class in town. 
 
16 Life of Rev. 3Tanasseh Cutler. 
 
 In the afternoon the votes Avere counted. His Honor, Thos. 
 Fitch dropped, and Mr. Pitkin elected Governor; Jonathan 
 Trumbull, Deputy Governor. Four of the Assistants dropped, 
 and six new ones elected. A high campaign. Major Durkee 
 and Colonel Putnam at the head. 
 
 [About two weeks after the last date, Mr. Cutler's home 
 was visited with a heavy affliction in the unexpected death of 
 Ephraim, his only brother ; a young man of much promise, of 
 a fine physical development, and a bright, genial nature, who 
 had not yet completed his twenty-second year. The following 
 extract from the journal gives an account of this event.] 
 
 3Iay 21, Wednesday. Rode to Pomfret with Lyon in the 
 morning and returned about 4 o'clock. Soon after I came home, 
 my dear brother brought up his horse in order to ride to Mr. 
 R-ickards with Simeon and Joseph Lee, but had ridden only a 
 few rods from the house when a hog started suddenly from the 
 side of the road, and threw his horse upon him so as to nearly 
 beat the breath out of his body. When first taken up and 
 carried into the house, Ave could scarcely perceive that he 
 breathed at all. Dr. Moffat, coming in immediately, let blood, 
 which seemed in some measure to help his breathing. In a 
 *few minutes Dr. Torrey came in, and the doctors agreed to 
 cup his neck, but it Avas of no service ; he never opened his 
 eyes or shoAved the least sign of reason or sense. About mid- 
 night he had strong convulsive struggles and was thought to 
 be dying, but he got over them and breathed as before. Rev. 
 Mr. BroAvn made two prayers, and he and Madam tarried all 
 night. Many people in — 
 
 May 22. Just after day-break, as he appeared to be dying, 
 Mr. BroAvn Avas called to make another prayer. As he recom- 
 mended his soul to God Avho gave it, and prayed that his angels 
 might guard him safe to eternal joy and happiness, he resigned 
 his breath Avithout a struggle, only straightening himself out 
 on the bed. 0, an aAvful instance of sudden and unexpected 
 death! His head was much jammed and bi'uised as Avell as his 
 
 j body. It Avas thought he could not be kept till the next day ; 
 
 y therefore his funeral Avas appointed at 5 o'clock. Notwith- 
 ^V standing it Avas so sudden, a very great number of people 
 y attended. Rev. Mr. Russel shoAved us his respect by coming 
 
 ( 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 17 
 
 down without being sent to. Our friends from Pomfret, 
 Thompson, etc., came and returned back with us. Mr. Brown 
 also tarried in the evening. He was well and in his grave in 
 less than twenty-four hours. God grant that this may be an 
 aAvakening to all to be always ready for so important a change, 
 more especially those who are nearly concerned. My parents 
 are very disconsolate. 
 
 [With the exception of a trip to New Haven in company 
 with his classmate, Mr. Howe, and two or three short visits to 
 Massachusetts, Mr. Cutler spent the summer of 1766 vfiih his 
 parents. His journal indicates the books with which he occu- 
 pied his leisure : " Borrowed of Mr. Russel, Owen upon He- 
 brews and Hicks upon the Revelation of St. John." "Bor- 
 rowed of Mr. Fisk, Mr. Williard and Poole's 2d vol." " Read 
 Clapp's Ethics — much pleased." " Read Dr. Doddridge's Proofs 
 of the Christian Religion, in three sermons. He makes it ex- 
 tremely clear." "Reading Mr. Edwards on the Freedom of 
 the Will." " Read Dr. Young's Night Thoughts." 
 
 That Mr. Cutler felt at this time the importance of religion, 
 and the claims of God upon him, is shown by his seeking the 
 counsel of his pastor, and presenting himself as a candidate 
 for church membership before . " Mr. Brown's Committee, 
 Deacon Earned and Elder Whitmore." He writes : " The 
 questions asked were principally doctrinal ; some were prac- 
 tical." '■'•Juhj 27, Lord's Day. Mr. Brown preached two 
 very good discourses. After the sermon, p. m., I was ad- 
 mitted as a member of the church in full communion." 
 
 He probably at this time intended to prepare himself for a 
 professional life, but was temporarily turned from his purpose. 
 Mrs. Hannah Newman, the widow of Colonel John Newman, 
 who had left a large estate, proposed to him to go to Martha's 
 Vineyard and take charge of her business there. He accord- 
 ingly visited the island, was satisfied with the prospect of a 
 lucrative business, and decided to accept the situation offered. 
 On his return, he was married to the eldest daughter of Rev. 
 Thomas Balch,* of Dedham, and thus records the event.] 
 
 * The Kev. Thomas Balch was graduated at Harvard Colleire in 1733; 
 and settled as the first pastor of the South Church, in Dedhaui, in 
 
 2 
 
 V 
 
18 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Sepfemher 7. This day appointed to celebrate the marriage 
 ceremony between myself and Miss Mary Balch. The guests 
 invited to be present were : Nathaniel Sumner, Esq., and his 
 lady ; Mr. Robert Williams, of Boston, and his lady ; Captain 
 Nathaniel Dean, and -his lady; Mr. Zebediah Clark, and his 
 lady ; Mr. Jonathan Dean, and his lady ; Mr. Increase Sum- 
 ner, and his lady ; Deacon Everett, and his lady ; Mr. Samuel 
 Sumner, and lady ; Mr. Benja. Sumner ; iNIr. Asa Everett ; Miss 
 / Polly Sumner, and Miss Isa. Everett. A handsome supper 
 was prepared. At 7 o'clock p. ai. Rev. Mr. Balch performed 
 ^ the ceremony ; after which a Psalm, applicable, was sung, sup- 
 s'^ per served, and the evening spent in a very agreeable manner. 
 
 [Mr. Cutler removed at once to Martha's Vineyard, and was 
 soon established as a merchant at Edgartown, The entries in 
 his journal at this time are few, and generally brief. Mrs. 
 Newman, who had committed the settlement of her affairs to 
 him, was Mrs. Cutler's aunt. She had recently marrifed her 
 second husband, Jonathan Metcalf, Esq., of Dedham. Mr. 
 Cutler took Mrs. Metcalf 's goods on commission, at twenty 
 per cent, and procured more from Mr. Cabot, and from Quincey 
 & Deblois, of Boston. He writes : " Had as much custoiu as 
 I could possibly tend. Received considerable money. Rarely 
 dined till evening." The records, instead of daily, now be- 
 come monthly.] 
 
 January, 1767. Set up singing meeting. Began to sing 
 by rule, the first that has been practiced in this town. Meet 
 twice a week at my house. 
 
 March. Was employed in two cases at the Bar, at the 
 
 1736. In 1744 he was appointed by the Committee of War a chaplain 
 in the experlition against the I'^rench at Louisburg, and served in that 
 capacity sixteen niontiis. "lie was a man of more than ordinary 
 talents and intellectnal attainrnenis, and thoroughly orthodox faith." 
 As a Christian, he was highly and deservedly esteemed. As a minis- 
 ter, he was wise to win souls to Christ, and ranked high as a preacher. 
 He fuided a number of young men in tlnMr theological studies, pre- 
 paratory to the min'istry. Mrs. Mary Balch, the mother of Mrs. Cut- 
 ler, was the daughter of Edward Sumner, Esq. „ of Roxbury. a wealthy 
 land-owner and prominent man. She is spoken of as an amiable, ac- 
 complished, and pious woman." — Spraiines Annuls Am. Pulpit; Durtees 
 Centennial JJiscnur.se, South Church, Didham, 18/iG. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 19 
 
 Court of Common Pleas sitting here. My first attempt that 
 way. 
 
 April. Whalemen fitted out for the Straits of Belle Isle^ 
 and Davis Straits. I fitted half with Preble. 
 
 Mai/. Our whaling vessels sailed for the Western Islands. 
 I fitted half with Captain Pease. 
 
 October. Captain Pease arrived with 260 barrels of oil 
 from the Western Islands ; Preble with 200 do. 
 
 [Besides these ventures on the sea, which were continued 
 in successive years, he imported salt from Turk's Island, and 
 notes the arrival of " my sloop, the Favorite, from the Mole 
 of Cape St. Nicholas, laden with sugar, which I had supposed 
 was lost, but she came into the Vineyard well conditioned."] 
 In November of this year there were '" Extremely hard gales 
 of wind, and much shipwreck. Davis, a pilot from Homes' 
 Hole, was lost going into Cape Ann. Butler was lost with all 
 his crew, whaling on the southward ground." 
 
 The next year, 1768, in July, he " went to Connecticut, and 
 was also at commencement at Cambridge. Sent up to New 
 Haven a question to be put in the Thesis, and likewise for a 
 degree." 
 
 Se])tember. Whalemen began to come in with good voyages. 
 The 14th of this month brother Benjamin Balch * was or- 
 dained at Mendon. Likewise the same day was commence- 
 ment at New Haven, when I suppose I had a second degree 
 given me, tho' I was not present. [The degree was conferred.] 
 
 October. This month I fully determined to study Divinity, 
 and accordingly began my study. 
 
 November. Prosecuted my study. Began to make ser- 
 mons. May God grant me his blessing and assistance in so 
 important an undertaking, and make me serviceable to the 
 cause of religion, and the souls of my fellow men. Tho' I 
 
 * Benjamin Balch, son of Rev. Thomas Balch, of Dedham, graduated 
 at Harvard College, 1763. He was ordained the first minister of Men- 
 don South Society, September 14, 1768; but resigned that position in 
 1772, and during the Revolutionary War was chaplain in the army and 
 in the naval service. He was installed third minister at Barrington, 
 N. H., August 25, 1784; ami died May 4, \SW.— Mann's Annals of 
 Ded/tam. 
 
20 , Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 never engaged in this study with so firm resolutions before, 
 yet I have for many years had very serious thoughts of enter- 
 ino- the ministry. My inclination always led me to choose 
 this employment rather than any other in the world, let it be 
 ever so profitable, or promising. 
 
 1769. February of this year began with a severe snow- 
 storm. This harbor entirely frozen up without the Cape a 
 considerable distance. The Sound was said to be frozen over 
 near the West Chop of Homes' Hole. Ice froze out a consid- 
 erable distance at sea the south side, some said as far as they 
 could see from the land. Some mild weather toward the last 
 of the month, but concluded with high winds. 
 
 March. Applied to the study of Divinity, with a deter- 
 mined resolution to prosecute it. 
 
 June, 1769. The 3d day of this month happened the 
 Transit of Venus over the sun's disk. This rare phenomenon 
 never happened, that was seen, but twice before since the 
 Creation. The first was in the year 1639, and was seen by 
 two persons only — Jeremiah Horrocks, a young English as- 
 tronomer, who alone had predicted it, and a young friend of 
 his, William Crabtree. The next was in 1761 ; and there will 
 not be another happen until 1874, which will not be seen by 
 this generation, or any now living. The Rev. Mr. Kingsbury 
 and myself very carefully observed the beginning, both when 
 it first touched the first part of the sun's limb, and when it 
 was totally immersed. We had a very good perspective glass, 
 with a smoked glass fixed within the case without the eye- 
 glass, and could see both Venus and a number of nebulee or 
 black spots on the sun's surface. Venus came on to the sun's 
 limb on the upper or northern part, and passed west of the 
 center, and went ofi" at the south-west limb. We were not 
 certain that our watches were right, as we could not set them 
 by a meridian for some days before it happened, on the account 
 of its being cloudy, but I imagine my watch was not far from 
 the sun. By my observation — 
 
 Began, 2 h. 50" p. m. 
 
 Total immersion, 3 h. 5" 
 Middle, 6 h. 2" 
 
 One remarkable large spot near the sun's center. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 21 
 
 September. Much engaged in setting my affairs, as I in- 
 tend soon to go out of my present business, and engage in 
 that of quite a different kind. 
 
 [Nov., 1769. Mr. Cutler left the Vineyard Avith his family, 
 and arrived in Dedham, November 13, in order to pursue his 
 theological studies under the direction of his father-in-law, 
 Rev. Thomas Balch.] 
 
 Nov. 14/7i, Tues. This day had my hair cut off, but with 
 much reluctance. Had a dark wig. 
 
 Nov. 26th, Lord's Lay. Preached (at Mendon) for Mr. 
 Balch. Being the first time I ever entered the sacred desk, 
 was something intimidated. In the forenoon preached from 
 these words (Luke, 16 : 31) ; "And he said unto him, if they 
 hear not Moses and the prophets, neither Avill they be per- 
 suaded though one rose from the dead." And in the after- 
 noon from 1st Cor. 3 ; 11 : " For other foundation can no 
 man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ." 
 
 [Mr. Cutler continued his studies with Mr. Balch nearly 
 ttvo years, preaching in the meantime at different places, as 
 Douglas, Wrentham, Roxbury, and Boxford.] 
 
 January 18, 1770. A remarkable Aurora Borealis. It be- ^ 
 
 gan some time before the daylight disappeared, and extended 
 from near due east to due west ; appeared remarkably red near 
 N.E. or N.N.E. The red was almost as bright a crimson as 
 blood. There were constant streamers running up from east 
 to west. It was unusually high up in the northern board, and 
 the light continued nearly all night. This day being the 
 Queen's birth day the cannons Avere discharged at the batteries 
 in Boston, and were very loud and distinctly heard at Mr. 
 Balch's (Dedham), notwithstanding there was snow on the 
 ground. 
 
 llarch 6, Tues. Heard of four men being killed in Boston 
 by the soldiers. 
 
 3Iarch 7, Wed. Heard more of the disturbances in Bos- 
 ton. [Boston massacre.] 
 
 March 12, Mo7i. Town meeting (at Douglas). A great 
 number of gentlemen from neighboring towns. . Prayed at the 
 opening of the meeting. 
 
 March 13, Tues. A number of town people to visit me. 
 
22 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Committee earnestly desired my longer continuance. Gave 
 them but little encouragement. From observations I made 
 at town meeting thought it difficixlt to continue there. 
 
 3Iarch 21, Wed. Brother Balcli and I rode to Boston. In- 
 tended to have gone to Cambridge, to the installment of Mr. 
 Locke, but the storm prevented. Snowed hard. 
 
 March 28. Deacon Davis here from Roxbury to engage 
 me to preach six Sabbaths. 
 
 April 8, Lord's Day. Preached at Mr. Walter's parish, 
 Roxbury. Colonel Otis, Major Otis, and Colonel Williams 
 present. 
 
 3Iay 14, Mo7i. This day Avas appointed by the Church of 
 Christ, in Douglas, to make choice of a gospel minister, and 
 the town was likewise warned to meet to see if they would 
 concur wuth the church in their choice. Previous to the 
 meetins: a lecture was attended. The Rev. Messrs. Hall and 
 Webb were applied to and were present. Mr. Hall preached 
 a sermon from these words in 2d Cor. 8 : 5 : " But first gave 
 their own selves to the Lord." After service Mr. Hall and 
 Mr. Webb were desired to be the Moderators, and the church 
 proceeded to make choice of me for their minister by a unani- 
 mous vote. The ministers dined with me at Mr. Whitings. 
 Li the afternoon the town unanimously concurred in giving 
 me a call to settle with them (Nem. Contr. Die), and voted 
 £1,000 Old Tenor Settlement, £400 salary the first three years 
 and then £450. Sundry persons offered private presents — Dr. 
 Genison £100, Mr. Draper £50, Mr. Wood something hand- 
 some, etc. They likewise offered to build me a house gratis, 
 and give me two years' provision, but this was in a private 
 manner. Mr. Webb concluded with prayer. 
 
 May 18. (At Dedham.) The 29th Regiment of soldiers 
 marched by — about 400 — they made a very ordinary ap- 
 pearance. They marched all in one body ; are to march 
 from Boston to Providence by land, where they are to take 
 shipping and go to the Jerseys, where they are destined. 
 [To this regiment the soldiers engaged in the Boston massacre 
 belonged.] 
 
 May 19. Some of the remainder of the soldiers and their 
 women passed by. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 23 
 
 3Iaj/ 30, Wed. General election. The Governor, by man- 
 date of a minister of state, was pleased to order the General 
 Assembly to convene at Cambridge, This was a measure so 
 disagreeable to the people that none, except tools and de- 
 pendents, attended at Cambridge, but resorted to the usual 
 place. Dr. Chauncy having been appointed to preach a ser- 
 mon in the old Brick Meeting House, a very large assembly, 
 both of the clergy and gentlemen of distinction, convened, 
 Mr, Mather began with prayer. Dr. Chauncy preached a very 
 suitable discourse from Psalm 22 : 4 — " Our fathers trusted 
 in Thee, they trusted, and Thou didst deliver them." The 
 whole was concluded by an anthem admirably well sung by a 
 select number of singers provided for that purpose. At 2 
 o'clock an elegant entertainment was provided in Faneuil Hall, 
 and the clergy of every denomination were invited to dine. After 
 dinner a number of healths were drank, and an ox, that had 
 been roasted whole on the Common, was brought to Faneuil 
 Hall, drawn on four wheels by horses, on tj;ie spit as he was 
 roasted, with his head and horns on. A vast concourse of 
 people to see the ox. Three cheers were given and a number 
 of guns fired. The ox was drawn back to the Common, and 
 there distributed to the poor. Mr, Balch and myself dined 
 in the Hall. We came to Roxbury and lodged at Mr. Increase 
 Sumner's. 
 
 Jul)/ 11. Mr, Fitch and I rode down to Cambridge, in 
 order to take our Degrees, We waited on the President in 
 the forenoon and paid him for them. The expense of a De- 
 gree was 20s. L.M. We dined at Mr. Marsh's. In the after- 
 noon was in the Library and Museum with Mr. Mayhew, 
 Librarian. Mr. Fitch went from Cambridge to Boston, and I 
 came home. 
 
 ■July 15, Lor'd's Day. (At Douglas.) After the exercises 
 were over I read to them an answer to their call, and pro- 
 posed to leave them for the present, and desiring them in the 
 meantime to apply farther, and in case any gentleman should 
 be so agreeable to them as to unite them, and they should 
 incline to give him a call, I would give them a negative an- 
 swer. If not, I might possibly see my way clear hereafter to 
 settle with them. 
 
24 Life of Rev. ManasseJi Cutler. 
 
 Juli) 18, ^Ved. This day Commencement at Cambridge. 
 Father Balch and myself rode down in the chaise. The pro- 
 cession began about 11 o'clock, I walked next the class that 
 Commenced Masters. The Salutatory Oration was de- 
 livered very handsomely — then a Dialogue in English; a Dia- 
 logue in Greek, Disputations Syllogistic ; Dialogue in Chaldaic, 
 three persons in the act, very handsomely performed; Do. on 
 Public Educations, and Do. on Liberty in Imitation of the 
 Romans. Dined in the Hall. In the afternoon Syllogistic 
 Disputes, etc. I was the first person to Avhom President 
 Locke gave the Degree of Master of Arts — walked at the 
 head of the Masters, and had on a black gown and hat. Ex- 
 tremely hot. Came out to Roxburv and lodged there. 
 
 August 12, Lord's Day. Preached at Wrentham, South 
 Parish. Sent a decided answer to Douglas. 
 
 Aug. 14, Tuesday. Mr. Whitefield preached at Mr, Bean's 
 Meeting House in Wrentham ; Mr Balch, Mr. Dean, my wife, 
 and myself Avent up to hear him. Large assembly. He be- 
 gan his exercise at 8 o'clock. His prayer half an hour. Sang 
 3d Psalm, old version. Text, lltli Chap. Luke, 13th verse : 
 " If ye being evil know how to give good gifts to your chil- 
 dren ; how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the 
 Holy Spirit to them that ask Him." His text was handsomely 
 opened ; his subject turned principally upon the necessity of the 
 assistance of the Divine Spirit in performing all our duties. Had 
 not so much as the heads of his sermon written — very flighty 
 and rambling — his audience not over-much affected. He had 
 many good expressions, and many very odd, and improper for 
 the pulpit. Not at all pleased with him upon the whole, as 
 his discourse was not at all enlightening and instructive, but 
 very broken, and interwoven with impertinent stories. His 
 gestures very extravagant, though natural and easy. His ser- 
 mon an hour and a half, and all the substance, I imagine, 
 might have been delivered handsomely in ten minutes. After 
 meeting he had a coach at the Meeting House door, stepped 
 in, and rode to Mr. Man's, where he refreshed himself, and set 
 out immediately for Boston. He preached in his black gown. 
 Came home after meeting. Rained considerably, which was 
 much wanted, as it had been extremely dry. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 25 
 
 Aug. 25. Returned to Wrentham. This week heard much 
 of an uncommon worm that had been very frequent in many- 
 parts of the country. This worm very nearly resembles the 
 Avorms that eat the roots of beans, but is something larger, 
 being generally about an inch and a half long, and is smooth 
 and striped on the back. Wherever these worms were, there 
 was a very large number of them, and they entirely devoured 
 large pieces of .grass, corn, oats, barley, etc., in a few days 
 after they began to eat it. They destroyed much grass in 
 Fowl Meadow. They began at the top of the grass and eat 
 downward, and entirely devoured the whole of the grass 
 wherever they began upon it. I saw whole acres of grass, 
 which I imagine was near as high as my waist, entirely eaten 
 up, and the ground as smooth and looked as dry as common 
 pasture land in a very dry season. I saw several worms, 
 which were in the daytime gone down into the ground at the 
 roots of the grass, for they eat only in the night, early in the 
 morning, and just at sunset. They did great damage in 
 Roxbury, vast numbers of them were in Boston, and in 
 Charlestown they were so plenty that it was said the people 
 could not walk on the pavements Avithout treading on a large 
 number every step they took, and that they came into their 
 houses so that people were obliged to keep constantly sweep- 
 ing to keep them out. In some of these towns they destroyed 
 large fields of corn, and I was credibly informed that they 
 came into their houses in such numbers, not only at the doors, 
 but windows and elsewhere, that they got into their beds, and 
 the people for many nights could not go to bed. They were 
 in Connecticut and the Southern Colonies. They are sup- 
 posed to be periodical, and that they come every twenty- 
 five or tAventy-seven years. It is said they Avere frequent 
 about so long ago. They seem to move from one place to 
 another in great bodies. Were first seen, I think, about the 
 25th of June, and I believe not many Avere seen after the 25th 
 of July or 1st of August. Whether these Avorms are period- 
 ical or not, they Avere so distressing in many places that they 
 seemed to be but little inferior to the plagues of Egypt. 
 
 Aug. 31. Studied. Invited to go to Boxford to preach. 
 
 September 1, Saturday Rode to Milton to hear Mr. White- 
 
26 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 field. The Lieutenant Governor present. Preached much bet- 
 ter than at Wrentham. I liked his preaching well. Dined at 
 Mr. Robins', with Father Balch, Mr. Taft, Mr. Weld, and Mr. 
 Niles, a A'Oung candidate. Mr. Whitefield dined with the 
 Governor. 
 
 jSept. 9. Preached at Wrentham. Good attention. 
 
 Sept. 10, 3Ionday. A precinct meeting (at \Yrentham). 
 Voted that the standing committee for supplying the pulpit 
 apply to Mr. M. Cutler, and desire him to preach eight Sab- 
 baths more, in order for settlement, or any part of said time. 
 Engaged six Sabbaths. 
 
 Sept. 12. Received the news that Governor Hutchinson 
 had given up Castle William to the command of the Regular 
 Troops, and had withdrawn the Province's garrison. Colonel 
 Dalryraple took command Monday, at 4 o'clock. Made a 
 great consternation in Boston. The Commissioners rode the 
 next day about town in the greatest pomp. 
 
 Sep)t. 15, Sat. Set out for Boxford. Went through Mystic, 
 and dined with Rev. Mr. Sherman, of Woburn. Rode through 
 Wilmington, a very poor town, and Andover, a very wealthy 
 one. Arrived" at Boxford in the evening, and put up at 
 Deacon Chadwick's. 
 
 Sept. 18 (having preached at Boxford on the IHth). Set 
 out for Newbury ; called at Mr. Balch's in Bradford ; dined in 
 Newbury ; spent the afternoon in Newbury Port. A very 
 pleasant town, beautifully situated on the mouth of Merrimack 
 River, with a commodious harbor and considerable shipping; 
 a very considerable number of houses and handsome streets 5 
 four large Meeting Houses, besides the church. Returned to 
 Rev. Mr. Noble's and tarried there, two miles from town. 
 
 Sept. 19. Rode back to Mr. Balch's and spent the day 
 with him ; ver}^ agreeably entertained. Found Mr. Balch to 
 be a very sensible, sociable gentleman. Much pleased with 
 his ffirm, as well as his conversation. He said but little, if 
 any thing, about disputable points in Divinity. 
 
 'Sept. 20. Went from Bradford over the river to Haverhill, 
 my mother's native place, but found none of her relations. 
 Put up at a public house. Haverhill is a considerable large 
 town, settled principally on the bank of the Merrimack River, 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 27 
 
 and has a very handsome street on the east side of the river, 
 fronting the south. Business appeared very lively. After 
 dinner, crossed the river into the upper end of Bradford, 
 which is likewise a pleasant town, situated on the south side 
 of the river, and extends from Newburv to Andover. Went 
 from thence to Boxford, which lays to the southward of Brad- 
 ford. Tarried at Mr. Stephen Barker's, a very wealthy 
 farmer. 
 
 Sept. 23, Lord's Day. Preached at Boxford. A very full 
 meeting. 
 
 Sept. 24. The Committee applied to me to stay longer (at 
 Boxford), but I was engaged at Wrentham. Set out home. 
 Went through this parish, which is small but a very wealthy 
 parish, to the other parish in Boxford, and called on Rev. 
 Mr. Holyoke, who is the pastor there. From thence I came 
 through Topsfield and Danvers, and then to Salem, and dined 
 at Captain Goodhue's. The two former are wealthy country 
 towns, and the latter is much larger than I imagined it to be. 
 The number of houses seems to be great, but the streets near 
 the town-house are very much pinched. A number of square- 
 rigged vessels in the harbor. From Salem I rode to Marble- 
 head. This town is the most unpleasantly situated of any 
 town I ever saw. The buildings are very indiiferent, Mr. 
 Lee's excepted, which is, I think, the grandest dwelling-house * 
 in the Province. The streets are filled with small children. 
 A large number of fishing schooners in the harbor, and some 
 merchantmen. Three Meeting Houses with steeples in the 
 town. From Marblehead came through Lynn, which is famous 
 for shoemakers and salt marsh. The town is pleasant, l>ut is 
 very far from having the appearance of wealth. The town is 
 situated on a large plain. The Meeting House stands near 
 the center of the town and is very old. It was built in the 
 form that Meeting Houses were usually built in the first set- 
 tlement of the country. The street through the town is 
 broad, and has a large number of shoemaker's shops on each 
 side. From Lynn came through Maiden, over Penny Ferry 
 
 *This house is still standing, and with its solid in'diognny staii'case 
 and paper on the walls brought i'rom England in < olonial times, is 
 still one of the wonders of Marblehead. 
 
28 Life^ of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 to Charlestown. Lodged in Boston. Returned home the 
 next day, much fatigued Avith my journey. 
 
 Oof. 20. A very severe storm at N, E., wind extremely 
 high. The storm began in the night and continued all day. 
 Expect that much damage is done by sea and land. 
 
 Oct. 22. Heard that much damage "vvas done in Boston by 
 the late storm. A large number of vessels cast away, and 
 people lost in Plymouth Bay and on the Cape. 
 
 Oct. 23. Rode to Boston with Brother Balch ; saw much 
 of the effects of the storm ; several vessels cast away in the 
 Harbor ; a large quantity of timber brought up on the pave- 
 ments and on the Neck. 
 
 [In November Mr, Cutler revisited Martha's Vineyard with 
 Mrs. Cutler. He was busily occupied two weeks in settling 
 accounts. November 11th he preached at Tisbury for Rev. 
 Mr. Damon, and on the 18th for Rev. Mr. Kingsbury, at Ed- 
 gartown.] 
 
 JVov. 25, Lord's Day. Mr. Balch preached at Wrentham 
 on my account, and I preached for him at Dedham, in the new 
 Meeting House, for the first time. 
 
 Dec. Q^Thurs. Thanksgiving through the Province. Preached 
 at Wrentham and took my leave of the assembly. They had 
 had two church meetings in order to give me an invitation to 
 settle with them, but could not unite on account of former 
 difiiculties subsisting in the church. 
 
 Dec. 22, Sat. Message from Boxford. Set out with Mr. 
 Jos. Robinson, who came for me. Extremely cold and very 
 icy. Stopped at Mr. Eraser's, in Andover. It was so slip- 
 pery that I could get my horse no farther. Left him and got 
 another to ride to Boxford, where we arrived at 11 o'clock. 
 
 [The new year, 1771, found Mr. Cutler still supplying the 
 pulpit at Boxford. He writes, facetiously, of his services 
 there, thus] : 
 
 Jan. 13, Lord's Day. Preached. My discourses con- 
 demned as heretical. 
 
 Jan. 20, Lord's Day. Preached, and retrieved my charac- 
 ter, in some measure, with the Sandemanians and Antinomians, 
 as I sent them all to the de'il ; but in the afternoon brought 
 some of them back again, which was a little disagreeable. 
 
Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 29 
 
 Jan. 21, 3Ion. Set out from Boxford to visit the neighbor- 
 ing ministers. Dined at Mr. Russel's, in Bradford, and 
 lodged with Mr. Baker. 
 
 Jan. 22, Tues. Rode down to Mr. Noble's, at Newbury- 
 Newtown, and dined with him. After dinner rode down to 
 the Port, and visited Mr. Marsh. Mr. Gary Avas gone to 
 Boston. Called on Mr. Bass, a verj/ agreeable, sociable 
 gentleman. Called at several other places. Lodged at Mr. 
 Noble's. 
 
 Jan. 23, Wed. Mr. Noble and I dined at Captain Little's, 
 one of his parishioners. After dinner rode over to Mr. Par- 
 son's, of Byfield, and lodged with him. 
 
 Jayi. 24, TJiurs. Went with Mr. Parsons to see the Dum- 
 mer School, Mr. Moody, Master. Very fine accommodations 
 for instructing youth. It happened to be Mr. Parsons' lec- 
 ture, Mr. Jewett, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Searle, and Mr. Moody 
 dined with us. I Avas obliged to preach, tho' much against 
 my inclination. Rode home with Mr. Chandler, of New 
 Rowley, and tarried with him. 
 
 Jan. 29, Tues. Rode over to Andover to visit Mr. Symmes. 
 
 Jan. 30, Wed. (at Boxford). Invited to sup wuth Mr. Por- 
 ter, the Churchman. This evening a petition was presented 
 to the committee for supplying the pulpit, signed by forty-five 
 of the heads of families. Two of the committee seemed not 
 to be pleased with it, and I refused to comply with the request, 
 which was that I should preach six more Sabbaths, in order to 
 have a call. Invited to go to Ipswich Hamlet. 
 
 [Ipswich Hamlet was the third parish of Ipswich, in Essex 
 County, one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts, pleasantly 
 situated on each side of a river of the same name, one mile 
 from the sea, and some thirty miles northward from Boston, 
 but much nearer the large towns of Salem and Newburyport. 
 It was settled, in 1633, by John Winthrop, Jr., and his com- 
 panions, " of good ranke and quality," and was reputed to be 
 *' the best land in the colony for tillage and cattle, with an ex- 
 cellent harbor for ships and fine fishing." The governors, 
 Dudley, Bellingham, and Bradstreet, and other persons of dis- 
 tinction, made it their dwelling-place. They were men of 
 property, piety, and intelligence. Generations had passed ; 
 
30 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 the harbor was obstructed by sand bars, and fell into dis- 
 credit ; but the fishing, the tillage and pasture lands were still 
 the same ; and the people maintained their reputation for 
 good morals and intelligence. At the time when Manasseh 
 Cutler was invited to go to the Hamlet, the venerable Nathan- 
 iel Rogers and the erudite Joseph Dana ministered to the first 
 and second churches in Ipswich. The Rev. Samuel Wiggles- 
 worth, " an eminent divine," had filled the then vacant pulpit 
 of the third church at the Hamlet from the time of its forma- 
 tion, in 1714, until his death, in 1768, a period of fifty-four 
 years.] 
 
 Jan. 31, Thiers. Wrote to the committee at the Hamlet, in- 
 forming them that I should comply w4th their request, and be 
 with them after two Sabbaths. 
 
 l^eb. 8, Fri. Trees this morning very much loaded with 
 ice, which the Indians supposed predicted a fruitful year. 
 Mr. Balch's lecture. Mr. Haven preached. He has a very 
 polite, agreeable delivery. 
 
 Feb. 15, Fri. Mr. Balch and I invited to dine with Mr. 
 Pemberton, Jamaica Plains, Roxbury. Rode down in the 
 morning. Mr. Jackson, of Brookline, and Mr. Eliot, Tutor 
 at College, present. Mr. Balch preached the lecture. Rode 
 to Roxbury Street, in my way to Ipswich Hamlet. Lodged at 
 Mr. Samuel Sumner's. 
 
 Feb. 16, Sat. Arrived at the Hamlet in the evening. 
 Lodged at Madam Whipple's. 
 
 Feb. 17, Lord's Bay. Preached. Snowed almost all day. 
 Not very many people at meeting. 
 
 Feb. 20, Wed. Read Dr. Whittaker's sermon on the death 
 of Mr. Whitfield. 
 
 Apr.l, 3Ion. Dined in Boston. Governor Shirley buried; 
 a very grand funeral. 
 
 Apr. 18, Thurs. General fast, not only in this Province, 
 but in Hampshire and Connecticut. Preached at the Hamlet. 
 Read the Proclamation. Omitted singing. 
 
 3Iai/ 1, Wed. This day Mr. Hitchcock, at Beverly, and 
 Mr. Story, at Marblehead, were ordained. Attended at Bev- 
 erly ; a great number of people, but all behaved well ; no dis- 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 31 
 
 order at all; a number of ministers and young preachers 
 present. 
 
 Mai/ 6, Mon. The church (at the Hamlet) met at 5 o'clock 
 to choose a minister. All present voted to give me a call to 
 settle with them, except two, who refused to vote in the nega- 
 tive, but said the church were too hasty. 
 
 JJai/ 27, 3Jon. This day appointed to give me a call to 
 settle with them in the ministry. 
 
 June 8, iSat. The parish appear very desirous that I should 
 give my answer immediately. Rode to town and took advice 
 with Rev. Messrs. Rogers and Dana. Mr. Rogers advised me 
 to put into my answer my expectation of a support while the 
 ministerial relation remains, and to make it the condition of 
 my acceptance, which I accordingly did. Agreed to exchange, 
 to-morrow, with Mr. Dana, who will read my answer, signify- 
 ing my acceptance. 
 
 [The acceptance of the call to settle in Ipswich Hamlet is in 
 these words : 
 
 To THE Church and Parish in Ipswich Hamlet : 
 
 Dearhj Beloved: — You having given me an invitation to 
 settle with yoii in the work of the Gospel ministry, and hav- 
 ing taken the same under serious and prayerful consideration, 
 I must observe the work appears great and important, and I 
 feel my own insufficiency, but relying on the great Head of 
 the Church for grace and strength, and having a desire to de- 
 vote myself to the work of theministry, I find myself inclined 
 to accept your invitation. 
 
 And as to the support you have been pleased to oflFer me, I 
 hope it may be sufficient, and thank you for it, but must make 
 it the condition of my acceptance that if I am settled with 
 you you will afford me this support so long as my ministerial 
 relation shall continue, and that you will from time to time 
 afford me such a comfortable living as that I may devote my- 
 self to the work of the ministry ; for he that preacheth the 
 Gospel ought to live of the Gospel. Upon these conditions 
 I signify my acceptance of your call. Begging your prayers 
 for me, that I may come to you in the fullness of the blessing 
 of the Gospel, that the work of the Lord may prosper, and 
 
32 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 that I may remember I must give an account how I preach, 
 and you how you hear, so that we may both at last give up 
 our account with joy, and live forever in the kingdom of 
 <jrod, I subscribe myself, 
 
 Your most aflFectionate friend, and laborer in the Gospel, 
 
 M. Cutler.] 
 
 June 24, 31oyi. Church Committee with me to prepare a 
 Covenant. Agreed to renew the old Covenant. I drew up 
 a preamble and made some additions. At 4 o'clock the church 
 met and approved the renewal of the Covenant, and then pro- 
 ceeded to choose churches to assist in ordination. Agreed 
 that the ordination should be on the first Wednesday in Au- 
 gust, and appointed a Committee to prepare letters missive, 
 etc. 
 
 July 1, 3Ion. This afternoon the parish had a meeting to 
 see if they would comply with the church and make further 
 provision. They concluded, after much debate, not to have 
 the ordination before the 11th day of September. A very 
 great disappointment to me, and a real damage to the parish. 
 The alteration made on account of provision. 
 
 Aug. 11, LorcVs Bay. Exchanged with Mr. Treadwell, of 
 Lynn, who Avas gone to the Hamlet, After meeting Mr. 
 Williams (of Boston) and I walked up the hill back of Mr. 
 Treadwell's, where we had a fine view of the bay. We saw 
 two men-of-war standing in for Boston, Admiral Montague 
 in the Captain of sixty-four guns and the Lively of twenty- 
 four. The Admiral's ship appeared very lofty, and made a 
 fine show in the bay. 
 
 Aug. 12, Mon. Went to Boston this morning. Between 
 3 and 4 o'clock this afternoon the Admiral arrived and came 
 to an anchor just below the Castle. She fired several times 
 as she came up along, and was saluted from the Castle, and from 
 the Beaver man-of-Avar, who lay down in King's Road. After 
 she came to an anchor she hoisted a blue flag upon her miz- 
 zen. Commodore Gambler, Avho commanded the fleet in the 
 harbor before the Admiral's arrival, still kept his flag up, 
 "which was red, flying upon his maintop gallant mast. I was 
 upon Fort Hill, and saw the Admiral come up till he came to 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 33 
 
 an anchor, before which, he fired a signal for all the captains 
 of the other ships to come on board him. The barges im- 
 mediately pushed oflF. Came out of town and arrived at the 
 city of Tiot (Dedham) about 9 o'clock. 
 
 Aug. 13, Tue8. Minister's meeting at Mr. Haven's. Rode 
 down with Mr. Balch. Mr. Payson, Mr. Buckingham, Mr. 
 West, jSIr. Prentice, and the Hon, Samuel Dexter, Esq., pres- 
 ent. Had a very handsome dinner. Mr. Balch opened the 
 meeting with prayer, and Mr. West closed it. 
 
 Sciyf. 7, Sat. Set out for Ipswich Hamlet, expecting not to 
 return till after ordination. 
 
 Sept. 10, Tues. Preparing for ordination. My friends ar- 
 rived from Dedham and Killingly. All the Council from the 
 southward came in. 
 
 Sept. 11, Wed. This day Avas appointed by the church for 
 my ordination. A very clear, pleasant day. About 10 o'clock 
 the Council formed at the house of Mrs. Wigglesworth, where 
 the parish had made provision for them. The Council consisted 
 of the pastors of ten churches and their delegates, viz : The Rev. 
 Mr. Rogers, of the First Church in Ipswich, Deacon Low, Mr. 
 Appleton, and M. Crocker, delegates ; the Rev. Mr. Dana, of the 
 South Parish in Ipswich, Deacon Potter, Deacon Foster, Es- 
 quire Appleton, and Captain Smith, delegates ; Rev. Mr. Jewett, 
 of Rowley, Deacon Jewett, and Deacon Mial, delegates ; the 
 Rev. Mr. Parsons, of Byfield, Colonel Gerrish, and Deacon Cole- 
 man, delegates ; the Rev. Mr. Leslie, of Linebrook, Deacon 
 Potter, Deacon Chaplin, and Mr. How delegates ; Rev. Mr. 
 Payson, of Walpole, Esquire Clap, delegate ; Rev. Mr. Balch, 
 of Dedham, Nathaniel Sumner, Esq., Deacon Everett, and Mr. 
 Jonathan Dean, delegates ; Rev. Mr. Haven, of Dedham, Dea- 
 con Richards, and Jonathan Metcalf, Esq., delegates ; Rev. Mr. 
 Brown, of Killingly, Mr. Hezekiah Cutler, and 'Mr. Joseph 
 Torrey, delegates ; Rev. Mr. Balch, of Mendon, Mr. Benson, 
 and Mr. Wheelock, delegates. Every church that wa« sent to 
 was represented, and all the delegates that were expected met. 
 After prayer to God for light and direction, the Rev. Mr. Rog- 
 ers was chosen Moderator, and the Rev. Mr. Parsons, Assistant ; 
 the Rev. Mr. Dana, Clerk. 
 3 
 
34 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 The votes of the church giving me a call to the work of the 
 ministr}', the parish's vote of concurrence, and my answer, were 
 called for and read. Deacon Patch, Deacon "Whipple, and 
 Mr, Thompson, who were appointed to represent the church, 
 were called to answer for them ; I was likewise called to answer 
 for myself. The Council proceeded to hear the objections, 
 which two of the church and one of the congregation had 
 against my settling. After giving them a full hearing, and 
 the Council's deliberating thereon, it was unanimously [nemine 
 contradicente) voted, 1st, that nothing was objected of any 
 Aveight against my doctrines ; voted unanimously, 2d, that 
 nothing appeared against my moral character or conduct. I 
 then exhibited to the Council a Confession of Faith. Ques- 
 tions were asked me concerning my faith, and with respect to 
 my experimental acquaintance with the great truths of the 
 Gospel, and my views in undertaking the work of the minis- 
 try, and the- answers which I gave Avere satisfactory. Then, 
 the question being put, it was unanimously voted that the way 
 was clear to proceed to ordination. 
 
 The church, who had convened in the chamber, formed in 
 the yard at the front door, and walked first to the Meeting 
 House, two and two ; I walked next, the Council after me, 
 and then a number of ministers. At the front door of the 
 Meeting House the church opened to the right and left. I 
 walked in first and opened the pulpit door for those gentlemen 
 that sat in the pulpit. 
 
 The singers had placed themselves in the front gallery, and 
 by my desrre they began the solemnity with an anthem. Then 
 Mr. Brown made the first prayer ; Mr. Balch, of Dedham, 
 preached from 2d Cor., 5th Chap., 18th verse : "And all things 
 are of God, Avho hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, 
 and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." A very 
 good and suitable sermon. Then Mr. Parsons introduced the 
 ceremony and prayed before the charge. Mr. Rogers gave 
 the charge, Mr. Payson prayed after the charge, and Mr. 
 Leslie gave the right hand of fellowship. Then I appointed 
 of the 132d Psalm, Mr. Watts' version, from the pause to the 
 end, four verses, common meter, to be sung. I then gave no- 
 tice that an anthem would be sung after the blessing was 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 35 
 
 given. Deacon Patch then desired all the ordained ministers 
 to repair to Mrs. Wigglesworth's for refreshment. I then gave 
 the blessing, and an anthem concluded the solemnity. The 
 first anthem that was sung was, " I was glad when," etc. The 
 last, I think, was called the Daughters of Judah, or the Daugh- 
 ters of Jerusalem. All the parts were conducted with great 
 decency and decorum. There were a vast concourse of peo- 
 ple, the house was thronged exceedingly ; the broad alley was 
 so filled that it was with the greatest difficulty that the Coun- 
 cil got into the Meeting House. It was judged that not more 
 than half the people Avere able to get into the house. We had 
 a very handsome entertainment provided at Mrs. Wiggles- 
 worth's. Mr. Obediah Parsons undertook the business. 
 
 I came up from Madam Whipple's in the morning, where I 
 had boarded ever since I came to the Hamlet. In the even- 
 ing returned to Madam Whipple's ; I had slept little, or none, 
 the night before, and was now very much fatigued. 
 
 Sej)!. 12, Thurs. All the Council that belonged to the south- 
 ward returned, and I went with them. My father and Mr. 
 Brown stopped in Boston. Father Balch, Brother Balch, and 
 I lodged in Roxbury. 
 
 Sept. 15, Lord's Day. Rode down and preached for Mr. 
 Haven. In the afternoon returned and preached the same ser- 
 mon in Mr. Balch's parish. My father at meeting. 
 
 Sept. 18, Wed. The teams, with our goods, set out this 
 morning for the Hamlet. After dinner we took our leave of 
 Father Balch and his family, where we had lived a long time 
 in a very agreeable manner, and had received the greatest 
 kindness from them. Mr. Moses Everett and Sister Lucy, Sis- 
 ter Irene, and Betsey Cushing came Avith us. We lodged at 
 Cambridge ; Mrs. Cutler and I at Deacon Prentice's. 
 
 Sept. 19, Thurs. This morning we called on Madam Holy- 
 oke, where Deacon Whipple and his wife were lodged, in or- 
 der to set out with us. Captain Dean and his wife, and Brother 
 Dean and his Avife, came this morning to accompany us to Ips- 
 wich. There Avere six carriages in company. At Danvers Ave 
 met a considerable number of the parish, and at Beverly a 
 larger number, Avho came out to meet us, and to accompany us 
 home. We arrived at the Hamlet, at Madam WigglesAvorth's 
 
36 Lif& of Rev. Uayiasseh Cidler. 
 
 house, about 3 o'clock, where we are to live and where the 
 people had provided a very handsome entertainment. Soon 
 after our arrival our goods came. We set them up and then 
 sang a Psalm. The people show us many marks of kindness 
 and respect, A I'emarkably pleasant day. 
 
 Sept. 22, LorcVs Day. Mr. Emerson, of Reading, preached 
 for me, I conducted Mrs. Cutler to the parsonage pew, and 
 invited Mrs. Wigglesworth to sit in it. 
 
 [Mrs. Wigglesworth Avas the widow of Rev, Samuel Wig- 
 glesworth, Mr. Cutler's predecessor.] 
 
 Sept. 28, Sat. Visited sick. Sat up almost all night to get 
 
 prepared for the Sabbath. 
 
 Sep. 29, Lord's Day. Preached the first time after ordina- 
 tion. Esquire Mansfield, Mr. Lancaster, Mr. Sewell, Professor 
 of Languages, and lady, and many other strangers, were at 
 meeting. A very full assembly. After meeting Mr. Mans- 
 field and Mr. Sewell and lady, drank tea at our house. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Lancaster called. 
 
 Oct. 3, TJmrs. The young ladies of the parish came to visit 
 us, and presented me half a dozen bands. 
 
 Oct. 4, Fri. Appointed this day to catechise the children, 
 and they met at half after three o'clock at the Meeting House ; 
 about sixty in number. 
 
 Oct. 6, Lords Day. Preached. Two persons received the 
 Covenant, and an infant of Paul Dodge's baptized. The first 
 time that I administered the Covenant, or the ordinance of 
 baptism. 
 
 Oct. 8, Tues. Received the Salem paper and the Boston 
 Gazette by the Post. 
 
 Nov. 10, LorcVs Day. I preached at Salem, at Mr. Barnard's 
 Meeting House. A full congregation. The Superior Court 
 was then sitting. The most of the judges and gentlemen of 
 the law were at that meeting, Mr, Lancaster preached 
 for me, 
 
 Nov. 14, Fri. In Boston with Mrs, Cutler. Took the Gos- 
 pel Magazine, 
 
 Nov. 20, Wed. Much engaged. Married the first couple I 
 ever joined together. 
 
 Nov. 21, Thurs. General Thanksgiving through the Province. 
 
Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 37 
 
 I did not read the Proclamation in the morning, on account of 
 some exceptional clauses, but had read it the Sabbath before. 
 Began the solemnity with an anthem; made a short prayer for 
 the Divine blessing and suitable frame of spirit, then sang, 
 then prayer and thanksgiving, then sang and preached as usual. 
 Sang after prayer, concluding the solemnity with two anthems. 
 
 Hov. 22, Fri. Mr. Murray preached a lecture at 10 o'clock- 
 A vast concourse of people, supposed to be at least 3,000. 
 Mr. Cleaveland with him, and sat in the pulpit. Mr. Murray 
 and Mr. Cleaveland, Mr. Maxwell and lady dined with us. 
 After dinner Messrs. Swain, Hitchcock, Barnard, and Mans- 
 field to see me. Sent my horse and chaise to Boston for Mr. 
 Robert Williams and lady, who arrived this evening. 
 
 Dee. 5, Thurs. Lecture. Mr. Hitchcock preached. He 
 and his lady and Mr. Dana dined with us. Mr. Swain came in 
 after meeting began. 
 
 Dee. 6, Fri. Very stormy, snow fell a considerable depth, 
 and very much drifted. Was to go and preach Mr. Hitch- 
 cock's lecture, but the storm prevented. 
 
 Dec. 20, Fri. A great deal of company. 
 
 Dec. 21, *S'a^. Studied. 
 
 Dec. 22, Lord's Day. Was forced to preach an old sermon ; 
 took the first I preached here. This is the first time I ever 
 repeated a sermon to the people. 
 
 Dec. 20, Fri. Preached at lecture at Mr. Kings, on account of 
 old Mrs. Fellows, who has been unable to come to meeting for 
 a long time. 
 
38 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Parish Lifk — Kevolutioxauy War — Chait.aix — ExpKniTiox to Rhode 
 
 ISLAXl) StUDIKS AXD PRACTICES MeD CIXE. 
 
 3Iar. 4, 1772, Wed. Parish Meeting, Voted to make use 
 of Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns, and voted to revive the 
 Contribution (which had been discontinued since 1763). Mr- 
 Justice Appleton, from town to swear the officers, visited me. 
 I was sent for to open the Meeting with prayer. 
 
 Mar. 26, Thurs. Stormy. At Mr. Rogers' lecture. Very 
 bad riding. I preached. 
 
 Apr. 2, Thurs. Annual fast. Preached. Full congrega- 
 tion. 
 
 Apr. 6, Mon. Dr. Adams, ^rom Cape Cod, to see me. 
 Rode to town and attended Inferior Court. Heard Mr. Jus- 
 tice Cushing give the charge to the grand jury. Very ex- 
 traordinary. 
 
 Apr. 12, Lord's Lay. Preached. Sacrament. Six bap- 
 tisms. 
 
 Apr. 15, Wed. Marking out my garden. 
 
 May 14, Thurs. At Robert Dodge's, at a raising. 
 
 May 15, Fri. John Whipple, the third, went to Boston for 
 the Psalm Books, which the parish agreed to furnish them- 
 selves with, being about 120 in number. 
 
 3Liy 18, 3Ion. This day the wufe of Rev. Mr. Dana was 
 buried. She departed this life, after a long state of languish- 
 ment, in the 28th year of her age. The bearers were Mr. 
 Jewett, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Cleaveland, Mr. Les- 
 lie, and myself. Mrs. Cutler attended the funeral with me. 
 
 3Iay 24, Lord's Lay. Preached sermons Nos. 63 and 64, 
 by the desire of some of the parish who had heard them before. 
 
 May 27, Wed. Election of Councillors. Mr. Williams and 
 I rode from Boston over to Cambridge. Dined Avith the Gov- 
 ernor and Council in public. In the library. Returned to 
 Boston. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 39 
 
 3Iay 28, Thurs. At Convention. Dined at Mr. Howard's. 
 
 June 4, Thurs. (in Boston). The Regiment mustered. 
 King's birthday. The Admiral's ship dressed in colors. The 
 troop, twelve companies, one of Grenadiers, and one of Artil- 
 lery, marched from the Common to King's Street, where they 
 fired volleys ; made a handsome appearance. 
 
 June 9, Tues. The young women, twenty-three in number, 
 came to spin, and brought materials. They spun forty-two 
 and a half skeins of linen, worsted, and tow-yarn, which they 
 gave to Mrs. Cutler. 
 
 Jtcne 11, Thurs. Raised my barn. Sent to every house in 
 the parish an invitation to come to the raising. A great num- 
 ber of people came. We provided a handsome supper. 
 
 July 1, Wed. Preached Mr. Emerson's lecture at Tops- 
 field. Captain Cummings with me. 
 
 July 15, Wed. At Cambridge. Saw many of my old 
 friends. Pretty good Commencement. 
 
 July 25, >S'a/. Studied very hard. This evening a very 
 remarkable Northern Light. A remarkably bright stream in 
 the west, which ran up from the horizon almost to the zenith. 
 The light was also in the east, where it kept in constant mo- 
 tion, like the waves of the sea, the waves as plainly to be seen 
 as at sea in a storm. 
 
 Aug. 2, Lord's Lay. Preached to the young people ; a 
 pretty full assembly. 
 
 Aug. 4, Tues. At Ministers' Meeting at Mr. Holt's. Mr. 
 Dunbar preached. A new scheme. A very great number of 
 ministers present. 
 
 Aug. 8, Sat. (at home). Mr. Walley and his Avife, from 
 Boston, came to keep Sabbath. This evening the most ter- 
 rible thunderstorm I ever knew. It began about 11 o'clock, 
 and continued one hour and a half. The lightning was almost 
 incessant and very sharp, and the claps of thunder very hard. 
 We all got up, and Mr. Walley made a prayer. The storm 
 abated before 1 o'clock. The Avind Avas very moderate, and 
 the rain not extreme. 
 
 Ally. 9, Lord's Lay. Mr. Walley preached. I made the 
 first prayer, and took particular notice of the thunderstorm 
 by beginning public Avorship Avith a psalm peculiarly suited to 
 
40 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 the occasion, and also in my prayer. Mr. Walley did the 
 same. 
 
 Aug. 13, Timrs. My lecture. A good deal of company. 
 Dr. Whittaker preached. Father Balch, Mr. Swain, Mr. Dana, 
 and Mr. Hitchcock present. Dr. Whittaker's lady and Miss 
 Dodge, from town, Mr. Lancaster and his w4fe, from Beverly, 
 at meeting, and drank tea. 
 
 Sept. 7, Mon. Visited about the parish. This evening 
 friends came from Dedham — Dr. Barker, Mr. Moses Everett? 
 and Andrew Everett. 
 
 Sept. 18, Fri. Dr. Rust and his lad^^ Mr. Savage and his 
 lady, to visit us from Salem. Walked upon Brown's Hill, and 
 had a fine look out. Could see the Isle of Shoals very plain 
 with the glass. 
 
 Sept. 22, Tues. Mrs. Cutler and I visited at Mr. Champ- 
 ney's and Mr. Chipman's, in Beverly. 
 
 Oct. 10, Sat. The late extraordinary rains occasioned a 
 very great freshet, a vast deal of hay lost, and all the salt hay 
 much damaged. So rainy a season in the latter part of sum- 
 mer and early fall is scarcely to be remembered by the oldest 
 men. 
 
 Nov. 11, Wed. Attended Mr. Obediah Parsons' ordination 
 with ni}^ delegates, Deacons Patch and Whipple, and Mr. 
 Samuel Brown. The Council convened at Mr. Norwood's, and 
 appointed me to begin with prayer. Mr. Parsons, of Byfield, 
 preached from 2d Cor. 3 : 6. Mr. Chandler gave the charge. 
 Mr. Cleaveland prayed after the charge, and Mr. Rogers gave 
 the right hand of fellowship. An Anthem began and con- 
 cluded the solemnity. 
 
 Jan. 1, 1773. Studied. Invited to sup with Mr. Robert 
 Dodge. A very handsome supper. 
 
 Jan. 5, Tues. At Salem ; remarkably pleasant ; many peo- 
 ple plowing. Mr. Paul Dodge buried. 
 
 Jan. 13, Wed. Mrs. Cutler and I went to Salem to attend 
 ]\Ir. Barnard's ordination. A very clear, cold day. A great 
 concourse of people. 
 
 Feb. 11, Thurs. At Mr. Chandler's lecture, New Rowley. 
 
Life of Rev. Blanasseh Cutler. 41 
 
 Preached ; a number of my old friends from Boxford to 
 hear me. 
 
 Feb. 21, Lord'' 8 Bay. A remarkably cold day. But few 
 people at meeting, and most of them were frozen in some of 
 the extremities of the body. . v 
 
 Feb. 22, Mon. Extremely cold last night. Many persons ^ ' 
 were alarmed by frequent noises and concussions, much re- 
 sembling earthquake. Was very sensible of one myself. I 
 heard a loud noise, like the falling of a large stick of timber, 
 and there was a shaking of my bed at the same time. The 
 noise and the shaking were over in an instant of time. The 
 people observed in many places in the ground and hard snow 
 (which was about six inches deep and very hard, sufficient to 
 bear a team), where large and extensive cracks appeared, much 
 like those in a pond of thick ice, toward the spring. These ^ 
 appearances seem to account for the noises and concussions. 
 From the Essex Gazette we learn that yesterday, at 2 o'clock 
 P. M., the mercury in Fahrenheit's thermometer stood at 5 
 degrees below zero, which shows the cold to have been more 
 severe than, perhaps, ever was known with us at that time of 
 day. This morning, at half an hour after sunrise, the mer- 
 cury had descended to about 9|^ degrees below zero, which is 
 41 1- degrees below the freezing point. This day visited sundry 
 sick. 
 
 Feb. 28, Lord^s Day. Pleasant, much like the spring of the 
 year. Preached without my cloak, a remarkable alteraiton in 
 the weather since last Sabbath. A pretty full meeting. 
 
 Mar. 12, Fri. Baptized a very sick child of Josiah Poland, 
 at his house. 
 
 Apr. 15, Thurs. General fast. Preached. A very full 
 meetmg. Several strangers. 
 
 May 27, Thiers. Attended Convention at Boston. Dined 
 at Mr. Mathers'. 
 
 June 8, Tues. Attended ministers' meeting at Mr. Hale's, 
 Newbury. Mr. Dana and I went and returned together. 
 Took a view of Mr. Dalton'.s country-seat — very elegant. 
 Went up to the walk on the top of the house, where we had a 
 most extensive and agreeable prospect. Mr. Leslie preached 
 the lecture, afternoon. 
 
42 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 June 10, Thurs. Mr. Howe, from Boston, to visit me. 
 [Rev. Joseph Howe, a classmate at Yale.] We attended Mr. 
 Dana's lecture. Mr. Howe preached a very refined, agreeable 
 sermon. After lecture, Mr. Howe set out on his way to Ports- 
 mouth. 
 
 June 14, 3Ion. Mr. Howe returned with Mr. Quincy, but 
 did not tarry. 
 
 June 15, Tues. The Superior Court passed by in their Avay 
 to town, attended by the Sheriff of the County and a number 
 of his under sheriffs. 
 
 June 22, Tues. Dr. Whitney and I invited by Esq. Jewett 
 to attend the launching of a sloop, which we did. Dined at 
 IMr. Treadwell's. Mr. Jewett and Mr. Lancaster present. 
 At evening, attended a funeral. 
 
 July 10, Sat. Two very fine showers of rain. Thunder 
 very hard. Struck a tree in the parsonage lot, quite near the 
 Ijouse. Mr. Tappan, of Manchester, and Mr. Wadsworth, of 
 Danvers, came to seek a change. Mr. Tappan went to Dan- 
 vers ; Mr. Wadsworth tarried here. I concluded to preach for 
 Mr. Leslie ; Mr. Leslie was to preach for Mr. Adams, of Haver- 
 hill ; Mr. iVdams, for Mr. Peabody ; Mr. Peabody, for Mr. 
 Tenny, of Barrington ; and Mr. Tenny, for Mr. Tappan. 
 
 July 19, 3Ion. Visited about the parish. Catechised the 
 children. 
 
 July 22, Thurs. Went to Boston. Attended Convention. 
 The Convention received a vote of a Committee appointed at 
 the Annual Convention to make a draft of what appeared to 
 be the true meaning and intention of the Platform respecting 
 church order and discipline, and what had been the sense in 
 which the churches had conceived and practiced. The report 
 being twice read, first through in course, and then paragraph 
 by paragraph, it was unanimously voted, N. C. D. Attended 
 lecture at the Old Brick. Mr. Bacon preached an high ortho- 
 dox sermon. Dined at Dr. Pemberton's, and came home in 
 the evening. 
 
 Sept. 12, Lord's Day. Very stormy. Had prepared to 
 preach upon the duty of reading the Scriptures, but the 
 stormy weather prevented many of the people from com- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 43 
 
 ing to meeting, so that I conckided to leave the subject 
 until the next Sabbath, and preached old sermons. 
 
 Oct. 17, Lord's Day. Preached. Very much alarmed at a 
 remarkable breaking-out upon Parker Dodge, supposed to be 
 the small-pox. As I was in imminent danger, supposed I had 
 taken it. 
 
 Oct. 18, Mon. It was confirmed by Dr. Manning that 
 Dodge, who died last night, had the small-pox. So much sur- 
 prised, that I concluded to go to Essex Hospital,* which is to 
 be opened this day for receiving patients. Set out with Dr. 
 Whitney and Mr. Robert Dodge, and went down in a boat 
 from Beverly to Cat Island, where the Hospital is erected. 
 Arrived about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Went up to the 
 Hospital, and found Dr. Jackson and Mr. Gerry, who gave me 
 encouragement that I should have a berth. I should have 
 been inoculated, but the doctor had not brought down his 
 bandages. He gave us physic, and promised to come from 
 Marblehead early in the morning, and inoculate us. 
 
 Oct. 19, Tues. This morning very rainy. Sent for Dr. 
 Jackson. He came about 11 o'clock. I should then have 
 been inoculated, but Mr. Gerry would not consent to have any 
 matter opened, until all were gone from the Island who were 
 going that night. The people, by this time arrived in several 
 vessels from Marblehead, and thronged the Hospital. As I 
 was not a signer, I had no right to plead for a berth, and 
 presently found I could not be accommodated, and was obliged, 
 after I had taken physic, to go off the Island. Got to Marble- 
 head about sunset, and came to Mr. Balch's, at New Mills, and 
 tarried with him. 
 
 * The Hospital at Cat Island was erected by Azer Orne, Jonathan 
 Glover, John Glover, and Elbridge Gerry, of Marblehead. Dr. Hall 
 Jackson, an eminent physician of Portsmouth, N. H., who had dis- 
 tinguished success in treating small-pox, was appointed superintend 
 ent, and, October IGth, entered upon his duties. The people of 
 Marblehead, apprehending that the dread disease, by means of the 
 Hospital, might become a pestilence among them, were violently op- 
 posed to it; and a party of men completely disguised, on the night of 
 January 26, 1774, went to the Island and set fire to the Hospital, which 
 had been temporarily closed, and the buildings, with their contents, 
 were destroyed. See Hoad's Hist. Marblehead. 
 
44 Life of Rev. Blanasseh Cutler. 
 
 Oct. 21, TJmrs. About the parish among the sick. 
 
 Oct. 26. Visited a number sick with a fever. 
 
 Oct. 31, Lord's Day. Preached to a very full meeting. A 
 great many notes. 
 
 Nov. 10. Wed. Attended the funeral of Mrs. Swain. A 
 larffe funeral. Mrs. Cutler went with me. Mr. Willard 
 prayed. Mr. Willard, myself, Mr. Hitchcock, Mr. Parsons, 
 Mr. Miller, and Deacon Kimball Avere pall-bearers. Mr. Tap- 
 pan and the ministers in Salem were sent to, but did not 
 come. After we returned from the grave to the house, we 
 had a supper of cold provision, and a glass of wine, which 
 was provided by the people. The town (Wenham) was so 
 generous as to bear the expense of Mrs. Swain's funeral. 
 
 Nov. 11, Thurs. Dr. Whitney returned this evening from 
 the Hospital at Cat Island, in perfect health ; likewise Mr. 
 Robert Dodge, having had the small-pox very light. 
 
 Nov. 25, Thurs. Annual Thanksgiving. Brother Balcli 
 and sister, Mr. Moses Brown, Mr. O'Brien, and Miss Hannah 
 Balch, kept Thanksgiving with us. Preached ; and, after the 
 exercise, the people had a contribution for the poor, and there 
 appeared to be a very handsome collection. 
 
 Dec. 21-23, Thurs. Studied hard, and finished both my 
 sermons. 
 
 Dec. 25, Sat. Dr. Whitney went with me to Church in 
 Salem. Mr. Gilchrist preached in the morning, and Mr. 
 Nichols in the afternoon. Dined at Dr. Rust's. A warm, 
 pleasant Christmas. 
 
 Dec. 26, Lord's Day. Preached a Christmas sermon. 
 
 Dec. 27, Mon. This evening Mr. Asa Everett came from 
 Dedham with the melancholy news that Mr. Balch was danger- 
 ously sick. 
 
 Jan. 8, 1774, Sat. This day my honored father, the Rev. 
 Mr. Balch, departed this life, at 8 o'clock in the morning, in 
 the sixty-third year of his age, and the thirty-eighth of his 
 ministry. An irreparable loss to his family and friends, and 
 much lamented by his people. He left a sorrowful widow and 
 seven children to lament his exit. 
 
 Jan. 13, Thurs. This day the Rev. Mr. Balch was interred. 
 
Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 45 
 
 The parish buried him in a very honorable manner. Eight 
 ministers Avere appointed as pall-bearers, and four undcr- 
 bearers, or porters. He was carried from his own house to 
 the Meeting House. The Rev. Mr. Dunbar prayed, then two 
 hymns in the Funeral Thoughts were sung ; then the Rev. Mr. 
 Payson prayed. The coffin was then opened, and all the 
 people had an opportunity to see the corpse ; after which the 
 funeral procession began, and was very long. The sexton 
 went first, then the Church, then the body, then the mourners 
 and friends, then the parish, then strangers. I Avas unable 
 (from a severe attack of pneumonia) to go out, but ventured 
 down to see the corpse, before it was c&rried out of the house. 
 
 Feb. 24, Thurs. Fast at town on account of small-pox. I 
 was sent for, and attended. 
 
 Mar. 1, Tites. Visited the people. This day received the 
 first number of the Royal American Magazine. 
 
 Mar. 17, Thurs. Preached a lecture at Deacon Whipple's, 
 by the desire of his daughter, Hannah, who, for a long time, 
 has been detained from meeting on account of the ill state of 
 her health. A full meeting. [These lectures were continued 
 weekly for forty years.] 
 
 Mar. 22, Tues. Attended Judge Ropes' funeral, at Salem. 
 
 Mar. 27, Lord's Day. Preached. Sacrament, A full 
 meeting. Proposed to the Church to read a portion of Scrip- 
 ture at the beginning of public worship. 
 
 April 3, Lord's Bay. Began to read the Scriptures. Read 
 the first Psalm in the morning, and the first chapter of Mat- 
 thew in the afternoon. Esq. Mansfield, of Marblehead, dined 
 with us. 
 
 Apr. 19, Tnes. Received the melancholy news of the death 
 of my honored mother. She departed this life on the 8th 
 inst. after a very short illness. Blessed are they that die in 
 the Lord. 
 
 Apr. 20, Wed. Set out for my father's. 
 
 Apr. 24, Lord's Lay. Preached at Killingly to a very at- 
 tentive and much affected congregation. 
 
 3Iay 4, Wed. Madam Holyoke came to visit us. Dr. 
 Cooper and lady, of Boston, here. 
 
 3Iay 8, Lord's Lay. Preached to a large congregation. 
 
46 Life of Rev. Manassch Cutler. 
 
 Began to read in the large folio Bible presented to the church 
 and parish by Madam Whipple. 
 
 May 10, Tiies. Attended the funeral of the Rev. Mr. Jewett, 
 of Rowley. Mr. Hale made a prayer in the Meeting House, 
 the corpse being in the broad alley. Mr. Chandler preached a 
 sermon, and Mr. Parsons made a speech at the grave. 
 
 June 30, Thurs. Fast on account of the melancholv situ- 
 ation of our public affairs. A very full meeting. Carried on 
 the whole exercise myself. 
 
 July 5, Tues. Minister's meeting at Wenham. Mr. Ad- 
 ams, of Roxbury, preached a very honest, serious, good ser- 
 mon. A very fine dinner. The tAvo Mr. Barnards, Mr. Dunbar, 
 Mr. Willard, and Mr. Hitchcock, present. 
 
 July 14, Thurs. Fast in most of the towns in the Prov- 
 ince. In the afternoon rode to Topsfield to attend the funeral 
 of Mr. Emerson. Mr. Leslie and Mr. Holyoke Avere applied 
 to for assistance in their fast, and the funeral was attended 
 after these exercises were over. A great number of people 
 present. The bearers had gloves and Aveeds. 
 
 Aug. 7, Lord's Lay. Preached at Beverly for Mr. "Willard. 
 This day Madam Whipple departed this life. One of my best 
 friends in the parish. 
 
 Aug. 9, Tues. Madam Whipple buried. The largest funeral 
 and attended Avith the most solemnity and good order of any 
 person's that has yet been buried in this place since my set- 
 tlement. She Avas laid in the tomb Avhere Major Epes and his 
 family are laid, and Deacon Whipple, har consort. 
 
 Aug. 10, Wed. Went to Salem to prove her Avill. 
 
 Sept. 1, Thurs. In Boston. Viewed the regiments on the 
 Common and Fort Hill. 
 
 Sept. 2, Fri. Returned home by AAay of Cambridge, in or- 
 der to see the vast number of country people, Avho Avere assem- 
 bling at Cambridge in consequence of the poAvder, in the 
 Arsenal at Medford, being seized by the Governor. There 
 Avere about 4,000 men. 
 
 Sejjt. 6, Tues. The County Congress sat at IpsAvich. Went 
 over to hear the debates. They made a very handsome ap- 
 pearance. 
 
 Sept. 26, 3Ion. Mrs. Cutler and I set out for Dedham. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 47 
 
 We passed through Boston, and observed the intrcnchments 
 the sokliers were throwing up, upon the Neck, to defend them- 
 selves against the country people. 
 
 Sept.^ 27, Tues. Brother Balch and I rode to Dorchester to 
 attend Mr. Everett's ordination. 
 
 Sept. 28, Wed. This day Mr. Moses Everett* was or- 
 dained. The Council sat at Dr. Holden's. It consisted of 
 ten churches. Mr. Bobbins began with prayer, IMr. Haven 
 preached, Mr. Dunbar gave the charge. Dr. Cooper made the 
 concluding prayer, and Dr. Eliot gave the right hand of fel- 
 lowship. Fine day and large concourse of people. 
 
 Oct. 4, Tues. I attended the Council at Chebacco with the 
 delegates of our chvirch. The Council adjourned to this day 
 three weeks. 
 
 Oct. 25, Tues. The Council sat again at Chebacco. 
 
 Oct. 26, Wed. The Council convened again, and finally 
 united the two churches in Chebacco into one, and gave them 
 the right hand of fellowship. 
 
 Dec. 8, Thiers. Training Lieutenant Bobert Dodge's com- 
 pany. I marched over Avitli the company and dined with 
 him. 
 
 Dec. 15, Thurs. Thanksgiving appointed by the Provincial 
 Congress, and not by the Governor. A proclamation or re- 
 solve from them was sent to all the ministers in the Pr.ovince. 
 A wet, lowering day. A contribution made for the j)Oor. In 
 the evening attended three weddings. 
 
 Jan. 19, 1775, Thurs. Captain Patch made an entertain- 
 ment for his company. Mrs. Cutler and I were invited. A 
 very fine entertainment. 
 
 Jan. 25, Wed. A lady came to our house, Avho has made 
 a great noise in the country, and has been the occasion of 
 various conjectures. She calls herself Carolina Augusta 
 Harriet, Duchess of Brownstonburges. Says she has resided 
 in the Court of England for several years ; that she eloped 
 from the Palace of St. James. She appears to be a person 
 
 * Rev. Moses Everett, of Dorchester, graduated in 1771 at Harvard 
 University. He married November 24, 1774, Miss Lucy Balch, of Ded- 
 ham, a sister of Mrs. Cutler. Mr. Everett died March 25, 1813. 
 
48 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 of an extraordinary education, and well acquainted with 
 things at Court, but she is generally supposed to be an im- 
 poster. 
 
 Jan. 28, S'at. Our extraordinary visitor left us, I conveyed 
 her to town in a chaise. 
 
 March 21, Tues. Attended the funeral of Rev. Mr. Chip- 
 man, of Beverly. 
 
 [There are many gaps in the Journal from torn or lost 
 leaves. Such a one occurs here, and only a part of the rec- 
 ord of the memorable 19th of April remains.] 
 
 toward the army. At sunset we got almost into 
 Cambridge, and met with our people just after they fired their 
 last gun. The British fought upon a retreat from Concord to 
 Cambridge, where they had boats to take them on board for 
 Boston. It is not known how many were killed on either 
 side. Mr. Willard and I went to College, and from thence to 
 Mr. Holyoke's, where we lodged. 
 
 Apr. 20, Thurs. A vast number of men in Cambridge, 
 and coming in from all quarters. We went to Metomeny to 
 see the dead. The regulars lay principally in the streets, but 
 our men in houses and barns. It was supposed that about 
 30 provincials and 50 regulars were killed. In the afternoon 
 we returned home. Mr. Jackson and Brother Balch and fam- 
 ily came to our house. 
 
 Ajjr. 21, Fri. Set out for Cambridge again. Rode to 
 Newell's, in Lynn. Upon hearing that the soldiers Avere mak- 
 ing such movements that it was thought that they would strike 
 upon Salem or Marblehead we returned. This night an alarm 
 from Ipswich, but nothing more. 
 
 Mat/ 1, 3Ion. Dr. Whitney marched to Cambridge with his 
 company. 
 
 3Iay 2, Tues. Mr. Balch and I rode to Cambridge. Saw 
 the Stockbridge Indians burn the head of General Gage upon 
 the green. Rode to Roxbury, and lodged at Dr. Holden's at 
 Dorchester. 
 
 Mat/ 3, Wed. This morning viewed Boston from Dorchester 
 Hill. Saw the Regulars at work fortifying Beacon Hill and 
 the Neck. We came to Roxbury, and Avent as far as the 
 Georges Tavern. The Regular sentinels and ours were about 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 49 
 
 forty rods asunder. Came to Cambridge and spent the after- 
 noon. Lodged at Watertown. 
 
 3Iay 4, Tliurs. Came home. Not much disposed for study. 
 
 May 7, LorcVs Day. Preached all day. 
 
 May 8, Mon. By this time we obtained an exact account 
 of the number of the Provincials that were killed and wounded 
 in the battle of the 19th ultimo : 40 killed and 20 wounded. 
 The number of Recrulars that went out was 800 in the first 
 brigade, and 1,200 in the second, who met the first at Lexing- 
 ton. It is pretty certain that near 300 Regulars were taken, 
 killed, or wounded, and many more were surfeited, so that 
 their loss upon the whole is said to be at least 500. It is not 
 supposed that more than 300 of our men were actually en- 
 gaged in battle at a time for the whole day, but yet the Regu- 
 lars, who had two field pieces, fled Avith surprising precipita- 
 tion. They took only two prisoners, but what they killed or 
 let go again. 
 
 May 10, Wed. This day the grand Continental Congress 
 meets at Philadelphia. 
 
 May 11, Thurs. This day set apart as a day of fasting 
 and prayer by a Resolve of the Provincial Congress. I 
 preached in the morning, and Mr. Balch in the afternoon. 
 
 3Iay 18, Thurs. Lecture. Mr. Swain preached. ■ Mr. 
 Hitchcock present. Dr. Whitney returned from the army. 
 
 3Iay 29, Monday. Mr. Balch, Mr. Williams, and I set out 
 for Cambridge. Went to Winnissimet to see the marks of the 
 late action between our men and the regular troops, which 
 happened the Saturday night before, when our people drove 
 a number of the Regulars from Noddle's Island, beat off a 
 sloop, and burnt a schooner at the Ferry-ways. There was 
 no loss on our side, which was very remarkable. It is said 
 the enemy lost about 200. We had only four men wounded. 
 We lodged this night at Mystic. 
 
 3Iay 30. Rode to Cambridge. Viewed the intrenchments 
 and fortifications, which appear very well. Had the honor of 
 dining with General Pomeroy, General Putnam, General 
 Whitcomb, and several other officers of the -army. After 
 dinner rode to Dedham, and lodged at Madam Balch's. 
 4 
 
50 Life of Rev. 3IanasseJi Cutler. 
 
 3Icnj 31, Wednesday. Came to Watertown, where Dr. 
 Langdon preached a sermon to the Congress, being the anni- 
 versary of the annual election of Councillors. A very good 
 sermon. A handsome entertainment was provided for the 
 ministers at Mrs. Coolidcre's. After dinner the Convention 
 sat and voted to supply the army with chaplains, but did not 
 fix upon the mode. The Convention then adjourned to 3 o'clock 
 the next day at the same place. Lodged at Mr. Everett's, at 
 Dorchester, with Mr. Brown, Willard, and Hitchcock. 
 
 June 1, Thursday. At 8 o'clock, Mr. Stevens, of Kittery, 
 preached a very suitable sermon to the Convention. They 
 then proposed that the officers of the army should choose their 
 chaplains, and the ministers should supply them in turns. 
 Dined with Captain Francis in the army. A very handsome 
 dinner. After dinner, came home much fatigued. 
 
 June 15, Thursday. Much indisposed for study. The 
 weather exceeding dry. Times very melancholy. 
 
 June 17, Saturday. Studied. Heard that there was an 
 
 /engagement at Charlestown. In the afternoon saw a very 
 
 great smoke, and at night saw the light of the fire which Avas 
 
 \^ the burning of Charlestown by the Regular forces. At the 
 
 T same time there was a very smart engagement at a small 
 
 breastwork raised by our people upon Bunker's Hill. The fire 
 
 was said to be the heaviest for near two hours ever known in 
 
 America. There was a constant cannonading from Boston, 
 
 and three or four large ships. They forced the intrenchments 
 
 and obliged our people to retreat. It was supposed that there 
 
 were 5,000 Regulars, and not more than 2,000 or 3,000 of our 
 
 men that actually engaged in the fight. Our loss is supposed 
 
 to be about 50 killed and 20 or 30 taken prisoners. The 
 
 enemy's loss is said to be 1,400 privates killed and wounded, 
 
 and 84 ofiicers. 
 
 June 18, Lord's Day. The people are in great consterna- 
 tion. I preached all day. Many of "the people went to the 
 army. After meeting. Dr. Whitney and I went as far as 
 Newell's, where we lodged. 
 
 June 19, Monday. Went to the army. Went down upon 
 a hill between Winter Hill and Bunker Hill, when a shot from 
 a twelve pounder came very near us and fell beyond us. In 
 
 I- 
 
 \ 
 
Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 51 
 
 the afternoon another shot from the same cannon fell within 
 the breastwork at Ran's Hill. I was very near where it fell. 
 Lodged at Watertown. Saw many of my old acquaintances. 
 
 June 20, Tues. Came back to Cambridge, and through the 
 breastworks, from thence through Charlestown, and then home. 
 
 June 23, Fri. Extremely hot and dry. Set out for the 
 army in order to keep Sabbath. Went to Winnissimet, where 
 Major D. was stationed. Lodged a little back in a private 
 house. 
 
 June 24, Sat. Prayed this morning with the soldiers. 
 Viewed the ground with a glass where the late battle Avas on 
 Bunker Hill. 
 
 June 25, Lord's Lay. Preached abroad to the soldiers. A 
 very attentive congregation. An uncomfortable day. 
 
 June 26, 3Ion. Set out for Cambridge, and rode as far as 
 Dedham. 
 
 Ju7ie 27, Tues. Very much indisposed by reason of a violent 
 cold, which I took by preaching abroad on the Sabbath. 
 
 Ju7ie 30, Fri. Set out home, and came to Roxbury and 
 viewed the fortifications. They have a very fine fort on the 
 hill, and two or three intrenchments below. Came through 
 the encampment at Cambridge* At home in the evening. 
 
 July 2, Lord's Lay. L^nable to preach. Brother Balch 
 preached for me. 
 
 Jidy 9, Lord's Lay. Preached and administered the sacra- 
 ment. Read a Resolve of the Congress recommending the 
 observance of the Sabbath, and exhorted the people to ob- 
 serve it. 
 
 July 19, Wed. This day the Assembly of the Province are 
 to choose a Council. 
 
 July 20, Thurs. This day was appointed for a day of fast- 
 ing and prayer throughout the United Colonies of America, 
 by the Continental Congress, on account of the unhappy civil 
 war which has commenced. 
 
 July 23, Lord's Lay. I preached at Chebacco. Mr. Cleave- 
 land was gone into the army, and the ministers in the vicinity 
 have supplied his pulpit. My people were left destitute. 
 
 Aug. 9, Wed. Mr. Larned, of Killingly, here. We rode 
 to Beverly and dined at Mr. Brown's. 
 
•4 
 
 52 Life of Rev. Blanasseh Cutler. 
 
 Aug. 15, Tues. Mr. Balch and I set out for Cambridge 
 very early. At day-break we Avere in the camp, in Captain 
 Baker's tent. When the morning cannon -was fired, we went 
 upon Prospect Hill with the several regiments of that brigade 
 and saw them exercise over the breastwoi'ks.. The cannon in 
 the fort were exercised at the same time. 
 
 Aug. 16, Wed. This day went to Roxbury and saw the 
 works there, which were fine. Lodged at Mr. Everett's. 
 Went by the way of Watertown, and was in the galleries to 
 hear the debates in the House of Representatives. No great 
 things. 
 
 Aug. 17, Tliurs. Returned home through the encampment. 
 
 Aug. 27, Lord's Bay. Preached all day. A fine rain be- 
 tween meetings, the finest rain we have had for three or four 
 months. The drought very severe. Indian corn so cut off that 
 it is generally thought that there will not be more than one- 
 third of a crop. Such a drought the oldest man can not re- 
 member,' and we hear that it is very general through the 
 country. 
 
 Sept. 5, Tues. Read Judge Blackstone. Mrs. Cutler and 
 I made Mr. Dana and his new wife a visit. Spent the after- 
 noon very agreeably at Mr. Stacey's. A number of ladies. 
 
 Sept. 6, Wed. Not very well. Read Judge Blackstone's 
 Commentaries. 
 
 Sept. 13, Wed. This morning two or three companies of 
 Riflemen marched by on their way to Quebec. Still confined, 
 but able to read a little in American Philosophical Trans- 
 actions. 
 
 Sept. 14, Thurs. About 1,000 men marched by on their 
 way to Quebec, under command of Colonel Arnold. 
 
 [These troops suffered almost incredible hardships in their 
 celebrated march by the Kennebeck River, through the wil- 
 derness of Maine, to Quebec] 
 ' Oct. 12, Thurs. We had, last evening, a thunderstorm, in 
 
 the midst of which we discovered a bright light in the south- 
 ward, which appeared like a number of buildings on fire. 
 
 Oct. 13, Fri. The fire seen last evening Avas a barn in 
 Beverly, set on fire by a candle used by j^eople husking 
 corn. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 63 
 
 Oct. 23, Mon. Mrs. Cutler and I set out for Cambridge, 
 where I am to supply Mr. Balch as Chaplain to Colonel Doolit- 
 tle's Regiment ; Mrs. Cutler to visit her friends at Dedham 
 and Dorchester. Did not get to Mystic till sunset. I went 
 up to Winter Hill, but did not attend prayers. Lodged in 
 Mystic in the chamber Mr. Balch had taken to lodge in. 
 
 Oct. 24, Tues. This morning attended prayers with the 
 Regiment. Rode with Mrs. Cutler to Dorchester, and left her 
 at Mr. Everett's. 
 
 Oct. 25, Wed. Returned to Winter Hill. 
 
 Oct. 26, Thurs. Occupied myself in vicAving the works 
 and observing the enemy with my glass, which I carried for 
 that purpose. 
 
 Oct. 27, Fri. Dined with the officers of General Putnam's 
 Brigade. Took the number of the cannon of the several re- 
 doubts at Cambridge. There are upward of sixty. 
 
 Oct. 29, Lord's Day. Preached in the Citadel. A very 
 raw, cold day. The soldiers behaved with decency and serious- 
 ness, and gave good attention. 
 
 Oct. 30, Mon. Set out for Dedham, which is twenty-two 
 miles from where I lodged at Mystic. Extremely tired, as I 
 missed the chaise which was sent to meet me, and walked the 
 whole distance. 
 
 Nov. 1, Wed. Brother Dean and wife came with us to Mr. 
 Everett's. After dinner we rode down on Dorchester Neck, 
 and had a fine view of Boston and the Castle. 
 
 Nov. 29, Wed. A fine prize brought into Cape Ann with 
 Avarlike stores. 
 
 Nov. 30, Thurs. Went down to see the prize. Dined with 
 the IpsAvich troops. 
 
 January 2, 1876, Tues. Mr. Whipple and I made some 
 preparations to make saltpeter. 
 
 Jan. 18. A great deal of firing of cannon. 
 
 Jem. 24, Wed. Attended Mr. Willard's lecture and preached. 
 Mrs. Cutler Avent Avith me to Mr. Hitchcock's, where Ave spent 
 the evening. 
 
 Feh. 1, Thurs. Went to Salem and bought kettles for salt- 
 peter works. 
 
54 L'^f^ of Rev. BlanasseJi Cutler. 
 
 Feb. 7, Wed. This day the Rev. Levi Frisbie was installed 
 over the first church in Ipswich. I went with the delegate 
 from our church. Mr. Parsons made the first prayer, Mr. 
 Cleaveland preached, Mr. Chandler gave the charge, Mr. Les- 
 lie made the last prayer, Mr. Dana gave the right hand of fel- 
 lowship. It was called a fast, but we had plenty of good cheer 
 before we went to meeting, and after we returned, a very good 
 dinner. The Council dined at Mr. Jewett's. 
 
 Feb.H, TInirs. Attended Mr. Cleaveland's fast. I preached 
 in the morning and Mr. Dana in the afternoon. Snowed all 
 day. 
 
 Feb. 9, Fri. Attended Mr. Hitchcock's lecture and preached. 
 Mr. Swain and Mr. Willard present. A full lecture. 
 
 Feb. 17, Sat. Finished the setting kettles, for making salt- 
 peter, in Mr. Whipple's shop, a quarter of which is mine. 
 
 Feb. 20, Tues. Through the camp. Dined with Captain 
 Porter, of Wenhani. 
 
 Feb. 21, Wed. Went to Dedham and engaged a quantity 
 of corn. 
 
 Mar. 3, Lord's Day. Preached at Topsfield for Mr. Shaw. 
 Heard that our troops began Saturday to bombard Boston. 
 
 Mar. 4, Mon. Set out for Cambridge, but Avent no farther 
 than Salem. A very heavy firing at Boston all night. 
 
 Mar. 7, Thiers. An occasional fast through the Province 
 on account of our present public calamities. Preached. 
 
 Mar. 17, Lord's Bay. Preached. This day the Regular 
 Troops, under command of General Howe, evacuated Boston 
 in a surprising manner. They went oif in so great haste that 
 they left a large number of their cannon and several of their 
 best mortars, with many other valuable articles. The King's 
 stores that are left are computed at three hundred thousand 
 pounds sterling. What was the occasion of so precipitate a 
 flight is not certainly known. It is generally compared to the 
 flight of the Assyrians. '^It was the Lord's doings and is mar- 
 velous in our eyes'' 
 
 Mar. 19, Tues. The ships lay down below the Castle with 
 the soldiers and tories and their families on board. 
 
 Mar. 20, Wed. This day they demolished the Castle. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 55 
 
 Apr. 9, Tues, Mr. Whipple went to Watertown to carry 
 saltpeter. 
 
 Ajyr. 24, Wed. Mr. Everett and I went clown upon Castle 
 William — a shocking heap of ruins. 
 
 Apr. 25, Thurs. Went to Stoughton,* Avith ]Mr. Chicker- 
 ing, Captain Dean, and Brother Dean, to see the Powder Mill, 
 which was almost ready to go. 
 
 May 17, Fri. Continental fast. Mr. Willard and I ex- 
 changed. 
 
 June 5, Wed. This morning Mr. Oliver and I sat out for 
 Cape Ann to attend Mr. Forbes' installment. Fell in com- 
 pany with Mr. Willard. We dined at Mr. Peter Coffin's. 
 
 June 6, Thurs. We dined at Colonel Coffin's. A very 
 fine dinner, good compan}'-, and a good deal of it. Came 
 home. 
 
 June 10, 3Ion. Visited the sick. Mr. Parkman, his son 
 and daughter, dined with us. 
 
 June 16, Lord's Day. Preached to the people at Sandy 
 Bay, who were disconsolate on account of fourteen men lately 
 taken from them by a man-of-war. They were in the Yankee 
 Hero. Returned to Mr. Parsons'. 
 
 Ju7}e 17, 3Ion. Mr. Parsons and lady rode with me to 
 the harbor, where we met Mr. Everett, Mr. Balch, and Mr. 
 Oliver, and went on board the Lady Juliana, a prize ship of 
 400 tons, taken by one of our privateers, bound from Jamaica 
 to London. The cabins and state-rooms were spacious, her 
 carvings elegant, and her cargo very valuable — 184 lbs. (?) of 
 plate for cabin furniture, 22,000 dollars, near GOO hhds. of sugar 
 and rum, besides cocoa, pimento, ginger, cayenne-pepper, etc. 
 They made us several presents of the small aftairs in the 
 cabins, such as sweatmeats, cayenne-pepper, supple-jacks, cas- 
 sada or bread, cashew-nuts, cocoa-nuts, trinkets, etc. Came 
 home after dining at Mr. Forbes'. 
 
 June 27, Thurs. Began to take the New England Chronicle 
 with Mr. John Whipple, third. 
 
 *Stoughton, fifteen miles southwardly of Boston. "Early in the 
 war a large quantity of gunpower, of an excellent quality, was made 
 in this town for the American Army from saltpeter, the produce of the 
 towns in its vicinity." — Morses Western GazeUeer. 
 
56 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Jul. 1, 3Ion. Set out for Dedham to attend the ordination 
 of Mr. Chickering.* Deacon Whipple went as delegate, his 
 wife, and Mr. John Whipple and wife, in company ; also Mr. 
 Balch and wife. Lodged at Dorchester. 
 
 Jul. 3, Wed. Ordination. Assisted in Council at Captain 
 Eben. Everett's. Mr. Payson, Moderator. Mr. Robbins' ap- 
 pointed to make the first prayer. Mr. Caryl preached, Mr. 
 Pay son gave the charge, and Mr. Haven the right hand of 
 fellowship, and Mr. Curtis made the last prayer. A vast many 
 people present. 
 
 Jul. 9, Tues. Training. 
 
 Jul. 14, Lord's Day. Preached. Sacrament. Pretty full 
 meeting. Concluded to go to Boston to be inoculated. 
 
 Jul. 15, 3Ion. Set out by day in company with John and 
 Samuel Whipple, and John SaflFord, to go to Boston to be 
 inoculated (with small-pox). Applied to Dr. Manning, who 
 inoculated us by puncture in our arms. I took lodgings at 
 Mr. Williams'. (Operation successful.) 
 
 Aug. 1, Thurs. Fast through the Province. At Mr. 
 Cooper's meeting. I was applied to, to preach at Mr. Howe's 
 and at Mr. Chauncy's meeting, but could not, as I carried 
 no notes. Went into the water. 
 
 Auff. 3, Sat. Came home in good health. 
 
 Aug. 25, Lord's Lag. Preached. Received a message from 
 Colonel Francis to go to Dorchester and supply his regiment 
 as Chaplain, with which I acquainted the church and congre- 
 gation after meeting, and there was no objection. 
 
 Atig. 28, Wed. This day appointed for Dr. Whitney's wed- 
 ding. Attended with Mrs. Cutler. Mr. Frisbie made the first 
 prayer, and gave the covenant ; I made the last prayer. A 
 great number of people present. A town wedding. 
 
 Aug. 29, Thurs. Mr. Dana and Mr. Frisbie gave encour- 
 agement that they would supply my pulpit while I am with 
 the army. Also Mr. Cleaveland and Tappan. 
 
 * The Rev. Jabez Chickering graduated at Harvard College, 1774, and 
 married April 22, 1777, Miss Hannah Balch, youngest daughter of his 
 predecessor, and sister of Mrs. Cutler. He was ordained July 3, 1776, 
 over ilie South Church, in Dedham, and remained their pastor for 
 nearly ihirty-six years — until his death in 1812. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 57 
 
 Sept. 3, Tues. Went to Dorchester. Prayed with the regi- 
 ment. 
 
 Sept. 4, Wed. Live in the same barracks with the field 
 officers. 
 
 Sept. 8, Lord's Day. Preached to the regiment. Found it 
 very hard to speak abroad. 
 
 Sept. 10, Tues. In Boston at vendue. Colonel Francis, 
 Colonel Thayer, and the Adjutant in company. Colonel 
 Francis, Adjutant Herrick, and I supped at Mr. Kimball's. 
 
 Sept. 11, Wed. Went with the officers to Nantasket. We 
 all dined with Colonel Jackson. Caught plenty of mackerel. 
 We did not return soon enough for prayers. The fort at 
 Nantasket is very grand. 
 
 Sept. 15, Lord's Day. Preached to the regiment. A tolera- 
 bly pleasant day. 
 
 Sept. 19, Thurs. Attended lecture in Boston. Mr. Lathrop 
 preached a very ingenious sermon. Mrs. Cutler, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Everett, Miss Irene Balch, and the Colonel's lady drank tea 
 with us. 
 
 Sept. 20, Fri. The field officers, the Adjutant, and myself 
 drank tea at Mr. Everett's. Read the Downfall of British 
 Tyranny. Supped and spent a very social evening. 
 
 Sept. 23, Man. At Boston with the Colonel. Mr. Plumb 
 prayed this morning. 
 
 Sept. 25, Wed. Mr. Everett and I rode to Cambridge and 
 attended the Dudlian Lecture. Mr. Morrel, of Wilmington, 
 preached a good sermon. 
 
 Sep)t. 26, Thurs. The Colonel made an entertainment. Mr. 
 Everett and ladies, Mrs. Kimball and two sisters, Mrs. Francis, 
 all the Captains in the regiment. Dr. Whipple, etc. The regi- 
 ment paraded at 3 o'clock for exercise. Mr. Everett prayed 
 with them at night. I attended a funeral at Roxbury. 
 
 Oct. 1, Tues. At Dr. Eliot's. 
 
 Oct. 2, Wed. The Colonel, Adjutant, and myself went to 
 Braintree and dined with Colonel Thaver. A fine dinner. 
 
 Oct. 11, Fri. Mr. Everett went to the hospital to be in- 
 oculated. 
 
 Oct. 13, Lords Day. Our regiment marched up to the 
 
58 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Meeting House. It being sacrament, I administered the ordi- 
 nance. 
 
 Oct. 16, Wed. Our regiment was reviewed by the General 
 attended by his Aids-.de-camp. I went on to the parade with 
 the other officers, and took my post on the right wing. As 
 the General began to march I paid the first salute with 
 the fire-lock. The regiment made a very handsome appear- 
 ance. 
 
 Oct. 17, Thurs. This day the field officers, myself, and the 
 surgeons were invited to dine with the General. A very gen- 
 teel dinner. Rose from table about 4 o'clock. 
 
 Oct. 18, Fri. Went up to the hospital to see Mr. Everett. 
 Was smoked most severely. 
 
 Oct. 23, Wed. Colonel Dike's regiment reviewed. Attended. 
 Dined with the field officers. 
 
 Oct. 27, Lord's Day. The regiment marched up to the 
 Meeting House. I preached, and in the afternoon preached 
 a sermon to the soldiers. 
 
 Oct. 30, Wed. With Mrs. Cutler in Boston, at Dr. Cooper's. 
 Mr. John Adams was there, who had just come from the Con- 
 tinental Congress. 
 
 Nov. 2, Sat. Rode after Mr. Everett, who was ready to 
 return from the Inoculating Hospital. Dined with Dr. 
 Sprague. 
 
 Nov. 3, Lord^s Lay. The Regiment met in Mr. Everett's 
 Meeting House. I preached all day. 
 
 Nov. 4-9. Weather pleasant this week. Company from 
 Boston and other parts of the country. 
 
 Nov. 10, Lord's Lay. Had but one exercise. Went to 
 Boston, after noon, and heard Dr. Cooper. 
 
 Nov. 17, Lord's Lay. Preached at home. Sacrament. 
 
 Nov. 20, Wed. Returned to camp. 
 
 Nov. 22, Fri. Several members from Court dined with us. 
 
 Nov. 23, Sat. A Committee from the General Court came 
 to invite the Regiment to tarry three months longer, and dined 
 with us. 
 
 Nov. 24, Lord's Lay. I was to preach at Mr. Morehead's 
 meeting for Mr. Balch, but Mr. Murray was previously en- 
 gaged. Went to Trinity Church in the morning, and heard 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 59 
 
 an excellent sermon delivered by Mr. Parker. Dined at Cap- 
 tain McNeal's. Afternoon, heard Mr. Murray. 
 
 Nov. 25, Mon. Returned to camp ; rainy. 
 
 Nov. 29, Fri. All the officers of the Regiment dined Avith 
 us. The Continental Frigate Hancock came into the Harbor 
 from Newbury. A very fine ship. 
 
 Nov. 30, Sat. Very rainy. Put our things on board a 
 boat to come home by water. The Regiment breaking up. 
 All taken off duty. I set out home with Captain Dodge about 
 12 o'clock, and got home about 9 o'clock in the evening, very 
 wet, and much fatigued. 
 
 Bee. 12, Thurs. Thanksgiving. Pretty full meeting. The 
 singers sang anthems as usual. 
 
 Dec. 16-21. A great deal of company from one quarter 
 and another. 
 
 Dec. 31 , Tues. Rode to Salem. Dined with Colonel Fran- 
 cis, drank tea at Judge Lynd's and called on Judge Oliver. 
 
 [Massachusetts became an Independent State in 1776, and 
 was governed by "The Council" till- 1780, when the Consti- 
 tution was established and John Hancock elected " Governor. 
 The following is Mr. Cutler's commission as Chaplain] : 
 
 State of 
 
 Massachusetts Bay 
 The Major part of the Council to Manasseh Cutler, Gentleman, 
 
 Greeting : 
 
 [seal.] We, being informed of your Exemplary 
 
 Jer. Powell. Life and Manners, and reposing 'special 
 
 W. Sever. Trust and Confidence in your Abilities and 
 
 Caleb Cushing. good Conduct, Do, by these Presence, con- 
 Artemus Ward, stitute and appoint you, the said Manasseh 
 J. Winthrop. Cutler, to be Chaplain of the Regiment 
 
 B. Lincoln. drafted out of the Militia of this State on 
 
 B. Chadbourn. the Continental Establishment for the de- 
 S. Holten. fence and security of the Town and Har- 
 
 Jabez Fisher. hour of Boston, whereof Ebenezer Francis, 
 John Taylor, Esq., is Colonel. 
 
 Wm. Phillips. You are therefore carefully and diligently 
 
 Benj. Austin. to inculcate in the minds of the Soldiers of 
 
60 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Dan'l Davis. said Regiment, as well by Example as Pre- 
 
 D. Sewall. cept, the Duties of Religion and Morality, 
 
 F. M. Dana. & a fervent Love of their Country, and in 
 
 all respects discharge the Duty of a Chaplain 
 in said Regiment — Observing, from time to 
 time, such Orders and Instructions as you 
 shall receive from your Superior Officers, ac- 
 cording to Military Rules and Discipline 
 Established by the American Congress. In 
 pursuance of the Trust reposed in you, for 
 ■which this shall be your Sufficient Warrant. 
 Given under our Hands and the Seal of 
 said State, at Watertown, the fifth day of 
 Sept'r, In the Year of our Lord, One Thou- 
 sand seven Hundred & seventy-six. 
 By Command of the Major part of the Council, 
 
 John Avery, Bp.y Secy. 
 
 [Mr, Cutler, after these months spent in the army, came 
 back to the Hamlet and began the New Year, 1776, by a very 
 thorough visitation of his parish, thus resuming his parochial 
 duties to the mutual satisfaction of himself and his people. 
 The extracts from his private journal do not fairly represent 
 Mr. Cutler's methodical and industrious habits. It is not pos- 
 sible or desirable to recount all his varied pursuits, but the 
 bewildering number of lectures, ministers' meetings, fasts and 
 thanksgivings, catechisings, visitings, weddings and funerals 
 which he records, not a tithe of which has been given here, 
 causes wonder that any time was left for study, and yet he 
 thus occupied from two to four days of each week ; and his 
 garden and farm received his personal supervision.] 
 
 Jan. 29, 1777, TFetZ. General fast through this State on ac- 
 count of the distressed state of our public affairs. Very full 
 meeting. 
 
 Jan. 30, Thurs. Colonel Francis and lady, Dr. Whitney 
 and lady, Mr. Herrick and lady dined with us. 
 
 Jan. 31, Fri. Captain Brown and lady, and Mr. Willard, 
 dined with us. 
 
 Feb. 9, Lord's Bay. Sacrament. Proposed to the Congre- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 61 
 
 gation to visit the several schools for the purpose of instruct- 
 ing the youth. 
 
 Feb. 10, 3Ion. Visited Master Dane's school, Backside. 
 Instructed them in the Catechism, and gave them other in- 
 struction. 
 
 Feb. 11, Tues. Catechised the children over the river. 
 
 Feb. 17, Mon. Hauled wood — thirty teams. Got a fine 
 quantity of good wood. Dined sixty-four persons. 
 
 Feb. 28, Fri. Very blustering. Dr. Whitney and I rode 
 down to Mr. Hitchcock's lecture. I preached. 
 
 3far. 12, Wed. Rainy and foggy ; bad traveling. Soldiers 
 marching by, as they have been for several days past. Studied 
 hard. Finished one sermon and half another. 
 
 Mar. 27, Thurs. Attended Mr. Dana's lecture, and preached. 
 Mr. Frisbie present. 
 
 Apr. 1, Tues. Mr. and Mrs. Willard, Mr. and Mrs. Hitch- 
 cock, and Mr. Swain spent the afternoon with vxs. 
 
 Apr. 8, Tues. At work in my garden. Received the Bos- 
 ton Gazette by stage. 
 
 Apr. 25, Fri. Went with Mr. Balch to Boston, Proposed 
 going out with Commodore Manly in the Frigate Hancock, but 
 concluded not to go. 
 
 3Iai/ 1, Thurs. Annual fast. Few people at meeting. A 
 very remarkable day for this season of the year. It might 
 properly be called a N. E. snow-storm. The thinnest fast I 
 ever beheld. 
 
 3Iay 28, Wed. Election of Councilors. Set out very early 
 for Boston. Mr. John AVhipple went with me. Left our 
 horses at Winnissimet Ferry. Got into Boston about 10 
 o'clock. Sermon delivered at 11 o'clock by Rev. Mr. Web- 
 ster. A very sensible discourse. The old Council and House, 
 escorted by the Independent Company from the State House 
 to the Meeting House, and from thence to Faneuil Hall, Avhere 
 an elegant entertainment was provided for the Council, House, 
 Ministers, and Ofiicers of the Militia and Independent Com- 
 pany. The music of the Independent Company was very fine, 
 equal to that of the Regulars. Afternoon the ministers met 
 at the State House in Convention. 
 
 3Iay 29, Thurs. The Convention Sermon was preached in 
 
62 Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 
 
 the Old Brick, at 11 o'clock, by the President. I dined at 
 Dr. Eliot's. 
 
 June 2, 3Io7i. Worked all day in my garden. 
 
 June 6, Fri. Attended Mr. Swain's lecture. Mr. Willard 
 present. I preached. 
 
 Jii7ie 15, Lord's Day. The time for Sacrament in course, 
 but was necessarily put by on account of the Deacons not be- 
 ing able to procure any wine. Called, after meeting, to visit 
 Hannah Roberts, who had broke out with small-pox. 
 
 [Mr. Cutler inoculated about fifty persons, " some with 
 puncture, and some with threads," who were attended by Mr. 
 Manning, but were visited daily by Mr. Cutler till the end of 
 June.] 
 
 July 5, Sat. Received a letter from Colonel Francis, at 
 Ticonderoga. 
 
 July 8, Tues. Mr. Plumb and Mrs. Hitchcock dined 
 with us. 
 
 July 11, Fri. Mrs. Cutler and I rode to Beverly to make 
 Mr. Willard a visit. 
 
 July 17, Thurs. Mr. Eliot, of Boston, dined with us. 
 
 July 26, tSat. Rode to Beverly in order to get some wine 
 (for sacrament). Gave 20s. per gallon. 
 
 July 27, Lord^s Lay. Sacrament. Preached. Full meeting. 
 
 Aug. 2, /Sat. Rode down to Cape Ann to exchange with 
 Mr. Parsons. Called at Mr. Tappan's, Mr. Rogers , Mr. 
 Forbes', Captain Brown's, etc. 
 
 Aug. 3, Lord's Lay. Preached at Squam. Captain Brown 
 dined with me. Drank coffee with Deacon Merritt. 
 
 Aug. 4, 3Ion. Dined at Captain Brown's, Mr. Parsons and 
 Deacon Merritt in company. Came home, and brought four 
 fine lobsters as a rarity. 
 
 Aug. 6, Wed. Rode to Newburyport, to attend the ordina- 
 tion of Mr. Spring. Dined with the Council. A fine day, a 
 fine ordination, and an elegant dinner. Called on Colonel 
 Titcomb. He presented me with a fine smoked salmon. 
 
 Aug. 11, 3Io)i. Road to Mr. Swain's. Read French. 
 
 [Mr. Cutler devoted much time during the three following 
 months to acquiring a knowledge of the French language.] 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 63 
 
 Aug. 15, Fri. Mr. Foster lodged here. Dr. Wliittaker 
 here in the afternoon. 
 
 Aug. 26, Tues. Studied exceeding hard, preparing for the 
 Fast. 
 
 Aug. 28, Thurs. Fast through the State on account of the 
 war. Preached. A very full meeting. 
 
 Sept. 8, 3Ion. Planted out in my borders in the great 
 alley. Crown Imperials, Tulips, Persian Iris, early and late 
 Daffies, and Peonies. Visited the sick. 
 
 Sept. 13, Sat. Boiled some cornstalk juice into molasses, 
 being the first experiment. Boiling away five parts will make 
 tolerable molasses. 
 
 Sept. 15, 3fo7i. Very busy about mills for grinding stalks 
 for molasses. 
 
 Sept. 16-19. Boiled cornstalk liquor, and studied French. 
 Mr. Cummings studied with me. 
 
 Sept. 28, Lord's Lay. Preached. A pretty full meeting. 
 Large number of strangers. 
 
 Sept. 29, Mon. Mustering men to go the Northern Army. 
 Half the militia called for. All the troop in this toAvn con- 
 cluded to go. 
 
 Sept. 30, Tues. The troop marched. They halted at Mr. 
 John Brown's and sent for me to pray with them. 
 
 Oct. 2, Thurs. The foot (soldiers) marched. 
 
 Oct. 6, Mon. Mr. Cummings came again to study French 
 with me. 
 
 Oct. 20, 3fo7i. Wrote to Mr. Plumb at Albany and Captain 
 Dodge in the army. Mr. Parsons and wife here. 
 
 Oct. 23, Thurs. Mr. Forbes here to dine. Received the 
 agreeable intelligence of the surrender of General Burgoyne 
 and his whole army to General Gates as prisoners of war. A 
 general discharge of cannon at Boston, Marblehead, Salem, 
 Beverly, Cape Ann, Newbury, and Portsmouth, and all the 
 ships and vessels of force in all those harbors. 
 
 Oct. 26, Lord's Lag. Preached. In the afternoon, upon 
 the times. 
 
 JVov. 5, Wed. Set out for Boston, in order to see Burgoyne's 
 army come into Cambridge. Brother Balch went with me. 
 We dined at Newell's and lodged at Mr. Everett's. 
 
64 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Nov. 6, Thurs. Wind out ; blew and rained hard. Pre- 
 vented our going to Cambridge. 
 
 JVov. 7, Fri. Rode to Cambridge. Saw, in the barracks, 
 the regukir troops who came in yesterday. About 12 o'clock 
 Burgoyne came into town, attended by a party of the Ameri- 
 can Light Horse as a guard. General Glover rode Avith him, 
 and two British generals, Phillips and Hamilton. Imme- 
 diately after the Hessian troops came in, preceded and fol- 
 lowed by a large guard of militia. They appeared to be as 
 dull, heavy molded, and dirty a pack as ever I saw. The 
 procession reached near three miles. I saw, likewise, General 
 Riedesel, the commander of the Hessians, a very fine man. 
 He was accompanied with two or three more Hessian generals. 
 They barracked at Winter Hill, the Regulars at Prospect 
 Hill. Returned home much fatigued. 
 
 JSfov. 20, Thurs. Annual Thanksgiving. A full meeting 
 and a pleasant day. 
 
 Nov. 21, Fri. Rode to Beverly. Called on Mr. Hitchcock, 
 lately returned from the army. 
 
 Nov. 22, jSat. Mr. Fuller came, in order for an exchange 
 to-morrow. Dr. Stiles qame this evening to keep Sabbath 
 with me. 
 
 Nov. 23, Lord's Bay. Rode to Cape Ann to preach for 
 Mr. Fuller, which was a great mortification, as Dr. Stiles was 
 present to preach for me. The Doctor preached in the fore- 
 noon, Mr. Fuller in the afternoon. I returned in the evening. 
 
 Nov. 24, Mon. Dr. Stiles set out for Portsmouth. He is 
 a very agreeable gentleman, and is the President of Yale 
 College. I took a fine draught of Philadelphia, including the 
 whole of Mr. Howe's route from Elk River, from a map the 
 Doctor had procured from actual mensuration. 
 
 Dec. 9, Tues. Went to Salem. At Judge Oliver's and 
 Judge Lynde's. Spent the evening in Beverly at Mr. George 
 Cabot's, Mr. Willard in company. 
 
 Dec. 10, Wed. Drew maps of Philadelphia. 
 
 Dec. 18, Thurs. Thanksgiving through the United States 
 on account of our successes, and particularly on account of 
 the surrender of General Burgoyne and his array. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 65 
 
 [Much of the record for the year 1778 is lost. It was dur- 
 ing this period that the unsuccessful campaign of General 
 Sullivan, undertaken to dislodge the British from Newport, 
 Rhode Island, was organized. Mr. Cutler, as Chaplain to 
 General Titcomb's Brigade, accompanied this expedition, of 
 which he gives a detailed account.] 
 
 July 20, 1778, Lord''s Bay. Exchanged with Brother 
 Balch, who supplies Mr. Hitchcock's people, at Beverly. 
 
 Aiig. 4, Tuesday. General Titcomb called on me in his 
 way to Rhode Island, and invited me to go with him as Chap- 
 lain to his brigade on the present expedition. This evening a 
 fine shower of rain. 
 
 Aug. 7, Friday. Preparing to set out for Rhode Island, 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Aug. 8, Sat. Set out for Rhode Island with Captains 
 Brown and Cabot. Crossed Winnissimet Ferry. Dined in 
 Boston at Mr. Williams'. The day exceeding hot. Set out 
 from Boston at 5 o'clock ; made our next stage beyond Milton 
 Meeting House, at sunset, where we oated and drank coffee. 
 Rode on to Noyes',-at Stotenham ; refreshed ourselves and 
 horses about 12 o'clock, but did not go into the house. A 
 very fine evening, cool and comfortable, far better riding than 
 in the day time. Rode on seven miles further ; stopped at a 
 farmer's house, but the house Avas filled with soldiers, and vre 
 were obliged to turn into the barn. I slept on straw, between 
 Captains Cabot and Brown, and very sound, until five in the 
 morning, when the mustering of the soldiers waked us, and 
 we immediately rose. 
 
 Aug. 9, Sunday. Set out at 5 o'clock. Breakfasted at m.y 
 classmate, Leonard's. Exceeding hot. Rode through Taun- 
 ton, and crossed the river a mile below town. Passed through 
 Freetown ; stopped at a tavern at the further part. Lot 
 Strange. Dined in company with a number of gentlemen 
 from Boston. Extremely hot. A shower at four. Rode on 
 to Tiverton. I got lodgings within two miles of the Ferry. 
 Captain Brown and Captain Cabot went on to Rhode Island. 
 
 This morning the army was ordered to parade near How- 
 land's Ferry, in order to embark and re-embark in the boats, 
 5 
 
66 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 that they might the better understand such a maneuver ; but 
 a reconnoitering party having discovered that the enemy had 
 left the upper end of the Island, and retreated into Newport, 
 the troops embarked and proceeded over, formed on the op- 
 posite beach, and marched up and took possession of their 
 works, which were not at all damaged. They evacuated them 
 Saturday evening, upon finding our troops intended to land 
 six miles below, and cut off their retreat. They drove off all 
 the horses and all the cattle from the inhabitants, except one 
 cow to a family, destroyed all their wheels and carriages of 
 every kind, took quantities of provisions, and filled up most 
 of their wells. 
 
 My people were supplied this day by Mr. Steward, of 
 Salem, who preached for Mr. SAvain, and he preached for me, 
 and administered the Sacrament, which I had before appointed 
 and could not well put by. 
 
 Aug. 10, 3Ionday. This morning I crossed on to Rhode 
 Island, and joined General Titcomb's Brigade. Dined with 
 him and a number of gentlemen on the ground abroad, not 
 having any quarters. Slept this night in" the officer's room at 
 the barracks in the fort taken up by Colonel Wade. 
 
 Last evening a fleet was seen off the harbor, of about 
 eighteen or twenty sail, which came up near the Lighthouse 
 and anchored. Several ships of the line, but unknown who, 
 or from whence. About 10 o'clock the French fleet, that lay 
 above the town of Newport, came to sail, and went out in pur- 
 suit of them. As they passed the town and forts, the ships 
 began and kept up an incessant fire, until they were all passed. 
 The roar of cannon at times was such as to make but one con- 
 tinued sound, withe ut any distinction of guns. The fleet in 
 the offing, which proved to be a fleet from New York, imme- 
 diately put to sea, and by dark the French fleet in pursuit of 
 them was out of sight of land. 
 
 Aug. 11, Tuesday. The General procured a chamber for 
 quarters at one Browning's, a Quaker. Invited me to live 
 with him. This morning, the wind at N. E. blew pretty hard ; 
 cloudy a'nd rainy. At 4 o'clock the whole array paraded, and 
 was reviewed by the general oflRcers. The order of battle and 
 encampment : Front line, Varnum's and Cornell's Brigades on 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler, 67 
 
 the rio-lit. Glover's and Colonel Gommandino- Greene's do. on 
 the left. The second line, commanded by Major-General 
 Hancock, Level's Brigade on the right, Titconib's on the left. 
 The light corps, consisting of Jackson's Corps, Boston Inde- 
 pendents and Light Infantry, and 50 men from each brigade 
 in the front line, commanded by Colonel Commanding Levis- 
 ton (Livingston?). The reserve, consisting of Holden's and 
 Brown's regiments, commanded by Colonel Commanding West. 
 A flanking division on each wing "of the army, and a flanking 
 party to each wing of each line, consisting of volunteers and 
 militia. A body of horse, commanded by General Whipple. 
 The right wing of the whole army commanded by Major- 
 General Greene ; the left, by the Marquis de la Fayette. 
 
 Aug. 12, Wednesday . This morning, orders for the whole 
 army to be paraded at 6 o'clock, for advancing toward the 
 enemy's lines. The storm increasing violently, prevented. A 
 great number of the militia, having no tents, were obliged to 
 continue out in the storm without any shelter. Colonel 
 Thorndike resigned, and Colonel Wadsworth appointed. Cap- 
 tains Brown and Cabot took lodgings at our quarters. 
 
 Aug. 13, Thursday. The storm exceeding severe ; wind 
 very high. Mr. Nat. Tracy lodged with us. Dr. Clark and 
 Parsons, Colonels Wadsworth and Thorndike, with us. A ser- 
 geant and nine men deserted, belonging to the Twenty-second 
 Regiment, British. Say the French ships dismounted the 
 guns, and almost demolished two forts, and killed several men, 
 on Monday. 
 
 Aug. 14, Friday. This morning the wind changed to the 
 southward. At 4 o'clock in the morning troops turned out, 
 examined their arms, and renewed their cartridges. Captains 
 Cabot, Brown, and myself rode down near the enemy's lines. 
 Saw Colonel Hichborn and his brother, Samuel. Orders for 
 the army to march at 6 o'clock to-morrow morning. Several 
 deserters. 
 
 Aug. 15, Saturday. At 6 o'clock a signal gun from the right 
 fired as a signal for the whole army to parade. Half after 
 six two cannons were fired for signals for forming into col- 
 umns. Three cannons the signal for marching. The front 
 line advanced in four columns, and the second line in tAVO col- 
 
68 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 iims, commanded by their respective Brigadiers. Flanking 
 divisions and flanking parties marched in their respective 
 stations. The Light-corps advanced. The Light-horse ad- 
 vanced on the right for reconnoitering. Pioneers marched 
 advanced of each division to remove Avails, etc. The artillery 
 and ammunition wagons between the first and second line ; 
 the bao-craffe between the second line and the reserve. The 
 reserve moved in one column. I had a fine prospect of the 
 whole army as it moved off from Butt's Hill, where we first 
 encamped. They made a very grand appearance. The army 
 marched about three miles and halted. A council of war was 
 held by the general officers, who advanced, and marked out 
 the ground for encamping. No appearance of an attack from 
 the enemy. The army extended quite across the Island from 
 water to Avater. At 2 o'clock advanced and came upon the 
 ground, about a mile and a half from the enemy's lines, di- 
 rectly in their front. They fired a few cannon. As soon as 
 our brigade Avas halted on the ground, I returned to our old 
 quarters and tarried the night. Was much pleased Avith the 
 kindness and benevolence of Mr, Thomas BroAvning, at Avhose 
 house we quartered. 
 
 Aug. It), Lord's Day. Returned to camp. General Titcomb 
 took quarters at Mr. Peleg Laughton's, a friendly Quaker, 
 Avhere we had very good accommodations. Almost the Avliole 
 brigade on duty. No opportunity to attend public Avorship. 
 At night began to throAv up a redoubt upon a high eminence 
 near the enemy's lines. Went in the afternoon Avith a number 
 of officers to vieAV a garden near our quarters belonging to 
 one Mr. BoAvlor — the finest by far I ever saAv. It is laid out 
 much in the form of my OAvn, contains four acres, has a grand 
 aisle in the middle, and is adorned in the front Avith beau- 
 tiful carvings. Near the middle is an oval, surrounded Avith 
 espaliers of fruit trees, in the center of Avhich is a pedestal, 
 on which is an armillary sphere, Avith an equatorial dial. On 
 one side of the front is a hot-house, containing orange trees, 
 Avith some ripe, some green, some blooms, and various other 
 fruit trees of the exotic kind, curious floAvers, etc. At the 
 loAver end of the aisle is a large summer-house, a long square 
 containing three rooms — the middle paved with marble and 
 
Life of Rev. Manasiseli Cutler. 69 
 
 hung -with landscapes and other pictures. On the right is a 
 very large private library adorned with very curious carvings. 
 The collection of French and English authors, maps, etc., is 
 valuable. The room is furnished with a table, chairs, etc. 
 There are espaliers of fruit trees at each end of the garden, 
 some curious flowering shrubs, and a pretty collection of fruit 
 trees. The room on the left in the summer-house, beautifully 
 prepared and designed for music, contains a spinnet. But 
 the vvhole garden discovered the desolations of war and the 
 want of a gardener to dress it. The Marquis de la Fayette 
 took quarters at this house. A number of cannon fired from 
 the enemy's lines this afternoon, but no damage done. 
 
 Aug. 17, Monday. Morning foggy. After it cleared away 
 rode down to the lines with Colonel Thorndike. Had a fine 
 view of the enemy's lines from the top of a house, about a 
 quarter of a mile distant, and little advanced of our picket. 
 The enemy had fired for some time in the morning, but had 
 ceased for some hours. While we were on the house they be- 
 gun their fire again from the redoubts. Several shot passed 
 us on each side and fell beyond us. Made a shocking whis- 
 tling. Soon after we left the house a shot came through it. 
 Found our situation not very safe or agreeable. Stood by 
 the Marquis when a cannon ball just passed us. Was pleased 
 with his firmness, but found I had nothing to boast of my own, 
 and as I had no business in danger concluded tp stay no 
 longer lest I should happen to pay too dear for my curiosity. 
 
 [Heard from my friends in Connecticut.] 
 
 Aug. 18, Tuesday. Morning foggy. As soon as it cleared 
 off the enemy began to fire on the works thrown up last night, 
 which were considerable, but our men were so covered that 
 they continued the works for the whole day — no damage done 
 except one man wounded. One man had his cartouch-box car- 
 ried away. Nine arms belonging to our brigade paraded on 
 the ground near the intrenchment carried away by two balls. 
 Captain Dodge * escaped narrowly. Had the honor to dine 
 
 * Colonel Robert Dodge, the life-long friend of Doctor Cutler, was 
 born in 1743, and died in 1823. He was a soldier in the Old French 
 war, and was with Wolfe at the capture of Quebec, lie entered the 
 Eevolutionary War as Captain, served tlu'ough the entire war, and I'ose 
 
70 Life of Rev. 3Ia7iasseJi Cutler. 
 
 with General Hancock *by particular invitation. Dined in 
 great state. A large number of officers. The General very 
 complaisant. Invited me to dine, breakfast, or to sup with 
 him whenever it suited me, without any ceremony. , After 
 dinner a number of good songs. 
 
 Aug. 19, Wednesday. Foggy morning. Our first battery 
 opened. A steady fire from both sides. Three hundred can- 
 non fired by 10 o'clock. The enemy evacuated one re- 
 doubt before 12 o'clock. At the great rock on our left had a 
 fine view secure from danger. Rode in the afternoon in pur- 
 suit of a fishino; boat. A man in one of the trenches had his 
 thigh cut oft" by a cannon ball and expired in an hour and a 
 half. 
 
 Aug. 20, Thursday. Foggy morning. A steady fire through 
 the day. Attended prayers this evening with the brigade for 
 the first time, our situation not admitting of it before. 
 
 Aug. 21, Friday. The French fleet returned and came to 
 anchor oif the lighthouse, greatly damaged by the storm. 
 The Languedoc, on board of which Count D'Estaing hoisted 
 his flag, was dismasted and lost her rudder. One seventy-four 
 missing. Took the Senegal and one bomb ketch. General 
 and all of us invited to take luncheon with General Hancock. 
 Found it rather an elegant dinner than a luncheon. AVe all 
 rode down to the rock. Saw the fleet. We had two or three 
 more batteries opened. Warm firing. Continually throwing 
 shells from both parties. Saw several burst in the air. At- 
 tended prayers morning and evening. 
 
 Aug. 22, Saturday. Wind out. The three frigates in the 
 river joined the fleet. Warm firing. Prayers morning and 
 evening. 
 
 Aug. 23, Lord's Bay. Expected to preach, and just pre- 
 pared to go up to the brigade Avhen the General received a 
 letter from General Sullivan, informing him that the French 
 fleet was so disastered they could by no means aff'ord us any 
 assistance, but were gone to Boston to refit. As the plan 
 had ever been to take off" eight or ten thousand men from the 
 
 to the command of his regiment. He represented Hamilton several 
 years in the Massachusetts General Court. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 71 
 
 left of the army and land them on Brenton's Neck, in the 
 enemy's rear, under cover of the French ships, for it was well 
 known their lines were impregnable, this could not be executed 
 with any degree of safety or prospect of success, without any 
 cover, all the generals were called upon to give their opinion 
 whether an immediate retreat was not absolutely necessary. 
 This unexpected desertion of the fleet, which was the main- 
 spring of the expedition, cast a universal gloom on the army, 
 and threw us all into consternation. Our most sanguine hopes 
 Avere cropped in the bud, and we expected immediate orders to 
 prepare to move off the ground. This prevented the brigade's 
 meeting for religious services. A very heavy firing from the 
 batteries all day. Rode down the lines. Had a fine prospect 
 of the enemy's lines. Saw all our shot strike which were well 
 directed. One man killed bv a cannon ball at one of our 
 guns ; another died of the wound he received yesterday by 
 the bursting of a shell. A great number of shells thrown in 
 the night. Our people split one eighteen pounder and one 
 nine and a half inch mortar. 
 
 Aiig. 24, Mon. As much of the heavy baggage moved off 
 last night as possible. A body of men retreated to strengthen 
 the works at Butts' Hill. At the lines, heavy firing ; army 
 preparing to retreat. 
 
 Aug. 25, Tiies. Very heavy firing ; shells at night. Orders 
 to be ready to retreat at a moment's notice. 
 
 Aug. 26, Wed. Expected to retreat at six this morning. 
 Brigade paraded. Sent all our baggage off the Island. Ex- 
 tremely hot, but remained on the ground. Concluded to set 
 out myself for Connecticut. Came off the Island at 4 o'clock 
 p. M.; crossed at Bristol Ferry ; rode to Providence, and 
 lodged about a mile out of town. 
 
 Aug. 27, Thursdag. Rode to my father's. Found all well. 
 Heard firing all dav. 
 
 Atig. 28, Fri. At Captain Corlis', etc. 
 
 Aug. 29, Sat. Visited several of my friends. Mr. Foster 
 not at home. Applied to, to supply the pulpit to-morrow. 
 This day our army retreated to Butt's Hill. The enemy pur- 
 sued. A pretty warm action, but the enemy repulsed. Oiir 
 loss : 30 killed, 150 wounded, 20 taken prisoners. 
 
72 Life^ of Rev. Manassch Cutler. 
 
 Aug. -SO, Lord's Day. Preached for Mr. Foster. 2\Ir. 
 Willard supplied mv people at home. This evening our 
 whole army came off the Island, without leaving any thing 
 behind. 
 
 Aug. 31, Moil. Set out home [where he arrived September 
 2d, by way of Dedham and Boston]. 
 
 [Soon after his return from the Rhode Island expedition, Mr. 
 Cutler decided upon qualifying himself to practice medicine, 
 with a view, probably, to increase his means of usefulness, 
 and also to secure an increase of income adequate to the 
 Avants of a growing family. He provided himself with the 
 works of a number of valuable medical authors, and com- 
 menced his studies under the direction of his friend and 
 parishioner, Dr. Elisha Whitney. He likeAvise accompanied 
 the Doctor in his daily visits to his patients, in order to study 
 the symptoms and development of disease. With a mind 
 well disciplined to study, his progress Avas rapid. He com- 
 prehended almost at a 'glance the leading principles of the 
 science, and in a very short period Avon for himself among the 
 medical profession the reputation of a safe and skillful 
 practitioner.] 
 
 In December, 1778, a remarkably cold storm is recorded. 
 
 Dec. 2>j, Vr^ed. The cold extreme. The air exceedingly 
 full of icy particles ; something cloudy, but not so dense as 
 to obscure the sun. The Avhole atmosphere had an uncommon 
 appearance of an angry cold, as though it Avas in a turbid 
 state. In the evening the stars were to be seen, but obscure. 
 
 Dec. 24, Thurs. The last night the coldest I ever remem- 
 ber. Froze in places never knoAvn to freeze before. The 
 Avell froze over near two inches thick. The Avhole day exceed- 
 ingly cold, but the air much clearer. Rode to toAvn. The 
 stars very bright and tAvinkling in the evening. 
 
 Dec. 25, Fri. Still exceeding cold, but not so extreme. 
 Mr. Forbes here. Cloudy. At evening began to snow. 
 Wind X. E. 
 
 Dec. 20, Sat. A most violent snow-storm, such as I do not 
 remember. Wind very high at N. E. 
 
 Dec. 27, Lord's Day. No meeting in the morning. Preached 
 after noon. Clear and cold, the snoAV much drifted. Such a 
 
Life of Ilcv. Manassch Cutler. 73 
 
 storm as yesterday's has not been known in tlic memory of 
 men. Many dumb creatures perished. 
 
 Dec. 30, Wed. This day appointed by Congress as a day 
 of Thanksjxivino- through the United States of America. 
 Preached a sermon I prepared for the occasion. Full meet- 
 ing, considering the state of the roads. 
 
 [Amid the distractions incident to the unsettled state of 
 affairs throughout the country, it was difficult for the people 
 to meet their obligations to their pastor, who, with an unpaid 
 salary, Avas consequently subjected to great inconveniences, 
 much of which Avas the result of the state of the currency of 
 this time. Dr. Cutler writes: "In 1777 money had depre- 
 ciated as much, at least, as five for one, but in 1779 it Avas 
 nearer tAventy to one. I have spent considerable of an estate 
 in the support of my family, and noAV am driven to the prac- 
 tice of physic." He read medicine assiduously, studied anat- 
 omy, prepared medicines and attended the sick, in addition to 
 his usual pastoral duties. During the first part of 1779, sick- 
 ness prevailed in his OAvn parish, and in May and June he had 
 forty small-pox patients under his care at Wenham.] 
 
 Jan. 17, 1779, Lord^s Day. Preached. A contribution for 
 the poor at Cape Ann. Collected eighty dollars. 
 
 Feh. 3, Wed. Rode to Chebacco, to attend the operation of 
 paracentesis Avith Dr. Davis. 
 
 Feb. 8, Mon. Pleasant. Tried a number of very enter- 
 taining experiments on the electrical machine in the course of 
 the day and evening. Repeated a number of those mentioned 
 by Dr. Franklin in his letters to Mr. Collinson. 
 
 Feh. 9. Rained all day. Tried further experiments. 
 
 Mar. 16, Tues. jParish meeting. I AA'as desired to go into the 
 meeting, and inform the parish Avhat sum wov\ld satisfy me for 
 making good my salary. I declined mentioning any sum. 
 They voted £512, in addition to my old salary. 
 
 3Iar. 22, Monday. A very hard snoAv-storm. More snoAV 
 Avas supposed to fall than has been on the ground at one time 
 this Avinter, though much drifted. 
 
 31ar. 24. A remarkable thick snoAv-storm the Avhole day 
 and part of the preceding and succeeding nights. A great 
 
74 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 quantity fell, so it is judged there is more snow on the ground 
 now than there has been at a time for several years. As much 
 fell as on Monday. Snow banks exceeding high. In both 
 these remarkable storms, though the wind was very high, it 
 was not at all cold. 
 
 April 13, Tues. At Salem. Brought from Judge Oliver's 
 two scions of the Catalpa tree, a native of America, which 
 grows near the Ohio River. 
 
 Apr. 19, 3Ion. Still very cold. Catechised the children. 
 The greatest number I ever had since I have lived in the 
 place. Dr. Orne to visit me. 
 
 3Iay 6, Thurs. This day Avas appointed by the Assembly 
 of this State as a day of fasting and prayer. The same day 
 was appointed by Congress to be observed for the same pur- 
 pose through the States of America. Preached. 
 
 3fat/ 23, Lord\ Day. Preached. Dr. Kittredge called to 
 see Sam'l Poland. I visited him Avith the Doctor — a sensible 
 man. 
 
 May 25, Tues. Dined with the field and commissioned offi- 
 cers of Colonel Thorndike's regiment, and a number of other 
 gentlemen, upon the common in Beverly, under a tent spread 
 for that purpose. The regiment was paraded on this occasion, 
 and made a tolerably good appearance. Attended Dr. Spofford 
 in dressing an arm which he had amputated. Came home by 
 Wenham to see my small-pox patients. 
 
 July 6, Tues. Mr. Willard * and I had appointed this day to 
 wait on Dr. Holyoke to see some experiments performed upon 
 a new glass machine constructed for impregnating water with 
 fixed air. The air passed through capillary tubes, alkaline 
 
 *. Joseph Willard, D.D., LL.D., clergyman and President of Harvard 
 University, was born December 29, IToS, at Beddeford, Me., where his 
 lather, Rev. Samuel Willard, was minister from 1729 to 1741. He lost 
 his father at an early age, and went to .sea, but by the aid of friends 
 entered college, and grailuated at Harvard, 1765; was tutor there in 
 1766-72. He was ordained colleague with I?ev. Joseph Champney at 
 Beverly, November 25, 1772, and was inducted into the presidency of 
 Harvard December 19, 1781. He published a few seimons, a Latin 
 address on the death of Washington, 1800, and some mathematical 
 and astronomical papers in the Memoirs of the American Academy. 
 He died September 25, iSO-t. — Drakes Die. Am. Biog. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 75 
 
 and vitriolic acids, in a state of effervescence to the Water, and 
 gave it the taste of the acid, resembling beer or bottled cider. 
 
 July 13, Tues. Dr. Whitney and I rode to Beverly in the 
 chaise. Sailed out in the new brig. Defense, in company -with 
 the Cabots, Captain Brown, and others. 
 
 Aug. 23, Mon. Carried Mr. Herrick and Mr. Hartwell to 
 Beverly, Avho were on their return from the eastward expedi- 
 tion to Penobscot. 
 
 Aug. 27, Fri. Making a screw to express oil castor, etc. 
 
 Sept. 9, TJiurs. Preparing my medicines, et-c. 
 
 Sept. 12, Lord's Day. Exchanged with Mr. Frisbie. Colonel 
 Jackson's regiment passed through town, on their way from 
 the eastAvard, and came as far as here. They encamped in the 
 Meeting House. The field officers, Colonel Cobb and Major 
 Trescot, put up with me. We lodged four commissioned offi- 
 cers, and supplied the soldiers with sauce, milk, wood, etc., 
 without pay. 
 
 Scjjt. 13, Mon. The regiment marched this morning a little 
 after sunrise. They behaved exceeding orderly. They were 
 dressed in uniform, and made a very fine appearance, and are 
 finely officered. 
 
 Sept. 21, Tues. Attended Mr. Rogers' funeral as a bearer. 
 
 SejA. 24, Fri. Mrs. Langdon dined and spent the day 
 with us. 
 
 Oct. 12, Tues. [At Newbury.] Spent the evening at Gen- 
 eral Titcomb's. A new brig going to sea overset just off the 
 bar. Men saved, but the vessel sank. 
 
 Oct. 19, Tues. Mr. Balch and I attended, at Boston, the 
 town meeting convened for accepting the Resolves of a Con- 
 vention at Concord for regulating the prices of goods and the 
 necessaries of life. A number of good speakers. 
 
 Oct. 27, Wed. Visited the sick. Rode to Mr. Willard's in 
 the afternoon, and carried my telescope. Viewed the sun and 
 Mars. In the evening, we measured the distance of some of 
 the stars with a sextant and telescope, and with Hadley's 
 quadrant. 
 
 Nov. 4, Thurs. State fast. Preached. 
 
 Nov. 10, Wed. Attended Mr. Prince's ordination at Salem. 
 
76 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Nov. 25, Thurs. Parish meeting. Voted me £1,500 for 
 the present year. 
 
 Dec. 1, Wed. At Beverlv. Drank tea at Andrew Cabot's. 
 Brought home Captain Thorndike's Hadley's quadrant. 
 
 Dec. 6, 3Ion. Visited sick. Dined at Mrs. Dabney's. 
 Borrowed her thermometer. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 77 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 DiAKY FROM 1780-17.'^") — SrrmKs Botany — Establishes Pritatp; EoAnnixr, 
 Sc'Hooi, — Amf.ru'.w Acadf.my" Arts and Scikxcks — Fii;8t and Siccond 
 Journey to Wiuti: IJili.s. 
 
 Feb. 2, 1780. Completed a Meteorological Journal for Jan- 
 uary for the printer. Rode to Salem, and spent the evening 
 at Mr. Andrevv' Cabot's, at the Club. 
 
 Feb. 19, iSat. Finished McBride's Practice of Physic, and 
 the making extracts from him. 
 
 3Iar. 10. Stormy. Engaged in the study of botany. 
 
 April 4. Went to town to prove Lieutenant Smith's "will. 
 A parish Committee came to make a computation of what 
 was due to me for the years 1778 and 1779. 
 
 April 8. Attended the funeral of Captain Bowman, of 
 Topsfield. 
 
 April 26. Continental Fast and Annual for this State. 
 Preached. A full meeting. 
 
 Mai/ 18. Mr. Sewall, of Cambridge, and his wife, here. 
 This morning endeavored to observe the eclipse of the moon, 
 but could not before the moon set in a cloud. 
 
 3Ia>/ 19, Friday. This morning Mr. Lathrop, of Boston, 
 called upon me. Soon after he came in, I observed a remark- ' 
 able cloud coming up and it appeared dark. Mr. Sewall and 
 Colonel Wiggles worth came in. The darkness increased, and 
 by 11 o'clock it was so dark as to make it necessary to light 
 candles. The cloud was unusually brassy, with little or no 
 rain. About 12 it lighted up a little, then grew more dark, 
 and at 1 o'clock very dark. In a room with three large win- 
 dows took profiles, by candle, as well as in the night. Could | 
 not read a word in large print close to the window. Dined "^ 
 with two candles on the table. At 4 o'clock it grew more_ 
 light. A smell was observed much resemblina; that of burn- 
 ing turf. This continued till 10 o'clock at night. (For more 
 particular account, see my Place Book for remarkable plie- 
 
 , \ 
 
78 Life of Rev. llayiasseh Cutler. 
 
 nomcna.) Mr. Guile here about 4 o'clock. Sent by him to 
 Holland for Dr. White's History of Plants. Mr. Lathrop went 
 to Salem. The night extremely dark. 
 
 May 20. This morning cloudy. Mr. Sewall set out for 
 Newbury. Exchanged horses with Colonel Wigglesworth. Be- 
 tween 9 and 10 o'clock it cleared away. Observed the sun in 
 the telescope — a large number of black spots visible. Mr. 
 Jackson, Mr. Hilliard, and two other gentlemen stopped to 
 look at it. In the afternoon Mr. Dana here. Studied very 
 hard. 
 
 Jlay 21, Lord's Lay. Preached in the afternoon from 
 Zechariah 14 : 67. 
 
 May 24. Attended town-meeting for receiving the Consti- 
 tution. 
 
 [The Constitution of Massachusetts was this year adopted 
 by the people.] 
 
 3Iay 29. A parish meeting. The parish sent to me to 
 know if I would take the sum the Committee reported for 
 the last two years, which, for the sake of peace, I consented 
 to accept, if paid in three months. 
 
 May 21, Wednesday . General election. Mr. Everett, Mr. 
 Chickering, and I rode over to Boston. The General Court 
 was escorted to the Meeting House by the Independent Com- 
 pany, Avhere an excellent sermon was delivered by the Bev. 
 Mr. Howard. After the services a handsome entertainment 
 was provided for the court and clergy in Faneuil Hall. After 
 dinner we attended the Convention at the new court-house. 
 But few ministers present. The Bev. Mr. McCarty chosen 
 President. He to preach the next Convention Sermon. Mr. 
 Mellen his second. 
 
 June 1. We all came to Boston again and attended Con- 
 vention. Mr. Bridge preached the sermon. Dined Avith Mr. 
 Lathrop, an agreeable company, and a fine entertainment. 
 After dinner rode to Cambridge and lodged with Mr. Wiggles- 
 worth. 
 
 June 2. Spent the forenoon with Mr. Williams and Mr. 
 Sewall in examining the apparatus and library — much enter- 
 tained. Dined with Mr. Sewall, in company with Mr. Bar- 
 
Life of Rev. Manassah Cutler. 79 
 
 nard and Mr. Prince. Called on Mr. Gannet and returned 
 home. 
 
 June 19. Read Dr. Hale's Veaietable Statics. 
 
 a 
 
 June 29. Mrs. Cutler and I made a visit to Mr. Willard. 
 Viewed Saturn's ring through the telescope. 
 
 July 3, Monday. Visited the sick. Saw Saturn's rings 
 through my glass. 
 
 July 10. At Salem. Bought a chaise of Mr. Cook — gave 
 him £1,200, Paid him. [Depreciated currency.] 
 
 July 11, General Titcomb, Mr. Holyoke, and Colonel Wig- 
 glesworth dined with us, Mr, Garry, a member of Congress, 
 here. Mr. Hemingway drank tea, 
 
 July 18, Attended to botany, Mr. Little here last night, 
 Mr. Mansfield dined. 
 
 July 20, Thursday. Fast through the State on account of 
 the reduction of Charleston (S, C) by the British troops. 
 Preached, 
 
 July 28, Lord's Day. Sacrament. Preached. Took a vote 
 of the church and congregation for joining with Messrs. Cleave- 
 land, Dana, and Frisbie in a fast, and for concert in prayer 
 for the coming of Christ's Kingdom. 
 
 July 31. Dr. Langdon here. Studied very hard in prepar- 
 ing for the fast. 
 
 Aug. 1, Tuesday. Quarterly Fast at Mr. Frisbie's Meeting 
 House. The union of the four churches was then completed — 
 Mr, Cleaveland's,* Mr, Dana's, Mr, Frisbie's, and ours, Mr. 
 
 *John Cleaveland was a native of Canterbury, Conn. He had 
 nearly completed his course in Yale College when he and his brother, 
 Ebenezer, were expelled for refusing to acknowledge their sin in at- 
 tending, with their parents while at home in vacation, a " separatist 
 meeting;" that is, a meeting for separate worshij) by pei'sons not satis- 
 fled with the regular pastor. This act is said to have been in part the 
 cause of the establishment of the College of New Jersey. Man)^ years 
 after both brothers had been settled in the Ministry, Yale College re- 
 lented and conferred degrees upon them. John Cleaveland was in 
 1747 settled over a small congregation in Ipswich, where he continued 
 to preach until his death in 1799. He served as Chaplain in Colonel 
 Bagley's Provincial Regiment in the Fiench and Indian War in 1758 
 and 1759. In 1775 and 1776 he served in the American army in the 
 same capacity. He was a man of ability, a forcible writer and speaker. 
 
80 Life of Rev. 3Ianassah Culler. 
 
 Frisbie began witli prayer, and I preached in the morning; 
 Mr. Dana began with prayer, and Mr. Cleaveland preached, 
 afternoon. Tolerably full meeting. 
 
 Aug. 7. Rode to' Andovcr, At Mr. Holj'oke's and sundry 
 places at Boxford. 
 
 Aug. 8. xVt Mr. Pearson's at Phillips' School. Spent the 
 forenoon very agreeably, and dined with him and Mr. Mason, 
 his assistant. Returned home. 
 
 Aug. 13, Lord's Lay. Preached in Salem for Mr. Prince. 
 Drunk tea at Judge Lynde's. My horse got out of the pasture. 
 Judge Lynde sent his negro man to bring me home. 
 • Aug. 19. Messrs. John, Andrew, and George Cabot, Captains 
 Brown, Dobson and Homans, Drs. Spoftbrd, Whitney, and myself 
 went 'a o-unnina; at Patch's Beach. Found but few birds. A 
 very agreeable but fatiguing time. 
 
 [The following letter to Prof. Williams, of Harvard College, 
 shows some of the difficulties Mr. Cutler had to contend with 
 in pursuing his favorite stiidies, and how much the lack of 
 needed instruments and books retarded his progress at this 
 time] : 
 
 Ipswich, June 20, 1780. 
 
 Dear Sir: I have read Dr. Hale's Statical Essays, which 
 YOU was so kind as to procure for me, with pleasure. His ex- 
 periments appear to have been made with great accuracy and 
 judgment, his inferences clear, and reasoning satisfactory. 
 The only solid foundation for advances in the real knowledge 
 of nature, whose W'Onderful and secret operations are so in- 
 volved and intricate, .so far out of the reach of our senses, 
 must be by a regular series of experiments. The Doctor's 
 discoveries in his vegetable statics are not only philosophical, 
 but must be very useful in the culture and improvement of 
 vegetables and fruit trees. He has demonstrated many facts I 
 have long wished to ascertain, but, notwithstanding the re- 
 searches this sagacious genius has made, such a field opens 
 
 fond of controversy, but honcM'ed and respected by his congregation 
 and the community in whicli lie lived. 
 
 His Journal for the campaign of 1 758 is published in the Historical 
 Collections of the Essex Institute, 1874, from which this sketch is also 
 condensed. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 81 
 
 that an innumerable variety of subjects present themselves 
 that admit of further inquiries. 
 
 Our climate being incident to much greater changes, es- 
 pecially in the extremes of heat and cold, and the difference 
 and variety of soils will necessarily vary our natural history 
 of vegetation (though the general principles will be the same)* 
 from that of Middlesex, in England. 
 
 An Apparatus can not at present be procured among us, and 
 but few have leisure to go through such a course of experi- 
 ments as might be wished for, but, I think, Avithout much of 
 an Apparatus, or expense of time, many useful experiments 
 and observations may be made. Such experiments as are 
 within our power, and careful attention to the state of the at- 
 mosphere, and the various circumstances of vegetation in 
 plants and trees, may be found useful. 
 
 We are in our infancy, but such attempts in the day of our 
 small things will not be despised. I have thought of several 
 experiments Avhich I fancy may be worth making, but can not 
 Avell proceed without a Barometer. I have a prospect of get- 
 ting a tube soon, which you have been so kind as to offer to fill 
 with the mercury. The scale I can get made in Salem, if I 
 could procure a Barometer for a pattern, but there is none 
 in that town. When I have got the materials, must beg the 
 favor of your filling it. 
 
 The Meterological Journal, which I began last December, I 
 continued to the first of May, in which I noted the height of 
 the mercury in Fahrenheit's Thermometer in the morning, noon, 
 and night ; the course and quantity of the wind, weather, a 
 particular description of every Aurora Borealis, and the dis- 
 eases in this Town, Beverly, and Salem. I propose to begin 
 my observations again the first day of July, with the addition 
 of such remarks upon the vegetation of plants, trees, and 
 fruits as may be worth noting. But I very sensibly feel the 
 want of a Barometer, Avithout which my Journal must be very 
 defective. If there is any gentleman of your acquaintance in 
 Boston who has a Barometer, and makes little use of it^ 
 and Avould be so kind as to favor me with it, until I can 
 get one completed, shall consider it as a very particular favor ; 
 6 
 
82 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 will use it with the utmost care, and return it as soon as pos- 
 sible. 
 
 I have given as much attention to botanical matters, since 
 the spring, as my leisure would admit; among some other 
 things, have found a vegetable, the most singular and remark- 
 'able production of nature in its fructification I ever saw, and 
 to which I can find nothing similar in any author I have by 
 me. If I had Dr. Hill's Natural History, I imagine I could 
 make it certain whether that, as well as some other plants, 
 have ever been taken notice of by Botanists. I have sent to 
 Europe for it, but, if it should fail of coming, I wish to know 
 if it would be improper to make application to the Corpora- 
 tion for leave to take the 2d Vol. out of the Library for a 
 short time. 
 
 I heartily wish a course of observations similar to those I 
 propose might be made in some other parts of the State at the 
 same time, to be compared. Perhaps, if it should be men- 
 tioned at the next meeting of the Academy, some of the mem- 
 bers will undertake. 
 
 Please present my regards to Mr. Sewall and Lad}^, and 
 give me leave to subscribe, 
 
 Your most obedient, humble servant, 
 
 Prof. Williams. M. Cutler. 
 
 To THE Honorable & Reverend, the Corporation of Har- 
 vard College. 
 Gentlemen : — Permit me to represent to your Honorable 
 and Reverend Board that I have been endeavoring, with con- 
 siderable labor and pains, to investigate the botanical char- 
 acters of such Trees and Plants as may fall under my ob- 
 servation, which are indigenous to this part of America, and 
 have not been described by Botanists ; also to make out a 
 Catalogue of those Avhich are found growing here, but have 
 been found in other parts of the World, and therefore need no 
 botanical description ; and of such as have been propagated 
 here, but are not the spontaneous production of the Country, 
 An attempt of this kind, which I am not sensible has yet been 
 undertaken, will be necessary to furnish jnaterials for a Nat- 
 
Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 83 
 
 ural History of the Country, in -which we are, at present, very 
 deficient. 
 
 But I find myself unable to prosecute my Plan for want of 
 some of the latest botanical Publications, not only for deter- 
 mining, with more accuracy, the botanical characters of Trees 
 and Plants, but especially for ascertaining those which have 
 already been discovered and described. I have sent to Europe 
 for several books, and particularly for Dr. Hill's Natural His- 
 tory, but none of them could be procured. I can not find 
 that any of those books, which will be of much advantage, are 
 any-where in this State, except in the College Library. 
 
 I therefore beg leave to request that your Honorable and 
 Reverend Board will grant me the favor of Dr. Hill's Natural 
 History from the College Library for a short time, and I Avill 
 be accountable for the careful usage and safe return of it to 
 the Library again, and will pay whatever sum shall be required 
 for the use of it. Such a favor will confer a very special ob- 
 ligation on, Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most obedient and most humble servant, 
 
 Ipswich, Jan. 18, 1781. M. Cutler. 
 
 Jan. 31, 1781, Wed. This day the American Academy of 
 Arts and Sciences met for the first time, to do business, after 
 they were organized, when I had the honor of being elected a 
 member ; and was accordingly, by their order, notified of it 
 by Mr. Secretary Willard. 
 
 Feb. 6, Tues. Quarterly fast at Mr. Dana's. A very fine 
 day, and full meeting. Mr. Dana began with prayer, and I 
 preached, in the forenoon ; Mr. Frisbie prayed, and Mr. 
 Cleaveland preached, afternoon. 
 
 3Iar. 13, Tues. Thomas Balch went from here to go to sea 
 with Captain Edmunds, bound to Bilboa. Has been here since 
 he came from sea in December. Taught him the art of navi- 
 gation. 
 
 , 3Iar. 1(3, Fri. Made my last observation (in the whole, 
 forty observations), to settle the latitude of my house. The 
 sun's altitude having now exceeded 90 degrees on Hadley's 
 quadrant. 
 
 Apr. 2, Hon. Violent storm from N. E. I proposed cate- 
 
84 Life of Rev. Manaaseh Cutler. 
 
 chising the children at the Meeting House, but the storm 
 prevented. 
 
 April 9, 3Ion. Rode to Middletown, and visited Mr. Smith. 
 Got five scions of the Balm of Gilead. 
 
 Ajjr. 11, Wed. Received a letter from Mr. Forbes,* invit- 
 ing me to observe the eclipse at Cape Ann, 
 
 [Here a leaf of the manuscript is gone.] 
 
 Apr. 16, 3Ion. . . . came just as we had determined 
 the station where we should erect our observatory. I carried 
 my time-piece, which we fixed on the trunk of a tree ; and, 
 having cut off the top, a tent was erected over it. The gentle- 
 men at Cape Ann provided lodgings, and afforded us every 
 aid in their power. We lodged at Mr. Baker's. 
 
 Apr. 17, Tues. Began to take corresponding altitudes for 
 refyulating- our time-pieces. Came home. 
 
 Apr. 18, Wed. Went to Salem, to get an azimuth compass 
 of Mr. King, and returned to Cape Ann. 
 
 Aj^r. 20, Fri. Rained all day. We went up to the Harbor. 
 Dined and lodged at Mr. W^hittemore's, drank tea at Dr. 
 Plummer's, and spent the evening at Captain Epes Sargent's. 
 
 Apr. 21, jSat. Returned early in the morning to our ob- 
 servatory. Took altitudes. Very windy. 
 
 Apr. 22, Lord's Lay. Mr. Smith had engaged to go and 
 preach for me, but he failed ; and Mr. Kendall, who was 
 preaching at the Cape, went to the Hamlet, and Mr. Smith 
 preached for him ; so I was at liberty to attend at the observa- 
 tory all day. Mr. Willard exchanged with Mr. Forbes, and 
 preached at the Harbor. We took our altitudes, and I took 
 the sun on the meridian. 
 
 Apr. 23, Mon. This day the eclipse happened. Flying 
 clouds this morning, but we were able to take altitudes with 
 
 * Rev. Eli Forbes, born at Westborough, Mass., October, 1726; gradu- 
 ated at Harvard College in 1751 ; was ordain^-d minister in Brooktield 
 in 1752. In 1758, and again in 1759, he served as chapluin in the 
 provincial regiment commanded by Colonel Timothy Ruggles. In 
 June, 1776, he was installed pastor of the church at Gloucester, where 
 he remained until his death in 1:S04. Harvard College conferred the 
 degree of Doctor of Divinity upon him in 1804. Dr. Forbes possessed 
 a fine scientific taste, well cultivated, and corresponded with many 
 eminent men of his day. See note to Putnam s Journal. 
 
Life of Rev. Matiasseh Cutler. 85 
 
 groat exactness. Mr. Prince came from Salem to observe 
 with us. The clouds thickened towards 12 o'clock ; Ave took 
 the sun, however, tolerably upon the meridian. At 20 min- 
 utes after 12 we applied to our telescopes, but could see the 
 sun only now and then, and viewed it for the most part with- 
 out colored glasses. We none of us saw the first contact; 
 but, when the cloud passed which had obscured the sun at 
 that time, we judged it had begun about 10 seconds, and so 
 fixed the time at 1 40' 20". We could see the sun at times 
 until near the middle of the eclipse, when the clouds thick- 
 ened, and we saw it no more. A great number of gentlemen 
 attended with us, and shared with us in the disappointment. 
 We took down our time-pieces, and came up to the Harbor, 
 having in a great measure failed in our design. We got the 
 latitude and measured the distances of a number of noted 
 places. We drank tea at Mr. Peter Coffin's, and spent a very 
 agreeable evening at Mr. Whittemore's, Avhere Mr. Willard 
 and I lodged. 
 
 Ajjr. 24, Tues. Rainy. We all breakfasted at Mr. John 
 Roger's. Spent the forenoon at Mr. Whittemore's, where we 
 were entertained with a number of very fine pieces of music. 
 We dined at Mr. Forbes', after which Mr. Willard, Mr. Prince, 
 and myself set out for home. 
 
 J/a?/ 3, Thurs. Continental Annual Fast. Preached. 
 
 May 11, Fri. Mr. Whipple, Mrs. Cutler, and myself went 
 to Newbury Port. Dined at Colonel Wigglesworth's. At 
 Mr. John Tracy's, viewed his garden ; very fine. He gave 
 me a large assortment of flower seeds. 
 
 3Iay 12, Sat. Came home. Colonel Wigglesworth and 
 Captain Tileston gave me a barometer. 
 
 May 24, 25. Preparing papers for the Academy. 
 
 May 29, Tues. Mr. Willard and I went to Boston, and at- 
 tended the Academy at the Court-house. About twenty-two 
 members present. Several communications. I communicated 
 a meteorological journal of the weather, from July, 1780, 
 with the diseases most prevalent in Ipswich, Beverly, and 
 Salem. I also presented the Society a sample of sheet-lint, 
 from Dr. Spofi'ord, who has contrived a machine for scraping 
 it with great dexterity. It was much admired. 
 
86 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 3Iay 30, Wed. Election of Governor, etc. No military 
 parade or public dinner. Mr. Clark, of Lexington, preached. 
 Mr. Willard and I dined at Mr. Lowell's. I went over to 
 Dorchester at night, and lodged at Mr. Everett's. Mr. Chick- 
 ering and Oliver there. 
 
 Maij 31, TJnirs. Mr. Everett and his brother Oliver, Mr. 
 Chickering and I, came over to Boston, and attended Conven- 
 tion sermon. Mr. Mellen preached. LTsual collection. A 
 vote of Convention to address the Governor. Dined at Dr. 
 Cooper's, spent the evening at Dr. Eliot's, and lodged at Mr. 
 Williams'. 
 
 June 1, Fri. Mr. Willard and I came home. Dined at 
 Mr. Payson's ; drank tea at Dr. Holyoke's. 
 
 Jime 5, Tues. I went to Salem to get a nonius fitted to 
 my barometer. Dined at Mr. Page's. Major Hiller and 
 Mullicks fitted my nonius very wdl. 
 
 June 16, Sat. Rode to Newbury. At Dummer's School. 
 At Colonel Wigglesworth's, etc. 
 
 June 19, 'J lies. Rode to Beverly, and went to Mr. Wil- 
 lard's with Mr. Barnard, Mr. Prince, and Mr. Fisher. The 
 Proprietors of the Philosophical Library we lately purchased, 
 met at Mr. Willard's to overhaul the books and repair them ; 
 which we did, and established the regulations of the Proprie- 
 tary. We valued a share at thirty hard dollars. Chose Mr. 
 Willard, Librarian ; and Mr. Prince, Clerk. Took out books 
 regularly. 
 
 Jnlij 18, Wed. Commencement at Cambridge. Mr. Safford 
 and I set out at day-break, in the chaise, for Cambridge, and 
 arrived at 9 o'clock. A fine Commencement. I dined in the 
 Hall. At night went to Boston. 
 
 Aug. 8-11. Preparing papers for the Academy. 
 
 Aug. 13-17. Preparing papers for the Academy of Arts 
 and Sciences. 
 
 Aug. 20, Mon. Preparing for Cambridge. 
 
 Aug. 21, Tues. Mr. Willard and I set out for Cambridge. 
 
 Aug. 22, Wed. The Academy met at the Philosophy Hall. 
 Several communications. Some members chosen. A gentle- 
 man from England recommended by the General Court to the 
 Academy to be employed under our direction as a mechanic* 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 87 
 
 Dined with Mr. Secretary Gannet, and drank tea at Mr. Se- 
 wall's. 
 
 Aug. 23, Thurs. Invited to dine with the President at 
 Boston. After dinner came home. 
 
 Sept. 8, Sat. Rode to Marblehead to preach for Mr. Story. 
 
 Sept. 10, 31on. As I came home Dr. Fisher and Dr. Spof- 
 ford desired me to assist them in opening the body of Mrs. 
 Brown of Wrenham. (See account, etc.) 
 
 Sept. 21, F)'i. Mr. Fitch and wife came here. 
 
 Sept. 23. Mr. Fitch preached. 
 
 Oct. 16. Dr. Stiles here. 
 
 Oct. 21, Lord's Bay. Preached. Mr. Willard lodged with 
 us. Was going to Portsmouth. 
 
 Nov. 14, Wed. Mr. Payson and I rode over to Cambridge 
 to attend a meeting of the American Academy. But few 
 members present. Dined at Prof. Williams'. Took out of 
 the College Library Catesby's Natural History of the Caro- 
 linas. 
 
 Dec. 13, Thurs. Thanksgiving through the States of 
 America. 
 
 Dec. 15, Sat. Read Catesby. 
 
 Dec. 24-27. Read Catesby's Natural History of the Caro- 
 linas and Bahama Islands. 
 
 Dec. 29, Sat. At Mr. Sumner's. Heard of the death of 
 Brother Thomas Balch, 
 
 [Dr. Cutler spent much time with his books in 1781, and 
 "studied hard."] 
 
 [Thomas Balch, mentioned in the Journal, was Mrs. 
 Cutler's youngest brother. He had been educated in Di- 
 Cutler's family. Although scarcely arrived at man's estate 
 love of adventure attracted him to the sea, and in March, 1781, 
 he sailed with Captain Edmunds for Bilboa. 
 
 In a letter addressed to the Rev. Mr. Chickering, of Ded- 
 ham, and dated " Ipswich, Dec. 29th, 1781," Dr. Cutler sends 
 to his mother the following account of his death : 
 
 " Dear Brother : — The frequently changing scenes that await 
 us in life may prepare our minds for every event of Providence, 
 and convince us that all our hopes and expectations, from our 
 
88 Life of Rev. Manassah Cutler. 
 
 friends, are liable to he cut off. We have an affecting instance 
 of the mutability of present things, in the melancholy fate of 
 Captain Edmunds, and the most of his officers and men, of 
 whom there are now but very few living. 
 
 " He was taken by a fifty-gun ship, the Chatham, off Cape 
 Ann, and carried to Halifax, agreeably to the account I wrote 
 to Madam [Balch], which she has doubtless received. We 
 have been able to get no particular accounts from them since 
 they were captured until a Cartel arrived the day before yes- 
 terday at Cape Ann. I have been this day to see Captain 
 Treadwell, of this town, who was a prize-master on board 
 Captain Edmunds, and came in the Cartel. He informs me 
 that before thev arrived at Halifax an American vessel had 
 been taken, which had the yellow-fever and small-pox on board. 
 This communicated these two most fatal diseases to the peo- 
 ple on board ship, and few that had them recovered. Brother 
 Thomas was taken with this fever after they had been some time 
 there, and was carried on shore, where as good care and at- 
 tendance was afforded as could be expected. After some time 
 he recovered, and got so well as to return to the ship again, 
 but the fever relapsed, and- he was carried back to the Hos- 
 pital, where he expired in a few days. Captain Treadwell is 
 uncertain Avhat day he died, but it was the first of this month, 
 about three weeks before he sailed, which was on the 24th. As 
 the people were allowed their chests, and what Avas in them 
 when taken, and had made a good voyage, Captain Treadwell 
 thinks he never wanted for things that were comfortable while 
 he Avas sick. This may afford us some consolation under this 
 bereaving dispensation. 
 
 "I feel exceedingly for Madam, who, I fear, will be quite 
 overcome with these melancholy tidings. I have therefore 
 thought it most proper to address my letter to you, and beg 
 you will communicate the sorrowful news to her, in the man- 
 ner you shall think the least liable to surprise and overcome 
 her."] 
 
 [Dr. Cutler was an enthusiast in the pursuit of knowledge, 
 and, particularly apt to teach, he often had pupils under his 
 instruction. In 1782 he decided to devote more time to the 
 
Life of Rev. Manasaeh Cutler. 89 
 
 business of teaching, and accordingly opened his popuLir and 
 successful Private Boarding School, which was continued for 
 more than a quarter of a century. His son, Temple Cutler, 
 Esq., gives, in his manuscript notes, some account of this 
 school. " Soon after his settlement at the hamlet, he com- 
 menced a school in his own house for the instruction of youth, 
 not only in the various branches of an English education, but 
 also fitted some for college. He often had with him young 
 gentlemen engaged in the study of theology. As early as 
 1782, he established his Private Boarding School. Many 
 young men, sons of merchants in the West India Islands, of 
 various nations, French, Spanish, and Dutch, obtained their 
 English education with him. Some of the most eminent mer- 
 chants in Salem, Gloucester, Boston, and other neighboring 
 towns, received the most of their education, or were prepared 
 for college, in his school. They were of the families of Cabot, 
 Derby, Grafton, Lowell, Peele, Silsbee, Pearce of Gloucester, 
 Phelps, Conant, Low, and many more not now recollected. 
 He also taught seamen the art of navigation, giving instruc- 
 tions particularly in lunar observations, then little practiced 
 by navigators. Watkins, of Salem, Avho published a Nautical 
 Almanac much used, was one of his scholars at Hamilton. 
 Among those he prepared for college were the late Willard 
 Peele, Esq., and the Hon. Nath'l Silsbee, colleague of Daniel 
 Webster in the U. S. Senate." 
 
 The Hon. Mr. Silsbee, in a letter dated August 1, 1849, 
 says of Dr. Cutler : " During the four years that I was Dr. 
 Cutler's pupil, and a resident in his family, very much of his 
 time was devoted to botany, so much so as to attract attention, 
 and to cause frequent calls upon him from different parts of 
 our own country, and occasionally from Europe."] 
 
 Jan. 25, 1782. Mr. Bly drew the profiles of Mrs. Cutler 
 and myself in miniature. 
 
 Jan. 30, Wed. Attended the meeting of the Academy in 
 Boston. Dined with Mr. Bowdoin. The Academy met in 
 the afternoon at Mr. Bowdoin's. Made my communication 
 and returned to Cambridge. 
 
 Feb. 26, Tues. Went to Salem. Dined at Captain Saunders'. 
 
90 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 ' Engaged to take several scholars. Borrowed a telescope from 
 Mrs. Hiffo-inson. 
 
 Mar. 22, Fri. Began observations to regulate my clock 
 for the approaching eclipse. From 3Iar. 23 to Mar. 27, made 
 "^ daily observations. 
 
 ^' Mar. 28, Tliurs. Fine air. Made good observations. This 
 ' evening preparing for observing the lunar eclipse, which be- 
 gan at — o'clock. Mr. Emerson and Mr. Herrick, of Wenham, 
 attended and sat up all night with me, and all my scholars at- 
 - tended to the clocks during the eclipse. The air was very 
 clear. Made a good observation. [Vide account.) The 
 eclipse did not go off till after the daylight had considerably 
 advanced. 
 ' Mar. 29, Fri. Indisposed for any thing, but made an ob- 
 servation on the sun's altitude, and ascertained the going of 
 my clock. 
 
 Apr. 3, Wed. Began to plow. Planted my West India 
 seeds in hot-bed, as far as No. 12. 
 
 Apr. 8, 3Ion. Took altitudes. 
 
 Apr. 9, Tues. Sowed all my West India seeds. No 
 altitudes. 
 
 Apr. 11, Thurs. Cloudy. Got altitudes in the morning, 
 but none in the afternoon. Lecture. Preached myself. 
 After lecture Avent to a wedding at Limebrook. 
 
 A2?r. 12, Fri. An eclipse of the sun. Fine day. (See 
 observation.) Mr. Prince and Mr. Page, of Salem, Dr. 
 Fisher and wife, Mr. Swain, Mr. Parsons and wife, Mr. 
 Rogers, Mr. Fuller, and others. My school lads counted 
 clock. All dined. A good observation. Much fatigued. 
 
 Ajrr. 23, Tues. Went to Newbury. Dined at General 
 Titcomb's. Called on Mr. Parsons, the lawyer, and returned. 
 Stormy. 
 
 Ajyr. 24, Wed. Set out some mazzard cherries I brought 
 from Mr. Balch's, at Newbury, and some thyme and hawk's 
 weed. Budded several cherries and one plum tree. 
 
 Apr. 25, Thurs. Fast throughout the States of America. 
 Preached. Pretty full meeting. 
 
 Apr. 28, Lord's Bay. Preached at Marblehead for Mr. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 91 
 
 Story. The parish consented that I shouhl give him and his 
 people a day, on account of Mr. Story's long bad state of 
 health. No preaching here. Came home. 
 
 3Im/ 6, 3Ion. Took Captain Grant's and Captain Much- 
 more's sons to instruct them. 
 
 May 7, T^ies. Captain Cabot's and Captain Cleaveland's 
 sons came to school. 
 
 Mai/ 13-17. Preparing my observations of the two late 
 eclipses to present to the Academy. 
 
 May 28, Tues. Went to Boston. Attended the meeting of 
 the Academy. Dined at Mr. Bowdoin's. Communicated my 
 observations of the lunar and solar eclipses. Went over to 
 Dorchester. 
 
 June 4. Attended my boys, which now arrived to the 
 number of nine from Salem. 
 
 Juli/ 17, Wed. Commencement. Mrs. Cutler, Mrs. Hitch- 
 born, and I went from Boston to Cambridge in our chaise. 
 Dined in the Hall. Mrs. Cutler dined at the President's. 
 
 Juli/ 19, Fri. Rode over to Cambridge to offer Sam'l 
 Gardener and William Dodge. Both entered. 
 
 Aug. 1-3. Had a window cut out in the school-room. 
 Tables finished for my boys, and twenty stools. 
 
 Aug. 5-11. Nothing material this week, except that Tues- 
 day was our quarterly fast at Mr. Frisbie's. Mr. Frisbie be- 
 gan with prayer, I preached, and Mr. Dana prayed. After 
 noon Mr. Cleaveland prayed, and Mr. Bradford preached and 
 prayed. Exercise four hours long. 
 
 Sept. 4, Wed. 1 went to the Beach at Mr. Patches' with all ' 
 the boys. 
 
 Sept. 22, Lord's Day. Mr. Carnes preached all day for 
 me. I proposed to the church that Thursday, the day of our 
 lecture, should be solemnized as a fast, on account of the ex- 
 treme drought, which they complied with, and I proposed it 
 to the Congregation. 
 
 Sept. 25, Wed. Attended fast at Chebacco, on account of 
 the drought. 
 
 Sept. 26, Thurs. Fast here on account of the drought. 
 
 Oet. 5j Sat. French Troops marched by. 
 
92 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Oct. 6, Lord's Lay. Agreed upon an exchange with Mr. 
 Frisbie,* but the French Troops having lodged in his Meeting 
 House, he had no meeting, but came and preached for me all 
 day. 
 
 Oct. 7, Mon. Attended the funeral of Mr. Rogers, of Cape 
 
 Ann — Mr. Cleaveland, ]Mr. , Mr. Bowman, Mr. Frisbie, 
 
 Mr. Fuller, and myself, bearers. 
 
 Oct. 21-25. Went to Portsmouth with President Willard 
 to see the America launched, a ship of seventy-four guns, but 
 she did not go off the stocks. Lodged at Mr. Sheaf's ; very 
 kindly entertained. 
 
 Oct. 27, Lord's Day. President Willard preached for me 
 all day. 
 
 Nov. 7, Thurs. Received an excellent sextant from New- 
 bury. 
 
 Nov. 12, Lues. Observed the Transit of Mercury over the 
 Sun's disk. Obtained the first internal, the second do., and 
 the second external contact. 
 
 Ipswich, Aug. 10, 1782. 
 To Mr. Tiieophilus Parsons, Neavburgh. 
 
 Sir: — The rare Phenomenon of a conjunction of the Plan- 
 ets Saturn and Jupiter is expected to take place about the 
 last of October or beginning of November, but you are sen- 
 sible that these large bodies powerfully act on each other in 
 this situation, and while the centripetal force of the Sun on 
 Saturn is increased, it is diminished on Jupiter, by which 
 means they are greatly disturbed in their motions. The pre- 
 cise time, therefore, of their conjunction can not be ascer- 
 
 *Rev. Levi Frisbie, born at Branford, Conn., 1748, entered Yale Col- 
 lege, 1767. where he remained three years, then graduated at Dart- 
 mouth, 1771, in the first class graduated at tliat institution. He was 
 ordained a missionary to the Indians, 1772, but was prevented from 
 performing this service by sickness and the Revolutionary War. He 
 was installed at Ipswich, 7th February, 1776, successor of Rev. Nathan- 
 iel Rogers, and was an able and successful minister, and an earnest 
 patriot. When the tidings of peace came, in 1783, he was selected by 
 the town to deliver an oration, which was published, as was his Eulogy 
 of Washington, in 1 f^OO. Mr. Frisbie died February 25, 1806, aged 58 
 years. Prof. Levi Frisbie, of Harvard University, was his son. See 
 Felts' Hist. Ipswich. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 93 
 
 tained by our best Astronomical Tables. I have been desired to 
 make observations of their approach to each other, in order to 
 determine the true time of their conjunction, but find myself 
 unable to make the necessary observations vrithout a sextant. 
 If you should not attend to this matter, and have no present 
 occasion for your sextant, and will be so kind as to favor me 
 "with tlie loan of it until tliis phenomenon has taken place, you 
 will do me a very particular favor. You may depend on its 
 being very carefully used and safely returned. 
 
 Captain Wigglesworth will wait on you with this letter, and 
 I have requested him, should you favor me with the sextant, 
 to take charge of it, and convey it to me by a safe hand. 
 
 I am, sir, with sentiments of great esteem, 
 
 Your very humble servant, 
 
 M. Cutler. 
 
 Jan. 1, 1783. Went to Marblehead to attend the ordina- 
 tion of Mr. Hubbard. Dined with Colonel Glover. Called on 
 Captain Dixey. 
 
 Jan. 29, Wed. The Academy met in Boston at Concert 
 Hall in the forenoon. I dined W'ith the Hon. James Bowdoin, 
 Esq.''^ The Academy adjourned to his house in the afternoon. 
 A Committee was chosen for two years, responsible for some 
 communication once a year. The business of this Committee 
 was divided into three general heads, and three members chosen 
 to each : first. Mathematics, Geography, and Astronomy ; sec- 
 ond. Natural Philosophy, Natural History, etc., including 
 many other branches ; third, Physic. The gentlemen ap- 
 pointed were, on the first. President Willard, Prof. Williams, 
 and Mr. Gannet ; on the second, Theophilus Parsons, Esq., 
 General Lincoln, and M. Cutler ; on the third. Dr. Holyoke, 
 
 *JaTnes Bowdoin, a Giwenior of Massachusetts, was born at Boston 
 in 1727; graduated at Harvard College in 174"); in 1 774 was elected 
 a delegate to the first Congress; in J778 he was chosen President of 
 the Convention which formed the Constitution of INIassacliusetts, and 
 in 17S5 was appointed Governor of that State. He was the first Pi'esi- 
 dent of the Academy of Arts and Sciences established at Boston, in 1780, 
 and was admitted a member of several foreign societies of distinction. 
 He died at Boston in 1790. — Biogr-'phy of Eminent ^fe)l, lnj H. A. Daven- 
 port. 
 
^ 
 
 O" 
 
 / 
 
 V 
 
 94 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Dr. Wavren, and Dr. Tufts. I had the honor of an unani- 
 mous vote. This Committee are, among other matters, to ex- 
 amine the communications that have been made to the Acad- 
 emy, and if they find materials, prepare for publishing a vol- 
 ume as soon as mav bfi. 
 
 Mar. 17-21. Tarred apple-trees to keep the millers from 
 going up. 
 
 3Iar. 25, Tues. Dr. Holyoke set out with me to attend 
 a meeting of the Committee appointed by the American 
 Academy to meet at Cambridge. We met at President Wil- 
 lard's. 
 
 Apr.l, Tues. News of Peace between America and Great 
 Britain. 
 
 Apr! 29, Tues. This day appointed to celebrate the return 
 of Peace. The whole town being desired to assemble at Mr. 
 Frisbie's Meeting House in Ipswich, at 10 o'clock, and a com- 
 mittee having waited on the several ministers, desiring their 
 attendance, I set out from here at 8 o'clock, in company with 
 Captain Dodge and thirty or forty of the parish, who waited 
 on me for this purpose. At 10 o'clock the people assembled 
 in the Meeting House, which was exceedingly crowded. 
 
 The Proclamation from Congress being read, Mr. Cleaveland 
 made a short prayer, an anthem was sung, and an elegant 
 oration delivered by Mr. Frisbie, after which an anthem was 
 suns, and the cono;reo;ation dismissed. Thirteen cannon were 
 fired. 
 
 At 2 o'clock an elegant, plentiful collation of cold hams, 
 bacon, tongues, fowls, veal, etc., was spread on two very long 
 tables, on the green, at which all the people partook. This 
 collation Avas the free donation of the people, Avhich every one 
 through the town, who pleased, sent ready cooked. There 
 was also given a great plenty of spirits and other liquors. 
 When those who came first to the table had dined, thirteen 
 toasts were given by the High Sherifi", and thirteen cannon 
 were discharged for several of the first, and for the rest a 
 smaller number. 
 
 In the evening very handsome fire-works were played off — 
 a large number of sky-rockets, serpents, crackers, wheel- 
 works, etc. Many gentlemen illuminated their houses, which 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianassch Cutler. 95 
 
 appeared very beautiful, and the Avhole exercises of the oc- 
 casion were performed with the greatest good order and de- 
 corum. Every countenance was smiling, and no intemperance 
 was perceived even among the lowest class. And thus this 
 joyful day concluded, without the smallest accident, to uni- 
 versal satisfaction, and much to the honor of the town. There 
 wa^ given, of the article of meat, between twenty-one and 
 twenty-two hundred weight, and one hundred dollars in money. 
 This day was eight years and ten days from the commence- 
 ment of the war. 
 
 3Iay 27, Tues. (Boston). Academy met at the Court-house. 
 Dined with Hon. Mr. Bowdoin. Afternoon the Academy met, 
 for the first time, at the new hall in the Manufacturing House, 
 wdiich is assigned by the General Court for the use of the 
 American Academy and Medical Society. 
 
 31(1)/ 28, Wed. General election, but no public entertain- 
 ment. Mr. Cummings, of Billerica, preached. 
 
 June 4, Wed. Attended meeting of the Proprietors of the 
 Philosophical Library, at Salem. 
 
 June 9-28. Botanizing and attending to my boys. 
 
 June 30, 3Io7i. Mr. Forbes, Mr. Fuller, and I rode round 
 Cape Ann and examined many fossils. 
 
 Juli/ 1, Tues. Rode down to Squam and found some very 
 curious fossils. 
 
 Jidy 16, Wed. (at Cambridge). Commencement. Nothing 
 very extraordinary. 
 
 July 18, Fri. Kendall and Mason examined. 
 
 [The remainder of July was spent in botanical Avalks in 
 Bradford and Haverhill, along the Merrimack River. No 
 farther record of 1783 is found.] 
 
 Ja7i. 21, 1781. This evening a comet was seen, but I did 
 not see it. 
 
 Jan. 25, Lord's Day. Preached. This evening I saw the / 
 
 comet, and viewed it with the telescope. Measured the length 
 of its tail and distance from several stars. 
 
 Jan. 28, Wed. Mr. Pavson rode with me to Boston to at- 
 tend the meeting of the Academy. At Mr. Bowdoin's in the 
 
 V 
 
96 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 forenoon. The Committee for Printing met at nio-ht at jMr. 
 Guild's lodgings and adjourned to the next morning. 
 
 Jan. 29, Thurs. We prepared a subscription paper for 
 printing a Volume of the Transactions of the Academy, and 
 advertisements for the papers, and put them into the hands of 
 the printers. 
 
 Feb. 10, Tues. Busy in sending abroad subscription pa- 
 pers. 
 
 Feh. 18, Wed. Sent off a package of subscription papers. 
 
 Mar. 30, Tues. Went to Cambridge in company with Dr. 
 Orne, and met the Committees at President Willard's. Dined 
 with the President. 
 
 3Iar. 31, Wed. Committees sit. Dined with Mr. Gannet. 
 Went to Boston in the evening. 
 
 Apr. 1, Thurs. Meeting of the Academy. Dined at Mr. 
 Bowdoin's. Met in the evening on the business of printing. 
 
 Apr. 2, Fri. Colonel Baldwin, ^Ir. Guild, and I went to 
 the printers and engravers, and contracted with them for 
 printing a Volume of the Transactions. 
 
 Apr. 4, Lord's Day. Mr. Little, of Wells, here, and 
 preached for me. 
 
 Apr. 29, Tlturs. At a fast, Upper Parish, Beverly, on ac- 
 count of settling a minister. I began with prayer, and Mr. 
 Wadsworth preached. In the afternoon Mr. Holt began with 
 prayer, and Mr. Swain preached. 
 
 May 25, Tues. Mr. Payson and I went to Boston. At- 
 tended tlie meeting of the Academy. 
 
 [The remainder of the Daily Journal is lost, but in a 
 small book is found Dr. Cutler's Journey to White Hills, 
 1784] : 
 
 3Ionday,,JulyV3. Set out from Ipswich for the White Hills 
 in company with Dr. Fisher,* Mr. Heard, Mr. Hubbard, and 
 Mr. Bartlett. Rain in the morning, foggy, and showers through 
 the day. Arrived at Newbury Port at six, passed the ferry, 
 and lodged at Captain Wells', at Hampton Falls. 
 
 .Tues., July 20. Rode to Exeter and breakfasted. Trav- 
 
 *Dr. Fisher, of Beverly, President of the Massachusetts Medical 
 Society. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 97 
 
 eled down on the north of the river, thro' New Market, Lamper 
 Eel, Durham, Dover, and dined at Mr. Belknap's. Mr. Little 
 and Mr. Belknap * joined us. Went on, passed thro' part of 
 Summersworth, wdiich lay mostly to the eastward, arrived at 
 Mr. Haven's, at Rochester, where we lodged. Plere the ther- 
 mometers, at seven in the evening, stood as follows : Out-doors, 
 in the shade, 78° ; in-doors, 82°. 
 
 At this house we have a very extensive prospect in every 
 direction ; Ave calculate its extent at 90 miles. At half after 
 9 h., the thermometer, out-doors, 73°; in-doors, 79°. Wind 
 S, E. — half after 4, morn., out-doors, Qid°; in-doors, 77°. 
 
 Wed., July 21. Pursued our journey. Mr. Wingate 
 joined us — a Avorthy man, from Rochester. We also hired a 
 guide, Mr. Place, for four dollars, to carry us to the White 
 Mountains. From Mr. Haven's Ave traveled fifteen miles in 
 Rochester — plain, pine land, thin soil, houses low and poor. 
 Made a stage at Joseph Plummer's, came to Wakefield, and 
 dined at Captain David Copp's. This town appears to be fine 
 land, tho' but little cultivated. 
 
 In Rochester Ave rode some Avays by Cochecho River, 
 Avhich empties at Dover, and by Sain) on Falls River and Three 
 Ponds, before we arrived at Wakefield. ' We also passed the 
 Three Giants, Avliich are three steep cobble hills. In Wake- 
 field are fine fields of rye, peas, and Indian corn planted on 
 ncAv ground, groAvs large and bears good crops without being 
 hoed. The groAvth in Wakefield — red oak, beech, maple, pine, 
 and hemlock, and a great plenty of the Imperial raspberry. 
 
 * Rev. Daniel Little, of Wells, Maine, and Rev. Jeremy Belknaji, 
 D. D., Pastor of the Cliurch at Dover, New Hampshire, where he 
 preached for twenty years. Dr. Belknap was a graduate of Harvard 
 in 17G4. In 1787 he was called to the pastomte of the church in Long 
 Lane, Boston. He was a member of the American Academy. of Arts 
 and Sciences and the founder of the Massachusetts Historical Society. 
 He was the author of a liistory of New Hampshire and of two volumes 
 of American Biography, and a frequent contributor to the Columbian 
 Magozine. His correspondence with Ebenezer Hazard, from 1779 to 
 1798, was published by the Massachusetts Historical Society, in 1877. 
 In it is Dr. Belknap's journal of this tour to the White Mountains. He 
 died in 1798. 
 
 7 
 
98 Life of Rev. Uanasseh Cutler. 
 
 Here we had a fine view of the Moose Mountain height. It is 
 well wooded, mostly oak, and in form nearly oval. The coun- 
 try to the north very mountainous, and its appearance has a 
 most noble effect. We have now a view of Ossipee Mountain. 
 This stage is twenty-two miles from Dover. In our Avay from 
 hence to New Garden, we passed over a branch of Pine River, 
 which is a branch of the Great Ossipee, where we saw a 
 beaver-dam. It was old and the sticks so nearly rotten we 
 could not see them. It appeared like a mill-dam with some 
 quantity of earth thrown up. Our road bad, the surface ex- 
 ceedingly uneven, in some places very rocky, with sharp hills. 
 The growth in some parts, red oak, in others, pine. For sev- 
 eral miles the Norway pines are amazing tall and straight ; 
 also beech and birch. There are few settlements, mostly indif- 
 ferent, but a most enchanting prospect thirteen miles from here. 
 
 At seven o'clock we arrived at Captain Brown's, in New 
 Garden, ten miles from our last stage. At half after seven 
 o'clock the thermometer stood, out-doors, 66°; in-doors, 71°. 
 Thermometer at 9 o'clock stood, out-doors, 65°; in-doors, 70°. 
 Wind S. E.; weather fair. 
 
 Thurs.^ July 22. This morning thermometer, at 4J o'clock, 
 out-doors, 63°; in-doors, G6°. Mr. Brown, in four years, has 
 built a house and barn, and cleared ninety acres of land. 
 Growth, beech, maple, and pine ; soil, light and sandy. From 
 Brown's to Ossipee Pond is seven and a half miles ; the first 
 growth, very tall pines and birches ; passed Pine River, a 
 branch of the Great Ossipee. At Ossipee Pond Ave made a 
 stage, having passed thro' several miles of pitch and Norway, 
 yellow-pine plains. No house, but an oat-trough at the foot 
 of the bridge over Ossipee River, just below where it runs out 
 of the pond. Here we caught a number of fish called whit- 
 tens ; we had no other bait than whortleberries and blue-ber- 
 ries, at Avhich they very readily bit. Saw many large barbel or 
 suckers. The river is large and the bridge very long. In 
 this river we saw a very large snake swimming, which we sup- 
 posed was either a black snake or a water adder. We had 
 killed one pigeon in the woods, and killed another at the pond. 
 A number of us bathed in the pond, which is large, nearly 
 round, and five miles across. It is shoal on the side we were 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 99 
 
 on, which was the southern. The shore much resembled the 
 beach on the sea-shore for many miles. We had here a grand 
 view of ranges of mountains, N. W., N., N. E., and E., arising 
 one above another. Whiteface was in plain sight ; on the other 
 points were tall woods. At this pond we gave our horses oats, 
 and refreshed ourselves with rum and water. 
 
 From hence we rode five miles over pitch and Norway-pine 
 plains, with very low shrubs, sweet fern, and brakes ; very hot 
 and tedious. We came now to a number of miserable huts, on 
 very poor, rocky, rough land, constantly uphill and down. In 
 Eaton, at six and a half miles from the pond, we made a 
 stage at a low, poor, log house, with stones roughly thrown to- 
 gether for a chimney. They had nothing to supply us with 
 but bread. We cooked our fish and pigeons, and with pork 
 and bacon fried up in one mess, we made a most sumptuous 
 dinner. This is a most wretched place indeed ; the heat ex- 
 treme, but did not take out our thermometer. From hence 
 we rode thro' the same kind of barren plains six miles, when 
 we entered Conway, in Pigwocket, and were most agreeably 
 entertained with a total change of soil, from miserably barren 
 plains to the finest intervale I ever saw, with a number of very 
 well built houses and fine farms. Stopped by showers of rain 
 at Mr. Abbot's, just at the entrance of PigAvocket. In the re- 
 mainder of our way to Colonel McMullen's, three miles 
 farther and nine from our stage in Eaton, in our last three 
 miles we were highly delighted with the forming, rising, and 
 descending of clouds below the adjacent mountains. It is 
 common here for clouds to appear on a horizontal level from 
 where you stand, wholly concealing from the sight mountains 
 at a small distance, and it will frequently rain hard on the in- 
 tervale when the sun shines on the mountains just by. These 
 scenes have a most agreeable effect. 
 
 At six o'clock we arrived at Colonel McMullen's, at Con- 
 way, after riding twenty-five miles from Brown's. A fine 
 house, and grand provisions — cucumbers, peas, lamb, etc. 
 Two miles back, on the borders of the intervale, Ave were in- 
 formed Avhere there Avere once two Indian forts. Here we 
 met Avith Mr. Whipple, who joins us with his servant. 
 
 The day has been fair until five o'clock, then shoAvers ; at 
 
100 Life of Bev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 sunset it rained very hard. Air much cooler. Thermometer 
 at nine o'clock, in-doors, 74^. 
 
 Friday/, July 23. This morning fair. At half past five, ther- 
 mometer, in-doors, at 69°. Here Ave procured another guide, 
 ■who acted likewise as an ax-man — Captain Evans — and endeav- 
 ored to hire another, but were unable to do it. At a quarter 
 after 8 Ave set out from Colonel McMullen's for the White Moun- 
 tains, our course northerly, and the road pretty good for four 
 or five miles ; a few small huts, then bad road to Copp's, eight 
 miles from Colonel McMullen's. This is the last house. 
 Baited our horses for half an hour, and then set out for the 
 White Mountains at 17 minutes after 11 o'clock, our course 
 by Ellis River, a branch of Saco ; the road so filled up with 
 windfalls that we were obliged to travel in a thick hemlock, 
 spruce, beech, and birch wood the most of the way until we 
 crossed the river about three miles up, the road still bad, until 
 we arrived at the eastern notch of the White Mountains, near 
 a swamp, or beaver meadow, in which Ellis River takes its 
 rise and runs south. From the northern end the stream runs 
 the other w^ay, dividing in a small body of still water in the 
 meadow. The stream N. runs into Peabody River, or may be 
 properly the rise of it, as the east end is of Ellis. At both 
 ends are beaver dams. 
 
 About three-fourths of a mile from our camp NeAV River 
 descends from the foot of the mountain into Ellis River. This 
 river is supposed to have broken out about the 21st of Octo- 
 ber, 1775, as there was about that time successive rains for 
 several days, and on that day a very uncommon freshet in the 
 rivers adjacent. Mr. Whipple informs us that on that day 
 the freshet in the river in his plantation Avas so sudden that 
 cattle on his intervale Avere in danger of being droAvned, and 
 he sent a servant only sixty or seventy rods to bring them off, 
 but the bridge over the river Avhich he passed Avas carried 
 away before he had time to return. Colonel McMullen says 
 that Ellis River Avas higher at his house than ever knoAvn, ex- 
 cept once before, and the Avater ran muddy for some weeks. 
 Soon after this freshet the river Avas discovered, and Avas not 
 there before. We passed the river at its entrance into Ellis 
 River, just beloAV a most beautiful cascade, which Ave judged 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 101 
 
 mvist be upward of 100 feet perpendicular — some thought at 
 least 150 — declivity 75°. The bank was washed down six or 
 eight feet, and all the trees were carried aAvay in the course 
 of the stream, which was through a large growth of wood. 
 The rocks at the lower part of the cascade were a very fine 
 slate, the laminae of a proper thickness for tile ; higher up, 
 the rock had an uncommon appearance, very shiny. Some 
 had laminae, very light; others with circular striae, various 
 colors. Some strata of talc, probably large quantities, some 
 flint. Above the cascade the river has a moderate descent. 
 From toward the mountain above, at the distance of seventy 
 or eighty rods from the top of the cascade, large stones ap- 
 peared to have been brought down by the water, breaking off . 
 large trees at the height of a man's head ; breaking the trunks 
 in short pieces, the ends of which were shivered into small 
 splinters, and wedged in among the rocks. In one place the 
 trunks of large trees were curiously lodged in the form of a 
 circular dam, by being stopped by the stumps, nearly as high 
 as a man's shoulders, and filled i;p above with large rocks of 
 circular form, some small, and others nearly of a ton's weight 
 — perhaps more. This pile Avas rounding on the top above 
 the dam, and nearly horizontal upward toward the mountain. 
 On one side appeared to be a fine iron mine, the stream that 
 ran from it of a deep rusty color, and the taste highly im- 
 pregnated with ferruginous particles. Farther up there ap- 
 peared to be two very large rocks, a little separated, from 
 Avhence we supposed the river rose out of the hill. Here we 
 saw water, but did not go to it. Up the mountain we saw a 
 large vale, in nearly a straight line, in Avhich we saw a very 
 small run of Avater that descended down the course of the 
 river. At this time we fully determined to explore the river 
 thoroughly, and measure the cascade, etc., but the shortness 
 of our time, and returning another way, prevented. 
 
 Our ax-men and guides built us a very comfortable tent 
 with spruce bark for our lodging this night, three-fourths of a 
 mile farther north, and just beyond a considerable river that 
 runs down from the mountain. This tent was not begun until 
 eight in the evening. We have been from 11 o'clock a. m. to 
 8 P. M. in traveling eight miles. A large fire was mad& brefore v 
 
102 Lif^ of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 our tent, and the bottom covered with the boughs of hemlock. 
 Opened my thermometer, and noted the height. Found one 
 of my barometers broken, and the mercury lost. The other 
 was hung up, and the range noted. 
 
 We turned our horses into the meadow and baited them, 
 then tied them by the head all night. Slept poorly, on ac- 
 count of my being very cold. The night was exceedingly 
 chilly in this situation, which was between two extremely high 
 mountains, and in a very tall wood, the ground covered with 
 an underwood of moose bush. 
 
 Saturday, July 24. This morning noted barometer and 
 thermometer. Prepared to go up the mountain. For our 
 march up the mountain, see Journal. Set out at 15 minutes 
 after six. From the tent the ascent was in general pretty 
 uniform. The growth below very tall, consisting of spruce, 
 hemlock, pine, beech, etc., I suppose more than 100 feet. Our 
 ascent, I suppose, from 25° to 45°, varying in places from one 
 to the other. 
 
 We ascended on the north side of a considerable river * 
 which run down from the mountain, but crossed it to the south- 
 ward some ways below the clear. The stones in this river 
 were curious, containing talc, starry appearances, and many 
 very light, but we had not time to examine them critically. 
 We ascended the mountain, after we had crossed the river, until 
 the growth, which gradually diminishes, became low shrubs of 
 spruce and hemlock, having passed through growths of differ- 
 ent kinds of wood on our way. In passing through these 
 shrubs, which were from ten to two feet high, we were greatly 
 fatigued; sometimes crawling under them, at others we 
 mounted on to their tops, and were frequently supported by 
 them for a few steps, until we plunged through them. Our 
 guides often wished for their snow-shoes, with which they 
 imagined, and I thought with good reason, that they could 
 walk very well on their tops. But this kind of walking did not 
 extend above sixty or seventy rods before we came into the 
 clear, as it is called, which is above the trees, and I judged 
 
 * " This stream we called Cutler s invert Belknap Hazard Letters, vol. 
 1, p. 105, note. 
 
Life of Rev. Manassah Cutler. 103 
 
 about two thirds of our way up the mountain. Wc arrived 
 here chirty-two minutes after ten. 
 
 The mountain above the shrubs has the appearance of a 
 close-fed pasture, with many detached rocks rising above the 
 surface. As we advanced we found it to be a mere mass of 
 rocks, covered Avith a mat of long moss, their crevices and be- 
 tween them filled up with various kinds of vegetables, most 
 of them such as we had never before seen. Here Ave found a 
 very short kind of vine, which bore a fruit somewhat resem- 
 bling the cranberry, which Avas nearly quite ripe. The berries 
 that were ripe were black, but some of them were still green ; 
 their taste very disagreeable. There were some other ber- 
 ries on stems about two or three inches high, and several 
 vegetables in bloom. There were large beds of what is called 
 the Labrador tea, of a very aromatic taste and smell. We 
 found near springs of water a vegetable nearly resembling the 
 narcissus in the bloom, but the leaves Avere oblong ; the smell 
 agreeable. Among the rocks were spruces about three or four 
 inches high, Avhich had been perhaps groAving several thousand 
 years to obtain this height ; the Avinds and snows have kept 
 their tops even Avith the surface of the rocks, Avhich made 
 them appear as though they had been moAved ; and they Avere 
 sufficiently firm to support us as Ave Avalked upon them. Near 
 the border of the shrubs the declivity of the mountain is not 
 so steep as below, Avhich Ave called a plain, though here the 
 ascent may be fifteen or tAventy degress. Our ascent, after 
 Ave pass over this plain, Avas not less than forty-five or fifty 
 degrees until Ave reach the first summit. In many places the 
 rocks are bare for a considerable distance, in the course Ave 
 ascended, for several feet in Avidth ; and we greatly facilitated 
 our ascent by climbing up these rocks, Avhich are large and 
 detached like the others. These long strips of bare rocks, I 
 presume, gave rise to the notion of staircases ; but they are 
 Avithout the least appearance of regularity, and Avere evidently 
 Avashed bare by the descent of large torrents of Avater occas- 
 ioned by the dissolving of the snoAV. 
 
 While Ave Avere ascending this part of the mountain, a ncAV 
 and curious scene opened to our vicAV. Clouds Avere forming, 
 moving, and dissipating by turns, in every direction. For the 
 
104 Life of Bev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 most of the time we bad clear sunshine, but -were repeatedly 
 involved in clouds rolling on the sides of the mountains. The 
 Avhole process of cloud-making Avas apparent, and struck us 
 with an agreeable surprise. Large columns rise (from below 
 and ascending on each hand of us in the deep channels that 
 are made in the mountain, probably by the descent of water) 
 until they reach a colder and rarer region of the air, when 
 they spread horizontally and descend to the regions below. 
 
 Toward the neighboring mountains they appeared in a dif- 
 ferent form. As the clouds accumulated vapor from the val- 
 leys beneath, condensing in one part, dissipating in another ; 
 some columns rising, others falling, others moving in various 
 directions. Thus the region of atmosphere, for many thous- 
 and feet, occupied by these vapors, appeared in the most de- 
 lightful confusion, all in motion, and in every direction at the 
 same instant. When we were near the summit we Avere highly 
 amused with large and dense clouds moving alonsr the moun- 
 tain, perhaps a thousand feet below us. Over our heads there 
 was a very rare haze, through which the sun shone very clear 
 — it appeared high. AVe arrived at the summit 32 minutes 
 after 11 o'clock. 
 
 As we ascended the first summit, we had certainlv one of 
 the most extensive prospects that any part of New England 
 exhibits. This most mountainous part of the country appeared 
 sunk into a plain as far as the sight of the eye could reach, 
 interspersed with inconsiderable moles to vary the prospect. 
 It suggested immediately the idea of viewing an extensive 
 marsh from an eminence far above it, Avith numerous stacks 
 and cocks of hay settled down and extending over a broad 
 base. Though the day Avas unfavorable for a distant prospect, 
 yet I saAV the sea very plainly, south-east and south, for a con- 
 siderable distance. At the summit Ave had an extensive view 
 N. E., N., and N. W. In these directions the plain was not 
 so level, several mountains towered their heads, and seemed 
 to vie with those Ave Avere ascending, but still Avere far beloAV 
 them, and our field of view exceedinrrlv extensive. The scene 
 to the Avest and south-Avest Avas somcAvhat similar. The im- 
 mense plain Avhich the eye noAv commanded Avas of a beautiful 
 verdure, variegated Avith diiferent shades of green from the 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 105 
 
 different trees that overspread it, and still diversified with a 
 few scattered plantations. 
 
 When we had reached the first summit, we had arrived 
 above the limits of vegetation. This summit was an irregular 
 pile of detached rocks of a dark gray appearance, and seemed 
 to be composed of talcs, flint, and a hard grayish stone. It 
 is not very high, nor did I think at the time to form any judg- 
 ment of its height. Think it could not exceed 100 or 150 
 feet. West and north-west of this summit is an extensive 
 plain, with an easy declivity to the north-west. It appears as 
 smooth as a grass-plot, and may be three-quarters of a mile 
 in extent, though our party varied very much, afterwards, in 
 our opinion of its dimensions. It was spread over with much 
 the same kind of vegetation we had seen below the summit. 
 In the south-west part of this plain the Sugar-loaf, as it is 
 called, is situated. This also is an immense pile of large de- 
 tached rocks of the same kind with the pinnacle ; the ascent 
 not so steep as in some other parts of the mountain we had 
 ascended. At the foot of it vegetation ceases. We were an 
 hour and twenty-one minutes walking from the first summit to 
 the pinnacle of the Sugar-loaf, and had the best walking of 
 any part of our journey from the bottom of the mountain. 
 We arrived at this pinnacle six minutes after one, 
 
 Soon after we arrived, and before we had time to make any 
 of those observations and measurements respecting distant 
 objects, for Avhich purpose we had been at the pains of carry- 
 ing proper instruments to this height in the atmosphere, we 
 had the mortification to be involved in a dense cloud. With 
 hope, however, that it would soon pass over, as other clouds 
 had done during our ascent, we attended immediately to our 
 barometer and thermometer. On the northern side of one of 
 the highest rocks we found a very convenient place for sus- 
 pending them at the ends of two walking-sticks, which we put 
 over the rock and confined them by laying on large stones. 
 The thermometer I chose to carry up myself, for fear of acci- 
 dent. Before I set out from our tent, I shifted my dress, 
 apprehending it would be cold. I put on a winter baize 
 jacket with sleeves, a thick broadcloth jacket, and then lashed 
 my greatcoat about me with a belt. The thermometer was in 
 
106 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 a glass tube, wliicli was placed in a shagreen case. This case 
 I put within the folding of my greatcoat for the convenience 
 of carrying it, but the fatigue of ascending the mountain had 
 produced so profuse a sweat that the back part of my great- 
 coat was Avet through, and the mercury in the thermometer? 
 when I first took it out of the case, ranged 120-128° above fever 
 heat. Suspending it in the air, it ranged at 2 o'clock at 56°, 
 at half after 2 o'clock at 52°, and at 3 at 44°. The mercury 
 in the barometer ranged at 21.80 inches, and remained much 
 at the same height during our stay, not making any sensible 
 variation. 
 
 When I had taken off the piece of wood that defended the 
 tube, and the thick piece which covered the reservoir, I per- 
 ceived some particles of mercury had exuded through the 
 leather of the reservoir, and upon screwing down the plate of 
 brass beneath, I perceived some air bubbles in the tube, neither 
 of which was observed at the foot of the mountain. I im- 
 puted this to the repeated blows the barometer had against 
 trees and rocks in the ascent, notwithstanding all possible care 
 in the man who carried it. When I opened it I was surprised 
 to find the tube was not broken, though I had taken great 
 pains to secure it in the best manner I was able. In return- 
 ing it was further injured, and some quantity of the quick- 
 silver lost, so that I could make no farther use of- it, and was 
 prevented trying it at the bottom again. I therefore make 
 deduction for the loss of mercury and for air bubbles, which I 
 measured the defect of at the top, and place the range at 22.60, 
 Avhich will give 9,000 feet for the height of the mountain. The 
 Sugar-loaf I suppose to be about 400 or 500 feet above the 
 plain. 
 
 We dined at 2 o'clock, on the pinnacle of the Sugar-loaf, on 
 partridges and neat's tongue. We found on the highest rock 
 an old hat, which was left there in June, 1774. One of our 
 guides was of the party that left it. 
 
 The cloud that involved us, instead of dissipating or pass- 
 ing off as we hoped, increased in density until an object could 
 be seen but a very small distance, and was so dark as to ap- 
 pear like the near approach of night in a cloudy da,j. Our 
 party employed themselves in engraving the first letters of 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 107 
 
 their names on the rocks. A sheet of lead, Avith our names 
 upon it, and the day of the month and year, was laid on one 
 of the highest rocks, and secured by laying another rock upon 
 it. This we left with the hat we found, as marks by which 
 after visitors might know we had been before them. 
 
 We had not been long on the summit of the Sugar-loaf 
 before we were greatly affected with cold. It was not a sharp, 
 but most severe, chilly cold. Before three, my teeth chat- 
 tered most violently in my head, and I felt a universal rigor, 
 which so affected my arms and hands that, when I repacked 
 my thermometer and barometer, I had almost lost the use of 
 my fingers. This occasioned the thermometer's being more 
 slightly secured than when it was packed at the foot of the 
 mountain, and in returning it was so disastered as to lose al- 
 most all the mercury, so that no farther observations could 
 be made with it. The wind was all the time S. W., and a fresh 
 breeze. 
 
 At 3 o'clock we were prepared to descend the mountain. 
 The cloud was then exceeding dense, but Ave perceived very 
 little moisture. Our guides then informed us that, tho' they 
 had frequently observed the course of our ascent by their 
 compasses, yet, having made so much of a circuitous march 
 from the first summit over the plain, in order to gain an easier 
 ascent of the Sugar-loaf, they were wholly at a loss what point 
 to steer, and said they could not undertake to lead us down, 
 and declined the attempt. This threw us for a time into a 
 very disagreeable dilemma. We insisted they should make 
 the attempt, for the cold Avas now so intense that we were ex- 
 ceedingly anxious to descend into warmer regions. This 
 brought on some altercation between them as to Avhat point 
 of compass would admit of the most easy descent, and (as is 
 common among those people) each was tenacious of his own 
 opinion, and each insisted that the other should take the lead. 
 We were at length obliged to interpose and insist that they 
 should endeavor to lead us into our old track, as near as pos- 
 sible, to the first summit. 
 
 This was finally agreed on, and we began our descent Avith 
 the greatest speed, as the time Avas now far elapsed, and we 
 wished to recover a comfortable degree of Avarmth. Our de- 
 
108 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 scent of the Sugar-loaf was much steeper than our ascent. 
 After ti-aveling about an hour, we came to a more gentle de- 
 clivity, where we refreshed ourselves at a most excellent 
 spring. Before we came to this spring the moisture in the 
 cloud was very sensible, much like a thick mist. We traveled 
 but a little way on this more moderate decline before we 
 came to a very steep precipice. Our prospect was so bounded 
 by the density of the cloud that we could see but a few feet, 
 distinctly, before us, and therefore apprehended no great dan- 
 ger in attempting to descend it, which indeed appeared abso- 
 lutely necessary, as we could see no way to avoid it. We 
 found a small gully, in which we made our way down. As- 
 sisted by holding by the sides with our hands, and the rough- 
 ness of the rocks under our feet, we descended a long way 
 Avithout being able to see but a few feet before or behind us. 
 This indeed was our security, for we never could have trav- 
 eled where we did, if we could have had a view of our situa- 
 tion ; but the novelty of traveling in the clouds, and the hope 
 that we should not be totally lost in them, kept our minds 
 cheerful until we had descended at least 1,000 feet, some sup- 
 posed 2,000 feet, when the gully grew wider, more steep, and 
 slippery. Our guide began to suspect we could not get down 
 to the bottom of the precipice, and desired us to stop while he 
 attempted to reconnoiter a little further. He was soon out 
 of sight. After waiting some time for his return to us, or to 
 hear him call to us to advance, we began to be anxious about 
 him. The gentleman next to him called as loud as he could, 
 repeatedly, but received no answer. I Avas then about the 
 middle of the file in which we marched,, but feeling concerned 
 for the guide, I descended down below the gentleman that had 
 walked next to him, and called repeatedly, but was not an- 
 swered. As far as I could see below was a most horrid preci- 
 pice, and it appeared to me that no person could go any 
 further without great hazard of his life. We Avere noAv in a 
 sad dilemma. Our guide, Ave concluded, Avas either killed, 
 stunned, or had received some kind of disaster which rendered 
 him unable to ansAver us. It Avas not possible for us to go to 
 him, and it Avas doing; great violence to our feelings to think 
 of leaving him Avithout knoAving any thing of the condition he 
 
Life of Rev. Jlanasseh Cutler. 109 
 
 was in. At length Mr. Whipple came down to me and passed 
 some feet below me, and after hallooing very loud several 
 times, the guide heard him and answered so that Mr. Whipple 
 could hear him, hut I could not hear him where I stood. He 
 told Mr. Whipple he had slipped and slid down several hun- 
 dred feet, but throwing his ax down before him, and holding 
 with his hands as much as possible by the rocks, he at length 
 stopped gradually and was not hurt ; that he was so far through 
 the cloud that he could see tolerably well below him ; that it 
 was not in his power to come to vis, nor in ours to come to 
 him, without the greatest hazard ; that he had only one bad 
 precipice to descend, and that he would attempt to go down, 
 and meet us at the border of the woods. This — 
 
 [Here the manuscript breaks oft' abruptly ; but from an ac- 
 count of the tour, written by Rev. Daniel Little, of Wells, 
 one of the party who ascended the mountain, it appears that 
 after the accident to the guide, by which, however, he Avas not 
 seriously injured, the explorers, finding themselves surrounded 
 by a cold, dense fog, as soon as they reached " the first growth 
 of wood large ei;ough for a good fire, encamped for the night." 
 July 25. " We descended the remaining part of the mountain 
 and arrived at our encampment betAveen 8 and 9 o'clock. 
 Found Dr. Fisher and Mr. Belknap well and the horses safe. 
 Mr. Belknap being very corpulent and Dr. Fisher in poor 
 health, they had tarried with a servant in the camp,'"' and did 
 not attempt the ascent. The party immediately set out with 
 Mr. Joseph Whipple for Dartmouth, the nearest human habita- 
 tion, twenty-six miles distant ; but the windfalls and bushes 
 in a road unimproved for seven years made their progress ex- 
 ceedingly slow, night came on, and they were obliged to camp 
 in the woods till morning. On the 26th, at 11 o'clock, they 
 arrived at "Dartmouth, a town granted to Mr. Whipple, of 
 Portsmouth, who has eight settlers and resides here himself in 
 the summer. It is on Israel's River, which comes out of the 
 great mountain." The}'^ remained there the next day. A ser- 
 mon was delivered by Dr. Belknap to an audience of thirty- 
 eight persons, the first sermon ever preached there, and eight 
 children were baptized. Here the party, ten in number, sepa- 
 
110 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 rated and returned to their homes. This was the first scientific 
 exploration of the White Mountains. 
 
 Two or three years hxter. Dr. Cutler planned another expe- 
 dition to these mountains with Mr. Samuel Vaughan, Jr., to 
 be made in the summer of 1787, but at the time proposed Dr. 
 Cutler's connection with the Ohio Company, and the part as- 
 signed him in the business of that association, took liim to 
 New York and indefinitely postponed the trip to the mountains. 
 
 It Avas not until July, 1804, twenty years after his first tour, 
 that, with several friends, among whom were Prof. W. D. Peck* 
 and Dr. Nathaniel Bowditch, Dr. Cutler again visited the 
 White Mountains. He had for many years been much inter- 
 ested in botanical investigations, and on this excursion his at- 
 tention was chiefly directed to collecting specimens for the 
 elucidation of this study. In this he was aided by Mr. Peck, 
 also an ardent botanist. An account of this visit in 1804 is 
 here subjoined.] 
 
 July 23, 1804, Monday. Having prepared my instruments, 
 set out at seven in the morning for the White Mountains, in 
 my chaise, with black Jesse on horseback. At Mr. Tyng's, 
 Newbury Port, met Mr. Peck, Avho went with me in the chaise. 
 Here Messrs. Samuel P. Gardner, John Williams, Timothy 
 Williams, Nath'l Lee, Nathl Bowditch, overtook us in a coach 
 and four horses. We dined at Wells', Hampton. Mr, Peck 
 and myself lodged at Gage's, in Dover, leaving our company 
 at Pisqua-Bridge. 
 
 July 24, Tuesday. Started early. Breakfasted at Mr. 
 Haven's, Rochester. Dined at Plummer's, Milton, where we 
 met with Mr. Jonathan Dodge, of Ossipee, who kept company 
 with us and conducted us to his house, where we were enter- 
 tained with much hospitality. We arrived at eleven at night. 
 
 July 25, Wednesday. Waited till eleven in the morning be- 
 fore the coach came up. Mr. Dodge went on with us. Crossed 
 Ossipee River just where it goes out of the Pond. Botanized 
 on the shore of the Pond, as we had done the preceding days, 
 all the way on the road. Arrived at Perkins', Eaton, where 
 we all lodged. Road excessively bad. Best attendance they 
 could give us. 
 
 * William Dandridge Peck, Pi'of. of Nat. Hist, in Harvard University. 
 
Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. Ill 
 
 July 26, Thursday. Started early. Went on to Abbott's, 
 Conway, where Mr. Dodge left us and returned. Forded the 
 Saco River, and arrived at Mr. McMullen's at twelve. Dined ; 
 an excellent house. Went on to Emory's, where we left the 
 chaise. (Mr. Peck procured a horse, and, with one of the 
 guides, went on to Meservy's, in Adams.) All of our company 
 and most of our guides lodged here. 
 
 July 27, Friday. Placed a barometer and thermometer in 
 the shade abroad. Mr. Hollis, the coachman, undertook to 
 take the range every half-hour from 8 in the morning to 4 P. M. 
 Started at 7 with our guides, Captain Chubbuck, McMullen 
 Nute, John Thomson, Burnham, and Mr. Abiather Eastman, 
 who came on this morning as a volunteer. Rode about two or 
 three miles ; found the road so obstructed with trees, obliged 
 to send our horses back. Proceeded on foot to New River 
 and the Meadow, in the east Notch, about three miles. Took 
 our departure for the top of the mountain. Ascended about three 
 hours, and made a sort of a tent, covered Avith boughs ; kin- 
 dled a large fire, and slept very well. 
 
 July 28, Saturday. At daylight breakfasted, selected our 
 instruments, and left our baggage. After traveling about two 
 hours, came to the short growth of Avood, where we were 
 obliged to get on the tops of the trees, which became shorter 
 and shorter, although the trunks Avere large and the tops 
 spreading, having been pressed doAvn Avith an almost perpetual 
 body of snoAv. With extreme fatigue and diligence, Ave got 
 above them at 9 o'clock. The mountain above us then ap- 
 peared like a close-fed pasture, and very steep for a long dis- 
 tance. One of the guides failed, and Avas attacked Avith the 
 cramp. We left him, and began our ascent, but, after trav- 
 eling some way up the mountain, Messrs. Gardner, Lee, and 
 Bowditch were so overcome with fatigue as to turn back with 
 one of their guides, Burnham, and returned to the tent. We 
 proceeded, and after gaining the summit of this very steep 
 part of the mountain, Avhich I judged Avas elevated 60° from 
 a horizontal line and about 1,200 feet elevation, Ave came to a 
 plain. Here Ave had a view of about nine ascending summits, 
 which rose to different heights from broad rocky bases, and 
 seemed very much to limit the vegetation of mosses, grasses, 
 and loAV shrubs, which below were growing between and in the 
 
112 Life of Rev. Manassah Cutler. 
 
 crevices of the rocks, so far as to make an even surface with 
 them. But from the base of these pinnacles to their summits, 
 consisting of detached rocks, there Avas sprinkled over them 
 a species 'of moss, not much larger, nor rising higher, than a 
 large pin's head. They gave the rocks a spotted appearance 
 of different colors, whitish, reddish, brownish, and rusty. The 
 rocks of the mountain arc mostly granite, mixed with some 
 quartz, mica, and a silicious stone of a dark brownish color. 
 After passing two of these pinnacles south-westerly, we as- 
 cended on the south side of a third, where we took the al- 
 titude of the sun at 12 ; it was 67° 24'. The elevation con- 
 tinues to the foot of the fourth, which is the highest part of 
 the mountain. We arrived at half past twelve. On taking 
 my thermometer from my bosom, within my flannel waistcoat, 
 and giving it to Mr. Peck, he and John Williams declared that 
 the mercury, Avhen the}^ opened the lid, filled the tube, which 
 was graduated to 140°. Being engaged with preparing the 
 barometer, I did not see it myself until it had fallen. The 
 barometer was a tube in which the mercury had been boiled 
 to exclude the air, and then hermetically sealed. On remov- 
 ing the seal and cork, it required about an inch of mercury to 
 fill it. Having filled the tube, I immersed the end in a vessel 
 of mercury, and erected and Confined the tube, placing the 
 thermometer close to it, and left them to get the true tem- 
 perature of the air. In this position they remained about two 
 hours, but I repeatedly took the range of both — barometer, 
 23.24 inches ; thermometer, 53°. By the theodolite we were 
 elevated several degrees above all the other pinnacles of the 
 mountain. The distant horizon smoky, no clouds about the 
 mountain, but the sun, for the most of the time, was partially 
 obscured by thin clouds at a great height above us. 
 
 We dined, and at three began our descent, very much 
 chilled, but not very cold. Saw banks of snow far below the 
 summit. Found many new vegetables on the sides of the 
 mountain, and preserved specimens. Our fatigue in descend- 
 ing was extreme. We entered the wood in a deep valley to 
 the southward of our ascent, where we made a fire, at dark, 
 and slept without any tent or cover. 
 
 Springs of water are frequent quite to the summit. We 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Culler. 113 
 
 suffered still very much from drought, but the air was fine, 
 having a spring which invigorated and made us alert in the 
 midst of the greatest fatigue, which was far beyond what could 
 have been endured below. 
 
 Juhj 29, Sunday. Began our march at daylight ; missed 
 our tent, and was obliged to send our guides back to find it, 
 and bring on our baggage. Our friends had gone on the night 
 before. Near the foot of the mountain and meadow, we were 
 met and assisted by the people who had come with our horses. 
 Arrived at Mr. McMullen's at sunset. 
 
 July 30, Moyiday. Spent the day in examining and ar- 
 ranging our vegetable specimens, which were many, until 4 
 p. M. Went on to Fribourgh, and lodged at Osgood's. 
 
 Aug. 2, Thursday. Arrived at home at sunset. 
 
 Jan. 2, 1785. In the evening our boys had a public exhibi- 
 tion. Company from town, Beverly, Marblehead, and Water- 
 town. 
 
 Jan. 24, Mon. Visited over the river, nineteen families. 
 
 Jan. 31, Mon. Mr. Wadsworth and Captain Ingolson dine<l 
 here. Captain Ingolson brought a French boy to live with 
 me, and learn English. 
 
 Feb. 23„ Wed. Went to Salem and dined with Captain 
 Peele. Mr. Hall acquainted me of my being elected a mem- 
 ber of the Philosophical Society, at Philadelphia, on the 21st 
 of January last. 
 
 3Iar. 10, Thurs. Went to Newbury. Borrowed Linnaeus 
 of Dr. Killum. 
 
 Mar. 14—23. Very busy finishing my botanical papers. 
 
 May 2, 3fon. Mr. Prof. Pearson measuring Mount Holy- 
 oke. Went with him. 
 
 May 11, Wed. Ordination in lower parish, Beverly. Mr. 
 McKcen ordained. 
 
 May 24, Tues. Went into Boston, and attended the meet- 
 ing of the Academy. 
 
 May 25, Wed. Election. His Excellency, Mr. Bowdoin, 
 chosen Governor. I had the honor to dine with his Ex- 
 cellency. 
 8 
 
114 Life of Rev. Manassch Cutler. 
 
 June 11, aS'^^. Received an official letter from Dr. Apple- 
 ton, Secretary of the Medical Society. 
 
 June 13, 3Ion. Wrote to the Governor, and to Dr. Apple- 
 ton, Boston. 
 
 £This correspondence is here subjoined.] 
 
 Boston, 2>d Jime, 1785. 
 Rcv'd Sir: — It is with the greatest pleasure that I improve 
 this first oppo. to forward you an extract from the Records of 
 the Massa. Meda. Soc'y, together with a printed Copy of the 
 Act of Incorporation. 
 
 Your answer of acceptance will give pleasure to the Soc'y, 
 and in particular to, 
 
 Sir, your very humble serv., 
 
 N. W. Appleton, 
 Ret. M.. Cutler. South Latin School Street. 
 
 At a meeting of the Massachusetts Medical Society, in 
 Boston, 1st June, 1785. 
 
 Upon the ballots being, taken, the Rev. Manasseh Cutler, of 
 Ipswich, was declared duly elected an honorary Fellow. 
 
 A true copy from the Records. Attest : 
 
 N. W. Appleton, Recg Sec'y. 
 
 [To which Mr. Cutler replied :] 
 
 Ipswich, June 13, 1785. 
 
 Sir : — I have received your letter inclosing an extract from 
 the Records of the Massa. Medical Society, by which I am in- 
 formed that the Society has been pleased to elect me an hon- 
 orary Fellow. I very sensibly feel the honor conferred upon 
 me by so learned and respectable a Society. This mark of 
 attention is the more flattering, as the Medical Art is not my 
 profession. Please to express my acceptance and my warm- 
 est acknowledgments to the Society for the honor they have 
 done me. 
 
 Should it be in my power to contribute in the smallest de- 
 gree toward promoting so laudable an institution, it will give 
 me the highest pleasure. 
 
 I am, with sentiments of esteem and respect, 
 
 Sir, your most humble serv't, 
 
 DocT. N. W. Appleton. M. Cutler. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 115 
 
 June 14, Tues. Mr. Eliot here from Boston, and dined. 
 He brought an extract of a letter from Dr. Stokes, in Eng- 
 land, a famous botanist, requesting a correspondence with me. 
 
 June 19, Lord's Day. My throat exceedingly sore. 
 Preached, though with great difficulty. 
 
 June 23, Thurs. Count Castiglioni called upon me, a gen- 
 tleman from Milan, in Italy. He had letters from Dr. Dexter,* 
 Boston ; Dr. Holyoke and Mr. Barnard, Salem. He is an ac- 
 complished botanist, and is traveling to examine the produc- 
 tions of America. He and his servant lodged with us. 
 
 June 24, Fri. We made a fine collection of vegetables. 
 Received much advantage from his knowledge. At 4 o'clock 
 P. M. he set out for Newbury. 
 
 July 24, Lord's Day. (At Killingly.) Preached for Mr. 
 Atkins. Found myself much better. My old friend Mr. 
 Samuel Danielson, at meeting. 
 
 July 25, Mon. Mr. Atkins rode with me over to Pomfret. 
 Visited Mr. Putnam. Spent the afternoon very agreeably 
 with Colonel Grosvenor, my old classmate, and with my kins- 
 man, Colonel Clark. 
 
 July 27, Wed. (At Providence.) Waited on Mr. West, 
 Mr, Brown, Mr. Oliver, and Mr. Manning. Visited College. 
 Mr. Brown was very complaisant, and went with me. I dined 
 with him, and was much pleased with his family. 
 
 July 30, Sat. Put my horse to pasture at Falmouth, and 
 went over to the vineyard, at Holmes' Hole. 
 
 *The letter from Dr. Dexter is as follows: 
 
 Boston, June 20, I7S5. 
 Mr. Cctleu. 
 
 *SVr; — Permit me to introduce to your friendship and acquaintance 
 the Bearer, Count Castiglioni. lie is an Italian Gentleman from Milan. 
 His object in this Country is to examine into the Natural History 
 of it. 
 
 I have mentioned you as a gentleman better acquainted with Botany, 
 etc., and can give him more information, than any other person in the 
 Country. You will find him a true disciple of Linnaeus. I must 
 therefore beg leave to introduce him to your particular attention, as 
 his stay must be short. And you will mufth oblige. 
 
 Your friend and humble servant, 
 
 Aaron Dexter. 
 
116 Life of Rev. 3Ianasse7i Cutler. 
 
 July 31, Lord's Bay. Preached for Mr. Tliaxter, at Ed- 
 gartown. Judge Hicks there. 
 
 Aug. 1, Mon. Visited my ohl acquaintances, and settled 
 my okl accounts. 
 
 Aug. 2, Tues. Mr. Thaxter -went with mc up the island. 
 Mr. Morse, of Tisbury, joined us. Dined at Mr. Robert Al- 
 len's. After dinner Ave, with Mr. Benja. Basset, went to Gay 
 Head. Found the fossils very curious ; collected some speci- 
 mens. 
 
 Aug. 4, Thurs. Finished my business at Edgartown, and 
 hired a boat to carry me to Falmouth. Got my horse, and 
 rode to Fish's and lodged. 
 
 A7(g. 5, Fri. Set out early and breakfasted with General 
 Freeman, at Sandwich. 
 
 Aug. 6, Sat. Lodged at Hingham, and breakfasted at Dr. 
 Tufts', at Weymouth. Called on Mr. Cranch, and examined 
 the library of the Hon. John Adams, Esq., in order to find 
 Linnaeus, but could not. Rode to Mr. Everett's and put up, 
 on account of the rain. 
 
 Aug. 7, Lord's Lay. Preached for Mr. Everett. 
 
 Aug. 8, 3Ion. Came home and found all well. Made a 
 large botanical collection in my journey. 
 
 Aug. 9-13. Preparing papers for the Volume of Transac- 
 tions in the press. Examined plants. 
 
 Aug. 24, Wed. Went to Cambridge, and attended the 
 meeting of the Academy. President Bowdoin absent. Dined 
 at Mr. Wigglesworth's. 
 
 Aug. 26, 27. Busy preparing papers for the Volume of 
 Memoirs. 
 
 Sept. 2, Fri. Went to Boston to meet with a Committee of 
 the Academy for forming a plan for promoting agriculture. 
 Delivered my Botanical Paper ^^ to the printer. Dined with 
 Mr. Guild, and came home. 
 
 Sept. 2, Tues. Association convened here. Present : Mr. 
 Swain, Mr. Barnard, Mr. Prince, and Mr. Parsons, of the 
 
 *This paper was published in the Memoirs of the American Acad- 
 emy of Arts and Sciences. It is entitled ".An Account of some of the 
 Vegetable Productions Naturally Growing in this Part of America, 
 Botanically Arranged." 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 117 
 
 Association, and Mr. Forbes and Mr. Fuller, who joined the 
 Association. Mr. Forbes preached. Also here : Mrs. Forbes, 
 Mrs. Whitney, Mr. Sargent, Mr. Quarles, Dr. Whitney, and 
 Dr. Fisher. 
 
 Sept. 28, Wed. Dr. Wales, Professor of Divinity at New 
 Haven, and Mr. Chanick, a tutor of that college, here. 
 
 Oct. 3-15. Exceedingly engaged in transcribing my Botan- 
 ical Paper for the press. 
 
 Oct. 18, Tues. Finished transcribing my Botanical Paper. 
 
 Oct. 24, 25. Very busy in preparing my boys for an ex- 
 hibition. 
 
 Oct. 26, Wed. This evening we had an exhibition. Mr. 
 Grafton and Mr. Sasa dined with us. Considerable company 
 in the evening from Salem, Cape Ann, and Newbury Port. 
 The exhibition well received. 
 
 Oct. 27, Thurs. Boys went home. .Went to Salem and 
 carried Frank Lowell * and Dick Derby. Dined at Mr. 
 Derby's. 
 
 Nov. 9, Wed. Meeting of the Academy at Cambridge, 
 
 Nov. 10, Thurs. Went from Cambridge to Boston. Dined 
 with his excellency, the Governor. 
 
 Nov. 11, Fri. In the evening attended Dr. Moyes'(?) Phi- 
 losophical lecture at Faneuil Hall. Ticket, three shillings. 
 His subject, the anatomy of plants, tolerably agreeable. 
 
 Nov. 15, Tues. Wrote to Mr. Belknap. 
 
 Nov. 18, Fri. Wrote to Dr. Dexter and Dr. Warren. 
 
 Dec. 6, Tues. Bought five acres of Avoodland, marked the 
 bounds, and paid for it. 
 
 Dec. 8, Thurs. Preparing a table of errata for the Volume 
 of Memoirs. 
 
 Dec. 9, Fri. Dr. Fisher here. Finished the errata to send 
 to the printer. Sat up until 5 o'clock at night. 
 
 *" My brother, the late Francis C. Lowell, who gave the first impulse 
 to cotton mannfactures in this country, and of whose mathematical 
 calculations whilst engaged in bringing to perfection the 'double 
 speeder,' the late Mr. Bowciitch said he did not suppose that there was 
 any one in this country who could have made them but himself, for 
 whom, too, 1 may add, the city of Lowell was named, spent seveivnl 
 years of his early life, before be entered college, under the tuition of 
 Dr. Cutler."— il/>S'. Letter of Chas. Lowell. 
 
118 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Dec. 16, Fri. We \vent to Beverly and dined ^vitli Captain 
 Brown. Received some gooseberry bushes from Mr. Man- 
 ning, President of the College at Providence, and also from 
 Captain Brown some pear, plum, cherry, and peach trees, 
 which came from New York, and some foreign grapes. 
 
 [The interleaved Almanac for 1786 is lost. Two remarka- 
 ble events occurred in Massachusetts this year. These were 
 the formation of the Ohio Company, for the purpose of pur- 
 chasing lands for a western colony, and the culmination of the 
 financial distress of the people in Shay's Rebellion.] 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 11!) 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Policy of Coxguess i\ Regard to Vacant TEuniTORY — Reasons for thi; 
 Okganizatiox op the Ohio Company of Associates — Support Given 
 BY Gexei!al Washington to the Plan— Pickering's Scheme — Offi- 
 cers' Petition — Gouresponuence. 
 
 Thus far the reader has been presented with an auto- 
 biography, written, however, without the most distant expec- 
 tation that it would ever reach the public eye. It may be 
 none the less valuable on that account. It is not only a faith- 
 ful photograph of the personal characteristics of Dr. Cutler, but 
 presents a most interesting and instructiv-e view of public af- 
 fairs, and of the social life, as well as labors, of that influ- 
 ential body of men, known as the New England or Puritan 
 Clergy. The names of his associates mentioned in these daily 
 records are known, not only at home, but abroad. Their per- 
 sonal influence was felt in that most important crisis from 
 1766 to 1787. Not only were they faithful instructors in re- 
 ligion, but also intelligent friends of their country in its grea 
 struggle for independence. In both church and state they 
 were most efficient founders and builders. The extent and 
 frequency of their social intercourse is worthy of note. Those 
 plans of frequent exchanges, quarterly fasts, and other .occa- 
 sions that brouo-ht them too;ether, served to strengthen and 
 extend their influence. They were a power in the land, and 
 their power was always exerted in the line of the highest at- 
 tainments of a Christian civilization. 
 
 Up to this point Dr. Cutler had shared the labors of the 
 times with his brethren ; but now, at the age of forty-five, lie 
 enters upon one of those peculiar episodes of human life that 
 would seem like detaching a well-regulated planet from its 
 orbit, and sending it off" on an errand fraught with immensely 
 greater results than any that could have been accomplished 
 in its ordinary course. He did not ignore or abandon his 
 chosen profession, or slacken his pursuit of the higher branches 
 
 ij 
 
120 Life of Rev. Majiasseh Cutler. 
 
 of knowledge. He rather brought to bear upon his new en- 
 terprise all the acquisitions, experience, sound judgment, and 
 elevated aspirations of his life hitherto. He therefore en- 
 tered upon the Ohio business "with a zeal and enthusiasm that 
 called forth all his energies. Most fortunately for correct 
 history, he preserved, in the form of correspondence and daily 
 journals, the principal facts. It is proposed to present these 
 to the reader just as they have come to hand. Although there 
 is thus given a basis for a correct understanding of the Avhole 
 subject, there are some contemporaneous matters that require 
 careful consideration in connection with his own records. 
 
 It is now well understood that the passage, on July 13, 1787, 
 of the celebrated ordinance of that date, was closely connected 
 Avith Dr. Cutler's negotiations at the same time with Congress 
 for the purchase of a large tract of western land upon which 
 t<^ organize the first permanent occupation of the North- 
 western Territory. That his personal influence was direct 
 and positive in bringing about these results will sufficiently 
 appear by a perusal of his journal, given in chapters 6 and 7 
 of this volume. In that journal he assigns several reasons 
 Avhy he pursued a line of negotiation that in the end accom- 
 plished his o1)jects. 
 
 The ordinance for the government of the North-west Terri- 
 tory was the first subject to receive his attention ; then came 
 the land purchase, though with him they were essentially one 
 transaction. First, he would know beforehand the law, then 
 terms for the land — all this for the simple, common-sense rea- 
 son that at that time he expected to make his own future home 
 on that distant soil, and he had, before he undertook the ne- 
 gotiation with Congress, prevailed upon more than a hundred 
 of his neighbors and personal friends to cast in their lot with him. 
 Moreover, he was acting for associates who represented that 
 army by whose sacrifice and blood the western country had 
 been conquered from the British crown, and who were de- 
 manding through him of Congress their bounties, with the ad- 
 ditional privilege of converting their " final-settlement certifi- 
 cates " into these lands. These associates were, like himself, 
 New England men, firmly and intelligently attached to their 
 own distinctive principles and social habits. It was therefore 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 121 
 
 incumbent on liira as tlieir agent to secure both law and bind 
 that would correspond with their wishes. It must also be 
 borne in mind that the organization of a " new state "' was a 
 distinctive and leading feature in the scheme he was laboring 
 to promote. The scheme was a broad and comprehensive one. 
 Its main purposes had been well considered by the associates 
 who constituted him their ao-ent. Thev left it to him to ma- 
 ture more carefully the principles and details when he should 
 come to deal directly with that Congress which exercised a 
 rightful sovereignty over the whole subject. 
 
 By referring to Dr. Cutler's journal, chapter 7, it will be 
 observed that he relied upon several important considerations 
 as influencing Congress to grant substantially all that he asked 
 for on his own terms. These considerations, claiming prop- 
 erly some examination from sources outside of the bare 
 mention that he accords to them, may be enumerated as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 1. The general line of policy adopted by Congress in re- 
 gard to the North-west Territory. 
 
 2. The value of a large sale of western or " vacant " terri- 
 tory as a means of " paying the public debt." 
 
 3. The importance of a systematic occupation of the west 
 by a large colony of industrious men. 
 
 4. The value to the United States of having that colony 
 composed of men strongly attached to the " Federal Union." 
 
 5. The adverse currents with Avhicli Dr. Cutler Avas obliged 
 to contend. 
 
 6. The protection that would be given by the particular lo- 
 cation he selected to the frontiers of Virginia and Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 
 7. The favorable influence exerted by General Washington 
 in giving encouragement to the settlement of the Ohio Valley, 
 though not mentioned in Dr. Cutler's journal, was an impor- 
 tant element at the time. 
 
 In regard to the first point under consideration, we find that 
 the attention of the Continental Congress was, very soon after 
 its organization, called to this subject of the "crown lands" or 
 "vacant territory." In importance its acquisition, by con- 
 quest from the British crown, stood only second to that of 
 
122 L\f^ of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 political independence. On the 16th day of September, 1776, 
 Congress offered the following bounties in land to those who 
 would enlist for the war — to a colonel, 500 acres ; lieutenant- 
 colonel, 450 acres ; major, 400 acres ; captain, 300 acres; lieu- 
 tenant, 200 acres; ensign, 150 acres; private, 100 acres. 
 Then, on 12 August, 1780, 850 acres were oflfered to brigadier- 
 generals and 1,100 to major-generals. Liberal offers of land 
 had before this been made, by a resolution of August 27, 1776, 
 to foreign officers and others who should leave the enemy's 
 service and enlist in the Continental line. When these offers 
 Avere made, the United States did not own an acre of land, and 
 all the vacant territory was covered by claims of title by sev- 
 eral of the states. The important task was thus imposed 
 upon Congress of quieting all these claims, so that, in case of 
 successful conquest, all the back country might be regarded 
 as common ^property, to be disposed of for the common ben- 
 efit ; ultimately, to be organized into independent, republican 
 states, and to become parts of the confederacy. 
 
 The attitude of Marjdand and Ncav Jersey upon this sub- 
 ject was very positive, indeed so much so, that Maryland re- 
 fused to enter the confederacy until these claims were ad- 
 justed. All the states, except Maryland, accepted the articles 
 of confederation as early as May 21, 1779. On the 12th of 
 February, 1781, New York made her deed of cession, and 
 Maryland then entered the confederacy, but with a distinct 
 protest on the subject in these words : "And it is hereby de- 
 clared that, by acceding to the said confederation, this state 
 doth not relinquish, or intend to relinquish, any right or in- 
 terest she hath with the other united or confederated states to 
 the back country." 
 
 It was undoubtedl}'- expected that Virginia and all other 
 states would yield their claims. The Journals of Congress 
 present a most interesting series of urgent resolutions and 
 recommendations for completely quieting the titles and vest- 
 ing both ownership and sovereignty in the United States. Tlie 
 Continental Congress, in dealing with this important feature 
 of western history, showed an earnest and patriotic disposi- 
 tion and determination to promote harmony and secure future 
 union by timely concessions and by a paramount regard for the 
 
 ^ 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 123 
 
 general welfare. All this was happily accomplished, and 
 Congress then gave attention to the measures for disposing of 
 the vast area of real estate over which it could exercise do- 
 minion after the treaty of 1783. 
 
 There were two aspects of this important duty ; one was the 
 governmental, the other its value as property to be disposed 
 of for common benefit. In both these respects there can be 
 traced through all their legislative acts an earnest and patri- 
 otic desire to reconcile difi"erences, accommodate interests, and 
 promote general harmony. It was the occasion for maturing 
 and applying upon the vast interior a system of land surveys, 
 locations, and entries, securing perfect titles with least possi- 
 ble expense, such as had never before been attempted on such 
 a magnificent scale. In devising and maturing this system, 
 the preconceived ideas and practices prevailing in New Eng- 
 land, on the one hand, and in the Southern States on the 
 other, came into close contact. The southern plan of enter- 
 ing and acquiring title to public lands favored acquisition of 
 large and choice tracts of land by those only who could bear 
 the expense of surveys. It Avas also attended by great con- 
 fusion of titles, as each purchaser, on payment of a trifle 
 (two cents per acre), could locate his warrant on any land not 
 already surveyed. This resulted in lapping and over-lapping, 
 the only lines being those run by each individual proprietor. 
 By the New England plan the lines were run and established 
 by governmental authority, and titles came from grants made, 
 each one of which was defined by metes and bounds marked 
 out by surveyors, who acted for the government, under oath. 
 Not only the rights of separate ownership were thus protected, 
 but the civil, religious, and educational wants of the population 
 were carefully guarded and accommodated. As an illustra- 
 tion of the New England plan : " June 17, 1732, the General 
 Court of Massachasetts granted six miles square for a town- 
 ship, to be laid out in a regular form by a surveyor and chain- 
 men, under oath. The said lands by them to be settled on 
 the following conditions : That they within the space of five 
 years settle and have on the spot sixty families (the settlers 
 to be none but natives of Ncav England) ; each settler to build 
 a good and convenient dwelling-house of one story high. 
 
124 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 eigliteen feet square at least ; and clear and bring to, four 
 acres fit for improvement, and three acres more ■well stocked 
 ■with English grass ; and also lay out three shares in the to"wn 
 (each share to be one sixty-third part of the to'wn), one share 
 for the first settled minister, one for the ministry, one for the 
 school ; and also build a convenient Meeting House, and set- 
 tle a learned and orthodox minister ■within the time aforesaid." 
 {Hist, of Harclwicke, p. 23.) This was for a company of sixty 
 neighbors, ■^vho proposed to settle a new tract of country to- 
 gether. " On Feb. 21, 1732, they voted unanimously that 
 the remaining lands belonging to the partners be lotted out 
 by a committee, in such quantities that each proprietor have 
 three lots, and so sorted as that in the draft each person may 
 have a just and equal share." This example gives the drift of 
 the New England idea ; that the soil should pass into the hands 
 of its future cultivators, with perfect title, and so that " each 
 person may have a just and equal share." 
 
 In this way these little republics — townships — of convenient 
 size were organized, placing the civil and political power in 
 the hands of those who own the country, at the same time 
 making some provision for moral and educational Avants. 
 
 So far as retaining control until definite boundaries were 
 marked out on visible objects, and disposing of titles only in 
 accordance with governmental surveys, the New England plan 
 seems to have been adopted very early by Congress, but it 
 required long discussions and efforts to agree upon details. 
 The first ordinance " for ascertaining the mode of disposing 
 of the western land " that was reported, required townships 
 10 miles square, each mile to be 6,086 feet in length, thus 
 dividing the township into 100 lots of 850 acres each. The 
 next report, April 26, 1785, proposed seven miles square, with 
 sections of 640 acres each, or 49 in a township ; of these one 
 section. No. 16, was to be set apart for school purposes, and 
 one section, 29, for support of religion. This latter provision 
 Avas stricken out by a singular expression of the legislative 
 wull. Of the twenty-three members present seventeen voted 
 to retain, and six to strike out ; but the votes being by states 
 the rules gave the small minority the control over that ques- 
 tion, and the section for support of religion was stricken out 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 125 
 
 of the bill. The next, and last report, adopted May 20, 1785, 
 fixed the system substantially as it has remained ever since ; 
 that is, surveys to be made by government in ranges, towns, 
 and sections, townships six miles square, divided into 36 sec- 
 tions of 640 acres each ; titles to be obtained only by entry 
 in a government office of a tract surveyed and recorded. 
 The provision for section 16 has been retained. All this is 
 substantially the New England theory. At first there was 
 much diversity of opinion as to price, the amount that a pur- 
 chaser might buy, and evident leaning to the policy of a close 
 and compact settlement of the new country beginning with 
 the eastern ranges and not allowing any squatter or pre-emp- 
 tion rights. 
 
 As evidence of the diversity of opinion then prevailing upon 
 this question of public policy, the following extracts from 
 letters coming from influential sources are worthy of notice : 
 
 General Washington, in a letter to Colonel Grayson, of Vir- 
 ginia, dated Aug. 22, 1785, says : " No doubt but the information 
 of Congress from the back country is better than mine respect- 
 ing the operation of the ordinance (passed May 20, 1785, for 
 disposing of western lands) ; but I have understood from some 
 sensible people that besides running they know not where to 
 purchase, the lands are of so versatile a nature that, to the 
 end of time, they will not by those acquainted therewith 
 be purchased either in townships or square miles." July 
 26, 1786, he writes to Colonel Grayson : " I Avish very sin- 
 cerely that the land ordinance may answer the expectations 
 of Congress. I had, and still have, my doubts of the utility 
 of the plan, but pray devoutly that they may never be realized, 
 as I am desirous of seeing it a productive branch of revenue." 
 In a letter to the Countess of Huntington, dated June 30, 
 1785, he says : " Having had the inclosed resolutions and ordi- 
 nances sent to me by the President himself, as the result of 
 the long and painful deliberations on the mode of disposing 
 of the western lands, I will delay no longer to express my 
 concern that your ladyship's benevolent views are not better 
 seconded." The letter to the Countess of Huntington was in 
 response to an application made by her, and presented to 
 Congress by Washington, for lands to enable her to send a 
 
126 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 colony of benevolent and religious people to locate near the 
 Indian tribes and labor for their benefit. The " long and 
 painful deliberation on the mode of disposing of western 
 lands " was closed by the passage of the ordinance of May 
 20, 1785, but it is quite evident that the plan adopted did not 
 meet with Washington's full approval. His views Avere un- 
 doubtedly more in accordance with the Virginia system. Mad- 
 ison, in his letter to Washington, April 16, 1787, refers to the 
 prevailing diiferences of opinion upon this important question. 
 (Sparks, vol. 1, p. 519). He says: "Between five and six 
 hundred thousand acres have been surveyed and are ready 
 for sale." These were seven ranges, of Avhich at that time 
 only a small amount had found purchasers. " The mode of 
 sale, however," he continues, " will probably be a source 
 of different opinions, as will the mode of disposing of the un- 
 surveyed residue. The eastern gentlemen remain attached to 
 the system of townships. Many others are equally strenuous 
 for indiscriminate locations. The states which have lands of 
 their own for sale are suspected of not being hearty in bring- 
 ing the federal lands into market." 
 
 This statement of Madison discloses two important facts 
 connected with the western territory and its settlement at that 
 time. One is, that although the township plan of surveys had 
 been adopted May 20, 1785, the controversy between that 
 system, as the favorite of the eastern gentlemen, and that of 
 " indiscriminate locations," the Virginia plan, was still kept 
 up. The scheme of townships has in the end prevailed, and 
 those miniature republics, covering the vast interior of the 
 Great Republic, are like the roots of the giant oak, striking 
 down deep into the soil, giving life, strength, and perpetuity 
 to the rightful authority of the people in conducting their po- 
 litical affairs. The other fact stated is, that some of the states 
 were not hearty in bringing the federal lands into market. 
 This affords a key to the line of negotiations pursued by Dr. 
 Cutler. He went to the states that were willing to sell. 
 
 As further evidence of the prevailing difference of opinion, 
 Mr. King writes to Colonel Pickering, May 30, 1785: "I 
 transmit you a copy of the land ordinance as it finally passed. 
 All parties who have advocated particular modes of disposing 
 
Life of Rev. Uanasseh Cutler. 127 
 
 of the western territory have relinquished some things tliey 
 ■ftished, and the ordinance is a compromise of opinions." 
 Colonel Grayson, in a letter to Pickering, dated New York, 
 April 27, 1785, gives the following interesting statement of 
 the tone and temper of the discussion then in progress upon 
 this subject. He says : " Since my arrival here, I have been 
 busily engaged in assisting about passing an ordinance for the 
 disposal of the western territory. I think there has been as 
 much said and written about it as would fill forty volumes ; 
 and yet we seem far from a conclusion, so difficult it is to form 
 any system which will suit our complex government, and when 
 the interests of the component parts are supposed to be so 
 different. I made a motion three days ago which has nearly 
 divided the Continent (meaning Congress) into equal moities. 
 The object of it was to double the quantity of surveying, and 
 to sell the lands in townships and sections alternately. This 
 I did under the impression that it would accommodate both 
 the eastern and southern states. However, this has been 
 strongly objected to, and both sides adhere to their opinions; 
 so that here we stick, without any movement, either retrograde 
 or progressive." 
 
 It is evident that there were two points of controversy, 
 one, the systematic surveys by government, as opposed to 
 "indiscriminate location;" the other was the question of sell- 
 ing in large or small tracts. The New England theory of 
 governmental surveys prevailed ; but there was a decided lean- 
 ing toward selling in large tracts and in compact and continu- 
 ous locations. This probably favored Dr. Cutler in his appli- 
 cation for a large tract, to be settled or colonized in an organ- 
 ized manner. It was in this way that adjacent lands not sold 
 would be advanced in value. 
 
 In conducting his negotiations with Congress, Dr. Cutler 
 makes the following entry in his journal, July 21, 1787 : "At 
 length I told them that if Congress would accede to my pro- 
 posal, I would extend the purchase from the tenth township 
 (of the seventh range) from the Ohio and to the Scioto, inclu- 
 sively, by which Congress would pay more than four millions 
 of the public debt." The last clause of this sentence brings 
 before us the second point mentioned above as requiring 
 
128 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 consideration. Paying the public debt by means of these va- 
 cant lands had long been a cherished plan of Congress. Their 
 records show that, in urging upon the states to relinquish such 
 claims as they might have to the western territory, the motive is 
 constantly pressed that this property should be used as a sup- 
 port to the " public credit " and for the " payment of the debt." 
 It was at that time their only reliable resource. They could 
 not levy or collect a dollar by taxation of any kind. The 
 lands had no value, unless it could be imparted to them by an 
 actual sale. The effort to obtain money from sales in the 
 seven ranges had not succeeded. Here, however, was a prop- 
 osition to pay off the most sacred of national obligations — a 
 debt representing the services and sacrifices of that army to 
 whose valor the nation owed its life. Under these circum- 
 stances, the motive was one of peculiar urgency ; and its use 
 by the agent of the associates representing the army was 
 legitimate and undoubtedly contributed to his success. 
 
 This theory of making wild lands a basis of revenue and a 
 support to the finances of government Avas really a new de- 
 parture in that direction. It had not been the policy of the 
 British Government or of the Colonies to derive any consid- 
 erable revenue from this source. In his instructions to Gov- 
 ernor Tryon, of the New York Colony, dated February 3, 
 1774, Earl Dartmouth fixes the following limit to public sales 
 of land, after surveys and advertisements had been made : 
 '' That no lot is put up to such sale at a less price than six 
 pence per acre, and all such lots are to be sold subject to a 
 reservation to us, our heirs and successors, of an annual quit- 
 rent of one-half penny sterling per acre." 
 
 The Virginia plan required two cents per acre to be paid 
 before locating a tract. These amounts could hardly be re- 
 garded as more than covering the expenses of a land office. 
 That extensive and fertile region embraced in Kentucky and 
 West Tennessee yielded no financial support to either state or 
 national governments, except something in the way of military 
 bounties. In fact, the pioneer to Kentucky richly earned his 
 lands. The bold and hardy adventurer into that beautiful 
 country " came, saAV, and conquered," each one for himself. 
 The only aid supplied by the parent state, Virginia, to her 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 129 
 
 truant child was five hundred pounds of gunpowder, delivered 
 at Pittsburg, and then guarded down the Ohio River by per- 
 sonal daring and enterprise, and distributed among the early 
 pioneers.* 
 
 Congress, however, early entered upon the iiolicy of treat- 
 ing the vacant lands, the back country, as property to be used 
 for the "■ comiiion ))cnefit " and as a support to " public credit." 
 This subject received the attention of a grand committee, 
 composed of one member from each state, appointed July 31, 
 1782, consisting of Messrs. Gilman-, Jackson, Howell, Dyer, 
 Duane, Witherspoon, Clymer, McKean, Hanna, Lee, William- 
 son, Rutledge, and Telfair. On the 5th of September, 1782, 
 this committee reported the following proposition : " That it 
 is their opinion that the western lands, if ceded to the United 
 States, might contribute toward a fund for paying the debts 
 of the states." On motion of Mr. Witherspoon, this proposi- 
 tion was changed to read: "it would be an important fund for 
 the discharge of the national debt." This substitution of 
 "national debt" in place of the debts of the states indicates 
 an earl}^ tendency to assert national sovereignty over this vast 
 common property. 
 
 Another grand committee report, April 5, 1784 : " That 
 Congress still consider vacant territory as a capital resource. 
 That this, too, is the time Avhen our confederacy, with all the 
 territory included within it, should assume its ultimate and 
 permanent form." 
 
 This subject is brought forward in numerous other instances, 
 and in a way that fully indicates the importance attached to it. 
 
 It is thus quite evident that Dr. Cutler was acting in entire 
 harmony with a line of public policy that had been plainly 
 marked out, when he offered to provide for about one-tenth 
 of the public debt out of property that was at the time abso- 
 lutely worthless to the government. 
 
 Next in importance to a system of surveys was a " compact 
 and progressive " settlement of the new country. By govern- 
 mental surveys, instead of indiscriminate location, not only 
 the value of the land as property, but its occupation also, Avas 
 
 * Rioi:. of Geo. Rogers Clark. 
 
 9 
 
130 Life of Rev. Manasseh Ctdler. 
 
 lield under the control of government. Indeed, it may be 
 claimed that, without this land surveying system, matured at 
 the right time, and urged into execution by the right men, 
 the Virginia or southern plan would, in all probability, have 
 prevailed all over the west. That plan admitted of unlimited 
 locations, made by each purchaser for himself at a merely 
 nominal price. It was a plan without a system, involving the 
 uncertainty of titles, as well as practical monopoly of the 
 choicest lands in the hands of the few who had the ability to 
 make early and large entries. As a curse upon the soil it 
 might have proved second only to slavery, and would probably 
 have opened the way for that system of labor. 
 
 Following this organized system of surveys, we find the 
 policy was to discourage the squatter plan, and encourage 
 " compact " settling. By the prevailing custom of those pio- 
 neer days, the progress of western settlement was the result 
 of individual enterprise. The brave and hardy pioneer ven- 
 tured alone, or with a few neighbors, to make selections of 
 land, establish a " tomahawk right," and patiently to endure 
 the perils and hardships of the savage wilderness. While, the 
 good results to civilization of such efforts must not be over- 
 looked nor undervalued, it still required a more thoroughly 
 organized effort to plant and nourish on that virgin soil those 
 principles of civil and religious liberty that should forever 
 prove the basis of future government and social well-being. 
 Had it been left solely to the individual and isolated adven- 
 turer to carry forward the occupation of the great valley, the 
 foundations of society might have been loosely laid, and the 
 results far different from that which now makes the territory 
 covered by the Ordinance of '87 the very keystone and sup- 
 port of the nation. 
 
 It is at this most interesting crisis of national expansion, 
 that the Ohio Company of Associates undertook and performed 
 a service which has caused " the wilderness to bud and blos- 
 som as the rose." They were the first to conceive and exe- 
 cute on a large scale a compact and systematic settlement of 
 the country. 
 
 Dr. Cutler entered fully into this policy, and urges it upon 
 Congress as a motive for acceding to his plans of purchase. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 131 
 
 We find the following entry in his journal: "It was our in- 
 tention to secure a large and immediate settlement of the 
 country by the most robust and industrious people in America ; 
 and that it would be made systematically, which must instantly 
 advance the value of federal lands, and prove an important 
 acquisition to Congress." He says again : " Mr. Osgood 
 highly approved of our plan, and told me he thought it the 
 best formed in America. He dwelt much on the advantage of 
 system in a new settlement ; said system had never before 
 been attempted." This consideration thus urged at the time 
 upon Congress corresponds with vicAvs that evidently pre- 
 vailed in regard to the occupation of the north-west. Con- 
 gress, in various measures proposed, both for the disposing of 
 lands and government of the territory, had indicated a policy 
 of separate states compactly bounded, and of sales proceeding 
 continuously from the eastern limits westward. 
 
 General Washington expresses what was undoubtedly a pre- 
 vailing opinion on this subject in the following extracts from 
 his letters. In a letter to Hugh Williamson, March 15, 1785, 
 he says : " Two things seem naturally to result from this 
 agreement [treaty] with the western Indians, the terms on 
 which western lands are to be disposed of, and the mode of 
 settling there. The first, in my opinion, ought not to be de- 
 layed ; the second ought not to be too diffusive. Compact 
 and progressive settling will give strength to the Union, ad- 
 mit law and good government, and federal aids at an early 
 period. Sparse settlements in several new states, or a large 
 territory for one, will have the directly .contrary effects ; and, 
 whilst it opens a large field to land jobbers and speculators, 
 who are prowling about like wolves in many shapes, will in- 
 jure the real occupiers and^ useful citizens, and consequently 
 the public interest. If a tract of country, of convenient size 
 for a new state, contiguous to the present settlements on the 
 Ohio, is laid off, and a certain proportion of the land seated, 
 or at least granted, before any other state is marked out, and 
 no land is to be obtained beyond the limits of it, we shall, I 
 conceive, reap great political advantages from such a line of 
 conduct ; and, without it, we may be involved in much trouble 
 
132 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 and perplexity before any new state will be well organized, or 
 contribute any thing to the support of the Union." 
 
 In a letter to James Duane, dated September 7, 1783, he 
 says : " To suffer a wide-extended country to be overrun with 
 land jobbers, speculators, and monopolizers, or even scattered 
 settlers, is, in my opinion, inconsistent with that wisdom and 
 policy which our true interest dictates, or which an enlightened 
 people ought to adopt ; and besides, it is pregnant of dis- 
 putes, both with the savages and among ourselves, the evils of 
 which are easier to be conceived than described. 
 Unless some such measures as I have taken the liberty of sug- 
 gesting are speedily adopted, one of two capital errors Avill 
 inevitably result and is near at hand ; either the settling, or 
 rather overspreading, of the western country will take place by 
 a parcel of banditti, who will bid defiance to all authority, Avhile 
 they are skimming and disposing of the cream of the country, 
 at the expense of many suffering officers and soldiers who 
 have fought and bled to obtain it, and are now waiting the 
 decision of Congress to point them to the promised reward of 
 their past dangers and toils ; or a renewal of hostilities with 
 the Indians, brought about, more than probably, by this very 
 means." 
 
 The view of this subject thus presented by Washington was 
 undoubtedly the one that controlled the action of Congress at 
 that time. He says : " Compact and progressive settling will 
 give strength to the Union, admit law and good government, 
 and federal aids, at an early period." Dr. Cutler's negotia- 
 tions were based upon these ideas. The Union, law, good 
 government, federal aid, were precisely the motives he urged 
 upon Congress, all of which Avere to be secured by " compact 
 and progressive settling." To thisJie could add the assurance 
 that this important line of public policy should be applied by 
 the " most robust and industrious people in America." This 
 coincidence of views, as entertained by General Washington 
 and the agent of his old comrades, is worthy of notice, and is 
 a striking proof of the tlieorj^ that there had been a continued 
 interchange of views, in regard to the permanent occupation 
 of the Ohio valley, between the Commander-in-chief and his 
 military associates. This view of the matter will be presented 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 133 
 
 more distinctly farther on in the narrative of the preliminary 
 conditions that existed at the time Dr. Cutler entered upon 
 his negotiations with Congress on behalf of the Ohio Company. 
 
 The policy of Congress on this subject is indicated in the 
 resolution of October 3, 1787, " to raise 700 troops to protect 
 the settlers on the public lands from the depredations of the 
 Indians, to facilitate the surveying and selling of said lands, 
 in order to reduce the public debt, and to prevent all unwar- 
 rantable intrusions thereon." 
 
 The following statement, made by Mr. Levi Munsell in a 
 letter to Ephraim Cutler, dated Fletcher, Miami County, 
 Ohio, August 17, 1842, shows that the policy of preventing 
 "unwarrantable intrusions" upon the public lands was most 
 rigidly enforced. Mr. Munsell was one of the "700 troops" 
 mentioned in the above resolution of Congress. In describing 
 the state of the western country at that time, he says : " There 
 was not any settlement on the western bank of the Ohio from 
 Pittsburg to the Mississippi ; only a few hunters just below 
 the falls, or what is called Clark's grant, and a few squatters 
 in the neighborhood Avhere Steubenville is now. They were 
 ordered to move immediately off the public lands. They did 
 not, and still refused to quit. They were determined to hold 
 the lands by what is called ' tomahawk improvements,' as 
 many had in Pennsylvania and Virginia. About one hundred 
 men were sent to burn them out. There were about thirty 
 hunters with their rifles paraded on the bank of the river, with 
 every appearance of an intention to defend themselves, Our 
 troops landed and marched up to them, and told them if they 
 wanted to save any thing that was in their cabins they might 
 have so many minutes to do it in. They moved what little 
 plunder they had out of them, and the cabins were filled with 
 rails and other combustibles, and the troops set fire to them 
 and burnt them up. There were some few that were not dis- 
 covered at this time, that lay a little back from the river, 
 which attempted to raise some corn that year, but it was all 
 destroyed and the cabins burnt." 
 
 This marks a transition from " tomahawk " to systematic, per- 
 manent improvement. A niotive back of it all was that which 
 
134 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 is expressed in the resolution — to so manage this vast and re- 
 cently acquired property as to " reduce the public debt." 
 
 With these important elements Dr. Cutler found it necessary 
 to deal, and to satisfy the prevailing demand for a revenue 
 from land and for compact and well organized settlement. 
 
 Another motive urged upon Congress is found stated in his 
 journal in these words : " The uneasiness of the Kentucky 
 people with respect to the Mississippi was notorious. A re- 
 volt of that country from the Union, if a war with Spain took 
 place, was universally acknowledged to be highly probable ; 
 and most certainly a systematic settlement in that country, 
 conducted by men strongly attached to the federal govern- 
 ment, and composed of young, robust, hardy, and active 
 laborers, who had no idea of any other than the federal gov- 
 ernment, I conceive to be an object worthy of some attention." 
 To understand the strength and value of this appeal, it is nec- 
 essary to go back and look at the situation as it then existed. 
 It was briefly and pointedly stated by General Washington in 
 his letter to Governor Harrison, of Virginia, under date of 
 October 10, 1784. He says : " I need not remark to you, sir, 
 that the flanks and rear of the United States are possessed by 
 other powers, and formidable ones, too ; nor how necessary it 
 is to apply the cement of interest to bind all parts of the 
 Union together by indissoluble bonds, especially that part of 
 it which lies immediately west of us, with the middle states. 
 For what ties, let me ask, should we have upon these people ? 
 How entirely unconnected with them shall we be, and Avhat 
 troubles may Ave not apprehend, if the Spaniards on their 
 right, and Great Britain on their left, instead of throAving 
 stumbling-blocks in their way, as they noA\' do, should hold 
 out lures for their trade and alliance ? What, AA'hen they get 
 strength, which Avill be sooner than most people conceive (from 
 the emigration of foreigners, who A\nll have no particular pre- 
 dilection toward us, as Avell as from the removal of our own 
 citizens), Avill be the consequence of their having formed close 
 connections Avith both or either of those powers, in a commer- 
 cial way ? It needs not, in my opinion, the gift of prophecy 
 to foretell. The western states (I speak now from my own 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 135 
 
 observation) stand, as it Avere, upon a pivot. The touch of a 
 feather would turn tliem any way." 
 
 Washington proceeds at length in this letter to urge the im- 
 portance of opening lines of internal improvement between 
 the seaboard and the Ohio valley, as the means of supplying 
 that " cement of interest " Avhich would bind the states to be 
 formed in the great central valley by " indissoluble bonds to 
 the Union." This presents an interesting coincidence of 
 views as between Washington and the agent of the Ohio Com- 
 pany ; the one striving to unite the west to the east by com- 
 mercial interests, the other bv throwino- in at the rio-ht time 
 and at the strategic point a systematic occupation of the 
 country by those who Avere " strongly attached to the federal 
 government." 
 
 It is historically true that at that time, and subsequently, 
 the population west of the mountains did " stand on a pivot." 
 It is also true that Governor St. Clair, supported by the very 
 men forming the pioneer force Avhich occupied the country as 
 a result of Dr. Cutler's successful negotiation Avith Congress, 
 did contribute largely to turn that pivot in the right' direction. 
 
 An interesting correspondence took place in 171'0, betAveen 
 General Rufus Putnam and Fisher Ames, commencing Avith 
 the folloAving prefiice from the former to the latter : " In con- 
 versation Avith you at NeAV York in July last, 3^ou made this a 
 question : ' Can Ave retain the Avestern country Avithin the gov- 
 ernment of the United States, and, if Ave can, of Avhat use Avill 
 it be to them V " General Putnam then proceeds, in a long, 
 closely Avritten letter, to argue in favor of the practicability 
 and value of retaining the West as part of the Union. Ames 
 was a decided friend to the associates of the Ohio Company, 
 and aided them subsequently very materially in settling their 
 affairs Avith Congress ; but his question to Putnam reflected 
 the pivotal condition at that time of the most important mat- 
 ter that ever engaged the attention of the American people. 
 
 Another element of the situation as presented by Dr. Cut- 
 ler is found in the diversity of interests and vieAvs then pre- 
 vailing among the old thirteen states, Avho had the control and 
 disposal of this common property. The eastern states, es- 
 pecially Massachusetts, Avere not favorably disposed to a trans- 
 
136 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 fer of tlieir best population to a distant location Avhich might 
 in time disturb their relative weight in the Union. There 
 were also large areas of unoccupied lands, either within the 
 bounds of their own states, or adjacent thereto. New York 
 had a Great West, and Massachusetts a Province of Maine. 
 
 General Putnam called the attention of Washington to this 
 state of affairs in his letter, dated April 5, 1784. He says 
 Massachusetts was "forming a plan for selling the eastern 
 country ; that New York was wisely inviting eastern people 
 to settle in that state," hence the delegates could not be re- 
 lied upon to prosecute the Ohio scheme. The extreme 
 southern states may be supposed not to have been antago- 
 nistic, but less interested than the more middle states. Hence 
 we find that when Dr. Cutler started on his visit to New 
 York three of his letters of introduction were to members of 
 Congress from Virginia. 
 
 There Avere valid reasons for his pursuing this line of intro- 
 duction and negotiation. Virginia was directly interested in 
 securing protection to her western frontier, as Avell as occupa- 
 tion of the country adjacent to that Avhich had been set apart 
 as bounty lands for her soldiers between the Scioto and Lit- 
 tle Miami. In his choice of location Dr. Cutler was confined 
 to an Ohio River frontage extending from the southern limit 
 of the seven ranges (near the mouth of the Muskingum) to 
 the mouth of the Scioto ; otherwise he would have been thrown 
 outside of the seven ranges, away from all lines of communi- 
 cation, or west of the Little Miami. In choosing the border 
 between the Muskingum and Scioto he gave Virginia pre- 
 cisely what she needed, while the Symmes' location, with the 
 Virginia bounty lands, covered the entire flank of settlements 
 to that extent in a south-westerly direction. This deference 
 to the interests of Virginia oifers an easy and natural expla- 
 nation of the fact that he placed the decision of his whole mission 
 in the hands, not of the eastern, but of the southern states. The 
 governmental and land ordinances, which were parts of the 
 same transaction, were decided by five southern states out of 
 eio-ht votinw in favor. 
 
 There is another influence of a personal nature that can be 
 
Life of Rev. 3Iana8seh Cutler. 137 
 
 traced from its inception throughout the entire progress of 
 this business. 
 
 That influence was exerted by the Commander-in-chief of 
 the army in favor of this scheme of western emigration as the 
 only practical plan of relieving the personal embarrassments 
 resulting from the inability of Congress to pay them for their 
 services. The nature and extent of this influence is worthy 
 of more attention than can be accorded to it in these pages, but 
 its relation to that transaction which decided the future of 
 the north-west is so close that it ought not to be ignored. 
 
 No man connected with the history of our country ever ex- 
 erted a greater positive influence over his associates than did 
 General Washington over those who were his immediate and 
 intimate companions during the great Revolutionary struggle. 
 He had personal enemies and was the object of that jealousy 
 which is one of the certain and most active attendants upon 
 all military enterprises, but these fierce antagonisms in the 
 case of Washington, Avhile they failed to displace him from 
 command, rallied to his support a host of true and tried 
 friends Avhose sympathies and attachments were never dimin- 
 ished by accusation, and never lost their warmth either during 
 the struggle, or after its close. He was a Virginian, but re- 
 ceived from New England a most cordial support to his nomi- 
 nation to command. His first field of military eff'ort was not 
 in his native state, or surrounded by old neighbors and former 
 associates. His first conquest was to secure the confidence 
 and cordial support of an army, not composed of the chivalry 
 of the south, but drawn from the furrows and shops of a plod- 
 ding, industrious yeomanry, the cool-headed and sternly- 
 disciplined Yankee. His military history was made north of 
 the Potomac. From Boston, through Long Island, New 
 York to Valley Forge and New Jersey, in the last encamp- 
 ment on the Hudson, after his victorious return from York- 
 town, he was in constant contact with the army of the north, 
 and his verdict was : " God bless the New England troops." 
 
 The fortunes of war thus threw Washington into close com- 
 panionship with the very men who, at the close of the great 
 struggle, were prepared both by their adventurous spirit and 
 their stern necessities to seek for new homes, while they 
 
138 Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 
 
 abandoned those which had been made desolate. Hence, we 
 find that the disbanding of the army was the occasion of that 
 organization which resulted in a systematic and permanent 
 settlement, by the companions of Washington, on the banks 
 of the Ohio. 
 
 It is certainly true that the leisure of camp life on the 
 banks of the Hudson, after the struggle was virtually ended, 
 was attended with perils as great as any that had been en- 
 countered in the active prosecution of the war. The outside 
 pressure of England's hostility was removed at a time when 
 there was really no internal power to regulate, cement, and 
 build upon the newly laid foundations. The resources and 
 credit of the Government had become exhausted. Its only 
 power was to recommend the states to furnish money from 
 their own scanty means. . The success of the old Continental 
 Congress was wonderful, in view of the total want of com- 
 pulsory power in carrying out their plans. Their records are 
 a series of " Recommendations " to the states ; and the fact 
 that their calls were so generally and fully responded to, is 
 evidence of the high personal character of those who, from 
 1775-83, raised and maintained an army strong enough to 
 cope with their giant enemy-; and who secured the alliance of 
 France just at the point of time when a failure in that respect 
 would have been fatal. That old Continental Congress must 
 have been composed of men who enjoyed the utmost confi- 
 dence of their several constituencies. Up to the time of 
 the French loan, they were compelled to " make bricks without 
 straw." Their main supply of money came from the printer's 
 types, and was " promises to pay." The states responded 
 grudgingly in requisitions of sustenance and supplies for the 
 army, but were themselves quite destitute of hnrd cash ; and 
 when the certain prospect of peace dawned, a general bank- 
 ruptcy of the finances ensued. 
 
 Instead of recalling the patient Avisdom and persevering 
 patriotism of their Congress, and rallying to its support in its 
 final hour of trial, a loud clamor was raised against it; and 
 the little power it possessed was dissipated by a withdrawal of 
 that confidence which had been its only support. Sectional 
 bitterness, business antagonisms, local and personal jealousies, 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 139 
 
 ruled the hour. Every thing tended to disintegration and weak- 
 ness. The wants of the army Avere imperative. Their poverty 
 and suffering went beyond the camp, and invaded their homes. 
 They had reached the limits of human endurance. Revolt and 
 mutiny were bold ; the demand for a dictator's power was 
 urgent, and found utterance in a direct proposition to the 
 Commander-in-chief to assume arbitrary power and control. 
 While these perilous influences were at work, the practical, 
 business-like, and patriotic alternative was presented of ac- 
 cepting homes in the western wilderness, just secured by com- 
 mon effort from England, in lieu of money unattainable because 
 of the poverty of the government. The influence of these 
 various schemes of immigration Avas not a noisy power ; it left 
 but few records, and they have received but little attention. 
 Beginning with Washington's early entries on the banks of 
 the Ohio, then his familiar communications with his daily 
 companions — the officers, their petition, the adoption of a land 
 system of surveys, the ultimate action of the officers, their 
 application to Congress, and we can trace through all these 
 steps that quiet, persistent, and energetic spirit of honest en- 
 deavor to explore and occupy the back country which was a 
 power more potent than any other in securing to the nation 
 and the world the beneficent results of independence. 
 
 That Washington took a decided interest in promoting the 
 scheme of settlement in tlie Ohio valley, as carried out by the 
 Ohio Company, is evident from his early personal acquaint- 
 ance with the valley, his ownership of large tracts of land in 
 it before the war, and his efforts to colonize his lands ; from 
 his association, during the war, with the men who were active 
 in promoting the settlement ; from the assistance he rendered 
 to the originators of the scheme, in urging upon Congress a 
 favorable consideration of their petition ; from the direct 
 statements of the pioneers that the Ohio valley was pointed 
 out to them by their Commander-in-chief; and from his active 
 efforts to promote lines of commercial intercourse between the 
 Ohio valley and the Virginia settlements. 
 
 The following evidences of Washington's personal interest 
 in the settlement of the Ohio valley are given, showing the 
 
140 Life of Rev. JIanasfteJi Cutler. 
 
 close connection between his plan and the line of policy 
 adopted by the Ohio Company. 
 
 Mt. Vernon, in Virginia, July 15, 1773. 
 
 The subscriber having obtained patents for upwards of 
 twentv-thousand acres of land on the Ohio and Great Kana- 
 wha (ten thousand of which are situated on tiie banks of the 
 first-mentioned river, between the mouths of the two Kana- 
 whas and the remainder on the Great Kanawha, or New River, 
 from the mouth, or near it, in one continued survey) proposes 
 to divide the same into any sized tenements that may be de- 
 sired, and lease them upon moderate terms, allowing a reason- 
 able number of years, rent free, provided, within the space of 
 three years from next October, three acres for every fifty con- 
 tained in each lot, and proportionately for a lesser quantity, 
 shall be cleared, fenced, and tilled ; and that by or before the 
 time limited for the commencement of the first rent, five acres 
 for every hundred, and proportionately, as above, shall be in- 
 closed and laid down in good grass or meadow ; and, moreover, 
 that at least fifty good fruit trees for every like quantity of 
 land shall be planted on the premises. Any persons inclin- 
 able to settle on these lands may be more fully informed of 
 the terms by applying to the subscriber near Alexandria, or, 
 in his absence, to Mr. Lund Washington, and would do well 
 in communicatina: their intention before the first of October 
 next, in order that a sufficient number of lots may be laid ofi" 
 to ansvrer the demand. As these lands are among the first 
 which have been surveyed in the part of the country they 
 lie in, it is almost needless to premise that none can exceed 
 them in luxuriance of soil, or convenience of situation, all of 
 them lying upon the banks either of the Ohio or Kanawha, and 
 abounding with fine fish and wild fowls, of various kinds, as 
 also in most excellent meadows, many of which (by the bounti- 
 ful hand of nature) are, in their present state, almost fit for 
 the scythe. 
 
 From every part of these lands water carriage is now had 
 to Fort Pitt, by an easy communication, and from Fort Pitt, 
 up the Monongahela to Redstone, vessels of convenient 
 burden may and do pass continually, from whence, by means 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. l-tl 
 
 of Cheat River and other navigable branches of the Mononga- 
 hela, it is thought the Portage to the Potomac may and will be 
 reduced within the compass of a few miles to the great ease 
 and convenience of the settlers in transporting the produce of 
 their lands to market. To which may be added that as patents 
 have now actually passed the seals for the several tracts here 
 offered to be leased, settlers on them may cultivate and en- 
 joy the lands in peace and safety, notwithstanding the un- 
 settled counsels respecting a new colony on the Ohio ; and as 
 no sight money is to be paid for these lands, and quit-rent of 
 two shillings sterling a hundred demanded some years hence 
 only, it is presumable that they will alwaj-s be held upon a 
 more desirable footing than when both these are laid on with 
 a heavy hand. And it may not be amiss further to observe, 
 that if the scheme of establishing a new government on the 
 Ohio, in the manner talked of, should ever be effected, these 
 must be the most valuable lands in it, not only on account of 
 the goodness of soil, and other advantages above enumerated, 
 but from their contiguity to the seat of government, which 
 more than probable will be fixed at the mouth of the Great 
 Kanawha. George Washington. 
 
 • 
 
 In writing to General Putnam, under date of June 2, 1783, 
 he refers to his lands as follows : " I am endeavoring to do 
 something with the lands I now hold and have held in that 
 country these twelve or fourteen years. The inclosed con- 
 tains the terms on which I propose to lease them. ... If 
 you think the' promulgation of the paper inclosed can be of 
 service to others or myself, it is optional with you to do so." 
 
 Subsequently, he offered to the Countess of Huntington the 
 use of his lands to promote her benevolent scheme in behalf 
 of the Indians. We thus see that Washington was the first to 
 propose a colonization scheme in the Ohio valley. 
 
 There is sufiicient traditional evidence that the merits of the 
 Ohio country was a subject of familiar discussion between the 
 Commander and his officers during the war. This evidence 
 comes from those of his military comrades, some of them 
 members of his military family, who were among the early 
 .settlers at Marietta. The more tranquil period of their lives 
 
142 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 subsequent to the Indian war which was closed by Wayne's 
 treaty in 1795, aiforded them an opportunity to recall the 
 stirring scenes through which , they had passed during the 
 Revolutionary struggle. They remembered the dark days of 
 '77, when defeat and discouragement prevailed. Then the 
 prospects of Britain were in the ascendant ; and with their 
 Commander-in-chief the question of surrender, with its terms, 
 was one of frequent and earnest discussion. At that crisis, 
 as they canvassed the situation around the gloomy camp-fires 
 of Valley Forge, he declared that, sooner than surrender to 
 the enemy upon any probable terms, he would retire beyond 
 the mountains, and establish another base in the Ohio valley. 
 The exact influence of this idea upon the minds of his follow- 
 ers can not be traced with historical accuracv, but it was 
 cherished during the lives of those veterans, and imparted to 
 younger listeners, and comes down as all traditions — " It is 
 wdiat I heard my father say." The following written state- 
 ment of this tradition is found among the papers of Judge 
 Ephraim Cutler, who came to Marietta in 1795, and was inti- 
 mately acquainted with many of the old officers, from whom 
 he derived it : " During the Revolutionary struggle the British 
 established a printing-press in New York, entitled the ' Riv- 
 ington Royal Gazette.' At a very dark and gloomy period 
 of that momentous struggle, there w^as a very large number 
 of papers, scattered by design, that gave an account of a 
 treaty of subsidy made with the Emperor of Russia, which 
 provided that a large number of Russian troops should b.e fur- 
 nished the British for the American contest ; that the troops 
 were expected early the next season. These papers, with 
 this information, fell into the hands of the officers of the 
 American army, and of course became a matter of deep 
 solicitude. At General Washington's table it became a mat- 
 ter of discussion. ' If this be true, and we are driven from 
 the Atlantic border, what is to be done ?' was the anxious in- 
 quiry. ' We will retire to the valley of the Ohio,' says Wash- 
 ington, ' and there be free.' This saying was carried by 
 officers to soldiers, and by them to their friends, and thus a 
 spirit of inquiry respecting Ohio was elicited." 
 
 This traditional reminiscence finds ample support in state- 
 
Life of Keo. Manasiseli Cutler. 143 
 
 ments made by Ramsey in his History of the American Revo- 
 lution, published in 1789. After the loss of Fort Washington, 
 and the evacuation of New York city, the American forces 
 were driven in hasty retreat across New Jersey, and only es- 
 caped capture by crossing to the west side of the Delaware 
 River. The period of enlistment of the army had expired. 
 AVhole reffiments returned homeward. With two or three 
 thousand men of a retreating, half naked army, whose unshod 
 feet had marked the frozen soil of Jersey with patriotic blood, 
 the Commander-in-chief was compelled to look this question 
 of retreat fairly in the face. The historian says : " General 
 Washington about this time retreated to Newark. Having 
 abundant reasons, from the posture of affairs, to count on the 
 necessity of a further retreat, he asked Colonel Reed : ' Should 
 Ave retreat to the back part of Pennsylvania, will the Penn- 
 sylvanians support us ?' The Colonel replied : ' If the lower 
 counties are subdued, and give up, the back counties Avill do 
 the same.' The General then said : ' We must retire to Au- 
 gusta County, Virginia. Numbers will be obliged to repair 
 to us for safety, and we must try what we can do in carrying 
 on a predatory war ; and, if overpowered, we must cross the 
 Allegheny Mountains.' " 
 
 From the same historian we have also another fragment of 
 history giving further evidence of the estimation then placed 
 upon the Ohio valley as a strategic base in the grand struggle 
 for freedom and independence. As soon as the British cabi- 
 net became aware that France Avas determined to aid the 
 United States, they dispatched messengers to this country 
 with overtures of peace, making fair promises, and hoping at 
 least to divide the councils and Aveaken the support of the 
 cause. These overtures Avere met by Congress Avith a positive 
 demand for an acknoAvledgment of independence, or an evacua- 
 tion of the country, as preliminary steps to negotiation. 
 
 The folloAving is an extract from a letter dated June 14, 
 1778, Avritten as part of a private correspondence by Henry 
 Laurens, Avho Avas then President of the old Continental Con- 
 gress. He says to the King's Commissioners : " You are un- 
 doubtedly acquainted Avith the only terms upon which Congress 
 can treat for accomplishing this good end. Although Avriting 
 
144 Life of llev. Manasseli Cutler. 
 
 in a private character, I may venture to assert Avith great as- 
 surance, tliej never will recede, even admitting the continu- 
 ance of hostile attempts ; and that from the rage of war the 
 good people of these states shall be driven to commence a 
 treaty iveshvard of yonder mountain." 
 
 An entr}^ made in the records of the Ohio Company gives 
 further testimony in this direction. At the breaking out of 
 the Indian war, the colony at Marietta was in great danger of 
 being destroyed. The}^ applied to Congress for assistance, 
 and state explicitly that they were induced to venture into 
 the wilderness upon the representations of Washington. They 
 use these words in their petition : " It is with pain that we 
 have heard the cruel insinuations of those who were disaffected 
 to the settlement of this country. It is not possible that 
 those men who have pursued into these woods that path to an 
 honorable competence which was pointed out to us by the 
 Commander-in-chief of American armies, should be doomed 
 to be the victims of a jealous policy, and to see the mangled 
 bodies of their friends exposed — a spectacle to prevent immi- 
 gration."' 
 
 This language is sufficiently explicit to show the sympathy 
 which existed between the projectors of the settlement and 
 their old commander. The assistance rendered by him to the 
 Ohio scheme in its earliest stages, will sufficiently appear in 
 his letters to Congress and General Putnam on that subject. 
 
 It is a most interesting chapter in Washington's personal 
 history that, immediately on his retirement from the command 
 of the army, he undertook to promote a system of internal 
 improvements upon the best and only plan then known, by 
 which he hoped to secure the trade of the Avest to Virginia 
 seaports. These efforts were in progress at the very time that 
 the Ohio Company were maturing their plans. There is prob- 
 ably no direct evidence that there was any agreed concert of 
 action, by which one party undertook to occupy and cultivate 
 the Ohio valley, and produce from it staples of commerce, 
 while the other party sought to affoi-d to them their shortest 
 and best routes to markets ; but the coincidence is sufficiently 
 striking to deserve attention, and may afford a valid reason 
 for the decided friendship and co-operation which Dr. Cutler 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 145 
 
 received from Virsrinia members of Congress. Whether the 
 co-operation was designed or not, it took phxce. It is also 
 evident that both parties understood the importance of the 
 subject. Washington, in his letter to Governor Harrison and 
 others, discusses the matter fully, while the pamphlet pre- 
 pared by Dr. Cutler in regard to the western country points 
 out the same channels for trade that Washington at the. time 
 was most earnestly promoting. Without pursuing further this 
 line of inquiry into the primitive conditions and relations of 
 the " back country," it is well for the reader to bear in mind 
 the main facts as herein stated. 
 
 These historical items which constituted the materials with 
 which Dr. Cutler was called to deal, may be summarized as 
 follows : 
 
 1. It is evident that, next to political independence of the 
 mother country, a complete conquest of the western territory 
 
 ,then held by the British crown was a paramount object with 
 the Continental Congress. 
 
 2. That all clouds upon title arising from the claims of the 
 several states were carefully removed. This was effected by 
 patient and persistent effort on the part of Congress, avoiding 
 all discussions as to validity of title, but urging harmony and 
 mutual concessions for the common good. These appeals 
 were met with patriotic determination to remove all cause of 
 future dissension that might arise from conflictino; claims of 
 sovereignty or ownership. 
 
 3. The first pledge of the lands was to the army, a pledge 
 that the army alone could redeem by actual conquest. Along 
 with the promised bounties to officers and soldiers, was the 
 repeated assurance given from time to time that this vast real 
 estate should be the basis of a public credit. 
 
 4. A plan of surveys was devised and applied in advance 
 of occupation, under which perfect titles, without expense, 
 were placed within the reach of settlers, having lines drawn 
 and boundaries fixed with visible marks. The subdivisions 
 were in quantity to suit the purchasers of small means, while 
 no restriction was placed upon those who were inclined to 
 large investments. This system has operated to place the 
 
 10 
 
146 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutter. 
 
 ownership of the great Mississippi valley in the same hands 
 that wield the ballot, and control its political destinies. Next 
 to its conquest, this equitable distribution of ownership may 
 be regarded as the most important exercise of governmental 
 power ever exerted in laying solid foundations for the Ameri- 
 can Republic. Next to this stand the laws and ordinances 
 that were forever to remain as the basis of civil and religious 
 liberty. Freedom, religion, morality, and knowledge, with 
 those perfect titles, by which " every man could sit under his 
 own vine and fig tree, w'ith none to molest or make him afraid," 
 have combined to give the western states all they enjoy of 
 stability and prosperity. 
 
 5. The systematic occupation of the great valley, as distin- 
 guished from the prevailing efforts of isolated adventurers, 
 was undertaken by that army by whose toils and endurance 
 the conquest was effected. While it is true that a poverty re- 
 sulting from a bankrupt confederacy pressed them into this 
 service, yet a better selection could not have been made. In- 
 telligence, experience, integrity of character, were marked 
 characteristics of those who organized and wrouirht out 
 results. 
 
 6. With the founders of the Ohio Company, the plan of 
 a neiv state, to be taken from territory nearest adjacent to 
 the old thirteen, was a favorite object. Its future political 
 control Avas doubtless a prize for honorable aspirations, while 
 its fertility and natural resources offered reliable prospects for 
 competence and domestic enjoyment. 
 
 7. This movement received the cordial support of the Com- 
 mander-in-chief, and to his personal influence its success is 
 largely due. 
 
 8. Dr. Cutler well understood all these elements of personal 
 associations and interests, and, in view of their controlling 
 influence, went directly to the " members from the southward 
 who favored a contract." In this effort he succeeded in plant- 
 ing upon the western territory, by a compact inviolable, except 
 by common consent, " the fundamental principles of civil and 
 religious liberty." These principles at that time were cor- 
 dially accepted by those with whom he had to deal, with the 
 exception only of slavery. This was yielded to meet the 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 147 
 
 moral and social demands of a pioneer force composed of 
 New England men who would not undertake the perils and 
 hardships of such an enterprise unless they could carry their 
 own ideas, policies, and social customs with them. Having 
 placed the success of his application in the hands of the Vir- 
 ginia and southern members, the equivalents proposed by him 
 were amply sufficient to secure their acquiescence in the de- 
 mand for the total exclusion of slavery, and the full recogni- 
 tion in its stead of the " rights of man," with " religion, 
 morality, and knowledge " as the basis of all laws, constitu- 
 tions, and governments which forever hereafter shall be formed 
 in said territory. 
 
 9. At that time, the infant commerce of the Ohio valley be- 
 gan to demand markets and outlets. The rivers were nature's 
 highways. Foreign control of the Gulf with its affluents in- 
 vited either alliance or war to secure for inland commerce a 
 due recognition of its necessities, rights, and interests. Wash- 
 ington represented the case as on a " pivot," and that " the 
 weight of a feather might turn it any way." He wisely pro- 
 posed to prepare commercial routes to the Atlantic seaboard, 
 and thus bind them with the " cement of interest." Dr. Cutler 
 proposed to throw into the Ohio valley, at the opportune mo- 
 ment and at the strategic point, a colony" conducted by men 
 strongly attached to the federal government," and composed 
 of " young, robust, hardy, and active laborers, who had no 
 idea of any other than the federal government." This move- 
 ment was to make " a larsie and immediate settlement of the 
 most robust and industrious people in America," and to be 
 made " systematically," as distinguished from the ordinary 
 westward pioneer progress resulting from individual daring 
 and effort. Along with these carefully prepared preliminaries, 
 the appointment of governor, judge, and other officers of the 
 new territory, guaranteed a devotion and loyalty to the federal 
 authority that forever settled the question of secession or 
 disunion. 
 
 10. Dr. Cutler and his associates, however, were obliged to 
 encounter adverse currents. The eastern states were jealous 
 of their relative weight in national affairs, and did not favor 
 an emigration of their best people to a distant and possibly 
 
148 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 an antagonistic locality. To them the prospect of commercial 
 advantages was very remote, and although the eastern states 
 may not have been openly hostile, it was only those who sym- 
 pathized with such an enterprise as the Ohio Company who 
 would give active co-operation. Hence we find that General 
 Putnam told Washington that he could not depend on his own 
 representative in Congress, and Dr. Cutler distrusted Mr. 
 Dane, his personal friend and neighbor. These adverse influ- 
 ences drove him to a quarter where he found the way opened 
 by friendly personal relations and local interests. 
 
 As a final result of Dr. Cutler's labors as agent for his as- 
 sociates, New England ideas, policies, and industrial customs 
 were transferred to the Avestern territory ; but it was done 
 mainly through the friendl}^ co-operation and support of Vir- 
 ginia and the southern states. 
 
 11. This systematic occupation of the heart of the Great 
 Republic, originating with its conquerors, the army, and car- 
 ried forward step by step under most enlightened direction, 
 marks as distinctively the landing at Marietta on the seventh 
 of April, 1788, of the founders of the central empire as the 
 landing at Plymouth or Jamestown set the historical land- 
 marks of civilization on the Atlantic seaboard. 
 
 This inquiry leads to the close of the military struggle, to 
 the final reduction of the army at New Windsor, and presents 
 the peculiar difficulties and embarrassments arising from a 
 lack of any sufficient provision by Congress for the payment 
 of an army who had won the prize first staked upon the great 
 issue of " life, fortune, and sacred honor." Life and fortune 
 had been freely spent. Honor belonged to the victors ; but 
 it did not clothe or feed their families, did not return the best 
 years of their lives, or secure them from future want. They 
 accepted final certificates drawn upon a bankrupt treasury, in 
 place of payments ; but they did not yield either to despon- 
 dency or sullenly clamor for position under a government of 
 their own creation. They recalled the promise of the " hon- 
 orable Congress," made September 20, 1776, which offered as 
 a bounty for enlistment, lands that could be converted into 
 homes. 
 
 The measures taken by the officers at that time constitute 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 149 
 
 the real foundation of that important movement which re- 
 sulted in an organized, systematic, occupation of the Missis- 
 sippi valley, based upon and accompanied by laws, consti- 
 tutions, and ordinances which distinguish it from the pre- 
 vailing individual efforts of pioneer progress. The documents 
 relatino; to this oris-inal movement are of sufficient interest to 
 justify their introduction in a complete form. 
 
 In point of time the first recorded evidence that the Ohio 
 scheme was one of frequent discussion among the army officers, 
 and under circumstances Avliich Washington must have fully 
 understood, is found in a letter of Colonel Timothy Pickering, 
 dated New Windsor, April 7, 1783 (just five years before the 
 landing at Marietta), to Mr. Hodgdon, as follows : " But a new 
 plan is in contemplation, no less than forming a neiv state west- 
 ward of the Ohio. Some of the principal officers of the army 
 are heartily engaged in it. About a week since the matter 
 was set on foot and a plan is digesting for the purpose. In- 
 closed is a rough draft of some propositions respecting it, 
 which are generally approved of. They are in the hands of 
 General Huntington and General Putnam, for consideration, 
 amendment, and addition. It would be too tedious to explain 
 to you in writing all the motives to attempt this measure, and 
 all the advantages which will probably result from it. As 
 soon as the plan is well digested it is intended to lay it be- 
 fore an assembly of the officers, and to learn the inclination 
 of the soldiers. If it takes, an application will be made to 
 Congress for the grant, and all things depending on theni. I 
 shall have much to say to you on this subject." Again, on 
 April 14, 1783, he writes to Mr. Hodgdon : " General Putnam 
 is warmly engaged in the new-planned settlement on the Ohio. 
 He is very desirous of getting Hutchins' map. Mr. Aitken 
 had them to sell. If possible, pray, forward me one." 
 
 The following letter of the Commander-in-chief to the Sec- 
 retary of War, and the petition of the officers to Congress, 
 show the hardships to which they were reduced : 
 
 General Washington to the Secretaky of War: 
 
 Headquarters, October 2, 1782, 
 My Dear Sir : — Painful as the task is to describe the dark 
 
150 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler, 
 
 side of our affairs, it sometimes becomes a matter of indis- 
 pensable necessity. Without disguise or palliation I will in- 
 form you candidly of the discontents Avhich at this moment 
 prevail universally throughout the army. 
 
 The evils of which they complain, and which they suppose 
 almost remediless, are the total want of money or the means 
 of existing from one day to another, the heavy debt they have 
 already incurred, the loss of credit, the distress of their fam- 
 ilies at home, and the prospect of poverty and misery before 
 them. It is vain, sir, to suppose that military men will acquiesce 
 contentedly with bare rations, when those in the civil Avalks of 
 life, unacquainted with half the hardships they endure, are 
 regularly paid the emoluments of office. While the human 
 mind is influenced by the same passions and inclinations this 
 can not be. The military man has the same turn for sociability 
 as a person in civil life. He conceives himself equally called 
 upon to live up to his rank, and pride is hurt when circum- 
 stances restrain him. Only conceive, then, the mortification 
 they must suffer (even the general officers) when they can not 
 invite a French officer, a visiting friend, or a traveling ac- 
 quaintance to a better repast than bad whisky (and not always 
 that) and a bit of beef, without vegetables, will afford them ! 
 
 The officers also complain of the hardships w^hich they think 
 might and ought to be remedied without delay ; such as the 
 stopping of promotions when there have been vacancies for a 
 long time, the withholding of commissions from those who are 
 justly entitled to them, and have warrants or certificates of 
 their appointments from the executives of their states ; and 
 particularly the leaving the compensation for their services in 
 a loose, equivocal state, without ascertaining their claims upon 
 the public or making provisions for the future payment of 
 them. 
 
 While I premise that no one I have seen or heard of ap- 
 pears opposed to the principle of reducing the army as cir- 
 cumstances may require, yet I can not help fearing the result 
 of the measure in contemplation, under present circumstances, 
 when I see such a number of men goaded by a thousand stings 
 of reflection on the past and of anticipations of the future 
 about to be turned into the world soured by penury and what 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 151 
 
 tlie}^ cull the ingratitude of the public, iuvolvetl in debts, Avithout 
 one farthing of money to carry them home after having spent 
 the flower of their days, and many of them, their patrimonies, 
 in establishing the freedom and independence of their coun- 
 try, and suifering every thing that human nature is capable of 
 enduring this side of death ; I repeat it, that Avhen I consider 
 these irritating circumstances, without one thing to soothe 
 their feelings or dispel the gloomy prospects, I can not avoid 
 apprehending that a train of evils Avill folloAv of a very seri- 
 ous and disturbing nature. On the other hand, could the 
 officers be placed in as good situation as Avhen they came into 
 service, the contention I am persuaded Avould be, not Avho 
 should continue in the field, but who should return to private 
 life. 
 
 I Avish not to heighten the shades of the picture so far as 
 the reality Avould justify me in doing it. I could give anec- 
 dotes of patriotism and distress which have scarcely ever been 
 paralleled, never surpassed, in the history of mankind. But 
 you may rely upon it the patience and long suffering of this 
 army are almost exhausted, and that there never Avas so great 
 a spirit of discontent as at this instant. While in the field I 
 think it may be kept from breaking out into acts of outrage, 
 but when we retire into winter quarters, unless the storm is 
 previously dissipated, I can not be at ease respecting the con- 
 sequences. It is high time for a peace. 
 
 To you, my dear sir, I need not be more particular in de- 
 scribing my anxiety and the grounds of it. You are too Avell 
 acquainted, from your OAvn service, Avith the real sufferings of 
 the army to require a longer detail. I Avill therefore only add 
 that, exclusive of the common hardships of a military life, 
 our troops have been and still are obliged to perform more 
 services foreign to their proper duty, without gratuity or re- 
 Avard, than the soldiers of any other army. For example, the 
 immense labor expended in doing the duty of the artificers in 
 erecting fortifications and military Avorks ; the fatigue of 
 building for themselves barracks or huts annually, and of cut- 
 ting and transporting Avood for the use of all our forts and 
 garrisons, Avithout any expense Avhatever to the public. 
 
 Of this letter, Avhich, from the tenor of it, must be consid- 
 
152 Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 
 
 ered in some degree of a private nature, you may make such 
 use as you shall think proper, since the principal objects of it 
 are, by displaying the merits, the hardships, the disposition, 
 and critical state of the army, to give information that may 
 eventually be useful, and to convince you with ■what entire 
 confidence and esteem I am, dear sir, etc. {Sparks, vol. 8, 
 p. 353.) 
 
 This earnest appeal of the Commander-in-chief, on behalf 
 of the army, was soon followed by the following, coming di- 
 rectly from the army to Congress : 
 
 To THE United States in Congress Assembled. 
 The address and petition of the officers of the army of the United 
 
 States, humbly sheweth : 
 
 That Ave, the officers of the army of the United States, in 
 behalf of ourselves and our brethren the soldiers, beg leave, 
 with all proper deference and respect, freely to state to Con- 
 gress, the supreme poAver of the United States, the great dis- 
 tress under which Ave labor. At this period of the Avar it is 
 Avith peculiar pain Ave find ourselves constrained to address 
 your august body on matters of a pecuniary nature. We 
 have struggled Avith our difficulties year after year, and hoped 
 that each Avould be the last, but we have been disappointed. 
 
 We find our embarrassments thicken so fast, and have be- 
 come so complex, that many of us are unable to go further. 
 In this exigence we apply to Congress for relief, as our head 
 and sovereign. To prove that our hardships are exceedingly 
 disproportionate to any other citizens of America, let a recur- 
 rence be had to paymasters' accounts for four years past. If 
 to this it should be objected that the several states have made 
 settlements and given securities for the pay due for part of 
 that time, let the present value of their nominal obligations 
 be ascertained by the moneyed men, and they Avill be found to 
 be worth but little indeed ; and yet, trifling as they are, many 
 have been under the sad necessity of parting with them to 
 prevent their families from starving. 
 
 We complain that shadoAvs have been offered to us, Avhile 
 the substance has been gleaned by others. Our situation com- 
 pels us to search for the cause of our extreme poverty. The 
 
 to 
 
Life of Rev. Blanasseh Cutler. 153 
 
 citizens murmur at the greatness of the taxes, and are as- 
 tonished that no part reaches the army. The numerous de- 
 mands that are between the first collections and the soldiers 
 swallow up the whole. 
 
 Our distresses are now brought to a point. We have borne 
 all that men can bear ; our property is expended, our private 
 resources are at an end, and our friends are wearied out and 
 disgusted with our incessant applications. We therefore most 
 seriously and earnestly beg that a supply of money may be 
 forwarded to the army as soon as possible. The uneasiness of 
 the soldiers, for want of pay, is great and dangerous ; any 
 further experiments on their patience may have fatal effects. 
 The promised subsistences, or ration of provisions, consisted 
 of certain articles specified in kind and quantity. The ration, 
 without regard, that we can conceive, to the health of the troops, 
 has been frequently altered, as necessity or convenience sug- 
 gested, generally losing by the change some part of the sub- 
 stance. On an average, not more than seven or eight-tenths 
 pound have been issued ; the retained parts Avere for a short 
 time paid for, but the business became troublesome to those 
 who were to execute it. 
 
 For this, or some other reasons, all regard to the dues of 
 the soldiers have been discontinued (now and then a trifling 
 gratuity excepted). As those dues respected the officers, they 
 were compensated during one year and part of another by an 
 extra ration. As to the retained rations, the account for sev- 
 eral years remains unsettled. There is a large balance due 
 on it, and considerable sum for forage. The clothing Avas 
 another part of the soldiers' hire. The arrearages on that 
 score for the year 1777 were paid oflF in Continental money, 
 when the dollar was Avorth about four pence ; the arrearages 
 for the folloAving years are unliquidated, and we apprehend 
 scarcely thought of by the army. Whenever there has been 
 a real want of means, any defect in system, or neglect in exe- 
 cution in the departments of the army, we have invariably 
 been the suff"erers, by hunger and nakedness, and by languish- 
 ing in the hospital. We beg leave to urge an adjustment of 
 all dues ; that as great part as possible be paid, and the re- 
 mainder put on such footing as will return cheerfulness to the 
 
154 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 army, revive confidence in the justice and generosity of its 
 constituents, and contribute to the very desirable effort of re- 
 establishing public credit. 
 
 To the representation noAV made the army have no doubt 
 that Congress will pay all that attention which the serious na- 
 ture of it requires. 
 
 They therefore entreat that Congress, to convince the army 
 and the world that the Independence of America shall not be 
 placed on the ruin of any particular class of her citizens, will 
 point out a mode for immediate redress. 
 
 H. Knox, Major-General. 
 
 John Pattekson, Brigadier-General. 
 
 J. Greaton, Colonel. 
 
 John Cram, Colonel. 
 
 H. Maxwell, Lt.-Col. 
 
 J. Huntington, Brig.-Gen'l, 
 
 H. Swift, Colonel, 
 
 Sam'l H. Webb, 
 
 Eben Huntington, Lt.-Col., 
 
 On part of Connecticut line. 
 P. CoRTLANDT, Colonel, 
 
 On part of N. York line. 
 John Cummings, Lt.-Col., 
 
 On part of N. Jersey line. 
 William Scott, Major, 
 
 On part of N. Hampshire line. 
 W. Eustis, Hospital Surgeon, 
 
 On part of Gen I Hosp'l. 
 Moses Hazen, Brigadier-General. 
 Cantonments, Hudson River, December, 1782. 
 
 \Journals of Cong., vol. 4, p. 206. 
 
 To show the close connection between the distressed condi- 
 tion of the array at that particular crisis, as so fully presented 
 in the foregoing oflBcial statements, and the " Ohio scheme," 
 it is only necessary to summon the testimony of one of Ohio's 
 most honored pioneers, who was intimately acquainted with 
 all the facts. 
 
 Judge Burnet, in his notes on the western territory, states 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 155 
 
 the case as follows : " The early adventurers of the North- 
 western Territory were generally men who had spent the 
 prime of their lives in the war of Independence. Many of 
 them had exhausted their fortunes in maintaining the desper- 
 ate struggle, and retired to the wilderness to conceal their 
 poverty and avoid comparisons mortifying to their pride while 
 struggling to maintain their families and improve their con- 
 dition." 
 
 Nothing can better establish the fact that the officers of the 
 Revolution were illy compensated for their services and suffer- 
 ings in the long and distressing struggle for national liberty 
 than the destitute, dependent condition in which they found 
 themselves at the close of the war. After having spent the 
 most valuable period of their lives in the army, enduring 
 every species of exposure, fatigue, and suffering, they were 
 dismissed and sent to their homes, if they Avere so fortunate 
 as to have any, with nothing but empty promises, which have 
 never been realized, and most of them with broken or impaired 
 constitutions. 
 
 The certificates they received as evidence of the sum due 
 them from the country were almost valueless. They were even 
 bought and sold in the market at two shillings and sixpence 
 for twenty shillings, and so late as 1788 they were worth only 
 five shillings in the pound, at which ruinous rate these merito- 
 rious men were driven by necessity to sell them or starve. 
 These circumstances are here introduced chiefly to account 
 for the fact that a large proportion of the early adventurers 
 to the western wilderness had been officers and soldiers in the 
 Revolutionary War. They were honorable, high-minded men, 
 whose feelings rebelled at the thought of living in poverty 
 among people of comparative wealth, for the protection of 
 which their own poverty had been incurred. Under the influ- 
 ence of that noble feeling, hundreds of these brave men left 
 their friends and sought retirement on the frontier, where no 
 invidious comparisons could be drawn between wealth and 
 poverty ; and when they became involved in the hazardous 
 conflicts of another war, Judge Burnet also says that three- 
 fourths of the persons who formed the Miami Company and 
 
156 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 advanced the first installment of the purchase-money had 
 served in the Revolutionary War. 
 
 The following are the propositions referred to by Colonel 
 Pickering in his letter to Mr. Hodgdon : 
 
 PROPOSITIONS FOR SETTLING A NEW STATE BY SUCH OFFICERS 
 AND SOLDIERS OF THE FEDERAL ARMY AS SHALL ASSOCIATE 
 FOR THAT PURPOSE. 
 
 1. That the United States purchase of the natives that tract 
 of country which is bounded by Pennsylvania on the east, the 
 River Ohio on the south, a meridian line drawn thirty miles 
 west of the mouth of the River Scioto on the west — this me- 
 ridian to run from the Ohio to the Miami River, which runs into 
 Lake Erie — and by this river and Lake Erie on the north. 
 
 2. That, in the first instance, lands be assigned to the army 
 to fulfill the engagements of the United States by the resolu- 
 tions of the 16th of September, 1776, August 13th and Sep- 
 tember 30th, 1780, to wit: 
 
 To a major-general 1,100 acres. 
 
 To a brigadier-general 850 " 
 
 To a colonel 500 " 
 
 To a lieutenant-colonel 450 " 
 
 To a major 400 " 
 
 To a captain 300 " 
 
 To a lieutenant 200 " 
 
 To an ensign or cornet 150 " 
 
 To a non-commissioned officer and soldier 100 " 
 
 To the director of the military hospitals 850 " 
 
 To chief physician and purveyor, each 500 " 
 
 To physicians, surgeons, and apothecary, each 450 " 
 
 To regimental surgeons and assistants to the sur- 
 veyor and apothecary, each.. 400 " 
 
 To hospital and regimental surgeons' mates, each.. 300 " 
 
 3> That all associators who shall actually settle in the new 
 state within one year after the purchase shall be eifected, and 
 notice given by Congress or the committee of the associators 
 that the same is ready for settlement (such notice to be pub- 
 lished in the newspapers of all the United States), shall receive 
 such additional quantities of land as to make their respective 
 
Life of Rev. dianasseh Cutler. 157 
 
 rio-lits in the Avhole to contain th^^ followinor number of acres, 
 
 to wit 
 
 "I 
 
 A major-general 2,400 acres. 
 
 A brigadier-general 2,200 " 
 
 A colonel 2,000 '- 
 
 A lieutenant-colonel 1,800 " 
 
 A major ...,. 1,(300 " 
 
 A captain 1,400 " 
 
 A lieutenant 1,200 " 
 
 An ensign or cornet 1,000 " 
 
 A sergeant 700 " 
 
 Other non-commissioned officers and soldiers, each.. 600 " 
 And fifty acres more for each member of a family besides the 
 head of it. 
 
 4. That the rights of the officers in the medical department 
 be increased in like manner on the same condition. 
 
 5. That all officers in the other staff departments, who shall 
 actually settle in the new State within the time above limited, 
 shall receive rights of land in the proportions last stated, on 
 an equitable comparison of their stations with the ranks of 
 the officers of the line and the medical staff. 
 
 6. That this increased provision of lands shall extend to all 
 officers of the line and staff, and to all non-commissioned offi- 
 cers and soldiers, who during the present war have performed 
 in the whole three years' service, whether in service or not at 
 the close of the Avar, provided they present their claims and 
 become actual settlers in the new^ State by the time above 
 limited. 
 
 7. These surplus rights being secured, all the surplus lands 
 shall be the common property of the State and disposed of for 
 the common good ; as for laying out roads, building bridges, 
 erecting public buildings, establishing schools and academies, 
 defraying the expenses of government, and other public uses. 
 
 8. That every grantee shall have a house built and 
 
 acres of land cleared on his right within years, or the 
 
 same shall be forfeited to the State. 
 
 9. That, to enable the associators to undertake the settle- 
 ment of the new State, the United States defray the expenses 
 of the march thither, furnish the necessary utensils of hus- 
 bandry, and such live stock as shall be indispensably requisite 
 
158 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 for commencing the settlement, and subsistence for three 
 years, to wit, one ration of bread and meat per day to each 
 man, woman, and child ; and to every soldier a suit of clothes 
 annually ; the cost of these articles to be charged to the ac- 
 counts of arrearages due to the members of the association 
 respectively. 
 
 10. That, for the security of the State against Indians, 
 every officer and soldier go armed, the arms to be furnished 
 by the United States and charged to the accounts of arrear- 
 ages. Ammunition to be suj^plied in the same way. 
 
 11. That a Constitution for the new State be formed by the 
 members of the association previous to their commencing the 
 settlement, two-thirds of the associators present at a meeting 
 duly notified for that purpose agreeing therein. The total 
 exclusion of slavery from the State to form an essential and 
 irrevocable part of the Constitution. 
 
 12. That the associators, so assembled, agree on such gen- 
 eral rules as they shall deem necessary for the prevention and 
 punishment of crimes, and the preservation of peace and good 
 order in the State ; to have the force of laws during the space 
 of two years, unless an Assembly of the State, formed agree- 
 ably to the Constitution, shall sooner repeal them. 
 
 13. That the State, so constituted, shall be admitted into 
 the confederacy of the United States, and entitled to all the 
 benefits of the Union, in common with the other members 
 thereof. 
 
 14. That, at the above-mentioned meeting of the associa- 
 tors, delegates be chosen to represent them in the Congress of 
 the United States, to take their seats as soon as the new State 
 shall be erected. 
 
 15. That the associators, having borne together as brethren 
 the dangers and calamities of war, and feeling that mutual 
 friendship which long acquaintance and common sufferings 
 give rise to, it being also the obvious dictate of humanity to 
 supply the wants of the needy and alleviate the distresses of 
 the afflicted, it shall be an inviolable rule to take under the 
 immediate patronage of the State the wives and children of 
 such associators who, having settled there, shall die, or, by 
 cause of wounds or sickness, be rendered unable to improve 
 
Life of Rev. Manasiseh Cutler. 159 
 
 their plantations, or follow their occupations, during the first 
 twenty-one years; so that such destitute and distressed fam- 
 ilies shall receive such public aids, as, joined Avith their own 
 reasonable exertions, will maintain them in a manner suitable 
 to the condition of the heads of them ; especially that the chil- 
 dren, when grown up, may be on a footing with other children 
 whose parents, at the original formation of the State, were in 
 similar circumstances with those of the former. 
 
 To HIS Excellency, the President and Honorable Dele- 
 gates OF THE United States of America, in Congress 
 Assembled. 
 The Petitio7i of the Subscribers, Officers in the Contiyiental Line 
 of the Army, huynhly shotoeth: 
 That, by a Resolution of the Honorable Congress, passed 
 September 20,1776, and other subsequent resolves, the officers 
 (and soldiers engaged for the War) of the American Army 
 who shall continue in service till the establishment of Peace, 
 or, in case of their dying in service, their heirs are entitled to re- 
 ceive certain Grants of Lands, according to their several grades, 
 to be procured for them at the expense of the United States. 
 That your petitioners are informed that that tract of coun- 
 try, bounded north on Lake Lrie, east on Pennsylvania, south- 
 east and south on the river Ohio, west on a line beginning at 
 that part of the Ohio which lies twenty-four miles west of the 
 river Scioto, thence running north on a meridian line till it in- 
 tersects with the river Miami, which falls into Lake Erie, 
 thence down the middle of that river to the lake, is a tract of 
 country not claimed as the property of or in the jurisdiction 
 of any particalar state in the Union. 
 
 That this country is of sufficient extent, the land of such 
 quality, and situation such as may induce Congress to assign 
 and mark it out as a Tract or Territory suitable to form a 
 distinct Government (or Colony of the United States) in time 
 to be admitted one of the confederated States of America. 
 
 Wherefore your petitioners pray that, whenever the Honora- 
 ble Congress shall be pleased to procure the aforesaid Lands 
 of the natives, they will make provision for the location and 
 survey of the lands to which we are entitled within the afore- 
 
160 Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 
 
 said District, and also for all Officers and Soldiers who wish to 
 take up their lands in that quarter. 
 
 That provision also be made for a further grant of lands, to 
 such of the Army as wish to become adventurers in the new 
 Government, in such quantities and on such conditions of set- 
 tlement and purchase, for public securities, as Congress shall 
 judge most for the interest of the intended government, and 
 rendering it of lasting consequence to the American Umpire. 
 
 And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 
 
 (Signed.) By two hundred and eighty-eight officers in the 
 continental line of the army. 
 
 Jmie 16, 1783. 
 
 John Greaton, Brig. -Gen., Mass. 
 
 Elias Dayton, Brig. -Gen., Jersey. 
 
 B. Putnam, Brig. -Gen., Mass. 
 
 H. Jackson, Col., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 David Cobb, Lt.-CoL, 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Samuel Mellish, Lt., 3d Reg., Mass. 
 
 Benj. Tupper, Col., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Wm. Hull, Lt.-CoL, 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Moses Ashley, ^Major, 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Japlieth Daniels, Capt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Eben Smith, Capt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Benj. Haywood, Capt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Samuel Frost, Capt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 John Holden, Lt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Jos. Miller, Lt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Jos. Balcom, Lt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Jedr. Rauson, Ensign, 6th Reg., Mass, 
 
 Ebenr. Ballentine, Sur. Mate, 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 A. Morrill, Major, N. Hamp. 
 
 Peter Clayes, Capt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Ephraim Emery, Lt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Josiah Smith, Lt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 A. Tupper, Lt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 J. Wales, Lt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Andrew Garrett, Lt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Elisha Foster, Ensign, 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Asa Graves, Ensign, 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 161 
 
 Elisha Horton, Ensign, 6th Reg., Mass, 
 Jeremiah Lord, Ensign, 6th Reg., Mass. 
 Sam'l Leslie Scammell, Ensign, 6th Reg,, Mass. 
 Nathan Goodale, Capt., 5th Reg., Mass, 
 James B, Finley, Surgeon, 5th Reg,, Mass, 
 Ralph F, Bowles, Lt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Benj, Pierce, Lt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Joseph Williams, Capt., 3d Reg., Mass. 
 Samuel Whitwell, Surgeon, 3d Reg., Mass. 
 Tertius Taylor, Lt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 John K. Smith, Capt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 Jesse HoUister, Capt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 John Mills, Capt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 John Stark, Brig. -Gen., N. Hamp. 
 Wm, Scott, Major, N. Hamp. 
 
 Benj. Tallmadge, Major, 2d Reg. Lt. Drag., Conn. 
 Elijah Wadsworth, Capt,, 2d Reg. Lt. Drag., Conn. 
 Simeon Jackson, Capt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 Aaron Ogden, Capt., Jersey. 
 Samuel Reading, Major, Jersey. 
 Jonathan Holmes, Capt., Jersey. 
 Cyrus D. Hart, Capt., Jersey. 
 Edmund D. Thomas, Lt., Jersey. 
 Abraham Appleton, Lt., Jersey. 
 L. Dalsey, Lt. and Adjt., Jersey. 
 John Peck, Lt., Jersey. 
 Wm. Shute, Ensign, Jersey. 
 Samuel M. Shute, Lt., Jersey. 
 Jos. Buck, Lt., Jersey. 
 Samuel Hendry, Capt., Jersey. 
 Ben't Osmun, Lt., Jersey. 
 Moses Sproule, Ensign, Jersey. 
 Jno. Reed, Lt., Jersey. 
 Frank Luce, Ensign, Jersey. 
 Wessel T. Stout, Lt., Jersey. 
 John Bishop, Ensign, Jersey. 
 Wm. Tuttle, Ensign, Jersey. 
 George Walker, Lt., Jersey. 
 11 
 
162 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Wm. Kersey, Lt., Jersey. 
 
 John Ruecastle, Lt., Jersey. 
 
 Ebenezer Elmer, Surgeon, Jersey. 
 
 Alexander Mitchell, Capt., Jersey. 
 
 John Blair, Lt. and Pay M., Jersey. 
 
 Wm. Helms, Capt., Jersey. 
 
 Samuel Conn, Lt., Jersey. 
 
 Abner Brooks, Ensign, Jersey. 
 
 John Holmes, Capt., Jersey. 
 
 Wm. Piatt, Capt., Jersey. 
 
 Absalom Bonham, Lt., Jersey. 
 
 Jacob Hyer, Ensign, Jersey. 
 
 Eph. Whitlock, Lt. Adjt., Jersey. 
 
 Rich'd Cox, Major, Jersey. 
 
 Thos. Lansdale, Major, Maryland. 
 
 Walker Muse, Capt., Maryland. 
 
 Horatio Clagett, Capt., Marjdand. 
 
 E. Spurrier, Capt,, Maryland. 
 
 Thos. Bowie, Lt., Maryland. 
 
 Wm. Bruce, Capt., Maryland. 
 
 John Sears, Lt., Maryland. 
 
 Henry H. Chapman, Ensign, Maryland. 
 
 Robt. Halkerston, Lt., Maryland. 
 
 Ezekiel Haynie, Surgeon, Maryland. 
 
 Wm. Watts, S. Mate, Maryland. 
 
 Walter Dyer, Lt., Maryland. 
 
 Jno. Hartshorn, Lt., Maryland. 
 
 Ivory Holland, Lt., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Joseph Smith, Lt., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Pelatiah Everett, Lt., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Sylvenus Smith, Capt., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Park Holland, Lt., 5th Reg., Mass'. 
 
 Samuel Finley, Surgeon, 7th Reg., Mass. 
 
 J. Farwell, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Archibald Stark, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Joseph Mills, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Caleb Stark, Lt. A. D. Camp, N. Hamp. 
 
 Ebenr. Stockton, Surgeon, N. Hamp. 
 
 Jonathan Perkins, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 163 
 
 Benj. Ellis, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Josiah Munro, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 J. Boynton, Lt. and Adj., N. Hamp. 
 
 Nathan Weare, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Oliver Baron, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Bezaleel Howe, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Robt. B. Wilkins, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
 J. Cille}^, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Daniel Livermore, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 David Allen, S. Mate, N. Hamp. 
 
 Moody Dustin, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Jere Fogg, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 David McGregore, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 W. M. Bell, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 John Dennett, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Samuel Cherry, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Lemuel B. Mason, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Joshua Merrow, Lt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Caleb Robinson, Major, N. Hamp. 
 
 James Carr, Major, N. Hamp. 
 
 Joseph Potter, Capt., N. Hamp. 
 
 Israel Evans, Chaplain, N. Hamp. 
 
 Henry Adams, Surgeon, 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Ezra Newhall, Lt.-Col., Mass. 
 
 N. Rice, Major, Mass. 
 
 John Blanchard, Capt., Mass. 
 
 Simeon Larned, Capt., Mass. 
 
 Wm. Moore, Capt., Mass. 
 
 D. Holbrook, Capt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Joel Pratt, Lt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 John Davis, Lt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Oliver Rice, Lt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Robert Williams, Lt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Africa Haralin, Lt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Wm. Shepard, Ens., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 R. S. Howe, Ens., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Moses Knap, Major, 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Joshua Benson, Capt., 5th Reg., Mass, 
 
 Samuel Chapin,.Lt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
164 Life^ of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 George Reid, Lt.-Col., Com'dt, N. Harap. 
 Billy Porter, Major, 7th Reg., Mass. 
 T. Turner, Capt., 7th Reg., Mass. 
 Rufus Lincoln, Capt., 7th Reg., Mass. 
 W. Mills, Capt., 7th Reg., Mass. 
 Z. King, Capt., 7th Reg., Mass. 
 Gam. Bradford, Lt., 7th Reg., Mass. 
 • Luke Day, Capt., 7th Reg., Mass. 
 Wm. McKendry, Lt., 7th Reg., Mass. 
 James Sawyer, Ensign, 7th Reg., Mass. 
 George Beale, Lt., 7th Reg., Mass. 
 Isaac G. Graham, S. Mate, 7th Reg., Mass. 
 Azariah Eggleston, Lt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Ephraim Hunt, Lt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 John Williams, Capt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Frederick Frye, Ensign, 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Nath'l Gushing, Capt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Eben Brown, Lt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Benj. Wells, Lt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 C. Marshall, Capt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Ben. Morgan, S. Mate, 1st. Reg., Mass. 
 Daniel Lunt, Capt., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Joseph Fish, Surgeon, 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Adl. Warner, Lt., 1st. Reg., Mass. 
 Benj. Jones Porter, Sur., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 Daniel Shute, Sur., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 Elijah Vose, Lt.-Col., 1st Reg., Mass. 
 Lem. Trescott, Major, 7th Reg., Mass. 
 Abraham Williams, Capt,, 2d Reg., Mass. 
 Wm. Torrey, Lt. and Adj., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 Hezekiah Ripley, Lt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 Wm. Taylor, Lt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 Silas Morton, Lt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 Samuel Myrrick, Lt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 Jacob Leonard, Ensign, 2d Reg., Mass. 
 M. G. Houdin, Capt., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 Joseph Killam, Capt., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 Wm. Eysendeau, Lt., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 Marlbry Turner, Lt., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 165 
 
 Nathan Leavenworth, S. Mate, 8th Reg., Mass. 
 
 John Hart, Surgeon, 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 Joshua Danforth, Lt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 John Warren, Lt., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Alexander Oliver, Ens., 5th. Reg., Mass. 
 
 Jonathan Wing, Ens., 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
 John Burnard, Major, 5th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Benj. Gilbert, Lt., 5th Reg,, Mass, 
 
 Moses Carleton, Lt., 5th Reg,, Mass. 
 
 Zibeon Hooker, Lt., 5th Reg., Mass, 
 
 Daniel McCay, Ens,, 5th Reg,, Mass, 
 
 Jonathan Felt, Capt,, 5th Reg,, Mass. 
 
 John Yeomans, Lt., 4th Reg,, Mass, 
 
 Isaac Frye, Capt,, N, Hamp, 
 
 Asa Sinter, Capt,, N, Hamp. 
 
 John Paterson, Brig, -Gen,, Mass, 
 
 J, Brooks, Lt,-Col., Com't, 7th Reg,, Mass. 
 
 Caleb Clap, Capt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Levi Holden, Capt., 6th Reg,, Mass, 
 
 J, Huntington, Brig. -Gen,, Conn, 
 
 Heman Swift, Col., 2d Reg,, Conn. 
 
 Jos. A. Wright, Major, 3d Reg., Conn, 
 
 Eben Gray, Lt,-Col,, 3d Reg,, Conn, 
 
 Lem'l Clift, Capt,, 1st Reg., Conn, 
 
 Nathan Beers, Lt, and P. M,, 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Eben'r Frothingham, Lt, and Q. M., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 John Rose, Surgeon, 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Joseph Clark, Ens., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Eneas Munson, S. Mate, 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Aaron Keeler, Ens., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 John Hobart, Lt,, 3d Reg,, Conn, 
 
 Wm, Linn, Lt., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Stephen Betts, Capt,, 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Roger Wells, Capt., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Abner Cole, Ens., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Daniel Bradley, Lt., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Jacques Harmon, Ens,, 3d, Reg,, Conn. 
 
 Ezra Selden, Capt., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Samuel Hait, Lt., 3d Reg., Conn, 
 
166 Life of Rev. 3]anasseh Cutler. 
 
 Richard Douglass, Capt., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Joshua Whitney, Lt., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 John Trowbridge, Lt., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 George Cotton, Ens., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Hezekiah Hubbard, Lt., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Joshua Knapp, Ens., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Eben Wales, Lt., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Reuben Sanderson, Lt., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Silas Goodell, Lt., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 0. Goodrich, Ens., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Wm. Higgins, Lt. and Q. M., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 John Noyes, Surgeon, 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Pownall Doming, Lt., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Wm. Walmsley, Ens., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 John H. Buell, Capt., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Wm. Judd, Capt., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Charles Miller, Lt., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Libburt Loomis, Lt. and Adj., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Charles Fanning, Lt. and P. M., Conn. 
 
 Samuel B. Webb, Col., 3d Reg., Conn. 
 
 Daniel M'Lane, Lt., Artillery, Mass. 
 
 H. Knox, Maj.-Gen., Mass. 
 
 John Crane, Col., Artillery, Mass. 
 
 Wm. Perkins, Major, Artillery, Mass. 
 
 John Liswell, Lt., Artillery, Mass. 
 
 Charles Knowles, Capt., Artillery, Mass. 
 
 Florence Crowley, Lt., Artillery, Mass. 
 
 Nathaniel Donnell, Capt., Artillery, Mass. 
 
 James Hall, Capt., Lt. Artillery, Mass. 
 
 Thomas Vose, Capt., Artillery, Mass. 
 
 Abijah Hammond, Lt., Lt. Artillery, Mass. 
 
 Wm. Moor, Lt., Artillery, Mass. 
 
 John Callender, Capt., Lt. Artillery, Mass. 
 
 Samuel Cooper, Lt. and Adj., Artillery, Mass. 
 
 John Doughty, Capt., Artillery, N. York. 
 
 Eben Huntington, Lt.-Col., 1st Reg., Conn. 
 
 Nath. Holbrook, Lt., Mass. 
 
 Reuben Lilley, Lt., Mass. 
 
 Eben Sproat, Lt.-Col., Com't, 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 167 
 
 Jacob Town, Lt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 Cornelius Lyman, Ens., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 R. Bradford, Capt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 Jotham Ames, Lt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 John Hurd, Ens., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 Robt. Oliver, Major, 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 Robt. Walker, Capt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 J. Hill, Lt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 N. Thaacher, Lt., 6th Reg., Mass. 
 
 John Whiting, Lt., 2d Reg., Mass. 
 
 Hugh Maxwell, Lt.-Col., 8th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Silas Peirce, Capt., 8th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Thos, Foster, Lt., 8th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Edward White, Lt., 8th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Joseph Crook, Lt., 6tli Reg., Mass. 
 
 Joseph Leland, Lt., 8th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Wm. Hildreth, Lt., 8th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Francis Tufts, Lt. and Adj., 8th Reg., Mass. 
 
 James Bancroft, Lt., 8th Reg., Mass. 
 
 Jeduthun Baldwin, Col., Engineers, Mass. 
 
 Edward Phelon, Lt., 4th Reg., Mass. 
 
 David Humphreys, Lt.-CoL, Conn. 
 
 J. Trumbull, Lt.-CoL, Sec. to the Com. in Chief, Conn. 
 
 W. Barber, Major and Assit. Ins. N. Army, Jersey. 
 
 W. Colfax, Capt., 2d Reg., Conn. 
 
 New Windsor, IQth June, 1783. 
 Sir : — As it is very uncertain how long it may be before the 
 honorable Congress may take the petition of the officers of the 
 army for lands between the Ohio River and Lake Erie into 
 consideration, or be in a situation to decide thereon, the going 
 to Philadelphia to negotiate the business with any of its mem- 
 bers, or committee to whom the petition may be referred, is a 
 measure none of the petitioners will think of undertaking. 
 The part which I have taken in promoting the petition is well 
 known, and therefore needs no apology, when I inform you that 
 the signers expect that I will pursue measures to have it laid 
 before Congress. Under these circumstances, I beg leave to 
 put the petition into your Excellency's hands, and ask, with 
 
168 Life of JRev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 the greatest assurance, your patronage of it. That Congress 
 may not be wholly unacquainted -with the motives of the peti- 
 tioners, I beg your indulgence while I make a few observa- 
 tions on the policy and propriety of granting the prayer of 
 it, and making such arrangements of garrisons in the western 
 quarter as shall give effectual protection to the settlers and 
 encourage emigration to the new government, which, if they 
 meet your approbation, and the favor not too great, I must 
 request your Excellency will give them your support, and 
 cause them to be forwarded with the petition to the President 
 of Congress, in order that wdien the petition is taken up. Con- 
 gress, or their committee, may be informed on what principles 
 the petition is grounded. I am, sir, among those Avho con- 
 
 sider the cession of so great a tract of territory to the United 
 States in the western world as a very happy circumstance and 
 of great consequence to the American Empire. Nor have I 
 the least doubt but Congress will pay an early attention 
 to securing the allegiance of the natives, as well as provide 
 for the defense of that country, in case of a war with Great 
 Britain or Spain. 
 
 One great means of securing the allegiance of the natives, 
 I take to be, the furnishing them such necessaries as they shall 
 stand in need of, and in exchange receiving their furs and 
 skins. They are become so accustomed to the use of firearms, 
 that I doubt if they could gain a subsistence Avithout them, at 
 least they will be very sorry to be reduced to the disagreeable 
 necessity of using the bow and arrow as the only means for 
 killing their game, and so habituated are they to the woolen 
 blanket, etc., that an absolute necessity alone will prevent 
 their making use of them. Tliis consideration alone is, I 
 think, to prove the necessity of establishing such factories as 
 may furnish an ample supply to these wretched creatures ; for 
 unless they are furnished by the subjects of the United States, 
 they will undoubtedly seek elsewhere, and like all other people 
 form their attachment w'here thev have their commerce, and 
 then in case of a war, will ahvays be certain to aid our 
 enemies. 
 
 Therefore, if there were no advantages in view but that of 
 attaching them to our interest, I think good policy will dictate 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 169 
 
 the measure of carrying on a commerce with these people ; 
 but Avhen we add to this the consideration of the profit arising 
 from the Indian trade in general, there can not, I presume, be 
 a doubt that it is the interest of the United States to make as 
 early provision for the encouragement and protection of it as 
 possible. For these and many other obvious reasons. Congress 
 will, no doubt, find it necessary to establish garrisons at Os- 
 wego, Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, Illinois, and many 
 other places in the western world. 
 
 The Illinois and all the posts that shall be established on the 
 Mississippi may undoubtedly be furnished by way of the Ohio 
 with provisions at all times, and with goods whenever a war 
 shall interrupt the trade with New Orleans. But in case of a 
 war Avith Great Britain, unless a communication is open be- 
 tween the River Ohio, Lake Erie, Niagara, Detroit, and all 
 posts seated on the great Lakes will inevitably be lost without 
 such communication, for a naval superiority on Lake Ontario, 
 or the seizing on Niagara, Avill subject the whole country bor- 
 dering on the lakes to the will of the enemy. Such a misfor- 
 tune will put it out of the poAver of the United States to fur- 
 nish the natives, and necessity will again oblige them to take 
 an active part against us. 
 
 Where and hoAv this communication is to be opened shall 
 next be considered. If Captain Hutchins and a number of 
 other map makers are not out in their calculations, provisions 
 may be sent from the settlements on the south side of the 
 Ohio by the Muskingum or Scioto to Detroit, or even to Ni- 
 agara at a less expense than from Albany by the MohaAvk, to 
 those places. To secure such communication (by the Scioto, 
 all circumstances considered, Avill be the best), let a chain of 
 posts be established. These forts should be built on the bank 
 of the river, if the ground Avill admit, and about tAventy miles 
 distant from each other, and on this plan the Scioto communi- 
 cation will require ten or eleven stockaded forts, flanked by 
 block-houses, and one company of men will be a sufiicient 
 garrison for each, except the one at the portage, Avhich aa^II 
 require more attention in the construction and a larger num- 
 ber of men to garrison it ; but, besides supplying the garrisons 
 of the great lakes with provisions, etc., Ave ought to take into 
 
170 Life of Rev. Alcmasseh Cutler. 
 
 consideration the protection that such an arrangement Avill 
 give to the frontiers of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. 
 I say New York, as we shall undoubtedly extend our settle- 
 ments and garrisons from the Hudson to Oswego. This done, 
 and a garrison posted at Niagara, whoever will inspect the 
 maps must be convinced that all the Indians living on the 
 waters of the Mohawk, Oswego, Susquehanna, and Alleghany 
 Rivers, and in all the country south of the Lakes Ontario and 
 Erie, will be encircled in such a manner as will effectually se- 
 cure their allegiance and keep them quiet, or oblige them to 
 quit their country. 
 
 Nor will such an arrangement of posts from the Ohio to 
 Lake Erie be any additional expense, for unless this gap is 
 shut, notwithstanding the garrisons on the Lakes and from 
 Oswego to the Hudson, yet the frontier settlers on the Ohio 
 by Fort Pitt to the Susquehanna, and all the country south of 
 the Mohawk, will be exposed to savage insult, unless pro- 
 tected by a chain of garrisons, which will be far more expen- 
 sive than the arrangement proposed, and at the same time the 
 protection given to these states will be much less complete ; 
 besides, Ave should not confine our protection to the present 
 settlements, but carry the idea of extending them at least as 
 far as the Lakes Ontario and Erie. 
 
 These Lakes form such a natural barrier that, Avhen con- 
 nected with the Hudson and Ohio by the garrisons proposed, 
 settlements, in every part of the states of Ncay York and 
 Pennsylvania, may be made with the utmost safety, so that 
 these states must be deeply interested in the measure, as well 
 as Virginia, Avho will, by the same arrangement, have a great 
 part of its frontiers secured and the rest much strengthened ; 
 nor is there a state in the Union but Avill be greatly benefited 
 by the measure considered in another point of view, for, with- 
 out any expense except a small alloAvance of purchase-money 
 to the natives, the United States Avill have Avithin their pro- 
 tection 17,500,000 acres of very fine lands to dispose of as 
 they may think proper. 
 
 But I hasten to mention some of the expectations Avhich the 
 petitioners have respecting the conditions on Avhich they hope 
 to obtain the lands-^this Avas not proper to mention in the 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 171 
 
 body of the petition, especially as we pray for grants to all 
 members of the army who wish to take up lands in that 
 quarter. 
 
 The whole tract is supposed to contain about 17,418,240 
 acres, and will admit of 756 townships of six miles square, 
 allowing to each township 3,040 acres for the ministry, schools, 
 waste lands, rivers, ponds, and highways ; then each township 
 will contain, of settlers' lands, 20,000 acres, and in the Avhole, 
 15,120,000 acres. The land to which the army is entitled by 
 the resolves of Congress referred to in the petition, according 
 to my estimate, will amount to 2,100,850 acres, which is about 
 the eighth part of the whole ; for the survey of this they ex- 
 pect to be at no expense, nor do they expect to be under any 
 obligation to settle these lands, or do any duty to secure their 
 title to them ; but, in order to induce the army to become set- 
 tlers in the new government, the petitroners hope Congress 
 will make a further grant of lands, on condition of settlement, 
 and have no doubt but that honorable body will be as liberal 
 to all those who are not provided for by their own states as 
 New York has been to the officers and soldiers who belong to 
 that state, nvhich, if they do. it will require about 8,000,000 
 of acres to complete the army, and about 7,000,000 acres 
 will remain for sale. That the petitioners, at least some of 
 them, are much opposed to the monopoly of lands, and wish 
 to guard against large patents being granted to individuals, as 
 in their opinion such a mode is very injurious to a country, 
 and greatly retards its settlement, and whenever such patents 
 are tenanted, it throw^s too much power into the hands of a 
 few. For these and many other obvious reasons, the petition- 
 ers hope no grants will be made but by townships of six miles 
 square, or six by twelve, or six by eighteen miles, to be sub- 
 divided by the proprietors to six miles square, that being the 
 standard on which they wish all calculations may be made, 
 and that officers and soldiers, as well as those who petition for 
 charters on purchase, may form their associations on one uni- 
 form principle, as to number of persons or rights to be con- 
 tained in a township, with the exception only that, Avhen the 
 grant is made for reward of services already done, or on con- 
 dition of settlement, if the officers petition with the soldiers 
 
172 Life of Rev. Ma7xasseh Cutler. 
 
 for a particular township, the soldiers shall have one right only 
 to a captain's three, and so in proportion with commissioned 
 officers of every grade. 
 
 These, sir, are the principles which gave rise to the petition 
 under consideration ; the petitioners, at least some of them, 
 conceive that sound policy dictates the measure, and that Con- 
 gress ought to lose no time in establishing some such chain of 
 posts as has been hinted at, and in procuring the tract of 
 country petitioned for of the natives, for the moment this is 
 done, and agreeable terms offered to the settlers, many of the 
 petitioners are determined, not only to become adventurers, 
 but actually to remove themselves to this country ; and there 
 is not the least doubt but other valuable citizens will follow 
 their example, and the probability is that the country between 
 Lake Erie and Ohio will be filled with inhabitants, and the 
 faithful subjects of these United States so established on the 
 waters of the Ohio and the lakes as to banish forever the idea 
 of our western territory falling under the dominion of any 
 European power, the frontier of the old states will be effectu- 
 ally secured from savage alarms, and the new will have little 
 to fear from their insults. 
 
 I have the honor to be, sir, with every sentiment of respect, 
 
 your Excellency's most obedient and very humble servant, 
 
 (Signed,) RuFUS Putnam. 
 Gen. Washington. 
 
 Headquarters, Neavburgh, June 17, 1783. 
 Sir : — I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency, 
 for the consideration of Congress, a petition from a large 
 number of officers of the army, in behalf of themselves and 
 such other officers and soldiers of the continental army as are 
 entitled to rewards in lands, and may choose to avail them- 
 selves of any privileges and grants which may be obtained in 
 consequence of the present solicitation. I inclose also the 
 copy of a letter from Brig. -General Putnam, in which the 
 sentiments and expectations of the petitioners are more fully 
 explained, and in Avhich the ideas of occupying the posts in the 
 western country Avill be found to correspond very nearly with 
 those I have some time since communicated to a committee of 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 173 
 
 Congress, in treating of the subject of a peace establishment. 
 I will beg leave to make a few more observations on the gen- 
 eral benefits of the location and settlement now proposed, and 
 then submit the justice and policy of the measure to the wis- 
 dom of Congress. 
 
 Although I pretend not myself to determine how far the 
 district of unsettled country, which is described in the peti- 
 tion, is free from the claim of every state, or how far this dis- 
 posal of it may interfere with the views of Congress, yet it 
 appears to me this is the tract which, from local position and 
 peculiar advantages, ought to be first settled in preference to 
 any other whatever ; and I am perfectly convinced that it can 
 not be so advantageously settled by any other class of men, 
 as by disbanded officers and soldiers of the army, to whom the 
 faith of government hath long since been pledged, that lands 
 should be granted at the expiration of the war in certain pro- 
 portions, «agreeably to their respective grades. 
 
 I am induced to give my sentiments thus freely on the ad- 
 vantages to be expected from this plan of colonization, because 
 it would connect our governments with the frontiers, extend 
 our settlements progressively, and plant a brave, a hardy, and 
 respectable race of people as our advanced post, who would 
 be always ready and willing (in case of hostility) to combat 
 the savages and check their incursions. A settlement formed 
 by such men would give security to our frontiers ; the very 
 name of it would awe the Indians, and more than probably 
 prevent the murder of many innocent families, which fre- 
 quently, in the usual mode of extending our settlements and 
 encroachments on the hunting grounds of the natives, fall the 
 hapless victims to savage barbarity. Besides the emoluments 
 which might be derived from the peltry trade at our factories, 
 if such should be established, the appearance of so formidable 
 a settlement in the vicinity of their towns (to say nothing of 
 the barrier it would form against our other neighbors) would 
 be the most likely means to enable us to purchase, upon equita- 
 ble terms, of the aborigines, their right of pre-occupancy, and 
 to induce them to relinquish our territories, and to remove 
 into the illimitable regions of the west. 
 
 Much more might be said of the public utility of such a lo- 
 
174 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 cation, as well as of the private felicity it would afford to the 
 individuals concerned in it. I will venture to say it is the 
 most rational and practicable scheme which can be adopted by 
 a great proportion of the officers and soldiers of our army, 
 and promises them more happiness than they can expect in 
 any other way. The settlers being in the prime of life, in- 
 ured to hardship, and taught by experience to accommodate 
 themselves in every situation, going in a considerable body, 
 and under the patronage of government, would enjoy in the 
 first instance advantages in procuring subsistence, and all the 
 necessaries for a comfortable beginning, superior to any com- 
 mon class of emigrants, and quite unknown to those who have 
 heretofore extended themselves beyond the Appalachian 
 Mountains. They may expect, after a little perseverance, 
 competence and independence for themselves, a pleasant re- 
 treat in old age, and the fairest prospects for their children. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with great consideration. 
 
 Your Excellency's most obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed,) George Washington. 
 
 His Excellency, the President of Congress. 
 
 Rutland, Ajyril 5, 1784. 
 
 Dear Sir: — Being unavoidably prevented from attending 
 the general meeting of the Cincinnati at Philadelphia, as I 
 had intended, where I once more expected the opportunity in 
 person of paying my respects to your Excellency, I can not 
 deny myself the honor of addressing you by letter, to acknowl- 
 edge with gratitude the ten thousand obligations I feel myself 
 under to your goodness, and most sincerely to congratulate 
 you on your return to domestic happiness ; to inquire after 
 your health, and wish the best of Heaven's blessings may at- 
 tend you and your dear lady. , 
 
 The settlement of the Ohio country, sir, engrosses many 
 of my thoughts, and mixch of my time since I left the camp 
 has been employed in informing myself and others with respect 
 to the nature, situation, and circumstances of that country, 
 and practicability of removing ourselves there ; and if I am to 
 form an opinion on what I have seen and heard on the subject, 
 there are thousands in this quarter who will emigrate to that 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 175 
 
 country as soon as the honorable Congress make provisions 
 for granting lands there, and locations and settlements can be 
 made Avith safety, unless such provision is too long delayed — 
 I mean, till necessity turn their views another way, which is 
 the case with some already, and must soon be the case Avith 
 many more. You are sensible of the necessity, as well as the 
 possibility, of both officers and soldiers fixing themselves in 
 business somewhere as soon as possible, as many of them are 
 unable to lie long on their oars, waiting the decision of Con- 
 gress on our petition, and therefore must unavoidably feettle 
 themselves in some other quarter, which, when done, the idea 
 of removing to the Ohio country will probably be at an end 
 with respect to most of them ; besides, the commonwealth of 
 Massachusetts have come to a resolution to sell their eastern 
 country for public securities ; and should their plan be formed 
 and propositions be made public before we hear any thing 
 from Congress respecting our petition, and the terms on which 
 the land petitioned for are to be obtained, it will undoubtedly 
 be much against us, by greatly lessening the number of Ohio 
 associates. 
 
 Another reason why we wish to know as soon as possible 
 what the intentions of Congress are respecting our petition, is 
 the effect such knowledge will probably have on the credit of 
 the certificates we have received on settlement of accounts. 
 Those securities are now selling at no more than three shillings 
 and six pence or four shillings on the pound, which in all prob- 
 ability might double, if no more, the moment it Avas known 
 that government would receive them for lands in the Ohio 
 country. From these circumstances and many others Avhich 
 might be mentioned, we are growing quite impatient ; and the 
 general inquiry now is, Avhen are Ave going to the Ohio? 
 Among others. Brig. -Gen. Tupper, Lt.-Col. Oliver, and Maj. 
 Ashley have agreed to accompany me to that country the mo- 
 ment the Avay is opened for such an undertaking. I should 
 have hinted these things to some member of Congress, but the 
 delegates from Massachusetts, though exceeding worthy men, 
 and in general would wish to promote the Ohio scheme, yet, if 
 it should militate against the particular interest of this state, 
 by draining her of inhabitants, especially Avhen she is forming 
 
176 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 the plan of selling the eastern country, I thought they ■^^•oulcl 
 not be very warm advocates in our favor. And I dare not 
 trust myself with any of the New York delegates with whom 
 I am acquainted, because that government are wisely inviting 
 the eastern people to settle in that state ; and as to the dele- 
 gates of other states, I have no acquaintance with any of 
 them. 
 
 These circumstances must apologize for my troubling you 
 on this subject, and requesting the favor of a line to inform 
 us in' this quarter what the prospects are Avith respect to our 
 petition, and what measures have or are likely to be taken 
 with respect to settling the Ohio country. 
 
 I shall take it as a very particular favor, sir, if you will be 
 kind enough to recommend me to some character in Congress, 
 acquainted with and attached to the Ohio cause, with whom I 
 may presume to open a correspondence. 
 
 I am, sir, Avith the highest respect. 
 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 Gex. Washington. Rufus Putnam. 
 
 Mount A^ernon, June 2, 1784. 
 
 Dear Sir: — I could not answer your favor of the 5th of 
 April, from Philadelphia, because General Knox, having mis- 
 laid, only presented the letter to me in the moment of my de- 
 parture from that place. The sentiments of esteem and 
 friendship Avhich breathe in it are exceedingly pleasing and 
 flattering to me, and you may rest assured they are recip- 
 1-ocal. 
 
 I wish it was in my power to give you a more favorable ac- 
 count of the officers' petition for lands on the Ohio and its 
 waters than I am about to do. After this matter, and infor- 
 mation respecting the establishment for peace, were my in- 
 quiries, as I went through Annapolis, solely directed, but I 
 could not learn that any thing decisive had been done in 
 either. 
 
 On the latter, I hear Congress are differing about their 
 powers ; but, as they have accepted of the cession from Vir- 
 ginia, and have resolved to lay off ten new states, bounded by 
 latitudes and longitudes, it should be supposed that they would 
 
Life of llev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 177 
 
 determine something respecting the former before they ad- 
 journ, and yet I very much question it, as the hitter is to hap- 
 pen on the third, that is to-morrow. As the Congress who 
 are to meet in November next, by the adjournment, will be 
 composed of an entire new choice of delegates in each state, 
 it is not in my power, at this time, to direct you to a proper 
 correspondent in that body. I Avish I could, for persuaded I 
 am that to some such cause as you have assigned may be 
 ascribed the delay the petition has encountered ; for, surely, 
 if justice and gratitude to the army, and general policy of 
 the Union, were to govern in this case, there would not be the 
 smallest interruption in granting its request. I really feel 
 for those gentlemen who, by these unaccountable delays (by 
 any other means than those you have suggested), are held 
 in such an awkward and disagreeable state of suspense, and 
 wish my endeavors could remove the obstacles. At Prince- 
 ton, before Congress left that place, I exerted every power I 
 was master of, and dwelt upon the argument you have used, 
 to show the propriety of a speedy decision. Every member 
 with whom I conversed acquiesced in the reasonableness of 
 the petition. All yielded, or seemed to yield, to the policy 
 of it, but pleaded the want of cession of the land to act upon ; 
 this has been made and accepted, and yet matters, as far as 
 they have come to my knowledge, remain in statu quo. I am 
 endeavoring to do something with the lands I now hold and 
 have held in that country these twelve or fourteen years. The 
 inclosed contains the terms upon which I propose to lease 
 them. If you think the j)romulgation of the paper inclosed 
 can be of service to myself, it is optional with you to do so. 
 
 I am, dear sir, with very sincere esteem and regard. 
 
 Your most obedient servant, 
 
 Gen. R. Putnam. G. Washington. 
 
 12 
 
178 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Extracts froiv Rkcords of Ohio Company — Articles op Aoreemext — 
 Letters to Major Sargent and Nathax Dane — Diaky, 1787. 
 
 By the failure of Congress to act upon the petition of the offi- 
 cers, their scheme was delayed, but not defeated. The urgent 
 necessities of the principal movers compelled them to disperse, 
 as soon as the army was disbanded, and seek employment. 
 Putnam * took a contract to survey ten townships for Massa- 
 chusetts, in her province of Maine. General Tupper,f another 
 
 * Rufus Putnam was boi-n in Sutton, Mass., 1738. Tie served in the 
 old P'rench War in four campaigns, 1757 to 1761, and attained the rank 
 of Ensign. After the war he studied navigation and surveving, and 
 became especially proficient as a civil engineer. He served in the 
 Revolutionary War as Lieutenant-Colonel of Brewer's Regiment, Chief 
 Engineer of the Army, Colonel of the 5th Massachusetts, and Brig- 
 adier-fieneral. He was a member of the Massachusetts General Court 
 in 1787. lie became interested in the project of a settlement north- 
 west of the Ohio in 1783, was one of the founders of the Ohio Com- 
 pany, was appointed its Superintendent in 1787, and led the first party 
 who landed at Marietta, 7th April, 1788. He was one of the Judges 
 of the North-west Territory, 1791) to 1796; Surveyor-General of the 
 United States, 1796 to 1803; and a member of the convention which 
 formed the first Constitution of Ohio, in 1802. lie died in Jlariitta, 
 Ohio, 1S24. 
 
 f Benjamin Tupper was born in Stoughton, Mass., 1738. He was a 
 soldier in the old French War, and was in the field during the whole 
 of the Revolutionary War, rising from the rank of Major to Colonel 
 and Brevet lirigadier-General. In 1785 he was appointed one of the 
 Surveyors of the North-west Territory, and it was his report, alter a 
 visit to the west, that led to the call, signed by himself and General 
 Putnam, for the meeting which resulted in the formation of the Ohio 
 Company. In the summer of 1786, in command of troops under Gen- 
 eral Lincoln, he took an active part in suppressing Shay's rebellion. 
 Early in 1788, he removed to Marietta, with his family and that of his 
 son-in-law, lehabod Nye, reaching there 19 August, 1788. These fam- 
 ilies, and those of Colonel N. Gushing and Major Goodale, who accom- 
 panied them, were the first families to settle in what is now the State 
 of Ohio. General Tupper was appointed Judge of the Common Pleas 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 179 
 
 of the signers of the petition, accepted a vacancy made by 
 Putnam's retirement from the United States Surveyors ap- 
 pointed to ruu out the seven Ranges. But, in 1786, they 
 met again. Putnam could say, from personal observation, of 
 Maine : " That country in general is not fit for cultiva- 
 tion, and when this idea is connected with the climate, a man 
 ousrht to consider himself curst even in this world, who is 
 doomed to inhabit there as a cultivator of the lands only." 
 
 Tupper, returning from a visit to the Ohio in 1785, could 
 say : " The lands in that quarter are of a much bette-r quality 
 than any other known to the Ncav England people ; the cli- 
 mate, seasons, products, etc., are in fact equal to the most 
 flattering accounts that have been published of them." 
 • With this addition to their stock of knowledge as to loca- 
 tions, they issued, on the 10th day of January,. 1786, a paper, 
 headed ^^ Information,^'' calling a meeting of those who wished 
 to take an interest in the " Ohio scheme " of settlement. This 
 advertisement was as follows : 
 
 y INFORMATION. 
 
 The subscribers take this method to inform all officers and 
 soldiers, who have served in the late war, and who are by a 
 late ordinance of the honorable Congress to receive certain 
 tracts of land in the Ohio country, and also all other good 
 citizens who wish to become adventurers in that delightful 
 region, that from personal inspection, together with other in- 
 contestible evidences, they are fully satisfied that the lands in 
 that quarter are of a much better quality than any other 
 known to New England people ; that the climate, seasons, 
 product, etc., are in fact equal to the most flattering accounts 
 that have ever been published of them ; that being determined 
 to become purchasers, and to prosecute a settlement in this 
 country, and desirious of forming a general association with 
 those who entertain the same ideas, they beg leave to propose the 
 following plan, viz : That an association by the name of The Ohio 
 
 in iSeptember, 17S8, and, with General Putnam, held the first court in 
 the North-west Territoiy. He died in Marietta, 1792. The entry in 
 Dr. Cutler's journal, August 15, 1788, indicates that General Tupper 
 was the real inventor of the screw propeller. 
 
180 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 Com'pany be formed of all such as wish to become purchasers, 
 etc., in that country who reside in the Commonwealth of 
 Massachusetts only, or to extend to the inhabitants of other 
 states as shall be agreed on. In order to bring such a com- 
 pany into existence the subscribers propose that all persons 
 who wish to promote the scheme should meet in their re- 
 spective counties at 10 o'clock a. m. on Wednesday the loth 
 day of Februai-y next,, and that each county meeting then as- 
 sembled choose a delegate or deleo-ates to meet at the Bunch 
 of Grape's Tavern, in Boston, on Wednesday the first day of 
 March next, at 10 o'clock a. m., then and there to consider 
 and determine on a general plan of association for-said com- 
 pany ; which plan, covenant, or agreement being published, 
 any 'person (under condition therein to be provided) may by 
 subscribing his \iame become a member of the company. 
 
 RuFUS Putnam, 
 Rutland, January 10, 178G. Benjamin Tuppek. 
 
 In consequence of this notice meetings were lield in the 
 several counties, and delegates appointed, who convened at 
 the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, in Boston, March 1, 1786. 
 These were Winthrop Sargent and John Mills, from Suffolk 
 County ; Manasseh Cutler, from Essex ; John Brooks and 
 Thomas Cushing, from Middlesex ; Benjamin Tupper, from 
 Hampshire ; Crocker Sampson, from Plymouth ; Rufus Put- 
 nam, from Worcester; John Patterson and Jolnl^'--^ Wood- 
 bridfje, from Berkshire ; and x\braham Williains, from Barn- 
 stable. 
 
 General Rufus Putnam was chairman of this meeting and 
 Major Winthrop Sargent, secretary. It appears from the Rec- 
 ords of the Ohio Company that : From the very pleasing descrip- 
 tion of the western country given by Generals Putnam and 
 Tupper, and others, it appearing expedient to form a settle- 
 ment there, a motion was made for choosing a committee to 
 prepare a draft of a plan of an association into a company 
 for the said purpose, for the inspection and approbation of 
 this convention. Resolved in the affirmative. Also resolved 
 that the committee consist of five. General Putnam, Manasseh 
 Cutler, Colonel Brooks, Major Sargent, and Captain Cushing 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 181 
 
 were elected, and on Friday, March 3d, the committee made 
 the following report to the convention : 
 
 Articles of Agreement Entered into by the Subscribers 
 FOR Constituting an Association by the Name of The 
 Ohio Company : 
 
 The design of this association is to raise a fund in conti- 
 nental certificates for the sole purpose and to be appropri- 
 ated to the entire use of purchasing lands in the western 
 territory belonging to the United States, for the benefit of 
 the company, and to promote a settlement in that country. 
 
 Article 1. That the fund shall not exceed one million of dol- 
 lars, in continental specie certificates, exclusive of one year's 
 interest due thereon (except as hereafter provided), and that 
 each share or subscription shall consist of one thousand dol- 
 lars, as aforesaid, and also ten dollars in gold or silver, to be 
 paid into the hands of such agents as the subscribers may 
 elect. 
 
 Article 2. That the Avhole fund of certificates raised by 
 this association, except one year's interest due thereon, men- 
 tioned under the first article, shall be applied to the purchase 
 of lands in some one of the proposed states north-westerly of 
 the river Ohio, as soon as those lands are surveyed and ex- 
 posed for sale by the Commissioners of Congress, according 
 to the ordinance of that honorable body, passed the 20th of 
 May, 1785, or on any other plan that may be adopted by 
 Congress, not less advantageous to the company. The one 
 year's interest shall be applied to the purpose of making a 
 settlement in the country and assisting those who may be other- 
 wise unable to remove themselves thither. The gold and silver is 
 for defraying the expenses of those persons employed as agents 
 in pvirchasing the lands, and other contingent charges that 
 may arise in the prosecution of the business. The surplus, 
 if any, to be appropriated as the one year's interest on the 
 certificates. 
 
 Article 3. That there shall be five directors, a treasurer, 
 and secretary appointed in the manner and for the purposes 
 hereafter provided. 
 
 Article 4. That the prosecution of the company's designs 
 
182 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 may be the least expensive, and at the same time the sub- 
 scribers and agents as secure as possible, the proprietors of 
 twenty shares shall constitute one grand division of the com- 
 pany ; appoint their agent, and in case of vacancy by death, 
 resignation, or otherwise, shall fill it up as immediately as 
 can be. 
 
 Article 5. That the agent shall make himself accovintable 
 to each subscriber for certificates and moneys received, by 
 duplicate receipts, one of which shall be lodged -with the sec- 
 retary ; that the whole shall be appropriated according to these 
 articles of association, and that the subscriber shall receive 
 his just dividend, according to quality and quantity of lands 
 purchased, as near as possibly may be, by lot drawn in per- 
 son or through proxy, and that deeds of conveyance shall be 
 executed to individual subscribers, by the agent, similar to 
 those he shall receive from the directors. 
 
 Article 6. That no person shall be permitted to hold more 
 than five shares in the company's funds, and no subscription 
 for less than a full share will be admitted ; but this is not 
 meant to prevent those who can not or choose not to adventure 
 a full share, from associating among themselves, and by one of 
 their number subscribing the sum required. 
 
 Article 7. That the directors shall have the sole disposal of 
 the Company's fund for the purposes before mentioned ; that 
 they shall, by themselves, or such person or persons as they 
 may think proper to intrust with the business, purchase lands 
 for the benefit of the company, where, and in such way, either 
 at public or private sale, as they shall judge will be most ad- 
 vantageous to the Company. They shall also direct the ap- 
 plication of the one year's interest, and gold and silver, 
 mentioned in the first article, to the purposes mentioned under 
 the second article, in such way and manner as they shall think 
 proper. For those purposes, the directors shall draw on the 
 treasurer, from time to time, making themselves accountable 
 for the application of the moneys, agreeably to this asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 Article 8. That the agents, being accountable to the sub- 
 scribers for their respective divisions, shall appoint the direc- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 183 
 
 tors, treasurer, and secretary, and fill up all the vacancies 
 which may happen in these ofiices respectively. 
 
 Article 9. That the agents shall pay all the certificates and 
 moneys received from subscribers into the hands of the treas- 
 urer, who shall give bonds to the agents, jointly and severally, 
 for the faithful discharge of his trust ; and also, on his receiv- 
 ing certificates and moneys from any particular agent, shall 
 make himself accountable therefor, according to the condition 
 of his bonds. 
 
 Article 10. That the directors shall give bonds, jointly and 
 severally, to each of the agents, conditioned that the certifi- 
 cates and moneys they shall draAV out of the treasury shall be 
 applied to the purposes stipulated in these articles ; and that 
 the lands purchased for the Company shall be divided among 
 them within three months from the completion of the pur- 
 chase, by lot, in such manner as the agents, or a majority of 
 them, shall agree ; and that, on such division being made, the 
 directors shall execute deeds to the agents, respectively, for 
 the proportions which fall to their divisions, correspondent to 
 those the directors may receive from the commissioners of 
 Congress. 
 
 Article 11. Provided, That whereas a sufficient number of 
 subscribers may not appear to raise the fund to the sums pro- 
 posed in the first article, and thereby the number of divisions 
 may not be completed, it is therefore agreed that the agents of 
 divisions of twenty shares each shall, after the ITtli day of 
 October next, proceed in the same manner as if the whole 
 fund proposed had been raised. 
 
 Article 12. Provided, also, That whereas it will be for the 
 common interest of the Company to obtain an ordinance of 
 incorporation from the honorable Congress, or an act of in- 
 corporation from some one of the states in the Union (for 
 which the directors shall make application), it is therefore 
 agreed that, in case such incorporation is obtained, the fund 
 of the Company (and, consequently, the shares and divisions 
 thereof) may be extended to any sum, for which provision 
 shall be made in said ordinance or act of incorporation, any 
 thing in this association to the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 Article 13. That all votes under this association may be 
 
184 Life of Rev. 3Ianassch CuUer. 
 
 given in person, or by proxy, and in numbers justly propor- 
 tionate to tlie stock holden, or interest represented. 
 
 The preceding report was adopted by the convention, March 
 3, 1786, and_ subscription books were soon after prepared and 
 circulated, of which the following is a copy : 
 
 Articles of Agreement, 
 
 We, the subscribers, having determined to settle a tract of 
 the western territory, do jointly and severally agree to abide 
 by the following rules and regulations. 
 
 Article 1. That at the next meeting there shall be chosen 
 a standing committee, secretary, treasurer, and such other of- 
 ficers, for conducting the Company's affairs, as shall be 
 thought proper. 
 
 Article 2. Every proprietor shall punctually attend all 
 meetings, after having such notice, given him by the secretary, 
 as shall at all times by the Company be judged sufiicient ; and 
 every proprietor Avho shall neglect to attend, after notice as 
 aforesaid, shall be held to abide by all regulations, expenses, 
 etc., agreed on at said meeting, under forfeiture of his share 
 of land, and Avhatever expenses he may have been at. 
 
 Article 3. All matters respecting the affairs of the Com- 
 pany shall be determined by the majority of the proprietors 
 present at any regular meeting. 
 
 Article 4. Several persons, good judges of land, shall be 
 appointed by the Company, to go under their direction to the 
 western territory, for the purpose of pitching upon the most 
 eligible spot for a settlement, and shall be empowered to call 
 on Congress upon their return, and agree for the same, if they 
 like the terms. 
 
 Article 5. That, as soon as convenient after their return, a 
 meeting be called, and they give a minute account of their 
 proceedings, and expenses, and that all expenses necessarily 
 incurred be defrayed by the Company. 
 
 Article 6. A certain sum (to be agreed upon) shall be paid 
 to the treasurer, to enable him to defray such necessary ex- 
 penses as may accrue, which sum shall be in proportion to the 
 quantity of land" subscribed for by each proprietor — no ex- 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 185 
 
 penses, however, to be disbursed by the treasurer but by the 
 direction of the Company at a regular meeting. 
 
 Article 7. Every future proprietor shall bear his proportion 
 of whatever expenses the Company shall have been at, at the 
 time of his subscribing. 
 
 Article 8. A draft shall be taken of the Company's lands 
 when purchased, in which the most suitable spot for a city 
 shall be reserved. 
 
 Article 9. The townships shall be laid out in lots of one, two, 
 and three hundred acres, and no lot shall contain more than 
 three hundred nor less than one hundred acres. 
 
 Article 10. The city shall be so laid out that each proprietor 
 may hold land in it, in proportion to what he holds in the 
 country. 
 
 Article 11. Each member of the committee shall have a 
 subscription paper, and as soon as a sufficient number shall 
 have subscribed a general meeting shall be called for the pur- 
 pose of distributing the lands. 
 
 Article 12. The distribution to be made in the following- 
 manner, (viz :) the townships to be named, the lots in the city 
 and each township to be numbered ; then take a number of 
 papers equal to the number of one hundred acre lots, with the 
 name of the township on one side, and the number of the lot 
 on the other ; when this is done let them be put into a box, 
 shaken together and drawn therefrom by each subscriber for 
 an hundred acre lot, and no other ; proceed in the same man- 
 ner with the two and three hundred acre lots, each subscriber 
 drawing from the box containing the number of acres he sub- 
 scribed for, until the whole be finished. 
 
 Article 13. If any person or persons, subscribers for an 
 hundred acre lot or lots, are not able to transport their efi"ects, 
 etc., thither, they shall on application to the company (if ap- 
 proved of) be assisted. 
 
 ■ Article 14. Each proprietor shall put on a settler for every 
 three hundred acres he possesses, within a certain time fixed 
 on by the company, or shall forfeit as much of his lands as is 
 not settled in the above manner. 
 
 Article 15. Officers and soldiers who shall have lands due 
 
186 Lif& of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 to them from Congress shall be allowed to become proprietors, 
 they complying with the foregoing articles. 
 
 Article 16. ■ That foreigners, who are persons of property, 
 or having good recommendations, be allowed to become pro- 
 prietors, they complying as before mentioned. 
 
 Article 17. Each person at the time he subscribes shall pay 
 to the committee six shillings for every hundred acres he 
 subscribes for, in order to forward and pay the expenses of 
 the committee mentioned in the 4th article, and shall at a time 
 hereafter to be fixed on by the company, pay such further 
 sums as shall then be thought necessary (on every hundred 
 acres he subscribes for) into the treasury for the use of the 
 company to be expended as provided in the 6th article, and 
 shall pay his purchase-money at such time or times as shall 
 be determined, by the company, or forfeit the sums he may 
 have paid for the use of the company. 
 
 Article 18. All lands purchased by the company shall be 
 laid out into such lots as to make them in quality or quantity 
 as equal in value as possible. 
 
 Article 19. In order to save expense in conducting the 
 business of the company, subscribers for forty shares may 
 form themselves into a division, and may appoint and empower 
 an agent to transact their business in said company, whose do- 
 ings in their behalf shall be valid. 
 
 Article 20. The treasurer, agents, and committees shall be 
 accountable to the company for the moneys they shall receive, 
 and for the faithful discharge of their trust, in all respects, in 
 such manner as shall be determined by the company. 
 
 [^Subscribers' Nantes.'] 
 
 "Boston, March 4, 1786. The convention resolved, that 
 Colonel Hull, Major Sargent, and Captain Mills be a committee 
 to transact the necessary business of The Ohio Company un- 
 til the directors are chosen. 
 
 They are to open a correspondence with any gentlemen 
 whom they may think likely to encourage the company's de- 
 signs and forward the completion of the funds proposed, in 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 187 
 
 such a way and manner as they shall judge best calculated to 
 effect the same. 
 
 They shall notify^the place for the agents to meet, for the 
 purpose of choosing directors, etc., on the 7th day of October 
 next, or as much sooner as they may suppose necessary for the 
 interest of the company. 
 
 They shall also hold communications and receive reports as 
 often as conveniently can be from those gentlemen collecting 
 subscriptions." 
 
 \_To Major Sargent.^'] 
 
 Ipswich, March 24, 1786. 
 
 Sir: — I had the honor yesterday of receiving your favor of 
 the 11th inst., inclosing the Articles of Association. You 
 have much obliged me by this communication. I shall make 
 every exertion in my power to obtain subscriptions as soon t^s 
 I receive a paper for that purpose. In the meantime, shall 
 embrace every opportunity for acquainting such persons with 
 the Articles and quality of the country (as far as I have ob- 
 tained information) as are disposed to favor our plan. Not 
 being furnished with either the articles or a plan of the coun- 
 try, have delayed making much inquiry with respect to sub- 
 scribers, but I find a number, and some of them of consider- 
 able property, inclined to become adventurers. 
 
 Major Porter, of Wenham, will join us, and probably afford 
 much assistance in obtaining good men for settling the coun- 
 
 * Major Wiiithrop Sargent was born at Gloucester, Mass., May 1, 
 1753; graduated at Harvard College, 1771. He served with credit 
 during the Revolutionary War as captain of artillery, and on staft duty 
 with the rank of major. In 1786 he surveyed one of the seven I'anges 
 in the North-west Territory, directed by Congress. He was secretary 
 of the Ohio Company, and was associated with Dr. Cutlei' in the pur- 
 chase of land for the Company. He was appointed liy (.'ongress Secre- 
 tary of the North-west Territory in 17H7, and removed there in 17b^8, 
 and February 6, 1789, married at Marietta, Rowena, daughter of Gen- 
 eral Benjamin Tupper. She died in 17U0, leaving no children. He 
 served as adjutant-ijeneral to St. Clair's army in 1791, and was severely 
 wounded. He was also adjutant-general to General Wayne in 1794. 
 Major Sargent, having received the appointment of Governor of Mis- 
 sissippi Territory, resigned in 1798 his office as Secreta-y and removed 
 to Natchez, where lie mariied a second wife; and died while on a vo}'- 
 age to Philadelphia, June 3, 1820. 
 
188 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 try. He is frequently in Boston, where you will doubtless 
 have opportunity for conversing with him. 
 
 The Ohio country is so little known in this part of the 
 Commonwealth, that the people greatly need information with 
 respect to its situation and the qualities of the lands. They 
 are constantly emigrating into the northern frozen deserts ; 
 but were they made sensible of the fertility and temperature 
 of the climate in the Ohio country, they would turn their faces 
 to the southward. Such authentic accounts as can be obtained 
 and published from time to time in the newspapers, I am per- 
 suaded, would be useful, particularly extracts from Captain 
 Hutchins' pamphlet. You are near the press, and can furnish 
 the most valuable intelligence. Hall's and Adams' and Nourse's 
 papers circulate principally in this part of the country, and either 
 of them, I doubt not, will insert whatever you may request. 
 
 It appears to me, our first object must be to try the success 
 of subscriptions, which will very much depend on the favor- 
 able opinion the people entertain of the country. Fear of the 
 savages and the distance from connections seem to be the only 
 objections I have heard any person make, but the flattering 
 prospects so fine a country opens to their view, and the num- 
 bers that will engage in the first settlements, in a great meas- 
 ure obviate them. 
 
 Please to favor me with a subscription paper as soon as may 
 be. I wish to be informed what the prospects are in other 
 parts of the Commonwealth. I shall do myself the pleasure 
 of informing you with respect to this county by every oppor- 
 tunity. 
 
 Your letter did not arrive seasonably enough for me to have 
 waited on you while at Cape Ann, but you would have made 
 me vei-y happy if you had made my house in your way, in 
 going or returning. Should you make another journey, pray 
 be so kind as to call upon me. It Avill be very little out of 
 your way, and will confer a very great favor on him who has 
 the honor to be. 
 
 With every sentiment of respect, 
 
 Sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
 
 M. Cutler. 
 
 P. S. — I have this moment received a map from Mr. 
 
Lif» of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 189 
 
 Williams, and shall now have it in my power to point out to 
 inquirers the situation of the country. 
 Major Sargent. 
 
 \_To 3Iajor Sargent. ~\ 
 
 Ipswich, April 20, 1786. 
 
 Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 7th instant from Gloucester 
 should have received an earlier answer, but a multiplicity of 
 avocations has put it out of my power. I much regret the 
 failure of your horse, as it has deprived me of the pleasure of 
 seeing you previous to your tour westward. It is a source of 
 pleasing reflection to me that you intend to see the country 
 yourself, for from your own observations you will be able to 
 furnish the adventurers Avith the best intelligence, and to point 
 out the most proper mode for carrying on the first settlement. 
 The time has been so short since I received the necessary 
 materials for giving information and the subscription papers, 
 that I can hardly form a tolerable judgment what number of 
 subscriptions I shall be able to obtain. Present appearances 
 are very promising. Eight or ten shares are subscribed for 
 and engaged already, and I entertain no doubt of filling up 
 the number of one grand division in a short time. I think it 
 is not extravagant to expect that I shall be able to fill up two. 
 One of the subscription pamphlets you sent me I have for- 
 warded to a friend in New Hampshire, where, I am told, there 
 are a number determined to emigrate, and wish for informa- 
 tion respecting the Ohio country. 
 
 The present prospects for obtaining subscriptions in this 
 part of the country so much exceed my most sanguine ex- 
 pectations, that I think we ought to be cautious about admit- 
 ting adventurers from the southward. New England settlers 
 will certainly be the best, and some time will be absolutely 
 necessary for diffusing information of the plan and prospect, 
 and for making a fair experiment of the success of subscrip- 
 tions. The people wish to know more about the country, and 
 many of them are anxious to see it. Several have requested 
 that they may be permitted to go as laborers, if the company 
 hire men, at the first taking possession. Those of my sub- 
 scribers who are smart, able men, I have told shall have an 
 
190 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 equal chance with other proprietors, and have ventured to 
 assure them that none will be admitted to go as such but 
 those who intend to settle in the country. 
 
 I am informed there are two or three other petty companies 
 forming with views of carrying on settlements in the western 
 states. I have been able to get but little information about 
 them. Should there be any men of consequence at the head 
 of them, it will, I apprehend, be good policy to connect them 
 Avith this association. This I shall make a matter of inquiry. 
 
 You have much obliged me by your kind offer to assist me 
 in my botanical and other inquiries in the several branches of 
 natural history. Should you meet with any thing new or 
 curious, either in the fossil, vegetable, or mineral kingdoms, I 
 should be happy to receive specimens or descriptions. The 
 blossoms of vegetables with two or three leaves are the parts 
 of vegetables I wish most to see. The best way of preserving 
 them is to open the blossom and press it between two pieces 
 of clean paper, taking care that all the parts within the blos- 
 som be preserved, and the time of blooming and place of 
 growth be noted. 
 
 The more I contemplate the prospect opened by this asso- 
 ciation, the more I feel myself inclined to take an active part 
 in carrying on the settlement and to be one of the first emi- 
 grants. An early attempt to cultivate in that country a num- 
 ber of foreign vegetable productions appears to me a matter 
 of consequence — among others, the Indian tea, Japan varnish 
 tree, and European grapes. I have no doubt the tea seed — 
 perhaps plants, too, may be obtained from the East Indies in 
 a vegetative state. And I think much attention ought to be 
 paid in forming a good plan for locating the first settlements. 
 It will be very desirable to begin the settlement next spring, 
 and in order to obtain a crop of grain the first year, they 
 ought to be on the ground very early in the spring, could 
 the lands be purchased early enough. Should think it much 
 the best for them to go on in the fall, so as to build their huts 
 before winter. They may then improve every opportunity 
 during the winter for clearing the land, so as to sow their 
 grain early in the spring. But I very much fear that matters 
 will not be right for beginning a settlement next summer. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 191 
 
 Should you and Captain Mills go to the southward, there 
 will be most certainly occasion for a temporary supply of your 
 places in the Committee, and ought to be, I should think, 
 gentlemen in or near Boston, who can with convenience hold 
 frequent meetings. You are much the best judge who will be 
 the most proper for such an appointment. You may depend 
 on my giving frequent accounts to the Committee at Boston 
 of the success of my subscriptions. Y^ou will do me a par- 
 ticular favor by writing when opportunities present while you 
 are on your tour. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with greatest respect, 
 
 Sir, your most obedient servant, 
 
 • M. Cutler. 
 
 P. S. — If you should meet with the Comte de Castiglioni, 
 who is making the tour of the southern states, please to pre- 
 sent him my most respectful compliments ; also the compli- 
 ments of Dr. Stokes, of Great Britain, from whom I have 
 lately received a letter. And be so kind as to inform the 
 Comte that I have a collection of vegetable specimens for him, 
 and will convey them to any place he shall desire, together 
 with a volume of the Memoirs of the American Academy. 
 
 Major Winthrop Sargent. 
 
 "Boston, 8th March, 1787. Brackett's Tavern. At a 
 meeting of the Ohio Company, called this 8th day of March, 
 1787, by special advertisement, it appearing that two hundred 
 and fifty shares in the Company's funds were subscribed for, 
 and that there are at this time in the commonwealths of Mas- 
 sachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, 
 many inclined to become adventurers who are restrained only 
 by the uncertainty of obtaining a sufiicient tract of country 
 collectively for a great settlement. 
 
 " It was unanimously Resolved, that three Directors should 
 be appointed for the Company, and that it should be their 
 duty, immediately, to make application to the Honorable Con- 
 gress for a private purchase of Lands, and under such de- 
 scriptions as they shall deem adequate to the purposes of the 
 Company. General Samnel H. Parsons, General Rufus Put- 
 
192 Life, of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 
 
 nam, and the Rev, Manasseli Cutler were unanimously 
 chosen." 
 
 Dr. Cutler was confined to his bed by sickness March 5th 
 to 10th, and did not attend this meeting. Of the two hundred 
 and fifty shares subscribed, he had obtained over one hundred. 
 This fact probably led to his appointment as a director. 
 
 [To Majo7' Sargent.] 
 
 Ipswich, 3Iarch 16, 1787. 
 
 31]/ Dear Sir : — Yours of the 12th instant, inclosing the re- 
 solves of the Ohio Company, and copy of General Putnam's 
 letter, has been handed me. The honor conferred by the suf- 
 frages of the company in appointing me one of their directors 
 will not fail, I trust, of inducing me to make every exertion 
 in my power for carrying into immediate execution the designs 
 of the institution. 
 
 I entirely approve of the propositions which General Put- 
 nam proposes should be made to Congress, and join with him 
 in requesting General Parsons to make application to that 
 honorable body, as soon as possible. I have the fullest con- 
 fidence that the negotiations will be conducted by him in a 
 manner the most advantageous to the company. 
 
 The high price at which Congress have set their lands, in 
 their land ordinance, I have found to operate much against 
 subscriptions for the company, and has hitherto prevented 
 many valuable persons from becoming adventurers. The 
 lands of this state being sold in the eastern country at half 
 a dollar per acre, and the distance being small compared with 
 that of the Ohio, a considerable number of families in this part 
 of the Massachusetts have been induced to make purchases 
 eastward, who would have preferred going to the Ohio, had 
 the lands been set at the same price. For the same reason 
 many in New Hampshire are turning their attention eastward. 
 If Congress Avill accede to cither of the propositions proposed 
 by General Putnam I doul)t not our company would be im- 
 mediately filled with valuable adventurers, and a large pro- 
 portion from this part of the country ; for the spirit of emi- 
 gration never ran higher with us, and the Ohio lands are held 
 in the highest estimation. Could the lands be immediately 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 193 
 
 purchased on either of the propositions made by General Put- 
 nam, I have no doubt but that the subscriptions would go on 
 rapidly in this part of the country. A large number of very 
 considerable property and respectable characters have assured 
 me that, as almost every kind of business is stagnated here, 
 they would become adventurers in our company, and imme- 
 diately remove on to the lands, provided they could be pur- 
 chased on terms as advantageous as those sold by this state. 
 Many others are under the necessity of migrating from our 
 old towns, as the lands are all under improvements, and the 
 inhabitants so multiplied, as to be unable to obtain a living 
 from them. They are therefore securing purchases as fast as 
 possible. It is of the greatest consequence to the company 
 that the purchase should be made as soon as possible, and a 
 plan concerted for settlers to go upon them. It is much to 
 be wished, though I fear it is impracticable, that some settlers 
 might go on this spring. With regard to the place of location 
 General Parsons and General Putnam are judges, I think it 
 of importance that they should be in one body. By including 
 the army lands within the boundary lines of the company the 
 settlement of both would be accelerated. 
 
 Of the two propositions which General Putnam proposes, I 
 should prefer the last ; and the low state of the finances of 
 Congress I should suppose would induce them to comply with 
 it. For the settlement can then commence much earlier than 
 if the company must wait until Congress has completed the 
 survey. The expense to the company will be less than to 
 Congress, as the greater part of the surveying may be done 
 after the settlements are begun. But if Congress should pre- 
 fer surveying the lands at their own expense, I should not be 
 Avilling, at present, to olFer more than half a dollar per acre. 
 
 • Among Dr. Cutler's papers is the draft of a letter to the 
 Hon. Nathan Dane.* It is as follows : 
 
 * Nathan Dane was born in Ipswich, Mass., 1752, graduated at Har- 
 vard College, 1778. He was four years — 17S2 to 17S6 — a member of the 
 Massachusetts General Court; was a delegate to Congress, 17cS5 to 1787; 
 member of the State Senate of Massachusetts, 1790 to 1798; was an 
 
 13 
 
194 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 3Iarch 16, 1787. 
 
 There being a large number of persons Avho intend to be 
 advenfurers in company, in this part of Massachusetts and in 
 New Hampshire, provided a purchase of hinds can be made 
 that will be agreeable to them, I beg leave to address you on 
 the subject. General Parsons will make application to Con- 
 gress, in the name of the other directors, in order to make the 
 purchase for the company, and will propose terms which have 
 been agreed to by the other directors. The directors enter- 
 tain hopes that Congress, notwithstanding their land ordinance, 
 will not refuse to make a private sale to this company, as it 
 will greatly accelerate the settlement, save the company a 
 large expense, and enable them to purchase the whole in one 
 body. 
 
 The high price at which Congress have set the federal lands 
 has operated much against the company ; for the lands belong- 
 ing to this, and several of the other states, are sold at half a 
 dollar per acre, which is the highest price the company will 
 give for the lands on the Ohio. Though the federal lands may 
 be of a better quality, yet their distance from the northward 
 states, and the hazards to which the first settlers must be exposed 
 in the neighborhood of numerous tribes of Indians, are no 
 small discouragements to adventurers, and will be admitted, I 
 conceive, as a reason for lowering the price. An immediate 
 and great settlement must be an object of consequence in 
 the view of Congress, and settlers from the northern states, 
 in which this company is made up, are undoubtedly preferable 
 to those from the southern states. They will be men of more 
 robust constitutions, inured to labor, and free from the habits 
 of idleness. The fertility of the soil, and mildness of the 
 climate, will be stroiig encouragements to make the greatest 
 exertions in improvements of the land on their first settling 
 them. And in proportion to the magnitude of the settlement 
 and improvements made, both the lands reserved for after 
 
 elector for President in 1812, and a member of tlie Hartford Conven- 
 tion in 1814. " He is said to have been distinguished by his ability in 
 debate, knowledge of public business, and capacity for discharging it, 
 and the uprightness and correctness of his views." He died 15th Feb- 
 ruary, 1835. — See Stone's History of Beverly. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 195 
 
 sales, and those adjacent, must rise in their value, and the de- 
 mand for them be increased. 
 
 If the lands could be immediately purchased on the terms 
 the Company propose, we have the fullest assurance that the 
 subscription for one million of dollars Avill be completed in a 
 short time. Many of the subscribers are men of very consid- 
 erable property and respectable characters, who intend (for 
 the Company admit no other) to become residents in that 
 country. The spirit of emigration never ran higher with us 
 than at this time, owing, in a great measure, to the general 
 stagnation of business. If they are disappointed in their ex- 
 pectations westward, Avill turn their attention to some other 
 quarter. 
 
 Will it not be for the interest of Congress, after running 
 the boundary lines of the tract the Company wish to purchase 
 by their own surveyors, to permit the Company to survey their 
 own lands, and to fix the price accordingly ? This, I con- 
 ceive, would expedite the settlement, and save expense to the 
 States. Should such a proposal be acceded to, I see not why 
 the settlement could not commence immediately, for, as soon 
 as the general boundaries are agreed on, men might be imme- 
 diately sent on to lands that are entirely within those bounds. 
 It is the wish of the Company, and an object of great conse- 
 quence with them, to send on a party of settlers this spring, 
 and nothing but delays in making the contract with Congress 
 will prevent. We should be happy in obtaining your influ- 
 ence in favor of the Company, and have the fullest confidence 
 of your readiness to second the wishes of so large a number 
 of the inhabitants of the New England States, so far as is 
 consistent with the general interest of the Union. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, sir. 
 Your most obedient, humble servant, 
 Hon. Nathan Dane, Esq. M, Cutler. 
 
 You are doubtless acquainted with the institution of a Com- 
 pany in the New England States by the name of the Ohio 
 Company, for the purpose of making a large settlement on the 
 federal lands on the river Ohio. 
 
196 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 \_Putna77i and Cutler to 3Ia.jor Sargent..^ 
 
 Boston, 3Iay 30, 1787. 
 Dear Sir : — The Company have held a meeting and taken 
 into consideration the letter from General Parsons. We can- 
 not, on any consideration, accede to the location proposed by 
 him to Congress, as it must defeat us in many of our most 
 important views. We are fully in opinion that the most ad- 
 vantageous situation will be nearly where we first proposed, 
 and wish, if possible, to have our eastern bounds on the line 
 of the seventh range of townships and our western on the line 
 Congress have fixed as the western boundary of the State of 
 Washington, then to extend northerly, so as to include the 
 quantity of lands which the Company shall wish to purchase. 
 We must insist, at least, that our eastern line should be bounded 
 on the Muskingum, If this can not be obtained, Ave think of 
 giving up the idea of making a purchase as a company. Our 
 prospects are such that we have little doubt of extending our 
 subscription to a greater number of shares than is proposed 
 in our Articles of Association, and an immediate settlement 
 should be made. We propose one of us to visit General Par- 
 sons, and, if necessary, go on to Congress immediately after 
 we are informed that there is a sufficient representation for 
 completing our business. Our principal fears of a disappoint- 
 ment are that Congress may dispose of those lands before it 
 Avill be in our power to apply for them. We therefore beg 
 you to do every thing in your poAver to obtain the lands where 
 we proposed; and to suggest to some of the most influential 
 members, in Avhom confidence can be placed, Avhere our Com- 
 pany wishes to make their purchase ; and that, if they are dis- 
 appointed, the Company Avill give up the idea of making the 
 purchase at all ; and that they Avill endeavor to prevent the dis- 
 posal of those lands until the Company can have opportunity 
 to make application. We think some caution may be necessary 
 in placing confidence, particularly Avith respect to members 
 from this commonwealth. We can, however, confide in your 
 prudence in this matter. We likewise think it best, as there 
 seems to be ground to suppose General P s may have 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 197 
 
 views separate from the interest of this Company in his pro- 
 posal for a location, that he should have no information of our 
 desire to have it in another place until we have opportunity 
 to converse with him on the subject. We beg you to give us 
 the earliest information when Congress are sufficiently repre- 
 sented for our purposes, if it takes place before you leave 
 New York ; if not before your departure, that you will re- 
 quest some friend there to inform us after you leave the City. 
 We refer you to Captain Mills for further information, 
 And are, with the highest esteem, sir. 
 
 Your most obedient, humble servants. 
 Major Sargent. Rufus Putnam, 
 
 Mannasseh Cutler. 
 
 Jan. 1, 3Ion., to Jan. 6, Sat, 1787. Reading LinnsBus' 
 Syst. Nat. on Animals. 
 
 Jan. 8—13. Men sent for to oppose the insurrection in the 
 western counties of this Commonwealth. 
 
 Jan. 15, Afon. Militia company called together in order to 
 get men for opposing the insurrection. I read to the people, 
 at 10 o'clock, the Address from the General Court ; and then 
 addressed them on the nature of our Constitutional Govern- 
 ment, and the present dangerous state of our affairs, and en- 
 deavored to point out the consequences of opposition to the 
 laws. 
 
 Jan. 16, Tues. The men marched to Cambridge. 
 
 [Dr. Whitney, who Avas actively engaged on sea and land, 
 in the service of his country, during the Revolutionary War, 
 now again drew his sword and marched aerainst the insurgents. 
 The following letter from him to Dr. Cutler, giving a graphic 
 account of the campaign, has been preserved] : 
 
 Petersham, February 6, 1787. 
 Rev. Mr. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Dear Sir : — Beg your pardon for not writing before, but we 
 have not tarried long enough in one place to scrawl two lines. 
 Shall now only give you a narrative of our route since leaving 
 Ipswich, which, you remember, was on Wednesday morning. 
 
198 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 We went to Boston, and conversed with General Lincoln,* 
 who ordered Colonel Wade's Regiment to rendezvous at Wo- 
 burn, where we arrived Thursday evening, and remained till 
 Saturday morning ; then marched to Concord, and quartered. 
 Sunday morning we marched for Marlborough, where we 
 joined General Lincoln, with his detachment, and marched to 
 Worcester, where we tarried till Wednesday morning, and 
 then marched on toward Springfield. 
 
 While on our march we had an express from General Shep- 
 herd to hasten on with all speed. Shays, with a party of 
 about fifteen or sixteen hundred, approached General Shep- 
 herd's lines. The General sent a flag, wishing to know what 
 he would have. Shays informed the messenger that he, with 
 his men, determined to lodge in the Barracks at Springfield. 
 Upon which the General drew a line, and forbid his marching 
 over ; which, if he did, should certainly fire upon him. Shays, 
 with his heretofore known folly, still kept on his march till he 
 had exceeded the bounds prescribed. General Shepherd then 
 ordered the artillery to fire two cannon — one on the right and 
 the other on the left — which they paid no regard to. Then 
 orders were given to fire among them ; upon which three of 
 Shays' men were killed and one wounded, and they retreated 
 with haste and disorder, leaving their dead and wounded upon 
 the spot. 
 
 General Lincoln continued his march, and arrived at Spring- 
 field Saturday afternoon. Soon after we had taken quarters 
 we were summoned to parade, in order to attack a party at 
 West Springfield, commanded by one Day, of about five hun- 
 dred men. As soon as our Advance Guard, with a small party 
 of Light Horse, came on to the river, their Picket Guard, which 
 was kept at the other side of the river, ran like foxes, leaving 
 their guns behind. Some of them arrived at the Meeting 
 House, Avhere the main body paraded with all speed, and be- 
 took themselves to the bush with confusion. Our Ligh^ Horse 
 followed them, picking up of them about forty or fifty, which 
 
 * General Benjamin Lincoln, a distinguished Revolutionary officer; 
 born at Hingham, Mass., 173o; died there, 1810. In 1787 he com- 
 manded the forces that suppressed Shays' insurrection. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 199 
 
 were brought to Headquarters, and, upon taking the Oath, were 
 discharged. A number of sleighs with provisions were taken 
 at the same time. 
 
 Day's party reached Northampton that night about 12 
 o'clock, much fatigued. Upon their route they came across 
 a small guard at Northampton Bridge, and were fired upon, 
 which much surprised them, and in their confusion fired upon 
 them again, and shot one of their own Adjutants through the 
 head. The next day they left Northampton, and joined Shays' 
 party at Pelham. 
 
 General Lincoln marched Monday morning, and arrived at 
 Old Hadley in the evening. Here we remained till Saturday 
 evening, in which time Shays sent in several flags, desiring a 
 general pardon. If granted, they would resign up their arms, 
 and become good and peaceable subjects to government. 
 General Lincoln returned Printed Letters (which you must 
 have seen a copy of in the Boston Papers), if they would de- 
 liver up the Leaders he would- recommend them to Court for 
 mercy; which did not please them. On Saturday morning 
 Shays, with about fifteen or sixteen hundred men, left Pelham 
 and marched to Petersham, about thirty miles ; upon which^ 
 General Lincoln forced a march upon them Saturday night, in 
 a violent snow-storm and severe cold, so that many were frozen. 
 We reached Petersham by sunrise, which put them to flight 
 with the loss of about 200 men, which fell into our hands, 
 with considerable of their baggage. They have gone over 
 into Hampshire Government, just over the line. We expect 
 to march immediately. 
 
 Express just arrived from Boston, declaring the three coun- 
 ties, viz., Hampshire, Berkshire, and Worcester, in a state of 
 rebellion. Now we can fire upon the insurgents wherever we 
 find them. What the event of all this will be must leave for 
 others to determine. This evening six pieces of Artillery, 
 with Colonel Sterns' Regiment, have been dismissed, and have 
 marched for their respective homes. You will excuse this im- 
 perfect narrative, and all blunders, which am convinced are 
 many. 
 
 My best regards to Mrs. Cutler and family. Hope Fortune 
 
200 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 is upon his legs by this. Beg a line from you by the first 
 opportunity. 
 
 From your sincere friend and humble Serv't, 
 
 E. Whitney. 
 P. S. — Colonel Wade, with the rest of our family, join in 
 regards to Rev. Mr. Cutler and Lady. 
 
 Jan. 31, Wed. Attended the meeting of the Academy, in 
 the hall of the Bank. Dined with his Excellency the Governor, 
 Mr. Bowdoin. Spent the evening at Mr. Everett's, with a 
 large number of gentlemen. 
 
 Feh. 1, Thurs. Attended the meeting of the Committee of 
 Agriculture. Chose our ofiicers for the year ensuing. Dined 
 with Major Irving. Spent the evening with Major Sargent 
 and Colonel Waters. 
 
 Feb. 20-23. Preparing letters, and pamphlets of my Botan- 
 ical Paper for Europe. 
 
 JFeb. 24, Sat. Sent my packet for Europe to Boston. It 
 is to go to Philadelphia, to the care of Mr. Samuel Vaughan, 
 Jr. 
 
 Feh. 26, 3Io7i. Went to Salem, with Mr. Haradan, to ob- 
 serve the manner of hanging the (church) bell. 
 
 Feh. 27, 28. Getting timber for hanging the bell. 
 
 3Iar. 1, 2, 3. Busy in assisting about hanging the bell. 
 
 3Iar. 5-10. Confined to the house by an inflammation on 
 the glands of my mouth and throat. 
 
 Mar. 11, Lord's Day. Preached. Very unwell. Went to 
 meeting with my mufl3er. 
 
 3Iar. 12, Mon. Went to Boston in my sleigh. Mr, Prince 
 rode with me. 
 
 3Iar. 14, Wed. Attended a meeting of the Academy and 
 settled the matter of the Volume. 
 
 [Dr. Cutler's love of nature led him to be very observant of 
 her processes. This spring he carefully notes the time of 
 blossoming of a number of trees and plants.] 
 
 April 2, Mon. Dogwood appeared in blossom. 
 
 ^pr. 3-7. Observed Skunk Cabbage' in blossom. Anemone 
 Hepat. in bloom. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 201 
 
 Apr. 9-12. Alders in bloom. Hazlenut in bloom. 
 
 Apr. 13. Elms in bloom. 
 
 Ajjr. 17, Tues. Mrs. Cutler and I went to Mr. Fuller's. 
 Brought home Bear's-bush and two species of Sumach. 
 
 Apr. 18. Juniper in bloom. 
 . Apr. 20, Fri. Went into the woods after specimens of birds 
 and plants. Obtained many birds, but plants were few of 
 them in bloom. Brought home the savin and bear's-foot, and 
 planted them in garden. 
 
 Apr. 21, jSat. Maple in bloom. 
 
 Apr. 23. Lilac buds advanced so as to open and leaves 
 appear. Pine buds advanced ; also beech buds and pitch- 
 pine. 
 
 Apr. 27, Fri. Mr. Swain's lecture. Mr. McKeen and I 
 attended. I preached. 
 
 May 8, Tues. Ministers' meeting at Mr. Holt's; very full. 
 I preached. An agreeable day. 
 
 Mii'i/ 19, jSat. Dr. Holyoke and Dr. Osgood here from 
 Salem ; also Mr. Williams and Mr. Hichborn, from Boston. 
 
 May 20, Lord's Lay. Preached. After meeting rode to 
 Cape Ann. Mr. Williams married. Mr. Forbes and I as- 
 sisted each other in the ceremony. 
 
 3fay 29, Tues. At Boston. Meeting of the Academy. 
 Dined at Governor Bowdoin's. Attended a meeting of the 
 Ohio Company. 
 
 May 30, Wed. Election. Dined at Governor Hancock's. 
 
 May 31, Thurs. Convention. Dined at Dr. Howard's. 
 Spent the evening at Mr. Belknap's. 
 
 June 6, Wed. Mrs. C. and I went to Salem. Dined and 
 lodged at Captain Peele's. Spent the evening at Dr. Holy- 
 oke's. 
 
 June 12, Tues. At ministers' meeting at Mr. Swain's. Mr. 
 Forbes, Mr. Wadsworth, Mr. Parsons, and Mr. Porter also 
 present. Mr. Parsons preached a very good sermon. 
 
 June 23, Sat. Preparing for a journey to New York. 
 
 [The application of General Parsons to Congress for land 
 having failed, Dr. Cutler proceeded, under the authority con- 
 
202 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 ferred by a Resolution of the Company, to^make a " private 
 purchase of lands of the Honorable Congress." At the re- 
 quest of his children, Dr. Cutler wrote out from his notes the 
 full account of his journey to New York^and Philadelphia 
 found in the following chapters.] 
 
Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 203 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 .TouRNKY TO New York and Philadklphia, 1787.* 
 
 Sunday, June 24. Exchanged with Mr. Parsons, of Lynn. 
 After meeting, called on John Carnes, Esq., to receive his 
 commands, if any, for New York. Rode to Cambridge ; spent 
 the evening at Dr. Willard's, in company with Mr. Winthrop, 
 the Librarian. Proposed going to President Willard's, but 
 the Doctor insisted on my lodging with him, which I did. 
 
 Monday, June 25. Waited on Dr. Willard this morning, 
 who favored me with a number of introductory letters to 
 gentlemen at the southward. Received several from Dr. 
 Williams, and went with him to Boston. Fare at the bridge, 
 M. 
 
 Received letters of introduction from Governor Bowdoin, 
 Mr. Winthrop, Dr. Warren, Dr. Dexter, Mr. Guild, Mr. Belk- 
 
 *A manuscript copy of the original of Dr. Cutler's journal of his 
 visit to New York and Philadelphia fell into the hands of Dr. S. P. 
 Hildreth, of Marietta, many years since, and he mnde out a copy and 
 placed it in the Hildreth Cabinet in Marietta College. He also pre- 
 pared numerous notes relating to prominent persons mentioned in the 
 journal. Through the courtesy of Dr. I. \V. Andrews, of the college, 
 the reader will have the benefit of Dr. Hildreth's labors to ihc extent 
 of such notes as are marked (Dr. S. 1'. Hildreth). The following ob- 
 servations, made by Dr. Hildreth, found at the close of his copy, give 
 his own impressions and estimate of the value of such a record: "The 
 above brief sketches of the more prominent men named in Dr. Cut- 
 ler's journal have been wiitten to show how honorable and distin- 
 guished were the persons with whom he had intercourse, and from 
 whom he received the most marked attentions, bearing testimony to 
 the worth and excellence of the character of Dr. Cutler. The whole 
 of the journal discovers the writer to have been a man of no ordinary 
 talents, and remarkable for his acuteness in discovering the abilities 
 and qualities of the men with whom he had intercourse, as well as his 
 refined taste in describing the objects of art or of na'ure that came 
 under his notice. The journal is a model of excellence in the style 
 of writing, well worth preserving for future ages." 
 
204 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 nap, etc. Conversed with General Putnam. Received letters. 
 Settled the principles on which I am to contract with Congress 
 for lands on account of the Ohio Company. Received intro- 
 ductory letters from Mr. Emory, particularly one for Mons. 
 Mechard, the French Botanist in the Jerseys. 
 
 Left Boston for Dedham at half-after six ; made a stage at 
 Major Whiting's, in Roxbury ; bill, Scl. Arrived at Mr. Chick- 
 ering's at eleven ; all in bed. However, Mr. and Mrs. Chick- 
 ering got up, and we spent a tolerably long evening after this 
 before we went to bed. 
 
 Tuesday, June 26. Went on this morning for Providence. 
 Stage at Mann's, Wrentham. Dined ; bill, 2s. 2c?. Stage at 
 Dogget's, Attleborough ; bill, Qd. Arrived at Mr. Hitchcock's, 
 at Providence, at 6 o'clock. Very kindly received. A large 
 circle of ladies on a visit, and one or two gentlemen ; among 
 others, Mrs. Jones, wife of Mr. Coffin Jones, of Boston, to 
 whom he has been lately married. She was an English lady, 
 whose mother came from London since the war, and settled at 
 NeAvport, in Rhode Island. 
 
 This lady distinguished herself by the ease and politeness 
 of her manners, her good sense and most engaging sociability. 
 The two Mrs. Bowens were of the company, both remarkable 
 for good sense and entertaining conversation. The gentlemen 
 were Mr. Mumford, Mr. Benson, and afterward. Dr. Bowen 
 and Mr. Nightingale. We spent the evening in the most agree- 
 able sociability, with less impertinence and more instructive 
 and sentimental remarks than is commonly found in circles of 
 this kind. Were I disposed to indulge envy at the happy lot 
 of my friends, I should certainly indulge it with respect to the 
 agreeable situation and circumstances of Mr. Hitchcock. His 
 house is elegant — most delightfully situated on an eminence 
 that overlooks the tow'n. A support that enables him to live 
 in a style above the most of his brother clergymen, and, what 
 I should prize far more than any other enjoyment, a large 
 circle of acquaintances, with whom he can indulge every rational 
 freedom, and from whom he is receiving every mark of attention 
 and generosity. But envy, the bane of human happiness, can 
 never alleviate our sorrows, soften our cares, or make the 
 smallest amends for our own inconveniences. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 205 
 
 Divine Providence, all -svise in its dispensations, though un- 
 fathomable by us, has allotted us different portions of the 
 means of happiness in this -world. We have no ground for 
 complaint, and our only relief is to rejoice in the happiness of 
 our friends. We then secure to ourselves a share of -what 
 Heaven has given to them and denied to us. 
 
 The company Avent away at eleven, after which brother 
 Hitchcock and I chatted over old affairs and new prospects till 
 after one, when Ave retired to bed. 
 
 Wednesday, June 27. This morning I received a polite in- 
 vitation from Governor BoAven, in the name of a large com- 
 pany, to join them in a Turtle frolic, six miles out of town. 
 Mr. Hitchcock and the other clergymen of the toAvn Avere of the 
 party, but, much against my inclination, I Avas obliged to ex- 
 cuse myself. Spending my time in Turtle frolics would very 
 illy comport Avith the long journey and public business I had 
 undertaken. As I Avent out of toAvn, Mr. Hitchcock and I 
 waited on Governor BoAven. I informed him that it Avas my 
 wish to visit the famous steam engine at Cranston, of Avhicli he 
 is one of the proprietors. He proposed excusing himself from 
 going Avith the Turtle party, and riding out Avith me to the en- 
 gine, eight miles from Providence ; but as it must have de- 
 prived him and the company of so much pleasure as they had 
 then in prospect, I insisted on his not thinking of it, and Avent 
 on myself to Cranston. To go to the furnace and engine was 
 eight miles, nearly, out of my Avay, and a road I had never 
 traveled ; but my curiosity Avas so much excited by the de- 
 scription of so singular a machine, and the only one in America, 
 that I could not deny myself the pleasure of viewing it. 
 
 I arrived at the ore-beds at 12 o'clock. The engine was at 
 work, raising water from a well 80 feet deep. The iron flue 
 is 2| feet wide and 6 feet long, with a square hearth at the 
 mouth, secured from fire by large, thick, iron plates. On the 
 back part of the flue is a winding funnel, which passes into a 
 chimney on the back part of the building. A Avooden boiler 
 of 6 feet diameter is placed above the flue, Avhich is constantly 
 kept full of water Avhen the engine is in motion. The boiler 
 rises above the first story of the building, much in the form of 
 the large cisterns in distilleries, where it receives at the top 
 
206 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 the condensing cylinder, 2J feet in diameter, and made of 
 plated iron. From this cylinder a large worm passes with 
 many windings down the boiler. The valve that passes into 
 this cylinder is more than 2 feet in diameter, and rises and 
 descends by means of an iron rod made fast to one end of the 
 large beam. Around the top of the boiler are numerous 
 leaden pipes, some connected with the condenser and some 
 not, furnished with stop-cocks for admitting and excluding 
 air or water, as necessary in working the machine ; but they 
 are too numerous and complicated to admit of any description 
 from a mere view of the machine. A large reservoir of water 
 is placed in the third loft of the house, constantly affording 
 water to the works below, and as constantly supplied (with a 
 pump for the purpose), by the working of the machine. The 
 large beam is a massive piece of timber, near 4 feet in diameter 
 and 20 feet long, being two very large oak timbers nicely 
 forged together. It moves on a large iron bolt in the center, 
 like the beam of scales, and has two arching timbers at each 
 end forming the segments of a circle, along which two chains 
 of a prodigious size play as the beam moves. One of these 
 chains leads to the piston or valve of the condenser, and the 
 other, at the opposite end, to the pumps in the well. There 
 are four cold water pipes, one feeding pipe, and one venting 
 pipe. By the same motion of the beam which raises the water 
 out of the well, all these pipes open or close, by the means of 
 stop-cocks and valves, as the design of them requires. There are 
 two large pumps in the well, Avhicli is 80 feet deep and 23 feet 
 wide. The sides of wells are supported by large timbers, 
 laid horizontal, so as to make the form of the wells quintan- 
 gular, and the ends of the timbers let into one another. 
 The engine raises 7 hogsheads of water in a minute, and 
 the flue consumes 2 cords of wood in twenty-four hours. The 
 immense weight of the beam, the cast-iron wheels, large 
 chains, and other weighty parts of the works, occasion a 
 most tremendous noise and trembling of the large build- 
 ins in which it is erected, when the machine is in motion. 
 By the sides of the well from which the water is drawn are 
 two other wells of the same form, 70 feet deep. These are 
 sunk down in the bed of ore ; and in these are the workmen, 
 
Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 207 
 
 about ten or twelve in number, digging ore. The ore is raised 
 in large buckets, which hold about one ton weight, let down 
 and drawn up by large chains, carried from the well to a large 
 capstan, which is constantly turned by an ox. As one bucket 
 rises, another goes down. These wells are kept dry by the 
 water continually drawing off into the well where the pumps 
 are fixed, and the pumps keep the water below the height 
 where the men work. This curious machine was made under 
 the direction of Mr. Joseph Brown, of Providence, and is a 
 standing proof of the abilities of that able philosopher. The 
 invention was not new, but he has made many valuable im- 
 provements, in simplifying and making the working of it more 
 convenient, above what has yet been done in Europe. It 
 cost upward of one thousand pounds sterling. Baited my 
 horse ; ^d. 
 
 Returned to Knight's tavern, and dined. Bill, 2.s. Shoeing 
 my horse, bd. Next stage Waterman's, in Johnson ; bill, Qd. 
 Lodged at Owen's tavern, in Gloucester. Rode to-day 27 
 miles. Providence is 75 miles from Ipswich Hamlet, which 
 gives my distance, as I have traveled, 102 miles. 
 
 Thursday., June 28. My bill this morn, 2s. Qd. Stage at 
 Mahunganug, Bussey's tavern. Bill, Qd. Arrived at my 
 father's at 11 o'clock. All well. My father in much better 
 health, and more able to attend to his business, than I ex- 
 pected to find him. He is able to assist in getting in hay, and 
 other farming Avork, which he does of choice, though turned 
 of 80. In the afternoon I preached a lecture for Mr. Atkins. 
 Spent the evening with him, Esq. Howe, and a number of my 
 okl acquaintances. This is 11 miles from Owen's tavern, and 
 my distance 113 miles from home. 
 
 Friday, Juyie 20. This morning set out from my father's 
 for Hartford. My first stage Judge Randal's tavern, at Ash- 
 ford, 13 miles. The Judge was very handy, for a country 
 tavern-keeper, in taking my horse out of the carriage, and 
 very faithful in feeding him with hay and oats. If he made 
 as good a judge, when on the bench, as he does an inn-keeper, 
 he must have excelled many of his brethren in ofiice. . . . 
 10 miles from Fulshaw's. Bill, Is. 
 
 Stage at Esq. Clark's, Ashford ; 8 miles. Bill, M.; horse- 
 
208 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 shoeing, Is. Clark keeps a good house ; every thing is ex- 
 tremely neat, and the house appears to be well stored with 
 every kind of refreshment a traveler can wish. This is one 
 of those rare taverns in the country where town dwellers, 
 horse jockeys, and tavern haunters never resort. From Ash- 
 ford I went through a corner of Willington, and then through 
 Mansfield, upper parish. Mansfield is bounded west by the 
 Willimantic River, which empties itself into the Quinebaug 
 below Windham, forming the NorAvich River. Over Willi- 
 mantic bridge is Coventry ; and, at the foot of it, Bingham's 
 tavern, where I lodged. 
 
 Rode this day through a fine, but very hilly part of the 
 country. I no sooner descended one hill, than I had to as- 
 cend another. The hills are very long, but not steep ; they 
 are, however, intolerably rocky, and the roads wretchedly out 
 of repair. From these hills the prospects are most delightful. 
 Extensive farms in every direction, large fields of corn, grain, 
 and mowing land ; large orchards, and a great variety of fruit 
 trees. Nature appears most luxuriant, and the cheerful la- 
 borers were beginning their first harvest. Grain of every 
 species was fine, but Indian corn rather backward. The soil 
 is rich, strong, and moist. Small streams of water are nu- 
 merous. The whole of this part of the country is finely 
 watered. I was pleased this day with seeing the farmers, in 
 many instances, plowing among their corn with one ox, instead 
 of a horse. Was this practice universally adopted, I am per- 
 suaded it would make a great saving to our farmers. Bing- 
 ham's tavern is 12 miles from Clark's. The house, a wretched 
 old shattered fabric ; the man, rather a churlish clown, who 
 affected to know what kind of keeping I chose for my horse 
 much better than I knew myself. However, at length he con- 
 descended to give him the quantity of oats and hay I chose 
 he should have ; but I did not trust his honesty without seeing 
 it done myself. His wife made a much better appearance. 
 She is a good-looking woman, handsomely dressed, and very 
 obliginfr, and seems to have deserved a better husband and a 
 better house. She gave me a tolerable supper — certainly as 
 good as the house afforded — a good bed, and clean sheets. 
 Traveled this day 30 miles. Have now journeyed 140 miles. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 209 
 
 Saturday., June 30. I rose this morning as soon as the day- 
 light appeared, but so slow and bungling Avas my landlord 
 that it was near sunrise before I stepped into my carriage ; 
 bill, 2s. 
 
 There Avas this morning a very bright fog bow m the west. 
 The bow Avas completely formed a little after the sun had risen, 
 and continued for some time. The breadth Avas about 10 min- 
 utes of a degree. There was the appearance of a rainy day, 
 but the clouds in a little time dissipated. 
 
 Breakfosted at the AvidoAV Kimbal's, in Coventry, four miles 
 from Bingham's. The house somcAvhat ncAv and very spacious. 
 The landlady is a thin favored, but a neat, spruce AvidoAV. My 
 breakfast an excellent dish of green tea and a rasher of 
 broiled shad. My horse this morning very lame again in his 
 right foot. Bill, Is. M. 
 
 In my Avay to East Hartford I passed through Bolton, and 
 left the south parish, a very pretty village in plain vicAv, on 
 my left. In this tOAvn is what is usually called the notch of 
 Hartford Mountains. The ends of two mountains of consid- 
 erable height, one on each hand, seem to butt near the edge of 
 the road, as thovigh Nature had separated them on purpose for 
 the accommodation of travelers, forming a narroAv pass of 
 nearly level ground, free from stones, and only a little wider 
 than the road itself, while the tAVO ends of the mountains form 
 hideous precipices, jutting over the passengers' heads. From 
 Bingham's to the notch the land is broken, hilly, and rocky ; 
 but the soil is rich, producing excellent grass, corn, grain, and 
 orchards. After I passed the notch, the land is more level, 
 free from stones, and somewhat sandy. 
 
 Made my next stage at Woodbridge's, East Hartford, six 
 miles from the AvidoAV Kimbal's. This, I believe, is a good 
 house, though I made but little use of it. Here I met Avith a 
 man of great sagacity and remarkable complaisance, who, after 
 taking off his hat, making several boAvs and scrapes Avitli his 
 foot, asked me if I was not the governor. This was truly 
 characteristic of a Connecticut tavern. Bill, 3(^. 
 
 Went on to Hartford in the southern road. My horse very 
 lame, but the land level and the road very good. Crossed the 
 14 
 
210 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 ferry opposite to the city in a large, commodious boat, Avitliout 
 taking my horse out of the carriage. The shipping on the 
 city side of the river was much more considerable than when 
 I was at college, twenty-two years ago. There were several 
 A^ery handsome brigs and schooners, emplo^'ed in the West 
 India trade. The river is about half a mile in width, and the 
 rapidity of the stream considerable. 
 
 Made my stage at Pratt's tavern, nearly opposite the stage- 
 house, and sign of the Bull, ten miles from Woodbridge's. My 
 dinner was indifferent, and my companions at ta1)le, who ap- 
 peared to be four sturdy Dutchmen, were as little to my taste. 
 However, we were very Quakerish, every man attending closely 
 to the business of eating, without uttering scarcely a word, 
 until we had disposed of nearly every atom of food on the 
 table, when we all parted in the same peaceable manner. This 
 tavern seems to be remarkable for nothing but an elegant sign 
 of a large fierce bull chained to a tree. My landlord very 
 much alarmed me by saying he believed the lameness of ray 
 horse was in his shoulder, and that he had one in the same 
 condition. I suspected, however, that he wished me to leave 
 mv horse with him and hire one of his for the journey. He 
 sent for a farrier-blacksmith, who seemed to be in doubt where 
 the lameness was ; but he took off the shoe which had been 
 set the day before, and, after setting it again, he traveled 
 without limping in the least. 
 
 The city of Hartford is most delightfully situated, on high 
 ground, and near the banks of a beautiful river. The prospect 
 is extensive and the streets handsome. The main street, Avhich 
 is very straight and spacious, running the whole length of the 
 city, is elegant. Tke houses are very large and many of them 
 brick, with large shops of goods of every kind fronting the 
 street. But the narrow bridge over the small river which runs 
 through the city, crossing this street at right angles, greatly 
 injures its appearance, and is truly disgusting. Bill, l.s-. lOd.; 
 horseshoeing, 8(^.; barber, 9d. After dinner, I called on my 
 classmate, Jona. Bull, Esq., one of the aldermen of the c'ltj, 
 but did not get out of my carriage. I have not seen him, nor 
 any of my classmates in this part of the country, since we 
 commenced at college twenty-two years ago. I was surprised 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 211 
 
 to find lie knew me at some distance, for he was sitting in the 
 stoop of the door. I certainly should not have recollected 
 him, had I not known whom I expected to see. He very soon, 
 however, appeared much the same he used to do, excepting 
 the inroads that time had made on the features of his face. 
 He urged me to spend some time with him, hut it was not in 
 my power. 
 
 I also called on my classmate, Colonel Hezekiah Wyllys.'^ 
 He lives with his father, Colonel Wyllys, the Secretary of the 
 State, in an elegant seat just outside the city, situated on a high 
 eminence which overlooks the city and commands a most en- 
 chanting prospect of the river, meandering through rich 
 meadows and fertile fields, for ten or fifteen miles. The land- 
 scape from this seat far exceeds any I have ever seen in any 
 part of the country. My good old friend did not recognize 
 me for some time, for I was determined not to tell him my 
 name. At length he recollected me ; and so much were his 
 tender passions moved, that he could not refrain from tears. 
 We had heen particularly intimate at college, lived together 
 two years in the same chamber, and the firmest friend- 
 ship and afi'ection had subsisted between us during the 
 whole of our residence at college. Our attachment had 
 been cemented by a similar taste for the same course 
 of studies, which we generally pursued together, and were 
 companions in our amusements and parties of pleasure. It 
 was my intention not to alight ; but such was his im- 
 portunity, or rather force, that I could not withstand it. His 
 lady, who is beautiful and amiable, received me with great 
 politeness. She is much younger than himself, for he entered 
 into the connubial state late in life, having been married but 
 three years. We spent two or three hours in running over 
 college scenes, which he seemed to dwell upon with peculiar 
 
 *Col. Hezekiah Wyllys was the third son of Hon. George Wyllys 
 and Mary, daughter of Rev. Timothy and Dorothy (Lamb) Woodbridge. 
 Hezekiah was horn 1747; graduated at Yale, 1765; (Jolonel of a Con- 
 necticut regiment in the Kevolutioii ; mariied Amelia Trumbull. He 
 lived in the old Wylly.s house (Hartfoi'd) on Charter C>ak Hill, and was 
 the last of tlie name to reside there. Soon after his death, the estate, 
 which had belonged to the Wyllyses since 1636, passed into other hands. 
 He died March 29, 1827. — New Eng. Hist, and Gen. Beg. {Jan., KSSo). 
 
212 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 satisfaction, and in givin"; each otlier the history of what had 
 passed since we left our Alma Mater. With the greatest 
 difficulty I took my leave, hut not without promising, if it 
 ■was possible, to spend two or three days with him on my return. 
 . At Wethersfield I called on Mr. Marsh, who urged 
 me to spend the Sabbath with him, but it was my fixed deter- 
 mination to reach Middletown this evening. I ardently wished 
 for more time, but was able to spend but a few minutes with 
 him. In no instance have I ever seen the baneful effects of 
 time so visible on youth and beauty as in Mrs. Marsh. She 
 w\as a sister of my classmate Grant, and of my particular 
 acquaintance while at college. Her beauty and accomplish- 
 ments were as much celebrated as, perhaps, any young lady 
 in the state. But her charms were greatly heightened by the 
 addition of a five thousand pound fortune, which has now lost 
 all its influence. She was certainly very pretty, but she is 
 now extremely ugly. Every feature, every air, is totally 
 changed, and not the most distant trace of Nancy Grant is 
 left. It is to me the more extraordinary, as she has ever 
 lived in affluence and ease, nor been exercised with any kind 
 of adversity. She is about forty. Such is the fate of mor- 
 tals. Youth and beauty must fade, and age, with its withered 
 wrinkles, will make its encroachments on the fairest complex- 
 ions. Wethersfield is a pleasant village, situated on a rather 
 elevated plain ; the streets spacious, and the houses elegant. 
 In every part is the appearance of wealth, which is almost 
 wholly derived from the cultivation of onions. . Mr. Marsh 
 lives in a style much above his brethren in general, and 
 abounds in every convenience of life. 
 
 Next to Wethersfield is Rocky Hill, somewhat of a village, 
 but consists principally of farmers, who appear to roll in lux- 
 ury. Their houses are large and neat, the land most fruitful ; 
 a good proportion of its produce is onions. Stopped at Will- 
 iams' tavern, a very indiff"erent house ; 8(?. As I passed on 
 to Middletown, about a mile before I came to the upper 
 houses (so called), I found myself on an eminence, although I 
 had not been sensible of ascending any considerable hill. 
 The prospect to the south was most extensive, I judged not 
 less than twenty-five or thirty miles. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 213 
 
 The landscape appeared to me of a very peculiar style. 
 The scene was truly picturesque and romantic. The effect 
 was greatly hightened by the particular situation of the sun, 
 which was then about half an hour high. The distant shad- 
 ows were protracted, and a thin haziness bordered the land- 
 scape near the horizon, and spread a dubious vail from side to 
 side. This greatly hightened the beauty of distant objects. 
 It hid nothing, but sweetened the hues of nature, gave a con- 
 sequence to every distant object, by giving it a more. indis- 
 tinct form, corrected the glare of colors, softened the harsh- 
 ness of lines, and, above all, threw over the landscape that 
 harmonizing tint, which blended the whole into unity and re- 
 pose. In the foreground was Middletown upper houses, a small 
 but compact village, with a handsome Meeting House near the 
 center, situated just at the foot of the hill. On my left was Con- 
 necticut River, three-fourths of a mile in breadth, and at the 
 distance of a quarter of a mile from the top of the hill, 
 rolling her waters, with a slow, majestic pace, through the 
 center of the landscape, toward the southern horizon. The 
 river often hides itself by its numerous windings behind small 
 hills and risino; o-rounds, and as often at small distances dis- 
 plays itself in diff'usive openings — thus alternately concealed, 
 and then bursting into view in diff'erent directions, it makes 
 a serpentine course through the whole extent of the prospect, 
 until it seemed to be lost in the southern horizon. From 
 each side the river the land gradually rises Avith an easy slope 
 to the distant horizon, forming a long, spreading valley, in the 
 bottom of which is the general course of the river. In the 
 distant western horizon the Farmington mountains raise their 
 detached heads, almost lost in the azure sky, and added great 
 beauty to the variegated scene. Two miles below the upper 
 houses is the city of Middletown. The shipping at the wharves, 
 the steeples in the city, and compact ranges of houses, painted 
 with various . colors, with trees interspersed among them, pro- 
 duced a most amusing eS"ect. The extended tract of country, 
 beyond the city, and on each side of the river, is varied with 
 hills and valleys in a high state of cultivation. Large houses 
 and barns, in some places near together, in others more scat- 
 tered, extensive fields of grain ripe for harvest, lesser fields 
 
214 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 of Indian corn of the deepest green, plats of grass land and pas- 
 tures of a livelier verdure, orchards of fruit trees, and groves 
 of Avood-land form the back-ground of this finished picture. 
 
 This rich variety, in numerous forms, was greatly softened 
 by distance, the state of the air and situation of the sun, for 
 farm-houses and ordinary buildings lost all their vulgarity of 
 shape, and were scattered about in formless spots through the 
 distance. It is inconceivable what richness of beauty the 
 whole tract, when melted together into one view, exhibited. 
 The first thought that struck me was that this vast tract 
 was filled with gentlemen's country-seats, surrounded with ex- 
 tensive gardens, fruit trees, and groves. In addition to this 
 sylvan scene the different views of the river exhibited a great 
 number of vessels, some large, others small, sailing up and 
 down — some appeared to be sailing among the trees. I fancied 
 myself in Elysian fields, and gazed with delighted astonish- 
 ment until the sun was set and the sable curtain of night was 
 so far drawn as to close the enchanting scene. 
 
 From the lower houses to the city the road passes close on 
 the bank of the river, perfectly level and smooth — the side next 
 the lots of interval lined for two miles with the tallest and 
 straightest cotton-wood trees I ever saw. The lots of interval 
 aj'e narrow, but very long, and divided by rows of the same trees. 
 
 I arrived at General Parsons' * before day-light-in, but it 
 was too dark to make any observations on the city. He lives 
 in the main street, opposite the church. His house is large 
 and his situation delightful. 
 
 The General was very complaisant, and insisted on my lodg- 
 ing with him. He sent his servant immediately to the Rev. 
 Mr. Huntington, to inform him of my being in town, who in 
 return requested the General to come with me in the morning 
 to his home. Middletown is 15 miles from Hartford. Jour- 
 neyed 35 miles ; 175 miles from Hamilton. 
 
 * Major-General Samuel Holclen Parsons, born at Lyme. Connecti- 
 cut, May 14, 1737; graduated at Harvard, 1756; took an active part in 
 the'Eevolutionary War, and in 17n5 negotiated a treaty with the west- 
 ern tribes. In 1787 was chosen a director of the Ohio Company, and 
 was appointed a United States judge in the North-western Territory. 
 He was drowned in descending the rapids of Big Beaver, Nov. I 7, 1789, 
 aged 52 years. — See HildretJis Lives Early Settlers. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 215 
 
 Sunday, July 1. This morning General Parsons introduced 
 me to Mr. Huntington, but engaged me to dine "with him. I 
 preached in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Huntington's 
 Meeting House is a very large but ancient fabric. The house 
 was crowded and the people in general dressed in a very tasty 
 manner. It was Mr. Huntington's communion, and I was 
 pleased to see that his church was so large as nearly to fill the 
 whole body of the Meeting House. The greater part of the 
 married people in his congregation, I believe, belong to his 
 church, and I was astonished to observe the great number of 
 men who appeared to be over seventy. 
 
 I drank tea and spent the afternoon with Mr. Huntington. 
 He is sociable and agreeable, and his acquirements and natural 
 ability eminent, though I presume he is not \qyj popular as a 
 preacher, having somewhat of a hesitancy in his delivery. He 
 is the brother of Governor Huntington and Dr. Huntington. 
 He commenced two years before I entered college. I spent 
 the evening at General Parsons', in company with my good old 
 friend, Mr. Plumb, who has left the desk for the bar, and is set 
 down as an attorney in this city. Mr. Russell, a late tutor, 
 and several other gentlemen, spent the evening with us. Mrs. 
 Parsons, who appears to be an amiable lady, of rather a serious 
 turn, treated me with the greatest kindness and attention. . . . 
 
 3Ionday, July 2. It was 9 o'clock this morning before 
 General Parsons and I had settled all our matters with respect 
 to my business with Congress. He favored me with a large 
 number of letters to members of Congress and other gentle- 
 men in New York. Middletown is pleasantly situated on the 
 declivity of a hill, and extends along the banks of the river. 
 It has an eastern aspect, but does not command a very ex- 
 tended view. It is laid out in oblong squares. The streets 
 are wide, and in some of them are beautiful rows of trees, 
 mostly button-wood, on each side of the street. The houses 
 are in general well built, but the flat extended caps over their 
 doors, though very convenient, are far from being ornamental, 
 and are certainly inconsistent with the established rules of 
 architecture. Many of the lots are not yet built upon. At 
 the northern end of the city is a walk of two rows of button- 
 wood trees, from the front gate of a gentleman's house down 
 
216 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 to a summer-house on the bank of the river, by far the most 
 beautiful I ever saw. He permits the people of the city to 
 improve it as a mall. Although the city appears well, yet it 
 by no means corresponds with the view it exhibits from the 
 hill above the upper houses. 
 
 From Middletown, I passed through a pai-t of Durham, a 
 hilly and rather thinly inhabited tract ; the soil in general 
 rich and the produce large. I was diverted on the way, in 
 seeing a farmer plowing among his corn with four oxen and 
 two horses. It was a piece of ground newly cleared, and it 
 seemed to be his intention to cut through the roots that re- 
 mained in the ground, for his plow was equal in size and 
 strength to his teams. Baited my horse at a house called a 
 tavern, but by no means deserved the name, eleven miles from 
 Middletown ; 3c^. Passed through Wallingford. Met with a 
 shepherd on the road, tending an immense flock of sheep. I 
 judged there were not less than 1,000. The compact part 
 of the town is situated on a narrow ridge of a long hill. 
 The streets wide ; many of the houses well built. Near the 
 center are three Meeting Houses within a few" rods of each 
 other. Here the soil changes abruptly, and from hence to 
 New Haven it is very thin and sandy, but produces tolerable 
 crops of rye and beans. The fields are, most of them, in 
 large commons. 
 
 Made my stage at North Haven bridge ; Todd's. This tav- 
 ern has nothing inviting in its appearance, but I had the good 
 luck to get a very good dinner — a veal cutlet and broiled 
 chicken, with green peas. Examined several plants I had col- 
 lected, for the heat was too intense for riding. Waited for the 
 air to become a little cooler. North Haven is now incorpo- 
 rated into a town. There is a Meeting House and a Church 
 of England. The houses are few and have the genuine marks 
 of poverty, very small and out of repair, and the barns in a 
 shattered state. Nine miles from the house I called at in 
 Durham. Bill, l.s-. lOd. 
 
 Went on to New Haven, a little after 3 o'clock ; fine road ; 
 eight miles. Took lodgings at Miles' tavern, near the center 
 of the city, just below the market, on the public square ; sign 
 of the Lion. This tavern is kept in an elegant style. The 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 217 
 
 house has good accommodations ; the stables are good, and 
 well supplied with hostlers. After I had waited on a barber, 
 I paid my compliments to Dr. Stiles,* the President of the 
 college. The doctor was just coming out from his gate, going 
 to the chapel to attend evening prayers. I begged leave to 
 accompany him, and for the first time attended prayers in the 
 college chapel since I took my degree. I declined a seat in the 
 desk. The President introduced me to the stranger's pew. The 
 students were about 160, and the several classes made a very 
 respectable appearance. The dress and manners of the senior 
 class were genteel and graceful. A view of the seats, pews, 
 and gallery, called up a series of reflections on the hours I 
 had spent within those walls, at public worship, in public ex- 
 aminations every quarter, and various exhibitions, that sensi- 
 bly moved my tenderer passions. After prayers, the President 
 introduced me to the tutors, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Fitch, Mr. 
 Holmes, and Mr. Danielson. We all went to Mr. Holmes' 
 chambers, where we spent a couple of hours very agreeably. 
 The conversation was wholly confined to literary subjects and 
 the present state of American colleges. The President pro- 
 posed a walk to Dr. Wales', Professor of Divinity. He had 
 gone out. We therefore returned and spent the remainder of 
 the evening at the President's house. The Doctor and Mrs. 
 Stiles Avere extremely urgent that I should take a bed there, 
 but having previously engaged one at the tavern, I declined. 
 They engaged me for breakfast in the morning. Miles' tavern 
 is 8 miles from N. Haven bridge. My journey to-day, 28 
 miles ; distance from home, 203 miles. 
 
 Tuesday, July 3. Very early this morning, took a walk 
 through the principal street of the lower part of the city. It 
 seems to have been nearly built new since I left the town. I 
 
 *Hev. Dr. Ezra Stiles (D.D., Edinburgh, 1765; LL.D., N. Y. (oliege, 
 1784), born, North Haven, Coiiu., December 15, 1727; died at New 
 Haven, May 12, 1795. Made President of Yale, June 23, 1778, filling 
 this post until his death. When a tutor. Dr. Franklin sent to Yale an 
 electrical appai'atus, and he and his ieliow tutt)is performed the first 
 electrical experiments ever i>erlornietl in Xew England. Dr. Stiles was 
 undoubtedly one of the jturest and best gifted men of his age. One 
 daughter married Rev. Abiel Holmes; Ruth marrie<t Rev. Caleb Gan- 
 net. — Drake s Did. Am. Biog. 
 
218 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 was surprised to find that few objects seemed to be familiar — 
 that the traces of this part of the town, where I had made so 
 many pleasant walks during my college life, were almost en- 
 tirely eradicated from my mind. Few of the remaining houses 
 looked as thev used to. The lonw Avharf was the most natural, 
 though much enlarged. On this wharf is a sailors' grog-shop, 
 which has a sign that is truly striking and diverting. It is a 
 large board nailed to the end of the shop and extended over 
 the wharf. The painting is executed in a masterly manner. 
 The design is a table with bottles, glasses, lemons, etc., and a 
 huge bowl of punch. A sailor with a piece of cordage hang- 
 ing over, one arm, the end in his hand, is clasping the bowl 
 with both arms, in the posture of lifting with all his might. 
 He is looking down the wharf with an air of humor, and on a 
 label which goes from his mouth are these words : " Halloo, 
 brother Jack-tar ! come, lend a hand to strap this block." 
 Mansfield's row and Beauntiqueu Square appeared more as 
 they used to than any other part of the town. Inclosing the 
 burying-ground, and erecting a number of public buildings on 
 the public square, has greatly altered it. But the most affect- 
 ing change to me is the loss of Mother Yale. Yale College 
 was by far the most sightly building of any one that belonged 
 to the University, and most advantageously situated. It gave 
 an air of grandeur to the others. There are now only Con- 
 necticut Hall, the Chapel, which is three stories, containing 
 the Library and Cabinet, also the Dining-hall and Kitchen. 
 These are all built of brick, but so situated as to make very little 
 show. The city of New Haven covers a large piece of ground, 
 a little descending toward the sea, with a southern aspect. It 
 is laid out in regular squares, Avith a public square near the 
 center. Its streets are tolerably wide, and some of them or- 
 namented with rows of trees. There is a row of trees set 
 round the public square, which were small while I was at col- 
 lege, but are now large, and add much to its beauty ; a row 
 across the center has been very lately set out, in a line Avith 
 the State House, two large Meeting Houses and the Grammar 
 School. Within the square, and on the borders of others ad- 
 joining, are six steeples and cupolas on public buildings, 
 within a very small compass of ground. These steeples, Avhen 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 219 
 
 you approach the city in whatever direction, have an agreea- 
 ble effect. The houses in general are good, some of them ele- 
 gant, and a great proportion of them built -with brick. The 
 streets are generally dry, but very sandy, and will, probably, 
 never be paved, as it must be attended with great expense. 
 The Harbor is good, and the shipping very considerable, prin- 
 cipally in the coasting and West India trade. 
 
 Breakfasted this morning with Dr. Stiles. He has four 
 daughters, unmarried, very agreeable. His only son is in the 
 law, settled in the country. A Miss Channing, a young lady 
 from Newport, and of very uncommon literary accomplish- 
 ments, was here on a visit. She not only reads but speaks 
 French, Latin, and Greek, Avitli great ease, and has furnished 
 her mind with a general knowledge of the Avhole circle of sci- 
 ence, particularly Astronomy and Natural Philosophy. She 
 has likewise a high taste for the fine arts, and discourses with 
 great judgment on eloquence, oratory, painting, sculpture, etc. 
 She is very sociable, knows how to take advantage of every 
 incident to render herself agreeable, and no subject seems to 
 come amiss. Her style is exceedingly correct and elegant, 
 without the least symptom of affectation.. How^ l^ig^^ly orna- 
 mental is such an education to a female character when con- 
 nected with the softer graces and politeness of manners ! 
 
 Immediately after breakfast, the tutors came in to invite me 
 to the College. Dr. Stiles accompanied us. We took a view 
 of the Library, the Philosophy Chamber, and Cabinet. The 
 Library is small ; the collection consists principally of rather 
 antiquated authors. The Philosophical apparatus is still less 
 valuable — an air-pump, tolerably good ; a reflecting telescope, 
 wholly useless, for the large and small mirrors are covered 
 with rust, occasioned by poking in greasy fingers ; a mi- 
 croscope of the compound kind, but very ancient ; a miserable 
 electrical machine ; a large, homely orrery, made by one of 
 the students ; a hydrostatic balance, and a few other arti- 
 cles, not worth naming. A handsome sum, however, is now- 
 being collected for purchasing a complete Philosophical appa- 
 ratus. The Cabinet is a good collection, but very badly disposed. 
 
 I had intended to proceed on my journey, but the time 
 passed insensibly in the agreeable company of these gentle- 
 
220 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 men, who arc truly literary characters, and I consented to 
 tarry to dinner. Indeed I could not deny myself the pleas- 
 ure of spending a little time at the place where I received 
 my education, and from Avhich I had been absent so many 
 years. 
 
 At 11 o'clock the tutors attended their classes, and the 
 Doctor and I returned to his house. I sent for my trunk and 
 showed the Doctor and his lady, and the young ladies, my bo- 
 tanical apparatus and books, with which they were all highly 
 pleased, having never seen any thing of the kind before. I 
 had collected a number of flowers the day before, which I had 
 not had time to examine. They were perfectly fresh in my 
 botanical box. From them I gave a short lecture on the parts 
 of fructification, separating and exhibiting the parts at the 
 same time, which was highly amusing to the company. The 
 Doctor was extremely pleased with my " Hobby-horse," and 
 w^as determined to mount him, and have a ride himself. I had 
 to explain technical terms, and construe crabbed Linnsen Latin 
 for an hour on the stretch. At length a call to dinner jDut an 
 end to my fatigue. But the " Hobby-horse " Avas introduced 
 at table, and each of the company must have a ride in turn. 
 After dinner I was determined to set out immediately, but 
 there was no such thing as getting away. We returned to the 
 microscope and plants. 
 
 Dr. Wales came in to see me, and spend the afternoon ; he 
 joined the Doctor in pressing me to spend the next day, 4th 
 of July, in the city, which was to be celebrated, by order of 
 the corporation of the city, with great military parade, an ora- 
 tion in the brick Meeting House, a public dinner in the State 
 House, and a public ball in the evening. My inclination to 
 coipply was sufiiciently strong, but the inconveniences I might 
 suffer by losing so much time induced me absolutely to de- 
 cline. Such, however, was the zeal of the Doctor, that before 
 I left his house, and by his procuring, I suppose, a billet was 
 sent me by the Mayor of the city, to dine the next day wnth the 
 Governors of the College, Corporation of the City, etc. I 
 was obliged to return an answer directly opposed to my feel- 
 ings, and excused myself from accepting the invitation, as I 
 was under the necessity of leaving the city that evening. As 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 221 
 
 I was determined to go, Dr. Stiles and Dr. Wales were so 
 complaisant as to propose to accompany me as far as West 
 Haven Meeting House, six miles from the city, which they 
 did. It was Avith the greatest reluctance that I took my leave 
 of this very agreeable family, where I had been shown so 
 much politeness and attention. Bill at Miles' tavern, Ss.; 
 barber, Is. 
 
 At West Haven took my leave of Dr. Stiles and Dr. Wales. 
 It was now sunset. Rode on to Milford, 10 miles from New 
 Haven, 213 miles from home. The road tolerably good ; some 
 part of the way woody, and none of it very thickly inhabited. 
 The soil rather light and sandy. Called on my classmate, 
 Buckingham, who is a Justice of the Peace, and one of the 
 Judges of the Inferior Court for the County of New Haven. 
 He is a wealthy farmer, and lives in a handsome house near 
 the Meeting House. Mj intention was to lodge with him, but 
 unfortunatel}^ he was gone from home. Went on to Glinney's 
 tavern, the other side of the Meeting House, and took lodg- 
 ings. Just as I was sitting down to supper my friend B. came 
 in ; being told that somebody had inquired for him at his 
 door, he came over to see who it was. It was some time be- 
 fore he could call me bv name, thoua'h he said he knew me at 
 first glance. This Avas more than I could say of him ; for, 
 had he not asked me if I was the gentleman that called at his 
 door, I should not have had the most distant thought of him. 
 We spent the evening, until 11 o'clock, very agreeably. After 
 a little time his countenance, and every thing about him, be- 
 came familiar. He urged me to take a bed Avith him ; but as 
 it Avas late, and I must ride very early in the morning, I de- 
 clined. 
 
 Dr. Carrington, avIio Avas tAvo years after me in college, and 
 Avho lives in this toAvn, came in just after Mr. Buckingham, 
 and spent the evening Avith us. This tavern is very indiffer- 
 ent, though the people seemed very obliging. My night's 
 sleep Avas greatly disturbed by the howling of dogs, in-doors 
 and out. 
 
 Wednesday, July 4, Independence. Rose very early, and 
 went on to Stratford. Milford is a large toAvn, mostly farm- 
 ers. Near the Meeting House are a number of houses, some- 
 
222 • Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 what compact, but the ground is broken and rocky. The land 
 in some parts of the town is very good. Four miles from 
 Milford Meeting House is Stratford River, one quarter of a 
 mile wide, and navigable above the ferrv about ten miles, to 
 Danbury. Fare at the ferry. Is. '2d. 
 
 On the opposite side is Stratford. The compact part of the 
 town is about a mile from the ferry. A very pretty village of 
 houses on a plain. A Church of England, and a handsome 
 Meetino; House. Dr. Johnson's seat is in this town. His 
 house and gardens appear very- well. 
 
 Breakfasted at Blackleach's tavern, near the church. Called 
 for a few minutes on my classmate. Walker. He is a Justice 
 of the Peace, lives in an elegant house, and has a large estate, 
 principally in farms. Happily for him ho had a father born 
 before him. He received me politely, and urged me to spend 
 some time with him. He appeared the most natural of any 
 of my college acquaintances I have yet seen. ... It af- 
 forded me pleasure to hear that he sustained a very fine char- 
 acter, and was one of the principal men in the town. It is, 
 indeed, no small satisfaction to find, and to hear, that most of 
 my classmates support respectable characters in life, and a 
 great proportion of them are employed in public life. I had 
 eight classmates from this town, and only one remains in it. 
 Bill, Is. \d. 
 
 Passed over Newfield ferry, two miles from Stratford ; fare, 
 10(7. A great proportion of the land between Stratford and 
 this ferry is improved with flax. The soil is rich and strong, 
 requiring little or no manure. The roads fine. Over the 
 .ferry, at the right, is Stratfield, a considerable village, with a 
 church and Meeting House. At some distance from the ferry 
 is a very long bridge, which I judged to be more than a quar- 
 ter of a mile in length; at a small distance from this is another, 
 of shorter extent. 
 
 Passed through Fairfield, eight miles from Stratford. . . . 
 The town was burnt by the British troops, but is now in a con- 
 siderable degree rebuilt. It is situated on a plain, but in its 
 present state makes no appearance. There is, however, a 
 considerable cluster of houses in the center of the town ; but 
 the houses are generally rather indiff"erent. The Meeting 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 223 
 
 House stands near the center of them, and is a decent buikl- 
 ing. It was my intention to call on Mr. Eliot, the minister, 
 but found he lived at Greenfield, a parish two miles distant 
 from his own. He moved out in the time of the Avar, on to a 
 fafm, and has not returned. Greenfield is on the right, at 
 some distance from the post road, most beautifully situated on 
 a high eminence. Mr. Dwight is the minister. Made my 
 next stage at Morehouse tavern, four miles from Fairfield, a 
 miserable, dirty tavern ; bill, M. 
 
 The road this morning has been fine, in view of the Sound. 
 The lands rich, producing immense quantities of flax, some 
 grains, and Indian corn. The farmers appear to do very little 
 labor. Called at Mr. Ripley's door, a very particular college 
 acquaintance, two years before me. He is settled in the min- 
 istry in Green's farms. His parish, I believe, is rather indif- 
 ferent, but he has a good farm. He urged me to stop and 
 dine with him, but as he was very busy making hay, I excused 
 myself and went on to Norwalk, nine miles from my last stage. 
 The road rocky and hilly and the land indiff'erent. Put up at 
 Reed's tavern. Very hot. This is a tolerable tavern. Dined 
 on cutlet of veal and green peas. NorAvalk is a very compact 
 place, at the head of a navigable creek. There seems to be a 
 greater number of handsome stores than dwelling-houses, and 
 most of them inhabited by families. The building are all new, 
 for this town, and almost all of the houses between this and 
 Fairfield, were burnt by the British. There is no Meeting 
 House. They worship in a large school-house. Bill, Is. 4:d. 
 
 My next stage at Young's, in Middlesex, six miles. Very 
 hot and the roads excessively bad. This house is very neat, 
 but I believe not much used as a tavern. The landlord is fat 
 and lazy, but extremely knowing, at least in his own opinion ; 
 a thorough-paced politician — every thing is^vrongly managed, 
 but he could easily set all to rights, was government committed 
 to him. Our country ! how much do you suffer by not calling 
 into your councils such wiseacres, Avho could snatch you with 
 a jerk from the jaws of ruin ! He is a genuine Connecticut 
 tavern-keeper — before your horse's bits are out of his mouth, 
 the usual questions are asked : What's your name ? Where 
 did you come from? Where are you going ? And, what's 
 
224 Life of Rev. 31anasseh CuUer. 
 
 your business ? Answer these questions, and his curiosity is 
 completely satisfied ; nor docs he wish to know a syllable more 
 about you, only that you will take care to pay your bill — mine 
 was ^d. At this house I was pleased with a number of per- 
 fectly white silken balls, as they appeared to be, suspended by 
 small threads along the frame of the looking-glass. They 
 were made by taking off the calyx of the flowers of the Thistle 
 in an early stage of their blooming. 
 
 The next town is Stamford, a very pretty village. Some 
 of the houses make a very good appearance. It is situated 
 on low and rather broken ground. The Meeting House is the 
 greatest curiosity I observed in this place. It is a very old 
 building, large, square on the ground. The whole roof forms 
 the base of the steeple in a four-square ; in the middle is raised 
 a four-square tower of half the size of the whole house. This 
 tower has a large round roof; from its center is raised another 
 laro-e tower, of half the size of the first tower : from this 
 tower is raised a short steeple. This village is three 
 miles from Young's. The road rocky; the land good; fine 
 orchards. 
 
 Arrived at Napp's, in Horse Neck, about 10 o'clock. The ex- 
 treme heat prevented my riding in the middle of the day. His 
 house is situated on a very high hill, of most difficult access. At 
 a small distance from his house, the road ascends a precipice by 
 different windings, W'hicli appears to me to be nearly sixty feet 
 high and almost perpendicular. As you approach it, it appears 
 inaccessible ; but nature has formed crevices in certain direc- 
 tions, which seem to have been designed for a road, and by 
 labor it has been made tolerably good. Both Napp and his 
 wife have much the air of a gentleman and lady, but keep 
 good attendants, and a house well furnished with every thing 
 necessary for a tavern. I felt more anxious for my horse than 
 myself; but it was very dark, and being much fatigued, I 
 wished to be excused from going to the stables. The hostler 
 is Cuif. After he had fed my horse with oats, I gave him a 
 very serious charge to rub him well down and give him a good 
 supper. His ready promise to do it made me suspect him the 
 more. " Well," says I, " my lad, if you do not take good 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 225 
 
 care of him, my liorse will certainly tell me in the morning, 
 and yon may depend on a flogging." "What? You hoss 
 tell you ! De debble ! You hoss speak ! I no 1/leve dat." 
 "Yes, Cuff. Y"ou shall, see what he will do in the morning." 
 In the morning Cuff came, grinning, with my horse. " Now, 
 masser, what you hoss say ! If he say I no give him good 
 supper, he will lie like de debble." 
 
 This is 15 miles from Reed's, in Norwalk ; rode 44 miles, 
 and 257 miles from home. Bill, Ss. 4(i., Y'ork currency. 
 
 Thursday/, July 5. Rose very early this morning, and was 
 on my Avay some time before the sun rose. Road very bad ; 
 the land, in general, rich and fertile ; the farms abound in 
 orchards ; vast numbers of red cherry trees, set on the sides 
 of the road, which were loaded with fruit, fully ripe. I re- 
 plenished my carriage Avith branches full of ripe fruit as often 
 as I pleased, and ate until I made myself almost sick. The 
 fruit is large, fair, and SAveet. After I had rode about three 
 miles, a gentlemen overtook me, Avho was riding in a Whisky, 
 and bound to New Y'^ork. We soon fell into conversation. I 
 found him very sociable and agreeable. He Avas from Long 
 Island, and had been journeying to the northern part of Con- 
 necticut. We passed Byram River three miles from Napp's, 
 which is the boundary line between the states of Connecticut 
 and NeAv York. Three miles from Byram River Ave made our 
 first stage — Mrs. Haviland's, in Rye, Avhere Ave breakfasted. 
 This house has more the air of a gentleman's country-seat than 
 a tavern. It is a large, Avell-built house, Avith a piazza extend- 
 ing the Avhole length of the front, Avell finished and elegantly 
 furnished ; handsome barns, stables, and other out-houses ; a 
 spacious garden, laid out in a beautiful form. The OAvner is 
 still more extraordinary. She is a AvidoAV of fifty, in a rich, 
 gay dress, and affecting the airs of a young girl of sixteen. 
 She has an only daughter, equally tasty in dress, Avho is, at 
 least, approaching the old-maid's row, but is really handsome. 
 When the table Avas set for our breakfast, one Avould have 
 thought they intended it for dinner. It Avas furnished with 
 ham, neat's tongue, and roast veal, in addition to a fine dish of 
 green tea, coffee, bread and butter, and good old cheese. The 
 15 
 
226 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 mother and daughter were very chatty, and we spent an hour 
 very agreeably. Bill. 2.s., York currency. 
 
 We rode through Mamaroneck, four miles from Mrs. Hav- 
 iland's, situated on the side of a navjgable creek, -which re- 
 ceives a small river, Avhich we forded. The next town is New 
 Rochelle. The houses in both places are scattered, the land 
 rocky, and the roads bad, but the soil is rich. The road, how- 
 ever, is much better than before we passed Byram River. We 
 then came to East Chester, and made our stage at Guion's 
 tavern, eleven miles from Mrs. Haviland's. Here is a stone 
 church, greatly injured by the British troops. The windows, 
 remarkable for their size, were taken out and destroyed, and 
 have not since been repaired. On our way to this tavern, my 
 fellow traveler shoAved me several spots where the British and 
 American troops engaged in action, and entertained me with 
 the various movements of the two armies while they were in 
 this vicinity. Guion's is a tolerable tavern. Bill, l.s-. It was 
 very hot, but we proposed to make the best of our way to 
 New York. 
 
 About three miles from Guion's is a river, which was the 
 separating line between the two armies for a considerable time. 
 The name of the river he had forgotten. A singular achieve- 
 ment is mentioned of a British light- horseman, at the bridge 
 over this river, which appeared to me incredible. The bridge 
 is high from the Avater and the hutments at least ten feet 
 apart. This bridge Avas taken up by the Americans. It is 
 said a light-horseman, who had crossed the river above, in 
 order to reconnoiter, Avas discovered near the bridge on the 
 American side, and, closely pursued by a body of horse, he 
 made for the bridge, but did not know that it Avas taken up 
 until he come Avithin a feAv yards. He had no alternative but 
 to jump his horse over or be made a prisoner. He preferred 
 the former, and clapped his spurs to his horse, and leaped him 
 from butment to butment, and so made liis escape. On the 
 side, Avhere the British troops lay, the hills and highlands Avere 
 strongly fortified. About two miles before we came to King's 
 bridge, we had an extensive view of the lofty shore on the op- 
 posite side of the Hudson River. It is an extended range of 
 mountains up and down the river, Avith nearly level summit, 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 227 
 
 but, on the bank of the river, appears to be perpendicular, 
 and so much as 80 or 100 feet high. It looks like a solid 
 rock, deeply grooved in perpendicular glades. The top is 
 crowned with a growth of forest trees. On this side of the 
 river the lands are rather low, interspersed with swelling hills, 
 and in a state of high cultivation. Several manors, with the 
 villas of the owners, present themselves in one view. These, 
 with the extended mountains on the opposite side of the river, 
 and extending up and down as far as the eye can reach, afford 
 an unusual and pleasing landscape. The western bank is so 
 fortified by this range of mountains, from opposite to New 
 York, as far up as Stony Point, forty or fifty miles, that it 
 proved a complete barrier against the British troops during 
 the late war, for they were unable to land anywhere for so 
 great a distance on the Jersey shores. 
 
 King's bridge is built over a narrow river which commu- 
 nicates with the Hudson on the west and Long Island Sound 
 on the east. The bridge is small, very narrow, and badly 
 built. It is worthy of no kind of notice, except that it forms 
 the pass from the main, on to York Island, and was for a con- 
 siderable time the line between the two armies. 
 
 Although the river is very narrow, it is deep, and the tide 
 runs rapidly under the bridge, alternately both ways, as the 
 tide ebbs and flows. It is fifteen miles from the city of New 
 York. As we entered on York Island the land is rocky and 
 broken, especially on the right, but the road is exceedingly 
 good. On our way down the island the ruins of British en- 
 campments and fortifications presented themselves on both 
 sides of the road, incessantly, for many miles. About a mile 
 from the bridge they threw up immense works across the island. 
 We also saw the ruins of Fort Washington, Fort Independence, 
 and many other forts and redoubts built by the Americans. 
 
 M}^ companion entertained me much with the recital of the 
 various situations and movements of the two armies at differ- 
 ent periods, and with the most material incidents in the his- 
 tory of that part of the American war. He appears to be 
 perfectly intelligent and well informed, much of a gentleman, 
 and of most pleasing address. He was at different times in 
 the country, and in New York, in the British and American 
 
228 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 encampments. I watched him "with every possible attention 
 to discover whether he was a whig or tory, but he was so 
 guarded, even in his praises and censures, which on different 
 occasions he bestowed on the conduct of the two armies, and 
 expressed himself Avitli so much judgment and impartiality, 
 that I was unable to determine whether he was for America 
 or Britain. However, I am inclined to think he was a whig. 
 
 The island of New York is narrow, the land very much 
 broken, a great part of it so rock}^ as to be incapable of culti- 
 vation. Ten miles this side the city is a plain of good land, 
 called Harlem Plain. On this plain, and toward East River, 
 is a small village, called Harlem. The inhabitants are nearly 
 all Dutch, and the houses are built in the Dutch style. Toward 
 the city are a number of elegant country-seats, with large 
 orchards, and the land highly cultivated, particularly their 
 gardens. Two miles from the city I took leave of my fellow- 
 traveler, who was going to dine with his brother at a country- 
 seat about a mile and a half out of the road, but at that time 
 full in our view. Here we exchanged our names, which be- 
 fore had been unknown to each other, and parted with appa- 
 rent reluctance on both sides ; it was sincerely so on mine, for 
 a more agreeable companion I had scarcely ever met with. 
 His name was Nicholson, a merchant, who lives on the southern 
 side of the large plains, on Long Island, about 100 miles 
 from New York. Before I went into the city I made a short 
 stage at a Dutch tavern and dined. The house was remarkably 
 neat. . . . Bill, 3s. About 3 o'clock I arrived at the 
 city by the road that enters through the Bowery. Put up my 
 horse at the sign of the " Plow and Harrow," in the Bowery — 
 Barnes'. After dressing myself, took a walk into the city. 
 When I came to examine my letters of introduction, I found 
 them so accumulated that I hardly knew which to deliver 
 first. As this is rather a curiosity to me, I am determined to 
 preserve a catalogue, although only a part are to be delivered 
 at New York : 
 
 Hon. Timothy Pickering, Esq., Philadelphia ; Mr. T. D. 
 Blanchard, Philadelphia; Sam'l Vaughan, Esq., Philadelphia; 
 Mr. John Vaughan, Philadelphia ; Mr. Hugh Henderson, mer- 
 chant, New York ; Rev. Dr. Rogers, New York ; Sir John Temple, 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh CiUler. 229 
 
 New York ; Lady Temple, New York ; His Excellency, Dr. 
 Franklin, Philadelphia ; Barnabas Binney, M. D., Philadel- 
 phia ; Benjamin Rush, M, D., Philadelphia ; John Morgan, M. 
 D,, Philadelphia ; Doctor D. Shippen, Philadelphia ; Doctor 
 Eben'. Crosby,- New York ; Hon. Eben', Hazard, Esq., New 
 York; Mr. Benj. Park, merchant, Philadelphia; Mr. William 
 Ball, merchant, Philadelphia ; Mr. Robert Aiken, printer, 
 Philadelphia; Dr. Gerardus Clarkson, Philadelphia; Mons. 
 Le Mechard, Superintendent French King's Botanical Gar- 
 den, New Jersey ; General Knox, New York ; Colonel Carring- 
 ton, member Congress ; Colonel Grayson, member Congress ; 
 Hon. Richard H. Lee, Esq., member Congress ; Hon. Doctor Lee, 
 member Board Treasury ; Hon. Wm. Duer, Secretary Board 
 Treasury ; His Excellency, General St, Clair, President of 
 Congress ; Hon. Melancthon Smith, New York ; Hon. Egb't 
 Benson, member Congress ; Colonel Richard Piatt, New York ; 
 Colonel George Morgan, Princeton ; Rev. Doctor Smith, Vice- 
 President of New Jersey College ; Rev. Doctor Ewing, Pro- 
 vost of the College in Philadelphia ; David Rittenhouse, Esq., 
 Philadelphia ; General N. Webb, New York ; Rev. Doctor 
 Witherspoon, President of the College, New Jersey ; His Ex- 
 cellency, the President of the Philosophical Society, Philadel- 
 phia ; Rev. Doctor Sprout, Philadelphia ; Rev. William Rog- 
 ers, Philadelphia ; Hon. Samuel Baldwin, member Congress ; 
 Hon. Roger Sherman, member Congress ; Hon. William Irvine, 
 member Congress ; Hon. W. Livingston, of Board of Treasury. 
 The first letter I delivered was to Mr. Hu2:h Henderson. 
 He is a wholesale merchant, and lives in genteel. style. Mrs. 
 Henderson is a sister of Mrs. Willard, Avhich was the occasion 
 of my receiving an introductory letter from Dr. Willard to 
 him. Mr. Henderson received me very politely. After tea 
 he proposed a walk about the city, but first gave me a speci- 
 men of Scotch generosity ; urged me to take lodgings with 
 him while I tarried in the city, and assigned me one of his 
 front chambers, and ordered his servant, Starling, to attend 
 me. After finding that no apology would avail, I accepted his 
 invitation, and his servant was sent for my baggage. We 
 rambled over a considerable part of the city before dai-k, de- 
 livered a number of my letters, and returned and spent the 
 
230 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 evening very agreeably at Mr. Henderson's. He lives on 
 Golden Hill, in Golden Hill street, No. 14. Rode 46 miles ; 
 302 from home. 
 
 Friday, July 6. This morning delivered most of my intro- 
 ductory letters to the members of Congress. • Prepared my 
 papers for making application to Congress for tlie purchase of 
 lands in the western country for the Ohio Company. At 11 
 o'clock I was introduced to a number of members on the floor 
 of Congress Chamber, in the City Hall, by Colonel Carring- 
 ton,* member from Virginia. Delivered my petition for pur- 
 chasing lands for the Ohio Company, and proposed terms and 
 conditions of purchase. A Committee was appointed to agree 
 on terms of negotiation, and report to Congress. Dined Avith 
 Mr. Dane. He and Mr. Milliken, Comptroller of the Board 
 of Treasury, have hired a house in Broadway, and live in a 
 family state, with only two servants. Spent the evening with 
 several members of Congress. 
 
 Saturday, July 7. Paid my respects, this morning, to Dr. 
 Holton, and several other gentlemen. Was introduced by 
 Dr. Ewing and Mr. Rittenhouse f to Mr. Hutchins,;}; Geogra- 
 pher to the United States, Consulted him, where to make 
 our location. Dined with General Knox. 1 1 Introduced to his 
 
 * Colonel Edward Carringtou, a native of Virginia. Served as Quar- 
 termaster-General under General Greene, in his southeiii campaign. 
 A delegate in Congress from Virginia, 1787. Born, 1749; died, 1814, 
 aged lob.— Dr. S. I'. Hildreih. 
 
 f David Rittenhouse, celebrated mathematician: born in Pennsyl" 
 vania, 1732. During early life employed in agriculture; his constitu- 
 tion being feeble, he became a clock and mathematical instrument 
 maker. Hemoved to Philadelpiiia, 1770. Member, an<l for some time 
 President of the Philosophical Society; 'i'reasurer of Pennsylvania 
 from 1777-89; Director of U. S. Mint from 179l'-1795. Died, 1796. 
 Plis ^lathematieal talents were of the highest order. — Biog. of Eminent 
 Men {Davcnporl). 
 
 J Thomas Hutchins, Geographer General oi' the U. S. Born in New 
 Jersey. For many years an officei' in the army; served in several 
 campaigns against the Indians. Engineer for the ei'ection of Fort 
 Pitt. Wrgte a history of Boquet's invasion of the Indian country in 
 1764. Died in 17S9, at Pittsburg.— i)/-. ,S'. P. HUdreth. 
 
 II Henry Knox, Major-General in the army of V . S. Born in Boston, 
 July 25, 1750. Took command of Corps of .Vrtillery in 1776, and con- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 231 
 
 lady, and a French nobleman, the Marquis Lotbiniere — at 
 dinner, to several other gentlemen, who dined with us. Our 
 dinner was served in high style — much in the French taste. 
 Mrs. Knox * is very gross, but her manners easy and graceful. 
 She is sociable, and would be very agreeable, were it not for 
 her affected singularity in dressing her half. She seems to 
 mimic a military style, which to me is disgusting in a female. 
 Her hair in front is craped at least a foot high, much in the 
 form of a churn bottom upAvard, and topped off with a wire 
 skeleton in the same form covered with black gauze, which 
 hangs in streamers down to her back. Her hair behind is in 
 a large braid, turned up, and confined with a monstrous large 
 crooked comb. She reminded me of the monstrous cap worn 
 by the Marquis La Fayette's valet — commonly called, on this 
 account, the Marquis' Devil. No person at table attracted 
 my attention so much as the Marquis Lotbiniere — not on ac- 
 count of his good sense, for if it had not been for his title I 
 should have thought him two-thirds of a fool. 
 
 Waited on Rev. Dr. Rogers, and drank tea in company with 
 Dr. Ewing, Dr. AVitherspoon, and several other clergymen. 
 The Doctor urged me exceedingly to preach for him, at least 
 part of the day, on Sunday ; but, as the two Presidents f were 
 in town, and I had just come off a long journey, prevailed on 
 him to excuse me. 
 
 In the evening, called on Dr. Crosby, in company with Mr. 
 Hazard. Dr. Crosby is Professor of MidAvifery in the Uni- 
 versity in this city. He is much of a gentleman, nnd received 
 me very politely. 
 
 Sunday, July 8. Attended public worship this morning at 
 
 tinuefl during the war. In 1785, appointed Secretaiy of War, and 
 continued under the present Constitution, in 17.S9, by President Wash- 
 ington. Resigned in 1799, being near twenty years in the service of 
 his country. Died at Thomaston, Maine, 1806. He was greatly dis- 
 tinguished for his courage, gentlemanly bearing, and manly virtues; 
 one of Washington's favorites. — Dr. S. P. HiUreth. 
 
 *Mrs. Knox was a daughter of Hon. Thomas Fluekner, Secretary 
 of the Province of Massachusetts under Governor Gage. She married 
 General Knox, then a bookseller in Boston, in 1774. 
 
 jThe "two Presidents" were Dr. Ewing, of the University of Penn- 
 sylvania, and Dr. Witherspoon, of the College of New .lersey. 
 
232 Life of llev. Manameh Cutler. 
 
 the new brick Presbyterian Cliurch. The house is large and 
 elegant. The carvings within are rather plain, but very neat, 
 and produce a fine effect upon the eye. The form of the 
 house is long, and the pulpit near one end, but not adjoining 
 to the wall. It is supported by a single post, which passes 
 up at the back part of the pulpit, and is croAvned with the 
 sounding-board, not more than tAVO feet above the minister's 
 head. At the end of tlic house, opposite to the pulpit, are 
 two doors, wdiich open into tAvo long aisles that extend the 
 whole length of the house. The pcAvs are built on each side 
 the aisles, one tier of Avail pcAvs and two tiers in the center of 
 the house. The peAvs are long and narrow, having only one 
 long seat, except that there are tAvo square Avail pcAvs placed 
 opposite to each other near the center of the side Avails, with 
 a handsome canopy over them supported by pillars. The 
 floors of these pews are considerably elevated above the others, 
 Avhich renders them very pleasant. They are called the Gov- 
 ernor's pews, and are occupied by strangers. 
 
 Dr. Ewing,* Provost of the college at Philadelphia, preached 
 a very pretty sermon on the advantages and excellency of the 
 Christian religion. The congregation appeared remarkably 
 neat and rich in their dress, but not gay. The house Avas very 
 full and exceedingly attentive. I Avas particularly pleased 
 with the singing. Around the large pillar Avhich supports the 
 pulpit is a very large circular pcAV, appropriated to the Wardens 
 of the church and the Chorister. In the front of this pcAV is 
 a little desk, considerably elevated. When the Psalm is read, 
 the Chorister steps up into this desk and sings the first line. 
 He is then joined in the second line by the Avhole congrega- 
 tion — men, Avomen, and children seemed all to sing, almost 
 
 * John Ewiii;.', iin eminent American divine ami niatliematician, was 
 born in Maryland, l7o-; graduated at Princeton, 1755. In 1759, took 
 pastoral charge of First Presbytci'ian Churcli <>f Philadelphia; contin- 
 ued until 177;;. In 1779, he accepted the station of Provost of the 
 University of Philadelphia, which he tilled until his death. He was 
 elected Vice-president of .American Philosophical Society, and con- 
 tributed several valuable memoirs to their Transactions. His favorite 
 study was mathematics, and his Lectuies on Natural History have ob- 
 tained considerable reputation, lie died, 1802. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseli On Her. 233 
 
 without exception. The airs of the tunes were sprightly, 
 though not very quick ; the singing, notwithstanding it was 
 performed by such a mixed multitude, was soft, musical, and 
 solemn, and the time well preserved. There is an Orchestra, 
 but no Organ, The public service was introduced by a short 
 prayer, reading the Scriptures, and then singing ; but instead 
 of singing before sermon, they sing in the morning, as well as 
 afternoon, after the last prayer. As soon as the last singing 
 is ended, the Wardens go out from the large round pew, Avith 
 each a large pewter platter in his hand, each taking a tier of 
 pews, and walk down the aisles. Every person, great and 
 small, puts into the platter one copper, and no more. This 
 contribution is made through the whole congregation in less 
 than three minutes. 
 
 I was struck, this morning, with a custom in this city which 
 I had never before heard of in any part of the world. I ob- 
 served, as I was going to church, six men, Avalking two and 
 two toward the church, with very large white sashes, Avhich 
 appeared to be made of fine Holland, the whole Avidth and two 
 or three yards in length. They were placed over their right 
 shoulders, and tied under their left arms in a very large bow, 
 with several yards of white ribbon on the top of their shoulders ; 
 a large rose, formed of white ribbon, was placed on the sash. 
 As I came up to the yard of the church. Dr. Rogers * and Dr. 
 Ewing were just before me, going into the church, both in 
 their black gowns, but Dr, Rogers with a large white sash, 
 like those of the six men, only that the bow and rose of rib- 
 bons were black. These sashes, I was informed, were given 
 the last Aveek at a funeral. They are Avorn by the minister 
 and bearers to the grave, and are always Avorn by them the 
 next Sunday, and the bearers ahyays walk to and from the 
 
 * Rev. John Rogers, D.D.; boin, Boston, 1727; died, New York City, 
 1811. He was educated in Pliiladelphia, and became impressed with 
 religious truth by the preaching oC Whitefield. He preached for a 
 time in Delaware, and in 17('>5 became pastor of the Wall Street Pres- 
 byterian Church, New York, where he continued until his death. He 
 served for a tune during the Revolutionary War as chaplain. — See 
 Drake's Diet. Am. Biograplu/. 
 
234 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 church together. To give these sashes, is a general custom at 
 the funeral of persons of any note. 
 
 I dined at Sir John Temple's. Sir John Avas so complaisant 
 as to invite Dr. Holton and Mr. Dane, Avhich he said he did 
 purposely on my account, as we were countrymen. The Hon. 
 Dr. Lee,* Hon. Mr. Walton (an Englishman and a member of 
 the British Parliament), and Mr. Dawes, were the other com- 
 pany. Sir John is the complete gentleman, but his deafness 
 renders it painful to converse with him. Lady Temple is cer- 
 tainly the greatest beauty, norwithstanding her age, 1 ever 
 saw. To a well-proportioned form, a perfectly fine skin, and 
 completely adjusted features, is added a soft, but majestic air, 
 an easy and pleasing sociability, a vein of fine sense, which 
 commands admiration and infuses delight. Her smiles, for 
 she rarely laughs, could not fail of producing the softest 
 sensibility in the fiercest savage. Her dress is exceedingly 
 neat and becoming, but not gay. She is now a grandmother, 
 but I should not suppose her more than 22 ; her real age is 44. 
 But my admiration was still more excited by their little 
 daughter, Augusta. f To me she appeared a perfect prodigy. 
 She is only six years of age. She introduces herself with an 
 easy politeness to every person in the company, and is never at a 
 
 *Di-. Arthur L^e; born in Virginia, 1740. Educated in England, 
 taking his degree of M. D. at the University of Edinburgh. In 1776, 
 he was appointed minister to France, in conjunction with Dr. Franklin 
 and Mr. Deaiie. In 17SI, elected to the Assembly of Virginia, and by 
 this body returned to Congress, where he continued to repi'esent the 
 state till 178"). He was next called to the board of treasury, where he 
 continued till 1789. Died in 1792. — lilng. of Eminent Men {Davenport). 
 
 f Sir John Temple, Bart., was the Consul-General of Great Britain to 
 the United States He was born in Boston, 173-J ; died in New York, 
 1798. Lady Temple was daughter of Governor James Bowdoin, of 
 Massachusetts. Her oldest daughter married G ■vernor Thos. L. Win- 
 throp, of Massachusetts, and became the mother of the Hon. Robt. C. 
 Winthrop, LL.D. Augusta Grenville Temple, "the little daughter," 
 whose winning ways so attracted Dr. Cutler, became the wife of Will- 
 iam L. Palmer, who served in the British army with the rank of cap- 
 tain. After retiring Ironi the army, he lived with his family in Boston, 
 where he died. The oldest 'daughter of Captain Palmer and Augusta 
 Grenville Temple, Augusta Temple Palmei-, became the wife of the late 
 Rufus Prime, of New York. She died in 1S4(». 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 235 
 
 loss for a subject of conversation, and so sensible and perti- 
 nent are all her observations and remarks that she never f:iils 
 of pleasing. She distinguishes characters in paying her atten- 
 tions with a judgment and precision which would do honor to 
 mature age. No lady is more completely mistress of all the 
 little etiquette which adorns a finished education. The purity 
 and elegance of her language, witty turns and AveM-timed sar- 
 casms, rather diminished pleasure by exciting constant as- 
 tonishment. ' 
 
 Our dinner was in the English style, plain, but plentiful; 
 the wines excellent, which is a greater object with Sir John 
 than his roast beef or poultry. You can not please him more 
 than by praising his Madeira and frequently begging the honor 
 of a glass with him. The servants were all in livery. The 
 Parlor, Drawing-room, and Dining-hall are in the second 
 story — spacious and richly furnished. The paintings are prin- 
 cipally historical, and executed by the greatest masters in Eu- 
 rope. The Parlor is ornamented chiefly with medals and small 
 busts of the principal cliaracters now living in Europe, made 
 of Plaster of Paris or white wax. He dines at two on Sun- 
 days. At half-past three Mr. Dawes and I withdrew, and at- 
 tended church at St. George's Chapel. This is a magnificent 
 edifice. The tower and steeple are larger and higher, I be- 
 lieve, than any other in America. The inside of the church 
 is vei-y large. Some paintings and carvings. We sat in the 
 Governor's pew, which is the same here as in the Presbyterian 
 Church, being one on each side of the Meeting House. Dr. 
 Beach read prayers, and Dr. Moore preached an elegant ser- 
 mon on benevolence. The church was exceedingly crowded, 
 and the congregation was richly but not splendidly dressed. 
 In the time of the first singing the Wardens visited every pew 
 with their pewter plates, into which every person, small and 
 great, put in a copper. This seemed to be " killing two birds 
 with one stone," for, while they were engaged in singing their 
 Psalm (for everybody sings), they were as busy in fumbling 
 their pockets for the coppers, and rattling them into the 
 platters. 
 
 After meeting put letters into the pbst-office for Mrs. Cutler 
 and friends at Boston. 
 
236 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Attended a lecture <at Dr. Rogers' new brick Presbyterian 
 Church. Full congregation. Dr. Withersyjoon,* President of 
 New Jersey College, preached. He is an intolerably homely 
 old Scotchman, and speaks the true dialect of his country, ex- 
 cept that his brogue borders on the Irish. He is a bad 
 speaker, has no oratory, and had no notes before him. His 
 subject was " Hypocrisy.'" But, notwithstanding the dryness 
 of the subject, the badness of his delivery, which required the 
 closest attention to understand him, yet the correctness of his 
 style, the arrangement of his matter, and the many new ideas 
 that he suggested, rendered his sermon very entertaining. 
 The attention of the cong-resation strono-lv marked their re- 
 gard for good sense and clear reasoning, rather than the mere 
 show of oratory and declamation. Spent the remainder of 
 the evening and supped with Mr. Hazard. f 
 
 Monday, July 9. Waited this morning very early on Mr. 
 Hutchins. He gave me the fullest information of the western 
 country, from Pennsylvania to the Illinois, and advised me, by 
 all means, to make our location on the Muskingum, which was 
 decidedly, in his opinion, the best part of the whole of the 
 western country. 
 
 Attended the Committee before Congress opened, and then 
 spent the remainder of the forenoon with Mr. Hutchins. 
 
 Dined at Dr. Rogers', in company with Dr. Witherspoon, 
 Dr. Ewing, Dr. McCourtland, of Newark, Mr. Wilson, col- 
 league with Dr. Rogers, and two other clergymen, from the 
 Southward, whose names I do not recollect. It seemed like a 
 ministers' meeting. They appeared to be much of gentlemen, 
 and I must do them the justice to say, I was treated with par- 
 
 *Jolin Witherspoon, D.D., LL.D. Born in Scotland, 1722. Educated 
 for the ministry at Edinburgh. Preached with great applause at Paisley, 
 until 1768, when he accepted the appointment of the Presidency of 
 Princeton College. Was elected to Congress for a number of years. 
 His name is affixed to the Declaration of Independence. Died in 
 1794, aged 72.— 7>. S. P. Hildreih. 
 
 jHon. Ebenezer Hazard. Born in Philadelphia. Graduated at 
 Princeton in 1762. In 1782, appointed Postmaster-r4eneral, and con- 
 tinued till 1789. In 1787, was Trea.surer of Congress. Published a 
 work on American History, " Hazard's Register " 2 vols. Died 1817. 
 — Dr. S P. Hlhire/h. 
 
Life of Rev. 31anasHeh Cutler. 237 
 
 ticular marks of attention, notwithstanding my being a New- 
 England man. Dr. Rogers is certainly the most accomplished 
 gentleman, for a clergyman, not to except even Dr. Cooper, 
 that I have ever been acquainted with. He lives in elegant 
 style, and entertains company as genteelly as the first gentle- 
 men in the city. This he may well do, for his salary is 750 
 pounds a year, and his perquisites upward of 200 more. Mr. 
 Wilson is a young Scotchman and colleague with Dr. Rogers. 
 They have two Meeting Houses, and have two distinct congre- 
 gations, but they preach alternately in each house ; the same 
 sermons they preach in the forenoon they always preach in the 
 afternoon, by exchanging houses. The church which belongs 
 to the two houses are but one corporate body, although they 
 commune separately. 
 
 It was with reluctance that I took my leave of this agree- 
 able and sociable company of clergymen, but my business 
 rendered it necessary. 
 
 Attended the Committee at Congress Chamber. Debated 
 on terms, but were so wide apart that there appears little 
 pijospect of closing a contract. I had now a fair opportunity 
 of observing minutely the Chamber where the Supreme Coun- 
 cils of the Nation are held. For, after the debates were over, 
 the gentlemen of the Committee Avere polite enough to show 
 me every thing curious within these walls. 
 
 Congress Chamber is an apartment in the second story of 
 the City Hall. This Hall is a magnificent pile of buildings in 
 Wall Street, at the head of Broad Street, near the center of 
 the city. It is more than twice the width of the State House 
 in Boston, but, I think, not so long. The lower story is a 
 Avalk ; at each corner are rooms, appropriated to the Mayor 
 and Aldermen of the city, and the City Guards. Between the 
 corner rooms, on each side and at the ends, it is open for a 
 considerable space, supported by pillars. In front is a flight 
 of steps from the street, over which is a two-story piazza, with 
 a spacious walk, which communicates with Congress Chamber 
 at the east end, and with the chamber where the Mayor and 
 Aldermen hold their courts at the west end. Congress Cham- 
 ber is up the eastern stairs ; it is nearly square. On the 
 southern side the floor is raised several feet, which is ascended 
 
238 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 by steps and inclosed with a banister. In' the center is a large 
 chair, raised still higher, lined with red damask silk, and over 
 it a curious canopy, fringed with silk, and two large, flowing, 
 damask curtains descending from the sides of the canopy to 
 the floor, partly furled with silken cords. This is the seat of 
 the President of Congress, and the appearance at the opposite 
 side of the Chamber is superb. On the floor of the Chamber, 
 at the right and left from the President's chair, are two rows 
 of chairs, extended to the opposite side of the room, with a 
 small bureau table placed before each chair ; the chairs and 
 tables are mahogany, richly carved, the arms and bottom cov- 
 ered with red morocco leather. On each side of the Presi- 
 dent's chair, Avithin the banisters, are chairs and tables similar 
 to those of the members, for the use of the Secretary and his 
 clerks. In the midst of the floor is a vacant space, in the 
 form of a broad aisle. The curtains of the windows are red 
 damask, richly ornamented with fringe. At the east end is 
 a portrait of General Washington, at full length, well executed. 
 At the opposite end are the portraits of some of the General 
 Officers wdio fell in the late war. On the side opposite the 
 President's seat are the portraits of the King and Queen of 
 France, as large as life. They were drawn by the King's own 
 portrait painter, and presented by his Majesty to Congress. 
 The drapery infinitely exceeds any thing of the kind I ever 
 saw before. They are dressed in their robes, and life and an- 
 imation is imitated to perfection. When the damask curtains, 
 which covered them, were drawn, their eyes were fixed upon 
 us with a vivacity that bespoke life itself, and their majestic 
 countenances seemed to chastise our insolence in approaching 
 them with so little reverence. 
 
 Called again on Mr. Hutchins and consulted him farther on 
 the place of location. 
 
 Spent the evening with Dr. Holton * and several other mem- 
 bers of Congress in Hanover Square. 
 
 *SMmuel Holton, born in Danvers in \To8; for a time President of 
 Congress, and a member several years. In 1796 appointed Judge of 
 Probate for Essex County (Mass. ) ; died in 1S15. He was a man of 
 great excellence of character and fine personal appearance. — Dr. S. P. 
 Hildreth. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 239 
 
 Tuesday, July 10. This morning another conference with 
 the committee. Called on Dr. Crosby, in company with ]Mr. 
 Hazard. The Doctor is Professor of Midwifer}^ in Columbia 
 College, in this city, and was so polite as to invite me to visit 
 the college and introduce me to the Governois. The college 
 is built of stone, in an elegant style, three stories high, with 
 three cross entries. In front is a square and spacious yard, 
 wnth a very high fence. There is a flight of steps up to each 
 entry. The building is very long and wide. At the west end 
 is the hall in front and the dinning-room in the rear, Avith 
 only a partition between them. In the second story over the 
 hall is the library. It was once large, but most of the books 
 were pillaged by the British soldiery, and a greater part of 
 the shelves are now empty. Here I found a number of vol- 
 umes of Dr. Hill's Natural History. 
 
 It consists of thirty volumes, in large folios, but the greater 
 part of them Avere carried off by the British. This is the fate 
 of war. The engravings of the plants are Avell executed, and 
 it is the best work of that voluminous writer. It cost one 
 hundred guineas, and is the only set ever imported to Amer- 
 ica. On the opposite side is the apparatus chamber, but this 
 suffered the same fate with the library, and few articles, and 
 those of little consideration, remain. In the third story, over 
 the library, is the chamber where the Professor of Natural 
 Philosophy and Astronomy delivers his lectures and instructs 
 the classes in mathematics. It is very prettily prepared for 
 the purpose. He is an agreeable gentleman, and appeared 
 to be well informed in the line of his professorship. 
 
 Adjoining this chamber is the apparatus which he uses in 
 the course of his instruction. It is noAv and very elegant, 
 consisting of a small reflecting achromatic telescope, a fine 
 compound microscope, a camera-obscura on a ncAV plan, a 
 complete apparatus of mechanical poAvers, a ncAV set of tAvo 
 feet globes, and several other instruments. I Avas much pleased 
 with a ncAV constructed compass, so formed as to take azimuths 
 to shoAV the dip of the needle and variations, Avith an instru- 
 ment adjusted to it for taking bearings and altitudes. It cost 
 sixty guineas. Here Avas an electrical machine, but of little 
 value in making experiments on the large scale. 
 
240 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 There are about 150 students in the college. Dr. Sam. 
 Johnson, of Connecticut, was lately elected President, as suc- 
 cessor to his father, the late President, but has not yet accepted 
 the invitation. The presiding Professor is a Dutchman, but 
 very polite, and invited us to his chamber at the opposite end 
 of the college, where he lives with his wife and family in a 
 very pretty style. I was pleased Avith the college, and the 
 civilities and attention of the Governors. It stands in a fine, 
 airy situation, toward North River, just in the edge of the 
 city. 
 
 Dined with Colonel Duer, in company with Mr. Osgood,* 
 President of the Board of Treasury, Major Sargent, and sev- 
 eral other gentlemen. I was never more deceived in any 
 thina I ever drank than in a tumbler of bottled cider, occas- 
 ioned by the ice which I put into it — for I had no conception 
 what it was, and supposed it to be a species of liquor I had 
 never before tasted. It was exceedingly fine. 
 
 At table we were honored with the company of Mademoiselle 
 La Fouche, a French lady of the family of one of the noblesse, 
 and Lady Kitty, the wife of Colonel Duer. Lady Kitty, for 
 so she is called, was the daughter of Lord Sterling, and in- 
 herits the title from her father, who had no male heir. She is 
 a fine woman, though not a beauty, very sociable, and Avith 
 most accomplished manners. She performed the honors of the 
 table most gracefully, Avas constantly attended by tAVo serv- 
 ants in livery, and insisted on performing the Avhole herself. 
 Colonel Duer t is Secretary to the Board of Treasury, and 
 
 * Samuel Osgood was a native of Andover, Massachusetts, and a 
 grgduate of Harvard College, 1770. Served for a short time in the revo- 
 lution as Aid to General Ward and as Commissary. In 17S() was 
 chosen delegate to Congress. In 17S5 he was a]ipointed one of the 
 Board of Treasury, lie was Postmaster-General from 1789 to 1791; 
 was afterward member of New York Legislature, and from I.S03 until 
 his death, in 1813, was naval officer ot tlie Port of New York. "He 
 was well versed in science and literature, and distinguished for integ- 
 rity, public spirit, and piety." — *SV(; Drake n Diet. Am. liiograplnj. 
 
 f William Duer was born in England in 1747. .At the age of eighteen 
 he entered tlie English army, and served in India as Aid to Lord 
 Olive. By the death of his fatlier he became tlie owner oi a hand- 
 some property, the care of which, together with ill health, induced 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 241 
 
 lives in the style of a nobleman. I presume he had not less 
 than fifteen different sorts of wine at dinner, and after the 
 cloth was removed, besides most excellent bottled cider, porter, 
 and several other kinds of strong beer. 
 
 him to leave the army. In 1768 he came to New York to secure a 
 supply of lumber for the family plantations in the West Indies, aiul to 
 fultill a contract for masts for the British navy. By the advice of 
 General Philif) Schuyler and Lord Stirling, he purchased a large tract 
 of land in the town of Argyle, on the east bank of the Hudson River. 
 Here he laid f)ut a town and made his home. He was soon commis- 
 sioned Colonel of militia, and appointed Judge of the County Court. 
 He espoused the cause of the Colonies in the War of the Kevolution, 
 served as a member of the Provincial Congress, of the Convention 
 called by New York to form a State Constitution, and, with John Jay, 
 Egbert Benson, and Comfort Sands, as a member of the Committee of 
 Safety of New York. He was a member of the Continental Congress, 
 and, despite his youth, wielded a commanding influence in its coun- 
 sels. Mainly through his efforts the designs of the famous Conway 
 Cabal, which proposed to deprive Washington of the command of the 
 army, were defeated. In 1779 Colonel Duer married Lady Kitty, the 
 daughter of Lord Stirling, and, at the close of the war, moved with 
 his family to New York. When Robert Morris resigned as Superin- 
 tendent of Finance, Congress created a Treasury Board of three mem- 
 bers, of which Colonel Duer was made Secretary. When tlie Federal 
 Constitution was adopted, he rendered valuable aid to Alexander 
 Hamilton in organizing the new department. The office of Assistant 
 Secretary was created expressly for him. Few men had more to do 
 with establishing the credit of the new government. He had an ex- 
 tensive acquaintance in Europe, had been engaged in large business 
 transactions, and was known as a bold and successful operator. The 
 fact of his large dealings in United States securities drew the attention 
 of foreign capitalists to them. When Doctor Cutler presented the 
 petition of the Ohio Company for the purchase of lands to Congress, 
 Colonel Duer was quick to see the advantage such a sale would be to 
 the public credit, and the value that would be given to the lands ad- 
 joining by a systematic settlement of such men as composed the Ohio 
 Company, and organized the Scioto speculation, whose disastrous his- 
 tory is elsewhere told. 
 
 Colonel Duer was largely interested in the establishment of the 
 United States bank, and in 1790 to 1792 had the contract for supplying 
 troops in the North-west Territory. He failed in the panic of 1792, 
 and lost all of his property. Broken in health and fortune, Colonel* 
 Duer never again engaged in active business, and died in 1799. See 
 sketch in Knickerbocker Magazine, August, 1852. 
 
 16 
 
242 Life of Rev. Mayiasseli Cutler. 
 
 As Congress was now engaged in settling the form of gov- 
 ernment for the Federal Territor}^, for which a bill had been 
 prepared, and a copy sent to me, with leave to make remarks 
 and propose amendments, and which I had taken the liberty 
 
 V to remark upon, and to propose several amendments, I thought 
 
 /T this the most favorable opportunity to go on to Philadelphia. 
 Accordingly, after I had returned the bill Avith my observa- 
 
 !' tions, I set out at 7 o'clock, and crossed North River to Paulus 
 
 ! \ Hook. 
 
 The ferry is one mile and three-quarters in width. It was 
 a fine serene evening, and the numerous vessels of almost 
 every possible size, passing up and down, and indeed in every 
 direction, rendered our passage very delightful, though it was 
 10 o'clock before we landed at the Hook. There is an ex- 
 cellent tavern kept by Smith, where I lodged. There Avas a 
 great deal of company, but the apartments in the house are 
 so numerous that every person, if he pleases, has one to him- 
 self, which is furnished with a genteel field bed. My bill at 
 Barnes', for ray horse, 13s. ^d.; ferriage, 46*. Qd. 
 
 Wednesday, July 11. My bill this morning, 4s. lOtZ. Set 
 out early for Philadelphia. Paulus Hook was very strongly 
 fortified, in the time of the late war, by the Americans. It is 
 a point of land surrounded with a marsh, and of very small 
 extent. The fortifications in some parts remain entire. 
 
 Two miles from the Hook is Bergentown, a very compact 
 village of considerable extent. It is inhabited entirely by 
 Dutch. There is a large Dutch Church, built with stone, and 
 a handsome steeple. The houses are mostly built with stone, 
 and in the Dutch style, which gives them a very odd appear- 
 ance to a New England man. They are large on the ground, 
 one and a half story high, sharp pitched roofs, no regularity 
 in doors and windows ; and the windows, which appear like 
 dead lights, are generally shut up very close with a window 
 shutter on the outside, so that very little glass appears as you 
 pass through the street. Every house has a piazza in front, 
 'and some of them extended round the whole house. This 
 town is said to be remarkable for its wealth. The people are 
 mostly farmers, the women work in the fields, and generally 
 drive the wagons, which are drawn by two or three horses 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 243 
 
 abreast. It is Avell situated for supplying the markets of New 
 York, which the Dutch people know how to improve to the 
 best advantage. Their own food and clothing costs them but 
 a trifle, and all the money they can get they lock up in their 
 coffers, so that a Dutchman here is called a poor man, and a 
 bad husband, who has not more than 500 guineas in his chest 
 at a time. 
 
 After leaving Bergentown I entered a very extensive marsh, 
 which goes far into the country. It is four miles across it, 
 and the road a narrow causeway, sufficient only for one car- 
 riage to pass, except at the ferry ways. No carriage sets out 
 from the shore, or from either of the ferry Avays, if they see 
 that one coming toward them has entered the causeway, for 
 they can not pass by each other. It is very extraordinary 
 that, on so great a road, so little attention is paid to the public 
 ways in this place. In crossing this extensive marsh, besides 
 several bridges, there are two ferries. The first is over Hack- 
 ensack River, at Smith's ferry, half a mile across — ferriage, 
 l.s. 6(i. The next is Second River, about half the width — 
 ferriage, Is. Zd. The boats are very convenient, for the 
 stages, as well as smaller carriages, drive in and out with the 
 passengers in them. 
 
 Made my first stage at Newark, nine miles from New York, 
 at Pell's tavern, a tolerable house. Breakfasted ; bill, 2 s. Qd. 
 Horseshoeing, 3s. My horse's side badly galled ; purchased 
 a cloth to put under the saddle, 9s. Ne^fvark is a small village, 
 situated -on a plain ; it has no considerable buildings. There 
 is a small Church, a Presbyterian Meeting House, and a Dutch 
 Church. Made a short stop at Elizabethtown, six miles from 
 Newark, at Prince's tavern, to get my harness mended ; bill, 
 Is. 4c?. This is a very pretty village ; several handsome 
 houses, one Meeting House. A small river empties into the 
 sea at this town, and passes through it, over which is an ele- 
 gant stone bridge. Dined at Cross Keys, Lott's tavern, in 
 Woodbridge. This tavern is kept in an elegant style. The 
 hostler is at the door, ready to take your horse, which he im- 
 mediately takes out of the carriage, rubs him down, then 
 washes him with a swab and wipes him dry — which is done in 
 a few minutes, and, I am satisfied, is of as much service as 
 
244 Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 
 
 his provender, especially at this hot dusty season, for he has 
 been treated in the same way at every tavern since I left New 
 York, and it has evidently increased his spirits. 
 
 The land from Bergentown to this stage is level, the road 
 excellent, the soil good. The face of the country has the ap- 
 pearance of wealth, but I suspect the farmers are rather lazy. 
 The houses from Elizabethtown, which is ten miles, are rather 
 scattered, though they are well built, and in good repair. 
 
 I passed through Spanktown, but the Meeting House, and 
 the thickest of the buildings, were at some distance. It is a 
 small village, of no consideration. Bill, 4(f. 
 
 My next stage was New Brunswick, ten miles. On my way 
 passed through Bonhamtown ; the houses scattered, farms 
 good, and road fine. Orchards, and every species of fruit 
 trees, abound in the part of New Jersey. New Brunswick is 
 a large town, well built, and situated on the Avest bank of the 
 Raritan River, over which is a ferry of about half a mile, and 
 passengers are landed at the foot of the main street. ]Many 
 of the buildings are brick and stone ; but the attention of 
 travelers is principally engaged by a very lengthy brick build- 
 ing, just above the town, two stories high, and in a most de- 
 lightful situation. It was built by the Americans for barracks, 
 and afterward improved as a hospital ; but so elegant is this 
 building, that I conceived it must have been designed for an 
 academy or college, until I was otherwise informed. 
 
 There seems to be considerable trade carried on in this 
 town, though the shipping consists of only small craft, and 
 even that was very inconsiderable. The Raritan is a beauti- 
 ful river, but the water is very shoal. The ferryman told me 
 that in dry seasons it had been forded Avhere the boat passed. 
 Ferriage, Is. 6cZ. Made a short stage at the Lion, where my 
 horse was treated as before ; bill, Is. From this stage I trav- 
 eled to Princeton, 17 miles, where I arrived at ten in the 
 evening. As the day had been very hot, I found myself suf- 
 ficiently fatigued, though the roads had been excellent, and 
 the country delightful. Lodged at the sign of the College — 
 Beckman's tavern — 52 miles from New York, and 354 miles 
 from home. 
 
 The land about New Brunswick is not very good. The soil 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 245 
 
 is a reddish earth, but just under it is a stratum of crumbling 
 stone. The road in many places was gullied several feet deep 
 in this stone, but still level and hard. The ruts, however, 
 were sometimes so deep, as very much to incommode my car- 
 riage, for the axle-tree was longer than is used in this coun- 
 try. The crops of wheat, rye, barley, oats, and flax, which I 
 observed in the course of this day's travel, were very fine. 
 The general face of the country rather flat, though now and 
 then I ascended eminences which aiforded an extensive pros- 
 pect. The wheat was in many places reaped, in some shocked 
 in the field, and the whole appeared to be ripe, but, to my 
 surprise, I saw very few people at labor in their fields, or any- 
 where else. 
 
 Thursday/, July 12. I rose very early this morning, and 
 took a view of Princeton. It is a small town — or, rather, has 
 but a small number of houses in the most compact part — but 
 it is most delightfully situated on the summit of a very broad 
 hill, which descends every way with a long easy slope, and 
 commands a most extensive prospect in every direction. Few 
 of the buildings are large, none very elegant. The people 
 are principally farmers, and the soil rich and strong. The 
 College (Nassau Hall) is spacious, built of stone, and stands 
 on the highest ground in the town. It fronts to the north, and 
 toward the street, and has before it a very large yard, walled 
 in with stone and lime. The ground descends considerably 
 from the College to the street, which gives it a lofty appear- 
 ance. 
 
 At half past 5 I ventured to call on Colonel Morgan * (to 
 whom I had letters), though I was doubtful whether I should 
 find him up. He was, however, in his parlor, engaged with 
 his books, and received me very politicly. He is a farmer in 
 
 * Colonel George Morgan, born in Philadelphia. During the war, 
 from 1777 to its close, he acted as Indian Agent for the United States. 
 In 1784, laid out the town of Mew Madrid, under a grant from the 
 Spanish government of a large tract of land. After the war he settled 
 on a farm near Princeton, N. J., where his fine taste in agriculture had 
 room to display itself. His farm became a model one — making many 
 improvements in agriculture, and writing several valuable articles on 
 the habits of the Hessian fly, then first seen in the wheat fields of 
 America. — Dr. iS. P. Hildreth. 
 
246 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 the strictest sense, and I believe the first in America in the 
 knowledge of agriculture, and, besides, is a literary charac- 
 ter. His house stands a little back of the College, and in a 
 situation Avhich commands a complete view of his w^hole farm, 
 consisting of about 200 acres. Here I saw verified what I 
 had before often heard observed, that the boundaries of his 
 farm might be easily distinguished from his neighbors', from 
 its high state of cultivation. 
 
 He gave me a general history of his improvements, and of 
 the experiments he was then making. His barn and yard are 
 truly curiosities. His garden consists of three acres, and is 
 principally employed for making experiments, Avhich appeared 
 to be well judged and critically attended to. Here I saw the 
 Hessian fly, as it is called, which has done immense injury to 
 wheat. Our country is under much obligation to this gentle- 
 man for the discoveries he has made, and thfe information he 
 has given, respecting this insect, in consequence of his experi- 
 ments. It has enabled the farmers in this part of the coun- 
 try to get rid of an insect that had wholly cut off their crops 
 of grain for several years successively. In his garden he had 
 Indian corn growing, in long rows, from different kinds of 
 seed, collected from the different latitudes on this Continent, 
 as far north as the most^northern parts of Canada, and south 
 as far as the West Indies. His Apiary struck me with as- 
 tonishment. On the southern side of his garden he had 64 
 swarms of bees in a line, which I judged extended more 
 than 15 rods. He takes the honey when he pleases, with- 
 out destroying the bees. I much regretted the want of 
 time ; being determined this day to reach Philadelphia, I was 
 obliged to take my leave before my curiosity was one-half 
 gratified. It was with the utmost difficulty I could prevail on 
 him to excuse my tarrying longer, particularly as a son of his, 
 who was then from home, but every moment expected, had 
 begun the study of Botany. He was very anxious that I 
 should converse with him, and give him particular directions 
 for pursuing the study. Nothing would avail but a promise 
 to call on him on my return, and to consent to take his son 
 under my instruction, if he could find no person sufficiently 
 versM in the science near to him. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianassch Cutler. 247 
 
 I then called on Dr. Smith, the Vice-president of the Col- 
 lege, to whom I also had letters. He is a young gentleman, 
 lives in elegant style, and is the first literary character in this 
 state. He waited on me to the college. The building is 
 three stories, has three cross and one long entry in the first 
 story. There are long entrifes in each story, Avhich are in the 
 center, and extend from end to end. * Every chamber opens 
 into these entries, rendering communication vastly more con- 
 venient. The library is small ; many of the books were taken 
 out by the British troops, which they were not so complaisant as 
 to return. The cabinet and philosophical apparatus are very in- 
 difi'erent. The only article worthy of notice was the orrery, 
 made by Mr. Rittenhouse. This is an elegant machine, and much 
 exceeds any that have been made in Europe. I was, however, 
 much disappointed to find that part of it was sent to Phila- 
 delphia to be repaired, which consisted of the whole of the 
 terrestrial and lunar motions, the most curious part of the ma- 
 chine. I was much pleased Avith the hall and the stage erected 
 in it for exhibitions. It is well formed for plays, which are 
 permitted here, and dialogue-speaking principally cultivated. 
 This hall is ornamented Avith several paintings, particularly 
 the famous battle in this town the next morning after the cap- 
 ture of the Hessians at Trenton. It is, I believe, more than 
 six feet square, done on canvas, and executed in a masterly 
 manner by Mr. Peele, of Philadelphia. The principal figure 
 is General Washington at the head of his army, emerging 
 from a thick wood, forming and advancing in a regular man- 
 ner, the British fleeing in confusion, leaving many slain on the 
 ground, but the pleasure of the scene is greatly diminished 
 by a view of General Mercer walloAving in his gore. He was 
 at the head of the advanced guard, and was slain at the first 
 attack. After vicAving this scene on canvas, we ascended the 
 cupola and took a vieAv of the ground itself on Avhich the bat- 
 tle Avas fought, the manner of the attack, and the several di- 
 rections in Avhich the British fled. It Avas no small gratifica- 
 tion to take so extensive a view, as this situation aff'orded, of 
 the place Avhere so important an event in the history of the 
 American revolution occurred. 
 
248 Life^ of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Here again I felt myself straightened for time, and was 
 obliged to take my leave of Doctor Smith, who had shown me 
 the most polite attention, rather abruptly, but I promised to 
 call on him on my return. When I returned to town I had 
 the good fortune to find a gentleman going on to Philadel- 
 phia in a sulky. Bill*, G-s. 6d., Pennsylvania money. 
 
 In about five miles we passed through a toAvn, called Maiden- 
 head, of no consideration, for the houses were as scattered as 
 in other parts of the country. We made our first stage at 
 Trenton, thirteen miles, at Yandergrift's tavern, at the ferry. 
 This toAvn is at a short distance from the Delaware, on a river 
 which comes from the south-east and unites with the Delaware 
 at this place. There is only one small Meeting House and 
 a small church in this town, I therefore conclude the people 
 are not much disposed to attend public worship, for the two 
 houses, I presume, are not sufiicient to hold one-third of the in- 
 habitants. Over the river, in the compact part of the town, is a 
 spacious stone bridge, supported by arches built with stone and 
 lime, and a high wall on each side, handsomely laid. At the 
 foot of the bridge are mills for grinding and bolting wheat. 
 These mills are contained in a very large stone building, three 
 stories high, and are remarkable for the prodigious quantity 
 and the excellent quality of the flour, which is ground in them 
 every twenty-four hours. I felt a curiosity to examine them, 
 but as the tavern Avhere we proposed to make our stage was at 
 some distance, the day very hot, and our time for reaching 
 Philadelphia short, I concluded to postpone it until my return. 
 The houses in this, and, indeed, in all the towns in New Jer- 
 sey, are built in a style very different from that of New Eng- 
 land, but I think it is far less elegant. The want of large 
 Meeting Houses and towering steeples is a great defect, and 
 diminishes that air of grandeur which adorns almost every 
 New England village. Neither are the houses so spacious nor 
 so well built. But this town stands high in the list of fame, 
 and will be remembered by future ages on account of the mem- 
 orable victory, and indeed the first complete victory, ob- 
 tained by the illustrious Washington over the British army — 
 the capture of a large detachment of Hessian troops cantoned 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 249 
 
 in this town. From the hill Ave ascend immediately after we 
 had passed the bridge, my companion pointed out to me the 
 course of the American army as they came down on the Hes- 
 sians on both sides of the river ; the spot where the first sentry 
 was surprised, the advance guard taken without firing a gun, 
 the manner of surrounding and invading the town. The 
 ground where the Hessians formed, planted their artillery, 
 and engaged the American troops, was in the main street, on 
 the opposite side of the bridge. After a warm fire, on both 
 sides, which lasted only a few minutes, the Hessians laid down 
 their arms and surrendered prisoners of war. A small num- 
 ber of their troops, stationed on this hill, made their escape. 
 I must confess that a view of the ground where this important 
 scene was acted excited in me the most sensible feelings of 
 American pride. I participated in the pleasing sensations 
 that must have pervaded our harassed and desponding army 
 on this change of fortune. 
 
 By this time I began to felicitate myself on my good fortune 
 in finding I had met with another fellow traveler not less in- 
 telligent, sociable, and agreeable than the one I traveled w^ith 
 from Horse-neck to New York. Vandergrift's is a good 
 house. Our horses were led into the river, well washed, and 
 then wiped dry. Bill and ferriage, 3s. Sd. Here we crossed 
 the Delaware, at what is called the lower ferry, and landed in 
 the State of Pennsylvania. The river is about three-quarters 
 of a mile wide, but the water not deep. About half a mile 
 above us is a kind of bar of rocks, many of them out of the 
 water, and the stream broken and rapid ; but large flat-bottomed 
 boats pass up and down, and ascend the river for more than a 
 hundred miles. 
 
 On the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware is a famous forge, 
 slitting-mill, and rolling-mill, and several mills for grinding 
 and bolting flour. Near them are several long buildings in 
 the form of barracks, occupied by nail-makers, but we had not 
 time to visit them. These works are owned by Mr. Morris, 
 the American financier. At a small distance from the ferry, 
 we entered an extensive tract of woodland, the road nearly 
 straight, almost perfectly level, and free from sand or stones, 
 and not a house to be seen for about five miles. The growth, 
 
250 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 oak, hickory, walnut, and some maple. Here I first saw the 
 persimmon tree, which produces fruit having, when ripe, a 
 sweet and agreeable taste. It is distilled into a spirit said to 
 be equal in taste and flavor to West India rum. They are also 
 brewed, and make excellent beer. These trees are common 
 on the wayside. In several places I saw the tulip tree, which 
 is large, tall, and straight, and when in full bloom must make 
 a delightful appearance. The fruit at this time is small. The 
 general complexion of the trees and their foliage is different 
 from those of New England. 
 
 Made our next stage at Bristol, Bissennett's tavern, where 
 we dined in company with the passengers in the stage. The 
 tavern is kept in high style. There were eight passengers, 
 my fellow traveler, and myself at table. There Avas nothing 
 extraordinary in our dinner, except the number of our dishes, 
 which were about eight or ten. Beyond the New England 
 States, no kind of drink is set on the table at taverns, but you 
 call for what you please, and it is charged in the bill. There 
 was a side-table, well furnished with different kinds of wine 
 and porter, and every one made choice for himself, without 
 regard to others. But the whole was charged in the general 
 bill and the amount averaged. It was Ss. each, besides 3s. 
 which my companion and myself had to pay between us for 
 our horses. These tavern-keepers excel in providing well for 
 travelers and in their attendance, but they as perfectly under- 
 stand the art of making out their bills when they have done. 
 In the stage were General Armstrong and Colonel Franks. 
 General Armstrong is a member of Congress, with whom I 
 had had a small acquaintance in New York. Franks was an 
 Aid to General Arnold at the time of his desertion to the 
 British. Both of them high Bucks, and affected, as I con- 
 ceived, to hold the New England States in contempt. They 
 had repeatedly touched my Yankee blood in their conversation 
 at table ; but I was much on the reserve, until after we had 
 dined. Some severe reflections on the conduct of Rhode 
 Island and the insurgency in Massachusetts, placing the two 
 states in the same point of light, induced me to observe that, 
 " I had no doubt but that the conduct of" Rhode Island would 
 prove of infinite service to the Union, that the insurgency in 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 251 
 
 Massachusetts would eventually tend to invigorate and estab- 
 lish our Government, and that I conceived the State of Penn- 
 sylvania, divided and distracted as she then was in her councils 
 (the large county of Luzerne on the eve of an insurrection), to 
 he in as hazardous a situation as any on the Continent." This 
 instantly brought on a Avarm fracas, indeed. The cudgels 
 were taken up on both sides ; the contest as fierce as if the 
 fate of empires depended on the decision ; the attention of 
 the whole company engaged. My little companion was roused, 
 fire sparkled in his eyes, and, like a faithful second, was de- 
 termined to support me. Right or wrong, he would contradict 
 every thing advanced by my antagonists. At length, victory 
 declared in our favor. Armstrong began to make concessions ; 
 Franks, with more reluctance, at length gave up the ground. 
 Both acknowledged the New England States were entitled to 
 an equal share of merit with any in the Union, and declared 
 they had no intention to reflect. We had the satisfaction to 
 quit the field with an air of triumph, which ray little com- 
 panion enjoyed with high relish ; nor could he forget it all the 
 way to Philadelphia. But we parted with our antagonists on 
 terms of perfect good humor and complaisance. My com- 
 panion frequently mentioned, afterwards, the pleasure it gave 
 him to see Armstrong and Franks so completely taken ddwn, 
 as he expressed it, which led me to conclude he was of the 
 party opposed to them in political quarrels at Philadelphia. 
 
 Bristol is a considerable town. The houses are built rather 
 in the Dutch style, though generally higher, and not so large 
 on the ground. There is considerable commerce carried on 
 here. Vessels may lie alongside the houses on the bank of 
 the river. The tavern where we dined is a very large pile of 
 buildings, with numerous apartments. It stands on the bank 
 of the Delaware, and has a most delightful piazza on the side 
 next the river, which extends the whole length of the house, 
 and is entirely over the water, afi"ording a most beautiful pros- 
 pect up and doAvn this majestic river. On the opposite shore 
 (Jersey side) is Burlington, a large, well-built town ; a hand- 
 some Meeting House, with a steeple ; and considerable ship- 
 ping, at the wharves. In Bristol the only building I ob- 
 served for worship was a small low church. 
 
252 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 From this place to Philadelphia the land is exceedingly rich 
 and fertile, producing a great quantity of excellent fruit, In- 
 dian corn, and the finest wheat. In some places I saw fields of 
 corn, the rows of which I judged to be a mile in length. The 
 people do not hoe their corn at all, but plow it both ways. 
 The farmers' houses are very neat, but not large, generally 
 two-stories high, and sometimes three, universally painted. 
 Some of them are built of logs, and these are also painted, and 
 very handsome. Their gardens are well formed and abound 
 with flowers, as well as fruit trees and esculents. I saw but 
 few laborers in their fields, for the wheat harvest was gen^ 
 erally over. The numerous shocks of grain in the field de- 
 monstrated the richness of the soil. The face of the country 
 is level, and the roads fine. At almost every house the far- 
 mers and their Avives were sitting in their cool entries, or 
 under the piazzas and shady trees about their doors. I ob- 
 served the men generally wore fine Holland shirts, -with the 
 sleeves plaited, the women in clean, cool, white dresses, en- 
 joying the ease and pleasures of domestic life, with few cares, 
 less labor, and abounding in plent}^. 
 
 Five miles from Bristol we crossed a large river, called 
 Shajniny,* on a floating bridge. Ten miles further, we passed 
 through Frankfort, a Dutch village ; the houses compact on 
 each side of the street for about a mile, but no buildings of 
 consequence. From this to Philadelphia is five miles. 
 Passed over many fine stone bridges, supported by arches. 
 
 We arrived at Philadelphia half after six, and my com- 
 panion conducted me to the Indian Queen, a livery tavern, 
 kept by Thompson. Here we exchanged names, but I Avas so 
 unfortunate, in less than ten minutes, to lose his name, and 
 can not recollect it. He promised to call on me the next 
 morning. Spent the evening with several members ot Con- 
 gress. 
 
 *Now called Neshanimv Creek. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 253 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 At New York and Philadklphia — Lkttkks to Hazaud and Sargknt — 
 
 Diary of 1787. 
 
 Friday, July 13. This tavern (Indian Queen) is situated in 
 Third Street, between Market Street and Chestnut Street, and 
 is not far from the center of the city. It is kept in an ele- 
 gant style, and consists of a large pile of buildings, Avith 
 many spacious halls, and numerous small apartments, appro- 
 priated for lodging rooms. As soon as I had inquired of the 
 bar-keeper, when I arrived last evening, if I could be fur- 
 nished with lodgings, a livery servant Avas ordered immediately 
 to attend me, who received my baggage from the hostler, and 
 conducted me to the apartment assigned by the bar-keeper, 
 which was a rather small but a very handsome chamber (No. 9), 
 furnished with a rich field bed, bureau, table with drawers, a 
 large looking-glass, neat chairs, and other furniture. Its front 
 was east, and, being in the third story, afforded a fine prospect 
 toward the river and the Jersey shore. The servant that at- 
 tended me was a young, sprightly, well-built black fellow, 
 neatly dressed — blue coat, sleeves and cape red, and buff 
 waistcoat and breeches, the bosom of his shirt ruffled, and 
 hair powdered. After he had brought up my baggage and 
 properly deposited it in the chamber, he brought two of the 
 latest London magazines and laid on the table. I ordered 
 him to call a barber, furnish me with a bowl of water for 
 washing, and to have tea on the table by the time I was 
 dressed. My intention was to have taken a walk, and deliv- 
 ered some of my letters in the evening, but so much time was 
 occupied in shifting my clothes, getting from under the hands 
 of the barber, and taking tea, I found it too late, and besides 
 felt myself not a little fatigued with my day's journey, which 
 had been 43 miles since 10 in the morning. Distance from 
 New York, 95 miles, and from home, 397. 
 
 Being told, while I was at tea, that a number of the Mem- 
 
254 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 bers of the Continental Convention, now convened in this city 
 for the purpose of forming a Federal Constitution, lodged in 
 this house, and that two of them were from Massachusetts, 
 immediately after tea, I sent into their Hall (for they live by 
 themselves) to Mr. Strong, and requested to speak with him. 
 We had never been personally acquainted, nor had I any letter 
 to him, but we had both of us an hearsay knowledge of each 
 other, and Mr. Gerry had lately mentioned to Mr. Strong that 
 he daily expected me, in consequence of a letter he had rcr 
 ceived from Governor Bowdoin. Mr. Strong* very politely 
 introduced me to Mr. Gorham, of Charlestown, Mass ; Mr. 
 Madison and Mr. Mason and his son, of Virginia ; Governor 
 Martin, Hon. Hugh Williamson, of North Carolina ; the Hon. 
 John Rutledge and Mr. Pinckney, of South Carolina ; Mr. 
 Hamilton, of New York, who were lodgers in the house, and 
 to several other gentlemen who Avere spending the evening 
 with them. I spent the evening with these gentlemen very 
 agreeably. Mr. Strong and Mr. Gorham insisted on my sit- 
 ting a while Avith them, after the other gentlemen retired, that 
 they might inquire with more freedom and more minutely into 
 state affairs in the Massachusetts. We sat until half after 
 one. They both of them very politely offered to wait on me 
 to any part of the city, and to introduce me to any gentleman 
 of their acquaintance I should wish to see. But I assured 
 them that my business Avith Congress required so speedy a re- 
 turn to NeAv York that I should be able to spend very little 
 time in Philadelphia, and that my introductory letters Avere so 
 numerous that I doubted Avhether I should be able to deliver 
 them all. Mr. Strong proposed going Avith me in the morn- 
 ing to Mr. Gerry's, as early as I pleased, and so wished them 
 good-night. 
 
 I rose very early this morning, and the servant assigned me 
 
 *Hon. Caleb Strong, LL.D. Governor of Massachusetts. Born at 
 Northampton, Miij^s., 1745; graduated at Harvard, 1764; studied law; 
 a member of Massachusetts Legislature during the war. In 1787, 
 aided in forming the Constitution of the United States. Eight years 
 in the Senate of United States. Governor from 1800 to 1807, and 
 1812-15. He died 1817. A man of sound piety, exemplary habits, and 
 firmness. — Dr. <S. P. Hildreth. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 255 
 
 came into the chamber before I was dressed, to know my com- 
 mands. Mr. Strong was up as early as myself, and we took a 
 walk to Mr. Gerry's,* in Spruce street, where we breakfasted. 
 Few old bachelors, I believe, have been more fortunate in 
 matrimony than Mr. Gerry. His lady is young, very hand- 
 some, and exceedingly amiable. She appears to be possessed 
 of fine accomplishments. I should suppose her not more than 
 17, and believe he must be turned of 55. They have been 
 married about eighteen months, and have a fine son about two 
 months old, of which they appear both to be extravagantly 
 fond. Mr. Gerry has hired a house, and lives in a familjpn, 
 state. I was surprised to find how early ladies in Philadelphia \ ■ 
 can rise in the morning, and to see them at breakfast at half 1 
 after five, when in Boston they can hardly see a breakfast 1 
 table at nine without falling into hysterics. I observed to L 
 Mrs. Gerry that it seemed to be an early hour for ladies to '■ 
 breakfast. She said she always rose early, and found it con- 
 ducive to her health. She was inured to it from her childhood 
 in New York, and that it was the practice of the best families 
 in Philadelphia. Mr. Gerry had received a letter from Gov- 
 ernor Bowdoin, requesting that he would Avait on me to Dr. 
 Franklin's in person, when I arrived in the city. Although I 
 had several introductory letters to the Doctor, yet I wished 
 for the company of some gentleman of my acquaintance when 
 I paid my respects to that venerable sage. Mr. Gerry ex- 
 pressed a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction in having 
 the opportunity of introducing me to the Doctor, and sup- 
 
 * Elbridge Gerry, born in Marblehead, Mass., July 1 7, 1 744. Graduated 
 at Harvard University, 1772. In tlie State Legislature in 1773; in the 
 Provincial Congress, 1774; and from tlience was sent to the Continental 
 Congress. Signer of the Declaration ot Independence. After the 
 peace of 1783, served in the Congress of Confederation. Member of the 
 Constitutional Convention. In 1797, envoy to France. Subsequently 
 chosen Governor of Massachusetts; and afterward Vice-president of 
 the United States, in which office he died at Washington City, Novem- 
 ber 23, 1814. — Am. Biog. {Samuel L. Knapp). 
 
 Mrs. Gerry was a daughter of James Thompson, and was as distin- 
 guished by her beauty and peisonal worth as by her family and social 
 connections. She died in 1849. — The Be}>ublican Court. 
 
256 Life of Bev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 posed the best time would be about five in the afternoon — 
 which was agreed on. 
 
 Mr. Strong went with me, after breakfast, to Dr. Morgan's, 
 in Pine Street, to whom I had letters from Dr. Warren, of 
 Boston, and his brother, at Princeton. The Doctor received 
 me with politeness, and I had the pleasure of introducing Mr. 
 Strong to him, who had not been acquainted with him. But 
 we were very soon interrupted with an urgent message to the 
 Doctor to visit, instantly, a person in a desperate situation. 
 The Doctor, however, while his carriage was getting ready, 
 Avent with us to Dr. Clarkson's, in the same street, where he 
 and Mr. Strong left me. Dr. Clarkson* is one of those fine, 
 accomplished, benevolent characters which inspire the most 
 exalted ideas of human nature. I found him fully to answer 
 the character I had received of him. My letters to him were 
 from his much-esteemed friend, Mr. Belknap, and his brother- 
 in-law, Mr. Hazard. AVhen he had read my letters, he re- 
 ceived me, not merely in the common formalities of polite- 
 ness, but with the warm affection and friendship of an inti- 
 mate acquaintance that had been long absent. When he found 
 my stay in the city must be very short, he dismissed all his 
 business, sent his servant to inform his patients that it was 
 not probable he should be able to see them on that day or the 
 next ; if any thing special occurred, he must be particularly 
 informed, and devoted himself entirely to wait on me. I was 
 formally introduced to his son, who had just before received 
 Episcopal Ordination from Dr. White, the Bishop of this State, 
 and is about to be settled in one of the churches in this city ; 
 and to his three little daughters. Mrs. Clarkson was confined 
 above stairs by a nervous weakness of long standing, which 
 prevented my seeing her. After engaging me to dine with 
 him, he ordered his Phaeton to be harnessed, that we might 
 take a general view of the city, etc. We rode out of the city 
 on the western side, toward the Schuylkill, and passed by the 
 Hospital and Bettering-house. 
 
 We continued our route, in view of the Schuylkill, and up 
 
 *Gerardus Clarkson, M. D., ;ui eminent physician of Philadelphia; 
 Commenced practice as early as 1774. Died in September, 171)0, aged 
 63 years.— Dr. S. P. Hiklreth. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 257 
 
 the river several miles, and took a view of a number of Coun- 
 try-seats, one belonging to Mr. R. Morris, the American finan- 
 cier, and who is said to be possessed of the greatest fortune 
 in America. His country-seat is not yet completed, but it 
 will be superb. It is planned on a large scale, the gardens 
 and walks are extensive, and the villa, situated on an eminence, 
 has a commanding prospect down the Schuylkill to the Dela- 
 ware. 
 
 We returned to the northern side of the city, and passed 
 through the principal streets in the longest direction of the 
 city and parallel with the Delaware. We also passed up and 
 down most of the streets in the cross direction. This gave 
 me an opportunity of seeing the Avhole of the city, of viewing 
 it in several directions, and observing all the public buildings. 
 In this tour I delivered most of my letters, but had only time 
 to deliver them, for the Doctor waited for me in his carriage. 
 I Avas therefore obliged to inform them that my stay would be 
 very short in the city, and was obliged to decline all their in- 
 vitations. We returned to the Doctor's house about twelve, 
 having rode, by the Doctor's computation, near twenty miles. 
 His horses were very large and fine, and he had as much as he 
 could well do to rein them. 
 
 After refreshing ourselves, we took a ramble on foot, called 
 on Doctor Rush, whom we fortunately found at home. The 
 Doctor is the complete gentleman, and one of the first literary 
 characters in America. After reading my letter, and usual 
 ceremony, he expressed much satisfaction in having an oppor- 
 tunity to see me, and told me he had for some time wished 
 for a correspondence. He thanked me very particularly for 
 my Botanical Paper in the Memoirs of the American Acad- 
 emy, and said that Dr. Franklin and he had desired the prin- 
 ters of the Columbian Magazine to publish the extracts from 
 it, which had appeared in that publication. He approved of 
 my plan, and appeared very anxious that I should pursue it. 
 He observed that they were endeavoring to raise a fund for es- 
 tablishing a Botanical Garden in that city, Avhich he hoped 
 they should be able to effect, and assured me that I was the 
 only person who had been in nomination to take the super- 
 17 
 
258 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 intendency, and give the Botanical lectures to the students in 
 Physics of the University. This led me to inquire after 
 Mr. Cox. the present Professor of Botanj^ in the Univer- 
 sity here, and to observe that I was not so fortunate as 
 to have a letter to him, but wished for the favor of being 
 introduced, as I understood he had studied under the im- 
 mediate instruction of the great Linnaeus. Both of the gen- 
 tlemen readily oifered to introduce me, but both observed 
 they believed it Avould afford me very little satisfaction; 
 that he did not pretend to give lectures, had never attended to 
 the practical part, and perhaps was not a very complete master 
 of the theory. Finding that they seemed inclined to keep their 
 Botanist out of sight, I did not insist on seeing him. But Dr. 
 Rush observed that Mr. Bartram * had much more botanical 
 knowledge than Cox, and employed much of his time in the 
 examination of plants. He imagined I would be pleased with 
 him, and wished I would find time to visit him. Dr. Clarkson 
 proposed a ride early the next morning to Bartram's seat, two 
 miles beyond the Schuylkill. Dr. Rush said he should be very 
 happy to accompany us, but it was the day for his formal visit 
 to the Hospital, which must commence precisely at 11 o'clock, 
 and he had some special business to settle with the Directors, 
 whom he had engaged to meet at seven in the morning, and 
 was of such a nature that it could not be postponed. He 
 asked me if I had seen the Hospital, or had any inclination to 
 attend the visitation with him. I then concluded to go out to 
 Bartram's wnth Dr. Clarkson in his Phaeton at six, and we 
 
 * William Bartram, naturalist; boiii, King.sissing, Penii., IT-iO; died, 
 1823. Studied r.atural history with his father. In 1773 to i77S, he 
 explored Florida, the Carolinas, and Georgia, and transmitted to his 
 employer. Dr. Fothergill, at London, his valuable collections. In 1782, 
 he was elected Professor of Botany in the University of Philadelphia, 
 but declined on account of ill health. In 1786, he became a member 
 of the American Philosophical Society, and was admitted into other 
 scientific bodies, home and abroad. In 1791, he published a book of 
 travels, including an account of the Creek, Cherokee, and Choctaw 
 Indians. lie was the author ot the most complete table of American 
 Ornithology which had appeared previous to the work of Wilson. He 
 published other books, among them the " Memoirs of J. Bartram." — 
 See Drakes Dictionary Am. Bioj. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 259 
 
 were to meet Di'. Rush at the Hospital at 11 o'clock, and en- 
 gaged to dine with him. We returned to Dr. Clarkson's and 
 dined. 
 
 Immediately after Dinner, we called on Mr. Peale,* to see 
 his collection of paintings and natural curiosities. We were 
 conducted into a room by a boy, who told us that Mr. Peale 
 would wait on us in a minute or two. He desired us, however, 
 to walk into the room where the curiosities were, and showed 
 us a long narrow entry which led into the room. I observed, 
 through a glass window at my right hand, a gentleman close 
 to me, standing with a pencil in one hand, and a small sheet 
 of ivory in the other, and his eyes directed to the opposite 
 side of the room, as though he was taking some object on his 
 ivory sheet. Dr. Clarkson did not see this man until he 
 stepped into the room, but instantly turned about and came 
 back, saying, " Mr. Peale is very busy, taking the picture of 
 something with his pencil. We will step back into the other 
 room and wait till he is at leisure." We returned through the 
 entry, but as Ave entered the room Ave came from, Ave met Mr. 
 Peale coming to us. The Doctor started back in astonishment, 
 and cried out, " Mr. Peale, hoAV is it possible you should get 
 out of the other room to meet us here?" Mr. Peale smiled. 
 " I have not been in the other room," says he, " for some time." 
 " No !" says Clarkson, " Did not I see you there this moment, 
 with your pencil and ivory ?" " Why, do you think you did ?" 
 says Peale. " Do I think I did? Yes," says the Doctor, " I 
 saw you there if I ever saAV you in my life." " Well," says 
 
 *Charles Wilson Peale; born, Chestertown, Md., 1741: died, Phila- 
 delphia, 1827. He was apprenticed to a saddler, and was successively a 
 saddler, harness-maker, silversmith, watch-maker, carver, and portrait 
 painter. As a recreation from his business of portrait painting, he be- 
 came a sportsman and an enthusiastic student of natural history. He 
 manufactured for himself a violin and guitar, and invented a variety of 
 machines. He was also a dentist, and the first in this country to make 
 sets of enamel teeth. He received instruction in painting from Copley 
 in Boston and Benjamin West in London. He took part in the battles 
 of Trenton and Germantown, as Captain of a Company in the American 
 Army. He was a member of the Pennsylvania legislature in 1777. 
 His museum was the first of the kind in America. — iS'ee Drake's Diction' 
 ary Am. Biography. 
 
260 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Peale, " let us go and see." When we returned, we found the 
 man standing as before. My astonishment was now nearly 
 equal to that of Dr. Clarkson ; for, although I knew what I 
 saw, yet I beheld two men, so perfectly alike that I could not 
 discern the minutest diiference. One of them, indeed, had no 
 motion ; but he appeared to me to be as absolutely alive as the 
 other, and I could hardly help wondering that he did not smile 
 or take a part in the conversation. This was a piece of wax- 
 work which Mr, Peale had just finished, in which he had taken 
 himself. So admirable a performance must have done great 
 honor to his genius if it had been that of any other person, 
 but I think it is much more extraordinary that he should be 
 able so perfectly to take himself. To what perfection is this 
 art capable of being carried ! By this method, our particular 
 friends and ancestors might be preserved in perfect likeness 
 to the latest generation. We seem to be able in some degree 
 to disappoint the ravages of time, and prevent mortality itself, 
 the common lot of man, from concealing from us in its dreary 
 retreats our dearest connections. This room is constructed in 
 a very singular manner, for the purpose of Exhibitions, where 
 various scenery in paintings is exhibited in a manner that has a 
 most astonishing effect. It is very long but not very wide, has 
 no windows, nor floor over it, but is open up to the roof, Avhich 
 is two or three stories, and from above the light is admitted in 
 greater or less quantities at pleasure. The walls of the room 
 are covered with paintings, both portrait and historic. One 
 particular part is assigned to the portraits of the principal 
 American characters who appeared on the stage during the 
 late revolution, either in the councils or armies of their country. 
 The drapery was excellent, and the likenesses of all of whom 
 I had any personal knowledge were well taken. I fancied 
 myself introduced to all the General Ofl&cers. that had been in 
 the field during the war, whether dead or alive, for I think he 
 had every one, and to most of the members of Congress and 
 other distinguished^ characters. To grace his collection, he 
 had a number of the most distinguished clergymen in the 
 middle and southern states who had, in some way or other, 
 been active in the revolution. In other parts were a number 
 of fine historic pieces, executed in a masterly manner. At 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 261 
 
 the upper end of the room, General Washington, at full length 
 and nearly as large as the life, was placed, as President of 
 this sage and martial assembly. At the opposite end, under a 
 small gallery, his natural curiosities were arranged in a most 
 romantic and amusing manner. There was a mound of earth, 
 considerably raised and covered with green turf, from which a 
 number of trees ascended and branched out in different direc- 
 tions. On the declivity of this mound was a small thicket, 
 and just below it an artificial pond ; on the other side a num- 
 ber of large and small rocks of different kinds, collected from 
 different parts of the world, and represented the rude state in 
 which they are generally found. At the foot of the mound 
 were holes dug and the earth thrown up, to show the different 
 kinds of clay, ochre, coal, marl, etc., which he had collected 
 from different parts ; also, various ores and minerals. Around 
 the pond was a beach, on which was exhibited an assortment 
 of shells of different kinds, turtles, frogs, toads, lizards, water- 
 snakes, etc. In the pond was a collection of fish with their 
 skins stuffed, water-fowls, such as the different species of 
 geese, ducks, cranes, herons, etc.; all having the appearance 
 of life, for their skins were admirably preserved. On the 
 mound were those birds which commonly walk on the ground, 
 as the partridge, quail, heath-hen, etc.; also, different kinds of 
 wild animals — bear, deer, leopard, tiger, wild-cat, fox, raccoon, 
 rabbit, squirrel, etc. In the thickets and among the rocks, 
 land-snakes, rattle-snakes of an enormous size, black, glass, 
 striped, and a number of other snakes. The boughs of the 
 trees were loaded with birds, some of almost every species in 
 America, and many exotics. In short, it is not in my power 
 to give any particular account of the numerous species of 
 fossils and animals, but only their general arrangement. 
 What heightened the view of this singular collection was that 
 they were all real, either their substance or their skins finely 
 preserved. I was much mortified that it was not in my power 
 to see one of his exhibitions ; but these can be performed to 
 advantage only in the night, require very considerable and ex- 
 pensive preparation, and this is not the season of the year in 
 which they are given. This view seems to give some idea of 
 what can be done, but Dr. Clarkson's acoount of them exceeds 
 
262 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 all credibility. Mr. Peale's animals reminded me of Noalts 
 Ark, into which was received every kind of beast and creeping 
 thing in which there was life. But I can hardly conceive that 
 even Noah could have boasted of a better collection. Mr. 
 Peale was very complaisant, and gave us every information 
 we desired. He requested me to favor him with any of the 
 animals and fossils from this part of America, not already in 
 his museum, which it might be in my power to collect. 
 
 From Mr. Peale's we went to the State House. This is a 
 noble building ; the architecture is in a richer and grander 
 style than any public building I have before seen. The first 
 story is not an open walk, as is usual in buildings of this kind. 
 In the middle, however, is a very broad cross-aisle, and the 
 floor above supported by two rows of pillars. From this aisle 
 is a broad opening to a large hall, toward the west end, which 
 ■ opening is supported by arches and pillars. In this Hall the 
 Courts are held, and, as you pass the aisle, you have a full 
 view of the Court. The Supreme Court was now sitting. 
 This bench consists of only three judges. Their robes are 
 scarlet; the lawyers', black. The Chief Judge, Mr. McKean, 
 was sitting with his hat on, which is the custom, but struck 
 me as being very odd, and seemed to derogate from the dig- 
 nity of a judge. The hall east of the aisle is employed for 
 public business. The chamber over it is now occupied by the 
 Continental Convention, which is now sitting, but sentries are 
 planted Avithout and within — to prevent any person from ap- 
 proaching near — who appear to be very alert in the perform- 
 ance of their duty. 
 
 We passed through this broad aisle into the 3Iall. It is 
 small, nearly square, and I believe does not contain more than 
 one acre. As you enter the Mall through the State House, 
 which is the only avenue to it, it appears to be nothing more 
 than a large inner Court-yard to the State House, ornamented 
 with trees and walks. But here is a fine display of rural fancy 
 and elegance. It was so lately laid out in its present form 
 that it has not assumed that air of grandeur which time will 
 give it. The trees are yet small, but most judiciously ar- 
 ranged. The artificial mounds of earth, and depressions, and 
 small groves in the squares have a most delightful effect. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 263 
 
 The numerous walks are well graveled and rolled hard ; they 
 are all in a serpentine direction, which heightens the beauty, 
 and affords constant variety. That painful sameness, com- 
 monly to be met with in garden-alleys,- and others works of 
 this kind, is happily avoided here, for there are no two parts 
 of the Mall that are alike. Hogarth's " Line of Beauty " is 
 here completely verified. The public are indebted to the fer- 
 tile fancy and taste of Mr. Sam'l Vaughan, Esq., for the ele- 
 gance of this plan. It was laid out and executed under his 
 direction about three years ago. The Mall is at present 
 nearly surrounded with buildings, which stand near to the 
 board fence that incloses it, and the parts now vacant will, 
 in a short time, be filled up. On one part the Philosoph- 
 ical Society are erecting a large building for holding their 
 meetings and depositing their Library and Cabinet. This 
 building is begun, and, on another part, a County Court-house 
 is now going up. But, after all the beauty and elegance of 
 this public walk, there is one circumstance that must forever 
 be disgusting, and must greatly diijiinish the pleasure and 
 amusement which these walks would otherwise afford. At 
 the foot of the Mall, and opposite to the Court-house, is the 
 Prison, fronting directly to the Mall. It is very long and 
 high, I believe, four stories, and built of stone. The building 
 itself, which is elegant, would appear well, were it not for its 
 unsavory contents. Your ears are constantly insulted with 
 their Billingsgate language, or your feelings wounded with 
 their pitiful complaints. Their long reed poles, with a little 
 cap of cloth at the end, are constantly extended over into the 
 Mall, in order to receive your charit}'^, which they are inces- 
 santly begging. And if you refuse them, they load you with 
 the most foul and horrid imprecations. In short, whatever 
 part of the Mall you are in, this cage of unclean birds is con- 
 stantly in your view, and their doleful cries attacking your 
 ears. 
 
 We next made a visit to the University. On our way we 
 called at Dr. Ewing's, the Provost of the University, who was 
 gone with Mr. Rittenhouse and Mr. Hutchins to settle the line 
 between New York and Massachusetts, and whom I had seen 
 at New York. Dr. Ewing gave me a letter to his lady, which 
 
264 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 I delivered. She told me that she had already received a 
 letter from the Doctor, informing her that I should be in the 
 city that week, and that I had given him encouragement, if 
 I spent the Sabbath in Philadelphia, of supplying his Pulpit, 
 for the Doctor is not only the President of the University, 
 but the minister of one of the largest congregations in the 
 city. I assured Mrs. Ewing that it would not be in my power 
 to supply his Desk, as I was absolutely obliged to leave the 
 city the next day. The University is near the Doctor's house. 
 It is a pretty large, but an old and odd-built fabric. It makes 
 no appearance, and the accommodations are very indifferent- 
 The Hall is the most elegant part ; it is pretty large, hand- 
 somely ornamented, and the inside work consists of considera- 
 ble carving, in an old-fashioned style. There are very few 
 students that reside within the walls, not more than fifty ; but, 
 if you inquire the number of students that belong to the Uni- 
 versity, they will tell you between three and four hundred, 
 for all the principal schools in the city come within the limits 
 of the charter of the University, and are under its govern- 
 ment, and scholars belonging to them are admitted to Degrees, 
 after having made proper proficiency in science. This Uni- 
 versity was originally designed for educating students in 
 Physics only, and was established by Episcopalians and 
 Quakers, but, since the Revolution, the charter and privileges 
 are extended, and it furnishes many young gentlemen for the 
 desk and the bar. The endowments are very ample, support- 
 ing a large number of professors. The shortness of my time 
 did not admit of my calling on'any of them. We waited on 
 only two of the tutors. The Library is very snuxll, consisting 
 only of a few antiquated authors, and the apparatus not much 
 better. Mr. Rittenhouse's orrery is the only instrument 
 worthy of notice ; the Cabinet is trifling. But the want of 
 these in the University is pretty Avell supplied by the large 
 and valuable collection of books, instruments, and natural cu- 
 riosities in Carpenter's Hall. 
 
 From tlie University we went through those streets where 
 the Meeting Houses and Churches are situated, and took a 
 view of them. The principal are the two large Meeting Houses 
 belonging to Dr. Ewing and Dr. Sprout ; two Churches, the 
 
Life of Bev. Manasseh Cutler. 265 
 
 one where Bishop White officiates, and the other, that of the 
 late Mr. Duche. There are a great number of other Houses 
 of "Worship of different denominations, besides a Romam Cath- 
 olic Church, and a Synagogue of the Jews. In our ramble we 
 called a fcAv minutes on Bishop White, who was just going 
 out, and we did not detain him, for we had but a moment's 
 time. I also called a minute on Dr. Sprout, to whom I had 
 letters. He is between seventy and eighty, and the very pict- 
 ure of Father Rogers, of Ipswich. The old gentleman urged 
 us exceedingly to tarry, but it was not in our power. He is 
 the minister of the Meeting House built for the famous Gil- 
 bert Tennent, and his immediate successor, but has now a col- 
 leao-ue settled with him. Our next call was on Mr. John 
 Vaughan,* son of Samuel Vaughan, Esq., and the brother of 
 
 *John, Samuel, Charles, and Benjamin Vaughan were the sons of 
 Samuel and Sarah (Hallowell) Vaughan. Samuel Vaughan, Sr., was 
 a wealthy merchant who, after residing several years in Jamaica, re^ 
 moved to London, and from there to America. Charles Vaughan came 
 early to this country, and settled in Boston, was married, November 20, 
 1788, to Frances W., daughter of John Apthorp, Esq., of Boston, by the 
 Rev. Samuel Parker, D.D., of Trinity Church. Mr. Vaughan was a 
 man of great energy and enterprise. In his prosperity he stood among 
 the foremost rank of merchants in this country. He was a gentleman 
 of courteous address iind extensive reading. John Vaughan settled 
 in Philadelphia. For sixty-five years he was Secretary of the American 
 Philosophical Society. He wrote some valuable articles which they 
 published. He corresponded with eminent men, and was intimately 
 acquainted with Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson. He possessed 
 great public spirit and philanthrophy, and his kindness secured him 
 many friends. He lived single, yet, from his social qualities, many a 
 fair one wondered it should he so. His extensive information, purity 
 of life, and tender, benevolent feelings will always be remembered 
 while the "City of Brotherly Love" honors her worthies. Reference 
 to the proceedings of the American Philosophical Society will show 
 how much his loss was felt. Samuel Vaugtian died December 4, 1802. 
 Benjamin Vaughan, M.D., LL.D., was 'born in Jamaica, April 19, 1751. 
 Sent to school at Hackney, England* afterward, to the .Academy at 
 Warrington, and resided in the family of his preceptor, Dr. Priestly- 
 At the age of 19, admitted to Cambridge University. Studied law at 
 the Temple, in London; medicine in Edinburgh. Afterward, became 
 Private Secretary to I^ord Shelburne. He married Sarah, daughter o* 
 William Manning, a wealthy London merchant. (He was an intimate 
 friend of Franklin, and edited a volume of his works, which appeared 
 
266 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 my friends, Charles and Samuel Vaughan. I had letters to 
 the old gentleman, but, very unfortunately for me, he Avas 
 gone on a journey into the Ohio country. The young gentle- 
 man, however, received me with every expression of warmest 
 friendship, urged me to take lodgings with him, and dismissed 
 all business, to devote himself to me. He mentioned his 
 brothers having often spoken of their acquaintance with me, 
 and was acquainted with the correspondence which his brother 
 Samuel and I had continued from our first acquaintance. He 
 is not married, and, since his mother and sisters went to Lon- 
 don in the spring Avith his brother Samuel, he and his father 
 keep bachelors' hall in a very elegant home in fore street. He 
 is in a very large circle of trade, in partnership with another 
 young gentleman. I informed him of my engagement to go 
 with Mr. Gerry to Dr. Franklin's, and that the hour was then 
 arrived. He could not be denied the pleasure, he said, of 
 going with us, for Dr. Franklin he considered as his father, 
 having lived a number of years witli him, and the two families 
 were so strongly connected that they considered themselves as 
 one and the same. 
 
 When we came to Mr. Gerry's, he was waiting for us ; but, 
 as he supposed we had time enough, and feeling myself much 
 fatigued, we sat about half an hour. There were two young 
 ladies by the name of Hamlinton on a visit to Mr. Gerry. 
 They were dressed very rich indeed, but were entirely socia- 
 ble and agreeable. Mr. Vaughan took a large share in the 
 conversation, and, with his easy and natural pleasantry, kept 
 
 in Loiulon in 177'.*. (See Parton's Life of Franklin.) He emigrated to 
 America, and removing to Hallowell, on the Kennebec River, in 1796, 
 where there was a large inheritance of land from his grandfather. 
 Here he resided till his death. His mansion, the " White House." on 
 the hill, was the abode o^ hospitality. It was furnished in a costly 
 style, but simple. He had a fine library, supposed to contain 10,000 
 volumes, and made large doiiations of books to Harvard University and 
 Bowdoin College. The infiuenc'e a man of fortune, learning, and piety- 
 may exert in a country village is beyond calculation. Every man, 
 woman, and child looked up to him. He was the magnate of the 
 place. In religion, education, love of reading, etc., he gave a healthy 
 tone to society. He died at the age of 85. — Hist, and Genealogical Reg., 
 Oct., 1865. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 267 
 
 us in a burst of laughter. I knew that Mr. Vaughan was not 
 acquainted with Mr. Gerry. I therefore introduced him, Avhich 
 Mr. Gerry likewise did to his lady and the company. But I 
 immediately supposed the young ladies, from his instant and 
 free sociability, were of his most intimate acquaintance. He 
 appeared to me to know every thing about them and every 
 body else that was mentioned in the course of the conversa- 
 tion. But, on our way to Dr. Franklin's, he asked me if those 
 young ladies were of my acquaintance, and what were their 
 names, for they had slipped his memory. This excited my as- 
 tonishment. I asked him if he had never seen them before. 
 He said no, and he w^as sure they did not belong to Philadel- 
 phia, or he certainly should have had some knowledge of 
 them. Mr. Gerry informed us they were from New York, 
 and of Mrs. Gerry's particular acquaintance. What advan- 
 tages are derived from a finished education and the best of 
 company ! How does it banish that awkward stiffness, so 
 common when strangers meet in compan}^ ! How does it 
 engage the most perfect strangers in all the freedom of an 
 easy and pleasing sociability, common only to the most inti- 
 mate friends ! 
 
 Dr. Franklin lives in Market Street, between Second and 
 Third Streets, but his house stands up a court-yard at some 
 distance from the street. We found him in his Garden, sitting 
 upon a grass plat under a very large Mulberry, with several 
 other gentlemen and two or three ladies. There Avas no cu- 
 riosity in Philadelphia which I felt so anxious to see as this 
 great man, who has been the wonder of Europe as well as the 
 glory of America. But a man who stood first in the literary 
 world, and had spent so many years in the Courts of Kings, 
 particularly in the refined Court of France, I conceived would 
 not be of very easy access, and must cieffamly have much of 
 the air of grandeur and majesty about him. Common folks 
 must expect only to gaze at him at a distance, and answer 
 such questions as he might please to ask. In short, when I 
 entered his house, I felt as if I was going to be introduced to 
 the presence of an European Monarch. But how were my 
 ideas changed, when I saw a short, fat, trunched old man. in a 
 plain Quaker dress, bald pate, and short white locks, sitting 
 
268 Jjife of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 "without his hat under the tree, and, as Mr. Gerry introduced 
 me, rose from his chair, took me by the hand, expressed his 
 joy to see me, Avelcomed me to the city, and begged me to seat 
 myself close to him. His voice was low, but his countenance 
 open, frank, and pleasing. He instantly reminded me of old 
 Captain Cummings, for he is nearly of his pitch, and no more 
 of the air of superiority about him. I delivered him my let- 
 ters. After he had read them, he took me again by the hand, 
 and, Avith the usual compliments, introduced me to the other 
 gentlemen of the company, who were most of them members 
 of the Convention. Here we entered into a free conversation, 
 and spent our time most agreeably until it was dark. The 
 tea-table was spread under the tree, and Mrs. Bache, a very 
 gross and rather homely lady, who is the only daughter of the 
 Doctor and lives with him, served it out to the company. She 
 had three of her children about her, over whom she seemed 
 to have no kind of command, but who appeared to be 
 excessively fond of their Grandpapa. The Doctor showed 
 me a curiosity he had just received, and with which he 
 was much pleased. It was a snake with two heads, pre- 
 served in a large vial. It was taken near the confluence 
 of the Schuylkill with the Delaware, about four miles from 
 this city. It was about ten inches long, well proportioned, 
 the heads perfect, and united to the body about one-fourth of 
 an inch below the extremities of the jaws. The snake was of 
 a dark brown, approaching to black, and the back beautifully 
 speckled (if beauty can be applied to a snake) with white ; the 
 belly was rather checkered with a reddish color and white. 
 The Doct'br supposed it to be full grown, Avhich I think 
 appears probable, and thinks it must be a sid generis of 
 that class of animals. He grounds his opinion of its not be- 
 ing an extraordinary production, but a distinct genus, on the 
 perfect form of the snake, the probability of its being of some 
 age, and there having been found a snake entirely similar (of 
 which the Doctor has a drawing, which he showed us) near 
 Lake Champlain, in the time of the late war. The Doctor 
 mentioned the situation of this snake, if it was traveling 
 among bushes, and one head should choose to go on one side 
 of the stem of a bush and the other head should prefer the 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 269 
 
 other side, and that neither of the heads "woukl consent to 
 come back or give Avay to the other. He was then going to 
 mention a humorous matter that had that day taken place in 
 Convention, in consequence of his comparing the snake to 
 America, for he seemed to forget that every thing in Conven- 
 tion was to be kept a profound secret ; but the secrecy of 
 Convention matters was suggested to him, which stopped him, 
 and deprived me of the story he was going to tell. After it 
 was dark, we went into the house, and the Doctor invited me 
 into his library, which is likewise his study. It is a very large 
 chamber, and high studded. The Avails were covered with 
 book-shelves filled with books ; besides, there are four large 
 alcoves, extending two-thirds of the length of the Chamber, 
 filled in the same manner. I presume this is the largest, and 
 by far the best, private library in America. He showed us a 
 glass machine for exhibiting the circulation of the blood in 
 the arteries and veins of the human body. The circulation is 
 exhibited by the passing of a red fluid from a reservoir into 
 numerous capillary tubes of glass, ramified in every direction, 
 and then returning in similar tubes to the reservoir, which was 
 done with great velocity, without any power to act visibly 
 on the fluid, and had the appearance of perpetual motion. 
 Another great curiosity was a rolling press, for taking the 
 copies of letters or any other writing. A sheet of paper is 
 completely copied in less than two minutes, the copy as fair 
 as the original, and without eff"acing it in the smallest degree. 
 It is an invention of his own, and extremely useful in many 
 situations in life. He also showed us his long artificial arm 
 and hand, for taking down and putting books up on high 
 shelves which are out of reach ; and his great armed chair, 
 with rockers, and a large fan placed over it, with which he 
 fans himself, keeps off flies, etc., while he sits reading, with 
 only a small motion of his foot ; and many other curiosities 
 and inventions, all his own, but of lesser note. Over his 
 mantel-tree, he has a prodigious number of medals, busts, and 
 casts in wax or plaster of Paris, which are the effigies of the 
 most noted characters in Europe. But what the Doctor 
 wished principally to show to me was a huge volume on 
 Botany, and which, indeed, afforded me the greatest pleasure 
 
270 Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 
 
 of any one thing in his library. It was a single volume, but 
 so large that it was with great difficulty that the Doctor was 
 able to raise it from a low shelf and lift it on to the table ; but 
 with that senile ambition common to old people, he insisted on 
 doing it himself, and would permit no person to assist him, 
 merely to show us how much strength he had remaining. It 
 contained the whole of Linn£eus Systima Vegetabilia, with large 
 cuts of every plant, and colored from nature. It was a feast 
 to me, and the Doctor seemed to enjoy it as well as myself. 
 We spent a couple of hours in examining this volume, while 
 the other gentlemen amused themselves with other matters. 
 The Doctor is not a Botanist, but lamented that he did not in 
 early life attend to this science. He delights in natural his- 
 tory, and expressed an earnest wish that I would pursue the 
 plan I had begun, and hoped this science, so much neglected 
 in America, would be pursued with as much ardor here as it is 
 now in every part of Europe. I wanted for three months at 
 least to have devoted myself entirely to this one volume. 
 But fearing I should be tedious to the Doctor, I shut up the 
 volume, though he urged me to examine it longer. The Doc- 
 tor seemed extremely fond, through the course of the visit, of 
 dwelling on Philosophical subjects, and particularly that of 
 natural History, while the other Gentlemen were swallowed up 
 with politics. This was a favorable circumstance to me, for 
 almost the whole of his conversation was addressed to me ; 
 and I was highly delighted with the extensive knowledge he 
 appeared to have of every subject, the brightness of his mem- 
 ory, and clearness and vivacity of all his mental faculties. 
 Notwithstanding his age (eighty-four), his manners arc per- 
 fectly easy, and every thing about him seems to diffuse an 
 unrestrained freedom and liappiness. He has an incessant 
 vein of humor, accompanied with an uncommon vivacity, 
 which seems as natural and involuntary as his breathing. He 
 urged me to call on him again, but my short tarry would 
 not admit. We took our leave at ten, and I. retired to my 
 lodgings. 
 
 The gentlemen Avho lodged in the house were just sitting 
 down to supper ; a sumptuous table was spread, and the at- 
 tendance in the style of noblemen. After supper, Mr. Strong 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 271 
 
 came in and invited me into their Hall, ^vllere Ave sat till 
 twelve. Mentioning my engagement the next morning, Gov- 
 ernor Martin, Mr. Mason, Mr. Strong, and several of the other 
 gentlemen wished to be of our party, but would have preferred 
 an earlier hour than six, on account of returning in season to at- 
 tend the Convention. They wished to know if 5 o'clock would 
 not be agreeable to us. As the matter lay with Dr. Clarkson, 
 I sent a servant to know if it would be agreeable to go out of 
 the city at five in the morning. He returned me an answer 
 that he should on his own part prefer five to six, and would be 
 happy to be favored with the company of the other gentlemen. 
 We then agreed that the first who awaked in the morning should 
 call the servants, the gentlemen having already ordered them" 
 to have two coaches harnessed by 5 o'clock, but were doubtful 
 whether they would awake in season. 
 
 July 14. As my chamber fronted to the east, and having 
 my mind much engaged, I awoke just as the first dawning ap- 
 peared, and rung for a servant. When I had given him his 
 orders, I took a walk to the Market, Avhile the carriages were 
 getting ready. It was then so dark that I could not distinctly 
 see a man but a few rods ; but, to my astonishment, found 
 more than 100 people in the market, and crowds coming from 
 every street. The market is considered by many as the greatest 
 curiosity in the city. It is a building of near half a mile in 
 length, of one story high, supported by brick pillars at a small 
 distance, the distance between them being open ; but a vacancy 
 is left for the cross streets, of equal Avidth w^ith the streets. The 
 floor is raised about two feet above the level of the street. It 
 is perfectly straight, in the center of Market Street, which is 
 100 feet wide, and is nearly in the center of the city. The 
 part of the market near the river is devoted to fish of various 
 kinds, the other parts to meat. The butter markets are next 
 the houses, in several clusters. Along the sides of the houses 
 in this, and for some distance in the cross streets, are arranged 
 the vegetables and fruits. Every thing is adjusted in perfect 
 order, and as neat and clean as a dining-hall. By the time it 
 was fair daylight, the marketers seemed to be all in and every 
 thing arranged. The crowds of purchasers filled every ave- 
 nue so that it Avas almost impossible to pass. The stalls Avere 
 
 ^lol^'-''* 
 
 I 
 
 
272 Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 
 
 furnished with excellent meat, and there was every kind of 
 vegetable and fruit which the season aiforded. The crowds of 
 people seemed like the collection at the last day, for there was 
 of every rank and condition in life, from the highest to the 
 lowest, male and female, of every age and every color. Sev- 
 eral of the market women who sold fruit, I observed, had their 
 infants in their arms and their children about them, and there 
 seemed to be some of every nation under Heaven. The la- 
 dies, indeed, are the principal purchasers, but are in a dress 
 not easily to be known by their most intimate acquaintance, 
 and are ahvays attended by a servant with his basket. What 
 would the delicate Boston ladies think, if they were to be 
 abroad at this hour? There is, I presume, as much real del- 
 icacy in Philadelphia as Boston. All, by this time, was bustle 
 and hurry. A buzzing murmur of voices resounded through 
 the crowds, but no clamorous noise nor crying of Avares of any 
 kind. This scene was so novel that I could not deny myself 
 the pleasure of attending to it for a little time. I made my- 
 self very busy in traversing from one end of the market to 
 the other, viewing every thing that was going on, and gazing 
 at the numerous strange faces which appeared wherever I 
 turned my eyes. At length I found myself obliged to give up 
 this pleasure for the enjoyment of another. 
 
 When I returned, I found the gentlemen in their carriages and 
 wondering what had become of me. I went on to Dr. Clarkson's, 
 and desired them to follow. His carriage had just come out of 
 the yard. We stepped in, and his son accompanied us on horse- 
 back. We crossed the Schuylkill, at what is called the lower 
 ferry, over the floating bridge, to Gray's tavern, and, in about 
 two miles, came to Mr. Bartram's seat. We alighted from our 
 carriages, and found our company were : Mr. Strong, Gov- 
 ernor Martin, Mr. Mason and son, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Mad- 
 ison, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. Hamilton, all members of Con- 
 vention, Mr. Vaughan, and Dr. Clarkson and son. Mr. Bar- 
 tram lives in an ancient Fabric, built wnth stone, and very 
 large, which was the seat of his father. His house is on an 
 eminence fronting to the Schuylkill, and his garden is on the 
 declivity of the hill betAveen his house and the river. We 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 273 
 
 found him, Avith another man, hoeing in his garden, in a short 
 jacket and trowsers, and without shoes or stockings. He at 
 first stared at us, and seemed to be somewhat embarrassed at 
 seeing so large and gay a company so early in the morning. 
 Dr. Clarkson was the only person he knew, who introduced 
 me to him, and informed him that I wished to converse with 
 him on botanical subjects, and, as I lived in one of the North- 
 ern States, would probably inform him of trees and plants 
 which he had not yet in his collection ; that the other gentle- 
 men Avished for the pleasure of a walk in his garden. I in- 
 stantly entered on the subject of botany Avith as much famil- 
 iarity as possible, and inquired after some rare plants AAdiich I 
 had heard that he had. He presently got rid of his embar- 
 rassment, and soon became very sociable, Avhich Avas more than 
 I expected, from the character I had heard of the man. I 
 found him to be a practical botanist, though he seemed to un- 
 derstand little of the theory. We ranged the several alleys, and 
 he gave me the generic and specific names, place of groAvth, 
 properties, etc., so far as he knew them. This is a very an- 
 cient garden, and the collection is large indeed, but is made 
 principally from the Middle and Southern States. It is finely 
 situated, as it partakes of every kind of soil, has a fine stream 
 of Avater, and an artificial pond, where he has a good collec- 
 tion of aquatic plants. There is no situation in which plants 
 or trees are found but that they may be propagated here in 
 one that is similar. But every thing is very badly arranged, 
 for they are neither placed ornamentally nor botanically, but 
 seem to be jumbled together in heaps. The other gentlemen 
 were very free and sociable Avitli him, particularly Governor 
 Martin, Avho has a smattering of botany and a fine taste for 
 natural history. There are in this garden some very large 
 trees that are exotic, particularly an English oak, Avhich he 
 assured me was the only one in America. He had the Pawpaw 
 tree, or Custard apple. It is small, though it bears fruit ; but 
 the fruit is very small. He has also a large number of aro- 
 matics, some of them trees, and some plants. One plant I 
 thought equal to cinnamon. The Franklin tree is very curi- 
 ous. It has been found only on one particular spot in Geor- 
 18 
 
274 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 gia. His cider-press is singular ; the channel for the stone 
 wheel to run in for grinding the apples is cut out of a solid 
 rock ; the bottom of the press is a solid rock, and has a square 
 channel to carry off the juice, from -whicli it is received into 
 a stone reservoir or vat. From the house is a Avalk to the 
 river, between two rows of large, lofty trees, all of different 
 kinds, at the bottom of Avhich is a summer-house on the bank, 
 which here is a ledge of rocks, and so situated as to be con- 
 venient for fishing in the river, Avhere a plenty of several kinds 
 of fish may be caught, Mr. Bartram showed us several nat- 
 ural curiosities in the place where he keeps his seeds ; they 
 were principally fossils. He appeared fond of exchanging 
 a number of his trees and plants for those which are peculiar 
 to the Northern States. We proposed a correspondence, by 
 which we could more minutely describe the productions pe- 
 culiar to the Southern and Northern States. 
 
 About nine, we took our leave of Mr. Bartram, who appeared 
 to be well pleased with his visitors, and returned to Graj^'s 
 tavern, where we breakfasted. This tavern is on the south 
 side of the Schuylkill, at the foot of the floating bridge. The 
 land near the river is broken and rocky, though the rocks are 
 mostly large, and the soil excellent. These rocks seem to be 
 a species of freestone, that may be easily wrought into any 
 form. There we were entertained with scenes romantic and 
 delightful beyond the power of description. I know not how 
 nor where to begin or end, nor can I give the faintest idea of 
 this prodigy of art and nature. I will, however, attempt 
 some account of it, to assist my own recollection. Noth- 
 ing appears from the house, or in passing the street, that 
 would attract the attention of the most inquisitive traveler, 
 unless it be a flight of steps cut out of the solid rock at the 
 east end of the house, by which you ascend to a beautiful 
 grass plat, shaded with a number of large trees, in the rear of 
 the house. This house in front is three stories, in the rear but 
 two, for the back part of the lower story is underground. The 
 house is a lai-ge pile of buildings, mostly old, but with some 
 new additions. From this grass plat we went into a piazza 
 one story high, next the street, very pleasant, as it is in full 
 view of the river. Here we breakfasted. After breakfast. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 275 
 
 Mr. Vaughan invited us to take a vieAV of the Gardens. "We 
 returned to the grass plat, from which we ascended several 
 glaces by a serpentine gravel walk, and came to the Green- 
 house. It is a very large stone building, three stories in the 
 front and tAvo in the rear. The one-half of the house is divided 
 lengthwise, and the front part is appropriated to a green-house, 
 and has no chamber floors. It is finished in the completest man- 
 ner for the purpose of arranging trees and plants in the most 
 beautiful order. The windows are enormous. I believe some 
 of them to be twenty feet in length, and proportionably Avide. 
 There is a fine gallery next the other part of the house, where 
 company may view the vegetables to the best advantage. At 
 this time, the trees and plants were removed into the open air, 
 and the room whitewashed and as neat as a parlor. The other 
 part of the house, which communicates with the gallery, is 
 divided into Halls and small apartments, for the accommoda- 
 tion of several large companies (who would not Avish to have 
 intercourse) at the same time. All these apartments are 
 handsomely furnished. On the top of the house is a spacious 
 walk, where we had a delightful vicAV of the city of Philadel- 
 phia. We then took a view of the contents of the green- 
 house, beautifully arranged in the open air on the south of the 
 garden. Here w^ere most of the trees and fruits that grow in 
 the hottest climates. Oranges, lemons, etc., in every stage 
 from blossoms to ripe fruit ; pine-apples in bloom, and those 
 that were fully ripe. The flowers were numerous and ex- 
 tremely fragrant. We then rambled over the Gardens, Avhich 
 are large — seemed to be in a number of detached areas, all 
 different in size and form. The alleys were none of them 
 straight, nor were there any two alike. At every end, side, 
 and corner, there were summer-houses, arbors covered with 
 vines or flowers, or shady bowers encircled with trees and 
 flowering shrubs, each of Avhich Avas formed in a different 
 taste. In the borders Avere arranged every kind of floAver, 
 one Avould think, that nature had ever produced, and with the 
 utmost display of fancy, as Avell as variety. As we Avere 
 Avalking on the northern side of the Garden, upon a beautiful 
 glacis, Ave found ourselves on the borders of a grove of Avood 
 and upon the broAv of a steep hill. BeloAv us Avas a deep, 
 
276 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 shady valley, in the midst of .which was a purling stream of water, 
 meandering among the rocks in its way down to the river. At 
 a distance, we could just see three very high arched hridges, 
 one beyond the other. They were built in the Chinese style ; 
 the rails on the sides open Avork of various figures, and beau- 
 tifully painted. We saw them through the grove, the branches 
 of the trees partly concealing them, which produced the more 
 romantic and delightful effect. As we advanced on the brow 
 of this hill, we observed a small foot-path, which led by several 
 windings into the grove. We followed it ; and though we saw 
 that it Avas the work of art, yet it was a most happy imitation 
 of nature. It conducted us along the declivity of the hill, 
 which on every side w^as strcAved with flowers in the most art- 
 less manner, and evidently seemed to be the bounty of nature 
 without the aid of human care. At length we seemed to be 
 lost in the Avoods, but saAV in the distance an antique building, 
 to which our path led us. It is built of large stones, very low 
 and singular in its form, standing directly over the brook in 
 the valley. It instantly struck me with the idea of a hermit- 
 age, and I found that so it Avas called. Every thing was neat 
 and clean about it, but Ave saAV no inhabitant. We ventured, 
 however, to open the door, Avhich Avas large and heavy and 
 seemed to grate upon its rusty hinges, and echoed a hoarse 
 groan through the grove. We found several apartments, and 
 at one end a fine place for bathing, Avhich seems to be the de- 
 sign of the building. At this hermitage we came into a spa- 
 cious graveled walk, Avhich directed its course further along the 
 grove, which Avas tall wood interspersed Avith close thickets of 
 different groAvth. As Ave advanced, Ave found our gravel Avalk 
 dividing itself into numerous branches, leading into different 
 parts of the grove. We directed our course nearly north, 
 though some of our company turned into the other Avalks, but 
 were soon out of sight, and thought proper to return and fol- 
 low us. We at length came to a considerable eminence, Avhich 
 was adorned with an infinite variety of beds of flowers and 
 artificial groves of floAvering shrubs. On the further side of 
 the eminence Avas a fence, beyond Avliich Ave perceived an ex- 
 tensive but narrow opening. When Ave came to the fence, we 
 were delightfully astonished Avith the vicAV of one of the finest 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 277 
 
 cascades in America, which presented itself directly before us 
 at the further end of the opening. A broad sheet of water 
 comes over a large horizontal rock, and falls about seventy 
 feet perpendicular. It is in a large river,, which empties into 
 the Schuylkill just above us. The distance we judged to be 
 about a quarter of a mile, which being seen through the nar- 
 row opening in the tall grove, and the fine mist that rose 
 incessantly from the rocks below, had a most delightful ef- 
 fect. Here we gazed with admiration and pleasure for some 
 time, and then took a different route in our return through 
 the grove, and followed a walk that led down toward the 
 Schuylkill. Here the scene Avas varied. Toward the river 
 the lands were more broken. The walks were conducted in 
 every direction, over little eminences, or along their sides, or 
 through a deep bottom or along a valley, with numerous other 
 walks comina; in or goino- out from the one that we followed. 
 Indeed, the walks were nearly alike, only leading in different 
 directions. This piece of ground in some parts is extremely 
 rude, but those parts are improved to the best advantage ; for 
 here we found Grottoes wrought out of the sides of ledges of 
 rocks, the entrance almost obscured by the shrubs and thickets 
 that were placed before them, and the passage into them by a 
 kind of labyrinth. There were several other hermitages, con- 
 structed in different forms ; but the Grottoes and Hermitages 
 were not yet completed, and some space of time will be neces- 
 sary to give them that highly romantic air which they are 
 capable of attaining. We crossed the deep valley with the 
 purling stream at the lower end, next the river, where we had 
 a fine view of the lofty Chinese bridges above us. Here is a 
 curious labyrinth with numerous windings begun, and extends 
 along the declivity of the hill toward the gardens, but has 
 hardly yet received its form. At the bottom of the vale, and 
 on the bank of the river, is a huge rock, which I judged to be 
 at least fifteen feet high, and surrounded with tall spruces and 
 cedars. On the top of it I observed a spacious summer-house, 
 as I supposed, for I could see it only through the boughs of 
 the trees. The roof was in the Chinese form. It was sur- 
 rounded with rails of open work, and a beautiful winding 
 staircase led up to it. 
 
278 Life of Rev. ManasseJi Cutler. 
 
 From this valley we ascended a steep precipice on to the 
 grass plat in the rear of the house from which we set out. 
 During the whole of this romantic, rural scene, I fancied my- 
 self on enchanted ground, and could hardly help looking 
 out for flying dragons, magic castles, little Fairies, Knight- 
 errants, distressed Ladies, and all the apparatus of eastern 
 fable. I found my mind really fatigued AYJth so long a scene 
 of pleasure. This tract of ground, in some parts, consists of 
 gentle risings and depressions ; in others, hills and vales ; and 
 in others, rocky, rude, and broken. There is every variety 
 that imagination can conceive, but the Avhole improved and 
 embellished by art, and yet the art so blended with nature as 
 hardly to be distinguished, and seems to be only an handmaid 
 to her operations. On the side of the road opposite to the 
 house is a high hill, which ends abruptly next the river, in a 
 large extended rock, twenty feet high. In this rock a flight 
 of steps is cut, in a winding or kind of lunette form, from the 
 road to the top of the hill, wide enough for two or three per- 
 sons to walk abreast, with little gutters on each side to con- 
 duct the water that runs down. At the summit of the hill 
 you enter a grove of walnuts, oaks, and pines, under Avhich 
 are arranged benches for one hundred people to sit, several 
 long tables, etc. This is the only work of art on this hill. 
 But, under the trees and on the sides of the hill, are many 
 blueberry, whortleberry, and bilberry bushes, raspberries, 
 blackberries, and some other kinds of wild fruit. It affords a 
 fine prospect down the Schuylkill and its opposite shore. 
 
 This tavern used to be no more than a common Inn, but 
 Mr. Samuel Vaughan, Sr., when he came from England a 
 few years ago, was charmed with the situation, advised the 
 present owner, who had just purchased it, and was an ambi- 
 tious young fellow, to undertake these works, assuring him he 
 would soon reimburse his expenses and accumulate a large es- 
 tate from the company he would draw from Philadelphia. 
 Mr. Vaughan promised to plan the works and furnish him 
 with a gardener from England who would answer his purpose. 
 This gardener is now with him, and he constantly employs 
 about ten laborers under the gardener's direction. The com- 
 pany from Philadelphia, we are told, far exceeded the Inn- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 279 
 
 keeper's expectations, and he finds himself in a fair way to 
 make a fortune. Mr. Vaughan was so generous as to insist 
 on paying my bill. We returned to Philadelphia between 
 ten and eleven. When we came to the Hospital, Dr. Clark- 
 son left me, and went into the city on his son's horse. Young 
 Mr. Clarkson conducted me into the Hospital. Dr. Rush ar- 
 rived in a few minutes after. This building is in the form, as 
 you approach it from the city, of an inverted _|_. It is sur- 
 rounded with a high wall, and has back of it a very large 
 kitchen-garden. The door in the center opens into a large 
 hall. On each end are apartments for the nurses, cooks, etc. 
 We ascended the stairway out of this hall into another hall in 
 the second story, at one end of wdiich is a large room, which 
 contains a fine medical library, where the Directors were sit- 
 ting, and a smaller room, where the medicine is placed. On 
 the opposite end are the apartments for the attending Physi- 
 cians. The third story is formed in the same manner. On 
 one side of this hall is the Museum, Avhere there is a collection 
 of skeletons and anatomies. Here I was shown the skeleton 
 of the woman who was executed in London some years ago 
 for beating a servant girl until she died, an account of which 
 was published in a London magazine, with a plate of the woman 
 and girl. She was a person of distinction, and, from the fine 
 set of teeth in the skeleton, must have been young. In this 
 Museum is the Ijest collection of medical paintings in Amer- 
 ica. The anatomical paintings are executed in a masterly 
 manner, but they are far exceeded by those of Midwifery, which 
 were done under the inspection of the late ingenious Dr. 
 Fothergill, and presented by him to this Hospital. There are 
 several Casts, done in Plaster of Paris, and as large as the 
 life, which exhibit singular cases in Midwifery. The Museum 
 is also furnished with a number of preparations and preserva- 
 tions relating to Physics and Surgery. 
 
 After we had taken a view of the Museum, we returned to 
 the upper Hall, where several Physicians and all the young 
 students in Physic in the City were waiting. Dr. Rush then 
 began his examination of the sick, attended by these gentle- 
 men, which I judged to be between twenty and thirty. We 
 entered the upper chamber of the sick, Avhich is the leg of 
 
280 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 the T. It is a spacious room, finely ventilated with numerous 
 large windows on both sides. There were two tiers of beds, 
 with their heads toward the walls, and a chair and small table 
 betAveen them. The room was exceedingly clean and nice, 
 the beds and bedding appeared to be of a good quality, and 
 the most profound silence and order Avere preserved upon the 
 Doctor's entering the room. There were only Avomen, and 
 about forty in number. Dr. Rush makes his visits Avith a 
 great deal of formality. He is attended by the attending 
 Physician, Avho gives him an account of every thing material 
 since he saAV them last, and by the Apothecary of the Hospital, 
 who minutes his Prescriptions. In every case worthy of notice, 
 he addresses the young Physicians, points out its nature, the 
 probable tendency, and the reason for the mode of treatment 
 which he pursues. On this occasion, the Doctor was particu- 
 larly attentive and complaisant to me, and seemed to consider 
 me as a Physician. 
 
 From this room Ave AYcnt to the next beloAv it, Avhich is in 
 every respect similar. It is appropriated to the men. He 
 began, as before, on one side, and went around the room. 
 Every patient is on his own bed or chair. Most of the cases 
 were chronic, many of them swellings and ulcerations, and 
 some of them very singular; but I have not time to describe 
 them. Their dressings were all ready to be taken off and ex- 
 posed to vieAv the instant the Doctor came to them. These he 
 imputed to their drinking spirituous liquors, and did not fail to 
 remind them of it. He told me the greater proportion of his 
 patients in the city Avere similar cases, and originated from 
 the same cause. There were betAveen forty and fifty in this 
 room. We next took a vieAv of the Maniacs. Their cells are 
 in the loAver story, Avhich is partly underground. These cells 
 are about ten feet square, made as strong as a prison. On 
 the back part is a long entry, from Avhich a door opens into 
 each of them ; in each door is a hole, large enough to give 
 them food, etc., Avhicli is closed Avith a little door secured Avith 
 strong bolts. On the opposite side is a windoAv, and large iron 
 grates Avithin to prevent their breaking the glass. They can 
 be darkened at pleasure. Here Avere both men and Avomen, 
 between twenty and thirty in number. Some of them have 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 281 
 
 beds ; most of them clean straAv. Some of them were ex- 
 tremely fierce and raving, nearly or quite naked ; some sing- 
 ing and dancing ; some in despair ; some were dumb and would 
 not open their mouths ; others incessantly talking. It was 
 curious indeed to see in what different strains their distraction 
 raged. This would have been a melancholy scene indeed, had 
 it not been that there was every possible relief afforded them 
 in the power of man. Every thing about them, notwithstand- 
 ing the labor and trouble it must have required, was neat and 
 clean. From this distressing view of what human nature is 
 liable to, and the pleasing evidence of what humanity and 
 benevolence can do, Ave returned to the room Avhere the Di- 
 rectors were. The scene I had uoav been attending upon Avas 
 totally the reverse of that at Gray's ; but such is the elegance 
 of these buildings, the care and attention to the sick, the spa- 
 cious and clean apartments, and the perfect order in every 
 thing, that it seemed more like a palace than a hospital, and 
 one Avould almost be tempted to be sick, if they could be so 
 well provided for. 
 
 We then took a vicAv of the Bettering house, Avhich is a large 
 and spacious building, Avith good rooms and Avell furnished. 
 The Garden is large and laid out in a pretty form ; abounds 
 with fruit trees and kitchen vegetables. We returned to the 
 city with Dr. Rush, and Dr. Clarkson and son and myself 
 dined Avith him. 
 
 Soon after dinner, the bell of the Church near Carpenter's 
 Hall rang, which informed us that the Library of the Hall Avas 
 open, for the purpose of receiving and delivering books. We 
 immediately repaired to it, as it was a favorable opportunity 
 for vieAving every part. It is a very large building, erected 
 by a number of Avealthy mechanics, principally Carpenters, 
 for the purpose of holding meetings, depositing mechanic 
 models, and a library of books. It is noAV groAvn into one of 
 the most important depositories in America. The University 
 literati and men of fortune are become proprietors. As Ave 
 entered the Hall, Ave Avent into a spacious middle entry, and 
 turned to our right into the part of the Hall Avhere the models 
 of mechanical instruments and various kinds of machines are 
 deposited. The room Avas very high and large, and contained 
 
282 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 models of almost every kind of farming instruments, such as 
 plows, harrows, hoes, spades, carts, Avagons, etc., constructed 
 in diflFerent forms, some in full size, others in miniature ; 
 models of all kinds of mills, machines for cleaning grain, 
 dressing flax, hemp, etc.; models in the several orders of 
 Architecture, and various other mechanical instruments, more 
 than I am able to recollect. It is easy to conceive of the great 
 utility of such a cabinet. Every ingenious man has a kind of 
 bounty offered for the exertion of his inventive faculties, for 
 here he may deposit his invention, which he may be assured 
 will be received with particular attention and respect to him ; 
 and he has the prospect, if he is unable himself to carry it 
 into experiment and use, that somebody else will do it, while 
 he secures to himself the honor of the invention, and satisfac- 
 tion of rendering service, if it succeeds, to his fellow creatures. 
 We passed from this room through the entry into the one 
 opposite, Avhich is of the same dimensions. This room will be 
 famous as long as it is -in existence; for in this room the 
 Declaration of the Independence of the United States of 
 America was framed, signed, and declared by Congress. It is 
 now improved as the depository of the Trophies of War which 
 established and crowned that bold and glorious Declaration. 
 These Trophies consist of pieces of Cannon, small-arms, side- 
 arms of officers and men. Colors, standards, tents, military 
 chests, and all the various accouterments of officers and men ; 
 and many complete uniforms of different regiments, from field 
 officers down to privates, collected principally from the two cap- 
 tured armies of Burgoyne and Cornwallis. There are also in this 
 collection several trophies captured by partisans of the Ameri- 
 can Army, in bold and desperate attempts, displayed in honor to 
 those Heroes who obtained them. We then ascended a staircase 
 to the room over the trophies of war, which is the library. This 
 is a large and excellent collection, and is now become the 
 public library of the University and the city. Every modern 
 author of any note, I am told, is to be met with here, and 
 large additions are annually made. The books appeared to be 
 well arranged and in good order. But the number of books, 
 and the arrangement, are not so large nor so ornamental as the 
 library at Cambridge, but approaches nearer to it than any 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 283 
 
 other on the continent. I was pleased with a kind of net-work 
 doors to the book-shelves, which is made of a large wire- suffi- 
 ciently open to read the labels, but no book can be taken out 
 unless the librarian unlocks the door. This is a necessary se- 
 curity from any persons taking books without the knowledge 
 of the librarian. Here were a large number of gentlemen. I 
 was introduced to a number of the members of the Philosoph- 
 ical Society. 
 
 From the Library we were conducted into the Cabinet, 
 which is a large room on the opposite side of the entry, and 
 over the room where the Mechanical models are deposited. 
 Here we had the pleasure of viewing a most excellent collec- 
 tion of natural curiosities from all parts of the globe. They 
 are well arranged, and are contained principally on shelves 
 which are inclosed, having glass casements in front, the panes 
 of Avhich are very large. Here is a tooth of the large animals 
 found in the Ohio Country, which weighs five pounds, and a 
 thigh bone, four feet and some inches in length, and very thick 
 in proportion to its length. The articulations have a fine pol- 
 ish, and the body of the bone is smooth. It is of a dark color, 
 as is also the greater part of the tooth, which is one of the 
 grinders. The thigh bone was on a high shelf, where I could 
 not well make the attempt to lift it ; but, by the weight of one 
 end, which I raised from the shelf, judged that it would 
 scarcely be in my power to take it up from the ground. There 
 are several botanical volumes in this Museum, lately pub- 
 lished. They are folios, and every plant is represented in 
 large copper-plate cuts, colored from nature, very large and 
 finely executed. The author's name I can not recollect. 
 They were presents, and no person is to be permitted to take 
 them out, but may examine them here as much as they please. 
 For this reason they are in the Museum, and not in the Li- 
 brary. 
 
 After we had taken a view of this Hall, I took my leave of 
 Dr. Clarkson and Dr. Rush. Youno; Mr. Clarkson accom- 
 panied me to my lodgings, and, in our way, I just called on sev- 
 eral gentlemen to whom I had letters, and took my leave. At 
 the Indian Queen I found Mr. Gorham, Governor Martin, Mr. 
 Mason, and Dr. Williamson, of the Convention. They were so 
 
284 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 complaisant as to express much regret at my leaving the city 
 so soon, and complained that I had spent no more time with 
 them. Mr. Gorham said he could not conceive how I came to 
 be in so great demand in Philadelphia, as 1 had never been 
 there before, for that there had not been ten minutes in the 
 day but somebody was inquiring for me, or letters or packets 
 were left. This, however, Avas easily accounted for, from my 
 having a very large number of introductory letters, many of 
 Avhich I had left wuth a card, without seeing the gentlemen to 
 Avhom they were addressed, and they were so complaisant as 
 to call at my lodgings. I found that the gentleman who was 
 my companion from Princeton to this city had frequently 
 called, but I was not so happy as to see him, Avhich I very 
 much regretted. 
 
 At half after six I left the city on my return. Through 
 misinformation, I returned the same road to Bristol which 
 I traveled when I went to Philadelphia, but afterward found I 
 might have gone through Germantown, Bethlehem, and Easton, 
 which Avould have been a more direct way to the part of 
 the Jerseys to which I was bound, and would have been a very 
 considerable gratification. My bill at the Indian Queen, 
 366-. 9^. 
 
 Philadelphia is the capital city in America. It is large, 
 elegant, and populous, situated on the River Delaware, about 
 150 miles from the sea, with a good harbor, in which there is 
 a great number of large ships, besides numerous smaller ves- 
 sels of every description. It contains 10,000 houses, and 
 covers twice the quantity of ground to that of Boston. The 
 State House. Hospital, and most of the other public build- 
 ings, are magnificent, but it is singular that there are only two 
 steeples in the city, where there are upward of twenty houses 
 for public worship. There is an Academy belonging to the 
 members of the Episcopal Church, and an Infirmary which is 
 said to be of more utility to the city than the Hospital. There 
 is no public building for this institution, as it is of very recent 
 establishment. There are a number of large houses contiguous 
 to each other, occupied as an Infirmary, where the sick, nurses, 
 etc, are well accommodated. Dr. Clarkson showed me the 
 houses, but we did not go into them. He assured me there 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 285 
 
 were more than 400 patients. It is supported by an annual 
 subscription, and attended by all the Physicians in the city. 
 No person subscribes less than one guinea, and is allowed to 
 recommend two persons, of their poor neighbors, who are pro- 
 vided with every thing necessary for a sick person, together 
 with medicine, attendance, etc. A subscriber of two guineas 
 may recommend four, and a great subscription is not limited 
 to any particular number. Particular attention is here paid to 
 persons who have been reduced from affluent circumstances 
 by misfortunes. The situation of the sick in this Infirmary is 
 said to be equal to that of the best private families in the 
 city. Whatever may be said of the private benevolence of the 
 Philadelphians, there is certainly a greater display of public 
 charity here than in any other part of America. The streets 
 in this city are at right angles, the buildings on a straight 
 line. They are well paved, and, at a distance of ten feet from 
 the house, is a row of posts, and in this range of posts are all 
 their pumps. It is well furnished with lamps. The pave- 
 ments between the posts and houses are laid with free-stone or 
 large tile, and entirely smooth, Avhich makes the walking on 
 them delightful. They are kept perfectly clean, being washed 
 every day, and here all the foot passengers pass. While I 
 was walking with Mr. Strong, I happened to step without the 
 posts, and walked a few steps in the street. He desired me 
 to come within the posts, for he said they would certainly call 
 me a New England man^ if I walked there. The middle part 
 of the streets are generally very dirty, and the view of these 
 extended streets interrupted frequently by piles of various 
 kinds of lumber. The streets parallel with the Delaware are 
 Water Street, next the river; then Fore Street, First Street, 
 Second Street, and so on to Ninth Street, which is the fur- 
 therest yet built upon. The streets that intersect these are 
 Market Street, which is near the center of the city ; and each 
 Avay from it, they are named after some tree, vine, or shrub. 
 I rode to Bristol without making a stage, and arrived about 
 ten. Lodged at Bissennet's. Stage twenty miles. 
 
 Sunday, Jidy 15. Set out very early this morning for 
 Trenton, where I proposed to attend public worship. Bill, 4s. 
 lOcZ. I crossed the Delaware at the upper ferry, not far above 
 
286 Life of Rev. 3Ianas8eh Cutler. 
 
 the Forge, Rolling, and Slitting Mills. At these mills I let 
 my horse stand to cool himself about ten minutes, and took a 
 walk into the mills, and viewed these curious works, but, as it 
 was Sunday, did not take an}^ minutes of their construction. 
 I was surprised to see how prodigiously great the force was, 
 which is applied to the rolling and slitting mills by means of 
 vastly large and double water-wheels. The furnaces, or, 
 rather, ovens, for heating the bars of iron before they are 
 rolled or cut, were very large, but conveniently constructed 
 and situated. The machinery is somewhat complicated, but 
 appeared plain and easy. Every thing about these mills was 
 prodigiously^ massy, but they are worked with few hands. 
 
 Breakfasted at the sign of the Sun, Francis Wilt, in Tren- 
 ton, thirteen miles from Bristol, by way of the upper ferry. 
 As it was now but half after 8, found I could with ease go as 
 far as Pennytown before public worship would begin. I con- 
 cluded to go on my journey. Bill, 2s. Qd. Here I left the 
 New York road, in order to take a circuit more northerly into 
 the Jerseys, and to return by the way of Morristown to New 
 York. I much regretted that I could not call again on Dr. 
 Smith and Colonel ]Morgan, at Princeton, but fovind that it 
 would be more than ten miles out of my way, and it was nec- 
 essary I should be in New York as soon as possible. Arrived 
 at Pennytown at ten, which is eight miles from Trenton. Put 
 up at Thos. Bullman's, a tolerable tavern, opposite the Meet- 
 ing House. Meeting, I was told, would not begin until eleven, 
 the intermission would be but half an hour, aud the afternoon 
 service would, be out a little after two. This is a small vil- 
 lage, the land very good, and houses appeared well for far- 
 mers' houses. Many of the people came a considerable dis- 
 tance to meeting, and almost all those ride in wagons with two 
 horses. The country is level and the roads good ; a great num- 
 ber can therefore ride in a wagon. They were the common 
 wagons Avhich they use in their farming business, for they have 
 no carts in this part of the country. They fill up the wagon 
 nearly Avith chairs two abreast, and set in them men, women, 
 and children. I saw no other carriage at the Meeting House, 
 but a great number of these, and many of the people who 
 came in them were richly dressed. The congregation made a 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 287 
 
 very good appearance for a country place. The Parson is a 
 young man whose name is Hue, and he gave us two ruefnl dis- 
 courses on the process of the last judgment. It was mere 
 declamation, with great affectation of oratory, and void of sen- 
 timent or arrangement. He appeared to be a high-flying, ex- 
 temporary preacher, for he had no notes, and reminded me of 
 Butler's lines in Hudibras — 
 
 " Witli pulpit drum, ecclesiastic. 
 Beat with his fist instead of a stick." 
 
 His colleague, an aged man, whose name was Guild, from 
 Wrentham, in Massachusetts, had been buried the last Aveek, 
 and though I was told that he had been much beloved, and 
 was greatly lamented, yet no note was read nor a word said 
 about him, either in prayer or sermon. Meeting was done in 
 the afternoon a little past two, and, as the weather was rather 
 cool, I ordered my horse up and went on to the Ringo Tavern. 
 Bill, 3s. Qd., Jersey money. 
 
 The road was fine, but the country rather more hilly, though 
 the soil is good. The Ringo is kept by Robertson. In the 
 Jerseys the counties are not divided into towns, nor have any 
 of their towns fixed boundaries. You do not therefore in- 
 quire the way to particular towns, but to Taverns, which are 
 known by certain names which they have by some means ob- 
 tained, for they are rarely known by the name of the man 
 who keeps them. Here I drank tea, 17 miles from Penny- 
 town. Bill, 1.S-. 4(i. Finding that I had time to go further, 
 and that the evening would be cool and pleasant, concluded 
 to go on to the next stage, the White House Tavern, 17 miles 
 further, where I arrived about 9 o'clock. The country I trav- 
 eled over is very fine. The farmers appear to live at ease, 
 and to abound in the necessaries of life. In my way I crossed 
 several large branches of the Raritan, over which I was obliged 
 to ford, for they have no bridges. The people at the White 
 House were gone to bed, but I soon routed them. Feeling 
 a fine appetite, I thought it not best to go to bed supperless. ^ 
 The landlady and her daughter, and a black servant, got , 
 up, and soon provided me a fine supper of veal-cutlet and , / 
 
 fried oysters. I have rode to-day 55 miles, and have at- ' 1 
 
 V 
 
288 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 tended public worship both aforenoon and afternoon — a pretty 
 good day's work for Sunday ! 
 
 Monday, July 16. I rose pretty early this morning. Bill, 
 4s. lie?. This tavern is kept by Stillwell, who perfectly un- 
 derstands the art of making out a tavern bill. I gave my 
 horse last night eight quarts of oats, for which he must have 
 charged me pretty w'ell, for I had nothing but supper and 
 lodging. This is a tolerable house, very neat, my bed and 
 linen excellent. In the nisiht was a fine shower of rain, at- 
 tended Avith thunder and lightning ; the first rain where I have 
 been, of any consequence, since I left Ipswich. It cleared 
 away this morning, and the traveling cool and most delightful. 
 Made my first stage at the second Cross-road Tavern, Malick's, 
 7 miles. Here I breakfasted. Indifferent house. Bill, Is. Qd. 
 From this tavern I went on to Veal Town, 7 miles. This is a 
 small village. The houses are very neat, but not large. Peo- 
 ple mostly farmers. The land very good, but the people take 
 no pains to manure their land. Their only object is to raise 
 wheat, and keep a large number of fat horses. They are 
 very inattentive to neat-cattle and the growing of hay, al- 
 though the land appears well suited to grass of various kinds. 
 They begin, however, to sow some quantity of herd's-grass 
 seed, which they call Timothy. 
 
 I now took the road to Morristown, and dined at Freeman's, 
 who is a New England man, near the Court-house. This is 
 eight miles from Veal Town. Freeman and his wife seem to 
 be what we call in our country very great Gentlefolks. He 
 keeps a good house, and gave me a fine dinner of ham, roasted 
 veal, and green peas. Morristown is a considerable village, 
 situated on high land, and aff'ords an extensive prospect. In 
 the center of the town is a pretty large green, but the build- 
 ings in general are indiff"erent ; nor is there much of the ap- 
 pearance of wealth. The Meeting House is a small, old, shat- 
 tered fabric, and the Court-house not much better. The land 
 on the eastern part of the town seems to be very indiff'erent. 
 In this part of the country are many fine orchards and fruit 
 trees of all kinds, particularly Peaches and Apricots. Bill, 
 2s. 6cZ. 
 
 About two miles out of this town, N. E,, I made a visit to 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 289 
 
 an Uncle, Uri.ah Cutler, the only brother of my Father. I 
 had never seen him, nor had he seen my Father for nearly fifty 
 years. The old gentleman was overjoyed, when I told him 
 who I was, and bid me a most hearty welcome. I was much 
 pleased with his situation and circumstances. He has a very 
 pretty farm and decent house. His land is excellent ; large 
 orchards of apple trees, peach trees, and every kind of fruit 
 which is propagated in this part of the country. He lives as 
 well as a farmer can wish, and with very little labor. Here I 
 found a large pair of oxen, which he assured me were the only 
 pair in the town. He has also a very pretty dairy of cows, 
 having retained the ideas of propagating neat cattle, which he 
 brought from New England ; but he had partly gone into the 
 style of the Jersey farmers, for he has five fine horses. 
 Although some of his neighbors seemed, he said, to be con- 
 vinced of the utility of neat cattle, yet he could not in any 
 considerable degree prevail on them to leave their old habits. 
 He thought, however, that the Jersey people raise more neat 
 cattle than they used to do. My Uncle is the youngest of the 
 family, and is sixty-four years of age, but is uncommonly 
 sprightly and active for that peiuod of life. Like my Father, 
 he has but one son, whose name is Jesse, which has been much 
 of a family name in the lateral branches. He lives in one 
 part of the house, and has married a wife, who bids fair to be 
 a fruitful vine, for she has had three children in four years. 
 This son is the only surviving child of eight. He has had 
 three other sons, Abiathar, David, and Jonathan. One of 
 them has left a widow and two children. My uncle lives with 
 a second wife, to whom he has been married fifteen years, but 
 has had no children by her. He seems to be very happy in 
 the connection his son has formed, which he often mentioned 
 with particular satisfaction. His son's wife appeared to be a 
 very agreeable woman, and was descended from a good family. 
 We spent the afternoon in viewing his farm, barns, orchards, 
 etc. I was particularly pleased to find that as a farmer he 
 was very neat, his lands in fine order, well fenced, and his lots 
 judiciously disposed. His crops of wheat had been unusually 
 large, and he was now sowing his buckwheat, which he said 
 19 
 
290 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 was a profitable grain, and insisted on my taking some seed to 
 make the experiment in Massachusetts. He makes a barrel of 
 brandy every year from the distillation of peaches, but never 
 uses it until it is two years old. I thought it equal to any 
 brandy I ever tasted. As I was determined to go on my 
 journey the next morning, which my uncle at first absolutely 
 forbid, he insisted that we should make a long evening, and we 
 did not go to bed till after one. 
 
 Tuesday, July 17. This morning, when I proposed setting 
 out, found my Uncle's passions much agitated, and it was with 
 pain that I assured him I must go. After breakfast, I took my 
 leave of the family, with the promise if ever I came into that 
 part of the country again to call, and, if possible, spend more 
 time. My Uncle is situated on high land ; his farm is on the 
 southern declivity of a long hill, with an extensive prospect 
 south ; but I had not traveled many miles before the land be- 
 came broken, hilly, and some of it very poor. Soon after, I 
 came to Newark Mountains, which are in three ranges, very 
 high and steep, with deep vallej^s between them. From these 
 mountains, there is a very extensive prospect in every direc- 
 tion. The road passes them nearly at right angles. After I 
 had passed the first, stopped at a miserable hut of a tavern, 
 and oated my horse, ten miles from my Uncle's ; bill, 8c?. 
 
 The last range is the highest, Avhere I had a fine vieAV of 
 Staten Island, the harbor and city of New York, etc. The 
 descent to NcAvark plains is steep and bad. Made my next 
 stage near the foot of the Mountain, at Mountain Meeting 
 House tavern, so called, nine miles from my last stage. Here 
 I dined. The house is kept by Munn ; very indifi"erent house. 
 But here is a pretty village, a pretty Meeting House, and 
 some well-built dwelling-houses. There is here an Academy 
 for the instruction of Youth, which is an elegant brick build- 
 ing. Bill, 2s. 6d. 
 
 Three miles from this place is Newark town ; a fine road 
 and good land, where I came into the New York road. The 
 Aveather to-day was very cool, no dust, and the riding fine. 
 Passed over the long marsh and ferries the same way I went 
 on to Philadelphia. Ferriage at second river, Is. 2d.; at 
 Hackensack, Is. 6d. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 291 
 
 When I came to Bergentown, I was determined to make 
 Mons. Meehard * a visit, to whom I had letters. He is the 
 French Botanist sent to America for the purpose of establish- 
 ing; a botanical garden, where he collects American trees and 
 plants of every species, and gives in exchange foreign trees 
 and plants, which are sent to him from France at the expense 
 of the King. I was told he had established his garden a few 
 miles from Bergentown, and up the Hudson River ; but when 
 I inquired here, the Dutch people either did not or would not 
 know any thing about sucli a man or his gardens. Vexed with 
 their not understanding me, or my not being able to under- 
 stand them, for it appeared to me they did not wish to give 
 me any information, I rode on through the town the way which 
 I supposed would lead to his garden. At length, I obtained 
 information that he lived five miles on the way I was going ; 
 but I found it nearer ten, and the road most wretched, through 
 a lonely, hilly woods. As I came out of the woods, found a 
 number of houses in a low, sandy piece of ground, surrounded 
 with swamps. The first I came to was the Three Pigeons 
 tavern, the place I was directed to inquire for. This tavern 
 is kept by a Dutch woman, and is as remarkable for its neat-- 
 ness as any house I ever set my foot in. Here I left my horse, 
 and went on about half a mile to Mons. Mechard's. Unfor- 
 tunately, he was gone to the Carolinas. There were several 
 gardeners, but they appeared to understand little of Botany. 
 They, however, showed me the Gardens, and were very com- 
 plaisant. There were a considerable collection of exotic shrubs 
 and plants, set in a kind of beds for transplanting. The 
 American plants they had received were mostly sent to 
 France. There was no order nor beauty in the gardens, the 
 soil remarkably sandy and poor, the situation wretched, and 
 the way to it as had as can well be conceived. Of all places 
 in America, this would have been the very last I should have 
 
 *Andre Michaux, botanist, was born at Sarton, near Versailles, 1746; 
 died at Madagascar, 1802. He was sent to America, 1785. to collect 
 and send trees and shrubs for the establishment at Rambouillet. He 
 made botanical excursions in various parts of the country, and estab- 
 lished gardens at Bergen, New Jersey, and Charleston, South Carolina. 
 He returned to Europe in 1796. — See Drake's Did. Am. Biography. 
 
292 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 tliought of for such a purpose. What could induce Mechard 
 to fix down in this awful, gloomy, lonely, miserable spot, is 
 beyond my power to conceive. I was never more disappointed, 
 and regretted the pains I had taken to see the ill taste and 
 judgment of this Botanical Frenchman. Bill at the Three 
 Pigeons, 2s. I returned to Bergentown, and arrived at Paulus- 
 hook ferry a little before sunset. Ferriage, 3.s-. 6d., York 
 currency. Put my horse at Barnes', and lodged again at Mr. 
 Henderson's, who received me with the greatest cordiality. 
 
 Wednesday, July 18. Paid my respects this morning to the 
 President of Congress, General St. Clair ;* called on a number 
 of my friends ; attended at the City Hall on Members of Con- 
 gress and their committee. We renewed our negotiations. 
 
 *Arthui' St. Clair was born in Scotland, ic 1734. He entered the 
 British Army as Ensign in the Sixtieth F"oot in 1757, and came with 
 his regiment to America in 1738. For good conduct at Louisburg and 
 Quebec, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He married I\Iiss Bayard, of 
 Boston (a niece of Governor James Bowdoin), about 1760. He I'esigned 
 his commission in the army in 1 76"J, and two years later settled in the 
 Ligonier Valley, Penn., where he became Judge of the Common Pleas, 
 Colonel of Militia, Member of the Governor's Council, Surveyor of the 
 District of Cumberland, and held other civil offices of more or less im- 
 portance. Ill the war of the Revolution, he served with marked dis- 
 tinction, attaining the rank of Major-General. In 1785, he was elected 
 to the Congress of the United States, and in 1787 was chosen its Presi- 
 dent. He was appointed Governor of the North-west Territory early 
 in 1788, and held the office until removed for political reasons by 
 President Jefferson, in November, 1802. 'He was appointed General- 
 in-Chief of the Army, March, 1791, and in ])erson commanded the 
 troops in an expedition against the Indians in the fall of that year. 
 His army was defeated and routed by the Indians on November 4, 
 1791, but St. Clair was exonerated from blame, after a seai'ching inves- 
 tigation by a committee appointed by Congress. He re.'^igned his com- 
 mission in the army in March, 1792, and was succeeded by General 
 Anthony VVayne. After being removed from the office of Governor, 
 General St. Clair spent the remainder of his days at his old home in 
 Pennsylvania. The shameful conduct of the United States Govern- 
 ment in refusing to reimburse him for moneys expended in oi'ganizing 
 and equipping troops in its service, reduced him to poverty. He died 
 in 1818. The "St. Clair Papers," compiled and annotated with great 
 care by William Henry Smith, were published by Robert Clarke & Co. 
 in 1881. They are indispensable to a thorough understanding of the 
 early history of the Northwest Territory. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 293 
 
 Dined with Captain Hammond, in company with a young Irish 
 nobleman and Mr. liillegas, treasurer of the United States, 
 and other company. Drank tea and spent the evening at Sir 
 John Temple's. 
 
 This day is Commencement at Cambridge, which Major 
 Sargent, General Webb, and a few others called to mind, and 
 we celebrated it at 11 o'clock, at General Webb's, with a 
 bottle or two of wine, porter, and some good old Cheshire 
 cheese. We conclude they must have had a fine Commence- 
 ment, if the atmosphere at Cambridge has been as fine and 
 cool as ours in New York. 
 
 Thursday, July 19. Called on members of Congress very 
 early this morning. Was furnished with the Ordinance estab- 
 lishing a Government in the Western federal Territory. It is in 
 a degree new modeled. The amendments I proposed have all 
 been made except one, and that is better qualified. It was, 
 that we should not be subject to Continental taxation until we 
 were entitled to a full representation in Congress. This could 
 not be fully obtained, for it was considered in Congress as of- 
 fering a premium to emigrants. They have granted us repre- 
 sentation, with right of debating, but not of voting, upon our 
 being first subject to taxation. 
 
 As there are a number in Congress decidedly opposed to 
 my terms of negotiation, and some to any contract, I wish now 
 to ascertain the number for and against, and who they are, and 
 must then, if possible, bring the opponents over. This I have 
 mentioned to Colonel Duer, who has promised to assist me. 
 Grayson,* R. H. Lee,f and Carrington are certainly my warm 
 
 * William Grayson, a native of Virginia, and a member of the Con- 
 tinental Congress. In 1788, was a member of the Convention of Vir- 
 ginia which asseniblefl to consider the Constitution of the United 
 States, and made himself conspicuous, both by his talents and his 
 union with Henry, in opposing the adoption of the Constitution. From 
 1789-90, he was Senator of the United States, and died at Dumfries, on 
 his way to the seat of government, March 12, 1790. — Did. of Congress 
 {Laivnan). 
 
 f Richard Henry Lee. Born in Stratford, Westmoreland Co., Va., 
 January 20, 1782; educated at Wakefield, Yorkshire, England. He 
 had a seat in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, 1757. He had the 
 honor of originating the first resistance of the British oppression in 
 
294 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 advocates. Holton, I think, may be trusted. Dane must be 
 carefully watched, notwithstanding his professions. Clarke, 
 Bingham, Yates, Kearney, and Few are troublesome fellows. 
 They must be attacked by my friends at their lodgings. If 
 they can be brought over, I shall succeed; if not, my business 
 is at an end. 
 
 Attended the Committee this morning. They are deter- 
 mined to make a report to-day, and try the spirit of Congress. 
 Dined with General Knox. About forty gentlemen, officers of 
 the late Continental Army, and among them, the Baron Steu- 
 ben. General Knox gave us an entertainment in the style of 
 a prince. I had the honor of being seated next to the Baron, 
 who is a hearty, sociable old fellow. He was dressed in his 
 military uniform, and with the insignia of nobility, the Star 
 and Garter. Every gentleman at table was of the Cincinnati 
 except myself, and wore the proper badges. Spent the even- 
 ing at Dr. Helton's with Colonel Duer, and several members 
 of Congress, who informed me an Ordinance Avas passed in 
 consequence of my petition, but, by their account of it, it Avill 
 answer no purpose. 
 
 Friday, July 20. This morning the Secretary of Congress 
 furnished me with the Ordinance of yesterday, which states 
 the conditions of a contract, but on terms to which I shall by 
 no means accede. Informed the Committee of Congress that 
 I could not contract on the terms proposed ; should prefer 
 purchasing lands of some of the States, who would give in- 
 comparably better terms, and therefore proposed to leave the 
 City immediately. They appeared to be very sorry no better 
 terms were offered, and insisted on my not thinking of leaving 
 Congress until another attempt was made. I told them I saw 
 no prospect of a contract, and wished to spend no more time 
 
 the time of the Stamp Act, 1765. He was a member of the first (Con- 
 gress in 1774, and in October prepared the draft of the memorial to the 
 people of British America. In accordance with instructions from the 
 Virginia Convention, he first proposed in Congress a declaration of in- 
 dependence, June 7, 1776. He withdrew from Congress after the adop- 
 tion of the Articles of Confederation; re-elected, 1787; chosen Pres- 
 ident of that body, serving till 1787. Senator from 1789-92. Died at 
 Chantilly, Va., June 9, 1794. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 295 
 
 and money on a business so unpromising. They assured me 
 I had many friends in Congress who woilld make every exer- 
 tion in my favor; that it was an object of great magnitude, 
 and [I] must not expect to accomplish it in less than two or 
 three months. If I desired it, they would take the matter up 
 that day on different ground, and did not doubt they should 
 still obtain terms agreeably to my wishes. Colonel Duer came 
 to me with proposals from a number of the principal charac- 
 ters in the city, to extend our contract, and take in another 
 Company, but that it should be kept a profound secret. He 
 explained the plan they had concerted, and offered me gen- 
 erous conditions, if I. would accomplish the business for them. 
 The plan struck me agreeably. Sargent insisted on my un- 
 dertaking, and both urged me not to think of giving tho'mat- 
 ter up so soon. I Avas convinced it was best for me to hold up 
 the idea of giving up a contract Avith Congress, and making a 
 contract with some of the States, which I did in the strongest 
 terms, and represented to the Committee, and to Duer and 
 Sargent, the difficulties I saw in the way, and the improbabil- 
 ity of closing a bargain when Ave Avere so far apart ; and told 
 them I conceived it not Avorth Avhile to say any thing further 
 to Congress on the subject. This appeared to have the effect 
 I Avished. The Committee Avere mortified, and did not seem 
 to know Avhat to say, but still urged another attempt. I left 
 them in this state, but afterward explained my views to Duer 
 and Sargent, Avho fully approved my plan. Promised Duer to 
 consider his proposals. 
 
 We had agreed last evening to make a party to Brookline, 
 on Long Island, Avhich is a small village opposite NeAV York, 
 and divided only by a ferry across East River. Duer, Webb, 
 Hammond, Sargent, and others Avere of the party. When Ave 
 landed, Ave ordered a dinner of fried oysters at the Stone 
 House Tavern. We took a Avalk on the high lands, and viewed 
 several of the old forts erected by the British at the expense 
 of immense labor. Here Ave had a fine prospect of NcAvYork, 
 the shipping in the harbor, and of Staten Island. We dined 
 at four. Our dinner Avas elegant. Oysters were cooked in 
 every possible form, but the fried Avere most delicious. I 
 spent the evening (closeted) Avith Colonel Duer, and agreed to 
 
296 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 purchase more land,, if terras can be obtained, for another 
 Company, ^hich will probably? forward the negotiations. Bill, 
 4s. 6d. 
 
 Saturday, July 21. Several members of Congress called 
 on me early this morning. They discovered much anxiety 
 about a contract, and assured me that Congress, on finding I 
 was determined not to accept their terms, and had proposed 
 leaving the City, had discovered a much more favorable dis- 
 position, and believed if I renewed my request I might obtain 
 conditions as reasonable as I desired. I was very indifferent, 
 and talked much of the advantages of a contract with some of 
 the States. This I found had the desired effect. At length 
 told them if Congress would accede to the terms I had pro- 
 posed, I Avould extend the purchase to the tenth township 
 from the Ohio, and to the Scioto inclusively, by which Con- 
 gress Avould pay near four millions of the national debt ; that 
 our intention was an actual, a large, and immediate settlement 
 of the most robust and industrious people in America ; and 
 that it would be made systematically, which must instantly 
 enhance the value of federal lands, and prove an important 
 acquisition to Congress. On those terms I would renew the 
 negotiations, if Congress was disposed to take the matter up 
 again. 
 
 Dined w^th General Webb, Major Sargent, and Major Giles, 
 at the Mess house in Broadway, opposite the Play House, at 
 the invitation of Major Giles. A very fine dinner. 
 
 Spent the evening with Mr. Dane and Mr. Milliken. They 
 informed me that Congress had taken up m}^ business again. 
 
 Sunday, July 22. Attended public worship in the morning 
 at the Old Brick, in Wall Street. Dr. Rogers preached. He 
 makes no use of notes, but he arranged his subject very well; 
 gave us a very pretty sermon on the first part of Our Lord's 
 prayer. His address is easy, soft, and engaging — no display 
 of oratory, commonly so called. His style was pure, senti- 
 mental, and nervous, but plain and familiar. . He made me 
 often think of Dr. Cooper. I dined wi_th Mr. Hazard, Post- 
 master-General. In the afternoon attended the same meeting. 
 Mr. Wilson preached. He uses no notes, nor are they much 
 used by any clergymen in the city. His subject on Envy. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 297 
 
 He was sufficiently methodical, but is not a good preacher, 
 nor was there an}'' thing extraordinary in his sermon. It was 
 rather a harangue ; but he was very catholic in his senti- 
 ments. 
 
 In the evening attended a lecture at the Old Dutch Church, 
 The sermon was delivered in Dutch, with a great deal of ve- 
 hemence and pathos, but whether it was good or bad I knoAV 
 not. 
 
 3Ionday, July 23. My friends had made every exertion in 
 private conversation to bring over my opposers in Congress. 
 In ordei- to get at some of them, so as to work powerfully on 
 their minds, were obliged to engage three or four persons be- 
 fore we could get at them. In some instances we engaged 
 one person, who engaged a second, and he a third, and so on 
 to a fourth, before Ave could eifect our purpose. In these 
 maneuvers I am much beholden to the assistance of Colonel 
 Duer and Major Sargent. 
 
 The matter was taken up this morning in Congress, and 
 warmly debated until 3 o'clock, when another ordinance was 
 obtained. This was not to the minds of my friends, who were 
 now considerably increased in Congress, but they conceived it 
 better than the former ; and they had obtained an additional 
 clause empowering the Board of Treasury to take Ordei" upon 
 this Ordinance, and complete a contract on the general prin- 
 ciples contained in it, which still left room for negotiation. 
 
 Dined with Mr. Henderson,* for the first time since I have 
 
 * Hugh Henderson was a iScotchnian, born in Scotland in 1747; 
 came to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1770, and went into V)nsiness 
 there, his store in 1775 beinsr " o))posite to the Printing office." He mar- 
 ried Hannah, daughter of .Jacob Sheaffe, of Portsmouth, one of whose 
 sisters was the wiie of President Willard, of Harvard University. He 
 was a strong Loyalist, and, being cited to appear before the Committee 
 of Safety, was mobbed and maltreated on the way. Soon alter, he left 
 with his family for New York, and his name appears in the New 
 Hampshire Act of 1778, of persons who have joined the enemy. He 
 remained in New York during the war as an importer of dry goods, 
 etc., from London, at No. l!4 Queen, now Pearl Street, and continued 
 in business there after the peace of 1783. Ii\ 1787 he removed to No. 
 5 Golden Hill (now John Street), and in 1789 to 71 William Street, 
 where he failed the same year. In 1700 he was iigain in business at 
 4 William Street, and in 1790 at the corner of William Street and 
 
298 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 been in the city, which he insisted upon, although I had several 
 other invitations. A fine shower in the afternoon. Spent the 
 evening with Colonel Grayson, and members of Congress from 
 the southward who were in favor of a contract. Having found 
 it impossible to support General Parsons as a candidate for 
 Governor after the interest that General St. Clair had secured, 
 and suspecting this might be some impediment in the way — 
 for my endeavors to make interest for him were Vvcll knoAvn — 
 and the arrangement of civil officers being on the carpet, I 
 eifiljraced this opportunity frankly to declare that, for my own 
 part, and ventured to engage for Major Sargent, that if Gen- 
 eral Parsons could have the appointment of the first Judge, 
 and- Sargent Secretary, Ave should be satisfied, and that I 
 heartily wished his Excellency General St. Clair might be the 
 Governor, and that I would solicit the eastern members to 
 favor such an arrangement. This I found rather pleasing to 
 the southern members, and they were so complaisant as to 
 ask, repeatedly, what office would be agreeable to me in the 
 western country. I assured them I wished for no appointment 
 in the civil line. Colonel Grayson proposed the office of one 
 of the judges, which was seconded by all the gentlemen pres- 
 ent. The obtaining an appointment, I observed, had never 
 come into my mind, nor was there any civil office I should, at 
 present, be willing to accept. This declaration seemed to be 
 rather surprising, especially to men who were so much used 
 to solicit or be solicited for appointments of honor or profit ; 
 they seemed to be the more urgent on this head. I observed 
 to them, although I wished for nothing for myself, yet I 
 thought the Ohio Company entitled to some attention ; that 
 one of the judges, besides General Parsons, should be of that 
 body, and that General Putnam was the man best qualified, 
 and would be most agreeable to the Company, and gave them 
 his character. We spent the evening very agreeably until a 
 late hour. 
 
 Maiden Lane. He joined liie St. Andrew's Society in 1784; and died 
 in 1794, leaving seven childi'en — two others died in infancy. Mrs. 
 Henderson returned, after his death, to Portsmouth, X. 11., where she 
 married, secondly, William Hart, and died there September 1, 1845, at 
 the great age of 95 years. — E. F. de Lancey. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 299 
 
 Tuesday, July 24. I received this morning a letter from 
 the Board of Treasury, inclosing the. Resolutions of Congress 
 Avhich passed yesterday, and requesting to know whether I was 
 ready to close a contract on those terms. As the contract had 
 now become of much greater magnitude than Avhen I had only 
 the Ohio Company in view, I felt a diffidence in acting alone, 
 and wished Major Sargent to be joined with me, although he 
 had not been formally empowered to act, for the commission 
 from the Directors was solely to me. It would, likewise, take 
 off some part of the responsibility from me, if the contract 
 should not be agreeable. After consulting Duer, I proposed 
 it to Sargent, who readily accepted. We answered the letter 
 from the Board as jointly commissioned in making the con- 
 tract. We informed the Board that the terms in the Resolve 
 of Congress were such as we could not accede to, without 
 some variations. We therefore beo-o-ed leave to state to the 
 Board the terms on which we Avere ready to close the con- 
 tract, and that those terms must be our Ultimatum. This let- 
 ter we sent to the Board; but the packet having just arrived 
 from England, and another to sail the next morning, it was 
 not in their power to attend any further to our business for 
 the day. Dined with Mr. Hillegas, treasurer of the United 
 States. Spent the evening with Mr. Osgood, President of the 
 Board of Treasury, who appeared to very solicitous to be 
 fully informed of our plan. No gentleman has a higher char- 
 acter for planning and calculating than Mr. Osgood. 1 was, 
 therefore, much pleased with having an opportunity of fully 
 explaining it to him. But we were unfortunately interrupted 
 with company. We, however, went over the outlines, and he 
 appeared to be well disposed. 
 
 Wednesday, July 25. This morning the Board of Treasury 
 sent our letter to the Secretary of Congress, requesting him 
 to lay it before Congress for their approbation or rejection. 
 But the packets from Europe, received yesterday by the 
 British Packet, occupied the attention* of Congress for the day. 
 
 Mr. Osgood desired me to dine with him, assuring me he 
 had purposely omitted inviting any other company, that we 
 might not be interrupted in going over our plan. 
 
 I had been repeatedly assured Mr. Osgood was my friend, 
 
300 ■ Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 and that he had censured Cono;ress for not consenting to the 
 terms I had offered ; but such is the intrigue and artifice which 
 is often practiced by men in power, that I felt very suspicious, 
 and was as cautious as possible. Our plan, however, I had not 
 scruple to communicate, and went over it in all its parts. Mr- 
 Osgood made many valuable observations. The extent of his 
 information astonished me. His views of the Continent and 
 of Europe were so enlarged that he appeared to be a perfect 
 master of every subject of this kind. He highly approved 
 our plan, and told me he thought it the best ever formed in 
 America. He dwelt much on the advantages of System in a 
 new Settlement, said System had never before been attempted ; 
 that we might depend on accomplishing our purpose in Europe, 
 and that it was a most important part of our plan. If we were 
 able to establish a settlement as we proposed, however small 
 in the beginning, we should then have surmounted our greatest 
 difficulty; that every other object would be Avithin our reach, 
 and, if the matter was pursued with spirit, he believed it would 
 prove one of the greatest undertakings ever yet attempted in 
 America. He thought Congress would do an essential service 
 to the United States if they gave us the land, rather than our 
 plan should be defeated, and promised to make every exertion 
 in his power in our favor. We spent the afternoon and even- 
 ing alone and very agreeably. 
 
 Thursday^ July 26. This morning I accompanied General 
 St. Clair and General Knox on a tour of morning visits, and 
 particularly to the Foreign Ministers. This visit had been 
 previously proposed by General Knox, who was so obliging as 
 to introduce me to them. We called first on the Sieur Otto, 
 Charge des Affaires from the French Court, in Queen Street. 
 He received us very politel;f, and was exceedingly sociable. 
 He speaks good English, and has a truly philosophic mind. 
 Although he is not the Minister plenipotentiary, for there is 
 none at present from France, but he acts as such and lives in 
 the style of a nobleman. His servants and attendants were 
 numerous. We made our next visit to Don Diego de Gardoqui, 
 Plenipotentiary, " Encargado de Negocios," from the Court of 
 Spain. He seemed to be more on the reserve than Mens. Otto, 
 but was very complaisant. General Knox is his oracle and 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 301 
 
 confidant. To me he appeared to be a genuine Spaniard. 
 He lives in an elegant style, and has taken a large house in 
 Hanover Square. After taking our leave of Mons'r Gardoqui, 
 we call on Heer de Heer Van Berckle, in Wall Street, near the 
 City Hall. Mons'r Van Berckle is Minister Plenipotentiary 
 from their Great and Mighty Lords, the States General of the 
 United Netherlands. He is a jovial, frank, open Dutchman ; 
 speaks bad English, but very talkative. He is fond of con- 
 versing about the western country, and seems to interest him- 
 self much in the settlement of the western lands. This was 
 our longest visit, and being now eleven. General St. Clair was 
 obliged ti attend Congress. After we came into the street. 
 General St. Clair assured me he would make every possible 
 exertion to prevail with Congress to accept the terms contained 
 in our letter. He appeared much interested and very friendly, 
 but said we must expect opposition. I was now fully con- 
 vinced that it was good policy to give up Parsons, and openly 
 to appear solicitous that St. Clair might be appointed Gov- 
 ernor. Several gentlemen have told me that our matters went 
 on much better since St. Clair and his friends had been in- 
 formed that we had given up Parsons, and that I had solicited 
 the eastern members in favor of his appointment. 
 
 I immediately went to Sargent and Duer. We now entered 
 into the true spirit of negotiations with great bodies ; every ma- 
 chine in the city that it was possible to set to work we now put 
 in motion. Few,* Bingham, f and Kearney are our princi- 
 pal opposers. Of Few and Bingham there is hope, but to 
 bring over that stubborn mule of a Kearney I think is beyond 
 
 *Colonel V\''illiam Few, a patriot ofthe Revolution, who distin>:uishecl 
 himself in seveial battles with the British and Indians, was born in 
 Maryland, in 1748, but became a citizen of Georgia; was a delegate in 
 Congress trom 1780 to the peace, and again elected in 1786. In his 
 latter years he lived in the city of New York, and died at Kishkill, 
 1828, aged 81.— /)r. ,S. P. HUdreth. 
 
 f William Bingham, born in Philadelphia, 1751, died in Bath, Eng- 
 gland, 1804. During the Revolution he was American agent at Mar- 
 tinique. He was a delegate to Congress, 1787, and United States Sen- 
 ator, 1795 to 1801. His wife, formerly Miss Anna Welling, of Phila- 
 delphia, was celebrated for her beauty and accomplishments. — See 
 Drake's Diclionary of American Biography. 
 
302 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 our power. The Board of Treasury, I think, will do us much 
 service, if Dr. Lee is not against us. Though Duer as- 
 sures me I have got the length of his foot, and that he calls 
 me an open, frank, honest New England man, which he con- 
 siders as an uncommon animal, yet from his natural jealous, 
 cautious make, I feel suspicious of him, especially as Mr. 
 Osgood tells me he has made every attempt to learn his senti- 
 ments, but is not able to do it. His brother, Richard Henry 
 Lee, is certainly our fast friend, and we have hopes that he 
 will engage him in our interest. 
 
 Dined with Sir John Temple. Several gentlemen in com- 
 pany. Immediately after dining took my leave and called on Dr. 
 Holton. He told me that Congress had been warmly engaged 
 on our business the whole day ; that the opposition was les- 
 sened, but our friends did not think it prudent to come to a 
 vote, lest there should not be a majority in favor. I felt 
 much discouraged, and told the Doctor I thought it in vain to 
 wait longer, and should certainly leave the city the next day. 
 He cried out on my impatience, said if I obtained mj pur- 
 pose in a month from that time I should be far more expe- 
 ditious than was common in getting much smaller matters 
 through Congress ; that it was of great magnitude, for it far 
 exceeded any private contract ever made before in the United 
 States ; that if I should fail now, I ought still to pursue the 
 matter, for I should most certainly finally obtain the object I 
 wished. To comfort me he assured me that it Avas impossi- 
 ble for him to conceive by what kind of address I had so 
 soon and so warmly engaged the attention of Congress, for 
 since he had been a member of that body he assured me on 
 his honor he never knew so much attention paid to any one 
 person who made application to them on any kind of business, 
 nor did he ever know them more pressing to bring it to a 
 close. He could not have supposed that any three men from 
 New England, even of the first character, could have accom- 
 plished so much in so short a time. This, I believe, was 
 mere flattery, though it was delivered with a very serious 
 air, but it gave me some consolation. I now learned 
 very nearly Avho Avere for and who were against the terms. 
 Bingham is come over, but Few and Kearney are stubborn. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Iana8seh Cutler. 303 
 
 Unfortunately there are only eight states represented, and 
 unless seven of them are . in favor no ordinance can pass. 
 Every moment of this evening until two o'clock was busily 
 employed. A warm seige was laid on Few and Keaimey from 
 different quarters, and if the point is not effectually carried 
 the attack is to be renewed in the morning. Duer, Sargent, 
 and myself have also agreed, if we fail, that Sargent shall go 
 on to Maryland, which is not at present represented, and pre- 
 vail on the members to come on, and to interest them, if possible, 
 in our plan. I am to go on to Connecticut and Rhode Island, 
 to solicit the members from these states to go on to New York, 
 and to lay an anchor to the windward with them. As soon as 
 those states are represented Sargent is to renew the applica- 
 tion, and I have promised Duer, if it be found necessary, I 
 will then come on to New York again. 
 
 Friday., July 27. I rose very early this morning, and, after 
 adjusting my baggage for my return, for I was determed to 
 leave New York this day, I set out on a general morning visit, 
 and paid my respects to all the members of Congress in the 
 city, and informed them of my intention to leave the city that 
 day. My expectations of obtaining a contract, I told them, 
 were nearly at an end.* I should, however, wait the decision 
 of Congress, and if the terms we had stated, and which I con- 
 ceived to be exceedingly advantageous to Congress, consider- 
 ing the circumstances of that country, were not acceded to, we 
 
 * When Dr. Cutler told the Committee that he could not accede to 
 their terms, and proposed to leave the city immediately, as he could 
 make better terms with the states, it was making a legitimate use of 
 an alternative that was clearly within his reach. His own state would 
 sell Maine lands at fifty cents per acre, and receive government secur- 
 ities in payment, and for a large amount probably at a less rate. He 
 knew that a strong current was setting tovvai'd Maine from among his 
 own neighbors and acquaintances. Several of the old officers, such as 
 Knox and Lincoln, went eastward. The strong probability is, that the 
 opportunity of locating Bounty Warrants on U. 8. Government lands, 
 and tlie direction given by Washington to his companions toward the 
 Ohio country, decided the question of location. 
 
 It was "pointed out to them by their Commander-in-Chief," as the 
 Directors of the Ohio ("ompany subsequently placed on their records. 
 There was, therefore, no attempt to overreach or dissemble in thus 
 urging an alternative which the Committee well knew was a legitimate 
 
304 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 must turn our attention to some other part of the country. 
 New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts "would sell us lands 
 at half a dollar, and give us exclusive privileges beyond what 
 we had asked of Congress. The speculating plan concerted 
 between the British in Canada and New Yorkers was now well 
 known. The uneasiness of the Kentucky people with respect 
 to the Mississippi was notorious. A revolt of that country 
 from the Union, if a war with Spain took place, was universally 
 acknowledged to be highly probable. And most certainly a 
 system.atic settlement in that country, conducted by men 
 strongly attached to the federal government, and composed of 
 young, robust, and hardy laborers, who had no idea of any 
 other than the federal government, I conceived to be objects 
 worthy of some attention. Besides, if Congress rejected the 
 terms now offered, there could be no prospect of any applica- 
 tion from any other quarter. If a fair and honorable purchase 
 could not be obtained, I presumed contracts with the natives, 
 similar to that made with the Six Nations, must be the conse- 
 quence, especially as it might be much more easily carried 
 into effect. These and such like were the arguments I urged. 
 They seemed to be fully acceded to, but whether they will 
 avail is very uncertain. Mr. R. H. Lee assured me he was 
 prepared for one hour's speech, and he hoped for success. All 
 urged me not to leave the city so soon ; but I assumed the air 
 of perfect indifference, and persisted in my determination, 
 which had apparently the effect I wished. Passing the City 
 Hall as the members were going in to Congress, Colonel Car- 
 rington told me he believed Few was secured, that little 
 Kearney was left alone, and that he determined to make one 
 trial of what he could do in Congress. Called at Sir John 
 Temple's for letters to Boston ; bid my friends good-by ; and, 
 
 one. His own preference was decided enoujrh, and in giving notice of 
 his intention to leave tlie city, he hoped, and may have expected, that 
 it would result favorably to his own wishes and those of his associates. 
 The family tradition, as preserved in writing by Ephraim Cutler, is, 
 that Western New York would have been the location selected by Dr. 
 Cutler and his associates, in case of failure to secure from Congress 
 lands in the Ohio Valley. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 305 
 
 as it was my last day, Mr. Henderson insisted on ray dining ' 
 with him and a number of his friends whom he had invited. 
 
 At half-past three, I was informed that an Ordinance had 
 passed Congress on the terms stated in our letter, without the 
 least variation, and that the Board of Treasury was directed 
 to take Order and close the contract. This was very agree- 
 able but unexpected intelligence. Sargent and I went imme- 
 diately to the Board, who had received the Ordinance, but were 
 then rising. They urged me to tarry the next day, and they 
 would put by all other business to complete the contract ; but 
 I found it inconvenient, and, after making a general verbal 
 adjustment, left it with Sargent to finish what remained to be 
 done at present. Dr. Lee congratulated me, and declared he 
 would do all in his power to adjust the terms of the contract, 
 so far as was left to them, as much in our favor as possible. 
 I proposed three months for collecting the first half-million 
 dollars and for executing the instruments of Contract, which 
 was acceded to. By this Ordinance, we obtained the grant 
 of near 5,000,000 of acres of land, amounting to three millions 
 and a half of dollars, one million and a half of acres for the 
 Ohio Company, and the remainder for a private speculation, in 
 which many of the principal characters in America are con- 
 cerned. Without connecting this speculation, similar terms 
 and advantages could not have been obtained for the Ohio 
 Company. 
 
 On my return through Broadway, I received the congratu- 
 lations of a number of my friends in Congress, and others, 
 whom I happened to meet with. At half after six, took my 
 leave of Mr. Henderson and family, where I had been most 
 kindly and generously entertained, and left the city by way of 
 the Bowery. My bill at Barnes', 23s. 6d. 
 
 Although I felt great anxiety to return, yet I left the city 
 of New York with reluctance. The attention and generous 
 treatment I had met with here was totally different from what 
 I had ever before met with. My business and introductory 
 letters were the occasion of my forming an extensive acquaint- 
 ance, and with those of the first character. I passed away my 
 time, notwithstanding all my labor and fatigue, in a constant 
 20 
 
306 Life of Rev. 3Iana8seh Cutler. 
 
 round of pleasure. Some of my acquaintances here I shall 
 ever consider among the first with whom I have had the hap- 
 piness to form a connection, particularly Colonel Duer, who 
 took his leave in the most affectionate manner. He is a gen- 
 tleman of the most sprightly abilities, and has a soul filled 
 with the Avarmest benevolence and generosity. He is made 
 both for business and the enjoyment of life, his attachments 
 strong and sincere, and diffuses happiness among his friends, 
 while he enjoys a full share of it himself. Mr. Hazard is 
 another gentleman with whom I should wish to spend the re- 
 maining part of my life. 
 
 The city of New York approaches to an oblong square form, 
 though not regular. It is most beautifully situated on elevated 
 ground gradually descending toward East River. It contains 
 between four and five thousand houses, and thirty and forty 
 thousand inhabitants. It is under the government of a mayor, 
 recorder, seven aldermen, and seven assistants or common 
 councilmen. By them the markets, fairs, assize of bread and 
 wine, etc., licensing retailers, taverns, carters, truckmen, por- 
 ters, repairing streets, etc., are regulated, and the city derives 
 the greatest advantages for regulating her internal police by 
 being incorporated. The streets in the center of the city are 
 nearly at right angles, but the several streets are very differ- 
 ent in their width. Wall Street is spacious and the build- 
 ings magnificent. Broad Street, Nassau Street, and Williams 
 Street, as are Great and Little King Streets, are all very 
 pretty streets ; but Queen Street exceeds any street in the 
 city. It is wide and more than one mile and a half in length. 
 The buildings are grand, from four to six stories high, and the 
 sides of the street within the posts are laid principally with 
 free-stone, sufficiently Avide for three persons to walk abreast. 
 The buildings in Hanover Square, and part of Dock Street, 
 exceed any part of the city for grandeur. The streets are 
 'kept in fine order, pavements entire and even, no teams draAvn 
 with more than one horse, or with iron-shod wheels, are al- 
 lowed to pass the streets. The pavements gradually descend 
 from the houses to the center of the streets, Avhere the gutters 
 are for carrying off the water. Broadway is a grand street, 
 being eighty feet wide, and situated o\i high ground on th'e west- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 307 
 
 ern side of the city, toward North River ; but the buildings, 
 which have been newly erected, and are only temporary ac- 
 commodations, are not elegant. There are, however, a num- 
 ber of most noble buildings erected in this street, and many 
 more begun. In time it will be the finest in the city. In this 
 street the gentry ride every morning and afternoon in their 
 carriages, which are generally very grand, and are principally 
 Coaches, Chariots, and Phaetons. The common people ride 
 in open chairs. I did not see more than two or three chaises 
 in the city. Broadway leads from the fort, or White Hall 
 Square, to the common, and so out of the city through the 
 Bowery. The common is considerably large, in a triangular 
 form, and surrounded with buildings. On the northern side 
 side of the Square are three very elegant large public 
 buildings, Avhich make a fine appearance at a distance, all 
 built of free-stone, with a handsome fence inclosing a 
 court-yard in front. But, when you come near them, you 
 can not fail of being extremely disgusted at the wretched 
 taste and impropriety of erecting buildings for the pur- 
 poses to which these are appropriated in the most airy 
 and pleasant part of the city, and by which a vast concourse 
 of people are constantly passing. The first is the Prison, four 
 stories high, and a beautiful cupola on top. Near by it is 
 what I at first took to be a beautiful summer-house, raised 
 from the ground. It is in a square form, the sides ornamented 
 with checker-worked banisters, and the roof in the Chinese 
 taste ; the whole very handsomely painted. I was surprised 
 to see so elegant a summer-house so near this building, which 
 I found, by the iron-grates to be a prison, but, on inspection, 
 found it was a Gallows, accommodated for turning off six crim- 
 inals at a time. Certainly criminals here must make their 
 exit into the other world in high taste. The next Public 
 Building is the Alms-house, and the third, which is very long 
 and high, is Bridewell. The buildings themselves would be 
 very ornamental to this common, were it not for their odious 
 contents. Such buildings, I think, ought ever to be placed in 
 the most recluse part of the city, where people are not under 
 the necessity of having their feelings constantly shocked, until 
 the noble principle of humanity is become so hardened as not 
 
308 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 to be moved with those pitiable objects. There are many- 
 spacious public buildings in this city which I have not de- 
 scribed. The houses for public worship are very numerous, 
 many of them spacious and adorned with towering steeples. 
 St. Paul's Church, in Broadway, is the largest ; it is truly a 
 grand building. The floor of this, and, I think, all the other 
 churches, is laid with polished free-stone. The carvings and 
 paintings are elegant. At the end of the St. Paul's, is a 
 piazza, raised several steps from the ground, making a spa- 
 cious walk, the roof of which is supported by six pillars of 
 free-stone, sixty feet high and six feet in diameter. 
 
 At the southern end of the city on the point of the Island, 
 where North and East Rivers meet, is an^old fort, now much 
 out of repair, and which is soon to be removed, for the pur- 
 pose of erecting houses in a part of the city so convenient for 
 doing business. This fort is built on a prodigious mound of 
 earth raised for that purpose, which makes the walls next the 
 harbor near forty feet high, and seems to be well situated for 
 commanding the entrance into both rivers ; but forts where 
 there is a passage by them are now found to be of very little use. 
 Around this fort is the Mall, Avhere a vast concourse of gentle- 
 men and ladies are constantly walking a little before sunset 
 and in the evening. On the part of the Mall next the water, 
 which is of considerable extent, is a broad and most beautiful 
 glacis (built up with free-stone from the water), on which they 
 walk. This is a cool and most delightful walk in an evening, 
 having the sea open as far as Staten Island and Redhook, but 
 in the day-time it greatly wants the shade of trees. On the 
 northern part of the city is a large hospital, built with free- 
 stone, with two extended wings. It is in a good situation, but 
 is very little attended to, having only a few seamen in it. I 
 passed by it several times, but did not go into it. The 
 markets in this city are kept in the finest order, and abound 
 with the best of meat, a variety of fish, every kind of vege- 
 table and fruit. The fish are sold alive ; if they are dead 
 they abate one penny on the pound. The principal is Fly 
 market, in Water street ; the next is Oswago market, in Broad- 
 way. Bakers' market and Merchants' Hall market are also 
 large. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 309 
 
 There is perhaps no city or town of any considerable magni- 
 tude where such perfect order is preserved as in New York. 
 The people apply themselves to business, and much is done in 
 this city. The several classes of people mix very little. Their 
 manners are agreeable, and complaisant to strangers. Their 
 dress is very neat and clean ; the higher ranks dress richly, 
 but not gaudy. This is the center of mercantile trade, and of 
 course money is plenty. The shipping in this harbor is ex- 
 ceedingly numerous, and there is constantly here a French and 
 British packet. There is a play-house, but the actors do not 
 perform in the summer, but there are constant exhibitions 
 from rope-dancers, mountebanks, jugglers, and show-men. 
 
 I made my first stage at Kingsbridge. Although my horse 
 had not been harnassed to my knowledge for a fortnight, and 
 I had ordered her eight quarts of oats per day, her spirits flag- 
 ged more in riding to Kingsbridge than at any other time 
 before in my journey. She has evidently lost flesh in the 
 stable at New York, and by her appearance have no doubt that 
 Barnes is a rascal ; has neither given her hay nor oats, as he 
 ought, and probably used her every day. Bill, Is. 4tZ. Went 
 on, although it is now dark, to Guion's, East Chester, where I 
 lodged, twenty miles from New York. 
 
 Saturday, July 28. Set out very early this morning. I paid 
 particular attention to my horse last night, in seeing her fed 
 with ten quarts of oats, and well supplied with good hay. Or- 
 dered oats to be put in soak last night, Avith which I ordered 
 her fed this Tnorning. Bill, 4s. 
 
 Breakfasted at Mrs. Horton's, in Marrinack. She is a 
 sprightly, dressy widow, keeps a fine house, and most cer- 
 tainly suffers for the want of a likely husband. Seven miles 
 from East Chester. Bill, 2s. Id. Sloops lay almost along- 
 side the doors of this tavern. My next, stage Naps — oated. 
 Bill, Is. Went on to Young's, between Stanford and Nor- 
 walk, where I dined. By the most careful attention to my 
 horse, found her spirits recruited. Bill, 2s. 7c?., York cur- 
 rency. Made my next stage at Wentworth's, in Norwalk, and 
 was obliged to get my horse shod before. It now rained ex- 
 ceedingly hard. It was determined to go on to Fairfield. 
 Bill, lOd. Horseshoeing, Is. 2d. L. money. It continued to 
 
310 Lif^ of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 rain very hard, and when night came on it was excessive dark. 
 /^ I repented my attempt to get on to Fairfield, but could find no 
 tavern on the road. At length I came to a large river, which 
 convinced me that I must be out of my way. I was uncer- 
 tain whether the road passed through it (for there was no 
 bridge), and therefore did not dare to attempt to ford it. I 
 found there was somewhat of a road along the bank, and I 
 was determined to stop at the next house I found, let it be 
 whose or what it might. In about a mile I came to a house, 
 and was not a little rejoiced, when I came up, to find it had 
 a sign and a shed. There was no licfht, but I soon attacked 
 the door with hearty thumps, which seemed to resound through 
 the house. Nobody said any thing, nor made any muster. I 
 paid on the harder, and then began to halloo. At length I 
 heard persons whispering in the house, which convinced 
 me it was not void of inhabitants. I then begged them to 
 permit me come to in, for I had lost my way, and was exceed- 
 ingly wet and fatigued. A man came to the door, and told 
 me he could not possibly lodge me, for he had only one bed in 
 the house, no hay, nor any grass better than the highway. I 
 related my situation, begged him to let me sleep on the floor, 
 for I could go no further. He said he would consent to my 
 tarrying if I could go no further, but said he had nothing for 
 my horse ; there was only himself and his wife in the house ; 
 they had no bed of any kind, except a very poor one, on 
 which they lodged ; that he did not pretend to keep a tavern* 
 had just come into the house, and the old sign liad not been 
 taken down. He said, however, he could put me in the way 
 to Fairfield, only two miles, where I could lodge comfortably. 
 I now began to think my situation abroad was nearly as good 
 as my landlord's in his old house. He conducted me down 
 to the river, where I forded it, and went on to Fairfield. About 
 twelve o'clock arrived at Nichole's, a very good house, and 
 called him out of bed. He was very obliging, took good care 
 of my horse, and furnished me Avith an excellent bed. I now 
 began to bless my stars that I did not stop at the house, where 
 I must have lodged on the floor. 
 
 I rode this day fifty-two miles, and found my horse in much 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 311 
 
 better spirits when I came up to this house than at the stage 
 where I lodged last night. 
 
 Sunday, July 29. Rode to Stratford. Ferriage a:t North 
 Field, Is. Breakfasted at Blackleach's. Sent for my class- 
 mate, Walker, and attended meeting with him. Mr. Stibbons, 
 the minister of the parish, preached. Mr. Walker insisted on 
 sending for him that he might invite me to preach; but I as- 
 sured him I must decline if he did, for I was on a journey 
 which I was obliged to press Avith all possible expedition, and 
 was too much fatigued to think of preaching. 
 
 Dined with Mi-. Walker, and set out immediately for Strat- 
 ford. Bill at Blackleach's, '2s. 8d. Ferriage at Stratford 
 ferry, 2.s. Barber, Is. Arrived at Stratford just as the bell 
 began to ring. Put up my horse at Glinney's, next door to 
 the Meeting House, My classmate, Buckingham, saw me as 
 I rode up. He came to me, and told me Mr. Lockwood was 
 just gone into the Meeting House, but he would conduct me 
 to the pulpit, and begged I would preach for him. I excused 
 myself, and insisted on the favor of taking a seat with him. 
 He conducted me into his pew, which was not far from the 
 pulpit, while Mr. Lockwood was reading the Psalm. As soon 
 as he^had done (I took care not to look toward him), but per- 
 ceived a shuffling of his feet, and, casting my eye up, found 
 he was making signs, but I was determined not to understand 
 nor to regard him. He made such a fuss that I expected he 
 would come down to the pew, which he told me afterward he 
 was about to do, but finding I was determined not to regard 
 him, and apprehending I might have no notes in my pocket, 
 he concluded it would be in vain. He did not fail, however, to 
 give me a pretty smart scolding after meeting. This is a very 
 large assembly ; there are two tiers of galleries, and the house 
 was very full. The congregation appeared exceedingly well. 
 Mr. Lockwood gave us a very pretty sermon. I am pleased 
 to find that the reading the Scriptures as a part of public 
 worship is universally practiced in this part of the country, 
 which formerly was not the case. The giving a general ex- 
 planation of the passage read is practiced in Connecticut as 
 well as New York. This -struck my mind so agreeably while 
 I was in New York, and particularly Mr. Stibbons' mode of 
 
312 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 explaining, at Stratford, that I am determined to make the 
 attempt myself when I return. It certainly will be attended 
 with very little difficulty, and will be easy and familiar after a 
 little practice. Besides, it must tend to give both a minister 
 and people a clear understanding, and impress on tBeir minds 
 the general sense of the passages read in public worship. 
 After meeting, Mr. Lockwood insisted that we should take 
 tea with him, but Esquire Buckingham urged exceedingly 
 that we should go to his house — however, he finally consented 
 to go with Lockwood. We spent a couple of hours very 
 agreeably. I then took my leave, though not without being 
 exceedingly importuned to tarry the night. But I assured 
 them the reason of my riding at all on Sunday was the abso- 
 lute necessity of reaching home that week, which I could not 
 possibly do unless I Avent as far as New Haven that night. 
 
 Rode to New Haven, nine miles ; put up at Atwater's tav- 
 ern, near College, and spent the evening with President Stiles. 
 I was received very cordially, and much urged to take a bed ; 
 but as I had engaged one at the tavern, I preferred lodging 
 where my baggage was. The Tutors were at the President's, 
 and Mr. Whittlesey, a gentleman of the law, son of the Rev. 
 Mr. Whittlesey, a minister at the Old Brick in this city, and 
 whom I saAV well when I went on to New York, but had been, 
 the week past, laid in his grave. Young Mr. Whittlesey was 
 going on to Middletown the next morning, and proposed going 
 in company with me. I supped at Dr. Stiles', and spent the 
 evening very, agreeably. 
 
 Monday., July 30. Breakfasted at Dr. Stiles', and was not 
 able to take my leave until between nine and ten. I had 
 brought a packet to the Doctor from Dr. Franklin, with which 
 he was exceedingly pleased, particularly Avith a copy of the 
 same letter Dr. Stiles had sent him inclosed in it. Dr. 
 Franklin had desired him to compare them, and sec if there 
 was a letter, or stroke, or point of the pen tliat did not per- 
 fectly correspond, and assured him that he had made out that 
 copy in less than half a minute. Dr. Stiles w-as exceedingly 
 puzzled ; he kncAv not hoAV to account for it. At length I 
 gave him an explanation of the mystery, Avhich Dr. Franklin 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 313 
 
 had purposely omitted, and described to him the Docter's pro- 
 cess for copying letters. My bill at Atwater's, 2s. lOt?. 
 
 Mr. Whittlesey called, and waited a long time before I could 
 get away. He was on horseback, but we could converse very 
 well, and I found him an agreeable companion. A sister of 
 his, who was married to a gentleman in Middletown, and a 
 little brother, were gone on in a chaise, which we overtook in 
 North Haven. We made our first stage at Wallingford. Mr. 
 Whittlesey and his sister dined at the Rev. Dr. Dana's, their 
 uncle, where I called for them after dinner. They urged me 
 to go with them ; but, being unacquainted with the Doctor, 
 chose to dine at the tavern. Hall's, a very good house. Bill, 
 2s. lOc^. When Mr. Whittlesey's sister saw me, she imme- 
 diately claimed an old acquaintance, which I had entirely for- 
 gotten. When she came to mention a number of parties in 
 which we were in company, I had some faint recollection. 
 How does time obliterate the remembrance of old acquaint- 
 ances ! She blamed me much for not calling on Miss Arnold, 
 who was then about to sail for England, and assured me she 
 had not forgotten our old acquaintance, and believed she never 
 would. I should have called upon her, if my time in New 
 Haven had permitted. We ai-rived at Middletown about sun- 
 set. Mr. Whittlesey Avas going on to Tolland the next day, 
 through which town it was necessary for me to pass in my way 
 to Stafford, where my sister lives, and whom I was determined 
 to see in my return. I promised to call for him next morn- 
 ing, and went on to General Parsons'. 
 
 When I had informed General Parsons of my negotiations 
 with Congress, I had the pleasure to find it not only met his 
 approbation, but he expressed his astonishment that I had ob- 
 tained terms so advantageous, which, he said, were far beyond 
 his expectations. He assured me that he preferred the ap- 
 pointment of first Judge to that of Governor, especially if 
 General St. Clair was the Governor. He proposed writing to 
 General St. .Clair and his friends in Congress, that they would 
 procure me an appointment on the same bench ; but I abso- 
 lutely declined, assuring him that I had no wish to go into the 
 civil line. Mrs. Parsons was exceedingly complaisant. She 
 said they looked hard for me on Saturday night, and that it 
 
314 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 was hoped that I should preach for them yesterday, especially 
 as Mr. Huntington was gone to Windham, where his wife had 
 been taken sick while she was on a visit to her friends, and 
 that the people were much disappointed at my not coming. 
 We spent a very long and an agreeable evening, for we did not 
 go to bed until half-after one. I wrote in the evening several 
 letters to New York. 
 
 Tuesday, July 31. It was my intention to set out very 
 early this morning, but could not get away until after 9 o'clock. 
 Called on Mr. Whittlesey, who had repeatedly sent to know if 
 I was going on. Made our first stage at Hartford. Called 
 one minute on my classmate Bull. Should have called on 
 Colonel Wyllys. but was certain if I did I should not be able 
 to get away from him. Mr. Strong, the minister of the North 
 Church, hearing I was in town, sent a billet to me and Mr. W., 
 inviting us to dine, with which we complied. Mr. Strong said 
 he had had no personal acquaintance, but he had had a very 
 good hearsay acquaintance, and wanted much to converse on 
 the subject of Meteorological observation, which he had at- 
 tempted for some years, but was at a loss to know how I had 
 ascertained the quantity of rain and snow. Mr. Strong is one 
 of the first literarv characters in Connecticut, and seems to be 
 possessed of a truly philosophic mind. Here I met again 
 with Miss Channing, who was at Dr. Stiles' when I went on to 
 New York. Bill at the sign of the Bull, Is. 4c^.; horseshoeing, 
 8cL, for I had the same shoe new set by the man who had shod 
 my horse so Avell when she was lame, as I went on to New 
 York. 
 
 As soon as we had got into East Hartford, we left the road 
 I came in from Killingly. I called on Miss Williams, daughter 
 of Professor Williams, at Cambridge, by his particular request, 
 to receive her commands to Cambridge. She 'is at Dr. Will- 
 iams', the minister of this town, and a distant relation ; but I 
 did not get out of my carriage. Our next stage Buckland ; 
 E. Hartford six miles ; bill, 4cZ.; miserable house. We oated 
 again at another wretched tavern ; eight miles. A little after 
 sunset, arrived at Tolland, eiglft miles further. Put up at a 
 tavern near the Court-house, where I took my leave of Mr. 
 Whittlesey. This is a pretty good house. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 315 
 
 Wednesday, August 1. My bill 3s. Set out as soon as it 
 was light in the morning, and arrived at Brother Lee's about 
 nine ; road wretched bad. Called on Mr. Foster, the minister 
 of West Parish in Stafford, and brother-in-law to Mr. Brown, 
 of Ipswich Hamlet. Brother Lee lives on a hill, Avhich is very 
 high, and the soil good, but it is abominably rocky. I was 
 obliged to get out of my carriage and lead my horse, at some 
 distance from his house. As I was passing up the hill, I heard 
 a man cry out, in a field of wheat just behind me, " What 
 Irishman can that be !" As I turned about to see who it was 
 that took me for an Irishman, he burst out a-laughing. I 
 did not at first know him ; but coming directly to me, found it 
 to be Brother Lee, who knew me before he spoke, but declared 
 when he first saw me, he supposed me to be an Irish peddler. 
 I had not seen him or my sister for fourteen years. When we 
 came to the house, my sister did not know me for some time, 
 but as soon as she recollected me, burst into tears, and could 
 not for a long time compose herself. She has lost her fore- 
 teeth, which used to be very fine, by which her countenance is 
 so much altered that I should not have known her, though I 
 was surprised to find, as she is four years older than myself, 
 that she had so young a look, and had lost no more of her ap- 
 pearance in youth. They have only one child living, a daugh- 
 ter, about nineteen years of age, but is married and has two 
 children. Her husband lives near them, their farms joining to 
 each other. I was happy to find them in very agreeable circum- 
 stances ; but it is an odious part of the Globe to live in, for, 
 though the land is high, yet it is exceedingly broken and hilly 
 in every direction. The growth is chestnut, and the soil pro- 
 duces excellent wheat, of which Brother Lee had an excellent 
 crop. Immediately after dinner, I was obliged to take my 
 leave, which my sister complained of as extremely cruel, as we 
 had not seen each other for so long a time, and probably might 
 never meet again in this world ; but I was so circumstanced 
 that it Avas unavoidable. This is eleven miles from Tolland. 
 
 Made my first stage at Gay's, Avho was a Killingly man, and 
 one of my old acquaintance. Bill, 5c?. Six miles from my 
 brother's, and the road awful indeed. Five miles farther is 
 the famous Stafford Spring, which Avas about half a mile out 
 
316 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 of the road I was traveling, but I was determined to see it. 
 The spring is on the northern side of the sloping hill, of con- 
 siderable height, and issues from under a large rock at the 
 foot of the hill and near the bank of a considerable river. The 
 diameter of the spring is somewhat larger than a pail, and 
 about two feet deep ; a small stream runs from the spring to 
 the river, about three rods, but in its way passes through part of 
 a pretty large house, which has been erected for the accommo- 
 dation of the people who come here for the benefit of the 
 waters. In the house is a large vat for bathing. I drank 
 freely of the waters, which had to me a disagreeable taste. 
 Having had for two or three days past somewhat of an in- 
 flammation in the eye-lashes of one of my eyes, and which had 
 been this day much increased and very troublesome, I thought 
 I would make an experiment of these waters, and washed my 
 eye a number of times while I tarried. The inflammation in a 
 few hours began to abate, and by the next morning was en- 
 tirely gone. This was an evidence of their being considerably 
 astringent. There were three patients here, two women and 
 a boy. One, a woman, was every summer attacked with an 
 erysipelas, which was universal. By making free use of these 
 waters four years ago she found immediate benefit, and had 
 been free from it the three last summers, but this summer it 
 had returned. She appeared to be in a shocking condition, 
 but said she was growing better every day. The other woman 
 was subject to violent rheumatic pains, and the lad had ulce- 
 rated swellings in one of his legs and thighs, in consequence 
 of a broken bone. They had been here only a short time, 
 and could say nothing of the eff"ects of the waters. By 
 analyzing these waters it has been found that they are in some 
 degree chalybeate, but the basis is sulphur. Bill at Spring, Ad. 
 In my way from the Spring, passed through the other parish 
 in Stafford, but did not go by way of the Meeting House. 
 "Went on to Willington and lodged, twelve miles from the 
 Spring. Rode thirty-four miles to-day, and some of the way 
 was as bad as can well be conceived. This tavern is kept by 
 Fuller, a rich old farmer, who lives himself on bread and 
 milk, but his house is full of every thing a farm produce's. 
 They gave me a good dish of green tea, and loaded the table 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 317 
 
 with toast, apple pies, biscuit, butter, and most excellent old 
 cheese. And the old landlady was very attentive and obliging 
 indeed. Their beds I found, however, were none of the best. 
 Tkursday, August 2. My horse was in the carriage just 
 after day-break. She had fared exceedingly well the last 
 nio-ht. Bill, 2s. 4c?. Went on to Ashford, seven miles, where 
 I came into the road, in which I went on to Hartford. In 
 this crooked route I had been almost incessantly crossing 
 and passing from one road to another, but when I came into 
 this road I was doubtful (as the road I was in crossed it at 
 rio-ht-anffles) whether I should take it or keep on the course 
 I was traveling. And so great was my uncertainty, that when 
 I came up to it I concluded it was not the Hartford road, 
 and proposed to keep on in the road I was traveling, but my 
 horse, the moment I came into the road, took the reins, turned 
 short, and set out in a much quicker pace toward Killingly. 
 I attempted to keep her on the way I was traveling, but she 
 seemed absolutely to refuse traveling that road any further. 
 This was so striking an evidence that she knew the road, that 
 I determined to try whether she was right or not, though I 
 was still very doubtful myself. In about a mile I came in 
 sight of the Meeting House, and then knew I was right. How 
 astonishing the sagacity of horses in matters of this kind ! 
 This was the most remarkable I ever knew or heard of, for my 
 horse was never in this part of the country, only as I went 
 on near six weeks ago, and had been traveling near eight hun- 
 dred miles, and been out of this road for more than thirty in 
 my return. I went on to Judge Randal's, and breakfasted, 
 seven miles further. I had now traveled, since I left Hart- 
 ford, seventy-six miles, and only seven of it in the road I 
 went on. The good old Judge appeared to be very glad to 
 see me, and was as handy as ever ill taking care of ray horse. 
 The old lady seemed to be a little more complaisant than 
 when I went on. We ha'l another fine dish of politics. He 
 insisted upon my going on the hill, and taking a view of his 
 farm, which is certainly a grand one indeed. He has four 
 hundred acres of excellent land, and the most of it under im- 
 provement. I delivered him a long lecture on husbandry, 
 which seemed to touch him in the right spot, but he said he 
 
318 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 was too old to attend to it. But he thought he should attend 
 to my advice in keeping more cows, for he said he could 
 summer and winter thirty or forty very well, but he now 
 keeps but eight or nine. Bill, Is. 4d. Arrived at my father's 
 about two o'clock. Visited Mr. Atkins and several of my old 
 friends. 
 
 Friday, August 3. Set out very early this morning for 
 Dedham. Ephraim, having business at Gloucester, went with 
 me as far as Captain Olney's. Bill, 8(i. Took my leave of 
 him, and went on to the Widow Arnold's, in Smithfield. As 
 I had sent Mrs. Arnold a number of seeds and bulbous roots, 
 she expressed great satisfaction at seeing me, and refused pay 
 for my refreshment. Dined at Metcalfs, in Franklin, a miser- 
 able tavern ; bill, Is. 8tZ. My next stage at Headen's, in Wal- 
 pole. Arrived at Mr. Chickering's a little before daylight in, 
 where I was so happy as to find Mrs. Cutler and Charles, and 
 to hear that our family was well. Brother Dean and Sister 
 and several of the neighbors spent the evening with us. 
 
 Saturday, August 4. It was very late this morning before 
 we were able to set out for home, and the Aveather exceedingly 
 hot, as it had been several days past. We came on slowly. 
 Was obliged to have my horse shod in Roxbury. We dined at 
 Mr. Williams'. Here I had so many people to see, that we 
 were not able to leave the town until nearly 6 o'clock. We 
 did not arrive home until half-past twelve o'clock at night. 
 
 Thus I completed one of the most interesting and agreeable 
 journeys I ever made in my life. It had in every view been 
 prosperous, but in many respects infinitely exceeded my ex- 
 pectations. The large and very respectable acquaintance that 
 I formed on this journey I must consider as a valuable acqui- 
 sition, and may probably have reason to consider it as one of 
 the most happy events of my life. In this journey, I have 
 rode, according to the account I have entered in this journal, 
 which I believe to be very accurate, 885 miles. Besides these 
 minutes, I examined a very great number of new plants, for I 
 had the whole of my botanical apparatus with me. These I 
 inserted in my botanical journal. 
 
 [After his return from New York, Dr. Cutler was much oc- 
 cupied with the affairs of the Ohio Company.] 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 319 
 
 Aug. 29, Wed. Went to Boston, and attended a meeting of 
 the Ohio Company. Made a report of the purchase of the 
 land from Congress, which was approved and confirmed. [The 
 following extract from the records of the Ohio Company 
 gives the proceedings of this meeting in full :] 
 
 August 29, 1787. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Directors and Agents of the Ohio 
 Company, held at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern, in Boston, 
 the following Report was received from the Rev. Manasseh 
 Cutler : 
 
 That, in consequence of the resolves of Congress of the 23d 
 and 27th of July last, he agreed on the conditions of a con- 
 tract with the Board of Treasury of the United States for a 
 particular tract of land, containing in the whole as much as 
 the Company's funds will pay for, should the subscriptions 
 amount to one million of dollars, agreeably to the Articles of 
 Association, at one dollar per acre, from which price is to be 
 deducted one-third of a dollar for bad lands, defraying the 
 expenses of surveying, etc. 
 
 That those lands be bounded on the east by the western 
 boundary of the seventh range of townships ; south, by the 
 Ohio ; west, by a meridian line drawn through the western 
 Cape of the Great Kanawha River ; and extending so far north 
 that a due east and west line from the seventh range of town- 
 ships to the said meridian line shall include the whole. 
 
 This tract to be extended so far northerly as to comprehend 
 within its limits, exclusively of the above purchase, one lot of 
 six hundred and forty acres in each township, for the purposes 
 of religion ; an equal quantity for the support of schools ; and 
 two tow^nships, of twenty-three thousand and forty acres each, 
 for a university (to be as near the center of the whole tract as 
 may be) ; which lots and townships are given by Congress and 
 appropriated for the above uses forever. Also, three lots, of 
 six hundred and forty acres each, in every township, reserved 
 for the future disposition of Congress, and the bounty lands 
 of the military associators to be comprised within the whole 
 tract, provided they do not exceed one-seventh part thereof. 
 
320 Life of Rev. Mananseh Cutler. 
 
 That five huncli-ed thousand dollars be paid to the Board of 
 Treasury upon closing the contract. In consideration of 
 which, a right of entry and occupancy for a quantity of land 
 equal to this sum, at the price stipulated, be given. And that, 
 as soon as the Geographer, or some proper officer of the United 
 States, shall have surveyed and ascertained the quantity of the 
 whole, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars more be paid, 
 amounting in the total to one million of dollars, for which the 
 Company are to be put in possession of the other moiety of 
 the lands above described, and receive a deed of the whole 
 from the said Board of Treasury. 
 
 Whereupon, Resolved, That the above report be received, 
 and the proceedings of Mr. Cutler be fully approved, ratified, 
 and confirmed. 
 
 Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o'clock, to convene 
 at Mr. Brackett's tavern. 
 
 August 30. Met according to adjournment, and continued 
 until the first of September, during which time the following 
 resolutions were agreed to : 
 
 That five thousand seven hundred and sixty acres of land, 
 near the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, be 
 reserved for a City and Commons. 
 
 That within the said tract, and in the most eligible situa- 
 tion, there be appropriated for a City sixty squares, of three 
 hundred and sixty feet by three hundred and sixty feet 
 each; in an oblong form, of ten squares in front and six 
 in depth, with streets one hundred feet in width through each 
 range. 
 
 That four of said squares be reserved for public uses, and 
 the remaining fifty-six be divided into house lots. That each 
 square contain twelve house -lots, of sixty feet front and one 
 hundred feet depth, and six lots of fifty-three and three-tenths 
 feet by one hundred and eighty feet, amounting in the total to 
 one thousand and eight lots. And that this plan be pursued 
 as nearly as the situation of the ground will admit ; and when 
 the same is completed, a plat thereof, with the lots numbered 
 thereon, be transmitted to the Secretary, who shall notify a 
 meeting of the Agents for the purpose of drawing the said 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 821 
 
 City lots — one of -svliich shall be annexed to, and become a 
 part of, each proprietary share. 
 
 That contiguous to, and in the vicinity of the above tract, 
 there be laid off one thousand lots, of sixty-four acres each, 
 as equal as possible in quality and situation, one of •which, as 
 the city lots, shall bo considered a part of each proprietary 
 share, and be drawn for in the same manner; and that a com- 
 plete survey and return of these lots be made by the first of 
 March next, to the Secretary's office. 
 
 That, for the reception and protection of settlers, one hun- 
 dred houses, of thirty-six by sixteen feet, be erected, in the 
 course of the ensuing autumn and winter, on three sides of 
 the before mentioned oblong square, and connected by a 
 stockade. 
 
 That, in order 'to carry into execution the above purposes, 
 it is absolutely necessary that the subscribers pay into the 
 hands of their several Agents the money subscribed, that the 
 same may be paid into the hands of the Treasurer by the 4th 
 of October next, which payment the agents are to make to the 
 Treasurer accordinglv. 
 
 That, as saw-mills and corn-mills will be necessary, in for- 
 warding the settlement, proposals from any of the subscribers 
 for erecting one or more of each kind, without expense to the 
 proprietors, will be received by either of the Directors, the 
 Treasurer, or at the Secretary's office, and such proposals will 
 be decided upon as soon as may be after the completion of the 
 contract Avith the Treasury Board. 
 
 And, that the manner of removing the first settlers, and 
 superintending their operations, will be agreed upon as soon 
 as practicable. 
 
 Resolved, That General James M. Varnum * be one of the 
 
 *James M. Varnum, born in Dracut, Mass., 1748. Graduated at 
 Rhode Island College. Admitted to the bar at twenty-two; he was a 
 Colonel in the army at twenty-six; a Brigadier-General at twenty-eight; 
 resigned his commission, and was elected to Congress at thirty-one; 
 appointed judge, and emigrated to the west at thirty-nine; and died 
 at forty (on the 10th day of January, 1789). — Mag. Am. Hist. (Septem- 
 ber, JS87). 
 
 21 
 
322 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Directors of the Oliio Company, and that Colonel Richard 
 Piatt -'^ be the Treasurer. 
 
 A true copy from the journals. 
 
 WiNTiiROP Sargent, Se&y. 
 
 Avg. 31, Fri. Met again at Bracket's. Determined to 
 send men this fall into the Ohio country. 
 
 Sept. 1, Sat. Met again in the morning. P. M. returned 
 home. 
 
 Sept. 10-15. House full of Ohio people all the week. 
 
 Sept. 21, 22. Ohio people here. Jervis Avent to Dedham. 
 
 Sept. 24-29. Much engaged in the Ohio matters. 
 
 Oct.. 1, 2. Taking money for the Ohio Company. 
 
 Monday, Oct. 8. Left Ipswich for New York, in order to 
 
 * Richard Piatt, great-grandson of Epenetus Piatt, a settler of Hunt- 
 ington, Suffolk Co., N. y., in 1672, and the son of Jonas and Temper- 
 ance Piatt, was born there in 1754. At twenty- -one, he began farming 
 at Smithfield, Long Island. On June 2(S, 1775, he was commissiont-d 
 Second Lieutenant in McDougall's regiment, and accompanied it to 
 Canada. He was present at the capture of Montreal, and, as Adjutant- 
 General, was given by Montgomery the preparing for the attack on 
 Quebec, in which that officer fell. On 21st November, 1776, he was np- 
 pointed a Captain in Colonel Philip Van Cortland's regiment, the 
 Second New York. He was Aid to McDougall prior to and at the 
 battle of White Plains. On 24th October, 1780, Piatt was appointed 
 Deputy Quartermaster-General of Washington's army; was at the sur- 
 render of Cornwallis, in 1781, and remained in the army until it was 
 disbanded, in 1783, when he received the rank of Colonel. He was 
 Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements for the pageant of the 
 celebration of the adoption of the Constitution of 17S7 by the State of 
 New York, and acted as Grand Marshal on that occasion, on the 23d 
 July, 1788, although the New York Convention did not really adopt 
 that Constitution till thi-ee days afterward. In the War of 1812 he 
 ■was appointed Commissary-General of the state. He married Miss 
 Aspinwall, and had two sons, Richard (died a bachelor), and Hamil- 
 ton, who married Louisa Sophia, daughter of Captain Thomas Bibby, 
 of New York, and left one child — a son — Richard, who tlied a bachelor 
 in California in 1849. Colonel Piatt died in New York, on March 3d, 
 1830. He was an original member of the Cincinnati, and a warm 
 friend of Aaron Burr. He was engaged in business with William 
 Duer, and was pecuniarily ruined by the failure of Duer's firm in 1792, 
 which began the series of "great panics" from which New York has 
 suffered. — E. F. de Lancey. 
 
Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 323 
 
 complete the contract of the Ohio Company for lands in the 
 Western Country. Lodged at Mr. Parsons', Lynn. 
 
 Tues., Oct. 9. Went on to Boston, over the new bridge at 
 Penny Ferry. Spent the day in Boston, collecting money. 
 
 Wed., Oct. 10. Spent the da}" in Boston on Ohio business, 
 
 Thurs., Oct. 11. Spent the day in town. 
 
 Fri., Oct. 12. Left the town for New York by way of 
 Providence. Went on in the stage-coach. First stage Gay's, 
 Dedhani. Called on Mr. Cliickering one minute. Dined at 
 Daggets', in Walpole, in company with Dr. Stiles ; bill, 2s. 
 Next stage Draper's, in Attleborough ; bill, 4d. Arrived in 
 Providence at 7 o'clock, and took lodgings with Mr. Hitch- 
 cock.'''^ Paid Mr. Belknap 18s. for magazines. 
 
 Sat., Oct. 13. Spent the day Avith Mr. Hitchcock, as no 
 packet was ready for N. York ; but engaged a passage with 
 Captain Godfrey to go to-morrow morning. 
 
 Sunday, Oct. 14. Went on board the packet Lady Green, 
 Captain Godfrey, at ten this morning. Wind fair; small. 
 Mr. Atkinson and family on board, consisting of himself and 
 lady, two little sons and one daughter, very pretty children, 
 from three to five years of age, and two maids ; also, Mr. 
 Graves, of N. York, and lady, with her sister. Miss Charlotte 
 Graves, an agreeable young lady, a daughter of the late Mr. 
 Graves, an Episcopal clergyman in Providence. 
 
 A very fine day ; afternoon, somewhat of a sea. The 
 women most of them sea-sick. As we passed down the river, 
 we had a fair view of Patuxet, a small village about seven 
 miles from Providence, on the western side of the river. On 
 the same side is Greenwich, which we saw very plain ; it ap- 
 peared like a compact town, but small. On the eastern side, 
 we saw Bristol very plain. We passed the islands of Prudence, 
 
 *Kev. Enos Hitchcock, D.D., was a native of Springfield, Mass., and 
 a graduate oF Harvard College, 17G7. He was pastor of the church in 
 wh'il was known as the Second Tuiish, or "The Precinct of Salem and 
 Beverly," Massachusetts, 1771 to 1783; meanwhile serving as Chaplain 
 in the American army during several campaigns, 1777 to 1780. In 
 1783 he was called to the Congregational church at Providence, R. 1., 
 where he remained until his death, in 1803. See Stone's Historic of 
 Beverly. 
 
324 Life of Rev. Manasscli Cutler, 
 
 Patience, Hope, and Despair, all to the westward, leaving 
 them between us and Rhode Island, We arrived at Newport 
 before daylight in. The passage not very agreeable, as we 
 were obliged to beat all the afternoon, and considerable sea. 
 I took lodgings at Mr, Benj, Olney's, a very good lodging- 
 house, the genteelcst in the place. 
 
 Mon., Oct. 15. The Avind against us. Waited on Miss 
 Polly Stiles, at Mrs. Channing's. Rev. Mr. Channing 
 
 c 
 
 a 
 
 young clergyman, son of Mrs. Channing, nnd now settled at 
 New London, walked with me over the town of Newport. We 
 went up the steeple of the Episcopal Church, and had a fine 
 view of the town, which is laid out in a regular form ; the build- 
 ings old and out of repair, but very fevv' houses that make any 
 tolerable appearance. One street in front of the town is 
 straight and about a mile in length, makes a tolerable ap- 
 jDearance. 
 
 There are two Congregational Churches, one Episcopal, 
 three Baptist, and one Jewish Synagogue, which Ave visited. 
 I was much gratified with a view of the Synagogue. The 
 reading-desk, the altar and ark of the Covenant, the five books 
 of Moses in parchments, rolled and covered Avith silk, the gar- 
 ments Avith the fringes Avhich all the people Avear, and the phy- 
 lacteries, are curious and ncAv, Judah Avas the name of the 
 JcAv that attended us. Drank tea at Mrs. Channing's, in com- 
 pany Avith Governor BoAven and lady, Mr. Gibbs, a principal 
 merchant of this toAvn, and several other ijentlemen, and a 
 brilliant circle of ladies. 
 
 Tues., Oct. 16. Spent the day in listing my money for 
 Congress. Governor Bowen, Mr. Channing, and brother 
 called on me and spent part of the evening. Mr. Atkinson 
 and I took a Avalk to see Malbone's Gardens. The house Avas 
 burnt a number of years ago, but the garden remains in toler- 
 able order. Spent the evening Avith Mr. Bromfield, Mr. Bacon, 
 etc., at Mr. ToAvnsend's. 
 
 Wed., Oct. 17. Still Avind bound. Attended to my papers. 
 At Mrs. Channing's. Mr. Channing, of Ncav London, took a 
 share in the Ohio Company. Wrote to Mrs. Cutler, by Mr. 
 Bromfield. 
 
 Thurs., Oct. 18. This morning the Avind was so far hauled 
 
Life of Rev. 3Iana8seh Cutler. 325 
 
 to the northward that Captain Godfrey concluded to sail. My 
 bill, 22s.; petty expenses, 2s. Took my leave of Mr. Olney 
 and family, who were very agreeable. It is the best boarding- 
 house in Newport. Mr. Moore, of Charleston, South Caro- 
 lina, a boarder in this house and an accomplished young gen- 
 tleman traveling for his pleasure, took a passage with us. We 
 left Newport at 10 o'clock. The same passengers as before, 
 with Mr. Moore, made an agreeable and very civil company. 
 Fine breeze; off Fisher's Island at sunset; a good breeze in 
 the night. Women very sea-sick ; Mr. Atkinson and the 
 Captain, Mr. Graves, Mr. Moore, and myself the only people 
 on board who did not complain ; we were very hearty. We 
 had good lodgings in the cabin. The women were in a cabin 
 by themselves. 
 
 Fri., Oct. 19. This morning, we were off Fairfield, with a 
 gentle breeze, but before noon nearly calm, Avhich continued 
 most of the day. Our sick people nearly recovered. In the 
 afternoon, we went on shore on Long Island and purchased 
 some chestnuts and apples. The people were Quakers, and 
 very kind. We spent the evening very agreeably in playing 
 checkers, and eating a beefsteak introduced by Mr. Moore. 
 
 Sat., Od. 20. This morning we were in a part of the Sound 
 which is very narrow, having the appearance of a river, and 
 not very far from Hell Gate. On both sides of the straits, for 
 so they appeared, are a number of countr}'' seats, very roman- 
 tic, and among others is the seat of Baron Steuben. 
 
 At 7 o'clock, we passed Hell Gate. It is really a curious 
 place. Although it was nearly high water, when it has the 
 least dangerous appearance, it excited the idea of very great 
 hazard in passing it. There were several very great whirl- 
 pools, a general boiling of the water, and in one part the ap- 
 pearance of falls. Our ship was carried round with great 
 rapidity, and felt very little of her helm, but the people, by 
 hard rowing, kept her near her course. The length of this 
 frightful passage is about a quarter of a mile. One poor fel- 
 low was fast aground on the rocks. The most dangerous 
 places are the Pot, the Frying-pan, the Gridiron, etc. 
 
 As we entered the harbor of New York we saw the carcass 
 of the Jersey Prison-ship, on shore, on board of which so 
 
326 Life of Rev. 3Icmasseh Cutler. 
 
 many poor Americans drew their last breath. Their bodies 
 Avere carried on shore to a sand bluff, where thev were half 
 covered, and an immense number of human bones are now scat- 
 tered along the beach. 
 
 Took lodgings, in company with Mr. Moore, at Mr. Smith's, 
 No. 30 Hanover Square. Waited on the Board of Treasury, 
 and several other gentlemen. Passage, 39s. L. M. 
 
 Sunday, Oct. 21. Attended church at St. George's Chapel. 
 Three Episcopalians were ordained priests by Bishop Provost. 
 The Bishop sat at the altar, one of the candidates, Mr. Griffin, 
 read prayers, and Mr. Beach preached a very good and very 
 catholic sermon from Matt. : " Take heed to yourselves and 
 the flock of God over whom the Holy Ghost has made you 
 overseers." His design, to give the character of ministers, 
 very well. The ordination was solemn. 
 
 Dined with Colonel Duer, Mr. Flint, and Major Sargent. Not 
 out in the afternoon. Supped at home with Mr. Hatfield, an 
 English boarder, and an English Captain of a regiment now in 
 the West Indies. 
 
 3Ion., Oct. 22. Attended business at Colonel Piatt's. 
 
 Tiies., Oct. 23. Ditto. Dined with Sir John Temple, Dr. 
 Rogers, and others. 
 
 Wed., Oct. 24. Ditto. Dined with Mr. Atkinson, his 
 brother, and Mr. Storer, a brother to Mrs. Atkinson. A fine 
 fish. 
 
 Tliiirs., Oct. 25. Ditto. Dined with Mr. Henderson and 
 supped with Mr, Atkinson. Mr. Moore went on to Philadel- 
 phia. 
 
 Fri., Oct. 26. Dined with Doctor Lee. 
 
 Sat., Oct. 27. This day completed our contract with the 
 Board of Treasury for near six millions of acres of land, and 
 Major Sargent and myself signed the Indented Agreement on 
 parchment in two distinct contracts ; one for the Ohio Com- 
 pany, and the other for the Scioto Company. The greatest 
 private contract ever made in America. Dined with General 
 Knox. A very large company, all old Continental officers ex- 
 cept myself. Baron Steuben one of the number. Purchased 
 sundry articles in the morning. Vide bills : Paid INIr. Har- 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ia7iasseh Cutler. 327 
 
 rison for instruments, £14. Spent the evening at Colonel 
 Piatt's ; supped and adjusted our Scioto matters. 
 
 Lord's Day, Oct. 28. Dined with the President of Con- 
 gress, Mr. R. H. Lee, Mr. U. G.(?), Colonel Grayson, General 
 Erving, Major Giles, Colonel Grayson's son, Mr. Dane, and Mr. 
 Sargent. 
 
 Mon., Oct. 29. Paid my bill for board, nine dollars. The 
 stage-coach called for me at four in the morning for Boston. 
 Mr. Dane, a member of Congress, in company, and others. 
 Lodged at Norwalk, Connecticut. 
 
 Tue., Oct. 30. Rose at three in the morning. Lodged at 
 Durham. 
 
 Wed., Oct. 31. Rode early to Hartford. Stage stopped 
 one day. Dined with General Parsons, and spent the evening 
 Avith Mr. Barlow.* 
 
 Thurs., Nov. 1. We rose at half after four. Mr. Bethuen, 
 of Boston, in the stage. Dined at Springfield ; lodged at 
 Graves', in Palmer. 
 
 Fri., Nov. 2. Set out at five in the morning ; lodged at 
 Pease's in Worcester, and called on Colonel Flagg. 
 
 Sat., Nov. 3. Set out at half after tAvo in the morning ; 
 dined at Boston. Came to Salem in the Salem stage, and hired 
 a stage to come home. Eighty miles this day nearly. 
 
 Lord's Bay, Nov. 4. Preached. Extremely fatigued. 
 
 Fri., Nov. 9. Went to Boston to meet General Putnam. 
 
 * Joel Barlow, then thirty-three years old, had already achieved dis- 
 tinction in the pulpit and in literature, and had commenced the prac- 
 tice of law in Hartford. His poem, "TheA^ision of Columbus," had 
 just been published and received with favor. He became an agent for 
 the Ohio Company, and obtained a number of subscribers. In 1788 he 
 went to France as agent of the Scioto Land Company. In 1792 he 
 became a citizen of tiie French Kepublic. and was an unsuccessful can- 
 didate for a seat in the National Convention. In 1795 he was appointed 
 United States Consul at Aljziers. In ISOo he returned to America and 
 purchased a handsome country-seat, which he called Kaloramii, near 
 Washington City. In 1811 he was appointed Minister to France. He 
 died in 1812 at Zarnowioc, Poland, while en rou/e to Paris from Wilna, 
 where he had been in an unsuccessful attempt to meet the Emperor 
 Napoleon and conclude a treaty. The " Life and Letters of Joel Bar- 
 low," by Charles Burr Todd, was published in 188(3. 
 
328 Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 
 
 Sat., Nov. 10. General Putnam and I dined at Mr. Vrill- 
 iams', I came home, 
 
 3Ion., ]\^ov. 12-14. Ohio people here the whole time. 
 
 JVov. 19-20. About home and very busy. 
 
 Wed., JVov. 21. Went to Boston, Jervis* with me. At- 
 tended a meetino; of the Directors and Ao;cnts of the Ohio Com- 
 pany at Brackett's Tavern. 
 
 Thurs., JVov. 22. Directors and Agents met again. The 
 Directors and several of the Agents were invited to dine 
 with Governor Bowdoin. The Governor was very complaisant 
 to the Directors. Several other gentlemen dined with us. 
 
 Fri., Kov. 23. A meeting of the Directors. 
 
 tSal., A^ov. 24. The Directors met again. Jervis and I 
 came home. 
 
 Mon., Nov. 26 ; Tues. 27. Much engaged with Ohio men. 
 
 * Jervis Cutler, second son of Rev. Manasseii Cutler, was born at Ed- 
 gartown, Martha's Vineyard, 1768. When but sixteen years old he 
 made a voyage to France. He was the first of the forty-eight pioneers 
 led by Rufus Putnam to land at the mouth of the Muskingum. 7th 
 April, 178S. He remained in the west, engaged in teaching and sur- 
 veying, until 1790, when he returned to Connecticut atid married Miss 
 Philadelphia Cargill. In 1S02 he settled in Bainbridge. Ohio, as a fur- 
 trader. In 1806 he was chosen Major of Colonel McArthur'sChio regi- 
 ment. When troops were called to go to New Orleans he enlisted a com- 
 pany and was appointed Cajitain. He was for a time in command of the 
 jjost at Ne\yport, Kentucky. In the spring of 1809 his company wus 
 ordered to Xew Orleans. Soon after his arrival he was prostrated by 
 yellow-fever, and the United States Senate having refused to confirm 
 his appointment as Captain, because of a charge that he had made 
 speeches attacking the administration, he returned to New England. 
 While yet an invalid he prepared and published a book, entitled, "A 
 Topographical Description of the State of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and 
 Louisiana,'' with a "Concise Account of the Indian Tribes west of the 
 Mississippi." In 1818 he again came west, and finally settled in busi- 
 ness in Nashville, Tenn., as an engraver of plates t'or bank notes. His 
 first wife died in 1822. In 1824 he married Mrs. Elizabeth Chandler, of 
 Evansville. lud. He died in Evansville, in 18 U. His sons inherited 
 his roving disposition. One, Charles, a young man of much promise, 
 lost his life in the ill-fated expedition of Walker to Nicaragua; another, 
 Major George A. Cutler, was prominent as a free-state man in the early 
 history of Kansas. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 329 
 
 Fri., Nov. 30. Very much engaged in packing up Jervis' 
 things for the western counti-y. 
 
 Sat., Bee. 1. Sent to Danvers the men's baggage, who are 
 going to the Ohio. 
 
 Lord's Lay, Lee. 2. Exchanged with Mr. Swain. 
 
 3Ion., Lee. 3. This morning a part of the men going to the 
 Ohio met here two hours before day. I went on with them to 
 Danvers. The whole joined at Major White's. Twenty men, 
 employed by the Company, and four or five on their own ex- 
 pense, marched at eleven o'clock. This party is commanded by 
 Major White.* Captain Putnam took the immediate charge of 
 the men, wagons, etc. Jervis went off in good spirits. He 
 is well fitted for the journey. 
 
 [A reminiscence written by Temple Cutler, Esq.,t gives 
 some additional particulars of this event : " The little band of 
 pioneers assembled at the house of Dr. Cutler, in Ipswich, 
 Mass., on the 3d day of December, 1787, and there took an 
 early breakfast. About the dawn of day they paraded in 
 front of the house; and, after a short address from him, full 
 of good advice and hearty wishes for their happiness and pros- 
 perity — the men being armed — three volleys were fired, and 
 the party (one of whom was his son Jervis, aged 19) went 
 forward, cheered heartily by the bystanders. Dr. Cutler ac- 
 couipanied them to Danvers, where he placed them under 
 
 * HafField Wliile, who commanded this party, was a native of Dan- 
 vers, Massachusetts. During the Revolutionary War he served as a 
 Lieutenant in Hutchinson's regiment and Captain in Colonel Rufus 
 Putnam's Fifth Masssichusetts. He was in Campus Martins (the fort 
 at Marietta, Ohio) during the Indian war, 179(J to 17'J5. At its close 
 he settled in Waterford, Ohio, where he died December 13, I 8U7. 
 
 f Temple Cutler, Dr. Cutler's youngest son; born F'ebruary 24, 1782. 
 Married, first, .Sophia Brown, in 1S()5; second, Mrs. Hannah (Aj)pleton) 
 Smith, in 1S23. He lived some years in Ohio, but returned to Hamil- 
 ton, Mass., where he died, November 5, 18o7, aged 75 years. He was 
 many years a successful teacher; was a representative in the Massa- 
 chusetts Legislature in I82G; and other offices conferred upon him 
 show the esteem in which he was held. He was much interested 
 in agriculture, and his ability as a writer is shown in numerous contri- 
 butions on that subject to the journals of his day. He was the father 
 of the late Rev. Rufus P. Cutler, of Portland, Me., aud of the Rev. 
 Temple Cutler, of Essex, Mass. 
 
330 Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 
 
 command of Major Haffield White and Captain Ezra Putnam, 
 He had prepared a large and well-built wagon for their use, 
 which preceded them with their baggage. This wagon, as a 
 protection from cold and storm, was covered with black can- 
 A'as, and on the sides was an inscription in white letters, I 
 think in these words, '■For the Ohio at the Muskingum,^ which 
 Dr. Cutler painted with his own hand. 
 
 "Although I Avas theai but six years old, I have a vivid 
 recollection of all these circumstances, having seen* the prepa- 
 rations, and heard the conversation relative to this undertak- 
 ing. I think the weather was pleasant and the sun rose clear ; 
 I know I almost wished I could be of the party then starting, 
 for I was told we were all to go as soon as preparation was 
 made for our reception."] 
 
 [Dr. Cutler to Hon. Ebenezer Hazard. '\ 
 
 Ipsavich, Sejjt. 18, 1787. 
 
 Dear Sir : — Your kind letter was sent me yesterday from 
 the Post-office. It reminded me of my own neglect, particu- 
 larly, in not forwarding to you the papers I promised when at 
 New York. But my time has been so constantly occupied 
 with the Ohio business since my return, that I have scarcely 
 found an hour's leisure for attending to any thing else. The 
 hobby-horse on which I am now completely mounted has been 
 considerably animated by receiving the cousin-german you 
 were so kind as to send me, and the pleasure of riding much 
 increased ; for I flatter myself we shall be able to vie with 
 'our western competitors in city building. 
 
 Y^'ou will see, by the inclosed, that our ideas of streets, and 
 the width of front lots, nearly correspond with yours. I am 
 not, however, pleased Avith the size nor form of our squares. 
 It is proposed that there should be nine lots on a side, and 
 four at the end, which I think will have too much of the ob- 
 long. Were the ends increased, though, I should prefer an 
 oblong to a square ; the effect would be more pleasing to the 
 eye, and not less convenient. The rear, which I think is now 
 too scanty, might be increased, and the whole of the lots more 
 uniform. The plan we have formed was, unavoidably, done in 
 a hasty manner, without drawing it on paper, and will, I think, 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 331 
 
 be somewhat altered. It* is our intention to set rows of mul- 
 berry trees, immediately, on each side of the streets, at the 
 distance of ten or fifteen feet from the line on Avhich the houses 
 are to be built. They will make an agreeable shade, increase 
 the salubrity of the air, add to the beauty of the streets, and, 
 what we have principally in view, aiford food for an immense 
 number of silk-worms. If the trees are placed fifteen feet 
 from the houses, there will be ample room between them and 
 the houses for foot passage, the houses less liable to suffer by 
 them, and the streets will be seventy feet between the rows of 
 trees — a Avidth, I should suppose, sufficient for every purpose. 
 I must beg the favor of your opinion with respect to the lots, 
 squares, and trees. The quantity of ground we propose to 
 lay out in city lots is to be equal to four miles by two — which 
 Avill admit of about four lots to a share. But we conceive our- 
 selves too much unacquainted with the form and situation of 
 the land proper for building to lay out the whole of the lots 
 until it has been properly explored. We have, therefore, made 
 a general reserve of a quantity of land sufficient for tlie remain- 
 ing city lots and large commons, which are to be laid out soon 
 after Ave take possession of the ground. So much for the city. 
 
 You ask Avhat Ave have done at our meeting ? Not Avhat I 
 Avished to have done. In making choice of a Treasurer, tAvo 
 gentlemen only Avere mentioned. The one whom I suggested 
 to you, and the one elected. They both appeared to meet the 
 full approbation of the agents, as such characters as they 
 Avould Avish to intrust Avith their funds. It Avas mentioned by 
 some, that the gentleman Avho Avas elected held a large sum in 
 public securities, had interested himself much in the Company, 
 and might probably be prevailed upon to loan some of them 
 to the Company if Ave should fail of collecting the Avhole of 
 the first payment by the time proposed. I fancied, hoAvever, 
 that as much Avas suggested in favor of the other gentleman ; 
 but, in addition to this, as the former Avas more particularly 
 knoAvn to the officers of the army, Avho made up a large pro- 
 portion of the agents, the ballot closed in his fixvor. 
 
 The new director Avas appointed against the inclinations 
 even of the most of those Avho voted for him. But Ave Avere 
 so circumstanced as to be under the necessity of choosing 
 
332 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 him. He represented upward of one hundred shares from the 
 State of Rhode Island, Several gentlemen of respectable 
 characters from that State requested that he might be ap- 
 pointed. We wanted the money, and must not only have failed 
 of it, but given umbrage and excited a powerful opposition. 
 
 Shares, since our meeting, have been in great demand ; the 
 most of them are now disposed of, and principally to such 
 people as intend to go into the country. Were it not for the 
 extreme scarcity of hard money, we should be able to obtain 
 immediately much more than the first payment. We have now 
 no doubt of obtaining that sum by the 4th of October. You 
 will see that the directors will not be able to porket all the 
 hard dollars, for they have agreed that one hundred houses 
 shall be built this autumn and winter, and as much seed as 
 possible put into the ground in the spring. We have already 
 engaged one hundred men, who are to march for that country 
 by the 25th of October ; and if our money, after purchasing 
 the teams, tools, etc., will admit, we shall increase the num- 
 ber. General Parsons and General Putnam are both to go 
 with them, but Putnam to have the immediate control of the 
 works. Your sincere friend, M. Cutler. 
 
 Boston, Sept. 29, 1787. 
 
 My Dear Sir :—l have a letter from our friend Hazard, in 
 which he says you promised to write to him, and he is desirous 
 of hearing from you relative to the Ohio Country, or rather, 
 ■ the doings of the Company. 
 
 Yesterday, two families of your people passed through this 
 Town on their way thither. Major Sargent says they had 
 your blessing before they left home. 
 
 AVhen vou come this way again, remember that you are one 
 visit in arrears to me. I have it chalked up against you. I 
 want to talk much with you about the good land. Had I cash 
 to spare, I might become a purchaser, at non, ergo. 
 
 Did you hear the name of your new city? Gastrapolis; 
 Anglice, Camptoivn, in allusion to the ancient fortress. 
 
 Well, my friend, if you do go, remember to correspond with 
 him who always wishes to be your affectionate friend. 
 
 The Rev. Manasseh Cutler. Jerb. Belknap. 
 
Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cufler. 333 
 
 Ipswich, Scqjt. 39, 1787. 
 
 Dear Sir : — Yours of the 16tli I did not receive until yester- 
 day, and last evening I had the pleasure of receiving another 
 of the 24th instant. Since our last meeting and circulation 
 of our hand-bills, shares have been in great demand, but the 
 extreme scarcity of money renders it impossible for many 
 even of very considerable property to become adventurers. I 
 have, however, disposed of a considerable number, and made 
 collections equal to my expectations. Was money to be had, 
 or the time a few months longer (when fat cattle would be fit 
 for the market), I should be assured of obtaining a sum equal 
 to our wishes. Great exertions are now making, and although 
 the time is short, hope to make considerable additions. The 
 rage for going into the Country from' this part of Massachu- 
 setts and Nev/ Hampshire has astonished me. More than one 
 hundred and fifty have applied to me to go this autumn on the 
 terms we agreed on at the last meeting. They have almost 
 refused to take a denial. The men I have engaged are equal 
 to any I Avould have chosen. 
 
 I received a letter yesterday from General Putnam. He 
 Avrites that he has had considerable success, and the prospect 
 increasing. He has not heard what progress has been made 
 in the Counties of Hampshire and Berkshire, but expected to 
 meet General Tupper and Major Ashley at Springfield this 
 week. He thinks the collection will be " sufficient to complete 
 our contract." He writes very jjressingly for both of us to go 
 to New York. It appears unnecessary for me to go, nor do I 
 see how I can well make it convenient. General Putnam will 
 be in Boston on Thursday next Aveek, but I think it will not 
 be possible for me to complete my collections earlier than 
 Saturday, which v/ill render it impracticable for me to be in 
 Boston before Monday. General Putnam expects General 
 Tupper and Major Ashley to come with him. If they do, I 
 hope they will not return until after Monday, for I very much 
 wish to see them. 
 
 I am pleased to hear that Mr. Flint is about to go on to 
 New York. Wish him now in Europe. I mentioned to him 
 the matter of supplies. He proposed taking letters of credit 
 from some merchant in New York to his correspondent in 
 
o 
 
 34 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler 
 
 Holland, wliicli he supposed might easily be obtained. This, 
 I think, might be the best mode of making provision for him. 
 If he is successful, he may soon refund ; if not, we can pay 
 the money here and save the risk of the seas. Colonel Duer 
 will most certainly assist him in obtaining them. Mr. Flint 
 will be able to carry with him our new federal constitution, 
 which I think a very favorable circumstance. Is there not a 
 tolerable prospect of his being able to negotiate in England? 
 Our associates at New York and Mr. Jefferson will be, per- 
 haps, the best judges. Our prospects abroad, at any rate, I 
 think, brighten upon us. 
 
 I am, dear sir. 
 
 Most sincerely yours, 
 
 M. Cutler. 
 Major Winthrop Sargext. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 335 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. • 
 
 The Influence Exerted by Dr. Cutler in the Formation of the 
 Oriiinvnce for the Government of the Territory of the 
 United States North-west of the Hiver Ohio, Passed July ]?>, 
 1787. 
 
 The general subject of establishing a distinct government or 
 Colony westward of the limits of any of the thirteen colonies, 
 received the attention of the British government before the 
 Revolutionary War. 
 
 The following reference is made to this subject in a report 
 made to Congress on May 1, 1782. Referring to the lands 
 then claimed by Virginia, the Committee say : " It appeared 
 that, in the year 1763, a very large part thereof was separated 
 and appointed for a distinct government and colony by the 
 King of Great Britain, with the knowledge and approbation of 
 the government of Virginia." (Journ. Cong.) The Earl of 
 Dunsmore writes quite fully to the Earl of Hillsborough, under 
 date of November 12, 1770, " on the scheme in agitation of 
 establishing a colony on the Ohio." (N. Y. Col. Rec, vol. 8, 
 p. 253.) Sir William Johnson, in a letter dated June 20, 1774, 
 to Earl Dartmouth, says, " a considerable number of settle- 
 ments were made on the Ohio as early as 1765." (Vol. 8, p. 
 460.) Dartmouth writes to Johnson, July 6, 1774, strongly 
 condemning the scheme. 
 
 It also appears that an agreement was entered into with the 
 King and council for erecting a colony called " Vandalia," 
 which agreement was completed all to affixing the seals and 
 passing the usual forms of office. (Journ. Cong., May 1, 1782.) 
 General Washington refers to this scheme in his propositions 
 for colonizing his lands on the Ohio already given, (p. 140.) 
 All this was before the Avar, and while the territory belonged 
 to the crown. Congress took up the subject before they had 
 acquired the territory by conquest, and followed it up until the 
 final conclusion, July 13, 1787. The following extracts from 
 
336 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 the journals of Congress are presented, to show that " new 
 states,^' " distinct governjuenis" were regarded as the true line 
 of public policy in dealing with the future interests of the vast 
 interior : ^ 
 
 1. On the 21st of May, 1779, the delegates from the State 
 of Maryland received instructions, that were entered upon the 
 Journals of Congress, claiming that the unsettled country, if 
 " wrested from the common enemy by the blood and treasure 
 of the thirteen States, should be considered a common prop- 
 erty, subject to be parceled out by Congress into free, conven- 
 ient, and independent governments, in such manner and at such 
 times as the wisdom of that assembly shall direct." 
 
 2. The following is the record of Congress for October 10, 
 1780 : '^Besolvcd, That the unappropriated lands that may be 
 ceded or relinquished to the United States by any particular 
 state, pursuant to the recommendations of Congress of the 6th 
 of September last, shall be disposed of for the common benefit 
 of the United States, and be settled and formed into distinct 
 Republican States, which shall become members of the Federal 
 Union, and have the same rights of sovereignty, freedom, and 
 independence, as the other states ; that each state which shall 
 be formed shall contain a suitable extent of territory, not less 
 than 100 or more than 150 miles square, or as near thereto as 
 circumstances will admit; that the necessary and reasonable 
 expenses which any particular state shall have incurred since 
 the commencement of the present war in subduing any British 
 Posts, or in maintaining posts or garrisons within and for the 
 defense, or in acquiring any part of the territory that may be 
 ceded or relinquished to the United States, shall be reimbursed. 
 That the said lands shall be granted or settled at such times 
 and under such regulations as shall hereafter be agreed upon 
 by the United States in Congress assembled, or any nine of 
 them." The above constitutes the entire record in the Journals 
 of Congress for October 10, 1780. No names of attendance, 
 votes, or Committee are given ; but it is the first distinct an- 
 nouncement by Congress of the policy of organizing new states 
 or distinct o-overnments in the North-west. 
 
 3. On May 1, 1782, the following resolution is embraced in 
 a report made by a Committee, consisting of Messrs. Boudinot, 
 
Life of Rev. Mcmas^eh Cutler. 337 
 
 Varnum, Jenifer, Smith, and Livermore, to Avhom had been 
 referred the cessions of New York, Virginia, and Connecticut, 
 and petitio^ns from the Indiana, Vandalia,, Illinois, and Wabash 
 Land Corapanies : 
 
 " Resolved, That whenever the United States in Congress 
 assembled shall find it for the good of the Union to permit 
 new settlements on unappropriated lands, they will erect a 
 new state or states, to be taken into the Federal Union in 
 such manner that no one state so erected shall exceed the 
 quantity of 130 miles square, and that the same shall be laid 
 out into Towmships of about six miles square." The Journal 
 does not show that this Resolution was adopted, but it indi- 
 cates the prevailing views at the time. 
 
 4. On September 13, 1783, a Committee, consisting of 
 Messrs. Rutledge, Ellsworth, Bedford, Gorham, and Madison, 
 reported the following proposition, which was agreed to : 
 " That the temtory so ceded should be laid out and formed 
 into states containing a suitable extent of territory, not less 
 than 100 nor more than 150 miles square, or as near thereto 
 as circumstances will admit ; and that the states so formed 
 should be distinct republican states, and admitted members of 
 the Federal Union, having the same rights of sovereignty, 
 freedom, and independence, as the other states." The deed 
 of cession from Virginia, which was accepted by Congress on 
 March 1, 1784, contains the above proposition. 
 
 5. On the 14th of October, 1783, a Committee, consisting of 
 Messrs. Duane, Peters, Carroll, Hawkins, and A. Lee, presented 
 a report upon the subject of Indian affairs and the western 
 lands. During the discussion, Mr. Gerry offered the follow- 
 ing proposition, which was " agreed to," although there is no 
 entry showing that the entire report was adopted. Mr. Gerry 
 moved to amend so that it would read as follows : " Your 
 Committee therefore submit it for consideration, whether it 
 will not be wise and necessary, as soon as circumstances shall 
 permit, to erect a district of the western territory into a dis- 
 tinct government, as well for doing justice to the army of the 
 United States, who are entitled to lands as a bounty, or in re- 
 ward for their services, as for the accommodation of such as 
 
 22 
 
B38 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 may desire to become purchasers and inhabitants, and in the 
 interim to appoint a committee to report a plan, consistent 
 with the principles of confederation, for connecting with the 
 Union by a temporary government the purchasers and inhab- 
 itants of the said district, until their numbers and circum- 
 stances shall entitle them to form a permanent constitution 
 for themselves, and as citizens of a free, sovereign, and inde- 
 pendent state, to be admitted to a representation in the Union. 
 Provided, such Constitution shall not be incompatible with the 
 republican principles which are the basis of the Constitution 
 of the republican states of the Union." 
 
 6. The next expression of Congressional policy is found in 
 the adoption of a report made by Messrs. Jefferson, Howell, 
 and Chase, April 23, 1784, In this case the previously de- 
 clared intentions of Congress in rejrard to nevr states were so 
 far consummated as to work out the general outlines of a 
 governmental scheme. This effort was evidently unsatis- 
 factory, as no attempt was ever made to effect a settlement 
 of territory under its provisions ; and, subsequently, the sub- 
 ject was placed in the hands of another committee, consisting 
 of Messrs. Johnson, Pinckney, Smith, Dane, and Henry. 
 This Committee reported an ordinance on April 26, 1787, 
 which was ordered to a third reading on May 10th, but never 
 received final action. A Committee, consisting of Messrs. 
 Carrington, Dane, R. H. Lee, McKean, and Smith, reported 
 the ordinance which received the unanimous approval of all 
 the eight states then present, on the 13th of Jvily, 1787. 
 
 It can not be claimed that there was any concert of action 
 actually agreed upon between Congress and the promoters of 
 the Ohio Company in regard to founding a " new state ;" still, 
 it is evident that governmental institutions were constantly in 
 view by the "Associates," from the first inception of their 
 plan until its consummation. These evidences have already 
 been presented to the reader, as they occurred in proper order, 
 but attention may be called to them at this place in the narra- 
 tive in connection with the policy of Congress. 
 
 Colonel Pickering undoubtedly expressed a prevailing senti- 
 ment at that time when he said, " But a new plan is in con- 
 templation, no less than forming a new state westtvard of the 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 339 
 
 Oldo" Colonel Pickering drew up an outline of principles 
 to be embraced in the constitution of the "new state." The 
 285 officers, in their petition to Congress, say : " That this 
 country is of sufificient extent, the land of such quality, and 
 the situation such as may induce Congress to assign and mark 
 it out as a tract of territory suitable to form a distinct Gov- 
 ernment (or colony of the United States), in time to be ad- 
 mitted one of the confederated States of America." " That 
 provisions may also be made for a further grant of lands to 
 such of the army as wish to become adventurers in the new 
 Government, in such quantities and on such conditions of set- 
 tlement and purchase of public securities as Congress shall 
 judge most for the interest of the intended government, and 
 rendering it of lasting consequence to the American Empire." 
 This Petition was dated June 16, 1783. Mr. Gerry was the 
 representative in Congress of the largest number of these pe- 
 titioners, and it is not improbable that he had their wishes in 
 view when he refers in his amendment (four months afterward, 
 October 14th) to " doing justice to the army of the United 
 States, who are entitled to lands as a bounty, or in reward of 
 their services." General Putnam had in view an organized 
 government Avhen he wrote his letter to General Washington, 
 June 16th, the same date as the officers' petition. 
 
 From these evidences of intention on the part of the "Asso- 
 ciates," it is a reasonable conclusion that their Agent, in at- 
 tending to their business before Congress, Avould conduct his 
 negotiations on a line that was thus marked out as acceptable 
 to both Congress and his constituents. There is abundant 
 evidence that Dr. Cutler's own views were in harmony with 
 the other parties in the transaction. In his letter to Major 
 Sargent, he speaks of the " State of Washington " as connected 
 with their plan. [See Appendix.'\ 
 
 In his pamphlet, issued for the purpose of inducing emigra- 
 tion, he dwells upon the idea of an established Government in 
 the new country as a motive to settle there. He says: "In 
 the ordinance of Congress for the government of the territory 
 North-west of the Ohio, it is provided that, after said territory 
 acquires a certain degree of population, it shall be divided 
 into states. The Eastern state that is thus provided to be 
 
340 Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 
 
 m<ade is bounded by the Great Miami on tlie West and by 
 Pennsylvania on the East. The center of this State "will fall 
 between the Scioto and Hocking. At the mouth of one of these 
 rivers will probably be the seat of government for this state ; 
 and if we may indulge in the sublime contemplation of behold- 
 ing the whole territory of the United States settled by an en- 
 lightened people, and continued under one government, on the 
 Ohio River, and not far from this spot, will be the seat of 
 Empire for the whole dominion." It is worthy of notice, in 
 looking up the beginnings of governmental ideas and policies, 
 that the plan of Pickering, and Putnam's letter to Washington, 
 foreshadowed civil and political organization before the Reso- 
 lutions reported by JeflFerson, April 23, 1784, were adopted. 
 The earlier efforts of Pickering and Putnam afford very pos- 
 itive evidence that a " new state " — an " intended govern- 
 ment" — occupied a prominent place in the minds of the pro- 
 jectors of the " Ohio scheme." While Jefferson's resolutions 
 were a nearer approach to the necessary forms of a govern- 
 ment, the intention to have a government is clearly manifested. 
 Putnam's system of defenses against Indian invasions was a 
 wise and comprehensive one. If it had been adopted promptly, 
 there would have been no Indian war, no defeats of two armies, 
 no large outlay in organizing ultimate success. Putnam out- 
 lined the true Indian policy in this letter, just as the Agent of 
 the Ohio Company secured from Congress, in the sixth article 
 of the ordinance of lq87, a clear and distinct announcement of 
 a policy of peace and justice toward the Indians. 
 
 In the attempts of Pickering and Putnam are found valuable 
 principles in regard to Land Tenure, the Township system, 
 support of schools and religion, and total exclusion of slavery. 
 It is fair to claim, therefore, that when the officers of the army 
 entered upon their plan of a " new state westward of the Ohio," 
 they entertained very definite views in regard to the civil 
 and political foundations that would be laid for their expected 
 homes. They were not mere land seekers, or even home 
 builders. The weightier words, " state," " government," " em- 
 pire," found place in their anticipations. 
 
 Passing from these preliminary statements in regard to 
 Congressional policy, as well as prevailing views outside 
 of that body, it is a matter of historic interest to in- 
 
Life of Rev. dianasseh Cutler. 341 
 
 quire into and ascertain as nearly as possible the influ- 
 ence exerted by the Agent of the Ohio Company in his 
 negotiations -with Congress in shaping the material and 
 procuring the passage of the Organic Law that was to go with 
 them into that distant wilderness. It was passed by the Con- 
 tinental Congress then in session in New York. It was, there- 
 fore, their work so far as the responsibilities of legislation go, 
 but it can hardly be claimed that every member of that dis- 
 tinguished body shared equally, or even largely, in its forma- 
 tion. The subject had been exclusively in their hands, as 
 shown by the foregoing extracts from their journals, from 1780 
 to within a few days of its final passage ; that is, no evidence 
 can be found that any outside influence was brought to bear 
 during that period of Congressional labor. Their records 
 give evidence of the full extent and character of their wisdom 
 and counsels in preparing an " Ordinance for the Government 
 of the Western Territory." The results of their labors are 
 found in the Resolutions passed April 23, 1784, which proved 
 an abortion by remaining a dead letter, Avith intervening re- 
 ports of substitutes, until it was brushed away by the action 
 of July 13, 1787. 
 
 It can not be denied that these Congressional efforts em- 
 braced valuable principles, and their originators are entitled 
 to full credit. It is not necessary here to discuss their merits, 
 as they arc matters of history, and are open to careful atten- 
 tion and well worthy of it. First came the paper adopted 
 April 23, 1784 ; second, the paper reported April 26, 1787, 
 Avhich probably grew out of Parsons' application to purchase 
 lands. This was distinct from that of April 23, 1784, as it 
 proposed the entire repeal of its predecessor. Although that 
 which passed July 13, 1787, embraced some of the principles of 
 the two that preceded it, yet it was distinct enough to be re- 
 garded as a third effort to provide an organic law for the 
 Western Territory. In this effort, Congressional action was 
 directed by outside influence. This influence supplied an ele- 
 ment that had been lacking in all former efforts. Hitherto 
 the subject had been in the hands of able statesmen, wise and 
 patriotic men, who undoubtedly sought to forecast a model 
 governmental plan ; but it can hardly be claimed that they 
 
342 Life of Rev. 3Ianassek Cutler. 
 
 expected to make a personal application of its principles, or 
 that they were acting for others who stood ready to do so. 
 
 Early in July, 1787, Congress was called upon to consider 
 an application such as had never before been made. It was 
 a proposition to undertake the permanent occupation of that 
 distant wilderness in a systematic manner of settlement, 
 upon a large scale, embracing distinctly the idea of a " new 
 state," as cherished by the projectors of the scheme. When 
 Dr. Cutler placed this scheme before Congress he could ap- 
 peal honestly and urgently for the establishment there of such 
 civil and social institutions as would meet his own wants and 
 those of his neighbors as pioneer settlers. He could say with 
 propriety'- : " If Ave venture our all, with our families, in this 
 enterprise, Ave must know beforehand Avhat kind of founda- 
 tions Ave are to build on." Hence, his first effort Avas to attend 
 to the organic kxAV. 
 
 There is sufficient historic data to satisfy the inquirer that 
 this was the situation Avhen, on the 10th of July, 1787, Dr. 
 Cutler made the foUoAving entry in liis journal : " This morn- 
 ing another conference Avith the committee. As Congress was 
 now engaged in settling the form of government for the Fed- 
 eral Territory, for Avhich a bill has been prepared, and a copy 
 sent to me (Avith leave to make remarks and propose amend- 
 ments), Avhich I had taken the liberty to remark upon and 
 propose several amendments, I thought this the most favora- 
 ble time to go on to Philadelphia." July 19th, after his re- 
 turn from Philadelphia, he says : " Called on members of Con- 
 gress very early in the morning, and Avas furnished Avith the 
 ordinance establishing a government in the Western Federal 
 Territory. It is in a degree noAv-modeled. The amendments 
 I proposed have all been made, except one, and that is bet- 
 ter qualified. It Avas that Ave should not be subject to conti- 
 nental taxation unless Ave Avere entitled to a full representa- 
 tion in Congress. This could not be fully obtained, for it Avas 
 considered in Congress as offering a premium to emigrants. 
 They have granted us representation Avith the right of debat- 
 ing, but not voting, upon our being first subject to taxation." 
 
 The next inquiry is, what influence did he exert at that 
 time and under these circumstances in the formation of the 
 
Life of Rev. Maoiasseh Cuthr. 843 
 
 ordinance ? It had evidently been a subject of discussion 
 after he had reached New York, and before he went to- Phila- 
 delphia, or it would not have been submitted to him. There 
 is no record of the precise amendments that he suggested ; 
 and it is quite probable that his advice extended to and 
 covered the whole subject, as his journal shows constant in- 
 tercourse Avith the members before his visit to Philadelphia. 
 It was during this first portion of his time that the govern- 
 mental ordinance was under discussion, and he did not enter 
 fully upon his negotiation for a purchase of land until his 
 return from Philadelphia, after the passage of the govern- 
 mental ordinance. The following traditional testimony is 
 presented as AVorthy of acceptance in establishing his claims 
 to the authorship of some of its most important principles : 
 If Dr. Joseph Torrey, of Salem, Mass., wrote to Judge Ephriam 
 Cutler, Jan. 30, 1847, as follows : "At a recent professional 
 call at Hamilton [Dr. Cutler's home] Brother Temple produced 
 large files of Ohio documents, but I had time only for a hasty 
 examination. I saw among these documents the Ordinance 
 of 1787 on a printed sheet. On its margin was written that 
 Mr. Dane requested Dr. Cutler to suggest such provisions as 
 he deemed advisable, and that at Dr. Cutler's instance was in- 
 serted what relates to religion, education, and slavery. These 
 facts have loner been known to me as household Avords." 
 
 Hon. Daniel Webster solicited and obtained the examination 
 of Dr. Cutler's journal. Subsequently, Temple Cutler wrote 
 to his brother Ephraim : " Webster is now convinced that the 
 man whose foresight suggested some of these articles Avas our 
 Father." 
 
 Ephraim Cutler has left the folloAving written statement of 
 his recollections : " I visited my Father at Washington during 
 the last session he attended Congress (1804-5). In his 
 boarding house he occupied a room Avith the reverend gentle- 
 man who represented the Hampshire and the Connecticut 
 River counties, Avhose name I have forgotten. We Avere in 
 conversation relative to the political concerns of Ohio, the 
 ruling parties, and the effect of the (Ohio) Constitution in the 
 promotion of the general interest, when he observed that he 
 Avas informed that I had prepared that portion of the Ohio 
 
344 Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler, 
 
 Constitution which contained the part of the Ordinance of 
 1787, which prohibited slavery. He wished to know if it was 
 a fact. On my assuring him that it was, he observed that he 
 thought it a singular coincidence, as he himself had prepared 
 that part of the ordinance while he was in New York nego- 
 tiating the purchase of the lands for tTie Ohio Company. I 
 had not then seen the Journal he kept while he was in New 
 York at that time." In another written memoranda Judge 
 Cutler refers to this conversation with his father, and states as 
 the reason why this prohibition of slavery, as well as the rec- 
 ognition of religion, morality, and knowledge, as foundations 
 of civil government, were incorporated into the ordinance, and 
 provision made in the land purchase for their support, arose 
 from the fact that "he was acting for associates, friends, and 
 neighbors, Avho would not embark in the ^enterprise, unless 
 these principles were unalterably fixed." 
 
 Additional support to the claim of Dr. Cutler's authorship 
 to these organic principles is found in his own written avow- 
 als of them as applicable to the conditions .-of the western set- 
 tlements. A sermon, marked No. 418, has the following 
 note : 
 
 " City of Marietta, in the Hall Tof Campus Martins, August 
 24, 1788, being the first sermon I delivered there, and com- 
 posed for that purpose." ♦ 
 
 The text was Malachi, 1:11: " In every place incense shall 
 be ofi"ered to my name, and a pure offering ; for my name 
 shall be great amono; the heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts." 
 
 The followino; extracts indicate with sufficient clearness 
 that the ideas of the ordinance and the sermon were identical : 
 " The sun, the glorious luminary of day, comes forth from 
 his chambers of the east, and rejoicing to run his course, car- 
 ries light and heat and joy through the nsLtlons to the re- 
 motest parts of the west and returns to the place whence he 
 came. In like manner divine truth, useful knowledge, and 
 improvement, appear to proceed in the same direction, until 
 the bright day of science, virtue, pure religion, and free gov- 
 ernment shall pervade the western hemisphere. ... To 
 promote the civil and social happiness of a new settlement, 
 too early attention can not be paid to the cultivation of the 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 345 
 
 principles of religion and virtue. Religion ought never to 
 be made a political engine, but while it is preserved perfectly 
 free from such a prostitution, and is improved to the great 
 design of its institution, it aftbrds the greatest aid to civil 
 government, and has the most happy ciFect on society. . . . 
 An early attention to the instruction of youth is of the great- 
 est importance to a new settlement. It will lay the founda- 
 tions for a well regulated society. It is the only way to make 
 subjects conform to its laws and regulations from principles of 
 reason and custom rather than the fear of punishment." 
 
 In the following preamble, prepared for the charter of the 
 university for the endowment of which he procured two town- 
 ships of land, he expresses the same sentiments : " Institu- 
 tions for the liberal education of youth being the basis of arts 
 and sciences, essential to the security of a free constitution, 
 important to morals and religion, promote the peace, order, 
 and happiness of society, and are honorable to the govern- 
 ment which patronizes them, and the people who are forming 
 settlements in the Western Territory, are too remote for 
 placing their children for education in the seminaries already 
 established in the United States ; from a tender regard to the 
 interests of those who are increasing the agriculture and 
 wealth of the nation, while they arc subjecting themselves to 
 hardships and inconveniemies in a wilderness, deprived of ad- 
 vantages enjoyed by the other states, and as Congress has 
 made grants of land for the purpose of encouraging and sup- 
 porting a university and schools in the Western Territory, Be 
 it enacted," etc. 
 
 The following extract from the Pamphlet, which he published 
 as an " Explanation '' of the north-western country, gives, 
 further evidence that this subject of " knowledge," as ex- 
 pressed in the Ordinance, was an important consideration in 
 his efforts to promote the settlement of the country. He 
 says: "In the late Ordinance of Congress, for disposing of 
 the western lands as far down as the Scioto, the provision that 
 is made for schools, and the endowment of an University, 
 looks with a most favorable aspect upon the settlement, and 
 furnishes the presentiment that, by proper attention to the 
 subject of education, under these advantages, the field of sci- 
 
346 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 ence may be greatly enlarged, and the acquisition of useful 
 knowledge placed upon a more respectable footing here than 
 in any other part of the world. Besides the opportunity of 
 opening a new and unexplored region for the range of natural 
 history, botany, and the medical science, there Avill be an ad- 
 vantage which no other part of the earth can boast, and wdiich 
 probably will never occur again ; that, in order to begin riglii, 
 there will be no wrong habits to combat, and no inveterate 
 systems to overturn — there is no rubbish to remove before lay- 
 ing the foundations." 
 
 To these expressions of sentiments, so nearly identical with 
 those embodied in the Ordinance, may be added the personal 
 efforts made by Dr. Cutler in actually applying these princi- 
 ples, as shown in the correspondence and papers found in this 
 volume. Congress had refused to set apart section twenty- 
 nine in each township for the support of religion, but Dr. 
 Cutler insisted that one-thirty-sixth of the land should be ap- 
 plied to that purpose. He also insisted on two townships as a 
 foundation for a University, and was at great pains to prejoare 
 a charter for that institution. In a letter to his son Ephraim, 
 dated August 27, 1818, he says that the people are indebted 
 solely to his efforts for that appropriation. It is quite evi- 
 dent that these lines of public policy were cherished by him, 
 and it is reasonable to claim that he improved the opportunity 
 to incorporate them in the organic law. 
 
 It must be borne in mind that, while the associates were all 
 officers of the army, and men of intelligence and experience, 
 as well as correct principles, they selected their agent from 
 another calling in life. True he had served as Chaplain in the 
 Revolutionary Army, but his life and labors were identified 
 and spent with that remarkable class of men known as the 
 New England or Puritan Clergy. They were, as a body, re- 
 markable, because, at that time and previously, they exerted a 
 greater influence in shaping the characters and giving direc- 
 tion to the active energies of a Avhole people than any other 
 class of citizens. They had carefully considered and con- 
 stantly presented to the people the essential principles of hu- 
 man rights, of personal liberty, as Avell as the necessity of 
 obedience to law ; in a word, all the firm foundations upon 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 347 
 
 which a republic can stand. As a support to these principles, 
 they had organized and maintained a system of popular edu- 
 cation extending from the common school to institutions of 
 the highest culture. Their influence over the people resulted 
 from religious convictions, and permeated every fiber of social, 
 civil, and political life. They were not politicians, did not 
 claim to be statesmen, yet governmental institutions were 
 molded by their precepts. 
 
 Kamsey, in his " History of the American Revolution," fully 
 supports this view of the prevailing influence of the Clergy. 
 He says :* " The Clergy of New England were a numerous, 
 learned, and respectable body, Avho had a great ascendency 
 over the minds of their hearers. They connected religion and 
 patriotism, and their sermons and prayers represented the 
 cause of America as the cause of Heaven." 
 
 It is reasonable to suppose that, when the opportunity was 
 presented, for one of the Clergy to appear before Congress to 
 negotiate for the terms and conditions of future homes for his 
 associates, he would follow the line of his own personal con- 
 victions and insist upon the very educational and moral forces 
 that are found in the Ordinance. 
 
 The origin of the anti-slavery clause in the Ordinance has 
 been a subject of general interest, and is of suflicient im- 
 portance to demand careful examination. . The popular mis- 
 apprehension that its authorship belongs to Jeff"erson is scarcely 
 worthy of discussion, when it is matter of history that he Avas 
 in France at the time the Ordinance was passed, and the only 
 connection he had with the subject is to be found in Resolu- 
 tions having in view the same general purpose of a north- 
 western government, passed in 1784, which contained nothing in 
 relation to slavery, although a provision was reported by the 
 committee, consisting of Messrs. Jefi'erson, Chase, and Howell, 
 virtually giving permission for slavery to enter the territory, but 
 to be excluded after the year 1800. Even this was defeated, 
 and posterity has much more reason for gratitude for the de- 
 feat than the report of so dangerous a principle in the organic 
 law. This is quite evident from the fact that, even with the 
 
 * Vol. I., p. ] 99. 
 
348 Life of Rev. 31anasseJi Cutler. 
 
 prohibition in the Ordinance of July 1-3, 1787, the attempt 
 was made, under the auspices of Jefferson, at the time of the 
 adoption of the first constitution for the State of Ohio, to in- 
 troduce slavery into the state. This effort Avas supported by 
 Jefferson's favorite theory of states' rights. The advocates of 
 the measure claimed that, as soon as the state assumed its own 
 autonomy and became a sovereign among others, it had the 
 right to decide upon the provisions of an ordinance which was 
 the act of only one party, the general government. The cen- 
 tral and southern portions of the state then had a majority of 
 the population, and the labor of slaves would have suited the 
 interests of their fertile valleys, while the political prospects 
 of the new and rising " states' rights democracy " would have 
 been advanced by holding out such a premium for emigration 
 from Virginia and Kentucky. 
 
 The rejection of Jefferson's efforts, both in Congress and in 
 Ohio, was a deliverance from impending danger. To what 
 source, then, can this governmental policy of the exclusion of 
 slavery from the north-west be traced ? This is not simply or 
 mainly an inquiry into the personal opinions that prevailed at 
 that time. Anti-slavery sentiment was then in the ascendant. 
 No one could claim exclusive possession of it. 
 
 The first appearance of a proposition to incorporate the 
 sentiment as a measure of governmental policy into the or- 
 ganic laws of the north-west, or, in fact, of any organic law 
 in this country, is found in the scheme drawn up by Timothy 
 Pickerincr, for the organization of a new state in the Ohio 
 Country, as stated in his letter dated April 7, 1783. " The 
 total exclusion of slavery from the state to form an essential 
 and irrevocable part of the constitution " were the words thus 
 presented for the consideration of the very men who orig- 
 inated the whole of the great enterprise of carving out a new 
 state from the eastern portion of that " great and wide wil- 
 derness," and converting it into homes for themselves and 
 their neighbors. 
 
 The anti-slavery feature of the governmental plan must 
 have been discussed and understood at the time. The officers 
 must have known of it, and approved it, when they signed 
 their petition dated June 16, over two months after the circu- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 349 
 
 lation of Pickering's scheme. Washington must have been 
 familiar with the views of his associates, whose cause he es- 
 poused in presenting the petition, and " exerting every power he 
 was master of" in obtaining for it a favorable consideration. 
 
 Following this movement of the officers in securing the or- 
 ganization of a " 7iei.v state," from its inception, as clearly 
 established by contemporaneous records, to the subsequent 
 organization of the Ohio Company of Associates, it is no 
 stretch of imagination or fact to claim that when this scheme 
 of a '•'• neio state" was committed to the hands of the chosen 
 Agent of the men who originated it, that that Agent should 
 enter upon his work in full possession of the views and wishes 
 of his associates, which were all in accord with his oAvn, and 
 that he should make every effort to secure the adoption b}^ Con- 
 gress of so vital a provision as that which was shadowed forth by 
 Pickering's paper. That paper contained the first written em- 
 bodiment of a common sentiment in the form of organic law. 
 
 It is well to bear in mind that the scheme of the officers was 
 not simply one to provide for individual necessities. It em- 
 braced the broader proposition of a " new state," an " intended 
 government." Doubtless there were honorable aspirations of 
 future control, position, and legitimate expectations of personal 
 benefits that might result from the great hazard they were en- 
 countering. All these considerations would lead them to look 
 well to the foundations. It is, therefore, only a reasonable 
 presumption that Dr. Cutler, acting as their Agent, should ex- 
 ert himself in the direction of establishing those fundamental 
 principles which were forever to remain the basis of all " laws, 
 constitutions, and ordinances," of the intended government. 
 When he reached New York on his important errand, ho found 
 that the southern or slave states were masters of the situation. 
 The legislative power was in their hands, as shown by the 
 record of July 13. Five of the eight states voting on the 
 adoption of the ordinance were slave states ; why did it re- 
 ceive their unanimous approval ? 
 
 Dr. Cutler's journey was not a sentimental one, or in any • 
 sense sectional or political, much less a crusade against neigh- 
 bors or institutions. He took over forty letters of introduc- 
 tion to prominent and influential men ; of these, three were to 
 the members of Congress from Virginia. His journal shows 
 
350 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 that he paid special attention to these gentlemen — Carrington, 
 Lee, and Grayson — and '' members from the southward." The 
 record shows that a majority of a newly organized committee, 
 witli Carrington at its head, were from the slave states. 
 
 Mr. Dane's* lettei; to Rufus King, dated July 16, 1787, 
 throws light upon the subject. It is quite evident that Mr. 
 Dane was not consulted as to the anti-slavery clause. He 
 says : '' I had no idea that the states Avould agree to the sixth 
 article prohibiting slavery, as only Massachusetts of the east- 
 ern states was present, and therefore omitted it in the draft ; 
 but, finding the house favorably disposed on this subject, after 
 we had completed the other parts, I moved the article, and it 
 was agreed to without opposition." Mr. Dane says : " I moved 
 the article." Now, it must be borne in mind that Mr. Dane 
 was a member of a committee to whom the legislative body 
 had referred the Avhole subject of the ordinance. Being a 
 member of that committee, the strong probability is that he 
 would not have moved that amendment without first consulting 
 his committee. An outside member might have done so ; but 
 courtesy to his colleagues on the committee required him to 
 consult them before making such a motion. Such was un- 
 doubtedly the case, so that the motion really came from the 
 committee through him to the house ; and it was not prompted 
 by himself, as acting on his individual responsibility. 
 
 The important inquiry, therefore, is, whence came this 
 unanimity by a committee, a majority of whom were normally 
 hostile to the sixth article ? In fact, the Congress itself had 
 shown a decided hostility to this measure more than once prior 
 to this occasion. Mr. Dane seems to so understand the situa- 
 tion, for he says : " I had no idea that the states would agree to 
 the sixth article prohibiting slavery," and assigns as a reason, 
 " as only Massachusetts of the eastern states was present." 
 The explanation is easily found in the fact that Massachusetts 
 had another agent on the ground, who had exerted such posi- 
 tive influence with the southern members that the whole ques- 
 tion was settled quietly, without discussion, without sectional 
 
 * See Mr. Dane's letter to Mr. King, at the close of this chapter, as 
 copied from the New York Tribune. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 351 
 
 appeal, and was controlled by the paramount interests and 
 considerations that then surrounded the whole subject. Dr. Cut- 
 ler did not go to Massachusetts for anti-slavery action, or for 
 land purchase. He went directly to Virginia, and to members 
 from the " southward." They were men that could, and did, 
 listen to an intelligent presentation of a most important na- 
 tional enterprise, and they possessed the patriotism and in- 
 tegrity of character that raised them above a mere sectional 
 view of the matter. 
 
 In this letter to Rufus King, Mr. Dane also refers to Dr. 
 Cutler's application for the purchase of Ohio lands as follows : 
 " The Ohio Company appeared to purchase a large tract of the 
 Federal lands, about six or seven millions of acres. . . . 
 We are in a fair way to fix the terms of our Ohio sale, etc. 
 We have been upon it for three days steadily. The magni- 
 tude of the purchase makes us very cautious about the terms 
 of it, and the security necessary to insure the performance of 
 them." This shows the intimate connection that existed be- 
 tween the governmental ordinance and the land purchase. 
 First came the question of laying such foundations for social 
 and civil well-being, in the entire future, as would be accept- 
 able to the " adventurers," as they were then known. 
 
 No attempt seems to have been made for a land purchase 
 until the more important governmental foundations were laid; 
 then came the terms of sale, involving price, quantity, loca- 
 tion, terms of payment, security, and other considerations — 
 all of which seem to have been canvassed openly and thor- 
 oughly. Mr. Dane says, " we have been upon it for three 
 days steadily." Dr. Cutler's journal shows that it was not 
 consummated until July 23, ten days after the passage of the 
 governmental ordinance. 
 
 Mr. Dane says : " The magnitude of the purchase makes us 
 very cautious about the terms of it." Dr. Cutler's journal 
 shows that he was equally cautious. The result shows that, 
 in a fair, honorable, and straightforward transaction, both par- 
 ties endeavored to secure and promote the best interests of 
 their several constituencies. Congress was satisfied to impart 
 an actual cash value to the only resource then within their 
 control, at a fair price for so large a quantity, and to open up 
 
852 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 tlieir vast and unoccupied real estate to future purchasers and 
 occupants. The purchasers were satisfied to convert their 
 final certificates, then nearly Avorthless — although the price of 
 their blood and toils — into future homes. 
 
 The motives that induced Virginia to take the lead in this 
 important enterprise are found in the protection that would he 
 afforded to her exposed frontier from savage attacks. This 
 Avas clearly pointed out by General Putnam in his letter to 
 General Washington, and must have been approved by him 
 and the Virginia members. Virginia, under the leadership of 
 Washington, had entered upon a wise and comprehensive pol- 
 icy of internal improvement, designed to secure the trade of 
 the Ohio valley and the North-west to Virginia seaports. Ad- 
 ditional value Avould also be imparted to her bounty lands 
 lying betAveen the Scioto and Little Miami. Add to these the 
 personal sympathy of Washington for the success of his old 
 associates, as Avell as his OAvn landed interests in the Ohio 
 valley, and Ave find plain business considerations that con- 
 trolled at that time this most important decision. And all 
 evidence points to Dr. Manasseh Cutler as the agent Avho care- 
 fully, skillfully, and successfully conducted these negotiations 
 and brought about their results. 
 
 By referring to sources of information as above indicated, 
 we have sufficient evidence, first, that the officers of the conti- 
 nental army were the originators of the grand scheme of occu- 
 pation and cultivation of the "back country;" second, that 
 their scheme involved distinctly the idea and plan of a " ncAV 
 state," an "intended government,' as clearly expressed in 
 their petition ; third, that the positive prohibition of slavery 
 was one of the organic ideas to be introduced into their 
 " intended government," and made forever irrevocable; fourth, 
 of the two hundred and eighty-five signers of that petition, 
 tAvo hundred and thirty-one Avere from the eastern or Ncav 
 England states ; fifth, a like proportion of the subscribers to 
 the funds of the Ohio Company of Associates Avere from the 
 same localities. It is a reasonable inference from these prem- 
 ises that so important a principle, one so universally accepted 
 by all the interested parties, as the total prohibition of slavery 
 
Life of Rev. IfanasseJi Cutler > 353 
 
 ill the constitution of their new state, shouhl have been cher- 
 ished and kept alive during the preparatory interval from 
 April, 1783, to July, 1787, when their views could be 
 presented to Congress ; and that their wishes should be 
 urged upon Congress by their Agent. It is also true that 
 other important lines of public policy, as connected Avith the 
 " back country." can be traced to the same source. 
 
 General Putnam, in his letter to General Washington, June 
 16, 1783, says : " The Petitioners hope that no grant will be 
 made but by townships six miles square." He also speaks of 
 a portion of each township for " the university and schools.'" 
 Colonel Pickering in his scheme contemplates the use of lands 
 for " establishing schools and academies." There can be no 
 doubt that all the moral and educational influences, as well as 
 " human rights," entered into and were essential factors of a 
 scheme that embraced the transfer of their cherished principles 
 and policies of civil and social life, along with themselves, to 
 these distant homes. 
 
 So far as the introduction of the anti-slavery idea into the 
 proceedings of Congress is concerned, it can be traced to the 
 report made by Jefferson, Howell, and Chase, and adopted on 
 April 23, 1784. Subsequently, Mr. King offered a proposition 
 for a total prohibition of slavery, but it was not adopted ; so 
 that Congressional action, up to 1787, had been barren of any 
 practical results. It is highly probable that Mr. King was 
 stimulated to make his effort by a correspondence with his 
 friend, Colonel Pickering, who urges him, " for God's sake, 
 then, let one more effort be made to prevent so terrible a 
 calamity" as the introduction of slavery into the North-west. 
 There Avas, undoubtedly, a free interchange of views betAveen 
 those Avho Avere invested Avith the responsibilities of legislation 
 and those who expected to make a practical application of any 
 policy that might be adopted, both in regard to survey and 
 sale of land and the government of the territory ; but the evi- 
 dence seems strongly to shoAv that the credit of giving practi- 
 cal direction and application to ideas and principles then of 
 common acceptation, is to be accorded to that intelligent and 
 competent association of men who planned and executed the 
 23 
 
354 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Ohio scheme, and their success was largely the result of the 
 labors of their Agent. 
 
 Another important principle is announced in the ordinance, 
 the origin or occasion for which is worthy of some attention. 
 The third article provides that : " The utmost good faith shall 
 be observed toward the Indians ; their lands and property 
 shall never be taken from them without their consent ; and in 
 their property rights and liberty they shall never be invaded 
 or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars authorized by 
 Congress ; but laws founded in justice and humanity shall 
 from time to time be made for preventing wrongs being done 
 them, and for preserving peace and friendship with them." 
 We have thus distinctly marked out what has received in more 
 modern days the title of a " peace policy " toward the Indians. 
 
 Is it probable that in making his terms with Congress, Dr. 
 Cutler would take this subject into consideration ? 
 
 The following letter, addressed by General Putnam to Mr. 
 Heckewelder, the Moravian missionary, then laboring among 
 the Indians, presents the views and policies of the Ohio Com- 
 pany, and will be seen to correspond very closely with the 
 principles as established in the ordinance. The letter is dated, 
 " Sumrell's Ferry, Youghiogheny River, Feb. 29, 1788," and 
 is as follows : " I have read with pleasure a pamphlet entitled, 
 ' Stated Rules of the Society of the United Brethren for 
 propagating the Gospel among the Heathen,' which you was 
 so obliging as to present to Mr. Foster (one of the Ohio Com- 
 pany when he was at Bethlehem on his way to the Western 
 country in January last). I was also very happy to find by 
 that gentleman's account that you entertain a favorable opin- 
 ion of the settlement our company are about to make on the 
 Muskingum River. Be assured, sir, that the directors of the 
 Ohio Company entertain the most friendly disposition toward 
 the natives, and nothing could give them greater satisfaction 
 than to see a friendly correspondence established between the 
 company and their Indian neighbors ; such a correspondence 
 as would be a mutual benefit to each other ; and there are 
 some circumstances Avhich I conceive are in our favor. Per- 
 haps no people can be found who are better calculated to be- 
 gin a settlement in the neighborhood of the Indians than 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 355 
 
 those from New England, for the following reasons : Because 
 as the Indians having received no injuries from our people, 
 they of consequence can have no cause for revenge upon any 
 of us for past affronts, and also because the New England 
 people being farmers and mechanics, and not hunters, they 
 will not be likeiv to interfere with the Indian interests as would 
 people of a different character; because from its origin the 
 company set out with the determination to treat the Indians 
 fairly, and are so far from wishing to injure them, that, on the 
 contrary, they feel disposed to guard and protect them against 
 every thing that can be injurious or prejudicial to them. Per- 
 haps these ideas may be thought erroneous by those who are 
 better acquainted with the Indians than I am, but be that as 
 it may, for my OAvn part I most sincerely wish, and shall do 
 every thing in my power, to have the Indians fairly treated — 
 which line of conduct I shall regard as the one most for the in- 
 terest of the proprietors of the company. I wish the lands 
 may be purchased from them on the principles of bargain and 
 sale, and not wrested from thein as a condition of giving them 
 peace, and that an experiment of fair dealing may be tried 
 ■with tbese people. I have great hopes from the treaty on 
 foot." 
 
 We are here presented with a declaration, on the part of the 
 company's Superintendent, embracing every essential princi- 
 ple as to dealing with the Indians that is found in the ordi- 
 nance. The presumption is certainly strong that both Agents 
 of the company were acting in concert, the one to secure a 
 proper line of policy from the general government, the other 
 to apply the policy, so far as the company was concerned. A 
 strong motive to pursue this plan with the natives is found in 
 the security which would thus be thrown around their settle- 
 ment, as also the profit that would arise from the peltry trade 
 with them. 
 
 " The navigable waters leading into the Mississippi and St. 
 Lawrence, and the carrying-places between the same, shall 
 be common highways and forever free, as well to the inhabit- 
 ants of said territory as to the citizens of the United States, 
 and those of any other state that may be admitted into the 
 confederacy, without any tax, impost, or duty therefor." This 
 
356 Life of Rev. Maiiasseh Cutler. 
 
 provision in the Ordinance was a distinct announcement of 
 that line of public policy "whicli has resulted in unrestricted 
 commercial intercourse between all the states of the republic. 
 It had been adopted by a separate resolution, passed May 12, 
 1786, but was not reported in the Resolutions of April 23^ 
 1784, or in the ordinance reported April 26, 1787. Subse- 
 quently, the same general principle took the form, in the 
 Constitution of the United States, of that provision which 
 places the poAver to "regulate commerce among the several 
 states " in Congress. 
 
 The provision in the "Articles of Confederation " was as 
 follows : 
 
 " The people of each state shall have free ingress and egress 
 to and from any other state, and shall enjoy therein all the 
 privileges of trade and commerce, subject to the same duties, 
 impositions, and restrictions as the inhabitants thereof, re- 
 spectively ; provided, that such restrictions shall not extend 
 so far as to prevent the removal of property imported into 
 any state to any other state of Avhich the owner is an inhab- 
 itant ; provided, also, that no imposition, duties, or restric- 
 tions shall be laid by any state on the property of the United 
 States, or either of them." 
 
 Without entering into a discussion of these different pro- 
 visions relating to the internal commerce of the country, it is 
 quite evident that theframcrs of the Ordinance of 1787 had the 
 subject in view and regarded it of sufficient importance to re- 
 ceive definite and decisive action. It affords evidence that 
 they looked over the Avhole ground and gave attention to every 
 principle of public policy that could affect the future welfare 
 of the north-west. 
 
 In tracing to its origin this important provision, it will be 
 found that there were at that time two sources from which it 
 w^as probably derived. One was the Ohio Company of Asso- 
 ciates : the other, the statesmen who at that time controlled 
 the policy of Virginia. Evidences of the cordial co-operation 
 of these parties abound in the course of this narrative. 
 
 In this matter of free and unrestricted commercial inter- 
 course, these relations were very intimate. The Ohio valley 
 promised to be the "back country," the support to Virginia 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 357 
 
 seaports. To secure the benefits of this inland commerce, she 
 was at the time actually engaged in a system of internal im- 
 provements looking to that end. For several years after the 
 first settlement, Alexandria was the entrepot of the valley. 
 That all this was anticipated, both by the projectors of the 
 Ohio Company and their Virginia supporters, will appear 
 from frequent allusion to the subject by both parties. 
 
 In his efforts to procure subscribers to the funds of the Ohio 
 Company. Dr. Cutler found it necessary to prepare and circulate 
 a pamphlet [see Appendix\ descriptive of the new country. 
 Referring to the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, he says : 
 " These two sources of the Ohio are large, navigable streams ; 
 the former, flowing from the south-east, leaves but thirty miles 
 portage from tlie navigable waters of the Potomac, in Vir- 
 ginia ; the latter opens a passage from the north-east, and 
 rises not far from the headwaters of the Susquehanna. The 
 State of Pennsylvania has already adopted the plan of open- 
 ing a navigation from the Allegheny River to the City of 
 Philadelphia through the Susquehanna and the Delaware. 
 In this route there will be a portage of only twenty-four 
 miles." 
 
 He speaks of the Muskingum as a " gentle river, 
 navigable by large bateaux and barges to the Three Legs, and 
 by small streams to the lake at its head. From thence, by a 
 portage of about one mile, a communication is opened to Lake 
 Erie through the Cuyahoga." He speaks of the portage at 
 the head of the Scioto, to connect with the Sandusky, as 
 " only four miles." 
 
 "The communication between this country and the sea will 
 be principally in the four following directions : 
 
 "'1. The route through the Scioto and Muskingum to Lake 
 Erie and the Hudson. 
 
 " 2. The passage up the Ohio and Monongahela to the portage 
 above mentioned, which leads to the navigable waters of the 
 Potomac. This portage is thirty miles, and will probably be 
 rendered much less by the execution of the plans now on foot 
 for opening the navigation of these waters. 
 
 " 3. The Great Kanawha, which falls into the Ohio from the 
 Virginia shore between the Hockhocking and the Scioto, opens 
 
358 Life of Hev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 an extensive navigation from the south-east and leaves but 
 eighteen miles portage from the navigable waters of James 
 River, in Virginia." 
 
 The fourth channel referred to was the current of the Ohio 
 and Mississippi Rivers. 
 
 The only means then in use for prosecuting the internal 
 commerce of the country, which was mainly the peltry trade, 
 was by ascending water-courses as far as the depth of water 
 would allow in lightly-built canoes, then transferring the 
 freight across a divide to a similar stream running in an oppo- 
 site direction. This accounts for the use of the phrase " car- 
 rying-places" in the Ordinance. Dr. Cutler designates them 
 as " portages." It is thus quite evident that he was familiar 
 Avith this mode of transportation, and the strong probability 
 is that he was careful to secure its absolute freedom in the 
 Ordinance. To his associates it was a matter of great im- 
 portance. 
 
 General Putnam, in his letter to Fisher Ames (see Appen- 
 dix), alludes to this subject : "And there is not the least doubt 
 but, when the navigation of the Potomack is completed with 
 the carrying-place to the Monongahela, according to the plan 
 of the undertakers, the transport of goods into the western 
 country will be lowered fifty per cent." It will be observed 
 that General Putnam uses the phrase " carrying-place," as 
 connected with " the plan of the undertakers." Under date 
 of March 8, 1785, Colonel Pickering, in a letter to Rufus- 
 King, refers to this subject : " Water communication in that 
 country will always be in the highest degree interesting to its 
 inhabitants. It seems very necessary to secure the freedom 
 of navigating the rivers to all the inhabitants of all the states. 
 I hope we shall have no Scheldts in that country." 
 
 The foregoing extracts show clearly enough that this idea of 
 free commercial intercourse was cherished by the projectors 
 of the Ohio Company from its earliest inception to its con- 
 summation. 
 
 It is proper now to notice the attitude of the other parties, 
 who, at that time, were especiall}^ interested in the subject. 
 
 In a letter to Colonel Humphreys, dated July 25, 1785, 
 General Washington expresses his views as follows : " My at- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 359 
 
 tention is more immediately engaged in a project which, I 
 think, big with great political as Avell as commercial conse- 
 quences to the states, especially the middle ones ; it is, by re- 
 moving the obstructions and extending the inland navigation 
 of our rivers, to bring the states on the Atlantic in close 
 connection with those forming to the westward, by a short and 
 easy transportation.''* 
 
 In a letter to Mr. Jefferson, dated January 1, 1788, he dis- 
 cusses " the practicability of opening a communication be- 
 tween Lake Erie and the Ohio." 
 
 In a letter, dated January 10, 1788, to Richard Butler, who 
 was acting as agent among the Indians, he requests specific 
 information on the following points : 
 
 " 1. What is the face of the country between the sources or 
 canoe navigation of the Cuyahoga, which empties itself into 
 Lake Erie and the Big Beaver, and between the Cuyahoga and 
 the Muskingum ? 
 
 " 2. The distance between the waters of the Cuyahoga and 
 each of the two rivers above mentioned? 
 
 " 3. Would it be practicable, and not very expensive, to cut 
 a canal between the Cuyahoga and either of the above rivers, 
 so as to open a communication between the waters of Lake 
 Erie and the Ohio ? 
 
 " 4. Whether there is any more direct, practicable, and easy 
 communication than these, between the waters of Lake Erie 
 and those of the Ohio, by which the fur and peltry trade of 
 the upper country can be transported ?"f 
 
 These extracts could be multiplied largely, all showing the 
 very great interest felt by Washington at that time in secur- 
 ing the trade of the west to the seaports of his own state. 
 His letter to Governor Harrison, October 10, 1784, presents a 
 comprehensive view of the whole subject •,% and his acceptance 
 of the charge of the work of improving the Potomac is evi- 
 dence of the great personal interest he felt in developing the 
 commercial interests of Virginia. A marked feature in all 
 
 *Sparks, Vol IX., p. 114. f Sparks, Vol. IX., p. 303. 
 
 J Sparks, Vol. IX., p. 58. 
 
360 Life of Rev. Manassch Cutler. 
 
 this is the coincidence of views between those who represented 
 the interests of the Ohio Company and their old Commander-in- 
 Chief, and clearly shoAvs a co-operation of interests that had 
 its full influence in laying the foundations of future prosperity 
 in the Great Valley. In all this, Massachusetts and Virginia 
 worked kindly and efficiently together. There were no per- 
 sonal antagonisms in the way. Local and sectional prefer- 
 ences and jealousies gave way to the attainment of a com- 
 mon object. That object was a grand one, and was shared 
 alike by themselves and all others of the sisterhood of states. 
 
 Another inquiry presents itself in connection with the in- 
 fluence that was exerted by the Ohio Company and its Agent 
 upon those features of the Ordinance of 1787 Avhich asserted 
 and put into active exercise the powers and duties of a nation, 
 as distinguished from " independent and sovereign states." 
 
 The. "Articles of Confederation," simply organized separate 
 and independent colonies or states into a Confederacy. This 
 Confederacy could exercise only such power as was specially 
 granted to it by the states. This power rested with the 
 " United States in Congress assembled." The power granted 
 and duties imposed referred mainly to the exigencies of the 
 great struggle for Independence. The Confederac}^ could 
 issue a currency, based upon, promises to pay, but had no 
 power to levy and collect taxes as a basis of " public credit." 
 
 This poverty of resources drove them very early to cast 
 about for something on which to found a " credit." The only 
 object within reach was the vast interior, the real estate em- 
 braced in the Territory North-west of the Ohio River. 
 
 It is a matter of considerable interest to trace briefly the 
 action of Congress on the subject, which resulted in asserting 
 and exercising the power of a sovereign over this " vacant 
 territory ;" and in doing it they went beyond any authority 
 conferred by the Articles of Confederation. It will be found 
 that the first exercise of a sovereign power over that territory 
 was in the sale of a large tract to the Ohio Company, and in 
 the passage of the ordinance for its government, both parts of 
 the same transaction, and controlled by the same influences. 
 
 On the 6th of September, 1780, the Committee, to Avhom 
 were referred the instructions of Maryland to their delegates 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 361 
 
 in Congress and a remonstrance of the General Assembly of 
 Virginia, declines to examine into the claims of Virginia to 
 the " Western Country," but urges " a liberal surrender of a 
 portion of their territorial claims," and reminds them how " in- 
 dispensably necessary it is to establish the Federal Union on 
 a fixed and permanent basis, and on principles acceptable to 
 all its members ; how essential to public credit and confidence, 
 to the support of our own army, to the vigor of our counsels, 
 and to the success of our measures, to our tranquillity at 
 home, our reputation abroad, to our very existence as a free, 
 sovereign, and independent people," that the " impediment aris- 
 ing from the western country " should be removed. Maryland 
 had urged " that Virginia, by selling on the most moderate 
 terms a small proportion of the lands in question, would draw 
 into her treasury vast sums of money ; and in proportion to 
 the sums arising from such sales, would be enabled to lessen 
 her taxes." She also asserted the view v>'hich, in the end, was 
 accepted : " We are convinced that policy and justice require 
 that a country unsettled at the commencement of the war, 
 claimed by the British crown, and ceded to it by the treaty of 
 Paris, if wrested from the common enemy by the blood and 
 treasure of the thirteen states, should be considered a com- 
 mon property, subject to be parceled out by Congress into 
 free, convenient, and independent governments, in such man- 
 ner and at such times as the w^isdom of that assembly shall 
 hereafter direct." 
 
 On September 8, 1782, a Grand Committee, composed of one 
 from each state, reported the following as one of several prop- 
 ositions : " That it is their opinion that the Western lands, if 
 ceded to the United States, might contribute toward a fund 
 for the paying the debts of these states." 
 
 The following was offered by Mr. Witherspoon as a substi- 
 tute : " That if the several states claiming the exclusive prop- 
 erty of the Western lands would make cessions of them to the 
 United States, it would be an important fund for the discharge 
 of the National debt." This change from " debts of these 
 states " to " national debt," indicates an advance toward 
 nationality ; and, in connection with the " Western lands," is 
 ^'■public credit," as based on a common property. 
 
362 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 On the 24tli of April, 1783, a Committee, consisting of 
 Messrs. Madison, Ellsworth, and Hamilton, refer to the "na- 
 tional debt," and state their reliance for its extinguishment 
 to be upon "' vacant territory." 
 
 On the 13th of September, 1783, Mr. Carroll offered a 
 proposition asserting that : " The United States have succeeded 
 to the sovereignty over the western territory, and are thereby 
 vested as one undivided and independent nation with all and 
 every power and right exercised by tlie King of Great Britain 
 over said Territory." He also asserts that this territory, " if 
 properly managed, Avill enable the United States to comply 
 with their promises of land to their officers and soldiers ; will 
 relieve their citizens from much weight of taxation ; will be a 
 means of restoring national credit ; and if cast into new 
 states, will tend to increase the happiness of mankind, by ren- 
 dering the purchase of land easy, and the possession of lib- 
 erty permanent." This sounds very much like a Declaration 
 of Nationality., based upon a sovereign right over a vast do- 
 main, to be used for common benefit, and governed as " one 
 undivided and independent nation." 
 
 On the 5th of April, 1784, a Grand Committee report: 
 " That Congress still consider vacant territory as a capital re- 
 source ; and this, too, is the time when our confederacy, with 
 all the territory included within its limits, should assume its 
 ultimate and permanent form." 
 
 It would be interesting to know just what was meant by 
 " its ultimate and permanent form." Was this another finger- 
 board pointing to nationality^ in connection with vacant terri- 
 tory .^ 
 
 The Resolutions for a form of government, reported by 
 Messrs. Jefferson, Howell, and Chase, were adopted April 23, 
 1784. While they were under discussion, Mr. Read, of South 
 Carolina, offered the following proposition : " That, until such 
 time as the settlers aforesaid shall have adopted the constitution 
 and laws of some one of the original states as aforesaid for a 
 temporary government, the said settlers shall be ruled by 
 magistrates to be, appointed by the United States in Congress 
 assembled, and under such laws and regulations as the United 
 States in Congress assembled shall direct." This was a clear 
 
Life of Rev. JfJanasseh Cutler. 363 
 
 and distinct assertion of a sovereign right, on the part of the 
 United States in Congress assembled, to govern the settlers 
 prior to their adoption of a constitution ; but it was voted 
 down, Pennsylvania and Maryland alone voting for it. 
 But the following proposition, offered by Mr. Geri-y, was 
 adopted : " That measures not inconsistent with the principles 
 of the Confederation, and necessary for the preservation of 
 peace and good order among the settlers in any of the 
 said new states, until they assume a temporary government as 
 aforesaid, may, from time to time, be taken by the United 
 States in Congress assembled." Aside from this modified and 
 partial expression of Congressional sovereignty, the Resolu- 
 tions of April 23, 1784, placed the exercise of governmental 
 powers in the hands of the settlers, restricted only by the six 
 articles of a compact. 
 
 On the 20th of May, 1785, Congress passed "An Ordinance 
 for ascertaining the mode of disposing of lands in the Western 
 Territory." This was dealing with the lands as property. 
 Congress assumed and exercised a right of applying a system 
 of surveys and sales, but the rights of ownership were not 
 fully asserted. Deeds were to be made out by the loan officers 
 of the different states as real proprietors. An exception was 
 made to this rule in cases of military claimants not belonging 
 to the line of any state, and of claimants from the hospital 
 department. In those cases, deeds were made out by the Sec- 
 retary of War. Congress also reserved " one-seventh for the ' 
 use of the late continental army;" also, "Four lots, 8, 11, 26, 
 and 29, out of each Township, for the United States ;" also set 
 apart section sixteen for schools, and reserved " one-third of 
 all gold, silver, lead, and copper mines," to be disposed of " as 
 Congress shall direct." 
 
 The remaining lands were to be drawn for in the names of 
 the several states in the proportions of their late previous re- 
 quisitions, and were to be advertised for sale at the Court- 
 houses in every County, and in one newspaper in each state. 
 Payments were to be made to the several loan officers of the 
 states, and Deeds Avere to be made out by them to the pur- 
 chaser. 
 
 By a Resolution of April 21, 1787, it was provided that the 
 
364 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 lands should be advertised in at least one of the newspapers 
 of each state ; the sale to be made " in the place where Con- 
 gress shall sit;" the purchase-money to be paid "to the 
 Treasurer of the said States ;" and " titles to the lands shall 
 be given to the 'purchasers by the board of Treasurj^'"' 
 
 In all these expressions of congressional policy, there can 
 be traced an approach toward the full exercise of national 
 rights over this " common propcriij.''^ It was evidently a period 
 of transition, during which the ideas and policies of state 
 rights, as they had been cherished in the past, were yielding 
 to the necessities and demands of a Union that Avould give 
 strength, security, and perpetuity to a Nation. 
 
 The next important action of Congress or expression of 
 opinion upon this important subject is found in the passage of 
 the ordinance of July 13, 1787, and of ordinances subsequently 
 adopted, for the sale of lands to the Ohio Company. In the 
 governmental ordinance, the principles asserted by Mr. Read, 
 in his proposed amendment to the resolution of April 23j 1784, 
 " that the settlers should be ruled by magistrates to be ap- 
 pointed by the United States," and " under such rules and 
 regulations as Congress shall direct," were in effect adopted. 
 The Governor, Secretar}^, Judges, and Council received their 
 appointments and pay either directly or indirectly from Con- 
 gress, who also reserved a veto power. The qualifications of 
 Electors are fixed by Congress, and so restricted as to favor 
 the continuance of political power in the hands of permanent 
 residents. A fully organized form of government, with a Bill 
 of Rights, was imposed by the sovereign power upon the vacant 
 territory. The contract for sale of a large tract of the lands 
 to the Ohio Company was made in direct violation of the ordi- 
 nance of May 20, 1785, although that ordinance was in force 
 at the time and remained so until July 9, 1788. In the sale to 
 the Ohio Company, the system of surveys was retained, but 
 the " state rio;hts " feature Avas iujnored. The Deed or Patent 
 for tlic whole tract, as well as the contract of purchase, came 
 directly from the United States, and the purchase-money paid 
 to them. 
 
 Without claiming that the individual opinions or efforts of 
 the Associates composing the Ohio Company actually brought 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 365 
 
 about this first application of Congressional Sovereignty over 
 the vast interior, it is a reasonable supposition that their influ- 
 ence "would be exerted in that direction. So far as the land 
 purchase is concerned, it never would have been made under 
 the provisions of the ordinance of May 20, 1785. The Asso- 
 ciates certainly would not have undertaken to deal with thirteen 
 different proprietors, attended auction sales, or accepted alter- 
 nate townships. 
 
 The amount of land required by the Ohio Company, in order 
 to carry out their scheme, was quite equal to the entire area 
 of the Seven Ranges, so that Congress was compelled to assume 
 the control of this " common property," make terms entirely 
 independent of the states, or lose a most favorable opportunity 
 for disposing of its vacant territory. It was just as necessary 
 to yield to the wishes and plans of the " associates " in the 
 governmental system that was to be imposed upon their future 
 homes, as it was to meet their views in regard to land purchase. 
 In both respects, then, was harmony of action, and it was an 
 important advance toward that "time" anticipated by the 
 Grand Committee of April 5, 1784, "when our Confederacy, 
 with all the territory included vfithin its limits, should assume 
 its ultimate and permanent form." 
 
 The dream of the officers, as expressed in the Petition of 
 June, 1783, that their " new state westAvard of the Ohio River 
 might form a part of and be of lasting consequence to the 
 American Empire," was becoming a reality. 
 
 It was at this stage of Congressional action that Dr. Cutler 
 indulged in the " sublime contemplation of beholding the 
 whole territory of the United States settled by an enlightened 
 people and continued under one government." The supple- 
 mentary ordinance of July 9, 1788, brushed away the last rem- 
 nant of " states' rights " in a common property, by repealing 
 so much of the ordinance of May 20, 1785, as required the 
 lands to " be drawn for in the names of the Thirteen States 
 respectively," and the sales to be made by the loan offices. 
 
 A leading motive with Dr. Cutler in demanding a clear as- 
 sertion of Congressional sovereignty at that time over the west- 
 ern country may be found in tlie following extract from his 
 journal : " The uneasiness of the Kentucky people with respect 
 
366 Life of Rev. llanasseh Cutler. 
 
 to the Mississippi was notorious. A revolt of that country 
 from the Union, if a Avar Avith Spain took place, Avas universally 
 acknoAvledged to be highly probable ; and most certainly a 
 systematic settlement of that country, conducted by men 
 strongly attached to the Federal government, and composed of 
 young, robust, hardy, and active laborers, Avho had no idea of 
 any other than the Federal government, I conceive to be an 
 object Avorthy of some attention." 
 
 This fact of the " uneasiness of the Kentucky people " is 
 clearly stated by Greneral Washington in his correspondence 
 with Governor Harrison and others. 
 
 With these vicAvs on the part of the Agent of the Asso- 
 ciates, it is very clear that,. Avhile they had no thought of any 
 other than the Federal Government for themselves, they Avere 
 not safe unless that government should assert and exercise a 
 rightful sovereignty over a territory that Avas liable to be dis- 
 turbed by schemes of secession. 
 
 In venturing out into the Avilderness, they Avanted that 
 question settled in advance, not only by an abstract declara- 
 tion that the territory should ahvays remain as part of the 
 United States, but by well-defined poAvers that Avould be put 
 into immediate exercise. They did not intend to secede, or 
 set up an independent government for themselvos, and they 
 were unwilling that others should disturb their peaceful plans 
 by any such attempt. 
 
 Another feature of the Ordinance is worthy of notice as con- 
 nected Avith Dr. Cutler's negotiations for a large purchase of 
 land. The Ohio Company had no charter, although it Avas -the 
 intention of its originators to procure an Act of Incorporation 
 from one of the states or from Congress. The land purchase 
 Avas therefore a privafe contract. The folloAving provisions in . 
 the Ordinance may be regarded as a full equivalent for a pub- 
 lic charter : "And in the just preservation of rights and prop- 
 erty it is understood and declared, that no laAv ought ever to 
 be made or have force in said territoi'y that shall in any man- 
 ner Avhatever interfere Avith or affect private contracts or en- 
 gagements bona fide and Avithout fraud previously formed." 
 
 That Dr. Cutler regarded his land purchase as a private 
 contract is very evident from an entry in his Journal, October 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 367 
 
 26, 1787, when lie paid out over $500,000 to the Board of 
 Treasury. He says it Avas " the greatest j97'u'a/e contract ever 
 made in America." 
 
 This provision was not only important to the Ohio Company 
 in their relations to Government, but they were entering upon 
 an extensive system of disposing of real estate belonging to 
 individual share-holders through agencies. This double pro- 
 cess of transmitting title suggested the necessity of a. positive 
 protection coming from a sovereign power, not leaving it to 
 the uncertainties of local legislation. The following is an ex- 
 tract from a letter written by R. H. Lee to Washington, under 
 date of July 15, 1787, two days after the passage of the Ordi- 
 nance, and consequently at a time when the whole subject was 
 fresh in his mind. He says : " I have the honor to enclose to 
 you an Ordinance that we have just passed in Congress, for 
 establishing a temporary government beyond the Ohio, as a 
 measure preparatory to the sale of lands. It seemed neces- 
 sary for the security of property among uninformed and 
 perhaps licentious people, as the greater part of those who go 
 there are, that a strong-toned government should exist and 
 the rights of property be clearly defined." (Dr. Loring's Ad- 
 dress, April 7, 1883.) 
 
 R. H. Lee was Dr. Cutler's friend and most intimate adviser, 
 who promised him " an hour's speech." He undoubtedly re- 
 flected the prevailing feeling in Congress, and it is quite evident 
 that a '■'■ strong -toned" government was intended to be formed 
 by the passage of the Ordinance. It is also evident that this 
 strong-toned government was organized " as a measure prepar- 
 atory to the sale of lands." He says, " and the rights of prop- 
 erty he clearly defined." This suited Dr. Cutler's wants, and 
 not only made up for the lack of a public charter, but was a 
 protection to the Associates in their manner of distributing 
 lands among share-holders. It was to them a ^'■just preserva- 
 tion of rights and property." 
 
 Looking over the situation as presented at that time, and 
 giving proper weight to motives of greatest urgency, it may 
 be fairly claimed that principles of Congressional or National 
 Sovereignty, as well as a careful enumeration of rights in their 
 broadest application, including full and even exceptional guar- 
 
368 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 anties to the " rigJifs of ijroperty,''' were incorporated into the 
 organic law at the instance of an Agent who was the guardian 
 and conservator of the interests, not onh' of a living constit- 
 uency, but of a waiting posterity. 
 
 It is not intended, by this effort to trace out Dr. Cutler's 
 connection with some of the leading ideas of the Ordinance, 
 to detract from the services of the wise and able men who had 
 the subject in charge as legislators. The records are too mea- 
 ger to afford full evidence of the participation of individual 
 members of Congress. Light from outside sources must be 
 sought. Grayson, in his letter to Pickering, says that "forty 
 volumes " would not contain the discussion upon the land sys- 
 tem. These discussions doubtless extended to the plans for 
 government as well as surveying. 
 
 After Dr. Cutler's arrival in New York, all previous labors 
 in the Avay of a form of government for the territory seem to 
 have been brushed aside, a new system presented, then new- 
 modeled, his own ideas incorporated, and finally passed unan- 
 imously. The scheme of settlemxcnt itself was a broad and 
 comprehensive one, covering the whole ground of a permanent 
 occupation of that distant Avilderness in the interests of a 
 Christian civilization, of republican institutions founded upon 
 the rights of man and supported by every civil and political 
 safeguard. 
 
 Up to the time of Dr. Cutler's arrival in New York, the 
 labors of Congress had brought forth abstractions and skele- 
 tons, mere outlines. It is not improbable that the presenta- 
 tion of a scheme of settlement, such as had "never before 
 been attempted in America," aroused the zeal and stimulated 
 the efforts of Congress in a more practical direction, and led 
 to the adoption of acceptable lines of policy in organizing the 
 " new state " that had been so long the dream of an army by 
 Avhose valor and sacrifices the territory had been acquired. 
 That the organic laAV should have been new-modeled, and made 
 acceptable to the men who were ready to occupy and cultivate 
 that distant territory, is not surprising. 
 
 It may be claimed for the Ordinance itself, that it is the 
 only instance in human history (Avith a single exception) Avhere 
 the laws and constitutions have been prepared beforehand, 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 369 
 
 pre-arranged, and projected into a territory prior to its occu- 
 pation by its future inhnbitants. The Divine economy did so 
 arrange, pre-ordain, and publish to His chosen people the law, 
 ordinance, and polity that was to govern them after they had 
 entered their promised land ; but, throughout the many 
 changes, migrations, and conquests under which the human 
 race has spread itself over and occupied the earth, either the 
 will of the conqueror after conquest and occupation, or the 
 growth of governmental principles subsequently, has been the 
 origin of political and civil institutions. Here, however, is an 
 attempt to prepare beforehand forms of government, laws, and 
 principles upon bases that were intended to remain forever 
 unalterable. We now have a century to attest their intrinsic 
 value. Not the least valuable part of this wise forecast and 
 preparation Avas that provision reaching down to the virgin 
 soil, that gave absolute ownership of it in convenient quanti- 
 ties and on terms that secured to each person an opportunity 
 to acquire a homestead of his own, with provision for those 
 civil divisions, townships, where the " essence of ownership," 
 control, could be exerted politically in all the important social 
 and civil affairs of life. 
 
 Upon this foundation, guaranties of human rights, in their 
 broadest application, with equality before the law, were intro- 
 duced into the governmental structure. In addition to these 
 elements of future stability, the educational and moral forces 
 are distinctly recognized and incorporated into the founda- 
 tions. Freedom of worship, without governmental control, di- 
 rection, or patronage ; liberty, religion, morality, and knowledge 
 — all stand side by side with the right of jury trial, habeas cor- 
 pus, inviolability of private contracts, and all other usual and 
 essential safeguards. They were not inserted as vague and 
 abstract declarations, but the obligation was imposed to give 
 them support and encouragement. 
 
 The following general conclusions may fairly be drawn from 
 the foregoing statement of the situation as connected with the 
 formation of the Ordinance of July 13, 1787, " for the govern- 
 ment of the United States north-west of the river Ohio :" 
 
 1. The officers of the army who originated the scheme for 
 24 
 
370 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler: 
 
 the permanent occupation of the Ohio valley had distinctly in 
 vieAV from its inception the idea of a " new state." 
 
 2. They entertained very positive views in regard to the 
 organic principles upon which their " intended government '' 
 shovild be founded. 
 
 3. The total prohibition of slavery and encouragement to 
 education were considered as essential. 
 
 4. They organized the " Ohio Company of Associates '"' for 
 the purpose of carrying into effect these long cherished objects 
 connected with future homes. 
 
 5. They placed their application for the purchase of lands 
 in the hands of an Agent who was thoroughly acquainted with 
 the prevailing views of his constituents, with unrestricted 
 authority to act in his negotiations with Congress for their 
 best interests. 
 
 6. The personal views of the Agent were in harmony with 
 those of the men he undertook to represent. 
 
 7. He kept steadily in view the two great objects of his 
 mission ; one was to procure lands upon terms that would be 
 acceptable to the Associates ; the other, to secure such organic 
 law as would make the new state a congenial home for himself 
 and his neighbors. 
 
 8. In prosecuting his mission before Congress, he met with 
 a cordial co-operation from the Virginia members, who could 
 fairly anticipate from the enterprise of the Ohio Company 
 substantial advantages in the way of protection to an exposed 
 western frontier, and great commercial advantages from a 
 body of men who were so well prepared to cultivate and de- 
 velop the resources of the Ohio valley. 
 
 9. This friendly feeling extended to " members from the 
 southward," and became the occasion for a quiet relinquish- 
 ment of any desire they may have had for the extension of the 
 institution of slavery over the north-west. 
 
 10. In securing a recognition of moral and educational 
 forces, good faith toward the Indians, the inviolability of pri- 
 vate contracts, and free cominercial intercourse between all 
 parts of a common country, he not only consulted his own 
 personal wishes, but completed his task to the entire approval 
 of his associates. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 371 
 
 In view of these foundations thus laid in the beginning, the 
 citizen of to-day has a right to all the benefits that come from 
 the proper application of these principles. He has a right to 
 expect and demand a full recognition and defense of his per- 
 sonal rights ; he has also a right to expect and demand the 
 benefits resulting from restraints upon all immoralities, as 
 also the benefits which flow from the encouragement and sup- 
 port of education. 
 
 All comers had notice that the organic law of the north- 
 west was intended to be the basis of a Christian civilization. 
 Religion, morality, and knowledge, as well as personal rights, 
 are a magnificent inheritance, belonging lawfully to posterity, 
 and every adverse influence is an invasion of their rights. 
 
 [J£o7i. Nathan Dane to Hon. Miifics King.^'-^ 
 
 New York, Juli/ 16, 1787. 
 Dear' Sir : — I am obliged to you for yours of the 11th inst. 
 With pleasure I communicate to you what we are doing in 
 Congress, not so much from a consciousness that what we do 
 is well done, as from a desire that you may be acquainted with 
 our proceedings. We have been much engaged in business 
 for ten or twelve days past, for a part of which we have had 
 8 states. There appears to be a disposition to do business ; 
 and the arrival of R. H. Lee is of considerable importance. 
 I think his character serves, at least in some degree, to check 
 the efi'ects of the feeble habits and too [tardy ?] modes of 
 thinking in some of his countrymen. We have been employed 
 about several objects — the principal ones of which have been 
 the Government inclosed, and the Ohio Purchase. The former 
 you will see is completed, and the latter will be probably com- 
 pleted to-morrow. We tried one day to patch up M. S. P. 
 systems of W. Govern't. Started new ideas, and committed 
 the whole to Carrington, Dane, R. H. Lee, Smith, and Kean. 
 We met several times, and at last agreed on some principles, 
 at least Lee, Smith, and myself. We found ourselves rather 
 pressed ; the Ohio Company appeared to purchase a large 
 
 * From Neio I'ork Tribune. 
 
372 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 tract of the Federal lands — about 6 or 7 millions of acres ; 
 and we wanted to abolish the old system, and get a better one 
 for the Government of the country — and we finally found it 
 necessary to adopt the best system we could get. All agreed, 
 finally, to the inclosed, except A. Yates. He appeared in this 
 case, as in most others, not to understand the subject at all. 
 I think the number of free inhabitants, 60,000, which are 
 requisite for the admission of a new State into the Confed- 
 eracy, is too small ; but, having divided the whole territory 
 into three States, this number appeared to me to be less im- 
 portant. Each State, in the common course of things, must 
 become important soon after it shall have that number of in- 
 habitants. The Eastern State of the three will probably be 
 the first, and more important than the rest, and will, no doubt, 
 be settled chiefly by Eastern people ; and there is, I think, 
 full an equal chance of its adopting Eastern politics. When 
 I drew the Ordinance, which passed (a few Avords excepted) as 
 I originally formed it, I had no idea the States would agree to 
 the sixth art. prohibiting slavery, as only Massa. of the East- 
 ern States was present, and therefore umitted it in the draft ; 
 but, finding the House favorably disposed on this subject, after 
 we had completed -the other parts, I moved the art., which was 
 agreed to without opposition. We are in a fair way to fix the 
 terms of our Ohio sale, etc.; we have been upon it steadily 
 three days. The magnitude of the purchase makes us very 
 cautious about the terms of it, and the security necessary to 
 insure the performance of them. 
 
 We have directed the Board to inquire into and report on 
 Hother's affairs, etc. 
 
 Massa. Legisa. avus prorogued the 7th inst., having con- 
 tinued the Tender Act, as it is called, to Jan. 1, 1788, and 
 having passed no other Act of importance, except what, I 
 presume, you have seen, respecting the raising of troops, and 
 the powers of the Governor to pursue the rebels, etc. 
 
 You ask me how I like my new colleagues. Sedgwick, you 
 know, we all esteem, but I fear he will not make his attend- 
 ance an object. Thatcher I am quite unacquainted Avith. I 
 do not know Avhether Mr. Otis, at his period of life, and under 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 373 
 
 his misfortune, will enter with vigor into Federal politics. I 
 wish his accounts Avith the Union had been settled, etc. 
 
 Nothing occurs worth particular notice. 
 
 Your afFecta. friend, 
 
 Hon. Rufus King, Esq. N. Dane. 
 
 P. S. — States present : Massa., N. Y., N. J., Delaware, 
 Virga., N. Cara., So. Carolina, and Georgia. Brother Holton 
 is rather an invalid, is not well able to take an active part in 
 business, but I think supports pretty good eastern politics. 
 
374 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Lktters — Diary of 1788 — Letteii Fhom Gexkrai. Parsons to Dh. 
 Cutler — Journey to the Muskingum — Rkv. Daniel Story — Let- 
 ters. 
 
 [Dr. Cutler to General Putnam, Butland^ 
 
 Ipswich, December 3, 1787. 
 
 Dear Sir : — There are two men gone from us into the West- 
 ern Country, Ebenezer Porter and Nathaniel Sawyer, who 
 have subscribed each for one share in our Company. Portfir 
 has paid his silver money part, and has made provision for the 
 payment of the securities here. Sawyer has not yet paid any 
 part ; but both of them wished, if they found it in their power, 
 to turn in provisions, or such other articles as might be wanted 
 by our Company in that Country, in payment toward their 
 shares. I suppose they are either at Hannah's Town or Well's 
 Mills, and will make application to you as soon as they are in- 
 formed of your being in the country. I Avish they may be 
 permitted to do whatever may lie in their power toward mak- 
 ing payment in that country consistent with the interests of 
 the Company. They will make, I presume, good inhabitants ; 
 and the service they have rendered to our cause, by going 
 early into the country, returning, and removing their families, 
 entitles them to as much attention and lenity as "can be con- 
 sistently given them. 
 
 When you go to New York I beg you will not fail of men- 
 tioning to Colonel Piatt the establishment of a channel for 
 conveying letters backward and forward from that country to 
 this. It will greatly oblige the people going into the country, 
 and their friends here. And should their accounts of the 
 country be favorable, it will facilitate the collection of the re- 
 mainder of the money, and the obtaining of settlers. The 
 mode I should suppose best, would be to engage some one 
 person in Philadelphia, who would be careful to forward the 
 packets to Colonel Piatt, as early as may be, free of postage. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutlei'. 375 
 
 Colonel Piatt to put them on board the Providence P ackets 
 addressed to the care of Major Corliss, in Providence ; Major 
 Corliss to forward them to Boston, to the care of Colonel May,* 
 or some person toward the South-end — perhaps to Barrill's, 
 near the Common, where the western stages, and some of the 
 eastern, put up. Opportunities to send from New York to 
 Providence are frequent. Letters may be sent from Provi- 
 dence nearly every day in the week ; and, if properly lodged 
 in Boston, may be sent immediately eastward or westward. 
 And with the same ease they may be sent to the Ohio Com- 
 pany, I should think it most eligible that the letters, in gen- 
 eral, should not be sent single, but in packets, and somewhat 
 periodically ; say, a packet to be closed with you on a certain 
 day, once in a fortnight, or once a month, and then embrace 
 the first opportunity for forwarding it to Philadelphia. In 
 Boston a packet may be made up and forwarded in the same 
 manner. 
 
 It may possibly be necessary to establish one of this kind of 
 Post Offices at Fort Pitt. If we can engage persons in these 
 several places, who are interested in our Company, they will 
 probably pay greater attention to the matter, and we shall 
 avail ourselves of a ready mode of conveyance free of ex- 
 pense. Should you approve of this plan, and will make the es- 
 tablishment at the southward, I will take care to engage Major 
 Corliss, and some person in Boston. Should you forAvard let- 
 ters from that country before you hear further from this 
 quarter, let them be inclosed, if you please, to Colonel May, 
 
 * Colonel John May was born in Pomfret, C^onn., 1743. He came to 
 Boston when but a lad, and served an apprenticeship with his uncle, 
 Colonel Ephraim May. In 1773 he married Abigail May, his cousin. 
 In 1778 he was commissioned Captain in "the Boston Regiment of 
 Militia," and was promoted through the different grades to Colonel. 
 As Major of the regiment, he was in service in Rhode Island during 
 the Revolution, and won the commendation of his superiors. He took 
 an active interest in the Ohio Company as an Agent, and procured a 
 number of subscibers to its shares. He came to Ohio in 1 788, and again 
 in 1789. His journal of these visits (with a biographical sketch, where 
 the facts here given were obtained) was published by the Historical 
 and Philosophical Society of Ohio in 1873. Colonel May died in Bos" 
 tun, in 1812. 
 
376 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler 
 
 or to any other person in Boston you may think proper. Our 
 letters will be addressed to you, and when the matter is settled 
 in Boston we will inform you. 
 
 Saying so much about conveying letters reminds me of the 
 necessity of a name for the place where you will reside. I 
 doubt not you will early inquire the meaning of Muskingum, 
 or you may meet with some other name that will be agreeable. 
 At present, I must confess I feel a partiality for the name 
 proposed at Boston, and think it preferable to any that has yet 
 been mentioned. I think that Adelphia will, upon the whole, 
 be the most eligible. It strictly means brethren, and I wish it 
 may ever be characteristic of the Ohio Company. 
 
 Shares in our Company are now in higher demand this way 
 than at any time before. I have disposed of all assigned to me. 
 Some few will fail, but there are others ready to take them. I 
 have taken up Major White's, and have delivered him one hun- 
 dred and ten dollars more in silver, which he has receipted to 
 me as received on the account of the Ohio Company, and prom- 
 ised to deliver the same to you. I hope to obtain more silver 
 money before you go to the westward, and shall, if possible, for- 
 ward it to you ; if not, shall embrace the first opportunity to 
 send it to Colonel Piatt. The matter of fixing a regular mode 
 for the passing of letters appears to me of so much importance, 
 that I wish to be favored with a line from you on the subject, 
 if you have time, before you go into the country. 
 
 Wishing you an agreeable tour, and success in your busi- 
 ness, I am, dear sir, 
 
 Your most afi^ectionate friend and humble serv't, 
 
 M. Cutler. 
 
 My son is gone on in the Company, and I beg you will be 
 so kind as to pay some attention to him, and give him such 
 counsel and advice as you would your own. I feel a satisfac- 
 tion in the reflection that he is under your care. 
 
 \_General Putnam to Dr. Cutler^ 
 
 Adelphia, 3Iay 16, 1788. 
 My Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 20th of February came 
 to hand a few days since, and I find by its contents that Mr. 
 Plummer has alarmed the people with respect to the Indians 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 377 
 
 very mucli, and perhaps he is not to blame ; for had I given 
 heed to the opinion, at least the pretended opinion, of peo- 
 ple at Pittsburgh and vicinity, I certainly should not have 
 come down without an army for my protection. However, we 
 made no delay on that account. That the Indians are dissatis- 
 fied, on account of Congress or the Commissioners of Congress 
 (at the several treaties which have been holden with them) 
 considering these lands as the property of the United States, 
 in consequence of the part the Indians took in the war and 
 the treaty of peace with Great Britain, is true. They have 
 told Congress so in a spirited, manly letter addressed to that 
 honorable body by Joseph Brant, in which he assures them 
 that unless these wrongs are redressed, and the lands fairly 
 purchased, the Indians will certainly go to war (and I believe 
 they will be as good as their word). In consequence of this 
 application of Brant, Congress has promised them a treaty, 
 which was to have been holden about this time ; but I am told 
 ^hat the Indians have informed Governor St. Clair that they 
 are to hold a great Council among themselves about the 
 middle of June, near Sandusky. From these circumstances, 
 it is probable Governor St. Clair will not be able to see them 
 till July, when I have no doubt every thing will be settled to 
 general satisfaction. At present, we do not think ourselves 
 perfectly secure from them, on account of a few lawless ban- 
 dits, made up of Mingos, Shawnies, and Cherokees, who reside 
 at present on the waters of the Scioto. These are a set of 
 thievish, murdering rascals ; but from any other quarter we 
 are under no apprehension at present. The Delawares and 
 Wyandots visit us almost every day, and appear very friendly ; 
 relying on it, as I believe, that Governor St. Clair, at the 
 treaty, will have power and inclination to do" them complete 
 justice. 
 
 You Avish to be informed if it will be prudent for families to 
 move on in the spring and summer ? I answer, by all means ; 
 for let the treaty end how it may, the sooner they come on the 
 better ; the sooner they get in a Avay of cultivating their lands 
 and raising provisions, the better. The constant coming in of 
 new settlers, and the troops which Avill be kept in the country 
 by Congress, will give us a good market for many years ; and 
 
378 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 these little skulking parties of Indians, if tliey are never won 
 to be our friends, can never do us any considerable injury. 
 On the other hand, should there be a general Indian war, this 
 will be a place of general rendezvous for an army. So that, 
 in all human probability, the settlement can never fail of the 
 protection of Government. 
 
 It Avill be inquired, I presume, Avhy we laid out some of the 
 8 acre lots so far from the City plat 1 To Avhich I answer, 
 4,000 acres for City and commons take up a large tract of 
 land. In Township No. 2, and 8th Range, the lots No. 8, 16, 
 and 29 are public lots, which otherwise would have been laid 
 out into 8 acre lots. Again, it was the original design to have 
 them as nearly equal as possible in quality and situation, and 
 so situated that the produce might, in case of necessity, be 
 brought to the City. This, I conceive, may better be done 
 ten miles by water than two by land, Avhere the country is 
 more than commonly hilly (which is ever the case near large 
 rivers) and roads to make. 
 
 But you, perhaps, will inquire why all the margins of the 
 River Ohio and Muskingum are not taken up so far as we ex- 
 tend these lots on either of them ? Answer : They are so 
 where there is any considerable body of Interval or Second 
 Bottom bordering on them. In some places, the hill shuts 
 doAvn to the river bank ; in others, the Bottom is narrow and 
 ought to be laid out Avith the adjoining hill Country. But 
 another circumstance, attended to, will perhaps satisfy you 
 and every other person. It will be only on extraordinary oc- 
 casions, and which I hope will never happen, that it will be 
 necessary to bring the produce of any lots that lie remote to 
 the City of Adelphia. Nothing but a general war, and a war 
 in which we mtist be very unfortunate, can prevent the follow- 
 ing settlements being established in the course of one year, 
 Avhich are so situated in point of distance, and suitable 
 grounds for building and other purposes, as will undoubtedly 
 recommend them to their present owners, or others, to erect 
 houses on immediately, which it will be prudent to stockade 
 for a few years. These situations are as follows, viz : ToAvn- 
 ship 2 and 8th Range, lot No. 9, on Little Muskingum ; Lots 
 13 and 14, 2d Township and 9th Range, doAvn the Ohio ; Lot 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 379 
 
 3, in the 3d Township, 9th Range, up the Muskingum ; Lot 
 13, in the 4th Township, 9th Range, still further up the Mus- 
 kingum. The three last of these will, beyond doubt, grow 
 into consequence as farming towns, and the other a very con- 
 siderable village. 
 
 It would give you pain, and me no pleasure, to detail our 
 march over the mountains, or our delays afterward on account 
 of bad weather, or other misfortunes. I shall only observe 
 that I arrived at Major White's party on the Youghiogheny 
 River the 14th of February. No boats built, boards or planks 
 in readiness, or person capable of building a canoe, much less 
 a boat among the party. Mill frozen up, and no boards to be 
 had ; he had, however, three canoes, such as they were, on the 
 stocks, and five of his men sick with the small-pox, which 
 they took by inoculation. 
 
 On the first day of April, in the afternoon, we left the 
 Youghiogheny, and arrived at Fort Harmar on the seventh, 
 being obliged to stop at Harmon and Buff'alo Creek on our 
 way, to take in provisions, etc. Our whole fleet consisted of 
 the Union galley of 45 tons burden, designed to pass and re- 
 pass between this and Buifalo, or Short Creek, to bring 
 down settlers ; the Adelphia Ferry-boat, burden, 3 tons, for 
 the use of the settlers at the Post ; and three log canoes of 
 different sizes. 
 
 On our arrival here, the surveys commenced immediately, 
 but a series of rains, and being obliged to survey so much 
 more land than was expected, in order to obtain lands suita- 
 ble to our purpose, prevented our completing our Plans till 
 yesterday. The City lots will be ready to draw by the first 
 Wednesday of July, as proposed at the meeting in Providence, 
 but the others will not. It was General Knox's advice that I 
 shall not presume to survey more till after the Treaty. 
 
 The men have most of them been employed these ten days 
 in clearing land for themselves, which they will plant next 
 week, and the rest are doing the same for the Company. Sev- 
 eral proprietors have come on this spring, and are doing the 
 same. They all work on the City-plat, and the whole quantity 
 of corn planted, I expect, will be about 100 acres. As soon 
 
380 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 as this work is over, we shall turn our attention to building 
 houses and boats suitable to prosecute the surveys with. 
 
 As to the mode of conveying letters, I have hit on none 
 yet, to convey from this place to Philadelphia, or from thence 
 to this place, that could be depended upon. Perhaps we may 
 find out some way in the course of the summer. 
 
 The expense has risen much beyond our calculation, and 
 if the Treaty concludes favorably, the surveys must no doubt 
 be pushed till late in the fall ; of consequence, more money 
 will be wanted. But I expect Generals Parsons and Varnum 
 Avill be on soon ; will therefore not propose any thing at pres- 
 ent on that subject. 
 
 The men are generally in good health, and I believe much 
 pleased with the country ; that I am so myself, you may rest 
 assured. 
 
 The accounts of Moulton and others I will attend to. The 
 winter in this quarter was severe indeed, the most so known 
 for many years. But I can only add, the situation of the 
 City-plat is the most delightful of any I ever saw, and those 
 traces of ancient walls, mounds, etc., are truly surprising. 
 Mr. Sargent's painting gives but a faint idea of what is to be 
 seen on the spot. 
 
 I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble servant, 
 
 E.UFUS Putnam. 
 
 [i)r. Cutler to Colonel Richard Piatt, Treasurer of the Ohio 
 
 Company ^ 
 
 Ipswich, February 20, 1788. 
 
 My Dear Sir: — Major Sargent will hand you the letters of 
 Attorney you requested from the persons under my Agency, 
 and I should have forwarded, by the same opportunity, small 
 sums in securities and silver which I have collected, but Major 
 Sargent advises me to make a larger collection before for- 
 warding them to you, and assures me Colonel Duer has re- 
 ceived the securities he advanced in the first payment. 
 
 Continental Securities have been falling in Boston since my 
 last return from New York, and it was presumed adventurers 
 who have not paid for their shares would purchase them at 
 2s. {Sd. To prevent their rising, it has been proposed that in- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 381 
 
 dividual adventurers should not apply to the Brokers, but de- 
 posit their hard money in the hands of one man only, who 
 should get them on the best terms in his power. A consider- 
 able sum has been put into my hands, but the ratification of 
 the Federal Constitution has given them a sudden start, and 
 raised them to 3s. Qd., altho' there are very few purchasers, 
 and those principally who wish to keep them until they rise 
 to par. 
 
 This sudden rise of securities very materially affects many 
 of our most valuable adventurers, men who intend immedi- 
 ately to go into the Country with their families, are possessed 
 of small property, and will be just able to get themselves into 
 the country, after paying for their lands, but men that are of 
 the greatest consequence to every other description of adven- 
 turers, as it depends on them to cultivate the Country and 
 render it valuable. 
 
 On account of this class of settlers, I Avish you to inform 
 me at Avhat price you will procure securities to the amount of 
 20, 30, or perhaps 40 shares. If it should be agreeable to you 
 to procure securities, and the price be agreeable to adven- 
 turers here, it would be most convenient to forward a Bill on 
 some gentlemen in New York, as we may not have, instantly, 
 an opportunity of sending the hard money. Mr. Thos. Rus- 
 sell will draw, payable on sight, or ten days. Wish you to 
 name some gentleman on whom you can depend, and who is 
 connected in trade, or acquainted with Mr. Russell, if there 
 be any such within your knowledge. I likcAvise wish to be 
 favored with your opinion on the probability of securities 
 rising above the present exchange. 
 
 Adventurers who have paid for shares are exceedingly press- 
 ing for the Indents, which are to be returned to them. Pray 
 inform me when they may be expected. 
 
 The sickness of Mr. Flint I conceive to be extremely un- 
 fortunate. Mr. Barlow is the only man, within my knowledge, 
 that can be obtained, to whom I should feel myself willing to 
 intrust our business, and have much regretted that he has 
 not been appointed. He seems to be preferred to any other 
 man by Flint, who offers to compensate him until he shall 
 
382 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 be able to go to Europe and take the business into his own 
 hands. 
 
 When Indents are sent on, I shall want each person's ac- 
 count from your books, under my Agency, in order to make a 
 proper settlement, for I have not by me an accurate account 
 of the moneys paid in by individuals. Such an account from 
 you will give perfect satisfaction to every adventurer. 
 
 Give me leave to congratulate you on the adoption of the 
 Federal Constitution by the Massachusetts. We hope New 
 York will not be obstinate ; but with, us her adoption of it is 
 more problematical than even that of Rhode Island. Please 
 to present my compliments to your Mother and Sister, with 
 whom I had the pleasure of traveling in the stage, on my re- 
 turn from New York. 
 
 I am with high esteem, dear sir. 
 
 Your most humble servant, 
 
 Col. Platt. M. Cutler. 
 
 [Nathan Dane to Dr. Cutler.'] 
 
 New York, Ajml 6, 1788. 
 
 My Dear Sir : — I received yours of the 18th ult. I shall 
 readily pay every attention to the subject you mention in my 
 power. 
 
 Nothing particular has taken place since I wrote you last. 
 We have had no late information of any considerable im- 
 portance from the Indians. It is rather uncertain as yet how 
 the elections for the State Convention have gone in Virginia, 
 and no conjectures can well be formed how they will be in this 
 State. 
 
 I see by the papers that the British Ministry have demanded 
 the abolition of the works at Cherbourg. This new^spaper in- 
 formation is all I have heard or seen respecting the aifair, but 
 if such a demand has been made, I think it must be passed by 
 in silence by the French Court, or that Court must refuse to 
 comply with it. The probable consequence, in my mind, is 
 Avar. I inclose you a letter from Major Sargent. 
 With sentiments of esteem and friendship, 
 
 I am, dear sir, your obed't servant, 
 
 Doctor M. Cutler. N. Dane. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 383 
 
 [D?-. Cutler to General Henry Knox, Secretary of War.'] 
 
 Ipswich, 3Iay 3, 1788. 
 . Not being able to obtain the several Ordinances of 
 Congress relating to army lands, I am in doubt whether certain 
 descriptions of the army are entitled to lands. Is the Invalid 
 Regiment entitled to lands ? Particularly those discharged 
 on a pension previous to the general discharge at the close 
 of the war ? Are the heirs of those who were wounded in 
 battle and died of their wounds in the hospitals ? Or those 
 who died while they were prisoners ? Or of sickness in the 
 hospitals ? Will a certificate from the Selectmen of a town, 
 certifying Avho are the heirs of a soldier slain in battle, be ad- 
 mitted as sufficient evidence in the War Office or Board of 
 Treasury ? I conceive a certificate from the Judge of Pro- 
 bate might be the most proper, but the property of soldiers 
 was generally so small that their friends avoided the expenses 
 of letters of administration, and application to the Judge for 
 such certificates may subject them to more expense than the 
 value of the lands. 
 
 The spirit of emigration to the western country is daily in- 
 creasing in the New England States. We shall certainly have 
 more than one thousand families at the Muskingum the present 
 year, unless the natives should be so uncivil as to interrupt 
 those already on the ground. Pray, what are your latest ac- 
 counts from that quarter ? Will all the tribes that have re- 
 linquished their claims to the lands Ave have purchased be sum- 
 moned to attend the treaty on the Muskingum ? 
 
 I am happy in being able to assure you that anti-federalism 
 is daily becoming more unpopular in this part of the Common- 
 wealth. The leaders are silent, or have changed sides, and 
 the common people are almost unanimously in favor of the 
 New Government, and wish that it should be carried into effect. 
 We are anxious to obtain authentic intelligence of the pros- 
 pects in Virginia and New York, 
 
 I have taken the liberty to inclose a letter to our worthy 
 friends, Duer and Piatt, which I beg you to excuse. Please 
 
384 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cufler. 
 
 to present my most respectful compliments to your 
 lady. 
 
 I am, "with the highest esteem and respect, 
 
 Sir, your most obedient and humble servant. 
 General Knox. M. Cutler. 
 
 Thurs., Jan. 17, 1788. Mr. Haraden and I went to Salem 
 to get the dimensions of wagons for the western counti-y. 
 
 3Ion., Jan. 28. Went into the woods with a team and car- 
 ried a white ash log to the mill for felloes for wagon wheels, 
 and brought home timber for the body. 
 
 Thurs. Feb. 7. Sent to every man in the parish an invita- 
 tion to assist me in hauling wood. Constitution adopted by 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 Fri., Feb. 8. Hauled wood from over the Pond. Mr. Plum- 
 mer here from Pittsburgh in 19 days. Accounts of the ar- 
 rival of Major White and my son. 
 
 Thurs., Feb. 14. Went into Boston ; dined at Mr. Hichborn's 
 and lodged with him. Spent the evening at Mr. Belknap's. 
 
 Fri., Feb. 15. Came out of Boston at 6 o'clock P. M. Went 
 to Cambridge and lodged at President Willard's. 
 
 Sat., Mar. 1. Preparing for a journey to Providence. Mr. 
 Harris, from Newbury, here. 
 
 3Ion., Mar. 3. Set out for Boston ; extremely cold. Dined 
 in Boston and went on to Dedham. 
 
 Tues., Mar. 4. Went to Providence in my chaise to attend 
 a meeting of the Directors and Agents of the Ohio Company. 
 Mr. Harris in a sulky. Arrived at Providence about sunset, 
 and lodged at Mr. Hitchcock's. 
 
 Wed., 3Iar. 5. A meeting of the Directors and Agents 
 of the Ohio Company at Rice's Tavern. Made returns of 
 shares and prepared to draw next morning. Dined with the 
 company at Rice's. 
 
 Thurs, Mar. 6. The Directors and Agents drew for the 
 the eight-acre lots. Began to draw at 9 in the morning, in the 
 Council Chamber in the Court House — open doors — and a 
 great number of people attended. Dined at Mr. John Brown's ; 
 a most superb entertainment. Completed our draught between 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 385 
 
 nine and ten at night, and were liappy to find there was no 
 mistake. 
 
 Fri., Mar. 7. Directors and Agents hckl a meeting and 
 closed their business about nine in the evening. Dined with 
 a large number of the Directors and Agents at Mr. Welcome 
 Arnold's. 
 
 Sat., Mar. 8. A meeting of the Directors in the forenoon. 
 Adjourned the meeting of the Directors and Agents to the 
 Muskingum on the Ohio. Came out of Providence half-past 
 one, and rode to Dedham in company with Mr. Harris. 
 Lodged at Mr. Chickering's. 
 
 Lord's Lay., Mar. 9. Preached for Mr. Chickering. 
 
 3Iar. 25-28. Attended Council at Topsfield. Lodged at 
 Dr. Cleavelaiid's. 
 
 Sat., 3Iar. 29. Council dissolved. Advised Mr. Breck to 
 ask a dismission. 
 
 Lues., Apr. 1. At home. Mr. Story and wife, Mr. Prince, 
 and Mr. Grafton dined with us. 
 
 Mon., Apr. 21 ; Sat., Apr. 26. Time much taken up with 
 Ohio people. 
 
 Sat., May 3. Received a lengthy and very complaisant let- 
 ter from Dr. Stokes, and also the two first volumes of his Bo- 
 tanical Arrangements. 
 
 Tues., May 13. The Association met here. Messrs. Swain, 
 Forbes, Payson, Holt, Parsons, Wadsworth, McKean, Story, 
 Hubbard, Bently, and other gentlemen. Mr. Payson preached. 
 
 Thurs., May 22. Went to Salem. Found a new genus of 
 plants in the woodland. 
 
 Lords Lay, May 25. Exchanged with Mr. Wadsworth; 
 drank tea at Judge Holton's. 
 
 Tues., May 27. Went to Boston. Attended the meeting 
 of the Academy at the Hall of the Bank. Dined at Mr. Bow 
 doin's. 
 
 Wed., 3Iay 28. Election. Dined at Mr. Russell's. Went 
 out to Dorchester with Mr. Everett and Mr. Chickering. 
 
 Thurs., May 29. Dined at Brother Belknap's. 
 
 Tues., June 3. Attended the meeting of the Proprietors of 
 the Philosophical Library at Salem. Dined at Mr. Prince's. 
 25 
 
386 Life of Rev. llanasseh Cutler. 
 
 Sent on a bill to Philadelphia of 300 dollars. Brother Dean 
 came. 
 
 Lords Bay, June 15. Exchanged "with Mr. Hubbard, of 
 Marblehead. Went in the mornino; and returned at nisrht. 
 Drank tea at Mr. Prince's. 
 
 Thnrs., June 19. Mr. Prince and I went to Boston to- 
 gether in my chaise. We dined in Boston and spent the 
 evening at Mr. Clarke's Avith Mr, Belknap. 
 
 Fri., June 20. Purchased a sulky in order to go to the 
 western country. Sent a letter to Mr. Barlow, in London or 
 France. Spent the evening at Mr. Belknap's. 
 
 June 27-28. Overhauling my sulky and painting it. 
 
 Tues., July 1. Making a traveling trunk for the western 
 countrv. 
 
 Fri., July 4. Anniversary of American Independence. 
 Went to Salem. Cadet and artillery companies turned out 
 and made a very pretty appearance. This evening received 
 the very agreeable intelligence of Virginia's adopting the Con- 
 stitution. 
 
 Wed., July 9. Attended the funeral of Mrs. Brown, of 
 Beverly. 
 
 Jlon., July 14. Preparing for my journey westward. 
 
 Wed., July 16. Commencement at Cambridge. Set out in 
 the morning, arrived at eleven o'clock, dined in the Hall. 
 
 Thurs., July 17. Spent the day in Boston. Went over to 
 Cambridge at night and lodged at Steadman's. 
 
 Fri., July 18. VVillard Peale examined and accepted. 
 Dined at the President's, and came home. 
 
 Sat., July 19. Preparing for my journey. 
 
 Lord's Bay, July 20. I preached at Mr, Swain's. Mr. 
 Swain at Topsfield, and Mr. Story here. Informed the people 
 of my intention to set out on my journey. Relinquished my 
 salary, and they to suppl}^ the pulpit. 
 
 Monday, July 21. Set out for the Ohio country. 
 
 From Rev. Br. S. Beane. 
 
 Portland, May 19, 1788. 
 Bear Sir : — Your determination on a southern adventure 
 much afflicts me. Why must. you remove to so awful a dis- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 387 
 
 tance ? You will mar my plan of growing in natural philoso- 
 phy, as I glide into the evening of life. I would sacrifice 
 much to get you nearer to me. But as for your Garden of 
 Eden, the fruit there looks too much like forbidden. But I 
 sincerely wish you the blessing of heaven in all your under- 
 takings. 
 
 Mr. Hubbard handed me your letter this morning, dated 
 May 7th. I thank you for the friendship, generosity, and in- 
 formation contained in it. The Committee of Agriculture 
 are somewhat aAvakened with respect to my affair, as you 
 may see in the Massachusetts "Gazette, and Sentinel, where 
 they renew their recommendation of the N. E. Farmer, and 
 request the subscription papers by the 1st of June, so that 
 what you do must be done speedily. Your attention will 
 much oblige me. If there should not be 700 subscriptions, I 
 suppose I shall be forced to make up the number myself, 
 which was no part of my first design, but I should hate the 
 mortification of an abortion. The Committee's re-recommenda- 
 tion did not appear in Adams and Nourse, who I supposed 
 were printers to the Committee ; an omission I know not how 
 to account for. We shall publish it here this week. I am 
 afraid too short a day is appointed for bringing in the papers. 
 If you should be at Boston, I hope you will be so good as 
 to advise with some of the Committee about it, and induce 
 them to lengthen the time, if there is any reason to fear the 
 papers have not yet circulated sufficiently. 
 
 I have lately applied Goland's Extract of Lead to the eschar 
 of my wart, which has taken out the inflammation almost en- 
 tirely, but the pain in my hip, pronounced to be sciatica, yields 
 to no remedies. This, however, thank heaven, is more tolera- 
 ble than it has been, and I am in better bodily condition for 
 journeying than when you saw me, but other things will pre- 
 vent me, I believe, till near autumn. If I can find you in 
 the body I will then see you. 
 
 My 2)c(t<perta8 makes me dispair of equipping myself thor- 
 oughly for meteorological observations. I have improved my 
 chapter on Barn Yard or Farm-yard, with the ideas you gave 
 me of one in the Jerseys, which ideas, though not wholly new 
 to me, I had shamefully disregarded. 
 
388 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 I will be inquisitive concerning the medical and econom- 
 ical uses of indigenous plants, as far as my hurry will per- 
 mit me. 
 
 You might have informed the world that the bark of the 
 hassivood will serve all the purposes of hemp. It is stronger 
 than the rind of elm. No tree is more common in this part 
 of the country. I have had chairs bottomed with the rind, 
 which will slip finely in June. The longitudinal fibers must 
 have their cohesion destroyed by boiling in a weak lye of 
 wood ashes. I have had sti;ong ropes and strings made of 
 it. The aboriginals make their belts of this bark, as I have 
 been informed, some of which are pliant as flaxen ones 
 would be. 
 
 I mean to send this hasty scrawl by Mr. Nath'l Fosdick, a 
 son of Harvard, na'val officer P. T. for our port, and request 
 him to call as he returns, that I may hear further from you. 
 I am, dear sir, affectionately yours. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Cutler. S. Deane.* 
 
 \(xeneral Parsons to Dr. Cutler.^ 
 
 Muskingum, IQth July, 1788. 
 
 Bear Sir : — I received your kind letter of the 21st April 
 this morning, on the arrival of Mr. Rogers and others. We 
 shall be happy to receive you in our Settlement as soon as 
 you can make it convenient ; indeed it is necessary you should 
 be here as early as possible. Some diJOferent arrangements in 
 the surveys must take place, I believe, and it will be proper 
 that as large a representation of the Proprietors should be 
 present when any material alterations of the former system 
 are made. 
 
 The beauty of situation, fertility of soil, and goodness of 
 
 * Rev. Samuel Deane, D.D. (Brown University, ] 790). Poet. Pastor 
 at Falmouth (now Portland, Me.), from October IT, 1764, to his death, 
 November 12, 1814. Born at Dedham, Mass., July 30, ITSo. Gradu- 
 ate Harvard University, 1760. Librarian and tutor. He received one 
 of the six prizes offered by the college for compositions on the death 
 of George II. and the accession of George III., printed in 1761. He 
 published his Georgical Dictionary, or New England Farmer, in 1790; 
 and a poem, '' Pitchwood Hill." — Drakes Diet. Am. Biog. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 389 
 
 climate are equal to our most sanguine expectations ; industry 
 and perseverance will soon place us in very easy circum- 
 stances. Our principal obstruction to settlement arises from 
 unfounded Reports of Danger, fabricated and industriously 
 spread to alarm the fears of people. More than One Hun- 
 dred have halted in Westmoreland and Washington Counties, 
 and several have returned Home, occasioned by Reports, in 
 almost every instance, wholly void of Truth. 
 
 We have suffered no insults from the Indians, but they are with 
 us almost every week, and profess a great Friendship for the 
 Yankees, who they distinguish from the settlers on the Vir- 
 ginia shore ; yet they have no government but that of Influ- 
 ence from advice of their Chiefs. We can not be sure no par- 
 tial injuries will be attempted by the ungoverned part of the 
 Tribes ; Ave have therefore hitherto kept ourselves in a State 
 of Defense, so that no attempt can be made but where the 
 whole Body of the Inhabitants may be brought to repel the 
 Enemy within an hour. Our working parties are enjoined to 
 take their Arms into the field, and a small patrol is every 
 day without them. This service is done in rotation, and Avill 
 be continued as a cautionary measure, tho' I have little Rea- 
 son to suspect any attack will ever be made. The Indians 
 themselves remark in their Towns that we settle compactly, 
 and not in the scattered manner in which the Frontiers have 
 been generally settled, and no attempt can be made without 
 meeting the whole force in the Settlement, as well as the sol- 
 diers of the Garrison. If we continue to exercise a prudent 
 Caution, I believe we are in very little Danger. 
 
 An unlucky event has retarded the Treaty. A few days 
 since, a small party of the Ottawa Indians attacked a Guard at 
 the Falls of the Muskingum (about 80 miles up the River), 
 who were there stationed to protect the provisions sent up for 
 the Treaty, in which affray we lost three men ; two Indians 
 were killed and one wounded, and they were repulsed. The 
 Delawares, however, came in immediately, and remain to pro- 
 tect the Stores and Treaty. The Governor, in consequence of 
 this violation of faith, has ordered the Stores down, and sent 
 to demand Satisfaction for the Insult. This appears to me 
 
390 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 likely to protract the Business, a very proper measure, and 
 such as will in its issue do us much good. 
 
 Whilst I am writing, I received your two other letters. I 
 will endeavor to ansAver all your Questions. They are impor- 
 tant Questions. I believe nobody will lose their Night-Caps, 
 if Ave behave in our settlement as Ave ought to, and as I believe 
 we shall. No Magazine of Provisions is yet made here, by 
 which people may be supplied in any considerable Quantities, 
 but they generally supply in the upper Country, though I 
 think it Economy and in every point prudent such supply 
 should be made, Avhen I knoAv it may so easily be done without 
 loss to the Company. This and some other encouraging prop- 
 ositions I shall make on the 22d inst., to which time our Meet- 
 ing is adjourned. 
 
 When I came, no cover Avas provided for any person. We 
 have built our Huts, and the Block Houses are now begun, one 
 being partly raised this day (the 19th). The Company have 
 ordered four Houses to be built, under the care of the Direc- 
 tors, and in their disposal. One will doubtless be for the Gov- 
 ernor, one for the Company's use, one for public Offices, and 
 the other for accommodating the Instruction of the Settle- 
 ment. On the completion of these, you Avill doubtless be ivell 
 accommodated. You are much Avanted — many things are nec- 
 sary to be done. Rome was not built in a Day. We have 
 some difficulties to encounter Avhich require a persevering 
 mind. I Avish you here. I think families determined to sac- 
 rifice a temporary convenience to great prospects should has- 
 ten to this place. I am pleased with Mr. Rogers,* but your 
 wishes are in your OAvn poAver. You are the appointing power. 
 
 * Nathaniel Rogers, born at Ipswich, Msiss , March 11,1762; gradu- 
 ated at Harvard College, 1782. Me went to Maiietta, Ohio, in May, 
 1788, as a teacher engaged for the purpose by Dr. Cutler, but returned 
 the same year to Ipswich, and removed with his wife (who was the 
 daughter of Colonel Abraham Dodge) to Salem, Mass., where they 
 were eminently successful as teachers. In 1790, he became teacher of 
 the Latin Grammar School in Salem, and soon after opened a private 
 school "for the instruction of boys in English, French, Greek, and 
 Latin languages." He died in 1799, aged 37 years. Mrs. Rogers con- 
 tinued to teach there several years, and died in IS 17. — See N. E. Gen. 
 and Hist. Register. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianas8eh Cutler. 391 
 
 and I never wish to make the Mode of Education, or the In- 
 structor under such mode, more in the power of a Town Meet- 
 ing than I wish Government or the Laws to be. 
 You are very much Avanted. I wish you here. 
 I am, with much esteem, your obedient servant, 
 
 Sam. H. Parsons. 
 \Qtli July. Our city is called Mari-ette. 
 
 JOURNAL OF REV. MANASSEH CUTLER OF A JOURNEY FROM IPS- 
 WICH, MASSACHUSETTS, TO THE MUSKINGUM, IN 1788. 
 
 3Ionday, July 21, 1788. Set out from Ipswich on a journey 
 to the Ohio and Muskingum. Mr. Ephm. Kendall, of Ipswich, 
 was gone on to Salem, where he, with Mr. Peter Oliver, joined 
 me on horseback. I set out myself in a sulky. Made some 
 little stop in Salem. We dined at NeAvhall's, in company with 
 Judge Gushing, and the Attorney-General, Mr. Paine. We 
 were detained several hours in Boston. Left the town about 
 sunset, having received a prodigious number of letters for 
 Muskingum. Lodged at Major Whiting's, in Roxbury. 34 
 miles. 
 
 Tuesday, July 22. Rained last night and this morning. 
 Waited until seven in the morning before we set out. Break- 
 fasted at Mr. Chickering's. Several people called on me. 
 Cleared away. We dined at Mr. Chickering's, and then set 
 out on our way. Passed through Franklin and Woonsocket 
 Falls. Lodged at Mr. Arnold's, tavern-keeper, and member 
 of Congress for the State of Rhode Island. 29 miles. 
 
 Wednesday, July 23. Showery. Set out late. Break- 
 fasted at Olney's, in Gloucester. Arrived at Felshaw's (Kil- 
 lingly, Connecticut) about 3 o'clock. Went to my Father's, 
 and found all well. Did business with a number of people. 
 
 Thursday, Jidy 24. Set out late in the morning, about 10 
 o'clock. Have had considerable business to do. Very show- 
 ery. Made a stage at Judge Randall's, in Pomfret. Stopped 
 in Ashford to get Major Oliver's saddle-bags mended. Very 
 sultry ; frequent and smart showers, but we did not regard 
 them so much as to put on our loose coats. Dined at Major 
 Clark's. Lodged at Dunham's, in Mansfield. Rode 27 miles. 
 
 Friday, July 25. This morning very windy and showery. 
 
392 Life of Rev. llanasseh Cutler. 
 
 Set out late. Breakfasted at Widow Kimball's, in Coventry. 
 Went on to Hartford, and dined at Bull's tavern. Mr. Bull 
 sent for Captain Pratt, a recruiting officer from the Western 
 Country, who gave us the stages from Bethlehem, and favored 
 me with a letter to Mrs. Butler, the lady of General Butler, 
 at Carlisle. Exchanged silver for gold with Mr. Pomeroy, 
 broker. Securities Ss. 6d. on the £, but none to sell. Wrote 
 to Mrs. Cutler, per Post. At 4 o'clock set out for Farming- 
 ton. Land on the way very good, though hilly. Farmington 
 is a very pretty village, compact, although it seems to consist 
 of farmers principally. Lodged at Wadsworth's, sign Ball ; 
 very good house, ten miles from Hartford. 33 miles = 155. 
 
 Saturday, July 26. We rose very early. Cloudy and 
 warm. Crossed the fields, and passed through a very exten- 
 sive and fine interval. Farmington River runs through this 
 interval. It is here a beautiful stream, and empties into Con- 
 necticut River at Windsor Ferry. Made our first stage at 
 Frisbie's, in Bristol, seven miles, where we breakfasted. Went 
 on to Baldwin's, in Harrington. Road rough in many places ; 
 in some, shocking. Six miles from Frisbie's to Baldwin's. 
 These two houses are tolerable, for country taverns. Passed 
 a considerable river, called Watertown River, Avhich empties 
 at Stratford. Went on to Litchfield, eight miles, and put up 
 at Buell's, north of the Meeting House. A very good house, 
 well furnished with tavern materials, and stables good. We 
 dined here. Several gentlemen came in who understood we 
 were bound to the Ohio. Purchased 45|-| Dol. of Major Sy- 
 more(?). Mr. Tracy,* an attorney, called upon us, also Mr. 
 Skinner, both of whom are concerned in the Ohio Purchase, 
 and proposed going into the country tliis spring, but have put 
 it ofi" for the present. They were going with Mr. Tallmadge, 
 who was at this time out of town. 
 
 *Mr. Uriah Tracy, the attorney, who was then exfiecting to remove 
 to Ohio, remaineil in Litchfielil. He was a member of Congrf^ss from 
 1793 to 1796, and United Stutes Senator from 179'") until his cleaih, in 
 1806. Colonel Benjamin Tallmndge, who expected to go with him, also 
 remained in Connecticut, and was a member of Congre.^s from 18UU to 
 1817. He distinguished himself during tiie Ifevolutionnry War, in 
 which he rose from the rank of Lieutenant to Colonel. He was Treas- 
 urer of the Ohio Company Irom 179"2 until the settlement of its affairs. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 393 
 
 Litchfield is a beautiful village, situated on a long hill, with 
 a wide street running along the summit of the hill. The 
 houses on both sides are compact for this country. They are 
 large, painted, and make a rich appearance, and the whole 
 town has the appearance of wealth. The land is excellent. 
 The Meeting House stands near the center of the street, where 
 the road which we traveled crossed the hill at right angles 
 with the main street in the town. The Lieutenant-Governor, 
 Wolcott, resides in this town, and has a very pretty seat. 
 
 We left Litchfield at 4 o'clock, and were soon drenched in 
 showers of excessive rain. It continued raining, more or less, 
 until we put up at night. About five or six miles from Buell's 
 we began to ascend Mount Tom. The ascent was not very 
 tedious, but the descent extremely steep and long. We made 
 a small stop on the top of the Hill at a bit of a tavern. Mr. 
 Oliver had a shoe set seven miles from Camp's tavern. At 
 the foot of Mount Tom is a pretty large river, called Shapogue, 
 which also empties into Stratford River. We lodged at Camp's, 
 in Washington, ten miles from Litchfield. Very obliging peo- 
 ple, and not dear. The land from Litchfield, and indeed from 
 Farmington Meadows, consists of prodigious high hills and 
 deep vales. Much of it is very good, and little of it very 
 poor. The range of the hills and valleys is nearly from north 
 to south. 31 miles = 186. 
 
 Sunday, July 27. The morning cloudy and misty. We did 
 not set out very early. There being no meeting we could 
 conveniently attend in this part of the country, we concluded 
 to make some little advances in our journey. We passed 
 through what used to be called New Milford, and by the Forge 
 owned by old Doctor Whipple. We found that Major White, 
 and most of our companies for the Ohio, had been at Camp's. 
 Our first stage in the morning was Daton's, five miles from 
 Camp's, where we breakfasted. The road very bad, though 
 not very rocky. This is Kent. Our next stage Widow Beach's, 
 six miles. The road much up hill and down, but rather better 
 than we have had it. This house is just over the bridge on 
 Housatonic River, at a place called Bull's Works, where there 
 were formerly forges, and other iron works. About three 
 miles back is an extensive bed of iron ore ; some of the cav- 
 
394 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 erns nearly forty feet deep. The land for twenty miles back 
 has mostly chestnut, walnut, and oak. Soil strong, but the 
 land exceedingly hilly. In some places, on high elevations, 
 the prospect is very extensive, and the whole surface of the 
 earth seems to be covered with sugar-loaves of different sizes, 
 hills high and valleys deep. Between the ranges of hills are 
 generally extensive meadows, through which run streams of 
 water. This is the westerly part of Kent ; in less than half a 
 mile we enter New York State. 
 
 One mile from this tavern is a wretched brido-e, verv dan- 
 gerous to pass, and ought to be complained of. The road is 
 good from this tavern to Colonel Morehouse's, in Dover, New 
 York State ; and about two miles beyond we ascend a tremen- 
 dous mountain, two miles in the ascent. We found three 
 families on the side of the mountain. About the middle of 
 the ascent is a long level plain, where there is one house. On 
 the summit of the mountain, we have an extensive prospect 
 over North River. The ground seems to go off nearly level 
 westward, the descent being very gradual. From the top of 
 the mountain, the road is very good to Vanderburgh's, our 
 next stage. Most of the land is excellent ; I think the best I 
 have ever seen in America. Vanderburgh's tavern is thirteen 
 miles from Widow Beach's, in Bateman. Here we lodged. 
 Colonel Vanderburgh is a cheery old Dutchman, but knows 
 how to ask a price. Frequent showers in the forenoon ; fewer 
 in the afternoon, but very sultry, hot. This is 35 miles from 
 Litchfield, and 25 from Camp's = 211. 
 
 Monday, July 28. Rained very hard last night and this 
 morning. Rain slacked about six, and we set out, but were 
 soon overtaken in a shower ; roads fine. Made our next stage 
 at Mr. Alger's, in Fishkill, ten miles, where we breakfasted. 
 The landlady a pretty smart piece of stuff, not very com- 
 plaisant. Here we were detained by the rain for some time ; 
 then went on two miles, and were stopped by the rain at 
 Markin's, three miles from Fishkill town, where I bought some 
 securities. Passed through Fishkill town, which is a pretty 
 village, with tAvo handsome Meeting Houses, both brick ; one 
 I take to be Episcopalian. This is five miles from the Ferry ; 
 a fine road the whole way we have traveled to-day. At the 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 395 
 
 lower ferry over the Hudson River, we found only one or two 
 houses, and crossed over to New Windsor. We furnished our 
 horses with hay in the ferry-boat, so that they ate all the way 
 over. Landed at New Windsor, a small and very indifferent 
 village on the bank of the Hudson. Dined at How's. Went 
 on to Bethlehem, to Captain Harrison's, or Brick Tavern, five 
 miles from the ferry. Rode 27 miles to-day, besides the ferry, 
 which is two. We lodged here ; a tolerable house, but very 
 dear. The last five miles not very good road, nor can it be 
 called bad. 27 miles = 238. 
 
 Tuesday, July 29. Set out early this morning. A fine 
 morning; cloudy, but no rain nor moisture, which we could 
 not say of the weather for eight days past. We passed 
 through Blooming Grove, but could not tell Avhen we entered 
 it or went out of it. Houses scattered all the way, rather 
 poor ; but the road tolerable, and groAving better every mile. 
 We went on twelve miles, and breakfasted at Yelverton's tav- 
 ern, in Chester. An indifferent house, but good attendance, 
 and pretty good breakfast. Here we shifted our linen, shaved, 
 and dressed our hair. The sun now began to shine very warm. 
 From this tavern, we went on to Warwick, and intended to stop 
 at Smith's, in the middle of the village (nine miles), which ap- 
 peared to be a good tavern ; but we were told there was a tav- 
 ern one mile further on. We found, however, the house was 
 not at this time a tavern : but they entertained us very well, 
 and good feed for our horses. It is kept by Colonel Thos. 
 Hathorn, ten miles from Yelverton's, where we were well en- 
 tertained and at a moderate price. Set out from this stage at 
 4 o'clock. Three miles to the State of New Jersey. After 
 riding about two and a half miles, we were overtaken in a 
 shower, which was verv severe. We took shelter in a barn at 
 a tavern, which was a lucky and rare opportunity for housing 
 a carriage. After the shower, we went on to Walling's Tavern, 
 so called. It is kept by Sears, a surly old fellow, very extrav- 
 agant ; his son was more complaisant. This is fourteen miles 
 from Hathorn's. Road very good all the Avay ; cool and cloudy. 
 36 miles = 274. 
 
 Wednesday, July 30. Set out just as the sun rose, and 
 went on to Sussex Court-house, fourteen miles, road good. 
 
396 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 and breakfasted at a tavern just above the Court-house, kept 
 by Jona. Willis. This is a pretty village, on the eastern side 
 and near the summit of a high hill. Land good ; houses in- 
 different. Went into the Court-house ; well pleased with the 
 form of it inside ; the building is of stone. From this, the 
 road is tolerably good to Log Jail, or Town, ten miles. There 
 are very foAv houses, and those mostly miserable huts. At 
 Log Jail or Log Town is a poor tavern, kept by Jones, a Jew. 
 We^could get nothing but oats and water ; neither hay nor 
 grass. Another tavern here, but no better. 
 
 Six miles from Log Town is Hope, commonly called Mora- 
 vian Town. This is a small, new, but very pretty village, the 
 houses mostly stone, built in Dutch style. The church or 
 chapel is a very handsome building, on the top of a hill. We 
 put up at Gamboult's. While dinner was preparing, we took 
 a walk on the green, and went up to the church. As soon as 
 we returned, a man came in, and seemed to want to know 
 whether we wished to see the inside of the church. I told 
 him we were strangers, and should be very happy to go into 
 the church. He conducted us up to the church, one end of 
 which is improved as a dwelling-house for the minister, to 
 whom we were introduced ; the other by the governess, for the 
 instruction of misses. The upper story is a large hall, with 
 apartments at each end. Here Divine service is performed. 
 They have a very pretty set of organs, and the Minister played 
 us several tunes. They have also French horns and violins. 
 The desk is low — nothing more than a seat a little raised, with 
 a table before it. He showed us some paintings in his own 
 apartments. He was very polite, and gave us his blessing 
 when we took our leave. The Granary is the next largest 
 building. It has a family in it, and mills for grinding, bolting, 
 etc. It is built of stone, and three stories high. 
 
 The road from Log Town here not very good. Gamboult 
 keeps a very good house, and is very obliging. From there 
 we came on twelve miles to White's, in Oxford township. 
 Road not bad, but some of it rocky. We put up for the night. 
 White is very obliging ; a good tavern for this country ; beds 
 pretty good. Fair and cool. 32 miles = 306. 
 
 Thursday, July 31. Set out this morning just after sun- 
 
Life of Rev. Blanasseh Cutler. 397 
 
 rise. Twelve miles to East Town ; road not very good. 
 Crossed the Delaware in a good ferry-boat ; the river not wide. 
 The Lehigh enters the Delaware just below where we landed 
 on the Pennsylvania side, called The Forks. As soon as we 
 were over the river, we entered East Town, which is a very 
 pretty village, the houses all stone, in the Dutch style. They 
 have a handsome Court-house and Dutch church. There are 
 two ministers, and every third Sunday there is preaching in 
 English. We breakfasted at Hembt's tavern, beyond the 
 Court-house. We could get no hay or grass, but were furnished 
 with a good breakfast — bacon and eggs, beef and sausages in 
 slices, raw, green tea, etc. From hence we went on to Beth- 
 lehem, twelve miles. A good road, but only four houses on 
 the road betAveen the two stages. When we entered the town, 
 we put up and dinefl at the only tavern in the place ; a good 
 house, fine dinner, porter and cider. One of the Brethren 
 came and conducted us to the unmarried sisters' house, to the 
 private and public chapels where they attend prayers (in the 
 private chapel are organs, violins, Bass-viols, spinnets, etc.), 
 to the kitchen, to all the working-rooms — spinning, weaving, 
 and embroidery ; then to the unmarried brethren's house, 
 where trades are carried on ; and to the widows' house, public 
 schools, water- works, spring, linseed oil mills, and other water- 
 works. As we left the house, we met in the street two men 
 from Muskingum belonging to Killingly. Went on to Aliens- 
 town, six miles, and crossed the Lehigh, half a mile from the 
 town, by a rope ferry ; then, in about one-fourth of a mile, 
 crossed another branch of the Lehigh, called Jordan. We 
 Avere obliged to ford it, but I took out my baggage and sent it 
 over in a canoe. We then ascended a hill to Allenstown, a 
 village of stone houses, some of them considerably large, with 
 one or two public buildings of stone. It Avas owned by one 
 Allen, who had a tolerable seat between the river and the 
 toAvn. The Avhole toAvn belonged to him. He died a few years 
 since. His Avidow, Avhom I saAv (and a young lady), lives in 
 Philadelphia, only when she comes to collect her rents. She 
 was noAV at her seat. We met her in the road, with another 
 young lady, dressed in Avhite. They made an appearance so 
 dijQTerent from the people in this country, that we were struck 
 
398 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 with admiration. We went on three miles from this town, and 
 put up at Aler's tavern, nine miles from Bethlehem. Fair 
 and somewhat hot, but a good day for traveling. 
 
 Just before we arrived at Aler's Ave crossed a river called 
 Cedar Creek, which rises from a remarkable spring described 
 by General Lincoln in M. A. A. It is not far from Aler's, 
 who describes it much as the General has done. A large 
 mill stands within 200 feet of the head of the spring, which is 
 very deep. Large holes are seen at the bottom, from which 
 the water runs out, some of them as large as a man's body. 
 There is no hill of any consideration near. Aler's is a very 
 good house for a Dutchman's, and not dear. A fine day. 
 33 miles=339. 
 
 Friday^ Aug. 1. Set out just as the sun rose, and went on 
 to Kamp's, fourteen miles, where we breakfasted. The roads 
 good, land excellent, and no considerable hills. Five miles 
 from xVler's Ave pass tAvo taverns, and just beloAV them Ave 
 pass what is called the Great Springs — the bridge is over a 
 considerable river, and the springs from Avhich it arises are 
 Avithin a fcAV rods of the bridge. Kamp's is a good tavern, 
 in the toAvnship of Maxadone. We had a very good breakfast, 
 and not dear. Went on to Peter Schaffer's tavern, at Maiden 
 Creek, thirteen miles from Kamp's. About one mile from 
 Kamp's Ave passed through CootstoAvn, a little village of small 
 houses, compact on each side of the road, every house built 
 with logs and stone, and nearly alike. It is a curious place. 
 Schaffer's tavern is by the side of the Schuylkill, five miles 
 from Reading. Here Ave dined. This is a genuine Dutch 
 tavern, but Ave fared tolerably. The roads are very good, fine 
 land, but thinly settled. Went on to Reading, five miles, and 
 stopped to oat at Whiteman's tavern, north-west of and near 
 the court-house. This is a pretty town, Avith tAvo market- 
 houses, Avide streets, a court-house, and one Meeting House, 
 pretty large. There are 400 houses in the town, none very 
 elegant, in my opinion, as they are not in the Ncav England 
 style, Avhich Avill always be the criterion of beauty with the 
 New England man. 
 
 Purchased some tea, and set out for the Sinking Spring. 
 Crossed the Schuylkill, just above the toAvn, in a boat very 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 399 
 
 convenient for carriages. It is a rope-ferry, and by a large 
 block through which the large rope passes, and a tackle at 
 each end of the boat, the stream carries the boat from side 
 to side without oars, setting poles, or rudder. One of the 
 tackles is slackened, so as that the boat lies at an angle of 
 forty-five degrees, nearly, with the rope that extends across 
 the river. Tlie road is naturally good, but at this time it is 
 excessively bad, owing to the rains, and the road being cut 
 up with heavy wagons. The earth is as stiff as if it had been 
 frozen, and when there is water it is like a bed of clay mor- 
 tar. Our horses could only walk. Sinking Spring is five miles 
 from Reading. The tavern is kept by Muggle. Here is a very 
 large spring, which sinks down in dry weather, hence called 
 Sinking Spring. Dachar used to keep this tavern. The day 
 has been fine, though somcAvhat hot. 28 miles =: 367. 
 
 Saturday, August 2. Set out just after sunrise. The 
 roads naturally good, but noAv very bad ; could only walk the 
 greater part of the first stage. Land excellent. Breakfasted 
 at Wegelien's tavern, seven miles from the Spring. Wegelien 
 keeps a tolerable tavern. It is in the toAvnship of Heidelburg. 
 From this tavern we traveled through Womelsdorf Town, 
 three miles — a pretty Dutch village. From this village to 
 Myers Town, another village, is seven miles. This village 
 stands on each side of the street in a straight line, the 
 houses all new, appear to have been lately built ; all Dutch. 
 It seems to have groAvn up suddenly in the woods. We went 
 on seven miles further to Lebanon, seventeen miles from 
 where we breakfasted. This place is as large, nearly, as 
 Reading, and. is laid out in, squares — Dutch buildings; some 
 considerably elegant, mostly of stone. A market near the 
 tavern where we dined. The tavern is kept by Gruenawald, 
 and is, I believe, a good house. The road from Wegelien's 
 has been excessively bad, almost to this town, occasioned by 
 the wet weather. Land very fine, mostly, and very level, much 
 of it uncultivated, in groves not fenced. There are several 
 limestone quarries, which cross the road, and are somewhat 
 bad, but there is not a great number. 
 
 From this stage we went on to the sign of the White Horse — 
 
 O' 
 
 Wm. Palm, a very obliging Dutchman. His wife is the hand- 
 
400 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 somest, smartest, and most delicate Dutchwoman we have seen 
 on the road ; we could hardly l)elieve her to be one, though 
 she assured us she was born in Germany, and came over when 
 a child. Very reasonable in the demand. We passed through 
 Millerstown, a considerable village, entirely new, about 
 three or four miles from Lebanon. Palm's is ten miles from 
 Lebanon. A good road and fine land. It was cool and 
 cloudy, with an appearance of rain ; we therefore went on to 
 Humbletown, nine miles. A good road. At Humbletown we 
 put up at McRham's, next door to Lincoln's the big stone 
 house. Good attendance and beds ; very neat and obliging. 
 Rode 43 miles to-day, very much fatigued, but our horses in 
 good spirits. 
 
 Sunday, August 3. We lay abed late this morning, intend- 
 ing not to travel far. Shifted and dressed this morning. We 
 found this the best house we have been at since we left home, 
 and very cheap. Breakfasted and set out at nine. Went on 
 to Harrisburg, nine miles. This is a beautiful town ; it con- 
 tains about one hundred houses, all built in less than three 
 years, many of them brick, some three stories, built in the 
 Philadelphia style, and all appear very neat. A great num- 
 ber of taverns, with handsome signs, houses two stories, and 
 large windows. About one-half the people here are En- 
 glish. People were going to meeting in a private house ; no 
 churches yet. The people appear very well dressed — some 
 gay. About a mile from the last stage I ferried over a branch 
 of the Susquehanna, called Sweet Aaron's Creek. Mr. Ken- 
 dall and Mr. Oliver forded. Just as we entered Harrisburg, 
 we forded another small creek, called Paxton's Creek. This 
 tavern is kept by Crebb ; a good house. 
 
 We met this morning tAvo men from the Muskingum, belong- 
 ing to Waterbury, in Connecticut. They inform us of the 
 mischief done by the Lidians, and the improbability of a 
 Treaty. We crossed the river opposite to the town. There is 
 an island in the middle of the river, about a mile from each 
 shore ; the water is not deep, and is often forded in the sum- 
 mer. We went on seven miles to Pollock's tavern. A fat 
 Irishman gave us a grand dinner, but our horses fared badly ; 
 intolerably dear. Went on at five o'clock to Carlisle, ten 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 401 
 
 miles, where "\ve lodged, seventeen miles from the Susque- 
 hanna. Roads naturally good, but now intolerable ; very level. 
 Carlisle is a larger town than Reading, stands on a plain, blue 
 hills to the north, and a range of mountains south. The 
 houses are many of them large and well built, but very heavy • 
 bad taste for building. A square in the center for public 
 buildings ; court-house and church within it. Just before we 
 came to the town, we saw on our left the barracks. They are 
 built of brick in four ranges, one at the end. They appeared 
 like colleges — an immense pile of buildings, far exceeding 
 any thing in this part of the country. Lodged at Foster's, 
 south-west of the Court-house ; a good house. A Mr. Mould 
 was here, on his way to Fort Pitt with his family and one 
 other. They had a coach and three wagons. Very hot day. 
 26 miles = 436. 
 
 3Tonday, Aug. 4. I rose early, but did not set out till 
 seven. Breakfasted at Sample's, a good house, seven miles. 
 Roads intolerable. Went on to Shippensburg, fourteen miles, 
 with only stopping a few minutes at McClogin's, seven miles 
 from Sample's. We put up at McCandle's ; every attention 
 was paid us, although they Avere not well provided. Dined ; 
 had our horses' shoes examined, and a strap put under one of 
 the thills of my sulky. This is a new but large town, in one 
 street about 150 houses, some tolerable good ones. Set out 
 at five for the foot of the mountains, to Keeser's. Broke the 
 forepiece of my sulky, Avhich detained us. Road very wet in 
 places. At five miles' distance, night came on ; when dark, 
 the roads excessive bad, being new and wet ; we had a shock- 
 ing time. Arrived at Keeser's at 10 o'clock. This is a Dutch 
 house, the landlord obliging, l)ut the house bad in itself. We 
 were turned into a hot, log chamber, full of people, and were 
 kept awake almost all night by a crazy woman. Slept a little 
 in the morning, as we proposed to rest a day at this house. 
 We had a very hot day. 31 miles = 467. 
 
 Tuesday, Aug. 5. Got my sulky mended this morning. 
 
 Here we met with Mr. Colt, from Massachusetts, going on to 
 
 the Ohio, Avho had been but little before us from Litchfield. 
 
 He oflFered to exchange horses, though mine held out exceed- 
 
 26 
 
402 Life of Rev. 3Iana8seh Cutler. 
 
 ingly -u-ell. Put his horse in my carriage, and went over Blue 
 Mountain, the first that we ascend. It is long, in some parts 
 steep, but steepest in descending ; the road rock, some of it 
 very good, except the extreme length, which is three miles. 
 We now came into Horse Valley, and breakfasted at Skinner's, 
 who has had the superintendency, and was the principal man 
 i-n making the new roads. Here, I concluded to leave my 
 sulky, and go on horseback, as I can travel fiister, and no 
 pleasure can be taken in a carriage. Mr. Skinner very oblig- 
 ino-ly furnished me with saddle, saddle-bags-, etc. While I 
 was preparing, Mr. Rogers, of Ipswich, came up, on his way 
 home, and brought me letters from Muskingum. Wrote to 
 Mrs. Cutler, but only a line. 
 
 From Skinner's we ascend the Middle Mountain. This, in 
 places, is steep ; though much has been done to the roads, 
 the descent is steep. We passed through Path A^ alley, and 
 ascended Tuscarara Mountain — long, but the road mostly 
 good, descent steep — and came into Ahwick Valley. Made a 
 stage at Jennison's, about two miles from the foot of the 
 mountain, only to oat, and went on to Burd's, a fine house, 
 where we were provided with every thing we wished for. This 
 is twelve miles from Skinner's. The road from Jennison's to 
 this house is mostly good, some few sharp pitches. This is 
 Fort Littleton, and there are some pretty plantations. A fine 
 day, except very hot. 15 miles = 481. 
 
 Wednesday, Aug. 6. Set out early this morning. Bill very 
 high, though we had good food, beds, and feed. The road 
 very good for some ways. Nine miles from this we begin to 
 ascend Sideling Hill. The hill has very little ascent in the 
 new road, on which they were now at v.ork. Some part is 
 not yet completed. When finished, it must be called a good 
 road for this country. It is seven miles over the hills. We 
 found a bit of a tavern at the foot of the hill — Tate's tavern. 
 We got some oats and rye, but could get nothing to eat. Af- 
 ter oating, we went on to Martin's, two miles, which made our 
 morning stage eighteen miles. We arrived at 1 o'clock, when 
 we breakfasted and dined in the same meal. A tolerable tav- 
 ern for provision for man and horse. Here we met a Packer 
 with ten pack-horses, loaded principally with ginseng in bar- 
 
Life of Eev. Manasseh Cutler. 403 
 
 rels, two barrels on a pack-horse. Price at Fort Pitt, two 
 shillings ; at Carlisle, five shillings. Met a great number of 
 these Packers, but the wagon struck us with astonishment. 
 Just at jNIartin's, before we came to his house, we crossed the 
 Juniata, a branch of the Susquehanna. Went on for Bedford, 
 fourteen miles. We rode much of the way in view of the Ju- 
 niata, frequently on the very banks ; roads pretty good. Before 
 we got six miles, and at about two miles, we passed the nar- 
 rows or gaps of two ranges of high mountains ; we could not 
 learn the names. A mile this side of Bedford we crossed the 
 Juniata, or a branch of it, on a good but long bridge. It was 
 davlio-ht-in when we arrived at Bedford. It is the shire-town 
 of the County of Bedford (the poorest county in Pennsylva- 
 nia) ; a pretty large cluster of houses, on low ground, sur- 
 rounded by mountains. The Juniata passes near these houses. 
 Some of the buildings are pretty large, and appear well. 
 
 Judge Symmes* had taken lodging at the best tavern. We, 
 however, made shift to get lodgings in the same house, Mr. 
 Wertz', a Dutchman. Judge Symmes was complaisant. I had 
 a letter to him from his brother, at Sussex Court-house. He 
 has his daughter with him, a very pretty young lady ; one or 
 two women with their husbands ; six heavy wagons, one stage 
 
 * John Cleves Symmes was born on Long Island 1742. Removed to 
 New Jersey, and was prominent during the Revolution as Colonel of a 
 Militia Regiment in active field service. He was one year Lieutenant- 
 Governor of New Jersey ; six years a member of the Council ; two years a 
 a member of the Continental Congress, and twelve ye;us a Judge of the 
 Supreme Court of New Jersey. In August, 17<S7, Judge Symmes, en- 
 couraged by the success of the Ohio Company, obtained from Congress 
 a grant for a purcliase of a tract of land fronting on the Ohio River 
 between the two Miamis and extending north to the 10th Township 
 Having been unable to pay for the wliole, after much negotiation, he 
 closed a contract, in 1792, for 1,000,0U0 acres. The continued rise in 
 Government securities made it impossible to pay for this, and in 1794 a 
 patent was granted him for between oOO,0()0 and 400,0U0 acres, includ- 
 ing the fiont on the Oliio River and extending back to the K>d Township. 
 He wa> appointed one of the Judges of the North-west Territory, 178S. 
 He died, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1814. Judge Symmes was three times mar' 
 ried. He left two daughters— one, Maria, married Major Peyton Short ; 
 one, Anna, became the wife of William Henry Harrison, afterward 
 President of the United States. — Stc McBridc's Pioneer Biography. 
 
404 Life of Rev. Manassch Cutler. 
 
 wagon, and a cliair ; thirty-one horses ; three carpenters, and 
 one mason. Has been out three weeks. Fair clay, not ex- 
 cessive hot, but we found it hard to get on 32 miles = 513. 
 
 Thursday^ Aug. 7. Rose early this morning. So foggy 
 that we could see little of the town. Set out just after sun- 
 rise. Judge Symmes' wagons were nearly ready to start when 
 Ave left the house. A company of soldiers encamped one and 
 a half miles out of town, but had moved off the ground before 
 we got up ; about sixty ; did not see them. They took the 
 Pittsburg road four miles from Bedford ; we took the Glade 
 road to the left. This is a fine road to Peter Wurtz's, where 
 we breakfasted ; roads fine ; Buffalo Mountain on our left. 
 This tavern is in Buffalo Valley ; the road good from Bedford. 
 "We forded two pretty large branches of the Juniata, or perhaps 
 the same twice ; not very deep. This is a good house, kept 
 by a Dutchman, very obliging; good food for man and horse, 
 and not high. From this, there is a tavern about six miles 
 distant, .where we saw Major White's wagon. Four miles 
 further is another bit of a tavern, but nothirig to be had for 
 man or horse. At the last tavern, by mistake, we left the 
 wagon road, on which we should have found a tavern five miles 
 further ; but we went on in an old road, where some people 
 had just passed, until we were very anxious, apprehen<lin^ 
 ourselves in a wrong road, but determined to pursue it until 
 we came to some habitation. We passed an old empty cabin, 
 where we found fine feed in the road, clover mid-leg high^ and 
 here we baited our horses for some time. We then began to 
 ascend the Alleghany Mountains ; our ascent pretty steep ; very 
 anxious. We traveled from the last tavern eleven miles before 
 we came to a house. Before we began to descend the Alle- 
 ghany Mountains, we came into the wagon road, which relieved 
 our fears. We baited our horses for a few minutes at the first 
 house, a Dutch cabin. The descent of the Alleghany Moun- 
 tains is not steep, but the road is new and bad. We went on 
 to Black's, in the Glades, twenty-three miles from our last 
 stage, where we breakfasted, without eating or drinking any 
 thing but water by the way, and arrived about sunset. A 
 fine, cool day. From this place, the waters run Avest. The 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseli Cutler. 4C5 
 
 Alleahany Mountains is the line between the east and west 
 waters. Two springs Avithin a stone's throw. 30 miles =543. 
 
 Friday, Aug. 8. This is a pretty good house for this coun- 
 try, a good plantation, and prices reasonable. Went on just 
 after sunrise. At two and a half miles from Black's, stopped 
 and had my horse shod. Two Dutch families here, who wish 
 to go to Muskingum. Our next stage at Coldpenny's tavern, 
 nine and a half miles from Black's. lioad passable, and break- 
 fast tolerable good. A prodigious number of pack-horses at 
 this stage. 
 
 Went on six miles to Laurel Mountain. The ascent not 
 steep ; moderately good over the mountain to the descent, ex- 
 cept muddy and wet ; but the descent is very steep ; the road 
 tolerable after we got to the bottom. It is ten miles over this 
 mountain. A poor French house six miles on, but nothing to 
 be had ; and at the foot west is a poor house — not much to be 
 had. Went on three miles to Anfret's, a Dutch house, on 
 Chestnut Ridge, Avhere we lodged. Dark before we arrived. 
 Here we dined and supped in the same meal ; good keeping 
 for horses and passable for ourselves. Traveled to-day twenty- 
 eight miles. Cool, rainy afternoon ; eat up with fleas at night. 
 28 miles = 571. 
 
 Saturday, Aug. 9. Did not set out very early. Went on 
 to Mount Pleasant township, seven miles, and breakfasted at 
 Kneely's tavern, a good house. From this, we proceeded to 
 Sumrell's Ferry, thirteen miles. Four miles short of the ferry, 
 I stopped to see Jervis, at Brown's and Burnham's. Jervis 
 was gone to Hannah's Town. Got Mr. Brown to go after 
 him, and Avent on to Sumrell's. Major Coburn* and family, 
 with two wagons, came here this evening. We crossed 
 Youghiogheny River just before Ave came to Sumrell's. 
 Here Ave found Captain Bartlett f and family. Bill Dodge, 
 
 * Major Asa Coburn, who came to Marietta in the latter part of 1788, 
 was one of three bi'others who entered the Colonial army at the open- 
 ing of the Revolution. Phineas, eldest son of Major Coburn, joined 
 the first company of Ohio emigrants. Major Coburn died at Water- 
 ford, during the Indian War. — Hi&lory of Washbigion Co., Oliio. 
 
 f Cnptain William Bartlett, Naval Agent (by appointment of General 
 Washington) at the port of Beverly, Mass., during the Revolutionary 
 
406 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 Gushing,* and Chcever. House very full ; not very -well ac- 
 commodated. Colonel May just arrived from Muskingum, on 
 his way to Boston. Wrote to Mrs. Cutler. The road to-day 
 most of it good ; some bad hills ; a little rain, but rather cool. 
 Extremely fatigued. 20 miles = 591. 
 
 Sundaij, Aug. 10. Felt my fatigue most sensibly but could 
 not get excused from going six miles to meeting. An exces- 
 sively bad road. Mr. Finley is the minister. He has two 
 congregations, eight miles distant. The Meeting House is in 
 the woods ; no house near ; a large congregation. Supposed 
 three or four hundred horses ; made a curious appearance. 
 The congregation appeared Avell. I preached in the afternoon. 
 We had half an hour intermission. When I got back to Sum- 
 rell's, I was almost ready to give up the thought of going 
 further. Cool day. 
 
 dlonday, Aug. 11. Major Coburn very sick yesterday. I 
 advised him an emetic of blood-root, to remove a heavy load 
 at his stomach. It operated kindly as an emetic and cathartic, 
 but the pain in his stomach and side was severe still when I 
 returned from meeting. I therefore opened a vein, which gave 
 him relief, and this morning he set out on his journey ; his 
 
 War, was born in Beverly, in 1741 ; moved to Westmoreland County, 
 Penn., in 1785, and died there in 1794. Letters of Mrs. Bartlett to her 
 friends in Massachusetts, in which the above visit of Dr. Cutler to 
 them is spoken of, are in possession of Captain Bartlett's great-grand- 
 children, now living in Marietta. Captain Bartlett's son Henry came 
 from Sumrell's ferry to Marietta in 1706; sjjent the winter of 179G-97 
 in the stockade, and moved to Athens in 179G, and settled on lands 
 belonging to his father's share in the Ohio Compnny. He was for 
 many years Clerk of the Courts in that ounty, and Secretary of the 
 Trustees of the Ohio University. He died in Athens, in 1850, aged 79. 
 * Nathaniel Cushing was born in Pembroke. Mas.'., 1753. He mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Heath, 1775. During the Revolutionary Wai-, he served 
 as Lieutenant in Brewer's Regiment, Captain in the Sixth Mas.<acliu- 
 setts, and won the brevet of Miijor. He came to ^Marietta, Ohio, with 
 his family, in 1788, and, with Major Goodale and others, settled at 
 Belpre, 1789. He was commissioned Cajitain in the First Regiment, 
 Territorial Militia, 1788, and Colonel, 1797. After Major Goodale's 
 capture, he commanded the garrison at Farmers' Castle. Colonel 
 Cushing and his wife both died at Belpre, 1814. — S^e Ilildreth's Lives of 
 {he Early Settlers of Ohio. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 407 
 
 case bilious. Jevvis came over tliis morning. Thought best 
 he should continue here in his school. We set out about 11 
 o'clock, and went on eight miles, and crossed Monongahela at 
 Devour's ferry ; a fine river. Dined just over it, at Parkin- 
 son's ; tolerable house. Went on eight miles to another Park- 
 inson's ; a most excellent road. Parkinson keeps a good 
 house. Diversion at shooting with his rifle. This is Notting- 
 ham toAvnship. 16 miles =^ 607. 
 
 Tuesday^ Aug. 12. Rose at day-break ; set out as the sun 
 rose. Major Kendall made a fine shot at a chicken, and won 
 half a pint of whisky. W^ent on, and breakfasted at Wash- 
 ington, which used to be called Catfish. It is a street of 
 houses, all new — stumps in the street. There are some hand- 
 some buildings — a Court-house and jail — in the center of the 
 little city. This is eleven miles from Parkinson's ; fine road. 
 After breakfast went on to Wells', sixteen miles, no stage be- 
 tween, mostly woods, but a very good road, no stones nor con- 
 siderable hills. Arrived at AYells' about three, and put up. 
 Here we found Mr. McFarland and his brother, from Haver- 
 hill, Mr. Sawyer,* and Mr. Porter. f We were Avell enter- 
 tained for this country. Fine gardens, mills, tannery, etc. 
 27 miles = 634. 
 
 Wednesday, Aug. 13. Diverted ourselves this morning 
 shooting squirrels. Before dinner Captain Cooper, who came 
 up in the Ohio Company's large boat, came hei'e to incjuire for 
 Major Coburn. After dinner we set out for the mouth of 
 Buffalo, in company with Captain Cooper. Went to Charles 
 Wells', Esq., which is about a mile over the line between 
 Pennsylvania and Virginia. This line is cut about twenty 
 feet wide through the woods, and makes a singular appearance. 
 
 At this place we agreed to put up our horses at one dollar 
 per month, oats at 3s. per bushel to feed my horse two weeks, 
 
 ■*^ Nathaniel Sawyer was born in Haverliill, Massachusetts, May 12, 
 1757.' Manied Lydia, daughter of Ebenezer Porter, of Ipswich (Ham- 
 let), April 18, 1778. Settled at Ilannahstowii, Westmoreland county, 
 Pennsylvania. — Porter Gencalor;y. 
 
 fEbenezer Porter, born in Ipswich (Ilamlet), July 27, 1732; married 
 Lydia, daughter of Thomas Cummings; died at Little Ilockhocking, 
 Ohio, February 24, 1827. 
 
408 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 twice a day. This is four miles from Alex. Wells'. We Avent 
 on to Buffalo, Avhicli is six miles as the road goes, but, by at- 
 tempting to get into another road, Ave lost our Avay, and trav- 
 eled the whole way in the woods, in a foot-path, over shocking 
 hills. This made it late at night before we arrived at the 
 house Avhere General Tupper was. Lodged on the floor; peo- 
 ple kind. Mr. Prather's. This is called Coxe's Fort. 10 
 miles = 644. 
 
 Thursday, Aug. 14. This morning we went down to the 
 Ohio River, one-fourth of a mile, Avhere Ave had the first sight 
 of this beautiful river. It is noAV very Ioav. Mr. Prather, 
 Avhere Ave are lodged, Avent Avith us. He bid me welcome to 
 his house Avhile I tarried. In the afternoon went to the Fort, 
 where Avere Major Goodale * and others going doAvn in the 
 boat. This Fort is a little stockade for the defense of this 
 neighborhood. Several small houses Avithin the stockade. 
 SAvearingen's is the principal family. It Avas proposed that a 
 sermon should have been delivered, and the people Avere noti- 
 fied, but it rained in the afternoon, Avhich ])revented. The 
 Yankee singers collected, and sang a number of tunes ; Ave 
 then attended prayers. Returned to Mr. Prather's. 
 
 Friday, August 15. This morning Ave Avent pretty early to 
 the boat. General Tupper had mentioned to me a mode for 
 constructing a machine to Avork in the head or stern of a boat 
 instead of oars. It appeared to me highly probable it might 
 succeed. I therefore proposed that Ave should make the ex- 
 periment. Assisted by a number of the people, Ave Avent to 
 AVork, and constructed a machine in the form of a scrcAV Avitli 
 
 * Nathan Goodale was born in Prookfield, Ma«s., in 1743. Tie served 
 in the Revolutionary War as a Lieutenant in Brewer's regiment, as- 
 sistant Engineer to Colonel Rufus Putnam (when he was acting Chief 
 Engineer of the army), C.iptain in the Fifth Massachusetts, and Major. 
 His promotion to Major was in consequence of a highly commendatory 
 letter from General Rufus Putnam to General Washington. Major 
 Goodale was once a prisoner in the hands of the British, and twice 
 Avounded. He came to Ohio with his family in 1 7SS. In 1789 he set- 
 tled in Belpre, and at the outbreak of the Indian War w'as jjlaced in 
 command of Farmers' Castle, as the fort at Belpre was called. In 1793 
 he was captui'ed by the Indians. His fate was never certainly ascer- 
 tained. — See Ilildreth's Lives of the Early Settlers of Ohio. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 409 
 
 short blades, and placed it in the stern of the boat, which we 
 turned with a crank. It succeeded to admiration, and I think 
 it a very useful discovery. Just at night we attended public 
 worship at the Fort. Major Coburn arrived. 
 
 Saturday, Aug. 16. This morning Mr. Prather and I went 
 to the boat ; began to take on board the wagons. We went 
 down in a boat with General Tupper to sound as far as Buffalo 
 Creek, one mile below our landing, the river being very low, 
 and having fallen since yesterday. Mr. Prather and I went 
 up his bottom, and examined the ground where he is going to 
 lay out a town, at the mouth of Buffalo Creek. Exaijiined 
 several vegetables, the Pawpaw, Ipecac, Redbud, Spanish Oak, 
 Honey-locust, Aspen, Black-poplar, Poultice-root, etc. After 
 dinner grot on our stock ; the boat would not float. The after- 
 noon was spent in attempting to get her into the channel, 
 which was not accomplished until dark. Returned to our 
 lodsrincfs. As Mr. Prather had bid me welcome, and would 
 take nothing, I was unwilling to return, but it was unavoid- 
 able. Fair day. 
 
 Sunday, Aug. 17. This morning rose early. The people 
 got on board at 9 o'clock. Went past Buffalo Creek before 
 Ave could get the cattle on board. Took our leave very cor- 
 dially of Mr. Prather and family, who went so far Avith us. 
 Went down the river, Avhich is a most delightful stream, very 
 romantic. At seven miles from Buffalo Ave passed a Post on 
 the Federal side, commanded by Captain McMahon, Virginia 
 militia. A number of huts, men, Avomen, and children. A 
 mile beloAv this Ave make a stop at Short Creek, for four bar- 
 rels of flour. The creek very small. BeloAv this Ave passed 
 two or three islands, very romantic. Went on to Wheeling, 
 eighteen miles, Avhere Ave arrived about 5 o'clock, and landed 
 our cattle. Lodged at Esquire Zane's.* Place been fortified 
 
 *The ancestors of Colonel Ebenezer Zane came over with Willinni 
 Penn, at the first settlement of Philadelphia. The ground where the 
 city of Wheeling now stands was explored in 1769 by Colonel Ebenezer 
 Zane and his two brothers, Jonathan and Silas. Tiiey leaioved here 
 from the south branch of the Potomac. — Dr. S. P. HilJreth. 
 
 Ebenezer was a delegate to the State Convention held at Richmond 
 in 178S to consider the adoption of the Federal Constitution. — Note to 
 Colonel J\Iay s Journeys to the Ohio Country. 
 
410 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 — a pretty settlement. Opposite to liis house is a very rich and 
 fine isLand of 300 acres. Lodged on the floor, ^vith a bit of a 
 cot. Slept very little. Cooked provisions for two days. 
 Fair day. Wheeling 18 miles = 662. 
 
 Monday, Aug. 18. This morning Esquire Zane showed me 
 his rice in his garden, about a rod square, in six drills. 
 Horses, a few nights before, got in and cropped it. He as- 
 sured me it would have yielded two bushels. He has raised 
 ten bushels from four rods square. It grows upon a high 
 bank, on a somewhat sandy second bottom. Has now good 
 rice on his island. The seed must be obtained in the chafif. 
 We ou'i-ht to iret seed from Carolina, and the mode of cleans- 
 ing. He pounds it in a mortar as he needs it. He raises 
 cotton. Wants information in pruning the plant ; it is an- 
 nual. Both rice and cotton should be put m the ground 
 very early, by the middle of April ; no frost after this time. 
 He has raised good indigo, and says we may cultivate as much 
 as we please. He raises excellent tobacco ; has a fine bottom, 
 •well cleared. He is very generous. Requested me to call 
 again. Fine orchard, and large nursery of peaches — offered 
 to give me two or three hundred. Nine o'clock before Ave got 
 our cattle on board ; left Wheeling about ten. Went down 
 the river very easy. At twelve miles from Wheeling we came 
 to Grave Creek, on the Virginia side, and went on shore to 
 see the monument. It is on a plain, and raised sixty feet, 
 round, and a ditch all around ; covered with trees — a white 
 oak four feet in diameter near the summit — cavity in the 
 middle covered with sow-tits. Fine fruit in plenty. Went to 
 the houses ; fine orchard. Saw one or two small mounds. 
 
 Divided ourselves into five reliefs at rowing at night. Gen- 
 eral Tuppcr and I excused ourselves from rowing. Slept 
 poorly. Just before day a boat hailed us ; Colonel Crary on 
 board. Passed Long Reach in the night, rainy, cloudy all 
 night, but the moon gave light. Passed through Long Reach, 
 and by that means lost sight of it. [We had 48 souls on 
 board. Daily Journal.] 
 
 Tuesday, August 19. Cloudy and showers. Went on rap- 
 idly. Several fine prospects up and down the river. Land 
 less mountainous. Saw Round Bottom, the land owned by 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 411 
 
 General Washington ; very extensive and good. It is al)out 
 sixty miles from Muskingum, and seventeen miles below 
 Wheeling. We landed about eleven o'clock on the Federal 
 side. Fine land, the hills began to retire from the river. 
 Land very level on each side as far as the eye could reach. 
 IMany beautiful islands. Began to rain about two, and con- 
 tinued to rain very hard until we landed at Muskingum. 
 Passed the Little Muskingum, a pretty large creek, and Duck 
 Creek ; the course of the Ohio nearly north-west, having 
 turned gradually and beautifully from south for four or five 
 miles — fine bottom on each side. Ao;ainst Little Muskingum 
 and Duck Creek lies Kerr's Island, which bows in the same 
 manner as the river, terminating about a mile before we 
 landed. 
 
 The first appearance was the Fort, which was very pretty. 
 The state of the air injured our prospect very much. We 
 landed at The Point, and were very politely received by the 
 Honorable Judges, General Putnam, and our friends. Gen- 
 eral Putnam invited me to his lodgings, Vvdiich is a marquee. 
 Rained extremely hard in the evening and at night. Mr. 
 Breck and others set out up the river yesterday by land. I 
 drank tea with General Parsons. 
 
 From Wheeling to Grave Creek, 12 miles ; from Grave to 
 Fish Creek, 12 ; from Fish to Fishing Creek, 15 ; from Fish- 
 ing to Middle Island, 28 ; from Middle Island to Bull Creek, 
 12; from Bull Creek to Muskingum, 10 — 89=:751 miles from 
 Ipswich. 
 
 Wednesday, Aug. 20. This day an entertainment was given 
 to the Governor and officers of the Garrison by the Directors 
 of the Company at the Hall in Campus Martins. Went a 
 little over the ground. Major Sargent and myself went over 
 to the Garrison ; paid my compliments to his Excellency. 
 Was introduced to General Harmar * and lady. Major 
 
 * General Josiah Harmar was a native of Pennsylvania, and served 
 through the revolution as an officer in the Pennsylvania troops in the 
 Continental line. lie was made Lieutenant-Colonel Comm indant of 
 the First United States Infantry in 1784, Brevet Brigadiei-General, 
 1787, and resigned in 1792. He was the first General-in-Chief of the 
 United States Army. From 1793 to 1799 he was Adjutant-General of 
 
412 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cfutler. 
 
 Doughty,* Captain McCurdy and lady, etc. We came over 
 in the barge to the Hall with his Excellency, the ladies, and 
 officers. Barge rowed by tAvelve oars — aAvning — Sargent in 
 the stern, the word " Congress " painted on the blade of each/r 
 oar; well disciplined in rowing The Fort is a.square, very "^ 
 handsome. Block-houses at the corners, curtains, barracks, 
 new works raised, cannon, field-pieces in the square. A num- 
 ber of Indians at the Fort, who have come in to the treaty. 
 We landed up the Muskingum, opposite to the Campus Mar- 
 tins. A handsome dinner, with punch and wine. The Gov- 
 ernor and ladies from the Garrison, very sociable. Miss 
 Rowena Tupper and the two Mrs. Goodale dined, and fifty- 
 five gentlemen. Returned in the barge to the Point. A little 
 rain. 
 
 Thursday, Aug. 21. Foggy night and morning. After 
 dinner we took a long walk over the city lots, through the 
 corn-field, Avhich astonished me on account of its mao-nitude. 
 I should be as soon lost in it as in a cedar swamp in a cloudy 
 day. We were extremely fatigued with traveling through it. 
 Went on to the high mound, a white oak upon the top, which 
 General Putnam judged to be 100 feet high. Went on most 
 of the works, and particularly^ on the Via Sacra. Shall de- 
 scribe these works more fulh^ in another place. Felt myself 
 much injured yesterday and to-day by representations made 
 by the Rhode Island faction respecting the Scioto Company's 
 purchase. 
 
 Friday, Aug. 22. Foggy again night and morning. After 
 breakfast Captain Stone and I Avent over the river to the Vir- 
 ginia side, where there are about thirteen families. Called 
 on Mr. Williams,! who is the principal man. He has here a 
 
 Pennsylvania. lie died in Philadelphia, 1813. For his military rec- 
 ord and that of Captain McCurdy, see " IJeturn of the Pennsylvania 
 Troops in tlie Service of the United States. 7th .August, 1787," published 
 in Philadelphia, 1887, with notes by Colonel Jcjm P. Nicholson. 
 
 * Major John Doughty, commander of the artillery; Lieutenant- 
 Colonel in 1798. Fort Ilarmar was erected by the troops under his 
 command in 1785. — Note to Colonel Mai/'s Journeys to the Ohio Country. 
 
 -j- Isaac Williams was a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, 
 where he was born in 1737. When but eighteen years of age he was em- 
 ployed by the colonial government as scout to watch the movements of 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 413 
 
 fine farm of 400 acres ; the other people are his tenants. He 
 came here the 25th of March, 1787 ; has large quantities of 
 flax, corn, and good gardens. He gave me a very good 
 cat-fish, on Avhich Ave dined. Afternoon about the Point. 
 Fair, fine evening. A number of Indians over, and dined 
 with us. 
 
 Saturday, Aug. 23. Visited tAvo or three persons that 
 were sick. A fine, fair morning. Out on the bank of the 
 Ohio. Half Indian King, Zane's son, and other Indians here. 
 Preparing for to-morroAv in the Avoods. I found Avhen I came 
 in at night a number of Indians at the Point, the squaws 
 mostly drunk, Indians sober. There Avas a small shower in 
 the afternoon, and in the night a most severe tempest of 
 thunder, lightning, and rain ; almost droAvned. 
 
 Sunday, Aug. 24. Cloudy this morning, and very muddy. 
 Attended public Avorship in the Hall in Campus Martins ; the 
 Hall very full ; had but one exercise. People came from the 
 Virginia shore and from the Garrison. Governor sick. Be- 
 gan Avith short prayer, read scripture, etc., sang three times. 
 ]\Iean to establish this order in future. Dined Avith Generals 
 Parsons and Varnum. We took a Avalk out just at sunset, 
 and went as far as the great tree.* Measured the diameter — 
 
 the Indi;ins. In thiscapncity hewaswith Braddock in hisbrief campaign. 
 Alter the treaty made with the Indians by Colonel Boquet, in 1705, Mr. 
 Williams brought his parents over the mountains and settled on Euflfalo 
 Creek, and engaged in hunting and trapping. In 1775 he married 
 Mrs. Rebecca Martin, a young widow, whose husband had been killed 
 by the Indians. During the war along the border (1777 to 17So) Mr. 
 Williams lived near Ked Stone fort on the Monongahela Eiver, return- 
 ing to the valley of the Ohio, near Wheeling, in 1 7S4. When Fort 
 Harmar was established he moved to a point in Virginia diiectly op- 
 po.site the mouth of the Muskingum, where Mrs. Williams' brother 
 had made for her an entry of four hundred acres of land. He estab- 
 lished friendly relations with the Ohio Company people on tlieir arrival 
 and his knowledge of frontier life and acquaintance with the Indians 
 was of much value to them. He died in 18:20. — Sec HiUlrctlis Lives of 
 the Early Sdttcrs of Ohio. 
 
 *The reference is to the trees mentioned in the pamphlet prepared 
 by Dr. Cutler in 1787 for the Ohio Company, and printed in full in the 
 Appendix to this work. "General Parsons measured a black-walnut 
 tree, near the Muskin<;um, whose circumference at five feet from the 
 
414 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 thirteen feet in diaineter in the two opposite directions, i. e., 
 at right angles. The tree is broken down ; one side is about 
 eighteen feet high, the opposite about two feet. The inside 
 of the tree is not only hollow, but has been burnt so that 
 there is but a thin shell. The growth of the tree is sloping ; 
 if cut off about two feet above the ground would contain sixty-four 
 men, allowing eighteen inclxes to a man. Six horsemen could 
 ride in abreast, and parade in the tree at the same time. We 
 measured the circumference as near the ground as possible, so 
 as to take in all the bulges, and make it forty-six and a half 
 feet. About two feet above the ground we measured the cir- 
 cumference again, and found it to be forty-one and a half feet. 
 This seems to have been the proper place to have measured it 
 to give the proper circumference, and gives the diameter four- 
 teen feet. At the height of sixteen feet, the tree was only 
 six feet in diameter ; at eighteen feet, it branched into three 
 large branches, which now lie on the ground. A shower this 
 eveninu", with thunder. 
 
 Monday, Aug. 25. This morning an appearance of rain, 
 but cleared away, so that our surveyors went up the Mus- 
 kingum to complete the surveys of the eight-acre lots, under 
 the protection of a sergeant's guard from the Garrison. After 
 dinner. General Parsons, Putnam, and myself, went out to 
 survey Captain Heart's and my city lots, on the Ohio. Before 
 we had completed them, a most violent thunder-shower came 
 up, and we were obliged to return. Got seriously wet — al- 
 most drowned in our tent. The wind very high ; several trees 
 broke off and bloAvn down near us. About three o'clock in the 
 night I was called up to see a child of islajor Cushing's, sup- 
 posed to be djnng. Just before I got into the house it ex- 
 pired. The first person that died in the city of Marietta. 
 This child was vei"y low when Major Gushing left iNew Eng- 
 land. Its disorder appeared to be a proper atropha infcoiiilis, 
 extremely emaciated ; expected it would have expired in the 
 boat while we were coming down. Dr. Scott, of the Garrison, 
 attended after it arrived here. He spoke encouraging ; ap- 
 
 ground was twenty-two feet. A sycamore near the same place meas- 
 ured forty-four feet in circumference at some distance from the 
 ground." 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasse7i Cutler. 415 
 
 pears to be ingenious. I attended with him yesterday, but 
 suspected it was too late for any kind of medicine to produce 
 any valuable effect. Its name was Nabby ; thirteen months 
 old. 
 
 Tuesday, Aug. 26. Fine morning, fair and pleasant ; wind 
 north-west. The first time the Avind has blown from any 
 quarter except south-Avest since my arrival. Went over to 
 the Virginia shore. Met with Dr. Scott, and visited his pa- 
 tients Avith him. Two large Kentucky boats here, Avith a 
 number of families bound to Judge Symmes' settlement. 
 Went out, afternoon, on the city lots and parsonage land; 
 found it much better than I expected. Went on to the bury- 
 ing ground ; fixed on the place * to bury Major Cushing's child. 
 
 Wednesday, Aug. 27. Foggy morning ; fine day, but 
 rather Avarm. Judge Symmes and his company arrived last 
 night. He, Avith his daughter, made us a visit to-day. A 
 very Avell accomplished young lady. At 2 o'clock attended 
 the funeral of Major Cushing's child. A considerable num- 
 ber of people collected. The cofiin, cherry-tree. Proposed 
 that it should not be colored ; an example for the future. We 
 agreed to Avalk in order. Very decent funeral. 
 
 After the child Avas buried, Avent over a number of the hills 
 back ; fine prospect, most delightful for country-seats. Land 
 excellent for wheat. Much fatigued. Fine day. 
 
 Thursday, Aug. 28. Morning foggy ; fine day. Edmund 
 Moulton bit by a copperhead this morning, just before day, in 
 the room Avhere he slept. Snake killed. Another small one 
 found near the house. Made him bite a number of times. 
 Took off his head and examined his teeth. Took out seven 
 teeth from the bladder on one side his jaAv. Found a circular 
 bone, in which the teeth Avere inserted ; this bono is connected 
 Avith the jaAV by a strong ligament. 
 
 Afternoon, visited by Madame Zanes, a squaAv, descended 
 from a royal family, daughter of the half-king of the Wyan- 
 dots. Her family and her brother, a son of the half-king, 
 Avere Avith her, old Guycr-suter, a Seneca chief, and several 
 
 '^'The site selected by Doctor Cutler as a buri.il place for the child 
 of Major Gushing was on the ridge, south of the present cemetery, 
 where the house of Beman Gates now stands. General Varnum was 
 
416 Life of Rev. llanasseJi Cutler. 
 
 others. Madame Zanes and her family were very richly 
 dressed. It was said she had on three hundred brooches, and 
 that her whole dress cost five hundred dollars. Her family in 
 the same style, very neat. We have had Indians to dine with 
 us almost every day since I have been on the Point; princi- 
 pally Delawares, Wyandots, one or two Shawanese, Mingo, 
 Seneca, or Six Nations. No other nations come in. The 
 Chippewas and Ottawas appear to be rather inclined for war, 
 but have come into the Council at Sandusky, and acceded to 
 a general peace. 
 
 Friday, Aug. 29. This morning General Putnam and I 
 went up the Muskingum. . Traveled through Virgin's Bottom 
 and Wiseman's Bottom.* Saw four deer at different times, one 
 of them a large buck. Killed a large rattlesnake. Found 
 our boat, and crossed the river. Went into the water ; found 
 a great number of clam cohog shells, some very large. Grapes 
 plenty on the small island. A shower came on, and gave us 
 a severe dousing. Went on shore to the surveyors. Here is 
 an excellent tract of land, more than one thousand acres in a 
 
 also buried there. His grave was not marked, but was discovered 
 when the excavations were making for the foundations for Mr. Gates' 
 house, and the remains were fully identified by the coat buttons. 
 
 During the Indian war, 1790 to 1794, when it was unsafe to go far 
 from the fort, burials were made on the brow of the hill, now duji 
 away, on Third street, near Wooster. General Benjamin Tupper, who 
 died in 1792, was buried between Third and Fourth streets, opposite 
 the great elevated square. Major Anselm Tupper and an infant child 
 of Colonel Ichabod Xye were also buried there. 
 
 Mound Cemetery was opened in the year 1800. The first person 
 buried in it was Robert Taylor, who died oOih September, 1801. 
 
 Oak Giove Cemeteiy was purchased by the city from lion. Arius 
 Nye in 18G1. Tiie remains of twenty-six persons were removed from 
 the grounds of Mr. Gates and re-interred in Oak Grove in 1871, and a 
 neat monument was erected to them. 
 
 * Colonel Joseph Barker was the first settler in Wiseman's Bottom. 
 Captain Jonathan Devol soon joined him. Botli of them were skilled 
 mechanics and builders. Ship building was Die earliest important 
 industry established at Marietta. Colonel Barker built a number of 
 ships on his f n in on tiie bank of the ^^luskingum, as did Captain Devol. 
 Captain Devol also constructed a floating mill, after patterns furnished 
 by Griffin Greene, and anchored it in the Muskingum, opposite his 
 home. See JJisiorj/ Washinglon County. 
 
Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 417 
 
 body of bottom. Lodged in the woods with the surveyors. 
 We were extremely Avet, but made a large fire and Avere com- 
 fortable. A party of soldiers Avere with us, who kept a guard 
 all night. 
 
 Saturday^ August 30. Went over the river this morning, 
 and viewed the bottom on the Avest side ; very fine. SaAv some 
 of my lots. Grapes plenty. Saw many fine fish ; a most 
 beautiful river. Came doAvn in the boat. Much fatigued. 
 Wrote home to Mrs. Cutler to set out for Mr. Chickering's 
 Wednesday, October 8th. 
 
 Sunday, Aug. 31. Cloudy and misty. Preached. Gov- 
 ernor present. Dined Avith Colonel Battelle.* Drank tea 
 with Sargent. 
 
 Monday, September 1. Foggy morning. Busy at the tent. 
 The Governor and General Ilarmar over in the afternoon. 
 Invited to dine Avith the Governor next day. 
 
 Tuesday, Sept. 2. Court of Common Pleas opened this 
 morning at Campus Martins in the Hall. Procession 'from the 
 Point. Opened Avith prayer. The Governor and Supreme 
 Judges present. The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas 
 and myself dined Avith the Governor at Fort Harmar. Genteel 
 dinner; fine fruit. Mrs. Harmar a fine Avoman. Beautiful 
 gardens. Returned before night. 
 
 Wednesday, Sept. 3. This morning. General Putnam and 
 myself Avent over to the Garrison. Dr. Scott took a tour Avith 
 us up to the Indian Camp. Not a great number, many being 
 gone out hunting ; very friendly. We Avent from thence up 
 the high hill north-west of the Fort and Avest of the city. Fine 
 prospect. Some excellent land ; fine rock for building; and it 
 is proposed that the University should be on this hill. Found 
 a number of Indian graves on the highest summit, consisting 
 of heaps of stone. Returned by way of the bottom, back of 
 
 * Colonel Battelle, only son of Ebenezer Battelle, of Dedham, Mass., 
 graduated at Ilarvard College, 1775, settled in Boston, and there mar- 
 ried Miss Anna Durrant. Ajuil 6, 1788, set out on the journey to Ohio, 
 an-ivinj: at Adelphia (Marietta) after six weeks' toilsome journeying:. 
 In 1789, removed to Belpre; from there to Newport, in 1802, where he 
 died in 1815. — History of Washington Co., Ohio. 
 
 27 
 
418 LifC' of Rev. 3Imiasseh Cutler. 
 
 the Fort ; very fine. Viewed the gardens, and called on Cap- 
 tain McCurdy. Returned to dine. Busy afternoon. 
 
 Thursday, Sept. 4. Went out this morning to view the land 
 up the Ohio — the school lots, etc. Killed pigeons ; much fa- 
 tigued. About fourteen in company. Returned in the after- 
 noon, and drank tea at Colonel Battelle's. A tremendous 
 thunderstorm in the latter part of the night ; lightning inces- 
 sant ; rained very hard. 
 
 Friday, Sept. 5. Very warm this morning'; cloudy, with 
 showers. Went over a number of the city lots. Many of the 
 natives to dine. 
 
 Saturday, Sept. 6. Went up early this morning to Campus 
 Martins. The Directors ordered yesterday that this day the 
 surveyors be directed to measure the Ancient Works ; that the 
 Governor be requested to attend ; that a number of the largest 
 and oldest trees be cut down, in order to count the rings, etc. 
 After dinner, the Governor came over, with Mons. Vigo, from 
 St. Vincent's ; Captain Prather and others attended. (See 
 minutes.*) Examined the elevated squares, Sacra Via, meas- 
 ured the great mound, ditch, etc.; observed the old trees and 
 
 * These minutes, in the handwriting of Dr. Cutler, are among the 
 Putnam papers in the library of the College at Marietta. The follow- 
 ing is a copy : 
 
 "A Poplar or Tulip tree cut down on the parapet N. of the S.icra Via 
 near the highest part of the ridge. Mean Diameter within the bark, 5 it. 
 11.2 inches j tree hollow; the greatest width of the sound part of the 
 tree, in which the concentric circles could be counted, was 8.8 inches; 
 nearly on the opposite side of the sound part was only 5.6 inches. 
 The calculation of the number of the circles was made by counting 
 the circles contained in these two parts. In 8.8 were 109 circles; in 
 5 6 were 70. 'I'he same number of circles was presumed to have been 
 in the parts decayed as in the sound wiihin the same space, with- 
 out any regard to circles being nearer together than at the circum- 
 ference. 
 
 "Computing by the No. contained in 8.8, the circles 441; 5.6, the 
 circles 445. 
 
 " In the N.W. angle of the great square, aie evident traces of an old 
 stump of tree, decayed to the .surface of the ground, which measures 
 
 8 feet Diameter. The body of the tree is nearly moldered away, and 
 appears to have been of a large size. On the eastern end of the para- 
 pet, N. of Sacra via is a stump much decayed, which measures 29 feet 
 
 9 inches circumference; the body nearly perished. On the same para- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 419 
 
 stumps, as well as those cut down. Engaged a passage with 
 Mons. Vigo'"^ up the Ohio. 
 
 Su7iday, Sept. 7. Pleasant day, and full meeting. Many 
 of the people on the Virginia shore were over, and most of the 
 gentlemen from the Garrison, Dined with Captain McCurdy 
 and Dr. Scott, on venison steak and squirrel pie ; very 
 good dinner. Mrs. McCurdy very agreeable. Colonel 
 
 pet is another stump, 5 or 6 feet high; the tree Sycamore or Button- 
 wood; measured 21 feet 11 inches; most of the body decayed. A 
 thrifty Beech on the same ridge, the roots of which have run over an 
 old stump of a large tree which was decayed on the surface of the 
 ground, which measured 18 inches within the bark; had 136 circles. 
 
 "An Elm, about 6!) f. et N. of the same ridge, thrifty and sound, 3 
 feet 2 inches in Diam ; 33G well-defined circles. 
 
 "A Po])lar, about 10 feet from the Elm, thrifty and sound, 2 feet 8 
 inches in Diani.; 202 circles. 
 
 "That there might be no error in counting tfte circles, a magnifying 
 glass was used, through which they were well defined. In all the trees 
 that were examined, it was found that the circles were much more 
 close near the heart than toward the circumference. 
 
 " On the elevated square, called Quadranaou, a thrifty white oak was 
 cut down; 4 feet Diameter. The heart was decayed, but 219 circles, 
 large and well defined, were counted Ijy actual computation; there 
 must have been 70 more; in the whole, 289 circles. On the same ele- 
 vation are the traces of three ancient stumps, from 6 to 8 feet diameter;- 
 the bodies so far consumed as not to be traced." 
 
 This is indorsed, in the handwriting of (leneral Rufus Putnam, " Min- 
 utes taken in the presence of Governor St. Clair, the Judges, etc." 
 
 * Francis Vigo was born in Sardinia, in 1747. He eidisted, when a 
 boy, as a private soldier in a Sf)anish regiment, and came with it to 
 New Orleans. He was here discharged, and commenced business as 
 an Indian trader, first on the Arkansas River, and afterward in St. 
 Louis. When George Eogers Clarke captured Kaskaskia, Colonel 
 Vigo offered his services to him, and, with a single attendant, went to 
 Vincennes and obtained the information which enabled General Clarke 
 to capture that post in February, 1779. (Jolonel Vigo accompanied 
 Clarke, and settled in Vincennes after its capture. He advanced large 
 sums of money to clothe and feed General Clarke's destitute army. 
 Although his account was approved by the Commissioners of Revolu- 
 tionary Claims for Virginia, no part of it was ever repaid to him, and 
 he died in poverty. In 1790, he was made Commandant of the Vin- 
 cennes Militia, and in ISIO was one of (ieneral Harrison's confidential 
 messengers to the Indians. He died at Vincennes, in 1836. — See Laws 
 Vincennes; Illustrated Ilistorj/ Indiana, 
 
420 Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 
 
 Sproat * dined with us. The Colonel and I returned in the 
 evening. Very severe shower in the night. 
 
 3Ionday, Sept. 8. Expected to go up the river this morning, 
 but Mons.Vigo could not get ready. Completed maps, etc. Sev- 
 eral severe showers. Slept to-night in a wet bed, and wet sheets. 
 
 Tuesday/, Sept. 9. Fine morning and day. Took my leave 
 of the settlement at 9 o'clock. Mons. A^igo called for me at 
 the Point. Fine, large boat, with keel and rudder, and ten 
 oars, cabin and awning; good accommodations. Two men 
 sick. Soon after we left the Point, saw the soldiers and a 
 number of Indians, expected from Fort Pitt, coming down on 
 the other side of Kerr's Island. We crossed the river and 
 met them. Captain Zeigler commanded the Company of new 
 levies of fifty-five men. There were about forty Indians, in 
 canoes, lashed together. The soldiers Avere paraded in a very 
 large boat — stood up on a platform and were properly paraded ; 
 with the American Flag in the stern. Just as we got up with 
 them, they began to fire by platoons. After they had fired, 
 the Indians fired from their canoes, singly, or rather, con- 
 fusedly. The Indians had two small flags of thirteen stripes. 
 They were answered from the Garrison by train, who fired three 
 field-pieces ; flag hoisted. f As M. Vigo had business to do 
 
 * Ebenezer Sproat was born in Middleborough, Mass., in 1752. lie 
 entered the service in 1775, as Captain of a company in the tenth regi- 
 ment of the Massachusetts line, and served through the war of the 
 Revolution, attaining the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He came to 
 Marietta with the first party, who arrived April 7, 1788, and was em- 
 ployed by the Ohio Company as a surveyor, lie was the first Sheriff 
 of Washington County, and held the office fourteen years, and was the 
 first Colonel of Militia commissioned in the North-west Territory. He 
 died, 1805. — See Hili/rcth's lAvcs of t4\e Earh/ SetlUrs of Ohio. 
 
 ■j- General liichard Butler, commissioner on the part of Pennsylvania, 
 and Captain James O'Hara, the contractor, with Corn Planter and 
 about fifty Senecas, arrive. They were escorted from Pitt by Captain 
 Zeigler's company of recruits. They were received with a salute of 
 three rounds of cannon and the music. Zeigler is a German; had 
 been in Saxon service previous to our late war with England. He 
 takes pride in having the handsomest company in the regiment; 
 and, to do him justice, his company has always been considered the 
 first in point of discipline and appearance. — Mdilary Journal of Major 
 Ebenezer Denny, September 9, 1788. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 421 
 
 with Mr. O'Hara, we landed on Kerr's Island, and INI. Vigo, 
 Captain Pratber, and I Avent with him, back to the Garrison. 
 I waited on the Governor. Dined with Captain McCurdy. 
 He presented me with a pair of moccasins. The Indian Chief, 
 the Cornplanter.* was the principal character among them. 
 They were of the Six Nations. This information was from 
 Mr. Joseph Nicholson, the Interpreter. He applied to me 
 for land in our Purchase. 
 
 At three o'clock we left the Garrison and returned to our 
 boat. Went up the south side of Kerr's Island, passed the 
 mouth of the Little Muskingum, and encamped for the night. 
 Made fire on the shore, had a good dish of tea, and a French 
 fricassee. The people slept on shore. Mons. Francis Vigo, 
 Mons. Peter Hubert, Mons. Peter Menard, and Mr. Basil 
 Pratber, brother to the Mr. Pratber where I lodged at Buffalo, 
 slept on the quarter-deck very well. Fair day and evening. 
 Four miles from Marietta. 
 
 *Gyantwachin, tlie Cofuplanter, a chief of the Seneca Nation, born 
 at Conewaugus, on the Genesee River; a half-breed, the son of John 
 O'Bail, a trader from Albany. At Braddock's defeat, in 1775, he 
 fought on the side of the French ; and during our Revolution, he was 
 a war chief of h'gh rani<, and fought with the Six Nations a>;ainst us. 
 After the war, he became the warm friend of Washington and of the 
 Unite<l States, and threw all his influence at the treaties of Fort Stan- 
 vvix and Fort Harmar in favor of peace. He retired from public life, 
 and devoted his labors to his own people. His son, Major Henry 
 O'Bail, fouglit in the United States army in the war of J812. At a 
 meeting of the Agents of the Ohio Company at Marietta, February 9, 
 1789, it was resolved to grant to Gyantvvachia and his heirs forever one 
 mile square of the Donation Lands, but Cornplanter seems to have 
 valued this only as an expression of good will toward himself He 
 lived on the west hank of the Alleghany River, on a reservation made 
 to him by tiie State of Pennsylvania, and died at Cornplanter's 'J'own, 
 Febiuai'v 18, 1S36. In his prime, he was six feet one inch in height, 
 remarkably sedate, a " temperance man," exerting himself to suppress 
 intemperance, and favoring the efforts of missionaries among his 
 people. He supposed himself to be about 103 years old. The State of 
 Pennsylvania has erected a monument to Cornplanter, with this in- 
 scription : "Cliief of tlie Seneca tribe, and principal Chief of the Six 
 Nations, from the period of the Revolutionary War to the time of his 
 death. Distinguished for talent, courage, eloquence, sobriety, and love 
 for his tribe and race, to whose welfare he devoted his time, his ener- 
 gies, and his means, during a long and eventful life." 
 
422 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Wednesday, Sept. 10. As soon as daylight appeared we 
 were in motion. About eight we halted a few minutes for 
 breakfast ; ate cold pork, cabbage, and pickles. Mr. Prather 
 and I took several walks on shore. Killed a raccoon, caught 
 a great number of squirrels that were swimming across the 
 river ; saw some pigeons, but killed none. We halted at the 
 upper end of the island, below Middle Island, to dine. Cooked 
 our dinner — pork, squirrels, and a fine dish of strong coffee. 
 We found plenty of grapes, small, but good, the vines very 
 low ; grew among the pebbles. Went on to the island and 
 collected hops, honey-locust pods, etc. Saw garget, sow- 
 thistle, etc. Examined several plants. Went on past Mid- 
 dle Island and encamped on the Virginia shore. Yery foggy. 
 Spoke a boat in the night from Wheeling to Muskingum. We 
 saw fresh Indian sio-ns on the island. 
 
 Thursday, Sept. 11. Foggy morning. Went on shore after 
 pigeons, alone, met a bear and her cub in the path, fired at 
 her with a small charge of pigeon-shot ; they made off, the 
 dog pursued them, and before I could get properly charged 
 were gone. Killed one pigeon, and came on board at the bot- 
 tom of Long Reach. After dinner, Mr. Prather and the ne- 
 gro, Eneas, went on shore with their guns. Just before en- 
 camping for the night found an Indian camp that had been 
 left about one or two days — deer and turkey bones plenty. 
 Eneas, who is an Indian negro, and well acquainted, says there 
 were ten, and that they were gone up the river. This gave us 
 an alarm, as we had not got so far up the Reach as to appre- 
 hend danger, if any. We were consulting about anchoring 
 off in the river, when we saw a canoe coming down the river. 
 We hailed the canoe. It was Williams and his negro, from 
 Grave Creek, who told us he saw, about two miles above, five 
 Indians on the shore, Avho were running very fast toward Fish- 
 ing Creek, whei-e he supposed they had a canoe, and intended 
 to pursue him. We had several accounts at ]Muskingum of 
 Indians seen at this place. Williams was extremely fright- 
 ened, and trembled to such a degree as scarcely to be able 
 to tell his story. This determined us to anchor off in the 
 river after we had cooked our supper. Williams did not dare 
 to go on, although we assured him there could be no danger, 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 423 
 
 but came on board us, and tarried the night. We kept watch, 
 but saw nothing. This place we found in the morning to be 
 above the middle of Long Reach. Fine day, foggy night ; 
 some rain in the night. 
 
 Friday, Sept. 12. As soon as it was day-break, weighed 
 anchor, and went up on the Indian side. Williams saw the In- 
 dians on the Virginia shore. As we were passing the upper 
 island in Lone; Reach we saw, in the narrows about two 
 miles above us, a canoe coming down. As soon as she dis- 
 covered us, she seemed to put away for a point on the oppo- 
 site shore, and was soon out of sight. It seemed to be full 
 of men, who appeared like Indians. In a few minutes we saw 
 the canoe paddling up very close to the shore, and shot above 
 the point we were approaching and must pass. She had not 
 been gone long before she fell down on the opposite shore, 
 so far as just to see us, and then put up again as fast as pos- 
 sible. These movements were to us demonstration of their 
 being Indians. Williams told us there were eighteen seen 
 there a few days before, and part were stationed each side the 
 river. We sent out Eneas to reconnoiter, and went to pre- 
 paring ourselves for action. He soon returned and told us 
 they were crossing to the side where we were, and he was 
 positive they were Indians. We presumed their intention 
 was to attack us, and to lie in ambush close to the river, as 
 they knew we must pass close to the bushes on account of 
 the current. It was determined to fight them. M. Vigo was 
 all on fire to fight. We had fifteen men, but only fourteen guns. 
 It was agreed as soon as we fired, to land and push upon 
 them. I prevailed at length to throw out a flank guard to 
 keep along just ahead of the boat, who would discover their 
 ambush, and perhaps be able to give us notice before they 
 fired upon us, which might save some of our men. Mr. Pra- 
 ther and the negro were desired to iro ; M. Vie'o insisted on 
 going with them. They went on shore, and were prepared to 
 return the fire instantly, which we now expected every mo- 
 ment, as willows were very thick, and we at the place where 
 they probably landed. As we passed along we saw frequently 
 fresh moccasin tracks, which appeared to have been ust made 
 After rowing about one hour, every man with his accouter- 
 
424 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 ments on, and his gun at hand, expecting a shot at every 
 moment, we came up with Fishing Creek, which was on the 
 opposite side ; the river pretty wide here. M. Vigo and the 
 others returned and told us the canoe had Landed up Fishing 
 Creek, and they saw men on the shore go up to an ohl planta- 
 tion, and one Indian remained in the canoe. Upon looking 
 attentively, we could see the Indian from the boat, and pres- 
 ently saw. two or three men on shore. M. Vigo declared 
 he would go over and fight them. I did not like it very well, 
 but he was determined. Before we had crossed the river the 
 men appeared in full view. I soon knew them to be hunters 
 that had been at the Muskingum. We hailed them, and found 
 them to be the same people. AVe went to them and found 
 they had been chasing a deer and a bear in the river, which 
 occasioned those maneuvers. The bear they killed, and gave 
 us what we wanted. Hero we dined. Mr. Prather went up 
 to a plantation, two miles above (where a man and four chil- 
 dren had been killed four years ago), and got some fine 
 peaches. \Yc came on about eight or nine miles, and encamped 
 on the Indian side. The hunters came on and encamped with 
 us. Our fears of Indians were now vanished. Fine moon- 
 light evening. Foggy toward morning. Caught cat-fish. 
 
 Saturday, Sept. 13. Under way as soon as it was light. 
 We have lived very well. A bitter and a biscuit early in the 
 morning ; breakfast on cold meat. Stop between eleven and 
 twelve and cook our dinner, always fresh meat, and a strong 
 dish of cofiFee and loaf-sugar. Supper, cold meat and tea. M. 
 Vigo is finely acccommodated with utensils, silver-handled 
 knives and forks, and a proper traveling trunk for these uten- 
 sils, and spirits. Our hunters came on with us. As we came 
 up to Round Bottom, we were overtaken by the pirogue from 
 Limestone, with ten paddles and thirteen men on board ; kept 
 with us for some ways. Another canoe with four men pushed 
 oft" from the Indian shore. We went up to Grave Creek, where 
 we encamped. Round Bottom is just below Grave Creek, 
 and is owned by General Washington. We went up to the 
 house and got coin, milk, etc. 
 
 Sunday, Sept. 14. Under way very early. Six miles to Mc- 
 Mahon's, where we breakfasted on milk, eggs, butter, veal, etc. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 425 
 
 Went on to Wheeling, arrived at half-past one, crossed over 
 to the island. Dined on veal roasted in a pan by the sergeant's 
 wife — very good. Went on four miles and encamped at the 
 bank below a little house, where we got milk, etc. Fine night, 
 but could not sleep. 
 
 Monday, Sept. 15. Fine morning ; under way very early. 
 Stopped and breakfasted at a little clump of houses on the 
 Indian side. They Avere tomahawk settlers. Here the wind 
 breezed up fresh at south-west. Hoasted a square sail ; went 
 on at a great rate against the stream. Preparing to go 
 on shore. Mons. Vigo gave me a curious Indian belt, and a 
 buffalo skin dressed with the hair on. Landed at Coxe's 
 Fort at twelve. Dined at Mr. Prather's, where I took leave 
 of my fellow travelers. Mr. Prather lent me a horse to go to 
 Esq. Wells', where I found my horse in good plight. Paid 
 him one dollar for keeping, and 9s. Penn. money. Lodged at 
 Esq. Wells'. 
 
 Tuesday, Sept. 16. Rained in the morning. Went on to 
 Alex. Wells', and breakfasted ; one shilling, L. M. Tavern in 
 the woods, ninepence, L. M. Lodged at a wretched tavern, 
 one mile this side Washington. This is seventeen miles from 
 Alex. Wells', who lives four from Charles Wells', seven miles 
 from Coxe's Fort. ^ 
 
 Wednesday, Sept. 17. Made my first stage at Parkinson's, 
 eleven miles ; breakfasted. Next at Parkinson's, at Devore's 
 Ferry at Monongahela, eight miles;- oats and ferriage, 10(/., 
 L. M. Went on to Sumrell's, at Youghiogheny River. Drank 
 tea with Bartlett. Met Colonel Putnam,* from Pomfret. 
 Lodged at Sumrell's. 
 
 Thursday, Sept. 18. Bill, eighteenpence, P. M. Went on 
 to Mr. Mitchell's, four miles, where Jervis, who keeps school 
 
 *Tliis was Colonel Israel Putnam, eldest son of the famous Major- 
 General Israel Putnam. lie, served on the staff of Major-General 
 Putnam during the Revolutionary War. He came to Ohio in 1788, 
 and selected a farm in Belpre, where he brought his family in 1795. 
 "(Colonel Putnam was a man of sound, vigorous mind, and remarkable 
 for his plain common sense; abrupt and homely in his manners and 
 address, but perfectly honest and upright in his intercourse with man- 
 kind." — tSce Hildreth's Lives of the Early Settlers of Ohio. 
 
426 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 in this neighborhood, boards. Andrew Story lives in the 
 same house, and D. Brown lives near. Sam. Gushing went 
 with me. Made arrangements for their going down the river. 
 Paid Gushing twenty dollars ; gave Jervis thirty dollars, to 
 buy cows, etc. Dr. Story and brothers board here, but were 
 gone to Pittsburg. 
 
 Friday., Sept. 19. This morning, rained. Breakfasted and 
 set out for Greensborough, where INIr. Porter lives. Dined at 
 Price's, in the center of the town. It is a Pennsylvania shire- 
 town, which has had only two years' growth ; a considerable 
 number of new houses, tolerably good, situated on a hill. 
 Bill, Ss. P. M. Went to Mr. Porter's, one mile north-east 
 from the town, and sixteen miles from Mitchell's. Tarried all 
 night. Set up and conversed the most of the night ; very 
 much rejoiced to sec me. Fair and warm day. 
 
 Saturday., Sept. 20. Mrs. Porter went with me to Hannahs- 
 town, to see her daughter Sawyer. Spent some time at Saw- 
 yer's, and took my leave. Set out on my journey home. 
 This is a small town, of miserable log huts, two niiles from 
 Porter's. Here I came into the Pittsburg road, and went on 
 to Recard's, a Dutch tavern at Nine Mile Run (so called), 
 eleven miles from Hannahstown, a very good house. Dined ; 
 2s. bd. P. M. This is at the foot of Ghestnut Ridge. The 
 hill is high, but not a very bad road, nor very fatiguing to 
 ascend or descend ; about five miles over. Went on to Ligo- 
 nier, nine miles from Recard's. Put up at Bridges'. A good- 
 looking but ill-natured landlady. Just before I came to the 
 house, passed a pretty large stream, called the Loyal Hanna. 
 Here was Fort Ligonier. Part of the old and of the new 
 Fort remains. 
 
 Smiday, Sept. 21. Went on five miles to the foot of Laurel 
 Mountain. Breakfasted on bread and milk at Bennet's ; one 
 shilling. Grossed the mountain ; very rocky and steep ascent ; 
 descent more moderate. About six miles over the mountain ; 
 a vast prospect west from the top. Came on to Wells', eleven 
 miles from Ligonier. Baited myself and horse; woman sick; 
 bill paid by prescription. Went on to Stony Greek, at the 
 foot of the Alleghany. Gated at Webster's, ten miles from 
 Wells'. Passed the Greek ; very stony and bad ; and began 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 427 
 
 to ascend the Alleghany Mountain ; the ascent very gradual, 
 but the road excessively rocky and miry. Lodged at a house 
 on the Mountain, five miles from Webster's; not a tavern, but 
 good feed for horses. Sheaffer, a Dutch or Irishman, I know 
 not which. Families here going westward ; kept badly. 
 Found vast quantities of Ipecacuanha on a hill four miles this 
 side Laurel Mountain, *A cold night. 
 
 Monday, Sept. 22. Bill, Is. M., P. M. Started very early. 
 Cold. Crossed the Alleghany Mountain ; the ascent very 
 moderate ; the descent very steep for one mile, but the road 
 good ; very miry all the way over the Mountain, in places, 
 until I came to the descent, which is very hard. It is four- 
 teen miles over the Mountain. Breakfasted at Ryan's, twelve 
 miles from SheafFer's. This is a new and good house ; bill, 2s. 
 Went on to Bedford, to West's, twelve miles ; bill. Is. Zd. 
 Called on Dr. Wall, and delivered my message from Mrs. 
 Wells. Four miles beyond Bedford, I came into the Glade 
 road to Bennet's tavern, and came on to Barndolloes, at 
 Bloody Run. Came through Dunning's Slip, where the river 
 divides Dunning Mountains, and in a short distance passed 
 through another Slip, which divides Turris Mountain. The 
 stream through Bedford is called Racetown Branch of the 
 Juniata. The bridge on this side is over Dennis Creek. 
 Barndolloes is seven miles from Bedford. A dear Dutch tav- 
 ern ; bill, 4s. M., P. M. 
 
 Tuesday, Sept. 23. Started pretty early, and came on to 
 Martin's, at the Juniata, seven miles, to breakfast ; bill. Is. 
 9cZ., P. M. Three men overtook me, bound over the Moun- 
 tain. Got one of them, at the top of Ray's Hill, to take my 
 portmanteaux and put them on two led horses, as my horse 
 was very lame. Stopped at Burd's, Fort Littleton, nineteen 
 miles from Martin's ; bill, lOt?., P. M. Proposed going to 
 Skinner's, but after we had passed Tuscarora Mountain, found 
 it would be impracticable ; very dark and late. Stopped in a 
 wretched cabin in Path Valley. Lodged on the floor, Avith 
 only my buffalo skin for a mattress ; slept tolerable. One 
 gentleman from Bedford, and the other two men, lodged by 
 my side. This is four miles from Burd's. 
 
 Wednesday, Sept. 24. Bill, Is. Qd. P. M. We started 
 
428 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 about an hour before day ; bright moon. A man who lived in 
 the house went with us ; found him very agreeable. Most de- 
 lightful and romantic vieAV of the clouds in the valley. Went 
 over to Skinner's, where I took my carriage, four miles from 
 the cabin. Breakfasted at Skinner's. A serious sweat over 
 the mountain. Dined at Shippy's, in Shippensburg. Good 
 house, but rather too genteel. Went on to McCracken's, 
 seven miles, and oated ; 6d., P. M. Went on to Sample's and 
 lodged, seven miles ; good house. Fellow played well on the 
 violin. This is fourteen miles from Shippensburg. Fine day. 
 
 Tliursday, Sept. 25. Set out early. Breakfasted at Carlisle, 
 Foster's ; bill, Is. 9tZ.; my horse shod, 2s., P. M.; bought hat, 
 eight dollars. This town has 280 houses. Went on eight 
 miles to Walker's, and oated ; ^d. Went on six miles, and 
 then left the road I went up in, and instead of crossing the 
 Susquehannah at Harrisbiirg, turned to the right and crossed 
 three miles below. Got some most excellent fruit at the Forks 
 of the road. Dined at the Ferry, before I crossed, at Farrar's, 
 a new tavern-keeper, and very attentive ; bill and ferriage, 
 3s. 4tZ. Went on to Middletown, a small village near the Sus- 
 quehanna. Lodged at Moore's, sign Highlanders, Grant and 
 Montgomery ; bill, 2s. 3ci, P. M. Fine day. Middletown is 
 twenty-six miles from Carlisle. 
 
 Friday, Sept. 26. Did not set out until after sunrise. 
 Crossed a large creek, in less than a mile from town. Sweet 
 Annon Creek, and in six miles, Cannawaga Creek. Went on 
 to Elizabethtown, eight miles from Middletown, and break- 
 fasted at Scott's. This is a small clump of houses, on poor 
 land, though there is one pretty large brick house and one large 
 stone house. Road very hilly and rocky ; very bad. It seems 
 to be over the remains of South Mountain, Avhich butts on the 
 Susquehannah, and then extends a little over the river. This 
 ridge divides Chamberstown from Shippensburg, etc., and 
 seems to run for a long way nearly parallel with the Blue 
 Mountain. Bill, Is. 6cZ., P. M. After I left this road, it was 
 rather rocky for three miles, then pretty good. Rode nine 
 miles, and put up at Parren's, in Reffoo Township, at Big 
 Chickees ; passed Little Chickees some ways back. Landlady 
 gave me Jerusalem cherries, and Vandaver's Apple, fine sum- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 429 
 
 mer Sweetings; bill, Is. Qd. Went on to Lancaster, nine 
 miles. Road good, A great number of wagons with flour for 
 Newport, where it is shipped for Philadelphia. Lancaster is a 
 large and ancient town ; the best built inland town in America. 
 It is laid out, like all the Pennsylvania towns, in rather a 
 square form. The land is high, as I approached the town, but 
 level; fine for building. At the part where I entered, are the 
 old Brick Barracks, and Commissary's Store, Powder-house, 
 etc., all out of repair. Passed down Queen's Street to the 
 Court-house, which stands in the center of the squares of the 
 toAvn, where four angles are formed, like Carlisle, the streets 
 coming up in the center of the sides of the square. Court- 
 house not large, but the most elegant I have ever seen ; hand- 
 some fronts and ends, all four nearly alike, and a pretty 
 cupola. Three other steeples in the town. The churches not 
 large ; a Lutheran church, a tower without a steeple, is the 
 largest. It is built of brick and elegant, a little south of 
 King Street, which is a very handsome street, with many brick 
 houses, three stories, and neat. Turned at the Court-house 
 into this street. Stopped at Jourdin's, sign General Washing- 
 ton, the best tavern, very good. Gated and had my hair 
 dressed. Bill, 9d., L. M.; barber, 7d., L. M. King Street is 
 the handsomest in the toAvn. There are 180 taverns or licensed 
 houses of all descriptions. The town is situated, very injudi- 
 ciously, in rather a valley ; liigh land, fine for building, west, 
 north, and east. One or two other churches, with considerable 
 steeples. A great number of small timber (filled with brick) 
 built Dutch houses about the town, and the beginning of Queen 
 Street. Came on two miles, and crossed Conestoga Creek ; 
 not deep at this time ; a good bridge building over it. Lodged 
 at the foot of the bridge, east side, at Witmar's, a very good 
 Dutch tavern ; bill, 3s. Id., P. M. Lancaster is sixty-six 
 miles from Philadelphia. 
 
 Saturday, Sept. 27. Rose this morning an hour before day 
 and set out just at day-break ; rode ten miles, good roads, and 
 breakfasted at the sign of the Indian Chief — Skilcs, Lacock 
 Township. Bill, Is. 6d. P. M. Went on to the sign of the 
 Tree, near the sign of the Wagon. Dined at Whitecar's, thir- 
 teen miles. Roads excessively bad — hills, rocks, and gul- 
 
430 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 leys. Went on to Millstown (riglitly so called) ; stopped at 
 the sign of General Washington — Downing ; eight miles, road 
 excessive bad. Bill, 9d. P. M. Went on nine miles, to the 
 sign of the Hunting Chase — Quin's — and lodged. Tolerable ; 
 a new tavern. Bill at Quin's, 2s. Id. P. Money. 
 
 Sunday, Sept. 28. Set out just as the sun rose. Horse 
 rather lame, roads not good, breakfasted at the sign of the 
 Bear — Philip's ; Is. 6d. P. M. Seven miles and a half from 
 Quin's. AVent on ten and a half miles to McFaa's and dined ; 
 less than ten miles to Philadelphia (miserable). Roads bad, 
 hills and dales, some rocks. Bill at McFaa's, 2s. 6d. Went 
 on to Philadelphia, and crossed the Schuylkill at the Middle 
 Bridge. ,Toll, dd. Tlie bridge floats ; is very good. The 
 street from the bridge leads directly to Market Street. Put 
 up at the Indian Queen, in Fourth Street, a little south of the 
 head of the market. Wrote to Mrs. Cutler. Walked the 
 lenjTth of Front and Second Streets. 
 
 Monday, Sept. 29. Rose early, left my letters, called on 
 Messrs. Hews and Anthony, Mr. Bryson, Dr. Clarkson, and 
 others. Viewed the new court-house, manufactories, etc. 
 Finished my business by five, and ordered my horse. Bill, 
 16s. Id. Left Thompson's and came out of the city after the 
 lamps were lighted. Began to rain ; intended to come on ten 
 miles to the Washington tavern, but the rain increased, and be- 
 came like a thunder storm, which obliged me to stop at Frank- 
 fort. Put up at Paul's. Rained very hard all night. 
 
 Tuesday, Sept. 30. Broke away in the morning, but still 
 cloudy, wind high at north-east. Bill, 3s. 2d. Went on, roads 
 extremely wet, traveling very heavy. Breakfasted. Bill, 2s. 
 2d. At ferry, oats 6(Z., toll bridge, {)d. At Dowdnes, in 
 Bristol, 9t?. Dined at Morton's, 2s. 2d. Ferry over Delaware, 
 at Trenton, Is. 6t?. Lodged at Smith's in Maidenhead. Bill, 
 5s. 10(Z. Rode to-day thirty-four miles. Wind high at north- 
 east. 
 
 Wednesday, Oct. 1. My horse very stiff. Hired Smith's 
 horse to Brunswick, and a boy to fetch liim back, for 7s. 'od., 
 twenty-four miles. Arrived at Brunswick at twelve. Gave 
 out at Kingston, three miles this side of Princetown. Bill, 
 8tZ. Bill and ferry at Brunswick, 7s. Went on to Wood- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 431 
 
 bridge ten miles. Bill at Cross Keys, 9t^. Went on to Eliza- 
 bethto\Yn and lodged. Bill at Prentice's, 5s. Qd. Wind very 
 liio-h and disagreeable at nortli-east. No rain. 
 
 Thursdaf/, Oct. 2. Went on early this morning. Break- 
 fasted in Newark, at Redding's, 2s. 9d.; first ferry. Is. Qd.; 
 the second ferry, 2s. Ferry from Powles Hook to New York, 
 4s. ^d. This is fifteen miles from Elizabethtown. Put up my 
 horse at the stage-house in the street leading from Ordway's 
 Market to Powles Hook Ferry. Delivered letters at the War 
 Office ; called on Colonel Piatt ; dined Avith him, Duer, Combs, 
 Colonel Wadsworth, and Colonel Tallraadge, etc., in company. 
 Went to Mr. Henderson's and lodged. 
 
 Friday, Oct. 3, Very busy. Breakfasted and dined with 
 Mr. Henderson ; called on Mr. Atkinson ; supped with Colonel 
 Tallmadge and lady at Mr. Delafield's. Called on many of my 
 old friends. Lodged at Mr. Henderson's. 
 
 Saturday, Oct. 4. Breakfasted Avith Piatt. Dined with Mr. 
 Atkinson. Had a conference with Duer and Piatt at the 
 Board of Treasury Office, which closed my business in the 
 city. Had my watch cleaned, 5s.; crystal, 2s.; cap, 2s. Bill 
 for my horse, 9s. 9d. Left the city at half-past five P. M. 
 Came on to Hiate's, at King's Bridge, fifteen miles, and 
 lodged. Good house. Bill, 4s. All the above York Money. 
 
 Sunday, Oct. 5. Went on to Guion's, East Chester, six 
 miles, and breakfasted ; very good breakfast, 2s. 6d. Y. M_ 
 Went on to Mrs. Haviland's, eleven miles, and dined. Met 
 my lady riding out on horseback, gaily dressed, and horse 
 richly caparisoned. A dinner set in high style. Bill, 3s. 
 Y. Money. Went on to Stamford and stopped a few minutes. 
 Bill, Is. Y. M. Went on to Norwalk, lost my way in the night, 
 and went two miles in a wrong and bad road. Arrived' at 
 Wentworth's at 9 o'clock and lodged. Bill, 2s. 4cZ. L. M. 
 Eighteen miles from widow Haviland's. 
 
 Monday, Oct. 6. Went on to Fairfield to breakfast, thirteen 
 miles. Training. Much disturbed last night with the firing 
 of guns. Bill at Fairfield, 2s. L. i\L Went on to Stratford. 
 Bill, 6d. Training, troops appeared well. Ferry, 2s. Qd. 
 West Haven, a good country dinner on fish. Landlady very 
 motherly. Bill, Is. 6d. Went on to New Haven and put up at 
 
432 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Atwater's ; very obliging. Called on Di*. Stiles ; he and his 
 lady gone to Newport. Rambled about toAvn and revived old 
 ideas. Bill, 2s. 2d. 
 
 Tuesday, Oct. 7. Began to rain in the morning ; detained 
 me some time to get my baggage and carriage in order. Went 
 on to North Haven ; good breakfast. Bill, Is. Qd. Went on 
 the old road to Hartford, stopped a little beyond Wallingford 
 at a miserable tavern, eighteen miles from New Haven. 
 Rained excessive hard. Went on to Fuller's, in Berlin. It 
 rained so hard I put up nine miles from my last stage, 
 and thirteen from Hartford. Dined and lodged. The land- 
 lord has all the attributes of a Connecticut tavern-keeper in 
 perfection. A most impertinent rascal — reminded me of a man 
 that I knew at the Vineyard, but keeps a good house. I was 
 "well entertained ; a room, good fire, pipe and tobacco, and 
 good cider. But I expect to pay for it well in the morning. 
 Had my horse shod behind by him. Bill for the horse-shoeing, 
 and my expense, Qs. 
 
 Wednesday, Oct. 8. Went on to Hartford. Breakfasted at 
 Bull's. Captain Pratt called upon me. Bill, Is. 9c?. Ferry, 
 Is. 2d. Made my next stage ten miles — Woodbridge's. Dined. 
 Bill, Is. Qd. Met Avith two men going to Ashford. One of 
 them consented to exchange horses ; put his horse (small but 
 good) into my carriage. Went on to Dunham's tavern, in 
 Mansfield, thirteen miles, and lodged. Gave him refreshments, 
 oats, and a pistereen. What I gave him and my expense 
 here, 3s. 4t^. 
 
 Thursday, Oct. 9. Went on this morning to Esquire Clark's 
 tavern, eight miles, and breakfasted. Is. 2(?. Went on to 
 Grosvenor's, ten miles, and dined. Before I got to this 
 house, coming down the Ashford hills, one of the shafts 
 of my sulky gave way. Mending it, 8t^. Went on to my 
 Father's. 
 
 Friday, Oct. 10. A great number of people in to see me. 
 Many people are gone, and more are going from this place to 
 Muskingum. Had my shaft better secured, 2s. 4c?. Visited 
 Mr. Atkins. 
 
 Saturday, Oct. 11. This morning set out very early for 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 433 
 
 Declham. Epliraim * put a horse in my carriage, and went 
 with me to bring him back. Very rainy, wind north-east. 
 Stopped at Owens', 2s. Next stage at Arnokl's, Is. Qd. 
 Ephraim came on to Franklin, and then returned. I came on 
 to Leftbridge's, ^d. Downs', in Walpole, 9d. Very rainy. Ar- 
 rived at Mr. Chickering's about 10 o'clock, and had the hap- 
 piness to find Mrs. Cutler. Exceedingly wet and fatigued. 
 
 Sunday., Oct. 12. Preached for Mr. Chickering all day. 
 Much unwell. In the evening several people in. 
 
 3Ionday, Oct. 13. AVcnt over to Mr. Dean's with Mrs. Cut- 
 ler and spent the day and night. 
 
 Tuesday.^ Oct. 14. Returned to Mr. Chickering's and set 
 out for home. Sam'l Dean put Brother Dean's horse in my 
 chaise and came with us. Stopped at Mr. Curtis'. Dined at 
 Mr. Williams', and tarried all night. 
 
 Wednesday, Oct. 15. Set out for home. Expense at the two 
 bridges, 2.s. \0d. Came on to Newhalls. My horse appeared 
 to be not well. He had got loose the evening before in his 
 stable in Boston, and got to an hogshead of oats, and eat a 
 prodigious quantity, but I rather thought the symptoms were 
 those of bots, and gave him up for dead. Got a horse at 
 Newhall's and came home. Expense at Newhall's, 7s. , at 
 Beverly bridge, Is. Q>d. Arrived at home about 10 o'clock at 
 
 I, CD ' 
 
 night, having been absent twelve weeks and two days. Found 
 my family well. My horse bore the journey remarkably well, 
 though he lost flesh considerably, yet he had never lost his 
 spirits. He is certainly one of the best horses in the country, 
 for my baggage was remarkably heavy ; it astonished every 
 tavern-keeper who unharnessed or harnessed my horse. 
 Saturday. Oct. 18. Sent for my horse and got him home. 
 
 * Ephraim Cutler, Dr. Cutler's eldest son, born April 13, ITfiT; was 
 brought up by liis grandfather, lle/.elciah Cutler, in Connecticut; he 
 removed to the Northwest Territory in iT9o, where he engaged in 
 surveying and farming. lie received the appointment of Judge and 
 otlier ofHces from (Governor St. Clair; was elected to the Territorial 
 legislature and to the convention whicli formed the constitution of Ohio 
 in 1802. Judge Cutler was a member of the state legislature, 1819-25, 
 where he labored to establish free schools and an ad valorem system of 
 taxation. His long and useful life closed July 8, 1853. 
 
 28 
 
434 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 Oct. 20-21. Setting matters to rights about the Parish. 
 
 Oct. 24-25. Company all day. 
 
 Lord's Lay, Oct. 26. Mr. Breck preached for me. 
 
 Tliursday, Oct. 30. Lecture. Mr. Huntington preached. 
 
 Friday, Oct. 31. Mr. Smith, of Middleton, spent the day 
 and part of the evening here. 
 
 Tuesday, Nov. 4. Quarterly Fast here. Very pleasant. 
 Messrs. Frisbie, Cleaveland, Dana, and Sw;iin present. Cap- 
 tain Cummings, now 97 years old, was at meeting, and tarried 
 "with us all night. 
 
 Nov. 6-8. Busy putting rny garden in repair. 
 
 Lord's Lay, Nov. 16. I supplied Mr. Story at Squam. Mr. 
 Dana preached here, who Avas supplied by Mr. D. Story. 
 
 Wednesday, Noik 19. Mr. Story came here on his way to 
 Muskingum. Very busy in preparing letters and papers to 
 gend by him. 
 
 Thursday, Nov. 20. Busy writing letters, etc., for Mus- 
 kingum. 
 
 Friday, Nov. 21. Got ready for Mr. Story to set out. He 
 Trent away about 12 o'clock. Mr. Prince came just before he 
 set out and dined with us. 
 
 [The departure of this herald of the Cross was the first step 
 toward establishing " religion, morality, and knowledge " in 
 the great North-west. Many of the Directors and Agents, as 
 well as proprietors of the Ohio Company, expected to make 
 their home in the settlement now begun on the banks of the 
 Muskingum, and they did not propose to leave behind them 
 the religious and educational privileges to which they were ac- 
 customed, but resolved to transplant them to this new soil in 
 the wilderness. 
 
 It was Dr. Cutler's first care on his return to Massachusetts 
 to seek and secure the services of a gospel minister for the 
 new settlement. Remote as it was from other civilized com- 
 munities, and exposed to attacks from hostile Indians, it was 
 not an attractive field to one familiar Avith the refinements and 
 comforts of an eastern pastorate, nor was it easy to find a 
 man competent and willing to occupy it. Happily Mr. Daniel 
 Story, who had been preaching in Worcester, consented to go. 
 He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and a member of a 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 435 
 
 family distinguished for ability. His sermons, carefully pre- 
 pared, logical in style, and practical in their teachings, his 
 pleasing address and courteous manners, had made him already 
 favorably known. 
 
 Perhaps, if the tall, slender, cultivated young man, who left 
 Dr. Cutler's door that November day to proceed on his life- 
 long mission, could have foreseen the hardships which awaited 
 him at that far-off western post, his courage might have 
 failed. 
 
 The Avinter was an unfavorable season for a long, tedious 
 journey across the mountain, and the spring was somewhat 
 advanced, in 1789, before Mr. Story arrived at Marietta, Avhere 
 a very cordial welcome met him.] 
 
 [To General JR. Putnam^ 
 
 Ipswich, Nov. 18, 1788. 
 Dear Sir : — This will be handed to you by Mr. Daniel Story, 
 whom I beg leave to introduce to your acquaintance, in the 
 character of a Preacher, and I hope he will be very agree- 
 able to you and to the people. He has ever supported a re- 
 spectable character in private life, and as a minister of the 
 Gospel. The terms on which he goes into the country are 
 that his board be given him ; that he draAV from the funds 
 raised to support preaching four dollars in silver per week ; 
 that he be permitted to improve, if he pleases, a part of the 
 lands near the city granted for religious purposes ; that the 
 people be requested to assist in clearing and cultivating them, 
 so far, at least, as shall render his pay equal to five dollars 
 per week ; and that he be allowed a reasonable compensation 
 for his expenses in going into the country. These were the 
 lowest terms on which he would consent to go. He could 
 have his board and five dollars per week here, and constant 
 employ. As he must lose several Sabbaths in going into the 
 country, he conceived it reasonable that he should have a con- 
 sideration for his expenses. There is no other person, of a 
 respectable character, I could engage on better terms. This 
 is to be his pay until other terms should be agreed on between 
 him and the Directors or the people ; or that he should 
 no longer continue to preach to them. Colonel Piatt Avas so 
 
436 Life^ of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 eno;ao;ed while I was in New York, that I could not find the 
 amount of the fund for preaching and schools ; there is, how- 
 ever, a considerable sum. Colonel Tallmadge told me he had 
 collected a considei'able sum, which he should pay into the 
 treasury. I presume money may be drawn at any time by or- 
 der of the Directors. 
 
 Mr, Rogers has concluded not to return, and I wish the 
 school may be given to Mr. William Dodge, that he be consid- 
 ered as a Grammar Master, but that he take scholars of every 
 description for the present. That the directors, or, if a meet- 
 ing of them can not be held, that you will be so good as to con- 
 tract with him, as I am uncertain what wages would be rea- 
 sonable. 
 
 On my return home I found several letters from different 
 parts of Europe. The most of them request me to send a par- 
 ticular account of the Ancient Works found in North America. 
 These works seem to have engaged the attention of the literati 
 in Europe, and I wish to gratify those with wdiom I have the 
 honor to correspond, as far as possible. I must beg you to 
 forward to me the surveys of the works at Marietta. Accu- 
 rate measurements I find to be of consequence in their 
 minds ; pray attend to the width of the openings, and to the 
 distances and relative situations of all the works, to one an- 
 other. 
 
 I have requested Colonel Piatt to forward a sum, raised for 
 the support of Preachers and School-masters, to the Directors 
 at Muskingum, of 200 dollars (if he has so much on hand), 
 which will enable you to pay the Preacher and Schoolmaster 
 for the present. I have advanced to Mr. Story six dollars and 
 two-thirds, on account, which you will deduct from his Avages. 
 
 When you return in the winter I hope to have the pleasure 
 of seeing you. 
 
 I am, Avitli the greatest sincerity, your friend and humble 
 serv't, M. Cutler. 
 
 [To Major Winfhrop Sargent^ 
 
 Ipswich, Nov. 19, 1788. 
 My Bear Sir : — Should this letter be handed you fit Marietta, 
 I beg leave to introduce to your civilities the bearer, Mr. Daniel 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 437 
 
 Story, who goes into the country in the character of a clergy- 
 man, which he has ever supported with reputation. 
 
 On my return I found a hirge package from the Chevalier 
 Murray, Professor of Botany and Materia Medica in the Uni- 
 versity in Gottingen (Germany). lie desires me to favor him 
 with an account of the Ancient Works found in this country, 
 particularly their forms and dimensions. Those at Muskingum 
 I shall be able pretty well to ascertain. You will favor me 
 by sending me the dimensions of the Mound at Grave Creek, 
 particularly the height, Avhich I think you measured ; also a 
 description of any other works down the river. Mr. Pennant, 
 the famous Scotch Zoologist, has requested me to send him 
 specimens of shells of the several species of animals of that 
 class found in the seas, lakes, and rivers of North America. 
 If you should find any curious shells in your excursions down 
 the river, and would send them to my son at Marietta, you will 
 much oblige me. 
 
 I have the pleasure of informing you that you was elected 
 a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences at 
 their meeting in August last. 
 
 Governor St. Clair mentioned to me some Ancient Works 
 of stone and lime far down the Ohio. I will beg of you to 
 present to him my most respectful compliments, and to in- 
 quire where those works are situated, the particulars respecting 
 them which he may be possessed of, and any thing further 
 of which you may be informed down the river. It is my in- 
 tention to write to him and to you on the subject of the Uni- 
 versity in the course of the winter. 
 
 I am yours. 
 
 Most sincerely. 
 
 Major Sargent. M. Cutler. 
 
438 Life of Rev. 31anasse1i Cutler. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Letter From Gexkral Parsoxs — Correspondence of Putnam axd Cut- 
 ler — Directors' Instructions to Putnam and Cutler — Letter to 
 Sargent — Putnam's Letter — Diary, 1790 — Letters — Diary, 1791. 
 
 Marietta, Dec. 11, 1788. 
 
 Dear Sir: — I can not longer neglect to inform you of the 
 occurrences which have taken place here since you left us. 
 The surveys of the 8 acre, 3 acre, and City Lots being com- 
 pleted, and the expectation of a Treaty still continuing, all 
 further surveys were suspended until about five weeks ago, 
 when we all concurred in an Order to extend four of our 
 Town Lines to the 11th Range ; and. Judge Varnum dissenting, 
 two of the Directors extended this Order to the 12th, being 
 24 miles west, and to survey the meanders of the Ohio as far 
 as to meet the Cross Lines in their South Direction. The 
 meanders of the River, and the first and second Lines to the 
 12th Range are completed, the 3d and 4th, on a Treaty, be- 
 ing rendered certain and soon to commence, are, at the de- 
 sire of the Governor, suspended for the present. The Line 
 commencing 6 miles on the 7th Range appears nearly to ter- 
 minate the River Hills, and after passing about 4 miles West 
 of the Muskingum exhibits an excellent campaign Country, 
 very fertile and well watered. The other Line passes over 
 the River Hills through a broken Country, interspersed with 
 good Lands and rich Bottoms, but not of so great present 
 use as the Lands further north. In this Line is found excel- 
 lent Iron Ore — being burnt and pulverized nearly | is at- 
 tracted by the magnet. It appears to be in great Plenty. 
 The Treaty has just commenced, and upon the close we will 
 pursue our Surveys. 
 
 The time of the meeting of the Proprietors having arrived, 
 a number sufficient to proceed did not appear ; an adjourn- 
 ment took place, at which time 140 Shares only appeared per- 
 sonally, and by special authority, Colonel Crary not having then 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 439 
 
 arrived. We then proceeded to take the Opinion of the Pro- 
 prietors present on the subject of granting Lands to Settlers, 
 and altering the former mode of dividing our Lands agreed 
 upon by the Agents at Boston. They (five shares only dis- 
 senting) gave it as their Opinion that it Avas a matter well 
 within the Authority of the General Agents, and requested 
 them to take up the matter and to grant Lands to Settlers, 
 not exceeding 100 acres, out of each share, and to divide the 
 common Estate in such manner as would be most conducive to 
 the common Interest without respect to former votes. The 
 Agents have taken up the subject, 957 Shares being rep- 
 resented, and Colonel Crary being Chairman, voted (214 Shares 
 represented by Colonel Crary excepted), unanimously, to make 
 grants of Lands to encourage Settlement, not exceeding 100 
 acres to each share in the funds, and appointed a Committee 
 to reconnoiter the Country, and affix the proper places for 
 that purpose, repealed the votes ordering the Mode of Divis- 
 ion, and directed the Committee to examine where are proper 
 places to divide farms to the Proprietors. You see we have 
 decided the main point that we will give. I believe I ought 
 to say we were unanimous on this question, for, altho' Colonel 
 Crary would not vote for it, he publicly declared that he was 
 fully in Opinion with us on the general question. Judge Var- 
 num appears the only dissatisfied person, but he is now so 
 far advanced in the stages of a confirmed* Consumption that 
 nothing; ought to be remembered against him. I think it more 
 probable he will die within a month than that he will ever recover. 
 He intends setting out for Orleans in a few days as the only 
 remaining Expedient for his recovery. 
 
 The Settlers here appear highly satisfied with the measures 
 we have taken, and very many will go out to those Lands. As 
 they must be settled in the spring, or early next summer, 
 it Avill be necessary for as many as wish to receive the Dona- 
 tions to be out as soon as possible. We have had an addition 
 of about 100 within two weeks, and more are expected. We 
 are constantly putting up buildings, but arrivals are faster 
 than we can provide convenient covering. Between 40 and 
 50 Houses are so far done as to receive families, and 10 more 
 
440 Life of Rev. Manassch Cutler. 
 
 are in building, about one-half of -wliicli I expect will be able 
 to receive families next "week. 
 
 We still continue our Sabbath Exercises, and last Monday 
 we had the first Ball in our Country, at which were present 
 15 Ladies, as well accomplished in the mariners of polite cir- 
 cles as any I have seen in the old States. I mention this to 
 show the progress of Societv in this distant Country. I be- 
 lieve we shall vie with, if not excell, the old States in every 
 accomplishment necessary to render life happy. My wife has 
 beat a parley, and submitted a prisoner of war ; she agrees 
 to send one of our daughters next summer, and with the 
 family to remove when I can make it convenient. This, you 
 know, must give me great satisfaction. I think, Sir, your 
 Return here is not only necessary, but that you will be re- 
 ceived with great Cordiality by all our Citizens. I am con- 
 vinced Judge Varnum will never return ; when all aniraosit}' 
 will cease. 
 
 We continue to enjoy health and peace, and I have Rea- 
 son to hope all matters will be settled with the Indians. They 
 continue to say they have no objection to this settlement, and 
 that we are much more acceptable to them than any Settlers 
 Avith whom they have been before acquainted. If you intend 
 the vote to close all payments in June shall be extended to a 
 further Time, you must be here, or at least bring Sargent and 
 Putnam to support it. I shall agree for myself and Barlow ; 
 the votes will then stand : 
 
 Sargent, 106 
 
 Cutler, 151 
 Perhaps Dodge, 17 Parsons, 123 
 
 May, 36 Putnam, 65 Contra, 
 Tallmadge, 47 Harris, 43 Rhode Island, 257 
 
 100 548 
 
 The weather continues very fine. I finished sowing my 
 grain this Day. No snoAv. 
 
 I am, with great esteem and respect, ■ 
 
 Yr. ob't serv't, 
 
 Sam. H. Paksoxs. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianas8e/i Cutler. 441 
 
 23c? Jan'y, 1789. My letter not having met the expected 
 Conveyance, Mr. Oliver having altered his mind, I can now in- 
 form you that the Treaty ended the 17th, to the satisfaction 
 of all concerned, and we still continue in peace, and have a 
 prospect of remaining so. Judge Varnum left this world, in 
 which he was very unhappy, the 10th inst., for a better, I hope, 
 where he will enjoy a Tranquillity to which he was a stranger 
 here. He was buried the 14th with great Decency, not less 
 than 200 men attended in the Procession ; the Masons. Cin- 
 cinnati, civil Officers, and those of the Militia, formed part 
 of the Procession. 
 
 We chose another Director, the 19th, when the choice fell on 
 Griff"en Greene, Esq.,* from Rhode Island, in exclusion of 
 Colonel Crary. Votes for Mr. Greene, 566 ; for Colonel Crary, 
 124. Mr. Greene has made himself very agreeable to us since 
 he has been here ; appears much of the Gentleman, and a 
 person of great Candor. Br. Crary is much mortified, and is 
 about protesting against the Choice. I feel sorry for his 
 mortification ; I was the only person voting for him, but I 
 own I am well pleased with Mr. Greene. Our animosities have 
 subsided, and all appear friendly. 
 
 We have ordered a Division to the Proprietors of 160 acres 
 to each Right to be drawn the 3d Tuesdav of March, within the 
 settling Rights. We have voted to give 200 settling Rights to 
 Non-proprietors before the first of Oct'r, and those Proprietors 
 who by that time will agree to settle their own Rights by 
 
 *Griffen Greene was born in Warwick, Ehode Island, 1749. He 
 served during the Revolution as Commissary to the Rhode Island 
 troops, Paymaster and A-ssistant-Quarteimaster when his cousin, Gen- 
 eral Nathaniel Greene, was Quartermaster-General of the Army. He 
 came with his family to Marietta in 1788, and was appointed by Gov- 
 ernor St. Clair, Justice of the Peace and Judge of tlie Court of Quarter 
 Sessions. In 1802 he was appointed by President Jefferson, Postmaster 
 at Marietta, Revenue Collector for that district, and Inspector of the 
 Port, ships being then cleared from that place. He dietl in 18U4. Mr. 
 Greene, in 1795, constructed the model for a steam-engine, to be used 
 in propelling boats on the Ohio River. With Mr. Elijah Backus he 
 expended a considerable sum in building an engine in Philadelphia. 
 It proved a failure, by reason of defects in the construction. — iSee Hil- 
 dretlis Lives of the Earlj Settlers of Ohio. 
 
442 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 themselves, or others, shall have Right so to do — if any more va- 
 cant Rights at that time they shall aslo be given to settlers. The 
 Duties are five years' residence on the Donation lands, within 
 that time to build a House, at least 24 by 18 feet, a stone or 
 brick chimney, a cellar, and to clear twenty acres within three 
 years, to set out 50 apple Trees and 20 peach Trees, and obey 
 all militia laws. 
 
 I beg you will come on as soon as possible ; we all want you, 
 I am sure you will be welcome, I can preach no longer for 
 you. Deacon Story does very well, but on the public Thanks- 
 giving I was obliged for the first time to preach, much against 
 ray will, from Psalm 103, v. 2, and such a piece of work I be- 
 lieve you never heard ; I am sure I never did. To confirm 
 my wife in her faith I have sent it to her perusal. 
 
 Y'r friend, S. H. P. 
 
 \_To Rev. Mr. Cutler by Captain Bodge i\ 
 
 Marietta, March 25, 1789. 
 
 Dear Sir : — Before this reaches you I presume you will see 
 the proceedings of the Company relative to promoting a set- 
 tlement in the Country, as they were some time since forwarded 
 to Colonel Piatt, with an order to publish them in the papers, 
 and I hope they will meet your approbation, as well as ev- 
 ery other proprietor. For Avhat has been done in consequence 
 of them, I must refer you to Captain Dodge for information. 
 
 Mr. Story has been with us one Sabbath. By him I received 
 your favor of the 18th of November last. We rejoice much at 
 his arrival, and I trust we shall make his situation agreeable. 
 
 . . . With respect to the Indians in this quarter, I must 
 also refer you to Captain Dodge. Mr. Ludlow arrived yester- 
 day from Judge Symraes' Settlement at the Miami ; the In- 
 dians are friendly in that quarter, and come in to trade. Mr. 
 Ludlow * has surveyed the Ohio down to the Scioto River, and 
 
 * Israel Ludlow, afterward prominent among the early citizens of 
 Cincinnati, was then in the employ of the United States Government 
 as a Surveyor, and was enizaged, under direction of Captain Thomas 
 Hutchins, Surveyor-General, in running the exterior lines of the lands 
 purchased by the Ohio Company, by Culler and Sargent for the Scioto 
 Associates, and by Judge Symmes. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 443 
 
 Mr. Martain has taken the meanders of the Scioto 60 or 70 
 .miles up. In two or three weeks Mr. Ludlow Avill begin the 
 survey of the Northern Boundary line of the whole Purchase. 
 By these measures you will perceive the necessity we are un- 
 der to be ready as soon as possible to make the second pay- 
 ment. 
 
 Mr. Ludlow gives a most flattering description of the Ohio 
 Company's land down the River, and, among other things, in- 
 forms us that our lands will extend west within 27^ miles^ the 
 mouth of the Scioto River, and the Great Salt Spring on the 
 eastern waters of the Scioto will certainly be ours. But it is 
 now half-past one in the morning of the 26th of March, and I 
 can add no more, but that I am, with the most perfect esteem, 
 Sir, your Friend and very humble servant, 
 
 Mh. Cutler. Rufus Putnam. 
 
 [To General Putnam.^ 
 
 Ipswich, April 9, 1789. 
 
 Bear Sir: — I have been disappointed in not receiving a 
 line from you since I left Marietta, but I had the pleas- 
 ure of receiving a letter from Judge Parsons a few days ago 
 of Jan. 23d, since which Giddings, of this town, has arrived, 
 Avho left Marietta the 27th of Feb., but brought no letters. 
 It gave me much pleasure to be informed by General Parsons 
 that you decided, on the question, in favor of giving lands 
 for the encouragement of settlers, which I find gives great 
 satisfaction to adventurers. The proposal for making such a 
 grant has been approved, by every person concerned in the 
 company, that I have seen since my return. 
 
 The favorable termination of the treaty has also had a very 
 good effect. There are a considerable number of families in 
 this neighborhood that will sell out in the course of the sum- 
 mer, and within these ten days I have had application for 
 shares. Many Avho have paid only part begin to make exer- 
 tions for completing their payments, but I have not yet re- 
 ceived 500 dollars in securities since my return. 
 
 If the time for closing the payments is not extended be- 
 yond June, my agency will stand nearly as in the statement I 
 sent you, about one-half deficient. I most ardently wish to 
 close my agency then, as I have had quite as much trouble as 
 
444 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 I wish to have in the matter, but I am fully convinced it will 
 be injurious to the Company. 
 
 To attempt a forfeiture of the money of those Avho have 
 paid only part, Avili give great uneasiness, and raise a prodig- 
 ious clamor against the Company. If I give up my agency 
 then, I shall insist on as many shares as the aggregate of the 
 mone3^s which I have paid will purchase, and shall make arrange- 
 ments accordingly. Another difficulty in making payments 
 has been the rise of securities, at first occasioned by a Dutch 
 speculation to a great amount, since by a general (but stupid) 
 belief that the new Congress will pay the interest in hard 
 money. They are now from 4s. Qd. to 5s., but those who are 
 best informed are confident that the neAv Congress will make 
 no other establishment for the payment of the Domestic 
 debt than the western lands ; that principals and interests will 
 be received in payment ; for if the interest was to be paid 
 in silver the domestic debt Avould be immediately transferred 
 to a foreign one ; that Congress had better pay 6s. to her own 
 subjects in lands than 2s. to foreigners in coin. Should Con- 
 gress confirm the former establishment for paying the domes- 
 tic debt, and admit indents, securities would instantly fall, 
 and we should meet Avith no difficulty in collecting the re- 
 mainder of our money. 
 
 In this state of things I am clearly of opinion it Avould be 
 for the interest of the company to extend the time until 
 September, Avhich will be as early as we can expect to know 
 the determinations of Congress, and for those determinations 
 to have any effect. There are several other agencies in the 
 same dilemma Avith my OAvn, though they are not so large. 
 
 I beg you to mention the matter to Major Sargent, as the 
 bearer, Avho is noAV Avaiting, Avill not tarry for me to Avrite to him. 
 Those Avho paid their money need be under no anxiety about 
 their deeds, if they knoAv the money is paid into the treas- 
 ury, for the contract already made secures the lands as ef- 
 fectually as any deeds that can be given by Congress. 
 
 It slipped my mind, Avhen I began my letter, that I re- 
 ceived a letter from you by Mr. Witham. . . . He gives 
 our purchase the preference to Symmes'. I am extremely 
 mortified to hear that Mr, Daniel Story has made so sIoav 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianassch Cutler. 445 
 
 progress into the country. He set out, I think, ahout the last 
 of Nov., and I hear had not arrived the last of Feb. 
 I can only add that I am yours, 
 
 Most aifectionately, 
 
 M. Cutler. 
 
 Copy of Instructions to R. Putnam and M. Cutler. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Directors of the Ohio Company, May 6, 
 1789. 
 
 Present : Sam'l Holden Parsons, Rufus Putnam, Griffin 
 Greene, Esquires. 
 
 Ordered : That Rufus Putnam, Esq., and Mr. M. Cutler be, 
 and they are hereby, empowered, in the behalf of the Directors, 
 to make such application to Congress as they shall judge 
 proper, either for the grant of lot No. 29, in the second Town- 
 ship in the 8th Range to the proprietors of the Ohio Com- 
 pany, which interferes with the building of their first Town, 
 or for the exchange of lot No. 29 for lot No. 8, or some 
 other lands, to make such application to Congress as they 
 shall judge expedient for procuring a charter for the Uni- 
 versity, and for the encouragement of learning in this settle- 
 ment. That they take effectual measures for closing all the 
 accounts of the Agents on the Treasurer's books, and for the 
 speedy collection of any moneys that may remain due. And 
 if any shares shall not be paid for, they are empowered to as- 
 sume those shares on the Company's Acct., and to negotiate 
 those shares Avith Congress, or dispose of them to the best ad- 
 vantage, in order that a settlement may immediately be made 
 with Congress. They are also empowered to receive of the 
 Treasurer the moneys and army warrants which have been 
 paid for shares, and to pay the same to the United States, in 
 order that the contract of the Company be fulfilled. And 
 they are to act and do whatever they shall find necessary in 
 order to obtain a deed of the lands purchased. And if a deed 
 can not otherwise be obtained, they are empowered to give 
 security for such sum as may be deficient after the payment of 
 the moneys received. And all orders drawn and all accounts 
 of Agents and Subscribers settled and closed by them shall be 
 
446 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 held good and valid. And for their doings they are to Acco't 
 "with this board. 
 
 (Signed,) W, Sargent, 
 
 Sec if of the Ohio Company. 
 
 [General Putnam to Dr. Cutler. [Honored hy Captain Bana.y] 
 
 Marietta, 3Iay 16, 1789. 
 
 Dear and Reverend Sir: — Your favor of the 9th ult. came 
 to hand a few days since, on the subject of collecting the sub- 
 scriptions, etc. Judge Parsons, Mr. Justice Greene, and my- 
 self have wrote you officially, as Directors, by the same con- 
 veyance as this ; therefore, shall only add that I never had an 
 idea that the money paid by any subscriber should be for- 
 feited, but that every agent Avould have a deed for the aggre- 
 gate quantity of lands he paid for, the same making a cer- 
 tain number of shares, and that he should arrange the matter 
 among his subscribers in such manner as he thought proper, 
 and you will perceive by our letter that we all conceive the 
 matter in the same light. 
 
 The Resolve of the Company in July last did no more, in 
 my opinion, than to put an end to the claim of delinquent 
 subscribers for having their moneys received in preference to 
 other men, who had not subscribed, and by this means re- 
 moved the embarrassment which you and others were under, 
 and must have continued under, without that vote to sell 
 shares to non-subscribers whenever you had an opportunity, 
 for money in hand, without the consent of A. and B., who had 
 subscribed and not paid. That Resolve also placed the lands 
 not paid for by the first of June Avhere they ought to be, viz., 
 in the hands of the Directors as a fund to raise money in the 
 best manner they can for the purpose of discharging the con- 
 tract with Congress in a proper time. This, also, you will 
 perceive, is our joint opinion, as we have requested you to in- 
 spect into the collections made by agents in your neighbor- 
 hood, and to push them to as speedy a collection as possible. 
 This, you are sensible, must be for our interest. For my own 
 part, I wish to see the business closed. Mr. Ludlow has been 
 on the northern boundary three weeks or more. We have 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasse7i Cutler. 447 
 
 reason to expect that in three or four weeks more that survey 
 will be completed. 
 
 You say the contract already made secures the lands as ef- 
 fectually as any deed that can be given by Congress. I sup- 
 pose you mean to 750,000 acres, because the contract gives us 
 a right of entry, occupancy, etc. You offer this argument to 
 quiet our minds whose money is paid into the Treasury ; but, 
 sir, this will not do, for, if we can hold the lands already paid 
 for, we can not oblige Congress to take the remainder of the 
 moneys we have collected unless the Avhole is completed, and 
 therefore a part of us must be disappointed ; besides, what- 
 ever you may think of our present title, it is dangerous to 
 quarrel with that power Avho may determine a fox's ears to be 
 horns. 
 
 I did not Avrite you immediately on the doings of the Com- 
 pany in December and January, because Judge Parsons un- 
 dertook the business, and I Avas too much engaged to have 
 been particular. By Captain Dodge I wrote you a short let- 
 ter, referring you to him for information, who was furnished 
 with means to give you full information. 
 
 I am glad to hear the tide is turning with respect to our 
 purchase ; the saying is, every dog must have his day, but I 
 
 hope and believe that the C s and D s will have a short 
 
 day. One thing I am sure of — that our purchase will bear 
 examination, and the more it is known, the better it will be 
 esteemed. The lands, I verily believe, are equal to any in 
 the Western Territory; they are most excellently watered, 
 and the climate is exceeded by none. , 
 
 You will doubtless hear of the murder of Captain King be- 
 fore this reaches you and be anxious to know the particulars. 
 They are these: Captain King, with others, went to make a 
 settlement down the Ohio about fourteen miles and in the 
 very quarter where it might be expected the Indians who 
 refused to come to the Treaty would be lurking for mischief, 
 if any-where. The people were sufficiently warned to be cau- 
 tious, but they were careless ; seeing or hearing of no bad In- 
 dians in the woods for a long time, they were too secure. 
 Captain King Avent from day to day, near a mile from other 
 
448 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 people, to work, alone and without liis arms, and in this sit- 
 uation he was when he was shot and scalped, by whom is un- 
 known ; however, none suspect any of the Indians who Avere 
 at the Treaty of having a hand in the murder. 
 
 I expect to set out for Massachusetts in three weeks, at 
 farthest; shall come by way of New York, and perhaps shall 
 have some further information respecting our payment when I 
 come on. Remember, sir, we wish and expect 3'ou will be an 
 inhabitant among us as soon as you can make it convenient. 
 I have the honor to be, sir, with respect, 
 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 RUFUS PUTXAM. 
 
 [^To Major' Sargent.~\ 
 
 Ipsavich, September 28, 1789. 
 
 My Dear Sir : — Your obliging letter, of March 14, is the 
 only one I have been favored with from your hand since my 
 return from Marietta, although I have before and since repeat- 
 edly wrote you. But I find your hand has been much better 
 employed, and before I proceed any farther, give me leave to 
 stop and congratulate you on giving it to a very amiable and 
 agreeably young Lady. You can not fail of being happy in 
 the judicious choice you have made of a companion and part- 
 ner of vour future good fortune. Matrimony, I had conceived, 
 was the only object that would frighten you, but true bravery 
 rises superior to every hazard. The young Lady has certainly 
 done herself great honor in the conquest she has made. You 
 have both my Avarmest Avishes that ever}' species of conjugal 
 happiness may constantly attend you. This intelligence, of 
 all others the most unexpected, I enjoyed Avith no common 
 emotions ; for, Avithout the spirit of prophecy, I foresee the 
 addition of no small degree of happiness to a friend I most 
 sincerely respect and esteem. But it Avas an event, hoAv- 
 ever, I could not fail of recording in my book of unaccount- 
 ables. 
 
 General Putnam has made me a visit, and Ave had agreed to 
 go on to NcAv York the first of November, but the unexpected 
 adjournment of Congress Avill oblige us to postpone it until 
 after the first Wednesday in December. In the meantime, Ave 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 449 
 
 are settling with the Agents, and preparing to complete our 
 contract. There will be from 50 to 100 shares delinquent, 
 but think we shall be able to obtain a deed for the whole 
 purchase, should we succeed with Congress agreeably to our 
 Avishes. 
 
 If Congress should be disposed to favor the establishment 
 of the University, I am confident it will have no inconsidera- 
 ble influence on the spirit of migration from this part of the 
 country. I hope by the time your eldest son has completed 
 his scholastic studies the University will be in a condition to 
 admit him a member. 
 
 I have the honor of inclosing a Certificate of your being 
 elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sci- 
 ences, which I had the pleasure of announcing to you in a former 
 letter. So great is the vis inertia that reigns in the Secreta- 
 ries of that Society, that it has been some years before mem- 
 bers have been notified of their election. I have been induced 
 in Several instances, from this unpardonable delay, to take the 
 Certificates and forward them to my friends. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with great esteem, dear sir. 
 
 Your most humble servant, 
 
 WiNTHROP Sargent, Esq. M. Cutler. 
 
 l^From General Putnam.^ 
 
 Rutland, Mass., December 20, 1789. 
 Dear Sir : — ... I have made a plan of the ancient 
 works in the best manner I can, and hope the description will ' 
 be satisfactory. If I have an opportunity, I will forward it to 
 you before I come to Boston; but, if not, will bring it with 
 me, and hope you will call on me at Mr. Bracket's the second 
 Thursday of January, where we may have an opportunity to 
 consult further on the measures to be taken with Congress. 
 But, if any thing prevents your coming there, I shall leave 
 the plan with Mr. Bracket, to be forwarded you by the first 
 opportunity ; or, perhaps, send it by your Representative, if I 
 don't see you in Boston, nor hear from you. As soon as I 
 can dispatch my business there, I shall set off for New York, 
 on the business I was to have been upon this month, and shall 
 29 
 
450 Life of liev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 give you the earliest information of every thing that turns up. 
 I have letters from General Parsons and Major Sargent on the 
 subject you mention that they wrote to you upon, which I will 
 communicate when we meet, for they are too long to tran- 
 scribe. I have had no letters from any other person since I 
 came home, except Mr. Matthews, giving account of his dis- 
 aster in the woods, of which, I conclude, you are well informed. 
 I am told that final settlements are rising, and, if so, we shall 
 never be able to collect the whole sum necessary to complete 
 the payment according to contract, and, of course, shall be 
 under the necessity of compromising with Congress somehow 
 or other. In this view of the matter, it is my opinion that no 
 more divisions should take place till we know the result of our 
 applications to Congrsss on that subject, and that we ought to 
 write to the agents at Muskingum our sentiments on this subject 
 as soon as may be. General Parsons, in his letter, is very ur- 
 gent for a settlement with Congress, and the obtaining a title, 
 even though a considerable sacrifice is made. So am I. But, 
 at present, if we could get a title by giving Bond for the pay- 
 ment of the money due, I should be loath to involve myself 
 and the little property I have in such a business. The only 
 way that I conceive eligible is by giving a part of the land to 
 obtain a title for the rest, and this might be done in one of 
 these two ways : Either take off the quantity not paid for in one 
 tract, or that the several shares not paid for should be given up 
 to Congress throughout the whole tract, in the divisions made 
 or to be made by the Company, and to be sold for the benefit 
 of Congress, in such manner as they shall direct. The latter 
 method would, no doubt, be most advantageous to Congress. 
 But in both cases they will be gainers by us, as the value of 
 the lands must be enhanced by the surveys and settlements 
 we have already made, and should continue to make, in the 
 country. Such a proposal, I think, they will not refuse, for 
 they must know that if people can not obtain a title to the 
 lands they have paid for, there will be an end to any rapid 
 settlement in the country, and all prospects of future sale and 
 settlement in the Western Country will be nearly at an end. 
 I have not yet sent my letter to Mr. Ames. I want you 
 should first inspect it. And for all these purposes, most earn- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 451 
 
 estly request that you will meet me at Boston on the day be- 
 fore mentioned. 
 
 Believe me, my dear sir, 
 
 Your friend and humble servant, 
 
 RuFus Putnam. 
 
 \_From General Putnam^ 
 
 Boston, January 16, 1790. 
 
 Dear Sir: — I wrote you some time since, requesting you to 
 meet me here last Thursday, and am very sorry at the disap- 
 pointment. I shall leave your pamphlet, with my plan of the 
 ancient Avorks and a dozen of Dr. Drown's Oration, with Mr. 
 Crocket, for him to forAvard, if an opportunity presents, or de- 
 liver to your order. Mr. Thomas sells these at Is. Qd. each, 
 but to me they come at 19t^. 
 
 You know, I suppose, that General Parsons is dead, and 
 that the Agents are pushing on a division of all the land as 
 fast as possible. This, if not prevented, may throw us into 
 the greatest confusion, as we know not on what terms Ave can 
 settle Avith Congress. 
 
 I shall leave this town on Monday, and in the stage that 
 leaves Boston on the next Monday, I shall take my passage to 
 New York ; shall go on board Tuesday at Spencer, and most 
 earnestly request you Avill be my company, or, if not, that you 
 Avill come on as soon as possible ; for, the state of our affairs at 
 Marietta, the President's speech respecting education and 
 other matters, as well as the matters contained in our commis- 
 sion, in my opinion, require the immediate attendance of us 
 both at New York. 
 
 I am, sir, Avith much respect. 
 
 Your most obedient and humble servant, 
 
 Rev. Manasseh Cutler, Rufus Putnam. 
 
 At Ipsavich. 
 
 P. S. — I shall lodge at Mrs. Wheaton's, by the English 
 Chapel. 
 
 [General Putnam probably referred to the folloAving extracts 
 from President Washington's Address to the House of Rep- 
 resentatives and to the Senate, Jan. 8, 1790 : 
 
 " Nor am I less persuaded that you Avill agree with me in 
 
452 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 opinion, that there is nothing which can better deserve your 
 patronage than the promotion of science and literature. 
 Knowledge in every country is the surest basis of public hap- 
 piness. In one in which the measures of Government receive 
 their impression so immediately from the the sense of the com- 
 munity, as in ours, it is proportionably essential. To the se- 
 curity of a free constitution it contributes in various ways. 
 By convincing those who are intrusted with the public admin- 
 istration, that every valuable end of Government is best an- 
 swered by the enlightened confidence of the people, and by 
 teaching the people themselves to know and to value their 
 own rights, to discei'n and provide against invasions of them, 
 to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise 
 of lawful authority ; between burdens proceeding from a dis- 
 regard to their convenience, and those resulting from the in- 
 evitable exigencies of society ; to discriminate the spirit of 
 liberty from that of licentiousness, cherishing the first, avoid- 
 ing the last, and uniting a speedy but temperate vigilance 
 against encroachments, with an inviolable respect to the laAvs. 
 " Whether this desirable object Avill be best promoted by 
 affording aids to seminaries of learning already established, 
 * by the institution of a national University, or by any other 
 expedients, will be well worthy of a place in the deliberations 
 of the Legislature." 
 
 While there may be no proof of any direct understanding 
 as between Washington and the projectors of the Ohio Com- 
 pany, in regard to this important subject of " knowledge as a 
 basis of public happiness," and as a foundation of " good gov- 
 ernment," and also in regard to a " national university," yet 
 the coincidence of sentiment can be clearly traced. The Ohio 
 Company, through their Agent, had already marked out the 
 line of public policy that the President here recommends.] 
 
 Wed., January 6, 1790. News of the death of my sister 
 Lee. Neither brother nor sister left. 
 
 Mon., Jan. 11. The Committee of the Parish, consisting 
 of nine, appointed for the purpose of visiting the four schools 
 in the parish (agreeable to an Act of the General Court, passed 
 in their last session), accompanied me to three of the schools. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 453 
 
 We began at the East School, at nine in the morning. Visited 
 the South School at eleven and the North School in the after- 
 noon. Several of the Committee dined with me. 
 
 Tues., Jan. 12. This afternoon we visited the West School, 
 and were pleased to find them all in a very good state. The 
 scholars having been lately pretty well supplied with Webster's 
 last edition of the 1st part of his Graml. Institute, we promise 
 ourselves that much greater progress will be made than here- 
 tofore. The several Masters and the Committee spent the 
 evening and supped with me. 
 
 [Dr. Cutler had, from his first settlement at Ipswich Ham- 
 let, taken a deep interest in the schools, and often visited 
 them for the purpose of giving moral and religious instruc- 
 tion. Temple Cutlei*, Esq., mentions in his reminiscences that 
 even before the law required so strict inquiry respecting 
 the qualifications of schoolmasters, as chairman of the school 
 committee, Dr. Cutler instituted a critical examination as to 
 to their acquirements and ability to teach, not hesitating to re- 
 ject such as were found wanting. He looked carefully into 
 the character of the books used in the schools, and exacted 
 of the teachers particular attention to the rudiments, and 
 thorough teaching in the foundation studies. He personally 
 examined the scholars, whose interest in their studies was thus 
 greatly stimulated, and the co-operation of parents, who were 
 invited to be present, was also secured. So much were his 
 methods approved, that he was often requested to visit other 
 towns for the purpose of introducing his mode of examination. 
 
 These semi-annual school visitations, which occupied two 
 days, became quite a social event; each committeeman, in 
 turn, entertaining the members of the school board at his 
 house, and at the close the committee and all the teachers 
 were usually invited to take supper and spend the evening 
 with Dr. Cutler, who knew well how to make it a season of 
 delightful and profitable social intercourse.] 
 
 Mon., Feb. 8. Preparing for New York. 
 
 Lord's Dai/, Feb. 14. (In Boston.) Preached a. m. for 
 Mr. Everett ; p. m. for Mr. Belknap. 
 
 Mon., Feb. 15. Left Boston for New York in •the stage, Mr. 
 Pease in company. 
 
454 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Lord's Day, Feb. 21. Set out early, and arrived at New 
 York at one o'clock. Took lodgings at Mrs. Wheaton's, near 
 St. George's Chapel, No. 11, where I found General Putnam 
 and Mr. Reed. 
 
 Mon., Feb. 22. Called on a number of my friends. Deliv- 
 ered letters. Attended debates in Congress, very much en- 
 tertained. The Hall appears superb. After dinner waited 
 on several members of Congress. 
 
 Tues., Feb. 23. Attended debates. Called on several 
 friends. 
 
 Wed., Feb. 24. Attended debates. Called on Mr. Strong. 
 
 TJiurs., Feb. 25. Waited this morning on the Vice-Presi- 
 dent [Hon. John Adams]. Went up in a Hackney coach, and 
 spent an hour. Delivered letters. • 
 
 Fri., Feb. 26. Invited to dine with the Vice-President. 
 Mr. Reed went with me in a Hackney coach. Returned in 
 the evening. Very agreeable. Colonel Smith and lady 
 present. 
 
 Sat., Feb. 27. Dined at General Knox's. A very largQ 
 company. Scioto Company met at Colonel Duer's. Just as 
 we were seated we received letters from BarloAV, announcing 
 the completion of his contract, much as we wished. 
 
 Lord's Bay, Feb. 28. At St. George's Chapel in the morn- 
 ing. Dr. Moore preached, p. m., at English Church. Mr. 
 Linn preached. In the evening the Scioto Company met at 
 Mrs. Francis', in Cortland Street. Wrote home. 
 
 Man., Mar. 1. Visited Mr. Trumbull's painting. Never 
 formed an idea of painting before. 
 
 Tues., Mar. 2. Dined with Mr. Goodhue. 
 
 Wed., Mar. 3. Supped at Mrs. Francis'. Wrote to Boston 
 and Ipswich. 
 
 Thurs., Mar. 4. Drank tea at Mr. Ames', 
 
 Fri., 3Iar. 5. Drawing Petitions. 
 
 Sat., 3Iar. 6. Dined with Captain Hammond, Baron Steuben, 
 Mr. Osgood, Mr. Pintard, etc. 
 
 Lord's Day, 3Iar. 7. At Roman Catholic Chapel, a. m. 
 Dined at Mr. Hazard's, and went to Presbyterian New Brick 
 with Mr. Hazard. Drank tea at Mr. Osgood's. 
 
 Mon., 3Iar. 8. Dined at Mr. Henderson's. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 455 
 
 Tues., 3far. 9. Dined at Mr. Osgood's. 
 
 Wed., Mar. 10. Dined at Mr. Atkinson's. A Frenchman 
 from Barlow. Wrote Mrs. Cutler. 
 
 3Iar. 11, 12. Attended Congress. 
 
 Sat., 3Iar. 13. Dined at Mr. Pintard's.=i^ Very large com- 
 pany. Several members of Congress. 
 
 Lord's Bay, 3Iar. 14. a. m., heard Foster, the Baptist, 
 from N. Mills, p. m., at Dr. Linn's. Wrote home very 
 largely to Mrs. Cutler and Dr. Whitney. 
 
 3fo7i., 3Lar. 15. Attended at the War Office. Drank tea 
 at Mr. Gerry's. 
 
 3far. 16, 17, 18. Attended at the War Office. Spent an 
 evening with Mr. Gerry. 
 
 Fri., 3Iar. 19. Adjusting accounts. Spent the evening 
 with members of Congress. 
 
 Sat., Mar. 20. Attended the Jews' Synagogue. Much en- 
 tertained. A young gentleman was very complaisant to us, 
 and gave us much information. 
 
 Sunday, Mar. 21. Attended the Moravian Meeting in the 
 morning. Had organs, singing — fine. P. M., we went to Mr. 
 Mason's, a Seceding Presbyterian, in Little Queen Street. 
 In the evening at a lecture at the Methodist Meeting — very 
 
 *John Pintard, LL.D., was the founder of historical societies in the 
 United States. By descent a French Huguenot, he was born in New 
 York city in 1759. He graduated at the College of New Jeisey, 1776i 
 and served as a soldier during tlie Revolution. He studied law, but 
 was never in actual practice. lie edited the New York Daily Adver- 
 tiser for a short time, then engaged in commerce, and failed in the 
 panic of 1792. He traveled extensively in the west, and studied the 
 history and character of the Indians. He was the first city inspector 
 of New York, appointed in 1804; originated the first savings bank 
 there; was prominent in the formation of the American Bible Society, 
 and the Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church; 
 and gave efficient aid to DeWitt Clinton in his efforts to build the Erie 
 Canal. By correspondence and personal solicitation he induced 
 Jeremy Belknap to organize the Massachusetts Historical Society. 
 He was, himself conspicuously the founder of the New York Histori- 
 cal Society. He died in New York city, 1844. — See Drakes Diclionary 
 of American Biography ; and " I Uustrated Chapter of Beginnings" by Mrs. 
 Martha J. Lamb, Magazine of American History, September, 1886. 
 
456 Lif^ of Rev. Mana^seh Cutler. 
 
 extixivagant. Wrote to Mr. Everett, of Boston, Dr. Whitney, 
 and Mrs. Cutler. 
 
 3Io7i., Mar. 22. Mr. Austin came to our lodgings. 
 
 3Iarch 23, 24. At War Office. 
 
 Thurs., Mar. 25. The new Trinity Church was dedicated 
 by the Bishop. Vast concourse. Mr. Beach preached a very 
 fine sermon. 
 
 Fri., Mar. 26. Attended Congress. Mr. Austin went to 
 Connecticut. 
 
 Sat., Mar. 27. Went to Elizabeth Town in a pirogue. 
 Rather dull passage. 
 
 Lord's Day, 3Iar. 28. Preached for Mr. Austin. Married 
 a couple in the evening. Attended a lecture at the Episco- 
 palian Church — more zeal than knowledge. Wrote to Dr. 
 Whitney, Mr. Dodge, Major Burnham,* and Mrs. Cutler. 
 
 3Ion., 3Iar. 29. Returned. A very long and disagreeable 
 passage. John J. Dodge, and Procter, from Muskingum, 
 came over with me. 
 
 Tues., Mar. 30. Wrote home by Dodge. 
 
 Wed., 31ar. 31. At the War Office from nine in the morn- 
 ing to three. Concluded most of my business there. 
 
 April 1. At War Office. 
 
 Apr. 2. Attended Congress. 
 
 Apr. 3. Received letters from home. 
 
 Lord's Day, Apr. 4. Attended the New Trinity Church. 
 
 * Major Jolin Burnham was born in Ipswich, Massachusetts, 1749; 
 died at Derry, New Hampsliire, IS43. In the War of the Revolution 
 he served as a Lieutenant in Little's regiment, Captain in the Eighth 
 Massachusetts, and Major. He was present at th^ battles of Bunker 
 Hill, Long Island, Trenton, Saratoga, Monmouth, Stony Point, and 
 Yorktown. The company he commanded in the Eighth Massachusetts 
 was. in I78"J, complimented in general orders by (icneral Washington, 
 in these words: " The Commander-in-Chief did not think he ever saw 
 a company under arms make a more soldier-like and military appear- 
 ance." In 1790, Major Burnham enlisted a company, took it to Ohio, 
 and, in the employ of the Scioto Associates, cleared the land where 
 Gallipolis is located, and built the houses first occupied by the French 
 emigrants who settled there. lie returned to New England in 1791; 
 settled in New Hampshire about 1798. — .Set? CroweUs History of Essex. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 457 
 
 Sacrament administered by the Bishop. Very solemn, p. M.; 
 attended at New Brick Church — Dr. Rogers. 
 
 Mon., Apr. 5. Expected our business to come forward, but 
 was disappointed. 
 
 Tues., Apr. 6. At Piatt's Office. 
 
 Wed., Apr. 7. At Congress — nothing done. 
 
 Thurs., Apr. 8. At Piatt's. 
 
 Fri., Apr. 9. At Congress. 
 
 8at., Apr. 10. Dined at Colonel Duer's. Letter from Mrs. 
 Cutler ; wrote to her. 
 
 Lord's Day., Apr. 11. At the Old Low Dutch Church in 
 the morning. The Parson preached in Dutch ; a fine orator. 
 Afternoon, rained. 
 
 Mon., Apr. 12. Congress negatived the Assumption bill. 
 
 Tiies., Apr. 13. Busy on Ohio matters. 
 
 April 14, 15, 16. Busy at home. 
 
 Sat., April 17. At Duer's. 
 
 Suiidajj, Apr. 18. Very stormy. Snow fell two or three 
 inches deep, then hard rain. Attended meeting at the High 
 Dutch Church, in Nassau Street ; very thin. Preacher, a 
 Dutchman, preached in Dutch. 
 
 April 19. Very busy at the War Office. 
 
 Tues., Apr. 20. At Piatt's. 
 
 Wed., Apr. 21. Very busy settling Ohio Company ac- 
 counts. 
 
 Thurs., Apr. 22. At Piatt's. 
 
 Fri., Apr. 23. Finished my business, much to my mind- 
 Left New York at 3 o'clock in the Providence Packet, in com- 
 pany with Mr. Reed, of Salem. Fine wind and weather. 
 
 Mon., Apr. 26. Came on to Boston. Mr. Reed and I took 
 a chaise at Charlestown, and came home. Arrived at Ipswich 
 about sunset. 
 
 Mon., May 17. Visited sick. Attended the funeral of 
 Mr. Tappan, at Manchester. Was one of the bearers. 
 
 Tues., May 25. Went to Boston this morning, and at- 
 tended the meeting of the Academy. Dined at Mr. Bowdoin's, 
 and lodged at Mr. Everett's. 
 
 Wed., May 26. Election. Attended the exercise at the 
 
458 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Old Brick, A Mr. Foster preached. Was to have dined 
 again at Mr. Bowdoin's, but business prevented. 
 
 [To Rev. Oliver Everett/^'] 
 
 New York, Feb. 24, 1790. 
 
 3Iy Dear Sir : — I arrived in this city on Sunday; on Mon- 
 day attended the debates in Congress. The most of last week 
 was taken up with a very unexpected motion from Mr. Madi- 
 son, for making a discrimination between original holders and 
 purchasers of securities. A motion of this kind from a mem- 
 ber of less consequence than Mr. M. would have been smiled 
 at, but his character gave it importance. The principal 
 speakers were engaged in the debates. I Avas, however, so 
 unfortunate as to hear very little from the first characters, as 
 the subject was nearly exhausted, and left to the bickerings of 
 some of the smaller folks. On taking the question Mr. M. 
 had the mortification, which he appeared sensibly to feel, to be 
 in a minority — only 13 for the motion. The next question 
 was the funding the domestic debt. It was- contested, but 
 none of the great characters arose. It passed in the affirma- 
 tive by a very great majority. 
 
 The next question, which employed yesterday and this day, 
 was on the assumption of the State Debts. This was held up 
 as a most important question, involving in it the whole sys- 
 tem of the Secretary of the Treasury, and in its consequences 
 materially affecting the very existence of the Union. All the 
 great characters were engaged, and much ability and eloquence 
 was displayed. 
 
 Mr. Gerry ably defended the assumption on anti-federal 
 ground. His principal arguments were that if the State 
 debts were not assumed, the States being absolutely unable, 
 at present, to secure funds for the payment of their debts, 
 would become less popular and less important in the view of 
 the people. The State creditors would feel themselves in- 
 jured, while they were neglected, and the Continental pro- 
 
 * " The youngest of Ebeuezer Everett's nine ohildren was Oliver, born 
 in Dedham, June i 1, 1752. lie was the father of Hon. Edward Everett,- 
 and grandfatlier of Rev. E. E. Hale, D.D., of Boston, Mass." — New Eng- 
 land Historical and Genealogical Register, Oct., 1 887, jja^e 400. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 459 
 
 vided for, and their wish and exertions would be to diminish 
 the State and exercise the Continental powers. And that if 
 the States should ever find it necessary to oppose the Gen- 
 eral Government, a heavy debt and the charge of a violated 
 faith would fustrate all their attempts. The most violent and 
 clamorous opposer of the assumption was Mr. Stone, of Mary- 
 land. Although the question is not yet taken, there is not 
 the smallest doubt of its being carried in the aflirmative. 
 Just before the Committee rose this afternoon, there appeared 
 evidently to be a coalescence of parties, in consequence of an 
 amendment proposed by Mr. Madison, that the credits as well 
 as the debts of the States should be assumed, and a final set- 
 tlement of accounts, between all the States from the com- 
 mencement of the war, be adjusted. It is, however, not im- 
 probable that it may be several days before the question is 
 taken. If this question passes in the aflirmative, there seems 
 to be little doubt of the adoption of the whole system of the 
 Secretary of the Treasury. 
 
 You will do me a particular favor by furnishing me with an 
 account of the present state of Gorham and Phelps' pur- 
 chase of the General Court. What have the Court done with 
 respect to it in the present session 1 Is there a process now 
 against them ? What is their plan ? Will they attempt to 
 give up, or do they choose to hold their purchase ? Is their 
 property and that of others concerned attached? I do not 
 make these inquiries from a wish to interfere with them, but 
 only from a probability that if I was furnished with the pres- 
 ent state of their Purchase it may be of some advantage in 
 securing the influence of some members in Congress in ac- 
 complishing our wishes, and without the least detriment to 
 them. Mr. Russell and many others will be able to give you 
 full information. This request is inter nos, and wish my name 
 may not be mentioned. 
 
 What has the Court done respecting excise ? And what are 
 they about? What will they say to the assumption of the 
 State debts ? Pray, write me by the next post, or as soon as 
 you can get the above information respecting Gorham's pur- 
 chase. 
 
 I shall probably be much longer in the city than I ex- 
 
460 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 pected Avhen I left Boston, and shall with pleasure inform you 
 of any thing which I may suppose will afford you any satis- 
 faction. 
 
 My compliments to Mrs. E., Avho, I hope, is in agreeable cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 I am, with great esteem, 
 Dear sir, your most obedient and humble servant. 
 Rev. Mr. Everett. M. Cutler. 
 
 [To Rev. Oliver Uverett.'] 
 
 New York, Feb, 28, 1790. 
 
 My Dear Sir: — Congress are still on the question, whether 
 the State debts shall be assumed. In my letter of Wednesday 
 last I mentioned Madison's amendment. 
 
 On Thursday J\lr. White moved a proviso to Madison's 
 amendment, viz : " Provided, such assumption shall not ex- 
 ceed the sum which any state may have advanced above its 
 just proportion, as the same shall appear upon its liquidation." 
 This produced a debate, which continued until just before the 
 adjournment on Friday, when the question on this amend- 
 ment was taken, and passed in the negative. During these 
 debates there appeared to be some changes in the opinion of 
 members respecting the question of assumption, which ren- 
 dered it more difficult to form a judgment how it would is- 
 sue. When White's motion was negatived (which seemed to 
 have been originally intended to embarrass, and, if possible, 
 prevent the assumption), Madison moved an amendment to 
 his own, which was long, but found to contain in substance no 
 more, than that there should be a liquidation of accounts with 
 the States, within a certain period of time, should be made on 
 the principle of enumeration, making that the rule of adjust- 
 ment. This amendment will probably take up much more 
 time, and postpone the general question. Some gentlemen 
 say Madison is in fact opposed to assumption ; others that he 
 has only in view a particular modification in favor of his own 
 State. I must confess it appears to me somewhat problematical, 
 but, on the whole, I think he is in favor. Our members, I be- 
 lieve, are all in favor, except Grant, who, I observed, has taken 
 care to be wrong on evei-y question taken in Congress since I 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler 461 
 
 have attended the debates. Several of them have made great 
 exertions. Sedgwick and Goodhue have distinguished them- 
 selves, but Gerry has gone beyond them, in displaying a clear 
 and extensive knowledge of the subject, and tracing the prob- 
 able consequences. He has certainly done himself much 
 credit in the view of the Federalists. Ames has not said 
 much in the House, but I believe has been very active abroad. 
 Indeed, at this stage of the business, I believe the friends to 
 the assumption depend more on management out of doors than 
 within, and I believe, firmly, will out-general their opponents. 
 Many of the speeches in the House have been truly Cice- 
 ronian, but some of them far below par ; the latter description 
 of speeches are put into the hands of some pretty able cobbler 
 to mend, before they go to the press, which will account for that 
 tolerably decent appearance they make in the papers. As the 
 mail will be closed in a few minutes I must desist. I hes. 
 leave to assure you that I am, with sincere esteem, 
 
 Dear sir, your most obedient, 
 
 M. Cutler. 
 [To Rev. Mr. Everett.} 
 
 New York, March 21, 1790. 
 
 My Dear Sir : — I sincerely thank you for your kind favor 
 of the 6th instant, received by the last mail. I fear that I 
 have been troublesome in requesting the particular informa- 
 tion respecting G.'s purchase. When I wrote you, our busi- 
 ness was in a train that rendered it probable such information 
 might be useful, but it has since taken a different turn. Our 
 object is to obtain a reduction of the price we were to 
 give for the land. We have not yet applied to Congress, 
 but we have reason to believe we shall succeed to our utmost 
 wishes. 
 
 Our time has been employed in securing the interest of the 
 members, by stating to them, at their private lodgings, the 
 principles and facts on which we shall found our petition, 
 while we have been waiting for Congress to fix the price for 
 future sales. If we obtain our lands at twenty cents, of which 
 I at present have little doubt, we shall make a saving to the 
 Company of piore than $500,000, and in the same proportion 
 increase the value of the shares. 
 
462 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 Mr. M s has disgusted many of his friends by takinf:r a 
 
 part different from their expectations in almost every ques- 
 tion on the Secretary's report. His enemies charge him with 
 duplicity, some with dishonesty. It is said that he at first 
 appeared to be pleased with the system ; that he repeatedly 
 intimated to H-l-n his approbation, and suggested that he 
 should support it. However this might be, he has not ap- 
 peared to me to favor the leading principles of this system in 
 the House, nor has he directly opposed them. But it must be 
 acknowdedged that he is possessed of excellent abilities. He 
 distinguishes himself much in his speeches by the accurate 
 arrangement of his ideas, and in the happy choice of words to 
 express them. I must confess there are few in Congress whose 
 air and address is more pleasing to me, tho' he appears less 
 animated than many others. His speeches are sentimental, 
 and when he descends to sophistical reasoning, which he has 
 lately often done, he manages it with great art. To me he 
 appears to be possessed of much art, exceedingly local in his 
 views of national objects, and disposed to sacrifice every thing 
 to what he conceives to be for the interest or Avould be grati- 
 fying to his constituents. His talent at artful management 
 has been amply displayed in the opposition that has been made 
 to the assumption. For it has been made against the clearest 
 and most forcible reasoning, as well as every principle of jus- 
 tice, honor, and sound policy. There has been no occasion 
 that has brought forth the whole ability of Congress so clearly 
 as in discussing this question, and it is so very clear that the 
 fairest reasoners and the best politicians have been on the af- 
 firmative side of it. Mr. M s may plume himself on the 
 
 numbers that have been with him, but I am sure he can not be 
 pleased with his company. 
 
 You have seen by the papers that the Committee of the 
 whole House on the Secretary's report have made their report 
 to the House, but the assumption will undoubtedly meet with 
 another severe combat. It was expected that the report would 
 have been taken up by the House last week, but the co7is are 
 endeavoring to keep it off until the arrival of the N. Carolina 
 members, who, it is supposed will all be against it ; the pros 
 have been afraid to bring it forward until the return of several 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 463 
 
 members on their side the question, who are now absent, but 
 are expected in the course of the present Aveek. There is yet 
 some ground to fear whether the assumption passes this ses- 
 sion, though most of the friends of this measure are pretty 
 sanguine that it will be adopted. They view it as the Key- 
 Stone to the present Government, and will never give up the 
 object while they are members of the House. 
 
 It has not been in contemplation to fix the interest of the 
 national debt lower than four per cent. I believe all who are 
 not for four are for six per cent. It indeed seems to be a pre- 
 vailing wish of the House to fund the debt in such a mode as 
 will approach as near to six per cent as the present state of 
 the country will admit. But at whatever rate interest is fixed, 
 at least, if it is above three per cent, foreigners will speculate 
 in our funds ; and if this is an evil, which I am upon the 
 whole inclined to doubt, the higher the interest, the greater 
 will be the evil. Probability of the transfer of a great part 
 of our domestic debt to foreigners has been much talked of in 
 Congress, but the result seems to have been, by a pretty gen- 
 eral agreement, that Congress have it not in their power to 
 guard against foreign speculation, and that they ought to pay 
 no regard to this matter in their establishment of a funding 
 system. 
 
 It is mortifying to see so many, as there appears to be, in 
 our national legislature who pay little regard to national 
 honor or credit, but I am persuaded there is a respectable ma- 
 jority who pay a proper attention to these great objects. 
 Some acts may possibly pass derogatory to a national char- 
 acter which ought to be immediately established. Yet I think 
 the honor and credit of this country will be pretty well sup- 
 ported during the existence of the present Congress. 
 
 It was my intention to have mentioned several other matters 
 when I sat down to write, but I have been much interrupted 
 by a room full of company, and the hour is now arrived (8 
 o'clock) at which the mail closes, and I can only add that I 
 am, with sincere afi"ection, dear sir. 
 
 Your very humble servant, 
 
 M. Cutler. 
 
464 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 \From General Puinani^ 
 
 Boston, August 12, 1790. 
 
 My Dear Sir : — I wrote you from Rutland last week, and 
 forwarded my letter by mail, in which I requested you to meet 
 me here yesterday, but, as I see you not, conclude you did 
 not receive my letter in season. I expect to set out with my 
 family the week after next for Muskingum, and the hurry that 
 I am in to prepare for the voyage renders it impossible to 
 come to Ipswich, though I want much to see you before I go 
 again to the Western Country. 
 
 Our old Commission to transact business on the east of the 
 Mountains is considered by the Directors at Muskingum as at 
 an end, and, as there was no prospect that Congress would 
 settle the price of western lands in time to apply this session, 
 nor who could best attend from that quarter next winter, it 
 was agreed to let the matter rest for the present. It is ex- 
 pected that Sargent will return to Muskingum next October, 
 and not before. I shall do my endeavor that he be joined 
 Avith you to complete the contract with Congress. And per- 
 haps Green or Oliver will also come on as soon as matters are 
 ripe for us to apply. At any rate, I will endeavor that you 
 have seasonable notice of what measures are adopted, as well 
 as the time when to meet there on the business. 
 
 I hope you are making your arrangements (at least, in your 
 mind) to come to Muskingum as soon as our contract is com- 
 pleted. Your company is much wished for by the best peo- 
 ple, and I believe you will hear no more clamor about the 
 Scioto purchase. I have many things to say, could I see you. 
 Pray come to Rutland next Aveek, if you can. 
 
 I am, sir, yours, 
 With every possible sentiment of respect, 
 
 Mr. Cutler. Rupus Putnam. 
 
 Jan. 4-7, 1791. Engaged in preparing a paper on the An- 
 cient Ruins in America. 
 
 Jan. 26, Wed. Attended the meeting of the American 
 Academy. We Avalked in procession from the Hall of the 
 Bank to Mr. Thatcher's Meeting House, Avhere the Hon. Mr. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 465 
 
 Lowell delivered a most elegant oration in honor of our late 
 President, Governor Bowdoin. Very full assembly. We re- 
 turned in procession. Dined at Dr. Dexter's. Drank tea at 
 Mrs. Bowdoin's. Spent the evening and lodged at Mr. Ev- 
 verett's, Boston. 
 
 Jan. 27, Thurs. Dined at Mr. Burley's. Did business. 
 Attended a meeting of the Proprietors of the Ohio Company 
 at the Bunch of Grapes. 
 
 Jan. 28, Fri. Paid Mr. Dudley Hubbard the whole for the 
 place I bought of the heirs of his late father. Dined at Mr. 
 Barrel's, and came home. 
 
 Feb. 18, Tues. Spent the evening at Mr. Samuel Whip- 
 ple's, when Colonel Dodge, Captain Whipple, Mr. Joseph Po- 
 land, and Lieutenant John Dodge were sworn as Commission- 
 ers of Sewers, in consequence of a Commission I obtained 
 from the Governor for clearing Miles River. 
 
 Feb. 23, Wed. Met with the Commissioners of Sewers. 
 
 3Iar. 9, Wed. A meeting of the proprietors of the river. 
 
 [Miles River was a very sluggish stream, flowing from 
 Wenham Lake into Ipswich River, through a part of Wenham, 
 Hamilton, and Ipswich. By its annual overflow, it rendered 
 unproductive a large portion of the adjoining meadow lands, 
 which only yielded a coarse, inferior grass. A part of the 
 Hubbard farm, lately purchased by Dr. Cutler, was subject to 
 these inundations, and he suggested to the other owners of 
 meadows on the borders of this stream the expediency of open- 
 ing and clearing out the obstructions to the river, the expense 
 to be met by a tax upon these lands. 
 
 He succeeded in convincing a majority of the proprietors 
 of the utility of the plan. They united Avith him in a peti- 
 tion to the authorities for a Commission, with leave to make 
 the needed improvements ; and, although a counter-memorial 
 was presented, Governor Hancock and his Council granted the 
 petition. This resulted in the reclaiming, to the great advan- 
 tage of the owners, of hundreds of acres, which have now be- 
 come very valuable meadow lands.] 
 
 3Iur. 15, Tues. Parish meeting. I went to town to meet 
 with the committee appointed by the proprietors of the Ips- 
 30 
 
466 Life of Rev. ManasseJi Cutler. 
 
 wich Social Library, to draw ujd Articles of Agreement and 
 Regulations for the Company. We met at Esquire Cheat's. 
 Present: Hon. Stephen Cheat, Esq., Mr. Dana, Mr. Frisbie, 
 Esq. Noyes, and myself. 
 
 Mar. 22, Tiies. Messrs. Dana and Frisbie here, as a sub- 
 committee with myself, for forming a constitution and articles 
 for the Library Company. 
 
 Mar. 23, Wed. Went to town and met Avitli the Library 
 Committee at Mr. Noj^es'. 
 
 AjJr. 3, Lord's Day. A most beautiful Annular Eclipse of 
 the Sun this morning, which began just after sunrise and 
 ended after 8 o'clock. The appearance was fine, although I 
 had only a common spy-glass, as the atmosphere was in an un- 
 commonly fine state. Tho' rainy yesterday, the wind shifted 
 to the N. W., and had cleared the air from the smallest ap- 
 pearance of vapor. Nearly calm while the eclipse lasted, but 
 the wind very high the most of the day. Preached. 
 
 Apr. 21, Thurs. My barn was moved from the Hubbard 
 house round the north end of the Meeting House to my other 
 barn. Began to move it at 8 o'clock, and had it completely 
 placed on the spot, without any accident or injury to the 
 building, iDy one o'clock. We had about ninety yoke of oxen, 
 but they were not all put in the strings for hauling the barn. 
 Dined about 200 persons. The whole parish was invited, and 
 generally attended. 
 
 Ajir. 26, Tues. Attended a meeting of the Trustees of the 
 Ipswich Social Library. 
 
 May 24, Tues. Went this morning to Cambridge, and then 
 to Boston. Attended the meeting of the Academy. Dined 
 at Esquire Storer's. 
 
 3Iay 25, Wed. Election. A fine sermon. The Governor 
 gave a public dinner to the Clergy, and a great number of 
 others, nearly 300, at Faneuil Hall. A very fine entertainment ; 
 escorted by the Fusiliers. Attended Convention. Went to 
 Mr. Everett's with Mr. Chickering, and spent the night very 
 agreeably. 
 
 June 1, Wed. Attended the annual meeting of our Philo- 
 sophical Library Company at Mr. Piince's. 
 
 June 7, Tues. Went to Nahant, in Lynn, in company with 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 467 
 
 Messrs. Prince, Barnard, and McKeen, where we met Mr. 
 Belknap and Mr. Everett, of Boston, on a philosophical visit 
 to the Swallow House, or cave in the rocks on the sea-shore. 
 Among other curiosities we found the Sea-anemone, or ani- 
 mal plant, in great perfection and of a large size. Killed sev- 
 eral kinds of birds, for the purpose of arranging them in Natural 
 History. A very agreeable day. 
 
 June 12, Lord^s Day. (At Providence.) Preached for Dr. 
 Hitchcock. A very handsome congregation. Wore my black 
 gown and cassock for the first time. 
 
 Mon., June 13. We rode about, and out of town. Dined 
 with Governor Bowen. Attended a meeting of the Proprietors 
 of the Ohio Company, and gave them an account of the state 
 of the Company's affairs, which appeared to be satisfactory. 
 
 July 7, Thurs. Mrs. C. and I went to Salem very early, and 
 Mr. Prince and I went to Nahant. Met Mr. Barrel and son, 
 and Messrs. Belknap and Clark from Boston. Found a great 
 number of the sea-anemone in the Swallow House. 
 
 Aug. 2-6. Notified a meeting of the Proprietors of the 
 Ohio Company to meet at the Bunch of Grapes on the 10th 
 instant. Busy about Ohio matters. 
 
 Aug. 10., Wed. (In Boston.) Dined with Mr. Barrel. At- 
 tended a meeting of the Proprietors at the Bunch of Grapes. 
 They appointed me to go on to Philadelphia and settle all their 
 accounts. 
 
 Sept. 5-7. Preparing specimens of plants and Catalogue of 
 animals. Sent specimens to Dr. Muhlenberg. 
 
 Sept. 8-10. Finished Catalogue of animals, and sent it to 
 Brother Belknap for his History.* 
 
 Oct. 11, Tues. (At Beverly.) Observed the eclipse of the 
 Moon. A very fine observation. Several gentlemen present. 
 
 JSfov. 8, Tues. The Proprietors of the Philosophical Li- 
 brary agreed to take the American edition of the Encylopsedia. 
 I received the first volume. 
 
 Dec. 9, Fri. A meeting of the Proprietors of the Ipswich 
 Local Library. Adjusted the order of drawing. I came up 
 
 *This list of animals is in ('hapter X. of Volume III., Belknap's 
 History of New Hampshire. 
 
468 Life of Rev. 3fanasseh Cutler. 
 
 the 4th on the list, and took out Goldsmith's Animated Na- 
 ture. 
 
 SEA-ANEMONE. 
 
 This account of the Sea-anemone is found among Dr. Cut- 
 ler's papers : 
 
 The Sea-anemones are a most singular species of animals, 
 approaching nearly, if not nearest, to the connecting link be- 
 tween the animate and inanimate creation. We have had no 
 account of the discovery of the Sea-anemone on the American 
 shores until the year 1791. In the month of June Dr. Cutler, 
 with the Rev. Mr. Prince, of Salem, in company with several 
 other gentlemen, visited the cavern in the rocks on the south- 
 .ei'n side of Nahant, in Lynn, called the Swallow-house, for 
 the purpose of searching for them. At the bottom of the 
 cavern, after the tide had receded, they found great numbers, 
 of diiferent sizes, and a great variety of colors. 
 
 The general form of this singular animal, Avhen moderately 
 contracted, is nearly like that of a truncated cone, with its 
 base adhering to the rocks, but it has the power of assum- 
 ing a variety of shapes. The position in which some of them 
 appeared resembled a full-blown anemone ; others approached 
 nearer to the flower of a large rose or poppy, and some were 
 extended in an oblique direction, with the leaves so much 
 contrac|;ed as to exhibit only their margin in the form of a 
 fringe. 
 
 When the arms or leaves of the larger ones were fully dis- 
 played they measured five and six inches in circumference, ex- 
 hibiting a great variety and brilliancy of colors. Some were 
 of the purest Avhite, some of the most delicate flesh color, others 
 tinged with purple, green, and violet, and still others shaded 
 and variegated with the finest brown or black. On touching 
 the arms, or leaves, they instantly contract. By expanding 
 and contracting the leaves, they collect and convey food to 
 their mouths, which are placed in the center of the blossom. 
 On offering them bits of muscles, they directly seized them 
 with their arms, conducted them to their mouths, and swallowed 
 them. If pieces of shells adhering to the muscle, or if small 
 muscles were given them, the shells were afterward discharged 
 by the mouth. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 469 
 
 The Sea-anemone is said to be viviparous. It has also the 
 power of reproduction. If the arms are clipped off, they will 
 bud and grow to the usual size. And the Abbe Dicquemare 
 has shown by a course of experiments that, like Polype, it 
 may be multiplied by shreds clipped from the animal. These 
 Anemones have a progressive motion ; moving, but extremely 
 slow. Mr. Joseph Barrel, of Charlestown, who with several 
 other gentlemen was there at the same time, carried home 
 a pebble on which an anemone had attached itself, and pre- 
 served it several months in sea water. It disengaged itself 
 from the stone and moved about the vessel in which he had 
 placed it. It has been classed among the Zoophytes. 
 
470 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Directors' Petition to Congrkss — Report of Committee — Act Conveying 
 Lands to Ohio Company — Letters to Mrs. Cutler — Diary, 1793. 
 
 Of the years from 1791 to 1800, some of the interleaved 
 Almanacs are not found. Those which remain, with letters 
 written during this period, and other documents, show some- 
 thing of the busy life which Dr. Cutler led. Of the year 
 1792 he states, in a letter to Dr. Muhlenburg, that : " The 
 concerns of the Ohio Company have unavoidably occupied all 
 my time for a year past, except an attention to such parochial 
 duties as could not be dispensed with." Four months in the 
 eaidier part of the year he was in Philadelphia, with two other 
 Directors, General Rufus Putnam and Colonel Robert Oliver, 
 endeavoring to procure from Congress an adjustment of the 
 affairs of the Company. They sought to obtain a reduction 
 in the price of the lands contracted for, to correspond Avith 
 that at which Congress proposed to place other western lands 
 in the market ; and they particularly desired to secure deeds 
 of that part of the purchase for which they had already paid. 
 The Indian war, and the advance in the value of securities, to 
 which was now added the failure of the treasurer, at New 
 York, for a large amount of Company funds, were elements 
 that greatly complicated the difficulties under which they 
 labored. The Almanac for 1792 is missing, but the fol- 
 lowing documents and letters relating to the business will show 
 the action of the Directors and of Congress in the premises. 
 
 While in Philadelphia at this time. Dr. Cutler was brought 
 into pleasant social contact with President Washington, Vice- 
 
 * Colonel Robert Oliver served with credit during the Revolution, at- 
 taining the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel of the Tenth Massachusetts 
 and Brevet Colonel. He came to Marietta, Ohio., 1788. After the death 
 of General Parsons, 1789, he was chosen a director in the Ohio Com- 
 pany. He was Judge of the Common Pleas, and in 1800 President of 
 the Territorial Council. He died at Marietta, 1810. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 471 
 
 President Adams, General Knox, then Secretary of War, and 
 their families, with many other distinguished people. 
 
 To THE Honorable the Senate and House of Representa- 
 tives OF THE United States of America. 
 
 The memorial and petition of the subscribers, Directors of the 
 Ohio Company of Associates, so called, most respectfully 
 sheiveth : 
 
 That, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty- 
 three, a certain number of the officers of the late army, con- 
 sulting the interest of the United States, as well as their own, 
 preferred a petition to Congress, praying that their Bounty 
 Lands, and also the Bounty Lands of other officers and soldiers 
 who chose to take their lands in the same quarter, might 
 be located between the Ohio River and Lake Erie ; and 
 that they might be permitted to purchase additional quan- 
 tities with the certificates they had received for theii- services. 
 That the advantages which would result to government from a 
 settlement made in that part of the country, were particularly 
 stated to Congress in a letter from the then Commander-in- 
 Chief, as Avell as in other papers accompanying the said peti- 
 tion. That, although the Land Ordinance, passed in the 
 year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, did not 
 comport with the expectations of these petitioners, as in their 
 opinion the price was too high, and the mode of sale such as 
 rendered it impracticable to form a compact and defensible 
 settlement, which discouraged many from further prosecuting 
 this object ; yet, in the year one thousand seven hundred and 
 eighty-six, the Principal Leaders in the first petition promoted 
 an Association, under the name of the Ohio Company, which 
 contemplated the raising of one million of dollars, for the ex- 
 press design of purchasing lands, and promoting a settlement 
 in the Territory north-west of the Ohio River. That, having 
 formed this Association, the late Samuel Holden Parsons, 
 Esquire, made application to Congress for the sale of lands to 
 the Company ; and Congress, by their resolves of the 23d and 
 27th of July, in the same year, empowered the Board of 
 Treasury to dispose of certain lands therein described, the 
 price to be not less than one dollar per acre, liable to a reduc- 
 
472 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 tion by an allowance for bad lands ; and all incidental charges 
 and allowances whatsoever not to exceed one-third of a dollar 
 per acre. In consequence of which indentures were executed, 
 on the 27th day of October following, " between Samuel Os- 
 good, Walter Livingston, and Arthur Lee, Esquires, of the 
 Board of Treasury of the Lnited States, of the one part, and 
 Manasseh Cutler and AVinthrop Sargent, as agents for the Di- 
 rectors of the Ohio Company of Associates, so called, on the 
 other part, whereby the said parties of the first part, for and 
 in the consideration of the sum of five hundred thousand 
 dollars, paid into the Treasury of the United States by the 
 said parties of the second part, the receipt whereof the said 
 Board of Treasury " did " acknowledge before the ensealing 
 and delivery of the said Indentures," did covenant to sell, and 
 that the United States should convey to the said company of 
 associates, one million and a half acres of land ; and the par- 
 ties of the second part further stipulated that five hundred 
 thousand dollars more should be paid after the outlines of the 
 tract had been surveyed. The said contract further provided, 
 " That the said Ohio Company of Associates should, if they 
 thought proper, immediately cultivate a part of said land pro- 
 portionable to the payments they have made, and should have 
 full security for the undisturbed enjoyment of the same." 
 
 When the agents of the Company first applied for the pur- 
 chase, they were fully sensible that the price was much too 
 high, especially Avhen taken in connection with the expenses 
 and dangers which would unavoidably attend the first settle- 
 ment, and much time and pains were employed to obtain the 
 land at a lower rate ; but this was refused, with the strongest 
 assurance that Congress had fixed a standing price, from 
 which they would not depart. That as early as May 20, 1785, 
 Congress passed an Ordinance, in which it is expressly pro- 
 vided : " That none of the lands within the Territory be sold 
 under the price of one dollar per acre, to be paid in specie, 
 loan ofiice certificates reduced to specie value, or liquidated 
 debts." That a resolve Avas passed on the 21st of April, 1787, 
 confirming the former ordinance, in which, it was declared: 
 "That none of the lands shall be sold at less price than one 
 dollar per acre, and that the sales shall be made agreeably to 
 
Life of Rev. llanasseh Cutler. 473 
 
 the mode pointed out by the ordinance of May 20, 1785." 
 In the fullest confidence that Congress would abide by their 
 own ordinances and resolutions, in all cases where a departure 
 from them might essentially injure those citizens with whom 
 * Congress had entered into formal contract, the agents deemed 
 it safe to make the purchase, that the company would not be 
 liable to suffer in their property by lands being sold to future 
 purchasers at a lower rate, nor be defeated in their intentions 
 to accommodate settlers by disposing of their lands in smaller 
 tracts. The circumstances, likewise, of many of the com- 
 pany, were such as rendered it necessary that their agents 
 should accept of the terms offered ; for, however they might 
 be disposed to delay their emigrations until the state of the 
 country should be more favorable, yet, such was the situation of 
 many of them, in consequence of the depreciation of the securi- 
 ties they had received for their services in the defense of the 
 country, that they were obliged to remove immediately into the 
 wilderness, or remain in a state of humiliating dependence. 
 
 Accordingly, in December following, the company sent for- 
 ward surveyors, carpenters, laborers, etc., who, in April, 1788, 
 began and established a settlement, which two years ago had 
 increased to more than one thousand persons. But this Avas 
 not effected without a heavy tax on the funds of the company, 
 as well as on the individual settlers ; for, although many of the 
 natives appeared friendly, yet others discovered a hostile dis- 
 position. The settlers found themselves in a more hazardous 
 situation than they expected. The small number of troops as- 
 signed to the Western Territory being inadequate to that pro- 
 tection of the frontiers which was necessary to give security 
 to the people, they found that they must erect defenses wher- 
 ever they sat down, that they must work in companies, and 
 guards must be continually kept, or they would neither labor 
 nor sleep in safety. This continued to be their situation until 
 after the peace concluded with the Indians by Governor St. 
 Clair, in 1789 ; from which time, until General Harmar's ex- 
 pedition, the settlers enjoyed a tolerable degree of quiet, al- 
 though during that period eight men were killed, tAvo taken 
 prisoners, and many horses were stolen. But, since that un- 
 fortunate affair, the settlers have experienced a continued 
 
474 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 scene of suffering and distress, which wouhl be extremely 
 painful, and perhaps improper to describe in this place, and 
 which has added to the expense of the company, for their pro- 
 tection, the last year, more than nine thousand dollars, besides 
 the pay and rations of the militia allowed to be maintained * 
 and paid by government. In addition to their unexpected ex- 
 penses and discouragements, it was found necessary, so long 
 ago as December, 1788, to make a further sacrifice of a grant 
 of one hundred acres of land, out of each proprietor's share, 
 to be given to such persons as would undertake to settle the 
 same and perform military services. 
 
 Your Petitioners beg leave to observe further, that the 
 proprietors, in general, received the certificates which they 
 advanced in payment for their lands, equal in value to spe- 
 cie, yet the price was, at least, in some proportion to the de- 
 preciated state of public securities ; the price of the lands 
 being much above their real specie value, the company's prop- 
 erty must suffer, in proportion to the rise of public securities, in 
 their future sales of that Territory ; and so great has been the 
 expense of many of the proprietors, in removing their families 
 into the country and establishing their settlements, that it is 
 not in their power to make any further payments. We have 
 been induced to give this detail, that the real situation and 
 merit of the Ohio Company of Associates might in some meas- 
 ure appear. For, when Congress shall consider that the pro- 
 prietors, in general, paid for their lands in securities they had 
 received equal to specie ; that the price was far above the real 
 value of the lands, circumstanced as those lands then were, 
 it will be seen that the proprietors have it not, nor ever can 
 have it, iu their power to complete their contract, owing to 
 the rise of Public Securities, to the unexpected expenses 
 incurred in consequence of the hostile disposition of the sav- 
 ages on our first arrival, and the great increase of expenses 
 occasioned by the present Indian War, and owing likewise to 
 a Bill which long since passed the Honorable House of Rep- 
 resentatives of the United States, placing the price of the 
 lands in the Western Territory at a much lower rate than that 
 at which they were sold to the Ohio Company. For, although 
 this Bill has not been completed, yet the public mind is so 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 475 
 
 fixed, with respect to the price of those lands, that, were the 
 Territory in a state of peace, the lands can not be sold unless 
 on such terms as must prove the ruin of the settlements and 
 the destruction of the Ohio. Company, for the whole tract 
 would not amount to the sum which remains to be paid to the 
 Government. When Congress shall consider that this Com- 
 pany opened the sale of lands in the Western Territory by 
 becoming the first purchasers of any considerable tract, that 
 their object was not to raise the value of their lands, at the 
 expense, exertions, and risk of others, but to make an actual 
 settlement ; when they shall consider the great expenses of 
 the Company, which have amounted already to more than 
 thirty-three thousand dollars, -in specie, besides one hundred 
 acres of land to each share, the hazard, extraordinary serv- 
 ices of the settlers in securing their own protection, it will be 
 seen that the mode of settlement they have adopted, though 
 very expensive, was the only one that would, with any degree 
 of certainty, succeed. And when it is further considered that 
 five hundred thousand dollars were actually paid into the 
 Treasury of the United States by the Ohio Company, more 
 than four years ago, the interest of which has from that time 
 ceased, and so much of the National Debt sunk, and the Com- 
 pany placing the utmost confidence in those Ordinances and 
 Resolutions of Congress which declare " that the price of lands 
 shall not be less than one dollar per acre," must suffer great, 
 injury and injustice, in consequence of a reduction of it to 
 others, unless the same reduction shall extend to this pur- 
 chase. When these and many other weighty arguments, which 
 might have been suggested, are contemplated by Congress, 
 your Petitioners are persuaded they will commiserate the sin- 
 gular and unhappy situation of this Company, and will not 
 demand a literal fulfillment of their contract and afterward 
 sell their lands to others at a lower rate. 
 
 Your Petitioners, therefore, pray that Congress will be 
 pleased, as immediately as may be, to take the premises into 
 consideration and confirm the tract of land to the Ohio Com- 
 pany of Associates described in their contract Avith the late 
 Board of Treasury, at the rate of twenty cents per acre, or 
 that Congress will retrieve this unfortanate Company from 
 
476 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 inevitable ruin by granting such terms and conditions as they, 
 in their wisdom, shall deem, under its present circumstances, 
 to be just and reasonable. 
 
 Your Petitioners earnestly solicit the further attention of 
 Congress to the urgent and pressing reasons which compel 
 them to pray for an immediate attention to their petition. 
 The surveys of the outlines are now finished, and the returns 
 in a short time will be made ; after which, the second payment 
 becomes due, and if not completed, the lands, and all the im- 
 provements of the Company, will be liable to a forfeiture. 
 This circumstance gives great uneasiness to all the proprie- 
 tors, and especially to those in the settlement. The proprie- 
 tors, not having a clear title, can not sell their lands to others 
 without hazard to both themselves and purchasers. Th-e prop- 
 erty being unnegotiable, the value of shares is daily depre- 
 ciating, and the uneasiness and sufferings of the proprietors 
 are in the same proportion increasing, as negotiations abso- 
 lutely necessary to the existence of the Company can not be 
 carried into effect by the Directors in the present state of the 
 property. 
 
 A very considerable part of the military strength of the set- 
 tlement depends upon non-proprietors, to whom lands have 
 been promised on condition of the performance of military 
 services to the end of the present 'war, and should the closing 
 of this present contract be postponed to a future session of 
 Congress, the Company can not fulfill their engagements to 
 them, and if not done, the Directors are confidently assured 
 those people will desert the settlement, the inevitable conse- 
 quences of which must be that a great part, if not the whole 
 of the settlement, will be abandoned. Nor does the hazard of 
 a total desertion depend only on those people ; the resident 
 proprietors sensibly feel the great loss of men and property 
 which they have sustained, as well as the extreme distress 
 and suffering they endured the last year. There is every 
 reason to believe that, unless they are relieved from that state 
 of suspense and uncertainty respecting their title with which 
 their minds- have been so long exercised, they will make no 
 further exertions to defend a settlement from which they are 
 liable at any time to be driven ; th-at, if the tomahawk and 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 477 
 
 scalping-knife do not prevent an escape, they will immedi- 
 ately retreat to some place of greater security. 
 
 We will only add that the most of your Petitioners have 
 with much anxiety left their families, exposed every moment 
 to an attack from the Indians, to repair to this place for the 
 purpose of closing the contract, and should they be obliged 
 to return without effecting their object, we fear the evils we 
 have suggested and ma.ny more will unavoidably take place. 
 And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 
 
 RuFus Putnam, 
 Manasseh Cutler, 
 Robert Oliver, 
 March 2, 1792. Directors. 
 
 [The Committee, to whom the foregoing petition of the Di- 
 rectors was referred, consisted of Messrs. Sedgwick, Findley, 
 Larned, Benson, and Baldwin, who made the following report] : 
 
 The Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of the 
 Directors of the Ohio Company of Associates, so called, hav- 
 ing attended the duty assigned to them, 
 
 REPORT : 
 
 That the said Ohio Company of Associates had its founda- 
 tion in an application to the United States in Congress assem- 
 bled, by the officers of the late army, a Copy of which, marked 
 Number I., is herewith presented to the House. The motives 
 whereto, and the. objects proposed thereby, are particularly 
 explained in the said petition, and in the papers, marked 
 Number II. and Number III., beino- letters from Brigadier- 
 General Putnam to the Commander-in-Chief, and from him to 
 the President of Congress. That the contract mentioned in 
 the petition was completed on the twenty-seventh day of 
 October, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, a 
 copy whereof, marked Number IV., is herewith exhibited. 
 That the contract was for 1,500,000 acres of land, at two- 
 thirds of a dollar per acre. That one-half of the purchase 
 was, at the time, paid in the public securities of the United 
 States. That the petitioners declare that the said securities 
 
478 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 were almost universally paid for the use of original holders ; 
 that by means of circumstances which are publicly known, 
 they have expended more than 33,000 dollars for their protec- 
 tion and the establishment of settlements on the territory 
 contracted to be conveyed ; and that they have engaged to 
 give between 80,000 and 90,000 acres to those who have under- 
 taken to become actual settlers. The petitioners further state 
 to the Committee that the settlers aforesaid, who form a very 
 considerable proportion of the residents, will not be induced 
 to continue there, unless they can be secured in titles to their 
 respective shares, which is not in the power of the proprietors 
 to effect, until Congress shall have decided on their case. 
 This manifests that their present desertion would operate the 
 total ruin of the aflfairs of the Company. 
 
 On the foregoing state of facts, the Committee are of 
 opinion — 
 
 1. That it is of great importance to the said Company that 
 their case should be decided the present session. 
 
 2. That it would be inexpedient to exact of the said pro- 
 prietors a specific performance of the said contract, and that 
 fulfillment thereof is probably beyond their ability. 
 
 3. That to enable the said Company to maintain their set- 
 tlements will be of public utility. 
 
 4. That the sum already paid for the territory contracted 
 to be conveyed, being for the whole quantity, at the rate of 
 33^ cents per acre, is probably as much as will be determined 
 as the price of future sales of public lands. 
 
 5. That it is expedient to relinquish any demand for pay- 
 ment of what remains due to the government in virtue of the 
 said contract. 
 
 The Committee, as the result of the foregoing opinions, 
 submit the following resolution : 
 
 Resolved, That a committee be appointed to bring in a bill 
 to authorize a conveyance to the Directors of the Ohio Com- 
 pany, so called, for the use of the said Company, a tract of 
 land particularly described in an indenture executed the 
 twenty-seventh day of October, one thousand seven hundred 
 and eighty-seven, betAveen the then Board of Treasury, for 
 the United States of the one part, and Manasseh Cutler and 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 479 
 
 Winthrop Sargent, as agents for the Directors of the said 
 Ohio Company of the other part, with the reservations in the 
 said indenture mentioned, in consideration of the purchase- 
 money in the said indenture expressed to have been received j 
 and to release to the said company the 500,000 dollars, the 
 residue of the said purchase-money remaining unpaid. 
 
 The documents referred to in the foregoing Report are : 
 
 Number I. The Petition of the Officers in the Continental 
 Line of the Army to the President and Delegates in Congress, 
 June 16, 1783. 
 
 Number II. Letter of Rufus Putnam to General Washing- 
 ton, New Windsor, June 16, 1783. 
 
 Number III. Letter of George Washington, transmitting 
 the Officers' Petition to the President of Congress, Head- 
 quarters, Newburgh, June 17, 1783. 
 
 Number IV. Contract of the Ohio Company with the Board 
 of Treasury of the United States, October 27, 1787. 
 
 These papers, except the last, are given in full in another 
 part of this volume. 
 
 All Act authorizing the grant and convf^jaiice of certain Lands to the 
 Ohio Company of Associates. 
 
 Section 1. Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Repre- 
 sejitatives of the JJyiited States of America in Co7igress assemhledy 
 That a certain contract expressed in an indenture executed on 
 the twenty-seventh day of October, in the year one thousand 
 seven hundred and eighty-seven, between the then Board of 
 Treasury, for the United States of America of the one part, and 
 Manasseh Cutler and Winthrop Sargent, as agents for the di- 
 rectors of the Ohio Company of Associates of the other part, so 
 far as the same respects the following described tract of land ; 
 that is to say : " Beginning at a station where the western 
 boundary line of the seventh range of townships, laid out by the 
 authority of the United States in Congress assembled, inter- 
 sects the river Ohio ; thence extending along that river south- 
 westerly to a place Avhere the western boundary line of the 
 fifteenth range of townships, when- laid out agreeably to the 
 land ordinance, passed the twentieth day of May, one thousand 
 
480 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 seven hundred and eighty-five, wouhl touch the said river ; 
 thence running northerly on the said western bounds of the 
 said fifteenth range of townships, till a line drawn due east of 
 the Avestern boundary line of the said seventh range of town- 
 ships, will comprehend, with the other lines of this tract, 
 seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land, besides the 
 several lots and parcels of land in the said contract reserved 
 or appropriated to particular purposes ; thence running east 
 to the western boundary line of the said seventh range of 
 townships, and thence along the said line to the place of be- 
 ginning ;" be and the same is hereby confirmed. And that 
 the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, au- 
 thorized and empowered to issue letters patent in the name 
 and under the seal of the United States, thereby granting and 
 conveying to Rufus Putnam, Manasseh Cutler, Robert Oliver, 
 and Griffin Green, and to their heirs and assigns, in fee simple, 
 the said described tract of land, with the reservations in the 
 said indenture expressed, in trust for the persons composing 
 the said Ohio Company of Associates, according to their sev- 
 eral rights and interests, and for their heirs and assigns, as 
 tenants in common. 
 
 Sec. II. And he it further enacted, That the President be, 
 and he hereby is, further authorized and empowered, by letters 
 patent as aforesaid, to grant and convey to the said Rufus 
 Putnam, Manasseh Cutler, Robert Oliver, and Griffin Green, 
 and to their heirs and assigns, in trust for the uses above ex- 
 pressed, one other tract of two hundred and fourteen thousand, 
 two hundred and eighty-five acres of land ; jjrovided, that the 
 said Rufus Putnam, Manasseh Cutler, Robert Oliver, and 
 Griffin Green, or either of them, shall deliver to the Secretary 
 of the Treasui-y, within six months, Avarrants which issued 
 for army bounty-rights sufficient for that purpose, according 
 to the provisions of a resolve of Congress of the twenty-third 
 day of July, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven. 
 
 Sec. III. A72d be it further enacted, That the President be, 
 and he hereby is, further authorized and empowered, by letters 
 patent as aforesaid, to grant and convey to the said Rufus 
 Putnam, Manasseh Cutler, Robert Oliver, and Griffin Green, 
 and to their heirs and assigns, in fee simple, in trust for the 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 481 
 
 uses above expressed, a further quantity of one hundred 
 thousand acres of land ; provided always, nevertheless, the said 
 grant of one hundred thousand acres shall be made on the ex- 
 press condition of becoming void, for such part thereof as the 
 said Company shall not have, Avithin five years from the pass- 
 ing of this act, conveyed in fee simple, as a bounty and free 
 of expense, in tracts of one hundred acres, to each male per- 
 son, not less than eighteen years of age, being an actual settler 
 at the time of such conveyance. 
 
 Sec. IV. And he it further enacted, That the said quantities 
 of two hundred and fourteen thousand, two hundred and 
 eighty-five acres, and of one hundred thousand acres, shall be 
 located within the limits of the tract of one million, five hun- 
 dred thousand acres of land, described in the indenture afore- 
 said, and adjoining to the tract of land described in the first 
 section of this act, and in such form as the President, in the 
 letters patent, shall prescribe for that purpose. 
 
 Sec. V, And he it further enacted, That the President shall 
 be, and he hereby is, authorized and empowered to grant and 
 convey, as aforesaid, to the said Company of Associates, in 
 the proportion of their respective rights and interests, the 
 residue of the said one million five hundred thousand acres 
 of land ; 2y'>'ovided, the said Company, or any of them or their 
 agents, shall, within six years from the passing of this act, 
 pay into the Treasury of the United States therefor at the 
 rate of twenty-five cents per acre, with the interest thereof; 
 provided, nevertheless, that bounty warrants for land may be re- 
 ceived in payment for the whole or any part of the said tract 
 which shall remain after deducting the reserved lots. 
 
 1792, April the 6th. Passed the House of Representatives. 
 
 This act was subsequently passed by the Senate, with the 
 exception of Section V. Vice-President Adams gave the 
 casting vote in favor of the donation of one hundred thou- 
 sand acres. Congress did not reduce the price of the lands, 
 as recommended in the Report of the Committee, so as to 
 allow the Company the full number of acres for which they 
 had contracted, in consideration of the moiety of the purchase- 
 money which had been paid into the public Treasury ; but, by 
 31 
 
482 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 a liberal compromise, deeds were given to the Directors for 
 more than a million acres of land. 
 
 Tavo letters written by Dr. Cutler to his wife while this busi- 
 ness was pending have been preserved, and are here given : 
 
 {To 3Irs. Cutler.'] 
 
 Philadelphia, March 5, 1792. 
 My Dear: — A number of the members of Congress, whom 
 we have interested in our matters, have had several meetings 
 with General Putnam, Colonel Oliver, and myself, to consult 
 on measures for closing our contract. They were very doubt- 
 ful whether it would avail to petition this session, and recom- 
 mended putting it off to another, as Congress has agreed to 
 rise the 1st Tuesday in April, and had ten times as much 
 business before them as they can do in that period. We have, 
 however, pressed the measure so hard that they consented 
 and engaged to support our petition. We prepared our pe- 
 tition as soon as possible, and presented it on Friday, request- 
 ing that it might be referred to a large select Committee of 
 the House, rather than the Secretary of the Treasury. We 
 made choice ourselves of the Committee, and were so fortu- 
 nate as to get each individual (we had chosen) appointed, viz : 
 Sedgwick, Findley, Baldwin, Learned, and Benson.* This Com- 
 mittee were not able to meet until this morning, when 
 we attended them, but we had just laid before them our pa- 
 pers, and began to open our business, when the Speaker of 
 
 * Theodore Sed.L'wick, LL D., the chairman of this committf^e, was 
 a classmate of Dr. Cutler at Yale. He was in service -in the Revolu- 
 tion as Aid to General Thomas, was several times a member of the 
 Massachusetts Gentral Court, a member of the Continental Congress 
 in 1785, of the United States Congiess, 1789 to 17li6, serving one term 
 as Speaker, United States Senator, 1796 to 1799, Judge of the Supreme 
 Court of Massachusetts from 1S02 until his death, in 1813. 
 
 William Findley was a member Irom Western Pennsylvania. He 
 was a native of Ireland, and in politics a follower of Jefferson. 
 
 Abraham Baldwin was a native of Connecticut and a Yale graduate 
 of 1772. He was educated as a clergyman, but abandoned the pulpit 
 for the bar. In 1784 he settled in Savannah, Georgia. From 1785 un- 
 til his death in 1S07, he was a member from Georgia of the Continental 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 483 
 
 the House sent the Marshal-at- Arms to summons them to attend 
 the House, for there were not members enough present to make 
 a quorum. This was no small disappointment, for we enter- 
 tained a hope that they would have reported to-morrow morn- 
 ing, and the business be taken up by the House. The Com- 
 mittee adjourned until to-morrow morning, when they meet 
 again. It is intolerably provoking that these idle, lazy, six 
 dollars per day men can not rise in the morning, sip their 
 coflFee, and dismiss their barbers early enough to attend Con- 
 gress at eleven o'clock. I fear we may have the same inter- 
 ruption to- morrow, but hope not, as they have given encourage- 
 ment that they will pay close attention to our business until it 
 has passed the House. 
 
 After our petition has passed the House, it must go to the 
 Senate, there be committed to a Committee, and go through 
 all the formalities which are used by the House. Mr. Win- 
 gate says we shall be fortunate if we get it through in a 
 month. However, I hope and believe he will be a false 
 prophet. I shall be much disappointed if we do not get it 
 through in a fortnight. Of the probable event of our peti- 
 tion I can say nothing. We have secured a large number of 
 powerful advocates in both Houses, but we shall find a strong 
 opposition to granting the prayer of our petition, which is, 
 that the whole tract may be confirmed to us at 20 cents per 
 acre. I have no expectation of obtaining so great a reduction, 
 but I am pretty well assured the business will now be brought 
 
 Congress, ot" the Convention which framed the Federal Constitution, of 
 the United States Congress, and of the United States Senate. He was 
 a brother-in-law of Joel Barlow. 
 
 Amasa Learned was a native of Killingly, Connecticut, Doctor Cut- 
 ler's old home, and a graduate of Yale, 1772. He was several times a 
 member of Congress from Connecticut, and often a member of the 
 Connecticut Legislature. 
 
 Egbert Benson, LL.D., was a member of Congress from New York. 
 He was an eminent lawyer and prominent in literary circles. He was 
 the first .\ttorney-General of Xew York, a member of the New York 
 State Committee of Safety during the Revolution, member of the Conti- 
 nental Congress, of the United States Congress, Judge of the Supreme 
 Court of New York, and of the United States Circuit Court. He 
 was the first President of the New York Historical Society, and was 
 the author of a number of historical works. 
 
484 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 to a close at some rate or other, "which will be no small satis- 
 faction to me. Every moment of our time has been very busily 
 employed in preparing our petition, and making interest with 
 the members of both Houses. We have still to be equally 
 engaged in trotting after their High Mightinesses, and if we 
 fail I am sure it will not be owing to any neglect of ours. 
 
 I must, however, do them the justice to say we are treated 
 with great complaisance, and many assurances of their influ- 
 ence. The New England members, I believe, are nearly, per- 
 haps all, for us, but party interests and local politics Avill dis- 
 pose a considerable number of the southern members to be 
 against us. Two of those members lodge in the house with 
 me — Mr. Huger and Dr. Tucker ;* one of them, Mr. Huger, 
 I think I have converted, but Dr. Tucker, I fear, will prove a 
 reprobate. I do not, however, yet despair of his conversion. 
 They are both very agreeable, and I give them no peace, when 
 I can get a chance to preach on the^=! subject of our petition. 
 When I return I shall be able to give you many humorous 
 anecdotes of my friend, Mr. Huger, who is a very diverting, droll 
 genius. But in no instance have I been treated with so much 
 particular attention as by the Vice-President. It so happened 
 that I did not find him, though I called repeatedly at his 
 house, until yesterday at Dr. Sprout's meeting. iVfter the 
 morning exercise he came to me and gave me a pretty severe 
 reprimand for not having called upon him, for, as I did 
 not leave a card, he was not informed of my being at his 
 house. He told me he had heard of my being in the city, 
 but had not been able to find my lodgings. Although I was 
 engaged to dine with Mr. Goodhue, who was then with me, 
 he insisted that Mr. Goodhue should excuse me, and that I 
 should take a family dinner with him, which I did. When I 
 came to his house I found that Mrs. Adams was dangerously 
 sick with a fever. He told me he refused all invitations to 
 dine abroad, and that he received no formal company at home, 
 
 * Daniel Huger and Thomas Tudor Tucker were members from 
 South Carolina. Both were distinjzuished for patriotism during the 
 Revolution, and both had served in the Continental Congress. Dr. 
 Tucker did not "prove a reprobate," but favored the bill reported by 
 the Committee. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 485 
 
 but very politely desired me to come and take a family din- 
 ner Avitli him every day while I was in the city, or at least 
 when I was not engaged to dine in company ; in short, to 
 make his house my home. I attended worship with him in 
 the afternoon, but excused myself from taking tea, as I was en- 
 gaged to take tea with Mrs. Cabot. This morning I called to 
 inquire after Mrs. Adams. He repeated his yesterday's 
 invitation with great urgency. I was engaged to-day, but 
 shall dine with him to-morrow. I was favored with being 
 closeted with him a couple of hours, opened to him the busi- 
 ness of the Directors, and am pretty confident he will essen- 
 tially serve our cause. It gave me much pleasure that I had 
 this favorable opportunity to mention to him General Putnam 
 as a proper officer to command the force to be raised and sent 
 against the Indians. He is much dissatisfied with the conduct 
 of St. Clair, and highly approves of the command being given 
 to Putnam. On this subject he opened himself with great 
 freedom, said that in consequence of my recommendation of 
 Putnam to him he had used his influence with the President to 
 appoint him one of the judges. That since Putnam received 
 that appointment every account of him had given reason to be- 
 lieve the appointment judicious. That he should be decidedly 
 for him, though he had not thought of him before to command 
 the army. Desired me to take the earliest opportunity to con- 
 verse with General Knox, and to press it upon him, and as 
 Putn'am was my particular friend, to propose him to all the 
 members of the Senate, as well as the most influential in the 
 House, with whom I conversed, and to request them to pro- 
 pose him to the President. He mentioned many other means 
 of supporting him, but I mention these to show how much he 
 is disposed to promote a measure in which I feel myself ex- 
 ceedingly interested, both as respects Putnam and as regards 
 the country at large. I have just seen St. Clair ; he is now 
 hearty and well, and from some expressions I presume he ex- 
 pects to continue in command. It is said that the people in 
 the western country universally wish Putnam may take com- 
 mand, and I believe were it to be decided by Congress he 
 would have a generous vote. He does not wish for it, and in- 
 
486 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 sists that I should not mention him, but if appointed he will 
 accept. 
 
 But, my dear, I have been saying things of which I might 
 well be ashamed, for I have been puffing my own consequence, 
 
 and giving myself the airs of a C , of Lynn, which I 
 
 most heartily despise. It may be necessary to remark that 
 however important their High Mightinesses of Congress may 
 appear abroad, they appear here, when you converse freely 
 with them, as small as other people, and it is not easy to con- 
 ceive how much a very little being may, if disposed, work upon 
 their caprice and whims, and after all I have said I believe 
 the Vice-President to be a very judicious, independent man ; 
 that he is much displeased with that powerful southern influ- 
 ence constantly played off upon the President, and which has in 
 some recent instances rather over-balanced his good judg- 
 ment. 
 
 I am now pretty well, but the constant routine of 
 four and five o'clock dinners at the most sumptuous 
 tables almost kills me. I had infinitely rather sit down with 
 you to a piece of salt junk at one o'clock than be tormented 
 with the parade and delay of Philadelphia entertainments. 
 
 Your most affectionate husband, 
 
 M. Cutler. 
 {To Mrs. Cutler.'] 
 
 Philadelphia, March 23, 1792. 
 3Iy Dear: — The question on General Wayne's election em- 
 ployed Congress the whole of last week until Friday, 3 o'clock, 
 when the House voted unanimously that he was not duly 
 elected. It was the opinion of our friends that it would not 
 be best to attempt to bring forward the report on our petition 
 on Saturday, as there were several bills before the House from 
 the Senate which must be passed upon, but on Monday they 
 had no doubt of getting it before the House. As soon as the 
 House was opened on Monday, the report was called for, but 
 a number of members came forward with a new question, re- 
 lating to the Georgia Election, viz., whether General Jackson 
 was duly elected ? Our friends pressed the House very hard 
 to take up our business, and stated urgent reasons for doing 
 it immediately. It was also urged, on the other hand, that 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 487 
 
 deciding on Elections was always the first object with Con- 
 gress, and that all other public and private business must give 
 way to it. After a pretty warm debate, it was carried to take 
 up the Election. The House was much divided — a very se- 
 rious course of debating took place, and continued from day 
 to day till Thursday. The question was then taken — 29 for 
 Jackson and 29 against him — the Speaker deciding the vote 
 by voting against his having a seat. It was then agreed by 
 our friends, with those who wished to bring up a bill that had 
 long been before the House on the Funding System, if they 
 would consent that this bill should be finished yesterday, they 
 would unite in calling up our business to-day. I now expect 
 it will come before the House this day, still I am not without 
 my fears that something may turn up to prevent. Congress 
 is extremely crowded with business — they are extremely te- 
 dious in their debates and slow in their decisions, and, at the 
 same time, all in a nettle to rise and adjourn for the season. 
 Thus we are situated. We must wait the event of the report 
 of the Committee (which I informed you was in our favor), let 
 consequences be what they may. We are certain a number of 
 the Virginia and N. Carolina members intend to make a warm 
 opposition. All the New England members are for us, and 
 the most of them much engaged, and will take an active part. 
 New York, part of N. Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, 
 and Georgia are for us. But it is yet doubtful whether a 
 majority of the House will agree to the report. But I feel 
 very sanguine, if the report is not accepted as it stands. Con- 
 gress will agree to do something for us. 
 
 Many applications are made for the Command of the Army — 
 Generals Lincoln and Putnam are on the list, and from what 
 General Knox told me yesterday, I think Putnam stands a 
 good chance to have the appointment. The principal diffi- 
 culty seems to be his rank in the late Army, which was not 
 so high as that of some who wish to serve in this. 
 
 About ten days ago 50 Sachems and Warriors of the tribes 
 of the Six Nations arrived in this city. Among them was a 
 son of the Cornplanter, a young chief, about 25 years of age. 
 When the Marquis La Fayette went to France, he took this 
 young chief with him, gave him a fine education, and about 
 
488 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 two years ago he returned an accomplished Frenchman. On 
 his way to this city he Avas taken unwell, and on Monday died 
 of a fever. He was buried on Wednesday, with the Honors of 
 War. Great preparations Avere made on this occasion. Sev- 
 eral Independent Companies, trains of Artillery, Military 
 Officers, etc., preceded the corpse. The 40 Indians, all in 
 complete uniforms of the officers of the United States, with 
 laced hats, followed as mourners, then the principal officers 
 of Government, many members of both Houses of Congress, all 
 the Clergy of the city of every denomination, and many other 
 gentlemen made up the procession. The crowds of people 
 were immense ; the streets were so filled that it Avas Avith the 
 utmost difficulty, and not Avithout wounding many, that the 
 procession could pass. In short, the collection Avas so great 
 that the procession was to be seen only from some elevated 
 situation. I happened myself to be fortunate. The Speaker 
 of the House, Mr. Learned Avhom you know member from 
 Connecticut, and myself, attempted to get to the Hotel from 
 wbich the procession was to move, but we could scarcely get 
 in sight of the house. We gave up the idea of seeing the pro- 
 cession, and Avere returning, when Ave happened to be invited 
 into the President's house to vicAv them from a front chamber. 
 There were no persons in the chamber but the President, his 
 Lady and family, and Mrs. Knox. I had the honor of taking 
 a fine view of the Avhole at a windoAV, where there Avere only 
 tAvo others — Mistress President of the United States and Mis- 
 tress Secretary of the War Department. And I assure you I 
 thought myself as much Jwnored as the dead Indian they Avere 
 parading along the street. It Avas said there never bad been 
 so many people together in this city on any occasion. 
 
 I shall Avrite you by the next post, and hope to be able to 
 give you more favorable information than I can at present. 
 My love to the family. 
 
 I am, most afi'ectionately, 
 
 Mrs. Cutler. M. Cutler. 
 
 [Dr. Cutler Avas at Cambridge New Year's Day, 1793, and 
 spent the evening with President Willard, at the club at Cap- 
 tain BigeloAv's. Present: Judge Dana, Mr. Gannet, Mr. Pier- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 489 
 
 son, and Mr. Holmes. The next day he went to Boston and 
 Roxbury, and was at the meeting of the Historical Society at 
 Judge Sullivan's.] 
 
 January 23, 1793. In Boston to attend a meeting of the 
 proprietors of the Ohio Company at Colonel Coleman's — Gen- 
 eral Cobb in the chair. A committee chosen to attend to the 
 affairs of the Company. 
 
 January 24, Thursday. This day celebrated in Boston in 
 honor to the French Revolution. An ox was roasted whole 
 and paraded through the streets, decorated. A cart loaded 
 with bread, two carts with two hogsheads of punch — the arms 
 of the several tradesmen on flags carried on horseback and on 
 the carts. The ox cut up on State Street, and strewed in 
 pieces over the crowd. An immense collection of people. 
 Liberty and. Equality the words of the day. A very large 
 number celebrated the day in a civic feast at Faneuil Hall. 
 Tickets, 3 dollars. No invitations. I came home after 3 
 o'clock. 
 
 [Before the sanguinary horrors that marked the progress of 
 the French Revolution, had shocked all Christendom, the move- 
 ment, in its beginning, Avas favorably regarded in America as 
 calculated to promote the cause of freedom and the welfare of 
 mankind, but, from its bloody advance, the sympathies of all 
 good men recoiled. 
 
 About this time a matter of particular interest to Dr. Cut- 
 ler's parishioners claimed his attention and efforts. " The 
 people of the Hamlet conceiving themselves deprived of essen- 
 tial rights and privileges, to which they had a just claim, and 
 that they were subjected to burdens and inconveniences which 
 they ought not to bear," were very desirous to be separated 
 from Ipswich and to be formed into an independent town. 
 To accomplish this purpose, they sought the aid of their pas- 
 tor, to whom they were accustomed to turn in every emer- 
 gency. Accordingly, a committee, consisting of Dr. Cutler, 
 Colonel Dodge, Mr. Giddings, and Mr. Lamson, were ap- 
 pointed to go to Boston and apply to the General Court for 
 an Act of Incorporation of the parish. On the 5th of Feb- 
 ruary, they met with a committee of the Court and stated their 
 case. The town of Ipswich was actively opposed to the move- 
 
490 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 ment, and was ably represented in the Court. A month was 
 spent in patient working and waiting before the committee 
 from the Hamlet was assured that a report would be made in 
 their favor, provided the parish should pay nine hundred 
 pounds to Ipswich. To this they agreed, and the favorable 
 report was made, but the object was not yet attained, as the 
 Court was still to act. At this juncture Dr. Cutler vras re- 
 called to his home, to meet and confer with General Putnam 
 on Ohio Company affairs. After a few days, on his return to 
 Boston, he found that, during his absence, " Choat contrived 
 to have the report of the committee negatived in the Senate, 
 and Heard did the same in the House ; but Giddings had got 
 it back into the House." After much lobbying, long delays, 
 and several conferences with the Agents of the town, they 
 came to an agreement which was executed by Stephen Choat, 
 John Heard, and Jonathan Cogswell, on the part of Ipswich, 
 and M. Cutler, Robert Dodge, Josh. Giddings, and Jonathan 
 Lamson, on the part of the parish. On the 21st of June, more 
 than four months after the application was made, the engrossed 
 bill, for incorporating Ipswich Hamlet into a town by the 
 name of Hamilton, pa-ssed the House of Representatives to be 
 sent up to the Senate. Thus the struggle ended. 
 
 In reply to a brother minister who on former occasions had 
 taken an active part in affairs of a secular nature, whose sym- 
 pathies were Avith the town of Ipswich, Dr. Cutler asks : " Is 
 there any criminality in a clergyman's assisting his own people 
 to obtain their just rights and claims, when unanimously and 
 repeatedly requested ; and, especially, when convinced that a 
 refusal would occasion much uneasiness and dissatisfaction ? 
 It is well known that I engaged in this matter with great re- 
 luctance, and not until after repeated and pressing applications." 
 His people felt that they were indebted for the result to Dr. 
 Cutler's perseverance, skill, and management, and as an ex- 
 pression of their gratitude voted him fifteen pounds, which he 
 declined, by letter, relinquishing it to the town of Hamilton. 
 
 Commencement at Harvard College, 1793, was an occasion 
 of unusual interest to Dr. Cutler and his family, as at that 
 time his son, Charles, graduated. It is thus noted: "July 
 16th. Colonel Dodge and his son, Frank, Lavinia, Betsey, 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 491 
 
 Temple (his daughters and son), and I set out for Cambridge. 
 Arrived in the evening." July 17, Thursday. Commence- 
 ment. Charles took his degree. Mr. Chamberlain, of Worces- 
 ter, whose son was Charles' chum, joined with mc in pro- 
 viding. We had more company than we expected. Dined 
 upward of an 100 — our friends from Boston, and a number of 
 the parish. A very great number of people attended com- 
 mencement. Charles had a part in the exhibition. 
 
 Charles Cutler possessed good natural abilities, and was a 
 fine scholar. When he graduated, at the age of twenty years, 
 he was immediately invited to assist Mr. Pemberton in the 
 Academy at Andover, which position he declined, in order to 
 take a school in Roxbury, where he taught a year, and then 
 removed to the South Latin School, in" Boston, with Mr. Hunt, 
 at a salary of £100. In 1798, when troops were raised to de- 
 fend the coast from an expected French invasion, he entered 
 the army as Lieutenant and Quartermaster in the 15th Regi- 
 ment, under Colonel Hunnewell, stationed at Portland, Maine. 
 He continued with the troops until the disbanding of his regi- 
 ment, in 1800, Avhen he returned to Boston, and studied law 
 with Hon. Harrison Gray Otis. His health failed, and with 
 the hope of being benefited by the change of climate, he 
 went to Ohio in 1802. Here he engaged for a time in teach- 
 ing, until, prostrated by disease, he died at the home of his 
 brother, Ephraim, September 17, 1805, at the age of thirty- 
 two years. Dr. Cutler felt his loss keenly — many fond ex- 
 pectations were buried with him. 
 
 Dr. Cutler's time was still much employed in Ohio Company 
 business. Although the more important matters of the com- 
 pany had been adjusted, there were minor details continually 
 coming up. The Indian war had nearly put a stop to emi- 
 gration, and western lands were no longer sought after for set- 
 tlement, or for speculation, and the increased expenditures 
 necessary to provide for the defense of the settlers rendered 
 the eastern proprietors restive and fault-finding. Being the 
 only Director residing east of the mountains, it devolved upon 
 him to hear complaints, make explanations, and give informa- 
 tion on all subjects connected with the doings of the company. 
 It was no small labor to pay out the dividends, and make the 
 
492 Life of Rev. 31anaHseh Cutler. 
 
 deeds to the shareholders in his own large agency. That he 
 met with many annoyances is probable, that he had warm 
 friends is certain. This is indicated by the following letter to 
 a friend, a draft of which is found among his papers. It refers 
 to a suit begun by one of the proprietors, and carried through 
 the courts to the Supreme Court, occasioning much anxiety, 
 but which was finally decided in Dr. Cutler's favor.] 
 
 [To Colonel B. Tallmadge.] 
 
 My Dear Friend : — It is not in my power to express the 
 emotions of my heart when I read your most agreeable letter, 
 inclosed in that of the 20th of September ; nor should I have 
 failed instantly to have answered it, had not a special dispensa- 
 tion of Providence in this town obliged me to delay it for a 
 few days. 
 
 The generous sympathy, and the kind part you take in the 
 
 favorable issue of my contest with C claims my sincere 
 
 acknowledgments. This unnecessary lawsuit, the only one I 
 have ever experienced, has been a most painful trial to me, 
 but I hope not without its benefits. I feel the fullest convic- 
 tion that those trying evils which may seem to be the natural 
 efl"ect of a wrong temper in a fellow creature, are under the 
 government of that righteous and sovereign God, Avhose hand 
 ouo-ht to be observed in our minutest concerns. Tho' I have 
 thought I could adopt the reply of David, with respect to 
 Shimei, still I have it to lament that I have not felt more of 
 that humble temper which shone so conspicuous in our blessed 
 Lord, under the criminal abuses he received of men. How 
 glorious the religion of Jesus, when it brings us to a cheerful, 
 unconditional submission to the most trying events of human 
 life, and when we can keep a single eye to the Divine glory in 
 all our conduct under them ! 
 
 But, my dear friend, it is not this part of your letter that 
 gives me the greatest pleasure ; it is the spirit of genuine re- 
 ligion which breathes thro' the whole of it, and particularly 
 the impressions Avhich you observe have been made upon your 
 mind, in the year past, that rejoices my heart. I hope and 
 trust I can sincerely join with you in feeling that I can love 
 the image of Jesus wherever it may be found. From our first 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 493 
 
 acquaintance I had much esteemed you for many admirable 
 qualifications, not commonly to be met with among mankind ; but 
 you have now discovered another, which I had not suspected, 
 infinitely more desirable. Your letter brings to recollection a 
 few words you once said to me, when we Avere last at Philadel- 
 phia, respecting your brother's family, on which I have often 
 since reflected. I was sorry that I had not an opportunity to 
 have seen them. But even then I did not conceive of any se- 
 rious impressions on your own mind. Our companions in the 
 business of the Ohio Company, though respectable gentlemen, 
 were generally of that description from whom Ave are not to 
 expect a relish for the serious things of religion. In the course 
 of this unpleasant business, I have often found myself in situ- 
 ations really painful and trying. It has not been easy to de- 
 termine with myself Avhat Avas my duty as a clergyman, nor 
 what part I ought to take Avhich would have been most for the 
 honor of the religion Avhicli I hope has been deeply impressed 
 upon my mind for many years. In this age of infidelity and 
 wickedness a clergyman is {se ipso) an unAA^elcome companion. 
 The very air of seriousness is disgusting, reproof is despised, 
 and true religion branded Avith the odious epithets of hypocrisy 
 and superstition. 
 
494 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Thk Scioto Purchask. 
 
 On the 20th of July, 1787, Dr. Cutler says in his Journal : 
 " Colonel Duer came to me with proposals from a number of 
 the principal characters in the city to extend the contract and 
 take in another company, but that it should be kept a pro- 
 found secret," and " offered me generous conditions if I would 
 accomplish this business for them." 
 
 July 27th, he writes : " By this ordinance, we obtained the 
 grant of near 5,000,000 acres of land, amounting to ^3,500,000 ; 
 1,500,000 acres for the Ohio Company, and the remainder for 
 a private speculation, in which many of the principal charac- 
 ters in America are concerned. Without connecting this 
 speculation, similar terms and advantages could not have been 
 obtained for the Ohio Company." 
 
 This " speculation " was the Scioto Company. Colonel 
 Wm. Duer projected it. He had influence enough in Congress 
 to procure the passage of the ordinance for the Ohio Company's 
 purchase by connecting the Scioto speculation with it. With- 
 out it. Dr. Cutler's negotiation for the Ohio Company Avas a 
 failure. With it, it was an assured success, and upon terms 
 dictated by himself. 
 
 The injunction of secrecy was as to the fact of the increased 
 amount of land being for a separate company. The " gener- 
 ous conditions " were, that if Dr. Cutler would secure, for the 
 entire amount of lands asked for, the support of the members 
 of Congress who had declared in favor of the Ohio Company 
 grant, Colonel Duer and his friends would undertake, with 
 Cutler's assistance, to obtain enough additional votes to pass 
 the ordinance for the purchase of the entire tract upon ex- 
 actly the terms stated in the Ohio Company's petition. This 
 included the grants of land for the establishment of a Univer- 
 sity and the support of the ministry, which, next to the ac- 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler 495 
 
 complisliment of the purchase itself, were the objects most 
 desired by Dr. Cutler. 
 
 Colonel Duer also agreed that Cutler and Sargent should 
 have for themselves, and such of their friends among the 
 prominent men in the Ohio Company as they chose to interest, 
 one-half interest in the proposed right of purchase, the sale 
 of which he and his friends would undertake to manage. 
 
 When Dr. Cutler left home, but little more than one-fourth 
 of the shares of the Ohio Company had been subscribed. The 
 only persons who had been active in securing subscriptions 
 were Generals Putnam, Tupper, and Parsons, Major Sargent, 
 and himself. It w^as by no means certain that enough shares 
 would be taken, or, if taken, paid for in time to make the 
 payment required on signing the final contract. To meet this 
 contingency, Colonel Duer offered to loan the Ohio Company 
 $100,000, without interest, or such less sum as should be re- 
 quired, to be repaid to him as collected. If any deception 
 was practiced upon members of Congress by failing to explain 
 to them fully the plans of Colonel Duer, it was more apparent 
 than real. The articles of Association of the Ohio Company, 
 which were read on the floor of Congress and distributed 
 among its members, provided for the purchase of so much 
 land as $1,000,000 in securities Avould pay for and no more. 
 The Ordinance specifically authorized the Board of Treasury 
 to contract with any " person or persons," thus plainly con- 
 templating the possibility of separate contracts. Dr. Cutler, 
 in an interview Avith Mr. Osgood, of the Board of Treasury, 
 on July 25th,* communicated to him the plan " in all its parts." 
 Mr. Osgood " highly approved " it, and said " that we might 
 depend on accomplishing our purposes in Europe, and that it 
 was a most important part of our plan." 
 
 On the 29th of August, 1787, at a general meeting of the 
 Ohio Company in Boston, Dr. Cutler reported the result of 
 his application to Congress. The report was approved, and 
 he and Major Sargent were instructed to close a contract for 
 1,500,000 acres on the terms stated. Colonel Richard Piatt, 
 of New York, Avas elected Treasurer. A resolution was 
 
 *See Dr. Cutler's journal, that date. 
 
496 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 passed calling on the proprietors to pay their securities 
 into the hands of the Treasurer hy the 4th of the coming 
 October. The propriety of accepting, as a Company, the op- 
 tion of purchase in addition to the 1,500,000 acres, included 
 in the ordinance of Congress, was discussed, but no action was 
 taken upon it, because of the opposition of many shareholders, 
 who declared that they would withdraw from the Company if 
 any thing beyond the original purchase was undertaken. 
 
 In October, 1787, Dr. Cutler and Major Sargent returned 
 to New York, and on the 27th of that month closed two con- 
 tracts with the Board of Treasury. One with Manasseh Cut- 
 ler and Winthrop Sargent, as agents for the Directors of the 
 " Ohio Company of Associates, so called," was an absolute 
 purchase of 1,500,000 acres, lying between the Ohio River? 
 the 7th and 17th ranges of townships, and extending north 
 from the river till a line due west from the 7th to the 17th 
 range should, with the reservations stated in the contract, in- 
 clude the whole amount. The other with Manasseh Cutler 
 and Winthrop Sargent, " for themselves and associates," was 
 an option to purchase all the lands lying between the Ohio 
 and Scioto Rivers and the 17th Range, extending north to the 
 line of the 10th Township, and also all the land east of this 
 tract, west of the 7th Range, south of the lOth Township, and 
 north of the Ohio Company's purchase. The whole tract of 
 land included in the last contract was estimated to be from 
 3,000,000 to * 3,500,000 acres. In each contract, the line of 
 the 17th range is recognized as yet to be determined. The 
 price of the land was one dollar per acre, subject to a reduc- 
 tion of one-third for bad land, to be paid in gold, silver, or 
 securities of the United States. 
 
 On the 24th of October Cutler and Sargent, for themselves 
 and associates, " ceded and conveyed," in equal shares to 
 William Duer and his associates, the right of pre-emption or 
 option of purchase of the last named tract. The whole own- 
 ership was divided into thirty parts. Thirteen (13) were to 
 belong in full ownership to Duer, in which he could join such 
 persons as he saw fit; thirteen (13) in like manner to Cutler 
 
 *It proved to be near 5,(100,000 ncres. 
 
Life of Rev, Manasseh Cutler. 497 
 
 and Sargent; and four (4) were to be disposed of in Europe 
 for joint account. William Duer was authorized to contract 
 for the sale of the lands in Holland, or elsewhere in Europe, 
 with power to substitute an agent. He was to make known, 
 when requested, to Cutler and Sargent, tlie progress of the ne- 
 gotiations. Royal Flint was agreed upon as the agent to be sent 
 to Europe. In case he could not go. Colonel Duer was em- 
 powered to name another.. 
 
 As a consideration to the Ohio Company for permitting the 
 contract to be made under cover of its petition, Colonel Duer 
 advanced to it $143,000 in securities to enable it to complete 
 the first payment to the Board of Treasury, many share-holders 
 having failed to respond promptly to the call. This amount 
 was repaid to him Avhen collected from the share-holders of 
 the Ohio Company. No formal organization of the Scioto 
 Company in America was ever made. There Avas no occasion 
 for any. Those interested held assignments of proportions 
 from either Cutler and Sargent, or Colonel Duer. The entire 
 management of the sale was confided to Colonel Duer, whose 
 business experience, financial standing, social and official posi- 
 tion were such as to inspire his associates with implicit con- 
 fidence. The intention was to make an immediate sale of the 
 right of pre-emption to the entire tract, except that part im- 
 mediately north of the Ohio Company lands, either in Holland 
 or France, where large amounts of the public debt were held. 
 The credit of the United States Avas at its lowest ebb. The 
 Confederacy had demonstrated its utter inability to enforce 
 the collection of a tax for any purpose whatever. It had no 
 resource from which to pay the public debt, except the pub- 
 lic lands. The Cutler and Sargent option comprised the 
 largest tract, to which the Indian title had been extinguished, 
 Avhich was now offered for sale, and was located in a part of 
 the country which all who had visited it described as the gar- 
 den of the new world. It was fair to expect that holders of 
 the public debt abroad would eagerly exchange their securities, 
 now begging purchasers at four shillings to the pound, for 
 such lands, and at prices that would yield a handsome profit. 
 
 Soon after making the contract with Colonel Duer, Cutler 
 32 
 
498 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 and Sargent assigned equal interests ''^ to Generals Benjamin 
 Tupper, Rufus Putnam, S. H, Parsons, and Mr. Royal Flint. 
 Generals Putnam, Tupper, and Parsons, had served with dis- 
 tinction in the Revolutionary War, and were the most promi- 
 nent members of the Ohio Company who moved to Marietta. 
 Royal Flint was a Connecticut man, a graduate of Yale Col- 
 lege, who had served as paymaster in the Revolution, and was 
 a prominent merchant in New York cit}^ Joel Barlow had 
 an interest equal to one-sixtieth of the whole, by assignment 
 from Cutler and Sargent, dated 26th November, 1787. Colonel 
 Richard Piatt had one share, or one-thirtieth of the whole, by 
 assignment from Colonel Duer. Andrew Craigie j also held 
 an interest. There is no positive information as to who 
 Colonel Duer's other partners were. The original shares were 
 soon subdivided. Dr. Cutler gave to Rev. Daniel Story one- 
 half of his interest to induce him to settle in Marietta. Royal 
 Flint assigned four-ninths of his interest to Joel Barlow. 
 General Putnam assigned a part of his to Colonel R. J. 
 Meigs, Sr. 
 
 In May, 1788, Joel Barlow was selected as an agent to eftect 
 a sale in France, instead of Mr. Flint, whose ill health pre- 
 vented him from going abroad. ;]: On the 14th of May, 1788, 
 William Duer assigned to Barlow, out of his moiety, such part 
 as should equal one-sixtieth of the Avhole. Barlow therefore 
 held an interest of about two shares. He sailed for France 
 May 25, 1788, and arrived at Havre, June 24th. For author- 
 ity he had certified copies of Cutler and Sargent's contract 
 with the Board of Treasury, and their assignment and power 
 of attorney to William Duer, and a power of attorney to him- 
 self from William Duer, giving him all the powers which Duer 
 
 *Each interest is described as one-sixth of eleven-thirtieths, and 
 a proportionate part of the four shares reser\ed to be sold in Europe. 
 
 f Andrew I "raigie was Apotheciiiy-General ot the American army 
 during the Revolution. He lived in ('anibridL'e, Mass., and was the 
 owner of the house where General Washington had his head-quarters. 
 The house subsequently became the home of the jioet Longfellow. 
 
 J Barlow was interested with Duei', Craigie, Piatt, and Joseph Parker, 
 in a somewhat similar speculation on the Wabash, and had prepared 
 to go abroad on that account, but because of unfavorable letters re- 
 ceived in April, 1788, regarding it, did not go. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 499 
 
 possessed to effect a sale in Europe. It will be noticed that 
 Barlow's powers, while very full, extended only to the sale of 
 the " right of pre-emption." Barlow also took with him a 
 copy of Dr. Cutler's pamphlet, entitled an " Explanation of 
 the Map which delineates that part of the Federal Lands com- 
 prehended between Pennsylvania, the Rivers Ohio, Scioto, and 
 Lake Erie." This pamphlet was reprinted in Paris in 1789, 
 with the indorsement of Captain Thomas Hutchins, the 
 Geographer of the L^nited States, as to the accuracy of its 
 statements. 
 
 For a year Barlow met with indifferent success. In the 
 meantime he attended to other business for Colonel Duer, who 
 was constantly speculating in United States securities. 
 
 Early in 1789, he made the acquaintance of William Play- 
 fair, whom he describes as " an Englishman of a bold and en- 
 terprising spirit " and " a good imagination." In July of that 
 year, the Bastile was taken. All France was in an uproar. 
 " The times were propitious for schemes of emigration." Bar- 
 low and Playfair together issued a " Prospectus for an estab- 
 lishment on the Rivers Ohio and Scioto." In preparing this, 
 they used the pamphlet of Dr. Cutler, and Captain Hutchins' 
 description of the Ohio Country, with additions and embel- 
 lishments wherein Playfair's " good imagination" found ample 
 room for display. To it Avas attached a map, copied from that 
 of Captain Hutchins, which showed the line of the 17th Range 
 (the boundary between the Ohio Company purchase and that 
 of the Scioto Company) as intersecting the Ohio River oppo- 
 site the mouth of the Big Kanawha. A note to page 1 of the 
 Prospectus says : " The writings which testify the powers of 
 Agents " can be seen at the Bureau of the Company. In No- 
 vember, 1789, they concluded a sale to a Company formed in 
 Paris, under the firm name of the Company of the Scioto, 
 the principal members of which were M. Gouy de Arsy, M. 
 Barond, St. Didier, Maheas, Guibert, the Chevalier de Co- 
 quelon, Wm. Playfair, and Joel Barlow. To this Company, 
 Barlow contracted to transfer the rights of his principals to 
 the entire tract, except that part directly north of the Ohio 
 Company purchase, unless that or a part of it should be neces- 
 sary to make three million acres. All the lands sold were 
 
500 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 deeded by this Company, It is therefore essential to examine 
 carefully the contract made by Barlow with it.* By this, 
 Barlow first exhibited and proved his poAvers of attorney. By 
 virtue of these powers, he " sold, ceded, and abandoned in full 
 and free ownership and enjoyment thereof, except at such time 
 and in the manner stipulated," 3,000,000 acres of land. Then 
 follows the description of the lands, the price, six livres per 
 acre, the time of payment commencing December 31, 1789, 
 and ending April 80, 1794, the mode of payment either in 
 coin or United States certificates of indebtedness, at 90 per 
 cent, and the conditions of possession. "As soon as and not 
 before the said payments are remitted arising from the price 
 of the present sale, Mr. Barlow binds his principals toAvard 
 the Society purchasing or its assigns, to put them in posses- 
 sion and enjoyment of an amount of the 3,000,000 acres pro- 
 portionate to the amount of the said payment at the aforesaid 
 rate of 6 livres Tournois per acre.'"' The lands were to be lo- 
 cated in equal tracts from the 17th Range westward. Then 
 follows the powers by virtue of which all deeds were given. 
 " The said Society may, moreover, resell all or a part of the 
 3,000,000 acres before the times hereinabove fixed for the pay- 
 ment of their price, provided that the said Society gives up 
 to the Sieur Barlow under the title of pledge the agreements 
 of the under purchasers." These agreements were to be re- 
 turned to the Society when they " paid to him their actual 
 value." This Society constituted for its attorneys, general 
 and special, William Playfair, Joel Barlow, and M. Jean An- 
 toine Chais de Soisson. Their powers were thus expressed : 
 " To whom jointly and severally they " (the French Society of 
 the Scioto) " have given powers to resell all or a part of the 
 said 8,000,000 acres at the best price, terms, or conditions of 
 receiving the price thereof, or to assign it all or in part, and 
 to discharge the Society with respect to the Sieur Barlow, to 
 give for this purpose every acquittance, consent, subrogation, 
 and to disseize in consequence the Society of its rights of 
 
 * For the privilege of examining :i copy of this contract and other 
 contracts made by Barlow in France, referred to in this account, 1 am 
 indebted to Mr. John M. Newton, of Cincinnati, who has presented 
 them to the Historical and Philosophical Society of Ohio. E. C. D. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 501 
 
 property over the objects of sale in favor of their purchasers, 
 and generally to do for the ease and accomplishment of the 
 said sale, all which my said attorneys appointed shall judge 
 most fit for the advantage of the Society." 
 
 Mr. Barlow, in agreeing to put the Society in possession of 
 the land in tracts as paid for in payments of less than $500,000, 
 somewhat exceeded his authority, but this was a venial sin. If 
 the money or securities had been paid as agreed to the Treasury 
 of the United States all would have been Avell. The authority 
 he gave to the French Society of the Scioto to resell in ad- 
 vance of its payments was entirely upon his own responsibility 
 and at his own risk. The French Society of the Scioto in act- 
 ing upon it did so at its own risk, for Barlow's powers had 
 been exhibited, proved, and made part of the contract, and 
 they contained the exact terms of the grant to his principals. 
 Those who purchased did so at their own risk, depending 
 solely on the French Company, for the most casual ex- 
 amination would have shown the exact value of its title. Mr. 
 Barlow did not send to Colonel Duer a copy of this contract. 
 On the 29th of November, 1789, he wrote to Colonel Duer the 
 fact of the sale, the price, and times of payment. He esti- 
 mated the profits, after deducting '* commissions and douceurs," 
 as upward of $1,200,000. He said that he hoped to induce 
 the Royal Treasury of France to accept the obligations of this 
 " French Society of the Scioto " for the American bonds it 
 held, and to close the whole matter within a year. If this failed, 
 the sale of a portion to individuals, and an immediate emigra- 
 tion and settlement would give such an impetus to sales that 
 the whole tract would be sold in less than a year. He urged 
 that the line of the 17th Range be at once definitely ascer- 
 tained, that preparations be made to receive and accommodate 
 at least one hundred emigrants, and that a proper person be 
 sent to Alexandria to conduct them to the lands. He called 
 Colonel Duer's attention to the necessity of securing the as- 
 sent of the United States Government to a plan he had 
 previously sent him for obtaining titles to the lands in small 
 tracts, as rapidly as paid for, or the mortgages taken for de- 
 ferred payments deposited with the Secretary of the Treas- 
 ury, " as the only means of bringing a mere pre-emption into 
 
502 -Zyife of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 that shape in which it could be fairly oifered for certain sale." 
 As an additional and imperative reason, he admitted that he 
 had so far exceeded his powers as to give the French Com- 
 pany " power to resell portions before they made their first 
 payment on the contract, requiring as my security the deposit 
 of the payments for these portions." " This they have al- 
 ready acted on to a considerable amount. Whatever else may 
 be done, a tract of at least 5,000 acres, opposite the mouth of 
 the Big Kanawha, must be secured, on which to locate the 
 first settlers." Sales were rapidly made. Some lands were 
 at once paid for. Some persons made partial payments, se- 
 curing the rest by mortgage. Some made contracts for lands 
 to be paid for at a future date. The deeds were signed by 
 William Playfair and Jean Antoine Chais, as agents and attor- 
 neys for the Society of the Scioto. To some of them Barlow 
 added his approval ; in one case (Freville), " for the Company 
 of the Scioto in America ;" in others, " I approve, J. Barlow." 
 The deeds were accepted by many persons without inquiry 
 as conveying and warranting a perfect title. The warranty 
 clause in the deeds is as follows : Playfair and Chais " as such 
 attorneys in fact do by these presents sell and promise to 
 guarantee against every kind of eviction or attack." The clause 
 of conveyance is as follows : " Whereupon the said Playfair 
 
 and Chais convey and transfer to the said all the right, 
 
 title, interest, claim, and demand of said Society ... in 
 said lands sold by these presents, giving up to and for the 
 use of said all its rights to the full and peaceable pos- 
 session of the same when and how he may choose." The ex- 
 act nature of the title conveyed and warranted by this deed is 
 a question for those learned in the law. Bureau, in his Mss. 
 History, speaks of them as " deeds artfully called legal." 
 Many purchasers, among them Count De Barth, Marquis Lezay- 
 Marnesia, the members of the Society of the Twenty-four, and 
 De Hebecourt,* were not satisfied with the statements of the 
 agent, and asked an abstract of title. These were furnished 
 with copies of Barlow's powers, and with a certificate of 
 
 * Fully half of the land sold was to De I'arth, Lezay-Marnesia, 
 De Hebecourt, and the twenty-four associates. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 503 
 
 Thomas Jefferson, then Minister to France, as to Barlow's 
 high cliaracter and the wealth of Colonel Duer. Whatever pay- 
 ments they made to the Society of the Scioto, after seeing 
 these pajaers, they did at their own risk, relying, of course, on 
 the assurance of the society that it would faithfully fulfill its 
 part of the contract, by making payments as agreed, and of 
 Mr. B-arlow that its title would be perfected as payments were 
 received. The Company of Twenty-four associates was com- 
 posed of twenty-four persons, each of whom purchased 1000 
 aares of land of the Society of the Scioto, for the purpose of 
 forming a city and colony on the banks of the Ohio. The 
 leading members were Count De Barth and his son M. Bour- 
 ogne. Marquis Lezay-Marnesia, General Duportail,* General 
 Duvalette, Colonel Rochefontaine, M. Thiebaut, William Play- 
 fair, M. Chais, and Joel Barlow. All of these and probably all of 
 their associates were fully aware of Cutler and Sargent's contract 
 with the Board of Treasury, the exact nature of Barlow's powers, 
 and of at least a portion of the personnel of the American owner- 
 ship. Rochefontaine and Duportail were connected with the 
 French Society of the Scioto. In the double capacity of agent 
 and attorney for the Society of the Scioto in France, and for 
 William Duer and associates, Barlow located the lands of the 
 Twenty-four associates in Towns 1 and 2, Range 21, 1, 2, 
 and 3, Range 22, Towns 1 and 2, Range 23, Towns 4 and 5, 
 and part of 3 in Range 24, and attached a map showing the 
 lands to lie in an oblong square, except the part next the Ohio 
 River, the length of which was six times its breadth. As one 
 of the American proprietors he made the following agreement 
 with the society : 
 
 AGREEMENT 01' BARLOW. 
 
 Mr. Barlow binds himself in the names of his co-partners, 
 
 * Chevalier Louis Duportail was educated at the military school of 
 Mezieras, France. He came to America during the Kevolution and at- 
 taclied himself to Lafayette. He was commissioned by the Continental 
 Congress Brigadier-General, 1777, and Major-General in !7biL He re- 
 turned to France after the war, and by the influence of Lafayette was 
 made Minister of War in 1790. Lafayette's downfall determined his. 
 In 17'J2, warned oi an accusation against him, he came to America, 
 whence he was recalled in 1802. He died on the passage home. — See 
 Drake s Diciioiuiry American Biography, 
 
504 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 Generals Parsons, Putnam, and Tiipper, and Major Sargent, 
 living at Marianna, to furnish the articles hereinbelow to 
 Messrs. , of the Society of the Twenty-four, on the follow- 
 ing conditions : 
 
 1. Flour of good quality in store and places which shall be 
 furnished to them at the times they shall agree upon together 
 upon their arrival at Marianna,* and in the quantity they shall 
 also agree upon. 
 
 2. Salt meats of good quality shall also be stored in the 
 places and furnished in, the proportions agreed upon. When 
 fresh meat can not be had, and according to the agreements 
 had. 
 
 3. Hunters shall be sent by Messrs. Parsons and others with 
 the colonists to provide them with game. 
 
 4. In case it shall be impossible to procure all the game that 
 shall be necessary for consumption, cattle, and other domestic 
 animals shall be furnished in proportion to be agreed upon. 
 
 5. Carpenters and workmen suitable for clearing shall be 
 furnished by Messrs. Parsons and others in numbers sufficient 
 to help the new settlers to build their first houses and to clear 
 according to the custom of the country. 
 
 6. American surveyors shall be furnished by Messrs. Par- 
 sons and others to locate the lands of the new settlers the 
 soonest possible after their arrival on the lands. 
 
 7. Mr. Barlow engages Mr. Parsons and others, as well at 
 Marianna as at Alexandria, and on the road from that city to 
 Pittsburo;h, to furnish the Messieurs of the Society of the 
 Twenty-four, wagons for the transporting them and their bag- 
 gage, horses, and plows and animals of which they shall have 
 need, and generally all they shall wish to procure in America, 
 at the lowest possible price, and so to do that in no case shall 
 they have reason to complain that advantage has been taken 
 of their ignorance of the customs of the country. 
 
 AGREEMENT OF THE SOCIETY OF THE TWENTY-FOUR. 
 
 The members of the Society of the Twenty-four agree with 
 
 * He meant Marietta. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 505 
 
 Mr. Barlow and his friends, Messrs. Parsons and others, to the 
 following conditions : 
 
 2. Each one of the associates upon arrival shall agree upon 
 the quantity of flour whereof he shall have need per day or 
 per month, and Messrs. Parsons and others shall receive at the 
 appointed time the payments which shall be made by each of 
 them in accordance with the settled price of the country for 
 the different costs of food so furnished. 
 
 3. The hunters shall be at the charge of Messrs. Parsons 
 and others, and the game furnished to the settlers who shall 
 be bound to take it, and shall be paid for according to the 
 usage of the country. 
 
 4. If. any agree that there shall be furnished them fresh 
 beef or any other kind of butchers' meat, each one of the set- 
 tlers to Avhom it shall have been furnished shall pay for it 
 according to the price agreed upon by Messrs. Parsons and 
 others. 
 
 5. The associates shall, at their own discretion, make with 
 Messrs. Parsons and others every agreement which shall seem 
 good to them for furniture and other things, but no one of 
 them understands that an engagement made by him can bind 
 his associates, who shall be free to contract with any other, if 
 so be it seems good to him. 
 
 Mr. Barlow enters into the engagements of which mention 
 has just been made only to insure his associates the supply of 
 every thing of which they shall have need, and the certainty 
 of not being deceived by those Avho might try in America to 
 take advantage of their little knoAvledge of the language and 
 usages of the country. 
 
 By the middle of February, 1790, the French Society of the 
 Scioto had sold over 100,000 acres of land. Several hundred 
 emigrants had sailed, a great part under the auspices of the 
 Marquis Lezay-Marnesia, Count De Barth, and the Society of 
 the Twenty-four, as purchasers, renters from these, or laborers. 
 There were others, who were employed by Playfair and Chais 
 as laborers for the French Society of the Scioto, to be paid in 
 lands after a term of years ; some as renters from the Society, 
 
506 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 who were to pay one bushel of wheat per acre ; and some who 
 had purchased " small tracts for homes in a free land.*' 
 
 Barlow had written Colonel Duer, on the 8th of December, 
 1789, that every thing was progressing well. One hundred 
 emigrants, in charge of Colonel Rochefontaine, would sail 
 early in January. December 29th, by M. Bourogne, Count 
 De Barth's son, who went with the first emigrants instead of 
 Rochefontaine, he wrote that he expected to put Colonel Duer 
 in funds to make the first payment of |oOO,000 to Congress 
 when it fell due, and that sales of 500,000 acres would be 
 concluded in January. " Many respectable and worthy fam- 
 ilies will go out soon ; if they are pleased, half a million of 
 adventurers will follow." The same date, probably by the 
 same conveyance, he authorized Duer to draw on him for 
 20,000 livres, to be used in defraying expenses of the first set- 
 tlement. January 25, 1790, he wrote to Colonel Duer, authoriz- 
 ing him to draw for 100,000 livres, and added : " The affair goes 
 extremely well, though no payments are yet made. 
 Do n't, for God's sake, fail to put the people in possession. 
 Make any sacrifice rather than fail in this essential object. 
 If it fails, we are ruined ; all our fortunes and my character 
 are buried under the ruins." He urged Colonel Duer to raise 
 $100,000 or $200,000 for a short time to put the people in 
 possession, and said : " I pledge the faith of an honest man 
 for the payment. If necessary, draw on me for a second hun- 
 dred thousand livres at ninety days' sight." These letters, 
 whose language proves them to be in regular sequence, are 
 noticeable for the lack of accurate information. No reason is 
 given for the non-payment of the amount due 31st December, 
 1789. The authority to draw for 200,000 livres, as well as 
 the previous authority to draw for 20,000 livres, was evidence 
 to Colonel Duer that if Barlow had not that amount of money 
 in his possession, he had securities representing it from pro- 
 ceeds of sales to under-purchasers which had been turned 
 over to him. 
 
 The fact of Cutler and Sai'gent's contract with the Board of 
 Treasury and Colonel Duer's control of it soon became knoAvn 
 in America, and was variously commented upon, particularly 
 after Barlow's departure for Europe. When Dr. Cutler visited 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 507 
 
 Marietta, in August, 1788, some members of the Ohio Com- 
 pany from Rhode Ishxnd charged that the entire amount of 
 lands embraced in both the Ohio and Scioto contracts belonged 
 to the Ohio Company, and that the portion held b}^ the Scioto 
 associates had been transferred to them by Cutler and Sargent 
 without consideration.* Dr, Cutler indignantly repelled the 
 charge. On his return home in October, he found that similar 
 reports had been spread. A meeting of a number of the 
 share-holders had been held at Providence, Rhode Island, and 
 a secret committee appointed to act in concert with share- 
 holders from other states, whom they hoped to interest, to se- 
 cure control of the Ohio Company, and, if possible, of the 
 Scioto contract, jyhich this meeting by resolution declared 
 properly belonged to the Ohio Company. This dissatisfaction 
 commenced with, and was for the most part confined to, those 
 members of the Ohio Compi.ny Avho had become share-holders 
 after the contract for the purchase of lands had been made. 
 In answer to these charges, Dr. Cutler, in November, 1788, 
 issued an address to the agents and proprietors, in which he 
 stated the facts which made the purchase for the Scioto asso- 
 ciates necessary to secure the terms finally granted the Ohio 
 Company. He showed that, except for the arrangement with 
 Colonel Duer, it would have been impossible for the Ohio 
 Company to have made the first payment to Congress, and the 
 contract would have been lost. He gave an abstract of the 
 contract of Cutler and Sargent with Duer, and offered to ex- 
 hibit the original to any proprietor in the Ohio Company who 
 wished to see it. He presented the certificate of the Treasurer 
 of the Ohio Company that Colonel Duer actually advanced 
 $143,000 to complete the amount required for the first pay- 
 ment, and to verify this a statement of the accounts of the 
 Treasurer with the different agents. He also explained the 
 advantage gained by delaying the second payment until the 
 exterior line of both tracts had been surveyed, and showed 
 that the two contracts bore the same date and were separate 
 and distinct. This gave general satisfaction. 
 
 *Cutler'ri Journal, August 21, 1788. "Felt myself much injured 
 yesterday by representations made by the Rhode Island faction respect- 
 ing the Scioto Company purchase." 
 
508 Life of Rev. Watiasseh Cutler. 
 
 In May, 1789, at a meeting of the Ohio Company held at 
 Marietta, General Putnam and Dr. Cutler were empowered to 
 ascertain from the different agents the number of unpaid 
 shares, to declare them forfeited, sell them if possible, and to 
 effect a final settlement with the Government. This Company 
 had paid to the Government half a million dollars in securities 
 on account of its purchase, which required one million. It 
 had no title to any part of its lands, though under a right of 
 entry it had made a settlement and considerable improvements, 
 and had deeded to each share-holder a quantity of land. Until 
 it was certain that the division of the land would be completed, 
 and unincumbered titles given, shares were almost worthless. 
 The securities in Avhich they were payable had doubled in 
 value since the settlement began. There appeared, therefore, 
 but a faint prospect of selling the forfeited shares. Unless 
 they were sold, the final payment to the Government could 
 not be made. 
 
 In January, 1790, the Secretary of the Treasury, in a report 
 to Congress on methods of funding the public debt, recom- 
 mended that the price of public lands be fixed at twenty (20) 
 cents per acre, payable in Government certificates of indebt- 
 ness or coin. General Putnam arrived in New York, 30th 
 January, 1790. Dr. Cutler joined him late in February. By 
 advice of their friends in Congress, they did not present their 
 petition, as it was thought the price of public lands would 
 certainly be reduced, in accordance with the recommendation 
 of Secretary Hamilton, and that the reduction would be made 
 applicable to the Ohio Company's contract. February 27th, 
 Dr. Cutler's interleaved almanac contains this entry : " Scioto 
 Company met this evening at Colonel Duer's. Just as w^e 
 were seated, we received letters from Barlow announcing the 
 completion of his contract, much as we wished." 
 
 Colonel Duer had probably received some of Barlow's Ict- 
 lers before, but chose this time to communicate them to his 
 associates. These letters showed that Barlow had exceeded 
 his powers by permitting the French Company who had pur- 
 chased the lands to give deeds, and, by calculations from 
 Hutchins' map, had erred in locating the line of the 17th 
 Range as intersecting the Ohio River opposite the mouth of 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 509 
 
 tlie Big Kanawha, instead of near the mouth of the Guyan- 
 dotte, as shown by actual surveys just completed. But they 
 also contained the most positive assertions that the payments 
 would be made, and by the authority given to draw for 220,000 
 livres, showed that Barlow was keeping the money and secur- 
 ities received for the lands in his own control. There was no 
 reasonable doubt that the government would give deeds for 
 such lands as were actually paid for. The only practical dif- 
 ficulties seemed to be to obtain from the Ohio Company the 
 lands for the city located by Barlow opposite the mouth of 
 the Big Kanawha, and to raise the money required immediately 
 to provide transportation and homes for the emigrants who 
 had already sailed. 
 
 To meet this unexpected condition of things. Colonel Duer 
 associated Avith himself in the management of affairs. Royal 
 Flint and Andrew Craigie, the three being styled " Trustees 
 for the Scioto Associates." They employed General Putnam 
 to make arrangements for conducting the settlers to the lands, 
 preparing cabins for them, and making the necessary surveys. 
 General Putnam was a man of careful and exact business 
 habits and methods. While sharing the general good feeling 
 over the apparent result of Barlow's negotiation, he Avas much 
 displeased with the manner in Avhich sales had been made.* 
 Neither himself. Cutler, or any other of the Ohio Company 
 people were able to advance money. It was therefore agreed 
 that, in consideration of the surrender of part of the interest 
 held by them, for which a power of attornej'' was given to 
 Colonel Piatt, the remainder should be exempt from assess- 
 ment and indemnified from loss. The entire business of lo- 
 cating and supplying the emigrants, with the profits arising 
 from it (for the emigrants were to pay for their transporta- 
 tion, food, and houses), was given to Duer, Flint, and Craigie, 
 probably to recompense them for their advances. 
 
 It soon became evident that Congress would during that ses- 
 sion take no action on Secretary Hamilton's recommendation 
 
 * Putnam to Duer, Jaiiuar}', IT'Jl : '' The moment I found that Bar- 
 low began to retail lands in small quantities, I was t'earlul of the con- 
 sequences." 
 
510 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 as to the reduction of the price of public lands, although it 
 seemed likely that at a future session the price would he fixed 
 at not over twenty-five cents per acre. General Putnam then 
 proposed -■' to the Trustees that they should purchase the for- 
 feited shares from the Ohio Company, take the three-acre lots, 
 the city lots, and one hundred and sixty-acre lots set apart for 
 them already in the portion of the Ohio Company's purchase, 
 which had been surveyed, and locate the remainder, Avhich, 
 when the number of forfeited shares was definitely ascertained, 
 proved to be 196,544 acres, in a compact body, fronting on the 
 Ohio River between a point opposite the mouth of the Big 
 Kanawha and the true line of the ITth Range, the western 
 boundary of the Ohio Company purchase. They accepted, and 
 on the 23d of April Rufus Putnam and Manasseh Cutler, as 
 Directors of the Ohio Company, made a contract of sale to 
 Duer, Flint, and Craigie, " Trustees for the proprietors of the 
 Scioto lands," of the lands represented by the one hundred 
 and forty-eight shares forfeited to the Ohio Company for non- 
 payment and located as above described. The consideration 
 Avas $1,480, in specie, to be paid in sixty and ninety days, for 
 which notes were given, .$8,800 in indents f of interest, and 
 the remainder to be paid when the Ohio Company made its 
 final settlement Avith Congress at the same price per acre and 
 in like public securities. The Scioto associates also released 
 to the Ohio Company the right of pre-emption or option of 
 purchase to that part of the lands held by them north of the 
 Ohio Company purchase. :{: The Scioto associates were to 
 have the same right to enter upon and occupy the lands as 
 was given to the Ohio Company by its contract with the Board 
 
 *.Putnam to Clap and others in 1791. "I was the princi])al in that 
 transaction " 
 
 -j- Indents. Serip issued prior to tlie adoption of the Constitution 
 for interest as it fell due on government securities. 
 
 J Thus described : Beginninji at the nortti-west corner of Township 
 No ]t> it) the 7th Range of Townships running west on the north 
 boundary of the Scioto purchase to the west line of the 17th Range; 
 thence south on the west line of the said 17th Range till it comes to the 
 north boundary of the Ohio Company's purchase; thence east to the 
 west line of the 7th Range; thence north to the place of beginning. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 511 
 
 of Treasury. No deed of conveyance Avas to be made until 
 the payments were fully completed. 
 
 This contract was rightly deemed of great value to the Ohio 
 Company. In case the price of public lands was reduced, as 
 expected, to twenty cents an acre, the amount already paid to 
 the United States Avould entitle it to a million of acres more 
 of better lands than were included in its contract, in the terri- 
 tory comprised in the right of pre-emption. To secure the 
 application of such a reduction to the Ohio Company contract 
 the aid of Duer and'his friends, Avho Avere then a power in po- 
 litical circles, was certainly secured. If no reduction w^as 
 made the original contract Avas at least safe. To the Scioto 
 associates the contract was of even greater importance, for 
 they now controlled every acre sold in France. After the 
 completion of this contract Dr. Cutler returned home. If he 
 took any further active part in the Scioto aifairs there is no 
 record of it. 
 
 Under instructions from Colonel Duer, General Putnam, in 
 March, employed Major Burnham to enlist in New England a 
 company of men to build huts for the French emigrants, assist 
 them in clearing lands, and keep such guards as might be neces- 
 sary. Early in May, General Putnam went to Wellsburg, on the 
 Ohio River, and from there, on the 28th of May, sent James Backus 
 to meet the expected emigrants and conduct them on their 
 way, to inspire them with patience, provide them with accom- 
 modations and good treatment, and to give Major Rochefon- 
 taine (who was supposed to be in charge) " every information 
 which he may stand in need of to assist him in conducting his 
 people to their place of settlement." He wrote to Major Roche- 
 fontaine and Colonel Duer, urging that the people be not sent 
 beyond the Alleghanies until the middle of September, when 
 a new crop would be harvested, owing to the great scarcity of 
 provisions. On the same day he advised Colonel Duer that it 
 would be necessary to provide food to carry the French settlers 
 through the Avinter, and notified him that he (Putnam) Avould 
 attend to providing for and employing Major Burnham's men, 
 and to the location and surveys " it is incumbent on the 
 Trustees to make to fulfill the engagements which Mr. Barlow 
 may have made to the settlers," but could not undertake any 
 
512 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 thing else. He asked that money be sent at once to Colonel 
 R. J. Meigs, Sr., who was in charge of surveys, to pay debts 
 already incurred, and requested a copy and plat of sales 
 made by Mr. Barlow, that he might give proper instructions 
 to the surveyors. June 4th, being then in Marietta, he gave 
 written instructions to Major Burnham, who had arrived with 
 a company of men, recruited in Massachusetts, to proceed to 
 " a place on the Ohio next Chickamauga Creek," " which 
 would be marked out for him by Colonel Meigs, and there 
 erect four block-houses and a number of log-huts agreeably to 
 a plan " given him, and to clear a tract of land along the 
 river, and divide it into four-acre lots, as shown on the plan. 
 Early in July, General Putnam returned to Massachusetts, to 
 bring his family to Marietta. 
 
 The first party of French emigrants reached Alexandria, 
 Va., about May 1, 1790. They were expected at an earlier 
 date, and Colonel Franks, who had been sent by Colonel Duer 
 to receive them, had returned to New York, supposing that 
 they had made another port. The people of Alexandria, as 
 soon as they learned the destination of the newly arrived 
 emigrants, informed them that their deeds were worthless ; 
 that the lands they purported to convey were at best of little 
 value ; that the Indians in the North-west Territory were nu- 
 merous and hostile, and that much better land could be had in 
 Virginia on very reasonable terms. Other emigrants soon 
 arrived. Count De Barth and M. Thiebaut, and soon after the 
 Marquis Marnesia, were deputed to wait on Colonel Duer, as- 
 certain the facts in regard to the titles, and to ask a compliance 
 with Mr. Barlow's agreements for transporting them to their 
 lands and supplying them with provisions en route. To this 
 committee. Colonel Duer exhibited the proceedings in Con- 
 gress * in reference to the purchase, the contract of Cutlei* 
 and Sargent with the Board of Treasury, the contract made 
 for the purchase of the forfeited shares of the Ohio Company, 
 and no doubt assured them of his intention and convinced 
 
 *De Barth to Putnam, 1790 ''Resolutions of (.'ongress establishing 
 its approbation of sales to Cutler and Sargent." De Barth had, before 
 leaving France, a copy of Barlow's powers, which referred to the con- 
 tracts, and he doubtless called for them. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. ' 513 
 
 them of his ability* to make good the titles to the lauds they 
 had purchased. In answer to the question of this committee 
 as to the " composition of the Scioto Company," Colonel Duer 
 said : " The Company known under the name of the Company 
 of the Scioto was originally composed of thirty (30) shares, 
 belonging to as many owners. The persons who held these 
 shares were for the most part those who had much influence in 
 the formation of the Company of the Ohio at Marietta, or in 
 the Legislative and Executive branches of the Government. 
 The original shares have since been much subdivided, but the 
 general management of the Company's affairs, as well in 
 America as abroad, has been entirely trusted to myself alone, 
 and I have for aid and counsel tAvo Agents, who are Messrs. 
 Royal Flint and Andrew Craigie, both of this City." The 
 committee, well satisfied, returned to Alexandria. A commis- 
 sion appointed by Colonel Duer accompanied them, and settled 
 with a like commission appointed by the emigrants, certain 
 modifications of Barlow's agreement. The journey over the 
 mountains commenced in July, and continued at a moderate 
 rate, under principal charge of. Captain J. Guion,f whom 
 Colonel Duer had appointed Superintendent of the Scioto 
 Company in the west when General Putnam declined. 
 
 M. Bourogne, Count De Barth's son, went to New York 
 from Alexandria soon after his arrival. While in New York 
 he became acquainted with the efforts being made by the 
 Scioto Associates and the Ohio Company to obtain a reduc- 
 tion in the price of their lands. Barlow had written, March 
 3d, I to Colonel Duer, that he had surrendered his contract with 
 the French Society of the Scioto, and was carrying on the sales 
 himself still under its name. Bourogne also obtained this in- 
 
 *A good reason for having made no payment to Congress (which, 
 indeed, was not due), was the expectation of a reduction in the price 
 of land. Tiiis was known to the leading men among the French. 
 
 -j- Captain Guion continued to act as Superintendent until about Jan- 
 uary ], 1792, when John Mathews was appointed. 
 
 X In this letter Barlow says: " 'I'hough it is difficult to sell for cash, 
 and 1 have been obliged to make some sacrifices in taking property, 
 etc.," thus indicating that he had the proceeds of sales in his own 
 control. 
 
 33 
 
514 Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 
 
 formation. He sailed for France, and on July 22, 1790, made a 
 contract for the entire tract of land with Barlow, on behalf of 
 himself, his father, M. Coquet, Playfair, and General Duvalette. 
 Their interests were: Messrs. De Barth, father and son, one- 
 half; M. Coquet, one-tenth; General Duvalette, one-tenth; 
 Playfair, three-tenths. The contract recites that this Company 
 shall and does expressly assume all the engagements of the for- 
 mer company to the public, and the payment to the American 
 Government for the lands. Fifteen sols per acre were to be given 
 to the American proprietors as their sole profit. No payments 
 were to be made to any one until three months after the sale 
 of each 300,000 acres ; no limitation was made as to the loca- 
 tion, within the tract, of the lands the company might sell. 
 Ten sols per acre were reserved by the company for " ex- 
 penses of management." The sales already made were to be 
 assumed, and to be calculated as part of the first lot of 300,000 
 acres. The money and securities on hand, from proceeds of 
 former sales, were to be turned over to this company. These 
 sales were made at six livres per acre. The new company 
 therefore assured to itself a profit of seventy-seven sols per 
 acre on the lands sold by the French Company of the Scioto 
 (about 140,000 acres), and a handsome working capital, as — 
 except a thousand crowns — the money received for the sales 
 had not been remitted to America. This Company agreed to 
 pay Barlow for the American proprietors, the sum of 50,000 
 livres on the 1st ©f September, 1790, and authorized him to 
 negotiate immediately (if he could) a loan on its credit of 
 100,000 livres, which was also to be advanced to the Amer- 
 ican proprietors — both sums on account of their profits of 15 
 sols per acre. 
 
 Of this brilliaat and final operation of INIr. Barlow, Colonel 
 Bochefontaine* thus wrote to the Marquis Lezay-Marnesia, in 
 August, 1790 :t 
 
 " He (BarloAv) has contracted with a new Company, who 
 
 * Rochefontaine served in America during the Revolution as Captain 
 of Engineers, and was brevetted Major after the capture of Yorktown. 
 He had attained tlie rank of Lieutenant-Colonel of Infantry in 1791. 
 He was obliged to leave France in 1792, and came to America. 
 
 ■j- As translated for General Putnam by Mr. Dimler. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseli Cutler. 515 
 
 have engaged to give him 150,000 livres * for himself, 28 sols 
 per acre profit to the Company in America, and 28 sols per 
 acre to Congress. This Company consists of M. Bourogne 
 (M. De Earth's son). Coquet, Duvarnel,f Playfair, and Bar- 
 low. By a very bad arrangement, those gentlemen don't pay 
 for the lands but after they are sold, in consequence of which 
 they Avill sell all the land along the river, and will leave nothing 
 for the proprietors in America but the back lands ; and what 
 is still more against the American proprietors is, that these 
 gentlemen have no other funds to fulfill their engagements 
 with Mr. Barlow but what they get by sale of the lands. In 
 short, they will make an acquisition, as they are daily made 
 in Paris, which will be entirely to their own profit, and after- 
 ward renounce the whole, which must prove highly contrary 
 to the interest of all concerned, as this will give a bad name 
 to the affair, and hinder the country from getting settled as 
 we expected. The only way to extricate Duer, Sargent, Put- 
 nam, and the other partners in America from this inconven- 
 ience, is to refuse ratification of the article contrary to their 
 interest made by Mr. Barlow, as it is against the powers in- 
 vested in him, and to order that the lands be sold by Mr. Bar- 
 low, Playfair, Duportail, and myself; and I can assure you 
 that by this method the whole tract of lands will be shortly 
 sold to the great advantage of the Company. As instance 
 how little fit Mr. Barlow is to transact Public affairs, upon 
 some hopes given him by M. De Bourogne and others, he engaged 
 Mr. Duer to draw on him (Mr. Barlow) notes to the amount of 
 100,000 livres, Avhich has been done. These notes are to be 
 paid the 28tli of this month, but for want of funds they are to 
 be returned unanswered. If this new company had been wil- 
 ling to make use of the great credit they announced to Mr. 
 Barlow, they certainly would have helped him out of this cruel 
 embarass {sic), and would not expose their creditors in 
 America to the enormous expense this refusal must occasion." 
 
 Rochefontaine wrote a similar letter to Colonel Duer. 
 
 As soon as Colonel Duer became aware of this contract, he 
 
 *This was an error. There is nothing to show that Barlow was to 
 receive any thing for himself. 
 f Duvalette. 
 
516 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 sent Colonel Benjamin Walker* to France, ■with a full power 
 of attorney to displace Barlow, or act as joint agent with him, 
 refuse ratification of this contract, examine into the accounts, 
 obtain the proceeds of the sales that had been made, take sole 
 charge of the affair if he deemed advisable, and endeavor to sell 
 the contract as originally designed. Col. Duer wrote to Barlow 
 notifying him that he, and he alone, was responsible to the French 
 people to whom he had given or permitted to be given deeds 
 for the lands, and to the Scioto Associates, whose interests he 
 had so shamefully mismanaged ; upbraiding him in the severest 
 terms for the manner in which he had conducted the business, 
 for the failure to give his principals definite information as to 
 his operations, and for permitting the bills drawn on him to be 
 dishonored. Colonel Duer was placed in the most embarass- 
 ing position by the protest of these bills. He reminded Bar- 
 low of the repeated pledges he had given, " on the faith of an 
 honest man," for their payment, and urged him in the strongest 
 terms to make good the amount at once, and save him (Duer) 
 from ruin. 
 
 On Walker's arrival in France, he found, w[iat he had pre- 
 viously suspected, that the proceeds of sales of lands were 
 held by Playfair, and that Barlow had apparently received 
 nothing. He succeeded in obtaining from Playfair a state- 
 ment of account and a long letter of explanation, but no 
 money or property. After becoming convinced that nothing 
 could be done by persuasion, he placed the interests of the 
 Scioto Associates in the hands of Colonel Kochefontaine, gave 
 public notice by advertisement to prevent people from pur- 
 chasing lands from Playfair, and in April, 1791, returned to 
 
 * Benjamin Walker was born in England, 1753; died at Utica, New 
 York, 1818. He came to America when very young. He entered the 
 American army, in the Revolution, as Captain in the Second New York 
 regiment; was detached as Aid-de-Camp to the Baron Steuben; and, 
 near the close of the war, served on the staff of General Washington. 
 After the war he went into business in New York City as a broker. 
 During President Washington's administration he was naval officer of 
 the port at New York. He was a member of Congress, 1801 to 1803. 
 In 1797, he was appointed agent for the Earl of Bute's great estates in 
 western New York. — Drakes Dictionary American Biography. 
 
Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 617 
 
 America. A letter * from Barlow to Colonel Walker, dated 
 London, 19tli October, 1791, shows that Walker exonerated 
 him from intentional wron2;-doino;. Letters from Barlow and 
 Rochefontaine to Walker, and Colonel Duer's correspondence 
 with Mr. Matthews, t his agent at Gallipolis, indicate that 
 Walker had agreed with Rochefontaine to form a new Company 
 to purchase one million acres of land, assume the contract for 
 purchase of the forfeited shares from the Ohio Company, and 
 make good the deeds given by the French Company of the 
 Scioto for such lands as had been paid for. Two things were 
 essential to the success of the new Company — Congress must 
 reduce the price of the public lands ; the settlers must be pro- 
 tected from the Indians. 
 
 The first boat-load of French emigrants reached Gallipolis X 
 about October 20, 1790. Captain Guion assigned to the peo- 
 ple houses and four-acre lots as they arrived. Count De Barth 
 and the Marquis Lezay-Marnesia, with the people accompanying 
 them, refused to accept the quarters provided at Gallipolis, 
 as they wished to take possession of their own lands and locate 
 a city where Portsmouth now is. They stopped at Marietta, 
 and pending the return of General Putnam from the east, were 
 assigned quarters in Fort Harmar. General Putnam reached 
 Marietta November 5th. Surprised at the demands made upon 
 him by De Barth and Lezay-Marnesia, he requested from 
 
 *In it BatJovv snys: " I thuiik you very much . . . for tlie candid 
 and honorable manner in which you have treated my character and 
 conduct. . . . I have got a credit for 100 guineas, for which I con- 
 sider myself indebted to your friendly agency." 
 
 f John Matthews was a nephew of General Putnam; He came from 
 New Brain tree, Mass, to Ohio, in 178*', and was employed under Gen- 
 eral Tupper in the survey of the first seven ranges west from the 
 Pennsylvania line. He was afterward employed by the Ohio Company 
 as a surveyor, and in 1790 was engaged by Colonel Duer to manage his 
 store at Gallipolis, and soon became his principal agent in the North- 
 west Territory. In 1796, Mr. Matthews married a daughter of Judge 
 Woodbridge, of Marietta, and settled in Muskingum County, Ohio, 
 where he ultimately became a farmer on a large scale. " He was one 
 of the most useful, active, and clear-headed men Ohio ever claimed as 
 a. citizen." — See HiUlretlis Pioneer History. 
 
 J Name given in France by the Society of the Twenty-four to a town 
 to be located opposite the mouth of the Big Kanawha. 
 
518 Life of Rev. Manasseh GtUler. 
 
 them a statement in writing of all ajireements made with them 
 by BarloAV and Colonel Duer, of none of which he had been 
 advised. Count De Bartli responded in a long letter, giving a 
 complete history of Barlow's operations in France. General 
 Putnam referred the letter to Colonel Duer, and wrote asking 
 for money to defray expenses already incurred, and inclosed 
 an estimate of the amount needed to make surveys and build 
 houses for De Barth and Lezay-Marnesia. Shortly after writing, 
 he received a letter from Colonel Duer in answer to one written 
 in September, promising to send money immediately, and say- 
 ing that he had received but one thousand crowns in all from 
 Barlow; that Bai'low had not sent him copies of any contracts 
 he had made, or any list of lands sold, and that it would be 
 necessary to make surveys from the deeds held by purchasers. 
 On receipt of this letter. General Putnam sent Mr. James 
 Backus with a surveying party to the mouth of the Scioto to 
 locate the city. Several of the emigrants accompanied him. 
 Before this survey commenced, new actors appeared on the 
 scene. The Indians, emboldened by the defeat of General 
 Harmar [in October, 1790], took the war-path, and boasted 
 that before the budding of the trees, they would quench in the 
 white man's blood the fire in every Avhite man's cabin north- 
 west of the Ohio River. The surveyors were driven in. 
 Early in January, 1791, the Ohio Company block-house at Big 
 Bottom (thirty miles north of Marietta) was attacked and its 
 inmates killed or captured. The settlements were hurriedly 
 put in a state of defense. General Putnam issued a stirring 
 address to the French in Fort Harmar, reminding them that 
 Frenchmen and Americans fought side by side in the war for 
 independence, and that it was by the aid of the " Magnanimous 
 Monarch of France that the United States were enabled to 
 wrest this very country from Britain." He urged them to 
 form a company, under officers of their own choice, and join 
 in the defense against the common enemy. Few i-esponded to 
 the call. The Marquis Lezay-Marnesia went to Pittsbui'gh, and 
 soon after returned to France. Count De Barth went to Phila- 
 delphia to negotiate further with Colonel Duer. Some of the 
 people remained at Marietta; some went to Gallipolis ; others 
 to the French settlements in different parts of the country. 
 
Life of Rev. 3Ianasseh Cutler. 519 
 
 The settlers at Gallipolis, though their expectations were 
 not realized, were not especially dissatisfied. The Indian war 
 was accepted as a sufficient excuse for the failure of the Scioto 
 Associates to locate them upon the lands they had .purchased. 
 In the fall of 1700, Colonel Duer, who had the contract for 
 supplying the troops in the North-west Territory, established 
 a large store at Gallipolis, and placed Mr. John Matthews in 
 charge. From this store he supplied the inhabitants Avitli food 
 and clothing, taking from those who had no money (and few 
 had any) assignments of their deeds of land as security. In 
 the Spring of 1791, the people commenced the cultivation of 
 grapes on the four-acre lots which had been cleared for them 
 by Burnham's men adjacent to Gallipolis, and early in April, 
 1792, Mr. Matthews wrote Colonel Duer that the people had 
 enjoyed remarkable health, and that " the success of their ex- 
 periments in making wine and brandy are circumstances that 
 attach them very much to the country," and that " peace and 
 possession of their lands would render them hcureux com me 
 des Dieux.'' 
 
 In February, 1792, Colonel Robert Oliver, General Rufus 
 Putnam, and Rev. Manasseh Cutler, a majority of the Directors 
 of the Ohio Company, met in Philadelphia, where Congress 
 was then in session, to effect a final settlement with Congress, 
 and in general of the affairs of the company. They presented 
 a petition to Congress, asking that the whole 1,50(3,000 acres 
 of land included in the original contract be deeded to the 
 Company for the payment of ^500, 000, in securities, already 
 made, and that a grant of 100,000 acres be made to compen- 
 sate it for the lands donated to actual settlers and promised to 
 those performing military duty, and for expenses incurred in 
 maintaining troops for defense against the Indians. The con- 
 dition of the French settlers at Gallipolis was discussed. It 
 was agreed that, if the Scioto Associates failed to pay for the 
 lands they had contracted for, as appeared probable, and the 
 donation of one hundred thousand acres was made in such a 
 manner as to permit, the French settlers should be given 100 
 acres each in the vicinity of Gallipolis, so located as to include 
 their improvements. This was stated to the committee who 
 had the petition in charge, and a bill was reported in accord- 
 
520 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 ance with this (lesio;n. Contxress had refused to make a reduc- 
 tion in the price of the public lands. The Indians had de- 
 feated the army under General St. Clair, which sought to 
 destroy their villages and conquer peace. Government secur- 
 ities were still increasing in value. The fact that the Ohio 
 Company had in its Treasury over ^200,000 of securities, which 
 could be applied in part payment of the §500,000 still due on 
 its original contract, was known to the members of Congresr. 
 The bill reported by the Committee met much opposition, and 
 action on it was long delayed. Early in April, there occurred 
 a financial panic in New York. Colonel Duer failed, and, 
 after the barbarous fashion of the times, was imprisoned for 
 debt. Flint and Craigie also failed. The notes given for the 
 148 forfeited shares of the Ohio Company were surrendered, 
 and the contract of sale was canceled. Colonel Piatt went 
 down with the rest, heavily indebted to the Ohio Company, of 
 Avhich he Avas Treasurer. On the 21st of April, 1792, a bill 
 finally passed both houses of Congress, confirming to the Ohio 
 Compan}^ the title to 750,000 acres of land, extending along 
 the Ohio River from the Avest line of the 7th Range to the 
 Avest line of the 15tli Range. An additional grant of 214,- 
 285 acres Avas made, to be paid for in army bounty rights. 
 100,000 acres Avere granted to the Directors of the Ohio Com- 
 pany, in trust, to be deeded in tracts of 100 acres each to 
 actual settlers. The last tAvo named tracts Avere to adjoin the 
 750,000-acre tract, and to be within the limits of the 1,500,000 
 acres orifjinallv contracted for by the Ohio CompanA^ The 
 clause in the laAV g-rantino- the donation tract Avas saved in the 
 Senate bv the vote of Vice-President John Adams. The bill 
 passed made it impossible to give to the French settlers dona- 
 tion lands at or near Gallipolis. That place Avas included 
 in the 750,000-acre tract Avhich the bill directed by fixed 
 boundaries to be deeded to the Ohio Company. Land near it 
 could not be exchanged for land in the donation tract, for 
 the title to that did not vest in the Ohio Company. It Avas a 
 trust for a specific purpose. The donation tract Avas located 
 on the Avaters of the Muskingum, Avhere Avere the grants 
 already promised by the Ohio Company to settlers Avho had 
 
Life of Rev. 31cma8seh Cutler. 521 
 
 made improvements, built forts, and -who we-re then perform- 
 ing military duty. 
 
 The failure of Colonel Duer threw the people of Gallipolis 
 upon their own resources. Although there was some suffer- 
 ing, and many moved away, the settlement Avas too firmly es- 
 tablished to be broken up. The Indians were troublesome in 
 1792 oud 1793, and a company of Militia was organized at 
 Gallipolis and taken into the service of the Territorial Gov- 
 ernment, and a company of regular soldiers was also stationed 
 there. Early in 1791 M. Gervais, one of the emigrants who 
 had purchased 4,000 acres of land for himself, went to Phila- 
 delphia and counseled with Mr. P. S. Duponceau,* a French- 
 man and a lawyer of eminence, who had been in America 
 since 1777, as to the best method to secure a title to the lands 
 purchased. Mr. Duponceau informed him that the legal rem- 
 edy was Against the French Company of the Scioto and its 
 agents, unless the contract for sale of the forfeited shares, 
 made by the Ohio Company to Duer, Flint, and Craigie, as 
 Trustees for the Scioto Associates, was such that a title had 
 actually passed. Mr. Duponceau prepared a petition asking 
 for relief for the French, and presented it to the Senate of 
 the United States. It was referred to a Committee, who re- 
 ported a bill summoning the Directors of the Ohio Company 
 to appear and show cause why so much of the grant of 750,000 
 acres to them, in 1792, as should be sufficient to satisfy the 
 claims of the French, should not be declared void. This bill 
 or order was served upon Rufus Putnam, Robert Oliver, and 
 Griffon Green, through De Hebecourt, then postmaster at 
 Gallipolis. No notice was served upon Dr. Cutler, who be- 
 
 * Peter Stephen Duponceau was born in the Isle of Rhe, Fiance, 
 17fiO. He came to America with the Baron Steuben, whom he assisted 
 in preparing a S3'stem of drill and discipline for the Continental army. 
 For his army services he was brevetted Captain. In i7Sl,hewas ap- 
 pointed Secietary to R. R. Livingston, then iiead of foreign affairs. 
 After the war he studied law, and settled in Philadel]ihia, where he 
 died.in 1844. He became eminent in his profession, and also attained 
 high reputation in the world of lettei's. Harvard University conferred 
 the degree of LL.D. upon him in ISJU. — tSee Drake's DicHonari/ American 
 Biograpliij. 
 
522 Life of Rev. ManasseJi Cutler. 
 
 came aAvare of the bill by reading it in a Philadelphia paper. 
 By advice of their friends in Congress, Putnam, Oliver, and 
 Green made no response to this order. It was a question for 
 Courts, not Legislatures. 
 
 Dr. Cutler applied to Senator George Cabot * for informa- 
 tion. 
 
 In a letter to General Putnam, 16th October, 1794, he gives 
 Senator Cabot's statement, as follows : " He says there were 
 no debates in the Senate on the petition of the French. It 
 was introduced, he thinks by the bill which I showed him ; 
 that the bill was committed ; that the report Avas that the Di- 
 rectors should be notified. He also says that Colonel Burr, 
 and some others of the anti-federal clan, came forward very 
 warm in favor of the French, and very bitter against the Ohio 
 Company ; and, among other things, it was asserted that the 
 Ohio Company, by their own doings, had acknowledged them- 
 selves interested in the Scioto business; that the Directors 
 had refused to give the French any share of the Donation 
 lands ; that the French were imposed upon in France by false 
 descriptions, maps, etc. Mr. Cabot very politely offered to 
 interest himself in our behalf. He thought it best that he 
 should be informed of the circumstances of the two purchases 
 in writing, that he might be prepared to meet the opposite 
 party. I accordingly put into his hands a statement, in which 
 I have defeailed the circumstances of the applications of the 
 the Committee to Congress for the whole tract, to the Board 
 (of Treasury) for the two separate contracts, the advantages 
 
 * George Cabot, statesman; born, iSalem, December 'i, 1752; died, 
 Boston, A[iril 18, 1823. After passing two years at Harvard University, 
 he went to sea for a short time, and then engaged in mercantile busi- 
 ness, in which he was very eminent and successful. . . . He was 
 a member of the INIassachusetts State Convention, and of that which 
 ratified the C-'onstitution of the United States. He was United Stales 
 Senator in IT'JI-G; a confidential friend of Washington, and of Ham- 
 ilton, of whom he was an able coadjutor in the iormation of his finan- 
 cial system. He was appointed Secretary of the Navy, 1798, which he 
 declined. In 1814, a delegate to the Convention which met at Hart- 
 ford, and was President of that body. He was a leader of the Federal 
 party. — Drake's Diet. Am. Biog. 
 
Life of Rev. 31anasseh Cutler. 523 
 
 whicli both companies had in view ; inclosed him my printed 
 report at Boston, and the printed doings of the meetings in 
 Boston and Providence, to prove that the Ohio Company had 
 no interest, as such, in the Scioto." 
 
 No action was had against the Ohio Company by reason of 
 this bill. 
 
 In January, 1795, the donation tract of the Ohio Company 
 was thrown open for occupancy, and offered free in lots of 
 100 acres to each settler. Notice was given to the " French 
 settlers at Gallipolis, Avith all others at that place, . . . 
 to come forward by associations, or individually, and receive 
 lands if they please." 
 
 In March, 1795, Congress gave, in response to the petition 
 presented by Duponceau, 24,000 acres of land in what is now 
 Scioto County, Ohio, to the French settlers over 18 years of 
 age who would be in Gallipolis on November 1st of that year. 
 Four thousand acres were given to M. Gervais for his serv- 
 ices ; the remainder was divided among ninety-two persons 
 reported by General Rufus Putnam, appointed by the Secre- 
 tary of the Treasury for that purpose, as entitled to receive 
 lands under the act. This grant was made to the French 
 without prejudice to their rights of action against any person 
 or persons by reason of existing contracts. Settlement was 
 to be made on each lot within five years, to confirm the title 
 to it. 
 
 In December, 1795, the Ohio Company held a meeting in 
 Marietta, to make final division of its lands. A committee 
 appointed by the citizens of Gallipolis attended, and asked 
 that the town site be given to the settlers. This was re- 
 fused, but an application to purchase at a low price was 
 favorably considered, and two fractional sections, containing 
 900 acres, including Gallipolis and the improved lands ad- 
 jacent, were sold to the inhabitants at one dollar and a quarter 
 an acre. 
 
 Each Frenchman, therefore, who remained at Gallipolis 
 through the year 1795, was entitled to 217f acres of land 
 in the "French Grant" (as it is still called), in Scioto 
 County, and 100 acres of land in the Ohio Company do- 
 
524 Life of Rev. Manasseh Cutler. 
 
 nation tract on the waters of the Muskingum. Each had 
 received a log house from the Scioto Associates, and hehl the 
 lot he had improved by paying for it at the price of wild 
 land. Many were indebted to Colonel Duer for eighteen 
 months' subsistence and clothing. 
 
 END OF VCL. I. 
 
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