HISTORIC GLEANINGS IN WINDHAM COUNTY CONNECTICUT 1 ¦( i" ¦.'• .. 'I }¦ '. ' J ¦' ' i latql. '¦¦' ' ,• lt(t>|>. JtMlll. '-,r.'!*'" 1' ' '•.¦/?rvj'Bi-':Hi'':: l.pll'-.l' ... *y„l.. ¦ ¦ . fl» i -I- =¦'..¦.4: ;!.(.. YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Gift of Edith and. Maude Wetmore in memory of their father George Peabody Wetmore B.A. 1867 HISTORIC GLEANINGS IN WINDHAM COUNTY CONNECTICUT BY THE SAME AUTHOR. History of Windham County, Connecticut. with maps and portraits. 2 vols. 8vo. $5.00. HISTORIC GLEANINGS IN WINDHAM COUNTY, CONNECTICUT ELLEN D. LAKNED AUTHOR OP "HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY.' PBOVIDBNCE, R. I. PEESTON AND BOUNDS COMPANY 1899 COPYKIGHT, 1899 BY ELLEN D. LAENBD PP.ESS OF E. L. FREEMAN & SONS PROVIDENCE, R. I. CONTENTS' I Spent Lights II Windham County Women of Early Time III Other Lights IV Eevolutionary Echoes V Windham County and Providence VI A Life's Eecord VII Dodge, The Babbler VIII Our First Woman Artist IX •Tapheth in Search of His Forefathers Index HISTORIC GLEANINGS IN WINDHAM COUNTY, I. SPENT LIGHTS.* There is nothing more surprising to the student of history than the apparent capriciousness of the chance by which human beings are remembered or forgot ten. " Survival of the fittest " has been promulgated as the great law of the universe. Of the innumera ble multitude gone in countless ages "to the pale realms of shade," only a few bright and shining lights have escaped oblivion. Only those of great ability or achievement, or associated by character or circum stance with great and vital events, have won remem brance. But when we apply this principle to recent periods, and especially to our own field of observa- 'tion, we are stumbled. We take, for instance, one of our Connecticut towns, study its civil and church records, exhume its lists of public functionaries in evfery department, extract from living sources every available item, and flatter ourselves that we have * Read before Conneotiout Historical Society. 2 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. gained exhaustive knowledge of every past resident connected with its development, and then stumble by chance upon some note-worthy personage who had somehow slipped out of present remembrance. " Why have you robbed me of a grandfather ? " que ries an aggrieved descendant. After all our care we are called to account for other vital omissions. Is. this " survival of the fittest " an universal law, as ap plied to those who have won or failed to win the boon of permanent remembrance ? Is it not quite possi ble that names are left out and forgotten as worthy of remembrance as many that still survive in text book and history ? In a modern and carefully pre pared " Cycloptedia of American Biography " we find many names once honored are missing. Froude has given us interesting pictures of " Forgotten Worth ies " in the mother country. May we not with equal profit recall to memory some Connecticut worthies once prominent but overlooked and in part forgotten. James Fitch, Junior, of Norwich and Canterbury, may be called in a certain sense the Father of Wind ham County, owning for a time the greater part of the territory, selling the land and assisting in the organi zation of several townships. The oldest son of the first, most honored minister of Norwich, son-in-law of the worshipful Major John Mason, with much na tive shrewdness and force of character, no young man in the colonies had a better start or more hope- SPENT LIGHTS. 3 ful prospects. Very early in life he engaged in public affairs, especially in relation to that very vital matter in a new country — land surveys and transfers. In military and political lines he was equally prominent, attaining in a few years the rank of major and office of county treasurer. Soon it appeared that he had even exceeded his honored father and father-in-law in influence over the Mohegan Indians, and had gained control of a large part of their territory. The drunken and flexible Owaneco — ^son of Uncas — in 1680 made over to his loving friend, James Fitch, Jun., " the right and title to all his lands to dispose of as he shall see cause," while the General Court of Connecticut constituted him the legal guardian of this Mohegan chieftain. The whole Wabbaquasset country, a tract extending forty-five miles west of the Quinebaug river and north as far as Massachusetts would allow, was thus placed within his disposal and practical ownership. But just as Major Fitch was preparing to lay out this princely domain, negotia ting for the sale of the future Pomfret and Brooklyn, he was compelled by the process of events, and the administration of Sir Edmund Andros, to observe a season of " innocuous desuetude." Fitch was far too shrewd a man to waste time and money in attempt ing to secure confirmation of his land from that des potic ruler, in whose eyes an Indian deed was " worth no more than the scratch of a bear's paw," but quietly i HISTORIC GLEANINGS. bided his time till that welcome Revolution which overthrew the power of James II and his detested governor-general. He immediately bestirred him self in the re-instatement of colonial government, "travelling" it was said, "from Dan to Beersheba, to incite the freemen, and summon a General Court." " By whom was the Charter of the Government re stored," sneeringly asks an enemy of Connecticut, " but by James Fitch, Nathaniel Stanley, and such like jpr'ivate men f " A private man instrumental in such a public service is surely worthy of grateful re membrance. After the first general election Fitch appears as member of the council, and thenceforth figures as the most prominent and picturesque personage in east ern Connecticut — a magistrate and military leader, as well as proprietor of a vast tract of country. Sell ing out townships as if they, were farms, surveying disputed lands and bounds, holding courts of inquiry, deciding vexed questions, he makes what seems like royal progresses through his domains, with his ac companying retinue of Indians, soldiers, and land-job bers. The jealous eye of a contemporary, who could not " see cause to acknowledge Capt. James Fitch to be Lord Proprietor of this Colony," enables us to see what power and authority he was exercising at this early stage of his career. A " Eemonstrance," laid before the General Court by many of his majesty's SPENT LIGHTS. 5 loyal and dutiful subjects, sets forth — " That Captain Fitch has laid claim to our established inheritance by pretences of grants from Owaneco . . . has procured the Wabbaquasset, Mohegan, Quinebaug and a great part of the Pequod country from Owan eco and hath already sold out vast tracts of our land to some now in England, Rhode Island, and some to privateers as we have been informed. . . . Let any man give an example of any of the King's sub jects in Europe or America since the times of William the Conqueror till to-day that ever engrost so much land as Captain Fitch hath done in this Colony which was before given and confirmed to other men under the great seal of England, and we cannot but declare and protest against these sales as illegal. We can not but declare against Captain Fitch his being such a great land-pirate and selling so much of our land to strangers and hope the General Court and our people will consider how pernicious a man Mr. Fitch is to the rising generation, and what a scandal it is to this government and how gravaminous to many of the Queen's subjects that a person who makes it his business to sell the freemen's lands shall any longer continue in ofiice in this Colony." But however strong opposition and remonstrance, it had no effect upon the position of our monopolist during the wars known as King William's and Queen Anne's. His influence over the Indians made him a 6 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. tower of strength throughout those stormy years — Massachusetts was forced to call upon him to defend her frontier, where the Wabbaquassets would not be ordered but by virtue of authority from Connecticut. His new plantation at Peags-com-suck — now Canter bury — was made the rendezvous of many a military expedition — the scene of many a martial and legal c onflict. As Indian wars ceased Major Fitch was called to battle for his land titles. His first fight was with the heirs of Gov. John AVinthrop, who claimed the Quinebaug country — now included in Plainfield and Canterbury — by an earlier Indian grant than that of Owaneco to Major Fitch. The General Court, loath to excite the ire of such spirited and powerful combat ants, delayed decision. Both claimants proceeded to sell out farms and encourage settlement. A guerrilla warfare ensued between the Winthrop and Fitch settlers. Bounds and fences were removed ; crops raised by one faction seized and carried off by the other ; future respected citizens clinched and threw hatchets. Gay youngsters from Norwich, known in later years as sober magistrates and councilors, make raids upon the Indian corn-fields; scout the Major's writs, and run away from the arresting constables. Our friend, the Major, figures conspicuously in all this wrangling; now sitting in judgment, and then arraigned as offender. Great meetings of Courts and SPENT LIGHTS. 7 Commissioners were held at Peags-com-suck — meet ings that brought in picturesque conjunction re presentatives of old and new Connecticut, high of ficial dignitaries, governors, ministers, magistrates, lawyers ; Owaneco in royal state, with surviving Pequots, Nipmucks, and Narragansetts. After much sifting of conflicting testimony, the right of owner ship was confirmed to Major Fitch, with reservations allowed to the Winthrops and other claimants. During the administration of Gov. Fitz John Win throp Major Fitch served at the head of the Council, and was entrusted with the revision of the colonial laws and other important public services. He was a friend of education — the first layman in Connecticut to offer material aid to her infant college ; a friend of religion, helping to build meeting-houses and sustain ministers in his several townships, even when laboring under church censure and suspension for excess in conviviality. Above all else he was a friend of the people ; an advocate of popular rights, con tending as strenuously for the privileges of the Lower House in the General Assembly as previously against the domination of Andros. Unwilling, how ever, "that any private prejudice should hinder public good," he did not hesitate to use his great political and personal influence to keep Saltonstall in power, though afterwards tauntingly reminding him^"That had I let you out of my hands know 8 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. assuredly yourself and Mr. Christopher had been next year at liberty." The closing years of Major Fitch were embittered by dissensions and pecuniary embarrassment. His large landed possessions involved him in serious complications. The great "Mohegan Land-case" entailed endless expense and trouble. The Govern ment of Connecticut challenged his claim to certain townships, and, when he proceeded to make sales of land and lay out allotments. Gov. Saltonstall issued a public proclamation forbidding plantation work therein. Suffering from gout and harassed by busi ness perplexities, our Major was thrown into such a tempest of rage as to lose all sense of propriety and respect for Government, and, as if he were indeed " Lord Proprietor of the Colony," he immediately put forth a counter proclamation from " The Honored James Fitch, proprietor of a certain tract of land, east of Enfield," asserting his right to the land and his sovereign contempt for " a kind of proclamation lately come forth," and the authority that issued it. This audacious proceeding called out an immediate summons to appear before the Governor and Council to answer " for its false and seditious expressions ; " but the culprit, lame with the gout, and unable to ride, refused to obey in terms scarcely less insolent than the original document. The matter rested un til the succeeding session of the General Court, May, SPENT LIGHTS. (» 1717, when it was ordered that a warrant be sent " to arrest the said Fitch and have him before the As sembly." But before its execution the impulsive Major, probably relieved from gout, and returning to his better judgment, sent a most humble con fession of his fault, "being heartily sorry and con demning himself therefor," and asking forgiveness of His Honor and the Honorable Assembly. Indeed, Major Fitch seems to have been thoroughly frightened, not knowing but that banishment or imprisonment awaited him. The Upper House upon consideration proposed to let him off by a ^20 fine — "a slight punishment for so high a misdemeanor," but the Lower House, faithful to its champion, insisted " that the full and ingenuous acknowledgement was suf ficient," and obtained an unconditional discharge. With this exciting episode the Major disappears from public life, and after a few years was laid to rest in Canterbury churchyard. A blackened stone, overgrown with briars and sumacs, tells of " his use fulness in his military and in his magistracy to which he was chosen and served successively to ye great acceptation and advantage of his country, being a gentleman of good parts and very forward to pro mote ye civil and religious interests of it. Died Nov. 10, 1727, aged 80 years." Aaid yet this gentleman, so active, so useful, so prominently connected with public affairs, so master- 10 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. ful and picturesque in character and circumstances, has passed almost out of memory, his name omitted from our standard Biographical Cyclopaedia, his ser vices in great measure forgotten even in the section which he once owned and dominated. As Major Fitch passed off the stage a young neigh bor of his came into view, destined to even wider prominence in public matters of a very different na ture. The questions that vexed the soul of our bel ligerent major were to a good degree settled, or out grown. Indian wars had practically ceased, Indian land titles had been made over to Government, the Indians themselves were fast passing away. Many questions of public polity had been settled. Some supposed to be settled were to rise again with inten sified strife and bitterness. When Major Fitch as chairman of the Council in 1708 expressed his " great approbation " of the result reached by the reverend ministers of the colony in council at Saybrook, and assented to that " happy agreement " by which all the churches of Connecticut were to be " united in doc trine, worship and discipline," and all troublesome re ligious questionings silenced forever, he little dreamed that that young neighbor of his would strike such tell ing blows against that " happy agreement " and church establishment. Elisha Paine, Junior, like James Fitch, was early called into prominence. Sprung from a leading fain- SPENT LIGHTS. 11 ily, with superior advantages of education, he entered upon the practice of law in his native town and was universally recognized as " having the best sense of anyone in those parts." But while in the prime of life, with every prospect of high eminence in his pro fession and in public affairs, he was caught in the vortex of " the Great Revival," and thenceforth the current of his life was changed. This remarkable religious movement swept with great power through Windham County. The settlers of these new towns had shared in the preceding spir itual apathy. With the many labors crowding upon them in public and private affairs, they had gone for ward "in settling the worship of God;" had built their meeting-houses, provided home and support for their minister, assisted in church organization. Their meeting-houses were filled with hearers ; their chil dren duly presented in baptism. But the living faith, the constant sense of divine presence and guidance that had so characterized their Puritan ancestors, was largely in abeyance. Under what was known as " The Halfway Covenant," men without religious ex perience were in a certain sense connected with the churches and lowered the standard of piety. But a reflex tide was setting in. Spiritual men like Jona than Edwards were considering the situation. Re vival movements were reported from the Connecticut Valley, and then tidings of the wonderful effects of 12 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. Whitfield's progress and preaching roused universal expectation and questioning. This general sentiment is best seen in the narrative lately brought to light of Nathan Cole, a plain farmer of Kensington Parish in the vicinity of Middletown. He writes : " Now it pleased God to send Mr. Whitfield into this land & my hearing of his preaching at Philadel phia like one of the old aposels & many thousands flocking after him to hear ye Gospel and great num bers were converted to Christ, I felt the spirit of God drawing me by conviction. I longed to see & hear him & wished he would come this way & I soon heard he was come to New York and the Jarsies & great multitudes flocking after him under great concern for their souls and many converted which brought on my concern more & more, hoping soon to see him but next I heard he was on Long Island & next at Bos ton & next at Northampton, and then one morning all on a sudden about 8 or 9 o'clock, there came a messenger & said Mr. Whitfield preached at Hartford & Wethersfield yesterday & is to preach at Middle- town this morning at 10 o'clock. I was in my field at work. I dropt my tool that I had in my hand & run home & run through my house & had my wife get ready quick to go & hear Mr. Whitfield preach at Middletown & ran to my pasture for my horse with all my might fearing I should be too late to hear him. I brought my horse home & soon SPENT LIGHTS. 13 mounted & took my wife up & went forward as fast as I thought ye horse could bear & when my horse began to be out of breath I would get down & put my wife on the saddle & bid her ride as fast as she could & not stop or slak for me except I bad her & so I would run until I was al most out of breath & then mount my horse again & so I did several times to favor my horse. We im proved every moment to get along as if we were flee ing for our lives, all this while fearing we should be too late to hear ye sermon for we had twelve miles to ride dubble in littel more than an hour & we went round by the upper housen parish & when we came within half a mile of ye road that comes down from Hartford, Wethersfield & Stepney to Middletown on high land I saw before me a cloud or fog rising, I first thought off from ye Great River but as I came nearer the road I heard a noise something like a low rumbling thunder & I presently found it was the rumbling of horses feet coming down the road, and this cloud was a cloud of dust made by ye running of horses feet, it arose some rods into the air over the tops of the hills and trees & when I came within about twenty rods of the road I could see men & horses slipping along in the cloud like shadows and when I came nearer it was like a stidy stream of horses, & their riders, scarcely a horse more than his length behind another, all of a lather and foam with 1-1 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. sweat, their breath rolling out of their nostrils, in a cloud of dust every jump, every horse seemed to go with all his might to carry his rider to hear the news from Heaven to ye saving of their souls. It made me tremble to see the sight how ye world was in a struggle. I found a vacance between two horses to slip in my horse & my wife said, ' Law, our clothes will be all spoiled, see how they look ' — for they was so covered with dust they looked almost all of a color, coats & hats & shirts & horses. We went down in the stream. I heard no man speak a word all the way, three miles, but every one pressing forward in great haste & when we got down to the old meeting house there was a great multitude, it was said to be 3 or 4000 of people assembled together. We got off from our horses & shook off ye dust & the ministers was then coming to ye meeting-house. I turned & looked toward the Great River & saw the ferry boats running swift forward and backward bringing over loads of people, ye ores rowed nimble & quick; everything, men, horses and boats seemed to be struggling for life : ye land & ye banks over ye river lookt black with people and horses. All along the twelve miles I see no man at work in his field but all seemed to be gone. When I see Mr. Whitfield come up upon the Scaffil he looked almost angelical, a young slim slender youth before some thousands of people & with a bold undaunted countenance. And my hearing how God was with him everywhere as he SPENT LIGHTS. . 15 came along it solumnized my mind & put me in a trembling fear before he began to preach for he looked as if he was clothed with authority from the great God & a sweet sollome Solemnity sat upon his brow, and my hearing him preach gave me a heart wound by God's blessing, my old foundation was broken up and I saw that my righteousness would not serve me." * Such was the beginning of the "Great Awaken ing." The chronicles of those days read like a sup plementary chapter of tbe Book of Acts. Men with flaming hearts and tongues went everywhere preach ing the word, and what seemed like the veritable out pouring of the Holy Ghost fell upon their hearers. The revival impulse was felt in all the churches. "This religious concern did in many parishes run swiftly through most of the families, and there was scarce a sermon preached but was blessed to promote the work." Among the first in Windham county to be brought into the spirit of the revival was our Canterbury lawyer, Elisha Paine. Of a speculative turn of mind and remarkably candid and catholic spirit, Elisha Paine had always manifested great interest in re ligious questions and doctrines, "inquiring into all the different worships of New England with their principles and behaviour," and had sometimes feared * This Tisit occurred Oct. 23, 1740. Some changes in spelling have been made in copying from the original manuscript. 16 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. "that the true religion was not in the land." But the living words of the great preacher wrought powerfully upon his own heart, and he was led to feel that however he might judge the religion of others his own " was of no value." Yielding himself to this new influence he received a new spiritual baptism, and religion became to him the one thing of importance in the land. His brother Solomon, his sister, Mrs. Josiah Cleveland, and her family, and other leading families in Canterbury, were also par takers in the revival influence. This town of Canterbury was at this time peculiarly situated. It had been for sometime without a settled pastor, and the brethren of the church had exercised an unusual degree of liberty in administering its affairs. Owing in some degree to the influence of Major Fitch and his carelessness in admitting in habitants — some even from Rhode Island as we re member- — it had a strong radical element. The "Platform" adopted at Saybrook for the "Permanent establishment" of church discipline in Connecticut, had given certain powers to ministers and ministerial associations that had been formerly exercised by in dependent churches. The Canterbury church ob jected to this Platform, but did not formally manifest dissent until after the revived interest in all matters pertaining to religious worship. A committee was then appointed — to search into the former constitu- SPENT LIGHTS. 17 tion of the church and make return. Meantime they went forward in their efforts to secure a minister, and carried on revival meetings in somewhat inde pendent fashion. The journal of John Cleveland, a Yale student, while passing his vacation at home, gives pleasant glimpses of the situation. His father's house is " a little Bethel ;" his parents, brothers and sisters filled with great joy. They go from house to house in all parts of the town, holding "very live meetings." "April 7. A meeting in the evening, many filled. 9. A meeting at grandmother Paine's. Christians useful. 12. This night went down into town. Mills preached. Had some of us a very live meeting. 13. Talked with Uncle Solomon about religion. He related his experience. This afternoon Mills preached. His words seemed to have a very great effect upon the audience. There was a great stir -indeed. 21. A meeting at Uncle Elisha Paine's. My father relates his experience. Walk with Mr. Bradford among the hills to pray. 26. Spent the forenoon in the mill -house in prayer and reading the Scriptures. In the afternoon Mills gave a funeral discourse on Samuel Adams. The children of God were very live at the funeral. A spirit of exhortation was poured down upon them. Two persons were struck unto conviction. 27. Exceeding full of the spirit. People had a brave meeting. May 2. Mr. Avery preached. Widow Spalding came out full of 2* 18 historic gleanings. joy. 4. Mr. Mosely of Canada Parish preached. Considerable stir. Some distressed and some rejoic ing. This day old Chaffery was struck into con victions while Solomon Paine was exhorting him." Great religious interest and activity are indicated in this report, with a tendency to extravagance and enthusiasm but no appearance of discord. It gives a picture of Christian neighborhoods warmly engaged in religious work, with friendly interchange of labor. But in this same joyful month of May, 1742, legisla tion was in progress that wholly changed the aspect. The great religious movement had its inevitable ac companiment of excesses and disorders. As in the infant churches founded by the apostles there were "swellings, tumults" and irregularities; as in the days of the Protestant Reformation there were out- breakings of ungovernable fanaticism, so the " Great Revival " in America had its share of scandalous dis orders. Our mortal senses are too weak to bear the open vision of things unseen. These vivid presentations of the supernatural have a tendency to unsettle and unbalance our earthly minds. The sections visited with greatest power by the Revival were newly settled and imperfectly civilized. Schools were few and poor ; religious services formal and lifeless. Was it strange that people growing up amid such circum stances, with little to occupy their minds, when sud- SPENT lights. 19 denly brought into contact with such eloquence of exhortation and spiritual influence, should be earned out of themselves ? The spirit that seized many com munities seemed more like intoxication than inspira tion. Groans, shrieks, and other manifestations abounded in their meetings; visions, trances, and convulsions were common. The stated ministers of the churches, who had at first welcomed the revival, were alarmed by these outbreaks. The Legislature of Connecticut, which had taken such pains to secure the orderly administration of church worship and discipline, was even more scandalized by these breaches of order and decorum. A convention of ministers and messengers was summoned to meet at Guilford, with the hope that it might "issue in the accommodation of divisions, settling peace, love and charity and promoting the true interests of religion ; for which there seems to be so general a concern among the people of this land." The good ministers, each with their tale of excesses and disorders, smart ing under the severe criticisms of Whitfield and his followers, could see but one remedy for these evils. These abnormal experiences, faintings, convulsions, visions, uproarious shrieking and groaning, were usually manifested through the agency of the itiner ant preacher ; those ignorant unlicensed exhorters who had sprung up in the wake of Mr. Whitfield. The Legislature of Connecticut in its great wisdom 20 historic gleanings. had devised a perfect system of religious adminis tration. Each town was organized as one or more religious society or societies. Every inhabitant of the town was an organic member of this society, meeting-houses and orthodox, learned ministers had been provided, and all that was needful for peace, quiet, and the true interest of religion was for every man with his family to attend worship in the town meeting-house and pay his share of the rate. Sup pression of itinerants was the one remedy recom mended. Untaught by all the lessons of church history, the new wine in its first spirited fermenta tion was to be forced into very old and tight bottles. Therefore, in May, 1742, the Assembly proceeded to enact — that whereas divers ministers, some or dained and licensed, and also some who had no eccle siastical authority or standing, had taken upon them to go into parishes under the care of other ministers and exhort the people in matters of religion, which practise had a tendency to make divisions and con tentions, and to destroy the ecclesiastic constitution established by the laws of this government — there fore, if any ordained minister should preach in any other parish than his own without the invitation of the stated minister or authorities he should be de prived of provision made for his support ; if any per son not an ordained minister should presume to preach or exhort without similar authority, for every spent lights. 21 such offence he was to be arrested and bound over for trial in the penal sum of £100 ; and if any for eigner, licensed or not, presume to preach in any town of Connecticut without permission from recog nized authority, he should be sent out of colony bounds as a vagrant. This remarkable expedient for promoting peace, love, and Christian unity was at once put into execu tion. The inevitable results followed. The revival element was at once arraigned against the Govern ment. Social religious meetings like those described in Canterbury had now become lawless and disor derly conventicles, liable to be internipted by the warrant of the constable. The attempted suppres sion of free speech in a time of high religious ex citement greatly increased the existing evil. In Can terbury, where so much freedom had been exercised, these restrictions were peculiarly irksome. Up to this date there was no appearance of the slightest doctrinal dereliction or difference. All that the Re vivalists required, apparently, was the privilege of hearing any ministers they fancied and pouring out their own souls in familiar religious conference, and in these very points they were debarred or greatly restricted. In a very few months of this new dispen sation conditions had greatly changed. The " gen tleman of veracity," even then fulfilling his mission, thus writes to the Boston Gazette : 22 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. " Dee. 16, 1742. Canterbury is in worse confusion than ever. Their minister has left them, and they grow more noisy and boisterous so that they can get no minister to preach to them yet. Colonel Dyer exerted his authority among them on the Lord's Day, endeavoring to still them when many were exhort ing and making a great hubbub, and ordered the constable to do his oflSce, but they replied, ' Get thee behind me, Satan !' and the noise and tumult increased to such a degree, for above an hour, that the exhorter could not begin his exercise. Lawyer Paine has set up for a preacher . . . and makes it his business to go from hoiise to house and town to town to gain proselytes to this new religion. Consequences *are much feared." Elisha Paine had indeed felt constrained to carry to others the word that had wrought so powerfully in his own soul, and during the summer had appUed to the Windham County Association of ministers for license to preach. The ministers who examined him were of opinion " that he was qualified, and that it was his duty to preach the Gospel." But as condi tion for receiving license he must subscribe to the Saybrook Platform as the Ecclesiastic Constitution of Connecticut. Regularly ordained ministers were also debarred from preaching, except on conditions prescribed by this same Constitution and its amend ments. Men's minds move quickly in such times of excitement. Elisha Paine had never been in sym pathy with Saybrook Platform, believing it to exer cise power not warranted by Scripture. It needed little reflection to satisfy him that his specific call to SPENT LIGHTS. 23 preach from the Great Head of the church conferred a more valid license than anything that could be granted by an unscriptural organization, and so he began preaching from house to house, and on from town to town. Passing into Woodstock, then held by Massachusetts, he held an afternoon religious ser vice in the house of John Morse, and as he was peace fully singing the twenty-third Psalm he was arrested by a constable and carried before a justice. His conscience forbidding him to give bonds, he was taken to Worcester and closely confined " in the dirtiest prison that ever was seen." The imprison ment of a man of such high character and standing upon so trifling a charge, simply holding an afternoon religious meeting in a private house with a few neigh bors, excited much talk and indignation, especially when it was found that such confinement was not warranted by the laws of Massachusetts. Many vis ited him in prison, and many petitions were sent for his release, and after holding him three months the authorities were fain to bid him depart, somewhat after the fashion of Paul's release from Philippi. Continuing his tour he was everywhere received with enthusiasm, his bonds falling out rather for the fur therance of the Revival movement. In Canterbury, meantime, there was "confusion worse confounded," save that parties were becoming more clearly defined and antagonistic. The commit- 24 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. tee appointed to search into the constitution of the church made return, Jan. 27, 1743 : "That ye platform of church discipline, agreed upon by ye Synod, at Cambridge, 1648, consisting of learned persons from the four Colonies, is most agreeable to the former and designed practice of this church (except their having ruling elders or dis tinct officers), and most agreeable to the Scriptures." This report was accepted by a unanimous vote of the church. No one pretended at this meeting that the Saybrook Platform had ever been accepted by the church, or was designed to govern it in future. Even Colonel Dyer — the leading opposer to the Re vival party — admitted that Cambridge Platform was most agreeable to its "former and designed prac tice." The point of difference between the parties was the power allowed by that Platform. Several persons had brought letters of recommendation to the Canterbury church, and were anxious to be ad mitted to its membership. The Revival party claimed that in accordance with the ancient usage of Massa chusetts churches they could receive such persons into the church by vote of a majority of the mem bers, in the absence of a pastor. It was therefore put to vote : — " That it is regular for this church to admit persons into this church that are in full communion with other churches and come regularly to this." SPENT LIGHTS. 25 Colonel Dyer and Edward Raynsford protested earnestly against this vote as illegal and revolution ary, but it was carried by a clear majority. The right thus claimed was speedily exercised. Ten brethren producing certificates from the pas tors of divers churches that they were in full com munion and regular standing with the same, the Canterbury church, in absence of a pastor, voted to receive them into its membership. Next the church proceeded to assert its right to take the initiative in the choice of a pastor. The controversy was becom ing very lively. Ministers selected by either party were rejected with scorn and reprobation by the other. A majority of the church were pronoun ced Revivalists, but a majority of the society ¦favored the opposition under the leadership of Col. Dyer, a prominent citizen who had control of the meeting-house and turned its key against Re vival preachers. Orthodox ministers, on the other hand, were subjected to the most. soul-searching in quisition as to their belief and experience. Both sides indulged in the vituperation common at that period. Col. Dyer called his opponents " sorry fel lows," and ordered them "to hold their tongues." Meetings called for solemn prayer and fasting were made seasons of strife and debate. A formal com plaint was laid against the proceedings of the church that they were taking this independent stand " to 26 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. make themselves strong, and were still fond of their own wills." After much discussion as to the precise nature of the fault committed by these complainants, it was voted, " that they were guilty of evil surmis- ings, irregular and unchristian treatment and disor derly behavior towards the church " — and, as they re fused to explain or retract, a letter of admonition was prepared and publicly administered. The difiiculty became so serious that public attention was called to it. Through the advice and manipulations of several worthy ministers on both sides of the controversy an armistice was at length effected, the belligerents ac cepting reproofs and mediation from a composite council, and consenting to hear on probation, as a candidate for the vacant pastorate, Mr. James Cogs well of Lebanon, recommended by the ministers and already approved by the society. And now for a short time the people of Canterbury — Revivalists and Conservatives, exhorters and society officers, met to gether in the well-filled meeting-house and submitted to the ministrations of Mr. James Cogswell. He was a Yale graduate of pleasing manners, amiable temper and moderate opinions, and if tact and diplo macy could have healed the breach was just the man to effect it. But not even an angel from heaven, as Paul says, could satisfy parties in diametric opposi tion. In the violent fermentation accompanying tho Great Revival 7iew light had been evolved which proved a veritable x-ray in spiritual penetration. SPENT LIGHTS. 27 Under this search-light, the half-way covenant al lowed by the churches, and the domination of civil authority in religious concerns, were seen in their true inwardness as unwarranted by Scripture and contrary to the practice of the early New England churches. The arbitrary Act of 1742, restricting min isters to their own parishes, and silencing exhort ers was especially obnoxious. Who placed a carnal sword in the hands of Connecticut legislators ? The whole ecclesiastic system, devised and maintained with such care by the leading ministers and laymen of the colony, was condemned and renounced by ad vanced Revivalists, now know as " New Lights." A thorough purification and sifting of the church, the exclusion of half-way and dead members, and lib erty to call and maintain a minister without the in tervention of civil authorities, was now demanded by Elisha Paine and other progressive leaders in the movement. That a conservative young minister, however polished and logical his discourses, should satisfy such hearers was simply impossible. Our friend Elisha declared — " That he would rather be burnt at the stake than hear such preaching," and a large majority of the church shared in this judg ment. But the minority, worn out with the factious oppo sition of the Revivalists, now asserted itself. It was useless to try to find a man that would suit both par- 28 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. ties. They liked Mr. Cogswell and were bound to have him for pastor. And now the battle began in earnest between a church minority backed by the Government of Connecticut, and a New Light major ity headed by Elisha Paine. The society proceeded to call Mr. Cogswell to preach as a candidate ; the New Lights, conscientiously objecting " to spend the precious day of the Lord under a general and life less preaching," formally withdrew from the stated worship. A majority of the church voted, " To ap point the house of Samuel Wadsworth to be a place to meet in by themselves to serve the Lord in spirit and in truth," — thus openlj'- setting at naught the law of the colony. Officers of the law were quick to enforce the prescribed penalty. Elisha Paine and Benajah Douglas, a zealous brother, were arrested and hurried off to Windham jail on charge " of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ," in a place not recognized by the Constitution of Connecticut — and without required license. The whole county was stirred by these proceedings. Crowds of people flocked to the jail, so eager to see and hear the pris oners that Paine was allowed to preach in the jail yard by giving security. Indignant Conservatives protested against this liberty, insisting that the sheriff should be made to drive the people out and keep the doors locked. Meanwhile the Ministerial Associa tions and high officials of the colony were encour- SPENT LIGHTS. 29 aging and abetting the Canterbury minority in their efforts to put down the New Lights and settle an orthodox minister. In September, 1744, the society proceeded to give a formal " call " to Mr. Cogswell. The church imme diately held a meeting, in which a large majority protested against this call as an usurpation of power delegated to the church alone. They also made a formal proposition that, if those in church and so ciety who chose to settle Mr. Cogswell as their pastor and follow Saybrook Platform would allow the ma jority their share of the meeting-house they had helped build, and free them from the charge of sup porting Mr. Cogswell, they would oblige themselves to keep up regular public worship, and refrain from all further opposition to his settlement — but this proposition, which seems to modern eyes so just and reasonable, and all other protests and remonstrances were scornfully rejected. To grant such privileges to schismatic New Lights, open opposers of the church establishment of Connecticut, was entirely out of the question. The eyes of the whole colony were upon Canterbury. No other church had taken so bold a stand. Yale college was now dealing with our young collegiate, John Cleaveland, and his brother, Eben- ezer, who, during the summer vacation, had attended the meetings at Mr. Wadsworth's house with their parents, thereby transgressing the college law which 3* 30 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. forbade attendance upon irregular or separate meet ings. The young men explained that they did not know that this law was in force when they were out of college in vacation, and had not supposed that these meetings, held by a major vote of the church to which they belonged, were to be considered un lawful or sep'arate. "A few more than half makes no difference," re plied Rector Clap, as the meetings were held in a private house, and conducted by unlicensed exhortors. John Cleaveland then petitioned : "To the ReV. and Hon'^. Rector and Tutors of Tale College in New Haven. ReV^. & Hon'^. " It hath been a very great concern and trouble to me, that my conduct in the late vacancy [vacation] has been such as not to maintain interest in your favor, and still retain the great privi leges that I have enjoyed for three years past under your learned, wise, and faithful instruction and government. Nothing of an outward nature can equally affect me with that of being hence forward wholly secluded from the same. ' ' Hon''. Fathers, suffer me to lie at your feet, and intreat your compassionate forgiveness to an offending child wherein I have transgressed. Venerable Sirs : I entreat you, for your paternal wisdom and clemency, to make in my case such kind allowance for the want of that penetration and solid judgment expected in riper heads — as tender parents are naturally disposed in respect of their weak children. But more especially I beg to be admitted in the humblest manner to suggest as a motive of your compassion to the ignorant, — that I did not know it was a transgression of SPENT LIGHTS. 31 either the Laws of God, this Colony, or the College, for me, as a member, and in covenant with a particular church, as is generally owned to be a church of Jesus Christ, to meet together with a major part of said church for social worship. And therefore do beg and intreat that my ignorance may be suffered to apologize. For in respect to that fact, which to riper heads may appear to be a real transgression, I can assure you, Ven'''» Sirs, that I have endeavored to keep and observe all the known laws and customs of College unblamably. And I hope I shall for the future be enabled so to do, if I may be restored to a standing again in my class. Thus begging your compassion, I subscribe, your humble servant and obedient pupil, New Haven, Nov. 26, 1744. John Cleavelahd." But no plea of ignorance or appeal for mercy could condone such an offence. Nothing would satisfy the obdurate rector and faculty but a public confession 'in the hall, by the offenders, " That they had violated the laws of God, the Colony and the College." This confession the young students could not in conscience make, and after suitable space for reflection and re pentance they were publicly expelled and commanded to depart the hall and college limits, never more to return. Likewise their fellow students were forbid- den to hold farther communication with them " lest they be infected thereby " — and all this because like good boys they had gone to church with their parents in vacation. Their New Light friends of Canterbury, were at the same date receiving sentence. The Windham 32 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. County Consociation was convened December, 1744, for the ordination of Mr. Cogswell. At a previous meeting, attended by the whole church, a large ma jority refused to concur in this ordination, and denied the authority of Saybrook Platform to coerce them. Brethren who looked upon themselves as under Say brook Regulations, sixteen in number, "did then move to the east side of the meeting-house, chose a mod erator, and then, by a unanimous vote, concurred with the society in calling Mr. James Cogswell to become their pastor." Whether his ordination would be al lowed under this minority call was a question that excited much interest. An elect body of ministers and delegates was to sit in judgment and decide. A large assembly listened to their deliberations — all the inhabitants of Canterbury and neighboring towns, with many from distant sections — grave ministers and magistrates, friends of law and order, and all the more prominent New Lights and their sympathizers. So great a gathering had probably not been wit nessed in Canterbury since the days of the Fitch and Winthrop controversy, but how much more deep and soul-stirring the interest now exhibited with such vi tal principles at stake. The facts of the case were clearly set forth — the question deduced was very simple — Is this body of sixteen Saybrook Platform brethren the church of Canterbury ? In opposition it was shown that the church at first had simply cove- SPENT LIGHTS. 33 nanted to walk with God and one another, and had supposed itself Congregational : that when it settled its second pastor they made him sign with them an ¦explicit statement that they were under Cambridge and not Saybrook Platform, and had still farther re jected Saybrook Platform by the unanimous vote of 1743. After prolonged examination and discussion the council gave judgment — That, according to the law of the colony and usage in the churches, all churches within Connecticut gov ernment were supposed and understood to be under Saybrook Platform Regulation unless, by formal vote, covenant or agreement they manifested dissent as such a body and in such church capacity ; that the church of Canterbury, whatever its private sentiments might have been, did not thus formally and publicly manifest dissent before the vote of 1743, and that those who on that day expressed their preference for Cambridge Platform had thus denominated them selves another church, and separated themselves from those who adhered to Saybrook Regulation, and that, therefore, brethren now abiding in the above Regu lation should thenceforward be recognized in law as the church of Canterbury. This decision, perhaps, marks the maximum of Connecticut's attainment in her coalition of church and State, placing Saybrook Platform as her ecclesi astic constitution upon the same footing virtually as 34 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. the state religions of the Old World. Its announce ment at this juncture, strengthening the hands of the ministry and government, was received with much satisfaction by the friends of law and order. The minority in Canterbury was greatly elated by its vic tory, and straightway installed the minister of their choice with due ceremony and felicitations. But the rejoicing was not wholly confined to the victors. The defeated New Lights rejoiced in that they were deemed worthy to suffer in behalf of their principles. And, farther, they rejoiced in the divid ing line so clearly manifested; in the separation thus avowed and promulgated between the New Lights and their opposers— as " two different, distinct bod ies, acting in two different kingdoms " — the one had chosen " their glorious, exalted Redeemer to be their only Head : " the other had chosen for its head an unscriptural, human institution — the Constitution of the colony. Many years later, Ebenezer Frothing- ham of Middletown recalled to the memory of Can terbury Separates the raptures of " that blessed, sweet and glorious day, when the first visible flock of Christ in the Colony took up Christ's sweet cross to follow the Lamb," with such gracious manifestations of " Divine power and presence, and truth flowing in a living stream from heart to heart." Not only did the Separate movement throughout the colony re ceive a marvelous impulse by this decision, but it SPENT LIGHTS. 35 served as the spoken word by which a certain defi- niteness of statement and aim was evolved from the previous chaos, and various conflicting elements brought to unite in determined hostility to the church establishment that claimed such supreme power. The Canterbury Separate Church, as it was now called, though unstated in the eye of the law, robbed of its birthright, deprived of legal existence and privileges, could still rejoice in the heroic stand it had taken and the liberty it had achieved — liberty at least to choose a minister " after God's heart " and their own fancy, and order its Avorship after the Gospel pattern. As the first church in Connecticut, and probably in New England, of avowed New Light or Separate principles, it held a most conspicuous and influential position. With eagerness it embraced the earliest opportunity to re-afiirm the original church covenant, and also to guard against things that might lead to " darkness and corruption " by making some points " more plain and particular," especially with regard to admitting into the church none but true believers assured of their own conversion, and the use of civil power in securing support of the minister. This amended covenant was signed at first by some sixty church members, and by many others in the course of a few months, representing some of the most substantial families of the town. Renewing its attempt to call and settle a minister, 36 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. it first addressed its " dear and honored father," Elisha Paine, but the leadings of Providence clearly calling him to a wider field, it finally made choice of his brother Solomon, who, after serious spiritual conflict, accepted the call, and was formally ordained pastor of the " First or regular Congregational church of Can terbury." This matter of ordination was accom plished with much difficulty — the established minis try of the colony disdainfully reprobating such irregular proceedings — but relief was procured by means of a Separate exhorter, Thomas Denison„ who had been regularly ordained by Rev. Ebenezer Moulton, of Brimfield, a Baptist minister, who could trace back in ministerial succession to three of the most noted Puritan ministers of Boston. With hi& assistance an attempt was made in Mansfield to ordain their good brother and deacon, Thomas Marsh, as- teaching elder of the Separate church. But when a great concourse of people gathered on the appointed day to witness the services, they found that the good deacon had been arrested the day previous on charge of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ without law ful license or authority, and was " closely locked up " in Windham jail. That the services carried on that day in Mansfield by Elisha Paine and other Separate leaders were highly inflammatory in character is not surprising. Nor was the excitement lessened by the appearance upon the scene of that most formidable SPENT LIGHTS. 37 body — the Windham County Association — ¦' fourteen learned ministers," armed with all the powers and terrors of ecclesiastic authority, hoping by this united appearing and testimony to scatter the evil forces of Separatism — attempting, says Backus, "to scatter that flock after their shepherd was smitten." But the storm evoked had passed far beyond human manipu lation. The ministers met a most tumultuous recep tion. Their attempted arguments and remonstrances were drowned " in unchristian and approbrious revil- ings," and they were forced to retreat, after reading a formal protest in the name of the appointed eccle siastic authority of the county. A month later the Mansfield Separates succeeded in carrying through the ordination of another brother, John Hovey, while good Deacon Marsh was kept locked up in jail for six months. But despite, and partly because of, these very ob stacles and persecutions. Separatism was making great advances. Not only in Connecticut but all over New England, Christians were coming out from the established churches. "Come out from among them and be ye separate," was the cry that rang through the land. " Come out from these dead and corrupted churches ; from the abominable tyranny of those unchristian and ungodly Civil Constitutions, and rejoice in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free." Every town, nearly every community, was 38 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. stirred by this religious movement ; masses of en thusiastic Separates, breaking av/ay from the yoke of Egyptian bondage in joyful hope of establishing a pure church and hastening forward the glorious day of gospel grace and deliverance. Ignorant, fanatical, unaccustomed to self or church govern ment, burning with zeal and righteous indignation, how great their need of wise and competent leader ship. One man alone, according to the church historian, Rev. Isaac Backus, was equal "to the oc casion. To one man above all others they turned for help and guidance ; Elisha Paine was the Moses to lead the Separates from Egypt to the Promised Land. From every quarter came to him letters and messengers beseeching his presence and aid, and to this work he dedicated his life and energies. Like Wesley, of later times, he went about his mission, traveling from town to town and from one colony to another, everywhere aiding in the formation and building up of Separate churches. His superior ed ucation and sound judgment enabled him in some degree to direct and control the seething elements. " A mixed multitude " accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt. The Separate movement swept through the lowest stratum of society, in a day of compara tive ignorance and imperfect civilization, taking in not only the ignorant, fanatical and visionary, cranks of every variety, but the sore-heads, the grumbleto- SPENT LIGHTS. 39 nians ; all who for any cause were brought into op position to constituted authorities. To bring these scattered and disorderly congregations into anything like coherent and orderly church estate, seemed a task beyond the power of mortals. But Paine and other devoted Separates went bravely forward, trust ing in the righteousness of their cause and the help of their divine Leader. The Mansfield Separate church adopted and published an elaborate covenant, which may be considered the official statement of New Light doctrine and practice. A pure church, perfect assurance of conversion and salvation in every member, liberty to choose and set aside its own offi cers, and, also, to preach, exhort, and support the preacher in its own fashion, were its distinguishing characteristics. As far as possible this covenant was made the standard in other Separate churches. The destruction of Saybrook Platform was made a special object in Connecticut. " A Short View of the Con stitution of the Church of Christ," and the difference between it and the church as established by Civil Au thority, published by Solomon Paine, serving " as a burning torch to enlighten the conscience " in this regard. The views and practices of the several churches depended much upon the character of their leaders and the strength of the separation. In com munities like Canterbury and Plainfield, where it in cluded a majority of the respectable families, they 40 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. differed httle from other Congregational churches except in greater spirituality and liberty of speech. The testimony of Rev. David Rowland, pastor of the standing church of Plainfield, who by reason of his position was obnoxious to the New Lights, has great weight. He writes, at a later date — " Although some things appeared among them at first very un warrantable, yet considering their infant state it must be ac knowledged by all that were acquainted with them, that they were a people, in general, conscientiously engaged in promoting truth, and Mr. Stevens, their minister, a very clear and powerful preacher of the Gospel, as must be acknowledged by all who heard him.'' But while laboring " to guard against things that might lead to darkness and corruption," they ad mitted one fatal error— the assumed possession of the "key of knowledge," by which they not only had perfect assurance of their own conversion and eter nal salvation, but through "the inward actings of their own souls " could test, the spiritual condition of all with whom they came in contact. The adoption of this pernicious principle wrought incalculable mis chief — leading the New Lights to despise human knowledge, to set their own personal impression against all evidence and authority, and above all to deny the possession of true religion to Christians whose experience varied from their standard. It led SPENT LIGHTS. 41 them to denounce with most scathing severity the ministry and membership of the established churches. Nothing brought the Separates into such disrepute with true friends of the Revival as the abuse and maledictions poured out upon the standing churches. But when turned upon themselves the use of this supernatural key was even more disastrous. No one was safe from the " inward acting " of his neighbor's soul. Few of these perfectly assured and regener ated church members escaped church censure and discipline. Their records are filled with accusations, trials, admonitions, and excommunications. With no authority back of themselves to settle their disputes, trusting to their own impulses and literal interpreta tion of detached passages of scripture, these loosely organized bodies quickly fell into scandalous disorder and confusion. Letters coming to Elisha Paine from many New Light organizations show how widespread were these difficulties and disorders. And against these bodies of struggling Separates were ranged all the forces of civil and ecclesiastic au thority. To the Government of Connecticut the New Lights were simply outlaws, excluded by special act of legislation from privileges granted to other dis senting churches. Deluded Baptists and intruding Episcopalians might claim the benefit of The Tolera tion Act, but for the rebellious children of their own favored churches there could be no release or mercy. 42 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. Did the New Light leaders, taunted with their own ignorance, attempt to found an academy at New London for the better instruction of young men as Christian teachers and exhorters (an experimental Northfield)? A law was at once enacted, October, 1742, forbidding the estabHshment of such school or academy for young persons without liberty from the Assembly, upon very severe penalties. Should such unlawful school be established the civil authority of a town was ordered to make inspection, and proceed with such scholars and students, and such as harbor or board them, according to the law of the colony re specting transient persons. In the same Act it pro vided — that no person that has not been graduated in Yale or Harvard colleges, or other Protestant college, shall take the benefit of the laws of the Government respecting the settlement and estate of ministers. And while thus denying New Lights liberty of speech and worship, liberty to found and attend schools of their own order, they took from them as far as pos sible every civil right. Separates were excluded from town offices ; men of substance and character, like Obediah Johnson, of Canterbury, when elected repre sentative to the Assembly by a majority of his fellow citizens, was not allowed to take his seat because of holding the office of deacon in the rebellious church. Ordained Separate ministers were shut up in jail for joining in marriage their own church members. Bap- SPENT LIGHTS. 43 tisms and marriages performed by them were pro nounced illegal. And worse than all in its effects, touching all classes, were the rates extorted for the support of the established churches. In the eyes of the law each Separate was still a member of the parish in which he resided, and obliged to pay for the sup port of its stated religious worship. Refusing to pay, his goods were forcibly taken by the collector, and, however much exceeding the amount due, no overplus was ever returned. If goods were insufficient the men were carried to prison. These were the days of Con necticut's " religious persecution," not bloody, indeed, but most harrassing and persistent. All over the col ony were heard the cries of these afflicted Separates — men dragged to jail by force, wives and children left helpless at home. Instances of special hardship are noted — the poor man's only cow driven away from his door, the meat or grain laid up for winter suste nance carried off by the merciless collector. Wind ham jail was so crowded with victims as to require an additional story. In Norwich, where there was a strong New Light element, the contest was very bitter. The venerable mother of the church historian. Rev. Isaac Backus, was taken from her home and confined thirteen days in jail for refusing to pay her church rate. It took the constable and six assistants to carry a resistant brother to jail. Rev. Alexander Miller, of Voluntown, ancestor of the late Hon. 44 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. William L. Gaston, of Massachusetts, tells his story in the subjoined petition : " Whereas, we are rendered incapable upon the account of sickness and imprisonment, of sending a petition, we take this opportunity of informing your Honors of the difliculties we have met with as to our outward man because we are constrained to observe and follow the dictates of our own conscience, agree able to the Word of God, in matters of religion, looking upon it to be God's prerogative to order the affairs of his own worship. We are of that number who soberly dissented from the Church established by Conn, and though we have no design to act in contempt of any lawful authority, or to disturb any religious society, but only to worship God according to the rules he has given us in his Word in that way now called Separation, yet have we suifered the loss of much of our goods, particularly be cause we could not in conscience pay minister's rates, it appear ing to us very contrary to the way that the Lord hath ordained even the present way in which ministry are maintained — Poor men's estates taken away and sold for less than a quarter of their value, and no overplus returned, as hath been the case of your Honor's poor informers ; yea, poor men's cows taken vvlien they had but one for the support of their families, and the children crying for milk and could get none, because the collector had taken their cow for minister's rates. Neither have they stopped here, though we have never resisted them, but when our goods could no longer suffice we were taken from our families and cast into prison, where some of us have lain above two months, far distant from our families, who are in very difficult circumstances. Yea ! and here we must jmavoidably lie the remainder of our days unless we consent to such methods for which we can see no warrant in God's Word. No ! surely it never came into his SPENT LIGHTS. 46 mind, neither hath he commanded that it should be so, that the Gospel of Peace should be so maintained ; he hath told his minis ters how they shall have their maintenance, but not a word of imprisoning men for refusing to maintain them, surely the best things corrupted form the worst. And now, we pray you to take notice of our difficulties, and grant us relief from bondage that we may enjoy the privileges other dissenters enjoy. Windham Prison, May 13, 1753." No notice was taken of this representation, and the prisoners were kept in jail till the authorities thought proper to release them. Two years later they again presented their case to the Assembly : — "We, whose names are subscribed, because we could not in conscience pay minister's salary, which we find neither precept nor example for in the Word of God, as we understand the same, and after we had once and again suffered the loss of much of our substance, being taken from us by collectors, our bodies were taken . . and cast into prison in said Windham jail, where we were closely confined, some of us above twenty miles distant from our families — where we lay some of us ten weeks in most distressing circumstances as to our bodies, and our families re duced or exposed to difficulties too affecting to your Honors to hear, could they be related. During which time we wrote to you to inform you of our difficulties even while we were in prison, but having been informed that said letter was never read publicly and cannot be found, offer this to you. Alexander Miller. Peter Miller. Joseph Spaldinu. Joseph Warren." 46 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. Elisha Paine, after the removal of his family to Long Island, returning in midwinter for household goods and stock, was arrested for rates due Mr. Cogs well and kept for months in Windham jail, to the great inconvenience and suffering of himself and family. Petitions sent to the General Assembly for relief in numberless cases were promptly " dismissed by both houses." A formal memorial presented in 1753, from the representatives of some twenty-five New Light churches, praying for the benefit of the Toleration Act, was scornfully rejected. Men whose hearts had been stirred in childhood by stories handed down from their grandfathers of the persecutions of " Bloody Claver'ouse " and " Wicked Jeffries," now thrust their own brethren into like bondage. In vain was the parallel forced upon their notice — " We are but asking for the privileges for which our fathers bled and suffered and came to this new world." " I can but marvel," says Elisha Paine, " to see how soon the children will forget the sword that drove their fathers into this land, and take hold of it as a jewel, and kill their grandchildren therewith." Again he writes — "The Roman Emperor was the first beast which persecuted the Christians that separated from their established religion, and by their law, fined, whipped, imprisoned and killed them ; we all own that the Pope or Papal throne is the Second Beast, which compels all under him to submit to his wor- SPENT LIGHTS. 47 ship. Now what your prisoner requests of you is a clear distinction between the Ecclesiastic Constitu tion of Connecticut, by which I am now held in prison, and the aforesaid two thrones or beasts, in the foun dation, constitution and support thereof." But their eyes were blinded that they could not see distinction or parallel. The mistakes, the excesses, the violence and hostility of the Separates furnished, as was said, " an awful specimen" of their need of this very sys tem which they so bitterly denounced. Failing in all attempts to procure relief from the government of Connecticut, the Separates were driven to appeal to the throne of Britain. Twenty Separate churches prepared a memorial, praying King George to grant them the benefit of the Toleration Act of Great Britain. This memorial was carried to Eng land by a special deputation in 1756, and first exhibi ted to the " Committee for the Dissenters." That body received the report with amazement, and could scarcely believe that the children of men who had fled from the domination of a State religion would have fashioned a parallel yoke for their own country men, and that Dissenters from the church establish ment of Connecticut were denied privileges granted to those in the mother country. This denial they deemed a plain violation of charter rights and feared that the presentation of the Separate memorial would greatly injure Connecticut. The chairman's letter of 48 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. remonstrance and censure, and the disturbances ac companying the French and Indian war, modified the policy of the government, and thenceforward ex emption from rate paying under favorable circum stances, and other slight ameliorations of treatment, was grudgingly accorded. But this leniency came too late to save the great majority of Separates. A number of their leaders were already gone, worn out with the severity of the conflict ; their churches had wasted ; the rank and file were greatly demoralized. A few churches, indeed, struggled on, holding fast to their peculiar principles, and in time secured a stand ing among the regular Congregational churches of Connecticut, and are still represented by flourishing and influential church fellowships. But for the great mass it was defeat and bitter disappointment — their buoyant hopes of a pure church and emancipation from Saybrook yoke blasted and destroyed. Their heroic stand for principle; their battle for eternal rights and freedom degenerated into a noisy squab ble with rate collectors. The more substantial ele ment went back into the stated churches ; a very respectable number allied themselves with the strug gling Baptists ; the remnant remaining were but Pa riahs and outcasts — " Wild Separates " as they were called ; veritable terrors ; violent, factious, impracti cable, hurling anathemas upon all who disagreed with them ; their " hand against every man and every man's hand against them." SPENT LIGHTS. 49 To all outward apx3earance the " Separate move ment " had failed completely. As a sect, as an organ ization, the New Lights were indeed " Spent Lights " — spent, perhaps, but not wholly extinguished. Those poor old Separates with all their faults, follies and blunders, have indeed long since passed away — their bodies resting in forgotten graves — but we rejoice to believe that "their souls are marching on." The principles for which they contended are now recog nized and established ; the liberty for which they panted has become the birthright of every resident of this great country ; even that adamantine, inflexi ble Platform which they so battered and berated ; that Ecclesiastic Constitution of Connecticut so sa cred in the eyes of our grandfathers, has been set aside forever. And for these great and beneficent results the Separates helped prepare the way, and may be justly numbered with that " noble army of martyrs" which through weary ages has borne aloft the banner and shouted the battle-cry of religious freedom. Those New Light doctrines and principles that seemed at first so pernicious and revolutionary, slowly working their way into Christian conscious ness, became the prevailing theology of the succeed ing generation. The familiar religious conference and lay exhortation, which brought the Separates fine and imprisonment, has long been recognized as one of the most potent forces in the up-building and 50 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. strengthening of the church. And even "the ac cursed practise " of allowing women to speak in pub lic, for which the Separates were severely reprobated, is becoming a marvelous factor in the evangelization and illumination of the world. We have lost sight for a time of the chief leader in this movement — the Canterbury lawyer, so active and influential in its development. Unlike most of his contemporaries, he lived to witness the apparent fail ure of his mission. As Separate churches died out and his services were less demanded, he accepted the pastorate of a New Light church at Bridgehampton, L. I., and passed the evening of his days in quietly administering to their needs. However great his dis appointment, it made no change in his convictions or temper. The faith that gave him such " sweet con tentment" when confined in jail for preaching the Gospel he so much loved, kept his soul in perfect peace. The diary of his former adversary, Rev. James Cogswell, gives us a glimpse of him in his farewell visit to his native town as late as 1769. He sent for Mr. Cogswell to come and hear him preach and returned his visit. They " discoursed in a friendly manner." Mr. Cogswell took "the old gentleman" to task for "meddling with Connecticut establish ment " and " his notion of saving faith consisting in assurance." Mr. Paine maintained his own views, but " with a pleasant countenance," and temper free SPENT LIGHTS. 51 from bitterness and severity. A reformer without ar rogance, a Separate without bigotry or uncharitable- ness, he stood far in advance of his generation, and the light of his teaching and example long lingered in Christian hearts. Elisha Paine died in Bridge hampton in 1775, in his eighty-fourth year, having preached to his beloved flock till within fifteen days of his decease. II. WINDHAM COUNTY WOMEN OF OLDEN TIME.* Our scant knowledge of early New England women is much to be regretted. While the deeds and lives of the Pilgrim fathers have been depicted for us in great variety of form, the Pilgrim mothers, remain mostly in shadow. And as the sons of the first emi grants went out into the wilderness to build up other homes and settlements, the daughters are even more in abeyance. We learn by the self-sacrifice of Lady Arabella Johnson, the exquisite letters of Margaret Winthrop, something of the character and tone of those women who followed their husbands over the ocean. But of the great majority of those who helped build up thousands of homes in the waste places of New England we know comparatively nothing. " Their name, their years, spelt by the unlettered muse," the date of birth, marriage, death, and birth of children, is all that has been left us. And yet we know that these mothers, wives, and daughters bore their full share in laying these foundations, and suf fered even greater hardships and privations. * Published in " The Plainfield Graphic." WINDHAM COUNTY WOMEN OF OLDEN TIME. 63 The first woman within Windham county territory of whom we know anything more than the above data is Mrs. Abigail Bartholomew, second wife of Samuel Paine. After the Woodstock colony had got ten in their first plantings of corn in the summer of 1686, they looked about for a miller, and invited Wil liam Bartholomew of Branford to fill this important office. This stalwart pioneer had passed through a number of exciting experiences, and while living in Hatfield in 1677 had suffered the horrors of lodian invasion, and saAv his youag daughter Abigail, then five years old, carried away captive. The story of capture, suffering, and escape was still fresh in mem ory, when, ten years later, she came with her father's family to take up her abode in the plantation of New Roxbury. It was the year after the close of King Philip's war, when there was less thought of immedi ate danger. At about eleven o'clock in the morning when most of the men were at work in the fields, the savages burst in upon the settlement, killed twelve persons, wounded five, set all the houses on fire, and with seventeen prisoners, beat a hasty retreat. AU but five of the captives were women and children. One man escaped to report their probable destruction^ AJl attempts at negotiation were foiled. The little party was hurried on over the bleak country, up rivers and lake, arriving at Canada in wintry weather. They were the first New England captives who had 54 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. been forced to travel through this dreary wilderness. Two of the husbands of the captured women imme diately bestirred themselves to procure their release. Obtaining a commission from the government of Massachusetts and tardy help from New York, they toiled northward, mostly by water, carrying their canoes upon their backs from Lake George to Lake Champlain. On January 6, 1678, they reached Cham- blee, and found the prisoners at Sorell and vicinity. They then went on to Quebec, where they were civilly entertained by the French Governor, terms of re demption agreed upon, and a guard allowed them to Albany. On April 19 they started on their return journey. Arriving at Albany May 22, they sent mes sages to those "loving friends and kindred at Hat field," who for seven anxious months had wearily waited for tidings : "These few lines are to let you understand that we are arrived at Albany now with the captives, and we now stand in need of assistance, for my charges are very great and heavy ; and, there fore, any that have any love to our condition, let it move them to come and help us in this strait. Three of the captives are murdered, old goodman Plympton, Samuel Russell, Samuel Foot's daughter. All the rest are alive and well, namely, Obadiah Dickinson and his child, Mary Foot and her child, Hannah Jen nings and three children, Abagail Allis, Abigail Bartholomew, goodman Coleman's children, Samuel Kellogg, my wife and four children, and Quintiu Stockwell. I pray you hasten the matter, for it requires great haste. Stay not for the Sabbath, not shoeing AVINDHAM COUNTY WOMEN OP OLDEN TIME. 55 of horses. We shall endeavor to meet you at Kinderhawk. Bring provisions with you for us. Your loving kinsman, Benjamin Waits." As soon as possible a company Avas fitted out to meet them as arranged. They rode through the woods to Westfield and soon all reached home in safety — the day of their arrival the most joyful day that Hatfield had ever known. The ransom of the captives cost about two hundred pounds, which was gathered by contributions carried forward by "the pious charity of the elders, ministers and congrega tions of the several towns." A daughter of Mrs. Jennings, born in Canada, was named Captivity. We may well believe that the presence in Wood stock of a young woman who had passed through such an experience would excite great interest. Indian alarms were frequent in those days. Again and again the anxious inhabitants were forced to re pair to the carefully-guarded garrisons. A trembling fugitive, whose husband and children had been butchered upon their own hearth-stone, brought the news of the terrible massacre at Oxford. And all through these troubled years our Abigail served as a perpetual object lesson, showing to mothers and children the reality of the peril that threatened them. She married first, Joseph Frizzel, and later, Samuel Paine, and lived to repeat to many children and 56 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. grandchildren the story of her marvelous captivity and escape. Mrs. Esther Grosvenor, of Pomfret, comes down to us as a very distinct personality. Her husband, Mr. John Grosvenor, having died soon after completing negotiations for the Mashamoquet Purchase, Mrs. Grosvenor was much more concerned with business interests than most women of her day. Her name stands first upon the list of those receiving allotments of the Purchase, and she was naturally very promi nent in division and distribution of the large estate. Born in England, she brought with her strength of constitution and dignity of character. A trouble some squaw once invaded her kitchen, demanding immediate supply of food, and even attempting to snatch the boiling meat from the kettle. Mrs. Gros venor held her back with her broomstick till her son Ebenezer came to the rescue with more effective weapon. Like other women of superior station she was very helpful in care of the sick, and was viewed as a mother by the whole community. She retained to old age her vigor and habit of authority, and in sisted upon walking to attend church service till within a short time of her decease. In striking contrast with this " Colonial dame " is the first woman whose voice comes down to us from Brooklyn. A beautiful tract of land directly south of Mashamoquet was purchased by Sir John Black- WINDHAM COUNTY WOMEN OF OLDEN TIME. 57 well in 1686, as agent in behalf of a number of Eng lish and Irish Dissenters, with expectation of founding a colony upon it. Capt. Blackwell also received from Connecticut a grant for a township, including his ptirchase, which was to be laid out as a separate town or manor, by the name of Mortlake. King William's accession in 1688, and the religious privileges now granted in Great Britain frustrated all these plans. Blackwell returned to England, and his purchase was left neglected till after his death in 1713 his son con veyed it to Jonathan Belcher, of Boston, who entrusted Capt. John Chandler, of Woodstock, with its survey and division. The tract was still in native wildness, save for one small clearing taken up by a squatter, Jabez Utter. To him Chandler granted at first a deed of the premises for his labor and expense " in building, fencing, clearing, breaking up, improving and subduing " the same. The probable reason why this bargain was not carried out, and for the non-ap pearance of Jabez in the subsequent expulsion is found in New London court records, wherein at just this date we find him arraigned for horse stealing, and sentenced to return the horse and pay the plain tiff ten pounds, also to jjay the County Treasury forty shillings, or be whipped ten stripes on his naked body, etc. Mary, the wife of Jabez, was a woman of spirit, and held on to her home with a woman's, tenacity. 58 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. When the sheriff came to demand possession of the premises, she barricaded doors and windows and held on. All efforts failing to move her, young John Chandler was sent to effect ejection. The story of the siege is told by Mary herself in very vigorous English. She gives the names of some twelve or fif teen young fellows from the neighboring towns who aided in the raid, bringing with them drums, clubs, axes, and all needful implements. Upon her utter refusal to grant possession they proceeded to tear down her fences, batter the house with stones and clubs, set up ensigns of divers colors, drink to the health of King James, committing, she says, "Many high and heinous enormities, treasons, profanities, and grievous wickedness." After carousing all day they had an interval of quiet till towards morning, when " they revived their noise, marching round the house, beating drums, and singing psalm tunes," per haps imitating the siege of Jericho, and then young Chandler made proclamation : " Now we have got ten the victory ; now the day is ours," and raising poles against the house, three of the leaders vaulted upon the roof, came down through the chimney, opened the door and let in the sheriff. Even then the resolute mistress refused to yield possession, and had to be violently dragged out and flung down back ward out of the door ; but at last, late in the after noon, " they drove me away from my home and drove WINDHAM COUNTY AYOMEN OP OLDEN TIME. 59 my children with me into the wilderness, and set a guard about me, and left us there to perish without any shelter but the Heavens," — but still with life enough to make her way to a justice, and make piti ful complaint, as " his Majesty's distressed, forlorn subject." Certainly no modern Brooklyn matron could use her tongue more effectively than this first woman resident. Some pleasant glimpses of early home life in Wind ham county come to us from the diary of Mrs. Me- hitabel Chandler Coit, of New London, whose hus band, Thomas Coit, was brother of Plainfield's first minister. Rev. Joseph Coit. She writes : "June 18, 1707. My husband and sister Sarah and I went to Stonington, and brother Joseph Coit was married to Experience Wheeler. June 31. We came home again." Mrs. Coit was the sister of Capt. John Chandler, of Woodstock, daughter of Dea. John Chandler. When fifteen years of age she notes : " May 31, 1688. My father, with his fiimily, went to live att New Roxbury, afterwards called Woodstock. Feb. 8, 1689. Hannah Gary born, the first child that was born in Woodstock. April 18. The Revolution at Boston. June 35, 1695. We were married." This diary was maintained through life, and while noting prominent events, and the business ventures 60 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. of her husband — a pioneer ship-builder — it is mainly taken up with domestic details, the birth of her six children and childhood mishaps : " June 14, 1706. Billy Coit fell into the cove and was almost drownded. March 10, 1708. Martha Colt's foot burnt with a warming pan. April 39. A plank fell off the stage upon Thomas Coit and struck him down but gott no grate mater of hurt. Aug. 12. Mr. Vryland's vessell was burnt upon the stocks, and John Coit's foot was burnt." A visit at Woodstock in 1726 gives us a peep into inside life ; those minor domestic details left out from general history, and, therefore, all the more valuable : " May 19. I set out to go to Woodstock, and before we got to Bowlses it rained a smart shower and we fain to go in there for shelter. When the shower' was a little over we sat out again got to Norwich, stayed at Lathrops that night and had fryed veal for supper. Friday we dined at Cady's and had beef and pork and herbs ; began to be very weary. I rid behind Sam Morris most of the way ; got to W. a little before night, almost tired to death. Sabbath day. Went to meeting ; come home very weary. 33. Half dead still but went to brother Josephs a foot (just over the line in Pomfret). 33. Came back again ; made seven calls on the way and so to brothers very weary (Capt. John Chandler's, South Woodstock). 24. Election day :— We went up to town ; see trayning ; went to dinner at Coz. Johns, Billy and his wife there too ; sister, cousin Hannah, Coz. Billy's wife and I called at James Corbin's, Mr. Dwights, Jas. Bacons, Jabez Corbin's, Dea. Morris's and Mr. Carpenters and so home ; same day com ing home sister fell down and brake her arm ; they sent for Parker WINDHAM COUNTY WOMEN OF OLDEN TIME, (il (Dr. Morse) to set it. 2.1 Rainy weiither ; I went to Mrs. Holmes' ; she is not married yet; at night Mr. Dwight and his wife and Mr. Morris here to see us ; sister very bad with her arm. 36. A bright, charming morning ; in the forenoon I read in the Turkish history ; p. m., brother, Coz. Hannah and I went to Sam Morrises' (New Boston), had trout ; to Coz'. Billy's, and drank syllibub ; came home wery and dull ; a pain in my face ; I hate to ride ; the horse started three or four times ; I wisht to be at home. 28. I went to meeting on foot ; the text : "Happy are the people that are in such a case " (I could not think myself happy if I was in fiis people's case). 39. Brother John went with me to West Hill ; we went to Marcy's, Paysons, Coy's and Wrights. 30. I set out to come home ; brother Chandler came with me as far as change ; brother Joseph came with me as far as Plainfield, there we met sister Abigail Coit ; we went to din ner there, stayed an hour or two, then set out for Norwich ; brother Coit came with us as far as Quinnebaugs ; then we came over in a cannow ; we sail over Shituckett alone ; came to Nor wich about dark ; lodged at Lathrops. 31. Got home about 10 o'clock, not very wery ; found all well except the garding, and this was overrun with weeds ; so much for Woodstock." To those familiar with the Woodstock of that date, this gives a very pleasant picture, naming all the old families and showing the neighborly intercourse that existed. Unpleasantness then rapidly culminating between Rev. Josiah Dwight and his people called out Mrs. Coit's disparaging comment. " Coz. John " was the youth who figured in the expulsion of Mary Utter. The wife of " Cousin Billy," then newly mar-^ ried, Jemima Bradbury, was a lineal descendant of (i2 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. Massachusetts Winthrops and Dudleys, and one of the most cultured women of her time, especially noted for her interest in natural science. Few lives have more of the element of tragic ro mance than that of the pioneer woman of South Killingly, Mrs. Hannah (Wilson) Spalding. Her husband, Jacob Spalding, of Plainfield, inherited a right on the Owaneco Purchase, and was the first to take possession of a Killingly section. His adven tures and exploits in connection with the Indians are well known. Mrs. Spalding's prowess in routing a noisy band attempting to force their way through the window, by striking the leader on the mouth with an enormous beef-bone, is handed down by admiring de scendants. Jacob Spalding was killed instantly — thrown from his cart on Black Hill — leaving his widow and two children in comfortable circumstances. Mrs. Spalding was an unusually attractive person, of fine presence and character. To the great disgust of friends and relatives she gave her hand in a few years to an adventurer, who had figured among the Scotch settlers of Voluntown, under the name of Girk. To Mrs. Spalding he confided that his real name was Edward Stuart ; that he was a lineal descendant of the royal line, sharing the exile of the banished King. His appearance and manners confirmed this story, which was also vouched for by Rev. Samuel Dorrance and other prominent settlers of Voluntown. Mr. WINDHAM COUNTY WOMEN OF OLDEN TIME. 63 Dorrance performed the marriage ceremony, and Edward Stuart reigned in the Spalding mansion. There was much talk among the neighbors of his fine clothes and lordly air. His linen was so fine that it could be drawn through a ring; his gilded rapier was of astonishing beauty and workmanship. He spoke French with great fluency, and had great skill in fencing. The only child of this marriage was a daughter, named Mary in honor of the ill-fated Queen. Soon after her birth, Stuart went abroad for a year, in which he was supposed to have taken a part in uprisings in England. After his return he persuaded his wife to sell the farm she held in her own right, and with the proceeds prepared for another venture. His proceedings were at this time con sidered so suspicious that he was forbidden by the town to harbor " one Sherrod," and for several days before his final departure he maintained " a guarded secrecy," and then stole away by night. From Balti more he wrote to his wife that he was about to make one more effort to retrieve his fortunes and whatever he might gain "it would not be too good to share with her." This was the last ever heard of Edward Stuart. The date of his disappearance tallies re markably with that of the first concerted attempt by Charles Edward to regain the throne of Britain. Very extensive preparations had been made for this invasion, but a great storm scattered the fleet and 64 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. wrought great destruction in life and property. If Edward Stuart was what he claimed to be, he met the fate of many of his associates. Mrs. Stuart survived but a few months. Her health had been greatly affected by the talk and suspicion of her kindred and neighbors, and the estrangement and opposition of her children. Mary Stuart grew up a beautiful girl, strongly resembling her father in manner and personal appearance, but the Stuart destiny pursued her. The farm that would have come to her having been pre-empted by her father, she was forced through life to struggle with poverty. Marrying when young, William Earl, of Brooklyn, their home and its contents were destroyed by fire in the middle of a winter night, the family barely es caping with their lives, wading barefoot through deep snow. Hoping to repair this loss, Mr. Earl enlisted in the unfortunate expedition to Havana, and died of yellow fever. Mary supported herself and her two sons till her marriage with a young carpenter, David Dodge, and then enjoyed a few years of comjparative comfort and happiness. But with the Revolutionary War new trials came. Her two Earl boys, fine, spirited young men, were early induced to enlist, and both died of exposure and disease. Mr. Dodge sunk all his property in the manufacture of Continental wagons ; Mary Stuart's health and nerves were com pletely shattered by all that she had passed through, WINDHAM COUNTY WOMEN OF OLDEN TIME. 65 and her remaining days were clouded by sickness and poverty. The children of her second marriage were a comfort and support. Her daughter, Mrs. Sprague, of Hampton, was a woman of unusual char acter and piety, and her son, David L. Dodge, after a manly struggle, succeeding in founding that mer cantile house in New York, still represented by his grandson, William E. Dodge. Among the second generation of Windham women, those born and reared within the county, none have left a more precious record than Mary Whiting, daughter of Rev. Samuel Whiting, of Windham. Marrying the successor of her father in the ministry. Rev. Thomas Clap, at the age of fifteen, she proved more than equal to the position, lovely alike in person and character. Her early death deepened the im pression made by her. More than thirty years after her decease, Dr. Daggett writes : " She had a beautiful and pleasant countenance ; was a woman of .great prudence and discretion in the conduct of herself and all her affairs ; was diligent, and always endeavored to make the best of what she had ; the heart of her husband could safely trust in her. She was kind and compassionate to the poor and all in distress. She was adorned with an excellent spirit of humility and meekness ; did not affect to put herself forward in conversation, but chose to speak discreetly rather than much, but was always free, pleasant and cheerful in conversation with every one. She exceeded in a most serene, pleasant temijer and disposition of mind, which rendered her very agreeable to her 66 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. husband and all her acquaintance ; and though he lived with her almost nine years in the connubial state, yet he never once saw her in any unpleasant temper, neither did one unpleasant word pass between them on any occasion whatsoever." The timeworn gravestone still bears record : " She was of a most amiable disposition, the delight and crown of her husband, an ornament to her sex and pattern of every grace and virtue. She for a long time expected death with a calmness and serenity of mind, and met it with great joy and satisfaction. She lived greatly desired, and died universally respected, Aug. 10, 1736, in the 24th year of her age." Many of the early women of Windham county far exceeded modern practitioners in the extent and va riety of their medical practice, though experience with them took the place of training and diploma.. Mrs. Hannah Bradford, of Windham, was one always ready to meet the call of sickness and suffering. The Mrs. Holmes (of Woodstock) whom Mrs. Coit reports as " not married yet," did in time select for her second husband Mr. Edmonds of Dudley. Pre vious to this marriage she had devoted herself to nursing, and it is said that in " the great snowstorm " of 1749 her services were in such demand that she was taken out of a chamber window and carried through the drifts many miles to distressed patients. Another woman very widely known as midwife, nurse and lahysician, was Mrs Anne (Woodcock) Ea- WINDHAM COUNTY WOMEN OF OLDEN TIME. 67 ton of Ashford, whose practice rivalled in extent the most popular physicians of our day. It is said that during the prevalence of a spotted fever she was scarcely off her rounds, day or night, riding up occa sionally to her own doorstep, inquiring for the health of her own family, snatching a bit of food and hur rying off again. During the " Great Revival " of 1740, women came decidedly to the front in the separation from the stated churches. Their varied and incisive excuses for refusing to "^attend worship at the town meeting house and withdrawal from church, show great fer tility of invention as well as devotion to principle. Some of them even went such lengths as to indulge in what w^as called by a Separate brother _ " the cussed practice of women speaking in public." Probably no woman in the county was so widely known in her day as Mercy Wheeler of Plainfield, in connection with her very remarkable " faith cure." Few cases of this kind are so well attested, or re ported with such minutice of process. She was a respectable young woman of good family, and her disabled and suffering condition was perfectly well known to the townspeople. For a number of years she seemed to have lost the use of the lower part of her body — her ankle bones " loose and separate so that a string was needful to keep her feet in proper position," and the power of speech had been at times 68 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. taken from her. Her mind during this period had remained clear and tranquil and especially open to religious impressions. The revival of religion, for which she had longed and prayed, was a source of great joy to her. Hearing of the wonderful things done throughout the land she queried in her own mind whether the Lord would not send deliverance to her, and awaited a meeting to be held in her own house, with trembling hope. But when, after the services of prayer and preaching no change came, a cloud of darkness came over her fill the word of God came to her with such force — " If thou wilt be lieve thou shalt see the glory of God tiow " — that she seemed to go out of herself and all human agency, into the hands of God alone. At that instant a thrill passed through her frame — ¦" a racking, a working in every joint, as if she were with hands drawn and com pressed together," and then to the utter amazement of minister and people, who had known nothing of the exercises of her mind, the bedridden woman, who ior sixteen years had not stood upon her feet, walked np and down the room, crying " Bless the Lord Jesus who has healed me." The cure so suddenly effected was permanent. Hundreds of people ¦who had seen the crippled in valid now testified to the completeness of her cure. The next Sabbath she rode three miles to the house •of worship, and thenceforth was able to engage in all WINDHAM COUNTY WOMEN OF OLDEN TIME. 69 the ordinary duties of life. This wonderful story made a great impression at the time throughout the Colony. Dr. Benjamin Lord, of Norwich, was espe cially interested in the case and published his sermon preached at a special service of thanksgiving held in Plainfield, with affidavits from well-known residents as to Mercy's previous and present condition. This pamphlet passed through several editions and was widely circulated at home and abroad, even exciting interest and attention among Christians in England. All this notice and notoriety had no effect upon the simple, humble-minded Mercy, who proved the reality of her religion by faithful performance of everyday duties — "a living example of faith, fortitude, love, and unshaken constancy in religion." These are specimens of those early women resi dents of Windham county whose names and acts have come down to us. Many more equally worthy of notice are lost to sight and memory. III. OTHER LIGHTS. In connection with the revolutionary struggle Windham county men came into prominence in coun cil and field, whose names are enshrined among those which the nation delighteth to honor. Our Trum- bulls, Putnam, Knowlton, Grosvenors, McClellan, and many lesser lights, are held in grateful remembrance as those who bore a most honorable and helpful part in establishing our national independence. But dur ing this same period there were others, useful and honored in their own callings, whose names have passed into oblivion. A very conspicuous instance of this failure to gain a j)lace in history and remembrance of one very noted in his own generation, is that of Rev. Joseph Howe, the beloved and popular pastor of New South Church, Boston, 1773-1775. One letter of his that has come down to us gives us a vivid picture of Bos ton under the administration of the famous Port Bill : " Aug. 2, 1774. Boston it is true is a very different place in some respects from what it was when you were here last. Then trade flourished ; our harbor was whitened with canvass ; our wharves and quays resembled a forest — a forest I mean of masts OTHER LIGHTS. 71 and sail-yards ; and our common, that beautiful lawn to the west, was made more beautiful by the people that walked, and the herds that fed on it. But now to see our harbor and our com mon — how different ! In the former nothing is seen but armed ships ; in the latter but armed men. . . . It is true we have not yet felt the force of either the one or the other, and I pray God we never may. But yet to be threatened with it — to bo in sulted in various ways of a more private nature ; to have four regiments of troops in the heart of a large town ; to have all these evils brought upon us for our laudable and virtuous strug gles in behalf of our just rights and liberties — is certainly to a mind of the least feeling, irritating and painful. And were you to come to Boston, I make no doubt that on these accounts your visit must be somewhat disagreeable to you. However, in another view, these very evils would be the means of affording 3'ou pleasure ; while you saw with what calmness, with what patience, with what fortitude and firmness, with what persevering prudence and spirit the people endure them. And when I say the people, I say all but a few, a very few, and a particular class of men. It is not true that we are much divided. The Tories made their grand push about a month ago. And what was tbe effect of it ? Only to convince them and us that their whole number consisted of only about one hundred and twenty persons, inclusive of some who have since retracted. The Bostonians acquire courage every day. How can it be otherwise, when all the Continent are pitying and supporting them, and, above all, when we have that God to go to who heard our fathers when they cried unto Him, and who we trust will hear us also, their immediate descendants." Joseph Howe, son of Rev. Perley and Damaris (Cady) Howe, was born in Killingly, Conn., 1747, 72 HISTORIC GLEANINGS; fitted for college by his step-father. Rev. Aaron Brown ; was graduated from Yale 1765 as the vale dictorian of an exceptionally able class. His towns man, Manasseh Cutler, the father of the "North West Ordinance," Theodore Sedgwick, Berkshire county, Mass., judge and United States Senator, and many lesser lights, were included in this famous class. Not one of them made his mark in the world so early as Joseph Howe. First as teacher of the public school at Hartford, then the most important educa tional institution of the kind in Connecticut, he won immediate success and popularity. Accepting a tutorship at Yale College, "his literary accomplish ments, especially his remarkable powers of elocution, not less than his fine social and moral qualities, ren dered him a general favorite." Through his instruc tions the standard of public speaking and familiarity with polite literature in the college was very con siderably elevated, and to say of a successor that he was " like Tutor Howe," was the maximum of praise. Though frail in body he pursued theological studies during his tutorship, and prepared to enter into the ministry. His oratorical powers brought him at once into notice — his exercises in the pulpit as reported by admirers were of " the most impressive and fascina ting kind." Wherever he went hearts, homes, and pulpits were open to receive him. He received calls to settlement from the leading churches of Connecti- OTHER LIGHTS. 73 cut, in Hartford, Norwich, and Wethersfield. Visit ing Boston for his health, he preached at the New South Church, and was invited to become its pastor upon one day's hearing — -the church giving as its ground for such phenomenal indiscretion — " the char acter which Mr. Howe had received from the voice of mankind." After a year's delay Mr. Howe was ordained pastor of this church May 19, 1773, Presi dent Daggett of Yale College preaching the sermon. Dr. Chauncey of the First Church, Boston, giving the right hand of fellowship. In this brief pastorate Mr. Howe fully sustained his high reputation. The magnetic charm of his address was at once recog nized. He was the idol of the hour, the popular preacher. The local rhymster sings : " At New South now, we'll visit Howe, A Genius it is said. Sir ; And here we'll hail, this son of Y^ale ; There's not a wiser head. Sir. May his fame soar like one ot yore Who Cromwell's court did grace A better man, we trow, he can See Lord's day face to face." A Boston blue-stocking reports : " He in refined, pathetic sermons shone ; His diction pure, his methods all his own ; While his melodious voice his audience blest And roused each noble passion in the breast." 7 74 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. According to Dr. Sprague his mind was " fitted perhaps alike for rigid and profound investigation on the one hand, and for the imaginative and rhetorical on the other." And when to other merits was added apparent unconsciousness of his great attractions and an unusually liberal and catholic spirit, it is not strange that he inspired enthusiastic attachment. The breaking out of open hostilities closed the churches of Boston and this successful ministry. Worn out with labor and excitement, Mr. Howe re turned to his old home in Connecticut, and after visit ing his friends, succumbed to complicated disease, dying in Hartford, August 25, 1775, at the house of Rev. Elnathan Whitman, whose daughter, Elisabeth, he ex pected to marry. Amid all the stirring events of that anxious summer his death made a deep impression throughout New England. An elegy composed by his Boston admirer depicts in deepest shades the funeral solemnities : "The fair Eliza's anguish who can paint. Placed near the corse of our ascended saint : Though his blest soul ascends the upper skies Her gentle bosom heaves with tender sighs." The obituary notice in the " Hartford Courant," after the extravagantly eulogistic fashion of the time, enshrines Mr. Howe among the lights and benefac tors of the world, the beauty of whose mind was OTHER LIGHTS. 76 without a parallel ; whose life was a treatise of ethics and theology ; a great and universal genuis. By the generation that had honored him his memory was fondly cherished, and years after his decease he was again recalled to notice as the model hero in the first pages of the " Life and Letters of Eliza Wharton." And after all these eulogies he was forgotten ! " His leaf had perished in the green." No reporter was there to note down even a frag ment of those thrilling discourses. No one paused in those busy years to compile even a brief biog raphy of the popular favorite, and so he slipped from sight and memory. In our modern standard " Cyclo paedia," of America Biography, of those bearing the honored name of Fitch there are fourteen notices, but never a "Major James" among them. There are Paines, small and great, of almost endless num ber and variety, but no Rev. Elisha ; and from the brilliant array of Howes our Joseph is excluded, and by a remarkable fatality his burial place at Hartford is unmarked and unknown. Quickly occurring losses were in part the cause of this omission. His step-father died on the way back from his funeral, and the bereaved vrife and mother soon followed, and amid the pressure and burdens of Revolutionary years the brother's grave was overlooked. Sketches in " Yale Biographies " and 76 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. " Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit," and the obituary notices in " The Hartford Courant," com prise the most that can be learned of one who held so high a place among his contemporaries, perhaps the most brilliant young man of his generation. In reviewing the life of Joseph Howe we are struck with the praise accorded to the fine manners and gra cious bearing of this young minister and their influ ence upon his career. Even higher praise was called out in the case of his townsman and classmate, Ma nasseh Cutler, whose success in winning the favor and votes of southern chivalry for his immortal Or dinance was largely attributed to their admiration for his agreeable manners, excelling any previous specimens from New England. It is certainly re markable that this rough old border-town of Kil lingly, with its wrangles and church feuds, should send out such gracious and elegant young men. Were these fine manners a heritage from distant an cestry, a residuum of that rare old English polish brought over by the better class of our first settlers, and taking on even a brighter lustre in the changed conditions of the new world ? Class distinctions, as we know, were very strongly marked in the old colo nial days. The common people were very common, rude and boorish in speech and manner. So much the more necessity that the upper class, those allied however remotely with noble families at home, should OTHER LIGHTS. 7 ( hold tenaciously inherited, social traditions, and keep aloof from those of lower social grade and rougher manners. We fancy that the application of these traditions was largely due to woman. It is a common complaint that we see so little of the mothers, -nives, and sisters of our ante-revolution fathers, but none the less were they a power behind the throne. With little outside to occupy or distract them they could consecrate their time and energies to the care of their households. And while the men were out in the world building up towns and institu tions, these insulated women were impressing them selves upon the minds of their children, and so train ing, them that they were fitted in turn to bear their part in shaping the institutions of the new republic. How the character of these unseen, unobtrusive women shines out in their sons. From Washing ton downward, it would seem that every man promi nently connected with the American Revolution and establishment of Federal Government was favored with a mother of superior excellence and intelligence. We have the privilege to-day of intimate acquain tance with such noble specimens of womanhood as Abigail Adams and Mercy Warren. We have the letter written by Lydia (Dyer) Gray to her son at Boston after the battle of Bunker Hill. And we know there were many others equally alive to the situation and wise in counsel. Here in Windham 7* 78 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. county we had Rachel McClellan planting " trees of Liberty" on Woodstock common, and the wife of Dr. David Holmes, held in such high respect for " excellence of character and noble bearing." Still earlier we hear the praises of the mother of Manas seh Cutler " adding to beauty and strength of mind, an education in advance of her time." And while no special record comes down to us of the mother of Joseph Howe, we know that from her position as the wife of ministers and daughter of one of the found ers of Pomfret library, that she must have ranked among the cultured gentry, the true nobility of early New England. Across the Quinebaug in the neighboring town of Pomfret, contemporary with Howe and Cutler, a young man grew up who attained eminence in early life and whose name and memory are still held in honor, but who failed to gain credit for what in his life's work he valued most. A descendant of the old Waldensian stock, bearing the honored name of Al- tigence Waldo, he enjoyed the usual advantages of education, pursuing general studies under his minis ter, Rev Aaron Putnam, and medical studies under the most noted physician of the county. Dr. Elisha Perkins of Plainfield. Entering into practice in his native town, he won immediate success and popular ity. But the critical condition of public affairs ab sorbed much time and energy. He served as clerk OTHER LIGHTS. 79 to McClellan's famous " troop of horse " and upon the first news of the battle at Lexington " he joined his neighbors and marched to Cambridge where he tarried till they came home together." He soon re turned to the field as assistant surgeon of Col. Jedi- diah Huntington's regiment, and for four years suc ceeding continued almost constantly in service. His inoculation for and treatment of small-pox at Mon mouth and Valley Forge, " gained him much reputa tion," and the journals kept by him throw much light npon the condition of the army. The demoralized cur rency — " three months wages barely paying a thirty shilling debt " — and the suffering condition of his family — " on the point of famishing with mere want of food and every other necessary " — compelled Dr. Waldo in 1779 to resign his position in the army and resume his medical practice in Pomfret. The valuable experience gained in army practice with his native quickness and dexterity, placed Dr. Waldo at the head of his profession in northeastern Connecticut, especially in surgical practice. He be came at once the popular physician of the day, his services in constant demand over a large section of country. His wide popularity is indicated by one unfailing test — the number of children named for him, rivaling those of any prominent presidential candidate or successful military leader. But with this flush of practice he was able to carry on exten- so HISTORIC GLEANINGS. sive investigations, not only in his own profession, but in those varied scientific questionings' then ex citing so much interest. An associate for a time with Dr. Elisha Perkins, the famous inventor of the " Me tallic Tractors," he shared his interest in the theory of magnetic and electric currents, experimenting in those mysterious agencies. His quick mind perceived the benefits that might accrue from professional and scientific association, and he promoted and carried out a monthly meeting of the physicians in Windham county as early as 1786. A formal county Medical Society was formed in 1791, Dr. Albigence Waldo, clerk, and in the following year he assisted in the organization of the State Medical Society. With this extensive professional practice and sci entific investigations. Dr. Waldo retained his interest in all the living questions of the day, and was ever ready to bear his part in all public and social enter prises. His literary accomplishment and fluency of speech were highly esteemed, and he was called to take a prominent part on many important occasions. Among thousands of brother Masons he was selected to pronounce the eulogy on behalf of the Masonic .order at the grave of Gen. Putnam, and he was ac credited with valuable aid in the preparation of Humphrey's " Life of Putnam." His literary aspira tions and pursuits were shared by his second wife, Lucy Cargill. She was the daughter of Capt. Benja- OTHER LIGHTS. 81 min Cargill, a shrewd and genial Scotchman, propri etor of the Quinebaug mill privilege (now embraced in Putnam city), a very noted and influential person age. He had a patriarchal family, whose names he delighted to jingle in rhyme something in the style of the late Hutchinson family, viz. : " Here's my good health to children dear. All in a row thej^ jine Collected here, from far and near ; And, lo, they are called mine. Here's William, Lucy, Asenath, too, And Ben, and Rhoda, five : Here's Phila, Ithael, Sail and Poll, And James and Charles, alive. And here are two adopted ones, I love you as the rest. And pray the Lord to smile on you And evermore be blest. And two are dead, I hope at rest. You living ones I call. And pray the Lord to smile on you And ever bless you all." Mrs. Waldo's literary style was very unlike that of her straightforward, Methodist father, being fashioned after the sentimental Johnsonian then in vogue. It was she who declined an invitation to a supper be cause of the illness of " her babe, that tender blossom," 82 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. and her hand is evident in the epitaph upon a Revo lutionary soldier, " who having worn his life out in the service of his country, had gone to wave the Palm of eternal Peace." But in spite of these little man nerisms she was a woman of good intellect, and held with her husband a leading position in the best so ciety of the day. This happy and triumphant period of her life had but a short continuance. Dr. Waldo died suddenly in 1794, in the prime of life and height of professional eminence. Few deaths excite a wider sympathy or leave a deeper void. He was borne to the grave by members of the medical society, accom panied by the Masonic brethren and a great concourse of weeping friends and admirers. Newspapers winged his praises all over the land as " endowed by the God of nature with the most brilliant and distinguished abilities, and with a heart susceptible of all those amiable and benevolent virtues which adorn the human breast ;" as one who " ranked among the highest order of his profession, whose manuscripts will doubtless afford great light and benefit to future ages ; who lived without an enemy, and died greatly lamented by all." A suitable monument erected by his fellow Masons testified to " their esteem and re spect for the virtues, talents, and usefulness of their late worthy brother .... who attentively studying the works of God in the admirable frame of man rose to eminent distinction in the noble art of healing; OTHER LIGHTS. 83 his name was Charity ; his actions. Humanity ; his intercourse A\ith men. Benevolence and Love. Born 1750 ; died 1794." And after all this public manifestation of grief and adulation came a long and wearisome struggle for permanent recognition. Dr. Waldo, like the later Agassiz, had been too much absorbed in professional and scientific labors to care for making money ; too busy, indeed, to collect what he had honestly earned. His accounts had been poorly kept and were found very difficult of collection, so that with all his ex tensive practice and high reputation, very little was left for the support of his family. And just at this juncture the Cargill establishment was broken up and scattered. The remarkable manner in which a family after a long course of unbroken prosperity and ap- parentlj"^ fixed stability suddenly falls to pieces, was again signally illustrated. Three sons died in rapid succession, the old captain's health gave way, his property greatly depreciated in value. Mrs. Waldo, even more Johnsonian in affliction, thus writes to the widow of her brother, William Cargill : "My father's baleful destiny reserved him the mournful spec tacle of his dying eldest son, and who can express his afiliction ? His weeping eyes are as the dropping clouds ; his melting breast as the thunder storm — clouds which break not away ; a tempest without knowledge of a calm. What is left of life seems un- supportable and is not really life but a lingering death." 84 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. Giving up their pleasant home in the Quinebaug valley — the old " Cargill's Mills " where they had en joyed so much happiness and prosperity, the old people passed the remainder of their lives alternat ing among the homes of the surviving children, un der the especial care of Mrs. Waldo. But whatever other duties claimed her time and thought she stead fastly pursued one great aim — to bring the knowl edge of her husband's scientific researches to the world and secure public recognition of his services. Herself destitute of means for publication she was compelled to ask aid of others, visiting and appeal ing to monied men in different parts of the land. Her letters — beautiful, pathetic, Johnsonian letters, with carefully hoarded copies at home — were sent to many distinguished parties. As tenderly and per sistently as Evangeline sought her lost lover, so did Lucy Waldo seek the perpetuation of those memo rials of her lost love — those precious manuscripts that were " to afford great light and benefit to future ages." How great their real value it is impossible now to estimate. Many things were lying round waiting to be discovered. Dr. Waldo had native quickness and keen insight, and his. researches were in the line of those electric and magnetic forces that have transformed the world, and may have predated modern discoveries, but whether they did or not they were allowed to pass unnoticed. Again and again OTHER LIGHTS. 85 Mrs. Waldo seemed about to attain her object ; en couragement would be given ; hopes raised ; once a movement for publication was actually started ; and then some obstacle would arise. Years passed on in reiterated effort and disappointment. The " tender blossom" drooped and faded; the old captain and his wife passed away ; a pupil of Dr. Waldo's, Dr. Thomas Hubbard, filled his place at Pomfret, and even surpassed the fame of his teacher : little " Albes " and "Waldos," grown up into manhood, scoffed at the odd name given them in honor of an old time doctor. " Thousands of times has the same tale been told ; The world belongs to those who come the last." But still the faithful wife carried her precious treas ures from East to West, from one great man to an other. " Fair was she and young when in hope began the long journey ; Faded was she and old, when in disappointment it ended." Her last appeal was to Dr. Waldo's early friend and neighbor. Rev. Manasseh Cutler, D. D. " Care fully copied, illustrated with well executed draw ings " the manuscripts were placed in his hands, " but for want of means the enterprise was again defeated," and Dr. Waldo's valued papers never saw the light. Mrs. Waldo passed her declining years with a sis ter, and we may hope that the consciousness of hav- 86 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. ing done all within her power to accomplish her ob ject softened the bitterness of disappointment. And although her husband does not take a place among the lights and benefactors of the world, to be hon ored in coming ages, the self-sacrifice and devotion of his faithful wife will help to keep alive his mem ory. IV. REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. The American Revolution — the sequence of events through which thirteen insulated colonies severed connection with the government that had founded them, and established a federation of united states — can never lose its interest for the American people. Rather as time goes on and the marvelous outcome of that severance and affiliation is more clearly mani fested, there is increasing interest in searching out and treasuring up every fact and incident connected with this momentous revolution. Leaving primal causes and underlying principles to be discussed by the philosophic historian, our special object of in quiry is — What part did our own ancestors, the resi dents of these Windham County towns, bear in this great struggle ? Our county of Windham, it may be noted, bore a more prominent part in the revolutionary conflict than her present position in Connecticut would indi cate. Her settlers were mainly of old Massachusetts stock, closely connected by family ties with towns in the vicinity of Boston. The main routes of travel from Boston to Hartford and New York, Norwich and New 88 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. London; from Providence to Springfield and Norwich, ran through Windham County, bringing it into daily communication with business and political centres. The peculiar structure of the Connecticut town, its liberty to order and carry forward its own internal affairs, had developed in its inhabitants a spirit of inquiry and self-reliance. The money question was one that appealed with great force to these Wind ham County farmers. Obliged to tax themselves for the support of minister and schoolmaster, as well as for town and military expenses, every item of expen diture was most carefully scrutinized. The connec tion between taxation and representation had been early instilled into their minds. No town presumed to send representatives to legislature till it was able to pay its jiroportion of public charges. Its request for the privilege of sending deputies was always ac companied by lists of estates for assessments. Min- 1 isters exempt by law from tax-paying were not ex pected to vote. When, therefore. Great Britain's change of policy was indicated, when her claim to the right of enforcing direct tribute from every part of her dominions was made known, it roused imme diate and intelligent opposition. The colonies rose as one in resistance to the Stamp Act. Prominent citizens of Windham County, Lawyer Dyer, Putnam, and Durkee, encouraged and abetted acts of open resistance. The liberties of the colonists were in REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 89 jeopardy. When in the face of earnest remonstrance parliament persisted in its arbitrary course, imposing in 1767 taxes upon glass, paper, tea and other arti cles, they were met by determined and organized opposition. The committee appointed at a public meeting in Boston, October, 1767, prepared and sent out an explicit " form " in which the signers pledged themselves to encourage the use of American pro ductions, and refrain from purchasing articles of Eu ropean manufacture. In response to this call a most enthusiastic meeting was held at Windham Green, which resulted in the adoption of the following votes and measures, viz.: " That we do engage with and promise each other that we will not from and after the first day of March next, by land or water, transport into this Colony either for sale or our own family's use, nor purchase of any other person, any of the following articles produced or manufactured out of North America, viz. : Loaf- sugar, cordage, coaches, chaises, and all sorts of carriages and harnesses for the same, men's and women's saddles, and bridles and whips, all sorts of men's hats, men's and women's apparel ready-made, men's gloves, women's hats, men's and women's shoes, sole-leather, shoe and knee buckles, iron ware, clocks, nails, gold, silver and thread lace, gold and silver buttons, dia mond stone and paste ware, snuff, tobacco, mustard, clocks and watches, silversmith and jeweller's ware, broad-cloth that costs above 9s. pr. yard, muffs, tippets and all sorts of headdress for women, women's and children's stays, starch, silk and cotton velvet, linseed oil, lawn and cambric that costs above 4s. pr. 8* 90 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. yard, malt liquors, cheese, chairs and tables, and all kinds of cabinet ware, horse combs, linen exceeding 3s. per yard, silks of any kind in garments, men's and women's stockings, and wove patterns for breeches and vests. " They also agreed to discourage and discounte nance the excessive use of all foreign teas, spices, and black pepper ; also expensive treats by military officers, and to encourage various specified domestic manufactures, and to discountenance in the most ef fectual but decent and lawful manner any inhabitant who did not conform to these regulations. They also voted that a committee be appointed to correspond with committees from the several towns in the county, in order to render the foregoing proposals as extensive and effectual as may be. This report was unanimously adopted at " a very full meeting of the inhabitants of the town," and three of her most influential citizens — Nathaniel Wales, Jun., Samuel Grey and Dr. Joshua Elderkin — appointed a commit tee of correspondence. The several towns of the county were quick to follow this suggestion ; held indignation meetings ; passed resolutions and ap pointed their best men on these corresponding com mittees. According to Bancroft, Samuel Adams " thought out his plan of correspondence and union among the friends of Liberty," and laid it before a Boston town meeting in 1772. Madam Mercy War ren claims that it had been previously discussed in REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 91 their home circle, and that her husband. Paymaster General James Warren, had suggested it to private friends. Like many other great movements it was " in the air," and Samuel Adams undoubtedly has the honor of its public and general enforcement. But here we have it in full force among our Wind ham County towns in December, 1767 ; five years in advance of its general adoption. And these resolutions and pledges were not suf fered to remain dead letters. If any of our young people could have had the good fortune to attend the wedding of Miss Dora Flint, of Windham Green, December, 1767, they must have discarded from their apparel every article of foreign manufacture. Silk, ribbons, gauze, lace, jewels, are rigidly tabooed. The wedding garment that wins admittance to that mar riage feast is of sober homespun. The bountiful re freshments are all of native origin. Does not Con necticut furnish fish, fowl, and game in endless variety and abundance? Sparkling beverages are distilled from her own grapes and apples. Even the domestic red-root tea can be made wholesome and palatable. It was a jovial and joyful feast, attended by belles and beaux from Lebanon and Norwich, as well as Windham. Patriotic zeal flavored the viands and added lustre to the homespun, home-made gar ments. Any evasion or infringement of this agree ment was quickly noted and held up to severest 92 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. reprobation. Joshua Elderkin, a prominent mer chant, presuming to have on sale "felt hats and worsted patterns," the town voted "To look upon him as a person not fit to sustain any office of trust till he properly manifests his repentance." The tea question also came to the front in Wind ham. Perhaps there was no article whose deprivation caused so much inconvenience and grumbling, and none that seemed so obnoxious to flaming patriots. " Any person who persists in using tea shows disre gard for the liberties of America," votes the town of Canterbury. The old minister in Scotland Parish had the misfortune to lose his step-daughter, Elisabeth Devotion, a beautiful young woman. Her illness was sudden and severe ; her death greatly afflictive ; and under the circumstances the aged parents were per suaded to indulge in the gentle stimulant of a cup of tea. And such a storm as was raised by it. As soon as Mr. Cogswell heard of the complaints he hastened to the Committee of Inspection with certificates from attendant physicians that the tea had been taken by their advice as a medical prescription. But this ex cuse was wholly unsatisfactory. From all parts of the parish parishioners were dropping into the min ister's house to vent their own disapproval, and report sayings of their neighbors. Some showed their dis pleasure by actually staying away from meeting. Others insisted that Mr. Cogswell's dereliction should REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 93 be published and denounced in the Norwich and New London newspapers. One old woman declared that she should never be satisfied till Mr, Cogswell made public explanation and confession in the pulpit. In the same town a good farmer had worked up a little barter trade with Newport. Some one surmis ing that tea might be among the articles brought home, neighbors met him on the road with a supply of tar and feathers ready for application had the ob noxious article been found in his saddle-bags. Windham County's intimate relations with Boston and Providence brought her into touch with current events. A son of Pomfret — Darius Sessions — was deputy governor of Rhode Island at the time of the burning of the Gaspee. Woodstock boys assisted in throwing the tea into Boston harbor. Joseph Howe, pastor of New South Church, could give thrilling re ports of the desolation wrought by the enforcement of the Boston Port Bill. That act of power had great effect in hastening the inevitable conflict. A day of public fasting and prayer was observed throughout Connecticut. On the day the bill took effect, June 1, 1774, meetings were held in most of the towns. In Lebanon, the home of Gov. Trumbull, the bells were tolled throughout the day ; town house and public buildings draped with black. The people were everywhere aflame with indignation. Corre sponding committees received new powers and in- 94 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. structions. Sympathetic words for the suffering inhabitants of Boston were followed by helpful gifts. Windham town was first in relief with her "small flock" of two hundred and fifty-eight sheep. Put nam himself took down Brooklyn's gift of one hun dred and twenty-five fine sheep. Plainfield, Pomfret, Killingly, Woodstock, sent on their flocks. " A beef cow for the distressed," with quaint words of sym pathy was forwarded by Capt. Aaron Cleveland, of Canterbury, father of the future. Gen. Moses Cleve land. As it became more and more evident that Great Britain was bent upon carrying out her scheme of taxation, the colonists became more earnest and de termined in plans for resistance. " Millions for de fence but not a cent for tribute," was the prevailing sentiment. The burning words of Patrick Henry and James Otis added fuel to flames. Military prep aration was carrie.d on by every possible means. Experience gained in helping Great Britain to expel the French from Canada was now turned to account in training men to resist the authority of Great Brit ain. Connecticut equipped four new regiments in the autumn of 1774. Each town was ordered to pro vide double its usual stock of powder, balls, and flint. Trainings twice a month were required of each military company. The militia organization of our colony was then very efficient ; military spirit. REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 95 high. Great military parades aroused the admira tion and martial spirit of country lads. A brigade training in Plainfield, 1773, is especially memorable for inciting the first spark of military enthusiasm in a young Quaker from Rhode Island, Nathaniel Greene, destined to win a high name among revolutionary commanders. Equally noteworthy was a military gathering at Woodstock Hill, May, 1774 — -one of the first of Woodstock's " notable meetings." Soldiers in Indian dress caught up and carried away some of the children present but were pursued and brought back in triumph by Capt. McClellan's gallant " troop of horse," to the intense admiration of thousands of spectators. But while providing guns, bullets, and powder, and exciting public spirit by loud harangues and spec tacular exhibitions, they did not forget to fortify themselves with arguments. The most influential ministers of Windham County came out boldly in de fence of the rights of the people. Rev. Ebenezer Devotion, of Scotland, was sent as Windham's repre sentative during the Stamp Act agitation. A clause in the resolutions of the General Assembly, after passage of the Boston Port Bill, expresses the true Connecticut attitude of solid men at that epoch : "That the subjects of his Majesty in this Colony ever have had and of right ought to have and enjoy all the liberties, im munities and privileges of free and natural-born subjects within 96 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. any of the dominions of our said King ... as fully and amply as if they and everyone of them were born within the realm of England." A small book widely circulated in Connecticut dur ing this winter of 1774-75, and especially endorsed by Windham County clergy, enforced this principle in most effective terms. It was entitled — " English Liberties, or the Freeborn subjects Inheritance, con taining Magna Charta, Habeas Corpus Act, a Decla ration of the Liberties of the Subject, the Petition of Right, and other kindred documents," reprinted from the fifth English edition, and showing, saith the preface, " the laws and rights that from age to age have been delivered down to us from our renowned forefathers, and which they so dearly bought and vindicated to themselves at the expense of so much blood and treasure." And yet there are those to-day who ask if our country people were not " dragooned" into rebellion by partisan leaders ! Fully to appreciate the part borne by Windham County in the seven years' contest, we must bear in mind the meagreness of her resources as compared with the present. The population of the towns now embraced in the county was a little over seventeen thousand : its grand list of estates only figured at about £160,000, considerably less than three-quarter million dollars. There was no business centre of any pretensions except at Windham Green, and the pop- REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 97 ulation of old Windham town, including village, Scotland, and parts of present Hampton and Chaplin territory, was only thirty-five hundred. Killingly, including all Thompson and present Putnam east of the Quinebaug, had about the same population as Windham, and its tax list only rated a little more than a hundred thousand dollars. A few houses in each town clustered about the hill meeting-house, but the main bulk of the population was scattered about in farm houses. There were a few stores in Windham : Earned and Mason carried on an exten sive barter trade in Thompson Parish ; there were saw and grist mills in every town, but the great ma jority of the inhabitants were farmers. W^onderment has been expressed at the large number of men kept in service during the war in proportion to the popu lation. It was due mainly to the fact that the men were available ; not tied up by business cares. These stalwart farmers with their large families of boys were more at liberty to answer the call than any suc ceeding generation. The section was favored in the way of public roads. A weekly stage-coach from Providence to Norwich passed through Plainfield ; a new route was estab lished in 1774 from Norwich to Boston, passing through Windham, Pomfret, and Thompson. The only post-office was in New London. Taverns were numerous on every road, and well supplied with 98 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. liquor. Public life at this time mainly centered in the town meeting and military gathering. Wind ham's military companies were comprised in the Fifth, Eleventh, and Twenty-first Connecticut regiments — strong and well disciplined organizations. Jedidiah Elderkin was colonel. Experience Storrs, lieut.-colo- nel of the Fifth, which comprised companies from Windham and Ashford. Pomfret, Woodstock and Killingly men made up the Eleventh — Ebenezer Wil liams, colonel ; William Danielson, lieut.-colonel. The newly organized 21st took in Plainfield and Canter bury. A " troop of horse " connected with each regi ment was extremely popular. Old French war vete rans connected with the several companies added much to their spirit and efficiency. The news of the battle of Lexington found these men ready for the summons. Thousands of hearts and homes were stirred by the announcement. An official despatch sent from Worcester reached Daniel Tyler, Jun., Brooklyn, 8 A. M. April 20, the morning after the encounter; but earlier than that, as we learn from private sources, a swift-footed messenger speeding across the hills brought the great news to Woodstock and Killingly. A small boy then sleep ing in bed with his grandfather — Ephraim, son of Dr. Manasseh Cutler — tells the story in later years : "I well remember that the express with the news of the bat tle of Lexington came directly to my grandfather's house in the REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 90 night. He was in bed and I slept with him. He arose and fired his gun three times, which was doubtless tbe agreed signal as it was universally expected there would be a hostile attack from the British. Before sunrise he with fifteen others had started for the battlefield. He had the care of a quantity of powder which was kept in the meeting house. He gave directions to have half a pound delivered to each man as he called for it. The house was thronged through the day with parties of ten or twenty men who followed on towards Boston. I suppose that from the age of sixteen to seventy all left except sickness or some disability excused them. I remember that while the men were all away the women were thrown into quite a panic by a report which was started by some mischievous or evil-disposed person, that ' Malbones niggers ' were coming to pillage and burn the place. Our house was filled with trembling, frightened women and children. There was not a firearm or weapon in the place and only a few aged men. I remember they prepared ket tles of heated water and the boys were stationed as sentinels to give timely notice of their approach. My place was the top of my grandfather's gambrel-roofed house. But we saw no negroes nor indeed anybody else for the whole place seemed deserted." On this memorable day men from six companies marched from Killingly. Those from the mother town were led by Major William Danielson and cap tains Ephraim Warren and Joseph and Daniel Cady. The Thompson men were led by captains Joseph El liott and John Green and Lieutenant Elwell. Many of the older men, the fathers of the town, were in the ranks. The honored list of 177 names embraces rep resentatives of nearly every old family in the large 100 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. town. Woodstock sent four companies under captains Daniel Lyon, Ephraim Manning, Nathaniel Marcy, Benjamin Lyon, with her proportion of the " troop of horse," and of Elwell's New Boston company. All the other towns in the county were worthily rep resented. We all know the story of Putnam's recep tion of the news and how much he had contributed towards inciting military spirit and advising efficient organization. The field in which he left his young son, Daniel, to unyoke the team left in the furrow is one of the hallowed possessions of Windham County. His hurried ride that April day to Cambridge is linked with that of Paul Revere in popular regard. Among the many thousand homes that day en grossed by the great news and hurried preparations, the one I see most clearly is a low, square old house, now standing in South Woodstock, left of the road that turns to Roseland Park. There the famous Windham County " troop of horse " gathered around their leader, Capt. Samuel McClellan — a stalwart body of men, the pride of eastern Connecticut — and thence they started off in advance of regimental or ders—thirty-six horsemen in battle array. And after all were gone in the late April afternoon, the mis tress of the household — Rachel Abbe of Windham — brought out a small bunch of saplings, stripling elms from her early home, and with her own hands planted them in Woodstock soil. And there they stand on REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 101 the common before the house, three noble elms, true trees of Liberty, forever testifying to the patriotic devotion of a daughter — rather let us say of a mother of the Revolution — one whose constant aid and sym pathy encouraged and strengthened her husband and many other sons of Windham County to bear a most honorable and helpful part in the long struggle. What would we not give for as clear a glimpse of many Pomfret homes on that memorable Saturday and Sunday. All day and night the clans were mar shaling in this town. No promiscuous scramble to the front was allowed in Putnam's town. By his advice the companies of the Fifth Regiment were mustered to march in due military order to the scene of action. And here they met in Pomfret Street and Abington, hundreds of men ready for marching orders. It is strange that tradition preserves no hint of that most remarkable gathering. We are indebted to the diary of Lieut.-Col. Storrs for brief report. Late on Saturday night he and his company reached Pomfret and found Ashford and Windham companies awaiting him. The officers were entertained at the house of Mr. Ebenezer Grosvenor ; the soldiers — where? Did they bivouac in tents, or were they billeted upon scores of Pomfret homes ? Hundreds more came in the night, eager to offer themselves for ser^dce. As soon as possible after the morning meal they sent for Rev. Mr. Putnam, the Pomfret minister. 102 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. to pray with the companies. After prayer Col. Storrs formed a hollow square and communicated regimental orders. The men were then dismissed till 1 P. M., while the officers held council. Was service held that day in that famous great meeting-house, filled with those waiting soldiers? Did those good ministers. Reverends Putnam and Ripley, improve the opportunity for timely prayer and exhortation ? Did anxious wives and mothers leave household cares to attend these helpful services ? No echo comes to us from those waiting, eager men and burdened households. We can only picture in our minds the bustle, the excitement, the varied experiences of that eventful day in many a Pomfret home. Col. Storrs curtly notes that they decided to take one fifth of the ten companies present and order the " overplush " to return home. The elect two hundred were from Ash ford and Windham, (Canada Parish) with fifty-nine from Pomfret. At 5 P. M. they started on their march to Lexington. Lieut.-Col. Storrs accompanied them as far as Dudley and then left them in charge of Capt. Thomas Knowlton — a young hero already noted in military service, and destined to win im mortal laurels. These companies were received with much distinction at Cambridge, as the first on the ground fully disciplined and equipped. Other Pom fret men — Lieut. Keyes, Corporal Seth Grosvenor, Dr. Waldo, and a number of privates, had preceded with the Troop. REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 103 Of these thousands of Windham County men who sallied out upon the alarm, the younger portion almost without exception served under successive enlistments during the war. As many as were needed were mustered into Putnam's own regiment— the Connecticut Third, in May. The captains of its ten companies were Israel Putnam, senior and junior. Experience Storrs, John Durkee, Obadiah Johnson, Thomas Knowlton, James Clark, Ephraim Manning, Joseph Elliott, Ebenezer Mosely. The older men were left to carry on their farms and town affairs, but were often called out with the militia. We catch few inside glimpses of affairs this sum mer of 1775 — the busiest and happiest summer of the war for New England. As yet all were in the first flush of novelty and excitement. Every patriot home was astir with eager preparation. Constant inter course was maintained with the camp at Cambridge. Many an aged Jesse " went down to camp " or sent his fresh young David as a substitute. The report of the battle at Bunker Hill thrilled every patriot heart. Windham County bore a most honorable part in this memorable battle. Putnam, by general accla mation, was made the hero of the day. Knowlton and Grosvenor had done conspicuous service. Com panies from Windham, Ashford, Canterbury, and Pomfret had taken part in the main defence. Others from Killingly had helped cover the retreat when 104 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. ammunition was exhausted. The names of eleven Windham County men left on the field are inscribed on the sacred roll of Bunker Hill monument. A mother's letter brings us back into the home cir cle. It is from Mrs. Samuel Gray, of Windham, to her son, Lieut. Ebenezer Gray. " July 31, A, D. 1775. Dear Child : — I, this morning heard by Mr. Trumbull, who passed through town in haste last evening, that you are prepar ing to meet the enemy, or to drive them from their new intrench- ments. I could not hear it without some emotion of soul, al- though I firmly believe God is able to deliver and will deliver us out of the hands of these unnatural enemies in his own time. Our cause is just I don't doubt, and God in his holy and right- cons providence has called you there to defend our just rights and privileges. I would commit you into the hands of a just and merciful God, who alone is able to defend you. Confessing my utter unworthiness of the least mercy, would trust in un merited mercy through Jesus Christ for all that strength, cour age and fortitude that you stand in need of in the business he is calling you to. Trust in the Lord and be of good courage ; the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him ; upon them that hope in his mercy. Confess your sins daily before the Lord, and forsake every evil way ; walk in all the commandments of the Lord. Be careful to set a good example before those that are under you, especially in observing the Sabbath. The surest way of conquering our enemies is to turn from every evil way, and seek the Lord with all our hearts with confession of our sins. I am more afraid of our sins than of all the forces of our enemy. As to profane swearing, which is very common in camps, I al- REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 105 ways thought you were not inclined to, and I trust you will take all possible care to prevent it in those that fall under your care. I think we have abundant reason to praise the name of the Lord for his wonderful assistance and deliverances our people have experienced at one time and another, especially at Bunker's Hill. Well, may we say, ' Had it not been the Lord who was on our side when such a number of troops rose up and surrounded our people, then they had swallowed us up quick when their wrath was kindled against us.' These merciful assurances of God for us ought to encourage us to call upon God, and strengthen our faith in Him. That you may put your trust in God, and go on with courage and fortitude to whatever work or business you may be called to, is the sincere prayer of your Loving Mother. Lydia Gray." And some homes, even in this first hopeful summer, are already darkened. A neat farm-house on the road to Grosvenordale — the residence of our late friend, Mr. Elliott Shumway — brings freshly before me our first Revolutionary officer, Capt. Joseph Elliott, tossing on his bed through the hot summer days. A brave and gallant officer in the prime of life, after return from Lexington he had been selected to lead the Killingly company of Putnam's own regi ment. There is reason for belief that he, with part of his company, covered the retreat of the little band from the redoubt at Bunker Hill, preserving it from annihilation or capture. A few days later he is at home struggling with disease, doubtless brought on by fatigue and exposure. We picture him lying in 106 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. the darkened house, and the bereaved wife, the eight children, and aged grandfather following him to his grave in early August. And the minister's house on Killingly Hill lies in deep shadow. There in June had been welcomed a son of the house. Rev. Joseph Howe, the beloved pastor of New South Church, Boston — driven from his pulpit by the exigencies of the time — the most brilliant young man of his generation. Passing on to visit friends in Hartford, he succumbed suddenly to complicated disease, brought on by fatigue and excitement. The death of his step-father, Rev. Aaron Brown, while returning from his funeral, made the blow still heavier for family and people. Even a deeper shadow rested on a stately residence at Windham Green, the home of Col. Eleazer Fitch, high sheriff of the county. That beautiful home, so famed for social attraction and musical culture, was now closed and barred by outside pressure. A colonel in the old French war — a civil officer under the King — Col. Fitch could not take sides with the patriots in resistance to royal authority. His words of repro bation roused the ire of the inflammable people of Windham. A boycott was served upon him. A paper was circulated in which the signers pledged them selves to withhold from Col. Fitch every possible ac commodation. A miller must not grind ; a black smith must not renew a horseshoe for a Tory — and REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 107 this loyal gentleman who had been the idol of his generation, "the best looking man in the army," lived in isolation and loneliness, lacking the common comforts of life — " Bad weather for Tories," reports Col. Storrs, "yet we have some." To a certain extent it is easy to follow the course of events during the Revolutionary period. We have official military records, details of public meet ings, outline reports of movements and engagements in the limited newspaper of the day, but we know that much occurred of which we can gain no knowl edge. It is a matter of wonderment that of home life we have so few glimpses, and yet we know that every home in the colonies was most intimately affected. Even where father, husband or son was not in actual service there was depreciation of cur rency, diminution of supplies, interruption of the common routine of life. Public and private life, in town and home, were alike pivoted upon the war that was in progress. Personally I have to confess great mis-improve ment of privileges. My maternal grandmother was eighteen years of age at the close of the war, and af terwards married a revolutionary soldier, yet all that I gained from her was a chance allusion that im pressed my youthful sensibilities of " bloody tracks left by the soldiers in marching." "I was born," says our good old minister, Daniel Dow, "in 1772, 108 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. and have a vivid recollection of many of the impor tant events of the Revolutionary War" — and yet, though Doctor and Mrs. Dow were capital story tel lers, ever ready to communicate, not one of those " vivid recollections " has been preserved by parish ioner or descendant. I think I have seen but one revolutionary soldier, " Old Sibley " — who lived near the village. The boys of my time thought it great fun to hear his war stories, but the girls did not go for him. Pomfret Factory boys in the Quinebaug valley had the rare privilege of hearing live Bunker Hill stories from that worthy officer of the church militant — Dea. Elihu Sabin. He would tell them of his covering the retreat from the Hill and being con fronted by a fierce-looking British officer when he had but one charge left in his musket. " And did you kill him ? " the boys would ask eagerly. " Wall," he would answer deliberately, " I dunno exactly, but the last I see of him he was getting off his horse." It is because of the increasing rarity of such first hand incidents that we should take much pains to avail ourselves of every possible source of informa tion ; to gather and note down every fact and item received from those who Avere personally connected with the Revolution. The time is not far distant when the last person will have passed away who has even seen a Revolutionary soldier. REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 109 With the transfer of the seat of war from Boston to New York, came far heavier burdens to our Wind ham County towns. No more pleasant intercourse with the camp ; no more return of sick and wounded to be nursed at home. But far more urgent was the demand and larger the number of those now enter ing upon service. All the provision that could be spared from household supplies was brought forward for the use of the army. Every grain of salt, every scrap of saltpetre was carefully hoarded. House wives ransacked their stores for towcloth for tent and knapsack. One-fourth of the men in each militia regiment, perfectly equipped with arms, balls, flints, and other needful articles, were ordered to hold themselves ready to march as minute-men at the shortest notice ; while recruiting for the several new regiments ordered by Government was pushed for ward with greatest activity. A letter from Washing ton, June 29, to Brig.-Gen. Wadsworth, hastens prep arations — "The safety of our army under Heaven depends upon the seasonable arrival of the Connec ticut regiments at New York." Woodstock compa nies were ordered to set out, Thursday, July 4. If the whole company was not in readiness they were to start with twenty-five men, forwarding the re mainder as fast as they became ready " with all con venient speed." Do we wonder that such a summons sent a thrill through every soldier's home? How 10 110 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. great the danger they were facing in that strange far-off New York and Jersey ! Yet they went by twos and threes from many a Woodstock home. Two sons went out from Henry Child's tavern — one son, at least, from the home of that leading patriot, Capt. Ehsha Child, and a young man brought up in the family. While all were engrossed with final preparations and words of cheer and counsel, this orphan youth, thinking that should he fall in the campaign there were none to remember or mourn for him, stole off in the woods for a memorial tree which he set out in front of this old Ephraim Child house — and thus East Woodstock gained her " Revolutionary elm " — a grand old tree, as strong and thrifty as the nation it typifies. Little did those Woodstock men realize, as they marched off for service that morning of July 4, 1776, the significance of the events in which they were participating. Days passed before they even heard of that memorable Declaration that hallows that day forever to every son and daughter of our land. But we may well believe that its spirit was in their hearts, and in the hearts of their towns men, who, though they had already sent out " a much greater number than their proportion," now pledged themselves anew " to do everything in their power to advantage the public cause." A letter from Wash ington's own hand, commending them for their self- sacrifice in sparing their beloved minister. Rev. Abiel REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. Ill Leonard, to serve continuously as chaplain in Put nam's regiment, Avas an additional stimulus. And Mr. Leonard's example and eloquent exhortations doubtless had great influence. As an instance of the sympathetic enthusiasm of the women, it is said that when in the preceding autumn some soldiers returned home when their term of enlistment had expired without waiting for formal discharge, that their wives gave them a hearty scolding and threatened to drive them back to the camp. And now this courage and enthusiasm were to be sorely tested. This campaign of 1776 in Long Island and New York, brought a severe strain upon Con necticut. She furnished by far the largest number for the field ; her losses were very heavy. The battle and retreat from Long Island, the hurried stampede through New York city, the death of Knowlton, the sickness raging in the camp — all brought inexpressi ble distress to the homes of these Windham County soldiers. The regular quota of men from the several towns were mustered into Colonels Ward and Dur- kee's regiments for the year's service. Another call was made in .June for special service in Wadsworth's Brigade, at Long Island and New York city. A still more urgent call in September summoned the Eleventh Regiment, militia, with all speed to New York. A hundred and twelve men now went out from Killingly, and equal proportion from other towns, in- 112 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. eluding every man that was fit for service. These were indeed " the times that tried men's souls " in camp and home. Every post brought tidings of fresh loss and disaster. The few letters that reached home told of defeat, sickness, suffering, imprisonment, and death. Here is a letter from Private Thomas Dike, who went out from Thompson Parish in the Eleventh Regiment : "Westchester, Sept. ye 10th, 1776. Ever Honored Father and Mother : After my duty to you hoping these few lines will find you all well as through the goodness of God it leaves me at present, I would inform you that I arrived here last night and have made all the inquiries after Samuel that I have had opportunity for but cannot hear where he is. The last account was that last Saturday he was sick and in the hospital in the city of New York and came that day from the hospital up to the regiment but being weak could not travel and several of the company told me there were carriages provided to carry the sick over to the Jersey side among which was Sergeant Jesse Larned who is since dead, Samuel Dike, Amos Green and many others. I hope to hear soon from him, and see him for they tell me he is much discouraged but thought he was getting better. * There has been a sore battle at York. The Regulars landed on the island of York, both on the North and East Rivers on Sabbath day, and our men were obliged to retreat with all possi ble speed, but notwithstanding many were killed and taken. Capt. Stephen Crosby being over hot went into a house and drinked cold water and died immediately. Lieut. Buck is either killed or taken prisoner and several more Killingly men. On Monday it is reported our men got the better ; killed and took REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 113 great numbers of the Regulars and Hessians. Col. Williams' regiment is ordered off to the Jersey side and we expect to go from here to-day. It is very sickly here among the militia. William Smith and Ebenezer Nichols we left behind. Solomon Smith and John Barrett must stop here or return back. The Lord be merciful to us all for we have got where the inhabitants show no pity. I beg your prayers for me that I may be pre served from sin, sickness and the sword and be soon returned to my family and friends whom I am greatly concerned for. I would have written a few lines to my wife but have not time. Now, I hope she will not take it hard. I desire to be remembered to her and all my friends. Tell my little children I long to see them but when I shall I cannot tell. It is all confusion here. Your dutiful son, Thomas Dike.'' Still more distressing pictures were given by Oliver Grosvenor, Commissary of Eleventh Regiment, in letters to his wife : " The sick daily increases in numbers : some companies not more than two or three in their returns fit for duty : the rest sick and taking care of the sick. . . It is not in my power to paint you the doleful scenes I behold every hour : neither did I believe that rational creatures could be divested of that humanity that I find they are subject to in the camps, where sickness and sin so much prevail. Alas for our land which now mourns beneath the horrors and distresses of our present war. . . Six of our regi ment have died since the day before yesterday and now there are a number I expect to hear are dead in the morning. Oct. 3, 1776." The irregularity of communication enhanced dis tress and anxiety. In the longer or shorter interval 10* 114 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. between these chance letters imagination painted even greater losses and horrors. Yet the true reality was beyond expression. Scores of men who had gone out full of life and spirits, blotted out of sight never to be seen again by friend or kindred. Some were in the flush of youth and hope. Some left young brides ; others the burdened wife with family of little children. It is well perhaps that we cannot look in upon these bereaved homes. Knowlton's, with its eight children ; Capt. Crosby's with six, and in both instances a child born after the decease of its father. This captain of ours was, like Capt. Elliott, a man of sterling char acter, who had represented the town at the General Court in 1775. His little son Stephen, not four years old, remembered through life his opening the gate for his father as he rode out for the last time, and his " God bless you, my son," as he stooped from his saddle. And there were many more equally dear and precious buried where they fell in New York and Jersey. No sending home of loved remains. " 'Tis little, but it looks in truth As if the quiet bones were blest Amid familiar scenes to rest. And in the places of its youth." But even this small consolation was denied the Revolutionary soldier, and even in many cases a stone to mark his burial place. Even when he died at REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 115 home the memorial stone was withheld or long de layed. The poverty of the times is shown by this omission. The widow with her little ones, the aged parents deprived of their strong sons, could not afford the cost. But their memory was tenderly cherished, and years after their decease their names were in scribed on the stones in the old burying ground that marked the graves of wife or parent. It is remark able to find so many of these delayed inscriptions in our own Thompson ground. The names of Captains Elliott and Crosby appear on the grave-stones with their widows, who had survived them nearly forty years. The names of two and even three sons dying in New York and New Jersey are carved below those of aged parents. But the resting place of those who died in camp or fell in battle was seldom known to their friends. Those were indeed dark days alike in Jersey camp and Windham County farm-house. The soldier in camp and hospital was burdened with anxieties for those at home. Heavy, indeed, were the cares of those wives and mothers. Young lads were called upon to bear the brunt of autumn work and house hold provision. One little lad in Thompson, only six years old, remembered vividly through life his trials in going after the cows those November twilights, his bare feet entangling in the briars, his little summer suit of towcloth so tattered that he could hardly 116 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. hold it together as he stumbled about the rocky pasture. But the darkest day has gleams of light. Amid the anxieties and distress of this terrible autumn came the most ludicrous episode of the war ; a farce between the acts of a sombre tragedy. Yet, to the actors it was a most real experience and illustrates one of the most trying features of the situation — iso lation from the seat of war and difficulty of obtain ing accurate information. It occurred in the vicinity of the Great Elm, in what was called the "South Neighborhood" of Thompson Parish, after the last call for militia. The army had been driven from New York ; British fieets were in the Sound threat ening New London and Providence ; affairs were in the greatest confusion and rumors flew thick from every quarter. New London and Providence were burned; Connecticut was invaded; the victorious British might be expected to sweep through the State at any moment. Besides these general dan gers this section was haunted by a special bugbear. Right down in Brooklyn the Tory and churchman, Malbone, owned a gang of negro slaves, and just north of Thompson there was a remnant of " Paygan In jins " occupying a reservation. Combustible mate rial was kept piled up on conspicuous hills for signal warning in case of attack, and a kettle of tar was suspended from the cross-bar of the Liberty pole on REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 117 Killingly Hill, for the same purpose. A single spark of rumor lighted all these combustibles. A post galloped through town without stopping to commu nicate news, and a saucy boy on Dudley Hill had his ears boxed by a suspected Tory. Quick through the town flew the report of immediate onset. " The Tor-ies are coming ! The Tor-ies are com ing," was the awe-struck cry, and when it reached the elm tree the tale was magnified by the addition of " Malbone Niggers " and " Paygan Injins " burn ing and slaughtering everything before them. What a terrible prospect ! There was not an able-bodied man in the corner. Nothing but women and chil dren, old-folks and invalids. Panic, dire, unreason ing, frenzied panic took possession. All manner of ridiculous things were said and done. Concealment and flight seemed the only course of action. And so the neighbors, old and young, rushed together and started off pell-mell for a bushy swamp. One woman staid behind^ — the heroine of the day. I am always glad to relate the prowess of my much re spected grandmother— Rebekah (Wilkinson) Larned — a worthy daughter of Liberty and Rhode Island. She was not the woman to desert her husband's prop erty, or quail before Malbone and his negroes. Three young children and her husband's aged grandmother were in her care. Piling wood upon the ample fire place, every iron implement that could be mustered lis HISTORIC GLEANINGS. was thrust into the blazing coals, and from every hook on the crane a kettle of water was suspended, and had the foe appeared he would have met a hot reception from fire and tongue. In vain did the fu gitives send beseeching pleas. "Tell Becky," they whimpered, " hot irons will never do for the British." In vain did they urge the aged grandmother — the widow of Justice Joseph Leavens — to share their flight. Her faith surpassed her fears, and sinking back into her chimney corner she meekly murmured — " If I am to be killed by the Tor-ies to-night why thea I shall he, so I'll een stay with Becky." But Tory and negro alike failed to materialize. The great alarm proved a mere fizzle, but coming as it did on those anxious days, it served a most admir able purpose. All the ridiculous sayings and doings of the terrified were remembered and reproduced with the vividness of instantaneous photograph. We see Sam. Cheese ramming down bullets into his mus ket without any powder ; and poor, old, palsied Capt. Merriam, with pitchfork quivering in his hands, as he tried to guard and hold the house door. We catch the sly gleam in the eye of the bedridden granny, forgotten and left behind in the flurry, who had man aged to crawl out of bed and stow herself away in a cupboard. We hear the plaintive voice of poor old hobbling Uncle Asa on his way to the swamp — " Thithter, thithter, I've forgot my thin plathter," REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 119 and the sister's brusque rejoinder, " Come along, Asa, you'll never dress your shins again in this world,'' while Aunt Nabby voiced the general desire in her heartfelt ejaculation — " I'd give a wedge of goold as big as my foot for one good dram.." It is truly re freshing to learn that these much tried sufferers had so legitimate a cause for merriment, even if it is a little hard on the panic-stricken subjects. Probably the scarcity of Tories in Windham County invested them with abnormal terror. In other parts of the State they were sufficiently obvious, but here they were too few to assert themselves. Poor Col. Fitch, now deprived of his official position, sat soli tary in his suspected mansion, barely supplied with the every day necessities of life. Dr. Walton, of Killingly, a bitter Tory, who once presumed to hide a wounded British officer in his house, dared not open his mouth. Hannah Miller, fleeing from Boston " as from a nest of hornets to the happy and peaceful town of Pomfret," with a hogshead of rum and tierce of coffee for subsistence, was obliged to give proof of her loyalty to the patriot cause before she could settle down to the consumption of her rum and coffee. Col. Malbone, chevalier and churchman, with his " church parson and gang of negro slaves," felt con strained to observe extreme quiet, and restrict church service and prayers for the king to his private resi dence. The saddest home in Windham County was 120 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. that of Nathan Frink, Pomfret's dashing young lawyer and excise officer, who, after attempting to act with the patriots, turned squarely against them and entered the British army. His aged parents went down unto the grave mourning, and a large circle of relatives was overwhelmed with grief and mortifica tion. The August of 1777 brought grief to many hearts in the death of Woodstock's beloved pastor. Rev. Abiel Leonard, D. D. Mr. Leonard had won much favor among his own people and the churches of the county before his acceptance of the chaplaincy of Putnam's regiment. Here he achieved still greater popularity, his eloquent and patriotic discourses ex citing much admiration. He may be said to have been the father of "Army Literature" — "a prayer composed for the benefit of the soldiers in the Ameri can army to assist them in their private devotions,'' and printed in a tract of nine pages, is noted as the first attempt in this line. Washington's letter to the Woodstock church may well be forever associated with the memory of this honored pastor, viz. : " To the Church and Congregation at Woodstock : Mr. Leonard is a man whose exemplary life and conversation must make him highly esteemed by every person who has the pleasure of being acquainted with him. It therefore can be no surprise to us to hear they are loth to part with him His in fluence in the army is great. He is employed in the glorious work of attending to the morals of a brave people who are fight- REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 121 ing for their liberties— the liberties of the people of Woodstock — the liberty of all America. We therefore hope that, knowing how nobly he is employed, the congregation ot Woodstock will cheerfully give up to the public a gentleman so very useful. And when, by the blessing of a kind Providence, this glorious and unparalleled struggle for our liberties is at an end, we have not the least doubt but Mr. Leonard will, with redoubled joy, be received in the open arms of a congregation so very dear to him as the good people of Woodstock are. This is what is hoped for — this is what is expected, by the congregation of Woodstock's sincere well wishers and very humble servants, George Washington, Israel Putnam. Head Quarters, Cambridge, 34th of March, 1776.- Washington's kind hope for the happy return of the beloved pastor to his flock at the close of the war was not destined for fulfillment, and the circum stances attending his death left a cloud upon his memory. Dying at Danbury, on his way home from the army, from wounds received by his own hand, the real facts were not ascertained by his friends. The story as handed down in Woodstock, upon what seemed creditable authority, represented him as hav ing overstaid a furlough, on account of the serious ill ness of his child — and that on his way back to camp he was met by the tidings that he had been censured and dismissed from his position. Keenly sensitive to public opinion he could not endure this disgrace, 11 122 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. and attempted suicide. A letter recently come to light, from Dea. Jedidiah Morse — the honored father of an illustrious house^ — gives the true facts and complete vindication. It was addressed to President Wheelock, Dartmouth College, immediately after the tidings of his decease had reached them, 18 Aug. 1777. He gives " a short, exact, but very melancholy account of the death of his dear minister ; " of his being " as much set by in the army by Gen. Wash ington and other officers " as any man in the service ; of having a present of three hundred dollars made him by Congress for special services, and that after receiving liberty from his people to continue in the army he thought prudent to take the small-pox by inoculation, which detained him sometime and left him in a poor state of health. That he then returned to the army in the Jerseys ; took a tour to Philadel phia, where he preached before Congress to their great satisfaction ; met with the Presbytery and had the honorary title of Doctor of Divinity conferred upon him. But during this time he was observed " to be melancholy and cast down, and mind and senses greatly disordered." On this Sunday he at tended public worship, and went to bed apparently as weU as usual, but an unusual noise in his chamber aroused the people of the house and they found him in his gore, his throat cut but not dead. He was able in a few days to bear removal to Danbury, but REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 123 the heat of the weather and raging of his wound were too much for him and he passed away August 14th. Melancholia caused by nervous exhaustion un doubtedly led to this unhappy act so much misunder stood even by his own dear people. We have great reason for gratitude to Dea. Morse for leaving iis the inmost details of this sad end to a brilliant career — and clearing the character of a devoted and self- sacrificing patriot. In this instance there was no deliberate attempt to blacken character and depreci ate service as there has been Avith others. It is bad enough to malign the living in the heat of political controversy, but they haA'e a chance to correct and live down misrepresentation ; but in cold blood to pick to pieces and tear down the reputation of public men who did their best in times of difficulty and danger, is most dastardly and ungrateful. We do not claim perfection for our dead heroes — -the best of men are only human. But even indiscriminate hero-worship is better than hero-demolition. The great men who have helped in any way to make our country what it is are our best heritage, and we can not afford to have them belittled or taken away from us by this spirit of carping criticism. We, as Windham County people, have great reason to complain of the treatment our own Putnam has received at the hands of rivals and critics. Perhaps 124 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. the most remarkable specimen in this line is the state ment recently made by one of these self-appointed critics in the New Yorh Sun : " That Gen. Putnam has neither lateral nor lineal descendant living, although a few families claim without any foundation such de scent." If other charges against our old hero are equally baseless we can afford to let them slide. The summer of 1778 brought many Windham County homes into close connection Avith the front through Sullivan's Rhode Island campaign. An at tempt was made in concert •with, the newly-arrived French fieet to drive the British army from Newport and Rhode Island. Windham County was called upon to furnish all the aid in her power — ammunition, cartridges, provisions for man and beast, and above all, with soldiers. . A Windham County company was stationed on this field for the year, and companies of her militia served at different periods. My maternal great-uncle, Theodore Gay, Avent out for his first campaign, Avith one of these companies. Though living in the vicinity of the Great Elm, my grand father's family had not shared in that memorable alarm. The good deacon and his three oldest sons were indeed absent in service, but Joseph and Theo dore, though only seventeen and fifteen years of age, felt quite equal to the situation. But they did not trust in carnal bullets, nor even in hot water and irons. Going on with their usual day's work, they REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 125 then proceeded with the " nightly chores," and after supper sat down in the big kitchen with grandmother, mother, and sister, read comforting words from the great family Bible, and offered the accustomed even ing prayer. Two of the brothers died that autumn in Jersey, and now the bright young Theodore, God's latest, best gift to the household, was sacrificed to the Rhode Island campaign. A terrible norther swept down at the beginning of the action, drove the French fleet far south, and rendered futile months of careful preparation. Many of our soldiers died from the effect of cold and exposure, never seen again by those at home Avho had sent them out so cheerily. Another calamity, greatly afflicting many Wind ham County homes that same discouraged 1778, was the Indian massacre at Wyoming, Penn. Some of the most enterprising and promising young men in a number of towns had taken their families to this beautiful valley, and were among the victims of In dian barbarity. Conflicting rumors brought to Con necticut homes were followed by weeks of anxious suspense, and then by the arrival of hapless widows, foot-sore and destitute, with orphan families of eight, ten, and, in the case of Mrs. Esther Minor Yorke, of Voluntown, twelve children. But enough of loss and disaster. There is a brighter side to the picture. There are gleams of light behind the clouds. As years passed on and it 11* 126 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. became increasingly evident that the colonies could not be brought under subjection to the British yoke, hope revived in patriot hearts. If in some cases the war wrought demoralization, in a far greater num ber it stimulated energy, courage, self-reliance, self- sacrifice. With unfailing constancy our Windham County towns kept up their quotas of soldiers and supplies. Lads who had so faithfully helped their mothers in home and farm, grew up to take their father's place in camp and council. It A^'as a time of rapid quickening and development. How it brought out the stamina of our women. We mourn over the comparative inconspicuousness of the Pilgrim moth ers ; we feel they do not receive their just meed of honor and remembrance. Few of the stately colo nial dames are brought to actual knowledge. But the Revolutionary period not only brings to personal recognition Mary and Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Mercy Warren, Faith Trumbull, Lucretia Shaw, and the honored names affixed to scores of Chapters, but called out unsuspected energy and fac ulty in thousands of humbler homes. The soldier on the field was sustained and carried forward to final victory by the labor and sympathy of the Avoman in the home. How bravely they bore the heavy bur dens brought upon them. We see them caring for their stock, carrying on their farms, making the hay, gathering their own supply of fuel, manufacturing REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 127 cloth, preparing their own tea and molasses, besides attending to everyday domestic affairs and training their children. Women trained to use the pen were called to Avrite the household letters for less favored sisters. Some special feats of workmanship are re ported. Mrs. Elisha Adams, of Brooklyn, lays down her floor and finishes her apartment. The women of Hampton, assisted by a lame old carpenter, raised the frame and assisted in building a large two-story house that has stood the wear of over a century. It was in this same vicinity that a suit of clothes was evolved from a sheep's back in less than two ¦days. The son came home in rags, and the sheep was sheared and bundled away in the cellar, while its wool was spun, woven, and made up into a substan tial suit of clothes in time for the young soldier to wear back to camp in triumph. Here, too, little Mary Stedman, the ten-year-old kinswoman of the poet, Fdmund C. Stedman, wrought out with her own small fingers a web of tow-cloth, carding, spinning, and weaving, exchanging it at Windham Green for a set ¦of silver tea-spoons, now held as priceless heirlooms hy her descendants. Among the thousand private, beneficent acts called out by the exigencies of the time, I like to include that of an aged widow, in Thompson — Mrs. Elisabeth (Hosmer) Alton — who kept through the summer a barrel of freshly brewed 128 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. beer on tap by the doorstep for the especial refresh- rment of any passing soldier. A somewhat quixotic expedition gave me a glimpse -of two Revolutionary homes under rather peculiar .aspect. The friend who enticed me had the good for tune to grow up at the feet of a great-grandmother, and was particularly impressed by her yearnings for the scene of her early married life, in a remote cor ner of Woodstock, where she had reared and buried children, and so a century later Ave started off to visit this " old BoUes homestead.'-' We had some difficulty in finding anyone to direct us in our search, but after we had fairly recovered the trail, and the old house came in view, it was wonderful how the old stories of her youth came back to my companion : " O, there's the great house fronting south just as grandmother -described it, and there is tho very same great stone doorstep where she stood parleying with the officers who had come to search for a deserter. He was a poor, little, young fellow from the neighborhood and had fared so hard they all pitied him, and so grandmother talked with the ofiieers on the doorstep while he slunk out of the pantry window. Why, don't you see in that little projection at the end of the house there's the very window and he ran down the hill to this same bridge we are crossing and then up the hill on the other side, running backward through the , snow so as to muddle up the track to a house right over the hill. Why, there's the roof and chimney of that very house, and he went in there and flung himself down before old Goody Blake who was spinning at her wheel and begged her to save him from REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 129 the officers in pursuit. Well she had had wild boys of her own and knew how to feel for him, so she just raised a trap-door and stowed him away under the floor, and spreading a rug over the door set her spinning-wheel upon it and when the officers came on there she was spinning away at her wheel and innocently humming a psalm tune." In these later years, as the armies moved south ward, there was less immediate connection and per sonal communication with the seat of Avar. Our lit tle Ephraim Cutler, Avho, sleeping in bed with his grandfather, caught the first echo of " the shot heard round the world," now enlightened the neighborhood at Killingly Hill by reading aloud " The New Lon don Gazette " every Sabbath noon. The house would be filled with elderly people, mothers and grand fathers, anxious to hear the news. One of the most harrowing days during the whole period was that Thursday afternoon in 1781, when residents of the south part of the county heard the roar of the can non and saw the flames of consuming New London. Men hastened to the scene and saw Avith their own eyes the terrible butchery and destruction, more dreadful from the thought that one of their own fa vored sons had been most active in this outrage. Aside from this terrible experience and other New London and Rhode Island alarms, there was less dis tress and suffering during these closing years. For one thing, supplies were more plentiful. Success in 130 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. privateering brought to New London West India goods and even articles of luxury. And these goods were so carried about through the country that a bridal outfit was no longer limited to homespun. One glimpse in this line we leave with you for a part ing picture. A young girl in Pomfret is musing upon the ques tion of a wedding dress — a lovely young girl with a face of rare promise and character — among whose numerous descendants are Mrs. Louise Chandler Moulton and Mrs. Caroline Fairfield Corbin. She knows the difficulty of the times, the scantiness of money and the many demands upon the father's purse, but a suitable dress for this supreme occasion in a young girl's life she must have. A peddler comes along with heavy packs. No matter where he got his goods : they are wonderful — and among them is the most beautiful piece of dainty pink satin that ever gladdened the eyes of prospective bride. She glances -at the gruff old father, puzzling with knotted brow over his accounts. She does not dare to ask the favor, but the satin must be hers. Gathering around her the glistening folds she steals across the room, and kneeling at her father's feet, looks up Avith plead ing eyes. And the grim old father catches on. With out a word spoken on either side he unlocks his desk and puts in his daughter's hand forty silver ¦dollars, and the dainty pink satin soon figures at the REVOLUTIONARY ECHOES. 131 marriage feast as the bride's gown and the bride groom's waistcoat. And so, after our many sombre pictures, we leave you with this gladsome tableau- vivant, typifying, we believe, the happy days that were in store for the young republic, when, after the long, weary struggle, came the blessing of assfired peace and perfected Union. " Thou too sail on, O ship of State, Sail on O Union, strong and great . . . Our hearts, our hopes, our prayers, our tears. Our faith, triumphant o'er our fears. Are all with thee, are all with thee." V. WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. The capital of Rhode Island and this northeast corner of Connecticut have held close and continuous relations. And even before there was a Providence or a Windham County, before a sectional boundary line had crossed the face of New England territory and its fields and forests lay open to wild beasts and wilder savages, these sections held continuous com munication. The Narragansetts claimed right to territory east of the Quinebaug river. The great lake — Chan-bon-a-gong-a-monk (bound-mark) now in Webster — marked the bound between sea-board Narragansetts and inland Nipmucks, dwelling in Nipnet — the pond or fresh water country. The stronger Narragansetts held in close subjection the feeble clans or tribelets of Nipmucks. Tradition preserved but one instance of successful revolt, inter esting to us as showing the early date of that peculiar Rhode Island institution — the original, aboriginal, perennial clambake. The Nipmuck tributaries in the vicinity of Lake Mashapaug (now Alexander's) were invited to partake of a shore dinner of shell-fish, which it need hardly AVINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 133 be said they devoured with great relish. But when their hosts in due time returned the visit, nothing Avas offered them but lamprey eels served without dressing. The daintier Narragansetts scoffed at this plain fare and a free fight folloAved, in which but two of the Narragansetts were spared to carry back the tale of insult and defeat. A band of Avarriors was straightway sent up to avenge their brethren, but were again forced to quail before the arrows of the entrenched and triumphant Nipmucks, and retired from the field, leaving their dead behind them. The bodies of the slain were interred in deep pits at the junction of the Quinebaug and Assawaga rivers, a spot still known as "the Indian Burying Ground," in Danielson, where many Indian relics have been unearthed. The name Aspinock, designating the Quinebaug valley near Lake Mashapaug, is transla ted by J. Hammond Trumbull — "an eating place," and may have received its name from this encounter, which surviving Nipmucks detailed to the first white settlers. The Narragansetts would doubtless have given a very different version. After settlement by the whites, and particularly after the Uncas claim to Mohegan and Wabbaquasset countries had been alloAA'ed by the Government of Connecticut, the Narragansetts found it difficult to maintain their footing within Connecticut lines. Moosup, alias Pessacus, a war-like chieftain, brother 12 134 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. to Miantonomo, affixed his name to the largest branch of the Quinebaug, and struggled manfully to retain the Quinebaug country now included in the towns of Plainfield and Canterbury, but according to Roger Williams, in 1668, the Nipmucks had then for a long time renounced allegiance to the Narragansetts, and the border-land between Connecticut and Rhode Island was but a patch of ground, full of troublesome inhabitants, sandy, stony, and scarce worth fighting for. During King Philip's war these inhabitants sought shelter at the headquarters of their respective tribes, and the barren patch was made more waste by ravages of roving bands, carrying off all the corn and swine that could be found therein. Its first white Providence visitants were a company under Capt. Nathaniel Thomas, who scoured the country far and wide in pursuit of the fugitive King Philip. The night of August 3, 1675, they reached the second fort in the Nipmuck country, called by the Indians — Wap- o-sosh-e-quash — Wabbaquasset, a mile west of the present Woodstock Hill. Capt. Thomas reports — " a very good inland country, well watered with rivers and brooks : special good land, great quantities of special good corn and beans, and stately wigwams as I never saw the like." These wigwams were built under the direction of one of the Apostle Elliott's Indian preachers, Sampson, and bear striking testi mony to the success of his faithful labors. AVINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 135 Within ten years after the visit of Capt. Thomas and the close of the war the fertile fields of Wabba quasset had been appropriated by our sharp-sighted sister, Massachusetts, and a flourishing colony from Roxbury had planted the town of Woodstock. Though bound by ties of allegiance and blood to Boston, these Woodstock settlers soon found them selves drawn to the nearer market at Providence, and one of their first public acts, after formal town organization, was a vote "To be at the charge of making a Avay unto the cedar swamp on the other side of the Quinebaug River for a road to Provi dence — Benjamin Sabin to do the work and Peter Aspinwall if he can't do it." Our friend Peter ac complished the work in the course of a few years, making a narroAv way suitable for foot or horseback travel. The greater part of this way ran through the outlands of the distant toAvn, as yet a barren wil derness, Avith only here and there the cabin of some hardy pioneer, furnishing food and shelter for man and beast. As Pomfret, Killingly, and other Connecticut towns struggled into being, they too claimed the privilege of better communication with Providence, and selectmen from the neAv towns joined with those of Woodstock in petitioning Providence town coun cil to help at their end of the work. Committees from Killingly, Pomfret, and Woodstock were chosen 136 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. to meet at sun an hour high, October 3, 1710, " To state a place over the Quinebaug River most commo dious for a bridge to meet the prospective highway," but ten years passed before road or bridge Avas ac complished. The southerly towns gained first the right of way. Travel from Norwich and Windham passed through Plainfield over the " old GreeuAvich Path," an Indian trail " trod out " by early Narragan- sett claimants. The General Assembly of Rhode Island and Provi dence Plantations met this need by voting in 1711, that a highway should be laid out through Provi dence, Warwick, and West Greenwich to Plainfield. Representations were made to the General Assembly of Connecticut that travelers to the westward from Boston and Providence, met with great difficulty and were exposed to great danger for want of a suitable country road through Plainfield and on to the col ony. The famous jourtial of Madam Knight, 1704, gives a most graphic picture of the condition of the roads, and the discomforts experienced in traveling from Boston to New York, through Connecticut and the Narragansett Country at that date. Our colony promptly responded to Rhode Island's suggestion. A committee was appointed ; land was freely given by Plainfield proprietors, and a good and sufficient causeway was constructed four rods Avide and eight rods wide at intervals for the convenience of loaded WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 137 carts in passing each other. A safe and sufficient bridge was thrown over the Moosup, and canoes pro vided for transit over the turbulent and formidable Quinebaug. This improved and convenient highway became a popular thoroughfare, greatly facilitating communication betAveen Boston and Providence and New York, called the best and nearest route that had then been opened between those business centres, and aiding much in the development of these towns and the intervening country. Eastern Connecticut now found in Providence her nearest market and base of supplies. The boundary quarrel that raged so fiercely in the vicinity of Pawcatuck river was confined to southern sections, and pleasant, neigh borly intercourse was constantly maintained between Windham, Plainfield, and Canterbury settlers and their favorite market town. The northerly road, through Pomfret and Kil lingly, was much behind timg in construction, mainly because it was carried through by the towns apart from Government aid. Peter Aspinwall's bridle-path was long the only means of communication, even barrels of rum having to be brought up on horse back lashed on trees and dragged behind the rider. The road was finally accomplished under the super vision of Nathaniel Sessions, of Pomfret, who drove the first cart over it to Providence in 1721. His son, Darius, future deputy-governor of Rhode Island, 12* 138 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. then ten years old, may be said figuratively to have driven in the last spike — the youngster claiming the honor of conducting the oxen into the town. In the following year the long-coveted bridge was placed over the Quinebaug at the High Falls (now in Put nam) by Capt. John Sabin. With these two important thoroughfares open to the public, intercourse between the inhabitants of the neighboring colonies became more and more frequent and friendly. Heavy carts laden Avith country pro duce ; horse-back riders with pillion and saddle-bag ; foot-travelers with packs, way worn and weary, we're ever passing to and fro. Hartford might be the political centre of these Connecticut towns, but Providence drew them by the stronger ties of business relations and social affinities. And yet from the outset there was a radical differ ence between a Rhode Islander and a Connecticut man. The Rhode Islander affected white corn; a golden yellow was the true hue for Connecticut. A Rhode Islander might go to church and build a house of worship if he fancied — the Connecticut man was compelled by law to build a meeting-house and go to meeting. It is a little amusing to read in some local town history the glorifications over these " good men who in their own poverty and scarceness made imme diate provision for public worship, &c." Of course they did this, and in the majority of cases did it freely WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 139 and heartily, and yet the truth remains that the law compelled them to do it, and they risked the loss of their township by failure. Woodstock, unable by the difficulties of Sir Edward Andros' administration to build their house and settle a minister promptly, felt constrained to make most humble acknowledgment for being in some respects " out of capacity ;" and beg the General Court " that the great overturns that had been might excuse this omission." The patent of Killingly, granted in 1708, expressly firovided " That no person now inhabiting on said land, or any other persons dwelling without this colonic who have purchased any lands within the said toAvnship, that shall not give due obedience to all the laws of the colonic for the upholding the worship of God pay ing of all public charges shall have no benefit by this act." The redundance of negatives makes this injunction more emphatic. Trained from infancy to consider the stated estab lishment of religious worship as the first and chief duty of state and town GoA^ernment, it is not surpris ing that our Windham County visitors and sojourn ers should be scandalized and grieved at Rhode Island's destitution. As this lack of ministers and meeting-houses became more apparent with increas ing intercourse, their hearts were moved to mission ary efforts in their behalf, and in 1722, the year that the Quinebaug bridge was erected, a petition was 140 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. sent to the General Assembly of Connecticut, praying that a brief might be granted in several congrega tions, gathering contributions from such as were piously inclined towards introducing and carrying on the ministry of the Gospel in the town of Providence. The Governor and Council graciously granted this request and a brief was sent out, directed to minister or deacon of a number of eastern Connecticut churches, including those in Windham, Canterbury, Plainfield, Pomfret, and Killingly, empowering them to make collection for this purpose. This missionary move ment in behalf of benighted Providence had been set on foot by some zealous ministers of Massachu setts, Avho addressed a letter to the deputy-governor and other eminent men of Providence, in which, after commending the peace and love A\ith which religious societies of different modes of worship had been entertained in Rhode Island, and the freedom and safety they had enjoyed in preaching, they most humbly begged their countenance and encourage ment if it should come to pass that a small meeting house should be built in their town to entertain such as are willing to hear our ministers. Deacon Jonathan Sprague's reply to this humble request fairly makes our ears tingle. Genuine Rhode Island sa^ice has a very pungent quality. In spite of this rebuff a Congregational meeting house was built on the corner of College and Benefit WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 141 streets, and served for many years as a beacon of Puritan orthodoxy among the Baptists, Quakers, and Independents of free-thinking Rhode Island. With passable roads and suitable provision for Sabbath-keeping, emigration to Providence assumed a more permanent character. Young men averse to farming found employment in other lines of labor. Boys went to sea and found places in stores. Enter prising young men of better education, like Darius Sessions, tried their chances in the growing toAvn. Some went back in time for the girls they left be hind them. Others found wives in their new home. An elaborate entry in Thompson church records, in mammoth letters, with the blackest of ink, records the marriage, 30 September, 1739, of Capt. Nicholas Cook of Providence, to Mrs. Hannah Sabin, daugh ter of Capt. Hezekiah Sabin, first settler of Thomp son Hill, and proprietor of its famous old red tavern in the centre of the common. As the bride was only eighteen we may assume that this honorary title was given her out of respect for the dignity of her own and her husband's social position, or, perhaps, with a prophetic sense of the honors that awaited her as the wife of a governor and mother of a dozen stal wart Rhode Islanders. Capt. Sabin's successor in the tavern was a typical Rhode Islander, Benjamin Wilkinson, one of the class of roving Yankees described by Washington 142 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. Irving, whose idea of settlement in life is to set out upon his rambles. It is said that he kept tavern in every stand between Providence and Connecticut's north-east corner. When he brought up against Massachusetts line, on a beautiful farm west of the Quinebaug — now in New Boston — people thought he had come to stay, but destiny met him in the shape of a shabby old traveler who carelessly asked what he would take for the premises. Mr. Wilkinson named a high figure and thought no more of it till in a fcAv weeks the shabby old man appeared before him with a bag-full of gold and silver ready to clinch the bargain. Amused at the incident, and always ready for travel, Mr. Wilkinson resigned the farm and purchased the tavern stand on Thompson Hill, Avhere his energies found ample exercise. He hauled off the stones, dug out aboriginal tree stumps, and planted peach-stones by every rock and along the highway for public accommodation. Through all his wanderings he carried with him Rhode Island ideas and white seed corn, and while serving as committee for the standing society and opening his house to accommodate the Congregationalists in win ter, he gave sympathy and building spot to the strug gling Baptists. On one occasion only he came into collision with church authorities— that fatal Sunday Avhen a grind-stone was heard in his door-yard, just across the road from the meeting-house, creaking AA'INDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 143 rustily through all the services. A deputation of worthies was sent to remonstrate Avith the offender. Mr. Wilkinson promptly denied the charge. "But we hear it now," persisted the complainants. " See for yourself," retorted the smiling landlord, pointing out to the committee a pair of Guinea foAvl, the first brought into the town and yet untrained in the strict ness of Connecticut Sabbath-keeping, whose doleful croak, aggravated by homesickness, had subjected their owner to such reproach and visitation. It was probably through Mr. Wilkinson's effective influence that a noAv business interest developed in the north-east town of the county. The first public attempt to trade with Providence was through a pe culiar local institution known as " the Butter-cart," which ran about the town from house to house like the later peddler's cart, picking up such small pro ducts as houscAvives could spare, and bringing back in exchange those minor luxuries that husbands too often overlooked or refused to purchase. A small nutmeg cost a ninepence in those days, and as for pins, a single paper was considered a life-long supply. Stories are told of mothers bringing up a large fam ily on four rows, and grandmothers exhibiting with pride the " great pins " that had formed a part of their bridal outfit. The " Butter-cart " was held in high esteem by wives and daughters, and its arrival and departure looked for Avith as much interest as if it bore the treasures of the Indies. 144 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. In the hands of Mr. Wilkinson's son-in-law, Daniel Larned, and his partner, John Mason, this primitive barter-trade expanded into a great commercial en terprise. A store Avas opened under the Great Elm, South Neighborhood, filled with all manner of tempt ing West India goods and useful articles. Carts were sent all over the country, picking up marketa ble products. Ashes were taken in for the extrac tion of potash and pearlash, pork and beef were j)repared and packed for market ; a shop was added for nail manufacture — all to be exchanged for West India goods in Providence — especially those most needful and desirable articles — rum and molasses. The arrival of the first hogshead of the latter article at " Larned and Mason's store " was made a day of special festivity — boys being allowed for the first time to revel unstinted in the favorite juvenile dainty of the period — hot roasted potatoes smothered in panfuls of molasses, and crammed all sizzling and dripping down the throats of the happy urchins. The candy of later days was far less positive in flavor. The close of the French and Indian war was fol lowed by a season of great commercial and maritime prosperity, shared alike by town and country. Busi ness enterprises like this in Thompson were not un usual. Samuel McClellan, of Woodstock, engaged in this domestic and foreign traffic. The country village was in process of evolution. Store and shop were AVINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 145 added to the small knot of dAvelling-houses cluster ing about the hill-top meeting-house and tavern. The out-lying district first included within the lim its of Providence township was now set off into the separate towns of Cranston, Glocester, Scituate, Smithfield. The great highways leading through them to Providence were more and more thronged with travelers and traffic. Substantial bridges over the Quinebaug had long replaced the primitive canoes. Taverns were in great force in those days of sloAv traveling and fast drinking. Eaton's tavern in Plainfield was now a famous place of resort and entertainment. The constant stream of travel made it very difficult to keep these roads and bridges in suitable repair. The need of better roads was vo ciferously argued in town meeting and General As sembly. Special orders relating to their renewal and maintenance Avere promulgated by both Governments. Plainfield and Canterbury were particularly bur- thened by highway demands and charges. In fact the road question was one of perennial agitation. The first mail carrier of whom we hear was Thomas Mumf ord, who carried the mail once a Aveek on horse back to NcAV London. The first public conveyance passing through Windham County was a weekly stage coach running from Providence to Norwich, in the summer of 1768. Mr. S. Thurber reports the first chaise-jaunt in 1776, when, after all the labor 146 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. bestowed upon it, the road Avas so stony and rough that he could not ride out of a slow walk, and was near two days in going to Pomfret. Dr. Stiles, of Newport, future president of Yale College, makes statistical notes of his many journeys over the Provi dence road, which unfortunately give little more than date and distances. " From Uncle Abel's (Wood stock) to Browns of Killingly, 8 miles : thence to Larneds' store, 2 miles : thence to Woodstock, 7 miles ; from Uncles' to Wilmots, 17 miles : from Woodstock to Providence, 34 miles : from Pomfret to Providence, 36 miles. Expenses at Prov. 3 shillings : at Foster's, 3s 3d : at Larned's, 5s 3d " — which shows that a great man may make a very dry record. Among the reciprocal interchanges between Provi dence and Windham County we have to include crimi nals and refugees. The honored names of Stephen Hopkins, Resolved Waterman, Wilham Rhodes, and other compassionate and large-hearted Rhode Is landers, appear upon a petition in behalf of the no torious Dr. Hallowell, who had " fled his country " upon conviction of criminal offence. An exile, des titute of everything but want and misery, he begged permission to return to an unhappy wife and seven unfortunate children, " who not participating in the guilt had too deeply tasted of the punishment." Fine and imprisonment alone he could have borne, but to sit upon the gallows with a rope around his WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 147 neck, suffer public whipping and further punishment at the pleasure of the court, was thought by Dr. Hallowell and his Rhode Island sympathizers to be more than the laws of God did, or those of men should, inflict upon human offenders. Providence sent a noted refugee in John Aplin, an Englishman of learning and good address, who acquired a hand some estate by legal practice, but it being discovered that he had received fees from the opposing parties in an important case, " between two days fled his country " and found refuge in Plainfield. It need hardly be said that such refugees as were driven from home on charge of heretical or heterodox opin ions, were received with open arms by the sister col ony. The Rev. John Bass, who Avas dismissed from the Congregational church of Ashford " for dissent ing from the Calvinistic sense of the quinquarticular points," was Avelcomed to the pastorate of the First Congregational church of Providence, upon the de cease of its first pastor. Rev. Josiah Cotton. Rev. David Rowland of Plainfield, who had been made for a dozen years a bone of contention in that town, the church refusing to let him go and the town with holding his salary, found peaceful anchorage in the same church after the death of Mr. Bass. In place of writs, attachments, and noisy controversy, we are told by the newspaper of the day, December, 1767 — ¦ that " young ladies, daughters of Liberty and Indus- 148 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. try, met at Mr. Rowland's with their spinning wheels, and at night presented him with 1,020 knots of thread." The troubles with England, the shadow of ap proaching war, only made the intercourse between Providence and Windham County more intimate and continuous. Hitherto the tide of emigration had run eastward — noAv a reflex tide brought many worthy families to permanent establishment in Windham County. The Stamp Act excitement sent Godfrey Malbone, of NeAvport, to Brooklyn Parish, Avhere he attempted something like the old Narragansett style of living with his three-thousand-acre farm, his scores of slaves, and church of his own order. But the great body of new-comers were families of moderate circumstances, Avho preferred to cultivate their farms and bring up their children apart from sea-board alarm and agitation. Chase, Congdon, Fisk, Bul lock, Jackson, Hoppin, Randall, Thompson, Torrey, Tourtellotte, Wheaton, are among the many Rhode Island names thus engrafted. Others came as tran sient residents. But Windham County did more than furnish a wel come refuge during this long period of distress and exposure. Perhaps her most noteworthy service was furnishing the colony a deputy-governor in full sympathy Avith patriotic sentiments and movements. Darius Sessions had continued to advance in influ- AVINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 149 ence and position. In 1762 he was chosen assistant ; in 1769 he became deputy-governor and indirectly afforded much aid and comfort to those inclined to resist British oppression. His wilful blindness in re gard to the " Burning of the Gaspee," called out much amusement as well as criticism. As the aspect of affairs became more threatening. Gov. Sessions purchased a country-seat in Thompson Parish — the " old Joseph Cady house " and farm. The recon structed mansion became a famous place of resort during the war, entertaining many a noted historic personage. Pres. Manning, who, during college sus pension made frequent visits in Windham County, speaks Avith admiration of Gov. Sessions' excellent farm and superior accommodations. The meander- ings of the good president give us glimpses of many of these new homes : " Left Providence, Thursday, April 39, reached Col. Abraham Winsors, 10 miles ; 30. Traveled to John Brown's farm at Che- paehet 6 miles ; refreshed and proceeded to Capt. Corliss's, Kil lingly 13 ; road extremely bad ; visited Mr. Jones ; set out after dinner and visited Gov. Sessions. After tea traveled to Benj . Thur- bers in Pomfret, 6 miles ; roads better. Sunday A. M. Preached at James Thurbers ; lectured at B. Thurber's at 5 P. M. house crowded ; audience very attentive and affected. Monday. Vis ited Paul Tew at Woodstock, also at Mr. Cahoons, Thompsons, B. Lindsleys. Tues. Visited Col. Nightingales, Pomfret, dined. He lives most elegantly ; has a grand farm ; entertains hospit ably. Thence to Jeremiah Browns and Captain Bowles's, Ash ford." 13* 150 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. Pres. Manning does not report to us the lasting effect of his preaching in Pomfret. From other sources we learn that it aroused so much interest that the Congregational minister, Mr. Putnam, be came alarmed lest it should lead to the spread of Baptist principles, and that he challenged the presi dent to a public discussion of the points at issue. But the ponderous town minister was no match either in oratory or argument for the college president, and the whole affair resulted in many conversions to Baptist principles and the formation of a Baptist church — a permanent memorial of the Revolutionary exodus. The keen eye of President Manning recog nized peculiar facilities in Pomfret, and especially its favorable position for " a boy's school," which he hoped to have established there as a feeder for his university. But Windham did even more than furnish farms and homes to her eastward neighbors. These were the days of Rhode Island's extremity. Her exposed position on the sea-board brought constant peril and invasion. Time and again the militia of Windham was summoned to her aid. Companies hurried down in the autumn of '76 on receiving news of an approach ing fleet, but were too late to prevent the occupation of Rhode Island by a strong body of British troops. Windham County soldiers formed a part of the force retained for the defence of Providence, and aided in AA'INDHAM COUNTY AND PROA^IDENCE. 151 the several attempts to dislodge the invaders. In the stormy campaign of 1778 her services were es pecially valuable. The prospect of naval coopera tion through the agency of the French fleet en couraged the patriots in their preparations for the recovery of Newport and Rhode Island by a strong movement on land. Powder, cartridges, provisions, everything that could be spared, were hurried down to Providence. Companies of militia and volunteers marched off AAith renewed spirit and hope. Here are three Thompson brothers tramping along on the familiar road to Providence — stout young fel lows who, having each served his lawful quota in Connecticut, are bound to seek their fortune in Rhode Island. They have packs on their backs, and the youngest carries somewhere an inkhorn and a roll of paper. Little Rhody is all astir these mid summer days. Men are marching off from every hamlet and farm-house, and the women are getting in the hay and doing all the farm work. One grand effort is to be made to drive the British from Rhode Island, and our youngsters are quickly snapped up and drafted into service. Zeph's ready pen gives us his experience, and takes us to the scene of action : "August 5, 1778, drafted to serve on Rhode Island twenty days ; got some cloth for a knapsack ; went to Jonathan Spragues & got a good gun and cartridge, & then Jesse, John and I set out together with some more from Job Angells 6. Did march to 152 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. town and barrack in the Court House & so it goes. 7. As soon as light got up & see the Continentals march for Tivertown ; got some breakfast at Mr. Trips ; very warm — I went to the New Light meeting-house & got a canteen, and about twelve we set out for Tivertown ; marched through Pawtucket, into See- konk or Behoboth, and did lie in a meadow on the side of a fence. 8. Mustered about 3 or 3 o'clock, & marched into Swanzea & got a bowl of chocolate ; and then over States Ferry into Free town & ate dinner & very hot, & then over Fall River into Tiv ertown & I encamped by side of a haystack. 9. Had bowl of chocolate & went to Parade & fixed our guns for business ; then rode over the ferry & landed upon Rhode Island ; formed & marched up to the Port & laid down in the great chamber 10. French did engage the English batteries with their ships and cannonaded very smart for 3 hours, and Jesse & John went to the lines scouting at night. I went upon guard to the bridge & did sleep on the road." And that night came on that terrible Norther that drove the disabled French fleet far into the sea and blasted all the fruits of careful preparation — one of those fateful storms that again and again have changed the course of human history. Our poor Zeph gives his experience : "11. Jesse & John fixed a little wall to break the wind & we have nothing to eat hardly. 13. Knocked about & built a stone house and covered it with hay and it rained very hard & the house leaked so we thought we could not stand it ; went about a mile & got wet to the skin and found a haystack & almost chilled to death we rolled off some hay & did He by the stack & WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROA'IDENCE. 153 were almost dead in the morning. 13. Crept out & came to stone house, found John alive & after a while I got dry & had a boil on my eye & did feel very poorly ; our folks fixed up our barracks & got a little green corn & slept very well. 14. Got up and paraded & marched to the water & fired in platoons. 15. Not well, nor John either. All the brigades marched to the lines & we got our packs brought down & encamped in a huckleberry plain. I had a clean shirt and trousers & I felt very poorly ; blind with one eye & not any tents ; nor haint had but the Heav ens to cover us. 17. Still very poorly ; ate nothing. In the late storm one or two died and several were chilled so that many in our regiment are very unwell ; cloudy & foggy ever since we came upon the Island. 19, A little firing on both sides. 30. They fire a little ; are all the time entrenching and building forts ; I wash my knap sack & feel some better. 31. Set out upon fatigue down the lines ; had to dig in plain sight of the enemy ; the ground was but just broken when they began to fire upon us very bad but received no damage. 33. Enemy fired hot shells & we begun the breast work for the great mortar. Jesse & John & I worked till noon & placed the great mortar. 34. Constant firing. 35. All paraded and went to headquarters ; went three miles for rum. 36. Six or seven men killed ; an 18-pounder split all to pieces & a brass mortar. 37. Paraded ; took our cooking uten sils & went to head-quarters & delivered them up, & marched through Portsmouth to Bristol Ferry & went on board a vessel & there was but little wind & that was wrong & we got along slowly & beat along almost to Conanicut Point & cast anchor and lay till light & then struck for Warwick Neck and landed and came along and got a good breakfast of wheat bread and milk and came through Pawtucket to Providence and Warwick into Smithfield to old Father Job Angells & got some victuals & I 154 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. feel very poorly. Camp Middleton, Aug. 18, 1788." "Dec. 30, was paid |69.00 for soldiering on Rhode Island." With this service our friend's military service closes, but the continued diary gives A^ery realistic pictures of every-day life in this transition period. Zeph re mains in the vicinity of Providence, picking up work Avherever it can be found, digging stone, laying wall, fiddling, and dancing. When work fails in the win ter he and his brother tramp round the country like young troubadours, dressing flax at farmers' houses on shares, making brooms, splitting rails, and fid dling. Again in Rhode Island in summer, working for Job Angell, Philip Sweet or Joseph Farman, run ning a farm for John Jenks, &c. Times are hard and the value of money fluctuating. He buys a scythe for $25.00, which he breaks in hanging; gives £59 48s for Avinter suit of coat, jacket, and breeches of light- colored cloth, and receives 181.00 for fiddling all night at John Smith's raisers' husking. Work is di versified by frequeiit frolic and dances ; have two fid dles at some huskings, and drink without measure, for these were " high old times " in Rhode Island in spite of war and poverty. As years go on our hero takes more note of public affairs. " March 6, 1781 Men gone to Newport for one month; news of peace: Reformation in the camp ; Hear that fifteen tons of silver in French horn-pipes have come to Boston. March 14. Gen. WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 155 Washington came into Providence from Newport. Sept. 14, 1782. This day died at Providence the Hon. Governor Cook (husband of our little Hannah Sa bin.) March 31, 1783. A flag from New York says P. E. A. C. E ; handbills say ' Peace ; ' April 25. A proclamation of Peace this day." Zeph takes to himself a Rhode Island wife and tries hard to gain a livelihood. "June 16, 1784. Buy fifteen dozen cakes and liquor for Ordination Went to North Providence for Ordination and sold liquor and cakes and they danced all night." He fiddles at huskings and dances, but profitable work is hard to find. Times are still hard, and currency unsettled. " June 24, 1788. Great rejoicings to-day on account of a ncAV Constitution being framed and sent out to see if it Avill be ratified by the people. July 4. A great feast at Providence, they roast a whole ox. There are two parties here Federalists and Anti-fed eralists," and Zeph, a man of the people, sympathizes with the Anti party. Intercourse between Providence and Windham County becomes more lively with development of the new nation. " Thurber & Chandler " return from Pomfret to reopen their store near Major Thayer's tavern with its appropriate sign — " The Bunch of Grapes." Here they not only dispensed West India and New England rum, and French brandy on the most reasonable terms, but " woolen and cotton hand- 166 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. cards " of their own manufacture. It would be im possible to give anything like a complete list of the young men from Windham County now seeking work and business openings in Providence. And at the same date one of its leading merchants. Col. Wil liam Russell, is establishing a potash manufactory in Woodstock — buying up land, constructing extensive works, experimenting upon " Hopkin's Plan." In educational matters there was equal reciprocity. As during the war Plainfield academy had proved a boon and refuge to many a Providence youth, num bering among its graduates such future celebrities as Nicholas Brown, Henry Wheaton, Wilkins Updike, so now Windham County in turn sent her sons to enjoy the privileges of Brown University. The first Windham County name that appears on her lists is William McClellan of Woodstock, 1782. Other Windham County boys, graduating before 1800, are Wm. Wilkinson, Jacob Converse, James B. Mason, George Larned, Peleg Chandler, Joseph Eaton, Eras- tus Larned, Philip Hayward, Wm. H. Sabin, Alvin Underwood, Nathan F. Dixon, Judah McClellan, Lucius Bolles. Wm. Wilkinson while conducting a preparatory Latin school served as college librarian. Hon. Darius Sessions, John Mason, James B. Mason, Lucius Bolles, appear among the university trustees. A much respected citizen of Woodstock, Dea. Jesse Bolles, served faithfully as steward and registrar. WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 157 The traditions of college life, as handed down by some of these early students, show full participation in the frolicsome spirit of the day. Everybody has heard how the president's cow was decoyed into the belfry, but how nearly the youngsters succeeded in hanging a negro boy after a mock trial is one of the stories that had better be left to Carlyle's " wise ob livion." The standard of scholarship, as compared Avith that of later date, was extremely low. Good fellowship and genial hospitality were char acteristic traits of that period. The frolic element, so prominent in Zeph's circle, pervaded all classes. Between the families who had removed from Provi dence and their town relatives, between new comers and country cousins left behind, were continuous social interchanges. Pomfret, with its historic "Pucker Street," became an early place of resort for Providence aristocracy, its Episcopal church and fashionable assemblies giving tone to its society. A future governor of Rhode Island, Nehemiah Knight, residing for a time as business agent at the Quine baug Falls — ^now in Putnam — was extremely popular among the country belles, and is accredited with the honor of instituting the picnic in Windham County, and also of providing a place for it, laying out a walk on the tongue of land between the Quinebaug and Mill rivers, under the fanciful name of La Solitaire. With all this skurrying to and fro, on horseback 158 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. or with cart and chaise, the roads, according to Dr. Dwight, were in a very unsatisfactory condition, due to the unconquerable spirit of its inhabitants, who insisted that free-born Rhode Islanders ought never to submit to the tyranny of compulsory church rates or turnpike fare. The sum grudgingly allowed by legislature only sufficed to keep the road repaired in the vicinity of Providence. But the law of pro gress asserted itself in time and by 1805 roads were completed connecting with a number of turnpikes established in Windham County, and "free-born Rhode Islanders," says President Dwight, " bowed their necks to the slavery of traveling on a good road." The Providence and Springfield Turnpike passed over Thompson Hill. Another in the south part of Thompson ran through Woodstock and Ash ford to Somers, on the north line of Connecticut. Still another crossed over Killingly Hill to Pomfret. A very impoitant thoroughfare — constructed by the Connecticut and Rhode Island Turnpike Company — ¦ passed through Killingly and Brooklyn, connecting with Boston and New York Turnpike. And the old road through Sterling and Plainfield was managed by another turnpike company. Windham County could not have carried through all this road-making but for the simultaneous de velopment of manufacturing interests. A wonderful spirit of enterprise dawned with the new century. WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 159 Little Rhody led the race in manufactures, but her energy and capital surpassed the extent of her terri tory. The fraternal intercourse with Windham County was now turned to good account, and Windham's couA'enient mill-privileges were quickly appropriated by Providence capitalists. The second cotton factory by date in Connecticut, and the first in character and influence, was the well-known Pomfret Factory, with Smith Wilkinson for manager. Other privileges Avere secured in Killingly, Plainfield, Sterling, Thomp son, and later at Willimantic. The list of Windham County factory owners includes many of the promi nent business men of Providence. Reciprocal bene fits resulted from these interchanges. The stimulus to energy and invention, the demand for labor and farm produce, the remuneration offered to men, Avomen, and children brought new life to the country town. Laboring men with large families hastened to avail themselves of this business opening. Chil dren rejoiced to tend the shining machines and pro nounced them " the prettiest things in the world." And as all that was done in the mills in those days was to spin yarn to be Avoven on hand looms, this opportunity to earn money for themselves was eagerly welcomed by thousands of country women, uncon sciously taking the first step in woman's emancipation in receiving personal pay for their own labor. Wives and daughters of merchants, lawyers, as Avell as of 160 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. well-to-do farmers, did not disdain to enter their looms to weave cloth for Pomfret Factory. This grateful boon happily coincided with new de mands for money. Missionary movements were in the air and many benevolent societies were in pro cess of evolution. A brilliant daughter of Provi dence, Martha Whitman — wife of William H. Mason of Thompson — took the lead in organizing a " United Female Tract Society of Killingly and Thompson," borrowing for a model a very elaborate constitution just adopted by the pioneer " Female Tract Society of Providence." The stewardship of BroAvn University passed from Dea. Bolles to another son of Windham County, Joseph Cady of Killingly. As the chief office of the steward of that date was to furnish the copamons table for a crowd of hungry students, it is said that Mr. Cady owed his election to office to the excellence of his wife's cooking, as tested through their expe rience in keeping tavern on Pomfret Street. The scale of prices is worth recording, in contrast to pres ent charges — for lodging, six cents a night ; meals, super-excellent, twelve cents each. Mrs. Cady's rep utation for good cookery was fully sustained at Provi dence, though it was hinted that her husband was more successful in catering than in discipline. His successor in office — another Windham County man, Mr. Lemuel Elliott of Thompson — combined every AVINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 161 essential quality, and is still held in honor as the model steward of Brown University. Here again the wife (of course a Windham County girl) comes to the front, the superior quality of her apple-pies, as reported by an experienced critic, Mr. Amasa Mason, securing the favor of the trustees. The wis dom of their choice was abundantly justified. The departments of finance, cookery, and discipline were equally well administered. Mr. Elliott sat in state at the head of the ample board — a true " Autocrat of the Breakfast Table " — one tap of his carving knife usually preseiwing order. But if any youth indulged in immoderate effervescence the autocrat's strong grasj) quickly set him outside the Avindow. The savor of the Sunday morning breakfast of cod-fish cakes and raised biscuit, long lingered in the mem ory of BroAvn graduates. Mr. Elliott's term'»of ser vice was prolonged from 1826 to 1864 — during which period he was held in high esteem by students, fac ulty and general pubHc. Windham may well take pride in the somewhat remarkable fact that for more than sixty years this important office was held by natives of our county. The turnpikes, so opportunely opened, facilitated the needful interchange of cotton and store goods in the manufacturing era, and stage lines accommodated roads and factories. These were the golden days of the historic stage-coach, that delightful institution 14* 162 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. which some of us still tenderly remember. Punctual as the sun, at 9. o'clock in the morning the Provi dence stage cheered my youthful vision, soon to be followed by two enormous loads of cotton-bales, each drawn by four stalwart horses. Four stages passed daily over Thompson Hill, and at least the same number over the Killingly and Plainfield routes. Jolly tavern stands, at stated intervals, supplied all needful entertainment for man and beast, and no ascetic temperance legislation restrained the flow of liquor. The barrel of beer was always on tap, and the poker kept red-hot for flip-making. Could anything have been pleasanter than a first visit to Providence in one of these stage-coaches! The ruddy, genial driver, John Wilkinson, perhaps, or some kindred worthy, receiving you into his care with paternal interest. What opportunity the long drive afforded for friendship, flirtation and political discussion. Perhaps some magnate boarded the coach. Smith Wilkinson or Sampson Almy, to be remembered through a life-time. What family histo ries were made known to us as we jolted along. Here was a youth with his bundle, receiving his mother's parting counsel as he went out into the world, or a brisk young girl alights, all ribbons and finery, flush with her first earnings in the factory. And then the bundles, messages, reproaches, picked up along the way. We seem admitted into the pri- AVINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 163 vate history of every family on the road. Short seems the five or six hours' journey as we rattle over the pavement of Weybosset and Westminster — and our country eyes open widely at the array of stores, the throngs of well-dressed people, and all the won ders of the city. The Arcade especially excites our wondering admiration, and we marvel at the pre sumption of our country villages in attempting to pattern that magnificent structure. This manufacturing and stage-coach era was one of steady growth and healthy development. Provi dence was transformed from a provincial town to a flourishing city ; the Windham County toAvns made very solid gains in population and equipment. Some of Rhode Island's peculiar institutions were trans planted to her neighbor's territ ory, viz. : two Quaker meetings and meeting-houses, and a Quaker board ing-school. And while Providence boys were avail ing themselves of the privileges of Plainfield Acad emy and Black Hill Boarding-school, a Providence mother removed to Pomfret — Mrs. Mary Vinton— was training her own boys for positions of high honor and usefulness in army, church, and state. Windham County boys were more and more drawn to Brown University. Among the bright lights sent by her to Providence during this period were Abra ham Payne, of Canterbury, who won a high place at the bar, and George W. Danielson, of Killingly, 164 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. editor of The Providence Journal. The number of Windham County men engaging in business and en rolled among her honorable merchants is quite be yond our estimate, while to keep the balance, Watson, Tingley, Nightingale, and Morse were added to the list of Windham County manufacturers. A notable feature of the closing years of the turn pike era was the bridal processions gaily wending their way to Windham County. Connecticut, for once less rigid than Rhode Island, tied the nuptial knot after one legal publishment of marriage intentions. Three successive Sundays, or at least fifteen days' notice was required by the sterner law of Rhode Island. Thompson, just over the line, was especially favored by these votaries of Hymen or " Weddingers," as they were commonly called. For a time these ceremonies were performed Sunday intermission by the ministers, who read the brief publishment of marriage intentions at the morning service, but the number of hymeneal visitors became so great, and the consequent Sabbath-breaking so alarming, that they resigned the lucrative office to Capt. Stiles, the veteran tavern-keeper — who was made justice for this especial service. A man of commanding presence, with a melodious voice and very impressive manner, he performed the ceremony with remarkable grace and unction. Many a Rhode Island family dates its genesis from the old Stiles Tavern of Thompson. An WINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 165 occasional runaway with irate father in hot pursuit added to the interest of these matrimonial visitations, which made Thompson and its landlord almost rival Gretna Green and its blacksmith. In striking contrast to these blissful cavalcades was the band of wearied fugitives who appeared on Thompson Hill one June morning in 1843 — the flying remnant of Dorr's disbanded army — crushed by the ruthless hand of " Law and Order." That any per manent result should follow this invasion curiously illustrates the beneficial tendency of Providence and Windham County intercourse. Accompanying or following the main body was one of the leaders of the rebellion — Aaron White — a lawyer of good stand ing and more than average ability. Anchoring at the " Old Barnes Tavern," just on the line between Connecticut and Massachusetts, he decided to make his home in that vicinity, and as one dead to his former life he proceeded at once to select a burial spot and compose a Latin epitaph, which thus trans lated he ordered inscribed upon his grave stone : " In memory of Aaron, son of Aaron and Mary White, born Oct. 18, 1798, Here driven into exile While defending the rights of man, I found Hospitality and Love, A Home and a Sepulchre." In his subsequent life, prolonged over forty years. 166 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. Esquire White practiced law as occasion offered, and amused himself with the study and collection of coins, leaving at his decease four and a half tons of pennies which were valued at some $8,000. He left, by will, to the treasurers of the eight counties of Connecticut a thousand dollars each as a trust fund "for the procurement and maintenance of County Bar Libraries in their several County Court Houses, for the sole use of the judges and clerks of the Courts therein, members of the Bar and their students.'' It is certainly a very remarkable occurrence that a fugi tive from the laws of one State should confer so great a benefit upon the law expounders and admin istrators of a sister commonwealth. We haA'e thus traced the intercourse between Provi dence and Windham County in all its varying phases — by Indian trail and " trod out " path, by bridle path and cart path, by turnpike and stage-coach, to the beginning of our own era. Great are the changes wrought in this last half-century. Old times have passed and all things have become new. One puff of the steam-engine blew down our turnpike gates. Railroad train and bicycle have displaced the stage coach, and coming electrics cast shadows before. Yet, as amid all the changes of the past these sec tions maintained such pleasant and helpful inter course, even so under present dispensations. That artificial, almost invisible, boundary line which sets AVINDHAM COUNTY AND PROVIDENCE. 167 them in different governments has never impaired the interchange of friendly feeling and kindly offices. History they say is prone to repeat itself. As in the very first beginnings of historic tradition we saAv our Nipmuck residents repairing to Narragansett shores for a shell-fish treat, so now our Windham people flock to the Bay for clam-bake and shore din ner. And our Narragansett friends come in even greater numbers to Windham County towns to find — not lamprey eels alone — but her pure air, her breezy hills, healthy and wholesome social influences. VI. A LIFE'S RECORD. 1777-1843. Better than tradition, better than fact received from ordinary historic sources, is the co"ntempo- raneous record, the living word, jotted down at the occurrence of what it depictures. Hawthorne tells us that even old newspapers and almanacs are " bits of magic looking-glass, with the image of the van ished century in them." And still more vividly real istic is the family letter, the daily self-revealing jour nal, bringing us into living, personal relations with human beings long passed from earth. Fortunately for the world this custom of diary-keeping was very much in vogue before the development of the per sonal element in newspapers, and has contributed most essentially to our right understanding of many facts connected with the early history of New England colonies. Our indebtedness to Winthrop, Mather, Sewall, and other chroniclers is gratefully acknowledged. Many private, personal diaries are constantly coming to light, giving us new insight into political, military, ministerial, and secular affairs. A life's record. 169 Some of them are from men of high official position. Ministers and college students were especially ad dicted to this exercise, and many phases of colonial and early national life are thus brought to intimate knowledge. The journal on which this " life record" is founded is from a humbler source, a farmer's son with very limited advantages, and might be said to represent the daily life of an average Connecticut citizen dur ing the period. It Avas kept by the same young fel- loAv Avho gave us pictures of the Rhode Island cam paign of 1778. He began it the previous year when ambling back to camp after a furlough, and contin ued it till near the close of his long life. Jotting from day to day the doings and happenings that came to pass, he gives us not only his own life's ex perience, but a fair transcript of the growth and de velopment of the nation in whose birth he had borne a part. A musty pile of yellow foolscap, tattered ci- ^ phering and account books, tells the long story. Let us see what we can glean from it. Dec. 3. 1777. We see a stout lad of eighteen rid ing leisurely over the hills of Windham County, on his way back to Danbury. Brothers John and Jesse enlisted into the regular State regiments and served their quota. Our Zeph, with a little more snap, or spring, or wilfulness, elects a different service. He has not very pronounced ideas about the true in- 170 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. wardness of the war that is in progress, but he likes to be about "bosses," and appreciates the fun of hunting Tories, and so he strayed down to Fairfield County and enlisted as a teamster. He has already spent six months guarding and carting Government stores, and now returns to duty after a brief furlough. It takes four days to reach his destination. First night — "Put up at a very good tavern in Coventry." Slowly surmounting the Bolton Ridges he spends the second night at " old Captain Coles " in Farming- ton. On in the rain through Washington to one John Clemmons in Litchfield. " 6. Through New Milford and Newbury and got to Danbury about dusk." Work begins next day, care of oxen and horses, and foraging for supplies. Danbury was one of the most important store-houses maintained by the Con tinental Army. The previous April through the great " Tryon raid " it had sustained a terrible loss, eight hundred barrels each of beef, pork, and flour. Seventeen hundred tents, all burned and wasted. Now they were struggling to replace these stores and our Zeph drives all over the country with cart and oxen — goes to Bethel, Stamford, Norwalk — " Stays at a bad place. The man was clever but had a devil for a wife." " Dec. 21. Went over a dreadful bad mount ain into Duchess County to Col. Vandeboro's, and loaded seven barrels of flour : went for hay to Joseph A life's record. 171 Han ford's farm— a Tory that has gone to the Regu lars." It is all work and no play for our country lad. He complains of poor living ; has no cook and no time to cook for himself; no bed to sleep in, no letters from home. How little this poor little teamster realizes the significance of what he is doing ? How little he knows of what is passing? There is Putnam and his Connecticut regiments right over against them in the Highlands ; Washington and his hungry soldiers at Valley Forge ; Congress vainly striving to meet the situation ; State Legislatures and Corre sponding Committees at their Avit's end for men and munitions, and our poor home-sick Zeph sees nothing but his small trials. Even Thanksgiving day " brings no rest." Jan. 1, 1788. Prospects brighter. We get a cook and fare better. " Pecks folks are diabolical Tories but Mother Peck baked rye and injun bread for us Continentals and gave us a good New Years supper, rice pudding and baked beef — but the brandy is almost gone and what shall we do ?" Feb. 2. Saw two of his neighbors and heard from home ; first time since leaving it. A visit to Fairfield was another treat, for there he saw his brothers and " got a good dinner of scallops, pork-sides and bread." " Bought twelve sheets of paper and an almanac for a dollar : saw a lady Avith a roll upon her head seven inches 172 historic gleanings. high. It looked big enough for a horse and had wool enough in it for a pair of stockings." At the close of the year, Zeph made over his oxen and rejoiced in freedom. "Nobody shall say when I shall drive team." He takes a job of flax-dressing upon shares ; had good cider and a bed to sleep on. Spring comes on early ; snipes whistle, frogs peep, but his year's pay is Avithheld, and then work fails him. He sells his horse for eight dollars, and that is soon eaten. Home-sickness sets in. He sees blue-birds, robins, black -birds, and tries "to fly home" after them like a foolish boy. Then he swallows his pride and goes back to teaming — " pities Continental oxen." A harder trial awaits him ; his trousers give out. -He could get no cloth for neAV ones or for patching. "My breeches, O my breeches," he bewails, and finally is reduced " to put on a petticoat." Among all the privations endured by Revolutionary soldiers, this was the most humiliating. And just at this time Capt. Hoyt's house is burnt down, and Zeph's knap sack is consumed with all his worldly goods, viz. — two canteens, one inkhorn and box of Avafers, one gimlet, one pair shoes, one case bottle of West India rum, forty-nine pounds flax, one frock. " April 22. Fast throughout Continental Army ; did no work & drew butter for the whole month, eat victuals now at the school house and lie at Major Gailors on a feather bed. Take care of sixteen horses. A life's record. 173 25. Bought cloth for breeches. Gay! Straddled two horses at once and run them till I fell through and hurt myself. 29. O, I hant got no breeches yet but today boiled or washed cloth to make some " and next day they were made and donned. Various diversions were now practicable, such as raiding houses and mills for suspected Tories — and at the end of three months Zeph received wages and discharge, and gladly started homeward with a fellow freedman — "Through Woodbury and Water- bury, over the mountain through Southington to Farmington, Hartford, Bolton, Coventry, Ashford." Reached home at sun two hours high, a pleasant tramp in the freshness of youth and June. Four days at home, one spent in "training at the meeting-house," and our restless youth sets out for Providence with his brothers. There are younger boys to help the old folks carry on the Bleakridge farm, and the older ones must work their own way in the world. Zeph finds work at low wages till drafted for military service. For these are stirring times. With the French fleet outside the Bar, and La Fay ette and Green in counsel with Sullivan, and all the regiments that can be mustered in, and companies of militia, hurrying to Rhode Island for a desperate effort to drive away the British, these stout young fellows must do their part. Zeph's hard experience has been already given. 174 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. A few days' rest at home followed the campaign, when he called upon " the girls " and once more " went to meeting in the meeting-house," and then Zeph resumed work in the vicinity of Providence, digging stones, laying wall, &c. Home at Thanks giving time when a dance was on hand. He hears of the death of one of the expected company — " Benoni Smith — the ground caved in while he was digging out above, and next day the jury sat upon him and there was a dance that night and I went, which at the time I did not think it was a fit season ; funeral next day." Zeph did other things in those irrepressible days discreetly veiled from prying eyes in undecypherable hieroglyphics, for work was scarce and Satan pro portionately active. Fiddling and flax-dressing were resources in the winter, Avhen he and brother John tramped about Connecticut, and found a job far over in Cheshire — where they lived well and had plenty of cider and good company. On good days they could dress as high as fifty-two pounds — half of which was their own — and on bad days cut rails and make brooms with true Yankee faculty. Again in '79 they seek work and fortune in Smith- field. Times are hard and currency all " out of joint." Zeph gives fifty-five dollars for a ready-made linen shirt, and pays for other needfuls in proportion. The winter following Avas emphatically the hard one when A life's record. 175 sickness and suffering prevailed alike at camp and at home. Walking home in January, 1780, Zeph is caught in the great snow-storm, struggles through Avaist-deep to a farm-house, where he spends the night. Next day by carrying a bushel of corn two miles to mill on his shoulders, he purchases a pair " of wooden shoes or rackets," which did good service through the snowy winter. Towards spring, on snow- shoes, he again sought for flax-dressing, but luck and work now failed him. Resuming wall laying in Smithfield he records a strange phenomenon : "May 19, 1780. Noav let not this day be forgot. In the morning it was cloudy and we laid a little wall, wind southwest. About ten o'clock it looked darker and I expected it would rain and it grew darker and darker. We worked at the Avail till we could not see to range ten rods right. We went into the house and it was about twelve. The fire shined like night. They light a candle to eat dinner. The air or clouds look like brass, yellow, and things too I reckon. 20. Last night was as much darker than usual as the day but I saw it not : was asleep." Zeph's interest in meteorological observation was quite in advance of his generation. With keen eye he notes the changes of the weather, the direction of the wind, the coming and going of birds, the putting forth of buds. " Sept. 25, 1780. I see a star plain as 176 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. the sun right over head at mid-day." He sees it day after day. " It rises some time before day very large and bright." Star-gazing in those days alternates with sky-lark ing. Zeph is in great demand for frolics and husk ings, and handles the fiddle-boAv as deftly as the crow-bar. Still the hieroglyphics continue and mul tiply, hinting at some feminine complication. In frequent A'isits at Bleakridge they become more vo ciferous. The course of true love is not running smoothly. Finally a crisis is reached and Zeph breaks out into open lamentations. He waits upon somebody to a ball but is almost crazy. He can't eat nor sleep and don't know what to do with himself. '¦ Talks ot louping o'er a lynn.'' Other youth have survived similar mischances. Zeph raves and tears in prescribed fashion, and then takes himself back to work in Rhode Island ; has his " hair braided the new braid " and starts anew. Business and public doings now receive more at tention. Zeph and brother John hire a farm and carry it on together, with pretty sister Mary for housekeeper. Men go to Newport for a month, and Gen. Washington passes through Providence and we try hard to get a peep at him. Still the times are no better, hard work and poor pay is the cry. " I pay sixty dollars for an ink-horn, also buy a sailor jacket for self and a red broad-cloth cloak for sister A life's RECORD. 177 Mary." In spite of hard times the young folks have a merry season. "Who can say that former days Avere better than the present ?" What a state of so ciety is depicted in these yellow pages. What frol icking, and junketing, and promiscuous intercourse among these young jieople. How many children came into the world without, or quickly folloAving, marriage of parents. Statistical Zeph apparently chuckles over these unseemly entries. " A baby laid to such a felloAv," is no rarity in these pages. After two years' hard Avork the farm is given up and wall-laying resumed, Avith intervals of haying and husking. Peace was proclaimed April, 1783, and we are hoping for better times — " When an honest man can live by the sweat of his brow. Sir." Hieroglyphics appear again in which L. B. con spicuously figures — "L. B. and I rode down to Brown's farm and did eat and drink — Avatermelons plenty." And then comes the crowning entry. " Oct. 14, 1783. Finished Farnam's wall ; had Jon athan Angel's horse and rode home ; then took George Streeter's horse and L. B. and rode to Elder Mitchell's in the evening, and about 9 o'clock Ave were married and so we rode back again, and two better beasts than we rode are seldom to be found. Sir, your most obedient. And Elder Mitchell Avas 85 years old. Oct. 15. Rode to Angels and Streeters and dug stone." Next month the young couple get 178 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. things together for housekeeping, and ride to Con necticut to keep Thanksgiving with old Father Jacob, and appear out at church in Priest Russell's meeting-house, and Zeph's fiddle is brought into exercise. And now, with wife and family to support, our Zeph is busier than ever. He tries various schemes, Yankee fashion ; speculates in poultry ; works " at slaughtering;" runs a meat-cart; sells liquor and cakes at North Providence ordination, and then falls hack upon wall-laying. Husks and fiddles all night through the autumn. Hires "two rooms up stairs and one bed-room, half garret, needful cellar-room " for twelve silver dollars rentage. But times are hard and even this Ioav rent is paid with difficulty. Chil dren come on apace. A cradle is one of the first ar ticles of furniture, and a " little lad " is soon trotting round and tumbling down stairs. Then comes an other boy, and last " our daughter Dolly." And now come several hard years for our journal ist. He finds that life is something more than a frolic. He works hard in various ways but can hardly make a living. There is the same cry all through the States, and men are flocking to the new countries. Twice our Zeph breaks away, axe in hand — the first time for Whitestown on the Mohawk, and is sent back by a rumor of small-pox. Again the next year, 1787, he trudges up to the Berkshire Hills ; visits old A life's RECORD. 179 Uncle Gideon ; looks round ; but his heart fails him and he sneaks back home — " a long journey and no profit to anybody, but 'tis past and cannot be re called." Dec. 27, pays his taxes ; owes fifteen shil lings and has nothing in the world but his head and a cow. Gets very little work through the winter; neighbors sicken and die and there is "no one to assist in trouble." " A child found on Mowry's farm supposed to have been murdered." The fiddle is sold and frolicking comes to an end. But there are brighter days in store for the young Republic. Willing and skillful hands will not always labor for a mere pittance. Those straggling, strug gling, debt-burdened infant States are to be bound together into a compact Nation with central govern ment and financial basis. Little Rhody, with all her intense individualism and assertion of State rights, has to submit to manifest destiny and overwhelming public opinion. Zeph chronicles the rejoicings " on account of the new constitution being framed and sent out," and the barbecue July 4, 1788, when " they roast a whole ox," but his sympathies are with the " Governor and Gen. West who are anti-federalists '^ — and anti-federal ideas stick to him through life. With renewed hope he hires another farm this same spring, with two oxen, ten sheep, six cows ; but after two years has to borrow money to square up accounts with his landlord. Perhaps the good condition of 180 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. the family, as set down by statistical Zeph, March, 1790, has something to do with this failure. They must have consumed much store of Rhode Island pork and white corn meal. Zeph weighs two hundred pounds ; Mrs. Zeph, one hundred and ninety ; Pri mus, seventy-nine ; Jack, seventy-three ; Dolly, sixty- seven. After many failures and vexations he hires a large farm at halves and pitches into work more vigorously than ever. He has sixteen cows, four oxen, and other stock in proportion ; hires two stout boys for six months for $38 each. Wife and children help in pick ing up apples and other fruit, with one hundred and twenty barrels of cider and forty-six barrels of beer as the result of their labor. There is no hint of church-going and Sabbath-keeping, but the children go to school and are supplied with the new spelling- book — "Webster make," and busy Zeph manages to get time "to hear the scholars say their pieces." Fourteen men help about the fall husking, and six hogs are dressed, weighing 1,787 pounds. Free handed Zeph pays his help forty shillings more than the bargain in return "for eight months faithful ser vice." " Rafting thatch " for some of his buildings, Zeph has a narrow escape : loses his footing, goes doAvn under the water, and sticks fast in the mud. Two men, clutching him by the arm, are not able to stir him till others pried him out Avith a haypole. " I A life's record. 181 did breathe three times while under the water," but got home alive, " thanks be to God," and we rejoice in this ejaculation. " Work, work, work," goes on with unabated vigor. Another great crop of apples is transmuted into beer and cider ; and cheese, butter, and pork, turned out in heavy bulk. But with all this labor there is little real profit. The great fruit farm, so near to Provi dence, draws a superabundance of company. Mar ried sons and daughters of the owner flock thither in and out of season, and the house is filled with company and confusion. The children fall ill from lack of care and accommodations, and Zeph and his wife tire of their hard bargain. And now old Father Jacob comes to the rescue. Doubtless his faithful old heart had long yearned over his Rhode Island prodigal, and noAv he opens home and farm to him. The other children are -out in the world, and a place is ready for him — " Come back to the good land of yellow corn and steady habits, come back to church-going and town-meet ing, come back from Egypt to Canaan ! " and Zeph has sense enough to heed the call. " April 1, 1796. Sat up all night and Avife too, to fix things to move." He went out alone with his fid dle-bow, and came back with a goodly caravan — wife, three children, household goods, and a small herd of cattle. Yet after years of hard toil he left debts be te 182 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. hind him, and confides to his journal that he owned nothing but a small stock of furniture. With old-time versatility Zeph adapts himself to the situation, attends town-meetings, school-meet ings, trainings, ordinations, and funerals. For meet ing-going he has lost his relish, and the Rhode Is land Avife " cares for none of these things." His energy finds outlet beyond the narrow farm routine ; he picks up ashes and experiments in potash -making, hires a saw-mill and gets out boards. With hard work he achieves 344 pounds of potash, whiijh he carts to Providence and ships to New York, receiv ing ninety dollars cash in return. Another venture brought him an hundred dollars. Yes, our Zeph is getting on at last and settling down into an order- loving, Connecticut citizen, with a little more snap to him than common. Soon he is made " school committee-man " for his district, and " went to Taun ton and hired a schoolmaster for four months for forty-one dollars." Then, too, his politics are in his favor. These Bleakridge farmers sniff at the stiff- necked orthodoxy of the old Federal leaders, and welcome the new Jeffersonian doctrines as expounded by our breezy Zeph, and he leads the small minority that cast their votes for Thomas Jefferson. He goes to Oxford to attend " the ArtifiUians Fu neral," observed in honor of Gen. Washington, " that worthy general, who died December 14, 1799." Again A life's RECORD. 183 and again he rides to Oxford to hear the noted Uni- versalist, Hosea Ballon, Avhose preaching suits him better than that of the plain-speaking Baptists and Methodists who are active in his neighborhood. More deaths than births are now recorded ; more funerals than weddings. Those old Bleakridge settlers are dropping off. Uncle Bijah "fell into the fire and died when there was no one in the room." Ten years later his aged widoAv found dead on the ground two rods from the house — all right the night pre vious ; " got up and dressed and took her pail and staff and went out to the well ; slipt down, no one hearing her, and she perished in the cold snow and rain." In spite of these inevitable shadows it is a happy time at the Breakridge farm. The old people are easy-going and cheerful, and the young folks merry and thriving. They go to school and church and singing-school, and have young company. The boys are getting helpful at farm-Avork. Dolly has grown up tall and comely — " A right smart girl," the neigh bors say, "her father over again." "May 11, 1801. Dolly ketcht cold by wading in the river ; has pain in her side," and herb-drink does not seem to help her. Spring work is driving, but this illness is more than all. Early in June she is attacked with violent pain in her head — is light-headed and full of pain. Doctors are called from far and near. Wise old Dr. Eaton from Dudley; famous Dr. Hubbard from Pomfret 184 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. each with his saddle-bags and train of " apprentices." Dr. Hubbard stays six hours Avith her but there is no relief." It is the height of the busy season ; haying is coming on ; the potash kettle breaks in the melt ing ; hail-stones fall as large as an ounce ball ; but what are these things compared Avith Dolly's sick ness ? "I stay in the house all day and only turn some hay : wife and I sit up all night. Dolly grows weaker and has no sense at all — a sorrowful spectacle to behold." " July 1. Very hot. Dolly grew weaker every hour. I Avas up twice before 3 o'clock and then O lamentable, at half past four July 2, the breath left the body of our daughter Dolly. This morn makes twenty-one days and nights that this poor girl has had such an extreme pain in her head and a fever almost burnt up. The Doctor calls it the Phrenitus and then the Pubmatick fever. 3. Elder C. did preach and the funeral attended this afternoon." Work is resumed next day, hoeing and mowing. Poor Zeph sees Dolly in his dreams ; holds her in his arms, "looking just as she did when a baby," and then the name drops out from daily record. Primus goes to high school in Dudley for a term and then keeps school himself. Jack, our youngest boy, starts out in the world to work on the Boston turnpike. "May 8, 1802. Snowed all the afternoon. 9. Froze hard enough to bear a horse; cold and dry; no grass." Zeph and his wife drive on with work all A life's record. 185 the same, and watch Avith their sick neighbors, for it is a sickly season, dysentery prevailing, and many die. Jack comes home from his summer's work hearty and rugged, with a hundred dollars for his father, besides what he keeps for himself. Zeph sets out apple trees, improves his farm and helps on pub lic occasions ; takes both his boys to help raise a frame for the new Baptist meeting-house, where a hundred men gather, and they have dinner, supper, and liquor enough for all. Trainings are com mon, too, where liquor flows in abundance. There is a " General Training " at Woodstock — a great pa rade, ending in much confusion. The day being hot " many did near faint. Very dark night, with thun der and lightning ; many rode off the road ; fell off and got hurt ; horses could not see." Fortunately for Zeph " rum was most poisinous to him for some years," and he quit drinking. Politics are very liA'-ely at the time of Jefferson's re-election, and Zeph proudly reports "sixteen Re publican votes," with larger gains in prospect. Bap tists and Methodists are coming out against the old Federalists and Standing Order. In 1806 Zeph is very active in carrying through a great Republican Fourth of July celebration at the Centre. He helps build a bower, arranges toasts, provides musicians. A flaming Methodist leads in prayer, and a fervent Baptist elder delivers the oration. Federals and 186 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. orthodox look glum enough at the parade, while Zeph goes home in triumph and reports ninety-six Republican votes at the next election. Other public matters claim attention — " a new road to be laid over Bleakridge ; schools to be looked after." Zeph hires a school-ma'am to keep school three months for five shillings a week, while Primus gets twelve dollars a month for his services. Here are some medical prescriptions for colds and swollen face — ¦" a sirup of dogwood, marshmaUow, barberry, tansy and wormwood boiled Avith rum and molasses — Substitute red-briar for dogwood and barberry and boil in spring water that runs to the north." Some time during these years Primus marries, somewhat against the approval of the parents, and " has a daughter Avithout much clatter," and Jack slips off to live with his Uncle Abel. As the family lessens, work and business increase. There is progress in the air. The life and stir of the new century and republic are reaching this remote corner. The " factory " has come to stay. Great mills for working up cotton are going up within a foAv miles. Zeph hires a saw-mill to get out boards for the buildings. Scarcely has he begun work when he is caught in a freshet. " June 14, 1807. Rains all day. 15. A very great flood indeed; so high was never seen before by more than one foot ; new bridge carried away "¦ — but by working and watching day A life's RECORD. 187 and night Zeph manages to save his mill. The next year the road-making is resumed. Over seventy men at work, with many oxen, plows, and carts. Zeph leads with six men and four oxen, and furnishes cider by the barrel, but again " contradiction and dispute " block the wheels of progress, and the needed road is left unfinished. With all his digging and driving he is ready to help in sickness ; attends • the funeral of a neighbor's wife, and " the most peo ple present I ever saw at a funeral." A little girl neighbor, four or five years old, " got up in a cart and jumped about, and fell over the foot-board, and cries, ' I have killed myself,' and died in half an hour." Zeph carries six to the grave in his big Avagon. " Sept. 15, 1808. Drove a wagon to Pomfret to Regimental training, and carried four men for three- and-sixpence each." Three days later and the big wagon takes a load of eight " to hear the Methodists at their first camp-meeting. They keep it five days and nights. Oct. 14. Carry wool to be carded at the Factory — Cut sausage meat and filled the skins with a tin on purpose — a great improvement upon stuffing it in by fingers." " 1809, March 4. James Madison takes his seat as president. Sept. 4. Raise in all a hundred and fifty bushels of potatoes. Nov. 8. Father rather poorly. 12. Had a bad night, sat up in chair. 25. Father worse, rather more weak and faint; sleeps most of 188 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. the day ; fails fast. 26. Some above 8 o'clock my father left this earthly tabernacle. 15. Rain ; Elder C. preaches ; funeral set at 11, went to the grave at 3 P. M." The aged mother soon follows— "May 11, 1810. Mother very poorly. 22. Mother seemed in m ore extremity, and left breathing a little after three. Four of her nine children attend the funeral, where Elder C. officiates as previously for Dolly and father." And now Zeph is left with wife, work, and weather observations. " 1810, Jan. 14. The coldest day that m ost ever was known," the "cold Friday" of mete- orologic fame. "March 12. A great snow fifteen inches deep." A school quarrel demands heroic treatment. Zeph is one of three men chosen by the district " to see what was to be clone," and he " went to the school inspectors and brought eight of them down to the school house, where they heard all sides and corrected both parties." A new era opens this autumn of 1810. "I take yarn from Pomfret Factory to weave." A great opportunity has come to these suppressed New England women. Weaving this smoothly-spun yarn into cloth they receive good pay in any kind of goods they fancy. How the tongues and shuttles rattle in many a farm-house. Our friend, Mrs. Zeph, is one of the first to improve the privilege. Everything else gives place to the cloth Aveaving ; even neighborly calls and afternoon going-out-to-tea are suspended. A life's record. 1S9 " I hope you read your Bible," hints Elder C. in one of his pastoral visitations. "Gracious," Avas the quick reply, " I don't git time to look in the alma- nik." Four pieces of heavy bed-tick are carried back to the Factory in December and broad-cloth taken in exchange. Then two tailoresses appear and exhibit for their week's Avork great coats for Mrs. Zeph and Jack, straight-body coats for Zeph and Jack, and two waistcoats, for which work each re ceives one dollar and tAventy-five cents. Yarn for seven hundred and fifty yards of bed-ticking is brought home for spring Avork, and while the " good A^ife plies the shuttle," her good man hires a grist mill for the season, and by help of fourteen oxen and as many men, set a new millstone. Another rebellion in the school-house is settled without outside inter vention. " They could not turn out the master." September, 1812. Zeph takes seven passengers for a dollar each to witness the brigade training at Brooklyn. He reports, "five regiments on parade, one of horse, twenty-five hundred troops, and four times as many spectators, something of a war-like appearance " — an exhibition calculated to rouse more interest in the Avar then in progress. 1813, June 21. Jack, now at home for the summer, is warned " to be at the Centre tavern complete in armor by twelve to go to Noav London as there were British there." Four neighbors' boys obeyed the same 190 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. summons, " most of the infantry and all the militia that did not abscond," for this war is unjoopular in ^ew England, and even Administration men like Zeph and his neighbors have little enthusiasm. Those that stood fire were marched into the meeting-house, and treated to a spirited address from the minister before starting on their march. Communications with the outside world are still infrequent, and little was heard from the absentees during their three weeks service. The invasion was not accomplished, and the boys had a good time and brought back, instead of laurels, a list of false alarms, fizzles, and ridiculous sayings and doings that made sport for a life-time. Reports of naval victories enkindled war -like sympa thies. " October 3. Hear that Commodore Perry hath taken six British vessels on Lake Erie." Elemental disturbances receive more specific record. " February 10, 1814. Rains hard and froze on trees ; fore twelve at night trees began to break and split, and the dreadfullest cracking that ever I heard. They say it was like the report of heavy artillery. 11. The trees bowed their heads like weeping willows, a melancholy sight, and the fruit trees are broken as the oldest man never saw before." " 1815, Jan. 31. Exceeding cold, coldest morning for many years by the thermometer." The historic September gale came the same year. " Rained very fast ; hard wind ; between 9 and 10 A. M. began a A life's record. 191 tornado ; southeast wind blew very hard indeed ; hath torn down thirty-seven large apple-trees, and upset many smaller ones ; near all our fence torn down and timber lands most dreadfully turned up by the roots." The cold summer of 1816, handed down by tradi tion as the "starved-to-death" summer— -is duly and daily noted. "May 7. Windy and very cold. 17. Very cold. 29, 30. Very cold and dry with frost. June 4. Frost. 6. Very cold night, ice froze as hard as window glass ; put up sheared sheep. 7. Very exceeding cold ; wore coat, jacket, surtout, and wig, and none too hot. 10. A very hard frost, ice as thick as half a window glass ; corn cut close to the ground." This condition prevailed through the entire season — cold and dry with a few warm days . Very cold spells in July, August, and September. Zeph harvests five loads of corn, " two good-for- nothing but fodder, only two bushels fully ripe." "1817, Feb. 14. Caught in Providence by a cold snap exceeding anything that hath been in fifty years by the thermometer — warmed four times coming home ; many froze some but I did not, coldest night most ever I see." Another cold spell came in May . " 12. Cold night, ice on grass. 16. A very large black frost, exceeding cold. 20. Ice on grass-top like shot. 21, 22. Hard frosts." These frost-bitten crops and war prices make hard 192 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. times for the poor, but Zeph is fore-handed now and able to relieve needy neighbors, lending them money and helping in many ways. Meanwhile the loom is busy as ever, turning off great pieces of bed- tick, gingham, and " dimino." " War's alarms " do not disturb the peace of the old farm-house. Jack is living at home now with a brisk, young wife — a neighbor's daughter, very acceptable to the old folks, and grandchildren are making the house merry. Primus is plodding along steadily and has a houseful of stout boys and girls, some of them always stop ping at " Grandpa's." And there are hired men at work on mill and farm, traA'elers stopping to chat, townsmen discussing war and politics — a busy, cheer ful, prosperous household, Avith Zeph for head and centre. " Feb. 14, 1815. Hear news of peace. Peace! 28. Federalists celebrate P. E. A. C. E. between America and England at the Centre, and there is a great ball in the evening. March 4, 1817. James Monroe takes the chair as president and David D. Tompkins as vice-president." The war is over now, but there is a battle going on in Connecticut ; a fierce fight for a new State constitution, and our Zeph is one of the foremost fighters. They say he is captain there at Bleakridge, and brings down loads of men in his big- wagon to town meeting. " Sept. 4. Went to Free man's meeting and the Republicans chose two Rep resentatives to our liking ; farmers; a good day." A life's RECORD. 193 " July 4, 1818. Went to toAvn meeting to choose delegates to send to Hartford to frame a constitution for the State of Connecticut. Federalists had two votes most. Sept. 29. Heard Constitution read." A week later town accepted constitution by a vote of 174 versus 95, and Zeph is " well pleased." And now the Republicans have control in the old Federal town, and Zeph is selectman. His energy and ver satility find ample scope in his new office. Now he is letting out the poor to be boarded for a dollar or seventy-five cents a week ; or buying a new town hearse ; or laying out roads ; or deliberating with officers from other towns where to set the new court house. A special service is performed in perambu lating the boundary line between Massachusetts and Connecticut, involving ten days labor. " July 5, 1819. See the blazing star." With increasing years and honors, Zeph manifests greater zeal for public worship ; owns two pews in the Baptist meeting-house, and helps on repairs for the same, and buying a farm for the minister. Ordi nations, association meetings, baptisms, funerals, are duly chronicled. A great " revival season " excites much interest. Sees " Elder C. baptize seven of them young girls, and hears two more tell the travail of their minds ; staid to see them take sacrament, home at sundown." " April 5, 1820. See three dipt at Bap tist meeting-house. June 14. Went to Baptist meet- 194 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. ing-house and heard a woman preach from Vermont and she preached well, I thought too. 18. Went to meeting and Elder C. he whipt us smart for hearing a woman preach and I wish he had heard her him self." [It is said that Elder C. referred to this woman preacher who had been allowed to occupy the pulpit in his absence " as a grievous wolf who had entered the fold."] Common and uncommon casualties find place in the record. A small fire starting by the roadside " went up the hill as fast as a man could walk ; fought fire- as long as we could see ; next morn, rallied early and fit fire to Alump Pond — thirty-four men. It ran north a vast ways, cutting all before it." "April, 1821. Neighbor M.'s died this day about mid-day, sudden ; fell over backwards in her chair ; taken up and said she was dying and it was so. June 20. Hard thunder shower, lightning struck powder house. This clap struck down H. C, flung him down lifeless, but he came to, was blue but full of pain. Sept. 1. As hard a shower as ever I knew, filled up streams like a freshet. 3. Strong S. E. Avind and rain, many trees bloAvn down, fences and most of our apples. 15. Down by the pond trod on a water- snake, and it bit my leg, and it swelled and was sore. Kept on working. 24. Leg no better, swollen more, pain some. 25. Had a hen split open and put on my leg three or four hours, then burdock leaves. 26. A life's record. 195 Put on more leaves and went to see the regiment per form at the Centre. 28. Put meadow moss on leg and it looks more purple. 29. Set out for Franklin to see Dr. M. and he said he could cure the bite of a snake, had poultice. 30. Another poultice and physic, pills at night. Oct. 1. A wash and two pills. 2. Physic and water gruel. 3. Leg looks better. 5. Had bandage made and Dr. M. put it on. Paid Dr. M. ten dollars for attendance and nearly flve dollars for board." At home he resumes work, taking Dr. M.'s powders, but the leg does not heal. All winter he is doctor ing and poulticing, and goes to see a man who had been similarly affiicted by the sting of a wasp, but gets no benefit. Finally he puts his case into the hands of a " woman quack doctor," who, by vari ous washes and treatments, succeeds in reducing the inflammation, but he never regained his former strength. That he should have survived the poison and treatment shows great vitality. A neighbor, who while cutting wood was called to go down into his well for a bucket, was taken with great pain, shivery, cold sweat, and died in twenty minutes. March, 1826. Work is laid aside, and Zeph is driving round buying store-cloth, a new hat and pair of boots, and finally a trunk. What does this mean ? We look back along the crumpled page, and there, half concealed by old-time hieroglyphics, we find the 196 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. key to the situation. The crowning honor of his life has come — Zeph has been chosen town representa tive and is going to the legislature ! Little did he think when he tramped through the State fifty years before, driving team and swingling flax, that he should revisit those scenes in such honored guise and company, driving in coach and four with fellow legis lators. But these fifty years of life and work have taken the spring and nonsense out of him, and it is a somewhat sober old fellow that now drives over the hills. " I feel neither smart nor courageous," is his meek admission ; in fact he is homesick and out of his element. He boards at " Widow Bishop's," and sees a steamboat and other new things, and we may be sure he never missed a roll-call, and voted the straight party ticket. But one permanent effect came from this New Haven sojourn. Among his fellow boarders there was a glib Methodist minister who walked and talked with our homesick legislator, and somehow made clear to him some things that had before puzzled him, perhaps those Calvinistic points that have bothered wiser heads than his. However that may be, Zeph joins a Methodist class after his return, and slipping down to the river is quietly bap tized one Sabbath summer evening. The shadows lengthen. Zeph seems an older man after his return from New Haven. The year of 1828 was especially calamitous. " A cow breaks her leg A life's record. 197 and has to be killed ; sad for the poor cow ; " an ox sickens and dies ; the colt dies ; it is a bad season for lambs and sheep, and even the geese refuse to hatch properly. Cut-Avorms appear in great force and cut off the young blades of corn. June 30, a hard thunder shower. Nathan's new house was struck ; the clock was torn to pieces, and a dog un der the table killed ; but a " deaf boy heard better after the shock." And it is what old people call " a very dying time, indeed." Neighbors and kindred drop off like autumn leaves. One brother dies after long illness ; one is found dead on the road, supposed to have fallen off his cart when asleep. Pretty sister Mary, who kept house for us long ago in Rhode Is land, comes from the West to visit her old home and dies soon after her return. Sister Hannah, living near by, soon follows. This neighbor wastes away in long disease, Zeph and his wife watching with him night after night, after their old, helpful fashion. That one, going cross-lots through a wet place stum bled " and fell forward with his forehead against a stone and his face in the water and died surpris ing." Another is drowned in his saw-mill flume. Saddest of all was that of the lone, lorn Avoman found dead in the swamp. It is supposed " she got up in the night in a fright by the Avind blowing very hard and started for a neighbors but got out of her way into the swamp where she fell. She left her shoes 198 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. and stockings in the house." Poor lone creature, flying barefoot and panic struck to meet her death in the dank swamp — does fiction parallel these trage dies of real life ? But a new source of comfort has come to our old journalist. Politics have lost much of their interest with change of party names and measures. We are Democrats now fighting Whigs, Banks, and Anti- Masons, but not with the old fervor. There are things of more vital interest upon the stage. These are the days of " the great revivals of 1830-33," and Zeph's whole heart is in the joyful work. Meetings are held everywhere, at private houses and meeting houses ; " pike-gate and grove." " See Elder T. bap tize old Miss W. and many people." " Benjamin A's son speaks like preaching, many more talk ; a very good meeting." "Elder Lovejoy is here, (a noted name and preacher.) Two were plunged and two more had water poured on their heads." "Aug., 1830, went to meeting in a tent, 36 x 20 — some speak ing, no preaching ; tent full and many more outside." Camp meetings and " protracted meetings " are kept up the following year, and Zeph reads his Bible through by course in the interim, beginning January 1 and finishing March 31. The clouds darken. The mother of the household, the strong, bustling, hard-working wife and mother is failing in strength, but the work goes on as usual A life's record. 199 and the loom is seldom idle. Zeph, whose turn for rhyming gains upon him, sends this humorous missive to a neighbor : " My old dame is sick and poorly. And now there is more yarn yet lacking. She thought she'd state the matter fairly And have you bring the filling airly, And if you don't bring more blue than red You had better put yourself to bed, She hath been sick and kept a-drilling. And now hath stopped for want of filling.'' But the trouble increases and becomes more mani fest. Work can no longer stifle the growing anguish. Neighbors flock in apace ; sometimes '' six women at once." Poultices of every conceivable material, hot and cold, dry and liquid, are vainly applied. " Very full of pain," " wastes fast," are the discouraging en tries. These are " solemn times " for our light-hearted Zeph. Three funerals reported in one day and things groAving worse at home. "Sad, sad, sad." "Bad, bad, bad. A very bad day with some and I am sorrowful." But the illness was short. Worn with hard work and life's burdens the strong frame soon succumbs. " She fell a-bleeding, grew dark to her, faint, and she died just before twelve, Sept. 14, 1831, aged 73." And now Zeph is left in the old home with Jack and his wife at the head of affairs. But he is still too 200 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. vigorous in mind and body to settle down into a subordinate position, and public affairs claim atten tion. He superintends the Avork on the new school house in our district, selects brick of the best mate rial, and does the work so thoroughly that it still bears Avitness to his fidelity. Then he builds a good stone wall for our burying-ground, and pays his heavy taxes for all these improvements without grumbling. " April 9, 1833. 'Tis said that I am seventy-four years old this day, P. M. Thanks be to God that he hath spared me so long." He has more time now to note the weather and its changes. " We had an early spring, robins, blue-birds and red-winged blackbirds early in March. A hard frost in June killed most of our corn to the ground ; beans also ; " enjoys in No vember the wonderful spectacle of " many shooting stars." Meetings engross much time and interest. Now some famous Methodist or Baptist elder gives a rousing sermon ; then they meet in some private dwelling — "a glorious meeting without preaching, many brethren speak and all to the Bible truth." He is in great demand for funeral occasions as bearer or manager this same Zeph who once danced all night when a mate lay dead in his coffin. But he is still Zeph, now " Old Zeph." No one would think of calling him anything else, or know him by his family name alone. He is a noted " character " now at town A life's record. 201 meetings and all public doings, with his quaint old wig and many-caped cloak, his reminiscences and weather-saws, and his knack at rhyming. Asked to make a rhyme upon an easy-going neighbor, more fond of prayer meetings than work, he instantly re sponds : " There's Uncle Ase, so full of grace Sometimes his cup runs over ; He'll lay and sleep and let his sheep Eat up his neighbor's clover." Or he pictures " a hired man " Avith one snap-shot : " Here's Joseph Pace with his long face And not so very fat : He's poor to hoe and worse to mow, And what do you think of that ?" He has his old mare killed and buried decently, "which was twenty-seven years old : " She could not live on hay And I would not put her away." " March 4, 1837. Martin Van Buren came in presi dent. 5th. Sixty years past this day I went for two months to driA'e a team for the Continentals, to carry provision to the army at Peepskill; staid fifteen months ; took team at Colchester. April 1. Town meeting, chose George Nichols and Vernon Stiles representatives. Republicans of the old stamp ; four 202 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. hundred voters in town. Some went not from this hill but enough without them." Trainings have lost attraction to him, perhaps because the trainings themselves are not what they used to be, but he takes little Nap to the Centre to see a caravan with two lions and ninety-five horses. Zeph works hard as ever, but there is a screw loose somewhere, and the farm yields less profit. No more carting surplus produce to market. No potash making and mill-working, and factory-cloth weaving under present administration. All the crops are lighter, and there is hardly hay enough for the cattle. The old man groans over this thriftlessness and " a prevailing evil " at the root. " April 9, 1839. Eighty years old this day & I am poorly. A failing year in health and results of labor. A severe winter, cold and stormy, no church going, look after pigs and chickens and read good books. Great excitement in town this spring of 1840. Fifty new voters made " — 737 votes cast. They say old Democrats are ahead ; but they cannot check the Tippecanoe craze and Harrison's election. Another losing season is reported — " short in corn, rye, hay,. and so it goes." Another cold winter keeps our friend at home, sink ing more and more into the ordinary status of the superannuated, and too often supernumerary, grand father. The gay young fellow whistling over the A life's record. 203 hills; the busy man of affairs driving about town is gone, and we see a shriveled old man crawling about the premises to feed the chickens, and poring over Baxter's Saints' Rest and his Bible by the fire side. Friends of his youth, and companions of his life have vanished. Public and even church affairs no longer claim his attention. The great political overthrow, the opening railroad, excite but a lan guid interest ; but the journal begun in his youth, the daily chronicle of life and weather, still remains to him. Each morning, foul or fair, he hurries out to breathe the pure air of Heaven, survey the sky, note the direction of the wind. His dulled ear catches the first song of the spring birds ; his dimmed eyes mark the springing grass, the swelling buds. Two books are open to his fading vision — eternal works and words, to which some mortal eyes are ever closed. The great comet of 1843, stretching half way across the visible heavens, thrills his old heart — " but I go not to town meeting, nor to other meet ings ; have not strength for it." The journal is getting mixed. The dates are jum bled up ; we have turned the last leaf. " June 20, 1843. I find that I am failing ; feel very slim." Still the entries are kept up, but the lines run together. The summer sun is shining in full strength ; the corn is hoed and the grass is ready for mowing, fully ripe. The boys carry on the work — but old Zeph is " so 204 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. tired." July 26, he makes the last entry. A few more days and nights of weariness and watching and eternal rest is his. Good-bye, old Zeph. For more than three-score years we have traveled with you on your pilgrimage. Truly in thy case, "the end was better than the beginning." "Average Connecticut citizen " did we say ? Faithful old soul ; true to yourself, your country, and your God, well will it be with each if our record marks as high a figure. VII. DODGE, THE BABBLER. In the closing years of the last century Pomfret held a high place among Windham County towns. Less in extent and population than most of its towns it exceeded them in proportionate wealth and influ ence. It held the Probate office for the north part of the county. Its post-office, administered by Judge Lemuel Grosvenor, accommodated all the neighbor ing towns. Its leading citizens were remarkable for sound judgment and intelligence. Perhaps that United English Library, established as far back as 1739, had something to do with forming the character of these men, and inciting young men to obtain the privilege of college education. The toAvn had also been favored with a succession of distinguished physicians. Doctors Lord and Warner, of Abington, Dr. Waldo, of the Street, were noted in their pro fession, and Doctors Hall and Hubbard quite equalled them in reputation and extended practice. But perhaps there was nothing in which Pomfret took greater pride than in her meeting-house and ministers. This house of worship was the largest and most pretentious in Windham County, and ex- 206 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. cited the envious admiration of other towns. Her first minister. Rev. Ebenezer Williams, was considered one of the leading ministers of his day, receiving by bequest of Gov. Dudley, of Massachusetts, a me morial ring in token of esteem and favor. An incip ient wrangle at the time of building the great meet ing-house was promptly healed by the suggestion that lack of harmony might hinder them in settling a minister, so that instead of having as they had done the best of orthodox preaching, they might be com pelled to take up with " New Light stuff," or some inferior article. As successor of Mr. Williams they agreed upon Aaron Putnam, a young graduate of Harvard, who filled the place for many years to public acceptance, a man of learning and piety ; a sound if not eloquent preacher. Mr. Putnam's unhappy failure of voice in the latter part of his ministry brought in a new element. A col league pastor was found needful, and again Harvard furnished the candidate — Mr. Oliver Dodge. The lively and agreeable manners of this young gentle man," and the freshness and animation of his dis courses, won universal favor, and he soon received a unanimous call to the colleague pastorate, one person only advising delay. But before the time fixed for ordination, uneasiness had arisen. The spirits of the young minister carried him beyond the ordinary bounds of ministerial propriety, and unfavorable re- DODGE, THE BABBLER. 207 ports came from abroad, so that the ordaining council was confronted by a small number of "aggrieved brethren," objecting to the ordination of the candi date on charges of "disregard of truth, neglect of duty, irreverent application of Scripture and un becoming levity." Decision was referred to a special council of ministers and delegates — nine to be chosen by friends of Mr. Dodge, four by the opposition — which met in Pomfret, September 4, 1792. Four days were spent in considering the situation. The engaging manners of Mr. Dodge, and the large ma jority in his favor, pleaded strongly in his behalf ; yet, as the good repute of a minister was a matter of such supreme importance, the council unanimously decided not to proceed to ordination. With paternal kind ness they besought the young minister to accept this result. in its true tenor, and, endeavor in future to maintain that Christian spirit and live that exemplary life " that all the excellent and amiable talents and accomplishments with which God had been pleased to favor him, might be improved for eminent and most important purposes." Mr. Dodge demeaned himself through these trials with the utmost pro priety, accepted the reproofs with due meekness, re flecting upon himself in several alleged instances except that of falsehood of which he had never been ¦consciously guilty. Uninfluenced by this decision, the friends of Mr. 208 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. Dodge proceeded to renew their call in a regular society meeting, and requested the church to concur in this invitation. Very great interest had now been aroused, and it was evident that a large majority of the church would vote in favor of settling Mr. Dodge- To Mr. Putnam and the aggrieved brethren this seemed a very injudicious and hazardous experiment. There was one way by which this evil could be averted — the power alloAved to ministers in Saybrook Plat form, by which their single vote nullified the unani mous vote of the church over which they were set- tied. Believing that Mr. Dodge was unfit for the ministerial office, with a deep sense of his personal and official responsibility in the matter, Mr. Putnam now exercised this supreme power and dissolved the- meeting without permitting a vote upon the question. So completely had a century of Saybrook Platform. administration eliminated from its adherents the spirit of original Congregationalism and recognition of the rights of individual church members, that this- act of Mr. Putnam's was fully sustained by brother ministers. According to Windham County Associa tion, the result would have been the same " had he allowed the church to vote, as he Avould then have left the meeting and rendered them incapable of" further action." That a large majority of the church had any rights in the matter never seemed to occur to them. "A few more than half makes no differ- DODGE, THE BABBLER. 209 ence," said President Clap, of Yale. The rights of majorities had not then been admitted. But there was another side to the question. Op position to the Saybrook Platform, initiated by the unfortunate Separates half a century before, had now been strengthened by more orderly bodies of Christians. Baptists, Episcopalians, the newly-ar rived Methodists, were equally averse to accepting one religious denomination as the established church, the " Standing Order " of Connecticut. Free-think ers of every shade were bitter against it. The spirit of free inquiry was in the air. Public men who had been active in the attainment of civil liberty were realizing that religious restrictions were inconsistent with a Republican form of Government. Foremost among the opposers of the ecclesiastic establishment of Connecticut was Zephaniah Swift, of Windham, the able lawyer and jurist. His attitude on this point had given great offence to the ministers of the county who had upon this ground, opposed his elec tion to Congress. Some of these ministers had as sisted in the rejection of Mr. Dodge, and thus afforded Judge Swift ample ground of retaliation. As soon as the result of the Pomfret council was given to the public. Judge Swift took the field as champion of Mr. Dodge. The whole affair was " an open attack upon religious liberty and the rights of conscience." The power arrogated by the council was 18 210 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. " more unwarrantable and dangerous than that exer cised by the pretended successors of St. Peter." The act of Mr. Putnam "in nullifying the voice of the church by his single voice, his sovereign negative, was a most conspicuous instance of the arbitrary power vested in ministers by that celebrated code of eccle siastic jurisprudence, known by the singular appella tion of Saybeook Platform." " Is the exercise of such a power compatible with the equal rights, the unalien able birthright of man ? Reason, common sense and the Bible with united voice proclaim .... that the Constitution which delegates to one the power to negative the vote of all the rest, is subver sive OF THE NATURAL RIGHTS OF MANKIND, AND REPUG NANT TO THE WORD OP GoD." Dodge himself was the innocent victim of clerical revenge and malice; a young, man of superior genius and merit ; a second Luther, battling against ecclesiastic despotism." Pomfret scarcely needed this outside stimulus to self-assertion. Her sympathy, pride, and will were all enlisted in behalf of the young minister. The result led to immediate and great departure. A large majority of members of the church withdrew from connection, and proceeded to organize as " The Reformed Christian Church and Congregation of Pomfret." A satisfactory covenant was drawn up and adopted, and public worship instituted in pri vate mansions. Mr. Dodge, stimulated by contro- DODGE, THE BABBLER. 211 versy and popular favor, was more eloquent and fas cinating than ever. Crowds flocked to the new place of worship, while the great meeting-house was al most deserted. Eleven male members, with their families and minister, was all that was left of the large church membership. The County Consocia tion, called to consider and advise, could do nothing. The church had taken itself out of their jurisdiction and Mr. Dodge scouted its summons to appear, and declared himself " no more amenable to their con trol and jurisdiction than he was to the Bishop of London." Removed from all restriction, Mr. Dodge now came out more openly as the apostle of a new dispensa tion. It was a time of great upheaval and discus sion. Revolutions in Government and thought were in progress. " The reign of long faces had passed ; ministers were now to act and talk like other men, and unite with them in mirth, festivitj'^, and amuse ment. Puritan blueness and austerity were to give place to good fellowship and universal jollity. God was best served by merry hearts and cheerful voices." All knotty points of doctrine were to be ignored ; the Scriptures a sufficient rule of faith and practice ac cording to each man's personal interpretation. In the revolt from stiffened orthodoxy, these views and practices as set forth by an engaging and eloquent speaker were most attractive. Dodge was the hero 212 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. of the day ; the popular minister. Numbers united with his church ; people from all the surrounding towns flocked to hear him. The friends of free re ligion could not have selected a more eligible leader than this clever and accomplished young man, who could charm all hearts with religious rhapsodies, and dance, drink, and joke with equal acceptance. That it was difficult to find ministers of any standing to assist in his ordination added zest to the situation, as did the wordy battle in the columns of " The Wind ham Herald" between Judge Swift and sundry min isters who rushed to the defence of Mr. Putnam and the council. Nothing in modern times equals the bitterness of this newspaper controversy, and the vituperations exchanged between the combatants. All the sayings and doings of Mr. Dodge and his op ponents were paraded before the public, and peaceful, dignified Pomfret figured as the scene of this scandal and division. Neighboring toAvns were drawn into the strife. Mr. Dodge, by invitation of one of the society committee, preached an afternoon lecture in Woodstock meeting-house. The minister. Rev. Mr. Lyman, having previously manifested his disapproval went into the house during service and read a public remonstrance. Whereupon the friends of Mr. Dodge served a warrant upon Mr. Lyman for disturbing a religious assembly, and compelled him to pay as high a fine as the law would allow. In Pomfret the par- DODGE, THE BABBLER. 213 tisan feeling became very strong and bitter. It en tered into politics ; it divided families. The very children in the street jeered and mocked at each other as "Dodge-ites" and "Anti-Dodge-ites." An opposer of the popular favorite lost his place as town clerk, leaving this farewell upon Pomfret records : "Here ends the services of a faithful servant of the public, who was neglected for no other reason than because he could rwt Dodge S " For more than six years this rupture and strife continued, and Mr. Dodge maintained his prestige and popularity. It does not appear that during this period he lost ground or adherents. His " finely- polished golden chain of equality and brotherly love " satisfied his congregation ; his good fellowship and easy insolence kept his hold in society. His oc casional excesses and increasing levity were excused as the exuberant overflow of spirits, and by his frank admission of wrong. Nothing but his own suicidal act could have lost him his place in heart and favor. He held himself in restraint as long as it was possi ble and then gave way at once and forever. Every thing was sacrificed for liberty in vicious indulgence. After a week of revelry, driving from one low tavern to another, and even offering blasphemous prayers in a blacksmith's shop upon a challenge, he had the ef frontery to enter his pulpit and attempt to conduct 214 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. the usual Sabbath service. Rising to speak he fell upon the pulpit overcome with drunken sickness, fall ing forever from his high estate. Apparently no at tempt was made to excuse or palliate his conduct. Of his large following not one was left him, because he was too far gone to make the effort to retain them. At a meeting of The Reformed Church of Pomfret, July 4, 1799, upon complaint that Mr. Dodge had been guilty of repeated instances of intemperance in the use of spirituous liquor, and of indecent if not profane language, it was voted that he " be excluded from the rites and privileges of this church till by his reformation and amendment of life he shall be again restored to charity." But this charity was not called into exercise. The " lost leader " gave himself up to reckless dissipation. Seldom does one who has filled so high a position, with so large a following, sink into such sudden obscurity and oblivion. The Re formed Church vanished with its founder, its mem bers gladly returning to the old church that welcomed them into the fold. The name that had been so con spicuous dropped from the records and " Herald," and he himself sunk out of sight and knowledge, only as tradition whispered tales of " Pomfret's drunken min ister." But there is a sequel to the story. Last spring the Probate judge of Windham at Willimantic chanced to light upon a somewhat curious old document. DODGE, THE BABBLER. 215 apparently an affidavit laid against a notorious of fender, denominated " Dodge, the Babbler " — under date of 1805. The paper best tells its own story : "Dodge, the Babbler, in an harangue at Glastonbury, on the 8th of August, 1805, after declaiming upon church & state & law and religion — exclaimed — ' God knows, angels know, saints know, all honest men know, the Devils know, and none but knaves and fools but what do know, there ought not to be any laws for the support of religion. We should not then see the poor man dragged to jail to pay a minister's tax, while his family were left starving : we should not then have to pay four or five hundred dollars a year for ministers' dinners at Hartford : we should not then see ministers have the privilege of turupiking the road to Heaven and erect" ing gates and collecting tolls upon them.' He also used this expression : ' Minister's salaries are a stink in God's nose, and a stench in his nostrils.' The above expressions were heard by Mr. George Gilbert, of Hebron, and noted down at the time and in the meeting-house.'' And so we see our brilliant young minister, who had stood so high in position and favor, who had been championed by Judge Swift and other distinguished advocates, wandering about the State as a mere " babbler " and driveler, undoubtedly injuring by in temperance and indecency the very cause of religious liberty that he was trying to advance — his abilities and opportunities wasted ; his life a wreck and beacon- warning. He is believed to have died in 1806 — the year following this parting glimpse. VIII. OUR FIRST WOMAN ARTIST. First in Connecticut, and in point of time one of the first women in this country, to gain public recog nition as an artist, was Miss Anne Hall, of Pomfret and New York. She was only preceded and equaled as far as we can ascertain by Misses Anna C. and Sarah M. Peale, granddaughters of the distinguished artist, Charles Wilson Peale. There may have been local women artists in some of our large towns, but none that gained more than a provincial reputation, or were honored like Miss Hall by election to mem bership in The National Academy of Design. Miss Anne Hall was no untrained phenomenon. Like the Peale sisters she inherited artistic tenden cies. Her father. Dr. Jonathan Hall, of Pomfret, and his father, had been lovers of art, and, unable to gratify their own aspirations, were eager to foster their manifestation in little Anne. Figures cut from paper or moulded in wax at a very early age showed great merit. A box of paints from China enabled her to gratify her love for coloring and reproduce birds, flowers, fruit, and whatever caught her childish fancy. When a very young girl she accompanied an elder OUR FIRST WOMAN ARTIST. 217 sister to Newport, the home of the Mumfords, her mother's family. Here she was permitted to take a few lessons in oil painting and draAving from Mr. Samuel King, the teacher of Malbone and Washing ton Allston. Mr. King also instructed her in the art of applying color to ivory. Returning to her Pom fret home she practiced diligently in these various lines, and had the privilege of further instruction in New York city under the skillful teaching of Alex ander Robinson, secretary of the Academy of Fine Arts. With such opportunities for cultivating native genius it is no wonder that Miss Hall achieved so high a rank among the artists of her time. Her first success was in copying from the old masters. Like Hawthorne's Hilda she possessed that sympathetic insight which enabled her to catch and reproduce the very soul of the original. Her brother, Charles H. Hall, of New York, supplied her Avith good pictures to copy. Copies of Guido's pictures Avere executed with a force and glow of coloring that won praise from experienced critics. In character and person Miss Hall was exceptionally lovely — a bright and shining light in that cultured society which distinguished Pomfret in the early part of the century. A foreign visitor at one of her fash ionable assemblies gave verdict — "That Miss Hall's dress and demeanor would have done credit to any court in Europe." She had the literary accomplish- 218 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. ments of her time, some of her poems long living in remembrance. But above all she shone in beauty of character — " her life a lofty striving after the highest ideal, which she exemplified in every act and word." Her ready kindness and sympathy, her Avillingness to devote her artistic skill to memorials of departed friends, was very noteworthy. Cherub faces of chil dren long passed from earth are still held as priceless treasures in many households. But it was not till after her permanent removal to New York city, about 1820, that Miss Hall's fame be came fully established, especially in her chosen line of miniature painting on ivory. Dunlap characterized her work as of the first order, combining exquisite ideality of design with beauty of coloring. He notes especially her groups of children, " composed with the taste and skill of a master, and the delicacy which the female character can infuse into the works of beauty beyond the reach of man." Some of these groups received the rare compliment of being sent abroad to be copied in enamel, and thus made inde structible. Miss Hall excelled in rich coloring, and in those finishing touches that add so much charm — fiowers in the hands of her women, wreaths twined about her cherub children, were marvels of grace and beauty. Among many distinguished subjects, she had the honor of painting one of the especial celeb rities of the time — Garafilia Mohalbi. This lovely OUR FIRST AA^OMAN ARTIST. 219 Greek girl Avas taken captive during the Avar with the Turks, and ransomed in 1827 by a Boston merchant and brought to this country. It was this picture ex hibited at the National Academy that brought Miss Hall her election to membership, and the engraved copy was widely known and admired. As market value in our practical days is often made a test of ar tistic merit, it may be noted that some of Miss Hall's groups were appraised at five hundred dollars, Avhich was considered an extraordinary price for a native artist to receive. Unaffected in character by her distinguished suc cess. Miss Hall remained modest and retiring, never seeking praise or notoriety. Struggling artists from her native country gained ready access to her studio, and found her ready with sympathy and counsel. Our late artist, Mr. Sawyer, spoke of her with enthu siastic admiration, as one far in advance of the ordi nary range of womanly attainment. She died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Henry Ward, New York, in 1863, having just passed her seventieth year. In the marvelous development of modern art, especially among women, this first woman artist in our State should not be overlooked, and it is hoped that a fit ting memorial may sometime be prepared, with re productions of those faces and groups which won such fame and favor. IX. JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FORE FATHERS. It is not so many years since the great majority of New England families outside of Boston were content to trace a vague descent from one of " three brothers," who might have come out of the Ark, or the May flower, and then a genealogical boom swept through the land, flooding it with family trees, charts, tablets, genealogies, and histories. Various genealogic bu reaus conducted by professional experts aid in the prosecution of such researches, and testify to the wide extent of the newly-awakened interest. With such intelligent and sympathetic aid the inquirer can hardly fail to exhume some eligible Pilgrim or Puritan of approximate family name — a vigorous and fruit ful root from which he might safely predicate a goodly family tree. But as he attempts to establish connection between his own particular branch and this primitive root, and trace out the various ramifi cations, difficulties multiply. If some eight or ten branches shoot off into as many States, or, still worse, if the off-shoots of two or three kindred roots com- JAPHETH IN SEARCH OP HIS FOREFATHERS. 221 mingle in one town, he will soon be involved in inex tricable jangle and confusion. Or if he be so fortu nate as to trace his own lineage straight back to some ancient patriarch, there will be other branches missing, boughs lopped off, mysterious growths en grafted. The genealogist is sure to be confronted sooner or later with some obdurate sphinx of a prob lem, whose solution defies his utmost effort. The perplexities of Captain Marryat's hero in search of his lost father were light in comparison with those of our genealogical Japheths, searching through this great continent for their buried grandfathers and grandmothers. The friendly bureaus above referred to often fail in such emergencies. They can furnish upon demand any number of reputable forefathers. It is for you to prove whether some particular speci men belongs to yourself, or to descendants of the other "two brothers." Left to himself the baffled Japheth pursues his weary search — -exploring town and church records, unearthing family registers and letters, deciphering effaced epitaphs, afflicting the souls of far-off relatives by frantic efforts to make them bring to mind what they never knew or had long forgotten. Earnest appeals from some of these persistent searchers enlisted me in genealogical re search. A dabbler in local history, it was easy for me to find and impart desired information. The ex uberant and altogether disproportionate gratitude 222 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. called out by very trifiing service in this line awoke deep commiseration : " I've heard of hearts unkind, kinds deeds With coldness still returning ; Alas ! the gratitude of men Hath oftener left me mourning." How many snubs must have been endured to make a little common courtesy so thank-worthy. Having had occasion to solicit similar favors from strangers, I answered every such appeal just as I liked my own answered, and in following this golden rule worked out a large experience which I would fain impart to other wayworn Japheths still groping for lost grand- sires. And, first, I would premise for your comfort and encouragement, that the object of your search is in all probability attainable. Those exasperating old ancestors and relatives, so persistently evading inqui sition, did in very truth live and walk upon this earth and doubtless left behind them some memorial of their own birth and marriage, and those of their pu tative offspring. Your " missing link " lurks in some furtive corner. That " pivotal fact " on which depends your connection Avith the parent trunk, or the com pleteness and symmetry of the whole structure, is safely hoarded by some obscure collateral, all uncon scious of the value of the latent treasure. In my JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 223 own experience the particular item establishing the foundation fact of numerous investigations accrued through the agency of a single individual, it might almost seem providentially preserved to meet the foreordained recipient of his fateful message. Such was the Staytum case, involving a question of locality. Descendants of the patriarch Samson insisted that he settled at an early date on " the mile square " east of the river in First Parish, which they still held in possession ; but I found him an officer in Second Parish, occupying a farm between two rivers bounded by lines which human ingenuity could not have made more crooked. It was perfectly evident that the two farms could not have been identical, and that a resident of First Parish would not have been a church officer in the Second ; but the Staytums re fused to yield an ell of their " mile square," or budge an inch from their position in First Parish. A happy chance opened communication Avith a ninety-year-old descendant in a neighboring State, and from him came positive evidence that the original Samson did first buy and occupy an interval farm in Second Par ish, and his son Samson was the purchaser and first occupant of the " mile square." But if twenty sur plus years had not been granted to the respected Hezekiah my exhaustive arguments would have been but vain words and fruitless Jeremiades. The gen ealogist may settle it in his mind as a primal axiom. 224 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. that one person and most probably only one on the face of the earth can give him definite information upon any controverted point. One chance in twelve or thirteen hundred million ! But his inquiries are necessarily restricted to the Caucasian race, and finally narrow down to the sixty millions of the United States, and perhaps a few experts across the water. We might assume farther limitation by sec tional probabilities but for the wide dispersion of descendants of early Pilgrims. Information con cerning descendants of old Massachusetts and Con necticut families would be naturally sought in the vicinity of former places of residence, but you are quite as likely to find it west of the Rockies. Facts vainly sought in many native sources strayed back to me unsought from the Ohio and Mississippi val leys. I was long baffled in pursuit of a well-known Revolutionary veteran, very prominent at Bunker Hill and in subsequent service. Minute and per sistent research in his own and neighboring towns failed to furnish any trace of him after the close of the war, and I finally numbered him among its un recorded victims, buried like Moses in an unknown sepulchre, and then inadvertently stumbled upon his grave in the heart of the Empire State. A chance allusion from a casual correspondent led to the dis covery of his early emigration and subsequent career. [The preceding hints, written some years since, and JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 225 published in substance in the " New York Independ ent," require some modification to suit present con ditions. During these years interest in genealogical researches has increased in geometrical proportion. Especially since the organization of the innumerable societies of " Dames," " Daughters," and " Sons," all requiring straight lines of descent, have these inqui ries multiplied, and facilities for tracing these lines have increased in proportion. I should now discrimi nate between roots and links. The former are to be sought near the original settlements and landing- places: It is the connecting links that are often so evasive, and may be lighted upon in most unlikely places, and my " one man " theory should be restricted to inquiries of this nature.] These opportune chances and unforeseen discover ies give a peculiar fascination to genealogical pur suit, rekindling in fossil sires the fires of youthful enthusiasm. That which to the uninitiated is a sense less groping among dead men's bones involves the tantalizing delight of gold-digging and treasure- hunting. Those thoughtless youngsters who jeer at genealogical enthusiasts might well envy the excite ments and surprises of their adventurous quest. True, indeed, they are called to suffer many trials and disappointments. Nuggets are not found every day. Many a placer is dug over without disclosing one golden glimmer. The proverbial "hunting for a needle in a hay-mow " often typifies the experience 19 226 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. of the genealogist ; yet, if the needle carry a thread the chance is not so hopeless. The slightest clew promptly followed ; the tiniest atom of real gold-dust may lead the way to marvelous discovery. A mere shred of a chance recovered my long-sought Missins. A once prominent family, occupying a large tract of land on a public thoroughfare, with a flourishing saw mill, a tavern, and roads leading to various settle ments — not only had every vestige of them disap peared, but the site they had occupied could not be identified. The oldest inhabitant had only heard of them by vague tradition, and could give no satisfac tory conjecture as to their place of habitation. I spent days puzzling over the map for it. I set up that saw-mill on every water privilege Avithin the territory, but try it where I would some condition would be lacking ; mill, tavern, highway, and by ways could not be made to fit in Avith appropriate surroundings. Chancing at length to hear of an " old Widow "Missin," visiting in a neighboring town, I hastened to call upon her. Like most women she knew nothing whatever of "Mr. Missins' " family and antecedents, but referred me to " Cousin Nimrod," in some out-of-the-way neighborhood, as one who might possibly give me some information. Starting next day in pursuit of this mythical place and personage, I drove some six miles southward for farther instruc tions, and then switched off into an old road winding JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 22 7 northeastward through pastures of scrub-oak and huckleberry bushes, toward a bleak hill-range. Having a well developed organ of what phrenologists call " Locality," it was extremely harrowing to reach a given point by describing the tAvo long sides of a very acute triangle, but when, after a wearisome pull I reached the summit of the hill, all minor annoy ances vanished. For, oh, dear reader, I saw it all at a glance. In this round-about style I had solved my problem. Clear as a mathematical demonstration it opened before me — the mill-stream and tavern-site in the valley, the great highway winding round the base of the hill, the old bridle-path eastward, and the "trod-out path" behind me, that had led to this happy outlook. Left behind by march of civilization and change of business centres, enlocked by hill and river, the lonely valley had evaded search till opened by the pass-name of the one tnan who held the key to its mysteries. The testimony of the faithful old Nimrod confirmed local intuitions. A quaint old hermit, forgotten by the world, alone he guarded the Missin records and traditions. In this secluded nook, once populous and full of life, his family had lived and flourished for more than a hundred years, and he alone could tell of their past glories, of the mill and the great tavern, and seven gambrel-roofed houses built for the seven sons of the first settler, and the briary grave-yard where name and race were buried. 228 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. and then sent me home rejoicing by a cross-cut across the base of my triangle. Equally slight was the chance that restored to his alma mater a certain shadowy James H. Goner, un heard of after his graduation early in the present century. I take great pride in this achievement as being myself the medium for recovering the trail and enstarring the lost graduate among his fellows. The dim impression of a surviving classmate, and a cas ual entry in some old class-book suggested Mytown as his probable birthplace. Letters of inquiry were sent to minister, town clerk, postmaster, &c., but as the family had removed from town long before the remembrance of any of these authorities no light was gained from them. Catching at a straw, the col lege biographer next addressed the embryo town historian, who with the rashness of inexperience es sayed the quest. "It is of no use," sighed the ma ternal counselor so helpful in previous inquiries. "I took special note in my young days of every young man in town that was privileged with going to college, and never was there a Goner among them." Nevertheless a careful examination of the faded church records detected a James Horner Goner bap tized just in time for college entrance at the speci fied date. James H ! First middle name on church record! That two Goner families should have in dulged in such extravagance when double names JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 229 were so uncommon was extremely doubtful, but ad mitting that the vanished collegiate was represented in this record Avhat chance was there of unraveling his subsequent career, as his family migrated west ward early in his college course and had long passed out of knowledge. Well, it did look very dark for a time, but gradually in the maternal consciousness faint echoes were awakened of long-gone talk about a " Goner wood-lot " left behind unsold till after the death of the family head, Avhen it was bought up by "your Uncle Abishai," who had no end of trouble hunting up the scattered heirs before he could se cure a clear title. Uncle Abishai's papers and the probate records furnished the missing link and evi dence, enabling us to trace the fugitive to West Ten nessee, where he kept school, practiced law, married and died, leaving a widow and several children to receive his share of the Goner wood-lot. [Another problem relating to this same Goner fam ily has but recently attained solution. A somewhat indefinite marriage record represented the head of a large and respectable family as marrying " Susanna Goner alicts Fuller " — a way of putting it that was a source of great perplexity to the present generation of descendants. Whether she was a Goner by birth or adoption could not be settled, and a " goner" she remained for many years. But the increasing de mand for Eastern ancestors at length brought inqui ries from the long-gone Goners, and with them the 230 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. information that our mysterious Susanna was indeed a born Goner, aunt of the missing college graduate, and that she had married for her first husband a certain Fuller. And here came another puzzle. Chil dren by the first husband had also gone West and were in communication with their Goner kindred, but not one of the descendants knew the first name of their grandmother's husband. The Fullers were a noted family, straight from Plymouth Rock, and they were very anxious to establish connection. I did the best I could for them, but could find no record of Susanna's first marriage. There were a number of Fuller boys baptized just about the date needed, but which was the happy man it was impossible to tell. But chance at length leading me to consult an earlier probate record, there I found the settlement of the estate of Susanna's father, and among the receipts recorded was one signed by Susanna and her Fuller husbsmd— first 7iam,e and all complete. It was very curious. She might have selected for aught we knoAv — Joseph, James, Samuel, Abel, John, Peter — but with remarkable prescience the chosen name that for so many years baffled inquiry was simply — Job — and more than Job's patience had been expended in trac ing it.J The importance of immediately following up the faintest probability cannot be too strongly urged. If you lose your one chance what hope is left for you ? " We have these treasures in earthern vessels." Lives and memories hang on brittle threads. Especially if you hear of an elderly person likely to impart de- JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 231 sirable intelligence, go for him at once. So many unforeseen casualties may occur. I remember once hastening as soon as I thought decency would permit, to extract some needful item from a bereaved widower who, it was feared, would not long survive the loss of his life's companion, and the poor old soul had already skipped off with a frisky young wife upon a wedding journey. A few days delay would have left my Jay problem unsolved. Nothing surprised me more than to find a problem in this numerous and somewhat common-place family. The Jays were as plenty in town as robins and blackbirds, filling a whole district and burying-ground. A Nathaniel Jay bought up a large tract of land in that section and joined the church in due form at an early date, and I supposed in a single tramp through district and burying-ground I could pick up all family details that were needed. But behold, on the contrary, not a chatterer among them could give the least account of his ancestry, or had any knowledge or tradition of the first immigrant, Nathaniel. To be sure they could all prattle most volubly about Grandfather Jay, the popular landlord of the famous " Half-way Tav ern," but he might have been Melchisedek himself for ought they knew of his origin, and so the matter rested, to my great annoyance, till Mrs. Blue Jay came chirping up to me one Sunday intermission (we did not go to the same church and met by the merest accident). 232 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. " It's not Sunday talk," she whispered mysteriously, " but you know what you asked my husband, and he has found out that Cousin Jotham out by ' The Brass Ball ' knows more about it than all the rest of us, and after haying he is going to see him and write it off for you." " He need not trouble himself," I replied Avith my usual briskness, " I'll see him myself to-morrow." That a horse could have been beguiled out of the hay-fields on such an errand was extremely doubtful, but by rare good luck a friend needed conveyance to an out-of-the-way station in that vicinity. It was the loveliest of midsummer days. Passing over the old witch-ground, so famous in local tradition, what marvel that we were beset and hindered on our way. The wailing spectres, phantom reapers, and headless ghosts of other days had indeed forever vanished; no magic deer wiled us into elusive chase over the hill-sides — but wild roses in the freshness of " young bud and bloom " essayed their utmost Avitchery ; clus ters of rare, golden lilies beckoned into woodland holloAvs ; seductive strawberries gleamed out from uncut mowing, and over-bearing raspberry bushes fairly flung their luscious fruit into our mouths and baskets. Bob-o-links challenged a race over the fra grant meadows; thickets rang with the carols of cheery chewinks, and birds of strange plumage and alien notes enticed as if with the very song of the si- JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 233 reus. Heroically shutting eyes and ears against these blandishments we reached the station, unscathed, in due season, whence I pursued my way alone to the far thest extremity of Jaydom, passing many a home nest, and the great old tavern where Washington took breakfast "That's no such rarity," you will say. " Did not he breakfast, dine, or sup, in every old tavern of the country ? " But would not you like to have seen young Nathan Hale prance up to the doorstep that cold January morning in 1776, when the taverns were so crowded that he had to ride eighteen miles before he could snatch a morsel of food ; or hob-a-nob-ed with Putnam, glass to glass, in the great bar-room ; or bartered greetings with those valiant champions, Knowlton and Durkee ; or cheered the triumphant battalions under Generals Heath and Sullivan as they marched to Ncav York after the evacuation of Boston ; or bring back for one golden hour the vanished glories of the deserted thoroughfare ? Cousin Jotham's plain farm-house recalled me to present duties. A burly old fellow, with very red face and most abnormal nose, sat by the table at the open window munching down his supper. Pro pounding with new hope the stereotyped query — •" Can you tell me anything about the Nathaniel Jay who bought the Saltonstall tract in 1740," " Yes, I know everything about him," he interrupted. " He 234 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. was my great-grandfather, and came to this town when grandfather Jay, his youngest child, was just two years old." And thence he went on to report his various wives and children, and their several hus bands, wives, children, occupations, and places of residence, as clear, methodical, and minute, as if he had served apprenticeship at a Genealogical Bureau. He was his grandfather's boy, he said, and used to potter all over the farm with him, hearing his old stories ; and so it came to pass that he alone of all the race had treasured up the family history. And to think that within three days after this intervioAv this faithful custodian should have been gathered to his grandfathers, cut down in his own hay-field by a sun stroke, and if I had waited for Mr. Blue Jay to have finished his haying, or if Mrs. Blue Jay had not broken the Sabbath, not one of their numerous brood might have heard this true story of their ancestors. Finding your prospective victim alive and accessi- ble,_a word of caution may be helpful. Over rash ness and precipitancy may blast your hopes in the moment of anticipated discovery. Old people, espe cially those remote from the world in country places, are easily flustered and unstrung. To burst in upon a feeble old woman with blunt announcement of name and errand might drive every idea and memory from her bewildered brain, and reduce her to tempo rary imbecility. JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS .235 " I think I did have a sister Olive once," whimpered a poor old lady badgered out of her wits by an un skilled evidence-taker. Gradual approach should precede the main attack. Assume an errand if you have it not. Take along your butter pail or egg basket, and from easy chat upon crops and weather glide imperceptibly into family matters, and you will hardly fail to unlock the treasures of memory and the still more precious records, carefully hoarded in Bible and pocket-book. Whatever you hear or find, do not waste time and temper in debate and argu ment. However absurd may be the family theory of your informants, it is not Avise to controvert it. Their facts may be " first-rate " if their " theory don't coin cide." You are not a judge nor partisan pleader but a seeker after truth ; and what you need above all is to have every witness state whatever facts he may have, after his own light and fashion. It is just pos sible that his pet theory is nearer right than your own, and there are often germs of truth in the most absurd theories. More than once I have been forced to adopt views which I thought at first utterly pre posterous. If you suffer pangs of conscience at leaving an ancient relative, in what seems to you gross error, consider the probable futility of attempt ing to enlighten him. Jokes and opiates may be in jected into the system, but what can expel an idea from the fossilized intellect? Even if under the 236 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. pressure of inexorable logic you compel your oppo nent to admit that a man cannot die before he is born, or be older than his grandmother, you will hear him within twenty-four hours reiterate the same absurd ities. It is well, however, to insinuate mildly that other branches of the family hold different opinions and theories, leading your informant to a more care ful scrutiny of his own position, and bringing out more clearly all sides of the question. These veteran hard-shells, with one or two de tached facts to stand upon, are far less exasperating than their light-minded antipodes, void alike of facts and theories. Old people, in genealogical estimate, are either priceless or good-for-nought. Some have memories like a well-ordered store-house, with most valuable commodities carefully assorted and labeled ; while others are best typified by the household rag bag or refuse-heap. Truly pitiful it often seems that eighty or ninety years' experience should have gar nered up so little worth preserving or repeating — ^and yet it will not do to despise rag-bags and rubbish- heaps, for precious things sometimes slip into them that would never find their way into an orderly re ceptacle. Such a time as I had with old Lady Feather-pate. The descendant of a pioneer family, with a grandfather almost Enoch-Arden-ized by cap tivity in the French and Indian War, a father who had drummed through the Revolution in Putnam's JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 237 own regiment, and personal acquaintance with all the noted ministry and gentry of her own generation — I could not get a tangible item out of her. Again and again, Avith the utmost care and patience, I would lead the conversation back to some note worthy person or incident with which she must have been perfectly familiar, and off she would bob to some irrelevant household matter, descanting Avith greatest volubility upon her success in raising calves, which seemed to have been the culmination of her life's achievement — (It was whispered, indeed, that her own graceless cubs did her far less credit). But amid the scum and froth of this disjointed babble there bubbled out, inadvertently, a diamond of the first water ; a definite, chronological, long-buried fact, whose recovery is pronounced by my friend, Mr. Gradgrind, of more practical value than the sam total of all my previous investigations — a fact which settled the original lay-out of a contested highway, and saved two towns from angry debate and impend ing litigation. This apparent dependence upon mere chance and luck in antiquarian researches can hardly fail to awaken anxious solicitude. If we scarcely manage to save so many valuable items, must we not lose many others ? Even in matters that would seem to demand only patient plodding there is an element of uncertainty. A gap is found in the church records 238 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. just at the time that missing great-grandmother might have been born or married, a pivotal date by chance left out, precious names blotted or undeci pherable, blundering entries, entailing inextricable confusion and bewilderment. It is almost needless to advise an earnest, persistent Japheth never to send. for information when he can possibly go for it, know ing as he does the risk of entrusting such search to an indifferent person. Undoubtedly experts may be found, especially in old mother towns, who take pro fessional pride in unraveling the most complicated lineage ; but the acumen of the ordinary town clerk is, to say the least, problematic. They are often a fflicted with that peculiar optical infirmity that re- stricts the vision to things directly under the nose. I have known them positively deny the existence of records that historic instinct ferreted out in five min utes. It is observed, however, that an application of gold-dust or bank-note is a sovereign specific in such cases. Equally uncertain is the result of epistolary effort, the blanks, as in other lotteries, bearing a large proportion to the prizes. Of course, all that can be done is to try our chances over and over, believing that an earnest seeker will in time attain the object of search. For myself, I came at last to a certain assured conviction that all that I needed Avould some how find its way to me. " Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high. Can keep away my own from me !" JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 239 Ever following, never fainting, watching, hunting, plodding, year after year, you will in time solve your problems, flt in your links, establish connection, and complete in a good degree your family record. Some perverse great-grandmother or minor collateral may yet evade you, permitting you the tantalizing pleas ure of further research. Can anyone give tidings of a certain fair Rachel, married in 1738 to a faithful Benjamin C ? Blank spaces in many " Ancestral Tab lets " are waiting for her name. [Several statements in the above paragraph need modification and retraction. I am most happy to affirm that the efficiency of the ordinary toAvn official is not in these days " problematic." On the contrary, since the great demand for family records, the in efficient and blundering town clerk has become ex ceptional, and many of them have attained almost preternatural acuteness in answering these demands. The stupidity of a former fossil, who withheld for half a dozen years the needful record from a most importunate old gentleman simply because of one superfluous letter in the name, cannot be paralleled in these days. Driven to desperation, this persevering Japheth instituted search in every town of the coun ty, though all the evidence pointed to one particular town. Having occasion to visit this town, I remem bered his plaintive appeal, and taking up the birth- record, there, on the very first page, inscribed in large, bold letters with the blackest of ink, were the names of this identical " John and Hannah," at the 240 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. precise dates specified in search warrant — with just an o added to the family name, making it Broad in stead of Brad! Anyone familiar with old records knows that a few vowels, more or less, make no differ ence. There was no standard of spelling, and, first names and date corresponding, there need have been no doubt in this and similar cases. Most fortunately our long suffering and A^'aiting friend survived to attain this welcome verification.] The omission or displacement of some small letter may be equally disastrous in consequences. With deep contrition I recall the perplexity and labor in flicted upon two painstaking genealogists by inad vertently overlooking in proof the substitution of John for Jonah and Joseph for Josiah. Both had the sense to appeal from the printed page to previous notes, which fortunately enabled me to correct the error. Where old town records have been copied there is room for many errors to creep in, unless the copyist is familiar Avith old family names. In case of doubt it is wise to consult the original record. In an instance where the birth-date of the oldest child was omitted from the copy, I found it safely tucked away in the dogs-ear roll of the discarded leaf. Old minis ters in baptizing a batch of babies sometimes man aged to mix up the names in recording them — a source of perplexity somewhat difficult to unravel till we find him marrying the exchanged Lucys or Abigails — and are able to fit them into their rightful families. JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 241 Still by care and patience we learn to, discriminate and circumvent these several errors. And even assured success may have its reserva tions. It must be admitted that our ancestors are not always what we desired and expected. Some of us have to take up Avith Ham instead of Shem or Japheth. I have myself restored grandparents to anxious descendants when I would fain have whis pered Pope's couplet : " Go and pretend your family is young. Nor own your fathers have been fools so long." It was embarrassing to report to an unknown ap plicant from Boston, that one of the name had been publicly flogged at the whipping post for breaking the Sabbath ; that another had flgured as a witch, sticking pins into sleeping neighbors, and commit ting other malicious pranks ; and a third, bearing the same unlucky name, was the last man hung in the county ! One letter of inquiry among hundreds that have come to me is left unanswered, my pen refusing to blast the hopes of the wife of a high church dig nitary by the disgraceful intelligence that the last heard of her unworthy progenitor he had been con victed of horse-stealing, whipped, branded, and sent back to jail for lack of means to pay the fine. Let him rest in dark oblivion. An ancestor with no more consideration for the feelings of descendants de serves to be blotted from their record. 242 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. [I feel now that I was utterly at fault in the above premises and conclusion. Under present light and experience I feel that the inquirer should be in formed of every fact connected with his family his tory, and that the genealogist has no right to keep back discoveries, however unfavorable.] " From Nature's chain whatever link you strike. Tenth or ten-thousandth breaks the chain alike." If one link was unsound, those back of it may have proved of true metal. How great the loss inflicted in this particular instance can never be determined. My horse-lifter may have come from some robber count or highland freebooter ; he may have de scended, like myself, from William the Conqueror or a line of raiding Vikings, and by withholding this link I have robbed the Bishop's children of ability to prove connection. We wish, like good Mr. Omer, " that parties were brought up stronger minded," so that the genealogist need not feel qualmish in mak ing disagreeable revelations. It is certainly absurd for citizens of our great republic to be unduly squeamish concerning the social position of their an cestors. We cannot " all be corporals " as the chil dren expected in the old story, and may take right ful pride in having worked our way up from the ranks by dint of honest struggle and gradual promotion. Even the honor and privilege of tracing your line straight back to historic names brought over in the Mayflower, or Winthrop's fleet, has its drawbacks. JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 243 " What a descent" said a sarcastic old gentleman to a boastful scion of the Pilgrims. A less noted line may also portend a more vigorous f ature. Fam ilies, like their familiar symbol, grow, culminate, and decay. Your old trees have hollow trunks and many sapless, moss-grown branches. Some are blighted, some quickened by change of position and climate. " A tree that stands square in old Massachusetts, When transplanted to other States sometimes askew sets." The most hopelessly inert, lifeless, incapable speci mens of humanity may be found among the descend ants of old Puritan magnates. And while there are those who still do honor to illustrious names, it must be admitted that it is the new blood that chiefiy leads in public affairs. Over fruitfulness in past genera tions may have impaired capacity for present pro duction, and the lower the social position of your grandfather the better may be the chance for your grandson's future. But there are things unearthed by the genealogist harder to bear than degree of social position. There are " blots on the escutcheon," bar-sinisters, too great discrepancy between dates of birth and marriage, in some instances birth preceding marriage. Those familiar with ancient church records find frequent examples of such previousness. The custom of ex torting a public confession from such offenders would 244 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. seem to have aggravated the evil, making it almost a matter of course that such confession should be needed. With our ideas of the strictness of Puritan morals and discipline, it seems remarkable that such a condition of things should have existed ; yet in point of fact, it was less immoral than appears on the surface, and was based on the old Germanic idea of the sacredness of the betrothal. "Engaged folks have a right to live like married ones," was the blunt assertion of one sturdy recusant. The poverty of the times, the lack of business openings, made it difficult for a young man to provide and maintain an inde pendent household, and existing customs allowed great liberty of intercourse between contracting parties. In one case, at least, marriage was delayed till the youngster was old enough to be the most con spicuous witness of the ceremony. It may be said that this liberty was seldom abused, and that in stances where marriage did not follow this previous intercourse are very infrequent. But when for some unavoidable cause marriage was prevented, it bore most hardly upon the unmarried mother, bearing through life a burden of disgrace and sorrow, having lapsed no more than hundreds of more fortunate sisters Avho lived and died in honor. On the other side, a pathetic incident occurred in the death of a young mother soon after the birth of her child. The infant was baptized at its dying mother's bedside. JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 245 but almost immediately the father had its birth re corded under his own name, and his family assumed its charge and support. But a shadow followed the young man through life. When, after a time, he de cided to marry, his first child was given the name of his lost love, and his life ends in a mazy tradition of falling over a bridge in mist and darkness. In that case, as in many others, marriage had been delayed simply as a matter of convenience. But in the days following the Revolution there was far greater looseness of morals and manners. It was a time of general upheaval and commotion. The deadness of the established churches, the spread of French Revolution ideas and infidelity, the assertion of personal liberty, and the excessive use of liquor, all conspired to induce a very bad condition of affairs. The diary of our friend Zeph gives a graphic picture of the frolickings and junketings among young peo ple of his grade, and among his many frank entries are those of numerous births immediately preceding, or without, marriage. Nor were things much better among the higher classes. That such a graceless rep robate as OliA'er Dodge could have maintained his position in such a town as Pomfret, shows the low tone of public morals. Our first ventures in pop ular literature bear striking testimony in this line. Ministers' sons and deacons' daughters, teachers in Plainfield Academy and promising young lawyers. 246 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. figure in highly sensational stories, with only too much literal foundation. With the new century came new spiritual life and movements, and influ ences were set at work that wrought a wonderful betterment in all directions. If any genealogical Japheth lights upon an unfavorable record, or lack of record, during this unsavory period, he can only comfort himself by the probability that many others are in the same situation. The genealogist may deem himself fortunate who never stumbles upon an unpleasant revelation. " Any possible move," says the wise Mr. Bucket, "being a probable move ac cording to my experience." Considering all the bad things that have been done in the world, we have no right to claim exemption for our ancestors. And the farther back we go the greater probability of Avrong- doing. It is all very well to trace your line back into the old Avorld, intersecting lines of nobility and kings, but their character and conduct will not bear close inspection. A line or lines straight back without gap or blot to substantial New Eagland settlers is as good a thing as one need have in the way of an cestry, and many such favored lines have been tri umphantly established, while failure in any point certainly demands great exercise of philosophy. But if you have not gained all that you would like, your search has not been fruitless. Apart from the fascinating excitement of pursuit it has strengthened JAPHETH IN SEARCH OF HIS FOREFATHERS. 247 the ties of blood and kindred, and given you a closer apprehension of the oneness of the human family. Amid the hurry and rush of our headlong national growth and expansion this modern interest in genea logical research has a most beneficent an d humaniz ing influence, counteracting the tendency to separa tion and dispersion, and drawing thousands of scat tered famihes around a common hearthstone. Most noteworthy is its bearing upon the vexed question of New England's future. At a time when the out flow of its native population and the influx of for eigners has revolutionized the rural district, when a great majority of Yankee farms are tilled by those of alien blood and tongue, this awakened interest in ancestral homes and shrines is a hopeful feature in the situation. Pilgrim sons of Pilgrim fathers pay pious visits to the graves of their ancestors, and ar range for their better care and more fitting memo - rial stone or tablet. Often the interest extends to the family homestead, the neighborhood, the town, and finds expression in helpful aid — in renovated church-yard and church edifice ; in public school- house or library building. Many a town has received a new impulse from these friendly gifts, arousing the before discouraged residents to greater efforts in their own behalf, and stimulating the interest and cooperation of other wandering sons and old-time residents. Family reunions at ancestral homes. 248 HISTORIC GLEANINGS. bringing together sons and daughters from all parts of the land, strengthen the ties of blood and early association, and make it more and more evident that sons of New England will not outgrow their filial relations ; that the homes that nourished the infancy of our land will be even more honored and cherished as time rolls on. And in its more personal aspect the genealogist finds great reward. His feeling of kinship widens out to the whole family circle and brings them into reciprocal relations. Truly " he setteth the solitary in families." To many isolated lives he brings new sources of interest and consolation. The most shriv eled old maid, the dry est old twig of a bachelor, gains new life and freshness when incorporated into a family tree. To how many of our elderly friends this pursuit has brought enjoyment that nothing else could substitute. How striking its adaptation to the instinctive craving of those, who retired from active labor, can thus gather up the past and project it into the future : " Becoming, as is meet and fit, A link among the days, to knit The generations, each to each.'' How hopeful the interest and enthusiasm thus awakened among the younger branches. Success to all the Japheths, far and near! May each achieve his " Tree," and may its shadow never be less. INDEX A, Benjamin, 198. Abbe, Rachael, 100. Adams, Abigail, 54. Adams, Mrs. Elisha, 127. Adams, Samuel, 17, 90, 91. Allis, Abigail, 54. Allston, "Washington, 317. Almy, Sampson, 16a. Alton, Mrs. Elizabeth (Hos mer), 137. Andros, Sir Edmund, 3, 139. Angel, Jonathan, 177. Angell, Job, 151, 153, 154. Aplin, John, 147. Aspinwall. Peter, 135, 137. Avery, Mr., 17. Backus, Rev. Isaac, 37, 38, 43. Bacon, James, 60. Ballou, Rev. Hosea, 183. Bancroft, 90. Barrett, John, 113. Bartholomew, Mrs. Abigail, 53. Bartholomew, William, 53. Bass, Rev. John. 147. Belcher, Jonathan, 57. Bishop, Widow, 196. Blackwell, Sir John, 56-57. Blake, Goody, 138. Bolles, Lucius, 156. Bowles, Captain, 149. Bowlses, 60. Bradbury, Jermima, 61. Bradford, 17. Mrs. Hannah, 66. Broad, Hannah, 239. John, 239. Brown, 146. Rev. Aaron, 72, 106. Jeremiah, 149. John, 149. Nicholas, 156. Buck, Lieut., 113. Bucket, Mr.. 346. Bullock, 148. C , Benjamin, 239. C, Elder, 184, 188, 189, 193, 194. Cady, 61. Daniel, 99. Joseph, 99, 149, 160. Mrs. Joseph, 160. Calhoon, Mr., 149. Cargill, Capt. Benjamin, 8. Lucy, 80. William E., 81. Carpenter, Mr., 60. ChaflEery, Old, 18. Chandler, Capt. John, 57, 59, 60. Chandler, Deacon John, 59. John, 58, 61. Peleg, 156. Chase, 148. Chauncey, Dr., 73. Cheese, Sam., 118. Childs, Capt. Elisha, 110. Ephraim, UO. Henry, UO. Christopher, Mr., 8. Clap, Rector, SO, 309. Rev. 'Thomas, 65. Clark, James, 103. "Claver'ouse, Bloody," 46. 250 INDEX. Clemmons, John, 170. Cleveland, Capt. Aaron, 94. Ebenezer, 29. John, 17, 29-31. Mrs. Josiah, 16. Gen. Moses, 94. Cogswell, Rev. James, 36, 28, 29, 32, 46. 50, 92, 93. Coit, Abigail, 61. Billy, 60, 61. John, 60, 61. Rev. Joseph, 59-61. Martha, 60. Coit, Mrs. Mehitable Chand ler, 59, 66. Coit, Thomas, 59-60. Cole, Nathan, 12. Coleman, Goodman, 54. Coles, Old Captain, 170. Congdon, 148. Converse, Jacob. 156. Cook, Capt. Nicholas, 141, 155. Corbin Mrs. Caroline Fair field, 130. Corbin, Jabez, 60. James, 60. Corliss, Captain, 149. Cotton, Rev. Josiah, 147. Coy, 61. Crosby, Capt. Stephen, 112, 114. 115. Cutler, Ephraim, 98-129. Manasseh, 73, 76, 78,85, 99. Daggett, Dr., 65. Pres.. 73. Danielson, George W. . 163. Danielson, Lieut. Col. Wil liam, 98, 99. Danielson. Major, 99. Denison, Thomas, 36. Devotion, Ebenezer, 95. Elizabeth, 92. Dickinson, Obadiah, 54. Dike, Thomas, 112, 113. Samuel, 112. Dixon, Nathan F., 156. Dodge. David, 64. David L., 65. William E., 65. Oliver, 206-215, 245. Dorrance, Rev. Samuel, 63- 63. Douglass, Benajah, 28. Dow, Rev. Daniel, 107. Mrs., 108. Dudley, 63. Governor, 306. Dunlap, 218. Durkee, Col., HI, 233. Lawyer, 88. Capt. John, 108. Dwight, Dr., 158. Dyer, Col., 22, 24, 25. Lawyer, 88. Earl, William, 64. Eaton, 145. Dr., 183. Joseph, 156. Eaton, Mrs. Anne Woodcock, 66. Edmonds, Mr., 66. Edwards, Jonathan, 11. Elderkin, Dr. Joshua, 90. Joshua, 92. Jedidiah, 98. Elliott, Apostle, 134. Elliott, Capt. Joseph, 99, 103, 106. 114, 115. Elliott, Lemuel, 160-161. Stephen, 114. Elwell, Lieut., 99-100. Farman, Joseph, 154. Fisk, 148. Fitch, Eleazer, 106-119. Fiteh, Major .lames, Jr., 2-10, 16, 32, 75. Flint, Miss Dora, 91. Foot, Mary, 54. Samuel, 54. Foster, 146. Frink, Lawyer Nathan, 120. INDEX. 251 Frizzel, Joseph, 55. Frothingham, Ebenezer, 34. Froude, 2. Fuller, Job, 230. Gary, Hannah, 59. Gaston, Hon. Wm. L., 44. Gay, Joseph, 124. Theodore, 124, 125. Gilbert, George, 215. Girk, 62. Goner, James H., 228. Goner, Susanna Fuller, 229, 230. Gradgrind, Mr., 237. Gray, Lieut. Ebenezer. 104. Lydia (Dyer), 77, 104, 105. Gray, Samuel, 90. Green, Amos. 112. John, 99. Greene, Nathaniel, 95. Grosvenor, 70. Ebenezer. 56, 101. Mrs. Esther, 56. John. 56. Judge Lemuel, 305. Oliver. 113. Captain Seth, 102, 103. Hale, Nathan, 333. Hall, Anne. 216-319. Charles H., 317. Dr. Jonathan, 305, 216. Hallowell, Dr., 146-147. Hanford, Joseph, 171. Harrison, William, 202. Hawthorne, Nathaniel, 168, 217. Hayward, Philip, 156. Heath. Gen., 233. Henry, Patrick, 94. Holmes, Dr. David, 78. Mrs., 61, 66. Hopkins, Stephen, 146. Hoppin, 148. Hovey, John, 37. Howe, Damaris (Cady), 71. Rev. Joseph, 70-78, 93, 106. Howe, Rev. Perley, 71. Hoyt, Captain, 172. Hubbard, Dr. Thomas, 85, 183-184, 205. Huntington, Col. Jedediah, 79. Irving, Washington, 142. Jackson, 148. Jacob, Old Father, 178, 181 Japheth, 221-322, 238-239, 241, 246, 248. Jay, Mr. Blue, 234. Mrs. Blue, 231, 334. Grandfather, 231, 234. Nathan, 331-233. Jefferson, Thomas, 182, 185. Jeffries, Wicked, 46. Jenks. John, 154. Jennings, Captivity, 55. Hannah. 54-55. Johnson, Lady Arabella, 52. Obediah, 43, 103. Jones, Mr., 149. Kellogg, Samuel, 54. Keyes, Lieut., 103. King, Philip, 134. Samuel, 317. Knight. Madam, 136. Nehemiah, 157. Knowlton, Captain Thomas, 70, 103, 103-111, 114, 233. Lafayette, 173. Larned, Daniel, 97, 144, 146. Erastus, 156. George, 156. Sergeant Jesse, 112. Rebekah (Williamson), 117, 118. Lathrop, 60-61. Leavens, Justice Joseph, 118. 252 INDEX. Leonard, Rev. Abiel, HI, 130, 131. Lindsley, B.. 149. Lord, Dr., 305. Dr. Benjamin, 69. Lovejov. Elder, 198. Lyman^ Rev. Mr., 212. Lyon, Capt. Benjamin, 100. Capt. Daniel, 100. M, Dr., 195. M, Neighbor, 194. Madison. James, 188. Malbone, E. G., 217. Col. Godfrey, 116, 117, 119, 148 Manning, Capt. Ephraim, 100, 103. Manning. President, 149, 150. Marcy, 61. Nathan, 100. Marryat, Capt., 221. Marsh, Thomas, 36, 37. Mason, Amasa, 161. James B., 156. John, 97, 144, 156. Major John, 3. William H., 160. Mather, 168. McClellan, 70. Judah. 156. Rachel, 78. Samuel, 95, 101, 144. William, 156 Merriam, Captain, 118. Miantonomo, 134. Miller, Rev. Alexander, 43-45. Deacon, 60-61. Hannah. 119. Peter, 45. Mills, Mr., 17. Missin, 236-227. Widow, 236. Mitchell, Elder, 177. Mohalbi, Garafilia, 218. Monroe, James, 192. Moosup, alias Pessacus, 188. Morris, Sam, 60-61. Morris, Deacon, 60, 61. Morse, 164. Dea. Jedidiah, 122, 133. John, 23. Dr. Parker, 61. Mosely. Mr., 18. Ebenezer, 103. Moulton, Rev. Ebenezer, 36. Mrs. Louise Chandler, 130. Mumford, 217. Thomas, 145. Nichols, Ebenezer, 113. George, 201. Nightingale, 164. Col, 149. Omer, Mr. , 342. Otis, James, 94. Owaneco, 3, 5, 6, 7. Pace, Joseph, 201. Paine, Rev. Elisha, Jr., 10, 14, 17, 23, 37, 28, 36, 38, 39,41, 46, 50, 51-75. Paine, Samuel, 53-55. Paine, Solomon, 16, 17, 18, 36, 37. Payne, Abraham, 163 Payson, 61. Peale, Anna C, 216. Sarah M , 316. Peck, Mother, 171. Perkins, Dr. Elisha, 78, 80. Perry, Commodore, 190. Plympton, Goodman, 54. Pope, Alex, 341. Putnam, Rev. Aaron, 78, 101, 103, 150, 306-207, 208-210, 213. Putnam, Daniel, 100. Putnam, Gen. Israel, 70, 80, 94, 100, 103, 131, 133, 124, 171, 238. Putnam, Israel, Jr., 103. Lawyer, 88. INDEX. 253 Randall, 148. Raynsford, Edward, 25. Revere, Paul, 100. Rhodes, William, 146 Ripley, Rev. Mr., 102. Robinson, Alexander, 217. Rowland, Rev. David, 40, 147, 148 Russell, Priest, 178. Samuel, 54. Col. William, 156. Sabin, Benjamin, 135. Dea. Elisha, 108. Capt. Hezekiah, 141. Capt. John, 138. Mrs. Hannah, 141, 155. William H., 156. Saltonstall, Gov., 7, 8. Sampson. 134. Sawyer, Mr., 219. Sedgwick, Theodore, 73. Sessions. Darius, 93, 187, 141, 148, 149, 156. Sessions, Nathaniel, 137. Sewell, 168. Shaw, Lucretia, 126. Shumway, Elliott, 105. Sibley, Old, 108. Smith, Benoni, 174. Solomon, 113. William, 113. Spalding, Jacob, 62. Joseph, 45. Spalding, Mrs. Hannah Wil son. 63. Spalding, Widow, 17. Sprague, Dr., 74. Dea. Jonathan, 140. Jonathan, 151. Mrs., 65. Stanley, Nathaniel, 4. Staytums, 233. Samson, 223. Stedman, Edmund C, 127. Mary, 137. Stevens. Rev. Mr., 40. Stiles, Dr., 146. Stiles, Vernon, 201. Stockwell, Quintin, 54. Storrs, Lieut.-Col. Experi ence. 98. 101, 102, 103, 107. Streeter. George, 177. Stuart, Edward, 62-63-64. Mary, 63-64. Sullivan, Gen. James, 173, 333. Sweet, Philip, 154. Swift, Judge Zeph, 209, 213, 215. T., Elder, 198. Tew, Paul. 149. Thayer, Major, 155. Thomas, Capt. Nathaniel, 134, 135. Thompson, 148, 149. Thompson, Dolly, 178, 183, 184, 198. Thompson, Hannah, 197. Jacob, 180, 199. Thompson, Jesse, 153, 153, 157, 169. • Thompson, John, 151-153, 157, 169, 174, 176. Thompson, Mary, 176, 177, 197. Thompson, Primus, 181, 184, 186, 193. Thompson, Zeph, 151-155,169- 200, 245. Thompson, Mrs. Zeph, 180, 188, 189. Thurber, Benjamin, 146. James, 149. Mr. S., 145. Tinglev, 164. Tompkins, David D., 192. Torrey, 148. Tourtellotte. 148. Trip, Mr., 152. Trumbull, 170. Faith, 126 J. Hammond, 138. Gov. Jonathan, 93. Mr., 104. Tyler, Daniel, Jr., 98. 254 INDEX. Uncas, 3, 133. Underwood, Alvin, 156. Updike. Wilkins, 151. Utter, Jabez, 57. Mary. 57, 58, 61. Van Buren. Martin. 201. Vandeboro, Col., 170. Vinton, Mrs. Mary, 163. Vryland, Mr., 60. W , Miss, 198. Wadsworth, Brig.-Gen., 109, 111. Wadsworth, Samuel, 28, 39. Waile, Benjamin, 55. Waldo, Dr. Albigence, 78-85, 103, 205. Waldo, Mrs. Albigence, 81-85, Wales, Nathaniel, Jr., 90. Walton, Dr., 179. Ward, Col., 111. Mrs. Henry, 319. Warner, 365. Warren, Capt. Ephraim, 96. Joseph, 45. Mercy, 77, 90, 126. Warren, Paymaster James, 91. Washington, Gen. George, 109, 110, 120, 121, 123, 155, 171, 176, 182, 233. Washington, Martha, 126, Mary, 126. Waterman, Resolved, 146. Watson, 164. Wesley, John, 38. West, Gen., 179. Wheaton, 148. Henry, 156. Wheeler, Experience, 59. Mary, 67-69. Wheelock, Pres. John, 133. White, Lawyer Aaron, 165. Mary, 165-166. Whitfield, George, 13, 14, 19. Whiting, Mary, 65. Rev. Samuel, 65. Whitman, Rev. Elnathan, 74. Elizabeth, 74. Martha, 160. Wilkinson, Benj., 141-144. John, 163. Smith, 159, 163. William, 156. Williams, Col. Ebenezer, 98, 113. Williams, Rev. Ebenezer, 206. Roger, 134. Wilmot's, 146 Winsor. Abraham, 149. Winthrop, 63, 168. Winthrop, Gov. Fitz John, 6, 7, 83. Winthrop, Margaret, 52. Wright, 61. Yorke, Mrs. Esther Minor, 125. History of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, 1636-1790. By SAMUEL GREENE ARNOLD. New Edition. 2 vols. Octavo. 574 and 600 pp. $7.50, net. Governor Arnold's History of Rhode Island, based upon a careful study of documents in the British State Paper Office and, in the Rhode Island State Archives, supplemented by in vestigations at Paris and The Hague, has from its publication been the authoritative history of the State. Genealogical students will find in these volumes the names of over fifteen hundred persons prominent in Rhode Island affairs. This work is of much more than local interest, as the experi ment of religious liberty here tried gives to this history an im portance far beyond the narrow limits of the State. " One of the best State histories ever written is S. G. Arnold's His tory of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." — John FiSKE. "The best history of Rhode Island is that of Arnold." — Prof. George P. Fisher, Yale University. " Mr. Samuel Greene Arnold in his history of Rhode Island has brought together all the extant materials. He brings out more clearly than any previous writer the distinct threads of the previous settle ments." — Prof. John A. Doyle, Oxford. "A work prepared after long and careful research. Probably no student has ever made himself more familiar with the history of Rhode Island than did Arnold. This work abounds, therefore, in valuable in formation." — Pres. Charles Kendall Adams, Cornell University. SENT POSTPAID BY THE PUBLISHERS. Tax Lists of the Town of Providence During the Administration .ol Sir Edmund Andros and his Council, J686-J689. Compiled by EDWARD FIELD, A.B., Member of the Rhode Island Historical Society ^ and one of the Record Cominissioners of the City of Providence. Cloth, Octavo. 60 pp. $1.00, net. The " Tax Lists of the Town of Providence " is a compilation of original documents relating to taxation during the Adminis tration of Sir Edmund Andros and his Council, 1686-1689. It comprises copies of warrants issued by order of the Council for the assessment and collection of taxes, the tax lists or rate bills prepared pursuant to these warrants, the returns made by the townsmen of their ratable property, and the Tax Laws enacted by Andros and his Council. AU of these, with the exception of the laws, are here printed for the first time. Among the rate bills is the list of polls for 1688, which con tains the naifies of all males sixteen years of age and upwards living in Providence in August of that year ; practically a census of'the town. For the genealogist and historian this volume con tains material of the greatest value on account of the great num ber of names which these lists contain, besides showing the amount of the tax assessment in each case. The returns of ratable property form a study by themselves, for they tell in the quaint language of the colonists what they possess, and therefore shed much light on the condition of the times. For a study of this episode in New England Colonial History this work is invaluable. The index of all names contained in the hsts and text is a. feature of this work. The edition is limited to two hundred and fifty numbered copies. Sent postpaid to any address on receipt of one dollar. Revolutionary Defences in Rhode Island. An Historical Account or the Foktifioations and Beacons erected during the American Revolu tion, WITH Muster Rolls of the Companies sta tioned along the Shores of Narragansett Bat, with Maps, Plans and Illustrations. By EDWARD FIELD. Past President of the Rhode Island Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Cloth octavo, with 29 Illustrations and Two Maps. Price 82.25 net. This volume contains an account of the various works of defence erected in the State of Rhode Island during the Revo lutionary War, showing where and under what circumstances they were built, and the names of the ofBcers and enlisted men located at many of them at various periods of the war. For nearly three years the British Army was located within the State and one of the notable battles was fought within its territory. The war map of this battle of Rhode Island, now preserved in tbe State archives, has been especially reproduced for this work, and is shown in its entirety for the first time. The work is profusely illustrated with plans and views of these old earthworks, together with illustrations of the styles of equipments and f ac-similes of enlistment papers for the Con tinental Army. A Map of the State of Rhode Island is inserted showing the location of eacli fort, beacon, and coast guard sta tion described in the text. Muster rolls and company lists containing the names of more than seven hundred officers and enlisted men, many of which have been hitherto inaccessible, are here presented. The records of Rhode Island Soldiers in the War of the Revolution are scat tered and incomplete, and the names contained in this book will be of great assistance to those who desire to ascertain the service of Rhode Island Soldiers, or to establish their right to member. ship in the hereditary patriotic societies, for the names have been carefully transcribed and reference is given in each case where the original muster or pay roll may be found. Sent postpaid upon receipt of price by the publishers. A Summer Visit of Three Rhode Islanders to the Massachusetts Bay in i651. By henry MELVILLE KING, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Providence, R. I. Cloth, ISmo., 115 pages. Price fl.OO net. Uniform with "Maky Dybk." An aooodnt oe the visit of De. John Clakke, Obadiah Holmes and John Oeandall, membeiis OF THE Baptist Chxikch in Newport, E. I., to William Witteb of Swampsoott, Mass., in July, 1651 : its innocent purpose and its painful con sequences. " Dr. King's pungent and conclusive essay is a timely contribution. He adduces competent evi dence refuting the gratuitous insinuations of Palfrey and Dexter, who charged the Khode Islanders in question with sinister political motives and excused their alleged maltreatment on that ground. Cita tions from original documents, with a bibliography, put the reader in position to verify the allegations of the author." — The Watchman. Sent postpaid upon receipt of the price by the publishers. ESEK HOPKINS: Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Navy J 775 to J 778; Meister Mariner; Politician; Brigadier-General; Naval Officer; and Philanthropist. By EDWARD FIELD, A. B. Author of "Revolutionary Defences in Rhode Island," "The Colonial Tavern," "Tax Lists of the Town of Providence." Edition limited to Three Hundred Numbered Copies. Octavo, cloth. Illustrated with Fifteen Plates and a Map. Price, S3. 00 net. The story of the life of Capt. Esek Hopkins, the first commander of the American navy, has never before been told. Mr. Field has used Hopkins' own papers and records kept during his connection witli the navy, extracts from ships' logs, and records in the ].)epartment of State at Washington. The work treats of the origin of the American navy and its first expeditions, discloses the reasons which operated against the success of Hopkins as a naval com mander, and exposes the plot which resulted in his removal from the command of the navy. The present work is the result of a patient and disinterested study of the cliaracter of the man who for more than a hundred years has been the subject of the most scathinsr criticism, and the facts as set forth in this work ¦will enable one to judge for him self what manner of man ho was. The work is a timely contribution to the study of the navy. Included in the text are names of officers, marines and seamen in the navy of the Revolution never be fore printed, which will connect with Revolutionary service many persons not heretofore associated with that crisis in American history. SAMUELL GORTON: nRST SETTLER OF WARWICK, R. L A FORGOTTEN FOUNDER OF OUR LIBERTIES By LEWIS G. JANES, M.A. president of the BROOKLYN ETHICAL ASSOCIATION Cloth, 12mo. Price $1.00 net. Uniform with "Mary Dyer" and "Summer Visit." A careful, conscientious and sympathetic study of one of the most unique figures in our colonial his tory, and of some of its most exciting episodes. It is the first oyatematic attempt to give candid and judicial interpretation of Gorton's peculiar re ligious views, and is of equal interest to the theolo gian and historical student. Sent postpaid upon receipt of price by the pub lishers. MARY DYER OF RHODE ISLAND, The Quaker Martyr that was Hanged on Boston Common, June 1, 1660. By HORATIO ROGERS, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island. The author has gathered from many sources the scattered facts relating to the career of Mary Dyer and woven them into a detailed narrative, so that the tragic story of her life is now for the first time adequately told. By adding a brief but compre hensive sketch of the manner and sentiments of her times he has furnished a background or frame work for his subject which adds much to the in "terest of the volume by enabling the reader the better to understand the surroundings of the char acters he portrays. The important documents re lating to her trial are printed in 'the appendix. Cloth, 12mo., 115 pages. Price fl.OO net. Sent postpaid upon receipt of price by the pub lishers. NEW ENGLAND WILD FLOWERS AND THEIR SEASONS. By W. WHITMAN BAILEY, professor of botany in brown university. Cloth, 16mo. Uniform with "R. I. Wild Flowers." 75 cents net. From long wanderings afield the author has caught the charm of the varying moods of our New England year and pictures them for the reader with sympathetic touch. The characteristics of the conspicuous and dom inant flowers of the months are sketched in broad lines, rendering identification easy. The flowers of the White and Green Mountains — our alpine flora — receive separate treatment, as do also the flowers of the sea -shore — our coast flora. Sent postpaid upon receipt of price by the pub lishers. NEARLY READY.. EARLY CONNECTICUT HOUSES. By NORMAN M. ISHAM and ALBERT F. BROWN. Illustrated with a Map and over One Hundred Drawings. Large 8vo. Uniform with "Early Rhode Island Houses," BY the same authors. Price, $S.50 net. This book treats the early houses of Connecticut in the same way in which its predecessor treated the dwellings of Rhode Island. The same accuracy of measurement and drawing and the same careful description of the early work characterize the new volume. The work describes a large number of houses in Hartford and its neighborhood, in New London, and in New Haven and the towns confederated with it. Much new information will be found in the chap ter on Construction, and the relation with English work is considered in the light of further study of •examples in the old country. Edition limited. THE HOMERIC PALACE. By NORMAN M. ISHAM. Illustrated by Eleven Full-Page Plates. Octavo. Cloth. |1.00 net. The Homeric Palace is an attempt, in an inex pensive and convenient form, to set the main lines of the royal dwelling of Homeric times before the reader of to-day. The text collects the main facts about the different parts of the palace. The drawings show the plans of the great strongholds, Troy, Tiryns, Arne, My cenae, and gather into one plate the various types of rampart walls, into another the gates and ap proaches. Bird's-eye views show, in one plate, four stages or steps in the building of a palace, in another a restoration, which is half plan, half section and elevation combined, of the palace at Tiryns, a view which, so far as we know, has never before been published, much as that building has been drawn and restored. All lovers of classical myth or history will find the work interesting. To the student it will be a con venient text or reference book, and to the teacher of Homer it will be invaluable. 3 9002 00461 8972 !¦»¦.» • '¦'••;.i-:!-. !. ^ii:.i':f ¦¦ '..18. . '¦/¦/ ¦ "¦ k .- t ¦<•. ¦ '.¦' ! 'm>'"- •* ¦ r* 'Vi- ,' : .V-.' '¦ -'¦» '¦¦¦ -i,' &••- \ ' ' . ; ¦¦ t ¦V I ¦•:¦ . i .* • ¦ •J"