a «r ^.T. _ tWti. -«' 1 tit * ' ' i' -* ¦ ii?^' 4* ¦/ ;.s- ti^^ ;?• jpj^ §t.^^ Y ^ t r • ^ ' ;^^.' * :- '' r f j? >- ^;tia^^ '* N ' .' ..*'¦ ?^^^ f ft '¦ ¦: 'rf^i '"t/»/ V, 1. » ¦¦¦,. *: '•^•'•rf CKx.^ Ho CAPTAIN SAMUEL WARD. (J THE Military Annals OF Lancaster MASSACHUSETTS 1740-1865. Including Lists of Soldiers serving in the Colonial and Revolutionary Wars for the Lancastrian Towns : Berlin, Bolton, Harvard, Leominster and Sterling. BY HENRY S. NOURSE, A. M. What heroes from the woodland sprung. When through the fresh awakened land The thrilling cry of freedom rung. And to the work of warfare strung The yeoman's iron hand. —Bryant. LANCASTER; 1889. CLINTON, MASS.: W. J. COULTER, PRINTER, COURANT OFFICE. C'^'iic. '-r'y PREFACE. The purpose of this work needs neither explanation nor excuse ; its short-comings, perhaps no one will more severely accuse than the author, while none but he can well appreciate the difficulties that have beset his patriotic task. The names and exploits of the local heroes who, with lavish expenditure of labor and life, helped gain and perpetuate the political and religious liberty we inherit, are mostly unknown to our generation. We perfunctorily honor the memory of those who achieved national fame — those whose names by chance of opportunity or high place are emblazoned upon historic tablets. Equally entitled to our grateful remembrance are the humbler patriots who, setting the nation's safety and liberation from wrong above the dearest ties, went out from rustic homesteads patiently to do and suffer, even to mortal agony, in behalf of coun try, faith and freedom. Though but yeomen, uncult and obscure, they were imbued with a spirit of chivalry pure as that of any knight of romance. The stern virtues of Puritan ancestry again shone in them. If their deeds and sacrifices gained little lustre that time has not dimmed or destroyed, it is the fault of the local chroniclers. In this attempt to preserve for Lancaster an accurate compilation PREFACE. of its military history, the author asks credit only for faith ful research and conscientious adherence to recorded facts. In the words of William Camden : "If any there be which are desirous to be strangers in their own soil, and foreigners in their own city, they may so continue, and therein flatter themselves. For such like I have not writ ten these lines, nor taken these pains." Lancaster, July 4, 1889. Note. — Circumstances beyond control, and greatly regretted, have prevented the reproduction of the portraits of Generals John and Henry Whiting, Major Fabius Whiting and Captain Edward Richmond Wash burn for presentation in this volume, as had been contemplated. CONTENTS THE WAR WITH SPAIN, 1739-1744. Earliest Military Records of Lancaster — The Expedition against Carthagena — Captain John Prescott's Enlistment Rolls. . 9-15 II. KING GEORGE'S WAR, 1744-1748. I. The Siege of Louisbourg. Governor Shirley's Foresight and Plans — Colonel Samuel Willard's Regiment — Experiences of Lancaster Soldiers. 16-24 II. Indian Raids. The Capture of Fitch's Garrison — Lists of Scouts - Dummer and Number Four - Forts 24-29 III. FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR, 1754-1763. The Crown Point Expedition of 1755. Colonel Samuel Willard's Death — Excise upon Vehicles and Table Luxuries — Lancaster Men upon the Frontiers in 1754 — The Second Colonel Samuel Willard and his Reg iment — Captains Benjamin Ballard, Joseph and Asa Whit- comb and their Companies, in the Battle of Lake George — Petitions of Lancaster Soldiers 30-41 II. Lancaster in Acadia and the Acadians in Lancaster. Roster of Captain Abijah Willard's Company — Extracts from his Orderly Book — Hardships of the Campaign — The French Neutrals in Lancaster. .... .... 41- 52 CONTENTS. III. The Second Crown Point Expedition and Fort Wil liam Henry, 1756-1757. Colonel John Whitcomb and Lancaster Men on the Hudson — Lists of Lancaster Soldiers in the Expedition of 1756 — Captain Benjamin Ballard's Loss — The Alarm at Capture of Fort William Henry. . 52-63 IV The Conquest of Canada, 1758-1763. Return of William Pitt to Power — Abercrombie's Defeat at Ticonderoga —Men of Lancaster in the Campaign — Peti tions of Sufferers — Lancastrian Volunteers of 1759 — Col onel Abijah Willard — Campaign Incidents — Enlistments of 1760 — Extracts from Colonel John Whitcomb's Orderly Book — The Dead — In Garrison, 1761-2 — The Officers of the Lancaster Militia Regiment 63-89 IV. THE WAR FOR NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE. I. From Town-Meeting to Continental Congress. Reverend John Mellen's Prophecy — The Growth of Disaffec tion — Rebellious Resolves of Lancaster Town-meeting in 1773 — Town action during 1774-5 — Hezekiah Gates's Pamphlet — Lancaster in the County Conventions — Jonas Wyman's "Satisfaction." 90-104 II. The Lexington Alarm. General John and Colonel Asa Whitcomb — The Training Bands, their Organization and Equipment — The Men who Marched to Cambridge, April 19, 1775, from Lancaster and adjacent Towns 105-117 III. Bunker Hill and Siege of Boston. John Whiteomb, first Major-General of Massachusetts Army — The Lancaster Regiment under Colonel Asa Whitcomb — Its presence at Bunker Hill — Company Rosters — Cap tain Aaron Willard's Mission to Acadia — Colonel Whit comb's Unselfish Patriotism — Death of Surgeon Enoch Dole — Colonel Whitcomb's Misfortunes 117-141 IV. The Campaign of 1776-1777. Lancaster Soldiers at Hull — Companies of Captain Samuel Sawyer and Jabez Keep at Kip's Bay and White Plains — Colonel Aaron Willard — Captain Manasseh Sawyer's Company at Dorchester — Soldiers of Lancaster at Quebec — Captain David Nurse's Company in the Jerseys — Organ ization of a Continental Army — Substitutes — Town- meeting action, 1776-1778. . . 141-155 CONTENTS. V. Short Service Enlistments, \yyy-\y'i2. Lancaster Soldiers in the Rhode Island Service — The Ben nington Alarm — Re-enforcements for the Continental Army — Town Records 1 778-1 780 — Guarding Prisoners — The Marine Service. . . . 155-177 VI. Lancaster in the Continental Army. Quotas of the Lancastrian Towns — List of Lancaster's Con tinental Soldiers — Records of Town's action, 1781 — Continental Soldiers of Bolton, Harvard and Leominster. 178-194 VII. Lancaster Loyalists. The Willards — Confiscated Estates — Samuel Stearns, LL. D. — Nahum Houghton the "Tea Peddler"— The Black List — Reverend Timothy Harrington's Defence in Town-meet ing . . . . 194-209 VIII. Statistics and Social Annals. Census and Valuation Returns — Mechanics and Manufac turers — Depreciation in Paper Currency ^- Counterfeit Money — First Recorded Donation Party — Regulating the Prices of Necessaries of Life by Convention — Tax Assess ments of 1779-1780 — Beef and Clothing furnished the Army — Substitutes for Tea, etc. — Boston Exiles in Lan caster — British and Tory Prisoners — Negro Slaves and Soldiers — The Post-office and the News-carrier — Cele bration of Cornwallis's Surrender — Lafayette's Visit, 1824. 209-244 V. SHAYS'S INSURRECTION AND INDIAN WAR, 1783-1794. Distress among the Yeomanry — County Conventions — Lancas ter's Instructions to her Representative — Colonel William Greenleaf — The Insurrection Crushed — Rolls of the Vol unteers — Death of Captain Andrew Haskell. . . 245-259 VI. WARS WITH ENGLAND AND ALGIERS, 1812-1815. The Embargo — Lancaster's Petition to the President — Major Hiller — Timothy and John Whiting — Impressment of Amer ican Sailors — Remonstrance against Declaration of War — The Alarm at Boston — The Lancaster Artillery Company — Lancaster in the Regular Army — Lancaster's Augustan Age — The Mail Stage and Country Taverns — Huskings, Rais ings and Auctions — Types of Citizens — The Minister — Lancaster's Classical School and its Founders — The First Cotton Mill — William Shaler in Algiers 260-284 CONTENTS. VII. THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-1865. I. Action of Town and Societies. The Apple of Discord — Anniversary of Lexington in 1861 — The Fay Light Guard — Ball's Bluff — The Independent Phalanx — The Soldiers' Relief Association — Bounties for Recruits — The Union Club — The Draft — Woman's Work — Soldiers' Aid — The Town's Officers 285-305 II. Descriptive Roster of Lancaster Soldiers. Of Massachusetts Organizations in Numerical Order — Serv ing in other States — Veterans Re-enlisted — Drafted Men — Summary — Soldiers' Graves in Lancaster, 1889. . . .306-338 VIII. APPENDIX. I. John Prescott, the Founder of Lancaster. 339-366 II. Captain Samuel Ward . 367-368 III. Captain George Lee Thurston. . . 368-371 IV. Brevet Brigadier-General Francis Washburn. . 371-375 IX. INDEX. \ 16 s 5. 7 MILITARY ANNALS OF LANCASTER, MASSACHUSETTS. I. THE WAR WITH SPAIN. 1 739-1 744. IN The Early Records of Lancaster, printed by the author in 1884, the experiences of that town in warfare previous to 1725 have been fully detailed. Before that date Lancaster's adult male population were practically always soldiers, were constantly menaced by savage foes, and often fought in defence of their lives and homes. Two, at least, of her earliest pioneers, John Prescott and William Kerley, had probably served in the army of the mother land ; certainly they brought with them into the wilderness the arms and armor characteristic of the Cromwellian sol dier. Another of her leaders, Major Simon Willard, on his coming from England bore the title, captain, and, at the outbreak of the war called King Philip's, held the highest military rank then recognized in the colony, hon oring the position by his bravery, energy and skill during the earliest horrors of that bloody episode in New England history. Lieutenants William and Henry Kerley and Thomas Wilder, and Ensigns John Divoll and John Moore trained the first military company of the town under the 2 lO ANNALS OF LANCASTER. immediate supervision of Major Willard. Scarce an inven tory of the period but contains, listed among humble do mestic appointments and the utensils of husbandry, various articles of a soldier's equipment. Jacob Farrar, the head of a family noted for its many martyrs in Indian warfare, possessed "a Gulliver Gun." Reverend John Whiting, who, surprised by savages in the field, bravely refusing quarter fought until slain, had five "fire arms," appraised after his death at four pounds. In the property schedules of seven other Lancaster planters figure these items : Three musketts, one sword, one p"^ bandiliers and one pistol! and bullets, 3.£ i6» . . . . 4 gunns, i cutlash 3jf . 3' . . . . Iron cloathes 2^. — military books . . . One muskett 12', one sword and Rest 12"^ A snapsack and bag 3^ A pike 2". 6'' A muskett, a sword, one rest and a snapsacke i£. . . . One Gun, one sword 2^ 4'; one halibut 16", 2 musquetts one cut lash i^ i8« Of a frontier town, standing in the advance guard of Puritan civilization, Lancaster's yeomen were too com pletely engrossed in the hard struggle for existence to spare volunteers for service on other battle grounds than those within a day's march of their own hearthstones. Nevertheless, some adventurous spirits joined the little armies from time to time organized for the invasion of Canada. In Sir William Phip's disgracefully unfortunate attempt upon Quebec in 1690, Benjamin Willard served as lieutenant, and of several townsmen who are supposed to have accompanied him were : Joseph Atherton, Jonathan Fairbank, John Pope, Samuel Wheeler and Timothy Wheelock. Of these, Wheeler, if not others, died in the service. The two Acadian expeditions of 1707 and 1710 had such enthusiastic support in Massachusetts that Lan caster was doubtless well represented therein ; but the only record thus far discovered to prove this, is an item in the inventory presented by the administrator of a deceased THE WAR WITH SPAIN. II soldier, Ralph Houghton, filed in the Middlesex Probate Registry. Captains Jabez Fairbank, John White and Sam uel Willard, during Lovewell's War, 1722-1726, leading their neighbors, won repute as able commanders of rangers, and made it hazardous for the savages to venture far south of the fountains of the Merrimac. For fifteen years the arts of peace had been undisturbed by war's alarms, and swords had grown rusty in their scabbards, when the re cruiting officer in 1740 drummed for recruits in Lancaster. Great Britain, committed to a blindly selfish commer cial policy, held a monopoly of the trade in African slaves, and her merchants were enriched by the enormous gains of their smuggling and man-stealing ventures. She exer cised the right of search upon the seas and denied it to Spain. She demanded the privileges of free trade from other powers, but persistently refused them to the North American colonies — a lesson of the mother land which they remembered and acted upon in after time. At length, having forced war upon Spain under pretended champion ship of free commerce, England called upon her colonies to aid in an expedition sent under command of Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon to assail the Spanish strongholds in the West Indies. Massachusetts was required to furnish a reg iment, and the organization of one was nearly perfected, officers and men being enrolled and assembled at Boston. The bills for expenditures in levying some of its companies are extant, and the methods of the recruiting officers of that day are illustrated by the recurrence of such charges as these : To Drummers and Liquor expended To Ribbons for cockades, 50 yards @ 2/ . . . . For some reason only four captains' commissions were received from the king instead of the ten expected. These were bestowed upon John Prescott, who was to have been colonel of the regiment, Daniel Goffe, Thomas Phillips and George Stewart. The other companies were dis- 12 AI^NALS OF LANCASTER. banded. Dr. William Douglass, in his Summary, states that this disastrous enterprise cost the province seven thou sand pounds sterling, and that "of the 500 men sent out from Massachusetts Bay not exceeding 50 returned." The majority fell victims to pestilential disease during the siege of Carthagena, or at Jamaica, whither the enfeebled rem nant of the defeated army was withdrawn. Joseph Willard, Esq., in a note to page 50 of the History of Lancaster, states that "there were eighteen or nineteen in this expedi tion who belonged to Lancaster ; none of them lived to return." He had good authority for claiming in behalf of this little town so large an enlistment, although it seems almost incredible that it should have furnished nearly one twenty-fifth of the whole quota of the commonwealth. The town's volunteers must be looked for in the com pany of which a Lancaster man, Jonathan Houghton, was lieutenant ; the other companies were recruited far from here, and in their rolls, as found, no Lancaster family names are discovered. Captain John Prescott of Concord was a direct descendant of the founder of Lancaster, whose name he bore. His enlistment roll, sadly mutilated, is preserved in Massachusetts Archives, xci, 333. It was written upon both sides of a single sheet, and the right- hand columns of the first page, which included residences and dates of muster, have been torn off" and are missing. Thereby thirty-six names borne upon the reverse page are lost. The sixt3'-five names remaining follow : A List of such Persons as are Enteri: as Vol Tn the West Indies Under the Command of . .... Persons Names Of what Town bom Age Calling Time of Enlisting Jonathan Houghton Lancaster 37 Husbandman July 14 Obadiah Foster Billerica 18 Cordwainer May 22 Jon» Heywood Concord 22 Tanner May 22 Gideon Powers Lexington 33 Husbandman July 14 Oliver Spaulding Chelmsford 29 " July 15 Thos Pool Lynn 32 Physician May l»' Robert Waite Weston 41 Husbandman July 12 William Stevens Dublin 30 Octo 1745 Capt: Lieut Abijah Willard of Col": Samuel Willard's Regiment, hav ing assigned over his Company by their Consent to Cap': Jonathan Hub bard in Brigadier Gen': Waldo's regim': and having petitioned for a discharge from the service is hereby accordingly dismissed, & permitted to return to New England & to take with him a youth of about twelve years old the son of Capt: John Warner late Dec"i: W. Shirley Louisbourge Octob'': 17"^ 1745 Lt. Coll" Pitts, Maj' Hodges, Coll": Saml. Willard, Ensign Benj" Black- ston, Leut. Edw Committe Nathan Tyler ) [Massachusetts Archives, CXIX, 685.] The people who thus voluntarily denied themselves common lu.xuries, and jealously scrutinized every attempt to raise the smallest subsidy without their consent, were soon willingly impoverishing themselves and mortgaging their children's inheritance, for love of country and the religion of their fathers. Preparations for a desperate and decisive struggle never ceased, and from time to time collisions upon the frontiers told of the unabated rage between the rival civilizations and creeds. In 1754 the mask of peace was dropped in the colonies, although the mother countries did not formally declare war until two years later. Colonel John Winslow was stationed upon the eastern frontier with a regiment, and with him, chiefly in the cr.mpanies of Captains Phineas Osgood and Eleazar Melvin, serving from April to Novem ber, were these men of Lancaster, Bolton and Harvard : Sergt. John Whitcomb. Timothy Houghton. Abraham Knowlton. Sergt. Stephen Houghton. Benjamin Hutchins. William Larkin. Nathan Barns. Gordon Hutchins. Josiah Priest. Charles Holman. Benjamin Kendall. Jacob Willard. Richard Holden. Isaac Kendall. Elijah Wood. [Massachusetts Archives, xcni, 136-8.] Joseph Wood. Captain Gershom Flagg was engaged in the construc tion of Fort Halifax on the Kennebec, from July to Novem ber of this year, and with him were Henry Haskell, Uriah CROWN POINT EXPEDITIOhf. 33 Tucker, and perhaps other carpenters of Lancaster. The town was also represented upon the western frontier during the same season. Lancaster Sept. the ii*, 1754. Coll" Lsracl Williams Sr. I haue Received a Copey of your Letter from Collo. John Chandler which Gaue me a Count that you had order from his Excellency the Capt. General's Warrant to Rayse such forces out of the seueral Regiments within the Counties of Hamshire and Worcester for the Defence of his majestys subjects in the Western parts of the Prov ince and also I haue received from Collo John Chandler the Proportson of men which is fourteen and accordingly I haue corsed that number to be impressed and ordered them to yourself for further order. So I Reman your Hum. Servent Oliver Wilder and haue put Mr John May Ensign ouer the Detachinent of fourteen Raysed In our County Expecting Collo Chandler will put an offiser ouer him. Ensign John May W™. Pollard Mathias Larkin Elijah Holton.jf/. James Houghton Ellas Haskell Ephm. Sawver David Atherton Solomon Stone Dan'. Bruce Jona Kendall Mathew Knight Nahum Houghton Jos: Beeman Joseph Dexter in Ephm. Sawyer's place to be muster* from y" day of Sawyer's Enlistment. [Col. Israel Williams' Papers, 79. J The French, alert and aggressive, not only claimed by right of discovery the Mississippi and its tributaries to their sources in the Alleghanies, but had gone far to make their claim good by encircling the English colonies with a cor don of block-houses and forts from the St. Lawrence to the Ohio. Against this French line of occupation in 1755 four great expeditions were planned, and four Colonial and British armies were sent out, aiming at widely separated points : Fort Duquesne at the head of the Ohio River, Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario, Crown Point on Lake Cham- plain, and the Acadian Forts at the head of the Bay of Fundy. The first expedition met with ignominious disas ter, the second and third missed their aim, and the fourth won inglorious victory. With the last two, only, is Lan caster history intimately connected. 34 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Enlistment Roll fuund among papers of Colonel Oliver Wilder. We the Subscribers Do acknowledge to Haue Volentareley Inlisted our Selues as Priuate Solders to Serue his majestey King George the Seccond In a Regiment of foot Now a Raising In the Prouince of the Massachusets Bay In New England oute of the Seueral Regiments of horse and oute of the Regiment in partickular whareof Olivar Wilder Esq''. Is CoUonal to Reinforce the armey under the Command of Major General Johnson Des tined for Crown Point and under such Collonal as his Honour the Left. Gouener Phips shall se good to apoint as witness our hands this fifteenth Day of September in the year of ouer Lord 1755. Luke Jarvis accepted in ye Rome of Stephen Tuttle Benjamin Wilder [lieutenanf] Oliver Pollard Phinehas Carter {ensign'] Fairbank Moor Jonathan Powers Seth Oak Paul Sawyer Benja Bridge Nathanl. Houghton Moses Whitney Nathaniel White Simon Blancher, impressed Nathaniel Hudson Phinehas Willard Jonathan Houghton Caleb Sawyer Israel Greenleaf Zadock Davis, trompt John Moor, Jr. William Houghton Oliver Warner Gordon Hutchins Samuell Cummings, Juner. Jeremiah Laughton, corp. Simon Willard Daniel Houghton Joseph Wheelock Nathaniel Cobleigh Jonas Whitcomb, trompt Oliver Tenney _ ^'^TT Robert Whitcomb Ephraim X Houghton mark BENJAMIN HALE, Corp. These soldiers from Lancaster and neighboring towns served in the regiment of Colonel Josiah Brown, and in the companies of Captain Jeduthan Baldwin of Brookfield, and Lieutenant-Colonel John Cummings, whose muster- rolls are in Massachusetts Archives, xciii, 206 and 215, and xciv, 8, 27 and 71. Samuel Willard, eldest son of the late colonel, was au thorized to raise a regiment of eight hundred men for this expedition, and John Whitcomb of Bolton was commis sioned its lieutenant-colonel, Timothy Houghton of Bolton, adjutant, and Phineas Phelps of Lancaster, surgeon's-mate. Colonel Willard was mustered in command of the regiment from August 9 to October 26, at which date John Whit- CROWN POINT EXPEDITION. 35 comb was commissioned colonel. Samuel Willard had been taken sick shortly after joining the army, and died at Lake George. He was not quite thirty-seven years of age. For a time he had lived at Petersham, having an estate there, was justice of the peace, and highly esteemed for his uprightness and ability. He had returned to his boy hood's home, however, before the war broke out, and was chosen town clerk of Lancaster. The election of his suc cessor to the clerkship for 1755, is recorded as "in room of Samuel Willard absent in his majesty's service." He left no children. Colonel John Whitcomb's company of fifty men had in it the following soldiers from Lancastrian towns, the remainder being mostly from Stow and Marlborough : OF LANCASTER : Hezekiah Whitcomb, lieutenant, (died). Aaron Dresser, Thomas Dole, John Whitcomb, (died). Abner Osgood. OF BOLTON: Gabriel Priest, sergeant. Abram Holman, James Townsend, Nathaniel Longley, clerk. Francis McFadden, Eleazar Whitcomb, John Whitcomb, Jun, dru7iimer. Josiah Priest. OF HARVARD : Uriah Holt, corporal. Joseph Houghton, John Sawyer, Isaac Gates, Elkanah Keyes. OF LEOMINSTER : Job Spofford, corporal. Jonas Spofford, Benjamin Street, [died). Elias Carter. [Massachusetts Archives, XCIV, 52.] In the company of Captain Samuel Hunt of Lunen burg, there were : OF BOLTON : Silvanus Sawyer, drumtner, Francis FuUam. OF LEOMINSTER : John White, sergeant, William Boutell, corporal, Luke Richardson, Benjamin Whitcomb. [Massachusetts Archives, XCIV, 63.] In the company of Captain Stephen Hosmer of Con cord, were : OF LANCASTER : William Richardson, Jr. lieutenant, Samuel Warner. 36 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. In the company of Captain William Peirce of Stow, were : OF HARVARD : Judah Clark, lieutenant, Isaac Stone, corporal, Phineas Pratt, Benjamin Hutchins, sergeant, Samuel Corey. [Massachusetts Archives, XCIV, 76.] Josiah Whitney and Samuel Meed of Harvard were in other companies of the same regiment. Most of the soldiers of this neighborhood, however, were in three companies of a regiment commanded by Colonel Timothy Ruggles, which suff"ered severely in the battle of Lake George, September 8. 1755, when the gal lant Dieskau was defeated by the undisciplined valor of New England rustics under the energetic leadership of General Phineas Lyman, despite the wofill mismanage ment of the commander-in-chief. The muster-roll of Cap tain Joseph Whitcomb's company is in Massachusetts Archives, xciv, 86. The time of service was from March, 1755, to the close of the year : Joseph Whitcomb, capt. Lancaster Ebenezer Snow, Lancaster Benj". Whitcomb, lieut. Leominster Robert Forskit Benj", Hastings, ensign, Bolton John Wheeler Hezekiah Walker, clerk, Lancaster Joseph Robbins Dennis Locklin, sergt. Bolton Jon". Houghton John Barnard " " Cyrus Gates Samuel Patch " Stow Marmaduke Jos. Hamilton, Jonas Johnson,(ror^.Leom'ster,(fl?/£a')Abram Knolton Benj". Marble " Bolton Josiah Pratt, Sen^ James Cresfield " Lancaster Abraham Bruce Joseph Robbins, Jr. " (^z'l?^) Joseph Evelith, Stow Joshua Sawyer " Ebenezer Patch, " (died) Josiah Pratt, Jr. " (died) Henry Keyes, Shrewsbury Robert Longley " Robert Fletcher, clerk, Lancaster John Richardso.n " Joseph Polley, Leominster Nathaniel Holman " Ebenezer Knight " Abijah Cole " James Clark " Joseph Shewally, Leominster, {died) William Porter, Shirley Ethan Phillips, Lancaster Peter Kendall, Lancaster, {died) Zecariah Eager, Shrewsbury John Davidson, Stow William Willard, Lancaster Micah Gates " Phineas Randell " {died) Silas Bouker, Shrewsbury CROWN POINT EXPEDITION. 37 Peter Houghton, Leominster Joseph Bigelow, Fnimingham John Scott, Lunenburg Comfort Brabrook,Shrewsbury((^/i'i/) Jona. Priest Whitcomb, drummer, Lancaster The muster-roll of Captain Asa Whitcomb is in Massa chusetts Archives, xcv, 88 : Asa Whitcomb, capt. Lancaster Ithamar Bennett, Lancaster, (rf/'^rf) Ezra Houghton, lieut. " Fortunatus Taylor, Shrewsbury Elijah Houghton, ensign, " Thomas Fairbanks, Lancaster Joshua Hide, sergt. Petersham Silas Bennett, Petersham Reuben Keyes " Shrewsbury (rfz'^rf) Joseph Woolly, Rutland Eph'm Bennett " Holden, {died) Oliver Dresser, Lancaster Philemon Houghton, clerk, Lancaster Caleb Wright, Harvard Jacob Hinds, corp. Shrewsbury Nathan Garey, Lancaster Isaac Kendall " Lancaster, {died) John Harvey, Shrewsbury Ebenezer Engalsbee,(;i?r^. Shrewsbury David Allen, Petersham Sam'lFairbanks.cor^. Lancaster, (i^z^rf) Joshua Bailey, Lancaster Wm. Fairbanks, druin'r, " (died) Tilley Littlejohn " John Farrar " (died) Eliphalet Cutting, Shrewsbury John Brooks " Oliver Osgood, Lancaster, {died) Benjamin Flood, Westborough Charles Holman, Bolton, {died) Daniel Stone, Shrewsbury Jonathan Goodale, Marlborough Jedediah Belknap " {died) Nahum Houghton, drummer, Lan- Francis Temple " caster. The muster-roll of Captain Benjamin Ballard is in Mas sachusetts Archives, xciv, 123, and contains forty-nine names, eleven being of Lancaster, three of Leominster, and one of Harvard ; the lieutenants and many of the pri vates being from Townsend and vicinity. OF LANCASTER : Benjamin Ballard, captain, William Barron, Elisha White, Sherebiah Hunt, sergeant, Josiah Fairbanks, Elijah Woods, Timothy Whiting, clei'k, William Kendall, Joseph Woods, Samuel Ballard, John Manning, John Rugg (killed). OF LEOMINSTER : Abiathar Houghton, sergeant, Jon". White, Jr. Aaron Brown. William Babcock of Harvard. These three companies were in the bloody "morning fight," and those recorded as "died" were, with the excep tion of Farrar, killed or mortally wounded on that day. Petitions presented by certain of the survivors will serve to 38 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. picture some of the trials endured by these patriots after the dangers of the batde-field were safely passed, while they suggest comparisons and contrasts with our modern experiences of war : Jonathan Powers ***** Inlisted himself a privet under the Command of Capt. Jeduthan Ballding In Collonal Brown's Regiment to go in the Expedition against Crown point the Last year, and so it was * * * I was Taken sick at Lake George and so Continued for thre wekes and after Recovering some small strength I was Imbarked In a wagon and got Down to Albany with much Deficultey and thare Taried thre Days and then I being Verry Disirous of Citing hom attemted a tryel and Traveled as my strength would bare untill I Got to Kingston and sent Home for Horse and man to Come to my assistance, I being unable to proced any further I had got so weke. To what it cost me for said man & two Horses thre Days & Expences ^i - o - o and after I got Home I was Confined to my house with fevour & fiucks for thre wekes and was obliged to aply to Dr Harvey whose Bill Is herwith exhibited and Is 1-7-6 and for Nursing and other Nesecareys During said thre wekes 10-8 2-18-2 Your Pettioner Humbly Prays your Honour & Honours to Repay him the apove said sum. * * * * Jonathan Powers [Massachusetts Archives, LXXV, 691.] To His Honour Spencer Phips Esq . . . . July ye I 1756. The Pettion of Aaron Dresser Humbley Shewing that he Inlisted himself a privet solder In Collonel Whitcomb's Companey In Collonel Willard's Regiment the last year In the Expedition against Crown point and so it was may it plese your Honouer and Honouers that I was Taken sick at the Camp and was unable to Travil and Brought Down to Albaney In a wagon and Remaind sick at Albaney thre wekes & thre Days and then was unable to travil on foot and was forst to Hire a man and Horse to Carrey me homward. To what it Cost me at Canterhook while sick there for Nurising and Nesecarys I was obliged to get i£- 5"-ii'i To what it Cost me for man and Horse and expenses Home to Lancaster which ye man was 15 Days a performing I being so weke 3-18-6 Your Pettioner Humbley prays your Honouer and Honouers to Repay him the above said sum of five pounds four shillings and five pence which Cost and Charge he has actuley ben at as In Dutey bound shall Ever Pray. Aaron Dresser [Massachusetts Archives, LXXV, 686.] CROWN POINT EXPEDITION. 39 To the hon>>'' his Afajcstics Counsell S^ house of Representatives in Generel Court Assembled. April y° fii-st 1757. The Pettition of William Willard humbleley shewing That he was an Inlisted soildier under the Command of Capt. Joseph Whetcomb in the Reigement wherof Timothy Rugles Esq : was Con'': in the Crown Point Expedition in the year one Thousand Seaven hunderd and fivety-five, and so it was, may Please your Honours, That your poor Petti tioner was taken Sick att Lake George & 1 was obliged for to hire a horse, and make the Best of way home with the Leave of my Superor officers leave and was Obliged for to Lay by four days on my Jorney home 1 being so very sick and week, & the fourteenth Day with great Difficultey I arrived att my home att Lancaster, & there was Confined to my Room & bed for five weeks with the feaver and Camp Destemper and my bodey and Leggs being Swell"* for four or five months afterwards which Cost me in money besides all other Nessesery Charges, as to Candles & boarding nurses &c. which sum of one pound twelve Shillings, your poor pettistioner would humbleley pray your honours to Repay him. As in Duttey bound Shall ever pray. William Willard. Worcester Ss, Lancaster April y" 11. 1757. The before Named William Willard apered and made oth the Truth of the foregoing Petf" before me W" Richardson Justice Pads. Subscribed, — The Com""*^ allow one pound twelve shillings In full. Samll Witt pr order Similar petitions to those above given were presented by Ethan Phillips, Daniel Houghton, William Kendall, James Johnson and others of the same companies. Two from Lancaster widows are as follows : To His Hojtour Spencer Phips Esq: * * * * The Pettition of Mary Farrar administratrix to Hur Late Husband John Farrar Late of Lancaster Decesed Humbley Shewing that Hur Said Husband Inlisted under the Comand of Capt. Asa Whitcomb In Coll" Rugeles Regiment In the Crown Point Expedition In ye year 1755 and that he was well During the sumers Campain untill a few Days before his Dismision at the Camp but was then Taken out of order and with Grate Dificultey got home and was Verey poorley for some wekes after he got home but Notwithstanding the grate Dificulteys he met with the year be fore, your Poor Pettition* Husbands zele was so grate for ye good of his Cuntrey that when thare was a motion to goe a seccond time In ye servis of his King & Cuntrey he freley Entred Into said servis the Last year and Continued In it till he was Dismissed and was Taken Sick In his [return] at Shefield and thare Died : and so it was may it plese your Honour and Honours that my said Husband's Entering Into the servis ye Last year he 40 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. had not an opurtunity to get his Billiting money for his Returning Back ye year before & I often herd my said Husband saye he bore all his own ex pences In his Return from ye said Expedition In ye yeare 1755, as also ye afe Davit of two others herwith Exhibited, and that your pettioner was at the Cost & Charge of sending man & horse twice whilst my said Husband Lay sick at S^iefield which cost me thirty-six shillings for expences besides the two men & their horses who was one of them gone a fortnight & the other a weke which I aprehend to be well worth thirtey shillings. Your poor Distresed pettitioner therefore Humbley Prayes your Honour & Hon""* to take Hur case Into your wise and Just Consideration & Give hur a Power to Draw ye Billiting for hur husbands' Return from ye Expedition In ye year 1755 & to allow the thirtey shillings for y" two men & two Horses that went to hur said Husbands asistance or Grant Hur Relief In shuch other way as your Honour & Honours In your Grate wisdom shall Direct. as In Duty Bound shall Every pray Mary Farrar Worsester : Ss : Lancaster March ye 6* 1757 Mary Farrar appered and made oth to ye truth of ye facts set forth In y'= forgoing pettition before me- William Richardson Justice Peace. Endorsed — Your Honour & Honours within mentioned pettitioner further Humbley prayes you will alow Hur y« accounts also Here with Ex- hibeted payed Dr Harvey for Doctering hur Husband which Is ten shil lings & five pence as in further Dutey shall Ever pray. Mary Farrar. [Massachusetts Archives, LXXVI, 366.] To His Honour the Leut. Governour and Comander in Chief for the time being. To the Honourable His Majesties Council and House of Representatives in General Court Ascembled J any. 6>th 1757. The Petition of Hannah Woods Humbly Prays that shee had two sons Listed under Capt. Ballard in Coll : Rugglesses Regement in the fi'-st Expe dition Against Crov^n Point, Vizt: Joseph and Elijah. Elijah Attended His Duty in the Province Service till the 26* Day of Oetober 1755 at which time he had a furlow being unfit for Service and Remained 111 twenty weeks unable to Do aney Business all of which time I Nussed & Billited s^ Elijah : that Joseph Continued in the Service till he was Dismissed from the Expedition and Returned Home so 111 that He was not Capable of Doing aney thing for ten weeks after his Return at which time I Billited and Loked after Him. therefore the said Hannah Humbley Prays that she may be allowed for Nussing Billiting and for what shee paid for Doctring Hir two Sons an Account of which accompaneys this Petition and as in Duty bound shall Ever Pray * * * * Hannah Woods [Massachusetts Archives, XCV, 188.] Though barren of far reaching victory, and foiled of LANCASTER AND THE ACADIANS. 41 its real purpose, the first Crown Point Expedition gave needful experience and confidence in themselves and their own officers to the soldiers of New England ; while Brad- dock's defeat could not but suggest to them comparisons that made them thereafter more impatient than ever before of the arrogant claims of superiority constantly obtruded upon them by the British regulars. II. LANCASTER IN ACADIA AND THE ACADIANS IN LANCASTER. It is one hundred and thirty years " . . . . Since the burning of Grand-Pre, When on the falling tide the freighted vessels departed, Bearing a nation, with all its household gods, into exile ; Exile without an end, and without an example in story." Of the numerous Lancaster readers of Evangeline few now suspect how nearly the sad tale of ravaged Acadia touched our town histor}'. Upon the crown officials then in authority over the Province of Nova Scotia, historian and poet have indelibly branded the stigma of a mer ciless edict of expulsion, which devastated one of the fairest regions of America, and tore seven thousand simple peasants from a scene of rural felicity rarely surpassed, to scatter them in the misery of abject poverty among stran gers speaking a strange tongue and hating their religion. Discussion of the question of military necessity would be out of place here. The agents who faithfully executed the decree were chiefly Massachusetts men reluctantly obedient to "his Majesty's orders," given them specifically in writing by Charles Lawrence, lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia. On the twentieth of May, 1755, Lieutenant-Colonel John Winslow embarked at Boston with a force of about two thousand men, organized in two battalions. They 4 42 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. were enlisted for the term of one year, unless sooner dis charged, for the special service of dislodging the French from their newly fortified positions along the north side of the Bay of Fundy and upon the isthmus connecting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Among the vessels of the fleet was a sloop called the Victory, and to this was assigned a company belonging to the second battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Scott's, which was largely composed of, and officered by, Lancaster men. A descriptive roster of this company, compiled from the Captain's Orderly Book and the Journal of Colonel John Winslow, follows : Age Occupation Residence Birthplace Abijah Willard, captain [31] Lancaster Lancaster Joshua Willard, lieutenant " Moses Haskell " Caleb Willard, ensign Lunenburg Thomas Beman, sergeant 25 husbandman Lancaster James Houghton " 25 ** <( Edmund Brigham " 30 (I Marlboro' Nathan Stone 21 " Petersham Framingham Jacob Willard, corporal 21 " Lancaster Aaron Taylor " 25 " Lunenburg Littleton Thomas Willard " 23 " Lancaster Nathaniel Foster " 25 " Chelmsford Joel Phelps drummer 21 " Lancaster Joseph Farnsworth " 20 " (( Luke Aldridge 20 laborer Deerfield Aaron Allen 30 (( Petersham Benjamin Atherton 20 " Harvard David Atherton 21 " Lancaster Phineas Atherton 16 " <. Timothy Baker 24 tailor Petersham Littleton Joseph Bayley 30 laborer Lancaster Jonathan Brown 17 ti Stow Roger Bruce 21 Marlboro' Michael Bryant 21 Shrewsbury John Bunn or Bur 20 Petersham William Burt or Burk 28 Groton Joseph Chandler 21 Petersham William Chesnutt 22 Shrewsbury Boston Josiah Chamberlain 25 Groton LANCASTER AND THE ACADIANS. 43 Age Occupation Residence Birthplace Henry Coflin 17 joyner Lunenburg Joseph Collin 24 tanner Worcester Jonathan Creasy 25 laborer Harvard Groton Samuel Davis 20 " Lunenburg Isaac Day 17 cooper Harvard Maiden Peter Day 24 laborer Springfield London Phineas Divol 20 " Lancaster Abel Farnsworth 22 husbandman " John Farnsworth 30 laborer Harvard Lancaster Jeremiah Field 18 " Lancaster Boston John Fitch 21 " Lunenburg David Fling 30 tailor Marlboro' Ireland Joseph Foster 22 cordwainer Lunenburg Samuel Foster 25 laborer Chelmsford Samuel Gates 26 " Marlboro' Levi Goodenough 19 " " Luxford Gooding 24 (1 Westboro' Peter Gore 21 t< Petersham Watertown Ephraim Goss 22 " Lancaster Nehemiah Gould 21 " Groton Daniel Harper 21 " Harvard Elias Haskell 19 cooper It Thomas Henderson 40 laborer Lancaster Ireland Nehemiah How 21 ,( Groton Samuel How 19 " Marlboro' Andrew Hutchins 25 husbandman Chelmsford Eliakim Hutchins 22 laborer " Enos Hutson 20 (( Petersham Westboro' William Hutson 22 cordwainer Lancaster John Johnson 22 laborer " Samuel Kilham 20 (t Marlboro' Matthias Larkin 30 it Lancaster James Leach 21 It Lunenburg David McCIelhan 18 joyner Worcester Samuel Martin 18 cooper Groton Lunenburg Artemas Maynard 20 laborer Shrewsbury Joseph Metcalf 21 cooper Harvard Daniel Moody 25 laborer Marlboro' Uriah Morse 24 (( Worcester Samuel Neagus 22 tt Petersham Westboro' Jabez Norcross 20 " Lunenburg Joseph Patterson 25 " Groton Ebenezer Phillips 30 (1 Grafton 44 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Age Occupation Residence Birthplace Joseph Pratt 30 laborer Lancaster Joseph Priest 45 " " Nathan Rugg 20 " Marlboro' Lancaster John Russell 35 weaver Shirley Ireland David Saunders 19 laborer Lancaster Groton John Simon 23 " Lunenburg Andrew Spear 21 " " Ireland Robert Spear 45 it it Jacob Stiles 19 housewright Lancaster Lunenburg David Stone 18 laborer Petersham Framingham Hezekiah Stowell 21 " Worcester Watertown Isaac Sullendine 21 " Lancaster Zechariah Tarbel 22 " Lunenburg Groton John Taylor 25 " " Littleton John Turner 22 " Petersham Lunenburg Joseph Turner 20 " " Lunenburg Lemuel Turner 18 " Lancaster Groton Nathaniel Turner 18 (( " Groton William Turner 18 " 4( Lancaster John Warner 20 husbandman " William Warner 20 " Leominster Lancaster Eliphalet Warren 20 laborer Westboro' Barnard Wilde (( Aaron Wilder 20 Lancaster James Willard 18 " Silas Willard 19 Harvard David Wilson 18 Petersham John Wilson 20 Lancaster Jonathan Witherby 20 Lunenburg Levi Woods 20 Lancaster Matthew Wyman 40 " Woburn Uriah Wyman 21 apothecary ti Woburn Robert Zewers 30 labc )rer Worcester Concord David Atherton died the second day of May, on board the sloop, in Boston Harbor ; Sergeant James Houghton died October 21, at Fort Cumberland; William Hudson was killed in the assault made by the enraged Acadians upon Major Frye's detachment, when burning the " mass house" at Peticodiac. Besides the natives of Lancastrian towns above named, these appear in other companies : LANCASTER AND THE ACADIANS. 45 Age Occupation Residence Birthplace Company John Buttrick 39 yeoman Leominster Stow Capt. Jones's Jesse Howe Col. Shirley's Nath'. Johnson 25 " Lancaster Capt. Jones's Jonas Moore 32 Bolton John Rugg 31 South Hadley Lancaster Capt. Stevens's William Warner 18 Leominster " " David Wilde 21 blacksmith 'Nuffield " Capt. Gilbert's The Orderly Book of Captain Abijah Willard, in pos session of Dr. Robert Willard of Boston, contains a journal kept from April 9, 1755, on which day he marched from Lancaster with his company, until January 6, i75g, when it abruptly closes. From this brief record of daily events we ascertain that the Lancaster company actively partici pated in the capture of Fort Beau Sejour, and Willard records that in repelling an attack of the French and Indians upon the camps : We Killed the Chief Indian a Sagamore from the Island of Saint Johns which are known by the name Mickmack, he Liued aboute 5 hours after he was Shott and behaued as bold as any man Could Do till he Died but wanted Rum and Sider which we gaue him till he Died, he was shott throng the Bodey just below his Ribs, he was supposed to be 6 feet and two inches and very Large bon'd but very poor. The captain, with his friends Captain Phineas Stevens and Chaplain Phillips, took an early opportunity to visit two or three of the Acadian villages, and his picture of Evangeline at home adds no graces to the poetic ideal of modern artists ; he writes : I saw a Grate many french women and Garls, their Faces Loock well bnt their feet Loock verey strange with wooden shoes they all wore. The battalion was drawn up to hear prayers at six o'clock every morning, and Chaplain Phillips regularly upon Sunday, "held forth both forenoon and afternoon." Chapter and verse of his texts are faithfully recorded. One day the men were deprived of their usual ration of strong drink, and Winslow's battalion "was in an uproar and cried No Rum till Late in the Evening." Some of 46 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. these too thirsty soldiers condoned their offence the next day by a two hours' ride upon the wooden horse. There ap pear throughout the journal frequent intimations of a hearty dislike between the Massachusetts soldiers and the regu lars. Governor Shirley, in a letter, mentions hearing "that so good an harmony as could be wished did not subsist between the officers of the New England Regiments and those of his Majesty's Regular Troops." Captain Willard evidently thought that by far the largest share of hard and disagreeable fatigue and picket duty was allotted to the Massachusetts men ; and once breaks out petulantly with the complaint that his company were "made cattle on for to Draw barils." Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Monckton, the King's officer at the head of the expedition, appears in Willard's pages in very unfavorable light, as a cold-blooded martinet, caring little for the comfort of his soldiers. With plenty of cattle roaming wild on the meadows about them, the soldiers were forbidden fresh meat. Several were arrested for going out to gather some green peas, a great abundance of which were growing on the marsh, and the journal adds : Their was a grate uprore in the Camp concerning the peese, for it was thought that Coll. Munckton had much Rather the Cattle should Eate the peese, than the soulders that Came from New England or his one troops, which by Credible Information of oure officers. I thought it very hard. Our captain seems, however, to have won the good graces of Monckton, for on August 5 he received the com mand of a party of two hundred and fifty men, and was sent with sealed orders to the head of Minas Bay. A party of regulars under a captain-lieutenant was to join the expe dition at some point in advance, and Captain Willard, knowing that by custom this regular officer, though of inferior rank to himself, would then assume the command over him, refused to accept the position and submit to such indignity. He therefore received written instructions to support his authority, which seeing, the British officer "was LANCASTER AND THE ACADIANS. 47 sumthing Blank to think a New England Capt. should Take Command of a Capt. Lt. of the Regulars, and Eme- diatly he said he was much Fatigue with his Traveling so much and Desired to have the Liberty of Coming on to Cobequid ;' Willard declined to relieve him. The impudent claim of the Englishmen that the royal commission entitled them to precedence above every Pro vincial of the same grade, whatever his term of service in that rank, was so constant a source of bitterness and strife, that Pitt was compelled, in the interest of the public service, to promise redress of the wrong before the organization of Abercrombie's army could be effected in 1758. Captain Willard's march along the shore of Minas Bay came near ending in a tragedy, which would have carried mourning into many a home in Lancaster. He had been traversing the beach, the banks of which were precipitous and nearly one hundred feet in height, when the increased roaring of the tide attracted attention, and a Frenchman warned them that their lives depended upon swift retreat. The journal continues : I ordered the party to Return back as fast as they Could ; the men being frighted Traveled as fast as possible. We was obliege to Travell 2 miles before we could escape the tide and before we Got to the upland where we could Gett up the Banks was obliege to waid in the Rear up to their midles and Just escape being washed away and when come to this case sum of the men very much fatigued and att this plase by the best ob servation the tides rise 80 foot. When the expedition reached Tatmagouche, Captain Willard, according to instructions, opened his secret orders, and he records them as — "suprising to me for my orders was to burn all the houses that I found on the Road to the Bay of Verts." The captain made suitable disposition of forces, and began to carry out his disagreeable duty. All the in habitants of the district were summoned to assemble, and when collected and surrounded by the soldiers he went among them : 48 ANNALS Of LANCASffiR. * * * and told them that they must Go with me to fort Cumberland and Burn all their Buildings which made them Look very sober and De jected, one of the french askt me for what Reason for he said he Never had Taken up arms against the English sence they had the fight at menas, and sence swore by the bible that he Never would, before Maj'' Philips of anop- ills : and he was Ready to swear now and all the Rest mad the same Reply ; after this I told them they was Rebbelios, the frenchman askt me In what, I answered him In harbouring the Indians from Saint John's Island to go to the English Settlements in New England and Novlscotia and find them proviiions and ammonition which they answered nie and said they was oblige to or the Indians would kill them. I told them if they had been true they might of ben protected by the English and I told them they might Gary their familys with them if they thought best; and upon that they ast me for to have the Liberty to go with their familys to the Island of Saint Johns but soon answered them itt Did not Lie in rny power to Do itt, and they askt me Liberty for 2 hours to Consult wether they thought Best to Cary their familys. I Granted them the Liberty and after they had Consulted with each other they sent for me and they made this Reply that they had chose to Leave their familys, which I Readyly Granted for I Did not want the Trouble of the women and children. * * * this afternoon I ordered the whole to be Drawed up in a Bodey and bid the french men march of and sott fire to their Buildings and Left the women and children to Tack Care of themselues with grate Lamentation which I rnust Confess itt seemed to be snnithing shoking. And thus the pillage and destruction, the wailing of women widowed and children made fatherless went on from hamlet to hamlet, and when the torch had desolated the district assigned to him, Captain Willard marched back to Fort Cumberland and reported to Colonel Monck ton. That magnate seemed much pleased with his con duct, and invited him to supper in his tent. That this service was not only inglorious and ungrateful to the brave, but attended with much hardship, is attested by the follow ing documents from Massachusetts Archives, lv, 62 and 63. They are in the handwriting of Secretary Josiah Willard : Sir: I have received your Letter giving me an acct. of the Hardships your poor Soldiers are exposed to. I sincerely Compassionate their un happy case & I pray God to find out some Way for their Relief. The Governor is not expected here till the month of Decemb''. When he arrives I shall endeavour to mention the affair to him. In the mean time, LANCASTER AND TH£ ACADIANS. 49 I have written a Letter to Major General Winslow which I have left open, Leaving it with you to deliver it or not as you shall judge best, first seal ing it before you deliver it. The Council being informed that I had a Letter from you upon the subject of these Hardships of the Soldiers desired me to communicate it to them, which I did. What they will do upon it I know not. October 31, 1755. To Abijah Willard. Boston, Oct. 31, 1755 Sir: I have lately reC^ a Letter from my Kinsman Cpt. Abijah Willard expressing his tender concern for his soldiers who are exposed to ly in Tents in this cold season now coming on and their cloath now worn out. I would fain use any Interest 1 could make that may contribute to the Relief of these and other the Provincial soldiers in Nova Scotia in the like circumstances, but I am a perfect stranger both to Governor Law rence & Coll. Monkton. But the acquaintance I have of you& my knowl edge of your compassionate spirit, especially towards the soldiers under your command in like circumstances, urges me to write to you on this occasion (not from any Distrust I have of your care in these matters, but possibly as your Distance from the Place where this Company is quartered may keep you in some Ignorance of the Difficulties these poor men labour under) to desire you would interpose your best offices for their Relief. It seems that these men can be of little service in act of Duty required of them while they are so destitute of the necessary Comforts & Refresh ments of Life. You will excuse this Freedom. With my earnest desires of the gracious Presence of God with you & particularly to prosper your enterprises for the Good of your nation & Country I am. Sir, Your very humble servt, Josiah Willard. The Lancaster soldiers, ill clad, often inefficiently pro visioned, and suffering much from the rigors of the climate, spent the dreary Canadian winter in barracks at Fort Cum berland. In April, 1756, they were allowed to return to their homes. As we have seen, this was not Captain Wil lard's first experience of Nova Scotia, nor was it to be his last. Little more than twenty years passed from the time when he assisted in forcing the broken-hearted Acadian farmers into exile, and again he sailed for Nova Scotia, himself a fugitive, proscribed as a Tory, his ample estate confiscated and his name a reproach among his life-long neighbors. As thousands of French Neutrals, from Geor gia to Massachusetts Bay, sighed away their lives with 50 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. grieving for their lost Acadia, so we know Abijah Willard, so long as he lived, looked westward with yearning heart toward that elm-shaded home so familiar to all Lancas trians. On the coast of the Bay of Fundy, about ten miles west of St. John, is a locality yet called Lancaster. Col onel Abijah Willard gave it the name. It was his retreat in exile, and there he died in 1789. Of the thousand Acadians apportioned to the Province of Massachusetts, the committee appointed by General Court for the duty of distributing them among the several towns, sent three families, including twenty persons, to Lancaster. These were : Benoni Melanson, his wife Mary, and children Mary, Joseph, Simeon, John, Bezaleel, Carre, and another daughter not named; Geoffrey Benway, Abi gail his wife, and children John, Peter, Joseph, and Mary; Theal Forre, his wife Abigail, and children Mary, Abigail and Margaret. The Forre family were soon transferred to Harvard. These exiles arrived in Febru-ary, 1756, and the accounts of the town's selectmen for their support were reg ularly rendered until February, 1761. They were destitute, sickly, and apparently utterly unable to support themselves, and were billeted now here, now there, among the farmers, at a fixed price of two shillings and eightpence each per week for their board. Sometimes a house was hired for them, and, in addition to rent paid, we find in the select men's charges such items as these : {, s d gr To cash pd for an Interpreter and paper, 3 4 To what Nessecareys we found them, 1080 To 472 weight of Befe cost, 3321 To Corn that they have had & yoused, with Sauss, lo 8 To one Bushel of Salt & Salting the Befe, 5 6 to one washing tub, 2 earthen pots & pail, 4 o to wood for the winter season for the year 1757, 168 Direct evidence to the helpless condition of the two fam ilies of French Neutrals in Lancaster is given in a letter from the selectmen, dated January 24, 1757, found in Mas sachusetts Archives, xxiii, 330 : LANCASTER AND THE ACADIANS. 51 and here Foloweth an account of the curcumstances, age and sexes of those people, thare Is to famles Consisting of fifteen In Number, the whole to witt. Benoni Melanso with his wife of about fourty four or five years of age, and they have seven children thre Boyes and four Girlls, the Eldest Girl about 17 years old. the boye Next about 15 years old. Sickly. Can Do Nothing, ye Next Boy 12 years old. ye Next boy 10 years old, and ye four Girlls all under them Down to two years old, and the woman almost a Criple The Name of the others is Jefray & his wife. he almost an Idiot and aboute 46 years old they have four chil dren 3 Boyes & one Girll. ye Eldest Boye 10 yeares old & ye Rest Down to two years old. W" Richardson j Selectmen John Carter > of Joshua Fairbank J Lancaster Shortl}' after the date of the above, these unhappy peo ple suddenly disappeared from their habitation. Reckless with homesickness, they had stolen away and made a bold push for the sea, in the vain hope that on it they might float back to the Basin of Minas. This was in the depth of winter, February, 1757. They reached the coast at Weymouth, where they soon encountered the questioning of local authority, and to excuse their intrusion Melanson made complaint against his Lancaster guardians. The his tory of the case is in Massachusetts Archives, xxiii, 356 : The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Benoni Melanzon in behalf of himself and sundrie other French People, Having met and heard the Petition and one of the Selectmen of Lancaster, relating to the several matters therein Complained of and also have heard the Representa tive of Weymouth where the French People mentioned in si'. John Osburn Esq'-. &^ the Rest of Honri'' Comtnittee of Warr. Gendemen, this Is to Inform you that I am Just Returned from the westward from purchising Cattle & to Let you Now that I have secured aboute seventey two or thre & I had the fortune to be first In the affair for as I came Back out of hadley I met Coll" Murey a going In. I have with a great Deel of Trouble got Good Cattle but thay at the first asked me twentey pence pr pound those having Given eighteen pence for ye Goven- er's servis & paid thre pounds pr weke for caping till thay went, but fineley I purchised for eighteen pence & some for sixteen & thay must goe the 13* or 14* of April which time I shall set out, thay Not being able 'to Cape them Longer. I shall be at Boston the 5"' Day of April to wait upon your Honr= for aboute 250 pounds more. I being obliged to promis ye owners of ye Cattle to pay the Rest when I tak away ye Cattle. No more present. Begg Leve to subscribe my selef your Honours friend & most Humble ser'. W" Richard.son. P. S. Cattle are Very carse & I believe Coll Murey wont be able to get above 100 for the Province if he Dos y' that are good. [Massachusetts Archives, LV, 162 J To the Honrii^ John Osburn Esq'' 6-' the Rest of y Honri'i' Committee of Warr. Gentlemen. This is to Inform you that my son withe the Rest of the people Returned from Albany ye 28"' of April with a Recepte for 68 Cat tle one of the fatest tired at Shefield but Mr. Ashley one of the Commis sioners said he would take Care and Get him up after he had Rested, but it is Verey Surprising to me that men equal to such a trust as is Reposed In them should send me a Recept for 68 Catde part for Befe & part for working, it Is true there was as I told your Honours aboute 12 or 14 that I told you was Not so fat as the Rest, but not one but what was Handsom befe. but we was unfortunate as to set oute them 3 first Days which Tok their stumock of from eating & my son telles me they eate Verey Little all ye way to Albaney, which Caused them to Look Verey thin which mis fortune I conid not help, but the Rest of the Cattle was the Best that Could be got In the Countrey & was fatt Cattle & some of the Best Sort, how ever I Take it that Mr Livermore & Mr Foye that was the Commissioners that ware at Albaney either would not make a Resonable alowance for the Cattle being Drove so farr or modestly speking they had not Judgment so to Do, but however thay may Right I am sure In this that I have Done all the Justice that I am capable of. My people telles me that thay were De tained two Days at Albaney thay promising to send a Gard to the hafe moon, but fineley sent none & sent for ouer people to bring the Cattle over the River which thay Did the Cost of which with ye two Days Expences amounted to upwards of thirteen pounds the Gentlemen I understand was SECOND CROWN POINT EXPEDITION. 55 so busey aboute their tea Dishes and other Delights of Life, thay could not attend & This Gentleman from your frend & Humble ser'. Wm Richardson Lancaster, April y'^ 30"', 1756. [Massachusetts Archives, LV, 202.] Stillwater, May 25, 1756 We A rived hear yesturday about the middle of the Afternoon and find timber Redy hewed to build the Greatest part of the fourt and store house and bords for all and find a Good place to build on whare the River that Runs from the Saw-mill Coms to the Great River ; the things which you sent me a List of are Come, thare is no Great pot nor pail nor Large brass kettle nor tents which the other Committee men have, which things we cannot well do without, for we have nothing to fetch water in nor to wash in, nor any Gun tent which we much need, 3 or 4 bags of buUits we want. I hope we shall Go to build your Station in about 3 days, we have about 300 men with us and we shall want about 200 more for part must be Im- ployed in bringing the stores hear. Your most obedient Servant Hezekiah Gates N. B. pray sir send the tin Kettles for Cap Ballard's Company if they are come. I hope sir you will find it out for I was obliged to wright upon my Knee.Superscribed : Colin John Chote at Albany. [Massachusetts Archives, LV, 272.J Upper falls, June 14, 1756 We are Generaly well hear. I have Received about 1000 bis of stores and sent to fourt Edward above 800 bis of stores, the cheaf Commander of fourt Edward is a man of Government. I do not think he Incorigeth our people to Go in the battoes from this fourt we man but 10 battoes and 6 or 7 from the fourt the commanding offisser thare sends word to us our people had best Lodge thare thay have once don it and ware obliged some to Gard the Rest to Ly under the battoes and if they are obliged to Lodge thare I cannot Git aney to Go in the battoes and if so the stores will be much stopped hear, but Cap Nelsons is this day Gone up to the fourt to see what he can do. I had the affair in so Good a way before this hap pened the stores went as fast as thay came, above 130 bis, in one day and was Increasing- pray sur send me money to pay the battoe men as soon as may be, for I shall pay them all the money I have of my own now to Incorrage them for they say the premisses made to them Last year was not fulfiled and It will be so this, bullits we have none the bl of powder we have is cannon powder, pray send Bullits and pistol powder. Sur I desire you will send me some cider, sugar, and chocolat. We have none to speak of. Cap Whipple is Gone to fourt Edward to Receve the Stores with Sum of his men, pray send Cap Houghton's men as soon as may be for we have 30 in battoes, 40 In the Gaurds to fort Edward out of about 56 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 115 men, the duty is hard : to onlode the stores and store them and deliver them to the battoes, 4 or 5 of Leut Hunts men do It. but they are worn out, thayer fingers blead and sore with handling Barrels, and desire to Go in the battoes. pray sir if you Intend to forward the business hear, send Cap. Houghton's men and money to pay the battoe men with. I am your most obedient Servant Hezekiah Gates. Superscribed: Coll John Whitcomb . At the Half Moon. [Massachusetts Archives, LV. 326.] Hunt's and Houghton's men, referred to in this letter, were of Lancaster, Bolton and adjoining towns. From the headquarters of General Winslow, at Half Moon, a road ran beside the Hudson to Stillwater. Thence stores were con veyed by water to Saratoga, where they were again loaded upon wagons and carried to Upper Falls to be transported by batteaux to Fort Edward, an irregular fortification built of hewn timber, on the east bank of the Hudson, about fifty miles above Albany. Fort William Henry was sup plied from Fort Edward over a wagon-road of fourteen miles' length. The next month Gates is farther north upon the river : Fort Miller July 22, 1756 After my humble duty to your Honour, I would Inform your Honour that I have taken the names of 36 men by their Consent to serve in the Battoes but several of them are gone already from me. Capt. George Harmer has ordered his men to Lave the Battaux Service. Capt. Andrew Fuller's men are gone from me, the officers Discourageing them by Calling them Cowards and Otherways. Peter Graves Charles Boyles with others are gone from me. Sr. I wait your Orders and Directions in these affairs for If the Battaux are Stopt for want of men to go in them the Expedition will be hindred for here is a Quantity of Warr like Stores already and Other Stores daily Coming here. No Doubt In your great Wisdom you will direct In the Best manner In these affairs. Your most humble and Obedient Servant. Hezekiah Gates. To General Winslow. [Winslow Papers, II, 92.] The Lancaster soldiers of 1756 were mostly in the reg iment of Colonel Jonathan Bagley, and the company of Captain Benjamin Ballard, the roll of which, containing fifty names, is in Massachusetts Archives, xcv, 17 and 18 : SECOND CROWN POINT EXPEDITION. 57 Benjamin Ballard, captain, Henry Bridgeman, Joseph Priest, Sherebiah Hunt, lieutenant, Josiah Divol, Samuel Ross, Henry Haskell, sergeant, Andrew Goodfry(rf/^d?), David Thurston, James Crosfield, corporal, Benjamin Houghton, Gardner Wilder John Manning " Joseph Houghton, Elijah Woods, Samuel Ballard, clerk, Abner Haskell, Samuel Woods, Elijah Beeman, Jeremiah Dickenson, {died). Captain Timothy Houghton, also in Colonel Bagley's command, led a company largely recruited by his lieuten ants from Waltham and Newton. The following were of Bolton : Captain Timothy Houghton, Zachariah Glazier, Josiah Priest, John Whitcomb, sergeant, Marmaduke Jos. Hamilton, Jonas Wilder " Robert Longley, Richard Townsend, Abraham Bruce, Francis McFadden, Levi Whitcomb, James Carruth, Samuel Nichols, Silas Whitcomb. [Massachusetts Archives, XCIV, 382.] Hezekiah Gates of Lancaster was mustered with this company, but detached as assistant quartermaster by the war committee of the commonwealth, as heretofore stated. In Captain Thomas Hartwell's (Litdeton) company of the same regiment were these men of Harvard : Benjamin Bridge, lieutenant, Abijah Coles, Uriah Holt. Justinian Holden, clerk, Isaac Day, Benjamin Hutchins, Gershom Hale, [Massachusetts Archives, XCV, 50-51.] In the company of Captain James Reed of Lunenburg, attached to Colonel Timothy Ruggles's regiment, were the following of Leominster : David Johnson, lieutenant, Peter Houghton, William Warner, Jonathan Houghton, Philip Sweetser, Phineas Wheelock, Jonathan White. William Barron of Lancaster, enlisted in this company, was appointed adjutant of the regiment in September. [Massachusetts Archives, xciv, 354 ; xcv, 131-2.] To tM Hon Spencer Phips Esq Leut Govern" and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England. In Obedience to his Excellencey's Command to me Directed on the 5 $8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. I5"» of April Inst, to Coll my Company^ together on the 221^ Instant & agreable thereto I did & ther enlisted & Impressed as follows : Inlisted, Josiah Divoll Impressd, Abel Davis iV he hired Henry Bridgman William Barron Sam". Ross Joseph Hartwell Will". Warner Tho« Smith, Jun. Manahsah Littel John Littel he hired Benj". Hutchins John Brown Benj". Willson, Jun. John Munroe I subscribe myself your Zach"". Parker, Jun. Most obedient Hb'**. Servant Jon". Holdin Oliver Wilder Zachi^. Farnsworth Lancaster, April 23"i, 1756. [Massachusetts .'\rchives, xcil, 157.] William Larkin and Gilbert Canady served in Colonel Richard Gridley's regiment of artillery at Fort William Henry ; Josiah Holt, Joseph Ballard, Darius Hudson, Na thaniel Hudson and William Richardson, Jr., were also in the service. In the Boston Weekly News Letter for Thurs day, April 22, 1756, Benjamin Ballard of Lancaster pub lished an advertisement, offering twelve dollars reward for the return of a lost "Buckskin Purse, containing the fol lowing Pieces of Gold, viz: 13 Pieces of i8£ each, 12 Pieces of i3£ io% and one Piece of 36£, Old Tenor." A subsequent petition of Captain Ballard's is given below : To His Honour Spencer Phips * * * * May 5, 1756. The Humble Memorial of Benjamin Ballard of Lancaster in Worcester County Sheweth that in March last having obtained a Captaincy in the Troops raised to go against Crown Point he took out of the Treasury of the Province about one hundred & forty pounds Lawful money, but as it was mostly in gold, he coud not pay the men who Inlisted without chang ing the same into silver and on ye ninth of April last going towards No. 2 he unfortunately lost out of his pocket fifty seven pounds & i2» part of the sum first mentioned as he was going to get it changed & he has never found it or any part of it again and unless he is relieved by your Hon'' & Hon'", th° about forty of his Company are gone forward & the rest are all ready, he cannot proceed in the Expedition as he proposed — therefore he humbly prays that the Treasurer may be ordred (upon your memo*' giving good security) to advance to him that sum out of the Treasury : and to stop so much hereafter out of what shall be due to your memorialist & his SECOND CROWN POINT EXPEDITION. 59 Company, or that he iiiay be otherwise Relieved by your wisdom & good ness, & as in duty bound shall pray- Benjn. Ballard. [Massachusetts Archives, LX.W, 543.] While Loudoun and Abercrombie debated and dallied, vigilant Montcalm dared, and the close of the year 1756 saw the churches of Montreal and Qiiebec decorated with British colors captured at Oswego. The two mucii vaunted expeditions against Crown Point, in the preparations for which New England had enthusiastically taxed all her re sources, had never moved from the base of supplies. With the 3-ear 1757 a new plan of operations was resolved upon, Louisbourg being made the single point of attack. But Loudoun proved more earnest in asserting the royal pre rogative in the colonial councils than in "seeking the bubble reputation in the cannon's mouth,'" and his masterly inac tivity again gave Montcalm his opportunity. Nothing was won in the East, and Fort Williain Henry was lost in the West. Scant record is found of our townsmen during the year's campaigning. Colonel Joseph Frye marched from Fort Edward, August 2, with his regiment of Massachu setts men and two hundred British troops, to succor Fort William Henry, then besieged by Montcalm with an over whelming force of French and Indians. On the surrender of that fort, August 9, a massacre ensued, from which Col onel Frye and most of his men escaped with the loss of everything but life. How many and what soldiers of Lan caster shared the horrors of that day will never be known, but Captain Hartwell of Lunenburg, Captain Arbuthnot of Marlborough and Captain Bailey served in the regi ment, each leading from his neighborhood a company of one hundred men. To his Excelency Thomas Pjwnal humbly sheweth Phineas Atherton of Lancaster in the County of Worcester that your Petitioner was a soldier in Captain Hartwell's Company in Col°. Fry's Regiment in the public service A. D. 1757 and that whilst he was in that service he was taken sick of the small Pox at Albaney by means of which he was put to the expence of six pounds twelve shillings York currency for nursing and 6o ANNALS OF LANCASTER. other necessarys, & your Petitioner therefore prays he may be reimbursed that sum or that such other relief may be granted to him as to your Hon ours shall seem good and your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray. Phineas Atherton. [Massachusetts Archives, LXXVIII, 8i.] A similar petition of Caleb Willard is in Massachusetts Archives, lxxvii, 596. In the regiment of Colonel Israel Williams, during 1757, served the folio \ving : Benjamin Harris, aet. 24 Abel Wilder, aet. 21 Samuel Rugg, aet. 59 Silvanus Harris '' 18 Moses Chandler" 25 Tho". White " 17 Elijah Prouty " 17 John Wilder "44 George Wheeler " 17 At the general alarm consequent upon the expectation that Montcalm, flushed with his victory at Fort William Henry, would make a bold push for Albany, the fourth part of the militia of Massachusetts were hurried towards that point with all possible speed. Captains Israel Taylor and Samuel Haskell of Harvard, Thomas Wilder of Leom- ster, John Carter and Nathaniel Sawyer of Lancaster, marched with from fifty to sixty men each as far as Spring field, whence, Montcalm having retreated to Canada with the rich spoils of easily bought success, they were recalled. The rosters of their companies follow. A few of the sol diers doubtless were not inhabitants of the town with whose company they served, but it is found impossible accurately to designate them : .4. Muster Roll of a Foot Cotnpany Commanded by Nathaniel Sawyer of Lancaster, Detached out of Coll" Oliver Wilder^s Regim*. that Marchd on the late Alarm for the Relief of Fort William Henry, as far as Springfield. Capt. Nath^. Sawyer Moses Sawyer Russel Knight Lieut. John White Josiah Divoll Joshua Johnson Ensign Reuben Rugg Joshua Fletcher John Stewart Sergt. Joseph White Lemuel Houghton Will". Dunsmore " Amos Rugg Peter Larkin Ezekiel Kendall " W". Richardson, Jr. Josiah Fairbank David Willard " Gershom Flagg Moses Baily Jon". Buss Corp. Eph™. Willard Cyrus Fairbank Sam^. Houghton " Josiah Sawyer Sam". Ballard Solomon Houghton SECOND CROWN POINT EXPEDITION. 6l Corp. Jacob Smith " Tho». Kendall Private Jona. Kendall Josiah Locke Will™. Kendall Aaron Tufts Elijah Osgood Moses Wilder Nahum Houghton John McBride Jacob Bennet Elijah Beman Matthew Wyman Benj". Houghton Jeremiah Haskell Joseph Woods Will™. Willard Jon". Whitney Nath". Hastings, Jr. Joshua Baily Jona. Osgood, Jun'. Sam". Snow Sam". Prentice Daniel Rugg Edward Robbins [Massachusetts Archives, xcv, 497.] A Muster Roll of a Mounted Company Commanded by John Carter of Lancaster, Detached out of Collo Oliver Wilders Rigement that Marchd in the late alarm for the Fort Williatn Henry as far as Springfield. Capt. John Carter Lieut. Hezekiah Gates Cornet Jon". Wilder Quar. Mr. Nath^ Longley Chaplin Moses Hemingway Corp". Manasah Divoll " Abiathar Houghton " Gabriel Priest " Abijah Wyman Trumpeter Simon Butler " Abijah Houghton Jonas Whitcomb Phineas Sawyer Ephraim Fairbank Daniel Priest Thomas Beckford James Carter Hezekiah Gibbs Elijah Woods Eleazar Whitcomb Josiah Carter Sherebiah Hunt Oliver Pollard Hooker Osgood, Jr. Joseph Heidrick Eph". Wilder, Jun. Paul Sawyer Sam" Thurston John Moor, Jun. Levi Woods Stephen Greenleaf Daniel Robbins Ezekiel Snow [Massachusetts Archives, xcvi, 181.] Nathan Burpee Jacob Stiles Joseph Houghton Hezekiah Whetcomb James Townsend Thos. May Nath". Houghton Edward Houghton James May David Osgood, Jr. Benj". Hastings Asa Whitcomb James Ross Joel Houghton Elijah Houghton Jon". Robbins A Muster Roll of a Foot Company Commanded by Thomas Wilder of Leominster Capt. Thomas Wilder Lieut. Samuel Nurse Ensign Josiah Bayley Sergt. Nathaniel Page " Caleb Sawyer " Oliver Hale Nathan Bennett Corporal William Wilder " Nathaniel Hastings James Ballard Gardner Wilder Philip Vorbach Silas Bayley Jacob Houghton Obadiah Gill Samuel Moore Henry Sartel Jonas Fife Joseph Davis Reuben Wyman Jacob Gould Aaron Taylor Jonathan Page, Jr. Ephraim Osburn Timothy Fox Seth Dodge John Leach 62 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Corporal Phineas Wheelock John Pollard Benjamin Whitcomb Jonathan White James Simonds Rufus Houghton Amos Kendall Kendall Boutell Joseph Polley Nathaniel Colburn Luke Richardson Asa Johnson Oliver Wyman Abijah Pratt Zebulon Dodge James Snow Jonathan Wood Matthew Knight Silas Dutton Sarnuel Bruce Jonathan Holt Wil iani Pollard Asa Sartell James McBride William Kimball Jabez Bears Reuben Smith Elijah Wilson John Syrnonds Jonathan Holman Amos Hazeltine John Pyper William Steward John Grout Samuel Hodgkin Jonathan Messard David Peirce Jonathan Page [Massachusetts Archives, XCVI, 4 and 535.] Captain Wilder's lieutenant and many of his men were residents of Bolton, but as the residences are not recorded in the roll, it is not always possible to locate the soldier. A Muster Roll of a Foot Company Com?nanded by Israel Taylor oj Harvard Capt. Israel Taylor Lieut. Daniel Whitney Ensign Phineas F.iirbank Sergt. Oliver Stone " Silas Wetherby " David Jeweht " Joseph Wetherby Corporal Zebulon Peirce " Isaac Stone " Abel Farnsworth " William Sanderson Joseph Eveleth Elias Stone Abijah Cole Gordon Hutchins Williain Burt Benjamin Barnard Joseph Houghton Jonathan Sampson John Houghton Amos Fairbank Hezekiah Whitney Abel Davis Nathaniel Gates Samuel Mead Sainuel Mead, Jr. Richard Whitney Josiah Whitney Nathan Warner William Farmer Micah Stone Abraham Willard John Atherton Deliverance Davis William Withington Ainos Ray Thomas Osburn Elisha Gates, Jr. Pnineas Taylor Jeremiah Whitney Saniuel Farr John Davidson Daniel Rand Jabez Brown John Whitaker Jonathan Conant Daniel Allen Jonas Brown William Jewelb Asa Willard [Massachusetts Archives, XCV, 489.] A Muster Roll of a Cotnpany of Troopers cotnmanded by Saitiuel Has kell of Harvard .... Capt. Samuel Haskell Isaac Gates Charles Willard Lieut. Samuel Tuttle Samuel Finney Josiah Priest, Jr. CONQUEST OF CANADA. 63 Cornet Samuel Fellows Quartermaster Jon". Reed Corp. Benjamin Hale " Jeremiah Laughton " Jonathan Wheeler Barnabas Davis, Jr. Jonas Peirce Stephen Tuttle Aaron Rand Simon Blanchard Moses Whitney Nathaniel Holman Oliver Tenney Phineas Willard, Jr. John Meriam Ezekiel Haskell John Cobleigh Aaron Davis Thornas Wright, Jr. Judah Clark John Sawyer Caleb Sawyer William Houghton Daniel Houghton Robert Whitcomb Nathaniel Houghton Peter Fox Peter Willard Thomas Houghton James Crosfield [Massachusetts Archives, XCV, 533.] III. THE CONQUEST OF CANADA. 1758-1763. The return of William Pitt to power, practically as dic tator, took place in June, 1757. The sagacity and vigor of his war policy were quickly felt wherever England had an enemy. He repaid to the colonies the expenditures incurred by them in the contest with the French, and prom ised them protection from the official rapacity and arrogance under which they had long suffered, thus inspiring them with new confidence. The ever unready Loudoun disap peared from American shores, and Major-General Jeffrey Amherst succeeded to the chief command. He too was cautious to excess, but thoroughly reliable, and associated with him was the impetuous Brigadier, James Wolfe. The military imbecile, Abercrombie, was unfortunately retained, but, to atone for this chief's lethargy, the king's cousin, "the Bayard of the British army," Lord George Augustus Howe, was joined with him in command, and the inspiration of his chivalric energy soon pervaded the conduct of the cam paign. The days of sloth and inactivity appeared to be at an end. England furnished over twenty thousand of her best troops, and the colonies strained their every resource, resolved to close the long contest by a vigorous onslaught along the whole line of debatable territory. At the north, Louisbourg fell under the daring and skilfully directed as- 64 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. saults of the British naval and land forces. At the south, Washington, under General John Forbes, planted the Brit ish colors over the fortress of Duquesne. The central column, under Abercrombie, to which had been allotted the capture of Ticonderoga, met with the wonted ill fortune of its commander, owing to his disgrace ful mismanaeement. With this column were the Massa- chusetts men, seven thousand in number. The expedition, consisting of twenty-four regiments, and numbering over fifteen thousand men, started out July 5, in batteaux, down Lake George, and, landing at a point near its outlet, the next day began the march towards the French fort in two divisions, upon both sides of the stream. An advanced detachment of the enemy was encountered in the dense woods, and a brisk engagement ensued, lasting less than an hour, which resulted in the rout and capture of the French ; but the victory was bought at a fearful price, with the loss of the dearly beloved Lord Howe, who was killed while pressing forward in the van of the right division. The diary of the Reverend John Cleaveland informs us that Colonel Jonathan Bagley's Massachusetts regiment made the charge upon the right, and Dr. Caleb Rea, sur geon of that regiment, records that "Colonel Bagley be haved extremely well in battle." Abercrombie seems to have lost, after Lord Howe's fall, whatever judgment he possessed, and timidly fell back to ponder over the situation. Advancing again on the morn ing of July 8, he drew up his forces, four-fold those of Montcalm, before the outworks of the fortress, which was protected by water and impassable swamps on all sides but one. Hitherto alwaj's dilatory, he now became foolhardy. Following the advice of a rash staft-officer, without await ing his artillery and in contempt of the urgent remonstrance of experienced provincial leaders — among whom was Stark — he at once ordered an assault by columns upon intrenchments bristling with formidable abatis. Four hours CONQUEST OF CANADA. 65 of desperate and useless fighting followed. About two thousand brave men were sacrificed, and the next day the dazed " Mrs. Nabby Crombie " was leading an ignominious retreat from a force vastly inferior to his own, to resume his normal occupation — planning fortifications. Again the colonies saw themselves hampered rather than helped by the royal officers. Again their enthusiasm and sacrifice had been brought to naught by official dawdling and stu pidity. Remembering Louisbourg, the veteran provincial leaders might well regret that they had not been left un aided by the king's troops in their contest with Canada. In the regiment of Colonel Bagley, John Whitcomb was lieutenant-colonel and his brother led a company of ninety- eight, thirty-six of whom were credited to Lancaster, twenty-six to Bolton, and thirteen to Shrewsbury. Several of these last resided in a precinct then, in part, Lancaster territory, and the roll will therefore be given in full. The service was from March to December, 1758 : Muster Roll of a Cottipatty of Capt. Asa Whitcottib in a Regiment raised by the Province of the Massachusetts Bay for the Reductioti of Canada, whereof Jotiathan Bagley, Esq., is Colonel. Asa Whitcomb, Esq., f^/;., Lancaster David Goodman, Shrewsbury Benj". Hastings, lieut., Bolton Jonathan Goodnow, " Francis Temple, " Shrewsbury Job Harris, Holden Zachariah Longley, ensign, Groton John Houghton, Bolton Stephen Greenleaf, sergt., Bolton Nathan Harrington, Shirley Jacob Smith, sergt., Lancaster, (died) Jotham Houghton, Bolton Abner Cranson, " Marlborough Ezekiel Hutson, Shrewsbury Abner Osgood, " Lancaster Joseph Hale, Bolton Artemas Maynard, corp., Shrewsbury Nathaniel Hastings, Lancaster Micah Harthan, " Lancaster Darius Hutson, Shrewsbury John Wheeler, " Bolton Daniel Johnson, Lancaster Timothy Hale, " Littleton John Ingoldsby, Shrewsbury Josiah Priest, druttitner, Bolton Joshua Johnson, Lancaster Benjamin Atherton, Lancaster Phillip Jeno, " {died) Micah Briant, Shrewsbury Joseph Keyes, Bolton Thomas Bennett, Shirley Eli Keyes, Jr., Shrewsbury John Brooks, Lancaster Mathias Larkin, Bolton Benj. Bruce, Bolton W". Larkin, Lancaster Ephraim Browne, Bolton Edmund Larkin, " 66 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Asaph Butler, Lancaster Shubael Baily, Jr., Lancaster Will". Brabrook, Lancaster, {missing) Isaac Brooks, Bolton Abraham Bruce, " Jabez Bears, " John Baily, Lancaster Jabez Bigelow, No. 2 Joseph Bigsby, Lancaster Will"". Barrack, Shrewsbury Eben Bigelow, Lancaster, {died) Sam'. Bigsby, Shrewsbury John Browne, Marlborough Benoni Biglow, Bolton Abraham Barnes, Marlborough Jedediah Cooper, Lancaster James Carruth, Bolton Oliver Dresser, Lancaster Oliver Dinsmore, " Nathan Eager, " Joseph Eveleth, Stow Robert Fletcher, Lancaster Phineas Goodale, " John Gourden, Stow Daniel Goss, Shrewsbury Jonathan Geary, Lancaster, {died) Ephraim Goss, " Joseph Goodale, Marlborough David Goodale, Bolton James Goodnow, Shrewsbury [Massachusetts Archives, xcvi, 102, 478-8 W". Longley, Shirley Joseph Longley, " Francis McFadden, Bolton John McBride, Lancaster Abner Marble, Stow Amos Meriam, Bolton Joseph Pratt, " Amos Ray, Marlborough Richard Roberts, Bolton W". Simons, Jun., Shirley Moses Sawyer, Lancaster Nathan Smith, Shirley William Sawyer, Bolton Ezekiel Snow, Lancaster Jacob Smith, Shrewsbury James Squireen, Lancaster Aholiab Sawyer, Bolton John Sampson, Lancaster Jonathan Taille, Groton Benj". Townsend, Bolton Aaron Tufts, Lancaster David Thurston, " Jonathan Townsend, Lancaster Asa Taylor, No. 2 John Whitney, Shirley Phineas Wilder, Lancaster Josiah Woods, Bolton Silas Warner, Lancaster Levi Whetcomb, Bolton Elijah Woods, Lancaster Jedediah Woods, " I.] In the company of Captain Salmon Whitney of the same regiment were these Lancaster soldiers : William Farmer, John Larkin, {died) Of Harvard were these : Lieut. Judah Clark, Sergt. Abraham Willard, Sergt. Jonathan Whitney, Corp. Samuel Mead, John Burt, David Brown, Jonas Davis, Josiah Davis, Samuel Fellows, Stephen Gates, James Haskell, Solomon Haskell, Joseph Woods. Asahel Nickerson, Jonathan Parkhurst, John Rugg, David Sampson, David Sanderson, Amos Stone, CONQUEST OF CANADA. 67 John Cole, John Daby Aretus Houghton, Joseph Houghton, Samuel Wetherby, Hezekiah Whitney, .'^sa Willard. [Massachusetts Archives, xcvi, 473.] In the regiment of Colonel Timothy Ruggles, Captain Joseph Whitcomb of Lancaster and Captain James Reed of Lunenburg led companies. Billeting rolls only of these commands have been found, and in them no residences are given. Colonel Ruggles assembled his command at North ampton, started thence June 3, and marched for five days — through what was then a wooded wilderness, absolutely without white inhabitants — to Albany. During the battle of Ticonderoga the regiment was detailed as rear guard at the saw-mills, where it threw up earthworks. Thencefor ward it was engaged in rebuilding and improving the mili tary roads between Saratoga and Albany, until it was marched home in November. Serving under Captain Whitcomb were the following men known to belong to Lancaster : Joseph Beaman, William Brown, John Headley, Levi Kendall, Simon Kendall, {died) There were from Leominster John Beaman, Amos Knight, Jonathan Phillips, James Pratt, Benjamin Priest, Joshua Proutee, Of Harvard were Jonathan Conant, John Davidson, Joshua Pierce, Peter Houghton. William Jewett, John Taylor, Israel Hale. Richard Proutee, George Wheeler, Asa Whitcomb, Joseph Whitcomb, Jr. Henry Wyman. Oliver Wyman, Jonathan Whitney, Thomas White. In Captain Reed's command were Lancaster men ; Phineas Bailey, Benjamin Hinds, Simeon Johnson, William Kendall, Of Leominster were : Timothy Boutell, Elias Carter, John Grout, Nathaniel Page, Josiah Locke, Tilley Wilder. John Simonds, Abel Wheelock. 68 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Of Harvard were : John Conn, Phineas Farnsworth, Isaac Stone, Jonathan Creasy, Ephraim Robbins, Jonathan White, Joseph Davis, Samuel Sanderson. Of Bolton were : Hezekiah Gibbs, Joseph Hazletine, Joseph Snow, Jacob Gould. [Massachusetts Archives, xcvi, 137-8.] In various other rolls proof is found that the following men from Lancaster served during 1758 : Joseph Bailey, John McCarty, Joseph Stewart, Samuel Ballard, Ebenezer Pike, Jotham Wilder Elijah Beaman, Moses Redman, Nathaniel Willard, Isaac Eveleth, Joseph Squirean, Aaron Willard. The last named led a light-infantry company in the reg iment of Colonel Oliver Partridge, and was severely wounded in the battle at Ticonderoga. He had been a lieutenant with Captain Caleb Willard of Lunenburg, and while in service was placed in command of a company of light infantry, Nathaniel Willard serving with him as sub altern. The following undated petition is in Massachusetts Archives, lxxviii, 224 : Provitice of the Massachusetts Bay. To his Excellency Thomas Powna Esq. To the honourable his Majesty^ s Councill, the honourable the House oj Representatives : humbly sheweth Aaron Willard of Lancaster that your Petitioner was a Captain in the Provincial Service in the Regiment of Light Infantry at the late Battle of Ticondaroga, that in that Engagement your Petitioner was shot through the Trunk of his Body about the bottom of his Breast, with which wound he lay a long time in a hopeless condition and so weak that he could not be moved to any Hospital for above a month and from thence your Petitioner got home by slow degrees about the end of September in a languishing Condition unable to do any work and con- tinueing to this day under the care of a Physician ; by means of all which your Petitioner has been put to great and extraordinary expences of living in a manner sutable to his wounds and Consumptive habit, abroad and at home, besides the loss of time and great Damage to his future strength of body. Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Excellency and Hon ours to consider his case and grant that the sum of Twenty-one pounds which he has expended for surgery medicines and many necessary things CONQUEST OF CANADA. 69 since your Petitioner received his wound may be allowed him, or grant such other relief as in your 'Wisdom you shall see meet, and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Aaron Willard Numerous memorials in the state archives instruct us in the spirit and manners of the time, and the sacrifices of the patriotic soldier. Extracts from some of these follow : Lancaster Sept. 18, 1758. These may sertify that my son Samuel Ballard was Taken Captive near Ticondaroga about the 25"' June Last being with Leut. Stephens ; he was a Ranger in Capt. John Stark's Com pany. Benjn. Ballard. To the HonU' Andrew Oliver Esq. Secy, in Boston. [Massachusetts Archives, LXXVII, 722.] To His Excelleticy Thotnas Pownall Esq. . . . Dec. 29, 1758. The Pettition of Phinias Wilder of Lancaster Humbley shewing that he Inlisted himself Into his majesties forces In the Expedition against Cannada in 1758 under the Command of Capt. Asa Whitcomb in Coll" Bagley's Regiment and was taken sick aboute the first of September last with the Camp Distemper with a Grate Dele of Deficultey that I under went by being brought some of the way in a Cart & some of the way by water to Green Bush whare I lay* aboute a fortnight as they tell me I not being in a posture to Recolect the time myself and then I was Brought part of the way from Green Bush on a horse & part of the way In a horse Litter an arived at home but Just in Life & Remained above six wekes after I got home the Bigest part of In Dout of Life & the Cost and Charge I was at In order to Get home & after I got home amounts to six pounds two shillings & five pence as pr. account Phinehas Wilder [Massachusetts Archives, LXXVIII, 56.] In the same volume as the last are similar petitions from John Bailey and Asaph Butler. .... The Pettition of Thomas Garey of Lancaster .... Humbly Shewing to your Excellency & Honours that his son Jonathan Gary was Inlisted soulger under the Comand of Capt. Asa Whitcomb . . and as my said Jonathan was a serving his King & Countrey in ye Expedition against Cannada he was taken sick at Lake George & was Brought in a Cart or wagon as far as the outermost barn in hafe moon & thare sent me a Letter earnestly Intreting me to Come or send some bodey to his Relief upon which Information I sent a man & Horse with Nesecareys for his Relief as soon as possiable I could fix him away but my poor son was Dead before my man & horse arived at the hafe moon Thomas Geary [Massachusetts Archives, LXXVIII, 244.] 70 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. The pettition of Peter Larkin of Lancaster his Brother John Larkin was an Inlisted soulger in the Expedition against Cannada in y= year 1758, under the Comand of Capt. Whitne in y"^ Regiment of Coll" Bagley my said Brother John was taken sick at Lake George but with some help by the Carts & wagons he got Down as far as Shefield & could get no farther & sent for me to Come to his assistance, accordingly I went to him to Shefield & set out & got him as far as Westfield with much a Do & thare taryed with him two or three Days, but he being unabele to Travil aney farther I was obliged to Leve him and he continued aboute ten or eleven Days & Expired & Died. . . . Peter Larkin [Massachusetts Archives, LXXVIII, 247.] Chaplain John Cleaveland, before mentioned, was the intimate friend of Lieutenant-Colonel John Whitcomb, and joint tenant with him of a rude hut in the encampment. Cleaveland's diary and that of Surgeon Rea afford pictures of the life of the soldiers in the intrenchments upon Lake George, detailing the supercilious deportment of the British officers, and the jealous dislike of them felt by the New England men; the daily prayers and psalm singing, and the Sunday exhortations among the provincials, contrasted with the drunkenness, ribaldry and profanity of camp ; the perpetual delving upon the fortifications ; the court martials and infliction of punishments characteristic of rigid military discipline. As the autumn days sped, the ill cooked and tainted provisions, and the universal filthiness of the camps engendered fevers and dysentery to an alarming extent, and the fort became one vast hospital. It would doubtless be a harsh judgment, but one can hardly help suspecting, reading the diary of the pious surgeon in connection with the stories of his patients ' — the sick soldiers already quoted — that he interested himself less in his own business than in that of the chaplain ; earnest rather to edify spiritually, than to apply his energy and skill to the improvement of sanitary condidons. In the disaster of Ticonderoga he sees the wrath of Providence towards "the horrid cursing and swearing there is in ye camp, more especially among y" Regulars. I can't but Charge our defeat on this sin." He was tender of heart, however, for he writes : CONQUEST OF CANADA. 7 1 Alth" there is almost every day more or less whiped or Piqueted or some other ways punished I've never yet had y° curiosity to see 'm, the shrieks and crys being Satisfactory to me without y° Sight of ye Strokes. One bright ray of sunshine relieved the gloom of the situation in the West. Lieutenant-Colonel John Bradstreet, obtaining the reluctant consent of his superiors, led three thousand provincial troops two hundred miles through the wilderness to the shore of Ontario, crossed the lake in boats, captured the important fort and naval station of Frontenac, and destroyed the French fleet. Soon after. General Amherst, with several regiments from Louisbourg, reached New York and joined Abercrombie early in Octo ber ; but their jointd eliberations evolved no plan of action until the frosts were upon them, and then all that could be done was to dismiss the armed yeomanry to their farms, and distribute the regulars in their winter quarters. The campaign for 1759, ^^ planned by Pitt, contemp lated a direct attack upon Quebec by a select army of English troops commanded by Wolfe, to be seconded by a vigorous advance towards Montreal by way of Lake Cham- plain. By the end of June Wolfe was planting his batter ies opposite the Gibraltar of America ; but Amherst lingered three weeks later, adding to the superfluous earth works of Fort William Henry, before he ventured upon the single day's journey down Lake George to the scene of Abercrombie's disgrace the preceding year. The colon ial troops had been long assembled, awaiting orders. The following list shows the Lancaster men enrolled in March and April : Return of the Men enlisted or impressed for his Majesties Service within the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in the Regiment whereof Oliver Wilder Esq. is Colotiel, to be put under the ittimediate Cottimand of His Excellency Jeffrey Amherst Esq. General dr' Commander in Chief of His Majesties Forces in Atnerica for the Invasion of Canada. John Willard, Aged 19 Jona. Hutchins " 20 Served, 1757, at Lake George. Robert Phelps " 18 72 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Jon". Phillips Aged 30 Served 17S5 W"". Perham 34 Impressed. Joseph Turner 16 " Tho". Barney 39 " Abner O.sgood 20 it 1758, at Lake George. (Hired.) Jon". Townsend 20 (t a (( (1 Mathias Larkin 32 It it " John Headley 36 (1 *' " " Phinehas Baily 18 it a t( it Jotham Wilder 40 Joshua Proutee 21 " 1758, at Lake George. Daniel Allbert, Jr. 28 Peter Larkin 27 Frederick Allbert 20 John Bailey 40 (( 1758. at Lake George. Jon". Goodnow 21 Stephen Kendall — Sam". Kendall 17 Levi Kendall 23 " 1758, at Lake George. Henry Wyman 17 " " t( (t Joseph Bixpy 18 " " (( tt Jedediah Cooper 19 " " (( (( Ephraim Goss 26 " " " John McCarty 25 " " (( <( Joseph Squirean 19 " " (( tt Eben^ Pike 32 " " tt ti Joseph Bailey 28 tt " tt ft Sam". Goodenow 30 Daniel Cook 17 Reuben Walker 19 John McBride 23 it 1758, at Lake George. Joseph Stewart 27 " (t tt (Hired.) John Dunsmoor II {Impressed.) George Bush, Jr. 37 (( John Crosly 36 (Hired. ) James Pratt 20 Served, 1758, at Lake George. Phinehas Wilder 28 " 4( tt ti Isaac Eveleth 24 " •• It tt Moses Redman 37 " l( tt tt Micah Briant 24 tt " tt tt {Hired.) Nathaniel Wright 40 Joseph Turner 16 {Impressed.) CONQUEST OF CANADA. 73 Micah Stone, Jonathan Peirce Jacob Emerson Jacob Harris William Sanderson John Houghton, 3d, Amos Stone Nathaniel Bray Josiah Davis Abraham Whitney David Brown Joseph Proctor Asahel Nickerson John Conn Jonathan White John Cole Isaac Holden John Daby, Jr. Ephraim Robbins Samuel Whippy Samuel Corey John Burt harvard iuen : Aged ¦4- 23 22 18 39 24 29 22 30 SI 21 19 1719 1718 17 18 41 ? 42 Served, 1756, at Lake George, 1758, " Served, 1758, at Lake George BOLTON MEN : Josiah Priest, Benjamin Marble Jonathan Holman Ephraim Ward Josiah Pratt Joseph Pratt John Wilder Benoni Bigelow John Wheeler Aholiab Sawyer, Jr. Jonas Pollard John Pollard John Townsend Jonas Whitcomb Dennis Lockling Josiah Moore ;ed 23 32 23 25 59 32 17 18 25 17 25 29 17 24 39 32 Served, 1758, at Lake George. 1755 " 1758 1755 1758 1755 74 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. LEOMINSTER MEN: Asa Butterick, Aged 40 Served, 1758, at Lake George. Joshua Peirce " 18 Abel Wheelock " 20 Benjamin Whitcomb " 21 " 1756 Joseph Harper " 17 Ebenezer Harris " 36 James Symonds " 17 Rufiis Houghton " 35 Elias Carter " 21 Richard Stewart Paul Hale [Massachusetts Archives, XCVIII, 373.] One hundred and forty-two men in all were furnished from the Lancaster regiment, those not here given being chiefly from Lunenburg, Colonel Wilder's account of services rendered as mus tering officer is a curiosity in its way, and is appended unabridged : Provitice of the Massachusets Bay Is Dr : To one Warrant I Received from his Excellency Governor Pownell Requir ing me to Raise one Hundred and fourtey two men and to apportion them as Equaley as I could to and amongst the Respective Companys in my Regiment in March the 26, 1759. To filling a Leven warrants and sending a Leven expresses to a Leven Captains. To Mustering said 142 men Raised out of my Regiment which s* servis I attended two Days by Reson of the Captains not making their Respective Returns y" first Day in seson To what Expences I was Nesesaryley at while attending s* servis To one Days servis more in mustering the other Leveys Raised out of my Regiment that went under Coll" Abijah Willard To my Expences in said servis To one Journey to Boston to Receive the Bountey money for the soulgers which toke me thre Days To my Expences in said Journey To two Days I went to Boston to make Return to the Adjutant General of the men I Raised according to the Governor's or der & to Retourn 23 Retournes To my Expences said Journey To two Days time I was obliged to spend in going over to Wor- ster at the Request of the Expedition Captains who could I I- 5- -0 0-12- -0 0- 6- •0 0- 6- -0 0- 3-0 I^ 0- -0 0- 8- -0 0- 12- -0 0- 6- -0 CONQUEST OF CANADA. 75 not make up their Billeting Roles without the Listing papers which by an unhapey mistake was Never sent to me and I having obtained the favour of Coll" Chandler of some Blanck Listing papers was first to be at the trouble of Listing the men all a new again 0-12-0 To my Expences on said affair o- 6-0 ^5-16-0 Oliver Wilder, Colo Lancaster, December y" 27, 1759. [Massachusetts Archives, Lxxxix, 432.] The above named volunteers were divided between the companies of Captains Aaron Willard of Lancaster and James Reed of Lunenburg. The former led one hundred men, the latter ninety, and both were probably attached to the regiment of Colonel Timothy Ruggles, which included two battalions. Captain Willard's Lancaster men were : Lieut. Jacob Stiles, Sergt. Jonathan Hutchins, " Peter Willard, Benjamin Atherton, John Bailey, Of Bolton were : Sergt. Josiah Moore, Benoni Bigelow, Jonathan Holman, John Law, Dennis Locklyne, Of Harvard were : Sergt. John Burt, Corpl. Samuel Corey, " John Daby, Nathaniel Bray, David Brown, John Cole, John Conn. Of Leominster ; Thomas Barney, John McCarthy, Silvanus Johnson, Abner Osgood, William Perham, Robert Phelps. Benjamin Marble, Jonas Pollard, Joseph Pratt, Josiah Pratt, Josiah Priest. Jacob Emerson, Jacob Harris, Isaac Holden, John Houghton, Asahel Nickerson, Jonathan Pierce, Jonathan Phillips, Joshua Proutee, Moses Redman, James Squirean, Joseph Turner, Edward Roach, Aholiab Sawyer, Ephraim Ward, John Wilder, Josiah Proctor, Ephraim Harris, William Sanderson, Micah Stone, Samuel Whipy, Jonathan White, Richard Stewart. [Massachusetts Archives, xcvil, 398.] 76 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Captain James Reed's Lancaster men were : Lieut. Tiliey Wilder, Isaac Eveleth, John McBride, Sergt. Joseph Bailey, Jonathan Goodenough, Joshua Peirce, Daniel Albert, Samuel Goodenough, Ebenezer Pike, Frederick Albert, John Headley, James Pratt, Phineas Bailey, Levi Kendall, Joseph Stewart, Joseph Bixby, Sainuel Kendall, Jonathan Townsend, Micah Bryant, Stephen Kendall [died], Reuben Walker [died], George Bush [died], Peter Larkin, Jotham Wilder, Daniel Cook, Mathias Larkin, Phineas Wilder, John Dunsmore, William Lee, Henry Wyman. Of Leominster were : Asa Buttrick, Joseph Harper, Benjamin Whitcomb. Jonathan Grout, Ebenezer Harris, [Massachusetts Arcliives, XCVII, 310.] Samuel Kendall and John Headly presented petitions to the General Court for help, which are preserved in Massa chusetts Archives, lxxix, 147 and 322. The regiment of Colonel Abijah Willard contained eighteen companies, coming from all parts of the common wealth. The complement of each company was fifty, rank and file. A Roll of the Field Sr' Staff Officers in His Majestie's Service of a Regi ment whereof Abijah Willard Esq. is Colonel. [April 17 to Decem ber 30, 1759.] Abijah Willard, Esq., Colonel, Lancaster. Stephen Miller, Esq., Lieutetiatit-Colotiel, Milton. Richard Godfrey, Major, Taunton. Caleb Willard, Major, Lunenburg. Cyrus Fairbanks, Adjutant, Lancaster. Manassah Divol, Quartermaster, Lancaster. William Crawford, Chaplain, Worcester. John Taylor, Chief Surgeon, Harvard. John Tappan, Surgeoti's Mate, Newbury. John Preston, do. Harvard. Jonathan Bowman, Comtitissary, Dorchester, [Massachusetts Archives, xcvii, 372.] CONQUEST OF CANADA. 77 Captain Benjamin Hastings led a company in Willard's regiment. These men of Lancaster were in his command : Lieut. Thomas Beaman, 2d Lieut. Manasseh Divoll, Sergt. John Warner, " Paul Richardson, " Levi Woods, Corpl. Ebenezer Knight, Drummer Levi Divoll, Joshua Baily, Bei'jamin Chase, Nathan Eager, Ephraim Goss, Thomas Henderson, Nahum Houghton, Joshua Johnson, These were of Bolton : Capt. Benjamin Hastings, Corpl. John Richardson, Ephraim Butler, Cyrus Houghton, Francis McFadden, Andrew McElwain, Jonathan Kendall, Josiah Prentice, Joseph Priest, Nathan Pusha, Jeremiah Stewart, Jonathan Wheelock, Jason Wyman. James Townsend, David Whitcomb, Ezra Wilder. These were of Harvard : Jonathan Gates, Elias Haskell, Ambrose Hale, Gordon Hutchins, David Taylor. Of Leominster, was Ebenezer Rice. [Massachusetts Archives, XCVII, 389.] Thomas Beaman succeeded to the command of the company in September. John Warner was promoted to be ensign in the company of Captain Elijah Smith, and Peter Willard to be ensign in Captain William Bayley's company. Under Captain Thomas Cobb of the same regiment were Joshua Mosman, Samuel Mosman and Asa Rugg of Lancaster. Samuel Woods, according to the Lancaster church records, was " Killed by ye Enemy" this year. The orderly book of Colonel Willard unfortunately closes July 17, four days before the movement upon Ticon deroga began. His first regimental orders are dated June 26, at camp near Fort Edward : It is my Order that the Commanding officer of Each Company See that their orderly Sergeants turn out their Companies to Prayers every morning by Six o Clock and by Seven in the Evening ; and every Captain with his officers to lead their Companies on the Perade themselves and also to see that every man appears on the Perade for Guard that they are Clean and Soldierlike ; and also that the officers appear in Camp like Gen tlemen officers, for I observe that they are very Negligent in their Dress and that the officers of my Regiment Put off their Highland 78 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Caps, for it is Disagreeable to the Commanding officer [Montgotnery, col onel of the Royal Highlanders] now at Fort Edward. Lemuel Wood of Boxford, who served in Captain Fran cis Peabody's company of Willard's regiment during the campaigns of 1759 ^"'^ 1760, kept a diary which has been published in the Essex Institute Collections, xix. He re cords that "it Came out in orders that no Officer in ye Regiment should wear a Scotch bonnet." Generally the officers only in provincial regiments were uniformed. They usually appeared in blue coats faced with red, but dress for the most part was left to individual taste and con venience. From orderly book and diary we learn that in camp at Lake George, throughout June and July, the troops were kept constantly drilling, and practice in firing was daily exacted. Frequent courts-martial were summoned and fearful sentences were imposed upon those found guilty of grave military crimes. " One thousand lashes with a cat of nine tails" was one punishment for desertion, although executions for this offence took place, the whole army being drawn up to witness the dismal ceremony. Wood relates that "two sargants .... for not going to hear Prayers .... were sentenced to y'' ranks " by Colonel Willard ; but were subsequently pardoned. Captain Ben jamin Hastings of Bolton was during September "Dismessed ye Servis with Desgrace" for mutinous behavior. Abra ham Austin, "Capt of the waggons," being convicted of stealing some tools, was condemned .... to Receive thirty six lashes with a Cat of nine tails at the head of Each of the four Regular Battallions and the seven Provinciall Regime, in Camp, Beginning with Forb's and Ending with Scuyler's, and be then turned out of Camp and Deemed unworthy of ever Serving in the Army again. Ten teamsters who connived at the same theft were or dered to be ... . marched Round the Camp, and see the Punishment above on Austin, and they all to be marched Back to Saratoga, from thence to Bring the tools that ware stolen Back together. CONQUEST OF CANADA. 79 Colonel Willard, by the evidence of his regimental or ders, appears an energetic, soldierly officer, exacting firmly every military duty, but diligently caring for the well-being of his men. He turned the captains out to drill their com panies in platoon exercise at live o'clock in the morning, and had all the officers exercised in the same manner by the senior captains twice daily. He orders : That every Tent shall have one side Turned up every Fair Day from Eight in the morning untill ten it being much for the health of the men. Likewise that every sick man have his hands, feet and leggs washed in warm water, and carefully dryed every other Day. Amherst's immobility already argued ill for any aid from his column to Wolfe. At the advance, finally begun July 21, Ticonderoga and Crown Point fell with only the pre tence of contest, as they probably would have done had the movement been made a month earlier. Niagara had already been surrendered to Sir William Johnson. Instead of pushing northward on Lake Champlain at once, Am herst now set about rebuilding the captured forts, construct ing roadways to them from various points, and planning a navy. Regardless of the positive orders of Pitt, while Wolfe was daring impossibilities, Amherst resolved to take no risks. The glory of Wolfe was the greater, and all New England, in the general thanksgiving for his victory at Qiiebec, mourned him as their benefactor. It was not until the middle of October that the newly built fleet cleared Lake Champlain of the French. Soon the wintry frosts had sealed the northern waters, and Colonel Willard, with his townsmen, vvere again by their own firesides, relating to interested listeners their varied experiences upon the frontier, and preparing for the final campaign of 1760. The enlistments recorded for Lancaster in the spring months of the next year, as found in Massachusetts Ar chives, xcviii, are : John Years, aged it) {a Frenchman) . Moses Redman, aged yj {Irish). Joseph Farrar, " 17 John McCarty, " 29 Nathan Farrar, " 18 James Squirean, •' 22 8o ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Oliver Power, aged i8 Michael McLong, aged 24 John Prentice, " 19 Richard Wiles, " 49 Josiah Prentice, " 18 Benj. Houghton, " 20 Stephen Foster, " 30 Ephraim Goss, " 26 Nathan Turner, " 23 These were, however, not a fifth part of the town's sol diers actually in service. Colonel Abijah Willard again led his regiment to the front, having the same staff', except that John Miller of Milton acted as chaplain, and Samuel Ward, of Worcester, later to become an honored citizen of Lancaster, served as adjutant. One company was chiefly of Lancaster and adjacent towns, and served from April to December. Levi Willard is recorded as "sutler" of the regiment. The Lancaster soldiers of Captain Beaman's company were : Captain Thomas Beaman, Lieut. Sherebiah Hunt, Sergt. Daniel Warner, Corporal Nathan Gary, Daniel Cook, James Crosfield, Isaac Eveleth, Thomas Fairbanks, Drummer Ephraim Fairbanks, Phineas Goodell, Thomas Henderson, John Lock, Joshua Peirce, Ethan Phillips, Amos Powers, Benjamin Priest, Asa Buttrick, Francis Corey, Joseph Daby, John Richardson, Paul Richardson, Isaac SoUendine, Richard Stewart, David Wilder, Ezra Wilder, Nahum Wilder, James Willard, Levi Woods, Plenry Wyman. Benjamin Atherton, Charles Beamis, Joseph Bigsbey, Jedediah Blaney, William Brown, John Burroughs, Of Leominster were Sergt. Benjamin Whitcomb, Corporal John Beaman, Simeon Butler, Of Bolton were : Sergt. Benoni Bigelow, Andrew McElwain, Jonadab Moore, Francis McFadden, Richard Roberts, Of Harvard were : Sergt. Caleb Wright, Solomon Haskell, David Dickenson, Peter Snow [died] , Rufus Putnam, who became a brigadier-general and the Jonathan Kendall, John White, Josiah White. Ezekiel Snow, Benjamin Townsend. Benjamin Whittemore. CONQUEST OF CANADA. chief engineer of the patriot army in the revolution, was ensign of Captain Beaman's company. Daniel Stone of Lancaster served in the company of Captain Timothy Hamant, and in Captain Richard Sykes company there were of Lancaster : Lieut. Frederick Howe, Nathaniel Gates, Jacob Williams. Abel Farnsworth, Robert Spear, James Burt of Harvard and Henry Dunn of Bolton served under the same captain. [Massachusetts Archives, XCVIII, 280; 312.] Colonel Ruggles, as brigadier, commanded the five Massachusetts regiments. In his own regiment were two battalions, and in these probably served the following men ; the company rolls give no clue to their regimental organi zation. Of Lancaster : Captain Aaron Willard, Sergt. Josiah Prentice [died], Silvanus Johnson. Lieut. Jacob Stiles, In Captain Willard's company there were from Harvard : Timothy Bowers, Stephen Gates, Asahel Nickerson. Silas Corey, Maximilian Jewett, Of Leominster : Edward Kendall, Samuel Rogers, Jeremiah Stearns. David Robbins, [Massachusetts Archives, xcvin, 228,389.] Under Captain James Reid of Lunenburg were of Lan caster : Ephraim Carter, Jr., Jedediah Cooper, Daniel Johnson, Jonas Carter, David Dufore, Henry Wyman. Thomas Henderson, Of Leominster : Joseph Harper, Edward Joyner, Richard Stewart. [Massachusetts Archives, XCVIII, 339.] With Captain Jonathan Butterfield were of Lancaster : Benjamin Houghton, Edward Robbins, Joseph Robbins. Of Bolton : Ephraim Goss. 82 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Of Harvard : Silas Farnsworth, Jabez Keep, Coleman Sanderson, Uriah Holt, Jonathan Reed, John Sanderson. Of Leominster were : Barzillai Moore, Abijah Sawyer. [Massachusetts Archives, XCVIII, 307-g.] With Captain William Barron of Concord were eight Lancaster men : Stephen Foster, Moses Redman, Jos. Turner, John McCarthy, James Squirean, John Years. John Prentice, Nat. Turner, [Massachusetts Archives, xcviii, 254-5.] Colonel John Whitcomb's regiment, of eighteen com panies, served in the campaign of 1760, and in it were a few men of Lancaster. In the Southboro' company of Captain Nathaniel Brigham were : Lieut. Ephraim Sawyer, Obediah Gross, Levi Divol, Joseph Stewart [drowned Aug. i^]. [Massachusetts Archives, XCVIII, 287.] With Captain William Williams of Marlborough were : Lieut. Henry Haskell, Amos Atherton, Joseph Woods, Corporal Joshua Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Jasher Wyman. [Massachusetts Archives, XCVIII, 291.] With Captain Jonathan Rolfe were of Bolton : Ensign Joseph Hendrick, Robert Holdea, Thomas Mears, Sergt. John Barnard, Matthias Larkin, James Townsend. Obediah Gill, Robert Longley, [Massachusetts Archives, XCVIII, 247-8.] In other companies were of Lancaster : Ensign Josiah Locke, John Hinds, Robert Phelps, John Bailey, Nathaniel Jones, Caleb Sawyer, Gershom Flagg, Levi Kendall, Josiah White. Josiah Flagg, [Colonel Whitcomb's Orderly Book, and Massachusetts Archives, xcvili, 231 248 287, 291, 323.J During winter and spring and summer General Amherst studied over and elaborated the plan of a combined move ment by all his forces upon Montreal ; the very method by CONQUEST OF CANADA. 83 which an able general would have swept the French power from Canada the preceding autumn. It was the tenth of August before the main army at Oswego, and Colonel William Haviland's force at Crown Point, began the ad vance. From Colonel Whitcomb's orderly book we learn that his own and the regiments of Colonels Willard and Ruggles, under Haviland, proceeded leisurely down Lake Champlain in batteaux. On the sixteenth the expedition landed on the east side of the River St. Johns, near the Isle aux Noix, and Colonel Whitcomb was ordered to throw up works under the direction of the engineers for the protection of the fleet of batteaux, while the rest of the army moved to the siege of the island which had long been fortified. On the morning of the twenty-eighth it was dis covered that the enemy had evacuated their works and fled in the night through the swamps. Quickly pursuing, Col onel Haviland issued the following order on arrival at Therese : As the army is now going into the inhabitable part of the Country, therefore it is ordered that none of the inhabitants are plundered or ill used on any pretence. Whosoever is detected disobeying these orders will be hanged. Milk, Butter or Provisions, or anything else must be regularly paid for ; this to induce the inhabitants to stay in their villages, as good usage will prevent their men from joining the French army. It was much to expect of the men of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, almost every one of whom had rank ling recollections of loss by some bloody raid of demons who spared neither age nor sex, that they should enter as conquerors the territory of those who had for years insti gated their merciless spoilers, without exhibiting great ex ultation, and at least an inclination towards retahation. It speaks well for these Protestant soldiers quartered in the hamlets of their priest-ridden and treacherous enemies, that on September 7th they should hear read upon parade these words : It gives Coll. Haviland pleasure to find the troops under his command have so strictly complied with his orders of the 31 of August, with respect §4 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. of not plundering the inhabitants and paying for such things as they get from them. It is obvious to every one the good effects it has had on many. Hundreds have delivered themselves up here and at Chambly On the eighth General Amherst announced in general orders : .... The Marquis Vaudreuil has capitulated. The troops of France in Canada have laid down their arms and are not to serve during the war. The whole country submits to the Dominion of Great Britain. On the tenth, the Massachusetts men were marching back to Crown Point, and there for the next two months they were busily employed in extending and completing fortifications and barracks. The orders recorded relate chiefly to guard, fatigue duty, sick call, and rations — the humdrum routine of ordinary camp life. There was, how ever, one variation which to the soldier of today would be a novelty, thus set forth in special orders : Spruce Beer will be served out from Brewing, from 6 to 8 O clock Daily which is to be paid for as usual. The price of this aromatic but not too exhilarating bev erage was one half-penny per quart, and its use throughout the army was greatly favored for its supposed tonic value. It could not alleviate homesickness, however, and the patri otic yeomanry, now that the purpose of their enlistment was accomplished, could see no need for their further de tention in the western wilderness. A grumbling discontent became epidemic, and a few left for home without leave. In November the veteran Colonels Willard and Whitcomb marched their regiments through the woods across Ver mont to Charlestown Number Four, and thence to Lancas ter, where they arrived about December i. The jubilation at their return we must imagine, for no gossip of the period has preserved any notes of the joyous event for us. More than a month before, however, the ministers from their pul pits had voiced the universal joy of victory, and these are some of the utterances heard in Lancaster : Could we have thought, some years since, that we should at this Time, have celebrated a Thanksgiving for the entire Reduction of Canada, the CONQUEST OF CANADA. 85 compleat Conquest of the Country of our ancient, inveterate and restless enemies? the Source of most of our Wars and Troubles with the Natives, and the perpetual Impediment to our Settlements and the Inlargement of our Territories? the Occasion of so much Bloodshed, Murder, Massacre, Grief for butchered captivated Relatives, Impoverishment of Families, Desolation of Towns, Fears, Alarms, and endless Expence and Damage? .... The war with us has lasted six years ; Three of them Years of Prosperity and Plenty ; and three of them Years of Rebuke, Misfortune and Drought Our late decisive Victories and valuable Acquisi tions have not been purchased with a Song, though they occasion Joy and Singing. They have been obtained at the Expence of much Blood and Treasure. Many a precious Life has been sacrificed to these glorious Atchievements. Brave Generals and noble Lords, accoinplished Officers, and great numbers of fine soldiers, have laid down their Lives. Many of the British Troops and Provincial Volunteers have fallen in Battle, and died in the Bed of Honour. Many who could not be otherwise conquered have been overcome by Disease and expired in fatal Hospitals. What year can be mentioned that has not sifted out some of the Flower of our Towns, and thinned our religious Assemblies ? Here a father has Sacrificed a son ; there another his First-born ; one mourns the Loss of a Father, another a Brother, and the veiled Widows cloathed in Sackcloth, have come forth in a yearly succession. [Rev'^. John Mellen s Sermon, October 9, 1760.] In the appendix to his sermon, Mr. Mellen records the names of nineteen men belonging to his parish who lost their lives during the war. These will be found scattered through previous pages in their proper commands, but the fist, which it would seem was intended to be arranged in the order of the soldiers' deaths, will be given with the ad dition of dates : Samuel Fairbanks, killed Sept. 8, 1755. William Fairbanks, " ¦' Isaac Kendall, " " Ithamar Bennett, " " Lt.HezekiahWhitcomb, died, 1755. John Whitcomb, " " Jacob Glazier, " " Simon Kendall, " 1758. John Farrar, " '756. Jeremiah Dickenson, " " Unfortunately, no similar con loss in the First parish exists William Brabrook, missing 1758. Ebenezer Bigelow, died " Sergt. Jacob Smith, " " Jonathan Geary, died Sept. " Philip Geno, died " Reuben Walker, " 1760 Stephen Kendall, " " George Bush, Jr., " " Joseph Steward, drowned Aug. 14, " temporary statement of the The following list, doubt- 86 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. less a very imperfect one, contains all deaths found any where recorded : Oliver Osgood, killed September 8, 1755. John Rugg, " " Joseph Robbins, Jr., " " Josiah Pratt, Jr., " Phineas Randall, Peter Kendall, David Atherton, died May 2, " Col. Samuel Willard, died October, " Sergt. James Houghton, died Oct. 21, " William Hudson, killed in Acadia, " Andrew Goodfry, died 1756. John Larkin, " 1758. Samuel Woods, killed 1759. Sergt. Josiah Prentice, died 1760. The two years that followed before the treaty of Paris confirmed to England the fruits of the conquest of Canada, were years of peace to the colonies, but the forts at Halifax and Crown Point were garrisoned by New England men. Those of Lancaster serving on the western frontier in 1761 and 1762, under Colonel Richard Salstonstall, were : Joseph Bixby, Josiah Brown, Nathaniel Gates, drumtner, Stephen Gates, George Hadley, John Hadley, John Hadley, Jr., Jeremiah Haskell, Of Bolton were : Thomas Barney, Ephraim Butler, Of Harvard were : James Burt, Silas Corey, Thomas Daby, Abel Farnsworth, Abner Hibera, Dole Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Simeon Johnson, Aaron Kilburn, Isaac Kilburn, Matthias Larkin, Jonathan Lawrence, Joseph Pratt, Ezekiel Snow, Samuel Fellows, Jacob Harris, Uriah Holt, James Reed, Timothy Powers, Benjamin Priest, Richard Prouty, Jr., Benjamin Spaulding, David Stimpson, John Sulandine, Oliver Wilder, Jr., Jacob Winn, Henry Wyman. Josiah Wood. Ephraim Stone, Paul Willard, Abijah Worster, Samuel Worster, Thomas Wright. CONQUEST OF CANADA. 87 Of Leominster ; Jedediah Cooper, Joshua Johnson, Edward Joyner, John Rowe, Abijah Smith, Asa Smith, Elijah Wheelock. At Halifax, with Captains James Reed and Edmund Lawrence, were of Lancaster : Josiah Brown, Jonas Carter, David Dufore, Levi Divoll, Isaac Eveleth, Thomas Henderson, Joseph Jewett, Daniel Johnson, Ephraim Moore, Abner Osgood, Of Harvard were Abijah Cole, Stephen Gates, Jonas Pollard, William Swan, Elijah Woods, Abijah Wyman, Jasher Wyman. Paul Willard. Stephen Gates, Jr., John Harper, [Massachusetts Archives, xcix.] The second regiment of militia in Worcester county, known as the Lancaster Regiment, at this period was or ganized as follows : Joseph Wilder, Esq., Col°. and Capt. of the first company in the Town of Lancaster. Peter Atherton, Esq., Lt. Col" and Capt. of the first company in the Town of Harvard. John Carter, Major & Capt. of second company in the Town of Lancaster. Laticaster vt. Co. James Wilder, capt.-lieut. John White, i^ lieut. Joseph White, ensigti. Lancaster 3'^. Co. Caleb Wilder, capt. Nathll Sawyer, lieut. Josiah Ballard, ensign. Lunenburg I't Co. Benjamin Goodridge, capt. George Kemball, i-'^^ lieut. David Goodridge, 2<^ lieut. Joseph Hartwell, ensign. Lancaster 2^. Co. Elisha Sawyer, i-^^ lieut. Elijah Houghton, id lieut. Tilley Moore, ensign. Lancaster Troop. Hezekiah Gates, capt. Nath'. Willson, lieut. Jona. Wilder, cornet. James Carter, quartertnaster. Lunenburg 2^. Co. Jonathan Wood, capt. Josiah Bailey, lieut. John Buss, ensign. ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Harvard i^t, Co. Joseph Fairbank, Jr., capt. lieut. Benjamin Stow, lieut. Peter Atherton, Jr., ensign. Bolton Co. Samuel Baker, capt. Oliver Barrett, lieut. William Wilder, ensign. Westtiiinster Co. Nicholas Dike, capt. Benja Butterfield, lieut. John Woodward, ensign. Harvard 2^. Co. Phineas Fairbank, capt. Jerem. Laughton, lieut. Jason Russell, ensign. Leominster Co. Benjamin Whitcomb, capt. Jona". Carter, lieut. Oliver Hale, ensigti. Moses Wilder, Adjutant, [Massachusetts Archives, xcvili.] In 1766, John Carter had become colonel of the regi ment ; Caleb Wilder was lieutenant-colonel, and James Wilder and Levi Willard, majors. A Fitchburg company had been added, and in 1767, a second Bolton, a second Leominster and a fourth Lancaster company appear. In 1771, Caleb Wilder was colonel ; Levi Willa.T^,lieutenant- colonel ; James Richardson and Gardner Wilder, majors. The regiment at that fime consisted of sixteen infantry companies and two troops, as follow : Lancaster, four companies ; Lunenburg, two ; Harvard, two ; Bolton, two ; Leominster, two ; Westminster, two ; Fitchburg, one ; Ash- burnham, one. The first troop was from Lancaster, Har vard and Bolton ; the second from Lunenburg, Leominster and Fitchburg. The Lancaster companies were officered thus in 1771 : \^t. Cotnpany. Nathaniel White, capt. William Phelps, lieut. Hooker Osgood, ensign. 2d. Coitipany. Ephraim Wilder, capt. Samuel Prentice, i-^'. lieut. Thomas Gary, Jr., id iHut. Jona. Osgood, etisign. ^d, Cottipatty . Samuel Ward, capt. Ephraim Carter, lieut. Moses Smith, 2.d, lieut. Phineas Houghton, ensign. 4''^. Cottipatty. Daniel Robbins, capt. Enoch Gerrish, lieut. Asa Wilder, ettsign. CONQUEST OF CANADA. 89 Troop. James Carter, capt. Jeremiah Burpee, lieut. Elijah Sawyer, id, Ueut. Thomas Gates, cornet. Elijah Houghton, quartermaster. Three years later, obedient to the demands of the county convention, these officers all resigned their commissions, and, in the new elections, men perhaps younger or more in accord with the fevered political sentiment of the day took their places. It is certain not one of the above entered the continental service, and but three of them appear in the rolls of the Lexington Alarm. 1^9 |^^n@ BSgpiMJ m M S S IV. THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. I. FROM TOWN-MEETING TO CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. "The voice of Otis and of Adams in Faneuil Hall, found its full and true echo in the little councils of the interior towns : and, if within the Continental Congress patriotism shone more conspicuously, it did not there exist more truly, nor burn more fervently ; it did not render the day more anxious, nor the night more sleepless ; it sent up no more ardent prayer to God for succor ; and it put forth in no greater degree the fulness of its effort, and the energy of its whole soul and spirit, in the common cause, than it did in the small assemblies of the towns." [Daniel Webster, in the Massachusetts Convention of 1820.] The pastor of the second parish in Lancaster, John Mellen, printed a sermon, "preached .... October 9, 1760, on the General Thanksgiving for the Reduction of Mon treal and Total Conquest of Canada," in which he raptur ously predicts the glorious future awaiting the English colonies forever relieved from the machinations of papists and the terrors of French invasion. He estimates the pop ulation of these colonies at that time to be one million, and foresees that, by the ordinary rate cf increase, "one century and a half will people the British Empire in Amer ica with upwards of Sixty Million Souls." This vision of one wiser than most of his generation is now more than realized. But even his clear prophetic sight probably caught no glimpse of the great political changes that hinged upon the expulsion of the Bourbons from Canada ; nor could he have dreamed that the long struggle then just closed was but the first act of a revolution which was to bind thirteen weak and jealous colonies, widely separated THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 91 not more by distance than by historic and religious sympa thies, into a stable, independent republic, soon to become the mightiest in the history of governments. New England, in lavishly expending blood and treasure, ostensibly for the aggrandizement of George II, was edu cating herself in warlike arts and self reliance to throw off, when the times grew ripe, all allegiance to kings ; and the more southern provinces, especially Virginia, were fitting themselves to follow. Massachusetts had always led in the contest. One man out of her every four able for service was kept in the ranks of the provincial regiments, equipped, fed and paid from the colonial treasury. When in 1760 the Crown re-imbursed the colonies in the sum of two hun dred thousand pounds, allotting each a share proportionate to its contributions for the common cause, three-tenths fell to Massachusetts. Lancaster had not been behind her sis ter towns in sacrifice. The distracted country was stained along its inland bor ders, from the river Ohio to Nova Scotia, with the blood of helpless women and children, as well as brave men, sav agely slain. Peace had come at last; plenteous harvests had been gathered from the rich soil, and safely housed. With reason the hearts of all throughout the land went up in thanksgiving. But below the surface of joyous calm slept the elements of a greater explosion of popular will than any yet seen upon this continent, waiting only the ex cuse of some petty tax, some nagging encroachments upon chartered privilege, to begin a new chapter in the history of mankind. Until the occasion should arrive, the inspired leader was waiting ready. He had passed through the stern preparatory lessons for his heaven-appointed task in the wilds of Pennsylvania and Virginia. In every town were men clad in homespun and busy in shop, at trade, or on the farm, who had led regiments or commanded com panies under Winslow, Loudoun, Abercrombie, and Am herst. Few of these but had rankling memories of super- 92 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. cilious insolence received from the gorgeously accoutred officers of the royal troops, — whose contemptuous assump tion of superiority was rarely based upon campaign expe rience or personal worth, but begot of insular pride, fostered by martinet discipline, and supported by parliamentary regulations which ranked the king's above the provincial commission, regardless of precedence in date. Among other causes of disaffection in Massachusetts was the hereditary rage of Puritanism against prelacy. which, though soon hidden from sight in the smoke of actual conflict, was none the less pervasive and powerful. But in this the yeomanry had become more radical than the clergy. A schism in the little Bolton church grew, during 1774, into a controversy so bitter that it seriously shook the pulpits in all the neighboring parishes. This, widely known as the Goss and Walley war, finally turned upon the question of the churches' independence of cleri cal councils. The ministers were united under the leader ship of Reverend Zabdiel Adams, who won the sobriquet, "Bishop of Lunenburg;" while it is noteworthy that the most prominent among their opponents were the men soon to become the military and legislative leaders of the com munity in political rebelhon — the Whitcombs, Fairbank and Dr. Dunsmoor. Little more than four months had passed since the thanks giving day, on which, from hundreds of pulpits, there had issued a flood of loyal declamation adulatory of "his gra cious majesty King George II," when James Otis, advocat ing the peoples' privilege, inveighed with fiery eloquence in open court against the arbitrary and restrictive commer cial policy adopted by the ministry of George III. And speedily, Hke an echo of the bold utterances of Ohs, there came from aristocratic Virginia the voice of the plebeian lawyer, Patrick Henry, proclaiming that even the divine right of an anointed king is naught if not used solely for the good and by the consent of the governed. THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. 93 The Stamp Act struck like a stunning blow, and loyalty seemed to manjr no longer compatible with patriotism. Hastened by the heat of just wrath, remonstrance scorned was fast ripening into revolt. Yet revolt against so power ful an oppressor, however well justified, seemed to the sober-minded hopeless ; and hopeless it was without unan imity, long and secret preparation, and external aid. The repeal of the stamp act availed to quiet the other colonies, but not Massachusetts. Here the public heart was fired with patriotic frenzy, and would not be restrained. Any suggestion of a temporizing policy met with contempt. Liberty poles were raised in every village. At every new attempt to enforce royal prerogative the spirit of resistance became more outspoken and determined, and the materials of revolution, everywhere abundant, began to flame. Pur itanism personified in Samuel Adams, recognized the exi gency and shrewdly organized rebellion by inspiring the Committees of Correspondence with courage and enthusi asm. The newspaper suddenly rose to great political power in the land. The Massachusetts town-meeting became at length the arena where were rehearsed the dra matic scenes soon to be enacted by the various provincial congresses. In the town-meeting, the village orator found and improved his opportunity ; the local demagogue and radical stirred the passions of the people ; but the old men, the captains and colonels scarred in conquest of Canada, delayed rash action by their conservative counsel, weighty with the teachings of experience. Among the most hon orable pages in the records of Lancaster, is that upon which are engrossed the liberty-breathing resolutions passed in town-meeting the first month of 1773 ; resolu tions boldly protesting against the attempted encroachments of the Crown upon the constitutional freedom of the Prov ince, and demanding "radical redress of grievances;" res olutions anticipating in nobly simple phrase, by three and one-half years, the grandest sentiments of the Declaration of Independence. 94 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. A warrant for a Town meetitig y first Wednesday of Jan. 1773. Worcester, ss. To the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of Lancaster legally qualified to vote in town affaiers. Greeting : In his majestie's name you are hereby requierd to meet at the meeting house in the second precinct in Lancaster on the first Wednesday in Janu ary Next at Ten of the Clock in the forenoon then and there to act on the Following articles viz : I'y. To chuse a moderator for the goverraent of s^. meeting. 2<"y. To take into consideration the Dangerous condition of our Pub lick affaiers in Perticular the Independancy of our Superiour Judges and take such measures as shall then be thought proper. 3'i'5'. To chuse a Committee to Draw up our greveances and Infringe ments upon our Liberties and to Lay them before the Town when the Town shall so order. 4'y. To consider and act upon the Request from Boston Committee. 5'y. To give to our Representative such Instructions as the Town shall think proper Relative to our Priveledges. « 6iy. To Chuse a Committee to return an answer to Boston Committee and to correspond with aney other Committee Relateing to our priveledge and to Inform the Town of their Transactions from time to time. 7'y. To act and do any thing that the Town shall see proper to with stand the Preasent Progress of our Enemies in Indevering to take away our Priveledges. Dated at Lancaster Decem"" 22* 1772, and in the Thirteenth Year of his majestie's Reign. By order of the selectmen. Entred by Daniel Robbins, Town Clerk. At the meeting thus summoned. Deacon Oliver Moore was chosen moderator, and a committee of seven, elected under article third, consisting of Doctor William Dunsmoor, John Prescott, Aaron Sawyer, Josiah Kendall, Joseph White, Nathaniel Wyman and Ebenezer Allen, were in structed to report on Tuesday, the nineteenth of January, to which date the meeting was adjourned. It is worthy of note that the first three named upon this committee could claim inheritance of the blood of John Prescott, the foun der of Lancaster, and they proved themselves inheritors of his brave, independent spirit. On the appointed day, the town, at the meeting-house in the first precinct, voted to hear the report of the committee, to report the town's doings ACTION IN TOWN-MEETING. 95 to the Boston committee, and to instruct their representative at General Court. Both resolves and instructions were published in the Boston Gazette for May 17, 1773 : At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders atid other Inhabitants of the Town of Lancaster, by Adjournment. The Committee appointed by the Town to take into Consideration the State of publick Affairs beg leave to report the following Resolves and Instructions : I . Resolved, That this and every other Town in this Province have an undoubted Right to meet together and consult upon all Matters inter esting to them when and so often as they shall judge fit ; and it is more especially their Duty so to do when any Infringment is made upon their Civil or Religious Liberties. 2. Resolved, That the raising a Revenue in the Colonies without their Consent, either by themselves or their Representatives, is an Infringment of that Right which every Freeman has to dispose of his own Property. 3. Resolved, That the granting a Salary to his Excellency the Gov ernor of this Province out of the Revenue unconstitutionally raised from us is an Innovation of a very alarming Tendancy. 4. Resolved, That it is of the highest Importance to the security of Liberty, Life and Property that the publick Administration of Justice should be pure and impartial, and that the Judge should be free from every Bias, either in Favour of the Crown or the Subject. 5. Resolved, That the absolute Dependancy of the Judges of the Superior Court of this Province upon the Crown for their support, would if it should ever take Place have the strongest Tendancy to bias the Minds of the Judges, and would weaken our Confidence in them. 6. Resolved, That the Extension of the Power of the Court of Vice- Admiralty to its present enormous Degree is a great Grievance and de prives the Subject in many Instances of that noble Privelege of English men, Trials by Juries. 7. Resolved, That the Proceedings of this Town be transmitted to the Town of Boston. Dr. William Dunsmoor, ^ John Prescott, Josiah Kendall, Ebenezer Allen, Nathaniel Wyman, Joseph White, Aaron Sawyer, Attest : Daniel Robbins, Town Clerk. To Captain Asa Whitcomb. Sir : As you are chosen to represent this Town in the General As- Committee for Grievances. 96 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. sembly of this Province, we take this Opportunity of informing you of our Sentiments relative to the unhappy State of our publick Affairs : You will perceive by the Resolves which are herewith sent to you, the Light in which we view the encroachments made upon our Constitutional Freedom ; particularly you will observe our serious Opinion of a Dependancy of the Judges of the Superior Court on the Crown for their Support. That they are already so dependant, or that it is in Contemplation to render them so, we have great Reason to fear. Also an Act passed in the late Session of the British Parliament entitled An Act for the better preserving his Majes ty's Dock- Yards &c., does in a most essential Manner infringe the Rights and Liberties of the Colonies, as it puts it in the Power of any wicked Tool of Administration, either from Malice or Policy, to take any Inhabi tant from the Colonies and carry him to Great Britain, there to be tried ; which, by the Expence and long Detention from his Occupation, would be the Destruction of almost any Man among us, altho' his Innocence might finally appear in the Clearest Manner ; and further the late Commissions for taking Persons in our Sister Colony, Rhode-Island, and sending them to Great Britain, there to be tried upon Suspicion of being concerned in burning his Majesty's Schooner Gaspee, is an Invasion of the Rights of the Colonies, and ought to excite the Attention of the whole Continent. We expect that you will use your utmost Efforts this Session of our Gen eral Assembly to obtain a Radical Redress of our Grievances, and we wish you Success in your Endeavours, and which we cannot but flatter our selves from the late happy Change in the American Departments, you will meet with. We confide in your Ability and Firmness in all Matters which may come before the General Court, assuring you of the Support of this Town in all your legal Proceedings, and earnestly praying that the great Governor of the World may direct and bless you in all your Ways. Attest: Daniel Robbins, Town Clerk. Other town-meetings, following in quick succession, were called alternately at the meeting-houses of the two parishes, which were over five miles apart. Captain Hez ekiah Gates generally acted as moderator. The warrant for a town-meeting on Monday, September 5th, 1774, con tained these articles : .... 2'iiy. To see if the Town will do any thing towards the Relief of the suffering Poor of the Town of Boston occationed by a Late Act of Par- liment for Blockeing up the Port of said Town or to Act or Transact any thing Relateing thereto. 3'^iy. To see if the town will come into any agreement for non-Impor tation & non-Exportation of Goods to or from Great Britain or to act or Transact any thing Relateing thereto. ACTION IN TOWN-MEETING. 97 4"'. To chuse a Committee or Committees to act or do any thing or things that the Town sh.iU think Propper to be done or acted by any agree ment with any other Town or Towns in order to get Releaf in the best and most easy way from our Present Difficultys Inflicted on us by the Late Acts of Parliment and to act and do any matter or thing that the Town shall see needfuU to be done & Report to the Town from time to time what they have done & to Receive the Town's orders to act & do what the Town shall think Propper to be done & acted 7*. To see what way the Town will come into to pay their Part of the Present charges of ye Proposed Congress. 8'^. To Grant money to Purchase a Town stock of Ammunition and to order how much shall be Purchased & where it shall be kept & under whose care & direction it shall be. 9'i\ To Pass such votes as the Town shall think Propper to be done to get Releaf from these Oppressive Acts of Parliment which hath been In flicted on us Lately and to act any thing that said Town shall think need- full Relateing to the Congress and to accept and Rattify what they shall do if the town thinks fit. lo"". To Pass any Votes that may be thought needful in order to get Releaf in our Present Distressed Circumstances by our just Rights and Previledges as we think being taken from us. ii"". To see if the Town will vote to abide by our charter Rights & Previledges. By order of the selectmen of Lancaster. Joseph Moor, Constable. Lancaster, July 30*, A. D. 1774. At the meeting so warned : .... 2"i'y. Voted to Choose a Committee to Consist of seven Persons to be a Committee of Correspondence for y" County. Chose Docf. Wil liam Dunsmoor, Deacon David Wilder, Aaron Sawyer, Capt. Asa Whit comb, Capt. Hezek'>. Gates, John Prescott, Ephraim Sawyer, as a Com mittee of Correspondence. Voted, that the above Committee make Report to the Town of their doeings from time to time as expressed in the warrant. Voted, that any number even less than a majority of the above Com mittee shall be sufficient to Represent the Town as a Committee of Corres pondence. Voted, that the Town will Indemnify the Constable for not returning a List of the Freeholders for Jurors under the Late Act of Parliment. Voted to Raise Fifty pounds for to buy Ammunition with to be a Town Stock. ... ^, , Attest: Sam. Ward, Town Clerk. The meeting adjourned to the second precinct, on Mon- 98 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. day the nineteenth of September, and at this adjourned meeting : .... 2''. Voted, That there be One Hundred men Raised as Volun teers to be Ready at a minutes 'Warning to Turn out upon any Emergency, and that they be Formed into Two Companys & Choose their own ofiicers. 3 distance they traveled in their March to Cambridge on the \^th day of April 1775, to defend the Country against General Gage Sr' hts troops, under the cottimand of Capt. Thotnas Gates of Lancaster. Capt. Tho. Gates, John Hawks, Shadrach Hapgood, Lt. Jon». Priest Whitcom, James Goodwin, Jona. Puffer, Lt. Ric*. Townsend, Joel Osgood, Eben Allen, Sgt. 'W"'. Plutson, Phin. Fletcher, Asa Rugg, Sgt. Peter Thurston, Reuben Gary, Jos. Blood, THE LEXINGTON ALARM. 109 Sg'. Thos. Brooks, Dav'. Willard, Jr., Israel Willard, Corp. W"'. Whitcom, John !\lay, Jr., Gardner Moors, Corp. Moses Burpee, Eph. Willard, Jr., Simeon Hemenway, Corp. Jonas Wyman, Thos. McBride, Jere. Willard, Priv. Lem. Sawyer, Benj. Bruce, Gab. Priest, Uriah Ward, Joel Phinney. 32 [Massachusetts Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, xn, 95.] This mounted company was known as the " Lancaster Troop," and a few years earlier had been commanded by Captain Hezekiah, the father of Thomas Gates. Father and son lived at the junction of the two main roads leading from Lancaster to Sterling, and there kept an inn known far and wide as the Gates Tavern. This ancient hostelry was torn down about forty years ago. The Lancaster Troop kept up its organization and attended annual mus ters until 1825. Lieutenant Townsend and seven of the troopers were of Bolton. The last ten upon the roll en listed in the continental service for eight months. Joseph Willard, Esq., writing in 1826, says: "Of this company, James Goodwin, the oldest man in Lancaster, Moses Bur pee, Samuel Sawyer, John Hawkes, Phineas Fletcher and Joseph Blood are living." We have much to regret in the fact that the limit set by Mr. Willard to his Sketches of the Town of Lancaster, did not permit him to record for us the reminiscences of these and other soldiers of the Revolution, and also of the surviving veterans of the French and Indian Wars, who were in his day fighting over the battles of their youth at many a fireside. Only few and faint traditions now survive to hint to us of the thrilling stories of personal daring and suffering, which, sixty years ago, could have been taken down from the lips of many an aged continental soldier. .... The Comtnand of Capt. Johti Prescott of Lancaster. Capti". John Prescott, Priv. Abner Haskell, John Ballard, Lieut. John White, Jr., Will Jewett, Joseph Phelps, Serj. Elisha Allen, Adam Fleeman, Josiah Phelps, Serj. James Fuller, Jacob Zewer, Robert Phelps, Serj. Salmon Godfrey, Jona. Phillips, Peter Ayers, no ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Serj. Joseph Beeman, Corp. Seth Sergeant, Corp. Jon". Wilder, Corp. W". Shaw, Corp. Nath. White, Ichabod Garey, Asa Sterns, Abiel Abbot, Luke Carter, John Maning, Jona. White, David Robins, Jona. Atherton, Eben. Flagg, Moses Brewer, Oliver Houghton, John Baker. 32 [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, xill, 68.] This Roll contains the travel and service of Capt. Joseph White and the Militia tnetz under his cottimatid in Colo Asa Whitcotnb''s regiment who itt consequence of the Alartti oti the nineteenth day of April last marched frotn Lancaster in the County of Worcester to Cambridge for the defence of this Colony against the Ministerial troops. Capt". Jos. White, I Lt. Cyrus Fairbanks, 2 Lt. Moses Sawyer, Serj. Sam. Thurston, Serj. Josh. Fletcher, Serj. John Clarke, Corp. Peter Larkin, Corp. Moses Wilder, Priv. J no. White, Nat. White, W"\ Richardson, Phineas Wilder, Jos. Lewis, Jon". Whitney, Asel Phelps, Jos. Fairbanks, Josiah Bennet, W°\ Phelps, Joseph Beman. 19 [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, xiil, 189.] Provincial Ridgetnettt of foot of militia tnen Comttianded by Coll. Asa Whitcottib, part of the Larram Company whereof Cap. Jonth. Wil der Comtnanded, who marched to Cambridge in consequence of att alartti order of the Coll. and returned agaitt not listed itt the Ameri can Service. [April 19 to 22.] Jon*. Wilder, sert., Jonth. Fairbanks, Nath>. Jones. Caleb Whitney, Then by request of General John Whetcomb we marcht to Cambridge again. [April 29 to May 4.] Jonath. Wilder, sert., Jonath. Fairbanks, Caleb Whitney. We bore our own expenses both for ourselves and our horses all the time we were from home. [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XIII, 173.] Provincial Regitnent of foot of Militia Men Commanded by Colo. Asa Whitcottib, Part of the Second aud Thirtieth Companies whereof Capt. Daniel Robbins Cottitnands, who marched to Cattibridge in consequence of an alartn by order of the Colo and returtid again not Listed in the Attterican Service. Daniel Robbins, capf^. Josiah Wilder, Jun., Ephraim Bowker, Asa Wilder, i^; lieut. Abraham How, Elijah Wilder, Fortunatus Eager, 2d lieut. Joseph How, David Whittecor Edward Newton, msign. John Robbins, Samuel Jewett, THE LEXINGTON ALARM. Ill Josiah Kendall, i''' lieut. Jonathan Baley, ensign. Samuel Baley, sergt. Nathaniel Wright, Jr., " John Dresser, " Thomas Mears, " Samuel Thompson, corp. Thomas Ross, Samuel Herring, " Simeon Lyon, " Benjamin Whitemore, Seth Fairbank, Ephraim Wright, Thomas Wright, Seth Brooks, Gamaliel Beaman, Benjamin Beaman, Josias Baley, Jonathan Thompson, John Kilburn, William Palmer, Calvin Moor, James Houghton, George Hibris, Joshua Sawyer, Joseph Dunsmore, Jonathan Prescott, Samuel Holman, Asa Smith, Hugh Moore, Timothy Wilder, Joshua Whitney, Elijah Dole, David Gray, Daniel Farrar, Noah Kendall, Seth Ross, Jonas Beaman, Oliver Fairbank, Reuben Moore, S3 Thomas Sawyer, quartermaster , as a private. [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XIII, 77.] Provintial Regitnent oj foot of Minute Men Cotnmanded by Col. John Whitcomb, second Company of sd. Regitnent whereof Samuel Sawyer was Captain, . . . Samuel Sawyer, capt. Manassa Sawyer, leut. Joel Houghton, ensign. Ebenezer Ross, corporal. Lemuel Fairbanks, " Jabez Brooks, Jonathan Wilder, Junr. Samuel Churchel, not Inlisted in the American Service. Timothy Hawood, John Persons, Ephraim Powers, Oliver Powers, Jacob Robins, Ezra Sawyer, Aron Kilburn, Asa Smith, John Spafford, Ephraim Wiman, Thomas Sawyer, Jun. Obediah Grose, Silas Rice, Abel Bigelow. [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XIII, 84.] .... ingaged in the provintial service. Ephraim Richardson, leut. Thomas Kleland, Isaac Tower, Elijah Dresser, John Densmore, Aaron Gary, Ephraim Goss, Joshua Kindall, Israil Manning, Jonathan Phillips, Elisha Prouty, Seth Hawood, sergeant. Ephraim Bointon, " Ebenezer Pike, " Luther Graves, " Jiles Wills, corporal. Timothy Brown, " John Wheler, drummer. William Kindall, fifer. Ebenezer Belknap, private. Jacob Piper, Thomas Blockit, Josiah Person, Jude Sawyer. 56 Israel Coock, [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XIII, 115.] Captain Sawyer and most of his company were from the second precinct. Ephraim Winship, Jacob Wilder, Roger Bartlet, Nathaniel Brown, Mathias Larkin, Samuel Rice, Solemon Holeman Menassa Powers, John Sawyer, Jude Sawyer. 112 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. This Roll contains the names and service of Captn Benjattiiti Houghton &» the minute men under his cottittiand in Colo. Johti WhetcottiVs Regi tnent Jona. Kendall, John Willard, Jona. Knowlton, Steph. Wilder, Titus Wilder, John Dana, Elijah Ball, Daniel Knight, John Thurston, Edm. Larkin, Joseph Josslyn, Henry Willard Farmer, David Horseley, The following persons did ettlist into the Continetital Army. Capfi. Benj. Houghton, 2* Lieut. Sam>. Josslyn, Serj. Nath. Sawyer, Serj. Sam. Wilder, Corp. Aaron Johnson, Corp. V/ill". Wilder, Drum. W". Wheelock, Drum. Eph. Kindall, Priv. Paul Sawyer, Thomas Bennet, Abijah Hawks, Reuben Lipenwell, John Bennet, Jonas Prescott, Nathan Esterbrook, Elisha Houghton, Stanton Carter, Joseph Jones, Josh. Fairbanks, Abijah Houghton, Mathew James, John Chowen. First Lt. And^". Haskell, Sarg. Jon". Sawyer, Sarg. John Kendrick, Corp. John Farwell, Corp. Jere. Haskell, Fifer John Wheelock, Priv. Mark Heard, Jacob Wilder, Eber Sawyer, Sam. Adams, Thos. Goodwin, Elisha Rugg, Jona. Ross, Jacob Phelps, Isaac Eveleth, Abijah Phillips, Benja. Houghton, Abel Wyman, Benj. Ballard, Jos. Beaman, Dan. Wyman, John Baker, Josiah Bowers, Joseph Phelps, Josiah Phelps, Abel Allen, 6i [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XII, 14.0] Three companies marched from Leominster at the Lex ington Alarm ; ninety-nine men in all. As the names will show, very many of these soldiers were lineal descendants of the Lancaster pioneers : Captain Joshua Wood''s Cotnpany of Militia Capt. Joshua Wood, Priv. Elisha White Lieut. Nathaniel Carter, John Jewett, Lieut. Edward Phelps, Sergt. Joseph Beaman, Sergt. Samuel Stickney, Sergt. Phillip Sweetser, Sergt. Thomas Wilder, Corp. Daniel Nichols, Corp. Elijah Fairbank, Corp. Ephraim Carter, Corp. Benjamin Perkins, Drummer John Wood, Jonas Gates, William Boutell, Jr. Luke Richardson, Abiathar Houghton, Samuel Hale, Jr. Joseph Wilder, Jr. John Bennet, Josiah White, James Boutell, Ebenezer Osgood, Benjamin Hale, Caleb Cummins, David Fleeman, Isaac Whitman, John Bowers, Abraham Houghton, Jese Slack, Charles Eames, John Hale, David Hale. 34 [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, xlll, 161.] THE LEXINGTON ALARM. "3 Captain David Wilder's Compatty of Minute Men, Colonel John Whit- cottiVs Regiment Capt. David Wilder, Phinius Carter, Lieut. Joseph Bellows, Israel Wiman, 2'' Lieut. Thomas Harkness, Richard Fowler, Sergt. Elijah Gaffil, " John Locke, " Rufus Houghton, " Abijah Butler, Noah Dodge, Jonathan Marting, David Kendal, Josiah Whetcomb, James Joslin, David Willson, William Nichols, Ebenezer Stewart, Ephraim Buss, David Clarke, Josiah Colburn, Asa Kendal, Richard Stewart, Ruben Gates. 24 [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XII. 175.] Captain John Joslirfs Company of Minute Men, Colonel John Whitcomb's Regiment. Capt. John Joslin, Lieut. Thomas Gary, 2^ Lieut. Phinehas Carter, Clark Oliver Houghton, Sargent Joseph Joslin, ' ' Robert Legate, " John Colbourn, Corp. Nathan Colbourn, " Aaron Kendall, Private Thomas Page, Tolham Bennett, Nathaniel Evens, Abraham Goodnow, Nathan Johnson, Francis Parker, Benjamin Smith, Enoch Chase, David Boutell, Moses Osgood. Ensign Timothy Boutell, Sergt. William Warner, Corp. Josiah Carter, Jr. Corp. Samuel Buss, Drui'nmer Luke Aldridge, Fifer Abijah Haskell, Private Jonathan Kendall, Levi Warner, Enlisted in Army. Zebedee Symonds, Jonathan Colbourn, Amos Brown, Joshua Pierce, Stephen Chase, John Stone, Joshua Proute, Joseph Smith, Nathaniel Chapman, Benjamin Stearns, Benjamin Gary, Luke Johnson, Joshua White, James Wood. 41 [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XII, 159.] Four companies are credited to Harvard in the Lexing ton Alarm rolls, containing one hundred and sixty-four men : Captain Jonathan Davis's Company of Minute Men in Colonel John Whitcotnb's Regiment Capt. Jon". Davis, Lieut, Elisha Fullam , 2^ Lieut. Jon". Pollard, Ensign James Haskell. Sergt. Jabez Keep, " John Mead, Fifer Jacob Davis, Priv. Jacob Fullam, Reuben Garfield, Thaddeus Pollard, Thomas Pratt, Solomon Haskell, Eben"". Davis, Charles Warner, John Wood, David Whitney, John Farnsworth, Ezekiel Cox {deserted) 114 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Sergt. Isaac Holden, " Abraham Munroe, Corp. Benj". Laurance, " Josiah Whitney, " Prince Turner, " Josiah Gates, Drummer Cyrus Fairbanks, " Jona. Davis, Fifer Abijah Worster, [Mass. Joshua Bowers, Abijah Warner, Benj. Robbins, Jacob Whitney, Jacob Priest, Josiah Davis, Manasseh Stow, John Knight, Francis Farr", George Gleason, Nath". Farnsworth, Philemon Priest, Oliver Mead, Daniel Furbush, Thomas White, Isaiah Whitney, (deserted). 43 Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, xn, 36, 41, 48.] Captain Isaac Gates's Capt. Isaac Gates, Lieut. Josiah Haskell, Lieut. Amos Fairbank, Ensign John Daby, Sergt. Sim. Willard, " Saml. Hiii^ " John Houghton, " John Daby, Corp. Gibson Willard, " Israel Whitney, Drummer Lem'. Willard Priv. John Sawyer, Company of Militia in Regiment Benj". Barnard, Lem'. Farnsworth, Asa Farnsworth, Barzillai Willard, Malbery Kingman, Joseph Knight, Sam'. Farnsworth, Joseph Wood, Phineas Fairbank, Nicholas Patterson, , John Atherton, Lem'. Haskell, Colonel Asa Whitcomb's Elijah Willard, Edw*. Cheney, Joseph Atherton, Zaccheus Stevens, Josiah Willard, Jere"^. Bridge, Eph"". Barnard, Jon". Sawyer, Levi Fairbank, Asa Haven, Benj" Stow, Jon". Symonds. Enlisted in American Army. Eben'. Warner, Sam'. Worster, Sam'. Finney, W™. Bennett, Thos. Chamberlin, Joel Finney, W". Haskell, Benj". Willard, W"^. Safford, W™. Harris, Aaron Priest, Sam'. Furbush. [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, xll, 99.] Captain Joseph Fairbank's Company in Colonel Asa Whitcomb's Regi ment Capt. Jos. Fairbanks, Lt. W™. Burt, Lt. Phineas Willard, Ensign Jos. Willard, Sgt. Jona. Reed, " Jona. Clark, " Benja. Cutler, •' Richi. Whitney, Corp. John Priest, Israel Taylor, Esq. Jos. Wheeler, Esq. Lemi. Willard, Jer'^. Laughton, W"". Sanderson, Jos. Atherton, Jos. Houghton, Abr. Willard, Jona. Adams, Oliver Whitney, Phineas Fairbanks, Jer''. Priest, Elijah Houghton, Joseph Blanchard, Eben'. Burges, Stephen Randall, Manasseh Sawyer, Isaac Haile, THE LEXINGTON ALARM. "5 Corp. Isaiah Whitney, " Saml. Meed, " Timo. Willard, Ward Safford, James Perry, Oliver Whetcomb, Oliver Wetherbe, Aaron Davis, 35 [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, xii, 74.J Captain Jatiies Burt's Cottipatty. Capt. James Burt, Lt. Phinehas Farnsworth, Lt. Jacob Robins, Ensign Caleb Sawyer, Sergt. Hezek. Whitney, " Ephraim Davis, " Joel Stone, " Charles Taylor, Corp. James Whitcom, " Silas Rand, " Simon Cooper, •' Abel Whitcorn, Jotham Barnard, Simon Whitney George Coon, Coleman Sanderson, Aaron Whitney, Silas Whitney, Sam'. Brown, Dan. Houghton, Moses Hale, Timo. Phelps, Timo. Crouch, Abijah Reed, W™. Park, David Farwell, Abel Farnsworth, David Sterns, Lemuel Stone, Jona. Crouch, Jr. Willis Secomb, Aaron Warner, John Sartell Farwell, Joseph Wetherbe, Richard Whitney, Joseph Park, Joseph Blanchard, Jabez Keep, Jr. Jerem. Willard, James Willis. 40 [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XI, I96.] Three companies from Bolton (including Berlin dis trict) marched to Cambridge at the Lexington Alarm ; — one hundred and twenty-seven men : Captain Benjamin Hastitigs's Company, Col. John Whitcomb's Regitnent. Capt. Benj". Hastings, Lieut. Jonathan Houghton, 2 Lieut. Jonathan Merriam, Sergt. Benjamin Gold, " John Wilson, " Timothy Mosman, " David Moore, Corp. James Townsend, " Andrew McWain, " Silas Welch, " James Briges, Josiah Cooledge, Ephraim Fairbank, John Houghton, John Hasting, Abner Moore, Joseph Pratt, Abel Moore, William Biglow, William Sawyer, Israel Sawyer, Nathaniel Holman, John Ross, Hezekiah Gibbs, Levi Meriam, Nathaniel Hastings, Samuel Stanhop, Abraham Holman, Calvin Holman, Joel Fosket, Simon Houghton, Sanderson Houghton, Jeremiah Priest, Josiah Sawyer, Jr. Jonathan Whitcomb, Abraham Whitney, Josiah Sawyer, 3'^. Jeremiah Wilson, Nathan Ball, Cyrus Gates, Joseph Amsden, Benjamin Marble, Lemuel Bruce, Samuel White, William White, Nath'. Oakes, Elijah Foster, Josiah Moore, Joshua Townsend, William Sawyer, John Welch, ii6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Jonathan Robins, William Ross, Jonas Welch, Joseph Sawyer, Thomas Atherton, Amos Fuller, Jacob Houghton. 58 [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XII. 135.] Captain Artemas How's Militia Company. Capt. Artemas How, Lieut. David Nurss, 2 Lieut. Joseph How, Sergt. W"". Pollard, W""- Jones, " Jotham Maynard, " David Rice, Corp. Josh. Johnson, Timo. Bailey, Elisha Hodson, Drum'. Jabez Fairbank, Fif. Samuel Jones, Jr. Samuel Baker, John Coolidge, Joseph Woods, Solomon Jones, Benj". Bailey, Eben. Bailey, George Sawyer, Jonas Johnson, Samuel Jones, Nath. Longley, Thos. Pollard, Amos Osgood, Eben. Worcester, Nathan Jones, John Bruce, Asa Fay, Silas Bailey, Jr. Benj. Muzzy, Asa Johnson, Silas Bailey, Sen. Jacob Moor, John Barnard, Robert Fife, Steph. Bailey. 36 [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Roils, XIII, 194.] Cotnpany of Captain Robert Longley, Colotiel Asa Whitcotnb's Regiment. Capt. Rob. Longley, Lieut. Paul Whitcomb, Lieut. Thos. Osborn, Sergt. John Townsend, " Oliver Barrett, " Phin. Moore, " Abel Piper, " Oliver Jewett, Drummer Jon". Priest, Gabriel Priest, Jon" Nurss, Isaiah Bruce, Beriah Oak, David Stiles, Jabez Walkett, Thaddeus Pollard, Sam. Blood, Epm. Whitney, David Stratten, Jonas Whitcom, John Peirce, Jon". Whitcom, Jr. Sam'. Bruce, Asa Nurss, Benj. Nurss, Israel Foster, James Flood, W"". Cooledge, [Cyrus] Gates, Josiah Edwards, Richard Hazeltine, Jacob French, Sanderson Houghton, Eph". Chamberiain. [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, Xll, 182.J 34 Field and Staff of the regitnent of minute men. Colonel John Whitcomb, of Bolton. Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Legate, of Leominster. First-Major William Dunsmoor, of Lancaster. Second-Major Ephraim Sawyer, of Lancaster. Adjutant Jeremiah Gager, of Westminster. Quartermaster David Osgood, of Lancaster. BUNKER HILL AND SIEGE OF BOSTON. 1 17 Field and Staff of the tnilitia regiment. Colonel Asa Whitcomb, of Lancaster. Lieutenant-Colonel Josiah Whitney, of Harvard. First-Major Josiah Carter, of Leominster. Second-Major John Rand, of Westminster. Adjutant Eliakim Atherton, of Bolton. Quartermaster Jeremiah Laughton, of Harvard. [Mass. Archives, Revolutionary Rolls, XXVI, 318, 336.] III. BUNKER HILL AND SIEGE OF BOSTON. The day before the battle of Lexington, the Committee of Safety and Supplies, having met at Newton, designated Lancaster as one of nine towns wherein depots of military material were to be established. It was ordered that be sides infantry ammunition, one company of matrosses, two iron three-pounder cannon with thirty-three rounds each of grape, canister and round shot, two medicine chests and one hundred and fifty tents should be kept in this town. The exigency, however, quickly concentrated all the scanty military stores of the Province in and about Cambridge. To be near the camps, the Provincial Congress re-assembled at Watertown, and on April 25 resolved to raise an army of thirteen thousand men from the state militia, trusting to the other colonies to augment this to thirty thousand. En listments began at once, and Lancaster's quota was soon in camp, the volunteers mostly joining two companies re cruited for Colonel Asa Whitcomb's regiment. Colonel John Whitcomb had received the promodon due to his experience. During the later months of 1774 five general officers had been chosen by the Provincial Congress : Honorable Jedediah Preble, a brigadier of the French and Indian War, now nearly three score and ten years of age ; Hon orable Artemas Ward, who had been a Heuten ant-colonel under Abercrombie, but had won his chief repute in civil Il8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. pursuits ; Colonel Seth Pomeroy, who had served as major in Colonel Samuel Willard's regiment at Louisbourg, now seventy years old ; Colonel William Heath, skilled as yet only in the theory of war, but commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery ; Colonel John Thomas, Shirley's staff surgeon, and commander of a regiment in 1759 ^^ Crown Point. General Preble declined service on account of growing infirmities. Artemas Ward was made Com mander-in-Chief, and General Thomas lieutenant-general, by the Second Congress. " Honorable- John Whitcomb, Esq.," of Bolton, was, on February 15, 1775, added to the list of generals, and at the first council of war, convened at Cambridge the day after the Concord Fight, he was one of the three general officers present. On the sixth of May he and Colonel Benjamin Lincoln were appointed muster- masters. General Whitcomb declined this service, "on account of various avocations,'' and his younger brother. Colonel Asa Whitcomb, was three days later chosen to fill the vacancy. June 13th, John Whitcomb was elected "first major-general of the Massachusetts army," and the follow ing day Joseph Warren was chosen the "second major-gen eral." A committee was appointed to wait upon both ofiicers and desire their immediate acceptance. General Whitcomb hesitated, it is said on account of his health, and a committee was ordered "to draw a complaisant letter to Gen. Whitcomb, to desire a more explicit answer," which * letter follows : Watertown, June 16, 1775. Sir : Your letter wherein you express yourself willing to continue in the Service of this Colony, until the army is regulated and properly en camped and then rely on a discharge, was read with much concern by this Congress, who earnestly hope you will continue in office till the conclusion of the campaign, and must beg your further and more explicit answer. On the next day was fought the battle of Bunker Hill, and its chief martyr, the second major-general of Massachu setts, is a famous name in history ; while Major-General John Whitcomb, second in command of the state forces at BUNKER HILL AND SIEGE OF BOSTON. 1 19 Cambridge that day (although he had not received his commission), being held in reserve at Lechmere Point — probabl}' by order of the commander-in-chief, who expected the British to attack Cambridge — had no opportunity to win laurels. In Massachusetts Archives, cxlvi, 246, is found his reply to the "complaisant letter :" To the Honb'" Congress : Whereas you Desire of me to Giue a more Explicit Answer as to my opintment, as the Surcumstances of the army is so Deficult and the Enemy so ner I e.xcep the Seruis to Do my Duty as far as I shall Be Able. I am your ms' obedeint Ser. John Whetcoivib, Colo. Cambridge, June y'^ 22*, 1777. He was at once commissioned major-general of Massa chusetts forces, to date from June 21, and the commission was handed to him by the President of Congress June 26. The following letter indicates that his lack of literary at tainments did not prevent a generous appreciadon of his military services and ability : In the House of Representatives, July 22, 1775. Sir: This house approving of your services in the station you were appointed to in the army by the Congress of this Colony, embrace this opportunity to express their sense of them, and at the same time to desire your Continuance with the army, if you shall judge you can do it without Irnpropriety, till the final determination of the Continental Congress shall be known with regard to the appointment of General ofiicers. We assure you that the Justice of this House will be engaged to make you an ade quate conpensation for your services. We have such intelligence as affords us confidence to suppose, that a few days will determine whether any such provision shall be made for you as is consistent with your honor to accept and shall give you encouragement to remain in the service. By order of the House. [Massachusetts Archives, LVII, 264.J Similar letters were sent to Generals John Thomas and James Frye. Much heart-burning had resulted from the selections made by the Provincial Congress for the highest mihtary officers, and the appointments of the Continental Congress increased dissadsfaction among the batUe-scarred veterans of former wars. No record shows that John I20 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Whitcomb resented the slight put upon him — anymore than did the sturdy patriot, Pomeroy — although he was the senior in years, military experience and rank in service, to every one of the congressional appointees. June 5, 1776) he was commissioned brigadier-general in the continental army, and General Washington announced to Major-Gen eral Artemas Ward, upon resignation of the latter, that he proposed to order General Whitcomb, so soon as he should accept his commission, to assume command of the forces in Massachusetts. [See American Archives, iv, vi, 929. J John Whitcomb, however, returned the commission, "desir ing to be excused on account of age and a diffidence of not being able to answer the expectation of Congress." He served for four years an honored member of the council, to which he was elected July 25. He had been chosen to the same position in 1773, but then declined the office, prefer- ing to remain in the House of Representatives. The his torian, Frothingham, describes him as "one of the sterling, disinterested officers of the early revolution," one who "appears to have enjoyed to a great degree the respect and confidence of his contemporaries." He died November 17, 1785, in the seventy-third year of his age. The epitaph upon the unpretentious stone that marks his grave in Bol ton's oldest burial ground ignores his military honors, giving only his civic title. The Lancaster regiment was among the first filled. By provincial regulations the complement required ten com panies of fifty-nine rank and file. On the twenty-fifth of May, Colonel Asa Whitcomb reported eleven companies encamped at Cambridge, containing five hundred and sixty volunteers. The field and staff officers were as follows : Colonel Asa Whitcomb of Lancaster, Lieutenant-Colonel Josiah Whitney of Harvard, Major Ephraim Sawyer of Lancaster, Adjutant Jeremiah Gager of Westminster, Quartermaster Jeremiah Laughton of Harvard, Surgeon WilHam Dunsmoor of Lancaster, Surgeon's Mate Moses BUNKER HILL AND SIEGE OF BOSTON. 121 Barnard of Harvard. Eliakim Atherton of Bolton was appointed a deputy commissary of the Province. Here followeth an account of the Subbaltons in the several Companies Belonging to Colo. Asa Whetcomb's Regament Recommended to the Committee of Safty for their approbation. By the sevral Capt. who has Reel their Comitions. Capt'^. Names. John Fuller, Ephraim Richardson, James Burt, David Wilder, Andrew Haskell, Robert Longley, Agrippa Wells, Jonathan Davis, Abner Cranson, Edmond Bemis. Leut'^. Names. Ebenezer Bridge, Seth Haywood, Ebenezer Woods, Jonathan Gates, John Kendrick, Silvanus Smith, Jacob Poole, Elisha FuUom, John Wyman, John Hore. Ens'^. Names. Jared Smith, Ephraim Boyenton, Jabez Keep, Timothy Boutal, Jonathan Sawyer, Ephraim Smith, Ezekiel Foster, John Meed, Benjamin West, David Foster. Adjutant Jeremiah Gager. Camp at Cambridge, June y'- 3'^, 1775. Asa Whitcomb, Colo. [Massachusetts Archives, CXLVI, 156.] Of the eleventh company Colonel Whitcomb says : I have a flill Reg', exclusive of Benj Hastings who has 5;^ in his Com pany, and he has done Duty with me and declines joining any other Reg'. and I desire that the officers of that Compatiy may be commissioned & join my Reg'mt. Asa Whitcomb. Benj Hastings, capt. Jonathan Houghton, lieut. Jonathan Meriam, 2d. lieut. Camp No. 2, Cambridge, June 30, 1775. This may certify, that we, the subscribers, being chosen Officers of a Minute Company, in Bolton, have taken orders to raise a Company in the present Army : and having fifty-three able-bodied, effective men, fit for service, in our Company, and having done duty in Colonel Whetcomb's Regiment from our first taking out orders, we desire that we may be com missioned under the above said Colonel, which was the expectation of the Company. Benjamin Hastings, Captain. Jonathan Houghton, Lieutettant. Jonathan Meriam, Second Lieutenant. To the honourable the Provincial Congress. [American Archives, IV, II, 82B.] Haskell's and Richardson's companies were mostly of 9 122 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Lancaster ; Burt's and Davis's of Harvard ; Longley's of Bolton and Shirley ; Hastings's of Bolton ; Wilder's of Leominster and Ashburnham ; Fuller's of Lunenburg ; Bemis's of Westminster ; Cranson's of Marlborough ; and Wells's of Greenfield, etc. The regiment lost five killed, eight wounded, and two missing in the battle of Bunker Hill, according to the official returns. The historian, Ban croft, says "from the regiment of Whitcomb of Lancaster there appeared at least fifty privates, but with no higher officers than captains." The loss as well as other facts seem to prove that more than twice fifty were at the front. Richard- Frothingham states that it was represented in action by "a few companies," and, upon what authority is not discovered, adds that probably Captain Burts' and Wilders' companies were of these. He also relates that "one account by a soldier states that Captain Benjamin Hastings led one company of thirty-four, and took post at the rail fence." Sergeant Robert Phelps of Has kell's Lancaster company was mortally wounded and died a prisoner in Boston ; and David Robbins of the same com pany was killed. In Massachusetts Archives, clxxxi, 73, is a petition of Elisha. Houghton, a Lancaster man in Cap tain Hasdngs's company, alleging that he was in the battle and helped Jacob Davis, who was wounded, off the field. This wounded man was of Harvard, belonged to Captain Burt's company, and was discharged October 6th, on ac count of his injury. Among resolves passed by the House of Representatives, February 6, 1776, for the payment of accounts for losses at Bunker Hill, were the following : To the heirs, or Master of David Robbins, who was killed, 2 .. 12 ., o To Robert Phelps, wounded, 2 .. o .. o To Israel Willard, 2 .. o .. o To Joseph Wilder, i .. o .. o These names are all found in the company roll of Cap tain Andrew Haskell. By casuakies in their ranks therefore we have proof SIEGE OF BOSTON. 123 that Haskell's, Burt's and Hastings's companies were in the battle upon Bunker Plill. Judging from those recorded as died and discharged after that day, it seems probable that Longley's, Davis's and Bemis's commands were also in ac tion. There is a tradition among old families that one or more companies of the Lancaster regiment were crossing the Neck towards the battle-ground when the retreat began, and that others had marched to re-enforce Prescott earlier. The names of soldiers who enlisted in the eight-months' service of 1775 are found in the so-called "Coat Rolls." April 23d the Provincial Congress, in establishing the pay of the troops, passed a resolve that, in addition to the monthly stipend, "a Coat for a uniform be given to each of the Non-commissioned officers and Privates, as soon as the state of the Province will admit of it." July 5, thirteen thousand coats were ordered for the army, each town being required to furnish a share of these proportionate to its last provincial tax. Lancaster's proportion was determined to be one hundred and sixteen ; Bolton's, fifty-five ; Harvard's, fifty-six ; Leominster's, forty-three. A certificate was or dered sewn to the inside of each coat, giving the name of the town that furnished it, that of the maker, and the name of the weaver of the cloth, if home-made material was used. American cloth was to have preference. Soldiers providing their own coats were entitled to receive twenty shillings in money. The Lancaster regiment, upon the organization of the army for the siege of Boston, was placed in a brigade with the Rhode Island troops, under General Nathaniel Greene, forming part of the Second — General Charles Lee's — division. According to Paul Lunt's Diary, it joined the brigade Friday, July 28, and was posted on Prospect Hill. It was the largest of the twenty-six Massachusetts regi ments before Boston. Tents were few, and each squad usually planned and constructed some sort of hut with such materials as were most easy to obtain. Turf, stone, boards, 124 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. brick, logs and sail-cloth were wrought into rude forms of shelter, which, in their disorderly quaintness, may have been picturesque, but lacked military convenience and cleanliness. As an officer of the command has told us, the whole army, consisted of less than fifteen thousand militia, "without a shade of uniformity in its organization, pay, dress, arms or exercise, destitute of subordination aiid discipline, and fluctuating from day to day as the caprice of the men inclined them to absent themselves or to rejoin their colors." General Greene, however, is credited with having the neatest encampment and the best disciplined brigade in the patriot lines. With less than twenty rounds of powder per man, this motley aggregation of brave yeo men held Boston in close siege for ten months, and finally compelled the dilatory Sir William Howe to take refuge in the British fleet. Captain Andrew Haskell's Company of Lancaster . . . . Capt. Andrew Haskell, Eber Sawyer, Matthew James, Lt. John Kindrick, Lt. Jonathan Sawyer, Ser. John Hewitt, " Abijah Phillips, " Robert Phelps, " Jeremiah Haskell, " Joshua Fairbank, Cor. Josiah Bowers, " Benjamin Houghton, " Ebenezer Allen, Jr. " Jacob Wilder, Drum. Nathaniel White, Fifer John Wheelock, Surgeon's c Jonas Prescott, Waiters \ Abel Allen, Abijah Houghton, Abel Wyman, Benjamin James, Daniel Clark, Daniel Wyman, Elisha Rugg, Ebenezer Abbott, George Richardson, Gershom Flagg, Israel Willard, Joseph Phelps, Jacob Phelps, Josiah Phelps, Jonathan Ross, Joseph Wilder, Jacob Pike, Isaac Kilbourn, Isaac Eveleth, Isaac Bailey, John Fletcher, Jonathan White, Jotham Wilder, John Warner, Jr. Mark Heard, Nathan Easterbrooks, Peter Airs, Peter Manning, Samuel Barret, Stanton Carter, Thomas Goodwin, William Phelps, William Deputron, David Robbins, Samuel Adams, John Baker, William Cally, John Myres, seaman, David Hosley, Joseph Beaman, William Shaw, Benjamin Ballard, John Ballard, Winslow Phelps. [Mass. Archives, Coat Rolls, LVI, 147.] Against Sergeant Robert Phelps's name is recorded SIEGE OF BOSTON. 125 "Wounded and in captivity, June 17 ;" against David Rob- bins's, "Killed on Bunker Hill June 17 ;" against Samuel Adams, John Baker, William Cally and John Myres is written: "EnHsted into the Train, May;" against David Hosley, Joseph Beaman and WilHam Shaw is : "in the works ;" against the last three names is written : "in com mand." John Ballard and Abel Wyman died in the service, the former of small-pox. Sergeant Jeremiah Haskell was an older brother of the captain. Captain Ephraim Richardson's Company of Laticaster. Capt. Ephraim Richardson, Lt. Seth Heywood, Lt. Eph". Boynton, Sergt. Ebenezer Pike, " Luther Graves, " Sam" Rice, " Falls Wills, Corp. Eph'". Sawyer, " Nathll. Brown, " Mathias Larkin, " Elijah Dreser, Fifer Will. Kendall, Drummer John Wheeler, Amos Dole, Shirley. Aaron Glazer, Shrewsbury. Stephen Harris, Charlemont. Asa Robbinson, Lexington, Benj". Glazer, Arvinshier. Benj". Treadway, Princeton. Eph"\ Winchupp, Lexington. Aaron Gary, Asa Rugg, Benj". Smith, Calvin Fairbank, David Pike, Eph'". Goss, Elijah Dole, Elihu Goss, Bolton. Jude Sawyer, ', Ji ' Isaac Tower, Jacob Wilder, Israel Cook, Josiah Pearson, Joshua Whitney, Jonas Beaman, Jacob Kilburn, John Dunsmore, Israel Maning, Jabez Brooks, Joshua Kendall, [Mass. Archives, Elisha Prentice, John English, Salem. John Bunn, James Sawyer, Manasah Powers, Reuben Moor, Seth Ross, Tho. Blodgett, Tho. Cleeland, Tho. Proser, Benj" Hines, Tho. Smith, Jonathan Phillip>s, Jacob Piper, Luther Rice, Asa Farrar, Eph'". Pike, James Wall, Joseph Savage, Josiah Brunson. , Coat Rolls, LVI, 146.J Captain Richardson died in the service. Nathaniel Brown, Elijah Dole, Jabez Brooks, Stephen Harris and Thomas Smith "went to Quebec, September 11, 1775." Joseph Savage and Josiah Brunson enlisted "in the train." Thomas Proser and James Wall are reported deserters, in May. The transfers to the train were by authority of the Provincial Congress which. May 16, 1775, ordered that any officer of artillery might enlist men from any other arm 126 annals; of Lancaster. of the service, taking, however, no more than four from any company. Special inducements were also given to those volunteering for the expedition under Colonel Bene dict Arnold, which, by the route of the Kennebec and Chaudiere rivers, traversed the wilderness and joined Gen eral Montgomery in the disastrous attack upon Quebec. Those who thus enlisted from Lancaster served in the com pany of Captain Samuel Ward. Brooks and Brown were wounded, but are again found in their country's service, and Elijah Dole, although taken prisoner, returned in safety, as the following letter proves : To the Cotntnittee for Clothing the Continetital Troops : Gentlemen : The Bearer Elijah Dole belonging to my Company in Colo. Asa Whitcomb's Regiment, engag* in the American Service imme diately after the 19"! of April 1775, march'' from Cambridge on September 13"! following to Quebec ; has never drawn a Coat according to the resolve of the Provincial Congress ; wou"! be glad to have the amount of it in money ; has apply^i to me to inform your Honours in his behalf. Seth Heywood, Lieut. Lancaster, Dec. 2, 1776. [Mass. Archives, Coat Rolls, LVii, 15.] Captain James Burt's Company, of Harvard, etc. Captain James Burt, Harvard. Jonathan Atherton, Lancaster. Lieut. Ebenezer Wood, Fitchburg. Moses Brewer, " " Jabez Keep, Harvard. Simeon Hemmenway, Bolton. Adjutant Isaac Holden, Harvard. John Bowers, Leominster. Sergt. Maj. Thos. Hovey, Lunenburg. Abiathar Houghton, " Sergt. Thomas Hill, Fitchburg. Jesse Slack, " " Samuel Finney, Harvard. William Slack, " Corp. William Haskell, " Jonathan Cummings, Fitchburg. " Benjamin Willard, " David Goodel, " " William Safford, " Thomas Harris, " Reuben Dodge, " John Hastings, Joseph Blanchard, " Edom I^onnon, Solomon Burges, " Joseph Simons, Daniel Burt, " John Woods, Thomas Chamberlain, " Joseph Woods, Jonathan Clark, " Uriah Holt, Ashburnham. Joseph Fay, " Abraham Hager, Shrewsbury. John Sartle Farwell, " John Bennett, Westborough. Joel Finney, " Nathaniel Tufts, Cambridge. SIEGE OF BOSTON. 127 William Harris, Joseph Park, James Turner, Joseph Wetherbee, Jeremiah Willard, James Willis, Andrew Park, Har ,'ard. Abijah Eveonden, Stoughton. " Jonathan Stone, Mason. " Thomas Harris, Jr., Boston. John Adam Rupp, " " Henry Rimer, Boston, dischd Oct. 6. " Edw. Holowell, Lynn, desertedMay. died July 6. Quartermaster Jeremiah Laughton, Harvard, died August 11. Sergeant Israel Willard, Lancaster, died September 13. Jacob Davis, Harvard, discharged October 6. Ebenezer Flagg, Lancaster, enlisted in y Train. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls. LVI, 143.] Captain Jotiathati Davis's Company, of Harvard, etc. Captain Jonathan Davis, Harvard. Lieut. Elisha Fullam, " John Mead, " Sergt. Abraham Munro, " " Josiah Gates, " " Mikel Ceary, Boston. " William Kendall. Townsend " Francis Farr, Harvard. Corp. Charles Warner, " " Thomas Etheridge, Boston. " Joshua Bowers, Harvard. " Samuel Forbush, " Jonathan Adams, " Ebenezer Davis, " Josiah Davis, " Jacob Fullam, " Reuben Garfield, " George Gleason, " Solomon Haskell, " John McCoy, Aaron Priest, " Jacob Priest, Job Priest, Fifer Abijah Worster, Thomas Pratt, Harvard. Thaddeus Pollard, " Benjamin Robens, " James Robens, " Gideon Sanderson, " Isaac Sanderson, " Manasseh Stow, " Ebenezer Warner, " Jacob Whitney, " Samuel Worster, " Nathan Osgood, Lancaster. Ephraim Whitcomb, " Samuel White, Leominster. Jedediah Felt, N. Rutland. Joseph Putney, Ashby. Joseph Holden, Barrington. Thomas Cogney, Sandwich. Francis Dizer, Charlestown. James Rand, " Antony Shezzerel, " Gilbert Coleworthy, Boston. Benjamin Dolbee, " Ebenezer Gofe, " flfejifr/^rf. George Treat, " Corporal Benjamin Lawrence, Harvard, died August 26. Drummer Cyrus Fairbanks, '• discharged Sept. \\. [Mass. Archives, Coat Rolls, LVI, 150.] Captain Benjatnin Hastings's Company, of Bolton, etc. Capt. Benjamin Hastings, Josiah Coolidge, Abner Moore, Lieut. Jonathan Houghton, Ephraim Fairbanks, David Moore, 128 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Lieut. Jonathan Meriam, Sergt. Benjamin Gould, " Timothy Mosman, Corp. William Bigelow, " William Sawyer, " Israel Sawyer, James Bridges, Isaac Buck, John Chowen, John Hastings, Joseph Hoar, John Houghton, Joseph Houghton, Abel iMoore, Joseph Pratt, William Ross, Benjamin Sawyer, Jonas Welch. William Whitcomb. Sergt. Silas Welch, died Sept. 8. Amos Southgate, died Sept. 21. Seth Muzzy, Worcester, died. Elisha^^Houghton, Lancaster [Mass, Archives, Coat Rolls, LVI, 145.] Hastings's company numbered fifty-six men. Those not here given were from various localities, eleven being from Putney. Captain Robert Longley's Company, of Bolton, Shirley, etc. Capt. Robert Longley, John Coolidge, John Longley, Jr. Josiah Edwards, died. Gabriel Priest, Jacob French, Joseph Woods, Richard Hazelton, Simon Farmer, Harvard. Samuel Jones, Dan'. Fleeman, Lancaster. . . . [Mass. Archives, Coat Rolls, LVI, 144.] There are sixty-three names upon this roll, most of those not here given being of Shirley. Captain David Wilder's Company, of Leominster, Ashburnham, etc. Capt. David Wilder, Amos Brown, Asa Kendall, Lt. Josiah Gates, Ashburnham. Stephen Chace, James Boutell, Sergt. Oliver Jewett, Corp. Gardner Moore " Joseph Blood, Thomas Burnam, Lt. Timothy Boutell, Sergt. William Warner, " Josiah Carter, Corp. Levi Warner, " Samuel Buss, " James Butler, Drummer Thomas Rogers, Fifer Abijah Haskell, Charles Evans, died Sept. 27. Jonathan Kendall, Jonathan Colburn, Josiah White, Nathaniel Chapman, Josiah Colburn, Ebenezer Osgood, David Clark, Joseph Smith, Benjamin Stearns, John Stone, Elisha Carter, Benjamin Hale, Joshua Prouty, Zebedee Symonds, Reuben Gates, David Fleeman, Isaac Whitmore, Joshua White, Luke Johnson, James Wood, David Hale, Abel Bigelow, Luke Wilson, Asa Priest, John Battle, Levi Blood. . . John Hale, [Mass. Archives, Coat^RoUs, LVI, 148.] There are sixty-eight names upon this roll, the Ash burnham names being here omitted. SIEGE OF BOSTON. 129 Several soldiers of the Lancaster towns served during the siege of Boston under other regimental commanders. Of Colonel Ephraim Doolittle's command there were from Lancaster : Surgeon Enoch Dole ; Joseph Beaman, in the company of Captain David Wilder of Winchendon ; Joseph Bailey, in Captain John Jones's Princeton company ; Jona than Knowlton, in Captain Jacob Miller's Holliston com pany ; John Wheelock, drummer in Captain Adam Wheel er's Hubbardston company. In Captain Josiah Stearns's Lunenburg company were these men of Leominster ; Sergt. Nathan Colburn, Ebenezer Houghton, Francis Parker. Nathaniel Evans, [Mass. Archives, Coat Rolls, LVI, 153-7.] In the regiment of Colonel Jonathan Ward and the company of Captain Samuel Woods of Northborough, were these Bolton soldiers : Da-vid How, Moses Hudson, Solomon Jones, John Hudson, Jonas Johnson, George Sawyer. These Leominster men were in the same regiment under Captain Job Gushing of Shrewsbury : Joshua Pierce, William Prentice. In the regiment of Colonel William Prescott, Moses Os good served under Captain Samuel Gilbert of Littleton ; Phineas Whitney of Harvard, with Captain Joseph Moore of Groton ; Abel Wetherbee, Caleb Wetherbee and Joseph Swatridge of Harvard, with Captain Samuel Patch of Stow ; drummer Jonathan Wheelock and fifer Lemuel Gates of Lancaster in Captain Abijah Wyman's Ashby company ; Israel Davenport of Lancaster served in Cap tain Joseph Butler's company of Colonel John Nixon's regiment. In Colonel Richard Gridley's regiment of ardllery, serving under Captain John Popkin, were : Corporal Joseph Jones, John Baker, Simeon Hemmenway, Ebenezer Flagg, Joseph Blanchard, Joseph Savage. Samuel Adams, William Calley, 130 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Captain Henry Haskell, who led a Shirley company of eighty men at the Lexington Alarm, in Colonel William Prescott's regiment, was at Bunker Hill commanding a company of seventy militia, and for meritorious service was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of Colonel Nich olas Dike's, afterwards the Fifteenth Massachusetts regi ment of the Continental army. He removed to Lancaster at the close of the war. It was generally believed that the Acadians favored the American cause, and it was deemed expedient to ascertain the exact military condition of the province of Nova Scotia and the disposition of its people, with the view of organiz ing an expedition thither. The delicate task of making the investigation was entrusted in November, 1775, to special commissioners, Aaron Willard of Lancaster and Moses Child. Washington's instructions to them are to be found in The Writings of George Washington, in, 169. Upon reaching the province the commissioners, learning that under recent proclamations of the Governor they were liable to arrest and summary treatment as spies, lost cour age for further adventure and returned, reporting in Feb ruary, upon hearsay evidence, that the Acadians "would engage in the common cause of America, could they be protected," and that the defences of the province were in significant. [See American Archives, iv, iv, 1150.J A report grounded upon such insufficient reconnoissance could of course afford no basis for military action. December i, 1775, the army was seriously weakeiled by the departure of the Connecdcut troops, who insisted upon going home the day their term of enlistment expired. In order that the fortifications of Cambridge and Roxbury might be properly manned. General Washington besought re-enforcements of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, to the number of five thousand men, whose service should end January 15th. The quota of Lancaster under this call was forty-six. The following accounts for eighteen of SIEGE OF BOSTON. 131 those who represented the town, but the others have not been found : Lancaster, March y" 11, 1776. This may certify that wee whose Narnes are under written Have Re- cev^, y" whole of our wages while wee was under Capt. White frotn the 8"' of December 1775, to the 17"^ of January 1776, of Lieut. Samuel Sawyer we say ReceV*. Ephraim Wilder, Nathan Geary, Jonas Baley, Timothy Wilder, Seth Fairbank, Ebenezer Burpee, Thomas May, Jr., Asa Roper, John Stuart, Oliver Bo'wker, Peter Prescott, William Palmer, Levi Wilder, Hiram Prescott, Joseph Seaver, Oliver Moore, Samuel Thompson, Mary Brooks. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, LIT, 17 a.] Again, in January, General Washington called upon Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut for tem porary re-enforcements of militia to emphasize an offensive movement upon Boston. Ten regiments were asked for. Of the six furnished by Massachusetts, one was commanded by Colonel Josiah Whitney of Harvard.' William Warner of Leominster served in this as adjutant. The quota of Lancaster was forty-six, of Harvard twenty-five, of Bolton twenty-three, of Leominster thirteen. No rolls of the companies are found, but the officers' names are preserved : Officers of a company of tnilitia who re-enforced the American Army Feb ruary 13, 1776 : joined Col. Whitney's Regt. Nathaniel White, capt. [Lancaster.] JamesBurt, \^t It. [Harvard.] Joseph How, 2d It. [Bolton.] Ezra Sawyer, ensign, deceased. [Lancaster.] Jonathan Whitcomb, in room of Ezra Sawyer deceased. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxviii, 61.] The service ended April i. In the re-organization of the army besieging Boston, to bring the provincial regiments to the standard condnental establishment, consolidadon became necessary, entailing the discharge of many ofiicers. Among the field officers dropped by the commander-in-chief after consultadon with the division and brigade commanders, was Colonel Asa 132 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Whitcomb of Lancaster. The reason alleged for this re tirement was his advanced age. He was at this date in his fifty-sixth year, and other considerations may perhaps have had more weight in the advisory council. Colonel Whit comb's great local popularity seems to have been in large degree due to noble qualities of heart. He was evidently a lovable as well as able man, a practical christian, an un compromising patriot, a brave and tried soldier. While he may have been an unexceptional leader of men in days like those of Lexington and Bunker Hill, it needed but a brief campaign to show that he was too amiable to become a mihtary disciplinarian. This weakness is plainly pointed at in more than one of Washington's orders, is shown by the record of the regiment, and is incidentally men tioned in a letter from General Greene to Washington, dated March 11, 1776. The story of Colonel Whitcomb's re-instatement was told in the New London Gazette, and copied into the New England Chronicle for Thursday, January 11, 1776, and other papers of the period. ANECDOTE. Deacon Whitcomb of Lancaster (who was a member of the Assembly of Massachusetts Bay till the present war commenced, had served in for mer wars, and been in different engagements), served as Colonel in the Continental Army ; but on account of his age was left out upon the new regulation. His men highly resented it, and declared they would not list again after their time was out. The Colonel told them he did not doubt there were sufficient reasons for the regulation, and he was satisfied with it ; he blamed them for their conduct, and said he would enlist as a private. A Colonel Brewer heard of it, and offered to resign in favour of Colonel Whitcomb. The whole coming to General Washington's ears, he allowed of Colonel Brewer's resignation in Colonel Whitcomb's favour, appointed the former Barrack-Master till he could further promote him, and ac quainted the army with the whole affair in general orders. Let antiquity produce a more striking instance of true greatness of mind. Confirmation and correction of this story is found in a petition preserved in Massachusetts Archives, clxxxi, 77 : To the Hon . Council Sr' House of Representatives in Genl. Court assembled at Watertown, June /{, 1776: The memorial of Jonathan Brewer of Waltham, in the County of Mid- SIEGE OF BOSTON. 133 dlesex Colony afores:iid, Esq. Humbly sheweth. That no sooner were Hostilities commenced by the British Troops against the Liberties of America than he Voluntarily enter"' the Field for the Defence thereof & obtained of the Hon* Congress then convened in this Colony a Colonel's Commission & raised a Regiment, & he flatters himself that he so behaved himself in that Department as to Merit the approbation of his country & in Perticular so distinguished himself in the Memorable Battle of Bunker Hill wherein he had the Honour of a command & was still continued in command by his excellency General Washington, after the Troops were taken into Continental service, and in cottiplyance with the Request of the Genl, he gave up his Regiment to the command of Colo. Whitcomb, and at the General's like Request officiated as Barrack Master General until some other suitable Birth should offer, in which case he had the General's Promise for further Promotion, and as Vacancys now exist, your memor ialist being heartily inclined to serve his Country further and lend his assistance in this Glorious Struggle for our Invaluable Privelidges, Prays the Hon'' Court would Recommend him the Memorialist to the Honb'° Continental Congress for further Promotion. I have the Proinise from Gen'. Washington which will be accompan'-''' with his Letters to the like Purpose, and as in Duty bound shall ever pray. J. Brewer, Col. Washington's order was as follows : Head-Quarters, Cambridge, November 16, 1775. Motives of economy rendering it indispensably necessary that many of the Regiments should be reduced, and the whole put upon a different es tablishment, several deserving officers, mot from any demerit, but pure necessity, have been excluded in the new arrangement of the Army ; among these was Colonel Whitcomb ; but the noble sentiments disclosed by that gentleman upon this occasion, the zeal he has shown in exhorting the men not to abandon the interest of their Country at this important crisis, and his determination to continue in the service even as a private soldier, rather than by a bad example, when the enemy are gathering strength, to put the public affairs to hazard— when an example of this kind is set it not only entitles a gentleman to particular thanks, but to particular rewards ; in the bestowing of which. Colonel Jonathan Brewer is entitled to no small share of credit, in readily giving up to Colonel Whitcomb the Regiment which he was appointed to comrnand. Col. Whitcomb, therefore is henceforward to be considered as Colonel of that regiment which was intended for Colonel Brewer ; and Colonel Brewer will be appointed Barrack-Master until something better worth his ac ceptance can be provided. [American Archives, iv, HI, 1614.] In the old army organization, of thirty-eight infantry 134 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. regiments Colonel Whitcomb's had been the Twenty-third ; under the new establishment it became the Sixth Foot, there being twenty-seven infantry regiments in all, of eight companies each. Although the favor of the commander- in-chief had retained their old colonel in the service, his men nearly all returned to their homes at the expiration of the eight months for which they had enlisted. In the weekly return of January 8, 1776, the regiment numbered but three hundred and forty-seven all told, and but a single one of the old company officers, Captain Abner Cranson, continued in the command. The Lancaster regiment of militia, now called the Sec ond Worcester County Regiment, was re-organized in March, Josiah Whitney of Harvard being chosen colonel, Ephraim Sawyer of Lancaster, fieutenant-colonel, Silas Bailey of Bolton, first-major, and Ebenezer Jones, second- major. The line officers were commissioned as follows, the third and eighth companies being of Harvard, the fourth and seventh of Bolton, and the other six of Lan caster : I 5 John White, Jr., capt. Daniel Goss, capt. Daniel Rugg, Jr., lieut. Samuel Wilder, Jr., lieut. Salmon Godfrey, " Levi Wilder, " 2 6 John May, cafit. Fortunatus Eager, capt. Timothy Heyward, lieut. Edward Newton, lieut. Solomon Stewart, " Jabez Fairbank, 3 7 Samuel Hill, capt. David Nourse, capt. Amos Fairbank, lieut. Joseph Howe, lieut. John Daby, " William Pollard, lieut. 4 8 Jonathan Houghton, capt. Hezekiah Whitney, capt. Richard Townsend, lieut. Ephraim Davis, lieut. Thomas Osburn, " Jabez Keep, " SIEGE OF BOSTON. 135 9 10 Wm. Greenleaf, capt. Manasseh Sawyer, capt. Samuel Joslin, lieut. Elisha Sawyer, Jr., lieut. Nathaniel Sawyer, lieut. Ephraim Sawyer, Jr., lieut. The names of many of these officers are found later in various short service rolls, the militia being frequently called upon to p'-otect the New England states from threat ened invasion. In June, 1776, Ephraim Sawyer, Jr., received a commission as lieutenant in the Fifteenth Mas sachusetts, Colonel Timothy Bigelow's regiment in the Continental army. Samuel Sawyer was made captain of the second militia company, to fill a vacancy caused by the removal of John May from town. Colonel Asa Whitcomb's regiment, which had for sev eral months been in the intrenchments upon Prospect Hill, was transferred to the brigade of General Thomas near the close of January, and, on February 22, 1776, was ordered to Roxbury, where it occupied the mansion known as Gov ernor Shirley's residence. Before dawn on March 5, the anniversary of the Boston Massacre, it was marched to re lieve the five thousand men who had in one night, "with an expedition equal to that of the genii belonging to Alad din's wonderful lamp" — as a British officer of distinction wrote home — thrown up at Dorchester Heights two re doubts commanding the city of Boston. These were wholly built of timber and fascines, the earth being at the time frozen to a great depth. James Thacher, the sur geon's mate of the regiment, has recorded how, upon the discovery of these frowning works at daylight, the forts and fleet of the enemy opened upon them with all their available artillery : Cannon shot are continually rolling and rebounding over the hill ; and it is astonishing to observe how little our soldiers are terrified hy them. . . The royal troops are perceived to be in motion, as if embarking to pass the harbor and land on Dorchester shore, to attack our works. The hills and elevations in this vicinity are covered with spectators to witness deeds of horror in the expected conflict. His Excellency General Washington is present, animating and encouraging the soldiers, and they in return 136 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. manifest their joy, and express a warm desire for the approach of the enemy; each man knows his place, and is resolute to execute his duty. General Howe was prevented from the contemplated assault by a fierce easterly storm that lashed the waters of the harbor into waves too formidable for heavily laden boats to encounter, and the mettle of the militia was not tested. The day passed, the works were enlarged and strength ened, and the tired regiments were relieved by others. The end of the long siege was evidently near at hand. Lancaster was to lose one more of her sons, however, be fore the victory. In the Memoirs of Major-General Heath, under date March 9, 1776, is written : This night a strong detachment went down to open a work on Nook Hill in Dorchester still nearer to Boston. Some of the men imprudently kindled a fire behind the hill previous to the hour for breaking of ground. The enemy discovered the light of the fire ; and there was, during the evening and night, a continual roar of cannon and mortars from the castle and guns on Boston Neck, south end of that town ; as well as from the Americans at Roxbury, Cobble Hill and Leechmore's Point at Cambridge. The second shot from the British at the old fortifications south end of the town of Boston killed 4 Americans who were standing around the fire be fore mentioned at Nook Hill ; one of whom was Dr. Dow of Connecticut. For Dr. Dotv should here be read Doctor Enoch Dole of Lancaster, surgeon of Colonel Ephraim Doolittle's reg iment, as an epitaph in the old cemetery at Littleton tells : Here lies y"= Body of Dr Enoch Dole of Lancaster A. E. 33 Years 5 mo & 3 days, he unfortunately fell with 3 others y" 9"^ of March 1776 by a cannon Ball from our cruel and unnatural Foes y° British Troops while on his Duty on Dorchester Point. No warning giv'n ! Unceremonious fate ! A sudden rush from Life's meredian joys. A wrench from all we are ! from all we love What a change From yesterday !* Thy daring hope so near. Long labour'd prize ! O how ambition flushed Thy glowing cheek ambition truly great. Of virtuous praise. And oh ! ye last, last, what (can word express Thought read) ye last, last silence of a friend. ¦* Meaning his entrance into Boston which so soon took Place & on which his Heart was inuch sett. COLONEL ASA WHITCOMB. 137 Colonel Whitcomb's regiment was one of three detailed to garrison Boston, and on March 20 it entered the town, greeted with a joyful welcome by the impoverished citizens, as it marched through the squalid streets desolated by a ten months' siege. Comfortable quarters in unoccupied houses were assigned the soldiers, and as small-pox was prevalent the surgeons were kept busy inoculating for that disease. Occasional events of interest relieved the com monplace of garrison duties. Thirteen vessels of the Brit ish fleet, including the ship Renown of fifty guns, remained off Nantasket, blockading the harbor. June 13 an expedi tion under Colonel Whitcomb, and including a part of his regiment, embarking from Long Wharf, proceeded by night to Long Island, and throwing up earth-works planted a battery, which opened upon the surprised Commodore Banks in the morning and compelled him to make hasty departure. July 18, the Declaration of American Independence was formally proclaimed from the State House balcony, the commands of Colonels Whitcomb's and Paul Dudley Sar gent's parading on King street in thirteen divisions, with a section of artillery which fired a salute of thirteen guns. The regiment had gone through the dangers from small-pox with the loss of one man only, a negro. August 7, with the inspiration of drum and fife and flying colors to prevent sorrow at enforced departure from showing too prominently, it marched for Ticonderoga. Arriving there about the first of September, it spent the winter in comfortable log huts, strengthening the works, and awaiting an enemy that showed no disposition to assault that formidable position. Colonel Whitcomb certainly added nothing here to his rep utation as an officer. Before entering upon an account of the event that closed his military history, a brief sketch of the habits and peculiarities of the New England soldier may be necessary. The distinction between the military organizations North and South was not more marked at the 10 138 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. outset of our late civil war than it was in the days of 1776. In that earlier time, also, the Northern soldiers were to the Southern officer fanatics, clod-hoppers and mud-sills ; and the better uniformed and more rigidly disciplined Southern ers were to the Northern patriots "buck-skins" and "maca ronies." The heirs of Puritanism scoffed at the bumptious coxcombry of their Southern allies, and were stung with retaliatory sneers at their own bumpkin ways and stingi ness. The two classes often evinced for each other a dis like only less intense than that they naturally felt for the "lobsters," as the British regulars were nicknamed. It was the old, old quarrel — Stoic versus Epicurean, swaggering Cavalier jostling against psalm-singing Roundhead. The New England regiment was a voluntary association of equals enlisted in patriotic duty for a few months, usually less than a year. The officers, from colonel down, were practically elected by the votes of their neighbors — by men as well educated and of as good family as themselves. To gain a captaincy popularity with the mass of the people was essential, and aristocratic lineage or mien counted naught. A brave, intelligent race, and passionately patri otic, the soldiers excelled as pioneers or skirmishers, or in defensive warfare, and wherever independent action and judgment could most avail. Their discipline was, however, of the loosest description. The Southern officers usually stood upon an entirely different plane — recogniz ing no equality with their men, accustomed to deference and rigidly exacting it. These ofiicers, gentlemen by ac cident of birth and generally by education, naturally viewed with prejudice the social equality displayed among their northern allies, and the epithet, Yankee, fell from their scornful lips with provoking tone and frequency. A Maryland subaltern wrote in his diary : . . On entering the camp near Boston I was struck with the famil iarity which prevailed among the soldiers and ofiicers of all ranks ; from the colonel to the private I observed but litde distinction; and I could not refrain from remarking to the young gentlemen with whom I made acquaint- COLONEL ASA WHITCOMB. 139 ance, that the military discipline of the troops was not so conspicuous as the civil subordination of the community in which I had lived. Colonel Whitcomb is described by the surgeon of the regiment as "a serious, good man, but is more conversant with the economy of domestic life than the etiquette prac tised in camp." Each officer was entitled to the services of a private soldier as his waiter, and a regimental commander had two. Colonel Whitcomb selected his own sons for this service, and one of them wishing to turn an honest penny by plying his trade of shoemaking, the good country dea con saw no impropriety in allowing the cobbler's bench to be set up in the room he occupied as regimental head quarters. This republican simplicity at once excited the fiercest contempt of the ofiicers of other organizations in the encampment, and one night the lieutenant-colonel of Wayne's regiment, when half crazy with drink, made an assault upon the offensive bench, which having succumbed to his valiant sword, he knocked the colonel down, and ended by calling out some of his own battalion and raising a bloody riot. Sundry papers in Massachusetts Archives, CLXxxii, 205-209, give details of the shameful occurrence, selections from which follow : Deposition of Etisign Ralph H. Bowles. In the evening of the 25"! of Dec' Last I Past on the Parade of Coll" Whitcomb's Regt, to my Lodgings & observed that the above Regt. was still & Quiet & Returned to my hutt to Repose myself for sleep.' But after Being in Bed a few Moments I heard a Person Repeatedly say "Don't kill me," & then I heard a Person which I Thought was Coll. Whitcomb say "what is the Rout?" & then I started up in Order to Dress myself & the next answer was, "Dam you do you take his Part," & the above Coll. said " Don't strike me," & then I heard a Blow, & I Repard to the Door of the hutt & saw Collo. Whitcomb on the Ground & Lt Collo. Craig kicking him & striking him with his sword Drawn & then I Looking toward Major Whiting's hutt saw two Men with Drawn Swords in their hands which was off"''. & a Number of soldiers with them of the second Pennsyl vania Battalion & some of them with Guns, & their Language was "Dam the Yankeys," & Began to demolish the hutt that I lodged in. But by speaking to them they Quitted & advanced to the hutt of Capt. Danforth & then I Repared to the Markee of Doctor Townsend. But hearing Lt 140 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Coll" Craig say to the second Pennsylvania Battalion, "Dam you turn out," & in a very short Time a Number of Armed Men with Bayonetts fixt came from the said Battalion headed by said Collo. & then entering the hutts of off". & soldiers Plundering & Firing into the same & Daming & stricking both off™. & soldiers that was Peacably in their hutts. & after Marching several times acrost the Parade they Returned to their Habita tions. Ralph H. Bowles, Ensigti. Deposition of Captain Letnuel Trescot. I Lemuel Trescott Late of Coll" Whitcomb's Regiment testify and de clare that on the evening of the 25"' day of Dec 1776, being at Ticonder oga I was in my tent & heard a noise as of somebody fighting with swords, upon which I turned out of my tent & saw Lt. Col. Craige calling upon his men to turn out. I also heard him order s''. men so turned out to fire upon Coll Whitcomb's encampment which they accordingly did & com mitted great disorder there, in a riotous and hostile manner passed thro sd encampment abusing all they met with. The deponent further said that he saw sd Craige personally abuse sd Whitcomb, calling him "damned old scoundrel," that he took him by the ear pulled him & with his drawn sword or cutlass, as the deponent supposed, cut the sd Whitcomb's ear, & otherwise so abused him as to leave him in a most bloody condition, and all this outrage committed by said Craige appeared to me to be without any provocation from any person whatsoever. Lemuel Trescot. At the close of a similar deposition, from Major Daniel Whiting' of Dedham, is this statement : Col Whitcomb immediately entered a complaint against the said Thomas Craige to the Commandant & the said Thomas was arested, but as Col" Whitcomb was obliged to return home, & the Tryal of the said Thomas was not likely to take place soon, the said Col" Whitcomb with drew his complaint so far as concerned himself & received satisfaction for himself of the said Thomas. James Thacher gives a whimsical account of how this satisfaction was managed : Colonel C. sent some soldiers into the woods to shoot a fat bear, with which he made an entertainment, and invited Colonel W. and his ofiicers to partake of it ; this effected a reconciliation ; and Colonel W. was in duced to overtook the high-handed assault upon his own person and on the lives of his soldiers. How many and what Lancaster men followed the fortunes of the regiment to the end of its service, the rolls that are THE CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 141 extant are insufficient to show ; but they were doubtless very few. The consolidation, and expiration of brief terms of enlistment, totally changed the regimental roster, so that not one of the original Lancaster officers is found at Ticon deroga. Colonel Whitcomb's services ended April i, 1777, and he returned to his farm, then the largest in the second precinct of the town. He experienced some trouble, be cause of imperfect records, in settling his accounts as Pay master-General of the Massachusetts forces, an office which he held for some time during the siege of Boston. No sus picion, however, of his entire integrity, his unselfish patri otism, or his bravery, ever dimmed his reputation. Before the close of the war he removed to Princeton, served that town in the legislature, and there he died March 16, 1804, at the ripe age of eighty-four years. IV. THE CAMPAIGN OF 1776— TOWN ANNALS 1776-8. After the departure of the American army serious ap prehensions arose lest the British should return to re-occupy Boston. The militia were therefore summoned to the defence of the coast and harbor ; while the continental regiments which had been left in occupation of the city constructed defensive fortifications about it. To garrison Hull and other important points in the approaches to the harbor, two battalions were raised in April, 1776, the com plement of each being fixed at eight companies of ninety men. They were commanded by Colonels Josiah Whitney and Thomas Marshall. A memorial of the Harvard col onel, found in Mass. Archives, clxxxi, 293, dated "Camp at Hull, Oct. 29, 1776," complains that his men are not paid "continental pay" as are other troops about them, but the smaller stipend allowed by the provincial laws. He states that the battalion took the field early in the spring, and that their duty has been hazardous and fatiguing. In 142 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. this regiment Captain William Warner of Winchendon commanded a company, in which were : LANCASTER SOLDIERS. Jeremiah Haskell, Samuel Jewett, Samuel Johnson, Thomas Kendall, John Manning, LEOiMINSTER SOLDIERS. Lieut. Jonathan Sawyer, Sergt. Abijah Phillips, Drum"^. John Wheeler, John Chowen, Nathan Esterbrooks, Peter Manning, John Nichols, Moses Osgood, Edward Thomas, Robert Younger. Sergt. Benjamin Stearns, Corp. Jonathan Kendall, " David Clark, John Bowers, Silas Carter, Levi Gates, Joseph Fry, Nathaniel Evans, Edward Fuller, Israel Hale, Robert Houghton, David Johnson, BOLTON SOLDIERS. Ezra Whitcomb, Simeon Gates, HARVARD SOLDIERS. Joseph Robbins, Silas Smith, Phillip Sweetser, William Warner. Silas Whitcomb. William Stevens. In Captain Aaron Guild's company of the same regi ment were : LANCASTER SOLDIERS. Benjamin Ballard, Amos Rugg, Daniel Wyman. John Bowers, Jonathan Wheelock, BOLTON SOLDIERS. Robert Townsend. Richard Hazeltine, Benjamin Sawyer, Willard Moore, Joseph Sawyer, [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxni, 200; XXIV, 17-83; xxv, 53.] In Colonel Thomas Marshall's battalion, at Hull, was a company of seventy-nine men, commanded by Captain Andrew Haskell of Lancaster, in which were the following : LANCASTER MEN. William Ball, Thomas Bennett, John Coolidge, Francis Davis, Gershom Flagg, John Fletcher, William Flood, Thomas Houghton, Capt. Andrew Haskell, Lieut. John Hewitt, Sergt. Jonas Johnson, " David Hosley, Corp. Elisha Rugg, " John Willard, Drum''. Benjamin James John Baker, David Baldwin, Carter Knight, Daniel Knight, Judah Piper, William Richardson, Levi Warner, John Warner, Enoch Whitcomb, Jotham Wilder, James Willard. THE CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 143 LEOMINSTER MEN. James Boutell, Abiathar Houghton, Benjamin Stewart, John Buss, Michael Nichols, John Stone, Graves, Levi Phelps, James Wilder. HARVARD MEN. Simon Farmer, Jonathan Simons, Consider Turner. BOLTON MEN. Corporal Joseph Wood, John Barnard. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, XXV. 71.] John Whitcomb and Samuel Baily of Lancaster were "at the castie." A resolve of the General Court, June 25, 1776, respon sive to a request of the Continental Congress for five thou sand militia to co-operate with the armies at New York and in the department of Canada, made it incumbent upon Lancaster to furnish seventy-two men. To Harvard were allotted thirty-six, to Bolton thirty- three, to Leominster twenty-four. A bounty of three pounds was promised each volunteer, and eighteen shillings were allowed each soldier for the use of arms and accoutrements, if furnishing them himself. The term of service ended December i, 1776. Four battalions were destined for Canada, and three, in cluding all companies from Worcester county, were to serve at New York in the brigade of General John Fellows. Captain Samuel Sawyer of Lancaster with eighty. Captain Jabez Keep of Harvard with eighty-two, and Captain Jon athan Houghton of Bolton with seventy-five men marched July 22, to join their regiment, which was commanded by Colonel Jonathan Smith. The lieutenant-colonel, Robert Longley, and the surgeon, Daniel Greenleaf, were citizens of Bolton. These companies, entering service for four months, contained a few soldiers of experience, but con sisted chiefly of a hasty levy of farmers fresh from the furrowed fields, knowing nothing of camp discipline and little of the value of system and co-operation. They might have defended intrenchments with success, but could not withstand the onset in open field of the splendidly equipped t44 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. and disciplined Hessian corps. They participated in the unfortunate affair of Kips Bay, September 15. Captain Sawyer's order book has been preserved in the state archives. The roll of his company, nearly all of Lancas ter, follows : Capt. Samuel Sawyer, Lieut. Salmon Godfrey, 2'' Lieut. Nath'. Sawyer, Ensign Ebenezer Belknap, Sergt. Benj". Parkings, " Elisha Allen, " Joseph Fairbanks, " Artemas Maynard, Corp. John Bennitt, " Amos Knight, " Samuel Chirchel, " Elijah Bawl, Drummer Seth Ross, Fifer Calvin Kilburn, Peter Airs, Jonathan Wilder, Samuel Carter, John Brooks, Reuben Lipingwell, Timothy Stearns, David Whitcomb, Jacob Swear, Benjamin Priest, James Clerk, Jonas Brooks, John Thurston, Samuel Johnson, Joseph Houghton, Ephraim Cheney, Simeon Burt, Joseph Beaman, Samuel Holman, Levi Wilder, Calvin Moor, Hezekiah Whetcomb, David Houghton, Jonathan Ross, Joseph Wilder, Jacob Phelps, Samuel Bowers, Joshua Rugg, John Bowers, Thomas Mears, Edmund Larkin, Asa Priest, Joseph Hoar, Thomas Hale, Jasher Wyman, Samuel Flood, Shubal Bayley, Elisha Whitney, Benjamin Smith, Nathaniel Jones, Elijah Wilder, John Joslyn, Nathan Parmiter, Josiah Winn, Jacob Piper, William Fairbank, Abel Bigelo, Daniel Page, Jonas Rice, Roger Bartlitt, Luther Rice, Thomas Blodget, Stanton Brown, Joseph Bennitt, Nathaniel Beaman, Joseph Wood, Jonathan Emerson, Aaron Glazier, Abner Moors, Ephraim Rugg, Nathaniel White, Jonas Wyman, Ephraim Powers, Joseph Persons, Abel Wright, Jacob Robbins. Jacob Piper, David Houghton, Stanton Brown and Eph raim Rugg were reported "missing September 15, on the retreat from New York." As their names do not again appear during the war, it is probable that they were killed or captured at Kip's Bay. Benjamin Smith died October 15 ; Josiah Winn and Hezekiah Whitcomb on November 8 ; and John Bennett at a date unrecorded. Corporal Knight and Joseph Beaman were discharged November 12. THE CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 145 These men may have been wounded in some of the engage ments in which the brigade is known to have taken part. Among the regimental orders, one dated September 6 is characteristic of the times : Jonas Brooks, soldier in Capt. Sawyer's Company, convicted by Regi mental Court Martial, whereof Capt. Dewey was President, of theft, Sen tenced Him to Receive fifteen Lashes on the Naked Back and to Return stolen goods to the owner. The Col. approves the above sentence, and orders it to be put into Execution at the Head of the Regiment at Halfe after 5. O. clock in the afternoon, then to be Discharged and Return to his Duty. Corporal punishment was of quite frequent occurrence, but, except for the very gravest offences, no more than thirty-nine lashes were ever indicted. The regimental drum-major was charged with the duty of carrying out the sentence, and by his collusion the punishment was some times only severe in the disgrace attached to it. Surgeon James Thacher relates that the victims about to come under the cat customarily placed a lead bullet between their teeth, which was supposed to help 'them in concealing lack of for titude in suffering. The roll of Captain Jabez Keep has not been found. That of Captain Jonathan Houghton is in the orderly book of Nathaniel Longley, Mass. Archives, Worcester Rolls, LVI, and LV, 20, 22, 25. The majority of the company were from Westborough and Northborough. The Bolton names are these : Capt. Jonathan Houghton, Sergt. Samuel Baker, " William Sawyer, Corp. Nathaniel Longley, Silas Bailey, William Bigelow, Samuel Blood, Adam Bartlet, Benjamin Bruce, Jr. Benjamin Bruce, Daniel Bruce, Jonas Bruce, Benjamin Gould, John Greenleaf, John Hastings, John Houghton, Edward Johnson, Jonas Johnson, Solomon Jones, Joseph Keyes, John Longley, David Maynard, Levi Meriam, Stephen Pratt, Eliakim Rice, William Ross, Joseph Rugg, George Sawyer, Jesse Walcot, Deliverance Wheeler, William Whitcomb, Ephraim Whitney. 146 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. The General Court, July 10, 1776, ordered two regi ments to be raised to strengthen the northern army under General Philip Schuyler at Ticonderoga, by drafting every twenty-fifth man of the train band and alarm lists. When the Council sought colonels for these regiments, Aaron Willard and Samuel Brewer were selected. Captain Aaron Willard, Jr., scarred with the terrible wound received at the battle of Ticonderoga in 1^58, lived in Lancaster, a near neighbor to his noted cousins, Abijah, Levi and Abel. Unlike them, however, he was an ardent patriot. He ac cepted the colonelcy proffered him, but by accident "put his knee out of joint," and his command was led to its des tination by other field officers. (See Council Records, xix, 141, 156, 167, 207.) The Lancaster men were not, however, in that com mand. August 18, Captain Manasseh Sawyer marched with ninety-two men, drafted under the order of July 10, from Lancaster and neighboring towns. The company served for eight months, being for most of the time sta tioned at Dorchester Heights, and attached to the regiment of Colonel Nicholas Dike, of which Henry Haskell was lieutenant-colonel. Enrolled in this company were : Captain Manasseh Sawyer, Corporal John Loring, " Elias Farnsworth, Drummer Timothy Wilder, Fifer Oliver Bowker, " Elisha White, David Bennett, Jr. William Boardman, David Amory Boynton, Ebenezer Burpee, Elijah Burpee, OF LANCASTER. Nathaniel Burpee, Stanton Carter, Reuben Geary, Darius Harvey, James Houghton. Jr. Nathaniel Houghton, Thomas Houghton, Joshua House, Benjamin May, Levi May, Samuel Mosman, OF LEOMINSTER. Ensign Josiah Carter, Thomas Joslin, Sergeant Jeremiah Underwood, Jacob Spafford, David Boutell, David Pike, Nathaniel Roper, Thomas Sawtell, Abner Sawyer, Thomas Sawyer, John Snow, Joseph Wheelock, Ephraim Wilder, Joshua Willard, John Winn. Joseph Sweetser, Philemon Sweetser, John Whitcomb. THE CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 147 Sergeant Gardner Moore, " Abel Piper, Corporal Henry Powers, Joseph Amsden, John Barnard, William Coolidge, James Fife, Sergeant Daniel Laughton, Corporal Reuben Conant, Joseph Atherton, John Hill, John Laughton, OF BOLTON. David Hemnienway, Nathaniel Holman, Jonas Houghton, Jesse Jewett, John Moore, Abel Priest, OF HARVARD. Philemon Priest, Jonathan Puffer, Benjamin Stow, Manasseh Stow, John Powers, Peter Stanhope, Abel Whitcomb, Richard Whitcomb, Abel Wilder, Paul Wilson. Abel Wetherbee, Amos Wetherbee, Josiah Whitney, Salmon Whitney. In Captain John Hartwell's company of the same regi ment were : Sergeant Sam. Dickenson, Nathan Easterbrook, William Flood, Daniel Fleeman, Samuel Farnsworth, OF LANCASTER. Benjamin Farmer, Simon Farmer, John Nicholls, Eleazar Priest, OF HARVARD. John Priest, Benjamin Priest, John Warner, Daniel Willard. Joseph Farnsworth. Joshua Johnson was in Captain Joseph Stetson's com pany, and Benjamin Warner, of Harvard, in Captain Bang's company of this regiment. Ebenezer Prescott of Lancaster died October 15, 1776, at Dorchester, in the service. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, III, :43, 174, 176, and xxvi, 77, 419-422.J A few Lancaster men are found credited as serving in the Canada expedition of 1776 : Jacob Bennett and John Johnson in Captain Lamb's company : William Flood and John Moore in Captain Morgan's ; Sergeant Luther Fair banks in Captain Topham's ; Elijah Dole in Captain Ward's. In the regiment of militia commanded by Colonel James Converse of Brookfield, of which Ephraim Sawyer of 148 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Lancaster was lieutenant-colonel, the following officers were serving at Dobb's Ferry and Tarrytown : Capt. Daniel Goss, of Lancaster. Lieut. Jabez Fairbank, do. Lieut. Joseph How, of Bolton. Capt. Samuel Hill, of Harvard. Lieut. Simon Cooper, do. Lieut. Luke Richardson, Leominster. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, LII, 46.] No roll of their companies is found. Captain David Nurse, with a company of sixty-four men, nine of whom were from Princeton, the rest from Bolton and Harvard, served, "in the Jerseys," from Decem ber 12, 1776, to March 26, 1777. The following is a copy of his roll : Capt. David Nurse, Lieut. Ephraim Davis, Lieut. Thomas Mason, Sergt. Simeon Willard, David Moore, " Isaac Norcross, " John Townsend, Corp. Philemon Priest, " Isaac Moore, " Charles Warner, " Levi Fairbank, Drum''. Jacob Norcross, Fifer Barnabas Sawyer. Carpenters, James Burt, William Burt, John Wilson, Phineas Warner, Joseph Houghton, William Ross, Oliver Willard, Teamsters, John Trask, Jeremiah Bridge, Joseph Blanchard, Teamsters, Samuel Davis, William Parkis, Joseph Fry, Jabez Keep, Privates, Solomon Haskell, Stephen Whitney, Josiah Hovey, Jotham Johnson, Dwelly Turner, Daniel Gibbs, W". Stevens, died. Simon Whitney, Joshua Mosman, Jona. Whitcomb, Jotham Whitcomb, Jabez Fairbanks, John Hill, Joseph Woods, George Sawyer, Joseph Keys, Oliver Mosman, John Cooledge, Joseph Sawyer, Carter Knights, Josiah Maynard, Joseph Gibbs, William Chace, Abel Harrington, Jonathan Farnsworth, Benjamin Bridges, Jonathan Symonds, Abel Baker, Abel Priest, Samuel Atherton, Manasseh Farnsworth, Jonathan Hutchins, John Whitney, Robert Townsend, John Burnam, Thomas Burges, Luther Parmenter, Joseph Ward. [Papers of Capt. David Nurse.] The inconveniences and serious dangers incident to the system of short enlistments popular in New England — and at first favored generally through dread of a standing army — had long been a source of disquiet to Washington. Captain, $40.00 Sergeant, $8.00 Adjutant, 40.00 Corporal, 7.33 Lieutenant, , 27.00 Drummer and Fifer, 7.33 Ensign, 20.00 Privates, 6.67 THE CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 149 Congress, reluctantly convinced of the decay of that mar tial spirit which had characterized the outbreak of revolu tion, at length saw that the depleted ranks of the patriot army must be permanently filled and rigid discipline en forced, or success was hopeless. In the autumn of 1776 every exertion was put forth to replace the state militia whose terms of service expired during the year, with reg ular troops enlisted for three years or during the war. To encourage volunteering, twenty dollars bounty, one suit of clothes per year, and one hundred acres of land were promised each soldier enlisting for the war. The monthly pay of the troops, in addition to subsistence, was established as follows : Colonel, $75 -oo Lieut, -Colonel, 60.00 Major, 50.00 Surgeon, 33 33 The army was re-organized into eighty-eight battalions of infantry, of six hundred and eighty men each ; and the proportion demanded of Massachusetts was fifteen regi ments, or more than one-sixth of the whole number to be raised. December 27, 1776, sixteen additional infantry battalions were authorized, three of which were assigned to Massachusetts. To hasten enlistments, which were at first discouragingly slow, the province also offered a bounty of twenty dollars, and promised to make good any de ficiency caused by depreciation of the paper currency in which wages were paid. The quota of each town was fixed, one man in every seven being required for service. As time went on, the selectmen or a specially chosen com mittee were authorized to bid for recruits, and oftered special bounties even for the shorter terms of service ; and individuals who were drafted often hired substitutes for the whole or part of a "turn of duty." Many receipts for such bounty and substitution are extant, a few specimens of which are here given : ISO ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Lancaster, Feb: y": i^': 1777. Received of Levi More twelve Pounds for going into the three year service. Luther Fairbanks. Lancaster, April 26, 1777. This may Certify that I have Rec* of Mr. Peter Thurston the sum of Ten Dollars for Doing two months' Service to Rhode Island for him. Witnes my hand JosiAH Phelps. Attest Luke Wilder. Lancaster, January 31, 1777. Then Rec'' of Thomas Gates the sum of six pound thirteen Shillings and four pence for Doing a turn in the Continental Servis, Eighteen months from the Date hearof as Witnes my hand. Danel Wyman. Lancaster, June 21 Day, 1776. These may Sertyfay whome it may Consarn that Dannel Wyman this day have Inlisted under me In the Arme, In behalf of Cap Thomas Gatts and Exsepted by the Subscriber to do a turn for the above Cap Gatts. In aknogement whairof Timo Mosman, Leflenant. test. John Moore Josiah Whitney Col. Lancaster, June 21, 1776. I Received of Capt. Thomas gatts three pounds in full for doing a turn for him till the first day of December next as witnes my Hand test. John Moore. Danel Wyman Bolton, August the i : 1776. then Rec* of Lieut. James Goddard Eight pound for half a turn of Soldring a-going to Canaday. I say Rec"i By me Ezekeil Fosgat. Occasionally a learned medical authority was invoked to aid some citizen in escaping from military duty : this may Sartify the Gentelmen whom it may Concarn that Mr John Nurse has a wickness in his Eye and is Lame and by Reson of them things in my Judgement is not fitt to Do Duity as a Solger in the malishea Stow Aug' 21* 1776 Charles Whitman Phasihion But John paid a substitute, in spite of the "Phasihion," and got this receipt : This may certify that I Solomon Jones Received two pounds twelve shillings and six Pence of John Nurse for doing a quarter of a turn in the Continental Service to be done at New York. Solomon Jones. THE CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 151 Bolton, July y" 2'"i. 1776 Then Rec". of my Honoured Father Sam" Baker Twelve pounds Includ ing the Bounty of three pounds From this Govrment For my Intring into the Service of .s" Cont Govrment in an Expedition to New York in y" Room and Stead of Abel Baker a minor and Son of my said Father. ReC* p me Samll. Baker Jr. Occasionally the bondman's services were sold by his master in behalf of the nation's freedom : Waltham, May 23'' 1777 Then Received of Joseph How and Eliakim Atherton the sum of Thirty Pounds 1. m. for my Servent negro man Named York Rugles who Has in- listed and passed muster Before Coll. James Barrat of Concord for the tarm of three years in Cap Ashley's Company of Coll. Badison's [Patter son's] Rigement in the Continental armey. I further Promis and Say that my Negro York I sett to the afors'* How and Atherton to do a turn for Bol ton in the Continental armey as witnis my hand. [Signature missing.] To insure the correct apportionment of quotas through out the commonwealth, a census of the male citizens of military age was ordered, returns of which were made to the Secretary of State and the commander of the military district to which the town belonged. Lancaster, Sept. 8, 1777, State of Massachusetts Bay. According to a Resolve of this state of Dec. g, 1776, Directed to the Selectmen to take the Number of their Male Inhabitants from sixteen years old and upwards, and Deliver the same into the Secretary's office on or before the Last Day of January 1777, in Compliance with orders Rec*. from the general assembly Dated July 3, 1777, Directed to the Selectmen to make a Return of all the male Inhabitants from sixteen years old and upwards, the amount of the whole of the male inhabitants in the town of Lancaster at Dec. 9 1776, was six Hundred and fifty-nine; the selectmen would inform the hon'able court that we Never Rec* any orders from the assembly Before that Baring Date July 3, 1777, therefore we Beg to be excused from any Neglect in Regard to orders from said assembly. Ephm. Wilder, ] „ , ^ ,,, _ 1 Selectmen Wm. Greenleaf, I Solomon Jewett, f , -^ ^ _ I Lancaster. Nath. Beaman, j [Sworn to before "W"^. Dunsmoor, Justice Peace." [Massachusetts Archives, CLXI, 148, 154.] There is added in the return to Colonel Josiah Whitney, "and thirteen negroes". IS 2 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. The revolutionary action of Lancaster town-meetings, all too briefly recorded by the town clerk, has been copied in former pages to the close of the year 1775. At the an nual March meeting in 1776, among the officers regularly elected were the "Committee of Correspondence and Safety," consisting of these nine men : Cyrus Fairbank, Jabez Fairbank, David Wilder, Josiah Kendall, Jr. Ephraim Sawyer, Jonathan Wilder, Ebenezer Allen, William Dunsmoor, Esq. Joshua Fletcher. Warrant for Town Meeting on the Last Monday of Sep" . 1776. . . . Worcester County, in the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay. To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Lancaster — Greeting. In the Name of the people and authority of the American States : You are hereby Notify'' and warn'' to meet at the Meeting-house in the first parish in Lancaster on the Last of this Instant September at 9 O. Clock in the forenoon then and there to Act on the following Articles. istiy To Chuse a moderator for the Goverment of said Meeting. 2'"J'. To see if the Town will Raise money to hire men to go into the Service against our Enemies, whenever we have orders from the Congress and Gen'. Court to turn out Men for that End. 3. To see if the Town will Vote to have the Money asses'' and made into a Rate as our other Sums are Rais^i to Defray Town Charges pro vided there sh''. Be a Sum Rais^i for that purpose above mentioned. 4. To See if the Town will Chuse a Committee to provide men from time to time with said Money if sent for. Or act any thing Relative thereto as the Town shall think proper. 5 . To see if the town will allow and Except of the Receipts & Certificates of those that have paid out money to Get Men to go into the Service against our Enemies & Let Each man draw his Respective sum or sums out of the Town Treasure when said money is Colected. 6. To See if the Town will Come into any measure Concerning those that have Done a Turn in this War, Longer or shorter without being hir'' : without any Bounty in Money for Encouragement from the province, this being Request of Phineas Beaman and others. 7. To See if the Town will Chuse a person agreeable to a Late Act of the Gen'. Court provids a Speedy and Cheep Course for Receivs of Debts. gtuy. To See if the Town will Make Choice of a' County Treasurer. 9. To See if the Town will Make Choice of a County Register. Daniel Robbins, T. Clerk. Dated at Lancaster, Sep' 12"". 1776. At the meeting thus warned the propositions of Beaman THE CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 153 and his abettors were dismissed without comment recorded. To satisfactorily equalize payments for patriotic duty per formed, proved undoubtedly a difficult problem — as it has to many wise bodies since. Doctor William Dunsmoor was chosen "to Take Cognisance of Debts." The next town- meeting was specially summoned on Monday, the seventh of October. .... 2. To Consider and determine wether you will give y'' Consent that the present house of Representatives of this State of the Massachu setts Bay in New England together with the Counsel aforesaid if they Consent in one Body with the house & by Equal Voice, should consult, agree on & enact such a Constitution & form of Government for this State as the said house of Representatives & Coynsel as aforesaid on the fullest and most mature deliberation shall judge will most conduce to the safety & peace & hapiness of this State in all after Sucessions & Generations & if you would direct the same to be made publick for the Inspection & perusal of the Inhabitants before ratification thereof by the Assembly. At this meeting it was Voted that the Town Impower the present house of Representatives to Draw up a Form of Goverment and Transmit Back for the Town's Ratifi cation. The same day Doctor William Dunsmoor was elected representative. The next four pages of the town's records are occupied by a copy of the Declaration of Independ ence, which Congress had ordered should be read by the clergymen in each parish " as soon as Divine Service is Ended in the Afternoon of the first Lord's Day after they shall have Received it," and then be recorded by the town's clerk in the Town Book, " there to Remain as a perpetual Memorial thereof." The leading article in the warrant for a town-meeting, held the sixth day of January, 1777, was as follows : 2<"y. To see if the Town will come into some methods for ye Provid ing men to reinforce the American army as they shall be Cal'd for from time to time by Authority in order for ye Defence of our Enestemable Lib erties, either by a Just Assessment according as other Taxes are made, or some other way which shall be most Advantageous to the Publick in gen eral and for this Town in Particular, and in general to act and Transact 11 IS4 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. all matters and things which shall appear for ye Peace and Prosperity of this Town — it being ye Request of Mr Jonathan Wilder and others. . . . When the town met, it was Voted, to Consider what Each man has Done in the war sence ye 19* April 1775 and make a Proper Allowance to each man for what he has Done to this time. Voted to Chuse a Committee to Estemate what Each man has Done towards ye war sence ye 19* of April 1775 to this time and also what they will give a month for the Futer to Each man Chose Capt. W'°. Greenleaf, Capt. W™. Putnam, Samuel Thustin, Capt Jonathan Wilder, & Caleb Whitney to make ye above Estemation January ye 2q"^ i-^-j-j then meet accorditig to Adjourtiment I'y. Voted, that the Commision officers be excluded from having any bounty from ye town. , 2'y. Voted, to accept the Estemation of y" Committee. 3'y. Voted to Chuse a Committee to Receive the Certificates of those that have Done Service. 4'y. Voted that the Commision ofiicers be a Committee to Receive the Diffrante Certificates & Recpt" of y" men in servis At adjourned meeting First Tuesday in Feb". Voted that those Persons that Belongeth to either of y" Company in Lancaster that have omitted bringing in their Certificates & Recpts at this time shall be Intitled to Lay their several Certificates & Recpts before the Respective officers. Voted not to Raise a sum of money to encorage y" solders to go into ye servis according to the Estimation Drawn up by the Committee Chose for that Purpos At an adjourned meeting held on Tuesday the 11 day of March 1777. Voted and Chose Col. Asa Whitcomb, Capt Thomas Gates, Joshua Fletcher, Elisha Allen, Jabez Fairbank, as a Committee of Correspondence and Safety in Lancaster. The warrant for the town-meeting of November 24, 1777, had special reference to two matters of recent legis lative action, and the freeholders were : 2'""3'. To take into Consideration the Late act made for Puting Large Sums of the Bills of Credit Emitted by this State on Intrest on or before the first Day of January Next, and to act or Transact anything Re lating said act as they shall think Proper 4""'^. to See if the town will act on a Resolve of this State of Sep' 29 1777 of Supplying the families of Such Persons, Non Commisioned offi cers and Soldiers in the Continental Service for three years or During the RHODE ISLAND SERVICE. 155 The meeting having expressed its hostility to the act concerning the Bills of Credit, chose Colonel Asa Whit comb, John Prescott, Frederick Albert, Jonathan Fairbank and Thomas Fairbank a committee to draw up a statement of the matter, and then — ^thiy Voted to accept the Committees Report, which is as followeth : this Town Taking into Consideration the Late act made for Putting Large Sums of the bills of Credit Emitted by this State on intrest on or before the first Day of December Next, and for Sinking in the hands of the Pos- sesors all Sums Less than ten Pounds Excepting those bills Less than one Dollar. Therefore this town are Clearly of oppinion that said act in Con nection with a Tax we understand is soon to Come out is a grevence we Look upon greater than to Sink Said Money by a Tax or Taxes, as the People are Able to Bare ; and Further we Look upon it Very Extrodanary that Said Court Should Lay a Fine on the Tendering sd money when at the same time the face of sd bill saith it shall be of Such Value, and Rec'' in all Payments. Therefore Resolv" to Petition s^ Court for Redress of said Agrevence. Asa Whitcomb, Chairman of sd Committee. February 5, 1778 Voted to accept the articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union be tween the United States of America. March 2, 1778 Voted and Chose Capt. Jonathan Wilder, Jonathan Fairbank, Elisha White, Capt. Benjamin Houghton, Eph"" Roper, a Committee of Inspec tion and Safety. V. SHORT SERVICE ENLISTMENTS, 1777-82. It will be more convenient, before giving a roster of Lancaster soldiers enrolled in the continental army for three years or during the war, to complete the records of short- service enlistments. RHODE ISLAND SERVICE. In December, 1776, General Sir Henry Clinton and Admiral Sir Peter Parker, having been foiled by General Lee in their attack upon Charleston, occupied Rhode Island with about six thousand troops. This was a convenient iS6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. point whence to attempt marauding excursions when oppor tunity favored, or to make a diversion in aid of Burgoyne's southward movement from Lake Champlain. Congress, recognizing the threatening danger, ordered the raising of a corps of militia in the three southern New England states to hold this hostile force in check or destroy it, and Gen eral Joseph Spencer was placed in command. The move ments of this officer were so deliberate that he became familiarly known to his own troops as "Granny Spencer." It was October, 1777, before he was ready for a descent upon the island. On an appointed night the army was drawn up at Tiverton, but a sudden storm made the pas sage of boats hazardous ; the expedition was delayed, and the campaign finally ended ingloriously without action. Besides Colonel Thomas Craft's artillery and half the militia of Massachusetts, drafted to serve during October under General Hancock, three thousand troops, specially enrolled by the state for this service, were present. Among the last, serving in Colonel Abijah Stearns's regiment, un der Captain Joseph Sergeant of Princeton, were the fol lowing : OF LANCASTER. Thomas Grant, Samuel Johnson, Joseph Jones, Phineas Phelps, Josiah Phelps, Sergeant Jacob Wilder, William Beman, John Brooks, Jr. Daniel Burditt, John Snow, Nathaniel Taylor, Ephraim Miles, Elijah Wilder. Corporal Samuel Baker, Benjamin Bruce, OF BOLTON. Thomas Burnham, John Longley, OF HARVARD. Qr.-M. Sergt. Jacob Whitney, Jacob Robbins, James Burt, Jonathan Simonds, Joseph Fry, OF LEOMINSTER. Second-Lieut. Thomas Wilder, Asa Johnson, Shubael Bailey, Simeon Perry, Phineas Carter. Josiah Sawyer, John Whitcomb. Reuben Whitney, Solomon Whitney. Benjamin Stevens, Josiah White. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, iii, 162-3.] RHODE ISLAND SERVICE. IS7 In the regiment of Colonel Danforth Keyes, Captain Francis Wilson's company, were these Lancaster men, serving from August to December, 1777 : Samuel Brown, Jonas Houghton, Reuben Ross, Ebenezer Burphy, David Pike, Asa Rugg, Elijah Burphy, Elisha Prouty, Nathan Taft, Jonas Gary, Peter Putnam, Francis Temple, John Dunsmoor, Jonas Rice, John Winn. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, XXIV. 156.] Again, in 1778, an attempt was made to recover New port, by the combined eftbrts of the newly arrived French fleet, commanded by the Count d' Estaing, and an army of ten thousand men under General John Sullivan, with Gen eral Nathaniel Greene and the Marquis de Lafayette as division commanders. A plan of combined attack was agreed upon, and on August 9 the advance began. The American forces occupied Quaker and Butt's Hills, and the French troops, four thousand in number, were prepar ing to disembark, when suddenly the English fleet was reported in sight, and the Count d' Estaing, with favoring wind, went out to meet it. Everything seemed to promise triumph ; but a tempest of unexampled severity set in, and, on the night of the tenth, drove both fleets to sea, damag ing them seriously and causing much suffering in the camps. When, on the twentieth of August, d' Estaing again entered Newport harbor, he deemed it necessary to proceed at once to Boston for repairs, and abandoned the enterprise so favorably begun; In view of the fact that re-enforcements might at any hour arrive from New York to the assistance of the enemy, retreat was now unavoid able. On the twenty-eighth, at night. General Sullivan abandoned his siege works and marched to the northern end of the island. The British veterans were the following morning led to an assault upon the American lines, but were repelled by the combined force of militia and conti nentals, after several hours of hard fighting. In this action, known as the Battle of Quaker's Hill, the Massachusetts 158 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. detachments won much praise. The next day the retreat was skilfully completed without molestation, and thus ended an expedition that for a time gave fair promise of putting a glorious end to the war. The second Worcester regiment of militia, commanded by Coloniel Josiah Whitney of Harvard, was one of those detailed for the Rhode Island campaign, and was engaged for one month and fifteen days from August i, 1778. Cap tain Manasseh Sawyer's company of this regiment num bered sixty-four rank and file, belonging to Lancaster, Harvard and Bolton. Its roster, found in Massachusetts Archives, xxii, 207, follows, Lancaster names being in italics : Capt. Manasseh Sawyer, Lieut. Richard Townsend, Lieut. John Daby, Sergt. David Sampson, " Ebenezer Pike, " Jonathan Wilder, " William Phelps, Corp. Nathatiiel Roper, " Joshua Rugg, David Whitcomb , " Amos Sergeant, Datiiel Albert, Oliver Atherton, John Brigham, Ebenezer Burpee, Stephen Coolidge, William Coolidge, Micah Davis, James Divol, Jonathati Fairbank, Francis Farr, Phineas Fletcher, James Fuller, Elisha Fullam, David Geary, James Goddard, James Goodwin, David Greenleaf, Oliver Hale, Abner Haskell, Stephen Hastings, Silas Holman, John Hoppin, Nathaniel Houghton, Josiah Kendall, Edward Martin, John Mead, Willard Moore, Joseph Nichols, Jacob Norcross, William Pollard, Jacob Priest, John Priest, William Putnam, Nehemiah Ramsdell, Tilley Richardsott, Ebenezer Ross, Aaron Rugg, Thaddeus Shattuck, Joshua Stiles, Manasseh Stow, Jesse Walcot, Ebenezer Warner, Oliver Wheelock, Enoch Whitcomb, Phineas Whitcottib, Israel Whitney, Richard Whitney, Abel Wilder, Asaph Wilder, David Wilder, Elijah Wilder, Joshua Willard, Joseph Wright, In the regiment of Colonel Nathaniel Wade, serving in Rhode Island during the year 1778, in the companies of Captains Ebenezer Belknap, Nathan Fisher, Elisha Jack son, etc., were : RHODE ISLAND SERVICE. 159 LANCASTER MEN. Sergt. William Fairbanks, Josiah Cutting, " John Wheelock, Jacob Glasier, Corp. Thomas Kendall, Ephraim Houghton, Drummer Timothy Kendall, Jonas Houghton, Jr. Peter Ayres, Lazarns Brabrook, Jonas Brooks, Sergt. William Whitcomb, Nathan Ball, Nathaniel Holman, Joshua Phelps, Reuben Ross, BOLTON MEN. Jacob Houghton, Jonas Houghton, Corp. Phineas Warner, Oliver Edwards, John Hale, Corp. Nathan Colburn, Thomas Follinsbee, Calvin Hale, HARVARD MEN. William Sanderson, Jr. Prince Turner, Calvin Warner, LEOMINSTER MEN. David Hale, Joel Hale, Robert Houghton, Jacob Sawyer, Jonathan Whitcomb, Samuel Whitcomb, David Winch, John Winn, John Wyman. Abel Priest, Jonas Welch. Abel Wetherbee, Jonas Whitney, Jr. Luke Johnson, Jacob Symonds, Zebedee Symonds. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, LV, M. 56, 59 ; XLII, 10, etc.] At a town-meeting in Lancaster, September 9, 1779, it was Voted to hier the men to go to Rhod Island, sent for by order of Council 28. August. Capt. David serving in Rhode Sergt. Sherebiah Hunt, Fifer John Wheelock, Stanton Carter, Solomon Fleeman, Capt. David Moore, Joseph Houghton, Sergt. John Hill, Thaddeus Brown, Moore's company. Col. John Jacobs' regiment, Islaud from October i, 1779, two months. LANCASTER MEN. Oliver Glazier, Daniel Knight, Edmund Larkin, Ephraim Larkin, BOLTON MEN. John Moore, Richard Townsend, HARVARD MEN. James Furbush, Nathan Garfield, [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, III, 9.] Reuben Lipenwell, Joseph Sever, James Snow, Jotham Wilder. Jonathan Whitcomb. Nathaniel Hazeltine, David Stone, Jonas Whitney. i6o ANNALS OF LANCASTER. July 25, 1780, intelligence came that Sir Henry Clinton meditated an attack upon the French encampment at New port, and the short service recruits raised for the re-enforce ment of the Continental army were ordered to Rhode Island. These Lancaster officers led them : Capt. Fortunatus Eager, Lieut. Timothy Hayward, Lieut. Samuel Wilder. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, I, 11.] In Captain Joseph Elliott's company. Colonel William Furnas's regiment, at Butt's Hill, December i, 1781, were the following : OF LANCASTER. Lieut. Joseph White, Corp. Abel Thayer, James Haten, Samuel Haskell, Benjamin Brown, Ephraim Hale, James Haten, Jr. OF BOLTON. David Wetherby, OF HARVARD. Nehemiah Ramsdell, OF LEOMINSTER. Ephraim Lincoln, John Whitcomb. Elihu V/hitcomb. Samuel Russell. Benjamin Tarbox. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls. II, 13.] Roll of Capt. David Moore's Company of Militia in Lt.-Col. Enoch Hal- let's Regt. 3 mo^., according to an Act of the General Court of the 22d June last. Rhode Island, July 21, 1781. David Moore, capt. John Houghton, lieut. Timothy Bailey, lieut. Harry Rice, Ephraim Fairbank. Jonathan Bush, Daniel Carter, Moses Hudson, Peter Fletcher, Jonas Houghton, Abel Houghton, Stephen Ross, Joseph Parson, Reuben Wilder, Nathan Wilder, Benjamin Robins, Edmund Larkin, Calvin Wilder, Ignatius Fuller, Rufus Moore, Benjamin Haskell, Daniel Wilder, John Willson, Benjamin Hastings, Walter Pollard, Daniel Harris, Benjamin Gould, Benjamin Sawyer, John Cooledge, William McBride Eleazar Parker, Timothy Shattuck, Silvester Roper, Jonas Bailey, Josiah Fairbank, Levi Robins, Solomon Holman, Nathaniel Taylor, Artemas Willard, James Brown, Thomas Blodget, Benjamin Wheelock, William Park, Abnah Whitcomb, Abel Wetherbee, Benjamin Warner, Oliver Hail, Peter Stickney, BENNINGTON ALARM. i6i Elisha Rugg, Jotham Whitcomb, Thomas Peabody, William Burges, Joseph Beaman, Isaac Burbank, Jacob Wilder, Haran Eger, John Dudley, Aaron Rugg, Oliver Tenney, Ephraim Corey, Jonas Welch, Solomon Sawtel, Elijah Preast, , John Wheelock, drutinner. Abijah White, Joseph Houghton, Benjamin Richardson, yf/kr. Levi Preast, David Farwell, John Barnard, Nathan Burpee, George Gleason, Lemuel Barrett, John Roper, Israel Hail, John Wheelock, Oliver Dresser, Moses Dickenson, Ephraim Larkin, Samuel Kilburn, James Richardson. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxi, 6i.] Residences are not given in the roll. The officers were all of Bolton, but the privates seem nearly equally divided between Lancaster, Bolton and Harvard, with a few from adjoining towns. BENNINGTON ALARM. In the month of July, 1777, the abandonment of Ticon deroga and the subsequent disasters to the patriot cause at Skenesborough and Hubbardton, naturally spread conster nation through New England ; for the victorious march by Burgoyne southward threatened a division of the country into two sections, and the probable subjugation of each in turn by the united armies of the king. An unmerited dis trust of General Schuyler throughout the Eastern states, and the importance of garnering the hay and grain crops, had dangerously retarded the re-enforcements of the North ern army. The Massachusetts Council of War, at last rudely awakened to the hour's necessity, showed abundant zeal, and despatched the militia in hot haste to the rescue. Thousands reached the field in time to aid the impetuous valor of Morgan and Arnold in reaping for General Gates the glorious victory at Saratoga, which his predecessor's wisely laid plans had made secure. The call to arms reached the Lancaster captains in the following form : In consequence of orders from Col. Whitney you are Immediately to Draught one-sixth part of the Train band and alarm List in your Company to march to Bennington to oppose the Northern Army ; hereof fail not. l62 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. and make Due Return — given under my hand this 27"' Day of July 1777. Silas Baily, Major. N. B. they are to be equipt according to Law with six Days provision. August 2, heavy re-enforcements were again demanded for the increase of the Massachusetts forces under General Benjamin Lincoln, then harassing the rear of Burgoyne's army. The Bolton major therefore issued this second order : To Cafit". David Nurse, Gretitig. In Consequence of orders receved this moment from Col. Whitney I order you to corse one half of the traning band together with the allarm list to march to Benington immediately with eight dayes provison and arms and ammunition as the law directs agreabel to s'' orders. Silas Bailey, maj. For several weeks the mechanic was missed from his bench, the husbandman from the fields, and the care of cattle and crops devolved upon the women and children waiting in prayerful suspense. The Lancaster men answer ing to the summons are found in the muster-rolls of Cap tains John White and Solomon Stuart : Captain John White's company which marched to Bennington on alarm July, 1777, and served one month eight days under Col. Job Gushing. John White, captaitt. Levi Larkin, John Kenrick, lieutenant. Enoch Roper, Andrew Haskell, substitute. John Spofford, Luke Wilder, sergeant. Phinehas Wilder, Ruben Garey, " John Robbins, David Hosley, " Noah Kendall, William Fairbank, sergeant. Jacob Wilder, Jonas Powers, corporal. Abijah Houghton, Ebenezer Brooks, " Nathaniel Taylor, Solomon Holman, " William Goss, Joshua Rugg, " Joseph Pearson, John Wheelock, drummer. Jonathan Knight, Calvin Kilburn, fifer, Abel Allen, Amos Allen, Jotham Wilder, Moses Dickenson, Samuel Jewitt, Daniel Page, Joshua Phelps, James Divol, Benjamin Bosworth, John Fletcher, Nathaniel Houghton, Ephraim White, Jacob Sawyer, Elijah Rugg, Amos Sawyer, Josiah Phelps, Joseph Jones, Solomon Fleeman, David Bennett, Thomas Wright, Ephraim Pike, Peter Manning, Joseph Beaman. Elisha Woods, Onesimus , David Whitecar. David Andrews, Shrewsbury . [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, III, 250.] BENNINGTON ALARM. 163 Solomoti Stuart's Co. in Coll. Josiah Whitney's Regt : marched on alarm at Bennington on August ye 21, 1777. Solomon Stuart, capt. Edward Newton, \stlt. Elisha Sawyer, 2d It. Samuel Bayley, i^; sert. Samuel Thompson, 2d sert. Ephraim Willard, 3'^ sert. Cornelius Sawyer, \th sert. Ephraim Goss, i^;^ corp. Oliver Fairbank, 2d corp. Ephraim Bowker, yi corp. Aaron Sawyer, 4 corp. William Kendall, fifer. David Osgood, William Putnam, Micah Harthan, Ebenezer Buss, Jr. Jonathan Pierce, Ephraim Wright, Abel Richardson, August 21-25. Caleb Whitney, Ephraim Powers, Elijah Dresser, Samuel Snow, Moses Burpee, Timothy Brown, Jonathan Nelson, Jr. Joshua Willard, Elihu Wilder, William Putnam, Jr. Manasseh Roper, John Roper, Levi May, Nathan Burpee, Jr. Samuel Brown, Eathan Kendall, Ephraim Wilder, Jr. Jonathan Thompson, Ebenezer Ross, [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, XXIII, 64.] Josiah Kendall, Samuel Mason, Thomas Sawyer, John Willard, William Palmer, David Wilder, Jonathan Prescot, Oliver Moor, Peter Prescot, Joshua Brooks, Samuel Rice, Elijah Wilder, John Chandler, Israel Cook, William Eaton, Calvin Moor, John Brooks, Tilley Richardson. Captain Hezekiah Whitney's Compatiy of Bolton ; Bennington alarm, Capt. Hezekiah Whitney, Lt. Richard Townsend, Lt. Thomas Mason, Sergt. Jacob Moore, " James Burt, " William Haskell, Corp. Uriah Moore, " Gabriel Priest, Fifer Isaac Crouch, July 30, 1777. Richard Townsend, Silas Whitcomb, David Whitney, Simon Houghton, Richard Whitney, Jonathan Clerk, Thaddeus Pollard, Jonathan Symonds, James Fife, [Mass. Archives, Muster William Willard, Oliver Atherton, Jonathan Stearns, John Hill, Josiah Whitney, Enoch White, Edward Martin, Nathaniel Longley, Samuel Davis. Rolls, XXIV, 25 and 36.] Ueut. Samuel Sticktiey's Company in Colonel Abijah Stearns's Regiment of Militia, marched to Saratoga on the 9 of Oct. 1777, by order of General Court, to assistatice of General Gates, [of Leominster^ Left. Samuel Stickney, Left. Thomas Wilder. Sargent John Colburn, Sargent Levi Warner, Corp. Abijah Butler, John Bowers, Ebenezer Butler, Abijah Carter, Josiah Carter, Jonathan Colburn, Ebenezer Houghton, David May, Francis Parker, Jacob Spaford, Josiah Swan, 164 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Corp. Josiah Whitcomb, David Boutell, William Boutell, Jonas Gates, Elisha White, Silas Hail, David Wilder, Abiathar Houghton, James Wood. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxill, 49.] RE-ENFORCEMENTS OF CONTINENTAL ARMY. Capt. John Drury's Co., Col. Ezra Wood, Ticonderoga, May to December, 177Z. Stanton Carter, Benjamin Farley, William Grout, Jonathan Gale, Solomon How, Ephraim Holland, Jonathan Houghton, Joseph Houghton, Joseph Houghton, Jr. John Stacy, Samuel Jewett, Thomas Severy, Joseph Jewett, Ebenezer Lyon, Benjamin Larkin, Edmund Larkin, John Larkin, Ebenezer Mann, [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, XLVi, 89, loi, iij, 129, 141.] No residences are given in the original, but most of the list are of Bolton and Lancaster. Capt. Ephraitti Stearns's Co., Col. Ezra Woods' Regt. . . 1778. David Hemmingway, sergt. Benjamin Dolbear, Josiah White, Phineas Fullam, Jacob Hutchins, Samuel Houghton, Thomas Lawton, Joseph Priest, John Thurston, [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, XLI, 188.J A List of the Meti Procured from the County of Worcester .... for the term of ttine Months from the time of their arrival at Fish Kills. . . . John Drury, captain. John Kindrick, lieut. James Burt, lieut. James Burt, sergt. Noah Eager, " Spencer Maynard, " Enoch Roper, " Abraham Townsend, corp. Benjamin Sawyer, " John Fay, " Jonathan Knowlton, " Abijah Herrington, fifer. Nathaniel Andrews, Amos Allen, Abel Amsden, Joseph Beeman, Jacob Miller, John More, Joseph Nowell, Marshall Newton, Samuel Phelps, Ephraim Parkiss, Lewis Smith, Lemuel Shed, Jonathan Stearns, Benjamin Sadler, Robert Townsend, Jotham Wilder, John Wilson. James Wilder, Joseph Newton, " Nathaniel Bosworth, corp. Daniel Harris, " Thomas Dodge, " John Boutell, John Whitemore, Solomon Wilson, George Wood, Jonathan Wood, Silas Wyman. Age. Stature. Complexion. John Todd, 27 5 ft. 6 in. Elisha Wood, 19 5 " 6 " Dark. William Flood, 19 5 " 6 " (( Jacob Wilder, 20 5 " 10 " " CONTINENTAL RE-ENFORCEMENTS. i6s Age. Stature. Complexion. John Brooks, 20 5 ft- 8 in. Dark. Benjamin Smith, 26 8 " " Jonas Baley, 26 " Moses Bruer, ^3 10 " " Charles Henry, 40 Negro. Joshua Kendall, 30 6 " Dark. Joseph Patterson, 25 10 " (( Jonathan Baley, 44 I " " Benjamin Sterns, 29 6 " Light. Ephraim Fuller, i6 6 " " Benjamin Bosworth, 25 5 " Dark. Able Allen, 22 8 " (t Andrew Haskell, 30 10 " t( The list contains seventy-nine names, the above being Lancaster's quota of seventeen. Harvard's quota was nine ; Bolton's, eight, and Leominster's, six. Captain Andrew Haskell led the men to Fishkill, arriving there June 17, 1778. [Massachusetts Archives, Muster Rolls, XXVIII, 133 ; IV, 283 ; XLI, 302, 350. J The Bolton men were : Abel Baker, Age. 21 Stature. 5 ft. 9ir Complexion. 1. Dark. Ebenezer Bailey, 27 6" Light. Timothy Blair, 28 6" " William Burges, 27 5" 8 ' " Samuel Moore, 25 6" 2 ' " Josiah Sawyer, Jr. 20 5" II ' (( William Sawyer, 3"^, 28 5" 9 ' " Jesse Walcot, 44 5" 9 ' " rejected. John Whitcomb, Jr. 18 5" 6' it [Mass Archives, Mas ter Rolls, XXVII, 136 ; XLI, 222.] The Harvard men were : Lysaias Blanchard, Age. 29 Stature. 5 ft. 8 in Complexion. Dark. Jonathan Crouch, Jr. 31 5" 9 ' Light. Harbour Farnsworth, 21 5" 6 ' Dark. George Leason [Gleason]2,o 5 " 6 ' Light. Europe Hamblin, 20 5 " 10 ' Dark. William Parks, 28 6" Light. Aaron Priest, 20 5" 9 ' Dark. Freedom Ramsdell, 20 5" 8 • Light. Abraham Willard, 28 6" Dark. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxviii, 135.] l66 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. The Leominster men were : Age. Stature. Complexion. Shubael Bailey, i8 5 ft. 9 in. Dark. Asa Buttrick, 31 5 " 8 " " David Johnson, 18 5 " 7 " " Thomas Page, 48 5 " 10 " " Simon Perrey, 33 5 " 9 " Light. Joseph Stuart, 20 5 " 8 " Dark. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxvill, 136.] At the town meedng May 18, 1778, the town clerk, Cyrus Fairbank — who, like his predecessor, Nathaniel Beaman, obviously owed his official position to the high order of his patriotism rather than to his literary abilities- records that the town — Voted to Rais Four thousand and Fourty-nine pounds seven shilings For to pay Solgers that was hyerd for eight months and nine months that was to Join the Contenantal army for the present year. Voted to see what methurds the town will Come into for to Rase thes men that wair sent for to Reinfors the Contenantal army. Voted to Rase eighteen Contenantal men for nine months and pay them by the town and to asses s'l town for the same as they have in all other town taxes in tim past. Voted and Chosen a Committe to Rase the eighteen men above Exprest and that the Committe Concist of the Commision officers of Each Compiney and the Selectmen and the Committe of Saftey for s** town. Voted to Rais Fourteen men mor and to pay them by a town tax as the other above Exprest for to joine our armey. Voted that the Comision officers of each Compiney in s^i town with the Selectmen and Committe of Saftey be a Committe to hire money to pay the eighteen Contennatal men above Exprest upon the town's account. October 26 1778 ¦ Voted to Chus a Comitey to supply the Familey of thos that air Gon into the Contenantal army. Voted and Chos Sollomon Jewet, Edward Newton, Josiah Kendal Jun. Elisha White, Daniel Rugg, William Tucker for s'' Comitey. The care of the soldiers' families was kept up for sev eral years. At the town meetings above named were also discussed two important political questions : the acceptance of the State Constitution, and the division of the town. CONTINENTAL RE-ENFORCEMENTS. 167 May 18 Voted to Receive the new Form of Goverment and Constitution sent to us by the Great and General Corte ; the number of pols that Voted to Receive it was one hundred and Eleven. Voted against Receives the Constitution, Forty-one. Voted to Set of the Second Precinct in Lancaster as a Seprat Town. January 4, 1779 Voted to Rase three hundred pounds to Supply the Famileys of those that air Gon into the Contenantal army. March 1779. . . . Voted and Choose Col. Joseph Reed, Cyrus Fair- bank, Nathaniel White, Solomon Jewet, Luke Wilder committee of Inspec tion and Saftey. May 17, 1779 Voted to have new form of government and Constitution made ; pres ent at said meeting voting on the first article in the Court's direction to the Selectmen, 84 Yeas, 14 Nays. Voted to accept the second article in the Court order Concerning a New Constitution with this addition. We do Impower our Representative to give his vote for Choosing a Convention for the purpose mentioned with Proviso that the Constitution Shall Return unto the hand of the people For their approbation or Disapprobation. Lancaster, June 28, 1779 3*'y. Voted to raise the men sent for from the General Court (by the town). 4'y. Voted to pay the men Required by the General Court by a town Rate. 5'y. Voted to Chuse a Committee to Raise the men for the army. 6'y. Voted that the Selectmen, Commissioned oflScers and Committee of Correspondence Be the above Committee. 7'y. Voted and Impowered the Committee to hire the men for the most Reasonable sum and to pay in the produce of the land or in money. 8'y. Voted to Impower the Committee to give the men 40/ pr. month to go into the army and pay at the price of the produce of the land at a price Eaqual to the above sum of 40/ pr. month. Lancaster, August 2, 1779 6. Voted that the Captains now in being of the Respective Compa nies make a Return at our next adjournment of what has been done by turnes or in money in the Services of their Country from the first of the war to this time. At an adjourned meedng the captains presented their report, which was referred to an audidng committee, but not recorded. It probably met the fate of former attempts to equalize the burdens of patriotism. 1 68 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Age. Height, William Flud, 21 5 i ft. 7 in. John Wyman, 17 " 2 " Elisha Woods, 20 " 7 " Zimori Eveleth, 17 '• 2 " Samuel Sawyer, 30 " 10 " Eber Sawyer, 25 " 10 '• Jacob Sawyer, 23 " I " Abel Sawyer, 18 " 7 " Calvin Sawyer, 18 " 7 " Age. Hi sight. 18 5 ft. 10 in. 21 8 " 17 3 " 17 5 " 17 3 " 18 9 " 17 7 " 18 7 " . Nine tnonths' tnen enlisted June 25, 1779, marched July 14. Reuben Wilder, Peter Putnam, William Kilburn, Julius Csesar, Lemuel Shed, Abijah Rice, Ephraim Fuller, Levi Warner, James Houghton. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, XLI, 352 ; XLII, 41 ; XXIX, 53..] This detachment, it will be seen, included a larger pro portion of youthful recruits, and those below the average stature, than Lancaster furnished at any other date. It would seem that the whole contribution of the state was similarly peculiar, for Washington, July 29, wrote to Pres ident Reed that he had received no re-enforcements since the last campaign, "excepting about four hundred recruits from the State of Massachusetts Bay (a portion of whom I am told are children, hired at above fifteen hundred dol lars each, for nine months' service)." The Bolton men enlisted for nine months, in 1779, were : Age. John Barnard, 17 Gordon Goddard, Benjamin Haskell, Moses Haskell, Harvard men : Age. Adam Amsden, 17 Reuben Garfield, 25 America Hamlin, 17 Jona. Houghton, 18 Leominster men Age. Samuel Boutell, David Clark, 33 Samuel Houghton, 18 Samuel Jones. Abner Livermore, Height. Age. Height. 5 ft. 7 in. Benj. Hastings, 17 5 ft. 9 in. Rufus Moore, 19 5 " 10 " Samuel Moore, 27 6 " 2 " Paul Wilson, 21 5" 8" Height. Age. Height. 5 ft. 7 in. Aaron Priest, 21 5 ft. 8 in. 5 " 10 " Samuel Russell, 18 5 " 7 " 5 " 6 " John Todd, 28 5 " 9 " 5 " 6 " Reuben Willard, 23 6" Height. 5 ft. 10 in. 5 " 7 " Luther Marble, Robert Motterhead,24 Calvin Oaks, 20 Silas Perry. Age. Height. 5 ft. 5" 6 in. 6 " [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxix, 55 ; XLI, 352.] CONTINENTAL RE-ENFORCEMENTS. 169 . . . Captain Luke Wilder's Company in 2d Regt. Militia, Colo Sam uel Dentiy, at Claverick itt Cotititiental Service, October 27 to Decetnber II, 1779. Luke Wilder, capt. Andrew Haskell, //. John Daby, //. David Pike, sergt. Wilder Chamberlain, sergt. Jacob Whitney, " Samuel Adams, corp. Luther Stephens. " Abel Baker, Levi May, " John Wheelock, drumtner. John Priest, fifer. Joseph Beaman, Roger Bartlett, Jonathan Bailey, Ebenezer Burpee, Benjamin Bridge, Jonathan Bush, Nathan Ballard, Amherst Bailey, James Bellows, Stephen Cooledge, Thomas Davis, Jonathan Fairbank, Joseph Fairwell, Leonard Fairwell, David Fairwell, • William Farr, Abial Holt, Oliver Haskell, Joseph Jewett, John Hall, Oliver Hailes, Thomas Henderson, John Lacy, Abram Longley, Ely Longley, Robert Moor. Paul Mason, John Nichols,[Mass. Archives, Jonathan Newton, Aaron Phelps, John Prentice, Ephraim Pike, Edward Prise, Abel Priest, Resolved Richardson, Enoch Roper, Paul Sawyer, Oliver Wheelock, John Willard, Samuel Wright, Elihu Wilder, Phinehas Wilder, Ephraim Whitney, Joel Whitney, Amos Wetherby, B. Whittemore Willard Joshua Willard. 59 Muster Rolls, xxiv, 173.] Residences are not recorded in the roll. The men were chiefly, if not all, from Lancaster, Bolton and Harvard. 2 : Voted and accepted of the proceedings of Committee with Regard to hiering soldiers. 3. Voted that the Committee be directed to pay the soldiers one month's pay Before they march for Claverack 5. Voted that the Commission* officers be directed to proceed to a draught upon the Respective Companies in case the Committee carn't hier the men as the town have voted the Remaining part of the soldiers that won't Inlist. 6 Voted that the Selectmen and the Captains be desired to stand as a Committee to hier soldiers for the service untill the estimation is Complyed with and Compleated Voted to Raise the sum of ^6381 to pay the soldiers for going into the service. Voted that the assessors be directed to make the Rate for the above sum Emediately. 12 17° ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Lancaster, March 6, 1780 I. Voted and Chose James Richardson, Samuel Thurston, Thomas Gates, Cap'. Luke Wilder and Capt. Benja. Richardson a Committee of Inspection and Correspondence 33*. Voted to Choose a Committee to hire Soldiers for y" Future, when sent for by y" General Assembly. March 8 8. Voted that the Field officers belonging to this Town with the Com manders of the respective companies, be for a committee to hire Soldiers for the future when sent for by y'= General Court. Lancaster, May 2", 1780 6. Voted that the Selectmen and Treasurer settle with ye Soldiers that have notes for fJrain, upon the best Terms that they can. In June, 1780, the government called upon Lancaster to furnish forty men for six-months' service, and at a town- meeting on the sixteenth of that month the town — 2. Voted to hire the men now sent for by the General Court by a Town Tax 4. Voted to Choose a Committee for the Purpose of hireing them as above 6. Voted and Chose Capt. Samuel Ward, John Prescott, Dea. Cyrus Fairbank, Capt. Nathaniel Balch, Samuel Thurston and Dea. Levi Moor of ye i»' Precinct and Thomas Brown, James Richardson, Nathaniel Hough ton, Israel Moor, James Kendal Jr. and Jonas Wilder Jun. of ye 2* Pre cinct for s* Committee. The sudden re-appearance of Captain Samuel Ward's name at the head of a Lancaster committee, when for nearly five years he had been almost excluded from town councils because his political utterances were not radical enough to suit the feverish times, is significant ; and Joseph Willard, Esq., has explained the circumstances that brought him again to the front, where he naturally belonged. When the assembled voters began the consideration of ways and means to obtain the forty soldiers demanded by the Gen eral Court, Josiah Kendall, Jr., a prominent politician and inn-keeper of the second precinct, whose patriotism had hitherto been of an especially flamboyant character, arose, declaring it a hopeless task to try to induce so large a num ber to enlist, and seemed inclined to advocate refusal of CONTINENTAL RE-ENFORCEMENTS. 171 obedience to the order. Captain Ward saw his opportunity, urged in a speech of great eloquence the duty of prompt compliance with the requisition, at any sacrifice, and moved the appointment of a committee to secure the men. Within twelve days the requisite number had been hired, received their bounty, and were on their way to the rendezvous. Their names will be given on the following page. Lancaster, June 23* On the 3* article in y" Warrant, Voted to empower the Committee Chosen to hire the Men therein Mentioned on any Terms they think Proper, and if the s"! Committee or any of them shall contract with any Person to Do the Service Required by the Orders which are the occation of this Vote, that the Town will in all Respects indemnify and make good to each one of s"' Committee severally all Monies, Damages and Expences which they or any of them shall incur by performing their si^ Contracts, and will also pay them their reasonable Expences and for their Trouble in and about the Premises. June 26 at an adjournment — Voted to Accept the following Report of the Committee viz : The Com mittee engage to each Man that will enlist 1400,^ Law'. Money, such Part as each Man may want to be paid Down, the Remainder, when paid, to be made as good as it now is ; or 13.^. 6°. 8"^ Law' Money to be paid in the Old Way in Corn, Beef and live Stock or any Produce as it formerly used to be sold, or the value thereof in Continental Money. The above Sum offer'* is a Bounty from the Town in Addition to the Wages alow'', by the Court. And furthermore the Committee Engage that the Money which may be Due from the State for the Six Months Service the Town will get for each Man that will produce proper Certificates. 'Descriptive List of 6 mos. men raised to re-enforce the Continetital army. 1780. Age. Height. Age. Height. Ebenezer Flagg, 24 6 ft. I in. John Brooks, 21 5 ft. 7 ir Andrew Haskell, ii 5 " II " John Parker, 21 5" 9 ' Samuel Phelps, 23 5 " II " Abel Richardson, 19 5 " 7 ' Samuel Johnson, 22 6" William Kilburn, 17 5 " 4 ' Joshua Phelps, 19 S " 7 " Elijah Burpee, 19 5 " 5 ' Daniel Willard, 25 5" 9" Samuel Snow, 17 5 " 5 " Jonathan Tenney, 21 5" 9" Ephraim Pike, 20 5 " 7 " Jotham Woods, 28 5 " 6 " Jonathan Whitcomb, 17 Reuben Wilder, 20 5 " II " Ichabod Garey, 30 5" 5 ' Samuel Corey, 19 5 " 4 " Ebenezer Burpee, 19 5 " 8 ' 172 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Age. Height. Age. Height. Jonathan Barnard, 17 5 ft. 2 in. Enoch Roper, 21 5 ft. 9 in. Abel Sawyer, 19 5 " 8 " William Pike, 16 5 " 8 " Ezra Moore, 16 5 " 4 " John Winn, 20 5 " 9 " Jeduthan Sawyer, 17 5 " 4 " John Dunsmore, 35 5 " 9 " Thomas Moore, 18 5 " 10 " John Willard, 19 5 " 9 " Oliver Glazier, 17 5 " 8 " Paul Sawyer, 21 5 " II " Samuel Wright, 17 5 " 5 " Jacob Allen, 22 5 " II " Ephraim Houlton, 19 5 " II " Aaron Willard, 22 5 " 8 " John Putnam, 17 5 " 6 " Philemon Allen, 22 5" 9" Benjamin Roper, 29 5 " 7 " Oliver Wheelock, 19 5 " 8 " James Wilder, 18 5 " 9 " Besides the above, the names of sixteen other Lancas ter soldiers are found in various rolls, serving for six months during 1780 : William Flood, John Green, Thomas Hammond, Ephraim Larkin, John Parker, Levi Phelps, Rawson Phelps, John Sergeant, Jacob Simonds, Hosea Sprague. Nathaniel Brooks, Ebenezer Burditt, Stephen Corey, Pardon Dolbee, John Drewmore, Isaac Eveleth. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, XXXV, 195; XXV, 230; IV, 125, etc.] These men were paid their bounty in various ways and with a generous consideration of their individual prefer ences. Joseph Willard, Esq. , narrates that John Dunsmoor promised to enlist if given a certain lot of land belonging to Deacon Levi Moore of the town's committee. "Take it," said the deacon, "take it ; I'd rather part with that land, although "tis the best I own, than lose the whole by any neglect in aiding the cause of my country." Descriptive list of the six-months' men of Bolton, Harvard, and Leomin ster, raised for the Cotitinental army in 1780. BOLTON MEN. Age. I leight. Age. Height. Nathaniel Oaks, 18 5 ft. 7 in. John Barnard, 17 5 ft. 9 in Abel Priest, 20 8 " Matthew Atherton, 19 5" 6" Eli Longley, 18 6 " John Burnham, 20 5 " 10 " Rufus Houghton, 16 4 " Ebenezer Bailey, 31 6" I " Nathanl Whitcomb 18 3 " William Ross, 33 5 " 9 " Moses Haskell, 20 7 " William Bigelow, 35 5 " 6 " Stephen Coolidge, 18 II " CONTINENTAL RE-ENFORCEMENTS. 173 HARVARD MEN. Age. Height. Age. Height. John Oaks, 22 5 ft. 5 in. Salmon Whitney, 20 5 ft. 7 in. Jonathan Stearns, 17 r 1. 7 " Jonathan Houghton, 19 8 " John Atherton, 18 r (( 9 " John Warner, 18 7 " Simeon Conant, 18 5 " 7 " John ScoUay, 17 7 " Thaddeus Brown, 18 5 ¦' 6 " Benjamin Bridges, 20 9 " Benjamin Hale, 16 5 " 2 " Oliver Haskell, 22 4 " Jonathan Whitney, 21 r (( 6 " Abijah Cole, 17 9 " David Stone, 18 5 " 7 " Manasseh Stow, 23 7 " America Hamlin, 18 5 " 8 " Joel Whitney, 17 10 " Nathaniel Hazeltine , 16 5 " 6 " LEOMINSTER MEN. Age. Height. Age. Height. Silas Perry, 17 5 ft. 8 in. Jacob Simons, 19 5 ft- 9 in. Samuel Boutell, 18 5 " 10 " Ephraim Johnson, 17 8 " Benjamin Brown, 22 5 " 7 " Silas Hale, 20 7 " Levi Blood, 23 5 " 7 " Joel Hale, 18 9 " Otis Lincoln, 20 5 " 9 " Samuel Barrett, 26 7 " Benjamin Stearns, 31 5 " 8 " Joseph Stuart, 21 8 " Levi Phelps, 20 r tt 10 " May 13, 1780 at a town meeti ig I . Voted to Receive y« Constitution or Form of Government as it now stands — 103 for it and 7 against it. 2. Voted to impower ye Delegates at ye next Session to agree upon a Time when this Form of Government shall take Place without returning ye same again to the People, provided that two-thirds of ye Male Inhabi tants of the age of twenty-one years and upwards voting in the several Town and Plantation Meetings shall agree to the same, or ye Convention shall Confirm it to the sentiments of two-thirds of the People as afore sd. Lancaster, July 3'*, 1780 I . Voted to Choose a Committee to Hire the Ten Contenental Men last sent for by the General Court. 2. Voted and Chose Moses Smith, Capt. Thomas Gates, Eben'. Allen, John Brown, Dea. Joel Houghton and Josiah Kendall for ye above Committee. 3. Voted to Choose a Committee to Hire the 48 Militia men now sent for by ye General Court. 4. Voted and Chose Mr Eben'. Bradish, Capt. Ep™. Carter, Dea. Benj. Houghton, Capt. John White Jun. Josiah Kendall Jr. Micah Harthan, Caleb Whitney and Thomas Sawyer for s'^ Committee. Monday, July 3, 1780 Voted to Raise the sum of one Hundred and fifty Thousand Pounds for the Purpose of Hireing Soldiers for the Army paying their Mileage etc. 174 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Captain Nath!. Wright's Co. Sept. to Nov. i8, 1781, Col. Dru ry's Regt. of Militia. [At West Point.] OF LANCASTER AND STERLING. Capt. Nathaniel Wright, Ephraim Houghton, Jacob Sawyer, Corp. Levi Priest, Stephen Houghton, Samuel Snow, John Clark, Jacob Kilburn, Jonathan Whitcomb, Samuel Corey, Enoch Roper, Levi White, Ebenezer Harris, Reuben Ross, ' Aaron Willard. Abel Houghton, Eber Sawyer, Artemas Willard. BOLTON MEN. Sergt. Daniel Harris, Nathaniel Holman, Rufus Moore, Matthew Atherton, James Houghton, Beriah Oaks. HARVARD MEN. Simeon Conant, America Hamblin, Benjamin Warner, Jacob Fairbank, Samuel Hutchins, Phineas Warner. Israel Hale, David Stone, [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxiv, 119-120.] The second precinct, during the revolution, grew more rapidly than the first, and in 1780 outnumbered and out voted the older part of the town. It was finally set off from Lancaster, April 25, 1781, and named Sterling (with not unusual carelessness of orthography) , in honor of the brave General William Alexander, the putative Earl of Stirling, with whom Lancaster men fought at Long Island and Monmouth. At a town meeting in Lancaster, July 13, 1781, .... 8. Voted to raise the three and five-months' men agreeable to General Court Order. 9. Voted to Chuse a Committee to procure the said men. 10. Voted and Choose Josiah Ballard, Jeremiah Haskell and Joshua Fletcher as the above Committee. Lancaster, July 23, 1781 2. Voted to raise two hundred and seventy five pounds to pay the three and five months men Lancaster, September 3, 1781 7. Voted that the constable be directed to proceed imediately to collect the money asses'^, on the town to pay the soldiers their money for the three months service and particularly their marching money. GUARDS. 175 Lancaster, Sept. 10, 1781; Voted to desire the several Captains to Call their Companies together on Fryday next at 9 o'Clock A. M, at the meeting house in s'' town and the several constables are directed to exert themselves to Collect as much money in Silver as possible for paying the soldiers their advance pay. Many of the soldiers that served for three months in 1781 may be found in the Rhode Island rolls given upon previous pages. GUARDS. Besides the frequent calls upon the militia for troops to go beyond the state fine upon sudden alarms, or during some temporary emergency, there were constant details for guard duty within the state ; and among the papers of company commanders in the revolution are found many requisitions like the following : Harvard, March 21, 1778. To Capt. David Nurse. Sr. in consequence of orders I Rec^ from Gen" Warner he having ReC* orders from the General Court of this State Baring Dait the 9 of this Instant and I am ordered to Detach 46 men out of my Reg', non-commisioned oflScers and privit soldiers to Do duty at or near Boston till the 2 day of July next unless Sooner Discarged : your cota is fore men which you are to Detach from your company without Delay, s'l men to be Equiped with arms and amonition acording to law and to be at head-qurters at Boston on the 2 Day of April next with out fail ther to Rec^ further order & it is Resolved that if any noncommissoned officer or privit soldier so drafted as afores'i shall Neglect or Refuse to march in con sequence heirof he shall hire an able bodyed man in his Rome or pay a fine of Ten pounds within twenty-fore hours, or shall be considered as a soldier in that detachment, and y"' Capt or commanding officer of the com pany shall cause others to be drafted in stead of those who pay their fines ; or other men to be hired with said fines and you make Return of your doings and the names of the men so Drafted. You are ordered to view the arms of both Lists and their acotrements & see that they are Compleet acording to Law and at a minits warning and make Return of the number you have on Both Lists of men : and ther arms and ther Equipments : these Returns must be made to me by the 20 Day of this Instant without fail. Yours to Serve. J. Whitney Coll. 176 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. A Pay Roll of Capt. John White's Company in Colo Abijah Stearns' Regi. tnent of Militia in the State of Mass. Bay. Doing Duty at and near Boston from the first Day of April Untill the Second Day of July 1778. LANCASTER MEN. John White, captaiti. Nath'. Beaman, lieut. Samuel Snow, sergt. Samuel Johnson, corp. Abel Sawyer, Abel Allen, Elisha Woods, Elisha Phelps, Ephraim White, Ebenezer Burditt, John Wheelock, James Wilder, Jonathan Whitcomb, Levi Robbins, Oliver Wheelock, Phinehas Wilder, Reuben Ross, Thomas Moore, Samuel Brown, Abraham Headley. LEOMINSTER MEN. Sergt. John Low, Benjamin Johnson, Benjamin Stearns, Joseph Johnson, Phineas Carter, Josiah Whitcomb, Samuel Boutwell, Nathaniel Joslin, John Kidder. There were sixty-nine men in the company, those omitted here being of Ashburnham, Princeton and Lunen burg. [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxiv, 49,] In Colonel Nathan Sparhawk's regiment, Captain James Mirick's company, near Boston, September to December, 1778, were : OF LANCASTER. Solomon Fleeman, Reuben Gates, Benjamin Hale, Elisha Johnson, Phineas Phelps. William Coolidge, Barnabas Sawyer, David Baldwin, America Hamlin, Oliver Haskell, OF BOLTON. Richard Townsend, OF HARVARD. Abel Wilder. Daniel Page, John Parker, Walter Pollard, [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxi, 125.] Ephraim Whitney, Stephen Whitney. Extensive barracks were built at Rutland, and the Eng lish regiments of General Burgoyne's troops, prisoners of GUARDS. 177 war, were removed thither from Cambridge, at which place they were thought too easily accessible if the British forces, by sudden raid from Newport, should attempt their release. The transfer was made during April, 1779. The guards employed were many of them boys, old men, and others unfit for field service. Continetital Pay Roll of Capt. Elias Pratt's Co. of Guards doing duty at Rutland. [Aprril to July, 177<).] Jabez Fairbank, lieut. Stephen Nowel, sergt. John Atherton, " Benjamin Buss, " David Wheelock, " John Roper, corp. Samuel Barnard, " Nathan Adams, Samuel Allen, Jonathan Barnard, John Blanchard, Samuel Brooks, Rufus Carter, Jonas Chase, John Divol, Samuel Foster, Samuel Hoar, Abel Houghton, Jonas Johnson, Elias Joslin, Reuben Lipenwell, Rufus Moore, Walter Pollard, Abiah Rice, Daniel Rice, Silvester Roper, John Scollay, David Stone, Amos Tenney, James Thompson, Hananiah Whitney, Luther Wilder, etc [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxv, 123.] Continental Pay Roll Duty Sergt. John Persons, Nathan Adams, Gideon Beaman, Benjamin Carter, Zimri Eveleth, Jacob Fairbank, Peter Fletcher, for Capt. Ephraim Hartwell's Cotnpany Doitig at Rutland Oct. 177') to April 1780. Calvin Greenleaf, Daniel Greenleaf, Daniel Hazeltine, Samuel Kilburn, Joseph Larkin, Jonathan Moore, Walter Pollard, Samuel Prentice, Jonathan Tucker, Luther Wilder, Reuben Wilder, Daniel Willard, etc [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxv, 120.] MARINE SERVICE. Lancaster furnished a few volunteers for the privateers that did eflScient service on the coast, but the names of two only have come down to us. Reverend Timothy Harring ton records their deaths thus : Joseph Wilder, Jun'. of y" Small Pox at sea. Joseph Phelps, died of his wounds in a sea fight. 178 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. VI. CONTINENTAL ARMY. The returns of enlistments for three years or during the war, made by the towns in obedience to an order of Gen eral Court passed February 3, 1778, are found in Massa chusetts Archives, xlii. At that time few towns had filled their quotas under the first call, which required one-seventh of the males above sixteen years of age : Lancaster. No. of males 672. One seventh 96. In service 91. Wanting 5. Harvard. " 341 " 49 " 48 " i, Bolton. " 299 " 43 " 42 " I. Leominster. " 216 " 31 " 32 " o. The terms of service of these "Continentals" mostly ended in the spring of 1780, when new levies were called for. Ten men were sent from Lancaster at that time. The third requisition came at the close of the same year. Return of men procured, agreeable to Resolve of 2d Dec. 1780, taken from the Superitttendetit's Returns as well as from the Returns made by the Several Towns : Lancaster, 35 men demanded, 34 procured. Bolton, 16 " 16 Leominster, 13 " 13 " Harvard, 15 " 15 " In March, 1782, a call was issued under which Lancas ter's quota was seven. The sum of Lancaster's three- years quota was therefore 148 ; and the records prove that the requisitions were filled, although at last enormous bounties were in a few cases paid to hireling substitutes and " bounty -jumpers ;" and numerous contentions arose between towns over their rival claims to particular soldiers. The three-years' men were all volunteers, recourse being had to a draft only in case of short-service calls. .... Resolve, to stop proceedings on Execution vs. assessors of Lan caster issued by mistake by late Treas''. Gardner for not assessing a class, for the raising one of the 3 years men for Continental army 1781 : it ap pears that the town had raised their full quota of men and that they had actually joined the army when the Execution was issued. [Court Records, XLIV, 244 ; Nov. 2, 1782.] CONTINENTAL ARMY. 179 On pet°. of Hon. Jn'>. Sprague on behalf of Lancaster for the abate ment of a fine and allowance of a bounty to sd. town for reasons set forth in sd. petition — Resolved, that the fine be abated and bountyal lowed, the town having procured the whole of the men required by the resolve. [A deficiency of one man had been reported under resolve of Dec. 2, 1780.] [Court Records, XLV, 58.] the Class in Lan"'. of which Jabez Fairbank was the head, hired a soldier for the Continental army for 3 years and liberated him from jail at expense of 100^, supposing they had an undoubted right to s"^ soldier, but afterwards he was challenged and by muster-master determined to be long to Rutland, and thus this class is deficient and liable to the fine annexed. Rutland was ordered to return 90^ to J. F. whose class is allowed 30 days to procure another man and execution is staid meanwhile, but to issue if they neglect to procure and muster a soldier and march him to Springfield and procure a receipt therefor, beyond the town. Court Records, XLIII, 292 ; Feb. 20, 1782.J In accordance with a custom of the period, the town had been divided into as many "squadrons" or "classes" as there were soldiers required for the quota — thirty-five ; and each class was expected to furnish a volunteer for three years. The amount of bounty paid was regularly assessed upon the citizens of the class, and by law was collectable like any other rate, the constable taking the body of the debtor if the assessment was not speedily forthcoming. If no person could be found willing to serve for such sum as the class would agree to pay, lots were cast to decide which member of the class should go. The man upon whom such lot fell had to enter the army for the remainder of that year, or supply a substitute. The records of the continental soldiers serving for Lan caster, or residents of the town, 1777-1780, will be given in order of regiments, with dates of enlistment, names of captains under which they served, and such other facts of interest as have been ascertained. No representative of the town is found in the First or Ninth Massachusetts Con tinental regiments. The service was for three years unless specified. Nearly all the Massachusetts regiments partici pated in the battles that caused the surrender of Burgoyne, l8o ANNALS OF LANCASTER. and were, during their remaining terms of service, for the most part stationed along the Hudson. Second Massachusetts, Colonel John Bailey. Joseph House, lieutenant, Jan. i, 1777, to August i, 1778; resigned. Perley Rogers, a negro, corporal, March 18, 1777, Capt. Hugh Maxwell. Charles Stuart, a mulatto, deserted May 20, 1777. " " Third Massachusetts, Colonel John Greaton. Joseph Bailey, Jan. i, 1777, Capt. Samuel Foster. Jabez Beaman, Feb. 4, 1777, Capt. Charles Colton; claimed by Harvard. Eleazar Priest, Jan. 17, 1777, Capt. Job Sumner; "with Qr. Mr. General." Fourth Massachusetts, Colonel William Shepard. James Battels, Jan. 31, 1777, Capt. George Webb ; claitned by Leominster. John Battels, April I, 1777 ; " " " " Fifth Massachusetts, Colonel Rufus Putnam. This regiment was prominent in the battles of Stillwater and Saratoga. In Captain Job Whipple's Compatiy: Cornelius Baker, corporal, Feb. i, 1777. Abel Bigelow, drummer, Feb. 10, 1777. Jonas Carter, Jan. 10, 1777; a Lunenburg man, hired. Joshua Johnson, May 10, 1777. Jacob Kilburn, corporal, Feb. 10, 1777; promoted sergeant. William Prentice, May 26, 1777. John Wheeler, March 26, 1777. Peter Willard, June i, 1777. In Captaiti Jonathan Goodale's Company : James Sawyer, June 20, 1777; discharged March 9, 1779; hired by Princeton. (Lemuel Shed and David Fleeman enlisted in this regiment but "never joined." For Shed, see Tenth regiment.) Sixth Massachusetts, Colonel Thomas Nixon. This regiment was present in battles of Stillwater, Saratoga, etc. Zimori Eveleth, drummer, Dec. 19, 1779, Capt. Benjamin Heywood. Aaron Glazier, Feb. 12, 1777 ; served 46 m. 19 d. ; Capt. Adam Wheeler. Gershom Flagg, May 26, 1777, Capt. Simon Learned. Abijah Phillips, Feb. 22, 1779, Capt. Samuel Flowers. Burpee Prouty, Dec. 19, 1779, Capt. Japheth Daniels. Paul Sawyer, Jan. i, 1777 ; served four years ; Capt. William Toogood. CONTINENTAL ARMY. l8l Seventh Massachusetts, Colonel Ichabod Alden, killed; Lt. Col onel John Brooks. Jacob Allen, 1781, Capt. Eliphalet Thorp. Shubael Bailey, 1781, Capt. Rufus Lincoln; claimed for Leominster. Eighth Massachusetts, Colonel Michael Jackson. Timothy Wilder, Aug. i, 1777, Captain James Varnum. Tenth Massachusetts, Colonel Thomas Marshall. This regiment was engaged in battles of Stillwater, Saratoga, etc. Itt Captain Samuel King's Compatiy : John Hewitt, lieutenant, Jan. i, 1777, to Nov. i, 1778. Samuel Blodget, enlisted 1777, by town returns; not found in pay certifi cates. Philip Corey, sergeant, January, 1777 ; sergeant-major ; ensign, Decem ber, 1780; lieutenant; served four years. Samuel Corey, fifer, Jan. i, 1777. Elijah Dole, corporal, Jan. i, 1777; died July 30, 1778. Peter Franklin, a negro, died April 21, 1777. Ephraim Fuller, July 7, 1779, aged sixteen. Gideon Georges, a negro, Aug. 10, 1777, aged 17; claimed by Bolton. Job Lewis, a negro, Jan. i, 1777 ; "on wagon service." Abel Moor, Jan. i, 1777, died April i, 1777 ; daittied by Bolton. Jacob Lyden Parker, enlisted 1777, by town returns ; not found itt pay certificates. Jacob Phelps, sergeant, Jan. i, 1777. John Priest, wounded and discharged, Feb. 27, 1778. James Russell, sergeant, Jan. i, 1777. Robert Skinner, Jan. i, 1777, died April 14, 1779; claimed by Bolton. Cornelius Tigh, Jan. i, 1777; a substitute; daittied by Boston, etc. David Whitcomb, Jan. i, 1777; died April 28, 1778. Francis Whitcomb, Jan. i, 1777; invalided because of wound. Asa Wyman, March i, 1780, aged seventeen. John Wyman, corporal, July 10, 1779, aged seventeen. In Captaitt Williatn Parks' Company : Julius Csesar, a negro, Nov. 26, 1779, aged nineteen. Robert Richardson, Oct. 7, 1779. Lemuel Shed, Oct. 23, 1779. In Captain Wtlliatn Warner's Cotnpany : Edom London, a negro slave, Jan. i, 1777; claimed by Winchendon. Levi Priest, March 22, 1777. John Warner, corporal, Jan. 27, 1777; promoted sergeant, April I, 1779. 102 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. In Captaitt Josiah Smith's Company : Samuel Herring, corporal, Jan. 17, 1777. Eleventh Massachusetts, Colonel Ebenezer Francis, killed; Colonel Benjamin Tupper. Lazarus Batherick, Feb. 28, 1780; in town returns, "enlisted with Capt. Ezra Lunt for Col. Henley." Stephen Thompson, by town returns, "enlisted in Captain Steele's com pany. Colonel Francis ;" tiot in pay certiticates . Twelfth Massachusetts, Colonel Samuel Brewer ; Lieut. -Col. Ebenezer Sproat. John Whiting, ensign, promoted to lieutenant, July 5, 1779. Abiah Rice, corporal, Jan. i, 1780, Capt. John Pray. Thirteenth Massachusetts, Colonel Edward Wigglesworth ; Lieut. -Colonel Calvin Smith. In Compatiy of Capt. Peter Page, successor to Capt. Matthew Fairfield. Winslow Phelps, ensign, Jan. i, 1777; resigned Dec. 26, 1777. Benjamin Ballard, sergeant, Feb. 19, 1777. Samuel Ballard, Feb. 20, 1777; bounty paid by Bedford. John Dollerson, March 15, 1777; served 45 m. 16 d. ; claitned by Bolton and Stow. Peleg Rodman, Feb. 12, 1777; died June 2, 1778. In Cottipany of Captain Christian Woodbridge: Thomas Wright, March i. 1780; deserted Oct. 2, 1780. Fourteenth Massachusetts, Colonel Gamaliel Bradford. In Captain Zebedee Redding' s Company : Jonathan Sawyer, lieutenant, Jan. i, 1777 ; killed by Indians, July 19, 1777. Samuel Bennett, corporal, Jan, i, 1777; discharged December, 1778, Nathan Easterbrooks, corporal, Jan, 9, 1777. Isaac Eveleth, April, 1777, re-enlisted 1781 ; aged forty-seven. William Eveleth, Feb. 2, 1777; died Oct. 6, 1779. Luther Fairbank, sergeant, Jan. 10, 1777; discharged Nov, 20, 1777. Abel Fairbank, Jan. 9, 1777; died Nov, 26. 1777. George Richardson, corporal, Jan. 30, 1777. Benjamin Wheelock, April 4, 1777. Jonathan Wheelock, drummer, Jan. 2. 1777; promoted to drum-major. Joseph Wheelock, Feb. 4, 1777; died March 10, 1778. James Willard, Feb. 12, 1777. Samuel Woods, May 26, 1777; taken prisoner ; discharged 1781. Daniel Wyman, Jan. 30, 1777; died Aug. 16, 1778. In Captain Isaiah Stetson's Company : Jabez Brooks, sergeant, Jan. i, 1777. CONTINENTAL ARMY. 183 Fifteenth Massachusetts, Colonel Timothy Bigelow of Worcester. This regiment was engaged in battles of Stillwater, Saratoga and Mon mouth ; and stationed at Verplank's Point, Robinson's Farms, N. J., Peekskill, Valley Forge, West Point. Henry Haskell, lieutenant-colonel, Jan i, 1777, to July i, 1779; mustered out as supernumerary; died at Lancaster, June 10, 1807. Ephraim Sawyer, Jr., lieutenant, Jan. i, 1777, resigned Oct. i, 1777, to accept captaincy in Sixteenth Massachusetts. In Captain Joseph Hodgkins' Company : James Armstrong. July 22, 1777. Philip Branscomb, drummer, April 26, 1780; deserted; credited to Lan caster on pay certificates . Thomas Cleland, corporal, April 3, 1777; promoted sergeant; served 44 m. 28 d. Asa Farrar, May 27, 1777. Stephen Frost, March 11, 1777; discharged February, 1778. Ebenezer Glazier, May 20, 1777. Joshua House, by town returns enlisted 1777 ; not found in pay certificates. Reuben Kendall, a negro, Sept. 10, 1777. Israel Manning, corporal, April i, 1777. Judah Piper, April 21, 1777. Luther Rice, Feb. 25, 1777. Abner Sawyer, Sept. i, 1777; died Nov. 10, 1777. Onis Simes, Sept. i, 1777; died Dec. i, 1777. Aaron Willard, May 2, 1777. Levi Wilder, May 24, 1777. Abel Wright, March 25, 1777; died July 2, 1778. In Company of Captain Sylvanus Smith : John Dresser, March 10, 1777; died June 29, 1778. Elihu Goss, May 20, 1777 ; died July 6, 1778. Matthias Larkin, sergeant. May 20, 1777; died April 13, 1778. Levi Larkin, Sept. 3, 1777. Edmund Milligen, enlisted 1777, by town returns ; not found in pay cer tificates. Nathan Osgood, Sept. i, 1777; discharged April 2, 1779. Seth Ross, drummer. May 2, 1777. Asa Rugg, enlisted 1777, by town returns; not found in pay certificates. Caleb Whitney, Sept. i, 1777; died Dec. 10, 1777. In Company of Captain William Gates — Joseph Pierce's, later : Artemas Maynard, sergeant. May 29, 1777. Matthew Wyman, May 16, 1777 ; credited to Lutienburg. Joshua Whitney, sergeant, Aug. 10, 1777. 184 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. In Company of Captain Edward Munroe, (Bowen, in town returns): William Boardman, May 15, 1777; re-enlisted 1781. Thomas Grant, March 7, 1781, aged 52; hired by Princeton. Elisha Houghton, sergeant, May i, 1777, Capt. Joshua Brown; claimed by Harvard. Joseph Jones, Nov. 10, 1777, Capt. Paul Ellis. Sixteenth Massachusetts, Colonel Henry Jackson. This regiment was formed in April, 1779, by combining the three battalions of Colonels David Henly, William R. Lee and Henry Jackson, organized under a call for sixteen continental regiments in addition to the original eighty- eight formed early in 1777. None of the sixteen regiments were filled, and they were finally consolidated in spite of the great dissatisfaction caused both among men and ofii cers. Among those enlisted especially for Colonel Henly, were many soldiers from the army of Burgoyne, then pris oners of war. These for the most part deserted as soon as opportunity offered. Colonel Jackson's regiment was in the expedition against the British force at Newport in 1778. Ephraim Sawyer, Jr., captain, Dec. 26, 1777 ; supernumerary April 9, 1779. William Harris, pay-master, died Oct. 30, 1778. Serving in Company of Captain Thotnas Turner : Alixus Bear, Jan. 21, 1779; deserted April 25, 1779. Nathaniel Brown, May 11, 1780; claitned by Leominster . Nicholas Brune, May 27, 1777; deserted April i, 1779. John Kilburn, July 13, 1777 ; enlisted by Capt. Ezra Lunt for Col. Henley. John Newman, fifer, Jan. i, 1779; claimed by Bolton. William Staples, May 26, 1777; deserted April 17, 1779. William Taylor, Sept, 27, 1777 : deserted Oct. 25, 1779 ! enlisted by Capt. Lunt for Col. Henley. Peter Tew, Dec. 8, 1777; deserted April i, 1779. Isaac Warren, Sept. 24, 1777; enlisted by Capt. Lunt for Col. Henley. Massachusetts Artillery, Artificers, etc. Col. Henry Knox (Brig. General) ; Col. John Crane ; Lieut. -Col. David Mason. Enlisted in Capt. Johti Bryant's Company of Artificers : John Baker, March i, 1777; also with Capt. Benjamin Frothingham. Joseph Bennett, March 30, 1777; " " " Josiah Bowers, Sept. 20, 1777; re-enlisted Feb. 2, 1781 ; also with Capt. Benjamin Frothingham. CONTINENTAL ARMY. 185 Ebenezer Flagg, sergt., Jan. 17, 1780 ; also with Capt. Benj. Frothingham. Gershom Flagg, Jr., March 8, 1777; " " " Ichabod Garey, March 22, 1777; re-enlisted March 3, 1781 ; also with Capt. Benjamin Frothingham. Thomas Goodwin, matross, March 24, 1777. Lemuel Gates, gunner, March 4, 1777; served 45 m. 27 d. ; also with Capt. David Cook. Samuel Gates, gunner, March 4, 1777; served 45 m. 27 d. ; also with Capt. David Cook. Jacob Wilder, Sept. 20, 1777; also with Knox's Artificers. In other Companies : William Campbell, 1781, with Capt. Thomas Jackson. John Fuller, 1777, by town returns, with "Captain [David] Bradley, Colonel [Thomas] Crafts." Cain Lewis, a negro, Aug. 17, 1777, with Capt. Thomas Wells; deserted January, 1778. John McCoy, bombardier, Jan. i, 1777, with Capt. Nathaniel Donnell; served four years. Gilbert Mclntyre, April 14, 1777; served three years with Capt. Benjamin Frothingham. Jacob Stiles, Jan. i, 1780; with Captains Thomas Patten and Phineas Parker; also in Capt. William Howe's Artificers at Springfield. John Wilder ; served under same captains as Jacob Stiles. Dragoons. Colonel Elisha Sheldon. John Priest, corporal, March 22, 1777, Capt. Nathaniel Crafts. First New Hampshire, Colonel Joseph Cilley. William Shaw, 1777, with Capt. William Scott. Unknown, from town returns, etc. Jotham Woods, 1777; re-enlisted 17S1. John V/heelock, 1777; " Capt. Oaks." Timothy Whiting, Jr., aide of Quarter-Master-General U. S. A. At a town meeting, January 2, 1781, the following action was recorded : 7. Voted to raise our Quota of Men to serve in the Continental Army for three years or during y" War, agreeable to the Resolve of the General Court. 8. Voted to Choose a Committe of twelve Men to hire the above men. 9. Chose Israel Moor, Samuel Thurston, Natha'. Beaman, Cyrus Fairbank, Jonas Wyman, Josiah Kendall Jun., Capt. Samuel Sawyer, Capt. Ephraim Wilder, Eben'. Allen, Josiah Ballard, Dea. Joel Houghton, Thomas Brown for s* Committe. 13 l86 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Lancaster, January 8, 1781 3. Voted that above Committe Chosen to hire the Men for 3 years service be impowered in every Respect, as the Committe Chosen ye last year to hire ye 40 Men sent for by the General Court. 4. Voted to Dismiss Leut. Ballard from serving in the above Com mitte and Chose Maj : Gardiner Wilder in his Room. Lancaster, January II, 1 78 1 I. Voted to make an addition of Six to ye above Committe for hire ing of Soldiers. 2. Chose Capt. Nathaniel Balch, Capt. Samuel Ward, Capt. Timothy Whiting, W" Dunsmoor, Esq., James Richardson and Capt. Fortunatus Eager for s^ Addition. 3. Chose Jabez Fairbank as one of the above Committe in the Room of Tho» Brown who was Excused. Lancaster, Jany. 28, 1781 I. Voted to Raise ye Sum of Six Thousand five Hund* and Sixty two Pounds ten Shillings New Emission Currency to hire ye Soldiers for the Army. 2. Voted that the above sum be Assesed and Collected as soon as may be. Lancaster, February 5, 1781 2. Voted to See if the Town will Class in Order to get y« Men for ye Army and it passi^ in ye Negative. Lancaster, February 8*, 1781 I . Voted to See if the Town would Class for ye Purpose of geting y" Men for ye Army and it Pass'* in ye Negative. Lancaster, February 19, 1781 I. Voted to See if the Town would Class and it pass'' in y<^ Negative. 2'i Voted to make an Addition of Seventeen to ye Committe for hiring Men. 3'! Voted and Chose for sii Addition ye following Persons viz : Capt. David Osgood, Capt. Edward Newton, Nathaniel Houghton, Dea. Levi Moore, Dea. Benjamin Houghton, John Brown, Capt. Ephr. Carter, Silas Howe, James Kendal Jun., Joseph Reed, Levi Wilder, Heman Kendal, Capt. Tho». Gates, Joseph Sever, Capt. Nath' Sawyer Jun., Capt. John White Jun., Gershom Flagg. 4. Voted, that the town be divided into 35 Squadrons. 5. Voted, that the Assessors Divide y" Town as equal as they can into the above Squadrons. 6. Chose Aaron Sawyer for a Committee Man instead of Silas How. ^ai^ch 16 Voted and Chose Dea. Eben"' Buss, Capt. Benj" Richardson, Capt. Ephr"° Carter, Committee of Inspection and Corres pondence. CONTINENTAL ARMY. 187 The two first named belonged to Sterling ; after the division of the town, Joshua Fletcher and Deacon William Willard were chosen in their places. Lancaster, April 2, 1781 Voted to acknowledge what the Assessors have done with Regard to Classing the Town as being agreable to ye Act of Court. April 25, 1781, Governor Hancock signed the act which created from Lancaster territory the town of Sterling. Descriptive List of Enlistments, 1781. Age. :. Height. Complexion. Occupation. Date enlisted. Clarck Gibbs, SI 5 ft. 9 in. light. farmer- July 5- for 3 yrs Paul Kilborn, 25 6" dark. joiner. March 2, " Andrew Haskell, 33 II ' ' dark. farmer. July 5 tt Ephraim White, 20 6 ' ' light. farmer. July 6, " Jeduthan Sawyer, 18 7 ' ' light. farmer. July 4. 6 mos Ephraim Larkin, 18 II ' ' dark. farmer. July 2, " Thomas Grant, 52 9 ' ' light. weaver. March 7, 3 yrs Samuel Barret, 18 4 ' ' light. farmer. July 20, tt John Carter, 30. c *t 10 ' ' black. farmer. March 7, " Nathaniel Parkins 26 6 ' ' light. farmer. Jany 21, tt W". Gould, 16 6 ' ' dark. farmer. March 29, " Seth Sampson, 34 7 ' ' light. farmer. Feby. 11, " Beckes Boston, 28 5 ' ' black. farmer. April 7, tt Isaac Payne, 24 9 ' ' light. farmer. Sept. 24, tt Nath".^^Books, 21 10 ' ' dark. farmer. Sept. 29, 6 mos Micah Ross, 22 II ' ' light. " March 27, 3 yrs Jonathan Barnard, 17 4 ' ' light. it March 28, Patrick Neef, 45, 9.' ' light. " June 19, James Dunton, 21 4 ' ' light. ti March i. Ephr™. Whitcomb , 33 8 ' ' light. " May I, Chederhom-' Collins 17 3 ' ' dark. it June 21, Eli Lewis, 17 2 ' ' light. it June 21, Josiah Bowers, 27 II ' ' " "cordwinder ' Feb. 20, Isaac Eveleth, 47 8 ' farmer. Feb. 12, James Pratt, 42 S ' i it it May 27, George McBride, 20 7 ' t It (( Feb. 20, William Flud. 22 7 ' i .i ii March 26, Peter Zwear, 25 II ' i a tt March 28, Jesse Wyman, 48 8 ' ' " "dish-turner' ' April 27, Ichabod Gary, 37 5 ' ( ti farmer. March 3, Calvin Piper, 18 5 ' ( it tanner. March 15, Topsal Woodard, 16 4 ' ' black. farmer. Feb. 27, 1 88 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Age. Height. Complexion. Occupation. Date enlisted. Roger Bartlett, 41 5 ft. 8 in. light, farmer. March 5, 3 yrs. Nathan TafFt, 22 5 " 9 " " saddler. Feb. 13, Case Whitney, 37 5 " 5 " black, farmer. March 5, " Jotham Woods, 40 5 " 4 " dark. " March 8, " Lemuel Shed, Asa Knowlton, 23 5" 11 "dark(ieye)" March 5, " 38 [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, xxxill, 333-6 ; 386-8.] A list of "recruits unfit for service" includes of the above : Clark Gibbs, 60 years old. Rheumatic and decrepid with age. Lemuel Shed, infirm. Jotham Wood, 41, bodily deformed. Of the seven enrolled for three years to fill the quota of Lancaster under the final call, made March i, 1782, Wil liam Deputin is the only one whose name is found, his enlistment being attested by the following : Worcester, May 10*, 1782. Received of Lt. Amos Allen, Chairman of Class No. — for the town of Lancaster, the sum of Fifty-Four pounds L. Money as a Bounty to serve in the Continental army for the term of three years. Witness my Hand. William Deputin. The chief acts of the great revolutionary drama, after the first year's batties, were outside of New England, and Lancaster soldiers are more frequently found therefore in the six and nine-months' expeditions — in the defence of Rhode Island and Boston — in the re-enforcements sent upon emergencies to various points along the Hudson — among the guards over prisoners of war at Cambridge or Rutiand. Hence the recorded deaths upon the battie-field are comparatively few, while suffering and death from small-pox and wasting camp fevers form the text of many a sad petition during and after the long contest. As time went on and volunteers grew more reluctant, and persua sive bounties became larger, new names were brought into Lancaster rolls ; and, as is often the case with hirefing soldiery, against such names is sometimes set down the disgrace of desertion. Of these, some were probably Bur- CONTINENTAL ARMY. 189 goyne's soldiers, many of whom enlisted with intent to escape. It is not claimed that the catalogue of nearly six hun dred names in the foregoing pages gives a completely ac curate enumeration of the men sent out by Lancaster in various patriotic service during the Revolution ; although it is a labored compilation from scores of volumes of mus ter-rolls and other manuscript records in the state archives and various libraries. Many rolls, especially of militia for brief terms of service, are undoubtedly lost. Pay-rolls very commonly omit all mention of residence ; and among the final pay certificates of Massachusetts soldiers for 1777- 1780, forming twenty volumes, in the Massachusetts Ar chives, there are hundreds of names with no local habita tion attached. A few of these names have been found to be undoubtedly Lancastrian. The valuation return of 1771, which practically is a census of tax-payers, has given au thority for claiming some ; petitions and militia rolls have led to the discovery of others. Several Lancaster soldiers are found serving for the credit of other towns. Moreover, so close was the connection of families in the villages that had grown out of or about Lancaster, and so frequently does the same christian name occur in those families, that biographical research is continually running against stumb ling blocks in attempting to assort the re-duplicated Jacobs, Johns, Josephs and Jonathans. In short, the difficulty of making a roster pretending to anything Hke completeness has been very great, requiring much time and patience. The result, however imperfect it may be, is an astonishing one, exceedingly honorable to the town. It proves that almost every male citizen of military age must have served at some period of the war, either personally or by substi tute ; and that fully one-fourth of the whole male popula tion above the age of sixteen were kept constantly in the army during the most trying years of the conflict. Nor was this exceptional, probably, for the Marquis de Chas- 190 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. tellux, travelling through New England in 1780, says : "Among the men I have met with above twenty years of age, of whatever condition, I have not found two who have not borne arms, heard the whistling of balls, and even re ceived some wounds." The scant and unsystematic records extant, afford us the names of thirty Lancaster soldiers, who laid down their lives for their country between the date of the battle of Bunker Hill and the close of the year 1779. There were doubtless others unrecorded. Neither the causes of death, nor wounds received, are often mentioned in the rolls, and only five of the above thirty are known to have been killed in action. Those who for various reasons could not bear arms, stinted no exertions, no sacrifices in the common cause. In the absence of the more stalwart breadwinners, the wives and daughters took up their burdens with hands already accustomed to toil, and the food harvest knew little diminu tion. The town fathers systematically cared for the needy families of those in service, and this care was continued to the widows and orphans after the close of the war, such expenditure being refunded by the state. In the schedule of dues to the towns "for supplies to soldiers' families," from 1781 to 1785, contained in Massachusetts Archives, XXXI, 66, Lancaster is credited with i852£,,i%,4''. ex pended. BOLTON CONTINENTAL SOLDIERS, 1777-9. First Regiment. Moses Buck, under Capt. Belcher Hancock. James Campbell, " " " William Coolidge, under Capt. Jeremiah Miller. Michael Ferrin, under Capt. Jeremiah Hill ; deserted. York Ruggles, under Capt. Moses Ashley; a slave hired. Joseph Salt, under Capt. Jeremiah Hill ; deserted. Third Regiment. John French, corporal, under Capt. Abraham Watrous ; a "stroller" hired. Fourth Regiment. Moses Hudson, under Capt. Simon Learned. CONTINENTAL ARMY. 191 Fifth Regiment. William Bigelow, sergeant, under Capt. Job Whipple. Jeremiah Burnham, " " Tenth Regiment. In Captain Samuel King's Company: Josiah Goddard, Andrew McWain, George Gideon, claimed for Lancaster. Abel Moore, " " Died April i, 1777. Robert Vaughan, credited to Westminster. Robert Skinner, "a hired stroller;" died April 14, 1779; credited to Lan caster. Twelfth Regiment. John Chowen, mulatto, under Capt. Elisha Brewer ; not found in pay cer tificates. Thirteenth Regiment. Benjamin Bailey, under Capt. Ebenezer Smith. James Bridge, under "Capt. White," in town reports. John Dollerson, under Capt. Peter Page ; claimed for Lancaster. Reuben Moore, Fourteenth Regiment. In Captain Zebedee Redding' s Company: Isaac Buck, Joseph Houghton, Joseph Pratt, John Hastings, Abner Moore, James Snow. Fifteenth Regiment. In Captain Daniel Barnes's Compatiy : John Barnard, Jr., John Burnham, Edward Johnson, Jr., Abraham Brigham, sergt., James Crosman, Jonas Johnson, Benjamin Bruce. Elijah Foster, Jr., Solomon Jones, Daniel Bruce, corp., Asa Johnson, Job Priest, Joseph Woods, corp. Edward Howard, sergt., in Capt. Monroe's Co. ; of Concord, hired. Sixteenth Regiment. Richard Joy, drummer, under Capt. Langdon. Daniel McDonald, John Newman, fifer, under Capt. Thomas Turner. Antony Theron, under Capt. Thomas Hunt ; a Frenchman, hired. Colonel John Crane's Artillery. William Whybert, under Capt. Thomas Wells. Enlisted 1781, for Three Years. Jonathan Ball, Levi Hazard, Jonathan Munger, sailor, William Bigelow, John Hill, Plato Negro, 192 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Timothy Curtis, Rufus Houghton, Abel Priest, Haran Eager, James Mclntire, sailor, Thomas Wassels, Moses Haskell, John Moore, John Whitney. harvard continental three-years soldiers, 1777-79- Second Regiment. John Oaks, in "8* company." Aaron Sampson, not found itt pay-rolls. Third Regiment. Jabez Beaman, under Capt'. Charles Colton ; claimed for Lancaster. Elias Warner, under Capt. Job Sumner. James Willis, " " " Fifth Regiment. Jacob Davis, corporal, under Capt. Job Whipple ; died Oct. 23, 1779. Sixth Regiment. Jeremiah Bridge, in Capt. Adam Wheeler's company. Eighth Regiment. In Captain Benjamin Brown's Company : Sergt. Jabez Keep, Ezekiel Cox, Jonathan Hutchins, Corp. Phineas Whitney, Jonathan Farnsworth, Jabez Keep, Jr. Samuel Atherton, Israel Hale, Jonathan Stearns, Simon Blanchard, William Harris, Luther TopIifT, Thomas Burges, Joseph Frye, died February i, 1778. Daniel Burt, Abraham Munroe, died March 11, 1778. William Stone, killed July 17, 1779. Tenth Regiment. In Captain Samuel King's Company : Thomas Chamberlain, Reuben Dodge, ensign, Isaac Sanderson. Reuben Conant, sergeant. Samuel Finney, corporal. Twelfth Regiment. Francis Saussure, under Capt. John Pray. Fifteenth Regiment. In Captain Joshua Brown's Cotnpany : Samuel Barret, Levi Farnsworth, William Proctor, Zadock Burnham, Manasseh Farnsworth, Consider Turner, corp. Titus Coburn, Samuel Farnsworth, John Whitney, EInathan Daby, Jesse Lund, Benjamin Willard, sergt. Jonas Davis, Eleazar Parkers, Samuel Worcester. Elisha Houghton, sergeant ; claimed for Lancaster. CONTINENTAL ARMY. 193 In Captain Sylvanus Smith's Compatiy ; Thomas Burnham, corporal. Joseph Longley, corporal. David Parker, under Capt. Edmund Monroe. Colonel John Crane's Artillery. Joseph Swaughtridge, under Capt. Benjamin Frothingham; credited to Boston. Enlisted for Three Years, in 1781. Joel Atherton, Nath'. Hellaston [Hazletine] John Scollay, John Atherton, Jabez Keep, Titus Tuttle, Jonas Davis, Daniel Knight, Elias Warner, John Dudley, Asa Mead, Edmund Wentworth, Benjamin Hale, Jason Mead, Phineas Whitney. leominster continental three-years soldiers. 1777-9. Fourth Reglment. In Captain George Webb's Company: James Battles, claimed for Lancaster. John Battles, claimed for Lancaster. Fifth Regiment. In Captain Job Whipple's Company : Nicholas Durham, Joshua White, Joshua Peirce, Richard Patten, Abel Wilder, sergt. Luke Wilson, corporal. Benjamin Stuart. Daniel Darling, died December 13, 1777. David Stearns, Joshua Prouty, died May 15, 1778. Samuel Rogers, sergt., died July 24, 1777. Joseph Hoar, under Capt. Hatfield White ; deserted. Ebenezer Winship, drummer, under Capt. Benjamin Gardner ; claimed by Salem. Tenth Regiment. In Captain William Warner's Company: Luke Aldridge, drummer. John Joslin, Joseph Robbins, Levi Blood, Levi Page, Thomas Robbins, John Buss, corporal. Asa Priest, Silas Carter, Pomp Cuflfreer, died July 14, 1778. Nathaniel Evans, corporal. Micah Nichols, died July 12, 1778. Silas Sharon, a servant, died July 14, 1778. Twelfth Regiment. Luther Marble, in Capt. John Pray's company. Colonel Thomas Craft's Artillery. In Captain John Gill's Company: William Carpenter, Elisha Davis, Isaac SoUendine. Daniel Colburn, 194 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Enlisted for Three Years, 1781. Shubael Bailey, David Johnson, James Smith, Levi Blood, Ephraim Johnson, Josiah Whitcomb, Asa Buttrick, David Joslin, Caleb Wood, Elisha Davis, Job Priest, Samuel Wood. Phineas Rice, VII. LANCASTER LOYALISTS. The outburst of rebellion against British tyranny through out Massachusetts was so universal, and the controversy so hot with the wrath of a people politically wronged, that the term tory comes down to us in history loaded with a weight of opprobium not legitimately its own. After the lapse of a hundred years the word is perhaps no longer synonymous with everything traitorous and vile, but in it a national hate has been embalmed, and when it is desirable to suggest possible respectability and moral rectitude in any member of the conservative party of Revolutionary days, it must be done under the less historically disgraced title, — loyalist. In fact, in 1775, as always, two parties stood contending for principles to which honest convictions made adherents. If among the conservatives were timid office-holders and corrupt self-seekers, there were also of the Revolutionists, blatant demagogues and bigoted parti sans. The logic of success, though a success made possi ble at last only by foreign aid, justified the appeal to arms, begun in Massachusetts before revolt was prepared or thought imminent elsewhere. Now, to the careful student of the situation, it seems among the most premature and rash of all the great rebellions in history. But for the pre cipitancy of the uprising, and the patriotic frenzy that fired the pubHc heart at news of the first bloodshed, many ripe scholars, many soldiers of experience, might have been saved to aid and honor the building of the republic, instead of being driven into ignominious exile by fear of mob vio lence and imprisonment, and scourged through the century LANCASTER LOYALISTS. I9S in story as enemies of their country. In and about Lan caster the loyalists were an eminently respectable minority. At first, indeed, not only those naturally conservative by reason of wealth, or pride or birthright, but the majority of the intellectual leaders, both ecclesiastic and civilian, dep recated revolt as downright suicide. They denounced the Stamp Act as earnestly, they loved their country, in which their all was at stake, as sincerely as did their radical neighbors. Some of them, after the bloody nineteenth of April, acquiesced with such grace as they could in what they now saw to be inevitable, and tempered with prudent counsel the blind zeal of partisanship ; thus ably serving their country in her need. Others would have awaited the issue of events as neutrals ; but such the committee of safety, or a mob, not unnaturally treated as enemies. On the highest rounds of the social ladder stood the great-grandsons of Major Simon Willard, the Puritan com mander in the war of 1675. These three gentlemen had large possessions in land, were widely known throughout the Province, and were held in deserved esteem for their probity and ability. They were all royalists at heart, and all connected by marriage with royalist families. Abijah Willard, the eldest, had just passed his fiftieth year. He had won a captaincy before Louisbourg when but twenty- one, and was promoted to a colonelcy in active service against the French ; was a thorough soldier, a gentleman of stately presence and dignified manners, and a skilful manager of affairs. For his first wife, he married Eliza beth, sister of Colonel William Prescott; for his second, Mrs. Anna Prentice ; he had recently married a third part ner, Mrs. Mary McKown, of Boston. He was the wealth iest citizen of Lancaster, kept six horses in his stables, and dispensed liberal hospitality in the mansion inherited from his father. Colonel Samuel Willard. By accepting the ap pointment of councillor — qualifying himself by the requi site oath August 15, 1774 — he became at once obnoxious 196 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. to the patriots, and, on the twenty-fourth of the month, when visiting Connecticut on business connected with his large landed interests there, he was arrested by the citizens of the town of Union, who the next day conveyed him to Brimfield. There a mob of four hundred persons, after an informal trial, condemned him to imprisonment in the nearest jail, and began the march thither, having first tarred and feathered Captain Davis of Brimfield, whose indiscreet words had especially angered them. Whether their wrath became somewhat cooled by the colonel's bearing, or by a six-mile march, they released him upon his signing a paper dictated to him, of which the following is a copy, printed at the time in the Boston Gazette and other papers : Sturbridge, August 25, 1774. Whereas I Abijah Willard, of Laticaster, have been appointed by mandamus a Counsellor for this Province, and have without due Consider ation taken the oath, do now freely and solemnly declare that I am heartily sorry that I have taken the said oath, and do hereby solemnly and in good faith promise and engage that I will not sit or act in the said Council, nor in any other that shall be appointed in such manner and form, but that I will, as much as in me lies, maintain the Charter Rights and Liberties of this Province ; and do hereby ask the forgiveness of all honest, worthy Gentlemen that I have offended by taking the abovesaid oath ; and desire this may be inserted in the publick prints. Witness my hand. Abijah Willard. [American Archives, IV, I, 731.] From that time forward Colonel Willard lived quietly at home until the nineteenth of April, 1775 ; when, setting out in the morning on horseback to visit his farm in Bev erly, where he had planned to spend some days in superin tending the planting, he was turned from his course by the swarming out of minute-men at the summons of the cour iers bringing the alarm from Lexington, and we next find him with the British in Boston. He never saw Lancaster again. It is related that, on the morning of the seventeenth of June, standing with Governor Gage, in Boston, reconnoit ring the busy scene upon Bunker Hill, he recognized with the glass his brother-in-law. Colonel William Prescott, and LANCASTER LOYALISTS. 197 pointed him out to the governor, who asked if he would fight. The answer was : "Prescott will fight you to the gates of hell !" or, as another historian more mildly puts it : "Ay, to the last drop of his blood." Colonel Willard knew whereof he testified, for the two colonels had earned their commissions together in the expedition of 1755. An officer of so well-known skill and experience as Abi jah Willard was deemed a valuable acquisition, and he was offered a colonel's commission in the British army ; but re fused to serve against his countrymen, and at the evacua tion of Boston went to Halifax, having been joined by his own and his brother's family. In 1778, he was proscribed and banished. Later in the war he joined the royal army, at Long Island, and was appointed commissary ; in which service it was afterwards claimed by his friends that his management saved the crown thousands of pounds. A malicious pamphleteer of the day, however, accused him of being no better than others, alleging that whatever sav ing he effected went to swell his own coffers. Willard's name stands prominent among the " Fifty-five," who, in 1783, asked for large grants of land in Nova Scotia as compensation for their losses by the war. In a letter dated August 9, 1784, Justice Peter Oliver writes : "Colonel Wil lard, with a thousand refugees, I hear, is embarking for Nova Scotia." He chose a residence on the coast of New Brunswick, near St. John, which he named Lancaster in remembrance of his beloved birthplace, and there died in May, 1789, having been for several years an influential member of the provincial council. His family returned to Lancaster, recovered the old homestead, and, aided by a small pension from the British government, lived in com parative prosperity. The son Samuel died on January i, 1856, aged ninety-six years and four months. His wid owed sister, Mrs. Anna Goodhue, died on August 2, 1858, at the age of ninety-five. Memories of their wholly pleas ant and beneficent lives, abounding in social amenities and Christian graces, still linger about the old mansion. 198 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Levi Willard was three years the junior of Abijah. He had been collector of excise for the county, held the mili tary rank of lieutenant-colonel, and was justice of the peace. With his brother-in-law, Captain Samuel Ward, he conducted the largest mercantile establishment in Worces ter county at that date. He had even made the voyage to England to purchase goods. Although not so wealthy as his brother, he might have rivalled him in any field of suc cess but for his broken health ; and he was as widely es teemed for his character and capacity. At the outbreak of hostilities he was too ill to take active part on either side, but his sympathies were with his loyalist kindred. He died on July TI , 1775. His partner in business. Captain Samuel Ward, cast his lot with the patriot party ; but his son, Levi Willard, Jr., graduated at Harvard College in 1775, joined his uncle Abijah, went to England and there remained until 1785, when he returned, to die five years later. Abel Willard, though equally graced by nature with the physical gifts that distinguished his brothers, unlike them chose the arts of peace rather than those of war. He was born at Lancaster on January 12, 1732, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1752, ranking third in the class. His wife was Elizabeth Rogers, daughter of the loyalist minister of Littleton. His name was affixed to the address to Governor Gage, June 21, 1774, and he was forced to sign, with the other justices, a recantation of the aspersions cast upon the people, in that document. He had the distinction of being claimed as a personal friend by the leading states man of the Revolution, John Adams. So popularly es teemed was Abel Willard, and so well known his character as a peacemaker and well-wisher to his country, that he might have remained unmolested and respected among his neighbors, in spite of his royalist opinions ; but, whether led by family ties or natural timidity, he sought refuge in Boston, and quick-coming events made it impossible for him to return. At the departure of the British forces for LANCASTER LOYALISTS. 199 Halifax he accompanied them, and reached London in July, 1776. A letter from Edmund Quincy to his daugh ter, Mrs. Hancock, dated Lancaster, March 26, 1776, con tains this reference to him : • .... I'm sorry for poor Mrs. Abel Willard, your Sister's near neigh bour & Friend. She's gone we hear with her husband and Bro. and sons to Nova Scotia, p'haps in such a situation and under such circumstances of Offense respecting their Wos' Neighbours as never to be in a political capacity of returning to their Houses unless w"' power & inimical views w"'' God forbid should ever be the case. In 1778, the act of proscription and banishment included Abel Willard's name. His health gave way under accu mulated trouble, and he died, as recorded in the diary of Peter Ofiver, "of a slow fever in London the first week in Nov^ 1781." The estates of Abijah and Abel Willard were confiscated. In Massachusetts Archives, cliv, 10, is preserved the anxious inquiry of the town authorities re specting the proper disposal of the property they aban doned : To the Honourable Provincial Congress now holden at Watertown in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : We the subscribers do request and desire that you would be pleased to direct or Inform this province in General or the town of Lancaster in Par- tickeler what is best to be done with the Estates of those men which are Gone from their Estates to General Gage, and to whose use they shall Im prove them whether for the province or the town where s'l Estate is. Ebenezer Allen, Cyrus Fairbank, Samll. Thurston, Lancaster, June 7 day, 1775. The Selectmen of Lancaster. The Provincial Congress placed the property in question in the hands of the selectmen and committee of safety to improve, and instructed them to report to future legisla tures. Finally, Cyrus Fairbank is found acting as the local agent for confiscated estates of royalists in Lancaster, and his annual statements are among the archives of the State. His accounts embrace the property of "Abijah Willard, Esq., Abel Willard, Esq., Solomon Houghton, 200 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Yeoman, and Joseph Moore, Gent." The final settlement of Abel Willard's estate, October 26, 1785, netted his cred itors but ten shillings, eleven pence to the pound. The claimants and improvers probably swallowed even the larger possessions of Abijah Willard, leaving nothing to the Commonwealth. Joseph Wilder, Jr., colonel, and judge of the court of common pleas of Worcester County — as his father had been before him — was prominent among the signers of the address to General Gage. He apologized for this indiscre tion, and seems to have received no further attention from the committee of safety. In the extent of his possessions he rivalled Abijah Willard, having increased a generous in heritance by the profits of very extensive manufacture and export of pearlash and potash ; an industry which he and his brother Caleb were the first to introduce into America. He was now nearly seventy years of age, and died in the second year of the war. Joseph House, at the evacuation of Boston, went with the army to Halifax. He was a householder, but possessed no considerable estate in Lancaster. In 1778, his name appears among the proscribed and banished. Samuel Stearns, a pensioned loyalist, who died in 1810 at Dummerston, Vermont, was a native of Lancaster, born in 1747, though not there resident at the breaking out of the revolution. He is noted as having published the first nautical almanac ever printed in the United States, Decem ber, 1782. The famous astronomer, William Herschel, F. R. S., was his personal friend, and married his sister. Dr. Stearns lived for several years in England, and obtained the degrees of M.D. and L.L. D. in some foreign college. Besides his almanacs, he published other scientific works. William Lincoln, in his history of Worcester, speaks of him as an "astrologer, almanac manufacturer and quack by profession." During the Shay's Insurrection a number of the insurgents at Worcester, became alarmingly nauseated LANCASTER LOYALISTS. 201 after imbibing freely of a favorite stimulant. They at once declared themselves poisoned ; and Dr. Stearns, then of Paxton, professed to detect "antimony and arsenic" in the dregs of their cups. This naturally raised a furious clamor, and bloody vengeance was threatened, when a local physi cian discovered that the pretended deadly drug was nothing but snuff, which had accidentally got mixed with the brown sugar used in the toddy and raised an insurrection of its own in the stomachs of the topers. The following advertisement by the Lancaster Commit tee of Correspondence appeared in the Massachusetts Spy for Wednesday, August i6, 1775, and proves that though the word boycott may be modern, the principle thus desig nated is revolutionary : Lancaster, July 17"", 1775. Whereas Nahum Houghton being complained of as being an enemy to his Country, by officiating as an unwearied Pedlar of that baneful herb TEA, and otherwise rendering himself odious to the inhabitants of this Town, and notwithstanding being warned, he did not appear before the Committee that his political principles might be Known. This therefore (agreable to a vote of said Town) is to caution all friends to the Com munity, to entirely shun his Company, and have no manner of dealings or connections with him, except acts of common humanity. John Prescott, Chairman. To this, reply was made in the Spy for September 6, which is given at length as illustrating well the methods of the patriot committees, and some curious customs of the times : Mr. Thomas, A PIECE having appeared in your paper under the sig nature of John Prescot, in which I am complained of as an enemy to my country, by ofiSciating as an unwearied pedlar in that baneful herb tea, and otherwise rendering myself odious to the inhabitants of this town ; and also for not appearing before the committee to make known my political principles when requested so to do ; I beg leave by a plain account of the matter, to let the public see how well their complaints are founded. — I sold tea about a twelve month ago ; the people assembled and told me they were dissatisfied with me for selling it, notwithstanding nearly a quarter part of that assembly had bought tea of me. I settled the affair with them at that time by agreeing not to sell any more untill there should be an 14 202 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. alteration in the towns ; nor have I counteracted the resolve of the Conti nental Congress in buying or selling tea at any time. How I have ren dered myself in any other way odious to the inhabitants of this town I know not, and till an instance of that kind is pointed out it cannot be ex pected that I should make any reply to that complaint. With regard to my not appearing before the committee agreable to their warning, I would observe, that I was warned to appear the very day on which I had engaged to set out on a journey to take the small pox ; when I returned I threw myself in the way of the committee and went before them ; they demanded of me satisfaction for my past conduct. I asked them in what particular ; they said on account of my not appearing before the committee when or dered. I told them the reason of my not appearing before them was on account of my going to take the small pox &c. Then one of the commit tee asked the chairman whether I should hear what the others had con sented to, meaning those whom they had examined for supposed tories; they put it to vote, and it passed in the negative. Then they gave me leave to make my own declaration, and I wrote what follows : Gentlemen of the Committee, I am called before you this day to make known my political principles, to answer for my past conduct ; what you have against me I am not able to say, but as you insist upon something from me I make this declaration viz : I am willing to stand by charter rights and privileges granted us by King William and Queen Mary, and to take up arms in the defence of my country when thought proper, and as for treating the committee ill when I went to have the small pox I had no such design. Now I appeal to the public whether in justice I ought to be deemed as an enemy to my country, and thus held up to public odium, for conducting as above. Nahum Houghton. Lancaster, August 28th, 1775. In the Boston Gazette for March 9, 1778, is the follow ing communication : With the troops that surrendered with General Burgoyne in October last, was a certain Atherton (now provost-master in the British service on Prospect Hill), born in Lancaster, in the county of Worcester; has been in the service of the United States and having deserted that service, joined the British forces at or near Skenesborough and continued to act against his country until made prisoner as aforesaid ; he still con tinues his traitorous inveteracy against the United States, threatening the lives of the good people, and branding them with the epithet, "damn'd rebels," and damning their rebel army ; notwithstanding this is notori ously known, he has been permitted for three months past daily to pass and repass from Prospect Hill to Weston, about twelve miles distance, where he quarters with a profest enemy to the liberties of America, sur- LANCASTER LOYALISTS. 203 rounded by an infamous junto of tories, one of which has lately made a very private journey to Albany, North River, or as likely New York A special town meeting was called on June 30, i777' chiefly "to act on a Resolve of the General Assembly Re specting and Securing this and the other United States against the Danger to which they are Exposed by the Inter nal Enemies Thereof, and to Elect some proper person to Collect such evidence against such Persons as shall be demeed by authority as Dangerous persons to this and the other United States of America." At this meeting Colonel Asa Whitcomb was chosen to collect evidence against sus pected loyalists, and Moses Gerrish, Daniel Allen, Ezra Houghton, Joseph Moor, and Solomon Houghton, were voted "as Dangerous Persons and Internal Enemies to this State." On September 12 of the same year, apparently upon a report from Colonel Asa Whitcomb, it was voted that Thomas Grant, James Carter, and the Reverend Tim othy Harrington, "Stand on the Black List." It was also ordered that the selectmen "Return a List of these Danger ous Persons to the Clerk, and he to the Justice of the Quo rum as soon as may be." This action of the extremists seems to have aroused the more conservative citizens, and another meeting was called, on September 23, for the pur pose of reconsidering this ill-advised and arbitrary pro scription, at which meeting the clerk was instructed not to return the names of James Carter and the Reverend Tim othy Harrington "on the Black List till after Next Meeting on the first Monday in November." Thomas Grant was an old soldier, having served in the French and Indian War, and, if a loyalist, probably con doned the offence by enlisting in the patriot army; his name is on the muster-roll of the Rhode Island expedition in 1777, and in 1781 he was mustered into the service for three years. He was about fifty years of age, and a poor man, for the town paid bills presented " for providing for Tom Grant's Family." 204 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Moses Gerrish was graduated at Harvard College in 1762, and reputed a man of considerable ability. Enoch Gerrish, probably a brother of Moses, was a farmer in Lancaster who left his home, was arrested and imprisoned in York County, and thence removed for trial to Worcester by order of the council. May 20, 1778. The following let ter uncomplimentary to these two loyalists is found in Mas sachusetts Archives, cxcix, 278 : Sir. The two Gerrishes Moses & Enoch, that ware sometime since apprehended by warrant from the Council are now set at Libberty by rea son of that Laws Expiring on which they were taken up. I would move to your Hon'" a new warrant might Isue, Directed to DoC. Silas Hoges to apprehend & confine them as I look upon them to be Dangerous persons to go at large. I am with respect your Hon", most obedient Hum. Ser'. Groton 12 of July 1778. James Prescott. To the Hon^ Jereh. Powell Esq. An order for their re-arrest was voted by the council. Moses Gerrish finally received some position in the com missary department of the British army, and, when peace was declared, obtained a grant of free tenancy of the island of Grand Menan for seven years. At the expiration of that time, if a settlement of forty families with schoolmas ter and minister should be established, the whole island was to become the freehold of the colonists. Associated with Gerrish in this project was Thomas Ross, of Lancas ter. They failed in obtaining the requisite number of set tlers, but continued to reside upon the island, and there Moses Gerrish died at an advanced age. Solomon Houghton, a Lancaster farmer in comfortable circumstances, fearing the inquisition of the patriot com mittee, fled from his home. In 1779, the judge of probate for Worcester County appointed commissioners to care for his confiscated estate. Ezra Houghton, a prosperous farmer, and recently ap pointed justice of the peace, affixed his name to the address to General Gage in 1775, and to the recantation. In May, 1777, he was imprisoned, under charge of counterfeiting LANCASTER LOYALISTS. 205 the bills of public credit and aiding the enemy. In Novem ber following he petitioned to be admitted to bail (see Mas sachusetts Archives, cc.xvi, 129), and his request was favorably received, his bail bond being set at two thousand pounds. Joseph Moore was one of the six slave-owners of Lan caster in 1771, possessed a farm and a mill, and was ranked a "gentleman." On September 20, 1777, being then con fined in Worcester jail, he petitioned for enlargement, claiming his innocence of the charges for which his name had been put upon Lancaster's black list. His petition met no favor, and his estate was duly confiscated. [Massachu setts Archives, clxxxiii, 160. J At the town meeting of the first Monday in November, 1777, the names of James Carter and Daniel Allen were stricken from the black list, apparently without opposition. That the Reverend Timothy Harrington, Lancaster's pru dent and much beloved minister, should be denounced as an enemy of his country, and his name placed even tem porarily among those of dangerous persons, exhibits the bitterness of party feeling at that date. This town-meeting prosecution was ostensibly based upon certain incautious expressions of opinion, but appears really to have been inspired by the spite of the Whitcombs and others, whose enmity had been aroused by his conservative action several years before, during the church troubles known as "the Goss and Walley war," in the neighboring parish of Bolton. The Reverend Thomas Goss of Bolton, Ebenezer Morse of Boylston, and Andrew Whitney of Petersham, were classmates of Mr. Harrington in the Harvard class of 1737. and all of them were opposed to the revolution of the colo nies. The disaffection which, ignoring the action of an ecclesiastical council, pushed Mr. Goss from his pulpit, perhaps arose more from the political ferment of the day than from any advanced views of his opponents respecting the abuse of alcoholic stimulants, with which sin he was 2o6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. charged. For nearly forty years Mr. Harrington had doubtless never omitted from his fervent prayers in public assemblies the formal supplication for divine blessing upon the sovereign ruler of Great Britain. It is not strange, although he had yielded reluctant submission to the new order of things, and was anxiously striving to perform his clerical duties without offence to any of his flock, that his lips should sometimes lapse into the wonted formula, "bless our good King George." It is related that on occasions of such inadvertence, he, without embarrassing pause, added : "Thou knowest, O Lord, we mean George Washington." In the records of the town-clerk, nothing is told of the nature of the charges against Mr. Harrington, or of the manner of his defence. Two deacons, Benjamin Hough ton and Cyrus Fairbank, were sent as mes,«engers "to in form the Rev* Tim° Harrington that he has something in agitation Now to be Heard in this Meeting at which he has Liberty to attend." Joseph Willard, Esq., in 1826, record ing probably the reminiscence of some one present at the dramatic scene, says that when the venerable clergyman confronted his accusers, baring his breast, he exclaimed with the language and feeling of outraged virtue : " Strike, strike here with your daggers ! I am a true friend to my country ! " Among the manuscripts left by Mr. Harrington there is one prepared for, if not read at, this town-meeting, con taining the charges in detail, and his reply to each. It is headed : "Harrington's answers to ye Charges &c." It is a shrewd and eloquent defence, bearing evidence, so far as rhetoric can, that its author was in advance of his people and his times in respect of Christian charity, if not of political foresight. The charges were four in number : the first being that of the Bolton Walleyites alleging that his refusal to receive them as church members in regular stand ing brought him "under ye censure of shutting up ye King dom of Heaven against men." To this, calm answer is LANCASTER LOYALISTS. 207 given by a review of the whole controversy in the Bolton church, closing thus : Mr. Moderator, as I esteemed the Proceedings of these Brethren at Bolton Disorderly and Schismatical, and as the Apostle has given Direc tion to mark those who cause Divisions and Offences and avoid them, I thought it my Duty to bear Testimony against ye Conduct of both ye People at Bolton, and those who were active in settling a Pastor over them in the Manner Specified : and I still retain y" sentiment and this not to shut the Kingdom of Heaven against them, but to recover them from their wanderings to the Order of the Gospel and to the direct way to the King dom of Heaven. And I still approve and think them just. The second charge, in full, was as follows : It appears to us that his conduct hath ye greatest Tendency to subvert our religious Constitution and ye Faith of these Churches. — In his saying that the Quebeck Bill was just — and that he would have done the same had he been one of ye Parliament — and also saying that he was in charity with a professed Roman Catholick, whose Principles are so contrary to the Faith of these churches. — That for a man to be in charity with them we conceive that it is impossible that he should be in Charity with professed New England Churches. It therefore appears to us that it would be no better than mockery for him to pretend to stand as Pastor to one of these churches. To this, Mr. Harrington first replies by the pointed question : " Is not Liberty of Conscience and ye right of judging for themselves in the matters of Religion one grand professed Principle in ye New England Churches ; and one Corner Stone in their Foundation?" He then explicitly states his abhorrence of " the anti-Christian tenets of Pop ery," adding: "However on the other hand they receive all the articles of the Athanasian Creed — and of conse quence in their present Constitution they have some Gold, Silver, and precious stones as well as much wood, hay, and stubble." He characterizes the accusation in this pithy paragraph : " Too much Charity is the Charge here brought against me, — would to God I had still more of it in ye most important sense. Instead of a Disqualification, it would be a most enviable accomplishment in ye Pastor of a Protestant New England Church." A sharp argumen- 2o8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. turn ad hominem for the benefit of the ultra-radical accuser closes this division of his defence. But, Mr. Moderator, if my charity toward some Roman Catholicks disqualifieth me for a Protestant Minister, what, what must we think of ye honorable Congress attending Mass in a Body in ye Roman Catholic Chapel at Philadelphia? Must it not be equal mockery in them to pretend to represent and act for the United Protestant States ? . . . The third charge was that he had declared himself and one of the brethren to "be a major part of the Church." This, like the first charge, was a revival of an old personal grievance within the church, rehabilitated to give cumula tive force to the political complaints. The accusation is summarily disposed of; the accused condemning the senti ment "as grossly Tyrannical, inconsistent with common sense and repugnant to good order ;" and denying that he ever uttered it. Lastly came the political charge pure and simple. His despising contemning and setting at naught and speaking Evil of all our Civil Rulers, Congress, Continental and Provincial, of all our Courts, Legislative and Executive, are not only subversive of good Order: But we apprehend come under Predicament of those spoken of in 2 Pet. II. 10, who despise government, presumptuous, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of Dignities &c. Mr. Harrington acknowledges that he once uttered to a Mr. North this imprudent speech : " I disapprove abhor and detest the Results of Congress whether Continental or Provincial," but adds that he " took the first opportunity to inform Mr. North that I had respect only to two articles in said Results." He apologizes for the speech, but at the same time defends his criticism of the two articles as arbi trary measures. He also confesses saying that " General Court had no Business to direct Committees to seize on Estates before they had been Confiscated in a course of Law," and " that their Constituents never elected or sent them for that Purpose," but this sentiment he claimed that he had subsequently retracted as rash and improper to be spoken. These objectionable expressions of opinion, he asserts, were made "before ye 19th of April 1775." STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 209 It is needless to say that the Reverend Timothy Har rington's name was speedily erased from the black list, and, to the credit of his people be it said, he was treated with increased consideration and honor during the following eighteen years that he lived to serve them. In the deliber ations of the Lancaster town-meeting, as in those of the Continental Congress, broad views of national independ ence based upon civil and religious liberty, finally prevailed over sectional prejudice and intolerance. The loyalist pas tor was a far more consistent republican than his radical inquisitors. VIII. STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. The census of 1765 gives brief statistics of the towns formed from the territory originally granted to Lancaster, which can be conveniently tabulated as follows : — Lancaster Harvard. Bolton. Leominster. Houses, 301 153 14s 104 Families, 328 173 ISS 107 Inhabitants under sixteen, males. SI4 276 234 186 " " " females, 421 270 225 199 Inhabitants over sixteen, males, 505 272 225 173 " " " females. 532 296 239 180 Inhabitants, colored, males. 12 7 r 2 " " females. 14 5 I 3 " Indians, I French Neutrals, 6 Total Population, • 1999 1 126 931 743 [Massachusetts Archives, LXXXVIII.] A very notable fact in this enumeration is the marked preponderance of male children above the female, while the male adults are far outnumbered by the other sex. Thus nature made compensation for the waste of human life by war. The average size of the family was then over six individuals. In the census of 1885 the average of the four thousand four hundred and sixteen families composing the population of the seven towns shaped from the above four, is but four and one-half persons. Omitting Clinton, of 2IO ANNALS OF LANCASTER. whose population nearly forty per cent is foreign-born, and the average is but four and one-fifth persons. The colon ial census of 1776 gives Lancaster — which included the Chocksett Precinct, now Sterling, as well as the territory now Clinton, and part of the Boylstons — a population of 2746. The returns of polls and estates required by the government in 1769, 1770, 1771, 1781, 1784 and 1786 afford a fuller exhibit of the physical and financial ability of the town during the outbreak and progress of revolution, when every resource of the land was called into service. The following compilation from the valuation returns of 1771, 1781 and 1784 will show the growth of the town during an important decade, and afford data for a compari son of the two precincts of Lancaster at the time of their final separation : •.//•.. ±/Ul. Lancaster. Sterling. Polls, S9S 646 307 440 Dwellings, 339 360 174 179 Shops and Stores, 61 126 45 19 Tanneries, ^ I I 5 Pot and Peariash Works, 2 5 Barns, 330 167 150 Grist, Saw and Fulling Mills, 17 24 7 6 Horses, 383 3S8 231 251 Oxen, 529 513 231 248 Other Neat Cattle, 1 124 1428 883 1074 Sheep, 2310 3848 745 1073 Swine, 623 47S 290 347 Pasturage, acres, 3581 4484 141 1 2861 Tillage, acres, 1983 2207 1029 885 Grain, bushels. 26,905 24,946 Cider, barrels, 2689 2456 1271 1942 English mowing, acres. 2264 1806 720 971 English hay, tons, 1578 Meadow, acres, 1957 2192 435 1085 Meadow hay, tons, 1463 Slaves between 14 and 45, 6 [Massachusetts Archives, xxxiii, CLXii and CLXiii.] Flax, hemp, hops, tobacco, potatoes, turnips and other roots, though not included in the valuation, were very im- STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 211 portant items in the farmers' crops. During this period but seventeen towns in Massachusetts had a larger popula tion than Lancaster, ten of which were in Essex county. It was the most populous town in Worcester county, Brook field standing second in rank, and Sutton third. The num ber of shops and mills enumerated in the valuation indicates that Lancaster was then not only a commercial centre for the sparsely settied towns at the west, but that its citizens had turned their attention largely to manufactures and the mechanic arts. A letter and the reply, found in Massachu setts Archives, clxxiii and cxlvi, of Council Records, afford other confirmation of this : Lancaster, July 15, 1777. Gentlemen, We the selectmen of Lancaster, have been informed by W"". Dunsmore Esq. who represents the town aforesaid, that there is a Quantity of Gun Locks for the use of this state at the board of War ; we in behalf of said town make application for a Number of said Locks, as there is a number of good Gun Smiths in this town who cannot pursue that important branch of business for want of Locks, therefore we desire that we may have what you think Necessary for said town of Lancaster & Gentlemen you will obliege your most humble servants in Complyance with the above request. Selectmen of Lancaster . To the Gentlemen of the Board of War. Ephm. Wilder, W„. Greenleaf, Samuel Sawyer, Solomon Jewett, Nath. Beaman. State of Massachusetts Bay, Council Chamber, July 17, 1777. Ordered that the Board of War be, and they hereby are directed to deliver to Doc. William Greenleaf & Mr. Samuel Sawyer and other Select men of Lancaster four hundred wg''' Lead, one thousand Flints and six Doz. Gun Locks for the use of said Town, they paying for the same. A true extract from the Minutes of Council. Attest Jno. Avery, Dpt. Secy. The manufacture of potash and pearlash had attained great importance here, the brothers Caleb and Levi Wilder sometimes exporting within a twelve-month seventy-five tons of potash and double that weight of pearlash. The slate quarry in the north part of the town was worked in a 212 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. modest way, and near by it was a furnace for the casting of hollow ware. The cooper was one of the busiest of men in every village. But, although boasting a larger capital invested in trade and manufactures than any of the towns about it, agriculture was the almost universal occu pation of its people. Almost ten bushels of grain, chiefly Indian corn, were annually harvested for every man, woman and child of its population. In 1885 less than three bushels of cereals per inhabitant were raised in the same territory, and less than six within Lancaster's present bounds. Even if we add the great root crop of these later years, it will not bring the food product per individual so high as the grain crop alone averaged in the days of the Revolution. The supply of beef, mutton and pork upon the hoof was then very much greater per inhabitant than now. In short, the community, after supplying its own wants, had a large surplus of food for sale. The following bill is interesting in this connection, giving the prices of various provisions during the siege of Boston. It was found among some loose files in the Massachusetts Archives : The Coliney of the Masachusets Bay Detor to the town of Lancaster for Provisions that was sent Down to the armey at Cambrig for the use of the solders there is as followeth. Viz : the Poork 2129 Pounds and 3^ at 6* Pr Pound to 180 and one )4. of Veal comes to to 1372 Pounds of Bread at 3* Pr Pound comes to to 145 Pound of Cheas at 4* Pr Pound comes to to three bushels and 6 Quarts of beans at 6" Pr bushel comes to to seven bariels Sider at 7/8 Pr bariel to 6 bushels Indian meal at 3 shillings to 50 bushels of Potatoes at i /4 Pr bushel to 14 Pounds of Mutton comes to to 47 Pounds of Salt Beaf comes to to 30 bushels and y^ bushel of Rey meal 4= to 8 Pounds of Butter to 6 Bariels to Carry Don sd Provisions in to i8i Pounds of Flower at 2'i Pr Pound L. & D. Q. 52- 0 - 7-0 5- 15- 2-0 5- 14- 0-0 2 - 8- 4-0 19- 0-0 2 - 13- 8-0 0 - 18- 0-0 3- 6- 8-0 0 - 2 - 4-0 0 - 12 - I -0 6- 2 - 6-0 0 - 4- II - 0 0 - 5- 4-0 I - 10- 2-0 STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 213 L. S. D. Q. to 6 teames men and Expences and time to convey said Provisions to Cambrig 1 1 - 1 1 - 6-0 to a team and man and Expences to Convey a Great Gun by order of Congres to Cambrig 5-16- 0-0 to Joseph Wheelock 3 Days and Expences to Gard Pow der from Bolton to Brookline o - 9 - 0-0 to the mending of a Gun that was Lent to a Poor Solder & Brook on his Returning home from head Quaters o - 12 - 0-0 to Joseph Wheelock's son 3 Days and Expences to asist in Careing the Great Gun to head Quaters o - 9 - 0-0 to a man and hors to Carey cloathing to Cambrig and expences o - 6 - 0-0 .£94-12- 3-0 To the Hon''''^ Committee on accts : the Dates of the above accts will appear by the a Vouchers sent herewith A true acct. errors excepted. Wm. Dunsmoor, Cyrus Fairbank, Saml. Thurston, David Osgood, Daniel Robbins, March i, 1776. Selectmen of Town of Lancaster. The continuous and rapid decrease in the purchasing power of the paper currency, both state and continental, worked severe and universal hardship. Just before the revolution Massachusetts was in an enviable financial con dition. The debt incurred in the last war had been paid, and a stable metallic medium of exchange had been estab lished ; both silver and gold, though chiefly of foreign coinage and not very abundant, were sufficient for trade purposes. Such was the variety of coins in circulation, and so frequently were these clipped, that traders kept scales to determine by weight the value of pieces received. By the spring of 1780, it required forty dollars in paper to purchase one of silver, and upon that basis of values a new emission of bills was made to replace the old paper cur rency. During the next year the new paper money became practically worthless. Not only was the depreciation em barrassing in business, but confidence was further impaired 214 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. by the circulation of numerous well executed counterfeits. Forged paper well calculated to deceive was even manu factured in the British camps, and presumably with the sanction of the commander-in-chief. We often find town officials asking allowance for bad money received in their collections of taxes or fines. In the warrant for town- meeting in March, 1778, two articles are of this nature : 8"'iy. to see if the town will allow Mr Joshua Fletcher a Consideration in Regard of the Counterfeit Bills he ReC*. at Worcester of Mr Curtis as fines of those Persons that was Drafted to go to the Jersies under Capt. Eager 14'Wy. to see if the town will allow Jonas Wyman what Counterfeit Money he Rec*. for Rates 1777 .... The most innocent persons were at times accused of passing counterfeit money. On Tuesday the 24"^. ult. came on the trial of Capt. Samuel Ward of Lancaster before the Hon. Superior Court then sitting in this town ; he was charged with uttering and passing three counterfeit 60= bills or notes, of the State of New Hampshire, knowing them to be counterfeit, and after a fair and impartial hearing of the cause, he was acquitted. It clearly ap peared from the testimony of a great number of witnesses, as well on the part of the State, as of Capt. Ward, that his misfortune was that of many other respectable merchants, who innocently received and paid large quan tities of the same kind of bad money. Two other persons were tried at said Court for passing counterfeit paper money and were found guilty. [Massachusetts Spy, May 4, 1780.] The Council, November 20, 1778, — Ordered, that a warrant be drawn on the Treasury for Twenty pounds in favor of Ephraim Carter in full of the bounty allowed by the General Court for detecting Manasseh Divoll in passing counterfeit money, as ap pears by a certificate signed by Manchester Smith, clerk of the Superior Court. The clergy, teachers, and others dependent upon sala ries for their means of living, were especial sufferers from the depreciation. The first donation party in Lancaster of which we have any record is thus described by a corre spondent of the Massachusetts Spy, July 15, 1779: A respectable number of ladies in the first parish in Lancaster as sembled at the pastor's and presented him with 208 skeins of linen yarn STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 215 and other valuable donations ; and in the evening a worthy number of gentlemen assembled also and in wool and cash presented to the amount of 239 dollars ; all which were gratefully accepted by the said pastor. The fluctuation in the regular medium of exchange made time contracts difficult, and trade became as much a matter of barter as it had been in the earliest days of the colony. An example of ingenious avoidance of risk of loss from a debased currency is found in the following promissory note given to a hired soldier : We the subscribers belonging to Bolton in the County of Worcester do promise to pay unto John Whitney of Harvard in said County or order in consideration of his Engageing into the Continental Service for three years for us. Eighteen Calves, Ten whereof are to be Heifers and Eight Steers to be Delivered to him within six weeks after his Discharge from the Conti nental Service (provided it be within three years) viz : if he be Discharged in one year after Date he is to Receive Said Stock at one year and Six weeks old and so for a longer or Shorter time according to the Same Rule. N. B. said Stock is to be Six weeks older when he Receives them than the time he is in the Service provided it be no longer than three years. Said Stock is to be of the midling Size, in witness whereof we have hereunto Sett our hands and Seals this Tenth Day of April A. D. 1781. A true Coppy of the Obligation Signed by Nathaniel Holman John Whitney and Simon Houghton to me on account of my Engageing into the Continental Service for three years for a Class in Bolton to which they belong. [Captain David Nourse's Papers.] Each of the sixteen three-years men forming the quota of Harvard in the Continental army, under the call of 1781, signed a receipt similar to the following : Harvard 7, 1781. Received of the Committee for Class No. 4 in si^ Town nine hard Dollars and !4 of a. Dollar and Twenty-five hundred paper Dollars and an obligation for eighteen head of three year old Horned Cattle as encour agement for Inlisting and serving three years in the Continental army. Samuel Atherton. Through private hoarding and exportation by mer chants, the precious metals soon totally disappeared from the ordinary channels of trade. A rapid increase followed in the prices of those commodities which wealthy or shrewd speculators could so monopolize as to forestall the market. 2l6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Thereupon, as is usual at such epoch, plausible financiers, patriotic but purblind, re-invented the device of legislating that prices should remain fixed, and be forever independent of the fickleness of supply and demand, and of the down ward sliding values of a printed legal tender professing no certain day of redemption. An interesting list of official prices current at the close of the second year of the war, is found in the town records beautifully engrossed : Regulating Act, 1777. The Selectmen & Committee for the town of Lancaster having mett agreeable to the order of the General Court, proceeded to sett the price of the Necessary & Convenient Articles of Life as Follows, (Viz) : Farming Labour in the Summer Season June, July & August. September. October & November. December January & February. March & April. May. Wheat good marchantable. ^ Rye marchantable. ^ Indian Corn good Do. ^ Sheeps' wool Do. ^d Do 3K Do 3* Do 6* Do 10/ p bushel urt Act 64 p pound 9* Do 6/8 p bushel 5/4 Do 1/6 Do 6/ a pair 8/ Do STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 217 Flax good, well dressed @ i / p pound Tow Cloth good yard wide @ 2/3 p yard Flannel good yard wide @ 3/6 Do And all other wedths &c in proportion Good yard wide all wool Cloth striped or Checked @ 3/ pr yard And all other wedths in proportion Good blue wool Cloth well fulled and Dressed % yard wide @ 9/ pr yard and all other fulled cloth in proportion Wood good & Green delivered at the buyer's Door eight feet Long @ 6/ pr Cord Good Charcoal delivered at the Shop Door @ 3}£^. pr bushel Tanned Hides @ i/3 pr pound Curried Leather in usual proportion Cotton Cloth according to Court Act. Mutton & Veal @ 3"^ pr pound Lamb under six months' old @ 2'^ pr pound Wheat Flour manufactured in this state @ 20/ pr hundred Imported Flour according to Court Act Milk in the Winter 2'^ pr Quart Horse Keeping for a Night or for 24 hours with English hay 1/2 & for a yoak of Oxen same manner as the Horse @ 1/4 Teaming Work 1/6 for every ton Weight a mile Milk in Summer Spring & fall ^ @ H^ Quart English Hay of the best Quality in the winter and spring @ 3/ p hundred and in Hay time &c @ 2/ Do all other hay in proportion Good merchantable white pine boards fitt for Inclosing @ 29/ a thousand Pitch pine for Do 26/8 Do. & other boards of Superior Kind in proportion Shoeing a horse round steeling 6/4 Shoeing one yoke of Oxen steel &c 11/ Good narrow ax well steeled 10/6 and all other smithing in proportion Carpenters', House Joiners' & Masons' each of them 3/4 p day To keeping & boarding, a man 7 days finding washing & Lodging 6/ Dinner roast & boiled i/, & all other meals in proportion- Lodging one Night 3K* Flip made of New England rum, Half a pint of rum in a mugg 9* a mugg Flip made of West India rum 1/ a mugg To Cutting out a man's Coat 10* To Do. Jackett & briches 5* Making a man's Coat Lined & fiiU trimmed 8/ Making a man's Jackett with sleeves 3/6 Making Do cloth breeches 4/ Making Do Buckskin Do 6/ & all other Tayloring in proportion 15 2l8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. To one good Desk maid of Cherrytree 3£ 10/ To one Case of Draws 4£ Common Colour'* Chairs 3/4 a piece One four feet Table i£ 4/ & all other Shop Joinery in proportion Spinning yarn warp wool 2j^* a skain Spinning filling for Ditto 2'' Spinning Linnen 5 skain yarn 14 Knotts @ 4'* p skain and all other spinning in proportion To weaving wool or yard wide Linning 4* a yard and all other weaving in proportion To making men's shoes at their shop 3/ To Do Women's Do 2/8 p pair To Specking shoes for men finding all 2/ To Do Women's Do 1/4 a pair and all other making and mending in proportion Bricks well burnt Common Size '3/4 Thousand Barral staves best kind 25/ a Thousand and all other Cooper Staves in proportion To a heart barral 3/4. sap Do 2/8 other coopering in proportion To making a pair of Cart Wheeles i£ 6' 8'* For a good seed plough 6/. & other ploughs in Proportion To a good Fire arm Compleat with bayonet 4.£ and all other Gun Smithing in proportion A Good well made Man's Sadie 2£ 10/ A Good bridle with Common bitts 6/ and all other Saddler's work in proportion Iron hollow ware @ 34 p pound Hard ware and all other Cast Iron Ware in proport™ Good old Cyder 8/ p barral To a yoke of Oxen one day in Summer 1/6 To a Draft Horse one day in Summer 1/ and both in proportion in other seasons of the year Hemp well Dressed 8'' p pound Sawing pine boards & Chesnutt 10/ a thousand Do. Oake n/ Do and all other sawing in proportion Flax seed fitt for oil mill Flax seed fitt for sowing Good barly malt Good Rye Do. Grammer School Master Good pair boots made of neat's Leather Good Wool Hatt 3/6 p bushell 5/ p bushell 3/6 p bushell 4/6 Do £2..S/ a month i^6..8 8/ STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 219 Good tryed tallow 7ji"i p pound Rough tallow 3'! Do Riding Horse 2'' p mile A Woman to spin by the week 3/ Doctor's fees. Vomitt i/. purge i/. to a miles travel Sii. pull ing tooth 8''. a Visit 8*. and all other Doctring in proportion Good oake or pine plank three Inch thick 4£ a thousand A true Coppy signed by Joseph Kilburn, Daniel Robbins, Joel Hough ton, Samuel Thurston, Jonathan Wilder, Ebenezer Allen, W" Dunsmoor, Cyrus Fairbank, Joshua Fletcher, Josiah Kendall, Jun"'. and Jabez Fair- bank, Selectmen and Committee. For the town of Lancaster- Lancaster, Feby 28"i. 1777. Examined and Entered by me. Wm Greenleaf, Town Clerk. The attempt to fix immutably the value of a proraise-to- pay based upon no security but hopes of future prosperity, met the fate historic of such financial schemes. Now and then the scale of prices had to be re-adjusted. May 17, 1779, the town voted to choose " four persons as Inspectors of the markett," and David Osgood, William Dunsmoor, Esq., Nathaniel Beaman and Captain William Putnam were elected. June 28, the town in solemn conclave, — II. Voted that the price of the comodityes of the farmer and any other article do Not Rise any hier than at this time. 12. Voted to Chuse a Committee to assertain the prices of every article of Life 14 Voted and Chosen Nathaniel Balch, W™ Dunsmoor Esq, Josiah Wilder Esq, Nath. Beaman, Capt. W"". Putnam, Joel Houghton, Aaron Sawyer and Thomas Brown as the above Committee. Lancaster, July 12, 1779 9 Voted and Chosen Joseph Reed Esq. and Mr Ebenezer Allen to attend at Concord the 14. Instant as deligates to set in a State Conven tion Lancaster August 2 1779 2 Voted and accepted the proceedings of the Convention lately held at Concord 5 Voted that Joseph Reed Esq. and Ebenezer Allen be the Gentlemen to attend upon the Convention to be holden at Worcester the second Tues day of August. 220 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Colonel Joseph Reed was chairman of this convention at Worcester, August 3, 1779, which met — for the purpose of carrying into effect the several interesting and impor tant measures first recommended by Congress to the inhabitants of the United States, and since to the inhabitants of this State by a Convention of their Delegates at Concord on the 14* ult. The convention adjourned to August 11, when thirty towns of the county were represented, and several resolves were passed, the chief being to fix the prices at which merchandise and country produce should be sold. Lancaster August 16, 1779 I . Voted and accepted the proceedings of the Late County Conven tion held at Worcester. 2. Voted that the proceedings of the above Convention be posted at Phelps', Sawyer's Mills, Thomas Gates', Pope's, Elisha White's and Josiah Kendall's taverns. 3. Voted to Chuse a Committee to Regulate prices within the town and see the Proceedings of the late County Convention held at Worcester be carried into execution . 4. Voted to make an addition of ten persons to the standing Com mittee. 5. Voted and Choose Josiah Wilder, Samuel Thurston, Thomas Gates, Peter Larkin, Thomas Brooks, Nathaniel Balch, Jabez Brooks, Stephen Holman, Samuel Wilder Jr. and John Brown to be added to the standing Committee for the above purpose. On the first of September the convention for forming the constitution of the state met at Cambridge, wherein Lancaster was represented by WilHam Dunsmoor, Esq , Captain Ephraim Wilder and Captain William Putnam. On the first Wednesday in October another convention met at Concord to revise the price list again, and Lancaster sent the same delegates as before. Lancaster Nov' S"" 1779 I Voted and accepted the proceedings of the late Convention at Con cord. 2'y. Voted to Chuse a Committee to see the Regulations of the Con vention Comply! with within this town .... 4'^ Voted and Choose Dea. Cyrus Fairbank, Capt. Nathaniel Balch, Ebenezer Allen, Capt. Jonathan Wilder, John Prescott, Capt. Benj". Rich- STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 221 ardson, Joseph Reed Esq, Capt. David Osgood, and Dea. Levi Moor as above Committee. 5'^ Voted to Chuse a Committee to state the prices within the town that have Not been stated by Convention .... 7>y Voted and Choose Dea. Benjamin Houghton Jabez Brooks, Sam uel Thurston Nathaniel White and Josiah Kendall Jun. as the above Committee. Lancaster March 6, 1780 Voted that the price of Men's Labour be 6 pounds pr Day till ye first of August, Horses Oxen and Utensils to be in Proportion. The tenth article in a warrant summoning a town-meet ing for February 16, 1781, was : To see if the Town will enquire for y'= Reasons why ye new Emission Currency is sunk almost one half of the Value of what it was when first Emitted, and to show their Minds respecting paying the hard Money Tax, or act or transact any thing Relative thereto ; agreable to y" Request of Caleb Whitney and others. No action was taken upon this by the town, but at the March meeting it was voted to raise fifteen thousand pounds " old emission," for the year's appropriation to roads and bridges ; and the pay of workmen upon the highways was fixed at twelve pounds per day till the first of September. The next town-meeting raised this to fifteen pounds per day. After this date the town estimates and appropriations are no longer reckoned in the values of paper currency, and September 3 the town voted — that the Constables and Collectors be directed not to Receive the Old Continental money for taxes untill further orders, — town or Pre cinct; — [for] which the town agree to endemnify said Constables and Collectors. Perhaps nothing can better illustrate the ubiquity of the tax collector, and the depreciation in " fiat " values, than the annual summaries of the assessors : An Accompt of the Moneys assessed on the Town of Lancaster by the Assessors of sd. Town for the year 1771) viz : May 14 Assessed a Continental State Tax of ^7604. .11.. 4 June 18 Assessed a Town Tax of 5800.. o.. o " Also a Highway Tax of 1200.. o.. o 222 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. August 27 Assessed a Continental Tax of £22219. .11.. 3 A Town Tax of - 11176.. 3.. o A County Tax of 178. .12. .10 Feb. 3 Assessed a State Tax of 19991..13.. 4 " A Town Tax of 6381.. 0.. o A County Tax of 296.. 2. .11 ^74847.. 14.. 8 Att Accompt of the Moneys assessed on the Town . . . 1780. Feby lo a Town Rate of ^165000.. 0..0 " 22 a County Rate of 888.. 2.. o " " a State Rate of 43607.. 6.. 8 Sept. 30 a State Rate (silver) 570.. 0..0 a Town Rate (Highway) 5000.. 0..0 Nov. 4 a Town Rate (New Emission) 75°.. 0..0 Dec. 4 a State Rate 44333" 6.. 8 a County Rate 2073.. I..7 Feby. 5 a Town Rate (New Emission) 1500.. 0..0 a Town Rate do. 6562.. 10.. o The credit of the continental currency had, during 1779, reached so low an ebb that the army commissaries could not purchase sufficient food for the soldiers, and Congress invented the expedient of requiring each state to supply its proportionate share. Therefore in the warrant for a town- meeting, October 24, 1780, appears this article : 2. To see what method the Town will come into respecting ye Reso lution of the General Court, concerning the raising by a Tax or otherwise a Quantity of Beef, or act or transact any thing relative to s"* Resolution. The town chose to purchase the beef, and elected as purchasing committee, Captain David Osgood, Captain Ephraim Carter and Nathaniel Houghton ; raising seven hundred and fifty pounds for the purpose. David Osgood became the commonwealth's agent. Lancaster November 14. 1780. Received of the Town of Lancaster by the Hands of Nathaniel Houghton and Ephraim Carter, Jun'. Nineteen Thousand w' of Beef, being the whole of what was sett in the Sch'dule by ye great and general Court. David Osgood, Agent. . . . Second Day of January A. D. 1781 . . . 2'1'y. Voted to raise the Town's Proportion of Beef sent for by the General Court. 3'1'y. Voted & Chose Capt. David Osgood, Joseph Carter, Nathaniel •STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 223 Houghton, Capt .Solomon Jewett and Capt Ephraim Carter for a Commit tee to purchase s'' Beef. 4'J'. Voted to raise the Sum of Fifteen Hundred Pounds in ye New Emission to purchase said Beef. Lancaster January, 1781. Received of this Town by the Hands of the Committee thirty-six Thousand 4 Hundred and 94 w' of Beef being their full Quota as order'' by ye General Court Decb'. 4, 1780. David Osgood Agent Lancaster July 13, 1781 .... 3. Voted to Comply with the General Court's orders Respecting beef for the army. 4. Voted to Chuse a Committee for purchasing beef as above. . . . 6. Voted and Choose Thomas Gates and Daniel Rugg as a Committee. 7. Voted to Raise two hundred pounds for procuring the above beef. In matters of dress, which had greatly deviated from Puritanic simplicity, in the larger towns at least, a rigid economy became generally compulsory from scarcity of the materials as well as their cost. Silas Rice, however, con tinued to advertise in the Spy that he made and sold "silver shoe and knee-buckles at his shop near the second parish meeting-house." The census shows that every farmer kept his little flock of sheep, there being nearly four thou sand in the town. The cultivation of hemp and flax was everywhere urged as a patriotic duty. By every fire-side the spinning-wheels busily hummed, twirled by the hands of the young, and the knitting needles constantly clicked in the deft fingers of the aged. Ephraim Carter in his tannery, Peter Thurston in his hat shop, Micah Harthan in his fulling mill, Thomas Grant with his loom, and many skilled and strong-handed helpers wrought at their crafts industriously. Yet the soldiers often went half clad, and among the bare-footed men whose steps stained with blood the snows of Valley Forge, were several of Lancaster and vicinity. When the knowledge of their pressing need came home to their neighbors, the town-meeting waited for no formality of requisition, but, February 5, 1778, — 4'"y. Voted, that the Selectmen and Committee estimate the Cloath ing Collected for the Soldiers and to be made a town charge with the transporting. 224 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. 5'My. Voted, that the above Cloathing be sent to the Continental Soldiers in the Service for three years Belonging to this town. gtuy. Voted, that the Selectmen and Committee Provide a man or men to transport the above Cloathing to the Soldiers. Joshua Houghton served the town as express messenger, and was in due time paid I3£. 13^ 10'' for such service. At a town-meeting May 18, 1778 : . . . 9'Wy. Voted to allow the Selectmen seven pound fifteen shillings for Clothing they Found for the Solgers that Flead out of York in year 1776. Massachusetts, from the beginning of the conflict, had adopted the policy of requiring each town to furnish its proportion of the clothing demanded for the soldiery, its quota being determined not by the number of men it had sent, but by its financial ability. In 1775, Lancaster was required to supply one hundred and sixteen coats. During the siege of Boston she was called upon for thirty-three blankets. In February, 1777, a requisition for clothing was made, based upon one-seventh of the male population above sixteen years of age. The following undated bill probably indicates the call made upon Lancaster : State of Massachusetts Dr. to the Selecttnen of Lancaster, for sixty-four Summer Shirts at 40/, thirty-one Woolen Ditto at 50/ ninty-six pairs of Stockings ninty.six pairs of Shoes By or. of Selectmen Ebenezer Allen Joshua Fletcher, William Putnam, }¦ Levi Moore Israel Moore, [Mass. Archives, Muster Rolls, XLI, 192,] The assessment of clothing for the army in 1780, was : Lancaster 40 pairs of Shoes, 41 Shirts, 26 pairs of Hose, 17 Blankets. Bolton 18 do. 15 do. 20 do. o Harvard 28 do. 10 do. 27 do. o Leominster 22 do. 22 do 22 do. 11 [Massachusetts Archives, CXL, 272-4.] £^07- -10" 125- 16 186- 8 521- 14 Selectmen of Laticaster STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 225 In 1781, Lancaster was required to supply sixty of each of the same articles of clothing. Imported sweets, spices, and many articles of diet now thought necessities of daily domestic use, became so costly that every housekeeper was exercised in discovering sub stitutes for them among home products. Corn-stalks were ground, and the expressed juice boiled down to make mo lasses ; the maple yielded sugar and the bees their more luscious manufacture. The cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger of the tropics were no longer to be had, and sassafras bark, caraway and coriander ill supplied the want of them. Salt often became scarce, and for that there was no equivalent. Tea had been in use in Massachusetts for over fifty years. The taste for it had become a passion with many, and man ifold were the attempts to find in some infusion of native herbs all the cheering fragrance of the Chinese leaf. In 1768 the patriots generally resolved to abjure the use of foreign tea, and its buyers and sellers were equally pro scribed. Nevertheless considerable quantities were secretly used, and the attempt to substitute for it the Labrador tea, ledum latifoUitm, met little favor with the female portion of the community, and royalists. But soon even the pos session of the imported luxury was a crime against country. The ladies of this vicinity were however congratulated by no less an authority than the Massachusetts Spy, upon the discovery that their favorite beverage was easily attainable without sin. . . . . It is with pleasure we can inform such of the fair sex, who are attached to Bohea Tea, that a shrub, supposed by many to be the same that produces the tea we have from the East Indies, grows in this town. Large quantities have been cured, and it is scarce known by smell or taste from the real Bohea. [September 6. 1775] This much vaunted shrub, — ceanothus Americanus, — continues to bear its revolutionary name, "Jersey tea ;" but its virtues are purely historic. Another substitute for the bohea that had grown so politically poisonous, one quite popular among patriotic New England women, was "hype- 226 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. rion," a beverage made of the dried leaves of the raspberry. In more southern latitudes the same purpose was served by the flowers of the sassafras and the foliage of the yupon, — ilex glabra, — a shrub akin to that which furnishes the Paraguayan yerva or matt. Even garden herbs and mints were regularly utilized to appease the craving for the im ported stimulant. Coffee was far more satisfactorily re placed by various home-made preparations. From a series of probate inventories filed in colonial days can be got very suggestive pictures of the indigence or ascetic frugality of the pioneers, the slow accretion of household comforts, and the gradual changes in dress, social habits and domestic life. In the times specially un der consideration we no longer find such items as the fol lowing, taken from some of the earliest property schedules of Lancaster's deceased yeoman : "the bedstead in the parlour" — "ancker of strong waters in cellar" — "a pair of querns" — "a posnet" — "a dozen trenchers" — "one dozen alcomy spoons " — " a satinisco and a red taminy petticoat " "a green say apron" — "a red serge hood" — "a fire slice'' "matchlock"— "halbert"—" joint stools"— "a tumbril"— "thatching tools." In testamentary disposition of estates, "the great bible" or "one silver spoon" is not so frequently the sole bequest to a favorite daughter, and the eldest son no longer receives a double portion as his birth-right. But we continue to note a stinted supply and scant variety in the utensils of domestic economy, even among families esteemed well-to-do ; and always find sundry chattels, the names or utility of which have long become urlfamiliar, such as the following : spinning-wheels, brake, swingle, hetchel, wool-cards, loom, fire-steel and tinder box, cob- irons, basting ladle, fire-fork, cottrel, trammels, pot-hooks, peel, brander, trivet, iron and brass skillets, locker, settle, flock-bed, warming-pan, cheese-vat, brewing tub, malt- mill, powdering tub, piggin, noggin, keeler, rundlet, por ringer, pewter platters, tankards, buckskin breeches, serge STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 227 gowns and waistcoats, linsey-woolsey petticoats, pillion, pannel, saddle-bags, froe. Hoops and furbelows, saffron- hued lace, cocked hats, high-heeled satin shoes, ruffles and powdered perukes, we know there were from traditions that come down to us, but about them Lancaster administrators are silent. In 1676, when savage hordes swept down from Wachu- set, and with fire and tomahawk drove the settlers from the Nashua valley to seek shelter in the bay towns, several of the homeless pioneers found hospitable doors open to them in Boston and Charlestown. Nearly one hundred years had elapsed and five thousand poor people of Boston, flee ing from the insults of British soldiery and the sufferings incident to siege, were asking refuge and food. Thus Lancaster had her opportunity to repay tenfold what she had received. Of five hundred and thirty-nine poor of Boston assigned by the Provincial Congress to the charity of Worcester county, it was Lancaster's lot to provide for one hundred and three. Bolton was expected to care for forty-eight. Harvard fifty, and Leominster thirty-eight. To the quota of Lancaster were added thirty Charlestown exiles. The actual number who finally sought refuge here can never be known, for all attempts at a systematic distri bution of the needy naturally failed in the confusion of the time. No lists of the names of the beneficiaries, and but few references to them are found. Some became sufficiently attached to their rural asylum to remain permanent resi dents. Among these was a lame youth of fifteen years, the grand-nephew of Benjamin Franklin. This was Josiah Flagg, whose plain handwriting adorned the records of Lancaster for thirty-four years, 1800-1836. His father, William Flagg, remaining in the beleaguered city to pro tect his personal effects, succumbed to hardship and dis ease, leaving his crippled son dependent upon others. When past the allotted age of man, 'Squire Flagg, as the veteran town-clerk was generally called, was wont to tell 228 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. of the hardships he endured as a boy in revolutionary days, and to show with honest pride the following testimonial : This is to certify whom it may concern that Josiah Flagg has hired with me near Five Months, being employ'd as a Clerk and Accountant, and has behav'd in his Employment with great Ability, Diligence and Fidelity, so as to give me perfect Satisfaction. This Testimony is given unask'd. Philadelphia Sept. 4, 1786 B. Franklin. The schoolmaster of Charlestown, William Harris, flee ing on foot with his family of little ones to escape the devastating storm of flame in which his humble home was soon after swept away, by chance found friends and a refuge here. He became paymaster in the regiment of Colonel David Henley, died of fever Oct. 30, 1778, and was buried with military honors in the Second Precinct cemetery. The eldest of his children, a boy of ten when orphaned, through years of struggling with penury, rose to distinction — Thaddeus Mason Harris, S. T. D., A. A. S., etc. John Newman, a "clock and watch maker," set up his shop near the store of Captain Samuel Ward, and there his descendants of two generations made steel tools of so excellent workmanship that they were sought for in all the country around. The following documents tell of a family brought hither for temporary residence : Massachusetts Bay to Oliver Pollard Dr. 1775 Ji^'y 17 bringing Richard Cartwright and family 7 persons to Lan caster as per certificate 2-3-0 Lancaster Sept. 11 1775 Then Rec* by the hand of David Moor Rebeccah Cartwright & a Grandchild of hers 7 years old who was not expressed in the stiflcat. This family was brought from Maiden 42 miles. N. B. said Moor pad iV4 for expence for said Cartwright. Cyrus Fairbank Samll. Thurston Ebenezer Allen David Osgood The Select men of Lancaster The Boston refugees who came "to share the homely banquet of peace" in the Nashua valley, were not all crafts- STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 229 men, nor of the impoverished class. Daniel Waldo bought and occupied a farm upon the easterly side of the Neck, and thither came the future lieutenant-governor, Levi Lin coln, to woo and wed Martha Waldo. Edmund Quincy, Esq., another Boston merchant, one of whose daughters was the wife of Governor John Hancock, came to reside with a second daughter who had married Sheriff William Greenleaf. Edmund Quincy's letter book, now the property of the Massachusetts Historical Society, contains copies of sundry epistles to Governor Hancock and other noted patri ots, dated at Lancaster, in which he ably discusses the gravest questions of state. Unfortunately there is little of local color in these letters " afud sylvas Lancastrienses." One he begins thus : "Among y" exiles of Boston I am here about forty miles from that formerly happy seaport, now a strong fortress held under direful circumstances by ye enemies of Great Britain and America." He often men tions the great scarcity of wool, and urges the encourage ment of hemp culture, to supply a substitute. He pictures the "Wonderful Flow of people into Cambridge and its vicinage, for ye purpose of Common Curiosity," during the weary months of siege. March 18, 1776, a rumor reached Lancaster that Abel Willard, Esq., had been killed in Bos ton by a cannon ball from the patriot batteries, and Quincy writes : "If ye news prove true I shall pity ye relict widow for whom Dolly and her sister K. have a good value, and who manifested much reluctance at going to Boston." A sojourner even more noted at the time, made his home in a house which stood in rear of the site now occupied by Mrs. Elizabeth Frances Dix ; one who, from his intimate social relations with the first president of the Provincial and Continental Congresses, had much influence with his ardent whig neighbors, and, it is said, ever swayed them towards justice and humanity ; often moderating the patriot rage towards those suspected of lukewarmness or toryism. Nathaniel Balch had a shop on the west side of Washing- 230 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. ton, near and north of School street, in Boston, where he retailed hats, and original witticisms, which won him more than urban renown. He became so marked a favorite with, and so inseparable a companion to Governor Hancock, that his rival town wits fastened upon him the title of " the Gov ernor's Jester." His name is prominent in the war com mittees of Lancaster in 1776. In spite of the public anxiety and private distress, the arts were not banished, nor did the graces languish from neglect, on the Nashua. THE French Gentleman who taught DANCING and the FRENCH LANGUAGE grammatically, in Worcester the last Winter and in Lan caster the Spring ensuing, begs leave to inform the Publick that he has again opened a SCHOOL in LANCASTER, near the Meeting-House for the same purpose : Where he will pay the greatest attention to every Lady or Gentleman who will honour him with his or her presence. [Massachusetts Spy, Thursday, November 15, 1781.] Hasty inference drawn from a comparison of the often illiterate manuscript of the town's officials during the revo lution with that of the pioneers in Lancaster, might lead to the assumption that there had been a decadence in popular education. The enforced costly sacrifice of material inter ests during long years of warfare prevented generous expenditure for public schools, but the old custom was con tinued of annually hiring some college graduate to preside over the grammar school, usually for two terms. Among the more noted of those thus employed were : Joseph War ren the patriot, who taught in 1759 ^^^ 1760, and Joseph Willard, later to become president of Harvard College, who was a teacher here in 1762. After 1767 the orders for "schooling" were issued in favor of various townsmen act ing as "prudential men" for the several squadrons into which the town was divided — the town treasurer no longer paying the teachers directly, and their names being there fore seldom found in town records. The names of "school dames " first appear in these records about the close of the revolution. STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 231 The two ministers of Lancaster were ripe classical scholars, and were wont to eke out their scant stipends by receiving students preparing for college. At least ten Lan caster boys, under their tuition probably, sought matricula tion at Harvard during the twenty years next preceding 1785, and a Lancaster graduate, Samuel Locke, was pres ident of that institution during four years, 1770-1773. The two resident lawyers of the revolutionary period, Abel Willard and John Sprague, were men of collegiate educa tion, as were also two of the several physicians of the town, Israel Atherton and Josiah Wilder. Books were too costly to be abundant, but inventories of the period prove that every family possessed a few, mostly of a religious character. Of the working libraries of pro fessional men we possess no full catalogue. The books of Reverend John Prentice were, at his death in 1748, ap praised worth 53£ 8\ 3"*- After this collection was scat tered, there was perhaps none rivalling it until the founding of the Lancaster Library by an association of citizens in 1790. Reverend Timothy Harrington's books, as listed in the inventory of his estate, 1795, were as follows : McKnight's Harmony of the Four Gospels — Doddridge's Family Ex positor in six volumes — Doddridge's Lectures — Bailey's Dictionary^ — Ball's Power of Godliness — Watts' Sermons — Bennet's Christian Oratory — Gordon's Geography — Latin and Hebrew Psalms, two volumes — Trumbull's Moral Philosophy — Grove's Lord's Supper — Prideaux's Con nection of the History of the Old and New Testaments, four volumes — Annerson's Remonstrance — Calvin's Institutes of Religion — Kennett's Roman Antiquities — Bion's Works — Cicero's Orations — Trail's Sermons — Homer's Iliad — Simplicius's Commentary — Fuller's Worthies of Eng land — Region of Parnassus — Theological Works in Latin, two volumes — Cruden's Concordance — Confessions of Faith and Moral Essays — Horace — Salmon's English Nobility — Euclid's Elements — Dialogues on Eloquence — Gulliver's Memoirs — Juvenal — Parable of Ten Virgins — Dr. Mayhew's Sermons — Dr. Whitby's Natural Religion — Trap's Trinity — Chauncy's State of Religion — Latin Bible — Latin Grammar — Greek and Latin Testament — Prince's Chronology of New England — Flavel's Works — Scott's Christian Life — Willard's Body of Divinity — History of Church of Scotland — Perkins's Works — Lord Chesterfield's Exposition — Pole's Synopsis, Latin, five volumes. 232 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Doctor William Dunsmoor, a man of marked ability, the most prominent of Lancaster's patriots in i77S' ^^'^ inherited his father's "hats and wiggs, and one Bible, and all his Physicall Books and Chirurgical Instruments." At his decease in 1784, the following volumes composed his little library : A large Folio Bible with cuts — Henry Moore against Deism — Robert Morse's Sermons, five volumes — Burns's Justice, abridged — Bailey's Dictionary — Perry's Theatre of Physic, two volumes — Huxam's Essay on Fevers — Brown's Art of Physic — Allen's Synopsis Medicinae — Shaw's Practice of Physic — Salmon's Practical Physic — The Marrow of Surgery — John Dayreel in Vindication of the Church — Snake in the Grass, three volumes — Tate and Brady's Psalms — A Bundle of Magazines and Pamph lets — Yorrick's Sermon's, two volumes — Humphrey Clinker, three vol umes — The Devil on Two Sticks — Mrs. Chapone's Letters. From time to time various paroled prisoners were quar tered in and about Lancaster, occasional glimpses of whose impatience under restraint and consequent collision with local authority have come down to us. An incident which doubtless caused some stir for the day, was the passing through the town of a company of prisoners, as narrated in a journal kept by James Stevens of Andover, a soldier in the detachment of thirty-three men under Captain Joseph Baker, Jr., sent from Cambridge in charge of those cap tured July 31, 1775, during an attack upon Light House Island : Tuesday August i ; this morning there was thirty-for prisnors a going to Woster, twenty-two regelers and twelve tories, we started for Woster a bout noon. We went to Concord and staid all night, we put the prisnors into jail, we got our super and sot sentry. Wensday 2*; this morning we got a dram & set of; we marcht about ten mile and then went to brekfast to won Gilbards in little town, we marcht to Lanchester and staid al night, the town's people stod sentry over them. Thursday 3*; this morning we got a dram & set of, we marcht to Shusbury and there went to brekfast, & we started and went to Woster, we marcht through the town, the tories with there hats under there arms, and we returned them to the prison, the tories went in to the dungeon, we got some vitls and then sot of for home, we went to Shusbury we staid al night. STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 233 Friday, this morning we got our brekfast and started and through Lanchester and then went to little town & staid al night June 17, 1776, the transports Anabella, Lord Howe and George, seven weeks from Glasgow, were captured in Nantasket Roads, having entered the harbor in ignorance that the blockade of Boston had been raised. Upon these vessels were two battalions of the Seventy-first Highlanders under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald Camp bell. After brief confinement in the Worcester jail, five Highland officers — Captain Lawrence Robert Campbell, Lieutenant Archie McLean and Lewis Colquhon, with vol unteers Duncan Campbell and James Ffint, were sent to Lunenburg on their parole not to go outside the limit of six miles from the residence assigned for their use. Each was allowed a Highland soldier as servant, for whose conduct he was responsible. If we may judge from the following pathetic complaint, these five Highlandmen and their gillies not only made Turkey Hills temporarily a very lively place indeed, but managed to endanger the safety of the United States by their un-Puritanic escapades : To the Grate Sr' General Court of the State of the Massachusetts Bay. The Committee of Inspection &c for the Town of Lunenburg beg Leave to Inform your Honours of the conduct of the prisoners of war Residing in this Town & likewise our proceedings had thereon, & in the first place we would Inform you that some time since the s"! prisoners Requested the Comm''=« that they might Remove from where they ware stationed to the House of Capt. Ebenezar Robinsons (who is a profess". Enemy to his country & under confinement) but we Refused to grant their Request, not withstanding which & in contempt of our authority they Did without our knowledge Remove themselves and effects to sd. Robinsons but we soon Removed them from there to another place, since which they do frequently Visit sd. Robinson. Notwithstanding they are forbid so Doing, they fre quently Visit the publick Houses & sometimes to stay very late at night to the Disturbance of the Inhabitants. Some of their servants have assalted one of" our Inhabitants on the evening in the Highway & threatened to take away his life ; further one of the officers passing by a number of School Boys in the street one of them observing his Dress to be in the Highland mode, asked his fellow if he did not think that Highlanders was a-cold, the officer hereing the speech Returned to them, threatened their 16 Comtnittee of Inspection Sr'c 234 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. lives, calling them Dem* Bastards, swearing by God if ever he heard them say so again he would split their heads to attoms, therefore we think it our Duty & for the safty of the United States that some Restraint be laid on them, accordingly we have Restricted them to the limmits of twenty Rodes from their lodgings untill further order. W" Stearns Joseph Hartwell Benjn Redington Lunenburg Jany. 21, 1777. Josiah Stearns Daniel Gardner In Council Jany 24, 1777. Read & Committed to John Whitcomb & John Taylor Esq. to consider the same & report what is proper to be done thereon. John Avery Dept. Secy The committee advised : .... that in case the aforesaid Prisoners Do not observe the orders & Direction of said Committy that they be Fourthwith sent by said Committy to the Gould in Taunton in the County of Bristol, and committ them to the costada of the keeper of said Gould. [Massachusetts Archives, CLXXXII, 72.] In the adjoining town of Harvard were rusticated two gentlemanly Britons, Captain Edward Barron of the King's Own, and Surgeon Walter Cullen of the Seventy-second Foot or Royal Fencibles. They also got into temporary disagreement with their custodians by once wandering be yond the limits assigned them, and were remanded to jail ; but petitioning to return to the purer air of their country quarters, their request was allowed. Of those whose residence in this neighborhood during the Revolution was compulsory, the most noteworthy per sonage was an eccentric bachelor tory. There lived in South Lancaster, but a stone's throw apart, a sister and a daughter of Judge John Chandler, "the honest Refugee" of Worcester. They were the wives respectively of Levi Willard, Esq., and Captain Samuel Ward. Mr. Willard died in the first year of the war, and there came to reside with these estimable and accomplished ladies an elder brother of Mrs. Ward. He was about thirty-two years of age, peculiar in person, habits and dress. Among other oddities of apparel, he was partial to bright red small- STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 235 clothes. His tory principles and singularities called down upon him the gibes of the patriots among whom his lot was temporarily cast, but his ready tongue and caustic wit were sufficient weapons of defence. In 1774, ^s town-clerk of Worcester, he had recorded a protest of forty-three royal ist citizens against the resolutions of the patriot majority. This record he was obliged in open town-meeting to deface, and when he failed to render it sufficiently illegible with the pen, his tormentors dipped his fingers into the ink and used them to perfect the obliteration. He fled to Halifax, but after a few months returned, and was thrown into Wor cester jail. The reply to his petition for release is preserved in Massachusetts Archives, clxiv, 205 : Colony of the Massachusetts Bay. By the Major part of the Council of said Colony. V/hereas Clark Chandler of Worcester has been Confined in the Common Prison at Worcester for holding Correspondence with the enemies of this Country and the said Clark having humbly petitioned for an enlargement and it having been made to appear that his health is greatly impaired & that the Publick will not be endangered by his having some enlargement, and Samuel Ward, John Sprague, and Ezekiel Hull having Given Bond to the Colony Treasurer in the penal sum of one thousand Pounds, for the said Clark's faithful performance of the order of Council for his said enlargement, the said Clark is hereby permitted to go to Lan caster when his health will permit, and there to continue and not to go out of the Limits of that Town, he in all Respects conforming himself to the Condition in said Bond contained, and the Sheriff of said County of Wor cester and all others are hereby Directed to permit the said Clark to pass unmolested so long as he shall conform himself to the obligations afore mentioned. Given under our Hands at ye Council Chambers in Water- town the 15 Day of Dec. Anno Domini 1775. By their Honors' Command Perez Morton, Dept. Sec"y. The salubrious air of Lancaster in time grew oppressive to this loyalist bachelor, as is disclosed in his lengthy peti tion — to be found in Massachusetts Archives, clxxiii, 546 — wherein he begs for a wider range, and especially for leave to visit the sea-shore. The medical certificate of a local practitioner accompanies it, and affords confirmation of the statement made by the Marquis de Chastellux, that 236 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. "the physicians in America pay much more attention than ours to qualities of the atmosphere, and frequently employ change of air as an effectual remedy." Lancaster, Oct. 25, 1777. This is to inform whom it may Concern that Mr Clark Chandler, now residing in this Town, is in such a Peculiar Bodily Indisposition as in my opinion renders it necessary for him to take a short Trip to the Salt Water in order to assist in recovering his Health. Josiah Wilder Ph" Chandler was permitted to visit Boston, and thereafter to wander at will within the bounds of Worcester county. He lived at Worcester until his death, in 1804. His "Pecul iar Bodily Indisposition" proved highly infectious, and the whole community became so inoculated with it that descend ants of the third and fourth generations periodically migrate seaward to test the prescription of Dr. Josiah Wilder. Occasionally evidence is found, like that in the following advertisement, to prove that the spirit of independence had no "color line" in Lancaster : Whereas Caesar my negro man has absented himself from me, and is employed by several persons, without my consent : This is to caution all persons from harbouring or employing said negro, or trusting him on my account, from the date hereof. Those who entertain him, may expect to be dealt with according to Law. Lancaster, May 7, 1781. James Wilder. Caesar doubtless had read the Declaration of Rights with a clearer understanding than James, and knew that all men had been "born free and equal" in Massachusetts more than six months before. In September, 1777, the selectmeiT reported thirteen male "Negros" in Lancaster above sixteen years of age. Presumably these were mostly free, for in the valuation return of 1771, there were record ed but six "Servants for life between fourteen and forty-five years of age ;" one each being credited to Doctor William Dunsmoor, Captain Hezekiah Gates, Peter Green, Samuel Joslin, Josiah Moore, and David Osgood. Free negroes and slaves fought at Bunker Hill, and are frequently found STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 237 in the rolls of the Provincial troops, although by the letter of the militia law excluded from enrolment. In October, I77S» both the Continental and Provincial councils formally forbade the enlistment of the colored race ; but the royal ists were not so scrupulous, and, before the close of the first year of contest Washington found it necessary in general orders to authorize the employment of negroes in the mili tia service. Thereafter, throughout the continuance of hostilities, they are found, north and south, fighting in the ranks of both armies. At least fourteen colored men ap pear in the revolutionary rolls, claimed as serving for Lan caster : Peter Ayres, Peter [Franklin?] Job Lewis, Becky's Boston, Gideon Georges, Edom Loudon, Julius Caesar, Charles Henry, Perley Rogers, John Carter, Reuben [Kendall ?] Charles Stuart, Cain Lewis, Topsal Woodard. The record of these men will be found on previous pages. One, Franklin, died in service ; two, Cain Lewis and Stuart, deserted. Edom Loudon was distinctly claimed in Captain Daniel Goss's return of February, 1778, among Lancaster's continental enlistments. He was a slave owned by Daniel Goodridge of Winchendon, who ran away from a former master, and, enlisting, fought at Bunker Hill. He died a pauper in Winchendon, and became noted as the cause of the famous "Massachusetts Slave Case" of 1806- 7, Winchendon vs. Hatfield. Upon the re-establishment in July, 1775, of a postal system independent of royal authority, under the direction of Benjamin Franklin, the office at Cambridge, and later that at Worcester, were those most convenient to Lancas ter, and so remained for several years. In the lists of un called-for mail published in the New England Chronicle and Massachusetts Spy, letters for her citizens are often found advertised as remaining in both these offices. The first post-office in Lancaster was established April i, 1795. The postage upon letters was five and one-fourth pence for 238 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. each one-fourth ounce, for distances less than sixty mile's; eight pence for distances between sixty and one hundred miles, and one shilling for distances over one hundred and less than two hundred miles. There were but twenty-eight post-offices in the whole country in 1776. The delivery of the mail to owners distant from the offices depended much upon neighborly courtesy or the news-carriers, who rode over their established routes once a week. Silent Wilde, or his partner, Isaac Church, started from Boston on Mon days, passing "through Lancaster, Rutland etc. to North ampton, Deerfield etc." In the New England Chronicle for "Oct. 19 to Oct. 26, 1775," is this advertisement by him : SILENT WILDE News-carrier to Deerfield &c. BEGS Leave to inform his Customers, that the Time of his last En gagement ends on the 9* Day of November next, when he earnestly hopes for punctual Payment at the usual Places of receiving their Papers. He likewise earnestly desires hereby to give publick Notice, that he pro poses, on suitable Encouragement to ride weekly, his usual Road for the term of six months next ensuing the said 9* Day of November and to supply each Subscriber with one of the publick News-Papers at One Dol lar each, provided each Subscriber shall at the beginning of the said six Months pay the one Half of said Dollar. He would likewise take this Opportunity to call upon those who are in Arrears with him for past servi ces, kindly to Consider that he stands in great Need of what is due to him. Shutesbury, October 16, 1775. Joshua Thomas was the post rider from Worcester through Shrewsbury, Lancaster, etc., to Londonderry, during the Revolution, and advertised to take pay for his services in produce and paper-rags. There seems to have been no public conveyance for travellers between Boston or Worcester and Lancaster until some years later, although an advertisement in The Boston Gazette, September 20, 1773, indicates that the enterprise was contemplated : To the PUBLIC The Concord Stage Coach sets out on Tuesday & Friday Mornings at 7 O'clock from Common Street near Liberty Tree. The Price 4.S. The STATISTICS, AND SOCIAL ANNALS. 239 Stage to be continued to Lancaster if suitable encouragement. All Favors gratefully acknowledged. By their humble Servant. Nathaniel Russell. In modern days, at any pubHc loss or signal victory won, the thrill of sorrow or joy runs through the nation almost universally coincident with the event that causes it, however far distant. During the war for independence, neither bad, nor the best of good news travelled much more than fifty miles in twenty-four hours, and rarely was it less than five days creeping from New York to Boston. It was a fortnight's journey from New York to Virginia, but the glad tidings of the capture of Yorktown, however, which set the church bells ringing throughout the land be cause of its eloquent promise of national freedom, reached Lancaster in about a week, coming by vessel to Newport. The festivities consequent were at last reported a month after the surrender of Cornwallis. Lancaster, November 19, 1781. On Thursday morning last, a considerable number of the most respect able inhabitants of this place assembled at the Sun Tavern to celebrate the capture of Cornwallis, when after mutual congratulations on this hap py event, the company conducted by William Greenleaf Esq. formed and marched in procession through the principal streets of the town preceded by an advance guard, field piece, and band of musick with American col ours displayed ; having fired sundry salutes followed with three huzzas, the company returned to the Sun, where an elegant dinner was provided for them, and such gentlemen from the neighbouring towns as were pleased to favour them with their company ; after dinner the following toasts were drank each being followed by a discharge of a field piece with three cheers. Thirteen patriotic toasts then succeed, but are of no es pecial interest now; the last was the following snarl of metaphors : May peace, liberty and uninterrupted commerce, break the jaws of tyranny, and be wafted by the Gods through the realms of Neptune to the welcome shores of the new world. In the evening, Mason's Hall was beautifully illuminated ; the greatest harmony, concord, sociability and good friendship were preserved through the whole and crowned the festal day and evening. [Massachusetts Spy, Nov. 22, 1781.] 240 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. With what the festive libations were poured we are not told, but neither the Sun Tavern nor "the most respectable inhabitants" were noted for thin potations on occasions like this. This jubilation of the people over the victory that pres aged honorable peace near at hand, was the first of many recorded. The date of the annual festal commemoration soon, however, became that of the Declaration of Inde pendence. But at intervals the militia companies of the region around were wont to organize a celebration of the surrender of Yorktown ; when a motley army of spectators gathered from far and near, regaled themselves with un limited gingerbread, spruce beer or more exciting bev erages, derived amusement from the evolutions of gro tesquely caparisoned troops in a sham fight, and indulged in effervescing jollity of various descriptions. The last "Cornwallis" in the vicinity of Lancaster was held upon Burditt Hill, October 19, 1853, when the time- worn farce was re-enacted with a scenic display that out shone all traditions. Nine uniformed companies of militia were present, one each from Berlin, Clinton, Groton, Leom inster, Marlborough, Oakdale, Sterling, West Boylston, and Westminster. An equal number of Continental com panies un-uniformed, in all manner of dress, came from Bolton, Clinton, Harvard, Lancaster, Leominster, Marl borough, Rock Bottom, Shirley and Westminster, and a tribe of Indians from Berlin. Captain Jeremiah Barnard was in command of the Continentals, Sewall Richardson of Leominster enacted the role of General Washington, and Colonel Upton of Fitchburg, that of Cornwallis. The general parade of the troops occupied the morning hours, and a collation was partaken of at noon by fifteen hundred soldiers. After lunch the two armies were drawn up for battle on the hill, the British lines being half-way up the slope. The Continentals charged from Union street over the valley, and with more smoke and noise than that local- LAFAYETTE'S VISIT. 241 ity will probably ever experience again, carried the oppos ing works by storm, and marched their prisoners to the common, where the ceremony of surrender took place with military formality. Forty years elapsed from the time the United States were acknowledged among independent nations, and the thirteen members of the original confederacy had become twenty-four, when an event occurred in Lancaster which revivified all the fading memories of the war for liberty, and inspired a day of festivity not equalled in enthusiasm of rejoicing by any that preceded it, nor surpassed by any of later years. One by one the general officers who served in the revolution had been borne to their graves, until Thomas Sumpter alone survived in America. In a foreign land, another, of exalted rank, "the high priest of cosmo politism," one who with chivalric generosity gave up the comforts of a splendid home, and left wife and children to aid with his wealth and genius the Americans struggling for freedom — a major-general before he had seen his twen tieth birthday — still lived, the most romantic figure of his age. The sixty-seventh and sixty-eighth anniversaries of his natal day were celebrated during his visit to the United States. Thursday, September 2, 1824, the hero whose name is oftenest coupled with that of Washington in the memory and speech of Americans, set out from Boston, through highways thronged by a grateful people invoking with tearful eyes and swelling hearts blessings upon his head. It was arranged that he should spend the first night of his journey in Bolton, at the mansion of Sampson V. S. Wilder, whom he had known in France. Elaborate and tasteful preparations had been made within and without the house for welcoming the nation's guest. Over the entrance was a triumphal arch, the inscription upon which was charac teristic of the eccentric owner: "The Great Jehovah, Washington and Lafayette." For a long time after this 242 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. was quoted in the vicinity as " Wilder's trinity." The man sion and grounds were brilliantly illuminated. The Bolton Rifle Company, in their new green uniform, stood guard over the house all night. Lafayette could but be delighted with the beautiful homestead and his reception, and he is reported to have complimented his graceful hostess at de parture by pledging his lifelong memory of " the fairy mis tress of the enchanted castle." At the early hour of half- past six, Friday morning, Lafayette, escorted by a company of cavalry and accompanied by his son, M, Levasseur, a committee from Worcester, Generals Jewett, Gregory and staff, proceeded to the Lancaster line, over the turnpike road. The turnpike gate was covered with flowers and evergreen, and bore a legend, "The Free welcome the Brave.'" Here a national salute was fired by the artillery. Nearly opposite the meeting-house an arch thirty feet in height, and of nearly the same width, had been erected, and elaborately decorated. Upon it was the greeting : WELCOME LA FAYETTE. The American Eagle in triumph shall wave Its pinions of Glory to welcome the Brave. This arch, with its inscription, is yet preserved in the attic of the Brick church. The Leominster Artillery and the Lancaster Infantry had joined the escort. Passing through long lines of people — an immense concourse hav ing assembled from all the country around —the general and his suite came to the arch, where they were met by the town's committee and conducted to a platform upon the green. There he was addressed by Doctor Thayer, as follows : General Lafayette.— In behalf of the inhabitants of Lancaster, I offer you their cordial congratulations on your arrival in a country whose wrongs you felt and resented ; whose liberties you valiantly defended ; and whose interests and prospects have always been dear to your soul. We all unite with the few surviving veterans which were with, loved and respected you on the high places of the field, in giving you a welcome LAFAYETTE'S VISIT. 243 to this village, once the chosen residence of savages, and the scene of their most boasted triumph ; and rejoice that you visit it under the improve ments of civilized life, in prosperity and peace. It gladdens us that we and our children may behold the man, whom we have believed, and whom we have taught our children to believe, was sec ond only to his and our friend, the immortal Washington. We partici pate in your joy, on beholding our institutions in vigor, our population extended, so that since you left us, from a little one we have become mil lions, and from a small band a strong nation ; that you see our glory rising, our Republic placed on an immovable basis, all of which are in part, under Providence, to be ascribed to your sacrifices, dangers and toils. We wish you health and prosperity. We assure you that wherever you shall go, you will be greeted by our fellow countrymen as one of the chief deliverers of America, and the friend of rational liberty and of man. It is especially our prayer, that on that day in which the acclamations and applauses of dying men shall cease to reach or affect you, you may receive from the Judge of character and Dispenser of imperishable honors, as the reward of philanthropy and incorruptible integrity, a crown of glory which shall never fade. Lafayette, conquering with difficulty the emotion which the eloquence of the venerable pastor had excited, replied nearly as follows : Accept my thanks, sir, for the kind welcome you have here offered me in the name of the inhabitants of Lancaster. In returning to this country after so long an absence, in receiving such proofs of gratitude and affec tion wherever I go, in witnessing the prosperity of the land, a prosperity you are pleased to say I have been instrumental in promoting, I feel emo tions for which no language is adequate ; in meeting again my former friends, in seeing the children and grandchildren of those who were my companions in the war of our revolution, I feel a gratification which no one can express. I beg you to accept, sir, and to offer to these people my acknowledgments. One who witnessed the inspiring scene and recorded the address and reply, continues thus : The surviving soldiers of the revolution dwelling in town were then introduced to the general, who received them in the most cordial and touching manner. He expressed himself highly gratified with the interest which the ladies discovered, pressing forward with eagerness to greet this distinguished friend of mankind. After remaining on the platform fifteen minutes receiving the various attentions and reciprocating the heartfelt delight experienced by the assembly, he returned to his carriage amid cor dial huzzas and the discharge of a national salute from the artillery. 244 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. At Sterling he was met by the artillery companies of that town and Princeton, and escorted to the triumphal arch which bore the inscription : WELCOME LAFAYETTE America's adopted son. Brother and Friend of Washington, Our Land in trouble found a Friend in thee. We'll not forget thee in prosperity. He here replied to a brief address from Isaac Goodwin, Esq., referring in terms of kindly remembrance to Lord Stirling — in whose honor the town received its name — and amid the booming of cannon and the acclamations of the multitude, rode on towards Worcester. A correspondent from Lancaster is quoted in the Colum bian Centinel of Saturday, September ii, 1824: The ceremonies here were not intended for idle display, nor was it wished to vie with those towns which have greater means at com mand. The preparations were few and simple. It was a moral spectacle of no ordinary interest, to see so large a collection of the well dressed and intelligent yeomanry of the county deeply interested in the proceedings of the occasion, offering the spontaneous homage of their hearts to him who stood by their country in the hour of her distress and weakness. There was not an individual unmoved by what was passing before him, during the short visit of the General — and you might see in every part of the crowd many of both sexes, and of all ages, whose moistened eyes told forth the strong feeling they neither wished nor were able to suppress. Such genuine heartfelt emotions have never before been so extensively excited amongst us. The praise of Lafayette swells in every heart, and is heard from every tongue. The enthusiasm has no limit but that of good order and decency. It is the overflowing of full hearts — the strong expression of gratitude for services and sacrifices we can never repay. It gives me pleasure to be able to state that the General fully appreciated the feelings his presence occasioned. On his way to Sterling he repeatedly expressed to Mr. S. V. S. Wilder, who accompanied him from Boston to Worcester, the plea.sure he felt at the reception he met with in Lancaster, and mentioned in the strongest terms how deeply he was affected with the address of Reverend Doctor Thayer. Nor was he insensible to the beautiful scenery in Lancas ter — it came in for a full share of his praise Y. SHAYS' INSURRECTION. 1786- 1787. WHEN peace had come and national independence was assured, and Massachusetts had time to count the cost of her tremendous exertions in behalf of liberty, she found herself weighed down by an enormous debt — nearly fifteen million dollars. She resolved to keep her credit free from reproach by revenues derived from direct taxa tion ; but the people, groaning under personal sacrifices and sorrows — legacies of long years of war — became res tive when additions to their burdens began to be made in the name of government. Many, maddened by what they deemed oppressive levies, refused tithe, and sought by mob violence to restrain the courts from enforcing the laws respecting debt. The ignorant could not discriminate be tween the wrongs they had suffered under monarchical rule and the discomforts, deprivations and burdensome taxes consequent upon the contest that had made them free citi zens of a republic. The grievances of the rebellious were, however, too real not to find abundant sympathy. The merchants' and attorneys' wives and daughters flaunted their foreign silks, feathers and laces, while the farmer's crops, though luxuriant, filled his barns, not his purse, and could with difficulty be bartered for the commonest clothing and domestic necessities. Many an owner of valuable es tate in land, who had sought by temporary mortgage to enjoy wonted luxuries, and hold his acres also, found him self bankrupt by a forced sale. Complaint and petition pressed the legislature for relief, but resolves could not 246 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. avail to make the indolent industrious, to give employment to the artisan, to instruct the ignorant in political economy, to bestow farms upon the landless, or to fill with silver the pockets of the impecunious. Disappointment of exagger ated hopes increased agrarian discontent. Demagogic agitators noisilj' advocated the turning of everything topsy turvy — the charlatan's cheap panacea for setting right times out of joint. Discussion and convention multiplied dissatisfaction, and finally degenerated into organized in surrection. Then the common sense of the people asserted itself. The first signs of disaffection presaging the storm appeared even before the signing of the treaty of peace. The warrant for a town-meeting summoned April i, 1783, contains this article : 3. To see if the Town will chuse one or more persons to meet at a Convention to be held at Worcester the 2'^ Tuesday of April next at 9 O'clock in the Morning, there to take into consideration the many Greiv- ances the good people of this county at present Labour under, and to peti tion the general Court for Redress, and to act or transact any thing relative thereto. The town sent as delegates to this county convention Captains Timothy Whiting and Ephraim Carter, and Whit ing was chosen its secretary. Thirty-four delegates were present from twenty-six towns, and after passing a series of resolutions recommending certain instructions to the representatives in General Court, which were ordered printed in the Spy, the convention adjourned to the second Tuesday in May, when a larger representation of the peo ple assembled, and more resolves were published. The next convention in August and meetings subsequent were not reported in the newspapers, nor in Lancaster town- meetings. When the town was represented, it was by the delegates first chosen. The Committees of Correspond ence, Inspection and Safety were regularly elected in 1782 and 1783, with other town officers, at the March meeting. In 1782 this committee consisted of Timothy Knight, Dan iel Rugg, and Jeremiah Haskell; in 1783, of Captain SHAYS' INSURRECTION. 247 Timothy Whiting, Deacon Cyrus Fairbank, and Doctor Israel Atherton. The following circular letter gives indication of one form which the general unrest of the times took, a year or two later : Lunenburg, May 23 SHAYS' INSURRECTION. 249 .... The address from the General Court was then read and Consid ered, and thereupon voted to choose a Committee of seven to draw up instructions for the representative, and thereupon voted and chose Sam'. Ward, Capt. Tim". Whiting, Jun'', John Sprague, Esq. Mr. Moses Sawyer. Mr. Jonathan Wilder, Deacon Cyrus Fairbank and Capt. Daniel Goss as a Committee for the above purpose. This committee reported at the adjournment of the meeting, January 22, 1787 ; .... and the said instructions being presented, read and considered paragraph by paragraph were voted and accepted by the Town ; also voted that the instructions be printed in the Worcester newspaper also to receive the report of the delegate to convention which being heard thereupon voted to discontinue the said Delegate to the County Conven tion. To Capt. Ephraim Carter, Jun. Sir. The law is the will of the state, and those laws seem most perfect which are the most equitable and convenient adjustments of the sentiments and interests of the whole people ; it is therefore the duty as well as the right of constituents to furnish their Representatives with their essential ingredients of legislation ; and no one will doubt that the Gen eral Court are the only body to make the adjustments we now express. Your town have paid due attention to the late address to the people ; the submission of our publick affairs, and the doings of the General Court to the inspection and examination of the people we think a laudable and truly republican measure and is an evidence of the integrity as well as ability of the members of that honourable body, and could they have complied with some instructions to their members, which they have not yet done, we con ceive they would have still further served the interest of the common wealth. Your constituents are of opinion that in the ensuing session, it will be indispensably necessary to attend to the enacting of such laws as may alleviate the present distresses of the people, reconcile their jarring opinions, and restore tranquility to the state ; we therefore instruct you to attend particularly to the following articles. I'''. The present mode of taxation has become so burthensome to the farming interest, that if continued in the same degree, it will as we think, not only totally discourage the industrious husbandman (on whom this commonwealth will probably ever depend for its greatest strength,) but fail of affording so large a revenue as the state of our publick affairs may require. If the abilities of the people of this commonwealth could be placed in a fair point of view, we presume good policy would dictate that the greatest part of our revenue should be raised by duties. Such a mode, in our opinion would divide the burden more equally, and better answer 17 250 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. the requirements of government. Import and excise, we suppose, might be much further extended to the ease of the people in general, and we wish the legislature to consider if the following articles &c. &c, may not be proper subjects for such an extension : — Clocks, time-pieces, watches, silver plate, spermaceti candles, tallow consumed in every family above a certain number of pounds, cyder, painted sleighs, glass windows beyond a certain number of squares in each house, commissions for a justice of peace, and dogs. 2^. That you endeavor the total abolition of the Courts of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace ; and that their jurisdiction be transferred to the Supreme Judicial Courts, and that all processes origi nated there, excepting some part of the business of sessions, may be transacted by their Justices of the peace quorum unos ; this indeed will make it necessary to increase the judges of the Supreme Judicial Court, and instead of their clerk's ofiice being kept in Boston, it must be kept in the several courts ; Such a change in that office we conceive, would be highly beneficial to the people ; nor will the increase of the number of Judges be a great increase of expense if two judges be made a quorum on the circuit, and compared with the present expense of the Courts of Com mon Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace, will be a saving worthy our attention, and by a power of reviewing or granting a new trial, in certain cases no great failure of Justice can be feared ; to make every necessary change in the above transfer of jurisdiction, would be to furnish a bill rather than instructions, and improper here. 3". While we are burthened with so large a debt, we think the abili ties of the people of this commonwealth will not admit of supporting that courtly dignity, which in more affluent circumstances might be thought necessary. Would it not therefore become us to consider our chief magis trate, as a state ofiicer, under no further obligations to expense but what arises from the discharge of his official duties : if our opinion in this re spect is admissible you will use your endeavours to have the Governour's, and all other salaries, set as low as justice will admit of. 4"i. The demands against the commonwealth for services are gener ally made with avidity. You are therefore particularly instructed against grants which heretofore have been too often made without due caution, have exceeded the value of the service done, and have been a matter of offence and a burden to the people. 5. It has been suggested by some, that government ought to call in their securities, at their present depreciated value ; We think that such an attempt would be inconsistent with justice and good policy ; nevertheless we presume that if such as have loaned monies to government would real ize the present burden, the diflSculties of collecting monies by taxation, the importance of supporting our credit with foreign nations, and the necessity of supporting our federal government, they would not complain SHAYS' INSURRECTION. 251 if government should delay even the payment of their interest for the present, especially when they reflect, that what they have thus loaned them has been, and probably will be free from taxation — and we cannot think that any one who has become a creditor to government, by purchasing its securities, could complain of such a measure with a good grace, if he calls to mind the amazing disproportion there is between the property he parted with, and the claims he has on government. If necessity ever had a right to claim indulgence, we think considering the circumstances of the people, government are entitled to it ; therefore we expect you will oppose the ap propriating any part of our revenue to the discharge of either the principal or interest of the domestic debt, excepting the necessitous circumstances of the original creditors of government shall require it. 6*. You are to endeavour that many fines which have heretofore been otherwise appropriated, be paid into the state treasury. 7*. Although we are persuaded that great advantages may be derived from a well regulated commerce, yet we think the commercial interest of this commonwealth ought never to engross so much of the attention of the legislature as to prevent their giving every due encouragement to our own manufactures. 8*. The proportion of the taxes now laid on the polls is a burden that the poorer part of the people can very illy support, you are there fore directed to endeavour a change in that proportion, and that it be made much lighter. 9*. The sitting of the General Court in the town of Boston is a mat ter which the citizens of this commonwealth are not generally satisfied with — We therefore wish further attention may be paid to that subject, and that the Court maybe removed to some other town, until the propriety of that question may be determined from experience. lo"". The late outrageous and treasonable opposition to government, demands the most serious attention, and greatest wisdom of the legislature. The late pardon to the insurgents was truly humane and benevolent ; and although the conduct of those people thenceforth was a high aggravation of their former offences, yet, considering them as a part of the whole with us, we wish a further extension of mercy ; but we assure the legislature that we are ready to support our government according to our Constitution ; and while government is suppressing the insurrections of a wicked and deluded party, we wish that the right of the subject may be attended to, in all their exertions, and if any of the servants or forces of government have or shall unlawfully invade the person or property of any citizen, whatever may be his description, let such invader be punished with the same justice that ought to overtake the vilest traitor. By order of the Committee. Samuel Ward, Chairman. Lancaster, Jany. 22, 1787. 252 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. The convention of August 17, 1786, at Leicester, unan imously voted to "bear testimony against all riots and un constitutional combinations ;" but very soon thereafter the officers of various courts in the commonwealth found their path to the court-house obstructed by bayonets in the hands of rioters, led by the very men who inspired the action of that convention. The government had patiently conceded much to the real distress and to the misconceptions of the malcontents. Serious offences against the public peace were pardoned or ignored. Misunderstanding the quality of this mercy the offenders were emboldened to more open defiance of authority, and it became necessary, in self pre servation, for the executive to resort to vigorous coercion. The danger which the weak and distracted legislature failed to meet, fortunately culminated when the state had a prudent and faithful governor, James Bowdoin, who, the instant the necessity came, put forth the strong arm of the commonwealth with such prompt vigor that the insurgents disappeared at mere sight of the coming blow. Lancaster, January 18"^, 1787. On Tuesday the 16"" inst.. Colonel Greenleaf waited on the two com panies of militia in this town assembled agreeably to his orders, when he communicated to them with his usual propriety, the importance of shew ing their disapprobation to the illegal measures which have been adopted by the insurgents, and the necessity of evidencing their attachment to the government. The propriety of supporting the present measures of gov ernment against every opposition was urged as being necessary to enable them with dignity to remove our present complaints. After some calm debates on the subject, the Col., in order to discover their minds, requested all who were friends to government to follow him, when, with very few exceptions, the whole turned after him. He then informed them that twenty-eight men were required of the two companies to support the Court to sit at Worcester the 23'^. inst. and gave them opportunity to engage voluntarily under these restrictions, viz : whoever offers his services shall be held to march, or produce .an able effective man to the acceptance of the ofiicer in lieu of himself; when the following persons hereafter named answered the requisition, viz : Col. William Greenleaf, Jonas Lane, Cephas Prentice, Capt. Nathaniel Beaman, Eli Stearns, James Otis Prentice, Capt. John Whiting, James Capen, David Smith, SHAYS' INSURRECTION. 253 John Sprague, Elisha Phelps, Jacob Fisher, Josiah Wilder, Peter Beaman, Amos Pollard, Ephraim Carter, Jun., Abel Wheelock, William Bridge, Cyrus Fairbank, Samuel Wheelock, Jonathan Wheelock, Jr. Timothy Whiting, Jr., William Greenleaf, Jr., Thomas Richardson, Gershom Flagg, Merrick Rice, James White, Levi Willard, Habijah Wheelock, Abner Pollard, 31 Joseph Wales, [Massachusetts Centinel, January 27, 1787.] Lancaster was the rendezvous for the troops from the eastern part of the county, and on January 24, five hundred men, forming a regiment under the command of Colonel Ephraim Stearns, marched to Worcester. The character of the Lancaster volunteers named above is good warrant for the credibility of the following statement in a letter written at the time : They are as fine a body of men as were ever assembled, composed of the most respectable characters in the places where they were raised. A circumstance worth relating is : there are in this regiment fifty or sixty persons who have borne commissions, some of which to command regi ments in the late continental army and militia, who do duty in the ranks and submit to the hardships attendant on a soldier's life in this inclement season, with a spirit of patriotism and cheerfulness which nothing but the cause they are engaged in could inspire. One veteran soldier among these Lancaster volunteers had, during the revolution, served under Captain Daniel Shays, who now commanded the insurgents. Eli Stearns, in 1775, was an apprentice to a carpenter of Princeton by the name of Whittaker, who sent him as his substitute to join the army before Boston, and he was present at the bat tle of Bunker Hill. In 1777 he enlisted in Colonel Thomas Nixon's regiment. While serving on a scout commanded by Captain Shays, he was struck by a bullet from an Indi an's gun, which entered his cheek, and passing through his head came out under his right ear. After many months of suffering, he recovered sufficiently to be employed in the commissary department until discharged in 1783. He married Mary, the daughter of Jonathan Whitney, in Lan caster, took up his residence there, became justice of the 254 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. peace, and was unanimously chosen the town's representa tive during five years, 1806-1810. Colonel William Greenleaf was sheriff of the county. On Wednesday the twenty-second of November, 1786, he had, from the court-house steps in Worcester, read the riot act and harangued an armed mob there congregated to prevent the sitting of the Court of General Sessions. One of the orators of the insurgents, in reply, took the occasion to state that among many grievances which they found too oppressive for human endurance, and from which they were resolved to have speedy relief, were the sheriff himself and his exorbitant fees. Colonel Greenleaf coolly rejoined : "If you deem my fees for execution oppressive, gentlemen, you need not wait longer for redress ; I will hang you all for nothing, with the greatest pleasure." Captains Nathaniel Beaman, Timothy and John Whiting had served as ofificers in the army of the Revolution, and the latter attained the rank of brigadier-general in the mili tia. Honorable John Sprague was at this time state sena tor. He served upon the staff of the commanding general. The regiment of Colonel Stearns having joined the other state troops, under General Benjamin Lincoln, at Worcester, on the twenty-fifth of January marched against the insurgents, who, to the number of two thousand, were at Springfield, but retreated to Pelham upon the approach of the mihtia, January 27. Lincoln led his forces to Had ley, whereupon Shays judiciously and secretly changed his base to Petersham. Thither Lincoln promptly pursued, starting at eight o'clock on the evening of February 13, Colonel Stearns's regiment being in advance. From Had ley to Petersham, thirty miles, the troops marched that night, through an almost mountainous country, and during the last part of the way facing a violent storm. The drift ing snow impeded their steps, and it grew so intensely cold that the majority of the force were frost-bitten. To the hardiest soldier, that terrible night's march was something SHAYS' INSURRECTION. 255 to be remembered for life. Within twelve hours of the order to move, the advance guard of the army had reached their destination, it being then Sunday morning. Shays and his "regulators" were completely taken by surprise, and fled in hot haste, scattering in every direction. The insur rection was practically at an end. No one was punished for sedition, and three years later the vigorous financial policy of Alexander Hamilton silenced the majority of the grumblers. The first Federal Congress was persuaded to pass a funding bill, and to authorize the assumption of the state war debts by the national government. Taxes were correspondingly lightened ; trade revived ; manufactures were introduced and prospered ; numbers of the landless migrated to the valley of the Ohio; and in April, 1791, Fisher Ames, writing of the people so lately distracted by the prospect of bloody civil war, says : "There is a scarcity of grievances. Their mouths are stopped with white bread and roast meat." Lists of the men from Lancaster and adjoining towns, who served in the expedition against Shays, and in subse quent guard duty, follow. No residences are given in the original rolls, and an entirely accurate determination of them is not here possible : Pay Roll of Capt''-. NatM. Beeman's Compy, Colo. Eph'n. Stearns's Regi ment, for services rendered to Commonwealth oj Masstts. iti the months of Jany. and Feby. 1787. [Chieiiy men of Lancaster and Sterling ; serving from Jan. 15 to Feb. 21.] Capt. Nathaniel Beeman, Joshua Eveleth, Amos Pollard, Lieut. Timothy Brown, Jacob Fisher, Elisha Phelps, Ensign Nathaniel Houghton, Manasseh Fairbank, J. Otis Prentice, Sergt. Eli Stearns, Salmon Godfrey, Thomas Richardson, " Aaron Willard, John Gill, Joshua Read, '• Jonas Lane, William Gibbs, Jacob Read, " Jacob Robbins, Benjamin Holden, Nathan Read. Corp. Josiah Phelps, Joseph Holden, Artemas Richardson, " Elias Farnsworth, Andrew Haskell, Phineas Richardson, 256 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Corp. Joseph Reed, " Artemas Maynard, Drum"'. Zimri Eveleth, Fortunatus Ager, Ammi Brooks, Peter Beeman, William Bridge, Silas Buss, Ebenezer Burpee, Joseph Baker, James Capen, Bartholomew Cheever, Eliphas Copeland, James Curtis, Dunsmore Dole, Joseph Eveleth, Joseph Eveleth, Jr., Samuel Haynes, Eli Houghton, Abel Kendall, Pearson Kendall, Asa Knowlton, John Littlejohn, Seth Lyon, Abel Moore, Paul Mason, Silas Mason, Artemas Manning, Asa Maynard, Houghton Osgood, Abijah Phelps, David Phelps, Abner Pollard, Asa Rugg, David Smith, Manasseh Sawyer, Jonas Stearns, Richard Smith, Israel Underwood, Abel Wheelock, Abijah Wheelock, Samuel Wheelock, James White, Asa Whitcomb, Joel Wilder, Andrew Whitney, Lewis Woolson, Manasseh Wilder, Asa Whitcomb, Joseph Wyman, [Massachusetts Archives, cxci, 92.] Pay Roll of Capt. Nathaniel Beaman's Company, Col. Newell's Regiment in the service of Government, inlisted for four months from the 23''. of Febry. 17^,7. [Served to May 31. J Capt. Nathaniel Beaman, Lieut. Timothy Brown, Ensign James Curtis, Sergt. Jonas Stearns, " Jacob Robbins, " William Gibbs, " Joseph Wyman, Corp. Oliver Fullam, " Artemas Maynard, " Timothy Brigham, " Reuben Kendall, Drum''. Augustus Kendall, Fifer Joseph Chaplin, Samuel Rice, Phineas Richardson, Abner Mitchell, John Butler, Mitchel Richards, James Wade McDunn, Jonathan Clark, Benjamin Bailey, William Bigelow, John Ford, Raymond Hunt, Joseph Eveleth, Abijah Hagar, Abel Wood, Abraham Eager, Bartholomew Brown, Daniel Mixer, Ephraim Whitcomb, Ephraim Adams, Eliuda Bartlett, Joseph Hoar, Josiah White, Joel Warren, Jacob Brown, Isaac Stearns, Joseph Hasty, James Moore, John Harward, John Haskell, John Whitcomb, Phineas Warren, Roderick McKenzey, Samuel Burbank, Silvanus Holden, Stephen Torrey, Theophilus Page, Thomas Cook, William De Putrin, William Barker, Amasa Bigelow, Daniel Cowden, Ebenezer Fay, William Boardman, Thomas Walcot, William Flood. [Massachusetts Archives, cxci, 93.] SHAYS' INSURRECTION. 257 Pay Roll of Capt. John Wliititig's Cottipatty, of Colonel Ebenezer Lovell's Regitnent iti the service of the Cotnmottwealth of Massachusetts, for wages atid deHcient rations. [Service : January 30 to February 18.] Capt. John Whiting, Lieut. John Watson, Ensign Israel Manning, Clerk Elisha Rugg, Sergt. Elihu Wilder, " Job Spafford, Abel Baker, " Jonathan Bush, Corp. Joseph Prescott, " James Ellis, " Ebenezer Pike, " Joshua Wilder, Drum"^. Augustus Kendall, Abel Allen, Oliver Carter, Samuel Carter, Jr., Jonas Carter, Haran Eager, Nathaniel Kendall, John Maynard, Joseph Hoar, John Prescott, Samuel Ward, Levi Wilder, John Wilder, Daniel Garfield, Joseph Haynes, Elisha Hobbs, Samuel How, James Hunt, Ephraim Myrick, John Richardson, Moses Thatcher, Thomas Wyman, Joseph Wilder, Nathan Burpee, Cyrus Belknap, William Carter, William Kilburn, William Palmer, Andrew Petegrew, Thomas Sawyer, Jr., Thos. Sawyer, tertius, Joseph Willard, Phinehas Wilder, Reuben Ross, James Atherton, Lemuel Burnham, Cyrus Hamblin, Jonathan Houghton, James Houghton, William Woodbury, Thomas Welch, Coffin Chapin, John Barnard, Josiah Barnard, Charles Holman, Martin Cox Jones, Isaac Moore, Shadrach Priest, Abijah Pratt. [Massachusetts Archives, cxcil, 212.] Capt. William Sawyer's Cottipany, in Col. Stearns's Regiment. [Of Bolton and Harvard, serving from January 23, to February 21.] Capt. William Sawyer, Lieut. Henry Powers, Ensign Jonas Welch, Clerk Rufus Moor, Sergt. Eli Longley, " Europe Hamlin, " Eber Goddard, " Manassah Fairbank, Corp. James Britain, " Silas Whitcomb, " Thaddeus Brown, " Stephen Nurse, Fifer Jonathan Barnard, Joshua Hemmingway, William Bigelow, Simeon Hemmingway,Peter Atherton, Benjamin Hastings, Eleazar Hamlin, Jr., William Hastings, David Whitcomb, Asa Whitcomb, Jonathan Holman, Levi Townsend, Calvin Bush, Uri Sawyer, Simeon Conant, Joseph Houghton, Ebenezer Moore, David Nurse, Gustavus Goss, Jonathan Whitcomb, [Massachusetts Archives, CXCI, 109.] Richard Bryant, Stephen Cleverly, Caleb Parker, Joseph Hoar, Caleb Fairbank, Abel Hastings, Sanderson Carter, Henry Temple, Moses Coolidge, Benjamin How, Silas Jones, Silas Houghton, Andrew Kittell, William Ross. 258 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Capt. Levi Warner's Cotnpany, in Col. Stearns's Regiment. [Of Leominster ; Capt. Levi Warner, Lieut. John Leach, Ensign John Billings, Clerk Timothy Stearns, Sergt. Thomas Legate, " Benjamin Stuart, " Nathaniel Joslin, Corp. Samuel Kendall, " Oliver Carter, " Abiathar Houghton, " Levi Phelps, Drum'' Joseph Joslin, Fifer Joseph Snow, Robert Legate, William Legate, Jabez Fairbank, serving January 20 to February 22.J Jonas Johnson, Benjamin Milliken, Noah Harrod, Daniel McGregore, Joseph Knight, Daniel Carter, John Boutel, Heman Evans, Levi Nichols, William Boutel, Jr., Levi Joslin, William Jepson, John Shed, William Warren, Jesse Lincoln, Thomas Lincoln, Luther Houghton, Luther Phelps, Samuel Ruggles, John Richardson, Jr. Jeremiah Chace, Joseph Darling, Jonas Jones, Joshua Kimball, Peter Wilder, John Hills, William Burrage, Stephen Wood, Abel Wood, James Carter, Benjamin Peirce. [Massachusetts Archives, CXCII, 183.] Of the field and staff officers of Colonel Stearns's regi ment were : Lieutenant-Colonel Timothy Boutell, of Leominster ; Quartermaster-Sergeant William Greenleaf, Jr., Drum-Major Jonathan Wheelock, and Surgeon's Mate Cephas Prentice, of Lancaster. John White and Gershom Flagg, of Lancaster, served with a detachment of artillery under Major William Stevens, from Jan. 15 to Feb. 9. Capt. Andrew Putttam's Cavalry Company, in Col. Ebenezer Craft's Regiment. [Serving January 23 to February 6.] Capt. Andrew Putnam, Lieut. John Whitney, Lieut. John Ballard, Cornet Robert Townsend, Trump'. John Lock, Sergt. Jonathan Prescott, William Hobart, Peter Hunt, Timothy Goldsmith, Thomas Chace, William Ballard, Nahum Ball, Edmund Heard was lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. [Massachusetts Archives, cxcil, 45.] Israel Thayer, Asa Warner, Manasseh Knight, William Putnam, Samuel Sargeant, Josiah Divol. The only person in the Lancastrian towns known to have been arrested on suspicion of treasonable complicity DEATH OF ANDREW HASKELL. 259 with the insurrection, was Brigadier-General Josiah Whit ney of Harvard, whose services during the Revolution have been set forth in former pages. In the Indian War of 1 790-1 794, upon the northwest frontier, but one of Lancaster's citizens is known to have served his country in the field, though there very probably were others. Andrew Haskell, who commanded a com pany of his neighbors in the battle of Bunker Hill, and fought in various capacities, from captain to private, throughout the war of the revolution, enlisted in the little army which marched under General Arthur St. Clair against the Miamis, and was slain in the disastrous fight of November 4, 1791. Haskell was a fearless and efficient soldier, but uneducated, rough in manners, and probably incapable of self-restraint. Joseph Willard, Esq., records, doubtless from the authority of his companions in arms, that Haskell's conduct as an officer on June 17, 1775, would have entitled him to reward, but that he was "kept from promotion by his want of dignity and self-respect." He is described as well proportioned, within an inch of six feet in height, with black hair and eyes. At his death he was forty-three years of age. ¦JWPJM ami gMWm^CTWM ^^ ^^5 ^^£ ^^ ^ jjjl^^^ ^^ M ^^ ^ ?^^ ^^g m VI. WARS WITH ENGLAND AND ALGIERS. 1812 -1815. DURING the desperate conflict that raged in the first decade of the current century, between England and the Emperor Napoleon, neither belligerent was restrained by any respect for the rights of weaker nations, and neutrals suffered in their commercial interests almost equally with the combatants. Orders in council and imperial decrees threatened and obstructed the mercantile navies of the world, and the merchants of the United States, having built up an extensive and profitable carrying trade, were espe cially sufferers. In revolutionary days American patriot ism had met Great Britain's arbitrary trade restrictions with the self-denying policy of non-intercourse. The same re taliatory measure approved itself to the Jeffersonian admin istration, and a general embargo was proclaimed. But in the changed conditions of the body politic the operation of this measure was now claimed to be sectional. It worked grievous distress to the Northern states. Ships soon lay rotting at the deserted wharves, and, although bread was abundant, mechanics grew gaunt with hunger because their labor would not purchase food. The Southern and Midland states, chiefly devoted to agriculture, controlled the government by virtue of slave representation. With them the embargo was popular for a time, and perhaps not the less so, that it struck a damaging blow at the prosperity THE EMBARGO. 261 of their aggressive political foes, the New England Feder alists. The grievances of the ruined merchant and the unemployed workman found voice speedily in the resolu tions of the New England town-meeting. September 15, 1808, Lancaster voted to petition Presi dent Jefferson for the suspension of the embargo, and Major Joseph Hiller, Honorable William Stedman and Captain Samuel Ward were chosen to draft the document, which was duly forwarded. William Stedman was at this date representative in Congress : The inhabitants of the Town of Lancaster in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in legal town-meeting assembled, respectfully solicit the attention of the President of the United States to the following repre sentation : It has been with an honest pride that we have viewed the rising glory and wealth of our nation. We have cheerfully contributed by the "sweat of our brow" to the support of the federal government, believing that human wisdom could not devise a more perfect system for the protection of our national rights and for encouraging us in the diligent use of the means of subsistence and accumulation. Trained up in the belief that Agriculture and Commerce are reciprocal in their supports and inseparable in their interests, we cannot silently en dorse the long continuance of the Embargo, a measure calculated (as we conceive) to sever those supports and interests ; to check the spirit of enterprise, and take away the hopes and rewards of industry. When the embargo was laid by Congress, alth". we could not perceive its necessity, we were induced to acquiescence by an habitual resolution to respect the constituted authorities of our country and to obey the laws. We frankly confess it has not been in our power to reconcile the reason assigned, viz: "to keep in safety our vessels, our seamen, and merchan dise from the dangers with which they are threatened on the high seas and elsewhere, from the belligerent powers of Europe," with extending the restrictions for Commerce to the safe and peaceable inland parts of the community. Seeing that by this measure, after an unexampled experiment, the chief sources of our country's wealth are closed ; sensibly feeling the injury, in the depreciation of our agricultural products, and in the inevitable waste of a proportion of them, for want of a market ; finding also, that the im ported articles without which we cannot comfortably subsist, have so risen in value that we have no means to procure them, we are imperiously urged to address (he President of the United States for relief. The evils we have recited, are in comparison of little moment. We 262 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. deeply lament, that by annihilating the customary incentives to virtuous industry and by multiplying the temptations to violate the laws and to commit fraud and injustice, a state of things may be introduced which can scarcely be equalled by the desolations of war. The changes which have recently taken place among the belligerent nations and the prospect some of them present, of emancipation from the dominion of the Common Usurper, and the consequent scarcity promised to the Commerce of the United States we presume are sufficiently apparent. The relaxation of the British orders in Council as respects neutral trade with those parts of Spain which are struggling for self government opens to the United States an extensive commerce. South America and the West Indian Islands also, offer safe and profitable markets for American produce. Indeed there appear to us many other sources of profitable trade, inviting the enterprise of the merchant, which to the President need not be mentioned. Could the commercial advantages they offer be engaged even under the restric tions the President is authorized to require, the labors of the husbandman and mechanic would again be encouraged and they rescued from those distresses which threaten to destroy that competency their industry has acquired, and those blessings which the wise policy of former measures had promised. We therefore earnestly entreat the President to exercise the power vested in him by Congress, to suspend the whole or in part the act laying an Embargo, and the several acts supplementary thereto, or to convene that honorable body as soon as may be, for the purpose of ter- mining the sufferings those acts have occasioned. Sept"^. 3, 1808. February i, 1809, the town met — 2, To take into Consideration the alarming situation of our Public affairs, and to Petition or address the Legislature of this State on the subject of our grievances, or to do or transact any matter and things relative thereto which the town may deem expedient and necessary. . . . The town voted — to commit the subject matter of the second article in the warrant to a committee of five. Voted, and Chose : Joseph Hiller, Moses Smith, Jr., Jonathan Wilder, Samuel Ward, John Thurston, Committee. The committee's report was accepted, but not recorded. The chairman of this and the before-named committee, Major Joseph Hiller, was a venerable ex-collector of Salem, who came to Lancaster to reside in 1804, and purchased the Wilder farm, so called, now occupied by the state's In dustrial School for Girls. This place had for about fifteen years been in the possession of Burrill Carnes, Captain Benjamin Lee, and other English gentiemen, who had MAJOR JOSEPH HILLER. 263 lavished large sums upon it to give it the semblance of an old-country baronial estate. The spacious three-story mansion of brick, begun by Colonel Caleb Wilder in the days of the revolution, had its milk cellar and wine closets, spacious guest chambers, and all the appointments of an elegant homestead. A semicircular corridor nine feet in width and seventy feet long adjoined the house, and bound ed a garden wherein grew English strawberries and other small fruits, flowering plants and shrubs in great variety. About it was a lawn of three acres adorned with choice trees, and near at hand a farm house, extensive barns and offices, and a fine coach house in which was kept the only family coach in the town. The relics of a paled deer-park also told of the taste and wealth of earlier owners. Joseph Hiller was a jeweller by trade. Master of the Essex Masonic Lodge, a thorough patriot and a public-spirited Christian citizen. At the Lexington Alarm he led a company from Salem to Cambridge, and served later in the Rhode Island expedition. He was made major of the First regiment of militia in 1778. Washington showed his esteem for him by making him the first collector at Beverly and Salem. In the custom house at the latter place hangs his portrait. The major had an enthusiastic admiration for Washington, and displayed it by wearing an agate seal upon which was a portrait head of the father of his country, beautifully cut in England for its wearer, at a cost of twenty guineas. Having lost his wife, two accomplished daughters presided over his home. With these valued immigrants from quaint old Salem, there came into the green meadows of Lancaster a spicy perfume of East Indian commerce, a novel flavor of nauti cal romance breathing of "the mystery and magic of the sea." Captain Richard J. Cleveland — one of Major Hill- er's sons-in-law, and one of the most highly esteemed of Lancaster's citizens — lost one ship and its valuable cargo, unjustly confiscated by the rapacious English admiral. 264 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Cochrane, under the pretence of authority derived from orders in council. He was soon after robbed of another vessel by Napoleon's agents. The dramatic narrative of Cleveland's daring commercial enterprises has been told by his own modest pen, and public interest in them has been quite recently renewed by a son's loving tribufe to his fath er's memory, entitled : Voyages of a Merchant Navigator. The friends of Jefferson's administration, the French party, as the Federalists stigmatized them, were very few in Lancaster. The most prominent of these were two brothers, Timothy and John Whiting, who, had they been of the political faith then dominant in the commonwealth, might have gained influence and fame proportionate to their ability. As boys of eighteen and sixteen years they marched beside their father — who was a veteran soldier and served Lancaster in 1755, at Lake George — at the head of the company of minute men who hurried from Billerica on the nineteenth of April, 1775, to take part in the pursuit of the British from Lexington. During the revolution the family came to Lancaster to reside. The elder son, Timothy, Jr., succeeded his father as tavern keeper upon the Old Common, was the second postmaster of Lancaster, holding the office for twenty-two years, 1803-1825, and like his brother, became associate justice of the Court of Sessions. At a special election, October 8, 1810, he was the Jeftersonian candidate for Congress, in place of William Stedman of Lancaster, who had resigned his seat ; and again was the unsuccessful nominee for the same office at the regular election in November of the same year. John Whiting served under Arnold and Gates in 1776, and displayed such military ability that he received the commission of ensign in the Twelfth Massachusetts Conti nental Regiment, and when but nineteen years of age was promoted to a first-lieutenancy, with which rank he served on staff duty during the war. He was highly esteemed in GENERAL JOHN WHITING. 265 Lancaster, being a favorite moderator at public meetings, and commonly one of the school-committee. At the age of twenty-nine he was chosen deacon, and was nearly always employed in some capacity in the management of the town's prudential aflairs. Experienced and zealous in military matters, he soon rose to the rank of brigadier- general in the militia. In politics, however, he was less successful, being defeated at several successive elections when candidate for state senator or representative to con gress, although his neighbors very generally waived their whig prejudices, attesting their sense of his manly worth by honoring him with a majority of the town's votes. Politics then raged with a fervor never since exceeded, and partisans indulged in vituperation without restraint of decency ; but political opponents found little in John Whit ing's character to blame, and their attempts to throw ridi cule upon him turned chiefly upon his polite manners. They acknowledged that he was early upon the first battle ground of the revolution, but — "only as a fifer." They credited him with being " a good deacon and a good book binder," but sneered about his ability to "enter and depart from a room with a genteel air." When his friends dilated upon his mastership of the English, Latin and French languages, and the breadth of his general scholarship, his political foes affected to discredit the depth of that scholar ship, and would recognize no merit in him superior to that of his rivals, save that the general could undoubtedly "make the best bow." In 1808, General Henry Dearborn, secretary of war in Jefferson's cabinet, offered him a com mission as lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth U. S. Infantry, which he accepted. He died at Washington, September 3, 1810, aged fifty years. General William Eaton says of him : "He was a most lovable Christian gentleman, a pure and good man." Congress so far heeded the numerous complaints of the suffering people as, in March, 1809, to repeal the embargo, 18 266 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. substituting for it a milder non-intercourse act, which proved inefficient and unsatisfactory to both Democrats and Feder alists. In brief, the administration was anxiously striving to preserve peace, but never pursuing the only peace meas ure that could win respect at home or abroad — diligent preparation for war. Both England and France persisted in insolent aggression ; but near the close of the year 1810, Napoleon revoked all decrees inimical to the United States. England, besides her plundering of defenceless American merchantmen under various pretences, added the grosser outrage of man-stealing under cover of the exercise of a right of search upon the high seas. No sailor upon an American vessel was safe from impressment and slavish service in the British navy, unless he could satisfactorily prove to the kidnappers that he was born on American soil. By the British naval officer — familiar with the un scrupulous methods of the press-gang and lacking able seaman — noble brawn and thoroughbred sea-dog bearing were too often held to be ample proof of allegiance due King George. A strange commentary upon the arrogant enforcement, in 1810, of this alleged right over neutral commerce, was the noisy wrath of Englishmen in 1861, when an United States naval commander arrested two trai tors on board the Trent. There was also much reason to suspect that British influence was busily instigating the powerful Indian tribes both of the West and the South to begin hostilities. Submission to such insults and injuries had long dishonored the nation. Without navy or army, military leaders or financial resources adequate to the emer gency, June 19, 181 2, war was declared. The vote in Congress that decided the question was practically divided on geographic lines, and so fierce was the heat of political partisanship that the opponents of the administration uni versally protested against the war as suicidal and unneces sary, and declared that only oflice-holders, oflSce-seekers, bankrupts and a Jacobin mob favored it. THE WAR OF 1812. 267 On Wednesday, June 24, 1812, at a special town-meet ing called in Lancaster to remonstrate against the declaring of war with England, Jonathan Wilder, Moses Smith, Eli Stearns, Jacob Fisher, Joseph Wales, Josiah Flagg and Jonas Lane were chosen a committee to present suitable resolutions. The report of this committee, made after an hour's adjournment, was read and accepted, one hundred and fifteen voting for, and fifteen against it. It was ordered that a copy should be transmitted to the President of the United States, and that it should be printed in the Colum bian Centinel. In that paper it appeared as follows, in the issue of July 4 : At a numerous meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of Lancaster legally convened for the purpose of considering the alarming state of the country, — The following REPORT of their Com mittee was almost unanimously adopted. The right of expressing our opinion of public men and measures, is a privilege guaranteed and secured to us by our National as well as State Constitutions. And at this alarming crisis of national concerns when recent intelligence confirms the belief that we are now upon the eve of a British war it is impossible for good citizens anxious for their general wel fare not to feel deeply interested in so great an event. And sensibly affected by that interest it is an indispensable duty to God and their country to give expression to their feelings and sentiments on a measure which involves everything dear and valuable in society. But although such a cause of procedure may have no immediate influence on the plans and measures now adopting by the General Government, yet when com bined with similar expressions of other towns and sections of the country, it will evince to Congress and the world, that the great mass of the people, especially in the Eastern States, are utterly averse to a war, in the prosecu tion of which they are unable to discover anything but ruin to themselves and misery to their posterity. Were it probable in the view of govern ment that this would have been the issue, good policy it should seem, would have dictated a state of preparation adequate to the exigency of the case — Against such a day of darkness and of danger a wise and prudent administration would have laid up something in store to have softened and alleviated the aflSictions and distresses incident to such a state. But it is a melancholy consideration and one that must sicken and damp the cour age of even the stoutly brave, that we are now to be plunged into a war with the most powerful maritime nation on the globe without any adequate means of attack or self defence. 268 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. From this concise view of the subject, and considering the defenceless state of the nation — the inadequacy of means to annoy the declared enemy — the want of resources to prosecute the war with effect — the uncertainty of its duration — and almost certainty of its terminating whether sooner. or later in our own disgrace and ruin, a picture is presented fraught with scenes the bare imagination of which shock humanity and fill the soul with awful gloom. From these considerations connected with many others that naturally crowd upon our minds, and in compliance with the views and wishes of the patriotic town of Boston, your Committee are induced to recommend to the town for their discussion and adoption the following resolutions. Resolved — as the sense of this town that although we deem it a duty to submit to the wise and wholesome laws of the government, still under existing circumstances we are constrained to declare that we consider a British War as neither founded in justice, necessity or good policy, and as calculated only to bring an endless train of evils upon ourselves, and in volve our posterity in ruin and disgrace. That in the prosecution of a War against England we can discern nothing but a total destruction of the remnant of our maritime rights — a prostration of the agricultural and mechanic interests — an enormous increase of the public debt — unparal leled taxes and a host of tax gatherers following in the rear. In the event of such a war, we also perceive in the background an alliance with France, whose embrace experience of the past foretells will be our political death. Resolved — That we consider it the true interest of our nation to main tain a neutral position, and pursuing the Washington policy not to depart therefrom without the most urgent necessity — That to suffer the nation to be drawn into the vortex of European politics, and of course participate in their contests and Wars, will inevitably prove the downfall of our infant republic. Resolved — That if the interest or honor of the nation demanded a sacrifice of our lives and fortunes in carrying on an offensive War against either of the belligerents yet we can neither perceive the policy or justice in selecting England as the most suitable object of our resentment. That if the Decrees of France and the Orders in Council of England have oper ated an infringement of neutral rights, documents and facts abundantly show that England was not the first aggressor— And that it is an unde niable fact that England has uniformly declared her Orders in Council repealed whenever France should fully revoke her decrees. Resolved — That we view the restrictive system, in all the forms it has assumed, as inconsistent with the genius and habits of the people,— as re pugnant to the true spirit and meaning of the constitution — as tending to impoverish the nation and eventually, if persisted in, to weaken and finally destroy the government. That we deem it a solemn obligation imposed on every citizen by a true and genuine patriotism to use all fair and hon- THE WAR OF 1812. 269 orable means in the exercise of his elective franchise to produce a speedy change in the Administration of our National Government, and thereby save us from the horrors and calamities of war, and ere it be too late re establish our common country in its wonted peace and happiness, its for mer rank and dignity among the nations of the earth. Lancaster, June 24, 1812. The foregoing report being twice read and discussed voted to adopt the same. Attest. Joseph Hiller, Moderator. Josiah Flagg, Town Clerk. The declaration of war met with very few sympathizers in New England. Like many of his brother clergymen, the pastor of Lancaster, Reverend Nathaniel Thayer, seized the opportunity of a day of "Publick Humiliation and Prayer, appointed by the National Government who had declared War against Great Britain," August 20, 181 2, to preach a denunciatory sermon, in which he inveighed against what he esteemed the iniquitous policy of the ad ministration, taking for his text Jeremiah iv, 19 : .... I am pained at my very heart ; .... I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Probably very few of his congregation but applauded the preacher's political sentiments, although it is related that Jacob Sweetser, indignant at some vehement arraign ment of the administration, slammed his pew door behind him and marched out of the meeting-house, pounding his cane along the aisle as he went. In the warrant summoning a town-meeting, February 21, 1814, the second article was : To consider the propriety of petitioning the legislature of this Com monwealth to adopt such Constitutional Measures, as to them shall seem necessary relative to the oppressive operation of the late embargo law of the United States, as well as to ensure for the people of this Common wealth their Rights as Citizens and as a State, or act anything relating thereto. At the meeting a committee, consisting of Eli Stearns, Moses Smith, Jonathan Wilder, Jonas Lane and Doctor 270 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Samuel Manning, were chosen, and the same day their re port, which follows, was accepted : The Committee appointed by the Town at the meeting held this day, for the purpose of Considering the second article in the Warrant, have attended to that subject and report that considering the present session of the General Court is near closing, and also the small glimmering prospect that a peace may take place, and the oppressive restrictions on commerce be removed : We therefore recommend to the Town to refer the further consideration of the Article to the first Monday in May next at 3 O'Clock in the afternoon. The subject was not again agitated. During the sum mer the depredations of the British navy along the coast created great alarm throughout New England. When, on September i, 1814, the force of Sir John Sherbrook cap tured Castine, fears of an attack upon Boston were awak ened, and a proclamation was issued convening the legis lature. Governor Strong also, in a general order dated September 6, called upon the militia to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice, and summoned the artillery and several light-infantry companies to report at Boston for immediate service. The appearance of the hostile fleet off Gloucester and Cape Cod, exacting heavy ransom from various towns, kept the public excitement at fever heat. Extensive earth-works were thrown up upon Noddle's Island and at South Boston, by volunteer work ing parties of the inhabitants of the city and adjoining towns, Benjamin Apthorp Gould, a native of Lancaster, was at that date master of the Boston Latin School, and one day led his flock of boys to be ferried over and aid in the work. More than fifty militia companies were en camped about the city before the end of the month. Among the first to arrive were the Light Artillery and a Light Infantry Company of Lancaster. The cannon and other military property of the state in this town were then kept at the North Village in a structure the origin of which is given in the orders of council, June 12, 1801 : One hundred and twenty dollars in favor of Captain Jacob Fisher commander of a Company of Artillery in the Town of Lancaster, THE WAR OF 1812. 271 in full for erecting a gun house for the depositing their field pieces and other military apparatus therein agreeably to the Resolves of the General Court. This artillery company was commanded by Captain John Lyon, who, on Sunday, September 14, 1814, after a service at the church, led it to Cambridge. The tradition is that he returned to his home before the next morning. Certainly his official duties speedily devolved upon another. Several of the privates were temporary substitutes procured by those who were unable or unwilling to do duty as soldiers. The list of those who actually served for two months follows : Roll of detached Cotnpany of Artillery of Captaitt Silas Parker from Lancaster and vicinity in Lieut. Col. Edward's Regt. iti service at Boston, frotn Sept. 8M to Nov. ^th^ 18 14. Silas Parker, Captain. John Taylor, Lieut. Abraham Mallard, Lieut* Sergeants : Abijah Brown, Nathaniel Thayer. Privates Edward Brown, Thomas Safford, Samuel Damon, Jonathan Osgood, Titus Wilder, Nathaniel Gould, Josias Johnston, Reuben Blood, Samuel Churchill, William McLalen, Ephraim Walden, Hannibal Laughton, Artemas H. Brown, Gardner Maynard, Apollus Osgood, Thomas Phelps, Asa Goddard, Samuel Mepee, Odel Brown, Henry Houghton, Liberty B. Moses, John Lynch, Ephraim C. Fisher, Phinehas Sawyer, Israel Haskell, Benjamin S. Rice, Calvin Wheeler, Prosper Randall, Alvin Randall, Ebenezer Wilder, Robert Hewson, John Lynn, Ebenezer Taylor, George Phelps. The infantry company, having been ordered out through some misunderstanding, returned after an absence of less than a week. It was commanded by Captain Ezra Sawyer, but no roll of its men has been found. Nathan Puffer served during the war as an artificer in the United States artillery. Among the death records of the town is the name of Henry Moore, "killed in a battle with British troops and Indians at Brownstown, August [4J 1812 ;" and Josiah Rugg, "in the army," died of fever, aged twenty-nine, November 22, 1813. Two sons of 272 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. General John Whiting, who attained distinction in their country's service, won their first military honors in the campaigns of 1812-1814. Henry Whiting was born in Lancaster, 1788, and died at St. Louis, September 16, 185 1. His army record is as follows : Cornet Light Dragoons 20 Oct. 1808; second-lieutenant Sept. 1809; first-lieutenant, 20 Aug. 181 1 ; aid to Brigadier-General Boyd ; brevet cap tain, 17 March 1814, for meritorious service ; transferred to Fifth Infantry, 17 May, 1815; captain, 3 March, 1817; transferred to First Artillery, i June, 1821 ; brevet major, 17 March, 1824, for ten years faithful service; brevet lieutenant-colonel, 30 June, 1834, for faithful and meritorious service ; major, quartermaster, 23 Feb., 1835 ; lieutenant-colonel, deputy quarter- ma.ster-general, 7 July, 1838 ; colonel, assistant quartermaster-general, 21 April, 1846 ; brevet brigadier-general, 23 Feb. 1847, for gallant and meri torious conduct at the battle of Buena Vista. Fabius, a younger brother of Henry — born 1792, died May 16, 1842 — has the following record : Second-Lieutenant Artillerists, 10 Feb., 1812; in First Artillery March, 18 12; first-lieutenant 20 June, 18 13; transferred to Corps Artillery, 12 May, 1814; captain, 10 Sept., 1819; transferred to First Artillery, i June, 1821 ; brevet major, 10 Sept., 1829, for ten years faithful service in one grade. Levi Whiting — son of Timothy, and cousin of Henry and Fabius — born in Lancaster, 1790, also won honorable rank in the regular army : Second-lieutenant Artillerists, 10 Feby. 1812, in First Artillery, March 1812; transferred to Corps Artillery, 12 May, 1814; first-lieutenant, 14 June 1814 ; transferred to Fourth Artillery, i June, 1821 ; captain, 22 May, 1822; brevet major, 21 May, 1832, for ten years faithful service in one grade; major First Artillery, 19 March, 1842; lieutenant-colonel i April, 1850. Died 3 August, 1852. Other men of Lancaster, whose names are undiscovered, doubtless served either in army or navy. The brief, un popular war ended in a treaty that did not pretend to adjust the grievances that caused it, and neither nation has cause to remember it with pride, save for the valor shown in the desperate contests upon the ocean and lakes. The procla mation of peace was received with universal joy. Soon LANCASTER'S AUGUSTAN AGE. 273 emigration began its westward march ; manufactures, trans planted from France, England and Germany to the river sides of New England, showed healthy and vigorous growth ; and prosperity made bright the faces of farmer, merchant and mechanic. Most nations point with pride to some epoch in their growth as the Augustan age of their history. So not infre quently a town may boast, with sighs for subsequent de cadence, an era when some intellectual coterie, some con currence of choice spirits elevated the average tone of thought, and stirred the neighborhood to loftier aims and a nobler social life ; a period when business activity sought the honorable acquisition of the means of comfortable liv ing, and was not, as now, a hurried, pauseless race for the dazzling prizes in a lottery ; when personal enterprise was not synonymous with selfish greed, and hospitality had not become offensive with ostentatious display. The golden age of Lancaster shone in the first third of the present century. Though not characterized by restless haste, it was nevertheless a busy era. Robert Stephenson had not yet harnessed steam to the wheels of commerce, but a per petual procession of heavily laden wagons drawn by horses wore deep ruts in the highways that traversed the town from west to east, bearing freights of country produce to the city markets and returning with assorted merchandise to stock the village stores. These wagons, numbering about forty per day, Sunday inclusive, averaged fully a ton of freight each. Coaches filled with travellers, drawn by four or six horses, daily dashed into town, halted at the central inn long enough to change the wheelers, exchange the mail and pick up or set down a passenger or two, and then dashed out of town again. The incoming of the " mail stage" was the most important daily episode in village life. As the hour of its arrival drew near, a motley group of young and old gathered about the store in which the post- office was kept — the majority not so much because of any 274 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. expectation of private letters, but to stare curiously at the passengers and get an item of gossip from the city. Until A. D. 1800, Lancaster was the terminus of the "Boston, Concord and Lancaster mail line," and Jonathan Whitney, its proprietor, sent the mail and chance passengers hence to Leominster and beyond by special conveyance. Not many years later the mail route was extended and made daily. The fare from Lancaster to Boston was two dollars, and each passenger was allowed fourteen pounds of baggage free. Taverns abounded, sometimes number ing one to the mile along the more frequented highways, and they were not too many for the hungry and thirsty wayfarers. Nightly there congregated in each bar-room a jolly company, and, in the cold season, around the blaz ing fire of logs that roared and crackled in the wide- throated chimney, many a merry catch was sung, many a tough yarn spun, many a laughter-provoking joke cracked. In the red coals upon the hearth lay the pokers conven iently hot for the brewing of flip, and the toddy stick beat continual tattoo upon the tumblers' bottoms. A grizzled revolutionary soldier often sat in the chimney corner — some veteran like William Deputron or Jacob Zwears, always ready to "fight his battles o'er," or accept a treat. Against his name upon the slate hanging behind the bar usually grew a lengthening score rarely wiped out ; but for what he had been and done and suffered in "the days that tried men's, souls," no one grudged the old soldier the warm nook by the fireside, and his maudlin repetitions of camp stories were patiently endured. The ^gis or Spy once a week opened for the landlord and his guests a glimpse of the world's progress. In these diminutive and ill printed sheets they by turn could con the "latest news" from Europe — two months old — and a "despatch just arrived from Washington" — dated a week previous to publishing day. In the harvest season, husking bees brought together LANCASTER'S AUGUSTAN AGE. 275 young and old, male and female, and, with jovial din, quick hands would clean the barn floor of a huge obstructive mound of corn ; then refreshed with unlimited pumpkin pie and sweet cider, every Jack would find his Jill, and responsive to the summons of some Fiddler John, the rustic ball began, and joyous activity made amends for any lack of cultured grace. Now and then a "raising" brought out all the stout arms of the town to help in the setting up of a new roof-tree, where the common thirst excited by much hallooing and emulative lifting of heavy timber, was sated with a compound fabricated with molasses, gin, and a modicum of water, known as black-strap. But an auction by administrator or sheriff was an event of excelling interest in the community, for attendance at which all ordinary duties were made to give way, and even bar-rooms were deserted. At a public vendue, better than at all other assemblages, were to be studied the quainter specimens of Lancastrian eccentricity. There, rough dia monds jostling together threw out scintillations of rude, sparkling wit. Thither came the " deacon's one horse shay," nearly ripe for its logical catastrophe, drawn by a worthy descendant of that veritable quadruped which, un der the name of Rozinante, the genius of Cervantes has immortalized. There might be seen every manner of wheeled vehicle that had been invented in America before A. D. 1800, in every stage of picturesque dilapidation. Every fashion of dress known of Yankeedom had there its votary. The 'squire and the minister, with pig-tail queues tied with black ribbon, black breeches, silk stockings and glittering paste buckles at the instep of their low shoes, there took snuff with other clean-shaven gentlemen of the old school, who wore their long hair clubbed, sported ruffled shirt fronts and Hessian boots with tassels pendent from the tops, and carried silver-headed canes. Yeo men, in leather breeches and coats made of a coarse satinet that had been home-spun, home-woven and home- 276 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. dyed, chaffered with villagers clad in cassimere pantaloons, brass buttoned, blue broadcloth coats with swallow tails, and buff vests. Individualism had not then been crushed out by tyranny of fashion in dress, the dictation of social arbiters, or the averaging processes of compulsory educa tion ; and queer folk were not as now segregated for show in cheap museums or hidden in lunatic asylums and hospi tals, but walked about among their kin unabashed. Jovial ity reigned over the scene, and warming pans, tall clocks, brass andirons, flag-bottomed chairs, spinning wheels and blue crockery were knocked down to the dilatorj' bidders, at prices which no sane modern auctioneer would deign to accept as a first bid lor such esthetic heirlooms. The mechanics of the town were widely known for their versatility and superior workmanship. People came from long distances to the whitesmith, Gowen B. Newman, for his conscientious work, and some of his tools even now remain to testify to his skill. Tanners, fullers and hatters plied their handicrafts, and every little village had its black smith, wheelwright, cobbler and cooper. Here and there would be found some ideal mechanical genius, a genuine Yankee jack-at-all-trades, like John Bigelow who played the violin in the choir on Sundays, and on week days de veloped such a knack for successfully tinkering refractory clocks and watches that he quite spoiled the business of the regular watch repairer. Major Jacob Fisher, and finally found his proper career at the head of a noted Boston firm of jewellers. The story of the obscure shoemaker who made slippers for Parisian belles, deserves telling for its moral if nothing more. On a cross-road in the southern part of Bolton stood a humble cottage with a little unpainted shop near by, wherein lived and worked a Quaker cordwainer, by name Holder. He was no common cobbler. The sur passing excellence of his work gained the attention of the wealthier ladies of Lancaster and vicinity, and soon they LANCASTER'S AUGUSTAN AGE. 277 would wear no shoes but those of his make. When Cap tain Cleveland went to Havana as vice consul, Mrs. Cleve land left the measure of her foot with Friend Holder, and every year packages of shoes went from his little shop to her, and certain Cuban friends of hers. While S. V. S. Wilder resided in Paris, Mrs. Wilder periodically sent orders to the Quaker expert ; and not for herself alone, since several of her acquaintances, ambitious of being as well shod as their American friend, found no readier way than to become patrons of the rustic shoemaker thousands of miles distant, in a Bolton byway ; and his handiwork often crossed the ocean to shame the skill of the Parisian Crispins. To become a master carpenter in those days required a long apprenticeship, for everything that entered into the construction and fitting of a house for occupancy was laboriously fashioned from the rough lumber by hand. Of thoroughly educated and honest builders Lancaster had a goodly row, as the carpentry of certain old mansions can yet attest. For many years Eli Stearns stood at the head of these workers in wood. The Sprague house is perhaps the best example of his workmanship. When the Brick church was erected in 1816, he was chosen chairman of the building committee, being then sixty years of age ; and it is related that the workmen upon that edifice soon found that there was little use in trying to conceal any inferior work from his vigilant eye. Game and fish were not only abundant, but some ani mals now rare anywhere, then haunted the wilder recesses of the extensive forests on the borders of the larger ponds. Now and then a deer or an otter was seen ; raccoons were common, and the lynx prowled about on his murderous errands. There still survived a few of that race of men now almost extinct in the older states, who possessed an instinct for hunting and trapping. They were not capari soned with the outfit now deemed almost essential ; they 278 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. carried neither double-barreled shot-gun nor breech-loader, nor split bamboo rod with invisible line and artificial bait. Their weapons were a flint-lock smooth-bore, home-wrought powder-horn and shot-pouch, home-made flax fishing lines, and traps fashioned by the owner. With an intelligence always alert, they had also an inborn faculty for acquiring an intimacy with the occult habits of beast and bird and fish, such as insures success in their pursuit ; and their habits of observation were joined to such quickness of vision and hearing that if fortune had so directed they might have become famous naturalists. Types of the better class of yeomany were common ; men who daily delved with their own hands in all the arduous duties of the farm ; legitimate sons of the soil, but no groundlings in the political or social theatre. As early in spring as the retreating frost left the fields mellow, they were seen barefoot, with trousers rolled to the knees, behind their oxen in the furrow ; and all the months of summer and autumn their toilsome lives were a practical oration upon the dignity of labor. They were diligent readers, or students rather, of the few choice books attain able ; thought much about the various problems of human life, and showed abundance of hard common sense in dis cussing the political or social questions of the period with their neighbors or the minister. At town-meeting often one of them, with shrewd, Socratic argument, would prick the bubble scheme of a demagogue, or pluck the palm of forensic victory from the 'squire himself. From farming to the calculus seems a long step ; but a majority of the farmers of the day had implicit faith in lunar influence upon most mundane matters, from the boil ing of pork in the pot to the success of important enter prises ; and the almanac took rank next to the Bible in the frequency with which its counsels were sought. The phases of the moon may almost be said to have governed the sowing of seed and the gathering of harvest. A local LANCASTER'S AUGUSTAN AGE. 279 almanac-maker even was not wanting. Asa Houghton began publishing astronomical calculations about 1796, and for twenty years at least "The Gentlemen's and Ladies' Diary and Almanac " had an extended patronage. Hough ton, in his annual address to the public, sometimes indulged in somewhat stilted rhetoric about the "awfully sublime ideas" inspired in the almanac-maker by "the study of that Divine and Heavenly Science, Astronomy ;" but his math ematical deductions seem to have been sufficiently accurate, and his pages of miscellany of fully average interest and usefulness. A rival almanac was published for a few years in Harvard. It was many years later that the use of lead or iron pipe for conducting water into dwellings became common here ; but two acqueduct companies, one incorporated as early as 1797, utilized the famous springs of Quasaponikin and George Hills, bringing water to the inhabitants of the Neck and the village of New Boston in bored logs, speci mens of which in perfect preservation occasionally even yet come to the surface. Sectarian differences existed, but had not engendered bitterness in discussion, nor lessened the general harmony of social relations. There was but one meeting-house, one religious society ; and the deservedly revered pastor, Na thaniel Thayer, was the prominent central figure of the town — its very centre of gravity. Nor was he prized by the community only as the competent public teacher of divine truth, and sought for as a benignant presence to bless occasions of rejoicing and to comfort in great sorrow. The prayer from his lips was the never-failing prelude to business at the town-meeting. The young bashfully, the old unreservedly confided their hopes, soul experiences, and troubles to him, assured of hearty sympathy and wise counsel. He was the repository of family secrets ; the composer of neighborhood disputes ; the ultimate referee in mooted points of taste and opinion ; the universal arbiter. 28o ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Though hedged about with such native dignity as would become a prince, yet he was beloved of children, and his affability knew no difference between those who sat exalted in the choice pews and the humblest in the congregation. Before five o'clock in the summer mornings he could be seen tilling his own garden, and in the after part of the day he rode over his parish, stopping with every one he met for greeting and kindly inquiry. To this era belongs the honor of founding the Latin Grammar School, long known as the Lancaster Academy. Captain Richard J. Cleveland and his accomplished wife, anxious about the education of their own sons, proposed its establishment, contributed liberally to its support, and at the recommendation of their friend. President Kirkland of Harvard College, secured the services of Jared Sparks as its instructor, in 1815. The experiment proved full of promise, as the following advertisement from the Colum bian Centinel of April 26, 1817, gives evidence: LANCASTER SCHOOL. The Latin Grammar School in Lancaster will commence on the 22'' May next, on an improved plan. A commodious house is erecting for the purpose, and an approved instructor is provided. Tuition is five dollars a quarter, and board may be had in respectable families near the school, at two dollars a week, including washing, fire, &c. Lancaster is a pleas ant and healthy town, 34 miles from Boston, and combines as many advantages for a school of this description as perhaps any town in the country. A stage runs between this town and Boston every day. It is believed that parents designing to fit their sons for college or for active life in any employment, will find this school perfectly adapted to their wishes. For further particulars inquiry may be made of Rev. PRESIDENT KIRK LAND, or of Mr. J. SPARKS Tutor at Cambridge, or of Dr. JACKSON, Summer Street, Boston. This edifice of 1817 was a small, low walled, square structure of wood, painted red, with a hipped roof. In it the late George B. Emerson, LL. D., began his career as a teacher. The residence of the Clevelands was near by, a home rich in music, good books and pure taste. Mrs. Dorcas Hiller Cleveland would have been a queen in LANCASTER'S AUGUSTAN AGE. 281 society wherever fortune had placed her ; but she was much more than this. Although gifted with personal grace and beauty, educated in all the useful as well as ornamen tal accomplishments of a gentlewoman, and endowed with rare intellectual powers, the few living who knew and loved her remember be.st her moral attributes. She wrote papers upon religious topics which were considered admirable in tone and thought. She had given much study to the sub ject of female education, and contributed a series of essays to the Advertiser, which make us regret that her ideas upon this topic, which she was so competent to handle, were not elaborated for preservation in more permanent form. But the subtle influence of her opinions was doubtless far reach ing in beneficent results, for in the genial domestic circle over which she presided, were often welcomed those schol arly young men who soon after laid the foundations of our present common-school system. While enjoying the charm ing hospitality of host and hostess, they heard discussed the writings of Pestalozzi and the theories of Joseph Lan caster ; and there they formulated those advanced opinions respecting the teacher's mission and the pupil's needs upon which they subsequently organized the educational institu tions of this commonwealth. To Warren Colburn, Jared Sparks, George B. Emerson, Solomon P. Miles and James G. Carter, who in the most enthusiastic period of their life's work, sat at the hospitable board of the Clevelands and debated about the natural method of developing the reasoning powers in children, is due the honor of originating in Massachusetts the normal and graded school system, as much as to Horace Mann, who has won the chief renown. And today, studying moral and social results, it may well be doubted whether much of the gradual departure from their original, simple scheme of education, has not been in effect unfortunate. At the beginning of the century common cotton cloth of English make was retailed at about thirty-three cents per 19 282 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. yard, and there were but two or three small cotton factories in New England. By the close of the war the same grade of cloth had more than doubled in price, and over fifty manufactories of textile fabrics had been organized in Massachusetts alone. The enterprise of a Frenchman had given promise of adding greatly to the material prosperity of Lancaster. In 1809, a dapper, bald-headed man, wear ing a queue and carrying a gold-headed cane, appeared in town, investigating the merits of its various water-power privileges. Soon it was known that David Poignand, a native of the island of Jersey, and his son-in-law, Samuel Plant, an Englishman by birth, had purchased the site of the Prescott mill in the south part of the town ; and there they set up a cotton factory, one of the earliest successfully operated in the state. In recognition of the value, and difficulties of establishing, a new industry, Poignand & Plant's mill was temporarily exempted from local taxation. In peaceful later years this enterprise attained great pros perity. King Cotton had begun his long and arbitrary reign in America, The war of 181 2 so stimulated manu factures that when peace again opened the market for cheap foreign merchandise, a protective tariff became a patriotic necessity. The revolution of 1775 ensured the United States political freedom ; the war of 1812 was the cradle of her industrial independence. WAR WITH ALGIERS. Hardly had the treaty of Ghent been consummated when the United States sent Commodore Stephen Decatur, with a powerful naval force, to visit Algiers with retributive justice for its insolent violations of neutrality during the war with England, and its piratical depredations upon American commerce. Accompanying Decatur, whom he admirably seconded by his diplomatic skill and personal daring in deahng with the barbarous court of Algiers, to which he THE WAR WITH ALGIERS. 283 was credited as consul general and chief commissioner, was William Shaler, for some years a citizen of Lancaster. In the year 1800, Captain Richard J. Cleveland and Wil liam Shaler met for the first time at the Island of Mauritius, being both young and akin in ambitious energy and manly worth. This casual meeting upon a foreign strand devel oped into commercial partnership, and ripened into a friend ship that closed only with their lives. Mr. Shaler visited Captain Cleveland at his Lancaster home, and, charmed with the loveliness of the Nashua valley, purchased a house near his friend, in which, being a confirmed bachelor, he installed a widowed sister, with her children, about 1820. He was rich in all those personal gifts that mark the nat ural rulers of men ; a man whom those who could boast his friendship used to recall as the peer in social and phys ical graces of Daniel Webster in the fulness of his man hood. One who saw the first coming of this stately gen tleman into the assemblage awaiting the opening of the mail at the post-office one day, was wont to describe the tableau thus: "Why, they opened right and left, and shrunk out of his way as though a desert lion had walked in upon them." Upon a wall of the English church in the Moorish cap ital has been placed a memorial tablet in honor of "Mr Wilfiam Shaler Consul-General of the United States, who during all the troublous times preceding and subsequent to Lord Exmouth's operations, when the British consul was in chains, and when he and his family were subsequently expelled by the Dey, rendered most eminent service to them and to the British nation." In October, 1823, the Kabyles in the mountains revolted, and Hussein Pasha ordered that any and all members of that tribe should be seized, wherever found, and dragged to slavery or a dun geon. It so happened that many of them, the race being esteemed for their cleanliness and fidelity, were the domes tic servants of the foreign ambassadors. The emissaries 284 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. of the Dey, contemptuous of all protests, bore away their victims from the consular residences of other nations, but when they came to the American consulate they encoun tered upon its threshold, standing imder the stars and stripes, sword in hand, the stalwart consul himself; and as he told them that they should take his servants from the protection of that flag only by passing over his body, the look of stern resolution in his grey eye spoke more forcibly than words even. The scowling barbarians quailed, and finally withdrew, foiled of their prey. William Shaler, returning from Africa to Lancaster, published an octavo volume, entitled "Sketches of Algiers," which was favor ably received. He had deserved so well of his country that, although a thorough whig in political faith, he was in 1829 selected by Andrew Jackson for the post of consul at Havana, then, with the exception of Liverpool, the most remunerative diplomatic position in the president's gift. The United States had hitherto been represented in Cuba only by a commercial agent, and to gain Shaler's accept ance, this office was raised to the rank of that held by him at Algiers. Before leaving Lancaster he purchased the Cleveland estate, and Captain and Mrs. Cleveland accompanied him to Cuba. In the spring of 1833, Havana was visited by a fearful epidemic. The cholera in a single day numbered five hundred victims. About five o'clock one evening, William Shaler came in from the street and took to his bed. At seven the next morning he was dead. GKN^ FRANCIS WASHBURN. VII. THE REBELLION 1861-1865. THE constitution of the United States, as ratified in 1787, was a compromise. Of the patriotic statesmen who framed it, many signed their assent with misgiving, and even with protest. Some, esteeming it too democratic, predicted the dismemberment of the confederation, sooner or later, because of the lack of a sufficiently strong central power. Others were disturbed by forebodings of mon- archial possibilities, and insisted that by its provisions the sovereign states were called upon to surrender too much to congress and the executive. A phrase or two of elastic significance, admitted for the purpose of harmonizing local prejudices at the time, became later a fertile source of acri monious debate. The bitterest apple of discord was the provision which protected property in human beings, at the same time recognizing these so called chattels as three- fifths human, and allotting to the proprietors of them in several states a proportionate political representation in national councils. This sanctioning of sectional and aris tocratic privilege in a government claiming to be based upon the principle of natural democratic equality, at once gave birth to an "irrepressible conflict" between North and South — oligarchist and republican. From the outset this antagonism was, by the wise, foretold to be inevitable. It began with the first congress and grew more fierce and ungovernable year by year. Washington, himself a slave holder, in prophetic spirit wrote to a friend : "I can clearly foresee that nothing but the rooting out of slavery can per- 286 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. petuate the existence of our Union, by consolidating it in a common bond of principle." Disruption, often threatened, was long evaded by concession and subterfuge ; but the insolence and usurpations of the privileged oligarchists finally culminated in open rebellion. Beaten at the ballot- box, they appealed to the sword. That appeal resulted in emancipation, radical amendment of the constitution, and — logically consequent upon the political and military vic tory of free labor — a revolution in the moral sentiment of the nation, even yet not fully consummate. A brief sketch of the part taken by Lancaster in this struggle for national integrity, and a roster, reasonably complete and correct, of Lancastrians who rallied round the insulted flag, is all that is contemplated in the following pages. No sooner was it known throughout the nation that Abraham Lincoln had been constitutionally elected Presi dent, than the " political hacks and bar-room bulfies," who led, or seemed to lead, public sentiment in the states south of Mason and Dixon's line, plied all their arts and energies to work destruction to the government which Southern poHcy had largely controlled, until that day, during three- fourths of a century. The North, slow to wrath, remained for a time almost apathetic, scornfully beheving the boast ful threats and military preparations of the southern "fire eaters" to be "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." The cannon of Sumter proclaimed the audacity of the con spirators and patriotism awoke to the imminent danger. Treason, sagaciously planned and boldly led, efficiently armed and equipped at the nation's cost, was already on the march to the capital, and must be met. The free states were all unready for the encounter. Massachusetts was almost singular in possessing a militia organized and capa ble of speedy mobilization. On Monday, April 15, 1861, the President called for seventy-five thousand volunteers to serve for three months. Four days later, on the anniver sary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, the Massa- THE REBELLION. 287 chusetts Sixth Regiment shed the first blood of the war in the streets of Baltimore. It was the first volunteer military organization to reach the Capital, already in great peril. In this regiment was one soldier of Lancaster, Henry Jackson Parker. The bloody outbreak of a secessionist mob in Baltimore, soon known in every village, intensified the previous excitement. The bitterness of barbarous war had begun. Monday evening, April 22, a mass-meeting of the citizens of Lancastef, at the town hall, considered the grave dangers threatening the foundations of the re public. Dr. J. L. S. Thompson was chairman of the meeting, and Henry C. Kimball, A. M., secretary. The patriotic enthusiasm of the assemblage did not need to be kindled with flaming oratory. Earnest feeling broke forth in impassioned speech, and many lips became unwontedly eloquent under the inspiration of the occasion. It was determined to call a legal meeting of the town at the ear liest day possible, and Jacob Fisher and Charles L. Wilder were appointed a committee to report to such town- meeting what action in the premises they might deem necessary or desirable, Woodbury Whittemore and Chris topher A. Pollard were appointed a committee to canvass the town for volunteers to a company to be raised for the defence of the Union. During the evening thirty names were enrolled. It was also resolved to organize a company of " home guards." Suitable resolutions were offered by Honorable Francis B. Fay, and unanimously adopted by a rising vote amid "tumultuous applause." The warrant calling a town-meeting, April 29, 1861, contained these articles : .... 2. To see what action the Town will take in reference to the present state of the country, and act thereon. 3. To see if the Town will raise money to defray the expenses of an outfit for the Lancaster Volunteer Company now being raised to tender their services to the Government for the defence of the Union, and for the purpose of granting aid to the families of said Volunteers in their absence, or act anything relating thereto. 288 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. On the designated day the voters filled the town hall, and elected as presiding officer, Solon Whiting, Esq., brother of two noted soldiers whose record has been given in previous pages. The committee appointed at the citi zens' meeting of April 22, presented their reports : Report of Cotntnittee on Busittess. The Committee would recommend that a Committee of seven be chosen by the Town to have charge of such funds as may be voted by the Town, and that said Committee have full power to expend any portion, or all of such appropriation for the above purpose as they may deem expedient. — That the Town pay each Volunteer from the time called for until discharged thirteen dollars per month, in addition to Government pay, and one dollar per day for each day devoted to drill not exceeding thirty days, and not less than six hours to be considered a day. — That the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized to borrow on behalf of the Town, any sum that may be needed for the above purpose not exceeding Five Thousand Dollars, sub ject to the order of the above Committee, and that George W. Howe, George Dodge, John M. Washburn, John Bennett, Anthony Lane, J. L. S. Thompson and J. Marshall Damon constitute said committee. Respectfully submitted, C. L. Wilder, Jacob Fisher. After the reading of the Report the several parts were separately considered and the report unanimously adopted, Jacob Fisher and C. L. Wilder being added to the com mittee. Report of Cottitnittee oti Outfit for Volunteers. Outfit for forty men : 2 Shirts apiece ; 80 shirts, at 1.50, $120 00 2 Flannel Waistcoats ; 80 waistcoats, at i.oo, .... 80 00 40 Woollen Blankets, lined with brown drill, 160 00 40 Rubber Blankets, at 1.50, 60 00 80 pr. Socks, at .50, 40 00 40 light colored soft Felt Hats, at 2.00 80 00 $540 00 Henry C. Kimball, for Comtnittee. Report of Comtnittee on Volunteer Compatty. Your committee appointed on Monday, the 22d inst., to inquire into the practicability of raising a company of Volunteer Militia, and to take THE REBELLION. 289 such measures for so doing as they may deem necessary, respectfully beg leave to ofl[er the following report: That they have canvassed the town with a roll of enlistment and the result is that about forty names of steady and able bodied young men have been enrolled to serve in the Volunteer Militia, with the understanding that they are liable at any moment to be called into active service. Your committee further report that they have conferred with a similar committee of the citizens of the town of Sterling, with a view to unite with said town in raising an efficient company for immediate service ; and that the committee of the town of Sterling have given assurance that they would appear to make all necessary arrangements for a union company at or immediately after the present town-meeting. Your committee would respectfully recommend that the town of Lan caster raise and equip for active service one-half of said union company, and that an armory be obtained free of expense to the state, as a deposi tory of the arms of the Lancaster members of said company. All of which is respectfully submitted, by W. Whittemore, C. A. Pollard, for Committee. After listening to the patriotic speeches of several citi zens, upon the importance of making every sacrifice for the support of government, the meeting adjourned. A legal meeting, June 8, Henry C. Kimball being mod erator, heard a verbal report from the committee of nine, and after some discussion, deeming no instructions neces sary, leit the committee to take such further action as they might deem advisable. At the town-meeting of November 14, a report was presented by the committee, showing that they had expended for outfit of the volunteers the follow ing sums : Paid for drilling — Volunteers, $357 00 " Drill-master, 20 00 " E. Ballard, for printing, 2 50 " Cobb, Whittemore, Burbank, for swords, 60 00 " Committee of ladies, 31 42 " George Dodge, for towels, 7 74 " F. B. Fay, for cash advanced, 250 00 Balance due at expiration of 90 days, 241 50 $970 16 290 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. An independent military company, organized in May, 1853, well drilled and equipped, existed in Clinton, called the Clinton Light Guard, several members of which, and all the officers, were natives of Lancaster. This company at an early date offered its services to the government, and it was understood would be attached to a Worcester county regiment, to be commanded by Colonel Charles Devens, Jr., and called the Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry. It was resolved to use the forty men enlisted in Lancaster as the nucleus of a second company to be raised for the same regiment. Bolton and Harvard joined Lancaster in its formation, and the organization received the name. Fay Light Guard, in respect for Honorable Francis Ball Fay. At an election of officers and non-commissioned officers, Thomas Sherwin, Jr., then principal of the Houghton School in Bolton, was chosen captain. The company, re cruited to the number of seventy-eight men, after three weeks' diligent drill in Lancaster, went to Camp Scott, at Worcester, and was joined to the Fifteenth Massachusetts as Company I. For some reason never satisfactorily ex plained to those most deeply interested, Sherwin was denied a commission as commander of the company, and Alfred F. Walcott of Salem was appointed its captain. If, as then believed by the volunteers. Governor Andrew was inspired with distrust of Sherwin's fitness for that office by a secret communication unfavorable to him, from some citizen of Lancaster, the war record of that gallant officer, in connec tion with the Twenty-second Massachusetts Infantry, of which he became lieutenant-colonel, was a significant re proach for such unwise meddling. His men indignantly refused to be sworn into service unless given the officers of their choice, in accordance with promises made and the general custom of that time. They proved persistent in this resolve, and had to be disbanded. Several of the Lan caster volunteers at once enlisted in the Clinton Light Infantry, known as Company C, and nearly all sooner or THE REBELLION. 291 later did their country good service in other organizations. The roll of Company I, July 6, 1861, here follows, his sub sequent enlistment, if any known, being noted after each soldier's name : Captain Thomas Sherwin, Jr. ; teacher. Lieutenant-Colonel Twenty- second Mass. Infty. 1st Lieutenant Woodbury Whittemore ; shoemaker. Twenty-first Mass. Infty. 2d Lieutenant William L. Cobb ; pocketbook-maker. Thirty-fourth Mass. Infty. 3d Lieutenant Levi E. Brigham ; farmer. 4th " Calvin W. Burbank ; teacher. Not in service. 1st Sergeant J. Curtis Ayres; farmer. Fifty-third Mass. Infty. 2d " Christopher A. Pollard ; jeweller. Not in service. 3d " Joseph H. Sawyer of Bolton ; clerk. Thirty-sixth Mass. Infty. 4th " George Lyman Stratton. Not in service. 1st Corporal George K. Richards ; farmer. Sixteenth Mass. Infty. 2d " Edwin F. Field. Twenty-first Mass. Infty. 3d " Stephen H. Hunting; hostler. First Heavy Artillery. 4th " Silas H. Holman of Bolton ; student. Twenty-third Artillery. Drummer George E. Burgess of Bolton. Twenty-first Mass. Infty. Armorer Francis Henry Fairbank ; pump-maker. Fifteenth Mass. Infty. Private Henry O. Adams of Townsend ; mechanic. Fifteenth " " Galen P. Atherton of Harvard ; farmer. Twenty-first " " Thomas E. Barker of Bolton ; farmer. Twenty-first " " Jacob M. Barnard of Bolton; mechanic. " George Albert Barnes ; mechanic. Sixteenth " " Willard A. Bowers of Bolton ; mechanic. Twenty-first " " Lawrence H. Braman. " Henry F. Brigham of Boylston; miller. Twenty-first " Charles H. Burgess of Harvard ; mechanic. Fifty-sixth " " James E. Burke; farmer. Twenty-first " " Victor Censer of Clinton ; comb-maker. " William Cohen of Clinton. Twenty-first " " George W. Cutler ; mechanic. Fifteenth " " Isaac N. Cutler ; farmer. Fifteenth " " Daniel W. Dickinson of Harvard ; farmer. Fifteenth " " John W. Dickinson of Harvard ; farmer. Fifteenth " " Edward B. Ellis; mechanic. Served in a Vermont regiment. " Warren Ellis ; mechanic. Fifteenth Mass. Infty. " Franklin H. Farnsworth: farmer. Fifteenth " Charles B. Flagg ; farmer. Thirty-fourth " William L. Fox ; sailor. Twenty-first " 292 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Private Charles E. Gould ; mechanic. " James M.Gray; pump-maker. Fifteenth Mass. Infty. " Gilbert W. Greene; mechanic. Fifteenth " " George H. Hardy ; farmer. Twenty-first " " Thomas Hastings of Berlin ; mechanic. Fifteenth " " Charles R. Haven of Bolton ; mechanic. Twenty-first " " Henry H. Hosley ; painter. Fifteenth " " Albert C. Houghton of Bolton ; mechanic. Sixteenth " " Emory H. Houghton; mechanic. " W. W. Ingerson of Harvard ; farmer. Twenty-first " " John James ; farmer. Fifty-third " " William E.Johnson; mechanic. " James Kennedy of Bolton ; mechanic. Twenty-first " " Joseph W. Kingsbury ; farmer. Fifteenth " " George C. Mann ; mechanic. Fifteenth " Charles H. Maynard of Sterling; mechanic. Thirty-fourth " " James Montgomery of Harvard ; farmer. Twenty-first " " Rolla Nicholas of Bolton ; farmer. Thirteenth " Henry J. Nourse of Marlborough; mechanic. Fifteenth " " Oliver L. Nourse of Bolton ; mechanic. Sixteenth " " Luke Ollis ; farmer. Twenty-first " " Nelson Pratt of Bolton ; mechanic. Fifteenth " " John Quinn of Clinton ; mechanic. Twenty-first " " Thomas W. Reid of Clinton ; mechanic. Fifty-third " " Eben W. Richards ; mechanic. Twenty-first " " Henry H. Rugg; farmer. Fifteenth " " James Ryan; mechanic. Thirty-fourth " " William H. Savage of Harvard ; farmer. Fifteenth " " William Schumaker; mechanic. Fourth U. S. Cavalry. " Patrick Shanley. " Charles H. Sinclair ; mechanic. Twenty-first " Francis E. Smith of Clinton ; manufacturer. Fifteenth " Jonas H. Spencer of Clinton; manufacturer. Fifteenth " John B. Stanley of Bolton; mechanic. Fifth U. S. Cavalry. William Stone of Bolton ; student. Nineteenth Mass. Infty. " William Thompson ; teamster. Sixteenth " John Whalen of Clinton. " Harrison Willard ; farmer. George Willis of Stow; farmer. " John S. Williams of Bolton ; mechanic. Fifteenth " " Oliver M. Wise; store-keeper. Died 1861. " Archibald D. Wright of Clinton ; mechanic. Fifteenth " Before the close of August, 1861, nearly forty volun teers representing the town were in the debatable land, THE REBELLION. 293 mostly serving in the Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Twenty-first Massachusetts regiments. Amid huzzas and the waving of handkerchiefs and silken banners they went forth, sing ing as they marched, their faces flushed with hope, believ ing the Lord on their side and dreaming little of the trials before them. Before October ended, four of those in the Fifteenth slept their last sleep in graves upon the banks of the Potomac ; and their surviving comrades were writing home details of the hair-breadth escapes and trying experi ences of their first battle — the crushing defeat of Ball's Blufl". These earliest martyrs of Lancaster were George Wright Cutler, Willard Raymond Lawrence, James Gard ner Warner and Luther Gerry Turner. The captain of the Clinton and Lancaster company, and several of his men, were prisoners of war. The first-lieutenant, Andrew L. Fuller, had reached home but a few days before, having resigned because physically unable to perform military duty. He immediately returned to the regiment, bearing words of cheer and substantial comforts, and brought home a detailed report of the casualties and condition of the survivors. The war that to the community had hitherto seemed far away — a formless, dark shadow in the horizon — became thenceforward a perennially present and defined horror. The excitement at this period was intense, and military enthusiasm took form during November in the organization of a company of home guards, which intrenched itself behind the formidable name of "The Lancaster Independ ent Phalanx." One hundred names were enrolled, of old and young, and meetings for drill were held every Monday evening at the town hall, each member bringing his own arms. Hon. F. B. Fay was the first captain elect, and Solon Whiting, Esq., the second in command. Upon their declining office. Dr. Reuben Barron was made commander, and Lyman Moore lieutenant. On the first of March, 1862, Thomas B. Warren succeeded Doctor Barron. The 294 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. platoons of the Phalanx, after the first few meetings, were rarely of a length unmanageable in the hall, the older members becoming very irregular in attendance. The motley outfit and style of drill at times called up amusing recollections of the annual May Training under the- old militia law, when the street evolutions of the "Slambangs" were the only visible relic of military glory left to inspire the rural patriot. At these drill meetings, however, many a volunteer, who afterwards did good service in the field, received his first lessons in the school of the soldier. December 2, 1861, a citizens' meeting, of which G. F. Chandler was chairman and J. Prescott Wilder secretary, after discussing the needs of the soldiers in the winter's campaigning, chose a committee to ascertain and provide for their wants. This committee was organized as follows : Miss Mary G. Chandler, Dr. J. L. S. Thompson, Mrs. Emily Leighton, G. F. Chandler, Mrs. Joseph H. Dudley, Spencer R. Merrick, Miss Mary T. Humphrey, Horatio D. Humphrey, George Dodge. The selectmen and town-clerk, after correspondence with ofiicers in the Fifteenth and Twenty-first regiments, reported that about thirty Lancaster men were in the field, many of whom were in need of warmer clothing. The committee at once collected by popular subscription the sum of one hundred and sixty-six dollars, with which under-garments and other articles of apparel were pur chased, and forwarded together with numerous special donations. After the town's men were well suppHed, a surplus remaining was transferred to the Sanitary Commis sion. A list of the articles contributed is preserved : 20 pairs boots, 15 flannel shirts, 23 pairs mittens, 30 blankets, 18 pairs drawers, 25 towels, etc. 14 quilts, 51 pairs stockings, July 8, 1862, a public meeting, called to plan measures for the relief of the sick and wounded, organized by the THE REBELLION. 295 choice of George W. Howe, chairman, and Dr. J. L. S. Thompson, secretary. A committee, consisting of Caleb T. Symmes, G. F. Chandler and George A. Johnson was chosen to solicit contributions of money and hospital sup plies, and the following week reported that they had re ceived three hundred and sixty dollars and seventy-three cents, and forwarded to the Sanitary Commission two hun dred dollars in money and the following articles, chiefly the handiwork of the women of Lancaster : 171 sheets, 2 dressing gowns, 12 coats, 161 pillow-cases, 63 shirts, 4 vests, 102 towels, 36 pairs drawers, 2 pairs pantaloons, 49 napkins, 5 pairs slippers, 6 boxes lint, 17 handkerchiefs, 6 neckties, besides quilts, stockings, bandages, bundles of linen, etc. The governors of eighteen states having officially ad vised large increase of the army in order to a more vigor ous prosecution of the war. President Lincoln, on the first of July, 1862, issued a call for three hundred thousand three years troops. Under this call seventeen men were required of Lancaster. To secure prompt enlistments the stimulation of a bounty was thought necessary. At a meeting of the people July 14, Reverend Amos E. Law rence, Reverend Milo C. Stebbins, George A. Johnson, Calvin W. Burbank and Eli E. Howe were chosen to act with the selectmen as a recruiting committee. Supported by pledges from gentlemen of means, this committee was able to guarantee a bounty of one hundred dollars to each volunteer. At the meetings of July 14 and 23, much en thusiasm was awakened, and the fervid appeals of promi nent citizens were rewarded with loud applause, while at the successive enlistment of several young men, the assemb lage was almost frantic in its demonstrations of approval. In general the persuasive counsels of those, the unselfish ness of whose patriotism was attested by silvered locks or personal sacrifice, bore fruit as well as won respect. Occa sionally the ad caftandmn harangue of some " self-consti- 296 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. tuted exempt" provoked broad hint that the eloquence of service far outshines that of words. Very few, however, shirked or attempted to evade their proper share in the grave responsibilities of the hour, and the active patriotism of the young and stalwart only kept step with the generos ity and self negation of those whom sex, the burden of years, or infirmity, or apparent duty, held at home. Those enlisted at this date entered the Thirty-fourth Massachu setts Infantry, organizing at Camp Wool. The action of the town at a legal meeting July 23, 1862, is thus recorded : Voted, that the selectmen be a committee to pay each recruit, when sworn into the United States service, the sum of One Hundred Dollars. Voted, that recruits at Camp Wool who shall be accepted by the Adju tant General as a part of the quota of seventeen required from this town, be paid the sum of one hundred dollars. Voted, that the committee chosen at a citizen's meeting be requested to act with the selectmen in procuring recruits. The following day a citizens' meeting elected George W. Howe, Dr. J. L. S. Thompson and Christopher A. Pollard a committee to provide for the families of those ab sent as soldiers, and look after the gathering of their crops and other farm work in proper season. On August 4, was proclaimed a call for three hundred thousand militia to serve for nine months, and soon after Lancaster received notice that her quota was twenty-one men. August 25, 1862, action was taken by the town as follows : Voted, that the town pay to each volunteer, one hundred dollars, pro vided the full quota (21) tor nine months is furnished. Voted, that the above sum be paid whenever said volunteers are mus tered into the United States service. Voted, that the selectmen and treasurer be authorized to borrow such sums as may be necessary to pay volunteers, and the state aid to families. Previous to this date the women of Lancaster had been indefatigable in labors for their fellow townsmen absent fighting the battles of freedom, and in the name of the existing charitable societies of the two churches, had for warded to them Bibles, money, and several boxes filled THE REBELLION. 297 with blankets, clothing, reading matter, and miscellaneous comforts. August 27, 1862, the Soldiers' Relief Associa tion was organized. Its officers were : Mrs. Harriet W. Washburn, president ; Miss Mary Anderson, Miss Mary Ann Thayer and Miss Mary Whitney, vice-presidents ; Miss Elizabeth P. Russell, secretary and treasurer. It soon became a branch of the New England section of the Sanitary Commission. Its weekly meetings were uniformly well attended. From month to month, under its auspices, public entertainments of varied character were given in furtherance of its Christian aims. A vast amount of benefi cent work of incalculable value was quietly accomplished by these true and tender-hearted laborers, neither seeking nor reaping any recompense, save the grateful prayers of thousands maimed, sick and dying — prayers mostly in audible to human senses, but all recorded above. September 10, a citizens' meeting considered the need of systematic aid for soldiers and their families, and espe cially for those sick or wounded. It was decided to estab lish a Soldiers' Relief Fund, to be used by a committee composed of the selectmen and such others as they might select to assist, at their discretion, for the comfort of the town's soldiers, and those dependent upon them, when found in want or distress. A subscription was opened and five hundred dollars were pledged at once. The selectmen soon after organized the committee, calHng to their aid the following citizens : Nathaniel Thayer, Hon. Francis B. Fay, George Stratton, Charles L. Wilder, George Cum mings, Rev. M. C. Stebbins, Dr. J. L. S. Thompson, Charles J. Wilder. At subsequent weekly meetings the fund was increased by the liberality of various contributors to the sum of twelve hundred and ninety-one dollars, and, by additions of interest and dividends upon investments, to sixteen hundred and sixty-six dollars and twenty-seven cents, including expenditures. Ultimately the purpose of this local relief fund was subserved by state aid, the expen se 298 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. diture of the town being refunded under established regula tions from the treasury of the commonwealth. Upon the treasurer of the committee, George W. Howe, Esq., de volved the care and judicious disbursement of the contri butions, a duty often onerous and perplexing, but cheerfully performed without recompense. January 5, 1872, a meet ing of the contributors recorded their thanks for Mr. Howe's faithful service, and transferred the balance remain ing in his hands, the sum of eight hundred dollars, to the trustees of the Lancaster Charitable Fund. At two of the meetings held during September, the Reverends Merrill Richardson of Worcester, George Put nam, S. T. D., of Roxbury, and Mr. Edward R. Wash burn of Lancaster, gave addresses noteworthy for their patriotic eloquence. Mr. Washburn was at this time en gaged in recruiting for the Fifty-third Massachusetts Infan try, and was successful in enlisting from his neighbors enough men to fill the town's quota for the nine months' service, going himself as their captain. The shorter term of enlistment gave popularity to the call of August, and several more than the quota demanded went from Lancas ter in this and other nine months' regiments. The vote of August 25, only authorizing the payment of bounty to the twenty-one required, a special town-meeting October 15, 1862, voted "to pay a bounty of One Hundred Dollars to those who have enlisted and who shall be mustered and accepted into the United States service." As in quick succession came news from the battiefields of New Berne, Shiloh, Fair Oaks, Chantilly, Antietam, Fred ericksburg, ChancellorsviUe and Port Hudson, Lancaster knew that her sons were doing their duty, and family after family mourned their unreturning brave. Under date of October 17, 1863, a call was issued by the President for three hundred thousand men for three years. Lancaster's quota was established as fourteen. The government bounty offered for volunteers was now four THE REBELLION. 299 hundred dollars to veterans and three hundred for recruits. At an extra session of the Massachusetts legislature in November it was voted to pay an additional bounty of three hundred and twenty-five dollars to each man enlisting in the state, or, at his option, fifty dollars in hand and twenty dollars per month for actual service, over and above the legal wages. The citizens of Lancaster, assembled to de vise ways and means for meeting the new demand, Novem ber 23, 1863, voted to seek the aid of popular orators from Worcester and Fitchburg to reanimate the somewhat jaded enthusiasm, and on December 3, Rev. Merrill Richardson spoke to a large audience. The same night a recruiting committee of twenty-one was chosen : Lieut. William L. Cobb, Jonas Goss, Levi P. Wood, Jr., George Cummings, James Childs, Levi Farwell, Rev. Milo C. Stebbins, Lieut. John C. Ayres, Barney S. Phelps, Hon. Francis B. Fay, Benjamin B. Otis, Sewell Day, George F. Chandler, Thomas Laughton, G. C. Colburn, Rev. Marcus Ames, Calvin W. Burbank, Charles L. Wilder, Charles J. Wilder, Calvin Holman, Samuel Rugg. This committee, their energy inspired and sustained by the universal determination to avoid a draft, addressed themselves to the difficult task assigned them. The com mon laborer now commanded unprecedented wages, and skilled mechanics could earn four or five dollars per day, while the private soldier was paid thirteen dollars a month, besides clothing and rations. It was finally found expedi ent to promise for every accepted recruit a town bounty of one hundred dollars in addition to the national and state bounties, thus raising the total premium upon enlistment to the sum of seven hundred and twenty-five dollars. Again the subscription lists were borne from house to house throughout the town, and one thousand and twenty dollars were pledged by individuals. The fourteen volunteers were soon after obtained, and joined their brethren in the field, most of them being assigned to the Thirty-fourth and Thirty-sixth Massachusetts Infantry. 300 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. On February i, 1864, a draft for five hundred thousand men, to serve three years or during the war, was ordered to take place on the tenth of March ; but this number in cluded the three hundred thousand called for October 7, 1863. On the fifteenth of March, 1864, came a call for two hundred thousand men, to be raised by volunteering or draft ; and on the fourth of July the President summoned five hundred thousand more to enlist, for one, two or three years, as they might elect. This human avalanche from the North soon began its crushing progress southward, down the valleys of Georgia and Virginia. The town, at its legal meeting April 4, 1864, — Voted, that the town pay the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dol lars for each man required to fill the quota [15] of Lancaster under the last call of the President. Voted, that the Assessors be authorized to abate the poll taxes of nine- months men assessed in 1863. The legislature had recently established the maximum bounty that could be offered by town or city at one hundred and twenty-five dollars. On the same day that the above votes were passed, at an adjournment of the March meet ing, it was — Voted on motion, that the selectmen and treasurer be authorized to borrow or appropriate any money in the treasury not otherwise appropri ated, and pay the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars for each man under the present or any future call before the first of March, 1865. Voted, that they pay the same sum to any enrolled man who shall send an alien substitute on any quota between the first of March, 1864, and the first of March, 1865 ; provided, that in the opinion of the selectmen such substitute shall be good for the quota of the town. June 7, 1864, at a special town meeting, of which George W. Howe was moderator, it was — Voted, that the selectmen be instructed to procure the necessary num ber of men which, in their opinion, may be required to fill the anticipated call for more troops, on the best terms possible. Voted, that the selectmen and treasurer be authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding three thousand dollars, to be used by the selectmen for re cruiting purposes. THE REBELLION. 3°! October 6, 1864, at a meeting of voters desiring the re election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, the organ ization of a Union Club was perfected. Doctor John L. S. Thompson was chosen its president, and twelve vice- presidents were elected. Meetings were held on Wednes day and Saturday evenings of each week. The members were pledged .... to support, sustain and defend the Government as at present ad ministered, to prosecute the war against traitors, and not to relax our efforts until treason and rebellion are conquered, the union restored and freedom vindicated. From time to time speakers were procured by the direc tion of the club to address the public upon the topics of the period. October 24, Rev. Merrill Richardson of Worces ter spoke; November 2, Rev. Mr. Fairchild delivered an address upon Sherman's campaign ; and November 3, Hon. Edwin Bailey of Boston spoke effectively upon the issues of the election pending. At a legal meeting June 22, 1864, the action of the previous town-meeting was rescinded, and it was — Voted, that the selectmen and treasurer be authorized to borrow the sum of two thousand dollars for the purpose of refunding the money con tributed by individuals for the purpose of filling the quota of the town under the calls for troops made by the President on October 17, 1863, and February i, 1864; provided such money shall be put in the hands of the recruiting committee for the purpose of procuring more troops. The re-enlistment of eleven veterans, who, having served their country three years, did not falter but held up their hands to be counted again as soldiers for Lancaster during the war, greatly assisted in meeting the demands upon the town. Three other residents enlisted for the war, and. Congress at length having recognized the grave in justice done in refusing to allow enlistments in the navy to stand on a par with those in the army, four sailors were added to Lancaster's credit. Half a dozen citizens of the town joined the regiments sent to Washington for garrison duty in July, 1864, to serve one hundred days. These last. 302 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. however, though exempted from the operation of the draft, were not credited to the town's, or the state's, quota. It was seen to be hopeless to expect further avoidance of conscription. Should the quota not be filled by September 5, the law made personal service obligatory upon those that chanced to be drafted. Until that date a money com mutation of three hundred dollars relieved the conscript from military duty save by substitute. Accordingly on July 18, 1864, a lot decreed that ten of Lancaster's citizens should join the army or buy exemption. Each of the ten paid the required fee, and fought by proxy. This was the only draft in Lancaster. A few non-residents were hired to serve the town, and all national calls upon its patriotism were much more than satisfied. The first president of the Soldiers' Relief Association in Lancaster, who had lost two gallant sons, stricken down in the front of battie, sought early in 1865 to be relieved from the post she had honored, and Mrs. Mary G. Ware was chosen to the oflJice. Mrs. Jane Humphrey became vice-president, succeeding Miss Mary Anderson. The society despatched its last invoice of hospital stores on May 10, 1865, but retained its organization until August 30, when, having completed the third year of its nobly benefi cent existence, it was reorganized as a branch of the New England Freedmen's Aid Society, retaining the old ofiicers. The following summary of the work of the Relief Associ ation is derived from the quarterly reports of its secretary. Miss Elizabeth P. Russell, to whose enthusiasm and unre mitting energy much of its efficiency was due : Proceeds of ten public entertainments, $1,29237 Donations from individuals, 217 ^8 Obtained by sale of sundry articles, 45 61 Total cash receipts $i,5S5 36 Total expenditures for materials, etc., 1,18530 Balance in treasury, transferred to Freedmen's Aid Society I370 06 SOLDIERS' RELIEF ASSOCIATION. 303 The materials bought — often more than doubled in val ue through the labor expended upon them by the skilful needlewomen who, once a week, met for the purpose in the ante-rooms of the town hall — were packed in boxes and barrels, together with the many special contributions of citizens, and promptly forwarded. The Lancaster contri bution of sanitary goods for the benefit of the wounded at Antietam was the first to reach the Boston office. There were sent to the Sanitary Commission, forty-seven boxes and barrels chiefly laden with clothing, six boxes contain ing wine, jellies, etc., thirty-two barrels of potatoes and fruit, and two barrels of reading matter ; to the Christian Commission, one box of clothing; to the Massachusetts agent at Washington, one box of hospital goods and cloth ing ; to the Fifty-third Massachusetts Infantry, one box of clothing; to the Thirty-seventh Massachusetts Infantry, one box of hospital goods ; to Mrs. C. P. Russell at Wash ington, D. C, for distribution, two boxes of hospital goods. A schedule of the various articles included in the above follows : Pocket handkerchiefs. 1 144 Eye shades. 39 Stockings, pairs. 344 Compresses, 258 Shirts — cotton, 202 Bandages, 933 flannel. 117 Boxes of lint. 27 Drawers — cotton. 228 Fans, 24 flannel, 295 Bundles of old cotton and Coats, chiefly linen, 23 linen, 20 Vests, 12 Reading matter, barrels. 2 Pantaloons, 8 " bundles, 15 Dressing-gowns, 25 Potatoes, barrels. 25 Mittens, pairs. 7 Apples, barrels. 2 Neckties, 13 Dried apple, barrels, S Caps — sleeping. 44 " " packages. 39 Slippers and moccasins , pairs. 188 Wine, home-made, bottles. 63 Boots and shoes, pairs. 18 Cider, bottles. 12 Housewife bags, needle-books, Jellies and preserves, jars, etc. , 38 etc., 68 Dried currants, packages. 4 Quilts (160 made by S. R.A.), 170 Lemon syrup, bottles. 4 Sheets, 56 Blackberry syrup, bottles. 27 Blankets, 2 Pickles, bottles, 4 304 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Pillow-cases, 112 Condensed milk, cans. 3 Towels, 178 Tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate. Napkins, 298 packages. 19 Table-cloth, I Farina, arrowroot, corn starch. Pillows and cushions. sundry gelatine, sago, tapioca. kinds, 271 Irish moss, etc., packages, 64 Arm slings. 24 The generous givers who helped our loyal women-work ers to achieve such remarkable results need not be enumer ated, for the list of them would be but a census of the families of Lancaster ; all in unity of spirit bestowing their mites or lavish bounties, according to ability. The war historian of the commonwealth records the contributions of the Lancaster women to the Sanitary Commission as in value about three thousand five hundred dollars. This certainly, at war prices, was not too liberal an appraisal. The lady associates, in continuing their charitable labors after the return of peace, had specially in view the mainte nance of a teacher of freedmen. Miss Abigail Jane Knight, one of their own circle, a lady well qualified by her attainments and heartfelt sympathy for the cause, taught for four years under the auspices of the society, at Edisto Island, South Carolina. Including the sum which it inherited at the start, the society raised and expended in support of Miss Knight's school, the sum of two thousand three hundred and forty-six dollars and sixty-two cents, most of which was derived from series of entertainments, embracing concerts, fairs, readings and lectures by home and foreign talent, dancing parties, etc. Accurately to classify or sum such expenditures of the town in its corporate capacity as were strictly chargeable to the war, would be difficult, if not impossible. The yearly payments to the needy soldiers and their families, refunded as " state aid," were given by the state's historian as follows : I86I 1862 1863 1864 1865 $327.02 $1,839.14 $2,756.02 $2,545.00 $1,550.00 SOLDIERS' RELIEF ASSOCIATION. 305 The selectmen's books, however, differ from this, show ing a total of $10,036.62. The total of military expenses other than this aid has been stated at $18,719.70 by one authority, and at $20,864.06 by another. The latter is probably not an exaggerated estimate. Upon the executive and financial officers of the town during the civil war, novel and perplexing duties devolved, and labors for which their unaided strength would have been wholly insufficient ; but seconded by the committees hereinbefore mentioned, they performed the varied work entrusted to them by the confidence of the public, with such earnestness and fairness as to receive general com mendation. These officers were : Selectmen . 1861. James Childs, Jeremiah Moore, Warren Davis. 1862-3. Jeremiah Moore, Jonathan Buttrick, Spencer R. Merrick. 1864. George W. Howe, Jonathan Buttrick, Spencer R. Merrick. 1865. Jonathan Buttrick, Spencer R. Merrick, Levi W. Farwell. Assessors. 1861 and 1862. Warren Davis, Solon Whiting, Silas Thurston. 1863. Warren Davis, Stedman Nourse, Charles Safford. 1864. Warren Davis, Sewell Day, Jeremiah Moore. 1865. Stedman Nourse, Sewell Day, Charles J. Wilder. Town Clerk. J. L. S. Thompson, M. D., 1861-1865. Treasurers. 1861. John M. Washburn. Died December 26, 1 861. 1862-4. Christopher A. Pollard. Died. 1865. Solon Wilder. 3o6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER OF SOLDIERS OF LANCASTER, including natives and residents of the town, and those hired for her quota. Second Massachusetts Infantry. Under the call for five hundred thousand additional three years troops, made by President Lincoln, October 17, 1863, and February i, 1864, several non-resident substi tutes were hired for the town, and received a state bounty of three hundred and twenty-five dollars each. Six of these are found mustered as recruits for the Veteran Sec ond Massachusetts, then commanded by Colonel William Cogswell, attached to the Army of the Cumberland, and engaged in the Atlanta campaign. Cottipany A. John Dupee, aged 36; mustered in, July 2, 1864; transferred from 33 M. V. I., June I, 1865 ; mustered out, July 14, 1865. Company G. John Mayo, 24; July 2, 1864; deserted August 10, 1S64. Cotnpany I. Joseph Clinton, 22; May 7, 1864; mustered out July 14, 1865. Unassigned. David H. Tracy, 29; July 2, 1864. Never joined regiment. George Watson, 32 ; July 2, 1864. " " Peter Zahn, 24 ; May 7, 1864. " " Fifth Massachusetts Infantry. 9 Months [Militia]. This regiment, George H. Pierson, colonel, left Boston in transports for New Berne, N. C, October 22, 1862, Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro are inscribed upon its banner. A history of the regiment, by Frank J. Robinson, was pubHshed in 1879. Company E. Benjamin F. Wyman, 23; Sept. 16, 1862; mustered out July 2, 1863. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 307 Compatiy I. William D. Pierce, 23; Sept. 16, 1862; mustered out July 2, 1863. En listed from Bolton, but born and bred in Lancaster. Brother of Frank E. Pierce of 21 M. V. I. Eben C. Mann (not a resident of Lancaster until after the close of the war) was a corporal in Company B of this regiment. Fifth Massachusetts Infantry. 100 Days. This regiment was stationed at Fort Marshall, in the vicinity af Baltimore, Maryland, Colonel George W.. Pier- son commanding. A bounty of seventy-six dollars sixty- six cents was paid each soldier. Company E. Thomas Augustus Hills, sergeant, 23; July 23, 1864; mustered out Nov. 16, 1864. Credited to Leominster; served previously in Company C, 53 M. V. I., for Lancaster. Adrian T. Nourse, 21 ; July 22, 1864; mustered out Nov. 19, 1864. Roscoe H. Nourse, 23: July 22, 1864; mustered out Nov. 16, 1864. Served previously in Co. C, 53 M. V. I. Brother of foregoing. Frederick Fordyce Nourse, 21; July 22, 1864; died at New Brunswick, N. J., on his way home, Sept. 13, 1864. Brother of Frank E. Nourse of 51 M. V. I. [The three last named soldiers are credited to Lcotiinster in Mass. Records, erroneously.] Company I. Cyrus E. Coburn, 21 ; July 19, 1864; mustered out Nov. 16, 1864. Broth er of George B, Coburn. 34 M. V. I. Sumner W. Keyes, 21; July 19, 1864; mustered out Nov. 16, 1864. Brother of Stephen A. Keyes, 53 M. V. I. Sixth Massachusetts Infantry. 3 Months. This regiment was the first sent to Washington from Massachusetts, and is noted for its conflict with the Balti more mob, April 19, 1861. Colonel Edward F. Jones, commander. Compatty B. Henry Jackson Parker, 25; June 19, 1861 ; mustered out Aug. 2, 1861. Served subsequently in 33 M. V. I. Resident of Townsend, but born and bred in Lancaster. 3o8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Seventh Massachusetts Infantry. This regiment, under Colonel Darius N. Couch, reached Washington July 15, 1861. Cottipany B. William Harrison Farnsworth, 20; June 15, 1861 ; deserted Sept., 1862, at Alexandria, Virginia. Ninth Massachusetts Infantry. Henry Holton Fuller, M. D., who had been resident of Lancaster for three years, was commissioned assistant surgeon of this regiment, July 7, 1862, having served with it in camp for a time, but declined commis sion. Eleventh Massachusetts Infantry. Abner Wheeler, 25; June 13, 1861 ; deserted June 23, 1862. This man, a teamster, in the Records of Massachusetts Volunteers is credited to Lancaster. He may have been a temporary resident here, but does not appear in the town's quota list. Fifteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Infantry. 100 Days. Nine companies of one hundred days men were recruit ed for garrison duty in forts on the coast. This company was commanded by Captain Isaac A. Jennings. Bartholet Fahay, 21; July 28, 1864; mustered out Nov. 15, 1864. Re ceived a bounty of sixty-four dollars sixty-six cents. [Bartlett Fay, in Mass. Records.] Fifteenth Massachusetts Infantry. This regiment, commanded successively by Colonels Charles Devens, Jr., George H. Ward, and George C. Joslin, left Camp Scott, Worcester, where it had been sta tioned about six weeks, August 8, 1861. It met with severe loss in the unfortunate battle of Ball's Bluff, October 21, 1861 ; was in the batties of Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Antietam and Fredericksburg during 1862 ; Chancellors viUe, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station and Robertson's Tavern in 1863 ; the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, etc., in 1864. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 309 Cotnpatty A. Thomas H. Davidson, 25; July 12, IS61 ; discharged for disability April 25, 1862. He died of consumption shortly after the close of the war. Fordyce Horan, 20; Dec. 24, i86i ; enlisted Nov. 17, 1862, in First U. S. Artillery, Co. I ; died insane in hospital at Washington, Nov. 3, 1864. Joseph W. Kingsbury, 18; Aug. i, 1861; taken prisoner; discharged for disability Nov. 27, 1862. Henry T. Taylor, 27; July 12, 1861 ; discharged on account of rheuma tism, April 25, 1S62. Died Oct. 18, 186S. Compatiy C. Nathaniel Alexander, 40 ; Dec. 17, 1861 ; discharged for disability, Oct. 15, 1862. Charles H. Balcom, 33; Dec. 14, 1861 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, April 15, 1864. [Balcotnb and Balatti in Mass. Records.] Henry Bowman, captain, 26; Aug. i, 1861 ; captured Oct. 21, 1861, at Ball's Bluff, Va., and held in Libby Prison, Richmond, as hostage for Confederate privateersmen condemned for piracy, he with twelve oth ers having been selected by lot for this purpose, Nov. 12, 1861 ; paroled Feb. 22, 1862; exchanged August, 1862; commissioned ma jor 34 M. V. I., Aug. g, 1862; colonel 36 M. V. I., Aug. 22, 1862. He was a citizen of Clinton, but born and bred in Lancaster. George W. Cutler, 22 ; July 12, 1861 ; shot through the head at Ball's Bluff, Va., Oct. 21, 1861. Brother of next, and of Henry A., 53 M. V. I., and Francis B., 35 N. Y. Isaac N. Cutler, 20; July 12, 1861 ; severely wounded in left ankle at An tietam, Sept. 17, 1862; discharged for disability, March 20, 1863. Francis Henry Fairbanks, 25; July 12, 1861 ; discharged on account of asthma, April 10, 1862 ; re-enlisted in 34 M. V. I. Brother of Charles T., I N. H. Cav. [Mass. Records report Fairbanks killed at Fair Oaks.] Franklin Hawkes Farnsworth, 19; July 12, 1861 ; shot through the body and killed at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. Brother of John E. and George W., 34 M. V. I. Andrew L. Fuller, first-lieutenant, 37; Aug. i, 1861 ; resigned Oct. 7, 1861, on account of feeble health, and died of consumption, Sept. 10, 1867. He was a manufacturer, of Clinton, but born and bred in Lan caster. James M. Gray, 23; July 12, i86i ; discharged for disability, Feb. 16, 1863, being lame. [Mass. Records say jF>d. 11. J Brother of Stephen W., 34M. V. I. Henry H. Hosley, 18; July 12, 1861 ; enlisted Nov. 12, 1862, in First U. S. Artillery, Co. I, known as " Flying Artillery." 3IO ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Adelbert W. Johnson, 23; July 12, 1861 ; discharged for rheumatism, May, 1862 ; re-enlisted in 53 M. V. I. Sumner Russell Kilburn, 18; July 12, 1861; re-enlisted as veteran, Feb. 18, 1864. He received two or three wounds in the battle of the Wil derness, May 6, 1864, and died at Fredericksburg, May 16, 1864. [Mass. Records say June 10, an error.] Solomon Kittredge, 42 ; Dec. 17, 1861 ; transferred, because of rheuma tism, to Veteran Reserve Corps, May i, 1862; re-enlisted as veteran. Willard Raymond Lawrence, 28; July 12, 1861 ; shot through the abdo men and killed at Ball's Bluff, Va., Oct. 21, 1861. Robert Roberts Moses, 24; Dec. 17, 1861 ; shot through the lungs at An tietam, Sept. 17, 1862, and died Oct. 3, 1862. [Mass. Records say Oct. 5.] George F. O.sgood, 21 ; Aug. 12, 1862 ; taken prisoner at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862; killed at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. A soldier of Clinton, but born in Lancaster. Henry H. Rugg, 21 ; July 12, 1861 ; shot in shoulder at Ball's Bluff, Va., Oct. 21, 1 861 ; discharged because of wound. May i, 1862 ; re-enlisted later in the 53, and 42, M. V. I. Luther Gerry Turner, 23 ; July 12, 1861 ; wounded in right arm at Ball's Bluff, Va., Oct. 21, 1861, and died Nov. i, 1861, mortification having supervened. Buried in church-yard at Poolesville, Md. James Gardner Warner, 31 ; July 12, 1861 ; killed by bullet, or drowned, at Ball's Bluff, Va., Oct. 21, 1861. Edwin H. Willard, 23; July 12, 1861 ; mustered out July 28, 1864. Company D. Joseph Copeland, 21 ; April 29, 1864; July 27, 1864, transferred to 20 M. V. I. A non-resident hired ; bounty $325. Company F. Warren Ellis, 20; July 12, 1861 ; wounded at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862; transferred to U. S. Signal Corps, Oct. 27, 1863. [Mass. Records say Veteran Reserve Corps ; an error.] Died July 21, 1880, of con sumption, at Fitzwilliam, N. H. George C. Mann, 21 ; July 12, 1861 ; taken at Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861, and in prison at Richmond until February, 1862; wounded in right leg al Gettysburg, July 2, 1863; mustered out July 28, 1864. Died 1887. Gilbert W. Greene, 18; July 12, i86i ; discharged for disability, Jan. 17, 1863. A member of Fay Light Guard in Lancaster, but enlisted for Leominster when that company was disbanded. Re-enlisted in 4 Mass. Cavalry. George C. Shean. This man was enlisted, according to Lancaster Rec ords, in the Fifteenth Massachusetts, but the name is not found in muster-rolls of that or other regiment. > DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 3 II Sixteenth Massachusetts Infantry. This regiment, under Colonel Powell T. Wyman, left for the front August 17, 1861, and for several months was stationed at Fortress Monroe, Va. It joined the Arm}' of the Potomac June 13, 1862, and participated in the battles of Fair Oaks, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Chantilly and Fredericksburg in 1862 ; ChancellorsviUe, Gettysburg and Locust Grove, 1863 ; Wilderness, Spottsyl vania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, 1864. Company B. Albert G. Hunting, 19; July 2, 1861 ; killed at Fair Oaks, June 25, 1862. Served for Holliston, as did his brother, J. W. Hunting, the Hunting family having moved from that place to Lancaster a short time before the war. Joseph W. Hunting, 22; July 2, 1861 ; mustered out July 27, 1864. Died not long after. William Thompson, 18; July 2, 1861 ; shot in the face, the ball passing through the head, May 10, 1862, at Spottsylvania Court House, Va., but survived, and was mustered out July 27, 1864. Shot and killed in Connecticut, 1877. Brother of George, 53 M. V. I. Company C. George A. Barnes, corporal, 20; July 2, i86r ; shot through the foot in the second battle of Bull Run, Va., and taken prisoner, Aug. 20, 1862 ; discharged because of wound, Oct. 10, 1862 Frank W. Barnes, 18 ; enlisted July, 1862, but not mustered, and enlisted in U. S. Navy, Sept. 15, 1862. Brother of foregoing. George K. Richards, 39; Nov. 25, 1861; transferred Aug. 11, 1863, to Veteran Reserve Corps ; re-enlisted veteran. Nineteenth Massachusetts Infantry. This regiment left the state August 28, 1861, command ed by Colonel Edward W. Hinks. It took part in the battles of Ball's Bluff", Fair Oaks, Savage Station, the sec ond Bull Run, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, ChancellorsviUe, Gettysburg, Wilderness, and the various battles before Richmond and Petersburg. 312 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Cotnpany F. Asa Whitman Green, 22 ; Jan. 30, 1862 ; wounded Dec. 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, Va., in left leg; transferred Sept. 26, 1863, to Veter an Reserve Corps. Enlisted in Haverhill ; native of Lancaster, and brother of the following; died 1885. Franklin Webster Green, 21 ; Jan. 25, 1862; wounded June, 1862, in left leg, during the seven days fighting before Richmond ; discharged be cause of wound, Feb. 19, 1863. Credited to Clinton. Twentieth Massachusetts Infantry. This regiment was led successively by Colonels William R. Lee, Francis W. Palfrey, Paul J. Revere and George N. Macy ; and was engaged at Ball's Bluff, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Chantilly, Antie tam and Fredericksburg, 1861-2 ; ChancellorsviUe, Gettys burg, Bristoa Station, 1863 ; Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, etc., 1864. John Louis Moeglen, "36 ;" Aug. 29, 1861 ; discharged for disability, April 29, 1862; served later in Co. M, 2 Mass. Cavalry. A Prussian resi dent of Lancaster, probably over fifty years of age. Cottipany D. Thomas E. Burditt, 22 ; Sept. 4, 1861 ; mustered out Sept. 14, 1864. Cotnpany E. Joseph Copeland, 21 ; April 29, 1864; transferred from Co. D, 15 M. V. I., July 27, 1864, to complete term of enlistment; died a prisoner at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 21, 1864. Non-resident employed by Lancas ter; bounty $325. Unassigned. Charles Wilkinson, 30 ; July 18, 1863 ; mustered out June, 1865. A boat man, non-resident, hired substitute for George E. P. Dodge. Twenty-first Massachusetts Infantry. This Worcester County regiment left camp August 23, 1861, commanded by Colonel Augustus Morse, and was for four months stationed at AnnapoHs, Md. Its battle ex perience was as follows : Roanoke, New Berne, Camden, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 3 13 Fredericksburg, during 1862 ; Blue Springs, Tenn., Siege of Knoxville, 1863 ; Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Coal Har bor, Petersburg, etc., in 1864. A history of the regiment by Bvt. Brig. -Gen. Charles F. Walcott was pubHshed in 1882. All but twenty-four of the regiment re-enlisted December 29, 1863, and came home on veteran furlough, January 8, 1864. August 19, 1864, the surviving veterans of this organization were transferred to the 36 M. V. I. Company A. William H. Robbins, 39 ; Aug. 23, 1861 ; member of band, and discharged by a special order of War Dept., Aug. ii, 1862, mustering out all regimental bands. Company B. Dennis Mahar, 21 ; Aug. 23, 1861 ; discharged for disability Jan. 16, 1S63. Credited to Clinton. Company D. George H. Hardy, corporal, 21 ; Aug. 23, 1861 ; wounded in leg at Roan oke Island, N. C, Feb. 8, 1862, and again in body before Petersburg, June, 1864; re-enlisted for Leominster, Jan. 2, 1864, and transferred to 36 and 56 M. V. I. Station agent at Lancaster, when enlisted. Daniel W. Rugg, 32 ; July 19, 1861 ; discharged for disability Dec. 20, 1862. Lancaster born and bred, but resided in Fitchburg when en listed. Died 1876. Brother of James, 53 M. V. I. Cotnpany E. William W. Bigelow enlisted, but was rejected by surgeons ; he afterwards" enlisted for West Boylston in 25 M. V. I. James E. Burke, 26; Aug. 23, 1861 ; killed at Chantilly, Sept. i, 1862. Edwin F. Field, 29; Aug. 23, 1861 ; sergeant; promoted to second-lieu tenant Dec. 18, 1862; resigned May 8, 1863. William L. Fox, 19 ; Aug. 23, 1861 ; corporal ; wounded in arm at Chan tilly, Sept. I, 1862; promoted to sergeant; re-enlisted Jan. 2, 1864; discharged as supernumerary sergeant, Sept. 24, 1864. Charles E. McQuillan, corporal, 20; Aug. 23, 1861 ; wounded at Antie tam, Sept. 17, 1862; transferred to 2 U. S. Cavalry, Co. K, Oct. 30, 1862 ; re-enlisted veteran. Also in Hancock's U. S. Vet. Vols., Dec. 9, 1864, to Dec. 9, 1865. Found in Mass. Records as Maquillon, Macquillen and Magwilliam ! Luke Ollis, 19; Aug. 23, 1861 ; transferred to 2 U. S. Cavalry, Co. K, Oct. 23, 1862. Re-enlisted. Frank E. Pierce, 20; Aug. 23, 1861 ; transferred to 2 U. S. Cavalry, Co. K, Oct. 23, 1862. Brother of W. D. Pierce, 5 M. V. I. 21 314 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Ebenezer Waters Richards, 35 ; Aug. 23, 1861 ; killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862, by a shell. Oliver B. Sawyer, 21 ; Aug. 23, 1861 ; discharged for disability resulting from small-pox, June 30, 1862. Served again as sergeant, Co. B, 40 M. V. I. Charles H. Sinclair, 21 ; Aug. 23, 1861 ; shot in head and killed, at New Berne, N. C, March 14, 1862. Of Leominster, resident in Lancaster when enlisted. Woodbury Whittemore, 33 ; Aug. 21, 1861 ; second-lieutenant; promoted first-lieutenant, March 3, 1862; captain, July 27, 1862; resigned October 29, 1862. When enlisted, was foreman of the shoe manu factory in Lancaster. Twenty-third Massachusetts Infantry. Colonel John Kurtz commanded this regiment when it left the state, November 11, 1861. After remaining en camped for two months at Annapolis, Md., it was attached to the Burnside Expedition, and took part in battles of Roanoke, New Berne and Rawle's Mills, 1862 ; Kinston, Goldsboro, Wilcox's Bridge and Winton, 1863 ; Drewry's Bluff", Cold Harbor, etc., 1864. Cottipatty H. Sewell T. Lawrence, 31 ; Oct. 5, 1861 ; discharged for disability, Aug. 11, 1862. Caleb Wood Sweet, 23 ; Sept. 28, 1861 ; re-enlisted Dec. 3, 1863 ; wound ed and taken prisoner at Drewry's Bluff, Va., May 16, 1864. His wound was in the flesh of left arm, but gangrene supervened, and he died at Richmond, Aug. 3, 1864. Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. The six Lancaster men in Company G of this regiment were transferred to it from Company H of the Thirty- fourth, June 14, 1865, to complete their terms of enHst- ment, after the latter organization had been mustered out at the end of three years' service. Charies E. Blood; mustered out Jan. 20, 1866. Joseph N. Day; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, May 2, 1865. David W. Matthews. George W. Matthews; discharged for disability, June i, 1865. Patrick Sheary; mustered out Jan. 20, 1866, with the regiment, at Rich mond, Va. [Shary and Sherry in Mass. Records.] George E. Wiley; discharged because of wound, June 26, 1865. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 315 Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry. Colonel Edwin Upton of Fitchburg led this regiment from the state, October 31, 1861. It formed a part of the Burnside Expedition to North Carolina, and participated in the battles of that campaign, 1862 and 1863. In 1864, being re-enlisted as a veteran regiment, it was engaged at Arrowfield Church, Drewry's Bluff" and Cold Harbor. See "Wearing the Blue in the 25th Mass. Volunteer Infan try," by J. Waldo Denny. Cotnpany C. Jonas H. Beard, 25 ; Sept. 28, i86i ; re-enlisted Dec. 18, 1863; wounded in hip, June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor, Va. ; mustered out, July 13, 1865. [James H. Beard in Mass. Records and History of regiment.] Cottipany D. William W. Bigelow, 21; Sept. 27, 1861 ; enlisted for West Boylston; taken prisoner; discharged for disability, March 18, 1863. Twenty-sixth Massachusetts Infantry. At the date of muster of the two Lancaster recruits for this regiment, it was with General Sheridan in the Shen andoah Valley. Each received $325 bounty. Cottipatty E. Charles Puffer, 41 ; Aug. 9, 1864; mustered out Aug. 26, 1865. Unassigned. Charles L. Souveur, 21 ; May 7, 1864. A non-resident hired. [Le Sou venir in quota list.] No further record found. Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry. A large proportion of this regiment were Irishmen by birth. It was in the batties of Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, 1862 ; ChancellorsviUe, Gettysburg, 1863 ; Wilderness, Spottsyl vania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, etc., 1864. Colonels: William Montieth, Richard Byrnes and Richard W. Cart wright. The Lancaster men in this regiment, except the brothers True, were non-resident substitutes. 3l6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Cotnpany A. William Atchinson, 22; Aug. 10, 1863; mustered out June 30, 1865. A boiler-maker, hired substitute for Charles L. Wilder, Jr. George H. True, 21; Oct. 8, 1861 ; member of band; discharged by special order of War Dept., Aug. 17, 1862. Died in Ohio, Aug. 30, 1863. James G. True, 25; Oct. 8, 1861 ; member of band; discharged by spe cial order of War Dept., Aug. 17, 1862. Died in California, Nov. 27, 1863, of consumption contracted in service. Company D. John Smith, 23; May 7, 1864; mustered out, June 15, 1865; bounty $325. Unassigned. Michael O'Brien, 23 ; May 7, 1864; bounty $325. No further record. William Smith, 25 ; May 7, 1864; bounty $325. No further record. Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Infantry. Two non-resident substitutes, recruits to the Thirty-fifth M. V. I., were transferred to this regiment, June 9, 1865, to complete the unexpired terms of their enlistments. Edward Pierce. Dropped as a deserter. John Krum. Deserted June 6, 1865. Thirtieth Massachusetts Infantry. In this regiment, John Edwin Dudley, credited to Boston, was a native of Lancaster. He had previously served as sergeant in the First California Vols. He was commis sioned second-lieutenant, December 7, 1864; first-lieuten ant, December 8, 1864; captain, April 21, 1865 ; mustered out July 5, 1866. His brother, Nathan A. M. Dudley, col onel of this regiment, and brevet brigadier-general, though not born in Lancaster, lived here in boyhood. Thirty-second Massachusetts Infantry. Cotnpatty D. William F. Murphy, 22; Sept. 7, 1863; transferred May 3, 1864, to U. S. Navy. A non-resident, substitute for Elbridge W. Hosmer. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 317 Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry. Colonel Adin B. Underwood, who succeeded Colonel Albert C. Maggi in the command of this regiment, pub lished in 1881, "The Three Years Service of the Thirty- third Mass. Infantry Regiment." It went to the front Aug. 14, 1862, and was engaged at Fredericksburg, Chancellors viUe and Gettysburg while in the Army of the Potomac ; and at Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Kenesaw, Atlanta, etc., after joining the western army under General William T. Sherman. Company E. Roswell Atherton, 30; Aug. 5, 1862; discharged for disability, Nov. 30, 1862. Born and bred in Lancaster, enlisted in Groton. John Dupee, 36; July 2, 1864; transferred to 2 M. V. I., June i, 1865, to complete term of service. A hired substitute; bounty $325. Henry Jackson Parker, 27 ; Aug. 5, 1862 ; first-sergeant ; sergeant-major Feb. 18, 1863; second-lieutenant, March 29, 1863; first-lieutenant, July 16, 1863; killed at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864, while command ing skirmish line. He served in the "old Sixth" three months. Resident of Townsend, but born and bred in Lancaster. Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry. This regiment left the state August 15, 1862, command ed by Colonel George D. Wells. Its second in command, Colonel William S. Lincoln, in 1879 published a history of the regiment. It participated in the Shenandoah Valley campaign of 1864, being in the battles of Newmarket, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's Gap, Martinsburg, Hall- town, Berryville, Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. In March. 1865, it was joined to the Army of the James, and fought at Hatcher's Run, and in the capture of Battery Gregg. Henry Bowman, before named in 15 M. V. I., was commissioned major of this regiment, Aug. 6, 1862, but did not join it, being promoted to colonelcy of 36 M. V. I. Company A. Charles B. Flagg, corporal, 23 ; June 23, 1862 ; mustered out June 16, 1865. Brother of Albert, 53 M. V. I. 3l8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. John Patrick Wise, 21; July 31, 1862; died at home of consumption, March 15, 1864; [March 16 in Mass. Records, by error.] Company clerk. Compatiy C. Oren Hodgman, 19; July 31, 1862; taken prisoner May 15, 1864, at New market, Va., and died at Charleston, S. C, September 30, 1864. Credited to Sterling. Henry W. Willard, 21; Aug. 2, 1862; discharged for disability Feb. 26, 1863. Credited to Leominster. Cotnpany F. Edward M. Fuller, corporal, 20; Aug. 9, 1862; appointed captain in 39 U. S. Colored Troops, by S. O. 123, March 21, 1864. Credited to Clinton. Horatio Elisha Turner, 18; Aug. 2, 1862; died a prisoner at Anderson- ville, Ga., Sept. 8, 1864. (Cenotaph in middle cemetery has Sept. 5, by error.) Credited to Clinton. Cotnpany H. Charies E. Blood, 21; Dec. 19, 1863; bounty $325; taken prisoner at Cedar Creek, Oct. 13, 1864, but escaped at night; transferred June 14, 1865, to Co. A, 24 M. V. I. James Andrew Bridge, 18; Dec. 19, 1863; bounty $325; shot in forehead at Newmarket, Va., May 15, 1864, and died of wound. Jonas H. Brown, 41 ; July 31, 1862 ; mustered out June 16, 1865. Levi B. Burbank, 43; July 31, 1862; discharged for disability, Feb. 27, 1864. Solon Whiting Chaplin, corporal, 38; July 31, 1862; killed at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864. William L. Cobb, 22; July 18, 1862; second-lieutenant; first-lieutenant, Aug. 23, 1862; commissioned captain Feb. 18, 1865, but mustered out May 15, 1865, as first-lieutenant; wounded severely in forehead at Ripon, Oct. 18, 1863; Oct. 12, 1864, captured in Shenandoah Valley, he having voluntarily remained to aid Colonel George D. Wells, mortally wounded ; in Libby and Danville prisons five months. Died May 17, 1879, at Hot Springs, Arkansas, of brain fever, result ing from his wound. George B. Coburn, 18; July 31, 1862; shot himseff through foot before Petersburg, and discharged for disability. May 16, 1865. Brother of Cyrus E., 5 M. V. I. James Dailey, 18; July 31, 1862; mustered out June 16, 1865. Daniel M. Damon, 25; July 31, 1862; first-sergeant; commissioned sec ond-lieutenant. May 15, 1865, but mustered out as first-sergeant, June 16, 1865 ; taken prisoner at Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 319 Joseph N. Day, 22; Jan. 4, 1864; bounty $325 ; shot in the head Sept. 19, 1864, at Winchester; transferred to 24 M. V. I., June 14, 1865, and to Veteran Reserve Corps, May 2, 1865 ; discharged July 25, 1865. James Dillon, 26; July 31, 1862; injured in back hurling shot in camp, and discharged for disability, April 7, 1863; died at home, of con sumption. May 10, 1863. Francis Henry Fairbanks, 26 ; July 31, 1862 ; died a prisoner at Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 4, 1865, having been captured at Cedar Creek, Oct. 13, 1864. [Jan. 5, in Mass. Records.] Served before in 15 M. V. I. George W. Farnsworth, 18; Jan. 4, 1864; bounty $325; wounded in face at Piedmont, June 5, 1864; discharged for disability, June 8, 1865. Brother ot John E. Farnsworth. John A. Farnsworth, corporal, 18; July 31, 1862; wounded in arm at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864; discharged for disability. May 18, 1865. John E. Farnsworth, corporal, 18 ; July 31, 1862 ; wounded in leg at New market, Va., May 15, 1864; wounded in arm at Winchester, Sept 19, 1864; also slightly wounded in hip; mustered out June 16, 1865. Michael Fury, 26; July 31, 1862; severely wounded in leg at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864; mustered out Aug. 5, 1865 ; died March 3, 1888. Stephen Wesley Gray, 30; July 31, 1862; died of fever at Martinsburg, Va., April 2, 1864. Brother of James, 15 M. V. I. Thomas A. G. Hunting, 45; July 31, 1862; shot through the body and taken prisoner at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864; discharged for disa bility, May 23, 1865. He had two sons in the 16 M. V. I. David W. Matthews, 20; Sept. 19, 1863; bounty $50; transferred June 14, 1865, to 24 M. V. I. Brother of next. George W. Matthews, 18; Sept. 19, 1863; bounty $50; wounded in leg at Newmarket, Va., May 15, 1864; taken prisoner at Liberty, West Virginia, June 19, 1864, and starved nearly to death in Andersonville prison, Georgia; discharged for disability, June i, 1865, and died of consumption in Lancaster, Nov. 24, 1876. William H. Mellor, 18; July 31, 1862; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Jan. 19, 1865. [Miller in Mass. Records.] Patrick Sheary, 28 ; Jan. 5, 1864 ; bounty $325 ; transferred to 24 M. V. I., June 14, 1865. Charles E. Tisdale, 20 ; July 31, 1862; corporal; discharged for disability, Jan. 8, 1863. George E. Wiley, 22; Jan. i, 1864; bounty $325; wounded in arm at Fisher's Hill, Va., Sept. 22, 1864; transferred to 24 M. V. I., June 14, 1865, and discharged for disability, June 26, 1865. Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry. Two non-resident substitutes, hired for the town, were recruits for this regiment, received $325 bounty, and upon 320 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. muster out of the organization after its three years' service had expired, were transferred to the 29th M. V. L, to complete their term of enlistment. Both deserted. Major Sidney Willard, who was shot through the body, being in command of the regiment, at Fredericksburg, Va., Decem ber 13, 1862, and died the next day, was the son of Joseph Willard, Esq., historian of Lancaster, and born in this town, A. D. 1831. Company B. Edward Pierce, 21 ; June 29, 1864. Cottipany K. John Krum, 24; June 29, 1864. Thirty-sixth Massachusetts Infantry. Lieut.-Col.John W. Kimball of the 15th M. V. I., was to have received the command of this regiment. The War Department not consenting to his discharge, Henry Bow man was commissioned its colonel, he being then major of the 34th M. V, I. The regiment left the state September 2, 1862. It participated in the batties ot Fredericksburg, 1862; Jackson, Miss., Blue Springs, Campbell's Station, Siege of Knoxville, Tenn.. 1863; Wilderness, Spottsyl vania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Hatcher's Run, etc., 1864-5. A history of the regiment was published in 1884. Henry Bowman, 28; Aug. 22, 1862, colonel; resigned July 27, 1863; re- commissioned in October, 1863, and chief of staff of General Wilcox at Cumberland Gap, Tenn., Nov. 21 to Dec. 25, 1863; rejoined the regiment Dec. 26, 1863, but unable to be mustered in as colonel, the regiment being below the minimum ; appointed captain and assistant quartermaster of volunteers, Feb. 29, 1864, and on duty with Third Division, Ninth Army Corps ; mustered out as brevet major, Aug. 15, 1866. Bowman commanded the Third Brigade of First Division, Ninth Army Corps, June and July, 1863. Brother of Lieutenant Samuel Mirick Bowman of 51 M. V. I. Company G. John Chickering Haynes, 29; Jan. 2, 1864; bounty $325; died of disease at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, March 19, 1864. George Henry Patrick, 21 ; Oct. 14, 1864; bounty $202.66; transferred to 56 M. V. I., June 8, 1865. Credited to Worcester; served for Lan caster in 53 M. V. I. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 321 Company I. George H. Hardy, 23; Jan. 2, 1864; re-enlisted veteran in 21 M. V. I,, from which he was transferred to 36 M. V. I., Aug. 30, 1864; trans ferred to 56 M. V. I., June 8, 1865. Credited to Leominster. Uttassigttcd. Charles F. Burditt, 43 ; Dec. 26, 1863 ; rejected by surgeon, Jan. 2, 1864. A veteran soldier of the Seminole War. Leonard H. Parker, 21 ; Dec. 29, 1863; bounty $325 ; mustered out June 8, 1865. Brother of Lieut. Henry J. Parker. Fortieth Massachusetts Infantry. Company B. Oliver B. Sawyer, sergeant, 22; Aug. 22, 1862; mustered out June 16, 1865. Credited to Stow. Served before for Lancaster in Co. E, 21 M. V. I. Forty-second Massachusetts Infantry. 100 Days. A history of this regiment was published in 1886. Company E. Henry H. Rugg, 24 ; July 22, 1864; bounty $73.33 ; mustered out Nov, II, 1864. Served before in 15 and 53 M. V. I. Compatiy K. Horace Worcester, 20; July 18, 1864; bounty $75.99; mustered out Nov. II, 1864. Credited to Boston. Bred and died in Lancaster. Died of consumption engendered in service. May 22, 1866. Forty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry. 9 Months. Company F. Henry Maynard Putney, 20; Sept. 26, 1862; shot through the head at Dover Cross Roads, N. C, April 28, 1863. Credited to Framingham. Forty-seventh Massachusetts Infantry. 9 Months. Company K. George D. Weld, 44; Oct. 31, 1862; mustered out Sept. i, 1863. Killed in Lancaster, Dec. i, 1865, being run over by his own team. Fifty-first Massachusetts Infantry. 9 Months. This regiment, commanded by Colonel A. B. R. Sprague, left the state November 25, 1862, by transport from Boston, and served in North CaroHna. 322 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Company A. Samuel Mirick Bowman, sergeant, 25 ; Sept. 25, 1862 ; mustered out July 27, 1863. Credited to Clinton ; born and bred in Lancaster. Served later in 57 M. V. I. Brother of Col. Henry Bowman, 36 M. V. I. Compatty C. Frank E. Nourse, 21; Sept. 25, 1862; mustered out July 27, 1863. Brother of Fred F., 5 M. V. I. Edwin A. Otis, corporal, 19 ; Sept. 25, 1862 ; mustered out July 27, 1863. Cottipatty E. Simon M. Plaisted, 24; Sept. 25, 1862; mustered out July 27, 1863. Credited to Worcester. Served later in Co. F, First Battalion, Heavy Artillery. Fifty-third Massachusetts Infantry. 9 Months. This regiment was commanded by Colonel John W. Kimball of Fitchburg, and left Camp Stevens, near Gro ton, November 29, 1863. It was transported by steamer from New York to New Orleans, and was engaged in various severe marches and skirmishes in Louisiana. Its most important record was made during the siege of Port Hudson. In the assault upon that stronghold, June 14, 1863, it won much credit and experienced heavy loss. Each soldier of Lancaster in this regiment received a bounty of one hundred dollars from the town. The date of enlistment of the Lancaster men was September 2, 1862, in nearly every case. Company C. Thomas Augustus Hills, 21; Nov. 6, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Credited to Leominster; clerk in Lancaster. Served later in 5 M. V. I., 100 days. Adelbert W. Johnson, 24; Nov. 6, 1862; wourided in knee at Port Hud son, La., July II, 1863, and died at Baton Rouge about three weeks later. Credited to Leominster. Had served Lancaster in 15 M. V. I. George Thompson, 21 ; Nov. 6, 1862 ; died of disease at Brashear City, La., May 30, 1863. Credited to Leominster, but Lancaster born and bred. Brother of William, 16 M. V. I. Company I. John G. Albee, i8 ; Oct. 18, 1862 ; taken prisoner at Thibodeaux, La., and held in rebel prison for a month ; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 323 John Curtis Ayers, 25 ; sergeant, Oct. 18, 1862 ; appointed second-lieuten ant May 22, 1863; first-lieutenant July 2, 1863; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Walter Andrew Brooks, 25; corporal, Oct. 18, 1862; died of disease in hospital at Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 22, 1863. George Edwin Chafee, 35; Oct. 18, 1862; taken prisoner at Brashear City, La., June 20, 1863, and paroled; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Frank W. Chandler, 18; Oct. i8, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Henry Albert Cutler, 18; Oct. 18, 1862; died of chronic diarrhoea, July 9, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La. William H. Fisher, 18; Oct. i8, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Oscar Frary, 30; Oct. 18, 1862 ; died of chronic diarrhoea and homesick ness at Baton Rouge, La., July 28, 1863. [Mass. Records say June 28.] Company cook. Harris C. Harriman, 33 ; Oct. 18, 1862 ; wounded in assault at Port Hud son, La., June 14, 1863, a piece of shell passing through calf of leg; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863; died Feb. 4, 18S8, in Chicago. David W. Jackson, 33; Oct. 18, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. John James, 21; Oct. 18, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863; killed May 25, 1884. Joseph B. Moore, 38; Oct. 18, 1862; wounded in head May 27, 1863, at Port Hudson, La. ; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Byron H. Nourse, 24; sergeant, Oct. 18, 1862; promoted to first-sergeant Jan. 22, 1863; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Roscoe H. Nourse, 22; drummer, Oct. 18, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Served again in 5 M. V. I. Brother of Byron H. George Henry Patrick, 19; Oct. 18, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Served again in 36 and 56 M. V. I. Walter C. Rice, 45; Oct. 18, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Served chiefly as company cook and hospital attendant ; died in Lancaster, July 30, 1867. Edwin Sawtell, 24; Oct. 18, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Walter S. H. Turner, 18; Oct. 18, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Edward Richmond Washburn, 26; first-lieutenant Oct. 18, 1862; promo ted captain Nov. 8, 1862. In the assault upon Port Hudson, La., June 14, 1863, his left thigh was shattered by musket ball and buck shot. Of this wound, after apparent recovery, he died at Lancaster, Sept. 5, 1864. Brother of Colonel Francis Washburn, 4 Mass. Cav alry. Edmund C. Whitney, 26; corporal, Oct. 18, 1862; clerk in quartermaster and commissary departments Dec. 16 to Jan. 20, 1863; promoted sergeant July 14, 1863; wounded in right arm at Port Hudson, July 14, 1863: mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Charles H. Wilder, 42; Oct. 18, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Died Nov. 30 1885, in Lancaster. 324 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Company K. Albert Flagg, 18; Oct. 17, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Resident of Lancaster, but enlisted for Sterling. Stephen Adams Keyes, 18; Oct. 17, 1862; died on transport while on the way homeward, and buried at sea, off Florida coast, Aug. 10, 1863. Brother of Sumner W., 5 M. V. I. Henry H. Rugg, 22; corporal, Oct. 17. 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Rugg had served before in 15 M.V. I., and enlisted later in 42 M.V. I. James Rugg, 42; Oct. 17, 1862; mustered out Sept. 2, 1863. Brother of Daniel W., 21 M. V. I. Fifty-sixth Massachusetts Infantry. Cottipany G. George H. Hardy was transferred June 8, 1865, from 36 M. V. I. ; mus tered out July 12, 1865. Credited to Leominster. George Henry Patrick ; transferred from 36 M. V. I. ; mustered out Aug. 7, 1865. Credited to Worcester. Fifty-seventh Massachusetts Infantry. This regiment, under Colonel WilHam F. Bartlett, left the state April 18, 1864. It was engaged in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Hatcher's Run, etc. Company C. Samuel Mirick Bowman, 26; first-lieutenant, Dec. 26, 1863; terribly wounded in body and limbs by fragments of a shell, when in his tent before Petersburg, Va., July 24, 1864, and died two days after. He had before served in 51 M. V. I. Credited to Worcester. His name is inscribed upon the memorial tablets of Lancaster, Clinton and Worcester. Frank B. Leroy, 18; Feb. 18, 1864; bounty $325; mustered out June 22, 1865. A non-resident hired for the town. Edwin Sykes, 29; Feb. 18, 1864; deserted July i, 1864. A non-resident hired for the town; bounty $325. First Massachusetts Cavalry. Francis Washburn, 24; second-lieutenant, Dec. 26, 1861 ; promoted to first-lieutenant March 7, 1862 ; transferred to 2 Mass. Cavalry as cap tain, Jan. 26, 1863. Brother of Capt. Edward, 53 M. V. I. Company G. Charies A. Robinson, 21 ; Oct. 5, 1861 ; discharged for disability Feb. 6, 1863. Native of Lancaster, enlisted for Lowell. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 325 Second Massachusetts Cavalry. This regiment, commanded by Colonel Charles R. Lowell, Jr., left the state May 11, 1863, and was in the Department of Washington during that year. During 1864 it was chiefly in the Army of the Shenandoah, and conspic uous in numerous engagements. Francis Washburn, 25; captain, Jan. 26, 1863; promoted lieutenant- colonel 4 Mass. Cavalry, Feb. 4, 1864. Company H. John Coyle, 22; May 7, 1864; deserted Feb. 15, 1865. Non-resident hired; bounty $325. [Qy« in Mass. Records. William Ross, 27; May 7, 1864; deserted May 12, 1864. Non-resident hired; bounty $325. Cotnpany L. John Goodwin, 18; Sept. 13, 1864; deserted Dec. 1, 1864. Non-resident hired ; bounty $50. Company M. John Louis Moeglen, 43; Feb. 2, 1864; died Sept. 28, 1864, of buHet wound received in Shenandoah Valley campaign. A Prussian, resi dent of Lancaster, who had served before in 20 M. V. I. Credited to Boston in Mass. Records ; bounty $325. Unassigned. John Bell, 25; May 7, 1864; bounty $325 ; non-resident hired. No fur ther record. James Langley, 22; May 7, 1864; bounty $325; non-resident hired. No further record. John Monyer, 35; Dec. 27, 1864; bounty $325 ; non-resident hired. No further record. [Motigen in Mass. Records.] Third Massachusetts Cavalry. Company A. William S. McKay, 24; sergeant, April 8, 1864; bounty $325 ; promoted sergeant-major July 26, 1865 ; mustered out Sept. 28, 1865. Non resident substitute. Unassigned. Albert Bergmann, 26; July 2, 1864; bounty $325 ; a hired substitute, of Jersey City. 326 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. This regiment was organized by consolidation of the Third Battalion of the First Massachusetts Cavalry with two battaHons of veterans recruited in the spring of 1864. Colonel A. A. Rand was its first commander. The Sec ond Battalion served with the Army of the South ; the First and Third participated in the mihtary operations before Richmond, and the guidons of Companies E and H were the first Union colors raised upon the capital of that city, April 3, 1865. The desperate charges of Companies I, L and M, at High Bridge, Va., led by Colonel Francis Washburn, delaying the advance guard of Lee's retreating army, essentially hastened the final collapse of the Con federacy.Francis Washburn, 25; lieutenant-colonel, Feb. i, 1864; colonel, Feb. 4, 1865 ; wounded at High Bridge, Va., April 6, 1865, while leading a charge against a vastly superior force. Being engaged in a hand-to- hand encounter with a Confederate officer, he received a pistol shot in the face from another, and fell stunned from his horse. Lying on the ground, he was fatally wounded by a sabre stroke upon his skull, in flicted by a rufiian to whom, while engaged in despoiling his person, he made some motion of remonstrance. He died at Worcester, Mass., April 22, 1865. Brevet brigadier-general vols., April 6, 1865. [See Appendix.] Cottipany C. Henry F. Ball, 24; Dec. 31, 1863 ; promoted hospital steward September, 1864; discharged Nov. 14, 1865. Credited to Clinton. Company E. William Schumaker, 21; corporal, Jan. 27, 1864; bounty $325; died a prisoner at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 13, 1S64. Credited to South- bridge. Company F. John Veret, 28; Jan. 5, 1864; bounty $325 ; mustered out Nov. 14, 1865. Enlisted as a farrier. Seventh Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery. Shortly after the Lancaster recruits joined this battery, it proceeded by steamer from Baltimore to the Department DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 327 of the Gulf, and was engaged in the siege operations at Mobile. George Walton Divoll, 37; Jan. 5, 1864; bounty $325 ; died at New Or leans, La., of disease, Sept. 21, 1864. Credited to Leominster. Henry S. Priest, 25 ; Jan. 4, 1864; rejected recruit Jan. 9, 1864. J. Prescott Wilder, 31; Jan. 4, 1864; bounty $325; mustered out June 8, 1865. Eleventh Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery. This battery left the state February 5, 1864, and was in the engagements of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, etc. The three Lancaster recruits were non-residents. Thomas Fox, 18 ; Dec. 23, 1864; bounty $325 ; mustered out June 18, 1865. John Toole, 18; " " " " Joseph Valdez, 30 ; " " " " Thirteenth Battery Massachusetts Infantry. This battery served in the Department of the Gulf. Its two recruits credited to Lancaster were non-residents. George W. Davis, 23 ; April 6, 1864; bounty $325 ; mustered out July 28, 1865. William Smith, 22; April 6, 1864; bounty $325 ; mustered out July 28, 1865. First Battalion Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. Cottipany F. Simon M. Plaisted, 25; Aug. 15, 1864; bounty $209.32; mustered out June 28, 1865 ; served also in 51 M. V. I., nine months. Credited to Grafton. First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. This regiment, originally the Fourteenth Infantry, re- enlisted in December, 1863, and was for six months in the fortifications of Washington. Thence it marched to the front, and as infantry fought in the several engagements that ended in the fall of Richmond. 328 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Company G. John Ollis, corporal, i8 ; Dec. 3, 1863 ; bounty $325 ; wounded in foot by shell, at Petersburg, Va., June 22, 1864; mustered out as supernu merary Julv 31, 1865. Credited to Boston. Brother of Luke, 2 U. S. Cavalry. Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. This regiment was stationed in North Carolina during its full term 01 service. Companies B, C, F, I and M, un der command of Lieutenant-Colonel A. B. R. Sprague, took part in the battle of Kinston, N. C. Cottipany A. Frank Miller, 27; July 2, 1864; bounty 325 ; died May 12, 1865, at New Berne, N. C. Non-resident hired. Louis Neu, 22 ; July 2, 1864 ; bounty $325 ; died Nov. 22, 1864, at Ply mouth, N. C. Non-resident hired. Company M. Sanford B. Wilder, 24 ; Dec. 24, 1863 ; bounty $325 ; mustered out Sept. 3, 1865. Had enlisted before in 53 M. V. I., but illness prevented service with that regiment. I Unassigned. John Kern, 22; July 2, 1864; bounty $325. No further records. Non resident substitute. [Jeati Kern in Mass. Records.] Third Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. Company L. William McCarron, 23; May 30, 1864; bounty $325 ; discharged for dis ability Sept. 30, 1864. Non-resident. Veteran Volunteer Reserve Corps. Charles H. Balcom, 33; transferred from 15 M. V. I., Co. C, April 15, 1864; re-enlisted May 14, 1864, and credited to Randolph; mustered out Nov. 14, 1865. Joseph N. Day, 22 ; transferred from 34 M. V. I., Co. H, and 24 M. V. I., Co. G, May 2, 1865 ; mustered out July 25, 1865. Asa Whitman Green, 22 ; transferred from 19 M.V.I. Co F Sept 26 1863. . . F ¦ , Solomon Kittredge, 42 ; transferred from 15 M. V. I., Co. C, May i, 1862 ; re-enlisted veteran July i, 1864; mustered out Nov. 14, 1865. William H. Mellor, 18 ; transferred from 34 M. V. I., Co. H, Jan. 19, 1865. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 329 Oliver W. Moore, 20; transferred from 15 M. V. I., Co. C, Sept. 8, 1863 ; re-enlisted for Lancaster, July 21, 1S64; mustered out Nov. 17, 1865. Served the first three years for Lowell. George K. Richards, 39; transferred from 16 M. V.I., Co. C, Aug. 11, 1863; re-enlisted for Provincetown, Nov. 30, 1864; mustered out Nov. 14, 1865. Died March 17, 1879. U. S. Veteran Volunteers, Hancock's Corps. Charles E. McQuillan, 23 ; Dec. 9, 1864 ; bounty $240 ; mustered out Dec. 9, 1865. Served before in 21 M. V. I. and 2 U. S. Cavalry. U. S. Colored Troops, Thirty-ninth Regiment. Edward M. Fuller, 2i ; appointed captain by S. O. 123, transferred from 34 M. V. I., Co. F; wounded in head at Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864; major U. S. C. T., June I, 1865 ; mustered out December, 1865. U. S. Signal Corps. Henry H. Elden, 23; Dec. 2, 1864; bounty $325. A non-resident hired. [Elder in Mass. Records.] Warren Ellis, 20; transferred from 15 M. V. I., Co. F, Oct. 27, 1863. Second U. S. Cavalry. Company K. Charles E. McQuillan, 20 ; enlisted from 21 M. V. I., Co. E, Oct. 30, 1862. Served later in U. S. Veteran Vols., Hancock's Corps. Luke Ollis, 19 ; enlisted from 21 M.V. I., Co. E, Oct. 23, 1862 ; re-enlisted veteran Feb. 29, 1864; wounded in arm when in pursuit of Early in the Shenandoah Valley, and died of wound Oct. 13, 1864. Frank E. Pierce, 22 ; enlisted from 21 M. V. I., Co. E, Oct. 23, 1862 ; re- enlisted Feb. 29, 1864. First U. S. Artillery. Company I. Fordyce Horan, 20; enlisted from 15 M. V. I., Co. A, Nov. 17, 1862; died insane, in hospital at Washington, Nov. 3, 1864. Henry H. Hosley, 19; enlisted from 15 M. V. I., Co. C, Nov. 12, 1862; mustered out July 12, 1864. 22 330 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. U. S. Navy. Frank W. Barnes, 18 ; Sept. 15, 1862 ; enlisted on receiving ship Ohio, at Charlestown; Oct. i, 1862, transferred to supply steamer Rhode Island; January, 1863, on blockading frigate Minnesota; discharged Sept. 15, 1863. John Gould; October, 1862, was on supply steamer Rhode Island. No other record found. Ephraim Mackrell, 18; Aug. 26, 1863, enlisted at Charlestown; served one year, chiefly on the gunboat Nipsic, in blockading Charleston. Brother of following. WilHam J. Mackrell, 21 ; Aug. 12, 1862, enlisted at Charlestown ; wound ed by concussion of shell, causing contusion of thigh, Feb. i, 1863, at Stono Inlet, S. C, and captured ; paroled March i, and sent north. William F. Murphy, 22 ; May 3, 1864, transferred from 32 M. V. I. Non resident substitute for Elbridge W. Hosmer. Twentieth Connecticut Infantry. Company F. David Wilder Jones, 46; Aug. 11, 1862; enlisted at Newtown, Ct. ; wounded at ChancellorsviUe, May 3, 1863, and died the same day. Native and long resident of Lancaster, First Connecticut Heavy Artillery. Compatiy F. James Homer Newman, 27; May 23, 1861 ; enlisted at New Haven; re- enlisted veteran, Dec. 10, 1863; mustered out Sept. 25, 1865. Born and bred in Lancaster. Eleventh Rhode Island Infantry. 9 Months. Company D. Charles T. Wiley ; enlisted at Providence, Oct. i, 1862; mustered out July 13, 1863. Resident of Lancaster. Company G. James T. Fletcher ; enlisted at Providence, Oct. i, 1862; mustered out July 13, 1863. Born and bred in Lancaster. Dead. First New Hampshire Infantry. 3 Months, etc. Charles Timothy Fairbanks, 23; May 2, 1861, enlisted in Co. F, at Nashua; mustered out Aug. 6, 1861, and enlisted Sept. 15, 1862, in the New Hampshire Battalion of New England Cavalry, Co. M ; shot through the body in a skirmish, June 18, 1863, and died the next day. Born and bred in Lancaster. Brother of Francis Henry, 1 5 and 34 M. V. I. DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 331 Eighth New Hampshire Infantry. Frank Carter Bancroft, 17 ; Oct. 25, 1861, enlisted under the alias of Hen ry F. Colter, in Co. A, at Nashua, and served as drummer ; re-enlisted as bugler, Jan. 4, 1864, and transferred Jan. i, 1865, to 8 Battalion N. H. Mounted Infantry; mustered out Oct. 28, 1865. Thirteenth New Hampshire Infantry. William Dustin Carr, 40; corporal; Sept. 19, 1862, enlisted at M.ison ; severely wounded by shell. May 13, 1864, and died at Point Lookout, Md., in hospital, June 20, 1864. [N. H. Records say June 22.] Ninth Vermont Infantry. Frank O. Sawyer, 30 ; July 9, 1862, at Burlington; commissioned first- lieutenant and quartermaster; appointed captain a. qm. U. S. vols., June 30, 1864; mustered out May 31, 1866. Born and bred in Lan caster. Twelfth Vermont Infantry. 9 Months. Thomas Henry Warren, 35; enlisted at Burlington, Vt., Aug. 23, 1862; mustered out July 14, 1863. He died Sept. 29, 1873, '"i Lancaster, and was resident here most of his life. Nathaniel C. Sawyer was appointed from Vermont, major and paymas ter, July 21, i863, and mustered out July 20, 1866. Brother of Frank O. Sawyer. Thirty-fifth New York Infantry. Francis B. Cutler, 25 ; enlisted in Co. A, at Elmira, N.Y., June i, i86i ; killed at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. He resided in Lancas ter until manhood, and his three brothers, credited to Lancaster, were in 15 and 53 M. V. I. Forty-second New York Infantry. Tammany Regt. James Finnessey, 21 ; corporal ; enlisted in New York city, Aug. 9, 1861 ; from Lancaster. Sergeant, transferred to 59 N. Y. ; mustered out Aug. 5, 1864; died Oct. 10, 1864. Sixtieth New York Infantry. Martin Kelly, 20; corporal; enlisted Oct. 17, 1861, in Co. H, at Ogdens- burg, N. Y. ; re-enlisted as veteran at Wauhatchie, Ala., Dec. 14, 1863; mustered out July 17, 1865. 332 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Ninth Iowa Infty. and Third Battery L. Art. Jerome Bradley, 28; September, 1861, commissioned junior second-lieu tenant of the Dubuque Battery L. A. ; promoted senior second-lieu tenant same battery, called 3 Iowa, Feb. 28, 1862 ; promoted first- lieutenant and quartermaster 9 Iowa V. I., March 16, 1862, but declined commission; appointed captain and a. qm. U. S. vols., Feb. 19, 1863; resigned Jan. 9, 1865. From infancy to manhood, of Lan caster. Richard Jeffrey Cleveland, 40 ; enlisted in Co. B, Jones county, Iowa, Oct. 9, 1861 ; discharged April i, 1863. Born and bred in Lancaster. Eleventh Illinois Cavalry. This regiment fought in battles of Shiloh, Corinth, luka, Lexington, Vicksburg, etc. Charles Lowell Bancroft, 34 ; of Farmington, 111. ; commissioned second- lieutenant Co. B, Dec. 20, 1861 ; promoted first-lieutenant July 6, 1862; mustered out Dec. 19, 1864. Slightly wounded in skirmish at Meridian, Miss. Born and lived until manhood in Lancaster. Died April 16, 1888, at Yankton, Dakota. Thirteenth Illinois Infantry. This regiment was in the Fifteenth Army Corps, and in batties of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Jackson, and Missionary Ridge. Edward Russell Joslyn, 21 ; enlisted in Co. B, at Steriing, III., May 24, 1861 ; died at St. Louis, Mo., April 13, 1865, from effects of starva tion in military prison at Florence, Ala., having been taken prisoner May 17, 1864, in the Georgia campaign. Native of, and credited to Lancaster. Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry. A history of this regiment was printed in 1887. The two Lancaster men serving in it enlisted at Camp Douglas, Chicago, and enrolled themselves in aid of the quota of their native town. The regiment was of General W. T. Sherman's original division in the Fifteenth A. C, and lost in killed and wounded nearly forty per cent of its numbers engaged at Shiloh, its first battie. It participated later in the battles of Russell's House, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkan sas Post, Champion's Hill, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw, DESCRIPTIVE ROSTER. 333 Atlanta, Ezra Church, Jonesboro, Fort McAlHster and Bentonville ; and the sieges of Corinth, Vicksburg, Jack son, Atlanta and Savannah. It marched 3240 miles, and travelled during its four years of service, 11,965 miles. Henry Stedman Nourse, 30 ; Oct. 23, 1861, began service as clerk of regi ment ; adjutant, March i, 1862; captain of Co. H, Dec. 19, 1862; senior officer in command of regiment after battle of Jonesboro', Sept. I, 1864; appointed commissary of musters Seventeenth A. C, Oct. 24, 1864; slightly wounded in leg at Shiloh, by shell; declining commission as lieutenant-colonel then due, mustered out at expiration of service, March 29, 1865. George Lee Thurston, 30; Oct. 31, 1861, adjutant; promoted captain Co. B, March i, 1862. Given leave of absence by Gen. Grant, July i, 1862, on surgeon's certificate "that such absence is necessary to save his life." Died at Lancaster, Dec. 15, 1862, of consumption engen dered by fatigue and exposure during battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862. See Appettdix. Veteran Re-enlistments. Charles H. Balcom, 15 M. V. I. and Veteran Reserve Corps. Frank Carter Bancroft, 8 N. H. V. I. Jonas H. Beard, 25 M. V. I. William L. Fox, 21 M. V. I. George H. Hardy, 21 M. V. I. Martin Kelly, 60 N. Y. V. I. Sumner R. Kilburn, 15 M. V. I. Solomon Kittredge, 15 M. V. I. and Veteran Reserve Corps. Charles E. McQuillan, 2 U. S. Cavalry and U. S. Vet. Vols. Oliver W. Moore, 15 M. V. I. and Veteran Reserve Corps. James Homer Newman, i Conn. Heavy Artillery. Luke Ollis, 2 U. S. Cavalry. Frank E. Pierce, 2 U. S. Cavalry. George K. Richards, 16 M. V. I. and Veteran Reserve Corps. Caleb W. Sweet, 23 M. V. I. Of the commissioned officers, Bancroft, Henry Bowman, Bradley, Cobb, Fuller, Nourse, Sawyer and Francis Washburn served throughout the war. Drafted July 18, 1864, and paid $300 for Substitutes. Miron H. Brewer, George E. P. Dodge, Horatio D. Humphrey, Oliver Warner Carter, Josiah Harris, Henry Stowe, Henry C. Cutting, Eli E. Howe, Charles Lewis Wilder, Jr. Elbridge Warren Hosmer, 334 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. SUMMARY. The population of Lancaster, by census of i860, was 1732 Its valuation in i860 was $848,100 Lancaster's quota under all calls was . ... 171 Credited to the town by state authorities, . . . . . . 181 Surplus, ... 10 Individuals named in preceding lists, ... ... . .215 Of these, actual residents or natives were 168 non-residents employed as substitutes . . ... 36 drafted citizens paying $300, 10 re-enlisted veterans for three years were 15 serving in more than one organization, 24 commissioned, 20 killed in action or died of wounds, 27 died of disease before 1867, 23 wounded other than mortally (so far as recorded), . . . 31 The Cutler family furnished four brothers to the Union army, three of whom laid down their lives, the fourth being severely wounded. Two fathers, Benjamin Farnsworth and Jonathan Puffer Nourse, each sent three sons to the war. One father, Thomas A. G. Hunting, gave two sons and fought for the Union himself. Nineteen other families had each two brothers in the service. Several soldiers born in Lancaster, but whose birthplace and residence were in that part of the town which in 1850 was incorporated as Clinton, will not be found named in the preceding lists. Doubtiess several other natives of the town, not hereinbefore mentioned, fought during the civil war to the credit of other places, where they had made for themselves new homes ; but the mihtary experience of such has not come to the knowledge of the writer. Adjutant General Schouler, in his History of Massachu setts in the Civil War, says: "Lancaster furnished one hundred and eighty-one men for the war, which was a sur plus of ten over and above all demands. Six were com missioned officers." This statement coincides with the original quota Hst of the selectmen, and from that it was probably derived. It is, however, as the roster proves, an undervaluation of the contribution of manhood made by IN CONCLUSION. 335 Lancaster for the suppression of the great treason. In the printed quota list some errors are noticeable ; and the omission of several names of soldiers, known to be Lan caster born and bred, impelled the writer to attempt faith fully and patiently to make up from all records attainable — aided by the memories and diaries of fellow soldiers, and the fellow townsmen who keep freshly in mind the soul-stirring experiences of the civil war — a full and accu rate roster of the men who represented this town in various military organizations during that momentous struggle. He cannot hope that the outcome of his honest endeavors, as set forth in the preceding pages, is free from mistakes ; but it is hoped that these may not be found many nor inex cusable. The published Records of the Massachusetts Volunteers are far from being always reliable ; indeed, the more searchingly they are examined, the more charity it requires to spare harsh terms in criticism of their inaccu racies. Whenever possible, statements of these Records have been verified or corrected by certified copy from original muster rolls, army letters, family records, and dis charge papers. When discrepancies have been found in different authorities, and they were many, they have been used to eliminate error, and noted with comment when im portant or productive of uncertainty. It is no part of the purpose of this chronicle to magnify individual prowess and success, or to excuse individual failure and misconduct; to eulogize, much less to under rate any one. It would have given the writer great pleas ure to add to his pages by including the battle record of each soldier. But this, while honoring the few living and accessible, would unavoidably have resulted in injustice to the majority, dead or distant. The foregoing lists are therefore merely a catalogue of those soldiers in army or navy who can, for any reason, be considered of Lancaster, with a systematic statement of such facts in their war ex periences as usually appear in regimental muster rolls. 336 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. To comrades and fellow townsmen, this effort to preserve in more full and convenient form than hitherto existed, honorable record of our active patriotism during a period of great national peril, is respectfully submitted by one proud to call himself a Lancaster soldier. The army of the West, under Sherman, had swept down from Atlanta to the sea, and now, jubilant and invin cible, was advancing northward, half way on its triumphal march towards Richmond. The army of the East had at last completely enveloped its stubborn antagonist in gigan tic coils, and crushed it into submission. The joy of peace assured and the nation regenerated illumined the faces of the loyal millions. Suddenly a brief electric message flashed east, west, north, south, that hushed ah voice of rejoicing, carried dismay and indignation everywhere, and saddened each northern home. For "Father Abraham" had become a household word, and the loss by tragic death of President Lincoln was felt even more as a private than a public grief, now that the great mission of his life had been brought to grand conclusion. At a meeting of the town convened May 20, 1865, resolutions expressive of its profound sense of this calamity were recommended for adoption, and it was unanimously voted that they be re corded in the town's book. On July 4, 1865, the people of Lancaster celebrated the victory of free institutions, assembled en masse in the field and adjoining grove at the " Meeting of the Waters." Pro fessor William RusseD read the Emancipation Proclama tion, and the minister of the First Parish made an address. It was in itself one of the brightest and most beautiful of days. It was an immortal date, "wearing a double crown of Providential honors, as the commemoration not only of the first, but of the second Birth of the RepubHc — not only SOLDIERS' GRAVES IN LANCASTER. 337 of the Declaration of the fathers, but of its re-affirmation and practical confirmation for all time." Not the least grateful duty of the occasion was to welcome so many as had returned of those who went forth with the blessings and prayers of the town upon them, to stand or fall in the mighty struggle. Their ranks had been thinned by disease and violent death. Some had not come back, and never will — but they are not dead — for that which inspired them dies not with the physical forms in which it was embodied. "Ah no! the life they gave Is not shut in the grave. The valorous spirits freed. Live in the vital deed ! Marble shall crumble to dust. Broken and covered with stains. The crossed stone swords must yield ; But the great deed remains." A building commemorative of the patriotic self-sacrifice of these "unreturning brave," begun in 1867, was com pleted and dedicated in the spring of the following year ; and extensive improvements upon it are going on as these pages pass through the hands of the printer. SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION HAVING MEMORIAL STONES IN LANCASTER CEMETERIES— 1889. NORTH VILLAGE CEMETERY. Charies Coolidge, Co. E, 21 M. V. I. Died March 29, 1862, aged 34. Franklin Hawkes Farnsworth, Co. C, 15 M. V. I. Killed May 31, 1862, aged 19. [Cenotaph.] Henry M. Putney, Co. F, 45 M. V. I. Killed April 28, 1863, aged 20. James G. True, Co. A, 28 M. V I. Died November 27, 1863, aged 27. [Cenotaph.] William Dustin Carr, Co. G, 13 N. H. I. Died of wound June 20, 1864, aged 40. Edward R. Washburn, Co. I, M.V.I. Died of wound September 5, 1864, aged 28. George W. Divoll, 7 Battery M. L. A. Died September 21, 1864, aged 37. [Cenotaph.] 338 ANNALS OF LANCASTER. Francis Washburn, 4 Mass. Cav. Died of wound April 22, 1865, aged 26. George D. Weld, Co. K, 47 M. V. I. Died December i, 1865, aged 53. Walter C. Rice, Co. I, 53 M. V. I. Died July 30, 1867, aged 45. James Montgomery, Co. D, 21 M. V. I. Died January 22, 1870, aged 53. William N. Spencer, Co. J, 98 N. Y. Vols. Died March 11, 1871, aged 22. Joseph C. Stevens, Surgeon Washington hospital. Died August 7, 1871, aged 39. George W. Matthews, Co. H, 34 M. V. I. Died November 24, 1876, aged 29. Charles G. Stevens, Asst. Surgeon 19 Maine Vols. Died March i, 1877, aged 33. George K. Richards, Co. C, 16 M. V. I. Died March 17, 1879, aged 59. George A. Foss, Co. I, 44 M. V. I. Died April 16, 1885, aged 43. MIDDLE CEMETERY. Ebenezer W. Richards, Co. E, 21 M. V. I. Killed December 13, 1862, aged 37. [Cenotaph.] George Lee Thurston, Co. B, 55 III. V. I. Died December 15, 1862, aged 32. Horatio Elisha Turner, Co. F, 34 M. V. I. Died September 8, 1864, aged 20. [Cenotaph.] Fred Fordyce Nourse, Co. E, 5 M. V. I. Died September 13, 1864, aged 22. Horace Worcester, Co. K, 42 M. V. I. Died May 22, 1866, aged 22. Henry T. Taylor, Co. A, 15 M. V. I. Died October 18, 1868, aged 34. Charies H. Wilder, Co. I, 53 M. V. I. Died November 30, 1885, aged 66. OLD COMMON CEMETERY. John James, Co. I, 53 M. V. I. Died May 25, 1884, aged 42. EASTWOOD CEMETERY. William L. Cobb, Co. H, 34 M. V. I. Died May 17, 1879, aged 39. Harris C. Harriman, Co. I, 53 M. V. I. Died February 4, 1888, aged 59. CAPTAIN GEORGE LEE THURSTON mi^ ^^i§f