YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 06126 4967

King, Daniel P..
Eulogy at the Funeral of General
Gideon Foster...
Danvers, 1846.

£8

YALE UNIVERSITY
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George Peabody Wetmore
b.a. 1867

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EULOGY,

AT THE EUNERAL OF

, ¦ *

GENERAL GIDEON FOSTER,

DELIVERED IN THE UNITARIAN CHURCH,

IN DANVERS,

NOVEMBER 3d, 1845, t

BY

DANIEL P. KING.

WITH NOTES.

DANVERS :
d. E. CARLTON — COURIER PRES0.
1846.

Danvers, Nov. 3d, 1845.
Dear Sib — "
At a Meeting of the Committee of Arrangements, appointed to conduct the
Funeral Obsequies of the late General Gideon Foster, held immediately after the
Funeral, it was
Voted — That this Committee, in behalf of their fellow citizens, tender their
jjianks to Hon. Daniel P. King for his just and appropriate Eulogy on the character
and services of the late Gen. Gideon Fosteb, and that he be respectfully requested
to place? a copy at the disposal of the Committee for publication.
I remain, Dear Sir,
Your obedient servant, Fitch Poole,
Sec. of Com. Arrangements.
To Hon. Dahiel P. King.

Danverss Nov. 4th, 1845.
Dear Sib—
In compliance with the request of the Committee of Arrangements, I place in
your harids a copy of the Eulogy on Gen. Foster, and I very much regret that time
was not allowed to prepare something more worthy of the worthy General.
With my grateful acknowledgements to yourself and the Committee, I am very
truly ,
flt Your obedient servant,
# Daniel P. King.
Fitch Poole, Esq., Sec. Com. Arrangements. „

EULOGY.

In this house of God, ¦where prayer is wont to be offered,
¦where hymns of praise and anthems of thanksgiving are wont to
be sung, what mean these plaintive dirges, these emblems of
woe, this military array ? This vacant seat and that funereal
bier proclaim the mournful fact. A good citizen, a brave sol
dier, our neighbor and friend, a man venerable for his years,
more venerable for his services and virtues, has passed away ;
the spirit full of immortal longings, has taken its flight from its
clay tenement shattered and bowed down by the storms and
tempests of almost a century of years ; the animating soul has
fled, and left these frail relics of mortality for us to drop the
tear of sorrow, to speak the words of sad remembrance, and to
commit the honored dust to its last, peaceful resting place.
The body and soul which for ninety-seven years have slept and
waked together, and together have travelled the weary pilgrim
age of life, have at last parted company \ —
"Fond couple ; linked more close than wedded pair,
This wings its way to its Almighty Source,
The witness of its actions, now its judge ;
That drops into the cold and silent grave."
How solemn is this place, how full of serious reflections, how
eloquent is death ! It becomes a child of earth to lay his hand
on his mouth, to listen to the awful teachings of time and eterni
ty, to realize his own frailty and the certainty thaj; he too must
soon pass through the dark valley. Silence and meditation
would better become us, but we owe a tribute of respect to this
time-honored veteran : to those who are to come after us, we
owe some memorial of departed valor and patriotism.
It is meet that we should honor these poor remains with all
becoming obsequies; it is meet that we should mourn; for a
good "man, an ancient father, a captain and a leader of the peo
ple has fallen; but we should not weep immoderately: "he has
1

6* MR. KING'S EULOGY.
ed in that school of patriotism which taught that opposition to
tyrants is obedience to God, and which inculcated love of coun
try next to love of heaven, his strong indignation was roused by
any wrong done her or danger threatened. Liberty and love
of country Were his early and abiding passion. His country a
free institutions, good order, good laws andgood rulers were the
objects of his strongest affections ; he not only loved them but
he did what he was able, according to bis judgment and under
standing to maintain and perpetuate them. No distance of
place, no severity of the weather, no bodily infirmity, since the
adoption of the constitution, now more than sixty years, has de
tained him from depositing his ballot for State Officers.
General Foster, through his long life has been a man of great
energy, enterprise and industry. Two disastrous fires had rob
bed him of wealth, but on his little farm, with a Roman indepen
dence and more than Roman virtue, his own hands have to the
last, ministered to his necessities. The summer before the past,
he mowed his own grass, and till the week before his death the
implements of agriculture were his daily companions. He re
ceived for his services in the revolution a small pension, but in
no degree adequate to his wants or proportioned to his merits.
By his industry, regularity and temperance, with the blessing
of heaven, his life has been protracted to the verge of a century :
by his honesty, never impeached; by his sincerity and love of
truth, never questioned; by his services to individuals and the
public, and his many virtues he has secured and preserved the
love, confidence and respect of the three generations, the witnes
ses of his worth and the recipients of his benefactions. But he
now rests from bis labors, and bis wearied frame has at length
found a quiet repose.
The detail of the exploits of war -and of the battle field are
more appropriate to the page of history; this mournful occasion,
and our brief time, forbid an extended narration of General Fos
ter's revolutionary services.
Proximity to the French and Indians had taught the inhabi
tants of the colonies the necessity of being prepared for self de
fence ; they had suffered frequent and bloody experience in sav-

MR. KINGS EULOGY. ¦ 7
age warfare, but the long continued oppression of the mother
country onade a more perfect organization of the militia necessa
ry. In Massachusetts, then numbering less than three hundred
thousand inhabitants, all males able to bear arms were enrolled,
and were frequently drilled. More imminent dangers and the
threatenings of the enemy (one Regiment of whom were en
camped in this town for some months) to destroy the military
stores of the Colony, caused the provincial congress to order a
draft of minute men — men ready at a minute's warning to take
the field and face the enemy. Of the company drafted here,
Gideon Foster was chosen commander ; he was then twenty-six
years of age, : his company frequently assembled for exercise in
arms, but the first time he led them to face the enemy was on
Sunday, the 26th of Feb. 1775 — when Col. Leslie attempted
to destroy some cannon which had been deposited in Salem, then
concealed in Danyers. It had been said in the British parlia
ment, and often repeated, that two Regiments of British Reg
ulars could march from one end of the Colonies to the other,
that "the Americans never felt bold," and that they would run
from the first appearance of an armed foe. Here the first war
like opposition was made to British aggression ; here the men
of Salem and Danvers gave signal that they would fight and die
if need be, for their country. Col. Leslie did not effect his ob
ject ; but without a battle and covered with mortification and
shame he and his Regiment returned to Boston by the way of
Marblehead. It is known to you, for the story is familiar as the names of
the seasons, that on Wednesday, the 19th of April, the day ev
er memorable for the battle of Lexington, Capt. Foster march
ed with his company sixteen miles in four hours, to West Cam
bridge, where they met the retreating Britons ; it is known to
you how bravely these youthful heroes fought, how nobly seven
of the heroic citizens of this town sacrificed their fives for their
country's liberty, [d] His prowess, coolness and intrepidity on
that day, won for him high honor and imperishable fame.
For more than eight months 'he commanded a company in
Col. Mansfield's Regiment, in the army encamped about Bos-

8 MR. king's eulogy.
ton. He was actively engaged on the 17th of June, the day of
the battle of Bunker's hill, and ever while in the service, desefV-
ed and bore the character of a brave officer and a good soldier.
General Fosters mind always vigorous, retained much of its
strength till within a few days of his decease. So strong was
his constitution and so regular bis habits that his friends expect
ed for him many years of active life. His confinement was
short, and it was not until the fatal hour that immediate danger
was apprehended. He died on Saturday, Nov. 1st, 1845.
On all occasions his townsmen and neighbors have manifest
ed deep respect for his character and services. When it was
known that he was no more, the bells were tolled, business was
suspended and a gloom pervaded the community ; there was a
voluntary and general mourning ; the flag, of our country was
floating at half mast, a mournful token that one loved and honor
ed had passed away; on one flagstaff, wrapped among the stripes
and the stars, was the pennon of the Foster Fire Company with
the name of Gen. Foster blazoned upon it ; so are mingled with
the fame of our country's revolutionary glory, the name and ex
ploits of the old soldier.
Ten years ago, with due solemnities, an enduring monument
was raised to the memory of our town's early martyrs for their
country's liberty. At the distance of sixty years from that
memorable fight, which manifested to the world that raw militia
men could face and conquer hired veterans in the righteous bat
tles of their country, Gen. Foster was present — the observed of
all observers. He addressed the assembly, [e] and added solem
nity and a speaking reality to the occasion. On that anniversa
ry we were assembled, fellow citizens, in the very church where
sixty years before, the mortal remains of the heroic martyrs had
received the last rites of sepulture ; nineteen survivors of the
Revolutionary army were then present, the living witnesses of
the valor of the departed. Gen. Foster full of life, and ener
gy and patriotism, was among them, yet their leader and cap
tain ; his eye had not then grown dim, his hand had not forgot
its cunning, his natural force was hardly abated, but they and
he have now passed away ; ten more years have elapsed and the

MR. king's eulogy. 9
last commissioned officer of the Revolution, certainly of the ear
ly part of the Revolution, is dead, and we have come to pay the
last funeral honors to the veteran soldier ; the last connecting
link is broken-!— the comrade of Warren and Prescott and Stark,
the man who held official intercourse witii Ward and Putnam
and Washington, has now gone to join the mighty host of the
worthy dead. "The bugle's wild and warlike blast
Shall muster them no* more ;
An army now might thunder past,
And they not heed its roar.
The starry flag, 'neath which they fought,
In many a bloody day, - •
From their old graves shall rouse them not,
, For they have passed away."
We have seen and our children have seen and conversed with
this worthy asspciate of departed valor and patriotism ; but we
shall hear his voice and see his honored form no more. His
memory shall live and his services and example shall be trans
mitted to coming generations.
This old man lived and conversed with men who had lived
and conversed with the first settlers of the country ; many im
portant events which to us are the subjects of tradition or histo
ry, to him were the subjects of observation or vivid recollection.
Three entire generations, in his time, have come upon the stage,
have acted their parts, and have passed away. How few of his
associates and contemporaries have left a name and memory
more worthy to be cherished.
Gen- Foster had a warm heart and a liberal hand ; accord
ing to his ability, he was ever prompt to relieve the wants of the
suffering ; he was the patron of all undertakings for the public
good ; he was the friend of general education, and manifested
his interest to the last by attendance at the examinations of our
public schools ; he valued the means of education, because he
knew that an enlightened intelligence pervading the people is
the surest protection and strongest, guarantee of our liberties."'
The good old man, the brave soldier, the time-honored citizen
is dead. We rejoice that he has lived so long ; that he has
been a witness to the prosperity and independence of the coun-
2

10 MR.' KING'S EUtOGY.
try for which he fought, and for whose honor and welfare he has
always been solicitous!. The good old man, having performed
life's duties and borne life's cares is dead, and we have come, not
to praise, but to bury him on the spot which he had chosen, [e]
But a few weeks "ago, then in good health, he named the place
to me and spoke of his approaching death with the fortitude of
a brave man and the resignation and hope of a confiding chris
tian ; he had no coward fears, no presumptuous, braggart boast
ings ; no gloomy apprehensions had shrouded the grave with su
pernumerary horrors. We mourn for his death, and we sympa
thise with his bereaved family ; but we mourn and they grieve
not as those who have no hope-, for we know that he shall live
again, that this mortal shall put on immortality ; that the great -
conqueror shall himself be conquered, and death shall be swal
lowed up in victory.
This place is appropriate for these solemnities. Here this
venerable man has been accustomed to stand up with the con
gregation and worship the God of his fathers ; that corse now
goes to join a more numerous congregation, the mighty congre
gation of the dead. He was an officer of this church ; but a
few sabbaths ago his trembling hand bore to bis brother com
municants the blessed symbols of the dying love of the redeem
er and saviour of men; he shall no more join in such services
and solemnities on earth, but if true to his profession, who can
doubt that he will join the noble company of saints and martyrs
and apostles in he,aven ? if he loved his ascended Lord sincerely,
who can doubt that he will drink with him the new wine, not of
the commemoration of suffering and death, but of everlasting joy
in the Kingdom of his Father ? Our venerated friend shall in
deed no more unite with us in the prayers and songs of the sanc
tuary, but he will partake in nobler songs where there can be no
discord, and in better services where there can be no imperfec
tion and no sin.
With military escort, in mournful procession, we are now about
tfl Mow our departed friend to the grave, the house appointed
for all the living ; in due time a suitable monument will mark the
spot; in all coming time, when the lovers of liberty and their

MR. KING'S EULOGY. 11
country shall make pilgrimages to this, and to the other proud
monuments which public gratitude has raised to the memory of
heroic sacrifices and noble patriotism, may the remembrance of
the duties and obligations of the living be ever present with a
governing influence. To us is committed a sacred trust ; in the
burning words of our Demosthenes, "this lovely land, this gk>
rious liberty, these benign institutions, the dear purchase of our
fathers are ours ; ours to enjoy, ours to preserve, ours to trans-
mif'-^-yes, soldiers and fellow citizens, they are ours, ours to en
joy, to preserve, to transmit ; if we fail in our duty, if we neglect
to, inculcate on the minds of the coming generations a love of
country as well as a love of religion and a love of morality, not
only will the monuments we rear condemn us, not only the chis
eled granite and the pofished marble, but the very rude stones
of the streets will rise up in judgment against us. This late de
parted father, his companions in arms and council have done their
part ; by faithfully discharging ours, we shall best manifest
gratitude to them, and zealous affection for our country.

NOTES.

[Note A.J
Nearly opposite the spot where are deposited the remains of
Gen. Foster, rest also those of Maj. Sylvester Osborn, one of
the last survivors of those who were present at the fight in Lex
ington, and whose decease took place a few months only before
that of Gen. Foster.
In the eastern part of Harmony Grove, Capt. Jesse Smith of
Salem, long known as one of the body guard of Washington, and
supposed to have been the last survivor, was recently buried.
His remains were attended to the grave by the same military
honors as those now paid to those of Gen. Foster, and the citi-1
zens of Salem have taken measures to erect an appropriate mon'
ument to his memory.
Gideon Foster's father Gideon, was born in Boxford, Mass.,
in 1709, he died in Danvers, 1771; his mother Lydia Gold-
thwait, was born in Danvers, 1710, she died in 1772. His on
ly brother Benjamin Foster D. D., was graduated at Yale Col
lege; he studied divinity with Rev. Dr. Stillman, and gathered
the first Baptist Church in this town. He was afterwards set
tled in New York city, where he was highly esteemed : "he was
learned in the languages," and died in 1798, sacrificing his life
by his devotion to his flock, in the fatal fever which prevailed
there at that time.
The following Address, exhibits very clearly the- high estima
tion with which our military was regarded by Gen. Foster, and
was delivered by him on the occasion of the presentation of a
standard to the Lynn Rifle corps, under the command of Capt-.
Ingalls. On this occasion, several other aged veterans of the
Revolution were present.
Soldiers, It is with great pleasure that I meet a company which by its
discipline, handsome appearance and public spirit reflects so much
credit on the enterprising and prosperous town of Lynn. I am

14 NOTES.
grateful for the honor you have done me in selecting me to make
the presentation of this new and beautiful Banner ; such marKS
of re3pectare peculiarly flattering to the aged; but I am not so
vain as to suppose that you have discovered any extraordinary ex
cellence in my character or worth in my services. In my early
life it was my good fortune to be associated with the patriots who
achieved our national Independence ; I contributed willingly, nay
cheerfully, my humble services, and I now look back upon those
days and those services as the happiest and best employed of my
long life. ,
My connection with the heroes of the Revolutionary struggle
is the cause of my being invited to perform this pleasant, and to
me, interesting service. The words inscribed on your Banner,
"Lexington, Bunker Hill, Liberty,"— =they are no empty sound,
no unmeaning words—they contain a charm which has power to
break the rod of the oppressor, to dissolve the chains of the despot,
Great respect is professed and felt for the heroes and sages of
the Revolution, but in no way can you better manifest your admi
ration for their character, and your gratitude for their services,
than by cherishing the noble spirit of patriotism which actuated
them, by imitating their virtues, and by preserving and transmit
ting to your posterity the invaluable heritage which your fathers
have bequeathed to you.
Soldiers, whenever this Banner is unfurled to you, may it re-
mind you of the labors and sacrifices, of the battles and victories of
the patriots of the Revolution ; in times of peaceful parade and
festive enjoyment, may it remind you of their temperance and
moderation ; in times of war and threatened invasion, may it re
mind you of their valor and prowess. On all occasions when its
proud device is presented to your view, may this Banner remind
you of their devotion to their country, their love of order and of
liberty, and their confidence in a superintending providence { and
may it remind you of the duties and trusts that devolve upon you
as citizens and soldiers. The times in which you live and the oc
casions on which you may be called to* take the field, are indeed
different, very different from those in which the heroes of the Rev
olution gained for themselves a lasting renown, and for you a well
established independence. But you may be called to render ser
vices almost as valuable and to exercise virtues almost as noble.
They fought for liberty and for tlie establishment of wise and equal
laws ; it is your part to assert, maintain and defend that liberty
and those laws ; they planted the tree of Liberty ; it has struck
deep its roots and spread wide its branches ; be it your care that
this fair tree shall never be despoiled, mutilated or overthrown.
May not an old man and an old soldier who loves his country
indulge the hope that the members of the Lynn Rifle Corps have

notes. 15
resolved that the public order shall be preserved, that the laws
shall be respected, that the Constitution shall be maintained invio
late ? May he not hope that the young men of America have re
solved that the prosperity and glory, the Union and Independence
of these United States shall be perpetuated? May he not offer
to Heaven a fervent prayer for its blessing on such holy resolu
tions ? May he not hope that his country will be still advancing
in its proud and happy march— that it will long remain the admi
ration and example of the nations.
Sir, I commit into your hands this fair Banner, hoping and be
lieving that it will never be disgraced by any excesses, nor dishon
ored by any cause of shame — hoping that it will always be trium
phant in a good cause, and that in no other it will ever be unfurled.
This Banner, now so bright and beautiful may become soiled by
age- — it may become tattered by long service, it may be blood
stained in battle, but may it never be deserted by those who
should defend it ; may it never be surrendered into the hands
of an enemy.
To this address, Capt. Augustus B. Ingalls, Commander of
the Corps made an eloquent and appropriate reply.
Aug. 4, 1836. [D.J
The following is the address of Gen. Gideon Foster, at the
Laying of the Corner Stone of a monument, in memory of the
seven citizens of Danvers, who fell at the Battle of Lexington.
Friends and fellow citizens :
On that ever memorable 19th day of April, 1775, now sixty
years past, it was my fortune, to meet in this place with num
bers of my fellow citizens, to defend the rights and liberties of
my Country. The alarm of war was sounded. The enemy
was then amongst us. The first blood of Americans was then
shed. On the plains of ^Lexington the roar of arms was then
sounding, — the strife of war was then raging.
On that morning, more than one hundred of my townsmen
hastened to the field of battle, — unused to the artifices of war-; —
unskilled in the arts of slaying their fellow men — their hearts
were flowing with zeal in their Country's cause, and ready to
offer their lives on the altar of their liberties. Seven. oi those
who thus started in the prime of life and vigor of manhood, ere
that day's sun descended in the west, were numbered with the
dead. Many others have marks of the well directed fire of the
enemy. To perpetuate the memory of those who then offered their
lives for their Country's- good ; to perpetuate the principles with

16 notes.
which they were actuated, is the purpose of this day's meeting,
—is the purpose of the monument, the foundation of which has
now been laid. May this purpose be attained :— may these
principles be remembered, and made the rule of action, in all
coming time ;— and may the names which are here recorded en*
dure, until the granite of our own hills shall be crumbled in the
dust. •
I was then 26 years of age. About ten days before, 1 had
been chosen to command, a company of minute-men, who were
at all times to be in readiness at a moment's warning. They
were so ready. They all assembled on the very spot where we
are this day assembled :— they all went ; and in about four hours
from the time of meeting, they travelled on foot (full half the
way upon the run) sixteen miles, and saluted the enemy. This
they did most effectually, —as the records of that day most clear
ly prove.* I discharged my musket at the enemy a number of
times (I think eleven,) with two balls each time, and with well
directed aim. My comrade (Mr. Cleaves of Beverly) who was
then standing by my side, had his finger and ramrod cut away
by a shot from the enemy.
Whether my shots took effect,! I cannot say ; but this I can
say, if they did not, it was not for the want of determined pur
pose, in him who sent them. Of those under my immediate
command, there is no one left alive, Three of them were slain
on that day — I alone remain to tell their story. I, a tottering
old man, through the goodness of God, am still permitted to be
here. I am permitted to see this day's ascending sun, and to
witness these ceremonies. I can truly say it is one of the hap>
piest days, and most pleasing events of my life. A few more
days at most, and perhaps very few, and I also, shall be number
ed with the dead. '
But while I see the spirit that moved the Patriots of '76,
bright and vigorous in the breasts of their descendants, — While
I see the rights of my fellow citizens maintained, and the Con
stitution of my Country defended— S^can say with Simeon of
old, now Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine
eyes have seen the salvation of My Country,

*"The greatest slaughter of the British took place, it is said, while they were on
the retrogade, sweating with toil and blood, for three or four miles through the
woody defiles in Lincoln and the upper part of Lexington, and again when their
flanking parties were intercepted in Cambridge by one or two companies fromDan-
vers."— Extract from a Com. entitled "Lexington and the 19th Api-ti 1775"— repuo-
lished in tlie Boston News Letter.
¦tSomeideaof the effect of these eleven discharges maybe formed when the
reader is informed that Gen. F. was a skillful gunner ; so accurate were his shots
that it was a standing rule, at the the shooting matches, that he should not fire his
own gun. In speaking of killing six wild ducks at one discharge, on a certain oc
casion, "and Lib."- said he. brought them all ashore ;" "Lib., who was Lib.?" was
asked : ''Why, don't you know? my dog, Liberty."

notes. 17

[E.J
The following is a summary account of the celebration, with
the names of the committee of arrangements, building com
mittee, &c.
On Monday, April 20, 1835, the 60th anniversary of the
battle of Lexington was celebrated at Danvers, by the laying
of the Corner Stone of a monument in memory of the seven
citizens of that town, who were slain in that battle. At 10
o'clock, a procession of revolutionary patriots, and citizens of
Danvers and vicinity, was formed in the square fronting, the Old
South Meeting House, under the direction of the marshals of
the day — escorted by the Danvers Light Infantry, under Capt.
William Sutton, and the Danvers Artillery, Capt. A. Pratt, with
a full band of music — and proceeded through Main street to
the burial ground, where lie the remains of several of the slain ;
— three volleys of musketry were fired over their graves : — the
procession then countermarched to the Eagle Corner, where the
monument is to be erected. The order of services was then
announced by John W. Proctor, Esq. Rev. Mr. Sewall offered
prayers — Gen. Foster, with the surviving officers and soldiers of
the Revolution, proceeded to place the Corner Stone, in which
was deposited a box, containing the memorials of the times, &c.
Gen. Foster then addressed Ms fellow citizens. After the
Corner Stone was laid, the tune of Auld Lang Syne was per
formed by the Band, and the procession then marched, under a
salute of 24 guns from the artillery, and the ringing of the bells,
to the Old South Church — where, sixty years before, religious
services were held at the interment of four of the young men
who were slain at* Lexington. This spacious Church was crowd
ed in every part, and hundreds were unable to gain admittance.
The following was the order of services : — 1. 100th Psalm —
tune, Denmark. 2. Hymn, by R. S. Daniels. 3. Prayer, by
Rev. Geo. Cowles. 4. Hymn, byF. Pool, jun. 5. Address,
by D. P. King, Esq. 6. Patriotic Ode, by Jona. Shove. 7.
Concluding Prayer, by Rev. J. M. Austin. At the close of the
services at the church, J. W. Proctor, Esq. presented and read
to the audience the original, honorable discharge of J. B. Win
chester, Esq. from the revolutionary army, (having served six
years and four months, till the close of the war,) bearing the
original signature of " Greorge Washington." Mr. Winches
ter entered the continental army at the age of 14 ; and when
discharged, he was only 21 years of age. Nineteen survivors
of the Lexington fight and of the revolutionary army, (who oc-

18 - NOTES.
cupied a number of the pews in front of the pulpit,) greatly
heightened the interest of the occasion by their appearance.
After the services at the church, a procession was formed, and
escorted by the Danvers Light Infantry to the Essex Coffee
House, where about two hundred, including the above officers
and soldiers of the revolution, partook of a collation, prepared
by Mr. Benja. Goodridge. At the close of the collation, several
patriotic sentiments and toasts were given by the revolutionary
patriots and the company present.
The occasion will long be remembered, — as calculated to
deepen our feelings of veneration for the events commemorated
— for the exercise of generous feelings in the discharge of an
honor due to the glorious dead,-— and the ceremonies of the day
will remind us of our obligations to those who spilled their blood
in the first offering at the shrine of Liberty.
Committee of Arrangements — Jona. Shove, chairman ; Robert
S. Daniels, Geo. Osborne, Caleb Lowe, Fitch Pool, jun., Henry
Poor, Nathan Lakeman, Joshua H. Ward.
Building Committee — Eben Sutton, Augustus K. Osborne,
Daniel P. King, Eben Shillaber, John Whitney.
Projector of the- Monument — John Upton.
Architect — Asher Benjamin.
Marshals— Col. Caleb Lowe, chief marshal ; Alfred Putnam,
Eben Sutton, Hiram Preston, Benj. Wheeler, Wm. D. Joplin,
Richard Osborne, Samuel P. Fowler, Jona. King, Elijah W.
Upton. There were twenty-nine individuals, — survivors of the Lexing
ton fight and of the revolutionary army, invited to attend this
celebration, — nineteen of whom were present. The following
are the names : —
Of Danvers — Gideon Foster, Sylvester Osborne, Johnson
Proctor, Levi Preston, Asa Tapley, Roger Nourse, Joseph Shaw,
John Joscelyn, Ephraim Smith, Jonathan Porter, Joseph Tufts,
William Flint.
Of Salem — John Howard, Jesse Smith, Jacob B. Winches
ter, Eben Symonds, Charles Richardson, Nathaniel West, Wil-
ham Silver, Elijah Perkins,  Fisk.
OfLynnfield— Thomas Emerson, Eben Hart, Daniel Need
ham, John Upton, Oliver Walton, Ebenezer Parsons.
Of  Am°s Peabody, (who was a soldier under Arnold at
West Point.)

NOTES. 19

[F.J
Gen. Foster was buried in that beautiful part of Harmony
Grove, near the intersection of Magnolia Path with Sylvan Ave
nue. It is on the brow of the hill, in full view from the west
ern, or Danvers entrance to the Cemetery, and is a conspicuous
place for a monument, which we hope the friendly and patriotic
feelings of of his townsmen will soon cause to be erected over his
remains. This lot was presented to the family of the deceased
by Gen. William Sutton.

APPENDIX.

The first occasion on which General Foster with his company
faced the enemy, was in Salem, at the defeat of General Leslie ;
and as the details of this ever memorable incident possess much
Of interest, it may not be thought inappropriate to insert here a
short account, preserved in that valuable work, the American
Archives : — Salem, Feb. 28th, 1775.
Last Sabbath, the 26th inst., the peace of the town was dis
turbed by the landing of a regiment of the king's troops, the
particulars relative to which are as follows :
A transport arrived at Marblehead, apparently manned as
usual. Between two and three o'clock, as soon as the people
had gone to meeting) the decks were covered with soldiers, who
having loaded, and fixed their bayonets, landed with great des
patch, and instantly marched off. Some of the inhabitants sus
pecting they were bound to Salem, to seize some materials there
preparing for an artillery, despatched several messengers to in
form us of it. These materials were on the north side of the
North River, and to come at them it was necessry to cross a
bridge, one part of which was made to draw up to let vessels
pass. The inhabitants kept a look out for the appearance of the
troops. The van guard arrived, and took their route down
town as far as the Long Wharf, perhaps to decoy the ¦inhabi
tants thither, away from the place to which the main body was
destined. The main body arrived soon after, and halted a few
minutes by the Town House. It is said that inquiry was imme
diately made by some of the officers for a half brother of Col.
Browne the Mandamus Counsellor. Be this as it may, he was
seen whispering in the Colonel's ear, in the front of the regiment,
and when he parted from the Col. the regiment marched with a
quick pace towards the North Bridge ; just before entering upon
which the bridge was pulled up. The regiment however push
ed on till they came to tho bridge, not observing (as it seemed)
that it was drawn up. The Col. expressed some surprise : and
turning about, ordered an officer to face his company to a body

22 APPENDIX.
of men Standing on a wharf on the other side of the draw bridge
and to fire. One of our townsmen (who had kept along side of
the Col. from the time he marched from his own house) told him
he had better not fire ; that he had no right to fire without fur
ther orders, and if you do fire (said he) you will be all dead
men. The company neither faced nor fired. The Colonel re
tired to the centre of his regiment, assembled his officers and
held a consultation ; which being ended he advanced a little,_and
declared he would maintain his ground, and go over the bridge
if it was a month first. The same townsman replied, he might
stay there as long as he pleased no one cared for that. The
half brother before mentioned, (it is said) made towards the
bridge, but seeing the draw bridge up said "it is all over with us."
He has since disappeared, meanwhile two large gondolas that
lay aground (for it was low water) were scuttled, lest they should
cross the channel in them. But whilst one gentleman was scut-
ling his own gondola, a party of about twenty soldiers jumped
into it, and with their bayonets charged against our unarmed
townsmen, (some of whom they pricked) compelled them to quit
it; but before this a sufficient hole was made in the bottom.
This attack of the soldiers, and some other occurrences occasion
ed a little bickering, but by the interposition of some of the in
habitants, the disputes subsided. At length some gentleman ask
ed the Colonel what was his design in making this movement,
and why he would cross the bridge ? He said, I have orders to
cross it, and he would cross it if he lost his life with the lives of
all his men ; and asked, why the king's highway was obstruct
ed ? He was told it was not the king's road, but the property
of the inhabitants, who had a right to do what they pleased with
it. Finally the Col. said he must go over, and if the bridge was
let down so as he might pass, he pledged his honor he would not
march above thirty rods beyond it, and then immediately return.
The regiment had now been at the bridge about an hour and a
half; and everything being secured, the inhabitants directed the
bridge might be let down. The regiment immediately passed
over, marched a few rods, returned, and with great expedition
went back to Marble-head, where they went on board the trans
port without delay.
When all the circumstances are considered, there can remain
no doubt that the sole purpose of this manoeuvre was to steal away
the artillery materials.
It is regretted that an officer of Col. Leslie's acknowledged
worth, should be obliged, in obedience to his orders, to come upon
so pitiful an errand. Various reports were spread abroad respect
ing the troops ; the country was alarmed, and one company arrived
in arms from Danvers, just as the troops left the town. We hn-

appendix. 23
mediately despatched messengers to the neighboring towns to save
them the trouble of coming in ; but tfie alarm flew like lightning
(and some, doubtless, magnified the first simple reports) so that
great numbers were in arms, and some on their march, before our
messengers arrived.

The following is a copy of a letter written by Gen. Gideon
Foster, in reply to an invitation to visit Concord at the cele
bration on the 4th of July? 1840. Danvers, July 2d, 1840.
Dear Sir : — Your kind favor in behalf of the committee of
arrangements for the Harrison jubilee, to be held at Concord, on
the 4th instant, has awakened in my breast the liveliest emotions
of gratitude to my fellow citizens for their respectful attention ;
— and the most interesting remembrances of the events of April
19th, '75. The first impulse of my mind was, to revisit those
scenes, where so many of my brave companions bled in defence
of their rights ; and to witness with my own eyes, the equally
determined spirit of my fellow citizens of Middlesex, in defence
of their rights at the present time. I most heartily sympathize
with you. I feel that our burdens are too grievous to be borne.
I feel that our riders have most lamentably departed from the
precepts of their fathers. They have substituted their own gain
for their country's good, — selfishness for patriotism; — they
must be put down — and I confidently believe, through the power
of an overruling providence, that the present year will record
this glorious event. If my life is spared, I will add another to
the ballots in favor of true whig principles, the present year, by
voting for Harrison and Tyler — never yet having omitted to
give my vote for the same principles, since the establishment of
our constitution.
But, gentlemen, the infirmities of more than ninety-one years
now remind me of the hazard of undertaking a journey of more
than fifty miles, at this warm season of the year, which, together
with the advice of my friends, whose better opinions I am bound
to regard, compel me to deny myself the pleasure of accepting
your kind invitation. Although not personally present, my best
wishes will be with you ; — and may the seed soAvn on the com-

24 appendix.
ing fourth of July at Concord, ripen into a successful harvest on
the second Monday of November next, throughout the good
county of Middlesex. With the highest respect,
Your friend and fellow laborer,
GIDEON FOSTER.
To Daniel Shattuck, Esq., Chairman of Committee of Ar
rangements at Concord, Mass.

Remarks of Gen. Gideon Foster, on visiting Bunker Hill,
June 17th, 1843. [From his manuscript copy.J
By the merciful kindness of that overruling providence which
has preserved my fife and health for more than ninety-four years,
I am able to meet my friends and fellow countrymen on this in
teresting occasion. I thank God that it is so. When I look
around, and see how few, very few remain of those who were
here with me sixty-eight years ago, I am most forcibly reminded
of the improbability of our ever meeting again.
My part in the events of the ever memorable 17th of June,
1775, Avas a humble one — but such as it was, it has ever been to
me a source of high satisfaction, that it was in my power to con
tribute my mite in the service of my country at that time. On
that day the seeds of civil liberty, maintained by the blood of
hundreds of freemen, received an impulse that made their growth
perpetual in this western hemisphere.
Excited as I then was with an ardent love of liberty, — pro
voked as I then was with the worse than savage cruelties that I
myself had witnessed, but a few months before on the plains of
Lexington, I lost no time in seeking an opportunity to save my
country. I received a commission as captain in Col. Mansfield's
regiment, and by the express orders of Gen. Ward, the then
commander-in-chief of the American forces about Cambridge, I
was occupied with my men, in transporting and delivering
powder and balls to be used on the hill. We took the ammuni
tion in casks, and conveyed it in wagons, and delivered it freely
with our hands and our dippers, to their horns, then- pockets,
their hats., and whatever else they had that would hold it. I well

APPENDIX. 25
remember the blackened appearance of those busy in this work,
¦ — not unlike those engaged in the delivery of coal on a hot sum
mer's day. At the same time we were thus occupied, the ene
my's shot were constantly whistling by ; but we had no time to
examine their character or dimensions. I have often thought
what might have been our -condition, had one of these hot sJwt
unceremoniously come in contact with our wagons.
Many have been the changes our country has experienced
since that day. From a little one, we have become a thousand,
-r-from a small one, we have become a great people. We, who
struggled in her infancy, have witnessed the strength and vigor of
her maturity ; — so that no fear need now be had of any foreign
foe. While the wisdom and integrity that characterized the pat
riots of '76 shall be deemed qualities essential in the character of
those who rule over us, no power on earth can prevail against us,
I thank my God, that I have been permitted to see this glorious -
day, on this consecrated spot. Dedicated to liberty, may it ever
be surrounded by sons, worthy as those who have offered them?
selves as the first sacrifice at her altar.

The house in Danvers, a stately mansion, which was occupied
by the last British governor of Massachusetts, is now owned and
occupied by a descendant of the last Dutch governor of New
York, Rev. P. S. Tenbroeck, the grandson of Gen. Abraham
Tenbroeck, who filled a conspicuous and honorable place in the
northern campaign of 1777.
The following anecdotes are from Col. Perley Putnam, whose
father was wounded and his uncle killed, in the battle of
Lexington. Near the encampment was a large oak tree, afterwards known
as king George's whipping post. When the frigate Essex was
built in Salem, this tree was felled ; and on hewing the timber
the iron staple, to which the soldiers had been confined for pun
ishment, was found imbedded in the wood. King George's
whipping post was converted into the stern post of the Essex
frigate. The house which Gen. Gage occupied was much ornamented,
and is still a stately edifice for this part of the country. In its
front were heavy posts ornamented with large balls or spheres,
which were sheathed with lead. As a party of our countrymen
were going to join the patriot army, the tempting sight of the
4

26

APPENDIX.

lead made them forget private rights and they began to strip the
spheres. The owner of the mansion was supposed to be in the
British interest — he came to the door, called them rebels and
knaves, and, as was natural, used strong and plain language-.
One man pointed his musket towards him and fired, and the
mark of the bullet still remains in the door by which he was
standing. It has been said that the British soldiers who were encamped
in Danvers were concerned for their personal safety — that they
were apprehensive the people would attack them, and that a
portion of them went off suddenly and in the night. The fol
lowing extract from the Essex Gazette of August 23d, 1774,
makes the tradition more probable : — " Part of the 64th regi
ment encamped near the Governor's, we hear, were under arms
all last Friday night."

1st Company of Militia.
Samuel Flint, Captain ;
Daniel Putnam, 1st Lieut ;
Joseph Putnam, 2d do ;
Asa Prince, Ensign.
2c? Company of Militia.
Samuel Eppes, Captain ;
Benjamin Jacobs, 1st Lieut ;
John Endicott, 2d do ;
Francis Simonds, Ensign.

3d Company of Militia.
Jeremiah Page, Captain ;
Enoch Putnam, 1st Lieut ;
William Towne, 2d do ;
Joseph Porter, Ensign.
Minute Men.
Gideon Foster, Commander.
Israel Hutchinson, Com'd'r.

Denison Willis was taken prisoner ; the British soldiers were
so much enraged by the severe treatment which they were re
ceiving from our marksmen that the officers could not prevent
them from killing the prisoners ; finding that this must be his
fate, he attempted to make his escape ; the enemy fired upon
him, and he received twelve wounds ; he fell as he was leaping

APPENDIX. 27
a wall,, and they supposing him dead, left him. Nathan Putnam,
a brother of Perley, who. was killed, was severely wounded in
the, shoulder. He, as well as Henry Putnam, of Medford, who
was killed oh the same memorable day, were relatives of Gen.
Israel Putnam, so celebrated for his courage and for his services
in the French, Indian and revolutionary wars. Gen. Putnam
was a native of Danvers.
Daland and Southwick left families. The ages of those who
were killed, belonging to Danvers, follow : —
Samuel Cook, 33 years. Jotham Webb, 22 years.
Benj. Daland, 25 " Henry Jacobs, 22 "
Geo. Southwick, 25 " Eben'r Goldthwait, 22 "
Perley Putnam, 21 "

Capt. Flint and three other captains, were returned as drafted
for the same company ; they had only twenty-four hours to pre
pare for their march to New York ; they met at Leach's tavern
and chose Samuel Flint, commander; the other captains filled
the subordinate offices. Capt. F. and his first lieutenant, Her-
rick, of Beverly, were killed in the same battle. Capt. F. is
supposed to have been the only officer belonging to Danvers
slain in the war. His reply to an officer who proposed a place
of meeting on the 19th April, was characteristic of the man and
the times, " where the enemy is, there will you meet me."
I have seen a manuscript book which gives the following ac
count of captain, afterwards Col. Israel Hutchinson's services.
In 1757, he was in the eastern country on a scouthig party com
manded by Capt. Israel Herrick. In 1758, he was lieutenant
in Capt. Andrew Fuller's company ; he was at Lake George, and
at the defeat of Ticonderoga with Gen. Abbercrombie. In 1759,
he commanded a company of provincials in Wolfe's army at the
siege and capture of Quebec. In 1775, he commanded a com
pany of minute men in the battle of Lexington. Soon after he
was appointed Lieut. Colonel in Col. Mansfield's regiment.
Mansfield soon retired and left him in command till the end of
the term for which the men had engaged. In the same year he
enlisted for twelve months 832 men, which was more than the
complement for a full regiment. He returned to the siege of
Boston, and on the evacuation by the British, he occupied Fort

28 APPENDIX.
Hill, and was ordered to fortify it. He remained in Boston, and
on Dorchester Heights, till October— when he was ordered to
join the army in New York. The small pox being on board his
vessel, Gen. Washington would not suffer a man to land ; he
was then ordered to King's Bridge to take command of Fort
Lee,— from wnich he was ordered over to Fort Washington to
take command there and build and finish the same. Col. H. died
in 1811.

On the 17th of June, 1775, Capt. Gideon Foster was quarter
ed at Brighton, then called Little Cambridge. He was directed
to repair to head quarters, (a house near the Colleges, now owned
and occupied by Rev. Dr. Holmes,) where Gen. Ward in person
ordered him to conduct a load of amunition to Bunker Hill and
distribute it among the brave men engaged there. Gen. Ward
told him there was no occasion for more men, but he was fearful
their ammunition would fail. Capt. F. proceeded with all expe
dition toward the hill, and met the Americans on their retreat
near Charlestown neck ; they had spent all their powder, and he
supplied them with it, loose from the casks.
Col. Mansfield's regiment was stationed on Prospect Hill
where Gen. Putnam commanded ; Capt. Foster belonged to this
regiment. By orders from the general, all the captains were
desired to meet. It was stated to them that a Secret and hazard
ous expedition was planned, and that it was desired that a captain
should volunteer to take the command. After waiting a short
time for older officers to volunteer, Capt. F. offered his services.
Six or eight men were drafted from each company ; they were
ordered to arm and equip themselves completely and to repair to
Gen. Putnam's quarters. The bluff old general came out and
reviewed them and commended then- spirits and good appear
ance ; he ordered them to lay aside their arms and equipments,
to provide themselves with axes, and to go into a neighboring
swamp and cut fascines, (brushwood bound up in the fashion of
faggots,) and to bring them in upon their shoulders. The men
expected to gain honor by their exposure to unknown dangers :
but their greatest danger was from the attack of the musquitos,
and their greatest exposure was to the mirth of their fellow sol*
diers.

APPENDIX. 29
In 1792, Gideon Foster was promoted from the office of Cap
tain to that of Colonel; in 1796, he was chosen Brigadier Gen
eral ; in 1801, he was chosen Major General, and received every
vote in the House of Representatives, and there was but one
dissenting voice in the Senate.

Extract from the Address of Rev. T. Sargent, at the ordina
tion of Mr. Frank P. Appleton, as pastor of the First Unitarian
Church in Danvers :
Within a few months some of the more* aged and influential
members of your church, those who had stood here as among its
pillars, have fallen by the weight of years and gone by the way
of death, through the gate of shadows, and by the message of
the Almighty Which has called them to their rest. " Your
fathers ! where are they ?" I look around, here and they of the
hoary heads whom I used to see with you in the late summer
days, bending reverently in this sanctuary, are no longer with
you. They are gathered, fitly enough, within the last harvest
months, like "shocks of corn," into the garner of that heavenly
inheritance they have won. That memorable patriarch* of your
society who had numbered so many years, and who stood so
nearly on the edge of a century, the revered veteran who leaned
upon his staff so near this altar,. and so constantly, even after his
hearing had failed,— the aged sire who stood so like the moss-
grown monument of the pastj-^-that wondrous old admonition of
your duty in the sanctuary, has gone. ' His ear was not so keen
as yours, young men, to take in the word of God from his spoken
or written oracles in this place ; but you are happy indeed, if
you bring to this place of prayer as keen a faith, as willing a
spirit of obedience and truth, or as constant a reverence for the
sanctuary and its objects as he did. That familiar form, so bent
with age, had seen the day when it stood erect enough in defence
of our liberties ; and that old hand of his, now minghng with
the dust of this land for whose freedom he contended, took fast
and faithful hold of the horns of this altar even to his latter
days. Yes ! — It may not be forgotten either by you or by any
of us, that " the sword of the spirit" was firm in the grasp of
~~  — —  .  *
* Deacon Gideon Foster, who died Nov. 1st, 1845, aged 97.

30 APPENDIX.

that old man even to the last, and long after he had laid aside
" the sword of Gideon" which he bore once to yonder heights,
in the fear of. God and in behalf of human rights. But he has
gone.

Gen. Gideon Foster retained a remarkable degree of vigor
both of body and mind most of the time during the three last
years of his life. In each of these years he mowed, more or
less, chopped wood, and managed personally all his pecuniary
transactions, and other matters incumbent on the overseer of a
small farming establishment. He was never idle, and when at
work, even in cold weather, would often throw off his coat, and
expose himself as much to the effects of cold as the hardiest
laborers were wont to do. Whenever, from much exposure or
other causes, he became indisposed, his mind suffered apparently
more than his body — from febrile symptoms and a mild insanity
or delerium. From several such attacks of disease within the
time above mentiontioned, he recovered. But on the last week
in October, after working an hour or two with his coat off, one
day rather cold and uncomfortable for the season, he began to
complain of a catarrh affection- — with which he kept about, doing
his chores, for two or three days, during which some mental abber-
rations were noticed, especially at night, when his strength be
came so prostrated that he could not rise from his bed.
Enervation, prostration of strength, etc., which accompany
as constitutional symptoms, the complaint of which many old
people die, called bastard penpneumony, (although in "this case
the catarrahal affection was neither suffoeatinp: or severe), trrad-
ually mcreased upon him. Fever and hard working delerium
closed the scene on the morning of Nov. 1, 1845.
ANDREW NICHOLS, Attending Physician.

The news of Gen. Foster's death came upon our citizens when
they were wholly unprepared to expect it, and spread a gloom
over the whole town. Flags were displayed at half mast, and a
•spontaneous meeting of the people was held to consider the proper

APPENDIX. 31
means of testifying the public respect to his memory. A com
mittee was then appointed to consult the friends of the deceased
and make arrangements for the funeral. The following were the
proceedings of the meeting.
At a voluntary meeting of the citizens of Danvers, held at
the Town Rooms, on that day, to see what arrangements should
be made in relation to the funeral of Gen. Gideon Foster,
Dr. Andrew Nichols was chosen Chairman, and Fitch
Poole, Secretary.
It was Voted, That a committee of three be chosen to report
resolutions, expressive of the feelings of the citizens of Danvers
on the death of Gen. Foster.
Dr. A. Nichols, John W. Proctor, and W. D. Northend were
accordingly chosen, who reported the following resolutions : —
Resolved, That we have heard with deep regret, the death of
our fellow citizen, the venerable Gen. Gideon Foster, in the
97th year of his age, and that we feel it to be a duty due to his
distinguished life and virtues, publicly to notice this event.
Resolved, That a committee of nine citizens be appointed to
make the necessary arrangements for his funeral, at such time as
may be agreeable to his family.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted, and the following
persons chosen as the committee, viz : —
John W. Proctor, Gen. Wm. Sutton, Robert S. Daniels, Fitch
Poole, Elijah W. Upton, Henry Fowler, Daniel P. King, George
Osborne. Caleb Lowe.
It was then Voted, That Gen. Sutton be requested to provide
a military esc*ort for the procession. $
Agreeable to these arrangements, the body was bro'ught to the
Unitarian Church on Monday, where the solemn funeral services
were performed. After a voluntary on the Organ, prayer was
offered by Rev. Dr. Flint of Salem, followed by a funeral hymn
by the the choir. An eulogy was then delivered by Hon. Daniel
P. King, which was listened to with deep and solemn attention
by a very large audience. The exercises closed by a prayer,
offered by Rev. Mr. Field, and a funeral anthem by the choir.
The eulogy was an eloquent and just tribute to the character and
services of the deceased, accompanied with such considerations

32 APPENDIX.
and appeals as were well calculated to awaken feelings of patriot^
ism and gratitude in the minds of the people.
After the services at the church, the body was placed in the
hearse, and the procession formed in the following order :
ESCORT,
consisting of the Salem Artillery, the Danvers Light Infantry, the Salem
Light Infantry, and the Lynn Rifle Corps, (the latter bearing a hanner
presented by the hands of Gen. Foster to the company in l&K).
This banner was shrouded in crape. The escort was a detach
ment from Gen, Sutton's brigade, and was under the im
mediate command of Colonel Andrews.)
Hearse, flanked by a military guard,
Family of the deceased, in carriages,
Brig. Gen. Sutton and Staff, and Military Officers in uniform, in
carriages,
Committee of Arrangements,
Officiating and other Clergy,
Civil Officers of the town,
Danvers Mechanic Institute,
Fire Department,
" Gen. Foster" Engine Co. No. 7, in dark dress with badges,
"Volunteer" Engine Co. No, 8, with badges and in firemen's
uniform,
Citizens of the neighboring towns,
Citizens of Danvers.
The procession moved with slow and solemn steps to Harmony
Grove Cemetery, and on arrival at the ground the military formed
a line, facing the grave. The body was then lowered* into the
earth, and three vollies fired over the remains. Agreeably, to
military usage, the troops formed again in column ariH marched
off at a quick pace, the band playing a quick step. The bells
ceased tolling, and the flags, which had been hanging at half
mast since the time of Gen. Foster's death, were now raised to
the peak, and the vast multitude who had assembled, notwruh-
standing the unfavorable weather, departed to their homes.

I