LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0DQQD732H5A ^ hOOK rki:si;N"n;ii dy \ THE INSTITUTION AND EEGORDS New Hampshire Society CINCINNATI Formed nv the New Hampshire Officers OF THE Revolutionary Army of the United States i-oR THE Laudable Purposes herein Stated. ORGAXIZED NOVEMBER IS, 1783. LAST MEETING HELD JULY 4, 1823. CONCORD, N. H. : Ika C. E\axs, Printer, 13 and 15 Capitoi. Street 1893. t: Zol 100 Copies. tA(V). The SoGie^ ,An24 1912 THE INSTITUTION AND RECORDS NEW HAMPSHIR n ETY OF THE CINCINNATI i783 TO i823. PREFATORY NOTE. The revival of interest in organizations created to perpetuate the memory of the participants in the War for Independence and in the study of the history of that period, has attracted attention to the record of the New Hampshire branch of the Society of the Cincinnati. Our state organization has not had an active ex- istence for many years, but the official record came to the cus- tody of the New Hampshire Historical Society in 1842. In def- erence to the desire expressed in many ways that this record should be made more accessible to the public, it has been included in this work. The present Secretary of the New Hampshire Historical Soci- ety, who has consented to this use of the original MSS. volume, makes the following statement in reference to it : " We cannot honor the New Hampshire heroes of the Revolution beyond what they deserve. Men, taken from the common pur- suits of life, were changed at once into successful leaders on many bloody battlefields, in defense of liberty, of home and country ; successful, against the best trained soldiers of Europe, as at Bunker Hill and Bennington. The priceless heritage they won, is ours to-day. They live in their brave deeds and in every page of their history that is preserved. The following letter breathes the true spirit, both of preserving their records and honoring their memory and their principles : North Yarmouth Centre, State of Maine, October 24, 1842. Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, Cor. Sec'y N. H. H. Society : Dear Sir : I wish to present to the New Hampshire Historical Society (Through the hands of my Nephew, J. Wingate Thornton, Esq.) the book and papers of the New Hampshire branch of the Society of the Cincinnati, which has become extinct by the death of all the members; my Father, Daniel Gookin, was the last of the original members, & he has been dead about 12 years. I consider the Library of your Societythe most safe & proper place for the de- 4 PREFATORY NOTE. posit of this valuable record of some of our Revolutionary wor- thies : & although they have gone to their long home, I hope the principles for which they contended may be perpetuated to the latest posterity. I am, Sir, Very Respectfullv, Your Ob't Serv't, John W. Gookin. These valuable records and other papers ot' the New Hamp- shire Society of the Cincinnati, deserve to be put beyond the pos- sibility of being destroyed ; and for this purpose they have been very carefully transcribed and prepared for publication. C. L. Tappan, Librarian, N, H. Historical Society. Concord, N. H., July lo, 1893. ORDER OF CINCINNATI INSTITUTED A D 1783 Copy of a letter from the honourable Major General Baron Steuben to Major General Sullivan Sir/ ' I have the honour as president of a convention for estab- lishing the Society of the Cincinnati to present You with a plan of its formation together with Several Resolves which have taken place Relative to it. The principles on which the Society is founded will I hope meet Your Approbation, and engage You to become one of its members and supporters. Not only your character apd station in civil live, but the superior Rank \^ou held in the Armv of the United States point you out as the most proper person in the State of New Hampshire, to whom the forming the society in that state can be committed. Your friendship for the officers of the American Army with whom You were so long Acquainted induces me to be- lieve that You will imbrace with pleasure the Opportunity of Join- ing them in an institution the chief Motive of which is to perpet- uate that Virtuous affection which in so exemplary a manner existed among them while in Arms for the defence of their Country. — ,,r. , , ,-, -' With the greatest Respect West-point July 1783 I have the honour to be &c. Stuben — Maj-- Gen' Sullivan Major Gen> President INSTITUTION & REGULATIONS CANTONMENTS OF THE AMERICAN ARMY ON Hudson's river may io"' 1783. — PROPOSALS for establishing a Society upon principles therein mentioned. Whose Members shall be Officers of the American Army. — having been communicated to the several Regiments of 6 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. the Respective lines they Appointed An Officer irom each who in conjunction with the General Officers should take the same into consideration, at their Meeting this day, at which the honourable Major General Baron Stuben the Senior Officer present Was pleased to preside. — The proposals being Read fully considered paragraph by par- agraph and the amendments agreed to. Major General Knox Brigad'' General Hand Brigad"" Gen^ Huntington And Captain Shaw Were Chosen to Revise the same and prepare a copy to be laid before this Assembl}^ at their Next Meeting to be holden at Maj'" General Baron de Stubens Quarters on tuesday the 13*'' Instant. — TUESDAY 13^" May 1783.— The Representatives of the American Army being assembled Agreable to adjournment, the plan for the establishing a Society Whereof the Officers of the American Army Are to be members is Accepted and is as follows (Viz*) It having pleased the Supreme Geoverner of the Universe in the disposition of human affairs to cause the Seperation of the Colonies of North America from the Domination of Great Britfiin and after a bloody conflict of eight Years to establish them free Independant and Soveriegn States, — connected by alliances found- ed on Reciprocal Advantages with some of the great princes And powers of the earth To perpetuate therefore as Well the Remembrance of this Vast event as the Mutual Friendships which have been formed Under the pressure of common danger. And in many instances cemented by the blood of the parties. — The officers of the American Army do hereby in the Most solemn Manner associate constitute and combine themselves into One Society of friends to endure as long as they shall endure, or any of their eldest male posterity ; And in failure thereof the Collateral branches who may be Judged Worthy of becoming its Supporters and Members — The Officers of the American Army having generally been taken from the Citizens of America posses high Veneration for the Char- acter of that Blusterous Roman LUCIUS QIJINTIUS CINCIN- NATUS And being Resolved to follow his example by Returning RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 7 to their Citizenship they think they May with propriety denomi- nate themselves the Society of the Cincinnati The tbllowing principles shall be immutible and form the basis of the Society of the Cincinnati. — An incessant attention to preserve inviolate those Rights And liberties of human Nature for which they have fought and bled and without which the high Rank of a Rational being is a curse instead of a blessing. — An Unalterable determination to promote And cherish betwen the Respective States that Union and National honour so essen- tiallv Necessary to their happiness and the future dignity of the American Empire. — To Render perminant the cordial Affection subsisting among the officers. — this spirit will dictate brotherly kindness in all things, and particularl}^ extend to the most substantial Acts of beniticence According to the Ability of the Society towards those Officers And their families who Unfortunatly may be Under the Necessity of Recieving it. — The General Society will for the sake of frequent communica- tions be Divided into State Societies, and those again into such destricts as shall be directed by the State Societies. — The Societies of the destricts to meet as shall be agreed Upon by the State Society, those of the State on the fourth day of July Annually or Oftener if they shall find it expedient ; And the Gen- eral Society on the first Monday in May Annually so long as they shall deem Necessary And after wards at least once in three Years. — At each Meeting the principles of the Institution Will be fully considered, and the best Measures to promote them Adopted. — The State Societies will consist of all the Members Residing in each State Respectively ; and Any Members Removing from one State to another is to be considered in all Respects as belonging to the Society of the State in which he shall Actually Reside — The State Society to have a President Vice President Secretary Treasurer and assistant Treasurer to be chosen annually by a Majority of Votes at the State Meeting Each State meeting shall Write Annually, or oftner if Neces- sary a Circular letter to the Other State Societies, Noting what- ever they May think Worthy of Observation Respecting the good of the Society or the General Union of the States and give infor- mation of the Officers chosen for the Current Year. Copies of their letters should be Regularly transmitted to the Secretary Gen- 8 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. eral of the Society, Who will Record them in a book Assigned for that purpose. — The State Society will Regulate every thing Respecting itself and the Societies of its destricts, Consistant with the General Maxims of the CINCINNATI. Judge of the quaHiications of the members who may be proposed and expel an}- Member who by conduct inconsistant with a gentleman and a man of honour, or by an Opposition to the Interest of the Community in General ; or the Society in particular may Render himself Unworthy to Con- tinue a Member. In Order to form funds which may be Respectable, and assist the Unfortunate each Officer shall deliver to the Treasurer of the State Society One month's pay which shall Remain forever to the Use of the State Society, the interest of which (if necessary) shall be appropriated to the Relief of the Unfortunate. — Donations may be made by persons not of the Society, and by members of the Society for the express purpose of forming per- manent funds for the Use of the State Societies and the interest of these donations appropriated in the Same Manner as the Months Monies at the pleasure of each member May be subscribed in the Societies of the destricts or the State Societies, for the Relief of the Unfortunate members or their Widows and Orphans, to be appropriated b}- the State Society Only. — The Meeting of the General Society shall consist of its Officers and Representatives from each State Society, in Members not ex- ceeding five, whose expenses shall be born by their Respective State Societies. — In the General Meeting the President Vice President Secretary assistant Secretary Treasurer and assistant Treasurer Generals shall be chosen to serve Until the next Meeting The Circular letters which have been Written by the Respective State Societies to each Other and their particular letters shall be Read and considered And all measures concerted which may con- duce to the General contentment of the Society. — It is probable that Some persons may make donations to the General Society for the purpose of establishing funds for the fur- ther comfort of the Unfortunate. — in which case such donations must be placed in the hands of the Treasurer General the interest only of which to be disposed of by the General Meeting. — All the Officers of the American Army as well those w^ho have Resigned with honour after three Years service in the capacity of RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 9 Officers or who have been deranged by the Resolution of Con- gress Upon the several Reforms of the Army as those w^ho shall have continued to the end of the War, have a Right to become parties to this Institution ; provided that they subscribe one Months pav and sign their Names to the General Rules in their Respect- ive Societies, those who are present with the Army immediately, and Others Within six Months after the Army shall be disbanded, extroidnary cases excepted. — The Rank time of service Resolution of Congress by which they have been Deranged and place of Residence must be added to each Name, And as a Testimony of affection to the memory of the Offspring of such Officers who have died in the service their eldest Male branches shall have the same Right of becoming members as the Children of the Actual Members of the Society. — Those Officers who are foreigners not Residing in any of the states, will have their Names enroled by the Secretary General And Are to be considered as members in the societies of any of the States in which they may happen to be. — And as there are and will at all times be men in the Respective States eminent for their Abilities and Patriotism w^hose Views may be directed to the same laudable objects with those of the CINCINNATI it shall be a Rule to admit such Charactors as honorary Members of the Society for their Own lives Only pro- vided allways that the Number of honorar}^ Members in each state does not exceed a Ratio of One to tour of the Officers Or their descendants. — Each State Society shall Obtain a list of its Members And at the first annual Meeting the State Secretary shall have ingross'' On parchment two Copies of the Institution of the Society which every member present shall sign. And the Secretary shall en- deavour to procure the signature of every Absent Member. — One of those lists to be transmitted to the Secretary General to be kept in the Archives of the Society, And the Other to Remain in the hands of the State Secretary. — From the State list the Secretary General must Make out at the first General Meeting a compleat list of the whole Society, with a copy of which he will furnish each State Secretary. The Society shall have an Order by which its members shall be known and distinguish'd. Which shall be a Medal of Gold of a proper size to Recieve the emblems and suspended by a deep blue Ribbon two Inches Wide edged with white descriptive of the Union of America And France Viz^ lO STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. The principal Figure Cincinnatus three senators presenting him with a sword And Other Military ensigns in the field On the back ground his wife standing in the door of their Cottage Near it a plow and Other instruments of husbandr}'. — Round the Whole OMNIA RELIQUIT SERVARE REMPUBLICAM On the Reverse Sun Rising a City with Open gates and Vessels entering the port. — Fame crowning CINCINNATUS with a wreath inscribed VIRTUTIS PRAEMIUM Below Hands Joined supporting a heart with the motto ESTO PERPETUA Round the Whole SOCIETAS CINCINNATORUM INSTITUTA AD 1783.— The Society deeply impressed with a sense of the generous As- sistance this Country has Recieved from trance And desirous to perpetuate the friendships which have been formed and so happily Subsisted between the Officers of the allied forces in the prosecu- tion of the War ; direct that the President General transmit as soon as may be to each of the Characters hereafter Named a medal containing the Order of the Society Viz^ His Excellency the chevalier de la Luzerne Minister Plenipotentiary Their Excellencies — the Count De Estaing the Count De Grasse the Count De Barras the Chevalier de Touches Admirals and commanders of the Navy. — His Excellency the Count De Rochambeau Commander in chief. — and the Generals and Colonels in his Army. — And Ac- quaint them that the Society do themselves the honour to consider them Members. — We the Subscribers Officers of the American Army do hereby Voluntarily become parties to the foregoing Institution and do bind Ourselves to Observe and be geoverned by the principles therein contained for the performance whereof We do pledge to each Other Our sacred honour. — Done in the Cantonments on Hudsons River in the year 1783 That the members of the Society at the time of subscribing their Names to the Institution do alson sign a draught on the paymaster General in the following Manner. — the Regiments to do it Regi- mentally ; and the Generals and Other Officers not belonging to Regiments each for himself individually Viz^ RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. II To John Pierce, Esq'r, Paymaster General to the United Army of the United States Sir Please pay to Treasurer for the State association of the CINCINNATI or his Order One Months pay of our Several Grades Respectively and deduct the same from the ballance which shall be found due to us on the final liquidation of our Accounts for which this shall ht Your War- rant. — That the Members of the several State Societies Assemble as soon as may be for the Choice of their President and Other Officers, and that the Presidents correspond together and appoint a meeting of Officers who, may be chosen for each State in Order to pursue such further Measures as may be Judged Necessary. That the General Officers and the Officers delegated to Repre- sent the several Corps of the Army subscribe to the institution of the General Society for themselves And their constituents, in the Manner and form before proscribed. — That General Heath Gen' De Baron Stuben And General Knox be a committee to Wait On his Excellency the Commander in Chief With a copy of the institution and Re- quest him to honour the Society by puting his Name at the head of it. — That Major General Heath second in command in the Army be and hereby is directed to transmit Copies of the institution with the proceedings thereon to the Commanding Officers of the South- ern Army : the Senior Officer in each State from Pensylvania to Georgia inclusive And to the commanding Officer of the Rhode Island Line Requesting them to communicate the same to the officers Under their several Commands And to take such Meas- ures as May appear to them Necessary for expediting the Estab- lishment of their State Societies and sending Delegates to Repre- sent them in the first general Meeting to be holden on the first Monday in May 1784. — The Meeting then Adjourned without day. Stuben Major Gen' President 12 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. CANTONMENTS OF THE AMERICAN ARMY June 15'" 1783.— At a meetincr of the General Officers and the Gentlemen dele- gated by the Respective Regiments as a Convention for establish- ing the Society of the Cincinnati held by the Request of the Pres- ident at which were present. — Major General Baron de Stuben President M. Gen. How^e B. Gen. Putnam Col. H Jackson M. Gen. Knox Colonel Webb Cap' Shaw B. Gen. Patterson L'. Col. Huntington L' Col. Hull B. Gen. Hand Maj"" Pettingill Col. Cortlandt B. Gen Huntington L' Whiting L' Col. Maxwell General Baron de Stuben Acquainted the Convention that he had Agreable to their Request at the last meeting transmitted to his Excellency the Chevalier De La Luzerne Minister Plenipoten- tiary from the Court of France a Copy of the Institution of the CINCINNATI with their Vote Respecting his Excellency and the other Characters therein mentioned and that his Excellency had Returned an Answer declaring his acceptance of the same and expressing the grateful sense he entertains of the honour con- fered on himself and the Other Gentlemen of the French Nation by this Act of the Convention. — Resolved That the Letter of the Chevalier De La Luzerne be Recorded in the proceedings of this day And depositted in the Ar- chives of the Society as a testimony of the high sense this Con- vention entertains of the honour done to the Society by his becom- ing a Member thereof. — The Baron having also communicated a letter from Major L'En- fant enclosing a design for the Medal and Order containing the emblems of the institution Resolved That the Bald-eagle carrying the emblems on its breast be established as the ORDER of the Society, and that the Ideas of Major L'Enfant Respecting it and the Manner of its being worn by the members as expressed in his letter hereto annexed, be adopted. — That the Order be of the same size. And in every Other Respect conformable to the said design, which for that pur- pose is certified by the Baron de Stuben, President of this Con- vention And to be deposited in the Archives of the Society as the Origional from which all Copies are to be made also. That silver medals not exceeding the size of a Spanish Mill'' Dollar with the emblems as designed by Major L'Enfant and certified by the Pres- RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 13 ident be given to each and every Member of the Society together with a diploma on parchment Wheron shall be impressed the ex- act figure of the Order and Medal as above mentioned any thing in the Origional institution, Respecting gold Medals to the contrary Notwithstanding — Resolved That the thanks of this convention be transmitted by the President to Major L'Enfant for his care and ingenuity in pre- paring the aforementioned designs, and that he be Acquainted that they chearfully embrace his Offer of assistance and Request a continuance of his attention in carrying the designs into Execu- tion, for which purpose the President is desired to correspond with him. — Resolved That his Excellency the commander in Chief be Re- quested to officiate as President General Untill the first General fleeting to be held in May next That a Treasurer General and a Secretary General be ballotted for, to officiate in like Manner The ballots being taken Major General McDougall was elected Treasurer General, and Major General Knox, Sec-^' Gen^ Who Are hereby Requested to Accept said Appointments. — Resolved That all the proceedings of this Convention including the institution of the Society be Recorded from the Origional pa- pers in his possession by Cap* Shaw, Who at the first Meeting was Requested to Act as Secretary and that the same signed by the Preside [n]t and Secretary together with the Original papers be given into the hands of Major General Knox Secretary Gen- eral to the Society, and that Cap* North, Aide de Camp to the Baron de Stuben And Acting Secretary to him as President sign the said records. — The dissolution of a Very considerable part of the army since the last meeting of this convention having Rendered the Attend- ance of some of its members impracticable, And the Necessity of some temporary Arrangements previous to the first meeting of the General Society being so strikingly obvious, the Convention found itself constrained to make those beforementioned, Which they have done with the Utmost diffidence of themselves And Relying intirely on the candor of their constituents to make allowance for the Measure. — The principal object of its appointment being thus Accomplished the Members of the Convention think fit to dissolve the same and it is hereby dissolved Accordingly Stuben Major Gen' President 14 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Major General Sullivan having Recieved from Major Gen' the Baron de Stuben the foregoing letter with the transactions of the General Convention as here Recorded together with a Copy of the emblem of the Order as designed by Major L'Enfant proceeded to Notifie the persons pointed out as tit members for the Society of the CINCINNATI to meet at Col. Samuel Folsams at Exeter on Tuesday the 18"' day of November A D 1783 for the purpose of forming a State Society for the State of New Hampshire. — EXETER TUESDAY November i8^'> 1783.— Then met in Convention the following Gentlemen Viz' Major General Sullivan Col. Cilley L' Col. Commandant Dear- born Cap* Cass, Cap* Sullivan, Cap* Munro, Cap* M^Clary, Lieu* Mills, Lieu* Gookin, Lieu* Adams, Lieu* Cilley, Lieu* McGaffey, Lieu* Wilkins And Lieu* Emerson. — And after hearing and Approving the Regulations for the Order of the CINCINNATI proceeded to choose Major Gen' Sul- livan Chairman. — And Cap* Sullivan Clerk Pro tem. to Record the Minutes. — The Gentlemen Above Named As Met in convention. Unani- mously Voted That they chearfully embrace the Opportunity of forming a Society in this State And hereby engage to become Members of the Order of the CINCINNATI, and to Regulate themselves. And support the honour and intent of the istitution According to the Regulations transmitted by the honourable Major General Baron de Stuben to the Honourable Major Gen' Sullivan. They then proceeded to sign the following Covenant. — Viz* We the subscribers Officers of the American Army do hereby Voluntarily become parties to the foregoing institution And bind Ourselves to Observe and be Geoverned by the principles therein contained : for the performance Whereof We do pledge to each Other Our Sacred honour. Done at Exeter this 18*'' day of November in the Year 1783 After signing the Members proceeded to elect by ballot the officers prescribed by the institution. — The ballots being taken RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 15 Major Gen* Sullivan Was elect*^ President L*^ Col : Com**' Dearborn . . Vice President Cap* Sullivan .... Secretary Col Cilley .... Treasurer, and Cap' Cass .... assistant Treasurer The Society being formed And after duly considering the method proposed for establishing a Fund for the Society for the purposes and in the manner prescribed by the institution commu- nicated by Baron de Stuben. — It is considered by members of this Society that a Number of the members have no Right to draw Bills on John Pierce Esq'' Paymaster General to the United-Army of the United States — It is therefore Resolved That the fund for this Society be estab- lished by each Member's depositing in the hands of the treasurer General for this Society (instead of Bills on the Paymaster Gen- eral of the United Arm}' of the United States) public security of the State of New Hampshire to the Amount of one month's pay for his services in the office he held in the American Army. — Which security by the members who have now signed and who shall sign on the Next Meeting of the Society shall at that time be deposited in the hands of the Treasurer General — Voted, That the Secretary be directed to make out A Copy of the proceedings of this meeting together With a Notification to such persons as have a Right to Join the Society that they may give their attendance at the time and place to which this Society shall think proper to Adjourn ; And that he cause the same to be published in the New Hampshire Gazette — Voted that the Society do adjourn to Wednesday the Seventh day of January next at ten of the Clock in the forenoon then to meet at this place By order of the Society Eben^ Sullivan Secretary. — COVENANT We the subscribers Officers of the American Army do hereby Voluntarily become Members of the foregoing institution ; and do bind Ourselves to Observe and be Geoverned by the principles therein contained — For the performance Whereof We do pledge to each Other sacred honour — Done at Exeter this i8"' day of November in the Year 1783. — i6 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. time of Resignation, or Names Rank Time of Resolution of Con- Place of Service gress by which they were derang** Residence Jno Sullivan M Gen' 4 years & 6 months Resigned nov 19 1779 Durham Jos Cilley Col. 5 Years 6 m" Deranged 3'' & 21^' Octo»' 1780 Nottingham Henry Dearborn L' Col: Comm'' 7 Years 10 m Exeter Jonathan Cass Cap' 6 Years 4 m Deranged i"' March 1783 Exeter Eben'" Sullivan Cap' 7 Years 9 m'' Deranged Durham Joseph jMills Lieut. 6 years f a soldier i 1 yr — 7M0S end of ye War Notingham Daniel Gookin Lieu' ■{ an officer 6. 6 six 1^ year— 6 m" End of the War North-Hampton Sam'l Adams Lieu' Josiah Alunro. Capt. Jonathan Cilley Lieu' Neal M^'Gaffey Lieu' Michi M«Clary Cap' 4 years Octi- 1779 Epsom Signed February 5"' 1784 — W" Parker j'- Suro;. 3 Years 4 m^ Resigned Nov 1778 Exeter Nichs Gilman Cap' 6 Years 3 m Deranged Exeter Josh* Merrow Lieut Amos Emerson Cap' 5 Years Resigned .March 1780 Chester James Harvey M^Clary Son to the late Major M^Clary killed at the Battle of Bunker hill Epsom John Adams Lieu' to the end of the War. Stratham Joseph Boynton Lieu' 7 Years Deranged Stratham Sam' Cherry Cap' 8 Years to the end of war Londonderrv Isaac Frye Cap' 9 Years to the end of war Wilton W Rowell Cap' 8 Years Ditto Epping Jonath Perkins Leiu' 6 years Ditto Ditto RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 17 Names. Rank. Time of Service. Adna Peiiniman John Harvey Jere: Fogg Jere'* Prichard James Reed Cap' U Cap' I Liu' jB General 8 3ears 4 years 4 years Eight years Six Months 3 Years 8 iM" Time of Resignation, or Resolution of Con- gress by which they were deranged. derang'd the end of y« War End of the War July 1780 — end of the war Place of Residence. Moultonborough Northwood Kensington Hollas Keene — Jn" Sullivan Son to the late Cap' Ebenf Sullivan deceas«i Joseph Mills Son to the late L' Joseph Mills deceased John W. Gookin, Son of Lieut. Daniel Gookin deceased A Capt in the U. S. Army from 1812 to 18 15 during the late war [The following do not appear to have signed the covenant, but were received members of the Society : — Robert Wilkins, Lieut., appears as a member, 1796. Mr. John Sullivan, son of Gen. Sullivan, 1797. Mr. Bradbury Cilley, son of Col. Joseph Cille}^ 1800. Capt. Amos Cogswell, from Massachusetts, 1801. Col. Seth Walker, applied to be Honorary Mem. 1805. Col. Nathaniel White, 1805. Adams, son of Lt. Samuel Adams, 1818.] EXETER January 7^" 1784 — Then Met According to Adjournment The President and Vice President being absent Cap' Cass Was appointed President P : T : Voted That as the travelling is such that few members could attend : this Meeting proceed to no business Relative to the soci- ety at this time but adjourn to some future day. — Voted That the Meeting of this Society Stand further Adjourned to thursday the fifth day of February Next, then to meet at this place at 10 O'Clock A: M: — That the Secretary be directed to Notifie the persons concerned to give their Attendance on the Adjournment by publishing the same in the New Hampshire Gazette. — j^^^,.^ ^^^^^ p^^^^t p_ x. By Order of the Society Eben'' Sullivan Secr^ l8 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. EXETER February 5^" 1784. Then met according to adjournment the President being absent the Vice President Presided. — After Several Members Joining whose Names are herein en- roled. — It is considered by the Society that as it is probable this Society not knowing where the Next annual meeting of the General Soci- ety will be held May be Unable to send on a Member timely to Represent them in the General Meeting Resolved in case a member should not be sent that the Society Request the President to Represent by letter to the General Soci- ety the state of this Society, And Request such information as he shall think Necessary at the same time making known to the Gen- eral Society that the members of this Society wish to be consid- ered as fully desirous of complying with every Regulation pre- scribed by the General Society and will to the extent of their Ability conform themselves thereto. — Resolved That this Society adjourn to the fourth day of July next being the day proposed by the institution for the Annuel Meeting of the state societies, — then to meet at Col. Samuel Fol- soms in Exeter at ten of the Clock in the forenoon And that the Secretary be directed to cause the same to be published in the New Hampshire Gazette. — Henry Dearborn Vice Pres'" By order of the Society Eben"" Sullivan Secretary EXETER April 2'"' 1784 At a meeting of the New Hampshire State Society of the Cin- cinnati held by Request of the President for the purpose of see- ing whither the Society will agree to send a Member to Represent them in the General Meeting to be held at Philadelphia On the first Monday in May next. — The Motion being put Unanimously agreed to send a Member which is to be chosen by ballot. — The ballots being taken Lieu*^ Col : Dearbourn was appointed. — Passed, That the society Raise one hundred and sixty three Dollars which at present is to be Raised by subscription and paid in to Col. Dearbourn at Exeter by the subscribers within Eight days from this date which said sum shall be Refunded to the sub- RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 19 scribers with interest Out of the public stock soon as may be found Convenient by the Treasurer Gen' of this state. Sums subscribed are as follows. — Y\z^ Subscribers Sum in Doll« Subscribers Sum in Dol]« Gen' Sullivan . Col Cilley Cap' Sullivan . Cap' Cass Cap' Adams . L' Adams forty 40 Twenty 20 Ten 10 Ten 10 Ten 10 Eight 8 1.' Cilley Cap' Boyenton L' Gookin Doc^ Parker . L' Mills Cap' Gilman . Ten 10 Ten ID Eight 8 Twelve 12 Ten 10 fifteen 1 5 passed That this society Do adjourn to Monday the fifth day of July Next at ten of the Clock in the forenoon then to meet at this place the day Appointed by the institution for the annual Meeting of the State Societies happening on Sunday a day which this society hold too sacred for any business except the Worship of the divine being Jn<^ Sullivan pres*^' Eben'" Sullivan Secretary. EXETER Monday May [July] 5"' 1784.— Met according to adjournment. — The society proceeded to the choice of Officers. — The following persons were Elected by Ballot. Viz* — Major General Sullivan . . President Col. Cilley .... Cap* Sullivan Cap* McClary Cap* Cass .... The society took under consideration the circular letter of Gen- eral Society of the 15*'' of Ma}' last : And After some debate thereon, Voted, That Gen' Sullivan Col. Cilley & Major Fogg be a Committee to draught An Answer thereto ; And lay the same be- fore the Society at their next Meeting Voted That the present Treasurer Wait on the late Treasurer for the State securities Now in his hands who is Requested to Vice President Secretary Treasurer assistant Treasurer 20 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. deliver over the same and take the present Treasurers Reciept therefor. — Voted To Accept Col : Henry Dearborn's Account Amounting to Seventy Six pounds lour Shillings and Eight pence for his time and expences attending the Gen' Meeting at Philadelphia. — Voted That the Treasurer Recieve certificates for interest on the Puolic Securities belonging to the Society and convert the same into cash for the purpose of paying the Ballances due from the Society — Voted That the Treasurer apportion the expences of our late Representation among the several Members and Notify them to pay their Respective quota's thereof Voted That the ballance of Col. Dearborns account After de- ducting his proportion be first paid and then the ballances due to Members who have advanced Money to the Society after deduct- ing their Respective proportions of the expence incured by the late Representation at the Gen' Meeting. — Voted That the Meeting Stand Adjourned to Thursday the third day of February next CIRCULAR LETTER FROM THE GENERAL MEETING To the State Society of the CINCINNATI, In New Hampshire Gentlemen, We the Delegates of the CINCINNATI, after the Most Mature and deliborate discussion of the principles And Objects of our Society, have thought proper to Recommend that the inclosed " Institution of the Society of the CINCINNATI, as altered and Amended at their first meeting," Should be adopted by Your State Society. — In Order that our conduct on this Occasion may stand approved in the eyes of the world, that we may Not incur the imputations of Obstinacy on the one hand, or levity on the other, and that you May be induced more Chearfully to comply with Our Recommen- dation, We beg leave to communicate the Reasons on which We have Acted. — Previous to Our laying them before you, we hold it a duty to ourselves and our fellow Citizens to declare, and we call heaven to Witness the Veracity of Our declaration, that in Our whole agency on this subject, We have been Actuated by the purest principles. — Notwithstanding we are thus conscious for ourselives of the Rectitude of our intentions in instituting or becoming Members of RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 21 this Fraternity ; and Notwithstanding we are confident the high- est evidence can be produced from your past, and will be given by your future behaviour, that you could Not have been in- fluenced b}^ any Other Motives than those of friendship, Patriotism And benevolence : Yet as our designs in some Respects have been Misapprehended ; as the instrument of our association was of Necessity drawn up in a hasty Manner, at an epoha as extra- ordinarv as it will be memorable in the annals of mankind when the mind agitated by a Variety of emotions, was Not a liberty to attend Minutly to every circumstance which Respected our Social connection, or to digest our ideas in so correct a form as could have been wished ; as the Original Institution appeared m the opinion of many Respectable charactors to liave comprehended objects incompatable with the genius and spirit of the confedera- tion ; and as in this case it would eventually frustrate our pur- poses, and be productive of consequences which we had not fore- seen: therefore, to Remove every cause of inquietude, to Annihi- late everv scource of Jealousy, to disignate explicitly the ground on which we wis[h] to stand, and give one more proof that the late officers of the American Army have a Claim to be Reckoned Among the most faithful Citizens, we have agreed that the follow- ing material alterations and amendments should take place : — That the hereditary succession should be abolished — that all interference with political subjects should be done away — and that the funds should be placed under the immediate Cognizance of the several Legislatures who should also be requested to grant Charters for more effectually carrying our humane designs into execution. — In giving our reason for the alteration in the first article we must ask vour indulcrence while we recal your attention to the original occasion which induced us to form ourselves into a so- ciety of friends — Having lived in the strictest habits of Amit}' thro the various stages of a war, unparalled in many of its circum- stances ; having seen the objects for which we contended happily attained in the moment of triumph and separation when we were about to act the last pleasing melancholy scene in our military Drama — pleasing because we were to leave our country possessed of Independence & Peace melancholy because we were to part perhaps never to meet again — while every breast was penetrated with feelings which can be more easily conceived than described ; while every little act of tenderness recurred fresh to the recollec- tion ; it was impossible not to wish our friendship should be con- 22 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. tinued ; it was extremely natural to desire the might be perpetuated by our posterity to the remotest ages. With these impressions, and with such sentiments we candidly confess we signed the institution. We know our motives were irreproachable. But finding it appre- hended by many of our countrymen that this would be drawing an unjustifiable line of discrimination betw'een our descendants and the rest of the Community and averse to the creation of unnecessary and unpleasing distinctions we could not hesitate to relinquish every thing but our personal friendships of which we cannot be divested and those acts of beneficence, which it is our intention should flow from them — With views equally pure and disinterested we proposed to use our collective influence in support of that government and con- firmation of that Union the establishment of which had engaged so considerable a part of our lives ; but learning from a variet}' of information that this is deemed an officious and improper interfer- ence and that if we are not charged with having sinister designs, yet we are accused of arrogating too much and assuming the guardianship of the liberties of our country — thus circumstanced we could not think of opposing ourselves to the concurring opinions of our fellow citizens however founded, or of giving anxiety to those whose happiness it is our interest and duty to promote — We come next to speak of the charitable part of our institution which we esteem the basis of it. By placing your fund in the hands of the legislature of your state and letting them see the application is to the best purposes, you will demonstrate the integ- rity of your Actions, as well as the recdtude of your principles. And having convinced them 3'Our intentions are only of a friendly and benevolent nature we are induced to believe they will patron- ize a design which they cannot but approve : that they will foster the good dispositions and encourage the beneficent acts of those who are disposed to make use of the most effectual and most unexceptionable mode of relieving the distressed. For this pur- pose it is to be hoped that Charters ma}' be obtained in conse- quence of the applications which are directed to be made. It is also judged most proper y' the admission of members should be submitted to the regulation of such charters : because by thus acting in conformity to the sentiments of government we not only give another instance of our reliance upon it, but of our disposition to remove every source of uneasiness respecting our society. — We trust it has not escaped our attention. Gentlemen, that the RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 23 only objects of which we are desirous to preserve the remembrance are of such a nature as cannot be displeasing to our countrymen or unprofitable to Posterity : we have retained accordingly those devices which recognize the manner of our returning to our citi- zenship ; not as ostentatious marks of our discrimination, but as pledges of our friendship, and emblems whose appearance will never permit us to deviate from the paths of virtue. — And we presume in this place it may not be inexpedient to inform that these are considered as the most endearing tokens of friendship, and held in the highest estimation by such of our Allies as have become intitled to them by having contributed their personal serv- ices to the establishment of our independence — that these gen- tlemen who are among the first in rank and reputation have been permitted bv their sovereign to hold this grateful memorial of our reciprocal Affections — and that this fraternal intercourse is viewed by that illustrious Monarch and other distinguished Char- acters as no small additional cement to that harmony and recip- rocation of good Offices which so happily prevail between the two Nations. — Having now relinquished whatever has been found objectionable in our Original institution ; having by the deference thus paid to the prevailing sentiments of the community, neither as we con- ceive lessened the dignity, nor diminished the consistency of char- acter, which it is our Ambition to support in the eyes of the present as well as of future generations ; having thus removed every possible objection to our remaining connected as a society and cherishing our mutual friendships to the close of life : and havinir, as we flatter ourselves, retained in its utmost latitude and placed upon a more certain and permanent foundation that primary article of our Association which respects the unfort- unate — on these two great original pillars, FRIENDSHIP and CHARITY, we rest our institution ; and we appeal to your liberalitv, patriotism and magnanimity: — to your conduct on every other occasion, as well as to the purity of 3'our intentions on the present, tor the ratification of our proceedings ; at the same time we are happy in expressing a full confidence in the candor justice and integrity of the publick, that the institution as now altered and amended will be perfectly satisfactory, and that acts of legislative authority will soon be passed to give efficacy to your benevolence — Before we conclude this address permit us to add, that the cultivation of that Amity we profess, and the extension of this charity, we flatter ourselves, will be objects of sufficient 34 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. importance to prevent a relaxation in the prosecution of them to diffuse comtbrt and support to any of our unfortunate companions, who have seen better days and merited a milder fate — to wipe the tear from the eve of the widow who must have been consigned with her helpless infants, to indigence and wretchedness but for this charitable institution ; — to succour the fatherless to rescue the female orphan from destruction ; to enable the son to emulate the virtues of his father, will be no unpleasing task ; it will communi- cate happiness to others, while it increases our own ; it will cheer our solitar}' reflections and sooth our latest moments. Let us then prosecute with Ardor what we have instituted in sincerity ; let Heaven and our consciences approve our conduct ; let our Actions be the best comment on our words and let us leave a lesson to posterity that the glory of soldiers cannot be completed without acting well the part of'CITIZENS.— Signed by Order G Washington Philadelphia May 15'" 1784 — The INSTITUTION of the SOCIETY of the CINCINNATI as altered and amended at their first general meeting. — It having pleased the great Governour of y"' universe to give success to the Arms and to establish the UNITED STATES free and independent : therefore gratefully to commemorate this event, — to inculcate to latest ages, the duty of laying down in peace arms assumed for public defence, by forming an institution which recognizes that most important Principle; to continue the mutual friendships which commenced under the pressure of common dan- ger; — and to effectuate the acts of beneficence, dictated by the spirit of brotherly kindness towards those officers and their fami- lies who unfortunately may be under the necessity of receiving them, the Officers of the American Arm}^ do hereby constitute themselves into a SOCIETY of FRIENDS : and possessing the highest veneration for the character of that illustrious Roman, LUCIUS QUINTUS CINCINNATUS denominate themselves the SOCIETY of the CINCINNATI.— Section i — The persons who constitute this Society are all the commissioned and Brevet Officers of the ARMY & NAVY of the UNITED STATES, who have served three years and who left the service with Reputation ; all officers who were in actual service at the conclusion of the War : all the principal staff offi- cers of the continental army : and the Officers who have been RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 25 deranged by the several resolutions of Congress upon the different reforms of the army. — Sect. 2. There are also admitted into this society, the late & present Ministers of his most Christian Majesty to the UNITED STATES ; all the GENERALS and COLONELS of regiments & legions of the land forces ; all the ADMIRALS and CAP- TAINS of the Navy ranking as Colonels who have cooperated with the armies of the UNITED STATES in their exertions for LIBERTY ; and such other persons as have been admitted by the respective State Meetings — Sect. 3 The Society shall have a PRESIDENT Vice President Secretary and Assistant Secretary. — Sect 4 There shall be a meeting of the society at least once in Three Years on y'' first MONDAY in MAY at such place as the President shall appoint. — The said meeting shall consist of the aforesaid Officers whose expences shall be equally borne by the State funds) and a Representation from each state. — The busi- ness of the general meeting shall be, — to regulate the distribu- tion of surplus funds, — to appoint officers for the ensuing term, and to conform the bye-laws of State-meetings to the general Objects of the institution. — Section 5 The SOCIETY shall be divided into State meetings : each meeting shall have a President Vice President Secretary and Treasurer respectively ; to be chosen bv a Majority of Votes annually. Section 6"' The State meetings shall be on the Anniversary of INDEPENDENCE ; they shall concert such measures as may conduce to the benevolent purposes of the SOCIETY : and the several State meetings shall, at suitable Periods make application to their respective Legislatures for grants of Charters. — Section 7 Any Member removing from one State to another is to be considered in all respects as belonging to the meeting of the State in which he shall actually reside — Section 8"' The State meeting shall judge of the qualifications of its Members admonish and (if necessary) expel any one who may conduct himself unworthily. — Sect 9"' The Secretary of each State meeting shall register the names of the Members resident in each State, and transmit a Copy to the Secretary of the Society. Section 10*'' In order to Ibrm funds for the relief of unfortunate members, their widows and orphans, each Officer shall deliver to the Treasurer of the State-meeting one month's pay 26 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Sect II No donations shall be rec'' but from citizens of the UNITED STATES.— Sect 12'" The funds of each meeting shall be loaned to the State, by permission of the Legislature, and the interest only, annually to be applied for the purposes of the SOCIETY : — and, if in process of time, difficulties in executing the intentions of the Society, the Legislatures of the several States shall be requested to make such equitable dispositions as may be most correspondent with the original design of the Institution Sect 13^'' The Subjects of his most Christian Majesty, Members of this Society, may hold meetings at their pleasure, and form regulations for their police, conformably to the objects of the In- stitution and to the spirit of their government Section i4"> The SOCIETY shall have an ORDER which shall be a BALD EAGLE of gold, bearing on its breast the emblems hereafter described, suspended by a deep blue Ribband edged with white descriptive of the Union of America and France — The principal figure, CINCINNATUS ; Three Senators presenting him v^ath a Sword and other military ensigns; — on a field, in the back ground, his wife standing at the door of their cottage, near it a Plough and other instruments of husbandry — Round the whole — OMNIA RELINQUIT SERVARE REMPUBLICAM — on the reverse. Sun rising — a city with open gates, and vessels en- tering the port. — Fame crowning Cincinnatus with a wreath inscribed — VIRTUTIS PREMIUM. Below: Hands joining supporting a heart — with the Motto — ESTO PERPETUA. Round the whole, SOCIETAS CINCINNATORUM INSTITUTA A. D. 1783- . Sect 15^'' A silver medal representing the emblems to be given to each member of the SOCIETY, together with a DIPLOMA on parchment, whereon shall be impressed the figures of the Order and Medal, as above mentioned. — EXETER, Feb^' 3'>, 1784 The Society met according to adjournment. Voted — That the Sentiments comprehended in a letter laid be- fore them are agreeable to the Minds of the Meeting and that a Committee be appointed to draught a letter consistent with said Sentiments and put it in the hands of y'' Sec'' who is directed to transmit Copies to each State Society as soon as may be — Voted — That the former Committee or the Major part of them RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 27 be empowered to draught the letter and put it in the hands of y" Sec-' who is to forward Copies of the same according to the fore- going vote — Adjourned to this place July 4'" 1785 Circular Letter from y'' Society in Consequence of the proposed alterations in the Institution — The Society of y'' Cincinnati of New Hampshire at their state Meeting held this day have read & considered the circular letter from y'' General Meeting, with the Plan proposed by them instead of that which was first adopted We viewed with grief and astonishment the uneasiness which the establishment of our Society gave to some of our Fellow-Citi- zens ; and were no less surprized to find the pen of Malice so successfully employed in construing actions that flowed from the purest motives into secret and dangerous attempst to subvert a Government which we had toiled and bled to rear up and defend. — Nothing could afford us more pleasure, than to quiet the minds and remove the fears of our fellow-citizens : but to yield to Argu- ments that have no force, to acknowledge dangers that cannot exist, to recede from a Plan founded on the most laudable Princi- ples therebv stamping y'' mark of suspicion on the most virtuous actions ; or to adopt a Conduct which might imply a concession that by our serving as Soldiers we have forfeited our right as Cit- izens, and are not entitled to those Privileges which our fellow subjects enjoy with out controul ; would be making a sacrifice which they have no right to expect. — The institution of Societies, establishing of funds and wearing the Badges of the respective Orders will readily be acknowledged a right claimed and exercized by the Citizens of this and every other free Country and if wearing the emblems of our Order estab- lishes a Rank of Nobility in America contrary to the Confedera- tion we can see no reason why the Badge worn by the free-masons does not as effectually do it. — If the officers before their separa- tion had agreed to have their Garments cut diff"erently from other Persons and that their Children should follow their Example, we believe few persons would serioush' pronounce this a creation of an Order of Nobility. But if Medals only can have the eftVict Congress have already enobled many of the american and even foreign Officers, by bestowing Medals upon them for brilliant serv- ices : If it should be said the difference lies in the descent, of one being limited and the other not ; our Answer is that if this proves anything it must prove that the descent of a Medal, enobles 28 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. a descendant which had no such effect upon his Ancestor and is an Argument to feeble and absurd to deserve a serious refuta- tion — We are not tenacious of the Power of writing to each other as societies, though it might be difficult to assign a reason why every Town-meeting, convention committee of safety, societies of every kind, and even the individuals in the respective states should enjoy without molestation the Privilege of corresponding with each other upon any subject, and the Officers of the American Army alone deprived of it — It will not be denied that all societies even Companies of Mer- chants have repeatedlv established funds and disposed of them according to their pleasure without Alarming the People ; and surely the right of individuals to appropriate part of their Prop- erty to charitable uses has never before been called in question ; or such distribution thereof been deemed a crime — But if every Jealousy however founded is to be removed and the tongue of Envy silenced at all events would not this have been more effectually & more honorably by laying the ax to the root of the tree and abolishing the society at once than by parti- ally receding from a plan established in the sincerity of friend- ship and that rectitude of Mind which led us to encounter every danger and endure the severest toils to save a sinking Country, and emancipate her sons from the shackles of slavery? — When the arduous task and Heaven had crowned our endeav- ours with success a separation became necessary between Officers whose friendship commenced with y'' Contest increased with every danger thro' a severe and tedious War and was cemented by their BLOOD.— We rejoiced at the event which divided us while we lamented a separation from y'' Partners of our fatigues, whose patriotism, virtue, patience and fortitude had endeared them to us and bound us to them by the strongest ties of friendship — To perpetuate this harmony we instituted this society and con- sidered the emblems of the Order as the most endearing marks of that friendship which we wished might be held in grateful remem- brance by ourselves and cherished among our children to the latest Posterity, and the more effectually to witness our regard tor each other and for those who depended for support on our Brethren that bravely fell in defence of their Country ; we established funds to relieve the distresses of their widows and Orphans — having done this we returned to our families w^ho had patiently RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 29 borne a long and painful absence ; many of them fallen from a state of Affluence to the most trying Circumstances ; all consider- ably reduced and some even in the extremes of distressing Pov- erty — The Continent being unable to fulfil its contracts, we had no means for relieving their wants. We could only present them with scars instead of cash and ruined Constitutions in lieu of y° spoils of War — This being the state of facts can it possibly be expected that we should tamel}' submit to give up into the hands of the respect- ive Legislatures the small funds which we established with the price of our blood to be disposed of as they shall think proper, without our having the least controul over it or voice in disposing of it, to become at our deaths a gift to the Legislatures ; or if the Society is kept up as in y*' plan proposed be enjoyed not by us or our decendants but by others that we know nothing of, and between whom and us, there never existed any ties of Blood or Friendship — If the Society cannot exist as originally instituted, we shall acquiesce in y'" abolishing it altogether : but as we became Mem- bers by signing Articles which we then and still suppose origi- nated in virtuous friendship, we cannot conceive ourselves bound by articles we never subscribed. — When any new system is rec- ommended we shall individually claim a right of judging for our- selves, the expediencv of becoming Members, but we never shall accede to any plan which permits any man or body of men to dispose of or even direct us in the disposition of our property. — With the greatest respect we are Gentlemen your most h'ble servants By order of y'" society — E. Sullivan Sec'' (Circular) — EXETER July 4^" 1785 This day the Society of the Cincinnati met according to Order, the Presid & Sec- being absent the Vice Pres^ presided and Maj Fogg was appointed Sec-^ pro tempore when the Society proceeded to the election of Officers for y' ensuing year, the Ballots being taken the following Gentlemen w^ere declared elected The Hon Gen' Sullivan . President The Hon Gen' Cillev Col" M^Clary Cap^ Cass . Maj Fogg . Vice Pres* Treasurer Vice Treasurer Sec>' 30 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Voted, That the Presid' be desired to direct the former Sec' to deliver unto the present Sec" or his Order the Records & pro- ceedings of the Society — Voted That the next Annual meeting be at Nottingham, Square and that the proceedings of this day be published in the New Hamp Gazette. — NOTTINGHAM, July the 4'" 1786 — The Society of Cincinnati met and chose the following Gentle- men Officers for the ensuing year (viz) His Excellency Gen' Sullivan . . President Hon'^'^' Gen' Cilley .... Vice Pres' Col" M'Clary Treasurer Major Cass Ass* Treasurer Major Fogg Secretary Voted, That the Treasurer be authorized to draw the Interest now due on the publick Securities in the Fund of the Society and exchange the Same for State Notes on the best terms in his power and as soon as may be convenient. — Voted, That all Members of this Society, who have not paid their respective Quotas to the Treasurer, pay the same before the first day of Jan-'' Next or be excluded from the privileges of the Society and that the Treasurer notify them Accordingly Voted — That Maj. Fogg Maj Cass & Doc' Parker be a Com- mittee to form some further Rules for the better Regulating the Society and make report the next Annual Meeting. — Voted That Maj. Fogg, Maj Cass & L' Gookin be a Commit- tee to take into Consideration a Letter from the Ohio Company to this Society & report at the next Meeting what measures are proper to be taken, and that the Sec^ in the mean time acquaint Mr. Winthrop Sargent with our proceedings thereon Voted That the Next Annual Meeting be held at M' Benj' Lamson's at Exeter. EXETER April 16'" 1787 — At a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of N Hamp by special Order of the President. Voted That the following Sentiments of the Society be trans- mitted to the general Meeting to be held at Philadelphia in May next, with a Copy of the Circular Letter written from the Society by Order of a Meeting held at Exeter on the 3'' day of Feb'' 1785 RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 3I i*^ This Society object to the plan proposed by the last general Meeting to submit the Appropriation of funds to the Legislatures of the respective States or to leave the Existence of the Society to the Regulation of Charters which may never be obtained and on tailure of which the Society must cease to exist — 2diy That the Abolition of hereditary succession adopted by said Gen' Meeting is so repugnant to the design of the Institution and so destructive to the principles on which it was originally founded }•' it ought not to be agreed to — 3'"-'' A Liberty of Correspondence being the Right of Freemen of every denomination in America this Society can never consent to relinquish that Right and thereby degrade themselves below every other Class of Citizens The Societv propose that the Descendants of New elected Mem- bers be intitled to the privilege of admittance upon the death of an Ancestor in the same manner as the descendants of Ancient Members — And that upon the death of any new elected or Ancient Member it shall be the business of the Society in the State where such deceased Member dwelt to nominate such of his sons (if any he have) as will be most likely to fill the place of his Ancestor with Credit and to notify him of his Appointment upon which he shall upon appearing and subscribing to the Institution be considered as a Member and entitled to all the privileges of other Members — Voted That the proceedings of this Meeting with the Copy of the aforesaid circular Letter be transmitted by the Sec^ to the next General Meeting and that the Hon" Nicholas Gilman Esq'' be and herebv is appointed a Delegate for this Society to the next Gen' Meeting with full power to agree to such Alterations in the Insti- tution of the Gen' Society as he may think proper — EXETER July 4"^ 1787 — At a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati held this day, the following Gentlemen were elected Officers for the ensuing Year. His Excellencv Gen' Sullivan . . President Hon Gen' Cilley .... V Pres' Maj. Fogg Sec'' Cor M'Clary Treasurer Maj Cass ." Ass' Treasurer Voted That the Secretary summon L' Jon" Perkins to appear at the next general Meetincr to answer for Conduct unbecoming the 32 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Character of a Gentleman and Member of this society and that he notify him that in Case of his Non Attendance he will be excluded the society. Voted That the Operation of the Vote passed at the last annual Meeting respecting the delinquents in paying their several Qiiotas be suspended till the next Annual Meeting. — Voted That the next Annual Meeting be held at M'' B. Lamsons at Exeter — EXETER July 4^'^ 1788 — The Society of the Cincinnati met, the Pres' and Vice Pres*^ being Absent Major Mills was appointed Pres* pro Tempore : Then proceeded to the Choice of Officers for the ensuing year — The Ballots being called for the following Gentlemen were elected. His Excellency Gen' Sullivan . Pres^ Vice Pres* Sec-^- Treasurer Vice Treasurer — Gen' Cilley Major Fogg CoP M M'^Clary Major Cass Voted that as L' Jonathan Perkins did not appear at this Annual Meeting pursuant to a Vote of a former Meeting, he be excluded the Society — Voted — that the Vote passed July the 4"^ 1786 respecting the delinquency of Members in paying their respective Quotas be fur- ther suspended till the next Meeting of this Society Voted That a Letter be transmitted from this Society to the Pres^ Gen' signed by the Pres* and Countersigned by the Sec'' congratulating him and the Gen' Societ}^ on the Ratification of the federal Constitution in this State manifesting our hearty approba- tion thereof — Voted that the Treasurer dispose of so much of the Interest of the Society's funds as shall be sufficient to pay all demands against the Society Lastly voted To adjourn to Col" Adams's at Durham and meet the 4*'' of July next — DURHAM July the 4^" 1789 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati the following Officers were chosen for the present year (viz) His Excell' John Sullivan . . Pres' Maj Gen' Cilley .... Vice Pres' RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. Major Jere Fogg .... Sec' Col" M'Clary .... Treasurer Major Cass ..... Ass' Treas*" Voted that a Committee consisting of Two in Addition to the Treasurer be appointed to examine into the state funds of this society and dispose of the same in such a wav as they may judge will best serve the interest of the society and that the Pres' and vice pres' be the Committee and this Meeting stand adjourned to the first monday of Feb-'' Next at the house of Benj" Lamson in Exeter — Voted that the next annual Meeting be holden at Col" Adams's in Durham on Monday y'' 5**^ day of July next. EXETER Feby i 1790 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati holden this day by adjournment — Voted that the Hon"''''" Nicholas Gilman Esq"" be appointed a Delegate to attend the next general Meeting of the Society to represent the Society of this State — DURHAM July the 5'" 1790 At a meeting of the Society of N H holden this day the follow^- ing Gentlemen were elected Officers for the present year His Ex' John Sullivan . . . Pres* Hon''"'" Joseph Cilley Jere Fogg . Michael M'Clary Jon" Cass V Pres' Secy Treasurer Ass' Treasurer Voted that Gen' Sullivan Col" Adams & Maj Fogg be a Com- mittee to answer Sec'' Knoxes Letter to this Society of the 4''' of June last and make such enquiries of him concerning the Con- tents thereof as they may think proper and obtain his Answer to be laid before this Society at their Meeting on Adjournment Voted that the next Annual Meeting be held at Col" Adams's at Durham — Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Nov'' 19'" next and be holden at Benj-' Lamsons at Exeter — 34 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. vice Pres* Sec' Treas'" Assistant Treas'' DURHAM July the 4'" 1791 At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of the State of New Hampshire holden this day the following Officers were re- elected for the present year (viz) The Hon''' John Sullivan . . President — Hon''''' Joseph Cilley Jeremiah Fogg Michael McClary Jonathan Cass The Secretary being Absent Michael M'^^Clary was chosen Pro temp — Voted that the Sec'' P T. be directed to write to the Members of the Society who are Absent this Meeting and request them to attend at the Adjournment — Voted That the Anniversary of Independence be celebrated in 1792 by this Society at the house of Samuel Adams in Durham Voted To Adjourn this Meeting to the second Tuesday of Aug* next then to meet at the house of the widow Folsom in Exeter at 10 °C. A M. Adjourned accordingly Michl M^Clary Sec^ P. T. DURHAM July the 4'" 1792 Agreeably to the Institution, the Society of the Cincinnati of New Hampshire convened — The President being absent the Vice President presided — The Ballots being called lor the tbllowing -Officers were reelected for the ensuing year Hon" Jn" Sullivan . . . President Hon" Joseph Cilley Mich' M'Clary .' Jon'* Cass Jere Fogg . There being no matters of eration, After reading the Inst Vice Pres* Treasurer Assist d° Sec^ Consequence to take under Consid- itution the Society voted to celebrate the Anniversary of Independence for the year 1793 at the house of M'' Benj" Butler in Deerfield — RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 35 DEERFIELD July 4^" 1793 — At a Meeting of the Society of Cincinnati held here this day Present Col" Joseph Cilley . . . Vice President Cap' Mich' M'^Clary . . . Treasurer L' Jon'' Cilley L' Adna Penn3'man M^ James H M^Clary — The Secretary being Absent Cap' Mich' M^'Clary was chosen Sec^ P. Temp: — Officers chosen as last Year — Adjourned to Meet at y"' House of M"" Benj" Butler in Deerfield on the 4"' day of July 1794 — Michl M'^Clary Sec Pro. Temp — DEERFIELD July the 4'" 1794 — The Society met agreeably to Appointment and chose by Ballot the following Officers for the current Year (viz) — Hon''"' Joseph Cilley . . . Pres' Joseph Mills Jere Fogg M' M^Clary Jon--^ Cilley Vice Pres' Sec^ Treasurer Assist' Voted to hold the next annual Meeting at Col" Henry Butlers at Nottingham — NOTTINGHAM July the 4'" 1795 At a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of N Hamp Holden this day Present Col" Joseph Cilley Cap' Mich' M'Clary Cap' Jere Fogg L' Jon" Cilley M--J H M^ Clary jst Voted That the Officers for the ensuing year be the same as the last Year — 2'' That the Next Annual meeting be holden at the House of Col" Henr}^ Butler in Nottingham and that the Secretary cause the time and place of said Meeting to be published in the New Hampshire Gazette ^6 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. At a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati holden at Not- tingham July the 4*'' 1796 — Present Col" Joseph Cillev .... President L' Joseph Mills " . . .V Pres^ Cap* Mich' M'^Clary . . Treasurer L' Jon" Cilley .... Ass Treasurer M-" James H M^Clary L^ Jeremiah Pritchard L* Sam' Adams U Dan' Gookin U Rob' Wilkins Motion was Made that a Committee be appointed to nominate suitable persons for Officers — L' Adams J H M'Clary L' Pritch- ard were chosen for that purpose who reported as follows — Col° Joseph Cillev . . . Pres' L^ Joseph Mills ■. . . . V Presid' Cap' Jere Fogg .... Sec^ Cap' Mich' M^Clar\- . . Treasurer L' Jona : Cilley .... x\ss' Treas'' The Sec""'' being Absent Cap' M'Clary was chosen Sec-^ Pro Tempore — The Society then proceeded to ballot for Officers agreeabl}- to the Constitution and they were chosen as reported — The Society proceeded as follows jsi Voted to chuse a Committee to settle with the Treasurer and report at the next Meeting 2'' Chose Col. Cilley, L' Mills & L' Gookin a Committee for the aforesaid purpose 3*^ Voted that the Treasurer be Authorized to fund the Property now belonging to the Society in the funds of the United States in the Name of the Treasurer of the Society, for and in behalf and for the Use of the Society — and provided said Property cannot be funded as aforesaid, then the same to be disposed of for the highest Value and appropriated to the Use of purchasing funded Stock and such as Interest accrues thereon and to be funded in the Continental Loan Ollice in N Hampshire — ^tiiiy Voted that the expence of this and all future Meetings be defrayed out of the Interest arising on the Funds belonging to the Society — 5"' Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to the fourth day of July next, then to Meet at Col" Henry Butlers in Nottingham — RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 37 L' Wilkins and the Widow Emerson made Application to the Society for a Grant to be made them by the Society, the Consid- eration of Which was Postponed till the next Meeting M M'^Ci.ARY Sec" P. Temp. NOTTINGHAM July y^^ 4"' 1797 At a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of N H held this day Present Col" Joseph Cilley L^ Joseph Mills Cap^ Jere Fogg Cap^ Mic" M^Clarv L* Jon^' Cilley Proceed to the Choice of Officers for the ensuing Year which are as follows — Col" Jos. Cilley .... President L' Jos Mills Cap' Jere Fogg . Cap' Mich' M'Clary U Jon-' Cilley V Pres' Sec-^' Treasurer Ass' d" — 1 Voted that M'' John Sullivan be admitted into this Society agreeably to its institution as a Member thereof being the eldest Son of the Hon''''' Gen' Sullivan dec** 2 Voted — That the Committee chosen at the last Annual Meet- ing to settle the Treasurers Ace'* be continued and make further report at the Next Annual Meeting 3 Voted that the Next Annual Meeting be holden at Col" II Butlers in Nottingham NOTTINGHAM July 4'" 1798 — At a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati holden this day Present Col" Jos Cillev L' Jos Mills Cap' Mich' M^Clary Cap' Jere Fogg L' Sam' Adams M^ H M'Clary M' Sullivan The Ballots being taken tor Officers for y'' ensuing Year the followingc Gentlemen were chosen Col" Cillev L' J Mills^ President V Pres' 38 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Cap* Mich^ M-^Clary . . . Treas^' Cap^ Jere Fogg .... Sec-^ L Jon" Cilley .... Ass' Treasurer 1 Voted that Eight dollars advanced by the Members of the Society in y*^ Year 1796 as a Gratuity to L' Wilkins be refunded to them by the Treasurer of y*' Society 2 Voted That the Committee on the Treasurers Ace'-' be con- tinued and Make further Report at the Next Annual Meeting — 3 Voted That the Next Annual Meeting be holden at Col" But- lers in Nottingham NOTTINGHAM July the 4'" 1799 — At a Meeting of the Society of y'' Cincinnati holden this day Present Col° Jos Cilley L' J Mills Cap' Michael McClary Cap' Jere Fogg Proceeded to elect Officers for the ensuing Year The Hon° Joseph Cilley declining to serve as President of y society any longer L' Joseph Mills was chosen . . President Vice President Sec^ Treasurer Ass' Treas"" L' Jon" Cilley Cap' Jere Fogg Cap' M' M'^Clarv M- H M'^Clary ^ I Voted that the Wife of Neal McGaffee have a grant of Ten dollars out of this Society for which she is to give her rec' and that the treasurer pay the same accordingly — she appearing a Proper object of Charity agreeably to y*^ institution 2*^ Voted that the Treasurer be directed and he is hereby di- rected to loan all the interest Money on hand and now due to the society for which he is to be Answerable 3 Voted That the Next Annual Meeting be held at Greenleafs in Portsmouth — PORTSMOUTH, July the 4'" 1800. At a meeting of the society of the Cincinnati holden this day Present Lieut Joseph Mills L'Jon" Cilley Cap' J Fogg Cap' Mich' M^Clary L' Sam' Adams L' Daniel Gookin / RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 39 Proceeded to the Choice of Officers for y'' current year the Bal- lots being taken U Joseph Mills was elected . . President L'Jon' Cilley .... Vice Pres^ Cap J Fogg Sec^ Cap' Mich M^Clarv . . . Treasurer J H M^Clary ". . . . Ass' Treas"- M'" Bradbury Cilley eldest son of Col" Joseph Cilley dec*^ appeared and took his seat as a Member Voted that L' Perkins L' Boynton and the Wife of Cap' Eb'' Sullivan have and Receive from the Treasury of this Society Twelve dollars each — and that the wife of Neal McGaffee receive Five dollars and that the treasurer pay the same accord- ingly — Voted that the Treasurer be directed to procure Eight Golden Medals to be distributed to the Members present, One to each with the Emblems as directed in the institution PORTSMOUTH, July the 4"' 1801 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati holden this day Present L' Mills L' Jon'' Cilley Cap' M M'Clarey Cap J. Fogg L' Dan' Gookin and M'" Bradbury Cilley — Cap' Amos Cogswell a Member of the Society of the Cincinnati in Massachusetts attended and being now a Citizen of this State took his Seat as a Member of this Society agreeably to the institu- tion — The Society then proceeded to the choice of Officers for the ensuing year — The ballots being taken L' Joseph Mills was elected . . President L' Jon'' Cilley .... Vice Pres' Cap J. Fogg. .... Sec'' Cap' Mich' M^Clary . . Treas'" James H M'Clary .... Ass' Treas'" Voted that M'^ Sullivan widow of the late Cap' Eb"" Sullivan and the Wife of Neal M'^Gaffe have out of the treasury of the Society Eight dollars each Voted that the ne.xt Annual Meeting be holden at Portsm" at the house of M' J Greenleaf on Monday the 5"' day of July — 40 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. PORTSMOUTH July 5^" 1802 At the annual meeting of the Society of y^' Cincinnati of N Hampshire holden this day Present Major Joseph Mills . . • Pres' Maj'' Jere Fogg .... Sec"" Gen' Mich' M^Clary . • Treasurer Maj. H M' Clary .... Ass^ Treasurer Col" Sam' Adams Col" Bradbury Cilley The society proceeded to ballot for the Officers of the ensuing year when Major Joseph Mills was elected . President Col" Sam' Adams . . • • V Pres' Major Jere Fogg .... Sec-'' Gen' Mich' M^Clary . . • Treasurer Maj J. H. M'Clary . . . Ass' Treasurer Voted that the Widow of the late Cap* Ebenezer Sullivan and the Wife of L' Neal McGaftee have and receive out of the Treas- ury Five dollars each Voted that the next Annual Meeting be holden at Portsm° on the 4*" day of July Next N B. Balance of Interest due the Society on this 5"' day of July — $155, .89 PORTSMOUTH July the 4*" 1803 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of New Hamp- shire holden this day Present Major Joseph Mills Pres' Gen' Michael M'Clary Treas"" J H M'Clarv Ass' Treas' Major Jere Fogg Sec'" Col° Amos Cogswell Col° Bradbury Cilley Cap' Dan' Gookin The Society proceeded to the Choice of Oflicers for the ensuing Year — The Ballots being taken and Major Joseph Mills was reelected . Pres' Col" Amos Cogswell . . • Vice Pres' General Michael McClary reelected . Treasurer Maj' J Harvey M'Clary . . . Ass' Treasurer Major Jere Fogg .... Sec^ RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 41 Voted that the Widow of Cap' Eb'' Sullivan the Wife of L* Neal McGaffee — L* Jon" Perkins and L' Joseph Boynton have and receive out of the treasury each Eight Dollars V^oted to hold the Next Annual Meeting at Portsm" Balance due the Society interest from the Treasurer July 4"' 1803 — $177,89 PORTSMOUTH July the 4''> 1804 — V. President Sec>- Treasurer Ass* Treasurer President Vice President Seo^ Treasurer Ass' Treasurer At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of New Hamp- shire holden this day Present Col" Amos Cogswell Major Jere Fogg . Gen' Michael M^Clary . Major J Harvey M-^Clary Cap' Daniel Gookin — Proceeded to ballot for Officers and Major Joseph Mills was reelected Col" Amos Cogswell Major Jere Fogg . Gen' Michael M'Clary . Maj J. Harvey M'Clarey After examining the Treasurers Ace'* and approving of the same they found due to the Society in interest arising from the Fund One Hundred and Eighty one dollars and Seventy Nine Cents — No business of importance presenting the Society voted to hold their next Annual Meeting at Portsmouth PORTSMOUTH July 4'" 1805 At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of the State of New Hampshire holden this day Present Major Joseph Mills Col" Amos Cogswell Major Jere Fogg . Gen' Michael M'Clarey Major James H. M^Clary Col" Bradbury Cilley Capt Daniel Gookin — The Society proceeded to ballot for Officers for the ensuing Year and the following Officers were reelected (viz) President Vice President Sec^' Treasurer Ass' Treasurer 42 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Major Joseph Mills . Col" Amos Cogswell Major Jere Fosjg Gen' Mich' M^Clary . Major Harvey M' Clary President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Ass' Treasurer The Society took into consideration a letter from the Society of New York concerning duelling and voted to let it lie for considera- tion — On examining the Treasurer's Acc'^ and approving of the same, found a balance due to the Society of Two hundred and Twenty dollars and Eighteen Cents — $220, iS'^ — Voted that the Widow of Our deceased friend L* Samuel Adams have and receive out of the Treasury of this Society Twenty dollars and the Treasurer is directed to pay the same Accordingly — Col" Seth Walker made Application to become an Honorary Member of the society who stands a Candidate for the same to the 4"^ July Next Col" Nathaniel White having previously made Application also to become a Member of said society was, after due consideration Admitted on his paying into the Treasury Forty dollars, and to be entitled to all the privileges of the Society — Voted that the Next Annual Meeting be at Portsmouth PORTSMOUTH July y^ 4"' 1806 At a Meeting of the Cincinnati of New hampshire holden this day. Present — Major Joseph Mills . . . President Col" Amos Cogswell . . . Vice President Major Jere Fogg .... Secretary Gen' Michael M'Clary . . . Treasurer Col" Bradbury Cilley Capt. Daniel Gookin Col" Nath' White Capt. Thomas Turner visiting Member — Proceeded to the Choice of Officers and the Ballots being given in appeared that Major Joseph Mills Was reelected President Col° Amos Cogswell . . . Vice Pres' RECORDS OP' THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 43 Major Jere Fogg .... Secretary General Mich' M'^Clary . . Treasurer Col" Harvey M'Clary . . . Assist*^ Treasurer On examining the Treasurer's Accounts it Appears to the Society that there remains in the Treasurer's hands Two hundred and Fifty Nine dollars And forty three Cents which Settlement was approved. $259,43 Cents PORTSMOUTH July 4'" 1807 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of New Hamp- shire holden this day present — Col" Amos Cogswell Major Jeremiah Fogg Gen' Mich' M^Clary Col" Bradbury Cilley Proceeded to Ballot for Officers and Major Joseph Mills was chosen . President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer- Col" Amos Cogswell Major Jeremiah Fogg . General Mich' M'Clary Col" James H. M'^Clary On Examining The Treasurers Accounts it appears that the sum now due to the society in the hands of the Treasurer amounts to Two hundred and Seventy-Nine Dollars and sixty Cents which was Approved and Accepted $279,60 — Voted to meet at Portsmouth on the fourth of July next at Ten o'clock Adjourned — PORTSMOUTH July 4''> 1808 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of New Hamp- shire Present General Mich' M'Clary Col" James H. M^Clary Cap^ Daniel Gookin Cap' John Sullivan (son of the Late Cap' Eben'' Sullivan deceased who was a Member) made Application to become a member in room of his Father agreeable to the Institution and was Admited — 44 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. vice President Secretary Treasurer x\ssistant Treasurer Proceeded to ballot for Officers and Major Josep Mills was chosen . President Col" Amos Cogswell Cap^ Daniel Gookin Gen' Mich' M^Clary . Col" James H. M^Clary Proceeded to examine the Treasurers Accounts and find due to the society in the Treasurers hands for the interest on the stock of the society Three hundred Eighteen Dollars Thirty five Cents, — Interest being accounted for to July i*** 1808 which account was approved and accepted $318=35 = Voted to meet at Epsom on the 4^'' of July Next Adjourned — At a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of the State of New Hampshire held at Epsom July 4"' 1809 — Present — General Michael M'^Clary Col" Bradbury Cilley — Col" James H. M-^^Clary Cap^ John Sullivan (son of the General) and Cap* Daniel Gookin — Agreeable to the Institution proceeded to the Choice of officers and made choice of Col" Amos Cogswell for . . President Col" Bradbury Cilley . . Vice President Cap* Daniel Gookin . . . Secretary General M. M'Clary . . . Treasurer Col" James H M'Clary . . Assistant Treasurer Proceeded to examine the Accounts of the Treasurer and find due to the Society in the hands of the Treasurer Three hundred and fifty five Dollars ten Cents, Interest being accounted for to July I'* 1809 — which account was received and accepted — 355>iQ Voted that the Treasurer pay to Bradbury Cilley Esq*" sixty Dol- lars to James H. McClary Esq"" sixty Dollars to Cap* John Sulli- van (son of the Late General) sixty Dollars to Daniel Gookin Esq' sixty Dollars and to Michael M'Clary Esq"" sixty Dollars being part of the Interest of the funds now in his hands Adjourned to July 4th 18 10 then to Meet at Epsom — RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 45 EPSOM July 4'" 1810 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati of New Hamp- shire holden this day Present Col" Bradbury Cilley General Mich' McClary Proceeded to ballot for Officers for the ensuinij Year and Col° Amos Cogswell was Chosen President Col" Bradbury Ciller" . . . Vice President Secretary Treasurer assistant Treasurer Sed>' P. T.— Cap' Daniel Gookin Gen' Michael M'Clar\ Col" James H. M'Clary General Mich' McClary Balance of Interest in the Treasurers hands due the Society Eighty-tive Dollars Ten Cents — Adjourned to meet at Portsmouth on the 4 of July next PORTSMOUTH July 4 1811 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinate of New Hamp- shire held this dav agreeably to the Institution — Present — Col" Bradbury Cilley General Mic' M'Clary Cap' Daniel Gookin Cap' John Sullivan and Cap' John Sullivan J'" Proceeded to ballot for Officers for the ensuing Year and the following Gentelmen were elected Col" Amos Cogswell . . . President Col" Bradbury Cilley Cap' Daniel Gookin Gen' Mic' M'Clary Cap' John Sullivan J'' Vice President Secr'-^' Treasurer Assistant Treas*" Examined the Treasurers account and find a balance in his hands, for Interest on the Fund due the Society of One hundred Thirty-five Dollars and Ten Cents, Interest being by him accounted for to July i" 1811 — Voted that the Treasurer pay to Elizabeth M'^Clary widow of James H. M'Clary Twenty-five Dollars Taking her Receipt for the same being, a donation given her by the Society — Adjourned to meet at Portsmouth on July 4"^ 1812 — Daniel Gookin Sec'^ Vice President Sed-^ Treasurer and Assistant Trea"" 46 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. PORTSMOUTH July 4'" 1812 — At a Meeting of the Society of the Cincinate held this day Present — Col" Bradbury Cilley . . Vice President Daniel Gookin . . . Sec'^' Gen' Mic' M^ Clary . . Treasurer Cap' John Sullivan J"" . . Assistant Treas'" and Cap' John Sullivan Proceeded to ballot for Officers and Col*^ Amos Cogswell was chosen . President Col" Bradbury Cilley . Cap' Daniel Gookin Gen' Mich' M'Clary Cap' John Sullivan J"" . Examined the Treasurers Accounts and find in his hands a bal- ance for interest, on the fund, of One hundred Thirty-Nine Dol- lars seventy-three Cents, Interest accounted for by him to July i"' 1812— ■ Voted that a Donation of Twenty Dollars be paid by the Treasurer to Elizabeth Adams, widow of the late Colonel Samuel Adams — Adjourned to meet at Portsmouth on the 4 of July 1813 — PORTSMOUTH July 5'" 1813 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati held this day Present Mic' M-^Clary Daniel Gookin Proceeded to Ballot for Officers and Amos Cogswell was Chosen . . President Bradbury Cilley .... Vice President Daniel Gookin .... Secretary Michael M'Clary .... Treasurer John Sullivan J"" . . . . Assistant Treasurer Examined the Treasurers Accounts and tind in his hands a Bal- ance due the Society for Interest on the funds, of One hundred forty-seven Dollars fortv-One Cents Interest accounted for to July I^'i8i3 — Voted that the Treasurer pay to Elizabeth M'Clary Widow of RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 47 James H. McClary Twenty Dollars as a donation from the Society — Adjourned to meet at Epsom on July 4''' 1814 — The Hon''''' Nicholas Oilman having Died at Philadelphia on his return from Washington where he had been Attending his duty as a Senator in Congress from New Hampshire — Ordered that the members of the Society of the Cincinnati of N. Hamp- shire be requested to ware Black crape on the left Arm for Thirty days as a badge of respect and esteem they have for his memory May" 17'" 1814 EPSOM July 4»'> 1814 At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinati held this day Present — Mich' M-^^Clary Daniel Gookin Proceeded to Ballot for officers and Amos Cogswell was chosen . . President Bradbury Cilley Daniel Gookin Michael M'Clary . John Sullivan J'" Examined the Treasurers Accounts and tind in his hands One hundred Seventy-seven Dollars Eighty-four Cents money by him received for Interest on the funds belonging to the Society he having accounted for Interest to July i*"' 1814 Adjourned to Meet at Portsmouth on the 4 of July 18 15 Daniel Gookin Sec*'' PORTSMOUTH July 4''> 1815 At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnate Present — Michiel M'Clary Daniel Gookin John Sullivan J"" (son of Ebenezer) Joseph Mills — Joseph Mills son of the late Joseph Mills Esq' of Deerfield deceased was admitted a member in Room of his father agreeable to the Institution, he having signed the same — Vice President Sec^y Treasurer Ass' Treasurer 48 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Balloted for Officers and Amos Cogswell was chosen Bradbury Cilley Daniel Gookin Michaiel M^Clary . John Sullivan J"" Examined the Treasurers Accounts and there are in his hands Interest on the funds due the Society Two hundred Twenty-three Dollars Eighty-four Cents Interest Accounted for to July first One thousand Eicrht hundred fifteen President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Ass* Treasurer $223=84= Voted that the Treasurer pay to the Widow of the late Cap*^ Eben"" Sullivan Fifteen Dollars and to the Widow of the late James H. M' Clary Fifteen Dollars as a donation from the Society — Voted that the Society meet at Portsmouth on the 4 of July 1816 Daniel Gookin Sect' PORTSMOUTH July 4"' 1816 — At a meeting of the Society of Cincinate held this day Present — Bradbury Cilley Dan' Gookin Michaiel M'Clary John Sullivan Joseph Mills Balloted for the choice of Officers And Amos Cogswell was elected Bradbury Cilley Daniel Gookin Michaiel M'Clary . John Sullivan J"^ President Vice President Sect-'' Treasurer Ass' Treasurer Examined the Treasurers Account, and there are in his hands Interest on the fund Two hundred Thirty-four Dollars Ninty seven Cents he having Accounted for the Interest on the fund to July first one thousand Eight hundred and sixteen $234^^97 Voted that the Treasurer pay to the Widow of the late General John Sullivan Twenty Dollars taking her receipt for the same RECORDS OF THK ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 49 Voted that the Treasurer pay to Anna Huntoon Ten Dollars taking her receipt for same Voted that the Society meet at Portsmouth on the 4 of July ^*^i7 — Daniel Gookin Sect-" PORTSMOUTH July 4^" 1817 At the Annual Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnate of New Hampshire holden this day — Present Daniel Gookin John Sullivan J'' John Sullivan and Joseph Mills, Mich' M'Clary being prevented by Sickness from Attending his son John M'Clary Attended with the Treasurers Account Proceeded to Ballot for Officers Amos Cogswell was chosen . . President Bradbury Cilley Daniel Gookin Mich' M^Clary John Sullivan J'' Examined the Treasurers Accounts and there Are in his hands received for Interest on the funds Two hundred Seventeen Dollars Forty-One Cents he having Accounted for interest to July i"^ 1817 — Doll 217, ,41 Voted that the Society meet at Portsmouth on July 4 1818 Daniel Gookin Sect'' Vice President Sect-" Treasurer Assistant Treasurer PORTSMOUTH July 4^" 1818 At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnate this day Present Daniel Gookin Mich' M-^Clary Adams son of Sam' Adams Proceeded to the Choice of Officers Amos Cogswell was Elected Bradbury Cilley . Daniel Gookin Mich' M'Clary . John Sullivan J"" . 4 President V'^ice President Sect^ Treasurer Assistant Treasurer 50 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Examined the Treasurers Account and there is in his .hands, Interest on the fund. Two-hundred forty-six Dollars, One Cent Interest by him Accounted for to July i""^ i8j8 $246=01 = Voted that the Treasurer pay to the widow of Ebenezer Sulli- van Ten Dollars, and to the Children of John Sullivan J"" fifteen Dollars, And to the widows of Harvey M'Clary Ten Dollars, and to Jonathan Perkins Ten Dollars Voted to meet at Daniel Coffins in Eping on the 4"' of July 1819 — EPPING Monday July 5'" 1819 — At a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnate this day Present Mich' M^Clary Daniel Gookin Officers Chosen Amos Cogswell .... President Bradbury Cilley .... Vice President Daniel Gookin .... Secretary Mich' M'Clary .... Treasurer On Examining the Treasurers Account, there are in' his hands, for interest on the funds. Two hundred forty-three Dollars Thirty- One Cents, interest accounted for by him to July first 1819 $243=31 = Voted that the Treasurer pay to the Children of John Sullivan J'' fifteen Dollars — Voted that the Treasurer pay to the Widow^ Elizabeth M'Clary Ten Dollars Voted That the Meeting of the Society on the 4 day of July 1820 be at Notingham— Daniel Gookin Sec-^ NOTINGHAM July 4"' 1820 — Agreeable to the Institution the Society of the Cincinnati met this day Present — Bradbury Cilley Mich' M'Clary Joseph Mills Daniel Gookin RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 5 1 Proceeded to the Choice of Officers and Amos Cogswell was chosen . . President Bradbury Cilley .... Vice President Daniel Gookin .... Sect-^' Mich' M'Clary .... Treasurer Examined the Treasurers Accounts and there Are in his hands Two hundred Seventy-four Dollars and Thirty-One Cents he hav- ing Accounted for the interest on the fund to July first One thousand Eight hundred and Twenty. — Voted that the Treasurer pay to Bradbury Cilley out of the interest in his hands Sixty Dollars To Joseph Mills sixty Dollars to Mich' M^Clary Sixty Dollars To Daniel Gookin Sixty Dollars Voted that the Next Annual Meeting be holden at General But lars in Deerfield — Daniei. Gookin Sect^ DEERFIELD July 4'" 182 1 At a meeting of the Cincinnati Society held this day Present Bradbury Cilley Mich' M'^Clary Proceeded to the Choice of Officers And Amos Cogswell was Chosen . President Bradbury Cilley .... Vice Presedent Daniel Gookin .... Sect^ Mich' M'Clary .... Treasurer The Treasurers Accounts were examined and Approved and Accepted and there Are in his hands of the interest drawn from the fund, Seventy-Seven Dollars forty-two Cents he having Accounted for the interest drawn to July i'"' 1821 $77-4 2 Voted that the Treasurer pay to the Widow Abigail Sullivan Ten Dollars To the Children of Captain John Sullivan Fifteen Dollars Voted that the Society meet at Portsmouth on the fourth day of July Next at 10 oclock — 52 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. PORTSMOUTH July 4'" 1822 — The Cincinnate Society having Met Present — Bradbury Cilley Mich" M'Clary Daniel Gookin Proceeded to the Choice of Officers Amos Cogswell .... President Bradbury Cille} .... Vice President Daniel Gookin .... Sect^ Mich' M'-'Clary .... Treasurer Examined the Treasurers Accounts which were Approved and Accepted — there are in his hands of Interest drawn from the fund belonging to the Society Ninety-Nine Dollars Forty-two Cents the Treasurer having Accounted for interest to July i**^ 1822 — 99-42 Voted that the Next Anual Meeting be held at Portsmouth at the House of Nath' Brown at 10 o'Clock, A. M. Daniel Gookin Sect^ PORTSMOUTH July 4'" 1823 — Present Mich' M^Clary Daniel Gookin Proceeded to the Choice of Officers Amos Cogswell .... President Bradbury Cilley .... Vice President Daniel Gookin .... Sect^ Mich' M'Clary .... Treasurer Examined the Treasurers Account there are in his hands One hundred fortv-three Dollars and seventy Eight Cents Interest bv him accounted for to July i'* 1823 1 43=78 Voted that the Treasurer pay to Charlotte Page daughter of the late Joseph Mills Fifteen Dollars — Voted that the Treasurer pay to the Children of John Sullivan Ten Dollars Voted that the Next Annual Meeting be held at Portsmouth Daniel Gookin Sect^ RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 53 \_Henry Dearborn, Delegate, to General Sullivan. '\ ^. Exeter Tune 8"' 1784 — having been detain'd much longer than I expected on my late Journey, it will be so late before I git my fammily to Kennebeck, that it will not be in my power to attend the annual meeting the 4^'' July. — the Newspapers inform you of what we have done, I dare say many of our breathring will start at the alterations which we have made in the Institution. I confess I should have been better pleas'd with the institution in some respects, had not so material alterations have taken place, but we found our selves reduced to the single alternative of making such alterations as we have, or attempt to stand without the President Gen', he was very much alhirm'd, & in fact it appeerd that the clammer through the States at large, & in Congress as well as with our foreign Ministers was very general, some letters from several of the principle characters in the French Army & Navy had great weight with many, — in which letters it was said that the hereditary part would undoubt- edly be disagreable to the democratic sentiments of our country, — & that it would not be strange, as it was a new thing in Europe for an order of merit to descend, — & ever}'- man must see at first view that there is an absurdety in attempting to transmitt real merit to posterity, — I have said before that those expressions had great weight with man3^ — & if we coolly ask our selves what ware our principle motives when we entered into the order, or at least what we pretended, were our motives, & what we endeav- oured to convince the people ware our real motives, — at the same time taking into concideration the character of the man by whose name we have Christen'd our society, — & after satisfying our selves in those facts, ask wheather all those purposes which we had a right to wish to be answered by the institution cannot be fully answerd as the institution now stands. I am reather inclined to suppose the canded honest man will answer in the affirmative if he can for a moment divest himself of that illnature which the conduct of the people at large towards us, has unavoidably created, but wheather any one can fully perform the task is a question with me; (Judging from my own feelings). — Maj'" L Enfant arrived the first of May with letters from the Gentlemen of the French Army & Navy expressing their gratitude in the warm- est possible terms, for the honours conferred on them by the Note. —These documents were copied from original loose papers in the possession of the New Hampshire Historical Society. 54 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. society, he brought many petetions from various characters to be admited, he likewise brought about 150 eagles, some diplomes & a die to stamp the meddles, & the copper plate to compleet a suf- ficient number of diplomes — The President will take the direc- tion of those matters — the Eagles cannot be made in x\merica, — but may be procured in France or England, — the French Gentle- men esteem the order as the first order of merit in the world, & put it on above any of their orders, — Maj'" Debushett, came from France to Philadelphia on no other business but to petetion the Gen' meeting to be admited; — he has served two years & ten months in our Army in the character of an Officer, but could not obtain the order in France, he has obtain'd the order of S' Loues for his service in the late war, but could not be satisfied without the Cincinnati. — inclosed is an ace' of my expences — Henry Dearborn, Delegate. Hon"' Maj-" Gen' Sullivan/ [The name of Lt. Col. Henry Dearborn has been cut from the original of the above copy.] [^Letter of George Washington.'] ^. Mount Vernon in Virginia Oct'' 31'* 1786 — I take this early opportunity, in my character of President of the Cincinnati, of announcing to you, that the triennial General Meeting of the Society is to be convened at the city of Philadel- phia on the first Monday of May in the year 1787 — As it will not be in my power (for reasons which I shall have the honor of immediately communicating) to attend the next gen- eral meeting ; And as it may become more and more inconvenient for me to be absent from my Farms, or to receive appointments which will direct me from my private affairs ; I think it proper also to acquaint you for the information of your Delegates to the General Meeting, that it is my desire not to be reelected to the Presidency, since I should find myself under the necessity of declining the acceptance of it. The numerous applications for information made to me in con- sequence of my Military command, the multiplicity of my corri- spondencies in this country as well as in many parts oi Europe ; the variety and perplexity of my own private concerns, which, having been much deranged by my absence through the war. RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 55 demand my entire And unremitting attention ; the arduousness of the task, in which I have been as it were unavoidably engaged of superintending the opening the navigation of the great Rivers in this state ; the natural desire of relaxation and tranquility, from business, which almost every one experiences at my time of life, particularlv, after having acted (during a considerable period) as no idle unspectator in uncommonly busy and important scenes ; and the present imbecility of my health occasioned by a violent attack of the fever and ague, succeeded by rheumatick pains (to which I have been, till of late an Entire stranger) ; will I doubt not, be considered as reasons of sufficent validity to justify my conduct in the present instance. Although the whole of these reasons could not have been before operated ; yet in conformity to my determination of passing the remainder of my days in a state of retirement, I should certainly have refused to accept the office of President with w' hich I was honored in 1784, but from an apprehension that my refusal, at that time might have been misrepresented as a kind of dereliction of the society on my part, or imputed to a disapprobation of the principles on which it was then established — To convince the opposers of the Institution, should any such remain, that this was not the fact ; and to give no colourable pretext for unreasonable attacks ; I prevailed on myself to accept the appointment with a view of holding it only until the next election ; before which time I expected the jealousy that had been excited would subside — and this I am happy to be informed has universally taken place. — Highly approving as I do, the principles on which the society is now constituted ; and pleased to find, so far as I have been able to learn from reiterated enquiries, that it is acceptable to the good people of the United States in general ; it only remains for me to express the sense I entertain of the honor conferred by the last General Meeting in electing me their President, and to implore in future the benediction of Heaven, on the virtuous associates in this illustrious Institution — During the residue of my continuance in office, I shall be con- stantly ready to sign such Diplomas as may be requisite tor the members of your state society, being sincerely desirous of giving every possible proof of attachment, esteem, and affection for them : as well as of demonstrating the sentiments of perfect con- sideration and respect with which I have the honor to be y"" most obed' and most Humble Servant, Ge*^ Washington 56 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. P. s. I have thought it expedient to forward a transcript of this circu- lar address to Maj"" General Gates, Vice President of the Society — In order that the General Meeting may suffer no embarrass- ment for want of an official character to preside at the opening of it — The President of the Society of the Cincinnati — State of New Hampshire — A true copy — J. WixGATE Thornton — Boston Oct. 27, 1842 — [The following, among the papers of the Society, appears to be the original draft of a letter in the handwriting of Daniel Gookin, without date, address, or signature, yet of historic value.] Sir/ your letters of June and July three in Number to the Presi- dent of the Cincinnati Society of New Hampshire were not received from the post office untill August 25 not knowing they were there until I noticed their being advertised by the Post Master — Death has made great inroads among the Officers of the Revo- lutionary Army from New Hampshire and the Survivors are much Scattered I know of but one Gen' Officer — that is Gen- eral Stark who I suppose will be provided for as soon as Congress meet as a Bill was before them for his relief when Congress Adjourned, General Stark is not a Member of the Cincinnati Society he was the Senior Officer from New Hampshire when the Cincinnati Society was formed in Camp but he not approving thereof no State Society was formed untill after the Army had disbanded and the Officers returned home, when Application being made to General Sullivan by the Baron De Stuben on behalf of the General Society he (Sullivan) by Advertisement requested the Officers to meet and form a State Society The request was but poorly complied with a few however did meet & form themselves into a society but now on our Anual Meeting on the 4 of Julv we Seldom have more than 5 or 6 members present. I believe there is but one Field Officer Now living in the State that is Major James Carr & I rather think he will come under the Act of Congress for affording assistance to the needy, (the Major is not a member of the Society,) And indeed I do not RECORDS OP^ THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 57 know of more than 2 or 3 Officers who served in the New Hamp- shire line who now reside in the State who were under any of the Acts of Congress intitled to half pay or Commutation, but what will come clearly within the Act of Congress making provision for those who Need assistance from their Country Col" Cogswell who was A Captain in the Revolutionary Army in the Massachu- setts Line now living in Dover in this State is presid^ of the Cin- cin'ati Society, Bradbury Cilley Son of the late General Cilley (who was a Col" in the Army) is Now a Member in his fathers Stead and is Vice president of the Society Daniel Gookin who was a Lieutenant in the Army is Sect' and Gen' Michel M'Clary who was A Captain in the Army is Treasurer — The Officers of the New Hampshire Line were Mostly Farmers Labourious Men Those who Survived the war after being unused to Labour for 7 or 8 years found it very painful to go immediately to the plow. But after Spending what Little prop- erty they possesed the}^ were Compelled too, with Broken fortunes and broken Spirits with many of them Death has Closed the Scene and the Survivours coming under the Act of Congress of Last Session I rather think you Must not calculate on Much Assistance from the Surviving Officers the New Hampshire Line who now reside within the State, I shall take the first opportunity of Laying your Communications before Col" Cogswell the Presi- dent and I expect to See General M'Clary the Treasurer in September he is best acquainted of any person in the State with the Surviving Officers, And if an}^ thing can be done to assist you in your application to Congress you shall have immediate Notice But should You Not receive any further Communication You may without fear of Contradiction Assert the poverty and Needy Circumstances of Most of the Surviving Officers of the Revolutionary Line of the Army from New Hampshire in Addi- tion to the Justice of their Claims, But altho you may not receive Assistance from the Officers, From my knowledge of the Gentel- men from New Hampshire in the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives in Congress I am fully confident they will exert themselves that Ample Justice may be done to the Survivours of the Revolutionary Armv 58 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. SJJames Blanchard to the Officers of the Neiv Ha7nf shire Line.'] Philadelphia, June i 1791 Gentlemen You will receive a Circular Letter of my Signature of the 19'^' of April Similar to a Number that have been Sent to the Officers of the Late American Army and I beg Leave to give you the reason of it being done When Goverment under the new Constitution was making Arrangements for the payment of the Public debt, the Officers of the Massachusetts Line prefered a Petition to Congress praying that some mode might be Adopted to Ascertain tSie value of the Certificates they received for their Pay and Subsistance at the Conclusion of the War, and the residue be Still due to them — The Representatives of the Southern States Urged the Justice of the Claim, and the Impropriety of one Class of men Accu- melating such Large Sums for so Small Considerations, from the delay of the public to the distress and ruin of an other Class of men to whom they were so much Indebted for the freedom and Independence they then enjoyed — but the Representatives from the Northern States being purchasers of Certificates were of a different Opinion, and the petition was rejected, and a funding Law passed that Ascertained a Note given for £70,8, that in Seven Years had Accumelated £28:12 Interest, to be worth £82, or thereabouts — The Officers waited on their representatives on their return to the State, who Informed them, that a Funding Law had passed, and the value of their Certificates were Ascertained by the said Law — but if the United States paid their debt to Individuals on the Same principles that one Individual was Com- pelled by the Laws of the Country to pay to Another, there was a residue that could be paid to the Original Creditor The Officers wishing for Tranquility «& Every possible means of Justice Observed, that Notwithstanding they had Alienated their Certificates Similar to all Other bills of Credit, that had been reduced by a scale of Depretiation to their Current value, and their Assigns had rec'' a retribution from 300, to 500 per Cent on their purchase in Specie by a Law, they would be Contented with the residue as it Stood on the public Books and Last sessions a Remonstrance was presented to Congress wnd^v \.\\Q fctitious Signiture of Original Creditors — demanding the said residue to be paid to the present Holders of Certificates — This Representation came forward at an Unseasonable time RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 59 and in Such Indecent and Illiberal Terms that Only three Gentle- men from the house of Representatives and M'' Morris from the Senate Voted for the Adoption of it and as it was declared in Congress by M' Sedgwick M"" Beaud- inott A'P Livermore and others and Confirmed by a Majority of the members that Notwithstanding the army had been paid in paper at 2/6 in the pound they had received Ample Satisfaction and that Justice could not be done to other public Creditors be- cause the greatest part of the Public debt was in fictidous Certifi- cates — The Officers from different States, at different meetings Signifying their Uneasiness from a different Opinion desired the Letter Might be Circulated and by the Advice and direction of a number of Respectable Officers I have done it — I am Gentlemen your H'*^^ Ser' James Blanchard To the Officers of the New Hampshire Line Late American Army — l_yames Blanchard to yosepk Cilley and George Reid.^ ^ , Norfolk Virginia 7 May 1702 Gentlemen ^ ' j ly I sent each of you by M"" Reid two pamphlets with a Cercular Letter — and sometime after two Others Similar to the Inclosed — but wheither you Ever Received them I have not heard — I conceive you have received the circular Letter from the Massa- chussetts Officers — also from General Hull at Philadelphia — M"" Livermore and M'" Gilman can Inform you more particularly if they please — Tho. M"" Livermore was very bitter in his declamations Against discrimination — not from beincr Interested in Certificates — for he never rec'' one for any oi his services nor had Confidence enough in the Government to buy one — but from a Religious Abhorance to the revolution and all that had a hand in it — I should be much Oblidgd to you to drop a Line in the post office directed to me at New York I am Gentlemen Most Respectfully Your Humble Servant James Blanchard 6o STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. \_ya7ncs Blanchard to Samuel Livermo?'e.~\ _ Virginia May 27, 1792 br . I ' y When you was preparing the funding Law my domestic Con- cerns was so distressed that I paid no Attention to it — my Certifi- cates being retained untill 1 Accounted for the money I had received as Paymaster — In Sept'" following I delivered my Vouchers to the Comissioner, and on Comparing them with the public Books there was 394''°", 10*' that I Claimed Credit for — but Mr. Pierce being dead & the books where the business was Transacted could not be found & I was Oblidged to Submit — but prayed it might be Transfered — this was Refused on a principle, that the balance against me was money, and the balance in my favour Certificates — and the Treasurer Mr. Merideth purchased a Certificate of 734 dollars (which was the rate of exchange) & my Account was Settled and a Certificate for the remainder given to me This Led me into an Enquiry and I Investigated your Transac- tions, from the Secretary down to the Jew brokers — I was in hopes at the subsequent Session there would be some reconsidera- tion — but not finding the Colour of Compunction — I prepared a Circular letter which doubtless you have Seen — and the Massa- chusetts Officers have Introduced the Application but for my part I have not the Colour of hope you are Chiefly the same men and I do not Know of any thing that has made a Change — Your debates in Congress are Litterally Translated and replied to — that takes a pamphlet of About 100 pages — also an Explicit Address in a Hand bill that takes one page of a Large Sheet of paper Stating the Inconveniences of the funding Law and the Conveniences that wou'd have Accrued bv discrimination with the Name of the member of Congress — recommending at Next Election to Make Another Choice — and what will come of it the Sequel will only disclose — Among your Arguments you Observed that the Original Cred- itors might have Kept their Certificates That Esau sold his birth right for a Mess of pottage and Heaven and Earth Confirmed the sale — If a man after the dangers he had been Exposed to, and return- ing from the field to Look up the Little brood he had left, been Steel'd Against Natural AtTections, Sickness, or the Inclemencies of the Weather or the patriot, who had Loaned his money (and RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 6l perhaps grown Old) Against the Cravings of Nature, the dis- tresses of an Affectionate wife or Seeing his Children Straying on a Dunghill — or the Farmer whose fences had been destroyed and his Stock diminished by public demands could have replaced them by the word of his power — they might have kept their Cer- tificates — but must the Example of Esau, when he came fainting from the field & Selling his birth right for a Mess of pottage — be Established as a precedent by the representatives of the United States to Justify their purchasing final Settlements as Jacob did the birth right of his brother — and deceitfully taking from him — his blessing — However as the business Recited to, will be public I will not Trouble you with a long Letter and Only Subscribe my Self Your Humble Servant James Blanchard ^^Resolutions frovi Savannah. '\ The standing Committee to whom were referred a Letter from John Winslow, recorder, with a Copy of a Petition to the C(jn- gress of the UNITED STATES from the State Society of the Common Wealth of Massachusetts ; and a copy of a Letter from James Blanchard, presented a report, which being read, was accepted — WHEREUPON, Resolved. — That the Bravery, fidelity, fortitude and patient suffering of the Officers and Soldiers of the American Army, dur- ing the many trying vicissitudes of the lale Revolution are among the principal causes of the Establishment of that Liberty and Inde- pendence we now enjoy. Resolved. That at the close of the War when large arrears were due to them and their accounts not setded, they gave a sin- gular and noble proof of moderation when they laid down their Arms, and dispersed themselves, relying with an honest confi- dence on the faith of Congress, and the assurances of their General, that, their long arrears should be fairly and speedily ascertained, and the balance with an Interest agreed on, fully paid as soon as the deranged and exhausted resources of the Country would admit. Resolved. That the United States in Congress, and every State Seperately have repeatedly acknowledged this unexampled in- 62 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Stance of moderation, and those faithful services, of the Army, and that Congress took proper steps by which the balances due to them were ascertained, but from the want of sufficient powers in the General Government to compel the States to pay their just quota of Public Expences, no provision whatsoever was made, for payment either of the principal or Interest by which means they became depreciated in some instances to an eighth of their nominal sum, which reduced price, the necessity of most of the Officers and Soldiers of the Army compelled them to receive, for an assignment of their Certificates. Resolved. That when the new Constitution was formed to establish Justice, and Congress under it were debating on the Sys- tem, reported by the Secretary of the Treasury for the support of public credit ; a system that proposed a violation of the public faith, in refusing to accept on loan the Interest due on part of the public debt, and deferring the payment of another part; a system manifestly contradictory by affirming in the first instance that the resources of the United States were not adequate to pay the full Interest of their own debt, and yet proposing to add Twenty-two millions of dollars to it by Assuming Debts not their own : When Congress were debating this system it was in their power, consistently with fair principles of Equity and Justice to have provided a remedy for a part of the great injury the army had suffered from the former low state of public credit, by adopt- ing some one or other of the plans of discrimination, which were proposed by several members of unquestional honor, and well known abilities, and by which, after allowing considerable profit to the assignee, something would still have remained for him who had earned it, at the risk of his life. Resolved. That tho' it may not be consistent with the principles of good faith after this new system has been in part perfected, to break in upon it by doing that now, which might well have been done then ; yet still we think such proportion of the debt due to the Officers and Soldiers of the late American Army as hath not been paid to the assignees of their Cerdficates, may still be paid to the Original holder, without affecting any creditor under the funding Law. —THEREFORE, that a Petidon be drawn to be signed by the PRESIDENT on behalf of this Society, stating the loss we have sustained, and praying that the difference between such certificate, as it would have been paid under the original contract, and as it now is under the loan, may be paid to the RECORDS OF THE ORDER OF CINCINNATI. 63 original holder, and such other releif as the wisdom and Justice of Congress may think proper to grant. — A true copy from the record, Savannah July 6'" 1792. — Ja B. Sharpe, Sec"^ \jyeremiah Fogg to William Hull.'] „. Exeter Oct" 2 s 1702 I was very sorry not to be able to converse with you while here on the Subject of the Circular letter as we have not in this State so fully matured the matter as you have in Mass'* Our Officers are generally desirous of attempting redress but unfortunately such as are in Affluence are backward iindcr a pretence that they can- not with a good Grace employ an Agent without supplyifig the Means to defray the Expense. Their -pretence I ack?iowledge to be too zvell founded ; buf^ such is the dispersed and I may say desperate situation of Most of our Officers that no committee would undertake to pursue the matter and become Answerable to collect an Assessment or subscription — However Col° Reid, L' Adams and myself were appointed to Consult you & pursue the matter at discretion and accordingly we have drawn up a short Memorial to Congress which we wish you to present with that from your State should you think it expedient Should you be successful I think your Compensation will be certain if not I can not engage — In Mass' the subject is old and has inspired you all with a degree of enthusiasm in point of success but our faith is less than a grain of Mustard seed not on Ace* of the injustice of the demand but the impracticality of discrimination — I could not obtain a formal Power Signed by the whole Com- mittee without a Journ[ey] of 50 miles — Should legal Nicety be required please to send me line '^ Post directed to Exeter and I will obtain one — To William Hull of County of Middlesix Com. of Mass. Esq"" At a Convention of Officers of the State of New Ham holden at Exeter on the of Oc' last whereof ye Hon''' Joseph Cilley was Chairman to take into Consideration a Circular letter from the late Officers of y'' Massacut' line George Reid Jeremiah Fogg and Sam' Adams Esq'' were chosen a Committee to take into Consid- eration said Letter and act thereon at discretion J ERE Fogg Clerk of s*^ Convent 1 The section in Italics lias a line drawn through it in the original. 64 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Therefore by virtue of said Resolution we the said Committee do constitute and appoint You y'" said W'" Hull our Attorney to present to the Congress of the U. S. a Memorial by us signed dated Exeter Oct" 1792 and by all suitable means to urge and enforce the same we hereby engaging to acquiesce in whatever you may do concerning the promises. C In behalf Jerk Fogg ) of the f Committee — JAN 24 1912 1 ^v^^^^^HHl^^^^^ii^ffi^^^^^^ u '}t vail^^^^HKuulffi^^^iiiiSii^^SSi^^ ^^>|^ MHBi^^M vfM^lgQHH^