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fl
THE
HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
BOSTON,
THE CAPITAL OF MASSACFUSETTS AND METROPOLIS OF NEW BNGLAUD,
FROM ITS SETTLEMENT IN 1630, TO THE YEAR 1770.
^n |ntr0htt.t0rg |ist0rs
DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND.
WITH NOTES, CRITICAL AND ILLUSTRATIVE.
By SAMUEL G. DRAKE, A.M.,
MEMBi?B OP THE ROTAL SOOIETY OF NORTHERN ANTIQUARIES AT COPRNHAfJEN, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY 07
THE NEW ENGLAND HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, AND HONORARY AND CORRESPOND-
ING MEMBER OF THE NEW HAMPSHTRR, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICtTT, NEW YORK.
PENNSYLVANIA AND MARYLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES, ETC. ETC.
BOSTON:
PUBLISHED BY LUTHER STEVENS,
ISC WA.SniNGTON- STREET.
1856.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in numbers, during the years 1852, 1853, 1854, ls65, and 1856, by
SAMUEL G. DBAKE,
In the Clerk'a Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
Bt.t.ot/p.J ty
HOBABT * R0BBIN8.
Wm Englud Txpe uid Btereatjp< Fsondetj,
BOSTON.
QlA^^-^yo
PREFACE
THE History and Antiquities of Boston, to the
year 1770, is now completed, and must abide the
judgment of posterity. Whatever that judgment
may be, the writer will rest conscious of having
performed a service which will prove of some
value to those who desire to obtain a knowledge
of the rise and progress of the Metropolis of New
England.
Although above five-and-twenty years have passed
since the author began to collect materials for the
work, it is but a few years since he determined to
draw up a history from them, never before having found a proper time
to devote to it. At length, after some changes of circumstances not
necessary to be detailed, he was induced, partly through the influ-
ence of friends in whose judgment he had much confidence, to enter
upon the composition of the work.
About four years ago, application was made to the writer to edit
an edition of the work of Dr. Caleb H. Snow, and arrangements
were accordingly entered into with a bookseller for that purpose ;
but, on a cursory examination of the work, it was found to be very
far from such a history of the City as ought to be expected at the
present day, and that it could not be made at all satisfactory, even
by encumbering it with very extensive annotations, owing to the
great chasms in the original text. This being represented to the
undertaker, he at once changed his plan, and a new History was
determined upon. The result is at length before the public, or that
part of it previous to, and including a portion of, the year 1770.
As unthankful and unprofitable as the task of a local historian is,
he cannot always escape the envy of sordid and narrow minds. Even
John Stow, the famous Chronicler of England, had his envious tra-
ducers ; but it is pleasant to reflect, that, while their names are
quite forgotten, that of Stow is becoming more and more renowned
IV rrvEFACE.
and resplendent. Those who Avould monopolize all knowledge seldom
excel in any of its departments, though they may shine for a time
with the borrowed lustre of others. Stow was not deterred by threats
and intimidations from occupying ground open to all. Had he been,
the world would have been deprived of one of its greatest antiquarian
treasures.
The author of the History and Antiquities of Boston hopes to fare
no worse than did his ancient brother, the Chronicler of London, who
had the privilege of dying in poverty, notwithstanding "James, by
the grace of Grod," gave him high-sounding "Letters Patent,"
allowing him (" then on the verge of his 80th year ") to sell as many
of his books as he could ! Fortunately, in the present undertaking,
no " Letters Patent" are necessary to give permission to the author
or publisher to dispose of his work.
How many persons have had it in contemplation to write a History
of Boston is unknown to the author ; but the only one, probably,
who, within the last thirty years, has seriously thought of it, was Mr.
Alonzo Lewis. That gentleman was very competent for the task,
and had he been at liberty to prosecute it, agreeably to his announce-
ment about twenty-five years ago, it would have rendered this under-
taking unnecessary.
Respecting those persons who have specially aided the author, by
the loan of documents, suggestions, or otherwise, it is very difficult
to speak without incurring the charge of partiality, and he would
therefore observe that nothing can be further from his intention than
to give the slightest ground for such a charge. Several of the gen-
tlemen hereafter named, having, perhaps, too much confidence in the
author's ability for the undertaking, strongly recommended to him the
preparation of a new work, instead of spending time upon one neces-
sarily very defective, and which could not be made such a History of
Boston as the present time required. These were honest convictions
and valid arguments, the author acknowledged, and all without any
intention of disparagement to the works which had hitherto appeared
upon the historical and descriptive condition of the City ; those works
being presumed to have been all that the times would warrant in
which they were produced.
The names of several of the gentlemen to whom allusion has been
made, as encouragers of this work, the author does not feel at liberty
to omit, namely, William Whiting, Esq., President of the New Eng-
land Historical and Genealogical Society ; the Hon. Timothy Farrar,
Vice-President of the same society ; the Hon. Francis Brinley,
/.<'
PllEFACE. V
Recording Secretary of the same ; Mr. John. Dean, its Treasurer ;
Hon. George S. Ilillard, Frederic Kidder, Esq., Mr. John W.
Parker of Roxbury ; the Hon. David Sears, Mr. John F. Eliot,
Mr. Edward Tuckerman, I\Ir. William B. Trask, Dr. William Jenks,
Dr. Charles Lowell, Nathaniel I. Bowditch, Esq., T. L. Turner, M.D.,
Mr. James S. Loring, and William Gr. Brooks, Esq. From these, and
likewise from many others, much kindness has been received in vari-
ous ways ; and, for their approval and commendation of the work
from time to time, as portions of it have appeared, the author tenders
to them, one and all, his unfeigned gratitude. To one of those above
named, however, a more special acknowledgment is due, namely,
to Mr. John Dean, by whose. quick perceptions and ready memory the
author has been much benefited throughout his labors. The valuable
aid of the friends referred to, although in almost every instance ten-
dered unsolicited, is not the less appreciated by the author. Nor
should the laborious services of Mr. Isaac Child, upon the extensive
Index to this work, be passed over without particular acknowledg-
ment.
As the work has appeared in parts, or numbers, it may be of use
to specify the time of the appearance of those parts, in the event
that questions may arise as to the work in which certain facts first
appeared. The following statement is therefore given, which can
easily be verified by the books of the publisher: Part I., including
pages 1 to 48, was issued Sept. 1st, 1852 ; pages 49 to 96, Jan. 6th,
1853 ; 97 to 144, March 22d, 1853 ; 145 to 192, May 26th, 1853 ;
193 to 240, July 25th, 1853 ; 241 to 288, Sept. 23d, 1853 ; 289
to 336, Dec. 10th, 1853 ; 337 to 384, March 17th, 1854 ; 385 to
432, June 13th, 1854 ; 433 to 480, Sept. 18th, 1854 ; 481 to 528,
Dec. 12th, 1854 ; 529 to 576, March 13th, 1855 ; 577 to 624,
June 11th, 1855 ; 625 to 672, Nov. 14th, 1855 ; 673 to 720, Feb.
11th, 1856 ; 721 to 768, April 2d, 1856.
Some account of the materials used in compiling the work may be
expected ; but, as justice cannot be done to that subject within the
compass of a Preface, it is thought best to pass it by with only a
remark or two. The Town Records, from the time of their com-
mencement in 1634, are the most important, being full and perfect
from that date to the present time. To these the author has had free
access, granted, in the most obliging manner, by the Mayors of the
City for the time being, the City Clerk, and others connected with
his office. Beyond the Records in the keeping of the City Clerk, and
the author's own collections, very little assistance has been received
VI PREFACE.
besides that for which due acknowledgment is given in the notes to
the work.
It will readily be perceived that to give an account of the materials
consulted by the author, which have been collected by him through a
period of more than a quarter of a century, would be a task not
easily performed. As one item, however, his series of pamphlets
may be mentioned. These alone number above five thousand, con-
sisting of Town and City Documents, Reports of Societies, Historical
Discourses, Hand-Bills, and, in short, everything of a fugitive char-
acter, which might in any way illustrate the History of the Town and
City. To these, and a large collection of Newspapers, which have
been laboriously consulted, the author is much indebted.
Respecting the works of the late Dr. Snow, printed and manuscript,
put into the author's hands by the original undertaker, it is proper to
remark that, having laid aside the plan of a new edition of that
author's History of Boston, those materials have been of but very
little service in this work.
The author has been earnestly urged by numerous friends to con-
tinue his work to the present time, and his inclination is to do so ;
but, as yet, no definite arrangement has been made for that purpose.
It may be said to be in the hands of the public. An immense outlay
has been made to produce the present volume, for which no adequate
return has yet been realized. To bring the History down to near the
present time, another volume of the same size as the present would
be required, the materials for which are abundant.
As the work has been upwards of three years in passing through
the press, some of its patrons may have become impatient to see the
end of it, and some may have been misinformed as to the time it
would take to complete it. It is therefore proper to state that no time
for its completion was set, nor could it be with any degree of cer-
tainty. This it is thought necessary to bear in mind, because some
of the agents engaged in its distribution may have made promises
without any authority.
In presenting the History and Antiquities of Boston to the public,
the author is far from presuming that it will be found perfect. All
he pretends is, that he has endeavored to make it as near so as the
nature of the undertaking, and the limits prescribed, allowed. He is
well aware that numerous facts exist of much interest, of which notice
could not be taken, notwithstanding there may be those who will
wonder that so much has been found, and others may be disposed to
complain of the unwieldy size of the volume. To them it may be
PREFACE. VII
said that the increase in the size of the Histories has not kept pace
with the growth of the City, and that it cannot be doubted, but, by
the end of another quarter of a century, one will be required much
larger than the present. Most readers of local history of the present
age are not satisfied with general statements; they want minute
details, those which will bring scenes and events home to their
minds, and awaken associations enlivened by their own experience.
As it respects the commission of errors, the author would expressly
state that he is well aware that many exist in his work ; and that,
however many, others may detect, he feels quite sure that no one can
discover as many as himself. But, at the same time, he believes his
work to be quite as free from them as any other historical work of
the same magnitude. There are those who sometimes acquire among
the superficial a reputation for knowledge and accuracy by carping
at every error, or supposed error, pointed out to them in works of this
kind ; while the same individual could not produce a single octavo
page without such blemishes. Who ever saw a perfect book, — one
free from errors ? Curious stories are told about immaculate typog-
raphy and amateur printers. Dr. Cotton Mather, in his Magnalia,
has some very good hints for those who would have it understood
that errors in a book are unpardonable sins.
It may incur the charge of vanity for an author to append to his
name his honors or titles ; but if a long period of labor in historical
fields can be any excuse, that may be offered in this instance ; for it
is above thirty years since the writer commenced his historical and
antiquarian labors, and he has now reached the fifty-seventh of his age.
This may be considered an unnecessary apology for adopting an ancient
custom, especially as there are some instances, at the present time,
of ostentatious displays of this kind to names in works to which even
a claim to editorship may be questionable. ■
ENGRAVINGS.
Portraits ^
Autographs, |g*
Others ifL
Whole number, 298
Adams (arms), 675
Adams, Matthew (autograph), 675
Adams, Samuel (rt«<05rra;) A), . .613
Adams, Samuel (portrait), 671
Addington, Isaac (autograph), 472
Andros, Edmund (autograph), 477
Appleton (arms), 765
Appleton, Samuel (autograph), 411
Aspinwall, William (autograph), • 225
Author (ar7ns), in
Author (autograph), vn
Belcher (arms), 607
Belcher, Jonathan (portrait), 685
Belcher (autoi/rapli), 607
Belliii-liam (arms), 178
Bellinirham, Ricliard (autograph), 257
Bernard, Francis (autograph), 654
Bilboes, 114
Blackstone's Residence, 97
Boyle, Hon. Robert (portrait), 317
Boylston, Zabdiel (autograph), 726
Boys, Antipas (autograph), 340
Bradford (arms), 231
Bradford, William (autograph), 132
Bradstreet (arms), 446
Bradstreet, Anne (autograph), 446
Bradstreet, Simon (autograph), 446
Bradstreet, Simon (portrait), 512
Brattle (arms), 369
Brattle-street Church, 519
Brattle, Thomas (autograph), 388
Brenton (arms), 328
Brinley (arms), . . ■ 718
Brinley, Francis (autograph), 718
Bromfield, Edward (autograph), 598
Broughton, Thomas (autograph), 341
Bulfinch (arms), 663
Burnet (arms), 578
Burnet, William (portrait), 581
Burroughs, Francis (autograph), 595
Byfield (arms), 592
Byfleld, Nathaniel (autograph), 481
Cabot, Sebastian (portrait), 2
Calte, Robert (autograph), 568
Cartier, James (portrait), 5
Catholic Costume, 104
Chaffe, Matthew (autograph), 243
Charles Second (portrait), 451
Chauncy (arms),
Checkley (arms), 459
Checkley, Anthony (autograph),
Chesebrough, William (autograph),
Christ Church, 667
Church, Benjamin (autograph),
Clarke, Thomas (autograph), 454
Clarke, Thomas (autograph), 341
Coddington, William (autograph), 118
Coins of Massachusetts, 330
Colbron, William (autograph), 285
Colman, Benjamin (portrait), 543
Colony Seal, 472
Conant, Roger (autograph), 139
Cooke, Elisha (o«.«0(/ra;)A), 484
Cooke, Richard (autograph), 340
Cooper, Samuel (portrait), 670
Cotton (arms), 157
Cotton, John (portrait), 158
Cotton, John (autograph), 161
Cor win, Jonathan (autograph), 500
Cutting, John (autograph), 340
Daille, Pierre (autograph), 488
Davenport (arms), 426
Davenport defacing the Cross, 168
Davenport, John (portrait), 76
Davenport, Nathaniel (autograph), 413
Davis, John (autograph), 243
Davis, William (autograph), 340
Deane, Thomas (autograph), 371
Divingbell, 257
Douglass, William (autograph), 62o
Drake, Sir Francis (autograph), 8
Dry Goods, sign of, 1757, 642
Dudley (arms), 1^^
Dudley, Joseph (autograph), 473
Dudley, Joseph (poriraiO, 4(2
Dudley, Thomas (autograph), 123
Dunton, John (autograph), 595
Eliot (arms), 313
Endicott (arins), 116
Endicott, John (autograph), 56
Endicott, John (;)or<raJO, ^°
Fac Simile of Records, 1'?^
Faneuil Hall, 611
Faneuil, Peter (autograph), 536
Fayerweather, John (autograph), 600
Federal-street Church, 576
First Baptist Church, 433
First Church, »«
Flag of New England, ^30
Fording a River, I™
Foster, John (autograph), 538
Foxcroft (arins), *jl
Faaer,Samue\(autograph), 14o
Gage, Thomas (autograph), 750
Gage, Thomas (portrait), 750
Gallop, John (autograph), 243
Gedney, Bartholomew (autograph), 499
Georgian, 290
Gilbert, Sir Humphrey (portrait), 9
Gookin (arms), 279
Gookin, Daniel (autograph), 2S1
Gorges (arms), 292
Gorges, Sir Ferdinando (autograph), 54
Great House, Charlestown, 106
Hakluyt, Richard (au«05rrap/i)) .J^
Hancock House, 681
Hancock, John (portrait), 673
Hancock, Thomas (autograph), 681
Hathorne, John (autograph), 499
Haynes (arms), 1™
Henchman (arms), 647
Henchman, Daniel (autograph), 410
Hieroglyphics, '24
HoUis-street Church, 590
Hubbard, WUliam (autograph), 414
Hudson, William (autograph), 289
Hull, John (autograph), 452
Humphrey, John (autograph), 02
Hunting, Samuel (autograph), 417
Hutchinson (arms), • • •f;^»
Hutchinson, Edward (aw ;o(/ra;)A), ' t ,«
Hutchinson, Ephraim (autograph), 5-"
ENGRAVINGS.
Hutchinson, Thomas (autograph), |i^|
Hutchinson, Thomas (/(ortraiO,
Indians, first interview with,
Indian Fort, -oi
Indians visit Boston, ^ ,»
Indian Wigwam,
Jacklene, Edmund (autograph), ^
Jacltson, Edmund (autograph), ^*
Johnson, Isaac (autograph), .„
Johnson, James (autograph), ^
Joyliffe (arms), °
King's Chapel, *'"
Knollys, Hanserd (portrait), ■'''*
Lake, Thomas (autograph), |^^
Leverett, John (portrait), ^
■Loom, ^.a
Lowell (arms), '^.
Lynde (arms), °„
Lynde, Joseph (autograph), • °''"
Mather, Cotton (autograph),
Mather, Cotton (portrait), .
Mather, Increase (autograph), ||^
Mather, I""e=is« (P%f «^')!,; ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 666 ' Standish, Wleslautograph),
Mayhew, Jonathan (portrait), , gjjjji^,^^',^ g; „''
Sailing of the First Colony, 56
Sailing of the Mary and John, '»
Sailing of the Second Colony, »"
Saltonstall, Nathaniel (autograph), ^
Savage (arms), fi.
Savage, Thomas (autograph), *";^
Scotto, Joshua (autograph), f*^
Scottow (arms), 'i*r
Sears (arms), *^,
Second Church, ^:}^
Sergeant, Peter (flM^offrapA), ol^
Sewall, Samuel (autograph), ovi
Sewall, Samuel (portrait), a"^
Shawmut, °\
Ship of 1594, .i;
Ship of 1620, 11
Shirley (ams), °-'
Shirley, AVilliam (portrait), O'iJ
Shirley, William (autograph), b/»
Shrimpton, Samuel (autograph), oii
Shute, Gov. Samuel (autograph), 5&7
Smith, Capt. John (portrait), i^
Spinning wheel, f''^
Spinningwheel, o60
Stamp (CotowtflOi , at,-.
Stamp of the Stamp Act (half-penny), 689
Stamp of the Stamp Act (Jive shillings), 71o
Meeting-house, First,
Meeting-house, * ""
Miantonimo's execution, -'*
Monument to Yen, '
Mountfort (arms), .^a
Mosley (arms), • .^^
Mosley, Samuel (autograph), *"^
Mylom, John (autograph), ^^^
Negus, Jonathan (autograph),
Nelson, John (autograph),
New North Church,
New South Church,
Nmigret (portrait),
Old South Church,
Old State House,
Old Store, Dock Square, ^
Oliver (arms), ooq qao
Oliver, James (au<o£?raM), ^ 'tli
Oliver, John (autograph), j*^
Oliver, Peter (autograph), ^*^
Otis (arms),
Otis, James (portrait),
350
667
Stationer's Sign, . . -
St. Botolph's Church, 1"^
Stocks, 246
Stone Chapel, *'^
Stoughton (arms), • • • • • ^|"
Stoughton, Israel (autograph), ^i*
Stoughton, William (autograph), ooj
Stoughton, William (portrait),
524
Paddy, William (autograph),
Parker, Richard (autograph),
Parsons (arms),
Pateshall, Robert (autograph),
Penn, James (autograph), -•'-
Pequot Fort, stormed, ^"°
Philip (King) (autograph), |»'
Philip, King (portrait) 2q?
PUlory, *:?|
Poole, Jonathan (autograph), *^i-
Poole, William (autograph), ^*^
Pownall (arms), ^ ^^*
Pownall, Gov. Thomas (autograph), oo*
Pownall, Gov. Thomas (portrait), 644
Powning, Henry (autograph), ^*i
Prat, Benjamin (autograph) i^
Pratt, Phinehas (autograph), *|
Primitive House, °^
Prince (arms), °^7
Prince, Thomas (autograph), ioo
Prince, Thomas (portrait), 64b
Printer, James (autograph), 422
Printing Press, ^j
Protestant Costume, 104
Purcliis, Oliver (autograph), 371
Pynchon, John (autograph), 454
Pynchon, William (autograph) _^90
Pyramid,
722
Qumcy (arms).
Randolph, Edward (autograph), 443
Raynsford, Edward (autograph) 335
Rhode Island Captives, 276
Rowe, Owen (autograph), 194
Russell (arms), 354
Russell, Richard (autograph), 355
Tailer, William (autograph), 551
Thacher (arms), ^°^
Thomas, Eva.n,(autograph), oVJ
Townsend, Peun (autograph), 48b
Traske, William (autograph), o7
Triangular Warehouse, 174
Trimountain, ^^
Trinity Church °°^
Turen, George (autograph), ^*^
Turner (arms), J^^
Turner, William (autograph), 41°
Tuttell, Richard (autograph), 243
340
747
Underhill (arms), ^
Upsall, Nicholas (autograph),
Usher, Hezekiah (autograph),
Vane (arms), ^^8
Vane, Sir Henry (portrait), loo
Verazzani, John (portrait), *
View of Boston 1630, 1?^
View by Pownal,
View by Revere,
View in 1853, to face title.
View in 1853, of vicinity, to face p. I.
Walking in great boots, 321
Warren (arms), 707
Wendell (arms), ^}^
West Church, ^nc
Wheeler, Thomas (autograph), 40b
Wheelwright (arms), *^^
-Wheelwright, John (autograph), 220
Whiting (arms), 3o2
Willard (arms), 1%^
Willard, Samuel (portrait), oo6
William and Mary (portraits), do5
Williams, Roger (autograph), 117
Willis, Nicholas (autograph), 243
Willoughby, (arms), 375
Winslow (arms), 339
■Winslow, Edward (autograph), ^10
Wilson, John (autograph), 93
Wilson, John (portrait), 98
Winter Scene at Shawmut, 101
Winthrop (arms), l-**
Winthrop, John (autograph),
Winthrop, John (portrait),
Winthrop, John Jr. (autograph),
Winthrop, John, Jr. (portrait),
Witches,
Wussausmon(au«og'ra;)A),
70
THE HISTORY OF BOSTON.
CHAPTER I.
Boston, the Metropolis of a vast Country. — Events which led to its Settlement. — Cabot's Discoveries
— Influence of Columbus. — Spanish and French Enterprise. — Cortereal. — Aubert. — Verazzani'a
Discoveries — Their Importance. — Cartier. — DeMont's Discoveries. — Hawkins. — Hoare. —
Frobisher. - Ilakluyt. — Robert Thorn. — School of Discovery. — Overthrow of the Spanish Ar-
mada. — Enghsh Energy transferred to America.
The vast tract of country, of whiich Boston is the most important place
or metropolis, if New York be excepted, seems first* to have been
known to the French with far greater accuracy than
to the people of any other European nation. It is
true the Cabotsf were before the French in the
American seas, in point of time, or the seas of this
New World, (for it was before Americus had con-
ferred his name upon the continent), but there is no
evidence that they ever landed anywhere on the
North American coast, although it is probably true
that Sebastian Cabot, in his voyage of 1498, by some
means not now known, secured two or three of the natives of the north-
ern parts, supposed to be Newfoundland, whom he conveyed to England. §
Upon Cabot's discoveries, it may gratify the curious reader to see a
SHIP OF 1594. t
* It requires more credulity, in the opinion
of the •RTiter, than a historian should be pos-
Bessed of, to recount in his text the vague sto-
ries of the discoveries and possessions of the
Scandinavians or Northmen along the shores of
New England. If they deserve notice anywhere,
it should not be in a work of higher pretensions
than one which might be well entitled ' ' Specu-
lative History."
I In 1497, John Cabot and his son Sebastian,
at their own expense, discovered land far to the
north. Neither Columbus nor Vespucius had
yet seen North America. Thus did this voyage
of the Cabots give England its original claim to
the New World, such as it was. But it was in
a second voyage that Sebastian Cabot ranged
this coast from about 57° north, to the latitude
of the " Fretum Herculeum," according to Peter
Martyr ; that is, to about 36° N. lat. See, also,
Stow's Chronicle, 805, ed. 1600 ; or p. 480,
ed. 1631.
J This is a perfectly correct representation of
an armed ship of the armada age, as published
in Blundevile's treatise on " Nauigation," 4tc
1594.
^ Lord Bacon, at the end of his " History of
the Reign of Henry the Seventh," devotes two
pages to ' The Remarkable Occurrences " in that
reign. "This year, the seventeenth of this
king's reign [which chronology is erroneous],
Sebastian Cabot brought three Indians into Eng
land. They were clothed in beasts' skins, and
eat raw flesh. Two of them were seen two
years after, dressed like Englishmen, and not to
be distinguished from them." See, also, Pur-
chas, 738, ed. 1614. Robert Fabian in Hakluyt,
515, ed. 1589. Works, Hakluyl Soc for 1850.
p. 23.
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1497.
fow other particulars in this place
SEBASTIAN CABOT.
they therefore follow, as Sebastian
himself related them : * " When
my father," he writes, "departed
from Venice many yeeres since to
dwell in England, to follow the
trade of merchandizes, he tooke
me with him to the citie of
London, while I was very yong,
yet hailing, neuerthele»se, some
knowledge of letters, of humanity,
and of the sphere. f And when
my father died in that time when
newes were brought that Don
Christofer Colonus Genuese [Co-
lumbus] had discovered the coasts
of India, whereof was great talke
in all the court of king Henry the
Seventh, who then raigned, inso-
much that all men with great admiration affirmed it to bee a thing more
diuine than humane, to saile by the West into the East where spices
growe, by a way that was neuer known before ; by this fame and report
there increased in my heart a great flame of desire to attempt some
notable thing. And vnderstanding by reason of the Sphere, that if I
should saile by way of the Northwest winde, I should by a shorter tract
come into India, I thereupon caused the king to be aduertised of my
deuise, who immediatly commaunded two Caruels| to bee furnished
with all things appertaining to the voiage, which was, as farre as I
remember, in the yeere 1496, in the begining of Sommer. § I began
therefore to saile toward the Northwest, not thinking to find any other
land than that of Cathay, and from thence to turne towards India, but
after certaine dayes I found that the land ranne towards the North,
which was to me a great displeasure. Neuerthelesse, sailing along the
coast to see if I could find any gulfe that turned, I found the land still
continued to the 56 deg. vnder our pole. And seeing that there the coast
turned toward the East, despairing to find the passage, I turned back
again, and sailed down by the coast of that land towards the Equinoc-
tiall (ever with intent to find the said passage to India), and came to
* To Galeacius Butrigarius, the Pope's Le-
gate in Spain, in Hakluyt, 512, od. 1589. But
it must be borne in mind that the passage ex-
tracted in the text is somewhat erroneous in
several particulars, but not affecting our pur-
pose. See Biddies Mem. of Sebastian Cabot,
ch. i. Hakluyt appears to have copied from an
exceptional translation of Ramusio.
f Thomas Lanquct, in his Chronicle, says,
Sebastian Cabot, son of a Genoese, born in Bris-
towe, professing kno\vlcdgo in the circuit of the
earth, was sent from Bristowe, to discover
strange countryes, and ho fyi'ste founde out
Newfoundelande in 1498. — Barrett'' s Hist, of
Bristol, 172.
X Caravel or Carvel, a kind of light, round
ship, with a square poop, rigged and fitted out
like a galley, holding about six score or seven
score tun : These are accounted the best sail-
ers on the sea, and much used by the Portu-
gueses. — Phillips and Kersey' s World of Words
^ " Jn the year 1498, on St. John's day," as
it is in a manuscript in my possession, "was
Newfoundland found by Bristol men, in a ship
called the Matthew."— ^arre/i's Hist, of Bris-
tol, 172.
1497-1508.] CABOT CORTEREAL AUBERT. 3
that part of this firme land which is now called Florida,* w^here my vict-
uals failing, I departed from thence and returned into England, where
I found great tumults among the people, and preparation for warres in
Scotland : by reason whereof there was no more consideration had to
this voyage."
In another account f it is said that " one Sebastian Cabot with three
hundred men directed hia course so farre toward the North Pole, J that
even in the mooneth of July he founde monstrous heapes of Ise, swim-
ming on the Sea, and in a manner continual day lyght." " Thus seying
suche heapes of Ise before him, he was enforced to tourne his sayles."
It is even doubtful whether Cabot saw any of the promontories on the
coast of what is now New Eiigland,§ and all that can be gathered Avith
certainty is that he did sail along the coast to a point not far from Roan-
oke Inlet, and then bore away for England. Nevertheless he gave the
name Baccalaos 1| to the country along which he sailed, "because that
in the seas thereabout hee found so great multitudes of certaine bigge
fishes much like vnto Tunnies (which the inhabitants call Baccalaos),
that they sometimes stayed his shippes."
From this notice of Cabot, it is evident that the expeditions of Colum-
bus had kindled " a great flame " for discoveries in England, and not
only in England but likewise in France, as will appear. Owing, how-
ever, to intestine wars and commotions, little was done for many years
by any of the English nation ; yet the French and Spaniards were not
idle in the mean time, and the Portuguese took some part in western
discoveries. One, of the nation last named, Gaspar Cortereal, in the year
1500, visited all the coast of Newfoundland, and a considerable part of
Labrador. But he** did little more than Cabot, and in a second voyage
he was lost, as was his brother in an attempt to find him.
In 1508, Thomas Aubert, of Dieppe, made a voyage to Newfound-
land, and was the first European who sailed up the St. Lawrence. On
his return to France, he carried thither several of the Indians, which
were the first ever seen in that country.
* The limits of Florida must not be consid- ^lls reconnurent I'isle de Terre-Neuve et
ered as they have since existed. The northern une partie du continent voisin. Onajoutememe
boundary was not defined for several ages. It qu'ils ramenerent a Londres quatre sauvages de
suited the parallel cutting Roanoke Inlet, and ces contrees ; inais de bons auteurs ont ecrit
the straits of Gibraltar. qu'ils n'avoient debarque en aucun endroit, ni
f Martyr's Decades, chap. vi. Dec. 3, as trans, de I'isle, ni du continent. — Charlevoix, His-
by Lok. — HaJdui/t, v. 282-3, ed. 1812. toire Gen. Nouv. France, i. 4, ed. G T. 12^^.
|Vntillhe came, the 11 of June, 1498, to || The Baccalaos are certaine lies lying against
the septentrionall latitude of 67^ degrees, and the influxe of Canada, nigh vnto Corterialis,
finding the seas still open, said, that he might and owe their first discovery vnto Sebastian
and would haue gone to Cataia, if the enimity Cabot. — Heylyn's Mikrokosmos, 805, ed. 1631.
of the master and mariners had not beene. — ** A la verite on ne sgauroit nier qu'il n'ait
Stowe, Chronicle, 805, ed. 1600, or p. 480, ed. mis pied a terre en plusieurs endroits, et im-
1631. " There is a strong presumption in favor pose des noms, dont quelques-uns subsistent en-
of Cabot's having actually discovered Hudson's core. — Charlevoix, i. 4. And the same may be
Straits, and gained the 67th degree, through said at this day, as it regards the names of
Fox's Channel." — /. Winter Jones, in Works places.
of Hakluyt Soc.
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1523.
JOHK VERAZZANI.
The next voyage of importance to that of Cabot was performed by
John Vcrazzani, by birth a Florentine. He was in the employ of Fran-
cis I., who fitted him out in 1523,
and the following year, as he him-
self related to his master, * as fol-
lows : On " the 17 of January, by
the grace of God, wee departed from
the dishabited Rocke by the Isle of
Madera, with fiftie men, well pro-
uided for eight moneths : And sayl-
ing westwards with a faire Easterly
winde, in 25 dayes wee ranne 500
leagues, and the 20 of Februarie
we were ouertaken with as sharpe
and terrible a tempest as euer any
saylers suffered : whereof with y^
diuine helpe and mercifull assistance
of Almightie God, and the goodnesse
of our ship, accompanied with the good hap of her fortunate name,t wee
were deliuered, and with a prosperous wind followed our course West and
by North, and in other 25 dayes wee made aboue 400 leagues more :
where we discouered a newe land, neuer before seen of any man, either
ancient or moderne."
This " newe land" was, very probably, no other than the coast of
South Carolina. Verazzani hove his little ship to, had intercourse with
the natives, and was delighted with the countiy ; and, after " seeking
some convenient harborough whereby to come a lande," and finding
none, he lay along the coast southward, " fiftie leagues invaine." The
Dolphin was then headed to the north, and by July he had looked all
along upon the coast of New England, and attained the 50th degree of
northern latitude. Thence he returned to France. J
Verazzani probably saw nothing of the land of Massachusetts, except
its promontories, and possibly some of the hills of its more interior parts,
yet no other European had seen as much, nor had any Englishman then
set foot on any part of it.
That part of the continent discovered during this voyage was called
Norumbega, § which name has since been applied, sometimes to a cer-
* Divers Voyages, in Works, Hakluyt Soc.,55-6.
t Which name " happened " to be the Dol-
phin.
X In the fancy of some modem writers, Veraz-
zani is made to look miserly for mineral wealth
upon the hill-tops of New Jersey, and to be
struck with the conveniences of the harbor of
New York ; and, altliough he lay at anchor
many days in the harbor of Newport, nothing
is said about his having even seen the wonder
of the place — the " stone mill."
^ Or Nurumbega, as appears by the follow-
ing passages, from a piece entitled " Discorso
d'un gran Capitano di Mare Francese,^' in-
serted by Ramusio in his Collection, vol. iii., p.
425, edit. 1565 : " Delia terra di Norumbega."
. ..." La terra e dette da paesani suoi Nu-
rumbega," etc. According to Michael Lok's
map, and also that of Ovtelius and some other
geographers, Nurumbega comprised the district
between the river and gulf of St. Lawrence
and the Hudson River. Cluverius, however, in
his Inlroduclio ad Universam Gcographiam, p.
552, Amstel. 1697, says : " Pars tamen ejus
[Nova Francia], quo ad mare accedit Norum-
bega ab urbe cognomine dicta." And this cor-
1534-41.]
DISCOVERIES OF VERAZZANI CARTIER.
tain tract of country now included in Maine, and sometimes to another
in that region, by which writers about it have confused themselves as
well as their readers. Fishermen and traders to those parts, in after
years, had probably heard something of a place called Norumbega, and
may have confined it to a much smaller tract of country than it origin-
ally included, while in reality it embraced all New England.*
It is necessary, in the next place, to notice the three voyages of Car-
tier, performed between the years 1534 and 1541. From the time of
these voyages a constant inter-
course appears to have been kept
up between Europe and America.
James Cartier performed a great
service by these voyages. He led
the way into the heart of Norum-
bega, by ascending the St. Law-
rence to Hochelaga, to which he
gave the name of Montreal. He
spent the Avinter of 1535-6 in
Canada, and returned to France in
the spring. He returned again,
and spent another winter in Can-
ada, in the service of Roberval
who had made vast outlays to es-
tablish a colony in New France ;
but the severe winters and the
provoked Indians had probably
not a very inconsiderable effect in bringing to an end the hopes and
lofty projects of a nobleman of the mild and sunny fields of France.
Indeed, proof is abundant that, from near the time of Cabot's voyage,
numerous vessels were upon the coast of New England continually. In
1527, an English captain found, in the harbor of St. John, Newfound-
land, eleven sail of Normans, one Breton, and two Portuguese, engaged
in the fishery.f In 1585, Queen Elizabeth sent some of her ships of
JAMES CARTIER.
responds with the map in Ramusio (vol. iii., p.
424, edit. 1565), where Nurumbega appears to
comprise the southern portion of that district,
from Long Island Sound to the Bay of Fundy.
— /. Winter Jones in Works of Hak. Soc.
* On Dr. Peter Heylyn's exceeding rude map
of America, dated 1656, " Norumbega " is the
first name north of Cape Cod ; but whether in-
tended for the Massachusetts Bay, or the coun-
try from this cape to the Bay of Fundy, there
is nothing to certify. But in his Mikrokosmos,
before cited, he describes Nurumbega, as hav-
ing " on the north Nova Francia, on the south
Virginia. . . . The chiefe towne is called Norum-
bega, and is possessed by the French." p. 786.
There is a " Mappe of the World " in a copy
ofBoterus Relations of the WorZrf, 1630, in my
I, on which " New France " extends
north from the parallel of 40°. north lati-
tude, to " New England," which extends south
from 50° north ; and Virginia extends from
40° north latitude to the peninsula of Flori-
da. In his work, p. 62, he says, " America
Septentrionalis contains the Provinces of Estoti-
landt, Terra de Labrador, Terra de Baccaleos,
Nova Francia, Norimbega, Florida, Nova His-
pania, and others ; " saying nothing of New Eng-
land in this connection. But near the end of
his book, p. 636, he says : " The Northerne
parts of Virginia be called New England, better
discovered and inhabited. Both Plantations
have severall Townes and forts of the English
upon them."
■f Hall cf Grafton'' s Chronicle, as cited by
Purchas, 747, ed. 1614.
6 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1 530-1 G05.
war into the New England seas, to drive away vessels which might be
found fishing here, contrary to the rights of her subjects. Many were
found, and some were captured and carried prisoners into England.
Ten years before this, one hundred and fifty French vessels were at
Newfoundland in a season ; and, in 1604, a man named Savalet, an old
mariner who frequented Canseau, had made no less than forty-two voy-
ages to those parts.*
Had the French maintained their claim to Norumbega, Boston would
have been a French, instead of an English town. They, indeed, claimed
it. In 1605, De Monts explored all the coast of New England, from its
northern limit to Cape Cod. No minute description remains of his
explorations, and if he looked as far into Massachusetts Bay as the
peninsula of Shawmut, no account of it has been found. Three years
afterwards, De Monts sent over three ships with families, and, under the
conduct of Champlain, they effected the first permanent settlement in
Canada, at a place called Quebec by the Indians ; ever since the capital
of the province.
From the expeditions of the Cabots, to the actual colonization of
Canada and Virginia, the voyages of the English to the northern coasts
of America were much less frequent than those of the French, But the
nature of their situation would not admit of their remaining idle, without
the natural incentive of rivalry. As early as 1530, Capt. William
Hawkins,! of Plymouth, father of Sir John Hawkins, sailed to and from
Brazil. One bold enterprise stimulated the undertaking of others ; and
"Master Hore, of London," may have naturally enough said, "If
Hawkins can go to Brazill, I can go to Newfoundland." This he
undertook to do in 1536; being " a man of goodly stature and of great
courage and giuen to the studie of cosmographie."J This voyage, so
* There was a port named Savalet, hr this among the names of the "divers gentlemen"
French captain. De Monts probably gave the vrhom Master Hore " encouraged to accompany
name in honor of him; he having fallen in him," are recognized several of those which
with him in his progress southward. See Pur- have always been prominent in New England.
c/ias, 751. Another port was named Rossi gnol, Although Master liore's company " were about
that being the name of an unfortunate captain six score persons, whereof 30 were gentlemen,"
whose ship was confiscated for trading with the these only are named by Hakluyt : — " M.
Indians. •' A poore preferment," says Pur- Wickes a gentleman of the West country of
chas, " to leave name to a port by his miserie." five hundred markes by theyeere living. Mas-
A harbor and a lake still bear his name ; the ter Tucke a gentleman of Kent. M. Tuckfield,
former on the southern coast of Nova Scotia, to M. Thomas Buts the sonne of Sir William Kuts,
the south-west of L"Heve ; the latter in the in- knight, of Norfolke, which is yet alive, and from
terior of the same province, little known, except whose mouth I wrote most of this relation.
to the Indians seventy years ago. Master Hardie, master Biron, master Carter,
f He was the first Englishman who made a master Wright, master Rastall Serieant Ras-
voyage to Brazil. His wife was Joan, daugh- tail's brother, master Ridley, and diuers oth-
tcr of William Trelawney, Esq., of Cornwall, er, which all were in the admirall called the
Their son, the celebrated Sir John Hawkins, Trinitie, a ship of seuen score tunnes. In the
had a monument erected to his memory by his other shippe whose name was the Minion, went
widow, ^Iarj;aret, in St. Dunstan's Church, a very learned and vertuous gentleman, one mas-
London, " with a large inscription, giving an ter Armigil Wade, fiither to tlie worshipfuU mas-
account of his life and death." He had lived ter William Wade now [1589] clerk of the priue
in tlie parish connected with this church " at counsell, Master Oliver Dawbeney merchant of
least thirty years." — Magna Britannia, li'i.'ib- London, M. Joy afterward gentleman of the
0. — A copy of this exceedingly rare andvalua- Kings chappell, witli diuers others of good ac-
ble work ij in the library of the N. Eng. Hist, count." — Hakluyt, Voyages, 517, ed. 1589. —
Gen. Soc. — Six volumes 4to. See N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg. iii, 9.
tit may not be unworthy of remark, that,
1588.] FROBISHER THE ARMADA SPAIN. 7
ostentatiously begun, ended in great misery.* Of Master Robert
Thome's voyage to Newfoundland, nine years before, Hakluyt, in his
day, could find no one to give him any particular information, though
he says, " I have made great inquirie of such as by their yeeres and
delight in nauigation might giue me any light." He had learned from
"master Hall and master Grafton's " chronicle, that Master Thorne had
with him " diuers cunning men ;" and though Sir Martin Frobisher had
heard the same related, he could not tell Master Hakluyt the name of
one of them.
That those men who contributed to bring about the settlement of this
country, in a very remarkable degree, or that were the prime movers of
the great undertaking, should stand out in bold relief on the pages of
history, requires no argument to support it. Among those men, Martin
Frobisher holds a station in the front rank, but, unfortunately for his
fame, his hardships and sufferings to make discoveries in the north
were not crowned with any golden returns. Success in those days, as
well as in these, it must be allowed, was measured by its immediate
pecuniary returns.
The great school of discovery was thus opened in the time of Henry
the Eighth ; but " the Spaniard," as Spain used then to be termed, was
master of the sea. The English were compelled to go stealthily from
port to port, and to pay exorbitant tribute for the use of the common
highway of nations, and to brook such insults as their haughty lords
thought proper to impose.
But the future master of this great school of discovery, he who was to
show his countrymen that their career upon the ocean was but begun ;
that the arrogance of Spain should not drive them from the seas, and
that the world could be encompassed by an Englishman as well as by a
Spaniard, had just drawn breath, on the banks of the Tavy. A few
years more, and he is wending his way into the Indies, there to stem
adversity, administered in injuries, by overbearing bigotry. These
were days when might triumphed over right ; days of reprisal and
revenge. Philip of Macedon was not more arrogant than his namesake
of Spain. England had dared to assume some importance on the seas ;
for this assumption, England, heretical England, must be humbled and
become a province of Spain. The little island is already parcelled out
to greedy followers, and its nobility and gentry are consigned to slavery
and the inquisition. To carry this lofty manifesto into effect, an armada
is prepared to enforce the decree ; an armada such as the world never
before saw. It approaches the coast of England, as the eagle hovers
over its victim, nothing doubting of its prey. All eyes are upon the
mariner of Tavistock ; so long as he is in the van, every Englishman is
invincible — no man doubts the issue — the armada is overthrown, Spain
is humbled, nor is ever itself again.
*It is said that this " Master Hore brought New Albion, (in Force,) 17 and 18. but this, 1
home diuers of the chief Indian Kings to Eng- think, is very doubtfUl.
land " from Newfoundland. — A Description of
8
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1537-1580.
The English energy and confidence, then and there exhibited, could
not long be confined within the narrow limits of a small island. Noth-
ing less than a continent was sufiicient for its full development, and thus
it became transferred to America.
CHAPTER II.
Influence of the Mariner of Tavistock in bringing about the Colonization of New England. —Raleigh.
Gilbert. — Frobisher. — Harcourt. — Smith. — Hakluyt. — His Notice of North America in 1600.
State of Europe then. — Gosnold's Discovery and Attempt to colonize in Massachusetts. — Laci-
dents of the Undertaking. — Pring's Voyage to Cape Cod. — Weymouth on the Coast. — Sir Ferdi-
nando Gorges. — Challounge. — Pring.
It has been conceded on all hands, that, but for the extraordinary
energy and perseverance of one man. New England, and indeed all
North America, would not have been inhabited by Englishmen for many
years, perhaps ages, after the period in which its permanent settlement
was made. Few readers will require to be told to whom reference is
here made. The navigator of a northern sea would as soon require to
be pointed to the polar star, as the reader of the annals of Queen Eliza-
beth would require to be pointed to the morning star of her reign. This
star was not only the wonder of that age, but of all succeeding ages, and
will continue to be the admiration of those which are to come.*
By the wonderful achievements of that great seaman, a spirit of emu-
lation was brought into practical activity, one of the results of which
was the settlement of Massachusetts Bay, as it was then and long after-
wards caUed ; the history of the capital of which is undertaken in these
pages.
The inspiration diffused by Drake into his countrymen is distinct
*The achievement which had the greatest
influence on the world, in the opening of the
maritime age of England, was, doubtless, the
circumnavigation of Drake ; of whom it was
said by a cotemporary, that " he had a head to
contrive, a heart to undertake, and a hand to
execute, whatever promised glory to himself, or
good to his country." He was the first that
discovered gold in California, which was in
1579. " There is no part of earth here," says
a writer of one account of his voyage, " where-
in there is not a reasonable quantitie of gold or
silver. ' ' — Hakluyt.
Sir Francis Drake was born near South Tavi-
»tock, in the village of Crowndale, Devonshire,
ye
ship near Portobello, in the West Indies, 28
Jan., 1596. Though married, he left no pos-
terity. He sailed on his voyage round the
world, 15 Nov., 1577, and returned to the same
port whence he sailed, " Plimouth," 26 Sept.,
1580. — See North American Review, July, 1844,
in which I have stated some reasons for placing
the date of Drake's birth very different from
other writers. The date of his return to Eng-
land is wrong in almost every account.
For a beautiful tracing of the autograph of
Sir Francis Drake, I am indebted to R. H. Ma-
jor, Esq., of the British Museum ; an accurate
copy of which is here presented.
■^7^^ ^a^ ^^
1578-83.]
DRAKE RALEIGH GILBERT.
and clear, from the moment that a knowledge of his successes was cir-
culated among them. Sir Walter Raleigh was, by the first marriage
of his father, connected with the family of Drake, and the connection of
the illustrious and lamented Sir Humphrey Gilbert with Sir Walter
Raleigh is well known. Gilbert pointed out the way in which Raleigh
reaped his chief renown. Capt. Robert Harcourt, of Stanton Harcourt,
ancestor of the Earls of that name, and Capt. John Smith, succeeded,
and added lustre in the field of discovery and enterprise. It was during
the reign of Elizabeth, that British perseverance first showed itself able
to surmount all obstacles. Men not courtiers came to be patronized by
royalty, and merchants and mariners could hold meetings in London and
elsewhere, to mature plans for the extension of commerce, without being
suspected of plotting against the state.
Little more can be done, in this
review of the progress towards
^he settlement of New England,
ihan merely to glance at a few of
che stirring spirits of that age ;
among whom must be mentioned
Sir Humphrey Gilbert, as de-
serving more than a passing no-
tice. He w^as boi'n the same, or
if not the same year with Sir
Francis Drake, he was not more
than two years his junior. They
were indeed kindred spirits. Gil-
bert was wanting in none of that
thirst for daring adventure, of
which Drake was so large a pro-
prietor ; and while his early ca-
^^" reer was more prosperous, he
having been cut off almost in the
When about thirty-three years of age, he
SlK HUMPHREY GILBERT.
From a copy of a portrait of Sir II. Gilbert, in Holland'
rologia.
less fortunate in the end ;
of his
was less lormnate in
beginning of his career.
published that masterly "Discourse to prove a passage by the North-
west" to the East Indies, which is in a style superior to most writings of
that age. In 1578, he obtained a patent of Queen Elizabeth, empow-
ering him to discover and possess any unsettled land in North America.
By the energy and perseverance which he employed to improve the
advantages under his ample charter, he has been declared, by some
writers of respectability, "the real founder of the English possessions in
America." He made two voyages to Newfoundland between 1578 and
1583. At St. John he gave leases to certain individuals, under which
permanent settlements were eventually there made. On the 9th of
September, of the year last named, having embarked for England, his
ship foundered, and he was swallowed up in the sea.
When on the " Gold Coast" of North America, Drake did not doubt
but that he could sail around the north point of the continent, and return to
2
10 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1600.
England by the North Sea, as the North Atlantic Ocean was then called.
Circumstances, however, prevented his satisfying himself of its utter
impracticability. But while this bold navigator was upon his voyage of
circumnavigation, Capt. Frobisher, by three several voyages to the
northern regions of America, settled the question for a time, with regard
to a north-west passage — a question, it is a pity it had not remained
settled to this day, contrasting the immense sacrifices made from that
time to the present, with the small benefits that have accrued to the
world.
Frobisher's name became indelibly fixed upon a northern strait of
North America, as maps show to the world ; but the part he acted with
Drake, subsequently to his northern discoveries, is often read, and bet-
ter known. But to him is undoubtedly due whatever honor attaches
to the revival of discoveries in the north. He had the confidence of
Drake in a high degree. When Frobisher and his friends proposed a
fourth voyage to the north, Drake subscribed seven hundred pounds
towards it.
After Drake, no man, perhaps, deserves greater credit for pushing
onward the current of discovery and settlement, than the learned and
persevering Richard Hakluyt. He came upon the stage just in time to
participate in those memorable enterprises which have characterized the
age of Elizabeth. His views were by no means confined to discoveries
alone ; colonization, locstern colonization, was his favorite theme, and he
did not fail to enforce it with ability and learning. " Sir Francis Wal-
singham, Sir Robert Cecil, the Lord High-Admiral Howard, Sir Philip
Sidney, and Sir Francis Drake, were among those who supported him
in his labors by their commendations, and encouraged him to proceed."*
These are but few of those that might be named, as his encouragers and
co-workers. In a dedication of a book f to the last named gentleman
printed in 1589, now of great rarity, the author says he was moved to
dedicate his work to him by his very good and learned friend, Mr.
Richard Hakluyt, " a man of incredible devotion towarde yourselfe."
If, indeed, as was doubtless the case, gentlemen encouraged Hakluyt
" to proceed," he in his turn encouraged them. Of Raleigh's exertions
in settling Virginia, he says to that nobleman, in one of his dedications,
" If your enterprise may speedily and effectually .be pursued, it will
proue farre more beneficiall in diuers respects vnto this our realm, than
the world, yea many of the wiser sort, haue hitherto imagined. "J And,
in the year 1600, in a dedication to Sir Robert Cecil, he says, " Your
good testimony of myself, together with the infallible signes of your
earnest desire to doe mee good, which very lately, when I thought least
thereof, break forth into most bountiful and acceptible effects." Al-
though he does not express in what those "bountiful and acceptible
effects " consisted, it is probable they were of a pecuniary nature, to
* Works of Hakluyt Society. f Certain Briefe and Speciall Instructions, &c.
X Voyages, iii. 365. By Philip Jones. — Ibid.
1589-1600.] LABORS OP HA5LUYT. 11
enable him to complete his great work, the "Trafiques and Discotjeries
OF TFiE English Nation."
The dedication to which allusion is here made, is to the "third and
last" volume of his voyages, which volume is especially devoted to
America ; the earliest voyages to it, and discoveries in and about it.
This dedication is a learned and excellent introduction to the work, and
discovers great intellectual sagacity, and a comprehensiveness of under-
standing, as well in relation to the future greatness of America, as to
the past events of the world. He speaks " of the new and late dis-
couery of America by Columbus in 1492, a w^orld, in respect of the huge
extension thereof, which to this day [1600] is not thoroughly discouered,
although on the hither side it be knowen vnto vs for the space of fine
thousand league=^ at the least, and for 3000 more on the backe side in
the South Sea. So that it seemeth very fitly to be called A Newe
Worlde."* "Ilowbeit," he adds, "it cannot be denied but that Antiq-
uitie had some kiude of dimme glimse, and vnperfect notice thereof."
He then refers to the since noted passages of Plato, Diodorus, and oth-
ers, of "a mighty and fruitful yland discouered in the Westerne Ocean,"
" bigger then all Africa and Asia," and then continues, " Of this New
World and euery speciall part thereof in this my third volume I have
brought to light the best and most perfect relations of such as were
chiefe actours in the particular discoueries and searches of the same,
giuing vnto euery man his right, and leaning euery one to mainteine
his own credit." Hakluyt then closes his dedication with the following
modest reference to his own endeavors: " I have portrayed out," he
says, " in rude lineaments my Westerne Atlantis or America : assuring
you, that if I had been able, I would have limned her and set her out
with farre more liuely and exquisite colours : yet, as she is, I humbly
desire you to receiue her with your wonted and accustomed fauour at
my handes, Avho alwayes wil remaine most ready and devoted to do your
honour any poore seruice that I may. From London the first of Sep-
tember, the yeere of our Lord God 1600.
^/iW flr&ty ^
Preacher."
Notwithstanding the numerous expeditions which had been under-
taken to discover the coast of America, there were not, at the termina-
tion of one hundred and ten years after Columbus' discovery, any
Europeans, saving Spaniards, who had made any effectual settlements
* A new world it may be called, for that the heere inhabited, who with a deluge of sinne
world of now and unknown creatures which might procure that deluge of waters. — Purchas,
the old world neuer heard of, and here only are His Pilgrimage, 717, ed. 1614.
produced : the conceit whereof moued Mercator f Copied from a fac-simile in " Hakluyfs Di-
to thinke (which I dare not thinke with him) uers Voyages," published by the Hakluyt So-
that the great deluge in the dayes of Noah, ciety.
drowned not these parts, because men had not
12 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1585-1602.
in the New World.* But in 1598, France was quieted by the edict of
Nantz, in April, and by a peace in May, with Philip, King of Spain
and Portugal. Just before Queen Elizabeth died, the disturbances in
Ireland were quelled, and she expired in peace [on the 24th of March,
1G03] with all the princes and states in Europe, except Philip, King of
Spain, and Archduke Albert, sovereign of the Spanish Netherlands.
And King James, as King of Scotland, being then in amity with all the
world, upon his accession to the English throne, the two British crowns
became united in him ; and, as King of England, he soon left the Dutch
to defend themselves. The French and English, being thus at liberty,
began to look more seriously now than ever to the new found world.
The English at this time extended Virginia from Florida to the bay of
Fundy, and divided it into North and South Virginia.f
One year wanting two days before Queen Elizabeth died, Capt. Bar-
tholomew Gosnold sailed from Falmouth for the north part of Virginia,
in a small bark called the Concord ; and although he had but thirty-two
people I in his company, with this small number it was intended to begin
a settlement in what is now New England.
Capt. Gosnold was the first Englishman who had come in a direct
course to this part of the continent, and the first of any nation who thus
reached any part of what is now the United States, except Verazzani ;
the circumstance of the shortness of the voyage is found in the fact that
he had in his company several of the old mariners who had been with
Sir Francis Drake, who, in his voyage of 1585, made the very short
passage of forty days from Virginia to England. Gosnold would have
made a still shorter passage, but for the weakness of his ship, which
would not bear much sail.
After a voyage o^ forty-nine days, namely, on the 14th of May, "early
in the morning," Capt. Gosnold made the land of New England, in lat-
itude 43°.§ From a rocky point not far off, " came towards us," says
* " I cannot find," says the accurate Prince, feels warranted in the conclusion that it was in
" at this point of time [1602], so much as one the vicinity of Great Boar's Head, in Hampton,
European family in all the vast extent of coast that Gosnold first anchored on the coast ; true,
from Florida to Greenland." indeed, as he says, "in no good harbor, and
f Prince, Chronological History of New Eng- withal, douhting the weather. " Hence " Sav-
land. age Rock" is not difi&cultly located from this
J Whereof eight mariners and sailors, twelve vicinity, if they were at anchor near Great
purposing upon the discovery to return with Boar's Head, " an out point of woody ground,
the ship for England, the rest remain there for the trees thereof very high and straight, and
population.-— GysnoWs Voyage. from tiie rock east north-east." There is to
\ This being about the latitude of the Isle of this day a point of rocks near Cape Ann known
Shoals, or Boon Island, it was hereabouts, as the" Salvages." If Gosnold made the coast
doubtless, he made his land-fall; though Old- in latitude 43'^ — as it seems both from Archer
mixon,and others following liim probably, sup- and Brereton that he did, " about 6 o'clock in
pose " Savage Rock " to have been that part of the morning " — and did not come to anchor
tlie northern shore of Massachusetts Bay about till noon of the same day, but was, meantime,
Nahant. The facts to be found in the reliable " standing fiiir along by the shore," he must,
accounts are too vaguely stated, perhaps, to in all probability, have been in the vicinity of
warrant a positive decision as to the precise lo- the noted headland before mentioned. ""The
cality of "Savage Rock." Opinions, under shore full of white sand, but very stony or
such circumstances, are generally worth but lit- rocky," noted by Brereton , as seen soon after
tie in tlie judgment of the writer ; however, on a land was discovered, corresponds exactly to Rye
careful comparison of the several accounts, he beach and neighborhood. Archer is not so
1602.] VOYAGE OF GOSNOLD. 13
the writer of the account, " a Biscay shallop with sail and oars, having
eight persons in it, whom we supposed at first to be Christians dis-
tressed." But they proved to be Indians, were friendly, and desired
the English to tarry with them. The principal man among them was
dressed chiefly in European clothes ; as waistcoat, breeches, stockings,
shoes, hat and band, &c. One or two of the others had " a few things
made by some Christians." It was soon discovered that they had not
been strangers to Europeans. "With a piece of chalk they described
the coast thereabouts, and could name Placentia of the Newfoundland,
and spoke divers Christian words." In short, the voyagers confess that
these Indians understood what was said to them much better than they
understood the Indians. How they came by their European bark and
other things, does not appear, but probably by way of trade ; for they
showed Lo signs of fear, as they probably would have done, had they
been guilty of mischief. " They came boldly aboard us," says the
account, " being all naked, saving about their shoulders certain loose
deer skins, and near their wastes seal skins tied fast like to Irish dimmie
trowsers. They are in color swart, their hair long, uptied with a knot
in the part of behind the head." The place whence these Indians came
Gosnold named Savage Rock.
Leaving that part of the coast, Capt. Gosnold stood to the southward,
and the next day. May 15th, came to anchor near a cape, where, taking
"great store of cod-fish," he called it Cape Cod; a name which it
bears to this day, and which it is ever likely to bear.* Here the cap-
tain, with Mr. Brereton and three others, landed the same day, and saw
a young Indian with copper ornaments in his ears, and a bow and
arrows in his hands, who came to him, and seemed desirous to serve him
in some way. The day following he coasted the land southerly, about
twelve leagues, and, discovering a point of land, named it Point Care.
clear in his account of this part of the voyage found ourselves embayed with a mighty head-
as Brereton, though he is more minute. He land," which vras Cape Cod. With these facts
says nothing of anchoring ; but, after the inter- before us, where are we to locate "Salvage
view with the Indians, he says, "Finding our- Rock"? From the account of Capt. Pring's
selves short of our purposed place, we set sail voyage. Dr. Belknap " supposes it to be situated
westward." And, "About sixteen leagues on the northern shore of Massachusetts Bay."
southwest from thence [the place of the inter- This is a very indefinite location. The truth
view with the savages], we perceived in that seems to be, that the Doctor found himself as
course two small islands, the one lying east- much perplexed about the situation of " Salv-
ward from Savage Rock, the other to the south- age Rock" as his predecessors, and therefore
ward of it. The coast we left was full of good- avoided committing himself further in regard
ly woods, fair plains, with little green round to it. The chief difficulty seems to be the un-
hills. The fifteenth day we had again sight of certainty, as to the lands noticed in the ac-
land," &c., which proved to be Cape Cod. counts, whether they were all islands that were
And Brereton says, " about twelve of the clock supposed such. If they were mistaken in this
the same day," after " standing fair along by respect, and doubtless they were, the Salvage
the shore," "we came to an anchor, where Rock could not have been to the west of the
eight Indians in a Basque Shallop with mast Salvages of the present day ; nor can I with
and sail, an iron grapple, and kettle of copper, much confidence fix upon that point as the real
came boldly aboard us," &c. "About three of one in question.
the clock the same day in the afternoon we * It is probably a mere fancy by which some
weighed, and standing southerly off into the writers would lead their readers to suppose that
sea the rest of that day and the night following, Gosnold saw the coast of Massachusetts in the
with a fresh gale of wind, in the morning we vicinity of Cohasset.
14 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [16U3.
The same now called Sandy Point, the extreme southern land in Barn-
stable county. Here they saw Indians, all having pipes and tobacco,
copper ornaments, &c. " One of them had his face painted over, and
head stuck with feathers in manner of a turkey-cock's train." " These
Indians call gold luassador, which argueth there is thereof in the
country."*
On the 21st of May, Gosnold, having overshot the Vineyard Sound
in the night, discovered an island which he named Martha's Vineyard.
Not that since so called, but a small one, known as Nomansland, lying
very near the southern extremity of the large island, since called Mar-
tha's Vineyard. Gosnold took the great island to be a part of the main
land, but when itf was found to be an island, the name conferred on its
appendage very naturally extended to it, and the name Martha's Vine-
yard | has continued since the time of this discoverer.
From Nomansland, Gosnold sailed round into the Vineyard Sound.
The striking cliffs now known as Gay Head he called Dover Cliff, prob-
ably after those of the same name in his native island. On the 25th of
May he discovered the island which the Indians called Poocutohhunkun-
noh (Kutahunk or Cuttyhunk). " This island Captain Gosnold called
Elizabeth's isle, where," says the writer of his voyage, " we determined
our abode." Here it was that the first attempt was made to settle a
colony in New England.
After spending three weeks in preparing a store-house, when they
came to divide their provision, there was not enough to victual the ship,
and to subsist the planters till the ship's return. Some jealousy also
arose about the intentions of those who were going back ; and after five
days' consultation they determined to give up their design of planting,
and return to England. They accordingly sailed on their homeward
voyage, June 18th, and on July 23d arrived at Exmouth in the south-
west of England, § the same year in which it was begun, || with a profit-
able cargo of sassafras.
The next year, 1603, Massachusetts Bay is again visited. Some
*See a veiy judicious note on Gosnold's voj- ^ Belknap, American Biography, i. 238.
age, by Mr. Harris, in his most valuable edi- || Of those who were in this voyage, we find
tion of Hubbard's History of New England, the names of these only :
677-8. _ ^ Bartholomew Gosnold, Captain, who died in
■j- Yet a writer in the North American Review, Virginia in 1607.
vol. v., p. 315, marvels that such a change could Bartholomew Gilbert, second officer.
possibly happen ! The same writer is shocked Willlui Strete, master. Same after mentioned?
beyond description at the name "■ Cutti/hunk,^^ John Brereton, gentleman, journalist of the
and fled with horror from the "Sow anil Pigs,''' voyage.
and from " Quowck Island,^' as though he had Gabriel Archer, gentleman, journalist, Vitniio
been an M. D. ! Virginia afterwards. Archer's Hope, near
X Tliat the name Martha's Vineyard should Williamsburg, bears his name,
be Martin's Vineyard, as some have supposed, James Rosier, gentleman, journalist.
is to be utterly rejected. The name was con- William Strete, ivho discovered the sassafras.
ferred by Gosnold himself, a year before the Robert Salterne, ivho was also with Pring the
voyage of Pring. Why the name Martha was next year, and was afterwards a clergyman.
cliosen, is not known. It may have been the [A Biddefbrd name. See Watkins, Hist. Bid.]
name of his own lady, or some other valued John Angel.
female acquaintimce. Tucker, and perhaps Hill.
1603.] GOSNOLD PRING AYEYMOUTH. 15
Bristol merchants, by leave of Sir Walter Raleigh, sent over Captain
Martin Pring, in a small ship of fifty tons, called the Speedwell, thirty
men and boys ;* and William Browne in a bark of twenty-six tons, called
the Discoverer, thirteen men and one boy. These sailed from Milford
Haven on the 10th of April, and arrived on the coast near the same
point Captain Gosnold did the preceding year. He is supposed to have
entered the mouth of the Penobscot, and to have examined the coast
pretty minutely all the way thence to Martha's Vineyard. There is no
certainty that he went very deep into Massachusetts Bay, though he
looked up the Pascataqua several leagues, and, after doubling Cape
Ann, probably laid his course south-westerly until he found that the land
to the southward did not consist of islands through which he could pro-
ceed on his course.
Pring was in pursuit of a cargo of sassafras, and he soon found his
way around the cape, and commenced loading his ship with it from the
Vineyard islands and main land in the vicinity. By the 9th of August
he was ready to return to England, and on that day he sailed from the
American coast, and on the 2d of October following he arrived in King-
Road, not far below Bristol, whence he had sailed. Here he found
Captain Browne, who had arrived about a fortnight before him. Thus
was a successful voyage performed into the New England seas in the
space of six months' time.
Captain George Weymouth's voyage falls next under consideration.
It is memorable on account of discoveries in Maine, and for having more
deeply interested Sir Ferdinando Gorges in colonizing New England ; a
gentleman of great energy, perseverance and liberality.f Gorges him-
self, however, lays great stress upon certain circumstances or accidents
connected with the voyage of Weymouth, who, he says, " falling short
of his course, happened into a river on the coast of America, called
Pemmaquid, from whence he brought five of the natives. And it so
pleased our great God, that Weymouth, on his return to England, came
into the harbor of Plymouth, where I then commanded." Three of
which natives, namely, Manida, Skettwarroes and Tasquantum, "I seized
upon. They were all of one nation, but of several parts, and several
famiUes. This accident must be acknowledged the means, under God,
of putting on foot and giving life to all our plantations."
The undertaking of Sir Ferdinando Gorges ended in misfortune and
losses, — a striking instance that the best prospects are sometimes
strangely blighted, and the best directed endeavors at once bafQed and
ruined, — for no one had entered upon the design of settling New Eng-
land under better auspices than had that gentleman. He made it his
business to understand those Indians which " accident " had placed in
* It may be well to note thatCapt. Browne's ly, for their object was to make settlements in
mate was named Samuel Kirkland. — See Bel- the country, and to propagate the Gospel among
knap, Amer. Bwg. ii. 124. them. — Sink's Hist. Virginia, 'Qook i., pp. 33-4.
I Weymouth was sent by the Earl of South- — And Vindication of the Bishop of Lamlaff's
ampton and the Lord Arundel of Warder. He Sermon by A Lover of Truth and Decency, pp
was by them directed to treat the Indians kind- 12, 13, ed. 8vo. New York, 1768.
16 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1606.
his hands. He says he found them " of the better sort, and far from
the rudeness of our common people ;" that lie learned from them " what
goodly rivers, stately islands and safe harbors those parts abounded with.
And having kept them full three years, I made them able to set me
down what great rivers ran up into the land, what men of note were
seated on them, what power they were of," &c.*
Thus having gained a knowledge of the country. Sir Ferdinando
fitted out a ship for New England, in which "Mr. Henry Chal-
lounge " went as master. With him also went two of the before-men-
tioned Indians to serve him in the business of the voyage. But Captain
Challounge, owing to adverse winds, was not able to hold a northern
course, and finally made the West Indies. Thence sailing northward,
was captured by a Spanish fleet, and carried into Spain; "where,"
says Sir Ferdinando, " their ship and goods were confiscate, themselves
made prisoners, the voyage overthrown, and both my natives lost."
In the mean time, it appears that Chief Justice Popham had agreed
to send a vessel to the aid of Challounge, which was accordingly done
before his miscarriage was known in England; "for," says Gorges,
" it pleased the Lord Chief Justice, according to his promise, to des-
patch Captain Pring from Bristol, with hope to have found Capt. Chal-
lounge ; but not hearing by any means what became of him, after he
[Pring] had made a perfect discovery of all those rivers and harbors [of
New England], brings with him the most exact discovery of that coast
that ever came to my hands since ; and indeed he was the best able to
perform it of any I met withal to this present."!
The success of the English, thus far, to establish themselves in New
England, might well have caused them to doubt of the justice of their
proceedings, in the sight of Providence. And whether the Frenchmen,
as was the custom of the age, taunted them for having brought their
misfortunes upon themselves by their attempts to rob them of their
justly acquired territories, is not known ; but certain it is, if discovery
and actual possession gave a valid claim to territory, it is plain that the
French had a better right to New England than ever England had before
the settlement of Plymouth. They had been permanently seated in
Canada sixteen years when Plymouth was settled, and twenty-six
before Boston existed.| But a nation torn within by its own hands, is
sure to be robbed without by the hands of others. France could not
protect itself at home, and England, under the pretence — and it was
nothing better — that it was theirs by prior discovery, contrary to the
usual course of things, made that good by perseverance which was and
ever will be bad in the abstract.
* The veteran sea-captain, John Foster Wiir f What became of this map by Pring, is un-
LL\MS, gave it as his opinion that the first land known. If lost, it is to be lamented, as it might
seen by Waymouth, was that point of the isl- settle many questions now remaining in doubt
and of Nantucket called Sankoty Head, and that and obscurity.
lie then bore ofl" north-westerly, and next fell in J There are a multitude of authorities for this
with the island of Monhegan ; which was May statement in Chalmcr's Annals, 82, and Holmes'
17th, 1605. He saw Nantucket three days be- American Annals, vol. I., sub anno 1604.
fore — Belknap, Amer. Biog., ii. 146.
1607.]
COMMERCIAL DISCOVERIES.
17
CHAPTER III.
Colony of Sagadahock. — Spread of England's Commerce. — Explorations. — Harlow's Voyage to New
England. — Indians carried off. — Cape Cod. — Capt. John Smith's Voyage to New England. — His
" Trials." — Sui-veys the Coast of New England. — Hunt's Conduct iii Relation to the Indians. —
Smith names the country New England. — Why so named. — First Maps of New England. — Massa-
chusetts the Paradise of New England. — Smith's Intercourse with the Indians. — Hobson sent to
New England for Gold. — Sir Ferdinando Gorges. — Harlow's Return to England. — Smith's con-
tinued Efforts for New England. — Captain Dermer. — Smith falls into the hands of Pirates.
His Literary Labors. — His Death and Inscription to his Memory.
In 1607 was the abortive attempt to settle a colony at the mouth of
the Kennebeck river
OF THE TIMES OF THE PIL-
GRlMS.t
and the same year a more successful one was
made in Virginia. There the enterprising Gos-
nold, who had explored Cape Cod, and the
resolute John Smith, effected a permanent set-
tlement. But the original Jamestown at this day
presents ruins of not much greater interest than,
are to be found on Cuttyhunk or Stage Island.f
By this time England began to send out
its rays of commerce to almost every part
of the world. Such an interest was there in a
trade to the East Indies, that James chartered
a number of merchants with exclusive privi-
leges to trade there forever. Other companies
soon spread their charters over all the new
1609.
* The colony consisted of one hundred men.
The winter was extreme ; their Governor, Pop-
ham, died; Captain Rawley Gilbert, their Ad-
miral, hearing that his brother, Sir John Gil-
bert, had died, to whom he was heir, and
" finding nothing but extreme extremities, they
all returned for England." — Smith, ii. 174.
I It has been supposed by some that the Gos-
pel was first proclaimed in North America by
those who settled at the mouth of the Kenne-
beck, in 1G07. This is a mistake. Frobisher
and his companions proclaimed it in Newfound-
land in 1577, and two years after, Richard Hak-
luyt proclaimed the fact to the world. An
Episcopalian friend is desirous that it should be
understood at this day, that the Church of Eng-
land service was performed in New England
prior to any religious services by dissenters.
The following extract from a journal of the voy-
age of the Sagadahock Colony will show the
grounds of his claim : "August 17th, 1G07,
Capt. Popham, in his pynnace, with thirty per-
sons, and Capt. Gilbert in his long-boat,' with
eighteen persons more, went early in the morn-
ing from their shipp into the river Sachadehoc,
to view the river, and to search where they
might find a fitt place for their plantation.
They sayled up into the river neere forty
leagues, and found yt to be a very gallant river,
very deepe, and seldome lesse water than three
3
fathomes when they found sest ; whereupon
they returned homewards. August 19th, they
all went ashoare, and there made choise of a
place for their plantacion, at the mouth or
entry of the ryver on the west side (for the
river bendeth yt self towards the nor-east, and
by east), being almost an island, of a good big-
nes, being in a province called by the Indians
Sabino, so called of a Sagamo or chief com-
maunder under the graund bassaba. As they
were ashoare, three canoas full of Indians came
to them, but would not come neere, but rowed
away up the river.
"August 19th, they all went ashoare, here
they had made choise of their plantation and
where they had a sermon delivered unto them
by their preacher ; and after the sermon, the
president's commission was read, with the
lawes to be observed and kept." — Strachey,
Hakhiyt Soc. 171-2.
Since the preceding part of this note was
written, some portion of Strachey's work has
been reprinted in this city. But for its very
recent issue in London, it would strongly com-
mend itself to the notice of the Maine Histori-
cal Society.
J In a corner of Captain Smith's map of New
England is found a view of a ship, from which
the above is copied.
18 HISTORY OF BOSTON. 1611-1614.]
countries to which England couhl lay claim. Meanwhile, the Dutch
were not idle. Henry Hudson, in their service, explored the river which
bears his name for near one hundred and fifty miles from its mouth ;
and four years later, New York began to be settled.
Thus, by degrees, New England, though not yet so named, is
coasted wherever the sea gives access to its boundaries, and every suc-
ceeding voyage to its shores adds to the common stock of knowledge,
soon sufficient to enable the persecuted fathers to take and keep posses-
sion of its soil. But other attempts are yet required.
Notwithstanding the failure of the Sagadahock colony, Henry, Earl
of Southampton, and some merchants of the Isle of Wight, fitted
out Captain Edward Harlow, "to discouer an island supposed about
Cape Cod," but their charts so " much abused them "* that they fell in
with " Monahigan." And afterwards sailing southwards " they found
onely Cape Cod no Isle but the maine. There they detained three Salua-
ges aboord them, called Pechmo, Monopet and Pekenimne, hnt Pechmo leapt
ouerboard and got away ; and not long after, with his consorts, cut their
boat from their sterne, got her on shore, and so filled her with sand, and
guarded her with bowes and arrowes, the English lost her. Not far
from thence they had three men sorely wounded with arrowes. An-
choring at the ile of Nohono, the Saluages in their canowes assaulted
the ship till the English guns made them retire ; yet here they tooke
Sakaweston, that after he had lined many yeers in England went a soul-
dier to the warres of Bohemia. At Capawe they tooke Coneconam and
E'penow, but the people at Agawom vsed them kindly ; so with five
saluages they returned for England."!
From these accounts, by eye-witnesses as it w^ere, no one will be at a
loss to account for whatever hostilities succeeding voyagers met with
from the Indians of Massachusetts.
Captain John Smith had acquired a world-wide reputation by
his extraordinary adventures, which had noAV been of " near twice
nine years" continuance. The four quarters of the world had witnessed
his enterprise and bravery, and now New England is to become the the-
atre of his operations. A new era begins in its annals with the voy-
age of Smith to its shores in 1614 ; nor must he be overlooked
among its fathers ; especially as he prosecuted the planting "of New
England," as he himself says, " for the increase of God's Church, con-
uerting Saluages and enlarging the king's dominions."
* After mentioning that " Capt. Bartholomew their true descriptions are concealed, or neuer
Gosnold " had printed an account of "Eliza- well obserued, or died with the authors : so that
beth lies," and that " Capt. Waymouth " had the coast is yet still but euen as a coast vn-
printod another of Pemmaquid, he says, " From knowne and vndiscouercd. I have had six or
all these diligent obseruers, posterity may be seauen seuerall plots of these northern parts, so
bettered by the fruits of their labours. But for vnlike each to other, and most so differing from
diuers others that long before and since haue any true proportion, or resemblance of the coun-
ranged those parts, within a kenning sometimes trey, as they did mee no more good, than so
of the shore, some touching in one place, some mucli waste paper, though they cost me more."
in another, I must entreat them pardon me for — Smith, Descrip. of N. E., 1616, p. 3.
omitting them ; or if I offend in saying that f Smith, ii. 174.
1614.]
SMITH S VOYAGE TO NEW ENGLAND.
19
JOHN SMITH.
But, with all these honest intentions, Smith had his calumniators
— those who affected to sneer at his undertakings. Of them, how-
ever, he had vastly the advantage.
He could not only hold them up
to contempt in his own day, but
there they remain posted for all
time to come in his imperishable
"Historic, writ with his owne
hand." His traducers, he says,
were such persons as could not
" say their compasse, yet would
tell what all England is by seeing
but Milford Haven."*
What time Smith sailed on his
first voyage to New England, he
does not state in his first publica-
tion of the account of it, but he
says, " In the moneth of April, f
1614, at the charge of Capt. Mar-
maduke Roydon, Capt. George Langam, Mr. John Buley and William
Skelton, w4th two ships from London, J I chanced to arriue at Monahigan
an He of America, in 43.4 of northerly latitude : our plot was there to
take whales, for which we had one Samuel Crampton and diners others
expert in that faculty, and also to make trialls of a mine of gold and cop-
per ; if those failed, fish and furs were then our refuge to make ourselues
sauers howsoeuer : we found this whale fishing a costly conclusion. We
saw many, and spent much time in chasing them, but could not kill any ;
they being a kinde of lubartes, and not the whale that yeelds fins and oile
as we expected ; for our gold it was rather the Masters deuice to get
a voyage that proiected it than any knowledge he had at all of any such
matter." Hence much time was lost before it was found that fishing
and trading with the Indians were all they had to depend upon " to
saue themselues howsoeuer." Therefore, " whilest the sailers fished,''
continues Smith, " myselfe with eight others, ranging the coast in a
small boat, wee got for trifles neere eleuen thousand beuer skinnes, one
hundred martins, as many otters, and the most of them within the dis-
tance of twenty leagues. We ranged the coast both east and west much
furder, but eastward our commodities were not esteemed. They
were so neare the French who affords them better : and right against vs
* One of Captain Smith's friends, in some po-
etry " to his honest Captaine," says :
•• I neuer knew a Warryer : and I make the bolder.
For, many a Captaine now, was neuer a Souldier.
Some such may swell at this : but (to their praise)
When they haue don like thee, my Muse shall raise
Their due deserts to Worthies yet to come.
To line like thine (admir'd) till day of Doome."
N. England's Trials.
fin his "New England's Trials" he says,
"I went fro the Downea the third of March,
they
and arriued in New England the last of
April," and that he sailed for England the
18th of July. In the same work he says he
had "but fortie-flve men and boyes ;" that
built seuen boates, and that 37 did
Dr. Belknap loses his usual care when
he says Smith sailed from London in April.
— Amer. Biog.,i. 305.
J In another part of his " Generall Historie,"
he says, " I was sent forth at the sole charge of
foure merchants of London." — ii. 262
20 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1614.
in the Main was a ship of Sir Francis Popham,* that had there much
acquaintance, hauing many yeares vsed onely that porte, that the most
parte there was had by him. And forty leagues westwards! were two
French ships, that had made there a great voyage by trade, during the
time wee tryed those conclusions, not knowing the coast, nor Saluages
habitation : with these furres, the traine oile and cor-fish, I returned for
England in the barke, where, within six moneths after our departure from
the Downes, wee safely arriued backe. The best of this fish was sold
for 51i. the hundred, the rest by ill vsage betwixt three pounds and
50 shillings. The other ship stayed to fit herself for Spaine, with the
dry fish, which was sold at Maligo at forty rials the quintall, each hun-
dred weighing two quintalls and a half. But one Thomas Hunt, the mas-
ter of this ship (when I was gone) thinking to preuent that intent I had
to make there a plantation, thereby to keepe this abounding countrey
still in obscurity, that onely he and some few merchants more might
enjoy wholly the benefit of the trade, and profit of this countrey, be-
traied foure and twenty of these poore Saluages aboord his ship, and
most dishonestly and inhumanly for their kinde vsage of me and all our
men, carried them with him to Maligo, and there for a little priuate
gaine sold those silly Saluages for rials of eight ; but this ville act kept
him euer after from any more imploiment to those parts." J
During this voyage of Smith, he made a map or chart of the coast,
and named it New England, § which is, as he expresses it, " that part
of America in the Ocean Sea, opposite to Noua Albion in the South Sea,
discouered by the most memorable Sir Francis Drake in his voyage about
the world, in regard whereof this is stiled New England."
On the map of which Smith speaks, the names strike the eye of a
modern observer with a kind of surprise, like that which might arise
* This ship of Popham was probably com- under hatches, and carried them to the Straights
manded by " one Capt. Williams," who, before of Gibraltar, and there did he sell as many
1011, had " diuers times" been there to trade as he could of them for 20/. a man, until it
and fish, " but for any plantations there M^as no was known whence they came; for then the
more speeches." — Smith, Ge?i. Hist., U.17A-5. Friars in those parts took away the rest of
f Thus it appears that the French were before them, that so they might nurture them in the
the English in and about Cape Cod. They popish religion."
probably came in to the present harbor of Bos- ^ " Now because at this time I had taken a
ton, and the harbors in Narraganset Bay. This draught of the coast, and called it New Eng-
may account for the French coin which have land, yet so long he [Hunt] and his consorts
been digged up in the vicinity of Boston, as will drowned that name with the eccho of Canna-
be hereafter mentioned. daij, and some other ships from other parts
X If tliese were really the sentiments of Cap- also, that upon this good returne the next yeear
tain Smith, and I have no doubt they were at went thither, that at last I presented this dis-
the time he published them, he saw cause to course with the map, to our most gracious
change his mind subsequently, in some degree. Prince Charles, humbly intreating his High-
probably, as will be seen. Dr. I. Mather is nesse hee would please to change their barba-
particular relative to the kidnapping of the In- rous names for such English [names] as poster-
dians, of which unfortunate affair he thus speaks itie might say that Prince Charles was their
in his jRe/a/io/i ; _" Hunt enticed Indians into God-father." Thus Smith's Indian names on
his vessel, they in confidence of his honesty his original map of New England, became, on
went aboard, to the number of twenty from Pa- that we now have, Boston, Cambridge, Ply-
tuxet, since called Plimouth, and seven from mouth, Bristow, &c. — See Smith, Gen. Hist.,
Nosset (now known by the name of Estam), ii. 176.
these did this Hunt seize upon, stowed them
1614.] SMITH IN MASSACHUSETTS BAY. 21
were lie to look on a mirror expecting to see his own face, which,
though indeed he might see, he could Sisarcely recognize it for the
numerous deformities upon it. Yet it is no small matter of wonder that
Smith has presented an outline of the coast of New England so near the
actual outline as it unquestionably is. This map, though drawn six
years before Plymouth was settled, and sixteen before Boston, yet both
these names find a place on it. So do Cambridge, Sandwich, Dart-
mouth, Ipswich, Hull, Barnstable, Bristow, London, Oxford and many
others. But Boston has given place to Portsmouth, Hull to Hampton,
Cambridge is far " down east," Smith's Hes, Cape Anna, Talbott's Bay
are conspicuous. The last named bay is Boston harbor, but instead of
Boston at the head of it, we read Bristow ; yet Cape Anna is Cape Ann
to this day, and Tragabigzanda, the name of Smith's deliverer from
slavery, is handed down only in the history of his eventful life.
This same map bears in one corner a portrait of " Captayne lohn
Smith," in the background of which the observer discovers that the
author was but thirty-five years of age when he surveyed the coast of
New England.
In his account accompanying his map, Capt. Smith describes the
whole coast of New England, from Penobscot to Cape Cod, with much
accuracy, which he says he has done "as he gathered from the nig-
gardly relations in a broken language to his vnderstanding, during the
time he ranged those countries." The " Tarrantines " lived on the east
side of the Penobscot, with whom "the French lived as one family,"
and they were "mortall enemies" to the Indians on the west side. As
he proceeds westward he mentions nearly all of the important bays and
headlands, chiefly known by the same names at this day ; speaks of
numerous cornfields and great numbers of people. The great bay he
speaks of, north of Cape Ann, is doubtless that extending thence to the
Isle of Shoals. Flowing into that bay, "the Indians reported a great
river [the Merrimac] and at least thirtie habitations."
"And then the countrie of the Massachusits which is the paradise
of all those parts:* for here are many lies all planted with corne ;
groues, mulberries, saluage gardens, and good harbors : the coast is for
the most part, high clayie sandie cliffs. The Sea Coast as you passe,
shewes you all along large corne fields, and great troupes of well
proportioned people : but the French hauing remained heere neere sixe
weekes, left nothing for vs to take occasion to examine the inhabitants
relations, viz. if there be neere three thousand people vpon these lies ;
and that the riuer doth pearce many dales iourneies the intralles of that
countrey.f We found the people in those parts verie kinde ; but in
* " I would rather Hue here then any where, the extract in the Hist, of Dorchester, p. 3, witlj
and if it did not maintaine it selfe, were we but a full extract from Smith, " namely, if there ba
once indifferently well fitted, let vs starue." — neer three thousand people vpon these lies;
Smith's Gen. Hist., ii. 184. and that the Riuer doth pearce mania daies
I The historian of Dorchester entirely mis- iourneies," as Ae understood by the information
takes Capt. Smith, and seriously misleads his he got from the Indians. — See Smith (in Forced
loaders, by his quotations from him. Compare p. 15.
22 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1614.
their furie no lesse valiant. Foi% vpon a quarrell wee had with one of
them, hee onely with three -others crossed the harbor of Quonahassit
[Cohasset] to certaine rocks whereby wee must passe, and there let flie
their arrowes for our shot, till we were out of danger."*
From Cohasset rocks Smith proceeded along the west side of the bay
to Accomack, since Plymouth, "an excellent good harbor, good land,
and no want of anything but industrious people." All along experi-
encing much kindness from the Indians, until, "vpon a small occasion,"
a quarrel arose, and a fight was unavoidable. A smart skirmish ensued,
in which were engaged "fortie or fiftie" on the part of the Indians, and
notwithstanding "some were hurt and some were slaine, yet within an
houre after they became friends."!
The place where this fight happened was probably about Nauset,
though Smith mentions no place except Chawum between Accomack
and Cape Cod ; which cape, he very aptly observes, is "in the forme of
a sickle," on which " doth inhabit the people of Pawmet."
It is evident, on a comparison of Smith's accounts, that he did not
proceed up the bay as far as the peninsula of Shawmut, and possibly he
stretched across from about Cape Ann to Cohasset, and may not have
landed higher up the bay than that place. Had he done so he would
hardly have failed to obtain the names of such places as he visited. J
That he had no accurate knowledge of the bottom of this bay, is not
only evident from his map, but from his own faithful account in 1631,
in which he says he mistook " the fairest reach in this bay for a river,
whereupon I called it Charles River,§ after the name of our royall King
Charles ; but they [later observers] find that faire channell to divide
itselfe into so many faire branches as make forty or fifty pleasant islands
within that excellent Bay." ||
While Smith was on his voyage, or, as he expresses it, a little before
his return from his service on the coast of New England, "some of
Plimouth, and diners gentlemen of the West Countrey [Plymouth and
places adjacent] in search for a mine of gold about an He called Capa-
wuck, southwards from the Shoales of Cape lames" [Cape Cod] had set
*" Yet one of them [Indians] was slaine and since called Charles River. He undoubtedly
another shot through his thigh." — Smith's supposed what is now Boston harbor was the
Gen. Hist., ii. 194. mouth of a great river, such as appears on his
fin his " Generall Historic" Smith gives a map. Writing in 1629, he speaks of " the Bay
few additional facts. He says the Indians con- of Massachusetts, otherwise called Charles Riv-
tinued the fight " till they had spent all their er." And it is evident that Capt. Squeb sup-
arrowes.and then we tooke six or seuen of their posed he was in Charles River when he turned
canowes, which towards the euening they ran- our fathers ashore at Nantasket, as we shall
somed for beuer skinnes." — lb. see hereafter.
X It is true he speaks of " the lies of Matta- || Here again the Historian of Dorchester has
hunts on the west side of this Bay," but not as made Capt. Smith say in his work, Avhat Smith
having seen them ; nor is it unlikely that by does not say in his own. Compare Hist. Dor-
Mattahunts we arc to understand Mattapan ; a Chester, p. 3, with the extract in the text, and
neck of land like Sliawmut, easily mistaken for the charge of "a direct contradiction" in Smith,
an island, especially as he had his knowledge will at once disappear. That the quarrel be-
of them from the Indians. tween Smith's men and the Indians " hastened
^ From Smith's later "Relations," it is evi- his explorations," does not appear certain, for
dent he liad no information about the stream they were " friends again in an hour."
1614.] smith's trials — adventures at cape cod. 23
out an expedition to secure it. They had been assured of its existence
by Epanow, the Indian before mentioned, hoping thereby to regain his
Hberty, " being a man of so great a stature, he was shewed A^p and
downe London for money as a wonder;" who, continues Smith, "it
seemes of no lesse courage and authoritie, than of wit, strength, and
proportion ; for so well he had contriued his businesse, as many report-
ed, he intended to haue surprised the ship ; but seeing it could not be
effected to his liking, before them all he leaped ouer boord.* Many
shot they made at him, thinking they had slaine him, but so resolute
they were to recouer his body, the master of the ship was wounded, and
many of his company ; and thus they lost him ; and, not knowing more
what to do, returned againe to England with nothing, which so had dis-
couraged all the West Countrey men, they neither regarded much their
promises, and as little either me or the countrey, till they saw the Lon-
don ships gone and me in Plimouth according to my promise, as here-
after shall be related."
This was one of Sir Ferdinando Gorges' unfortunate enterprises. In-
stead of attributing the misfortune attending it, however, to the real
cause, he attributed it to the enmity of the Indians to the English,
growing out of Capt. Hunt's conduct already spoken of. But he strongly
intimates that Hunt did not steal his Indians near enough to Cape Cod
for it to cause the effect which Gorges imagines. He kidnapped them,
according to Smith himself, far down the eastern coast, and Capt. Hobson's
repulse and Epanow's adventure were at Martha's Vineyard. More-
over, the affair at the Vineyard must have happened very near the time
Hunt left the coast.f
1614. Capt. Smith's return to England was before the return of Capt.
August. Hobson, and hence Hobson's bad success was not then known.
Reporting "himself to his honourable friende Sir Ferdinando Gorge, and
some others," who, hearing from Smith himself the success which had
attended him in his voyage, they encouraged him to continue in the ser-
vice, and, as an inducement, offered him the government of New Eng-
land for life. Accordingly, he engaged to go again for that country,
and Sir Ferdinando and his associates agreed to get ready " four good
ships to his hand " for the voyage, by the next Christmas ; and Smith's
affairs calling liim to London, he proceeded thither, accompanied by
Michael Cooper, the master of the bark in which Smith had returned
from New England, and some others who had been in the same
service.
Meantime, the ship, which had been sent to Cape Cod, under Capt.
Harlow, with the crafty Epanow, returned to Plymouth, bringing the
news of the complete overthrow of the voyage, by the loss of the Indian
pilot, who had engaged to conduct his credulous followers to a gold
* In my Book of the Indians, this affair, in f Compare New England's Trials, 16, Gorges''
which Epanow acted so conspicuous a part, is America, and Smith's Gen. Hist. ii. 206
more fully treated of. See that work, Book ii.
ch. i. pp. 72^, ed. 1851.
24 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1615-1617.
mine. The news of this disaster very much damped the ardor for a new
undertaking, and several, who had been very forward to fit out the
necessary ships, thought their money of more consequence than their
honor, and so woukl not fulfil their engagements ; while Gorges' ideas of
integrity would not allow him thus to shuffle oif obligations. Yet the
affairs were much retarded by those desertions from the company.
Things lying in this state of inactivity with the Plymouth company,
the London, or South Virginia Company, always jealous of its rival at
Plymouth, stimulated as well by an emulation as by the accounts of the
country by those who had been with Capt. Smith, without loss of time
got ready four ships for New England, and offered the command of
them to Smith. Under other circumstances. Smith would willingly have
embarked with the London Company, but he was under obligation to
that of Plymouth, and would not act dishonorably in the matter ; but he
used his utmost endeavors to try to bring the two companies to act in
concert in the work, and to unite their interests for the common good
of colonizing New England; but that he says "was most impossible,"
and " might well have been a worke for Hercules." And, having spent
some time in trying to bring this about, and the day having arrived for
1615, him to be at Plymouth, "with two hundred pound in cash for ad-
Jan. venture, and six gentlemen well furnished," he left London for that
place. On arriving there, instead of the four ships that were promised,
he " found no such matter." He found, too, that the great forwardness
among many, when he left for London, to adventure in the enterprise
was " extinct and qualified." "Notwithstanding," to use Smith's own
forcible language, " at last, with a labyrinth of trouble," and the chief
burthen upon himself and a few of his particular friends, " Sir Ferdi-
nando George and Master Doctor Sutliflfe, Deane of Exeter," a ship of
200 tons and another of 50 were got ready, and Smith departed again
1615. for New England. But, he says, "ere I had sayled 120 leagues,
March, g]^^ brake all her masts ; pumping each watch five or 6000 strokes ;
onely her spret saile remayned to spoone before the wind, till we had
reaCcommodated a iury mast to returne for Plimouth, or founder in the
Seas." The smaller ship, commanded by Capt. Thomas Dormer, pur-
sued her voyage unharmed, and returned to England in about five
months, making a prosperous voyage.
As soon as he could refit. Smith put to sea again, but in a short time
was taken by pirates, who stripped him of everything, kept him above
three months, and from whom he escaped in the most surprising man-
ner ; "far beyond all men's reason, or his expectation."
1617 ^^ Smith had been a fatalist, he would hardly have undertaken, or
attempted to have undertaken, another voyage to New England, as
he did within two years from his disasters by storms and pirates. But
he was one of those whom no success could enervate, or misfortunes
discourage, and we find him in the spring of this year ready, with three
good ships at Plymouth, and men to begin a settlement in the country.
His ill-fortune, however, still pursued him, — he was windbound three
1617-1631.] smith's disappointments and reverses. 26
months, and the voyage was finally abandoned. In consequence of his
losses and disappointments about New England, it is said that the
Plymouth Company conferred upon him the title of Admiral of that
country, which office he was to hold for life.
It was thus by a combination of untoward events, which continued
for several years, that Captain John Smith was prevented from being
the founder of the first colony in New England, and probably the first
settler of the peninsula of Boston — for his skilful and practised eye could
not have overlooked the most favorable point, and the best harbor in
the country, that he had himself denominated the " Paradise of New
England."*
How Captain Smith employed his time, after the year 1617 to the
time of his death in 1631, there is nothing to show farther than is con-
tained in his General History ; from which it is certain he had the
great object of settling New England continually in view. The publi-
cation of his works gave him some employment. After he had published
his " Generall Historic," Sir Robert Cotton and others of his friends
learning that he " had likewise undergone diuers other as hard hazards in
the other parts of the world," requested him "to fix the whole course
of his passages in a booke," which he consented to do, because his
"fatal tragedies had been acted on the stage, and his relations had
been racked at the pleasure" of those who had exhibited no disposition
to do him justice, and, to " prevent future misprisons."
There is ample evidence that Capt. John Smith was a generous friend,
as well as a magnanimous foe. In writing of his own achievements, he
never forgets those of others who shared his fortunes. " To speak only
of myself," he says, "were intolerable ingratitude. I cannot make a
monument for myself, and leave them unburied in the fields, whose lives
begot me the title of a soldier ; for as they were companions with me
in my dangers, so shall they be partakers with me in this tomb." At
the same time he thus remembers his enemies, whose " envie hath taxed
me to haue writ too much and done too little ; but that such should
know how little I esteem them, I haue writ this."
Speaking in the third person, Smith himself says "he was born in
Willoughby in Lincolnshii'e,"| and from a reference already made to one
* The names of the men that were to have Thomas Watson ) Were to learn
begun the settlement of Massachusetts, in 1615, Walter Chisell > to be
are given by Captain Smith, as follows : — lohn Hall. ) Sailers.
lohn Smith, Admirall [or Governor]! f There can be no mistake in what Smith
Thomas Dermer himself says, so far as his own knowledge went,
Edward Stallings [Rocroft?] >Gent, but it is remarkable that Fuller, who wrote
Daniel Cage I dui-ing and after the civil wars, should say in
Francis Abbot J his Worthies, that " Captain Smith was born
lohn Gosling 1 in the county of Cheshire." This statement
Thomas Digbie of Fuller is the more remarkable, because he
Daniel Baker unqualifiedly says, "Master Arthur Smith, Capt.
Adam Smith Smith's kinsman, and my old school-master did
William Ingram ^-Soldiers. inform me so." But, although Fuller makes
Robert Miter
Dauid Cooper
lohn Patridge
and two boies
up quite a story about Smith, he does not ap-
pear to have been very well informed with
regard to him, and was unfavorably impressed
towards him, as is very evident from the sneer-
20 HISTORV OF HOSTON. [Ifj] 7-1631
of }ii.s maps, it appears that he wa.s bom in 1570 ; and from a monu-
iiif;rit U) his momory in St. Sopiilchor'H Church, London, crocted by " a
Cricnd," it also appears that ho " departed this Life, the 21st of June,
lO.'il." And, as the inscription upon his monument has never, to the
writer's kriowled^^e, been jjublished in the land for which he made so
many sacrifices, it Is here presented.*
" To til'; livinj^ Memory of IiIh (l<t<:<::inoA Friorid, Capt. John Srxiith, mrna time Govemour of
Virginia and Adiiiinil of Now Engliind, who departed this life the 2lHt of June, 1031.
AwordiarnuH, vinwre est vivere.
Iffin; licH one f^jnfjuerV], that hath conquer 'd Kings,
iSuhdu'd large territf^rieH, and done tJiingH
Which Uj the world inipoHHihle would Beera,
Hut that the truth iH held in more OHteem.
Sliall I report liiw formr;r service, done
In honour of liis Uod and ChriHt/indom ?
How that he did divide firom Pagans Three,
Their heiwJH and lives, types of his chivalry :
l''or which great s<;rvice in that climate done,
l>rav(; Sigismundus (King of ifungarion)
Did give him oh a Coat of Armes V) wear.
Those conquered hea/Jes, got hy his sword and spfjar.
Or shall I tell of his adventures since,
Done in Virginia, that large continent?
How that he suhdu'd Kings untfj his yoke,
And made tliose lieathen flee, as wind doth smoke-
And riiad<; their land, heing of so large a station,
A habitation for our christian nation;
VVIicre '<od is glorified, their wants supply'd,
Which fijr necessaries miglit Jiave dy'd.
IJut what avails his conquest now lie lies-
Interr'd in earth, a prey Ui wormes and fiyes?
O may his soul in sweet I^^Iysium sleepe,
IJntill the keeper, that all souls dotli Keep,
iteturn to judgement; and thataft<;r thence.
With Angels he may have his recompenco."
New En/:(l!i,iid ;i.s well as Old owes the memory of Captain Smith a
debt whi(;h rcMnairis unpaid. Let Virginia look to this. Her sons wiU
by and by bo iiKpiircjd of for the monument which they have not
ere(;ted to his iriemory. So far as books go, we have several that aim
at doing hitn justice, f and paintings and prints are not wanting, but an
liDiTKU edition of his works ? — there is none !
irig mann(!r in whi(;li he speaks of " his ranting * Maitland's /list. L(md.,i>.UHO. 2 v. fol. 1700.
I'lfiitafih," as he calls it, and which he did not fThe neat and classic memoir of Captain
think worth his while to copy. 'I'hat Fuller Smith, hy Mr. G. S. IbuMUi, is creditahlo to
knew little ahout Smith, is (ividrsnt from anotli- its gifted author, ft forms half of the second
er fact, namely, his supposing him to have died volume of Mr. Spark's American Biography;
in old age ; wlujreas lie was hut 52 when he hut loses its importance hy sleciping in the
died. _ This is only one instance among many, same licid with Wilson, the Ornithologist. —
wherein this curious author hends his facts to Mr. W. G. SriviMS has given the most elaborate
his conceits. Il<! wisluid t<i say, that " Smith life of Smith that has yet appeared, but he
had a prin<!e's mind imprisormd in a po(jr does not pretend to give us anything new. It
man's nurse," whi(!h obliged him to adiJ, as he would bo difficult, indeed, to find anything in
lanei(!(l, that "he led his old age in London." the same comjiass, sujierior to the memoir of
Now Smith's /,//>; inn/ V'/ynv/.v were common Smith, liy Dr. IJ(!lknap ; although it is to be re
when Fiilhir wrote, and he has no excuse fl>r gretted that the part in which we are most in
errors about his birthplace, or age when ho terestcd is so slightly touched upon by his
died. able hand.
1617-1631.] NEW ENGLAND, 1607 to 1629. 27
Anionp^ the last labors of C;ipt. Sinitli, was probjibly that of supevin-
tondhif]^ the printing of his "Advertisements for the inexperienced
Planters of New l<jn<i,liuul, or any where."* It bears tlie date 1631 on
its titlc-pjige, iind this was the year "he finished his earthly career,"
as has just been stated.
About one y(!;i,r before tlie settlement of Boston by the company which
came with Winthrop, (y;ipt;iin Smith recapitulated the MlT'airs of New
Eng'land, as follows : " When T went tirst to the north part of Virginia,,
[in 1614] where tlie Westerly Colony [of 1607] had l)een planted, whicdi
had dissolved itself within a yeare, there was not one Christian in all
the land. The country was then reputed by the Westerlings [the Plym-
outh Company] a most rockie, barren, desolate desart ; l)ut the good
return 1 brought from thence, with the maps and relations I made of the
country, which I made so manifest, some of them did Ixdecve me, and
they were well embraced, both by the Londoners, and WestcM-lings, for
whom I had })romised to undertakii it, thinking to have joyned tluMn
all togetluu". Betwixt them tluun; long was much contention. The Lon-
doners indeed went bravely forward, but in three or four yeares, I and
my friends consumed many hundred pounds amongst the Plimothians,
who only fed me but willi dolayes, promises and excuses, but no })er-
formance of any thing to any purpose. In the interim, many j)articular
ships went tliither, and tinding my relations true, and that I had not
takcMi that 1 brought home from i]u) l^'rench men, as had beene r(»[)()rt(Ml ;
yet furUier for my i)a,ines to discredit me, and my calling it New l<]ng-
la,nd, thoy obscured it and sha,dow(Ml it with th(^ i'ltU) of Cannada, till,
at my hinnble suit, King Charles confirmed it, with my map and booke,
by the title of New England. The gaine tluuuu! nilurning did make
tlu; fame thereof so increase, that thirty, forty, or tiftie saile, went
yiNirely only to trade and (ish ; but nothing would Ixu; doiu; for a, ])hui-
tatioii, till about some hundred of your IJrowncsts of l<]ngland, Amster-
dam, and Leyden, went to New Plimoulli, whose humorous ignorances,
caused them for more thaii a, yeare, to endure a wonthnful deale of mis-
ery, with an inlinite ])a,ti(MU!e ; but those in time doing well, divers
otlKU'S have in small ha.ndfulls undertaken to goo there, to be scwerall
Lords and Kings of themselves, but most vanislied to nothing ; notwith-
standing, the lishing ships made such good nitunu^s, at last it was
ingrossed by twenty Pattenti(^s, that divided my map into twenty parts,
and cast lol^s for their shares ; but inoiuiy not conmiing in as tluiy ex-
pected, procured a, proclamation none should goe thiUier without their
lic(!nc(!S to (ish ; but for every Uiirty tunnes of shi|)[)ing, (,o pay them
five pounds. Besides, upon great penaltic^s, neit,luM- (,o trade wi(h Uie
naiives, cut downe wood for tJu^ir s(,ages, without giving satisfaction,
though all the c(>untry is nothing but wood, and none to make vse of it
* 'I'li'iH, ii Iriicl, of Hdiiid fiCt.y i)a}!;('H, coiitiiiiis lt(i vory justly ontitlod tho " Book of Good
limtory, iiaLiiriil iih woll iiH (;ivil, mid a varii^ty CNmnsol, as woU to uiidortakcrs as actual sot-
ol' tilings, told ill an uj5r«i)al)lo way. it wiadd tiers
28 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1617-1631
with many such other pretences, for to make this country plant itself, by
its owne wealth. Hereupon most men grew so discontented, that few
or none would goe ; so that the Pattenties, who never one of them had
beene there, seeing those proiects would not prevaile, have since not
hindered any to goe that would ; so that, withm these few last yeares,
more have gone hither than ever."
Thus, how affairs stood, and what influences operated, alternately, to
retard and forward settlements in New England, is quaintly, yet graph-
ically set forth, by one who lived in and among those affairs and influ-
ences ; one who not only knew them better than any other, but also
was, unquestionably, better than any other qualified to describe them.
And, to do him full justice, his own summary recapitulation of his vari-
ous fortunes shall here follow, which would suffer in any hands but his.
Although delivered in the third person it is nevertheless his : —
"Now to conclude," he writes, "the travels and adventures of Cap-
tain Smith, how first he planted Virginia, and was set ashore with about
an hundred men in the wild woods ; how he was taken prisoner by the
Savages, and by the King of Pamaunke tied to a tree to be shot to
death ; led up and down their country to be shown for a wonder ;
fatted as he thought for a sacrifice to their idoU, before whom they con-
jured him three dayes, with strange dances and invocations, then brought
him before their Emperor Powhatan, that commanded him to be slaine ;
how his daughter Pocahontas saved his life, returned him to lames
towne ; releeved him and his famished company, which was but eight
and thirty to possess those large dominions ; how he discovered all the
severall nations, upon the rivers falling into the Bay of Chisapeacke ;
stung neere to death with a most poysoned taile of a fish called Sting-
ray ; how Powhatann out of his Country tooke the Kings of Pamaunke
and Paspahegh prisoners, forced thirty nine of those kings to pay him
contribution ; subjected all the Savages : how he was blowne up with
gunpowder, and returned for England to be cured.
"Also how he brought our new England to the subjection of the
Kingdom of great Britaine ; his fights with the Pirats, left alone amongst
a many French men of Warre, and his ship ran from him ; his sea fights
for the French against the Spaniards ; their bad vsage of him ; how in
France in a little boat he escaped them ; was adrift all such a stormy
night at sea by himselfe, when thirteene French Ships were split, or
driven on shore by the He of Ree ; the generall and most of his men
drowned, when God brought him safe on shore to all their admirations
that escaped." *
In another place he says, " I have spent five years, and more than
five hundred pounds, in the service of Virginia and New England, and
in neither of them have I one foot of land, nor the very house I built,
nor the ground I digged with my own hands ; but I see those coun-
tries shared before me by those who know them only by my descrip-
tions."
• Gen. Hist. Virginia, ii. 278-9
1615.J PROMOTERS OP THE SETTLEMENT OF NEW ENGLAND. 29
Such are some of the last words of an honest man, one who shrunk
from no responsibilities, and never knew fear ; and, that friends and
foes should never differ about what he said and did, he closes by saying
*' lohn Smith writ this with his own hand."
CHAPTER IV.
Promoters of New England Settlements. — People early in the Country. — Voyages of Whitbourn. — .
Hawkins. — French Ship surprised by the Indians. — Indians' Idea of an Almighty Power. — De-
stroyed by Disease. — Does not affect the English. — Sir F. Gorges. — Sir John Popham. — Origin of
the two Virginia Companies. — Discoveries Continued. — Baffin. — Death of Capt. Dermer. — Capt.
Rocroft. — Charter of 1620. — A Settler in Massachusetts Bay. — Settlement of Plymouth.
The distinguished men by whose exertions New England had become
known, and by whom the minds of the people of England had been pre-
pared for the great work of colonization, had chiefly gone, one by one,
to the tomb, before any great settlements had been effected in the coun-
try. Gilbert had perished in the commencement of his career ; Frobisher
was sacrificed to the blindness of those who controlled his services ;
Drake had fallen a victim to disease, while in the service of his Queen ;
envy and misfortune had paralyzed the exertions of Raleigh, who finally
perished upon the scaffold. Smith alone saw the sailing of a frail bark
or two, with a feeble colony, for New England ; he did, indeed, live to
witness a second governor sent to the country of which he had held the
ofl&ce of Admiral. But death closed his eyes before he had very san-
guine hopes that these efforts would found a permanent state.
It is true that there were a few fishermen scattered along the coast,
who had made lodgments in several places upon islands and on the main
land, even from the time of Smith's last voyage ; but who they were,
and where they were located, remain in as much uncertainty as the
times of their arrival.*
Voyages had become so frequent to the northern parts of Amer-
ica, that it was no uncommon thing for people to remain in the
country, while the ships which brought them returned home and came
again to the same coasts.
Captain Richard Whitbourn, who made a voyage to Newfoundland
this year, says there were then on that coast two hundred and fifty sail
of English ships fishing, " greate and smale." He had a commission
equal to that of governor, held courts and corrected abuses. In a short
time he heard complaints from one hundred and seventy captains or mas-
ters of vessels, of injuries committed on their trade ; nor is this to be
wondered at, when the fact is considered that there were congregated
* "The time when these things happened ia controverted more than the things themselves. " —
Mather's Relation 3
30 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1616.
in those seas " many thousands of English, French, Portuguese, and
others."
Sir Richard Hawkins, not long returned out of a Spanish captivity,
son of the famous Sir John Hawkins,* was the same year on the coast
of New England. He was president of the Plymouth Company, and
came over, on its behalf, to search into the nature of the commodities
of the country, but finding a war raging among the Indians along the
coast, he judged it unsafe to proceed in his intentions. Sailing hence
to Virginia, he returned to England, without accomplishing anything of
moment. At least, there appears no record of anything.
In the autumn or fall of this year, a French ship was cast away
somewhere about Cape Cod,t but the crew succeeded in getting safely
to land. They were soon discovered and made prisoners by the Indians,
who treated them in their barbarous manner, and eventually killed them
all but three or four. These they sent as curiosities about the country,
from one sachem to another. Three years after, when Captain Dermer
was at Cape Cod, he found two of them alive, whom he redeemed out
of their hands. As an illustration of the ignorance and simplicity of the
Indians, it may be interesting to observe here their ideas of an Almighty
power. When the English inquired of them why they killed the
Frenchmen, they justified the murders on some frivolous grounds ; and
when they were told that the great God was angry with them for their
crimes, and would destroy them, they looked significantly on one an-
other, and inquired, sneeringly, of the English, if they thought they
were such fools as to believe that God could kill all the Indians ?
It was very remarkable in this case, and the superstitions of the In-
dians might well lead them to the belief that the white people truly
held their fate in their hands : for, immediately after they had so
cruelly treated the poor French mariners, a deadly sickness broke out
among them, which, as old authors say, caused them " to die in heaps
* I have no authority expressly to this point, pentance." This so disturbed Sir Richard that
Southey, the biographer of Sir Richard, makes he would not undertake the voyage in her.
no mention that he ever made a voyage to New Among a great many examples of ships with
England, nor does the editor of his " Observa- unfortunate names, he mentions the " Thun-
tions," republished by the Hakluyt Society, derbold of London, who in one voyage had her
make any mention of it, or that he was a mem- mast cleft with a thunderbolt."
ber of the first parliament of James I. He was f Captain Dermer's letter in Purchas. Der-
a most expert seauian ; had served under Drake, mer says the ship was cast away to the " North
and was in " the iourney against the Spanish East of Cape Cod," which is not a very definite
Amada." His "Observations," a copy of the locality. Morton, of Ma-re-Mount, learned
original edition of which is before me, shows some important facts from the Indians relative
him to have been a man of learning, and pos- to the French ship, which, he says, was riding
sessing an excellent judgment and great expe- at anchor, by an island, afterwards called Ped-
rience in sea affairs ; yet he was superstitious, dock's Island, that the Indians set upon the
as probably were nearly all seamen of that age. men at disadvantage, killed many of them, and
lie believed there was much of good or evil to burnt the ship. The captives they distributed
happen to a ship, as slie had a fortunate or an among five sachems of different territories,
unfortunate name. When he had caused an This, so far as it goes, agrees with what Dr. I.
elegant ship " to be builded in the river Mather relates of the same tragedy. His in-
Thames," for his famous South Sea expedition, formant gave him the name of the French-
he requested his mother-in-law to give it a man living in his time, which was Monsieur
name, " who, knowing what voyage was pre- Finch
■■"nded to be \Tidertaken. named her the Re-
1606.] PESTILENCE AMOxNG THE INDIAN!^;. GORGES. 31
all up and down the country, insomuch that the living were in no wise
ible to bury the dead." What kind of malady this was that swept them
off in so fearful a manner was never known. Some have conjectured it
was the plague, and others that it was the small-pox ;* but whatever it
was, its ravages were very extensive, even several hundred miles along
the coast ; probably from the Penobscot to Narraganset Bay ; but nei-
ther the Penobscots nor Narragansets were affected by it.
The disease that carried off the Indians with such fatality seems not
to have affected the English at all ; for Sir Ferdinando Gorges says
his agent, " Mr. Richard Vines, and the rest with him," were with the
Indians in the time they were " dying mightily," and though they lived
and slept in the same cabins v^ith the Indians, yet " not one of them
ever felt their heads to ache."
To Sir Ferdinando Gorges, who persevered so long and so unsuccess-
fully to colonize New England, something more than has yet been said
in these pages is justly due. He was an intimate friend of Raleigh,
and appears to be first noticed by the English historian in connection
with the unfortunate Earl of Essex, with whose conspiracy against
Queen Elizabeth he had knowledge, which he communicated to Raleigh.
In the latter wars with Spain he served with reputation in the navy, and
when James I. came to the throne, and peace was settled. Gorges was
appointed governor of Plymouth, in Devonshire. He was of an ancient
fjxmily, the ancestor of which, as appears by the roll of Battle Abbey,
and other ancient records, came over with William the Conqueror.
Gorges' interest in New England grew out of the mere accident as
he relates, of some Indians happening to be brought into Plymouth,
whom he took into his keeping. Having at much pains learnt from
them something of the nature of their country, his imagination was soon
brilliant with golden harvests to be reaped in the western continent, and,
naturally endowed with a sanguine temperament, he pursued his favorite
project with a constancy that deserved a better issue than that which
happened to him.
The high moral standing of Sir Ferdinando Gorges is apparent from
the fact of his interesting with him, in his plan of discovery, the Lord
Chief Justice of the King's Bench, Sir John Popham ; f by whose ac-
quaintance with many noblemen and gentlemen, an interest at Court
secured a patent for making settlements in America.
1606. The patent to Sir Humphrey Gilbert became void soon after
Apru 10. iiis death, J and that to Raleigh, by his attainder, had reverted to
* Major Gookin says, in his valuable Histori- were to be numbered about 900,000 persons."
cal Collections, thsit "some old Indians, who — Proceedings in the House of Cornmons, 1621, i.
were then youths, told him, that the bodies of 317. — Chief Justice Popham died on the 10th
the sick were all over exceeding yillow before of June, 1607, at the age of 76 years. — Har-
they died, which they described by pointing to ris in Huhbard^s New England, 682.
a yellow garment." JThe terms of his patent were, to secure his
t In the 30th of Ehzabeth (1588) Judge Pop- discoveries to himself forever, provided he made
ham did, " by the Queen's command, inquire settlements in the countries discovered, within
how many men, women and children there six years from the date of its execution,
were in London, and then found that there
32 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1616.
the crown, after the melancholy death of the former ; therefore, there
remained no obstacle in the way for whatever grants of territory the king
thought proper to make in North America. The first step was to divide
the whole country into two parts, because, " being found, upon experi-
ence and tryall," too large for one government. This division being
made, the respective territories were named North and South Virginia.
The latter of these districts was entrusted to the care of certain noblemen
and gentlemen, who styled themselves the London Company, because the
principal part of them resided in and about London ; the other was
under the direction of gentlemen of Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth.
These were called the Plymouth Company, because they held their meet-
ings at Plymouth. Of this company, Gorges and Popham were proba-
bly the most enterprising members. The proceedings immediately suc-
ceeding the procurement of these charters, so far as deemed necessary
to a full understanding of their bearing upon this history, have been
detailed in the preceding chapter.
Notwithstanding the disasters which attended the Sagadehock col-
ony, Gorges continued his efforts to further his great object of coloniz-
ing New England almost alone ; and although ships in considerable
numbers were sent by the London and Plymouth Companies every sea-
son, fishing and trade with the Indians seem to have been the only
thing aimed at in their voyages.
Voyages of discovery, too, were kept up in the North American
■ seas. Sir Thomas Smith, an eminent writer on government, and
then Governor of the Virginia Company, with other gentlemen in Eng-
land, sent out a ship for the fifth time, named the Discovery, to search
for a passage to China by the north-west. William Baffin went as pilot,
and the captain's name was Robert Bylot. The Discovery sailed from
Gravesend on the twenty-sixth of March. In this voyage Horn Sound,
Cape Dudley Digges, Wolstonholme's Sound, Sir Thomas Smith's
Sound, Whale Sound, Hakluyt's Island, Gary's Islands, Alderman Jones
Sound, and James Lancaster's Sound, were discovered and named.
Thus far Captain Bylot seems to have had no ambition to leave his own
name on any of the frozen sounds or gulfs in the north. But when the
discoverers entered a great sea or bay in 78^, it was named for the pilot,
Baffin's Bay, Avho was, very likely, the most important man in the voy-
age. He is said to have been a great mathematician, and the first of nav-
igators who made use of lunar observations for finding longitudes at sea.
He was afterwards an engineer in the war against the Portuguese, and
was slain at the siege of Ormuz, " as he was trying his mathematicall
projects and conclusions," before the year 1629.*
1C.19 Captain Thomas Dormer, one of the noblest of the seamen of these
■ times,! of whom but slight notice has been taken, was engaged to
* llutton, who professes to notice mathema- who were thought the wisest of their craft, de-
ticians in his Mathematical and Philosophical cided that no such bay as that laid d(jwn by
Dictionary, hasnot the name of Baffin. Per- BaflSn existed ! It is somewhere stated that
liajis the omission may be accounted for from Baffin was killed in 1622.
tiic fact that the geographers of Hutton's time, f Ledyard's Naval History, ii. 457.
.1619.] DERMER. ROCROFT EPENOW's CONSPIRACY. 33
cany out Sir Ferdinando Gorges' views in his endeavors to colonize
New England ; but his death prevented all hopes Gorges may have en-
tertained from his tried services and abiUties. He was killed by the
Indians in the midst of his enterprises in this manner : Being at New-
foundland, Gorges prevailed upon the Company to send Captain Ed-
ward Rocroft* to New England, with orders to remain there until Cap-
tain Dermer should join him. On his arrival Rocroft fell in with a
French ship, which he took as a lawful prize, and sailed with it to South
Virginia. Here, in some private quarrel, Rocroft was killed and his
bark sunk.f Meantime, Captain Dermer returned to England, and
having conferred with Gorges and the Company, sailed for New Eng-
land in a ship which Gorges owned, expecting to meet Rocroft there ;
but, disappointed in this, he ranged the coast and examined it minutely ;
and, transmitting the result of his observations to Gorges, sailed for
South Virginia. J Here learning the fate of Rocroft, and, disappointed
of supplies, he returned again to the coast of New England. At the
island Capawock he met with that subtle Indian, Epenow, who escaped
so adroitly from Captain Hobson five years before. Suspecting some
sinister design upon himself, knowing that Captain Dermer was in the
employ of his old master, Epenow conspired with the other Indians to
kill him and those with him, or to make prisoners of them. ^Vatching
his opportunity, therefore, when they came on shore to trade, not ex-
pecting mischief, he laid violent hands upon Captain Dermet and his
accomplices at the same moment fell furiously upon his men ; and thus
was a very desperate fight begun. The English fought only to escape,
while the Indians fought for victory as well as for revenge of former in-
juries. But Captain Dermer, "being a braue, stout gentleman," de-
* This person went under the name of Stall- they were worthy of it. Therefore he resolued
ings at some period, and some of the old writ- to leave them in the wilderness, not knowing
ers say Rocroft alias StalUngs. Prince is copious but they might haply discover something which
in regard to him nnd his misfortunes. His name might be advantageous. Accordingly he fur-
is written Ricroft, Rocraft, &c. nished them with ammunition and some vict-
f Rocroft was expected to winter on the uals for their present subsistence, and turned
coast, but his men mutinied, and some of them them ashore to Sacodehock, himself with the
left him and went to Monhiggon, where they rest of his company departing to Virginia,
spent the winter. Monhiggon then or soon These English mutineers got over to the island
after belonged to Mr. Abraham Jennings, of Monhegin, three leagues from the main, where
Plymouth, in Devonshire. These men were af- they kept themselves safe from the fury of exas-
terwards taken off by Capt. Dermer. Sawgua- perated Indians, until the next spring. One
tock, the place where Rocroft captured the only having died of sickness."
Frenchman, is said by Willis to be Saco. See Jin his way thither he sailed through the
Prince, 145-6, 151; I.. Mather, Rel. 3-4; whole length of Long Island Sound, discovering
Willis, Portland, 9 . — Report on Lincoln Diffi- the island to be such ; the Indian name of which
cullies, 40. is rather uncertain ; while it may be said to be
The facts collected by Dr. I. Mather concern- quite certain that it had many names ; as Ma-
ing Rocroft are thought worthy a place in this touake — the residence of the Manito ; Sawan-
note. He says Rocroffs mgn " conspired against hake — wampum island, or the place or resi-
him, intending his death, who having secret in- dence of the wampum-makers, &c. These ap-
telligence of this plot against his life, held his pellations were probably conferred by other
peace untill the day was come wherein the in- than resident Indians. JNIontaukett and Mon-
tended mischief was to be put in execution, tauk are probably variations of the original
then unexpectedly apprehending the conspira- name of the east end of the island, whatevei
tors ; he was loth to put any to death, though the primary name may have been.
5
34 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1619
fended himself with his sword, and finally escaped though not without
fourteen Avounds. All his men who accompanied him on shore were
killed, excepting him who kept the boat, and this man, in the last ex-
tremity, saved the life of his captain, who, as he regained his boat, was
about to receive a ftital blow, w^hich was warded off in a moment of the
utmost peril.
No mention is made of the number of men killed in the onslaught
upon Captain Dermer, but it put an end to his labors in New England ;
for, going to Virginia as soon as he was able, to have his wounds cured,
he died there not long after his arrival. He was a very worthy man,
whose loss so discouraged Gorges, "that it made him," he says, "al-
most resolue neuer to intermeddle again in any of these courses." But
soon after this a prospect began to open from a quarter where it was
least expected. When Virginia was divided into two colonies, there
was this singular proviso, that neither company should settle within one
hundred miles of the other.
By the regulations of the South Virginia Company, none were allowed
to trade or plant within their limits not authorized by them, while the
North Virginia Company had no such restrictions. JNIore effectually to
place themselves on equal footing with their rival neighbors, some of
the principal members of the North Virginia Company, among whom
Gorges was the most active, solicited of the king a new Charter,
which after some delay they obtained ; and this is the famous charter of
the third of November, 1620, which became the foundation of all the
grants which were subsequently made of territory in New England. Its
extent was from the 40th to the 48th degree of northern latitude, and
between these parallels from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.*
* The charter recites, that," henceforth, there Edward Lord Zouoli, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports,
shall be forever hereafter, in our towne of Plym- Edmond Lord Sheffield,
outh, in the county of Devon, one body pol- ^.^^^^F^ ^f ^ Gorges •
itique and corporate, which shall have. pL^et- |^, gSMre^; ^^^"^'^ ^"' ^'''-
uall succession, which shall be called and
Sir Edward Zouch, Knight Marshall,
knovrae by the name the Councill established Sir Dudley Dig^ ,
at Plymouth, which shall have perpetuall sue- Sir Thomas Roe°*
cession, which shall consist of the number of Sir Ferdinando Gorges,
fortie persons and no more, and shall be called |!'' ^rancis Popham,*
and knowne by the name, the Councill estab- S!' i?^'^ Brook,*
lished at Plymouth, in the county of Devon, for 1^^ ScTard nSins,
the planting, ruhng, ordermg, and governing Sir Richard Edgcombe,
of New England in America," &c. Sir Allen Apsley,
The names of the forty gentlemen composing Sir AVai-wick Hale,
the council, here follow, as they are printed in ^^"^ Richard Catchmay,
Hazard's Siate Papers : ^i^ J?^" Bourchier,
^ Sir Nathaniel Rich,
Lodowick, Duke of Lenox, Lord Steward of the King's Sir Edward Giles,*
household. Sir Giles Monipesson,*
George, Lord Marquess Buckingham, High Admiral Sir Thomas Wroth, Knights,
of England. Matthew Suttcliffe, Dean of Exeter,
James Marquess Hamilton, Robert Heath, Esq., Recorder of London,*
William, Earl of Pembrocke, Lord Chamberlaine of the Henry Bourchier, Esq.,
King's household. John Drake, Esq.,*
Thomas, Earl of Arundel, Rawleigh Gilbert, Esq.,
William, Earl of Bath, George Chudley, Esq.,
Henry, Earl of Southampton, Thomas Hamon, Esq.,
William, Earl of Salisbury, John Argall, Esq.
Robert, Earl of AVarwick, mi . i • i ,•-,■,■,
Irhn Viscount Haddington, -'"T^'^ °^™^^ *'^ ^^""^^^ ^ ^^'"^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^'^
members of James I.'s third Parliament, of
m
1619.] DAVID THOMPSON. SETTLEMENT OF PLYMOUTH. 35
While these apparently more important public affairs were in prog-
■ ress, an individual, David Thompson by name, explores the islands
in Boston harbor with a view of making some one of them his permanent
residence. Having fixed upon one — that which to this day bears his
name — he with the Indian Sachem of Agawam, as a witness, takes for-
mal possession of it. The name of the Indian chief is believed to be
Mascononomo, who says this island was made choice of by Mr. Thomp-
son, " because of the smale river, and then no Indians vpon it, or any
wigwam or planting, nor hath been by any Endeans inhabited or clajmed
since, but two years agoe, Harmlen, an old Indian of Dorchester."*
Thompson did not reside regularly on the island. It is not unlikely that,
soon after he took possession of it, he returned to England, and may
have influenced the emigration of others. He was afterwards interested
in the settlement at Pascataqua, and may have been there to select a
location for others before this time. He had a grant of the island. f
Meantime, the small number of English families which had fled into
Holland to avoid persecution under- the laws enacted against dissenters,
having resolved upon a removal to America, obtained leave of the South
Virginia Company to settle within its territory. Accordingly they sailed
for South Virginia, and probably intended to fix upon some point not
flxr from the mouth of Hudson's river ; but the Dutch, knowing or sup-
posing this to be their destination, bribed their pilot ; and the force of
circumstances prevented their compelling him to perform his promise of
carrying them to Hudson's river, and thus the first permanent settle-
ment in New England was made within the bay of Cape Cod, on the
Eleventh of December, 1620, 0. S., eight days after James I. had signed
the new patent of New England, of which notice has been taken, but of
which they knew nothing.
Thus the Pilgrims — as these emigrants were afterwards with much
propriety called — found themselves within the North instead of the
South Virginia patent ; and thus to an iniquitous and highly criminal act
New England became indebted for its first permanent colony. And hence
it may with truth be said, that sometimes from accident and sometimes
from iniquitous designs the most important and beneficial consequences
flow.
Notwithstanding their hardships and sufferings, these pious Pilgrims
found themselves intruders upon territory to which they had no claim ;
but fortunately for them it was very agreeable to the Plymouth Com-
pany to learn that there was at length, though very unexpectedly, a set-
1G20-1 , or, there were persons in that Parlia- justices of the peace, whose wife, alliances [con-
mentof the same names. The thirteen noblemen nections], or children are papists." — Proceed-
first on the list were probably members of the ings and Debates in House of Commons, i. 314.
upper house ; but I have not a list of that house * Depositions of Miles Standish, Wm. Tre-
at hand. In the same Parliament there was a voyre and Mascononomo, in 1650 ; copied from
good deal of puritan spirit. Papists were ar- the originals, and communicated to me by Wm.
raigned and their conduct scrutinized with an Gibbs, Esq., of Lexington, in 1836. The same
earnestness that a remembrance of the flames has been since printed by Mr. Thornton in his
of Smithfield was calculated to excite in the Examination of Mr. Young's Chronicles of Mas-
minds of those whose kindred had suffered. A sachusetts. See Bost. Dai. Cour.,26 Aug. to
member from Devonsliire moved that " none be 28 Sept., 1840. f Tbid.
36
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[162!
tleinent iDegim within their limits. Therefore, Sir Ferclinando Gorges,
ever the friend of JN^ew England, caused a patent to be issued for them
to Mr. John Pierce, their agent in England.
Fortunate it was for the Pilgrims, in another respect, there were no
Indians in the place where they settled, nor does it appear that any
ever laid claim to it afterwards. The occupants had all died of the pes-
tilence before mentioned.*
CHAPTER V.
Colony of Wcssaguscus. — Weston. — Thomas Morton. — Weston's Colony Dissolved. — Standish
attacks the Indians. — Pi-att's Narrative. — Settlement of Nantasket. — Of Pemaquid. — First Set-
tler in New England. — Settlements on the Pascataqua. — Robert Gorges. — Capt. West. — First
Governor of New England. — Parliamentary Action relative to Trade and Fishing in New
England.
1G22. There came into the harbor of Plymouth a ship called the Span^ow,
^^y- which had been on a fishing voyage at Damaris Cove at the east-
ward. It was sent thither by Mr. Weston, a merchant of London, and Mr.
Beau champ, and there were then about thirty other ships there upon the
same design. In the Sparrow came a letter for Governor Carver, from
Mr. Weston, dated the preceding January, in which he informs him that
* The following is an exact list of the inhab-
itants of Plymouth, or of such as arrived there
in the Mayflower, Dec. 1620 ; the Fortune, 9
November, 1021 ; the Ann, &c., July or August,
1623. All these are usually considered as the
Cracks ton, John yn
Adams, John /
Alden, John m
Allcrton, Isasic m
Allerton, John m
Annable, Anthony a
Bangs, Edward a
Bartlett, Robert a
Bassite, AVilliam /
Bealc, William /
Billington, John m
Bompasse, Edward f
Bradford, AVilliam m
Brewster, Fear a
Brewster, Jonathan /
Brewster, Patience a
Brewster, AVilliam m
Brigges, Clement /
Britterige, Richard m
Brown, Peter m
Bucket, Wary a
Burcher, Edward a
Cannon, John /
Carver, .John 7/1
Chilton, .Tames m
Clarke, Richard m
Clarke, Thomas a
Conant, Christopher a
Coner, AA'illiam /
Cook, Francis m
Pilgrims. For its preparation I am indebted to
the excellent little volume, " Guide to Plym-
outh, by W. S. Russell, Esq., 1846. The small
letters at the end of each name refer to the
respective ships in which they came over.
Rand, James a
Cushman, Robert/
Cushman, Thomas /
Cuthbertson, Cuthbert a
Deane, Stephen /
De la Noye, Philip /
Dix, Anthony a
Dotey, Edward m
Eaton, Francis m
English, Thomas m
Faunce, John a
Flavell, Goodwife a
Flavell, Thomas /
Flavell, son of the above /
Fletcher, Moses m
Flood, Edmund a
Foord, AA'idow /
Fuller, Bridget a
Fuller, Edward m
Fuller, Samuel 7)1
Gardiner, Richard m
Goodman, John m
Hatherly, Timothy a
Heard, AVilliam a
Hiekes, Robert/
Hickes, Margaret a
Hiekes, — her children a
Hilton, AA^illiam's wife and
two children a
Hilton, AYUliam /
Hoi man, Edward a
Hopkins, Stephen m
Howland, John m
Jenny, John a
Kempton, Manasses a
Leister, Edward m
Long, Robert a
Margcson, Edmund m
Martin, Christopher m
Mitchell, Experience a
Morgan, Bennet /
Morton, George a
Morton, Thomas /
]Morton, Thomas, Jr. a
Mullins, AVilliam m
Newton, Ellen a
Nicolas, Austin /
Oldham, John a
Palmer, Frances a
Palmer, AVilliam /
Perce, Mr., his two ser
rants, a
Penn, Christian a
Pitt, William /
Pratt, Joshua a
Prence, Thomas /
Priest, Degory m
Rattliffe, Robert a
Ridgdale, John m
Rogers, Thomas m
Simonson, Moses /
Snow, Nicholas a
Soule, George m
Southworth, Alice a
Sprague, Francis a
Standish, Barbara a
Standish, Miles m
Static, Hugh /
Steward, James /
Tench, AVilliam /
Tilden, Thomas a
Tilly, Edward m
Tilly, John vi
Tinker, Thomas m
Tracy, Stephen a
Turner, John jn
AV alien, Ralph a
AA'arren, Richard 7/1
Williams, Thomas m
AA'hite, AVilliam m
AVinslow, Edward m.
Winslow, Gilbert in
AVinslow, John /
Wright AVilliam /
A few of these names have undergone Doten ; Simonson, Simmons; Southworth, South-
changes ; Bassite is now Bassett ; Bompasse, er ; and perhaps a few others. — See Guide to
Bumpas (originally Bon passe) ; Burcher, Plymouth, 128-31.
Burchard ; I)e la Noye, Delano ; Dotey, Doty,
1622.] SETTLEMENT OF WEYISIOUTH WESTON's COLONY. 37
he is about to begin a plantation near Plymouth, on his own account.
The Plymouth settlers are somewhat disturbed at this news, because
they had calculated upon his cooperation in their own undertaking. It
was afterwards insinuated that he had dealt unfairly in the matter, but
those insinuations are so vaguely made, that they do not authorize any
unfavorable decision against his honest intentions. He had adventured
large sums of money to aid the Pilgrims, and for furthering settlements
in New England, and he may have had reason for believing that the
community system adopted by the Plymouth settlers did not promise
any immediate returns ; and that therefore a plantation for profit was
necessary in his aff^iirs, and at the same time the two plantations might
be of mutual help to one another.
June or Accordingly, there arrived, about one month later, two other ships
July- of Mr. Weston's, the Charity and the Swan, with about sixty
men. These were to begin a plantation, for which Mr. Weston had a
patent. Many of them being sick on their arrival, the people of Plym-
outh took care of them until they could take care of themselves. In
the mean time a place was selected by those who were able, and had
the matter in charge, and a settlement was begun at a place called by
the Indians Wessaguscusset or Wessagusset,* and afterwards by the
white people, Weymouth. Of the affairs of this colony it is necessary
to be somewhat particular, as from its proximity to Boston its affairs
became much interwoven with it.
Very few of the names of the persons who made up Mr. Weston's
company have been discovered, which, perhaps, is not much to be regret-
ted, as the good and orderly men who speak of them are unanimous that
they were no people " for them," and that " they were not fit for an
honest man's company." Even Mr. Weston himself wrote to the gen-
tlemen of Plymouth, to prevent their being imposed upon by his colo-
nists, "many of whom," he said, "were rude and profane fellows."
At or about the same time came to Plymouth Mr. Thomas Morton,
" of Clifford's Inn, gentleman," as he styled himself, who, after he had
had "ten yeeres knowledge and experiment of the country," made a
book about it, "setting forth the originall of the natives, the natural
indowments of the countrie, and what people are planted there," which
he published in 1632. In this book he gives no very favorable account
of the Pilgrims and other settlers. Nor is this at all to be wondered at,
for they had represented him in the most unfavorable fight possible, for
several years before his book appeared ; and though they may not have
done him justice in every particular, he certainly has not erred in over
justice to them. There are few greater curiosities, among earlier or
later books, than this by Morton, and it discovers a good deal of talent
*Wessaguscus and Wessagusquasset are also healthful, very good ground, well timbered, and
names of the same place. Morton, who had hath good stoore of hay-ground; hath a spa-
the best means of knowing what the name was, cious harbour for shipping before the towne ;
writes it AVessaguscus, New Canaan. In the salt water being navigable for boates and
1633, Wood, speaking of the " severall planta- pinnaces two leagues ; here is likewise an ale-
tions in particular," says, " Wichaguscusset is wife river." — N. Eng. Prospect, 31, ed. 1635.
but a small village, yet it is very pleasant and
38 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1622.
as well as learning ; shrewdness of observation, as Avell as much graphic
description. He was as deeply in love with New England, as Captain
John Smith. " The bewty of the place," he says, " with all her faire
indowments," made him think that "it would not be paralel'd in all the
knowne world."
Morton arrived in the country in that season which, in New England,
is the most delightful part of the year. This will account for his rap-
tures in describing it. According to his own account, which is no doubt
correct, "he chaunced to arrive in New England in the moneth of lune.
Anno Salutis : 1622, with 30. servants, and provisions of all sorts fit for
a plantation : and whiles their howses were building, he did endeavour
to take a survey of the country:" and "the more he looked the more he
liked it." That he did not change his mind afterwards, is pretty clear,
from the title he gave his book, the " New English Canaan."
The description of the Indians, as given by Morton, is superior to
that of most authors before his time, and though he indulges his imagi-
nation sometimes, yet this part of his work is of exceeding great vahie
to inquirers about the primitive inhabitants of New England. The fol-
lowing is the concluding paragraph of his first book : — " The Indians
may be rather accompted to live richly, wanting nothing that is needful ;
and to be commended for leading a contented life ; the younger being
ruled by the elder, and the elder ruled by the Powahs, and the Powahs
are ruled by the Devill, and then you may imagine what good rule is
like to be amongst them." This is not offered as a specimen of his ob-
servations and conclusions. His belief in the general government of the
devil, was not singular ; his neighbors had the same belief, but while
they reported that there were lions in the country, Morton says distinct-
ly, that " there are none."*
Though Morton is, by some, supposed to have come over with Mr. Wes-
ton's men, it does not appear certain that he was interested with him in
his settlement ; nor does it appear that he remained at Wessaguscus till
the colony of Mr. Weston broke up. The probability is, he spent con-
siderable time in viewing the country, but left it before the end of
the colony. The larger of Mr. Weston's ships, the Charity, sailed for
England about the end of September, and Morton may have returned
in her.f
However this may be, there is something of truth, as well as fable, in
Morton's own account of the advent of Mr. Weston's colony at Plym-
outh ; nor is it at all difficult for the attentive reader of New England
history to draw the line between them : it is in these words : —
" Mai^ter Thomas Weston, a merchant of London, that had been at
some cost, to fiirther the brethren of new Plimmouth, in their designs
for these parts, shipped a company of servants, fitted with provisions of
* " It is contrary to the nature of the beast, f Furtlier details of many events, necessarily
to frequent places accustomed to snow ; being briefly noticed in this history, will be fully gone
like the catt, that will liazard the burning of into in the History of New England, which the
her tayle rather than abide from the fire." — author many years ago proposed to himself to
N Canaan, 5G. write.
1623.] Weston's colons. 39
all sorts, for the undertaking of a plantation to be settled there, with an
intent to follow after them in person. These servants at first arrived at
New Plimmouth where they were entertained with court holy bread by
the brethren. They were made very wellcome in shew at least. There
these servants goods were landed, with promises to be assisted in the
choice of a convenient place, and still the good cheare went forward,
and the strong liquors walked. In the meane time the brethren were in
consultation, what was best for their advantage, singing the songe,
Friistra sapit, qui sibi non sapit." After this significant quotation,
Morton insinuates that the Pilgrims were afraid that the new colony
would get away their trade for beaver, and become greater than they
were ; " besides Mr. Weston's people were no chosen Separatists, but
men made use of at all adventures,* fit for the furtherance of Master
Weston's undertakinges : and that was as much as he need care for.
Now when the Plimmouth men began to finde, that Master Weston's
men's store of provition grew short with feasting ; then they hasted
them to a place called Wessaguscus, in a weake case, and there left
them fasting."!
The plantation of Mr. Weston was under the care of the brother-
in-law of that gentleman, whose name was Richard Green. He
having died at Plymouth in the autumn of the preceding year, the col-
ony seems to have soon after gone to ruin. Neglecting their business,
the men came to want, robbed the Indians, who would probably have
exterminated them, but for the interference of the people of Plymouth.
Indeed, the Indians seem to have laid their plans to cut them off, but
the plot was revealed and prevented. One John Sanders succeeded
Mr. Green as overseer of the colony, which, by the end of February,
was reduced to a state of perfect wretchedness. One man, Phinehas
Pratt, who lived long afterwards to tell the story, fled from the place,
and not knowing "a foot of the way," reached Plymouth in safety,
" with a pack at his back," not knowing till some time after, that he
very narrowly escaped death in the journey. An Indian pursued him
for the purpose of killing him, but Pratt, from his ignorance of the
paths, missed the direct one, which occasioned his pursuer to miss him,
as the Indians confessed afterward.^
* Picked up at random. feet that he attempted, unfairly, to obtain a
f Morton's Neio Canaan, p. 71-2, ed. 1632. grant of land, and that "he was choaked at
The fact that the author, p. 57, speaks of Mr. Plimmouth," for shooting " a carelesse fellow-
William Wood's Neiu England^s Prospect, that was new come into the land;" ''but,"
shows that his own book has a title-page with a says Morton, " I cannot spie any mention made
false date in it, or that Wood printed his Pros- of it in the woodden prospect." By the iwo</-
pert before Morton did his New Canaan. The den p7-ospcc(,\Y ood''s New England's Prospect is
former appears the more probable, because unquestionably meant. In another place (Book
Wood did not leave the country till August I.,ch. v.) he says there is no need of the icoocl-
15th, 1633, and it is improbable that he had den prospect to prove that the Indians of New
his book published before he returned to Eng- England have no religion at all. See also
land, and his first edition is dated 1634. — Mor- p. 28 of Morton's Neio Canaan.
ton is often so enigmatical, that it is impossible % See Morton's Memorial, ed. Davis, 9 ; Ilub-
to guess out his meaning. His dark insinua- bard's N. Eng., ed. llavvis, 72-9; Belknap,
tion against " Ould Woodman," is to the ef- Amer. Biog., ii. 333-5.
40
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1623.
The Plymouth people immediately sent Standish to the relief of
Sanders and his men, who found them in great distress, not only from
fear of the Indians, but from famine also. He therefore assists them off
for Monhiggon in their small ship, and thus the colony comes to an end.
At Monhiggon they expected to meet with Mr. Weston or some of his
ships, from whom they hoped relief.
Standish did not proceed directly to Wessaguscus, but went to the
rendezvous of those Indians who had insulted and threatened, not only
Weston's people, but the people of Plymouth also, and against whom
the plot or conspiracy was charged of an intention of murdering all the
English. These he found insolent and abusive, which confirmed his
suspicions against them. He therefore fell upon them at great advan-
tage, killed three chiefs on the spot, hung another, and, Weston's men
taking courage thereby, killed two others at another place. In all, seven
w^ere killed.* This bloody business has ever since been referred to, as
of doubtful justification ; and even then it made the good Robinson ex-
claim, "0 that you had christianized some before you had killed any!"f
Phinehas Pratt left an account of this colony, wdiich he " called a
Declaration of the Affairs of the English people that first inhabited New
England." He probably had some interest in the patent with Mr. Wes-
ton, and did not leave the country with those that went to Monhiggon ;
for he says, " We bought the south part of the Bay [of Massachusetts]
of Aberdecest,J the Sachem of the Indians." It is not certain how or
* They were killed at thi-ee different places.
Tlic chiefs by Standish, probably at or near Ne-
ponset river, those by Weston's men, near Wes-
saguscus, and another at a place called Aga-
wani, perhaps in what is since Wareham. —
Pratt in Mathers Relation, 19-20.
I From Pratt's Relation to Dr. I. Mather, it ap-
pears that when the Indians had determined to
make an attack on Wessaguscus, " they built
divers of their wigwams at the end of a great
I V\ \i\C.\\ VM^
swamp, near to the English," tliat they might
effect their object easily ; that, at tlie same time,
a squaw informed the people that Aberkiest
would soon come and kill them all, and also all
those at Plymouth. He soon after actually ap-
peared ; but his olyect was to obtain satisfaction
for the corn the English had stolen from them ;
that he had a great many times demanded jus-
tice, but they had given him none whatever.
"Hereupon the English took the principal
thief," bound him and delivered him to the sa-
chem, and requested him to do with him as he
pleased, but he w^ould not receive him. " Nay,"
says he, "do justice upon him yourselves, and
let your neighbors do justice upon theirs." He
then left the place indignantly ; and in their
alcii'm the English took the thief and executed
him in presence of the Indians. Hence, that
an execution did take place among the English,
as has been reported by the historians (though
generally in doubting terms), there is no room
lor a question ; though there may be a question
as to whether the real offender was executed ;
for there is no proof that any of the Indians
liad the inspection of the preparations. They
could only witness from the outside of the pal-
isa<les, that some one was hanged. Very little,
prolxxbly, would have been thought or said of
ihit, affair, had not Butler, by his Hudibras,
gi\en it an importance that it could otherwise
ne\er have acquired.
X This was very likely the sachem who led the
Indians against Weston's plantation, though
Dr. I. Mather spells the name of that chief
Aberkiest. Of the three sachems killed by
Standish, Aberkiest was unquestionably one,
Peksuot and Wittuwamet were the others. — •
See Book of the Indians, 100-1.
1622-1623.] Weston's settlement. — phinehas pratt. 41
with whom Pratt came to New England ; for he says that he came
with ten others, but at the same time (1668) he says, " he was the re-
mainder of the forlorn hope of sixty men," who began the settlement
of Wessaguscus. By which he is supposed to mean that all his associ-
ates of 1622 were dead ; that, before they abandoned their settlement,
" ten of them had died of famine ;" to which he adds, " then said the
Indians ' Let us kill them whilst they are weak, or they will possess our
country and drive us away.' Three times we fought with them, thirty
miles I was pursued for my life, in times of frost and snow, as a deer
chased with wolves."*
When Mr. Hubbard wrote that part of his history which records Wes-
ton's settlement, he speaks of Pratt as then (1677) living, but says
nothing by which it may be inferred that he derived any of his facts
from him. He was then eighty-seven years old, and died three years
after, at the age of ninety, at Charlestown, where his tombstone is yet
to be seen. He died on the since memorable 19th of April. f
,^^ The same year that Weston's plantation was begun at Weymouth,
"*" one Thomas Gray settled at Nantasket, or Nantaskith. How many
followers he had, how or where he came from, nothing appears to be
known. He made a purchase of that place of Chikataubut, and there
were with him John Gray and Walter Knight. Lyford and Oldham
came here afterwards by permission of Thomas Gray. J
Before this time, even, there were Englishmen all along the New Eng-
land coast. One John Brown lived at New Harbor, not far from Pem-
aquid, in 1621. He had a son, John, living in Framingham, in 1721, at
the age of eighty-five, who, with his father, was driven from their
lands in the time of the Indian wars. John, the elder, died in Boston,
probably not long after Philip's war,§
Mr. Richard Vines came to New England in 1609, and again in 1616.
He aSirmed that he was in the country several years before any other in-
habitant could be found. He was a royalist, and an Episcopalian, and
after residing twenty-two years in Saco, he removed to Barbadoes.||
A permanent settlement is this year begun at the mouth of the
Pascataqua river, and, at the same time, another is established a lit-
* Original MS. fttfer. — If my supposition be Pratt, 3d, son of Aaron, 2d, has nine children
correct with reference to Pratt's alluding to his whose ages average 76.^ years. The average of
companions being all dead, he must have been the fathers' ages for five generations is nearly 83.
the '• Old Planter " who gave Dr. Increase Ephraim Pratt, of Plymouth, died in 1804, 3d.
Mather the circumstantial account of the cap- 116. The autograph of the emigrant ancestor
ture of the French ship and murder of the crew, in 1668, copied from an original —
as stated in the present chapter.
fSee Hist, and G. Reg'r, iv. 250; v. 224. ^00' P (1> lL
Phinehas Pratt is the ancestor of many of the jL Hl.'K4.-VV^5 X VW-ft" ^
Pratts of New England. lie married at Plym-
outh, in 1G30, a daughter of Cuthbert Cuth- { Original Deposition of Walter Knight, MS.
bertson. His son, Aaron, died at Cohasset, in ^ Report of Commissioners on Lincoln Co.
1735, JB. 81 ; Aaron Pratt, 2d, died in 1766, Difficulties, 40.
JB. 76 ; Thomas, son of Aaron Pratt, 2d, died || Williamson^ s Hist. Maine, i. 696. — See
in 1818, 39. 83. Benjamin Pratt, now living in also. Hazard's Hist. Colls., Hutchinson's Col.
Cohasset, ae. 84, has living six brothers and Papers,
sisters, whose ages average 76 years. Aaron
6
42 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1623.
tie above on the same river. These were the begmnings of the since
important towns of Portsmouth and Dover.*
The previous year, Captain Robert Gorges, son of Sir Ferdinando, ob-
tained of the Plymouth Company a patent of a tract of land about Cape
Ann, and this year came over with a commission, from the company, of
Governor of New England. He arrived at Plymouth in September,
with a number of families and passengers, intending to settle them at
Weymouth. This is said to be the first attempt to establish a general
government in the country. But Captain Francis West had acted before
this in a similar capacity, and had resigned because he probably came
to the conclusion that to govern a few straggling fishermen upon the
water was something like an attempt to govern the fish in it. Whether
Captain Gorges came to the same conclusion, or not, certain it is he did
not exercise his authority to any great extent, and returned to England
within a year from the time he left it. It may be said of him, what in
fact can be said of but few colonial governors, he left no enemies behind
him.
It will have been seen that Captain Smith was by appointment the
first Governor of New England, and how by misfortunes he was pre-
vented from being its first permanent settler. The appointment of a gov-
ernor afterwards was, however, from a different motive from that to pay
a debt of gratitude to Smith. Many of those who had been fishing and
trading on the coast from before Smith's first visit to it, had carried
home complaints and charges against one another ; — some for burning
the forests, some for obstructing harbors by discharging "ballast and
stones " from their vessels, some for wronging the Indians, and other
crimes among the natives not fitting to be mentioned ; — until, in 1621,
the matter was brought up in Parliament by Sir Edwin Sandys, from
whose observations and explanations it seems that body could not have
been very well informed in respect to the relation between Old and
New England. Among those who participated with Sir Edwin in his
remarks, were Sir George Calvert, Sir Dudley Diggs, Sir John Brooke
and Mr. John Guy.f Their remarks were so desultory, that one is
almost at a loss to understand what was aimed at by the speakers, from
the printed report of what has been termed the first debate in Parlia-
ment upon American affairs. However, no bill to promote or restrain
trade and fishing on the coast passed this Parliament, although it is
tolerably certain that the grantees intended and hoped to establish a
monopoly of both. Monopoly has always been the aim of companies or
corporations. That great and important ends have been accomplished
by such means, will not probably be denied ; nor will it be questioned,
perhaps, that corporations belong to that class of things usually denomi-
nated necessary evils.
* The names of the early settlers at Pascata- f Proceedings and Debates in the House of
qua are given in the Neiv Eng. Hist, and Gen. Commons, i, 318-89.
i?e^.,vol. ii.p. 39, from an ancient MS. in the
hands of the editor.
1621.1
EARLY EXPLORATIONS IN BOSTON BAY.
43
CHAPTER VI.
Early Explorations in Boston Bay by Plymouth IMen. — They first land in Dorchester — Then at
Charlestown. — Intercourse mth Indians about Med ford. — Discover Mystic River. — Return to
Plymouth. — Su- William Alexander. — His Grant of Territory in America. — John Mason. — His
Grant of Territory called Mariana. — Laconia. — Weymouth Colony. — Mr. John White. — Settle-
ment at Cape Aim. — Conant, Oldham, Lyford. — Capt. Wallaston settles at Braintree. — He soon
abandons it. — His Men continue. — Thomas Morton. — Difficulties with him. — He is captui-ed
and sent out of the Country.
1G21. The people settled at Plymouth, having heard from the
Sept. 18. Indians accounts of a place called " Massachusets,"* and
though the natives who inhabited thereabouts had " often threatened
them," they resolved " to goe amongst them ; partly to see the coun-
trey, partly to make peace with them, and partly to procure their
tmcke." Accordingly ten men, including Miles Standish, captain in
the expedition, and probably William Bradford, John Howland, Isaac
Allerton, Richard Gardiner, &c. Sq^uanto, or Tisquantum,f was their
guide. J
Sept. Owing to the tide,
1^- they did not sail from
Plymouth till " about mid-
night." They had not a
correct idea of the distance ;
" and, supposing it neerer
than it is, thought to be there the next morning betimes : but it proued
* A gentleman who has paid much attention
to the language of the New England Indians,
renders Massachusetts into English thus : —
Massa, many; Waschoo, mountain; auke,
place; hence, Many-mountain-place. Now in
the Massachusett language, ivac/chuut was surely
mountain. — See Eliot, Ind. Bible, Matt. xvii.
9, Mark iii. 13, &o. Hence the derivation
is very obvious. The Indians inhabiting about
Neponset river, and so around the bay to Mystic,
were very naturally called the people at, about,
or among the many mountains, by the Wampa-
noags and Narragansets, who had no mountains
in their country. When it was not necessary
to qualify the word mountain, it was simply
ivac/chuut ; therefore Wachusett, the mountain.
f It is a conjecture of long standing, that that
well known point in Dorchester received its
name from this chief. The rustic legend, that
it was so named because an Indian squaw threw
herself from the rocks thei-e, in " early times,"
is not deemed worthy consideration. For
the want of a better derivation, probably, some
one converted " Sguaw tumble^^ into Squantum.
If named for the Indian before mentioned, the
time when, and the circumstances which occa-
sioned it, are alike unknown. It is very possf
ble that the name Squantum, however, had
nothing to do with this Indian at all. In
Mass. Col. Records, 7 Nov. 1632, " one hun-
dred acres of land are granted to Mr. Roger
Ludlow, betwixt Musquantum Chapel, and the
mouth of Naponset." — See Mr. Lunt's Cent.
Ser. at Quincy, p. 65. Here for many years
was celebrated " Pilgrim Feast," to which peo-
ple from all parts of the state resorted, and
spent the day in social glee, in memory of the
Pilgrim Fathers, and their first landing at
Plymouth. It had been discontinued " many
years," when Mr. Whitney published his
" History of Quincy," which see, pp. 29, 30.
J " For these ends the Governours chose ten
men, fit for the purpose, and sent Tisquantwn,
and two other Salvages to bring vs to speech
with the people, and interpret for vs." — A
Relation of ovr Voyage to Massachvsets, and
%chat happened there; from the work usually
cited as Mourfs Relation; the only_ original
authority for this part of the early history of
Massachusetts.
^ The annexed autograph of Standish is from
an original document in my possession, dated
1631-2.
44 HISTOKY OF BOSTON. [1621
well neertwentie leagues from New Plymouth."* They had, however,
a fine run, for they arrived before daylight near the " Massachusets."
Early in the morning they went on land. Looking about, they
came upon a quantity of fresh lobsters. With these they retired
under a cliff,t and breakfasted. Having placed " two sentinels behind
the cliffe landward, to secure the shallop," and taking four men
besides a guide, Capt. Standish proceeded into the country to find
inhabitants. They had not gone far when they met a woman going for
the lobsters with which they had just made free use ; for which, how-
ever, they generously "contented her." By her they learned where
the Indians'were, and Squanto soon found them. The rest of the com-
pany returned to the place of landing, with directions to bring the
shallop to them.
They called the place where they now were, "the bottom of the
Massachusets Bay," and it probably was the chief settlement of the
Massachusetts Indians ; hereabouts, doubtless, were the " Massachusets
fields," of those days.| Here lived their Sachem, called Obbatinewat,
who received and treated them kindly. He might well have had a
double purpose in this, for he lived in daily fear of the Indians on the
eastern side of the bay, or Tarratines ; confessing that he dared not
continue long in any place, lest they should surprise him; also that the
squaw sachem of Massachusetts was his enemy.
The English proposed to Obbatinewat to come under the government
of England, to which he readily consented, and then volunteered to
conduct them to the squaw sachem, that they might see what success
they could have with her. To get to that part of the country where
* This is an estimate not much out of the or some one of the Blue Hills, was the site of
way, as they must have made a far more indi- Nanepashemet's royal residence, &c. Yet I
rect course than was usual afterwards. As a must confess, that, after a most patient and
general thing, distances are much overrated in careful examination of the subject, from every
the early accounts. This is always the case in point of view, I am unable to find any sufficient
new and wild countries. reason for supposing that Standish and his
t After this part of toy work was drawn up, companions landed on any part of Shawmut, at
my friend, W. T. Harris, Esq., of Cambridge, this time ; but have come to the conclusion that
put into my hands a manuscript upon many ' the bottom of the bay,' where they came to
passages of the early history of Massachusetts, anchor, was Quincy Bay, and the cliff beneath
and particularly upon this voyage of the Pil- which they first landed, no other than the ab-
grims. His conclusions agreeing perfectly with rupt pile of rocks known by the name of ' the
my o^vn, so fur as I had gone, and having been Chapel,' at the north-east extremity of the
evidently arrived at with just discrimination, I peninsula of Squantum."
take great pleasure in giving my readers the JJosselyn, in speaking of ^^ Mount- Wolles-
benefit of them, as they are more definite than ton,'' says it is called "■ Massachusets-^elds;''
I had determined upon, before reading them, that here " Chicatabut the greatest Sagamore
Mr. Harris says: — "Dr. Belknap {Amer. of the countrey lived before the plague: here
Biog., ii. 224) supposed this cliff to be Copp's the town of Braintree is seated." — Two Voy-
Hill, in the north part of Boston, opposite ages, 1.59-60. " Three miles to the north of
Charlestown, adopted by most subsequent writ- Wichaguscusset is mount Wolleston, a very
ers, has been finally sanctioned by no less an fertile soyle, and a place very convenient for
authority than the reverend editor of the Chron- farmers houses, there being great store of plaine
icles of Plymouth ; who also conjectures that ground, without trees. Neere this place is
the piurty, after leaving Boston, recrossed the Slassachusets fields, where the greatest saga-
harbor (or 'Bay,' as it is called), to Quincy, more in the countrey Hued before the plague,
and went ashore at Sciuantimi on the 21st ; and who caused it to be' cleared for himselfe." —
that a hill in this vicinity, perhaps Milton Hill, Wood, New England's Prospect, 31, ed. 1635.
1621.]
DISCOVERIES ABOUT BOSTON. NANEPASHEIMET.
45
she resided, they had to cross the bay,* "which," they say, is "very
large, and hath at least fifty islands in it," but the Indians did not pre-
tend to know the exact number. "Night it was," says the writer of
the voyage, "before wee came to that side of the bay where this peo-
ple were. On shore the salvages went, but found nobody." The
English slept on board their shallop that night, which " rid at anchor."
Sept. The next day, all but two of the men " marched in arms vp in
21- the countrey." When they had gone three miles, they came to a
place where corn had just been gathered, " a house pulled downe, and
the people gone. A mile from hence, Nanepashemet,t their king, in
his lifetime had lived. His house was not like others, but a scaffold
was largely built, with pools and plancks, some six foote from the
ground, and the house vpon that ; being situated on the top of a hill."|
Not far from this place, "in a bottom," they found a fort, built by
the deceased chief, which they thus describe :
"There were pools, some thirtie
or fortie foote long, stucke in the
ground, as thick as they could be set
one by another ; and with these they
inclosed a ring some forty or fifty
foote ouer ; a trench, breast high,
was digged on each side ; one way
there was to goe into it with a bridge.
In the midst of this pallizado stood
the frame of an house, wherein, being
dead, he lay buryed."
About a mile from this palisadoed
fortification, they found another of
similar structure. This is the place
where the great sachem, Nanepashemet, was killed. None had lived
in it since the time of his death, which, from some circumstances, is
supposed to have been in 1619.
Here the Plymouth men rested a while, having sent two Indians to
see if they could find any inhabitants ; and, if they could, to invite them
to a conference. At the distance of about a mile from the place where
the English were, the two Indians found " the women of the place to-
gether, with their corne on heapes," whither they had fled, as was
supposed, from fear of the English ; " and the more, because in diners
places they had newly pulled down their houses, and for hast in one
* Here is certainly evidence enough that they
were not at Shawmut, but evidence enough
that they were on the south side of the bay,
somewhere. Would going from Copp's Hill to
(Jharlestown be crossing the bay ? and elicit-
ing in connection observations about its extent
and the great number of islands in it ? They
might well say, as they do, " againe we crossud
the Bay," for they had already crossed one
bay, or what to strangers could appear no oth-
er than a bay, from point Alderton to Squan-
tum.
f In Roger Williams' Key, Nanepaushat is
translated The moon God.
J Situated in the vicinity of Mystic Pond, so
called, in Medford. MS. of Mr. Harris, vi
supra. The reasoning employed by the author
in support of his location of Nanepashemet's
fort, fov whia: I have not room, is quite con-
clusive
46 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1621.
place had left some of their corne couered with a mat, and nobody
with it."
These women discovered much alarm at first, but their fears were
soon overcome by the kind behavior of the intruders ; and they, as is
the custom of the Indians, hastened to treat them with such victuals as
their wigwams afforded, consisting of boiled codfish "and such other
things." The apprehensions of the Indian men were so great, that
none would approach the English until they had been "much sent for,"
and then only one man ventured to come, who "shook and trembled
with feare." When he found what the English wanted, that they came
in friendship and "to truck," he promised "them his skins also."
They endeavored to ascertain by this Indian where the squaw sachem
was, but, from what they could learn, they concluded "she was far from
thence ; at least they could not see her."
On this occasion Squanto showed his propensity for mischief. He
proposed to the English to plunder those women of what they had, —
those who were then treating them so kindly, — but they rejected the
proposal, as all honorable men would, and told Squanto, that though
they "were never so bad," and might belong to a bad people, and
have threatened the people of Plymouth, as he said, yet they would not
wrong them.
This excursion occupied the whole day. At evening, as they re-
turned to their shallop, accompanied "by almost all the women," who,
in their eagerness to truck for the commodities which the English had,
" sold their coats from their backes, and tyed boughes about them, bu<
with great shamefastness, (for indeed they are more modest then some
of our English women are)." Parting from these people, the voyagers
promised to come again, and the Indians to keep their skins for them.
They understood the Indians to say that there were two rivers in the
bay. One they saw themselves, but had not time to examine it.*
They decided that "better harbours for shipping there cannot be then
here are. At the entrance of the bay are many rocks ; and in all like-
lihood good fishing-ground." They found, as Captain Smith did seven
years before, that most of the islands had been inhabited, and that some
had been cleared " from end to end, but the people were all dead or
removed."
Such were the explorations " in and about the bottom of Massachu-
setts Bay," around where Boston is, nine years before the arrival of the
colony which settled it. The country pleased those so well who made
this exploration, that the report they carried to their friends in Plym-
outh caused them to express their sorrow " that they had not been
seated there." But having planted corn and built huts at Plymouth,
* This was unquestionably tlie Mystic ; in locked from their view, and which was doubtless
fiill view as they landed upon the peninsula of Charles river. Hence, Charlestown was known
Mishawum (Charlestown) ; but the other river before Boston, as well as settled before it. Mr.
of which they heard, the intervening wooded Harris, in his MS. before quoted, fully coin-
promontories of Shawmut and Cambridge land- cides in these views of the author.
1621-1623.] SIR WILLIAM ALEXANDER. CAPT. JOHN MASON. 47
and being there secure from the natives, they judged the motives for
continuance to be stronger than for removal.*
1621. Sir William Alexander,! about the same tune, through the
?ept. 10. friendship of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, shares a portion of the
Plymouth Company's patent. Seeing that the English had done but
little, or nothing, in fact, directly to establish settlements in New Eng-
land, he hoped the Scotchmen might be more successful. The patent
to Sir William was ample, embracing the whole territory of Acadia,
which was confirmed to Mm and his heirs by King James, and erected
into a Palatinate, to be holden as a fief of the Crown of Scotland. But
the Scotch made out no better than the English ; one ship after another
returned home with tales of misfortunes, till Sir William, like Sir Fer-
dinando, was forced to sit down, with what content he might, under
heavy losses and disappointments.
The same year. Captain John Mason, Governor of Portsmouth, in
Hampshire, who, like Gorges, had been an officer in the navy, and Gov-
ernor of Newfoundland, and had by a vacancy become Secretary to the
Council of Plymouth, procured a grant of territory in New England,
"■ of all the land from the river of Naumkeag (Salein) round Cape Anne,
to the river Memmack, and up each of these rivers to the farthest head
thereof ; then to cross over from the head of the one to the head of the
other ; with all the islands lying within three miles of the coast." To
this tract was given the name of " Mariana." l
The next year another grant was made to Gorges and Mason
*" jointly, of all the lands between the Merrimack and Sagadahock,
extending inland to the Great Lakes and to the River of Canada.
This was called ''Laconia," and thus was laid the foundation of the
State of New Hampshire, § which has been briefly noticed in a previous
page.
Although the colony at Wessaguscus is generally supposed to have
■ been abandoned last year, its abandonment appears to have been
temporary ; || for this year it is stated, on good authority, that the
people there received an accession to their number by emigrants
* This was a momentous question in its day, some of the most learned barristers of Scothmd
and the decision of the pious fathers was no and England ; but owing, perhaps, to the man-
doubt weighed by them, as one involving their ner in which he presented liis claim, he lost it.
existence. But when the grave historian, Dr. The House of Lords decided against its validity
Belknap, came to consider it, he could not help in 1762. This, our Lord Stirling married a
remarking, with feigned complacency, that daughter of Philip Livingston, and died at Al-
though the Pilgrims thought it not worth while bany, N. Y., 12 Jan. 1782, without male issue,
to remove, " many of their posterity have judged The late Earl of Stirling probably found about
otherwise !" as much perplexity in establishing his title to
_f First Earl of Stirling. To this title he was the lands of his ancestors in America, as his
raised in 1633. He was born in 1580, died in kinsman did in his fruitless and expensive pur-
London, Feb. 1640. His father was Alexan- suit of the Earldom. — See Statement of the
der Alexander of Menstrie, who died 1594:. His Case of Alexander, Earl of Stirling, 8 vo j Lou-
father's name was Andrew Alexander. John don, 1832.
Alexander, uncle of Sir William, was the an- | Belknap's Hist, if New Hampshire, Far-
cestor of our Lord Stirling, conspicuous in the mer's edition, p. 4.
revolutionary war. He labored long and ardu- ^ Ibid.
ously to substantiate his claim to the Earldom, || It is very probable that when the troubles
to which he was entitled in the judgment of had assumed a serious aspect, and actual war
48 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [162b.
from Weymouth in Dorsetshire ; on which account it is supposed to
have received the name of Weymouth. There were about fifty English
ships fishing on the coast of New England this year, with better success
than ever.*
Seeing that the colony of Plymouth was likely to continue and flour-
ish, some of those in England who had anxiously watched its progress,
— the most conspicuous of whom was the Rev. Mr. John White, a puri-
tan minister of Dorchester, in Dorsetshire, — excited several gentlemen
to prepare for another settlement in New England. Accordingly " sun-
dry persons" are sent over, who begin a plantation at Cape Ann.
Among this number were Mr. John Tilley and Mr. Thomas Gardiner ;
the former was " overseer of the planting," and the latter was " over-
seer of the fishing, ' ' Meantime , Mr. White having learned that the Plym-
outh people had driven Mr. Roger Conant, Mr. John Lyford and Mr.
John Oldham from that place in consequence of a disagreement in their
religious opinions ; " wherefore that reverend person (one of the chief
founders of the Massachusetts Colony) being grieved in his spirit that so
good a work should be suffered to fall to the ground," and learning the
excellent character of Mr. Conant from Mr. Conant's brother in Eng-
land, procured from the company of adventurers his appointment " to
be Governor, and to have the managing and government of all their af-
ftiirs at Cape Anne." Lyford and Oldham went to Cape Ann also, but
did not remain there long. The former removed to Virginia and died
there, and the latter traded between New England and Virginia, and
in the year 1630 was killed by the Indians, f
The next year, " one Captain Wallaston " came into the Massa-
chusetts Bay, and began a settlement within what was afterwards
called Braintree.J With him came several persons of " some emi-
nence ;" but the actual number of his followers does not appear to be
known ; nor is it stated from what place this colony came, nor has the
Christian name of Mr. Wallaston been discovered. Thomas Morton,
of whom notice has been taken, returned to New England with this
company. But Captain Wallaston, not finding things to his liking,
removed, with a great part of his servants, to Virginia, in the fall of
1626. A Mr. Rasdale was left in command of the place on Mr. Wal-
laston's departure, but he soon proceeded to Virginia also, leaving a
Mr. Filcher to manage affairs. But nothing further is heard of Filcher,
while Morton made himself very conspicuous, and soon became obnoxious
had been begun, the people all fled from Wes- of the better sort of people." — Century Ser-
saguscus ; but a few weeks' time proved to them mon, at Braintree, 1739, p. 18.
that they had nothing to fear from the Indians ; f Hubbard's Hist, of New England, ed. Ilar-
the suspicious leaders of whom had all been ris, 106-7. He was killed at or near Block
killed by Standish and his war-party; that. Island, July 20th, 1636.
therefore, they soon left their hiding-places and % AVhcn a section of Braintree was set off for
returned to their settlement. That they have not a separate township, it was called Quincy, —
been particularly noticed by cotemporary writ- in honor of the highly respectable family which
ers is not at all strange, as they were few and resided there, and of which a branch remains
politically unimportant. to this day. Mt. WoUaston was included in
* Prince, Hubbard, Holmes. Mr. Hancock this section, and w^as within the farm of one
says the emigrants who came in 1624, " were of the Messrs. Quincy.
1G28.] COLONY OF WESSAGUSCUS. 49
to his neighbors at Plymouth. They seem to have recognized him as
the leader of the plantation, and the author of all the mischief that hap-
pened to it after Mr. Wollaston left it. He was, judging independently
of what his neighbors say of him, evidently a "merry companion;"
and his company, consisting of young men, were ready to enjoy them-
selves to-day, come what might to-morrow. Great offence was taken
by the Pilgrims at their impiety, as they viewed their conduct to be
impious, and Morton and his friends derided them for their overmuch
piety and austere manners.* Mutual dislikes at length grew to such
a height, that nothing short of the breaking up of the settlement of
Mount Wollaston could be likely to satisfy the people of Plymouth.
Morton and his party considered themselves an independent community,
as in fact they were, and that it was nobody's business to call them to
account for erecting a May-pole and dancing about it ; whether they
said their prayers as they had been taught to say them, or whether
they read them out of a book, or whether they said or read prayers at
all. But their neighbors thought otherwise, and, soon after the arrival
of Governor Endicott, their opponents feeling themselves strong enough
to force a compliance with their wishes, a company was raised among
the scattered settlements, which proceeded, under Standish, to Ma-re-
Mount, — as Morton had named Mount Wollaston, — captured the
unruly party, and thus put an end to a colony f which has given rise to
much curious inquiry, and a good deal of speculation ; but of which,
hitherto, no satisfactory history has appeared.^
1628 "^'^^ expense of capturing Morton and some half dozen other men
■ was assessed on a part of the scattered inhabitants of New Eng-
land ; but whether with their consent, or whether they actually paid in
the amounts assessed upon them, there is nothing to show ; yet it has
been said, that even Morton's Episcopal friends contributed towards the
* The Rev. Mr. Hancock, with the New Eng- he says, the colonists of Ma-re-Mount had bet-
land^s Memorial open before him, says, " But ter success in trading with the Indians than
one Mr. Morton, whom Capt. Wollaston left tlie people of Plymouth had ; and because
there with part of the company, fell to great they read prayers after the manner of the
licentiousness and profaneness, till the good Episcopal church. The charges brought
people in their scattered plantations in the against him are met with everywhere, and re-
Massachusetts Bay unite with Plymouth gov- quire no repetition here. They were brought
ernment, and go and suppress them, and dis- with great gravity, by his namesake, the
perse the worst of the company, leaving the author of Neio England^s Memorial, in hia
more modest here, and sending Morton to Eng- work, from which they have been copied, with
land, with a messenger and letters to inform such embellishments as suited the fancies of
against him, for his wicked and insufferable their copyists ; while Morton probably consid-
behavior." — Century Sermon, p. 18. ered the subject, in the time of it, as one not
f An end, so far only, as appears from several worthy of sober consideration ; and hence we
accounts, as respects the riotous part of the find it, in his New Canaan, treated only with
colony. See Hancock's Cent. Sermon, ut supra, ridicule. Had he ever imagined that it would
Davis i?i Morton, and Belknap, Amer. Biog- become matter of serious history, he would
raphy, ii. 334. doubtless have left us a very different and
% In my History of New England, I propose more circumstantial account. In speaking of
to go at large into the affi.iirs of this colony, the " tenents " of the people of New England,
It is indeed a poor question where there is Morton says that they held the use " of a ring
nothing to be said, except on one side. As in marriage to be a relique of popery ; a dia-
yet the subject has been sketched from one bolical circle for the Devell to daunce in." —
point of view only. Morton was originally Neio Canaan, 118.
tried, condemned and transported, because, as
7
50 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1628.
expense of the expedition against him ; which circumstance, if trae,
would go to prove that they, at least, disapproved of his conduct. In
justice to them, however, as well as to Morton, the case should^ be
stated as it actually existed, that posterity may be able to come to a just
judgment between all parties implicated.*
By the assessment referred to, some opinion may be formed of the
state of the settlements ; of their numbers and importance, and where
they were situated. Thus, the whole amount assessed was twelve pounds
and seven shiUings. Of this amount Plymouth has set against it, two
pounds and ten shillings ; Naumkeak [Salem], one pound ten shillings ;
Pascataquack [Portsmouth] , two pounds ten shillings ; Mr. Jeffrey and
Mr. Burslem [Isle of Shoals] ,t two pounds; Natascot, one pound ten
shillings ; Mrs. Thomson [Squantum] , fifteen shillings ; Mr. Blackstone
[Shawmut], twelve shillings ; and Edward Hilton [Dover], one pound.|
* It is true that Governor Bradford (Prince, — Blackstone, Maverick, Walford, Thompson,
251) speaks of a " meeting of the chief of and perhaps others, were of that faith. See
the straggling plantations,'' to take counsel Mr. Haven's learned and ingenious introduc-
about the disorders at the Mount. Those tion to the Records of the Comj). of the Mass.
plantations he names as follows : — " Pascato- Bay, &c., vol. iii. Archa. Americana. It is to
way, Naumkeak, Winisimet, Wessaguscusset, be noted that the location of Gorges' patent
Natasco, and other places." At their meet- has been misunderstood, and will continue to
ing, they " agree to solicit those of Plymouth, be, unless the reader considers that "the
who are of greater strength than all, to join north-east side " of the Bay has reference to
and stop this growing mischief, by suppress- the land of Massachusetts. The land, as de-
ing Morton and Company." scribed in the patent, is " all that part of the
f Not much confidence is felt in locating main land called or known by the name of
these gentlemen at the Isle of Shoals. At, or Messachusiack." Hence Gorges, perhaps by
before this period, I believe one Jeffrey had a way of distinction, gives a little different name
fishing stage there ; and it is certain, that, to to his tract of country, from " Messachuset,"
this day, a noted fishing place in the neighbor- by which name the whole was known ; and
hood bears the name of Jeffries. That the hence I conclude that this patent covered that
Shoals were inhabited at this time seems prob- part of the country where the Massachusetts
able, for the ship in which Morton was sent Indians had their chief residence, and which
away, sailed from the Isle of Shoals, as ap- has already been described. It was an impor-
pears from Bradford (Prince, 252), who says tant object with patentees to have their grants
Morton was kept at Plymouth "till a ship cover Indian settlements, because trade with
going from the Isle of Shoals to England, he is them for beaver could be carried on advanta-
sent in her to the New England Council geously, and without infringing on the rights
{Council of Plymouth], with a messenger and of others. Mr. Walford was located in a
etters to inform against him. Yet they do place " full of Indians;" and it will be seen
nothing to him, not so much as rebuke him, and with what anxiety the jNIassachusetts Company
he returns next year." — There was a "Mr. operated to exclude Mr. Oldham and others
JohnBurslin," desiring to be made freeman at from the country about the bottom of the bay.
Boston, in 1630; and in 1631, a "Mr. Jo. Mr. Wheelwright's purchase of 1629 included
Burslyn." See N. E. Hist, and Gen. Reg., ii. great Indian resorts and settlements. Others
90-1. It is not presumed that the memoran- might be mentioned.
dum of Governor Bradford is to be taken as J See Belknap, Amer. Biography, ii. 334. —
presenting a complete catalogue of all the The assessment, as given above, Dr. Belknap
places occupied about the coast of New Eng- copied from the original Letter-Book of Gov-
land. These enumerated might have been ernor Bradford ; which assessment, though
considered the only ones of whom any assist- copied from that MS., is probably a mere
ance was to be expected. It has been con- memorandum by the Governor, as a sort of ex-
jectured that several of the scattered settlers planation to a copy of a letter sent to England,
in and about the harbor of Boston came over containing accusations against IMorton. As
with Captain Robert Gorges. The conjecture is such, it appears in the original edition of vol.
a reasonable one. They were chiefly within iii. Mass. Hist. Colls., p. 63. Why, in the
Gorges' patent, which was "10 miles in reprint of this work, the matter under consid-
breadth, and 30 miles into the land, on the eration stands with interpolation marks, there
north-east side of the bay called Messachu- is nothing to explain. I have not seen the
set." His intended colony was Episcopalian original MS., nor have I inquired whether it
1625-1626.] SETTLEMENT AT CAPE ANN. 51
CHAPTER VII.
Colony of Cape Anu. — Settlement of Naumkeag. — Roger Conant. — Origin of the Massachusetts
Company. — Sir Ferdinando Gorges. — His early Prophecy of American Independence. — Rev.
John White. — Governor John Endicott. — Sails for New England. — Settlement of Charlestown. —
Description of the counti-y. — John Oldham. — His Grant. — Thwarted by the Massachusetts Com-
pany. — Returns to New England. — Mr. John Wheelwright and others proceed from Massachu-
setts and purchase New Hampshire of the Indians. — Captain Mason's grant of the same territory
from the Council of Plymouth.
_r~7^ ^ *=0 WM OTICE has been taken in the last chapter of a
settlement at Cape Ann. The persons engaged
there (" then- design not likely to answer their
expectations"), sent word to the Adventurers
in England — at whose charge the settlement
had been begun — how their affairs stood;
briefly, that they were not prosperous. A re-
linquishment of the undertaking was therefore
resolved upon by those Adventurers. "Yet
'Mr^ were they so civil," says the historian Hubbard, "to those
if^ that were employed under them, as to pay them all their
wages, and proffered to transport them back whence they
came, if so they desired." The same historian adds, that
"Mr. Conant, disliking the place as much as the Adventurers
disliked the business," had, " meanwhile, made some inquiry into a
more commodious place, called Naumkeak, a little to the westward,
secretly conceiving in his mind, that it might prove a receptacle for
such as, upon the account of religion, would be willing to begin a plan-
tation in this part of the world ;" and therefore he made known his dis-
coveries and opinions to some of his friends in England. Accordingly,
Mr. White, before mentioned, who had been grieved at the sudden
abandonment of the undertaking by the Adventurers, wrote to Mr.
Conant, and urged him not " to desert the business," promising that if
he would stay in the country with three others, and occupy Naum-
keag, and give him notice of the fact, he would provide a patent for
them ; and would send them whatever they should write for ; either
men, provisions, or goods.
Conant determined to continue. John Woodberry, John Balch, and
Peter Jaffrey, who had been employed by the Adventurers, agreed to
abide with him. The three last, however, after long waiting for assist-
ance, thinking probably that supplies might fail to arrive in season, and
their necessities being great; fearing, too, that the Indians were hostile
towards them, came to the conclusion to go to Virginia, especially as
their minister, Mr. Lyford, " upon a loving invitation, was thither
were preserved after it vras used to print from, any longer of service, and that they remained
I have understood, incidentally, that many in the printers' hands, and went with their
valuable MSS., so used, were not considered worthless paper rubbish !
62 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1625-1626.
bound."* They urged Mr. Conant to go with them ; but had he had
the heart of an old Roman he could not have shown superior in future
ages. " No," he said, " though you all forsake me, I will remain."
Seeing his firmness, and knowing, from experience, the goodness of his
heart, they could not bring their minds to desert him, and thus the
breath of life was continued on that sterile side of the Bay of Massa-
chusetts, f
To the sterling integrity of Roger Conant, therefore, was Salem
indebted for its first English inhabitants. Through the agency of Mr.
White, great confidence had been reposed in him by the Adventurers,
and, as before observed, he proved himself worthy of it. Nor was he
mistaken in the promises of Mr. White on his part ; who, exerting him-
self among his friends, soon enlisted Sir Henry Rosewell,j: Sir John
Young, § knights; Thomas Southcoat,|| John Humphrey, H John En-
* In Morton's New Canaan, Book iii., chap, the wife of Sir John Drake, of Ashe. She died
viii., may be seen that facetious author's ideas in 1682. This Sir John Drake Avas son of the
of the reasons of " Master Layford's and John John Drake, Esq., mentioned in the last note.
Oldham's" treatment from the Pilgrims. Sir John Young was a member of the Long
f " Meanwhile, White had projected an asy- Parliament, 1640, and a signer of the " Solemn
lum for the silenced nonconformist clergy, who League and Covenant," in 1643 ; a member of
then thought themselves persecuted, because Cromwell's second Parliament, in 1G54, from
they were not allowed to persecute." — Chal- Honiton ; and of the third Parliament, 1656.
mers'' Polit. Annals, 135. This author omits See Mr. Haven, in Archol. Americana.
no opportunity to slur the nonconformists and || Supposed by Farmer to be the same person
Puritans. In speaking of the settlement of admitted freeman at Boston, 1631 ; but on
Plymouth, he says, "The Brownists," who what authority he comes to that conclusion he
" nestled at Cape Cod." He probably well does not state ; if no other than that of his
knew that the followers of Mr. Robinson al- bearing the same Christian name, it is quite
ways repudiated the name of Brownists, and small. He was, perhaps, of the Southcotes of
that they were not of the sect of Robert Mohuns-Otlery, county Devonshire. George,
Brown. son and heir of Thomas, married Elizabeth,
X Chalmers, 147, has the following round- daughter of Sir Henry Seymour, brother to the
about note on Rosewell, or, as he is often Duke of Somerset, and had a son Thomas. —
w^ritten, Rowswell. " In opposition to the See Westcote. This family was connected
pretensions of the truly celebrated Sir Samuel with the Pophams. There is a curious account
Luke, it has been zealously contended by the of them in Prince's Worthies of Devonshire.
partisans of this knight, so famous in the story ^ It is to be hoped that the time is near at
of Massachusetts, that Sir Henry was assur- hand when we may find such names as Ilum-
edly the great prototype of the incomparable phrey in Biographical Dictionaries. "John
Sir Hudibras. Seethe subject discussed in the Humphreys, Esq.," was a man of great con-
Introduction to Grey's [edition of] Hudibras, sequence in the first days of Massachusetts
and the Sup. to Granger's Biography." Dr. He was chosen deputy governor at the second
Grey, it should be stated, is not of the opinion meeting of the Massachusetts Company, in
that Sir Henry Rosewell is intended by Iludi- England ; came to New England in 1632 ;
bras ; and Granger says Sir Samuel Rosewell, elected assistant same year, which office he
which is no doubt a mistake. When West- held till 1641. He resided a while at Lynn,
cote wrote his Views of Devonshire (about then at Salem. Meeting with some severe
1620), he says, p. 245, thorncorabe " is now misfortunes, he left the country in 1641.
the inheritance of Sir Henry Rowswell, late Although his name usually appears in history
sheriff of this county." Thorncombe is in Ford and in historical documents, as above written.
Parish. His wife was Mury, daughter of John his own autograph, in my possession, is here
Drake, Esq., of Ashe. She was interred in ^
the parish church at Musbury, in 1643. Soon •y yiyf^ /
after her death, as I judge. Sir Henry sold his Jy^' /;/^-i^t^^-^- gA/
estates and went to reside in Somersetshire. ^'^ */ c^j "
See Lysons' Magna Britan., ccxiii. 360. fac-similied. Its date is 1637. — SeeFarmer's
_ ^ Said to be of Devonshire. There was a Gen. Register, Art. Humfrey. Also, Hazard,
Sir John Young (I think the same), of Culli- Winthrop, Hutchinson ; Lewis and Felt may be
ton, in that shire, whose daughter Jane was consulted with advantage.
1627-1628.] ORIGIN OF the Massachusetts colony. 63
dicott,* and Simon Whetcomb,t gentlemen, "about Dorchester," to
make a purchase of territory in New England of the Council of Plym-
1G27-8. outh. On application, that corporation conveyed to the above
Mar. 19. named gentlemen, their heirs and associates, the country from
three miles north of the Merrimack, to three miles south of the Charles
River, and to extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. This grant,
of course, swallowed up several others previously made. Why the Coun-
cil utterly disregarded them does not clearly appear, though it is con-
jectured by some historians J that they, being entirely neglected by the
grantees, were looked upon as forfeited or void. But it is certain, that
if the Council, as a body, so considered those grants, individual mem-
bers of it were of a different opinion. § Referring to this grant or pur-
chase from the Council of Plymouth, Sir Ferdinando Gorges says,
" Some of the discreeter, sought to avoid what they found themselves
subject unto, made use of their friends to procure from the Council for
the affairs of New England to settle a colony within their limits ; to
which it pleased the thrice-honored Lord of Warwick to write to me,
then at Plymouth, to condescend that a Patent might be granted to
such as then sued for it. Whereupon I gave my approbation, || so far
forth as it might not be prejudicial to my son, Robert Gorges' interest,
whereof he had a patent under the seal of the Council. Hereupon
there was a grant passed as was thought reasonable ; but the same was
after enlarged by his majesty, H and confirmed under the great seal of
England, by the authority whereof the undertakers proceeded so effect-
ually, that in a very short time numbers of people of all sorts flocked
thither in heaps, that at last it was specially ordered, by the king's com-
mand, that none should be suffered to go without license first had and
obtained, and they to take the oaths of supremacy and allegiance. So
that what I long before prophesied, when I could hardly get any for
money to reside there, was now brought to pass in a high measure. The
reason of that restraint was grounded upon the several complaints that
came out of those parts, of the divers sects and schisms that were
amongst them ; all contemning the public government of the ecclesias-
tical state. And it was doubted that they would, in short time, wholly
shake off the royal jurisdiction of the sovereign magistrate." **
* Of Endicott, who came over with a com- Dorchester." It was doubtless true, while
mission as Governor in 1628, au excellent his- nearly all of thera resided in Devonshire,
torical memoir has been printed, prei^ared by though within a few miles of Dorchester.
a descendant, Charles M. Endicott, Esq., of J Hutchinson, Hist. Mass.,i. 8.
Salem. An abstract of this work will be found ^ See Gorges' Nar., chap, xsvi., B. I.
in the first volume of the New Eng. Hist, and \\ From this passage, and what we elsewhere
Gen. Reg. Chalmers says, with accuracy, find concerning Gorges' disposition towards
" lie laid the foundation of Salem in 1628, the New England, is it hardly just in an American
first permanent town in Massachusetts ; who, historian of the present day to say of him that
in 1629, was confirmed Governor within the he " seemec^ to favor" this patent? — See Ban-
colony, and was honored with new instruc- croft. Hist. U. S., 138, ed. Lond.,1843.
tions." — Political Annals, 136, 142. ^ Many early, as well as some late, writers,
f Simon AVhetcomb never came to this coun- carelessly state that the charter which Gorges
try, and nothing of his history or family has here refers to was granted by Parliament,
been found, fui-ther than his connection with See Prince, New Eng. Chron., 249.
the Company. These six persons are said, in ** For the accompanying copy of the auto-
all the early accounts, to be " gentlemen about graph of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, I am indebted
54
fflSTORY OF BOSTON.
[1627-1628.
In this short passage, hy one of the men who had sacrificed so much
to settle New England, is contained matter for volumes of history. In
the first place, as regards the nature and extent of the grants of the
Council of Plymouth. In the second place, as to the persons licensed
to transport themselves out of England to reside here. And, thirdly,
how they came to give occasion to their rulers for fears, at so early a
day, that there was a design on their part to become independent of the
crown. True, there was nothing more natural, under a government like
that of England, where the civil and ecclesiastical powers composing it
were nearly equal, than that the people who should undertake to deny a
part of the authority of that government, should, of necessity, deny the
whole ; for they were inseparable ; and, hence, a rebellion or revolution
must unavoidably ensue. Those fears, time has shown, were not with-
out good foundation.* And Sir Ferdinando Gorges, so far as anything
as yet appears to the contrary, was the first to publish to the world a
" prophesie,"- the fulfilment of which did not probably more astonish
those who opposed, than those who accomplished it.
As soon as the grant was obtained from the Council of Plymouth, the
grantees took the name of "the Massachusetts Company;" which,
though composed of a small number of individuals at first, soon became
respectable numerically considered. And, although above one hundred
individuals, from time to time, are known to have belonged to it, yet it
has not been ascertained how many did in reality belong to it, at any
particular period.f
to the eminent collector of such things, Mr.
CiiARLES H. Morse, of Cambridge. The origi-
nal is attached to a document in the hands of
Mellen Chamberlain, Esq., of Chelsea. Al-
though sufficient has been said to vindicate Sir
Ferdinando Gorges from any ill intentions to-
wards the settlers of ^lassachusetts, 1 cannot
forbear citing a passage from the Journal of
Mr. Eichard blather, going to show, that, in
1G35, Sir Ferdinando professed much interest
in the welfare of the colony. When Mr.
Mather, in the ship James, lay in King Road,
»' four or five miles below Bristol," ready to sail
for New England, " there came three or four
more boates with more passengers, and one
wherein came Sir Ferdinando George, who came
to see the ship and the people. When hee was
come, hee enquired whether there were any
people there that went to Massachusetts Bay ;
whereupon ]\Ir. Maud and Mr. Barnabas
Fower were sent for to como before him ; who,
being come, hee asked Mr. Maud of his coun-
try, occupation, or calling of life, &c., and
professed his good will to the people there in
the Bay, and promised that, if ever hee came
there hee would be a true friend unto them." —
Printed in the Colls. Dorchester Antiq. and Hist.
Soc. , from the original MS.
* And thus some recent vrriters have made
the discovery that the American Revolution of
1776 actually commenced with the emigration.
Might it not, with at least equal propriety, be
carried back to the germ of the first thought of
liberty of conscience ?
f The following is a list of all such as ap-
pear in the Company's Records, as published in
vol. iii., Part 1., Trans. Amer. Antiq. Soc,
amounting to one hundred and fifty. Some of
them may not have been members of the Com-
pany, but, as Mr. Haven, the editor, observes,
they were in some way connected with it, as
servants or otherwise. After the names of
these, I have caused a m to be set, to denote
the uncertainty of their membership.
Ballard, Daniel
Barkley, William u
Bateman,
Beecher, Thomas (captain
of the Talbot) u
Bellingham, Richard
Betts, John u
Bilson,
Abrie,
A.C.,
Adams, Thomas
Aldersey, Samuel
Andrews, Thomas,
Archer, John
Arnold, Andrew
Backhouse,
1628.]
THE MASSACHUSETTS COMPANY.
1628. Soon after a grant was obtained, probably within a few days,
March the members had a meeting, at which they chose Matthew Cra-
dock governor, and Thomas Goff deputy governor. Mr. White had, in
the mean time, engaged " several other religious persons in and about
London," to be of the company, who, from their desire to provide an
asylum " where nonconformists might transport themselves and enjoy
the liberty of their own persuasion in matters of worship and church dis-
cipline," had, it appears, entered into the views and wishes of Mr.
White. The Governor and Deputy Governor had probably joined the
company about the time of its first meeting. They were opulent mer-
chants of London ; and their influence with other men of wealth made
their acquisition to the company of great importance.
The sending succor to Mr. Conant seems not for a moment to hav«
been lost sight of, or unnecessarily delayed ; for, within three months
from the organization of the Company, a ship had been provided, and
all things made necessary for a voyage " into those remote parts of the
earth," as New England was then accounted.
There seems to have been some difficulty at first about a proper officer
to conduct this enterprise. Captain John Endicott, however, a member
of the company, required only to be asked if he would go and reside in
New England, and act as governor of the colony, when he promptly
answered in the affirmative ; which answer was in conformity with his
previous and after history: A man of decision of character, "whose
deep enthusiasm," says Chalmers, " engaged him zealously to promote
Boreman, Felix u
Bowry, Richard u
Bradshawe, Job
Bradshawe, Joseph
Bradstreet, Simon
Breieton, Sir William
Brickliead, Tiiomas u
Bright, Francis
Browne, John
Browne, Samuel
Browne, Kellam
Burgess, William
Burnell, [Tobias '?]
Bushord, Richard
Caron, Joseph
Casson, Edward (^merchant
tailor) u
Charlton, Robert u
Churchill, Joseph u
Clarke,
Claydon, Barnaby u
Claydon, Richard (carpen-
ter) u
Coddington, William
Colburn, William
Cony, Thomas u
Cooke, Edward
Coulson, Christopher
Cradock, Matthew
Crane, Robert
Crowther, William
Darbio, William
Uarley, Henry
Davenport, John
Davis, Richard,
Downing, Emanuel
Dudley, Thomas
Durbridge, Mr. m
Eaton, Theophilus
Edmonds, James (sailor
a7id fisherman) u
Endicott, John
Fines, Charles
Flyer, Francis
Forde, Edward
Foxcroft, George
Gace, John (turner) u
Gardener, Mr. u
Gauden, Henry (master
of the ship Abigail) u
Gladwing, John u
Glover, John
Goffe, Thomas
Graves, Thomas u
Hanscombe, Thomas u
Harwood, George
Harrett, Robert u
Helme, Gawen u
Hewson, George
Hewson, John
Hewson, Thomas
Higginson, Francis
Hodsen, Daniel
Hubbard, William
Humphrey, John
Hutchins, Thomas
Ironside,
Janson, Sir Brian
Johnson, Francis u
Johnson, Isaac
Joyce, Mr. u
Kerkc, Jarvis u
(ship-
Lewis, Humphrey u
Ludlowe, Roger
Malbon, John (worker in
iron) u
Manstreye, Nathaniel
Mayo, Mr. u
Milburne, Capt. Peter
Miller, Sydrach (cooper) u
Mitchell, Barnard u
Morley, Robert (barber and
surgeon) u
Moulton, Robert
Wright) u
Nowell, Increase
Nye, Philip
Offield, Joseph
Palmer, Abraham
Pelham, ■ u
Perry, Richard
Peters, Hugh
Phillips, George
Pocock, John
Pratt, John (surgeon) u
Puliston, Thomas
Pynchon, William
Revell, John
Roe, Lawrence u
Rossiter, Edward
Roswell, Sir Henry
llovell, William (ship mas
ter) u
Rowe, Owen
Saltonstall, Sir Richard
Scale, Humphrey
Seale, Robert (apprentice):
Sharpe, Samuel
Sharpe, Thomas
Sherman, William m
Skelton, Samuel
Smith, John
Southcot, Thomas
Spurstow, [William]
Stevens, Thomas
TufTneale, Richard
Vassall, Samuel
Vassall, William
Venn, John
Wade,
Walgrave,
Waller, Capt. Henry
Ward, Nathaniel
Washbornc, John
Waye, George
Webb, Francis
Webb, Thomas
West, Nicholas
Whitt, John u
White, Ralph u
Winthrop, John
Whetcomb, Simon
Whichcote, Charles
"VATaite, Edmund
White, John (minister)
White, John (jurist)
White, Richard
Wise, John (shoemaker)
Woodgate,
Wright, Nathaniel
Wynche,
Young, James
Young, Sir John
Young, Richard
5G
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1628.
the success of an enterprise which was to gratify the favorite passions
of every one." But this historian should have added, " when those
passions have for their object purity of life, and the universal good of
his fellow-man." John Endicott, like other great men who have im-
mortalized their names, requires the addition of no sounding titles to
ennoble his memory. His simple name is a better indication of great-
ness than any title that his native country's peerage could confer.*
1G28. There was now
June 20. riding at anchor in _^^^~ .
the harbor of Weymouth, ;s .s^^^=
a little ship called the ^ ^
Abigail, of about two hun- , .""
dred tons burden, Henry
Gauden,! master. On the
morning of one of the last
days of the month of June,
1628, Captain Endicott,
with his wife, children,
and others of his company,
being on board, to the
number probably of about
one hundred souls, with
the last greetings of many
friends assembled on the occasion, sails out of Weymouth bay ; and,
doubling the noted promontory called Portland Bill, is soon lost sight
of in the channel beyond. Whatever were the incidents of the voyage
across the Atlantic, there is nothing from which to form an account, |
however important they may have been. But they arrived at Naum-
keag, their place of destination, after a voyage of two months
and " some few odd days." The joy with which they were
received by Mr. Conant and his little company, can be conceived by
those only capable of imagining what the real condition of the country
then must have been, — an immeasurable expanse of lofty forests
shrouded in the sable gloom of ages ; separated from the wide Atlantic
ocean only by a rugged curtain of fearful rocks and barren sands. The
actual number composing the colony of which Mr. Endicott found him-
Sept. 6.
* The early historian of New England, Cap-
tain Edward Johnson, the cotemporary of En-
dicott, calls him in his history, " The much
honoured," — " a fit instrument to begin this
wildernesse-worke ; of courage bold, undanted,
and austere, applying himselfe to either, as oc-
casion served." Wond.-work. Prov. of Sio7i's
Sav. in New England, p. 19. The preceding
copy of Gov. Endicott's autograph is from a
legal paper of 1647.
■j- Godden, Gooden, Goodin, Godwin, Good-
win, Gooding, &c., all probably traceable to
the same original.
X Endicott wrote a letter to the governor ot
the Company, dated one week after his arrival,
in which he probably detailed the incidents of
the voyage, but that letter has not been pre-
served, or, if preserved, it has not come to tho
yet sociable, and of a chearfull spirit, loving knowledge of historians.
■' &r t/u J^tw /"juflantf /
1629.]
SETTLEMENT OF CHARLESTOWN.
self governor,* at his arrival at Naumkeag, has never been ascertained;
but, judging from the data that are to be found, there could not have been
many above one hundred persons in and about that part of the country. f
Some time after the arrival of Governor Endicott, several gentlemen,
under his direction, crossed the country to Mishawum. The principal
persons who went on this discovery were three brothers, Ralph, Richard
and ^William Sprague.s The place they "lighted of" was " on the
north side of Charles river, full of Indians, called Aberginians. Their
old Sachem being dead, his eldest son, by the English called John Sag-
amore, was their chief, and a man naturally of a gentle and good dispo-
* Half a century ago, or to be more exact,
sixty-two years ago (1790), an edition of
Gov. Winthrop's Journal Avas published at
Hartford, in the title-page of which the editor
or transcriber wrote, after the name of the
author, "First Governor of Massachusetts."
This is an error which no one will seriously
deny. Matthew Cradock, as we have seen,
was the first governor of the Massachusetts
Company. The Company established a colony
at Naumkeag, in 1628, over which Endicott
had a commission, executed with all t!ie
formalities of those days, constituting him
governor. He was exercising the office of
governor in the colony at Naumkeag before
Winthrop was even Governor of the Com-
pany in England. Governors in those days,
and even a hundred years later, were not,
as it respects the office, what they have
been since. Roger Conant was n governor
before Endicott arrived, but he was not so by
the appointment of the IMassachusetts Com-
pany, for that company Avas not formed when
Conant was appointed Governor of the Cape
Ann Colony. Hutchinson remarks, with regard
to Conant's office, that " the superior condi-
tion of the persons who came over with the
charter, cast a shade upon him, and he lived
in obscurity." It depends altogether upon the
number and wealth of a community, Avhether
or not, in after times, those who held offices
in it are to be dignified by the titles of such
offices ; and that it therefore follows, if of-
fices are of more importance, because exer-
cised over more or better people, the predeces-
sors in the same offices are not entitled to be
known by such titles of office ! Such must
inevitably be the reasoning warranted by the
only inference to be drawn from the passage
of Hutchinson. It is of no consequence what-
ever whether Conant, Endicott, or AVinthrop
was the first governor of Massachusetts, fur-
ther than to have the facts stated exactly as they
existed, and as the original records warrant.
f The following is a list of the names of
such as are known to have been in Salem and
about the north side of the Massachusetts Bay,
before and in the year 1629 ; consequently,
before the settlement of Boston. They have
been collected from Original Papers, the Ans.
of Salem, Lewis' Hist, of Lynn, &c.
Allan, William Leach, Lawrence
Balch, John Lyford, John
Beard, Thomas Malbon, John
Brackenbury, Richard Maverick, Samuel
Brand, Thomas Meech, John
Bright, Francis Miller, Sydrach
Brown, Hugh Moulton, Robert
Brown, John Norman, Richard
Brown, Samuel Norman, Richard, Jr.
Button, Matthias Palfray, Peter
Claydon, Barnabas Palmer, Abra
Claydon, Richard Palmer, Walter
Conant, Roger Patch,
Davenport, Richard Rickman, Isaac
Dixy, William Ryall, William
Dodge, William Scruggs, Thomas
Dorrell, John ( ?) Sharpe, Samuel
Edes, William Sibly, John
Edmonds, James Skelton, Samuel
Endicott, Gov. John Sprague, Ralph
Ewstead, Richard Sprague, Richard
Gardner, Thomas Sprague, William*i
Gott, Charles ^ Strickline, John
Graves, Thomas Stileman, Elias
Gray, Thomas Stowers, Nicholas
Hanscombe, Thomas Til lie, Hugh
Haughton, Henry Tillie, John
Howard, Richard Traske, AVilliam
Herrick, Henry Walford, Thomas
Hewes, Mr. Waterman, Richard
Higginson, Francis Webb, Francis
Higginson, John Wheelwright, John
Hoyte, Simon Wilson, Lambert
Ingalls, Edmund Woodbury, Humphrey
IngersoU, Richard Woodbury, John
Jeffrey, William Wood, William
Knight, Walter
An attempt has not been made to determine
separately, the names of those whom Endicott
found on his arrival at Naumkeag ; the names
of those who came with him, or of those who
followed him in 1629. From a passage in
Hubbard's New England, p. 109, it is pretty
plain that Captain William Trask was there
before the arrival of Endicott. He was an im-
portant man in the colony, and one on whom
Gov. Endicott placed much reliance. He was
a captain in the Pequot war, and held other
offices of distinction. He-died in 1666. His
descendant, Mr. William B. Trask, of Dor-
chester, has furnished the fac simile sub-
joined.
58 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1629.
sition, by whose free consent they settled about the hill of the same
place, by the said natives called Mishawum, where they found but one
English palisadoed and thatched house, wherein lived Thomas Walford,
a smith, situated on the south end of the westernmost hill of the East
Field, a little way up from Charles river side, and, upon survey, they
found it was a neck of land generally full of stately timber, as was the
main, and the land lying on the east side of the river, called Mystick
river, from the farm Mr. Craddock's servants had planted, called Mys-
tic, which this river led up unto ; and indeed generally, all the country
round about was an uncouth wilderness full of timber." *
The discovery and possession of Mishawum was undertaken thus
early to prevent the validity of the claims of those who held that part
of the Bay under the grant of Captain Robert Gorges. Especially
against the claim of Mr. John Oldham, who, with one John Dorrill, held
a lease or grant of the lands between Charles and Abousett (Saugus)
rivers, extending " by a right line " five miles up Charles and three
miles up Abousett rivers. This claim the Company resisted, because,
as they say, " it was voyde in lawe," f At what time this grant to
Oldham and Dorrill was made does not appear, but it was doubtless
before 1628. Seeing that Mr. Oldham was firm in his views, as it re-
spected his grant, the Company " left him to his owne way ;" because,
probably, that appeared the only way. That he was a man of much
energy, and no little importance in the commercial community of that
. * This interesting record of the earliest ac- they did, there loas actual possession. In the
count of Charlestown, is not quite contempo- Company's letter to Endicott, dated 17th
rary with the settlement; but, as Mr. Prince April, 1629 (Hazard, i. 258-9), great com-
tells us, " was wrote by Mr. Increase Nowell, plaint is made about Oldham, though nothing
afterwards town clerk of Charlestown, and like a tangible charge of any sort is brought
secretary of the Massachusetts Colony. " But against him.. They say, indeed, in a kind of
Mr. Frothingham, in his History of Charles- general way, that " they had bin cast behind
town, says it w.as written by John Greene, in two months tyme in their voyage, through the
the first book of the records of the town, in varyetie of his vast conceipts ;" which " vast
16G4. Mr. Nowell having died in 1655, it is conceipts" appear to have been plans for real-
clear that Prince fell into an error respecting izing great profits which he had endeavored to
the authority of the record in question, and is get the Company to join in. But there were
by Mr. Frothingham set right in his history, two insuperable difficulties ; first, Oldham
Most New England historians, following Mr. probably demanded, as a condition, that his
Prince, have fallen into the same error respect- grant from Gorges should be recognized ; and,
ing the date of the emigration to Charlestown second, that he might trade for beaver with
from Salem. The facts and dates are correctly the Indians as he saw fit. But, says the
given in Chalmers' Polit. Annals, 142-3. Company's letter, " after long tyme spent in
f Among the many unexplained matters of sundry treaties, fynding him a man alto-
these times, are tlie titles of certain grants of geather vnfitt for vs to deale with, wee haue at
lands in New England. If the validity of Mr. last left him to his owne way." How long
Oldham's title rested on that of another grant, before the date of this letter, he had been
as I presume it did, what invalidated it? If " left to his owne way," does not appear, but,
his title was from Robert Gorges, the title of as will be seen, he was in New England on
the latter must have been defective, and if de- the 17th of May following. As to the trade
foctive, wherein? Gorges certainly had a in beaver, " that," they say, " wee deny to the
grant from the Council of Plymouth. Was it best of our owne planters." This sharp eye
a condition of validity that he should reside to the trade in beaver was doubtless commend-
personally upon_ his grant? No such condi- able, notwithstanding they say, " the propa-
tion appears in it. Was it that he should im- gation of the gospele is the thing wee doe pro-
prove \i by actual settlers ? If this were a fess above all to bee, o'" ayme in settling this
condition, Blaclcston, Walford, Maverick, and plantacion."
others could not have held under him ; for if
1629.] OLDHAM AND THE MASS. COMPANY. 59
day, is abundantly shown by the documents under consideration. The
Company were in great alarm lest he should " interest others, who,"
they say, " for ought wee knowe, are never likely to bee benefitiall to
the planting of the country ; their owne prticuler prfitts (though to
the overthrewe of the gen'"all plantacon), being their chiefe ayme and
intent." Therefore they direct Mr. Endicott to " vse the best meancs
he can to settle an agreem* with the old Planters, so as they may not
harken to Mr. Oldham's dangerous though vaine propositions." They
complain also that " he is a man so affected to his owne opinion, as not
to bee removed from it, neither by reason nor any perswasion ;" that
therefore, they expect, as he had lately gone, or was going for New
England again, he would, by drawing others to his opinions, make
trouble there, it was their will that " when faire meanes will not pre-
vaile," such other means might be " vsed to suppresse a mischiefe before
it take too great a head, as in yo"" discrecons you shall thinke fittest for
the getfall good and safety of the plantacon, and preservacon of o""
priviledges. And because wee would not omitt to doe anything wch
might strengthen o"" right, we would have you (as soone as these shipps,
or any of them, arrive with you, whereby you may have men to do it),
send forty or fifty persons to Massachusetts Bay,* to inhabit there ;
which we pray you not to protract, but to doe it with all speede ; and
if any of o"" company in perticuler shall desire to settle themselves there,
or to send servants thither, wee desire all accoramodacon and encourag-
m' bee given them theronto, wherby the better to strengthen o'" possession
there against all or any that shall intrude vpon vs, wch wee would not
haue you by any meanes give way vnto."f
From the tenor of these instructions to Endicott, it is manifest that
the defeat of those claiming under Gorges the younger was intended ;
and these were " Oldham and his adherents."
Being defeated in all his endeavors to effect an arrangement with the
Massachusetts Patentees, Mr. Oldham appears to have embarked for
New England early in the spring of this year. In what vessel he
sailed, or in what company he came, is not discovered ; but soon after
his arrival, he is found at a noted Indian place, — probably then long
* It Avas a long time before places received Massachusetts, of 1780) , Bunker Hill ^T^^eaxs ;
their appropriate names ; owing in a great but, instead of being in Charlestown, it is
measure to the want of correct geographical south of Charles river, in Brookline ! Massa-
knowledge. It could not be otherwise, under chusetts Bay does not form a separate article
the circumstances. Strictly speaking, the in the early geographical works, down to and
Bay of Massachusetts included, anciently, only including those of Dr. Morse. AH of those
the south-westei-n portion of what is now Bos- who wrote of the country in the times of its
ton harbor. It was so named from the prox- settlement, speak of what is now Boston
imity of the tribe of Massachusetts Indians, harbor as Massachusetts Bay. The people
There does not appear to have been any par- of Salem spoke of going from that place
ticular name to that great body of water from to Massachusetts Bay. In the Planter'' a
the harbor and Cape Ann to Cape Cod, until Plea (Force), p. 15, the " Mattachusets liay"
a much later period than that now under con- is described as near Salem. In the MS. c I'Mr.
sideration. The precise date when the Great Harris (referred to, ante, p. 44) are ci rious
Bay received the name it now bears, I have facts relating to the early geographical knowl-
not attempted to fix. It has stood so inscribed edge of these parts, which it is to be hoped he
upon some maps for about one hundred years. wiU, ere long, in some form, give to the public.
On one now before mo (an English map of f Hazard, i. 260.
60 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1629.
known \o the early traders for furs, — called Swamscott, or Squamscot
(since Exeter), in company with Mr. John Wheelwright. How or when
this gentleman came, is likewise unknown. However, for anything
that is found to the contrary, he may have been in the country one, two,
or more years ; long enough, at all events, to find out a good tract of
country, then thought not to be included in any patent, exceedingly val-
uable for its timber and for the fur trade.
Mr. Wheelwright, probably by his agents, having assembled
^^^ '^' the principal Indian Sagamores at Squamscot, they gave him a
deed of a tract of country which, for near fifty years after, embraced
the whole of New Hampshire.*
Notwithstanding Captain John Mason procured a patent of the
''^''^' Council of Plymouth, of nearly the same tract which Mr.
Wheelwright had purchased of the Indians, and which, for a time, may
have prevented him from asserting his claim, yet, eventually, his pos-
terity enjoyed it, or a portion of it at least ; for, when the colony from
about Londonderry, in Ireland, came to New England, in 1718, and had
liberty to make choice of a place for settlement, the tract, since Lon-
donderry, in New Hampshire, was selected by them. To obtain a title
to the land they had selected, they were referred to Colonel John
AVheehvright, of Wells, grandson of the original grantee, because " he
had the best Indian title, derived from his ancestors." And, although
there were one or two claimants of the same territory, — which was
ten miles square, — yet the government protected the settlers under
that of Colonel Wheelwright.f
* In the deed Mr. Wheelwright is styled they at once proceeded beyond the limits of
" of the Massachusetts Bay, late of England ;" that company, and made the purchase as
and Augustine Story [Storre], Thomas Wite stated in the text. To prevent any question
[Wright], William Wentworth, and Thomas as to their purchase, they took a large number
Levet [Leavitt], are also named " of Massa- of witnesses from the eastern settlements,
chusetts Bay." From which fact it is evident namely, " George Vaughan, factor, and Am-
they had been residing somewhere aljout Bos- brose Gibbons, trader, for the Company of
ton harbor, because then, as has been shown, Laconia, Richard Vines, governor, and Kichard
the Massachusetts Bay was confined to this Bonighton, assistant, of the plantation at
harbor; perhaps Mr. Wheelwright had been Saco ; Thomas Wiggin, agent, and Edward
residing with the hospitable Mavericke, whose Hilton, steward of the plantation of Hilton's
son Samuel afterwards married his daughter Point." All these witnessed the acknowledg-
llebecca. However, Wheelwright, Storre, ment of the deed, and John Oldham, Samuel
Wright, Wentworth and Leavitt, all probably Sharp and two Indians witnessed the deed,
belonged to the same company. Oldham may f His deed to those settlers is dated 20 Oct.,
have been their agent in England, upon whose 1719, in which he says he conveys " by virtue
return here, finding their patent swallowed of a Deed or Grant made to his grandfather,
up (if they had any interest in that of Robert a minister of the Gospel," &c. — Parker's Hist.
Gforgea), and so lost beyond hope of recovery, Londonderry, p. 321.
1629.] FIRST LOCATIONS OF SETTLERS. 61
CHAPTER VIII.
Settlements first made on Outskirts of a Country. — Particularly so in New England. Why the
Massachusetts Company sought a Royal Charter. — How obtained. — Its Boundaries. — Its Gov-
ernment. — Its Conditions and Restrictions. — Examination of its Conditions. — Privileges assumed
under it which it never authorized. — Religious Liberty denied in it. — Case of the Plymouth Set-
tlers. — Origin of Religious Liberty. — Charter Privileges contended for not contained in the Char-
ter. — The Times favor the Assumption.
THE planters of new countries usually locate
themselves at first in such places as accident
provides, or some peculiar circumstances make
unavoidable ; hence it has happened that the
poorest parts have been first improved, and the
best localities neglected till the last. It was
truly so in the settlement of Plymouth and
Massachusetts, as it was also in Canada and
Virginia. Cape Cod on the south, and Cape
Ann on the north, were among the first resting-
places of the devoted men who led the way in
the early path to a mighty empire. From these inhospitable and
sterile points a gradual progress was made along the south and north
shores of the bay, until the wanderers met in its bosom, among the
undulating eminences of Shawmut, the beautiful groves of the Mystic,
and the delightful cornfields of the Massachusetts. This will have
been seen in the perusal of the previous chapters.
. Thus, at this time, Englishmen had located themselves in all
the prominent places around the Massachusetts Bay, and a toler-
ably accurate knowledge of the country had been learned by several
gentlemen in England who had become immediately interested in its
settlement. It remained now to push forward a further occupation of
the country embraced in their patent, for many and obvious reasons.
Before entering upon a detail of the next great emigration, however, it
is deemed necessary to take notice of the charter and its provisions, or
conditions under which it was made, as they had a most important
bearing upon the affairs of Boston, and consequently upon the whole
country ; and hence somewhat of recapitulation may be necessary.
The Massachusetts Company, judging from the experience of former
colonial companies, doubted partly the validity of the conveyance lately
made to them by the Plymouth Company, but more the authority given
by it to rule the intended plantation.* They therefore insisted, not
* This is Chalmers' explanation; but there empowered to act for them, dishonorably sold
was a motive back of all this. The Council territory whenever purchasers offered, regard-
of Plymouth had been disposing of their ter- less of what had been previously sold ; and
ritory in a manner which can be accounted for the most favorable construction that this will
in two ways only ; — first, that, owing to their admit of is, that they had been deceived by
extreme ignorance of the geography of the the representations of purchasers, Avho hud
country, they had conveyed parts of the same been in the country, and knew the value of
tracts twice over, to different individuals ; — certain localities which they desired to pns-
or, secondly, that they, or those whom they ses? ind were not scrupulous to inquire into
62 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1629.
only that a charter should be obtained from the Crown confirmatory of
the grant from the Council of Plymouth, and authorizing them to gov-
ern the colonists, but that their names should be inserted in it, and
their affairs transacted at London. Under these considerations, a
patent was applied for, and, by the personal solicitation of Lord Dor-
1G29. Chester, it was obtained of King Charles I.* This patent re-
Mar. 4. cited the grant to the Council of Plymouth, of 1620, and the
subsequent sale of a small portion of its territory before mentioned, and
regranted to Sir Henry Rosewell, Sir John Young, Thomas Southcot,
John Humfrey, John Endicot, Simon Whetcomb,t and their associates,
namely. Sir Richard Saltonstall, Knight, Isaac Johnson, Samuel Alder-
sey, John Yen, Matthew Cradock, George Harwood, Increase Nowell,
Richard Perry, Richard BelHngham, Nathaniel Wright, Samuel Vassall,
Theophilus Eaton, Thomas Goff", Thomas Adams, John Brown, Samuel
Brown, Thomas Hutchins, William Vassall, William Pynchon, and
George Foxcroft,| their heirs and assigns forever, that part of New
England which lies between the rivers Merrimack and Charles, being
the bottom of a certain bay, there commonly called Massachusetts alias
Mattachusetts alias Massatusetts Bay, and also all lands lying within
the space of three miles on the south part of the said Charles river, or
of any or every part thereof; and also of all lands lying within the
space of three miles to the northward of the said river called Mono-
mack, alias Merrimack, or to the northward of every part thereof, and
through the main lands from the Atlantic and western sea and ocean
on the east, to the South sea on the west. To be holden by them,
their heirs, and assigns, in free and common soccage, as of the manor
of East Greenwich ; paying, in lieu of all services, one 'fifth of the gold
and silver that should be found. §
the rights of others, especially where they * I here foUow Chalmers in this matter of
could flatter themselves that claims had been the charter, who thus remarks at this point :
abandoned or neglected. Therefore, in view " Whether we reflect that this is the only
of these facts, and to possess at least a right charter which Massachusetts possessed ^rior
or claim paramount to all others, nothing to the Revolution [of 1688], which contained
short of a patent under the royal seal would its most ancient privileges ; that on this was
enable the Massachusetts Company to contend most dexterously established not only the
successfully against a swarm of minor paten- original government of that colony, but inde-
tees. Though historians have not viewed the pendence itself, a minute discussion of it
motives which influenced the Company in this must appear equally necessary and interest-
light, they are to me the most satisfactory of ing." — Political Annals, 13G. But his " dis-
all others together. I am aware that, in a cussion of it " is not to my purpose,
moral point of view, the Company, as a body, -j- Mr. Hubbard called these six persons
are somewhat exposed to censure. If a straight- "Gentlemen about Dorchester;" not o/" Dor-
forward detail of flxcts lead to exposures, it is Chester, as a popular historian of the present
no fault of tlie historian. His convictions day cites him as saying. See ante.
should always be honestly stated. If he errs % These names of the grantees are taken
in judgment, it only proves that he has mis- from Prince's Annals. The spelling of some
judged in the particular case under considera- of them differs from those in Hutchinson's
tion. "Whether the Company possessed all the Collection of Papers.
moral rights whicli they exercised is the ques- ^ Patent in Hutchinson's Col. Papers, entire,
tion. Certain it is they put no particular also in Mauduit's View of the History of Nno
stress on that kind of right, while upon their England, and Hazard. Mauduic says it had
legal rights they were sufiiciently emphatical. not been printed in England before his time.
1G29.J PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER OF MASSACHUSETTS. G3
The executive power of the corporation was invested in a governor,
deputy governor, and eighteen assistants, whose duty was, " for the
best disposing and ordering of the lands granted, of the affairs of the
plantation, of the government of the people there." The governor
and seven or more assistants were authorized to meet in monthly courts
"for despatching such business as concerned the Company or settle-
ment." The legislative power of the Corporation, however, was invested
in "a more solemn assembly." This body was to be composed of the
governor, deputy governor, the assistants, and of the whole freemen of
the company in person, and was directed to be held " every last Wed-
nesday in the four terms," which meetings or sessions were named
"the four Great and General Courts." It was empowered to make
laws or ordinances for the government of the plantation, which " should
not be repugnant to the laws of England." This " Great and General
Court" was authorized to elect freemen, a governor, deputy governor,
assistants and other officers. The governor and company were enabled
to transport to New England " all such of the subjects of King Charles
I., as shall be willing to accompany them, and such strangers as will
become subjects and live under his allegiance ;" but with this proviso :
"that none of the said persons be such as shall be especially re-
strained ;" that the emigrants and their posterity were declared " to be
natural born subjects, and entitled to the immunities of Englishmen
within every other dominion of the Crown as if born within the
realm." They were empowered to carry thither warlike stores and
merchandises, without paying any customs for the space of seven years ;
and, as a further encouragement, they were exempted from the pay-
ment of taxes in New England, during the same term of years, and
from any duty on commodities imported to England or any dominion of
the Crown, or exported from them, for twenty-one years after the
expiration of the former term of exemption, except five in the hundred
of the value for custom.
That the colony which was to be planted " might be so religiously
and civilly governed, as the good life and orderly conversation of the
inhabitants might invite the natives to the knowledge of the Christian
faith ; which, in the royal intention, and in the adventurers' free pro-
fession, was the principal end of the plantation," power was therefore
conferred on the General Court, and its successors, to establish ordi-
nances and instructions, which should not be contrary to the laws of the
realm, for settling forms of government for the colonists ; for determin-
ing fines, imprisonments, or other legal correction, according to the
usages of other corporations in the realm of England ; and for naming
necessary officers ; that these ordinances being published under the
seal of the Company, were to be duly observed and executed within the
plantation. The chief commander and other magistrates who should
from time to time be employed by the governor and company in the
government of the colony, were invested with absolute power to punish
64 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1629
or pardon, to rule the emigrants or colonists, according to the above-
mentioned ordinances and instructions. They were authorized to defend
themselves against invaders ; but, should they do any injury to foreign
states, or to other subjects, without making proper reparation, a right
was given to the injured to prosecute them with every act of hostility.
Agreeably to the repeated resolutions of the Commons, there was
reserved to the other subjects of the Crown a right of free fishing, with
the necessary incidents of drying fish on the shores, and of taking tim-
ber upon the coasts of New England.
In these days of large liberties it is difficult to discern what had been
secured by that charter, to cause those who obtained it to feel any
special gratitude to those who had the power to bestow it. But civil
and religious liberty had not then dawned on the world. It was
scarcely an object of speculation in the abstract theories of philoso-
phers, or dreamed of by men of ordinary minds. Nevertheless, those
who emigrated to New England under that charter professed to look
upon it as something which God in his benevolence had moved the
heart of their king to grant, and they cherished it as a sort of palla-
dium of their liberties. In analyzing it, it is not easy to discover what
great advantages they had with it, that they would not have had with-
out it. It gave them the privilege of emigrating to New England.
This was no new privilege. It did not compel them to stay here. They
were as much the subjects of the crown of England as though they had
remained in England. Their condition in New England was the same
as it would have been in any incorporated borough in England, — with
this difference, however : they could not be so easily watched over.
And in this existed the grand secret in which all their advantages
lay hid. They improved those advantages in due time, as light and
strength from the nature of their situation clustered around them. As
to any important liberties secured to them, it was merely ideal. They
grew naturally and spontaneously out of the nature of their circum-
stances. True it is, the officers of the colony had the power of making
laws, and of executing them ; but around all this hung the laws of
England, which admitted nothing without or beyond them ; all laws and
ordinances must be in accordance with them. There was no opportu-
nity for improvement in their laws, unless the improvement originated in
the mother country ; or unless, by some revolution at home, the course
of its laws became deranged This, indeed, soon happened.
Much was said, even by the emigrants themselves, of their coming
into this wilderness to enjoy the privilege of worshipping God accord-
ing to their convictions of what he required of them. In fact, to wor-
ship God as they were not allowed to do at home ; in other words,
contrary to law. Surely their charter granted no such liberty,* nor
did it recognize the least departure in religious worship from that of
the Church of England. It was the same before, when the people came
* It could not grant any such liberty, because it would be in violation of the common
law. Coke, 5 Rep.
1629.] ORIGIN OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY". 65
to Plymouth. Their agents attempted to procure, under the hand of
James, a clause in their charter, allowing them to worship God as they
saw fit ; but he would allow of no such liberty ; yet, in a conversational
way, he gave the agents to understand, that they were too insignificant
to be looked after, unless they made a disturbance by their fanatical
practices. It was thus the pious Pilgrims were allowed to break the
laws, because they did it at a safe distance from their fountain-head.
And thus was the "higher law" successfully put in practice on the
barren sands of Cape Cod.
The case was different on the other side of the bay. There the
colonists did not agree upon forms of worship among themselves, and
the stronger party forced the weaker to return to England. Those
expelled belonged to the Episcopal Church.* This expulsion, says
Chalmers, t inflicted a wound on that church from which it never recov-
ered. J " And the liberal-minded exclaimed that the same conduct has
been invariably pursued at all times, and in every country ; the perse-
cuted, when they acquire power, will always persecute. "§ If different
sects quarrelled at home, was it not to be expected that they would
quarrel elsewhere ? Those churchmen, forcibly sent to England, com-
plained to the Company there, and demanded redress for the wrongs
and violence done them. If they ever received reparation of any kind,
nothing of record appears to show the fact ; and the country then being
on the verge of a civil war, the wheels of jurisprudence were clogged,
which may account for the silence with regard to the matter which
ensues.
There are reckless people in all periods and in all communities, and,
whether it be acknowledged or not, much of the liberty enjoyed in this
* In the Company's records the following however, were opened and read, but we hear
entry is found, under date 19 Sept., 1629 : — nothing of any aspersions contained in them
" At this court letters were read from Capt. against New England, as had been alleged. A
Endicott and others from New England ; and sufficient explanation of the whole grounds of
whereas a difference hath fallen out betwixt difficulty, I apprehend, is found in the state-
the Governor there and JNIr. John and Mr. ment in the text. In the " Company's Gen-
Samuell Browne, it was agreed by the court, eral Letter of Instructions " to Gov. Endicott,
that for the determinacon of those differences the gentlemen accused are spoken of in the
Mr. John and Mr. Samuell Brovrae might highest terms. " They are men (says the lefc-
choose any three or four of the Company on ter) wee doe much respect, being fully per-
their behalf, to heare the said differences, the swaded of their sincere affeccons to the good of
Company choosing as many. "Whereupon the o"^ Plantcon. Mr. John Browne is sworne an
said Mr. John and Mr. Samuell Browne made Assistant heere, and by vs chosen one of the
choice of Mr. Samuel Vassell, Mr. WiUiam Councell there ; a man experienced in the lawes
Vassell, Mr. Symon Whetcombe, and Mr. of o>" Kingdome, and such an one as wee are
"William Pynchon ; and for the Companie there persuaded will worthylie deserve yC fauo'' ;
were chosen Mr. John Whyte, Mr. John Da- and that in the first devision of lands, there
venport, Mr. Isack Johnson, and Mr. John may bee allotted to eether of them 200 acres."
"Wynthropp ; who, with the Governor or Dep- f Political Annals, 145.
uty, are to determine and end the business the j Churchmen of our times will hardly allow
first Tuesday in the next tearme." this. If at any period a death-blow had been
The letters sent by the Brownes to their inflicted, it was a good deal anterior to this,
friends in England had been intercepted, and Chalmers here did not exercise his usual acu-
at the next meeting of the Company it was men. His observations and deductions are
" considered whether these letters should be generally those of the profound jurist and
delivered or detained, and whether they should able expounder of state affairs,
be opened and read, or not." Some of them, ^ Political Annals, 145.
9
66 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1629.
age is owing to that very recklessness. The number of the early emi-
grants to New England who renounced allegiance to the mother church
was exceedingly small ; for the obvious reason, that it was at the same
time a renunciation of their allegiance to the crown. The course of
things in New England clearly proves the truth of these positions ; for,
when it was safe, or even promised a faint prospect of success in the
attempt, to throw off their allegiance, it was done in earnest. The
reckless followers of freedom showed themselves everywhere then, and
their success was equal to the prize contended for.
As though there were real grounds for certain assumptions of the
colonists contained in the charter, their agents submitted it to some of
the best politicians and ablest lawyers in England for their opinions.
They observed, " that, it being originally granted to a great company
resident in England, it was wholly inapplicable to the circumstances of
a distant colony, because it gave the body politic no more jurisdiction
than had every other corporation within the kingdom !" Such being
the opinion of a Somers, a Holt, a Treby and a Ward, what did this
boasted charter amount to ? It must, however, be confessed that, in
the adroit use made of it by the colonists, it amounted to almost the
same thing that they contended it was ; for by a constant appeal to it,
and admitting of no construction of its provisions which did not suit
them, they gained — what ? — what was everything to them, — time
and strength, with which to back up their claims. Nothing more was
needed, nothing more was required, and nothing more was probably
expected.
Did the great American Revolution begin here ? The English Revo-
lution ? The World's Revolution 1 Liberty was a tender plant then,
of uncertain age, and no man could say, " I planted it ;" though many
hands had now begun to water it, yet none conjectured to what height
and extent it would grow and spread. Although there was a period
when it was nursed by unskilful hands, and its growth was smothered
by its enemies, and it was even cut off to the ground in the land of its
origin, yet its roots remained, which soon sent up their branches in all
directions. Its growth was still slow ; but in the years of Cromwell it
was rapid, — too rapid to sustain itself against the storms which burst
upon it. Its great defender was not yet born, though his progenitors
were upon the soil of England. They found their way to America, but
it required a century more to produce a Washington. His hand it was
that cultivated the plant Liberty with success, and his arm it was that
shielded it from its enemies, till its strength had become too powerful
to fear all its adversaries combined.
It made no diiference, in fact, whether the corporation remained on
the island of Great Britain, or on any other island, or in any country
belonging to the Crown of England. Its final remove. Charter and
all, whether clandestinely or openly, does not at all affect the main
(Question ; while practically, there was a great difference. A company
1629.] REMOVAL OF THE GOVERNMENT. 67
consisting of many restless spirits, had been got rid of; and whether
they conformed to all the laws of Church and State, or not, they were
three thousand miles off, and could not be easily brought to punishment,
even if they deserved it, or made to mend the laws if they broke them.
The time of the principal emigration was auspicious. The rise of the
civil war in England gave its rulers more work than they could do at
home, and their King's power soon fell down to the pitiful restrictions
of subjecting those of his subjects who wished to emigrate to New
England to vexatious oaths of " allegiance and supremacy." This
state of things did not last long. Those who chose " disorderly to leave
the kingdom," did so ; and thus, what they gained in that kind of lib-
erty is lost by their descendants who happen to be antiquaries and
genealogists.
CHAPTER IX.
Records of the Massachusetts Company. — Gov. Cradock proposes a removal of the Government to
New England. — The Question is discussed. — Decided in the affirmative. — Ways and Means con-
sidered to carry it into effect. — Trade and Joint Stock of the Company. — What of the Government
to remain in England, and what in New England. — Endicott to be continued Governor. — Ship
Eagle. — Arbella. — Agreement for settling the Joint Stock affair. — New Governor and other Offi-
cers elected. — Case of the Bi-ownes. — Winthrop reports on the Joint Stock. — Proposals for pecu-
niary relief. — Disposal of the Joint Stock. — Ships ordered for emigration. — Rates of Passage and
Freight established. — Wisdom displayed. — Common Stock proposal. — For what service. — Sir
Wm. Brereton. — The Company at Southampton.
5|j!liq[^"iit^l^y lljyip P to this time there appears no intimation that any
1629. of the members of the Corporation (as
July 28. the Massachusetts Company was usually
called), had even a remote idea of transferring
the Government to New England. On this day,
namely, July the twenty-eighth, 1629, the Gov-
ernor of the Company, Matthew Cradock,
Esquire, when the business of the meeting of
the Company on that day was presumed to be
finished, and the usual routine of matters was
gone through with, surprised its members by " reading
__ certaine proposicons conceived by himself," recommending "to
^^ transfer the gournment of the plantacon to those that shall
inhabite there." Thus taken by surprise, the members had secrecy
more than once enjoined upon them, and considerable debate ensued ;
and every one was " desired privately and seriously to consider hereof,
and to sett downe their prticuler reasons in wry ting pro and contra,"
and to produce the same at the next meeting, that " the Company may
then precede to fynall resolucon therein ; and in the meane tyme to
carry this busines secretly, that the same bee not devulged." This
meeting was held, as they had generally been of late, at the house of
Deputy Governor Goffe, in London.
68
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1629.
The time for a meeting to discuss the great question about a
^^' ' removal having arrived, "Mr. Deputie acquainted this Court,
that the espetiall cause of their meeting was to give answere to divers
gentlemen intending to go into New England, whether or noe the
chiefe Gou'"nm^ of the Plantacon, together with the pattent, should bee
setled in New England or heere."
Accordingly it was ordered, that, in the afternoon of the same day,
" Mr. Wright, Mr. Eaton, Mr. Adams, Mr. Spurstowe, and such others
as they should thinke fitt to call unto them, whether they were of the
Company or not," to consider the arguments against the proposed re-
moval ; and on the other side, " Sir Richard Saltonstall,* Mr. Johnson,
* From Thoresby's History of Leeds, and an abstract of the will of Gilbert Saltonstall, I am
principally able to present the following pedigree. It is enough to add, concerning this family,
that they opposed the persecutions in New England, in its early settlement ; denounced with
becoming language the proceedings against Quakers, and set a worthy example in the witch-
craft delusion.
Gilbert Saltoxstall, of Halifax, Co. :
of York, purchased, besides other lands.
Rooks in Hipperholme.
1. Anne, da. of = Samuel of:
Mr. Jo. Rams-
den, of Lougley
gr.-fa. to Sir
John Ramsden
1. Grace, da. of:
Robert Kaye,
Rooks and
Huntick.
2. Elizabeth, := 3. Elizabeth, Sir Richard, Lord Mayor of London :
dau. of Mr. widow of 1597, (one year only), from whom
Thos. Ogden Armine, those of London and Hertfordshire.
of Hull, s. p. He was sherifif in 1688, will 1600.
: Susan ....
1610, came to New E. 1630,
d. at Hulrae, England, 29th
April, 1694.
Sir Richard = 2. , Gilbert, Samuel = Barbara, Seven Samuel Susanna, Ann, mar.
Knt.J. Peace d. of Ld. d.yng. of Roger- da. Wal- others. (_nnmtd m. Richard John Harbyo
1 Charles I. Delaware. thorp, ter Ruds- in the Sunderland, of London,
Came to N. 3. Martha ton, of wit of 17 Jac. I. skinner, mer.
E. 1630. Wilford. Hayt on. hisja ther.) Muscovy, Ac.
^/ \-- -s,
Henry, H. C. Robert Samuel sold land at Watertown,
1642, return'd sells land in 20 : 6 : 1642.
to England. Watertown,
2 Sep. 1642.
High Hoi born,
Lond. 1643.
Richard, b. at Woodsome, = Muriel, da.
of Brampton
Gurden, of
Assington,
Co. Suf. Esq.
Nathaniel,= Elizabeth,
ab. 1639,
d. 1707;
lived at Ha-
verhill, Ms.
of which he
is called
the father.
da. of Mr.
John Ward
of Haver-
hill.
Richard,
d. un-
married.
Muriel, m.
Sir Edward
Moseiy, of
Hulme, Lane.
England.
Abigail, m. to Thos. Harley, Esq.
Elizabeth, m. to Hercules Horsy, '.
Elizabeth,
(only da. )m.
1. Mr. John
Denison,6th
min. of Ips-
wich. 2. Mr.
Rowland Cot-
ton.
Gurdon, ;
b. Hav-
erhill, 27
March,
l666,Gov.
Ct. 1708.
d. 1724,
October 1.
: Jerusha, Richard,=
da. AVilliam Haver
Whittingham hill,
of Boston.
Nathaniel,
H. C. 1695, tutor
there; d. young.
Roswell, eldest =
son, b. 1701, d. in
New London, 1st
Oct., 1758, a. 37.
Richard, b. :
14th June,
1703,d.l756,
a Judge.
Mary, da. Nathaniel, =
of Elisha merch., grad. H. C.
Cook, 2d. 1727, d. young.
Physician of Haverhill.
Richard, b. 5
April, 1732,
col., royalist,
d. in England
1785, unmar.
Nathaniel, = Anna, da. Leverett, i
of Samuel royalist, d.
White, Esq. 1782.
of the Hav-
erhill family.
Hon. Leterett,
d. 8 May, 1845,
aged 62.
Nathaniel. Richard.
1629.] QUESTION OF REMOVAL DISCUSSED. 69
Capt Venn, and such others as they should call vnto them," to prepare
arguments for a removal ; which arguments were assigned to be heard
in a full Court on the next day, at nine o'clock. When the hour
arrived, there " were prsent many of the Assistants and gen-
"^" ' eralitie, and after a long debate, Mr. Deputie put it to the
question, as foUoweth : As many of you as desire to haue the pattent
and the Gournment of the Plantacon to bee transferred to New Eng-
land, soe as it may bee d'one legally, hold vp yo"" hands. So many as
will not, hold vpp yo"" hands. Where by ereccon of hands, it appeared
by the gen''all consent of the Company, that the Gou'"mn' Pattent should
bee setled in New England, and accordingly an order to bee drawne
vpp."
At the next sitting of the Court, the records are silent upon
^^ ■ ■ the subject of removal ; but, at its session ten days later, " that
business being of great and weighty consequence, is thought fitt to bee
deferred for determinacon vntil Sir R. Saltonstall, Mr. Johnson and
other gentlemen bee come vpp to London, and may be here present."
Meantime a committee was proposed, which should " take advice
^^ ■ 'of learned counsel, whether the same may bee legally done or
noe ; by what way or meanes the same may bee done to corrispond with,
and not preiudice the GouW here ; to consider of the tyme when it
wilbe fitt to doe it ; to resolve on whom to conferr the Gou'nm'^, and
diuers other circumstances materiall to bee resolued on, &c."
At the next session of the Court the subject of a removal of
the government to New England is but incidentally mentioned ;
the " espetiall and only occasion of this meeting beinge to consider and
resolue of settling the trade in New England (now vpon transferring
the Gou'mnt thither), for the incouragm' as well of the Adventurers in
the Joynt Stock heere, as of those who already are, and of others who
intend to goe ouer in prson to bee planters there."
After a long debate upon the respective claims of the parties, " the
Court, in conclusion, fell vpon a moderacon;" that the Company's
Joint Stock should have the trade of beaver and all other furrs, solely,
for seven years from this day, in consideration of the charge it had
undergone, and is yet annually to bear, for the advancement of the
Plantation. That for fortifications, the Company's Joint Stock to bear
half the expense, and the planters the other half, and the charge foi
ordnance, munition, &c. That for the charge of ministers now there,
and that shall hereafter go to reside there, as also for building churches
and other public works, one half to be borne by the Joint Stock, and
the other half by the planters, for seven years.
The business of this day's session was closed by the appointment of
a committee,* who were desired to draw " fitt and conuenyent clauses
to bee incerted in articles of agreement, which may bee comodious for
* Which committee was to consist of " prt intend to goe ouer." Judging by modem com
of the Adventurers here, and prt of those that mitteea, this was a very unwieldy one ; con-
70
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1629.
either prt, and to prepare the same for a Court of Assistants, appointed
that afternoone to determine therof." In the preamble to this, the
record reads, "forasmuch as by former order the Pattent and Gou'nm*
to bee transferred to New England." " All which being seu^'all tymea
read, was by Mr. Gou'no'" put to the question, and by gen'll consent, by
erreccon of hands, was agreed and concluded on, and ordered accord-
ingly."
In Court the 'lext day, the quesibn was considered, "what
gou''mn' shalbe neiv at London, wherby the future charge of the
loynt Stock may bee cherished and preserved, and the body politique
of the Company remaine and increase. What persons shall have the
charge of the managing of the loynt Stock, both at London and in New
England ; wherein it is conceeved fitt that Captain Endicott continue
the Gou'^mn'' there, vnless iust cause to the contrarie" appear. It was
finally thought as more " fitt and naturall that the Gournmnt of per-
sons bee held there," in New England, and that of " trade and mer-
chandizes to bee heere" in London. At the same time the Governor
and Treasurer of the Company were appointed to examine the affairs of
the loint Stock company, reputed to bee much in debt ; and an order
was passed for freighting the ship Eagle,* at Bristol, for New England.
sisting of eighteen members ; eight of whom
were of those "that intend to goe ouer ;"
namely,
Sir Ri. Saltonstall Mr. Dudley
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Vassall
Mr. AVinthropeC) Mr. Pinchon
Mr. Humfry Mr. Downing
The residents were :
Mr. Davenport Mr. Adams
Mr. AVright Mr. Whetcombe
Mr. Perry Mr. Young
Capt. Waller Mr. Spurstowe
Capt. Venn (2) Mr. Revell.
* This was a ship of 350 tons, which was
purchased for the service of the Company, pur-
suant to a motion of the Governor, made at a
session of the Court held 28 July, 1629. " But
in regard the Company are not now in cash,"
say the records, several members agreed to
advance " cash" sufficient, because they were
not willing so good a ship, and such favorable
(1) This, I believe, is the first time the name of Mr. Win-
throp occurs in the records of the Company. Five days
<ifter, he is elected Governor, as will be seen. He thus wrote
his name in 1647 :
(2) Capt. John Venn became noted in Cromwell's revolution
\)t Tebellion, — as the great tory, Clarendon, will have it, —
though he was now of London, he probably originated at
Dorchester, where, in remote ages, the name was De Venn or
De Vann. Geoffery De Venn built the church there, and his
elhgy is supposed to be that " lying at length" in one of the
windows of the chancel ; and about whom this tradition is
preserved :
Geoffery Van
Uis wife Ann
Cradock, Mr. Adams, Mr. Wright, Mr. ^lil-
burne, and the Company, each took one eighth
of the ship, and Mr. Goffe, Mr. Eaton, Mr.
Whetcombe, Mr. Revell, IMr. Aldersey and
Mr. Huson, took each a sixlcen/h.
As will be seen, the name of the Eagle was
afterwards changed to that of Arbella, an
abbreviated way of writing Arabella, a name
appropriated to females. Whether this name
were originally written with two a's or three,
it is not worth extending a note much to settle
the question, especially as Avriters of the times
of the first settlers of Boston often v\Tote their
own names diflPerently. Yet it may be well
just to state that there can be no question as
to hoio the name ought to be written, in view
of its etymology ; ara, altar ; bella, beautiful,
fair ; hence, a fair altar. That even a scholar,
just out of his classics, should confound the
With his maid Nan
Built this church.
It was the daughter of Capt. John Venn, probably, about
whom there is a book of 1658, with a preface by Tho. Weld.
Like most books of that day and character, it contains very few
facts, but details very particularly her " experience," inci-
dentally giving the date of her birth, about 1627 ; her father,
she says, commanded a regiment in 16-12, at Windsor, of
which " Master Love was chaplain." The family resided in
London several years, but in 1647 they settled in Fulham,
near London, on the Thames, where Capt. Venn died on the
28th of June, 1650. This daughter was Anne. In her book
she makes frequent mention of many of the prominent Pu-
ritan divines of the day ; as Mr. Isaac Knight, Mr. Rogers,
author of the " Evidences," Mr. Stevens, Mr. Archer, Mr.
Barker, Mr. Milborn, Mr. Sidrach Simpson, who lectured in
Friday Street, Mr. Smalhvood, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Blake, Mr.
Price, Mr. Cradock, Mr. Nye, and many others, all of whom
she knew and heard preach during " the eighteen years she
was sorely tempted of the Divell."
1629.] AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ADVENTURERS AND PLANTERS. 71
Letters which had been prepared to be sent to Governor Endicott were
also read.*
Three days later the Company held another meeting ; the
occasion, say the records, " being to resolue of the alteracon of
gouerment, and therein to consider" how the debts of the Joint Stock
shall be discharged, and other management of that affair. As time
could not be spared to debate the subject then, it was proposed that
certain committees should be appointed " to meete and make prposicons
each to other, and sett the same downe in wryting ; and, if they can,
to agree and conclude of a fitt end to bee made for the good of the
plantacon ; and if any difference happen wch they cannot agree on,
that then the same be referred to the vmprage and determinacon of
some of the preachers to bee chosen to that . purpose ; who are desired
to sett downe in wryting what they shall thinke in conscience is fitt to
bee done. To this end Articles betweene the Planters and Adventurers
were nowe drawne by Mr. Whyte, the councellor, read and approved."
A Court was to be convened on the next day, when the Articles w^ere
to be presented for ratification ; and at the same Court it was appointed
that a Governor and Assistants should be chosen for New England.
There was a very large attendance at the Court held on this
day. The Governor acquainted those present that the " espetiall
occasion of summoninge them was for the election of a new Governor,
Deputie, and Assistants ; the gournment being to bee transferred into
New England, according to the former order and resolucon of the Com-
pany." But before proceeding to the proposed election, the Articles
of agreement between the Adventurers and Planters were read, " and
recommended to the Court for their approbacon and for the uominacon
name of the place where the immense armies than Edmuxd Lodge and jAires Granger, — two
contended under Alexander and Darius, with of the most learned biographers England has
that of Arabella, is not a matter of the least ever produced, — I will own I have no better,
surprise. It is plain enough that the name I have mj^self an engraved portrait of the lady,
became thus corrupted. Numerous instances under which ^r6eZ/a, &c., are written. Every-
might be cited of similar corruptions. Even body knows that painters and engravers are
the learned Sir Walter Ralegh gave way some- not authority for the orthography of names so
times, it is said, to the popular corruption of found. With one of these before him, Mr.
his own name, so far as to write Raleigh. If Granger constantly wrote Arabella; and Mr.
the Ividij Arabella Stuart sometimes conformed Lodge, at the head of the Collegeof Arms,
to an error of the sort, it only proves that she with old MSS. in his hands, to which Arbella
did so conform, and nothing more. The old was signed, constantly wrote ^raZ>e//a!. Names
saying, that "the errors of the learned are may, indeed, be somewhat arbitrary, — not so
learned errors," is a paradox that had better their origin ; yet it is of small importance if a
be dispensed with. The name of the lady Ara- ship bear a niclmame, if no one be_ misled
bella Churchill (sister to John, Duke of thereby. To this end I have made this note,
Marlborough) , is everywhere printed, so far as and I will only add that good English writers
my reading has extended, as it is here. The have always -written Arabella. Does any one
accurate Prince wrote Arbella, because he presume to write Dolbella 1 — another name for
found it so written by Winthrop (who, in females, — abridged like the one in question,
official papers, wrote his own name a letter So of Isabella. Does anybody write Isbella 1
short) , and perhaps one or two of his asso- * The originals of these letters are preserved
ciates. Hubbard wrote it so from the same in the first book of Deeds in the Suffolk Regis-
cause. If any better authorities were desired try, Boston. They are printed in the J. rcA«-
that the real name of the lady, for whom the ologia Americana, iii. 53-4.
ship was named, should be written Arabella,
72
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1629
and appointment of a competent number of Comittees to meete and
treat and resolue of these businesses." The articles being approved
of, " fiue comittees on either part were thereupon chosen, namely, Sr.
Richard Saltonstall, Mr. Winthrop,* Mr. Dudley, Mr. Johnson, and Mr.
Humfrey, for the Planters ; and for the Adventurers, Mr. Gouernor,
Mr. Ahlersey, Mr. Wright, Mr. Hutchins, and Capt. Venn." Should
these not come to an agreement, " there was chosen for vmpires, Mr.
White, the councellor, Mr. Whyte, of Dorchester, and Mr. Dauenport,
to whom the desition and determinacon " were left. Any members of
tlie Company were allowed to have access to the committee, " to pro-
pound such things as they conceived benefitiall for the business, or to
present their opinions in wryting, but not to debate with them for inter-
rupting their proceedings." "And now the court proceeding to the
* Adam Winthrop, of Oroton, Co. of Suffolk, Eng., appears to be the first of the name, from whom this = Annis,
disliu^'uisheil family can be traced. He is known to have seated himself at Groton on the dissolution of I who m.2d, prob-
moMHSteries by Henry VIII., and is said to have been a lawyer of distinction. His burial Is recorded ably, \Vm. iliid-
upon the parish Register of Uroton, 12 Nov., 1562. | may, 1563.
Adam, like his father, was bred to the law. Little =: Anne
concerning him has been preserved. His burial ap- | Browne,
pears upon the Register at Groton, 29th March, 1623. (probably,) 20
Feb. 15S0,
Alice = Thomas, son of Wm. Mild-
may (the husband of her
mother.)
1. Mary, da. of =r John, (gov. Ms.) b. 12 Jan.. 1588, = 2.Thomasine, da. =3. Margaret,
John Korih
1588, m. 12 Ap.
16U5, buried 26
June, 1615.
came to N. E. 1630, d. in Boston,
26 March, 1649, aged 61.
Wm. Clopton,
Dec, 1616, d. Dec.
1616.
Sir John Tin-
dale, Kt., 29
April, 1618, d.
14 June, 1647.
(Anne, da. Sir
Thos. Egarton,
m. 1. Sir Wm.
Deane ; 2. Sir
John Tindale,
fa.of Margaret.)
: 4. Martha, Jane, bp. 1592, m.
wid.ofTho. Thos. Goslin,1613.
Coytmore
of Charles- Lucy, b. 1601, m.
town, 1647. Emanuel Down-
ing, 10 A p., 1622.
Martha = John, (gov. Ct.) :
b. 12 Feb., 1606,
d Boston, 5 Ap.
1676, a. 70. An
early member of
the R..yal Soc.
of London.
Elizabeth, Fitz John, (Gov. Ct.)
b.24July, b. at Ipswich, 14
1636. March, 1639, V R.S.,
and d. in Huston, 27
Nov. 1707.
John, F.R.S. = Anna, da.
2. Elizabeth. Henry, Forth, Mary, m. A child Ada
drowned, d. bef. Rv. Sam.
Salem, 1643, a Dudley,
1630, a. wife d. of E.xet'r,
22. 1630. N. H.
d.
1616.
7 April,
1620, d.
Boston,
1652.
= Elizabeth Stephen,:
Glover, bap. 1619;
ab. 1642. recorder
of Bost'n,
M. P for Scotl'd, Coll.
in Cromwell's army.
Wait Still, b. :
27 Feb. 1642,
Ch.Jus Sup.
Ct. Ms. &c.
d. in Boston,
ab. 1688.
Anna, d.l615.
= Mary, da. of Adarn, H. C. =
Wm. Browne 1668, d. 1700.
of Salem, d.
Stephen, John, b. Margaret
b. 1651. 1646. Jujitu.
b. 26 Aug
1681, N. Lon-
don, d. 1 Aug.
1747.
Gov. Joseph
Dudley, b.27
Aug 1684.
Anna, m. to Thomas
Lechmere, surveyor
of customs, Boston,
bro. of Ld. Lechmere.
Shed. 22 Nov., 1746.
Adam, H. C, 1694, = Anne,
d. 1743, commander I
of Castle AVilliam ;
lived in Atkinson St. |
Adam, H. C, 1724, John, H.C. 1732, LL.D.
merch., lived in Prof. H. C, F.R S , d.
Brattle St. 3 May, 1779, aged 65.
I.Jane, :
only da.
Francis
Borland,
Boston.
ill, b 15 Jan. =2 da. Wm. Sheriff Basil, d.
1720, d. 6 June, 1776.
A da. m. to Deane, b. = Samuel, William.
Gov. Wanton, 1623, d. at I 1627. NaO^iel
of R.I. Pul. Pt, I NathanieL
1704. Deane, Anne, Joshua,
Boston. 1630. (by 4th wife)
-^r
WiUi .un, N . Y.
Joseph, Charles-
ton, S.d^. 1828.
Jane.
Atm, mar. David
Sears, Esq., of B.,
fa. of the present
Hon. David Sears.
Mary.
1. Eliza = Francis B. = Phebe Taylor. Thomas Lindall, — Elizabeth, Benjamin, Robert, Elizabeth
Marston. ofNewYork. b. 1760, H.C. 1780 I da. Sr Jno. N.York, admiral S, Mid
One of his It. gov. Ms. 1826- Temple, by m. Stuy- Eng. dletown,
wives d. at 1832. LL. D. d. I Elizab. da. vesant. navy. Ct
N. I-ondoD, 22 Feb. 1842, aged I of Gov. Bow-
1789. 81. doin, d.l825.
Eliza beth B . T.
Siuah B.
Thomas L.
Augusta T.
Augusta T. 2d.
James B., a
true antiquary.
John T.
Francis William.
Francis Wm. 2d.
Ann.
George Edv
Robert Charles, Grenvillo T.
now Hon. R. C, d. 1852.
Speaker 11. Reps.
U.S. 1847-9, Sen-
ator U. S. 1850-1.
1629.] CASE OF THE BROWNES. 73
eleccon of a new Gouernor, Deputie and Assistants ; and having re-
ceived extraordinary great commendacons of Mr. John Wynthrop, both
for his integritie and suf&cencie, as being one every way well fitted and
nccomplished for the place of Gouernor, did put in nominacon for that
place the said Mr. John Wynthrop,* Sr. E,. Saltonstall, Mr. Is. Johnson,
and Mr. John Humfry ; and the said Mr. Wynthrop was, with a gen'all
vote and full consent of this Court by ereccon of hands, chosen to bee
Gouernor for the ensuing yeare, to begin on this present day ; who was
pleased to accept thereof, and thervpon tooke the oath to that place
apprtaining. In like manner, and with like free and full consent, Mr.
John Humfry was chosen Deputy Gouernor."
^^^ ^Q At the meeting of the Court of Assistants, Mr. Wynthrop pre-
sided as Governor. The chief business before them was to devise
ways and means " for bringing in of monyes," with which to pay mari-
ners' wages, freight of ships, " and other debts." Mr. Cradock informed
the Court " what somes he had disbursed for accompt of the Company,
and what more was owing for maryner's wages vpon the shipps Tal-
bot, Mayflower, and Four Sisters, and for the fraight of those shipps,
amounting to <£1200 and upwards." Power to grant warrants for the
payment of money was conferred on the Governor and Deputy, as for-
merly, and they thereupon drew one on treasurer Harwood in favor of
Mr, Cradock for =£800, to be paid " soe soone as mony shall come to
his hands."
At the same court a complaint, brought by Mr. John and Mr. Samuel
Browne, was taken up, and "some debate was had" concerning it.
These gentlemen had been forcibly sent out of New England, as has
already been mentioned, and had sued for redress to the Company.
This is another complaint. The authorities in New England had sold
or appropriated their effects there, and they now complained that their
goods had been undervalued, and that " divers things had been omitted
to bee valued," and they desired relief and justice. The Court de-
cided that if they could bring proof of what they complained, they
should have relief ; otherwise the case to be suspended for settlement
when the new Governor should arrive in New England, f
* The Assistants at the same time chosen had never been attended to ; and now, judging
were : from the journal entry of the Company, they
Sir R. Saltonstall Mr. Thomas Sharpe had little to expect. They were told that if
Mr. Is Johnson Mr. John Revell they would come under written obligation to
Ul: TEnrotT Mr.- SfolfS^' t'\.'''%'^rT. '' ^'f, ^^^r^' ^'\^
Mr. [Increase] Noell Mr. [Saml.]Aldersey Wright and Mr. Eaton would, on the part ot
Mr. Wm. Vassal! Mr. John Venn t^ie Company, inform them what they thought
Mr. Wm. Pinchon Mr. Nath. Wright requisite for their "pretended damage."
Mr. Sam. Sharpe Mr. Theoph. Eaton Whether the Browns gave up the matter here,
Mr. Edw. Rossiter Mr. Tho. Addams. or whether they ever received any remunera-
t At one of the last courts held by the tion, nothing of record appears. It must
C.)mpany in England, 10 February, 1630, " a have been a pretty serious business for those
wryting of grevances of Mr. Samuell and gentlemen, in those times, to have been ex-
John Browne was presented,'" asking remu- pelled the country almost immediately after
neration for their damage and losses in New reaching it. An entire suspension of their
England, by which it appears that if they business, their outlays for a plantation resi-
cver had any claim, as specified, that claim dence,and two long voyages across the Atlantic.
74 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1629
The General Court met on this day, it being one of the quar-
ter clays appointed for holding courts by the charter. The
general business of the Plantation, being the chief object ; " but by
reason of the small appearance (few attending) and the shortness of
tyme, nothing was done therin." "The Governor, however, made a
relacon of the proceedings of the ioynt comittee concerning the setling
of the Ioynt Stock ;" from which it appeared that there was a balance
on the books against that stock of upwards of .£3000. Against that
amount there was due in subscriptions o£1900 ; and on freight of ships
about <£900 more. After some propositions about the management of
the Joint Stock affairs, the Court was adjourned to the thirtieth of the
same month. " Lastly, vpon the mocon of Mr. Whyte, to the end that
this business might bee proceeded in with the first intencon, which was
chiefly the glory of God ; and to that purpose that their meetings might
be sanctifyed by the prayers of some faithfuU ministers resident heere
in London, whose advice would bee likewise requisite vpon many occa-
sions, the Court thought fitt to admit into the freedome of this Com-
pany, Mr. Jo. Archer, and Phillip Nye,* ministers heere in London,
who, being heere present, kindly accepted therof ; also Mr. Whyte
did recomend vnto them Mr. Nathaniell Ward, of Standon."
Agreeable to adjournment, the General Court met at Mr.
Goff's. For the relief of the Company from its present liabili-
ties it was proposed that the Adventurers should double their former
subscriptions ; but this was not agreed to. It was then proposed that
ten persons should take the Joint Stock at its real value, and assume its
responsibilities, for which they were to have these privileges, for seven
years, namely, half the beaver trade, and all other furs ; the sole making
of salt ; the furnishing of a magazine at set rates ; and the sole transpor-
tation of passengers and goods at certain rates. Five of the ten persons
above-named were to be of the Adventurers, the other five planters. A
committee was appointed to value the Stock, who were requested to
report on the next day. This committee consisted of Mr. Whyte of
Dorchester, Mr. Thomas Goff, Mr. Webb, and Mr. Increase Nowell.
^^^ ^ The decision of the committee was, that, owing to the nature
of the undertaking, there was a depreciation in the value of the
Stock to the amount of two thirds of all adventured ; "which value, vpon
due examination and long debate, was allowed by all the court." And
* There is a more full account of Mr. Nye lives? Considered and Affirmatively resolved.'"
in Palmer's Calamy than in any of our books, Whether the Philip Nye of our text were the
yet some who have used the larger part of his author of this tract (which is now before me),
facts, give others credit for them. Though I cannot say. However this may be, for the
Dr. Calamy says he died in 1672, I had been sorrow of all good men, — antiquaries, — Dr.
led to think he was alive in 1G77, as in that Calamy informs us that Mr. Nye " left behind
year, according to Dr. Increase Mather, " Mr. him a character of a man of uncommon depth,
P. Ny" published "A Case of Great and who was seldom or never outreached ;" and
Present Use. Whether ive may lawfully hear that " a compleat history of the old Puritan
the now Conforming Ministers, toho are re- Dissenters by him, in MS., was burnt at Al-
ordained,and have renounced the Covenant, and derman Clarkson's, in the fire of London;"
some of them supposed to be scandalous in their 1666, of course.
1629.] SHIPS ORDERED FOR EMIGRATION. 75
hereupon the followmg ten gentlemen were desired to take the Stock
agreeably to the above proposal ; namely, Mr. John Winthrop, the gov-
ernor, Sh' Richard Saltonstall, Kt., Isack Johnson, Esq., Mr. Thomas
Dudley, Mr. John Revell, Mr. Matt. Cradock, Mr. Nathaniel Wright,
Mr. Theophilus Eaton, Mr. Thomas Golf, and Mr. James Young ; which
gentlemen, upon much entreaty of the Court, accepted accordingly.
These were usually denominated the Undertakers.
At the same court it was ordered that the Undertakers should pro-
vide a sufficient number of ships of good force, for transporting of
passengers, at the rate of five pounds each, and four pounds a ton for
goods. These ships were to be ready to sail from London by the first
day of March, 1630. That the ships should touch at the Isle of Wight,
and take in any passengers which might desire to embark there, having
first registered their names at London, " with forty shillings towards
their fraight, to one of the said Vndertakers abyding in London, in the
Michaelmas tearme before ; and shall deliuer their goods on shipp-
board before the twentieth of Februarie following ; and shall giue
security for the rest of their fraight as they can agree with the said
Vndertakers, either for mony to bee paid here, or for comoditie to bee
deliured in the Plantacon." In the charge for passage, children at the
breast were not to be reckoned ; those under four years of age, three
were to be counted as one ; under eight, two for one ; under twelve,
three for two. And that a ship of two hundred tons should be allowed
to carry not more than one hundred and twenty passengers ; and in this
proportion ships of other tonnage were restricted. Freight on goods
sent "home" to be, for beaver, three pounds per ton, and for other
commodities, forty shillings per ton. Goods "assured" to pay five
pounds per hundred pounds' value.
Concerning the " Magazine," it was agreed " that the Vndertakers
should furni'Sh the Plantacon with all such comodities as they shall send
for ;" the planters to take and sell them as they pleased, allowing the
Undertakers o£25 in the hundred, above all charges ; the planters to
have the liberty to dispose of their part of the beavers as they chose
to do.
Such were the proceedings preparatory to the settlement of Boston ;
which, considering all the circumstances, it must be confessed were
dictated by sound judgment, wisdom, and that care for the ultimate
good of all concerned, which will ever command the gratitude and ad-
miration of an enlightened posterity. And though there may be few,
even in this day of light and knowledge, who care to look back to these
times, that number must increase, through future ages, in proportion to
the improvement of the human mind, and as true benevolence takes
the place of a sordid selfishness. These transactions of an ancestry of
a posterity spread over the fairest part of the world, lie hid in no mist
of uncertainty ; their acts, plain and simple, written with their own
hands, are everywhere to be read, and, it is to be hoped, will be for
ages to come.
76
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1630.
Dec.
Some members of the Company not present at the last meet-
ing of the court, now appeared and complained that so great a
redaction had been made in the property of the Joint Stock, and the
matter received "a large discussion ; " but the present court would not
reconsider the matter ; only, according to a former provision, and a
mutual consent, the consideration of the case was committed to Mr.
Davenport,* Mr. Nye, and Mr. Ar-
cher, three ministers there present.
1630. It was proposed, at this
Feb. 10. meeting of the General Court,
to create a common stock in the Com-
pany, because of " a great and con-
tinuall charge in the furtherance of
the plantacon, which cannot with con-
venyence bee defrayed out of the
loynt Stock of the Company." This
stock " should bee raysed from shuch
as beare good affeccon to the planta-
con and the propagacon thereof," to
be employed " only in defrayment of
publique charges ; as maintenance of
ministers, transportacon of poore famy-
lies, building of churches and fortyfycacons," and other occasions in
the plantation. To those advancing fifty pounds in this new stock, two
hundred acres of land were to be allotted, and so on, in that proportion.
Of this new Company Mr. George Harwood was chosen treasurer.
At the same court a motion was made on behalf of Sir William
Brereton, who, it appears, had a claim to lands under some Patent,
which lands were now covered by the Patent of the Massachusetts
Company. His claim is spoken of in the records of the Company, as
held " by vertue of a late pretended Pattent." He proposed to waive
his claim, provided " a proportionable quantitie of land might be allot-
ted vnto him for the accommodacon of his people and servants now to
be sent over." But the Court, after due " consideracon," did not think
proper to enter into any " prticuler capitulacon with him therein," and
informed his messengers that the Company did not acknowledge that
"anything was due vnto him as of right by vertue of his said Pat-
tent," nor would they "give any consideracon in case hee" should
relinquish it. Six hundred acres being due to him as one of the Ad-
venturers, "they are well content hee should ioyne with them in the
prosecucon of this business, according to their Charter ;" and any ser-
vants he might send over to settle in the Plantacon should receive all
JOHN DAVENPORT.
* Of all the early emigrants to New Eng-
land, Mr. John Davenport, probably, could
trace his lineage to the highest antiquity, —
seventeen generations, his own included, —
to Orme de Davenport, bom 20th William the
Conqueror. It is only necessary to refer to
" A History and Genealogy" of the family,
by A. Benedict Davenport, Esq. (of the twenty-
fourth generation) , published in New York in
1851.
lOoO.] COMPANY AT SOUTHAMPTON. 77
courteous respect, and be accommodated with land, as other the servants
of the Company. Captain Waller and Mr. Eaton were desired " to
signifie the Companye's affection and due respect vnto him ; he hauing
written to them about this business."*
The Assistants held a court at Southampton, at which was
present the Governor, Sir Richard Saltonstall, Mr. Johnson, Mr.
Dudley, Mr. Humfrey, Mr. Nowell, Mr. Pynchon, and Mr. Goffe. " It
was ordered and concluded by erreccon of hands, that Sir Brian Jan-
son, Kt., Mr. William Coddington and Mr. Simon Bradstreete, gent.,
shall be chosen in the roomes and places of Assistants of Mr. Wright,
merchant, Mr. Theophilus Eaton, and Mr. Thomas Goffe, of London,
merchants."
Mar 23 -^^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^' ^'^"^^ ^^^^ ^J ^^^ Company in England,
and was " aboard the Arbella ;" at which Mr. Coddington, Mr.
Tho. Sharpe, Mr. William Vassall, and Mr. Simon Bradstreete ap-
peared, instead of Humfrey, Nowell, Pynchon and Goffe. Nothing
appears to have been recorded of any transactions at this session, only
it is noted that " Mr. John Humfrey (in regard hee was to stay behinde
in England), was discharged of his Deputyshipp, and Mr. Thomas
Dudley chosen Deputy in his place."
* It is not unlikely that Sir Wm. Brereton Major General of Cheshire, Staffordshire,
intended to settle in New England ; indeed, it and Lankashire."
is highly probable that such was the fact ; The relation of Sir William Brereton to the
but his rights, or what he considered his rights, Massachusetts Company was no doubt the
being disregarded, or not acknowledged by the same as Mr. Oldham's. There is in the Mass.
Massachusetts Company, no doubt caused him Archives, Lands, i., p. 1, a document explain-
to remain in England, the affairs of which ing the nature and extent of his claim. The
soon gave him an opportunity to act a dis- reason why it was so unfavorably regarded
tinguished part therein. There is a portrait may be found in the note, p. 58, ante. See
of him to be seen in the celebrated work of Hutchinson, i. 6, 18. Frothingham'' s Hist.
Mr. John Vickers, published in 1G47 ; and Charlestown, 13 and 14. He is said to have
who, according to that trustworthy author, been one of the judges at the trial of the
gained seventeen victories over the armies of King. It is true that he was appointed to be
Charles I., one of which was commanded by of the number of the triers of Charles, but
Prince Rufert hiniself. There is another por- his name does not appear upon the warrant
trait of him in the curious work of Josiah for the execution. My slight researches in
Ricraft, published also in 1647, "^ Survey regard to him, furnish nothing beyond the
of Englancfs Champi()?is,^' being ^'■Truth's ordinary histories above referred to, and others
faithful Recitements ; with the lively Effigies more common. The Biographical Dictionaries
and Eulogies of those who fought against the consulted do not even contain the name of the
Romish Sicera, or the Great Scarlet Whore, " Champion " who risked his life in seventeen
with tohom the Kings of the Earth have commit- battles in the cause of human freedom, and the
ted Fornication.''^ Under his portrait in this rights of man !
book ia inscribed, " Sr. "William Brereton,
78 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1630-
CHAPTER X.
Sailing of the Mary & John. — Her Company. — Sailing of Winthrop's Fleet. — Some Account of it
— Capt. Burley. — Sir Thomas Roe. — The Governor and Company's "Humble Request." —
Charles Fines. — The Fleet proceeds on its Voyage. — Incidents and Accidents attending it. — Arrival
of the Wary & John. — Nantasket. — Charlestown. — Settlement of Dorchester. — Tedious Voyage
of "Winthrop's Company. — Sir Robert Mansel. — The ships on the Coast. — Arrival at Salem. —
Gov. Endicott. — Winthrop explores about Boston. — Thomas Walford. — Arrival of other ships. —
Deputy Governor Dudley. — His Account of the Colony the first year. — Deaths of eminent persons.
UT before the last meeting of the Government of
the Massachusetts Company on board a ship in
the harbor of Southampton, another ship, named
the Mary & John, of four hundred tons, had
been receiving passengers and goods, as she lay
in the port of Plymouth ; and, being now ready
^ M 20 ^^^ ^^^' ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^ Plymouth Sound,
"" ■ * bound for the Massachusetts Bay, in New
England. Of this ship " one Captain Squeb
'''^^-'S?se^'^======^^'5^^^^:^'^ -^vas master," and among his passengers were
" the reverend Mr. Warham and Mr. Maverick, with many godly fami-
lies and people under their care, from Devonshire, Dorsetshire and
Somersetshire." In the same ship were also Mr. Rossiter and Mr.
Ludlow, two assistants of the Massachusetts Company, and a young
man in humble circumstances then, named Roger Clap, but who be-
came in New England a gentleman of high consideration.
Mar 29 " Riding at Cowes, near the Isle of Wight," it being Mon-
day, there were now the " Arbella," of three hundred and fifty
tons. Captain Peter Milbourne, master and part owner, with twenty-
eight guns and fifty-two seamen ; the Ambrose, Captain John Lowe,
master ; the Jewell, Mr. Nicholas Hurlston, master ; the Talbot, Mr.
Thomas Beecher, master. The two last-named ships belonged to Mr
Cradock, the captains of which, with their owner, came on board the
Arbella, early in the morning. The wind serving, Mr. Cradock
advised them to improve it. Accordingly they weigh their anchors, and
at ten o'clock set sail, saluting their venerable late Governor with sev-
eral pieces of ordnance, as he took his leave of them. Running up
Solant Sea, they come to anchor again near Yarmouth, which lies over
against Lymington, in Hampshire.
Meanwhile there were lying at Hampton, not quite ready to sail, the
Mayflower, the Whale, the William & Francis, the Trial, the Charles,
the Success, and the Hopewell.
In these eleven ships there were about seven hundred souls, besides
the " people" of the ships, and this has been appropriately styled "the
great emigration." They were long in getting clear of the English
coast, the weather being unfavorable, as though it had compassion on
the hundreds of unwilling minds, and kept them lingering near their
1630.] amiite's famous letter. 79
beloved friends and kindred ; as if sensible it was the only and last
adieu they would ever pay to their native land.
As the ships lay windbound at Yarmouth, Captain Burleigh,*
^" ■ of the Castle there, " a grave and comely gentleman, and of
great age," paid those on board a friendly visit, breakfasted with them,
and was honored with a salute, at his departure, from four pieces of
cannon. He had commanded in the navy of Queen Elizabeth, against
the Spaniards, and had been a prisoner three years in Spain. After
that, himself and three of his sons were captains in Sir Thomas Roe's
famous voyage t to the empire of the Great Mogul.
While lying in Yarmouth harbor, an important letter was
^ ^ " addressed by some of the principal emigrants to their brethren
of the Church of England ; a letter which has given occasion for some
reflections upon their conduct, by those who desired to find such an
occasion ; as though therein they professed to be of the Church of
England, while, in fact, their real intentions were to separate from it
entirely. There is no ground for controversy, as to the meaning of
the letter, among historians. It is a simple, intelligent epistle, in many
works extant, and every one can read it and form his own judgment
upon the points at issue. There is a vein of holy melancholy running
through it, plainly showing that they felt that they were about to enter
upon a new theatre, that they desired to be remembered as members of
the same great Christian family, acknowledging those to whom they
were writing " as those whom God had placed nearest his throne of
mercy." " Consider us," they say, " we beseech you, by the mercies
of the Lord Jesus, as your brethren, and the principals and body of our
Company, as those who esteem it our honor to call the Church of Eng-
* So Winthrop has the name, or rather his great note in his time ; a son of Kobert Roe,
transcribers; but it shoukl probably be Burley, Esq., of Low Layton, Wanstead, Essex. He
In Higginson's Journal it is Borley. There died in November, 1644. His mdow, who sur-
was a family of this name, both ancient and vived him, was the lady Eleanor, daughter of
respectable, which had long been established Sir Thomas Cave, Bart., ot Stanford, County of
in that island. But I can hardly suppose that Northampton. The facetious and learned Ful-
the aged Capt. Burleigh, whom Winthrop saw, ler dedicated a portion of his " Church His-
was the same who, eighteen years afterwards, tory " to her. The embassy of Sir Thomas
endeavored to raise an insurrection there in continued from 1614 to 1618. From 1621 to
favor of Charles I. when confined in Caris- 1628 he was an ambassador to the Ottoman
brook Castle, and for wliich, by order of Par- Porte, during which time he kept a journal of
liament, he was executed. This Capt. Bui-ley all transactions there. This laid in MS. till
had been thrown out of office when the navy 1740, when it was published in part, with a
changed masters, and his attempt to rescue beautiful engraving of the ambassador, in
the king was the result of chagrin which broke folio. He possessed great learning, and made
out in rashness. He may have been one of extensive collections of oriental MSS. during
those three sons who had been captains under his residence in the East, which, in 1628, he
Sir Thomas Roe. — See Bulkr's Isle of Wight, presented to the Bodleian librai-y. To show
— Clarendo?i's Rebellion, — and Heath's Chron- his respect for Sir Thomas, Captain Lucas Fox,
icle. who made a voyage of discovery to the north,
f Winthrop, in his Journal, says merely, in 1631, named the main land in 64° 10', N
" Roe's voyage ;" and, from the events in the in Hudson's Bay " Sir Thomas Roe's Wei
life of Sir Thomas Roe, I have no doubt that come." — See Giranger's Biographical Hist
his " famous voyage to the dominions of the Eng. — Fuller's Church Hist. Brit. — Brit
Great INIogul" is that to which Winthrop Cyclop. — Forstor's Discov. in the North, p
refers. His name appears before in my pages. 363, ed. 4to. — Churchill's Collection of Voy-
See ante, p. 34. He was a gentleman of ages, vol. i. 696, &c.
80
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1630.
and, from whence we rise, our dear mother ;* be pleased therefore,
reverend fathers and brethren, to help forward this work now in
hand."
The names found to the printed letter are "John Winthrope, Charles
Fines, "f George PhiUipps, Richard Saltonstall, Isaac Johnson, Thomas
Dudley, William Coddington, &c. &c."|
About six of the clock in the morning, the wind having
^" ' " hauled to the northward and eastward," the ships began to get
under way, spreading their sails for the broad Atlantic Ocean. With
the Admiral ship ahead, they passed Hurst castle, and running over
Cowel and Totland bays, before ten the same morning they had cleared
the " Needles;" but the wind shortening, they had to come to anchor
in the English Channel. However, before ten at night, the wind, which
had been light and variable, settled in to the north, so they weighed
again and stood on through the night, and by daylight next morning
they were abreast Portland. It was found that the rest of
^^^ ■ the ships could not hold way with the Admiral, which caused
her to lie to for them to come up. Meantime, to lessen her speed, she
clewed up her mainsail, and then they all " went on with a merry
gale." Early in the morning of the same day, a man from the mast-
* Was this separating from the Church of
England in the light some have considered it ?
Certainly not. A later date must be assigned
to the real separation which gradually and
actually did take Dlace.
SAILING riLD.M Till!; ISLE OF WIGHT.
I" That this gentleman belonged to a branch
of the ancient Norman family of the name of
De Fynes, De Finnes, &c., whose ancestors,
from the time of the Conquest to the reign of
John, were hereditary constables of Dover
Castle, tliere may be no doubt ; but that he
was a brother of a cotemporary Sir William
" Fiennes," I find no proof whatever. The
fiunily of Finnes, besides its own titles to no-
bility, became connected with that of Dudley,
Lord N((rth ; Lord Dacre ; Earl Bourchier,
Lord Berners ; &c. It is presumed tliat though
Charles Fines signed the famous " Humble
Request," he may not have come to New Eng-
land. There are, in the history of nearly every
family, facts of great interest ; we meet with
one in this of Finnes, for digressing to notice
which, the author will probably be pai-doned.
Sir James Fienes perished in " Jack Cade's
rebellion." William Crowmer, son of Sir
William Crowmer, Lord Mayor of London,
married the only daughter of Sir James Fienes
(Viscount Say and Sele) . The rebels beheaded
both Sir James and his son-in-law; "whose
heads, pitched upon high poles, were carried
through the streets of London, whose bearers
caused their trunkless faces (in spite and
mockery) to kiss one the other at every street
corner, as they marched along in this their
damnable triumph and hellish ovations ; which
horrid act was committed the 3d of July,
1450." — Weevers Fun. Monuments. Henry
Fiennes, the grandson of this fii-st Lord Say
and Sele, married Anne, daughter of Sir Rich-
ard Harcourt, of Stanton-llarcourt, Knt.
Richard Fiennes, the nephew of Lord Say and
Sele, married the daughter and heiress of
Thomas, Lord Dacre. — Guillim^s Banner Dis-
played, 437.
J The original edition of the famous letter
was printed at London soon after the sailing
of " the fleet," in a small 4to, of 12 pages.
Those who had not seen the original edition,
but had sighed to do so, believing that the two
" &C.S " at the end, in our old transcripts of
it, would reveal other names, sighed in vain.
They are &c.s and nothing else, in the ediiio
princeps. It is entitled " The Humble Request
of his Majesties loyall Subjects," &c. It
might well have been entitled their " Fare-
well Address," as its tone throughout is truly
the language of men bidding a final farewell
to the world.
1630.] INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE. 81
head descried eight sail of ships astern. This discovery threw all on
hoard into consternation, believing the strangers to be enemies ; for
they had been told at Yarmouth that ten sail of Dunkirkers were ly-
ing in wait for their sailing, and Captain Lowe, of the Ambrose, said
lie saw suspicious-looking vessels lying at Dunnose the evening before.*
However, orders were given to clear the ships for action, and, though
they were " four to eight," they determined to fight. " The ordnance
were loaded, powder-chests and fireworks were made ready, the land-
men were quartered among the seamen, and every man written down
for his quarter." "And, for an experiment, Captain Milborne shot a
ball of wild-fire, fastened to an arrow, out of a cross-bow, which burnt
in the water for a good time. The Lady Arbella and the other women
and children were removed into the lower deck, that they might be out
of danger." Prayer was then had on deck, after which " it was much
to see how cheerful and comfortable all the company appeared ; not a
woman or child that showed fear, though all did apprehend the danger to
have been very great." The supposed enemy, having more wind than
the pursued, " came up apace." It was near one o'clock, however,
before they had approached within a league, when Captain Mil-
bourne, " because he would show he was not afraid of them, and that
he might see the issue before night should overtake them, tacked about
and stood to meet them ; and when they came near they perceived them
to be" some of their own countrymen and friends.
Though this great peril proved to be imaginary, its relation serves to
set in a strong light the immense hazards to which those were exposed,
as they were upon their embarcation for a naked wilderness. It would
have been nothing out of the ordinary course of the events of that day,
had their worst fears been realized. These poor Pilgrims might have
overcome their adversaries after a bloody battle ; but their voyage
would have been ruined ; or they might, like Captain Smith, but few
years before, have been captured, carried into an enemy's port, plun-
dered and cast into prison, and thus their intended settlement brought
to an end.
Being thus happily delivered from their fears, the colonists
^^^ ' proceeded on their voyage, having the wind at east-by-north,
a "handsome gale with fair weather." By seven of the clock in the
morning, they were "over against Plymouth," and about noon, the
Lizard, that noted promontory of Cornwall, was in view. About eight
the next morning, they passed the Isles of Scilly, which lie about nine
leagues to the westward of the Land's End, it blowing " a very stiff
gale " from the north-by-west, and, having laid their course west-south
west, they stood off into the main ocean, and were soon out sight of
land.
* There may be no error as to Dunnose ; treme east end of the Isle of Wight ; while
but how Captain Lowe could have seen ships the Needles through which our fleet had sailed
at that place, is quite surprising, because the are at the extreme west end, certainly above
only Dunnose that I can find is near the ex- twenty miles from Dunnose.
11
82 HISTORY OF BOSTON, [1630.
All thoughts were now turned on their present condition, whither
they were going, the strange things they were to meet with in the New
World, and what they would do when they should arrive there ; with
occasional misgivings of many, as to the propriety of the hazardous
step they had taken ; the probable long time that must pass before they
could so much as hear from dear fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters.
From these reflections, though often awakened by the sudden plunging,
heaving, and rolling of the ship, the roaring of the winds, and break-
ing of the billows around them, it was only to return to them again
with a willing sadness, as their little bark righted and seemed to leap
with more steadiness from sea to sea.
The voyage thus proceeded without anything uncommon or extraor-
dinary, and soon became monotonous, till even an accident might have
been welcome, if of sufficient importance to break in upon the irksome
hours. Very few of these happened, or, if they happened, they were
not recorded. There are, indeed, notes of " two men falling at odds,
and fighting, contrary to orders," and how they were punished withal ;
and how one, "for using contemptuous speeches" before the high
officers and gentlemen, " was laid in bolts till he submitted himself, and
promised open confession ;" though whether he did anything more than
promise, is not recorded.*
Notwithstanding such events, — the " seamen sometimes playing wags
with children," a great storm which split some of their sails to pieces,
and the separation of the ships, — "the wind put them on to the west
amain," where, in their approach to the summit of the Atlantic Ocean,
it may be well to leave them, for the present, to take a view of the
Company which sailed before them.
The ship Mary and John, as has been before recorded, sailed
from Plymouth for New England, on the twentieth of March.
She seems to have had a very prosperous voyage, passing " through the
deeps comfortably." The " captain of that great ship of four hundred
tons " was named Squeb, who arrived at Nantasket on the
*^ ■ thirtieth of the following May, and " here he turned his passen-
gers and their goods ashore the next day, leaving them to shift for
themselves in a forlorn place in this wilderness."! But there were
* " A servant of one of our company had taken with allowance, for reasons already
bargained with a child to sell him a box, worth stated. [See ante, p. 22.] At the time of
Srf., for three biscuits a day, all the voyage, their arrival, I have no doubt the Captain sup-
and had received about forty, and had sold posed himself at the entrance of Charles
them and many more to some other servants. River, and that by bringing them there he
We caused his hands to be tied up to a bar, had performed his voyage. It appears that he
and hanged a basket of stones about his neck, was urged to carry them up further into the
and so he stood two hours." — Winthrop, river, and that he declined to do so, and a dif-
Journal, i. 18. This extract is made as a ficulty arose thereupon, which was not settled
specimen of punishments practised in those till the 17th of June, after the arrival of
days. _ Wintlu'op, who, in his Journal, says, " as he
f Captain Roger Clap wrote this, many and others of his Company were returning
years after these events, but he recorded what from Mr. Maverick's [on Noddle's Island],
he knew and what he saw, for he was one of they came liy [way] of Nataskott, and sent
the efficient men of the Company. But his for Captain Squib ashore, and ended a differ-
oensures of Captain Squeb's conduct are to be ence between him and the passengers." Am-
[1630.
DORCHESTER PEOPLE ARRIVE.
83
" some old planters '*' there and in the neighborhood, who, Idndly assist-
ing them with a boat, they loaded it with goods, and some able men,
well armed, went in her to Charlestown, where they found some wig-
wams and one house.* They did not make much stay here, but
proceeded up Charles River until it grew narrow and shallow, and there
they landed their goods with much labor and toil, the bank being steep,
and they not above ten in number.
At the approach of night, they were informed that there were
^"^^ " not far off, three hundred Indians, which caused the English to
apprehend trouble ; but an old planter, who had kindly accompanied
them, went out and met the Indians, and, being acquainted with their
language, made them understand that the English did not wish them to
come to them in the night, and they readily consented to keep away.
Sentinels were set for the night, of which Roger Clap was one, and
here Englishmen slept for the first time on the banks of Charles River.
Of this little company was Mr. Richard Southcot, " a brave Low Coun-
try soldier," who did not continue long in the country, but in about a
year returned to England. f
^ , The next
June 1.
mornmg a
few of the Indians
came and looked
at the strangers
"at a distance
off," but after a
while they came
and held out a
great bass towards
them. One of the
English took a bis-
cuit, and approach-
ing the Indians,
offered it for the
bass, which they
accepted. With this a friendly intercourse commenced, and the Com
pany got a supply of bass at the same easy rate for some time after.
The place where the landing was effected, and where the interview
with the Indians took place, is believed to be at or very near the point,
icably, we may suj^pose ; because, when the
Governor and his company left him, the Cap-
tain gave them a salute of five guns. This
seems hardly to countenance what Trumbull,
in his Connecticut, i. 23, says, namely, that
the said Captain " was afterwards obliged to
pay damages for his conduct ;" but Trumbull
may have had good authority for his state-
ment. The impossibility of a ship of 400
tons, deeply laden, going up Charles River,
must have been well known to Captain Clap
when he wrote his Memoirs.
* That of Mr. Walford, before mentioned,
no doubt, " situate on the south end of the
westernmost hill of the East Field, a little way
up from Charles River side." — Charlestown
Records. See Frothingham, 14.
" And in the house there was a man, which
had a boiled bass, but no bread that we see ;
but we did cat of his bass, and then went up
Charles River," &c. — Clap's Mems.
t He had liberty from the Court, in July,
1631, " to go for England, promising to return
with all convenient speed." — Prince, 358.
84 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1630.
in what was soon after Watertown, on which the United States Arsenal
now stands. Here, while some were preparing shelters for their goods,
others proceeded to select the most suitable place for their future abode.
It was soon discovered that a noted Indian resort, called Matapan,
offered good grazing for their cattle, and other advantages for settle-
ment, which they considered superior to those where they now were,
and they accordingly removed to Matapan, since called Dorchester
Neck, and afterwards South Boston. The name Dorchester was given
to their residence, in memory of the "famous town" of the same
name in Dorsetshire, whence many of the first settlers came.* They
gave the same name to the place where they first encamped upon
Charles River, and a place thereabouts is known as " Dorchester
Fields " to this day.f
Meanwhile, the " Arbella" and her two consorts — the Ambrose and
the Jewel — are ploughing the wide Atlantic Ocean, sometimes in
company, and sometimes apart ; separated by the violence of storms,
the darkness of high northern nights, and the dense fogs swept by the
broom of heaven from innumerable fields of ice over the polar seas.
For several days together they could make no headway within many
points of their true course; and sometimes they could only " lie at
hull," with just sail enough to steady the ships, and keep them from
foundering in the " trough of the seas."
After having been above three weeks at sea, they found
^^ ' themselves but about one third of their voyage onward, and, by
contrary winds and currents, were driven to the forty-sixth degree of
northern latitude ; but, notwithstanding cold, stormy weather continued,
and often accompanied by sleet and snow, the three ships were all in
company on the sixth of May ; and, on the previous night, it having
come fair, and the wind "large," they were able to lay their course
west by south, " with a merry gale in all their sails ;" so that they
soon ran down to the parallel of forty-four degrees north ; but, so unfa-
vorable was the weather for many days following, that they changed
their latitude scarcely half a degree, though their course was nearly
south.
At length, at two o'clock in the afternoon of June the sixth,
and in forty-three degrees and a quarter north, soundings were
had, " and, the mist then breaking up," land was descried on the star-
board bow, about five or six leagues off, which was supposed to be Cape
Sable. The wind soon after hauled south-easterly, and the ships bore
* I have given, in the N. Eng. Hist. Gen. Watertown], " several yeats ago, with ]Maj.
Regr., vol. iii., p. 389, &c., a somewhat ex- Winship, a respectable inhabitant then living
tended account of the early beginnings of " Old near by it, he pointed to a pasture, and told
Dorchester," the origin of its name, its early me it was called ^'Dorchester Fields.''^ — See
inhabitants, &c., to which the reader is re- A7nerican Annals, i. 203. — Both the excellent
ferred. I would also refer to Blake's Annals annalist and his informant sleep with those
of Dorchester, and the Hist, of Dorchester now of whom they spoke and wrote. Dr. Holmes
in course of publication, by Mr. David Clapp. died at Cambridge, 4 June, 1837 ; Mr. Winship
f " In walking over the grounds at the a few years later.
place of landing," says Dr. Holmes [in
1630.] VOYAGE OF WINTIIROP. 85
away west by north, intending to make the well-known point in
York called Agamentieus. The next day, being becalmed, they
had splendid fishing, on thirty fathom ground, "taking, in less than
twc hours, sixty-seven codfish, most of them very great, some a yard
and a half long, and a yard in compass." This supply was very sea-
sonable, their salt-fish being spent, and their other provisions were run-
ning short.
Thus, with the usual attendants on the coast of New England, —
head winds, storms and calms, — the ships were one day able to keep
near their course, and the next only to lie off and on, without making
any headway at all. Stretching cautiously towards the coast, on
the eighth of June they saw Mount Desert, then generally called
Mount Mansel, after Sir Robert Mansel;* and they were able to run
all the next day with the welcome coast in sight of the sea-worn passen-
gers.f On the tenth they made other land, which appeared to
them at a great distance off. This was, not unlikely, the since
well-known White Hills. Boone Island, the Isles of Shoals (where a
ship was riding at anchor), and the Three Turks' Heads, were all recog-
June 11 ^^^^^ before the close of this day. All the next day they were
obliged to beat against a head wind, in sight of Cape Ann and
the Isles of Shoals, and " five or six shallops under sail, up and down."
Jim 12 About four in the morning, it being Saturday, being near
their port, they shot off two pieces of ordnance, and, soon after,
sent a boat on board a ship J which lay at anchor in the harbor, which
they knew belonged to Captain William Peirce.§ That ship had arrived
some time before. "About an hour after," says Winthrop, "Mr.
* A distinguished gentleman, one of the French of it, and its name was changed to
patentees of 1620, whose name will be found Mount INIansell. This proceeding of Argall
in a previous page (34) of this work. The was an outrage upon the French, for wliich no
name is often written Maunsell, and is traced attempt at justification will avail anything in
to remote ages in England. John Maunsell unprejudiced minds.
was named one of the chaplains in the will of f " We had now fair sunshine weather, and
Henry ni., 1253 ; but to whose dishonor noth- so pleasant a sweet air as did much refresh
ing need be said beyond the fact of his being us, and there came a smell off the shore, like
in the interest of that rapacious monarch, the smell of a garden." — Winthrop, Jowr., i.
The worthy Knight, the subject of this note, I 23. — The same day, June 8th, " there came a
take to be a younger son of Sir Edward Man- wild pigeon into our ship, and another small
sel, knighted in 1572, Chamberlain of Chester, bird." — Ibid. — "Noah could hardly have
" and a man of great honor, integrity and been more gratified to behold his dove, with
courage." He was knighted by the Earl of the olive-leaf in its mouth." — Snow.
Essex, for his valor in tlie taking of Cales, J The Lyon. She belonged to Bristol. —
1596 ; and, having signalized himself in sev- Dudley to the Countess of Lincoln. — She sailed
eral other encounters, was made Vice-Admiral from that port in February, and arrived at
of the fleet by James I., in which station he Salem in May; but the day of the month has
was continued by Charles I., and lived to a not been ascertained. Mr. Hubbard says she
very old age, much esteemed for his "great " was some days arrived there before "" Win-
integrity, personal courage, and experience in throp. — Hist. N. England, 130.
maritime affairs." — Kimber & Johnson's i^ar- ^Captain Peirce had been often on this
onetage, i. 236. — The island was named coast, and had many times crossed the Atlan-
Mount Desert by Champlain in 1608. It is tic. He belonged to London, and Captain
about twelve miles broad, and fifteen in length, Michael Peirce, of Scituate, was his brother,
and is about three himdred and thirty-five I shall have occasion to say more of him. — See
miles from Boston. In 1613, Sir Samuel Ar- News from N. England, a rare tract of 1676,
gall went from Virginia, and dispossessed the re-published by me, 4to, 1850.
86 IIISTORV OF BOSTON. [1G30
Allerton came aboard us in a shallop, as he was sailing to Pemaquid.
As we stood towards the harbor, we saw another shallop coming to us ;
so we stood in to meet her, and passed through the narrow strait
between Baker's Isle and Little Isle, and came to an anchor a little
within the islands. After, Mr. Peirce came aboard us, and returned to
fetch Mr. Endecott,* who came to us about two of the clock, and with
him Mr. Skelton and Captain Levett. We that were of the Assistants,
and some other gentlemen, and some of the women, and our captain,
returned with them to Nahumkeak, where we supped with a good veni-
son pasty and good beer, and at night we returned to our ship, but
some of the women stayed behind, f In the mean time, most of our
people went on shore upon the land of Cape Ann, which lay very near
us, and gathered store of fine strawberries;"]: "with which, in those
times, the woods were everywhere well furnished, and it is like, as
merry as the gentlefolks at their venison pasty and strong beer."§
The "Arbella" was immediately visited by Indians. Mas-
conomo, "the sagamore of that side of the country towards
Cape Anne," with one of his men, came on board in the morning, and
bid the English welcome, and stayed all day, and another Indian had
slept on board the previous night. In the afternoon of the same day,
the Jewel, Captain Low, came in sight, and was soon after moored in
the harbor. The Ambrose, Captain Hurlstone, arrived five days later,
and the Talbot, Captain Beecher, did not get in until the second of
July.
Two ships only had arrived at Salem, but on this day the
passengers made a kind of formal landing, upon which occasion
a salute of five pieces was given.
June 17 "^^^ Governor and others of the principal men of the Company
set out, on the since memorable seventeenth of June, to explore
* I take pleasure in transferring to this descendant ; and one pear-tree planted by the
page Mr. Savage's note upon Endicott, as it is governour on it is said still to repay his care."
one of the best written notes in his edition of This was in 1824. In 1848 I received a num-
Governor Winthrop's Journal. The italicized ber of fine pears from the same tree. — See N.
words have been so italicized in this use of E. H. Gen. Regr., ii. 402. Since 1757, the
the note, for reasons which will be apparent pear-tree has been included in Danvers. — See
to the reader of my previous pages. The Edi- Felt's Annals of Salem, i. 180 ; Hanson's Hist.
tor of Winthrop says: "This distinguished Danvers, 26.
father of Massachusetts had, two years before, f " Who, like Noah's dove, finding sure
been sent to found the plantation, which was footing on the fii-m land, returned no more to
effected by the settlement of Salem, the oldest their ark, floating on the unstable waves." —
town in the colony. He had a commission from Hubbard, Hisi. New England, 130.
the company to act as governour, which was, of J I am sorry not to be able to give these
course, superseded by the arrival of Winthrop extracts from Winthrop's Journal as Winthrop
with the charter. With the history of his wrote them ; having only a modernized copy
adopted_ country that of Endecott is inter- of them must be my excuse. The quaint old
woven till the time of his death, 15 March, orthography of that day, so refreshing to the
1G65. He served four years as deputy gov- genuine antiquary, would have rendered that
ernour, and sixteen as governour ; bemg at the work incalculably more valuable ; but, as most
head of administration a longer time than any of Winthrop's original work has been destroyed
other under the old patent ; exceeded under by fire, any hopes of a restoration are beyond
the new charter by Shirley alone, and that the effects of lamentations, even with the pros-
only by one year. The farm wliich he culti- pect of a new edition in view.
vated remains in possession of an honorable ^ Hubbard, Hist. New Eng., 130.
1630.] OTHER SHIPS ARPtlVE. 87
the bottom of the bay, whicli might very properly then have been
denominated the Disputed Territory. They were in pursuit of a suita-
ble place for settlement ; and, before returning, they went several
miles up Mistick River, stayed one night at the hospital3le dwelling of
Mr. Samuel Maverick, probably paid a visit to Mr. Walford,* and per-
haps to Mr. Blackstone, on Shawmut, and returned to Salem by way
of Nantasket, after an absence of about three days. A difficulty
had arisen between Captain Squeb and the passengers who came
over with him, as has before been noticed. Squeb was still at Nantas-
ket ; and Mr. Winthrop's business there at this time was no doubt
owing to that unpleasant affair. He sent for the Captain to come to
him on shore, which request being at once complied with, the difficulty
seems to have been adjusted without delay. Captain Squeb had been
charged with not performing his voyage ; and some called him "a mer-
ciless man," for "turning his passengers on shore at Nantasket, in a
forlorn place," when he was to land them in Charles River. Mr. Win-
throp and his council, having made themselves personally acquainted
with the bay, and seeing the difficulty of getting into Charles River
with a ship of four hundred tons, very probably saw no cause to censure
Captain Squeb, and thus the difficulty was amicably ended ; and when
they left him, he saluted them with five guns.
" The Mayflower and Whale arrived safe in the harbor of
Charlestown ; the passengers being all in health, but most of
their cattle dead. If Jacob himself had been there, he could not have,
with all his skill and care, prevented the over-driving of cattle, shut up
in the narrow room of those wooden walls, where the fierceness of the
wind and waves would often fling or throw them on heaps, to the mis-
chiefing and destroying one another."!
J In the Talbot, which arrived this day, there had been great
distress, owing to the passengers having been " sore visited with
the small pox in her passage, whereof fourteen died in the way." In
* The reader will have met with this name sev- regretted the severity exercised towards him,
eral times before in this history. Thomas Wal- while for others, very similarly dealt with,
roRB was the first known English inhabitant of they withhold their sympathy altogether ;
Charlestown, then called by its Indian name, thus showing that historians have their favor-
Mishawum ; concerning whom, in the Charles- ites among the dead as well as among the liv-
to-\vn records, it is said that those who settled ing.
in the same place in 1G29 •' found him living Mr. Walford removed to New Hampshire,
in an English house, palisadoed and thatched, and became an inhabitant of Portsmouth,
situate on the south end of the westernmost From certain court papers at Exeter, it is
hill of the East Field, a little Avay up from ascertained that he had the following children :
Charles River side." Mr. Frothingham says Mary, wife of William Brookin, and that she
he has not been able to locate the residence of was born 1635 ; Martha, wife of
Mr. Walford beyond a doubt, but that it was brook ; Elizabeth, wife of Savage ; Jer-
fjrobably on Breed's Hill, a short distance emiah, wife Mary, perhaps daughter of Alex-
from the water. — Hist. Charlestown, 14, 23, ander and Ann Bachelder, of Portsmouth;
24. — Two years after, he was driven away by Hannah (probably the oldest), as she married
the authorities of Massachusetts, probably for Pease, before 1648. Will proved 25
his heretical opinions, or, perhaps, more prop- June, 1667 ; wife Jane, who survived him,
erly to speak, for his minority opinions. The and was tet. 69 in 1667. — ^IS. of Mr. A W.
act by which he was banished will be noticed Brown,
in its chronological order. Some writers have f Hubbard, Hist. N. Eng., 131.
88
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1630.
one of the late ships " came Mr. Henry Winthrop, the Governor's
second son, accidentally left behind at the Isle of Wight, or Hampton,
whither he went to provide further supply of provisions for the gentle-
men in the Admiral. A sprightly and hopeful young gentleman he
was, who, though he escaped the danger of the main sea, yet was
unhappily drowned in a small creek, not long after he came ashore, even
the very next day, July second, after his landing, to the no small grief
of his friends and the rest of the company."*
By the sixth of July there had arrived eleven ships of those
" ^ ' employed to bring over the colonists to Massachusetts Bay, ex-
clusive of the Mary and John, which brought the Dorchester people,
already mentioned. "So as now," says Mr. Hubbard, " all the
" ^ ' whole fleet being safely come to their port, they kept a public
day of thanksgiving, through all the plantations,! to give thanks to
Almighty God for all his goodness and wonderful works, which they
had seen in their voyage."
Thomas Dudley, now deputy governor, afterwards governor, came
over with Winthrop, and like him wrote an account of tlieir settling in
the country. His account is of great interest ; but as he did not write
at the precise time in which events occurred, he has committed several
mistakes ; yet these are not of much account. He says ' ' seuenteen
shipps arriued J all safe in New England, for the increase of the plan-
side of the bay, as Plymouth, Weymouth,
and Mount Wallaston, says, " Also diverse
merchants of Bristow, and some other places,
have yearly, for this eight years or there-
abouts, sent shipps hethcr at the fishing times,
to trade for beaver, where their factors dis-
honestly for their gaines, have furnished the
Indians with guns, swords, powder and shott."
— Letter to the Countess of Lincoln, in Force's
Tracts, ii.
* Hubbard, Hist. N. Eng., 131.
f Here is evidence of many settlements exist-
ing in the country when Winthrop arrived.
This is on the authority of Mr. Hubbard, who
wrote fifty years after the settlement of Bos-
ton. If other evidence be necessary, that of
Governor Dudley will not be questioned by
anybody, for he recorded the same year (1630)
the events which I am now detailing. Dud-
ley, speaking of the settlements on the south
X Chiefly from !Mr. Prince I give the following list of the seventeen ships ; whence they
sailed, time of sailing, masters' names, where and when they arrived.
Ships' names. From
1 Lyou Bristol
2 Mary and John Plyraoutli
3 Arbella Isle of Wight
4 Jewell Isle of Wight
5 Ambrose Isle of Wight
6 Talbot Isle of Wight
7 Mayflower Southampton
8 Whale Southampton
9 Hopewell Southampton
10 Wm. and Francis Southampton
11 Tryal Southampton
12 Charles Southampton
13 Success Southampton
14 Gift A French ship
15 Not named Not known
16 Handmaid London
17 Not named Sent out by a private merchant
The only authority for several of the above
facts is contained in Dudley's Letter to the
Countess of Lincoln. — See Prince's N. Ens:
Chron., ^29.
Among the ships which sailed the preceding
year for New England were the George Bona-
1630.
Masters.
1630.
Arrived at
February
Wm. Pierce
May
Salem
20 March
Squeb
30 May
Nantasket
8 April
Peter Milborno
12 June
Salem
8 April
John Lowe
13 June
Salem
8 April
Nicholas Hurlstone
18 June
Salem
8 April
Thomas Beecher
2 July
Salem
May
Not knovm
1 July
Charlestown
May
"
1 July
Charlestown
May
«
3 July
Salem
May
"
3 July
Salem
May
"
6 July
Charlestown
May
e«
5 July
Salem
May
«
6 July
Salem
End oi May
Brook
2 August
Charlestown
June
Not knoum
Unknown
Unknown
6 August
John Grant
29 October
Plymouth
venture, Thomas Cox, master ; the Talbot,
Thomas Beecher, master ; the Lyon's Whelp,
John Gibbs, master. — See Companifs Second
Lett, of Instructs, to Endicott. — Archaeol.
Amer., 96.
1030.] HARDSHIPS OF THE SETTLERS. 89
tacon here theis yeare, 1630, but made a long, a troublesome, and
costly voy'ge, being all wind-bound long in England, and hindred with
contrary winds after they set saile, and so scattered with mists and tem-
pests, that few of them arriued togeather. Our four shipps which sett
out in Aprill arriued here in June and July, where wee found the colony
in a sadd and unexpected condition, aboue eighty of them being dead
the winter before, and many of those aliue weake and sicke ; all the
corne and bread amongst them all hardly sufficient to feed them a fort-
night ; insoemuch that the remainder of one hundred and eighty servants
wee had the two years before sent ouer, comeing to vs for victualls to
sustaine them, wee found ourselves wholly unable to feed them by reason
that the p'visions shipped for them were taken out of the shipp they
were put in, and they who were trusted to shipp them in another failed
us, and left them behind ; whereupon necessity enforced us, to our
extreme loss, to give them all libertie, who had cost about sixteen or
twentie pounds a person, furnishing and sending ouer.
" But bearing theis things as wee might, wee beganne to consult of
the place of our sitting downe ; ffor Salem, where wee landed, pleased
vs not. And to that purpose some were sent to the Bay, to search vpp
the rivers for a convenient place, who, vppon their returne, reported to
haue found a good place vppon Mistick. But some other of us second-
ing theis to approoue or dislike of their judgement, wee found a place
liked [of] vs better, three leagues vp Charles River. And therevppon
vnshipped our goods into other vessels, and, with much cost and labour,
brought them in July to Charles Towne. But there receiving advertise-
ments by some of the late arriued shipps from London and Amsterdam
of some French preparations against us (many of our people brought
with vs beeing sick of ffeavers and the scurvy, and wee thereby vnable
to carry vp our ordinance and baggage soe farr), wee were forced to
change counsaile and for our present shelter to plant dispersedly ; some
at Charles Towne, which standeth on the north side of the mouth of
Charles Riuer , some on the south side thereof, which place we named
Boston (as wee intended to haue done the place wee first resolued on) ;
some of vs vppon Mistick, which we named Meadford ; some of vs
westward on Charles River, four miles from Charles Towne, which place
wee named Watertoune ; others of vs two miles from Boston, in a place
wee named Rocksbury ; others vppon the riuer of Sawgus, betweene
Salem and Charles Towne ; and the western men four miles south from
Boston, at a place wee named Dorchester.
" This dispersion troubled some of vs, but help it wee could not,
wanting ability to remoue to any place fit to build a Toune vppon, and
the time too short to deliberate any longer least the winter should sur-
prise vs before wee had builded our houses. The best counsel wee could
find out was to build a fort to retire to, in some conuenient place, if any
enemy pressed therevnto, after wee should haue fortifyed ourselues
against the iniuries of wett and cold. So, ceasing to consult further
for that time, they who had health to labour fell to building, wherein
12
90 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [163b
many were interrupted with sicknes, and many dyed weekley, yea,
almost dayley. Amongst whom were Mrs. Pinchon, [lady of the Hon-
orable William Pinchon],* Mrs. Coddington [lady of the Honorable
William Coddington], Mrs. Phillips [wife of Mr. George PhiUips, first
mhiister of Watertown], Mrs. Alcock, sister of Mr. Hookers [wife of
Deacon John Alcock]. Insomuch that the shippes beeing now vppon
their returne, some for England, some for Ireland, there was, I take it,
not much less than an hundred (some think many more), partly out of
dislike of our government, which restrained and punished their excesses,
and partly through feare of famine, (not seeing other means than by
their labour to feed themselves), which returned back [to England]
again. And glad were wee so to bee ridd of them. Others, also,
afterwards hearing of men of their owne disposition, which were planted
at Piscataway, went from vs to them, whereby, though our numbers
were lessened, yet wee accounted ourselues nothing weakened by their
remouall.
" Before the departure of the shipps, we contracted with Mr. Peirce,
master of the Lyon, of Bristow, to returne to vs with all speed, with
fresh supplies of victualls, and gaue him directions accordingly. With
this shipp returned Mr. Revil, one of the fine vndertakers here for the
joint stock of the Company ; and Mr. Vassall, one of the Assistants,
and his family ; and also Mr. Bright, a minister sent hether the yeare
before.!
* Though the name of thia important and dated 15 July, 1636. His son, the Hon. John
worthy gentleman is very often found written Pynchon, became an eminent man in New
Pinchon, his own signature in my possession England. In 1675 he owned the ship John^s
is Pynchon, as the fac-simile here inserted Adventure, which sailed out of Boston, and of
shows . which Captain John Walley was master. — See
^ . Old Indian Chronicle, 34.
,-.—-- — "^Zf/t xS^ Cl,*^ /^'V**^>5t^M-. t Hubbard, in his characteristic manner,
^J^ / thus remarks upon the return of Mr. Bright,
^, . . . , n . . 1 r. ii whom he denominates a " godly minister " : —
This IS copied from an original paper of the „ jj^ ^^ ^o hew stone? in the mountains
date 1650. Farmer has given a pedigree of his therewith to build ; but when he saw all sorts
family in his N E. henealog. Reg He of stones would not suit in the building, as he
was one of the fathers of Roxbury, and after- g, oggd, he, not unlike Jonah, fled from the
wards of Springfield. — bee Ellis Hist. Rox- p^^^'ence of the Lord, and went down to Tar-
iMr-y,and Bliss' ^^s<. Disc at Springfield, ^hi^h." _//«/. Ncru England, 113. This,
He was very highly respected in the colony however, is only an improvement upon a pas-
and IS uniformly mentioned in the Springfield of Johnson. - See Wonder-working Prov.,
records, as the "Worshipful Mr. William %_ Edward Johnson may be regarded as
Pynchon, &c In these pages his name often ^ contemporary historian, being one of those
occurs, and always in honorable connection. ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^/j^ lg30 ^^^ ^°g ^^ Charles-
His family was one of dis inction m England ^^^ ^j^j^ Winthrop the same year, and was
The flither of Henry Chichele, Archbishopjjf ^^^ ^f ^j^^ ^^^ J^^^^^^ ^f Woburn, which
Canterbury, married /
liam Pynchon, Gent.
Canterbury, married Agnes, daughter of Wil- ^^^^ j^^ represented in the General Court
The father, IhomaS «Knnf f«r.r,f,L;n.l,f ^an.« fvnmKUS TTpnsPrI
7.U- u / ; X,-' 1, ^ • XT 7u ^""'"'^" about twenty-eight years, from 1643. He used
Chichele, of Higham Ferrers, in Northampton- ^^y^^ called onl of the " men of Kent," and
shirc, died 20 February 1400 -bee Wood's ^ « Kentish Captain;" having come from a
Hist and ArUiqmties of the Colleges, &c., of ^^^^ ^^^^^ Herne-HiU in that county. His
Oxford, 1. 2d9 -if- G^ch, 178b. I know history of New England, usually ci'ed
not, however, that this William Pynchon was
as the
Wonder-working Providence, was printed in
even remotely connected wi h our William London in 1655. Captain Johnson died 23
Pynchon. The original deed of Springfield j^ -^ ^^^^ ^^ ^2, as by MS. deposition in
from the Indians to Mr. Pynchon is preserved j^£. pogggggion
in the Court House in that town. It was "^ "
1630.] ALxVRMLXG MORTALlTi'. 91
" The shipps beeinge gone, victualls wastinge, and mortallity in-
creasinge, wee held diuerse flists in our severall congregations, but the
Lord would not yet be depricated ; for, about the beginning of Septem-
ber, dyed Mr. Gager, a right godly man, a skillfull chirurgeon, and one
of the deacons of our congregation ; and Mr. Higginson, one of the
ministers of Salem, a zealous and profitable preacher, this of a con-
sumption, that of a feaver. And on the thirtieth of September dyed
Mr. Johnson, another of the fine Vndertakers (the Lady Arbella, his
wife, being dead a month before).* This gentleman was a prime man
amongst vs, haueing the best estate of any ; zealous for religion, and the
greatest furtherer of this plantation. He made a most godly end, dy-
ing willingly, professing his life better spent in promoting this planta-
con, than it would have beene in any other way. Within a month after,
dyed Mr. Rositer, another of our Assistants, a godly man, and of a good
estate, which still weakened vs more, so that there now were left of the
fine Vndertakers, but the Gouernour, Sir Richard Saltonstall, and my-
self, and seuen other of the Assistants. And of the people who came
ouer with vs, from the time of their setting saile from England, in
April, 1630, vntill December followinge, there dyed by estimacon,
about two hundred, at the least. So lowe hath the Lord brought vs."t
* She died about the thirtieth of August, think, were I not to allow a man of Governor
according to Winthrop, who agrees with Dud- Dudley's importance to tell things as he saw
ley that she died " about a month " before her and knew them ; being one of those who wrote
husband. Mr. Hubbard notices the sad event " with his hands to the plow," and tells us
In his usual happy manner. " Amongst things nowhere else to be found. He wrote
others," he says, " that were at that time within the year of settlement, and his letter,
visited with mortal sickness, the Lady Arbella, which accompanied his Narrative, is dated
the wife of Mr. Isaac Johnson, was one, who, "Boston in New England, March 12th, 1G30,"
possibly, had not taken the counsel of our which was 1631, N. S. It was directed " To
Saviour, to sit down and consider what the the righte honourable, my very good Lady, the
cost would be before she began to build ; for. Lady Bryget, Countesse of Lincoln." It was
coming from a paradise of plenty and pleasure, sent over to her in the care of Mr. Wilson,
which she enjoyed in the family of a noble pastor of the First Chui-ch , who sailed from
Earldom, into a wilderness of wants, it proved Salem, April 1st, 1031. That all which can
too strong a temptation for her ; so as the vir- be known of its origin may be before the
tues of her mind were not able to stem the reader, said letter follows entire :
tide of those many adversities of her outward „ ^^^^^ _ ^^^^ y^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^
condition, wnich she, soon alter her arrival, cheape), following mee hether into New England, and
saw herself surrounded withal ; for, within a bringeing with them renewed testimonies of the ao-
short time after, she ended her days at Salem, customed favours you honoured mee with in the Old,
where she fii-st landed, and was soon after liaue drawne from mee this Narrative retribucon,
solemnly interred, as the condition of those (^^i<=^ i^ "^^spect of yonr proper interest in some
ti.y,P« wnnl.1 hpqr " — Hht N Kmrlmid 1 '\%- Persons of great note amongst vs), was the thankful-
times wouia bear. ilist. iV. M^nglana, lo^ j^^^ ^^^^^^ j j^^^ ^.^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^_ Therefore I
3. Why has there not been a monument to humblie intreat your Honour, this bee accepted as
designate the place where she lies ; The spot payment from him, who neither hath nor is any more
is, or was recently, well known. The late Dr. than your honour's old thankful servant,
liolyoke, of Salem, when he was ninety-nine Thomas Dudley."
years of age, namely, in 1828, the year before What I have above denominated as a Nar-
he died, told Dr. Abiel Holmes that she was rative, is always cited as " Dudley's Letter to
buried about half a mile from " the body of the the Countess," &c. The short epistle here
town," near Bridge street, which leads to extracted may be considered a Dedication to
Beverley, about ten feet from the street. — See the Narrative or Letter, the best edition of
Amer. Annals, i. 206. which is that printed by Mr. Force, of Wash-
f Though in this long extract many facts are ington, from a MS. The commencement of the
brought in a little out of place, yet I should Narrative, or the first paragraph of it, sets
not be pardomd by any intelligent reader, I forth, in a most striking manner, the wants of
02 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1630.
CHAPTER XI.
Removal of Winthrop and his Company to Cliarlestown. — Sickness and Distress of the People. —
Fast in Consequence. — First Church formed. — Rev. John Wilson. — First Election. — Winthrop
chosen Governor. — First Court of Assistants. — William Blackstone. — Account of him. — His
Point, House and Spring. — He removes to Rehoboth. — Blackstone River named for him. — Shaw-
niut settled, and named Boston. — First Ordination. — Trimountain, why so named. — Death of
Isaac Johnson. — Account of him.
Having determined on a removal from Salem, and having fixed upon
the point of land since called Charlestown* (in honor of Charles I.), for
a town, Grovernor Winthrop, Sir Richard Saltonstall, Mr. Isaac
" ^ Johnson, Mr. Thomas Dudley, Mr. Roger Ludlow, Mr. Increase
Nowell, Mr. William Pynchon, Mr. Simon Bradstreet, Mr. John Wil-
son, Mr. George Phillips, with their followers, took up their present
abode there accordingly ;J not all at the same time, but as fast as
accommodations for them could be made ; which removal very probably
occupied a considerable part of the present month, and a large part of
the following August.
The governor and several of the patentees dwelt in the " Great
House," which was built the year before by Mr. Thomas Graves, while
the multitude set up cottages, booths and tents, about the Town Hill.
From the length of their passage over the Atlantic, many arrived sick
of the scurvy, which much increased after their arrival, for want of
houses, and by reason of wet lodgings ; other distempers also prevailed.
And, although the people were generally very loving and pitiful to one
another, yet the sickness did so prevail, that the well were not able to
a naw country, and his own ability to encoun- frontice piece thereof, is like the head, neck
ter its privations. It here ensues : and shoulders of a man, onely the pleasant
"For the satisfacon of your honour and some and navigable river of Mistick runs through
frcinds, and for vse of such as shall hereafter intend the right shoulder thereof. It hath a large
to increase our plantacon in New England, I have in ^Market Place near the water side, built round
the throng of domestic, and not altogether free from with houses, comely and faire, forth of which
publique businesse, thought fitt to comit to memory there issues two streetes orderly built with
our present condition, and what hath befallen us ^^^^^ ^^^ f^ire houses, beautified with pleas-
snice our arrivall here ; which I will doe shortly, „„. „„„a^„„ „„ j ^„^u^«a„ tu^ ™u„i„ f „
after my usual manner, and must doe rudely, haveing ^^^ gardens and orchards. The whole towne
yet no table, nor other room to write in than by the Consists m its extent of about 150 dwelling
fireside, upon my knee, in this sharp winter; to houses." — Wonder-working Prov., 'iO, 41.
which my family must have leave to resorte, though f " But to goe on with the story, the 12 of
they break good manners, and make mee many times July or thereabout, 1630, these souldiers of
forget what I would say, and say what I would not." Christ first set foote one this western end of
There was published, in 1848, a volume the world; where arriveing in safety, both
containing a Genealogy of the Dudley Family, men, women and children. On the north side
by Mr. Dean Dudley. of Charles River they landed," &c. —Johnson,
* "This towne of Charles," says Johnson, Wond.-work. Prov., 37. Prince, Chronohgy,
about 1650, "is situated one the north side 240, oWe^^i^zora, seems a little in doubt whether
of Charles River, from whence it tooke its Johnson meant this date for the time of the
name ; the river being about five or six fathom removal to Charlestown, or the arrival at
deepe. Over against the town, many small Salem just a month before. I am clearly of
islands lieing to the seaward of it, and hills the opinion that he means just what he says,
one either side. By which meanes it proves and for several reasons, not necessary to be
a very good harbor for ships, which hath stated.
caused many seamen and merchants to sit J Prothingham, from Charlestown Town Rec-
down thTre. The forme of this tovene in the ordf.
1630.] GREAT DISTRESS FIRST CHURCH FORIVIED. 93
take care of the sick as their cases required ; and thus many " perished
and died," and were buried about the Town Hill. *
Fewer dismal and darker days did the first settlers of Boston witness
than those which they passed at Charlestown, and which soon deter-
mined them to remove to this since famous peninsula. "In almost
every family, lamentation, mourning and woe were heard, and no fresh
food to be had, to cherish them. It would assuredly have moved the
most lockt up affections to tears, had they past from one hut to another,
and beheld the piteous case these people were in ; and that which added
to their present distresse was the want of fresh water. For, although
the place did afford plenty, yet for present they could finde but one
spring, and that not to be come at, but when the tide was down."!
This want of water, as will presently be seen, was a principal cause of
a removal to Shawmut.
In consequence of the great sickness and mortality at their
"^ ■ new place of abode, a fast had been recommended by Mr. Win-
throp to be kept there on the thirtieth of July ; and Mr. Isaac Johnson
came up from Salem to join in the solemnity. The same day a church
was formed, a covenantj entered into ; and this was the foundation of
the First Church of Boston. The first members were, Mr. Winthrop,
Mr. Dudley, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Wilson, afterwards their minister. §
Two days after, five others joined the same church, namely :
August 1. ^j^ Nowell, Mr. Thomas Sharp, Mr. Bradstreet, Mr. William
Gager, and Mr. William Colborn, " who, with others, quickly added,
chose Mr. Wilson for their pastor." The settlement of Charlestown was
now progressing, and Mr. Winthrop was diligently preparing timber fur
a house for himself and family.
A o- t 23 Meanwhile, it was resolved to have an election of officers at
° ' the new settlement of Charlestown, notwithstanding Mr. Win-
* Frothingham, from Charlestown Town Rec- ^ The biographical dictionaries of 'EViot and
ords. Allen are suflSciently full on this eniinert man,
f Johnson, Wonder-working Providence, 38, and Farmer has some account of his peoigree.
39. His father, William Wilson, D. D., was pre-
X The first Church Covenant of Charlestown bend of Rochester, and his mother was niece
and Boston may very properly be looked for in to Edmund Grindal, the famous Archbishop
this history. It therefore follows. I have of Canterbury. He was born at Windsor,
taken it as it stands in Mr. Foxcroft's Century County of Berks, in the year of the Spanish Ai-,
Sermon, preached to the First Church "Aug. mada, 1588. He married Elizabeth, daughte,.*
23, 1730. Being the last Sabbath of the first of Sir John Mansfield. John Mansfield, who
Century since its settlement." settled in Charlestown, was her brother, and
" We whose names are here under vrritten, Ann, wife of Capt. Robert Keayne, of Boston,
being by his most wise and good Providence was her sister. Mr. Wilson died in Boston ,
brought together into this part of America, in 7 August, 1667. The Rev. John Wilson, of
the Bay of Massachusetts, and desirous to Medfield, was his son; he died 23 August,
unite ourselves into one Congregation or Church 1691, set. 70. — See N. E. Hist, and Gen.
under the Lord Jesus Christ our Head, in such Reg., vi. 156.
sort as becometh all those whom he hath re- The following fac-simile of the autograpii
deemed and sanctified to himself, DO hereby of Mr. Wilson is from that published by Mr.
solemnly and religiously (as in his most holy Frothingham.
Presence) promise and bind ourselves to walk
in all our ways according to the Rule of the O /\
Gospel, and in all sincere Conformity to his ^VQ'^ ■Vi^Cli£/A»^
holy Ordinances, and in mutual Love and Re- ^J cL7^ IW.*^OVt«
spect, each to other, so near as God stall give
us grace.'"
94
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1630.
throp and his associates had before been elected to office by the Com-
pany in England. * But now everything wore a new aspect ; many of
the people here, as well as the immediate emigrants, probably, desired
the formality of an election, as a matter which they could much readier
realize than they could the action of a Corporation in England, about
which they may not have had any very satisfactory urderstanding, or
whose authority they may have thought would be questionably exercised
in tliis distant land. However tliis may be, an election was held
"aboard the Arrabella, the twenty-third of August, when the much
honoured John Winthrope, Esq., was chosen Governour for the remain-
der of the year, 1630 ; also the worthy Thomas Dudly, Esq., was
chosen Deputy Grovernour, and Mr. Simon Brodestreet, Secretary."!
This being over, a court was organized, which proceeded to consider
how the mniisters were to be maintained ; when it was ordered that
houses should be built for them at the public charge. Mr. Wilson and
Mr. Phillips only were provided for at this time. The former was to
have twenty pounds a year until his wife should come over, and the lat-
ter to receive thirty pounds a year. It was further ordered by the same
court that Thomas Morton, of Mount Wollaston, be sent for presently ;
and that carpenters, joiners, bricklayers, sawyers and thatchers, take no
* I can see no possible grounds for explain-
ing away this election, so circumstantially
recorded by Johnson, in his Wonder-working
Providence. Mr. Winthrop undoubtedly con-
sidered it of no legal importance, and hence
only wrote in his journal, "Monday we kept
a court. ' ' He may have iDeen somewhat dis-
pleased on finding it necessary to submit to
such an election. This may account for his
neglect to make entries in his journal ; for
neglect it he did, an entire week, with the ex-
ception of the single entry above extracted.
It is not altogether improbable, perhaps, that
a removal to Boston may have had some spe-
cial influence in bringing about the election.
In a letter which Winthrop wrote at Charles-
town, and which Mr. Johnson received at
Salem on July 25th, he speaks of the people
being in "three distinct bodies," (by which
Prince thinks he means Charlestown, Dorches-
ter and Salem,) " not then intending rashly to
})roceed to the choice of officers," &c. I appre-
lend that this refers to the election stated by
Johnson ; but it is not very clear what is
meant, nor is the letter in other respects at all
intelligible ; — very different from Winthrop's
writings generally. There is another consid-
eration : before this election, very little busi-
ness appears to have been ordered or executed
under the special direction of AVinthrop. We
hear of no reading of commissions, assuming
the government, &c. The real state of the
case doubtless is, that Winthrop modestly
declined all interference with the affairs under
Endicott ; there being no cause of dissatisfac-
tion with him among those under his govern-
inent. Tiiis was the plain course of a mag-
nanimous mind, and well accords with the
unassuming character of Winthrop. But, on
removing to Charlestown, it became necessary
that the people should know who Avere their
leaders, and whom they were to obey. Hence
the necessity of an election. Had Mr. Win-
throp assumed the government on his arrival
at Salem, he would, in all probability, have
recorded so important an event in his journal ;
nor would his induction into office have been
overlooked, in days when formalities were con-
sidered of great importance. Besides, even
the charter may have been referred to, as
authority for this election of officers. See
ante, p. 63. And then it must be considered
that, only the preceding April [1G29], the
Company thus instructed Mr. Endicott : —
" Wee haue, in prosecution of that good opin-
ion wee haue alway had of you, confirmed you
Gouernour of our plantacon ;" and on the 28th
of the next May, writing him again, this lan-
guage is held: — "Wee haue sithence our
last, and according as wee then advised, at a
full and ample Court assembled, ellected and
established you, Captaine John Endicott, to
the place of present Gouernour in our Planta-
con there." And, after the election of Mr.
Winthrop as governor of the Company, and a
removal of the government had been settled,
it does not appear, from the Company's rec-
ords, that Mr. Endicott's government was to
be interfered with. See ante, p. 70. The rec-
ords expressly say, "It is conceeved fitt that
Captain Endicott continue the Goueriuuent
there [in N. England] vnless iust cause to the
contrarie " appear.
t Johnson, Won.-ioorlc Prov., 38-9.
1630.] WILLIAM BLACKSTONE. 95
more than two shillings a day, wages. By non-observance of this order,
the parties each subjected themselves to a fine of ten shillings.
Notwithstanding the resolution of the principal men to build their
chief town at Charlestown, the discouragements attendant on sickness
and death caused many to be restless, and to think of other localities.*
And, in the mean time, Mr. William Blackstone, who lived on Shaw-
mut, became acquainted with their distresses, and, going over to their
relief, advised them to remove to his peninsula. His advice was kindly
received, and began to be followed soon after ; so that, before the end
of August, many of those at Charlestown had passed over to Shawmut,
and began to make improvements and preparations for the rest to fol-
low, t
This Mr. Blackstone, of whom mention has before several times been
made, appears to have lived here alone, having come over, probably,
with Captain Robert Gorges, or about 1623, and may have possessed
Shawmut by lease or purchase from Gorges.| It is not, however, very
important when he came, or how he came to be possessed of lands here,
so long as it is certain that he had a good title to what he had, which
was acknowledged by the settlers under Winthrop, who, in due time,
bought his lands of him, and he removed out of the jurisdiction of Mas
sachusetts.
Blackstone had a house or cottage, in which he lived ; and the nature
of his improvements was such as to authorize a belief that he had
resided here seven or eight years. He was one of those people who
preferred solitude to society, and his theological notions corresponded
with those habits of life. When he invited Winthrop to come over to
his side of th(^ river, he probably had no thought of a removal himself;
for he did not remove until about four years later. His selling out and
leaving Boston were no doubt occasioned by his desire to live more
retired, as well as to a dislike of his Puritan neighbors, § whom, it is
* " This caused several to go abroad upon And, as mil be shown by the records here-
discovery; some went without the Neck of after, he had lands set off to him, which
this town, who travelled up into the main till would not have been the case had his owner-
they came to a place well watered, whither ship of the peninsula been fully acknowledged.
Sir Richard Saltonstall, Knt., and Mr. Phil- His case was precisely that of Oldham, Sir
lips, minister, Avent with several others, and William Brereton, and others, with this differ-
settled a plantation, and called it Watter- . ence : Blackstone was on his ground in per-
towue. Others went on the other side of son. He doubtless made the best terms he
Charles River, and there travelled up into the could with a power he could not resist success-
country, and likewise finding good waters, fully. His grant of territory here was supe-
settled there with Mr. Ludlow, and called the rior to others, or to the most of those who
plantation Dorchester." — Charlestoivn Records, came with Winthrop. It consisted of fifty
f "The Peninsula," says Shaw, "was, in acres, which was about one fifteenth of the
all respects, the most eligible site for a forti- whole of Shavnuut. It will be remembered
fied town in the country; and it is strange that Sir William Brereton was offered a " share
that Dudley, who was a soldier by profession, with the rest," if he came over ; but as to any
and had served as a Captain at the siege of right, derived from others, of territory in !Mas-
Amiens, under Henry IV., did not prefer it" sachusetts, none was acknowledged,
at first. — Descript. of Boston, 40. ^ Lechford, in his Plain Dealing, says tliat
J This is extremely probable ; and why he Blackstone removed from Boston " because ho
was not driven off, as Walford afterwards was, would not join with the Church. He lives
was doubtless owing to the kind ofiices which near Mr. AVilliams, but is far from his opin-
he extended to those in authority, and not ion." Lechford was a churchman,
making himself in any way obnoxious to them.
96 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1630
said, he told that " he left England because of his dislike of the Lord-
Bishops, but now he did not like the Lord-Brethren."* He is sup-
posed to have been a graduate of Emanuel College, Cambridge, A. B.
1617, A. M. 1621, t and some have denominated him a clergyman of
the Church of England. | In 1634 he removed to Rehoboth, where he
lived till the twenty-sixth of May, 1675, the date of his death ; and he
was also the first settler within the original limits of Rehoboth, since
Attleborough Gore, on the banks of Blackstone River, so named for him.
A hill to which he used to resort, at certain seasons, for study and con-
templation, still bears the name of Study Hill ; a few rods from the
base of which were lately to be seen the remains of his well, its stoning
nearly entire ; and, a few rods from the well, the grave of this singular
man.
The place of Blackstone's retreat, on the banks of the noble river
which bears his name, was as secluded as at Shawmut, before the
arrival of Winthrop. And here, as at Shawmut, he had fine gardens,
orchards and meadows ; and here, as at that place, his were the first
apples ever produced in these respective places. In 1765, several of
his apple-trees remained, and bore fruit ; and, in 1836, three trees
were standing, in appearance very old, and "probably grew from the
sprouts of those planted by Blackstone." §
William Blackstone was not only the first known white settler of
Boston, but to him is due the credit of the settlement under Winthrop.
This was acknowledged in the lifetime of the former, as shown in the
records of Charlestown, in these words : || "Mr. Blackstone, dwelling
on the other side of Charles River, alone, to a place by the Indeans
called Shawmutt, where he only had a cottage at, or not fiir off the
place called Blackstone's Point, IF he came and acquainted the Governor
* Mather, Magnolia, B. iii., p. 7, who thus concluding that nothing satisfactory could be
introduces Blackstone: — "There were also found.
some godly Episcopalians; among whom has J This wovild rather appear from Edward
been reckoned Mr. Blackstone ; who, by hap- Johnson's notice of him, who, speaking of
pening to sleep first in an old hovel upon a Mr. Bright and Blackstone in connection, says,
point of land there, laid claim to all the ground derisively, " The one betooke him to the seas
whereupon there now stands the Metropolis again, and the other, Mr. Blaxton, to till the
of the whole English America, until the inhab- land, retaining no simbole of his former pro-
itunts gave him satisfaction. ' ' fession, but a canonical cote. ' ' — Wonder-ioork.
t lie married Mary Stevenson, 4 July, 1659. Prov., 20. — With this before him, Mr. Hub-
Slie was the widow of John Stevenson, of Bos- bard makes considerable improvement. He
ton. and they were married by Gov. Endicott. calls him a clergyman, and says " he betook
i\lrs. Blackstone died two years before her bus- himself to till the ground, wherein probably
band, namely, June, 1673, Mr. Blackstone he Avas more skilled, or at least had a better
left one son, whose posterity, I am informed faculty, than in the things pertaining to the
l)y gentlemen of credibility in Rhode Island, house of God," &c. — Hist. N. Eng., 113.
are somewliat numerous in that state at the ^ For many of the above facts I am indebted
present day. It is said that the late Presi- to Mr. Bliss' excellent History of Rehoboth,
dent Kirkland was in some way related to the and to Mr. Daggett's valuable History of Attle-
family of Blackstone, and that, a few years borough.
l)efi)re his death, he made a journey to Cum- || I use Mr. Frothingham's transcript of
bei'land, for the purpose of finding his grave, those invaluable records, in all cases, with the
and placing upon it a suitable monument ; most perfect confidence.
but that the residents of whom he sought in- ^ As to the precise locality of Blackstone's
formation being entirely ignorant of any such house, and his spring, not far from it, opin-
pcrson, or his grave, he gave up his search, ions of people differ. But I am pretty well
1630.
WILLIAM BLACKSTONE.
97
of an excellent spring there, withal inviting him and soliciting him
thither. Whereupon, after the death of Mr. Johnson, and divers
others, the Governor, with Mr. Wilson
and the greatest part of the church, re-
moved thither. Whither also, the frame
of the Governor's house was carried,
when people began to build their houses
against winter, and this place was called
Boston."*
To this "memorable man," as to others
before his time as well as since, justice
will eventually be done. And though
the noble City, whose foundation he laid,
be the last to honor his name, it will one
day, it is not to be doubted, pay the
debt which it ov;es his memory with in-
terest. Should not the principal street in the City bear his name ?
]Mr. Blackstone having died a month before the breaking out of
Philip's War, he was spared the witnessing of the horrors of that dis-
tressing period ; but the Indians ravaged his plantation, burnt up his
buildings, and, what will ever be deeply deplored, his library, also.
This was large and valuable for those days, and its loss to the history
of Boston and to New England can never be known, f
Four days after the first Court was held at Charlestown,
MR. BLACKSTONE S RESIDENCE.
August 27.
the first ordination took place. J Mr. Wilson was ordained
Pastor, or teaching Elder, over the church there, and also over that
part of the the same church which had removed to Mr. Blackstone's
side of the river.
convinced that Blackstone's Point was that
afterwards called Barton's Point, now near
the northern termination of Leveret Street,
and the Depot of the Lowell Rail Road. His
point is easier located than his house or his
spring. That there were many springs on this
part of Shawraut, has always been dem.onstra-
l)Ie. House No. 19, Poplar Street, covers a
large spring, which, in 1838, afforded alsun-
dance of water a considerable part of the
year. This writer then occupied that house ;
and this spring, it is not unlikely, was the
identical spring near which Blackstone lived.
What Shaw says in his Description of Boston,
103, agrees very well with this. " Black-
stone's Spring," he observes, "is yet to be
seen [about 1800] on the westerly part of the
town, near the bay which divides Boston from
Cambridge."
* These records also say, that Mr. Win-
throp's removal to Shawmut was " to the dis-
content of some ;" of those probably who had
begun to build, and to whom a removal Avould
have been a serious loss. A further proof that
this place was not thought of for a town until
13
Blackstone urged it, appears in the fact, that
Winthrop had engaged to settle at NeAvtown,
and had a house in process of building there
at this time, which he also removed to Boston
afterwards.
f From the inventory of his effects, taken
immediately after his decease, 28 May, 1G75,
a copy of Avhich may be seen in Mr. Bliss'
History of Rehoboth, p. 8, the inference in the
text is drawn. The " ten paper books" enu-
merated in the schedule, are conjectured to
have been MSS. of great value, and that they
might have throAvn light on his whole history,
as well as that of the country for the fifty
years in which he resided in it. — See Dr.
Usher Parsons, in Holmes' Annals, i. 377.
X " We of the congregation kept a flist, and
chose Sir. Wilson our teacher, and Mr. Nowell
an elder, and Mr. Gager and Mr. Aspiuwall
deacons. We used imposition of hands, bat
with this protestation by all, that it ^vas only
as a sign of election and confirmation ; not of
any intent that Mr. Wilson should renounce
his ministry he received in England." — AVin-
throp's Journal, i. 31 — 3.
98 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1630.
g^ ^ Many people having, by the seventh of September, taken up
their residence on Shawmut,* a court was held on that day,
which is called the Court of Assistants ;
and this was the second court held at the
new settlement of Charlestown. There
were present the principal men from Sa-
lem, Dorchester, and Watertown, though
at the opening of this court the two last
mentioned places were not so named.
Among the orders passed, were the fol-
lowing : — "Thomas Morton, of Mount
Wollaston, shall presently be set in the
bilbows, and after sent prisoner to Eng-
land, by the ship called the Gift, now re-
turning thither ; f that all his goods shall
be seized to defray the charge of his
transportation, payment of his debts, and
JOHN WILSON. to give satisfaction to the Indians for a
(ianoe he took unjustly from them ; and that his house be burnt down to
the ground in sight of the Indians, for their satisfaction for many wrongs
he has done them. Ordered, that no person shall plant in any place
within the limits of this Patent, without leave from the Governor and
Assistants, or major part of them ; | that a warrant shall presently be
sent to Agawam to command those who are planted there, forthwith to
come away ; And, that Trimountain § be called Boston ; || Mattapan,
*The circumstance of the first party who ^" So called, I suppose," says Prince, "on
landed in Boston from Charlestown, in 1630, is the account of the three contiguous hills ap-
thus related by Mr. Loring in his Hundred pearing in a range to those at Charlestown."
Boston Orators, p. 365 : " The ancestor of the — Another author, Shaw, says, " These were
Pollard family, of Boston, was William Pol- not, however, Beacon, Copp's and Fort Hills,
lard, whose wife, Anne, died 6th Dec, 1725, as generally supposed, but three little rising
aged one hundred and five years, leaving of her hills on the top of a high mountain, at the
offspring one hundred and thirty. She used north-west side of the town." — Description of
to relate, that she went over in the first boat Boston, 50. " The high mountain," he ob-
that crossed Charles river, to what has since serves, " as Wood calls it, is the high ground
been called Boston, and that she was the first extending from the head of Hanover-street,
that jumped ashore. She described the place south-westerly to the water, beyond the new
as being at that time very uneven, abounding State House, the summit of which was since
in small hollows and swamps, covered with called Beacon Hill, now [1800] almost levelled
blueberry and other bushes." Mrs. Pollard's to its base."
portrait, taken in 1723, when she was one || " Being now become a distinct town of
hundred and three years old, has for some themselves, and retaining Mr. Wilson for their
years past hung in a room over the Savings minister, afterwards called tlieir plantation
Bunk in Tremont-street, in the occupation of Boston, with respect to Mr. Cotton, who came
the ]Mass. Hist. Society, and was there depos- from a town in Lincolnshire so called, when
ited by Isaac Winslow, Esq. — Ibid. he came in to New England." Dudley, as has
f But he did not go in the Gift. The cap- been seen, assigns the same reason for naming
tain of that ship, says Hubbard, not being Shawmut Boston. " And from the late Judge
'^gifted that way, nor his ship neither." — Sewall, in comparison with the Charlestown
Hist. N. England, 137. records, I learn that this town was settled
J This order was especially to prevent peo- under the conduct of Mr. Johnson." — Prince,
pie from settling in so scattered a manner as 316.
to render themselves weak and unserviceable
aa a whole, in tlie event of invasion.
1630.
DEATH OF MR. ISAAC JOHNSON.
Dorchester ; and the town upon Charles river, Watertown." * This last
was called Pigsgusset, by the Indians.f
_ .=— Although the seventh of September,
^^^^^fe^^5^^_ Old Style, is justly regarded as the date
^^^-^^ '--—~--^=—--_^ Qf t]^g £j,gj^ settlement of Boston, | yet it
^^' . -fr^=, was not till a month or more that the gov-
~ ernment was removed from Charlestown,
g^ ^ where, on the twenty- eighth of
September, the third Court of
^ Assistants was held. In the mean time,
among other things, probably fortifica-
^ tions had been considered necessary to be
at once erected ; for at this court an
order passed for raising fifty pounds for
TRuiouNTAiN. ^^^ ^gg ^f ^^^ Patrlck and Mr. Underbill,
who were military men.§ The Indians may have shown signs of dis-
satisfaction. In fact, if they did not manifest any jealousy at seeing
their country overrun by such a singular race of people as the emigrants
must have appeared to them to be, they must have been void of such
feelings as were exhibited five-and-twenty years later by their neigh-
bors bordering on the south of them. But merely common prudence
may have caused the same court to order, that if any person permit an
Indian to use a gun, on any occasion, he should pay a fine of ten
pounds ; and that no person be allowed to give or sell any corn to an
Indian, without license from the court.
^ Amidst the numerous trials which now beset this devoted
' people, no single blow had ever been witnessed which had cast
such a gloom over them, as did the death of Mr. Isaac Johnson. He
died at Boston, about two of the clock on the morning of this day. He
was able to attend the court on the seventh of the month, but that was
his last earthly court. It was Mr. Johnson who first favored Black-
stone's proposal for a removal to this side of the river; and his improve-
ments in the settlement, at the time of his death, were doubtless supe-
rior to any other's on the place. His lot had been selected, and was
that comprehended by School, Washington, Court and Tremont streets,
at this time ; of course comprehending the Chapel burying-place. In
the upper end of this lot, when on his death-bed, he desired to be
buried ; and he was accordingly buried there. This was the first place
of interment of the English at Boston, and it continues to be used as a
* Prince's Chronology, 315. 5. Watertown, 11 8. Wessagascus, 2
\yNo<A's New England's Prospect, 9,^. 6. Medford, 3 9. Nantasket, 1
j Hence the second centennial anniversary Salem, 3
of the settlement of Boston was celebrated on From which the relative importance of these
Friday, the 17th of September, 1830. places may be seen. But it can hardly be
^ The fifty pounds were thus apportioned to supposed that the above rate was based on the
be raised in the settlements : property of the respective places ; for, assum-
1. Charlestown, £7 3. Dorchester, £7 *°g *h,'^*,*o ^^^^ ^*^^'l *he basis, Salem could
2. Boston, 11 4. Roxbury, 6 scarcely have stood so low, or Boston so high.
100 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1630.
place of sepulture to this day.* "He may be said to have been the
idol of the people, for they ordered their bodies, as they died, to be
buried round him ; and this was the reason of appropriating for a place
of burial, what is now [1760] tlie Old Burying-place, adjoining to
King's Chapel." t
By Mr. Johnson's will, a copy of which was " on the Massachusetts
files" when Hutchinson wrote his history, executed on the twenty-
eighth of April, in the fifth of Charies I. [1629] it is shown that he was
of Clipsham, in the county of Rutland, son of Abraham Johnson, Esq.,
and grandson of Robert Johnson. Dr. Chaderton was his mother's
father. His estate was much the largest of any of the undertakers. It
lay in the counties of Rutland, Northampton and Lincoln. His New
England adventure he valued at six hundred pounds. Having no chil-
dren, he gave legacies to a great number of his friends, and to pious
and charitable uses. His lands he gave to his father and brothers. To
Mr. Cotton he gave thirty pounds and a gown-cloth. The advowson
and right of patronage of the parish church of Clipsham, he gave to Mr.
Dudley and Mr. Cotton. His funeral charges he limited at two hun-
dred and fifty pounds ; but a small part of which, however, was re-
quired. His heart was set on the New England settlement, and he
ordered his executors to carry on his share in it. In another will, made
before his death, he appointed John Hampden, Esq., with Winthrop
and Dudley, executors.J
In the midst of the removal from Charlestown to Boston,
^^^ ■ ^ • death continued his work. Mr. William Gager died on the
twentieth of September. He was the chief physician of the infant set-
tlement, and consequently a great loss to it. He was also a high ofi&cer
in the church at its first organization in Charlestown, being its deacon.
A house was ordered to be built for him at the public charge, and he
was to be paid twenty pounds for the first year, and be furnished with
a cow; and after that he was to receive thirty pounds per annum. He
left a family. John Gager, his son probably, resided in Boston until
1645, about which time he settled in New London, and finally in Nor-
wich, where he died in 1703. §
Soon after the death of Mr. Gager, Mr. William Colburn was chosen
deacon of the same church. He was " invested by imposition of hands
of the minister and elder."
One who lived amidst these scenes writes, as he had just cause to
do: " The first beginning of this worke seemed very dolorous ; first,
for the death of that worthy personage, Izaac Johnson, Esq., whom the
Lord had indued with many pretious gifts, insomuch that he was held
in high esteeme among all the people of God, and as a chiefe pillar to
*Thisi3 the substance of what Chief-Justice f Hutchinson, Hist. Mass. i., IG.
Saniuol Sewall told the llcv. Thomas Prince. J Ibid.
So that few things in our history can be better ^See Hinman's Genealogy of the Puritans,
Bubstantiated than tlie circumstances of the p. 134, and Caulklin's Hist, of New London,
death and the jihicc of burial of Mr. Isaac 159. — AVilliam Gager grad. at Yale 1721,
Johnson. and Charles A. 1835.
1630.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME BOSTON.
101
support tliis new erected building. He very much rejoiced, at his death,
tliat the Lord had been pleased to keepe his eyes open so long, as to see
one Church of Christ gathered before his death ; at whose departure
there was not onely many weeping eyes, but some fainting hearts, fear-
ing the fall of the present worke."*
CHAPTER XII.
Origin of the name Boston. — Traditions and Superstitions of St. Botolph. — Boston in England. —
St. Botolph's Church. — Mr. John Cotton. — Splendor and Magnificence of St. Botolph's. —The
First Church in Boston. — Extravagance in Buiklings and Dress discountenanced. — Profligacy of
the English Clergy. — Legislation upon Fashions. — Drinking of Healths discontinued.
' \\M^ ~i^ ^^' original name of Boston is supposed to be
^W^ _ derived from an old British saint, of the name
-^f "^- of Botolph, who lived along the middle of the
'^^ % seventh century of the Christian era.f As of
J other saints of early times, there is doubtless
much of fiction hanging about St. Botolph's his-
tory. It was a common thing to ascribe the
performance of miracles to saints while living,
and, when dead, even their bones were believed
to be not entirely divested of that power, although they had
been of flesh. The termination of this saint's name seems to
indicate a German origin ; but that is a matter too remote to
merit attention here. However, it is said that the remains of the
**holy man" were entombed in St. Edmund's Monastery, at Bury,
concerning whom it was superstitiously told that the monks of that
place, when they wanted rain, carried about a coffin in procession, con-
taining the bones of St. Botolph. How soon this practice fell into dis-
use is not mentioned ; but it probably did after a few failures of certain
well-known signs of rain, in the observance of which the first movers
were, or might have been, better skilled than their immediate suc-
cessors.
From the earliest accounts that can be found of the English Boston,
it is supposed to have been founded by St. Botolph, whom Bede, who
was nearly cotemporary with him, denominates a pious Saxon, about
A. D. 650. 1 For a long series of ages little is known about it. For
* Johnson, Wonder-working Providence, 38.
f The name of Botolph, with variation of
spellings, is met with in many old writers,
and, according to Camden, it is derived from
the Saxon noun boat, and ulph, help, because
Botolph was the tutelar saint of mariners.
— See Thompson's Collections, p. 223. Rish-
anger, who wrote about 1312, speaks, in his
Chronicle, of "Thomas filius Jordani de Bo-
tolestone." — See Pub. Camd. Sac. xv., p. 72.
Lambarde, who wrote about or before 1577,
a little earlier than Camden, says it was then
called Bostonstow, though "commonly and
corruptly called Boston.'" — Alphabetical De-
script., &c., p. 38, 4to, 1730.
I He also founded a priory at Colchester, in
Essex, the ruins of which are still [1810] to
be seen, though its "principal demolition'"
occurred in 1648, during the siege of Colches-
ter by Sir Thomas Fairfax. — Braylcy and Brit-
102 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1630.
near a thousand years succeeding its foundation, few of the vicissitudes
attending it through that dark period have been recorded. Indeed, its
history had hardly been attempted until its daughter on this side of the
Atlantic had, in most respects, far outgrown her mother city.*
One hundred years before the period now treated of, namely, in
1719, a writer said it was, and long had been, a famous and flourishing
town, built on both sides of the river Witham, which is here enclosed
on both sides with artificial banks, over which was a high wooden
bridge. t At a for more remote period it had become a great mart for
wool, " which very much enriched and invited thither the merchants of
the Hanse towns, who fixed their Guild there." The inhabitants in
1719 were chiefly "merchants and graziers." J At the same date it
had a commodious and weU-frequented haven, admitting ships of two
hundred and fifty tons up to the town, while, only thirty years later,
even a smafl sloop of but forty or fifty tons, drawing but six feet of
water, could get up only at spring tides. § This was caused by the
river being choked up ^vith silt. Xot long after, however, its usual
navigation was restored by cutting a new channel from the town to
Dogdike, an extent of twelve miles, [j
To an inhabitant of Boston in New England it may appear scarcely
credible for places elsewhere to remain nearly the same for a hundred
years together ; yet such was the case with the mother of Boston, H
tan^s Essex, 315. St. Botolph's church, in Boston people have had some influence on Mr.
Aldersgate, London, was dedicated to this Thompson, as he is now engaged on a new edi-
saint ; but how early founded does not appear, tion of his work. In a Lincolnshire newspa-
Its first benefactor, recorded by Maitland, bears per, called the ••Boston. Stamford and Lincoln-
the name of John Thornton, and date, 1393. shire Herald," of 16 ^ov., 1852, contaming
Judging irom the prevalence of the name of the proceedings of ftie government of the bor-
Botolph, the saint who bore it must have had ough of Boston on the 'Jth of the same month,
in his day, and even long after, an extraordi- Mr. Xoble, one of the aldermen, after giving
nary reputation. In those days, as now, a notice of Mr. Thompson's design, requested
name ot renown was tacked upon everything that that gentleman might have liberty to
that would bear it. But it has, in some in- inspect the deeds and other documents in their
stances, been so varied or corrupted as not to keeping for that object, which was granted,
be recognized ; thus, Bottle Bridge, in Htmt- For the use of a copy of !Mr. Thompson's book
ingdonshire, was once Botolph-bridge, or so I am indebted to yh. Charles Deave, whose
says Camden. But whether our Buttolphs are excellent library is no unintelligible monu-
descendants of the same ftvmily as the Saint ment of a taste and judgment worthy the imi-
we are ignorant, while it is very probable that tation of all young men.
the ancestors of persons bearing the name of f 0°® of iron has since been substituted,
Boston took that name firom their having re- constructed upon a single arch, 86 feet in
sided in ancient Boston. span. 39 feet wide, at an expense of about
* Boston is 34 miles S. E. of Lincoln, 117 £22,000.
N. from London, and about five miles from the % Magna Briiannia, Aniiqica et Xova, ii.
sea. In 1820 there was published in London, 1407-8.
rather a handsome large octavo, of between ^ Thompson's Collections, 122.
four and five hundred pages, entitled ^^CoUec- \\ Dugdale, iii. 602.
iions for a Topographical and Historical Account "[fin 1698, Dr. Cotton Mather, writing of
of lBi>STos, and the Hundred of Skirbeck, in the Boston, very aptly observed: — "The Town
County of Lincoln. With Engravings. By hath indeed three elder Sisters in this Colony,
PisHET Thompsox." This work has for some but it hath wonderfully outgrown them all ;
time been scarce, even in its place of publica- and her mother. Old Boston, in England, also."
tion; and, as I am informed by my friend. By the "three elder Sisters" he probably
Col. T. B. Lawrence, he found it difiScult to meant Salem, Charlestown and Dorchester ;
procure a copy in Old Boston itself. It is not or, possibly, Charlestown, Dorchester and
unlikely that inquiries for the work by our Roxbnry. — See Magnalia,^. i. 31.
1G30.1
ST. BOTOLPH S CHURCH.
103
judging from the following facts : The parish register of Old Boston
sho^YS that in 1614 there were thirty marriages, eighty-four baptisms,
and eighty-three burials ; while in 1714, just one hundred years later,
there were thirty-one marriages, ninety-nine baptisms, and one hundred
and thirty-one deaths.*
One of the most famous and interest-
ing objects of ancient Boston is St. Bo-
tolph's church, rendered doubly famous
to the people here for its having been
the church of which Mr. John Cotton
was vicar twenty-one years -,] and from
which he was obliged to fly to New
England. This church was described
one hundred and thirty-four years ago J
as "beautiful and large, the tower of
which is so very high as to be the won-
der of travellers, and the guide for mar-
iners at a great distance. It is looked
upon as the finest in England, and is
280 foot high, or better, and was begun
to be built at midsummer, 1309, dame
Margaret Tilney laying the first stone.
The length of the church is equal to the
height of the steeple, ninety-four yards.
There are 365 steps, fifty-two windows,
and twelve pillars, which are designed to parallel the days, weeks and
months, of the year." Its handsome tower was built after the model
of that of the great church at Antwerp. At the summit of this tower
is a beautiful lantern, for a guide to seamen, which can be seen forty
miles. It was a figurative saying of some of the pilgrims who settled
this Boston, that the lamp in the lantern of St. Botolph's ceased to burn
when Cotton left that church, to become a shinin<
ness of New England. ||
St. Botolph's has no galleries, and yet it will contain five thousand
persons, as estimated at the obsequies of the late Princess Charlotte.
The nave is lofty and grand ; the ceiling, representing a stone vault-
ST. botolph's CHVRCH, BOSTOX, EXGLAXD.i^
fight in the wilder-
mg, is said to be of Irish oak.
It consists of fourteen groined arches
with light spandrils, which, by their elegant curves, intersections and
embowments, produce a beautiful effect. The upper part of the nave
is lighted by twenty-eight clerstory windows, between the springs of
* There was a return of the population in ^ From a splendidly engraved view in
17G8, 3470 ; in 1801, 5926 ; in 1811, 8113 ; Thompson's work.
in 1831, 11,240 ; in 1841, 34,680. — Dugdale, || " Both Bostons hare reason to honor his
vt supra, City Doc. No. 63. Note hj Hon. J. P. memory ; and New England-Boston most of
Bigelow, and Gorton's Topog. Did. aU, which oweth its name and being to him,
f From 1612 to 1633. — Thompson's Colkc- more than to any one person in the world."' —
tions, p. 86. Dr. Increase Mather.
X In the Magna Britannia, Antiqua et Nova,
ut supra.
104
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1630.
the arches. The chancel, which is spacious and lofty, has on each side
ranges of stalls, the scjits of which are ornamented with grotesque carv-
ings ; over these formerly were canopies, highly embellished with foli-
age and fret-work. The altar is of oak, in the Corinthian order.
Such was the splendid and magnificent church of St. Botolph's, in
which many of the Mhcrs of "New England-Boston" had been wont
to worship, and which they had looked upon with pious reverence, and
which they justly remembered as one of the chief glories of their native
land. But at the
period of their
emigration a great
change had com-
menced ; they be-
gan to consider
extravagance in
architecture and
dress as very wick-
ed, and disap-
proved of by the
God they intended
to honor by such
extravagance. In
A CATHOLIC GENTLEMAN.*
order to appreci-
ate, in some de-
A PROTESTANT GENTLEMAN.
gree, the change spoken of, people of these times can contrast St. Bo-
tolph's, not with the rude church prepared for Mr. Wilson, but with
most New England churches before the American Revolution. The
Friends of modern times are not more
opposed to show and ostentation than
were the early Pilgrims of New Eng-
land. These, indeed, very nearly ap-
proached the Quakers in all matters of
dress, buildings, furniture and equip-
ages. Soon after the Puritans became
detached from the established church,
their dress designated them ; as much
so as did the dress of the Friends dis-
tinguish them afterwards from the Puri-
tans.
Many regard some of the fashions in dress of this century as highly
ridiculous and absurd ; but extremes in these matters are nothing
Wilson's church. f
* This and the opposite engraving are accu- and intimations as can be gathered from the
rate copies from prints in the exceedingly rare early writers. It is said to have had mud
M'ork of Bishop Caiieton, " A Thankiull Re- walls and a thatched roof, which is about the-
MEMBRANCE OF God's Mercies," 4to, LondoD, extent of all that has been said about it. As
1626. to its length, breadth and height, there is not
f This view of the first church erected in a syllable which I remember to have seen.
Boston is, of course, from such descriptions Its location will be described hereafter.
1630.] THE ENGLISH CLERGY. 105
now compared with what they were in those days, when shoes were
twice the length of the foot, or so long as to prevent "kneeling at
devotions in God's house," as one of those times is reported to have
said.
Fashions in all times probably began among the rich, and with those
in high official stations. The practice Avas, of course, imitated by the
common people ; and, though very natural, it was, on the whole, a very
detrimental imitation. Even the clergy rendered themselves obnoxious
by their foppery in dress, which was one object of complaint among the
Puritans ; and many of their other practices were in keeping with
minds influenced by such frivolity. To notice but a single instance,
— the investigations at Belvoir Castle, by a committee of Parliament,
in 1650-1; — that committee reported upon the incumbents of the
church to this effect : "Weak and negligent;" — "no preacher;" —
" negligent and scandalous ;" — " negligent, and suspected of popery ;"
— "corrupt in doctrine;" — "a bare reader, and no minister;" —
"weak pluralitan, non-resident, altogether negligent and scandalous."
This is proba1)ly a specimen of the reports for the whole commonwealth
of England. But Episcopalians, even of this age, pronounce the judg-
ment of the parliamentary committee more unjust than the practices
they condemned. But it must not be denied that there was much to
be complained of, and which even the profligacy of Charles the Second
could not overlook.*
All experience has shown that to legislate upon apparel is idle and
futile ; yet there may be other matters quite as futile which now
occupy the time of legislators, and which will, in a few years, be
viewed as wild and extravagant as it was for the early legislators of
Boston to prescribe, by solemn enactments, the length which ladies
might wear their hair, and how much of their necks and arms should
be exposed to the gaze of the other sex. Good example, emanating
from the good and great, will always exert a Avider and a better influ-
ence, in matters of customs and habits, than all the compulsory laws
that can be made. Thus Governor Winthrop says that, upon consider-
ation of the inconveniences which had grown in England by drinking
one to another, he restrained it at his own table, and wished others to
do the like, so as it grew into disuse by little and little, f Winthrop
had judgment, mildness and penetration ; and it is hardly to be doubted
that his own opinion disapproved of many acts which his station com-
pelled him to sanction at a later period.
* " When he was at Newmarket, Nathaniel University, to cause the statutes concerning
Vincent, D. D., Fellow of Clare Hall, and decency of apparel among the Clergy to be put
chaplain to his Majesty, preached before him in execution, which was accordingly done."
in a long periwig, and Holland sleeves. This — Strutt's Dresses and Habits, in The Book of
foppery displeased the king, who commanded Costume, &c., p. 126.
the Duke of Monmouth, then Chancellor of the f Journal, i. 37.
14
106
fflSTORY OF BOSTON.
[1630.
CHAPTER XIII.
First General Court at Boston. — How constituted. — Privileges of Freemen. — Simon Bradstreet. —
Reasons for Stringency in respect to Freemen. — Small Affairs comparatively Great. — Accidents
ft-om Fires, Wolves, &c. — A Murder and Execution at Plymouth. — Corn obtained of the Indians
at Narraganset. — The People in Danger of Famine. — Their Wants and Privations. — Capt. Roger
Clap. — Arrival of a Ship with Provisions. — Arrival of the Handmaid. — Her severe Passage. —
Reward for killing Wolves. — Ferry to Charlestown. — Oi-der to support Ministers. — Fines and
Penalties. — Measures for a fortified Town. — Determine upon Newton. — Extreme Weather. —
Disastrous Voyage of Puchard Garret. — Kindness of Indians. — Thomas Morton's Return to New
England. — A Prisoner at Boston. — Again sent to England.
Oct. 19.
ITHERTO, the Courts had been held at Charles-
town, probably in the " Great House "
before mentioned; but now "the first
General Court of the Massachusetts Colony" is
held at Boston. In what kind of a building no
mention is made ; it must have been in some
very rude structure, as sufficient time had not
elapsed to allow of the preparation of any shel-
ter very commodious or complete. The per-
sons composing this court were, Mr. "VVinthrop,
Mr. Dudley, Sir R. Saltonstall, Mr. Ludlow, Mr. Endicott, Mr. Nowell,
Mr. Pynchon and Mr. Bradstreet.* The denomination or title of the
Court was, "The Governor, Deputy Governor, and Assistants."! It
was now proposed that the Freemen should have the power of choosing
Assistants, and the Assistants, from among themselves, to choose the
Governor and Deputy Governor, who, together with the Assistants,
were to have the power of making laws, and of choosing of&cers to exe-
cute them. To all of which the people agreed. J
At this court about one hundred and eight persons applied to be
admitted as Freemen ;§ and the greater part of them probably were
admitted to that station among their fellows in the Colony, which allowed
* Bradstreet lived to be "the Nestor of
NoAv England ;" dying at Salem in 1697, aged
93. There is an excellent biography of him
ill Dr. Eliot's New Eng. Biographical Diction-
ary. .Joshua Scottow dedicated his " Narra-
tive of the Planting of the Massachusetts-
Colony," &c., to him, in 1694. In this dedi-
cation he says : " The long experience of your
being the only surviving antiquary of us Nov
Angles, the prime Secretary and Register of
our civil and sacred records, and the bifronted
Janus who saw the closure of the Old, and the
overture of this New Albion world." He calls
him one of the " nursing fathers of this out-
cast Sion, whose name is embalmed to eter-
nity ; that he had, through nine hard appren-
ticeships of above 60 years' durance, in the
service of his generation, and faithful dis-
charge of that trust for so long a season, as
hath rendered him a MOOT-MAN, to be dig-
nified with the highest honor this people were
capable to confer." Bradstreet was then 91
years of age, when Scottow dedicated his book
to him ; and well he might, as he did, stylo
him ''Our New England Nestor." Scottow
spells the name Broadstreet, which was agree-
able to the pronunciation of it.
t See ante, p. 63 : also Prince, 320.
j Speaking of the acts of the first court, in
which an attempt was made to regulate the
rate of wages, &c., Mr. Hubbard observes,
" It being commonly found, that men gotten
from under the reins of government, are but
like cattle without a fence, which are thereby
apt to run wild and grow unruly, without good
laws." — Hist. New Eng., 146-7.
^ The most full and complete list of Free-
men anywhere to be found is contained in the
N. Eng. H. and Gen. Regr., vol. iii. In the
same volume will also be found the oath pre-
scribed for those admitted, <tc.
1630.] MURDER AND EXECUTION AT PLYMOUTH. 107
them a voice in the concerns of government. No special qualifications
for the rank of Freeman had yet been adopted, or, at least, none are
recorded ; but before the May election of 1631, a regulation was estab-
lished which required that, to be eligible for the rank of Freeman, all
candidates must be joined in fellowship with one of the churches. This
condition respecting Freemen was perhaps occasioned by an early appre-
hension that too many might be admitted to elective privileges who were
opposed to Puritan principles. This appears probable, because, in the
first list of proposed Freemen, the names of many of the " first plant-
ers"* appear.
In this early beginning of Boston, things and events were taken
notice of, and considered of much moment, which, had they happened
a few years later, no one would have thought worthy to be recorded
for future attention. It is necessarily so in the beginning of all new
settlements. Thus it is noted by Governor Winthrop, in his Jour-
nal, kept upon the spot, that "the wolves killed six calves at
Salem," and the best retaliation the people could make was to kill one
wolf, A man at " Watertown had his wigwam burnt, and all his goods."
It is uncertain whether the sufferer were an emigrant or a native. At
the same time, Mr. Phillips, the minister of Watertown, and others, had
their hay burnt ; the wolves attacked and killed some hogs at Saugus,
a cow died at Plymouth, and a goat at Boston, with eating Indian corn.
These are indeed trifling occurrences, when compared with events of
1853 ; but were they not as much to the people then as a railroad acci-
dent now, or the launching of a ship of two thousand tons ?
At this time a circumstance happened which shocked the little
communities of Boston and its neighboring settlements to a
degree probably beyond any other which had befallen them. It was a
premeditated murder ; and although it was committed at Plymouth,
and the account of it would not legitimately come within these pages,
but that the execution of the criminal was the result of the " advice of
Mr. Winthrop, and others, the ablest gentlemen in the Massachusetts
Bay, who all concurred with us that he ought to die, and the land be
purged from blood." f The authorities of Plymouth did not apply to
* This is according to Johnson, Wonder-iv. tices against the country, made an order of
Prov. 39. By "first planters" he doubtless Court to take trial of the fidelity of the people,
had reference to those persons who were found not by imposing upon them, but by offering to
settled about Boston Bay when Winthrop them an Oath of Fidelity, that in case any
came. By this it seems that their number should refuse to take it, they might not be-
was more considerable than it would other- trust them with Place of publick charge and
wise appear. There were on the fii-st list of command."
proposed Fi-eemen, Blackstone, Maverick, Jef- f Bradford, in Prince, 319-20. " The first
fries. Gibbons, and several others, known to execution in Plymouth Colony, which is a
be Episcopalians. matter of great sadness to us, is of one John
After the text and this note, so far, were Billington, for waylaying and shooting John
written, I met with the following confirmation Newcomen, a young man, in the shoulder,
of my convictions relative to the qualifications whereof he died. This said Billington was
of Freemen, in Cotton's Bloudy Tenent washed, one of the profanest among us. He came from
&c., p. 28-9. "The Magistrates and other London, and I know not by what friends shuf-
members of the General Court, upon intelli- fled into our company." — Prince, ib. If
gence of some Episcopal and malignant prac- there were any palliating circumstances attend-
108 HISTORY OF BOSTON, [1630.
those of Massachusetts because they had any doubt of the guilt of the
culprit, but because they had some fears as to jurisdiction.
About the end of this month an expedition was undertaken of much
importance. It was no less than a voyage by sea to the country of the
Narraganset Indians, for the purpose of procuring a supply of corn ;
for, among all the privations and sorrows by the scythe of death yet
encountered, the settlers of Boston began to be admonished that others
might be near at hand ; even the monster Famine was to be guarded
against.
It will not be forgotten that the colonists arrived too late to prepare
ground for planting this year ; that they found those already at Salem,
where they hoped to find relief if they required it, almost destitute of
food themselves ; and Captain Peirce had not yet arrived with the sup-
plies he was upon a voyage to England to procure.*
Thus situated, Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Dudley, and the benevolent Mav-
erick, fitted out a pinnace to obtain corn, if they could, of the Indians.f
The attempt succeeded. The little vessel returned, in due time,
freighted with one hundred bushels of corn. It stood them in about four
shillings the bushel. J
Johnson draws a picture of the situation and condition of Boston pre-
vious to and pending this voyage to Narraganset, without which an
adequate idea cannot well be formed of the straits to which the inhabit-
ants were reduced. At this early day the general good was much
obstructed "by certain persons in their greedy desire for land;" and
" let such take notice," he says, "how these were cured of this dis-
temper ; some were taken away by death ; and then, to be sure, they
had land enough ; others, fearing poverty and famishment, supposing
the present scarcity would never be turned into plenty, removed them-
selves away, and so never beheld the great good the Lord hath done
for his people ; but the valiant of the Lord waiteth with patience." §
ing this murder, they are not stated ; on the from sharp frosts ; liaving only one entrance
other hand, much appears to prove that the into it by a navigable river ; inhabited by a
perpetrator was a " hardened sinner." Gov- few Indians, who, for a trifle, would leave the
ernor Bradford said " he was a knave, and so island, if the English would set them upon
would live and die." This he said in 1625. the main. — Dudlei/s Letter. Mr. Prince
A pond about three miles from Plymouth, dis- takes it for granted that this "first harbor"
covered by John Billington's son, Francis, in was really in tlie Narraganset country, and
January, 1621, is known to this day as I3il- that the island four leagues to the eastward
lington's Sea. There was another son, named was " Aquetneck." Now I have no such an
Jolin; and there are respectable families at idea; and have very little doubt that some
this day of the name of Billin<jton in New Eng- point not beyond the west side of Buzzard's
land, descended from the unfortunate passen- Bay was the extent of the outward voyage.
ger of the Mayflower of 1620. — See Davis' XD\ji&\ey''s, Letter to the Countess of Lincoln,
Morton, Colls. Ms. H. S., and Hubbard's Hist. 11-12. Winthrop omits to mention this im-
New Eng., for other particulars. portant event in his Journal. His entries all
* See ante, p. H'J-OU. along, from his arrival to this time, are very
f After doubling Cape Cod, the pinnace put brief, and often inaccurate as to date, occa-
into the first harbor she found, and there sioned, no doubt, from his continual cares and
meeting witli Indians, traded with tliem fi)r avocations, which did not allow of his putting
corn, from the coast where they traded they down events as they occurred,
s.iw a very largo island four league^ to the § Wo)ider-working Providence, 48-9. It is
east of tliem, whicli the Indians commended not strange that many were discouraged ; for
as a fruitful place, full of good vinos, and free not only were pi-ovisions scarce here, but it
1630.] WANTS AND PRIVATIONS. 109
When such liquors as they had brought with them failed, and the
rich as well as the poor had nothing but water to drink, they thanked
the Lord that they were not only allowed this, but that they could drink
as much cT it as they desired. When their bread was exhausted, they
feasted themselves with fish. The women would, " once a day, as the
tide gave way," gather muscles and clams on the shore, " which are a
fish as big as horse-mussells." This they cheerfully did, day after
day. One woman said her husband walked to Plymouth, about forty
miles, " and had with great toil brought a little corn home with him.
Another would say her last meale was in the oven ; while many said
they had nothing left. One said her husband had been far among the
Indians for corn, but he could get none. In his charity and kindness,
the Governor had so far parted with his own store to the people, that a
day or two more would consume all he had."*
Captain Roger Clap, who arrived a little before Winthrop, speaks
also of the want of provisions he and others experienced. Planting-
time being past when he arrived, " provision was not to be had for
money." And, though he wrote to his father in England to send him
provisions, " before this supply came, and after, too, many a time," he
suffered from hunger, and longed for such crusts of bread as he used
to see upon his father's table ; and he thought, when he occasionally
could get "meal and salt and water boiled together," it was a luxury
indeed. f
During these hardships, the worthy ministers encouraged their fol-
lowers, who, with Christian confidence, encouraged one another ; and,
as they stood steadfastly in the belief that relief Avould come, "they
lifted up their eyes and saw two ships coming in, and presently the
newes came to their eares," says one among them, " that they were
come from Ireland full of victualls." J
„ The ship Handmaid arrived at Plymouth almost a complete
wreck. She lost all her masts, and had a passage of near three
months. In this ship came about sixty passengers, who all arrived in
good health. On board were also twenty-eight young cows when she
sailed, but, in the terrible tempests w'hich beset them on the way, ten
was also a time of great scarcity in Europe ; | Capt. Roger Clap's Memoirs, 20.
at Boston " every bushel of wheat meal stand- j Wonder-working Providence, 49. I sup-
ing them in 14s. sterling, and every bushel of pose the " two ships" here mentioned to have
peas 10s., and not easy to be procured nei- been the Lyon, Capt. Peirce, who, it will be
ther." — Hubbard, ///s<. N. Eng. remembered, was despatched to Ireland for
* When Boston had been settled sixty-eight provisions. See ante, p. 90, and Prince, p.
years. Dr. Cotton Mather, in reviewing its 313. The Lyon did not sail, probably, till
progress, observed that " within a few years towards the end of July, and her return could
alter the first settlement, it grew to be The not reasonably bo looked for until about this
Metropolis of the whole English America." time, which is a little anticipated by Johnson ;
And, he says, "little was this expected by for, according to Winthrop, i. 41, she did not
them that first settled the Town, when for a arrive until 5 Feb., 1G31. The other ship
while Boston was proverbially called Lost- may have been the Handmaid ; but she arrived
town, for the mean and sad circumstances of the' beginning of November. Or the ship No.
it." — Magnolia, B. i. 31. It contained in 17, in the table at p. 88, an^e, without a name,
1698, " seven thousand Souls of us at this may have been the other.
hour living on the spot." — lb.
110 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1630.
of them were washed overboard, or otherwise lost. Soon after, Captain
J. ,-. Grant, master of the Handmaid, Captain Standish, and two gen-
tlemen who came passengers in the Handmaid, arrived at Bos-
ton. The two gentlemen intended to settle here ; but, says Winthrop,
"having no testimonials, we would not receive them."*
At a Court of Assistants, at which were Winthrop, Dudley,
Ludlow, Endicott, Coddington, Pynchon and Bradstreet, it was
ordered that every Englishman who should kill a wolf within this
Patent "shall have one penny for every beast and horse, and one flir-
thing for every weaned swine and goat, in every plantation, to be levied
by the constables of said plantations." At the same Court it was pro-
posed that whoever would first give in his name to the Governor " that
he will undertake to set up a ferry between Boston and Charlestown,
and begin the same at such time as the Governor shall appoint, shall
have one penny for every person, and one penny for every hundred
pound weight of goods he shall so transport."!
Again, at the next Court of Assistants, present only the Gov-
ernor, Deputy, Sir Richard Saltonstall, Mr. Ludlow, Nowell,
Pynchon, Coddington and Bradstreet. The first business transacted
was to fine one of the Assistants five pounds, for whipping two persons
without another of the Assistants being present, contrary to an act of
Court formerly made ; in the next place a man was ordered to be
whipped for shooting at a fowl on the Sabbath day ; and, thirdly, that
sixty pounds be collected for the maintenance of Mr. Wilson and Mr.
Phillips, t
The Governor and most of the Assistants held a meeting at
Roxbury, "and there agreed to build a town fortified upon the
Neck, between that and Boston." A Committee was appointed " to
consider all things requisite." Eight days after, they met again at the
same place, when the Committee reported that Roxbury was
not suitable for a fortified town. "First, because men would
be forced to keep two families. Second, there was no running
water ; and if there were any springs they would not suffice the town.
Third, the most part of the people had built already, and would not be
able to build again."
The attention of the authorities was next turned to Water-
town, and they met there according to an appointment at their
last meeting ; and, as first at Roxbury, so now here, " all agreed it a
fit place for a fortified town," but did not take any measures to begin
* It would \)c interesting could we know J In this amount Boston was assessed £20,
who the " two gentlemen" were that, at this Watertown, £20, Charlestown, £10, Roxbury
time, were refused a residence in Boston. All £6, Medford, £3, and Winncsemet, £1. —
I am able to do is to imitate the silence of Prince, ib. I have seen it somewhere stated
Winthrop's annotator. that, at the time of the removal to Boston
f Prince, 323-4, from Mas/;. Col. Res. — from Charlestown, there were but seventeen.
Tliis, thougli the fourth meeting, or "Court inhabitants left at the latter place. The above
of Assistants," was the first of these Courts assessment would hardly warrant such conclu-
held in Boston — Ibid. The next was held on sion.
the last day of November.
1630.] FORTIFIED TOWN. DISAiSTROUIS VOYAGE. Ill
j^ it. Finally, after many consultations at Boston, Watertown
and Roxbury, it was decided to fortify a place on the north-
west side of Charles river, about three miles west of Charlestown ; and
all except Mr. Endicot and Mr. Thomas Sharp* engaged to build
houses there in the spring of 1631, and to remove their ordnance and
munition thither. This place they called Newton, f
It was a time of despondency with many, but they were reminded
of the constancy and firmness of their neighbors of Plymouth. Their
troubles about a fortified town had put them back in their building,
and other necessary labors, nearly six months. The leaders of the peo-
ple were of the opinion that, by erecting fortifications, and removing
into them all the warlike stores, and binding all the Assistants to
remove to the fortified place, those who had settled about in different
places would be obliged to concentrate themselves there also, for their
own personal safety.
In the course of the third week in December, Captain Walter Neale
and some other gentlemen came to Boston from Pascataqua. Their
object was probably only a friendly visit. Mr. Neale arrived at Pascat-
aqua last summer, in the bark Warwick ; having been sent over by Sir
Ferdinando Gorges, as Governor of his Patent.
Dec ''4 ^P ^^ ^^^'^ ^^^^^ ^^^ season had been, as it usually is at this
day, mild and open, with no heavy frosts ; but now it comes on
intensely cold, which was heightened by a previous fall of snow. The
wind blowing at the same time powerfully from the north-west endan-
gered those who ventured abroad. During this extreme weather, a
shallop, in which were three of Governor Winthrop's servants, coming
down from Mistick for Boston, was driven upon Noddle's Island, and the
men were forced to remain there all night, without fire or the means of
making any. The next day, however, they succeeded in reaching
Boston ; but two of them were badly frost-bitten.
^^^ ,^g The following Sunday the rivers were frozen up, and the peo-
ple of Charlestown were prevented from coming to the sermon
in Boston as usual, till high water in the afternoon.
^^^ ^^ Two days before the cold weather came on, Mr. Richard Gar-
ret, of Boston, sailed for Plymouth in a sort of shallop or open
boat. Though it is said he undertook the voyage against the advice of
his friends, no reason for such advice is assigned. With Mr. Garret
went his daughter, a young girl, and a Mr. Harwood,f and three oth-
ers.§ When they arrived at or near the Garnet's Nose, the north-west
* Mr. Endicott lived at Salem, and Mr. Garret and Henry Harwood are names in tlie
Sharpe was to sail for England in the next first list of freemen of the colony. — The title
ship. — Dudleifs Letter. of ]Mr. (Master) at this time in New Enghuid
t It took the name of Cambridge in 1638. was far more honorable than that o£ Est/uire
X Though Winthrop, my authority, does not two hundred years later. People in ordinary
Mr. these two men, I have assumed the re- circumstances were called Good-man and
sponsibility to do so. Garret was a shoe- Good-wife.
maker, and Harwood " was a godly man of ^ Gov. Dudley says there were " G men and
the congregation of Boston." Both Richard a girle."
112 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1630.
wind drove them from their course, in spite of all they could do.* They
expected to be driven out to sea ; and their vessel began to fill with
water ; they at length became exhausted in their endeavors to free
it. Believing themselves lost, some of the company disposed them-
selves to die ; one of them, however, with more courage than the rest,
espied land at a distance, to which it seems the wind was driving them.
This animated those who had not lost the power of motion by the be-
numbing cold and frost, partially to spread a sail, and they were driven
through dangerous rocks and shoals on to Cape Cod. Thus some
got to land, but others had their legs so frozen into the ice which
made in the boat, that they were forced to be cut out. Having at
last all got on shore, they were not without the means of kindling a fire,
but it was in a place where scarcely wood enough could be procured to
make it of much service to them, and they were without even a hatchet
with which to help themselves. In this extremity these poor people
passed a most wretched and dismal night.f In the morning, two of
them started for Plymouth, supposing it to be within seven or eight
miles, whereas it proved to be near fifty; and but for the kindness of
the Indians, every one must have perished. Those who started for
Plymouth were discovered in their wanderings by two squaws, who
immediately reported their discovery to their husbands. The Indian
men pursued and soon overtook them, conducted them to their wig-
wam, refreshed and entertained them. J The next day, one of the
Indians set out to guide the two men to Plymouth, and the other
sought out the rest of the distressed company, which were seven miles
off. Garret died the same day, and the others could scarcely be kept
alive. After doing what he could for them, the Indian returned to his
wigwam and got a hatchet, with which he hewed a hole in the frozen
earth, and buried Garret as well as he could, piling wood upon his
grave to protect his body from the wolves. He then built them a wig-
wam, and made them as comfortable as it was possible for him to do in
such a desolate place and with the means he had. Governor Bradford,
of Plymouth, learning by the faithful Indian before mentioned that oth-
ers were yet left suffering on the coast, immediately sent three men
to them, who brought them to Plymouth. § Though they came comfort-
ably, and with a fair wind, another of them died there soon after. One
of the two men who went for Plymouth with the Indian, died in the
* " But the wind then coming strongly from J These Indians belonged to the tribe of Nau-
the shore, kept them from entring and drove set. It will be remembered that it was this
them to seawards, and they having no better tribe which was so outraged by one Capt.
meanes to help themselves, let down their kil- Hunt, in 1614. — See ante, p. 20.
lick, that soe they might drive the more slowly, § " The governour and counsell of Plymouth
and bee nearer land when the storm should liberally rewardinge the Indian, and took care
cese. But the stone slipping out of the kil- for the safety of our people , who brought them
lick, and thereby they driveing faster than they all alive in their boate thither, save one man,
thought all the night, found themselves out of who, with a guide chose rather to goe over
sight of land in the morninge." — Dudley. land, but quickly fell lame by the way, and
t " The stronger helped the weaker out of the getting harbor at a trucking house the Plym-
boate, and takeing their Knile on shore, made otheans had in those parts, there hee yet
a shelter thereof." — Dudley, ibid. abides." — Dudley, ibid.
IboO.] THOMAS MORTON TRANSPORTED. 113
way, and the other died afterwards from the effects of the frost. The
girl suffered the least of all; * and though Mr. Harwood recovered, he
laid a long time under the surgeon's hands. f
This was a serious calamity to Boston in its early days. The loss of
five or six active and useful citizens must then have been very heavily
felt. To realize the magnitude of such a loss at that time, it is neces-
sary to consider what one of a similar magniliude would have been at
any given time since. Thus, when the population of Boston was sixty
thousand, a loss of fifteen hundred men from their midst would have
been nearly in the proportion to its population as the loss of five in
1630 was to the inhabitants then.
Notice of Thomas Morton's apprehension in 1628 has been before
taken, J and of his being sent out of the country, and of his return again
* " Hannah Garret, a fatherless child, dyed his case a parallel one to that of Jonah ; and,
(12.) 1632." — Boston Records. Whether therefore, in running out his parallel, he must
this was the sufferer named in the text is not necessarily run into a whale's belly. He does
known. James Garret and wife Deborah not mention the name of any ship, but the
had children born in Boston, Mary, 4 : 3 : captain of the Handmaid he calls Mr. Wether-
1638 ; Priscilla, 28 : 4 : 1640 ; James, 6:6: cock. His real name was Grant, as stated in
1643. — See N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg., iv. 184. page 88, ante. Morton says this captain sailed
Gov. Dudley is very particular respecting without having " vittells but for a moneth, be-
this disastrous voyage of eai-ly Boston men, sides the vessell was a very slugg, and so un-
" because," he says, " the first man that dyed serviceable; so that in fine the Master and
was a godly manof our congregacon, oneRich- men were all at their wits end about it."
ard Garrad a shoemaker, who, at the time of That " nine moneths they made a shife to use
his death, more feared hee should dishonor her, and shifted for supply of vittells at all
God than cared for his own life." the islands they touched at." Finally, " with
f Winthrop, i. 39-40, who is also very mi- all those helpes," he says, " and short allow-
nute and circumstantial about this melancholy ance of a bisket a day, and a few lymons taken
affair. in the Canaries," they came in view of the
% See ante, pages 49, 50, and 94. Follow- Land's End. Further, he says it was through
ing Morton the Memorialist, I there stated the the great mercy of God they had not all per-
capture of ]\Iorton the Z)is<Mr6er as " a/ier the ished, "for when they let drop an anchor
arrival of Gov. Endicott." But, from certain neere the Island of St. Michael's, they had
fragments of Gov. Bradford's Letter-book (re- not one bit of foode left." This eventful voy-
ferred to in note J, p. 50, awie), I am aware age he records in the last chapter of his
that a conclusion must be drawn that prepara- " Ncav Canaan," styling himself " Mine Host
tions were made to send Morton out or New of Ma-re-Mount," who, he says, "after hee
England in June, 1628 ; consequently, before had bin in the whales belly, was set ashore to
the arrival of Gov. Endicott at Naumkeag. see if hee would now play lonas, so metamor-
If arrangements for sending the Disturber phosed with a longe voyage, that he looked
away were made before he was caught, then it like Lazarus in the painted cloth ; but Mine
may be that the statement of the Memorialist Host thought it fitter for him to play lonas in
is true. But the accounts of the capture of this kinde [making a book] than for the Sepe-
Morton are destitute of dates, and Prince was ratists to play lonas in that kinde as they doe.
no better off in his time in this respect, ac- Hee therefore bid Wethercock tell the Seperat-
knowledging (Chron. 244) that he was obliged ists that they would be made in due time to
to place it " by guess." Capt. Oldham was repent those xaalitious practices, and so would
certainly in England early in the spring of hee too ; for he was a Seperatist amongst the
1629, and with him Morton was sent to Eng- Seperatists as farre as his wit would give him
land (Colls. Ms. His. Sac. iii. 62-3); but leave." This Morton published in 1632. Two
what time he sailed, or when he arrived there, years later, when Charles L was carrying
nothing yet appears to show. — See Bradford on his high-handed measures about " ship-
iii Prince, 252. Judge Davis supposed (in money," &c., and Bishop Laud was prosecut-
Morton, Mem. 141) that the Disturber was ing his Conformity designs, Morton wrote to
sent away in a ship called the Whale. This Mr. William Jeffery (perhaps the same men-
may have been the name of Capt. OMham's tioned ante, p. 50) that " the Massachusetts
ship, but we know that when Morton speaks Patent, by order of the Council, was declared,
about being " in the Whale's belly," he refers for manifest abuses, to be void ; that the king
to his confinement in the Handmaid. He makes had reassumed the whole business into his
15
114
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1630.
in 1629.* He had an interest at Mount WoUaston, and there again he
took up his residence, and there he was when Boston was settled.
Hence his Patent, if he had one, was covered by the Charter brought
over by the Massachusetts people. f It was therefore the duty of Gov-
ernor Winthrop, as he conceived, to put an end to a colony within the
bounds of his government, particularly as that colony did not acknowl-
edge his authority ; and hence the order of Court for Morton's punish-
ment and transportation, as stated in a previous chapter. J
The order of Court that " Thomas Morton, of Mount Wollaston, shall
presently be set in the bilbowes,"§ was dated on the seventh of Sep-
tember of this year (1G30). He had already been taken into custody, ||
and was held a prisoner in Boston, until an opportunity should offer to
send him again to England. There seems to have been some difficulty
in finding any vessel the captain of which would receive him.H At
length, " in the end of December," writes Deputy-Governor Dudley,
own hands, and given order for a general Gov-
ernor to be sent over." And, in his exulta-
tion he vaunted that " he should soon see his
desire upon his enemies ; ' ' and as to John
Grant (Wethercock), "had he not betaken
him to flight, he would have been taught to
aing clamavi in the Fleet before that time."
— Winthrop, Journal, ii. 191. This letter
was dated on the first of May (1634), the very
day on which the " Commission passed the
privy seal." [I suppose the quo warranto of
which Holmes speaks (Annals, i. 227) under
1635, and the " great ship which fell asunder
in launching" should be under 1634. The
story about the new ship " which in the very
launching fell all in pieces, no man knew
how," is given with superstitious satisfaction
by Sir Simon D'Ewes, in his Autobiography,
ii. 118, among the events of 1634. The quo
warranto may be seen in Hutchinson's Col.
Papers, 101, but not in its chronological
order.] The turn of times in England, and
not the accidental falling over of a ship in
launching, saved New England at this time
from the serious calamity with which Morton
and his associates had so efiectually prepared
to visit it.
* j\Ir. Isaac Allerton was sent over to Lon-
don in 1628, probably in the fall (Prince,
Chron., 252), as agent for Plymouth about the
Kennebec Patent. He returned the next year
(1629), perhaps towards August (see Prince,
ib., 265), and, tu the sui'prise of everybody,
Murton came with him, being employed as his
scrilje. To quiet the people, Mr. x\llerton
was obliged to discharge Morton, who repaired
at once to his old quarters at Ma-re-Mount.
Here he remained till August, the next year,
as stated in tlie text.
f See Bradford, in Colls. Ms. Hist. Soc, iii.
61, who says when his government was
applied to by the other Plantations, " they
were told that we had no authority to do any-
thing" against Morton's colony ; " but seeing
it tended to the utter ruin of all the whole
country, we would join with them against so
public a mischief." But, on the arrival of
the Massachusetts Colony, want of jurisdic-
tion was out of the question ; and, when Mor-
ton urged it, the charter was referred to with
an air of confidence that admitted of no appeal :
at which his resentment was unbounded, and
he labored for its abrogation after he arrived
in England, and not without success. At this
time he exultingly wrote, " Repent you cruell
Seperatists repent, there is yet but 40 dayes
if love vouchsafe to thunder. Charter and the
kingdome of the Seperatists will fall asunder.
Repent you cruel Schismaticks repent," &c. —
Neio Canaan, B. iii. chap. 31. Fortunately
for New England, the government in Old Eng-
land " falling asunder," Morton's projects fell
to the ground, as already mentioned.
I See ante, pages 95 and 98.
§ " Bilboes, a
sort of punish-
ment at sea,
when an offend-
er is laid in irons,
or set in a kind
of stocks." —
Phillips and Ker-
sey. It is quite
probable that a
ship's stocks was
made use of on
this occasion, be-
cause time and
hands could not
be well spared to build wooden stocks.
II See ante, page 94.
*T[ In his New Canaan, Mortem entitles the
29th chapter of his thii-d book " How mine
Host was put into a whale's belly," and then
proceeds: "The Seperatists (after they had
burned Ma-re-Mount, they could not get any
shipp to undertake the carriage of mine Host
from thence either by faire meanes or fowle) ,
1631.] ENEMIES IN ENGLAND. 116
who was one of those prominent in office at the time, " departed from
vs the shipp Handmaide of London, by which wee sent away one Thomas
Morton, a proud insolent man, who had lived here divers yeares, and
had beene an Atturney in the West Countryes, while he lived in Eng-
land. Multitude of coraplaintes wee received against him for iniuries
doone by him both to the EngUsh and Indians ; and amongst others,
for shootinge hail shott at a troope of Indians for not bringing a can-
no we vnto him to cross a river withall ; whereby hee hurt one, and
shott through the garments of another. For the sattisfacon of the Indi-
ans wherein, and that it might appear to them and to the English that
wee meant to doe iustice impartially, wee caused his hands to bee bound
behind him, and sett his feete in the bill-bowes, and burned his howse
to the ground, all in the sight of the Indians, and soe kept him prisoner
till wee sent him for England;* whether wee sent him, for that my
Lord Cheife Justice there soe required that hee might punish him cap-
pitally for fowler misdemeanors there perpetrated, as wee were in-
formed, "f
CHAPTER XIV.
Deaths. — A Fast turned into a Thanksgiving. — Incidents of the Voyage of the Lyon. — Arrival of
Mr. Roger Williams and others. — Melancholy Fate of young Way. — Arrival of distinguished Men.
— Disasters to returning Ships. — Feeling in England against New England. — Banishments. —
Indians complain of Wrongs. — Flight of Birds ominous. — Fire. — Artificers' Wages regulated. —
Visits of Indians. — Return of Gentlemen to England. — Other Indians visit Boston. — Roger Wil-
liams. — Precautions against the Mohawks. — Walford banished. — Chikataubut. — A General
Court established. — Ferry to Charlestown. — Philip Ratcliff.
N the third of January there died at Boston a young
lady, who, by her amiable conduct, had so endeared
herself to all that it was declared that Boston " had not
received the like loss of any woman" since it began to
be settled. She was the daughter of Mr. Thomas
Sharp, one of the Assistants ; but her Christian name
and her age are not mentioned, or the disease of which
she died; only that she had had " a long sickness."
they were inforced (contrary to their expecta- mouthes like Balam's Asse, and made them
tion) to 1)6 troubled with his company; and speake in his behalfe, sentences of unexpected
by that meanes had time to consider more of divinity, besides morrallity ; and tould them
the man, than they had done of the matter." that God would not love them, that burned
* It is not unlikely that Morton may have this good man's howse ; and plainely sayd,
had difficulties with some of the neighboring that they who were new come would find the
Indians, but many circumstances show that he want of such a howses in the winter." — New
was rather a favorite with them in general. Canaan, B. iii., chap. 23.
In his own account it appears that when the f That Morton was greatly misrepresented,
" devellish sentance against him was passed there is not much room to doubt, while there
at Boston, the harmeles salvages (his neigh- may be no doubt that he was a reckless and
boures) came the while, grieved poore silly misguided man. The " fowler misdemeaners"
lambes, to see what they went about [when darkly hinted at by Dudley, are openly said to
the Authoreties put him in the bilboes] ; and be " murther besides other miscarriages," by
did reproove these eliphants of witt for their Morton's namesake, the Memorialist. — See
inhumane deede ; the Lord above did open their Memorial, (1st ed.) p. 72, or Ed. Davis, 140.
116 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1631.
One other death is recorded this month, which was that of a girl, a
daughter of John Ruggels, only eleven years old.* Her demise was
specially noticed on account of her having given such extraordinary
evidences " concerning the things of another world."
The situation of the settlers of Boston was becoming every day
^ ■ ■ more trying ; as the winter advanced, provisions grew scarcer ;
muscles, groundnuts and acorns, the chief dependence now of many,
the snow and frozen state of the earth rendered hard to be procured ;
and Captain Peirce was looked for in agonizing despair, especially as
the perils of the ocean, danger from pirates, and the hostility of known
belligerent powers, were taken into view. Under these distressing cir-
cumstances, a Fast is ordered to be kept ; when, to the great surprise
and greater joy of the people, the very day before the Fast was to take
place. Captain Peirce, in the Lyon, is announced as arrived at Nantas-
ket, laden with provisions. Whereupon, to express their joy and grat-
itude, the Fast is ordered to be changed to a Thanksgiving, and to be
celebrated on the twenty-second of the same month, " in all the planta-
tions."
Not having heard anything from the Lyon, it is reasonable to suppose
that the people would be wrought up to a mental excitement not easily
conceived of by observers at this distance of time, but easily arrived at
by those whom starvation had been approaching with slow but certain
strides, and was now not only in the very presence of many, but actu-
ally staring them in the face. Nor was this state of things confined to
the poor people of Boston, but even the Governor himself had seen his
last grain of meal go to the oven.
New life was put into every one by this acquisition of provisions ;
even the sick, which were many at this time, began to improve in
health ; especially those suffering from the scurvy, who received great
benefit from the juice of lemons, of which Captain Peirce had taken
care to bring a quantity.
The Lyon sailed from Bristol on the first of December, and, as usual
in a western voyage over the Atlantic in the midst of winter, she had a
tempestuous passage of sixty-four days. About two hundred tons of
goods, chiefly provisions, were received by her, and an accession of
great importance besides, consisting of " about twenty passengers," f
who all, save one, came safe. This one, a young man, son of Mr.
Henry Way, of Dorchester, " fell from the spritsail yard in a tempest,
and could not be recovered, though he kept in sight near a quarter of
an hour." | Thus the fond hopes of one family were turned into deep
afiliction on the arrival of the long-looked-for ship.
And, after all, he does not seem to have been f According to Gov. Dudley, there were
in general discredit in England ; so that it about tvrenty-six which came at this time,
may pretty safely be concluded that, as bad J "Who, in a tempest, haueing helped to
as the " Merry-Mount rioter" Avas, he was not take in the spritt saile, lost his hold as hee
so bad as his enemies would have us believe, was comeinge downe, and fell into the sea,
* " Of whose family and kindred dyed so where after long swiming hee was drowned, to
many, that for some reason, it was matter of the great dolour of those in the shipp, who be-
observacon amongst vs." — Dndlpy. held soe lamentable a spectacle, without bee-
1631.] ROGER WILLIAMS. 117
Among the passengers who came to Boston now in the Lyon were
Mr. Roger Williams,* with his wife, Mr. John Throgmorton, [Mr.
John ?] Perkins, and [Mr. Francis ?] Onge, with their wives and cliil-
dren.f
Many letters were received from friends by this arrival ; and though
the news contained in them must have been a great relief to the people
here, it caused a sorrowful mixture of pleasure and pain to haunt their
minds, until other arrivals with later accounts, in a measure, took their
place. Three of the ships which returned for England in the end of
the last summer were attacked by several men-of-war from Dunkirk,
on the English coast, and though they were not taken, they suffered
extremely in a very severe contest, losing some thirteen or fourteen
men. The Charles — " a stout ship of three hundred tons " — one of
the three ships, " being soe torne that shee had not much of her left
whole aboue water." The Success and Whale were the other two
ships. They " allso vnderstood the death of many of those who went
for Old England the last year, as likewise of the mortality there,
whereby graves are seen in other places as well as here."|
" To increase the heape of our sorrows," continues Dudley, " wee
received advertisement from our friends in England, and by the reports
of those who came hither in this shipp to abide with vs, that those who
went discontentedly from us the last year, out of their evill affections
towards us, have raised many false and scandalous reports against vs,
ing able to minester help to him. The sea 18 years of age ; hence he was born 1606, and
was soe high and the ship droue so fast before was indeed " a young minister" on his arrival
the wind, though her sailes were taken doun." at Boston, as Winthrop observes. On his
— Dudley. ^^
* Mary was the name of his wife, but of y^ ^
what family she came has as yet eluded the t /\ _ ^ ^ C-t /r ' /(' n -y, Ji
vigilance of genealogists; nor have they sue- c UTv^^ */ ^ ^/y^
ceeded much better in ascertaining her hus-
band's ancestry. Professor Romeo Elton has, banishment from Massachusetts, in 1635, he
at length, after a long and praiseworthy search, went to a place which he named Providence,
discovered, and this year (1853) published his and there became the founder of Rhode Island,
discoveries respecting the parentage of Roger in 1636. His children were, Mary ; Freeborn ;
Williams. He was the son of William Wil- Providence, b. 1638 (the first white children
liams, of Conwyl Cayo, in South Wales, and bom in that state) ; Mercy ; Daniel and Jo-
was born on an estate which had been the seph. This last-named child lived in Cranston,
seat of his ancestors for many generations, R. I., and died there at the age of 81, as ap-
called Maestroiddyn fawr, in the hamlet of pears by the inscription on his gravestone, as
Maestroiddyn. He entered the university of follows :
Oxford 30 April, 1624, at which time he was
" Here lies the Body of In King Philip's war courageously went through,
Joseph Williams, Esq., And the native Indians he bravely did subdue ;
who was the first white And now he 's gone down to the Grave, and he will be no more,
man that came to Provi- Until it please Almighty God his body to restore,
dence.* He was Born Into some proper shape as he thinks fit to be,
1644, he died au. 17, Perhaps like a Grain of Wheat, as Paul sets forth you see.
1724, in the 81st year of Corinthians, 1st Book, 15 Chapter, 37 v."
his age.
The above autograph of the founder of Rhode \ Dudley. — '"Of those which went back in
Island is from a fragment without date. the ships this summer [1630], for fear of death
f Winthrop"s Jour, and his editor's notes ; or famine, many died by the way and after
Harris' Memorials of Dorchester; Francis' they were landed, and others fell very sick and
Hist, of Watertown. low." — Winthrop, i. 46.
* A slight error, occasioned by confounding him with hi? father.
118 UISTORY OF BOSTON. [IGol.
affirming vs to be Brownists in religion, and ill affected to our state at
home ; and that their vile reports have wonne creditt with some who
formerly wished vs well."*
Against such imputations Dudley protests in clear and strong terms,
saying he hoped their friends who had known them would give no
credit to any such reports ; as that they had turned from the professions
they had so long made in their native country ; that he knew not even
one person that came over the last year who was altered in his judg-
ment and affection, " eyther in ecclesiasticall or civill respects since
their comeing hither." " Let our friens therefore," he writes, "give
noe creditt to such malicious aspersions, but bee more ready to answer
for us, then we heare they have beene. Lett, therefore, this be suf-
ficient for vs to say, and others to heare in this matter."
Until this time, the frost had enchained the rivers and harbor,
°^' ■ but now there was a relaxation, and the ice broke up, and did
not make again as before. And it was remarked that " ever since this
Bay was planted by Englishmen, namely, seven years, that at this day
the frost hath broken up every year."! It would be curious to institute
an inquiry extending from 1630 to this or any late period, relative to
the breaking up of the harbor.
Mr. Robert Welden died at Charlestown, " a hopeful young
gentleman, and an experienced soldier." He died of consump-
tion. " In the time of his sickness he was chosen to be captain of one
hundred foote, but before he tooke possession of his place hee dyed."
His affectionate companions gave him a soldier's funeral, bury-
ing him under arms at Boston, " with three vollies of shott."|
A Court of Assistants is held at Boston, which is the first this
year. There were present, Winthrop, Dudley, Saltonstall, Lud-
low, Endicott, Pynchon, Nowell, Sharp, Coddington,§ and Bradstreet.
* " Capt. Levet, about this time returning lished in 1628, and recently reprinted by the
for England, died at sea; by which occasion, Mass. Hist. Soc, and also by the Mai7ie Hist.
some letters, sent from indiscreet persons, fell Society. There does not appear to be anything
into the hands of them that had no good will added to these editions throwing any light on
for the Plantation ; and by that means clam- the path of the author of the voyage,
ors were raised against them, which furnished f Winthrop, Journal, i. 43.
their enemies with matters of complaint against j Dudley and Winthrop ; the annotator on the
them, which their petitions were stuffed with- latter finds Elizabeth Welden, church member,
al." — Hubbard, Hist. N. Enff., 146. No. 91, " gone to Watertown." He thinks she
At a Court on the 6th of September of this may have been the widow of this Capt. Wel-
year, "one Henry Linne [of Boston] was den. His conjectures in this line average better
whipped and banished for writing letters into than most men's.
England full of slander against our government ^.^
and orders of our churches." — Winthrop, i. ^'^ — /C?P\ *
61. Mr. Savage, from the Colonr/ Records, i. CZU/^' L^^-O^^h^^-fVTl^
59, says " Linn " was not banished ; that be- t-/ ■^
fore, in 1630, he had been sentenced to be
whipped, which probably occasioned this sec- ^ The above fae-simile of Mr. Coddington's
ond offence. autograph is copied from an original letter of
The Capt. Levet here mentioned was, it is his, dated 1646, at which time he was resident
not improbable, Capt. Christopher Levett, at Newport, and Governor of Rhode Island, as
" His Majesty's Woodward of Somersetshire, it seems by this letter. — See N. Eng. H. and
and one of the Council of New England." He Gen. Regr., vol. iv. Mr. Coddington built
made a voyage to the northern parts of New the tii-st brick house in Boston. — Callender's
England in 1623 and 1624, which was pub- Hist. Discourse.
1631.] COMPLAINTS OF INDIANS. 119
The first order of this Court was, " that six persons be sent to England
in the ship Lyon now returning thither, as unmeet to inhabit here ; also
that Sir Christopher Gardiner* and another be sent as prisoners in her;
second, a manf is fined five pounds for taking upon him to cure the
scurvy, by a water of no value, which he sold at a very dear rate ; to
be imprisoned till he pay his fine, or give security for it, or else be
whipped; and shall be liable to any man's action of whom he has
received money for the said water."
There was a Court at Watertown: Winthrop, Dudley, Salton-
stall, Ludlow, Nowell, Pynchon, Coddington, and Bradstreet,
were present. The first matter to be disposed of was a complaint made
by the Indians, that two of their wigwams had been burnt by some of
the English. On investigation it was found that a servant of Sir Rich-
ard Saltonstall, and others, had on some occasion made use of the wig-
wams (the Indians not living in them at the time), and leaving a fire
unquenched when they left them, the complained-of conflagration was
the supposed consequence. As to one of the wigwams, there was no
direct proof how it was fired ; but the Court was more anxious to satisfy
the Indians than to entertain legal objections, and therefore ordered that
Sir Richard Saltonstall should satisfy them, which he did, with seven
yards of cloth, for which his servant should pay him " at the end of his
time, fifty shillings. "|
The place of the burnt wigwams is not mentioned ; but the Indian
who made the complaint lived at Mistick,§ and was known among the
English as Sagamore John, but his Indian name was Wonohaquaham.
One of his men, called Peter in the records, shared in the damages,
for one of the wigwams belonged to him.||
This peninsula on which Boston is built does not appear to have been
claimed by any Indians, until a long time after it was possessed by the
English ; nor do any indications of a prior settlement by the former
come under the notice of those who early describe the place. H It may
*From Court records, as well as from the ^Then comprehending a tract of country
Chroniclers of that time, it seems that knaves since included in Charlestown and Medford. 6
and harlots were as common as they have been Sept. of this year Gov. Winthrop had granted
since, according to the number of inhabitants, to him by the Court of Assistants, six hundred
There is in Dudley's famous Letter to the acres of land "near his house at Mistick."
Countess, to which I have been so much in- This was Winthrop's farm, and to which he
debted, a curious account of this Sir Christo- gave the name of " Ten Hills," by which the
pher Gardiner ; from which, together with place is known at this day. It lies nearly
Morton's Memorial, and Prince, a pretty full ac- opposite the entrance of Maiden river into the
count of him, and his three or four wives, may ]\Iistick. At this confluence something of a
be obtained. It may be, however, that some bay is formed. Over against Ten Hills, on the
allowance is required to be made in favor of opposite side of the bay, Gov. Cradock had a
the knight, in making use of the two former plantation.
of the three authors. According to Scottow, || See The Book of the Indians, B. ii. 10-1 —
Gardiner came over in the fleet with Win- 110.
throp ; his words are, however, that " he came ^We indeed meet with this statement in
over in the first fleet." — Narrative, 17, 18. Mr. Shaw's work : " As a proof of its having
f Prince did not think it worth while to pre- been an ancient populous Indian settlement,
serve the name of this " man," but the records tradition says, there was discovered a kind of
contain it, and Snow, 40, has extracted it. It Golgotha on tlie spot where Gardner Green's
was Nicholas Knopp. house stands [now Pemberton Square], on the
X Prince, from the Colony Records. side of the' hill. Dr. Mather related that three
120 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1631.
have been with the tribes north and south of it truly " Disputed Terri-
tory," as it lay on the boundary of both. It will be seen, in the prog-
ress of this history, that when a claim was made for Boston by a rem-
nant of Indians on the south of it, there were none left on the north to
contravene an opposing claim.
The second subject for consideration in this Court was, " in regard
that the number of Assistants is but few, and some of them are going
for England, ordered, that when the number of Assistants resident within
this jurisdiction shall be fewer than nine, it shall be lawful for the major
part of them to keep a Court ; and whatever orders or acts they make
shall be as legal and authentical, as if there were the full number of
seA^en or mere." *
To people who never before visited new countries, many things
would appear strange and marvellous ; it was so at this time with the
people of Boston. Governor Dudley saw " soe many flocks of doues "
on the eighth of March, that, in his astonishment, he said, " what it
portended hee knew not." From " faire daylight " on that day, " until
about eight of the clock in the forenoone, there flew over all the tounes
in the plantacons so many that they obscured the light, and passeth
credit, if the truth should be written."
"About noon, the chimney of Mr. Thomas Sharp's house in
Boston took fire, the splinters being not clayed at the top, and,
taking the thatch, burnt it down. The wind being north-Avest, drove
the fire to Mr. Coulburn's house, being a [few] rods off, and burnt that
down also,t which were as good, and as well furnished, as the most in
the plantacon." With their houses were consun^d "much of their
household stuff, apparell, and other thinges, as allsoe some goods of
others who soiourned with them in their houses ; God so pleaseing to
exercise vs with corrections of this kind, as he hath done with others ;
for the prevention whereof in our new toune intended this somer to bee
builded, we haue ordered that noe man there shall build his chimney
with wood, nor cover his house with thatch, which was readily assented
vnto ; for that diuers other howses haue beene burned since our arrivall
(the fire alwaies beginninge in the wooden chimneyes), and. some Eng-
lish J wigwams, which haue taken fire in the roofes covered with thatch
or boughs." §
At the next meeting of the Court of Assistants, at Boston,
there were present the same gentlemen as at the last meeting.
The order regulating artificers' wages, which had been made in August
preceding, was rescinded ; and they were "to be left at liberty to agree
for wages." In the absence of any reasons for thus rescinding the for-
liundred skull-bones had been dug up there, not appear that the designation xvir/wam was
-when he was a youth." — Descript. of Boston, then applied to dwellings of the English.
78. ^By this excellent description of Dudley a
* Prince, from the Colony Records. good notion is obtained of the style of building
f Winthrop, i. 48. employed by the first inhabitants of Boston,
i I apprehend that the true reading of Dud- which will answer equally well for all New
ley would give " Indian wigwams," for it docs England.
1631.
INDIANS IN BOSTON.
121
mer order, it may be conjectured that the principal inhabitants had now
got their dwellings finished, and therefore they did not feel so partic-
ular about its continuance as they had done.
By a second order of the same Court, all persons were required to
provide themselves with arms ; those not able to procure them, to be
provided by the towns in which they lived ; magistrates and ministers
were excepted in the order. By a third order, "all persons having
cards, dice, or tables in their houses, to make away with them before
the next Court."*
Mar 23 Nothing is heard of any intercourse with the Indians living
to the southward of Boston, by Boston people, up to this time,
while daily correspondence seems to have been held with those living
on the northern side. This latter intercourse may have revived an old
jealousy between them and the Massachusetts, whose principal residence
was now about Neponset river. At the head of these was a Chief named
Chikataubut, who must have been considerably advanced in years,
for he was a sachem when the English came to Plymouth, and had
much to do with all the settlements between that place and Boston,
He had learned, probably, that Indians who visited the new people at
Shawmut fared well, and he resolved to venture among them to see
what benefit they might be to him. Accordingly he mustered up a con-
siderable number of his men, who, with their wives, made their appear-
ance at the dweUing of the Governor ; and, to satisfy him that they had
not come out of idle curiosity, he presented him with a hogshead of
Indian corn. The Governor could not allow himself to be outdone in
generosity in so important a state affair, and therefore provided a dinner
for the whole com-
pany. " After
they had all dined,
and had each a
small cup of sack
and beer, and the
men tobacco,"
Chikataubut ' ' sent
away all his men
and women, tho'
the governor would
have stayed them,"
because it was in
the time of a thun-
der-shower. Chi-
INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE INDIANS AND GOVERKOR WIXTHROP. kataubut aild OUO
squaw and her sannap (which is their name for husband), stayed all
night. At this interview the chief had on English clothes, and the
Governor allowed him to dine with him at his own table, " where he
behaved himself as soberly as an Englishman." The next day, after
Prince, from Ms. Col. Recs.
16
122 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1631.
dinner, he returned home, " the Governor giving him cheese, and peas,
and a mug, and some other small things." *" *
From this time the visits of Indians from all quarters became frequent
at Boston ; some for trade, some out of curiosity, some to make com-
plaints of wrongs, fancied and real, from their neighbors, both English-
men and Indians ; in short, they came at all times and upon all occa-
sions, until interrupted by rumors of wars and other troubles, as will be
marked in the progress of events.
Wonohaquaham and Montowampate f came to Boston, and
complained to the English Governor that a white man, named
Watts, had defrauded them of twenty beaver-skins, and requested his
assistance for the recovery of their value. Watts having gone for, or
being in England, Mr. Winthrop could do nothing further for them than
to give them a letter to Emanuel Downing, Esquire, his brother-in-law,!
in London, which he did.§
Important events crowded fast upon one another in the little
colony of Boston ; and one is now close at hand which caused
many an anxious heart and weeping eye. It was to part with some of
the most beloved and respected of the small number which composed it.
The Lyon was riding at Salem, bound for England, where she had been
some time waiting for a wind to take her to sea. In her the beloved
Wilson had taken passage ; and thus the people of Boston were as
sheep who had lost their shepherd. They were to lose, also, Sir Rich-
ard Saltonstall, Mr. Sharp, || and Mr. Coddington.
Mr. Dudley, the Deputy-Governor, had, for several months, been
setting down such facts, and noting such events in the colony, as he
thought would be of interest to his immediate friends in England ; and
now, having put them into the form of a letter, he this day seals it
up, and, directing it "To the righte-honourable, my very good Lady,
the Lady Brydget, Countesse of Lincoln," entrusts it to the care of Mr.
Wilson, for delivery. H
* Winthrop, Journal, 48, 49. learne." — Letter, p. 6. It is not improbable
f76i</.,49. Winthrop mentions the English that Wonohaquaham went to England in the
names only of these Indians, namely, " John Lyon, which sailed from Salem on the 1st of
Sagamore and James his brother." April. If so, he went in company with Mr.
t See Winthrop Pedigree, a;z^e, p. 72. Wilson, Sir R. Saltonstall, and others, who
^Mr. Lewis, in his delightful History of sailed at that time. If he were not going to
Lynn, has, with great research, given, from England then, why should Winthrop give him
deeds, depositions and other court papers, all a letter to a person in London, by which he
or nearly all that can be desired with respect to might get redress ?
the Indians in and about ancient Lynn. He says || These two returned no more to New Eng-
a tradition exists that Montowampate did go to land.
England. This last named chief was the " Sag- T " I thought to have ended before," he says,
amore of Lynn," and his brother was "Saga- " but the stay of the shipp, and my desire to
more on Mistic river, including Winnisimet." informe your honour of all I canne, hath caused
— Hist. Lynn, 47, 48, 74. See also Dudley's this addition ; and everyone hauinge warninge
Letter to the Covntess. I do not know why the to prepare for the shipp's departure to-mor-
editor of Winthrop thought himself obliged, row, I am now this 28 of March, 1631, seal-
with Dudley's letter before him, to profess inge my letters." With this paragraph ends
ignorance of the locality of these Sagamores, the invaluable Letter of Dudley. No docu-
— Dudley says, " both theis brothers command ment in the annals of Boston, will compare in
not above thirty or forty men, for aught I can importance with it, and no one can success-
1631.] INDIANS. ROGER WILLIAMS. 123
Those who were going for England from Boston and its
vicinity, had collected in the town, and were waiting the
orders of Captain Peirce, who was here to accompany them to Salem.
So, at seven o'clock this morning, a part of the company, with the
Captain, set off in two shallops. Soon after, Mr. Sharp sails in another
shallop. At ten o'clock, Mr. Coddington, Mr. Wilson, and many others,
met at the Governor's, and there Mr. Wilson took leave of his flock,
which he committed to the care of Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Dudley, and
Mr. No well, the Elder; "who were men of eminent piety and learn-
ing," and most fit to exercise the office of prophesying* during his
absence. "Which done, they accompanied him to the boat, and so
they went over to Charlestown, to go by land to the ship."
A deputation of Indians came to Boston from the Connecticut
river. From what tribe or nation they came, does not appear ;
but they had been threatened by, or feared, the Pequots, which induced
them to endeavor to secure the friendship of the English, and to induce
some of them to settle in their country. At the head of this deputa-
tion, was a Chief, named Wahginnacut, as Winthrop understood it, and
they were accompanied by an Indian named Jack Straw, who had lived
in England, and had been in the service of Sir Walter Raleigh. They
appear to have been at Salem, where they were joined by Wonoha-
quaham, who, also, accompanied them to Boston. Wahginnacut had
probably solicited aid of Mr. Endicott, who, not being Governor at this
time, gave him a letter to Mr. Winthrop. The Chief gave a glowing
account of his country, and said, if some of the English would go and
live there, he would supply them with corn, and give them yearly eighty
skins of beaver. Seeing the Governor did not incline to the proposal,
he requested that two Englishmen might be permitted to return with
him to his country, to view it, and ascertain whether what he said was
true or otherwise. But this did not suit the convenience of the Gov-
ernor neither, and, after entertaining them to a dinner, he dismissed
them. The Governor gave as a reason for not complying with the re-
quest of the Indian Chief, that he had "afterwards" learned that he
was " a very treacherous man, and at war with the Pequots." f
.^ The arrival of Roger Williams, on the fifth of February last,
^" *" has been before taken notice of ; and though then but twenty-
fully study this period of its history without expected the Lyon would sail the next day,
it. Winthrop's Journal, of the same period, but it will be seen that she did not sail until
cannot be over-estimated, as to its value, but four days after. She arrived at London on
it is an imperfect diary, and was not probably the 29th of April, " all safe."'
* Understood then as we now understand
preacliing.
f There is nothing to show from what point
on the Connecticut river this Indian deputa-
tion came. If they came from Suckiag (since
Hartford), it is probable that the Pequots had
intended for any use but for that of its author, not extended their conquest to that point in
who may have had the intention of compiling 1631 ; but by or before 1633, they had con-
a history from it in connection with other doc- quored the tribe at that place. — See New Eng.
uments. When Dudley sealed his Letter, he Hist. Gen. Reg. vi., 368-9.
124 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1631.
five years of age, he was called a " godly minister." And this was the
man to whom the world owes so large a debt for laying the foundation
of religious liberty; for convincing mankind that " a most flourishing
civil state may stand, and be best maintained, with a full liberty in
religious concernments ;" that " the people were the origin of all free
power in government." These were among his fundamental principles,
which, though not so well defined in his day as they were afterwards,
yet, these were the principles, for the maintenance of which, he was
banished from Massachusetts ! *
The civil government, as the laws stood, was entirely in the hands of
the Church. Nobody was ehgible to office except he were a church-
member. This state of things caused Mr. Williams thus to express
himself in his " Bloody Tenent :" " Not only was the door of calling
to magistracy shut against natural and unregenerate men, — though ex-
cellently fitted for civil offices, — but also against the best and ablest
servants of God, except they be entered into the church estate." This
course of legislation, the people began, ere long, to see, tended to cor-
ruption ; that Freemen's oaths were no bar to hypocrisy. It did not at
first occur to the framers of the laws, perhaps, that a man might refuse
to take the oath from a pure conscientiousness ; because he would not
do wrong ; and that a designing hypocrite would take any oath at any
time that he might have an opportunity to do wrong ; for, as soon as
he had sworn falsely he was eligible to office, and there were no means
within the reach of man to detect his perjury.
^ ^.j j^ There was a Court now sitting at Boston ; present, the Gov-
"^^ "■ ernor, Deputy-Governor, Ludlow, Nowell, Pynchon, and Brad-
street. Mr. WilHams was called to the office of teacher at Salem, and
had accepted it. This Court took up the matter, and wrote a letter to
Mr. Endicott, in which they protested against his being entertained
there, "marvelling they would choose him without advising with the
Council ; and withal desiring him that they would forbear to proceed ;"
for Mr. WilUams, it was charged, "had refused to join with the
congregation at Boston ; because they (the Church of Boston) would
not make a public declaration of their repentance for having commu-
nion with the churches of England while they lived there."
The same day on which these proceedings took place at Boston, Mr.
WiUiams was settled in the ministry at Salem. But the civil power
soon overawed the Church in which he was settled, and before the end
of the following summer, he was obliged to leave. From Salem he
went to Plymouth. His history is too well known to be pursued here ;
it belongs to the general history of the United States, but more espec-
ially to the history of religious liberty of the world.
At this Court, watchers were ordered to be set at sunset, at Dorches-
* A view of these times and circumstances free church, and transmitted to us, what we
does not hardly seem to warrant the follow- call a free church." — Mr. Everett's Second
ing : — " Our fathers came to establish a free Centennial Address on the Arrival of Winthrov:
church. They established what they called a delivered 28 June, 1830.
1G31.] CHIKATAUBUT AND WINTHEOP. 125
ter and Watertown ; and that if any person shoots off a piece after the
watch is set, he shall forfeit forty shillings ; if not able to pay the
forfeit, " then to be whipt;" that every Captain shall train his com-
pany every Saturday ; and that persons shall not travel singly between
their plantations and Plymouth, nor without arms, though two or three
together. These orders were probably occasioned by some indications
of uneasiness or dissatisfaction among the neighboring Indians, who,
about this time, entertained fears that the Mohawks were about to
attack them, and the English also. *
Another act of this Court was, that of banishment against Mr. Thomas
Walford, of Charlestown. He was fined ten pounds, and was ordered to
depart with his wife out of this patent before the twentieth of October
next, upon pain of confiscation of his goods. His offence is not very
clearly ascertained, though in the records he is charged with " contempt
of authority, confronting of officers," &c.
Chikataubut makes another visit to the Governor, and desires
^" ■ to trade with him for clothes for himself. The Governor de-
sired to be excused from entering into traffic ; saying it was not the
custom for English Sagamores to truck ; but he ordered his tailor to
take his measure for a suit of clothes. This was what the Chief desired ;
and in return he gives the Governor two large skins of coat beaver.
"Which had the best bargain, it is not easy to determine at this remote
day, as it depends altogether on the quality of the cloth used in making
the garments for the Indian. It may be the Governor was similarly
situated with the great Virginia Chief, Powhatan, who, when Captain
John Smith went to him to trade, told the captain it was below the dig-
nity of men in their standing to descend to such vulgar business as trade
was, but, that they should show their magnanimity by allowing each
other to take freely whatever they pleased. Smith thought that by
such an arrangement, the magnanimity would be all on his side, as his
commodities were of much value, and those of Powhatan next to no
value at aU. He therefore was obliged to decline proceeding on those
terms, whereupon he incurred the resentment of the hau2;hty Chief.
This is not introduced as a parallel, but as a possibly parallel, case.
Two days after, Chikataubut returned for his clothes, and they were
all ready for him, "a good new suit from head to foot." On such
occasions, he did not fail to honor the Governor with his company at
dinner. To-day he declined eating, however, until the Governor had
"given thanks;" and when he had eaten his dinner, he desired a
repetition of the same ceremony, f
* On the 14th of April, Winthrop says, thought much more of because the Indians
"We began a Court of Guard upon the had " sent word the day before, that the Mo-
Neck, between Boston and Roxbury, where- hawks were coming down against them and
upon should always be resident an officer and us." — Journal, 55.
six men." — Journal, i. 54. On the 10th, he f At a Court on the 18th of May following,
notes that " there was an alarm given to all Chikataubut and Sagamore John agreed to
our towns in the night," occasioned by the make satisfaction, if any of their men com-
discharge of a gun, but none knew the place mitted any offence against the English. About
where the discharge was made. This was a month after, viz., June 14th, " One of their
126 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1631.
At the general election now held, Mr. Winthrop was reelected
^'^ ' Governor, and Mr. Dudley Deputy- Governor. In explanation
of an order of Court of the nineteenth of October of last year, it was
ordered, " with full consent of all the company present, that, once every
year at least, a General Court be holden, at which it shall be lawful for
the Commons to propound any person or persons whom they shall desire
to be chosen Assistants;" the Commons also to have the power of
removal of Assistants for misbehavior ; that " the Commons may be pre-
served of good and honest men," ordered, " that for the time to come,
no man shall be admitted to the freedom of this body politic, but such
asare members of some of the churches within the limits of the same."
Thomas Williams having "set up" a ferry between Winnesemet*
and Charlestown, the Court allows him to take three pence a person for
his service, and four pence from those ferried between Boston and Win-
nesemet.
The same day, at noon, the house of Mr. William Chesebroughf was
burnt down, " all the people being present."
An order of Court was made that none should travel out of
this Patent, by sea or land, without leave from the Governor,
Deputy-Governor, or some Assistant ; another, that no person should
buy corn, or other provisions, or any merchantable commodity, of any
vessel which might put in to Boston, without leave of the Governor or
some Assistant ;J and that Edward Converse, who had undertaken to
men was complained of for shooting a pig, f prudential affiiirs thereof be managed by
&c., for which Chikataubut was ordered to Capt. George Denison, Mr. Parks, William
pay a skin of beaver, which he presently Chesebroke, Thomas Stanton, Walter Palmer,
did." — Winthrop. and John Minot, Sen^ 28 : 5 : 1658." From
* Few Indian names are spelled with more another original paper the following interest-
variations than this. I have usually taken it ing items are derived, relative to the residences
as I find it in the authority consulted at the of some of the chief men of Southertowne : —
time. Winnisimet appears to be the spelling " From Wekapauge to Mr. Stanton's is 3
in general use. It is now Chelsea. miles, 300 rods ; from Mr. Stanton's to Good-
f Although a man of wealth and considera- man Chesebrough's, is 2 miles, 123 rods ;
tion in Boston, William Chesebrough is not from Goodman Chesebrough's to Misticke
dignified by the vrriters of that period with the river, by Capt. Denison's house, is 4 miles."
title of Mr. lie probably was too liberal for Chesebrough had sons Samuel and Nathaniel,
the time and place, and soon removed to Mount There had graduated at Yale one Chesebor-
Wollaston ; thence to Rehoboth ; thence into ough and three Chesebroughs, before 1836.
the Narraganset country. He was a resident The subjoined autograph is a fac-simile of one
of Braintree in 1640 ; from which town ^
he was a representative to the Gen- /) /l ^,
eral Court. In 1644 he was an in- ^ /O ffi -{-Q-f ^1 S^\f<r~^^^^l^
habitant of Seaconk, where he set up /Q^i^t'cSi^^v — • ^ ^^ / / L
his business, which was that of a »
smith. He probably accompanied John "Win- to an original paper of 1660. Besides these
throp, Jr., to Pequot (N. London) in 1645 ; but facts, many others may be gathered from Mr.
wliat time he settled at Pawcatucke does not Bliss' Hist. Rehoboth, Miss Caulkin's Hist. N.
clearly appear. The following copy of an London, Trumbull's Records of Connecticut,
original paper not only throws light on the and Suffolk Deeds, i. 26, 38.
history of an early resident of Boston, but it % Morton the Disturber, in one of his letters
shows that Boston (that is, Massachusetts) written in England to a friend in New England,
exercised jurisdiction over what is now Ston- calls the Governor King Winthrop. Taking
ington, in Connecticut: — "Agreeable to a these orders of court into account, the libel
Petition, dated 22 Oct., 1658, the Magistrates was certainly not very severe ; and, as we pro-
grant y' y' English Plantation between Mis- ceed, the libel will appear even less severe,
ticke and Pawcatucke be named Southertowne, possibly.
belonging to y' County of Suffolk ; and y' all
1631.]
PHILIP RATCLIFF.
127
set up a ferry between Boston and Charlestown, be allowed two pence
for a single person, and one penny if there were two or more persons.
At this Court, an agent of Governor Cradock was very severely sen-
tenced. His name was Philip RatclilT. He came here to manage cer-
tain affairs for Mr. Cradock,* and, not fully realizing his liability to
render himself obnoxious by intemperate speeches, he incurred the dis-
pleasure of the Authorities so seriously that they would not be satisfied
without some of his blood, which they ordered to be taken by cutting
off his ears. Nor was this all ; he was whipped, and then banished the
colony. t His offence, as it stands charged, J was for uttering "most
foul, scandalous invectives against the Churches and Government."
Maiming was then a custom in the mother country for various offences,
and there is nothing singular that it should be practised here, as it was
for a long period after it commenced with Philip Ratcliff.
* It is not unlikely that his residence may
have been at Med ford ; for there, by his agents,
Mr. Cradock had planned for a large establish-
ment. Mr. Wood speaks of it in 1633 as
follows: — "It is seated by the water side
very pleasantly ; there be not many houses as
yet [it was then called Mistick]. On the west
side of Mistick river the Governor [Winthrop]
hath a farme, where he keeps most of his cat-
tle. On the east side is Master Craddocke's
Plantation, where he hath impaled a Parke,
where he keepes cattle till hee can store it with
deere. Here, likewise, he is at charges of
building ships. The last yeare one was upon
the stockes of a hundred tunne ; that being
finished, they are to build one twice her bur-
den." — N. Eng. Prospect, 34. June 5th,
1635, Ralph Mason of Boston, for £17, mort-
gages his " new dwelling-house " to Mr. Crad-
ock. May 29th, 1639, Thomas Mayhew of
Watertown, mortgages to Mr. Cradock " half
of the mill, and six shares of the weare at
W. for £240. On 2 : 5 : 1639, M. buys of C.
(Davison, agt.), the moiety of the water-
mill, and the 6 shares in the weare. June
29th, 1640, Thomas Dexter of Lynn, mortgaged
his farm to Mr. C. for £150. April 26th,
1641, Josiah Dawstin ' of Mistick als. Mead-
ford,' has secured to him by Mr. C, Dix's
house, 60 acres of planting, and 7 of meadow,
called Rock-meadow." — Suffolk Deeds.
f Nor was this all, neither, if any credit be
due to the author of Neiu Canaan. Not feel-
ing very confident of the correctness of his
statements, and yet feeling bound to let him
be heard, I give the following extract from his
work: — Master Ratcliff, according to this
author, stirred up vengeance against himself,
by calling Mr Cradock's servants to an ac-
count ; these servants, being church members,
were of course in the favor of the ruling powers.
They therefore delayed payment under such
excuses as caused Mr. Ratcliff to think himself,
as well as his master, grossly outraged, and
this occasioned his intemperate speeches, which
Morton fully acknowledges, and a specimen of
which he gives to this effect : " That if the
church members here were all like the men
with whom he had to deal, he believed the
Devil was the author of their Church. " Morton
acknowledges further, that Ratcliff " disdained
the tenents of the Seperatists, and they" find-
ing he was not one of themselves, " disdained
to be employed by a carnall man." Therefore
they would not acknowledge his authority,
meantime sending word to Mr. Cradock, " that
his man was a member of the Church of Eng-
land, and therefore an enemy to the Churches
here." Part of his crime was " for blasphemy
against the Church of Salem, the mother
Church of all this Holy Land." And now,
continues Morton, " hee convented was before
their Synagoge, where no defence would serve
his turne, yet was there none to be scene to
accuse him, saue the Covu-t alone ; the time of
his sickness, nor the urgent cause were allowed
to be urged for him, but whatsoever could bo
thought upon against Iiim was urged, seeing hee
was a carnall man, of them that are without.
So the matter was adjudged before he came.
He only bi-ought to hear liis sentence ; which
was, to haue his tongue bored through ; his
nose slit ; his face branded ; his ears cut ; his
body to be whipped in every severall plantation
of their iurisdiction ; and a fine of 40 pounds
imposed, with perpetuall banishment." The
barbarous whipping, he says, was performed
by " the Deacon of Charles Towne," in which
employment Shackles (which is the name he
gives the Deacon) " takes a greate felicity, and
glories in the practice of it." But Morton
relieves his reader in some measure by adding,
" This cruell sentence was stopped, in part, by
Sir Christopher Gardener, then present at the
execution, by expostulating with Mr. Temper-
well [Wmthrop], who was content with the
whipping and the cutting off parte of liis ears,"
the fine, sequestration of all his goods, and
banishment. The above is the substance of
Chap. XXV., B. iii., entitled, " 0/ the manner
how the Seperatists doe pay their debts to them
that are tcithout.'"
X In Winthrop's Journal, i. 56. ; who says
Ratcliff was "convict, ore tenus.''^
■WINTHROl".
128 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1631.
CHAPTER XV.
Proceedings relative to Sir Christopher Gardiner. — Sir Ferdinando Gorges' Claim. — Ship-building.
— Arrival of the ship Plough. — Indians visit Boston. — Arrival of the Friendship, — the White
Angel. — Contest about an " Opinion." — Massacre of the Agawams by the Tarratines. — Liberal-
ity towards the Indians. — Colonists punished for wronging them. — Controversy with Plymouth
about runaway Servants. — Winthrop refuses to settle at Newton. — Dudley censures him for it. —
Statement of the Grounds of Complaint. — Dudley's Magnanimity. — Arrival of the Lyon with Mrs.
Wintlu-op, Mr. John Eliot, &c. — Persons leave the Colony.
ETTERS are received at Boston, which came by way
of Pascataqua, from England. They were, or
some of them were, directed to Sir Christo-
pher Gardiner. As Sir Christopher had been made a
prisoner by the Authorities of Boston, these Authorities
took the Uberty to break open his letters. They were
doubtless somewhat surprised when they came to peruse
them, learning thereby that Grardiner was not without
friends in England, and that some of those friends, at
least, had full confidence in him as a man of integrity. A letter from no
less a personage than Sir Ferdinando Gorges to him confirmed this fact,
and the Boston Magistrates were probably under some fears that they had
overstepped the bounds of discretion in having thus violated the sacred
rights of correspondence. But the peculiar embarrassments of the
Government in England, and the great distance of New England from
that country, probably prevented any difficulty or trouble to the Author-
ities here, which might, under other circumstances, have followed.
Besides finding that Sir Christopher was not so contemptible as he had
been supposed to be. Governor Winthrop found that Sir Ferdinando
Gorges placed reliance on him, to see what could be done, whereby he
might recover his territories in New England, of which he had been
deprived by the very charter which he had been active in procuring for
the Massachusetts Company. Here, however, the matter seems to
have rested ; and Sir Ferdinando is branded as an enemy to New Eng-
land, because he endeavored to ascertain the situation of things in this
country affecting his rights as an original patentee.
Ship-building had already been begun, before Boston was
" ^ ■ one year old. Governor Winthrop caused to be built at Mis-
tick a "bark" of thirty tons, which he named the "Blessing of the
Bay ;" and on this fourth day of July it was launched. By the end of
August it was ready for service, and sailed upon a trading voyage to
Long Island and New York.*
A small ship of sixty tons came into Boston harbor, with ten
"^ ' passengers. They came from London, and had a patent of
* Among the curious things noticed by the f Some idea of the relative importance of
sailors on their voyage, were Indian canoes at Boston, at this stage of its history, is to be
Long Island, capable of carrying eighty men. had from an assessment of £30, ordered to be
— Winthrop, i. 112. laid by the Court of Assistants, held on the
1631.] CONTEST ABOUT "AN OPINION." 129
lands at Sagadehock ; but, on visiting that region, they were dissatis-
fied with it, and concluded to settle in the neighborhood of Boston.
This small company consisted of husbandmen, and they gave themselves
the name of the Company of Husbandmen. Their ship was named the
Plough, and hence the origin of the " Plough Patent." The master's
name was Graves.* They intended to go up to Watertown ; but the
ship, drawing ten feet of water, ran aground in the attempt ; and, as
Mr. Hubbard says, "laid her bones there."! Most of this company
"proved Famalists, and vanished away. "J
The following week, the greatest Indian Chief in the country
made his appearance at Boston. This was Miantunnomoh, son
of Canonicus, Sachem of Narraganset. Wonohaqueham came along
with him, to introduce him to the Governor. Being invited to dine,
after dinner he presented the Governor with " a skin," and. " the Gov-
ernor requited him with a fair pewter pot." Whether he stayed all
night at the Governor's request or not, is not mentioned ; but that he did
stay all night is stated.
A ship of Barnstable, which had been at sea eleven weeks,
now makes her appearance in the harbor. This was the Friend-
ship. An account of her sailing had been received, but she was forced
to put back again by adverse winds, and fears began to be entertained
for her safety. She brought eight heifers, one calf, and five sheep. A
few days after, another ship, the White Angel, brought in and landed
twenty-one heifers. §
There are to be found very few things upon record which
" ^ " ' probably set the Fathers of Boston in a more ludicrous light
than the following. The Pastor, Mr. Phillips, and the Elder, Mr. Rich-
ard Brown, of the Church at Watertown, had expressed "an opinion"
which the Church of Boston thought required looking into. Accord-
ingly, Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Dudley, and Mr. No well, the Elder, repaired
to Watertown, and there " debated the matter before many of both con-
gregations." It appeared that the Watertown Pastor and Elder had
said "that the Churches of Rome were true Churches," and this was
the "opinion" which was to be disposed of, according as it might
be heretical or otherwise. After it was sufficiently debated, it was
determined, by vote, probably, that that "opinion" was " an error."
The vote was not unanimous, however, for there were three that dis-
sented.
By an order of Court " a watch of six and an officer" is to
" ^ " ' be kept every night at Boston ; that every first Thursday in
day previous, namely, July 5. The amount * Prince, 357, has " (T.) Graves;" it was
ordered to be raised was to discharge a contract probably Thomas Graves,
made by the Colony " for making the Creek f She may have " Irnd her bones there," but
from Charles river to Newton." Winthrop says she sailed for the island of
Christopher's, and returned in about three weeks
to Charlestown, " so broke she could not return
home." — Journal, i. 58, 60. J Ibid.
§ A milch cow at this time was valued at
from £25 to £30, sterling. — Hutchinson.
17
1.
Winesemet,
£0
15s.
c.
Boston, £5 Os.
2.
AVesagascuSj
, 2
7.
Dorchester, 4 10
3.
Saugus,
1
8.
Roxbury, 3
4.
Naatasket,
10
9.
Salem, 3
5.
Watertown,
5
10.
Charlestown, 4 10
130 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1631.
each month a general training of Captain Underhill's company is to
be held here and at Roxbury. At the same Court, Captain Southcot
has liberty granted him to go for England, under a promise " to return
with all convenient speed." He did not, however, return any more to
New England ; but why he did not is not known. Perhaps, like many
other adventurous men of that day, he took part in the civil war that
ensued.
A good deal of apprehension and alarm was occasioned in
' "^' ■ Boston, about this period, by an inroad of the Tarratines among
the Indians on this side of Merrimack river, in which they perpetrated
a bloody massacre upon the Agawams, a small tribe in friendship with
the English.* Seven of these were killed, several wounded, and others
carried into captivity. Among the wounded were Wonohaqueham and
Montowampate, who belonged in the vicinity of Boston, but who were
upon a visit to Masconomo, the Sachem of the Agawams, at that time.f
They also rifled a camp or wigwam at which some of Mr. Cradock's
men were stationed, employed in catching sturgeon. With those car-
ried away prisoners was the wife of Montowampate, from whom they
heard about a month afterwards. The war-party of Tarratines carried
her to Pemaquid, and Mr. Abraham Shurte, J who hved there, learning
the circumstances, ransomed her and sent her home.§
In all or nearly all of the Government's transactions with the
^^ ' ■ Indians, not only justice appears to have been done them, but
a commendable liberality is also observable towards them. At a Court
* Some who had read Winthrop's Journal of those Tarratines' families, and therefore was
before the late Editor, namely, Mr. Hubbard, the less pitied of the English." — Hubbard,
Mr. Prince and Mr. Noah Webster,* all agree Hist. N. Eng., 145. He had been, by order
that the reading. "The Tarratines came in of Court, 5 July previous, forbid "coming
30 canoes" upon this expedition, is the true into any Englishman's house."
reading ; but the late Editor, though he is not % Often written Shurd, while his own signa-
sure his predecessors read wrong, substitutes ture was Shurte. He was living in the end of
,3 for 30, because he found that the Indians of the year 1G62, aged " fourscore years, or there-
New York had great canoes, capable of carry- abouts." He was the Roger Conant of those
ing 80 persons. This may have been a conclus- parts ; and I will take the liberty to advise the
ive argument with him, while it is extremely gentlemen of the Maine Historical Society, that
doubtful whether it will be so with his succes- every day they neglect his history, the greater
sors. We hear of no such great canoes among will be the charge against them, and the more
the Tarratines, while the number of them that difficult it will be for them to meet it. The
fell upon the Agawams must have been large. Shurte fixmily probably came from Bideford,
Quartermaster John Perkins, living at Aga- Co. of Devon. — See Yi aikins^ History of Bide-
wam (Ipswich), at that time, told Mr. Cobbet, ford. See, also. Commissioners'' Report, d^-c. of
a few years after the affair happened, that he the Difficulties in Lincoln County, Me. He
himself saw 40 birch canoes f\ill of Indians in came to N. England in 1626. — See his deposi-
one fleet, which came on an apparently hostile tion. Ibid., p. 40.
design, but being discovered, made off without ^ "About this time the Indians that were
effecting their object. — See Book of the In- most conversant among them [the English]
DiANS, B. ii., 110. came quaking and complaining of a barbarous
f " This Sagamore of Agawam (as was and cruell 2:)eople called the Tarratines, who,
usually said), had treacherously killed some they said, would eat such people as they
caught, alive ; tying them to a tree, and gnaw-
• *, Jon^ ^'"-'"^l "'' ^'"">'".'"''« "^""'■^^I's Published m Hartford, i^jr their flesh by peece-meales off their bones ;
in 1790, noticed in a previous page (57), was published under i j.u x xi "^ ^ j. j
the supervision of Mr. Webster. Of this I am assured, on as also that they were a strong and numerous
the authority of Dr. Belknap, whose own copy of that edition people, and now coming, which made them
I possess, with notes and corrections in his own hand, " here fl„„ i.„ xi l?,,„i:„u )» TnlmaAn ^A/'nnf^fir.^r
and there inserted." No name of iSditor or Transcriber was ^^ ^^ tne ±.ngllsU. — dolmson, Woncler-W.
printed in that impression. I^rov., p. 50.
1631.] CONTROVERSY WITH PLYMOUTH. 131
of Assistants now convened at Boston, on complaint of Chikataubut and
his men, that Mr. Josias Pkiistowe had stolen four baskets of corn from
them, he was ordered to return them eight baskets, pay a fine of five
pounds, and hereafter to be called Josias, and not Mr. Josias, as for-
merly, and thus "be degraded from the title of a gentleman." Two
of his servants, being accessary, were ordered to be whipped. Their
names were William Buckland and Thomas Andrew.
But a short time previous, the Court entertained a complaint made
by an Indian and his squaw, that a young white man had attempted to
disturb their family relation by some overtures to the latter of an unjus-
tifiable character. He was sentenced to be whipped, and was whipped
accordingly, in the presence of the injured party, who " were very well
satisfied."
Governor Dudley writes* that, soon after the arrival of the colonists
which came over in 1630, with Winthrop, himself, and other chief
men of that company, for want of provisions to support their servants,
many of them were allowed to go free, and maintain themselves as well
as they could. Now, the want of those servants had become of serious
inconvenience to those who had advanced some twenty pounds apiece
to enable them to come to New England, and their masters were becom-
ing every day better able to employ and support them. The Govern-
ment at Boston had, or thought they had, reason to believe that many
of those servants had gone to Plymouth, and were harbored by the peo-
ple there ; therefore Mr. Winthrop, by virtue of his ofl&ce, wrote to JNIr.
Bradford, the Governor of Plymouth, complaining that the people of
Plymouth had entertained and were harboring the servants which be-
longed to the people of Boston, f
Out of this letter of Winthrop and his Council may have originated the
ill-feeling and jealousy which existed at this period at Plymouth, and
caused its Governor to deny the people of Massachusetts the privilege
of trading for corn with the Indians at Cape Cod,| as they had done the
previous year. However this may be. Governor Bradford wrote in
answer to that letter of Winthrop, after considerable delay, § for which
he apologizes, and says that they of Plymouth are willing to correspond
with the Authorities of Bostoix upon " this or any other naborly course,
so farr as may no way be prejudiciall to any, or swarue from y^ rules of
equitie." The Boston gentlemen intimated in the letter of complaint
that an agreement or understanding had been made with Mr. Winslow ;
but Mr. Winslow had gone to England, || and could not then be consulted ;
therefore Bradford says they of Plymouth know nothing about any
agreement with Mr. Winslow ; that their meaning and former practice
* See ante, p. 89. ^ Date of Bradford's letter is " Feb. 6,
t See Winthrop's Journal, i. 60. 1631." [1632, N. S.]
X Inferences drawn from Gov. Bradford's || He sailed about the middle of July, 1631.
reply to Winthrop. The letter of the latter — See Prmce, 357.
which occasioned the reply I know not to be
in existence. Winthrop's letter was dated
July 2;3th. 1630.
132 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1631
" was and hath been, only such as come to dwell and inhabit, whether
as semants or free men, and not of sojournours, which come but for a
seasone, with a purpose to returne." Yet, he says, "if any abuse
should grow hereby, we shall agree to any good order for the preuent-
ing or redressing of the same ; prouided the way be left open for pore
men to releue their wants, and for mutuall help to both plantations.
We have therefore giuen warning in open courte to all our people, not
to receiue any as seruants or dwellers with them, but to acqvainte vs
first therewith, that we may inquire of their certificates or dismisseons ;
but we haue sett no penealtie vpon it as yett, because we hope ther
shall be noe need, if ther be, we haue libertie to punish such things at
our discretions. If that will not serue, when we vnderstand what pen-
ealtie you appointe in the case, we shall doe y^ like, or y' which shall
be equivelente vnto it. As for the instances you giue, we find that
John Philips, when he came, was sicke, and if he had not been by some
received to house, he had been in danger to haue perished. He aledged
he was sent by his maister to seeke a seruise ; yet as a seruente he was
not entertained by any, till his maister came and sould his time ; not to
him y' gave him house roame, but to him that would giue most. So he
had no cause to complaine. [As] for John Pickworth, he came but as
a sojournour, to worke for a few weeks, in which time he goate a wife ,
and so is longe since returned duble, and hath no cause to complaine,
except he hath goot a bad wife. Richard Church* came likewise, ass
a sojournour, to worke for y^ present ; though he is still hear residente,
longer then he purpossed ; and what he will doe, neither we, nor, I
think him selfe, knowes ; but if he resolue here to setle, we shall require
of him to procure a dismission ; but he did affirme to vs at y^ first, that
he was one of Mr. Webb'sf men, and freed to goe for England, or whither
he would ; J y" which we y^ rather beleued, because he came to vs frome
Wessagusscusett upon y® faling out with his parttner. § [As] for others
intimated, we know none, though we haue inquired, but they had a
dismission, either to come hither, or goe for England. Now ther are
diuerce goone from hence, to dwell and inhabite with you ; as Clement
Brigges, John Hill, John Eedy, Daniel Ray, &c. ; the which, if either
you, or they desire thir dismission, we shall be redy to giue them, hope-
ing you will doe the like, in the like cases, though we haue heard
something otherwise." II /? / /
This letter was signed by p^i/![;K/n:£raCt^rthf<^ueT^
♦ This was the ftither of Col. Benjamia Dudley speaks, as set at liberty because their
Church, one of the most noted captains in the masters could not provide for them. — See
Indian wars. For a very satisfactory note ante, p. 89.
upon the father, see the N. Eng. Hist, and ^ Thomas Morton ? Church probably went
Gen. Ueo-., ji. 243. to Plymouth while Morton was in power at
f Mr. Francis Webb ? As is observed in the Mount WoUaston. Winthrop vrrote in July
Gen. Regr., ut supra, this name in the origi- about the runaway servants, and in August
nal stands " Welbs," but I think it was in- (1630) Morton was carried a prisoner to Bos-
tended for " Webb's ;" and who but Francis? ton.
if That is, he came over at the charge of || Taken from the original letter, aU ip
Mr. Webb, and was one of those of whom Bradford's own hand.
IG31.] A FEUD IN THE GOVERNMENT. 133
Myles Stanclish, Thomas Prence, Samuel Fuller, and John Alden. The
four last were Assistants, and answered to the Governor and Council
of later times. Mr. Winslow was another of the Assistants, whose name
would no doubt have followed that of the Governor, had he been at
home.
As no more is heard about harboring runaway servants, the matter
probably ended with Mr. Bradford's letter.
It had been agreed, in December last, after a good deal of anxious
deliberation among the officers of the government, to build a fortified
town at Newton, as in its proper place has been mentioned. Accord
ingly, several of the gentlemen built houses there this spring. * Mr.
Winthrop probably saw that a fortified town in that place would be no
advantage to the Colony whatever, and that Boston was daily increasing
in importance. Therefore, about the beginning of November, the Gov-
ernor caused his house at Newton to be taken down, conveyed to Bos-
ton, and set up there. It appears not to have been finished, which is
evidence that he did not intend to live in it at the former place, while
Dudley had his finished, and his family actually in it. This proceeding
of Mr. Winthrop caused Mr. Dudley to censure him for a want of good
faith, and the other gentlemen were likewise dissatisfied with the rea-
sons which Mr. Winthrop gave for not taking up his residence at New-
ton ; and it must be confessed, that those reasons do, even now, look a
little obnoxious to the charge of insincerity. He said he had performed
his promise, inasmuch as he had a house up, and servants occupying it
by the time appointed ; and hence, if he did remove it elsewhere, inune-
diately, it did not affect his agreement ; and, besides, he had ))een
reminded by the people of Boston, that he had promised them, when
they settled with him here, that he should not leave them, and even
Mr. Dudley himself had discouraged the people of Boston from settling
at Newton, f
Thus matters stood for a time ; the Governor and Deputy having
suspended friendly intercourse. J At length, their mutual friends got
* " On this spot a town was laid out in them are very rich, and well stored with cat-
squares, the streets intersecting each other at tell of all sorts ; having many hundred acres
right angles. All the streets were named, and of ground paled in with one generall fence,
a square reserved for a Market Place, though which is about a mile and a halfe long." —
not used for that purpose, remains open to this New England's Prospect, 33-4.
day." — Rev. Dr. Holmes, Annals, i. 210. f See Hubbard, Gen. Hist, of New England,
Mr. William Wood, who came to New Eng- 136.
land probably in 1029, and left it in 1633, thus % '^^^ curious reader may desire to find, in
speaks of " New-Towne, which is three miles this history, an account of some of the steps
by land from Charles-Towne, and a league and taken in this singular case, by which he may
a halfe by water. This place was first intended discern more clearly the real actions of the
for a City, but upon more serious considera- actors in it. I therefore extract as follows
tions it was not thought so fit, being too farre from Winthrop, giving him thereby the ad-
from the Sea, being tlie greatest inconvenience vantage of ex f arte testimony. He says, " At
it hath. This is one of the neatest and best a Court at Boston, 3 April, 1632 [held, I
compacted Towns in New England, having believe, in the Governor's own house], the
many faire structures, with many handsome Deputy, Mr. Dudley, went away before the
contrived streets. The inhabitants most of Court was ended, and then the Secretary deliv-
134 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1G31.
them to submit the matter to Arbiters ;* these — though they determined
that the Governor's conduct was, in some measure excusable, especially
as he was ready to acknowledge his error — the Arbiters, therefore, de-
cided that Mr. Winthrop should pay Mr. Dudley twenty pounds towards
his expenses in building, or provide a minister for Newton, and con-
tribute towards his maintenance. The Governor chose the former, and
soon after forwarded the twenty pounds to Mr. Dudley.
The Deputy-Governor, although proverbial for driving good bargains,
in this affair gave a proof of his magnanimity, which will worthily ac-
company his name through the wilderness of ages. He refused to take
Mr. Winthrop's money ; saying that he was satisfied that the Gov-
ernor's intentions were good, and that if the award had been five times
as much, he would have returned it in the same manner. Whereupon
a sort of business-understanding was restored.
Before dismissing this case, it may be well to notice an occurrence or
two in the progress of it. Mr. Dudley looked upon the conduct of the
Governor in so unfavorable a light, that he determined not to serve any
longer in the government with him, and much of crimination ensued
between them. Dudley labors under a disadvantage in the recital,
because he can be heard only through his adversary. Winthrop accused
him of extortion and usury, because "he had sold seven bushels and an
half of corn, to receive ten for it after harvest." In answer, Dudley
pointed to a law made by themselves against usury, to which was this
proviso added : " That nothing in that law was to prohibit the letting
of cattle, or other usages of a like nature, in practice amongst farm-
ers." But this vindication did not satisfy the Governor, or he pre-
tended that the clause in favor of farmers' afiiiirs did not extend to this
case. Dudley seems now to have lost his temper in some degree, and
with warmth affirmed that he had done nothing illegal ; and that he
never knew any man of understanding of other opinion ; and that if
the Governor thought otherwise, it was his weakness ; and, among
other " hot words about it," he said to the Governor, " that if he had
thought he had sent for him to his house to give him such usage, he
would not have come there." Winthrop, no doubt, feeling that his
own was the hard side of the case, says, " He took no notice of these
speeches, and bore them with more patience than he had done upon a
like occasion at another time." But he did not let the Deputy-Gov-
ernor go at this stage of the controversy, though he did not succeed any
better, if so well, in his next accusation against him. Mr. Winthrop
complained that Mr. Dudley was extravagant in building his house at
Newton ; that he had set a bad example for people to follow, who
ered the Governor a letter from him, directed ham, who met at Charlestown on the 3 August,
to the Governor and Assistants, wherein he 1632. By continuing the narrative of this
declared a resignation of his Deputyship and affair under this year (1631), the time in
place of Assistant ; but it was not allowed." which much of it took place, is, of course,
— Jour., i. 72. anticipated, and some events which transpired
* The gentlemen were Mr. Nowell, Mr. Wil- during its progress, fall in after it.
son, Mr. Weld, Mr. Maverick, and Mr. War-
1631.] A FEUD IN THE GOVERNMENT. 135
could not afford to do so ; particularizing " wainscoting and adorning
his house." This charge, without Mr. Dudley's reply, would indeed
seem of some validity. But when he says that the extravagance com-
plained of, was only " for the warmth of his house, and the cost small ;
and that the wainscoting consisted only of clapboards nailed to the wall
in the form of wainscoting," this charge has a little the appearance of
being made for the want of a better one ; and whether it were prompted
by jealousy, because the Deputy-Governor was better able to build a
handsomer house than the Governor could afford to, it is not undertaken
to decide.
It was objected by Mr. Dudley, that the Governor had exercised too
much authority, and demanded of him how he had derived such an
assumption of power, — whether from the Patent or otherwise ? The
Governor smartly replied, that he had not transcended his authority ;
"and speaking somewhat apprehensively," as he himself says, "the
Deputy began to be in a passion, and told the Governor, that if he were
so round, he would be round too." What this being " round" meant,
is easier to be understood, perhaps, than "speaking somewhat appre-
hensively." Notwithstanding the Governor's usual mildness, he did, by
his own candid confession, suffer himself to get a little "round" on
this occasion ; and in that spirit he told Mr. Dudley he might get
round too, for aught he cared. " So the Deputy rose up in great fury
and passion, and the Governor grew very hot also, so as they both fell
into bitterness."
All this appears to have taken place in the presence of the reverend
arbitrators, who, interfering, stayed the further progress of the wordy
warfare ; and both, when they had time to reflect, were no doubt satis-
fied that, by the storm they had raised, the " ship of state," though not
in any great danger, had not advanced any during the continuance of
the tempest.
Proceeding with his allegations, Mr. Dudley inquired by what right
Mr. Winthrop had removed certain cannon, which were public property ;
and by what authority he had caused a fort to be erected in Boston ?
The Governor replied, that the cannon laid rusting on the beach ; that
he had often called the attention of the Court to their spoiling con-
dition, and nothing had been done ; that now they were mounted, and
placed where they might be of service, and all without any charge to
the public. The Deputy next desired to know on what authority he had
licensed Captain Edward Johnson " to sit down at Merrimack" 1 The
Governor said he had only licensed him to trade with the Indians, " as
he had done divers others," which was within his authority. It was
then demanded why he had given the people of Watertown leave to
erect a wear in Charles river ; and why he had " disposed of lands to
divers" ? Why he had allowed RatclifT and Gray, who had been ban-
ished, to remain within the jurisdiction ?
It is pretty clear, judging from the Governor's answers to the latter
inquiries, that if he had slightly overstepped the bounds of his author-
136 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1031.
ity, he gave very plausible reasons for doing so. The key to much of
the difficulty unquestionably was a jealousy on the part of the Deputy-
Governor. If he refused, or was otherwise prevented cooperating with
Winthrop, the latter was, as a matter of course, obliged to assume
responsibilities. Being a more popular man than Mr. Dudley, the peo-
ple clustered around him, and were at all times ready to sustain him ;
and thus similar cases will always have a similar issue. They are easily
discerned through all periods of history.
There had been several orders of Court passed of an extremely arbi-
trary character,* to which Mr. Dudley, as one of the Court, made no
objection at the time, and perhaps would not have objected to them, or
the exercise of them, had he been consulted afterwards ; but the cause,
whatever it was, that interrupted his intercourse with Winthrop, left the
latter in a sort of dilemma. He must either carry out those orders on
his own responsibility, as Governor, or let them remain a dead letter.
He very properly might have thought it was not his duty to go out of
Boston to consult the Deputy- Governor, when cases came up requiring
immediate action.
Notwithstanding the difficulties between the two highest officers of
the government, neither of them appears to have suffered much in his
popularity. Of the two, Winthrop was, no doubt, the more liberal ;
and, if he did deviate a little sometimes, the people took little or no
notice of it ; while Dudley, precise and exact, doing always as he
agreed to do, demanded the same of others. Sometimes, perhaps, he
may have been a little too rigid in his exactions, allowing not hardly
enough for human frailties and uncontrollable circumstances ; hence he
was not likely to be quite so popular as one of a somewhat differently
constituted mind.
Governor Winthrop's popularity was strikingly manifest dur-
ing the progress of the difficulty with Mr. Dudley, though the
extraordinary demonstrations about to be detailed must not be entirely
claimed for the former. Captain William Peirce, their former deliverer
from famine, now sailed into Boston harbor. His arrival at any time
was a sufficient cause for feasts and rejoicings ; but he brought with
him at this time about sixty passengers, whom he landed safe, after a
voyage of two months and a half. Among these passengers came Mrs.
Winthrop, the Governor's lady, his oldest son, John Winthrop, Jr., and
his wife, and others of his children ; and Mr. John Eliot, afterwards so
famous for his labors to christianize the Indians. Two children had
died during the voyage, one of which was the Governor's daughter, aged
about one year and a half.
j,^^ ^ The state of the weather was such that the Lyon could not
get up to the town for two days ; then, coming to anchor before
Boston, the passengers went on shore. Captain Peirce accompanied
the Governor and his lady in his own boat, at whose departure the ship
* See under 14 June, 1631, ante.
1632.] EXPLORATIONS OF ADJACENT COUNTRY. 137
gave them seven guns, and the captains at the head of their train-bands
on shore stood ready to escort them from the boat to the dwellings pro-
vided for them. " Divers vollies and three drakes" saluted them on
their landing, *' and divers of the Assistants, and most of the people of
the near plantations came to welcome them," who brought and sent, for
many days, all sorts of provisions, as "fat hogs, kids, venison, poultry,
geese, partridges, &c. ; so as the like joy and manifestation of love had
never been seen in New England ; and it was a great marvel that so
many people, and such store of provisions could be gathered together
at so few hours' warning."*
This rejoicing and festivity was followed in a few days by a
Thanksgiving.
Governor Bradford, of Plymouth, came on a visit to Boston,
and, what is rather remarkable, he lodged at night on board the
Lyon, with Captain Peirce. It may be that accommodations were bet-
ter there than in the town, owing to the arrival of so many emigrants
of late.
Mr. Eliot, immediately after his arrival, began to preach in Mr. Wil-
son's place, who was yet absent. He left his wife in England, at his
first coming over, as did also many others.
Captain Peirce did not make a very long stay at this time,
and sailed for England by way of Virginia, and many went
home with him ; among others. Sir Richard Saltonstall's eldest son.
They were six weeks in reaching Virginia.
CHAPTER XVI.
Explorations of the adjacent Country. — Spot Pond. — Indian Alarms. — Great Arrival of Corn. —
Organization of the General Court. — House of Representatives. — Fort built. — Return of Mr.
Wilson. — Importation of Cows. — Arrival of Ministers. — Troublesome Questions. — Visit of Nar-
raganset Indians. — Some punished. — Windmill set up. — The first Meeting-house. — Fears from
the Indians. — Complaints and Grievances. — Punishment for Profaneness. — Mr. Stephen Bache-
lor. — A House of Correction ordered. — Distinguished Strangers. — The Governor entertains them.
— Accompanies them to Plymouth. — Account of their Journey. — Trouble about Mr. Eliot. — He
leaves Boston.
OME of the gentlemen of Boston improved a portion
of their time during the second winter of their
settlement in making excursions into the sur-
rounding wilderness. The Governor, Mr. John Mas-
ters, Mr. Robert Feake, and Adam Winthrop, a son of
the Governor, were among a party who went up Charles
river, " about eight miles above Watertown," as they
judged. On coming to " a fair brook on the north side
of the river, they named it Beaver brook, because the
beavers had shorn down divers great trees there, and made divers dams
* Winthrop, Prince.
18
138 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1632.
across the brook. This brook came from a pond a mile from the river."
A little further onward they came " to a great rock, upon which stood
a high stone, cleft in sunder, that four men might" pass through the
fissure ; this they called Adam's chair, in compliment to the youngest
person in the company. Further up the river, they came to another
brook, larger than the former, which they named Masters' brook, be-
cause Mr. Masters was the oldest in the company. A high, pointed
rock, not far off, they named Mount Feake, Mr. Feake having married
the daughter-in-law of the Governor. On the west of Mount Feake,
from a very high rock, they could " see all over Neipnett ;"* and also
Wachuset mountain, which they supposed to be about forty miles dis-
tant, and other mountains about sixty miles off, in the north-west.
In another excursion, in which there went with the Governor
Mr. Nowell and Mr. Eliot, they discovered the since interesting
body of water called Spot Pond. It " having in the midst an island of
about one acre, and very thick with trees of pine and beech ; and hav-
ing divers small rocks standing up here and there in it, they therefore
called it Spot Pond;" and, says Winthrop, "they went all about it
upon the ice." Not far off they named a certain rock Cheese rock,
because " when they went to eat somewhat," they found they had noth-
ing but cheese to eat ; " the Governor's man, for haste, forgot" to put
in the bread.
F b 14 Seven days after, the Governor and some others explored the
country as far as Neponset river ; but no mention is made of
anything remarkable having been discovered. At a Court of
Assistants it was ordered that Courts, which had been held every
three weeks, should, in future, be held on the first Tuesday in every
month. During the winter no mention is made of any trouble from the
Indians ; but early in April startling intelligence is brought to
Boston of a war between the Narragansets and Pokanokets, and
that the Narragansets had sent for the Indians about Boston to go and
fight for them, and that Sagamore John had gone with thirty men, and
Chikataubut with many of his. The messenger who brought this news
came from Plymouth with letters detailing the circumstances, and
requesting a quantity of ammunition. The Governor put him up twenty-
* As to what was formerly meant by the coast. The name iVeiop signified /n'enrf among
Nipmuck or "Neipnett^^ country there is much these tribes, and hence the origin of the name
of uncertainty. This is not at all strange, in- of those inland Indians ; the diflferent tribes
asmuch as there never was a time, probably, slightly diflTering in their pronunciation of it.
Avhen anybody, Indian or Englishman, could Not taking these facts into account, writers,
truly define its boundaries. — iSee Book of tue both early and late, have puzzled themselves
Indians, Book ii., p. 82 (eleventh edition), and perplexed their readers in attempts to
The Nipmuck or Nipnet Indians consisted of locate the "Nipmuck Country." When the
such as preferred living in the interior to liv- king's commissioners, in 1.741, settled the
ing on the sea-coast, and such as withdrew boundary between Plymouth and Rhode Island,
from the tribes about the coast from some dis- they satisfied themselves that " this Nipmug
aflFection on their part or that of the tribes to territory could not be ascertained." — See
which they belonged. The Nipnets were, Doug/ass, i. 398. The commissioners were
therefore, the friends and relatives of the led to investigate the matter because, by the
Wampanoags, Narragansets, and other tribes Grant to Plymouth Colony in 1629, the Nip-
about the arms and inlets of this part of tlio muck country was a boundary.
1632.] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FORT. 139
seven pounds of powder; that being "as much as he could carry."
. However, a few days after, intelligence came, that the Narra-
^" ■ gansets, who were reported to have attacked the Pokanokets,
at Sowams, had gone in pursuit of the Pequots, and thus the excitement
was allayed.
At this time, a Dutch ship arrived from Virginia, with two thousand
bushels of corn, which brought four shillings and sixpence the bushel.
Thus it is seen that provisions of this sort were now at a fair price.
At a General Court, it was agreed that the Governor, Deputy-
'^^ ' Governor, and Assistants, should be chosen by the whole Court ;
that the Governor shall always be chosen out of the Assistants chosen
for the year ensuing. At this Court Winthrop and Dudley were re-
chosen. Ludlow, Nowell, Pynchon, Bradstreet, Endicott, Humfrey,
Coddington, and John Winthrop, junior, were chosen Assistants. Mr.
Humfrey and Mr. Coddington were chosen, though out of the country,
being daily expected. The Court passed an order that there should he
two persons elected in every plantation, to confer with the Court about
raising a public stock.
Thus, in matters of revenue at least, it was found necessary that the
people should have a voice, and hence this provision for a sort of House
of Representatives.* Hitherto some of the measures of the govern-
ment had been complained of as arbitrary and oppressive, which may
have been the occasion of this new branch in the government.
The idea of fortifying Newtown having been laid aside, it was thought
that fortifications should not be dispensed with altogether, and, according
to some previous arrangements, it was agreed to build a fort in
that part of Boston called Corn Hill. Boston people commenced
it on this day. Charlestown men came and worked on it the following
day, Roxbury men the next day, and Dorchester next. The
^ ' name of the hill on which it was built was changed to Fort Hill,
which it still retains, f
All was now bustle and stir in Boston, and many a heart
leaped for joy. The ship Whale, Captain Graves, being an-
nounced as in the harbor, and on board of her was the beloved Wilson,
who went for England the last year for his wife ; also Mr. Richard
Dummer, and about thirty passengers, all in health. Of seventy cows
sent in the same ship, two only were lost on the passage.
For these blessings, and especially for the signal victories
gained by Gustavus Adolphus, in Germany, by which he rescued
* The towns accordingly chose the following Again we meet with several names before
gentlemen pursuant to the order : duly honored in the preceding pages. But,
1. Mr. Oldham and Mr. Masters, for Watertown, not to wait for
2. Robert Coles and John Johnson, for Roxbury. ^ . another opportu-
Mr. William Colborn and AVilliam Cesbrough, for ^^^^^^^ J-^ Cf'^ir-fi^ nity, we here in-
"•,,„,.,, „ / sert a fac-simile
4. Richard Wnght ^nd -— -, for Saugus. ^ ^f ^j^e autograph
5. Mr. Lockwood and Mr. bpencer, for Newton. ,. -r, r^ .ir.i c ^ ^
6. Mr. Gibbons and Mr. Palmer, for Charlestown. of RoGER CoNANT, the father of Salem.
7. Mr. Conant and Peter Palfrey, for Salem. f There can be no mistake in locating this
8. William Felps and John Gallard, for Dorchester, first fort in Boston. Mr. Wood says, "This
140 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1632.
that country from the Popish yoke, a thanksgiving was ordered to be
celebrated throughout all the Plantations.
Some inconvenience had begun to be experienced by the colonists
from an over-familiarity of the natives, who, under pretence of trade,
would intrude at all times and seasons into private houses. Therefore,
at this Court, it was agreed that every plantation should set up a truck-
ing house. This, it was thought, would abate the difficulty.
On the same day this Court was held, there arrived the ship William
and Francis, Captain Thomas, with about sixty passengers ; among
whom came Mr. Thomas Weld, and " old Mr. Stephen Bachelor, being
aged seventy-one, with their families, and many other honest men."
The same day, also came in the Charles of Barnstaple, and in her
was Mr. Timothy Hatherly, who afterwards laid the foundation of
Scituate. There were about twenty passengers. She also brought an
important accession of " near eighty cows, and six mares, all safe and
in health." The former ship sailed from London on the ninth of March,
and the Charles, from Barnstaple, on the tenth of April, and they met
near Cape Ann. Mr. Edward Winslow, of Plymouth, was a passenger
in the William and Francis.
Few thanksgivings have happened in Boston, probably, more
heartily celebrated than that appointed to take place on the
morrow. To make it still more joyous, however, another ship is added
to the large number of late arrivals, — the James, near eight weeks
from London, Captain Grant, with twelve passengers. She sailed with
sixty-one heifers, but by what fatality she lost forty of them on the
voyage, is not mentioned.
The " Congregation at Boston" were in considerable trouble, about
this time, respecting the following matters, namely : whether one per-
son might be a civil magistrate and a ruling elder at the same time ? If
not, then which should he lay down ? AVhether there might be divers
pastors in the same Church ? These questions weighed so heavily on
the Church of Boston, that the members wrote to the neighboring
Churches for advice in what appeared to be an alarming difficulty. The
Churches addressed returned an unanimous answer to the first question,
in the negative ; but on the second and third, they did not presume to
adventure an opinion ; and how the Boston Church finally extricated
itself, does not appear.
^^ 2 Less is heard of annoyance from the many Indians which must
have visited Boston, probably every day, than could reasonably
be expected, when it is considered that they could not have had any
adequate idea of the white people's laws, and their rules of propriety
in intercourse. At this time, Mecumeh, afterwards known as Mian-
tunnomoh, or Miantonomo,* with his wife and twelve attendants, or
Necke of land," on which Boston is situated, is planted a Fort, which can command any
" is not above foure miles in compasse, in ship as she sayles into any Harbour within
forme almost square, having on the South- the hill Bay." — New England^ s Prospect, 32.
pide at one corner, a great broad hill, whereon * This orthography of the great Chief's
1632.] FIRST PLACE OF WORSHIP. 141
sannaps, as these were called by Chiefs, visited Boston. Two days
after, it being Sunday, Miantonomo, being at meeting with the Eng-
lish, three of his sannaps went in the mean time, and broke into a
house. After the meeting, complaint being made to the Governor, he
complains to the Chief. It was required by the Governor that the
offenders should be punished, and that the Chief should make one of
the sannaps beat the others. Indians do not believe in corporeal pun-
ishment, and hence it was with some difficulty that the beating operation
was brought about. However, it was at length performed ; after which
the offenders were sent out of town ; but the Governor took Miantonomo
and the rest of his company to his house, "and made much of them."
They, however, left for home the same evening. It might have been
difficult for the Chief to understand which of the two was the greater
offence, prying into an empty house, or whipping Indians on a Sunday.
At a Court not long before, some of Chikataubut's men had been " con-
vented and convicted" for assaulting some English at Dorchester. They
were set in the bilboes, and Chikataubut made to beat them himself.
Some time in the month of August, a windmill, which had been
erected near Newton, was taken down and brought to Boston. It was
set up on the hill in the north part of the town, * which hill afterwards
received the name of Copp's Hill, from an inhabitant named William
Copp. The windmill was removed from the country, "because it
would not grind but with a westerly wind."
Although there had been regular meetings on Sundays, in
^^^^ ' Boston, for about two years, no Meeting-house | had been built.
Private houses had been the places for public worship as soon as they
were built, and before they were provided, the branches of the neigh-
boring trees had been the only shelter for minister as well as people. J
But Mr. Wilson had now returned ; the place was becoming prosperous,
and funds had been raised to the amount of one hundred and twenty
pounds, which were to be applied to the erection of a Meeting-house,
and a house for the minister.
The sort of building first erected for divine service in Boston, has
been mentioned in a former chapter, § and such representation there
given as the known facts about it seemed to justify. This first
name gives pretty truly its pronunciation, the Sea-coast." — Wood, New England^ sPros-
probably. In Danforth's Almanack, for 1649, pect, 33.
there is this distich or epigram : — f Many of the Puritan fathers carefully
.,,.,,„ . ., x, ,. , avoided the term Church, when speakinsr of
f/'^^lth^P hlTw™n»°^ "' their place of worship. The Catholics had
If it may be, by Miantonomo. „, f ^, -r^ ,^ . , i i ■««■ ^^
See Book of the Indians, v. 697. Churches ; the Protestants had Meeting-
houses. Quakers have no Churches to this
* " Equall in bignesse," to Fort Hill, day, though they have Meeting-houses.
" whereon stands a Winde-mill. To the North J " Before they could build at Boston, they
west [of Fort Hill] is an high Mountain, with lived many of them in tents and wigwams at
three little rising hills on the top of it, where- Charlestown ; their Meeim^-PZace being abroad
fore it is called the Tra-mount. From the top under a tree ; where I have heard Mr. Wilson
of this jNIountain [since Beacon Hill] a man and ]Mr. Phillips preach many a good Ser-
may overlooke all the Islands which lie before mon." — Clap, Memoirs, 42.
the Bay, and discry such ships as are upon § See page 104, ante.
142 • HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1632.
rude structure, according to the best information Mr. Wadsworth *
could collect, stood " about nine or ten
years." In 1640, it was replaced by a su-
perior edifice, in which the first sermon was
preached on the twenty-third of August,
of that year. The " Old Meeting-house "
stood, according to Mr. Wadsworth, "near
where the Town House now [1713] is, at
a small distance from the south-east cor-
ner of it." This indicates the precise spot
to be that on which now, 1853, Brazer's
Block stands, on the south side of State Street.
The house erected in 1640, was of wood, and stood on the site now
occupied by Joy's Building, in Washington Street, a little to the south
of, and opposite to the head of State Street. When it had stood sev-
enty-one years, it was destroyed by fire. The last sermon preached in
it before it was burned, was preached by Mr. Wadsworth, on the
thirtieth of September, 1711, and two days after, namely, October the
second, it was consumed. Mr. Wadsworth says, " Considering the
place where it was, and how many wooden buildings were near it,
'twas a wonder of Providence it stood so long. 'Twas by many tho't
not convenient to build another Meeting-House with wood, in that
place, where other buildings would probably be near and thick about it,
for fear of fire ; and the winter [of 1711 — 12] coming on, brick- work
could not be engag'd in till the following spring ; and when the season
did allow, the work was diligently set about. The stone foundation
was begun April the fourteenth, 1712. They begun their brick-work,
May twenty-ninth, and finished it fit for the roof, September the eigh-
teenth, the same year. So that the brick-work was begun and finished
in less than four months. They began to raise the roof, October second,
1712, just that day twelve month after the former house was burnt.
'T was about a year and seven months from the burning of the former,
to our meeting in the present Meeting-House."
Mr. Wadsworth supposed the cost of the house would be " not far
short of four thousand pounds;" and "that there had been no essay
to raise one penny" towards the cost of it "by rate or tax. All that
had been done was done voluntarily and without restraint. Of all that
were chosen of any committees," he continues, " referring to this whole
afiliir, I don't remember that any to this day [November, 1713] has
been removed by death, except one worthy gentleman, Mr. Thomas
Brattle t (who had a principal hand in modelling this house), yet he
*The Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth. He was College, in 1725, and died in 1737, aged 67.
Bon of Capt. Samuel Wadsworth, of Milton, He was the author of many sermons,
who, with his company, was cut off by the f He died 18 May, 1713. He was the prin-
Indians, at Sudbury, 21st April, 1676. Mr. cipal founder of Brattle-street Church. From
Wadsworth begun to preach in the " First his family the Church and Street take their
Church " in 1696 — fifteen years before it was name. The Rev. William Brattle, of Cam-
burned. He was chosen President of Harvard bridge, was his brother. He wrote an account
1632.] FEARS FROM INDIANS. 143 '
lived till we met here for public worship ; and once, if not.oftener, he
was here for that purpose."
Speaking of the progress of the building, Mr. Wadsworth says, —
" There has been much hard work, heavy work, and some work high
and lofty ; and so the more dangerous, yet in the whole managing this
work hitherto not one person has by any hurtful accident lost his life ;
not one has lost any one limb, nor has one bone been broken."
Among other acts of a Court at Boston, Mr. WilHam Pyn-
^^^ ' chon was chosen Treasurer for the year ensuing, or till another
shall be chosen.
This summer had been wet and cold, and crops were very
poor, which was discouraging to many. Corn, on which they
depended much, having no other grain, came in so light, that "great
want threatened them." Besides, there were fires, and alarms by the
Indians. Mr. John Oldham had a small house burnt down at Water-
town, " made all of clapboards."
Au u t 30 "^^ express came to Governor Winthrop, that " ten Saga-
mores and many Indians were assembled at Muddy River,"
but what design they had, nobody knew. The Governor thought it best
to ascertain whether their assembling at that point portended evil, and
therefore ordered Captain Underbill to proceed to that neighborhood,
with twenty musketeers, to reconnoitre. When the Captain arrived at
Roxbury, he learned that the Indians had dispersed, and this was the
only news that could be obtained about them.
There had been complaints from Indians of injuries to their
crops from the domestic animals belonging to the English. This
could not be avoided, because the Indians were the very last people in
the world that would think of making fences ; besides, it was very diffi-
cult for them to see why such labor should be required of them, because
the animals which intruded upon them belonged, not to them, but to the
English. However, the Court made Sagamore John (Wonohaquaham)
promise that, "the next year, and forever after, he would fence his
corn against all kinds of cattle." At the same Court, a man was or-
dered "to be severely whipped, for cursing, swearing, then justifying
the same, and glorying in it." Another man, who had sold a gun,
pistol, and powder and shot, to Sagamore James, (Montowampate) was
sentenced to be whipped, and branded in the face with a hot iron.
The late strange assembling of Indians at Muddy-river, and several
other circumstances, caused the people to apprehend that the natives
were plotting to cut them off. They were led to this apprehension,
because, by some of them, "divers insolent speeches were used, and
they did not frequent the houses of the English as they were wont ; and
one of their Powaws told them that there was a conspiracy among the
of the Witchcraft in the County of Essex, We might reasonably expect to see a minute
which is printed in the 5th volume of the account of this gentleman and his family, in a
Mass. Hist. Colls. Several of his communi- history of the Church of vehich he was a
ciitions were inserted in the Transactions of principal founder.
the Royal Society. Of this he was a member.
144 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1632
Indians." Upon receipt of this intelligence, " a camp was pitched at
Boston, in the night, to exercise the soldiers, apprehending need might
be." To try the valor of his soldiers, Captain Underhill caused an
alarm to be given upon their quarters. The result was anything but
creditable to their courage. Most of them were paralyzed with fear,
and their conduct was disgraceful to soldiers. Hence the people thought,
if such men must be depended upon to defend their wives and children,
their chance of safety was poor indeed.
Fears from the Indians still increased ; and the Governor
^^ ' ' sent for "the three next Sagamores" to come immediately to
Boston ; but whether they obeyed the summons or not, is not men-
tioned. Meantime the arrival of the favorite old ship, the Lyon, Cap-
tain Peirce, had a tendency to divert the public mind from
^^ ' ■ fancied rumors of hostile Indians ; especially as he brought
one hundred and twenty-three passengers with him, most of whom
were, doubtless, near friends or relatives to many in Boston, and its
immediate vicinity. The Lyon was eight weeks from the Land's End.
^ The alarms from the Indians could not have sunk very deep
'^^ ■ " ■ into the minds of the Authorities, at least, for they had ordered
a Thanksgiving for the safe arrival of the Lyon, which is now kept.
In the same proclamation, however, "the prosperous success of the
King of Sweden" was comprehended.
Among several stringent orders of a Court now held, were
the following: — "Mr. Bachelor, of Lynn, was required to for-
bear exercising his gifts until some scandals be removed." A man is
sentenced "for theft on the Indians, at Damaril's Cove, for drunken-
ness and fornication," to pay a fine of five pounds to the Court, ten
pounds to Henry Way and John Holman, to be " severely whipt,
branded on the hand with a hot iron, and banished ; with penalty to
be put to death if he ever return." That no persons should take any
tobacco publicly ; if they did, for every time they took it, they should
be fined one penny.
At this Court, it was by general consent determined, that Boston was
the fittest place for public meetings of any in the Bay ; and it was
therefore ordered, that a House of Correction, and a House for the
Beadle, should be built here " with speed."
It is worthy of note, that, notwithstanding settlements had
been forming upon the Pascataqua, about ten years, yet they
brought their corn to be ground at Boston, this year. Captain Thomas
Camock and Mr. Edward Godfrey, a merchant, afterwards Governor of
Maine, brought up in Mr. Neal's pinnace at one time, sixteen hogsheads
of corn, which was ground at the windmill. Whether it took from
this time " to November" to grind that quantity of corn, is not known,
though it is recorded that Captain Camock and Mr. Godfrey did not
return till November. This, however, is not a very important question
to be settled, especially as the two gentlemen, doubtless, enjoyed the
fine autumnal weather as guests of the Governor, Captain Peirce, of
1632.] EXPEDITION TO PLYMOUTH. 145
the Lyon, Mr. Wilson, and others. Having been waited upon
by Mr. Winthrop and Mr. Wilson, on board the Lyon, the Cap-
tain of her took them all into his shallop, and proceeded to Wessagus-
cus. Thence Captain Peirce returned to his ship, being about to sail for
Virginia, while the rest of the company " proceed on foot to Ply-
mouth," to pay Governor Bradford a visit. They did not arrive there
till " within the evening." By some means, not mentioned, their
approach to Plymouth was known to the authorities there, "and the
Governor, Mr. Bradford, a very discreet and grave man, with Mr.
Brewster, and some others, went forth and met them without the
town," conducted them to the Governor's house, where they were
"together entertained." They were likewise "feasted everyday at
several houses." On Sunday they partook of the sacrament with the
church, " and in the afternoon, Mr. Roger Williams, according to their
custom, proposed a question, to which the pastor, Mr. Smith, spoke
briefly. Then Mr. Williams prophesied. After that, the Governor of
Plymouth, who had studied the Hebrew language, and antiquities,
spoke to the question. After him, the elder [Mr. Brewster], a man of
learning ; then two or three more of the congregation ; then the elder,
agreeable to Acts ~xiii. 14, 15, desired Governor Winthrop and Mr.
Wilson to speak to it, which they did. When this was ended, the
deacon, Mr. Fuller,* put the congregation in mind of their duty of con-
tribution ; whereupon, the Governor and all the rest went down f to
the deacon's seat, and put it in the bag, and then returned." |
About five of the clock, on Wednesday morning. Governor
' Winthrop and his company left Plymouth ; Mr. Bradford, Mr.
Smith and others accompanying them " near half a mile out of town
in the dark. Lieutenant Holmes § and others went with them to the
Great Swamp, about ten miles ; when they came to the Great river, ||
they were carried over by one Ludham,1F as they had been when they
went ; so they came that evening to Wessaguscus, where they were
* Dr. Samtjel Fuller, who came in the interior of old school-houses, no explanation is
Mayflower. He died the next year. His au- necessary.
tograph is so rare, that I was assured not J There is nothing to be found, certainly
long since it was not known at Plymouth, nothing is known to the author, which gives
The subjoined fac-simile of it is copied from so true, simple, and beautiful a picture of
the manner in which the Pilgrims performed
their devotions, as this. If a little foreign to
the History of Boston, no one, I think, will
wish it had been omitted.
• ^ // " jA ^ John Holmes was taxed in Plymouth, in
•-T^t4-^^yC 1G33 and 1G34. The name has always been
*^</ common in Duxbury. Lieut. William Holmes
the letter extracted mile, p. 132. For an ac- was admitted a resident of Plymouth, 1634.
count of this early physician, see iV. Eng. He was an officer in the Pequot war. — See
Hist, and Gen. Reg. ii. 240. His will is con- Mr. Winsor's Hist. Duxbury, 267-8 ; N. E.
tained in the same work, vol. iv. 33. — See, also, H. and Gen. Reg. iv. 253-4.
Morton'sAfemonaZ, Eliot, Allen, Thacher (Afe^. || Mr. Prince, Chronology, 407, supposes
^iog.), and Russell's Guide to Plymouth. this was what was afterwards called North
I By this phraseology, the manner in which river, between Pembroke and Hanover,
the floor of the house was constructed is easily T The name of Ludden occurs on the "Wey-
conjectured. To those acquainted with the mouth records, 1080.
19
^jmnS^
146
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1632.
WINTHROP CROSSING THE RIVKR.
comfortably entertained, as before, with store of turkies, geese, ducks,
&c., and next day came safe to Boston."
To go from Boston to Plymouth in the
middle of the nineteenth century is too
small a matter to be mentioned, though if
one were obliged to walk over the ground,
even now, on a good road, it would be talked
about some, probably ; especially if per-
formed by a citizen of the Metropolis ; and
it is more than probable that the circum-
stance would be "talked about" in the
newspapers. But to go through forty miles
of wilderness in 1632, be obliged to tarry
over night on the way, and be carried over
a river on a man's back,* is a different
affair altogether. A voyage to Iceland or
Cape Horn would not excite half the curi-
osity to the people of Boston now, as the
journey to Plymouth did then to the inhab-
itants of that day.
In this "progress" of the great Boston chief, he observes, in the
excellent account of it which he has left for posterity, that, after he
and his company had passed the Great river, and he had named the
passage " Luddam's Ford," thence, he says, " they came to a place
called Hue's Cross." That the Governor, "being displeased at the
name," changed it to " Hue's Folly ;" because, he said, if it were suf-
fered to go by that name, it might give the Papists grounds to claim
for their religion that it had been planted in these parts before that of
the Protestants. Readers hereafter may smile at this, but they should
remember that the fathers of New England were far from smiling at
anything that reminded them of the Church of Rome. They had lived
too near the times of the fires of Smithfield to think lightly of anything
that brought that dreadful period of their country's history to their
minds.
Many of the good people of Boston were disturbed, about this
period, because the reverend Mr. John Eliot had made up his
mind to leave them and settle at Roxbury. They had intended to
" call " him to be their teacher, but Roxbury had also called him;
and though Boston labored all they could " to prevent it, " yet
Nov. 2.
Nov. 5.
he could not be diverted, so they of Boston dismissed him."
* Those who have heard of the anecdote,
how some young men from the City, a few
years since, meeting with the late Mr. Web-
ster about his gi-ounds in Marshfield, and not
knowing him (l)eing dressed in his country
garb, with high fishing-boots on), were, at
their urgent request, ferried over a creek on
the great statesman's back, — those, of course,
who have heard that anecdote, can fancy how
the Governor of Massachusetts looked on the
neck of John Ludham, fording the Great river,
" the water being up to the crotch." Win-
throp's annotator gives the name of ihe ferry-
man, Luddam, but I follow Prince, who fol-
lowed or used Winthrop in the original. For
the poetical part of the name I am responsible.
1632.] FIRST PIRATES. 147
^^^ ^ By an order of court, it was declared " that the captains
' shall train their companies but once a month ; that Sir Richard
Saltonstall shall give Sagamore John a hogshead of corn, for the hurt
his cattle did his corn ; that the neck of land between Powder Hill and
Pullen Point* shall belong to Boston forever."
^^^ ^j Among the afflictions of the people of Boston, that of
piracy now finds a place. Governor Winthrop received a
letter from Captain Walter Neal of Pascataqua, informing him that
Dixy Bull (who, it seems, was a man of note upon the coast) had turned
pirate, and had induced fifteen others to join him, and with them he
had rifled Pemaquid, and taken several boats in that region. On
receipt of this intelligence, the Governor and Council decided to send
an armed vessel with twenty men, who were to join others at Pascata-
qua, and then to proceed in quest of the piratical crew. " But snow,
frost, and contrary winds" prevented the sailing of the vessel. The
following May, however, a "pinnace" was despatched to the eastern
coast, which returned after a cruise of several weeks, or two months,
whose commander, Lieut. Mason,t reported that the pirates were not to
be found, though it was conjectured they had "gone to the French."
This is the first account of pirates on the coast of New England, and the
mischief done by them does not appear to have been of much amount,
or not so much as was at first apprehended.^ The check they met with
about the time, or soon after they commenced their career, at Pema-
quid, no doubt had the effect to dishearten them, and put a stop to
their ravages ; for as they were about to depart from the last-named
place, Mr. Abraham Shurt's men attacked them, killing one of the
ringleaders on the spot. They took one Anthony Dix or Dicks, master
of a vessel, and endeavored to persuade him to pilot them to Virginia,
which he refused to do, and they fled to the eastward. These • facts
Mr. Dix told to Captain Roger Clap ; and the latter adds, "Bull got
into England, but God destroyed this wretched man." By this it may
be inferred that he was executed there for piracy. §
* " The chiefe ilands which keepe out the were now in New England. Is it at all likely
winde and the sea from disturbing the har- tliat this " brave soldier who had served in the
hours, are, first, Deare Hand, which lies with- Low Country wars under Sir Thomas Fairfax,"
in a flight shot of Pullin-point. This iland is so as specially to attract the attention of that
so called because of the deare which often general, should not be honored with a comiuis-
swimme thither from the Maine, when they sion above that of a lieutenant in New Eng-
are chased by the woolves : Some have killed land ? Is it not more than probable, that so
sixteene deare in a day upon this iland. The prominent a character as Capt. John Mason
opposite shore is called Pullin-point, because would have been found among the freemen
that is the usuall channell boats vse to passe before 1635 ? In that year his name is found
thorow into the bay ; and the tyde being very entered " Captain John Mason."
strong, they are constrained to goe a-shore J See Prince, 409, 431. — ■ Winthrop, i. 96,
and hale their boates by the seasing, or 104.
roades ; whereupon, it was called Pullin- ^ In the Treasurer's accounts there are
point." — Wood, N. Eng. Prospect, 34-5. these items which relate to the expedition for
f I am not in possession of sufficient evi- the suppression of piracy. " Paid Mr. Alcock
dence to admit of my unqualifiedly stating for a fat hog to victual the pinnace for the
that this Lieut. Mason was the same who taking [attempt to take] Dixie Bull, £3 10s.
afterwards went to Connecticut, and led its Paid Goodman Lyman for a fat hog for the
forces in the destruction of the Pequots. It same use, £3 lOs. Paid Mr. Shurd, of Pem-
may be doubted whether Capt. John Mason aquid, for provisions for the pinnace, 26^ lb.
148 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1632.
A fast is kept at Boston, but the particular occasion of its
"■ appointment is not mentioned, though it was probably held on
account of choosing a pastor and ruling elder in the church ; as Mr. Wil-
son, formerly their teacher, was chosen pastor, and Mr. Thomas Oliver
ruling elder. They were both ordained "by imposition of hands ; first
by the teacher and the two deacons, in the name of the congregation,
upon the elder, and then, by the elder and the deacons, upon the
pastor." *
Johnson calls this year " a yeare of sad distresses," which, he says,
" was ended with a terrible cold winter, with weekly snowes, and fierce
frosts betweene while, congealing Charles river, as well from the town
to seaward as above, insomuch that men might frequently passe from
one island to another upon the ice." f
Of the three ministers that arrived this year, mention has been made
of one of them, Mr. Stephen Bachelor, who was the first. The second
was Mr. Thomas Welde, and the third, Mr. Thomas James. Mr. Welde
settled in Roxbury ; the "diligent people thereof early preventing
their brethren of other churches by calling him to be their pastor."
The same writer says he was "valiant in faith, both in the pulpit and
by his pen ; and wading through the cares and toils of this wilderness
for seven years, returns to his native country." He came from Terling
Place J in Essex, England, and arrived in Boston on the fifth of June,
and about a month after was settled over the first church in Roxbury.
Mr. John Eliot was afterwards his colleague. " In 1639, he assisted
Mr. Mather and Mr. Eliot in making the tuneful New England version
of the Psalms. In 1641 he was sent with Mr. Hugh Peters to Eng-
land as an agent for the province, and never returned. He was settled
at Gateshead, but was ejected in 1660, and died the same year." §
Mr. Welde was interested in the Antinomian controversy which agi-
tated not only Boston, but the whole country, and no doubt was as far
from sympathizing with Mrs. Hutchinson and her friends in that unhappy
affair, as were Mr. Wilson and jMr. Winthrop ; while at the same time
much injustice has been done him by attributing to him the authorship
of that book of "malignity," entitled "A Short Story of the Rise,
Reign, and Ruin of the Antinomians, Familists, and Libertines, that
infected the Churches of New England," &c. ; it now fully appearing,
from its own internal evidence, that Winthrop had a principal hand in
it. II That Mr. Welde introduced it with a preface, is true, and it is
beaver, £13 2s. &d. Lieut. Mason for his be substituted, which 1 have accordingly
service in the pinnace, £10. Paid by a bill done,
from Mr. Samuel Maverick, being husband (^ AWen, Amer. Biog. Diet., 7QS.
and merchant of the pinnace, for a month's || Since the text above was written, a gen-
wages, to Elias Maverick, £2. Paid for vie- tieman has put into my hands a portion of an
tuals upon his account, £2 5s. — Pinchon unpublished work, from which the following
Papers, 3 Cols. Ms. H. S. viii. 232-3. extract is taken : — " The Rev. Thomas Welde,
♦Prince, Chron., 409. who reluctantly wrote the preface to 'Rise,
+ Wond. Work. Prov. 55. Reign and Ruine,' says, in apology, ' I should
J Dr. Eliot says he came from " Tirling in have been loath to have revived them [the
the Co. of Essex ; " but as there is no such troubles] on earth ; but cofisidering that their
place as Tirling, I conclude Terling should names are already in print, without any act of
1632.] * THOMAS JAMES. 149
equally true that the spirit of the preface accords very well with that
exhibited in the body of the work ; excepting that it falls somewhat
short of it in malignity of expression.
Mr. Thomas James, who came to Boston at the same time with Mr.
Welde, continued here till November, when, with a part of the mem-
bers of the church of Boston, namely, eighteen men and fifteen women,
he was dismissed to form a church in Charlestown. Mr. James con-
tinued there till 1636 ; by which time, according to Gov. Winthrop,
" Satan had stirred up such a spirit of discord between the minister and
people," that the former asked and received a dismission. He finally
returned to England, and died at Needham, in Suffolk, about 1687, at
the age of eighty-six.* At the time of this separation from the Boston
church, there remained here belonging to it but about seventy or
eighty male members. These probably constituted the body of the
inhabitants, t
mine, and that the necessity of the times calls liar notions regarding the agency of the Devil,
for it,' 'and being earnestly pressed,' 'I, — Mr. Prince says, " When I lived at Combs
therefore, in a strait of time, not having had in Suffolk, from 1711 to 1716, Mr. Thomas
many hours, have drawn up the following Denny [See N. Eng. H. G. Reg. v. 382], a
preface.' " — To charge this book upon Mr. pious and ancient gentlemen there, informed
Welde, against his solemn testimony to the me, that he knew the Rev. Mr. Thomas James,
contrary, is as absurd as it is unjust. It is, minister of Needham, about four miles off,
indeed, criminal so to do, unless, first of all, who came from New England ; that though he
Mr. Welde's character be impeached, which, was much beloved and esteemed, yet when he
to the writer's knowledge, has not been even died, the clergyman who came in his place
attempted. would not allow him to be buried in any other
* A good and somewhat extended account part of the church-yard but the unconsecrated
of Mr. James is given by Dr. Allen, who might corner, left for rogues and excommunicates,
very happily have added much value to his though the clergyman owed his benefice to
article from Prince, 413-14, without occupying the noble uprightness of Mr. James' heart."
any space beyond that which he has employed — N. Eng. Chron.
in combatting the learned Dr. Savage's pecu- f Foxcroft'a Century Sermon, p. 12.
150
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1633.
CHAPTER XVII.
Few Inhabitants arrive in 1G31. — French come to Maine. — Distressing Rumors. — Fort ordered at
Nantasket. — Its Erection abandoned. — Mr. Bachelor freed from a former Order of Court. —
Scarcity of Provisions. — Corn from Virginia. — Shipwreck of Captain Peirce. — Ship arrives with
Passengers. — General Election. — Appearance of Locust. — Captain Stone. — His Difficulty at
Connecticut. — His Trouble at Bostou. — Banished. — Murdered by the Indians. — Arrival of the
Elizabeth Bonadventure. — A Thanksgiving. — Orders of Court. — Proceedings relative to trading
at Connecticut. — Censured by Plymouth. — Remarkable Providences. — Failure of Crops. — Ship
built at Medford. — Her Voyages.
jHE accession of inhabitants the year following
the settlement of Boston was very small, owing
mainly to the bad reports carried to England by
many that returned in the Ml of 1630, and in
the ensuing spring. The country was not alto-
gether untruly represented by those who de-
scribed it as "a hideous wilderness, possessed
with barbarous Indians ; very cold, sickly, rocky,
' barren, unfit for culture, and like to keep the
sople miserable." So that, in 1631, but about ninety
e said to have come over, and about two hundred and
in 1632.
The French, in pursuance of the treaty of St. Ger-
main, now took possession of Acadia ; in doing which,
they seized some of the effects of the Plymouth people at Penob-
scot. The news of these transactions coming to Boston, much
alarm was felt, and serious troubles anticipated. The fears of the
people here were not a little heightened by the additional news, that
the Cardinal of France had sent over several Priests and Jesuits ;
characters more dreaded by the Fathers of Boston, probably, than any
others, unless he, whom they considered the father of them, might be
an exception.* Governor Winthrop, therefore, " called the
Assistants to Boston, and the Ministers and Captains, and some
other chief men, to advise what was fit to be done." It was agreed
that a fort should be forthwith constructed at Nantasket, and that
begun in Boston should immediately be finished ; that a plantation
should be commenced at Agawam, it being considered " the best place
in the land for tillage and cattle, least an enemy, finding it void,
should take it." John Winthrop, the younger, son of the Governor,
was appointed to conduct the occupation of Agawam ; but he could
Jan. 11
* This terror, or hatred, or both, of every-
thing relating to the Church of Rome, is prom-
inent tliroughout the entire history of the
Fathers of New England ; nor is this at all to
be wondered at, when we reflect upon their
and their fathers' sufferings, as remarked in a
previous page (14G) ; and it may here be
further added, that the spiritual leaders of
the Puritans, men to whom all looked up for
counsel and direction, inculcated, with their
great abilities and the whole weight of their
character, the most illiberal as well as con-
temptuous feelings for all adherents to that
Church. To instance a single example from
one of them, see John Rogers' Tal)ernacle for
the Sun, or Church Discipline, p. 61. 4to.
London, 1G53.
1633.]
FEARS FROM THE FRENCH.
151
Feb. 21.
be allowed only " twelve men out
of the Bay." Others were to be
supplied " at the coming of the
next ships." *
INIeanwhile preparations
had been made to fortify
Nantasket, agreeably to the de-
cision of the authorities above men-
tioned ; and, judging from the com-
pany which now set out to make
preliminary arrangements, it was a
matter of great moment with the
people of Boston. The Governor,
four Assistants, three Ministers, and
eighteen others, set off in three
/7/^ - yf /:::::::> boats for the point to be fortified.
^^yrrt^TX^ Vfy'^^n^fijJ^/^ ^^^ ^ They returned the third day
^^ "^ ' ' after, and reported that they
had abandoned the design, because of the " too great charge," and
the " little use it would be." The hard fare of the company during
the three days probably had some influence upon the decision they
came to ; for doubtless every man of them knew the situation of
Nantasket as well before they went as after. When they set out from
Boston the wind was from the west, and the weather fine, but there
soon came on one of those sudden changes so common here. The wind
hauled into the north-west, and blew a heavy gale, and the cold
became extreme. The party were not prepared for this, but they were
compelled to continue there two nights, " forced to lodge upon the
ground in an open cottage [hovel], upon a little old straw which they
pulled from the thatch." Besides, their provisions failed them, and
they were obliged to eat a poor sort of muscle, which was the best the
place afforded at that time.
French soldiers and priests were indeed to be dreaded, but this com-
* The names of ten only are found recorded.
These were probably all that could then be
found ready to go, or that could be spared.
Their names were
John Winthrop, Jr., John Gage,
Mr. [William] Gierke, Thomas Hardy,
Robert Coles, William Perkins,
Thomas Howlet, Mr. [John] Thorndike,
John Biggs, ■William Sargeant.
At a Court held April 1st, these are entered
as " already gone " to plant at Agawam ; and
it was ordered that none else should go with-
out leave of the Court. — Prince. Gierke and
Coles were among the first freemen, 19 Oct.,
1630. Howlet, Biggs and Gage, were later ;
and the others do not appear to have taken
the oath, at least early. Thorndike returned
to England in 1G68, and died there about 1670,
and was bui-ied in Westminster Abbey. He
was of the family of Thorndike of Great Carl-
ton, in Lincolnshire, and was son of Herbert
Thorndike ; and Herbert, who had a prebend
in Westminster, and of whom remain ample
materials for a biography, was his brother,
which may account for John's being buried in
that Abbey. This Herbert, in his will, proved
15 July, 1672, directed his body to be buried
near his brother John's, whose children he
mentioned, and wished to divert from the
thoughts of returning to New England. From
Paul, son of John Thorndike, by Mary, daugh-
ter of James Patch, are descended those bear-
ing the name in New England, so far as known.
Paul, son of Paul, was the father of Andrew,
who was the father of Israel, the well-known
merchant of our age. — From a MS. pedigree
in the hands of J. W. Thornton, Esq.
152 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1633.
pany no doubt concluded that they could meet them better at Boston
than they could at Nantasket, under such forlorn circumstances as they
had witnessed. They, however, soon learned that the French were
upon no hostile design ; they came to trade and fish upon their newly-
acquired territory.
At the Court now held at Boston, the order prohibiting Mr.
March 4. g^^^^^i^^j. ^^,^^ "exercising his gifts" was reversed, and he
was left free to gather a church. It may, therefore, be very safely
concluded, that the "scandals" causing the former order were truly
scandals* and that actually there was no cause of complaint against
this ancestor of one of the most numerous posterities in the United
States. The members of this Court were the Governor, Deputy,
Ludlow, Endicot, Pynchon, Nowell, Winthrop, Jr., and Bradstreet.
Owing partly to the previous cold and wet summer, and partly to
the long and severe winter just passed, provisions were again scarce in
Boston, and the usual supply had not been received from England.
But, unexpectedly, there arrived from Virginia, in the beginning of
March, a Mr. Stretton, with a vessel loaded with corn ; for which he
found a ready market at ten shillings sterling the bushel.
This was an age of disasters ; but when they had their
^" ' beginning it would be as difficult to determine as it would be
to say when they will end. But this tenth of April was a day of great
sadness and sorrow to many, if not to all the inhabitants of Boston. It
will be remembered, that after Captain P^irce had entertained the
Governor and several others on board his ship in October last, he sailed
for England by way of Virginia. He had a fair run along the coast ;
but, on the second of November, about five in the morning, in or near
latitude 37^", owing to the negligence of one of his mates, whose watch
it was, his ship struck on a shoal, and was cast away near Feak's
Island,! about ten leagues from the Capes of Virginia. There were on
board thirty-eight seamen and passengers, of whom seven of the former
and five of the latter were lost. The ship went to pieces the next day,
and nothing could be saved except a hogshead of beaver, and a few
articles which drifted ashore, of trifling value.
The intelligence of this shipwreck was brought to Boston by Mr.
Hodges, a mate of Captain Peirce, and a letter was received from the
Captain himself at Plymouth, where a considerable part of his cargo
was owned, giving an account of his misfortune ; more in the style of
an " improvement " to an ancient sermon, however, than like the plain
epistle of a hardy mariner. By this letter his friends learned that he
* Though the MS. was perfectly plain, the modern maps, and Mount Feake is known only
printer made this word read sandals on page to the reader of Governor Winthrop 's Journal.
144, ante. How and when an island on the coast of Vir-
_ t Some of our ancestors seem to have had a ginia received the name, I have not thought
dispositiontoperpetuate their names, or others worth the pains of inquiry. In Cromwell's
had for them, by conferring them upon hills, time, there was a " Mr. Feaks " who had the
islands, &c. With regard to the name of honor to preach before the Lord Mayor of
Feake, there has been rather a failure ; for London on some occasions.
Fcako's island has disappeared, at least from
1633.] LOCUSTS. CAPTAIN STONE. 153
had lost "his whole estate for the most part," and that they had lost
what they had ventured, even their books of accounts ; but nothing is
said about the people and passengers that were drowned, about which
all contemporary accounts are also entirely silent, further than these
pages witness.* It was nine days after the ship was cast away before
the survivors could find any English on the coast, during which time
their sufferings were exceedingly great.
In the course of the month of May, two ships arrived with important
freights at Boston, the William and Jane,t Captain Burdock. He had
thirty passengers, " and ten cows or more." His voyage was accom-
plished from London hence in six weeks. The name of the other ship
was the Mary and Jane, Captain Rose ; she was one week longer than
the other on her passage. In her came one hundred and ninety-six
passengers. Two children had died by the way. In this ship came
Mr. William Coddington and his lady, whom he had lately married.
The time for the meeting of the General Court having arrived,
^^ " ' there were present the Governor, Deputy, Treasurer (Pynchon),
No well, Coddington, Winthrop, Jr., Bradstreet. The Court proceeded,
by erection of hands, to a choice of officers, and Mr. Winthrop was
elected Governor, Mr. Dudley Deputy Governor, Mr. Roger Ludlow,
Mr. Endicott, Mr. Pynchon, Mr. Coddington, Mr. Nowell, Mr. Win-
throp, Jr., Mr. Bradstreet, Sir Richard Saltonstall, and Mr. Humfrey,
Assistants, for the ensuing year.
Notice is taken by the early writers of the appearance this spring,
"especially all the month of May," of innumerable "great sort of
flies, like for bigness to wasps or humble-bees, which come out of holes
in the ground, eat the green things, and make such a constant yelling
noise as all the woods ring of them, and deafens the hearers." These
" flies " were a species of locust, and this was their first appearance to
the English settlers, concerning which they were ready to adopt the
superstitious belief of the Indians, " that their appearance portended
a great time of sickness ;" not thinking that any other occurrence
might as well bear the same interpretation, and that what always had
happened through all time reached by history, would, in all likelihood,
occur again.
^ Considerable disturbance was occasioned upon the arrival of
Captain John Stone from Connecticut river. He had put in
there on his way to Boston from Virginia. While he lay there, at the
Dutch plantation, a pinnace came in from Plymouth. It is well known
to the readers of New England history, that about this time a difficulty
existed between the Dutch of New Netherlands and Plymouth Colony,
about the right to territory on that river, though a more trifling affiiir
appears to have occasioned the present difficulty. Stone and the
Dutch governor had been free with liquor, and in that state the former
* Captain Peirce's letter maybe seen entire f So Winthrop, i. 102; but Prince, out of
in Prince, 428, neiv edition, or vol. ii. 87, 88, Bradford, read " William and John."
old edition. It was dated 25 Dec., 1032, and
was received at Plymouth 7 April, following.
20
154 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1633.
complained of an insult from the Plymouth people against his country-
men of Virginia ; whereupon, with the approbation of the Dutch
Governor of the place, Stone seized the Plymouth vessel, but did not
keep it long. The next day, having become sober, Stone and the
Governor, upon reflection, concluding they had committed an act which
might cause them trouble, made up the matter with the Plymouth
captain ; and here the affair they expected would end. But Stone had
not been at Boston long, before Captain Standish appeared in town,
and proceeded to prosecute him for piracy. He was bound over to
appear in the Court of Admiralty in England. The Governor and
Council at Boston, understanding the extent of Stone's offence, wisely
persuaded the complainants, that as no piracy could be made out of
the case, and that to carry it to England " would turn to their reproach,"
to take no further steps in the matter ; which, with some reluctance,
they consented to do.
Captain Stone was a useful man in the line of his profession, but
withal of rather a reckless temperament. But, so far as his character
can be decided upon at this day, his improprieties were principally
occasioned by intemperate habits. He was an early trader along the
coast, and at this time brought " cows and some salt in his small ship "
to Boston. He met a melancholy fate the following year, as will be
seen in its order of time.*
The ship Elizabeth Bonadventure, from Yarmouth, Captain
Graves, arrives with ninety-five passengers, after a passage of
six weeks. She brought, also, thirty-four " Dutch sheep and two
mares." Of the sheep " above forty" were lost on the voyage ; but
Jun 19 ^^'^^y passenger came safe. A thanksgiving was appointed by
the Authorities on the eleventh of the month, which is observed
*' in all the congregations," for their delivery from their enemies, and
for the safe arrival of their friends.
j^j 2 Among other orders of a Court now in session, one was,
" that the ground lying betwixt the North river, on the north
side of Mr. Maverick's, and so vp into the country, shall belong to the
inhabitants of Charlestowne." Another was, that Governor Winthrop
"should have, towards his charges this year, one hundred and fifty
* Under date of 12 Sept., 1G33, Winthrop of was committed when " he was in drink,"'
records that Stone " carried himself very dis- rendered a verdict " ignoramus ; " a very right-
solutely in drawing company to drink, kc. ;" eous judgment, no one can deny, namely, that
and that for certain alleged conduct "with a drunken man is a fool. However, " for his
the wife of one Barcroft " [since Bancroft], he other misdemeanors he was fined £100 ;" but,
was proceeded against, and " his pinnace instead of exacting the fine, the Court ordered
stayed, which was ready to sail;" where- him to leave the jurisdiction, and, " upon pain
upon he went to Mr. Ludlow, who had issued of death, to come no more here," &c. If the
the warrant, and gave him abusive language, curious reader desires to know other parti-
At this Ludlow " raised some company," took culars of Stone's offence, he may consult Hub-
Inm into custody, and carried him before the bard's His(. of Neio Eng. 156. According to
Governor, who ordered him to be put in irons, Morton, 175, " Capt. Stone had sometimes
and to await the decision of the Court. His lived at [St.] Christopher's, in the West In-
irons, however, were taken off the same day. dies ;" of whom, he says, " I have nothing to
At the Court, the " great jury," being doubt- speak in the way of commendation, but rather
less satisfied that the impropriety complained the contrary."
1633.] TRADING AT THE CONNECTICUT. 155
pounds." A man, for being drunk "on the Sabbath day" at Marble-
head,* is fined thirty shillings. No person to be allowed to sell strong
water to an Indian, without leave of the Governor, " Any man
allowed to kill any swine that comes into his corn, but the owner may
have the swine, if he pay the damage."
The Authorities of Plymouth having fixed upon making a trading es-
tablishment on Connecticut river, the people of Boston proposed to them
to take a part in it. They entertained the proposition favorably, and a
j^j j^ meeting of those interested was held here to organize a com-
pany to carry out the measure. Governor Winslow and Mr.
Bradford attended on the part of Plymouth ; but, after six days' stay at
Boston, they returned without effecting the object. The Boston
gentlemen had somehow or other previously ascertained that the object
was in no wise a practicable one, as there were, they argued, three or
four thousand hostile Indians in the vicinity, and insuperable obstacles
in the river itself, as shoals, bars, and ice. At first view these objec-
tions seem plausible enough, taking the want of a thorough knowledge
of the country into account, under which they may reasonably be sup-
posed to have labored. But when it is known that, not long after,
they took possession of the same territory themselves, there may be a
suspicion, very honestly entertained, that the decision against uniting
with Plymouth was dictated by a disposition to overreach their neigh-
bors ; or, as would be said in modern times, their decision was " based
upon political considerations."!
j^j ^^ A ship came in from Weymouth. She had about eighty
" -^ " ■ passengers on board. Having sprung a leak, she was forced to
put into the Western Islands, where she lay three weeks. Owing to
the " continual rain and extremity of the heat," sickness broke out
among the passengers, which resulted in the death of several. Who
they were, or what their condition, no record remains ; thus it is in
almost all such cases recorded in the early annals. Had there been
any " of rank " among them, their names would doubtless have found a
place in history ; but they were probably the poor and destitute of the
company, — the "forlorn hope" of a great empire, — whose names,
like their bodies, lie hid beneath the waves of the Atlantic Ocean !
" Remarkable Providences" are everywhere to be met with in the
age of the infancy of Boston ; accidents and events, whether calami-
tous or fortunate, were regarded as special manifestations of the Deity
* Hitherto called Marbleharbor in the rec- went up the said river and reared their said
ords. — Prince. house, and fenced about with a palisado,
f We may suppose that Mr. Morton speaks which was done with great difficulty, not only
the sentiment of the Plymouth people with of the Dutch but also of the Indians ; not-
regard to this transaction in what follows, withstanding, the place they possessed them-
frora his Memorial, p. 172, ed. Davis. After selves of was such as the Dutch had nothing
stating that the Massachusetts men " cast in to do with, and likewise was bought of the
the way many fears of danger and loss, and Indians which they carried with them. And
did not proceed therein," concludes : "Where- this was Plymouth's entrance there, who de-
upon those of Plymouth went alone, and pre- served to have held it, and not by friends
pared a frame of an house, and stowed it into [Massachusetts] have been thrust out, as in a
a bark, ready to rear at their landing, and sort they afterwards were."
156 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1633.
to those whom such providence immediately affected. At this period
two men w^ere drowned in the harbor, under circumstances
"^"^ ■ which caused particular notice to be taken of it by Governor
Winthrop in his Journal.* Their names are not mentioned, but they
were the " servants," or men in the employ, of John Moody of Rox-
bury. They went " in a boat to the Oyster bank" on the previous
evening ; but this " morning early, when the tide was out, leaving their
boat unfastened on the verge of the channel, the tide quickly carried it
beyond their reach, and they are both drowned, although they might
have Avaded out on either side ; but it was an evident judgement of
God upon them." t This was unquestionably the sincere belief of
Winthrop, because one of the men, he says, " a little before, being
reproved for his " conduct, and reminded that he was in danger of hell-
fire, answered, " that if Hell were ten times hotter, he had rather be
there" than in his present service. For this foolish expression, and
perhaps a reckless disrespect for himself, it was honestly believed by
his religious and virtuous cotemporaries, that he had been thus cut off
and sent to everlasting misery.
A " great scarcity of corn" is noticed this autumn, " by reason,"
says Winthrop, " of the spoil our hogs had made at harvest ; there
being no acorns ; yet people lived well with fish and the fruit of their
-^ gardens." This scarcity caused the Court to order that " no
man should give his hogs any corn, but such as, being viewed
by two or three neighbors, shall be judged unfit for man's meat ; that
every plantation shall agree how many swine every person may keep,
winter and summer." These orders were to take effect ten days after
they were made. Such minute and fatherly legislation can scarcely be
conceivett of in this age, and, were it not well attested by the legis-
lators themselves, it might be viewed as a fiction.
A small ship, of about sixty tons, was built this year at Medford,
and named the Rebecca. She is often mentioned in the business of the
"Bay for several succeeding years, and was probably principally owned in
Boston. Her first voyage mentioned is to Narraganset Bay, to receive
a thousand bushels of corn of the Indians, which they had promised to
* By what rule or ordeal the Annotator of an account of both has recently been published
Winthrop charges a particular belief of our in the New Eng. Historical and Gen. Register.
fathers as a vice, it might be difficult for him — See vol. v. p. 375, &c. This note ip made
to explain. Some, we apprehend, will more simply to bear testimony to the merits of a
justly charge, that he has fallen into precisely most ingenious author, and to apprize the
the same vice when he asserts that certain reader that this Sun of history no longer
"judgments" favored one party or sect more shines upon us. He will be further noticed
than another. when we come down to the period in which
■f Thus far in this history I have had the he lived. The following facsimile is copied
aid and light of the Sun of New England his- from an autograph letter, and was his usual
tory ; nor will the attentive reader need be closing salutation,
told that I refer to the Rev. Thomas Prince,
who truly is, to all that went before him, as t/c/^j^i y\A^ H yck-^ctAill
the sun to the stars. His New England Chro-
nology, in the Form of Annals, Is a model ^^^^ //^ Lv^^uviT
work, which nothing ever can supply the place '^
of. It is unnecessary here to say anything /^ Cj
further relative to the author or his work, aa ( ^ ^''^^^v
1633.] ARRIVAL OF MR. JOHN COTTON. 157
give Mr. John Oldham ; but she returned with five hundred bushels
only, that being all the Indians could spare, as " their store was less
than they expected." The same year she was sent on a voyage to
England. The next year, 1635, she was employed coastwise ; and, in
1636, she brought " 30,000 weight of potatoes from Bermuda," besides
" store of oranges and limes."
CHAPTER XVIII.
Arrival of Mr. John Cotton. — Mr; Hooker. — Mr. Stone. — Mr. Peirce. — Mr. Haynea. — Family of
Cotton. — Neglect of Family Pedigrees. — Cotton's Career. — His Cotemporaries in England. —
— Dr. Sibbs. — Dr. Preston. — Mr. Perkins. — Cotton's Marriage. — A Second Marriage. —
Mr. Thomas Leverett. — Cotton is informed against, and flies from Boston to London in disguise.
— Here converts Dr. Goodwin, Mr. Nye, Mr. Davenport. — Determines to come to New England.
— His Voyage. — Son Sea-born. — Invitations to Settle. — His Ordination. — Mr. Hooker and
Mr. Stone. — Ordained at Newtown. — The Ship Bird arrives. — Oldham's Journey to Connecti-
cut. — Workmen's Wages regulated. — Association of Ministers. — Trouble about the Fort in
Boston. — Small-pox moi'tal among the Indians.
THE arrival of Mr. John Cotton at Boston marks an
important era in its history. But it was not his
arrival alone ; there came with him, at the same time,
some of the best and ablest men that had hitherto set
feet on these shores. Their arrival is thus recorded
by Governor Winthrop, the man who was then on the
spot to receive and welcome them.
" The Grififm, a ship of three hundred tons, arrived,
having been eight weeks from the Downs. This ship was
^ ■ ' brought [piloted] in by John Gallop, a new way, by Lovell's
Island, at low water, now called Griffin's Gap. She brought about two
hundred passengers, having lost some four ; whereof one was drowned
two days before, as he was casting forth a line to take mackerel. In
this ship came Mr. Cotton, Mr. Hooker, and Mr. Stone, ministers, and
Mr. Peirce, Mr. Haynes (a gentleman of great estate), Mr. Hoffe, and
many other men of good estates. They got out of England with much
difficulty, all places being belaid to have taken Mr. Cotton and Mr.
Hooker, who had been long sought for to have been brought into the
high commission ; but the Master being bound to touch at the [Isle of]
Wight, the Pursuivants attended there, and, in the mean time, the said
ministers were taken in at the Downs. Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone
went presently to Newtown, where they were to be entertained, and
Mr. Cotton stayed at Boston."
The family to which Mr. Cotton belonged may be easily traced to a
high antiquity,* and it was long ago widely spread over England. He
* "About the latter end of Edward III." ter and heir of Walter de Rid ware of Hampstall-
(1371), says Guillim, in his Banner Displayed, Ridware in the County of Stafford, had a son
William Cotton, having married Agnes, daugh- John, who laid oif the ancient arms of Cotton
158
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1633.
was born in the town of Derby, and in the county of the same name.
His father's name was Rowland Cotton,* a lawyer of some note,! and
the Christian name, Rowland, was long, if not to the present time,
perpetuated both in Old and New England. It is often difficult to
trace the ancestry of even very distinguished men, because, being
younger sons of younger sons, their hope of ever becoming heirs to a
remote progenitor is not strong enough to cause them to preserve their
pedigree ; while their older relatives neglect the younger branches of
the family tree from another and more apparent motive.
Mr. John Cotton was born in 1585, entered Trinity College, Cam-
bridge, 1598, being then but twelve years of age. He soon became
noted for his acquirements, and was admitted to the degree of Master
of Arts in 1606. Soon after, he received the appointment of head
lecturer, dean, and catechist, of Emmanuel College. Such was the
brilliancy with which he discharged his duties, and such were the
mildness and gentleness of his temper, that he was greatly beloved by
the students. In 1608 he gained great applause by a sermon which he
delivered in the Church of the University, and, among others, attracted
the attention of Dr. Richard Sibbs and Dr. John Preston, men whose
works soon after moved the whole age of the Puritans.J
and adopted that of Ridware, That of Cotton
was, Argent, a bend sable between three pel-
lets ; while that adopted was Azure, an eagle
displayed argent. \Vhen Weever wrote his
Antient Funeral Monuments (in 1631), he saw
a pedigree of the Cottons in possession of Ed-
mund Cotton, Esq., of Necton Hall in Bramble
Barton, alias Barton magna juxta Bury St.
Edmunds, about which he says, " The antient
seat of the Cottons in Cambridgeshire is Lan-
wade-h.'iU ; many descents were higher, and
before the father to the elder Sir John Cotton,
Knt., Avho died near the beginning of Queen
Elizabeth. This Sir John being the elder, had
three brothers, whereof Edmund was the third
from Sir John aforesaid, and sisters they had,
&c. This elder Sir John had one son called
by his father's name. Sir John Cotton, Knt.,
who, dying in the time of King James, left to
inherit his estate, the only son," by Anne,
daughter of Sir Richard Hoghton of Hoghton
tower in the County of Lancaster, living in
1631, also named John. Edmund Cotton, the
third brother above mentioned, married Ela,
daughter and heiress of John Coniers, the
only son of Robert Coniers, Knt., nearly allied
to Lord Coniers of Hornby Castle, County of
Richmond. This Edmund Cotton " had divers
children " by his wife, Ela. George was his
eldest son, " who had issue many children,"
of whom Edmund was the eldest, who, " in
like manner, had issue, divers sons and daugh-
ters," whose oldest son and heir was Edmund
of Necton Hall, above mentioned, v^ho fur-
nished Weever with the funnily pedigree. It is
to a branch of this family of Cotton, that John
Cotton of Boston is believed to belong. But
the means of showing to which branch is not
known to be in this country.
* There was a Sir Rowland Cotton, SheriflF
of Shropshire, 1616. Admiral Rowland Cot-
ton died at Plymouth, Eng., 1794,
f " Our John Cotton," says his grandson,
Dr. Cotton Mather, " besides the advantage
of his Christian profession, had a descent from
honorable progenitors, to render him doubly
honorable. His immediate progenitors being
by some injustice deprived of great revenues,
his father, Mr. Rowland Cotton, had the edu-
cation of a lawyer, bestowed by his friends
upon him, in hopes of his being the better
capacitated thereby to recover the estate where-
of his flimily had been wronged." — Magnalia,
B. iii. 14.
X Dr. Sibbs was a friend of, and intimate
with, many of the fathers of New England.
His name with that of our John Davenport is
signed to several prefaces of the old Puritan
quartos. They accompanied some of Dr. Pres-
ton's works: "The Saints Daily Exercise,"
now before me, is one. I have also before me,
" Two Sermons " of his, in a 4to tract,
" Preached to the honourable Society of Grayes
Inne, lune the 21 and 28, 1G35. Who the
next Lord's day following, died, and rested
from all his labours." A knowledge of these
sermons would have been important to Mr.
Neal, who places his birth in 1579, at Sud-
bury in Suffolk. Mr. Neal, and those who have
followed him in their accounts of Dr. Sibbs,
write his name Sibbes ; but in the titles of all
his books which I have seen (and they are
many) his name is printed Sibbs.
1633.] cotton's marriage. 159
It was under the preaching of the Reverend Mr. William Perkins,*
a strict follower of Calvin, that he became convinced of the errors of
the Established Church ; " but he for a time resisted and smothered
those convictions, through a vain persuasion that if he became a godly-
man it would spoil him for being a learned one ;" and while he could
not forego his attendance on such preaching, from his great natural
love of truth, yet, " when he heard the bell toll for the funeral of
Mr. Perkins, his mind secretly rejoiced in his deliverance. But Dr.
Sibbs completed the work which Mr. Perkins had begun upon the
youthful mind of Cotton. For a remembrance of which, and his thank-
fulness to Dr. Sibbs, he procured his portrait, which "he placed in
that part of his house where he might oftenest look upon it."
Mr. Cotton had become somewhat obnoxious to many on account of
the change in his principles before leaving the University ; and he was
elected to settle at Boston only by a mistake of the Mayor, who voted
for, while he intended to have voted against, him. Probably few, if
any others, could have been found, who, under such circumstances,
would have held a place so long as Mr. Cotton did his at Old Boston ;
but he had a most happy way of dealing with his opposers, whom he
would often silence without offending. Thus he was continued in his
ofl&ce for what, in these days, would be considered a very long term of
years.
Soon after Mr. Cotton was settled at Boston, " his dear friend, holy
Mr. Bayns," recommended a lady to him, whom subsequently he mar-
ried ; " one Mrs.f Elizabeth Horrocks, the sister of Mr. James Hor-
rocks, a famous minister in Lancashire." On the day of his marriage
he said, and no doubt truly, that " he first received the assurance " of
his spiritual redemption ; and hence it was a day of double marriage to
him. With his first wife he lived eighteen years. She was then taken
off by a sickness which likewise severely afflicted her husband, and
incapacitated him from performing his ministerial duties a year or
more ; and within the compass of about a year he married a second
wife, " one Mrs. Sarah Story, a vertuous widow, very dear to his
former wife." He had all his children by this lady.
The storm which eventually burst upon the head of Mr. Cotton had
been some time in gathering ; and though delayed by '* the discretion
and vigilance of jSIr. Thomas Leverett| (afterwards a doubly-honored
elder of the Church in another land), yet, when the sins of the place
had ripened it," he saw no other safety but such as flight might
afford. Complaint being entered at the High Commissioned Court that
"the Magistrates did not kneel at the Sacrament," and that some
* Though Mr. Perkins died at the early age | Mr. Leverett was an Alderman of Old
of forty-six (in the year 1602), yet he found time Boston, and came to New England with Mr.
to compose works, which it takes three pon- Cotton. He was the father of Governor John
derous folios to contain. Leverett, who came with his fiither to Boston,
t Writers in Dr. Cotton Mather's time had at the age of about 17. The Christian name
not generally adopted the distinction since of his wife only is known. — See N. Eng.
made between Mrs. and Miss. Hist, and Gen. Reg. iv. 121, &c.
160 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1633.
other ceremonies were unobserved also, " letters missive were de-
spatched incontinently to convent Mr. Cotton " before that " infamous "
Court. When Mr. John Rogers of Dedham heard that Mr. Cotton had
been thus brought into trouble, " he spoke of it in his sermon with just
lamentation," and predicted that the informer would " die under an
hedge, or something else, more than the ordinary death of men, should
befal him ;" and this fate, it is related, actually happened to the
" debauched" informer.*
Therefore, to escape " a perpetual imprisonment, as had already
murdered such men as Bates and Udal, he concealed himself as well as
he could from the raging Pursevants." Meantime application was
made to the Earl of Dorset, to fulfil some engagement of protection
which he had formerly made for Mr. Cotton ; but, from some inter-
ference from the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl returned answer,
" that if Mr. Cotton had been guilty of drunkenness or uncleanness, or
any such lesser fault, he could have obtained his pardon ; but, inasmuch
as he had been guilty of Nonconformity and Puritanism, the crime was
unpardonable, and therefore he must fly for his safety."
Accordingly Mr. Cotton travelled in disguise to London, and there
concealed himself. Up to this time he had not fixed upon New
England as a place of exile. In London he had intercourse with
several " conforming" ministers, whose conformity was, as they viewed
it, a necessary deception, and they endeavored to induce Mr. Cotton
to conform in the same manner. They therefore held a friendly con-
ference with him upon the subject, in which the matter was freely
debated. The arguments of Mr. By field, Mr. Whately, and Mr. Sprint
were brought forward by Mr. Cotton's friends as unanswerable ; but,
when he replied to them, " the issue whereof was, that instead of
bringing Mr. Cotton back to what he had now forsaken, he brought
them off altogether from what they had hitherto practised ; every one
of those eminent persons, Dr. Goodwin, Mr. Nye, and Mr. Davenport,
now became all he was, and at last left the kingdom for their being
so." f
* This was noted at or near the time of its Rogers of Dedham, mentioned in the text, and
occurrence by Mr. Nathaniel Rogers; which settled in Ipswich, N. Eng., 1636.
ia the original MS. record is still preserved, f There is yet a conjecture among some
in a branch of the Rogers family in New Eng- antiquaries, that Mr. Goodwin may have come
land. It is contained, with a great many to New England ; as, by the above passage
other reminiscences, in a very small MS. from the Magnalia, it is certain he left Eng-
volume, procured for me by my' friend J. H. land ; but Mr. Neal, in his Hist, of the Puri-
FoGG, M. D., of South Boston, about three tans, ii. 716 (ed. 4°. 1754), clearly shows that
years since. The record is as follows : — " he went into Holland, and became pastor
" A Joyner y' was y« principall Persecute of of an independent congregation at Arnheim.
Mr. Cotton and his people of Boston, w^by y' He went in 1639, and returned about the be-
Congreg: was so broken and changed, dyed ginning of the Long Parliament." He was in
(1637) under an hedge of y« plague ; it strik- great favor with the Protector, whom he at-
ing first into his house, of all y« town, and at tended on his death-bed. He died in 1679-80,
length vpo himself, who in a rage went out in the eightieth year of his age. There was an
and sate him [down] and dyed." The account edition of his works in 5 vols, folio, the third
in the Magnaha does not materially differ from of which, now by me, is dated 1683. I sup-
this ; the author may have had his account pose it is to this Dr. Thomas Goodwin tliat
from Mr. Rogers, who was a son of Mr. John " Mr. lohn Lawrence " refers in his preface
1633.]
MR. JOHN COTTON.
161
After determining in his own mind between Holland, Barbadoes, and
New England, he set sail for the latter place. In this decision he was
doubtless influenced very much by the pressing invitations of friends
here, and " letters procured from the Church of Boston, by Mr. Win-
throp, the Governor of the Colony."
It has been very happily observed, " that the God that had carried
him through the fire of persecution was now graciously with him in his
passage through the water of the Atlantic Ocean, and he enjoyed a
comfortable voyage over the great and wide sea." His arrival was
hailed with exceeding joy by the "poor people in this wilderness ; "
who used to say of him, and the other two who came with him, that
now their great necessities were supplied, " for they had cotton for
their clothing, hooker for their fishing, and stone for their building." *
During the voyage of the Griffin, Mrs. Cotton was delivered of a son,
to whom was given the name of Seaborn, and this was his first child.
Arrived now in " New Boston," the history of the city becomes iden-
tified with that of Cotton,! and they must of necessity be continued
together. " The new place of his adoption, especially upon the holy
wisdom, conduct, and credit of our Mr. Cotton, upon some accounts of
growth, came to exceed Old Boston in everything that renders a town
to his " Golden Trvnipet sounded at Pauls
Cross," 1624, when he says, " I wish to live
to requite some part of your courtesies," &c.
There was a Mr. John Goodwin, a contempo-
rary of Dr. Thomas. He had a large family,
some of whom may have come to this country.
Like Dr. Thomas, he was a learned Divine,
and was the author of several works ; one, now
before me, entitled " The Divine Authority of
the Scriptures Asserted," 4°. London, 1048,
is accompanied by his " Efigie," from which
his age is learned, namelj^, 47 in 164L He
wrote a book in defence of the execution of the
king, which, after the Restoration, experienced
the honor of being burnt with that of Milton's
upon the same subject. Cotton's " Keys of the
Kingdom of Heaven," London, 1644, was
" published by Thomas Goodwin and Philip
Nye." That famous work by Mr. Jere-
miah Burroughs, " Gospel Reconciliation ; or,
Christ's Trumpet of Peace to the World,'' was
"Published (with a Testimony) by Thomas
Goodwin, William Bridge, William Greenhil,
Sydrach Sympson, Philip Nye, John Yates,
and William Adderley." Peter Cole was the
" Printer and Bookseller," who advertised, in
1657, " Eleven new books of Mr. Thomas
Hooker, made in New England, attested in an
epistle by Mr. Thomas Goodwin, and Mr.
Philip Nye," and many other works by N.
Eng. men, as Ward, Eliot, Mayhew, Stone,
&c.
* Joshua Scottow was the first I have met
with who published this play upon these
names ; but Mather, from whom the text is
21
taken, leaves out his grandfather Mather's
name. " A quaternion," says Scottow, " viz.,
Mr. Cotton, eminent for spiritual clothing,
and Mather for celestial dying. Hooker for
soul fishing, and Stone for building up in the
holy faith." — Narrative, &c., 23.
f There have been many lives of Mr. Cotton
printed, all, or nearly all, of which are based
upon that excellent piece of biography of him
in the Magnalia; of which it may not be too
much to say, perhaps, that it is the best in
that curious work. Norton's life of him is of
no value in point of fact, or very little indeed.
It is, probably, all its author intended it to
be, a work to perpetuate the Christian prin-
ciples of this eminent flither. A very excel-
lent pedigree of the Cotton fiimily may be
seen in the first volume of the New Eng. Hist,
and Gen. Register, prepared by Mr. J. Win-
gate Thornton. In another work, not yet
published, the same gentleman notes the fol-
lowing families descended from Cotton : —
" BvLES, Brooks, Bradbury, Bourne, Gush-
ing, Everett, Frothingham, Grant, Gookin,
Hale, Jackson, Lee, Mather, Swett, Storer,
Thaver, Thornton, Tufts, Tracy, Upham,
Walter, Williams, Whiting, and many
others."
On
162 HISTORY- OP BOSTON. [1633,
considerable." This, though in a strain of highly- wrought eulogy, is
adopted by the sober judgment of other and later writers.*
After about a month Mr. Cotton w^as ordained teacher of the
First Church ; and*, at the same time, Mr. Thomas Leverett
was chosen a Ruling Elder, and Mr. Giles Firmin f was chosen Deacon.
On the occasion of the ordination of Mr. Cotton, besides the " impo-
sition of hands," the people were notified that they might sanction by
their election the choice of the Teacher ; or, in the words of one of the
chief of the performers J at the ordination, " he was chosen by all the
Congregation testifying their consent by erection of hands." The
same informer proceeds to describe the ceremonies at this early ordina-
tion, in these words: — " Then Mr. Wilson, the Pastor, demanded of
him, if he did accept of that call ? He paused, and then spake to this
effect ; that, howsoever he knew himself unworth and unsufficient for
that place, yet, having observed all the passages of God's providence
(which he reckoned up in particular) in calling him to it, he could not
but accept it. Then the Pastor and the two Elders laid their hands
upon his head, and the Pastor prayed ; and then, taking off" their
hands, laid them on again ; and, speaking to him by his name, they
did thenceforth design him to the said office, in the name of the Holy
Ghost, and did give him the charge of the Congregation, and did
thereby (as a sign from God) endue him with the gifts fit for his office,
and, lastly, did bless him. Then the neighboring ministers which
were present did (at the Pastor's motion) give him the right hands of
fellowship, and the Pastor made a stipulation between him and the
Congregation." § Thus it was that Mr. Cotton came into his minis-
terial office in Boston, and thus are the peculiar exercises circum-
stantially detailed, which cannot fail to be gratifying to all those of
succeeding generations who would know their obligations to the early
fathers.
The next day, after the imposing ceremonies by which Mr.
Cotton was placed at the head of the Church of Boston, there
was a great assemblage at Newtown, from all the settlements adjacent,
for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone at that place,
which was done " in such a manner as before at Boston ; " the former
* Hubbard calls him " that miracle of several valuable facts of a genealogical char-
learning and meekness." — Hist. N. Eng. 158. acter. This son (of the same Christian name),
Hutchinson says, Cotton is supposed to have who came over with his father, after about
been more instrumental in the settlement of seven years returned to England, and died in
their civil as well as ecclesiastical polity, than 1697, at Ridgwell, in Essex, aged 80 years. --
any other person." Some have gone much Calamy, i. 517, &c., where there is a partic-
further than this ; that " liis suggestions and ular account of him. Deacon Giles Firmiu
recommendations in the. pulpit were observed died before 6 Oct., 1634.
and adopted by the Church, while the magis- t Winthrop, Journal, i. 114.
trates were ready to adopt his private political \ Winthrop, i. 6. Hutchinson says, " The
counsels as the law of the land." — See Eliot, circumstances and order of proceeding in Mr.
Hist. First Church, 21. Cotton's ordination were intended as a pre-
f Father of the author of that well-known cedent, and the congregational churches in
work (to the last generation), "The Real New England have generally conformed thereto
Christian ;" in the preface to which there are ever since." — Hist. Mass. i. 34.
1633.] WAGES. MERCHANDISE. 163
as Pastor, and the latter as Teacher. At this ordination the gentlemen
of Boston performed a conspicuous part.
g^ ^ ^ The same day that the Griffin arrived, arrived also the ship
Bird, Captain Yates. She brought passengers, but how many
is not known ; she likewise brought some cows and four mares. She
had a boisterous voyage, was driven far to the north, and was nearly
three times as long at sea as the Griffin. Whence she sailed is not
mentioned.
Meantime the adventurous John Oldham, with only three attendants,
travelled by land from Boston to Connecticut. He followed the paths
of the Indians all the way, and lodged with them in their huts by
night ; all of them treating him with kindness, and the Sachems
making presents of beaver, in exchange probably for trifles. At his
return he brought some hemp, '' much better than the English, which
grew there in great abundance ;" also " some black lead, whereof the
Indians told him there was a whole rock."
Oct 10 "^^ ^^^ arrival of the ship James at Salem, Master Graves, a
considerable accession was made to the inhabitants of Boston.
The same ship, with the same commander, had been here before ; and
then, as now, the time occupied in the voyage was eight weeks. He
sailed from Gravesend, and, of his eighty passengers, twenty were for
Boston, " and some sixty cattle."
The wages of workmen is this year again made an object of legis-
lation, as also was merchandise. Three shillings a day for a carpenter,
and two shillings and sixpence for a laborer, were thought to be
" excessive rates," and the trader who charged for his goods double
their cost in England was considered exorbitant ; therefore the Court
ordered that " carpenters, masons, &c.," should take but two shillings
a day, and laborers but eighteen pence, and that no commodity should
be sold at above four pence in the shilling more than it cost for ready
money in England." One of the reasons urged for this order may
excite a smile at this day, and amazement a hundred years hence. It
was said that by such high wages many could earn enough in four days
to keep them a week, consequently they had two days to spend in
idleness ! That this promoted indulgence in the use of tobacco and
liquor, " which was a great waste to the Commonwealth." That, as
the course of things had been, corn was now at six shillings the bushel,
a cow at twenty pounds, some twenty-four, and some even twenty-six
pounds ; a mare thirty-five pounds, an ewe-goat from three to four
pounds, &c.
There was a custom adopted this year, among the ministers, of
meeting at each other's houses for the purpose of discussing questions
of moment. These meetings have been considered by some * as the
origin of the " Boston Association of Congregational Ministers."
* See Emerson's Hist. First Church, 20, 21. for prayer, theological discussion, and social
This Association "continues, every second intercourse." — Hist. Mass. \. ^'^.
Monday, in the afternoon, to hold a meeting
164 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1633.
Some part of the work appointed to be clone on the fort in Boston
yet remained undone,* owing, it appears, to the neglect of the people
of Salem, Newtown, and Saugus, to do the parts allotted to them.
The Newtown people had been " warned," but Mr. Dudley " would
not sulFer them to come, neither did he acquaint the Governor with the
cause." But the "cause" was, "that Salem and Saugus had not
brought in money for their parts." When this was understood by the
Governor, he wrote the Deputy a letter, stating the intent of the Court
to be, that the work should be done by those in the Bay, and that the
money assessed on the Salem and Saugus men was for another purpose.
On receipt of this explanatory letter, Mr. Dudley wrote an answer, and
despatched Mr. Haynes and Mr. Hooker with it to the Governor, who
Avere authorized to treat upon the matter. On opening the Deputy's
letter, the Governor found it "full of bitterness and resolution not to
send till Salem had done its part." Mr. Winthrop returned the letter
to Mr. Hooker, saying, " he would not keep such an occasion of pro-
vocation by him." A little time before this, Dudley had proposed to
buy "a fat hog or two of Winthrop, being somewhat short of pro-
visions." In this case, certainly, the Governor exercised the virtue of
overcoming evil with good. He sat down and wrote to Dudley,
offering him a hog as a present, and saying he would have sent it
before if he had known when it would have been acceptable to him.
However hoggish Dudley may have felt before the receipt of this letter,
there was not much of that feeling left when he had rea,d it ; for he
immediately returned answer to Winthrop, " that [Winthrop had], in
overcoming himself, overcome him ;" and though he declined receiving
the hog as a present, he would gladly purchase it, " and so very loving
concluded." And thus the affair seems, for the present, at least, to
have ended.
The cold seems to have been severe very early this fall. The
snow was " knee-deep " on the fourth of December, and vessels
were frozen up in the harbors. f At the same time, the small pox was
_ making dreadful ravages among the natives. Sagamore John,
a great friend of the whites, often mentioned before, died on the
fifth of December, and his people died so fast, that Mr. Samuel
Maverick of Winisemet buried above thirty in one day ; for whose
labors to alleviate their sufferings, his name " is worthy of a perpetual
remembrance. Himself, his wife, and servants, went daily to them,
ministered to their necessities, and took home many of their children."
The people of the neighboring towns also took many of their children
away, but most of them died soon after. Of all those who assisted the
* In September previous the Authorities of that plantation, because they had yet no
made a requisition that " every hand, except minister. Whilst he was there, December 4,
Magistrates and Ministers, should assist in there fell such a snow (knee deep) as he could
finishino; the fort in Boston." — Snoiv, (jS. not come back for several days, and a boat
f "Mr. Wilson, by leave of the Congre- which went thither was frozen up in the river."
gation of Boston, whereof he was Pastor, — Winthrop, /owr., i. 118. Such weather is
went to Agawam [Ipswich] to teach the people uncommon at this day, so early in December.
1633.] SMALL POX AMONG THE INDIANS. 165
Indians in their sickness, but two white families were infected by it.
At or about the same time, Sagamore James died, and most of his peo-
ple also, of the same disease. It extended to the Pascataqua eastward,
sweeping almost every native in the way.
At what place the small pox broke out first, the writers of the time
do not state, but it was probably at some point to the westward of
Boston, for it is certain that Chikataubat died of this disease about a
month before Sagamore John. He had long been acquainted with the
English ; in 1621 he went to Plymouth, and signed a treaty with the
Pilgrims. The territory over which he was Sachem is not distinctly
bounded ; it extended, probably, from Wessaguscus to Neponset. A
son of his, named Wampatuck, gave a deed of Braintree to the English
in 1665, and a grandson deeded Boston in 1695 ; but of this hereafter.
How far from the sea-board the pestilence spread, no certain informa-
tion appears ; nor is there much certainty how long it continued. It
probably raged as long as there were new subjects for attack. Late in
January, one John Scales returned to Boston from " a place twelve
miles off," where he had been living with a small company of seven
Indians. He reported, that, up to the time of his leaving, four of the
seven had died of the disease. This man had run away from his master,
with whom he had become dissatisfied, and he was now glad to run
away from the Indians. He continued with them, probably, as long as
they could be of service to him, but when his services were required
for their benefit, the case was altered. Such examples have not been
lost from that time to the present.
Some Pequots, who visited Boston several months later, reported that
many of that nation had died of the small pox, and about the same
time it was reported, that, of the great nation of the Narragansets,
seven hundred had died. Also one Hall and two others, who went to
Connecticut in the beginning of November, returned to Boston on the
twentieth of January following, and reported that the small pox ' ' was
gone as far as any Indian plantation was known to the West, and much
people dead of it." These men had been on a trading expedition, but
the sickness ruined their enterprise. Of the Indian children attempted
to be rescued from the malady by the people in and about Boston, all
were dead but three before spring. One of the three had the singular
name of Know God; which Winthrop says was given him because the
Indians made such constant use of this phrase when accosted, " Me
know God." This was a kind of countersign, which doubtless grew
out of the constant importunity of their white brethren, inquiring " if
they knew God ? "
166 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1G34.
CHAPTER XIX.
Murder of Capt. Stone and others. — Market Day appointed. — First Tavern, and Store. — Thursday
Lecture begun. — Lecture against Veils. — Cross cut out of the Colors. — Survey of the Town
ordered. — Representatives fii-st Chosen. — Great increase of Inhabitants. — First Election Sermon.
— John Humfrey. — Mr. Andrew's Gift. — Enemies to the Colony in England. — The Patent de-
manded. — Emigrant Ships stopped at London. — Earl of Warwick. — Preparations for a Fort on
Castle Island. — Some propose to remove to Connecticut. — First Entries on the Records of Boston.
— Description of the first Book. — Origin of Select Men. — Various early Regulations. — The Tri-
angular Warehouse. — Arrival of Eminent Men. — Opposition to the Removal to Connecticut.
THE year now commenced is one of thrilling interest
in the history of New England, and to the people of
Boston especially ; as the centre of all undertakings,
the fountain head of counsel and direction in the
affliirs of the country. This year was committed, or
the knowledge of certain murders first reached Bos-
ton, which finally brought on the war with the
Pequots, and which eventuated in their destruction,
as a nation, or tribe of importance.
Captain John Stone, who had created some dis-
turbance in Boston, the particulars of which have
been detailed, sailed soon after to the eastward. At Agamenticus he
was joined by Captain Walter Norton;* thence, in the autumn of 1633,
he proceeded southward on his way to Virginia, and does not appear to
have been heard from until the following winter. Then news was
brought to Plymouth, that he had been murdered by the Pequots,
as he was in a course of trade with them in the mouth of the
Connecticut River. No steps, however, appear to have been immedi-
ately taken to investigate the affair, nor does it appear that any of the
murdered men belonged to Boston, or any part of the Bay, as the
settlements around the inner harbor were then termed.
Meanwhile the business of Boston progressed, and a regular
' market was judged to be necessary. Accordingly the Court
passed an order for the erection of a Market,! and for its being kept on
Thursdays, on which days the public Lecture was held. At the same
time a tavern was opened by Samuel Cole, and John Coggan opened a
shop of merchandise. This was the first tavern and first shop opened
in Boston. Hitherto every house was a house of entertainment, as well
as a shop or store for the sale of merchandise. It was a long time,
however, before stores became generally separated from houses of resi-
dence.
* Of the Christian name of Capt. Norton, f " Erection of a mercate " is the language
there may be a question ; but from some cir- of Winthrop as rendered by his Editor. The
cumstances I am of the opinion that it is as true meaning I have no doubt is the " estab-
I have given it in the text — Walter. As will lishment" of a Market; for it is not very
be seen in our list of Freemen, Gen. Reg., vol. probable that a building for a market was con-
iii., p. 90, Capt. Walter Norton is among those templated at this early day. As will be seen
recorded 19 Oct., 1630. He probably went from the records hereafter, reference is made
with others, not long after, to Pascataqua. to the " Market Place."
1634.] THURSDAY LECTURE. 167
The Thursday Lecture,* which had its beginning in Boston, soon after
the arrival of Mr. Cotton,! has, with some intermissions, been kept up
until the present generation.| It was an excellent institution, and early
exercised a good influence. Many of the discourses at this lecture were
printed during the last century, and constitute a valuable portion of its
literary history. § At these lectures subjects were sometimes discussed
which were of too secular a nature, as was then thought, for the pulpit
on Sundays. Thus, Mr. Cotton took occasion at one of these early lec-
tures to discuss the propriety of women's wearing veils. Mr.
■ Endicott being present, he spoke in opposition to Mr. Cotton's
views; and, " after some debate, the Governor, perceiving it to grow to
some earnestness, interposed, and so it break off." What effect, if any,
the lecture had to bring the veil into disuse here at that time, no men-
tion is made. But about this time, whether before or after, is not quite
certain, but probably before, Mr. Cotton lectured at Salem on the same
grave question, with great effect. His arguments against veils were so
conclusive to the females of the congregation, that, though they all wore
them in the forenoon, in the afternoon they all came without them.
This may have taken Governor Endicott by surprise, and he may have
come up to Boston to counteract this wholesale, and, as he believed,
unscriptural denunciation of a necessary appendage to the attire of all
modest women, especially, as Mr. Williams and Mr. Skelton had proved
conclusively from Scripture, that it ought to be worn in public assemblies. |1
For females to wear veils, they. maintained, was no badge of superstition,
while the Cross in the King's colors was evidently of that character ;
or so Mr. Endicott considered it, and he forthwith proceeded to cut it
out. Roger Williams is accused of agitating this matter, and there-
fore accountable for the trouble that it occasioned ; and as it was done
in accordance with his views, it was of course condemned by all those
who had denounced him as promulgating heretical doctrines. H Upon
* Under date 11 Dee. , 1G33, Winthrop writes, the Church on that day are almost bare, and con-
" The lectures at Boston and Newtown returned sequently, in winter, extremely cold. Some de-
again to their former course, because the sire its discontinuance ; but, while others are
weather was many times so tedious as people attached to it by old associations, and the com-
could not travel, &c." forts and facilities of brotherly and ministerial
f It may be said rather, that his lectures intercourse which it affords, it is not likely that
were renewed on liis arrival here, for he had it will soon be given up." Vol. xvi. 129.
held such lectures before he left England. See ^ I have never heard of a complete collection
Magnalia, iii. 18. — At the end of two centu- of these, and very much doubt whether one
ries, the Rev. Mr. N. L. Fi-othingham preached could be easily made. Some thirty, only, ex-
a sermon which he entitled, " The Shade of the tending over just one hundred years, 1714 to
Past. — For the Celebration of the Close of the 1814, are in my own collection.
Second Century since the Establishment of the || Dr. Bentley asserts that Mr. Endicott had
Thursday Lecture;''^ and the Rev. Mr. R. C. introduced the practice before the arrival of
Waterston, on the 14 Dec, 1843, preached " A Mr. Williams, and that the latter supported it
Discourse in the First Church on the Occasion more to gratify Mr. Endicott and Mr. Skelton,
of Resuming the Thursday Lecture.'''' See Chr. than that he felt any interest in it himself.
Examiner, March, 1834, and Jan. 1844. But this does not agree exactly with the well-
X " Of late yeai's," says the Christian Ex- known character of Roger Williams, as we un-
aminer, "attendance on the Thursday Lecture derstand it. See Knowles' L'fe Williams, 61.
has dwindled down almost, as it were, to non- T[ His cotemporary, Capt. Scottow, says,
attendance, except on the part of the liberal " This Child of Light walked in darkness about
clergy of Boston and its vicinity. The walls of forty years, yet the root of the matter abode
168
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1634.
ENDICOTT CUTTING OUT THE CROSS.
this Mr. Hubbard sarcastically adds, " What that good man would have
done with the Cross upon his coin, if he had any left, that bore that sign
of superstition, is uncertain." Mr. Endicott cut out the red Cross from
an entire conscientious conviction, that it
was idolatrous to let it remain ; arguing,
and truly, that it had been given to the
King of England by the* Pope ; and that
it was a relic of Antichrist. Mr. Richard
Browne, Ruling Elder of the church of
Watertown, complained of the act to the
Court of Assistants, as a high-handed pro-
ceeding, which might be construed, in
England, into one of rebellion. To con-
clude the account of this matter by antici-
pating the order of events, it may be briefly
stated, that the Court issued an attachment
against Ensign Richard Davenport, then the
ensign-bearer of Salem, whose Colors had
been mutilated, to appear at the next Court.
When that Court came together, which was a year after the Cross was
cut out, " Endicott was judged to be guilty of a great offence ;" inas-
much as he had, " with rash indiscretion, and by his sole authority,"
committed an act, " thereby giving occasion to the Court of England to
think ill of them ;" that, therefore, "he was worthy of admonition, and
should be disabled from bearing any public ofQce for one year."
This affair of the Cross would hardly have been noticed, probably, but
for the opportunity it afforded the people of Boston to punish those of
Salem for their adherence to Roger Williams. And thus early is seen
that spirit of dictation, which has ever since been conspicuous in this
metropolis ; and though it has, in a measure, made it what it is, it also
shows, that, what Boston undertakes, Boston will do.
Meanwhile it probably occurred to the Authorities that they might
delay further proceeding safely for the present ; inasmuch as the same
Authorities " being doubtful of the lawful use of the Cross in an Ensign."
However, when it was thought the time had arrived in which some
excuse should be sent over, and money had been raised to build a fort,
to be employed in case excuses failed, the Governor and Assistants met
and agreed to write to Mr. Downing, their friend in England,
" of the truth of the matter, under all their hands, that, if occa-
sion were, he might show it in their excuse ; for therein they expressed
their dislike of the thing, and their purpose to punish the offenders,
because the fact, as concerning the manner, was very unlawful." That
Winthrop, and perhaps Cotton, were willing to connive at the depreda-
tion on St. George's Cross, is very manifest from several circumstances ;
only one, however, will be mentioned. Winthrop, about the same time,
Nov. 27.
in him : — Thus the Lord disposed of Satan's A Narrative of the Planting of the Mas. Col.,
malice, so he was out-shot in his own bow." — <^c., p. 21.
1634.] FIRST REPRESENTATIVES. 169
offered as great an insult to the King's Calendar, as Endicott had to his
Colors; by utterly rejecting its "heathenish Roman nomenclature;"
without even an apology for his conduct.*
Had there been no fear of a Royal Governor, little would probably
have been heard about a mutilation of the Colors. For not above two
months after this, " all the Ministers except Mr. Ward, of Ipswich, met
at Boston, being requested by the Governor and Assistants," to consider
what they should do, if a General Governor should be sent over ? Also
whether it was lawful to carry the Cross in their Banners ? It was de-
cided that they ought not to accept a General Governor ; and, as to
wearing Crosses in their Banners, they were divided, and were obliged
to defer the matter to another meeting. At that meeting, which was in
the following March, " Mr. Endicott being called to answer," the Court
agreed no better than before ; only it was agreed that for the present
no Colors at all should be used.
A rii 1 ^^^ ^^^ following order was made does not fully appear ; it
^" ' was, that an oath should be administered "to all house-keepers
and sojourners, being twenty years of age and not freemen, and for
making a survey of the houses and lands of all freemen."
Up to this time all the Freemen in the Province had been, or had the
privilege of being, present at the General Courts, and of participating
in making the laws by which they were to be governed. They had now
become so numerous, that the attendance of all was quite impracticable.
This state of things, however, was not contemplated in their Charter,
but the propriety of having a less numerous body to transact the general
business of the Commonwealth could not reasonably be questioned ;
though, according to Mr. Hubbard, the measure occasioned considerable
disturbance, which, by the wisdom and prudence of " some private
gentlemen, the trouble was prevented." Perhaps Mr. Winthrop's
agency to bring about the proposed change may have been a reason that
he was left out of the government, as he was. It was, however, agreed
by concert beforehand, that two deputies from each town should "meet
and consider of such matters as they were to take order in at the" next
General Court.
Mr. Hubbard's plausible pretext for Mr. Winthrop's being
^^ ■ dropped, is thus expressed : — " The Freemen, that they might
not always burthen one person with the yoke of the government, nor
suffer their love to overflow in one family, turned their respects into
another channel ;" and so elected Mr. Dudley Governor, and Mr. Roger
Ludlow Deputy Governor. Mr. Haynes was chosen one of the Assist-
ants, and Mr. Coddington Treasurer. At this Court it was determined
that there should be four General Courts yearly, and that it should be
* Winthrop's Editor takes rather a strange time, of the absurdity of following " Romish
view of this act. He says it " arose from a Superstitions," is a very natural conclusion,
weak scruple," &c. He might as well have That their opinions gained strength in a free
argued that the Reformation was founded wilderness, faster than they would have done
upon "a weak scruple." That the convic- under the restraints of arbitrary and sanguin-
tions of our fathers were strengthened by ary laws, is quite natural also.
22
170 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1634.
lawful for the Freemen of each Plantation to choose two or three before
every General Court to confer of, and to prepare, such business for, the
next Court as they judged necessary to be acted upon ; and that
persons so selected by the Freemen should be fully empowered to act
in the General Court for all the Freemen of the Commonwealth, in
making laws, granting lands, in short, everything, excepting the elec-
tion of Magistrates and other officers. Other reasons were given why
the people should legislate by their representatives, instead of a general
attendance of the whole. By such general attendance they were sub-
jected to a great loss of time ; * and, all the men being drawn from the
l3order settlements, would leave them exposed to attack by the Indians.
The inhabitants of Boston and its vicinity had unprecedentedly in-
creased since the emigration of 1630 ; " near twenty considerable ships
every year, since the second," had arrived, " with such a number of
passengers, that the inhabitants were forced to look out for new places
of settlement, so that, in these four years, " every desirable place fit
for plantation on the sea-coast was taken up." The places so occupied
and named are recorded in this order by the early historian, Mr. Hub-
bard : — Salem, Charlestown, Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, Water-
town, Newtown, Lynn, Ipswich, Newbury, Hingham, Weymouth,
" and, last of all, Concord, about twelve miles westward from Water-
town, right up into the woods." f
At the late Election Mr. Cotton preached a sermon, J and the practice
was continued in succeeding years. They soon became as necessary a
part of Election Day as any other of its ceremonies ; and this was the
first of the series of Election Sermons which, with few exceptions, has
been kept up to this day. Whether there would have been a sermon
by Mr. Cotton at this time, but for his wish to make known to the
Freemen his disapprobation for their turning out the old officers, is not
certain ; but certain it is, he protested in strong terms " that a Magis-
trate ought not to be turned into the condition of a private man with-
out just cause ;" forgetting, in his warmth, that the Freemen were the
* The election this year occupied three days. Mr. [William] GoodwinO Mr. [John] TalcottC
— Winthrop, i.lS2. The principal officers of the Mr. [William] Spencer(i) Mr. [Robert] FeakesW
Government residing at Newtown, that town H'- t?'f 'i'"^],?'''''",?/'' ^'"- t<^eorge] AlcockW
„K„„, „ it F f n I T> i. iu- Mr. [John] Oldham (-i) Mr. Israel btough ton (^
now became the seatof Government But this jyj,. Thomas] Beecher(3) William Felpes(«)
Mection was held in Mr. Cottons meeting- Mr. [Abraham] Palmer(3) George Hull(S)
house in Boston. — Snow. Robert Moulton(3) Capt. [Nath'l.] Turnerf^)
t His(. of New Ens;-., IS>S. Two of the towns Mr. [John] CoxeallC) Mr. [Thomas] Willist^)
here named were not settled, however, till Edmund Quinsey(4) Mr. [Edward] Toralins^
about a year later, yet there would be enouo-h ^*P'- John Underhill(^) Mr. [John] HolgraveW
without them to substantiate the text of Win- ^^fj" ^"^u^lZ, m""* t^"^'.''\v'*"r*! !
., , r ; • ino i ,, . , r! William Heath (') Mr. Francis W eston<^>
throp's Journal, i. 128, namely, that two Depu-
ties from each town attended the General Court Thus Agawam, Hingham, Weymouth, Med-
of 14 May, of this year (1634), though his ^^rd, Marblehead, &c., do not appear to be
Commentator thinks that his Author should represented. But the Record does not state
have written three, and not two, from each what towns were represented,
town ; because he is of opinion that but eight t I have been led to suppose that this ser-
towns sent Deputies; the names of whom he ™on was preached after the Election, and not
has given as follows from the Colony Records, before it, as some have unhesitatingly stated,
and I have added the parts in brackets. A (i) Cambridge. (5) Roxbury.
membership in the General Court did not then ^-l ^ya'trtown. (6) Dorchester.
ronfpr thp fitlp of Mr '^V. t-harlestown. (7) Lynn (Saugus.)
comer tne tUie Ot MT. (4) Boston. (8) Salem.
1634.] JOHN HUMFREY. 171
judges of what might constitute " a just cause," and that rulers might
be changed for very good reasons, without any imputation upon their
integrity or ability to perform their office.*
During the month of June this year there arrived at Boston " four-
teen great ships, and one at Salem." Among the gentlemen of special
note who now arrived was John Humfrey, Esquire, of whom
mention has before been made.f He was the first Deputy-
Governor of the Massachusetts Company, and was hindered from
coming over in 1630 by the situation of his private affairs. This
hindrance proved a fortunate thing for Boston ; for, being a gentleman
of high standing at home, he had great weight in counteracting the
evil designs of the enemies of the Colony. His wife came with him ;
another proof of woman's fortitude and voluntary sufferings in a
" forlorn wilderness," to encourage and uphold the pioneers of a vast
undertaking for the good of posterity. Her sacrifices must have been
greater than most others. She came out of the protection of an Earl-
dom to accompany her husband here, with the full knowledge that the
same undertaking had cost the life of the Lady Arabella Johnson, her
sister, | whom she did not expect to be a partaker of her privations, or
a companion in her solitude. Mr. Humfrey had a large grant of land
at Lynn, and there he settled soon after his arrival. At the end of
about seven years' residence in the country, he returned with his wife
to England.
Through Mr. Humfrey's influence, Boston received essential aid by
contributions in money and other substantial gifts. One gentleman,
Mr. Richard Andrews, § of London, gave sixteen heifers, one of which he
directed to be given to each of the ministers, and the rest to the poor.
He afterwards made other donations. Mr. Humfrey brought ordnance,
muskets, and powder, for the Colony, " bought for the public by
moneys given to that end." Mr. Humfrey brought, also, propositions
from many of the Nobility to become settlers in New England. These
"propositions" amounted to questions of inquiry touching religious
privileges.
Some of the ships lost many cattle ; but of two that came from
Ipswich, with above one hundred and twenty head, seven only were
lost. At the same time, one ship only lost passengers. This was the
Elizabeth Dorcas; which being "very ill victualled, and being hurt
upon a rock at Scilly," which was the occasion of a long passage to
* Curious and interesting statistics about melancholy picture of the situation of the
election sermons may be found appended to Lady Susan at Lynn, in his history of that
that of 1849, by Dr. John Pierce of Brookline, ancient town. See p. 115-16, where will be
which he preached in the 76th year of his age, found some account of the family,
and which was among the last of the services ^ There was a Thomas Andrews, an Alder-
of a long life. He died the same year. man of London, who, in 1648, was appointed
f See ante, p. 52, In some early copies of one of the Judges at the trial of Charles,
that part of this work, 1632 was printed as Richard Andrews may also have been an
the date of Mr. Humfrey's arrival, which is alderman. Thomas was Lord Mayor in 1651,
an error, not 1551, as printed in Mr. Young's collection
X Mr. Lewis has drawn a beautiful though of early matters about Massachusetts.
172 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1634.
her, and one of extreme sufferings to the passengers, " whereof sixty-
perished at sea ! "
The people of Boston were a good deal alarmed, about this time, from
certain information, which they received from England, of movements
prejudicial to their liberties. It appeared that a growing jealousy of
the importance of the settlements had influenced " the Archbishops and
others of the Council" to attempt to put a stop to emigration, and
actually sent out warrants to stay the ships then ready to sail. They
also commanded Mr, Cradock * to surrender the Patent, he being, or
having been, the only legal Governor of the Massachusetts' Company.
Mr. Cradock accordingly wrote to the Government here to send home
the Charter. Meantime, the masters of the embargoed ships in the
Thames, by good and prudent management, succeeded in being allowed
to proceed on their voyage, for that time. And thus came Mr. Cradock's
order for the return of the Charter, which was accompanied by a copy
of the Council's Order f to him. This was a matter for serious con-
sideration, and much of anxiety must have shown itself in the counte-
nances of the Fathers of Boston. But as in other cases, so in this, they
displayed the most consummate wisdom. It was in their power to pro-
crastinate ; they exercised that power, and thus is opened a portion of
the sequel to what has already been premised.J Governor Dudley and
his Council, " upon long consultation," first, whether they should
return any answer to Mr. Cradock at all, and, secondly, if any, what it
should be, finally agreed to write him, stating that they could not act
in the matter without the authority of the General Court, and that
there would be no General Court till next September. Thus, how
much is due to the wisdom of the Authorities, and how much to the
safety which three thousand miles of ocean afforded, may pretty satis-
fjictorily be settled in the minds of all such as give the subject their
attention.
About the same time, the Earl of Warwick, a great friend of New
England, wrote an encouraging letter to Mr. Winthrop, in which he
congratulated him on the prosperity of the settlement, and offered his
services for its advancement. §
Jul 29 What the preliminary steps had been for erecting a fort on
Castle Island does not appear ; but now Governor Dudley and
his Council repair to that island, with "divers Ministers and others,"
and there agreed upon erecting two platforms and one small forti-
fication, and the Deputy-Governor, Mr. Ludlow, was appointed to
oversee the work.
* He was member of Parliament for London, t See ante, p. 64.
1640, and died the same year.— See ParZia- \ Several of the Puritan fathers' books, ded-
mentanj His. of Eng., ix. *32. There was a icated to this Earl, are in possession of the
Matthew Cradock, member of Parliament from writer. He died 19 April, 1658, se. 71, and was
Stafford, in the time of Philip and Mary, and buried in Folstead church, Essex. " He Avas
was one of the members who " left it in dis- not content with hearing the long sermons of
gust." There served in the same Parliament the Puritan divines, but he would have them
of 1640, with our Matthew Cradock, " Samuel repeated at his own house." — Calamy, Fun.
Vassell." Ser. in CJranger. His residence is said to
t To be seen in Hubbard's Hist, of New have been the finest in England.
England, 153. ^
1
4
\ 4-^ v% .^ J-^
^^
i- i.4>i-i
I \2^s e T-^^ ^'^^ ®^ ^^^ ^
1634.] FIRST BOOK OF RECORDS, 173
The time having arrived for the meeting of the General Court,
^^ ■ 'it accordingly assembled at Newtown. It held a long and
excited session ; many subjects came up of great moment, among
which a removal to Connecticut of an important part of the inhabitants
of the Bay was one. This and other questions occupied the Court for
a week, and then an adjournment for fourteen days was moved and
carried. How much of the time of the Court was taken up in dis-
cussing the evils arising from the use of tobacco, " costly apparel, and
immodest fashions," does not appear ; but " pains and penalties " were
prescribed for the special benefit of all such as presumed to indulge in
them beyond specific bounds.
The first book of the Records of Boston begins here ; that is
^^ ' 'to say, what there is left of it, for the number of leaves torn off
and lost is not known, nor when they were torn off and lost. The first
entries now in being ar^ in the autograph of Governor Winthrop.*
It is probable that the first portion of the Records was occupied chiefly
in the distribution and allotments of the lands of the peninsula,| and it
may be that a list of the names of the residents was contained in the
opening pages ; but speculations of this nature are of small account.
It is sufficient to state, that what now remains appears to be an entire
book, I the first entry beginning at the top of the page, and is in these
words : — •
" Whereas it hath been founde that muche damage hath allreadye
happnd by laynge of stones and loges neere the bridge and landinge
place, whereby diverst boats have been much brusd ; for p'^vention of
such harmes for tyme to come, it is ordered that whosoever shall vnlade
any stones, lumber, or logges, where the same may not be plainely
scene at highe water, shall sett vp a pole or beacon to give notice
thereof, upon paine that whosoever shall faile so to doe shall make full
recompence for all such damage as shall happen : being only declarative
of y*" com. lawe herein." §
Against the above first paragraph in the Records are set in the
margin the names of those persons who had the direction of the affairs
of the town for the year, but how they were appointed does not appear.
It will be seen in process of time, however, that similar ofiicers received
the name of Select Men. The following names, occupying the left-
hand margin of the original Record, are presumed to have been present
* The first two paragraphs are written with ularly through the book (from 1 to 161) it
blue ink, which is yet bright. appears to be complete. The accompanying
f It is Mr. Quiney's opinion, that " the as- fac simile has been prepared at great cost, and
signment of house-lots within the peninsula, is a faithful representation of half of the first
and the allotting farms to succeeding emi- page of the first volume.
grants, formed the chief business of the town ^ Upon this last sentence Mr. Quincy re-
authorities for nearly half a century." — Mu- marks, " The persons passing this order, how-
nicipal Hist, of Boston, p. 2. That was, very ever, seem to have been under some appre-
probably, one of their chief concerns ; but hension lest their authority might be ques-
they had several others which they thought of tioned." — Municipal HistorT/, p. 3. And well
equal, if not of greater, moment. they might, for it will be remembered that,
J It contains 161 pages, on foolscap paper, not many days before, their Charter had been
The paging and indexing was a comparatively demanded. That the future looked very crit-
modern labor, and from the pages running reg- ical to them is pretty certain.
174
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1634.
when it was made ; namely, John Winthrop, William Coddington,
Capt. John Underhill, Thomas Oliver, Thomas Leverett, Giles
Firmin, John Coggeshall, William Peirce, Robert Hardinge, and
William Brenton.* The Record proceeds : —
"It is also ordered, that no person shall leave any fish or garbage
neare the said bridge or common landing-place, between the creeks,
whereby any annoyance may come to the people that passe that way,
vpon payne to forfeit for every such offence five shillings, the same to
be levied by distress of the goodes of the offender. And for the better
execution of these orders, the aforesaid Giles Firmin is appointed over-
seer of said landing-place, to give notice to suche strangers and others
as come hither with boats, and to take knowledge of all offences com-
mitted, and to levye the penalties which shall be forfeited. And if,
after notice shall be given by the said overseer to any person that shall
have any timber, logges, or stones, being without such pole or beacon,
the said offender shall (after making recompence to the person damni-
fied, if any damage happen) forfeit to the towne, for every daye the
same offence shall continue, five shillings, to be levied by distresse."t
These extracts are supposed | to establish the fiict, that a narrow
point or tongue of land projected into the harbor between Mill Creek
and the Town Dock, and that upon and around this the principal
business of Boston was at first done. The Triangular Warehouse, till
1824 an object of antiquarian
curiosity, was built upon this
point, though not until about sixty
years after the period now treated
of It being thus introduced, it
may not be improper in this con-
nection to give an account of it.
For many years before the Tri-
angular Warehouse was demol-
ished it was an object of much in-
terest, as a relic of ancient times,
and as representing the style of
^ If
wmmm
TRIANGULAR WAREHOUSE.
* There is one name in the MS. not entirely
■written out. This was crossed out apparently
at the time it was written. I presume it was
intended for Edmund Quincy. This person,
■whoever he was, may have been appointed
one of the Town Officers, but not accepting
the office, or otherwise prevented from being
present. " Edmond Quinsey" was, at this
time, an inhabitant of Boston, had been ad-
mitted a freeman 4 March, 1634.
f Nothing of a municipal character would
be more natural, in a community associated
for mutual benefit, than the choice or appoint-
ment of a few of their number to manage the
general concerns of the whole. The missing
portion of our Records would probably show
this to have been among the first proceedings
of the to^wn. The name select men, which
they eventually received, was easily, naturally,
and almost necessarily, acquired ; for men
selected for any specific object were select men.
The number of these select men may have varied
from time to time before the time reached by
the Records. There was a Town Meeting on
the 8th of the 6th month, at which were
chosen Richard Bellingham, Esq., J. Cogan,
merchant, in place of Giles Firmin, deceased,
and Robert Harding, now in Virginia, to make
up the ten to manage the aflkirs of the town,"
Such officers first received the name Select
Men in the Records in 1642.
X See Shaw's Topog. and Hist. Descript. of
Boston, 73. Mr. Shaw is pretty good author-
ity for facts of this nature, generally.
1634.] WILLIAM HUTCHINSON. 175
architecture in an early period of the history of Boston. The researches
which have been made into its antiquities have not furnished data to
establish the exact time of its foundation, but Mr. Shaw says it was
"about the year 1700." In a "ledger-book" of the owners, that
Avriter found some items * relative to the subject, but nothing concerning
its time of building ; though he says it was built by London merchants
for a warehouse, and was subsequently improved for different purposes,
both public and private. It stood opposite the Swing Bridge, so well
known one hundred years ago, and at the head of the Town Dock, and
measured forty-eight feet upon it ; on Roebuck passage it measured
forty-one feet, and oii the back side fifty-five feet. Its foundation was
of stone, and its walls of brick. These were of a larger size than the
bricks of the country in later times. Its roof was slated. " There
were two principal stories, with a good cellar underneath. The lower
story appeared to have been arched, with very many doors and windows.
On each corner and in the centre of the roof there was a tower, topped
with a ball. The centre ball was of wood, the others of stone ; all
fixed on iron spires, set in lead." f There was a period in its history
when it was the central point of the heaviest business done in the
town, and here, for a long time, the public scales were kept. But,
like every other structure of human art, it was doomed to sink into
insignificance, as Time's heavy hand continued its pressure upon it ;
until its great agent, Improvement, came to its relief, and saved it
from the mortification of crumbling to dust with the weight of years.
In the midst of the stirring affairs which occupied the General
'^^ ' ' Court now in session, there came in the ship Griffin, with
about two hundred passengers, and one hundred cattle. Among the
passengers -were Mr. John Lathrop, Mr. Zachariah Synmes, and Mr.
William Hutchinson. Of the trials and misfortunes of the latter gentle-
man notice will be taken in the order of their occurrence. His wife
and several children came with him. He resided in Boston until the
Antinomian controversy compelled him to remove to Rhode Island,
over which colony he was the first Governor. Alford, in Lincolnshire,
about twenty miles from Boston, was the place whence this family
emigrated. Ann Hutchinson, who gave rise to the " Antinomians and
Famalists " in New England, was the wife of this "William Hutchinson.
Her maiden name was Marbury, a daughter of Mr. Edward Marbury,J
" a godly minister of Lincolnshire," and also of London. These were
the ancestors of one of the most distinguished Governors of Massa-
chusetts, Governor Thomas Hutchinson. Mary, the sister of Mr. Wil-
liam Hutchinson, married Mr. John Wheelwright, also involved in the
Antinomian troubles. Susannah, the mother of Mr. William Hutchin-
* " 1714. To Cash for ground rent two f " It was constructed with great strength,
years, £2 4s. — To Benjamin Hallowell, lis. and the foundation stood upon a sandy marsh,
9ii. — To Cash for a ladder, 17s. — Paid Mr. beneath which there is found a solid blue clay.
Manly for repairing the tiles and slates. — at about thirteen feet below the level of Ann
Cash for extraordinary charges when the cellar Street." — Snow. J See Rise, Reign and
was overflowed, 15s." — Descript. of Boston,! Z. Ruin of the vintinomians, &c. , p. 33.
176 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1634.
son, probably came with him to Boston. The fame of Cotton, no
doubt, had induced them to follow his fortunes into " these goings
down of the sun."
Among the acts of the General Court, six hundred pounds was
ordered to be raised " towards fortifications and other charges ; which
were the more hastened," says Winthrop, because, by one of the ships
just arrived, there came over a copy of the commission for taking away
their Patent.* Thus this act can only be construed as intended to
resist the power of England. To return to the Records of the Town :
" At a generall meeting vpon publick notice. Imp'. It was
l^ec. 10. ^j,jg^g^^ ^Yiixt Mr. Willson, the Pastor (in lieu of his land granted
him at the North river, by Mestick, wch he should passe ouer to the
towne of Boston), should have so much land at Mount Wooleston at his
election. And after so much as shall be his portion of other lands
belonging to the towne, to be laid him out so neere his other lands at
Mount Wooleston as may be for his most conveniency." f
At a meeting eight days after, J " vpon publique " notice, it
^^*'' was agreed that " Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Coddington, Mr. Belling-
ham, § Mr. Cotton, Mr. Ollyver, Mr. Colborne, and William Balstone,
shall have power to divide and dispose of all such lands belonging to y"
towne (as are not yet in y" lawfull possession of any pticular prsons) to
the inhabitants of y^ towne, according to y® orders of Court ; leaving
such portions in comon for y** vse of newe comers, and y^ further
benefitt of y*" towne, as in theire best discretions they shall thinke fitt ;
the ilands hyred by y*" towne to be also included in this order."
The project of a removal to Connecticut of many distinguished
settlers in and about Boston, caused great agitation in the town and
* See ante, p. 172. doings of which comprise the next entry on
f It was judged proper to introduce a few the records, namely, Dec. 18th. The choice
of the early entries from the Records, exactly made the previous lecture day is not recorded,
as they are recorded, that the reader may except by Winthrop in his Journal,
have a just understanding of the manner in ^ Some very interesting original letters, by
which the early public business of Boston was a relative in England, are published in the
transacted. Neiu England Hist, and Gen. Reg. for April,
X Winthrop, in his Journal, i. 151, speaks 1853, His name is prominent in our history
of a Town Meeting on the 11 Dec, " to choose for a long period, and though the Quakers
seven men who should divide the town lands handle his name without cere/now?/, if not with-
among them." From the same source we out mercy, and while it must be confessed
learn that the seven men were chosen by they had reason to do so, yet he was not
written ballots ; or, to use his words, " by without eminent virtues. A town in the
papers." At this meeting they left out Win- State perpetuates his name. A Henry Belyng-
throp, Coddington, "and other of the chief ham was Proctor of New College, Oxford,
men ; only they chose one of the Elders and a 1598. — Gulch's Apx. to Wood. A Sir Henry
Deacon, and the rest of the inferior sort." Bellingham was High Sheriff of Yorkshire,
(But the names of the " inferior sort " are not 1596. He married a daughter of Francis
given.) This they did, " as fearing that the Boynton (a family traceable to Bartholomew
richer men would give the poorer sort no de Bovington, living at the beginning of the
great proportions of land, but would rather 12th century). Our Richard was, no doubt,
leave a great part at liberty for new comers of the Yorkshire Bellinghams. Much of in-
and for common, which Mr. Winthrop had oft terest may be found concerning branches of
persuaded them unto, as best for the town." the Bellinghams in Fuller's Wor^Aies and Nich-
— Ihid., \bl-2. However, Mr. Cotton inter- o\^' Progresses. Gov. Bellingham died 7 Dec,
fered, and influenced the people to reconsider 1672, in his 81st year. He was the last of the
their election of the 11th, and to hold another Patentees. — Int.-leaved AVck of Judge Sewall,
on the next lecture day, which they did, the in the hands of Mr. Frederic Kidder.
1634.] REMOVAL TO CONNECTICUT. 177
vicinity. It was a subject of legislation, and was debated with much
earnestness in the session of September, and also at the adjourned
meeting, fourteen days later. The chief argument against a removal
was, of course, made by those in authority residing in Boston and its
immediate neighborhood. They very reasonably argued that, without
a division, they were weak, and exposed to invasion ; from the French
by sea, and the Indians by land. But Mr. Hooker, as head of the
Church at Newtown, urged their straitened circumstances for want of
land. They had had from Captain Oldham and others glowing accounts
of beautiful meadows along the Connecticut, and this was an important
consideration, as they had many cattle to be provided for in an ap-
proaching winter ; and while nothing is said about the meadows here-
about having been taken up and appropriated before their arrival ; that
Boston had already or might soon exercise an undue influence over the
adjacent towns ; that the offices had begun to be pretty sharply con-
tested] that so many men of acknowledged ability and capacity, in one
small community, afforded but a distant prospect of a just appreciation
of them all, and hence the prospect of their being called into exercise
being small and remote ; — that all these considerations were taken
into account may be more than probable.* However, those who ad-
vocated a removal were bound to abide the decision of the General
Court. They did abide it ; and when the day came to take the
question, they got a majority of votes for removal.f From the time
of this decision until October of the next year, preparations went
steadily on for a removal ; and, though no doubt some went in the
mean time, it was not till the twentieth of October, 1635, that the
main body of the settlers, consisting of " about sixty men, J women,
and children, with their horses, cattle, and swine," set off, like the
ancient Israelites, for their Land of Promise, upon a journey through a
dense wilderness, which occupied them fourteen days in its accom-
plishment. § Though the loss of so many worthy inhabitants from this
* Hubbard says, " two such eminent stars, the owners of lots were entered in a book. —
such as were Mr. Cotton and jMr. Hooker, See Dr. Joel Hawes' Centennial Discourse at
both of the first magnitude, though of differing Hartford, 9 Nov., 1834, to which is appended
influence, could not well continue in one and a list of the names here referred to. See also
the same orb." — Hist. New Eng., 173. "Mr. elaborate Historical Notes on Connecticut, by
Cotton had such an insinuating and melting Mr. W. S. Porter, 12mo, 1842.
way in his preaching, that he would usually ^ " Hearing of a very fertill place," says
carry his very adversary captive after the tri- Johnson, "upon the river of Canectico low
umphant chariot of his rhetoric." — Ibid. ,175. land, and well stored with meddow, — this
f While the matter was thus in debate in people, seeing that tillage went but little on,
the General Court, some of Watertown took resolved to remove and breed up store of
the opportunity of seizing a brave piece of cattell, which were then at eight and twenty
meadow aimed at by those of Newtown, which, pound a cow, or neare upon. But these men,
as was reported, proved a bone of contention having their hearts gone from the Lord, soone
ju them, &c. — Hubbard, N. Eng., 177. tooke dislike at every little matter ; the plow-
X Some idea of the individuals composing able plaines were too dry and sandy for them,
this company may be had (that is, the names and the rocky places, although more fruitfull,
of the men) from a list of those who owned yet to eat their bread with toile of hand, and
land in Hartford in 1639, four years after the how they deemed it insupportable. And they
great emigration. Until this year (1639) no only waited now for a people of stronger faith
catalogue of the inhabitants appears; then than themselves were, to purchase their houses
the Town Records of Hartford begin, or then and land ; accordingly they met with Chap-
23
178
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1634.
then weak and feeble community was heavily felt at the time, it was
more than made up, in numbers at least, by immediate arrivals from
England, as will be marked in the sequel. Meantime there was little
satisfaction in the consideration, that those friends who had thus buried
themselves in the wilderness had lost much in security, whatever they
might gain in lands and liberty.
CHAPTER XX.
Pequot Messengers visit Boston. — Fail in their Object. — Others arrive, — and are successful. —
Their Detail of Stone's Death. — Some Narragansets appear in the Neighborhood. — Pequots fear
being intercepted by them. — They conclude a Treaty. — Their Diplomatic Skill. — Not so
Treacherous as represented. — Incident in the Life of John Eliot. — Ship Regard arrives. — John
Mansfield. — Casualty. — Town Meeting Proceedings. — Orders about allotting out the Land. —
About Fences and Gates. — School Master. — Regulation about Litigations. — Apprehensions from
the French. — La Tour's Gasconade. — Severity of the Winter. — Israel Stoughton. — Bullets pass
for Money. — Roger Williams. — Election. — Governor Haynes. — Manner of Election. — Captain
Hurlstone. — Captain Graves. — Many Ships arrive. — Terrible Storm. — Richard Mather
Ship Angel Gabriel lost. — Another, with many Lives. — Arrival of distinguished Men. — Vane,
Peters, Shepard. — Further Trouble about Roger Williams. — His Banishment. — Arrival of Capt.
Lyon Gardiner.
THE affixir of the murder of Captains Stone, Norton,
and others, by the Pequot* Indians, seems not to
have occupied much of the attention of the Authorities
in Boston since their occurrence until the present
time, and would not probably now, had not
the Pequots themselves moved in it. This
they hardly would have done had they been innocent.
But being desirous to be thought so by the people
here, Sassacus, their chief Sachem, sent a messenger
to conciliate them. He brought two bundles of sticks
to designate how many beaver and other skins, and
how much wampum, he would pay to have the matter passed over
without further notice. After exchanging a few presents with Mr.
Ludlow, he was dismissed with this messasre to his Chief, " that he
men, a people new come, who having bought
their possessions, they highed them away to
their new plantation." — Wonder-working
Providence, 75-6.
* The following are a few of the variations
of the spelling of this name : —
Pequots.— Goofan, Mason, I.Mather, Williams,
Winthrop, Johnson, C. Mather.
Pequods. — Hubbard, Gookin, Winthrop, Hutchinson,
Douglass.
Pequants. — Wood, Vincent.
Pequets. — Vincetit, Pynchon, Underhill.
PequinS. — Winthrop, Recs. U. Cols.
PequeATS. — Underhill.
Pequits. — Gardener, MS. Letters, Short Story.
Pbkods. — Winthrop.
PEtjDiDS. — Stoughton in Winthrop, MS. Letter.
Pecoats. — Winslow.
Pecoits. — Doc. in Hazard.
Pecoates. — Gov. Dudley.
Peqcts. — Roger Williams.
Paquoats. — Treaty of 1638.
Pecquots. — MS. of E. Rawson.
Pequitt. — Gookin, Denison.
Pecotts. — Recs. U. Cols.
Peacotts. — Recs. U. Cols.
Peaqcods. — Johnson.
Other variations might be found, but these
will suffice to show even the curious, probably,
that the early writers considered the orthog-
raphy of Indian names as a matter of no con-
sequence. Pequot signifies grey fox, hence the
Grey Fox Indians.
1634.] PEQUOT NEGOTIATIONS. 179
must send persons of greater quality," and then the Governor would
treat with them.
^^^ g Two other messengers soon appeared. They brought a present
of wampum, and, it being lecture day at Boston, the Assistants
and Ministers held a sort of Council with the Indians. They were told
that the English were willing to be friends with them, but that they
must first give up those Indians who had murdered their countrymen.
The Pequots seem to have been well prepared to defend their cause,
and to justify what had been done by their people. They said that their
Sachem, who was alive when the Englishmen were killed, was dead ;
that he had been killed by the Dutch ; and as to the men engaged in
the murder, they had all died of the small pox but two. These two, if
worthy of death, they said they would move their Sachem to have them
delivered up ; but " they had no authority to do it." Respecting the
killing of the Englishmen, it was done in self-defence ; or this was
the sum of the argument of the Pequot messengers. They said that
Captain Stone and his men took two Indians, and, binding them hand
and foot, made them show him up the river ; that they were watched by
nine Indians, and when they came on shore, and were asleep, they killed
them ; that then going towards the pinnace, it suddenly blew up.
" This," says Winthrop, " was related with such confidence and grav-
ity, as, having no means to contradict it, we inclined to believe it."
However, Governor Dudley not being present, nothing was decided.
^^ g Within a day or two, it appears that the Indians had an inter-
view with Governor Dudley and his Council, and a treaty was
concluded.* In the mean time, news reached Boston that two or three
hundred Indians of the Narraganset tribe were lying about Neponset,
and were waiting to intercept the Pequot ambassadors. This created a
great sensation. The soldiers seized their arms and rendezvoused at
Roxbury without loss of time. There also assembled the officers of
Government, who at once despatched a messenger to the Narragansets,
with a request that they would meet them at their camp without delay.
The Indians attended the summons immediately. The English were
somewhat surprised when they found that instead of three hundred, no
more than two Chiefs and about twenty others were all that were in the
company ; and, that, instead of a hostile expedition, they were upon a
hunting excursion only. The English, not fully understanding their
design, probably, began to treat for the privilege of a safe return of the
Pequots. They were told that these Indians had promised them a
large amount of wampum, in a treaty just concluded, and that, if they
would not molest the Pequots, they should have a part of it, — when
they got it. The Narragansets were a magnanimous people, and they
very readily agreed to the proposal, " and in all things showed them-
selves very ready to gratify the English, and departed well satisfied,"
and the Pequots returned in safety. Thus affairs with the Indians
remained for the present.
* Particulars in The Book of the Indians, Book ii. 160-7.
180 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1G34.
But it afterwards appeared that the Pequots had got both the Dutch-
men and Narragansets against them, and they had concluded to make
some sacrifices to secure the friendship of the English. This was the
key to their solicitude to adjust the affair of Captain Stone's death.
Whoever in after times shall have the curiosity to investigate the politi-
cal history of the Pequots, cannot fail to come to the conclusion, that if
they had learned diplomacy in the schools of Europe, they could not
have managed this matter with better success, thus far.
The Pequots were accused of treachery in their proceedings ; but it
would not be difficult to soften this charge into one merely of retalia-
tion. Circumstances have a thousand times occurred, in which indi-
viduals as well as nations have mistook the one for the other. The
Pequots had " treacherously " killed some Indians who came to the
Dutch settlement on the Connecticut to trade. Is there any proof that
this was not an act of retaliation ? The Dutchmen had killed Toto-
bam,* the Pequot Chief. Is there satisfactory proof that this was not
an act of treachery on the part of the former ? Mere assertion on the
part of a historian will not settle cases like these.
A circumstance, amusing if not instructive to the present generation,
grew out of the treaty with the Pequots. Mr. Eliot, of Roxbury, took
occasion in a sermon to censure the Ministers, who had participated in
making the treaty, for doing so without the advice of the people. Per-
haps Mr. Eliot had not been consulted ; however, the people began to
reiterate Mr. Eliot's sentiments, which, coming to the ears of the
Authorities, order was taken that " he should be dealt with." Accord-
ingly Mr. Cotton, Mr. Hooker and Mr. Weld were appointed " to deal
with him," which they proceeded to do ; the result was, he was
brought to see his error, and did " acknowledge, that for a peace only,
the Magistrates might conclude plebe inconsulto,\ and so promised to
express himself in public next Lord's day."
j^ ,„ A ship named the Regard, of about two hundred tons, arrived
'at Boston. She came from Barnstaple, and had on board twenty
passengers, and about fifty cattle. One passenger is mentioned by
name, John Mansfield, "a poor godly man of Exeter," who "being
very desirous to come to New England, and not able to transport his
family, a Mr. Marshall of that city being troubled in his dreams about
the said poor man, could not be quiet till he had given him fifty pounds
to enable him to go, and lent him one hundred pounds more." This man
was the son of a knight. Sir John Mansfield, " Master of the Minories"
and who had been one of Queen Elizabeth's Surveyors. His sister Eliza-
beth was the wife of Mr. John Wilson, the first Minister of Boston, and
Anne, another sister, was the wife of Captain Robert Keane, of Boston. |
In one of those severe north-east storms, so common on all the
■ coast of New England, a boat was lost in the harbor, and John
* Broadhead, Hist. State of N. York, 234, J Notes to Capt. Keane's Will, by Mr.
has his name Tatoepan. John Dean, in N. Eng. Hist. Gen. Reg., vi.
•j- That is, without taking advice of the rabble. 156.
1634.] TOWN MEETING PROCEEDINGS. 181
Willys,* "a godly man, one Dorety, an honest man, and two boys "
were drowned. Three days after, their boat was found at Muddy River,
overturned." They had been to Noddle's Island for wood, with which
probably they had overloaded their boat, and attempting to return in
the night, "and none of them having any skill or experience," were
thus unhappily lost.
It was ordered, in Town Meeting, that " all the inhabitants
"' shall plant, eyther vpon such ground as is alreadie broken vp or
inclosed in y*" Neck,t or else vpon ground at Noddles Island, from Mr.
Maverakes graunt;" able men to have two acres each, and "able
youth one each, to be allotted out by Mr. Hutchinson,| Mr. Cogan,§
Mr. Sampford,|| William Cheesbrough H and Mr. Brenton,(*) or any
three of them." Every man to make his fences sufficient for all his
planting ground on the Neck, " vpon paine, y' if any losse doe come for
defect therein," the owner of such fence to make it good, "vnlesse it
doe come by vnruly cattell." "All y*" fences bee made sufficient before
y*' seventh day of y'' second month, and they to bee looked vnto by our
brother Grubb,(t) and brother Hudson, (J) for y*" New Field ; o' brother
Pennyman,(§) and brother Colborne,(||) for y" field by him ; our brother
Penn,(1l) and brother Belcher, [*] for y' Fort Field."
"Att" another " gen'all " meeting, it was agreed that over-
seers of fences should see that " such Styles and Gates as may
bee needfuU," should be put up: " brother Wilebore,[t] to see to y^
Gate and Style next vnto Roxburie." And " whereas y" wood vpon y^
Neck of land towards Roxburie, [|] hath this last winter beene disorderly
* Mr. Jo. Willust, freeman, 6 Nov., 1632. (1) James Pen, freeman, 19 Oct., 1630.
f By the Neck, as used here, the whole of the [*] Mr. Edward Belchar, freeman, 18 May,
Peninsula was meant. More recently, that 1631.
part only which connects Boston with Roxbury [f] Samuel Wilboare, freeman, 4 March,
was so denominated. Wood, in his N. Eng. 1634. — This name has undergone various
Pro.tpec^, p. 32, says, " This Necke of land is changes of orthography; some families
not above foure miles in compasse," &c. — See adopting one spelling, and some another. It
ante, p. 139-41. is sometimes written Wildbore, Wilbur, Wil-
% William Hutchinson, freeman, 4 March, bore, &c.
335
1635. — See anie, pp. 175-6. [%] Thus the question, whether wood for-
^ John Coggin, freeman, 5 Nov., 1633. — merly grew here is clearly set at rest by this
See ante. record. It is difficult to account for the pas-
II John Sanford? — John Sampeford, free- sage in the Neiv Eng. Prospect, hj that decu-
man, 3 April, 1632. rate observer, its Author, which is in these
Tf William Cheesebrough, freeman, 18 May, words: — -'"Boston is two miles north-east
1631. — See ante, p. 126. from Koxberry ; this situation is very pleasant,
(*) William Brenton, freeman, 14 May, 1634. being a peninsula, hem'd in on the south side
He afterwards settled in the Narraganset with the Bay of Rosberry, on the north side
country, R. I., and was ancestor of the late with Charles River, the Marshes on the backe-
English admirals of the name. — See Bren- side, being not halfe a quarter of a mile over ;
ton's Naval Hist, and O'Byrne's Naval Biog. so that a little fencing will secure their cattle
(f) Thomas Grubb, freeman, 4 March, 1633. from the woolves. Their greatest wants be
(j)William Hudson, freeman, 18 May, 1631. wood, and medow ground, which never were
Francis, son of William Hudson of Chatham, in that place ; being constrained to fetch their
Co. of Kent, Eng., was one of the first who set building timber, and fire-wood from the ilands
foot on the peninsula of Boston. He died 3 in boates, and their hay in loyters : It being
Nov., 1700, aged 82. — Farmer out of Seivall. a Necke, and bare of wood : they are not trou-
(^) James Pennyman, freeman, 6 March, bled with three great annoyances ; of woolves,
1632. rattle-snakes, and musketoes. These that live
(II) Mr. William Colbron, freeman, 19 Oct., here upon their cattle, must be constrained to
1630. take farmes in the countrey, or else they can-
182 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1634.
cutt vp and wasted, whereby many of y^ poore inhabitants are disap-
pointed of releife," therefore it is agreed " y' Mr. Treasurer Bellingham
and Mr. William Hutchinson, w'*" the three deacon's shall consider whoe
have beene faultie herein, and sett downe what restitution of wood vnto
the poore such shall make."
The business of the meeting being retarded probably, by persons
attending to and discussing their private affairs, caused the following
order to be passed, namely, " y* whosoeu" at any publique meeting shall
fall into pryvate conference to y^ hindrance of y'' publique businesses,
shall forfeit for euery such offence twelue pence, to bee paid into y^
Cunstable's hand for publique vse." At the same meeting, the Record
reads, "It is gen''ally agreed y' noe wood shalbe felled at any of the
islands nor elsewhere, vntill they bee lotted out, but att Muddy Ryver,
Dorchester Necke or Noddles Island ; y' all y' wood as yet left vpon y^
Necke of land towards Roxburie, shall bee gathered vp and layd or
heaped in pyles " before the seventh of April next.
The Town ordered that all the " drye cattle put vnto our
^" " brother Cheesbrough for keeping att Pullin Point Necke vntill
the first of y" ninth month, shalbe at the rate of five shillings a head
vnto him. Likewise it was then gen''ally agreed vpon, y' o' brother
Philemon Pormont* shalbe intreated to become schoolmaster for the
teaching and nourtering of children w"' vs." At the same time Richard
Fairbanke t was ordered to be " intreated to take the cowes to keeping
of, vpon y® Neck," but if he declined, another brother, " Thomas
"^" ■ Wardall J to be intreated therevnto;" and " Nicholas Willys was
chosen Cunstable."
It was ordered that " new-comers " could not have allotments
Nov >n
■ of land unless they were "likely to be received members of the
congregation ;" that none should be allowed to sell their houses or lots
to " new-comers," without the consent of those appointed allotters ;
that those who have lands allotted "should build thereon before the
first of the first month, called March," or the " Allotters to dispose of
y™ " to others. That " Mr. William Hutchinson, Mr. William Colborne
and Mr. William Brenton shall sett pryces vpon all cattell, comodities,
victualls, and laboorer's and workmen's wages, and y' noe other prises
or rates shalbe given or taken."
To prevent hasty litigation this order was thus early made : " Noe
inhabitants among vs shall sue one another at y^ lawe before y' Mr.
Henry Wane § [Vane], and y^ twoe elders, Mr. Thomas Oily ver and
Thomas Leverett have had y^ hearing and desyding of y" cause, if they
not subsist; the place being too small to con- seen in Hist, and Gen. Reg., ii. 400. — See
taine many, and fittest for such as can trade also Farmer's Register.
into England, for such commodities as the f Richard Fairebancks, freeman, 14 May,
countrey wants, being the chicfe place for 1634.
shipping and merchandise." These observa- | Thomas Wardall, freeman, 4 March, 1635.
tions were made in 1634. — See Wood, p. 32-3. \ Presumed to be no other than Henry Vane,
* Philemon Portmorte, freeman, 6 May, Esq., though he had landed in Boston only
1635. — Some account of his family may be the October before.
1634-5.] APPREHENSIONS FROM THE FRENCH. 183
cann." Mr. William Colbome, Mr. William Aspinwall,* Mr. John
^ Sampford, William Balstone,t and Kichard WrightJ were
directed to bound out lands at Mount Wollaston for Mr. William
Coddington and Edmund Quinsey ; also a farm " sufficient for Mr. Cot-
ton, at Muddy River ; Mr. Colburn one at the same place " neare vnto
and about his house w'Mie hath there built;" the two elders, "Mr.
Thomas Ollyver and Thomas Leveritt," also to have their farms laid out
at the same place.
Notwithstanding the anticipated troubles recently from the French
had pretty nearly subsided, such was the state of feeling between Eng-
land and France, that no permanent hopes could be entertained any-
where, that new troubles might not, at any moment, arise. Of this the
people of Boston had a new proof early this year ; a slight
collision having occurred at the eastward between the French
and some of the Plymouth men, in which two of the latter had been
captured, with their effects. Soon after, Mr. Allerton went to demand
their liberation ; but the French officer in command, Monsieur La Tour,
refused to deliver the men or goods, and, in a sort of gasconade, bid
Allerton tell the English on the coast, that all the country from Cape
Sable to Cape Cod belonged to the King of France, and that if they
persisted to trade east of Pemaquid, he would make prize of them; and
when Mr. Allerton desired to see his Commission for all that, he replied,
" That his sword was Commission sufficient ;" when that failed, he said,
it was time enough to produce his Commission. This being now re-
ported at Boston, which, added to their fears for the loss of their Charter,
gave, for a time, a chill to the prospects of the community. The Plym-
outh people, not long after, attempted to enlist the Authorities in the
Bay to join them, and to send a force sufficient to dispossess the French ;
but the Bay people declined.
Jan 31 "^^^^ winter, which had now fully set in, was exceedingly
■ severe ; " three men had their boat frozen up at Bird Island, §
as they were coming from Deer Island, so as they were compelled to
lodge there all night ; and the next morning they came over the ice to
Noddle's Island, and thence to Molten's Point, || in Charlestown, and
thence over the ice by Mr. Hoffe's to Boston." At the same time six
persons were kept a week on Governor's Island, at the end of which
they got to Mattapan Point with their boat. For nearly the same
space of time the ice was not broken between Governor's Island and
Boston, neither could boats pass to Charlestown for two or three days
together.
* Mr. William Aspinwall, freeman, 3 April, below high-water mark in 1775, and how long
1G32. before that, is not certain.
t William Balstone, freeman, 18 May, || So named from Robert Moulton, probably,
1631. an early settler of Charlestown ; freeman, 18
t Richard Wright, freeman, 14 May, 1632. May, 1G31. He was a shipwright. Among
^ A lodging on Bird Island, even a hundred those who petitioned in favor of Mrs. Hutch-
years ago, would not have been a very com- inson and Mr. Wheelwright, was Robert Moul-
fortable one probably. Its head had sunk ton. He was then (1636) of Salem.
184 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1634-5.
Feb 15 Nearly a month later ice continued in the harbor, in passing
■ upon which, from Boston to Winnesemet, a young man, servant
to Mr. Richard Bollingham, fell through and was drowned.
At a General Court at Newtown,* Captain Israel Stoughton
was censured for promulgating certain opinions against the
authority of magistrates. An order was passed that brass farthings
should no longer be received as farthings, and that, instead thereof,
musket bullets should be used. At this Court Mr. Hooker preached a
discourse.
^. Just before Governor Dudley's terra of service expired, he
'^'^^ ■ ~'^' and his Assistants summoned Roger WilUams before them to
answer to the charge concerning oaths. He had maintained that to
administer an oath to a wicked person, or " an unregenerate man," was
in itself a wicked act, inasmuch as it caused such person " to take the
name of God in vain. After being heard before all the Ministers, he
was very clearly confuted. Mr. Endicott was at first of the same
opinion, but he gave place to the truth."
At the General Court of election now convened at Newtown,
'"^ 'John Haynes, Esquire, was chosen Governor, Richard Belling-
ham. Esquire, Deputy Governor, and Mr. Hough and INIr. Dummer,
Assistants. Mr. Endicott was left out of office, on account, apparently,
of the affair of the colors ; but the expediency of his holding office pend-
ing the uncertainty attending the demand of the Charter, may have had
a place with the reasons unassigned for his retirement. Mr. Ludlow
had given some offence, by electioneering too strenuously, and being a
little too dictatorial in arrangement for the election. Some thought he
was somewhat impatient to be Governor.
The manner of proceeding to choose the ofl&cers at this Election is
thus clearly described by the Ex-Governor: — "The Governor and
Deputy were elected by papers, wherein their names were written ;
but their Assistants were chosen by papers without names, namely, the
Governor propounded one to the people ; then they all went out, and
came in at one door, and every man delivered a paper into a hat.
Such as gave their vote for the party named, gave in a paper with
some figures or scroll in it ; others gave in a blank."
After the election, Mr. Haynes made an address to the people, in
which he stated that he knew the burthen upon them by way of taxes
had been very great, especially upon the poorer sort ; that, therefore,
to do all he could to lighten those burthens, he should administer the
government free of any charge. f
About this time Mr. Winthrop received a visit from his old friend.
Captain Nicholas Hurlstone. He had been living in St. Christophers
• The members from Boston at this Court were each assessed £80 ; this year these towns
were Mr. Richard Bellingham, Mr. Edward were assessed only £27 65. 8<f. each, the whole
Gibbons, Mr. John Coggeshall, and Mr. Wil- amount to be raised being £200. Thus, up
liara Colburn. to this time, Dorchester and Newtown were
t Out of a rate of £G00, ordered to be raised considered equal, in wealth at least, to Bos-
last year, Boston, Dorchester, and Newtown, ton.
1635.] DISASTROUS STOllM. 185
about five years, to which place he probably went immediately after he
landed the colonists here from the Ambrose in 1G30. Now he
^ '""^ *" ■ came as a merchant, in a Dutch ship which arrived at Marble-
head. He gave his host an account of that island, which he recorded
in his journal.* The people there, he said, were very wicked, though
they had three English churches in the place.
A few days later came another of the old captains. Captain
Graves, in the James, who had come every year for the last
seven years ; and the same day arrived two Dutch ships. They
brought twenty-seven Flanders mares, three horses, sixty-three heifers,
and eighty-eight sheep. f They were five and a half weeks from the
Texel, J " and lost not one beast or sheep." And, only three days
after, " there came in seven other ships, and one to Salem, and
four more to the mouth of the Bay, with store of passengers and
cattle."
Great inconvenience had been experienced, on arrivals of vessels,
" by people's running to the ships, and the excessive prices of com-
modities;" to prevent which it was ordered that one in each town
should buy for the whole ; but this, says, Winthrop, took no good
elFect.
The enterprise which brought people to Boston carried them
away from it in every direction, thus early, and on every kind
of business ; some far into the wilderness to trade with the Indians,
some to Cape Cod to catch whales for their oil, and now a company
goes with Captain Hodges, in the Rebecca, and Captain Graves, in the
James, to the Isle Sable, to catch " sea-horses." But from this last
expedition they returned with only partial success. While
°" " ' they were at that island a most terrible storm visited the coast
of New England, doing immense damage, in which many lives were
lost ; but it did not extend so far east as Cape Sable, though it
°" ■ was felt " a great way south." The ship James, of Bristol,
Captain Taylor, had a most narrow escape at the Isle of Shoals. After
losing three anchors, she was saved by a momentary veering of the
wind. She had on board " one hundred passengers, honest people of
Yorkshire," among whom was Mr. Richard Mather, § the ancestor of
the noted divines of that name, with his family, long famous in Boston;
also Mr. Matthew Mitchell, Mr. Daniel jNIaud, Nathaniel Wales, Bar-
nabas Fower, Thomas Armitage, and George Kenrick. At the same
time sailed from Bristol the Angel Gabriel, which, in the same storm,
was driven from her anchors at Pemaquid and lost. She was a strong
ship and well furnished, with some fifteen pieces of ordnance. In the
* That the Captain Hurlston here mentioned § A journal kept by Mr. Mather of this voy-
is the same who, in 1630, commanded the age has been neatly and in a convenient form
Ambrose is to me very probable. Hence the published by Mr. Duvid Clapp, Boston, 12mo,
paragraph in the test. 1850. The original is in possession of the
t The mares were priced, each, £34 ; heifers, Dorchester Antiquarian Society. Of the de-
£12 ; sheep, 505. scendants of Richard Mather, a pretty full
X Winthrop has it Tcssell. I have substi- account will be found in the New Eng. Hist.
tuted a place better kno^vn, at least. and Gen. Reg., vol. vi. p. 20-2.
24
186 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1635.
same tempest a bark of Mr. Allerton's was cast away upon Cape Ann,
by which disaster twenty-one persons perished, seven of whom were
the family of Mr. John Avery, including himself. Mr. Anthony Thacher
and his wife were the only persons saved out of all that were on board,
and their preservation was, at the time, viewed as a Remarkable
Providence ; they having been cast ashore in a surprising manner, and
kept from starving by some necessaries as surprisingly cast on shore
also.
A nephew of Anthony Thacher, then a young man, left the vessel
at Ipswich, influenced, it is said, by some melancholy forebodings in
his mind respecting the voyage by water, and so escaped the disaster
which fell so heavily upon almost all the rest. And thus was another
progenitor * of a numerous and distinguished family remarkably pre-
served.
At the Quarterly General Court f appeared the first Grand
Sept. 1. j^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ country, " who presented above one hundred offences ;
and, among others, some of the magistrates." At the same Court,
Captain Trask, one of its members, was directed to apprehend " divers
lewd servants," who had stolen and run away with a boat and other
things. He pursued them to the Isle of Shoals, and thence to Pascat-
aqua, where, in the night, he took them by surprise ; and, bringing
them to Boston, they were, at the next Court, " severely whipped, and
ordered to pay all charges."
There was now a large addition made to the distinguished
^^*" *"■ individuals lately arrived. In " two great ships, the Defence
and the Abigail," came to Boston Mr. Wilson, the Pastor, Mr. Thomas
Shepard, Mr. John Jones, Mr. Hugh Peters, John Winthrop, junior,
Henry Vane, Esquire,! besides others who equally deserve particular
mention.
The Church of Boston had all along been in trouble about the
October. ^^ i^gj,ggy " of Roger Williams, and now, at the General Court,
"he was again convented," at which "all the ministers in the Bay
were desired to be present." He was accused of writing letters " full
of antichristian pollution." He now not only justified the letters, but
all the opinions advanced in them also. To induce him to retract, it
was proposed to postpone proceedings for a month, and at the end of
that time to have further " conference or a disputation ;" but he asked
for no delay, and desired to dispute then. " So Mr. Hooker was ap-
pointed to dispute with him, but could not reduce him from any of his
* The preservation of John Ilowland, of the William Hutchinson, William Colburn, and
^lajflowcr, is of deep interest. See the N. E. William Brenton. From Dorchester, Nathaniel
Hist, and G. Reg., vol. ii. 186-8. There is, Duncan, Gapt. John Mason, William Gallard.
in Mr. Buckingham's N. Eng. Mag. for July, Four from Salem ; Capt. Traske, John Wood-
1834, an interesting pedigree of the Thacher bury, Jacob Barney, and John Spencer,
family, by a distinguished descendant and % See N. Eng. Hist, and Gen. Reg., ii. 121,
friend of the writer, the late Dr. James &c., in vrhich I have attempted to do some-
Thacher, of Plymouth. There is also extant, thing like justice to the memory of this dis-
and which the writer has seen, an extensive tinguished man. Winthrop mentions his ar-
MS. memoir of the family, recently in posses- rival, and, in a separate paragraph, speaks of
eion of a gentleman of Saco, Me. him with the greatest respect, — Journal, i.
f The Boston members of this Court were 170.
BciTTi IfilZ-Beh-
1635.] BANISHMENT OF ROGER WILLIAMS. 187
errors. So, the next morning, the Court sentenced him to depart out
of its jurisdiction within six weeks ; all the ministers, save one, approving
the sentence." *
It was specially enjoined upon Mr. Williams " not to exercise his
gifts" meanwhile ; and that, if he obeyed the injunction, he might be
allowed to continue till spring. It does not appear, however, that he
made any promises of obedience ; and, within a few weeks, the news
was current at Boston that he was entertaining company at his house,
and did preach to them, and thereby did " go about to draw others to
his opinions." Therefore the Authorities ordered him to be taken into
custody, and that, by a ship then lying at Nantasket ready for sea, he
should be sent into England. A warrant was sent to him at Salem, by
virtue of which he was to be brought to Boston, and there put on board
the ship. But the officer charged with that duty found JNIr. Williams
sick, and unable to leave his house without evident hazard of his life.
This was his excuse for not obeying the mandate ; which excuse was
brought to Boston by " divers of Salem." Whereupon Captain Under-
hill was despatched in a pinnace to apprehend and convey him on
board the ship. But, on the arrival of the Captain at his house, he
found that Mr. Williams had been gone three days, and whither no one
could (or would) tell. And thus escaped the founder of Rhode Island
from the hands raised against him, under a mistaken sense of duty, and
was wending his way through an almost trackless wilderness, amidst
the snows and frosts of midwinter, or encountering the more perilous
journey in an open boat, following the indentations of the icy and
savage coast, southward, for that safety of person and freedom of con-
science which he knew God had vouchsafed to all men.
John Winthrop, junior, who had recently returned from Eng-
land, sent out a bark of thirty tons and about twenty men, to
take possession of the mouth of Connecticut river ; for which object he
had made preparations in England, and had procured a Patent of terri-
tory thereabouts, and a commission to be its Governor ; and, by the
end of the month, Captain Lyon Gardiner arrived at Boston in
■ " ' a small vessel, in which were twelve men and two women.
Their destination was also the mouth of the Connecticut. Gardiner
was an expert engineer, and had served in that capacity in the Low
Countries. He had been engaged to go there and construct a forti-
fication, and " to command it," by the Lords Say and Brook, Sir
Arthur Heslerigge,! Sir Matthew Boynton, | and others, under the im-
* Winthrop, /owr/ia/, i. 170-1. His Editor, opposera of that ill-advised and headstrong
though usually free with his conjectures, does Monarch, and was the member who preferred
not adventure one as to who it was that would the bill of attainder against Wentworth, Earl
not endorse the sentence of banishment against of Strafibrd. In the Civil War which followed,
Mr. Williams. Was it Cotton? he was the first "to draw the sword, and
f He was eldest son of Sir Thomas Hesle- throw the sheath away." At the Restoration
rigge, of Noseley, in Leicestershire ; being he was thrown into the Tower, where he died
so disgusted with the arbitrary government of of a fever, 8 Jan., 1661. — See Grainger, and
Charles I., that he determined to quit his Grey's Notes to Hudibr as.
country and come to New England. In Par- J In Gardiner's own account of his coming
liament he was among the most prominent over, and of his employers, he wrote this
188
TIISTORr OF BOSTON.
[1635.
mediate direction of Governor John Winthrop, junior.* The Authorities
of Boston improved the opportunity of his being here, to engage him to
undertake the completion of the fortification on Fort Hill.
CHAPTER XXI.
Town's Proceedings. — Lands laid out to the Inhabitants at Mount Wollaston at Muddy River. —
Ferry to Charlestown and Winesimet. — Lieut. Gardiner employed on the Fort. — Grand Jurors.
— AVatch ordered. — Overseers of Town Concerns chosen. — Orders concerning Fences, Hogs,
entertaining of Strangers. — Members to the General Court. — Magistrates for Life. — Fire. — Ship
Charity arrives. — Benevolent Act of Hugh Peters. — Ship St. Patrick. — Difficulty with the Officer
of the Castle. — Other Troubles about the Fort. — Colors restored. — Vane elected Governor. —
Internal Town Regulations. — Lands allotted to Owen Rowe at Mount 'Wollaston. — Water Bailififs
appointed. — Constable. — Houses not allowed to be built near Streets. — Hogreeves.
Jan. 4.
AT a Town Meeting, six hundred acres of
land were ordered to be laid out for "Mr.
Atherton Haulgh," f beyond " Mount Woollystone,
betweene Monottycott ryver " and Weymouth bounds ;
and if it did not contain a " meete " proportion of
meadow, he was to have " it in y^ little meaddow at
y*" vpper end of y^ fresh brooke, called y*" Stand."
It was, at the same time, ordered " y' hereafter none
shall fell any wood or timber at Muddy Ryver or
any other place but vpon their own allottments."
Thomas Marshall " was chosen by generall consent
for y® keeping of a Ferry from y" Mylne Point | vnto Charles-
towne, and to Wynnyseemitt, and to take for his ferrying \Tito
Charlestowne, as y^ ferryman there hath, and vnto Wynnyseemitt, for
a single pson sixpence, and for two sixpence ; and for every one above
y^ number of two, two pence a piece."
Jan. 23.
name Bonnington, but I have no doubt the
true name was as I have given it, and that he
was of the famous Yorkshire family of that
name. He was son of Francis, grandson of
Thomas Boynton, and was born about L591 ;
married a daughter of Thomas Lord Fairfax ;
knighted 1G18 ; high sheriflFof Yorkshire, 1628,
1G43 ; Governor of Scarboro' Castle; died 1646.
— See Poulson's Hist. Holder aess, and Nichol's
Progresses of James I., where he is called
" one of those the Rebels chiefely trusted in
Yorkshire." Gardiner's work, here referred
to, is printed, but not edited, in Colls. Mass.
Hist. Soc. There is a sort of introduction to
it. His name is spelled Gardener. There is
a pedigree of his descendants extant.
* VVinthrop says, i. 173, that Gardiner
came in a " Norsey " bark. This word " Nor-
eey " sadly puzzled his editor, he " never
having seen it before." He therefore con-
cludes that the bark came down from among
the Norwegians ! Now, though she may not
have come from Noseley, where one of her
owners lived, it would be quite as easy to
derive the name given by Winthrop from
Noseley, in the county of Leicester, as it
would be to derive it from the Black Sea,
though its name were expressed in French.
■j- The same persons designated before under
the names Hough, Hoffe, Haugh, &c. There
may be male descendants of Atlierton Hough
under different names at this day. The name
does not appear in the first Boston Directory.
X Windmill Point. In the early records of
other towns milne is often written for mill,
but I do not find it so spelled in any of the
old dictionaries to which I have recuiTed.
The location of the "Milne Point" is suflB-
ciently indicated by the extract from the Rec-
ords.
1636.] OVERSEERS OF TOWN CONCERNS CHOSEN. 189
To improve the important services of Captain Gardiner, before his
departure for Connecticut, the town " agreed y', for y^ raysing of a
new worke of fortification vpon y^ ffort hill, about y' wh'"' is there
alreaddy begune, the whole towne w^ould bestowe fourteene dayes'
worke " a man. For this end Mr. Deputie, Mr. Henry Vane, Mr.
John Winthrop, sen""., Mr. William Coddington, Mr. John Winthrop,
iu""., Captain John Vnderhill, and Mr. William Brenton," were chosen
Commissioners. They were directed to " sett downe how many dayes
worke would be equall for each man to doe, and what money * such
should contribute, beside their worke, as were of greater abilities and
had fewer servants, that therewith provisions of tooles and other neces-
saryes might bee made, and some recompence given to such of y®
poorer sort as should be found to bee overburdened with their fourteene
dayes' worke ; and Mr. John Cogan is chosen treasurer, and Mr. Wil-
liam Dyer, clarke, for y" furtherance of this worke ;" which " worke is
to be gone in hand with soe soone as y^ weather will pmitt, in regard
yt ye ingineere, Mr. Lyon Garner, who doth soe freely offer his help
there vnto, hath but a short time of stay."
P^j^ jg The town chose Mr. John Cogan and William " Aspinnell "
as Grand Jurors, and Richard Fairbanks, William Hudson and
James Pennyman to serve as " petfeie " Jury. A week later there was a
^_ Town Meeting " vpon pryvate warning," at which it was agreed
" y'^ there shalbe a Watch taken vp and gone around with from
the first of the second month next, for y*" summertime from sunne sett,
an houre after y^ beating of y® drumbe, vpon penaltie, for every one
wanting therein, twelve pence for every night."
There was another " gen'all meeting vpon priuate warning,"
' in which Thomas Oliver, Thomas Leveritt, William Hutchinson,
William Colborne, John Coggeshall, John Sampford, Richard Tuttell,
William Aspenall, William Brenton, William Balston, Jacob Ellyot and
James Penne, were authorized to be overseers "from this day to
oversee and looke vnto and sett order for all the allottments within vs,
and for all comers in vnto vs, as also for all other y*" occasions and busi-
nesses " of the Town, excepting matters of Election and the General
Court.
As several persons who had had lands lotted out to them had
' ■ " ' not improved them according to the prescribed conditions, it
was now ordered in Town Meeting, that the lots laid out to them were
free to be otherwise disposed of. Their names were "Mr. Atherton
Haulghe, Zachie Bosworth, Richard Truestayles, Richard Oakes, Na-
thaniell Woodwarde, Thomas Meakins y^ elder, Thomas Meakins y^
younger, Mr. Greene, Mr. Mullyns, Richard Walker, John Palmer,
James Johnson, Richard Brackett, Thomas Blott, Richard Tuttell,
* In the margin of the Town Records are Vane, Winthrop, sen., Coddington, Wm-
arranged in a column the following names, throp, jun., Kaynk, Hutchinson, Cogan, Lev-
and against each is set £5 ; viz., Bellingh.\m, erett, and Harding.
190 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [163G.
Barnabie Darryfall, Thomas Savage, [John] Bushnall,* Mr. Wood-
warde, Mr. Stanley, Robert Houlton, Anthony Harker, [George]
Grigges y^ carpenter, and Richard Wrighte." Some of these persons
had, perhaps, gone to Connecticut, some to other places, and some had
failed to build on their lots from other circumstances.
At this meeting provision was made to have "sufficient fences to y^
Cornefielde, before y*" fourteenth of y^ next second month ;" that, for
every defective rod then found, five shillings penalty: "The feild to-
wards Rocksberry to be looked out by Jacob Ellyott and Jonathan
Negoose ; the Fort Feild, by James Penn and Richard Gridley ; the
Mylne Feild, by John Button and Edward Bendall ; and the New Feild,
by John Audley and Thomas Faireweather."
If hogs were found running at large after a certain day, John Samp-
son and William Balstone were ordered to seize them, and they were
declared forfeited by their owners. If any inhabitants entertained
strangers over fourteen days, without leave "from those y' are
^^ ' appointed to order the Towne's businesses," they were liable to
be " dealt with " by those " Overseers," as they thought advisable.
Twelve days before the meeting of the General Court, there
^ ^^ ' was a Town Meeting, at which Mr. William Hutchinson, Mr.
John Coggeshall, and Mr. William Brenton were chosen " for Deputyes
or Comittees for the service" of that Court.f A few weeks before,
. " at a General Court, it was ordered, that a certain number of
Magistrates should be chosen for life ;" and at the General Elec-
tion, three persons were actually chosen to be Magistrates during their
lives. These were Winthrop, Dudley and Vane. " It does not appear
that the people approved of such a disposal or assumption of offices, and
they were soon abandoned ; for they very justly reasoned, that by such
a course of proceeding, all offices might be disposed of, and nothing
left for their choice.
The Town had been free from accidental fires for some time past, but
about this time the house of Mr. John Benjamin was burnt down, sub-
jecting him to a loss of one hundred pounds in goods. |
^ ^.j j^ The ship Charity, of Dartmouth, came near being cast away
as she sailed into the harbor with a heavy north-west wind.
She was of one hundred and twenty tons burthen, and brought a timely
supply of provisions, which were at this time much needed. To pre-
vent speculators oppressing the poor, by buying up the provisions, and
holding them at extravagant prices, Mr. Peters § bought up the whole
* A John Bushnell appears afterwards at % This fire is recorded by Winthrop, Jour-
Saybrook, Ct. _ He is probably the same per- nal, i. 185, but he does not state where Benja-
son in Boston in 1636. — See N. E. H. Gen. min lived. He was admitted freeman, 6 Nov.,
Reg., iy. 19. 1632, and is said to have lived at Watertown.
f This is the first mention in the Town He may have gone there after this, though I
Records of the choice of Representatives, or do not find his name in the list of the e^irly
" Deputyes," as they are called, for the Gen- settlers of that town, as published by Rev. Dr.
eral Court." It is not unworthy of note, that Francis. Mr. Hamblen finds Joseph Benjamin
at this time London sent but four members to among the inhabitants of Barnstable, 1662-6.
Parliament; only one more than Boston sent — See N. E. H. Gen. Reg., ii. 64-5.
to the General Court. ^This distinguished man, I presume, wrote
1636.] TROUBLES ABOUT THE FORT. 191
cargo; by which operation, "he saved the Country two hundred
pounds."* It was then distributed "to all the towns, as each town
needed." He had been laboring for some time to induce the people to
establish a sort of magazine, by buying up necessary articles when they
were cheap, which should be well husbanded and dealt out when they
were scarce, at reasonable rates ; but it does not appear to have been
brought about, notwithstanding he had set this distinguished example.
, Considerable uneasiness was felt in the town, about a month
later, which happened on the arrival of the Ship St. Patrick,
Captain Palmer. All ships were to observe certain regulations on
passing the fort at Castle Island, but since the trouble about the Colors,
or rather the Red Cross in it, the Fort presented the awkward appear-
ance of a captured garrison ; no Flag to signify its real character.
Under these circumstances, however, the St. Patrick was brought too,
and, by Lieutenant Morris, the officer of the Fort, made to strike her
Colors. Captain Palmer complained to the Authorities ; alleging the
conduct of the commander of the Fort to be a flagrant insult both to
his Flag and Country. Now the St. Patrick belonged to Sir Thomas
Wentworth, who, up to this time, was claimed as a friend to New Eng-
land ;f and, therefore, it was neither wise nor just to give, unneces-
sarily, any offence on such occasions. They, therefore, ordered the
officer of the Fort before them, and in the presence of the Master of the
ship proclaimed that their officer had no authority to do as he had
done ; and he was ordered to make such atonement for his conduct as
Captain Palmer should demand. The Captain was very lenient, requir-
ing only an acknowledgment of his error, on board his ship, "that so
all the ship's company might receive satisfaction ;" this was submitted
to, and thus all parties became quieted. But within a few days an-
other circumstance occurred respecting the Fort, with a somewhat
diff'erent result. One Thomas Millerd or Miller, mate of the ship Hec-
tor, then lying in the harbor, being probably emboldened by the pro-
ceedings against the officer of the Fort, or from some other cause not
reported, pronounced all the people here traitors and rebels, because
they had discarded the King's Colors. On complaint being made to
Captain Feme, the Master of the Hector, Millerd was brought before
the Court, and there made to acknowledge his offence, and to sign a
paper to that effect. He was then discharged.
These occurrences gave the Authorities considerable concern, lest
reports should be carried to England that they had rebelled here, in
his name Peter, but usage has added an 5 to it. Southwark, " the King's brewer, and divers
His brother Thomas, who was also for a time others," £500. Mr. Houghton and Mr. Wil-
in New England, wrote his name Peters. — See liam Hiccock had before, with some others, at
N. Eng. Hist, and Gen. Reg., ii. 58 — 64. the " motion of Capt. Underbill, " given ten
* Mr. Peters had in several ways shown his barrels of powder,
benevolence to the country. By his influence f Wentworth (afterwards Earl of Strafford)
with a gentleman of Saugus, he gave £300 to was at this time " Lord Deputy of Ireland," in
the colony. With Mr, Weld, he procured, at which country he boasted he had made his Mas-
another time, £500 in London; and in 1641, ter "as absolute as any Prince in the world."
they procured of Mr. Robert Houghton, of The St. Patrick was, perhaps, an Irish ship.
192 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1636.
fact, and were playing false, and that their contempt of the English
Flag was evidence of the allegation. Therefore, to counteract such
representations, Mr. Vane, now * Governor, called the Captains of the
ships t together, and desired to know how they felt towards the Govern-
ment and people here, and if they were offended at what had happened,
and if so, what they required in satisfaction. They frankly told the
Governor, that if they should be questioned, on their return to England,
in regard to " what Colors they saw here," a statement of the bare facts
in relation to it might result to their disadvantage. Therefore, they
wouhl recommend that the King's Colors might be set up on the Fort.
The Governor and his Advisers seem to have come pretty well over to
the same conclusion, but there was a difficulty in the way, — " they had
no Kino-'s Colors;" by which confession of theirs it is pretty clear that
others, besides Mr. Endicott, had been making war on St. George's
Crosses. To remedy this difficulty, two of the ship-masters offered to
present them with Colors. Bat so fearful were these conscientious
people lest they should tolerate a symbol of idolatry, that they declined
receiving the Colors thus offered, until they had first taken the advice
of Mr. Cotton in regard to it. It was finally concluded, that although
they were of the decided opinion that the Cross in the Ensign was
idolatrous, and, therefore, ought not to be in it ; nevertheless, as the
Fort was the King's, and maintained in his name, his Colors might be
used there. So the Governor accepted the Colors of Captain Palmer,
and promised they should be set up on the Fort at Castle Island. Ac-
cordingly the Governor, with the consent of Mr. Dudley, directed
Lieutenant Morris,| by warrant, to " spread" the King's Colors there,
which was accordingly done.
While these events were passing in Boston, the General Elec-
^ '^^ " ■ tion of officers for the present year took place, which resulted in
the choice of Henry Vane, Esquire, for Governor, and John Winthrop,
Esquire, Deputy Governor. To show their respect for the new Gov-
ernor, all the Masters of ships in the harbor (and "there were fifteen
great ships "), gave him a salute with their ordnance. § The next week
he invited all the Captains on shore, and gave them a dinner. After
dinner, he proposed the following regulations to be observed by ships
on their arrival at Boston : — First, that all ships should come to an
* By carrying on the narrative of the trans- that he might be discharged of it, and so was,
actions which grew out of the indignity offered whereby he gave offence to the Congregation
to the St. Patrick, the order of time is, of of Boston ; so as, being questioned, and con-
course, necessarily anticipated. As will be vinced of sin in forsaking his calling, he did
seen presently, the event here detailed took acknowledge his fault ; and, at the request of
place after Mr. Vane was elected Governor. the people, was by the magistrates chosen
t There were ten in the harbor at this time. Lieutenant to the same Company ; for he
There were fifteen but a few days before, as was a very stout man, and an experienced
will be seen. soldier."
X This person appears to have been the ^ The language of Winthrop is, in noticing
commander of the fort, and the same who was this election, "The ships congratulated his
Ensign to Captain Underbill, and who, accord- election with a volley of great shot, because
ing to Winthrop, i. 127, " taking some dis- ho was son and heir to a Privy Counsellor
taste to his office, requested the Magistrates, in England." — Journal,!. 187.
1630.] OWEN ROWE. 193
anchor before reaching the fort, or to send their boats Avith an officer
who shonld satisfy the commander of it that they were friends ; second,
that before any goods were offered for sale, an invoice should be deliv-
ered to the Governor, who should have the privilege of purchasing ;
third, sailors not to be allowed to remain on shore after sunset, "except
upon necessary business." To all which, the Captains of the fifteen ships
" willingly condescended unto."
Ships this season had made quick passages across the ocean ; " divers,
both out of the Downs and from Holland, came in five weeks ;" and Mr.
Ball's ship, which sailed hence on the sixteenth of January last, made
the English coast in eighteen days.
Meanwhile, the internal concerns of the town are not neglected.
In a regular meeting of those with whom all matters, except
elections, had been entrusted,* it was agreed that there should be "a
sufficient foot-way made from William Colborne's field end, unto Sam-
uell Wylebore's field end, next Roxbury, by the surveyors of high-ways,
before the end of the next month." At this meeting it appeared that
Richard Fairbanks had sold two houses, "in Sudbury End," that were
AVilliam Balstone's, to two strangers, contrary to a former order, and,
therefore, the sale was declared void ; and for which he was fined ten
pounds. Also that " Isaacke CuUymore, carpenter," had sold his house
to a stranger, and he was fined ten pounds.
At a meeting "it was agreed that, Mr. Owyn Roe, of Lon
don, having a house and townes lott amongst vs, and certaine
cattell, shall have layd out for him two hundred acres att Mount Wool-
lystons, for the present releife of his cattell, and for him to inioy when
as he shalbecome an inhabitant amongst vs, and not otherwise." But
Mr. Rowe never came to New England ; though, as late as the eigh-
teenth of February of this year, in a letter to Mr. Winthrop, he said
his heart was with the people here ; that he had given up his business,
and as soon as he could get in his debts and settle his affiiirs, he in-
tended to come ; for he desired to see the glory of the place, " and to
behould the bewttye of God in these gowenings [gowings-in] of his in
his tempel." This he wrote in answer to one from Mr. Winthrop, dated
on the tenth of the preceding December. In the same letter, Mr, Rowe
requested that " Mr. Ransford " might be accommodated with a farm,
on which the stock of cattle he had sent over might be preserved ; for
he had lost near five hundred pounds, " as Mr. Wilson could certifye." f
He was one of the early members of the Massachusetts Company, and
had also been an early benefactor to the colony, as Winthrop show^s.
The troubles which led to the " Civil War," diverted him from becom-
ing a resident of Boston, in all probability, for he was employed in the
military service in that contest ; and when the King was brought to
* Namely, "Thomas Oliver, Thomas Lev- Richard Tuttell, John Sampford, and James
eritt, William Hutchinson, Willjam Coul- Penne."
borne, John Coggeshall, William Aspenall, f See Hutchinson's Coll. of Orig. Papers, 59.
25
/
■^ y/7
194 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [163G.
trial, he was one of the Judges in that " Iligli Convt of Justice," and
among those who signed the warrant for his execution.*
Mr. Samuel Maverick, who had been in Virginia about a year,
"°' * returned to Boston with two vessels. He brought with him
some fourteen heifers, and about eighty goats ; of the latter, he lost
twenty on his voyage. He gave an account of great sufferings in that
colony ; that above eighteen hundred people had died there within the
year, and chiefly of famine ; and that corn was at twenty shillings the
bushel.
The regulators of the town's affiiirs appointed John Sampford
"°" '^' and William Hudson, " Waterbalies, to see y'' noe annoying
things, eyther by fish, wood or stone, be left about y^ sea shore," con-
trary to an order made the first of September, 1634. And on the
^^ twenty-second of the same month, at a General Town Meeting,
"°* ""■ Mr. William Hutchinson, Mr. John Coggeshall, and Mr. William
Brenton, were chosen for " Deputy es or Comittyes for the service of
this next General Court." And " att this assembly, Mr. John New-
gate is chosen for one of y' Constables within this towne, for one whole
year."
At the general meeting of the town now held, ten men w^ere
°^ * * selected for the "same businesses and occasions," and with
the same powers as their predecessors had for the management of the
town's affairs. f They were chosen for six months only. At a meeting
ten days later, " it was founde y' William Hudson hath sould au
^^ '" '■ housplott and garden vnto one WilUam Mawer, a strainger,
w"'out" consent, and was fined t^venty shillings. Also, "William
Aspenall hath sold a housplott and a garden vnto one Mr. Tinge, "J
and is fined five pounds. " Mr. Samuel Cole " was charged with sell-
ing a lot to one Mr. Greenfield, and is let off with a small fine.
It was ordered in town meeting that " no house at all" should
be built near to any of the streets or lanes, unless by consent and
advice " of y^ Overseers of y*" Townes occasions." This regulation was
declared to be to prevent disorderly building, " to y*" inconvenience of
streetes and laynes." For non-observance of which a fine not exceeding
ten shillings was to be imposed. At the next meeting, it was ordered
* The fac simile of his autograph, here pre- f As some neAV names appear, they are all
sen ted, is copied from a beautiful engraving given: — "Thomas Olyver, Thomas Leveritt,
of tlie " Death Warrant," accompanied by the William Hutchinson, Roliert Keayne, John
names of those Judges who signed it. Copies Newgate, William Coulhorne, John Coggos-
of this curious instrument arc common, but hall, John Sampford, William, Ercnton, and
generally of Vv-retched execution. I am in- "William Balstone ;" all -/vi/i-/fr«f/ in the.records,
dobtcd to Mr. Joiln Bean for the liberty to except Thomas Leveritt, which omission was
make a tracing for the subject of this note, of course accidental.
from the copy which he possesses. J His Christian name was probably W^illiam.
He had a brother Edward here in 1G38, who
came over in the same ship with Mr. John
Josselyn. These names will be often met
with in the progress of tlie History. William
_ and Edwai-d Tynge were bi-others. The former
\is,^__^ died 18 Jan., 1653.
iJjmiAm
163G.] ORIGINAL STREETS. 195
that all the timber in the market place, not taken away before
the first of next month, should be forfeited. AVilliam Brenton
and John Sampford were appointed to look to the matter ; which, if
they neglected to do, the Town would not neglect to look to them for a
fine of ten shillings, as the record says.
It was further ordered, at this meeting, that "John Gallop shall
remove his payles at his yarde ende within fourteen dayes, and to
rainge them even with the corner of his house, for y^ preserving of y"
way vpon y*" sea bancke ; that William* Wilkes, Isaac Cullymore,
Henry Lynne, and Mr. Greensmyth,f shall raynge theire payle vpon
each of their grounds, streight from y*" corner of William Wilkes his
house, or from y" vpper poast of his garding gap, and to preserve a path-
way of a rod breadth betweene payle and payle, betweene this and y"
first of next second moneth ; and soe to goe all along vnto John Pem-
berton's house in y" same range." Also there shall be a street between
Henry Lynn and Mr. Samuel Coles' ground, to ran up from the water
side to the next great cross street, one and a half rods wide. Also
another lane to go up from the water by John Gallop's, to the same
cross way, a pole in breadth. Also another " layne to be left to goe
from y** water side vp y*" balke, or neare y' goes vp from y^ end of John
Mylains house next William Aspenalls ground, to goe along to y* mylne
cove, a rod and a half broade." Also, " y' the streete way from y® gates
next James Everills towards y^ mylne, is to runne streight along in an
even lyne to John Pemberton's house, and to raynge betweene Thomas
Marshalls house and Sergyant Savages house, and to be within y^ streete
between payle and payle on eyther syde, two pole " in breadth. Also
a lane to run from cove to cove, between Thomas Paynter and Thomas
Marshall, one and a half poles wide.
An order was passed, that for every rod of planting ground not
fenced by the first of the next April, ten shillings a rod should
be paid, or the ground forfeited. And several persons paid fines |
"vpon their houses, selling contrary to a former order." Also
Richard Fairbanks w^as chosen " Hog Reeve. "||
Robert Harding w^as ordered to remove a " little house in his
yard, and take it away from thence, before the first of next
May." It was also ordered, that those inhabitants wdio were in want
of wood, might get it at " Deare Island ;" that if they left any felled
which they did not take away, others were at liberty to take it.
, The town chose John Coggeshall, William Coulborne and Wil-
liam Brenton, to serve as Deputies in the General Court. Eight
persons § were also chosen " to consider of Mount Woolistone busincsse,
* Usually written in the records Willm. Asponall xxv.% and Samuel Cole xx." ; all paid
f At the General Court, 3d August, 1637, into the hands of Mr. Robert Keajno.
■'one Greensmith " Tvas imprisoned for say- || About three years later he was appointed
ing, "that all the Elders, except two, did a sort of Post Master, as will be seen. He was
preach a covenant of work." The two minis- made a freeman 14 May, 1634.
ters were JNIr. Cotton and ]Mr. Wheehvxight. ^ Vane, Winthrop, Oliver, Keayne, New-
He was fined £40. gate, Coulborne, Coggeshall and Brenton, were
J They were, William Hudson v.% William those made choice of.
196 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1630.
and for y^ ripening thereof ; how there may bee a Towne and Church
there w'*" y* consent of this Towne 's inhabitants." At the next meeting
it was agreed that Edward Belchar, William Talmage, Thomas
Snowe, WiUiam Deninge and John Arratt [?], servants of Wil-
liam Brenton, should have their " great allotments " at Muddy River ;
"and also our brother Robert Hull and Thomas Wheeler."* At the
next meeting leave was granted Thomas Mount f to fence in a
Dec. 2o. ^.^^^ ^^ marsh before his house, "for the making of brick, at
the pleasure of y' overseers of y^ Towne."
Before the close of this year, there arrived a ship at Barnstaple with
eighty heifers, and one from Bristol with passengers ; but much of her
freight and most of her passengers were sent out by Sir Ferdinando
Gorges, for his Plantation at Agamentacus.J And by the 17th of
November, two other ships arrived from London, "full of pas-
^^' ' sengers, men, women and children." One of them had been
out twenty-six weeks, and was reduced to great extremity. The pas-
sengers, though in a state of starvation, "yet came all safe on shore,
and most of them sound, and well liking." Among those who now
arrived at Boston, were Mr. Nathaniel Rogers, afterwards of Ipswich,
and Mr. Ralph Partridge, afterwards minister of Duxbury.
There was another windmill erected this year at Boston, and one
at Charlestown ; a water-mill at Salem, one at Ipswich, and one at
Newbury.
Cattle, notwithstanding they had been constantly brought in, were at
a high price. A good cow was worth about thirty pounds ; a pair of
bulls or oxen, forty pounds ; corn, five shillings a bushel ; boards,
about ten shillings the hundred feet ; carpenters, three shillings a
day. II
* Perhaps the same who, in 1675, fell des- of the ship. This is often the case in Gov.
perately wounded at AVickabaug Pond, in Winthrop's Journal ; an omission seriously felt
Philip's war. He survived, but Capt. Edward at this day.
Hutchinson died of wounds received at the || The facts in this paragraph I take from
same time. Mr. Webster's edition of Winthrop's Journal;
fThe name is written in the margin of the some of them not being intelligible in Mr.
Ptecord, Munt. Savage's edition.
X No names of passengers are given, or name
CHAPTER XXII.
Pequot Indians. — Their Jealousy of the English. — Its Origin. — They kill Mr. Oldham. — Discov-
ery by Capt. Gallop. — His Desperate Fight near Block Island. — Returns to Boston with ,a Cap-
tive. — Roger Williams. — Miantonimo. — Lieut. Gardiner. — Gov. Vane sends Commissioners to
the Narragansets. — Forces sent to Block Island. — They ravage the Country. — Sail to the Pe-
quot Country. — Effect little. — Result unfavorable. — Complained of by Plymouth and Connecti-
cut. — The English in much jeopardy. — Deputation of Narraganset Indians visit Boston. — League
between them and the Pcquots prevented. — Roger Williams. — Pequots commit more Murders. —
Bloody Fight at Saybrook. — Narragansets make War on the Pequots. — They bring Trophies to
Boston. — Company under Underbill sent to Saybrook. — Pequots attack Wethersfield. — War
declared against them. — March of Capt. Mason. — Blindness of the Pequots. — Mohegans and
Narragansets march with the English. — The principal Pequot Fort stormed and taken. — The
Ai-my returns to Saybrook.
ALTHOUGH there had been some serious pas-
sages between the Pequot Indians and the Eng-
lish hitherto, they did not so materially affect
the people of Boston, as to cause any very deep
animosity to remain in their minds. The Pequots
had committed murders, but the sufferers did not
belong to Boston, nor to Massachusetts ; nor was
it certain that those who were murdered had not
brought down vengeance upon their own heads,
by their imprudence. Since the outrages here
alluded to, the English had increased in numbers,
and a few had gone and occupied lands in the immediate neighborhood
of those Indians. Suspicions and jealousies are always the offspring of
ignorance. The natives could not comprehend much of the system
which governed the conduct of their new neighbors, and hence a jeal-
ousy of what they could not understand was the natural result ; they
saw there was a great difference between their own and their neighbors'
condition, which they were ready at once to attribute to their superior
endowments. This naturally excited envy, and this a desire on the
part of the Indians to triumph over them.
The Pequots were similarly situated with respect to their neighbors
on the west, — the Dutch, — with whom no good understanding had
prevailed for some time. However, it is not at all probable that they
contemplated a general war with the white people at any time. They
thought they had pacified them about the murder of Captain Stone and
his company ; and they may have thought that if a few others hap-
pened they could as easily be passed over. They had no idea, prob-
ably, that by killing a man belonging to Boston, any more trouble
would arise than though he belonged to any other place ; but here their
reasoning, if they reasoned at aU, failed them ; for Captain Stone
belonged to Virginia, and that country was too far off to redress the
injury or to inquire into the cause of it.
July.
This was the actual state of things when news came to Boston
that one of its active business community had been murdered by
198 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1G3G.
the Indians of Block Island. This was Captain John Oldham, who had
occupied a conspicuous place during the whole period of the existence
of the Colony of Massachusetts ; and although he did not reside per-
manently on the peninsula of Shawmut, yet his principal business was
here.
It proved that Captain Oldham was killed by some Narraganset
Indians who happened to be at Block Island at the time of his visit.
The discovery of the murder and its perpetrators was acci-
" ^ " ' dental, and happened in this w\ay. Captain John Gallop, an
intrepid mariner of Boston, being upon a trading expedition, put into
Block Island to traffic with the natives. He had with him his son
John,* another son not mentioned by name, and a servant, who is
described as a "strong, stout fellow." As they approached the
island, they discovered a vessel making off from the shore, under sus-
picious circumstances ; for those on board of it managed the sails in an
awkward manner. Immediately after, they saw that it was fall of
Indians.! Though his men numbered but four, including himself, J
Captain Gallop determined to capture the piratical vessel, as he now
conceived her to be such. He therefore fired upon her as soon as he
was near enough, and then stood off to ascertain what effect his fire
had upon the pirates ; for, owing to their numbers, he was afraid to
board them at once, as " they stood ready armed, with guns, pikes and
swords." To attempt their capture under these circumstances was
certainly desperate ; but Gallop had the advantage of being able
to manoeuvre his vessel, while his enemies were such sorry sailors that
* He was killed at the great swamp-figlit, blood ! ' And then, taking his dagger to the
in Narraganset, 19 Dec, 1675, being then scuttle-hole, in which the Indians were quog-
captain of one of the Connecticut companies, ged, as thick as they could stand, head by
He had a grant of land on Mistick river in head, he jobbed his dagger very often with all
1053, " in consideration and with respect unto his strength upon them. Upon which one
the services his father hath done for the coun- Indian first got out and begged quarter for his
try." He married Mrs. Margaret Lake, and left life, and he would tell how many were in the
posterity. — See Miss Caulkin's Hist. New hold, and who they were, and what they had
Zorafi'ow, 98, 201-2. done; they granted him that quarter," &c.,
t Fourteen in all, says Winthrop,\.,l^'d. as in the text. "Presently after, another
J Winthrop says, " one man more and two very proper fellow got out, and got to them,
little boys." The " little boys " were doubt- and desired like quarter for his life ; but they
less the sons of the Captain. How old they considering if they spared and bound him also
were at this time does not appear ; but John, in their hold, they might in the night unbind
jun.,hada daughter married in 1G72. Rev. each other and do them mischief, being but
Mr. Cobbct, in his iVarra/ifc, says he had his four persons, and much tired; whereupon,
account from him. — See N. Eng. Hist, and without further debate, they chopped of}' his
Gen. Reg., vii., 211-12. From the part they head, and heaved his carkas overboard ; upon
acted in this tragedy they could not have been which the other Indian confessed to them, that
very young. Mr. Cobbet relates, that Gal- he was their Sachem whom they had killed ;
lop, on finding the seine in the enemy's ves- and that it was he who had stirred up the
eel, was about to " take it with him to catch Block Islanders to take that English vessel
basse withal, and then perceived a dead body and cram the men in it. Now the wind
under it with the head cutoff;" that when waxing higher and contrary, they could not
he entered the vessel, " he bid his two sons tow the other vessel any further, cut the rope
follow him, and stand by him with their guns and let her drive, and hastened to Saybrook
ready charged, which they did ; and he, taking fort with their captive Indian; whereupon
the bloody head and wasliing it, knew it to that just war was commenced against the
1)0 Mr. Oldham's, and said, ' Ah ! brother Old- bloody Pequots and their associates."
ham, is it thee 1 1 am resolved to avenge thy
1636.] ORIGIN OF PEQUOT WAR. CAPTAIN GALLOP. 199
tliey appear to have had little or no control over their craft. Gallop,
therefore, having drawn off to a fair distance, made all sail, with the
prow of his vessel aimed directly against the quarter of the enemy.
There being a good breeze, he struck her with such force that she was
almost overset by the collision ; and this so frightened the Indians, that
six of them jumped into the sea and were drowned ; yet the English
captain did not dare to board her, but stood off again to prepare for
another broadside of the same kind. His success increased. The next
time he drove the fluke of his anchor through the bows of the pirate,
and remained fast to her. In the mean time he raked her fore-and-aft
with his small shot, till every Indian had hid himself below. The Eng-
lish might now have boarded her, but the Captain concluded to continue
his successful broadsides, as his anchor had broken its hold, and his
bark was drifting from his antagonist. As soon as the Indians saw him
hauling off, four or five more of them leaped overboard and were
drowned. Seeing this. Gallop came alongside and boarded them. The
Indians, by this time, if not before, being satisfied that all w^as lost, one
came out of the hold and surrendered ; and being bound, was put into
the hold. Then another came up, and he was bound likewise ; but not
daring to put him into the hold with the other, fearing one might
unloose the other, they threw him bound into the sea. There were still
two left in the hold, and these defended themselves so bravely with
swords, that Gallop resolved to secure them there, and to sail away
with his prize. lie therefore made her fast to his own vessel and pro-
ceeded on with her in tow ; but in the night the wind came on to blow,
and he was forced to cut her adrift, and thus he lost her. He soon
after arrived at Saybrook with the Indian captive, and in due time
returned with him to Boston.
When Captaiu Gallop got possession of the enemy's vessel, he found
the body of Captain Oldham under an old seine, yet w^arm ; and though
the head was dissevered and disfigured, ho knew him well, and ex-
claimed, " Ah, brother Oldham ! is it thee ? I am resolved to avenge
thy death! " Thus being sure that he had engaged the nmrderers of
his friend, his naturally strong arm was doubly nerved by the justice
of his cause.
j^j g^ There were with Mr. Oldham two boys and two Narraganset
Indians, and there was a suspicion that the latter were acces-
sory to Captain Oldham's death. However this may be, neither of the
four in company wdth him were killed. Mr. Roger Williams, recently
driven from Salem to escape persecution, being situated in the vicinity
of the Narragansets, learned at once all the particulars relative to Mr.
Oldham's death, and communicated it by letter to Governor Vane, at
Boston. He also sent for and obtained the two boys that were with
Captain Oldham when he was killed, and they were, soon after, by
Miantonimo sent to Boston. The messengers who brought Mr. Wil-
liams' letter to the Governor, were the same who were with Mr. Oldham
when he was killed ; and whether they were implicated in that murder
200 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1636.
or not, they did not very satisfactorily acquit themselves before the
Governor and Council at Boston ; and had they not heen charged with
messages from Canonicus, they would no doubt have been dealt with as
enemies. The Indian captured by Captain Gallop, had, on his exam-
ination, accused these Indians as having been concerned in Captain
Oldham's death, and this was the grounds of suspicion against them.
Some of the people began to be clamorous because the Government had
not moved at once to revenge the death of Mr. Oldham ; meanwhile, the
great Narraganset Sachems, Canonicus and Miantonimo, were exerting
themselves to find out the murderers, and the latter had actually gone
against Block Island with two hundred men, in less tlian one week
after the murder was committed. Among those disposed to complain
against the Government for delaying to do "justice" upon the Indians,
Avas Lieutenant Gardiner, of the fort at Saybrook. He tauntingly said,
that not only himself, but " many more with him wondered that the
Bay did not better revenge the murdering of Mr. Oldham, an honest
man of their own, seeing they were at such cost for a Virginian."
Notwithstanding, Governor Vane acted with prudence ; he used all
means at his command to learn the actual state of the case. On the
eighth of August he sent a deputation into the Narraganset coun-
"■ ' try to hold a personal conference with Canonicus,* who, it was
well known, was a just man, and a friend to the English. The embassy
consisted of Lieutenant Edward Gibbons f of Boston, and Mr. John
Higginson of Salem. | Kutshamokin, a chief of the Massachusetts In-
dians, accompanied them as interpreter. From this negotiation they
^^ returned on the thirteenth of the same month, having been
°' ' " very well accepted, and good success in their business. They
observed in the Sachem much state, great command over his men, and
much wisdom in his answers and the carriage of the whole treaty ;
clearing himself and his neighbors of the murder, and offering assistance
for revenge of it, yet upon very safe and wary conditions."
It was pretty soon settled, by advice of the Magistrates and Minis-
* A man, says Johnson, " then well stricken dating with the people of Salern, a " saving
in years," had therefore " caused his nephew, work" Avas conuiienced upon him, and he
]\liantinomo, to take the government upon " afterwards Avas the chieftane and flower of
him, who was a very sterne man, and of very New England's militia, and an eminent in-
great stature; of a cruel nature, causing all strumentboth in church and commonwealth;
his nobility, and such as were his attendance, he being the younger brother of the house of
to tremble at his speech. The people under an honorable extract. "— His A'wrra/ire, p. 10.
his government Avere very numerous, besides Captain Johnson says, (in 1G44), "lie is a
the Niantick Indians, whose Prince Avas of man of a resolute spirit, bold as a lion, a
neare alliance unto him. They were able to Major-General, very forward to promote all
set forth, as was then supposed, 30,000 [3000] military matters ; his forts all well contrived,
figiitingmen." — Won. Work. Prov., Book u., and batteries strong and in good repair, his
chap. 0. artillery Avell mounted and cleanly kept." —
f Mr. Gibbons Avas in New England Avhen Won. Work. Prov., 19k
Governor Endicott arrived, and rendered much J In Johnson's W. W. Providence, Book ii.,
service in organizing his Government at Salem, chap. G, will be found a most excellent de-
What time he came over does not appear, but scription of the proceedings at the council with
he was at Mount Wollaston for a time, and the Indians in their country. No one can
probably came over with the founder of that read it without believing Johnson was himself
colony. Joshua ScottoAV says, that, on asso- on the spot.
1636.] PEQUOTS. BLOCK ISLAND EXPEDITION. 201
ters, that the Block Island Indians should be chastised, and that an
expedition for the purpose should forthwith be dispatched to that
Island. Such was the state of the public mind, that men enough volun-
teered for the service as soon as they were wanted. It was decided
that the expedition should consist of ninety men ; that the former Gov-
ernor, John Endicott, Esq., should have the chief command, as Gen-
eral; that the whole should be divided into four companies, under the
immediate charge of Capt. John Underbill, Capt. Nathaniel Turner,
Ens. William Jennison,* and Ens. Richard Davenport, of Salem.
General Endicott' s instructions were to put to death the men of Block
Island, but to spare the women and children and bring them away, f
This was to revenge the death of Captain Oldham. When this part of
their commission should be executed, they were to proceed against the
Pequots on the Main, and to demand of them the murderers of Captain
Stone and others, a thousand fathom of wampum for damages, and some
of their children as hostages. If they refused to comply, force was to
be employed against them.
Thus appointed, the expedition sailed from Boston, and on
the last of August arrived at Block Island. Owing to the surf,
a landing was effected with difficulty. About sixty Indians rushed to
the shore to encounter them ; all " able, fighting men, as straight as
arrows." They began the attack with fury, says Captain Underbill,
" as though they had meant to have made an end of us all in a moment.
They shot one young man in the neck, through a collar, for stiffness
as if it had been an oaken board, and entered his flesh a good
depth. J JMyself received an arrow through my coat-sleeve, a second
against my helmet on the forehead ; so as if God in his providence had
not moved the heart of my wife to persuade me to carry it along with
me (which I was unwilling to do), I had been slain."
Having effected a landing, the Indians at once dispersed and hid
* Winthrop, whom I follow here, does not f These were indeed sanguinary orders, but
give Jennixon'' s Christian name. He was they were in strict accordance with the usages
among the first freemen of the colony, and was of those times. It strikes the writer that it
entitled to the distinction of Mr. He settled would be extremely unjust to charge Governor
in Watertown, and held important offices Vane with originating them, as is not very
there. In 1633 he went to Bermuda, where faintly hinted in a note to their record in
he had formerly resided. He went in a vessel Winthrop's Journal. If by such insinuation
named the Thunder, as pilot. She had been others were supposed to be held less blame-
sent there to procure provisions ; but not less, the satisfaction gained can be but mo-
being able to obtain any, " for the weavils had mentary. The reader having conned the note
taken the corn before they came there," they referred to on page 192, let him read in con-
proceeded to Virginia. At that colony they nection VTinthrop's text, six pages forward,
obtained corn and goats, and returned to Bos- page 199.
ton June 1st, 1634. Mr. Jennison related that | In October of this year the General Court
there had been a great change in Bermuda granted George Munnings £5, for the loss of
since he lived there; "divers lewd persons an eye, " in the voyage to Block Island." —
being become good Christians." That there Savage's Note in Winthrop, i., 195. Among
were three ministers, "who had lately, by those made freemen, 4 March, 1635, is George
fasting and prayer, dispossessed one possessed Munnings. He died at Boston, 24 August,
with a devil." Upon this "miracle" Mr. 1658. He had a son George. Perhaps with
Savage has an amusing note. — Jovrnal, i. some the name may have slid into Manning.
lo4.
26
202 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1636.
themselves as well as they could.* In the course of two days, how-
ever, they found and killed " some fourteen," destroyed large fields of
corn, burnt up all the wigwams they could find, and then reembarked,
to see what could be effected among the Pequots. The expedition
touched at Saybrook. Captain Gardiner was displeased at an attempt
upon those Indians. He believed the Narragansets only were to be
chastised, and he said to General Endicott, "you come hither to raise
these wasps about my ears, and then you will take wing and flee away."
The Authorities both of Connecticutf and PlymouthJ thought the expe-
dition an unadvised one also.§
g^ ^ From Saybrook Endicott proceeded to Pequot river, now called
the Thames. He landed on both sides of the river, had several
parleys with small parties of the Indians, but could get no satisfaction
whatever. He therefore destroyed everything he could find of a
destructible character, and succeeded in killing two Indians. || Two
days were employed in this work, and he then embarked for Boston,
where the "fleet" arrived on the fourteenth of September, not
^^ ■ * having lost a man, and but two wounded.
The expedition had on the whole a bad effect. The ability of the
Indians to make atonement for offences was not then well understood
by the English. It is evident, from the light since thrown upon the
condition of the Indians of that day, that they could not comprehend the
justice of the English in demanding satisfaction for wrongs committed
by straggling Indians, even though they were of the same tribe with those
of whom the demand was made. Hence for the aggrieved to retaliate
was only to put themselves in the same barbarous circumstances with
the murderers. It is not at all likely that the principal part of the in-
habitants of Block Island had anything to do with the murder of Captain
Oldham ; and yet it was out of their power, if they would, to deliver
up those wdio were actually concerned in it. Nor is it probable that
there was any contrived plan beforehand to murder him, and hence but
* Block Island was then described as being went not to make war, but to do justice ; and
ten miles long, four broad, full of small hills, having killed thirteen of them for four or five
and all overgrown with brushwood of oak ; no of ours, which they had murdered, &c., we were
good timber. There were two plantations, not much behind them."
three miles apart, and about 60 wigwams ; ^ Capt. Johnson calls it a " bootelesse
some very large and fair ; and above 200 acres voyage," which he says, " encouraged the In-
of corn ; some gathered in heaps and some diaus very much, and made them boast that
standing. Tho_ Indians called it Manisses, they had deluded the English, " and Avithall,
which may admit of the interpretation of the they blasphemed the Lord, saying ' English-
" Island of the Little God." It was after- man's God all one flye, and Englishman all
wards owned by Boston men. one squawe.' '' —Wond. Work. Frov., iii.
t >See Trumbull, Hist. Connecticut, i. 77. || " They obtained some little speech with
X Mr. Winslow wrote to Deputy Gov. Win- a great number of them at a distance, but after
throp to that eifcct, as appears from the Jour- they understood what was propounded to
naloi the latter, p. 199, in which he justifies them, first cunningly getting behind a hill,
the action, and says "he took it ill" that they presently ran away into the woods and
Gov. Winslow should accuse " us that we had swamps, where there was no pursuing them :
occasioned a war by provoking the Pequots ;" however, one discharging a gun among them,
p,nd he answered him that, " as much had as they were taking their flight, stayed the
been done in the expedition as could be ex- course of one, which was all that could be
nected, considering tliey fled and could not be done against them for that time." — Hubbard,
Vollowed by the men in armor. Tliat they Ind. Wars, 120.
1636.] PEQUOT WAR. MIANTONIMO AT BOSTON. 203
few could be accessory to it. There may have been a quarrel, or, more
probably, a few wicked roving Indians, meeting with him accidentally,
thought it a good opportunity to possess themselves of his goods and
money ; for he had a considerable amount of the latter with him.
The Connecticut and Plymouth people were right in their conjecture
about the mischief that might be expected to ensue from so indecisive
a blow as that aimed at the Pequots was. For the expedition had
scarce left their shores before they besieged the fort at Saybrook in
considerable numbers, and cut off many that ventured abroad. Among
these was a Mr. Samuel Butterfield,* "a godly young man," f whom
they took prisoner and roasted alive.
Complaints were soon as loud against the war as they had been for
it, and great fears began to be entertained that the Pequots would over-
come the Narragansets by negotiation, and cause them to unite against
the Settlers. No times could be more critical for the English than those
which were now veiled in the future. Boston, although at considerable
distance from both the Narragansets and Pequots, trembled for its own
safety. Connecticut had just began to be settled ; scarcely one hundred
and fifty Englishmen could be found in it. Eoger Williams, with about
half a dozen men, had just made a beginning at Providence. Hence
there was no barrier between the hostile Indians and Boston. Mr.
Williams was fully aware of the actual state of things. He saw that
if these two powerful nations of Indians were united, the English must,
in all probability, be swept from the country ; and though he did not,
perhaps, fear for his own personal safety, for wherever he went he was
greatly beloved by the Indians, yet he labored night and day for the
good of the whole. His value to the community from which he had
been forced to fly, soon became very apparent. He kept the people of
Boston constantly advised of the plans of the Indians.
Governor Vane having meanwhile invited Miantonimo to visit
Boston, he came here soon after. There came with him another
Sachem, two sons of Canonicus, and about twenty men. The Governor
* I learn his Christian name from Niles' In- tion Butterfield by name, but says the man tak-
dian and French Wars, in which is given a very en was a brother of " Mr. Mitchell, the minis-
diflferent account of the affair in which he was ter of Cambridge." By which, it must be
killed, from our other authors. How that understood, "minister of Cambi-idge " when
author got his information does not appear. Gardiner wrote (1658). " Old Mr. Michell"
This work of the Rev. ]\Ir. Niles lay in manu- here mentioned, was Mr. Matthew Mitchell,
script from 1762, the time of the author's who came over with Mr. Richard Mather in
death, till 1834 ; about this latter year, I 1635, as recorded ante, p. 185. Mather,
called the attention of the Publishing Commit- Magnalia, B. iv., 167, has, by one of his vain
tee of the Mass. Hist. Soc, in whose keeping it pedantic flourishes, misled others
was, to some circumstances connected with it. Farmer, in regard to the Christian name of
and they began to print it in a volume of their the father of Jonathan Mitchell, of Cam-
Colls. Why it was cut off in the middle of a bridge. Butterfield had probably married a
sentence, perhaps they could have explained, sister of ]Mr. Mitchell, which explains what
Certain it is they promised to print the rest of Gardiner says, and likewise what Matlier
it. That promise has not been performed, says. " Old Mr. Michell," the father-in-law
though almost twenty years have expired since of Butterfield, was with him when he fell into
it was made, and some of those who made it the hands of the Indians, but he himself es-
are yet living. caped. Three were killed on the spot, one
f Winthrop, i. 118. — He was son-in-law of had five arrows shot into him, and yet recov-
" Old Mr. Michell." Gardiner does not men- ered.
204 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1636.
being notified by Kutshamokin of their coming, the day before they
arrived, sent twenty musketeers to Roxbury, who escorted them into
town about twelve o'clock. Preparations had been made to enter into
a treaty, and the most of the Magistrates and Ministers were assembled
to give counsel and advice in the proceedings. It being dinner time,
the Sachems and their Council dined by themselves in the same room
with the Governor, but the Chief's attendants were dined at the inn of
Mr. Cole.* After dinner Miantonimo w^as requested to propound terms
on which he would enter into a treaty, which he did, and then they
90 adjourned till the next day. Accordingly they went in the
morning, and a treaty was drawn up, and signed by the Gov-
ernor and the Indians. The English confessed that they did not
think the Indians quite understood it, though Kutshamokin interpreted
it to them as well as he could ; therefore they agreed to send a copy
of it to Mr. Williams, with a request that he would explain it to them.f
This being finished, Miantonimo was escorted out of town after dinner,
and dismissed with a volley of shot.
Treaties thus made could at best afford but faint hopes of security
under their provisions, whatever they might be. And in the present
state of existing relations, distrust continued, and reasonable fears were
entertained that possibly the Pequots might succeed in winning over the
Narragansets to their interest ; and it will ever remain a question
whether they would not have succeeded, had it not been for the inter-
position of Roger Williams. He received pressing letters from the
Governor and others of Boston, urging him to prevent a peace, if pos-
sible, between the Narragansets and Pequots. Thus importuned he
renewed his exertions, though at the utmost peril of his life. "The
Lord helped me," he says, " immediately to put my life into my hand, and
scarce acquainting my wife, to ship myself, all alone, in a poor canoe, and
to cut through a stormy wind with great seas, every minute in hazard of
life, to the Sachem's house. Three days and three nights my business
forced me to lodge and mix with the bloody Pequot ambassadors, whose
hands and arms, me thought, wreaked with the blood of my country-
men, and from whom I could not but nightly look for their bloody
knives at my own throat also ; when God wonderfully preserved me,
and helped me to break in pieces the Pequot's negotiations and de-
signs."
From this time until the Pequots were subdued, there was not even a
Avavering among the Narragansets, and they served the English faithfully
throughout the war ; notwithstanding the Pequots used the most powerful
of human arguments to bring them to see what they conceived to be
their vital interests ; namely, their own preservation.J And so confi-
* See ante, p. 166. ished towards the Pequots, and Mr. Hubbard,
•j-The Treaty may be seen in Winthrop's as usual, improves upon Johnson's ideas, in
Journal, i. 199. the following passages : " Machiavel himself,"
I Captain Johnson was not probably aware he says, " if he had sat in council with them,
of tlie labors of j\Ir. 'Williams in preventing the could not have insinuated stronger reasons to
league, and attributes the ruling motive of the have persuaded them to a peace. ' " — Narrative,
Narragansets to an ancient hatred they cher- 121, ed. 4to, London, 1677.
1636.] PEQUOT WAR. NEW MURDERS. 205
dent were the Pequots that they should enlist the Narragansets against
the Settlers, that they continued their depredations, wherever they
found an opportunity. About the time Miantonimo was making
■ a treaty at Boston, they took and murdered Mr. John Tilly*
in a manner too revolting to be related. f Tilly went from Boston,
or some place about the "Bay," in a small bark for the Trading
House at Suckiag (Hartford), and as he was coming down the river, he
carelessly went on shore, and thus fell into the cruel hands of the Pe-
quots. When he arrived at Saybrook on his way out. Captain Gardiner
cautioned him aganst the danger to which he would be exposed in his
passages ; but " Mr. Tille" took it ill of him, because the Captain would
exercise some authority over all such as went up the river. But Tilly
being " a stout man," had great confidence in himself, and that confi-
dence cost him his life, and the country the services of a brave and
active man. He was killed on a point of land within view of the fort,
Feb '"> "^^^^^^^^ Gardiner named Tilly's Folly. Notwithstanding great
watchfulness was observed at Saybrook all winter, yet there
happened a desperate and bloody -fight but a short distance from it.
Captain Gardiner with ten men was ambushed while performing some
necessary labor, and escaped only by cutting their way through a great
body of Indians with their swords ; several were killed and others badly
wounded, among whom was Captain Gardiner himself.J
About the same time Governor Vane wrote to Gardiner, requesting
his opinion as to the best means of quelling the Pequots. With his
answer Gardiner sent a man's rib-bone half shot through with an arrow.
The Pequots thought they had killed Gardiner in the late fight, and a
swarm of near three hundred of them immediately after beleaguered
the fort ; but on finding out their mistake they fell back to their old
modes of operation. Pretty soon, however, the Narragansets began
the war upon them, as they had agreed to do, and they drew off alto-
Mar '>! S^^^*^^ ^^'^^^^ Saybrook to oppose them. Having had some
success against the Pequots, Miantonimo sent twenty-six of his
men to Boston with a present of twenty-six fathoms of wampum, and a
* The residence of Tilly is not pointed out. do execution with their arrows. He says he
There was a John Tilly early at Dorchester. " found one of the dead men with an arrow
There were Hugh and John " Tille" about the shot entirely through him, except half a rib on
north side of the Bay, some time before Boston the opposite side of his body, from that in
was settled. — See ante, p. 57. Whether that which the arrow entered. This he preserved,
John Tille were the same with him killed by and also the rib, intending to send it to Boston,
the Pequots, is not quite certain. There were to let the Authorities know there, that Indian
Edward and John Tilly of the Mayflower ; arrows were not to be spoken so lightly of as
they were both dead before the end of March, some had done." Dr. I. Mather says, there
1620-1, but they both had families; and there were about 70 Indians who fought Gardiner,
were Tillies in several places in the Colony of and that they killed four of his men ; that a
Plymouth about the time of the Pequot war. fifth was sorely wounded, but recovered, and
f Some further particulars may be read in lived to cut off the head of the very Indian
the Book of the Indians, 169, llth edition. — who wounded him, the next year. — Relation,
See also Winthrop, i. 200 ; Gardiner, (in 45. About 300 Pequots came a few days
Mass. H. C.,_vol. 23, p. 147) ; Underhill [in after and challenged the English to come out
idem, 26, p. 15.) and fight, mocking them by imitating the cries
I It seems, from Gardiner's own account of of those they had tortured; but a discharge
the affair, that some of the Boston people had of grape-shot caused them to make a sudden
spoken lightly of the ability of the Indians to adjournment. — Ibid. 46.
206 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
Pequot's band to show that he had kept his word by fighting the ene-
mies of the English. In return presents were made to four of the
chief of the deputation, which consisted of a coat for each, worth fourteen
shillings apiece.
Owing partly to the complaints from Connecticut, the Author-
^" ' ities at Boston concluded to send twenty men to Saybrook.
They were now dispatched for that place, under the command of
Captain Underbill, but at the charge of Connecticut.
Governor Haynes had, on the third of April, left Boston for
^" ~ * Connecticut, his future residence. On his arrival at Saybrook
he wrote back* " that the Pekods had been up the river at Wethers-
field, and had killed six men, being at their work, and twenty cows and
a mare, and had killed three women, and carried away two maids. "f
The "maids" were not long after liberated through the exertions of
the Dutch ; the Governor of whom, Wouter Von Twitter, Esq., at New
Amsterdam, ordered his men to rescue them at all hazards, even to the
breaking of the Peace with the Indians. A Dutch sloop was sent into
the mouth of the Thames for the purpose, but the Pequots would hear
to no terms of ransom, and stratagem alone succeeded. Several Pequots,
having been seduced on board the vessel, were seized and held till the
captive girls were produced.
The feeble settlements on the Connecticut held a General Court
*^ ' at Hartford, and resolved " on an offensive warr against the Pe-
quoitt." Ninety men were immediately assembled and put under the
command of Capt. John Mason. This was almost the entire strength
of the Colony ; but they had secured the interest of the Mohegans, who
to the number of about eighty warriors marched with them against their
own countrymen.
A glance now at the state of the country shows that the Pequots had
rushed headlong to the very brink of destruction. They had done all
they could to irritate their adversary, and had effected nothing by way
of alliance with other tribes. They now stood single-handed against
four nations, as it were, two of their own countrymen, and two of the
English.
In less than ten days. Mason had collected his forces together,
""^ ■ and in three frail barks fell down the river to Saybrook ; and
here, with Captains Gardiner and Underbill, future proceedings were
* To whom the letter was directed, Win- revenge it, he secretly drew in the Pequots,
throp, my authority, does not say. During who came up the river, and killed six men,"
the administration of Gov. Vane, Winthrop &c.— Lothrop's Cent. Scr. at W. Springfield,
often speaks of the Government as "we;" 1796, p. 23-4. Winthrop, i. 200. See also
and now, "we received a letter." It was Mr. Goodwin's Geneal. of the Foot e Fam. Int.
probably directed to Mr. Vane. p. xxi-ii., in which are found the names of two
f "Sequin, a head man of the River In- of the men that were killed, namely, Abraham
dians, gave lands on the river to the English, and John Finch, but the names of the others
that he might sit down by them and be pro- do not appear ; one of the girls taken was a
tected. But wlien he came to Wethersfield daughter of William Svvaine. — Other facts
[then called Watertown] and set up his wig- of great interest may be seen in Gardiner's,
wam, tlie people drove him away by force. Underbill's, Vincent's, Hubbard's and Ma-
Resenting the vvrong, but wanting strength to ther's histories.
1637.] PEQUOT WAR. MASON SAILS. 207
arranged. The few sick and feeble men were sent home, and their
places supplied from the men at the fort, and to Mason's "Army"
Underbill and bis twenty men were added.
The Pequots had watched narrowly all the movements thus
^^ " ■ far, and well knew themselves were the object of them ; but this
morning, May the twenty-first, when they saw the transports sail out of
the mouth of the Connecticut, they supposed that they were upon some
other design. They watched them closely, however, by runners from
hill to hill and from point to point on the coast, until they saw the
vessels sail by the mouth of their river, since called the Thames. They
then confidently believed that they had nothing further to fear from
them ; for they most naturally concluded, that, if they were to be
attacked, the march would be by land directly across the country from
Saybrook ; and this, indeed, was the very order of the Council of War
at Hartford. But, as in the sequel will be seen, this breach of orders,
if it did not prove the salvation of the "Army," proved the destruc-
tion of the Pequots.
Thus completely deluded, the short-sighted Pequots set up joyous
shouts, as though they had gained a victory ; and they sent runners
about the country to caU their people together, that they might have a
season of rejoicing.
^^ Meanwhile, Mason proceeded on his voyage for Narraganset
ay -^. -Q^y^ which he was two days in performing. Owing to a strong
north-west wind, he could not land his men till the evening of the
twenty-third of May. He then proceeded directly to the residence of
Miantonimo, who received him respectfully, and showed a wiUingness
to assist him ; but he expressed astonishment that the English should
presume to go against Sassacus with such a small number of men.
j^^ ^^ Proceeding on their march, the English were joined by about
four hundred Narragansets, and, after a fatiguing travel of about
twenty miles, reached the fort of the Nianticks, on the borders of the
territories of the Pequots. Twelve miles further brought them
" ■ to a fording place in Paucatuck river, and at night they en-
camped in hearing of the nearest Pequot fort. This was the fort at
Mistick. Here a great number was assembled, and this was the very
night they had set to celebrate their deliverance from invasion. Ac-
cordingly, until near midnight, they were distinctly heard, giving unre-
strained utterance to their joy, in boisterous festivity. Having wearied
themselves, and in the fatal confidence that no enemy was near, they
all fell into a sound sleep at a late hour of the night ; and thus were
found an easy prey by their more wily adversary.
Ma 26 ^y ^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^ splendid moon, the little Army was formed
for the march about one o'clock in the morning. The Indians
had ceased their shouts of joy, and were, many of them, in their last
sleep, as it proved. Moving on, the Indian guides soon brought the
English by intricate paths to the foot of the " great hill " on which the
fort was. Here, halting his men. Captain Mason inquired of Uncas,
208
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1637.
the leader of the Mohegans, where the Indians, his allies, were, for
they were not to be seen ; and was told they were fallen in the rear,
and were " exceedingly afraid." The English were prepared for this,
although during the march the Indians had boasted of the great things
they would do to the enemy, and how many they would kill ; and at
the same time " sneered at the Englishman's courage, and said he durst
not look a Pequot in the face." Yet now nearly half of the Narragan-
sets had deserted and run away. The most of the rest would have
followed. Mason says, had he not promised them that they need not
come within shot of the fort, and that they might surround it at a
distance, to seize fugitives.
The fort to be attacked had two entrances, at opposite points, and
covered a space of twenty acres, which space was so thick set with
wigwams, "that the English wanted foot room to grapple with their
adversaries ;" and the entrances were blocked up with boughs or bushes.
Mason, having divided his force, led up the first division in person, the
other was led by Captain Underbill. One marched against the western
entrance, the other against the eastern. At a few rods' distance, a dog
barked, and an Indian, who happened to be outside of the fort, discov-
ered the English when they were about to discharge their guns upon it.
He had only time to cry. Englishmen ! Englishmen ! and that in his
own tongue, — Owanux ! Owanux ! when the work of death begun.
"Every man," says Underbill, "being bereaved of pity, fell upon
the work without compassion, considering the blood they had shed of
our native countrymen — having slain,
persons.
first and last, about thirty
In attempting
to force an en-
trance, " one Mas-
ter Hedge was
shot through both
arms, and more
wounded. Cap-
tain Mason and
myself," says Un-
derbill, " entering
into the wigwams,
he was shot, and
received many ar-
rows against his
head-piece. My-
sTORMiNQ OF THE PEQUOT FORT. sclf rcceivod a shot
the hip, through a sufficient buff coat, which, if I had not been
supplied with, the" arrow would have pierced through me. Another I
received between neck and shoulders." The odds was too great. The
English seeing they would be beat out of the fort. Mason with his
m
1637.] PEQUOT WAR. 209
own hands set fire to the wigwams,* which in a moment enveloped the
whole in flames. f This decided the day. The English with their
Indian friends surrounded the burning fort, and shot down those that
attempted to escape.J
Thus, in "about one hour's space," was the power of the Pequots
almost annihilated. Between six hundred and seven hundred perished
by the sword or the flames ; seven only escaping, and seven were
taken prisoners. But two of the assailants were killed ; one of Mason's
company, and one of Underhill's, and twenty wounded.
The vessels which had brought the troops to Narraganset, were
ordered to proceed to Pequot to receive them again when they had
finished the work for which they came. They arrived within a few
hours of the time, and thus Captain Underbill and the Narragansets
returned in them to Saybrook, and Captain Mason and his men pro-
ceeded to the same place by land, destroying whatever they met with
belonging to the Pequots in their march.
As the English were upon their march, after they had destroyed the
fort at Mistick, a great body of Pequots from another fort pursued
them ; frantic with rage for the loss of so many friends, they rushed
upon them repeatedly, with the utmost fury ; but the troops, facing
about, fired their muskets in their faces, by which movements they
were as often put to flight. In this retreat of a few miles, one hundred
more of the Pequots were supposed to have been killed.
On Captain ]\Iason's return to Hartford there was a day of rejoicing,
and he was hailed as a great conqueror.
* " So entring one of their ■wigwams," says Arthur Smith, was so wounded he could not
Mason, "I took a fire-brand, and suddenly move out of the place, but who was happily
kindled a fire in the mats," &c. — Mason m rescued from the flames by Lieut. Thomas
Hubbard, 125. — "At which time, an Indian Bull." — Mather's Relation, 32.
drawing an arrow, had killed him, but one J Winthrop records the Fight under 25 May,
Davis, his Sergeant, cut the bow-string with and adds, "Presently came news [to Boston]
his courtlace." — Hubbard, 125-6. from Narraganset, that all the English, and
f Their wigwams were substantial, and cov- 200 of the Indians [friends] were cut off in
ered with mats of grass, which being very dry, their retreat ;" and that three days later " this
and the fire being set on the " windward side, was confirmed by a Post from Plimouth, with
did swiftly overrun the whole fort," out of such probable circumstances, as it was gener-
which the English then retreated, " only one, ally believed." — Journal, i. 225.
27
210
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1637.
CHAPTER XXIII.
Pequot Wai- continued. — Negotiations with Plymouth. — Letter of Edward Winslow upon the Sub-
ject. — Winslow comes to Boston. — States the Reasons why Plymouth should not engage in the
War. — Election. — Great Excitement. — Seat of Government removed from Boston to Newtown. —
Preparations for the War. — March of Capt. Patrick. — Other Forces raised. — Thanksgiving. —
March of Capt. Stoughton. — Letter of John Ilumfrey. — Stoughton arrives at Pequot. — Pursues
the Indians. — His Dispatches. — Surprises a large Number. — Puts many of them to Death. —
Some protected by the Nianticks, whose Chief is cited to Boston. — Appears and gives Satisfac-
tion. — Death of Pequot Chiefs, Sassacus, Mononotto. — Swamp Fight. — Many Prisoners taken. —
Stoughton proceeds to Block Island. — Close of the War.
April 17
-^ ^ ^.j J ABOUT the first of April, Mr. Winthrop
^^1^ ^" ■ wrote to the Governor of Plymouth for ad-
minm' t mr > _ vice respectmg proceedings against the Pequots, and
probably hinting something about the propriety of
that Colony's taking a part in the war, by furnishing
men or means, or both. This letter was answered on
the seventeenth following, by Mr. Winslow, by
direction of the Governor. In this he says,
"Concerning your present busnies, we conceive it
will be simply necessary for you to proceed in the
war begun with the Pequots, otherwise, the natives we feare will grow
into a stronger confederacy, to the further prejudice of the whole Eng-
lish. We are very glad to heare that the Munheges are fallen from the
Pequots, and brought to a professed war with them, knowing their in-
veterate hatred ; and, desire it may be nourished by all good meanes."
— " But there is one thing of ill consequence, which we heare from
Connecticut, viz., that there are some English there that furnish the
enemy by way of trade, having made a league with them. If you
inquire of Mr. Jesop* who came in the barke with Mr. Harding, you
may receive particular information thereabout. That this will be ill
taken I doubt not, yet durst doe no other than inform you. Yet, let
me commend one thing to your consideracon ; how dangerous a thing it
may prove, if the Dutch, who seek it, and they, should close by reason
of the Pequots' necessity. I speak not this as desiring the benefit of
their trade, for we are weary of the worke, as we are dealt withall."f
* John Jessop, of Connecticut, had an inter-
est in the affairs of Captain Oldham. There
was a John Jessop, Deputy to the General
Court of Ct., 1GG4, at which time he repre-
sented Westchester. See
Pvb/ic Recs. of Ct., 12,
425-6, and Bolton'a
Hisi. Westchester, i.
259-61.
f Autograph letter of
Edward Winslow, never
published, in possession
of the Author.
? ^o./^j
1637.] , PEQUOT WAR. — ELECTION. 211
Other communications followed. Plymouth had been urged to send
some of her Government officers to Boston to negotiate upon the subject
of the war. Mr. Winslow excused the Government, in the letter from
which the above extract is made, for not having complied with the
request, instead of writing ; and observed, that if, after the election in
the Bay, Mr. Winthrop had any desire to speak with him, he would find
him at Goodman Stow's in Roxbury ; but no particular time for seeing
him is mentioned.
It is evident that the Government of Plymouth had a disinclination to
have anything to do in the war ; but Mr. Winslow was finally deputed to
meet the Authorities at Boston, and to discuss the matter. At
^^ ' this interview Mr. Winslow said the Pequot war w^as none of
their quarrel ; and, in the next place, Boston had refused to lend its aid
to Plymouth when they had been solicited to do so on a like occasion.
Other objections were stated, all of which were answered, but no con-
clusion is stated. *
The time for an annual election having arrived, it was held at
' Newtown. Great excitement prevailed. There was a large party,
which may be denominated the liberal party, at the head of which were
Mr. Cotton and Mr. Vane. At the head of the other were Mr. Wilson
and Mr. Winthrop. These were very nearly equal, and this occasioned
the anxiety, and "there was danger," says Winthrop, " of a tumult
that day ; for those of that side [the liberal party] that grew into fierce
speeches, and some laid hands on others." Winthrop and his party,
however, prevailed, being himself elected Governor, Mr. Dudley Deputy
Governor, Mr. Endicott a standing Counsellor, and Mr. Israel Stough-
ton and Mr. Richard Saltoustall Assistants. Mr. Shepard preached the
Election Sermon.
It had been a custom of some two years' standing, established by the
General Court, that at the Court of Election the Governor should be
attended by six men, selected by himself, whose duty it was to carry
halberds and swords on that day, as a sort of body-guard to the Gover-
nor and the other members of the Court. These six men were denom-
inated the Serjeants, and they attended on Mr. Vane to the place of
* It appears, however, by a letter (=") from the patched away, news was brought that the
Court of Plymouth, that that Colony finally enemy was wholly routed ; so as their journey
agreed to furnish forty men, &c. But it was was stopped, and their good will accepted for
the 5th of June before they made that " solemn the deed, as if they really had been there to
act of court," and gave notice that they had have borne their part in the service ; their non-
done so ; and then they were not wanted. IMr. appearance in time and place being not to be
Hubbard must have been ignorant of what had imputed to any backwardness in their minds."
hitherto passed between Boston and Plymouth This, from anything to be gathered from the
in respect to this war, or he would hardly same author to the contrary, looks like setting
have said in his Narrative (121), that when up a strong defence for a party which had not
Plymouth was applied to " she appeared very been accused, but possibly might be very
cordially willing " to engage in it ; and that liable to be. The same day that the Court of
before their quota of men " could be dis- Plymouth decided to enter into the war, the
f.^\ Q„o Mr. w;„ci^w'c lottos ,-•„ w , k- ^ n 7 letter of Mr. Winslow, before mentioned, was
(a.) bee mr.yVinsloy^s letter (m Hutchinson s Col. i i j it r\i i ^ i \-
60-1). It is exceeding strange that Hutchinson ^^*<''^' namely, June 5th, and at the same time
should print this letter antedated a year. He has * trusty Indian runner arrived at Plymouth
done the same by one of Captain Stoughton's, ib. ft"om Nemasket, with the news of the over-
61-2. throw of the Pequots at Mistick.
212 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
election this year ; but when they saw that he had lost his election, they
laid down their halberds and went home, leaving the new Governor to
appoint others or go without any. " And," says Winthrop, " whereas
they had been wont to attend the former Governor to and from the
meetings on the Lord's days, they gave over now, so as the new Gov-
ernor was Itiin to use his own servants to carry two halberds before him ;
whereas the former Governor had never less than four." *
Boston had omitted to choose its Representatives till after the
^^ ■ General Election, and thereupon the Town chose " Mr. Henry
Vane, Mr. William Coddington and Mr. Atherton Haulgh ;" but
they were refused seats as members, by the majority of the court,
,, ,„ and were sent home again, and an order to the Town for a
■ new election. The next day the voters assembled and chose
the same gentlemen. f
The people of Boston were not without almost daily advices of what
was passing in and about Connecticut river, and though the late excit-
ing election had diverted them somewhat from immediate action in the
war, yet, within a week after that matter was settled, a company of
^^ forty men Avas put under the command of Capt. Daniel Patrick,
^^ ""* of Watertown. These were hastened away, because intelligence
had just been received from Miantonimo, that the Pequots, seeing they
could not escape from a war, had sent away their women and chil-
dren "to an island." This was only a rumor probably, though it may
have been true to some extent ; for there were some hundreds of
" women, children and old men " that perished in the fort at Mistic.
^ While Mason lay with his forces at Narraganset, he received a
^^ " ' letter from Captain Patrick, stating that he was arrived at Roger
Williams' plantation, and should join him with his force as soon as pos-
sible. But Mason and Underbill concluded it unsafe to delay, as there
was a communication between the Narraganset women and the Pequots,
and hence there was great danger that their design might be discovered
and frustrated ; therefore they marched without delay to attack the
Pequots, the result of which has just been recounted. In the mean time
Patrick arrived at Narraganset in time to embark in the same vessels
which had brought Mason, and returned in them to the mouth of the
*" The former Governor and Mr. Coddin;Tton, vres, practised by Mr. Wilson and the old
being discontented that the people had left Governor, had not an undue effect in bringing
them out of all public service, gave further it about. I offer no opinion upon it, but merely
proof of it in the congregation, for they state the facts as they are. A knowledge of
refused to sit in the Magistrates' seat, where subsequent preceedings is necessary to form a
Mr. Vane had always sitten from his first judgment. — See N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg., ii.,
arrival, and went and sate with the deacons, 133, &c.
although the Governor sent to desire them f Winthrop says, Journal, i., 220, " The
to come in to him. And upon the general Court being grieved (at the first choice) found
Fast, they went from Boston to keep the day means to send them home again, for that two
at the Mount with Mr. Wheelwright." — of the freemen of Boston had no notice of the
AVinthrop, Journal, i. 224. The only ques- election. So they went all home, and the next
tion, or at least the first question to be set- morning they returned the same gentlemen ;
tied, in considering the result of the election, and the court not finding how they might re-
is, whether it was really done by a majority ject them, they were admitted." — See, also,
of the legal voters, or whether certain maaoeu- Town Records.
1637.] PEQUOT WAR. MARCH OF CAPT. STOUGHTON. 213
Thames. Thence he marched with Mason from Pequot to Saybrook.*
Both Underhill and Mason seem to have had a dislike of Patrick. f
It had been agreed at Boston, before the march of Captain Patrick,
that two hundred men should be raised by Massachusetts to assist Con-
necticut in carrying on the war. But before the remaining one hun-
dred and sixtyl could be got ready, news was brought of the fall of Mis-
tick. It was therefore thought needless to send so large a force. But
some of the people began to murmur against a reduction of the original
number, § and sent a deputation to remonstrate with the Governor,
accompanied by three ministers. " The Governor took it ill." How-
ever, " it was thought fit to send about forty \\ men more, which was
yielded, rather to satisfy the people, than for any need that appeared."
Yet it was generally believed that the Pequots were still formidable.
The much-dreaded Sassacus had not been killed or taken, and he held
a strong fort at a few miles from that destroyed at JNIistick. Therefore
vigorous efforts were considered to be yet necessary.
There Avas a day of thanksgiving kept throughout Massachu-
setts, and about the same time Capt. Israel Stoughton, of Dor-
chester, sailed from Boston for the Pequot country. He was Command-
er-in-chief of the expedition. Capt. William Traske, of Salem, led the
Essex men, and Richard Davenport was his Lieutenant. Mr. Wilson, of
Boston, went as Chaplain. H
Notwithstanding the principal po\ver of the Pequots was broken, the
stern cry of vengeance was continued, and Captain Stoughton em-
barked with one hundred and twenty men for the Pequot country.
Amidst the preparations to crush those Indians, no voice of compas-
sion is heard for even such of them, as, from their age or other circum-
stances, could merit no retributive scourge from the hand of a foe. All
seemed of one opinion, namely, that the " sins of the fathers should
be visited upon their children," in the most literal sense of the language
of inspiration.
There is, indeed, a solitary letter in existence, in which the writer
* Compare Mather's Relation, Hubbard, Un- not this [the news of the full of Mistick] dis-
derhill and Mason's Histories, by which the courage the sending of your IGO men, hut take
author has been able to show the Proceedings suchrevenge as may be a service to after times,"
of Patrick, hitherto unexplained. &c. — Hutchinson, Coll. Orig. Papers, 61.
f " And although Captain Mason told him || From what will elsewhere appear, what
he did not delight in his company, yet he Winthrop means by this is, that the intend-
would and did march along with him." — ed 160 men wei-e to be reduced forty ; for
Mason in /. Mather, 35. Mason says, that 120 arrived in the Connecti-
X The 160 men were thus assessed on the cut, under Stoughton, to join in prosecuting
the war. — See Mason in Hist. Colls. Mass. ,
18 vol., p. 145. Same in I. Mather's Rela-
tion, 36.
•^ Lots were cast to determine which should
go, Mr. Wilson or Mr. Eliot, and the lot fell
to the former. — Col. Recs. " I think I have
heard that reverend man of God, Mr. Wilson,
say, that he was, before he went out, as certain
that God would give the English the victory as
^ And Mr. Winslow, writing by authority if he had seen it already obtained.''— I. Mather,
of the Court of Plymouth, 5 June, says, " Let Relation, 54.
towns : —
Boston,
26
Roxbury,
10
Salem,
18
Newtown,
9
Ipswich,
17
Newbury,
8
Saugus,
16
Ilingham,
6
Water town.
14
AVeymouth,
Medford,
5
Dorchester,
13
3
Charlestown,
12
Marblehead,
3
160
214 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
^ ventures to suggest to the Magistrates of Boston, in the time
of their energetic preparations to send out Captain Stoughton,
whether it would not he better to make peace with the Pequots, who
probably now would be glad of almost any terms ; even to the " deliv-
ering up of these men or their heads, who had wrought and brought so
much miserie upon themselves and theirs ; or, if not so, whether, if
they gave good assurance by hostages, the blood shed by them might
not seem to be sufficiently expiated ;"* with much more upon the subject
of the war, in the same laenevolent strain. But it had no visible effect.
By an order of the General Court of Connecticut it appears
that the squadron under Stoughton had arrived in the mouth of
the river before the twenty-sixth of June ; f as on this day Mr. Haynes
and Mr, Ludlowe were directed to repair thither to treat with Captain
Stoughton about prosecuting the war.
Meanwhile Sassacus and another distinguished Chief, Mononotto,with
the greater part of the remaining Pequots, had fled westward along the
coast, and Captain Mason being joined with the Massachusetts forces,
with about forty men, pursued on after them. But the aspect of the
war was now changed. The enemy at once became wanderers in
strange places, with extremely precarious means of subsistence ; " owing
to their children and want of provisions," their flight was slow, and they
became an easy prey wherever they could be found. Their own country-
men were cruel enemies to them, who were as much to be avoided as
the now desperate and exulting Englishmen. Stoughton made several
dispatches to the Government, of his operations, but very few of them
are preserved. From one,J hitherto unpublished, received at Boston
on the sixth of July, it appears he was then lying with his
""^ ■ forces in " Pequid " river, and Captain Mason had joined him
with thirty men. Mr. Haynes and Mr. Ludlow were also with them. He
said " there was yet good tuff work to be done, and how deere it would
cost was unknown ; for Sasaco* was resolued to sell his life as deere as
he could," and so was " Momowattuck, another great chief." A third
great Chief § had been delivered into their hands, but him they de-
tained to be " serviceable to them," though they would not promise him
his life. Forty-eight other prisoners, by a pinnace, " being Giggles," ||
were shipped for Boston, where they arrived at the date above men-
tioned. Stoughton's dispatch came with them. He further says, " we
* Autograph letter of the Hon. Johx Hum- the text. Captain Stoughton's autograph is
FREY, dated June 7th, 1637, never published, here truly represented,
in possession of the author.
f ^lason says Stoughton arrived there in , /\0 m Oj
" about a fortnight after his soldiers returned /'ITJ^^*^^ ^-f<'"Y^i^M-. /
home from Mistick fight." They probably I J'' /J
" returned home by the first of June." — See
Mason in /. Mather, 36. ^ He was sent out as a spy aftervrards, of
J There is no date to this, but it is marked as -whose adventures there is a curious account
having been received, 5 : 6. Few names are in Hubbard, iVar., 128.
contained in the letter. — " Steward Calacot, || This name, I question not, should hQ Jig-
Lifetenant Damport [Davenport], Sosomon " gles. There was a Thomas Jiggles, of Boston,
(a Dorchester Indian, an interpreter, of whom at a later date. — See Caulkius' Hist. N. Lon-
hereafter), are all, except those mentioned in don, 244.
1637.]
PURSUIT OF THE PEQUOTS.
215
heare of a great number [of Pequots] vp y^ country among y^ Neepe-
netts." He then proceeds to say, " we have settled on a place for our
randavooze, y^ best we could for y^ present ; vpon y^ mouth of Pequid
riuer, on y^ Naanticot side, where we have 100 acres of corne, if not two
or three hundred men at hand, and a curio' spring of water within o'
pallazado, and may, by great guns, comand y^ riuer." " We shall
y*" next weake joyne in seeing w' we can do against Sasaco% and
another great Sagamo", Momowattuck."
Stoughton had before, probably in a letter to Winthrop, detailed the
manner in which the Indian prisoners, now received, came into his
hands ; he " having pursued the Pequots beyond Connecticot, and
missing, returned to Pequot river, where they were advertised that one
hundred of them were newly come back to a place some twelve miles
off. So they marched thither by night and surprised them all." * They
" put to death twenty-two men, and reserved two Sachems, hoping by
them to get Sasacus, which they promised. All the rest were women
and children, of whom they gave the Narragansets thirty, our Massa-
chusetts Indians three, and the rest sent hither. These were disposed
of to particular persons in the country. Some of them ran away, and
were brought again by the Indians, our neighbors, and these we branded
on the shoulder." f
Several of the Pequots had fled
down into the Niantick country,
where Ninigret J was Sachem. This
Chief was desirous to shield them
from destruction, and at the same
time to be at peace with the English.
He therefore came to Boston
" ^ "* with seventeen of his men,
bringing a present of ten fathoms of
wampum. The Authorities refused
to treat with him unless he would
now agree to give up the Pequots.
He at first declined the proposition,
but the next day he submit-
ted to it. His present was
then received, but he was referred
to the Commanders of the army at
Pequot to treat further ; for which
purpose instructions were sent to
July 13.
* " Being first trepanned by the Narragan-
setts, under pretence of securing them, by
which means " the " Massachusetts forces had
an easie conquest over them. The men among
them, to the number of thirty, were turned
presently into Charon's ferry-boat, under com-
mand of Skipper Gallop, who dispatched them
a little Avithout the harbor." — Hubbard, Nar.
127. This exploit was before the arrival of
the Connecticut men, and Mason passes lightly
over it in his history. A little jealousy is ob-
servable among the Connecticut people. They
were fearful lest Massachusetts should get too
large a share of the glory of the war.
t Winthrop, Journal, i. 231-2. See also
Hubbard's Nar., 127.
J This Chief had the address to save him-
self and his people generally, from the destruc-
216 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
them by Niaigret. Then " he was lovmgly dismissed, with some
small things given him." *
Meanwhile Sassacus, with twenty or thirty of his people, fled to the
Mohawks, who soon after murdered him and all his followers, " being
lured thereunto by tlie Narhagansets, as was confidently affirmed and
believed." f
Being joined with the Connecticut forces. Captain Stoughton sailed
for Quinnipiak, afterwards named New Haven. They were three days
in reaching that point. While the vessels sailed along the coast, a
party of the English proceeded by land, accompanied by the Mohegans
under Uncas. At a point of land now in the town of Guilford, they
captured a small party of Pequots who had retreated there to elude
their pursuers. One of them proved to be Mononotto, the last great
Chief of the Pequots. He was at once put to death, his head cut off
and set upon a tree, and the name of Sachem's Head given to the
point, by which it has ever since been known. The wife of Mononotto
was taken prisoner. As it was known that through her means the
lives of the two captive girls of Wethersfield were preserved, she and
her children were spared, " and in special recommended " to Governor
Winthrop, of Boston, "who," on her arrival here, "taking notice of
her modest countenance and behavior, gave special charge concerning
her." J
Animated by success, the English, by the aid of their Indian
allies, were able to scour the country fiir and wide. At length,
coming "to a small Indian town seated by the side of a hideous
swamp, into which they all slipt, as well Pequots as natives of the
place. § Before our men could make a shot upon them, Mr. Ludlow
and Captain Mason, with half a score of their men, happened to dis-
cover this crew. Captain Patrick and Captain Traske, with about one
hundred of the Massachusetts men, came in upon them." Order was
given to surround the swamp, but Lieutenant Davenport, rushing into
the swamp with some twelve others, came near being cut off. He was
" sorely wounded," as were two Ipswich men, John Wedgewood and
Thomas Sherman. They were rescued at great peril by Serjeant Riggs
of Roxbury. It being near night, the swamp was partially surrounded
to prevent the escape of any ; but early the next morning
"^ ■ about thirty of the "lustiest of the enemy" broke through
where Captain Patrick's company were stationed, and escaped to the
tioa which fell successively upon the other * Winthrop, ./bi/rna/, i. 232.
tribes. He M'as alive till after Philip's war. f Hubbard, Narrative, 128.
For nearly all the facts which have been pre- j Ibid., 131.
served about him, see the Book of the In- \ Hubbard, iVarraiiye, 129. The "hideous
DiANS, Book ii., 131, 14G, and 153, edition swamp " mentioned by Hubbard was a beauti-
1851. For some signal service which he per- ful field when Dr. Dwight wrote his poem,
formed for Governor Winthrop of Connecticut, " Greenfield Hill," and probably long before,
that gentleman caused his portrait to be It lies in the town of Fairfield, on the borders
painted ; from a copy of which, in the posses- of Long Island Sound, about three miles from
sion of the late Granville Tkmple Winthrop, Greenfield Hill. — See Green. Hill, a Poem,
Esq., the accompanying engraving is made. Introd.
1637.] CLOSE OF THE WAR. 217
woods. Some of them, however, lost their lives in the attempt ; " the
rest were left to the mercy of the conquerors, of which many were
killed in the swamp, like sullen dogs, that would rather, in their self-
willedness and madness, sit still to be shot through or cut in pieces,
than receive their lives for the asking at the hands of those into whose
power they were now fallen. Some that are yet living [1677], and
worthy of credit, do affirm that in the morning, entering into the
swamp, they saw several heaps of them sitting close together, upon
whom they discharged their pieces, laden with ten or twelve pistol
bullets at a time, putting the muzzles of their pieces under the boughs
within a few yards of them ; so as, besides those that were found dead
(near twenty), it was judged that many more were killed and sunk into
the mire, and never were minded more by friend or foe." * " To this
issue," says the same author, " was the Pequod war brought." Some
two or three hundred prisoners were taken from the swamp. These
were divided among the allies. Of those brought to Boston, fifteen of
the boys and two women were sent for Bermudas to be sold for slaves ;
but they were carried to the Island of Providence, in the West Indies. f
In the beginning of August Captain Stoughton proceeded to
° ' Block Island. After killing " one or two" of the Indians, he
got a parley with them, who finally agreed to submit to the English, to
pay a hundred fiithom of wampum, and to deliver up any that could
be found that had had any hand in Captain Oldham's death.
Mr. Wilson returned to Boston from the army. Mr. Hooker
"°' ■ and Mr. Stone came with him.| They took Providence in their
way, doubtless to have an interview with Mr. Williams. The same
day arrived also Mr. Ludlow, Mr. Pynchon, and about twelve others.
They " came the ordinary way by land, and brought with them a part
of the skin and lock of hair of Sasacus and his brother, and five other
Pequod Sachems, who, being fled to the Mohawks for shelter, with
their wampum, being to the value of five hundred pounds," were put
to death, as before mentioned. " So that now there had been slain
and taken between eight and nine hundred. Whereupon letters were
sent to Mr. Stoughton and the rest to call them all home." §
Such is the almost possibly briefest, and, at the same time, con-
nected history of the Pequot war, that the nature of the subject seemed
to allow ; nor can it by any construction be deemed foreign to the
history of Boston. Boston counsel directed it ; one of its principal
Captains led Boston men to storm the stronghold at Mistick ; and
Boston men kept the field as long as an enemy was to be feared.
* Hubbard, 130-2. clesiastical synod which was to meet on the
f See Winthrop, i. 30th of the month. See next Chapter.
J These came, probably, to attend the ec- § Winthrop, ut supra, i. 235.
28
218
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1637.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Religious Controversy. — Persecutions. — The Persecuted found other Colonies. — Grounds of the
Difficulties. — Mrs. Anne Hutchinson. — Mr. John Wheelwright. — Cotton and Vane favor Mr.
Wheelwright. — Fast Sermon of the latter. — Called to an Account for Opinions advanced in it. —
It is pronounced Seditious. — Ordered to appear for further Trial. — A Synod called to decide what
Errors existed. — Mr. Wheelwright tried and banished. — Boston remonstrates. — Remonstrants
proceeded against. — Some expelled the Court. — Case of Aspinwall, Coggeshall, Baulston, and
others. — Mrs. Hutchinson. — Parentage and Character. — Trial and Banisliment. — Killed by the
Indians. — Remonstrants disarmed. — Case of Captain Underhill. — Governor Winthrop censured.
— State of the Boston Church.
WHILE the whole of New England was dis-
tracted by a war with the Indians, Boston was
more distracted, if possible, with religious dis-
sensions, in which parents were set against
children, children against parents, brother against
brother, as is always the case in religious as
well as political controversies.
The dissension of which notice is now to be
taken was far more detrimental to the prosperity
of Boston than any other, from the day of its
settlement to the time of the Revolutionary
War. Other places, though benefitted by Boston's misfortune, were
not so in a corresponding degree. The Dutch of New York offered the
persecuted of Boston the free enjoyment of their religion, which some
gladly embraced by settling in that Colony. Rhode Island was settled
by Boston people, and Mr. John Wheelwright led a colony hence to
New Hampshire, and founded Exeter.*
The grounds of these distractions may be thus briefly stated. f It
was maintained by those called Antinomians, \ or Familists, § that the
* It may not be amiss to state in this con-
nection, in answer to the remark of Dr. Eliot,
" It has always seemed very strange that Mr.
Wheelwright did not go with his friends to
Rhode Island, instead of reiqoving to New
Hampshire," that the Doctor did not seem to
be aware that Mr. "Wheelwright had large
possessions in the last-named Colony. It
may be duo to the subject to remark, also, in
reference to a supposed discovery some years
since made, namely, that Mr. Wheelwright
made no purchase of lauds in N. Hampshire
in 1629, as set forth in history, and that a
certain deed, purporting to be of such pur-
chase, was a forgery. No argument in favor
of the genuineness of said deed will be here
oflFered. I shall only observe, that if the deed
in question be a forgery, then a large number
of other papers, going to show, incidentally,
that there was such a deed or purchase, all
•written before 1G37, and which I myself have
Been, are forgeries also.
t From Vyejde's Preface to Winthrop's
Short Story. Should any one doubt to whom
belongs the chief authorship of the woi'k here
cited, let him read Cotton's Way of the Churches
Cleared, page 56, and elsewhere ; but the
most conclusive evidence will be found, merely
by comparing Winthrop's Journal, i. 261, with
the Short Story, 45-47. Two men, without
close conference, could not have written things
so exactly coinciding, being word for word in
many places.
J " A sect of people that hold the keeping
of Moses' law to be unprofitable, and that
there is no sin in children. They began to
appear somewhat above 100 years ago [about
1606], and had one John Islebius, a German,
for their ringleader." — Phillip'' s New World
of Words, 6th ed., by J. K.
§ This was a distinct sect from the Anti-
nomians originally, though they are usually
coupled in our books as though they were one
and the same. The Familists had their be-
ginning with one Henry Nicholas, before the
end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He
called his followers the " Family of Love,'" and
hence their appellation. — Camden's Eliz., 24S.
1637.] MRS. ANNE HUTCHINSON. 2l9
Law, and the preaching of it, is of no use at all to drive a man to
Christ ; that a man is justified without faith from eternity ; that he is
united to Christ by the Spirit, without any act of his ; that the graces
of saints and hypocrites may be the same ; that the whole letter of the
Bible is a covenant of works ; that no Christian must be pressed to
duties of holiness ; and so on, to the number of twenty-nine heads, or
" dangerous opinions." After Mr. Welde had enumerated these in his
Preface, he says they were only " some of them, to give but a taste,
for afterwards you shall see a litter of fourscore and eleven of their
brats hung up against the sun, besides many new ones of Mistress
Hutchinson's ; all which they hatched and dandled."
It has been the custom of writers to speak of Mrs. Hutchinson as the
origin of the Antinomian troubles ; but that is not the true state of the
case.* The difficulties with Roger Williams were of the same char-
acter, and of a higher date.f It is, however, true that Mrs. Hutchin-
son had some advantages for gaining proselytes that those who pre-
ceded her had not, and abilities of the most superior cast for improving
them.
The community that expects to rid itself of all impurities, and to
arrive at perfection, must expect its members which constitute it will
live forever, and to admit none to be of its number from any other
community, and no children to be born in it. The Rulers of Boston
were doubtless men in advance of the age in which they lived, and
they must not be censured for not having the knowledge which had no
existence then, saving, perhaps, in the brains of a few theorists. They
had to learn that accidents and misfortunes as often happened to those
they were assured led blameless lives, as to the more wicked, when
equally exposed to them.
^, It was soon found that not only the immediate family of Mrs.
Hutchinson fell in entirely with her views, but many of the best
and most influential men in Boston were of her way of thinking in
matters of religion. J So completely was she master of her subject, and
so irresistibly did she enforce her views, that she carried Cotton
captive. Winthrop for a time wavered, but was finally rescued by the
interest of Wilson, § and became her bitterest enemy. Her brother-in-
law, Mr. Wheelwright, 1| having come with his family to Boston about
* Winthrop says, Journal, i. 200, that!Mrs. Eve, to catch their husbands also ; " and that
Hutchinson "brought over with her two " most of these seducers lived in Boston."
dangerous errors, 1. That the person of the % " And indeed it was a wonder upon what
Holy Ghost dwells in a justified person ; 2. a sudden the whole Church of Boston (some
That no sanctification can help to evidence to few excepted) were become her new converts,
us our justification. From these two grew and many also out of the Church. She drew,
many branches." also, some of eminent place and parts to her
f It is said, in the Preface to the Short party." — Short Story, M.
Story, that those w^ho held "unsound and ^ The Church of Boston were so displeased
loose opinions commonly labor'd to work first with the course of Mr. AVilson, not long after,
upon women, being, as they conceived, the that when he went into the pulpit near half
weaker to resist; the more flexible, tender, of the congregation would go out. — Neal.
and ready to yield : and if once they could || He arrived on the 26th of May of thia
winde in them, they hoped by them, as by an year, in the same ship with Mr. Samuel Whit-
220 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
five months previous, was fully of her opinion.* Many of the in-
habitants were highly pleased with Mr. Wheelwright's preaching, and
an attempt was made to have him settled permanently in Boston as
their preacher. It is natural that the old Ministers should not favor
this ; for, high as they were estimated for learning, talent and piety, it
was possible that a brilliant young Minister like Mr. Wheelwright
might, in some degree, eclipse them. Mr. Cotton, nevertheless, was in
favor of his settling here. It was finally concluded, however, that he
should settle in that part of Boston then called Mount Wollaston,f over
" a new Church to be gathered there." Winthrop objected to his
being settled on the peninsula, on the ground that " he was apt to
raise doubtful disputations," and had advanced sentiments similar to
those of his sister Hutchinson ; yet Winthrop says he himself might
agree with him as to the point in dispute, and that " he thought
reverendly of his godliness, and could be content to live under such a
ministry." Winthrop's course, however, in reference to Mr. Wheel-
wright, offended " divers of the brethren ; " and, finding this to be the
case, he the next day confessed that he had committed an offence, and
proceeded to make a long and tedious explanation, and winds up his
account of it by saying : " How this was taken by the Congregation
did not appear, for no man spake to it." Probably " no man" under-
stood it. The same kind of metaphysics continues to perplex many
even to the present day, or all such as seek to find the meaning of
what, in itself, means nothing. Mathematicians never argued more
unprofitably about the " indivisibihty of matter," or " squaring the
circle," than the metaphysicians of that age did about " evidencing
justification by sanctification," and similar questions.
ing. — See Belknap, N. H.,\. 337. He lived * He had preached against a " covenant of
at Belleau, in Lincolnshire, which is only two work " before he came to Boston, and had
and a half miles from Alford, the residence of converted Hanserd Knollys to his opinions,
the Hutchinson family, into which he married, After he was silenced he lived for a time
as previously mentioned. — See ante, p. 175. privately near London. Knollys heard of him
He had an estate at Mawthorpe, in the parish " by some Christians, that he had been instru-
of Willoughhy, in the same county, also near mental to convert many souls," and set out to
Alford, which, in 1677, he gave to his youngest visit him. At the same time he learned that
daughter, Sarah, " in consideration of her Mr. Wheelwright had come into the same
marriage to Richard Crispe." — See Suffolk neighborhood where he lived, namely, An-
Deeds, ix. 215. Mr. Wheelwright and his derby, in Lincolnshire. After he had had an
wife were admitted to the Church in Boston, interview with Mr. Wheelwright, he was fully
12 June, 1636. His autograph, as here rep- convinced that ho was under a covenant of
resented, is traced from the original in the work. But in two or three other interviews
Mass. Archives. In his earlier years he wrote he became enlightened, and immediately set
his name Whelewright, as the records of Exeter out upon enlightening others. This took place
witness. not long before Mr. Wheelwright came over
in 1636. Knollys followed him to Boston
/ ^P f / . P/ soon after, as will be seen. — See Life of
a^fj) yi 'MJ^^ ^ ' U/tA^-m^ Knollys, wriUen by himself, 18-25.
y ^ n O / /ft" He was desired by many to be their
dU . t _ {^ i—lh C A K/X- r A Cr teacher with Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wilson,
JOCL'^^O "S^ ^J «■ y but the Church being so well supplied,
-^ ' the Church by vote, on Oct. 30th, 1636,
allowed him to preach to some of their
members removed to Braintree," &c. —
See Hancock's Cent. Scr., 19.
_f^4r.
1637.] CHURCH FAST. 221
Governor Vane supported the doctrines maintained by Mr. Wheel-
wright, and carried on a controversy in writing with Winthrop ; and
Mrs. Hutchinson held a " double weekly lecture," to which a large
number of persons constantly resorted, " to the number of fifty, sixty,
or eighty at once."* At these lectures she was able to repeat from
memory the sermons that she had heard preached, and as she went
along would make her own commentaries upon them. In this manner
she brought great numbers to her way of thinking.
As soon as there was an organized opposition to the " new doctrines,"
measures began to be talked of, by which a stop might be put to them,
and the Commonwealth saved from ruin ; for it was said that the dif-
ference between the doctrines maintained by either party was "as
great as between Heaven and Hell." Winthrop's party do not seem
to have ever had the remotest idea that they could be wrong, or that
the other party could be sincere and honest in their opinions. Charity
is not heard of among the oppressors ; and when those of the " new
doctrines " spoke charitably of them, they were spurned the more.
That My. Wheelwright and his followers believed sincerely that the
other party were "under a covenant of work," is quite as clear now,
as that a difference existed between the parties.
A Fast was kept " in all the Churches," to lament the
troubles that seemed to be about to overwhelm the country ;
among others, danger from the Indians, and the dissensions in the
Churches are particularly mentioned. In his Fast sermon Mr. Wheel-
wright " inveighed against all that walked in a covenant of works,
called them antichrists, and," according to Winthrop, "stirred up the
people against them with much bitterness and vehemency. For this he
was called into the Court, and his sermon being produced, he justified
it. Whereupon the Elders of the rest of the Churches were called,
and being asked, if in their ministry they did walk in such a way, they
all acknowledged they did. So, after much debate, the Court adjudged
him guilty of Sedition, and also of Contempt,! for that the Court had
appointed the fast as a means of reconciliation of the differences, and
that he had purposely set himself to kindle and increase them."
Governor Vane " and some few more," at once protested against
the decision of the Court, in which they " wholy justified Mr. Wheel-
* " But the last and worst of all," says IMr. ecclesiastical flictions." Being descended from
Welde, in a tone of deep lamentation, " which one of the chief leaders of the party com-
most suddenly diifused the venom of these plained of, namely Mrs. Hutchinson, Mr. Sav-
opinions into the very veins and vitals of the age excuses himself for not giving a more par-
people, was Mistress Hutchinson's double ticular account of her than he has done. I
weekly -lecture," &c. do not object to this, inasmuch as he has de-
t This much talked of sermon has been pre- fended the other party, JMr. Wheelwright,
served (in manuscript). Mr. Savage, in a from whom I am descended, in a very satisfac-
note to Winthrop, thus remarks upon it : — tory manner. All the defence Mrs. Hutchin-
" I unhesitatingly say, that it was not such as son requires, I trust I have made for her, and
can justify the Court ia their sentence for that consists in truly narrating the rise and
sedition and contempt, nor prevent the present progress of the unhappy controversy in which
age from regarding that proceeding as an ex- she was so large a sharer and suflFerer.
ample and a warning of the usual tyranny of
222 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
Wright;" and the Church of Boston tendered a petition in his behalf,
and justified his sermon also. Seeing he had so many and such strong
friends, the Court concluded to suspend sentence upon him until the
next Court; meantime he was " commended to the Church of Boston
to take care of him," and ordered to appear at the next Court.
Boston was favorable to the cause of Mr. Wheelwright, and the
Court was unwilling to sit where its doings were pretty likely to be
condemned by the people.* It was therefore voted that it should be
held next at Newtown. Mr. Vane showed his dislike of the proceed-
ing by refusing to put the vote, which was done by Mr. Endicott.
The result of this day's election has been stated in detailing
"^ '^ '' the progress of the Pequot war, so for as the election of
officers was concerned.f So well had the plans of the opposition to
the " Antinomians " been concerted, that the result was all they could
wish for ; yet the Court was not prepared to sentence Mr. Wheel-
wright, although he appeared as he was ordered to do ; so it gave him
a respite till the next session, which was to be in August ; that in the
interim he might " bethink himself and retract his error, otherwise he
must expect no favor." To this proposition of clemency, he said, if
he were guilty of Sedition he was worthy of deuth ; but if they pro-
ceeded against him, he would appeal to the King, and that he had
nothing to retract. In the mean time an ecclesiastical Council was con-
vened, to discuss the matter. J
That an Assembly, or Synod, formed for a specific object, and of
materials of one faith, should find much diificulty in agreeing in con-
demning those of a different faith, is not to be expected. Under these
circumstances" an Assembly of the Churches § at New-Town,"
''' ' drew up a " Catalogue of erroneous opinions," to the number
* " A great part of the body of the people. It was customary, when the Governor returned
and I am apt to think, at the tirst, the major- from Court, for the inhabitants to turn out
ity of the Town of Boston, were of the same and escort him to his liouse ; but when he re-
side the question with those people who after- turned to his house in Boston, fi-om Newtown,
wards came here." [To Rhode Island.] — See after the passage of this law, there was no
Callender's Hist. Disc, 26. welcome of the kind from the people.
t See ante, page 211. ^ " There were all the Teaching Elders
j " An extraordinary act made by the Gen- through the country, and some new come out
eral Court this session, very much heightened of England, not yet called to any place here,
the discontent." Many persons of Mr. Wheel- as Mr. Davenport," &c. — Winthrop, Journal,
Wright's opinions in Boston, were expecting i. 237. This " Assembly " was " three weeks
their friends from England; a penalty there- together at Cambridge, then called New Town,
fore was laid on all persons against entertain- Mr. Hooker and Mr. Bulkley, alias Buckley,
ing strangers who came with intent to reside, being chosen Moderators or Prolocutors, the
without special liberty from the Government. Magistrates sitting present all that time, as
"This," says Hutchinson, "was a very se- heai-ers, and speakers also when they saw fit."
vere order, and was so disliked by the people — Preface to the Short Story. Johnson says
of Boston, that upon the Governor's return that at this "first Synod held in New Eng-
fi'om Court, they all refused to go out to meet land, there were present about 25 Reverend
him, or shew him any respect." — Hist. Mass. and Godly Ministers," who were to " assist
i. (32-3. "Mr. Cotton was so dissatisfied in cutting downe those cursed errors." There
with this law, that he says [in his Answer to was tliat " bright shining light, Mr. Daven-
Bailcy] he intended to have removed out of port, the cheerfull, grave, and gracious soldier
the jurisdiction to Quinnypiack, since called of his (the Lord Christ's), Mr. Allen, also
New Haven ; but finding the law was not im- Mr. Tompson, Mr. Browne, J\Ir. Eish, the
proved to exclude such persons as he feared it much honoured Mr. Eaton, and ^Ir. Hopkins "
would be, he altered his mind." — Ibid.,i!)?>. [l)oth of whom had just come over]. — XVondcr
See also Hutchinson's Coll. of Papers, 67-100. VVor/;ing Frov., 117.
1637.] BANISHMENT OF WHEELWRIGHT. 223
of eighty-two, " as were found brought into New England, and spread
under hand there," all of which were found to be heretical.
^ Thus fortified by synodical authority, the General Court pro-
ceeded to pronounce sentence against the accused, * first calling
upon him to state " how his mind stood, whether he w^ould acknowledge
his offence or abide the sentence of the Court ? His answer was, in
effect, that he had committed no Sedition nor Contempt, and had de-
livered nothing but the truth of Christ." Among a great many other
things which the Court urged against him was " the difference which
he hath raised amongst men, by a false distinction of a Covenant of
Grace, and a Covenant of Works ; whereby one party is looked at as
friends to Christ, and the other as his enemies," by which " all things
are turned upside down amongst us."
The first day of the Court was finished with the record, that Mr.
Wheelwright was guilty of " wilfully neglecting all means of hght, in
that he would not vouchsafe to read a very brief writing, which much
concerned him ; " and " although the cause was now ready for sen-
tence, yet night being come, the Court arose, and enjoined him to
appear the next morning."
" The next morning he appeared, but long after the hour ap-
pointed." When he came, " the Court demanded what he had
to allege why sentence should not proceed against him ? " He merely
asked the Court to point out on what page or leaf of his sermon he had
said that of which he was accused. f This the Court evaded by a sort
of subterfuge, and sentenced him " /o be disfranchised and banished our
Jurisdiction, and to be put in safe custody, except he should give sufficient
security to depart before the end of March. Upon this he appealed to
the King's Majesty ; but the Court told him an appeal did not lie in
this case," for they had full jurisdiction, as expressed in their Charter.
As he declined giving " security for his quiet departure," he was com-
mitted to the custody of the Marshal.| The next day he was permitted
* " It was conceived by the ^lagistrates and tion hath been made against its proceedings,
others of the country, that the means which as if Mr. Wheelwright had not a hxwful trial,
had been used proving ineffectual, the case as not being put upon a Jury of Freemen ; but
was now desperate, and the last remedy was the answer to this is easie, it being well known
to be applied, and that, without farther delay, to all such as have understanding of matters
lest it should be attempted too late, when of this nature, that such Courts as have power
litter opportunity might be offered for their to make and abrogate laws, are tyed by no
advantage, as they had boasted, and did cer- other orders but their own, and to no other
tainly expect upon the return of some of their rule but truth and justice ; and why thrice
chief supporters, who by a special providence twelve men, sitting as Judges in a Court,
were now absent from them." — Short Story, should be more suhject to partiality than
23. twelve such called as a jury to the bar, let
t When he Avas before the former Court he others judge." — If Henry the VIII. ever pro-
demanded whether he were sent for as an inno- mulgated anything more arbitrary than this,
cent or as a guilty person? and the Court said the writer is ignorant of it. That such law-
" neither, but as suspected only;" then he givers should fear the abrogation of their
asked for his accusers ; and was answered, Charter is very reasonable. No one will
" his Sermon, which was there in Court." — wonder, if, as Welde says, some of the perse-
Short Story, 49. cuted did cry out to their oppressors, that
X In its " Brief Apology," printed in the " they were blinded in their legal ways, and
. Short Story, 48 to 64, the Court says, " Objec- would stumble and fiill, and in the end break
224
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1637.
" to go home, upon his promise that if he were not departed out of this
Jurisdiction within fourteen days, he would render himself at the house
of Mr. Staunton, one of the Magistrates, there to abide as a prisoner,
till the Court should dispose of him." *
Such were the proceedings which drove Mr. Wheelwright to leave
the jurisdiction of Boston. He was not at a loss probably for a place
of refuge. He had a tract of land in New Hampshire, notice of the
purchase of which in 1629, has been taken ;t to that he removed, and
thus became the founder of Exeter.J
It might have been hoped, but may not have been expected, that by
a disposal of the " leader" of the "heretics," the rest of them would
be silenced, or forced to believe against their convictions ; but hopes
and expectations, under such circumstances, are generally delusive ;
" for Mr. Wheelwright's party persisted in their opinions, and the
principal of them were as busy as before in nourishing contentions." §
^ At the same time the dominant party seem to have been equally
busy to devise means to rid itself of these also. They were
prominent persons, many of them, and had signed a petition || in Mr.
their necks into Hell." — Preface. The " Brief
Apology " above cited is the same, probably,
which Winthrop says the "Magistrates set
forth," and afterwards appeared in the " Short
Story.'''' — See Winthrop, Journal, i. 221.
* Short Story, 29.
t See ante, p. 59-GO.
j " In the " Short Story,''' 45, the writer
says this controversy " was the Masterpiece
of the old serpent, that the leaders were scat-
tered and the brood broken up. Mr. Wheel-
wright is gone to Pascal " [Pascataqua], &c.
i\Ir. Wheelwright, in his Answer (he writes in
the third person), says, " for him to goto Pas-
cal : Avhere is the wonder? I confesse it was
marvellous he could get thither, when they
expelled him, by reason of the deep snow in
which he miglit have jjerished." — Mercurius
Americanus, 24. He no doubt went by water
to Pascataqua river. This was in the winter
of 1637-8. In about four years he removed to
Wells, because his territory had been annexed
to Massachusetts. In 1647 he settled in
Hampton. He went to England before the
restoration, and did not return to New Eng-
land till after that event. He was intimate
with Oliver Cromwell, having been at the
same University with him. After his return
to N. England he settled at Salisbury, and
succeeded the Rev. William Worcester in the
ministry there. He died 15 Nov., 1679, " being
then the oldest minister in New England."
He left a will, dated 25 May, 1679, His pos-
terity are numerous and respectable. His son,
grandson, and great-grandson were Counsel-
lors of Massachusetts. — Eliot, Farmer. The
names of those dismissed from the Boston
Church, and who went with Mr. Wheelwright
to Exeter, were " Richard Merrys, Richard
Bulgar, Pliilemon Purmot, Isaac Grosse, Chris-
topher ]\Iarshall, George Baytes, Thomas War-
dell, William Wardell." — ^e/^:?zff;), N. H., i.
37. See Hutchinson, Coll. Papers, 316. See
ante, p. 219-20, note.
§ Winthrop, i. 244-5.
II Readers of the History of Boston will not
be satisfied with the simple fact that a mere
petition in favor of Mr. Wheelwright, had
subjected its signers to banishment, without
having the document laid before them. I
therefore give the substance of it from the
" Short Story.'"
" We whose names are underwritten, have
diligently observed this Honoured Court's pro-
ceedings against our dear and reverend Brother
in Christ, Mr. Wheelwright, now under cen-
sure of the Court for the truth of Christ, we
do humbly beseech this Honourable Court to
accept this Remonstrance and Petition of ours,
in all due submission tendered to your Wor-
ships." The Petitioners then " desire the
Court to consider the sincere intention of their
Brother," who, they say, by his Sermon on
the Fast day, " did, to his best strength, labor
to promote " the end for which that Fast was
appointed, namely " the publick peace of the
Churches ; and therefore deserves no such cen-
sure " as that bestowed upon him. Secondly.
As to his " being culpable for Sedition," they
could not see how such charge could be sus-
tained, as there was no witness " of any sedi-
tious fact." Thirdly. His preaching "had
not stirred up his hearers to commit any sedi-
tious act," " not so much as by accident, and
none of them had drawn the sword, as some-
times Peter did, rashly ; neither had they
rescued their innocent Brother, as somet.mes
the Israelites did Jonathan, and even they did
not seditiously. The Covenant of Free Grace
which he held forth, rather taught them to
1637.] PETITION OF REMONSTRANTS. 225
Wheelwright's favor, which was presented to the same Court * that had
declared him guilty of sedition. This Court, therefore, decided to pro-
ceed against them, as it " afforded a fair opportunity."
The name of William Aspinwall stood first upon the Petition. The same
gentleman being a Member of the General Court, f " it was propounded
whether he was fit to be a member ; " and being called upon to say
" whether he would justify the matter contained in the said writing,"
*' peremptorily affirmed " that he did ; whereupon he was presently
expelled. Next, Mr. John Coggeshall, though he had not signed the
writing, being a Deputy to the Court when it was promulgated, yet he
" spake very boldly to the Court, and told them, that seeing they had
put out Mr. Aspinwall they were best make one work of all ; that
though his hand were not to the Petition, yet he did approve of it ;
but his hand w^as to a Protestation which was to the same effect ;
whereupon he was dismissed," and word sent to Boston to choose two
others. Then Mr. Coddington, by an order from the Town, moved
that the censure against Mr. Wheelwright might be reversed ; of
course it did not prevail.
These proceedings vexed the people of Boston, and they per-
sisted at first in returning Mr. Aspinwall and Mr. Coggeshall to
the General Court again. " But Mr. Cotton coming amongst them,
and perceiving their rash and contemptuous behaviour, by his wisdom
diverted them from that course ; " J and they chose " Mr. William
Coulborne and John Olyvar."
The Court had Mr. Coggeshall and Mr. Aspinwall before it, soon
after, and something of asperity was exhibited on both sides. Then
Mr. " William Baulston" and Mr. Edward Hutchinson were called up.
Mr. Baulston told the Court, "That he knew if such a petition had
been made in any other place in the world, there would have been no
fault found with it." Mr. Hutchinson said, " turning himself in a
give patiently their cheeks to the smighters." truth of Christ, with divers otherscandalous and
That, therefore, both Teacher and Hearers seditious speeches." Upon which his Editor
" were most free from Sedition." They then remarks : — " Unless my opinions be as much
called upon the Court in a becoming, though perverted by prejudice as those of the majority
supplicating manner, that it would, " for its of the Court appear to me, this account of the
own Honour, make it appear wherein the Se- remonstrance is very unjust." — Journal, i. 245.
dition lay, or else acquit their Brother ; for a * It will be borne in mind that all kinds of
knowledge of their proceeding would come to cases were tried in the General Court, and
all the World." Further, that the Court that Attorneys were unknown in it.
would remember that " Satan was the ancient f The " Deputies or Committees " for this
enemy to Free Grace ; " that Elijah was called Court were chosen by the Town October IGth.
Ihe troubler of Israel, 1 Kings 18 : 17, 18 ; They were " Mr. William Coddington, Mr.
Amos was charged for conspiracy, Amos 7: John Coggeshall and Mr. Willm. Aspernall."
10. Paul was counted a pestilent fellow, a — Town Records. Mr. Aspinwall's autograph
mover of Sedition, and a Ring-leader of a sect, at this date is here copied : —
Acts 24 : 5, and Christ himself was charged
withbeinga teacher of new doctrines. — "The A n/) ^
danger of meddling against the Prophets" (/ */Jl/^ j„^ /7A . * ^
was also suggested, and the danger of giving tA^ ^ A^t jUy ^^yy^<x7^-
oflFence to the followers of Jesus, citing to the ^^
Court Zech. 2 : 8, and Mat. 18 : 6. { Winthrop's Short Story, 26, which com-
Winthrop says that this '• Remonstrance " pare with his Journal, i. 246. See also p.
charged " that the Court had condemned the 248-9.
29
226 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
scornful manner, that if they took away his estate, they must keep his
wife and children." * The Court showed its exasperation by disfran-
chising both, and fining the first twenty and the other forty pounds.
On another day were ordered before the Court Thomas Marshall, Wil-
liam Dynely, William Dyer and Richard Gridly, "four more of the
principal stirring men, who had subscribed to the Petition. Thomas
Marshal, the ferryman," would acknowledge no fault, and was disfran-
chised and turned out of his place. Dynely and Dyer "had little to
say for themselves, and were disfranchised ; likewise Richard Gridly,
an honest poor man, but very apt to meddle in publick affairs, beyond
his calling or skill."
"All these," says Winthrop, "except Mr. Wheelwright, were but
young branches, sprung out of an old root. The Court had now to do
with the head of all this faction.f A woman had been the breeder and
nourisher of all these distempers, one Mistris Hutchison, the wife of
Mr. William Hutchison of Boston, a very honest and peaceable man,
of good estate, and the daughter of Mr. Marvary [Marbury] sometimes
a preacher in Lincolnshire, after of London ; a Avoman of haughty and
fierce carriage, of a nimble wit and active spirit, a very voluble tongue,
more bold than a man, though in understanding and judgment inferior
to many women. This woman had learned her skill in England, and
had discovered some of her opinions in the ship, as she came over,
which had caused some jealousie of her, which gave occasion of some
delay of her admission, when she first desired fellowship with the
Church of Boston, but she cunningly dissembled and coloured her opin-
ions, as she soon got over the block, and was admitted into ihe church ;
then she began to go to work, and being a woman very helpful in the
time of child-birth, and other occasions of bodily infirmities, and well
furnished with means for those purposes, she easily insinuated herself
into the affections of many ; and the rather, because she was much in-
quisitive of them about their spiritual estates." J
The Court having disposed of several of the men, as is above sum-
marily stated, proceeded to " confute and confound " Mrs. Hutchinson,
the account of which occupies many close quarto pages in the " Short
* Ibid, 32. Mr. Wheelwright gives a dif- What is here said of the Hutchinson family
ferent coloring to Mr. Hutcliinson's manner, shows the writer to have had such a knowledge
in his " Answer " to the " Short Story.'" He of it as Mr. Wheelwright must have had, hav-
Bays, p. 4, " I wonder Mr. Edward Hutchin- ing married a sister of Mr. Edward Hutchin-
son is amongst the crowde, when as he did son.
not use to be factious or opinionate : indeed f And here the author interpolates a quo-
the genius of that fiimily hath not much in- tation from Virgil to give more force to his
clined to subtilties, scaa-ce any of the Hutch- own forcible language — Duxfceminafacti.
insons have been sectaries, unlesse « latere, % Short Story, 33. The above extract is
and indirectly, by reason of which, me thinks, made because it contains nearly all that is
he might have been placed more obliquely in known of " the celebrated Mrs. Hutchinson,"
this predicament of Familisme, &c., than ho is. until her banishment from Boston. Making
This man said in the Court (which through allowance for the writer's enmity against her,
Christian libertie he thought he might very and his deep-seated prejudice, and the whole
Avell say) that if the Court took away his becomes very important to inquirers into the
ipeans, he would not be able to maintain hig personal history of these times. Here seems
wife and children." — Mercurius Americanus. to be a fitting place to introduce a brief
1637.1
PEDIGREE OF THE HUTCHINSON FAMILY.
227
Story." An analysis of the strange notions advanced on both sides
might afford entertainment, but perhaps no great instruction, in this
age. It is equally unimportant to attempt to show which party had
the advantage in the controversy ; but for fluency and apt quotations
of Scripture, Mrs. Hutchinson certainly seems to have held a decided
superiority over the whole Court ; and, when it had nothing further to
say, Mr. Cotton was called upon " to deliver his judgment" upon the
matter at issue. He may have enlightened the parties by what he
delivered, though Moderns will not probably be able to discover in
what way it was effected.*
pedigree of the Hutchinson family ; hy the clue may be obtained to many otherwise un-
connection with which of other families, a explained circumstances.
The Christian name of the father of William HrTcniNsoN :
has not been ascertained. His widow came with her chil-
dren to Boston, as before stated, from Alford in Lincolnshire.
Arms the same as the Ilutchinsons of Co. of Durham. Rich-
ard, 4th son of Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., living 1570.
Susannah, widow of Hutchinson, was admitted
to the 1st Church of Boston, 12 June, 1636. Dismissed with
Rev. John Wheelwright and his wife to go to the Falls at Ex-
eter, 3 March, 1639-40. She died at York, Maine, about
1640.
William arrived in Boston in the ship
Griffin, 18 Sept., 1634, joined Ch. 26
Oct. freem. 4 March, 1634-5. Rep.
Gen. Ct., rem'd to R. I., where he was
its 1st Gov., d. at Newport, ab. 1642,
—See N. Eng. Hist, and Gen. Regr.
Anne, da. of Rev. Samuel, lived Edward, Boston, Richard, Lon- Mary, wf. of
Edwd. Marbury
of Lincolnshire &
London, joined
1st Ch. in Boston
2d Nov.,1634, ex-
pelled 22 March,
1638-9, removed
to R. I., thence
to New Nether-
land, killed 1643.
Boston, un- joined 1st Ch. don ; had son Revd. John
mar., d. 1667. Oct., 1633, free- Edward, old- Wheelwright
— See3/ercM. man Mar., 1633- est of 8 sons; joinedlstch.
Americanus, 4, wife Sarah, Wm. of Ja- in Bos. 1636,
p. 4-5. children, John, maica ; dismissed to
1634, Ichabod, Eliakim, born go to Exeter,
1637. Returned 1640,d. inBos- 3 Mar., 1639-
to London. ton, 1718, a. 40.
77 ; wf. Mary, da. Henry
Shrimpton, d. 13 Feb., 1720-1
1. Katherine = Edward, b. =: 2. Abigail, Francis, 1st Richard, Bridget, Faith, 1st Susannah, Zuryell, A dau. Samuel,
Hamby oflps.
wich, Eng.,
1st Ch. Bos-
ton, 10 Feb.,
1638.
;, 1st Ch
Boston, and
freeraan,1634,
died 19 Aug-
ust, 1675, of
wounds from
the Indians.
wid.of Rob. Ch. & free- 1st Ch., 1st Ch.,
Button, & man, 1634; 1634, fr. 1634,m.
Ch., 1634, taken by baptiz'd Wra. had
da. of Alice killed by In- 1634-5.
Ferraase,d. dians, 1643.
1689.
Willis,
Bridge-
water.
Thom- Indi
as Savage, 1643,
1652, had
7 children, after three
yrs. cap-
tivity , m.
Jno. Cole,
Dec. 1651.
Boston, Collins, sOn
1636. both Rich-
killed ard.
by In-
dians,
Elisha,
bap. 5
Nov.,
1637,d.
young.
Elizabeth,
bap. 10
Novemb.,
1639, m.
Edward
Winslow,
of]
Elisha, bap. = 1. Hannah, = 2. Elizabeth,
29 Nov(
1641, d. Id
Dec, 1717.
Col. in the
Port Royal
Expedition,
1707.
da. of Cap.
Tho.IIawk-
ins, d. ab.
1676.
da. of Maj.
Tho. Clarke,
and wid. of
Jno. Freake,
d. 1712-13.
Anne, William, Katherine, Susannah, Edward,
bap. 19 bap. 18 bap. 14 bap. 10 born 30
Novem., Jan'y, May, 1648, June, January,
1643; m. 1645-6, died 1649. 1660-1,
IstjDyer, died young. m.Nat. d. 1692.
2d, Danl. young. Codding-
Vernon. ton of
Newport.
Mary, b. Elisha, b. Elizabeth, Hannah,
11 Oct., 16 March, b. 24 Feb., b. 20 Jan.,
1666,- d. 1667-8, 1669-70, 1671-2, ra.
young, d. young, m John Ruck.
Richard-
son.
d. 3 Dec,
1739,aged 65,
leaving a
great estate
Sarah, da. Mary, b. Edward, b,
Colonel 1 Oct.
Jn. Fos- 1676.
ter. — See
Si St. Mas.
ii., 190.
Lydia Mehitable,
18 June, Foster, b- 6 Feb.,
1678, sister 1679-80.
Judge of of
Probate. Sarah
Elisha, b
"• 16 May,
1681, d.
1739.
Thomas, b. 9 Sept.,= Margaret, da
1711, H. C. 1727,
Gov. & Historian
of Mass. m. 16
May, 1734 ; d.
Brampton, Eng
1780, a. 6S.
of ^Vm., and
gr. da.of Hon.
Peleg Sanford,
of Newport,
R.I.
Foster,
H. C.
1721.
Hannah, m.
Rev. Saml
Mather, son
of Rev. Cot-
ton Mather,
D. D.
Sarah, wf. of Abigail, wf. of John
Rev. Wm. Davenport, son of
Welsted. He Addington Daven-
d. 25 April, port, m. 24 August,
1753. 1733.
Lydia, wf. of Geo. Rogers,
merchant, of Boston, son
of Nath. Rogers, of Ports-
mouth, N. H. He died be-
fore 20 Feb., 1748.
William, Thomas, d. at
d. 1780, Heavitree,
in Eng. near Exeter,
Eng., 1811,
a. 71.
Elisha, d. at
Blurtou
Parsonage,
1824, a. 80.
A da. d.
1771.
Katherine, b. 13
Feb., 1652-3; m.
Henry Bartholo-
mew of Salem.
Benjamin, b. 2
June, 1656 ; d.
before his
father.
Hannah, b. 16 May,
1658 ; m. Peter
Walker of Taunton.
Rev. John Hutchinson, of Blurton Parsonage, published
the third vol. of his grandfather's History of Mass., 1828.
* " The Court saw now an inevitable neces- banishment was pronounced against her, and
sity to rid her away, except we would be she was committed to the Marshal till the
guilty, not only of our own ruin, but also of Court should dispose of her." — Short Story,
the Gospel. So, in the end, the sentence of 43.
228 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
The trials and troubles which INIrs. Hutchinson met with, together
with an over-exertion to fathom unfathomable mysteries, had unhinged
her mind, and, in that state, incoherencies and contradictions could not
but abound in her conversations. She thus became an object of pity,
instead of legal severity.* But it was far otherwise. Governor Win-
throp issued a warrant, early in 1638, ordering her " to depart this
jurisdiction" without delay. She thought at first to have gone with
her brother-in-law to New Hampshire, but her husband and some of
his friends having in the mean time purchased lands on Rhode Island,
she journeyed thence by land. Here she resided until after the death
of her husband, about 1642. In the mean time her family had collected
around her, and one or two of her daughters had married. In the
summer of the year last named, Mrs. Hutchinson and her family re-
moved into the Dutch territory of New Netherland, and settled near
what is since called New Rochelle, a few miles to the eastward of Mr.
Throgmorton's settlement, where a small river, separating her lands
from the present town of East Chester, still bears the name of Hutchin-
son's River.f In the Dutch and Indian war, which raged the following
year, she, and such of her ftimily as happened to be with her, fell
victims to the enraged Indians, who knew no difference, in their re-
vengeful fury, between friend and foe.|
After the Court had disposed of Mrs. Hutchinson by a sentence of
banishment, § Captain Underbill, who had this year done such service
* Writers, even of modern times, have made the manner by which Mrs. Hutchinson's
the same mistake with respect to Mrs. Hutch- daughter was liberated. The maids obtained
inson as the Court of 1637 did, in one very by reprisal were of another family, and their
important particular; namely, in that they liberation at an earlier date. — See cn/e, p. 206.
treat her as one perfectly sane. Her mind ^ The proceeding of the Court in passing
was completely bewildered ; and though she the sentence of banishment was as follows,
may have been able to attend to the ordinary The question was put to the Court by Win-
occupations of life, yet no one, it is believed, throp thus : " If it be the mind of the Court
can read even what her persecutors have re- that Mrs. Hutchinson, for these things that
corded of her sayings, without unhesitatingly appear before us, is unfit for our society, and
coming to the same judgment. if it be the mind of the Court that she shall
In condemning the proceedings against Mrs. be banished out of our Liberties, and im-
Hutchinson, I am not prepared to go quite as prisoned till she be sent away, let them hold
far as Mr. Ellis does in his Life of that perse- up their hands." Hands were all up but
cuted woman. There are some palliating cir- three. " Those that are contrary minded, "hold
cumstances on the side of the Court. And, up yours." Two only held up their hands,
while I cannot go quite so far as Mr. Ellis, I namely, Mr. Coddington and Mr. Colburn.
admire his impartiality, and thank him for ]Mr. Jennison declined voting either way, and
the good service he has done in the cause of said he would give his reasons if required- by
New England history. His justification of the Court. Then Winthrop proceeded :" Mrs.
Winthrop, however, will not probably be Hutchinson, ' The sentence of the Court you
adopted by future historians. Mr. Winthrop hear is, that you are banished from out of our
was, no doubt, sincere, and believed he was jurisdiction, as being a woman not fit for our
doing the will of God, for he plainly records society, and are to be imprisoned till the Court
his own actions. However much he may have shall send you away.'" Mrs. Hutchinson
been influenced or spurred on by others, one then said : " I desire to know wherefore I am
thing is certain, he seems willing to bear the banished." To which Winthrop replied:
whole, which is a pretty good evidence of his " Say no more. The Court know wherefore,
sincerity. and is satisfied." She was thereupon put
t See Bolton's West Chester, i. 514-15. into the custody of Mr. Joseph Welde, of
j For further particulars and authorities, Roxbury, there to wait the further order of
see Book of the Inbians, 132, eleventh edition, the Court. This Mr. Weld was brother of
The author was misled there, however, as to Thomas, who published the Sho^t Story.
1637.] PETITIONERS DISARMED. 229
against the Peqiiots, was required to show cause why he had put his
nanie to the obnoxious Petition. His defence was similar to that of
others, namely, that he could not see wherein offence should be taken at
the Petition.* " The Court pittied him much, and were grieved at
his obstinacy." So he was disfranchised, and his commission taken
from him.f The same sentence was passed upon " five or six more of
the principal, whose hands were to the said petition." J There were
nearly twenty § of those who had signed it, who compromised by a sort
of recantation ; these, and some others who had been chief stirrers in
these contentions, were ordered to be disarmed.
Thus, it would seem, the Government had become very uneasy, and
did not consider itself safe while the other party had arms in their pos-
session. This disarming operation was a very serious affair, and much
blood has flowed from far less causes. The peaceable manner in which
it was submitted to, ought to have convinced the Rulers of the sin
cerity of the motives of those to whom the indignity was offered. The
names of the Boston men thus disarmed are as follows : " Captain John
Underbill, Mr. Thomas Oliver, William Hutchinson, ^'^ || William Aspin-
wall,^""^ Samuel Cole, William Dyer,^'^ Edward Rainsfoarcl, John Button,
John Sanfoard,^""^ Richard Cooke, Richard Fairbanks, Thomas Marshall,
Oliver Mellows, Samuel Wilbore,^""^ John Oliver, Hugh Gunnison, John
Biggs, Richard Gridley, Edward Bates, William Dinely, William Lith-
erland, Mathewe lyans, Henry Elkins, Zaccheus Bosworth, Robert
Rice, William Townsend, Robert Hull, William Pell, Richard Hutchin-
son, James Johnson, Thomas Savage,^'^ John Davy, George Burden,.
John Odlin, Gamaliel Wayte, Edward Hutchinson,^'"^ William Wilson,
Isaack Grosse, Richard Carder,'^''^ Robert Hardings, Richard Wayte,
John Porter,^''^ Jacob Eliot, James Penniman, Thomas Wardell, William
Wardell, Thomas Matson, William Baulston,^'^ John Compton, Mr.
Parker, William Freeborne,^''^ Henry BuU,^'") John Walker,^'^ William
Salter, Edward Bendall, Thomas Wheeler, Mr. Clarke,^^) Mr. John Cog-
geshaU.«"1[
* "He urged the libertie allowed to soul- the number of the converts." — Winthrop, i.
diers, instanced in the freedome of speech he 247.
had to Count Nassau." — AVheelwright's Mer- || The ^ designates those who fled to Rhode
curius Americanus, p. 4. There is a copy of Island, and they constituted the Colony of the
this curious book in H. Col. Library. Mr. Island. There* were two others in the com-
EUis thinks our Mr. John Wheelwriglit could pany which " incorporated themselves a Body
not have written it, while I must profess the Politick," namely, Philip Sherman and Ed-
opposite opinion, namely, that he could, and ward Hutchinson, jun., being in number eigh-
very probably did, write it. It is true there teen ; every one of Boston, except Sherman,
is the circumstance that it is " by John Wheel- who was among the disarmed, and lived in
Wright, junior," in its title-page, but its dedi- Roxbury. This little Colony Avas organized
cation is signed I. W., and the Prefece by on the 7th of March, 1637-8, and chose for
'^ John Wheelwright.''^ Why "junior" is their Governor Mr. William Hutchinson, who
used in one case, and not in the others, I had hitherto been one of the most prominent
shall not undertake to explain. men in the town aifairs of Boston. — See Cal-
t Short Story, 43-4. lender's Hist. Disc, p. 30. Their enemies in
j Winthrop, i. 247. the Bay said, sneeringly, that they had gone
^ This is Winthrop 's statement, but Savage to the " Island of Errors." — See "^Short Story
says he does not find but ten names on the {Preface).
Court records of that session. He therefore ^ These were not all who signed in favor
thinks " the Governour " may have " enlarged of Mr. Wheelwright ; a few, who were not so
230 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
All these were ordered to deliver their arms " at Mr. Cane's
°^' * [Keayne's] house at Boston, before the thirtieth of November,
under penalty often pounds " for every default to bee made thereof."
The order extended to " guns, pistols, swords, powder, shot and
match ; " and that none of those men above named should buy or
borrow any guns, swords, pistols, powder, shot or match ; otherwise
they would be subjected to the same penalty,*
The Church of Boston were highly offended at the course taken by
Governor Winthrop, in thus carrying the warfare with an exterminating
hand, until the homes of many of their most beloved friends had been
made desolate ; and there was danger that serious trouble might in
consequence ensue. It was proposed to call him to account for what
he had done ; and, had he not been a most skilful manager, and pos-
sessed of a mind of singular flexibility, he would hardly have escaped
universal censure. And, although he finally gained Mr. Cotton over to
his measures, yet so strong was the Church of Boston attached to Mr.
Wheelwright and his doctrines, that a vote for his expulsion from it
could never be obtained, and he was in due time regularly dismissed
from it, as has been before stated.
From the following very sensible remark of Mr. Callender,! one
hundred years after these troubles, few will dissent probably at this
day. " Mr. Wheelwright was banished for what was then called
sedition, by the same rule which will make every dissent from, or
opposition to, a majority, in any religious affairs, to be sedition, and
an iniquity to be punished by the Judge. The minor part must always
be seditious, if it be sedition to defend their own religious opinions,
and endeavor to confute the contrary."
strong in the faith, and having " repented of neetion with an account of the dissolution
their sin," were not disarmed; as William of the Court, which met in September pre-
Larnet, Ralph Mousall, Ezekiel Richardson, ceding; which Court, after Mr. Wheel-
Richard Sprague, Edward Caring, Thomas wright was ordered to appear at the next
Ewar, Benjamin Hubbard, William Baker, Ed- Court, was "dissolved," because, as Mr.
ward Mellows, and William Frothingham. Backus says, a vote could not be obtained
And Mr. Ellis, who has taken much pains in in this Court to execute the decrees of the
this matter in his Life of Mrs. Hutchinson, Synod. — Ibid. These were the members for
and to good purpose, very justly remarks, that November : — Boston, Wm. Coddington, Wm.
" even with these additional names we have Colborne; Roxbury, Joseph Welde, George
not all the adherents of Mrs. Hutchinson and Alcock, Wm. Parks ; Dorchester, Nathl. Dun-
Mr. Wheelwright." He then adds : Mr. Phil- can, Richard Callicott, John Glover; Wey-
emon Pormont, the first schoolmaster of Boston, mouth, Thos. White, Richard Adams ; Concord,
accompanied Mr. Wheelwright to Exeter in Simon Willard, Thos. Underwood ; Sagus,
1638. The Rev. Daniel Maud went to Dover. Saml. Ward; Watertown, Richd. Brown,
He was also a schoolmaster here. These are Capt. Wm. Jennison, Thos. Mai/hew; Cam-
at the head of the catalogue of the Masters of bridge, Joseph Cooke, Richd. Jackson, John
the Boston Latin School. Bridge; Charlestown, Capt. Robt. Sedgwick,
* It may be well to append here a list of Lt. Ralph Sprague, Ens. Abraham Palmer;
the members which composed the memorable Lynn, Lt. Daniel Howe, Timothy Tomlins ;
Court of Nov. 1637. Concerning which Court Salem, Wm. Hathorne, Townsend Bishop,
Mr. Backus remarks, " It was customary to Edwd. Batter; Ipswich, Cajo^ Danl. Denni-
elect their deputies twice a year, namely, in son, Wm. Bartholomew ; Newbury, X<. Edwd.
the spring and fall ; but to choose them twice Woodman, John Woodbridge. In all, 31.
in one fall was an unprecedented act, of which. Gov. and Deputy, Winthrop and Dudleij ; As-
I believe, no parallel can be found from the sistants, Endicott, Humfrey, BeUingham, Har-
foundation of the country to this day." — Hist, lakenden, Stoughton, Bradstreet, Nowell.
of New Eng., i., 84. This remark is in con- f Century Sermon, 27.
1637.]
ARRIVAL OF SHIPS.
231
CHAPTER XXV.
Gibbon's Voyage. — Arrival of Ships. — Davenport, Eaton, Hopkins, Lord Ley. — Governor Vane
returns to England. — The People show him great Respect. — Governor Winthrop and Lord Ley.
— Other Arrivals. — Execution of Murderers. — Allotments of Lands. — Women forbidden to hold
Meetings for expounding Scripture. — An Indian Deputation. — Accident at Spectacle Island. —
Ammunition removed from Boston. — Origin of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. —
Tribute received from the Indians of Block Island. — Mr. Davenport and others proceed to settle
New Haven. — A Fast. — Mohegan Indian Deputation. — Mr. Coddington removes to Rhode
Island. — Sickness of the Governor. — Arrival of many Ships and Passengers. — Mr. John Josselyn.
— His Account of Boston. — Captain Underhill banished. — Extravagance in Dress a cause of
Trouble. — An Execution. — A Fast.
June.
June 20.
CAPTAIN Edward Gibbons returned to Bos-
ton. He had been gone so long upon a
voyage to Bermuda, that he was supposed
to have been lost. His vessel was a
pinnace of thirty tons. Among the
commodities which he brought home was
an alligator, probably the first ever seen
here. The Captain made a present of it to
the Governor.
Three ships arrived from Ipswich,
having in them three hundred and
sixty passengers. As one of the ships
passed the Castle, she was carelessly fired
into by the gunner, by which an honest
passenger was killed.* Within a week after, three other ships came
in from London. In one of them, named the Hector, came
Mr. John Davenport, Mr. Theophilus Eaton, Mr. Edward Hop-
kins, son-in-law of Mr. Eaton, and Lord James Ley, a young man
about nineteen years of age, who had come to see the country. f
. „ The time having now arrived which Mr. Vane had set for his
Au<' 3 °
*■ ' departure for England, the people assembled to show him re-
spect upon the occasion. The ship in which he was to sail was riding
at Long Island, in the harbor. Many accompanied him in boats to the
ship with their arms, and saluted his departure with " divers vollies,"
June 2G.
* Winthrop, i. 227.
f For an exceedingly interesting account
of this young man, I must refer the reader to
My. W. T. Harris' edition of Hubbard's New
England, p. G95, &c. Though his name stands
out in bold relief on the pages of history after-
wards, I cannot forbear extracting a few words
of what the noble historian Clarendon says of
him. He observes : " The Earl of Mai-lborough
[that being Lord Ley's title] was a man of
wonderful parts in all kinds of learning, which
he took more delight in than his title ; and,
having no great estate descended to him, he
brought down his mind to his fortune, and
lived very retired, but with more reputation
than any fortune could have given him."
Such is the character of that modest young
gentleman, who came so early to Boston, drawn
by the hand of a master. But his end, how-
ever glorious it was then considered, was one
to be lamented with myriads of others. It was
his fate to be sacrificed on the altar of blind
ambition. He became an eminent naval com-
mander, and perished in that almost un-
paralleled battle off Lowestoft, on the 3d of
June, 1G65, in which it is said the Dutch lost
4000 men. Then also perished the Earls of
Falmouth and Portland, Lord Muskerry, Ad-
miral Lawson. The Duke of York led the
English, and Admiral Opdam the Dutch.
232 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1637.
while others on the shore gave him five discharges from a piece of
artillery, " and he had five more at the Castle." Mr. Winthrop did
not honor his departure with his presence, though " he left order with
the Captain [of the Castle] for their honorable dismission." * Lord
Ley went with Mr. Vane for England. Of this young nobleman Gov-
ernor Winthrop became jealous soon after his arrival, occasioned by his
preferring the society of JNIr. Vane and his friends to his. The time
of his arrival was unfortunate, as then the agitation was extremely
great, occasioned by the proceedings against Mr. Wheelwright and
others, as has before been narrated. It was usual for distinguished
strangers to be entertained at the Governor's house ; and no doubt
Lord Ley w^ould have been entertained there on his first coming to
Boston, but Mr. Winthrop was then on a journey to Lynn and Salem,
and did not return to Boston till two days after. Li the mean time his
Lordship was entertained at Mr. Cole's inn,t and this Mr. Cole was
one of Mr. Wheelwright's friends. On the Governor's return to town,
however. Lord Ley politely called upon him, and " the Governor
offered him lodging, &c. ; but he refused, saying he came not to be
troublesome to any, and the house where he was was so well governed
that he could be as private there as elsewhere." J
An incident occurred a few days after, which shows the feeling
between the late Governor and Mr. Winthrop, which caused the
latter to make an entry in his journal, which is as follows : " The
diiferences grew so much here," referring to the religious troubles,
" as tended fast to a separation ; so as Mr. Vane, being, among others,
invited by the Governor to accompany the Lord Ley at dinner, not
only refused to come, alleging by letter that his conscience withheld
him, but also, at the same hour, he went over to Noddle's Island to
dine with Mr. Maverick, and carried the Lord Ley with him." §
j^^ j^ There now " came over a brother of Mrs. Hutchinson, and
some other of Mr. Wheelwright's friends ;" but Governor Win-
throp would not allow of their "sitting down" in Boston, excepting
* Governor Vane, while in Boston, resided character in English history. Joining the
but a few rods from where I now write. On Parliament against the King, he was, with
his arrival he went to the house of Mr. Cotton, many others, declared a traitor at the Restor-
in which, or an addition which he made to it, ation, and executed on Tower Hill, June 14th,
he continued to reside during his stay here. 1662, aged about 50 years, and all his estates
When he went away, he gave that addition to were confiscated. These, however, were re-
Mr. Cotton. The house, or the body of it, stored to his family by the restored King, he
was standing within the memory of the writer, fearing its popularity might cause him trouble.
though with its exterior much modernized. Sir Henry Vane left ten children, four sons
It stood on the westerly side of what is now and six daughters. The family is now repre-
Tromont-street, a few rods to the south-west sented by his lineal descendant, Henry Vank
of the passage thence to Pemberton Square. Duke of Cleveland.
To those who remember the venerable mansion f This inn stood " on the west side of Mer-
of Lieutenant-governor Phillips, it will be easy chants' Row, midway from State street to
to fix the spot in their imaginations, as it was Faneuil Hall." — Hist. Ancient and Hon. Art.
next, north-easterly, to that. Co., p. 45, 2d ed.
Governor Vane came no more to New Eng- { Winthrop, i. 230-1.
land, and henceforth he becomes a prominent § Ibid. 232.
1637.] ALLOTMENTS OF LANDS. 233
upon a trial of four months, to see whicli party in the controversy they
would join.* This gave much offence to their friends.
The business of allotting out the lands to the inhabitants was a great
and important concern of the Town.f Captain John Underbill had
one hundred acres at Muddy River. Mr. John Oliver had " his
great allotment " of forty acres at PuUen Point. Mr. William
Hutchinson had six hundred acres between Dorchester bounds and
Mount Wollaston. Mr. Isaac Grosse to have a great allotment at
Muddy River, and " brother Hugh Gunnyson " at the Mount " for three
heads." Mr. William Brenton, in lieu of his land at Hog Island, " to
have twenty acres more added to his at Pullen Point Neck." Mr. Ed-
ward Gibbon eighty acres at Pullen Point, " if there to be had." John
Oliver fifty acres there, " and y*" rather in regard of his father's resign-
ing his right at Hog Island to y® Towne."
Bushnall, widow, George Harwood and John Lowe,
the, wheelwright, to have lots and gardens, " vpon y*" vsuall
condition of inoffensive carryage." Thomas Alcock, " a great lot " at
Muddy River. Mr. John Wheelwright two hundred and fifty at
Mount Wollaston, "where may be most convenient, without
preiudice to setting vp a Towne there," to be laid out by "Mr. Cod-
dington and Mr. brother Wright." " Willyam Wardall, Willyam
Coale, and Sampson Shelton," two acres each there for present plant-
ing. The same to Nicholas Needham. "Brother Thomas Savage
seaven acres of the Marsh" at Muddy River, to keep his five cattle on.
Thomas Joyes had leave to buy a piece of ground of " brother Robert
Turner, provided his carryage was inoffensive."
" Thomas Scottoe y® sonne of our sister Thomasine Scottoe,"
has leave to build a house on his mother's ground. William
Balstone to have the " remayning swampe on y® backside of Mr. Cod-
dington's swampe, vnto y® widdow Purton's Corner payle, leaving
out two rodde and a half, for eyther of y*" high ways y* are aganst it ;
y® one being y® way to y® milne, and y® other to y® Cove next vnto Mr.
Coddington's."
The men chosen for the " Townes occasions as formerly hath
been," at this time were "Mr. Thomas Olyvar, Thomas Lev-
eritt, Mr. Willyam Hutchinson, Mr. Willyam Coulbourne, Mr. John
Coggeshall, Mr. Robert Harding, Mr. John Sanford, Mr. William Bren-
ton, Mr. Willyam Balstone, James Penne and Jacob Ellyot, for these
next six monethes."J Thomas Grubbe and Jonathan Negoose were
* Winthrop does not tell who they were, or of whom William Aspinwall came in. As
whei-e they went to. before, they were chosen for six months, or
f Those chosen at this time by the town " vntill new ones be made choise of. Their
to assign the lots to the settlers were " Thorn- charges at theire meetings to be borne by the
as Olyvar, Thomas Leveritt, William Hutch- Towne in generall."
inson, Robert Keayne, John Coggeshall, Aprils. — Alexander Winchester to have a
William Brenton, John Sanford and William garden plot next Wm. Dyneley's and AVilliam
Balstone." — Toivn Records, -p. 11. Wilson's gardens, on the condition that he
J The next election of officers for the build a house on it " when it shall come to lye
" Towne's occasions " was on the 16th Oct, in a streete-way." Those authorized to lay
following, when the same gentlemen were out lands for Mr. Wheelwright at Mount AVol-
chosen, excepting William Brenton, instead laston, reported that they had laid out for him
80
234
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1637.
Sept. 28.
chosen surveyors for the Highways towards Eoxbury, and Thomas Mar-
shall and John Button for the part towards the mill.*
^^^ gj A union of the Colonies of Massachusetts, Plymouth and
°' ■ Connecticut was first talked of at Boston this year, but as Plym-
outh could not attend it was deferred. f
Two men were hanged here for murder, — John Williams
and William Schooler. The murders were both of an aggra-
vated character, but that in a special manner by Schooler, of a helpless
female. Though he was convicted upon circumstantial evidence, and
died protesting his innocence, posterity will hardly reverse the decision.J
Meetings of women, for " expounding scripture in a prophetical
way," as "some sixty or more" now did, was by the Authorities
" agreed to be disorderly and without rule."§
Miantonimo came to Boston, agreeably to former treaty stipu
lations, and preferred a complaint against the Niantick Sachem
and another Chief. The government gave him liberty to " right him
self," and in return he " acknowledged that all the Pequod country and
Block Island belonged to Massachusetts.
About thirty persons of Boston having gone to Spectacle
Island for wood, "the town being in great want," there came
Nov. 9.
Jan. 13.
40 acres " in the Sunke Marsh," south-east of
Mr. Wni. Coddington, 5 acres for his house
lot and 205 at the end of it. Stephen Kinsley,
laborer, to have a house plot next Alex^ Win-
chester,
Afril 17. — " All the field fences and gates
to be made up ; Sergeant Hutchinson and
Richard Gridley to look after the Fort Field ;
John Button, James Everill and Isaac Grosse,
the Mill Field ; Wm. Coulborne and Jacob
Ellyott the field next Roxburie. Richard Sher-
man's wife to have a house plot next Stephen
Kinsley's or ^Mr. Daniel Mawd's garden.
Also, Mr. Daniel JNIawd, schoolmaster, to have
a garden plot next said Kinsley's on condition
of building as above. Edmund [Edward ?]
Hutchinson to have a garden at the south end
of Mr. Robert Keayne's great garden."
May 13. — Richard Fairebancke to be Pound
Keeper " for the residue of this our half
year time."
June 2. — James Penniman to have theHil-
steade and marsh under it at Charles River, he
giving 7 acres at Mount WoUaston for five.
Thomas Flint, 24 acres of Marsh at Muddy
River.
June 12. — George Woodward, " sope boyl-
ar," for " vnlawfull entry upon some of the
Towne's ground, and for digging holes and
annoying the High Way with fish," is fined
iij lb. vj s. viij d. Mr. William Peirce to have
one hundred acres at Pullcn Point neck. Mr.
Edward Gibbon four-score acres ; John Oly-
var 50 ; Mr. William Brenton 60 ; Edward
Bayts 14, all at the same place. George
Buggle a house lot near the new mill.
* TJie lists of Town officers will hereafter be
given, but not generally in the text. The
iiljotn^ents of lands, though of exceeding great
interest, must be introduced in a condensed
form.
f July 1. — Ralph Hudson to have a garden
at the end of Thomas Mekin's garden ; Samuel
Wilbore a garden at the side of Barnabie Dor-
ry falls house and garden.
August 7. — Richd. Fairbanke, allowed to
sell his shop to Saunders, " a booke-
bynder ;" probably the first in the Town.
August ^^. — Richd. Hull, carpenter, may
sell his house and ground near John Galloppe
to Philip Sherman of Roxbury.
Sept. 25. — Thomas Makepeace to have a
house lot ; Edward Dennys a house lot and
gardenstead towards the new mill ; Richd.
Wayte " the like thereabout ;" Robert Gil-
lam, mariner, may buy a house lot where
he can ; Henry Webbe may buy the house
Avhere he now lives ; James Penne, a garden
towards the new mill, " to lay to the house
that was widdowe Shelley's ; Valentine Hill
a garden there also ; Wm. Cheesbrough 2^
rods square, of the marsh next Mr. Belling-
ham's, to build on ; John Lowe, wheelwright,
the same, next to bro. Cheesbrough."
Oct. 30. — John Hansett has granted a
great lot at the Mount " for 3 heads."
Dec. 4. — John Bibbles has a house lot
next Richd. Woodhouse.
Dec. 18. — John and Robert Woodward, the
sons of Nathaniel W., allowed house lots.
Edward Bendall to " keepe a sufficient ferry-
boate to carry to Noddle's Island, and to the
shippe ryding before the Towne ; taking for a
single person ij d., and for two 3d."
J See Winthrop,i., 241-3.
i} The Authorities were probably apprehen-
sive that another Mrs. Hutchinson might rise
up among them. — See Ihicl.. 240,
1638.1
ANCIENT AND HONORABLE ARTILLERY.
235
on such severe weather, that in two clays the bay was all frozen up
except a little channel. In this twelve of the men succeeded in reach-
ing Governor's Island, but seven others in a small skiff were carried into
the outer Bay. Falling among Bruster's Rocks, they were kept two
days without food or fire. The wind then abated, so that they were
able to recover Pullen Point, where they found shelter in a little house
of Mr. Aspinwall. Three of them got to Boston the next day, on the
ice, with their feet and hands frozen. The rest reached Spectacle
Island. One man died, and several lost their fingers and toes.*
The same causes which led to the disarming of certain resi-
dents of Boston, now operated probably to cause the powder
and arms belonging to " the country," to be removed from Boston to
Roxbury and Newtown. f
An association of Boston men requested to be incorporated
into a military Company. They were allowed to be a Company,
but subordinate to all authority. This was the origin of the " Ancient
and Honorable Artillery Company," which, with various changes of
name and regulations, continues to this time. The associates were at
first denied part of what they asked for ; having, it may be inferred,
requested to be made independent of the civil authority. However,
Jan. IG.
* Jan. 8. — John Martyn, shipcarpenter,
allowed a house lot ; Thomas Pettit, having
served bro. Olyver Mellowes three years and a
half, to have a house lot toward the new mill.
Erasmus BuUocke, " having been this 5 years
in Towne," the same. At the same time, the
following persons had their lots bounded at
Muddy River : — Edward Browne, Rieh'^ Bul-
gar, Benj" AVard, John Gramme, Rob'Houlton,
Jarrat Bourne, John Bigge, W"'Beamsly, Tho-
masyne Scottua, widow, Ales"' Becke, Raphe
Route, laborer, Robert Reade, Mathew Ines,
Jn. Pemraerton, Anthony Harker, Geo. Griggs,
James Fitch, Richard Fitch, Edward Jackson,
Anne Ormesby, widow, Nath' Woodward the
elder, James Johnson, Nath' Heaton, Elizabeth
Purton, widow, W'" Salter, W™ Wilson, W"
Townsend, W'" Dyneley, Rich"^ Tappin, Francis
Bushnall, Henry Elkyn, Rich"* Fairbancke, John
Mylam, Rob' Walker, James Davisse, William
Pell, Rob' Reynolds, John Cranwell, Geo.
Baytes, Philemon Pormont, Rob' Meare,
Edw^ Bendall, Tho^ Wardall, Mr. W'" Black-
stone, Rob' Tytus, W™ Courser, Alex"^ Win-
chester, Henry Burchall, Rob' Turner, W™
Denning, Joseph Arratt, John Arratt, Capt.
John Underbill, W™ Talmage, Tho' Snow,
Isaac Grosse, s'', W™ Coulborne, Mr. JohnCot-
Um, Mr. Tho' Leveritt, Mr. Tho" Oliver.
Those who had " great allotments at Rum-
ley i\larsh and Pullen Point," now had their
bounds described: — Mr. Henry Vane, Esq.,
Mv. John Winthropp the elder, James Penn,
Mr. John Newgate, J\lr. John Sanford, Thomas
Marshall, Thomas Matson, Benj" Gillam, John
Gallopp, Mr. Bob' Keine, Mr. John Cogges-
hall, Mr. John Cogan, Mr. Rob' Harding,
Nicholas Willys, John Odlin, W"' Stidson,
Edw"^ Eayts, Thomas Matson. Mr. Edw' Gib-
ones, Mr. Rich" Tuttell, l\Ir. Glover, Mr.
W™ Dyar, Mr Samuel Cole, Mr. W'" Brenton,
Mr. W'" Aspinwall, Tho' Buttalph, Elias
Mavericke, Raph Hudson, The' Fayreweather,
■yym Peirce.
f Jan. 29. — These are named as having lots
at Mount WoUaston : — Isaacke Cullymore,
for four heads, Francis East, for two heads,
Francis EUyott, for four heads. Rich' Wayte,
for five heads, Mr. Henry Webb, for ten heads,
Samuel Wayte for four heads, George Hunne,
for five heads.
Feb. 12. — Mr. John Clarke, for ten heads ;
John Love, for a house lot at IMuddy River ;
Abel Porter, same at the Mount, " having
served our bro. Tho' Grubbe foure yeares ;"
Richard Award, same (place not mentioned)
condition, inoffensive carriage ; Tho' Scot-
toe, a great lot at Muddy River, for three
heads ; W'" Mawer, lot at the Mount, for nine
heads ; Henry Gray, tailor, house lot on east
side Samuel Wilbore — condition as above ;
James Hawkins, for four heads at the Mount ;
Thomas Hawkins for four ; Martha Mushnall,
for five ; Edw** Dennys, for three, all at the same
place ; Isaac Perry, a house lot near Rob'
Walkins, at Muddy River, for three heads ;
Tho' Bell, at the Mount, for three ; John
Jackson, carpenter, for three ; John Crabtree,
for two ; Silvester Saunders, at Muddy R., for
two ; Samuel Howard, tailor, at the !Mount,
for three; Geo. Burdon, for 5; W'" Ward-
all, for 3 ; William Browne, for three ;
Edw"* Hutchinson, the younger, for six head,
all at the Mount ; Rob' Scott for 12 ; Anthony
Stannyon, for II ; John Lowe, for 4 ; Steven
Kinsley, for 9 ; Mathew Chafey, for 4, all at
the Mount also ; Raph Mason, for 6, at Muddy
River.
236
HISTORY OP BOSTON.
[1638.
Mar. 17.
the Military Company of Boston" had the liberty soon after
to present two or three of their number to the Council to choose
a Captain out of them," and Robert Keayne received the appointment
of Captain. The Court was jealous of some of those which composed
the Company, because they had been followers of Mr. Wheelwright and
Mrs. Hutchinson ; but, with Keayne for their Captain, not much was
to be apprehended from them, as he had been appointed keeper of the
arms taken from that faction.
The Court ordered that " Robert Keayne, Nathaniel Duncan, Robert
Sedgwick, William Spencer, gentlemen, and such others as are already
joined with them, and such as they shall from time to time take into
their Company, shall be called " the Military Company of Massachu-
setts ;" that they should have liberty to choose their officers, but the
Captain and Lieutenant to be subject to the approval of the Court. The
Company were to meet on the first ]Monday of every month, and it was
ordered that no other training in the particular towns " nor other ordi-
nary Town Meetings should be appointed on that day." It was also
ordered that this company should have a thousand acres of land "for
providing necessaries for their military exercises, and defraying of other
charges." The first Monday in June following, the Company was regu-
larly organized ; Daniel Hough was chosen Lieutenant, and Joseph
Welde, Ensign, under Captain Keayne.
This was not originally an Ai'tillery Company ; but, in 1657, the
General Court recognized it by that name, as about that time, prob-
ably, they used a field-piece in their exercises. The title "Ancient
and Honorable" first occurs in their records on the second of Sep-
tember, 1700. It doubtless assumed the distinction "Honorable,"
from the circurnstance that its Captain had belonged to " The Honor-
able Artillery Company" of London, and time naturally gave the addi-
tion " Ancient." The Company was dispersed by the Revolution, but
revived in 1789, and the Legislature confirmed its name and privileges.*
* Hist. Ancient and Hon. Artillery Co., by
Z. G. Whitman, 2d edition, 1842. The fol-
lowing )s a list of the original, or charter
members of the company, as found in that
work : —
Cakebread, Thomas Oliver, John
Cole, Samuel Pendleton, Joseph
Collecott, Richai-d Savage, Thomas
Gibbons, Edward Sedgwick, Robert
Hardinge, Robert Spencer, William
Haugh, Daniel Stoughton, Israel
Holman, John Tomlins, Edward
Hucken, Thomas Turner, Nathaniel
Jennison, William Underbill, John
Johnson, Edward Upsliall, Nicholas
Keayne, Robert Weld, Joseph.
Morris, Richard
Sermons do not appear to have been regu-
larly preached before the Company till 1659 ;
and the first record as printed was that by
Urian Oakes in 1072. John Norton preached
that of ]659; Samuel AVhiting, sen., 16G0,
Saml. Ward, 16G1; Jn. Higginson, 1662 ; Thos.
Shepard, 1663 ; James Allen, 1664 ; Increase
Mather, 1665 ; Edmund Brown, 1666 ; Samuel
Danforth, 1667 ; John Wilson, 1668 ; Samuel
Torrey, 1669; JohnOxenbridge, 1670 ; Thomas
Thatcher, 1671 ; Seaborn Cotton, 1673 ;
Joshua Moody, 1674 ; Samuel Phillips, 1675 ;
Samuel Willard,* 1676 ; Josiah Flint, 1677 ;
Samuel No well,* 1678 ; Edward Bulkley,1679 ;
William Adams, 1680 ; John Richardson,*
1681; Samuel Whiting, 1682; John Hales,
1683 ; Samuel Cheever, 1684 ; Joshua Moody,
' 1685 ; then there were none for five years —
under Andros'' government. Cotton Mather,*
1691 ; John Bailey, 1692 ; John Danforth,
1693 ; Moses Eiske, 1694 ; Peter Thatcher,
1695 ; Michael W^igglesworth, 1696 ; Nehe-
miah Walter, 1697; Joseph Belcher,* 1698;
Samuel Willard,* 1699; Benjamin Wads-
worth,* 1700 ; Eben'r Pemberton,* 1701 ; Benj.
Colman, 1702. Those with a * were printed.—
See Lothrop's Artillery Election Scr. for 1838.
1G38.] SICKNESS OF THE GOVERNOR. EARTHQUAKE. 237
^^ The Indians of Block Island sent three men to Boston, with
ten fathoms of wampum, as apart of the yearly tribute which
they had formerly promised to pay.
Not long after the arrival of Mr. Davenport at Boston, a favorable
account was brought by the soldiers who had been pursuing the Pe-
quots, of a fine country for settlement beyond Connecticut River. This
was Quinnipiak, explored toward the end of the last year, and possession
taken of it by a few persons. Accordingly, this spring, Mr. Daven-
Mar 30 P^^*'' ^^^' ^^'^"^^^^^^ Theophilus Eaton, Esquire, and Samuel
Eaton, sailed from Boston for that region, and this was the
beginning of another Colony, by Boston people, or people who would no
doubt have continued hfere, or in this vicinity, had it not been for the
religious perplexities which they had witnessed, and in which they
could not well avoid being somewhat implicated.*
Being in continual fear that they should be called to an
account by the Government in England, the Fathers now ap-
pointed a Fast " for seeking the Lord to prevent the evil, and for the
safe arrival of many friends soon expected."
A deputation of Indians came from IMohegan. The Chief
of it was named Owsamekin, who was Sachem of Acoemeck.
They had heard that the people here were angry with them, and they
came to learn whether it were so, and if so, the occasion of it. They
appear to have been imposed upon by some mischievous persons, for
there was nothing alleged against them. They brought a present of
eighteen beaver-skins, which the Governor took, telling them that if
they had done nothing they had nothing to fear ; and, giving them a
letter to this effect to the Magistrates of Connecticut, dismissed them.
Mr. Coddington removed with his family to Rhode Island.
^" " ■ He had been an Assistant from the first coming over of the
Boston Colony. Thus another excellent and valuable man was lost to
Boston.
^ Mr. Winthrop is again chosen Governor. The night following
"he was taken with a sharp fever, which brought him near
death." His sickness continued for a month. To this General Court,
Boston sent Mr. Atherton Hough, Mr. Robert Keayne and John Oliver.
At the March term preceding, Mr. John Newgate was in the place of
Captain Keayne, the others were the same as at this time.
Between three and four of the clock, in the afternoon of the
first day of June, being clear, warm weather, and the wind west-
erly, there was a great Earthquake. It came with a noise like contin-
ued thunder, or the rattling of coaches in London, but was presently
gone. It extended to Connecticut, Narraganset, Pascataqua, " and all
* April 2. — "Mr. Atherton Haulgh, Mr. Coulbome, Mr. John Newgate, James Penne
Robte Keayne, and Mr. John Olyvar " are and Jacob Elyott.
chosen deputies to the General Court. And Avg. 20. — The same Deputies were again
" for y' Towne's occasions," Thomas Olyvar, chosen to the General Court, excepting Mr.
Thomas Leveritt, Mr. Rob' Keayne, Mr. W'" Oliver, and Mr. Newgate was chosen in his
stead.
238 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1638.
tlie parts round about." It shook the ships which rode in the harbor,
and all the Ishmds. The noise and the shakings continued about four
minutes, and the earth was unquiet at times for twenty days after.*
"It came from the westerne and uninhabited parts of this wilder-
nesse." f
Uncas, Chief of the Mohegans, comes to Boston, accompanied
by thirty-seven men. He was in trouble about harboring Pe-
quods. He tendered the Governor twenty fathoms of wampum, but the
Council decided that it should not be received till he had given satis-
faction about the fugitives. This apparently disturbed him exceed-
ingly, and in this state he desired they would kill him. ' He made the
request in perfect safety, and he knew it, or he would not have made
it, for he was one of the most unprincipled Indians with whom the white
people had any concern. He was at this time accompanied by Mr.
Haynes. After making great promises and the most impressive protest-
ations to keep them, "he was dismissed with a fair red coat given him
by the Governor, and corn to relieve them homeward, and a letter of
protection to all men."
Governor Winthrop at this date records in his Journal the arrival of
" many ships this year, with people of good quality and estate," but he
makes no mention of the names of persons or ships. In one of the
ships here referred to, no doubt, came "John Josselyn, Gen.," a name
well known in New England history. The ship in which he came was
called the " New Supply, alias the Nicholas of London, Robert Taylor,
Master, the merchant or undertaker, Mr. Edward Tinge, with one
hundred and sixty-four passengers, men, women and children." Sev-
eral of the passengers died during the voyage, chiefly of the Small
Pox. J The Nicholas came to anchor in the inner Bay before
" ^ ' Boston. On the tenth of July, Mr. Josselyn says he went on
shore upon Noddle's Island to Mr. Samuel Mavereck, who was " the
only hospitable man in all the country ; giving entertainment to all
comers gratis." He then describes his visit to Boston in these words : —
" Having refreshed myself for a day or two upon Noddle's Island, I
crossed the Bay in a small boat to Boston ; which then w^as rather a
* Winthrop, Journal, i., 265. — See also and run, with ghastly terrified lookes, to the
Josselyn, New Eng. Rarities, 109. — In 1755, next company they could ^eet withall." —
this was reckoned one of the five great earth- Ibid.
quakes which had shaken New England. The J " Two ships, which came over this year,
other four were 1658, 1663, 1727 and 1755. much pestered, lost many passengers, and
Prof. Winthrop's Led. on Earthquakes, p. 16, some principal men, and many fell sick after
4to. 1755. Morton says, "it came from the they were landed, and many of them died."
northward, that people were afraid of their — Winthrop's Journal, i. 267. The ship in
houses ; and it was so, as that some, being which Mr. Josselyn came was probably one
without doors, could not stand, but were fain of these. A little further on he makes this
to catch hold of posts and poles to prevent entry. There came over this summer twenty
them from falling." — N. E. Memorial, 209. ships, and at least 3000 persons, so as they
f Johnson, Wond. Work. Prov., 131, who were forced to look out new plantations. One
adds, " the motion of the earth was such, yvas begun at Merrimack [Salisbury] and an-
thatit caused divers men that had never knowne other ibur or five miles above Concord, and
an earthquake before (being at worke in the another at Winnicowett [Hampton, N. H.] —
fields), to cast down their workiug-tooles. Ibid., 2ijS.
1638.] MR. .JOHN JOSSELYN IN BOSTON. 239
village than a town, there being not above twenty or thirty houses.
And presenting my respects to Mr. Winthrope the Governor, and to
Mr. Cotton the Teacher of Boston Church, to whom I delivered, from
Mr. Francis Quarks the poet, the translation of the Psalms into English
meeter, for his approbation ; being civilly treated by all I had occasion
to converse with. I returned in the evening to my lodging."
Mr. Henry Josselyn was at this time living at Black Point. He was
the only brother of John, and it w\as, no doubt, one object of the latter,
by this voyage, to pay a visit to his brother. Therefore he sailed for
the Eastern Coast on the twentieth of July. There he continued ram-
bling about the country to his infinite amusement and admiration ;
clambering up precipitous rocks " upon all four," with his gun hung
to his back, shooting wolves which had been killing goats worth five
pounds apiece, breaking up nests of great snakes, some of which
snakes being as big as the small of his leg, and three yards long, with
a sharp horn two inches long on the end of their tail ; until the twenty-
fourth of September, when he sailed for Boston again. He arrived on
the twenty-seventh following, it being Thursday. After going on board
a ship of 500 tons, of which Mr. Hinderson was master, and another
called the Queen of Bohemia, a privateer, Captain Jackson, lying in
the harbor, he landed in the town, and refreshed himself at the ordi-
nary. The next morning he went by invitation to a fisherman's house,
somewhat lower within the Bay. There the fisherman's wife gave him
a " handfull of small pearl, but none of them bored nor orient." Thence
he crossed to Charlestown. There, in " one Long's ordinary," he found
Captain Jackson and some others. They concluded to take a stroll ;
and "walking on the back side " they soon came upon more snakes.
One, a rattle-snake, " was a yard and a half long," though its "neck
seemed no bigger than one's thumb," and yet it "swallowed a live
chicken, as big as one they give fourpence for in England."
Being on board his ship in the afternoon, he had "the sight of an
Indian pinnace, sailing by, made of birch bark, sewed together with
roots of spruce and white cedar (drawn out into threads), with a deck,
and trimmed w^ith sails, top and top gallant, very sumptuously." On
the thirtieth of September he went on shore at Noddle's Island again.
Here Mr. Maverick made him welcome, and kept him till his ship was
ready to sail .for England. Meantime, in rambling about in the woods,
" on the back side of the house," he discovered a wasps' nest ; and,
mistaking it for " a fruit like a pine apple," though it was "plated
with scales, and as big as the crown of a woman's hat," he proceeded
to gather it ; but no sooner had he touched it, than hundreds of wasps
were about his head. He escaped, however, with being stung but by
one of them in his upper lip. This caused such a swelling in his face,
that when he returned to the house the people did not know him ex-
cept by his clothes ; and yet he thought he escaped remarkably well.
In a few days he sailed for England. The ship laid at Nantasket some
days, as she proceeded to sea, and the Master, Captain Luxon, having
240 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1638.
been on shore at Governor's Island, returned with a quantity of pippins,
of which he gave Mr. Josselyn half a score. At this time he remarks,
" There is not one apple-tree, nor pear-tree yet planted in no part of
the country, but upon that island." *
Captain Underhill had lately returned from England, and
^^ ' ' was making preparations to remove to Mr. Wheelwright's set-
tlement. He therefore petitioned the Court now in session to fulfil a
promise it had formerly made him, which was, that for his services he
should have three hundred acres of land. The Court, however, having
learned from a " godly " female that he had spoken against some of
them, he was called before the Court and charged with saying, when
he was " in the ship lately," that "they were as zealous here as the
Scribes and Pharisees were," &c. To this and other words quite as
inoffensive in themselves, the female before mentioned testified. He
was then questioned about signing the remonstrance in favor of Mr.
Wheelwright formerly, and, not being satisfied with his answers, the
Court sent him to jail first, and afterwards banished him.
There now arrived a ship from Barnstaple, having on board
^^ ■ ' about eighty passengers, nearly all of whom were from the
western coast j of England. In this ship came Mr. Marmaduke Mat-
thews.
^ ^^ Among the many troubles with which the Country in com-
eP"- --J- ^Q^-^ ^^^^1^ Boston was disturbed at this period, were the " cost-
liness of apparel," and the " new fashions." The Court undertook to
interfere in these matters, and sent for " the Elders of the Churches,"
and laid the subject before them. The Elders were told by the Court
that it was their business to redress the evil, and they promised to do
BO. But neither the preaching nor the practice of the Elders could
eradicate the difficulty, "for divers of their own wives," says Winthrop,
" were in some measure partners in this general disorder."
^ ,„ A woman was handed at Boston for the murder of her own
child, a daughter, about three years of age. This was a deeply
affecting and deplorable case, as the act was unquestionably committed
* An Account of Two Voyages to Now Eng- Inns in 1G37, he probably included the one in
land. The account above extracted is from Charlestown. He says, " In 1637 there Avere
his First Voyage. His Second was not made not many houses in the Town of Boston,
till 1GG3. In that he again takes notice of amongst which were two houses of entertain-
Boston. They were published in a volume ment, called Ordinaries, into which if a
together in 1G75. Second edition. From Dr. stranger went, he was presently followed by
Snow's notice of the visit of Josselyn, it would one appointed to that office, who would thrust
be inferred that he derived his information himself into his company uninvited, and if he
from "New England's Rarities," a work by called for more drink than the officer thought in
the same " John Josselyn, Gent.," printed in his judgment he could soberly bear away, he
1672. I shall notice the " Rarities " here- would presently countermand it, and appoint
after. In the details of the second voyage, he the proportion, beyond which he could not
speaks of Boston in connection with the date get one drop." — Pages 172-3.
1637, from which he is generally understood f What was understood by the " West
to say that at that date there were two Inns Country" has been explained in the early
or Ordinaries in Boston ; when as, in the rec- pages of this History. The people about Lon-
ords there is nothing to show that there was don thus denominated the country about
more than one. Winthrop speaks of "the Plymouth. — See page 22, on^e.
Inn." If Josselyn meant that there were two
1638.] HARVARD COLLEGE. 241
when the mother was deranged. She confessed what she had done,
and said she killed the child to prevent its being miserable hereafter.
But it was believed that the Devil had caused her to do it, and that by-
taking away her life a punishment would be indirectly inflicted upon
him. Mr. Peters and Mr. Wilson went with her to the place of execu-
tion, " but could do no good with her." The name of the wretched
woman was Dorothy Talbye.
Soon after this a Fast was kept, on the request of the Elders
to the Governor and Council, for " the apparent decay of the
power of religion, the general declining of professors to the world, and
the much sickness throughout the country." Things had gone on so
badly, as the Fathers then really believed, that they daily expressed
their convictions, "that the Devil would never cease to disturb their
peace ; " that " at Providence he was not idle," and was stirring up
the people of Connecticut against the people here ; and that he had
really carried off, from a place near Rhode Island, five Indians alive.*
This is generally regarded as the year in which Harvard College was
founded, although the General Court had about two years before taken
some order about a " Public School," and the next year directed that
it should be at Newtown ; at the same time appointing a Committee
to carry the order into effect. This School might, and very probably
would have remained without being dignified by the name of a College
* March 12. — Waters Sinnott, fisherman, bore may sell his to "one Mr. Offley," and
to have a house lot. Olyvar ISIellowes, Na- his (house and ground) next Koxbury to Saml.
thaniell Chappell, and AVilliam Hudson, eldest Sherman ; John Spoore, late of Clapton [near
son of bro. Wm. H., have leave to take in the Portbury], in Somersetshire, may buy Mr.
corner between the last year's new impaled Wilkes' house and ground, and that his bro.
planting ground and the N. E. corner of Mr. James Mattocke, a cooper, may live with him,
VVm. Blackstone's pales. or in some other place in this town, and that
April 2. — James Johnson, John Davisse, he may also buy a little house of Geo. Burdon
Geo. Burden and Nath. Chappell, to have gar- near the Cove next Edward BendalTs.
dens " on the back side of the lotts in ye long Aug. 7. — Leave is granted Francis Lyall to
streete." To Mr. John Mansfield a house lot, become an inhabitant.
he having served his bro. Mr. Robt. Keayne ; ^^g- 20. — Thomas Cornnell may buy bro.
Wm. Hudson to be cow-keeper this year ; Wm. Balstone's house and become an inhab-
Thos. Sellen, a house at the Mount ; Edmund itant.
Oremsby, one at Muddy R. for 3 heads; Thomas Sept. 17. — "A stray sow that had been
Wheeler, the same for 3 heads ; Jacob Wilson, often taken in ye corne," and no owner found,
same; Maudit Inge, the same; Wm. Coursar, is prized and sold for 40s., of which " Sam-
a garden, when a pilace can be found ; John uell Gryme is to have 305. towards his losses
Cranwell and Wm. Salter to see to the fences in his corne." The residue to go to Richd.
of the field "by them," Richd. Gridley and Fairbank for the charges of her keeping.
Benjamin Gillam the Fort field, and Olyvar Nov. 2. — Richd. Rawlings, plasterer, may
IMellowes, Thos. Marshall and Jona, Negoose, buy Peter Johnson the Dutchman's house,
the Mill field and the New field ; Geo, Grigge and inhabit.
inay " sell his house and garding vnder it, and Nov. 5. — Mr. John Cogan and Richard
20 acress of his great lott to Mr. Tuttell of Tuttle, constables for this year. Geo. Barrill,
Ipswich and INIr. Tuttell of Charlestowne for cooper, bought house and land of Thos. Pain-
his redeeming out of theire debts." Geo. ter, and is admitted to inhabit.
Ilarwood, carpenter, a lot at the Mount for 3 Dec. 10. — Arthur Perrye to have allowed
heads; AVm. Hudson, the younger, one at him yearly "for drumming to ye Company
Muddy R. for 3; Wm. Davisse, "ye lock- vpon all occasions," £5.
smyth," a house lot near the new mill, con- Dec. 24. — William Teffe, a tailor, admit-
dition, inoifensive carriage. ted to inhabit, and to buy Japob Wilson's
June 1. — Richard Brockett may sell his house; Esdras Reade, tailor, admitted to in-
house and garden next Wm. Hudson the habit, and allowed a lot at Muddy River for 4
younger to " one Jacob Legar;" Safirtl. Wil- heads.
?A
242
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1G39.
for some years, but for the liberality of Mr. John Harvard, who, dying
this year, gave a large sum " to the Public School at Newtown." Thus
endowed, it took the name of its benefactor, and this was the origin of
Harvard Collej
Mr. Henry Dunster was its first President.!
CHAPTER XXVI.
Quiet Restored. — First Printing Press. — New Meeting-house Agitation. — Committee appointed to
select a Location. — Proceedings thereupon. — Population of IJoston. — Case of Capt. Keayne. —
Absurd Legislation. — Stocks. — Rev. William Tompson. — Church gathered at Braintree. — First
Post Office. — Number of Ships and People Arrived from the Beginning. — Apprehension from the
Indians. — Tjiomas Geo rges. — Ship blown up in the Harbor. — Capt. Underbill Banished. — Mian-
tonimo. — Hugh Bewit Banished. — Ships Built. — ISIission to England. — To Rhode Island. —
Hanserd Knollys.
March,
MANY of the people who had disturbed the peace
of Boston by daring to express their opinions, were,
by the beginning of the year 1G39, gone out of its
jurisdiction, so that tranquillity was in a measure
restored, and it was a year of general quiet. It is
a noted year, however, on several accounts.
A printing press was established at Cam-
bridge. The first thing printed was the Freeman's
Oath, the next was an Almanack for New England,
made by Captain William Peirce, the mariner,
the next was the Psalms, "newly turned into
meter."!
In the course of the year there was a good deal said about erecting
a new Meeting-house. The old one was far from being suitable, or
capable of accommodating the inhabitants. This occasioned much
difficulty ; not that the people differed about the necessity of having a
EARLY PRINTING PRESS.
* In 1640, the General Court granted the
income of the Ferry between Boston and
Charlestown as a perpetual revenue to the Col-
leii;e ; and tlie iMaji;istrates with the Ministers
(if the Colony chose the Rev. Henry Dunster
" to 1)0 the President of their New Harvard
College." — Magnalia, iv. 127.
f Mr. Lechford, writing of New England in
1642, having just left Boston, says, "Master
Dunster, at Cambridge, had divers young schol-
ars there under him, to the number of almost
twenty." — Plain Dealing, or News from New
England, p. 37.
I Winthrop's Journal, i. 289. — The " print-
'ng-house was begun by one Daye, at the
charge of Mr. [Joseph] Glover, who died on sea
hitherward." — llnd. See Thomas, Hist. Print-
ing, i. 227. Quincy, Hist. H. U., i. 187.
Timperley's Encyclop. of Printers and Printing,
586, &c. — The Psalm-book "newly turned
into meter" was printed in 1640. Copies of
it are to be met with, at this day, only in the
liliraries of the curious. Daye continued to
print until 1649, though he was a poor printer.
In 1641, the General Court ordered that,
" Steeven Day, being the first that sett vpon
printing, is granted 300 acres of land." —
Thomas, Hist. Printing, i. 227. See Boston
Courier, 15th and 29th July, 1847. INIr. Thom-
as made the very easy and natural conjecture,
that Stephen Day might be a descendant of
the then hitherto most fomous printer of Lon-
don, whose Christian name was John. Cer-
tainly it is reasonable, for the said John Day
had by two wives 26 children, as his last wife
herself says, who had 13 of them ; thus equally
dividing the honor with the first. This is
learned from a monument to his memory,
erected by this dutiful widow. It would have
been lamentable, indeed, if the man, who was
the cause that moved John Foxe to erect such
a monument to the Martyrs, had lain without
one himself. He died 23d July, 1584.— See
Johnson, Typngraphia, i. 534.
1639.]
NEW MEETING HOUSE LOCATION.
243
new and more commodious house, but the place on which to build it
caused some delay in the proceedings. Then the chief business of the
town was transacted in the vicinity of the Meeting-house, as it is in
many country towns at the present day. Traders had located them-
selves about it, at much cost in building, and they of course were
strenuous that the new building should be on or very near the site of the
old one ; it was also the vicinity of the Market.
At length the Church chose a Committee of five of their number, and
gave them power to fix upon a location as they saw fit. The Commit
tee consisted of Governor Winthrop, Mr. [William] Colborne, Mr.
[Edward] Gibbons, Mr. [Robert] Keayne, and Mr. [WiUiam] Ting.
While these gentlemen had the matter in charge, a paper* was drawn
up and signed by a considerable number of the influential inhabitants,
strongly urging that the most preferable site for the new house was at
the Green. This place is pretty clearly designated in this document,
and is very nearly that on a part of which the Old South now stands.
The paper containing the argument for this locality is a very able
performance, and it is difficult now to understand how the Committee
could come to a decision adverse to it.f The signers of the document
say, the Green " hath singular accommodation to the ayre, the want of
the free accesse whereof hath bin deeply found in the Ould Meeting
house, making burdensome the ordinances to many, specially weake
hearers, by faynting their spirits in the summer time, when there is
most concurse of people. And we feare a greater defect hereof if the
house stand in Mr. Harding's J ground, where the easterly and south-
* This instrument would be very properly
entitled, " Arguments sbowinn; the Advantages
of locating the Meeting-house at the Green."
The following are the most exact copies of the
signatures to the paper that our artists, Messrs.
ut^tt^
f Perhaps it was thought quite too far from
the town or main settlement. It may he
remembered that there were not at this time
scarcely any houses so far south as the present
Milk Street.
I This gentleman, I presume, was Mr. Rich-
ard Harding. Hence the lot which he owned
in Boston Avas on Cornhill Square, where the
Baker, Smith & Andrew, can make. The
original is in the hands of the Author, and
has never been published. It is dated Decem-
ber 10th, 1639.
fleeting-house Avas finally built ; presuming
that the "Mr. Harding's ground" was im-
proved for the purpose. He was one of the
" disarmed," and went to Rhode Island, and
was a prominent man in that Colony. The
name is one of respectability there and else-
where at this day.
244 IIISTOllY 01'' BOSTON. [1639.
east wind is much more debcarred. If it is said Mr. Harding's is higher
ground than the Greene, and so more obvious to the ayre, it is answered,
though it be higher (which is but little), yet this hath a farre greater
advantage, for the aire by reason of the sudden descents of the earth
neare to it, and it standeth open, ready to entertayne every coole breath
of aire in the summer, whereas the other place is so muffled, and over-
topped with chimnyes on every side almost, that it playnly confesseth
its own disadvantage." *
Notwithstanding these and many other arguments, the house was
finally erected in what was afterwards Cornhill ; the account of which
and its erection have been given.f The opposition to that site appears
to have ceased when the decision was made known, and the idea of
having a new house at once, seems to have quieted all parties, and the
work went on with harmony and activity the next year. And, besides,
Mr. Cotton, whose reputation had been a little obscured by the cloud
of Antinomianism, but who now had, by his great tact and prudence,
dispelled that cloud, and regained, in a great measure, his former
splendor, came forward in favor of the spot in Cornhill ; arguing that it
would be unjust to those who had purchased estates in that vicinity,
because they were situated near the Meeting-house. But this argu-
ment of Mr. Cotton was met by those in favor of the Green in a most
conclusive manner, as was another, the import of which was, that a
house would be exposed to the cold winds more in the winter at the
Green, and therefore very uncomfortable. The Petitioners answered,
that the cold in a house was easily obviated, J — while there was no
remedy for the suffocating heat of summer in a location near the Market,
but at the Green the cool breezes would come in from all parts unob-
structed. However, the decision was in favor of the other locality, as
before stated, and there was in a little time a general acquiescence. §
Some idea of the populousness of Boston and its vicinity at this
^^ ' time may be had from the following facts recorded by Governor
Winthrop : — " The two regiments in the Bay were mustered at Boston,
to the number of one thousand soldiers, able men, and well armed and
exercised." At the head of these Winthrop appeared as General, and
Deputy-Governor Dudley as Colonel. The captains and other officers
" showed themselves very skilful and ready in divers sorts of skirmishes
and other military actions, wherein they spent the whole day." ||
* It is more difficult to reconcile Mr. Josse- at this time, though they be in many places
lyn's statement of " twenty or thirty houses " in our day, as the writer has had painful
with this, than anything else I have seen, experience.
Dr. Savage inclines to the opinion that Josselyn \ It was finished the next year, 1640 ; " its
must have dropped a cipher from his figures, cost about £1000, which was raised out of the
somehow, and so instead of writing 200 he weekly voluntary contribution without any
wrote 20. But how Josselyn or anybody else noise or complaint." — Winthrop, ii. 24.
could drop ciphers out of that number when || The following items are from the Town
they were spelling it out and not using figures Records ; in which names are generally spelled
to express it, is rather a hard question. as they are recorded, and so of what has gone
t See ante, pages 141 and 142. before.
j By this it would seem that fires in ]\Ieet- Jan. 21. — John Odlyn allowed a piece of
ing-houses in cold weather were not unkuown marsh at Muddv lliver, until otherwise ordered
1639.1
NEW MEETING HOUSE LOCATION.
245
May 22.
At the General Election, Mr. Winthrop and Mr. Dudley were
reelected; and Boston sent two deputies instead of three as
formerly. These were Captain Keayne and Major Gibbons. The
by the Tomi. Nicholas Willys * sold (27 : 10 :
l'638) his great lot of 49 acres at " Romely
Marsh" to Richard Tuttell * of this town for
£30, 13s. 6d. James Ilawkings sold (9 Nov
1638) for £15, one dwelling in this Town,
wherein Geo. Ruggle lived, which he bo't of
Mr. Brenton, to one Henry Garrold, tanner.
Jacob Wilson, sawyer, sold (24 Dec. last) to
Wm. Teffe, tailor, a house and lot, now in the
use of said Teffe. Richard Tuttell to be re-
sponsible to the Town for " one Dorothie Bill,
widdowe, a soiourner in his house," and " for
anything about her." Robert Scott sold land
at Muddy River that was Richard Fairebanck's
to Thos. Savage. William Hyrick allowed
to be an inhabitant. The " owners of the
Wharfe and Crayne " are granted 100 acres
of land at Mount Wollaston towards keeping
them in repair.
Feb. 18. — Richard Wright to have a nar-
row piece of land at the Mount, "to y^ fur-
therence of a water mylne building there, in
regard of his redy serviceablenesse to the
Townes occasions." Same Richard W., fined
the sumof£G for selling land at the Mount
" to one Mr. Pane, of Concord," without
license. Brother Henry Pease may mow the
marsh against his house. Bro. Edward Jack-
son * may mow the marsh bro. Balstone for-
merly mowed. Bro. James Pennyman may
mow the marsh in the New field as heretofore.
Sister widow Purton may mow the marsh in the
same field under bro. Robert Turner's garden
pales. William Balstone sold (5 Aug. last)
his house, yards, gardens, and one close on
the backside of Mr. Coddington's (one acre
more or lesse), and two acres more or less in
the Mill field, bordering on Water INIerryall's
house, and three acres at Hogg Island, and 80
at the Mount, to Thomas Connell. Ordered
that Edward Hutchinson, Samuel Cole, Robert
Turner, Mr. Robert Harding, JNIr. Wm. Parker,
and Richard Brackett, make a cart-way against
Mr. Hutchinson's house, under which they
drayne their gardens, before the 11th of the
next 1st month. Thomas Scottow, joiner, sold
all his 6 aci-es at Muddy River to Thos. Grubbe,
and said G. resigned his right to his three
acres in the New field in Boston ; it having
Isaac Grosse's lot on one side, and widow Pur-
ton's on the other. Mr. Benjamin Keayne,
son of bro. Mr. Robt. K., to have a great lot
at Monottinott river in Mount Wollaston.
March 25. — Brother Mr. Gryffen Bowen to
have a great lot at Muddy River, also bro.
Richard Holledge a groat lot there for three
heads. Bro. Valentine Hill may build a house
and shop on the lot he bo't of bro. Mr. W'"
Aspinwall, and let it to Francis Lysle, barber.
John Hord, tailor, having served Mr. W'"
* See his autograph, p. 243 ante. Willis' is the fourth.
Hutchinson in this Town divers years, is al-
lowed to be an inhabitant. Bro. Henry Pease
having promised to fence out a highway thro'
his ground, where he dwelleth, 25 feet broad,
from against the Cove near his house, unto the
cross highway, by bro. James Everilis, must
do it before the 1st of April, 1640, or pay £5.
Mr. John Underbill, 1st Aug. last, surrendered
to Mr. Thos. Makepeace of Dorchester his
house in Boston, his land at Muddy River, and
woodland in the islands, " with garding and
house, and another behind Mr. Parker's house,
and neare half an aker upon the Fort Hill, for
£100." Bro. Robert Walker to be cow-keeper
this year. No goat to go on the Neck with-
out a keeper ; and " old Wing to looke to this
order." Hogs running at large after the 8th
of April to be impounded ; " in case any shall
take yi" vp into their yard, then forthwith
eyther lett y'' owners knowe of ym, or to sett a
note of y™ vpon y" whipping-post." Henry
Shrimpton, brasier, allowed to be an inhabit-
ant.
April 29. — With the consent of Mr. Wil-
liam Peirce there is to be a passage way of 7
feet wide, from the lower part of Mr. Keayne's
garden, at his mud- wall house, to the C'reek
near Edward Bendall's new house. Samuel
Graine allowed to be an inhabitant.
Mai/ 13. — Mr. Robert Keayne and Capt.
Edward Gibbons were chosen deputies to the
General Court.
May 27. — Mr. William Hibbins is admitted
an inhabitant.
July 2. — William Needham, cooper, to
have a house plot at the Little Island at Mount
Wollaston, and Stephen Kinsley, husbandman,
to have the rest of the Island for his house
plot. John Jepson, shoemaker, a great lot at
the Mount for three heads. Richard Carter,
carpenter, may buy a house and ground of W"'
Hudson the younger, next Thos. Oliver's new
house plot ; condition, inoffensive carriage.
" Gabryell Fallowell may sell his house and
ground in the New field to one Richard Bidg-
good, late of London, cloth-wox-ker, on same
condition."
July IS). — Bro. John Smith to have a lot
at Muddy River for three heads. Bro. Edw?
Hutchinson the younger, in behalf of his
ftither, W'" H., may sell his house in this town
to Mr. Richard Hutchinson of London, linen-
draper. John Hurd to have a lot for three
heads at the IMount. John Leverett a lot for
ten heads at Muddy River.
Aug. 6. — Capt. Edward Gibbons and Mr.
W™ Tyng are chosen for Deputies to the Gen-
eral Court.
Aug.2Q. — Mr. Anthony Stoddard, linen-
draper, allowed to become a townsman ; also
John Seaborne, tailor, having served three
years in town, is allowed to be an inhabitant.
246
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1639.
number of Deputies had been reduced to two in each town. This was
to prevent the Court's consisting of too large a number, in the growing
state of the country.*
Captain Robert Keayne was an industrious and wealthy merchant,
and, being more prosperous than many of his neighbors, their envy was
excited in consequence.
A complaint was preferred against him in the General Court at
Boston for excessive charges on his foreign goods. And being con-
victed " hereof, he was fined two hundred pounds." He was finally let
off with half the amount ; the other half " respited to farther considera-
tion of the next General Court." It appears to be true that Mr. Keayne
had broken certain laws previously made, regulating the prices of com-
modities, though it is quite probable others were equally guilty of the
same offence, and that they were passed unnoticed, owing to their busi-
ness being smaller. It appeared at his trial that he had been known to
take " above six pence in the shilling profit, and even eight pence ;
and in some small things, above two for one." After the Court had
censured him, he was handed over to the Church, in which there was an
attempt made to excommunicate him ; he escaped, however, with an ad-
monition. f
From all that can be learned of Captain Keayne it does not appear
that he was a bad man, but that on the contrary he was a very good
man ; yet he was one of that peculiar mind and temperament, which
rather invited than repelled the insults from a class common in all com-
Bro. Nath' Williams to have a lot at the
Mount for four heads. Bro. John Leverett a
house lot and gardenstead next bro. Robt.
Hull's. Alex"' Plumley, who was Mr. Col-
bourne's man, a lot at the Mount for three
heads.
Sept. 30. — Thomas Foster, the gunner at
the Castle, a lot at the Mount for six heads.
Cleoment Cole, who served with Mr. Robert
Keayne four years, a lot for seven heads at
same place. Thomas Millard, husbandman, a
lot for five heads, at same place. Mr. David
Offley a great lot at Muddy River for 15 heads.
Mr. Richard Parker and Mr. Thomas Fowle
admitted inhabitants.
Oct. 28. — Samuel Sherman may let his
cow-house stand till spring-time, on the Com-
mon by the gates next Roxbury. Bro. Nath^
Woodward to have a lot at ^Muddy River for
three heads. John Robinson, late servant to
bro. M"' Newgate, a house lot where it may be
had.
Nov. 25. — Bro. Thomas Wheeler to have a
house lot and gardenstead next bro. Saving.
j\Ir. Edward Tinge allowed to be an inhabitant.
Francis Lysle a lot for five heads at the Mount.
John Seaberry, seaman, with leave bought
bro. Water Merry's house and lot in the
Mylne field, so is allowed for an inhabitant.
* Among other acts of the General Court, to
warn people against excessive charges for
wages and commodities, there is this example :
THE STOCKS.
Edward Palmer had been employed to erect
Stocks in which to punish ofleuders. Having
brought in his bill for the woodwork, amount-
ing to £1, 135. & Id , the Court decided that
it was exorbitant ; and, instead of drawing an
order on the Treasurer for its payment, they
ordered him to be set in said Stocks for an
hour, and to pay a fine of £5. It is difficult
at this day to understand on what ground
Edward Palmer was subjected to an ignomin-
ious punishment. lie probably found the
materials for the Stocks, and not less than two
days must have been taken up in making
them. — Hubbard, Hist. N. Eng., 248 ; Win-
throp, Savage's Note, ii. 85.
f The Rulers had not yet learned the ab-
sui'dity of endeavoring to bring compulsory
laws to bear upon what a man sliould ask for
his goods, or his time, when either was under-
1G39.] CAPTAIN KEAYNE POST OFFICE. 247
munities. He was deeply religious, but, like nearly all men who buy
and sell, his interest in his business was so strong, that he could not
well help losing sight of his conscientious scruples at times. But when
abstracted from his business he relented and condemned himself. He
appears to have been of a forgiving disposition, and more ready to re-
ceive an injury than to give one, and could be oppressed with impunity.
Notwithstanding Captain Keayne's fines, losses, trials and perplexi-
ties, he died leaving a considerable estate.* In his will, which is
probably the longest one on record, he enters into a defence of the con-
duct for which he had suffered in reputation as well as estate, which
renders it an object of considerable curiosity.
Mount Wollaston yet remained a part of Boston, " and many
^^' '■ poor men having lots assigned them there, and not able to use
those lands and dwell still in Boston," and Mr. Wheelwright having
been driven away from them, petitioned to have a Minister there, which
being granted, the Reverend Mr. William Tompson is ordained Pastor,
and, in March following, Mr. Henry Flynt is ordained Teacher.f
^ What arrangements there had been in Boston previous to this
for the safe conveyance and delivery of letters does not appear.
But the General Court having the business in charge, the following rec-
ord is made of its proceedings : — " For the preventing the miscarriage
of letters, it is ordered, that notice bee given, that Richard Fairbanks
his house in Boston is the place appointed for all letters, which are
brought from beyond seas, or to be sent thither ; are to bee brought
unto him, and he is to take care that they bee delivered, or sent accord-
ing to their directions ; and hee is alowed for every such letter one
penny, and must answer all miscarriages through his own neglect in this
kind ; provided that no man shall bee compelled to bring his letters
thither except hee please. "J There is nothing met with for several
years to show what succeeding regulations were, if any.
stood to be in the market, or subject to nego- Tompson, one of the best scholars in New
tiation. And notwithstanding the light and England in his time. Another of his sons
experience of two hundred years, some of the was named Samuel, who was ordained Deacon
same kind of legislation remains on our statute of the same church, 2 Nov. 1G79, and he was
books, and finds as strenuous supporters as the father of the Rev. Edward Tompson of
those were who enforced the laws against Marshfield. — See ihid. and the Aniiq. Journal *
witchcraft. The evil of a law setting a price vii. 278. The Rev. William Tompson was
on a man's time, or wages, which is the same a native of Winwick in Lancashire, and grad-
in this case, was now first cured. The law- uate of Oxfoi'd, came to N. Eng. before 1G37,
makers, finding that men could withhold their died 10 Dec. 1G6G, aged 68. In connection
services altogether, could remove to other with Mr. Richard Mather he published " An
places, and engage in planting and other em- Answer to Mr. Charles Herle his Book against
ployments, in due time left the subject to its the Independency of Churches," &c., 4to. 1644.
natural course. His first wife, Abigail , died in 1643, dur-
* He died 23 March, 1655-6. His will, or ing his absence in Virginia; he married, sec-
an historical and genealogical abstract of it, ondly, Anna, widow of Simon Crosby of Cam-
may be seen printed in the Genealogical Reg. bridge. By his first wife he had all his
and Antigu. Journal, vol. vi. 89-92, 152-8. It children except one, which was a daughter by
occupies 158 pages in the folio volume in which the second.
it is recorded, being the longest I have ever ;}: Mass. Hist. Soc. Colls., xxvii. 48.
heard of.
f See Mr. Hancock's Century Sermon, 20. — * The N. Eng. Hist, and Gen. Regr. wiu ba thus desig-
Mr. Tompson was the father of Benjamin "■''ted, for brevity.
248 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1640.
Boston is complained of " for defect of their ways, between
^' ■ Powderhorn Hill and the Written Tree, and is fined twenty
shillings and enjoined to mend them."*
The Court of Election was held in Boston, and Thomas Dudley,
*^ ■ Esq., elected Governor, and Richard Bellingham, Esq., Deputy
Governor.! Mr. Winthrop took his place among the Assistants, some-
what disturbed by the result. He had held the place of Governor so
long that he was regarded by many as holding it by inheritance.
" Some trouble there had been," he writes in his journal, " in making
Avay for this election, and it was obtained with some difficulty ; that
many of the Elders labored much in it, fearing lest the long continuance
of one man in the place should bring it to be for life." But he was
consulted before the election by the leaders, and agreed with them that
it might be well to choose another in his stead. Especially as his
" outward estate " had suffered much of late, owing to the management
of an unfaithful steward, named Luxford, and consequently required
more of his attention than he could well bestow upon it, with the weight
of the Government upon him also.
Mr. Winthrop soon after had a substantial proof of the attachment of
the people to himself, in their coming forward to relieve him in his em-
barrassments. Even the General Court would have voted him money
if there had been any in their treasury ; but as it was, it voted Mrs.
Winthrop 3000 acres of land, " and some of the towns sent in liberally "
for his relief. However, of about five hundred pounds so contributed,
" near half came from Boston." One individual, Mr. Richard Dummer J
of Newbury, gave him one hundred pounds.
There came over this year provisions in large quantities, both from
* Nov. 25. — RichardStorer, son of Elizabeth f The Boston Deputies were Capt. Gibbons
Hull, wife of bro. Robert Hull, allowed to be and Mr. W"" Tinge. They were chosen 20
an inhabitant, and a lot at the Mount for three April, and on 28.Sept. Tyng and Hibbins were
heads. Bro. Arthur Perry may sell his house chosen for the remainder of the year as usual,
to Silvester Saunders, long a servant in this At the May term of the Court, the inhabitants
Town. Nicholis Baxter, fisherman, admitted of Mount Wollaston petitioned to become a
an inhabitant. Bro. John Milles sold 4 acres Town, and their request was granted, " ac-
at Hogg Island to Tho. Savidge, and all his cording to the agreement with Boston," and
planted ground in the Newfield. Thos. Clarke, that the Town be called Bramtree. — Hancock,
locksmith, allowed to be an inhabitant. Cent. Ser. 19.
Dec. 30. — Richard Sherman to have a lot at J It is singularly remarkable that the very
Muddy R. for seven heads ; Gregory Belchar men who had been driven from Boston through
52 acres at the Mount for 13 heads ; AVilliam i\Ir. Winthrop's agency, more than by any
Potter 44: acres for 11 heads ; bro. John Ken- other, still remained his friends and benefac-
ricke a great lot at Muddy R. for four heads ; tors. Nothing can exceed the kindness of
bro. Geo. Curtys a lot for two heads ; Wm. Roger Williams to him, and Mr. Dummor
Blanton, carpenter, admitted an inhabitant; proved himself a friend in time of need. It is
also Leonard Buttle and Edmund Grosse. true the cases of these two gentleruen were
Richard Wooddas, fisherman, a lot at the Mount very different ; Mr. Dummer retired because he
for three heads. The Town has 300 acres set would not enter into the Antinomian contro-
apart at Muddy R. for "perpetual common- versy, being himself one of the fast friends of
age." Francis Dowse, servant to bro. George Mr. Vane; whereas ]Mr. Williams was forced
Burdon, allowed to be an inhabitant. Mr. to fly to the wilderness to escape a worse fate.
Edward Tinge 250 acres at the Mount. John Mr. Dummer was the grandfather of Jere-
Crabtreo a lot at the j\Iount for five heads, in- miah Dummer, who wrote and published the
stead of two as formerly. Bro. Arthur Perry .able " Defence of the New England Charters,"
a lot at the Mount for seven heads. 1721.
1640.] THOMAS GORGES. 249
England and Ireland, but as to passengers or settlers but few came ; and
according to some, emigration entirely ceased during the year.* And
above one hundred years later it was observed, that more people had
removed out of New England to other parts of the world, than had come
from other parts to it.f And now it may be said, at another hundred
years' distance, that, notwithstanding the immense emigration from all
parts of Europe to New England, far more go from than emigrate to it.
So great had been the importation of provisions and other things, that
people before the close of the year found themselves almost entirely
without money, and the Authorities were obliged to pass a law making
corn receivable in payment for all new debts ; Indian at four shillings
the bushel, rye at five, and wheat six ; for old debts the creditor might
take goods or land, at a value to be fixed by three men.
By letters from some of Plymouth, who had had advices from
^^" Connecticut, disturbances were apprehended from the Indians.
Miantonimo was believed to be in treaty with the Mohawks, with evil
intentions towards the English. The Government here did not think the
fears of Plymouth and Connecticut very well grounded ; however, Captain
Jennison was sent from Boston, with only three men besides an Indian
interpreter, to the Narragansets, to ascertain the truth with regard to
the rumors. The messengers were kindly entertained, and they returned
well satisfied that no mischief was intended. It was a part of the busi-
ness of Captain Jennison to invite Miantonimo to Boston. He said he
would come provided Mr. Williams might come with him ; and as to
remaining at peace with the English, the Narragansets, he said, had no
other purpose, unless the English begun first. The English thought it
rather strange that Miantonimo would not communicate through their
Pequot interpreter, while they refused to allow Roger Williams to ac-
company him to Boston.
Some time this summer Mr. Thomas Gorges | arrived at Boston, on
his way to his Government of New Somersetshire ; "a young gentle-
* Hutchinson, Kist. Mass., i. 93. — " They," f Dr. Franklin said before 1760, " There has
observes the same Author, " who then pro- not gone from Britain to our Colonies these
fessed to be able to give the best account, say, twenty years past to settle there, so many as
that in 298 ships, which were the whole num- ten families a year." — Stiles' Christian Union,
ber from the begining of the Collony, there 111.
arrived 21,200 passingers, men women and J Probably son of Capt. William Gorges, and
children, perhaps about 4000 familes. " — Ibid, had a son, Henry, living in Barbadoes in 1686.
"This sudden stop to emigration had a sur- He had also a son, Ferdinando, residing in
prising effect upon the price of cattle, the Maine the same year, as agent for his father,
demand for which increased as the inhabitants who leased to John Littlefield for 21 years cer-
multiplied, and the price of a milch cow had tain lands, mills, &c., on Oguncot river. If
kept from 25 to £30, but fell at once this year Ferdinando Gorges, Esquire, the Author of
to 5 or £6. A farmer who could spare but one "America Painted to tlae Life," printed in
cow in a year out of his stock, used to clothe 1659, be the same Ferdinando in Maine, 1686,
his family with the price of it at the expense said Ferdinando was grand-son of Sir Ferdi-
of the new comers; when this failed they were nando. However, the Ferdinando of Maine,
put to difficulties, although they judged they 1686, was son of Thomas and brother of Henry
had 12,000 neat cattle, yet they had but about of Barbadoes, as original papers under his own
3000 siieep in the Colony." — Ibid. See also hand in my possession certify. Ferdinando,
Johnson's Wonder Work. Prov., 31, Stiles' Esquire, speaks of his "uncle Capt. Robert
Christian Union, 110, Hummer's Defence of the Gorges," and of his " couzen, Captaine William
New Eng. Charters, 9. Gorges, who had been his grand-father's Lief-
32
250
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1640.
man of the Inns of Court, kinsman " of Sir Ferdinando Gorges. His stay
was short, and he left a very favorable impression on the minds of the
best people here.
One of the ships that arrived this season met with an accident which
came near occasioning its loss. She was struck by a whale, the wind
blowing heavy, which stove in her bows above water, breaking " the
planks, six timbers and a beam, and staved two hogsheads of vinegar."
Something of terror overspread the town on this day, caused
^^' ■ by a great explosion of gun-powder in a ship lying in the
harbor, the Mary Rose of Bristol. There were twenty-one barrels of
tenant in the fort of Plymouth." — See " Amer-
ica Painted to the Life,'''' p. 24. There was
living at Wraxall, C" of Somerset, in 1673,
Edward Gorges, Esq. In Hazard's Collections,
i. 392, there is a petition of " Edward Lord
Gorges," 1G35, concerning lands in New Eng-
land. By Lechford's Plain Dealing, it appears,
that " Master Thomas Gorges " was the " sonne
of Capt. Gorges of Batcombe, by Ohedder in
Somersetshire." Hence, I suppose, Thomas
Gorges was a son of Capt. William Gorges, as
before stated. The note of Hutchinson, that
he was son of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, was an
error easily made. — See Burke, Extinct and
Dorment Baronetcies.
Jan. 27. — William Needham is granted a
lot for two heads at the Mount ; Robert Hew-
stead for 8 heads ; Geo. Wright for 3 ; bro.
Henry Shrimpton for 3 ; bro. Richard Hogge
for 5 ; bro. John Spoor for 5 ; Edmund Grosse
" ye square peece " next William Lether-
land's ; Richard Critchley for 5 heads ; bro.
John Gallopp* the meadow on Long Island ;
Thomas Clarke, smith, for 8 heads at the
Mount ; bro. Edward Bendall to bestow all
goods without owners ; Samuel Grame a great
lot at the Mount for 4 heads ; Robert Mears sold
to Dorothy Bill, widow, and her son James
Bill, his house and garden, " where they now
live ; " Robert Bradford, tailor, allowed to in-
habit ; bro, Anthony Stoddard a lot of 100
acres ; Thos. Foule GOO acres ; Saml. Mavericke
600 ; Henry Messenger for 2 heads at Muddy
River ; bro. Joshua Scotto * a lot there for 3
heads ; Thos. Painter, joiner, for 4 heads ;
bro. Robert Hull 6 acres at Hog Island ; Benj,
Negoose allowed to inhabit ; Mr. W'" Tomp-
8on 120 acres at the Mount ; Mr. Henry Flint
80 ; John Lugg a lot for 9 heads ; John Uyall
[Viall] weaver, allowed to inhabit ; Mr. Benj.
Keayne 200 acres at the Mount ; to the Can-
oneer of Boston 500, and 2000 to the Town.
Feb. 24. — Mr. Richard Parker 400 acres at
the Mount ; to Lewys Kidby a house lot next
J ohn Lowes two rods towards the sea ; W'"
Blanton, carpenter, a lot for 3 heads at Muddy
R., and a house lot on the Neck; Leonard
Buttles, bricklayer, lot for 4 at Mud. R. ;
Edward Fletcher may be an inhabitant, and
have a house lot ; bro. Rich'^ Bracket may mow
the marsh in the New field; bros. Arthur
* See his autograph, p. 243 ante.
Perry, Rich'^ Hogg and John Hurd, each a
house lot ; W™ Briscoe, tailor, may inhabit,
and have a lot at the Mount for 8 heads ; John
Marshall, husbandman, having served bro.
Edward Hutchinson, is allowed to inhabit ;
Robt. Wing a lot at Mud. R. for 4 ;. Lewys
Kidby, fisherman, same for 2; John Moore,
the Governor's servant, same for 3 ; bro. Tho.
Mekyns, the younger, for 7 ; Geo. Barrell,
cooper, for 9 ; W'" Kirkby, fisherman, for 3 ;
John Arnould, plasterer, for 2 ; Rich'' Carter,
sawyer, for 3 ; Waters Sinnott, fisherman, 3 ;
Thos. Jewell, of the Mount, miller, 12 acres ;
the like to Mr. Daniel Welles for 20 heads, 80
acres ; Peter Brackett for 12 heads, 48 acres ;
Saml. Allen, 28 acres for 7 heads ; to W'"
Allyce 12 acres for 3 heads ; Jacob Wilson 16
acres for 4 ; John Reade 44 acres for 11 ;
Robt. Stephens 12 acres for 3 ; Geo. Rose 20
acres for 5 ; Henry Addams 40 acres for 10 ;
Thos. Place 20 acres for 5 ; John Harbar 12
acres for 3 ; Benj. Albye 12 do. for 3 ; Thos.
Simons 40 do. for 10 ; John Marchant 8 do. for
2 ; Geo. PoflFer 20 do. for 5 ; John Pafflyn 8
do for 2 ; Robt. Sharpe 16 do. for 4 ; John
Dassett 28 do. for 7 ; Thos. Blysse, 36 for 9 ;
Thos. Gilbert 28 for 7 ; Henry Neal 12 for 3 ;
Henry Maudsley 12 for 3 ; James Covey 16 for
4 ; Saml. Bitfeild 20 for 5 ; James Clarke 8
for 2 ; James Wiseman 12 for 3 ; John Col-
lyns, of Monanticott, 12 for 3 ; Christopher
Collyns 8 for 2 ; Geo. Aldrich 20 for 5 ; An-
thony Newton 12 for 3 ; Matthew Smith 20 for
5 ; John French, of Monoticott, 40 for 5 ;
John Mills, of the same, 44 for 6 ; Rich'
Rockett, of same, 40 for 5 ; Nicholas Hath-
way, of the same, 36 for 4 ; Thos. Bird 36 for
4 ; Geo. Sheppard 18 for 2 ; Thomas Tayer 40
for 9 ; Danyell Lovell and his mother 12 for 3 ;
David Rogers 8 for 2 ; John Onyon 8 for 2.
All these at Mount Wollaston. From Lewys
Kidby to Waters Sinnott, all probably resided
in Boston proper. Those from Thos. Jewell to
John Onyon resided already at the Mount, or
in that part of it called Monoticott, or Monan-
ticott. William Mawer, late of Boston, hus-
bandman, sold Capt. Edward Gibbon a house
and garden, now occupied by W™ Teffe, tailor ;
date of sale 12 Feb. 1640. Brethren Edward
Randsford and Wm. Hudson ordered to accom-
pany the surveyor to lay out the planting
ground at Long Island.
1640.] UNDERHILL's repentance mANTONIMO. 251
powder, and all on board lost their lives, being fourteen or fifteen per-
sons, excepting one man, whose preservation was very remarkable ;
"being carried up in the scuttle, and so let fall in the same into the
water, and being taken up in the ferry boat, near dead, he came to him-
self the next morning, but could not tell anything of the blowing up of
the ship, or how he came there." Some of the goods were saved, but
the loss was estimated at two thousand pounds.
Captain Underbill who had been banished, and since lived at
^^ ■ ' Pascataqua, was, at his request, allowed to come to Boston for
the purpose of making confessions of faults and miscarriages, to the
Church. He was a man of strong passions, and, though a firm believer
in religion, had been carried away by them on many occasions, and had
committed great improprieties. Now the firmness of the soldier seems
to have forsaken him, and he appeared before the Church more like an
ignorant, simple child than like a man. " He came in his worst clothes,"
says Winthrop, though usually " accustomed to take great pride in his
bravery and neatness. Without a band, in a foul linen cap pulled
close to his eyes, and standing upon a form, he did, with many deep
sighs and abundance of tears," confess his wicked course. Such was
the man who, so lately, was not " afraid to meet the enemy in the
gates," and to carry fire and sword into the midst of the strong holds
of the Indians.*
The next distinguished visitor in Boston was Miantonimo, who
had been invited by Captain Jennison as previously stated. Gov-
ernor Dudley gave him entertainment at Roxbury, but being displeased
at the Grovernor's employment of a Pequot interpreter, he came off ab-
ruptly to Boston. He, no doubt, thought the English intended him an
insult. He had assisted in destroying that nation, and the English
themselves had been a means of causing the Narragansets to look upon
a Pequot as too vile a being to be allowed to occupy a place among the
* About the time of his banishment. Under- and here he got up a rebellion against the
hill wrote to the Governor of New Netherland Dutch Authorities, and they banished him.
for permission to settle in his province. Gov. The difficulty was in time settled, and he pur-
Kieft at once granted his request, on condition chased a large tract of land of the Indians on
of his taking the oath of allegiance to the Long Island, a part of which remained in hia
States General. — Brodhead's N. York, 291. flimily nearly 200 years. He died at his estate
However, in the time of the government of called Killingworth, in 1672, in the town of
Thomas Gorges, Esq., at Pascataqua, he left Oyster Bay, and there lies buried, but whether
Dover and settled at Stamford, in Connecticut, any monument marks the spot, I am not in-
near the residence of Capt. Patrick, another formed. He left a will, witnessed the 18 Sept.
of the Captains who had served against the 1671. There is a very elaborate pedigree of
Pequots. Here, at the head of 50 other Eng- his descendants in j\Ir. Bolton's Hist, of West-
lishmen. Underbill was gladly taken into the chcster, ii. 228. His will is a curiosity, of
service of the Dutch, whose total annihilation which there is a copy in Thompson's Long
was then threatened by the Indians. This was Island, ii. 361. His first wife was Mary
in September, 1643. To the employment of Mosely, who came over from Holland with
Underbill and his company of English, the him ; and his second was Elizabeth Feeks, who
Dutch probably owed their preservation, but it survived him. In his will he names "my
was not in time to save the unfortunate Mrs. brother John Browne, Henry Townsend, Mat-
Hutchinson ; she and her family were cut off a thew Pryer, son John Underbill, son Nathan-
little before Underbill took the field. After iel to live with his mother till 21." Nathaniel
fighting valiantly for the Dutch until the In- settled in Westchester, and thus the fiimily
dians were subdued, he settled on Long Island, became the historical property of Mr. Bolton.
252 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1640.
living. The same insult had been lately offered him in his own country,
and he probably regarded the new Governor as one of doubtful author-
ity, which may account for his conduct at Roxbury. But at Boston he
found no better regard paid him, the Authorities refusing to have any
conference with him till he had submitted to their way of proceeding.
He very justly complained that he should be subjected to the English
customs, when they were allowed to use their own when they came to
his country. The interview did not give much satisfaction to either
party. Miantonimo had received an insult, and the English were in
some doubt what the return might be to them.
One Hugh Bewett was banished for maintaining that he was
^" ■ free from original sin, and that true Christians could live without
committing any sin. By the order of the Court, he was to be gone in
fifteen days upon pain of death, and if he returned he should be
hanged.
There was a mode of punishment, practised at this period, which may
be mentioned for its peculiarity ; it was by inserting the tongue of cer-
tain offenders in a cleft stick, and was probably employed chiefly upon
the tongues of females. One Mrs. Oliver was whipped for reproaching
the Magistrates. " She stood without tying, and bare her punishment
with a masculine spirit, glorying in her suffering." Some time after
" she had a cleft stick put on her tongue half an hour for reproaching
the Elders." This kind of punishment was soon abandoned, the cases
doubtless becoming too numerous to be attended to.*
Affairs had taken such a turn in England, that a general want of
foreign commodities began to be felt here, and the people saw that they
must build their own ships and do their own business at sea. Mr. Hugh
Peters stirred up some to join him at Salem in building a ship of three
hundred tons, and this example was followed at Boston, and one of half
the dimensions was built here. The work was accomplished with diffi-
culty, owing to the want of money, but the ship-wrights received for
their wages such articles as the country Y)roduced.
The King of England having been driven to relinquish much of his
arbitrary power over the Parliament, some friends there wrote over that
it was now thought a favorable time for the Colony to apply to the Par-
liament for privileges, and that by applying they might gain much ;
but the nature of what was to be gained is not mentioned. But the
Government did not think very favorably of an application at first, and
their view taken of it should be added by way of a note to the Decla-
ration of Independence of the American Congress of 1776. It was said,
though indirectly, that they were now free, but if they put themselves
* Among the First Church excommunicants ren ; and being dealt withal, did deny and
in 1638, is mentioned Anne Walker, wife of forsware the same." Sister Temperanoe
Richard Walker, who was "cast out" for Jewett is admonished for having " entertained
" sundry scandals." Brother Richard Wayte is disorderly company, and ministring unto them
" cast out " for " purloyning buckskin leather" wine and strong waters even unto drunkenness,
out of some entrusted to him, so much as and that not without some iniquity in the
would make three men's gloves, " to the scan- measure and practice thereof." This was in
dal of many without, as well as of his breth- 1640. — See Shaw's Dcscript., &c., 239-40.
1640.] MISSION TO ENGLAND. 253
under the protection of Parliament, they might be subjected to any laws
Parliament might make.
Notwithstanding these scruples, the Court of Assistants being assem-
bled, the advice of the Elders was sought, and in the end it was
determined that the providence of Grod seemed to favor the sending
Agents to England, for a ship belonging to Boston and bound thither
was then ready to sail. Accordingly, Mr. Peters of Salem, Mr. Welde
of Roxbury, and Mr. Hibbins of Boston, were fixed upon for the service ;
but the Church of Salem would not allow Mr. Peters, their Pastor, to
leave them, and so for the present the mission was laid aside. The
next year, however, encouraged by the continued success of Parliament,
the Church of Salem consented, though with reluctance, for Mr. Peters
to go. But there was no ship bound from these parts for England, and
the Commissioners were obliged to go to Newfoundland, to seek pas-
sages among the returning fishermen, and in this way accomplished
their journey, at a great expense of time. Mr. Peters and Mr. Welde
did not return to New England, but Mr. Hibbins came back in 1G42,
" with divers others who went over" with him. It does not appear
that anything of immediate importance was effected by the Commission-
ers, with the exception of the procurement of some valuable presents.*
* Mar. 30. — Edward Gibbon sold the house Island ; John Robertsonne to have the lot
which he bot of Mawer (some time W'" Hud- granted to Bibble, which he forfeited by not
son's the elder) to Teffe the occupant; John building on it; John Woodward a house lot
Freind, carpenter, now dwelling here, allowed nest Henry Gray, if he build on it in 5 months ;
to remain and inhabit ; John Palmer the same, Ed. Goodwine a lot next W.Briscoe's, same
if he can get a house, or land to set one on — conditions ; Natha. Willis is spared clearing
" it being not ppr. to allow a man an inhabit- half an acre at Spectacle Island, " in regard
ant without a habitation." — Ordered that no his servant did scald his legg ;" W'" Hibbins
more land be granted in the Town, out of the chosen Treasurer, except of the taxes ; Ben.
open ground, or common field, which is left Gillum to have the ungranted land at Long
between Sentry Hill and Mr. Colborn's end. Island.
except 3 or 4 lots to make up the street from May 25. — Ed. Ting may dig turf on the
bro. Robt. Walker's to the Round Marsh ; island among the flats by Mill Field, going to
Edward Baytes being at Isle Sables, shall have Charlestown ; Christopher Stanley may buy 6
6 months to build on his lot. Ordered that acres on Hog Island, " yf it be here to be
the street from Mr. Atherton Ilaulghe's to sould."
Sentry Hill be laid out, " and soe be kept open June 29. — Cotton Flack a house lot in
forever;" W™ Davis, gunsmith, to have 20 the way from Mr. Colborn's to the sea, next
acres at the Mount ; W'" Hudson recommended goodm. Briscoe's; Robt. Howen a great lot
to keep an Ordinary; W'" Briscoe, tailor, to near Braintree for 4 heads ; John Riall a lot
have a lot between Robt. Walker's and the at the Mount for 4 also ; Geo. Barrell may
Round Marsh ; to look to the fences ; Rich*^ have that acre at Spectacle Island passed over
Fairbanks and W™ Salter, the field towards to him by goodm. Smith.
Roxbury; Benjn. Gillam and Edmd. Jacklyn,* Aug. 31. — W'" Douglas may be a towns-
the Fort field ; W"' Hudson and Ed wd. Bendall, man, "he behaving himself as becometh a
the New field; Mr. Valentine Hill and John Christian man." Theodore Atkinson a great
Button, the Mill field. lot at Mud. R. for 2 heads, if to be had.
April 27. — Saml. Sherman allowed a lot Sept. 28. — The townsmen chosen for the
at the Mount for 15 heads ; John Scarlett and next 6 months were, Mr. Bellingham, Win-
Ed. Goodwine for 2 each ; Saml. Sherman may throp, senr., Ting, Gibbons, Colburn, Eliot,
let his house stand near Roxbury Gate, where Newgate, Atherton, " Hough," and W™ Hib-
it now is, but must set his fence straight " as bins ; Mr. Newgate and bro. Jona. Negus, f
he do not incroch vpon the High-way ; " good- surveyors of Highways, and W"' Courser, Town
man Marshall, and goodm. Raynolds, and B. Crier. Henry Webb to have 200 acres at the
Gridley may buy the marsh at Hogg Island ; Mount, beyond Monotocott river, adjoining the
Peter the Dutchman allowed one acre at Long farms of Mr. Edwd. Ting and Edwd. Hutchin-
* See his autograph, ante, p. 243. t See his autograph, ante, p. 243.
254
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1640.
Whatever difficulties happened about the country, Boston was the
point where they were to be settled ; and though the people of this
Town are accused of minding other people's business as well as their
own, there is generally some grounds, on which a pretty good defence
may be set up for their seeming officiousness. They had given them-
selves a great deal of trouble about the religious aberrations of the peo-
ple of Rhode Island, ever since a part of the Church of Boston had been
settled there.* It was very unsatisfactory to some here, to know that
many members of the Church, who had not been excommunicated, were
in full communion with others who were under that anathema.
At this time the case of Mr. Hanserd KnoUys was under special
notice. This gentleman, according to his own account, had been per-
secuted and prosecuted in the
High Commission Court, about
five years before, and, being ap-
prehended in Boston in Lincoln-
shire, was for some time kept a
prisoner in the house of the war-
rant officer. At length he so
terrified the conscience of that
officer, that he set open his doors
and let him escape. Proceeding
immediately to London, he there
waited to find a ship to take him
to New England. But it was so
long before an opportunity offer-
ed, that he had "neither silver
nor gold left," but only "six
brass farthings." His wife,
more provident than himself,
however, had, unknown to him.
Thus embarking in want and dis-
HANSERD KNOLLYS.
five pounds, which she gave him.
Ron; bro. Robt. Scott. 200 do., next bro.
Webb's — no allowance for " rockieness or
swampe."
Oct. 26. — Bro. Peter Oliver may have GO
acres at Mud. R., if to be had ; bro. Jas Oliver
40 there. Mr. Colburn, Mr. Eliot, and Mr.
Peter Oliver, to see that a bridge be made at
Mud. R. as ordered ; Mr. Cogan to see that
the bridge ordered to be built at Romney
Marsh be " donne with all speede." John
Biggs sold 4 acres at Mud. R. at 45. the acre ;
Bro. W'" Talmage to have 5 acres added to his
at same place, a former grant conferred to
bro. Ed. Fletcher ; Euan Thomas to be con-
sidered of for a resident ; Leonard Buttall asks
leave to set up a lime kiln at Fox hill.
Nov. 30. — Bro. Edmond Jackline to mowe
the marsh formerly mowed by bro. Pease.
Dec. 28. — Miles Tame to have land at Long
Island, and to be considered in regard to a lot
for 5 heads at Mud. R. " Bro. Day " to be
considered on the same request. Bro. Alexr.
Beck to mow marsh in the New field near
whore " Mr. Hough takes boat."
The rate this year made by the Townsmen,
amounting to £179, " for the discharge of the
country levy, was delivered to Mr. Henry
Webb, constable."
Bro. John Button chosen Constable in place
of Mr. John Cogan.
* March \st, 1G40. — " The Church of Boston
sent three brethren, viz. — Capt. Edward Gib-
bons, Mr. [William] Hibbins, and Mr. Oliver,
with letters to Mr. Coddington and the rest of
our Members at Aquiday, to understand their
judgments in divers points of religion, formerly
maintained by all, or divers of them, and to
require them to give account to the Church
of their unwarrantable practice in communica-
ing with excommunicated persons, &c. When
1641.] * HANSERD KNOLLYS. 255
tress, sickness and death, and a protracted voyage of twelve weeks, all
conspired to try the fortitude of this conscientious Puritan. In the
midst of the ocean their water became nauseous, their bread rotten, and
other provisions were in a like condition. They sailed from Gravesend
on the twenty-sixth of April, 1G38, in a ship commanded by a Captain
Goodlad, in company with the Nicholas of London, and several others.*
From this ship they were separated in a very dark and stormy night,
after they had kept company twenty-one days. They, however, arrived
at Boston about the twentieth of July following, having lost one child
on the voyage, which died of convulsion fits. " But," says Mr. KnoUys,
" God was gracious to us, and led us through those great deeps, and ere
we went on shore, came one and enquired for me, and told me a friend
that was gone from Boston to Rhode Island had left me his house to
sojourn in ; to which we went and two families more with us, who went
suddenly to their friends and other relations in the country ; and I,
being poor, was necessitated to work daily with my hoe, for the space
of almost three weeks. The Magistrates were told by the Ministers that
I was an Antinoraian, and desired they would not suffer me to abide in
their district. But, within the time limited by their law in that case,
two strangers coming to Boston from Piscattuah, hearing of me by a
mere accident, got me to go with them to that plantation, and to preach
there, where I remained about four years. Being sent for back to
England by my aged father, I returned with my wife and one child
about three years old, and she was then great with another ; we came
safe to London on the twenty-fourth of December, lG41."t
People should be cautious in passing judgment condemnatory of the
actions of those who for conscience sake endured such hardships, and
suffered so many privations, even though cotemporary evidence may
seem to favor such judgment. The intolerance of the Rulers of those
times, as in all other times, doubtless, warped their decisions, and
caused them to lend a willing ear to scandals of doubtful foundation,
when they tended to degrade the objects of their suspicion. Mr.
Knollys went to reside in a part of the country where the people were
they came, they found that those of them who Gospel, Mr. Hanserd Knollys, who died ia
dwell at Newport, had joined themselves to a the 93d year of his age," 19th Sept., 1691.
church there newly constituted, and thereupon " Written with his own hand to the year 1672,
they refused to hear them as messengers of and continued in general, in an Epistle by Mr.
our Church, or to receive the Church's letter." Willl\m Kiffix." 12mo. : London, 1812. —
— Winthrop, i. 329. Thus this Author dis- Concerning this curious book 1 will just re-
patches the result of the Mission in a very mark, that the author probably had not tbe
summary manner. He adds that, " the Elders remotest idea when he wrote his "Life and
and most of the Church [of Boston] would Death," that ever anybody would consult it
have cast them [of Rhode Island] out, but all for anything but the edification they might
being not agreed, it was defended." — Ibid. derive in a purely spiritual point of view ; nor
* The time of his sailing, the name of the does "Mr. William Kiffin " enter at all into
captain with whom he sailed, and several the pro;?Aa/te history of Mr. Knollys, though he
other facts here stated, are not found in Mr. pretends to have done so " in general." Not-
KnoUy's Life, cited in the next note, but are withstanding what I have here said of this
derived from a comparison of Josselyn and book, should any of my readers consult it,
Winthrop with Knolly's own account. they will not probably complain that I have
f "The Life and Death of that Old Disciple over-estimated it. But one copy of it is known
of Jesus Christ, and Eminent Minister of the by me to be in this country.
256 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1641.
in a very unsettled state, for the want of a clue administration of good
government.* In such a community, under such circumstances, it is
very difficult for a person, however well-disposed he may be, to escape
entirely all causes of censure. Such was Mr. Knollys' case at Dover,
the place over which Captain Underhill was Governor. The latter had
been a means of giving him a place which provided him support, and he
thus became under obligation to him. This led him into difficulty with
the Authorities at Boston ; for, at his instigation, he had written letters
into England unfavorable to them, in one of which he said, " they were
more arbitrary than the High Commission Court, and that there was no
real religion in the country." But before he left New England he
came to Boston, and openly confessed himself in error, and this was
supposed to have been one cause which moved Captain Underhill to
come and do likewise afterwards, as previously related.
Whatever may have been the acts of Mr. Knollys in New England,
certain it is he became a man of distinction in his own country after his
return there ; and his memory is held in the greatest esteem to this day,
by a highly respected class of people, who have honored it by instituting
a learned society bearing the name of Hanserd Knollys. f
* The Court at Boston, taking advantage of and " signed in the presence of the General
this situation of affairs, had intimated its in- Court, by Geo. Willys, Robt. Saltonstall, Wil-
tention to extend its jurisdiction beyond the liara Whiting, Edwd. Holiock and Thomas
Merrimack — "three miles to the northward Makepeace, in behalf of themselves and the
of it and every part thereof," by a line to be other partners of the two Patents." — See
drawn from the most eastern to the most west- Belknap, N. H., i. 52-6.
ern point. This put in execution would have f I had completed thus far this History,
swallowed up the whole of New Hampshire, when a new edition of Winthrop's Journal
and no inconsideral)le part of Maine ; thus made its appearance. It had been looked for
leaving Gorges' and Mason's Patents "no- with some anxiety, presuming its notes would
where." The pretensions of this government be greatly improved, and that by their aid I
were strengthened, owing to the unsettled might make my work more valuable. Suffice
state of the settlements on the Pascataqua. it to say, that my anticipations of advantage
These settlements, which were four in number, from the new edition will be but very partially
had each its Governor, and were under no in- realized. The Editor, so far as I can discover,
structions from the Government in England; from not a very thorough examination, has
hence the continual feuds and contentions been content to issue the work without much
among them. And, owing to the internal dis- additional matter, and with very slight cor-
tractions in that country, present relief could rections. It was thought proper thus specially
not be expected ; therefore, some of the most to notice Winthrop's Journal at this time
considerate among them applied to the Gov- (July, 1853), as it has been, and will yet be,
ernment at Boston to be annexed to Massachu- one of my best authorities, for the period it
setts. After about a year's negotiation, Arti- covers; and its notes are often appropriate,
cles, dated in April, 1641, were agreed upon, and the result of great research.
1641.]
EMIGRATION TO THE WEST INDIES.
257
CHAPTER XXVII.
Expedition to the Isle of Sable. — Some Families emigrate to the West Indies. — Disaster and Return. —
Death of Capt. Peirce. — Rhode Island People taken and imprisoned. — Great Training. — Thanks-
giving. — Destructive Tempest. — Proceedings against Mr. Maverick. — Body of Liberties. —
Accident from Lightning. — Severe Winter. — Remarkable Hog Case. — Capt. Keayne. — Mrs.
Sherman. — George Story. — A Fast. — Osaraekin visits Boston. — Edward Bendall. — A Diving
Bell 'successfully employed. — Cotton's Seven Vials. — Alarm from the Indians. — Proceedings
against them. — They are Disarmed. — Miantonimo. — Comes to Boston to repel Charges against
him. — His magnanimous Conduct. — How entertained.
^ AT the General Election Mr. Belling-
liam * is chosen Governor, and Mr. Endicott
Deputy-Governor. Mr. Nathaniel Ward preached
the Sermon.f Among other things the Court
ordered, "that the Elders should be desired to
agree upon a form of catechism which might be
put forth in print."
A very successful business is carried on to the
Isle of Sable this summer, by some of the enter-
prising men of Boston. A vessel with twelve
men went there provided to continue a year.
Their return was in oil and the teeth of the morse,
or walrus. " One John Webb, alias Evered," was the conductor of
the enterprise. |
Some families went from Boston to settle at Providence in the West
Indies. They went in two small vessels, to the number of thirty men,
five women, and eight children. Captain William Peirce conducted
the enterprise — the same gentleman who had been of such service to
the Colony from its beginning ; but in this expedition he fell a sacrifice
to Spanish barbarity, being killed by a cannon shot as he was entering
the port of his destination. No explanation is given for the outrage.
DIVING BELL.
* See ante, p. 176. The autograph of Gov.
Bellingham at this ,~ . ^r> • • /-
period is here rep- '/\f ^ C^^-^^^^coc^^
resented.
f Winthrop has an agreeable criticism upon
that performance, but whether a just one or
not, is a matter of not much consequence now.
Winthrop was displeased, because " some of
the Freemen " had chosen Mr. Ward without
asking leave " of the Magistrates or Governor,"
and " seeing he had cast off his pastor's place
at Ipswich, and was now no minister by the
received determination of our Churches ; and,
among other things, he advised the people to
keep all their Magistrates in an equal rank,
and not give more honor or power to one than
to another." — Journal, ii. 35. Mr. Ward rec-
ommended also, " that Magistrates should
not give private advice, and take knowledge
of any man's cause before it came to public
hearing." — Ibid., 36. This was taken as in-
direct advice for the employment of Attorneys
in legal questions. But Lawyers were held in
abhorrence by the Puritan fathers. "Winthrop
brings six arguments against receiving that
advice. A little later than this, Mr. John
Rogers, the famous Puritan preacher of Lon-
don, thus speaks of the " incredible wicked-
nesse of that profession, their guiltinesse of
all manner of sinnes which the nation lyes
under, as blood, theft, oppression, injustice,
contentions, hatred, cozenage, and fraud, re-
bellion, lying, perjury, and what not." —
Heavenly Nymph, &c. 4to, 1653, p. 221.
This being the current opinion of those days,
it is no wonder the people of Boston were
determined to exclude them from a footing
here. Indeed, up to the time of our great
Revolution, Lawyers were looked upon as a
class unsuited to good society, by a considera-
ble portion of the community !
X Lechford, Plain Dealing, 45.
258 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1641.
At the time the vessel was fired upon, " the deck was full of pas-
sengers," yet none were hurt except Captain Peirce and one Samuel
Wakeman. The latter was mortally wounded. He belonged to Hart-
ford, and may have been the same who was a Freeman of Massachusetts,
1632, and three years later a Deputy to the General Court from Rox-
bury. He was upon a trading design, and did not belong to those who
intended to settle on the island. The others returned to New England
soon after this calamitous outrage.
In the course of the summer very unfavorable accounts were brought
from Rhode Island ; that Mrs. Hutchinson was constantly broaching
new heresies ; that many were turned Anabaptists, would not wear any
arms, denied all magistracy among Christians, and "divers" other
opinions quite as alarming as these. So that the conscientious Rulers
of Boston were much grieved, if not angry, at what they considered
bold presumption. And why an armed expedition was not dispatched
into that Colony to break up the obnoxious nursery of errors, it is diffi-
cult to imagine. Perhaps they had too much business to attend to at
home. However, they soon had an opportunity of showing the
Islanders that it was not very safe for any of them to make their
appearance in Boston ; for Mr. William Collins, the same before no-
ticed,* and Francis Hutchinson, son of Mrs. Hutchinson, coming here on
business, were taken up, imprisoned and fined. f They would not pay
the fine, however, and were eventually discharged. J
A " great training " commenced in Boston, which continued
^ ' ' two days. The number of the trainers is set down at 1200, and
it was remarked " that there was no man drunk," though liquors
abounded ; and that no man swore an oath, nor was there any fighting.
This certainly was remarkable, but there may be those who will ques-
tion the fact, presuming that the Governor and Council might not hear
all that was said during those two days of trainings. §
Notwithstanding the harsh usage dealt out here to those who differed
from them in opinions, the Rulers appointed a thanksgiving to be kept
in all the Churches " for the good success of the Parliament in Eng-
land," which was kept accordingly, on the second of September.
* Ante, page 227. duct of the Government : — " Because the
f Mr. Collins was fined £100, and Ilutchin- winter drew on, and the prison was incon-
son £50. " We assessed the fines the higher,*' venient, we abated them [their fines] to £40,
says Winthrop, " partly that by occasion and to £20. At last we took their own bonds
thereof they might be the longer kept in from for their fine, and so dismissed them. They
doing harm (for they were kept close prison- refused to come to the church assemblies, ex-
ers), and also because that family had put the cept they were led, and so they came duly."
country to so much charge in the Synod and — Journal, ib. I suppose? " coming duly "
other occasions, to the value of £500 at least." means that they were forced du/y to the at-
Upon this proceeding, Winthrop's commenta- tendance at meetings. This was a practice in
tor remarks : — " Such arbitrary conduct can- other cases. Backus, from the Colony Records,
not be overlooked by faithful history in silence; says they were "banished upon pain of
yet nothing can be more clear than that our death."
Magistrates thought they were doing God ser- ^ Lechford says, " Profane swearing, drunk-
vice." — Journal, ii. 40. enness, and beggers, are but rare in the com-
J Winthrop makes this excuse for the con- passe of this Patent." — Plain Dealing, 29.
1641.] SAMUEL MAVERICK SEVERE WINTER. 259
There was a remarkable tempest of above two days' continu-
ance. It was " as fierce as a hurricane." " Divers boats and
a bark were cast away in the harbor," but fortunately no houses were
blown down nor lives lost. The tide rose to a fearful height, higher
than it had been known since the Town was settled.
About this time Mr. Samuel Maverick was put to some trouble on
account of his having shown hospitality to some accused persons. One
Thomas Owen, and Sarah, wife of William Hale, had been imprisoned
under the charge of illicit conduct. They found means to escape from
custody, and it was ascertained that Mr. Maverick had admitted them
to his house. Nothing appears to show why he harbored them. He
may have allowed them refuge as any other humane person would have
done, seeing them in great distress. Whatever the circumstances may
have been, he was fined one hundred pounds for such benevolent hos-
pitality, but it was remitted in part afterwards. Several other persons
were fined in small sums for being accessory to the escape of those
persons, as Mr. Chedley, Mr. Ducket, Mr. Wollaston, Mr. Oateley,
William Cope, and Mary Wilbee. Mr. Dutchfield, Mr. Williams, and
Mr. Hale, " were admonished to take heed of the like concealment."
A code of laws, called " The Body of Liberties," was adopted by
the General Court this year.* It consisted of one hundred laws, and
was originally drawn up by Mr. Nathaniel Ward of Ipswich, the Author
of that curious book entitled " The Simple Cobler of Agawam."f
The winter of the years 1641-2 was exceedingly severe. From
their own observations and the accounts of the Indians, the people of
* These laws are printed in Hutchinson's agree with a cowkeeper for the summer. Bro.
Collection of Orig. Papers, 161, &c. Everill and bro. Burden may sink a pit at the
^ Jan. 25. — The Townsmen chosen were upper end of the wharf before bro. Burden's
Bellingham, Winthrop, Hough, Ting, Gibbons, house, and put a vessel therein to water their
Newgate, Colburne, Eliot and Hibbins. Abra- leather ; and if it be found an annoyance they
ham Warren had formerly a grant at Hogg are to fill it up again.
Island. Evan Thomas and Henry Dawson Julyl^. — Robt. Wing to have 20 bushels
admitted inhabitants. Mr. Bworne [Bourne?] of Indian corn for looking to the low water
desires a place next his house " for building mark in Sentry Field this year. Anthony
the ship." Edward ArnoU proposed for a Stanyan admitted an inhabitant. Bro. Jolm
resident. Richd. Bennett and Thomas Stan- Oliver* chosen Treasurer, and to keep the
burie admitted inhabitants. " Towne's bookes." Thus a Town Clerk was
Feb. 22. — Abraham Hagburne and Richd. chosen. Henry Stevens to have a lot for 5
Sanford admitted residents ; Abra. Perrie sells heads at " Brayntry."
his house. Philip Rice admitted an inhabitant. Sep. 27. — David Phippen admitted a towns-
Mar. 2&. — Bro. John Leveret to have a man, and may have a house lot if he can find
little plot of marsh in the New field — about 3 one. Job Judkin a lot for 5 heads at the
rods. A street to " go up to the New field by Mount " als Bi-aintry." John Search a house
Sentry Hill," for the Town's use. lot near Robt. Walker. John Bigs, for work
April 26. — Bro. Wentworth Day to have "done about the Magistrates seat," to have
100 acres at Mud. R. Bro. James Johnson,* the marsh in Sentinel-hill Field, about one
bro. Buttoll and Goodm. Tame, may use a rod and a half acres, for 40s.
a piece "adjoining Mr. Hibbins his garden iVoc. 29. — Sampson Shore admitted a towns-
pale, and so over towards Elder Oliver's little man, also Edwd. Arnold. Granted to Valen-
house, and down to the Creek eastward, and tine Hill, merchant of Boston, and his asso-
up to the Highway westward, for dressing his ciates, all the waste ground from the point of
leather." the marsh between Wm. Ting's pale and John
Mai/ 3. — John Search admitted an inhab. Lowe's house, &c., for a term of years, for
Bro. John Davis * and bro. Thos. Buttolph to wharfing and warehousing purposes.
* See his autograph, ante, p. 213. * See his autograph, ante, p. 2'13.
260 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1642.
Boston judged that the cold had not been so mtense for forty years.
The ice was so strong in the harbor that ' ' horses and carts went over
in many places where ships had sailed," and it extended " to sea so
far as one could well discern.* Captain Gibbons and his wife, with
divers on foot by them, came riding from his farm at Pullen
Point, right over to Boston, when it had thawed so much as the
water was above the ice half a foot in some places ; and they passed
with loads of wood and six oxen from Muddy River to Boston. When
it thawed it removed great rocks, of above a ton or more weight, and
brought them on shore. The snow was likewise very deep."
There came many letters by a ship from England which arrived at
the Isle of Shoals this winter. These letters were dispatched to Boston
by a footman, who remarkably escaped drowning at Salem. The per-
son who piloted him across the river upon the ice, fell in and was
drowned, while the bearer of the letters extricated himself as the ice
gave way under his feet. The letters of which he was the bearer, it
may be inferred, were of great moment to the people of Boston, for
Winthrop says, God preserved the bearer of them more on account of
the letters "than for any goodness of the man" who had them in
charge !f
The wind-mill at the north end of the Town was struck by
lightning, shattering the " upper sail in many pieces, and, miss-
ing the stones, entered the standard, rived it down in three parts to the
bottom, and one of the spars ; and the main standard being bound about
with a great iron hoop, fastened with many long spikes, it was plucked
off, broken in the middle, and thrown upon the floor, and the boards
upon the sides of the mill rived off, the sacks in the mill set on fire, and
the miller, being under the mill upon the ground chopping a piece of
board, was struck dead ; but company coming in found him to breathe,
and within an hour or two he began to stir, and strove with such force,
as six men could scarce hold him down. The next day he came to his
senses, but knew nothing of what had befallen him, but found himself
very sore. His hair on one side of his head and beard was singed, one
of his shoes torn off his foot, but his foot not hurt."
At the General Court now in session, there fell out, says Winthrop,
" a great business upon a very small occasion." This " great business "
had its beginning as far back as 1636,| and may be thus briefly stated.
A hog had been found running at large, contrary to a Town order. It
* "To end this year 1641," s<ays Johnson, low, says expressly that it had its rise in
"the Lord was pleased to send a very sharp 1G36. — See his Journal, ii. 69. There was a
winter, insomuch that the harbor, Avhere ships hog taken up in 1638, as has been noticed in
ordinarily anchor, was frozen over of such a an extract from the Town records, ante, page
thickness that it became passable both for 241, but nothing appears in the original r6c-
horse, carts, and oxen, for the space of five ords authorizing a belief that it was the same
weeks."— Wotider-Work. Prov., 170. hog about which this difficulty arose. It is
f His name is not mentioned, nor is the true that in both cases the animals were of the
name of the ship given. See Journal, ii. 60. feminine gender, but this is hardly sufficient
X Dr. Snow refers the origin of the hog con- evidence that the cases are identical,
troversy to 1638, but Winthrop, whom I fol-
1642.] A HOG CASE ORIGIN OF THE SENATE. 261
was taken up and delivered to Captain Keayne, and the Captain used
the prescribed means to find its owner, but none appeared. He put it
into an enclosure with one of his own, and there it remained many
months. Meantime, having occasion, he killed his own hog. Not long
after, a woman appeared, wife of one Sherman, her husband being in
England, who, having lost a hog, averred that the one killed was the
hog she had lost ; her claim not being sustainable upon the one left,
because it had other marks than those she alleged were upon hers.
Whereupon Mrs. Sherman* immediately noised it abroad that Captain
Keayne had thus deprived her of her real property. In such cases, as
has been heretofore intimated. Captain Keayne stood a poor chance for
justice, however good his cause might prove to be ; for the common
people were prejudiced against him because he had been, as was com-
monly reported, a sharp dealer with them. However, the accusation
against the Captain was soon made a Church matter of; but upon inves-
tigation, in which "many witnesses were examined," he was fully
acquitted ; the Church being satisfied no doubt that the charge was
made through a mistake, if it were not a piece of knavery.
In all probability the afiliir would have rested here, but for the popu-
lar clamor, of which one George Story, a young merchant from London,
was a leader. He lodged in the house with Mrs. Sherman, and may
have been the prime mover in the first instance ; but of this there does
not appear to be any evidence. Story had a grudge against Captain
Keayne, because he had been ordered before the Governor, at some
previous period, to answer to a charge of living in the house of Mrs.
Sherman under suspicious circumstances, and that it was Captain Keayne
who was the cause of his being thus dealt with. However this may
have been. Story caused an action to be brought in the Superior Court,
where, upon a full hearing, Captain Keayne was again cleared, and costs
allowed him. He also recovered twenty pounds damages, for having
been falsely, as the Court believed, accused of stealing a hog.f
Story became exceedingly exasperated at this decision, and sought
revenge in the most persevering manner. In " searching town and
country to find matter against Captain Keayne about this stray" hog,
he at length procured a witness, who had testified at the late trial in
favor of Keayne, who now pretended that he had on that trial forsworn
himself. Upon this discovery. Story petitioned the General Court, in the
woman's name, for a rehearing of the cause. This being granted, the
" best part of seven days " was spent in the new trial. Even then it
was not determined, for there were nine Magistrates and thirty Depu-
ties, and a verdict could not be obtained without the greater number of
* She did not belong to that class of females his claim to the fine of £20, which, though
authorizing the significant prefix Mrs. to her awarded him, had not been paid, excepting
name, but I have lent it to her on the present perhaps £3 for the charges of witnesses. He
occasion, to avoid a harshness of language. was at any time ready to remit the whole, if
f In the progress of this " sow business," Mrs. Sherman would acknowledge her error of
as Winthrop calls it, the next year, for the falsely accusing him. — Winthrop, Jo?<rna/, ii.
sake of peace, Captain Keayne relinquished 117.
262 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1642.
both, which neither had. The present state of the case was partly
owing to " cross witnesses," and " some prejudices which blinded some
men's judgments that they could not attend the true nature and course
of the evidence." Notwithstanding, it was finally determined in favor
of Captain Keayne, there being for him seven of the Magistrates and
eight Deputies, and against him two Magistrates and fifteen Deputies,
and there were seven Deputies " which stood doubtful." Things stand-
ing thus in a clear case, there was somewhat of contention among the
members of the Court. This contention did not cease until 1644, and
then the General Court was divided into two branches ; and thus
originated the present Senate and House of Representatives ;* and thus
truly did '' a great business grow out of a very small occasion."!
In the case of Captain Keayne it is strikingly manifest how men of
narrow minds and vindictive spirits were ready to show themselves as
soon as he was accused. It was suSicient for their wicked purposes
that he was accused, and their prejudiced judgments were ready to
pervert all circumstances to his disadvantage. Unfortunately, the ex-
istence of people with such minds did not cease with the trial of Captain
Keayne.
This singular trial must have perplexed and mortified all the better
part of the community, and the expense accruing was no small item at
that day. J
There was a general Fast kept, occasioned principally for the
'^''^^ ^^' danger England was conceived to be in, and the " foul sins " of
this country.
Massasoit, the "great Sachem of Pokanoket," now called
^^ ' Osamekin, came to Boston, accompanied by many men and other
Sagamores. Winthrop says he entertained them kindly ; but the nature
of his business is not mentioned.
By the enterprise and skill of Edward Bendall, the hull of the Mary
Rose, which was blown up in August of the last year and sunk, was
raised, and the harbor cleared of the obstruction which it occasioned.
The owners had been allowed a year by the Court to weigh the wreck,
but they had made no effort to do so. Bendall was encouraged to
undertake the labor, having been offered all he could realize if he fully
succeeded, and half of what he could get if he succeeded but partially.
* Though the case of Captaiu Keayne was lose their effect by the non-concurrence of the
one of great vexation to him in its time, it has former, who were so much fewer in number ;
often since afforded lyceum orators and their but, by the firmness of Mr. Winthrop, the
auditors much amusement. One said recently, Assistants maintained their right at this time,
when the General Court was in session, that and the Deputies not being able to prevail,
" Mrs. Sherman's pig was the origin of the moved that the two houses might sit apart."
present Senate, and he hoped the members of For a most lucid and excellent view of the
it would not disgrace their pt-ofrenitor." Government and Laws of Massachusetts, see
f See Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 142-3, its Judicial History by the able hand of Judge
who, under date 1645, has reference probably Washburn, 8vo. Boston, 1840.
to this case. He says, "About this time J The next year the Town " allowed Wm,
there was a struggle for power between the Courser 20s. for his service about the swine.
Assistants, or Magistrates, and the Deputies, which tooke him up (as he sayeth) about
The latter could not bear their votes should three weekes time,"
1642.] FEARS FROM THE INDIANS. 263
He made use of the Diving Bell, whicli was probably the first ever used
in the harbor of Boston,* though it does not appear to have been
known by that name until long after, f The knowledge of its principle,
however, is coeval with the first and simplest branches of mechanics. |
Two ships arrived from England about this time " but brought not
above five or six passengers. There came in one of them some copies
of Mr. Cotton's book entitled the Seven Vials. It was printed from
notes taken in characters, without the author's consent, and he was dis-
pleased that it should appear not having a proper revision by himself." §
The people of Connecticut were greatly alarmed by a discovery
^^' ' which they had made, that the Indians, "all over the country,"
had entered into a conspiracy to cut off the English throughout New
England. A message to this effect being received at Boston, measures
for security were at once taken. Kutshamokin was visited by an armed
force, at Braintree, and ordered to appear at Boston, which he did
without hesitation, and his men were disarmed. But, on examination,
nothing suspicious could be found against the chief or his men, and he
was dismissed. Notwithstanding, orders were sent to Newbury,
Ipswich, and Rowley, to disarm Pasaconaway and other Indians on
the Merrimac ; and yet it did not appear that there was any evil design
intended by the Indians towards the English at all. But the proceeding
had the bad effect of vexing the Indians, and serving the undertakers
of it no good purpose whatever. It was probably the case that some
of the evil-disposed Indians had circulated the report to annoy some of
their own countrymen ; for they always had feuds among themselves. ||
Their history, like that of the white people, is full of similar examples.
* Beekman, in his History of Inventions, of water for endangering him, &c." — Journal,
tells us of a Diving Bell successfully em- ii. 73.
ployed at Toledo in the presence of the Em- ^ A copy of this is in the library of the
peror Charles V. Hence its use is carried writer. Mr. Humfrey caused it to be printed,
back prior to 1558, the year of that Emperor's for the copy of which he received 300 of the
death. They were employed at various times books. He wrote the preface to it, from which
not long after the destruction of the " Invin- it appears he viewed it to be of great impor-
cible Armada," but with what success is not tance that it should be circulated at that time
known. in England. This was his apology for printing
f I think it is not to be found in Diction- it "before the author had afforded him more
aries before the time of Dr. Noah Webster. liberty and leisure to have fyled over his
% Winthrop's description of Bendall's con- owne notions." In the close of his preface
trivance for submarine operations is worth Mr. Ilumfrey prays " for the most desired
extracting. " He made two great tubs , bigger ruine and speedy begunne downefall of that
than a butt, very tight, and open at one end, most cursed kingdome of Antichrist, according
upon which were hanged so many weights as to the scope and drift of that Prophisie, ex-
would sink it to the ground (600 feet). It was pressed in the pouring out of these Seven
let down, the diver sitting in it, a cord in his Vials."
hand to give notice when they should draw || According to the account received from
him up, and another cord to show when they the authorities of Connecticut, the people of
should I'emove it from place to place, so he that colony had some cause of alarm. It was
could continue in his tub near half an hour, stated that three different Indians, " near
and fasten ropes to the ordnance, and put the about the same time, and in the same manner,
lead, &c., into a net or tub. When the tub one to Mr. Eaton, of New Haven, another to
was drawn up, one knocked upon the head of Mr. Ludlow, and the third to Mr. Haynes ;"
it, and thrust a long pole under water, which that this last named Indian " being hurt near
the diver laid hold of, and so was drawn up by to death by a cart, &c., sent after Mr. Haynes,
it; for they might not draw the open* end out and told him that Englishman's God was
264 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1642.
However, messengers were sent to Miantonimo to acquaint him with
what was suspected of the Indians, and to request him to come to
Boston. The messengers, as on all former occasions, found him above
suspicion, and he soon after came to Boston, as he was requested.
There is no record of any New England Indian superior to
^^*' ■ Miantonimo. Indeed there is none which will compare with him
for wisdom, magnanimity and justice ; and, had not a mistaken and
wicked policy been adopted towards him by his English neighbors, his
biography would, ere this, have shone as one of the brightest gems in
the annals of New England. But in this history, he can only be
spoken of incidentally. His memory claims a special treatise, which,
one day, it will no doubt receive. May it be worthy of him.
When he came to Boston agreeably to the request before stated, the
court was assembled, " and before his admission," says Governor Win-
throp, "we considered how to treat with him, for we knew him to be
a very subtile man, and agreed upon the points and order, and that none
should propound anything to him but the Governor, and if any other of
the Court had anything material to suggest, he should impart it to the
Governor."
Such were the precautions taken by the wisest and most learned men
in the country, to enter into a negotiation with a single Indian who
never knew schools nor courts of law — nothing but the school of nature
and the natural laws of man, as taught by his own native genius.
Here was truly a Nobleman of Nature, in the presence of men who
would have been great in any age — men supported by all the learning
afforded by the Universities of England, and the experience of years.
These were taking counsel how they should proceed in a treaty with a
single unlettered Savage from the depths of the wilderness ! Where
can there be found an instance parallel to this ? Who is there that
would not be proud of this position of Miantonimo ?
All things being arranged, Miantonimo was assigned a place at the
foot of the Council table, " over against the Governor ; " but he would
not proceed on any business excepting in the presence of some of his
own Counsellors, observing, that they should bear witness on their
return to his people of all his sayings. And it was noted by the Eng-
lish, that in all his answers he was very deliberate, and showed a good
understanding in the principles of justice and equity, and great inge-
nuity. He called upon the English to produce his accusers, but
they could bring nothing but vague rumors and hearsay statements,
and they thus found themselves in a most awkward and unpleasant pre-
dicament. He had come to Boston to answer to a capital charge, and
he probably believed that the authorities stood in the light of accusers
if they did not produce others ; and he remarked, that if the charge
angry with him, and had set Englishman's foot, but they were doubtless abused by some
cow foxen] to kill him, because he had con- of their mischievous countrymen, whose aim
cealed such a conspiracy." These Indians it was to bring about a war. — See Winthrop's
may have believed thei-e was such a plot on Journal, ii. 79.
1642.] MIANTONIMO. 265
were proved against him, he came prepared to suffer the consequences ;
and now if he had been accused falsely, he expected that the authors
of such accusation would be subjected to the same penalty.* He thought
it a strange course for the English to pursue upon a mere rumor, for
they acknowledged they knew none of the parties who had accused the
Narragansets, and he asked why they had taken away the arms of the
Indians upon such an occasion. The Governor excused the English as
well -as he could, and the chief relieved his embarrassment by expressing
himself satisfied with his explanation. He gave the Court to understand
that he believed Uncas to be at the root of all the mischief, for it was
evident he was in an underhand manner using every wile he could to
discredit the Narragansets with the English.
This was the most important negotiation which had ever been held
with the Indians in New England.f It lasted two days. Miantonirao
said he had been dissuaded fVom going to Boston, for that the English
would put him to death ; he replied that, inasmuch as he had done
them no wrong, he did not in the least fear to come here ; and, more-
over, that he would come at any time to meet Uncas face to face, and
that he would prove his treachery if he durst come.
While in Boston the Indians were furnished with their meals at a
table by themselves. Miantonimo did not seem pleased with thus
being denied the Governor's table, and did not readily partake his food
in this way, but on the Governor's sending him meat from his own
table, he accepted it, and made no farther objection. When he was
ready to leave the town, a coat was given him, and one to each of his
counsellors. After taking his leave of the Governor and such of the
magistrates as were present, he took a second leave for those magis-
trates which were not present, by returning and giving his hand to the
Governor again, saying that was for the absent ones.
Notwithstanding, the Connecticut people reiterated their complaints
and suspicions, and had some new grounds for them, yet the authorities
at Boston wisely refused to make war upon the Indians. They kept up
watches and guards, however, until near the end of October, and
meantime returned the Indians all their arms.
* Had he studied in the same schools with f On some accounts, perhaps, that of Roger
Michael Servetus he could not have employed Williams with the Narragansets may be
arguments more like those made use of by thought to be of as great moment. — See ante,
that martyr than he did. — '■^ Pourquoy Mes- p. 204. In the next chapter the story of the
seigneurs, je demandc que monfaulx accusateur melancholy sacrifice of Miantonimo to envy
soil puni poena talionis," et cet. — Rosco, Leo and interest will be given — to the envy of the
X. iv. 437. Mohegans and the interest of the English.
34
266 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1642.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Few Emigrants from England. — Mr. Humfrey and Others leave New England. — Commercial Enter-
prise. — Thomas Lechford. — Some Account of him and liis Stay in Boston. — His " Plain Dealing "
about it. — Appalling News from England. — Raging of the Civil War. — Capt. Coytmore's Voyage
to Fayal. — An Endeavor to defeat Winthrop's Reelection as Governor. — Union of the Colonies. —
Arrival of emigrant Children. — Arrival of a French armed Ship. — Mons. La Tour. — His Enter-
tainment at Boston. — Receives Aid to go against D'Aulnay. — Government censured for allow-
ing it. — Inhabitants begin to manufacture Cotton Goods. — Censurable Conduct of the Rulers
towards the Indians. — They cause a AVar between the Mohegans and Narragansets. — Case of
Miantonimo. — Adjudged to die by the English. — His Execution. — Interference with the Shawmut
Settlers. — Case of Samuel Gorton and Others.
SO few people had come over from England, of
late, that there was very little demand for land ;
cattle had fallen in value ; the present season was
unfavorable to crops ; all of which, added to the
fears from the Indians, caused several gentlemen
to leave the country and return to their native land.
Among them were Mr. Humfrey, four ministers,
'and a schoolmaster. Under these circumstances,
^^ a fast was ordered to be kept. Among
ep . --. ^^^ occasions for its appointment, was the
ANCIENT SPINNING-WHEEL, j^j HCWS out of Eugkud, couceming the breach
between the King and Parliament, and the unseasonableness of the
weather, which changed, says Winthrop, "so soon as the fast was
agreed upon."
A little before this, ten ships had sailed from Boston, laden with pipe
staves and other produce of the country. Four of these ships were
built hereabouts the present year. Soon after, there arrived a small
ship from Madeira with wine and sugar. She belonged to a Mr.
■ Parish, who came in her. He exchanged his cargo for pipe
staves, and thus the commerce of Boston begun to advance in a small
and almost imperceptible way.
In the course of the present year, Mr. Thomas Lechford published a
book about this country, which he entitled "Plain Dealing, or, Newes
from New England." * He returned to England about the close of last
year, "having been forth of his native country," as he expresses it,
" almost for the space of foure yeeres last past." He appears to have
left Boston on the third of August, 1641, in company with the commis-
sioners who went for England by the way of Newfoundland.! He
probably came over with the intention of taking up his residence here
in Boston, and to introduce the practice of law, that being his pro-
* Mr. Savage, I suppose, has reference to this poor lawyer. Perhaps he had evidence of his
work in his notes to Winthrop's Journal, poverty ; if so he has kept it to himself. He
though he culls it News from England. It is probably did not have reference to his abilities.
80 in both of his editions of that work. If But little is known of Mr. Lechford.
Lechford made a book of this title I have f See o«^e, p. 253. Mr. John Winthrop, Jr.,
never met with it. He says Lechford was a went in the same company.
1642.] THOMAS LECHFORD. 267
fession. He was the first lawyer that made the attempt, and he failed
in it, owing to the circumstances already stated.* The time for tol-
erating lawyers had not yet arrived. The governor and magistrates
thought themselves competent to decide all matters of difference be-
tween man and man.
Mr. Lechford was a man of good understanding, and his book upon
the institutions of the Country is of great value, inasmuch as it gives an
insight into many things which could not otherwise be obtained. His
statements are honestly and accurately made, and must ever be con-
sulted by all who desire minute and authentic information upon the
civil and religious state of the country at the time he was here. He
appears to have known many of the prominent men of Boston and the
neighboring country before they came over; mentions his "old ac-
quaintance. Master Roger Ludlow, Mr. Frost, sometime of Notting-
ham, and his sonnes, John and Henry Grey." Bailey cited Lechford's
work in his " Disswasive," against Cotton, which occasioned the latter
to censure the Plain Dealing. From Cotton, it appears that Lechford
died soon after he had published his work, and that he had defended
the celebrated Prynne in his trials. While in Boston he was employed
in a cause between William Cole and Francis Doughty, but wdiether he
was allowed to appear in Court as Counsel, there is some uncertainty.!
When he was here, he says "the Generall and great Quarter Courts,
were kept in the great Church Meeting-house at Boston, which is as
faire a Meeting-house as they can provide ; to which every Sabbath or
Lord's Day they come by wringing of a bell, about nine of the clock,
or before." J
Mr. Lechford at this time says, "Master Bellingham" is Governor,
Mr. Endicot Deputy Governor, Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Dudley, Mr. Hum-
frey, Mr. Saltonstall, Mr. Bradstreet, Mr. Stoughton, Mr. Winthrop,
Jr., Mr. No well. Assistants; Mr. Nowell, Secretary; Mr. Stephen
Winthrop, Recorder, whose office is to record all judgments, marriages,
births, deaths, wills and testaments, bargains and sales, gifts, grants,
and mortgages. There is a Marshall who is a Sheriff or Bailiff, and
his deputy is the Jailer and Executioner." §
* See are^e, p. 257. a generall Towne-meeting." Capt. Gibbons,
f Possibly it was in the case of Cole vs. Val. Hill, Henry Webb and Anthony Stodder
Doughty (3:7: 1G40) to which the Colony appointed to trade with the Indians,
records refer, 1 Dec. 1G40. The words of the Jan. 31. — John Gutteridge,Richd. Taylour,
record are — " Mr. Thomas Lechford, acknowl- Edwd. Weeden, Richd. Knight, and Jame.s
edging he had overshot himselfe, and is sorry Hudson, admitted townsmen,
for it, promising to attend his calling, and not Feb. 12. — ^ The high-way from John Lowe's
to meddle with controversies, was dismissed." house by the Cove to Geo. Burden's house, to
— Savage's Extract. What " calling " he had continue as " this day laid out."
assumed does not fully appear. Feb. 28. — Hugh Gunnison proposes to keep
J Whether the bell were hung in the Meet- an "Ordinary with a cook's shop." John
ing-house may admit of a question. Peirce and Richd. Dexter admitted inhabitants.
^ Jan. 10. — Deer Island ordered to be im- Dorchester men " forwarned " not to cut tim-
proved for the maintenance of a Free School for ber on any of the hills of upland in the marsh
the Town, and " such other occasions as the beyond Naponset river, and to make satisfac-
Townsmen shall think meet." No more land tion for what they had cut already,
to be granted to new inhabitants, " unlesse at Mar. 4. — The remaining Town's land to be
268 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1643.
It Tvas remarked that the winter of 1642-3, though there fell more
snow than had fallen in any winter since the settlement of the country,
was not so hard and frosty as some others had been.
^^^ ^^ Early in the year, news was received from England, of a char-
acter which caused the people of Boston great uneasiness ; that
the Parliament had lost 500 men at Brentford, and yet it had 24,000
men completely equipped in the field ; that the King had fled to
Reading and set the 500 prisoners free, they having taken an oath not
to serve against him, and yet they had been absolved from that oath by
those two Puritan Divines, Dr. Downing and Mr. Marshall ; these, with
many other items of intelligence of battles and contests in which their
friends and kinsmen were engaged, caused the Churches to keep " Di-
uers days of humiliation."
Mar "0 "^^^^ ^^^^P Trial, which had made a voyage to Fayal, Captain
Coytmore, now arrived. He took out pipe-staves and fish, and
found an excellent market for them ; thence he went to St. Christo-
pher,* where he not only had a successful trade, but he recovered consider-
able valuable property from some ships which had been cast away there.
In this last business he employed the diving-bell with good success. He
had license to prosecute this enterprise by the Governor of the Island,
Sir Thomas Warner, and to have half of what he could get. By this
voyage of Captain Coytmore, wine, sugar, and cotton were " made very
plentiful and cheap " at Boston. Several other vessels returned soon
after, making successful voyages also, "though some of them went
among the Turks."
divided among the present inhabitants, and other remote place for the slaughter of beasts,
such as shall be admitted in two months. that such loathsome smells might be avoided.
Mar. 28. — Ralph Gulthorp, Jacob Chap- — Goodm. Basse and goodm. Backster, both
man, Wm. Fay, Benj. Thvring, John Baker, of Braintrey, may buy the overplus in the
Wm. Burnell, James Hudson, Kobt. Williams, Three Hill-marsh there.
Wm. Franklin, Jr., Daniel Briscoe, and Thos. Dec. 26. — Thomas Joy, carpenter, may set
Blott, admitted townsmen. — Robert Turner up a house by the water side, by his dwelling-
to be paid 18s. for diet, beer and fire, for the house in the Mill Field. — Harman Atwood
selectmen. admitted a townsman.
Apl. 25. — AVm. Philpot and Robt. Turner All parents are ordered to bring in a note of
admitted inhabitants. — John Ruggle cow- the names and date of births of all their chil-
keeper in the Town. dren '• unto the Clarke of the Writs, within a
May 2. — JNIr. Wm. Ting and Capt. Gibbons week after their birth, under the poenaelty of
chosen Deputies to the General Court. — Si- 6d. for every " neglect ; burials ordered to be
mon Rogers admitted a townsman. returned, also.
Aug. 29. — The constables ordered to take * Winthrop is my authority, ii. 94, but he
care for building a " salt-peter house in the calls the Island, Christophers. Casual i-eaders
prison yard," 30 feet long and 14 wide, " set of his Jbur/iaZ might suppose some other island
upon posts 7 foot high above ground, with a was meant by him, and it was the duty of his
covering of thatch, and the walls clapboarded Editor to have told his readers the reason that
tight." Winthrop so changes the name, which, in
Orf. 31. — Edwd. Fletcher may finish his point of fact, is giving a false name. The
porch which he hath begun to set up 3 ft. reason of the misnomer is this : all places
into y= street, but must take it away if found bearing the name of a Saint of the Catholics,
inconvenient. — Widow Tuthill may remove were considered by our fathers here at that
her windmill into the Fort, which must be time, to be wickedly so named ; or, in other
placed as Capt. Gibbon directs. words, that the persons for whom such places
The Constable to notify Robert Nash, were named were no saints; and therefore it
butcher, to remove his garbage out of his was impious to use the prefix saint after the
yard near the street, and to provide some example of the Catholics.
1643.] FAVOR OF PARLIAMENT TO NEW ENGLAND. 269
At the May election this year, Mr. Winthrop was again elected
^^ ■ Governor, notwithstanding Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, who preached the
sermon, discoursed very pointedly against the same individual being so
often re-chosen. Winthrop expected he would take that course in his
sermon, and he therefore tried to prevent his being employed to perform
the service ; and hence it turned out that Winthrop could not prevent
the choice of Rogers, nor could Rogers defeat the election of Winthrop.
The Deputy Governor, Mr. Endicott, was also re-chosen. There were
two new Magistrates chosen, Mr. William Hibbins and Mr. Samuel
Simonds. At this court. Commissioners appeared from Connecticut,
New Haven, and Plymouth, duly authorized to form an alliance for
their mutual benefit, and thus originated the celebrated Confederation
of the "United Colonies of New England." Roger Williams' Colony,
or Rhode Island, and Sir Ferdinando Gorge's Colony, were not invited to
come into the confederation ; the former being composed of excommu-
nicants, and the latter had called " a poor village " a city, and elected
" a tailor its mayor, and had entertained one Hull, an excommunicated
person, for their minister."
One John Cook, "an honest young man," is accidentally
killed from the bursting of a gun which he had overcharged to
salute a ship.
A ship owned here, called the Seab ridge, arrived from England,
bringing twenty children " and some other passengers," and three hun-
dred pounds' worth of goods ; this outlay was the contribution of friends
to New England, given last year. The " children, with many more to
come after, were sent by money given on a fast day in London, and
allowed by the Parliament and City for the purpose."
There came, by the Seabridge, probably, the highly gratifying intel-
ligence, that Parliament had passed an order allowing all commodities
to or from New England to be free of duties in both countries. It came
in the form of a State Paper, attested by Henry Elsynge, Clerk to the
Parliament.*
In the mean time, the inhabitants of Boston experienced some
' alarm, but more mortification, in having their weakness exposed
to the observation of a foreign power at a very unexpected time. This
was caused by the arrival of a French armed ship, named the Clement,
in which were one hundred and forty people. The town was com-
pletely surprised ; the ship having passed the Castle, her salute not
being even answered, there being none there to answer it ; " for the
last Court had given order to have the Castle Island deserted, and a
great part of the work being fjillen down." It was observed, that had
this been a hostile ship, it might have carried off the guns of the Fort,
* The date of the document is " Veneris, 10 was issued. An erroneous date to the above
Martii, 1642 ; " simply, Friday, March 10th, document has gone into several respectable
1643; from which, and the date of the arrival works by their authors' mistaking 1642 for
in the text, it is evident that the important 1642-3. Elsynge became disaffected to the
paper did not remain long in England after it Parliament, and resigned his place soon after.
270 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1643.
taken away two ships then in the harbor, and even sacked the town at
will. But it was the ship of friends, and not enemies. It was a ship of one
hundred and forty tons, from Rochelle, under the command of Monsieur
Charles de la Tour ; the master and his company being French Protes-
tants. He had come, not to give offence, but to ask assistance to
enable him to dispossess D'Aulnay* of the territories which he claimed
in the eastern coasts. As the French ship came into the harbor, Mrs.
Gibbons, the wife of Captain Edward Gibbons, with her children, were
met in a boat going to their farm. One of La Tour's gentlemen knew
her, and, informing him who she was. Monsieur immediately had a boat
manned and proceeded after her. Mrs. Gibbons not knowing the stran-
gers, hastened from them as fast as she could, and landed on Governor's
Island, where th^e Governor himself and some of his family then hap-
pened to be. La Tour met Governor Winthrop very cordially, and
opened his business to him. Here he continued and supped with him.
Meantime Mrs. Gibbons returned to the town in the Governor's boat,
by which means the news of the strangers spread with great rapidity.
After supper La Tour took Governor Winthrop to Boston in his own
boat. They were met on the way by three shallops of armed men,
who came out to escort them into the town. Monsieur was lodged at
Captain Gibbons'. This was proof that he came on no hostile design,
"because he voluntarily put himself in the power of the English."
The next day an answer was given relative to his business ;
namely, that the Government could not afford him any assistance ;
but that if any of their people would enlist under him of their own free
will, the Government w^ould make no objection ; they being satisfied
that La Tour, and not D'Aulnay,! was the rightful proprietor of the
territories in dispute. This was satisfactory to La Tour. He then
requested the privilege of landing and exercising his men on shore,
which was granted, only he was desired to land them in small com-
panies, "so as not to alarm the women and children."
The following week the people of Boston had a training, in which the
Frenchmen took a part. All things passed off to the mutual satisfaction
of both parties. The Boston officers entertained the French officers,
and the soldiers entertained the soldiers at their houses in a brotherly
manner. The English were surprised to see the exact discipline of the
Frenchmen, and La Tour expressed his admiration of the EngUsh ; saying
he should not have believed, had he not with his own eyes seen it. He
attended the Governor at church, " all the time of his abode here," and
the Governor did not fail to appear as important as he could before the
* The best source whence to derive informa- Author. Several parts of it vrere translated
tion respecting Acadia (the French wrote by the writer for his works upon the Indians ;
I'Acadie), and the difficulties between D'Aul- enough to satisfy him that the value of Charle-
nay and La Tour, is Charlevoix, Histoire et De- voix is not generally understood.
script. Gen. de la Nouvelle France. It is very f His name, as given by Charlevoix, is " M.
strange this work has not been translated into d'Aunay de Charnise," who, in the use of the
English, and found an editor capable of ren- name in his narrative, drops all except the
dering justice to that learned and valuable last part of it, namely, Charnise.
1643.] LA TOUR IN BOSTON. 271
Frencli General, being regularly attended "with a good guard of hal-
berts and musketeers."
There was a good deal said through the country towns against this
entertainment of La Tour. Endicott thought it was very unwise to let
the Frenchmen see the Forts, or to allow them any accommodations.
La Tour's wife being attended by two Friars,* gave Mr. Endicott suffi-
cient reason to denounce the whole of them as "idolatrous French."
Li this the ex-Governor did not seem to consider that it would be ill
policy to attempt to exercise authority and deny privileges that the sit-
uation of the Town could not enforce or refuse. But there was one view
of the affair which placed Mr. Winthrop in a very unfavorable light ;
and that was a connivance at any assistance that might be afforded in
men, ships, and munitions, by the people under his Government. The
present Government of the United States would stand in the same rep-
rehensible attitude before the world, were it to say the same to its citi-
zens, if applied to for assistance by any adventurer under similar cir-
cumstances.
^0 Captain Gibbons and Thomas Hawkins entered into Articles
uneo . ^^ Agreement with " Mounseir Latour, Knight of the Orders of
the King, Lef tenant Generall of New France," by which they were to
furnish four ships for his expedition ; namely, the Seabridge, Philip
and Mary, Increase, and Greyhound. Said ships were to be ready by
the tenth of the following month, with sixty-eight men, and to continue
in the service two months, at two hundred pounds per month. f
All things being ready, the armament sailed from Long Island,
"■^ "proceeding through Broad Sound with the tide at half flood,
" where no ships of such burthen had gone out before, or not more than
one." D'Aulnay fled on their approach, and after committing
^°' " ' several depredations, and taking some plunder, the English ves-
sels returned to Boston, about the twentieth of August, without the loss
of a man. Of D'Aulnay's men, three were killed. Thus terminated
this mistaken and inglorious expedition.
The course of affairs in England continued adverse to emigration,
and hence the usual supplies of goods became so much lessened, that
the people here begun to see the necessity of setting about manufac-
turing their own goods ; therefore this year " they fell to a manufacture
of cotton, whereof they had store from Barbadoes, and hemp and flax,"
in Avhich Rowley exceeded all other towns. J
* " One was a very learned, acute man. sented, and the annexed cut is designed to rep-
Divers of our elders who had conference with resent the ancient loom. Few implements of
him, reported so. They came into the town husbandry changed less, probably, than the
but once, lest they should give offence, being spinning-wheel and loom for 200 years. They
brought to see Mr. Cotton and confer with are remembered by thousands of this age, and
him." — Winthrop, ii. 153. it is not 40 years since they were to be found
f The Articles were witnessed by William in nearly every industrious family throughout
Ting, Robt. Keajne, and Estienne Dupru. — the country towns of New England, — not even
See Hazard, Hist. Colls, i. 499, &c. excepting the families of the clergymen. But
% In the engraving commencing this chap- they are, owing to the great improvement in
ter, an old-fashioned spinning-wheel is repre- spinning and weaving, fast dropping into dis-
272 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1G43.
Owing to the undue interference of the Government with the affairs
of Rhode Island, serious trouble was given to the Indians. They were
constantly harassed and annoyed by orders of which they knew not the
purport, and requests for their attendance upon courts at Boston, which
must have appeared to them either as childish, or the occasion of some
hidden motives to deprive them of their lands or freedom or both. Now,
two chiefs, Socononoco and Pumpam, subjects of Miantonimo, had, by the
influence of the English, declared themselves independent of the latter,
and came to Boston to assert their independence before the Governor.
This, when once maintained, or backed up by the English, would
authorize them to dispose of whatever lands they could claim under any
plausible pretext. The present case was indeed a little different.
Miantonimo had sold to the people of Warwick a tract of land, doubtless
with the full consent of the sub-chiefs ; but these, or one of them, had
been influenced to deny all consent to such sale, by those settlers in
that country who had put themselves under the protection of Boston, or
Massachusetts. Consequently, Miantonimo w\as summoned to appear
here to show on what ground he claimed jurisdiction over the Indians
before mentioned. Nothing could be more absurd than to require an
Indian Chief of that day to substantiate any of his wilderness claims in
an English Court. However, Miantonimo came to Boston as requested ;
"in the begining of the Court," and "before the whole Court," was
questioned as to his having " any interest" in the Sachems Socononico
and Pumpam. At the conclusion of this mockery of a trial, it was tri-
umphantly recorded that " he could prove no claim." Such treatment
of a man of a magnanimous mind, who was above any petty connivances,
was calculated to give any impression but a favorable one of English
justice.
Out of this interference, on the part of the Government here, grew a
cloud of troubles, both to the English and the Indians. It thickened
and gathered darkness, and eventually burst upon the heads of the Nar-
ragansets, completely deluging them in ruin.
The conduct of the settlers towards the Indians does not, in a large
majority of cases, bear scrutiny. It was thought warrantable to set one
tribe against another, that they might be diverted from thoughts of hos-
tilities against themselves.* Connecticut had been the means of a war
between the Mohegans and Narragansets ; they took the part of the
Chief of that tribe — the unprincipled Uncas — because he could be
use, and few are to be found at this day, ex-
cept in the garrets and outhouses of the farm-
ers. They will soon all disappear, and be
known only from prints of them and their
accompanying descriptions.
* Abundance of authorities might be cited
in proof of this statement, and all from the
Colonists' own accounts. Great allowance,
however, is to be made for their circumstances,
and the ligiit of the age in which they lived.
1643.] WAR AMONG THE INDIANS. 273
made to conform to their wishes. On. the other hand, a portion of the
Narragansets had revolted under the influence of the people here, as
already stated. And thus stood Miantonimo and the true Narragansets,
surrounded by a power which it was useless to resist. At length, driven
by insults and injuries to repel force by force, their great Chief fell
accidentally into the hands of Uncas, who, but for fear of retaliation,
would at once have put him to death. He however led his prisoner to
Hartford, and there the Government took him in charge.* Not
"^' knowing what to do with him, it was finally determined to submit
the matter to the Commissioners of the United Colonies, who were soon
to meet at Boston, that they might take the responsibility of
^ ■ ' disposing of him. The Commissioners being met,f the disposi-
tion of Miantonimo was debated, and although this Court had no juris-
diction over the case, nor any just grounds J of complaint of any kind
against the Sachem, they came to the conclusion that Uncas would not
be safe if he were suffered to live ; yet they acknowledged a want of
any grounds by which he could be put to death, though the arts of
casuistry had been pretty severely tasked to justify the proceedings
relative to him thus far. Strange, however, as it seems, and as it will
seem in after times, it was, with the advice of the Elders of the
Churches § determined, that Uncas might put Miantonimo to death,
" that so execucon may be donn according to justice and prudence,
Vncas carrying him into the next part of his own Government ! " 1|
This decision was not made known to Uncas until the return of the
* It appears that, as soon as the Mr. Gorton ants of the people whose acts we are reviewing,
at Shaoinet heard of the capture of Mianto- could we give a picture of them without a
nimo, he sent a messenger to Uncas to demand blemish in any part of it, but no people have
his liberation. This caused Uncas to convey yet lived who have left materials for such a
him to Hartford ; no doubt fearing he would picture behind them. Our Fathers acknovvl-
be rescued by the Narragansets if he should edged and felt that they had great imperfec-
endeavor to keep him a prisoner. tions. Did they believe that their posterity
f They were John Winthrop and Thomas would by any flilse coloring misrepresent
Dudley, for Massachusetts ; Edward Winslow them ? They would have spurned such an
and William Collier, for Plymouth ; George idea. They were ofttimes mistaken, erred in
Fenwick and Theophilus Eaton, for Oonnecti- judgment, and had the same prejudices to con-
cut ; Edward Hopkins and Thomas Gregson, tend with as are common to all men. Had
for New Haven. Hazard, W.W. — Dr. Holmes, they lived to this day, they would have seen
usually fair and candid, seems a little biassed and acknowledged them. They were men of
in his account of the affair of Miantonimo. He truth, and sought to do righteously, and they
evidently thought that it was presumptuous in would have spurned the sycophant apologist
people of these times to question the acts of the for what was really wrong, as they spurned all
Commissioners; and thus he gently rapped the iniquitous attempts at deception. They have,
skirts of Judge Davis and Mr. Savage. " The though in other words, said to us, as the noble-
pleading of an Advocate may be seen in a note minded Cromwell said to him who undertook
upon Winthrop, and the opinion of a Judge to paint his portrait, "Paint me as I am."
in another upon Morton." — Annals, i. 272. "Would not our Fathers have made the same
X The words of the Commissioners are that reply to us ?
" they had not sufficient grounds," &c. — Mr. ^ " In this difficulty," says "Winthrop, " we
Bancroft, in hisHist. of the U. States, does not called in five of the most judicious Elders (it
take the part of the Indians in his account of being in the time of the General Assembly of
these troubles. On the other hand, he rather the Elders) [at Boston], and propounding the
inclines to justify their enemies, whose works case to them, they all agreed that he ought to
certainly do not warrant any such justifica- be put to death." — Journal, ii 131.
tion. II Records of the United Colonies in Ha?-
It would indeed be pleasant to us, descend- ard, ii. 13.
35
274 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1643.
Connecticut Commissioners. When it was communicated to him, it is
- ^-'^-^^^fe-^^^^t. ^^^^ ^^6 "readily undertook the execu-
■^?'"'7 .^i^^i '%-^^k^ tion" of his victim. With a guard of
English soldiers Miantonimo was led
away into the dominions of the Mohe-
gans. When he had arrived at a place
appointed, a brother * of Uncas who fol-
lowed close behind him, at a signal given,
" clave his head with an hatchet." f Thus
inhumanly and unjustly perished the
greatest Indian Chief of whom any ac-
count is to be found in New England's
DEATU Oh- MIAiNTOMMO. aUUalS.
Before Miantonimo was finally disposed of, the people of Shaomet J
or Warwick were considerably exasperated at the conduct of the Rulers
of Boston for the course they had taken respecting jurisdiction in that
country, § and especially as they had assumed the management of affiiirs
there which interfered with their rights. They had undertaken to dic-
tate to the people of Shaomet, and to decide what they should do in
certain difficulties which they had with their neighbors at Patuxet. ||
Mr. Samuel Gorton H was at the head of the Shaomet settlement : a
* Some doubt exists as to the real name Warwick, in honor of the Earl of that name,
of this brother of Uncas. It probably was who granted it to Gorton and his company, as
Oneko. See Boos of the Indians, ii. 130, will be found mentioned hereafter.
ll^A Edition. The same individual is meant ^ The people of Patuxit (then a part of
by Wowequa, Nowequa, Owaneco, &c. Providence) falling into a quarrel with Gorton
f There is near Norwich a place called Sa- and his friends, who were seated here on com-
chem's Plain, a beautiful piece of level ground ing from Newport, the latter purchased Sha-
not far from the banks of the wild and ro- omet of Miantonimo, and removed thither,
mantic Shetucket, Here it is said the battle The troubles continuing, those of Patuxit, viz.
was fought ; here it is said JMiantonimo was " Wra. Arnold, Robt. Coale, Wm. Carpenter,
brought to die ; and here he did die and was Benedict Arnold and his Companie, vppon
buried. Upon the place of his interment a their petition, were taken vnder our gouer-
heap of stones were piled, which for many ment and pteccon.'' Thus they submitted to
years pointed out to the traveller the place of the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. They at
the wretched tragedy. But more than fifteen fii-st applied for military aid against those of
years ago this simple monument was removed Shaomet, when the Government told them
by the neighboring cultivators, and used in the they could not interfere without they submit-
construction of their fences. The writer, in ted to its jurisdiction. See Hutchinson, i.
traversing this plain many years since, could 118-19. — Backus, i. 118-19.
find no indication of the place where JMianto- || Often written Pawtuxit, Pawtuxet, Pa-
nimo once lay, and on inquiry of a resident tuxit, and Patuxet.
near the place, could learn nothing, only that Tf lie was of a good family, had resided in
"he had heard there was once an old Indian London, came over to Boston in 1636, where
buried there." Since then, by the exertions he continued about a year, then went to Ply-
of my worthy friend, Wm. C. Oilman, Esq. of mouth, and after about another year he went
Norwich, there has been a durable monument, to R. Island, which was in June, 1638 ; thence
in the shape of a square block of granite, he went in 1639-40 to Patuxet, a part of Prov-
" erected on a mound" in Sachem's Plain, in idence, which he purchased of the Indians,
memory of the brave Chief, bearing the aim- These Indians revolting, as has been mentioned
pie and appropriate inscription in capitals — in the text, was a main cause of the present
" MIANTONOMO. 1643." This was done difficulties. After obtaining his liberty in
July 3d, 1841. 1643, and having no security against the ma-
X Often written Shawomet, and sometimes lignity of his persecutors, he went over to
Mishawomet, which it appears was its original England and obtained a Patent of Shaomet
name. This in 1648 received the name of from the Earl of Warwick ; having first ob-
1643.] EMIGRATION TO THE WEST INDIES. 275
man of an ardent temperament, and though perhaps not always con-
scientious, and irreproachable as to moral rectitude, like Mr. Wil-
liams, and numerous others of that day, he was bewildered in the
mazes of an unintelligible kind of metaphysics. * This has been made
use of to his discredit by writers since his time, who yet had a system
of religious philosophy equally visionary, had its possessors had the
sanguine temperament of a Gorton wherewith to have maintained it.
This gentleman had about a dozen men in his. settlement ; and when
he was requested to come to Boston to give an account of his conduct,
he is said to have "answered the Messengers disdainfully," and instead
of obeying the summons, "sent two letters full of blasphemy f against
the Churches and magistracy." | This could in no wise be borne, and
war was determined on. Forty men were at once raised for the expe-
dition, and put under Capt. George Cook,§ Lieut. Humphrey Ath-
erton, and Mr. Edward Johnson. On arriving at Shaomet they
found the place fortified, and the occupants determined to defend it,
notwithstanding they were besieged by more than three times their
number. The fort was repeatedly fired, but the besieged quenched it
amidst the fire of the enemy. How long the attack lasted is not
stated, but the place was finally surrendered, and nine of the besieged
taken captive, three having escaped. These were brought in triumph
to Boston. It is remarkable that during this hot siege none
were killed or wounded. Captain Cook marched the prisoners
through the streets of the Town, halting before " the Governor his house
in a military order ; the soldiers being in two files, and after every five
or six soldiers a prisoner. So being before the Governor his door, the
Commissioners came in, and after the Governor had saluted them he
tained a written submission of the Indians to tain that whatever impious opinions his adver-
Charles I., dated 19 Aug. 1644. He arrived saries imputed to him, and whatever horid
in Boston with his Patent in 1648. Here the consequences they drew from the opinions he
Authorities would have executed their old sen- owned, he ascribed as bad to them, and fixed
tence upon him, had he not had from the Earl as dreadful consequences on their tenets." —
of Warwick a better shield than that with Callender, i. 37. Had Gorton lived in these
which he had furnished Miantonimo in his days he would not unlikely have been denomi-
fatal war. Gorton is said to have died at nated a Transcendentalist. See Mr. Mackie's
Warwick between 27 Nov. and 10 Dec. 1677. Life of Gorton, 381.
The authority for this date is not given. Mr. f Those letters should have been published,
Callender refers to an address of Gorton to that people of other times might know
Charles II., dated 1679, and says " he lived what constituted blasphemy against Churches
to a great age." — Hist. Dis. 38. His poster- and Magistrates. It was doubtless something
ity are numerous at this day. A son, bearing of the nature of treason against the King.
his father's name, lived to be 94 years of age. % One of their answers was signed by " Gor-
* " It is'likely that the reader would want ton, Randal Ilolden, Robert Potter, John
to know what Gorton's sentiments really were, Wickes, John Warner, Richard Waterman,
which were so offensive. To this I answer, William Woodale, John Greene, Francis Wes-
that he evidently was a man of smart capac- ton, Richard Carder, Nicholas Power, and
ity, and of consideralile learning, and when Sampson Shatton. It contained a long mys-
he pleased could express his ideas as plainly tical paraphrase upon their warrant, and many
as any man, but he used such a mystical provoking sentences against those Rulers and
method in handling the Scriptures and in their Ministei's." — Backus, \. 120.
speaking about religion, that people are not ^ lie was killed in Ireland in 1652, in the
agreed to this day [1777] in what his real service of the Parliament. See Antiquarian
sentiments were." — Backus, i. 21. "'Tiscer- Journal, \. Vol .
27C
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1G43
SnAOMET PRISONERS IN BOSTOX.
went forth witli them, and passing through the files, welcomed them
home, blessing God for preserving and prospering them, and desired
of the Captain a list of their
names, that the Court might
know them, if hereafter there
should be occasion to make
use of such men."
The Governor having thus
disposed of those brave vol-
unteers, "caused the prison-
ers to be brought before him
in his hall, where was a great
assembly. There he laid be-
fore them their contemptuous
carriage, and how obstinately
they had refused to do right to
those they had wronged, against all the fair means and moderation we
had used ; that now the Lord had delivered them into our hand." It
was in vain that Mr. Gorton urged that this Government had no juris-
diction over his Country or affairs, and he and his companions were all
sent to prison.
Not being exactly of the faith of the Church of this jurisdiction, they
refused to attend public worship on the " Lord's day," though urged to
do so. This of course could not be allowed, and they Avere taken by
force, and made to attend and hear "the word." Such proceedings
would hardly be credited, if they were not recorded by the chief direc-
tor in them ; but as discreditable as they were thus far to Boston, it
would afford great relief to the reader, probably, had they stopped here ;
yet this pitiful crusade against those few poor exiles in a neighboring
wilderness is but begun. They were, after about a month's imprison-
ment, brought before the General Court, and, after undergoing a kind
of trial, disposed of in the following manner : — Mr. Gorton was sen-
tenced to be confined in Charlestown, at the discretion of the
Court, and kept at hard work, " and to wear such bolts or
irons" as would prevent his escape; that if, in the mean time, he
should speak or write "any of the blasphemous and abominable heresies
wherewith he had been charged by the Court, upon conviction thereof,
he should be condemned to death and executed;" that seven of his
companions should be dispersed into seven towns, and there kept at
work for their living, and wear irons upon one leg, on the same con-
ditions as were awarded to Gorton. Their names and places of confine-
ment were, John Wicks to Ipswich, Randall Iloulden to Salem, Robert
Potter to Rowley, Richard Carder to Roxbury, Francis Weston to
Dorchester, John Warner to Boston. There were three others whose
sentences differed from the above : William Waddell to be confined at
Watertown; Richard Waterman was dismissed, but ordered to appear at
the next Court, and not to depart without license, under one hundred
1643.] SHAOMET SETTLERS. 277
pounds penalty, and the charges on his account to be defrayed out of
his goods which had been plundered ; Nicholas Power Avas dismissed
with an admonition.
The costs and charges accruing from this affair now amounted to
about one hundred and sixty pounds, to liquidate which, about eighty
head of cattle, among other property, were secured and taken from the
settlement at Shaoraet.
Overdoing in any matter is usually attended by a corresponding
weakness, which in most cases brings the authors into contempt. In
the case of Gorton and his associates the Authorities proceeded as
though they were amenable to no higher power, and it was by a small
majority of the Magistrates that Gorton and several others escaped
being put to death ; " all saving three were of opinion that he ought
to die." The question of death was determined by vote, and Gorton
himself says, and not untruly, that " they cast lots for their lives."
The next step taken with the prisoners has never yet been accounted
for in a satisfactory manner. They had been kept in confinement
through a cold winter, and by the General Court in the Spring " they
were all sent away, because it was found that they did corrupt some of
the people, especially the women by their heresies." *
Now this record was made with great apparent honesty, but the
reason given for the liberation of the victims appears rather one of
pretence than reality. While those men were lying in confinement, a
ship belonging to the Earl of Warwick was to return to England from
Boston, and there is reason to believe that Mr. Gorton was favorably
known to his lordship, and that this same Robert Rich, Earl of War-
wick, had done much for New England, and was " a great friend and
patron of Puritan Divines." Therefore, that the news which might be
carried to the Earl by this ship, had something to do with the liberation
of Gorton and his friends, is highly probable. f
A ship belonging to Boston, named the Hopewell, of about
sixty tons, returned with a valuable cargo of wines, pitch, sugar,
ginger and other commodities. She had traded at a Spanish island near
Teneriffe.
There now sailed out of Boston harbor, five ships, three of
which were built here. Two of the three were of 300 tons
* There -was a special General Court, begun heard of " an Ordinance of the Lords and
7 March, 1644, at which, "finding that Gor- Commons assembled in Parliament, whereby
ton and his company did harm in the Towns Robert, Earl of Warwick, is made Governor in
where they were confined, and not knowing Chief, and Lord High Admiral of all those
what to do with them, at length agreed to sei Islands and Plantations within the bounds and
them at liberty, and gave them fourteen days upon the coasts of America." — Hazard, i. 533.
to depart out of our jurisdiction in all parts, The wholesome rebuke which the Rulers re-
and no more to come into it upon pain of ceived for this arrogant conduct will be found
death. This censure was thought too light noticed in its chronological order, three years
and favorable, but we knew not how in jus- later. Morton, in his Memorial, wrote against
tice we could inflict any punishment upon Gorton with unbecoming intemperance, and
them, the sentence of the Court being already Gorton answered him, which answer may be
passed." — Winthrop, Journal, ii. 150. seen in the Appendix to Hutchinson's Hist, of
f It is not unlikely that the Government had Masmchusetis, vol. i. p. 549, &c.
278 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1643.
burthen, and the other two of 160 tons each. In one of them were
many passengers bound for London ; among whom were " men of chief
rank in the count-ry." They carried much vahie in beaver.
By order of the General Court, all the Magistrates and the Teaching
Elders of the six nearest Churches, were appointed to be "forever
Governors of the College." Those " Governors" met at Cambridge to
" consider of the Officers of the College," and chose Herbert Pelham,
Esquire, Treasurer. He was the first in that office.
This year the General Court divided the Colony into four Counties :
Essex, Middlesex, Suffi3lk and Norfolk, after those shires of the same
name in England.* In reconstructing the Counties afterwards, those
of Norfolk and Suffolk became false to their names, and continue to
hold a geographical position in contempt of the meaning or true defi-
nition of them.f
Attempts were constantly made all along from the first settlement of
Boston, to induce those who had come here to emigrate to other places.
This year Governor Winthrop records that "the Lord Baltimore being
owner of much land near Virginia, being himself a Papist, and his
brother, Mr. Calvert, the Governor there a Papist also, but the Colony
consisted both of Protestants and Papists, he wrote a letter to Captain
Gibbons of Boston, and sent him a Commission, wherein he made tender
of land in Maryland to any of ours that would transport themselves
thither, with free liberty of religion, and all other privileges which the
place afforded, paying such annual rent as should be agreed upon ; but
our Captain had no mind to further his desire herein, nor had any of
our people temptation that way."
* Essex contained Salem, Linn, Enon (Wen- of the Causey leading toward Charlesto\vn."
ham), Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury, Gloucester, on condition, that within three years they
Chochichawick [Andover]. erect " vpon or neere some part of the prim-
MiDDLESEX contained Charlestown, Cam- ises, one or more Corn-Wills." This was an-
bridge, Watertown, Sudbury, Concord, Wo- nulled the same year. Select-men are now
burn, Medford, Linn Village [Reading]. recognized in the records as " Select-Towns-
SuFFOLK contained Boston, Roxbury, Dor- men." — " Jas. Oliver and Mr. Edwd. Tynge
Chester, DedhanijBraintree, Weymouth, Hing- may straighten their street pales from David
ham, Nantasket (Hull). Sellecke his corner poste unto the said Tynge's
Norfolk contained Salisbury, Hampton, diall poste."
Haverhill, Exeter, Dover, Strawberry-Bank Sept. 2^. — Arthur Perry, drummer, to have
(Portsmouth.) — Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. £9, for drumming for the Town a year and a
117. half.
f Jan. 30. — John Stevens and Henry Simons Nov. 27. — "William Franklin, black-smith,
admitted to inhabit. — John Smith, Gent., to chosen Constable in stead of Edward Tynge.
have his rate remitted, because of his great Arthur Pen-y to give his best diligence in
losses in Ireland. learning Geo. Clifford and Nathl. Newgate in
Feb. 27. — Thomas Grubbe, James Averill, all the skill and use of the drum. — Thomas
James Johnson, ]\Iyles Tame, Thos. Buttalph, Clarke, late of Dorchester, may " wharfe before
leather dressers, may have a place " to water his property in the Mill-field." — John Milom
their leather," near James Davis his house. — and Val. Hill the same in the same field ; the
Richd. Peapes desires to purchase a piece of last two to leave a landing place between
land " towards Mr. Blackstone's Beach." them. Wm. Tynge may wharf before his
April I. — Mr. Ilibbins and Capt. Gibbons property in the marsh near John Lowe's
chosen deputies to General Court. house. A Highway two rods wide to be pre-
Jufi/ 31. — Granted to Henry Simons, Geo. served on the Beach from Edw. Bendall's Cove
Burden, John Button, John Hill and " their toward John Gallop's Point,
partners, all that Cove on the northwest side
1644.]
STRANGE LIGHTS.
279
CHAPTER XXIX.
Ship blown up. — Prodigies. — Lights seen. — Strange Noises heard. — Submission of several Indian
Tribes. — Efforts to repair the Castle. — A Fur Company formed. — First Ship built in Boston. —
Daniel Gookin. — Appalling News from Virginia. — Ship captured in the Harbor. — Capt. Stagg.
— Great Excitement. — Case of the captured Ship. — One executed for Murder. — Another Prodigy.
— Honors to Gen. La Tour. — Arrival of his Lady. — Arrival of Roger Williams from England. —
Capture of another Ship in the Harbor. — Passaconaway's Submission. — A Fast. — Free Schools.
• — Election. — Ship Trial. — Her important Voyage. — Commerce encouraged. — Fur Traders
killed by Indians. — Capt. Hawkins' Voyage and Wreck. — Fort rebuilt. — Negro Slaves. — Case
of Smith and Keyser. — Gentlemen go to England and take part in the Wars. — Rainsborow, Stough-
ton, Bourne, Leverett, Hudson, &c. — Heretical Books. — Punishment of Partridge.
IN the course of July of the last year, there
arrived at Boston one Capt. John Chaddock,
whose father had been Governor of Bermuda.
^ He was one who volunteered m the ser-
vice of Gen. La Tour. Being now re-
turned here, he was about to sail for Trinidad*;
but as his vessel was riding before the Town she
w\as accidentally blown up. By that calamity
five men were killed, and three escaped badly
burned. The Captain happened to be on shore
at the time. Three of the same company had not
QQQ^^^ long before fallen from one of the ship's yards
into the sea and were drowned. All such acci-
dents or misfortunes were attributed to some wicked conduct of the
sufferers, but those which now happened were not put to the account
of these mariners for their having been engaged in the expedition
against D'Aulnay. During the past winter there had been seen
many strange lights, and many noises heard, to the great " affright-
ment " of the inhabitants.
As three men were approaching the Town in a boat about
midnight, they saw two lights "inform like a man" rise up
out of the water near the north point of the Town Cove, and after pass-
ing about in the direction of the Town, " vanished away" at the south
point of the same Cove. These strange lights w^ere seen about a c[uar-
ter of an hour. The names of the witnesses to their appearance are
not given, nor is there any mention made whether the deponents had
any instruments in their boat which might have contained magnifying
fluids of any kind, known in later times to have great efficacy in visual
phenomena. However, the chronicler of these wonders does not inti-
mate that he himself saw any of them. About a week after, the same
writer records that "the like lights were seen by many, arising about
Castle-Island," and that in about twelve minutes "they came to
280 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1G44.
John Gallop's Point."* Soon after "a light like the moon
arose about the north-east point in Boston," and met another at
Noddle's Island, and " there they closed in one, and then parted, and
closed and parted divers times, and so went over the hill in the island
and vanished. Sometimes they shot out flames and sometimes sparkles."
This was seen " by many " also, about eight o'clock in the evening.
About the same time a doleful voice was heard on the water between
Boston and Dorchester. The voice was "most dreadful," suddenly
shifting itself " from one place to another, about twenty times, and at a
great distance."
The evidence of the reality of the " doleful and dreadful voices" is
rather stronger than in the case of the lights, for they were " heard by
divers godly persons ;" and about fourteen days after they were heard
again on the other side of the town, towards Noddle's Island. It is
gravely stated that "these prodigies had some reference to the place
where Captain Chaddock's vessel was blown up," which gave occasion
for a report, that the man who was the cause of that accident, was a
necromancer, and had " done some strange things by his art in his Avay
from Virginia hither ;" that all the bodies blown up were found but his,
which never was. Hence it is left to be inferred that the master teacher
of the black art of necromancy took away the body as well as the soul
of his pupil, at the moment of the catastrophe.
Without a knowledge of these characteristics of the minds of the
early inhabitants, an indispensable criterion would be wanting by which
a just judgment is to be formed of their actuating motives. Minds
trammelled with such absurdities were readily attached to, and borne
away by the car freighted with the wildest hallucinations.
A deputation of Indians about Boston came and submitted
themselves to the Government of the country. They were
" Cutshemekin, Agawam,f and Josias, successor and heir of Chicka-
tabot." Their submission was in their own names, and in the names
of all the Sachems of Wachuset, and those from Merrimack to Tehticut.
Solnething more than a month after, Pessacus, the successor of Mian-
tonimo in tlie chieftainship of the Narragansets, sent Washose,
one of his Chiefs, to Boston, to request liberty of the Governor
that he might make war upon Uncas. The same messenger had come
upon the same errand in the preceding October, and then, as at this
time, his request was refused. He was told that if Pessacus made war
upon Uncas, the English w^ould fall upon the Narragansets.
A shock of an Earthquake was felt in different places, but it
was less violent than that before noticed, and does not appear
to have done much damage. There was a special Court called by the
Governor to act upon the important subject of putting in repair
the Fort on Castle Island, which had gone to ruin, as has been
* Before or at tlie close of the work, this f This was the name of the place, and not
and all like localities will be shown by an of the Chief. By it was undoubtedly meant
original map. Mascononio, who was Sachem of Agawam.
1G44.] FORT REBUILT. WESTERN FUR TRADE. 281
before observed, and to receive the submission of certain Indian tribes
which had been tendered. Several of the towns * had determined, that
if the General Court would not repair the fort, they would do it at their
own expense. However, after various objections to the measure and
"much debate," it was carried, and a grant of a hundred pounds was
made for its maintenance when it should be in defence, and a garrison
of twenty men residing in it. Fifty pounds more were granted for
fortifying Bird Island Passage. Then the Indians came into Court and
made their submission, and desired to be received under its protection.
They represented the Indians about Dorchester, Ipswich, Wachuset and
Meclford. They had the terms submitted to by Pomham and Socono-
noco explained to them, and also the ten commandments, to all of
which they freely assented. The Court gave each of them a coat of
two yards of cloth and their dinner ; and to them and their men, every
of them a cup of sack at their departure.
At the same Court " divers" of the merchants of Boston petitioned
to be incorporated into a Company for the purpose of pursuing the fur
trade at "the great lake," supposed to lie in the north-west part of
the Patent of the Colony. They asked for a Charter to run twenty-one
years. There was an opposition to granting such a monopoly, but
without its encouragement the merchants would not attempt to make
a discovery of the Lake, and the Court finally acceded. The discovery
was undertaken by way of the Delaware river, " under the conduct of
Mr. William Aspinwall, a good artist." But nothing was effected by
the enterprise, the Dutch and Swedes interposed difficulties, and the
undertaking was abandoned in about two months.
The first ship built in Boston was named the Trial. She
now concluded a prosperous voyage, under the conduct of
Master Thomas Graves. He took out a cargo of fish to Bilboa, which
he sold " at a good rate ;" thence he freighted for ]\Ialaga. He brought
home wine, fruit, oil, iron and wool, " which was a great advantage to
the country, and gave encouragement to trade. About two months
after the same ship was sent out upon the Eastern Coast to trade with
La Tour and others towards Canada."
The troubles in Virginia which arose in consequence of the Civil
M 20 ^^^' ^^ England,! caused an accession of several valuable men
^^ ' to the inhabitants of Boston. Among the most conspicuous of
these was Mr. Daniel Gookin.J They had escaped a great massacre
there by the Indians, the news of which they were the first to bring to
New England. It took place on the eighteenth and nineteenth of April,
in which near five hundred people are said to have perished. §
* These were Boston, CharlestowrijRoxbury, -with the history of New England. Further
Dorchester, Cambridge and Watertown, which notice of him ^--7>y . ^
were " near one half of the Commonwealth." will be taken /j/yf)'ii^t. /"^/vtR'YX
f Some declaring for the Parliament and hereafter. jL^ / UJc{Xi.' vJ^'X^ Jl,
others for the King. tr v. ^
J From this time forth his name is identified § Winthrop unhappily remarks upon this
36
282 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1644.
As the Civil War raged in England it occasioned alarms and difficul-
ties here. Until July of last year the Republicans had kept possession
of Bristol. On the twenty-second of that month it was compelled to
surrender to the Royalists under Rupert and the Marquis of Hertford.
Consequently the ships belonging to that city were adjudged prizes to
the Parliament's ships wherever they were found. There happened to
- be lying at this time at Boston, a Bristol ship of 100 tons,
' ^ " ' laden with fish and bound for Bilboa. Before this ship was
ready for sea, a Parliament man-of-war of twenty-four guns, Captain
Thomas Stagg, sailed into the harbor. Without consulting the Author-
ities he proceeded to demand the surrender of the Bristol ship. The
Master hesitating. Captain Stagg allowed him but half an hour in which
to make up his mind, having in the mean time moored and prepared his
ship to open hostilities if he refused to surrender. The affair being
known to the people of the Towm, there was a great assemblage of
them upon Windmill Hill to witness the issue. But the Master of the
Bristol ship not thinking it prudent to resist, surrendered without mak-
ing further opposition. The Deputy Governor wrote to Captain Stagg
to know what authority he had to take a step of this sort ? whereupon
he produced his commission from the Earl of Warwick. He was then
requested to take or to send his commission to the Governor at Salem,
which he did soon after.
This affair caused considerable excitement in Boston, and for breach
of the peace several were taken into custody. Among others a Bristol
merchant residing here endeavored to raise a party to attack Captain
Stagg, but being apprehended, the tumult was soon allayed. Some of
the Officers of Government were of the opinion that Captain Stagg had
invaded their liberties by coming into the Port and capturing a ship
under such circumstances, which opinion had before been advanced by
some of the Elders in their pulpits. But others were of a different
opinion. The latter maintained, that as Captain Stagg acted under the
authority of Parliament, and as the Parliament was of their own relig-
ion, and they had so openly declared in favor of its cause, should
they now oppose its authority, it would grieve all their friends in Eng-
land, and give countenance to those in the West Indies, Virginia and
elsewhere to continue their rebellious proceedings. These and other
similar arguments prevailed, and Captain Stagg was not further
molested.*
I\ia 29 "^^ ^^^ General Election this year, Mr. Endicott was chosen
^^ ' Governor, Mr. Winthrop Deputy. Mr. William Hathorne was
sad event, " that the evil was sent upon them mers, in his Political Annals of N. Eng., says
from God for their reviling the gospel and the people here " out-canted Cromwell." If
those faithful ministers he had sent among that Annalist meant by the use of that phrase
them." — Journal, ii. 165. In this he had to insinuate that the Puritan Fathers here were
reference to the rejection of Mr. Tompson hypocrites, it was a base calumny, and his prej-
and Mr, Knowles, who were sent as mission- udices will be ranked higher, probably, than
aries to Virginia two years before. See his philosophy. He wrote in the time of our
(inte, p. 247. great Revolution, and published his work be-
* in writing of the affairs of this time, Chal- fore the close of jt, Hud lie published it after
1644.] GENERAL LA TOUR AND HIS LADY. 283
made speaker of the House of Deputies, who was the first of such
officers after the General Court was divided into two Houses. Consid-
erable emulation had been growing up between Salem and Boston ; the
former had begun to feel that Boston was taking the lead in various
ways. It was doubtless a little mortifying to Mr. Endicott and the
people in the country about Salem, to see the older-settled place falling
l3ehind the other in importance ; and that consequently the men of
talent and worth there would be obliged to hold secondary places, how-
ever superior their abilities might be to others in Boston. Therefore a
grand effort was made by the Essex people to turn the scales of Gov-
ernment, by having a majority in it of members favorable to their cause.
They felt encouraged, now that Mr. Endicott was again Governor, and
looked forward to the time when Salem should be the Seat of Govern-
ment. But the Boston men had acquired too extensive an influence,
and the Essex men failed in their design. Winthrop ungenerously
called the effort of the Salem people a "plot," and speaks of the
matter as though some dishonor was attached to it, which does not
appear to have been the case.
A man named William Franklin was condemned to die, and was
afterwards hanged for the murder of a boy named Nathaniel Sewell.
The boy was one of the twenty children brought to Boston last year by
the ship Seabridge, from London. Being put an apprentice to Frank-
lin, it appeared that he came to his death through the cruel and bar-
barous treatment of his master.
It is related, that about nine in the evening, there fell a great
"^' ' flame of fire down into the water towards Pullen Point ; that it
lighted the air far about ; but that it was no lightning, for the sky was
very clear. Thus an ordinary meteor was taken for a prodigy.
General La Tour, who had been several days in Boston, and
^^ ■ ' was entertained with much respect and great hospitality, sailed
hence, receiving distinguishing marks of honor. The train-bands made
a guard for him to his boat, and the Deputy Governor and other distin-
guished gentlemen accompanied him to the wharf. On coming on
board his bark, which carried six guns, he discharged them all as a
salute, which salute was answered by the soldiers with their pieces,
and one cannon ; while the four ships then in the harbor each honored
his departure with a discharge of three pieces of ordnance.
Only eight days after the departure of General La Tour, his
^^ ■ ■ Lady arrived in a ship from London, commanded by a Captain
Bayley. They narrowly escaped falling into the hands of D'Aulnay,
who knew of their being upon the voyage ; and, in cruising for them,
he fell in with the ship in which they were, but Captain Bayley had
the address to deceive him, as to who he was, and thus arrived safe at
Boston, bringing a letter from D'Aulnay to the Governor about his diffi-
culties with La Tour.
that event, he might more aptly have said Third, and he would have found none to dis-
that George Washington out-canted George the pute him.
284 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1644.
Being arrived in Boston, Madam La Tour brought an action against
Captain Bayley for damages. It appeared that he had agreed to trans-
port her directly to Acadia, and that she had come with stores and
munitions to the aid of her husband, and the damage consisted in the
unreasonable length of the voyage ; it being of about six months' dura-
tion. The jury gave her 2000 pounds, for which Captain Bayley's ship
was attached, but on taking account of the cargo it was valued only at
1100 pounds, and it cost the Lady about 700 pounds to hire vessels to
convey her and her effects to Acadia.
As might have been, and probably was expected, the owners of the
ship and cargo attached by the Lady La Tour took the first opportunity
to indemnify themselves. They seized a Boston ship in London the
next year, but soon released her, probably doubting their ability to hold
her ; or, perhaps they thought it a more expeditious way of realizing
money to attach the iDodies of Mr. Stephen Winthrop, son of the Gov-
ernor, and Captain Joseph Weld, who happened then to be in London.
The former was recorder of the Court in Boston, and the latter was one
of the jury in the case of Captain Bayley's ship. And had it not been
for the interference of Sir Henry Vane, these gentlemen would have
been seriously troubled, as they were held to bail in the sum of 4000
pounds. The kindness of Mr. Vane is handsomely acknowledged by
Governor Winthrop, who says, " both now and at other times Mr. Vane
showed himself a true friend of New England, and a man of a noble and
generous mind." The suit ended in a bill of costs to both parties, after
much vexation to all concerned.
At or about the same time Mr. Roger Williams arrived here, but
whether in Captain Bayley's or by another ship is not mentioned. He
came with an absolute charter of Rhode Island, and " letters from divers
Lords and others of the Parhament,"* which were expressed in the
most favorable terms of the man whose memory is at this day cherished
throughout the world as the great assertor of Civil Liberty. They
spoke of " his printed Indian labors, the like whereof they had not seen
extant from any part of America," and that "it had pleased both
Houses of Parliament freely to grant him, and friends with him, a
Charter for those parts of his abode. "f
There was now riding in the harbor a Dartmouth ship, and among
others a Londoner, Captain Richardson. Dartmouth had not long
* The letter to the Governor and Assistants Prince Paipert was entirely cut to pieces, suf-
was signed by Northumberland, Robert Harley, fering a loss of above 10,000 men, with their
■William Mashnm, John Gurdon, Cor. Holland, arms, artillery, ammunition, &c. This was
/. Blakiston, P. Wharton, Thomas Barring- one of the greatest battles of the war, and had
ton, Oliver St. John, Isaac Pennington, Gilbert tlie news of it reached Boston at this time,
Pykering, and Miles Corbet. — Winthrop, Jour- Winthrop could hardly have failed to notice
nal, ii. 193. The date of the letter Winthrop it, and, in imitation of Parliament, to have
did not preserve. It is entered in his Journal celebrated it by a Thanksgiving. Nothing
between tlie 17th and 19th of Sept. had given the Parliament such confidence in
f It may be that Mr. Williams left England the final success of their cause since the war
before the memorable battle of Mars ton-Moor, began, and its effects were sensibly felt here,
which was fought on the 2d and 3d of July of In his Thanksgiving Sermon before Parliament
this year, in which the royalist army under on the 18th of July, fifteen days after the bat
1644.] CASE OF A DARTMOUTH SHIP. 285
before fallen into the King's hands, and hence a parallel case to that
before related. Captain Richardson seized the Dartmouth ship, but as
that ship had before been surrendered to the Government, the Captain
of the London ship was obliged to relinquish his prize. He would not
probably have so readily yielded, but being within range of the guns
of the Castle, he could not safely do otherwise ; and it appeared that
Captain Richardson had not a requisite commission for making captures,
and secondly, if the Dartmouth ship were made a prize of, some Boston
merchants stood ready to take her, as one of their own had lately been
taken by the royalists in Wales. However, one or two shots were ex-
changed between the Castle and the London ship, but no one was
hurt, though at one time the business looked very serious. Captain
Richardson was fined a barrel of powder, and ordered to satisfy the
soldiers who had been called out to bring him to terms. The Govern-
ment then, " with advice of divers of the Elders," proceeded to con-
fiscate the Dartmouth ship.
The apology for these and similar irregular proceedings is to be
found in the distracted state of England, and the advantage which it
gave to the unscrupulous in all places to turn the misfortunes of others
to their own private advantage.
Q^^ ^g Li this state of afiliirs the work at Castle Island was earnestly
pressed, and Mr. Richard Davenport was appointed to take the
command of the fort. He is the same before mentioned, who, under the
authority of Mr. Endicott, cut out the Cross in the Ensign, and whether
in memory of that circumstance or not, is not stated, but in a short time
after, having a child born, he named it Truecross. This child was a
daughter, who married Stephen Minot, in 1654. Captain Davenport
had been in the Pequot war. He commanded the Castle till July,
1665, being then killed by lightning.*
tie, Mr. Richard Vines said, he could say as in its forme at the Castle Island." An High-
the Roman historian said after the defeat of way ordered to be laid out " to the South
Hannibal by Scipio, — "The Roman Empire Windmill that lyeth betweene Thos. Whee-
had not seen a greater day," — " nor England lar's and Robt. Woodward's gardens." Ens,
than that of Marston-Moor," though in the Savage, Mathew Chafeth,* Isaak Cullimore,
first summer of the war, he says " God wrote John Gallop, Sen., John Sweet, John Hill and
himself our God in great letters at Edge Hill." Samson Shore may make wharfs before their
* See Antiqua. Jour. iv. 353. properties in the ISIill-field. Gryphen Bowin,
Jan. 8. — A Committee appointed to treat Gent., may have a house lot if there are any.
with all the neighboring^ towns concerning a Mar. 18. — Anthony Stoddard may make an
convenient way of fortifying the Castle. Wm. entrance from the street into his cellar " near
Hibbins, Gent., Mr. John Wilson, Deac. Wm. our Pastor's house " [Wilson]. James Oliver
Colbron consti- may "open his shop-window-board two feet
tuted the Com- /j^.*/^ t^-olr^'f^ ' ioto the street."
mittee. Agreed ■^'^ Apl.2d. — Christopher Stanley may wharf
that the fortification begun on Fort Hill, and before his property in the Mill-field near Win-
another "somewhere about Walter Merry's nesemet-ferry.
Point, shall be raised." That is, built up. Juli/ 29. — Zache Bozworth appointed
Jan. 19. — Granted Mr. John Winthrop, Jr., Pound-keeper. Walter Merry may "wharf
and his partners, 3000 acres of common land before his property by his present dwelling."
at Braintree, to encourage the setting up Iron Charity White to have 265. for keeping John
Works, to be a!)out Monotocot river.
Jan. 29. — Boston agrees to provide all the * ^'^'^ ^'^ autograph, ante, p. 243. I make his signature
+;rv,K<^,. <\., ,.^ ;_; i-u n ii j i. ., i -Z. read Mathew Chaffe. lie was a petitioner for placing the
timber lor repairing the Castle, and to " lay it new Meeting-house at tke Green. .
286 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1645.
At a Town-meeting, Major Gibbons was chosen a Committee
to give orders concerning the Fortifications in the Town.*
There was purchased of Thomas Scotto, for the use of the town, his
M 31 dwelling-house, yard and garden, for fifty-five pounds. It
was bounded on the north by lands of Henry Messenger, on
the east by Mr. Richard Hutchinson's, by the common street south,
and the burying place west.f
^ Passaconaway, Sachem on Merrimack river, and his sons came
to Boston and put themselves, lands and people under the Govern-
ment of the English ; making a formal submission, as Pumham and
Socononoco had done.
The troubles in England continuing, a Fast was held by order
'^ ■ of the General Court. A drought had been very severe, and this
was comprehended in the objects to be fasted for ; but for this, Win-
throp says, they were prevented from praying "by the Lord's sending
them rain."
The establishment of free schools was early attended to, as has
already been mentioned. This year the Town ordered fifty pounds
should be allowed yearly forever to a master, and a house for him to
live in, and thirty pounds to an usher ; they were to teach reading,
writing and ciphering, and Indian children were to be taught gratis.|
This order was confirmed by the General Court.
j^j^ ^^ At the Court of Election at Boston, Thomas Dudley was
^^ ' chosen Governor, Winthrop Deputy Governor, and Endicott
"Sergeant Major General." Herbert Pelham, Esq.,§ was chosen
Berry 13 weeks. Nicholas Upshall may wharf ling, Sergt. Davis and Edwd. Bendall are ap-
before his hxnd in Mill-field. Richd, Lippencot pointed to hire eight tit men for the garrison
admitted a townsman. at the Castle.
Dec. 2. — Jasper Rawline may improve a April 2S. — Thos. Joy is fined 20s. for not
rod of upland at the eastern end of Serg. Hues making the passage as ordered 2 Dec. David
his Cornfield near Rocksbury-gate, for the Pheppen may wharf before his property near
making of bricks. Thomas Joy ordered to Mill Creek.
" make a safe passage way over his sellar in May 26. — John Mylom * to make safe the
the high way by the water in the Mill-field, passage over the bridge near Leonard Battle's
in two days." Mr. Woodbridge to be paid £8, house, within three days, or a fine of 20s. t-;
due him for keeping the school last year. A be levied,
sufficient cartway ordered to be made " in the J See ante, p. 182.
street," from the Cove toward Charlestown. ^ Although Mr. Pelham had just arrived in
The Town to bear half the charge and the the country, such was his distinction that he
" neighbors " the rest. This was Dec. 30. was at once elected an Assistant, and also one
Dear Island is let to James Penn and John of the Commissioners of the United Colonies.
Oliver for three years, for £7 a year, for the He was of the fiimily of the Duke of New-
use of the school. castle, returned to England and lived upon his
* Edward Mills admitted townsman ; — 10s. estate in the country there, 1650. He had
to be paid widow Howin towards her relief in charge of the aflliirs of the Colony in that
consideration of her shop in the market-place country, respecting propagating the gospel
speedily to he removed. Joshua Scotto to among the Indians. — Hutchinson, i. 144.
straighten his pule at the head of his house Farmer, following Johnson, says Mr. Pelham
plat near John Lowe's house, as the head of came over in 1639. He might also come over
John Lowe's pales run, and to have that marsh in 1645, as Hutchinson says, but Hutchinson
therein contained. is no doubt mistaken in supposing that he had
f Macklin Knight, Wm. Parsons, Jonathan not been in the country before 1645. The
Balston and Thomas Smith admitted towns- subject of propagating the gospel in America
men.
April 10. — Thos. Marshall, Wm. Frank- * Sec his autograph, ante, p. 2i3.
1645.] CAPTAIN THOMAS HAWKINS. 287
Assistant in place of Captain Israel Stoughton, who had been in Eng-
land the preceding year, and now had gone again for that country.
Captain Keayne and Major Gibbons represented Boston, and Captain
George Cook was speaker.
In the course of the year the ship Trial of Boston completed a pros-
perous, though perilous voyage. She had been to England and Hol-
land, and had experienced "divers most desperate dangers ;" having
been forced upon the sands of Flushing, and again upon those of Dover.
There arrived also the Endeavor of Cambridge. In all, about eleven
ships had arrived, bringing linen, woollen, shoes, stockings and other
useful commodities, so that the inhabitants "had plenty of all things."
The ships took in exchange, wheat, rye, peas and other produce of the
country. The export in corn alone amounted this year to 20,000
bushels. Thus commerce flourished and the people were much en-
couraged.
Meantime a serious misfortune happened to the crew of a small bark
which some Boston merchants had sent out to trade for furs in Delaware
Bay, under the conduct of one Captain Luther. The bark continued in
the Bay through the winter, and in the spring they began to trade with
the Indians, and had good success ; but as she was about to come away,
fifteen Indians came on board, apparently to trade as usual, and having
weapons concealed under their blankets, suddenly rushed upon the men,
killed all but two, whom they took captive, and then plundered the
vessel. The Captain was among the slain, and the interpreter and a
boy were the prisoners. The interpreter however was well treated, and
had a large share of the spoil, and it was supposed he had been the
occasion of the massacre, for he had been put out of his place of inter-
preter for his misconduct. His name was Redman. Soon after, other
Indians surprised those who had committed the piracy, killed their
Chief and took away their plunder. Meanwhile the Governor of New
Sweden, Mr. John Printz, employed an Indian Chief to bring the cap-
tives to him, and they were now brought to Boston. Redman
^^ ' was afterwards tried for his life, and found guilty by the Grand
Jury ; but he was ultimately acquitted.
Other disasters followed. Capt. Thomas Hawkins, of whom mention
has been made before, a man of enterprise, who had been a shipwright
of London, built, and sent out last year, a ship of 400 tons. She was
probably the largest and handsomest ship which had ever been built
here, having ornamental carved work, and being painted with taste and
skill. She was called the Seafort, in compliment to her strength.
This ship, in company with Captain Kerman in a London ship, sailed
was brought before Parliament while Mr. Pel- Ward of Suffolk, Jeremiah Burroughes of
ham was in New England, by the Rev. Wil- Norfolk, John Rawlinson of Derby ; Daniel
liam Castell, of Courtenhall, in Northampton- Featley, Edward Marbury, Edmond Calamy,
shire. His application was by petition, " ap- Adomiram Byfield, William Janeway, Joseph
proved by 70 able English Divines." Among Caryll, Math'ias Styles and Stephen Denison
those Divines we find John AVhite of Dorset- of London ; Daniel Rogers of Peterborough,
shire, Henry Paynter of Devonshire, .John and others. See Force's Tracts, vol. i.
288 HISTORY OF BOSTON. " [1645.
for ]\Ialaga Avith tobacco and other commodities. They were both cast
away on the coast of Spain in December, about five miles from Cales.
Nineteen of those on board perished, among whom were Captain Ker-
man, Captain Coytmore of Charlestown, a Mr. Pratt and his wife. Mr.
Pratt was a surgeon of high repute in the country, had been here many
years, was of Mr. Hooker's Church before he went to Connecticut, and
probably came over with him, or at the same time. The great demand
for surgeons, by reason of the Civil War, influenced him to go for Eng-
land, though he was over sixty years of age. He left no posterity.
Those who escaped with their lives were pillaged of almost everything
after they had reached the shore, by the barbarous natives on the coast ;
but when they came to Cales the Spaniards treated them kindly, gave
the women and others clothes, many of whom escaped from the wrecks
without shoes or garments, and the Governor of the place gave Captain
Hawkins 500 pounds for the wreck of his ship, and he and his company
soon after proceeded to London in an English ship, which then hap-
pened to lie at Cales. The name of the Captain of this ship was
Mariot, whose kindness to those shipwrecked people should be remem-
bered, for " he clothed many of them with his own clothes," and did all
in his power to alleviate their sufferings. Singular as it may appear.
Captain Hawkins was cast away again the following year, at the
same place, as were five other ships in his company. But this time his
people were all saved.
This year there was a cruel attempt to bring Negroes from Africa to
this market for slaves. One Capt. James Smith, with a mate of the
name of Thomas Keyser, made a voyage to Guinea, and there joining
some Londoners, landed in the country, attacked and killed many of
the Negroes. They appear to have brought but two to Boston. The
manner of their capture coming to the knowledge of the Government,
Smith and Keyser were, on the motion of Richard Saltonstall, Esq.,
prosecuted and held to answer.
One of the Negroes was sold to Mr. Francis "Williams of Pascataqua,
who was required to return him to Boston that he might be restored to
his native country, and the General Court passed an act prohibiting
Slavery. This act however was afterwards repealed, or disregarded.
Four years before, a law was made " that there shall never be any bond
slavery" in the Colony; and the following year, 1646, with special
reference to the transaction of Smith and Keyser, the Court enacted,
that " it was bound by the first opportunity to bear witness against the
heinous and crying sin of man-stealing, as also to prescribe such
timely redress for what was past, and such a law for the future, as
might sufficiently deter all others belonging to the Colony to have to
do in such vile and most odious courses, that the Negro interpreter,
with others unlawfully taken, be by the first opportunity, at the charge
of the Country for the present, sent to his native country, Guinea."
Nothing further appears in the printed statutes upon Negro slavery
until 170o. Then a law was made merely to prevent owners of slaves
wia&i»fflSifiai;#Aiii
1645.] BOSTON MEN GO TO THE WAR IN ENGLAND. 289
setting them at liberty without becoming responsible to the country in
"all charge for or about them," and prohibiting them and Indians from
being abroad after nine o'clock in the evening. This law was occa-
sioned by a war with the Indians which broke out that year.
Notice has been taken of the departure of Captain Stoughton for
England, and that there went with him several others. These were
military men, and considered the best in the country. The most of
them doubtless went to take part in the war which raged in England,
and who had learned that the " Popish party," as they considered that
of the King, was in a fair way to be overthrown. The fame of Crom-
well had reached them, and he was a Puritan of the right stamp ; who
had, in the battle of Marston Moor, acquired the name of Ironsides for
achieving the victory when it was supposed to be lost ; and that, above
all, he and his followers fought "for conscience sake," knowing "from
within that their cause was just."
Soon after Mr. Stoughton's arrival in England he was made Lieu-
tenant Colonel under his friend Col. William Rainesborow, who had
formerly lived here at Charlestown ; Mr. Nehemiah Bourne, a ship-
carpenter, was made a Major in the same regiment. He went from
Boston. From the land he was transferred to the sea service. Mr.
John Leverett, of Boston, afterwards Governor of the Colony, was made
Captain of foot, and William Hudson,* Ensign in his company, and Mr.
Lioll, Surgeon to the Earl of Manchester's Life Guard. These all did
eminent service, and all, except Mr. Stoughton, returned again "to their
wives and families." He fell sick and died at Lincoln. For his good
service. Captain Leverett was created a Knight and Baronet ; but
owing probably to a jealousy which might arise among his friends, he
kept his title to himself, making no display of its honors ; or, it may
be, that such titles did not comport with his ideas of a Christian Com-
monwealth.
There was considerable agitation during the session of the General
Court, which continued from the fourteenth of May to the fifth of July,
respecting captures of ships in the harbor, and there was a proposition
to commit the subject to the military officers. The discriminating part
of the Court thought the delegation of such a power to the Military
would be attended with difficulties, and result in injuries to the general
good ; but the majority of the Court consisting of military men, the
measure was carried. The difficulty with Captain Stagg was the prin-
cipal cause of the present agitation. The Deputies desired to pass a
bill giving security and protection to all ships which should come into
the port as friends, and although it passed in their branch, the Magis-
trates would not consent to it, because it would bring them into collision
* The Autograph of William Hudsoo, as
copied from the i-ecords of this period. There
were several famrlies of Hudson in Boston at
this time. — See Antiqu. Journal, n. 190.
37
290 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1G45.
with the Parliament. A similar bill, however, did pass in a modified
form, which authorized Major Gibbons, of Boston, and Major Sedgwick
of Charlestown, to keep the peace in their respective towns, "and not
to permit any ships to fight in the harbor without license from Author-
ity."
A new watch-house erected on Fort Hill was struck with light-
"^ "^ ^' ning. The boards and timber at one end of it were torn in
pieces, and it was otherwise damaged.
About this time notice is taken of the importation of books into the
country. They would not probably have been mentioned, but for their
contents giving offence ; " some in defence of Anabaptism and other
errors, and for liberty of conscience as a shelter for their toleration ;
others in maintenance of the Presbyterial government against the Con-
gregational way here." These books were the occasion of a sort of
Synod, which convened at Cambridge, in which the books were exam-
ined and answers to them written. These answers were sent to Eng-
land to be printed.
The appearance of the heretical books doubtless had some influence
on the case of Captain Alexander Partridge. He was an Anabaptist,*
and appears to have arrived in New England in October of this year.
He had been in the service of Parliament, but on his voyage to Boston
" he broached and zealously maintained divers points of Antinomianism
and Famalism." Being called before the Magistrates, he refused to
answer their interrogations. At length he consented to confer with Mr.
Cotton, which having done, Mr. Cotton reported that "he found him
corrupt in his judgment, but ignorant of those points which he had
maintained, and that, upon argument, he was come off from some of
the worst of them, and he had good hope to reclaim him wholly."
This did not satisfy some of the Magistrates, and they insisted that he
should sign a paper that he relinquished the whole. This, of course,
as a conscientious man, he could not do, until he was convinced, and
this should have been sufficient ; but this did not satisfy the majority
of the Rulers. There was the law of banishment made in Mr. Wheel-
wright's case, and the last year a law had been made for the banishment
of Anabaptists. Some of the Magistrates, indeed, pleaded for the sus-
pension of the operation of those laws, and urged the cruelty of banish-
ing persons at this season of the year. Nevertheless, there was a ma-
jority of one or two for banishment, and the sentence was accordingly
* Dr. Daniel Featly this note was intended to represent a fol-
came out this year upon lower of David George, of whom he makes
the Anabaptists, as he some mention in his Dipper, p. 28.
did twenty years before To show how English Churchmen as well as
on the Roman Catholics. Puritans abhorred the Anabaptists, the foUow-
His curious book against ing is extracted from the Epistolce Ho-EUancB, of
them is entitled The Dip- the learned and curious James Howell. " If
per Dipt, or the Annhap- I hate any," he says, " 'tis those schismatics
tists Duck'd and Plung'd that puzzle the sweet peace of our Church, so
over Head and Ears, &c. To this there is a tliat I could be content to See an Anabaptist
frontispiece by Marshall, in which are repre- go to Hell on a Brownist's back." — Page 270,
sented fifteen sorts of Baptists. The cut in edition, 172G. Howell wrote in 1G35.
1645.] TITLES TO LANDS. 291
pronounced by the Court on Captain Partridge.* He soon after found
his way to Rhode Island. It should be remembered that the Elders
used their exertions to effect the result accomplished.
IIow far the grants of the Town, of lands to the inhabitants, were to
be considered complete titles of such grants, seems to have been a
question among some of the grantees ; for, at a meeting of the Select
Men, it was ordered, that, "whereas the severall graunts of
^^ ■ " ■ howslots and other lands, recorded in this Towne Booke, are
entered onely as graunted to the ptyes themselves, without mention
of their heyres, it hath bene thought fitt to be hereby declared and or-
dered," that all such grants should "be estates in fee simple," except
such estates as had been granted for a term of years.
The winter set in very early, and is recorded " as the earliest and
sharpest" since Boston was settled ; and that the " cold was as vehe-
ment to the southward as here. Ships were put from their anchors
with the ice and driven on shore, and one ketch was carried out
to sea and wrecked on Lovell's Island." i
* Notwithstanding this treatment, he and and 30s. more for drum heads. Alexander
Gov. Coddington, " in bohalt'e of the Ilanders Becke paid £4, 75. for the marsh granted him,
of Roode Ihmd," requested that they might 31 : 1 : 1645.
be " resceauied into combination with all the Oct. 27. — " Ordered yt ye Constables shall
vnited Colonyes of New England." They wei-e sett off 6s of Henry Messenger's rates for mend-
answered that Rhode Island was within the ing the Schoole Mr. his pt of the ptition fence
bounds of Plymouth ; that their " present betweene their gardens." The remains of the
state was full of confusion and danger, haueing marsh in the Town's hands, over against John
much disturbance amongist themselves, and noe Barrel's house, is granted to Edward Bendall,
security from the Indians ;" that though the his paying therefor what Wm. Colbron and
Commissioners desired, " in severall respects," John Oliver said it was worth, but he refused
to afford advice and help, all they could do it at their price.
then was to " consider and advize how. they Dec. 26. — "Select men" chosen. They
might be accepted vpon iust termes, and with had for some time been denominated " Select
tender respects to their consciences." — Haz- townsmen." They were at this time, Win-
ard, ii. 99-100. throp, Hibbins. Gibbons, Keayne, Thos. Fowle,
f Sept. 15. — Wm. Colbron and James Penn Colbron, Hill, Eliot, and Penn.
are appointed "to lay out the way" through Dec. 29. — James Penn is chosen Recorder
the gardens towards the south Wind-mill. To and Treasurer. — The town guarantees to Sam-
begin between Nicholas Parker's house and uel Maverick. Gent., that his contribution to-
Robt. Renolds' garden, and to go forth be- wards the Fort on Castle Island shall be re-
tween Amos Richardson's and John Palmer's funded, in case said Garrison be defeated or
house. demolished, except by adversary power, within
&;;^. 29. — A house lot is granted to Arthur three years. Ordered that Mr. Fowle and
Clarke next the lot of John Search. — Arthur James Penn with the Constable shall take
Perry to have £5, for drumming the last year, Wm. Fruucklin's account, " lat ConstubJo "
292 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1646.
CHAPTER XXX.
Fever in the Town. — Death of Mr. John Oliver. — Dudley elected Governor. — Episcopalian Troubles.
— Vassall, Child, and others. — They petition the General Court. — Prosecuted for it. — The Sub-
ject examined. — Opinion of the Elders upon the Authority of Parliament over them. — Dr. Child
■ before the Court. — The Court divided. — Child and others imprisoned. — Their Papers seized. —
Prevented from proceeding on their Voyage to England. — An Agent sent to England. — Voyage
of the Ship Supply. — New England's Jonas. — New England's Salamander. — Some Narraganset
Indians in Boston. — Anabaptists. — La Tour's Conduct. — Return of an Indian Captive. — Large
Arrival of Wine. — Arrival of Capt. Cromwell. — Return of Gorton and others, with an Order of
Parliamentary Commissioners. — Termination of the Troubles with the Rhode Island People.
^
GORGES OF WRAXALL.
As is not uncommon now, after a sharp winter, the
spring of this year "opened early and more seasonably
.■_^^^y than many before it;" but it was attended with sadness
i^^m to several families, owing to a malignant fever which
proved very fatal ; often terminating in five or six
days. Among those cut off in Boston, Mr. John
Oliver, "a gracious young man," is specially men-
tioned ; though " not full thirty years of age, he was
^ an expert soldier, an excellent surveyor of land, and
one who, for the sweetness of his disposition, was gen-
erally beloved) and greatly lamented." He was designed for the minis-
try, and had " exercised publicly for two years." f
The first appearance of any peculiar malady or disease in the town
appears to be taken notice of by Governor Winthrop in his Journal, for
which scientific medical men will hereafter feel greatly obliged to him.
At or near the commencement of this year the Governor mentions " a
disease which raised a scandal upon the Town," but from all he does
say about it, there is some uncertainty as to what the disease was.
Perhaps those curious in the matter may be better able to decide the
question than the Historian, and they are therefore referred to the orig-
inal Authority.
At the May Election, Mr. Dudley and Mr. Winthrop changed
^^ ^' places ; Mr. Endicott kept his place of Serjeant Major General ;
and he was also elected one of the Commissioners of the United Colo-
nies, and Mr. Herbert Pelham was the other. Mr. Edward Norris
preached the Sermon. Hathorne was again Speaker, and Gibbons and
Keyane represented the Town.
The Episcopalians in Boston and its vicinity had hitherto been rather
quiet, which may be attributed to the smallness of their numbers. But
now, some accessions having been made to their ranks, consisting of
individuals of birth and standing, they thought it time to assert their
right to the same religious privileges as those enjoyed by others. Mr.
•Arms as borne by "Edward Gorges, of f He belonged to a distinguished famirj, for
Wraxall, in Conn. Somerset, Esqr.," in 1673. a pedigree of vyhich, so far as my limits will
See Blome's Britannia, also ante, p. 249. admit, see next page.
PEDIGREE OF THE OLIVER FAMILY.
-293
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294 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1646.
William Vassall, Dr. Robert Child, and Mr. Samuel Maverick were the
leaders of the Churchmen. Mr. Vassall was early conspicuous in the
Massachusetts Company,* and chosen a member of its government in
1629. He came over with his family the next year with the second, or
Boston Colony, but returned again the same year. In 1635 he came
again to New England, and settled at Scituate, where he was highly
respected. After the persecutions about to be related, he returned to
England.! Dr. Child was a young man, had been in Boston or its
neighborhood about two years, and came over, it is said, to examine
into the mineral wealth of the country. He was a man of learning, and
had received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at Padua. Mr. Samuel
Maverick is the same often mentioned in the previous pages of this
history. These, with Mr. Thomas Fowle,t a merchant in Boston, Mr.
Thomas Burton, § Mr. David Yale, || Mr. John Smith,** and Mr. John
Dand,tt presented to the General Court a "Remonstrance and
'^^ ■ humble petition, "JJ which they commenced by complimenting the
Government for its "eminent gifts, continual care and constant vigi-
lancie, which hath procured unto this wilderness Peace and Plenty,
while their native land was so sharply afflicted with the devouring
sword." They then call attention to the " poor handfull here plant-
ed," and to the storm which was hanging over their heads, prepared
to burst upon them as a punishment for their sins. They reminded the
Court of the "unwonted malignant sicknesses and noysome shamefull
diseases," afflicting the Country, evidently insinuating that their intol-
* See ante. pp. 55, 70, 90. 8 Oct., 1651. He had sons, Joseph, David, b.
f The present Lord Holland takes the Vas- Boston, 18 Sept. 1645, Theophilus, h. in Bos-
eall in his name from this family, and his ton, 14 Jan. 1651. See Geneal. of the Yale
ancestors were, by marriage, heirs to part of Family, by Mr. Elihu Yale, 8vo., New Haven,
the estate of his brother, Samuel Vassall. — 1850. Mr. Yale's estate in Boston was on
See Debrett's Peerage. what is now Pemberton Square.
J The same who was Select-man last year. ** " He formei-ly lived about two or three
See ante, p. 291. He was before this prepar- years in Boston, but had removed to Rhode
ing to leave the country, and after he left he Island before this Remonstrance." — New
sent for his wife and children, as Mr. Winslow England^ s Salamander.
heard, and published in his New England's Sal- ff " He hath lived in Boston as a sojourner
amander. since these warres in another man's house at
^ Little appears to be known of this gentle- board-hire, — whose businesse and occupations
man. From the researches of H. N. Otis, there are unknown to us ; and whose carriage
Esq., of New York, it appears that " Thomas till this present was seemingly faii-e." — Ibid.
Burton" married Margaret, daughter of the From this it would soem that Mr. Dand came
first John Otis, of Hingham. See N. E. Antiq. over to escape the troubles in England, and
Jour., ii. 283-4. From this marriage there perhaps to reside here, but, finding his religious
were many descendants in Plymouth Colony, views were disliked, concluded to return.
"Mr. Stephen Burton," who married Eliza- Johnson says these "persons were of a
beth, daughter of Gov. Josiah Winslow, was linsiwolsie disposition, some for prelacy, some
probal)ly son of Thomas. — See ibid. , vi. 348. for presbytery, and some for plebsbytery. " He
II He came to New England in 1637, settled is very partial. — SeeWonder Work. Prov. 202.
in New Haven ; in 1645 he settled in Boston, JJ It is an extensive document, and may be
as a merchant. He bought a house and gar- read with profit in this connection. It is to be
den of Edward Bendall, 23 Aug., 1645. Ow- found in '■'■New England's Jonas Cast up at
ing probably to the rigorous government here, London,'' and occupies seven close octavo
he returned to England, and did not reside pages in that work in Force's Tracts, vol. 4.
permanently again in this country. On leav- It may also be found in the Mass. Hist. Sac.
ing Boston he gave Capt. Thomas Clark, and Colls., and in Hutchinson's Coll. of Orig. Pa-
Capt. Thomas Lake a power of attorney, dated pers, 188-196.
1646.] TROUBLES WITH THE EPISCOPALIANS. 295
erance and disregard of the laws of England had been the occasion of
them.
The Court considered the petition of a seditious character, and
ordered the Petitioners before it. Winthrop, Dudley, Pelham, Flint,
Hibbins, Nowell, Bellingham and Bradstreet constituted the Court.
The Petitioners were charged with " contemptuous and seditious ex-
pressions, and were required to find sureties for their good behavior."
The Court ordered an answer to the Petition to be drawn up and pub-
lished, which was accordingly done.*
Meantime there was much agitation in the community. The Civil
Authorities had applied to the Elders for their opinions respecting the
bearing of the laws of England upon the Government here. They had
been thrown into great confusion by the plain statements of Doctor
Child, to meet and overcome which they had found it necessary to act
quite as independent of England as their posterity did a little more than
one hundred years later, when they undertook to discharge the contents
of certain chests of tea into the harbor, instead of the warehouses to
which they were destined. Fortunately for Boston, at this early
day, the Government of England was too unsettled itself to under-
take to settle the Government here. However, the Elders gave in
a very sensible opinion. That the Colony received its power of gov-
ernment and other privileges from England by Charter ; that they owed
allegiance and fidelity ta that Country, and were dependent upon it for
protection, with much more, bearing equally against the arguments for
Independence.
The Court came together by adjournment in November, in
'which the case of Dr. Child and others was taken up. Meanwhile
Mr. Fowle had made preparations to sail for England. He was there-
fore sent for by the Court, as was also Mr. John Smith of Rhode Island,
who was then in Boston. Being required to find sureties for their ap-
pearance at another day, they were under no little perplexity. They
therefore demanded a hearing at once, and likewise to know why they
were proceeded against, while the rest of the Petitioners were not
called upon. Whereupon all save Mr. Maverick were soon in attend-
ance. Dr. Child was the chief speaker on the part of the Petitioners,
and for his " plain dealing" with the Court he may not have repented,
though he was compelled to sufi'er. " The Court let them know that
they did take notice of their contemptuous speeches."
Mr. Fowle and Mr. Smith succeeded in finding sureties the same
day, and were liberated. The others went without, none being required
of them. Finally the Court agreed that Child, being a leader, should
* It is entitled a "Declaration," <fcc. It ment was "a proceeding, which at this day
may be seen in Hutchinson's Col. of Orig, Pa- [about 1760J, would not appear for the honor
fcrs, occupying 22 pages of that work. Gov- of the supreme Authority." That " a parallel
ernor Hutchinson, when his attachments were was attempted between the fundamental laws
stronger for the early men of New England and of England and those of the Colony, which, in
their principles than they were at a later date, some parts of it, is liable to objection." —
observes, that the Declaration of the Govern- Hist. Massachusetts, i. 146-7.
296 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1646.
be fined fifty pounds, Mr. Maverick,* "because he had not yet ap-
pealed" to England, ten pounds, and the other four thirty pounds
each.f Upon which they all appealed to Parliament, and tendered
their appeal to the Court in writing, but the Court would neither accept
nor read the document. It should be remarked that the Court was not
unanimous in the sentence passed ; Mr. Bellingham, Mr. Saltonstall,
and Mr. Bradstreet dissented from the rest, and desired that their dis-
sent should be entered upon the records, which stands much to their
honor and credit. " Two or three" of the Deputies dissented also, but
their names are not given by Winthrop.
After these harsh proceedings, Dr. Child, Mr. Dand, Mr. Smith and
Mr. Vassall, prepared to proceed at once to England, a ship being ready
to sail. But their troubles did not end here. The Court judged it
dangerous to allow these men to proceed to England under such circum-
stances. Therefore, under pretence of staying Dr. Child on account of
his fine, it was determined to seize and detain him, and to take away
and to destroy whatever papers any of them might have, calculated to
expose the proceedings here. And, as if it were the determination of
the heads of the Government to aggravate their intended outrage to the
utmost they could, they say, " we agreed to defer it till the Doctor had
been on ship-board." But, perceiving their plan was discovered, they
say, " we sent the officers presently to fetch the Doctor, and to search
his study and Dand's, both at one instant, which was done accord-
ingly." In the Doctor's trunk they found, they confessed, "nothing
which concerned the business ;" but with Mr. Dand they found some
obnoxious papers ; two petitions to Parliament setting forth the expe-
rience of the Petitioners in the Court in Boston, and suggesting reme-
dies ; and a paper containing queries. These consisted of some twenty
simple questions, respecting the validity of the Patent of the Colony ;
whether certain acts were not treason ; whether the Courts had a right
to hinder the establishment of Churches according to the reformed
English Church, and others of a similar nature.
Winthrop says, and no doubt truly, that when Dr. Child was brought
before the Governor and Council, he fell into a great passion ; and he
might well have added, that, if any man had passions, he must have
been something more or less than human, if he had not shown them, to
have been thus circumvented. The same writer says, "Considering he
was a man of quality, a gentleman and a scholar, proper respect should
* It may appear strange that Mr. Maverick or, having a lai-ge property at stake, he might
should submit to so many indignities, as from not wish to jeopardize it.
time to time it has been seen that he did ; a f Savage suggests that the poverty of the
man that Boston could not do without. He Public Treasury '• might inflame the fines
was a gentleman of wealth and great liberality, which the tyrannical rulers inflicted on such as
A few pages back we have seen how much the differed from them but slightly in their notions
Town was indebted to him for help to re- of policy." It will be remembered that Win-
build the Fort on Castle Island. He may throp, then Governor, was the leader in this
have looked upon these and other proceedings business. — See Winthrop, Jour7ial, ii. 248, n.
against him, as petty annoyances, to which — Winslow says the fines were never exacted,
it was best quietly to submit, not wishing to set — New Eng-. Salamander, &c. Mass. Hist.
an example of opposition to the Government; Colls., vul. 12.
1646.] VASSAL CHILD — MAVERICK. 297
be shown him ; " but, if he " gave such big words, and would behave
himself no better, he should be confined in prison and clapped in
irons." His case was still further aggravated by a refusal of his fine,
which he offered to pay. And thus he, Dand and Smith were held in
durance " for two or three days, till the ships were gone," and thus was
a victory gained over these few individuals in a manner altogether
unworthy of those who achieved it ; and yet, with a sinister joy it is
added ; that " Doctor Child was very much troubled to be hindered from
his voyage," and that his fine was rejected, "seeing they have new
matter and worse against him, for the writings were of his hand ; and
that he took his confinement grievously, but he could not help it " !
However, upon "tender of sufl&cient bail, he was set at liberty, but
confined to his house," * and ordered to appear at the next Court of
Assistants. Dand and Smith were sent to prison, but were allowed to
lodge in the house of their keeper, "and to have what diet they pleased."
Thomas Joy, a young carpenter, for some kind offices to the prisoners,
and inquiring of the Marshal when he went to search Mr. Dand's study,
if his warrant were in the king's name, " was laid hold on, and kept in
irons about four or five days," which was sufficient to extort a confession
of wrong on his part, as it allowed him to return to the care of his family
" upon reasonable bail." Thus, arbitrary power shows its strength and
importance, when those in the more humble walks of life are accident-
ally or otherwise thrown within its insolent grasp.
The object of the Government had thus far been pretty well accom-
plished in its attempt to keep a knowledge of its doings from Parliament.
This it was determined to do, until an Agent of their own choosing should
be sent over, prepared to counteract any representations of the aggrieved
parties. It was proposed that the Governor, Mr. Winthrop, should go ;
but he did not incline to leave his government, or to appear in England,
excusing himself on the score of age, being about fifty-eight, and with
other considerations. Mr. Winslow, of Plymouth, was finally engaged
to go, and great efforts were made to fortify him with documents to
enable him to meet the charges against the Rulers in Boston success-
fully.! But nearly two years elapsed before he could be got ready.
Things being thus arranged, it was not important that the offences of
Dr. Child and his associates should be considered in so heinous a light
as hitherto they had been. But, how soon after they were allowed to
proceed on their journey to England, does not appear, though probably
towards the close of the present year. Mr. Vassall, and Mr. Fowle, it
* From jVew Eyigland's Jonas, p. 24, it ap- self with indirect contradictions, and sneers at
pears his bail was £800, and that he was con- the Major's book, as " a two-penny jeering
fined to the house of "Mr. Leder," — perhaps gigge," and designates Mr. Vassall as a Sala-
Mr. John Leader. mander, and hence the title of his own book.
f Mr. Winslow undertook to answer Major Hubbard says, " Mr. Vassall was a man
Childe's Neio England's Jonas, and so far as of a pleasant and facetious wit, but in his
its title is concerned, the Answer is tolerably actings and designs of a busy and factious
conclusive. His Answer was entitled New spirit, and indeed, meer Salamander by his
England's Salamander Discovered. It is by disposition, that could take content in no ele-
no means a favorable specimen of Mr. Win- ment but the fire." — Hist. N. Eng. See also
slow's reasoning faculties. He contents him- Winthrop's Journal, ii. 321.
38
298 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1646.
is supposed, went at the time Dr. Child and the two others were
attached, and had their papers seized.
' They went in a ship named the Supply.* About the time of her
■ sailing, Mr. Cotton preached a Thursday lecture sermon, with
special reference to persons going over in her with written complaints
against the late transactions in Boston. Some belonging to the ship, or
going in her, were his hearers at the lecture, and he warned them
against the bearers of such communications ; that any such papers
would prove a Jonas j to the voyage, and recommended, if a storm
did arise, that certain trunks should be searched for a Jonas. A storm
did arise, and a certain female on board, who had heard Mr. Cotton's
late sermon, ran about the ship in much consternation, insisting that if
any passenger had a Jonas, it should be produced, and the ship delivered
of it. She gave Mr. Vassall a call at midnight. He asked her why she
came to him? "Because," she said, " it was thought he had some
writings against the people of God." He told her he had only a
petition to Parliament, merely praying that they might enjoy the liberty
of English subjects ; and surely that could be no Jonas. She next paid
Mr. Fowle a visit, "in like distracted manner." He told her he had
only a copy of the petition, which himself and others had presented to
the Court at Boston. This he produced and read to her, and then said,
that if she and others judged that that was the cause of the storm, they
might have it, and do what they would with it. She took the paper to
her companions, who, after a consultation, decided that it should be
cast overboard. But it is remarked, that though it was thus ceremoni-
ously committed to the waves, there was no immediate cessation of the
tempest ; nor did it prevent another | which seemed to have doomed
them all to certain destruction near Scilly, fourteen days after. ||
Notwithstanding those and other storms during the voyage, and not-
withstanding the real Jonas continued in the ship, and was " cast up at
London " in safety, as were all the ship's company ; yet, it was reported
that they owed their safety to the destruction of the petition to Parlia-
ment, when, as Major Childe says,§ it was only a copy of a petition to
their own Court at Boston ; still the petition to Parliament, with a copy
* From Neiv England's Salamander, &c., the valuable facts from his opponent, who speaks
following persons appear to have sailed in this thus of the stormy passage. " After they had
ship with Mr, Vassall, and Mr. Fowle : Capt. came to sea," he says, they " had the terriblest
Wm. Sayles, then late Governor of Bermudas, passage that ever he heard on for extremitie
Mr. William Golding, minister of the same of weather ; the marriners not able to take an
island, Herbert Pelham, Esq., Capt. Leverett, observation of sunne or star in seven hundred
Capt. Harding, and Mr. Richard Sadler. Mr. leagues sayling or thereabouts." It was then
Thos. Peters had his goods and bedding on that " certaine well-disposed Christians called
board to go also, but heai-ing Mr. Cotton's to mind the things delivered by Mr. Cotton,"
lecture, he took them out and went in another &c., as in the text. — Hubbard, in his Hist, of
ship by way of Spain. N. Eng., is quite at random in his account
t Hence the name given to the Book before of these affairs,
cited. II New England's Jonas. § Ibid.
% Mr. Winslow complains much of the Hubbard ("517) says this work was by Mr. Vas-
account given by Child , although he omits sail, " assisted as was said by a Relation of Dr.
nearly all the charges stated. Childe's state- Child."
flaent had the good effect to draw out many
1646.] INDIAN TROUBLES. DE LA TOUR. 299
of that thrown overboard, and other writings of that nature, were still
in the ship, and safely delivered at London, as before mentioned.*
Amidst the difficulties with the Episcopalians, a deputation of
Narragansets arrived in Boston. They had agreed to pay a certain
amount of wampum as an indemnity for some alleged wrongs which they
had done the English, and there was now due from them " above 1300
fathoms." The time for payment had expired, and they were not able
to pay at this time but 100 fathom, and that chiefly in "old brass
kettles." The English were likewise poor, and had endeavored to borrow
money to enable their agent, Mr. Winslow, to proceed to London to
oppose their enemies. This may account in part, perhaps, for their
sharp dealings with the Indians, who were certainly much the poorer of
the two. The Indians were accused of breaking their promise, and
treated with an insolence but rarely extended to criminal debtors of a
later age, and their small payment was refused. Whereupon they went
to Mr. Henry Shrimpton,t the brazier, sold him their old kettles for
what he would give, and to show the English that their honesty was as
real as their poverty, left the amount in his hands for them, until they
were able to bring an additional sum, that it might be worthy of the
notice of their creditors. |
There was an attempt by petition to obtain a repeal of the laws, or
some of them, against Anabaptists at the previous court. The incentive
to which is probably to be referred to certain steps of a very liberal
character which had been taken by Parliament ; that body had, by its
Commissioners, sent directions, or recommendations, to all the English
plantations in New England and the West Indies, that all men should
enjoy liberty of conscience. § But there was a party which succeeded
in counteracting any such liberality towards "Anabaptists and other
heretics." In answer to the petitioners for the repeal of those laws,
the Court "ordered, that the laws in their petition mentioned, should
not be altered or explained at all." Hence, that men with restless
minds, should prefer to enter into the civil wars abroad, to submitting
to such tyranny here, is not to be wondered at. Among those men were
Emanuel Downing, Nehemiah Bourne, Robert Sedgwick, and Thomas
Fowle.ll
* There is a singular want, in Winthrop's The English account of it may be found in the
Journal, of almost every element from which Records of the United Colonies in Hazard, and
to make anything like a clear history of this a condensed account in the Book of the Indi-
disturbance, nor has his editor thrown any ans, Book ii.
light upon it. Winthrop has pretty fully ^ See Backus', Hist. N. Eng. i. 188.
stated, though very diffusely, the part the |( To cite Winthrop's Journal for every fact
Court acted; and its fears of the consequences, for which these pages are indebted, would be
though somewhat disguised, are very appa- superfluous. No account of the early times of
rent. Boston would be of much value without its
^ t Shrimpton's Christian name is not men- use. It is really a " Journal of Boston," and
tioned in the Records of the U. Colonies in incidentally a " Journal of events in the coun-
Hazard, but there was living at this time in try, having a special bearing upon Boston."
Boston, Henry Shrimpton, brazier, who, it is This would have been something like a legiti-
believed, is meant. See ante, -p. 2i5, 250. mate title to that work. It is for the most
X This debt gave the Indians much trouble, part almost exclusively of Boston affairs.
300 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1646.
Some of the people of Boston, who had been at so much pains,
formerly, to advance the interests of M. De La Tour, had cause this
season to regret having made his acquaintance. Having been at New-
foundland, he came hence in a vessel belonging to 'Sir David Kirk.
Some of the merchants fitted him out upon a trading voyage at the
eastward, with goods to the value of 400 pounds. The crew consisted
of twelve men, five of whom only were of Boston, and when they came
to Cape Sable, which was in mid- winter. La Tour and his Frenchmen
seized upon the vessel and cargo, drove out the five Englishmen, and
went off with the booty. The men, thus turned ashore, would have
perished, but for the kindness of the Indians in those parts, by whose
assistance, after several months of sufferings and hardships, they were
enabled to return to Boston.*
The distress and affliction of the family of Hutchinson, from banish-
ment and the tomahawk of the Indians, has been noticed in a previous
chapter.f Some of those banished, had became reconciled to the govern-
ment here, and had returned, and were again residents of Boston. But
there was a daughter of a murdered family, a captive among the Indians,
if living, the thoughts of which must have saddened many of the hours of
her near kindred. That she was living among the barbarians was prob-
ably a more dreaded thought than that she had early died by their cruel
hands. From this long and painful suspense her relations were relieved
in July of this year, by the survivor of the murdered family being,
"^ ^' in an unexpected moment, brought and delivered to them. The
Dutch having made peace with the Indians, tliis captive was restored,
with other prisoners, in fulfilment of the treaty of peace. Her name,
and her marriage with John Cole, of Boston, has been stated in the
pedigree of her family. She had been upwards of three years a
captive with the Indians, and had been so accustomed to them that she
left them only by compulsion ; had forgotten her native tongue, and
looked upon her nearest friends as her enemies. J
The commerce of Boston had become considerably extended, judging
from the large quantity of wines brought here in English ships ; there
having arrived in the spring about 800 butts. It is however remarked,
that it came to a " bad market."
The arrival of Captain Cromwell § in Boston, caused considerable
sensation among the people. He was well known to many here
' ten years before, though then in the capacity of a common
seaman. Ha^4ng entered into the Civil Wars, "had been out divers
years with Captain Jackson in a man of war ; " and being deputed by
• Winthrop, who had been so taken with f See chap. xxiv. p. 228, ante.
La Tour formerly, consoles himself with this J Her descendants are probably numerous at
reflection upon his late conduct : — " Whereby this day ; few, if any, of whom, perhaps, are
it appeared, as the Scripture saith, that there aware of the sorrows and sufferings of this
is no confidence in an unfaithful or carnal man. their early progenitor.
Though tied with many strong bonds of cour- ^ Perhaps Samuel " Crumwell," who was a
tesy, etc., he turned pirate, etc." — Journal, freeman of the Colony, 1634. Thomas 0. of
ii. 266. B., willed six bells to the Town, 1649.
1646.] REBUKE OF COMMISSIONERS. 301
Jackson, he took several Spanish vessels, and in them found great
riches. As he was proceeding up the bay to Boston with three ships,
he was forced by adverse winds to put into Plymouth. While there,
an occurrence of a serious nature happened. Being on shore with
many of his company, one of them drew his rapier upon him. To pre-
vent his doing mischief the Captain gave him a blow, from the effects
of which he died. The case was examined by the authorities at Plym-
outh, and the Captain was discharged. He presented Governor
Winthrop with an elegant Spanish sedan, intended by the Viceroy of
Mexico for his sister, of some fifty pounds' value. " He and all his
men had much money, great store of plate, and jewels of great value ;
yet he took up his lodgings in a poor thatched house, notwithstanding
he was offered the best in the town," saying, that the poor man who
occupied it had entertained him when others refused to admit him into
their dwellings, and now he would not slight him when he had it in his
power to serve him ; thus showing himself to be a noble-hearted sea-
man, of whom it was said, he never knew father or mother, nor did
they ever know him ; having been produced by the Cesarean birth.
Notwithstanding the efforts made by the Agents in England to excuse
the proceedings against the Rhode Island people, the Commissioners for
Plantations were well satisfied that the Government at Boston had
^' been conducted in a manner which could not be justified by any
sound principles of policy ; and the following is the most favorable con-
struction that Winthrop, as head of the Government, could make of the
rebuke of the Commissioners, which was about this time brought over.
He says, that on complaints preferred to those Commissioners by Gor-
ton, Greene and Holden, who had gone to England* for the purpose,
they ordered the Agents of Massachusetts to appear and answer the
charges contained in the Petition of the Rhode Island men ; " where-
upon some appeared, but they having no instructions about the case,
and the writings sent over to Mr. Welde the year before being either
lost or forgotten, a full answer could not be given in the particular ;
and, the Petitioners being favored by some of the Commissioners, partly
for private respects, and partly for their adhering to some of their cor-
rupt tenets, and generally out of their dislike of us for our late law for
banishing Anabaptists, they seemed to be much offended with us for our
rigorous proceeding, as they called it, against them ; and thereupon,
without sending to us to hear our answer," they gave them an order f
*' to return with freedom" to their lands at Narraganset, " and there to
* What time they sailed for England does themselves to the Parliamentary Commission-
not appear. But they went not only armed ers, they succeeded as above stated. — Backus,
with the complaints of their own grievances, i. l95.
but they carried over " the surrendering of the fThe Order is given in full in Winthrop,
Narragansets, of themselves and lands to the notwithstanding it must have been very offen-
King ; but found him not able to help either sive to him to have recorded it. It bore the
himself or them. However, they published "Seal of Warwick, Governor and Admiral,"
their case and a narrative of their sufferings, and was signed by the Commissioners : Not-
in 1645, under the title of Simplicity's Defence tingham, Fra. Dacre, Fer. Rigby, Cor. Hol-
against Seven-headed Policy. '^ Then applying land, Sam. Vassall, George Fenwick, Fran.
302 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1646.
inhabit and abide without interruption;" also requiring the Govern-
ment at Boston, " and all others whom it might concern, to permit Mr.
Samuel Gorton, Mr. Kendall Holden, Mr. John Greene, and others,
goods and necessaries carried with them out of England, to land at any
part of New England, and without any molestation to pass through any
part of the country to Narraganset Bay, and hereof to fail not."
On the arrival of the Rhode Island men in the harbor of Boston,
one of them, Mr. Holden,* sent the order of the Commission-
ers to Governor Winthrop ; who, finding himself thus disarmed, sub-
mitted with what dignity he could. He sent Mr. Holden word
^ ' "' that he had not authority of himself to give them leave to land,
but the Council were to meet in two or three days, when he would lay
the subject before them ; at the same time he thought it prudent to
assume responsibility enough to give Mr. Holden to understand, that he
would not be looked after in the mean time. Thus ended these very
serious difficulties, the progress and termination of which necessarily
form a portion of the History of Boston, of deep interest ; and not
only to Boston, but to the people of Massachusetts and Rhode Island,
and to the whole country.
Being thus thwarted in their measures towards Rhode Island by the
officers of the Parliament of England, it naturally enough caused the
Government here to change its tone somewhat towards that body. So
long as Parliament did not interfere with any of their determinations,
all was very well, and its ships were protected in preference to those
of the Crown. Now it was thought best to consider the relation in
which the " Colony stood to the State of England, and what subjection
it owed to that State," with many other similar reflections.!
Allein, Wm. Purefoy, and Geo. Snelling. fore his house on like terms, and to be " j'
Another order, going more into particulars, breadth of all his ground." Geo. Griggs and
bearing the same date, viz., 15 May, 1646, has Will. Blanton to make their garden fence be-
these additional signatures: " Northumber- tween them by , or pay 20s. Walter Merry
land, Pembroke and Montgomery, Manchester, to make a highway 16 feet broad from his house
Wm. Waller, Dennis Bond, and Ben. Rudyer. to the water side by 15 May, or pay 20s.
— Winthrop, Journal, ii. 272-3, 280-2. The Mar. 23. —Nicholas Willis, James Everell,
names to the "Order," as found upon the Thomas Grubb, Robert Turner, constables.
Providence Records, differ somewhat from these Wm. Colbron and James Penn to lay out the
as given by Winthrop, according to the copy footway from Mr. Nicholas Parkes' house
in Backus, i. 198 ; the latter, however, gives through the gardens to the Mill lane or street,
but five names, " Warwick, Northumberland, Propositions about a fortification at the North
Nottingham, John Holland, H. Vane, &c." End, " att Walter Merry's point."
* Mr. Holden is only mentioned by name, as Mar. 30. — John Berry apprenticed to Edwd.
arriving at this time. Mr. Gorton continued Keyley ; Wm. Brisco and Tho. Buttolfee for
in England till 1648, as before stated. the town. Mr. Cuddington to set up his gar-
I The important town affairs deserving a den fences by the 14 Apl. next, between John
record, this year, follow : — Odlin and himself and others, or pay 5s. a rod.
Feb. 23. — Edward Harrison admitted a Henry Duglice admitted a townsman. Geo.
townsman. Thos. Scotto to see " y' y« graves Halsoll may make a " cawsey " 10 feet square
be digged five foot deep," and to be Pound from his wharf at the north end of it, to low
keeper. Christopher Lawson may " wharfe water mark, to be free of access,
afor his howse, being y' w*^** was Sampsone Aprl. 27. — Wm. Blancher admitted to in-
Shoors, by Walter Merry's," maintaining a habit, and to follow his trade — a tailor. Thos.
highway. Barnabas Faour and Arthur Perry Jones cowkeeper, at 2s. a cow. " A ratt of
may wharf before their doors, maintaining a £100 for y« Countrey's debts." One " for y"
cart-way. Alexander Adams may wharf be- Towne's ocations mad £133, 12s." Maj. Gib-
1646.]
D AULNAY IN BOSTON.
303
CHAPTER XXXI.
D'Aulnay comes to Boston. — His Reception and Business. — Makes a Treaty with the Commissioners
of the United Colonies. — His Departure. — A Ship launched. — Unfortunate commercial Adven-
tures. — John Eliot begins to preach to the Indians. — Winslow sails on his Embassy. — Death of
Canonicus — of Thomas Hooker — of Mrs. Winthrop. — Quarantine. — A Marriage. — Ambassa-
dor from New Netherland. — Law against Romanists. — Other curious Laws. — Election. — Ar-
rival of Gorton. — Execution of Margaret Jones for Witchcraft. — Order of Court about Witches.
— The Rocking Ship. — Thomas Jones. — Synod. — Cambridge Platform. — Second Church. — New
Brick Church. — Death of Governor Winthrop. — Commerce. — Bazaleel Payton.
THE difficulties experienced by the people of Boston,
growing out of the contentions between La Tour and
D'Aulnay were not yet at an end. The unwise course
taken by the Government to sustain the former in his
pretensions, justly incurred the displeasure of the lat-
ter. He accordingly came to Boston to demand satis-
faction. His manner of reception is thus described
by Mr. Winthrop, then Governor of the Col-
ony. " It being Lord's day,* and the people
OLIVER. ready to go to the • assembly after dinner. Monsieur
Marie, and Monsieur Louis, with Monsieur D'Aulnay, his Secretary,
arrived at Boston in a small pinnace, and Major Gibbons sent two of
his chief officers to meet them at the water-side, who conducted them
to their lodgings, without noise or bustle. The public worship being
ended, the Governor repaired home, and sent Major Gibbons, with
other gentlemen, with a guard of musketeers to attend them to the
Governor's house, who, meeting them without his door, carried them
into his house, where they were entertained with wine and sweetmeats,
and after a while he accompanied them to their lodgings, being the
house of Major Gibbons, where they were entertained that night. The
next morning they repaired to the Governor, and delivered him their
commission, which was in form of a letter directed to the Governor and
magistrates. It was open, but had a seal only let into the paper with
bons and Capt. Keayne Deputies to the Gen.
Court. Wm. Ilalston admitted to inhabit.
May 18. — All persons admitted to inhabit
to have equal right of Commonage. All ad-
mitted hereafter not to have that right unless
they heir it. Ordered that but 70 milch kine
be kept on the Common. Elder Oliver's horse
may go there. No person allowed to sell his
right of Commonage. A fine for any cow or
horse except the 70, if" found upony'^ Neck."
Oct. 19. — Bro. Tho. Marshall, bro. ChaflFy,
bro. Negoose and Wm. Franklin, late Consta-
bles, ordered to be presented to the Gen. Court
for not paying " y'' w'=''. is behind on y^ Gar-
rison wages." A " ratt of £60 to be forthwith
made by the townsmen for ye satisfieing of y=
Garrison at y* castle this year ensuing."
* " The Governor acquainting them with our
manner, that all men either come to our pub-
lic meetings, or keep themselves quiet in their
houses, and finding that the place where they
lodged would not be convenient for them that
day, invited them home to his house, where
they continued private all that day until sun-
set, and made use of such books, Latin and
French, as he had, and the liberty of a private
walk in his garden, and so gave no offence,
&c." — Winthrop, Journal, ii. 275.
304 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1646.
a label. Their diet was provided at the ordinary, where the Magis-
trates use to diet in Court times ; and the Governor accompanied them
always at meals. Their manner was to repair to the Governor's house
every morning about eight of the clock, who accompanied them to the
place of meeting ; and, at night, either himself or some of the Com-
missioners, accompanied them to their lodgings." *
It was three days before the Commissioners had assembled, and were
ready to hear the complaints of Monsieur D'Aulnay. To the charge
that the Government had lent assistance to La Tour, it was answered
that leave was only granted that he might hire people to conduct
his ships home ; and that the Government had no hand in the action
complained of. The matter was discussed two days, but there is no
full report of the arguments advanced on either side. D'Aulnay laid
his damages at 8000 pounds, but did not insist upon pecuniary satis-
faction entirely ; while the Commissioners would not admit *' any
guilt" on their part. As an offset, some charges were brought against
D'Aulnay. Finally it was agreed that the wrongs charged on one
side should balance those charged on the other ; but as the Commis-
sioners disclaimed the actions of the volunteers who went with La Tour,
they agreed " to send a small present to D'Aulnay, in satisfaction of
that, and so all injuries and demands to be remitted," and peace to be
concluded. A treaty was accordingly signed by the parties. The pro-
posed " small present" was in due time sent to the Frenchman.
^ ' 'It consisted of the sedan, " very fair and new," which Captain
Cromwell had given to Mr. Winthrop j a few months before, and which
was now given to D'Aulnay, as Winthrop says, because it was of no
value to him ! Thus cheaply was Monsieur D'Aulnay got rid of, and
his 8000 pounds claim.
D'Aulnay and his suite left Boston the same day the treaty was
signed ; " the Governor and our Commissioners accompanying them to
their boat, attended with a guard of musketeers, and gave them five
guns from Boston, three from Charlestown, and five from Castle Island ;
and we sent them aboard a quarter cask of sack and some mutton.
They answered all our salutations with such small pieces as they had, and
so set sail ; Major Sedgwick and some other gentlemen accompanying
them as far as Castle Island."
Q^j. The launching of a ship in this early day was no ordinary
event in the affairs of Boston. One is launched at this time of
300 tons burthen.| The ships belonging to Boston were this year not
* " The two first days after their arrival ing he knew our minds he would do it of him-
their pinnace kept up her flag in the main top, self. Whereupon he gave order to have it
which gave ofiTence both to the Londoners who taken down." — Winthrop, Journal, ii. 275.
rode in the harbor, and also to our own people, f See ante, page 301.
whereupon Monsieur Marie was put in mind j Now, Oct. 4th, 1853, one of 4000 tons is
of it. At first he excused it by a general cus- launched, and although its launching was wit-
tom of the King's ships, both French, English nessed by a vast concourse of people, it is not
and Dutch, &c., to use it in all places ; but so important an event in the history of Boston
being now under our government, if we would at this time, as that of 300 tons was in the
80 command, he would cause to bo taken down, period under notice ; yet the " Great Republic "
We desired him not to put us to that, but see- of Mr. M'Kay marks an era in shipbuilding.
1646.] DISASTERS JOHN ELIOT. 305
very prosperous. Major Gibbons and Captain Leverett had a ship cast
away at Virginia, and lost, as near as could be estimated, 2000 pounds.
A small craft that was fitted out to trade at Barbadoes, was found cast
ashore at Scituate, but her crew were all lost. Another, which went to
trade about the Gulf of Canada, was taken by D'Aulnay, as trespassing
on his rights.*
Mr. John Eliot, Minister of Roxbury, having with great labor
and perseverance so far learned the language of the Indians as
to be understood by them, began to preach to them. He preached con-
stantly in two places ; one week at the wigwam of Waban, near the
mill in Watertown, and the next week in the wigwam of Kutshamokin,
near the mill in Dorchester. To show the Indians that what Mr. Eliot
was doing was approved of by the best people. Governor Winthrop
and other gentlemen of Boston often attended at the wigwams to give
countenance to his undertaking.
Mr. Eliot had a happy faculty of winning the love and respect of the
Natives, and he soon became their temporal as well as spiritual adviser
and guide ; and, by his mildness and moderation, he often saved those
who would listen to him, from impositions, and prevented altercations
among them, and between them and their white neighbors. He began
early with the little Indian children, by asking them simple catechet-
ical questions, whom he would induce to answer by giving them at first
a cake, an apple, or something of which he knew them to be fond.
These Indian labors became very extensive ; even from the Merrimack
river to Cape Cod. To carry on this work he suffered almost every
privation and hardship, and if the good he did passed away with the
generations to whom it extended, he had his reward in the conscious-
ness of having benefited great numbers of the benighted race, and ele-
vating them in the scale of humanity. It is unjust, in view of Mr.
Eliot's labors, to inquire, as some have done, " Cui bono?"f The
same inquiry will apply to all the good that has been done in the world,
with equal justice. Mr. Eliot continued his labors through a long life.
He died in Roxbury, on the twentieth of May, 1690, in the eighty-
sixth year of his age.
It was about the middle of December before Mr. Winslow was
ready to sail for England. He went prepared in the best possible
manner to counteract the efforts of Dr. Child, Mr. Gorton, and others ;
who, as has been observed, were using their endeavors to give an im-
pression unfavorable to the Government at Boston. Mr. Winslow failed
to accomplish all that was hoped for, while he succeeded quite as well
as any one acquainted with the case, could have expected. J
*It was agreed, in the late treaty with D'Aul- profited by former experience. The ship taken
nay, that the people of Boston should not by D'Aulnay was commanded by Capt. Dob-
trade within his territories without license, son. She was "double manned," and fitted
When it was known at Boston that this ship for war. Her cargo was valued at £1000.
and cargo was confiscated, the merchants in- f Douglass, i. 172. — Rogers, Ch. Disc, 63.
terested were for making reprisal, but were j A law was made this year forbidding any
restrained by the Government, which had person to swear, under a penalty of 105., and
39
306 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1647.
Among the remarkable occurrences of this year was the death
of the great Indian Chief, Canonicus ; "a very old man," says
Winthrop. There is nothing by which his exact age can be deter-
mined, but it may be remembered that he was the most important Chief
in the country when the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth. The death of
Miantonimo undoubtedly affected him much, as he put all his depend-
ence on him, in conducting his public affairs with respect to other
tribes and foreigners. Though Miantonimo was not his son, he was his
nephew, and was regarded by him with all the fondness of a father.
Canonicus was never at Boston, probably, although he had much indi-
rect intercourse with the Government here. *
Other deaths of remarkable persons are recorded ; among them Mr.
Thomas Hooker, of Hartford,! and Mrs. Winthrop, wife of the Gov-
ernor, "a woman of singular virtue, prudence, modesty and
piety, and specially beloved and honored of all the country." |
She was ill but a single night ; " having fell sick on the thirteenth of
June, in the afternoon, died the next morning." These deaths were
occasioned by an epidemic, which " took them like a cold, and a light
fever with it. Such as bled or used cooling drinks died." It extended
" throughout the country, among Indians, English, French and Dutch."
Some forty or fifty only died of it in Massachusetts. There was great
mortality in the West India Islands, and there was much fear in Boston
that ships from those islands would import it. The arrival of Captain
George Dell § from St. Christopher's caused a good deal of excite-
" ^' ment, as he ran his vessel in under a f;ilse pretence to avoid a sort
of rude quarantine which then existed. Other arrivals about the same
time caused considerable uneasiness.
A marriage, which took place at Boston on the fourth of Au-
°' ' gust of this year, gave the chief Magistrate some concern, and he
signifies his displeasure by calling it a "great marriage ;" which, be-
cause the bridegroom, Mr. Samuel Danforth, being of Hingham, the
marriage was to be solemnized by a Sermon from "Mr. Hubbard" of
that town. On Mr. Hobart's (for that was his name) arrival in Boston,
" the Magistrates sent to him to forbear." The reasons alleged for the
order to "forbear" were, that "his spirit had been discovered to be
if any Indian presumed to powwow, he should myself had witli that great Sachem Mianto-
pay 10s. and stop powwing. If a child, over 16 nimo, about the league which I procured be-
years of age, curse his parents, it shall be put tween the Massachusetts English, &c., and the
to death. John Eliot was allowed £10 for in- Narragansets in the Pequot war." — Backus,
etructing the Indians, out of the £20 granted i. 91.
by the Lady Arniine. Persons absenting them- f Though Mr. Hooker's death is recorded by
selves from public worship to pay 5s. If any Winthrop in his Journal (ii. 310), before that
renounced the Church, and pretended to be of his wife, it is believed to have taken place
spiritually illuminated, they were to be fined after it; viz., July 7th.
40s. a month. J See the Winthrop pedigree, page 72, ante.
* Several years after the death of these ^ He was admitted a freeman of Boston, 7
Chiefs, Roger Williams thus testifies of one of May, 1651, and died about two years after,
them: "It was not price nor money that leaving a good estate for those times, which,
could have purchased Rhode Island. It was by his inventory, amounted to £1506, 14s., 74fi?.
obtained by love ; by the love and favor which His will is printed in the Antiquarian Journal,
that honorable Gentleman Sir Heni'y Vane and v. 442-3.
1647
LAW AGAINST ROMANISTS.
307
averse to our ecclesiastical and civil government, and he was a bold
man, and would speak his mind, and we were not willing to bring in
the English custom of ministers performing the solemnity of marriage,
which sermons at such times might induce ; but if any ministers were
present, and would bestow a word of exhortation, &c., it was permit-
ted."*
It appears, however, that the objections did not lie so much against
sermons at marriages, as to the ofiiciating Minister who preached them ;
for Mr. Cotton was allowed to preach a sermon at Mr. Danforth's mar-
riage with " the virtuous daughter of Mr. Wilson." f
About the same time Governor Peter Stuyvessant, having arrived at
New York, and on assuming the government there, sent his Secretary
to Boston with letters to Governor Win throp, "with a tender of all
courtesy and good correspondency." J
A law was made by the General Court this year, providing, that "no
Jesuite or spiritual or ecclesiastical person ordained by the authority of
the Pope or See of Rome," shall come within its jurisdiction. The oc-
casion of the law at this time, was " the great wars and combustions"
in Europe. § Another law of far greater moment was made at the
October term of the same court. This was the law establishing Public
Schools — believed to be the first legislative enactment of the kind in
* Winthrop, Journal, ii. 313. — Lincoln's
Hist. Hingham, 77.
f jNIather, Magnalia, Book iv. p. 155. But
Mather says the marriage of Mr. Danforth
with ]Miss Wilson took place " in the year
1G51." Mather is not exact in dates of this
description. See a pedigree of the Danforth
Family in the Antiquarian Journal, vii. 321.
X Jan. 25. — It was ordered by the Town
that William " Dauice the apotecary " have
leave to set up a " pajU afor his hall window
and parlor window three foot from his house."
Mr. Tho. Oliver to have £9, for curing Rich.
Berry, that Avas Tho. Hawkins' man. George
HalsoU shall make up the Town's highway be-
tween his garden and the sea, that he hath
digged away, by the Gth of May next. The
same shall keep a passage boat between his
wharf and " y^ ships wher the ships rid,"
and may take a penny a person for passage.
Mar. 18. — Select men for this year, Wm.
Colbourne, Mr. Anthony Stodder, Jacob Eliot,
Wm. Davie, Tho. Marshall, James Everill and
James Penn. Major Gibbons and Wm. Tinge,
deputies to the Gen. Court. Constables, ]NIr.
Wm. Dauice, Robert Hull, Tho. Buttolfe, and
James Penn. Surveyors, James Oliver, Wm.
Hudson, Richd. Gridley, and Edwd. Fletcher.
Sealers of leather, bro. Copp. Evan Thomas,
Wm. Courser, and John Stevenson.
Mar. 29. — No inhabitant shall entertain
man or woman from any other town or coun-
try, but shall give notice of any such sojourn-
ers if they intend to reside in the Town, within
eight days after their coming, upon penalty of
20s. No house shall be sold or let without
first informing the Selectmen. "No person
shall goe about " to dig a cellar or erect any
building " in y" f\\ce of y" street," till they
have notified the Selectmen. " Heniry Weeb "
to enjoy the wharf he bo't of Edwd. Tinge
without disturbance. Wm. Brisco and Ralph
Roott to see to making up the fences at Muddy
river. No pson shall dig " soods out of y°
Common vpon p'ill y' may ensue on y^ damage
soe done." A highway 12 feet [wide] to be
made " through jMr. Stoughton's ground along
y'' rayle side and soe thro Rich. Cook's and
Tho. Butolffs ground to y-^ farder end of y«
lots to Tho. Munt's ground on y" farthest
side."
Apl. 26. — Benjamin Ward may wharf be-
fore " his on pprietye." The 8th pt of y°
marsh he bo't of y' Town next to him " for
£3 p. an. this too years," he shall pay £4 a
year for after that, if the remainder be not let
to make up £20 a year. John Anderson may
wharf as above, and take wharfiige. John
Milam may wharf "afore y'' higliway y' lys
next him."
May 31. — John Jibson [Gibson], John
Chandler and Tho. Leader may inhabit. ^Ir.
Edwards may live in the town. Martin Steb-
bin forbid to brew any more beer to sell, save
only this week. Isaac Groose forbid to sell
any beer by the quart any more within doors.
July 26. — Martin Stebbin fined 205. for
brewing beer to sell without order. Robt.
Nash shall not kill beasts in the street now
laid out, and shall remove his slaughterhouse
on penalty of 195. and 6rf.
^ Hazard, Historical Collections, i. 550
308 * HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1648.
New England. It is an object now of pleasing curiosity, to observe the
origin of this law. The wise fathers of that time were fully sensible
that knowledge was of great importance to all men ; that the strong
hold of " Satan " consisted in their ignorance ; that, therefore, all means
should be employed by them to counteract the- " chief project of that
ould deluder ;" and hence this early resort to a law for universal educa-
tion.*
At the general election for 1648, Mr. Winthrop is again
^ * re-chosen Governor, and Mr. Dudley Deputy Grovernor, Mr.
Endicott Sergeant Major, who, with Mr. Bradstreet, is chosen a Com-
missioner of the United Colonies. Mr. Symmes, of Charlestown,
preached the Sermon. Captain Keayne and James Penn, Deputies
for Boston.
As an occurrence not often happening, it is observed that there ar-
rived at Boston from London three ships on one of the days of the
month of May. In one of them, probably, came Samuel Gorton, on
his return to his Patent in Rhode Island. The Authorities excused
themselves for allowing him to land in Boston and to proceed on his
journey unmolested, alleging that if they attempted to execute their old
sentence upon him, such act might prejudice their cause in England ;
thus entirely keeping out of sight the real cause, — the order of the
Commissioners of Parliament, already noticed in these pages.
The first execution for witchcraft in the Colony took place in
Boston. The victim was a female named Margaret,! the wife
of [Thomas ?] Jones of Charlestown.J Such proceedings as are found
recorded about it show that the minds of people were then in a most
melancholy state of superstitious slavery. Margaret Jones perished on
the gallows, as much for her good offices, as for the evil influences im-
puted to* her. She had been, like Mrs. Hutchinson and many of the
early mothers of the Colony, a physician ; but being once suspected of
witchcraft, " she was found to have such a malignant touch, as many
persons were taken with deafness, or vomiting, or other violent pains
or sickness ;" her medicines, though harmless in themselves, " yet had
extraordinary violent effects;" that such as refused her medicines,
"she would tell that they would never be healed, and accordingly
their diseases and hurts continued, with relapse against the ordinary
course, and beyond the apprehension of all physicians and surgeons."
As she lay in prison, " a little child was seen to run from her into
another room, and being followed by an officer, it was vanished."
There was other testimony against her, more ridiculous than this. To
* The General Court ordered that if a young and I have no doubt he is right. The error in
man paid his addresses to a young woman Danforth's Almanack, that her name was ^./icc,
without consent of her parents, or, in their may have arisen from confounding the wife of
absence, the consent of the County Court, he Thomas Jones with the wife of Richard, whose
should be fined £5 ; if repeated, £10, and for name was Alice. The latter was a widow in
a third offence, to be imprisoned. An order 1643. — See Suffolk Reg. Deeds, i. 41.
was passed to cause a unifoi-mity of weights | There is nothing, says Mr. Frothingham,
and measures throughout the Province. on the Records of Charlestown relative to tliia
t Winthrop says her name was Margaret, affair. — Hist. Charlestown, 117.
1648.] WITCHCRAFT THE ROCKING SHIP. 309
make her case appear as bad as possible, and that there could be no
mistake about it, the recorder of it says, that "her behavior at her
trial was very intemperate, lying notoriously and railing upon the jury
and witnesses ; " and that, " in the like distemper she died"! It is
not unlikely that this poor, forsaken woman was indignant at the abom-
inable testimony against her, and that her denial of the charges was
construed into " lying notoriously." And in the honest belief of witch-
craft, the same recorder notes, in the most complacent credulity, that
"the same day and hour she was executed, there was a very great
tempest at Connecticut, which blew down many trees, &c." !
Terrible forebodings were spread abroad in the community respecting
the visitation of witchcraft, and the General Court made an order for
the watching of suspected persons ; and some, probably, thought se-
riously of sending to England to procure "witch finders," as
^^ ' that profession was, about this time, in high repute under the
notorious villany of one Matthew Hopkins.*
The case of Margaret Jones opens to the reader of the history of the
Fathers of Boston a page which must cause a sigh of sorrow in this
age, and doubtless many in ages to come. It presents them, neverthe-
less, as they really were, laboring under the most abject influence of
the monster — superstition. And yet they were no more its subjects
than all the rest of the world ; but such was the actual state of the
minds of men two hundred years ago. Margaret Jones had gone down
to a disgraceful grave, but her husband, probably despised for the sins
of his wife, resolved to leave the country. He accordingly took passage
in a ship for Barbadoes. That ship, called the Welcome, was a
Boston ship of three hundred tons, and concerning her it is
honestly told, that "as she was riding before Charlestown, having in
her eighty horses and one hundred and twenty tons of ballast, in calm
weather, fell a rolling, and continued so about twelve hours, so as though
they brought a great weight to the one side, yet she would heel to the
other, and so deep as they feared her foundering." The County Court
was now in session in Boston, and the fact of the rolling ship "coming to
the knowledge of the Magistrates, and withal that one Jones, the husband
of the witch lately executed," had taken passage in her, but that there
was some question about his ability to pay his passage, and hence some
unseen spirit was thus troubling the ship. The Court therefore sent an
officer and arrested Jones. One of the magistrates remarked, upon the
issue of the warrant for his arrest, ' ' that the ship would stand still as
soon as he was in prison. And as the officer went, and was passing
over the ferry, one said to him, ' You can tame men sometimes, can't
you tame this ship V The officer answered, ' I have that here, that, it
may be, will tame her, and make her be quiet ;' and with that showed
his warrant. And, at the same instant, she began to stop, and presently
staid, and after he was put in prison, moved no more." f
* See Caul&eld^s Memoirs of Remarkable Per- f Winthrop, Journal ii. 326, 327. Other
sons, ii. 122. — Also Butler's Hudibras (Part equally strange things about this ship are told
ii. Cant. 3) and his Annotators. with as much faith and minuteness by the
310 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1648.
While the community was agitated by fears of witchcraft, there was
one of the most important Synods* convened at Cambridge to establish
a Rule of Faith for the Churches. It was adjourned from June
^^ ■ "to the fifteenth of September,! and, at the end of the month
last named, a Platform was unanimously adopted. J
Until this year there was but one Meeting-house in Boston ; now the
population had so much increased, that another was absolutely necessary
for their accommodation. It was therefore agreed that one should be
erected at the North End, and the following year its foundation was
laid at the head of what is since North Square. Another year elapsed
before preaching became constant in it. This was the " Church of the
Mathers." Samuel Mather was its first minister. He was son of
Richard of Dorchester, and brother of Increase Mather. § The first ||
sermon was preached on the fifth of June, 1650, and the members who
were on that day united by covenant, were Michael Powell, James Ash-
wood, Christopher Gibson, John Phillips, George Davis, Michael Wills,
and John Farnham.
The Second Church, to distinguish it from the other, was called the
North Church, and in time the Old North. It was burnt "to ashes"
in 1676, and rebuilt the following year. These were of wood. When
the last had stood ninety-eight years, the town was in possession of a
hostile army ; which being in want of fuel, it was, with other edifices,
torn to pieces, to supply, as far as it might, that purpose. 11 After the
same author, but I have not room for them, serpent is the Devil ; the Synod the represen-
They may be read with harmless embellish- tative of the Churches of Christ in New Eng-
ment in the Magnalia Christi Americana. land. The Devil had formerly and lately
* " An Ecclesiastical Council, or Synod, is a attempted their disturbance and dissolution ;
Convention of duly qualified persons, called to but their faith in the seed of the woman over-
consult, and judge about affiiirs, in which came him and crushed his head." — Winthrop,
Churches, one or more, are concerned." — Dr. Journal, ii. 330.
Increase Mather's Disquisition concerning Ec- % This is agreeable to the Preface, page 4,
clesiastical Councils, p. i. Boston, 18 mo., 1716. of the Saybrook Confessions of Faith, in 1708.
This Synod now met, is considered, in the Published at N. London, in 1710, 12iiio.
Ecclesiastical history of New England, as a ^ In 1716, Dr. Increase Mather said, " My
continuation of that convened in 1646. At dearest brother, Samuel Mather (whose suc-
the conclusion of its present session, it was cessor I am here in Boston, he having been the
dissolved. first that preached the Gospel to that Church
f Mr. Allen, of Dedham, preached a sermon unto which I have been related for more than
at the opening in September, which, according fifty years, and after his removal from New
to Winthrop, was one of superior excellence. England, became the Pastor of a Congrega-
In connection with his account of the Sermon, tional Church in Dublin, where also he was
he relates the following curious incident, ren- succeeded by another brother, the well known
dered doubly curious from its peculiar appli- Nathaniel Mather), wrote an Irenicum," (fee-
cation : — "It fell out about the midst of his Disq. concern. Eccl. Councils, p. xi.
sermon, there came a snake into the seat, || The 7J7'5< sermon of which any knowledge
where many of the Elders sate, behind the is found. See the splendid and able history
preacher. It came in at the door where peo- of this Church, by the Rev. Chandler Rob-
pie stood thick upon the stairs. Divers of the bins, who says, "No account has been dis-
Elders shifted from it, but Mr. Thompson, one covered of the first occupancy of the edifice,
of the Elders of Braintree (a man of much or of its formal consecration." — Page 6.
faith), trode upon the head of it, and so held it ^ Dr. Lothrop wrote in the Records of the
with his foot and staff with a small pair of Church, "The house which was built in 1677,
grains, until it was killed. This being so re- was in very good repair, and might have stood
markable, and nothing falling out but by Di- many years longer, had not those sons of vio-
vine Providence, it is, out of doubt, the Lord Icnco, with wicked hands, razed it to the
discovered somewhat of his mind in it. The foundation. A number of evil-minded men of
1G48.]
SECOND CHURCH.
NEW BRICK.
311
SECOND CHURCH.
destruction of their house in 1775, the Congre-
gation went to the New Brick,* to worship
with Dr. Lathrop, in Hanover Street, and
formed one Society ; taking, together with
their Pastor, the name and records of the
Second Church. This house, which stood from
1721 to 1844,t has given phice to one of stone,
in the Gothic style of architecture, which
was dedicated on the sixteenth of September,
1845. 1
The first Minister of the New Brick Church,
was the Eev. William Waldron, son of Col-
onel Richard Waldron, of Portsmouth, in New
Hampshire, and grandson of Major Richard
Waldron, of Dover, in the same state, § whose
life was so tragically ended by the Indians, on the night of the twenty-
seventh of June, 1689. Contemporary with him in the Old North,
were the venerable Dr. Increase Mather, his son Cotton, and the Rev.
Joshua Gee. The Rev. William Welsteed succeeded Mr. Waldron, and
the Rev. Ellis Gray was his Colleague, and died before him. Mr. Wel-
steed died in 1753, and was succeeded by the Rev. Ebenezer Pember-
ton, son of a distinguished father of the same Christian name, many
years Pastor of the Old South Church. It was with Dr. Pemberton's
Society that Dr. Lathrop and the Society of the Old North united, as
already stated. The war had driven Dr. Pemberton into the country,
and he died the same year that the Churches of the Old North and
New Brick were united.
There arrived in Boston one Mr. Harrison, from Nansemond
in Virginia. Being a Nonconformist Minister there, and having
attracted many followers, he and Mr. William Durand, their Elder, were
banished by the Governor, Sir William Berkley. He came here to seek
advice, as to where they should go, or what they should do. Mr. Du-
rand had before resided in Boston. Mr. Harrison returned to England,
after " a year or two," but what became of Mr. Durand does not ap-
pear. 1|
Oct. 20.
the King's party, obtained leave of Gen. Howe
to pull it down, undei- a pretence of wanting it
for fuel, although there were then quantities
of coal and wood in the town." — ]\Ir. Rob-
bins' History, 129.
* The origin of this Church will be related
in its order of time.
I For an interesting account of it, see Mr.
Robbins' excellent description, in his His-
tory before cited, p. 178-9. The engraving
of the New Brick Church here represented, is
copied from one in Bowen's Picture of Bos-
ton.
X The ]\Iinisters of the Second, or Old North,
succeeded in the following order : Samuel ]Ma-
ther ; John Mayo, 1655 to 1672 ; Increase
Mather, 1669 to 1723 ; Cotton Mather, 1685
to 1728 ; Rev. Joshua Gee, 1723 to 1748 ;
Samuel Mather (son of Cotton) 1732 to 1741 ;
Samuel Checkley, Jr., 1747 to 1768 ; John
Lathrop, 1768 to 1816; Henry Ware, Jr.,
1817 to 1830 ; R. W. Emerson, 1829 to 1832;
Chandler Robbins, 1833 .
^ See Antiquarian Journal, v. 182.
\ Jan. 31. — There are but few entries in
the Town Records for 1648. Deer Island is
let to Edward Bendall for seven years, at £14
a year, which rent is for "ye schoole's use in
pvison and clothing;" but the inhabitants of
the Town to cut wood on said island for their
own use.
Mar. 13. — '
Townsmen" chosen, Colbron,
312 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1649.
The most memorable occurrence of this year was the death of Gover-
nor Winthrop. He died on the twenty-sixth of March,* having just
entered upon the sixty-second year of his age. He continued his Diary
or Journal to within about one month of his decease ; the last entry
being, "11, (11.) 1648," which corresponds to the eleventh of Jan-
uary, 1649. He made no entry in December, and but two in Novem-
ber. In the last named month he records the arrival of a
Nov^2 I^^^^ch hoy, of about thirty tons, with cordage and other goods.
She had in her seven men, and came from the Isle of Wite to
Boston in five weeks. The other entry for this month is an account
of the remarkable escape from shipwreck of Bazaleel Payton, a mem-
ber of the Church of Boston, who, in a vessel of sixty tons, on
°^' ■ arriving in the Outer Bay, was taken with a great easterly
storm in the night, lost all his anchors, was driven among Cohasset
rocks, and by the immense waves out of water upon the sand. This
fortunate little vessel was not thus abandoned by the tempest. A sea,
more overgrown than that by which she had been placed upon a high
ridge of sand, came and wafted her landward of her resting place, and
left her safely floating in a smooth lake beyond !
1649. Under this date, as above noticed, Winthrop makes the last
Jan. 11. record in his Journal. It is merely a note of accidents and
providences; detailing the particular manner in which "about eight
persons were drowned this winter, all by adventuring upon the ice but
three ;" but as he does not accompany his details with the names of
any of the sufferers, the record is nearly valueless. And, judging from
the few entries in the Town Records this year, there was not much
worthy of special notice. f
Eliot, Anth. Stoddard, Edward Tinge, Tho. dore foure foot into y" street from his howse
Marshall, James Everill, Jas. Penn. Consta- dore, and sise foot from his howse side."
bles, Jereraye Howchin, David Phypeny, Feb. 2(j. — Mr. Richd. Bellingham may wharf
Nicholas Busby, Wm. Beamsley. Surveyors, " afor his pprietye," between Walter Merry
John Button, Beui. Fawer, Walter Merry, and Wm. Winbourne ; but not to " piudic
Wm. Blanton, and Mr. Cole for Rumney the battery." Jerimye Howchin may set
Marsh. Sealers of leather, Tho. Marshall, up a porch four feet from his house, all
Edmond Jackson. along by his house to put up a pale before
Mar. 27. — Robt. Renolds paid his 6s. and it. Jacob Eliot may have the swamp next
8</. due the Town for land, which " Leift. Sau- his allotment at Muddy River, next Cot-
idge reciued for a debt due to him." Wm. ton Flax [Flagg? The same spelt Flack by a
Philips paid £1, 16s. 8</., due from Chr. Stan- former Recorder. — See ante,]). 253] house,
ley to the Town for land, which Lieut. Savage Bro. Bendall's request about Deer Island,
received as above. which the Toavu let him for seven years, to
May 29. — Thomas Emims [Emons?] and have it fourteen more, is granted, — to pay
Michaill Wills admitted inhabitants. Benia. £14 a year, and " to leave a supply of wood
Ward shall pay £3 a year, and not £4, " for for on family forever," and any fruit trees he
y^ marish y' hea hyers of y'= Towne," which may plant. James Johnson to have 16 feet
his contract did bind him unto. John Hurd of ground from his house southward along
pays 10s. " for a small pece of ground at down to his garden pale post ; for Avhich he
y* end of his howse plat." shall make and " maintaine for ever a sufficient
* " About 10 o'clock." — Mo7-toiVs Memorial, high way for foot and cart over y'' watercourse
p. 130. w'-'' runs from ]\lr. Hutchinson's yard alonge
j Jan. 29. — Hugh Gunison may " payle in by his howse end." " John Baytmaa, John
for 40s." six foot of ground in width, and Burrill, Tho. Hawkins, James Hawkins and
twelve in length, " downe to his signe post." y rest of y^ naybours " may remove "that
Isaac Walker may set "• vp a porche afore his crose worke y' is set over the milne creeke,
1649.]
CHARACTER OF GOV. WINTHROP.
313
CHAPTER XXXII.
Character of Gov. Winthrop. — Death of the King. — Labors of John Eliot among the Indians noticed
in Enghmd. — Action of Parliament relative thereto. — Origin of the Society for Propagating the
Gospel among the Indians. — Some Account of it. — Hon. Robt. Boyle. — William Pynchon. — His
Book upon Redemption, &c., ordered to be burnt in the Market Place. — He returns to England. —
His Death. — The Founder of Roxbury and Springfield. — Overtures to the French of Canada. —
Town Affairs. — Streets and High-ways laid out. — Lands at Braintree. — Gift of Capt. Cromwell.
— Clock. — Trade pi-ohibited with Places which favored the Cause of the King. — Law against
Extravagance in Dress. — Lands granted at the Blue Hills.
tious, and at the
THE death of Governor Winthrop forms an important
era in the history of Boston. Of the character of that
great man much has been written, yet generally by
those who have but very superficially studied his char-
acter. The attentive reader of these pages of the
history of his place of life and death, cannot but per-
ceive, it is believed, the justness of this remark. John
Winthrop had some noble traits of character, and he
had that constitution of mind which peculiarly fitted
him for a leader of a body politic. He was conscien-
same time somewhat credulous ; honest, but artful ;
accomplishing his purposes as though they were the purposes of others;
though practical, he was not a man of genius. In his circumstances it
were better so. He was of more value to a new country than twenty
men of genius ; men who would have thought the existence of the
Commonwealth depended upon untried projects. John Winthrop set on
foot no discovery, nor did he invent anything. It is well that he did
not. His day and place were better without them. There is enough to
do in a new country for a century, before a century of discoveries and
inventions should begin. John Winthrop was remarkable for his frank-
ness and candor. When he was in the wrong he did not require fre-
quent promptings to cause him to confess his error. This gave the
people great confidence in him. His own Diary is a record of his fail-
w''' hindreth y^ passage of boats," but shall
make the creek " goe alonge out to loe Avatter
marke." Mr. Wm. Brenton may " set vp a
portch afore his bovese, to hang ouer in the
street with Mr. Hills and Mr. Hardings." En-
sign Hutchinson Benia. Gillum, Benia. Ward,
Jona. Balston, John Compton, Tho. Smith,
Steeven Butler, and Rich. Riohison, may make
a highway from their houses over the marsh to
the bridge, and over Mr. Hill's ground, at their
own charge, " which was £8, IGs.," and they
are to be free from highway charges nine
years. Ordered that a highway of twelve
feet between Capt. Harding's and William
40
Dauice's houses shall go along to the bridge
which the town and Mr. Hill set up, being to
be made by the Town and Mr. Hill ; and for
that highway Mr. Hill to have a way to his
ground by the sea side, along by the house of
Wm. Hudson, Sen., and a cartway below the
wharf.
* It is not ascertained with certainty, to
what family of Eliot or Elliot, our " Apostle
to the Indians " belonged. The above coat is
the earliest given by Guillim, and Avas burne
by the Elliots of Surry, as early as the time of
Edward III. Sir Gilbert Eliot, father of Lord
Heathfield, bore similar arms.
314 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1649.
ings as well as of the failings of other men. This is a proof of his
general sincerity. He was remarkable for his steadiness of purpose.
His mind once made up for an undertaking, no common obstruction
could prevent his carrying it on. This was strikingly observable
throughout his course in planting himself in New England. He never
faltered from the time he came into the Massachusetts Company till he
breathed his last on this peninsula. He felt that he was the great Man
of the Colony, and in time it was conceded that he was the first * of the
great men of his time in it. In putting down the Antinomians he acted
a singular part ; while he was the head of their opponents, he almost
induces the belief that what he did he was compelled by circumstances
to do ; thus seeming to follow where in reality he led. Hence, he some-
times adroitly accomplished his ends by making, apparently, a shield of
others.
While the letters of Governor Winthrop breathe the warmest domes-
tic affections, his records of the punishments visited upon supposed
offenders are remarkable for their want of feeling. The late execution
of a woman charged with the crime of witchcraft, is the record of one
with a heart of marble coldness. This is but one of many instances to
which reference might be made ; but it must be remembered that Mr.
Winthrop made his record under the fullest convictions of the awful
nature of the crimes for which the accused suffered ; and that they
were clearly guilty of those crimes ; that his was the day of burning,
maiming, and drawing and quartering, in obedience, as was conceived,
to the laws of God.
Mr. Winthrop has been called the father of the country.! He was
emphatically the father of Boston, and no death had happened in it since
its settlement which caused so deep a sensation amongst the inhabitants.
"His funeral," says Captain Edward Johnson, "was very sadly and
solemnly performed, by a very great concourse of the greater part of
this Colony ; whose mournful looks and watery eyes did plainly demon-
strate the tender affection and great esteem he was in." t
It has been said of Governor Winthrop, by a writer of much discern-
ment, § that his virtues were many and his errors few ; that opposition
to his views made too great an impression upon him ; that before he left
England he was of a more catholic spirit than some of his brethren, but
afterwards he grew more contracted, and was disposed to lay too great
a stress upon unimportant matters ; that he pursued with great vehe-
mence the adherents of Mr. Vane, probably from political motives ;
and, it may be added, that he made intolerance subservient to his ambi-
tion. In his last sickness he gave evidence of the commission of such
errors. Being requested to sign an order for the banishment of some
person for heterodoxy, he declined, saying, " I have done too much of
that work already."
* And here originated that error of ignorance, f Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 151.
that he was i\\Q first Governor of Massachu- J Wondcr-Worhing Providence, &,c. 2\2-lZ.
setts. — See vln^e, p. 57. \ Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 151.
JOHF WnWTMJROPo
1649.] PROTEST AGAINST LONG HAIR. 315
In his personal appearance, Mr. Winthrop is supposed to have been
erect, rather spare in flesh, though muscular, somewhat long-favored, or
of a countenance regularly oval, blue eyes and dark hair, and about six
feet in height. He was interred in the burying ground rendered mem-
orable as the resting place of Mr. Isaac Johnson,* now King's Chapel
burial place, in the northerly side of it. There are two ancient por-
traits of Winthrop ; one is still to be seen in the Capitol of the Com-
monwealth, and the other in the hall of the Antiquarian Society at
Worcester, f
The residence of Governor Winthrop stood on the westerly side of
what is now Washington Street, very nearly opposite School Street. It
was a two story wooden structure, and was standing in 1775. In that
year it was destroyed by the soldiers of the British King.J What time
the family of Mr. Winthrop vacated it does not appear. It was after-
ward the residence of the Reverend Thomas Prince, and in it he chiefly
wrote, probably, his invaluable "Annals." Hence the spot on which
that house stood will ever be held in veneration as the place where
were composed two of the most important works upon the early history
of New England, which have ever appeared.
On the death of Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Endicott succeeded to the place
of Governor, Mr. Dudley to that of Deputy Governor, and Mr. Edward
Gibbons was made Major-General. The custom of wearing long hair
appears now to have become very obnoxious to the Magistrates, and
other sober people, and a sort of an association is formed against
"it. Several of the prominent Magistrates signed a protest
denouncing the practice, in which they say, that " Forasmuch as the
wearing of long hair, after the manner of Russians and barbarous Indians,
had begun to invade New England, contrary to the rule of God's word,
which says it is a shame for a man to wear long hair, do declare and
manifest our dislike and detestation against it."§
Next to the death of Winthrop, the most stirring event in Boston
was doubtless that occasioned by the death of Charles the First, who
was beheaded at Whitehall, about two of the clock in the afternoon of
the thirtieth of January, in the forty-ninth year of his age.||
The appalling news reached Boston very soon after the inter-
* The writer of the " Introduction " to Bridg- known career in England, it can only be among
man's Memorials, &c., p. 13, has a remark of the possible things that he might paint the por-
doubt as to whether Mr. Johnson was buried trait of our Governor.
here. He evidently had not weighed the evi- J Shaw's Description, p. 290 , Snow's His-
dence of Judge Sewall and the Rev. Thomas tory, 104.
Prince, against the opinion of some moderns, § The signers of the Protest were Governor
who by their doubts of such authorities sup- Endicott, l3ep. Gov. Dudley, Mr. Richd. Bel-
;)ose they are becoming authorities themselves, lingham, Mr. Richd. Saltonstall, Mr. Increase
— See ante, p. 99-100. Thei-e is in the book Nuwell, Mr. William Hibbins, Mr. Thomas
of Bridgman, a very neat and concise notice Flint, Mr. Robt. Bridges and Mr. Simon Brad-
of the Winthrops, prepared, I presume, by the street. — Hutchinson, Hist. Mass.,\. 152.
able hand of a talented descendant, Hon. R. || Some one of Dr. Holmes' authorities seems
C. Winthrop, of Boston. to have misled him in saying Charles was 51
t This last is said to have been painted by when beheaded. All agree, I believe, that he
Vandyke, but when that artist could have done was born on the 19th of November, 1600. —
it, is not, perhaps, easily settled. From his See American Annals, i. 289.
316 HISTORY t)F BOSTON. [1649.
ment of Winthrop, but at what precise date does not appear. Those
were days when the death of a King was viewed to be an awful dis-
pensation, especially when Subjects took the responsibility of bringing
it about ; for then it was a generally received opinion that the King
was amenable to no human tribunal, and that it was treason in a Sub-
ject to impeach his motives or question his conduct.
Notwithstanding the violence and desolation which had hitherto
spread their shroud over England, the day of agony had no sooner
passed, but the labors of Eliot among the Indians caused every devout
Christian to think earnestly upon some plan for their advancement.
Some, it may be, thought the souls of this benighted race of as much
importance as the souls of Kings. The Civil War being now at an
end, many found time to turn their thoughts towards the wilderness of
New England ; and, in less than six months after the death of Charles,
plans for improving the condition of the Indians were so far matured,
and there was sufficient interest in them in Parliament, to cause that
body to pass an act " for promoting and propagating the Gospel
of Jesus Christ in New England;"* being moved thereunto,
they say, " by the testimonial of divers faithful and godly ministers and
others in New England." The Act established a Corporation, consist-
ing of a President, Treasurer, and fourteen assistants, with power to
purchase lands in mortmain to the amount of 2000 pounds a year, to
have a common seal, make by-laws and receive contributions. At the
same time a collection was ordered to be made throughout England and
Wales, and the ministers of every parish were required to read the Act
to their Congregations, and to exert themselves to procure contribu-
tions, and to go from house to house for that purpose. f
This was the origin of the Society for propagating the Gospel among
the Indians — a Society of great importance so long as the race for which
it was instituted were of any account. And it is specially noticed
here, because it " has all along had its Commissioners at Boston." |
The Corporation chose Judge William Steel, President, and Henry
Ashurst, Esq., Treasurer. He was the ftither of Sir Henry Ashurst,
Baronet, and Sir William Ashurst, Alderman of London. Of this Society
the Honorable Robert Boyle was the first Governor under its Charter,
which Charter was not obtained, however, until the fourteenth of
* Parliamentary History of England, six. Robert Houghton, George Dun, AVilliam Mul-
156. lens, John Hodgson, Edward Parks, Edward
f Ibid. 157-8. By this means a sum was Clud, Thomas Aires, and John Stone. These
realized sufficient to enable the Society to pur- and the others were all denominated citizens of
chase estates of the yearly value of about London. They were to choose their President
£600. — Oldmixon, 5n<. Empire in America, and Treasui'er from their own number. — See
i. 99. an abstract of the Act in Hazard's Hist. Colls.,
X TurcU's Life of Caiman, 64. Of the sixteen i. 635-6. The Act provided that the Commis-
meinbers authorized by the Act, five had been sioners of the United Colonies of New Eng-
resident here : — Herbert Pelham, Richard land, or such as they might appoint, should
Hutchinson, Robert Tomson, Richd. Floyd, and have power to receive and dispose of moneys,
Edward Winslow. The names of the others &c.— See also Morton's Afemorja/, erf. Z)am,5M6
were James Shirley, Abraham Babbington, a/ino 1649, and Hutchinson, i/is^. Mrss., i. 164.
1649.]
SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL.
317
Charles the Second,* 1662. The appointment of Mr. Boyle was made
by the King without his knowledge, and he generously contributed to
its funds while he held the office, and by his will after he was com-
pelled " by sickness and infirmity " to resign it. f
By the Charter of this Society its members were not allowed to ex-
ceed the number of forty-five. | These had power to fill vacancies, and
to appoint Commissioners, residents in New England. § One hundred
years after the date of the Charter, there was an attempt to establish
another Society here, with a title or name somewhat different to that
of the mother Society, which was authorized by an Act of the Govern-
ment of the Province, but the King refused to sanction it, and it was
abandoned. But, in 1787, a number of Boston gentlemen, and a few
others in its vicinity, procured an Act of incorporation for " Propagat-
ing the Gospel among the Indians, and
others in North America." Under this
Act a Society has continued to the pres-
ent time.
It was mainly to enlighten the Society
incorporated in 1662, that the Honorable
Daniel Gookin composed his invaluable
"Historical Collections of the Indians,"
as appears by the " Epistle Gratulatory
and Supplicatory" prefixed to that work,
and addressed to the Corporation "re-
siding in London, and particularly for the
Hon. Robert Boyle, Esquire, Governor
thereof." il
HON. ROBERT BOYLE.
* See Birch's Life of the Hon. Robt. Boyle,
335. ^lost writers give a wrong date to this
Charter. Dr. Holmes among others. It is
dated February 7 th.
f Ibid, page 389. The above portrait is from
a rare folio print engraved by " Fr : Diodati."
Mr. Boyle was distinguislied by his cotempo-
raries as tlie great Christian Philosopher, " not
more distinguished for his noble extraction
than eminent piety and universal learning."
— Humphrey's Hist. Account of the Soc.for
Prop. Gospel in For. Parts, p. 5.
J As an object of much interest their names
are here given from the Charter : — Edward,
Earl of Clarendon ; Thomas, Earl of South-
ampton; John, Lord Roberts; George, Duke of
Albemarle ; J:\mes, Duke of Ormond ; Edward,
Earl of Manchester ; Arthur, Earl of Anglesey ;
William. Viscount Sai/ and Seal; Francis War-
ner, Alderman of London ; Erasmus Smith,
Esq., Henry Ashurst, Richard Hutchinson,
Joshua AVoolnough, George Clarke, Thomas
Speed, Thomas Bell, John Rolfo, citizens of
London; Robert Boyle, Esq., Sir William
Thompson, Sir William Bateman, Sir Anthony
Bateman, Sir Theophilus Biddolph. Sir Law-
rence Bromfield, Knights; Tempest Milner,
William Love, William Peake, Aldermen of
London; Thomas Foley, Esq., Thomas Cox,
John Micklethwait, Edward French, Doctors
in Physic; Charles Dayley, Thomas Staynes,
John Jurian, William Antrobus, John Ba-
thurst, Harman Sheafe, Thomas Gillibrand,
James Hayes, John Benbowe, Lawrence Brins-
ley, Barnabas Meares, John Acrod, John Dock-
ett, Edward Boscawen, and Martin Noell,
citizens of London.
^ The following is a list of the resident
Commissioners early appointed : — Gov. Sam-
uel Shute, Dep. Gov. Wm. Dummer, Increase
Mather, D.D., John Foster, Esq., John llig-
ginson, Esq., Edward Bromfield, Esq., Elisha
Hutchinson, Esq., Simeon Stoddard, Esq.,
Samuel Sewall, Esq., Penn Townsend, Esq.,
Jonathan Belcher, Esq., Cotton Mather, D.D.,
Rev. Nehemiah Walter, Mr. Daniel Oliver,
]Mr. Thomas Fitch, Adam AVinthrop, Esq.,
Thomas Hutchinson, Esq.
II It is dated 7 December, 1074._ The
work of Gen. Gookin forms the principal
part of the 1st volume of the Mass. Hist.
Collections,
318
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1649.
The same Deputies were chosen to serve m the General Court this
year as last, but the " Select Men" varied.*
Mr. William Pynchon, of Springfield, having published a book upon
Redemption and Justification, the General Court ordered it to be pub-
licly burnt in the Market Place, under the conviction that it contained
doctrines of a dangerous tendency. But the burning of the book (if
it were burnt), did not satisfy the Court, probably, for Mr. John Nor-
ton was appointed to answer it, and the Author was put under restraint.
The next year the Answer was ordered to be sent to England for publi-
cation. At the May term of the Court, Mr. Pynchon handed in a paper
containing a sort of recantation, "upon which an order was passed,
that he might have liberty to repair home some time the next week,
*Mar. 12. — They were "Win. Colborne,
Jacob Eliot, Anthony Stoddard, Jerimy How-
chin, Tho. Marshall, James Everill, and James
Penn." For clerks of the market, Jerimy
Howchin and James Penn. For Constables,
Mr. Thomas Clarke, Theodore Atkinson and
Barnabas Fawer. Surveyors of the high ways,
Christopher Gibson, Walter Merry, John But-
ton and Wm. Blanton. Sealers of leather,
Rich. Webb and Robert Turner. Mr. Thos.
Clarke is fined 20s. for refusing to serve as
Constable. — "Ordered, that the highway on
the south side of the water mill shall run
along by the corner of said mill a rod in
breadth, as it is laid out in a straight line to
the Mill Hill that lies to the ferry to Charles-
town."
April 19. — Isaac Walker is chosen Consta-
ble in place of Mr. Thomas Clarke. William
Philips agreed to give 13s. id. a year for the
school for land that Christopher Stanley gave
in his will for the school's use. John Barrill,
John Odlin, Wm. Ludkin, James Browne,
Beniamin Negoose, Ralph Masson, James
Dauise, Edward Dinis, Thos. Munte, Richd.
Cartter, Abell Porter, Thos. Grube, John
Strange, Thos. W^egborne, James Jemson, to
have Spectacle Island forever, by paying Qd.
an acre a year " to the use of the school."
On neglecting to pay the rent to the Treasurer
of the Town on the first of February, they
were to forfeit the land. John Jackson, Ga-
malliel Waight, James Hudson, Wm. Kerby,
Tho. Bell, Robt. Linchorne, Anthony Harker,
Abell Porter, Tho. Spalle, Tho. Munte, Wa-
ter Senot, Wm. Coope,Rich. HoUige, Nicholas
Baxster, Wm. Lane, Edwd. Browne, Benia-
min Negoose, Beniamin Warde, Francis East,
Henirye Allin, Edwd. Rainsford, Tho. Venner,
John Odlin, Wm. Ludkin, Geo. Griggs, James
Dauis, Richd. Richardson, Robt. Blote, Mathew
Jones, Mawdic Ingles, Rich. Flud, Joua. Bal-
stone, Tho. Stanberrye, Christopher Parrise,
John Viall, Mathew Chaffey, Micaell Wills,
come under the same obligation with respect
to Long Island. Mr. Bowen and Peter Oliver
to perambulate at Muddy River. Alexander
Becke cow-keeper, at 2s. a head. Ensign
Hutchinson, Benj. Gillum, Benj. Ward, Jona.
Balston, John Compton, Tho. Smyth, Steven
Butler, and Richd. Richardson, may make a
highway from their houses over the marsh to
the bridge, and over Mr. Hill's ground, at their
own charge — they to be free from highway
charges till £8, 16s. be run out, which they
have disbursed. A highway is laid out 11 feet
wide between Capt. Harding's and Wm. Davis'
houses, " along straight to the bridge which
the town and Mr. Hill set up, on the condi-
tion " that the highway at the seaside is de-
molished only away by the house of Wm.
Hudson, senior.
June 2G. — Richd. Taylor agreed with the
Selectmen " to ringe the bell at 9 of y" clocke
at night, and half an hour after four in the
morninge, and to have for his recompense £1
a yeare." Martin Saunders, Saml. Basse and
Mathew Barnes on behalf of " Brayntrye,"
agree, that, whereas Boston hath certain land
between the bounds of Dorchester and Way-
mouth, being commonly called Mount'Wollas-
ton, it shall belong to " Braintrye ; " Boston
reserving the right of allotting all lands therein
not allotted, Braintree paying therefor £50, in
four years, " in corne, as wheat, rye, pease and
Indian at 50s. in each of them." Braintree to
enjoy for a Common the 1500 acres formerly
laid out as such, and to lay taxes on the lands,
excepting on the farm of Mr. Wilson. The next
year it was agreed that " all the land at Brain-
tree undisposed of, besides the 2000 acres for
the school's use, is not hereafter to be allotted
to any particular persons, but to be improved
for the public service of Boston."
John Loo, John Scotto, Wm. llanbery,
Isaac Walker, Edmond Jackson, John Shaw,
Joseph Wormewall, Leonard Buttolfe to pay
£3, 3s., 2d. yearly forever for the schools' use,
for their land inBendall's cove, " as their evi-
dences will show it forth." Benj. Ward to
pay £3 a year for land by his house, for the
same use. Edward Bendall " hath Deare
Hand for 20 years, he and his to pay £14 a
year " for the same.
Aug. 27. — Anthony Stoddard may sell his
land to Moses Payne, of " Brantre," and may
1650.] INTERCOURSE PROPOSED WITH CANADA. 319
if he pleased, and that he should have Mr. Norton's answer to his book
to take with him to consider thereof, until the following October session
of the Court." *
By these proceedings another valuable and enterprising man was lost
to the country. Mr. Pynchon returned to his native land in 1652, then
more tolerant than this he had adopted,! and returned not again. He died
at Wraysbury, near Stanes, a hamlet on the Thames, in October, 1662,
aged about seventy-two years. Two very important places in the Com-
monwealth justly consider him their father ; Roxbury, always a place of
much consideration, and now a large city ; and flourishing Springfield,
nothing behind her sister towns, and soon destined to become a city also.
The French Governor of Canada had two years before been sent to
with an ofier of friendship and proposals for a free intercourse be-
tween that Government and New England, and had good encourage-
ment of reciprocity on the part of Governor D'Aillebout. This had
been continued by correspondence till the present year, when the
French in their turn sent messengers to Boston. They were influenced
to form an alliance with New England, by which they might act with
more certainty of success in a war against the Iroquois, whom they
accused of breaking the most solemn leagues. But the Government
here wisely declined entering into a war ; and at that day the inter-
position of an immense wilderness was a sufficient excuse for no imme-
diate commerce.
" take it next vnto y' hee hath hired of y= 205., " for defect of his way by his cellar, be-
Towne, or else where, if he see cause." Robt. tween James Euirill and himself," if not
Nash is fined 19s. 6d., "for his leaving his mended by the 5th of the 11th mo. Edward
slaughter house with noyesome smells, to y^ Belcher chosen " watter Bayley," to have half
offence of y" Towne." "Mr. Souther is ad- the fines accruing. Owners of the Wind-mill
mitted a townseman." Tho. Painter may erect to secure it from doing damage to cattle or
a " milne at Fox Hill," and must finish it in swine, or make satisfaction " sufficiently."
two years, " and at the first pecke of corne it Wm. Franklin fined 20s., " for disablinge y«
grinds he is to begin his rent of 40s. p. ann. passage Avay over y* creeke by John Batman's
for ever," for the Town's use. James Pilbeam howse." The Select-men sold the reversion of
is admitted an inhabitant. " Wm. Francklin " Bendall's Dr-jke or Cove," and the flats be-
is fined 20s. for setinge vp his howse and com- longing to it to James Euerill, 31st, 9th, 49,
inge out on the Towne's ground, and not callinge for £6, 16s., lOd. a year forever; not to
y Selectmen to view it," and to be fined 20s, include the land at the head of the Cove,
every ten days till " y= abuse be reformed." "roundabout by John Glover's, George Bur-
" Vallentine Hill shall make vp his ground at den"s, Hugh Gunison's, Capt. Wm. Tinge's,
y« bridge with in 14 dayes, or else he is fined Wm. Franklin's, and Robt. Nashe's, and eight
20s." "Geo. Ilalsell is fined 20s. for not foot to the eastward of it," which is high
making vp his high way afore his shop sufii- way ; as also from the eastward side of the
ciently." "Daniel Turant shall erect his eiglit feet, and "roundabout bye y' corner of
wharfe for y high way before his howse," be- Edward Bendall's bricke house, and so by
fore 3:11: or pay 20s. Mr. Clarke, mariner, Samuell Col's howse, as alsoe to Edward Ting's
must clear the highway at his cellar, " y' noe wharfe shall goe a high way of 20 foot in
harme be done bye it," within six days, or pay breadth."
20s. Wm. Beamsley shall remove his oyster * Fragment of au original paper, dated 7
shells from the high way before his door by May, 16.51.
the 1st of the 11th mo., or pay 20s. John f Mr. Eliot seemed disposed to do justice to
Baker ordered to remove his house which Mr. Pynchon's memory, in his New Eng. Bi-
stands on the high way by tlie 1st of the 11th ography, but he remitted his usual research to
mo., or be fined 20s. gain any information respecting him, and has
Nov. 31. — " John Milam fined 20s. for y« confounded him with his son John. It is diifi-
defect of his way before y= milne, and 20s. for cult to understand how Dr. Allen could have
defect of y= bridge by John Butmans," if not omitted him. — See Bliss' Historical Discourse
mended in four dayes. Edmond Jackson fined at Springfield. — See also ante, p. 90.
320 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1650.
Mar 11 "^^^ Town chose Mr. Anthony Stoddard and James Penn to
serve in the General Court as Deputies. Select men were the
same as last year, also the Clerks of the Market. The Constables were
Robert Button, Edmund Jackson, John Phillips and Christopher Gib-
son. George Halsell and William Cotton, Surveyors of liigh ways, and
Nathaniel Bishop and William Courser Sealers of leather. At the same
time it w^as agreed that Peter Oliver should have fifteen pounds a year
for seven years, " to maintain the high- ways from Jacob Eliot's barne
to y^ fardest gate bye Roxsbury towne's end, to be sufficient for cart
and horse, to y*" satisfaction of y^ countrye." It was " agreed on y*
theire shall be a carte bridge by John Milame * set up by John Bate-
man's howse, according to contract." Mr. Adam Winthrop, William
Phillips, and William Beamesley were " chossen to ioyne w*^ y^ Se-
lect men of y^ Towne to lay out the high-ways by y" new Meeting-
house."
Mar 18 J^mes Penn was chosen Treasurer for the Town, Anthony
Stoddard, Recorder, and Thomas Bell and David Hickborne to
"execute the order about swine. Sergeant Scoott had notice that
Captain Hardings pale before his house be taken away within a month
upon penalty of twenty shillings." f
At the annual Election, Mr. Endicott was rechosen Governor, and
Mr. Dudley Deputy. There was no change in the chief magistracy till
1654.
^ ^ Captain Thomas Cromwell, of Boston, left by his will, the last
year, for the benefit of the Town, "six bells." It was agreed
that the Select men should now dispose of those bells " to the
* Feb. 26. — He had been fined 20s. for not it shall turne vp from the water side through
making a cart bridge at John Bateman's howse, Mrs. Hawkins her garden, and soe by Mr.
"and if hee goeth not aboute it within sixe Winthrop's house betweene JNIaior Bornea
dayes hee is fined 205. euery sixe dayes till it liouse and his garden before Mr. Holiok's to.
bee finished." The Towne could not impose a the Battery."
fine above 20s. {Hutchinson), but they made Afril 22. — Thomas Marshall is chosen to
it up by imposing it often. take the place of James Penn in the General
f Mar. 25. — Thomas Painter may sell his Court ; the latter being chosen by the Church
house to Ephraim Hunt. Tho. Munt may mow " for other service."
the marsh at Bird Island. Bro. Becke to re- April 2^^. — "Ordered that Elias Maverick
ceive £5, 4s. for keeping Tho. Rand. and James Johnson, chosen by George Burden,
April \2. — Mr. Adam Winthrop, William Deacon Eliot and Thomas Clarke, who were
Phillips and William Beamsley, to lay out chosen by the Townsmen, in the presence of
high ways at the north end of the Town. A ]Mr. Newgate and with consent of him, should
way of a rod wide ordered to be made by the lay out a cart and horse way at Rumley
water side from the Battery to Charlestowuo Marsh from Mr. Holiock's farm towards the
ferry, that another two rods wide " be pre- mill."
served by Will. Philips in the feild that was Dec. 1. — Mr. Vener and the neighbors
Mr. Stanley's, and soe to the ferry point at thereabout may dig a well and set a pump in
Charlestowne leading vnto the crose way that it near the shop of William Davis, if without
leads from the water mills vnto the water side " anoyance to the street passage for waste
betwene Good Duglas and Water Merrye's water." Mr. Glover and bro. Burden have
garden," as this day staked out, and " vntill " set vnto them the ground before their prop-
buildings be there erected gaites and stiles rietyes, soe fare as from the corner of Mr.
may suffice." The rod wide way formerly or- Web's house to the corner of Goodman Kurd's
dered " from Gallop's point to the Battery, shop vpon a straight line for which they are to
being inteiTupted by Mrs. Hawkins her house, pay 30s. a year for euer,"
1651.
BELL FOR A CLOCK.
321
Oct. 3.
best advantage," and to lay out the proceeds "for one bell for a
clocke." *
The General Court passed an order bearing more heavily upon
Boston, than upon any other place within its jurisdiction ; this
order was to prohibit commerce with Barbadoes, Bermudas, Virginia
and Antigua, because these places held out for the King against Par-
liament. The next year, on learning that an armament was sent to
reduce them, the Court modified their former
order, so as to admit trade with them, provided
Sir George Ayscough succeeded in his attempt to
reduce them ; he having the command of the ex-
pedition.
A disposition among the common people to be
extravagant, caused the General Court to enact
that if a man was not worth two hundred pounds
he should not wear gold or silver lace or buttons,
or points at the knees ; and, because of the
scarcity of leather, they should not walk in great
boots. Women not enjoying property to the value
of two hundred pounds were forbid to wear silk or
tiffany hoods or scarfs.
The town disposed of 500 acres of land at
Brantree to Moses Payne, and is to "ioyne this 500 acres with the
former 500 set to him, taking in all the land betwixt the two
great Blew Hills and the next hill to them;" what there is over
1000 acres, "he is to pay proportionably after the raites of forty shil-
lings a year for 500 acres forever," and the land to be bound for the
rent. J
ONE IN GREAT BOOTS. f
* See an abstract of Cromwell's will in the
Antiquarian Journal, iii. 268. His wife was
named Anne, whom he made " sole execu-
trix ;" mentions daughter Elizabeth, but no
other children. The " six bells " were in the
custody of Henry Walton, a witness to his
will, which is dated 29 Aug. , and proved 26
Oct. 1649.
t This cut of " one walking in great boots "
against the statute, is an exact copy of a per-
41
son fashionably dressed at that period. I do
not find that any belonging to Boston were
" dealt with " for offending this law. Jonas
Fairbanks and Robert Edwards, two individ-
uals of Essex County, are the only offenders
mentioned. — See Antiquarian Journal, vi.
.30.
X Dec. 30. — Bro. Fletcher may make a cel-
lar door two feet and an half " rysing from
his house."
322
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1651.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
The Country again disturbed by Witchcraft. — Case of Hugh Parsons. — Misfortune in his Family. —
He is accused of Witchcraft. — His Examination. — Testimonies against him. — His Wife's Confession
and Deatli. — His Acquittal and Character. — Prosecutions for Heresy. — Case of Clarke — of Cran-
dall — of Holmes. — Severe Punishment of the Igitter. — Sir Richard Saltonstall's Reproof. — Mr.
Cotton's Defence. — Law against Dancing at Taverns. — Boston described by Capt. Edward Johnson.
THE year now commenced was by no
means a quiet one. Witchcraft and heresy
were busy to disturb the peace of the coun-
try. On the late execution of a witch in
the Town, some may have flattered them-
selves that by that execution a stop was
put to their mischiefs, while many others,
doubtless, fancied those imaginary beings
were busy in the region of the clouds,
deputizing some of their number to prowl
nightly about the dwellings of the poor and
fiiendless. These fancies were soon turned
to realities, for, so well had the witches suc-
ceeded in an interior town, that a second
execution would have taken place here, had
not the accused died in prison before the time set for
execution nrri\ed. The present case, to which allusion is
made, was, if possible, more deplorable than that of Mar-
garet Jones. Mary,* the wife of Hugh Parsons, of Spring-
field, upon giving birth to a child in October of the last
^''TI^^f.^ year, was, by her sickness, thrown into a deranged state of
mind. Her husband was a sawyer, which avocation took
him from home, and his wife did not receive the care and attention which
her situation required. Being neglected and much alone with her child,
she caused its death, under the conviction that she was commanded to
do so. Not long after this, in her bewildered state of mind, and, it may
be, at the instigation of some enemy of her husband, she alleged that he
had caused the child's death by witchcraft. The chief Magistrate of
Springfield, William Pynchon, Esquire, in the line of his duty was obliged
to investigate the cause of the death of the child. J A large number of
the inhabitants came before him and gave in their testimony, and Mary
Parsons among them. The minutes taken by Mr. Pynchon at the ex-
* Her maiden name was Lewis. — Spring-
field Toivn Records.
t The above engraving is intended to repre-
sent the dispersion of superstitions as the light
of knowledge breaks in upon them.
X The first dates in Mr. Pynchon's minutes
are "March 12, 18, 22, 1650.'' — Original
Manvsrript.
1651.] CASE OF HUGH PARSONS. 323
aminations, make a somewhat formidable volume, all of which were
transmitted to Boston. Here the Jury found the accused guilty. After
he had lain long in prison, " the cause coming legally to the General
Court for issue, the Court on perusal of the evidence" decided that he
was not " legally guilty of witchcraft, and so not to dy." * This de-
cision was induced, no doubt, in consequence of the confession of his
wife, and the previous action of the Court upon her case. She had
been finally imprisoned upon two indictments, "the one for hauing
familiarity with the Devill as a witch, to which she pleaded not
guilty;" and the second " for willfully and most wickedly murdering
her own child, to which she pleaded guilty, confessed the fact, and
according to her deserts was condemned to dy."t But, as before re-
marked, she perished in prison, and thus escaped the ignominious death
which awaited her.
The proceedings and strange evidence | given in the case of Hugh
Parsons, are probably the most extraordinary of any upon record. At
his examination, Parsons demeaned himself in the most commendable
manner, nor was there, throughout the whole proceedings, anything
impeaching his conduct, excepting the charge of witchcraft. This
charge he quietly, and with becoming dignity, repelled, as he did also
the same charge against his wife. But he was reproached for this, and
* General Court Records, iii. 347. peace of it and threw it into the fire ; that
t Ibid, page 295. about an hower after she heard one mutter
j Here follow specimens of the evidence : and mumble at the dore ; then she asked Goody
" John Stebbinge testifies vppon oath (Hugh Sewell, who was then at her howse (and neere
Parson being present) that as my wife was y« dore) who it was ; she said it was Hugh Par-
entring into one of her fitts, she looked vp the sons, and that he asked whether Goodman
chimney. I asked her what she looked at, and Lankton were at home or no. I said no, and
observing her ey fixed on something, asked her so he went away, but left not his errand."
again (for she did not answer at first) what The accused being present, was asked what
she looked on, and she said with a gesture he had to say to this ; " he spake to other
of strange wonderment, deere, there hangs thinge, and not to the question ; being asked
Hugh Parsons vppon the pole (for there stood the 2d tyme,what his errand was, he spake again
a small pole vppright in y chimney corner) of other by matters ; the third time, being
and then she gave a start backward, and said, charged to make a direct answer, he then said
0, he will fall vppon me ; and at that instant it was to gett some hay of him," &c. John
she fell downe into her fitt. Rowland Steb- Lumbard said that Hugh Parsons had been told
bing being present doth also testifie the same before that Goodman Lankton had no hay to
vppon oath." William Brooks testified, " that, sell, and that " to gett hay was no true cause
the same day that Hugh Parsons was appre- of his comming thither, but rather that y«
hended, and about the same tyme of the day spirit that bewitched the pudding brought him
that the Conestable brought hiui alonge by the thither." Thomas Burneham swore that he
dore of Goody Stebbing, she was first taken told Hugh Parsons, a little before his apprehen-
with her fitts, and cryed. Ah, witch, Ah witch, sion, " here is strange doings in towne about
iust as he was passing by the gate. Goodm. cutting of puddinge and whetting of sawes in
Lankton and Hannah his wife do ioyntly tes- y' night tyme," and the said Parsons was
tifie vppon oath, that on Friday last, being much agitated, " and wholy silent, but at last
the 21 February, they had a pudding in y^ he said he had not heard of it before, but he
same bagg, and that as soon as it was slipped tooke occasion to speak of other matters as
out of the bag, it was cut lengthwise like the pleasantly as anybody else, but to the matter
former pudding, and like another on y= 23 Feb. of the pudding he would say nothing. This
as smoth as any knife_couldcutit,namely, one matter about the puddinge and whettinge of
slice al alonge, wantinge but very little from sawes was often tossed vp and downe betweene
end to end. A neighbor came in and she seuerall persons, and many said they never
shewed it to him, and that neighbor took a heard the like."
324 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1651.
found his own troubles were increased by it, as she soon began to
believe herself a witch, and confessed accordingly.*
In their written verdict, under the hand of their Foreman, Mr. Ed-
ward Hutchinson,! the Jurors, in the usual form declare, that, " Hugh
Parsons, not having y" feare of God before his eyes, in or about March
last, and diuers times before and since, as they conceue, had familiar
and wiced conuerse wi"" y*" Deuil, and did vse diuers deuilish practses
and wichecrafte, to y*" hurte of diuers psons," &c. ; and declare him
guilty according to the evidence, and leave him to the " Corte for his
further tryal for his life." But they say, "considered w* y^ testimony
of diuers y' are at Springfield, whose testimonys were only sent in
writing, as also y" confession of Mary Parsons, and y® impeachment of
some of y" bewitched psons of y^ said Hew Parsons ;" that is to say,
if the Court judged the testimony to be sufficient, taking into consider-
ation the above flicts, then they " finde y** saide Hugh Parsons giltie of
y^ sin of wichcrafte."
After his acquittal, Hugh Parsons resided a while in Boston, where
he received some small proceeds of the little estate which he left at
Springfield. He is believed finally to have gone to Long Island, and
nothing further is known of his fortunes.
His behavior, throughout his extraordinary trials and vexatious
afflictions, was that of an honest and conscientious man ; one, whose
desire it was to do justly, and to speak and act with prudence and dis-
cretion in all things and at all times. He evidently was a man having
a superior mind to most of those with whom his lot was cast, and hence
it is not unlikely, that, owing to this circumstance, as is often the case,
a jealousy was excited against him, the lamentable consequences of
which have here been briefly related.
The heresies, to which allusion was made, were promulgated by sev-
eral of the people of Rhode Island. These began the preceding year
to preach "from house to house," in the Colony of Plymouth, doctrines
since owned by the denomination called Baptists. The Authorities of
that Jurisdiction did not deal with them with much rigor, allowing them
to depart under their own cognizances. This mildness on the part of
Plymouth encouraged some of them to accept of an invitation to preach
* In the course of the examination of Mary lott, and we were sometjmes like catts and
Parsons, Thomas Cooper testified that she told sometymes in our owne shape, and we. were
him she should have been a witch before that plodding for some good cheere ; and they made
time had she not been afraid to see the Devil, me go barefoote and make the fires, because
At length, however, she ventured to have an I had declared so much at Mr. Pynchons."
interview with him, at which interview, she It may even now be thought wonderful, that
said, " the Deuill told me that night I should the men in authority, in that day, should never
not fear, for, said he, I will not come in any have harbored a suspicion that persons under
apparition, but only come into thy body like a such circumstances were insane,
winde, and trouble thee a little while, and | His autograph, as it stands to the verdict
presentlv go forth again ; and so I consented. ^ w" l •^ y^
And that night [she went to a sort of general i^vijat^t^—' ^/)'^ *~»-f2^'^'^
meeting of witches, which she describes thus :] ^
I was with my husband and goodwife INIericke of the Jury. He was a prominent man in Bos-
and Bessie Sewell in goodman Stebbinge his ton, as will often be seen by these pages.
1651.] PROCEEDINGS AGAINST HERETICS. .325
in Massachusetts. Here they fared very differently. The disturbance
began at Lynn, at the house of William Witter, " an aged
"^ ■ brother of the Church," who, not being able to go to Newport
tohear what he considered the word of God truly preached, had there-
fore invited Mr. John Clarke, Obadiah Holmes, and John Crandal to his
house, there to enjoy a season of communion agreeable to their opin-
ions of divine worship. The officers of Government soon learned where
they were, and the object of their visit. A writ was therefore issued
for their apprehension, and they were apprehended accordingly. Their
arrest was on Sunday, in the midst of a sermon, which one of
"^^ ■ them, Mr. Clarke, was delivering; who, in his Narrative* of
the affair, says, " two Constables with clamorous tongues, made an in-
terruption in my discourse, and more uncivilly disturbed us than the
pursuivants of the old English Bishops were wont to do." Being thus
apprehended "they carried us away to the ale-house or ordinary."
This was about noon. In the afternoon one of the Constables proposed
to them to go to Mr. Whiting's meeting. To which it was answered,
that being in his hands they would not resist, but if they were carried
to meeting, then they should " be constrained to declare themselves."
Accordingly, as the custom of the times was, they were " carried"
to meeting. On entering the assembly, Clarke says he "showed his
dissent from them by his gesture." It being prayer time, he took off
his hat as he entered, and " civilly saluted them, and turned into the
seat he was appointed to." Then he says, " I put on my hat again,
and sat down, opened my book and fell to reading. Mr. Bridges [the
Magistrate who issued the warrant] being troubled, commanded the
Constable to pluck off our hats, which he did, and where he laid mine
there I let it lie." At the close of the services Mr. Clarke stood up
and begun "to declare himself," but was soon silenced. They were
then taken to the Ordinary, and there "watched over that night as
thieves and robbers." The next day they were sent to Boston,
^^ ' and "cast into prison." Ten days after, Clarke was brought
into Court " and fined twenty pounds, or to be well whipped."
After a short imprisonment he paid the fine. Mr. Crandal was
fined but five pounds, which he paid, and with Clarke returned to Rhode
Island. Mr. Holmes would not pay the fine imposed on him, which
was thirty pounds, and he was kept in prison till the Court met in the
beginning of September ; and then, after the public Lecture, " when I
heard the voice of my keeper," he says, " come for me, even cheerful-
ness did come upon me, and, taking my testament in my hand, I went
along with him to the place of execution."! Here he requested the
privilege " to give an account of the faith " for which he was to suffer ;
but, he says, " in comes Mr. Flint, and says to the Executioner, ' Fel-
low, do thine office, for this fellow would but make a long speech to
* In Backus', Hist. New Eng., i. 215, of State Street. There, or in that immediate
t The " phice of execution " was that now vicinity, was the Market, and near the Market
occupied by the Old State House at the head stood tiie Whipping Post.
326 HISTORY OF boston. [1651.
delude the people.'" Yet he attempted to speak, "still Mr. Flint
calls to the man to do his office. So before, and in the time of his
pulHng off my clothes, I continued speaking, telling them that I had so
learned, that for all Boston I would not give my body into their hands
thus to be bruised upon another account, yet upon this I Vv^ould not
give the hundredth part of a wampum peaque * to free it out of their
hands."
Mr. Holmes was whipped with exceeding severity, f yet he told the
Magistrates it was as with rods of roses. The spectators were many
of them moved with pity. Two persons, J for expressing sympathy, and
taking the bleeding victun by the hand after his punishment, were
fined forty shillings each, which if they refused to pay they were to be
whipped also.
Soon after these troubles Mr. Clarke went to England, and the
following year published a narrative of them ; upon which Sir
Richard Saltonstall wrote to Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wilson, " that it did
not a little grieve his spirit to hear what sad things were reported daily
of their tyranny and persecutions in New England ; as that they fined,
whipped and imprisoned men for their consciences." Mr. Cotton re-
plied to him, in which reply he attempted a justification of the proceed-
ings against the Rhode Island men. His defence will not be regarded
more satisfactory, at this day, probably, than it was at that day to Sir
Richard Saltonstall. §
Among the laws passed this year, there was one against dancing at
taverns, under a penalty of five shillings. An act was made empow-
ering the town of Boston to choose seven Commissioners who, to-
gether with one Magistrate, were to hear and determine aU civil
actions, not exceeding ten pounds. They had jurisdiction in criminal
cases also, where the penalty or fine did not exceed forty shillings. ||
* Indian money, and current then and above only by having his line paid by a friend. The
one hundred years hiter among the English, following day he " went to visit a friend about
To the time of the American Revolution of six miles from Boston, where the same day he
1775, a feag or peaque was of the value of the fell sick, and within ten days ended his life."
6th part of a penny. — Holmes in Backus. Spur's fine was also
f In an account of his sufferings in Boston, paid by a friend. He belonged to the Church
which Mr. Holmes sent to the " well-beloved of Boston. He left a narrative of the affair,
brethren, John Spilsbury, William Kiffin and which is in Backus. Hazel was of Rehoboth,
the rest in London," he wrote, that the spec- and between 60 and 70 years of age.
tators of the scene said "the man striking ^ They may be read in Hutchinson's ColVs.
with all his strength, yea spitting on his hand Orig. Papers, 401-7, and Backus, i. 245-50.
three times, with a three-corded whip, gave Hutchinson remarks upon the letter of Mr.
me therewith thirty strokes." — ^ac/iM.s,i. 236. Saltonstall, that " it discovers a good deal of
In a manuscript of Gov. Joseph Jencks it is that catholic spirit which too many of our
remarked, that Mr. Holmes was whipped " in first settlers were destitute of." — Orig. Pa-
such an unmerciful manner, that in many pers, iOl. Yet it is surprising that Hutchinson
days, if not some weeks, he could take no rest seems to have been ignorant of the cases of
but as he lay upon his knees and elbows, not persecution detailed in the text, and that Mor-
being able to suffer any part of his body to ton, Hubbard, and Dr. Cotton Mather scarcely
touch the bed whereon he lay." — Ibid., 237. allude to them at all.
Holmes had a brother Ro))ert living in the || This was probably a sort of experimental
parish of Manchester, Lancashire, in 1617. — Court, made to relieve the County Court of
Iliid., 261. small causes ; for Hutchinson says it was onlv
X John Hazel and John Spur. Hazel was authorized for a year, and he uiJ n >t liuvl that
imprisoned seven days, and escaped the lash it was revived. — Hist. Mass., i. 174-5.
1651.] DESCRIPTION BY EDWARD JOHNSON. 327
Four years before, the General Court had become too much encumbered
with small matters, and it ordered that houses of entertainment should
be licensed by the County Courts. *
The Town sent Captain John Leveritt, and Mr. Thomas Clarke, for
Deputies to the General Court. The Selectmen were "Mr. Richard
Parker, Captain Leveritt, Mr. Thomas Clarke, Mr. Edward Ting, Mr.
Houchin, Deac. Marshall and Anthony Stoddard*." Mr. Hezekia Vsher,
Edward Fletcher, George Davis, John Sinderland were Constables.
William Cotton and George Hailshall were Surveyors of Highways.
William Courser and Robert Read, Sealers of Leather. Jeremy
Houchin, Sealer of Weights and Measures ; Edward Ting Treasurer ;
Anthony Stoddard, Recorder, f
One who was present at the first settlement of Boston, and had seen
its progress for the twenty years in which it had existed, thus describes
it : " luvironed it is with the brinish flouds, saving one small istmos,
which gives free accesse to the neighbor townes, by land on the south
side ; on the northwest and northeast, two constant faires,J are kept
for daily traffique thereunto. The forme of this Towne is like a heart,
naturally situated for fortifications, having two hills on the frontice part
thereof next the sea ; the one well fortified on the superfeices thereof,
with store of great artillery well mounted. The other hath a very
strong battery built of whole timber and filled with earth, at the descent
of the hill in the extreme poynt thereof betwixt these two strong armes
lies a large cave or bay, on which the chiefest part of this Towne is
built, overtopped with a third hill ; all three like overtopping towers,
* The order was as follows : " It is ordered June 30. — James Jimson to see " that noe
by the Authoritje of this Court, that hence stones nor tymber shall lye vpon the Flats
forthe all such as are to keepe houses of comon above 48 hours." Wm. Pollard to see that
entertainment, and to retayle rume, beer,&c., no stones or timber lie in the streets at the
the Clerks of the writts and such as are to South End of the Town, and Richd. Bennet
ende small causes, shalbe licenced at the the same at the North End ; agreeable to an
County Coui'ts of the shire where they live, or order of 31 Nov. 1649.
the Court of Assistants ; so as this Court may July 28. — Wm. Baker, carpenter; John
not be thereby hindered in their more weighty Chamberlin, currier; and Wm. Talbot, sail-
aJKxyres." — Original Paper, dated 28 May, maker, admitted to inhabit.
1647. Signed by "Jo: Winthop, Govr.," and Aug. 11. — The Select men are ordered to
on the part of the house by " Bozoun Allen.'" " take care from tyme to tyme for the preven-
f Mar, 31. — Goodman Leader, Sen. to yoke tion of danger of fyer by defectiue chimneys."
and ring all the swine. Henry Rust admitted Nov. 6. — Martin Stebins is fined 20s. unless
to inhabit. he secure his chimney from danger of fire in
Afl. 28. — Thomas Alcocke appointed cow- ten days,
keeper, at 25. q, head. Seft. 29. — Hope Allen, currier, admitted an
May 26. — John Button paid a fine of 20s. inhabitant,
for letting a " forriuer have a shop and enter- Oct. 27. — Nicholas Pai'ker may wharf be-
tainment in his house," and was ordered to fore his property by Charlestown ferry,
discharge him forthwith out of his house, or Nov. 24. — John Web, brasier, admitted to
pay 20s. more. inhabit for six months, "and if he behave
June 20. — If Francis Smith dont remove himself well for longer tyme." Saml. Nor-
his house out of the Highway in three days, den fined for entertaining a foreigner, igno-
he shall be fined 20s. and 10s. a day after, rantly, Gs. and 8</. " and to discharge them of
If Wm. Frainklin dont " fill vp the ground he his house." If any chimney " be on fyer, so
hath digged in the Townes Highway at the as to flame out of the top," the party inhab-
north end of the bridg near the house of iting the house to be fined 10s.
Humphrey Milam " in ten days, he shall pay J This is no doubt a printer's error, and
20s. should he ferries; otherwise it is nonsense.
328 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1652.
keepe a constant watch to fore see the approach of forrein dangers,
being furnished with a beacon and lowd babling guns, to give notice by
their redoubled eccho to all their sister townes. The chiefe edifice of
this citylike Towne is crowded on the sea-bankes, and wharfed out
with great industry and cost, the buildings beautiful and large ; some
fairely set forth with brick, tile, stone and slate, and orderly placed
with comly streets, whose continuall inlargement presages some sump-
tuous city. The wonder of this moderne age, that a few years should
bring forth such great matters by so meane a handfull. But now be-
hold, in these very places where at their first landing the hideous thick-
ets in this place were sich that wolfes and beares nurst up their young
from the eyes of all beholders, where the streets are full of girles and
boyes sporting up and down." *
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Mint Established. — An assumption of Authority. — Favored by the state of Affiiirs in England. —
John Hull appointed Mint-Master. — Some Account of him. — Coining unnoticed by Parliament,
and Cromwell. — Death of John Cotton. — Had ordered his Papers to be burnt. — Incidents of his
last Sickness. — John Norton named as his Successor. — Personal Appearance of Cotton. — His Por-
trait. — Laws against Extravagance in Dress. — War declared against the Indians. — The Dutch
and Indians accused of plotting the Destruction of the English. — Death and Character of Gov.
Dudley. — The Great Eire. — Another Clamor against the Indians. — Maj. Willard sent against
them. — They avoid Hostilities. — Maj. Willard censured. — Heretical Books. — Muggleton and
Reeves.
THIS year money was begun to be coined in Boston.
_ The increase of trade made a home currency necessary.
■^^ Money in bullion had flowed in from the West Indies,
owing in some measure to the success of the buccaneers
e-Q^I
%^,>-
among the islands in that region. Therefore " it was
"iilllli thought necessary for preventing fraud in money to erect
Ijjlj^^ a mint for coining shillings, sixpences and three-
^^""-^^^^^.^-^ It was no small stretch of authority for a Colony or
BRENTON. t Province to presume to coin money ; but this Colony was
now very peculiarly situated, and its presumption in
taking this step was greatly favored by the recent state of arffairs in the
mother country. Things had been so overturned there that the people
♦Johnson, Wonder-working Proi\, chap. xx. f Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 78.
p. 42. This description of Johnson is copied I The above are the Arms of Brenton, of
nearly verbatim in Ogilby's great folio " Amer- Hertfordshire. They are still borne, with aug-
ica : being the latest and most accurate De- mentation, by the naval commanders of the
scription of the New World," p. 159-GO, name in England, all descended from Mr.
printed twenty years after Johnson wrote. Wni. Brentou, of Boston, freeman 14 May,
He mentions one fact not in Johnson, namely, 1634, one of the principal inhabitants, and
that it (Boston) "was anciently called .4cco- afterwards Governor of Rhode Island, of whom
moniicus " .' hereafter.
1652.] A MINT ESTABLISHED. 329
here felt that they were tinder little or no control from that Govern-
ment, and even their allegiance hung only by a thread of very ques-
tionable strength and durability. *
It appears that " for some years paper bills" had been used for
money ; but as these "were very subject to be lost, rent or counter-
feited, and other inconveniences,"! a supply of hard money was re-
solved upon. Accordingly, the General Court authorized John Hull,
"a silversmith," and Robert Sanderson, of Boston, officers of
its " Jurisdiccon," for "melting, refyning and cojning of sil-
ver." They took an oath that all money coined by them should " be
of the just alloy of the English cojne ; that every shilling should be of
due weight, namely, three penny troj weight, and all other pieces pro-
portionably, so neere as they could." Measures were then taken to
provide a suitable "mint howse and all tooles and implements neces-
sary for carrying an end of the order ; that the sajd mint howse should
be sett vppon the land of the sajd John Hull ;" J that when he should
cease to be Mint Master, the Country was to have the ground on which
the house stood at the valuation of two " indefferent men equally chosen
by the Countrje and sajd John Hull."
The pieces at first coined had only the initials of New England on
one side, and on the other the Roman numerals expressive of their value.
But the General Court soon ordered that all pieces of money should
have a double ring with this inscription, " Massachusetts, and a tree
* "No other Colony ever presumed to coin Samuel, Hannah and Elizabeth. At the de-
any metal into money. It must be considered, cease of said daughter Hannah and her hus-
that at this time there was no king in Israel." band, said children to have the reversion of all
— Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 78. lands at Muddy River; lands in Boston for-
f Mr. Felt from Mass. Archives. See his merly Mr. Cotton's at Cotton-Hill, warehouses,
Hist. Acct. Mass. Currency, 33. wharf, &c. ; a small tenement leased by Capt.
X His land is not described in the Book of Daniel Henchman, with pasture adjoining Mr.
Possessions. He died intestate, and, after his Robert Sanderson, purchased of Sarah Phip-
death (which took place 29 Sept., 1683, aged pen. This document was subscribed bySaml.
59, according to Hist. Ant. and Hon. Art. Co.), Sewall and his wife, 13 Mar., 1683-4, and wit-
his estate was distributed between Judith his nessed by " Daniel Quinsey, John Alcocke and
widow, and his daughter Hannah, wife of Eliakim Mather."
Samuel Sewall, as follows : 12 Mar. 1683-4 — John Hull is styled silversmith in legal pa-
Widow to have the mansion house, late bought pers. It was doubtless owing to his skill in
of Mr. Edward Rawson, and the little orchard that business that the CJeneral Court selected
adjacent ; one moiety of all the warehouses, him as its Mint Master. In one of Judge
yard and wharf on the Mill Creek in Boston, Sewall's interleaved Almanacks, he wrote
near the Little-bridge, called Oliver's-bridge ; against 14 Aug. 1683, " My father watched
lands at Muddy River (Brookline) now occupied his last." The Almanack is by Cotton Ma-
by Simon Gates ; Swamp-line land occupied ther. — See Antiquarian Journal, vii. 345.
by Geo. Bairstow ; Hogscote-land, occupied by Mr. Hull had other children besides the wife
Andrew Gardner; a third of the dwelling of Sewall, but they all died before their father,
houses in Boston held by mortges ; one from The first recorded are Elizabeth and Mary,
Hudson Leverett, occupied by him; one from twins, born 23 Jan. 1652 ; Hannah (who be-
Richd. Woodde, occupied by his widow ; and came the wife of Sewall) b. 14 Feb. 1657-
one from Wm. Hoar, baker, occupied by him ; She was married 28 Feb., 1675-6. It is not
also the dwelling house and land bo't of Robt. probable that the father of the Mint Master
Walker; the small pasture bo't of John Dam- ever came to this country; but that this son
erill, fronting on the street leading towards came over with an uncle or grandfather. Farmer
Fort Hill in Boston ; all the lands in Sher- learned by Sewairs Diary, that Robert Hull,
born alias Boggastow. At the death of said of Boston, blacksmith, freeman 1637, was bis
Judith to be equally divided amongst the three grandfather. John no doubt learned his trade
children of her daughter, Hannah Sewall, viz. of silversmith before his emigration.
330
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1652.
in the centre on one side, and New England and the year of our Lord
on the other side." * This was strictly adhered to by the Mint Master,
but the General Court did not probably contemplate, that all the money
which might be coined for thirty years should have the "year of Our
Lord 1652," on it, yet such was the case.f
It has been long since remarked, that it was singular Parliament took
no notice of this infringement of one of its vital prerogatives, but it
only proves one of two things ; namely, that Parliament was too much
occupied to consider of the matter, or that it did not care to disturb
the quiet of New England, as its loyalty was no doubt considered
beyond question ; nor does Cromwell appear to have alluded to the sub-
ject. And " there was a tacit allowance of it even by Charles the
Second for more than twenty years ; and although it was made one of
the charges against the Colony when the Charter was called in question,
yet no great stress was laid upon it. It appeared to have been so
beneficial that, during Sir Edmund Andros' administration, endeavors
were used to obtain leave for continuing it ; and the objections against
it seem not to have proceeded from its being an encroachment upon the
prerogative, for the motion was referred to the master of the Mint, and
* Mr. Felt says, " A pino tree appears to
have been a favorite symbol with the authori-
ties of Massacliusetts." Tiie rudeness of the
impression on the early coins may render it
rather uncertain whether a pine tree was in-
tended to bo represented, or some other tree.
I am of the opinion that simply a tree, of no
particular genus, was orio;inally intended ;
and that at length it received the name of one
of the most common tribe of trees of New
England. When the people " declared them-
selves free from ]Jritish rule, tliey liad it ap-
fiointed on the State Hag, April'llth, 1770.
t continued to tiie adoption of tlie thirteen
stripes. Even before this appointment, it was
under the colors witli such a tree that the bat-
tle of Bunker Hill was fought by our forces."
— Hist. Mass. Cur., 35.
It may be just to infer
that the same Flag or Col-
ors was used on the land
as on the sea in the early
period of our history. —
Such being the fact, and
the Sea Colors being truly
described in an English
work published before
1700, we find a tree in
the colors then in use no
more representing a pine than it does a cab-
bage. It is exactly copied in the annexed
engraving. Tlie ground is red, also the Cross.
Tlie tree is green.
f It may have been tlie policy of the Rulers
not to alter the date ; willing, perhaps, that it
might be tiiought in England a matter only
1652.]
MINT AND COINAGE.
331
the report against it was upon mere prudential considerations."* A
great sum was coined, and Master Hull realized a large fortune ; so
advantageous was his contract with the Government.f But it was re-
marked by a coteraporary, that his good fortune was well deserved ; in
that "he was the son of a poor woman, but dutiful to and tender of his
mother, which Mr. Wilson, his minister, observing, pronounced that
God would bless him ; and although he was then poor, yet he should
raise a great estate." J
The Town sent the same Deputies to the General Court this year as
last.§ The other officers varied. ||
resorted to in a single year, for a temporary
relief, and which had been probably laid aside
the same year.
* Hutchinson, i. 178.
f " lie was to coin the money of the just
alloy of the then new sterling English money,
and for all changes which should attend melt-
ing, refining and coining, he was to be allowed
to take 15d. out of every 20s. The Court were
afterwards sensible that this was too advan-
tageous a contract, and Mr. Hull was offered
a sum of money by the Court to release them
from it ; but he refused to do it. lie left a
large personal estate and one of the best real
estates in tlie country. Samuel Sewall, who
married his only daughter, received with her,
as commonly reported, £30,000 in New Eng-
land shillings." — I/jicl.
X Mather, Magnolia, B. iii. 47.
i} Jan: 5. — Thomas Noble admitted an in-
habitant.
Jan. 26. — Wm. Whitwell may keep an or-
dinary till the next 7th month. Martin Steb-
bins allowed the same liberty. Richd. Wooddy
admitted an inhabitant " vpon promise not to
be offensive by his trayd."
Feb. 23. — Josliua Scotto may wharf before
his property, " by the north east end of the
Mill Bridge." John Vyall may keep a house
of common entertainment, '• provided he keepe
it nere the New Meetinghouse, or northward
of it." James Davis may keep a house of
common entertainment.
II Mar. 8. — Select men were Mr. Adam
Winthrop, Capt. Savage, Mr. Thomas Clarke,
Mr. Jeremy llouchin. Deacon Marshall, En-
sign Hutchinson and Mr. Wm. Brenton. The
Constables were Jacob Sheaffe, Mr. James Ast-
wood, Samuel Bitsfeid, and Wm. Ludkin ; for
Rumley Marsh John Tuthill ; for Muddy River
John Kenerick. " Ordered that James Euer-
ill and the neighbors w'^'' set vp the Conditt by
the Dock, shall have on of the bells (which
•were given by Capt. Crumwell) for a clocke,
and enioy it whiles they make that vse of it
there."
Mar. 10. — Ensign Hutchinson chosen Treas-
urer, and Thomas Savage Recorder. Deacon
Marshall sealer of weights and measures.
Mar. 29. — " Thomas Aikok " to keep the
cows " w*^'' goe one the Common one this
Neck," and to have 2s. and 6(1. each, and
to pay for wintering "of the Town bull."
" Sargt. Richd. Cooke" may set a house on
the Town's .ground, between the house Mr.
Woodmansey lives in, and tiie Town " skoole "
house, extending from tlie street to Henry
Messenger's ground, behind the " skoole bouse
downe along by the burying-place ; G7 foot
wide behind the skole house," and GO next
Henry ]Messenger ; trees planted or to be
planted, and buildings to be holden as se-
curity for the rent. Enlargement of the school-
house was provided for.
April 3. — Ens. James Oliver and Sergt.
Peter Oliver may set up a wind mill on the
" tope of the hile between the Towno and the
hile called Fox hile ;" to pay 12a'. a year to
the Town, or forfeit 5s. a quarter. Said " mile
to stand stile" when the " cheef military com-
mander of this Towne or of this regiment"
shall order it.
April 2. — Jotin Anderson may wharf before
the high-way adjoining his land on one side
and John Crabtre's on the other ; may take
wharfage of strangers but not of the inhabit-
ants of the Town. W'm. Franklin shall make
good the bridge by John Batman's house, over
the Mill-creek ; and to make it passable both
for carts and horse, in ten days, or be fined
20s.
May 'SI. — Edward Flecher requested that
Tho. Sewal might reside in the Town, and
" Rich. Greedly, Jno. Parker, Miles Tame,
Richard Thayro, all of Boston," became se-
curity against his becoming chargeable to the
Town.
July 26. — Richd. Waite may set a porch
before his house, 3 ft. into the street, and 6 ft.
wide, and pay the Town 6d. every 25th of
March " henceforth and for euer." James Pit-
ney allowed to inhabit, but Theodore Atkin-
son had to become bound for him in £20.
Wm. Shattoke, shoemaker, allowed to inhabit ;
also Silvester Harbert.
Aug. 0. — Robt. Feeld may keep a " cook's
shopp and draw beare," and Wm. Courser may
also keep a cook shop. Oct. 5. — Wm. Whit-
well and Martin Stebbin allowed tho samo
privilege.
Aug. 30. — Awgoston Lindon and James
Westmorland admitted inhabitants.
332 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1652.
Nothing since the death of Governor Winthrop had caused so great
a sensation in the Town as the death of Mr. John Cotton. He was in
his sixty-eighth year ; * of whom, one f eminently qualified to
^°' ■ draw his character, says, " His excellent learning and profound
judgment, eminent gravity. Christian candor and sweet temper of
spirit, whereby he could very placidly bear those who differed from him
in their apprehensions, made him most desired whilst he was amongst
them, ami the more lamented when he was removed hence. So equal
a contention between learning and meekness, magnanimity and humil-
ity, is seldom seen in any one person. He was a famous light in his
generation, a glory to both Englands ; one in whom was so much of
what is desirable in a man, as the consciences of all that knew him ap-
pealed unto,' is rarely to be seen in any one conversant upon earth.
And as concerning any tenet, wherein he may be thought to be singular,
it must be remembered, that although he was a star of the first magni-
tude, yet he was on this side of that place and state where the spirits
of just men are made perfect, and where the ' wise shall shine as the
brightness of the firmament.' "
It is related, that on his death-bed Mr. Cotton ordered his son to burn
all his papers which related to the unhappy controversy in Sir Henry
Vane's time ; and that " he had bundled them all up " with the inten-
tion to do it himself, but had omitted it till he had not strength to go
into his study where they were. His son complied reluctantly with the
injunction of his dying father, but not till he had taken the advice of
Mr. Norton. That advice was in obedience with the injunction. J
Mr. Cotton preached his last sermon about one month before
his death. His final sickness was occasioned by a cold taken
while passing the ferry to Cambridge ; whither he Avent to preach a
sermon to the students at the College. An inflammation of the lungs
followed, and he expired on Thursday, about noon, or " between eleven
and twelve o'clock, after the bell had called to the lecture." When
upon his death-bed, the members of his Church, aware that his dissolu-
tion was near at hand, requested him to name some one to succeed him,
and he desired them to apply to Mr. Norton, of Ipswich. §
The personal appearance of Mr. Cotton, according to his grandson, ||
Oct. 5. — Sergt. Robt. Turner may let his sen gentleman of the Great Artillery of Bos-
new house jet into the street further than his ton.
old one is, and to pay 2s. and 6rf. a year for Dec. 27. — William Inglish is admitted a
ever. townsman. Richard Taylor may set a shop at
Nov. 29. — Thomas Bligh is allowed to live the south end of Mrs. Hamblo's house.
in the Town, "he carrying himself without * He was born 4 Dec, 1585, and was there-
ecandall." Mr. Thomas Browghton may wharf fore just entered upon his 68th year,
before his ground at the ferry towards Charles- f Hubbard, Hist. New Eng., bb2>,ed. Harris.
town, if he do it " within a year and a day." j Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 179.
Good. Arnal and Sergt. Wm. Cotton fined 5.S. for ^ Dr. Pond's Preface to his edition of the
committing nuisance. " Tlwse whoe " paved Life of Cotton, by John Norton, p. 8. For
the lane from the Cove at Mr. Hamberye's, several of the above facts I am indebted to
north-west to the house of Robt. Bradford's, this work,
to be paid 40s. || Dr. Cotton Mather, in the Magnalia, B.
Dec. 10. — Mr. Edward Hutchinson is oho- iii. page 28.
1653.] WAR WITH THE NARRAGANSET LNDIANS. 333
was as follows : " The reader," he says, " that is inquisitive after the
prosopography of this great man, may be informed, that he was of a
clear, fair, sanguine complexion, and, like David, of a ruddy counte-
nance ; rather low than tall, and rather fat than lean, but of a becoming
mediocrity. In his younger years his hair was brown, but in his latter
years as white as the driven snow. In his countenance there was an
inexpressible sort of majesty, which commanded reverence from all that
approached him." *
The laws which had been passed against extravagance in dress at a
previous Court, had been pretty rigorously enforced. One woman was
fined for wearing "broad bone lace," one for wearing tiffany, and
another for wearing a silk hood. Allice Flint was complained of for
this last offence, but as she made it appear that she was worth i!)200,
the law did not reach her case ; but Jonas Fairbancks did not escape
censure for wearing " those great prohibited boots," although he es-
caped without being fined.
1653. Captain Leverett and Captain Clarke are again chosen Dep-
Mar. 14. ^tics to the General Court.f
The war between England and the Dutch caused much alarm in Bos-
ton, and a war with the Narraganset Indians also broke out this year.
It was declared by the Commissioners of the United Colonies, and 250
men were ordered to be raised. Owing chiefly to the relation
^ ■ * of England to the Dutch, a jealousy had sprung up here, that
the people of Manhattan had leagued with the Indians to distress and
break up the settlements of New England. This jealousy was strength-
ened when the Rulers considered the part they had acted in causing
the death of Miantonimo. Ninigret was now a leading Chief among
the Narragansets, and he had spent much time of late at New York.
It turned out, however, that the fears of the English respecting a plot
between the Dutch and Indians against them, was without sufi&cient
foundation upon which to make war ; and, after long and tedious exam-
inations, the Commissioners learned that Ninigret had been sojourning
at Manhattan for the benefit of his health. | From the information
elicited, however, it appears not unlikely that the Dutch Governor at
* His portrait accompanying this history Wenborne ; John Doelittell, at Rumley Marsh ;
very well agrees with this description, and Peeter Ashpinall at Muddy River ; Clarkes of
may tend to dispel any doubt of the genuine- the Market, Tho. Buttalls and Corparall Henry
ness of the picture from which it is copied, Pownding ; Seallers of leather, Wm. Corser
should there be any who might wish to appear and Robt. Reade; Surveyors of High-wayes,
wise by expressing doubt. It has, I believe, Mathew Barnes, Richd. Benit, Thomas Wi-
never before been engraved. It is copied, as burne ; at Rumley Marsh, James Pemerton ;
its inscription imports, from a painting in packers of flesh and fish, Serjt. John Barrell ;
possession of John Eliot Thayer, Esq. , of Wm. Dinsdall and Isack CoUimore to looke to
Boston, who is a descendant of Cotton. carriages and wheels of the great artilery."
f " Seleckt men. Ens. Edwd. Hutchinson, "Granted Isack CoUimoor a houselot at the
Ens. Jerymy Howchine, Lieutt. James Oliuer, northwest end of Mackallin Knights ground
Tho. Marshall, Mr. Wm. Brenton, Mr. Samll. towards the house of Mr. Howchins."
Cole, Cornet Peeter Oliuer. Comissioner to | " In Anno 16.53, tliere were great troubles
carry in the voats for Magistrats, Mr. Nathll. and commotions raised in the spirits of men,
Duiikom. Constables, Mr. Joseph Rocke, with reference to the Indians, it being gener-
Henry Bridgham, Bartholmew Chevars, Wm. ally believed that there was an horid conspi-
334
HISTORY OP BOSTON.
[1654.
July 31.
New York was laying plans by which he could avail himself of the
Indians' services, should his situation require them.*
Mr. Endicott had held the office of Governor since the death of Gov-
ernor Winthrop, and Mr. Dudley had served as his Deputy for the last
two years. Now the labors of the latter were come to an end. Mr.
Dudley died in the seventy-seventh year of his age, and thus
passed away another principal founder of the 'Colony ; one of
the most energetic and active men who had ever lived in it. His firm-
ness was fully equalled by his fidelity ; and though he was highly in-
tolerant, according to more modern ideas of toleration, yet his integrity,
and honesty of purpose, in carrying out that which he conceived to be
the true interests of the people, will never be questioned by those who
have attended at all to his character.!
A fire, known for many years after as " The Great Fire," occurred
this year ; but neither its extent nor locality is known. The Town
may be said to have been very fortunate in respect to fires hitherto.|
The immediate affairs of the Town are important and interesting. §
racy amongst the Indians throughout this land
to cut off all the English, and that they were
animated thereto by the Dutch, there being, at
that time, Avar between England and Hol-
land." — Dr. I. Mather, Relation of the Trou-
bles, &c., p. 67-8.
* The war would have been prosecuted but
for the influence of Boston. Dr. Mather says,
"The Commissioners of the United Colonies
did apprehend themselves called upon to wage
warr against Ninigret and such Indians as
should adhere to him in his bloudy proceed-
ings ; but the Council at Boston not concur-
ring in those conclusions, the intended expe-
dition failed at that time." — Ibid., 09.
f There is believed to be no portrait of Gov-
ernor Dudley in existence. This is very sin-
gular, and much to be lamented by his numer-
ous posterity at the present day ; one of
whom, bearing the name, has within a few
years, travelled over a gi-eat part of England
to make researches respecting his ancestry, but,
it is believed, not with entire success. Ilis
biography is of the deepest interest, and may
be read in Eliot and Allen, and most of our
histories. The family arms have been given
in this work. — See ante, p. 137.
X Capt. Robert Keayne, who wrote his will,
orthe first part of it, on the 1st of August
this year, is supposed to refer to this fire in
the following passage : " Haveing thought of
the want of some necessary things for the
Towne of Boston, as a Market-place [house]
and Condit ; the one a good helpe in danger of
fyre, the want of whicli we have found of sad
experience." — Antiquarian Journal, vi. 90.
From the following Town orders it would seem
that the Great Fire happened not long before
14 Mar. 1653. Also from the Town Records : —
Mar. 14.-—" Ordered that thear be a lad-
der or ladders to every house within this Town,
that shall rech to the ridg of the house, which
every houshowlder shall provide for his house
by the last day of the 3d mo. next, one the
penaltie of 6s. 8r/. ; that every householder
shall provide a pole of about 12 foot long with
a good large swob at the end of it, to rech
the rofe of his house to quench fire ; that the
seleckt men shall provide six good and large
ladders for the Towne 's vse, which shall hang at
the outside of the Meetinghouse, to be branded
with the Town mark; that a bell man goe
about the Town in the night, from 10 vnto 5
a cloke in the morning."
^ Jan. 31. — William T\"are is admitted a
townsman.
Feb. 28. — William Gififord, bricklayer, ad-
mitted to inhabit, but Mr. Richd. Bellingham
was obliged to " secur the Town fro all dam-
mage for one whole year." Goodm. Waters
must remove his fence from " crose tlie old
hie way " leading from Tho. Hawkins house
over the little bridge behind the water mill to
the ferry to Charlestown before 7 Mar. next,
or be fined 20s. Wm. Foxley, and Mr. Pig-
hogg [Piggot] " chururgeon," are admitted to
inhabit. Francis Hudson may wharf before
his ground near the ferry at Charlestown, if
he do it within a year , and leave a way a rod
and an half between his house and said wharf.
John Lowes fined 5s. for entertaining Francis
Burges without the liberty of the " Selekt"
men. Good. Watters fined 10s. for entertain-
ing Roger Sowers without the liberty of the
" Seleckt " men.
Mar. 28. — Thomas Rider fined 20s. for re-
ceiving John Lightfoot as an inmate, but it
was afterward remitted. [Joseph Rocke was
fined several times for not acting as Consta-
ble, until the General Court ordered his fines
to be returned.]
April 25. — Mr. Simon Aires fined 10s. for
1654.] EXPEDITION AGAINST THE NARRAGANSETS. 335
Captain Thomas Clarke and Captain Thomas Savage were
chosen Deputies to the General Court. The "Townsmen"
chosen at the same time were Mr. William Brenton, Mr. William Davis,
Mr. Jeremy ah Houchin, Mr. James Oliuer, Mr. Samuel Cole, Mr. Peter
Oliuer, and Mr. Thomas Marshall.*
At the General Election, Mr. Richard Bellingham was chosen
^^ ■ Governor, and Mr. Endicott Deputy Governor. There is no
record that a sermon was preached at the Election, nor is it at pres-
ent known whether any sermons were preached from 1650 to 1655,
inclusive.!
The troubles and complaints against the Indians were louder this year,
if possible, than they were the last year, and nothing short of an exter-
mination of the Narragansets seemed likely to satisfy the Connecticut
people. One of the most serious complaints against them was, that
they kept up a war upon the Long Island Indians ; and this, enforced
with other accusations, caused the Commissioners again to declare war.
A force of 270 foot and forty horse were therefore ordered to pro-
ceed into the Narraganset country to take satisfaction. Of this
" army " Major Simon Willard had the chief command. On his arri-
val Major Willard found, doubtless, what he expected to find, namely,
that the Indians had all run away into the swamps and hiding-places ;
and hence, if he and his men were disposed to fight, there was nobody
to fight with. In due time the army returned home, having effected
nothing of importance.
There was considerable clamor raised against Major Willard, and
there were some that supposed he had secret instructions from the Gov-
his chimney being on fire "contrary to or- Oc^ 26. — Walter Senett may dig a cove in
der." the Marsh near Mr. Ransford's to lay his boat
May 30. — David Hichbone fined 20s. for re- in.
ceiving James Robinson into his house as an
inmate, but on " his sorrow for the same," the
fine was not exacted. Robert Sanders may in-
habit, and ]Mr. Thomas Ruck may " retayle
strong- water. ' '
June 27. — Roger Else admitted an inhab- j)ec. 26. — Joshua Scotto and Wm. Frank-
itant. Mr. Robtt. Woodmancye to be paid Hn may alter the draw bridge, "to make it
40s. " as part of his repayres of his house," rise in two leaves," it being heavy and danger-
[which had probably been injured in stopping ous in one leaf.
the progress of the late fire, 'immediately fol- * Mar. 12. — Habacuck Glover, Tho. Matt-
lowing this order to remunerate Mr. Wood- son, Farnham, and Thomas Wilbourne,
mancye, the Town Records state, that] " For- were chosen Constables. Richard Crichley,
asmuch as sad events have been by fire, when Hough Drury, Goose, and Nathll. Ad'
it breaketh out beyond its due bounds, to the ams, surveyors ; for Rumney Marsh, Thomas
damage and losse, nott only of estate but life Stocker ; searchers and packers of flesh and
also, for preventyon whereof it is hereby or- fish, Wm. Dinsdayle and John Barrell. " The
dered that noe fire shall be kindled within Select Men have liberty to agree with Joseph
three rod of any warehouse or wharfe or wood- Jynks for Ingins to carry water in case of fire, '
pile," &c., upon certain penalties: From if they see cause soe to doe." Wm. Hearsey
which it is probable that the great fire orig- was Constable of Rumney Marsh, and Garrett
inated from a fire made in the open air near Bourne, of Muddy River,
some building or woodpile, &c. f Mar. 27.— Mr. Wm. Davis, Mr. Peeter
Aug. 28.— Mr. Foot shall fence his " sel- OHver, John White and Peeter Aspinwall to
ler from the highway neare the bridge over the join with Cambridge to lay out a Highway
mill stream," or pay 20s. through Muddy River to Cambridge. Mr.
336 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1654.
emment at Boston, which prevented his fighting the Indians ; but it
woiiki have been more just had the Indians been accused of acting
under "secret instructions," by which Major Willard's army found
none of them to fight with. Nevertheless, it may be that there were
influential men in Boston who regarded a war with the Narragansets
altogether unwan"tintable and unnecessary. Mr. Roger AVilliams was,
doubtless, consulted, and there is a letter of his extant in which he re-
minds the English '' that the Xarragausets were their first friends ; that
they had been true in all the Pequot wars, and had been the means of
the coming in of the Mohegans, too ; that a Xarraganset had never
stained his hand in English blood ; but that the Long Islanders had, as
weU as the Pequots ; while many hundreds of the English had ex-
perience of the love and desire of peace among the Narragansets."
Before reti*eating from the Narraganset country. Major "SVillard en-
deavored to bring Ninigret to hold a treaty, but the Chief was afraid to
venture among so many soldiei^. Two gentlemen, however, who ac-
companied the expeilition. Captain Davis and Captain Seely, procured
an internew with him, and he made certain promises, which it is said
he kept fidem Punicam ; for the very good reason, probably, that they
were extorted from him, and that it was out of his power to perform
Samuell Cole, sealer of weights and measures, and 6d. for the use of the Lane that leads to
The grant to Mr. Thomas Broughton to •wharf the Mill Cove, by the year ; and may fence it
or make a •• Carrocadd before his land at Cen- in as long as the Town sees good. It was a
ter Haven is eontynued." Mr. Willm. Davis, rod and half wide.
Treasurer for the Town, and Thomas Marshall, Au^. 2S. — On Hugh Williams security.
Recorder. Mr. James Oliver and Robtt. Tnr- Mary Hayle may •• reside with us." Mathe'w
ner to run the line between Cambridge and Barnes shall remove the pales at the comer of
"Rocksbury." and Boston. •• in pambula- the Mill, and his wood from the High way, or
tyon." Capt. Robt. Kayne and John Touthill be fined 20s.
to run between Boston, Charlestown and Linn Sept, 25. — Mr. Wm. Davis, Mr. Jeremy
"in pambiilatyon." Houchin. and Mr. Peter Oliuer. to view the
^fn7 24. — ••Thomas Olcott shall kepe the land at the end of the house that was Geo.
cows, and to have 2s. a head for every cow Bennitt's, and determine whether it belongs
that goes vpon the comon, and 6ii. a head for to said house or the Town. •• Simon Rogers
the lure of 2 bulls w - he hath hereby power chosen bellman : to begin the 1 Oct. and soe
to gather vpon every cowe." to contvneue till the 1st of 3d mo." Edward
Jung 2S. — The town agreed with Wm. Ire- Greneclif admitted to inhabit. Mr. John Floyd
land and Aron AVaye to make goc>d the High fined bs. for receiving Mrs. Pacey into his
way, as now laid out by Lin. leading thence house as an inmat^e. Famham fined 55. for
to Wenesemeit: the part" newly laid out. partly receiving Goodman Wales as above. Joseph
in the land of Mr. Newgate, and partly in Swett admitted an inhabitant. If any per-
their own ; to keep it in repair seven ye;irs. and sons take earth out of the Lane leading from
to be paid .£5. Wm. Bruff admitted an in- •• The(:>der Atkinsons house to Rich. Gridleys,
habitant : Willm. Wenboume being bound for thev shall bring two lo;ids of gravel for every
him. Mr. Dean Winthrop and Amos Rich- loa^ of earth."
ardson. agents •* vnto Mr. Steaven Winthrop Oct. 31. — Richard Green admitted an in-
doe lay out a highway through the marsh from habitant, and Jasper Rawlins became bound
Henry Bridgham's house to Benjamin Ward's for him. Robert Brooks admitted to in-
wharf;" thence through the Town's marsh, in habit.
a line with the street as staked and marked. Dec. 10. — The order of 24 : 9 : 51 is re-
Richd. Norton fined fc* receiving Geo. Palmer pealed, but it is ordered that " iff anye
into the Town. chimney shall be fired soe as to flame out att
Jit/ySl. — Tho. Smith and Mrs. Bridgett the topp." its owner to be fined 5s. The
Sindford admitted inhabitants. Mr. Hezekiah bridge leading over the Mill stream near John
Vsher, and Thos. Clarke, shopkeeper, to col- Riteinan's house shall be mended up, by the
lect the money for the College, subscribed by <.>wners. so as people may pass safely over,
the Select Men. Thos. Hawkins to pay 2s. within a week.
1654.] HERETICAL BOOKS. 337
them. This is a fair inference, when it is known that Davis and Seely
told him, that if he did not do as they had ordered him, " he must
expect that ere long his head would be set upon an English poh;."
As nothing was cfiected against the Indians, and as the army had
returned, many apprehended that they would be encouraged to commit
depredations. Hence soldiers were kept in readiness to act against
them. Boston ordered that the soldiers which were pressed for the
expedition against ' ' Ninicraft, ' ' should be in readiness to march at
two hours' notice. The number of Boston men " impressed " was
thirty-two, and William Hudson, Evan Thomas, William Blanton and
Nicholas Upsall, were allowed seventeen pounds and fifteen shillings for
billeting them. This allowance was in January following.
To prevent the scarcity of coin, the General Court ordered
that persons should not carry away with them, out of the coun-
try, more than twenty shillings each, which it judged would l)e sufficient
to pay their expenses ; and searchers were appointed to carry out the
order.
There had been a recent importation of books, which were pro-
nounced heretical by the Government. An order was therefore passed
forljiddiiig all persons having in their possession books bearing the names
of John Reeve and Lodowick Muggleton ; * and they were ordered to
be delivered to those authorized to receive them, who were
directed publicly to burn them in the Market Place, which doubt-
less was accordingly done.
At the same Court there was an order made that no man should be a
Deputy to the General Court, " who was not correct in the main doc-
trines of religion." It was also ordered that taxes might be paid in
barley at five, rye and peas at four, and corn at three shillings the
bushel.
„ The General Court came to a regulation respecting their board in
times of Sessions ; namely, that they should take their meals,
especially their dinners, in the Court House chamber. Lieutenant Phil-
lips agreed to give each, beside their meals, a cup of wine or beer, with
two meals, and a fire and a bed, for three shillings a day.
P The death of Major General Gibbons, which happened on the
ninth of December of this year, was a great loss to the Colony, f
*A synoposiH or abstractor Mug^lcton's GOD, Christ Jesus." — lie seems to have
bo<ikH would afford imi(;li aimistTiiont, if" not in- aj;;r('e(l with the Rulers here in one respect;
struction, at this ilaj. lie was jus wild and naiui'ly, in waj^in;^ war against the (Quakers,
sanguine in his tlieoriesiis any t'nthusiast proi)- William Penn fell under his reljuke, whom
ably ever was l)efore or since his time. iliH he wills a " Lyon-like Quaker," who liad come
portrait in <me of his l)uoks now by me, has out "with another thundering letter" "The
under it this inscripti<m : — '^LODOWICK great mistery," he savs, "that (Jod become
MUGGLETON, Ihjrd thi 14 of March KWJ : flesh, is hid from the 'eyes of the 8(3e<i of the
thni aged HS years 7 months : and 14 Dayes.'" serijent, such as William Penn the Quaker is."
Ancjtherof his books lia.s this title : — " The f There is a good sketch of him in Dr. Eliot's
Acts of the Witnesses of the Spirit, in Five N. E. Biog. Diet, ile is al8<j notic<'(l ))v Dr.
Part« ; by Lodowick Mugglet<m, one of the two Allen, though Mr. S;ivage says he is not. '{Note
IRei've was the other] Witnesses, and True in VVinthrop, new editiJn, i. ji. 22.H.)
'rophets of the only High, Immortal, Glorious I am not aware of any data, by whicli the
43
338 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1654.
He was the chief of the military men in the country ; having been kept
in his office of Major General by annual elections. The other impor-
tant offices which he held will have been observed in the previous pages
of this history.* He was probably the greatest adventurer among the
Boston merchants, in La Tour's expedition, by which he lost a large
amount, so that, at his death, his estate was rendered insolvent. There
was, at his decease, a debt due him from the Town. Its consideration
was referred "to the Selectmen" of the following year, " together with
the help of the ancient Townsmen." Mr. Thomas Lake, and Mr. Joshua
Scottow were Administrators to Major Gibbon's estate, who, the records
say, had frequently demanded the debt of the Town, the amount of
which was but forty-five pounds. It was finally adjusted, and twenty
pounds were paid, " because y^ whole debt appears nott so clearly due."
age of Gen. Gibbons can be learned. He was West Indies was noticed in the latter page,
probably not above sixty. He had sons Jotham During that voyage he probably fell in with
and John. Jotham had lands given him by some Euroi^ean voyager, who, on his return to
Squaw Sachem and Webcowit on the west side his country, manufactured the absurd tale of
of Mistick ponds in 1637. Oharlestown after- Gibbon's being met with about the Arctic re-
wards claimed those lands, and a tedious law- gions, and that he had discovered a North-
suit grew out of it. The cause was decided 24 : West Passage, &c. ; which fabrication deceived
1:1661-2. The jury gave Charlestown " three many. Among others, Capt. Arthur Dobbs waa
parts," and " one part " to the defendant, rather disposed to credit the legend, as late
Thomas Gleison, " as the land belonging to as 1744, who prints the story in his Account
Jotham Gibbons, and for the defendant costs of Hudson^ s Bay, 123, &c. — The reader will
of Court, 6s. and 2</." Gleison lived upon the find more of this matter, if he will take the
land at the time of the suit. — Court Papers. By trouble to examine an article in the N. Amer.
the same papers it appears that Major Gibbons Rev., vol. xlviii. p. 129, &c. (No. CII. Jan.,
understood the Indian language and was an in- 1839.) Tlie anachronism in the fabrication,
terpreter between the English and Indians. making Gibbon's voyage two years later than
* See ante, pp. 200, 231. — The voyage of it was, may have arisen from accident or inten-
Capt. Gibbon (as he was then styled) to the tion.
1655.
DEATH OF MR. WINSLOW.
CHAPTER XXXV.
Gov. Endicott removes to Boston. — Death of Edward Winslo-w. — His Character. — Law about Home
Manufactui'es. — Improvement in Scythes. — Movement for a Reduction of Duties. — Sale of Irish
Servants. — Scotch Prisoners sent over. — Various Town Regulations. — Arrival of Quakers. —
Seized and Imprisoned. ■ — Their Books Burnt. — Proceedings against Heretics, how far Justifiable.
Mary Fisher. — Laws against Quakers. — Nicholas Upsall. • — Banishment and Sufferings. — Crom-
well. — People invited to remove to .Jamaica. — Decline it. — John Leverett. • — Execution for Witch-
craft. — Deixth of Capt. Keayne — of Miles Standish. — Forts Repaired. — Samuel Sharp. • — Trans-
fers of Real Estate not hitherto regularly Recorded. — Removal of the Gallows — The North Bat-
tery Repaired.
WINSLOW.
I
THE election this year resulted in the
'^^ "' ■ choice of Mr. Endicott for Govenor, and Mr.
Bellingham for Deputy Governor, whicli offices they
continued to fill for the ten following years ; at the end
of which period Mr. Endicott died. At this Court an
order of request was made, that the present and future
Governors v/ould reside in Boston ; or, within four or
five miles of the Town, " out of respect to strangers."
With this request Mr. Endicott complied ; he had hith-
erto resided at Salem. His place of residence was on what is now Tre-
mont Street, near the house of Mr. Cotton.*
Another of the great men of New England died this year. This was
Governor Edward Winslow. No death could have cast a greater gloom
over the country ; and although he belonged to Plymouth Colony, yet
he was much identified with the afMrs of Boston. There had not lived
in New England, perhaps, a man of greater talents, or one of higher
moral worth. He had no superior among that band of worthies who
gave an imperishable name to the Mayflower ; and he is the only one
of all the " one hundred and one " who came to Plymouth in 1620, of
whom the hand of an artist has left any painting, bearing the char-
acter of an authentic portrait, f He was in England chiefly as an agent
for this Jurisdiction, when he was appointed by the Lord Protector a
Commissioner to superintend or to direct the naval operations against
* Shaw's Description, 291. Mr. Endicott's
oldest son was named John, whose wife was
Elizabeth, daughter of Jeremy Ilowchin, a dis-
tinguished inhabitant. He died without issue
in 1668, leaving all his estate to liis wife. His
house was in the vicinity of Sudbury St., ad-
joining the land of George Bates on the west. —
H^//. His widow m. (Aug. 1668) Rev. James
Allen, who arrived in N. Eng. in 1662. Their
children were Hannah, b. 22 July, 1669 ; James,
21 Aug. 1670 ; John, 29 Feb. 1672 ; Jeremiah,
29 Mar. 1673. Mrs. Allen died seven days after
the birth of this child, and Mr. A. m. again,
11 Sept. same year, Sarah Hawlins (Bi-eet) and
had Thomas, 20 May, 167"); Sarah, 13 Sept.
1679 ; both died infants. Jeremiah A., the
son above named, had an only dau. who be-
came the wife of John Wheelwright, and d.
12 Jan. 1717. Mr. W. died 5 Oct. 1760, a. 71.
Mr. Allen's first wife was Hannah Dummer,
whom he m. 18 Aug. 1663. She d. Mar. 1668.
He was minister of the First Church. — MS.
Memoranda of Thos. Walcutt among Snow^s
papers.
f The original was formerly in the Winslow
Mansion at Marshfield, but is now deposited
with the Historical Society in this city. It has
been beautifully engraved for Mr. Young's
" Chronicles of Plymouth,''' and recently by
Mr. Bartlett lor " The Pilgrim Fathers."
340
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1655.
the Spanish West Indies, under the immediate command of Admirals
Penn and Venables. A disagreement arose between those commanders,
which gave him so much anxiety and uneasiness, that a fever was
the consequence, and he died near Hispaniola, at the age of about
fifty-nine years. * His body was deposited in the sea, upon the cere-
mony of which, " forty- two pieces of ordnance" were discharged.
A want of material for clothing had now begun to be considerably
felt in the Colony, and to cause the people to supply themselves, the
General Court made a law, "that all haiids not otherwise necessarily
employed, as women, boys and girls," should "spin according to their
skill and ability." The Selectmen of the Towns were required to look
to the condition of each family, and to " assess spinners " in it, accord-
ing to circumstances. Thus people were enjoined by legal enactments
to look to their own interests in the matter of home manufactures.
Before this period scythes for cutting grass were a very clumsy imple-
ment of husbandry, but this year Mr. Joseph Jenks introduced a great
improvement into their manufacture. The nature of his improvement
was such, that no one since his time has been able materially to improve
upon him.
There was a movement among the merchants of Boston this
year to effect a reduction of duty on malt. Beer was an article
of great importance, for the brewing of which malt was largely imported.
Accordingly several petitions, signed by some of the most considerable
importers, were presented to the General Court f In one of these they
* He was born at Droitwich in Worcestershire,
October 19th, 1595. Few lines upon New Eng-
land worthies are more familiar than those upon
Mr. Wiuslow in ^Morton's Memorial : —
" The Eighth of May, west from 'Spinola Shore,
God took from us oui- Grand Commissioner,
Winslow by name, a man in Chiefest Trust,
Whose life was sweet, and conversation just ;
Whose Parts and Wisdome most men did excell :
An honor to his Place, as all can tell."
There is a pedigree of Gov. Winslow's de-
scendants in the Antiquarian Journal, iv. 297,
(fee.
f The following are the autographs of such
of the anti-tariff men of 1655, as signed the
petition : —
/-^^ ^-Mi^^-^jl
WILLIAM HUDSON *
* See p. 289.
EDW. HUTCHINSON
1655.]
PETITION FOR REDUCTION OF DUTIES.
341
I
say, " that whereas their is a law about the ympost or custom of mault
brought over from other parts, which your Petitioners conceive to be
piuditiall to this Coiiion Welth, and also a discoridgmt to marchants,"
they therefore pray for a repeal of said law. In another they say, " The
well knowne advantage accrueing by freedome of ports and hindranc of
trade, proportionally according to largeness of customs imposed, that
this seeming good may not bring upon this Countrey a reall evell, and
from custom upon one thing grow to custom on another, till step by step
under spectous pretences we are insensiblie brought under taxes for
every thing, as the wofuU experience of other nations well known unto
us sheweth." Therefore "for the good of the present, and to prevent
this evell in future ages, we are become your humble petitioners to re-
move the customs upon malt, that after ages may remind you as fathers
of theire freedome, and the present may bow before you for theire expe-
rience of your care of theire wellfare." *
Notwithstanding the evils arising from the duties complained of, as
set forth by the Petitioners, the General Court could not or would not
view the " evells " in the light which they did, and referred them to a
former order of their body for such satisfaction as they might obtain
from it.
From the Records of the Town, its progress and prosperity are very
apparent ; many new orders are adopted and new offices created, f
f Jan. 29. — Mathew lans " approved of to
keep a house of publique entertaynment." —
Land was taken of Tho. Munt to make a High-
way " neare unto Mr. Farnesid's house." John
Sumner may inhabit.
Feb. 26. — Upon the desire of " our sister
Baxter" (her husband being " taken at sea and
lost what he had in 1653"), his rate of 155.
was remitted. — Thos. Hill, and John Mosse,
tailor may inhabit. — Ordered " that a dis-
ti-esse be leveyed " on the land that was John
Shawe's, butcher, for rent due on Bendall's
Dock.
Mar. 12. — Selectmen chosen ; — Mr. Wm.
Brenton, Mr. Samll. Cole, Mr. Wm. Davis, Mr.
Peter01iuer,Mr. James Oliuer, Mr. Wm. Pad-
dey, and Tho. Marshall. — Constables, Bro.
Slurimpton, Joseph Kock, John Webb, Hough
Drurye. Bro. Shrimpton refusing, is jQned 55.,
and Rich : HoUidge was chosen. For Muddy Riv-
er, John White , for Rumney Marsh, Simon
Bird. — Surveyors, Nathaniel Adams, Richard
Crichley, Goose the carter, and Sam. Sendall ;
for Rumney Marsh, Edward Weeden. Clerks of
the Market, Wm. Gotten, Heugh Williams
and Theodore Atkinson. Searchers and Sealers
of leather, Wm. Courser and Robt. Reed.
Searchers and Packers of flesh and fish, James
Mattock, Sen., and Wm. Dinsdayle. Corders
of Wood, Tho. Leader, Rich. Taylor, Anthony
Harker, Rich. Greene.
Mar. 30. — Wm. Davis chosen Treas-
urer and Recorder. — Peter OUuer, Seal-
er of Weights and Measures. — Capt.
James Oliuer, Robt. Turner, John Hull,
^-^<^-
ED. HUTCHINSON JUN.
* Tills petition seems to have been dravm by
Mr. Thomas Broughton ; that is, it is in his
chirography, and is signed by him and Mr.
Robert Pateshall, only.
.^^J}^
7^=^^^ If^^Jc^
342
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1655.
By order of the "State of England," many Irish people had been
sent to New England. On their arrival they were sold by those at
whose expense they had been brought over, to any of the inhabitants
who were in want of slaves or servants. There arrived the last year a
ship called the Goodfellow, Captain George Dell, with a large number
of emigrants of the above description. * Many of the Scotch people
had been sent before this in the same way. Some of them had been
taken prisoners at the sanguinary battle of Dunbar. There arrived in one
ship, the "John and Sara," John Greene, master, early in the summer
of 1652, about 272 persons. Captain Greene had orders to deliver them
to Thomas Kemble of Charlestown, who was to sell them, and with the
proceeds to take freight for the West Indies, f
No sooner had one trial been gone through with, but another followed
it closely. The Baptists had just been got rid of, and now came another
strange sect. This was composed of people called Quakers. J There
^^ ^' were but two of them at first, Mary Fisher and Ann Austin. § To
Jacob Eliott, Peter Oliuer and John White " to
run the line between Cambridg and Boston, and
Roxbury and Boston, att Muddy River." Capt.
Robt. Keayne, Mr. Edward Hutchinson, John
Tuttill, John Dolitle and Tho. Stocker to run
the line between Lyn and Boston, and Charles-
towne and Boston. Tho. Alcock to have 2s. 6d.
a head for keeping the cows. Mrs. Richards
allowed 20s. deduction on her rates. Thos.
Jones may inhabit, but Robt. Sanderson to be
security. Alexander Beck and Ralph Roote to
oversee the fence of the Common field at Muddy
River. An order was made to prevent the trees
" planted on the Neck" from being spoiled. A
well of "Robt. Nannye's" is much complained
of, and ordered " to be made up secure : " also
" his seller in the street." The legacy left by
" Mis Hudson, deceased," for the school to be
let to Capt Jas. Oliver at 16s. per an.
April 16. — The Commonage shall be laid
out to the Commoners ; the names of those en-
titled to Commonage to be taken.
ApL 27. — The guns in the Market place
shall be trimmed up against the Court of Elec-
tion, annually, at the charge of the Town. —
John Birchall may inhabit, also " Mis Pacy,"
if Mr. Bradstreet, or John Johnson and Mr.
Parkes of Roxbury will be security. — The
wife of Christopher Piggott to be sent to her
liusband at Muddy River by the Constable,
forthwith.
May 28. — James Bill to sell no more wood
at Dear Island, because there is no more left
than is convenient for a farm. — Richard Otis,
smith, may inhabit.
Jiili/ 30. — Martin Stebbin may seU beer
' vpon liis good behavior, for one year." —
Christopher Avery may inhabit. Mathew
Barnes to " mend y'' bridge at y' mill doore in
4 dayes," or be fined 20s. Wm. Blanton may
" dig six or eight load of earth outt of a
swamp by y" windmill, or where Mr. Cole and
Mr. Peter Oliver allow." — Edward Greenliff
may " set a house of 18 foot deepe and 12 foot
to y** front from y" end of Mr. Batts tan house."
for 2s. (id. per. an., "for a dying house." —
A " noysome pitt by the house of Joseph How.
copper," to be filled up in a month.
Oct. 29.— Thos. Duer, Christopher Clarke
and John Barrett may make a " defence for yt-
cawsy before their houses," by setting down
posts and rails or otherwise. Mathew Pries may
inhabit. Wm. Whittwell may sell beer. Mau-
ditt Ingles, Jno. Marshall, and Rich. Taylor
' ' are chosen to be sworn measurers for all
corn " brought by vessels. James Bates of
Dorchester may Iniy the house and land which
Wm. Lane gave his daughter, Eliz. Rider and
her children, in Dorchester.
Nov. 27. — Isaac Walker, Saral. Norden,
Robt. Nanny, Robt. Gibson and Samson Shore,
" are fined 10s. a man for their chymneys lac-
ing on fire." — Sam. Jewell may inhabit, Marke
Hames being security in 40s. — Deacon John-
son may set up a porch before his house door,
four feet into the street. — Robt. Wyatt and
Wm. Lane to sweep chimneys, and to cry
about the streets that they may be knoAvn.
Lieut. Fisher to survey and draw a draft of all
lands belonging to Boston in Braintrce, also of
all lands given by the Town to the IronM'ork,
" and confirmed to Mr. Leader on their behalf."
"Mis Hanbury is fined 5s. for entertaining
Francis Smith contrary to order."
* Original paper of the time in possession of
Frederic Kidder, Esq.
t See N. E. H. and Gen. Reg.,i. p. 377, &c.,
where the names of those brought over by Capt.
Greene may be seen.
J ' ' The name Quaker was given first in the
year 1650." — Besse's Svffermgs of the Qua-
kers, Prcf. p. iii.
^They came from Barbadoes. Douglass,
Sum. i. 447. — From N. Eng. Judged, p. 8, it
seems that they came from England by way of
Barbadoes, which is doubtless the fact. I'hey
1656.] QUAKER DIFFICULTIES. 343
^„ these, however, there was a large accession m the following Au-
"°' "'' gust. Captain Robert Lock arrived in the Speedwell of London,
bringing forty-one passengers ; of which number eight were Quakers.
Their names were William Brand, John Copeland, Christopher Holder,
Thomas Thurston, Mary Prince, Sarah Gibbons, Mary Weatherhead and
Dorothy Waugh. *
These people had been landed but a few days when they were brought
before the Court of Assistants. When they were apprehended
' ^^^ ' ' they had certain books in their possession, containing the writ-
ings of some of the Quakers. These, to the number of about one hun-
dred volumes, shared the fate of those of the Muggletonians ; being
made a, bonfire of in the Market-place, and their owners were sent to
prison. After informal examinations they were condemned as Quakers,
and the Masters of the vessels who brought them into the country were
compelled to give bonds to carry them out of it. They were kept in
confinement several weeks, f and then were sent away. Mary Fisher
and Ann Austin were put on board a vessel commanded by William
Chichester, who came under bonds of one hundred pounds to transport
them beyond this jurisdiction, and to allow no one to speak with them.
Lock was bound to land the eight which he brought, " nowhere but in
England."!
The people of Boston, and the majority of the people of New Eng-
land, had settled themselves in this country to maintain and perpetuate
what they conceived to be the principles of true Christianity. They
had made the greatest sacrifices thus to situate themselves, and they
considered that they had the best possible right to keep out those who
differed from them in those fundamental doctrines for which they had
gone into exile. They had sought this asylum for the exercise of
their opinions, and not for those who entertained opinions totally sub-
versive of them. Hence, that, so long as they had the power to keep
out intruders, it is not at all strange that they exercised it. And, in
exercising it, they did no more than has been done in the present age in
Boston, making but partial allowance for the distance of the periods of
the transactions. That was not a day of charity for difference of relig-
ious opinions. And w^ho can say that charity universally prevails even
at this day among religious sects ? Few sects indeed have arisen, where
none of their members were fanatics in their origin. Few indeed which
have not produced some whose pilgrimages to reform the world have
not been as romantic as that of the maiden Mary Fisher.§
came in the ship Swallow of Boston, Simon sengers is printed in the N. E. H. G. R. and
Kempthorn of Charlestown, Master. — Besse, Antiquarian Journal,!. 12,2.
Suf. of the Quakers, ii. 177. f About eleven, according to Bishop, N. E.
* The orthography of these names is given Judged, p. 41.
exactly as they stand on the original list, at- IN. Eng. Judged, p. 8.
tested by the " Searchers " at Gravesend, dated ^ This remarkable female, " being moved of
30 May, 1656, which list is now before me. the Lord," undertook a journey to Constanti-
They are very nearly the ssune in Bishop's N. nople, to warn the Turks to "flee from the
Eng. Judged, p. 3. His only variations are wrath to come." This was at a time when the
Gibbens and Thirston. The entire list of pas- Grand Vizier laid encamped with a great arm}-
'Mi IIIHTOKV <M'' IIOHTON. | I ('i^C)
III irvH'wiii;^, (ln'M«i nii'ly Hntimn it hi v<iry ii|»|»;irtiil , llml, in ^'cik^'hI,
tJio pioiMMtr HriliirjitH nillici' citiii'ltMl lluni nvuhhil )>< rHiciilioiiM \* iukI Uum
hIkmiIiI not lii« IuhI hj^IiI of wIk^ii IJiorio hi'iiii<ln<l its itntHoculorH art) iiuUl
(j|i io iiiiivoirsal hcoiii, |
'I'lu'iit wiiM no liiw III Huh Imir iif-'iniiMl, (JlniiKriv, , liciici', il, wmh nnt
iinlriily iivrrmd, MimI IIki.u* vvIi<» w<i<i rt«'i/«t(l luitl iin|MiMonr(| w«irt' ill(«-
^iilly piucjuulnti iipnincjl.. Awiii'moC UiIh, llir AnUiuiilirH, iil, lln* iioxl
HttHtiioii dl' llin (Ikikm'iiI Oonii, niinlo lawH to niont tlu^ ciiMn ol Urn (,Jiiiiik<irH, |
MilMiiMH ol' vt*NH(t|.s W(*t'o Hllltjoclod lo II IllMt ol' olM^ iliindlcii poiiiids ir tliry
hroii^.iit II Qiiidior into miy pinl, ol' Uio (lohniy, mid to ^ivo HciMirity t(»
tiilio iiiin iiwny ii|/,iiiM ; mid il n <Vu»^i*>' <'mii*' wiliiin tli<- .Jurisdiction,
ho WiiH to \us Hoiit to IIk' IIummo (d' (loiicclinii iiiid \vlo|t|M d Iwonty
Hti'lpots.
Tlio noxt your otiior Imwh W(M'o nindo iiiriiiiiMt (.)utikoiH, iind ii;/;iiinis(
iiioMo wlio ('(MinttMimicitd or IxdVinudrd lli(tin. 11 miy poivsoii ('iilorlaiuod
II <7iiiiKor mi lioiir, ho wmm Io Im^ litiod loity Hhiiliiif^H, mid il' ptM'MiHtod
in, llin ollt'iidor wtis to liiivo our ul lii.s ours (Mit oil'; mid il' r('|MMitod hn
iimir A<liltiiiM|ili' \Vlii>ii who gidi I'mMiiiviimi llci m'on jii lliir* lilMl'»r_v Mr N.»il.iiii wiyM, piign
Kit|j,llNli AnilHiNHHiliir tn>>\i liur liiiolt Id Voiiixn, U, "Tliiil' Uio Uoi'Miim dI' IJio l'',iillmain»la in
NolJiliifi, <liNi'i)iini{j,iii|, nliii |ii'iMtiiiii|iii| liy llin ihinninn/, inul liilin'Oiitm in lliit l,iiu>('iniit
miiiNl III' lliii Mmitti liy liiiiil, mill in )liiti limn, /// Vi wuu ii iliwiij Mmi nf liiilni'oilitxy, unimiMliii^,
" wiMi'ttil. tiH_v ulitiao Id' iiij'"')' '>ll"i'"l ill "i"'' ill" UO'iil <li'fj;iii«i id' |iiii'iiii'iiMiM wtiltUH ul <ilii
Iniip; jiMii'iiny 'ill' itliuiil. ItUll' iiiIIkh," iiniMnl ill lii<ri<c*iiiM, Mil ll till ul iiiiiiil I'lii' iiiiiiiy liiiii
Ailriiiinmlo' Him IuuimI iiioiniu lo iMiiivi>,y ii iiu'h ilriMl yixuN, iiml llml llm h.M'lilim ul lli'n gim
Mi|j,ii III llm I iriiiiil Vl/.ii'i, wlili'li wild, llml " mi ki'it^ (im In llix »iilicilmii-i> ul il ) Im Inil llm u|ii<ii
IiIiiuIInIi wuiimii liinl ii iimnHiign IVuiii Ilin lirnul iii(i,ul llml mimI idmI liuiiiil hiiilt (niirli im nmbnci
(iiiil U> llm Hiiiiil: 'riiik." Hlio voiH Huuii ul Mm l.miil lu nliiik in llm nuiiliiln Imlli ul (iml
luvvml mi iiiKlimmu, iiiul wiiM U'tntliul \villi mi*l iiiiiii, iiiurn llimi llm l''i'ugci llml Hunmlinm
i'iici|Mii'l. Wlioii wlm loll, II i^inii'il vviitt ulloroil iinnuyi'il l'lg)(il) , " .^i'. In miullim |iIiiihi llm
lim, ImiI dliii iliii'liiMol il, mill iuui'iiimIiiiI in hiil'nly tMiiiin Anlliur Hii,yH, **'l'liiil. Mm iioihuiih tlnm
III ('uiiHlmilinujilK, *■ wiUiiMil. llm Imiul liiirl ur i)|iiiiiuimliii| mn iiujltul l^nitldiru nut Ivuiii llmir
HKiiir," ||i>i lilhluiiiiii iiuiii|im'i<N liiT IrmiliiiKnli Immld, Iml IVuni llm goHUirn wlii'r«willi limy
miiuii^j, lh« MiihuiimlmiH wilh llml him ronoivi'il iiiiMiilnil, iil, ur iiliuiil Ilin i'iii'ii|iUun ul' llmlV
iiiiiung llm Now Kii|j.liinil I 'lii'lHliiiiiei i liy wliioli inMiliiliuiiH ; or, wimii olHti, in iiiliirnniui in
«uiii|iioinun, Im wiiyH, iiiiinli (J,lury riuluiinilH lu iirmlili llinir nunliiiiKei. 'I'liiu very giwliirn no
Hill iiiiK, wlillii III llm ullmr IikIuii^jm " nvi'i'liml riroiiiiicilmiinil, riiiii|i<ru Ihi'ii' \Miy in nu hiiiiill
ing wlimiii" mill i>unli>iii|il " Mnn A' /•'",*; ilngrnn mm|iiliuii« i II liniufi; llm iiimionl mul
Jihlgtult'XX i, Kvon llm (iliiluHU|ililii IIiiIikIi kmiwii iniiiiii«r ul Huliin, wlmn Im iiiH|iirtiil liiN
innuii nuiiM mil liii'liuiir rniiiiii King, llml Miiry I'Uilhunhisis, lu iilllii'l llm liuilii'u ul liin iimlrii
KUImi- " llii'oil linlliii'iiiiiung 'rniliM limn iiiiiun'(^ iiioiiIn \\IiIi luiiim.miil iIiuhk ullnn In IIikIi' Muw
(ilnltilimiti " IhM. M,nH \. Ili'.l. oIh, miil lu iipUiiln Ilium Nvilli AnUti uml {hi
* Il i« vi'i'.y Korliiin llml llm <^iiiKoi'H iiidml, miiili «mi/^Mi.i, mul in |imlimiliir, nnIiIi lliici ul'
iiH llni_y luiniiolvuil, iiiiiliT llio injniii'liuiiM ul' llm ,/ihil>ini> mul tniiiNuit^ ; llmrotiy lu miiimn imiu
hinhfif liiio ; link' >M<ri> limy llm unly |iiiu|i|ii mIiu luiil, h|ii'ii|iilurei v>illi n eiii|ioinlllluim iinlunteih
liiivii ii|ii|iiiivii|'iii| ill ulii>y llml liiw, wllliunlt mmil, mul tiu lu iliaiiuhn llmm lu Ilin mk|ii<i<liiliun
iilu|i|iiii(i, lu iiii|iiirii wimllmi' Mu\v wmn iiul iln- ul" huiim nirmigo ilidiiiM r\ , iirnlni' liiimmm, in
liiiiliiifi, llu>li uvvn iil^)tiolH Ity Mii|i|'iiii{i; llm liiiiiiil- iirnlnimo i/^'otr, Iml in iloiwl .fhiluihnil" I'ligna
iiliunn ul nil liiw, ' T H. ji'ur llm u|i|iuiiiinil,v lu nunmill Iliid
I 'I'll ni>i in UN I'loiic II llglili IIH w» iim,y linw rmn v\ui'l> I mn intl»nlii>l Io ni)> ulillgiiig iVtuml,
Miiioiil'ly liillmrtiur JIuhIoii dowml tliti OniilitiiM, Mil Ciiami.kh |liaNl<:.
llm roH'owinu, nslnii'l in imnln iVoni ^l^. .lolin | tUmtiM " WlmrtuiM llmi'o U u tuii'mul
Niii'lun'H " Till III II III," whinli ImnnlilliiH, " Tim NiuM ul' JloiolinU liilnly rinmi ii|i in llm wurlil,
Until of Siw l<:nffl,iihl Kmil III llm III, AH uliinli mn I'ummunly n'lllnil <,>niiKi'ru, >vliu liiUn
I'llKMiKH ul llm |iii>Monl (loimnillun, Konnoin n|iun llmm lu l>o im'iii.>.liiiln|\ mml ul' (Iml, mul
ing llui Ihiinii, ur llu> i>.Mii>," ,^<. IS iiiu. |nliilliM\ uhMisi..! I•^ ilu> H|'iii'il, lu «i|ii<iiU mul
l.uiiilon, |ii(i(l I'ligiia «;» Mr Noilon wiih willu lili'ihiilmmoim A|iinlonh," .Vn, •• ««|iiMililiig
iimuiifinl llm m>M<rii(i| iigiiinnl llm (^mliiti'N, mul mil ol' liignilliw, i'ii|ii'oiii'liiiig mul rnvililig
llm> ill. I iiul luiuni him wimn limy woniiililu tu MiigiihlniloBmul MiliiwIui'B," An. lUnnuhrt
«|.n(ll. Iluuilgll llm 1'ivr.f,, ur. 111,1V ..|,ui\\l„ in lin M„tJ\l X, y •}
I cm;.]
I.AWH AO.MNIIT qUAKIilllH.
846
wart l.<) loHo (.l»n oMmm' Oiu'. If Miin d'nl iml riirdi-.c nn ulc.riviiiitti of (,ho
IllAV, \vlli|»|m>K; Mild Itol'ilin; {.\\(\ Imi^Mli' uilli n Iml null wt'ir |u |io |,|iit
(1(t|IM(M|ll<Ml»tM. Ill hill.". Minn Wil 1 illl il.i |iii;l::r(| .lUlrtill/^' II, lilH* <»!' It'll
HllillillL'.M In Ik' li\lt(| nil -iiiv \vll<> llluiild |in Kliuwil l,(t llXl.nild II. Qllulvl'l*
IIKMdill^'; ; Mild livr |iuiiild i ll|iuii ii ;;|ir,dvnr m(, Hlldll llH*ld illf.''. Alld ill
Or.lillMU' 111" l,ll(^ .iilllic yniii llir liniiidly nl dnilJJl WilM dn(i|'«Mu| ll/i'lUllril. Illl
QuH.k<u'rt who hlioiild K Illl II l<. Ilin <'.iliiiiv idlci lilt V liiid Immmi ImniHluul.*
II, WDIlId jut ddlll^', llljil.;il*:n III llic Itddv id IIk^ |ii'(i|ilr In rUI|i|M)Hlt iJllli
ihlrt I11.W wiirt iiiiiuiiiuiMirily Hiuioliuiird. Tlir Ici lni!- iiiiiuiiv iiil.idlif'dhl,
tlinii (Mil. id" IIk^ (Iniiciid ('(Mli'l. Iiiul il;i v\]\h;L '\\\n ul'llir. pi iii('i|iHl liHT-
rliiiiilM id' noildii, (!ii|d. Mdwiu'd lliilrhiiiHuii iMiil ('.i|d 'riiuiiiii,'; <diiil.r,
llinildiri'M III' IIk' <'imiiI, riilrrnd l.ltrir di'.McllI ayniiiil. Ilir liiw |
How ll. ll;i|>|M'lird lliiil. llliMr i-riilli'liini Wi'K' liol rrii,.iiird liy llir
(!i)iiri, dnnM iiul. ii|i|iiMii' , wlidr NiiliidiiM ll|i;udl, mm Mf.',*M| itnd liif-';lil,y
VoH|MMd.M.ld(^ ililmliiliild., Ii'i iliiivviii;' Mitnn* <"iiiii|iMMMiuii (HI l.liurin (.^iiuki'rrt
wild liiid Immmi I.Iii'owii iiilii pi'itUHi, wmm Itiiiiriidl' cmmI. iiil.o l.lin Hiiiiin |ii'iHuii,
n.H HtKiii MM limy worn put uii liuiird OiiplMiii Luidv'H tiliip I'nr ndiiniiipoi'l.n-
l.iuii, ii)t Ixdoin iii<t|il.i(iiiiwl. (In wii.H id't.nrwMrdM HihmI niid liMnifdmil, mid
riidiiicd iiniiMlildii ImrdMliipH loi' liin iiilm'Ini'niKin in liidiiiH' <d' IJiit Qim.-
Lni'.i. lin WMM ii rnuMiiMii (d' lliH (tiiloiiy iiH niirly mm \iVM ; in I (KM wiiH
n niiililV nl' DuivlinHlni'. iln M(dl|ni| ill jlnriluii prnltiildy mImmU hl-hl.
Ill:: luiiiiilil I. WiiM III llinuiidirnr |(ir)(l--7, Ikmii wIihIi In- did linl.
ndliril Inr llnnn ymilM , iiiid llinii ll, WMM III Illl- pilllnl p<l pri Hid Illl -
piiKMillKMil,, I lln WMM lliniud'orn iii^'iiiii l,liin\vii iidu pi'irtoii. Tllirt IiinI,
illlpriHiillliiniil, cuiil.iiiiind Uvu ynill'H, lln did iml lnii_L'; HIU'VIVI* IJ|(*HO pro-
IriM'l.nd (ijiKdliiiM. lln (lirA m hKWl.i) tSihdi vvnm l,lin hn^;iiiiiiii;_'M td' iJiu
ll'itilldnri wil.ll (.)llM,lvni;i, iiiid il. will nvnr Itn Iii,liin||l,<i(| lliiii, limn limy luul
iml, nildnd.
Al'l.nr llin ciinrllinill, i.r llin liiWM Mf'ilill il, " <.,)llillvi r;i illld llnr<d.i(!H,"
llioHti lii.wh w< rn piildiMlind ill HdHl.uii willi linid. (d' <lriiiii Mii'oii^ii i|,M
Hl.|'nnl,M; iilid l,lii^ K'lllmvi dmildli'Mr. linpiMl lliiil, limy rdmidd linl, l>n Imimc-
lurMl l.milldnd willl lUiy liimn nl lln.in iumIm.
Nnl.willr'.lMiidiii;': Illl' pnnpl.- lirm I'nr nid.wnid, IIkii l.n I In i-ti nl I Ik^
I'.iUim liiilli III Kn;'l;ind in llnir iiilnjii :nil. pi'iliumditlj^'H, yid, I liiy rjini lull y
♦'I'li.wt liiwri limy l.n nnn, in Hi.- I'n-in uI,>,h iil, MitiMlwirh iinlil llinnniiiiu |M.rin(ll..,| hiin l.i
Miiul',!, 'J. II, |.ninMn.| („ KImhIk hlMllil.
j Htu. /V,'/(. h'.ni^loiul .hn/f-nl, Hi! •.:, i^Hr.n N. I'Uit^. Ili.it. ,i,i,l Ihuu lit'H ,, V. 'l<*f>-'K
1 llllllM'ililllnJv ll|IMll llln ImJ||}J_ iMMllfllli'.l hn wili'l'" Wlll llM lillllMl Bulllll IMUlUllltl, <»(' lli« <|tl-
WKIll, 1,11 HimkIwi'i'Ii in I'lviiKinUi I liiliiiiy, Wiixn Hi«<ni|iMilH i il, i'i<H|Mii<l,i|li|i< liriiiiuli ill' wlmill iti'd
(Jnviinnr KnuUuni limini h« wiin l,lini'«, Im< m rili/.nim <i|' li.iMinii ill MiiMiliiy, |ii Nrii>, hlng,
iIkI'kiI 1,1m Tnwn imiI, Im mIImw liiiii l,n i'miiimIii, ,///</^V'//, .IuIiii riuiKn nC l>.iii<liitr)li<i' in mU In
lliil, rriini BciiiHt niMiWH llin ( Jiivi'miii'H iitiiiulal.u Im \m ltrii(,h»n' Ili.^liMji iumI itllim'S wi'il." IiIm
Wita iMil. iiltiiyMil, llttUiitji iinlni'Mil liliii In up- iiiiiiut |l|i«liiill, Iml. iiin uwii inil,n(im)ili l« IIM
|iniii' III, I'lvmniilli, Mill, Mr, Uimiill wi'nln liiin linni iinni'SK.!.
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dl
346 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1656.
fell in with Cromwell's government,* knowing Cromwell had their wel-
fare much at heart. He knew they had settled in this part of the coun-
try that they might enjoy what those of the same sect enjoyed at this
time in England, and he knew how sterile the country was, and how
incongenial the climate of it was also. He therefore, after the conquest
of Jamaica, invited the people of New England to remove to that
delightful island. But they had become too firmly seated in their chosen
retreat, and had too many ties of interest to break from or to relinquish
them for any uncertainties. They therefore declined the invitation, and
few if any could be found to accept of it, notwithstanding Mr. Leverett
of Boston, then the Colony's agent at Cromwell's Court, very much
favored the proposition for a removal.
It was probably fortunate for Boston that it had at this period one of
its greatest men at the Court of the Protector. It was owing to this cir-
cumstance, undoubtedly, that the proceedings against the Baptists and
Quakers were passed over as they were ; and that the claims and complaints
of Patentees to the eastward were unheeded. Mr. Leverett, as formerly
mentioned,! had been an officer in the Protector's army, and had very
considerable influence with him, from an intimacy which appears to have
existed between them from the first.
The Quakers were hardly out of sight before there happened an event
in Boston, which they were ready to record as a judgment from heaven
upon the place for the cruelty that had been practised upon them. This
was the execution of Mrs. Anne Hibbins, for the imputed crime of
witchcraft. She was the wdfe of Mr. William Hibbins, an early settler
in Boston, one who had been among the fathers of the Town, and who,
when his wife was accused, was in the service of the Colony, and had
been so for many years. She was tried and condemned in the year
1655, but was not executed until this year. This woman, it is
said, was possessed of an unfortunate temper, and when her hus-
band, who had been prosperous, became somewhat reduced in his cir-
cumstances before his death, which occurred in 1654, showed herself
turbulent, and perhaps troublesome. The proceedings of the Church
against her caused her to be more obnoxious to her neighbors, until
some of them, to show their sagacity, probably, accused her of witch-
craft.|
Mrs. Hibbins is said to have been a sister of Governor Bellingham,
and was otherwise very respectably related, but at this time it seems
that her friends had deserted her, and thus the poor widowed mother
was sacrificed in accordance with the blind laws of the age.
*The General Court appoiutcd the 11th of his will (Gen. Reg., vi. 158), says Mr. Hibbins
June for a day of humiliation, because " Rant- was brother to Major Denison. His wife Anne,
ers and Quakers" were disturbing England, as appears from her will (i. p. 284), had had
for the preservation of the Protector, and for a former husband named Moore, iind that by
the success of liis naval expeditions ; and that him she had three sons whom she left in Eng-
Protestant armies miglit prevail against those land. To these she left her effects, in expecta-
of Antichrist. tion that they would come over, or one of them,
t See ante, p. 289. and receive them.
i Hutchinson, i. 187-8. — Capt. Keayne, in
I
1656.] TOWN REGULATIONS. 347
There were other memorable deaths this year, but they were in the
natural course of human events. Among those recorded was that of
Captain Robert Keayne. Captain Myles Standish died at Duxbury, and
Mr. Samuel Sharp at Salem.*
It is noted upon the records of the Town that a " greatt bell "
was lent to Capt. Richard Davenport for the use of " Castle
Island." William Dawes was paid three pounds for w^ork done at Fort
Hill, and ten pounds to Capt. Thomas Savage and Capt. "James Olli-
uer" for that amount paid by them to Henry Blake for brick and lime
used at the same place. " Sam. Syndall " was paid four pounds and ten
shillings also for work done at Fort Hill, f Also Mr. Jasper Rawlins
was paid twenty shillings for brick and lime used at the same place.
^ Hitherto there does not appear to have been a systematic plan
of recording the possessions of real estate among the inhabitants
of the Town ; for it is noted that " Isaake Culimore's " land " not
being formerly recorded, is now orderly performed." Also the land
of Macklin Knight, which he had exchanged with " Goodman CuUi-
more " for, formerly, " is acknowledged to be his proper right."
At the same time were recorded Capt. Thomas Clarke and Capt.
Thomas Savage as Deputies to the General Court. The Select men
were Mr. William Brenton, Thomas Marshall, Mr. Samuel Cole, Capt.
James Olliuer, Cornet Peter Olliuer, Mr. William Paddy and Wm.
Davis. The Constables were Wm. Toy, Daniel Turin, J Wm. English
and Henry Allen. Wm. Ireland and Henry Stevens exercised the same
office at Rumney Marsh and Muddy River. Wm. Toy requested that
Hugh Drury might be admitted a Constable, which was granted. §
William Davis was chosen Treasurer and Recorder.
On account of the " greatt inconveniencies by persons irregular rid-
ing through the streets of the Towne, and galloping," it was ordered
that for every offence of this kind the delinquent should be fined two
shillings and sixpence ; except " Aq^on dayes of military exercise,
or any extraordinary case require it." Ensign John Everell and
* From the connection of Capt. Standish with Hitchbone to see that all the hogs were yoked
the aftairs of Boston, his death is here properly and ringed.
noticed. He died 3 October, 1656. See Gen. Feb. 25. — Wm. Talraage allowed 6s. for
Reg.,n. 244. Although I here mention the land taken into the highway. — Nathl. Wood-
death of Mr. Sharp, it may be found that he ard and family may inhabit, and Thomas Har-
died in 1658, as Dr. Bentley states. He was wood became their security,
one of the Fathers of INIassachusetts ; being an J The fifth autograph on page 243, ante, I
Assistant in England, and one of Gov. Endi- read George Turen.
cott's Council in Salem. He had the direction ^ At the same time Richard Samford, Sen.,
" of the ordnance and artillery business gener- Robt. Wright, Jacob Eliott, and Sam. Norden
ally," and was Mr. Cradock's agent. He came were chosen Sur\'eyorsof highways. Ha'oacuck
over with Mr. Higginson, bringing the (silver) Glover and Wm. Cotton, Clerks of the Market.
Seal of the Company and a copy of the Char- Jno. Parker, Jno. Stivinson, Wm. Dinsdale,
ter. He was, with ^Ir. Skelton, authorized to Jno. Cunny, Tho. Leader, Richd. Taylor,
assume the Government, should Mr. Endicott Anthony Barker, Richd. Greene, Richd. Grid-
not he alive on their arrival. ley, Mauduitt Ingles, Alexr. Adams and Wm.
f Henry Lee allowed to inhabit, " upon his Beamsley, were chosen to fill several minor offi-
good behavior," and Capt. Davenport to be his ces. " Wm. Davis is chosen Commissioner to
security to the Town for " any charge that may receive j" proxyes for magLstrates, and to carry
arise by his family." Wm. Spowell and David them in att y" County meeting."
348
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1656.
Mr. Joseph Rock requested liberty " to stop carts from passing through
the paved lane by their houses." They were allowed " to set up posts at
the end of the lane," till the Select-men should take the matter in hand.
The " Gallowes to be removed to y" next knole of land before
the next execution." *
The North Battery was ordered forthwith to be repaired.
This Battery stood " at the lower part of the north end " of the
It was not demolished until after the war of Independence.!
The site was then converted into a wharf for the accommodation of
ships and merchandise, and it still bears the name of Battery Wharf.
This was a very important point, as it commanded a great extent of the
harbor, and much expense was laid out early this year to put it in a
condition to be of service in case an enemy should appear. J
Mar. 31.
July 28.
Town.
* Mar. 31. — " James Everill is enjoyned to
secure y' collar where y^ old Meeting-house
stood." — Heury Phillips, butcher, may repair
the lane leading behind liis house to the spring.
The surveyors to repair one half of it at the
Town's expense, for a foot way. Wm. Pearse
admitted to inhabit. James Nabors and Mi-
chael Wills his security in £10. Tho. Reade
admitted also, and Lieut. Wm. Hudson his
security in £20. — Joseph Rock must remove
his fence between his house and Mr. Lyndes in
a week, or pay 20s. He must set said fence
in a line fi'om the corner post of his house to
y'' corner of Mr. Lyndes. The piece of land
formerly granted to Edward GreeuliiF, by the
Spring, is let to Mathew Coy at 2s. 6d. a year,
for the school's use. Richard Pittman fined
20s. and to depart the Town forthwith, if he
put not in security ; and " to secure his chim-
ney from danger within a day on penalty of
20s." — "James Nabors is fiiied 5s. for his
chimney flaming out."
April 2S. — li[chd. Gridley to be paid £10
for lime and bricks at Fort Hill. — Martin
Stebbins may draw Ijeer the ensuing year. John
Poole admitted to inhabit.
May 20. — Walter Merry is fined 10s. for
receiving an inmate. Wm. Beamsley fined 10s.
for receiving an inhabitant without licence.
Wm. Pollard chosen shepherd for the year, and
to have 8d. a sheep.
July 28. — Tho. Harding may inhabit ;
Walter Merry and Tho. Munt his security in
£40. "If any young persons or others be
found without either Meeting-house idling or
playing during y'' time of publick exercise on
y'= Lord's day," the Constable was ordered to
bring them before authority.
Aug. 25. — Gabriell Tesherly may inhabit :
Mr. [William] Brenton being security in £20.
Butchers may throw their " garbidge " into
the " Mill-Creek over the Draw-bridge, and in
no other place." Richard Webb, shoemaker,
set the frame of his house three feet on the
Town's land without Liberty. John Parker
may inhabit ; Richd. Greene being his security
in £20.
f Chiefly inferred from Pemberton in Mass.
Hist. Colls., iii. 249.
XScpt.2^d. — Isaac Cullimore was allowed
50s. for work done on the Battery. — Oct. 29.
Capt. James Olliuer, Peter Olliuer, Wm. Pad-
dy, and Wm. Davis were paid £16 " for so
much disbursed by them for repayring y" North
Battery." — Similar accounts were brought in
and allowed the following year.
Robert Doutch admitted to inhabit ; Walter
Merry and Tho. Munt security in £20. Capt.
Tho. Savage may make cellar doors before his
new house between the Draw-bridge and the
Conduit ; to come out 3 feet from his house and
no more.
Oct. 29. — A Pound is ordered to be " sett
vpp " at Rumney Marsh.
Dec. 29. — Application to be made to the
next General Court to have the line between
Boston and Lynn determined. — Goodman
Wales to have 6s. and %d. of his tax abated,
" in regard of his poverty." " Care to be taken
to pay Rich. Gridley for building y^ Schoole
house chimney."
1657.]
TOWN-HOUSE.
349
CHAPTER XXXVI.
A Town-House. — Sketch of its History. — Movement for Repairing the Fort on Castle Island. — Loss
of many Persons at Sea. — Mr. Mayhew and others. — Other Quakers arrive. — Severity towards
them. — Imprisoned, whipped, and banished. — Case of William Leddra and others. — Trial by
Jury at first denied them by Gov. Endicott. — They appeal to England. — Their Appeal not allowed.
— Endicott the Father of American Independencai — The Quakers denounce Woes upon their
Persecutors. — Death of William Paddy. — Death of the Lord Protector Cromwell. — Earthquake.
THE Deputies to the General Court were the same
this year as the last. The Select-men were Dea. Tho.
Marshall, Mr. Wm. Brenton, Mr. WilUam Paddy,
Mr. Samuel Cole, Ens. Joshua Scottow, Ens. John
Hall and William Davis.*
The subject of a Town-house had been agitated since
the death of Captain Keayne, and perhaps before. It
was known that that gentleman intended to do some-
thing towards such a building, and, in December
SCOTTOW. t last, it was ordered in Town meeting, that at the next
meeting "some time should be spent to consider of Captain Keayne's
will in respect of y*" legacyes given to y® Towne." Accordingly, at the
^^ next meeting, it was recorded, that " vpon y" perusall of
Capt. Keayne's will, itt is agreed y' forthwith y*" executrix
and ouerseers of y" s*^ will be advised with concerning said legacyes,
withoutt delay."!
* Constables — Nat. Adams, Nat. Williams,
Amos Richardson and Jno. Collins. At Rum-
ney Marsh, James Pemberton, and for M.
River, Tho. Gardiner. — It was ordered, that
if Nat. Williams take a journey to England
before his year be out, the Town will chose
another Constable.
f Skottow of London. — Az. an estoile or. —
Crest — A lion's head erased arg. collared
gules. — There are in St. Swithins Church,
Norwich, Eng., on a mural tablet, the Arms of
Scottowe and Suckling. — Scottowe, fess or
and az. a star counterchanged, and Suckling,
per pale gul. and az. three bucks tripping or. —
Richd. Scottowe was an Alderman of Norwich,
and died IGIG. — The name signifies the lot or
portion on the hill, and such is the situation of
Scothowe in the County of Norfolk. Jeffey
de Scothowe held the manor of Scothowe as
early as 1120. — See Bloomfield's Hist. Norfolk,
iv. 251, 202; V. 7; vi. 340.
I A complaint being made against a son of
Goodwife Samon for living without a calling, it
was ordered that if his mother " dispose nott of
him " before the next Town meeting, then the
" Townsmen " would do it. — Mathew Barnes
to secure the Mill-bridge Iiy a fence 4 feet high
within six days, or pay 20s. — Jno. Andrew's
tax abated 6s. and 8d. — Robt. Harris to have
4 acres allowed him " out of the Towne 's waste
land," for " two highwayes " taken out of his
land at Muddy River.
Feb. 23. — [John?] Frasy may inhabit. —
Capt. .James Johnson hired all the waste land
belonging to the To-\vn on the south side of the
creek by Mr. Winthrop's warehouse, adjoin-
ing the land let to Ben. Ward, for £4, 10s. a
year for the school's use. — Tho. Walker to be
paid 40s. for bricks and lime for the Fort. —
Richd. Woody 30s. which he disbursed on the
bridge by Mr. Winthrop's warehouse.
Mar. 9. — The paved lane by Mr. Shrimp-
ton's ordered to be laid open, and no more to
be shut up. — Capt. Savage, Mr. Stodard, Mr.
Howchin, and Mr. Edward Hutchinson, Sen.,
a Committee " to consider of y'= modell of
y' Townehouse to be built;" also of the
expense and location, and to take up subscrip-
tions " to propagate such a building." Mar.
26. — George Burrill, coojjer, fined 10s. for har-
boring John Gilbert. Mar. 30. — Ralph
Hutchinson, 10s. for the same offence. John
Hart, 10s. for the same. — No persons to keep
shop or set up manufactures unless first ad-
350
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1657.
A Townhouse was the result of this movement, but at what time com
pleted does not clearly appear. It is incidentally mentioned a few years
later, as being entered by a flight of several steps. It was where the
old State house now stands, at the head of State Street, and stood until
the great fire of 1711, in which it was consumed. It was built of wood.
The following year, 1712, a brick edifice was erected on the same spot.
This the fire of 1747 destroyed, and, what is vastly more lamented now
than even the loss of the building could have been then, many records
and other public papers were burnt up with it ! * The building now
standing was built the next year, but both its interior and exterior have
undergone numerous changes, while the compass of its walls remains the
same. As late as 1791, it was described as " an elegant brick build-
ing," situated " one mile and 297 yards from the Fortification " on the
Neck ; "110 feet in length, and thirty-eight in breadth. The ascent to the
=^^^^^ lower floor, as fronting the Long- wharf
is by an elevated flight of large stone
steps, railed round with neat iron bal-
lustrades." There were side entrances
as at the present day, and one from
Cornhill, now Washington Street. In
this building were accommodated the
General Court of the Commonwealth,
clerks of the Supreme Judicial Court,
and Court of Common Pleas.
It behoved the people of
^^ '" ' Boston to look well to the de-
OLD STATE HoLbt.f feuccs of tho Towu, and now that the
North Battery had been put in a good condition. Captain Clarke and
Captain Savage, the Deputies in the General Court from Boston, moved
mitted inhabitants. John Vyall may " draw
beere " till 29 Sept. next. Clement Gross also.
Wm. Pollard chosen Pound-keeper.
April 27. — "Richard Way admitted into
the Town," if " his brother Aron Way " give
security for him and his family, which he did
by making his mark to a bond for £20, on the
Town records. — Richard Smith admitted on
the " commendation " of Mr. Jxio. Wilson,
Sen. ; but Henry Blague and John Pease had
to give bonds in £20. — Edward Blake admit-
ted to inhabit, on the security of John Blake,
who wrote his name well to a bond for £20 on
the records. He had a family.
June 29. — Tho. Dinsdale may hire a room
of Capt. Tho. Savage. — John Clow having
served an apprenticeship may follow his call-
ing. Ens. Jno. Web to supply Richard San-
furd wherewith to support the little infant
Mary Langham till further order. — Geo.
Broome readmitted [to inhabit] " with caution
of his future good behavior." — Joseph Bel-
knap is to pay 8s. rent for land occupied by
him.
Juhj 28. ~ " Deac. Marshall and Ens. Hall
appointed to gaine liberty in writing of Mr.
Seaborne Cotton and his mother, to bring water
downe from their hill to y'' Condnitt intended
to ])e erected." Workmen ordered to be em-
ployed to prepare for the conveyance of the
water to the same. Edward Gold granted 4
rods of ground from the corner of Wm. Blan-
ton's pale by the street seaward, at 45. per an.
Mr. Thomas Broughton fined 5s. for his chim-
ney being on fire. Ben. Gillam fined 10s. for
making a fii'e on the wharf. James Baulston
for the same. — Wm Foster, seaman, Wm.
Duglas, and Robt. Smith, tailor, admitted in-
ha1)itants ; Deac. Marshall being their security.
* In the Massachusetts Magz. iii. 467, it ia
said, "A vast number of ancient books and
early records, together with a collection of val-
uable papers, were destroyed ; and to the rav-
ages of this calamity we may attribute the im-
perfect accounts that are to be obtained of the
first and second building."
f This view of the Old State House is re-
duced from one prepared for the Massachusetts
Magazine, August, 1791. It is a south-east-
erly view.
1657.] QUAKERS PERSECUTED. 351
that body to make an appropriation for completing the fort at Castle
Island. A grant of fifty pounds was thereupon made.*
There happened a disaster at sea this year, which is not very circum-
stantially related. Captain Garret sailed from Boston with " many con-
siderable passengers." Nothing w^as ever heard of them after-
wards. Among the passengers were Mr. Thomas Mayhew, Junior,
of Martha's Vineyard, Mr. Ince, Mr. Pelham, and Mr. Davis ; all
scholars and Masters of Arts, who had been educated at Harvard Col-
lege. Mr. Mayhew had been of great service to the Indians, and was
at this time upon a voyage to Engiand, with one of them, to represent
their condition to the people of that country, with the hope of procur-
ing assistance towards their civilization, f
The severity with which some of the Quakers were dealt with the
last year did not prove to be any security that they would avoid the
jurisdiction in future. One Mary Clark, wife of John Clark, merchant
g^ ^ ^g tailor of London, venturing to New England to comply with
^ ' " ' what she conceived to be a spiritual command, was whipped in
a cruel manner. In the mean time Christopher Holder and John Cope-
land were seized in Salem, and, after being very roughly handled, J were
s- 91 '>3 "^^^ ^^ Boston." Here the operation of whipping was per-
^41 •" '"■ • formed " with a knotted whip of three cords," with all the
physical ability the "Hang-man" could command. Another "Friend,"
Samuel Shattock, of Salem, had to suffer the same for interfering when
Holder was gagged. He was imprisoned for some time in Boston before
he was whipped. When this was done he was banished. § These were
by no means all who suffered punishments as heretics this year, in Bos-
ton. Lawrence Southick and his wife Cassandra, " an aged and grave
* John Philips fined IO5. for entertaining land's vv'ife 5 weeks, 12s. M. — Samuel Cole
Stone and family. to be held accountable for Elizabeth Knap, as
A2ig. 31. — Jno. Peirce admitted to inhabit, he took her into his house contrary to order. —
on the testimony of James Auerell and Isaak Philip Curtis to be paid 205. for killing a wolf
Colimore. Jno. Lewis must remove offensive at Muddy River last winter. — Joseph Worm-
matter by his slaughter house by Sept. 5th. all's rent to be half abated, and the other half
Graves fined for his chimney being on fire paid by Capt. Savage to the Tovra's use ; said
and flaming out, and his landlord for want of a land being lately in possession of said Savage,
ladder. — Hugh Stone and Thomas Thayer may — Capt. Savage to preserve the fence about the
inhabit. — Christopher Perrust to return the burynigplace, and to enjoy title and use of
deed of his land, instead of that bill of £50, said ground for 20 years.
which the Town received of him, which was for Dec. 29. — Richard Seward may inhabit,
the supply of his wife if he had gone to Ja- Nat. Fryar being bound in £20. — Mr. Bush-
maica. — Wm. Blanton must lay gravel in the nell and Mr. Glouer had " liberty to set vp a
little lane from Henry Phillips' house to Peter pump." Daman Mahoone fined 205. for enter-
Duncan's. — Henry Mason, a brewer, may in- taining two Irish women, " and is to quitt his
habit, Daniel Turell and John Baker security house of them forthwith at his perill."
in £20, each of whom wrote his name hand- f Prince, in Mayheio's Ind. Converts, 291,
soraely, as the records testify. ScjH. 28. — from which it may be inferred, that the Master
Gawdy James may inhabit, Capt. Johnson and of the Ship, Capt. Garret, was Mr. Mayhew's
Wm. Salter being security. wife's own brother, ^qq also Morton's Mem.,
Oct. 26. — Wm. Ware, in consideration of Edit. Davis, 274-5.
his long sickness and low estate, has his rates % Holder, for attempting to speak after " the
abated. Priest had done, was haled back by the hair of
Nov. 30. — Wm. Spowell to be paid 4s. M. his head, and his mouth violently stopped with
" for looking to y'= boyes att y^ Meetinghouse." a glove and handkerchief thrust thereinto it
— Wm. Salter for keeping Christopher Hoi- yiiih.mxxchim-j.''''— N. Eng. Judged. ^ Ibid.
352 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1658.
couple," * iiiliabitants of Salem, and their son Josiah ; f Richard Dowd-
ney, of Dedham ; William Shattock, a shoemaker of Boston, who had
a wife and children. As John Small, Josiah Southick and John Bur-
ton were on their way from Salem to Rhode Island, " to provide a place
for themselves and families," they were arrested at Dedham, where the
" Constable with aid, and with a halbert and brazen-headed staff, con-
veyed them like murtherers through the streets of Boston," When Gov-
ernor Endicott understood that they were only passing quietly through
the country, he ordered them to be set at liberty. That he should at
the same time fine them twelve shillings, is far more unaccountable than
his clemency. It was indeed making the poor Quakers pay for the blun-
ders, or more inexcusable conduct of his officers.
Meanwhile, Sarah Gibbens and Dorothy Waugh found means to get
back to Boston, for which they were imprisoned three days without
food, and then " whipped with a three-fold knotted whip, tearing off
their flesh." Then eight days more were added to their imprisonment,
after which they were sent out of the jurisdiction. Horred Gardner, of
Newport, with a child at her breast, and a girl named Mary Staunton,
were taken up in Weymouth, and being sent to Boston were imprisoned,
whipped, and again imprisoned ; yet amidst her sufferings, " she
kneeled down and prayed the Lord to forgive them.'' Why Thomas
Harris, of Barbadoes, should at this time make his appearance in the
place does not appear, unless it were to invite persecution. If he came
for this, he certainly did not go away without it ; as to other business,
it does not appear that he had any. At the same time came William
LeddraJ and William Brend. The cruelties perpetrated on these
poor, misguided men are altogether of a character too horrid to be
here related. The following individuals came in for a share of suffer-
ing ; — Humphry Norton, § John Rouse, || Samuel Gaskin, and Joshua
* On the 11th of May, 1659, Lawrence and 1661. He is said to have been " of Barbadoes."
Cassandra Southick, their son Josiah, Saml. — " Capt. Johnson, who led forth William Led-
Shattock, Nicholas Phelps and Joshua Buffum, dra to be put to death, was afterwards taken
were called before the Court, and banished on with a distemper which deprived him of his
pain of death, and allowed but a fortnight to reason and understanding as a man." — Besse,
prepare for their departure. Three of them. Sufferings of the Quakers, ii. 271. N. Eng.
iSbattock, Phelps and Southick, the younger, Judged, 326-9. The Court do not seem to
sailed for England by the way of Barbadoes. have desired to put Leddra to death, but he
Buffum fled to Rhode Island, but the " aged would not accept of life on any terms. He
couple," Southick and his wife, "went to was banished in Sept. 1660, but returning, was
Shelter Island, where, shortly after, they died apprehended. He then had liberty to go to
within three days of each other." — Besse, ii. England, but he would not go, and seemed to
198. N. Eng. Judged, 107. dare the Court in various ways. He said they
f He returned from England, where he had weremurderers, and their Ministers were deceiv-
been Imnished, about 1660-61, and " appeared ers, &c. — See Hutchinson, Hist. Mass. i. 202.
manfully at Boston in the face of his persecu- ^ He was imprisoned some time in Plymouth
tors." For thus carrying himself he was again colony, then banished ; and at New Haven "was
imprisoned. After about nine weeks, namely, cast into prison and chained to a post,. and kept
in Sept. 16G1, he was sentenced to be whipt at night and day for 20 days, with great weights
a cart's tail, ten stripes in Boston, the same in of iron, in an open prison without fire or can-
lloxbury, and the same in Dedham. After these die, or any suffered to come to visit liim, in the
wliipjiings wei('gi)nothroughwith,"he wascar- bitter cold winter, it being the 12th month,
ricd tiftirn miles Cromany town into the wilder- 1657," [Feb. 1658, N. S.] — N. Eng. Judged,
ness, and tlicrc discharged." — J5esse, ii. 224-5. 203-4. Besse, &{/". Quakers, \i. 196.
I He was put to death in Boston, March 14th, |1 He was a young man without a family, as
1658.] QUAKER PROPHECIES. 353
Buffum. Rouse was son of Lieut. -Colonel Rouse, of Barbacloes. The
father had formerly lived in New England. Nicholas Phelps, who lived
" about five miles off Salem in the woods," was doomed to suffer for
allowing some Quakers to meet at his house. Anne Needham, being
sick, was not proceeded against with the others. William Marston, of
Hampton, an old man, was imprisoned and heavily fined for having
Friends' books in his house, and for affording relief to some in prison.
The Quakers demanded a trial by Jury, and, being denied it, they
" appealed to England," but Governor Endicott treated a demand for
such an appeal with derision. Endicott, however much he may be con-
demned by the sectaries who differed from him, was the real father
of American Independence.* It was in vain that the poor Quakers
demanded wherein they had broken any laws of England. They were
answered by orders for their commitment, and additional stripes for
their presumption. And not without good reason did they exclaim
against "such monstrous illegality," and that such "great injustice
was never heard of" before. Magna Charta, they said, was trodden
down, and the guaranties of the Colonial Charter were utterly dis-
regarded.
These persecuted people were fully persuaded that a day of wrath
would overtake New England, and they did not fail to declare their
belief from time to time. And indeed it was not long before their pre-
dictions were fulfilled. The terrible war with the Indians, which
followed in a few years, was viewed by them as the vengeance of
Heaven for their cruelties to the Quakers. That it was a visitation
from the Almighty for the sins of the people, as their leaders believed,
the writings of those leaders afforded the persecuted all the evidence
they could require, f
^^ Mr. William Paddy, merchant of Boston, died this year. He
"^" was an excellent man, and one highly esteemed by all who knew
him. He settled at Plymouth, in which Colony he was made a Free-
man in 1636. He was a Deacon of the Church of Plymouth. In 1657
he removed to Boston. He was a Deputy to the first General Court
were Christopher Holder and John Copeland. * He was no sooner settled in the country
These men had their right ears cut off in the than he began to show his independence by
prison, Sept. 16th, 1658. — N. Eng. Judged, banishing the Brownes. The next and most
91-2. This being a private execution, Katha- prominent step was the cutting out the Cross
rine Scott, of Providence, being in Boston at of the national Colors. Those who took the
the time, pronounced it the " works of dark- laws into their own hands, and threw the tea
ness ;" whereupon, " though she was a mother into the harbor in 1773, were only putting
of many children and of an unblamable con- Endicott's precepts in practice. But that early
versation, and a grave, sober, ancient woman," American Independence had as little to do with
and some of the Court " knew her father and equal rights as can well be imagined,
called him Mr. Marberry," she was publicly f There were this year, according to a
whipped, and then told that if she came again " Declaration to the Parliament, &c.," above
here " they were likely to have a law to hang one hundred and forty Quakers then in prison
her." She may have been a sister of Mrs. in England, and one thousand and nine hun-
Anne Hutchinson. Mrs. Scott had daughters dred others who had suffered in the last sis
Patience and Mary, both at this time imprisoned years, also twenty-one imprisoned till death. —
and in 1659 also. The former was only about Besse, Suff. of the Quakers, i. Pref. iv.
eleven years old.
45
354 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1659.
of Plymouth. His residence was in what is now North Centre street,
then called Paddy's Alley, which name it bore above a hundred
years.*
g This year died also Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of
^^ ' ' England, " who was buried with more than regal pomp." He
was born on the twenty-fifth of April, 1599, and hence was in his fifty-
ninth year.f
A "great earthquake" is recorded as having happened this year,
but no particulars have been found.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Mistaken Policy of Rulers. — Troubles ■with the Quakers continued. — Case of Robinson and Stevenson.
— Mary Dyar. — All three are hanged on the Common. — Accident at the Drawbridge. — Alice
Cowland. — Many imprisoned, fined and whipped. — Retributive Justice foretold by the Quakers. —
Instances produced. — Quakers complain to the King, who orders a stop to be put to further Pun-
ishments. — Some who were banished return with the King's Mandate. — Arrival of Whalley and
Goffe. — Effect of the Restoration of Charles 11. in Boston. — Agents sent to England to vindicate
the Country. — It causes Agitation in the General Court. — Favorable Influence of Lord Say and
Seale, and Mr. Crowne. — Return of the Agents. — Great Disappointment of the People. — Death of
Major Atherton.
THE blindness of rulers is sometimes as great, at
least, as that of the ruled. In the persecution of the
Quakers, the former must have seen that, in their
steps from one severity to another, the evil they were
endeavoring to crush increased rather than diminished ;
and yet they persisted in their course until they had
taken the lives of several persons.
There can be but poor consolation to those who
make laws in the consideration that they had notified
KussELL. X all mankind of their sanguinary character, and that
*He is highly eulogized by Morton, in iV. at the head of the grave of Mr. William Paddy.
England's Memorial, 279. Morton's Editor On one side, — ^^ Hear lyeth the body of Mr.
found a record in which it is said that " The William Paddy, Aged 58 years. Departed
name is now extinct." His first wife was Alice, this life August the — , 1658." On the other
daughter of Edmund Freeman, of Sandwich, side —
whom he married in 1639, and had sons Thom- " Here sieaps that
as and Samuel, born in Plymouth. He had ^l^a^ltipTs luT iluJ
nine children, and left a large estate for those That so when time shall be
days — near £3000, all of which was in debts ^^^■'^ ^« '^'^ "'"'"''^ '""^'^ ^^f
except about £500. His will is dated, 20 Aug. ^ilhTles"e7m&addy."
1658 ; proved, 21 Sept. following.
On the 18th of June, 1830, as workmen were He was probably buried in the Johnson bury-
digging up a portion of the foundation of the ing ground (now King's Chapel). His Auto-
old State house, at the head of State street, to graph may be seen ante, p. 340.
make alterations for the accommodation of the f Noble's Memoirs, i. 91, &c.
Post Office in that building, a stone was found % Some account of the family of Russell has
which, from the inscription, must have been once been published by the writer in the New Eng.
1659.]
ROBINSON. STEVENSON. DYAR.
355
whoever rushes upon the point of a sword is a self-murderer ; but thus
did the rulers of those days with evident self-justification proceed to
make and execute laws against heretics ; as though it were not the
consciences of people that caused them to question the righteousness
of such laws, but that through their wicked obduracy they had wilfully
broken them ; thus, in effect, claiming that there could be no con-
scientiousness except in their own breasts. Such is the manifestation
of human nature at a certain stage of civilization.
William Robinson, formerly a merchant of London, Marmaduke
Stevenson, of the eastern part of Yorkshire, England, and Mary Dyar,
of Rhode Island, who was banished formerly among the Antinomians,
were sentenced to be hanged. The two men were hanged * on
the Common, f but Mary Dyar, after she was upon the ladder
with her arms and legs tied, and the rope about her neck, was spared
at the urgent solicitation of her son, and sent out of the Colony ; but
she was so fully persuaded that her death was necessary in the cause
she had espoused, that she returned again the next year, and was exe-
cuted on the first day of June. J
Hist. Gen. Regr. vi. 274. Richard Russell,
honorably mentioned in the present chapter,
has now no male descendants in America, ac-
cording to the investigations of Mr. H. G.
SoMERBY, who was honored with the friendship
of the late worthy Major Gen. L. 0. G. Rus-
sell, C. B., of Ashland Hall, County of Salop,
who took great interest in his researches, being
the representative of tlie family, and born in
Charlestown. See also Burke's Landed Gentry,
ii. 1165-6. Autograph of the progenitor in
America,
In 1820, Sir Isaac Heard granted to James
Russell, of Clifton, Gloucestershire, son of
James Russell, of Charlestown, to be borne by
him and other members of his family in New
England, Ar. on a chev. betw. three cross cross-
lets fitchee sable, an eagle's head erased or, a bor-
dure eng. gu. chgd. with eight plates. — Crest
— on a wreath of the colors a demi lion ramp,
ar. charged on the shoulder with a saltire couped
az. betw. the paws a cross crosslet fitchee erect
sa.
* " So being come to the place of execution,
hand in hand, all three of them, as to a weding
day, with great cheerfulness of heart ; and
having taken leave of each other, with the dear
embraces of one another," they were swung off
under the direction of the Chief INIarshal,
Edward Michelson of Cambridge, the same who
afterwards officiated in the same capacity in
hanging the Indians taken in Philip's war. —
"The bodies being dead, your Executioner,"
says Bishop, addressing himself to the Authori-
ties, '' and Officers were so barbarous, that
when their dead bodies were cut down, they
were suffered to fall to the ground, with which
the skull of W. Robinson was broke, his body
being stiiF ere it Avas cut down ; and when
down their shirts were ripped off with a knife,
and their naked bodies cast into a hole of the
earth, which was digged, without any covering ;
and when some Friends came and desired their
bodies to be put into coffins, and so into some
enclosed ground, where beasts might not turn
them up, your Executioner suffered them to
wrap them in linnen, and to put them in again,
but to take them away he suffered them not.
And when a Friend [Nicholas Upsal] had
caused pales to be brought to fence the place,
into which they were cast, that so their bodies
might not be preyed upon l)y the bruit crea-
tures, seeing you would not suffer them to be
removed ; but there left their bodies together in
a pit in an open field, which was soon covered
with water." — Neio Eng. Judged, 125-6. —
Southey has given the substance of the above in
one of the volumes of his Common Place Book,
but which, I do not remember.
f I suppose a branch of a tree was the gal-
lows. Perhaps the " Great Tree " near the
Frog Pond. While Stevenson and Robinson
were awaiting their execution, they drew up a
solemn warning, dated, " In the Common Gaol,
in the Bloody Town of Boston, the 6th month,
1659." They commence by saying , ' ' Hearken
and give ear, thou Town of Boston, lend an ear,
O ye Rulers, Chief Priests, and Inhabitants
thereof! Listen all you that dwell therein.
Rich and Poor, Small and Great, High and
Low, Bond and Free, of what sort soever, give
ear," &c. — N. Eng. Judged, 235-6.
In a short exhortation by Robinson, he dates it
" In the Hole of the Condemned, in Boston Gaol,
the 16th day of the 8th Month, 1659."— i^".
261.
I " A comely grave woman, and of a goodly
356 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1659.
As the people were returning from the execution of Robinson and
Stevenson, the draw of the Draw Bridge fell upon a crowd of them,
mortally wounding a woman, and severely hurting several others. This
the Quakers and those who believed them wrongfully persecuted,
readily declared to be a judgment from Heaven.
It being known that Robinson and Stevenson were to be put to death
if they returned to Boston, and they being resolved to return, a number
of their friends accompanied them, as Alice Cowland, " to bring linen
wherein to wrap the dead bodies of them who were to suffer," and
Daniel Gould, of Salem, William King, Hannah, wife of Nicholas
Phelps, Mary Trask and Margaret Smith,* of the same town,
" to look the bloody laws in the face," as they professed. They were
all taken up and imprisoned. Robert Harper, of Sandwich, and Edward
Wharton, of Salem, were also thrown in about the same time ; and,
after going through the prescribed forms, were severely
whipped, t except Alice Cowland, Hannah Phelps, Mary Scott
and Hope Clifton, who were " admonished." They all laid in jail
until their friends paid the jailer's fees.
The Quaker historians seem to have been diligent to discover how
their principal persecutors ended their days. They felt as sure that all
those who participated in opposing them would meet with their reward
in this life, as ever any sect did which had been persecuted ; and they
go on to enumerate a large number of cases to prove, not only that
their belief is the true belief, but that Heaven had made it manifest to
all men by its visitations upon such misguided and persecuting victims.
The representations of the Quakers in England, against the Govern-
ment at Boston, J caused Charles the Second to issue a letter to the
Governor, requiring him to desist from any further proceedings against
them. A ship was immediately chartered for XoOO, and Samuel
Shattock, who had been banished, was appointed to convey the King's
letter to the Governor in Boston. In the same ship came several other
Quakers, and the master, Ralph Goldsmith, was a Quaker also. After
a voyage of about six weeks they arrived in the harbor. Shattock him-
self had the satisfaction to deliver the King's letter to the Governor
personage, and one of a good report, having an great gun, with his clothes stripped oiF, and
husband of an estate, fearing the Lord, and a there the skin was torn from his back, and his
mother of children." — N. Eng. Judged, 157. flesh beat on his bones." — N. Eng. Judged.
— She returned to Boston, Oct. 8th, 1659, with J Edward Burroughs was the jjrincipal in-
Hope Clifton, also of R.Island. They came, says strument in procuring the King's Letter or
Bishop, to visit Christopher Holder, then lying Mandamus ; for when the news of W. Leddra's
in prison. — See also Besse, ii. 206. " John death came to the ears of the Friends at Lon-
Wcl^b, who with armed men led Mary Dyar to don, and of the danger many others of their
her e.Kecution, as he with others were busy in persuasion were in, they were much concerned,
killing a whale, or great fish, was on a sudden, and Edward Burroughs speedily repaired to the
after a strange manner, carried into the sea and Court, and having got access to tlie King's
drowned." — lb. 270. presence, stated that " there was a vein of inno-
* These two women " had been unjustly de- cent blood opened in his dominions, which, if
tained in the House of Correction at Boston, not stopped, might overrun all." Whereupon
one of them about ten months, and the other the King said, " I wall stop that vein," and at
about eight." — Ibid. ii. 211. once issued the Mandamus, &c. It was ^ated 9
t" Daniel Gold was tied to the wheel of a Sept. 1661. — Besse, Suf. Quakers, ii. 226.
1659.]
KING S MANDAMUS.
357
with his own hand. After perusing it, Mr. Endicott replied, "We
shall obey his Majesty's command," and soon after issued an order for
the discharge of all the Quakers then in prison. William Salter was
the prison-keeper during the Quaker prosecutions.*
There were, a little previous to this, twenty- eight persons f lying in
the Boston jail, one of whom, Wenlock Christison, was under sen-
tence of death. J Not long before the time for his execution arrived, an
order of Court was issued for the liberation of all of them. This order
was occasioned, as the Quakers believed, by the receipt of some intelli-
gence from London, that complaints against its proceedings were likely
to succeed with the King.
These prisoners, however, did not all escape punishment. " Peter
Pearson and Judith Brown were whipt with twenty cruel stripes through
the town of Boston." "A guard armed with swords, were appointed
by the Court to drive them all out of that jurisdiction into the wilder-
ness country, which they performed accordingly." For some cause not
stated, John Smith and his wife Margaret were ordered back to prison
again. They had already been kept from their home in Salem near two
years. Two others of those liberated, John Chamberlain § and George
Wilson, inhabitants of Boston, soon returned to the town. They were
immediately arrested, and " sentenced to be tied to the cart's tail, and
whipped through three towns into the wilderness, which was cruelly
I
* The following graphic account of the arri-
val and proceedings of Shattock and his com-
panions, as given by Besse, are too chai-acteristic
of the times and people to be omitted ; they
therefore follow in his own words: — "The
Townsmen [ of Boston ] seeing a ship with
English colors, soon came on board and asked
for the Captain. Ralph Goldsmith told them
he was the Commander. They asked whether
he had any letters. He answered, yes. But
withal told them he would not deliver them
that day. So they returned on shore again,
and reported that there were many Quakers
come, and that Samuel Shattock (who they
knew had been banished on pain of death ) was
among them. [Capt. Oliver went on board,
and supposing the seamen were most Quakers,
he came into Boston, and said, as is reported,
' There is Shattock, and the Devil and all.' —
N. Eng. Judged, 345.] But they knew nothing
of his errand or authority. Thus all was kept
close, and none of the ship's company suffered
to go on shore that day. Next morning Capt.
Goldsmith, with Samuel Shattock, the King's
Deputy, went on shore, and sending the boat
back to the ship, they two wont directly
through the Town to the Governor's house, and
knockt at the door : He sending a man to
know their business, they sent him word that
their jMessage was from the King of England,
and that they would deliver it to none but him-
self. Then they were admitted to go in, and
the Governor came to them, and commanded
Samuel Shattock 's hat to be taken off, and
having received the Deputation and the Man-
damus, he laid off his own hat ; and, ordering
Shattock's hat to be given him again, perused
the papers, and then went out to the Deputy
Governor's, bidding the King's Deputy and
Capt. Goldsmith to follow him. When he had
consulted with the Dep. Governor, he returned
to Shattock and Goldsmith, and said ' We
shall obey His Majesty's command. After this
the Master of the Ship gave liberty to his pas-
sengers to come on shore, which they did, and
had a religious meeting with their friends of
the Town, where they returned praises to God
for his mercy manifested in this wonderful de-
liverance." — Sufferings of the Quakers, ii. 226.
f The names mentioned are John Chamber-
lain, John Smith and wife Margaret, Mary
Trask, Judith Brown, Peter Pearson, Geo.
Wilson, John Burstow, Elizabeth Hooton,
Joane Brooksup, Mary Malins, Catharine
Chattam, Mary and Hannah Wright, Sarah
Burden, Sarah Coleman and three or four of
her children, Ralph Allen, William Allen and
Richard Kirby.
X Christison told the Court that putting him
to death would only increase the people they
intended to destroy ; for, said he, " there came
five in place of the last man you executed."
Mr. Richard Russell opposed the sentence of
death against Christison.
^ Chamberlain had been made a Quaker of
by witnessing the constancy with which Steven-
son and Robinson met death, as before nar-
rated. Besides his imprisonment and banish-
ment he had been nine times whipped. — Besse,
ii. 224.
358 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1660.
executed, especially at the last of the three, where the executioner had
provided a cruel instrument, with which he miserably tore their flesh ;
which instrument they would have bought and sent to England, but
that was not permitted."
It is not strange that the agents, Mr. Bradstreet and Mr. Norton, did
not succeed in their mission to the Court of England, after the Restora-
tion, when the events just recorded were well known there. And it is
said that one of the agents fled from London, on being informed that
"William Robinson's father was coming up out of the North, to call
him to an account for murthering his son." *
The General Court made a law forbidding the celebration of Christ-
mas, under a penalty of five shillings. The law compelling all persons
to attend meetings under the same penalty was still in force, and the
Quakers were at this time great sufferers under that enactment. In
many instances, the fines accumulated to a large amount against
the same individual, and many were thrown into jail, and their cows,
sheep, and other substance, were taken from them ; thus great distress
was caused to many families.
The most memorable event which occurred this year in Boston, per-
, haps, was the arrival of General Edward Whalley and Colonel
WiUiam Goffe, two of the individuals who had sat as judges at
the trial of King Charles the First. They came with a Captain Pierce,
and probably brought considerable effects with them. They had not been
outlawed when they left England, nor did they leave it until they had
lost all hope that the Commonwealth, which they had been instrumental
in establishing, w^ould be overthrown. They had been fast friends of
the immortal Cromwell, and had stood by him in many sanguine fields.
Whalley had been one of his Lieutenant- Generals, and Goffe a Major-
General. They were grave and dignified in their deportment, becoming
the high stations they had held. On their arrival they were courteously
received by Governor Endicott, and treated with respect and attention
by the principal persons of Boston. They did not disguise themselves,
but went publicly to meetings, for as yet there had been no news of the
restoration of Charles the Second. This news was not received until
the end of November following. It was expected that the Judges of
the late King would, on that event, be proscribed, and many of them
had provided for such extremity as well as they could. These two
were said not to have been among the most obnoxious, and hence it
was hoped by them' and their friends that they would be excepted,
should clemency be extended to any ; and, there was soon a rumor by
* A^. Eng. Judged, 46-7. — The alleged manner of his death. Having preached in the
failure of this embassy is said by many to have forenoon, he fell down dead in his own liouse
caused the premature death of Mr. Norton, before the service in the afternoon. " lie was
See Eliot, Biog. Diet. 340. While the Qua- observed to fetch a great groan, and, leaning his
kers freely said " he was cut off by a sudden head against the chimney-piece, was heard to
and unexpected stroke," for his exertions in say, ' The hand or judgment of the Lord is upon
exciting the Magistrates in their cruel proceed- me,' and he sunk down and spake no more, and
ings against their people. Yet I do not find had fallen into the fire, had not an ancient man,
that there was anything very singular in the then pre8ent,'prevented it." — ^esse, ii. 270.
I
1661.] CHARLES SECOND PROCLAIMED. 359
way of Barbadoes, that all the Judges would be pardoned but seven.
But the Act of Indemnity soon followed this rumor, and Whalley and
Goffe were excepted.
They fixed their residence at Cambridge, whither they proceeded
very soon after they landed in Boston. They seem to have been inmates
for a time with Major Gookin, with whom probably they deposited
their effects when it became necessary for them to retire into the caves
of the surrounding wilderness to escape the pursuivants of the King.*
This their personal safety soon compelled them to do.
Charles the Second was proclaimed in London the lawful
^^ " ' King of England, and the news of it in due time reached Boston.
It was a sad day to many, and they received the intelligence with sor-
row and concern, for they had been warm friends of Cromwell and
"^^ ^' his government. They now saw the latter trodden under foot, and
the grave of the former desecrated. But there was no alternative,
and the people of Boston made up their minds to submit to a power
they could not control. They, however, kept a sort of sullen
^ 3 silence for a time, but fearing this might be construed into con-
tempt or opposition to the King, they formally proclaimed him
in August.
Meanwhile, the Quakers, and perhaps some other enemies of New
England, had obtained the King's ear, and he sent over a requirement
calling upon the Government here to answer the complaints in England.
This led to the sending over Mr. Bradstreet and Mr. Norton, as agents,
as has been stated. They were instructed by the General Court to
represent the Colony as loyal and obedient, and to endeavor to take off
all scandal which had been promulgated to its prejudice. This was an
undertaking, of which it may be truly remarked, that men who had grown
gray in political intrigues might have shrunk from in concern ; for even
the Clergy of the Colony had justified every circumstance of the course
of Cromwell, and publicly lauded the piety, as well as justice, of the
Court which had brought their Monarch to the scaffold. f
The requisition of the King for some to appear to answer the com-
* The King's Commissioners afterwards made there was no more done in it. Capt. Peirce,
the reception of these judges a ground of com- who transported Whaly and Gough into New
plaint against the Colony. They say, "Col. England may probably say something to their
Whaley and Gough were entertained by the estate." — Hutchinson, Col. Orig. Paps. 4:19-
Magistrates with great solemnity, and feasted 20. — See also Stiles' Hist, of the Judges, a.
in every place, after they were told they were work deserving a beautiful edition and a com-
traytors and ought to be apprehended. They petent Editor.
made their abode at Cambridge untill they f Eliot, N. Eng. Biog. Diet. 340, gives it as
were furnished with horses and a guide and his opinion that Mr. Norton made a great mis-
sent away to Newhaven ; for their more seen- take in undertaking in a matter that required
rity, Capt. Daniell Gookin is reported to have so much duplicity, and sums up by saying,
brought over and to manage their estates; and that, " every man should mind his own busi-
the Commissioners being informed that he had ness ; " that all agreed Mr. Norton's death was
many cattle at his farm in the King's province, caused by the unkind treatment he received for
which were supposed to be Whalyes or Gough's, his services in the unthankful business which
caused them to be seazed for his Majestye's use, he undertook. That this caused him to die of
till further order, but Capt. Gookin, standing apoplexy, many months after his return, may
upon the priviledges of their Charter, andrefus- be quite as probable as the reason assigned for
ing to answer before the Commissioners, as soe, it by the Quakers, mentioned in a previous
360 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1661.
plaints against the Government of Boston, caused much agitation in the
General Court ; and when it was finally decided to send over agents,
it was not an easy matter to procure suitable persons ; so sensible was
everybody that the complaints to be answered had too much founda-
tion to be easily excused, or by any subterfuge explained away,* And,
had it not been for the influence which Lord Say and Seale, then a Privy
Counsellor to the King, and Col. WilUam Crowne had with Charles
the Second, the Colony would, in all probability, have felt his early
and heavy displeasure. Colonel Crowne was in Boston when Whalley
and Gofte arrived here, and was among those who visited them, though
he is at the same time called a " Noted Royalist." Returning to Eng-
land soon after, had he been disposed, Crowne could have made state-
ments of what he had witnessed in Boston relative to the persecution of
the Quakers, and the reception of the Regicides, which might have
caused the King to take a course altogether different from the mild and
conciliatory one which, fortunately for Boston, he did take.f Both
Lord Say and Seale and Mr. Crowne had interests in New England, and
doubtless many personal friends ; hence the influence they exerted in
their favor. The latter afterwards received a substantial acknowledg-
ment for his good will, which consisted in a grant of a valuable tract
of land. J
The immediate sequel to the mission of Bradstreet and Norton may
be thus briefly given : — Charles, through the exertions of a few friends
to New England — or doubtless more properly, Boston, — ' ' graciously ' '
received the letter forwarded by the General Court, and although he
" confirmed the Patent and Charter," objects of great and earnest
solicitude in their letter to him, yet " he required that all their laws
should be reviewed, and such as were contrary or derogatory to the
King's authority should be annulled ; that the oath of allegiance should
be administered ; that the administration of justice should be in the
King's name ; that liberty should be given to all who desired it, to use
the book of Common Prayer ;" in short, establishing the Church of Eng-
land in Boston. Scarcely anything in that day could have been more
grievous to the Rulers and Ministers. Nor was this all. The elective
franchise was extended " to all freeholders of competent estates," if
they sustained good moral characters.
The Agents returning and bringing such a mandate from the King
was the cause of confusion and dismay in the whole country. Instead
note. Yet Doctor Cotton JNIather says, " There not unlikely. They sailed from Boston, Feb.
were many who would not stick to say that 10th, 1662, and returned in the following
' he had laid the foundation of ruin to all our autumn.
liberties,' and that his melancholy mind imag- f Hutchinson has printed a letter from Lord
ined that his boat friends began therefore to Say and Seale to Gov. Endicott, which was
look awry upon him." — Magnolia, i. 297. — brought over by Col. Crowne. It bears date
New Edit. 2 vols. 10 July, 1661. It will repay perusal in this
* It is worthy of note that the two persons connection. — See Hist. Mass., i. 220-1.
who had been most forward in the harsh J See an able article in the iV. E. Hist, and
measures against the Quakers, should be chosen Ge7i. Reg.,\i. A6, &c., by Samuel Jennison,
to go to England to excuse the matter. It is Esq., relative to William and John Crovrae.
said that they were averse to going, and it is John is there said to be a son of William.
1661.] AGENTS UNJUSTLY ASSAILED. 361
of being thankful for such lenity, many were full of vexation and indig-
nation ; and most unjustly assailed the Agents for not accomplishing
an impossibility. They did, without doubt, all that any persons could
have done under the circumstances ; but this was no security against
the ebullitions of ingratitude which followed. To be thus disarmed in
the presence of Churchmen, Antinomians, and Quakers, whom they had
endeavored by all means to crush, was quite too humiliating to be sub-
mitted to without some retaliation ; and it has often happened before
as well as since, that friends were abused and maltreated for nothing
but doing their duty. This is the most sure way to add to the triumph
of an enemy, and thus unjust revenge meets its reward.
Among the deaths which occurred this year in Boston, there was one
of special note ; it was the accidental death of Major Humphrey Ather-
ton, of Dorchester. He had been attending a military parade on the
Common, and, as he was returning home in the dusk of the evening, his
horse stumbled, and threw him with such violence, that it caused his
immediate death.*
* This happened on the 16th of June, and usually loosed the Quakers from the cart, after
he died the same night. — Sea N. E. Hist. Gen. they had whipped them, his horse, suddenly
Regr., ii. 382; v. 395. — The Quaker writers affrighted, threw him with such violence, that
remark upon the manner of Major Atherton's he instantly died ; his eyes being dashed out
death ; viewing it as a judgment upon him, of his head, and his brains coming out of his
because he favored the prosecutions against nose, his tongue hanging out at his mouth, and
their people. They say, " Humfray Adderton, the blood running out at his ears : Being taken
who at the trial of Wealock Christison, did, as up and brought into the Court-house, the place
it were, bid defiance to Heaven, by saying to where he had been active in sentencing the
"Wenlock, ' You pronounce Woes and Judge- innocent to death, his blood ran through the
ments, and those that are gone before you fro- floor, exhibiting to the spectators a shocking
nounced Woes and Judgements ; but the Judge- instance of the Divine vengeance against a dar-
ments of the Lord God are not upon us yet,'' ing and hardened persecutor; that made a
was suddenly surprised : having been, on a fearful example of that divine judgement,
certain day, exercising his men with much which, when forewarned of, he had openly
pomp and ostentation, he was returning home despised, and treated with disdain." — Besse,
m the evening, near the place where they ii. 270.
46
362 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1662.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Alarming Dissensions. — A Synod appointed. — Samuel Whiting. — Disagreements in the Synod. —
French Protestants. — Thomas Breedon. — Imprisoned and fined, — Thomas Lake. — The King's
Proclamation treated with Indignity. — Its Effect in England. — Adam Winthi-op. — Chiefs of
the Wampanoag Indians. — Wamsuttsi. — His Death. — Its Cause. — Pometacom succeeds him. —
Notice of his Dress. — New coining Regulation. — A Fast. — An Earthquake. — Obstruction of the
Printing Press. — The Indian Bible. — Death of John Norton. — Dr. John Owen invited to settle in
Boston. — Effects of the Restoration. — Agents expected from England. — The Charter committed
to special keeping. — Arrival of ' Commissioners from the King. — Men raised to go against the
Dutch at Manhattan. — The place capitulates and they are disbanded. — Capt. Davenport killed by
Lightning. — Incidents attending. — Crops blighted. — Wheat has not recovered to this day.
NOTWITHSTANDING the rigorous course pur-
sued by the Authorities against the Quakers, it does
not seem to have occurred to the former that differ-
ences of opinion might arise among themselves, by
which the safety of the State wouhl be endangered.
And yet, although this was the case at the very time
of the persecutions already detailed, that was no rea-
son why another sect should intrude itself into the
community, and proceed in a manner tending directly
WHITING. to break down and undermine its government and
laws. Those differences of opinion relative to certain theological points
had at this time, in the opinion of the General Court, become alarming.
To remedy the evil, that body ordered a Synod, or Council of all the
Churches, to convene at Boston, in the month of September. This has
been regarded by many as one of the most famous Councils ever con-
vened in the Country. Few of its proceedings have been recorded.
Over its deliberations Mr. Samuel Whiting, of Lynn, is believed to
have presided ; a place for which his mind and manners were most hap-
pily adapted, and to similar places he was often called, as it were by
common consent.*
It does not appear that this famous Synod was able to settle anything.
Some of its troubles were about proper subjects for baptism, and " a
Consociation of Churches." Pamphlets were afterwards published by
some of the prominent Divines. Mr. Chauncy and Mr. Davenport were
opposed by Mr. Allen and Mr. Richard Mather ; one party advocating
and the other opposing certain propositions advanced in the Council.
* The Rev. Samuel Whiting was a native of name of Whiting is very ancient in Old Boston.
Old Boston in Lincolnshire, and although he Mr. Thompson, the Historian of that City,
was not long a rasidont of "New England finds the name of Wz7/?a/n W7i?7m^ in the Sub-
Boston," he is suflSciently identified with its sidy Roll of Edward III. (1333), as an inhabi-
early history to be noticed in this place. His tant at that time ; and the Arms of the family
arrival in Boston was on May 26th, 1636. have been preserved at St. Lawrence Chantry
Here he resided until he was settled in Lynn, not less than three hundred years. The con-
which was in the following November. The nection of our Samuel Whiting with some of
1662.]
GENEALOGY OP THE WHITING FAMILY.
363
The same General Court* that ordered the Synod, granted some French
Protestants liberty to settle m the country. Application was made by
Dr. John Teuton, one of their number, an inhabitant of Rochelle.
the most remarkable men of the age will be descendants from time to time for more than a
found approjjriately noticed in many places ; century following. The annexed brief pedigree
especially in the excellent memoir of him by will furnish a clue to those who may have a
Dr. Cotton JNIather in his j\Iagnalia. He was desire to trace out the descendants of this early
son of John Whiting, ^layor of Boston in father of New England.
IGOO and 1608 ; and this office was held by his
John Whiting, Mayor of Boston, above mentioned =
Samuel, b. in Boston, Co. of Lincoln, 20 Nov., 1597,
uel Col. Cambridge, A. B., 1616, A. M. 1620. He died at Lynn
in 1679, a. about S2. He was twice married. His first wife d.
in England. Of three ch. by her, one only survived, who came
to N. E. with her father, and became the wife of Mr. Thomas
Welde, of Roxbury.
Elizabeth, daughter of the Rt. Hon.
Oliver St. John, Chief Justice of
England, and o\vn cousin to Oliver
Cromwell. She" d. at Lynn, 1677, a.
72.
S;miuel b. 1633, = Dorcas, da. of Leon- John, returned Joseph, b. at :
in Eug., came
to N. England.
Minister of Bil-
lerica, d. 1713.
ard Chester, one of to Eng., settled Lynn, 1641,
the firat settlers of at Leverton, d. H. C, 1661;
Weathersfieia, Ct. 1689. He was set. at South-
a grad. H. C. hamp. L. I.,
1657. 1682,d.l723.
Mary, da. Dorothy, m. Rev. Jeremiah Hobart
of Gover- of Topsfleld, son of Rev. Peter H.
nor Tho. of Hingham, who was grandfather
Danforth. of David Brainard, missionary to the
Indians.
Elizabeth, m. Rev. Samuel, 'b. 1662, John, b. 1664: 01iver,b. = Anna John,
Thomas Clarke, of
Chelmsford, 1707.
Dorothy.
Joseph, b. If
H. C, 1685,
Minis, of Lan-
caster ; killed
by Indians,
1697. His wf.
was AliceCook
of Cambridge.
1665, of
Lancas-
ter -, d.
1736.
Dan- H. C. 1700.
forth, ord. Minister at
Concord, 1712;
d. 1752.
Mary, dau. Rev. John Cot
ton, of Hampton, N. H., gr.
gr. dau. of Rev. John C. of
Boston, gr. gr. dau. of Gov.
Simon Bradstreet, and gr. gr.
dau. of Gov. Thos. Dudley,
and gr. gr. dau. of Gov. Step.
Goodyear of Ct.
Samuel, b. 1702, of =
BiUerica; d. 1772;
fourth son,Deacou,
&c.
Mary. b. 1713, m. Rev. Daniel
Rogers of Littleton.
Elizabeth, m. Rev. Saml. Web-
ster, of Salisbury.
John of Royalston,
b. 25 June, 1716.
Stephen, b. 6 Aug.,
1720.
Timothy, b. 24 Feb., 1732; d. 12 =
July, 1799; lived in Lancaster;
Justice Peace, &c.
Timothy, b. 17 June, 1758,=
Capt. in the Revolutionary I
army; d. 13 Jan. 1826 ; |
— lived in Lancaster.
John, b. 24 Feb.
1760, d. 1810;
General in Revo-
lutionary army,
j &c. ; lived in Lan-
I caster.
1. Timothy D., b. 1785; d.
s. p., 1851.
2. Julia, b. 1787, d. s. p.,
1817.
3. Henry, b. 1788; General
U. S. A.; a brave officer
and elegant scholar,
author, &c.; d. 1851.
Among his children are
Lt. Henry Macombe, U.
S. A., and Lt. William
Danforth, U. S. N.
4. Sophia, d. s. p., 1853.
5. Fabius, Major U. S. A.;
d. X. p., 1842.
6. Maria, b. 1794.
7. Solon, b. 1797.
8. Caroline Lee, b. 1800;
wife of N. Mercellus
Hentz of Florida; distin-
guished authoress.
Christopher, b. 1.
27 Nov., 1761;
d., s. p.
2.
1. John, Col.,d.lS52,a.70.
2. Polly, d. s.p., 1799.
3. Sally, d. s. p.
4. Samuel Kidder, b.l787.
Lawyer; d. 1817. Lt.
Charles Jarvis, Sur-
veyor General of Cali-
fornia, is his sou.
5. Levi, b. 1790; Col. V.
S. A.; d. 1852. U.
Wm. H. Chase, U. S.
A., is his descendant.
6. Nancy W., b. 1793.
7. Thomas J., b. 1796.
8. Joseph, b. 18 July,
1798; d. 19 Mar. 1799.
9. Harriet, born 1800;
m. Paul Willard, Esq.,
of Charlestown, 10 Oc,
1821; parents of Paul
W. jr., Esq., Counsel-
lor at law, of Boston.
10. James, Esq. b. 1805, of Boston.
* The legislators of those days employed
quite as many hours in the public service as
others have since, as appears from an original
paper, of which the following is a copy : —
" The Deputyes have voted to sitt till 4 a clocke
afternoon, and to meet at 8, the 2d day. Our
Honored Majists. consent hereto. William
Torrey, Clerk. The Magistrates consent here-
Mary Lake,
of Captain Thos. Lake,
merchant, of Boston. See
pedigree of Lake, and
New Eng. Hist. & Gen.
Reg. i. 327.
Thomas, of Boston, b. 1748 ; H. C,
1775, d. at Concord, 1820. He had
ch. Lydia, Martha, Samuel, Joseph.
Mary m., 1st, Capt. Barron, U. S.
A.; 2d, Judge Simeon Strong; ch.
Mary Baron and Stephen Barron.
Lydia, m. John MuUekin, of Lexing-
ton ; ch. Nathl. Deacon ; John and
Dr. Isaac, of Dorchester.
William, of Lancaster; b. at Con-
cord, 1760, d. 1832 ; m. Rebecca,
da. Rev. Josiah Brown, of Sterling;
she was b. 1762, d. 1848.
John Lake, m. Olive, dau. of Ross
Wyman, and had ch. inter alios,
John Lake, Relief and Lucy.
1. William, b. 18 Oct.
1788, Concord, Mass.
Col.; m. Hannah Con- 5.
ant, a descend, of Roger
C. See p. 52, ante.
These are the parents of
William Whiting, Esq.,
of Boston, the eminent
Jurist, & Pres. of the N.
Eng. Hist. Gen. Society.
2. Prentiss. 3. Henry. 4.
George. 5. Mary. 6.
Lucy. 7. Harriet. 8. Re-
becca.
to.^ Edward Rawson, Secretary, 18th 8mo.
1662." — The following named gentlemen
composed the Court of Assistants this year. —
" John Endicott, Esq., Rich. Belengham, Esq.,
Samuell Symonde, Esq., Daniel Gookin,Esq.,
Symo Willard, Esq., Richard Russel, Esq.,
Wm. Hathorne, Esq., Eliazer Lusher, Esq."
— Orig. Paper.
364 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1662.
While these affairs were progressing, Capt. Thomas Breeclon made
considerable disturbance in Boston. He had done some mischief in
England by his representations of the proceedings here relative to the
Quakers, and other affairs ; and though he may not have gone any fur-
ther than the truth justified him in going, perhaps it would have been
quite as well if the same could be said in respect to his discretion and
motives. However this may be, he was at this time in Boston again,
and for what he did in England against the people here, or upon some
other account, he was called before the Court ; and, behaving with inso-
lence, the Court caused him to be imprisoned, and sentenced him to
pay a fine of 200 pounds. How long he was imprisoned does not ap-
pear ; but through the exertions of Capt. Thomas Lake he was
allowed to give bail to the amount of 1000 pounds, and abide
the future order of the Court. Afterwards, at the intercession of Gov-
ernor Winthrop, of Connecticut, who acted upon the suggestion of Sir
Thomas Temple, the fine was remitted,
Breedon was a favorite of the Royalists, and hence his treatment was
viewed by many as an indignity towards the King. If this were not
sufficient to evince such indignity, another event occurred far less equiv-
ocal in its tendency. A copy of the King's Proclamation having been
sent by the General Court to be published in Woburn, the Constable of
the town, whose duty it was to publish it, refused to do so ; and one of
the Select men of the same town spoke disrespectfully of it.* These
acts, if not treasonable, bordered very closely upon high misdemeanors.
The offending parties were therefore proceeded against ; but when they
were arraigned, no tangible evidence could be found against them, and
they were acquitted. This showed the Royalists clearly that all the
parties which administered the laws were not on the side of the King ;
or, in other words, that they were all against him. These and previous
proceedings, urged at the Court of England by aggrieved parties and
their friends, served to bring about the stringent measures towards the
country which soon after followed.
,. Mr. Edward Hutchinson and Mr. John Richards petitioned the
General Court " in behalfe of the Orphan Adam Winthrop."
The Island then known as the Governor's Garden being held by the
heirs of the late Governor Winthrop, on condition that two bushels of
apples should be delivered to the Court annually in October, the prayer
of the Petitioners was, " that the said penalty may wholly be taken off,
considering the small advantage that thereby accrues to the said Court."
The petition was granted.
The present year is remarkable for many important events ; not the
least of which was the accession to the chieftainship of the Wampano-
ags of one of the sons of Massasoit, whose name was Pometacom,
afterwards known as King Philip. He succeeded his brother Wamsutta,
who died about the beginning of August of this year. His death was
*See Hist, and Gen. Reg. v. 392.— Hutchinson, Hist. Mass. i. 225.
1662.] THE WAMPANOAG CHIEF, ALEXANDER. 365
sudden, and, as he had been treated with indignity by Major Winslow,
that circumstance was believed by the Indians to have hastened, if it
did not cause, his death. The circumstance was at least a very unfor-
tunate one for the English, and is briefly as follows : — Some Boston
men going down into the Narraganset country, there heard that Wara-
sutta, now called Alexander, was plotting mischief against the English,
and was endeavoring to engage the Narragansets to join with him in it.
The Boston men sent this information to Governor Prence of Plymouth.
It is not likely that the Plymouth people had any very serious appre-
hensions that mischief was intended them, but, agreeably to their estab-
lished policy towards the Indians, it was thought best to inquire into
the matter, and at the same time to keep up the exercise of the as-
sumed authority which had grown up gradually over the peaceful Mas-
sasoit, father of Alexander. Therefore, the Governor sent an order
requesting the Chief to come to Plymouth to clear up the matter. It is
said that he promised to do so ; but if he made such a promise, he ap-
pears to have disregarded it, and it was rumored that, at the same time
he was to have been in Plymouth, he went over into the country of the
Narragansets. This, added to the former reports, caused the Governor
to send Major Winslow with a few mounted men, well armed, to bring
him to Plymouth. The Chief's principal residence was at Sowanis or
Sowamset, since Warren, in Rhode Island.
Sending thus unceremoniously for an indepGudent Sachem, was, ap-
parently, a high-handed, if not an unjustifiable, measure. However,
Winslow proceeded into the woods, and, taking the well-known resorts
of the Indians in his way, found a company of them in a wigwam
when he had got about half way to Bridgewater. The Major and his
party dismounted, seized the guns of the Indians, which they, being on
a hunting excursion, had left standing on the outside of their shelter.
They then entered and made prisoner of the Chief, and conveyed him
to Plymouth. There is no material difference in the accounts of the
affliir thus far. By some it is said that this conduct of the English
threw him into a raging passion, and that it brought on a fever, of which
he died shortly after, as already mentioned. By others it is said he
submitted to his captivity quietly, and very freely went to Plymouth,
and there became sick and died, though he was treated in the kindest
manner, and had the best medical attendance. Yet it is pretty well
agreed, on all hands, that his death was much hastened by the proceed-
ings of the Plymouth Government, whatever they were.
On the death of Alexander his brother Philip succeeded to the Chief-
tainship of the Wampanoags. Of him there will be occasion to speak
more at length hereafter. He appears to have been of a temperament
quite different from that of his father, or of his late brother. He was
more cunning than magnanimous ; could dissemble without appearing
to do so ; he was proud without much of ostentation, and more vain
than arrogant.
About this time he came to Boston, dressed in the richest style, prob-
366 HISTORY OF BOSTON. fl663.
ably, that any Indian had ever appeared on the peninsula of Shawmut.
His girdle was thick set with beads of various colors, wrought into
grotesque and curious figures. His buskins were ornamented with the
same material, and in similar pleasant devices. His dress was accounted
to be worth the large sum of twenty pounds.
At the May session of the General Court, Mr. Hull, the Mint Master,
was instracted to coin one half of the silver bullion, which should be
brought in to be coined for a year, into two pence pieces ; and one-fifth
of the same kind of silver into pieces of the same denomination for the
next following seven years. At the same Court a bounty of forty shil-
lings was offered for every wolf killed. A fast was ordered to be kept
on the fifth of June, for the success of the Agents in England, dis-
union, the " unsettled state of great troubles," and some other matters.
"At the shutting in of the evening there was a great earthquake,
f^^^h and the same night another something less than the former.
' And again, on the twenty-eighth of the same month, there was
another about nine of the clock in the morning."* It does not appear
that any considerable damage was occasioned by these earthquakes.
The sermon before the General Court this year was preached by Mr.
Higginson, of Salem. It was recommended by Mr. Wilson, of Boston,
and Mr. Whiting of Lynn. The last-named gentleman may have
preached the election sermon the last year.
Some difficulty had grown up respecting the liberty of printing. How
it originated does not clearly appear. It was of such a nature, how-
ever, as to cause a suspension of the Printing Press at Cambridge, since
the meeting of the General Court of last year, much to the detriment
of the printers, and owners of the establishment. At the May session
of the Court for the present year, Mr. Thomas Danforth, "in behalf
of the owners of the Press and Printers," stated to that body that not-
withstanding Captain Gookin and Mr. Mitchell were "nominated and
impoured " at the last session to authorize printing, they had not only
refused to accept the trust, but they would allow of no printing at all.
^ Whereupon the Court ordered that printing might be done " at
the same liberty as formerly," until otherwise ordered by the
Court, t How far the prohibition under Captain Gookin and Mr. Mitch-
ell extended is uncertain, though probably only to prevent the issue of
works ; for the Indian Bible was finished this year at the Cambridge
press, under the immediate superintendence of Mr. John Eliot, who had
translated the whole into the language of the Massachusetts Indians.
One of the bereavements of this year was the death of Mr. John Nor-
ton, already incidentally mentioned. He was born at Starford in the
County of Hertford, England, May the sixth, 1606. He came to New
England in 1635, and preached the winter of that year at Plymouth,
and was urged to continue there, but he soon became permanently set-
tled at Ipswich. There he remained until the death of Mr. Cotton. He
• Morton's Memorial. f Original Paper.
1664.] DEATH OF JOHN NORTON. DR. JOHN OWEN. 367
soon after, agreeably to the dying request of that eminent man, took his
place in Boston, as has before been stated. He was considered the
greatest man in prayer of his time. " I have," says one,* " heard of
a godly man in Ipswich, who, after Mr. Norton's going to Boston, would
ordinarily travel on foot from Ipswich to Boston, which is about thirty
miles, for nothing but the Weekly Lecture there ; and he would profess
that ' it was worth a great journey, to be a partaker in one of Mr. Nor-
ton's prayers.' " He died on the fifth of April.
After the death of Mr. Norton, great hopes were entertained that his
place would be supplied by Doctor John Owen, as it was well known
^ , „„ that he intended to come to New England. Therefore, the Gen-
(.Jet tl\)
eral Court authorized the Governor to write to that distinguished
Divine, desiring him to come over and accept the place. A letter was
accordingly sent, and even the ship was designated in which he was to
sail; but he and "some choice ones" were "diverted, and that not
from hopes of better times there, but fears of worse here." f
No sooner had the government of Cromwell been overturned, but the
enemies of Massachusetts gained ground fast in England. This was to
be expected, keeping in view the proceedings of the Government here,
from its very infancy. The Rulers literally trembled at the restoration,
and their fears daily increased after that event. News was brought,
early this spring, that several men of war were ordered to proceed to
New England, and that in them were coming certain gentlemen of dis-
tinction. Accordingly, at the meeting of the General Court, | orders
were given to Captain Davenport, of the Castle, to give the
'^^ ' speediest possible notice of the approach of the expected ships ;
a Committee was appointed to repair on board them, and to present the
respects of the Court to the gentlemen expected ; to acquaint those in
command that it was the desire of the Authorities for them to give strict
orders to officers and soldiers under them, that on their coming ashore,
they would at no time come above " a convenient number," and those
without arms, and to behave themselves orderly, and to give no offence
to the people and laws of the place.
In this, certainly, there was nothing unreasonable, and it shows how
much at heart the Rulers at Boston had the morals of their little com-
munity. They well knew the dangers that the young would be exposed
to if large numbers of sailors and soldiers were allowed to go on shore,
and there left to follow their usual vicious inclinations.
The loss of their Charter was one of the things the people most
dreaded. It had more than once been demanded, but the demands ha'd
thus far been successfully evaded, and singular circumstances happened
which favored the course of the Rulers in that particular. Now the
* Mather, Magnalia, i. 301, new ed. In this now be strong, all ye people of the land, saith
work, and in Dr. Eliot's N. Eng. Biog. Diet., the Lord, and work, for I am with you, saith
are to be found good accounts of Mr. Norton, the Lord of hosts." If Clarendon had been
f Extract of a letter of Capt. Gookin in present at the reading of this text, he might,
Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 226. with propriety, have exclaimed, as he did in his
{Mr.RichardMatherof Dorchester preached history, that the people here " were already
the Election Sermon, fromHaggai, ii. 4. " Yet hardened republicans."
368 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1G64.
situation of things was changed. If the Charter should be again de-
manded, the demand would probably be backed up by a power which
could not be resisted ; by soldiers on the spot and ships of war riding
before the town.
Thus circumstanced, the Court thought it prudent to make some dis-
position of the Charter. They therefore ordered Mr. Rawson, the Sec-
retary, to bring it into Court, preparatory to hiding it. It being brought
in, and the matter duly considered, it was put into the keeping of four
of their number. These were Mr. Bellingham, Mr. Leveret, Captain
Clarke, and Captain Johnson ; who were " directed to dispose of it as
might be most safe for the country."
Meanwhile, four ships* sailed from Portsmouth with about four hun-
dred and fifty soldiers, with orders to rendezvous at a given point in
Long Island Sound ; and after levying upon New England for ad-
ditional forces, to proceed against the Dutch at New Netherland.
This armament was under the command of Col. Richard Nichols, a gen-
tleman of high respectability, who had been a soldier under Marshall
Turenne, and was now one of the gentlemen of the bed-chamber to the
Duke of York. With Colonel Nichols were associated Sir Robert Carr,
Col. George Cartwright, and Mr. Samuel Maverick, who had been for-
merly very ill-treated in Boston. These gentlemen had a commission
from the King, constituting them Commissioners for visiting the colo-
nies of New England, hearing and determining all matters of complaint,
and settling the peace and security of the country ; any three or two
of them to be a quorum, Colonel Nichols being one.
The fleet having been separated in a fog, the Guinea, on board of
which were the Commander in Chief, Colonel Nichols, and Colonel
Cartwright, having made Cape Cod, proceeded up to Boston. On the
T 1 90 9P Tuesday following the gentlemen laid their Commission be-
fore the Governor and Council ; their chief business being
now to obtain aid in men for the reduction of the Dutch at New Neth-
erland, as before mentioned. As many as the country could spare were
desired to be ready by the twentieth of August. The Commissioners
promised, that if, in the mean time, the Dutch should be reduced, or a
treaty should be concluded, the men would not be required to march.
It has been said, with something of plausibility, that the people here
were very slow in complying with this requisition for men ; shrewdly
arguing, among themselves, that it was rather bad policy for them to
assist in conquering the Dutch, that the conquerors might come and
reduce them to an obedience which they had so long striven against
successfully, f However this may have been, the General Court pro-
ceeded to raise two hundred men, and Colonel Nichols meanwhile sailed
* The Guinea, of 36 guns ; the Elias, of 30 ; of New York, p. 737. If this kind of policy
the Martin, of 16 ; and the William and Nich- did influence the Bostonians, to say the least,
olas, of 10 — Brodhead's Hist, of the State of they were swayed by a very short-sighted one ;
New York, 736. altogether wide of their usual deep sagacity.
I Mr. Brodhead insinuates this, in his Hist. See Smith's JSisf. ofN. Y., 32-35, &c. ed. 1814.
1664.]
LIGHTNING.
BLIGHTED CROPS.
360
July 16.
upon his expedition. It was completely successful ; the Dutch capitu-
la ted, and hence there was no occasion for the soldiers raised
°' " ' in Boston and its vicinity, and they were disbanded.
There was much damage occasioned this year by lightning.
" Captain Richard Davenport, commander of the Castle, being
fatigued with labor, laid down upon his bed to rest, and was struck
dead. Three or four of the people were hurt, and a dog was killed
at the gate. There was only a wainscot partition between the room
where the Captain was killed, and the magazine of powder."* This
year was noted also for other calamities ; "it pleased God to smite the
fruits of the earth, the wheat, in special, with blasting and mildew." f
Little has been raised on the seacoast since. J
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Return of the King's Commissioners to Boston. — Make a Bad Beginning. — Their Authority Opposed. —
Proceed to Plymouth and Rhode Island. — Death of Gov. Endicott. — Commissioners return to Boston.
— Interview with the Magistrates. • — Unsatisfiictory. — Disloyalty to the King very Apparent. — The
Government consent to Proclaim the King. ■ — Required to abstain Coining Money. — To allow other
Religious Sects their Freedom. — The Government refuse to acknowledge the Authority of the Com-
missioners, and Appeal to their Charter. — Case of Thomas Deane. — The People called upon by the
Government not to support the Commissioners. — A Proclamation to that Effect issued. — The Commis-
sioners break off Intercourse with the Government. — Cause of their 111- success. — Fate of Carr and
Cartwright. — Carr's Difiiculties in Boston. — Assaults a Constable. — Proceedings against him.
THE King's Commissioners, except Colonel Nichols,
p ^^ returned to Boston on the fifteenth of February,
and soon held a sort of Court, preparatory to
correcting whatever errors and abuses they might dis-
cover in the administration of affairs under the exist-
ing Government. They began by making a very
strange request ; which was, that the Authorities should
summon all the people of the Province to assemble at
the ensuing annual election. This very naturally
BRATTLE. causcd somo ill feeling in the Government. They
could not understand what such a requisition meant, while they could
very well understand that it was highly preposterous. Hence the
t Morton, Memorial, Ed. Davis, 307.
X Lewis, Hist. Lynn, 152. — " This was
looked at," says Morton, " by the judicious
and consciencious of the Land, as a speaking
Providence against the vnthankfulness of many
for so great a mercy, and their murmuring ex-
pressed in their words'''^ by slighting and under-
valuing terms of it : as also against voluptu-
ousness, and abuse of the good creatures of
God, by licentiousness in drinking, and fash-
ions in apparel ; for the obtaining whereof, a
great part of this principal grain was often-
times unnecessarily expended. " — Memorial, ed.
1G69, p. 172-3. — See also Mather, Magnolia,
(new edition) vol. i. page 80.
♦Hutchinson, //«;. Mass., i. 253. — Hub-
bard, Hist. N. Eng., 642. — Besse speaks of
this casualty, as among the judgments upon
those who had persecuted the Quakers ; but
what is remarkable in this author, is his mis-
taking the name of Capt. Davenport. He says,
" John Danfort, a member of the Church, and
Captain of their Castle by Boston, as he lay, in
the heat of the day, upon his bed, was struck
dead, in a strange maimer, by thunder and
lightning." — Sufferings of the Quakers, ii. 270,
— See also Bishop, N. E. Judged, 491. — The
date of the accident is given July 15, by Hutch-
inson; but Judge Sewall, Hist, and Gen. Reg.,
vii 2(J8, places it on the IGth.
47
370 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1665.
measure was opposed, and thus early did the Commissioners array
themselves unnecessarily against the Authorities. The Council said the
people were at liberty to assemble, but they should not encourage it,
for two special reasons. One was, the great detriment it would be to
the country to take the men from their business. Another was, the
exposing of their fiimilies to the depredations of the Indians. To these
objections Cartwright insolently replied, that the request was a very
reasonable one, and that whoever opposed it was a traitor. The Com-
missioners then set about writing letters for assembling the people on
their own authority, and soon after set out to hold courts in Plymouth
and Rhode Island. The death of Governor Endicott occurred
^^^ ' in their absence. The Plymouth Authorities appear to have
submitted very readily to the purposes of the Commissioners, and the
people of Rhode Island were no doubt glad to have an opportunity to
retaliate, as far as words would go, in declaring the wrongs they had
received from the people of Boston. However, having set affairs in a
train according to their views, the Commissioners returned privately*
and separately to Boston, about the latter end of April.
^ The Magistrates having assembled the day before election to
^^ "' prepare for the business of that day, the Commissioners desired
an interview. The Magistrates at first declined it, because they said
there was no Court ; yet they finally consented. At the interview
several papers were communicated by the Commissioners. To the con-
tents of these there could not have been much objection, judging from
a few items which have been preserved. They were on the whole flat-
tering to the Country, declaring the King's great kindness for the people,
and his desire to advance their interests, who "had given so good an
example of sobriety and industry to all others." It was stated, too, that
so far was the King from wishing to abridge their liberties, he was
ready to enlarge them. The Commissioners hoped by these protestations
to be able to make such representations of their loyalty as would remove
all causes of jealousy from their Royal Master. But it was of no avail.
The word loyaltij had too long been expunged from their vocabulary to
find a quiet place in it again.
At every step the Commissioners must have seen that whatever they
effected, and whatever impression they made, would prove little better
than foot-prints in the sand. Yet they proceeded in their duties. They
requested that a map of the Colony should be prepared for them, that
they might hear and determine claims regarding territory.
j^ As soon as the business of the election was passed, the Court
desired the Commissioners to communicate all of his Majesty's
commands and requirements. But this they refused to do ; saying, that
when they had answered what had already been given them, they would
* Their returning privately, is said to have for after what they had seen of the Bostonians
been to avoid the honorable reception which I do not tlaink they had any reason to appre-
they would otherwise have received. This hend any very crushing load of honors. See
reason appears to mc to he a very strange one ; Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 234:.
I
1665.] INTERVIEW WITH THE MAGISTRATES. 371
communicate more. The Court thought best to comply, so far at least
as appearances were concerned. They therefore agreed that their
allegiance to the King should be published " by sound of trumpet,"
and that Mr. Oliver Purchis * should proclaim the same on horseback ;
and that Mr. Thomas Bligh, Treasurer, and Mr. Richard Wait, should
accompany him ; that the reading in every place should end with the
words, " God save the King." Another requirement of the Commis-
sioners was that the Government should stop coining money ; another,
that Episcopalians should not be fined for not attending the religious
meetings of the community, as they had hitherto been ; another, that they
should let the Quakers alone, and let them go about their affairs. These
were only a part of the requirements, but they were the principal, and
were partially complied with. They agreed also to celebrate the
King's restoration by a Thanksgiving ; also in the same manner the
discovery of the " Gunpowder Treason."
Notwithstanding a pretended acquiescence, on the part of the Govern-
ment, to the requests of the Commissioners, it was evident from the
first that little could be effected by the latter, from the evasive manner
in which all their orders or recommendations were received. At length
the Commissioners found it necessary to put the question to the Gov-
ernor and Council direct, " Whether they acknowledged his Majesty's
Commission ? " f The Court sent them a message, desiring to
'be excused from giving a direct answer, inasmuch as their
Charter was their plea. Being still pressed for a direct answer, they
^^ declared that "it was enough for them to give their sense of
the powers granted to them by Charter, and that it was beyond
their line to determine the power, intent or purpose of his Majesty's
Commission."
There were those in Boston who had been suffering for their noncon-
formity to certain laws of the land, and they thought the present time
afforded them a prospect for redress. Among the individuals was Mr.
Thomas Deane, J a merchant. What his case was does not clearly
ibii^ ^lutiki E;;
* So he spelled his own name. From the and he and Mr. Lidget were the first who
accompanying Autograph it would appear that made advances on consignments of goods from
he was a very good writer. England. He returned to England and died
at Freefolk, Hants, 27 April, 1G86, aged 4G,
as appears by an inscription in Freefolk Chapel.
His second wife, Anne, daughter of William
Farr, of London, died 31 Jan., 17 Of, aged 52.
t The foUowing passage in a communication Hi^ first wife was daughter of William Browne,
which the Commissioners made to the General of Salem. Mr. Deane was of the family of
Court on the 18th of May, was very ill-calcu- Deane of Deanlands. James Deane was his
latcd to gain the end desired. " We are father, whose will is in Doctor's Commons,
heartily sorry," they say, " to find, that by ^o\\A<m. — Items furnished by Mr. W. R. and
some evil persuasions, you have put a greater ^^- J- Deane, of Boston. — See also N. Eng.
value upon your own conceptions, than upon ^'^^- ^'^'^ <^«"- ^'^S-^ i"- 480. The accom-
the wisdom of his Majesty and Council ; which panying copy of an autograph is from a power
argues either an unreasona1:)le jealousy and of attorney from Thomas Deane and Peter Ser-
distrust of his Majesty's so often repeated graces g^^nt of Boston, to John Walley of Boston,
and favors intended towards his subjects here, dated 2 Feb., 1G33.
or that his Majesty is not a competent inter- y^'T'^ 0^~
preter of your Charter." fe/7^^/ ^"^^X;
X He was established in Boston as a factor,
372 HIStORY OF BOSTON. [1665.
appear, nor is it of much importance in the present instance. It is
sufficient that he applied to the Commissioners for justice, and they
therefore notified the Court that they should be in session at
^•^ " ' " ■ i\\Q house of Captain Thomas Breeclon, the next day, where
the case of Mr. Deane and others, against the Governor and Company
and Joshua Scottow, merchant, defendants, was to be heard, and desired
their attendance by their Attorney.
This act of the Commissioners brought the contest between them and
the Authorities to a crisis. The Commission was at this time full,
though at what time Colonel Nichols joined the others does not appear.
The Court, on receipt of the summons, issued a Proclamation (which
would have very well suited the times of the Declaration of Indepen-
dence) calling upon the people in his Majesty's name (!) not to consent
unto, or to give approbation to, the proceedings of the King's Commis-
sioners, nor to aid or abet them. This Proclamation they ordered to
be published through the town by sound of trumpet, and oddly enough
added thereto, " God save the King." (!)
The same day the Commissioners sent a sort of threatening
^ " ' protest to the Court, in which they said they thought the King
and his Council knew what was granted to them in their Charter ; but
that, since they w^ould misconstrue everything, they (the Commis-
sioners) would lose no more of their labor upon them. At the same
time assuring them that their denial of the King's authority, as vested
in his Commissioners, would be represented to his Majesty only in their
own words. The Court, in its turn, summoned Mr. Deane before them,
and notified the King's Agents that they might appear, " that justice
might be done." Here all intercourse ceased between the Government
and the Commissioners for this time.
The conduct of Colonel Nichols, at Boston, is spoken of in terms of
high commendation ; but Carr and Cartwright are represented as totally
unfitted for the business they came upon. After all, it is difficult to see
how any Commissioners, upon such an errand, could have given satis-
faction. For, a moment's consideration is sufficient to convince any one
that the difficulty was not so much in the Commissioners, as in the
undertaking. The King, of course, knew nothing about New England
affairs, except from interested parties, and hence, when he gave these
Commissioners authority to come here and take the Government out of
the hands of the people, he acted with the same kind of inconsistency
which ruined his father. His advisers ought to have known better.
They ought to have known that before they could succeed in assuming
the Government at Boston, the original Charter of the country must be
somehow disposed of. This was not done ; and thus the Commissioners
came lame into the country, and went out of it in disgrace.
The Fathers of Boston had cause not long after to speak of " a
remarkable providence," by which much expected mischief was averted
from their heads. The Commissioners had collected all the unfavorable
circumstances they could against the Country, intending on their return
1665.] COMMISSIONERS IN BOSTON. 373
to England to use their information to the prejudice of New England.
All the papers collected for this purpose were in the keeping of Cart-
wright, who, on his passage to England, fell into the hands of the
Dutch, who stripped him of everything, even the papers in question,
and he never could recover them. Carr, after spending some time at
Pascataqua and Delaware, returned to England in 1667, but died at
Bristol the next day after he landed, which was the first day of June.
Maverick is the same who was here when Boston was settled, and has
been often mentioned in previous pages. *
Before dismissing the Commissioners it will be proper to notice some
of the difficulties given by one of them to the Authorities of Boston.
This was Sir Robert Carr, who probably spent the winter of 1666-7 in
Boston. In those days there was a noted tavern or ordinary, called the
Ship Tavern, situated on the " opposite corner to what was called
Clark's Shipyard," long after; and more recently its site answered to
the corner of Clark and Ann streets, at the North End. Opposite to
this tavern lived Mr. Thomas Kellond, a merchant, of whom there will
be occasion to speak hereafter. That tavern was a favorite resort of the
Commissioners, and as there was a law forbidding people to be found at
taverns on a Saturday evening, advantage was to be taken of this law to
seize Sir Robert Carr, who had recently committed an act of violence
on a Constable named Richard Bennet, while in the discharge of his
duty. It appears that Bennet went to the Ship Tavern, then kept hj
Jan 19 " Joh'i "^yals," and there, according to the complaint made by
Bennet to Mr. Leverett, Carr assailed, beat and wounded him,
in an atrocious manner. Mr. Leverett, instead of sending a force suf-
Jan 22 ^^^^^^^ ^^ Overcome Carr, wrote him a letter, which was con-
veyed to him by Capt. William Davis. In this letter Mr.
Leverett said there had been a complaint lodged against him and his
servant James Deane, for their "riotous and abusive carriage to his
Majesty's officer, Richard Bennet, one of the Constables of the Town,"
and desiring him to appear the next day, between nine and ten o'clock,
at his house, to answer. Mr. Leverett said, "from some considera-
tiones he had chosen this way to give him notice thereof, that he and
his man might be present to give answer to what should be aleged
against them ; and the honor and avthority of his Majesty in his officers
be preserved, with the greatest respect to himselfe the case would
admit of." Carr returned a written answer, the next day, saying he
would not obey the summons, f Whereupon Mr. Leverett issued sum-
mouses to both Carr and Deane to appear before him the same
day ; but this was also treated with contempt, and an insulting
* Hutchinson says he was here in 1667, with complyed w"" yo'' desyers, bvt as I am w"'
a message from Col. Nichols, "which is the y" Kyng's Commissio, I shal not grant yo"" re-
last account given of him." — Hist. Mass., i. quests, both in respect of his Majestyes honor
250. and my owne duty, and rest yours,
t The answer was verbatim as follows : — Robi:rt Carr.
" S' yo'^ I receyved last night, in answer to Boston, Jan. 23, 1666.
w'^'', as I am S'' Robert Carr, I would have For Major General John Leverett, these."
374 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1655.
reply was made in writing, at the same time the said Carr " swore divers
oaths."* Then warrants were put into the hands of Nathaniel Renolds
and John Button, constables, with orders to apprehend the offenders.
^. The officers proceeded to the house of Mr. Edmund Downes,
where Carr then had his lodgings, but were denied admittance.
They read their warrant, however, in the hearing of Carr, who "said
he would not come to Authority." The Constables then " commanded
Mr. Downes to open the doare, and he said he could not, for Sr. Robert
Carr had got the Key when he was gone ovt of the doares, and he could
not get it agayne ; and there was in the house of Edmvnd Downes,
Capt. Tho. Breedon, and tooke the names of those that weare there to
assist" them. This return being made to Governor Bellingham and
Mr. Leverett, a Council was called, " whoe mett at Charelestown so
soon as the weather gaue leaue." It is supposed that when the
*' weather did giue leaue," another attempt was made to arrest Carr,
and by an officer of spirit and firmness, whose name was Arthur Mason.
Whether he succeeded in arresting him, however, is not stated. Mason
found Carr with some companions at the house of Mr. Kellond. Going
in among them with his staff* of authority, he remarked, that " it was
well he had not found them at the tavern opposite, for if he had he
would have arrested them all ;" and that " he wondered that they had
been so uncivil as to beat a Constable and abuse authority." Carr said
" it was he that beat the officer, and that he would do it again." Mason
replied, that "he thought his Majesty's Commissioners would not have
beaten his Majesty's officers, and that it was well for them that he was
not the Constable who found them there, for he would have carried
them before Authority." Sir Robert asked him if "he dare meddle
with the King's Commissioners ?" "Yes," said Mason, " and if the
King himself had been there I would have carried him away." Upon
this Mr. Maverick cried out " Treason ! Treason ! Mason, you shall
be hanged within a twelvemonth." Sir Thomas Temple being of the
company, Carr spoke to him and others to take notice of what passed.
The next day Maverick sent a note to the Governor, charging Mason
with high treason, and requiring his arrest. It does not appear that,
in the mean time, Mason made any attempt to take Carr into custody, nor
does it appear how the affair with Carr ended. However, the Governor
informed Mr. Maverick that he was ready for him to appear and prose-
cute his charge against Constable Mason for treason. Maverick, how-
ever, did not appear, though the Governor thought proper to hold
Mason for trial, and took sureties for his appearance in five hundred
pounds. Maverick soon after sent another note to the Governor,
*"S"' I roceved yo"^ menacing warrant by name to take care that myself and servant be
yo' Marshal Rioliard Wayte, and another to not molested or affronted ))y any in this juris-
my serv', and for the same shal cal you to diction of the JNIassachusets, as you wil answer
acompt in tyme and place convenient, as I am it at yC and theyr perils. Dated in boston,
his Majestycs Comissioner for New Engl', be- the 23 of ja : IGGf . Robert Carr.
fore whome I am to giue an acovnt for my To Mr, Jolin Leverett."
actioncs, and doe requyer you in his Majestye's Original paper of the time.
1666.] OPPOSITION TO COMJIISSIONERS. 375
desiring the prosecution might stop ; " being satisfied," he said, " that,
although the words were rash and inconsiderate, yet that there was no
premeditated design in Mason to injure the King or his government."
This was characteristic of Mr. Maverick. lie had formerly been much
injured in his feelings and estate by the Government of Boston, and the
only retaliation that was ever attempted by him appears to be in
endeavors to bring about religious liberty in the place. Governor Bel-
lingham duly appreciated this service, and, to proceed counter to
Maverick, he determined not to overlook Mason's offence of Treason,
and the prosecution proceeded ; but, at the trial, the jury gave a verdict
corresponding exactly with Mr. Maverick's wishes ; yet the Court
sentenced Mason to be admonished in a solemn manner by the Governor.
CHAPTER XL.
Petitions in Favor of acknowledging the King's Authority. — Hon. Robert Boyle's Advice to Gov.
Endicott. — Description of Boston at this Period. — Cambridge. — The College. — Small-Pox. —
Baptist Movement. — Baptist Church formed. — Names of the early Members. — Date of the Foun-
dation of their Church. — They are Persecuted. — Fined and Imprisoned. — A Petition in their
Favoi'. — Case of Gould — of Turner and others. — Letter of Goodwin and others. — Brewster's
Islands. — Hope-making — Fii-st in Boston. — Death of John Wilson. — Old South Church founded.
MR. Richard Bellingham was chosen Governor, and
Mr. Francis Willoughby, Deputy Governor. The lat-
ter resided in Charlestown. He was a gentleman of
wealth, and highly respectable, and yet was among
the Magistrates who opposed the Commissioners.*
The opposition to these Commissioners was not en-
tirely universal or unanimous among the people. They
had, however, a less number of friends in Boston,
probably, than in any other town in the country, ac-
wiLLouGiiBY. cording to its population. There were good people,
who thought it both unwise as well as unjust to oppose the King's
Commissioners, which they viewed as nothing less than treason, though
they had too much good sense to give it that name ; and there Avere so
many substantial and influential men in the other principal towns, of the
same way of thinking, that the Government, on its part, was obliged
*Mr. Willoughby was son of Col. William proved his adopted town by building wharves,
Willoughby, of Portsmouth, in Hampshire, &c. In 1G41 he built a ship at the point now
England, by his wife Elizabeth ; was admitted called Warren Bridge avenue. He lived near
an inhaliitant of Charlestown, 22 Aug., 1638, the Square, between Harvard and Bow streets,
and from 16-10 to the time of his death, ho on the estate on which the house stands that
was almo.st constantly in the public service, was, a few years since, occupied by Mr. Edward
He was Deputy Governor till his death, which Everett, now of the U. S. Senate. See Froth-
occurred on the 4th of April, 1671. He was ingham's Hist. Charlestown, 141-2, and Far-
largely engaged in merchandise, and much im- mer's Reg., 321.
376 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [10 GO.
to receive a petition* from them respectfully,! while, for presenting a
much less obnoxious one a few years before, its authors were impris-
oned, fined, and otherwise severely dealt with. But Winthrop and
Endicott were dead, and how the present petitioners would have fared,
had one or both of them been alive, no opinion is necessary to be of-
fered. These petitioners reminded the Court that the "advice of the
wise man was to keep the King's commandment," that " this place was
a part of the King's dominions, whence it is evident that if any pro-
ceedings of this Colony have given occasion to his Majesty to say that
we believe he hath no jurisdiction over us, what effectual course had
need be taken to free ourselves from incurring his Majesty's further dis-
pleasure, by continuing in so dangerous an ofi'ence ? Such an asser-
tion would be no less destructive to our welfare than derogatory to his
Majesty's honor. The doubtful interpretation of the words of a patent,
which there can be no reason to believe can ever be construed to the
divesting of a sovereign Prince of his royal power over his natural sub-
jects, is too frail a foundation to build such a transcendent immunity
and privilege upon." They at the same time intimated a separation
from the party opposed to the King, if the opposition were persisted in ;
that they might be compelled to address his Majesty "to clear them-
selves from the least imputation of so scandalous an evil as the appear-
ance of disaffection, or disloyalty to the person and government of their
lawful Prince and Sovereign would be."
The Rulers were desirous to be thought loyal in England, and pro-
fessed to be so ; while a determination on their part to do as they
pleased, was too manifest to be disguised. But the proceeding against
Carr is sufficient to show that the Government had begun to waver in
its course. It saw that there was no alternative but to yield. Even that
excellent friend of the country, the Honorable Robert Boyle, wrote a
letter to Governor Endicott and the General Court, dated two days after
Mr. Endicott's death, in which he said, in answer to some observations
made by them, "in your last addresses to his Majesty, and letters to the
Lord Chancellor, there were passages much more unexpected than wel-
come ;" "that not only those who are unconcerned in your affairs, but the
most considerable persons that favor you in England, have expressed to
* Printed entire in Hutchinson's Coll. of Petitions, also, of the same import, were
Orig. Papers, 511-13 ; also reprinted in 8th, handed in from Salem, Newbury and Ipswich.
2d iSlt. Mass. Hist. Colls., though the Editors There were 33 names on that from Salem ; 39
of the latter forgot to give the date to it. It on that from Newbury ; 73 on that of Ipswich.
was prcsLuited to the Court in October, 1666. At the head of the Salem petitionei's stood
Till! iiaini'H of the Boston signers were, the name of Zerubbabel Endicott, sou of the
John Jolliffe, William Taylor, late Governor Endicott, and at the head of
llab. Glover, John Woodmansey, those of Ipswich was John Appleton. That of
Jhtnas Keu:'nd. jXn BuSr^^' Newbury was not less respectably signed.. The
Bernard Trott, John Conney, Brownes, Atkmsons, Woodbridges, Gerrishes,
Antipas Boys, Thomas Bree'den, Lowles, Somerbies, Coffins, Noyses and Knights
Thomas Savage, Sen., Thomas Deane, were upon it. Yet Hutchinson says these Peti-
Richard Wharton, Nicholas Page, tioners were censured for intermeddling. The
John Winslow, Thomas Brattle, censure was probably rather slight ; as the par-
SmueVsctl'ette. I^raiurxt'ner, tiespetitioningwerequitetoorespectable both in
James Whitcomb, Kichard Patteshall, character and numbers, to be otherwise treated.
Riohard Price, Henry Taylor. f Mather, Magnolia, ii. 532, new ed.
1666.] DESCRIPTION OF BOSTON. 377
me their being unsatisfied in some of the particulars I am speaking of; and
it seems generally unreasonable, that when the King had so graciously
remitted all that was past, and upon just and important inducements,
sent Commissioners to promote the welfare of your Colony, you should
(in expressions not over warily and respectfully worded), be importu-
nate with him to do an action so likely to blemish his wisdom or justice,
or both, as immediately to recall public ministers from so remote a part
of the world, before they, or any of them, be so much as accused of
any one crime or miscarriage."
Hence, the Government were given to understand that their request
to the King to recall his Commissioners was a highly oftensive proceed-
ing. Indeed, an entirely independent State could not have made a
bolder request. It was as much as to say to the King, " We do not
wish to be looked after. We can take care of our own affairs,"
While the King's Commissioners were in New England, they drew up,
or caused to be drawn up, an account of the country and its concerns,
which is a document of great value and interest. In this it is said of
Boston, that "it is the chief Town in the Country, and seated upon a
peninsula in the bottom of a bay, which is a good harbor and full of fish.
It was fortified, this year,* with two block houses. They had, before, a
castle upon an island in the road where ships must pass, about five or six
miles from the Town. Their houses are generally wooden, their streets
crooked, with little decency and no uniformity ; and there, neither
months, days, seasons of the year, churches nor inns, are known by their
English names." t What the Commissioners say of Cambridge is quite
too characteristic of the times as well as of themselves to be omitted in
this connection. "At Cambridge," they say, " they have a wooden
CoUidg, and in the yard a brick pile of two Cages for the Indians, where
the Commissioners saw but one. They said they had three or more at
scool. It may be feared this Collidg may afford as many scismaticks to
the Church, and the Corporation as many rebells to the King, as for-
merly they have done, if not timely prevented." | These inferences
were drawn after the information elicited from the Government, which
was, that " they might say, without boasting, that more than an hun-
dred able preachers, physicians, and other useful persons, had issued from
the small college at Cambridge."
About forty persons died of the small-pox this year in Boston, and
" divers are slain by Hghtning." §
Soon after the arrival of the Commissioners, the silenced Anabaptists,
as well as the Quakers, thinking they should now be protected in their
religious opinions, the former began to consolidate themselves into a
* 1665. A slight mistake, as will have been " About 80 from 20 to 40 tons ; about 40 from
seen. They mistook repairs for original work. 40 to 100 ; and about a dozen ships above 100
They said " the fort or keep at the entrance of tons. " — Hutchinson, Hist. Mass. , i. 244.
the harbor had five or six guns." |See the Narrative in Hutchinson's Colls.
I In certain answers to the Commissioners last Orig. Papers, 421 .
year, the Government stated that the number of ^ Sewall, in New. Eng. Hist, and Gen. JReg.,
their ships and vessels was then as follows : — vii. 208.
48
378 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1665-1671.
Church ; some of whom had been in the country from the first settle-
ment at Charlcstown.* But they found it necessary " to reserve their
particular opinions to themselves."!
Notwithstanding the Commissioners had authority to give liberty to
people of all religious denominations, they could not bring the Bostonians
to second them, and the Government continued their prosecutions against
heretics ; and, in the course of the year 1665, William Turner, Thomas
Gould, Edward Drinker, J John George, and Thomas Osborne, were
prosecuted for "gathering themselves into a pretended Church estate."
Before this, Gould, Osborne, and Drinker, had been baptized, and
' *^ ■ joined with Richard Goodall, William Turner, § Robert Lam-
bert, Mary Goodall, and Mary Newell, in a solemn covenant. Goodall
came recommended from Mr. Kiffin's Church, in London ; || Turner and
Lambert came from Mr. Stead's Church, in Dartmouth ; " having been
regular walkers in the Baptist order" before they came to this country.
Gould and Osborne separated from the Church in Charlestown. Drinker
and George had lived here many years, but had not united with any
Church. About this time they began to hold regular meetings ;
"°' " prophecyed, one by one, and some one among them administered
the Lord's-supper, after he was regularly excommunicated by the Church
at Charlestown ; they also set up a lecture at Drinker's house, once a
fortnight." Before 1669, Isaac Hull, John Farnum, Jacob Barney,
John Russell, Jun., John Johnson, George Farlow, Benjamin Sweetser,
*" Seth Sweetssr, who came over to Charle&- silent. — Backus, i. 365. — Gould died Oct.
towu in 1638, from Tring, in Hardfordshire, 27th, 1675. — Winchell's/M^i/ee <Sermo?is, p. 16.
t Hertfordshire] was one of those early Baptists. Backus, i. 414.
find by the records that he was received a free | For curious as well as interesting items con-
man that year. His son Benjamin was long a cerning the family of Drinker, see N. JEng.
useful member of the Baptist Church in Bos- Hist, and Gen. Reg.,\u. 169, and references,
ton, and he lias left a numerous posterity ; one Edward Drinker was a son of Philip, of
of whom has been Schoolmaster and Tovni- Charlestown, by his wife Elizabeth. Philip
clerk in Charlestown for sundry years past. " — names but two sons in his will (dated 21 : 4 :
Backus, Hisi. N. Eng., i. 355. It should be re- 1647) , Edward and John. He died 23 : 4 : 1647.
membered that Mr.Backus printed his history in One of the family emigrated to Pennsylvania,
1777. In the first Boston Directory, 1789, there and had a son born on the banks of the Dela-
was a Joseph Sweetser, " retailer, in Prince ware about two years before William Penn
St.; " John, "gentleman. Ship St.; '! John, Jr., arrived, and on the spot afterwards named
" shop-keeper, 80 Newbury St." But four of Philadelphia. That son's name was Edward,
tlie name Sweetser appeared in the Directory, He lived to be 102 years old, dying 17 Nov.
twenty years later, 1809. The last year, 1853, 1782. By one wife he had 18 children. See
there were eighteen. Watson's Annals Phila., i. 513, 2d. ed.
I Mather, Magnalia, ii. 532, neio e^., who ^ The same who was afterwards a Captain in
exti-acts an observation of " the noble martyr, Philip's War, and was, with his company, the
Phillpot," expressing his opinion of the early chief instruments in saving Northampton from
Anabaptists. He says ' ' they are an inordinate the sword of the Indians. lie perished after the
kind of men, stirred up by the Devil to the memorable Fall fight, a fight in which the
destruction of the gospel ; having neither scrip- power of the Indians was fatally broken. His
ture nor antiquity, nor anything else for them, grandson, also named William, lived a while
but lies and now imaginations, feigning the in Swanzey, but removed to Newport, R. I.,
baptism of children to be the Pope's command- where he died in 1759. He had a daughter,
ment." — lb. In an examination of Mr. Gould who married a Miller, who, Avith a son, Wil-
boforc the Church at Cliarlestown, it was de- liam Turner Miller, was living in Warren in
manded why he now disowned infant baptism, 1774.
when once lie believed in it? He answered, || Rev. William Kiffin's Church, no doubt.
" You were once for crossing in baptism — why The same Mr. Kiffin who wrote the life of Han-
do you now disown it ? " The interrogator was serd KnoUys. See ante, p. 255.
I
1665-1671.] BAPTIST MOVEMENT. 379
Mrs. Sweetser and Ellis Cullender* had joined the Baptists. Their
meetings in Boston were not held until about three years later. The
date of the first Baptist Church in Boston is reckoned from the time of
Mr. Gould's removal to Noddle's Island, ascertained to be in the year
1668. From this date the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the
Church was celebrated in 1818. f
Several of tiie Baptists, who attempted to establish their sect in Bos-
ton in 1665, were fined for not attending the established worship, im-
prisoned for heresy, and banished. In July, 1668, a warrant for the
commitment of some of them to jail, was signed by Mr. Bellingham,
Eleazer Lusher and Edward Tyng, where they appear to have laid till
the fall term of the General Court. Then a petition was presented, in
the mournful and supplicating language of that time, by which it is seen
that Thomas Gould, William Turner and John Farnum "now lie in
prison, deprived of their liberty, taken off from their callings, separated
from their wives and children, disabled to govern or to j)rovide for their
families, to their great damage and hastening ruin, how innocent soever ;
besides the hazard of their own lives, being aged and weakly men, need-
ing the succor a prison will not afford ; the sense of this, their personal
and family most deplorable and aftlicted condition, hath sadly affected
the hearts of many sober and serious Christians, and such as neither
approve of their judgment or practice." Notwithstanding this petition
expressed the feeling of some of the best men in Boston, it met with a
fate similar to that presented by the Churchmen of 1646. Its chief
promoters were fined, and obliged to ask pardon of the Court for the
freedom they had taken with it. Among the signers were Capt. Edward
Hutchinson J and Capt. James Oliver. Mr. Willoughby, Mr. Leverett
and Mr. Symonds were also known to have been against the persecu-
tions. §
It seems that some of the prisoners were liberated in the following
winter, on the presumption that they were to leave the Colony ; whereas
they only went to Noddle's Island, and there established themselves, ||
* He joined the Cliurch, 9 Nov., 1669. trates fined hiin £10, for " putting in a vote
" The next members who joined were Joshua on the day of election, contrary to law, thereby
Turner, Thomas Foster, Jo'hnRussel, Sen. (af- openly contemning theauthorityof the Court,"
terwards their pastor) , William Hamlit, James and ordered him to be disfranchised ; but the
Landon, Thomas Skinner, John Williams, Deputies would not consent to the decision,
Philip Squire, Mary Gould, Susanna Jackson, and the fine only was exacted. — Original
Mary Greenleaf, &c." — Backus, i. 414. Paper.
fWinchell's Jubike, p_. 33. — Speaking of ^Hutchinson, i. 227, 269 — Backus, i. 380-
the persecutions of this time, the same author 382. — Winchell, 38-9.
remarks. "The relation of these facts is || " We keep our meeting at Noddle's Island
painful in the extreme, but they are just such every first day, and the Lord is adding some
facts as are connected with a history of this souls to us still, and is enlighting some oth-
Church, which included nearly the whole of the ers. The Priests are much enraged." " Broth-
Baptist interest in Massachusetts for above forty er Turner's family is very weakly, and him-
years." — p. 13. self too. I fear he will not trouble them
J Capt. Hutchinson always belonged to the long ; only this is our comfort, we hear if he
more liberal part of the community, and, dies in prison they say they will bury him." —
though the other party took many occasions to Drinker's Letter in BgcUus, i. 400. "The
injure him, he was always prominent in the Town and Country are very much troubled at
Government of the Town. In 1664, the Magis- our troubles, and especially the old Church in
380 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1663.
and were afterwards taken and sent to prison again.* The following
March'? J^^^^- The Convt of Assistants allowed Gould and Turner, by
giving sufficient security, to visit their families for three days.
While these persecutions against the Baptists were going on, a letter,
" subscribed by no less persons than Dr. Goodwyn, Dr. Owen, Mr. Nye,
Mr. Caryl, ancf nine other very revered ministers," and Puritan fathers
in England, was received in Boston, strongly discountenancing the
course of the Government, f
The same arguments had been made use of for putting down Baptists
as for banishing Quakers and other sectaries, but not with the same con-
fidence in their infallibility ; for not only did a sect increase in propor-
tion to the severity practised towards them, but the community became
daily more equally divided upon the question whether persecution could
be justified upon any grounds. Experience had begun to enlarge the
views of Rulers and the Priesthood. They probably now heard from
some of their best friends in England, that "persecution is bad in
wicked men, but is most abominable in good men, who have suffered
and pleaded for liberty of conscience themselves."
One of the historians of the Baptists, though he acknowledges himself
sensible that "the Divine judgments are a great deep, and that love
or hatred is not to be known by such outward events," could not forbear
bringing before his readers several " striking examples of judgments J
upon the Ministers who had moved the Rulers of Massachusetts to exert
such force against the Baptists, though they saw the chief procurers of
that sentence struck dead before the time came for its execution, and
many more of them about that time."§ Other affairs now demand
attention ; making it necessary to take a retrospective step.
Boston, and their Elders ; both Mr. Oxonbridge of those worthy rulers, Willoughby, Symonds
and Mr. Allen have labored abundantly, I and Leverett, a whole house of Deputies, and
think, as if it had been for their best friends the best part of the whole community." —
in the world." — Ibid. Hist. N. Eng., i. 399.
* From a letter written by Edward Drinker f A long extract from that excellent letter
to Mr. John Clarke, at Newport, dated 30 may be read in the Magnalia, ii. 534, new ed. ;
Nov. 1670, it appears that William Turner also in Backus, i. 395-397. Its date is 25
was then in prison in Boston, where he had Mar., 1669. " It probably did not reach Bos-
been "^ about a month ; " that warrants at the ton till May or June." — Backus.
same time "were in two marshals' hand for | " Mr. Henry Flint, of Braintree, and Mr.
brother Gould also, but that he had not been Samuel Shepard, of Rowley, died about the
taken, because he lived on Noddles Island, and time of their dispute with the Baptists in Bos-
they waited to take him at Town." The same ton. Mr. Mitchel, who was most active in
letter discloses that "there were six Magis- procuring the sentence against them, died July
trates' hands to the warrant to take them up, 9, aged 43 ; and Mr. John Eliot, Juu., Oct. 13,
viz., Mr. Bradstreet, Maj. Denison, Thos. 1668, aged 35, both of Cambridge ; Mr. John
Danforth, Capt. Gookin, Maj. Willard, and Reyner, of Dover, and Mr. Richard Mather, of
Mr. Pinchon. But all the Deputies of the Dorchester, both died in April, and Eleazer
Court voted their liberty, except one or two at Mather, of Northampton, on July 24, 1669,
most, but the Magistrates carry against all ; aged 32. Mr. Sims, who had treated the Bap-
and because some others of the Magistrates tists so ill, and Mr. John Allen, of Dedham,
were absent and some that were there were, one of the disputants against them, both died
Gallio like, as one Mr. R. B. G." [Richd. within two years after, as well as many others."
Bcllingham, Gov.] Upon which jDassages Mr. — Backus.
Backus comments : — " Thus a few men at the ^ The regular succession of the ministers of
head of the Government, by the Clergy's help, the First Baptist Church is thus recorded by
carried on their oppressions against the minds Mr. Winchell and others : — Thomas Gould,
I
1663.] ROPE-MAKING, 381
A difficulty existed at this time about the ownership of Brews-
Ma^*^27 ^^^'^ Islands. Nathaniel Bosworth and Thomas Colier petitioned
the General Court, " by the order and in the names of y« rest
of the inhabitants of Hull," to be defended against the claim of Capt.
John Leverett, to whom about 1652, " with reference to the deserts
of his father," " some conditional and indefinite grants of Islands " had
been made. A committee, consisting of Mr. Richard Russell,
Mr. Edward Johnson and Mr. Joseph Hills, reported unfavorable
to the Petitioners ; but, as it now appears from some original papers,
with very questionable justice.
The same Committee, at the same Court, reported a bill allowing two
barrels of powder per annum "for saluting of ships" at the Castle.
But one barrel had been allowed hitherto. The report was upon the
petition of Capt. James Oliver, of Boston, who says, that " now by the
increas of shiping, coming and going, itt proues mch to litle for the
honorable efecting of the worke." Mr. Hills, who drew up the report,
said the Committee were of opinion, that one barrel was " to litle, con-
sidering the increase of shipping beyond what hath been formerly, and
some expense at the time of eleccon of General Officers."
The business of rope-making appears to have been set up in Boston
about 1641, by one John Harrison, who came from " Salisbury," on
" mocon of some gentlemen of this Town." Here "he purchased a
habitation and ground to work vpon, sutable to his calling." He had,
by his business, " with other his labours, sometime by planting at the
Islands and otherwise," maintained " his wife and family in some com-
petent manner," which, in 1663, consisted of eleven persons. In this
latter year Mr. John Heyman, of Charlestown, had liberty of the
Select-men to make ropes in Boston,* "during the pleasure of the
Town." But " on further consideration, was prohibited making ropes,
and had libertie onely to make fishing lines." This, however, was soon
found to interfere with Mr. Harrison's income, and the Select-men
ordered Mr. Heyman " to take vp his posts on a certain penal tie, in
order to his departure out of the Town, which posts were, shortly after
the time limited, taken vp," but being left near the spot, as if to be
set up again ; and besides, he would not leave the Town, but continued
to collect material for carrying on his business. This, together with a
scarcity of hemp, caused Mr. Harrison to fear his ability to support his
family would fail him, for he was now aged, "having spent the best
part of his life in the business in Boston," and had brought up some
of his children in the same employment, " who might be useful in that
way in after ages." How the matter was finally settled, is not known,
1665 to 1675 ; John Russell, 1675 to 1680 ; Wayland, Jr., 1821 to 1826 ; Cyrus P. (h-u-.-
John Miles, 1683, went to Swanzey ; John venor, 1827 to 1830 ; William Hague, 1831 to
Emblen, 1684 to 1699 ; Ellis Callender, 1708 1837 ; Rollin H. Neale, 1837, who is yet
to 1718 ; Elisha Callender, 1718 to 1738 ; Jere- (1854) officiating.
miah Condy, 1739 to 1764 ; Samuel Stillman, * His permission bears date 25 : 6 mo. 1662.
1765 to 1807 ; Joseph Clay, 1807 to 1809 ; He was ordered to desist from " making fish-
James M. Winchell, 1813 to 1820; Francis ing lines," 27 : 2 mo. 1663.
382 HISTOKY OF BOSTON. [1668.
but at the last accounts it was in the hands of the Select-men. The
progress of the manufacture of cordage occupies an important place in
the history of manufactures in Boston. It may hereafter be more fully
considered. Its beginning is thus briefly stated, perhaps for the first
time in anything now extant. In this early day a Rope-Walk was
probably as little thought of as a Dry Dock or a Marine Railway. Rope-
making was performed in the open field. Posts were set in the ground
firmly enough to suspend cords and ropes of no inconsiderable circum-
ference and length. The arrival of the first rope-maker in a commercial
place is indeed an era in its history. John Harrison was the first in
Boston, if not in New England, so far as has been ascertained. Before
his arrival nearly every kind of rigging and tackle for vessels was brought
from England. The business went on steadily increasing for nearly a
century, when there were fourteen extensive rope-walks in operation.
Then a disastrous fire consumed seven of them at one time. Those were
in the vicinity of what is now Atkinson street. This must have caused
a severe check to the business, but it was only temporary. The most
extensive walks, being at the west end of the town, were not damaged
by the calamity which fell upon the others.
This year was rendered memorable by the death of the venerable
"^' ' and reverend Mr. John Wilson.* He was in the seventy-ninth
year of his age. From its beginning to the^ age of thirty-seven years,
he had witnessed Boston's progress through every vicissitude. He was
perhaps one of the most rigid of the Puritans, and while he was one of
the most earnest against the Baptists and Quakers, their historians will
hereafter, perhaps, think that he was honest and sincere in his zeal
against their early fathers. Time corrects the judgments of men. The
Rev. Richard Mather, of Dorchester, preached the sermon at Mr. Wil-
son's funeral.
The country was considered, at this time, in a lamentable condition,
judging from the Preface f to the Election sermon, which, however, was
not printed till 1671. It had for its title, " Nehemiah on the Wall in
Troublesome Times," and was " by that faithful servant of Christ, Mr.
Jonathan Mitchel, late pastor of the Church of Christ at Cambridge."
Mr. Mitchel died the next year (1668). A Fast was appointed on
account of the small-pox in Boston and the burning of London. J Per-
secutions were continued against Quakers ; many were fined, some
imprisoned and some whipped.
1(308. Notwithstanding the distressed state of the country, a Thanks-
Jan. 14. giving was appointed to be kept for the peace which had sometime
*Soc ante, p. 93. stands for the Rev. John Sherman of Water-
fit commences: — "The still outstretched town,
hand of God's powerful wratii over this poor J Hutcliinson very appropriately remarks
Country, in smiting down our pillars, plucking upon this period : — " The Plague, the Fire of
up our stakes, and taking from us the breath London, the discontents among the people of
of our nostrils, is a matter so doleful and England, caused by their jealousies of a design
solemnly awful and tremendous, that we may to subvert the Constitution there, may well
well sigh out our sorrows in the words of enoiigh be supposed to have been the cause of
the lamenting Church, Lam. 5 : 10, 17," &c. a respite in favor of the people here." — Hist.
The Preface is signed J. S., which probably Afass., i. 209.
1668.] BAPTISTS ORDERED TO LEAVE. OLD SOUTH CHURCH. 383
before been concluded between England and Holland. The custom
of clergymen's regularly visiting among their parishioners, became
this year more regularly practised than heretofore. It was com-
menced at the recommendation of the Governor and Council,
who urged it on the ground of its being practised by Ministers
of the Congregational faith in England. The practice has continued to
this day, and among most, if not all religious sects. The General Court
at the same time made an order, that all the Baptists should leave the
Colony by a given day, or renounce their belief. This was agreeable
to the will of an Assembly of the Clergy lately convened in Boston, and
the order was specially intended to apply to the society of Baptists
within the bounds of Boston.
^ Robert Page, of Boston, was presented for "setting saille
from Nahant, in his boate, being loaden with wood, thereby pro-
faining the Lord's daye."* The " profaning the Lord's day " had of
late grown more prevalent than hitherto, probably, as the Court of
Assistants thought it necessary to make a law " against travel-
ling to improper places on the Sabbath."
The Old South Church dates from this year, and this was the Third
Congregational Church. Its origin is traced to the Synod of 1662,
before spoken of, which was appointed mainly to settle the question,
"Who are the subjects of baptism?" It has also been stated, that
instead of settling anything, that Synod actually unsettled the minds of
the people, as well as the minds of its own members more than they
were before. The First Church of Boston was deeply agitated, while
the members of the Synod set about writing pamphlets, one against the
other, Mr. Wilson was now dead, and a pastor was to be chosen in his
place. The members of the First Church, or many of them, were
decided that they must have a minister educated in England, and not a
young man. Nobody seemed to fill their minds but Mr. John Daven-
port, of New Haven.f He had written against the majority opinions
of the late Synod. The Church were divided into Synod and anti-
Synod parties. A division took place, a new Church was formed, and
thus originated the South Church. Over this Mr. Thomas Thatcher was
installed, February the sixteenth, 1670 ; the same person so remarkably
preserved from shipwreck when Mr. Avery and many others perished,
as has been before mentioned. J He was considered an eminent and
learned divine, learned also in mechanics and medicine ; the latter of
which he skilfully practised. Mr. Thatcher continued the minister of
the South Church till his death ; nearly nine years. §
The Third Church, like the First, was formed at Charlestown, on the
* Lewis, Hist. Lynn, p. 153. His installation took place 9 Dec, 1668, and
■f The party in the First Church, which was he died ISMar. 1670, aged 72. — Seep. 76, ante.
at first a minority, soon became a large JSeea/i^e, p. 186.
majority, and voted a call to Mr. Davenport, ^ The following is a complete catalogue of
Sept. 24th, 1667. He accepted it, though at the Ministers of the Old South Church : —
the age of about 70 years, and came to Boston.
Thomas Thatcher, installed 16 Feb., 1669-70, deceased 15 Oct. 1678, aged 58.
Samuel Wlllard, " 10 April, 1678, " 12 Sept., 1707, " 67.
384 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1669.
twelfth and sixteenth of the third month, which is May, 1669. Its
original members were William Davis, Hezekiah Usher, John Hull,
Edward Raynsford, Peter Bracket, Jacob Eliot, Peter Oliver, Thomas
Brattle, Edward Rawson, Joshua Scottoe, Benjamin Gibbs, Thomas
Savage, Joseph Rocke, Theodore Atkinson, John Wing, Richard Trews-
dale, Theophilus Frarye, Robert Walker, John Aldin, Benjamin Thurs-
ton, William Salter, John Morsse, Josiah Belcher, Seth Perry, James
Pemberton, WilHam Dawes, Joseph Davis, Thomas Thatcher (after-
wards the first Pastor), and Joseph Belknap.*
The ground on which the Old South stands is a part of an original
grant to Governor Winthrop,! who, in 1643, conveyed it to his son
Stephen. After the death of Stephen Winthrop, his widow, Judith, in
1639, then " of the cittie of Westminster," England, by her executors,
conveyed it to Mr. John Norton, late Pastor of the First Church, for
two hundred pounds.J Agreeably to a provision in Mr. Norton's will,
Mrs. Norton, in 1677, gave it to the Old South Church, with the house
in which she had resided. The house was of wood, two stories high,
and stood nearly opposite the end of School street, fronting south ; and,
till the first Meeting-house was erected, there was upon the spot no
other building ; and the premises presented an appearance correspond-
ing w^ith the name by which it was before known, "The Green."
This was skirted along the street by a row of beautiful buttonwood trees,
which with the house were burned for fuel by the soldiers of George the
Third in the winter of 1775 and 1776. Long before this (in 1710)
another parsonage house was erected on Milk street, which just one
hundred years after (in 1810) gave place to two ministerial mansions. §
Ebenezer Pemberton, ordained 28 Aug. 1700,
Joseph Sewall, D.D., " 16 Sept., 1713,
Thomas Prince, " 1 Oct., 1718,
Alexander Gumming, installed 25 Feb., 1761,
Samuel Blair, " 26 Nov., 1766,
John Bacon, " 25 Sept., 1771,
John Hunt, ordained 25 Sept., 1771,
Joseph Eekley, D.D., " 27 Oct., 1779,
Joshua Huntington, " 18 May, 1808,
Bcnj. B. Wisner, D.D., " 21 Feb., 1821,
Samuel II. Steaj-ns, " 16 April, 1834,
George W. Blagden, installed 28 Sept., 1836.
* These names are given as they vfere pub- position to erecting the First Church here in
lished by the Ghurch in 1833. Most of the 1639. Mr. Winthrop being the owner of the
mem1)ers probably had wives. The following ground, his wishes were doubtless consulted,
names, as published by Mr. Wisner from the and very properly too. — See an;!e, p. 243.
book of " Admissions," he regards as among Jit is described in the deeds as " one acre,
the founders of the Ghurch : — Mrs. Margaret more or lesse, now in the tenor of John Norton
Thatcher; Mrs. Elizabeth Gibs, now Cowin ; or his assigns — which messuage and garden
Mrs. Mary Norton ,* Hanna Frarye ; jVIary Sal- platt doe a))utt on the high way leading from
ter; Mrs. Judith Hull; Mrs. Mary Savage, Boston to Roxbury on the west, on the ground
now Stoddard ; Ranis Belcher ; Elizabeth Rains- of Amos Richardson the highway there leading
ford ; Sara Pemberton ; Elizal)oth Thurston ; to the spring and the ground late of William
Sara Walker ; Mary Tappan ; Elizabeth Alden ; Tilley on the north part, upon tlie ground late
Elizabeth Rocke ; Sara Oliver ; Mary Eliot ; of William Billiard, Esq. and Robt. Knight on
Mary Bracket; SusixnnaDaws ; Joanna Mason ; the east, on the highway there heading to the
Alice Harper; Mrs. Rachel Rawson; Sara sea side on the South." The original plat was
Bodman." — Hist. Old South, S3. less than half that now owned hj the Society,
f This may account for some part of the op- ^ Wisner, Hist. Old South, 53-4.
installed 13 Feb., 1717,
aged 45.
27 June, 1769,
- 80.
22 Oct., 1758,
" 72.
" 25 Aug., 1763,
" 36.
dismissed 10 Oct., 1769,
8 Feb., 1775,
deceased 30 Dec, 1775.
" 31.
30 April, 1811,
" 61.
11 Sept., 1819,
9 Feb., 1835,
" 33.
" 40.
dismissed 8 Mar., 1836,
1669.]
THE OLD SOUTH.
385
CHAPTER XLI.
History of the Old South concluded. — Opposition from the First Church. — The Contention
made a political one. — Separation of Church and State the Consequence. — Gov. Bel-
lingham opposed to the Old South Society. — The Selectmen allow them to build. — Recon-
ciliation of the two Churches. — Deaths. — Josias and the Mohawks. — Squaumaug and
Philip. — Philip at Boston. — Has difficulty with Plymouth. — A murder. — Philip again
at Boston. — A treaty at Plymouth. — Deaths. — Josselyn in Boston. — Account of hia
Visit. — Gov. Stuyvessant. — Description of Boston, 1671.
IN glancing at the history of the Old South, or Third
Church of Boston, in the last chapter, notice was
taken of its having originated in a difficulty among the
members of the First Church ; that the nature of the
difficulty was to be traced in the proceedings of the
Synod of 1662. The course of the party which
formed the Third Church was censured by a consider-
able part of the community, and on the other hand,
seventeen ministers f made a public testimony against
THACHER." the proceedings of the three Elders| of the First
Church, for their course in settling Mr. Davenport. Thus a controversy
was commenced, which finally led to the separation of Church and
State. It was carried on with much acrimony for several years, and
ran " so high, that there was imprisoning of parties and great disturb-
ances." § The inhabitants of the Town were generally disposed to
favor the more liberal party, while the Governor and most of the Mag-
istrates were on the other side. In this manner the subject was carried
into politics, and elections turned on the point as to whether the candi-
date was in favor of the Old Church or the New Church. " The House
of Deputies" adopted the report of a committee of its members, which
censured ihe conduct of the New Church, " as irregular, illegal and
disorderly." But the people reversed their decision in a manner which
could not be mistaken ; for, at the very next election of Deputies,
nearly all those who censured the New Church proceedings were left
out of office, and new ones, known to be in favor of that Church, elected
in their stead.
Notwithstanding this strong indication of the minds of the people,
Governor Bellingham was for proceeding to prevent the New Society
from erecting a Meeting-house ; but his Council had begun to think it
*See NewEng. Hist, and Gen. Reg., vol.
viii. p. 178.
t John Allen, John Higginson, John Ward,
John Wilson, Edmund Browne, Samuel Whit-
ing, Thomas Cobbet, John Sherman, Samuel
Phillips, Thomas Shepard, Increase Mather,
Samuel Torry, Zachery Symmes, John Brocke,
49
Edward Bulkley, Samuel Whiting, Junior, and
John Hale.
X John Davenport, James Allen, and Jamea
Penn, the Ruling Elders.
^ " About baptisme and their members joyn-
ing in full communion with either church."
Randolph's Letter, Hutchinson's Col., 532.
386 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1669.
was impolitic, at least, to interfere further, and advised the Governor to
let them go on ; but if they went counter to any law, then they said
would be the time to proceed against them. Affairs standing thus, the
New Society applied to the Select-men for liberty to erect a
Jva% House. And, as if their vote was not sufficiently expressive of
"^ their opinions, they added, that, "there was need of another
Meeting-house." Therefore, after much difficulty, the way was cleared
for the erection of a house of worship ; and one of wood was commenced
immediately, and upon the spot on which the present edifice stands. It
was built of cedar, had a steeple, galleries, square pews, and pulpit on
the north side. From its location in respect to the other Meeting-
houses, it was called the South Meeting-house ; and by this name it
continued to be known until another House was erected in Summer
Street, still farther south, and then, to distinguish it from this, it was
called the Old South. This was in 1717.
Still the First Church held out against the " seceders," as the mem-
bers of the South Church were called, and refused to have any church-
fellowship with them. This temper continued for almost thirteen years ;
notwithstanding the South Church made repeated overtures in the mean
while for the restoration of that harmony so necessary to all people, and
especially to those calling themselves a Christian people. At length,
in 1682, at a meeting of the First Church, it was agreed that propo-
sals should be made to the South Church, " to forgive and forget all
past offences," and to live " in peace for time to come." This the lat-
ter had always been ready to do, and they at once embraced the
proposal.
The first house stood until 1729. It was
then taken down, and in the following year
one of brick was erected on the same spot,
which has stood till the present time. It is
perhaps the most noted Meeting-house in the
, United States. In it discourses have been
, delivered on many great occasions ; in it the
/^ fervid eloquence of Warren carriecf all before
it. There his denunciations were echoed
against that power under the countenance of
which the King Street tragedy was perpetrated.
" Here were repeatedly held the meetings
of oppressed Freemen, which called forth
those peals of patriotic eloquence, which roused this whole country,
and shook the British Throne." The first election sermon was preached
in it— the Old House — in 1712.
Coaches are at this time mentioned as being in use in Boston.
The oldest man in New England died this year. His name was
Boniface Burton, and he was aged one hundred and thirteen years.*
* Judge Sewall called him " Old Father Almanac, 13 : 4 : 1669. Little appears to be
Boniface Burton," and noted his death in an known of him excepting this bare record of
1670.] NEIGHBORING INDIANS. SSf
Early this year died also the venerable Richard Mather, of
^^ ' Dorchester, at the age of seventy-three. He was taken ill in
Boston, at the house of his son Increase, and, being conveyed home,
died in a few days after.
It is incidentally noted that "this year were many Earthquakes ; " but
as they probably did no damage in this vicinity, no particulars are given.*
The Indians in the immediate vicinity of Boston had been involved in
a war with the Mohawks for about six years. It was now terminated,
and its end was very disastrous to the Massachusetts Indians. Chika-
taubut, called by the English Josias, nephew of old Kutchamokin, was
the commander-in-chief of the Indians. Himself and about fifty of his
Captains fell in their retreat ; "a wise and stout man of middle age,"
says Major Gookin, who had long known him. This was a severe dis-
appointment to the Massachusetts Indians, and they never recovered
from the mortification which it brought upon them ; especially as they
would not be dissuaded by their English friends from going out upon the
expedition.!
An irruption of the Mohawks followed that of Chikataubut, which
not only threw the Indians in these parts into great consternation, but it
caused the English considerable alarm. The extent of their depreda-
tions is unknown. It is however recorded that they slew or carried
into captivity several of the tribe of the Wamesits. This came particu-
larly to the knowledge of the English, because they were Christian
Indians.
Some difficulty had existed for several years between Chika-
taubut and King Philip, in respect to the boundaries between
their lands, which caused the English some trouble. On the death of
the former he was succeeded in his chieftainship by his brother, named
Squaumaug. Through the agency of the English, probably, Philip
met Squaumaug at the house of Mr. William Hudson, at Wading
^ ' River, | and there they agreed that the " Patent line," dividing
Plymouth from Massachusetts, should also be their boundary, and thus
the matter was finally settled. §
Sewall. He settled early at Lynn, where, Mr. time there happened a terrible earthquake
Lewis tells us, he was a farmer. — Hist. Lynn, 63. amongst the French [in Canada], rending a
He is presumed to be the oldest Englishman then huge rock asunder, even to the centre, wherein
in New England, and one whose birth dates was a vast hollow, of an immeasurable depth,
earlier than any emigrant yet known. He out of which came many infernal spirits " !
probably came over in the early part of 1635, f See Book of the Indians, last ed., p. 109.
at which time he was about 70 years old. j A branch of Taunton River.
* There is indeed a legend to be met with, § OW^maZ^ajoer, signed by King Philip, but
wlaich cannot fail to be of interest in this age not by Squaumaug. The signature of the
of spiritual manifestations. A cer-
tain traveller then in New England ^ /?t/2P- ^- « yf/fJj9-^/U /^ r\^j%ji A.
8-ays, that the Indians told" him ^^-Al^f oJic^,,^]^^^^ ^ ^^^ ^
" of a river, whose course was not "^^'^z
only stopped by an earthquake, in ^
1GG8 (as near as he could remem-
ber) , but the whole river was swal-
lowed up;" and that he had heard it re- latter was probably considered of no conse-
ported from credible persons, " that at this quence, as Philip was the aggressor, and the
388
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1670.
his allegations
Early this year there were strong indications that Pometacom, now
generally called King Philip, was by no means cautious in his carriage
towards his English neighbors, and that he would quite as soon offend
as please them. Ilis example extended to other Indians about him, and
insults and murders were the consequence. The people of Plymouth
complained of Philip at Boston, and, by the articles of confederation of
the United Colonies, Massachusetts was bound to stand by that Colony,
should the conduct of Philip require its interference. This coming to
the knowledge of Philip, irritated him, and his conduct become so
overbearing, that the English resolved to put a stop to it. In the mean
time Philip came to Boston, and preferred charges against Plymouth.
However, according to the English accounts, he could not substantiate
and he withdrew dissatisfied.
Philip was evidently less willing to incur
the displeasure of Boston than he was
that of Plymouth, nor did he perhaps
well understand the nature of the league
" between them. However, it was deter-
mined by the Colonists to ascertain what
Philip's real intentions were, and he was
invited to meet delegates at Taunton, and
^ to settle, if possible, whatever difficulties
^ there might be found to exist. Accord-
— ingly there went down to Taunton from
Boston, Captain William Davis,*
^ April 10. ^^^ ^villiam Hudson,! and Mr.
^ Thomas Brattle. | These gentlemen were
"' to hear and decide upon the points at
issue. Judging from the " submission'*
which Philip and his Council signed, the
Indians had seriously aggrieved the Plym-
outh people ; but no record remains of
KijjG PHILIP.^ the evidence adduced on either side,
upon which the umpires made up their judgment. The paper to
which Philip set his hand, makes him acknowledge, that, " through
sottlement was considered complete as soon as
his hands were tied. The instrument is for-
mally sealed, and the following individuals said,
hy their signs manual, that tliey saw Philip
sign and seal the same: — William Hudson,
Daniel Fisher, John Wussausmon, William
Hahatin, Tom Sompointeen, and Vmpatkis. The
two Indians first named wrote their names very
well. The two last made their marks. The
residence of the Massachusetts Chief was, at
this period, at Punkapog, since Stoughton.
Hence it is pretty clear that Philip was not
very far from pushing his claims to Boston it-
self, and thus leaving the now reduced Massa-
chusetts without any territory at all.
* His Autograph, ante, p. 340.
t Ibid., p. 289.
j Afterwards active in the war. Ilis Auto-
graph is copied from an original paper of 1680.
/--^^
^ This engraving of King Philip is reduced
from one published Avith " The Entertaining
History of King Philip's War,'' in 1772, by
Thomas Church, Esq., at Newport, R. I. The
costume is no doubt very correctly represented,
as the belts and other ornaments worn by King
Philip were then to be seen. The Rev. Ezra
Stiles is believed to have supervised that edi-
tion of Church's work, though his name does
not appear in it. His agency about it was
probably rendered at the request of the pub-
lisher or printer, Mr. Solomon Southwick, and
1671.] DIFFICULTIES WITH PHILIP. 389
the nauglitiness of his heart, he had violated and broken his covenant
with" the Enghsh, " by taking up arms with evil intent against them ;"
that he was "deeply sensible of his unfaithfulness and folly;" that
" the English had always been kind to him ;" and that, to prove he in-
tended no wrong in future, he agreed " to give up all his English arms
to the government of Plymouth." It soon appeared, however, that if
Philip understood what he had set his name to, he regarded it as little
as other treaties have been regarded at a much later day. Plymouth soon
after complained at Boston that he had not delivered up his arms, and
that he continued his insulting carriage. It should be stated, that, at
the time he executed the treaty, he surrendered aU the arms which he
then had with him at Taunton.
Misfortunes, it is said, seldom come alone ; and with equal truth it
may be observed, that errors and crimes are not far from their compan-
ions. At the very time that the attempt was made to conciliate Philip
at Taunton, two Indians, said to have belonged to his jurisdiction, robbed
and murdered one Zachary Smith in Dedham woods. The perpetra-
tors of the deed were discovered not long after, and one of them was
hung on Boston Common, where a part of his body was to be seen upon
a gibbet for five years after.* PhiUp, however, was in no way impli-
cated in this matter.
The disturbance between Philip and Plymouth continuing, both ap-
pealed to Boston for support. A council of war was appointed at Plym-
outh, and Philip was notified to be present, but, instead of that, he
came with his Counsellors to Boston, and gave the Governor and
^^' ' Council his side of the story. Upon this they wrote to Plym-
outh, representing Philip's case in rather a favorable light ; where-
upon the Council at Plymouth sent a messenger to Boston to invite the
Commissioners of the IJnited Colonies, then there, to come to Plymouth.
Se t 24 -Accordingly, Governor Winthrop of Connecticut, Major General
^^" ■ Leveret, Mr. Thomas Danforth, Capt. William Davis, "with
divers others, came to Plymouth." Philip likewise came ; and the
complaints against him being investigated, were so far sustained, in
the opinion of the Commissioners, that they condemned his conduct, and
recommended him to alter his course ; to " humble himself," and
do better in future ; or, they said, "he might expect to smart for it."
He submitted to their judgment, in appearance at least, and signed an-
other treaty or submission, by which he agreed to pay one hun-
dred pounds, " in such things as he had," and to send yearly to
the Governor of Plymouth five wolves' heads, for five years, — "if he
could get them." Such was the relation of Philip to the English at
this period, and thus it remained until the murder of John Woosausamon,
in 1674-5, which was the immediate cause of the war which ensued.
his name may have been withheld from an un- ticipation in Philip's war. He was the first
willingness to let it go out with a work hold- Indian who begun the war in Massachusetts
ing such a low literary rank as that of Church Colony, as it was said, by killing some of the
does. inhabitants of iNIendon. — See Book of the In-
* He was a son of Matoonas, a NipmuckSa- diaxs, 263, 204, 698. — See also Dr. I. Math-
chem, taken and hanged in 1676, for his par- er's Prevalence of Prayer, page 6.
390 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1671.
Among the eminent men who died this year, were the Hon.
May 4. p^.^^^^g Willoughby , already mentioned ; * the Rev. Mr. John Allen,
pastor of the Church at Dedham, at the age of seventy-five.
"^' " ' He wrote in defence of the Synod of 1662, in opposition to
the views of Mr. Chauncy. The venerable Elder, James Penn, was
,j also among those whose labors were closed by death. He had
"■'^^ ' ' long been an important man in Boston ; was chosen beadle of
the first Church in 1630 ; having probably come over with the second
Colony in the spring of the same year.f
The visit of Mr. John Josselyn to Boston, in 1638, has been noticed
in its appropriate place. J In 1663 he visited it again, and resided in
the country eight years and some months. In his own quaint man-
ner he says, " Anno 1663, May the three and twentieth, I went down
to Gravesend, it being Saturday ; I lay ashore till Monday, the fifth ;
about eleven o'clock at night I went aboard the Society [a ship], be-
longing to Boston, in the Massachusetts Colony of English in New Eng-
land, of 200 and 20 tun, carrying 16 iron guns, most [of them]
unserviceable, man'd with 33 sailers, and 77 passengers, men, women,
and children." §
Such was the departure of the voyager for these shores. His voyage
seems to have been quite destitute of incidents ; and, excepting a
shoal of turtles of some forty miles in extent ; finding a shallop which
had run away from Jamaica, with ten men in it nearly famished ; and
meeting with " a Plimouth man come from St. Malloes in France, ten
weeks out, laden with cloath, fruit and honey, bound for Boston in New
England," there is little of interest. Of his arrival he thus speaks :
" The six and twentieth we had sight of land. The seven and twen-
tieth we anchored at Nantascot. In the afternoon I went aboard of a
ketch, with some other of our passengers, in hope to get to Boston that
night, but the Master of the ketch would not consent. The eight and
twentieth being Tuesday, in the morning about five of the clock he lent
us his shallop and three of his men, who brought us to the western end
of the town where we landed, and having gratified [satisfied] the men,
we repaired to an ordinary (for so they call their taverns there), where
we were provided with a liberal cup of burnt Madeira wine, and store
of plum-cake. About ten of the clock I went about my affairs. " ||
Mr. Josselyn continued in and about Boston until September follow-
ing his " arrivage," " about the twelfth hour of the eighth day " of
which month, he says, " I shipt myself and goods in a bark bound for
the Eastward, meeting as we sailed out, the Dutch Governor H of New
* On page 375, ante. The date of Gov. Wil- erable landed estate in Boston, which, it is be-
loughby's death is given a month earlier, which lieved, descended, in the female line, to the
is according to Farmer, who is probably Mr. Townsends.
Frothingham's authority ; but in an Almanac XAnte, p. 238-40.
printed at Cambridge in 1G73, preserved by ^ Account of Two Voyages, p. 35.
Judge Sewall, it is stated that he died May 4. || Ihid., p. 41.
t His age is not mentioned, but he must "([This was Peter Stuyvessant, the " Director
^ have been far ad- General" of New Amsterdam. Josselyn's
— rxt/yyny^ JQ^'^TK- vanccd iti years. A meeting him coming up the bay on the 8th of
^ copy of his auto- September, shows that he was not here before
graph in IGGl is here given. He owned consid- that date, as might otherwise be inferred from
1671.] josselyn's second visit. 391
Netherlands, who was received and entertained at Boston by the Gov-
ernor and Magistrates with great solemnity." *
In another place f he relates that he made this voyage to New Eng-
land " upon an invitation from his only brother." What he says of
Boston is referred to this year, as his description necessarily has
reference to the place at the time he left it, which is as follows :
" Boston is built on the south-west side of a bay large enough for the
anchorage of 500 sail of ships. The buildings are handsome, joyning
one to the other as in London, with many large streets ; most of them
paved with pebble stone. In the high street towards the Common,
there are fair buildings ; some of stone ; and, at the east end of the
Town, one, amongst the rest, built by the shore, by Mr. Gibs J a mer-
chant, being a stately edifice, which, it is thought, will stand him in
little less than 3000 pounds before it is fully finished. The Town is not
divided into parishes, yet they have three fair meeting-houses or
churches, which hardly sufiice to receive the inhabitants and strangers
that come in from all parts. § Having refreshed myself here for some
time, and opportunely lighting upon a passage in a bark belonging to a
friend of my brother's, and bound to the eastward, I put to sea again ;
and on the fifteenth of August I arrived at Black Point, otherwise
called Scarborow, the habitation of my beloved brother, being about an
hundred leagues to the eastward of Boston. Here I resided eight
years, and made it my business to discover all along the natural, physi-
cal and chyrurgical rarities of this new-found world." ||
Josselyn appears to have been a man of science, according to the
notions of that day, and had the good sense to follow scientific pursuits
rather than to disturb the country by opposing any of the existing
prejudices of the people. However, after about eight years, he seems
to have become tired of it, and returned to England towards the close
of 1671. Of his departure he says, *' The year being now well spent,
and the Government of the Province [of Maine] turned topsiturvy ;
being heartily weary, and expecting the approach of winter, I took my
leave of my friends at Black Point, and on the 28th of August, being
Monday, I shipt myself and goods aboard of a shallop bound for Bos-
ton," where he arrived "about three of the clock in the afternoon."
He says he " found the inhabitants exceedingly afflicted with several dis-
eases, as fever and ague, &c."
Mr. Brodhead's Hist, of N. Y.,p. 718. He the Dutch Governor to Boston in 1663, nor
came at this time to meet the Commissioners does Hutchinson speak of it.
of the U. Colonies, who began a session on the * Ibid., 197.
3d of the same month, to assert the right of f New England'' s Rarities Discovered, p. I.
his Government to certain territory vrhich This volume he printed in 1672, soon after he
Connecticut had given him some trouble about, returned to England.
He was baffled and put oiF " tUl next year ; " J Mr. Benjamin Gibbs, probably.
and, as we have seen, the next year he was ^ " The passage from Boston to Charles
obliged to submit his whole country to the Town is by a ferry, worth forty or fifty pounds
English under Col. Nichols. Dr. Holmes a year." — Josselyn, 2^., 163.
makes no mention of this important visit of || Rarities, p. 1-2.
392 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1671.
After remaining in Boston about a month, he sailed for England
' in a ship called the New Supply. She was 190 tons burthen,
" her guns being small, and for salutation only, the master, Captain
Fairweather, her sailors, sixteen, and as many passengers." On the
twenty-seventh of November he landed at Woolwich, where, he says,
" I refreshed myself for that night. Next day I footed it four or five
miles to Bexley in Kent, to visit a near kinsman." He soon after re-
turned to the ship " lying before Radcliff." Then he says, " I cleared
my goods, shot the bridge and landed at the Temple about seven
^^' ' of the clock at night, which makes my voyage homeward
seven weeks and four days ; and from my first setting out from
London, to my returning to London again, eight years, six months and
odd days."
In speaking of Boston in his last voyage, Mr. Josselyn borrows the
most of what he says from Captain Johnson's work, which has been
extracted in this history.* To that account, however, he has added the
following, which is of sufficient interest to require notice. " The houses
are for the most part raised on the sea-banks, and wharfed out with
great industry and cost ; many of them standing upon piles, close
together on each side of the streets, as in London, and furnished with
many fair shops. Their materials are brick, stone, lime, handsomely
contrived, with three Meeting-houses or Churches, and a Town-house,
built upon pillars, where the Merchants may confer. In the chambers
above they keep their monethly Courts. The town is rich and populous.
On the south there is a small but pleasant Common, where the Gallants,
a little before sunset, walk with their Marmalet-madams, as we do in
Morefields, till the nine-o'clock bell rings them home to their respective
habitations ; when presently the Constables walk their rounds to see
good order kept, and to take up loose people." f He speaks
of the farms owned by the inhabitants at Muddy-river ; " that they
keep their cattle there in summer, but bring them to Boston in the
winter."
*See Ante, p. 327-8. ^Account of Two Voyages, 162.
Iji,^avea by H W Snutt.
(G'MAMILiilS (GIEIAinrM(Dnro
1672.] FEARS FROM THE DUTCH. 393
CHAPTER XLII.
Fears from the Dutch. — The Town prosperous. — Death of President Chauncy — of Eleazer Lusher^
of Gov. Bellingham. — Extensive Fortification. — Statistics of Boston and of New England. — The
Castle burnt. — Fears from the Indians. — Their Numbers and Condition. — The Wampanoags sus-
pected. — Position of King Philip. — Murder of Sassamon. — Circumstances of the Murder. —
Philip suspected of causing it. — Three Wampanoags executed at Plymouth as the Murderers. —
Philip and his men arm. — Benjamin Church. — His Proceedings to prevent a War. — Philip sends
to all the bordering Indians to enlist them in his Cause. — Plymouth attempts to reconcile Philip,
without Success. — Philip prevents his Warriors from insulting the Messengers.
i-gl AT the Election, Mr. Thomas Shepard, of Charles-
^^t town, preached the sermon. It was not pub-
^^S> ^^ ' lished, however, until the next year. Samuel
/^^^^^^te\ Green, of Cambridge, was the printer. It was a
^^^^^^^m ? quarto of fifty-two pages, and John Sherman and
Jr~~^~^^^^m^ Urian Oakes gave it their "Imprimatur." Mr.
m . 1 1 H Thomas Thacher wrote a Preface to it.
^iiiiliillLlliiil^ W ,. «o Boston was in a state of alarm, owing to a
^^■iililPii^ May 28. , , , , , , i. ^ j. i
^^^^^^Ix^^^ Avar between the mother-country and the
CHAUNCY. Dutch. Consequently a formal declaration of war
was proclaimed in Boston. Throughout this and the following year the
people were under much apprehension from Dutch ships of Avar, Avhich
were reported from time to time to be hovering on the coast.*
It is a good indication of the prosperity of Boston at this period,
that in a contribution made by the Colony for the rebuilding of Harvard
College, amounting to 1890 pounds, Boston gave 800 of it.
The venerable Charles Chauncy, President of the College, died,
at the age of eighty ; a man distinguished for his learning and
piety. He had been President of the College since 1654 ; came origi-
nally from Hertfordshire, England, and Avas son of Mr. George
Chauncy, of Yardly in that County. He arrived at Plymouth in New
England in 1638, and Avas a preacher there three years. After that
he settled at Scituate, where he preached about thirteen years ; at the
end of that period he came to Boston, and was making preparations to
return to his native country, probably in conformity to the wishes of
the people at Ware, in Hertfordshire, from whom he had been driven
during the Laudean persecution. By the influence of the most distin-
guished gentlemen of Boston he Avas induced to forego his return to
England, and to accept the presidency of the College at Cambridge, as
before observed. And thus were the services of the most learned man
in America secured to Boston and its vicinity ; the good effects of
Avhich are continued, even to this day.
* See N. E. Hist, and Gen. Regr., vii. 213.
50
394 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1672.
Another man of note died this year. This was Eleazer
Lusher, Esquire, one of the Assistants, and the "Major of the
Suffolk regiment." His residence was in Dedham. And, in about
one month after, the people of Boston were called to mourn the loss of
their Governor, Richard Bellingham, Esquire, in his eighty-first
^°' ^* year. He was, perhaps, one of the most rigid of his time, and
the Quaker writers have pronounced judgment upon his charac-
ter in tones of much harshness. In Mr. Endicott's time, they say
he was an "active instrument in whatever laws were enacted against
them." This is unquestionably true ; and likewise, that "his power
was less extensive than that of his predecessor," although, " he caused
Solomon Eccles, and Nicholas Alexander of Jamaica, who was a Jus-
tice of the Peace there," to be banished from Boston ; and that, only
a few months before his death " he imprisoned James Lancaster,
"^' ■ John Stubs, John Ranee, Thomas Eaton, and Robert Hornden,
iBve strangers, and George Heathcot." They add, that " he died dis-
tracted." * Li drawing the character of Governor Bellingham somef
have considered him as inclining to democratic principles, and at the
same time violently opposed to all innovations in religious matters. Of
the former there does not appear to be much evidence, while of the
latter there can be no question. He was a devout and sincere Chris-
tian, as well as a strict observer of external forms. At times he was
melancholy, and suffered from temporary intellectual aberration, and his
last moments were probably passed without his reason. This is what
the Quaker historian above cited called dying distracted. J
At this annual Election, John Leverett, Esquire, was chosen
^^ ' Governor, and Mr. Samuel Symonds, Deputy Governor. The
deputies in the General Court from Boston were the same as they had
been since 1665 ; namely, Mr. Anthony Stoddard and Captain Thomas
Clarke ; except that Junior is added to that of the latter. Mr. Urian
Oakes, of Cambridge, preached the Election Sermon, and Mr. John
Sherman and Mr. Thomas Shepard prefaced it. It is without any " Im-
primatur."
The fears of an invasion from the Dutch may have given rise to a
stupendous project for fortifying the town. A circular wall was ordered
to be erected, extending from one extremity of the Cove to the other ;
or, its terminations were the Sconce, at the point now occupied by India
Wharf on the south, and Captain Scarlett's wharf at the foot of Fleet
street on the north. Its length was considered to be about 2200 feet.
Sot 5 ■^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^'^^ proposed that the work should be done at the
^^' ' ''■ expense of the Town ; but at a Town meeting held on the fifth
of September, a vote could not be obtained to authorize it. The Town,
however, instructed the Selectmen, that if they could dispose of the
Flats to be included by the contemplated wall or wharf, so as to meet
*Heathcot'8 offence -was "delivering the f Snow, 159.
Governor a letter and not putting off his hat." |A few other facts concerning Gov. Belling-
— Besec, Sufferings of the Quakers, ii. 259. ham have already been given. See p. 176,anie.
1673.] EXTENSIVE FORTIFICATION. 395
the expense of it, they had liberty to proceed with the work. It was
to be twenty-two feet wide at the bottom, and twenty at the top, " to
be convenient for a breastwork to play guns on," and was to be about
fifteen feet in height. The circular line to be built upon was to touch
the channel at the nearest point before the Town, and between the wall
and the seaward extremities of the wharves built, and to be built, one
hundred feet space for vessels was to be left.
As great as this undertaking was in its day, it was commenced with
spirit, and successfully completed in due time. Forty-one persons under-
took the work, which was let out into lots of from twenty to one hundred
and twenty feet. No undertaker allowed to engage for less than twenty
feet. In 1681, the proprietors of this work had an act of incorporation
from the Council, who had first proposed the work to the Town. For-
tunately it was never used "to traverse guns on" against an enemy;
for, while it had an existence, no enemy ever passed the Castle ; and
it may now be said, that from its disappearance to the present time its
want for the purpose of defence has never been felt.
This great structure fell gradually into decay, and it has been long
since any vestiges of it were to be seen. Its exterior was probably of
wood. It went by the name of the Old Wharf, as long as any of it
remained. *
The successful accomplishment of so vast an enterprise as this was
is more than a tolerable certainty that Boston was at that period in a
very prosperous condition ; of which the Government in England, as it
will appear, was not an idle observer. This is evident from a curious
paper t believed to have been drawn up this year, which is probably
still to be seen in the State Paper office in London. The well known
Edmund Randolph had a copy of it afterwards, to assist him in his
statistical knowledge of the country. In that paper, New England was
*Froni an ancient paper (among a large ing by Woodmancy's,70 ; "Woodmancy's, 120 ;
number of others) kindly put into the hands Eliak. & E. Hutchinson, 60 ; Davis, 40; Perry
of the author by the Hon. Francis Brinley, & Shippen, 30 ; Alford, 100. Proprietors of
the following facts are taken: — "The Out ye Sconce Division of wharfing on ye flats taken
Wharfes from Scarlett's wharfe outward to out of Mr. Kendall's booke. Elisha Cooke,
[the] Middle Opening, measure, — the first Esqr., and Old Church, 180; Ephr. NicoUs,
Outlet or Opening, 27 feet ; John Anderson, 40 25 ; Gillam & Compy., 83 ; Joyleife & Compy.,
do. ; John Ivine for Rob. Cox, 30 ; Anthony 89.i ; ]Mr. Hallowell, 34 ; Mr. ]\Iarshall, 31^ ;
Checkley for B. Beale, 50 ; John Wensley, 30 ; Mr. Bromdon, 58^ ; Oliver, 55| ; Henchman &
Maj. Tho. Clarke, 90 ; Vacant, or 2d Opening, Compy., 164 ; Brattle & Fairweather, 54 ; M.
66 ; Ailce [Alice] Thomas, 30 ; Maj'r. Clarke White, 30."
he filled 3^ ; do. for Edwd. Grant [?] 20 ; do. There are some variations from the above,
he built 50 ; Daniel Stone, 20 ; Danl. Turell, as entered upon the Town Records ; as, " Dan-
Junr., 22j ; Maj. Clarke for Tho. Bill, 22^. iel Turine, Jr., Humphrey Warren, Wm. Davis,
[against these two is a brace, and ' Charnech' Hon. John Leverett, Capt. Benjamin Gillam,
against the brace.] Jno. Scarlet or Dolbery, Capt. Thos. Savage, Joseph Gillam, Wm. Hal-
25 ; Henry Cooley, 40. [' Clark & Compy.' owel, John Man, Wm. Alford, Seth Perry,
against these two.] Edmund Muntforth [Mount- Edward Sheppen, John Poole, Danl. Hinks^
ford] 30 ; Wm. Greeno, 35 ; Jos. Cox, 34 ; Jno. man, Theodore Atkinson, Senr., Thomas Pecke,
Sweet, 30 ; Timo. Prout, 30 ; Jos. Baster, 25 ; John Woodmansey, Peter Guy, Obediah Gill,
Jno. Phillips, Danl. Turell, Senr., and Adams, Joseph Prout, Jr., Benj. Bayle, and Theodore
113 ; [Capt. Samuel] Scarlet, 48 ; Edwd. Wan- Atkinson, Jr."
ton, 30 ; Edw. Winslow, 56 ; Benj. Gibs, 54 ; f An abstract of it, though not a very intel-
Jno. Scarlet, 43 ; Augustus Clemens, 25 ; Tho. ligible one, is printed in Chalmer's Political
Lake and Jno. Wlnslcy, 61 ; the Middle Open- Annals, pages, 434-5,
396 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1674.
estimated to contain 120,000 souls ; fifteen merchants were worth 5000
pounds each ; not twenty houses in Boston which contained ten rooms
apiece ; its number of flimiUes were 1500.* " The three provinces of
Boston, Main, and New Hampshire, were three-fourths of the whole in
wealth and strength" of New England; no musicians by trade ; a
dancing-school had been set up, " but it was put down ; " a free man
must be worth about 200 pounds.
The Fort on Castle Island, built chiefly of wood, was accident-
Mar. 21. ^^^^ consumed by fire.f The circumstances attending the con-
flagration are not mentioned. When Mr. John Josselyn was here, in
1671, he thus remarked upon it : — " There is an island on the south
side of the passage, containing eight acres of ground. Upon a rising
hill within this island, is mounted a castle commanding the entrance ;
no stately edifice, nor strong ; built with brick and stone ; kept by a
captain, under whom is a master-gunner, and others." |
The Governor and Deputy are reelected, and Boston chose
^^ ' the same Representatives as last year. Mr. Samuel Torrey, of
Weymouth, preached the sermon. On the same day, the General Court
ordered it to be printed, and appointed William Houghton, and Thomas
Clarke, Esquires, Capt. Hugh Mason, Mr. William Parkes, and Mr.
Peter Bulkley, to give the thanks of the Court to the author. It was
printed at Cambridge by Marmaduke Johnson, and a long and interest-
ing preface accompanies it, by Mr. Increase Mather.
Since the King's Commissioners left the country, Boston had made
rapid strides in wealth and population. But a sad reverse was at hand.
Before the fears from Dutch cruisers had subsided, a much more formida-
ble calamity threatened the country. This arose from the hostile attitude
of the Indians. Before this last trouble was thought to be serious, how-
ever, there was much said in the pulpit about " Apostacies in these
goings down of the sun ; " that " divine expectations had not been
answered" by the people here. Yet a saving clause was sometimes
thrown in, that "there were grounds of hope that the Lord was not
wholly gone from them." §
The Indians had been so effectually frightened by the issue of the
Pequot war, that for many years after they looked upon the English as
invincible, and it had become the fashion throughout the country to
* Yet for several years after this there were f Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i., 284, mentions
no sti'eets paved, excepting a few sections of the fact in a note, under 21 Mar. 1G73, but
some of the principal ones, and those of a few without stating his authority, which was doubt-
rods' extent. Two years later (23 Aug. 1675) less Sherman^s Almanack for 1G76 ; and, not
we read in the Records, " Whereas Anthony being particular in noting that all dates were
Chicklio [Checkley] hathe erected posts before then Old Style, he has made an ei-ror of a whole
his ware-house adjoining to Robert Cos, vpon year. So that, instead of the Castle's being
the towne land or highway, without the consent burnt in March, 1673, it was burnt in March,
of the Selectmen, it is ordered that the said 1674, as above stated. Snow copied the error.
Chicklie fortliwith take away the said posts, or J Two Voyages to N. England, p. 159.
pay 2s. 6rf. in money pr. an. for the standing ^ Dr. Increase Mather's Pre/ace /o^Ae^/eciion
of them dureing the Towne's pleasure. And Sermon of 1674. See also a tract by the same
said Chickley and Robt. Cox have paved the author, entitled Jchabod : or The Glory De-
etreete before their dore," &c. yarting from N. England.
1674.] RISE OF THE INDIAN WAR. 397
speak contemptuously upon their power. And, at this period, the
English flir outnumbered them, and though scattered thinly over a
wide extent of country, the Indians were much more thinly scattered
over nearly the same extent of territory ; for while the latter did not
probably exceed 30,000 souls, their white neighbors exceeded four
times that number. Besides, much had been done to christianize
them, and not an inconsiderable number had renounced savage life, and,
in the event of a war, these could be counted upon, at least, as neutral.
Such was the state of things up to the close of the year 1674. The
natives frequented Boston and other places of the English as usual,
except Plymouth. Between that place and the Wampanoag country
there was less intercourse, and an increasing jealousy.
Early in 1675, there began to be suspicious circumstances that the
Wampanoag Indians, the leader of whom was King Phihp, were pre-
paring for war. There was a special reason for these suspicions on the
part of the English, because they had lately executed three of Philip's
men, for the murder of a Christian Indian. And, although this was
immediately a Plymouth affair, it was plain enough by this time, to the
Indians, that all the English were leagued together, and that, if an open
rupture occurred, they had got to contend with them all. It is improba-
ble, however, that Philip himself intended to begin a war, at least, at
the time he did ; but circumstances made it his only alternative. He
well enough knew the strength of the white people, and consequently
knew that a war must end in his ruin. It was not so with the young
men of his tribe ; they thought more of revenge and plunder than of
the consequences of war. Three of their brethren had been executed,
as they conceived, in a barbarous manner, for killing a vagabond traitor,
as they considered the Indian to be, who had been by them killed.
Philip was by no means an old man at this time, — perhaps not above
thirty-seven years of age ; but he had had more intercourse with the
English settlers than the young men of his tribe, and was far better able
to calculate the consequences of a war.
To understand the nature of the immediate origin of the war which
soon after followed, it will be necessary to be a little more particular.
The Indian killed by Philip's men, is usually, in the accounts extant,
called Sassamon, but his real name was Wussausmon, as is shown in the
margin.* He was a Massachusetts Indian, and was probably born
within the ancient limits of Dorchester ; perhaps at Punkapog. How-
ever, his father and mother lived in Dorchester, and he became one of
y^hcrfyn /u/i^jy^'^onc^ \
" Aha ton, Momentaug, and John Wosassa-
mon," are mentioned as his Council. Ahaton,
Nahaton, and Hahatun, denote the same indi-
vidual. He was a noted Christian Indian, and
was preacher among the natives till his death,
* In a previous page (388) it is mentioned which happened on the 21st of July, 1717. In
that with others, Sassamon was a witness to an 1711 he was stationed at a place called Pecu-
instrument signed by King Philip, July 13th, net. He left a son Amos, and perhaps other
1670. The 27th of December of the same children. — MSS. of Judge Sewall. For other
year, in a conveyance executed by Squamaug, facts, see Gookin^s Hist. Praying Indians.
398 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1675.
the Christian Indians, and was educated for a missionary among them,
some time before 1662. Not liking his profession, or from some other
cause, he apostatized, and went off with Philip's Indians. As he
understood English and could write, Philip took him into his service as a
kind of Secretary ; and there are several letters existing, which he wrote,
by Philip's direction or dictation, to his English neighbors. At length,
becoming tired of living among his " heathen " brethren, he abandoned
them and returned again to the Christian community ; and, after showing
proper contrition for his apostasy, he was admitted into fellowship. Not
long after this, he was sent among some of Philip's people about Assa-
womset, in Middleborough, to preach to them. While there, it is
supposed, he learned that the Wampanoags were preparing for war ;
for he communicated such intelligence to the authorities of Plymouth,
about the close of 1674. A little time after this, Sassamon was missing,
and, search being made, his body was found in Assawomset
pond, under such circumstances, and with such marks upon it,
that the magistrates of Plymouth were satisfied that he must have been
murdered. Thereupon inquiry was made for the perpetrators. Three
of Philip's men were soon fixed upon, one of whom was his Counsellor.
These were brought to trial at Plymouth, condemned and executed.
One of them confessed he saw the other two commit the murder,
but that he had no hand in it ; and the other two died protesting their
innocence.
While the trial of the accused Indians was in progress, there was a
good deal of stir among the natives from Narraganset Bay to Massa-
chusetts. Several of the Christian Indians in the vicinity of Boston,
reported it as their belief that the other Indians intended to begin a
war. Among others, Waban went to Major Gookin and told him,
April, ^i^j^j- g^g gQQj^ jj^g ^\^Q trees were leaved out, he feared there would
be trouble. Soon after, it was reported that Philip's warriors
were " marching up and down the country armed as for war," and there
was much reason to fear that Philip had enlisted the Narragansets in his
designs. This suspicion was soon ascertained to be Avell founded, by
advices from Mr. Benjamin Church,* who had the year before settled at
Sogkonate, now Little Compton. A numerous clan of Philip's people
inhabited there, and Mr. Church was much beloved and respected by the
chiefs among them. They were, therefore, unwilling to join Philip in
a war against the English without first consulting so good a friend as Mr.
Church was.
The principal leader of the Sogkonates at this time, was a female
chief, named Awashonks. To her Philip sent six messengers, who
stated to her, that " the Umpames (the Plymouth people) were gather-
Col. Benjamin Church, copied from an original
paper of 1672, in possession of the author. He
_ , . ^ _ died on the 17th of Jan. 1718. He was at
^^^^^ ^ ' Boston on the previous June, which was proba-
bly his last visit to the metropolis. — Judge
The autograph of this distinguislied man, S'ewalVs MSS.
J
1675.] ATTEMPTS TO PREVENT WAR. S99
ing a great army to invade Philip's country," and requesting her to arm
with him against them. Believing this to be the case, she made a great
dance, as was the custom of the Indians, and summoned her
June 6. pg^pjg f^^ ^^^ ^Q^^, j-Q attend it. But her confidence in the
friendship of Mr. Church, caused her to send for him, though the
preparations for a great war-dance went on. As soon as he received
the message, Mr. Church mounted his horse, and, taking with him
"^^ ■ his tenant's son, by name Charles Hazelton, a good interpreter
of the Indian language, proceeded to the place appointed. There
" they found hundreds of Indians gathered together ; " the dance was
begun, and " Awashonks herself, in a foaming sweat, leading it." But
the moment Mr. Church's arrival w^as announced, she broke off, and
entered into a conference with him. She related what Philip's men
had said about the English preparations to attack him, and desired to
know the truth of it. He assured her that it was untrue ; that he was
at Plymouth but a few days before, and that the English were making
no preparations for war. She was inclined to believe him, and he
promised to go to Plymouth and to intercede with the Government, that
in the event of a war she should not be disturbed, provided she would not
take part with Philip. This being agreed to, Mr. Church began to
make preparations to proceed to Plymouth upon the proposed embassy.
Meanwhile, the execution of the three Indians for the murder
of Sassamon took place, as already related. That event fanned
the already glowing embers into an immediate flame, and nothing now
could stay its progress. Philip, it was said, expected to be called to
an account for the same murder, and that drove him to desperation.
However that may be, his young warriors were full of revenge and fury,
and beyond all control, had Philip desired to control them. Some of
them had, perhaps with his consent, visited all the tribes and clans from
Marshpee to Wachusett, and from Paugatuck to Chickopee, and dele-
gates from many places had assembled at Mount Hope, while the three
Indians were awaiting their trial at Plymouth, and war-dances were
commenced and kept up for many days together.
Having good grounds to suspect what was going forward among the
Indians, and thinking the agitation was occasioned by Philip, on account
of his fears for his safety, as the planner of Sassamon 's death, the
Government of Plymouth hoped to calm him by assurances that he was
not to be questioned or troubled about it. The Council, therefore, drew
up an amicable letter, and Mr. James Browne, of Swanzey, was
charged with its delivery and explanation. Taking with him
Mr. Samuel Gorton as interpreter, when he arrived at Philip's quarters
he found him surrounded with a great number of warriors, all armed
and painted, who behaved insolently, and Philip himself "very high
and not persuadable to peace." Some of the warriors proposed to kill
Mr. Browne ; but Philip prevented them, saying, that Massasoit, his
father, had charged him always to be kind to that gentleman. This
speaks not a little in Philip's favor, and is a testimony against the
400 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1675.
integrity of those who have branded him as lost to all humanity. Many
instances are to be found where he exercised all the authority he pos-
sessed to prevent the injury of English families which had been his or
his father's friends.
Mr. Church, as he proceeded to Plymouth, took Pocasset in
"^^ ■ his way, in order to ascertain how the Pocasset Indians were
likely to incline in the event of a war. This clan or tribe was consider-
ably numerous, though not so much so as the Sogkonates ; and like the
latter they were under a Squaw Sachem, whose name was Weetamoo.
She had been the wife of Alexander, Philip's brother, but now had a
husband named Petananuit, but as written by the English, Peter Nun-
nuit. Mr. Church, falling in with Peter, was by him conducted to Wee-
tamoo, usually denominated Queen of Pocasset. He found her almost
deserted by her men, who, she said, w^ere "all gone to the dances."
She promised Mr. Church that she would go to Rhode Island, and would
not join Philip in a war. Mr. Church then proceeded directly to Plym-
outh to make a report upon the situation of affairs in the vicinity of
Mount Hope.
Arriving at Plymouth early on Thursday morning, Mr. Church
immediately had an interview with the Governor and some of the
Council of War. His intelligence confirmed other accounts they had
received of the hostile attitude of Philip, and they hastened their
preparations to meet the exigency with the utmost despatch. As a
further proof that war was really intended on the part of the Indians,
certain information was received at Plymouth, that those about Mount
Hope had sent their wives and children to the Narragansets for safety.
This also showed the English clearly that the Narragansets had joined
with Philip against them.
Philip's warriors had now become so clamorous to be permitted to
begin the war, that they would listen to no proposals of delay ; and the
only plan Philip could devise to prevent an immediate outbreak, was to
promise them, that on the next Sunday they might rob the houses of
the English nearest them, while the occupants were at meeting, and to
kill their cattle in the fields ; and he strictly enjoined it upon them that
they should not be the first to shed blood ; for, there was a superstitious
whim entertained by Philip, and perhaps his old men, that the party
which shed the first blood would be conquered. This probably had the
effect to prevent immediate murders, while it did not cause a
is'^oTio ^^^^ compliance with Philip's orders, for some of his men went
to the house of Job Winslow,* broke into and rifled it.
* Who he was, or whereabouts he lived, the ell's statement, that he was son of Kenelm
Records of the U. Colonies do not state ; but Winslow, and grandson of Gov. Edward Wins-
Amos Otis, Esq., of Yarmouth, from original low, and that he settled in Freetown. MS.
papers in his possession, confirms Judge Mitch- Letter of Mr. Otis, and Mitchell's Bridgewater.
1675.] WAR BREAKS OUT. 401
CHAPTER XLIII.
War begins at Swanzey. — News brought to Boston. — Capt. Hutchinson sent to the Narra-
gansets. — The Engfish shed the first blood. — Men raised in Boston for the War. — Proceed
to Swanzey. — Eclipse of the Moon. — First Skirmish. — Pursuit of the Indians. — They
escape. — Lieut. Oake's Exploit. — Scalps brought to Boston. — Forces march into Narra-
ganset. — Treaty. — Capt. Hutchinson sent to treat with the Nipmucks. — Is ambushed and
mortally wounded. — Siege of Brookfield. — Mohegan Indians engaged with the English
against Philip. — Above sixty come to Boston. — A House attacked in Dorchester. — Capt
Beers attacked and suffers considerable loss.
,^> June 20 AGREEABLY to the permission of Philip,
une - . j^.^ ^yarriors sallied forth upon Swanzey ; burnt
ffl5
two houses and rifled several others, but killed none
of the people. They were greatly alarmed, however,
immediately began to abandon their dwellings, and
were soon collected into three garrisons. Early next
morning, or in the preceding night, messengers were
21 ^^sp^tched to Boston and Plymouth. The
ijivvivui.. " ® • Council at Boston met in the afternoon of the
same clay, and passed an order concerning the Narragansets. This was
embodied into a sort of manifesto, and Capt. Edward Hutchinson, of
Boston, was forthwith directed to repair to that nation. He was also
directed to call upon Mr. Roger Williams, for whom he had letters, and
to obtain his counsel and advice respecting his mission. The manifesto
set forth that " Philip, Sachem of Mount Hope, did yesterday make
assault upon some English houses, and was marching on upon the town
of Swanzey ; " that some of the Narragansets were already with him,
and that he " speedily expected others to come to his assistance." The
Narraganset chiefs were therefore ordered, in the most peremptory man-
ner, to call home all their warriors, and to break off all correspondence
with Philip, and to furnish the EngHsh authorities " the best intelligence
they could of this wicked design." Meantime, the Government of
Plymouth ordered its forces to rendezvous at Taunton. The Governor
invited Mr. Church to accompany the forces, which he did, at the head
of a small volunteer corps of English and friendly Indians. With this
force he marched as an advance guard. What time they arrived at
Swanzey does not appear, and very little is heard of their operations
until the arrival of the Boston troops, several days after.
While the Massachusetts forces were being concentrated at
Boston, two messengers were despatched by the Council for
Mount Hope, with instructions to try to divert Philip from committing
Jun 24 ^o^^i^^*^^^^» if possible. These messengers, arriving the next day
in the vicinity of Swanzey, were surprised to find the war
51
402 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1675.
already begun, as they came upon dead men in the road, recently
shot down by the Indians. They therefore retraced their steps to Boston,
giving the alarm wherever they came.
As the Indians intended, the first blood shed in this war was shed by
the English. One of the inhabitants of Swanzey was so pro-
voked by an Indian's persisting in killing his cattle, that he
fired upon and wounded him ; and, though not mortally,. it served to
remove the scruple, which the Indians were under, as to the issue of the
contest, and thus was begun a most bloody and disastrous war.
On the return of the before mentioned messengers to Boston, " drums
beat up for volunteers, and in three hours' time were mustered up one
hundred and ten men." Of these, Capt. Samuel Mosley,* became the
leader, who, for his courage and conduct on some former occasions, was
very popular. There was, at the same time, a Dutchman lying in Bos-
ton jail, under sentence of death for piracy ; and, perhaps others with
him.f They were allowed, on certain conditions, to march under Mosley
against the Indians. One of them, a Dutchman, was afterwards par-
doned for his services in the war, and had liberty to leave the country,
and nothing further is known of him. His name was Cornelius Consort.
Agreeably to the recommendation of the Governor of Plym-
outh, a Fast was observed in that Colony. Taking advantage
of this, the Indians beset the people at Swanzey, as they were returning
from meeting, killing at once about ten or twelve persons.
The Government at Boston, with its best efforts, could not get the
forces intended for the expedition against Philip ready till two
days after the bloody work was begun. But towards evening,
on the twenty-sixth of June, a company of foot under Capt. Daniel
Henchman, and another of horse under Capt. Thomas Prentice,| marched
out of Boston for the scene of hostilities. Captain Mosley was not ready
to march with them, being delayed, probably, by arrangements for put-
ting the before named criminals under him. Just before the two
companies reached Neponset river, the moon began to be eclipsed.
This, some of the men construed to be ominous of an unfortunate issue
^'^^^c^/ye^^
course of the war. Several of his let-
ters are extant, written while in this
service, which discover something of
the character of the rough and sangui-
* One of the most conspicuous officers in nary soldier. From one of these his autograph
Philip's war was Capt. Samuel Mosley. He is copied. AVhen or where Capt. Mosley died
was by trade a cooper, which he probably early has not come to my knowledge,
relinquished and became a skilful mariner, and f Hubbard, in his history of the war, speaks
" was allied by marriage to some of the first of " the whole body of the Privateers under
families in Boston. His wife, Anne, was the Mosley." Mosley, himself, is said to have
daughter of Thomasand Anne Leverett, parents " been an old Privateer at Jamaica." He had
of the Governor." — Letter of T. W. Harris, probably been privateering during the war
M. D., to the author. The alliance of Capt. between England and the Dutch.
Mosley to Gov. Leverett and other distinguished % Three Christian Indians only were employed
persons in Boston being known, it is not diffi- in this first expedition ; two of the name of
cult to account for the easy manner in which Quannapohutt, and Zachary Abram. They
he was allowed to pass through some seemingly were attached to Capt. Prentice's command, and
arrogant assumptions of rcsnonsibilities in the did excellent service. See Gookin's Fray. Inds.
1675.] FIRST EXPEDITION AGAINST PHILIP. 403
to the war, and they moved onward with faltering steps. However,
when "the moon had waded through the earth's dark shadow," they
resumed their march, and arrived at Woodcock's house, about thirty
miles from Boston, the next morning. At this place they halted to
take some rest, and to give Captain Mosley time to join them,
which he did with his company in the afternoon. Thence they
proceeded to Swanzey, where they arrived before night. They now
joined the Plymouth forces, who had been in garrison there
several days, and " under whose very noses the Indians had
shot down two sentinels."
The enemy were still lurking in the bushes, in all directions about the
camp, and, although it was near night, several of Captain Prentice's troop
volunteed to go in pursuit of them. The party had proceeded but a short
distance when they were fired upon by about a dozen Indians in ambush,
who killed their guide, William Hammond, wounded Corporal Andrew
Belcher,* whose horse was shot down under him. Quartermaster John
Gill,t was struck in the side by a ball ; but being clad in a buff coat,
with several thicknesses of paper under it, his life was preserved. Mr.
Church was in this unfortunate skirmish, and through his efforts the body
of Mr. Hammond was rescued from the Indians and brought off.
The next day the enemy showed themselves, and were immedi-
ately pursued by Mosley's company and some of the others. As
they were proceeding down into Mount Hope neck some confusion oc-
cun-ed, and one party of the English fired upon another, badly wounding
Ensign Perez Savage in the thigh ; yet " he boldly held up his colors " at
the head of his company.J The Indians exposed themselves but little ;
but as they fled from one shelter to another several shots were made upon
them, and some five or six were killed, as the English heard afterwards.
The expedition into Philip's dominions, however, was of small moment.
Philip and his followers retreated into the Swamps of Pocasset, as soon
as they had done all the mischief they could in and about Swanzey ; a
few only remaining to deceive the English. The weather coming on
rainy, the forces returned to the garrisons. In the evening, about six
o'clock. Major Savage arrived from Boston with supplies, and several
other gentlemen with him. He was Commander-in-Chief of the Massa-
chusetts forces. § Major Savage and Major James Cudworth, Com-
* The Christian name of Belcher is not given Church, who was on the spot, says he was " a
in any of the histories, hut I suppose he is the noble, heroic youth." He was at the Narra^
same who was of Boston in 1703, and father ganset Swamp fight afterwards, and was again
of Gov. Jonathan Belcher. If this supposition wounded, but survived, and died in Barbary,
be correct, he was son of Andrew Belcher, who according to Farmer, in 1694.
was of Sudbury, 1640, and Cambridge,
1646, and was now about 28 years of age.
f Mentioned only by Church, and with-
out a Christian name, which I have con-
jecturally supplied. That author says
Gill and Belcher were Quartermasters. § Subjoined is the autograph of INIajor Savage
J He was of Boston, son of Hon. Thomas when he was Speaker of the House of Deputies,
Savage, a " young martial spark," says Hub- 1660. He was the eniigrant ancestor of a large
bard, " scarce twenty years of age;" and and respectable race of Savages. — See Farmer.
404 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1675.
mander- in-Chief of the Plymouth forces, determined to march to the
vicinity of Mount Hope, hoping to surprise Philip, or to force him to a
battle ; but they had not then learned the wiles of Indians in warfare,
as is manifest from their operations. Philip, as before mentioned, had
passed the river to Pocasset. However, the weather becoming more
favorable, the "whole army "* marched out about noon for
Mount Hope. About a mile and a half from camp "they
passed some houses newly burned," and "not far off one of them
they found a Bible newly torn, and the leaves scattered by the enemy
in hatred of our religion." Two or three miles more brought them to
Keekamuit, since Warren, where they found the heads of eight English-
men, which had been killed at Matapoiset Neck, set upon poles. These
they took down and buried. After marching about two miles further
"they found divers wigwams of the enemy. Half a mile further, as
they passed through many fields of stately corn,t they found Philip's
own wigwam," but no Indians in all their march. The next day the
army returned to head-quarters at Swanzey, except the troop under
Captain Prentice, who went to Rehoboth to make what discov-
" ^ ■ eries they could, and to encamp there for the night.
As Captain Prentice was proceeding to head-quarters the next
" ^ ' morning, a scout, under Lieut. Edward Oakes, surprised a small
company of the enemy, killed a Sachem named Thebe, and another
chief, one of Philip's Counsellors, and two or three others. Oakes lost
John Druce, one of his men. The Indians killed in this encounter were
beheaded and scalped, and both heads and scalps were brought to Bos-
ton and exhibited, which, it is said, were the first scalps ever seen in
the town.
Major Gookin had orders, on the second of July, to raise a company
of Praying Indians to serve in the war. He at once despatched mes-
sengers to all the Praying Towns, with directions to the Chiefs to send
him one third of their able men. They obeyed with alacrity, and in
Jul G ^^^^' ^^^^ after, about fifty-two of them marched, under Capt.
^^ ' Isaac Johnson J of Roxbury, who delivered them to Major Sav-
age, the commander at Mount Hope. These Indians acquitted them-
selves courageously and faithfully, according to the testimony of Major
Savage, Captain Prentice, and Captain Henchman,
j^^ ^ The forces being concentrated at Swanzey, while the officers
were deliberating upon what next should be done, Capt. Edward
Hutchinson arrived from Boston with instructions to proceed into the
Narraganset country, to prevent the tribes in that region from partici-
*The number of men composing the army, whatever the Indians had "that was worth
as it was called, is nowhere mentioned. It prob- taking, and spoiled the rest ; taking all Philip's
ably did not exceed 350 men. cattel and hogs that they could find."
t The writer of the " Present State of New % The same who fell afterwards in the Nar-
England," in the Old Indian Chronicle, says raganset fight.
there were at Mount Hope " a thousand acres t- ^
under corn," which the English afterwards -j- ^a.U.^ — -f 9'\^^C^\^
gathered for their own use ; that they took <-^ J " CJ^K)
1675.] THE ARMY IN NARRAOANSET. 405
pating in the war ; while Major Cudworth, with the Plymouth forces,
proposed to maintain the ground already gained, and to act on the
offensive, as occasion might offer.
It was the fifteenth of July before an understanding could be
"" ^ ' effected with the Narragansets, and then but a few of them were
found to take any part in it, and those appear to have been inferior
chiefs or irresponsible persons. On the part of the English were Major
Thomas Savage, Capt. Edward Hutchinson, his brother-in-law, and Mr.
Joseph Dudley, on the part of Massachusetts ; Major Wait Winthrop
and Mr. Richard Smith, on the part of Connecticut. A treaty, as it
was called, being drawn up in a number of peremptory articles, and the
place of negotiation surrounded with two or three hundred armed
soldiers, it was literally executed " at the point of the sword." Such
a treaty could not be otherwise than worse than none, for coercion must
and will have its reaction, and it proved thus in this case, as will be
seen in the sequel. Such is a brief outline of the treaty of Petty-
quamscot, so called from the place where it was made.
While the treaty purports to have been made on the part of the
Indians by " Agamaug, Wompsh alias Gorman, Taitson, Tawageson,
Counsellors and Attorneys to Canonicus, Ninigret, Matataog, Old Queen
Quaiapen, Quananshit and Pomham," the names only of " Tawage-
son, Taytson, Agamaug and Corman," appear as its signers. The wit-
nesses were Capt. Daniel Henchman, Capt. Thomas Prentice, Capt.
Nicholas Paige of the dragoons, Joseph Stanton, interpreter, Henry
Hawlaws, Pecot Bucow, and Job Neff. *
Meantime there was some sharp fighting in Pocasset, but the Indians
had the advantage. This elated them, and they committed depredations
in every direction. News also was received at Boston, in the course of
July, that the flame of war was breaking forth along the eastern coast.
The Nipmucks also were thought to be uncertain in their neutrality or
friendship. It was therefore determined to send a small force up
into their country to ascertain how they were affected by the war.
Captain Hutchinson, who had just returned from the treaty with the
Narragansets, and Captain Thomas Wheeler, marched from Boston upon
that service. Unfortunately, Philip's emissaries were before them, and
the Nipmucks had enlisted in his cause. Captains Hutchinson and
Jul '?8 '^^^^^^^^^' ^'''^^^ ^^PO^^ ^^^^ expedition with about twenty dragoons,
^^^ ' and at Brookfield were joined with a number of the inhabitants
of that town. A meeting was appointed with the Nipmucks in that
neighborhood, but when the Enghsli came to the place there appeared
^^^ 2 ^0^6 <^f ^1^^ other party. Not suspecting any treachery, they
'^°' ' proceeded four or five miles further, in the direction of the prin-
* It was at this time probably, that Potok, ble, that it was owing to the refusal of the
"a Narraganset Chief of great subtlety," in- English to comply with that request, that his
sisted that an article should be inserted in the name does not appear to the treaty. Near
Treaty, " that the English should not send any the close of the war, Potok surrendered to
among them to preach the Gospel, or call upon some of the English forces, who took him to
them to pray to God." It is likewise proba- Newport, on R. Island. There he was im-
406 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1675.
cipal town of the Nipmucks ; but this proceeclmg seems to have been
anticipated by the Indians, for when the EngUsh came to a narrow pass,
lying between a steep hill on the one hand, and a " hideous" swamp
on the other, they were fired upon by " two or three hundred Indians "
in ambush. Eight men were in a moment shot down ; Captain Hutch-
inson was mortally wounded, and Captain Wheeler desperately ; * yet
both commanders succeeded in reaching Brookfield. In all, thirteen
were killed and died of their wounds. In Captain Hutchinson, Boston
lost one of its most worthy inhabitants ; one always forward in that
kind of public service, in which duty to his country, and not the
emoluments of office, guided his actions. After the siege of Brookfield
was raised by a force under Major Simon Willard, Captain Hutchinson
was removed to Marlborough, where he died on the nineteenth of the
month, seventeen days after he was wounded, f
One of the eight men who were killed in the first attack was Zech-
ariah Philips, also of Boston. That any escaped from that perilous
onset, is matter of surprise, and is said to have been owing to the
Indian guides, who conducted the English in an unaccustomed path to
Brookfield. There were three of those guides, one of whom was made
prisoner by the enemy. J
Before the enemy were driven from Brookfield they burned all
"°' " the houses except one, into which the inhabitants were crowded.
This, but for the timely arrival of Major Willard, just mentioned, would
also have fallen into their hands in a short time.
prisoned some time ; but, on a requisition from Captain Edward Hvtcuinson,
Massachusetts, he was brought to Boston and aged 62 years,
shot. Gookin writes his name Potucke. In y^^s shot by
the Old Indian Chronicle it is written Po- Tkeacherovs Indians,
tucke and Potuck, and by Hubbard, Potock. Avgvst 2 1G75.
— SeePostea. _ _ Dyed 12 AvGvsi
* He was shot through his body, and his '
horse killed under him, but was preserved by "'
the extraordinary bravery of his son Thomas ; it ^yiU be observed that, by the inscription,
also wounded, his arm broken. Yet, seeing Capt. Hutchinson died seven days earlier than
the peril of his flither, he dismounted and he did according to the published accounts. The
succeeded in mounting his ftither upon his date on the stone is probably wrong, owing per-
own horse, and both escaped. This Capt. haps, to its not having been put on till some time
Wheeler I believe to be the same once the after his interment. I am indebted to Mr. John
owner of the Point still bearing his name. He jj. Dexter of Boston for the copy of the in-
was of Concord at this time, having gone there scription.
recently. The annexed fac simile is from
^^^ <^ /Oj I /u^-Z^d. / -t '^^^^ disaster, and the alarming state
/ / /y/ '**^;-<-t>-7/ of the country, occasioned a Fast, which
" was ordered by the Old Church (of
an original paper of this year. Capt. "Wheeler which the Governor is a member) , being lec-
published a Narrative of this affair, and also turc-day at Boston, and at the contribution
of the siege of Brookfield, the same year of there was collected £69, which was for the
their occurrence. It is now of extreme rarity, distressed families' relief." And on the follow-
but may be found reprinted in the Colls, of ing Wednesday, August 11th, another Fast
the N. H. Hist. Soc, vol. ii. was kept by M'r. INIather's Church, and a con-
f A small plain stone marks the place tribution taken on the same account, which
where the body of Capt. Hutchinson was amounted to £G8. — Tract of the time in the
buried ; on which is the following inscription : Old Indian Chronicle.
1675.] CAPT. beers' engagement. 407
Philip nacl now arrived in the vicinity, and the besiegers met
"^' ■ him in a great swamp not far from Brookfield. There he distrib-
uted a quantity of wampum to the principal chiefs, and congratulated
them on their successes.
Meanwhile, messengers were sent from Boston to Uncas, Chief of
the Mohegaus, to solicit his assistance against the hostile tribes. He
complied readily with the requisition, and in a few days the messengers
returned, having with them three of the sons of Uncas, and about sixty
Mohegan warriors. These were soon distributed under the dif-
^^ ' ferent English Captains, and rendered effectual service against
the enemy.
A few days before this a depredation was attempted in the very
neighborhood of Boston. An Indian came to the house of John Minot,*
in Dorchester, on a Sunday, while all the family were at meeting, ex-
cept a servant girl, and two small children. The girl had taken the
precaution to bar the door, and when the Indian found he could not
readily enter that way, he shot off his gun several times into the house ;
but the girl having secured the children under two brass kettles, ran up
into the chamber, charged a gun which was there, fired upon the
Indian, and wounded him in the shoulder. He then broke through a
window, but when he had crawled partly into the house, the young
heroine met him with a shovel of burning coals, which she applied to his
face, and this decided the victory in her favor. The Indian es-
caped, but was found dead in the woods not far off in a short time
after, f
Capt. Thomas Lothrop and Capt. Richard Beers, with about
"^' ■ one hundred men, met a large body of Indians near Northfield,
and a sharp skirmish ensued, in which twenty-six of the former and ten.
of the latter were killed. J
* In the Genealogical Register, i., 172, contribution was made, which resulted in a col-
the Author of the Minot Genealogy/ says this lection of £78.
afifair took place at the house of a John Minot, | Capt. Beers had been in New England
who died in 16G9, which cannot be true. If forty-five years ; " an inhabitant of this juris-
the Minot's name were John, he could have diction ever since the first beginning thereof."
been no other than the John who married He served in the Pequot war ; " in two several
Elizabeth Breek, as he lived till 1690. designs ; " " hath many cliildrcn, and hitherto
The house which was the scene of this trag- not any land of the country and of the Town
edy was recently standing, and has been but one acre and a half besides that he hath
pointed out to the wi-iter. It is about five purchased." — Petition of 166i. MS. He was
miles from Boston, on the turnpike leading of Water town. There is an account of the
from South Boston to Milton. Beers family in Hinman's Catalogue of Puritan
t Aug. 2.5th. There was a fast at Charles- Settlers.
town, " whereto several of Boston went." A
408 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1675.
CHAPTER XLIV.
Philip's War continued. — Relative Condition of the contending Parties. — Christian or Praying In-
dians. — Destructive Tempest. — Defeat and Death of Capt. Beers. — Jury for trying Indian Cap-
tives. — Deputation of Indians from Ninigret. — One seized and hanged. — Others shot by Capt
Mosley's order. — The Mob threaten to murder Prisoners. — Spirited Course of Capt. Oliver. —
Quakers punished for refusing to serve in the War. — Defeat and Death of Capt. Lothrop. — An
Execution. — Capt. Appleton's Services. — Burning of Springfield, — Hatfield attacked. — Maj
Pynchon recommends Winter Expeditions. — A large Force ordered to be raised. — Nai'raganset
Chiefs come to Boston and make a Treaty. — Expedition against Narraganset. — A strong Fort. —
It is attacked. — The first that entered it discovered. — It is taken. — The killed and wounded.
UPON the whole, thus for, the Indians had almost
continued success ; but the summer, so favorable to
their circumstances, was soon to be ended, and the
war had afibrded them but small opportunities to pro-
vide for the winter. The march of large bodies of the
English from place to place during the summer gave
them fine chances for capital exploits. They had no
baggage trains to guard. The surrounding wilderness
during half the year afforded them all the provisions
they required ; and, as though that season never could
end, they laughed and mocked at the snail-like move-
ments of their adversary. By their spies they could often ascertain
the points of destination of a body of troops, and with celerity would
assemble a formidable number of their companions in some favorable
pass among the hills and swamps, and fall upon their pursuers at great
advantage.
The Christian Indians had not yet been generally taken into the service
of the English, and they became daily more and more exposed to the worst
afflictions from both parties. The Indians who attacked Lothrop and
Beers were considered to belong to the Praying Indians, but they were
far removed from the other communities, and Philip had probably pre-
vailed with them to enter into the war on his side. To prevent other
Christian Indians from a like proceeding, the Council at Boston
°" ■ sent forth a proclamation forbidding them to go more than a mile
from their villages unless accompanied by an Englishman. The resi-
* Arms, — Quarterly, first and fourth sa., and County Palatine of Lancaster. That
a clievcron between three pick-axes, ar. ; Capt. Samuel Mosley was a branch of this
second and third or, a fcss, between three eaglets family there is not much question. Branches
displayed, sa. — Crest, — On a wreath an eagle were allied with the Saltonstalls, Davenports,
displayed ermine. — Such was the arms of Whitmores, and other names equally well
Moseley of Hough's End, parish of Manchester, known in New England.
1675.] Philip's war continued. 409
dences or towns of these Indians at that time were " Natick, Punqua-
paog, Nashoba, Wamesit, and Hassanamesit."*
Two days before this, there was witnessed at Boston " one of the
most violent storms of wind and rain hitherto known." The Indians
gave out that it was caused by their Powwows. f
Lancaster, Northampton, Deerfield and Northfield, had already suf-
fered at the hands of the enemy. Captain Beers, with a small company
of about thirty-six men, was cut off at the last named place ;
^^ ■ ■ but very few escaping. Among the feeble settlements at thf>
eastward the work of death was going on also. In the mean time,
a few Praying and other Indians had been captured and were in
prison in Boston, and the following named gentlemen were chosen
^^ ■ ■ by the Town to sit as jurors at their trial; namely, " Capt.
James Oliver, Mr. Thomas Deane, Mr. James Whittcombe, Ens. Richard
Woody, and Mr. John Fairweather/'J The day following an embassy
came to Boston from Ninigret, consisting of eight of his men.
^^ ■ ■ They brought a letter from Capt. Richard Smith, of Narragan-
set, which was their protection. They came, it appears, to offer the
services of the Niantics to the English in the war. Having finished
their mission, a pass was given them by the Authorities, and they were
dismissed. As the populace were much enraged against all Indians, the
ambassadors of Ninigret fixed their pass upon a staff, that it might .be
seen at a distance. In proceeding out of town two men came up and
seized the man who held up the pass, and dragged him away to prison.
The two men were brothers, and, at the trial of the Indian two days
after, they made oath that he had been fighting under Philip
^^ ■ *" against the English, and that they knew him to be the man
who had killed their brother. On this testimony he was hanged. In
the course of Captain Mosley's excursions with his Boston Company,
he took prisoners two Praying Indians, who, by examinations, he found
to have been among those who killed Captain Hutchinson at Wickabaug
pond ; whereupon they were both shot. This was " towards the latter
end of August." About the same time Mosley sent into Boston eight
other Christian Indians, who were tried for their lives. Against these
nothing seems to have been proved, but the populace were greatly en-
raged when they learned they were to be set at liberty, and a mob was
collected to break open the prison and murder the prisoners. Captain
. * Major Gookin, the Governor of the Pray- bulged one another ; some up towards Gam-
ing Indians, and well acquainted with most of bridge, some to Muddy river, doing much hurt
them personally, as well as their places of res- to very many ; also it broke down many
idence, gives the names of the latter as follow : wharffs, and blew down some houses thereup-
— "Wamesit [formerly in Chelmsford, now on." — Tract of the time in the Old Indian
chiefly included in Lowell] ; Okkokonimesit Chronicle, p. 30.
[Marlborough] ; Hassanamesit, [Grafton] ; % Mr. David Anderson and Mr. Thomaa
Makunkokoag [Hopkinson] ; Natick [still so Tucker were chosen by Charlestown ; John
named] ; and Punkapog alias Pakomit Bowles, Senr. and Mr. Thomas Gore by Rox-
[Stoughton]". The whole number of Indians bury; William Summer and Richard Baker
in these places did not probably exceed 450, or for Dorchester ; and Joseph Tantor and Cor.
500 souls. William Bond for Watertown. — From an
t " It blew up many ships together that they original paper in the Mass. Archives
52
410 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1675.
Gookin was one of the Judges. Against him much abuse was directed.
Mr. Eliot came in for a share also ; but he was onlj an advocate for the
accused, and consequently was less offensive. The mob mistaking Cap-
tain Oliver to be on their side, by something which he said, or was
reported to have said, they therefore went to his house about
"^^ ■ ■ nine of the clock in the evening, and requested him to lead
them in breaking open the Jail. Whereupon the Captain, taking his
cane, " cudgelled them stoutly." This damped their ardor for prison-
breaking for the present, but such was the clamor and rage of the
people, that, to quiet them, one of the Indians Avas given up and ex-
ecuted, and in a manner so revolting, that, were the truth alone related,
the reader's belief might be confounded.
Early in September another company, composed chiefly of Boston
men, was despatched against the Indians, under Capt. Daniel Hench-
man. For some cause not explained, when these soldiers arrived
in Roxbury they refused to proceed under that officer, and the
Council sent Capt. Thomas Lake to take his place. Nothing further
appears respecting the movements of this Company.*
Several of the inhabitants of Boston, " some whereof were Qua-
kers," refusing to bear arms in the country's service, were punished
by being compelled " to run the gauntlet." Efforts had been made to
keep a large force in the field, and complaints were loud from those in
actual service, and their 'families and friends at home, against the
Quakers, and all such as endeavored to avoid military duty, whether
from scruples of conscience or any other cause. This may have led to
the barbarous and ignominious punishment above mentioned. How-
ever, there were, by the end of August, probably not less than about
six hundred horse and foot of Massachusetts men in the dangerous ser-
vice of hunting Indians in the surrounding wilderness.
Notwithstanding this force was comparatively large for that time,
yet it could not prevent the recurrence of many fatal disasters. Captain
Lothrop, who had fought with Captain Beers at Northfield, was
^^ ■ ■ ambushed, and attacked in the furious manner of the Indians, on
his march at Deerfield, and with about ninety men, " the flower of
Essex county," slain, with almost his whole company. f The next day
a party attacked Deerfield, but with small success.
Captain Mosley having sent to Boston five Christian Indians,
^^ ■ " ■ prisoners, under the charge of Cornelius Consort, they were
ordered to be delivered to Mr. Samuel Shrimpton, to be employed on
* The objection to Capt. Henchman at this ^
time may have arisen from his efforts to pre- /'^ P //
vent violence to the Indian prisoners. He was Y/I/ *^-K' r Ac^y? /t/Yl^
continued in the service, and was in such favor ^^rk 7//^l//^ //^'^ *7*
with the Council and other members of the ^^ v
Government, that, at the close of the war, on
his request to bo allowed to resign his com- f Capt. Lothrop belonged to Beverley, and
mission, they refused to receive it. This re- had done exploits in the Pequot war. — Letter
quest was made Sept. 6th, 1676, from which /T-om^os^on, dated 28th Dec, 1675. Harleian
the accompanying signature is copied. Miscel., v. p. 400, 4to ed.
16/5.] SPRINGFIELD BURNT. 411
Noddle's Island ; "he returning them to the order of the Council."
Sept "^2 ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^y^ ^^^ Indian, named Little John, was hanged in
Boston for shooting one Stoughton at Taunton.
The frontier along the Connecticut river being in great danger and
alarm, since the defeat of Captain Lothrop, the General Court commis-
sioned Mr. Samuel Appleton, one of its members, to
com-
Sept. 24. , r. 1 -, -.
mand a company of one hundred men, and to lead them into
that remote region. He proceeded at once to the relief of the dis-
tressed settlements, and was soon after appointed Commander-in-Chief
in those parts ;* Major John Pinchon not being able to attend to the
service.
^^^ g Taking advantage of the absence of the soldiers from Spring-
field, a numerous body of the enemy fell upon and burnt the
greater part of that town, — thirty dwelling-houses and about twenty-
five barns, the mills and other buildings, and killed several people.
Fearing the towns below would next be attempted. Major Appleton
Oct 19 ^^^^ ^^^ head-quarters at Hadley ; Captain Mosley and Cap-
tain Jonathan Poolef were stationed at Hatfield, and Major
Treat, of the Connecticut forces, at Northampton. Suddenly, in the
evening of the nineteenth of October, seven or eight hundred of the
enemy made an attack upon the former place. After kilUng several of
Captain Mosley's men who were upon an outpost, and cutting off a
scout, they entered that end of the town where the Commander-in-
Chief was, who, with great courage and resolution, drove them out
with loss, while Captain Poole succeeded in forcing them to retire from
the other end, where he was posted. In this affair Major Appleton
narrowly escaped with his life ; a bullet passed through the hair of his
head,| and one of his sergeants, Freegrace Norton, was mortally
wounded by his side.
From this time till the next spring there was not much trouble given
to the western settlements ; the enemy thinking it time, perhaps, to
provide a winter's retreat and means of support. However, some con-
^^^ ^g tinned about Northampton, waylaying the people as they went
into their fields, killing several, and burning four or five houses.
Two days before, they killed three of the inhabitants of Westfield.
In a letter of Major Pynchon to the Council, early in October, he
recommended falling upon the enemy in the winter ; having seen that
* The accompanying Autograph ofMajor name of " Capt. .Jonathan Poole " is found
Appleton is copied from a letter which he upon the Treasurer's books of the Colony, as
wrote while in command on the Conneoticut. having served in Philip's war.
t I have conjecturally supplied Capt. Poole's J " By that whisper telling him," says
Christian name Ihe General Court, 8:4: Hubbard, " that Death was very near, but did
lb(l, appointed ''Jonathan Poole Quarter- him no other harm." — A^arrfl/zue, 43. Ten of
master to tLie troops commanded by Capt. the English were killed, while the loss of the
Mward Hutchinson." I have supposed Capt. Indians could not be known, as they carried off
Poole of 16/5 to be the same person. The their killed and wounded.
412 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1675.
little could be effected against them in the summer, and that they must
of necessity be more confined to certain localities in the time of frost and
snow. Accordingly, when the Commissioners of the United Colonies
met at Boston, it was agreed that one thousand men should be
raised, in addition to those already in the service ; and that
they should be in readiness to march " att one houres warning " ; that
as the Narragansets had not delivered up the Wampanoags, according to
treaty, an army should march into their country, and proceed against
them as enemies. Over this force Governor Josiah Winslow, of Plym-
outh, was appointed Commander-in-Chief. Of the thousand men,
Massachusetts was to furnish 527, Plymouth 158, and Connecticut 315.
It is remarked that the winter came on much earlier this year than
usual, and it was pretty soon ascertained that the Indians had chosen
for their retreat a dismal swamp in the Narraganset country. There
they had laid in a large amount of provisions of various kinds for the
winter. On an island of several acres they had erected a strong forti-
fication by felled trees. Within this were their wigwams and pro-
visions, and there were collected, as was judged, two or three thou-
sand Indians of both sexes, old and young.
Before the meeting of the Commissioners just mentioned, the Au-
thorities at Boston had sent messengers to Narraganset to ascertain
how the Chiefs appeared disposed, and to invite them to Boston to con-
fer with them upon the state of affairs. Soon after, four Chiefs came
to Boston accordingly, and executed a treaty. By this they
confirmed that of Pettyquanscot, made in the beginning of the
war ; they agreed also that in ten days they would deliver at Boston
all those Indians who were fled to them, and who had been in hostility
against the English. The signers of this treaty were the great Chiefs
Quanonchett,* or Canonchet, Manatanoo, Ahanmanpowet, and Corn-
man, on the behalf of Ninigret. Richard Smith, James Browne,
Samuel Gorton, Junior, and John Nowhenetts, were witnesses. The
two last were interpreters.!
As might have been, and probably was, expected by the English, no
part of the treaty was observed. Therefore, on the tenth of December,
* Believed to have been the greatest Chief indignantly replied, " I will never deliver up a
then living among the Narragansets. He Wampanoag, nor the paring of a Wampa-
was son of the unfortunate Miantonimo, noag's nail to Englishmen." And Avhen told
and was sometimes called Nanuntenoo. that then he should be put to death, he replied,
Whether he and his companions understood " I like it well. I shall die before my heart is
the nature of the treaty which they executed soft, or have said anything unworthy of my-
at this time may admit of question. For it self." He was not long after shot at Stoning-
was next to an impossibility for them to have ton, and his body shared the ignominious fate
surrendered the Wampanoags if they had of that of King Philip.
really been disposed to do so. However, they f Calls for help from the inhabitants upon
were accused of the worst kind of treachery the Pascataqua were at this time very ur-
for not performing their engagements. And gent, and Governor Leverett issued an order,
when, in the following April, Nanuntenoo that, " William Walderne hath liberty for a
was taken prisoner by the Connecticut army, berrell of powder and eight gones to carry to
his captors taunted him with breaking his the Eastward." It was dated 28 Oct., 1075.
promise to deliver up the Wampanoags, he — Original Paper.
1675.] EXPEDITION AGAINST NARRAGANSET. 413
seven companies of foot and horse marched from Boston for the
Narraganset country. Over these, Major Appleton had the
chief command. The general rendezvous was at Capt. Richard Smith's,
and here the forces all assembled from the three colonies, and on the
eighteenth of December marched for the Indian fort, intending
to quarter at night at the garrison of Mr. Jerah Bull ; but that
had been taken by the enemy two days before, and all the people slain,
seventeen in number. So " there was no shelter left, either for officer
or private soldier," and they were obliged to march on through a deep
snow, still falling, and the weather was extremely cold ; " finding no
other defence all that night, save the open air, nor other covering than
a cold, moist fleece of snow." At one of the clock the next
day they came to the fort, and after three or four hours of hard
fighting, succeeded in taking it, and putting the Indians to flight.
There was but one entrance into it, and that was on a long tree, so
felled as to reach from the upland outside to the breastwork ; and this
entrance was defended by a sort of block-house in front, and flankers
on each side of it. When the English came to the place, the men
would not be restrained, but rushed on without waiting for the word of
command, and a soldier, named John Raymond, of Middleborough, was
the first to enter the fort.*
The army, coming suddenly upon the enemy, " had no time either to
draw up in any order or form of battle, nor yet opportunity to consult
where or how to assault." However, the Boston men led the van, and
Mosley was the first captain who succeeded in scaling the Indian breast-
work. To attack even Indians under such circumstances, was to rush
into the very jaws of death. Of the seven Massachusetts captains,
three were killed ; namely, Captain Isaac Johnson of Roxbury, Captain
Joseph Gardner of Salem, and Captain Nathaniel Davenport of Boston.
The first named was shot dead upon the tree, as he was undauntedly
leading on his men ; and the last was mortally wounded after he had
entered the fort ; receiving at once three fatal wounds, f Before he
expired, he called Mr. Edward Tyng, his lieutenant, to him, gave him
his gun in charge, and committed to him the command of his company,
and immediately died. Being dressed in a full buff suit, it was sup-
posed the Indians took him for the Commander-in-Chief, and many
aimed at him at once. Tyng was wounded in the course of the fight,
but recovered. Captain Davenport's men were extremely grieved at
the death of their leader ; he having, by his courteous carriage much
* This John Kaymond, or Rayment, survived f From a document in the Mass. Archives,
the fight. A son of his, also named John, re- drawn up 4 December preceding, the ac-
ceived from the General Court a grant of land companying copy of Capt. Davenport's Auto-
in consideration of his father's services in that graph is obtained,
desperate enterprise. The fam- ^^:f-~^\^
ily removed from Middlebo- ^-*^vP/7 /f ,.y :^^^ JVyrr ^ *^^ /v^ ^
rough, it is believed, and the Q jK^-#^=='^ ^ <Z^^2^X^y^J^^D.-Cr2-^^
name was not for many years ^~"^^ _^ /^
known there, and perhaps not -^z ^ <r ^-^ ^^-^t^ — ^^^::::^^~:i^^;~::^-^
since the removal of this family.
414 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1675.
attached them to himself, although he was a stranger to the most of •
them when he w^as appointed their captain. On which occasion he
made " a very civil speech," and allowed them to choose their sergeants
themselves. Lieut. Jeremiah Swain, of Miijor Appleton's company, was
also wounded, as was also Phineas Upham, lieutenant to Captain John-
son, mortally, though he survived several months ; and Lieut. Perez
Savage, the same wounded in the beginning of the war.
The number of Indians slain in this sanguinary battle was never
accurately known ; but, according to the best Historian of the time,*
they " lost seven hundred fighting men, besides three hundred that died
of their wounds : the number of old men, women and children, that
perished either by fire, or that were starved with hunger and cold, none
of them could tell." This was " confessed by Potock, a great Coun-
sellor amongst them, afterwards taken at Rhode Island and put to death
at Boston. There were above eighty of the English slain, and a hundred
and fifty wounded that recovered afterwards." f
^^•^•«-^ri!W2
* The Rev. W^illiam Hubbard, in his Narra- Of Capt. Oliver's Company : — Thomas
live, p. 54. That eminent gentleman's auto- Broune for Paul Bat, Alexander Forbes,
graph, being of rare occurrence, is copied here. Splende Dreror, servant to Daniel Turner, Jr.,
James Thomas, Henry Hall for Mr. [Peter?]
Ligett, of Boston ; slain, five, except Henry
Hall, who is set down as lost. Sergt. Peter
Bennet, Sergt. [Henry] Timberley [Timberlake
f This estimate is probably too low, as by in the Treasurer's books], James Lendall, Wil-
papers in the Massachusetts Archives it appears liam Kcmble, servant to John Cleer, Ezekiel
that 93 were killed and wounded of the Massa- Gilman, Mark Rounds, servant to Henry Kem-
chusetts foi-ces. As a complete list of them has ble, Alexander Bogell, Boston; John Casey,
never been printed, one here follows : — servant to Thomas Gardner, Muddy River ;
" Soldiers killed and wounded at the battle wounded, eight, seven of whom were left at
of Narraf^anset Fort." R. Island.
Of Major Appleton's company: — Samuel Of Capt. Davenport's Company: — Capt.
Taylor of Ipswich, Isaac Illery [Ellei-y?], Nathaniel Davenport, Sergt. Theodore Atkin-
Gloucester ; Daniel Rolfe, Newbury ; Samuel son, Boston ; George Howard, Concord ; John
Taylor, Rowley ; slain, four. Lft. Jeremiah Hagar, Watertown ; killed, four. Samuel
Swain, Reading; Roger Marks, Andover; Isaac Swayn, Samuel Read, Cambridge; Samuel
Usley, William Standley, Daniel Somersby, Jon- Stocker, Medford ; Nathaniel Hely, Isaac Lear-
athan Emery, John Ilarvey, Newbury ; John ned, Watertown ; Thomas Bi-owne, Abraham
Denison, George Timson, Tliomas Stone of Ips- Temple, Concord ; David Batchelor, Reading ;
wich ; Symon Gowen, of Rowley ; Benjamin Caleb Symonds, John Barker, Zachary Snow,
Webster, Salem ; Elijah Thathan, Woburn ; Woburn ; looundcd, eleven.
Thomas Abey, Wenham ; Benjamin Langdon, Of Capt. Johnson's Company : — Capt. Isaac
Boston ; Solomon Watts, Roxbury ; John War- Johnson, Roxbury ; Thomas Danfort, Dor-
ner, Charlestown ; Samuel Bouterick, Cam- Chester ; Jonathan Pitcher , ; Allen
bridge; wounded, eighteen, and left at Rhode Duglen, Weymouth ; AzZZerf, /our. John Wat-
Island, except Lieut. Swain and Roger INIarks. son, Wm. Linckorn, Roxbury ; John Spur,
Of Capt. Mosley's company : — John Farmer, Dorchester; Benjamin Crane, Milton; John
Richard Barnam, Jerre Stockes, of Boston; Langley, John Taxton [Thaxter?], John Bull,
VV'illiamBourle, Charlestown; Edmund Cham- Hingham ; Isaac King, Weymouth; Lieut,
berlaine. Maiden ; Richard Updick, Narra- Phineas Upham, Maiden ; ivounded, eight, and
ganset ; slain, six. Lieut. Perez Savage, John were at Rhode Island, 6 Jan. 1675-6.
Brandon, Boston ; John Sherman, Watertown ; Of Capt. Gardiner's Company: — Joseph
James Updick, Boston; James Chadwick, Mai- Price [?], Samuel Pikeworth, Salem; Mark
den ; John Fuller, Dcdham ; Jolm Shepheard, Batchiler,Wenham; killed, three, on their march
Jacob Coolo, Charlestown ; Richard Addams, before they arrived at the fort ; Capt. Joseph
Sudbury; wounded, nine. Five left at Rhode Gardiner, Salem ; AbraSwitchell,Marblehead ;
Island to attend the wounded, namely, Samuel Joseph Soamcs, Cape Anne ; Robert Andrews,
Fordich, Thomas Weales, James Dighenton, Topsfield ; killed, four, at the fort. Charles
Joseph Low, and Joshua Silverwood ; to whom Knight, Thomas Flint, Joseph Holeton, Salem ;
no residences are assigned. Nieliolas Ilakins, John Farrington, Lynn ;
1675.] NARRAGANSET FORT FIGHT. 415
This was the first, or by far the greatest blow they had received since
the war began. Their aged and wise men, and Counsellors, as well as
a vast number of their warriors, were in this encounter cut off. Nor did
their misfortunes end here. Their store-houses and their stores perished
with them. Despair and desperation were depicted in their countenances ;
famine and the severities of a long winter stared them in the ftxce.
The bravery displayed by the English soldiers at the Narraganset fort
fight has many parallels, but none superior in the records of history.
All the three colonies were well represented in it, and there is nothing
to the discredit of either to be met with in the often- written story. The
soldiers of each colony seem to have vied with the others in sharing its
hazards as well as its glories. On casting an eye upon the lists of the
officers, it will be seen that those of Connecticut and Plymouth suffered
about equally with those of Massachusetts. Of the former, Capt. John
Gallop, of New London, Capt. Samuel Marshall, of Windsor, and Capt.
Robert Seely, of Stratford, were killed in the engagement ; Capt.
William Bradford, of Plymouth, Avas wounded by a musket-ball, which,
he carried in his body ever after ; Capt. John Gorham, of Barnstable,
who, though he escaped the arrows of the enemy, died of a fever, occa-
sioned by the hardships of the expedition ; and, the afterwards cele-
brated Captain Church, a volunteer in the staff of General Winslow,
was severely wounded
Robert Cocks, Marblehead ; Eben Baker, Jo- Of Capt. Prentice's Troop : — JohnWyman,
seph Abbot, Andover ; Edward Hardin, Cape [no residence given] s/am ; Nathaniel Richard-
Anne ; Christopher Read, Beverly; wounded, son, Nathaniel Belins, [Billings?] Woburn ;
ten. Samuel Stone, Cambridge ; loounded, three.
416 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1676.
CHAPTER XLV
Winter Excursions. — Sudbury attacked. — Lancaster burnt. — Medfleld attacked. — Praying
Indians accused. — Fearful Clamors. — JMany Houses burnt at Groton. — Furious Attack on
Northampton. — Praying Indians sent to the Islands in tlie Harbor. — Extensive Burnings
at Marlborough, Simsbury, Rehoboth and Providence. — Praying Indians employed. — Defeat
of Capt. Wadsworth. — Capt. William Turner. — Marches for the Connecticut Valley. —
Saves Northampton. — Plans an Expedition against a large body at the Falls above Deerfield.
— Surprises them with great Slaughter. — Is killed in his Retreat. — Fall of King Philip. —
Executions. — Peter Jethro's Perfidy. — Sagamore John. — Execution of other Chief's. —
James the Printer. — Fate of Capt. Thomas Lake. — Suffering Condition of the Inhabitants.
— Relief from Ireland and England.
EXCURSIONS by horse and foot were constantly
made in various directions during the winter, and
many small clans of the enemy were broken up, many
captives taken, and many killed.* In these excur-
sions, the Christian Indians bore a conspicuous part.
However, there were enough of the enemy left to do
much mischief, and they were found to be collecting
in the Nipmuck country ; a small party surprised
■iuKiNi!-K. e . . g^(j|3m,y^ killing and carrying off ten persons,
and on the tenth of February, Lancaster was chiefly laid in ashes,
and about fifty people killed, and carried into captivity. Five
days after, Captain Mosley was ordered to march with his com-
pany to that place. A few days later, Philip with a large
company attacked Medfleld, within about twenty-two miles of
Boston, killing near twenty of its inhabitants, and doing mis-
chief to the amount of about 2145 pounds, exclusive of buildings.
Complaints continued against the Praying Indians, and clamors ran
so high against them in Boston, that there were fears of serious tumults.
Thomas Jay was held for trial for " reproaching General Wins-
low, the authorities of the country, and other misdemeanors."
And one Richard Scott was soon after imprisoned for threatening the
lives of Captain Gookin and Mr. Thomas Danforth.
On the thirteenth of March about forty houses were consumed
at Groton, and the next day Northampton came near being all
destroyed ; being attacked at three points at once, eleven people
killed and wounded, and eleven buildings were set on fire. As the
spring advanced, the Indians were able to proceed in their old mode of
warfare ; scattering themselves in small numbers, in all directions,
*Jan. Cth. At a meeting of the Council " It the others to have each of them a figure of
is ordered t^iat the Secretary issue forth war- white in them, No. from 1 to 6. And four
rant to Comissary John Fayreweather, forth small drums, to be sent up to the army of Nar-
with to impress and provide seven Colours, raganset, for the use of the severall companies
made of red sarcenet, each to be a yard square, there belonging to this Colony." — Original
One to be made with a blaze of ■white in it, Minutes.
1676.] MANY PLACES BUR!^T. 417
shooting down the unsuspecting, killing their cattle and burning their
buildings. Throughout March, April, May and June, a continued
record of mischiefs is found. Many of the Praying Indians are taken
from their residences and sent to the islands in the harbor, as no other
means for their preservation seemed to be attainable.
^ In a single day of March, several people are killed at Spring-
field, most of the houses burned in Marlborough, and Simsbury
in Connecticut is laid in ashes. Two days after, sixty-six buildings
are burnt at Rehoboth, and on the following day, fifty-four houses are
burnt in Providence. But the saddest event of that single day
of March remains to be recorded. Capt. Michael Peirse, of
Scituate, Brother of Captain Peirse, of London, was ambushed at Paw-
tucket, and slain with almost his whole force, consisting of fifty English
and about twenty friendly Indians. This spread a cloud of the darkest
gloom over the country. Still, the Government did not relax its exer-
tions, while its soldiers were dearly purchasing wisdom, and learning to
proceed with more caution against an enemy which many had held in
too much contempt. Captain Grookin and others had all along urged the
Government at Boston to employ and send out bands of the Pray-
ing Indians against the enemy, under discreet English ofi&cers ; but
their fidelity was so strongly suspected by the multitude, that their
services were at this time nearly neglected. But it was, at this crisis
of the war, decided to increase the opposing force by employing some
of those Indians ; and finally a company of them was put under the
command of Capt. Samuel Hunting,* and others under officers from
among themselves, and all of them rendered services fully equal to the
expectations of their friends, and to the corresponding confusion of their
enemies.
In the mean time, through the good offices of some of these Indians,
a correspondence was opened between the authorities in Boston and the
hostile party in the Nipmuck country, which eventually led to the
redemption of several prisoners out of their hands ; among whom was
Mrs. Mary Rowlandson and her family, taken captive when Lancaster
was destroyed. She was the wife of the R'ov. Joseph Rowlandson, the
minister of that town, f
Notwithstanding the severe losses in men which the country had
sustained, great numbers were still ranging the woods in search of the
enemy. Capt. Jonathan Poole, Capt. John Whipple, Capt. Samuel
Hunting, Capt. John Cutler, Capt. John Jacob, Capt. Thomas Brattle,
* He was at this time of Charlestown. In she afterwards published, she says, " The
many important expeditions the Praying In- twenty pounds, the price of my redemption,
dians were led by him. was raised by some Boston gentlewomen, and
. ^^ Mr. Usher, whose bounty and charity I
// [/ /> ^ — would not forget to make mention of." — Indiax
'/O UJi^'no^'ny Captivities, 56. Mrs. Kowlandson was a
{y daughter of a Mr. John White, of Lancaster,
med after a captivity of eleven — Willard, Hist. Lancaster in Worcester Mag-
.__„ „.. ..ays. On the 3d of May she "-^'^e. Her Narrative was very popular, and
arrived in Boston, and in the narrative which has parsed through many editions.
418 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1676
Capt. Richard Sutton, Capt. Joseph Sill, Capt. William Hathorne,
Capt. Thomas Clarke, Capt. William Turner and Capt. Edward Cowell,
Capt. Hugh Mason, Capt. Nathaniel Reynolds, and several others, were
at different times upon expeditions into the Indian country. In defiance
of all these, however, Philip was able to concentrate a body of about
four hundred of his followers near Sudbury, and to ambush
^" ■ Capt. Samuel Wads worth, and Capt. Samuel Brocklebank, with
about seventy men, as they were upon a march from Boston to relieve
Marlborough. A desperate fight ensued, in which both the commanders
were slain, and above half of their men; " as brave soldiers as any
ever employed in the present service." A party of the same Indians
the same day fell in with Capt. Cowell, of Boston, with about eighteen
men, attacked him, and killed several of his party.
Capt. William Turner, of Boston, an old soldier, offered his services
to the Government, in the commencement of the war, but they were
slighted and refused. It was not agreeable to the feelings of some in
power, to take into their service one whom they had formerly almost
ruined, because he could not conscientiously renounce his religion.
Afiliirs were now in some degree changed, and Captain Turner was
requested to raise a company and to take the field. He said the chances
for his usefulness in the war, he feared, were past ; for the men, who
were then ready to follow him, were many of them gone from Boston,
or were otherwise employed. Notwithstanding, like a true lover of his
country, he consented to enter upon the service ; and, with Mr. Edward
Drinker for his lieutenant, and a company of about one hundred men,*
he was soon ready to march.
* " A list of Capt. Wm. Turner's men, as " This is a true list of such as came out of
they came from Boston, taken at Medfield, Boston with me, as -witness my hand, Feb. the
1675-6 ; namely : — 22d. 1675-6.
" William Turner, Cap^ ; Edward Drinker, / 'x;/? --t— 7— Cl/-
Lieut.; William Parsons, Ezekiel Guilman, /fA//£^ C^J ifmx<^/
Sergeants; Philip Squire, Thos. Elliot, Thos. /yj ^^^
Barnard, Jumes Kiiott, Corporals; Jona. L-^
Orris, Wm. Turner, Jr., Ephm. Roper, John " Received these men whose names follow at
Sawey, Richd. Cheevers, Josiah Man, Elias Marlborough, from Captaine Wadsworth and
Tyffe, Robert Scares, Saml. Rawlins, Thos. from Capt. Reynolds : — Phillip Mettoons, /or
Brisantine, Josiah Tay, Roger Jones, Jas. tvhom I took in exchange, John Thropp at
Verin, Thos. Chard, Henry Dawson, Saml. [North] Hampton ; John Newman made Corp/.
Davis, Mark Wood, Robt. Miller, John Conne- 17 March, 75-6. John Samfdd, John Chap-
ball, Richd. Staines, Joseph Gallop, John pie, Henry Beresford, Thos. Wells, Jas. Bur-
Roberts, Hee. Steward, James Burges, Mat- rell, John Walker, Joseph Lamson, Joseph
thias Smith, Saml. Gallop, Barthol. Whitwell, Bickner, Wm. Clow, Wm. Twing, Joseph Lyon,
Saml. Judkins, Richd. Ivnight, Joseph Priest, Richd. Francis, Wm. Hartford, Solomon Lowd,
Peaceful Clarke, Henry Kerby, Edward Wm. Bosway, John Glide, Joshua Lane, James
Wrignt, Phillip Jessop, Thos. Skinner, Cler. ; Hewes, Jonathan Duninge, William Jaques,
John Newton, cleared by Council at Medfield; Wm. Manly, George Riply, Phill. Sandy, Dig-
Nathl. Adams, sick at Medfield ; Robert Briant, gory Serg[ean]t, John Broughton, John Role-
woundcd at Dcdham. stone, Wm. Jemison, Edwd. Sampson, John
" A list of them cleared at Marlborough : — Avis, Joseph Griffin^, Henry Finch, Samll. Chesy,
Henry Timberleggs [Timberlake], Ensign; Joseph Bateman, James Machrenell, AtV/ee? a<
Wm. Wade, Clement Hamblinge [Hamblen], [North] Hampton, 'hl^r.l'^. These men \follow-
Jacob Hanson, John Brackenbury, Nathl. ing] were left at Quabaug the 4th of March,
Babcock, John Carthew, Thos. Condy, John 1675-6 : — Henry Pellington, David Crentch,
Smith, Joseph Dindly, Amos [I/irfian], Henry John Gromwell [Cromwell?], Richd. Sutton,
Wright, Saml. Holmes, James Parker, Feai-not David Jones, Tho. Brisanton, Tho. Stacy, Thos.
Shaw, Wm. Bobbins, James Travis, John Jay. Chapman, Augustine John, James Cullen
1676.] THE FALL FIGHT. 419
They were ordered to proceed to the Connecticut river valley, for the
relief of Northampton and the other towns there, under the command
of Major Savage. It was while Capt. Turner was at
Northampton, that the Indians so furiously beset that place,
and it was owing to his exertions, and those in his company, that the
town was saved from total ruin, and the Indians forced to retire.
Captain Turner continued in that region until the nineteenth of May
following, having for some time sustained the chief command, with
which Major Savage had invested him on his returning to Boston some
time before. About the second week in April it was ascertained that
a large body of the enemy were at the Great Falls in the Connecti-
cut river, above Deerfield. They had taken up their quarters there to
improve the fishing season, and from this point parties set out against
the settlements of the English. Captain Turner determined to
surprise them. He, therefore, planned a secret expedition, taking with
him Capt. Samuel Holioke, of Springfield, and about one hun-
^^ ■ dred and eighty men. The surprise was complete, and the
destruction of the enemy was very great. But in the retreat the Eng-
lish were met by a fresh party of the enemy, who attacked them at
disadvantage, as they were crossing Green River, killed Captain Turner,
and about thirty of his men. Thus perished the "brave and resolute
Captain Turner." Captain Holioke, though he survived the fight, died
of a surfeit brought on by it, " in September following about Boston."
He was twenty-nine years old, wanting four days.
The Fall Fight, as it was for a long time called, was the last great
battle of the war ; and, as a chronicler of the time said, " The enemy
now went down the wind apace." Their great haunts and hiding-
places were broken up. Philip retreated out of the Nipmuck country,
and he and his great chiefs were hunted from place to place until,
one after another, they fell into the hands of their pursuers. Philip
had many narrow escapes, but, on the twelfth of August, he was
^°' "■ surprised at Mount Hope, near the very place where he had
begun the war, about fourteen months before. He was not taken alive,
nor did an Englishman kill him. One of his own men betrayed his
hiding-place to the indefatigable Captain Church, who with a small
number of trusty followers surrounded him at dawn of day, and before
he was aware of the presence of his enemies. When Church had done
this, the alarm was given, and Philip, in attempting to escape from the
swamp in which he had taken refuge, came upon two of Church's sen-
tinels, an Englishman and an Indian. The gun of the former missed
fire, but that of the latter, charged with two bullets, was true, to its
mission; sending one directly through his heart, and the "other not
above two inches from it." The chief " fell upon his face in the mud
Chas. Duckworth. The rest continued under Major Savage ; some by order staying here
my command till ye 7th of Aprill, att which with me, William Turner."
time 4 were left in Hadly by order of y Then follow lista of Hadley, Northampton
Counsell, and part of the companie marched and Hatfield soldiers, who served under Capt.
vnder the conduct of Lieut. Drinker, with Turner ; of these, in all about 130 men.
420 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1676.
and water, with his gun under him." Church ordered one of his
Indians to behead and quarter him, which being done, his head was
carried to Plymouth and set upon a gibbet, where it was to be seen for
twenty years. His hands were cut off, and one of them was given to
the Indian who shot him, and the other was carried in triumph to Bos-
ton, where it was for some time exhibited.
Such was the joy caused by the news of Philip's death, that, in
"°" ■ five days after, it was celebrated by a Thanksgiving. The
" Grand Rebel" was now slain, and there was not much to be feared
from such of his followers as remained. The horrors of war may now
be said to have been past ; but there were many captives in prison in
Boston, and upon the islands in the harbor, and at Plymouth, whose
fiite was to be decided. While the war was raging, sanguinary and
vindictive measures were to be expected, but after its dangers were
ended, it would have been well had the shedding of blood by way of
retaliation ceased. A pardon had been offered to those who would sur-
render themselves at Boston by a given day, but in the proclamation
holding out the inducement to surrender, exceptions were made, and
many were executed in cold blood. Yet a few of the cunning leaders
had the address to escape ; but they purchased their own lives at a
cruel price, — no less than the betrayal of their own relatives into the
hands of their enemies. A remarkable instance of this kind took place
among the Nipmucks. A Chief, called by the English, " Old Jethro,"
lived near Sudbury when the war begun. His own family consisted of
about twelve persons, and all of them belonged to the party of Praying
Indians. Fearing Jethro and his party would join Philip, an attempt
was made to bring him to Boston, but he escaped, and was afterwards
suspected of being engaged in the war, and was charged with com-
mitting murders and depredations. He had a son Peter, who, to save
his own life, and understanding the terms of the proclamation before
spoken of, delivered his father into the hands of the English, who
hanged him in Boston in September of this year. This depravity
caused a writer of the time to exclaim, "That abominable Indian,
Peter Jethro, betrayed his own father, and other Indians of his special
acquaintance, unto death." He had been educated by the English, and
had been employed to instruct his brethren.
Another of the Nipmuck Sachems, called " Sagamore John,"
^^ ' influenced about one hundred and sixty Indians to surrender at
Boston. One among them, old Matoonas, he brought in by force, being
"bound with cords." He was immediately condemned to death ; for,
he was not only the father of him Avho was hung in Boston several years
before, but he was charged with being the first to commit murder in
Massachusetts Colony in this war. His betrayer, " Sagamore John,
was desirous that he and his men might be the executioners ; where-
fore Matoonas was carried out into the Common, and being tied to a
tree, they then shot him to death."
Another of those Chiefs was John Monoco. He was the leader at
1676.] JAMES THE PRINTER. 421
the burning of Groton in March preceding, but Mr. Willard's, the Min-
ister's house, and Captain Parker's house, being strongly garrisoned,
he could not destroy them. He was a bold and insolent Indian, and to
show his contempt of the English religion, after he had burnt the
meeting-house, he called to Mr. Willard, saying, " What will you do
for a house to pray to God in now ? " Yet, at the same time, he talked
to Captain Parker about making peace, " mixing with his discourse
bitter sarcasms, with blasphemous scoffs." He boasted that he had
burnt Medfield and Lancaster ; that now he would burn Groton, and
next Chelmsford, Concord, Watertown, Cambridge, Charlestown, Rox-
bury and Boston ; adding, that he had four hundred and eighty men,
and said, " What me will, me do." But, " within a few months after,
and only with a few more bragadocios like himself, Sagamore Sam,*
Old Jethro, and the Sagamore of Quabaog, were taken by the English,*
and was seen marching towards the gallows, through Boston streets,
which he threatened to burn at his pleasure, with an halter about his
neck, with which he was hanged at the town's end, September twenty-
six, in this present year, 1676."
Another notorious Indian, who had the address to save his neck
^^ ' from the halter, was named James the Printer. He had rendered
himself exceedingly obnoxious, but ventured to surrender, and came
in to Boston on the strength of the proclamation. He had professed
Christianity, could read and write well, and was also skilled in the art
of printing. Soon after the war broke out he became a "notorious apos-
tate," and, " like a false villain, ran away from his master." He had
been the chief scribe to the hostile Indians, wrote the insulting procla-
mation stuck up at Medfield,! and several of their letters to the
Government at Boston. J Notwithstanding, on his " promising for the
future to venture personally against the common enemy," his life was
spared. It was doubtless much in his favor, that he could work at
printing ; for Mr. Eliot said, afterwards, that he was " the only man
able to compose the sheets and correct the press of the Indian Bible,
with understanding." Hence, to that *' notorious apostate," the world
is under no small obligation for his agency in bringing into existence
one of the most extraordinary editions of the Bible. He learned his
trade of Mr. Samuel Green, of Cambridge, and probably followed the
* He was Sagamore of Nashaway, " a proud the time of tlie war, was changed to Uskatuh-
salvage," who, but little while before, " in- gun. He was nephew to Matthew, who was
suited over the English, and said if they would nephew to Sholan, the ancient Sachem, and
first beggo peace of him, he would let them have possessor of Lancaster. — Harrington, Century
peace, but he would never ask it of them." Sermon, p. 16.
Tract in the Old Indian CnRONicLE, p. 130. fit may be seen in The Book of Indians, p.
Sam was taken, or perhaps surrendered, at Pas- 221. In one yet unpublished, they say to the
cataqua about the end of August, and with Governor and Council, " All you fine houses
another Indian, was put on board Capt. Nath. you lost, and you squaws and you child,
Fox, at Portsmouth, who had Major Waldron's — you eyes much big with crying, and now
warrant to deliver them at Boston; dated, on you backside stand." According to his ovrn
" y* 2d Sept. 1676." Original Warrant, MS. autograph, Printer's Indian name was Wowaus.
Sam's Indian name was Shoshanim, which, in J Ibid., 267, 231.
422 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1676.
printing business until 1709. From Cambridge he came to Boston, and
was for some time in partnership with Bartholomew Green, in the print-
ing business. He was employed by the Society for propagating the
Gospel among the Indians as early as 1708, and resided at or near
Mendon not long after. He died about 1714, but his widow was living
in the end of the year 1717.*
The Indians were so successful, at first, that many of them seemed
confident that they should bring the English to their own terms. They
would mock their deliberations, by holding pretended General Courts,
making sham prayers, and preaching like certain Ministers ; and on
one occasion they sent word to Boston that they were coming down to
dine with the Governor and Council on the Election day, and tauntingly
bid them " make good cheer."
In view of this, it may be, that, at a meeting of the
^^^ ■ Council, an order was passed "For the prevention of such
mischiefs as may be designed by the common enemy, the securing of
the several Plantations upon the day of public Election, now drawing
near."
The war still continued to the eastward of the Pascataqua river ; and
though more remote from Boston than it had hitherto been, yet its ca-
lamities fell heavily upon it. The town was constantly entreated for
relief in men, provisions and munitions, and several of its active officers
were in continual service in that region. Among its losses, none was
perhaps more deeply deplored than that of Capt. Thomas Lake. He
was in the service early in the war, but, from the importunity of friends,
probably, and having large possessions in Maine, he went there and
kept a fort on Arowsick island. His fort was surprised early on the
morning of the fourteenth of August, when, with several others,
^^' ' he was killed. He was joint owner of that island with Captain
Thomas Clarke,! of Boston ; and there was an arrangement between
them, to reside there at alternate seasons. It was not his turn to be
there at this time, but he was persuaded to go, probably to accommodate
Captain Clarke. He was not killed in the fort, but with several others
escaped from it, and passed to another island. Being pursued and
overtaken by the Indians, he was shot down, and it was for many
months unknown to his friends whether he were killed or carried into
captivity. However, after a cruel and agonizing suspense of seven
months, his body was discovered and brought away. It was interred
at Copp's Hill, where a monument is still to be seen, with an appro-
priate inscription.
* MSS. of Judge Sewall. For many other of lands " on the south part of Mattachusetts
facts concerning Printer, consult The Book of Colony, beyond the great river called Kuttu-
THE Indians. The copy of his Autograph tuk, Nipmug or Providence." These Indians
accompanying, is taken from a deed of 1682, said they vrere all "natives and naturall de-
scendants of the ancient proprietors of the Nip-
'^i-d/*ytf^ X)yJ*^ t-^^ mug Country." — Original Deed in possession
J'^^^^^'^'J j of J, w. Thornton, Esq.
^■^y ^.i^-tyOdjuC^ t Copies of the Autographs of both of these
OV gentlemen have been given at pages 340 and
which he and twenty- two other Indians gave, Ml, ante.
1676.] CAPTAIN THOMAS LAKE. 423
Such was the end of the discreet and worthy Capt. Thomas Lake, of
Boston ; " That good man," says Mr. Hubbard, " who might emphat-
ically be so termed, in distinction from them that may truly be called
just men, and no more." He left a family residing in Boston, and Mr.
John Lake,* also of Boston, was his brother. This brother, one month
after the capture of Arowsick, thinking that possibly the Captain was
still alive, and held in captivity among the Indians, petitioned the Gen-
eral Court in favor of the noted Indian chief, Sagamore Sam, then
in jail under sentence of death. He requested that, instead of putting
the Sachem to death, he might be held as a hostage for his brother ; but
the Court did not regard his prayer, and Sam was hanged " at the
town's end," as has been before related.
Captain Lake belonged to the eminent family of Lake, of Erby, in
the County of Lincoln, son of Richard Lake, Esquire, a younger
brother of Sir Edward Lake,t who received sixteen wounds in sustain-
ing the desperate cause of his master, under Prince Rupert, at Edge Hill.|
Sir Bibye Lake, whose name occurs in the early history of Maine,
was grandson of Capt. Thomas Lake, which accounts for his claims to
lands in Maine. He was son of Thomas, who was born in Boston, but
finally returned to England, and was a barrister of the Middle Temple,
and died in 1734. Anne, sister of Thomas, married, first, John Cot-
ton, of Hampton, and, secondly, the Rev. Increase Mather, of Boston. §
After the loss of the fort at Arowsick, the inhabitants at the eastward
sent messengers to Boston, imploring assistance ; but they soon returned
and informed them that " it was in vain to expect any." About fifty-
three people had been killed ; their crops mostly destroyed, and there
was no alternative for those who had escaped the fury of the merciless
enemy, but to abandon the country, which they did soon after. Many
came to Boston among their friends ; some went to Pascataqua, and
some to Salem. Many never returned to enjoy their lands. ||
* He was a Selectman several years. These ceived sixteen wounds, to the extreame hazard
elected for the office, 15 Mar. 1674-5, stand in of his life, and his left arm ])eing then disabled
this order upon the Town Records : — "Mr. by a shot, he held his bridle in his teeth." Sir
Thomas Brattle, John Joylife, Mr. John Lake, Edward died 1674.
Capt. Thomas Lake, Capt. James OUiuer, Mr. ^ Manuscripts in possession of J. "W. Thorn-
Hezekiah Vsher, Capt. William Davis." The ton. Esq, Capt. Lake was 61 years of age at
Constables were " Mr. John Scarlet, Hopestill his death, as by original deposition appears in
Foster, Mr. Richard Medlecot, Mr. John possession of the author. The pedigree of the
Pincheon, Thos. Walker, Mr. John Noyse ; for family is traced to John Lake of Normanton,
Muddy River, Robt. Harris; Rumneymarsh, County of York, 1286.
Jas. Bill, Jr. ; Recorder, John Joyliffe ; Treas- || On the 18th of October, the General Court
urer, Thos. Brattle." The Selectmen were the voted, "That all those men that came from
same the two following years, excepting in the deserted places at the eastward, fitt for the
1676, Lieut. Daniel Turine stood in place of Countrye's service, be impressed and imployed
Capt. Davis ; and in 1677, Deac. Henry Allen, therein, and that Major Clarke and the coui-
Deac. Jacob Elliott, were in place of Captain ittee of militia in Boston, doe accordingly
Thomas Lake and Hezekiah Usher. impresse and list them for the present expedi-
tHis wife was Annie Bybie. Hence the tion." [That of Hathorne and Sill probal)ly,
name of Bybie was given to a grandson of Capt. as seen in Hubbard, Part ii., p. 53.] To this
Thomas Lake, who also inherited the title of the Deputies consented, "Provided that other
Sir Edward ; Sir Edward leaving no heir. Counties as well as Suffolk, may have like
J So stated in his grant of Arms, to be seen powre to impresse any fitt persons of those who
in The English Bai-onefs,in. liiO-2. — Edition have deserted their habitations at the East-
1727, 4to. — " Where [at Edge Hill] he re- ward." — Original Paper.
424 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1676.
Such is a brief outline " of the most bloody years that New England
had ever seen." People were driven from their lands, and obhged to
seek safety in the towns on the coast ; the most of whom were without
provisions, and also without the means of procuring them ; which were
so scarce, that they were hardly to be had for money. Indeed, famine
had followed close in the desolated path of war, and, as well observes
Dr. Cotton Mather, it was "coming in like an armed man." In this
extremity. Dr. Increase Mather " did, by his letters, procure a whole
ship load of provisions, from the charity of his friends in Dublin, and
a considerable sum of money, and much clothing, from the like charity
of hia friends in London," greatly to the relief of the poor people
here.
Of the charities received from Ireland, a distribution was made in
March, 1677, from which it is shown that Boston suffered nearly five
times as much by the war as any other place. One hundred and sixteen
families, or about 432 persons, were recipients of the donation. Many
of them, however, were those who had been compelled to take refuge
here, as has been before mentioned.*
It has been computed, by an able writer, f that about one eleventh of
the able men of the Colonies were killed during the war, or were other-
wise lost in its service ; and by another, J that, " every person, almost,
in the two Colonies had lost a relation or near friend ; " so that almost
every family in New England was in deep mourning.
A printing house was first set up in Boston this year. It was con-
ducted by Mr. John Foster, a young man, a graduate of Harvard College
in 1667. The General Court granted liberty for a printing establish-
ment in the Town in May, 1674, and appointed two ministers, Mr.
Thomas Thacher and Mr. Increase Mather, to be licensers. Mr. Foster
was an excellent mathematician, and was for some years author of an
almanac. He died in Dorchester in 1681, aged but thirty-three. He
printed, besides other works, Mr. Hubbard's and Mr. Mather's histo-
ries of the Indian wars.
^ ^jj Mr. John Win throp, of Connecticut, died in Boston, "whither
he was occasionally called the last winter, to sit with the rest
of the Commissioners of the United Colonies," in the seventy-third
year of his age. He was the eldest son of John Winthrop, a former
Governor of Massachusetts.
Dr. John Clarke died at Newport. He was one of those who
^^ " ■ had been driven from Boston by the intolerance of the times.
For purity of life he has left a name unsurpassed. He was born in
1609, and was a physician in London ; was thrice married, but left no
children. The numerous posterity of the name of Clarke in Rhode
Island, many of them, are descended from Mr. Joseph Clarke, a brother
of Dr. John. §
*Sce N. E. Hist, and Gen. Regr., ii. 245- J Gov. Hutchinson, in hia Hist. Massachu-
250. setts, i. 307.
t Dr. Trumbull, in his Hist, of Connecticut, § See Backus, Hist. N. Eng., i. 442-3, for
i. 350. much of interest respecting Dr. Clarke.
1676.] GREAT FIRE. 425
Major Simon Willard died at Charlestown, and was buried on
^"^^ " ' the twenty-sixth of April, with miUtary honors, performed by a
company under Captain Henchman, who w^ent over from Boston for that
purpose. He had rendered important service in the present war, as
well as on former occasions.
At the General Election, Mr. Hubbard, of Ipswich, preached
^^ ""' the sermon. It was dedicated to Governor Leverett, and
printed the same year, by the above mentioned Mr. John Foster.
The greatest fire which had happened in Boston occurred this
year, which is thus mentioned by a writer at the time.* " After
all the forementioned calamities and troubles, it pleased God to alarm
the town of Boston, and in them the whole Country, by a sad fire, acci-
dentally kindled by the carelessness of an apprentice that sat up too
late over night,! ^s was conceived ; which began an hour before day,
continuing three or four, in which time it burned down to the ground
forty-six dwelling-houses, besides other buildings, together with a meet-
ing-house of considerable bigness. Some mercy was observed mixt
with judgment ; for if a great rain had not continued all the time
(the roofs and walls of their ordinary buildings consisting of such com-
bustible matter), that whole end of the town had at that time been
consumed." "It began about five in the morning, at one Wakefield's
house, by the Red Lion" [tavern]. " The wind was south-east when it
begun, and blew hard ; soon after, it veered south, and brought so much
rain, as much prevented further mischief. Charlestown was endan-
gered by the flakes of fire which were carried over the river." |
The " Meeting-house of considerable bigness " was the Second
Church, " the Church of the Mathers," some account of which has
before been given. § The Rev. Increase Mather had preached in it
since 1664, who, according to his biographer, had, "in the year 1676,
a strange impression on his mind, that a fire was coming, which would
make a deplorable desolation ; " and, that, only eight days before the
fire happened, he preached a sort of warning sermon, which he " con-
cluded with a strange prediction that a fire was coming." ||
By this fire Mr. Mather's own dwelling was burned, " but not an
hundred of his books from above a thousand " were lost, and " of those
also he had an immediate recruit, by a generous offer which the honor-
able Mrs. Bridget Hoar made him, to take what he pleased from the
library of her deceased husband."
There does not appear to have been any Fire Engine as yet in the
Town, although some order about one had been made. Hence the
* Hubbard, in his Indian Wars, p. 115. J Hutchinson, i., 349, out of an Interleaved
f " Through the carelessness of a boy called Almanac.
up to work very early in the morning, who ^ See a?iie, p. 310, 311.
falling asleep, as was said, the candle set the || Remarhables in the Life of Dr. I. Mather,
house on fire." — Hubbard, i/is^ New Eng- 25,78.
land, G18-9.
54
426 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1676.
progress of the flames was not staid by artificial means,* and it swept
over a district from what are now Richmond, Hanover, and Clark streets,
to the water. Many of the old wooden buildings, now standing in and
about that section, have every appearance of having been built imme-
diately after the fire of 1676 ; which fire, for a considerable time
following, was referred to as " the Great Fire."
CHAPTER XLVI.
I. Mather urged to complete a History of New England. — The Tradesmen of Boston petition
for Protection against Intruders. — Cages ordered, in which to put Sabbath-breakers. — Tith-
jngmen. — New Law against Quakers. — Case of Margaret Brewster. — She goes into the
South Church with Sackcloth upon her Head, &c. — Many Quakers whipped. — Extension of
the Post OfBce Arrangement. — Money raised for the Hansom of Prisoners in Canada. —
Death of Gov. Leverett. — First Engine Company. — First Almanac printed in the Town. —
An extensive Fire. — A Building yet standing erected the next year. — A Synod called. —
First Baptist Meeting-house.
AT the Election, this year, Mr. Increase Mather
preached the sermon. It contained much historical
reflection, which doubtless occasioned Mr, Whiting, of
Lynn, to urge him to enter upon the labor of compiling
a history of New England ; " The rather," said that
excellent man, "let me entreat this favor of you,
because it hath not been hitherto done by any in a
polite and scholar-like way." Another reason may
have influenced Mr. Whiting to make this request.
DAVENPORT. Mr. Mather had just issued his work, called, " A Rela-
tion of the Troubles which have happened in New England, by reason
of the Indians there," which was among the earliest books printed in
Boston, and which is, at this day, among the most difficult to be found.
29 "^^ ^^^ ^^^^ session of the General Court, the " Handycrafts-
^^ ' men, a very considerable part of the Town of Boston," to the
number of one hundred and twenty-nine, f put in a petition, praying for
protection in their several callings, " whose outward subsistence," they
say, " doth depend upon God's blessing, and many of us not having
* The expedient of blowing up buildings earlier period of their lives, had, no doubt,
with powder was resorted to, but with what learned to write ; as the appearance of their
success does not appear. marks very clearly indicates. Yet there are a
f The names follow. It might be difficult to few of them of so singular a chirography, that
find attached to any paper of that day, so large considerable doubt hangs over them, and I may
a number of names so well and plainly written have misinterpreted such. To distinguish them
as these appear in the original. Out of the they are set in ito/zcs ,• and when very doubtful,
whole number, but two made their marks, and an interrogation point is added. For cotiven-
those marks were made by persons, who, in an ience of examination, I have arranged them
1677.
TRADESMEN PETITION AGAINST INTRUDERS.
427
estates any other way to advantage ourselves ; " that, " by the frequent
intruding of strangers from all parts, especially of such as are not desir-
ably qualified, find ourselves under great disadvantages, and prejudicial to
the Towne ; and many times the stranger drawes away much of the cus-
tome from his neighbour, which hath been long settled, and in reality is
much more the deserving man ; whereby it has already come to pass with
many, that severall inhabitants that have lived comfortably upon their
trades, and been able to bear publick charges in a considerable degree,
now cannot subsist, which is very pernicious and prejudicial! to the
Town ; and some that never served any time, or not considerably for
the learning of a Trade, yet finding wayes to force themselves into
the Town, and then sometimes by hireing or buying a servant,
they doe set up a Trade," and thus draw away the custom of the
Petitioners belonging to the Town, as above has been set forth. They,
therefore, " conceiuing that the foresaid disadvantages do arise, either for
want of power to make orders, or due execution of orders," ask " that
power might be granted to the Selectmen," or others, " for a regular and
effectuall execution of all such orders as are, or may be made, referring
to the admission of inhabitants ; that Tradesmen shall fullfill a sufficient
apprentiship, and be proficients before they set up Trades," &c.
The Court appointed a Committee to take the matter into considera-
tion, who were requested to report upon it at its next session, in October
following. The Committee consisted of " Capt. Mason, Capt.
Stilman, and Capt. Fisher," on the part of the Deputies, to
alphabetically. On the original, the first signer gor. Such were the early manufacturers of
is lames Euerett [James Everell], the second, JBoston.
William Inglish, &c. The last is John ]\Iesin-
Alden, John
Andrewes, I A John
Atwood, John
Baker, John, Junior
Baker, Joseph
Baker, William
Ballintine, John
Barrel], James
Bait, Paul
Batt, Timothy
Benk, Menasses
Benit, John
Bodman, Joseph
Bradford, Moses
Bradford, Robert
Bram, Beniaman
Burrill, Georgo
Burroughes, James
Callender, Ellis
Carter, Ralph
Carthew, John
Cheever, Bartholomew
Childe, John
Clesbe, John
Clough, John
Conney, John
Copp, Dauid
Cottay, John
Cricke, Edward
Davis, John
Denne, [■?] John
Dewer, Samson
Dewer, Thomas
Doux, Francis
Earle, Robert
Elleott, Thomas
Elliott, Asaph
Ellis, Edward
Emons, Samuell
Euerell, lames
Fowle, Jacob
Frary, Theophilus
Gibson, William
Gilbert, William
Green, James
Grifeth, William
Grigs, William
Harden, Richard
Hill, James
Hill, John
Hill, John
Homes, Joseph
Howard, James
Hurd, Joseph -
Indecott, John
Inglish, William
Ingraham, William
Jacklen, Samuell
Johnson, Samvell
Jones, William
Judd, Roger
Langdon, Beniamin
Lawson, Ch :
Lowle, John
Lowle, Joseph
Marion, John, Senor
Maryon, John, Junior
Maryon, Samvell
Mason, Ralph
Mason, Robard, Senior
Mason, Robeart, Junior
Mason, Samuell
Mary James
Messinger, Henry, Senr
Messinger, Henry, Junr
Mesinger, John
Messinger, Simeon
Mirick[1], I M James
Moores, John
Morse, Ephraim
Nash, John
Needham, John
Needom, William
Newton, John
Norden, Samuell
Odlin, Elisha
Odlin, Peter
Parsons, William
Peacocke, Samuell
Pearse, Joseph
Peek, Joseph
Peirso, Moses
Peirse, Nathaniell
Penney, William
Perry, Seth
Philips, Nichols
Plommer, Samuell
Pollard, Samuell
Powning, Henry
Pratt, Timothy
Raynall, Nathanill
Raynsford, Sollomon
Reade, Esdras
Ricks, John
Sale, Ephraim
Sargent, Digory
Scottow, John
Simson, Alexander
Shew, Joseph
Shearar, Thomas
Shove, Samson, Senr
Shove, Samson, Jr
Stanbridge, John
Tay, Isaiah
Tay, John
Temple, John
Travis, Richard
Turner, AVilliam
Wakfeld, Obediah
Walkar, Isaac
Walker, Thomas
Way, Richard
Weden, Joseph
Wheeler, Joseph
White, John
Whit : Jeams
Winsor, Joshua
Woodsj Isaaok
428 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1677.
whom the magistrates added " Mr. Edward Tyng." What their report
was, if any, does not appear.
At the May term of the Court, it was ordered that cages should be
erected, or "set up " in the Market-place in Boston, and in such other
towns as the County Courts judged proper, to put violators of the Sab-
bath in. It also ordered constables to search out Quakers and to appre-
hend them, even at the violence of breaking open doors, and removing
other obstructions. The Government had been reproached by the
malignant part of the community for its too much lenity to that sect ;
and even charged the late Indian war to that lenity.* As though con-
scious of a culpable laxity in not doing its duty, the Court enacted a
new law against Quakers. Among its provisions, one was, that if any
were found holding meetings, they were to be sent to jail, or the house
of correction, be compelled to labor, and be kept on bread and water
for three days, or pay five pounds in money. Officers neglecting their
duty were to be fined five pounds. There was, at the same time, a
law made requiring all persons, as well inhabitants as strangers, to take
the oath of fidelity to the country. As Quakers could not take an oath,
they could not be protected in person or estate, by the laws ; they could
not, therefore, recover any debts which might be due to them.
At the same term of the General Court, an order was issued to the
Selectmen of "Towns to chuse sundry persons, by the name of Tithing-
men, to inspect the disorders in and by publick and private houses of
entertainment, and prophanation of y" Lord's day, and by the County
Courts to bee impowered to prevent, and in their cappacity to reforme
the same." Boston was divided into departments, and Tithingmen
were appointed to each, and the houses specified which were to be under
the supervision of individual Tithingmen. Those who were first
appointed appear to have been dissatisfied, and had not acted when the
Court came together at the October term. " William Bartholmew,
Christopher Clarke, James Euerell, Bartholomew Cheever, John Philips,
John Swete, John Search, George Healey, William Smith, Edward
Alleyn, John Moore, and Richard Collacoatt," did, " in the name and by
the order of the rest y' are chosen for Boston," petition the Court, set-
ting forth the reasons "they had yett acted nothing therein," and request-
ing several alterations in their organization, and asking for the same
powers as Constables had, and for all to have a general inspection, and
that particular Tithingmen should not be confined to certain streets and
houses, t What action the Court took upon the petition, does not
appear.
About this time, Margaret Brewster, with the consent of her husband,
* About November, 1G75, Thomas Curwin of that time, by reason of the wars with the
and his wife, Alice, were taken out of a meet- Indians, and other calamities, made the inhab-
inw in Boston, and sent to prison. On the itants faint for fear, and weakened the hands
third day after they were whipped, and then of their persecutors from practising the sever-
liberated. They went directly from the Avhip- ities they had not yet repented of." — Besse,
ping-post to another meeting. This time they Sufferings of the Quakers, ii. 259.
were not disturbed ; " for the great tvibulatit)n f Original paper.
1677.] MANY QUAKERS WHIPPED. 429
came here from Barbadoes. She probably had claims on some of the
inhabitants, for merchandise, from the collection of which she was
debarred by the late laws. She therefore presented a "caution" against
them; which cautio?i she styled " A warning from the great God of
Heaven and Earth to the Rulers and Magistrates of Boston, that they
put not in practice that cruel law that they have made concerning
swearing." She at the same time warned the people of a "grievous
calamity" which was shortly to come upon them, "called the Black
Pox." * She performed the service of warning the Town, in a
'^^ ■ very summary manner, on the eighth of July. Taking with her
Lydia Wright, of Long Island, Sarah Miles, of Black Point, Elizabeth
Bowers, Junior, and John Easton, Junior (who took her riding-clothes
and shoes), she went into the South Church in time of meeting, " in
sackcloth, with ashes upon her head, barefoot, and her f;ice blackened."!
Margaret and her attendants were pretty soon hurried off to prison.
In his warrant for their apprehension, Mr. Bradstreet said their offence
was " For making an horrible disturbance on the Lord's-day, and
affrighting the people in the South Church, in Boston, in the time of
the publick dispensing of the word, whereby several women, as I am
informed, are in great danger of miscarrying." When Margaret came
before the Court, the constable could not identify her, for, says he,
" She was then in the shape of the devil ; " but she owned herself to
be the individual, and the cause proceeded. She was sentenced to bo
whipped " at a cart's tail, up and down the Town, with twenty
"^' ■ lashes," which was executed upon her four days after.
The same day that Margaret Brewster and her companions were appre-
hended, the following named persons were taken up at the Quaker meet-
ing : namely, Robert Edmunds, Edward Sheppey, John Soames, George
Walker, Jeremy Deeble, George Dawson, Miles Foster, Thomas Scott,
Humphry Hodges, William Neale, Bridget Phillips, Eliphal Stratton,
Elizabeth Bowers, Sen., and Elizabeth Bowers, Jun. These were all
whipped but Miles Foster and Thomas Scott ; some persons having paid
the fines of these two, though against their wishes. At the next meeting,
these following were arrested and whipped also ; — Robert Edmunds,
Edward Sheppey, John Soames, ]\Iiles Foster, William Richardson,
Humphry Hodges, Jeremy Deeble, Thomas Hilbourn, Robert Levy,
Josiah Southick, George Danson, William Mumford, Bridget Phillips,
Eliphal Stratton, and Anne Wilson. Three of these were strangers and
masters of ships.
Notwithstanding these scourgings, the Quakers continued their meet-
* It is as true as it is remarkable, that soon entirely naked. I have met with no evidence
after, the Small Pox vras very mortal in the to support the allegation. It is no doubt false.
Town. — See N. Eng. Hist, and Ge7i. Reg., v'n. She is not so charged in the warrant for her
343 ; by which it appears that a ship arrived apprehension, nor does anything appear in the
at Nantasket with the infection, and that 800 minutes of her trial, by which such an inference
people were carried off by it. can be drawn. On the other hand, she is spoken
fit has been often alleged that Margaret of as having on " garments." Her " Examin-
Brewster went into Mr. Thacher's meeting ation " may be seen in Besse,
430 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1677-8.
ings ; and, the next meeting day after these last were whipped, there
was sach a formidable number of them assembled, that, according to the
testimony of one of their writers, " fearfalness surprised the hypo-
crites," and they did not molest them.
Much difficulty had been experienced by delays of written correspond-
once. Letters were forwarded from Boston when it was convenient for
the Postmaster to do so. Consequently, remote towns stood a poor
chance of getting letters from the Capital, under the existing precarious
circumstances. It appears to have been a custom to deposit letters at
the Town-house, or Exchange, in a public room, to be taken and for-
warded at the pleasure of those who visited the place. This way of
sending letters out of the town being very uncertain, the Council
' appointed John Haywood " Postmaster for the whole Colony."
^' ' The immediate cause of this appointment undoubtedly was the
failure of people to send in their subscriptions for Harvard College.
They had been notified to do so, but, upon investigation, it was found
that the letters containing the notices, instead of having been taken
from their place of deposit "on Exchange," and forwarded to their
proper destination, were lost, or could not be found. *
At the last session of the General Court of last year, Agents were
appointed to go to Canada to ransom certain captives taken by the
Indians at Hatfield, on the nineteenth of September, 1677. At the
May term of the Court, this year, the Governor and Magistrates reported
that the Agents were arrived at Albany, with the captives ; but " that
great charges would arise for their redemption," and they therefore
commended their case to the people of all the towns, and invited them
to contribute for their relief. They at the same time appointed Mr.
Anthony Stoddard, Mr. John Joyliffe, and Capt. John Richards, to be
trustees to receive the contributions. There were raised 345 pounds,
one shilling and four pence,t of which Boston gave 109 pounds, and a
fraction. The next largest sum was given by Portsmouth, which was
twenty pounds. Dover gave eleven, Charlestown fifteen, Cambridge
thirteen. |
* Yet, several years earlier than this, there iity Post Masters in England and Scotland. In
were pretty complete postal arrangements in Dublin, there was a General Office for Ireland,
England. ^ An old author wrote in 1672, employing 18 persons, and 45 Deputy Post
that " the inhabitants of this Nation have of Masters in various parts of the Island. There
late years, by a general Post Office, an exceed- was also an arrangement for sending letters to
ing great conveniency in the conveyance of most all parts of Europe. See Chamberlayne's An-
letters to most parts of the Kingdom ; and that glia Notitia ; or Present State of England, for
at such easie rates, and with such quick dis- 1674, i. 242-3.
patch, that in five days an answer may be f There were a few inland places not heard
received through 250 miles ; and if but a single from when the Trustees handed in their account
letter of a sheet of paper, for the expense of in August of this year.
3 pence, but if of a greater bulk, then after % The Trustees printed their Report on one
the rate of 8 pence per ounce, and if under 80 side of an ordinary sheet, of that day, but one
inilcs, then 2 pence for a single letter. If to copy of which has ever been heard of or seen
Scotland, 5 pence, and to Ireland 6 pence, for by me ; and, whether otherwise and elsewhere
single letters." — Blame's Britannia. preserved, appears to me quite uncertain.
In 1674, The General Post Office in London There were 46 towns or places from which
employed 77 persons, and there wore 82 Dep- donations were received. It is worthy of
{• {J TT€iW MiWMEUR., ID. P o
Bora i2 Tell ibby lUediy Feb.i'^Sg.AE. 65-
1678-9.] AN EXTENSIVE FIRE. 431
The Deputies to the General Court for 1678, were Capt. Thomas
Savage, and Mr. Anthony Stoddard, the same as last year.
John Leverett, Esquire, Governor of the Colony, died in Bos-
ton. He was buried on the twenty-fifth of the same month, and
with more parade, probably, than had been ever before witnessed in the
town upon a like occasion. There were appointed to march, at the four
corners of the hearse. Banner Roll bearers ; which were preceded by
a helmet bearer, and others. He was universally beloved through life,
and every one seemed willing to bear testimony of his worth at his
death.
The Representatives or Deputies this year were Capt. John Richards
and Mr. Anthony Stoddard.
Since the great fire of 1676, an engine for extinguishing fires had
been imported into the town ; and at the commencement of this year,
" Thomas Atkins, carpenter," was desired to take charge of it. His
ofiice amounted to that of captain, and the following persons were
approved to be his assistants ; namely, " Obediah Gill, John Raynsford,
John Barnard, Thomas Elbridge, Arthur Smith, John Mills, Caleb
Rawlins, John Wakefield, Samuel Greenwood, Edward Martin, Thomas
Barnard, and George Robinson." These constituted the first regular
Engine Company of the town.
An Almanac is printed this year in Boston by Mr. John Foster, who
was its author.
A " terrible fire " broke out about the middle of the night of
°' ' the seventh of August, and continued till near noon of the
following day. " It began at one Gross' house, the sign of the Three
Mariners, near the Dock. All the warehouses, and a great number of
dwelling-houses, with the vessels then in the Dock, were consumed ;
the most woful desolation that Boston had ever seen."* The loss was
supposed to have been 200,000 pounds. About eighty dwelling-houses
and seventy warehouses were consumed. "Ah, Boston!" said Dr.
Cotton Mather, in 1698, "thou hast seen the vanity of all worldly
possessions. One fatal morning, which laid fourscore of thy dwelling-
houses, and seventy of thy warehouses in a ruinous heap, not nineteen
years ago, gave thee to read it in firey characters."!
This fire was declared to be the work of incendiaries; of "some
wicked and malicious wretches, which half ruined the whole Colony." |
So fierce were its ravages, that all land-marks were obliterated in several
remark, that the Isles of Shoals gave more than 1679. Whereas, the persons hereafter named
Salem, Kittery as much as Lynn, Ipswich more are under vehement suspicion of attempting to
than Charlestown, Hull as much as Andover, burn the Town of Boston, and some of their
or Gloucester, or Topsfield, or Salisbury. endeavors prevailed to the burning of one house,
* Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 349. and only by God's providence prevented from
f Magnalia, i. 104, new edition. Bishop, further damage : the Court doth order that
in his New England Judged, p. 195, taunts Edward Creeke, and Deborah, his wife, Ilepzi-
Dr. Mather, by citing the above, and other bah Codman, John Avis, John Easte, Samuel
passages from his work, as fulfilments of Qua- Doggett, Wm. Penny, Richard Heath, Sypron
ker. prophecies. Jarman, and James Dennis, shall depart the
I Hubbard, Hist. New Eng., 649. — In the Jurisdiction and never return, and be kept in
Colony Records, we read, p. 242, " Oct. 18, prison until ready for their departure." — Snow.
432 A SYNOD CALLED. [1679.
places, and considerable trouble was experienced in fixing the bounds
of estates. But rebuilding the burnt district went on with such rapidity,
that lumber could not be had fast enough for the purpose, and an attempt
was made to prohibit its exportation for a period. One of the buildings
erected upon the ruins is standing at this day, at the corner of North *
Street and Dock Square. It was erected in 1680, a view of which will
be seen a few pages onward. Like most other buildings erected at that
time, probably, it was plastered outside with a cement of the most
durable character, said to have been composed in part of gravel, sand,
and broken glass ; two stories high, with very steep roof, about equal in
height to two thirds of both stories. Although it is viewed at this day
as a strange piece of antiquity, it was, in its day, among the elegant
structures of the town. The timber used then, for sills, posts, and
beams, was generally oak. In the gable end of the roof fronting the
Square, the figures marking the date of its erection, 1680, are still to
be seen in good preservation ; nor are the ornamental crosses, and other
figures Avrought in the cement, entirely obliterated. It has long been the
property of the Greenleaf family. It was once the residence of two
respectable families, and then, as now, two stores occupied the lower
story. One of these was the principal apothecary shop of the town
for many years.
This fire and other evils were considered to have been a dispensation
of Providence for the sins of the people.
A Synod met at Boston, agreeably to the appointment of the
General Court. It was called " upon a motion of Mr. Increase
Mather, in conjunction with others excited by him for it, to consider,
What are the evils that have provoked the Lord to bring his judgments
on New England 1 And what is to be done, that so those evils may be
reformed ? "f
The same Court which called the Synod, kept a Fast on the twenty-
eighth of May, for the sickness in many towns, which was very mortal ;
and because of " doubtful expectation as to great concernments." A
law was passed against erecting meeting-houses without leave of the
County Courts, under the penalty of forfeiture of house and land. This
was specially intended as a warning to Baptists and Quakers. But the
times had become so much changed, that such a law could not be very
well enforced, and the Baptists proceeded in the erection of their
meeting-house, though they had to do so, at first, under pretences that
it was private property, and for other purposes than to preach in. J But,
owing to the law above mentioned, they did not dare to meet in their
house but a few times for several months after it was finished. How-
* Recently Ann Street. When will this | " Feb. 9th, the Church met, and purchased
changuig of names of streets cease ? It causes their Meeting-house with the land it was built
great confusion, and should not be done, for the upon, of Philip Squire, and Ellis Callender, for
gratification of idle innovation, as is sometimes £60, and they met in it for worship the 15th."
evidently the case. This being before the new law was made, wjis
t Remarkahles in the life of Dr. I. Mather, one cause of its being made. See Backus, i.
84, 85. 481.
1679.]
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
433
ever, Charles Second wrote to the Authorities of Boston, requiring them
not to molest people in their worship, who were of the Protestant faith,
and directing that liberty of conscience should
be extended to all such. This letter was
dated on the twenty-fourth of July. It had
some effect on the Rulers ; but they had become
so accustomed to what they called interference
from England, and at the same time so success-
ful in evading it, that to stop now seemed, to
the majority of the people, as well as Rulers,
not only cowardly, but an unworthy relinquish-
ment of privileges which they had always en-
joyed, and which they were at all times ready
to assert were guaranteed to them in their
Charter. To assert the latter was a A^ery easy
it was a very hard thing, as they very well knew, for
those opposed to their assumptions in England to settle any matter
to be contested by the Charter, as all former experience proved. How-
ever, there was a point beyond which even Bostonians could not go.
Charles II. sat quietly on the English throne, and doubtless knew
little about New England, and cared less, until moved by those who
could gain access to him.
After the destructive fire of 1679, the Town took great pains to prevent
FmST BAPTIST CHUECH.*
thing, while
* This view of the First Baptist Church rep-
resents the edifice as it appeared when it was
used by that Society in its last years. Its site,
being valuable for stores, was sold in 1853, and
the old building is now (1854) being turned
into places of trade, while the proceeds of its
sale have enabled the Society to rear the most
conspicuous spire in the city upon the east
point of Beacon Hill, where it affords a view
of the city and surrounding country, not sur-
passed, if equalled, by any other. To such an
eminence has that Church attained, whose foun-
dation was obliged to be clandestinely laid by its
original founders. The present grand and lofty
steeple will, it is hoped, long stand, not only an
ornament to the city, but as a beacon for the
intolerant. It should be stated that the first
house was of wood, and stood very near where
those which have succeeded it stood, now the
corner of Hanover and Union streets. In 1771 ,
the Society had so much increased that a larger
house became necessary. The old (first) one
was taken down, and a new one erected, 57
feet long by 53 feet wide. This was dedicated
on the 22d of December of that year, Dr. Still-
man officiating. In 1791, the house was en-
larged, being now 57 by 77 feet.
Since the preceding part of my work was
printed, I have had access, through the polite-
ness of Mr. Haven, Librarian of the American
Antiquarian Society, to a MS. diary kept by
Capt. John Hull. In that I find a few facts
relating to the " Anabaptists," not elsewhere
55
noticed. He mentions the " publique disput
[April 14, 15, 1668] betweene 6 off o' minis
ters and a company" of them "in Boston
meetinghouse " ; that they had been " several!
tymes admonished by the Cor' not to permit
the administration of the seals, but charged to
hear the word in some of the publique congre-
gations ; but they would not obey " ; that,
" in the publique dispute they behaved them-
selves exceeding obstinately, absurdly, and ig-
norantly " ; that when, on May 4tli, " Gould,
Turner, and Farnham " were called before the
Court, and "asked whether, affter all paines
taken to convince them of their evills, they
would lay down their assemblings, and cease
profaining the holy ordenances, the supper and
baptisme ; but with greate obstinacy they pro-
fessed themselves bound to continue in their
way, and were ready to seal to it with their
blood." Under date 1674, Mr. Hull writes,
" This suiuer, the Anabaptists y' were wont to
meet at Noddle's Hand met at Boston on y'
Lord's day. One Mr. Symond Lind letteth
one of them an house which was formerly Mr.
Ruck's." " Some of the Magistrates will not
pei-mit any punishment to be inflicted on here-
tiks as such." In another place, Mr. Hull de-
plores this lenity in the Government. He
speaks of the death of Mr. " John Russell
(21 Dec, 1681), a preacher to the Anabap-
tists, after a pamphlet of his, in excuse of
y"'selves, accusing y= ch' heer of persecution."
Of this pamphlet I have seen but one copy.
434 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1679.
fires for the future. At a Town-meeting, ten days after the fire of the
. eighth of August, Capt. James Oliver was chosen Commis-
sioner, and Mr. Nathaniel Barnes, Clerk of the Writs. A
committee was appointed to join with the Select-men, to consider what
might be done " for the safety of the Town and preventing fire." This
committee consisted of Capt. John Richards, Dr. Elisha Cooke, Capt.
John Walley, Capt. Daniel Henchman, Mr. James Whetcombe, and
Mr. John Usher. Soon after, it was ordered that the eight foot com-
panics should constitute the Watch of the Town, " each in
their own quarters or wards." The number of men to be
detailed from each company for the service was thus stated : — From
Maj. Thomas Clarke's, six ; from Maj. Thomas Savage's, six ; Capt.
James Oliver's, five; Capt. William Hudson's, six, "and two at the
powder store ; " Capt. Daniel Henchman's, five ; Capt. John Rich-
ards', six ; Capt. John Hull's, five, and one at the powder store ; and
of Capt. Humphrey Davis', five. It was at the same time ordered
that the Town should be divided into four quarters, each to consist of
two wards ; that in each quarter four barrels of powder should be
lodged, six hand engines, and two crooks in each ward. The care of
the north quarter, containing Maj. Clarke's and Capt. Richards' com-
panies, was committed to Maj. Clarke, Capt. Richards, Capt. Elisha
Hutchinson, and Capt. Henchman. The Conduit quarter, containing
Maj. Savage's and Capt. Henchman's company, to Mr. William Tay-
lor, Lieut. Daniel Turill, Mr. Christopher Clarke, and Lieut. Anthony
Checkley. The centre quarter, containing Capt. Oliver's and Capt.
Davis' companies, to Maj. Thomas Savage, Mr. Anthony Stoddard,
Capt. Thomas Brattle, and Mr. Elisha Cooke. The south quarter, con-
taining Capt. Hudson's and Capt. Hull's companies, Mr. John Joylifife,
Capt. John Hull, Capt. John Faireweather, and Capt. John Walley.
In case of fire, these persons, or any two of them, were empowered
to blow up or pull down houses. " Mr. Isacke Addington and Mr.
John Joyliffe to p'^vse and put the foregoing in a right methode fit for
press, together with all former orders relating to fire."
g^ ^ g It was further ordered, that in every quarter of the Town
there should be provided, at the Town's charge, twenty buckets,
twenty swabs, two scoops, and six axes ; that sixteen men, two out of
each company, " doe ward in y^ Towne euery Sabbath day, one of w''''
is to be on y* top of each meetinghouse, to look abroad for preuenting
spreading of fire y' may break out."
At the same time the Town took measures to be allowed to send
Deputies to the General Court, on equal terms with the other towns. It
justly complained that it was denied its proper representation.*
* Towns then having "above 10 freemen Government as " our greate Towne, y' consists
could send one deputy, and if 20 freemen, of neere 20 times 20 freemen " ; who, though
two," and no town to be allowed more. Hence not represented, bore their full share of public
it was argued that all the freemen except 20 charges. The Town succeeded in having one
had no representation ; and that a town with representative more, in 1681. This continued
but 20 freemen had as much weight in the until the vacation of the Charter.
1679.
RENEWAL OF COMPLAINTS IN ENGLAND.
435
OLD STORE, DOCK SQUARE.
of the Dock, at ten sliillings a year,
nortb, and Ed\vai\l Shippen on the south
Boston at this period con-
tained about 400 freemen,
though the taxable polls the
next year were about 868.
The estates were valued at
about £23,877; each pound
was rated at one penny, and
the polls paid twenty pence
each.
Francis Hudson was to
pay eight pounds rent for
the Ferry to " Wenese-
met," and to transport the
Magistrates free, " accord-
ing to former custom."
Eliakim Hutchinson to
have the reversion of part
Mr. John Woodmansey on the
CHAPTER XLVII.
Renewal of Complaints in England. — The King orders Agents to be sent to answer. — Agents appoint-
ed. — Fires. — Ships taken by the Algerines. — Bakers. — Severe Punishment. — Agents return
without success. — Others ordered by the King. — The King's Arms set up in the Court House. —
A Synod. — Pliilosophical Society of Boston. — Another Synod. — Purchase of Maine. — A Gov-
ernment established there. — Agency of Randolph. — A Case of Witchcraft, — Trial and Condem-
nation of Elizabeth Morse. — Arrival of Lord Culpeper. — Death of Mi-. Rainsford. — Fire. — An-
other. — Curious Punishments. — Randolph leaves. — Charles II. — His want of Sagacity. —
Randolph comes again. — His Authority thwarted. — The high Threat of the King against the
Charter. — Town Afifaii-s.
THOSE who had considered themselves wronged by
the proceedings of Massachusetts, would very naturally
take the first opportunity which might offer to regain
their rights. Of the number of those aggrieved, were
Sir Ferdinando Gorges and Capt. John Mason. The
nature of their complaints has, at least that of Gorges
(and that of Mason was similar), been explained in
the previous part of this history. The time had now
arrived for something more than a hearing of
those complaints. The King sent a letter "To
the Governor and Magistrates of the Town of Boston,"
dated March the tenth, 1675-6, " commanding that Agents should be
WHEELWRIGHT.*
* This engraving of the arms of Wheel- Chapel hurying-ground. This John Wheel-
wright is copied from the tombstone of " John wright I take to be the same mentioned ante.
Wheelwright, 1740," to be seen in the King's p. 339, a grandson of the Rev. John W., the
436 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1676-79.
sent over to appear before him in six months after the receipt of his
letter," to answer the charges against the Colony. Edward Ran-
dolph, Esquire, brought the King's letter to Boston about three
"^' ' months after its date. The Governor summoned a Court,
which met on the ninth of August following, at which meeting it
was resolved that "the most expedient way of making answer unto
the complaints of Mr. Gorges and Mr. Mason, about the extent of their
Patent line," was by Agents ; " provided they were, with the utmost
care and caution, qualified as to their instructions, by and according to
which they may negotiate that affair with safety unto the Country, and
with all duty and loyalty unto his Majesty, in the preservation of our
Patent liberties."
Agreeably to this decision, Mr. William Stoughton and Mr. Peter
Bulkley were appointed to proceed to England as Agents of the Colo-
ny, and they proceeded accordingly, in the end of the following Octo-
ber. Mr. Stoughton was son of Capt. Israel Stoughton,
mentioned in the account of the war with the Pequots. Mr.
Bulkley was son of the Rev. Peter Bulkley, the first minister of
Concord, and was this year Speaker of the House of Deputies. It
is sufficient here to observe, that the Agents were unsuccessful in
opposing the claims of Gorges and Mason. After being detained in
England three years, they arrived in Boston near the end
Dec. 23. ^f December, 1679, bringing with them a letter from the
King, requiring other Agents to be sent over.*
The Town was often infested by incendiaries. A fire was
^^ ' discovered under Capt. Benjamin Gillum's warehouse in time to
prevent its doing much mischief. About midnight of the next day
the ale-house of Clement Grose was set on fire. This was also
" ^^ ' extinguished before it did material damage. The great fire of
the eighth of August of this year has before been noticed. f
founder of Exeter. Concerning the death of Mary not of age." — The Hon. John Wheel-
the latter, I observe Mr. Hull in his Diary dif- wright died at Wells, Me., 13 Aug., 1745, a. 81.
fers from others, recording it 22 Nov., 1679; * The same letter required "That freedom
and his age he gives, 85. — John Wheelwright, and liberty of conscience be given to such per-
merchant of Boston, made his will 10 Aug., sons as desire to serve God in the way of the
1751. He died, as before noted, in 1760, a. Church of England, so as not to be thereby
71. His will was proved 31 Oct., 1760. — made obnoxious, or discountenanced from their
"To son Jeremiah, land near Beacon Hill, sharing in the govei-nment, much less that they,
which came to me by his mother ; £700 to be or any other of his Majesty's subjects (not be-
held in trust by Joseph Green and Nicholas ing Papists) who do not agree in the congrega-
Boylston,both of Boston, merchants, the inter- tional way, be by law subjected to fines or for-
est of which at 6 per cent, to be paid quarter- feiturcs, or other incapacities." — Hutchinson,
ly to son Jeremiah, and at his death to his i. 326.
children, if he leaves any, if not, then to sons f Concerning that fire Capt. Hull says,
Nathaniel and Joseph, and my grand-daughter, " About midnight began a fyre in an alehouse,
Mary Wheelwright ; to the poor of the First which by sunrise consumed the body of the trad-
Church of which I am a member, £14 ; to ing part of the Towne ; from the Mill-creek to
daughter-in-law Elizabeth Weeks, £G6, 13s. 4d., Mr. Oliver's dock, not one house nor ware-
with a handsome suit of mourning, in full sat- house left ; and vp from my warehouse to Mrs.
isfaction of certain Articles made before my Leveret's, thence to Mr. Hez. Usher's, thence
marriage witli her mother. Residue of estate, to Mrs. Thacher's, thence to Tliomas Fitche's."
half to son Nathaniel, the other half to son Another contemporary MS. account adds that
Joseph and grand-daughter Mary ; Joseph and the number of houses burnt was 77, and of
1679.] FIRES. ALGEIIINES. PUNISHMENTS. 437
About a month after that extensive conflagration, the Town was
greatly alarmed by the cry of fire, about ten o'clock on a
^^ ' ' Sabbath morning, while most of the people were at meeting.
It took in the garret of Lieut. Edward Creek's house, but fortunately
no other house except that was destroyed.
Among other misfortunes of this year, news was received in Decem-
ber, that Mr. William Condy, in a ship bound from Boston to London,
had been taken by the Algerines. Other captures of Boston ships
by the corsairs of that nation are from time to time mentioned, the crews
of which were carried into a cruel captivity. Some were ransomed at
great expense, while many died in bondage.
" The loaf bread bakers in Boston," at this time, were John Mtin,
Thomas Skinner, William Hoar, and George Danson. " By reason of
y^ defifect of y® assize given iny^ lawe," they petitioned the General
29 ^^^^^ for relief from an " intollerable burden." They observe
that their calling is a lawful one, to learn Avhich they had
" serued long and hard apprenticeships," and add, " wee conceeue we
haue a just right to Hue of it." The price of grain was regulated by
law, and the price and weight of loaves of bread, also. If in times
of scarcity the price of grain was enhanced without a corresponding
rise of bread, it was a misfortune to bakers, if they were obliged to
keep to their old prices.
Meanwhile the General Court took some measures to stand better in
England than it had hitherto stood. Supplicating and submissive
addresses were sent to the King ; a law was passed making treason a
capital offence, and the King's arms were put up in the court house.
But the laws of England regulating trade were entirely disregarded ;
alleging as a reason, " that the acts of navigation were an invasion of
the rights and privileges of the subjects of his Majesty's Colony, they
not being represented in Parliament." This doctrine gained strength
through the next hundred years, and was successfully maintained when
hostilities commenced at Lexington and Bunker's Hill.
■warehouses, 35. By another MS. record, it off.givebonclof£500
appears that, at the Court of Assistants, held (with two sureties),
on the 2d Sept. following, one Peter Lorphelin, pay charges of pro»-
a Frenchman, was accused of uttering " rash ecution, fees of
and insulting speeches in the time of the late Court, and to stand
conflagration, thereby rendering himself justly committed till the
suspicious of having a hand therein, was seized sentence be per-
and committed to the Goale in Boston; " his formed."
chest and writings were examined. In his chest The annexed en-
were found two or three " crusables, a melting graving represents
pan, a strong pair of shears to clip money, and an ordinary con-
seuerall clippings of the Massachusets money, structed Pillory of
and some other instruments." He denied hav- the time. Drawings
ing ever made any use of these things, but said of such implements
they were given him by a privateer. But, on were rarely made in
being remanded to jail, he made up another New England in
story, by which he hoped to clear himself. All, those days. — See
however, to no purpose. He was " sentenced to Brand's Popular
stand two hours in the Pillory, have both ears cut Antiquities, iii., 55.
438 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1679 — 1G80.
The same year, on a recommendation of the General Court, a
'^^" Synod of all the churches in the Colony was convened in Bos-
ton, to see if, by its direction, the Country could be got out of its
present difliculties. Accordingly, two very important questions were
propounded to this body: — "First. What are the reasons that have
provoked the Lord to bring his judgements upon New England ? Sec-
ond. What is to be done, that so these evils may be removed ? " *
This was called " the Reforming Synod, whereof Mr. Increase Mather,"
according to his son, "was esteemed a great part." f. And, in this
connection, it may be mentioned, that, about this time, Mr. Mather
formed a Philosophical Society in Boston, which consisted "of agree-
able gentlemen, who met once a fortnight for a conference upon im-
provements in Philosophy and additions to the stores of Natural History.
But the calamity of the times anon gave a fatal and a total interrup-
tion to this generous undertaking." J
Another Synod was convened in May of the following year
Ma^*i'2 ^^^ object was, doubtless, for effect in England. Some act was
thought necessary, probably, by which an impression might be
received there, that the church government in New England was toler-
ant, or in conformity to the English Church. § Dr. Increase Mather
presided at this Synod, " and he kept them so close to their business,
that in two days they dispatch' d it." A Confession of Faith was
agreed upon, which was issued with a preface by the Chairman of the
Synod. II If the action of this Synod was intended to produce an im-
pression in England favorable to Boston, the movers of it were disap-
pointed.
During these passages the King restored the Province of Maine to
Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and the Government of Massachusetts "slily"1[
purchased it of him immediately after, and continued its jurisdiction
over it. This very much displeased the king, and he required its sur-
render ; tendering the price paid for it, which was twelve hundred
pounds. The king's displeasure was farther increased, because the
General Court seemed not to assent to or even notice his demand.
Charles' lawyers had told him that the Boston people had no right to
exercise government over the purchased territory, because their pur-
chase gave them no such right, in the first place ; and, in the second
* Hutchinson, i. 324. published in 1691. The passage is in these
f Remarkahles of Dr. I. Mather, 81. words : — " Tliere are none in tlie world that
X " One that had a share in that comljina- do more fully concur with the doctrine of the
tion, and is now a Fellow of the ROYAL Church of England contained in the Thirty-
SOCIETY in London, and afterwards trans- nine Articles, than do the Churches in New
mittod communications thither." The " one England, as is manifest from the Confession of
that had a share," was doubtless the writer, their Faith, published in the year 1080." —
Dr. Cotton Mather. This ought to silence Page 5.
those who pretend that he was not a member || Grindal Rawson afterwards translated it
of the Royal Society. — See Remarkahles, 86. into Indian, and published it for the use of the
^ ]My opinion here expressed is not incon- Natives in i099.
eistcnt with a passage in a work written pur- ^ This is according to Chalmers, Political
posely to defend the conduct of the Bostonians. Annals, 397. Thus insinuating that a question
It is entitled Ne)0 England Justified, and was as to lionoraljJc dealing might arise.
1680.] RANDOLPH AND THE AUTHORITIES. 439
place, Sir Ferdinando Gorges could not sell or convey any right of gov-
ernment.
A deep game was to be played, and though the parties to it were
widely separated, it was managed dexterously and with great skill on
this side of the Atlantic, while a steady determination was apparent on
the other side. Fully to cover its pretensions, the Government at Bos-
ton appointed a Governor and Deputy Governor for Maine. They sailed
from Boston for Casco Bay in August, with a small armament, consist-
ing of a ship and a sloop, with sixty soldiers, "to still the people there,
and prevent Governor Andros' usurpations." * Thus a government
was established in Maine, which was kept up until the Charter of Mas-
sachusetts was finally abrogated. This event was much hastened by
the agency of Edward Eandolph. He often passed from New England f
to old England, in the employ of the government of the latter. This
individual was placed in no enviable position. The people of Boston
viewed him as a spy upon their actions, and, although he may not have
gone much beyond the line of his duty, it would have been much bet-
ter for his reputation had he possessed wisdom enough to have avoided
such a duty. He had been appointed Collector, Surveyor and Searcher
in New England. It is sufficient to observe that he could not execute
his offices, owing to obstructions thrown in his way at every step by
the people.
At the very time of the agitation occasioned by the interference of
the Government in England with the affairs in Boston, there was a case
of Witchcraft to be decided, which occupied the solemn attention of
the highest tribunal.
* Hutchinson, i. 329 ; Chalmers, 397. Mr. Marshall of their Court ; there being 6 of the
Thomas Danforth was the Governor or Presi- JSIagistrates and their Secretary ; and there
dent. The Deputy President belonged to being a chaire placed purposely for me, I waa
Maine. The first was Brian Pendleton. — desired by the Governor to sitt." On opening
"Williamson, Hist. Maine, i. 558. the King's letter, the Governor observed to the
f'He brought over a commission to divers Magistrates that it was from his Majesty;
persons, himself at the head of them, to ad- " and on looking to the bottom of the letter,
minister an oath to the Governor, faithfully to he read, ' by his Majesties command. Hen.
execute the oath required by the act of trade." Coventry.' The Governor asked me ' Who
Mr. Leverett, then Governor, did not take the that Mr. Coventry was ? ' I told him he was
oath. The Commissioners were Edward Ran- your Majesties principall Secretary of State,
dolph, Thomas Savage, William Taylor, George At the beginning of the reading of his Majes-
Curwin the elder, Thomas Brattle, Thomas ties letter the whole Councill being uncovered,
Deane, James Whetcomb, Richard Wharton, I put off my hat ; whereupon three of the
John Richards, Humphrey Warren, Thomas Magistrates tooke off their hats, but the Gov-
Kellond, John Hubbard, Humphrey Davy, ernor with the rest continued to keep their
and Samuel Mosely, together with the mem- hats on." — Report to the King in Hutchinson s
liers of the Council for the time being. — Coll. O. Papers, 503-4.
Hutchinson. Randolph came first to Boston In some minutes which Randolph kept, he
in 1676, arriving only fourteen days before the says, " 17 Dec. 1681, 1 arriued againe att Bos-
war with the Indians broke out. He says him- ton, with his Majesty's Commission, appoint-
self that he sailed from the Downes on the ing me Collector, &c., but that Commission is
30th of March, and landed in Boston " after a opposed, being looked upon as an incroachment
tedious passage of 10 weeks." On landing, he on their Charter. A law revived by the As-
says, " I went immediately to the Governor, sembly to trye me for my life, for acting by his
John Leveret, and told him I had a letter from Majesty's Commission, before it was allowed of
the King to the Magistrates. The Governor hy them.'' — Hist. King's Chapel, p. 13. —
said there would be a meeting of the Council Something to the same purpose may be seen in
in the afternoon upon other business, and that Hutchinson, i. 336.
then I should be sent for ; as I was, by the
440 HISTORY OF BOSTON. {1680.
The person complained of was a resident of Newbur}^, named Eliza-
beth, wife of William Morse.* She and her husband were elderly peo-
ple,! a'^<^> ^^^ anything that can now be adduced to the contrary, had
lead irreproachable lives, and were remarkable for nothing but great
simplicity of character. Complaint was made against her the pre-
ceding year, and she underwent a tedious examination before Mr. John
Woodbridge, who returned his proceeding to the Court at Boston.
The Court, having considered the testimony, issued its war-
rant for her commitment to the jail in Ipswich, which was exe-
cuted. J The time for her trial was fixed on the twentieth of May,
and Secretary Rawson ordered the Constable of Newbury, "Joseph
Pyke," to summon the witnesses to appear in Boston, at the time
specified. §
The prisoner being brought to the bar, the Court considered
^^ " ' the question, " Whether seuerall distinct single testimonyes of
preternatural and diabolicall actions by the prisoner at the barr, though
not any two concurring to prooue the same individuall act, is to be
accounted legall euidence to conuict of witchcraft. This was resolued
on the affirmative by y^ Court."
The question being thus settled, the cause proceeded. She was con-
victed by a jury, || and sentenced to be hanged. The magistrates,
however, probably through the influence of Governor Bradstreet, voted
a reprieve till the fall term of the Court. This was not agreeable to
the Deputies, but the reprieve was granted. Mrs. Morse H remained a
* Mr. Coffin, in his valuable History of New- Moody (42), "Wm. Chandler, John Glading,
bury, fjave all he could discover relative to this James Broune (32), Joanna Broune, Benja-
case ot Witchcraft. What I am about to de- min llichardson (21), Wm. Card, Joseph
tail are ohiefly additional facts. Baj'ly, Zackery Dauis, Jonathan Hajnes, John
f In the testimony of William Morse and his Miliil (44), Joshua Richardson, Susanna Good-
wife about the " vehemently dashing of potts win, John Chase, John Ordeway, AVm, Fan-
one against the other, hanging over the fire, ing (36), Jonathan Woodman, Benjamin
the andiron leaping into the pott, dancing Lowle, Elisabeth Titcomb (50), Peniel Tyt-
there, and then leaping out again" and divers come, Lyddia Tytcom, Dauid Wheeler (55),
Other things equally strange, it is said, that, Wm. Morse, and John Styles." — In the Gon-
" together with his wife aged both about 65 stable's return, endorsed upon the back of the
yeeres." — Coffin, Hist. Newbury, 131. warrant, several of the above names are dif-
% The original warrant, now before me, ferently spelled ; as Bayle, Ilaynes, Mighell,
runs thus : — " To Joseph Pyke, Constable of Stilse, and a few others. " An Ordway " was
Newbery. In his Maj''* name, you are re- returned instead of John. All those sum-
quired to seaze on the person of Elisabeth moned did not appear to testify, probably, and
Morse, the wife of William Morse, and hir to several of their depositions no age is at-
fbrthwith safely convey and deliuer hir to the tached. The following appeared and testified,
keeper of the prison at Ipswich, by him safely for whose presence I find no summons : — INIrs.
to be kept till the Court of Assistants, on its Jane Sewall (54), Margett Mirack (56), Jno.
adjournment to the 20"' of May next, who will March (22), Esther Willson (28), Susan Top-
give farther order, she being presented and an, and Robert Earle (45).
left by the Grand Jury for tryall as to witch- || These were the jurors: — " IMr. Richard
craft, and hereof you are not to fail. Dated Midlecott, Mr. Jeremiah Cushin, Mr. John
in Boston : from the 6th of March, 1679 Wait, Left. Rich''. Waye, and Mr. Thos. Har-
[1679-80.] By the Court. rod, Boston. — John Stone, Richard Child,
Edward Rawson, Secret^." Watertown. — Mr. Nathan Heyman, and Mr.
By Pike's endorsement it appears that he John Knite, Charlestown. — Bro. John Green,
delivered his prisoner to the jailer in Ipswich, and Rich''. Robins, Cambridge. — Jacob Hven
April 2d. and John Capen, Dorchester."
^ These are the namas of the witnesses, as % Iler humble station in life allowed only
contained in the original warrant : — " Caleb of lier being called Gooddy, or Goodwife.
1680.] WITCHCRAFT. 441
prisoner in a wretched jail in Boston, through the heat of summer, and
perhaps the following winter, and finally escaped being put to death,
as appears by records of the ensuing year.*
The testimony upon which Gooddy Morse was convicted, so far as
appears from the depositions extant, was as worthless and puerile as
can possibly be conceived of by the most fruitful imagination.! Such,
in these days, could not come within the hearing of contempt, nor would
similar evidence be of a pin's weight in an action for the recovery of
a fraction of a dollar.
While Mrs. Morse lay in prison, in Boston, her husband petitioned
several times in her favor ; chiefly to explain away some of the charges
upon which she was condemned, and, as might be expected, the ex-
planations were about equal, in depth of understanding, to the charges. |
There was one, however, of a different character. This
prayed for an alleviation of her sufferings, and cannot be read
without exciting emotions of pity, mixed with indignation. §
" Thomas Lord Culpeper, Baron of Thorsway, Governor of Vir-
ginia, arrived in Boston." || It may not be out of place to
^^' " ' state here, that, although that gentleman came to Boston appa-
rently by accident, yet he made many close observations relative to the
condition of the country, both regarding its government and wealth.
Afterwards, when Mr. Randolph communicated his written report \ of
* For which see Hist, of Neiohury. for her safe imprisonment. — So shall he be
f Thomas Knolton, the jailer at Ipswich, ever obliged to pray as in duty bound, &c.
testified that when he brought the prisoner Wm. Mosse."
down to Boston, she told him " she was as This petition is in the beautiful chirography
clear of the accusation as God in heaven." of Mr. Isaac Addington, and the signature of
For this expression she was threatened with an the petitioner is well executed. It shows how
action for blasphemy ; and it may have influ- he spelled his name, at least at that time,
enced the jury, that as witchcraft and bias- Whether the requests in the petition were
phemy were very nearly related, the latter complied with or not, I have met with nothing
was as bad as the former, and hence their to show.
verdict. Knolton further testified : — " As I || Judge Sewall, Interl. Almanack. He was
brought goody Morse down, she owned to me probably of the same family of the fixmous
that she stroakt goodwife Ordeway's child over author of the Herbal, who was grandson of a
the head, when it was sick, and the child Sir Thomas Culpeper. The Herbalist died in
dyed." 1654. Our Lord Culpeper married Margaret,
t For which see Hist, of Newbury. youngest dau. and coheir of Seign^ Jean de
§ As it is not contained in the Hist, of Hesse, of the noble family of Hesse of Bergen.
Neiohury, and being brief, it is here presented : His dau. Catharine married Thomas, fifth Lord
— " To the Hono"''"'^ : Gov^ and Council now Fairfax. She heired the estates in Virginia,
sitting in Boston, June 4"'. 1680. The petition ^ Printed in Hutchinson's Col. of Orig.
of Wm. Morse Humbly sheweth : — That Popers, 447-513. Hutchinson considers it full
whereas his deare wife was by one jury found of exaggerations, but he does not doubt its
guilty of witchcraft, & by the hono'"^'^ Court authenticity, as might be inferred from what
condemned to dye, yett since God hath beene Chalmers, p. 438, says. The meaning of the
pleased to move yo' honor" harts to grant her latter unquestionably is, that Hutchinson only
a reprieve untill October next, yo"^ petitiouj doubted the correctness of many of the state-
humbly prays that yo' hono" will be pleasd to ments. The Eeport, or " Narrative," as it is
shew her so much pitty as to grant her liberty termed, states that, " There are about 30 Mer-
in the day time to walk in the prison yard, chants worth from £10 to £20,000." That
and to y^ prison house ; and that in the night " there are no servants but upon hired wages,
shee may haue the priviledge of a chamber in except some few who serve four yeares for the
the common goale, and be freed from the dun- charge of being transported thither ; and not
geon W'' is extreame close and hott in this sea- above 200 slaves in the Colony, and those
son, and also liberty on the Sabbath to goe to are brought from Guinea and Madagascar."
meeting — he and hia children giving security Hutchinson remarks nothing against- the cor-
56
442 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1680.
the state of the Country to the " Lords of the Committee of Colonies,"
they, owing to its extraordinary developments, were led to doubt its
general accuracy ; and, knowing that Lord Culpeper had visited Bos-
ton, they appUed to him for his opinion upon the correctness of its
statements. He answered, that he had perused Mr. Randolph's
Aua-. writings, and that, during his stay in Boston, he " did hear most
of the matters of fact specified therein." He also added that
the coinage of money here was very prejudicial to the King's subjects.
Thus, notwithstanding Lord Culpeper was treated with many atten-
tions and much respect, he finally bore witness against the Country.
Although it is said " he came privately into Boston," yet the next day
he had a pubHc dinner given him in the Townhouse, and the eight
military companies were in attendance.* After a stay of about eight
weeks, he sailed for England. Sir Edmund Andros came to town soon
after, to see his Lordship, as was supposed, and was, of course, dis-
appointed. He remained about a week, and, on leaving for New York,
was escorted by the military of the town as far as Dedham.
^^^ jg "Elder Edward Rainsford dyed; being old and full of
°' ■ dayes." He came early to Boston, was admitted a freeman in
the beginning of the year 1637 ; was the first ruling elder of the Old
South Church, f The noted island in the harbor bearing the name of
Rainsford perpetuates his memory. He was always one of the sub-
stantial men of the Town, and is often mentioned in its history. He
was a brother of Sir Richard Rainsford, who succeeded Sir Matthew
Hale, as Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench. In the religious
controversy of 1637, he was on the side of Mrs. Hutchinson, and was
one of those at that time disarmed.
g^ ^ ^g " About four aclock in the after noon, being Sunday, a fyre
was discovered in the top of the old Meetinghouse, in the up-
ermost private room wher the clock stood." The damage sustained is
j^^^ ^g not mentioned. "About half an hour past 3 aclock in the
morning Mr. Samson Sheaff's house fell on fyre, by some neg-
lect within. Some of them were forced to leape out of their chamber
window, yet all their Hues preserued.| Two other houses were burned
with it, and one blown vp." The same morning, about half an hour
later, "Mr. Nicholas Page, his ship lieing at Capt. Benjamin Gillum's
wharfe, fell on firre, and was not mastered without much damage to
the ship and loading, and to said Gillum's warehouse." One person
rectness of this, but when he comes to the fol- 1657, he hired of the Town a piece of ground
lowing : — " There are men able to bear armes, " behind his garden by j" water side, adjoyn-
betweenSO and 40,000 ; and in the town of ing his new dwelling house, being 36 foote at
Boston is computed about 4000," he notes, y'' end of his fence, 45 foote by Wm. Lane's
" This is an extravagant computation." fence, and towards y^ Marsh 16 foote." — Town
* Capt. John Hull's MS. Diary. Records.
t Hull's Diary and Hutch. Hist. Mr. Kains- J Nov. 28th, 1681, Goodman Dosset was al-
ford lived on the north side of the Cove, which lowed £50, " in rate pay, for blowinge vp his
bounded him on the south. Garret Bourne's house when Mr. Sheafe's house was burnt."—
land joined him on the west, David OfBey's on Town Records. Perhaps the same John Das-
the east. — Book of Possessions. On 22 : 12 : set, who, in 1610, had lands " at the Mount."
1681.] AGENCY OF RANDOLPH. 443
" Jerinni [?] Mather was blowen into a cellar, and had his thigh broken
and his head bruised."
At this period certain crimes were punished by fines, imprisonment,
whipping, and standing in the broad aisle of the meeting-house upon a
high stool, on a lecture day, having an inscription upon their heads,
with their offence written upon it in large letters.*
Mr. Randolph returned to England in the beginning of the year, and
reported the state of affairs in Boston. He saw that his powers, however
ample upon paper, availed him nothing, while physically he had no power
at all. He was deprecated and stigmatized as one of the worst of men,t
while his offences seem to have been only to perform a duty which he
had unluckily undertaken. The people of Boston were determined to
have things their own way as long as they could. They had hitherto
succeeded in baffling the authority of the English government, some-
times by stratagem, and sometimes by the aid of fortunate accidents ;
and they still hoped the same course of things would continue. |
It may seem a little strange that an armed force had not been sent
over sufficient to put down opposition, and to have enabled the officers
of the Crown to execute the laws. But this precaution was neglected
* Mr. Felt records a case of this kind in his following paragraph or two will show the na-
Annals of Salem, p. 270, from " Q. Ct. R." ture of his business. They are from the same
Perhaps there is nothing in those Records fur- paper [addressed to the Gov'' and C" , &c.] : —
ther explaining the case than he has given, by "In answer to a letter from y Hon'^ M' Dan-
which the crime committed appears to have forth. President of y"^ said Province, directed
been incest by two females ! to Major Pendleton and Maj. Davis, a Court
t Dr. Cotton Mather is very bitter against was held at York, in y"^ said Province, vpon ye
him, — accuses him of forging a letter and 4"' Novemb'' , 1680, for tryall of a cause arising
signing his father's name to it, which letter vpon seizure of y'= Bark called the Guift of God,
WHS full of treasonable expressions ; and that it of Jarsey (as pretended) , Eli Nichols [?], master,
was laid before the King, that the pretended made by the said appellant whereat y'^ s'' tryall :
author might suffer for it. " But," says the 1. An entry with Mr. Hook, of Kittery (not
Doctor, " Randolph missed of his bloody pur- empowered to take entrys), was allowed valid ;
pose. Wretch ! I shall have further occasion 2. A testimony of two saylers belonging to ye
to mention thee." — Remarkables, 95. s'^ Bark taken before the said Mr. Hook many
X Mr. Randolph did not sail for England days after said pretended entry was made, was
before 25 Dec, 1680, though Chalmers and by the Court allowed and equivalent to such
Hutchinson state that he left towards the close Certificate as is required by y act made in ya
of that year. A paper in his autograph , hand- 15''' year of the King for encouragement of
ed into Court, endorsed " Mr. Randolph's mo- trade to be produced by all masters coming
tion agt. Mr. Brock," is dated 25 Dec, 1680. into any of his Ma"'= said Plantations from
In another paper, addressed " To the Hon''' Eng'^ ; 3. That witnesses and evidence for his
Gov"' and Company of Massachusetts Bay in Maj"^ were not permitted to be examined in
New Eng'^ , his Ma""'^ Leiftn' and Lord Propri- open Court, but privately taken and con-
etorof the Province of Maine," a specimen of veyed to y* jury without notice of said Court,
his vexations is fully set forth. It is headed, or said Apellant. And that other testimo-
" The Appeal of Edward Randolph, Esq'' , ny for his Maj'i^ was rejected because the de-
Collector, Surveyer, and Searcher of his Ma"'=' ponent had not taken the oath of allegiance
Customs in New Eng"^ , in behalf of his said in New England, but affirmed he had taken
Maij'", said Lord Proprietor, and said Edw<i that oath in England ; by which illegal prac-
Randolph." This gives a better idea than can tices the said ApeKant was cast," &c. He
be otherwise obtained; of the authority which further complains that "• when he appealed to
Mr. Randolph had, or considered he had. The his Maj''% his appeal was rejected." A copy
of Mr. Randolph's
J /) '"^ ^ signature to the
// // \ /^ / /y^-^^-^O above paper is here
444 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1681.
till it was too late. The great sagacity of King Charles the Second is
spoken of by many writers ; but, however much he possessed of that
important ingredient of character, it cannot be pretended that he dis-
covered much of it in managing the affairs of New England. Year
after year a determined opposition to his government was apparent ;
his Commissioners, one after another, had been thwarted, insulted, and
obliged to return home in disgrace. Still, remonstrances only were sent
over.
j^ ^^ In the end of the same year, Mr. Eandolph returned again
to Boston. What encouragement he had to incline him to sup-
pose he should meet with better success than before, does not plainly
appear. However, on laying his Commission before the General Court,
while that body did not deny its validity, their manner was sufficiently
indicative of a contempt for its bearer, which also betrayed their own
embarrassment. He requested that the Government would second him
in executing his Commission, but his request was unheeded. He then
posted up an advertisement in the Town House notifying all persons of
the establishment of his office. This was soon torn down by the Mar-
shal, who acted under the direction of some influential members of the
General Court. Well might the historian exclaim, as one actually did,
on reviewing these transactions, "To what a state of degradation was
a King of England reduced!" And, " How weak are the declara-
tions of positive law when attempted to be exercised in opposition to
the spirit of the people ! "
What was the Country to expect when this renewed contempt of
authority should be laid before the King ? A fleet of men of war to
bring it to its duty ? Perhaps some expected this, but there came
nothing but a letter of remonstrance, — a sharp one, it is true.* It
embodied a long catalogue of "crimes and misdemeanors" of which
New England in general, and Boston in particular, had been guilty.
In his letter, the King, or his lawyers for him, refers to the treatment
his Commissioners of 1665 received. Speaking in the first person
plural, as is yet the custom of Kings, and addressing himself to the
Government in Boston, he says, " No thing could prevail with you to
let those Commissioners hear and determine those particular causes
which we had commanded them to take care of. And in opposition to
our authority, it was then proclaimed, by sound of trumpet, within our
Town of Boston, that the General Court was the supreme judicature in
that Province ; and that the Commissioners pretending to hear appeals
was a breach of your Charter ; and a paper was also published by order
of Court, to deter all persons from making any complaints and appeals
unto them ; and many of our subjects were also imprisoned for apply-
ing to our Commissioners." They were also reminded of having put
people to death for conscience sake ; that, instead of sending over
Agents to give satisftiction, they had sent letters only, containing "some
frivolous excuses " for not complying ; that, instead of aiding Officers
* Dated October 21st, 1G81.
1681.] THREAT OF THE KING AGAINST THE CHARTER. 445
of the Crown in doing their duty, they had allowed " attachments to
be issued against them for doing their duty, thereby giving opportunity
to irregular traders of compassing their frauds. That the said Officers,
prosecuting offenders, have been forced to deposit money before any
trial at law could be obtained, and have been obUged to pay costs after
such trials." This was exactly the experience of Mr. Randolph, who,
according to his own statement, suffered great losses by the obstructions
thrown in his way by the people of Boston.
For " these and many other irregularities, crimes, and misdemean-
ors," the letter proceeds, "we are fully resolved, in Trinity term next
ensuing, to direct our Attorney-general to bring a Quo Warranto in our
court of King's bench, whereby our Charter granted unto you, w^ith
all the powers thereof, may be legally evicted and made void. And
so we bid you farewell."
It must not be supposed that the whole country was for opposing the
King. There were two parties then, similar to those which existed just
previous to the Revolution of 1775. One party was rather violent,
while the other was more moderate, and deemed it unwise to conduct
so harshly in opposing the home government, and thought it claimed
more under the Charter than that instrument authorized. All, how-
ever, agreed in the importance of their privileges under that instru-
ment, while they differed as to their extent, and the means of defend-
ing them.
Deputy Governor Danforth, now President of Maine, was at the
head of the first party, and the aged Governor Bradstreet was the leader
of the more moderate party.*
* The question as to the expediency of choos- of it, if he could not acquit himself by law."
ing nine Select-men was considered at the Whether the office was getting into disrepute.
Town-meeting, March 14th, 1G80-1, and was or why those gentlemen declined the service,
postponed to the next meeting. Nathaniel does not appear. However, " Mr. John Ha-
Greeuwood and John Meriam, Sen., were wood, Joseph Homes, and Joseph Pearce,
among the Select-men this year. Constables tayl"'," were elected in their stead, and Joseph
chosen were "Thomas Baker, Jr., Mr. Paul White for Muddy Paver, John Flood for Rum-
Dudley, Mr. Steeph. Burton, Mr. Edward ney Marsh. " John Skarlet and Rowland Sto-
Raynsford, Mr. Addam Winthrop, Mr. John rey. Water Bayliffes. — March 16th, Elisha
Hebcrt, Mr. Giles Dyer, Mr. Joseph Pincheon." Cooke, Mr. Isack Addington, and Mr. Sam"
Mr. Dudley and Mr. " Hobert " paid a fine of Seywell " [Sewall] were appointed a committee
£10 each. Mr. Winthrop refused to serve, in aid of a certain Petition to be presented to
and Mr. Pincheon " desired time to consider the General Court by the Freemen.
446
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1681-2.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
Agents again sent to England. — Do not succeed. — Quo Warranto threatened. — A Custom-house. —
Cranfield in Boston. — Agents return in Disgrace. — Quo Warranto brought over. — Town Meeting
upon it. — Speech of Mr. I. Jlather. — Charter vacated. — Great Fire. — Death of Thomas Brattle
— of .John Hull. — Militia divided into four Companies. — Chai'les Second proclaimed. — Number
of Ships arrive in a year. — New order about Freemen. — Serious Accident. — Death of Mr. Freake
and others. — Death of Thomas Clarke. — Scotch Charitable Society. — Indian Deed of Boston.
— Death of the King. — James Second reluctantly proclaimed. — Kirk appointed Governor.
Feb.
BRADSTREET.
THE threatening letter of Charles was brought to
Boston by Mr. Randolph late in 1681, A Court was
called, and, the letter being read, it appeared
to the members generally, that they had gone
quite as far as they could go against the King's com-
mands. There was much opposition to the proposal,
on the part of the Deputies, to send special messen-
gers to England to endeavor still to avert the royal
vengeance, but it was finally agreed that other Agents
should be sent, and Mr. Stoughton and Mr. Dudley
were chosen. Mr. Stoughton, however, would not accept the appoint-
ment, and Mr. Richards, a wealthy merchant and one of the Assist-
ants, was chosen in his stead, and they embarked upon their unwelcome
mission, on the last day of May.
The Agents found themselves in a very unpleasant situation on their
arrival in England. They had been instructed not to do anything that
might violate or infringe the liberties and privileges which the Charter
granted, or that the Government had established under it. It soon
became apparent to them that this standing to chartered rights would
no longer avail them, for they would soon have no Charter to stand
by, inasmuch as Charles was determined to take it from them. Every
step in the proceeding tended to confirm them that such would be the
event. Sir Lionel Jenkins, Secretary of State, examined their in-
structions, and they were informed, through Lord Radnor, that the
Council had agreed to report to the King, that unless they speedily
obtained powers sufficient to satisfy in all points, a Quo Warranto
* Taken from the seal at-
tached to the -will of Gov.
Bradstreet, on file in tlie Pro-
bate office, Boston. The ac-
companying Autograph of the
Governor is from an official
paper of 1681, and that of his
talented lady has beeti fur-
nished me by Mr. John Dean,
of Boston.
^I^/^^rr^^-fV^
1682.] AGENCY FAILS. RANDOLPH'S TRIUMPH. 447
should proceed. Randolph gloried in the Agents' confusion, and said
that " he would now make the whole faction tremble." *
In the mean time, to make a favorable impression upon their
opposers, a partial compliance with some of the King's require-
ments was made by the General Court. They repealed the law against
the observance of Christmas, and established a Custom-house, or, as it
was then called, a Naval Office. However, circumstances conspired
against the Bostonians. Randolph had been able to defeat the inten-
tions of their Agents in England, whom he had followed there, and at
the same time the wise men of Boston had been ensnared in a plot too
shallow almost to deserve the name. Cranfield, Governor of New
„ Hampshire, came to Boston, and, pretending friendship, was
shown the letters of the Agents in England, which disclosed
their embarrassed situation. With feigned kindness he advised the
Authorities to offer the King, through Lord Hyde, two thousand
guineas for his Majesty's private use. Thus indirectly to bribe the
King ! Strange as it may now seem, the Authorities were caught in
this transparent net, and authorized their Agents to make the offer.
Ridicule was now added to their confusion, and their business was at an
end. Cranfield, then in England, at the same time represented the
people here as rogues and rebels.
^ Chagrined and disgraced, the Agents returned to New Eng-
land. In the course of the same week arrived also the evil
genius of the Colony, Edward Randolph, bringing with him the dreaded
Quo Warranto. His consequence and importance was much increased
by the unbounded success which had attended his efforts to humble the
people of Boston ; and, to give his consequence more weight, a frigate
conveyed him, and lay before the town, the object of which there was
no mistaking.
Randolph brought also a declaration from the Kling, purporting,
*' that if, before prosecution of the Quo Warranto, the Colony would
make full submission, and entire resignation to his pleasure, he would
regulate their Charter for his service and their good."
Hence, the Charter was to be surrendered, or certain consequences
suffered ; which consequences were not at all doubtful. It was now for
the General Court to decide whether the country should be crushed with
or without its Charter. Such was the dilemma to which it was reduced.
The General Court might indeed choose, but of what value was the
* This he wrote in a letter to the Earl of elsewhere gives these names as among his chief
Clarendon, 14 July, 1682. He declared that opposers: — "Daniel Gookin, Nathaniel Sal-
the Articles he had now exhibited against Mas- tonstall, Richards, Davy, Gedney, Appleton,
sachusetts, for "high misdemeanors" would Brattle, Stoddard, Bathurst, Hathorn, Wait,
" make the whole faction tremble." As lead- Johnson, Hutchinson, Sprague, Oakes, Hol-
ers in the " high misdemeanors," he designated brook. Gushing, Hammond and Pike." These
"Thomas Danforth, Samuel Nowell, a late he said constituted the " faction of the Gen-
fanatic preacher, and now a Magistrate, Daniel eral Court,"
Fisher, and Elisha Cooke, Deputies." These, ^...^'^
he urged, should be sent for to answer in En";- 9Y^.A^ (< // Sl^IVT. —
land. -See Hutchinson, i. 336. Randolpla ^<^^^^: "^xU^rX^^^xUh
448
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1682.
choice ? The people of Boston, influenced by their ministers, were
boiling with indignation, and, if there were any who desired Mr. Ran-
dolph's situation, their choice was not to be envied.
^^^ jg Seeing that affairs were desperate, the Governor and As-
sistants voted to send an humble Address to his Majesty, stating
that they would not contend, but would " humbly lay themselves at his
feet." Notwithstanding this act of the upper House, when it came
before the Deputies they entered their dissent upon it,* and it never
became a law. But, as affairs turned, it made no difference in the
end, and the fact is now useful only as showing how inflexible the
majority of the General Court was upon a principle, which eventually
achieved American Independence.
The inhabitants of the town, with great
unanimity, sustained the Deputies. A Town-
meeting was called, in which the King's
Declaration was discussed. The
Jan. 2i. •^^^' Iiicrease Mather was present,
and made a speech against the sur-
render of the Charter, and his arguments
were completely conclusive with the people,
and the proposal was rejected, nemine con-
tradicente, as expressed upon the records of
that day. Among other things Mr. Mather
said, " I verily believe, we shall sin against
the God of Heaven, if we vote an affirma-
tive unto it. The Scripture teacheth us otherwise. ' That which the
Lord our God has given us, shall we not possess it ? ' If we make a
submission, we Ml into the hands of men immediately ; but if we do
not, we still keep ourselves in the hands of God. The loyal citizens
of London would not surrender their Charter, lest their posterity should
curse them for it. Shall we then do such a thing ? " f It was also
said, " It was better to die by the hands of others than by their own."
INCBEASE MATHER.
* This dissent on their part, could the sur-
render have been tested legally, Hutchinson
decides, would have saved the Charter. But
when any instrument has been declared null
and void in the proper court of law, it is not
easy to see how such instrument can be of
force. As long as judgment was not entered,
and the Charter rettiained in the hands of the
Colony, so long the Charter was good. Had
it been voluntarily surrendered, the case, re-
garding the Colony, vfould have been the same,
lihbde Island and Connecticut never surren-
dered their Charters, but judgment was not
entered against them ; hence their Charters
remained good, though for a time dormiens.
The whole quarrel was with Massachusetts, or
in fact Boston, and the matter of a judgment
against the other Charters slumbered also. To
be sure. Sir Edmund Andros attempted in
person to take away that of Connecticut, but
failed, owing to one of those little stratagems
which will not soon be forgotten.
j RemarJcables of Dr. I. Mather, p. 90-2.
In the beginning of the year 1681, Mr. Mather
preached a sermon at the " Lecture of Bos-
ton," which he soon after printed, entitling
it Heaven^s Alarm to the World, &c. This,
although it apparently had reference only to
comets and earthquakes, had a political bear-
ing also. Many apt Scripture quotations were
brought in, and it is not difficult to discover
that he wished the people to understand that
God would overcome and thwart the designs
of their enemies, the enemies of his Church in
New England ; that he had thus far preserved
them, and it must not be doubted that he
would still continue his protection ; and in
closing he said, " When troubles come let them
find us watching."
1682.] CHARTER VACATED. GREAT FIRE. 449
An attempt was made, however, to prevent judgment being rendered
on the return of the writ of Quo Warranto, by the employment of an
Attorney to appear in England and answer for the Country. Ad-
dresses, very humble ones, were forwarded to appease the royal indig-
nation; but all to no purpose. " Judgment was rendered up," * and
thus ended the first Charter of Massachusetts.!
The next day after the arrival of Mr. Randolph, a "terrible fire
happened in Boston, in the richest part of the Town." | Its ravages
were about the Dock, to the south of Drawbridge street. § There were
those who insinuated that Randolph had procured the fire to be set ; but
this is extremely improbable, and the propagators of the report no
doubt fabricated it to inflame the inhabitants against him.
Capt. Thomas Brattle died this year, in the early part of
^^^ ■ April. He was Moderator of the Town-meeting on the twelfth
of March, to which office he had been elected in 1681, and in 1682
also ; he had served mafiy years as a Select-man, and was an active
and efficient oflicer in the late Indian war. In May, 1676, he sur-
prised a company of Indians near Rehoboth, " busie in fishing in a
river therabouts," and killed eleven or twelve of them, losing but one
of his own men. He commanded a party of horsemen, and not long
after, with Mosley's company, and few others, he captured one hun-
and fifty more.
. At a Town-meeting, only eleven days after his decease, Mr.
Timothy Prout was chosen a Select-man in his place, and
Capt. William Gerrish was elected Moderator. He was interred in the
Johnson burying-ground, now called King's Chapel, and from his tomb-
stone, yet remaining, it appears that his age was sixty. He is styled
Major on the same stone. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Brattle, died on
the preceding November, at the age of forty-four. His name is at-
tached to many public documents of the time.||
The active, enterprising and useful Capt. John Hull died,
aged fifty-nine years, wanting one month and about eighteen
days, leaving a very large estate, acquired by his own industry and
good calculations. H He was born, as himself says, "in Market Hare-
* Some further particulars may be seen in a day is easily explained, supposing Mr. Hull
Hutchinson, i. 340. The judgment was ren- to have died in the night of Sept. 30. The
dered at Trinity-term [June 18th], 1684, but date in the sermon is, doubtless, right.
an official copy of it was not received in Bos- Eobert, the father of Capt. John Hull, m.
ton till July 2d, 1685. Ist, Elizabeth Storer, widow. She d. 3 May
t See Neal, Hist. N. Eng. (2d Ed.) ii. 42. 1646, leaving a son Kichard Storer (the
Chalmers, 415. brother, probably, mentioned by ]\Ir. John
X Hutchinson, i. 338. — Chalmers, 414. Hull who assisted him). He m. 2dly, Judith
\ Pemberton. Paine, wid. of Moses Paine, also wid. of ildmund
II A copy of his autograph has been given in Quincy. She d. 5 Mar., 1654, having had by
page 388, and the family Arms on page 369. Edmund Quincy, Edmund, b. 1627, d. 7 Jan.,
% The date of Mr. Hull's death is derived 1698, a. 70, and Judith. This Edmund m.
from the sermon preached upon the occasion 1st, Joanna Hoar, who d. 16 May, 1680 ; 2d,
by Mr. Willard, namely, Oct. 1st, 1683. Elizabeth, wid. of Rev. John Eliot, jr., and
Judge Sewall, his son-in-law, who procured dau. of Hon. Daniel Gookin, 8 Dec. 1080.
the sermon to be printed, entered the death in She d. 30 Nov. 1700. He had by the first
an Almanack, Sept. 30. This discrepance of wife, Mary, Daniel, John, Joanna, Judith,
57
450 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1684.
borough," in the County of Leicester, on the eighteenth of December,
1624. When he was about ten years of age, his father, Robert Hull,
a smith, removed with his family to New England. They sailed from
Bristol in the ship George, Nicholas Shapley master, on the 28th of
September, 1635, and arrived in Boston on the seventh of the follow-
ing November. Although they had a fair passage, they came very
near being wrecked on Cape Sable sands. The ship struck thirty
times, " to the amazement of Master and mariners, and hope of safety
being taken away, the saylers would have hoysed out the long boate,
but the alknowing God would not suffer them, with all their power
(and also the help of many passingers) to get out the boates, but it
hung by the fluke of the anchor ; and God soe ordered it that after
long beating there, he turned the shipp off againe into the sea," with
but slight damage.
Mr. Hull's father settled in Boston, where, says the son, " after a
little keeping at scoole, I was taken to help my father plant corne,
which I attended for seven yeares together. I then fell to learning by
the help of my brother, and to practising the trade of a goldsmith, and
was able to get my living by it."
Elizabeth, the mother of Mr. Hull, died in 1646. The fol-
May3 lowing year he records his marriage in these words : — "The
eleventh of the third month, Mr. John Winthrop married me
and my wife Judith, in my own house, being the third day of the
weeke." He kept a diary, in which these facts are recorded, but at
what time he commenced it does not appear.
Although Mr. Hull was one of the true Puritans, he thus notices the
death of the King in 1648 : — " Great Charles the first was beheaded upon
Tuesday [January thirtieth, 1649] about two aclock. A very solemn
and strange act." By applying the word great to the king, the author
probably had reference to his station only. When he records the death
of Cromwell, his language is not equivocal. He writes, " Wee
Feb. 25. i'eceive«l the sad news of the death of the Lord Protector, Oli-
ver Cromwell, a man of excellent worth, who died September
thh'd, 1658. The Lord give sutable affections to bewaile the loss of
such cht /ce ones. He was one t'lat sought the good of New England,
though be seemed to be much wanting in a thorough testimonie against
the blasphemers of our dnyes." *
£';abeth, and Edmund who d. young; by the of age, is a living monument among nature's
second, Edmund and Maiy. Edmuna C^uinc; s noblemen ; and may be long live to elevate the
(first na i 'd) dau. d udiJi, m. Mr. John Hull, 3 character of a city which he has so much ad-
Jan. lG4(J-7, as in the text. Besides John, vanced in all its excellences.
Robert Hull had a son Edward, who m. The conjectural and closing sen fcences of the
Eleanor Newman, 20 Jan. 1652-3. All of note on page 32'J, ante, are wrong. AVhen
Capt. John Hull's children d. young, except that note was written I had not seen Capt.
Hannah, wife of Judge Sewall, as elsewhere Hull's Diary.
mentioned. She was b. 14 Feb. 1G57. From * Cromwell did not approve of the severe
the Quincy family here noticed, are descended proceedings of the people here against those
tlio families of Boston and Quincy (anciently who differed from them in matters of religious
Braintree) ; the venerable patriarcb of which, belief. This occasioned the closing remark of
tlie Hon. Josiah Quiiu^y, now above 80 years Mr. Hull.
1684.] CHARLES II. PROCLAIMED. 451
Mr. Hull's intolerance is often observable in his diary. He records
the sentence of death against three Quakers, and then adds — "well
they deserved it. Most of the Godb; have cause to rejoyce and bless
the Lord that strengthens our -Magistrates and Deputies to bear wit-
ness against such blasphemers."
When, in 1652, the militia of Boston were divided into four compa-
nies, Mr. Hull was appointed a St.'ij^eant. In regular order he ad-
vanced in office till he became Captain of the Artillery Company in
1671. He was largely engaged in navigation, and although his losses
by captures, wrecks and other casualties, were, from year to year,
large, yet upon the whole his interest was
advanced. In 1657 he was chosen by the
Town "to be one of the seven men to
looke after the Townes affiiires."
The proclaiming of Charles the Second
in Boston is thus described by Mr. Hull : —
"Eighth of the sixth, 1661, being the 5th
day of the weeke, after our ordinary lec-
ture, the soldiers being aU in amies, viz.
our four companies and the country troop,
the Magistrates mounted on horseback, the
Ministers being present, and a multitude
of people, King Charles the Second was chakles n.
proclaimed by Mr. Edward Rawson, Secretary of State, all standing
bare, and ended with, God save the King, and a shout, sundry voUies
of shot from the soldiery, all the gunns in the Castle, Fort and Town
and ships. All the chieff officers feasted that night at the charge of
the Country,"
In 1660-1 Mr. Hull was chosen Town Treasurer. In 1662 he
accompanied the Agents, Mr. Bradstreet and Mr. Norton, to England.
While in that country he visited the native place of his wife, and took
the date of her birth out of the register.* After about a month's stay
in London, he "went down into the country, and visited his kindred
and towne, and went as farr as Hull to see his Cozzen Hoar." He
brought over with him " several children, all in health," save one,
Sam. Gaylor, who, having been placed with 'Mr. Clark, fell overboard
and was lost.f
In 1666 Mr. Hull's father died.| When the Third Church was
* But what her maiden name was, or the home to himself ; being two days before taken
name of the place- where she was born, he does with a flux, and then with violent cramp in
not inform us. He speaks of the death of his his leggs, and burning att his heart, yet bore all
wife's mother, 29. 1. IGoi, but mentions not with sweet patience and thankfulne&s." He
her name. does not state his age, nor anything else con-
f These may have been of that class of chil- cerning him. He is even more brief regarding
dren previously spoken of in this history. He liis mother's death, — " 7. 3. 1646, at 5 aclock
arrived at his own house in Boston, Sept. 3d, in the afternoone, being the 5th day of the
1662, on his wife's birth-day, 1626. He sailed weeke, my Mother, Elizabeth Hull, was taken
on the 10th of Feb. preceding. away by death." Her maiden name has not
J He thus records his death. " July 28. been discovered. She was a widow Storer, as
About 4 in y« after™ the Lord tryed me, by before mentioned,
calling for my honor'^ father Robert Hull,
452 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1684.
formed, John Hull and his wife Judith were among those that formed
it.* In 1663 Mr. Hull notes, — "This year it was said by such as
took account of the number of shipps that came in, that there came
into Boston harbo'' sixty shipps and barkes, beside ketches, &c." The
next year he says, as if of his own knowledge, — "Hear hath come
near one hundred sail of shipps ; our own and strangers, and all loaden
home." In 1668 he w^as left out of the list of Select-men, but the
town of Wenham chose him their Deputy to the General Court ; and
in 1671, 1672, and 1673, he was chosen to the same office by the town
of Westfield. In 1675 he was appointed by the Council to be of the
" Committee of War," and also " Treasurer for the War;" f and after-
wards, the same year, he was chosen " Treasurer of the Countrey."
which office he held until 1680. He was then chosen one of the As-
sistants, which office he held till his death.
Mr. Hull had an uncle living in London, named Pariss, who trans-
acted much business for him, and who he heard had died of the
Plague. J He was much rejoiced to learn, in 1666, that he was living,
and with his family was well. He visited him in 1669-70, " and was
* Mr. Hull in his Diary saya very little year. The General Court ordered a Fast to be
about the difficulties between the First and kept on the 22 Nov. of the same year, " for
Third Churches. (See ante, p. 383-6.) He our dear native land, in respect of the rao;ing
notes the attempt to procure Dr. Oveen, thus : pestilence." The Plague, and the Great Fire
I' 15. G. 1663. The Ch. had a meeting, and which succeeded it vrere very detrimental to
joyntly agreed to write letters by the first op- the commerce of Boston ; but in June, 1666,
portunity vnto England for Dr. Jno. Owen, the Town was rejoiced to learn, by the arrival
21.6. The letters by the persons deputed to of Mr. Clarke's ship, that the Plague had
draw them were read to the Ch., which they ceased. The news of a war with France, and
accepted ; only Mr. Edward Hutchinson and the progress of that with Holland, was very
Mr. Houchin showed dissent, and desired the alarming. Soon after (12 June), 200 poor
Ch. might at that tyme esj^ress their intention, peojile arrived in Boston, whom the French had
or rather resolution, to choose Mr. James Al- driven from St. Christopher's, which had fallen
len. Mr. Thos. Goodwin, Mr. Carill, and Mr. into their hands. Many of them, being en-
Greenhill were also written vnto to promote tirely destitute, were relieved by the inhabit-
the Ch^ desire ; and in case it should soe fall ants, and the Government made provision for
out y' Y Doctor could not come, to think of such of them as desired to go to Barbadoes.
who_ might bee meet for vs." The hope of ob- At the same time French and Dutch cruisers
taining Dr. Owen's services was kept up more infested the coast. The people here were not
than two years. In Dec. following he was passive sufferers, however ; Capt. Goose brought
written to again by the Church, and also in its in a French ship, as a prize, the 15th of Au-
behalf by the General Court. " 1664. 16. 3. gust. He was in the service of Sir Thomas
Mr. Pierce arrived from London, but bro't not Temple. And on Sept. 10th, he brought in
Dr. Owen, nor any certain enformation of his another. Four days after, Capt. Benj. Gil-
resolution to come." Even as late as 9 June, lum {a) brought in two others. But in July
1666, by an arrival from England, it was the Dutch had taken four vessels on the coast,
learned " off his likely coming hither." Mr. The news of the Great Fire in London was
Hull's Autograph, from the first leaf of his brought to Boston, 6 Mar. 1667, " in Capt.
Diary, is here . Martin." It broke out Sept. 2d, and raged
copied: /I n /2v!o ^^^^ days; destroying 89 churches, "a vast
•'I lilcdiij ^^^^^"^ of other statlie edifices," and 13,000
dwelling-houses. It extended over a space of
^^^ y 436 acres, including 400 streets. — See God's
t The book kept by the Treasurer durino- ^em7;/e Voice in the City, by Ilev. T. Vincent,
Philip's war, a large folio in vellum, is in the i^^ Brayley's London, i. 413, &c.
lil)rary of the N. Eng. Hist. Genealogical Soc, „„ ,„ ^„ ^ „.„ , ,, ^ ,^,
beautifully indexed by Mr. Isaac Child, a p1"> ^^ : 12 : 57. "Ben. Gillam hath 5.. abated
1 I- iu a • i. *^ of his fine forheatitiff a pitch pott on y^ wharfe." —
member Ot the Society ^. ^ , , . Town Records. 20.1.58. "Mr. Peter Olliuer hath
X The plague of 1665, which broke out in liberty to make a cart bridge ouer y^ Creeke y'
London towards the close of April of that goes to Ben. Gillams." — ib.
1684.]
THOMAS CLARKE.
453
Mar. 13.
received and entertained, during his stay in London, with much love
and courtesy." He made this voyage, he says, " to settle all former
accounts with my unckle and all psons." During his stay in London
he became acquainted with Dr. Owen, heard him preach, and "found
very much love and respect from him."*
Early this year the Town lost Major Thomas Clarke, who
died on the thirteenth of March. He was made a freeman of
the Colony in 1G38. In 1651 he was chosen Captain of the Artillery
Company ; was also Major of the Suffolk regiment ; a Deputy to the
General Court for eighteen years ; Speaker of that body for 1662,
1665, 1669, 1670 and 1672 ; Assistant, 1673 to 1677. Major Clarke
and Maj. John Pynchon were appointed, in 1664, to meet the King's
Commissioners before New York, and to confer with them relative to
* Under " 2. 3. 16G8," Mr. Hull notes the
arrival of Mr. Davenport to take charge of the
First Church : — " At 3 or 4 in the afternoon
came Mr. Jno. Davinport to towne, with his
wife, sonn and sonn's family ; was mett by
many of the Towne. A great shower of ex-
traordinary dropps of raine fell as they entred
the end of the Towne, but Mr. Davinport and
his wife were sheltered in a coach of Mrs. Searls,
who went to meet them."
Respecting Gov. Endicott, he says, " he dyed
poor, as most of o"^ Rulers doe, having more
attended the publique than his own private in-
terests. It is o' shame ; though we are a poor
people, yet might better maintain o"^ Rulers
than we doe. However, they have a good God
to reward them. He was a man of pious and
zealous spirit, who had very faithfully endeav-
oured the suppression of a pestilent generation ;
the troublers of o-^ peace, civill and ecclesias-
tick, called Quakers."
"23. 2. 1G68. The RevJ. Mr. Richard
Mather, Teacher of the Church of Dorchester,
dyed. The Church of Boston would not let
him into their doors, when he with sundry
others waited with a letter from the Council to
y", but y« Lord soone opened his way into the
Church tryumphant."
" May 1st, 1665. Coll. Richard Nicholla
came in heer from New York, that soe all the
king's Honor"* CoiSision" being together, might
comunicate their instructions fro his !Majiy
vnto o'' Gen" Co''. Third of May being elec-
tion day, they were pleased to be a while pres-
ent in Cor', and see o"^ order in election ; show-
ing civility and courtesy. And at night gave
to the souldery that were that day on the
ground, five 20' pe» of gold. The ist day of
the Cor' there were about 70 freemen admit-
ted, sundry whereof were not members of any
p'icul'' Church, which had been the generall
rule of admission hitherto. The llonour'^
Comis" seem to be elaborit in turning every
stone to find the faults of this Collonie and
Government, and to manage them to c disad-
\antage."
Frequent fiists were kept in the different
churches to divert the mischiefs which seemed
to be too certainly plotting by the enemies of
the Country. In connection with which Mr.
Hull mentions " one thing remarkable " ;
which was the fate of the papers which had
been prepared here by the Commissioners, de-
signed, as the people believed, to compass their
ruin. — See ante, p. 372-3. Cartwright went
with these papers in a mast ship, which sailed
from Pascataqua in the summer of 1665, one
Mr. Harrison, master. Their loss has been
noticed in the page just indicated. The Gov-
ernment intended to have sent their counter
statements by the same ship, but she had sailed
before the messenger arrived at her place of
departure. This messenger was Capt. Pierce.
The desired ship was still in sight, and Capt.
Pierce used his utmost efforts, in a boat with
six oars to overtake her, but could not succeed.
The same gentleman afterwards delivered the
same papers safely in England. This preserva-
tion of documents which were considered of
the greatest consequence, and the loss of the
others to their enemies, was viewed as a re-
markable providence by the whole Country.
August 7th, 1066, Mr. Hull notes " the ar-
rival of ]Mr. Peirce with severall shipps for
masts for the King." That " Mr. Maverick
had a significavit vnder the hand of Secy Mor-
ris (but not superscribed nor sealed) , that his
Maj'y' comand was, that 4 or 5 off cheeff ("men
of note] should be sent to ans' in the Countrey'a
behalf; of which Gov. Belingham and Maj.
Hawthorn were to be two vpon their allegi-
ance." At the Gen. Court in the following
September, the " significavit" was considered.
" They concluded to write and send a present,
two brave masts, but sent no persons to ausw^
in c behalf."
May 4th. This morning a ship belonging to
Lynn, arrived from Virginia, when a very seri-
ous accident occurred, involving the loss of sev-
eral valuable lives. Tlie "great ca1)in was
blown up, instantly killing Mr. John Frecke.
Mr. Smith y« merchant dyed the same day,
Capt. Samuel Scarlet the next day ; and sun-
dry wounded sorely."
454 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1684.
the forces* ordered to be raised by Massachusetts, to be employed in
reducing that place, f They proceeded to New Haven, and there met
Governor Winthrop, who was upon the same service for Con-
Aue^lS necticut. The capitulation of the Dutch, just twelve days after
' this, as has before been mentioned, J rendered further proceed-
ings unnecessary. From New Haven they wrote § home that they could
hear nothing of the Commissioners ; that they learned by a person who
had been at New York five days before, that nothing was known about
them at that place. They supposed Colonel Nichols was at Long
Island, and proposed to proceed there immediately. They said they
could not " understand that either Conecticut or New Haven had any
orders to raise souldiers ; " and, before sealing their letter, they added
a postscript, saying, "A report here is of many gre ate guns were heard
to goe off at y' westerne end of Long Island yesterday, but y' truth is
questionable."
When the severe laws were enacted against Quakers in 1656, Mr.
Clarke and Mr. Edward Hutchinson appear to have been the only mem-
bers of the Court who opposed them. ||
He was associated with Capt, Thomas Lake in settling lands in the
Kennebeck country, and, at the close of Philip's war, he was commis-
sioned to treat with the eastern Indians, and sailed from Boston with
an armament of three vessels for that purpose. H
A society was revived at this time, which was instituted in 1657.
It was called the Scots' Charitable Society,** and, although it had had
some vitality at different periods, between its formation and 1684, it
was not incorporated until 1786. Members were admitted on the pay-
ment of twelve pence. That was the smallest sum which would admit
a member, and they were to pay six pence quarterly afterwards. This
regulation was adopted at the first meeting of the Society. It
Jan^ij ^^^ agreed at the same time, that, " for the relief of themselves
and others, to make a box, into which every one might deposite
such contribution, as God should move their hearts." Nothing was to
be taken out of the box for seven years ; " the box being yet in its
* The 200 soldiers to be raised by JNIassa- entirely wrong, that Massachusetts was very
chusetts for the Dutch expedition, were to be backward in raising the men required by the
under Capt. Hugh Mason and Capt. William Commissioners, as has been noticed, ante, p.
Hudson. 3G8.
_t " Theyjwere sent with speed to meet the % Ante, p. 369.
King's Comissioners at the ^lanatos, and iff ^ Their letter, now before me, is dated
they desired the assistance of o'^ soldiery, to " New Haven, August 15th, 1664," and
send speedy notice." This record, made at though in the autograph of Major Pinchon.
the time, and by one essentially opposed to the Major Clarke's name was signed first.
Commissioners, fully proved the inference to be |f Sec p. 345, ante.
T[ He sailed on the 25th of June,
O /-^ /? /J 1677. The residence of a Captain
(Y__/% n ' I ^ V <^ Thomas Clark was in what is now Sum-
' / "^-^yOr^-A^ mer street, in 1708. —Town R.
n v./-^ /) ** The facts concerning this Society
'/ \Jv [/ ^re taken from its publication, printed
1684.] SCOTCH CHARITABLE SOCIETY. 455
minority." The keeper of the box was to be " one of good report,
fearing God and hating covetousness ;" such an one was Robert Por-
teous ; he being the first box-keeper of the society. Exclusive of him,
there were twenty-six members the first year. * The next year but one
admission is recorded ;t in 1659, but five, J and then none till 1665,
and that year but one. From this year to 1684, there is no account of
any meeting of the Society upon its records. At the resuscitation in the
latter year, forty persons appeared and subscribed a new or additional
constitution. Of these, thirteen are denominated " strangers." §
Among those forty names, several were of considerable note afterwards.
In 1684, seventeen new members were admitted. || Original places of
residence, or places whence the members came, are given in but very
few cases. H From 1684 to 1700, there were added to the Society
about fifteen members a year, upon an average ; nor is the average
much different thence to 1774. Meetings were suspended during the
Revolution, and most of the resident members left the country and went
to Halifax, carrying off the records of the Society.
In 1696 the Society ordered " that the overseers of the poor's box
be annually chosen, the first Monday in May ; namely, a president and
an assistant, a box-master and two key-keepers." Under this organiza-
tion, James Ingles was chosen president, John Borland assistant, John
Campbell, treasurer, and Thomas Hill, key-keeper.**
On the revival of the Society in 1786, there appear to have been but
eleven persons interested, ff
* Their names were William Cosser, Alex''. || They were Mun^o Crawford, Adam John-
Simson, Geo. Thompson, James Moore, James ston, James Grant, John Melvin, Robt. Mel-
Grant, Thomas Dewer, W^. Gibson, Alex'', vin, Peter Barbour, Widow Neal, Archibald
Grant, Andrew Jameson, W">. Ballantyre, Asvin, John Anderson, W"". Arbuckle, Andrew
W™. Speed, James Lif/lish, John Clark, Peter Wilson, Jolm Smith, Thos. Moodie, Alex"-.
Grant, John Kneeland, Thos. Palsous, W"". Cole, Robt. Alexander, W™. Stewart, Sturgia
Anderson, James Webster, Thos. Shearer, John McDowall.
M'^Donald, Geo. Trumble, Alex^ Boyle, John ^ At quite a late period they are often
Bennet, James Adams, Malcolm Maktallome, given.
John Mason. ** From 1686 to 1736, the Presidents of the
f His name was Alister McDougall. Society were as follows : William Brown, 1686
i Their names were Hercules Cosser, Andrew to 1695 ; James Ingles to 1703 ; John Borland
Neil, John Livingston, Alex^ Mackcowmes to 1717 ; John Meinzies, to 1724 ; John Bor-
and Alex''. Ramsay. But one person admitted land, to 1727 ; John Campbell, to 1728 ; Capt.
in 1665 ; his name was John Johnson. Thomas Steele, to 1736 ; Dr. Wm. Douglass,
^ They were W"'. Brown, Archibald Fergu- 1736. From this time to the incorporation,
son, James Maxwell, James Fowle, Alex''. Sim- no list of presidents appear. Under the charter
son, VF'". Gibson, James Smith, John Borland, thoy are John Scollay, 1788 ; John Thompson,
John Melvin, Alex^ Logan, Andrew Cunning- 1798 ; Maj. Thos. Melville, 1799 ; Andrew
ham, Joseph Simson, James Webster, Duncan Richie, 1800; Andrew Leach, 1801; Andrew
Campbell, Hugh Mulligan, W>". Hailton, Ritchie, 1802; Wm. Clouston, 1810; James
Francis Borland, David Johnson, David Kim- Kelt, 1829; Alexr. Meldrum, 1836 ; Wra. II.
bead, W"'. Cochran, John Givan, James Stew- Wilson, 1838 ; John L. Miller, 1841 ; Wm.
art, Arthur Hoil, W"'. Jamieson, W'". Doane, H. Wilson, 1843.
John Ballantyre, James Ingles. The 13 f f That is, there are but eleven named in the
strangers were John Crawford, Donald Goban, Charter. Those wore John Scollay, James
W"'. Jairdon, Patrick Bryce, John Campbell, Thompson, James Swan, Wm. McKeen, Wm.
John Crawford, Jr., John Allardy, John Kennedy, Capt. John Young, James Graham,
Sprat, Robt. French, John Ballantyre, 1686 ; Wm. Dall, David Bruce, Andrew Drummond,
Alex'. McCulloch, Thos. McCulloch, Andrew John Looring. The same year (1780) Wm.
Malcom. The four italicized names show the Erving and Maj. Thomas Melville were admit-
same names in 1657. ted members. A few admissions of a late date
456 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1684-5.
A claim to some part of Boston by the Massachusetts Indians was
renewed this year. At what time it had been previously urged, does
not appear, nor does it seem to have been very definite. In fact it is
pretty clear that, for many years anterior to this, they had thought
nothing about any ownership in the Peninsula ; and Avhat had in-
fluenced them to pretend one at this time, is not certain. However,
the Town Authorities acted magnanimously towards the claimants, and
in Town-meeting instructed Mr. Symon Linde to purchase
whatever claim they had, either "legal or pretended," to
" Deare Island, the Necke of Bostone or any pte thereof."*
In pursuance of his instructions, Mr. Linde, with some other
Mai^^io Principal inhabitants of the Town, met the Chief of the Indians,
Wampatuck by name, but usually called Charles Josias, or
Josias Wampatuck, and his Counsellors, and amicably purchased their
interest, taking a deed of the same. Wampatuck was the grandson of
Chichataubut, who, " upon the first coming of the English, for en-
couragement thereof, did grant, sell, alienate and confirm unto them and
their assigns forever, all that Neck of land, in order to their settling
and building a Town there, now known by the name of Boston, as it is
environed by the Sea, and by the line of Roxbury, and the island called
Deer Island, about two leagues easterly from Boston, between Pudding
Point Gut and the Broad Sound, containing 160 or 200 acres ; which
have been quietly possessed by the said English for the space of about
fifty and five years last past. Wherefore, I, Charles Josias, alias
Josias Wampatuck, Sachem, and WilUam Hahaton,t Robert Momen-
tauge, and Ahawton, Senior, my Counsellors, by and with the advice
of William Stoughton and Joseph Dudley, Esquires, my near friends
and guardians, — as well as for a valuable sum of money, paid by
Elisha Cook, Elisha Hutchinson, Esquires ; Samuel Shrimpton, John
Joyliffe, Simon Lynde, John Safiin, Edward Willis, Daniel Turell,
follow: 1829, Gen. John P Boyd; 1832, "Wm. There will appear hereafter, during the
Creighton, Alexr. Roy, Thos. Jordon, John " Usurpation of Andros," some reason for the
Copp ; 1833, Thos. Leighton, James Ander- statement, that this purchase of the Indians
son, James Grant ; 1834, Alexr. McLellan, was made, on which to found a claim ; for
Thos. Pollock ; 1836, James Schooler, Alexr. when Andros asserted that the country had
Wright ; 1839, G. S. Kelt, Robert Schooler, reverted to the King, the Indian title was ad-
Wm. Schooler, T. C. Grattan, hon. ; 1841, duced, as above, as paramount to that of the
Robert Waterston, life member. Crown. To this Sir Edmund replied sneer-
* It was said by some that this purchase was ingly, that, " the signature of Indians to deeds
" got up " to give the owners of estates a better of land was of no more consequence than the
title to them than they then had ; or that such scratch of a bear's paw."
title would serve them, instead of that they f Ahaton, Ahawton, and Hahaton, are the
held under the Charter, now that they felt same surname, as likewise that of Nahaton.
sure that that instrument would be taken from William Hahaton, mentioned in the text, is
them, or declared void by the proper tribunal the same met with in a note to page 387, ante.
in England. I do not contend that such was The family of Ilahatons were Christians,
not the object of the Indian deed of Boston at Several of them were educated. This William
this time ; but this I do say, that if the Fathers wrote a fair signature in 1710. He was one
of Boston supposed an Indian _ deed would of those sent to Deer Island in Philip's war, to
weigh anything under such circumstances, prevent his joining the enemy. — Gookin. He
against any determination of the King, they died 21 July, 1717. Punkapog was their seat,
understood very little of a policy, of which Amos Ahaton was living there in 1733. Judge
they might be expected to know much. Swall's MSS., and Gen. Court Journals.
1685.] INDIAN DEED OF BOSTON. 457
Senior ; Henry Allen, John Fairweather, Timothy Prout, Senior, and
Theophilus Frarye of Boston, in behalf of themselves and the rest of
the proprietated inhabitants of the town of Boston," do warrant, con-
firm and defend the above said lands to them and their heirs forever.*
This deed Wampatuck and his Counsellors signed by their marks in
presence of William Williams and Edward Lyde. The same day they
acknowledged it before James Russell, Assistant. Wm. Stoughton and
Joseph Dudley approved the same. At that time, an Indian, called
David, son and heir of Winnepoykin, or Sagamore George, as he was
usually called, made a claim to Deer Island. This was also extin-
guished, David acknowledging a "just consideration."! His father
was Sachem of Chelsea and Lynn. Hence the claim of David. It is
not probable that any Indians have since made a serious claim to the
peninsula of Mushauwomuk, or Shawmut. |
Dr. Increase Mather was chosen President of Harvard College. He
had had much to do with the College since 1681, making weekly visits
there, " which found a general acceptance ; and the Commencements he
also managed as became a decent orator and a learned moderator. His
Church refusing to relinquish the right they had in him, he declined for
a while, to do the part of a President, and got another chosen ; § upon
whose death, in the year 1684, the Overseers with the Fellows
June 11. ^^ ^^^ College again devolved his former care upon him." He
was the first native-born President, and the College flourished
under his presidency beyond former example. It was through his ex-
ertions that valuable donations were procured for it in England.
Among others, he enlisted as a benefactor, Mr. Thomas HoUis, who,
until long after the time of President Mather, " was the greatest bene-
factor the College ever had in the world." || Mr. Mather also procured
a new Charter for the Institution, with new powers and privileges.
That of conferring degrees was one.
There came in a ship from Newcastle, which brought the news
" of the death of the King, and also that James the Second was
proclaimed. H Charles the Second died on the sixth of February, of
apoplexy, with which he was seized four days before. He was
succeeded by James Second, only surviving son of Charles
First, by Henrietta-Maria of France.
* A copy of the deed of Boston is upon rec- Indian language very perfectly, -wrote the name
ord in the Suffolk Registry, under date 1708. of this place Mushauwomuk. In 1G99, he
Vol. xxir. p. 101. It is printed in Appendix printed the " Confessions of Faith " of 1G80,
to Snow's Hist. Boston, but modernized. in English and Indian, and in the imprint of
f Samuel Shrimpton had leased Deer Island his Indian title-page, it stands in place of Bos-
of the Town. May 25th, 1685, the lease was ton. Shawmut is merely an abbreviation,
renewed to him for 18 years, from 1st March, The meaning of the name is probably free
1693-4, at £14 per annum, " to the vse of the country, free land, or land unclaimed. I have
Tree Schoole ; also is consideration of £19 paid been led to this conclusion by a comparison of
by him in behalfe of the Towne vnto Josiah certain Indian phrases with their correspond-
Sachem and other Indiana for the ratification ing English. The notion that the name signi-
of their predecessors grant of all the lands fied a spring of fresh water appears to be en-
within the Necke of Bostone, and other out tirely conjectural.
lands within the precincts thereof." — Town § Mr. John Rogers. He died 2 July 1684.
Records. \\ Remarkahles , 169-70.
X Mr. Grindal Rawson, who understood the % Sewall, in Gen. Rear., viii. 18.
58
458 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1686.
As soon as James Second was settled upon his throne, he issued
proclamations to be published in New England. These were brought
to Boston by a London ship, which also brought letters to several
^" ■ gentlemen of distinction from those high in authority, but none
to the Governor as such. In one to him, however, from Mr. "William
Blathwait, he was insultingly told that he was not written to as
Governor, forasmuch as that he now had no Government, its Charter
being vacated.
These events threw the people of Boston into considerable uncer-
tainty, as to what they were in future to expect from England. Orders
had been received to proclaim the new King, which was done
P" " • «' with sorrowful and affected pomp " at the Townhouse. The
ceremony was performed in presence of the eight military companies
of the Town, and " three A^ollies of cannon " were discharged.
The people of Boston had, indeed, much to apprehend. Their
Charter was gone forever, and what kind of a government was to be set
over them they could not tell, but they seemed to be quite sure it
would be a bad one. A Governor had been appointed, — one Col.
Percy Kirke,* — for whom the utmost abhorrence prevailed. He
had been employed to quell the rebellion, as it was called, under the
Duke of Monmouth, in which he proved himself a monster, possessing
more cruelty, if possible, than Jeffreys himself.
The death of the King prevented Kirk from taking up his abode in
Boston. This was a great relief to the inhabitants, though their fears
of future ills by no means subsided, f
* It is said, in the history of those times, that Kirk married the Lady Mary Howard, eldest
after Monmouth's defeat, "he caused 90 daughter of George, fourth Earl of Suffolk. —
wounded men to be hanged at Taunton ; that, Toulmin's Hist. Taunton, 548. He com-
at another town he invited his officers to dinner manded a regiment of foot at Tangier, and
near the place where some of the condemned had been a captain there under the Earl of
rebels were to be executed, and ordered ten of Middleton. Middleton was dead in 1674. In
them to be turned off with a health to the June, 1682, 1 find him styled " His Excellency,
King, ten in a health to the Queen, and ten Colonel Piercy Kirke," who, by the same
more in a health to Lord Jeffreys." — Life of Patent under the Great Seal, is also constituted
James II. in Kennet, iii. 438. He was after- " Vice Admiral of the Coasts there." — See
wards a Major General in Ireland, in the ser- Chamberlaine's Present State of England for
vice of William and Mary. — lb. 541. He was 1674 and 1682.
living in 1699, in June of which year he killed | One afterwards, at a safe distance from a
a son of Lord Seymour in a duel, and is sup- power he had so much dreaded, thus charac-
posed to have died soon after. Should any one terizes it : " To execute the tragedies which
desire to read the details of the most wanton were intended for New England, that cruel
barbarities which can be conceived of, attrib- and horrid and hideous Tiger, whose barbar-
uted to this_ governor of New England, he ous cruelties have rendered him famous to all
may be satisfied with what Hume, in his Eng- succeeding ages, had a commission for it, and
land, has published; but Hume's authority — was coming over with a regiment of Myrmid-
or what I presume to bo his authority — must ons, in quality of Governor. Had this Kirke
more than suffice. Tliis authority is entitled arrived, what barbarities must this people have
"^ The Western Martyrology ; or. Bloody As- expected ! " — Remarkables of Dr. I. Mather,
sizes ; " collected, if I do not misjudge, by the 97. " The religion of the Country was enough
well-known John Dunton, and published in to render it obnoxious to the rage of such a gen-
1705, and now of rare occurrence. eration as then carried all before them." — Ibid.
1686.]
JOHN DUNTON,
459
CHAPTER XLIX.
John Dunton's Visit to Boston. — Notice of Him. — His Notice of Otliers. — Mr. Burroughs. — Mr.
Wilkins. — Capt. Hutchinson. — Mr. I. Mather. — Mr. C. Mather. — Mr. Willard. — Mr. Allen.
Mr. Moody. — Mr. John and Mr. T. Baily. — Mr. John Usher. — Mr. Philips. — Mr. Brunning.
— Mr. Campbell. — Mr. Thorncomb. — Mr. Willy. — Mr. White. — Mr. Green. — Mr. Gerrish. —
Geo. Monk. — Capt. Townsend. — Mr. Jollyff. — Mr. Mortimer. — Mr. King. — Mr. York. Mr.
Heath. — Mr. Watson. — Mr. Mason. — Mr. ftlalinson. — Dr. Oakes. — Dr. Bullivant. Mr.
Gouge. — Mr. Tryon. — Mrs. Breck. — Describes a Training. — Harvard College. — Visit to Mr.
Elliot. — Natick. — Mr. Morton. — Dr. Morton. — Mrs. Hicks. — Visit to Ipswich. Mr. Hub-
bard. — Episcopalians. — They take possession of the South Meeting-house. — Build a Chapel. —
Rebuild it. — The Society broken up by the Revolution of 1776.
JOHN DUNTON was about a year a bookseller in
Boston. He was son of the Rev. John Dunton, minis-
ter at one period at Little Missinden, Buckinghamshire,
where his grandfather and great grandfather, also
named John, had been ministers. John the bookseller
became very eminent in his business, in the course of
which he found time to compose a great number of
works, most of which he printed, and they were very
popular in their time. * He was born in 1659, and
CHECKLEY.J ^y.^s inteudcd by lils fatherj for the Church; but he
was altogether too wild a youth to assume a gravity that would be a
constant lie on his countenance, and he was at length apprenticed to
the since well-known bookseller, Mr. Thomas Parkhurst, of London.
* That by which he is best known, is entitled
his " Life and Errors,'''' first printed in 1705,
12mo, again in 1818, in 2 vols. 8vo.
f John Dunton's father was twice married,
1st to Lydia Carter, who was the mother of
our John, and died the same year he was born.
His 2d wife was Mary Lake, by whom he had 4
children. John was an only child by the
first wife. He was likewise twice married, but
died, without issue, at the age of 73.
J This engraving of the Arms of Checkley is
copied from that engraved upon the tomb-
stone of Kobert Checkley, in the Granary
burying-ground. The Checkleys of Boston
were immediately from Preston Capes in North-
amptonshire. John and William were broth-
ers. John came to Boston in or before 1G48 ;
was a merchant, and agent for Robert Taynter
of London, 1059. He married Anne, daughter
of Simon Eyres, or Eires, a surgeon, 5 Mar.,
1652, and died 1 Jan., 1684-5, a. 76, leaving
issue. She died 14 Nov., 1714, and was buried
in Scituate. William was living at Preston
Capes in 1636. By Elizabeth he was
the father of Anthony, bapt. at Preston C,
31 July, 1636. Anthony came to Boston in
or before 1659, was in the employ of his uncle,
John Checkley, before named, and was the
first Attorney General of Massachusetts, under
the new Charter. He died 18 Oct., 1708, a.
72. He married Hannah, daughter of Rev.
John Wheelwright, by whom he had several
children. His daughter Hannah married
Capt. John Adams of Boston, grandson of
Henry A., of Braintree. Samuel Checkley,
bapt. at Preston Capes, 18 Nov., 1653, waa
half brother to Anthony, being son of William
by a 2d wife, Rebecca . This Samuel
was the father of the Rev. Samuel C,
of the New South Church, Boston. —
From English Records procured by my
friend, Samuel Ames, Esq., of Provi-
dence, R. I., and other sources. See
also N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg., ii. 349.
The name Checkley, as a surname, is
believed to be extinct in New England.
460 HISTORY OP BOSTON. [1686.
At the age of twenty-three he married a most amiable lady, Miss Eliz-
abeth Annesley,* daughter of the well-known dissenting Divine, Dr.
Samuel Annesley.
His book-selling establishment in London was for a long time at the
Black Raven, in Princes-street, and here on his marriage he commenced
housekeeping. In 1685, Mr. Dunton determined on a voyage to New
England, his reasons for which will be best expressed in his own words.
He says : —
" When I was thus seated to the best advantage at the Black Kaven,-
and as happy in my marriage as I could wish, there came an universal
damp upon trade, occasioned by the defeat of Monmouth in the West ;
and at this time, having ^£500 owing me in New England, I began to
think it worth my while to make a voyage of it thither."!
At Gravesend he found " a fleet bound for New England," in which
many had taken passage who had been engaged in Monmouth's cause.|
Mr. Dunton had shipped a large amount of books for Boston, and that
he might divide his risk, or, as he expresses it, " that Neptune might
have two throws at him," he put his "venture" into two ships. He
was then " in great suspense," he says, in which ship to trust himself.
However, he went in the Susannah and Thomas, Thomas Jenner, mas-
ter,§ with thirty passengers and sixteen sailors. They had been at sea
but a short time, when "the heavens grew black and louring,
Oct. 23. ^^^ every minute one would have thought the very Alps had
driven over" their heads. In that storm, one of the ships, con-
taining part of his goods, of .£500 value, was cast away and lost. The
master's name was Moulton.
They sailed from the Downes on the second of November,
and had a tedious passage to New England of about four months.
The narrative continues : " When we came within ken of Boston, we
were all overjoyed, being just upon the point of starving ; we put off
to land in the long-boat, and came ashore near the Castle, which stands
about a mile from Boston. The country appeared, at first, like a bar-
ren waste ; but we found humanity enough when we came amongst the
inhabitants. We lodged, the first night, at the Castle, and next morn-
ing we found the way to Boston lay over the ice, which was but cold
comfort. The first person that welcomed me to Boston was Mr. Bur-
roughs, II formerly a hearer of my Reverend Father-in-law, Dr. Annes-
ley. He heaped more civilities upon me than I can reckon up, —
* Mr. Samuel Wesley married another daugh- understood hia business well enough, and had
ter, and was father of the eminently dis- some smatterings of Divinity in his head. lie
tinguished John, and the well-known Charles went to prayers very constantly, and took upon
Wesley. him to expound the Scriptures, which gave of-
f Life and Errors, i. 79-80. fence to several of the passengers. The Mate
j Doubtless there are many at this day in and the Boatswain were good sailors, and made
New England who need not look to an earlier it their only study to dispute with tempests."
period than 1G85 for the emigration of their — Life and Errors, i. 88.
ancestors. || Mr. Francis Burroughs. — Life, <Src., i.
^ " A rough, covetous Tarpaulin ; but he 135.
1686.] ' MR. dunton's visit to boston. 461
offered to lend me moneys, and made me his bed-fellow till I had pro-
vided lodgings.
" As I was rambling through Boston, I met with lodgings and a
warehouse at Mr. Richard Wilkins',* whose family deserves as well of
me as any in New England. f Being thus fixed, I delivered the letters
of recommendation I had brought with me from England. I had one
from the Rev. Mr. Richard Stretton, to Mr. Staughton, the Deputy
Governor ; and Mr. Morton, of Newington Green, sent another to
Major Dudley, afterwards President, which, with other letters to the
Magistrates, had the good effect that I was made Freeman of Boston,J
though very much obliged for it to the friendship of Mr. Burroughs.
Immediately upon this, Captain Hutchinson gave me an invitation to
dine with the Governor and the Magistrates in the Town-hall. The
entertainment was very rich and noble, and the Governor, Deputy Gov-
ernor, Major Dudley, and the other Magistrates, gave me a very friendly
welcome to Boston, and kindly wished me success in my undertaking." §
He visited Mr. Increase Mather, to promote the sale of his books,
and speaks of him as the " great metropolitan Clergyman of the Coun-
try, and a master of a great stock of learning, and a very eminent
Divine." Of his son, Mr. Cotton Mather, Mr. Dunton says, "he was
then upon finishing his Magnalia Christi Americana. There is abund-
ance of freedom and familiarity in the humor of this gentleman. His
conversation and his writings are living evidences that he has read
much ; but there are many that will not allow him the prudence to
make a seasonable use of it. His library is very large and numerous ;
but had his books been fewer when he wrote his ' History,' it would
have pleased us better."
He next waited on Mr. Willard, " of the South Meeting," who, he
remarks, " is well furnished with learning and solid notions, — has a
natural fluency of speech, and can say what he pleases."
" Afterwards I went to visit the Rev. Mr. Allen. He is very humble
and very rich, and can be generous enough when the humor is upon
him. His son was an eminent minister in England, and deceased at
Northampton. Mr. Moody was assistant to Mr. Allen, and weU known
by his practical writings.
" Leaving Mr. Allen's house, I went next to visit Mr. John and Mr.
* " His person is tall, his aspect sweet and J I do not find his name recorded among the
smiling, and, though but fifty years old, his Freemen of that year ; the regular mode of
hair is white as snow. He was formerly a admitting them being then suspended. How
bookseller in Limerick, and fled hither on ac- he was qualified does not appear. In 1691, a
count of conscience, lie is a member of Mr. John Dunton was made a Freeman. — See N.
Willard's chnrch.'"— Ibid., i. 136. E. H. and Gen. Reg., iii. 352. It is not prob-
t The Author has an amusing story of some able that he was the bookseller,
"mischief" in which he was engaged, into ^ Dunton says a few words about the laws ;
which he was led by Mr. Wilkins' daughter, mentions " an English woman, who, admitting
Comfort, at whose suggestion, John says, " I some unlawful freedoms from an Indian, was
turned fortune-teller," for the Jene^^ of" Mad- forced twelve months to wear upon her, right
am Whitemore, a young lady almost run dis- arm an Indian cut in red cloth." — Life and
tracted with love." — Life and Errors,!, lid. Errors,!. 9-i. ^
462 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1686.
Thomas Bailey.* These two are popular preachers, and very generous
to strangers. I heard Mr. John upon these words, ' Looking unto
Jesus ' ; and I thought he spake like an Angel. They express a more
than ordinary kindness for Mr. Wilkins, my landlord, and (being perse-
cuted in Limerick for their Nonconformity) came over with him from Ire-
land. Reader, I might be large in their character ; but when I tell you
they are true pictures of Dr. Annesley (whom they count a second St.
Paul), it is as high as I need go."
Mr. Dunton next turned his attention to the booksellers. Mr. John
Usher was at the head of the book trade, or, according to his visitant,
" he made the best figure in Boston ; was very rich, adventured much
at sea ; had got his estate by book-selling." He proposed to buy Mr.
Dunton's stock, but they could not agree upon terms.
" Sam Philips," as Dunton familiarly writes, " was the most beauti-
ful man in Boston, — was young and witty ; very thriving ; and, if I
may trust my eyes, is blest with a pretty, obliging wife." He called
him, his "old correspondent"; and says, " I will say that for Sam,
he is very just."
Brunning, a Dutch bookseller, next received a visit from Dunton, who
calls him " Minheer from Holland," and says, "he is scrupulously
just, plain in his clothes, versed in the knowledge of all sorts of books,
and may well be stiled a complete bookseller. I found him a man of
that great interest, that I made him my partner in printing ' Mr. Math-
er's Sermon, preached at the Execution of Morgan,' who was the only
person executed in that country for near seven years."
Duncan Campbel, a Scotchman, was the next in order in the trade,
of Mr. Dunton's calls, whom he found very industrious ; " dresses a' -la-
mode, and I am told a young lady of a great fortune is fallen in love
with him." These, he remarks, were all the booksellers ; but in his next
page he mentions "Andrew Thorncomb, bookseller from London."
This person's company he says " was coveted by the best gentlemen in
Boston ; nor is he less acceptable to the fiiir sex, for he has something
in him so extremely charming, as makes them very fond of his com-
pany. However, he is a very virtuous person."
After thus summarily dispatching the booksellers, he says, " I will
next give an account of what acquaintance I had in Boston." He
begins with "Mr. Willy, brother-in-law to the Rev. Mr. Baily." Mr.
Willy " fled thither on account of conscience ; a man of a large heart.
This, Monmouth's forlorn fugitives experienced often."
Of " Mr. White " he says, he is ''a merchant, who, by trading, has
clasped islands to the continent, and tacked one country to another.
His knowledge of men and things is universal."
He then proceeds to " Mr. Green, the printer. I contracted a great
* These brothers were bom near Black- about 1675. Having been imprisoned in Eng-
bourn, in Lancashire ; Thomas, on Feb. 24th, land for their religion, they went over to Ire-
1643, who died in Boston, Jan. 21st, 1689. land, and thence to Boston ; not, however, until
Jolia was one year younger. lie died on the they had suffered a long imprisonment in that
12th of Dec, 1G97. Tliey came to Boston country also. — FunercU Sermons, hy I. Mather.
1686.] MR. dunton's visit to boston. 463
friendship with this man. To name his trade will convince the world
he was a man of good sense and understanding. He was so facetious
and obliging in his conversation, that I took a great delight in his com-
pany, and made use of his house to while away my melancholy hours.*
"Another of my acquaintances was Captain Gery,t a man as emi-
nent for his love to his country as Junius Brutus, and the famous
Scsevola among the Romans.
"Another of them was George Monk, a person so remarkable, that,
had I not been acquainted with him, it would be a hard matter to make
any New England man believe that I had been in Boston. There was
no house in Boston more noted than George Monk's, or where a man
might meet with better entertainment.|
"Another was Captain Townsend, a gentleman very courteous and
affiible in his conversation. I might here ramble to Mr. JollyflP, Justice
Lines, Macarty, and some others, but will take such of my countrymen
that have rambled into this country as well as myself, as I have come
acquainted with.
"And first, Mr. Mortimer, § who came from Ireland. He was an
accomplished Merchant, a person of great modesty, and could answer
the most abstruse points in algebra, navigation, dialling, &c.
" The next to these was Mr. King. Love was the cause of this
gentleman's long ramble hither. Sure his mistress was made of stone,
for King had a voice that would have charmed the spheres. He sang
'All Hail to the Myrtle Shade ' with a matchless grace, and might be
called an accomplished person.
"Another was Mr. York. He was very industrious, but when he
unbent the bow, he treated the fair sex with so much courtship and
address, as if loving had been all his trade.
"Another was Mr. Heath. Were I to write the character of a pious
merchant, I would as soon take Heath for an exemplar as any man I
know. He never warrants any ware for good but what is so indeed,
and makes no advantage of his chapman's ignorance. This person was
my daily visitor, and brought me acquainted with one Gove, of New
York, with whom I traded considerable.
* A tribute of unbounded admiration is paid f This name should be Gerrish, no doubt,
to Mrs. Green by our Traveller. " She well A stranger might easily mistake it for Gery, as
knew that the great duty of a wife is Love, it might have been thus pronounced in com-
Love was the reason she married Mr. Green ; mon discourse. The author mentions the
for she knew, where love is wanting, it is but name in another part of his work, where he
the carcase of a marriage. She very well knew says he visited "Mr. Gery," the minister of
how fatal Jealousy had been to many; and Wenham. Now we know Mr. JosepA Gerrish
therefore, as she took care never to harbor it was then minister at that place.
in her own breast, so she was nicely careful J There was a Mr. James Monk, merchant,
never to give her husband the least umbrage whose warehouse was "on the Town Dock"
for it." — Life and Errors, i. 104. "I one in 1743. Monk's Corner was a noted place in
day told her that ' I believed she was an ex- those days. " Jolliff's Lane " was the S. part
traordinary wife ; but Mr. Green was so good of Pudding Lane. " Maccarty's Corner " was
a man, she could not well be otherwise.' She the corner of King street and Leverett's lane,
replied, ' had her husband been a bad man, her ^ Christian name probably Edward. Ed-
duty would have been the same.'" — Ibid., ward Mortimer is found among the tax-payers
106. of 1695.
464 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1686.
*'Mr. Watson shall be the next; formerly a merchant in London,
but not thriving there, he left the Exchange for Westminster-hall ;
and in Boston is become as dextrous at splitting causes as if he had
been bred to it. He is full of fancy, and knows the quirks of the law;
but, to do him justice, he proves as honest as the best lawyer of them
all." Of a Mr, C k, "a young beau," he says, "he boasts of
more vilhiiny than ever he committed."*
"Another acquaintance is Mr. Mason,! a blunt, honest Christian ;
Avill speak his mind, take it how you please." — "Mr. Malinson is a
stiff Independent, — was one of those unfortunate gentlemen that
engaged wdth Monmouth," against James Second ; " and I am told
this day, at the Royal Exchange, he now teaches young gentlemen to
fence in Boston." " I now descend to my particular friends ; " " yet
a pair of true friends are seldomer to be found than a club of knaves."
" I will begin with
" Dr. Oakes, a religious man, and an eminent Physician. He was a
great Dissenter whilst he lived in London, and in New England retains
the piety of the first Planters. I was recommended to him by Mr.
Gillon, as also by a relation of his in Ratcliff ; and I must own the
Doctor gave me a generous welcome to Boston.
" I pass to my good friend. Dr. Bullivant, formerly my fellow-citizen
in London. I must consider him both as a gentleman and a physician.
As a gentleman, he came of a noble family ; but his good qualities
exceeded his birth. He is a great master of the English tongue, and
the Northampton people find him a universal scholar. His knowledge
of the laws fitted him for the office of Attorney- General, which was
conferred upon him on the Revolution in Boston. It is true he sought
it not ; but New England knew his worth, and even forced him to
accept of it. While he held the office, he was so far from pushing
things to that extremity as some hot spirits would have had him, that
he was for accommodating things, and making peace. His eloquence
is admirable ; he never speaks but it is a sentence ; and no man ever
clothed his thoughts in better words. His skill in pharmacy was such
as had no equal in Boston. J
" Mr. Gouge, a linen draper from London, was a son to the charita-
ble Divine of that name.§ He is owner of a deal of wit ; his brain
* The black mark set upon this almost and he did not wish to offend his modesty ! —
nameless individual may have served as a cau- Life and Errors, i. 106. He was one of those
tion to many young men who take great pleas- imprisoned with Andros, as will be seen,
ure in boasting of their depravity, by relating \ The Rev. Thomas Gouge, who died in
their criminal amorous successes. The Author 1681. Dr. Tillotson preached the sermon at
doubtless introduces C k into his book for his funeral, and the Rev. Timothy Rogers
two reasons : one, to let him know his stories wrote a Preface which accompanied his
were not credited; and the other, because he "Works," printed in 1706. — Edward Gouge,
was a large purchaser of his books. one of the Wardens of King's Chapel, waa
t Arthur Mason, I conclude. See Ante, probably the son referred to by Mr. Dunton.
p. 374. Dr. I. Mather says Mr. Thomas Gouge was a
X Upon this, and considerable more upon son of " famous Dr. Gouge, and in exemplary
Dr. Bullivant, the author says he could en- piety was not inferior to his father." — Fun.
largo, but forbore because the Dr. was his friend, Ser. on John Baily, p. 36.
1686.] MR. dunton's visit to boston. 465
is a quiver of smart jests. He pretends to live a bachelor, but is no
enemy to a pretty woman. He is High Church, yet so great a lover
of his father's ' Christian Directions,' that he bought two hundred of
me to give away, that he might, as he used to say, ' make the Bosto-
nians godly.'
" I must not forget Mr. Tryon, a man of a sweet temper, an excel-
lent husband, and very sincere in his dealings;" nor "Mr. Barnes,
who was a clerk to the Government, a matchless accomptant, a great
musician, bookish to a proverb, and very generous to strangers."
Mr. Dunton next speaks of his female friends in Boston : — " Mrs.
Green, a wife ; Madam Brick [Breck], a widow; and Mrs. Foy, party
per pale, as the Heralds say, half wife, and half widow, her husband,
a captain, being now at sea."
Among others, mention is made of a "Mrs. Brick,* a widow, the
very flower of Boston ; but can I forget Mrs. Foy ? She is another of
my friends, and one that I am proud of having so. She has the bash-
fulness and modesty of the damsel, the love and fidelity of Mrs. Green,
the wife, and the piety and sweetness of the widow Brick. "f
From the Ladies, the author turns to Arms, to give an account of a
military muster in Boston. Being a Freeman, he was of course liable
to do military duty ; " for," he says, "it is their custom here for all
that can bear arms to go out on a Training day. I thought a pike was
best for a young soldier, and so I carried a pike. This was the first
time I ever was in arms, and I knew not how to shoot off a gun, and
was as unacquainted with the terms of military discipline as a wild
Irishman. Being come into the field, the Captain called us all into
close order, in order to go to prayer, and then prayed himself. And
when our exercise [training] was done, the Captain likewise concluded
with prayer. Solemn prayer in the field, upon a Training, I never
knew but in New England."
Some time after, he visited Harvard College ; mentions some of its
endowments, and Sir Kenelm Higby, Sir John Maynerd, Mr. Baxter,
Mr. Joseph Hill, and the Rev. Mr. Theophilus Gale, as its benefactors.
* Perhaps Joannah, widow of Mr. Robert her person, the sweetness and affability of her
Breck. If so, her husband had been dead temper, the gravity of her carriage, and her
about two years. Concerning this lady our exalted piety, gave me so just a value for her,
Traveller has some attempts at wit in rather bad that Mrs. Green would often say, ' Should Iris
taste, " I have chosen," he says, " my friend die,' [the name he gave his wife] ' which Heaven
the widow Brick" [this spelling is in accord- forbid, there is none fit to succeed her but
ance with the then pronunciation, which is the Madam Brick.'" — Ibid., 108. In another
same with many at this day] " as an exemplar, place he gives an account of a journey to
to show you what a widow is. The widow Natick, to the annual Indian Lecture. " AVhen
Brick is a gentlewoman whose head {i. e., her we were setting forth," he says, " I was forced,
husband) has been cut off, and yet she lives out of civility and gratitude, to take Madam
and walks. But do not be frighted; for she is Brick behind me on horseback. It is true she
flesh and blood still, and perhaps some of the was the Flower of Boston, but, in this case,
finest that you ever saw." — Errors, i. 107. — proved no more than a beautiful sort of luggage
"To conclude her character: the beauty of tome." — Ibid., 115.
f " Is she a maid? " " "What man can answer that ? "
" Or widow ? " " No." " What then ? " "I know not what."
Saint-like she looks ; a Syren, if she sing :
Her eyes are stars ; her mind is everything Ibid., 108.
59
466 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1686.
" My next ramble," he continues, " was to Roxbury, in order to
visit the Rev. Mr. Elliot, the great apostle of the Indians. He was
pleased to receive me with abundance of respect ; and inquired very
kindly after Dr. Annesley, my Father-in-law ; and then broke out with
a word of seeming satisfliction, ' Is my brother Annesley yet alive ?
Blessed be God for this information before I die ! ' He presented me
with twelve Indian Bibles, and desired me to bring one of them over to
Dr. Annesley ; as also with twelve ' speeches of converted Indians,'
which himself had published."
Mr. Dunton next relates his journey to Natick, where he heard " Mr.
Gookins preach," and mentions two of his companions, " Mr. Cook,
with Madam Middleton [Middlecot ?] behind him ; " also some adven-
tures in their return to Boston, in the account of which he does not for-
get Mrs. Breck, " who had more charms than ever Calypso wore, when
she kept Ulysses prisoner in the chains of love." " Upon my coming
to Boston," he continues, " I heard that the Rev. Mr. Morton, so much
celebrated in England for his piety and learning, was just arrived from
England, and with him his kinsman. Dr. Morton, the physician. Mr.
Morton did me the honor to declare he was very glad to see me ; and I
am sure I was glad to see him ; not only as be brought me letters from
Iris, but for his own personal worth."*
" In the same ship with Mr. Morton came over one Mrs. Hicks, with
the valuable venture of her beautiful person, which went off at an ex-
traordinary rate ; she marrying a merchant in Salem worth thirty
thousand pounds. She was truly virtuous, and a perfect beauty."!
After this, Mr. Dunton visited Haverhill, Wenham and Ipswich. He
journeyed on horseback. " Mrs. Comfort, his landlord's daughter,
accompanying him," who, it seems had an Uncle Steward residing at
the latter place. They both rode on the same horse, in the usual style
of that time. The next day, after his arrival, Mr. Hubbard, the His-
torian, called upon him, " hearing he had brought to Boston a great
venture of learning, and afterwards took Mr. Dunton and Miss Wil-
kins to his house, and gave them a very handsome entertainment." |
* The author gives IMr. Morton a splendid on foot," he says, " like a mere Coryat." By
character, which he says everybody will allow ; which comparison he refers to Thomas Cory-
" but Sam AVesley," he says, " has fowled his ate, who published his Travels under the sin-
nest in hopes of a Bishoprick." He also adds, gular title of" Crudities hastily gobbled up,"
"Mr. Charles Morton (late of Newington Green) &c. He stopped at Capt. Marshal's, about
was that pious and learned man, by whose half way to Salem. "The Captain, a hearty
instructions my Reverend and worthy Uncle, old gentleman, formerly one of Oliver's sol-
Mr. Obediah Marriat, was so well qualified for diers, upon which he very much valued him-
the work of the ministry. To this instance I self." — Life, &c., i. 12G. Dunton had a
might add, that Mr. John Shower and other " servant," or " apprentice," who did most of
cnunent preachers owe that fame they have in his business for him in Boston. His name
the world to his great skill, in their educa- was Samuel Palmer. He had been one of tho
tion." — Life and Errors,!. 12i. " Sam Wes- "Monmouth boys," and remained in Boston
ley "was Dunton's brother-in-law, before men- when his master returned to England, not dar-
tioned, between whom there existed a feud. ing then to venture himself there. But he
t The Traveller visited Salem at the sugges- finally did return, got a place in the army, and
tion of " Mr. Scwal, one of the Magistrates," was drowned, before 1705.
who kindly oliered to assist him in the sale of J Mr. Dunton at once appreciated the
his books." So, deciding to go, " I trudged character of Mr. Hubbard. " He freely com-
1G86.] EPISCOPALIANS. 467
Mr. Dunton was now winding up his affairs, and, after a variety of
tributes to his friends, expressed in all the warmth of real affection, he
says, '• Having taken a final leave of my American friends, my stay
from Iris and my native country grew now very tedious to me ; so, put-
ting three hundred pounds (that was yet unpaid me) in Mr. Wilkins'
hands, I committed myself once more to the mercy of the ocean ; and,
to make short of it, I agreed with Mr. Samuel Leg for my passage to
England. The ship was burthen one hundred and fifty tons. There
were only two passengers (Mr. Mortimer and Mr. King) besides
myself. When the ship was ready to sail, I was attended on board by
Dr. Bullevant, ]\Ir. Wilkins, Mr. York, Mr. Gouge, Mr. Heath, Mr.
Tryon, Mr. Green, and some other of my Boston friends. The captain
entertained them with wine, beer, cyder, and neats-tongues. So soon
as ever our friends were gone off to shore, our Captain ordered all his
guns to fire, which were accompanied with Huzza's and shouts, and shak-
ing of hats, till we had lost all sight of our friends."*
The Episcopalians became permanently established in Boston in
1686. There were indeed Episcopalians, or persons supposed to be
such, seated in Mushauwomuk, and in its neighborhood, earlier than
any other sects, as will have been already seen by the reader of this
History. They had been more than once forced out of the country,
and it was not until 1664 that the Church Service was performed in
Boston without molestation. Even then, though protected by the
King's Commissioners, who had a Chaplain of that faith with them, no
permanent footing w^as established, nor was there any Church edifice
for persons of that sect in the Town. Hence, that the novelty of the
services should excite great curiosity, especially among the younger
portion of the community, who had never before witnessed anything of
the kind, is very natural. A conspicuous example of that curiosity will
be found noticed in the relation of the interment of the Lady Anne
Andros.
Ma f 14 ^^ ^^^^ return of Mr. Randolph to Boston, as is elsewhere
mentioned, there came with him Mr. Robert Ratcliflfe, an Epis-
copalian clergyman. The old Government being the next day super-
ceded, all persons residing in Boston, friendly to the English Church,
came forward, and thus a society of Episcopalians had its beginning in
the place. I
municates his learnino; to all who have the " Kind Boston, adieu ; part we must, though 't is a pity ;
happiness to share in his converse. In a word, i!l^;ro^„1rshr\S Zt^lTtZ^ZS.^,' "'''■
he is learned without ostentation and vanity, Not for joy I am gone, but for grief they can't follow."
and gives all his productions such a delicate ^'f<^ ««<^ Errors, 1. 137.
turn and grace (as is seen in his printed Ser- f Most writers place the arrival of the
mons and ' History of the Indian "Wars'), that frigate Kingfisher, which brought over Mr.
the features and lineaments of the child make Ratcliffe, on the day that the new Government
a clear discovery and distinction of the father ; went into operation. Mr. Greenwood ia
yet he is a man of singular modesty, of strict among them. — See Hist. King's Chapel, 13.
morals, and has done as much for the conver- The error is small, but is easily avoided,
sion of the Indians, as most men in New Eng- J According to a statement of Randolph,
land." — Ibid., i. 134. th'jre were now near 400 Episcopalians in Bos-
* To this parting from Boston, he adds : ton. Perhaps he included some of those whose
468 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1686.
Au<^ 21 "^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^' meetings were in private houses. At length
°" ' application was made to the officers of the South Church to be
allowed to hold their meetings in the Meeting-house of that Society ;
proposing to accommodate their times of worship to the other society.
This was anything but agreeable to the South Society. In the mean time,
Mr. William Harrison died, and was "buried with the Common Prayer
Book," which is the first time any one had been so interred in the
place.* The deceased was " a boddice maker," and was a friend of
Mr. Randolph, whose landlord he had been when Randolph formerly
resided in the Town.
Finding he was not likely to be allowed a privilege in one of the
Meeting-houses, Randolph next proposed that contributions might be
raised among the Churches to enable the Episcopalians to erect a
House for themselves. With his friend, Mr. Benjamin Bullivant, the
apothecary, Mr. Randolph waited upon Mr. Samuel Sewall, one of the
principal members of the South Church, and introduced his proposal for
a contribution in that society ; but, as Judge Sewall relates, the
gentlemen "seemed to goe away displeased, because he spake not up
toit."t
Such were the affairs of the Episcopalians on the arrival of
the frigate Kingfisher, which brought over Sir Edmund Andros,
who, the next day after his arrival, applied for one of the Meeting-houses, in
which to perform religious services. A Society had, in the mean while,
June 15 ^^^^ regularly organized, as its records show, by the following
■ persons who were present: "Mr. Ratclilfe, the minister, Ed-
ward Randolph, Esq., Captain Lydgett, Mr. Luscomb, Mr. White, Mr.
Maccartie, Mr. Ravenscroft, Doctor Clerke, Mr. Turfery, Mr. Bankes
and Doctor Bullivant." These agreed that " a publique collection"
should be made every Sunday, " and to be continued untill some pub-
lique and settled provision be made for the Minister." Dr. Bullivant and
Mr. Richard Bankes were elected Churchwardens, and Mr. Randolph,
Capt. Lidgett, Mr. Luscomb and Dr. Bullivant with Mr. Ratcliffe, were
appointed ' ' to wayte on the President and Councell to treat about the
Church affaires."! ^^ pursuance of this the Committee waited upon
MaY20 "y^ Council. Mr. Mason and Mr. Randolph propose y' he
[Mr. Ratcliffe] may have one of y"* three Houses to preach in.
That is denyed ; and he is granted the east end of y*" Town-house,
where y^ Deputies used to meet, until those who desire his ministry
shall provide a fitter place." § This room contained a library.
Hence it appears that the first regular meeting-place of the Episco-
curiosity was strongly enough excited to cause shall be paid 4s. 8d." Also to pay him " 205.
tlicir attendance at the meetings several times, quarterlie for cleaneing, placeing and remove-
* Sewall 's Dianj in Hohnes, i. 421. ing y^ Pulpit, Formes, Table, &c., and dooing
t I^id- ^ all other things wliich shall be convenient and
;}: At the same time, "Agreed that Mr. necessary in our place of publique assembling."
Smith the joyner do make 12 formes for the — Greenwood, 2i.
service of the Church, for each of which he ^ Sewall in Wisncr, 93.
1687.] EPISCOPALIANS OCCUPY THE SOUTH CHURCH. 469
pal Society was in the Town-house. Their second meeting was
" ■'^ ' on the since memorable Fourth of July, when it was agreed to
pay Mr. RatclifTe fifty pounds per annum, salary, besides what the
Council might think fit to settle on him. It was also agreed that, if
Mr. Buckley, the Chaplain of the Rose Frigate, was disposed to assist
him,* he should have twenty shillings a week.f
From the manner of Gov. Andros, on being waited upon and re-
monstrated with, it was hoped, and perhaps expected, that he would
not press the demand to occupy one of the Churches. But in this they
were disappointed. J Randolph, in the mean time, had no
Mar 23 ^mall sharc, it is presumed, in the Governor's determination ;
for in the following March he sent this very obnoxious individual
to demand the key of the South Church, " that they may say prayers
there." Before a compliance with the demand, however, a committee
waited on his Excellency to remonstrate, consisting of "Mr. Elliot,
Frarye, Oliver, Savage, Davis and Sewall." They stated to him that
they could not " part with their house for any such use ; " that the
House and the land were theirs, producing extracts from Mrs. Norton's
deed, showing, "how 'twas built by particular persons, as Hull,
Oliver, one hundred pounds apiece, &c."
This remonstrance availed nothing, and two days after the Episco-
palians performed their services in the South Church. § They
' ' " ■ continued to occupy it from this time till the Revolution in
1689, as often as they had occasion. It may be, that the reason the
people surrendered their House so quietly, was an implied condition
that they should not be disturbed in their own religious privileges. 1|
* At the same time he had an assistant dolph to make use of one of the three Meeting-
named Clark, or Clarke, aboutwhose Christian houses, Judge Sewall entered as follows in his
name there is some uncertainty. Mr. Green- Journal : " Tuesday, Dec. 21. There is a
wood thinks it was Josiah, which ia probably meeting at Mr. Allen's of y« Ministers and four
correct. Judge Sewall speaks of one of Mr. of each Congregation, to consider what answer
Clarke's long sermons thus: " March 27, to give to y= Governor; and 'twas agreed
Gov and his retinue met in our meeting at y' could not with a good conscience consent y'
11 ; broke off past 2, because of y^ Sacrament our Meeting-houses should be made use of for
and Mr. Clarke's long sermon, though we y« Common prayer worship. Dec. 22. In y«
were apointed to come half hour past one ; so evening Mr. Mather and Mr. Willard thorough-
't was a sad sight to see how full y= street was ly discoursed his Excellency about y^ Meeting-
with people gazing and moving to and fro, bee. houses, in great plainness, shewing they could
had not entranc into y^ house." — Diary in not consent. This was at his lodging, at Mad-
Wisner, 94. amo Taylor's."
f Records of King's Chapel in Greenwood. ^ " Friday, March 25 [New-year's day then],
These persons are named as being present at the Govr. has service in y= South Meeting-
the second meeting, besides those who attended house. Goodman Needham, tho' had resolved
the first : "Mr. Proctour, Mr. Stephen Wes- to the contrary, was prevailed upon to ring y«
sendunke, Mr. Thomas Brindley, and Mr. bell and open y door at y« Governor's com-
Mallett." — Ibid. 25. At this meeting it was mand ; one Smith and Hill, joiner and shoe-
" Agreed tliat the prayers of the Church be maker, being very busy about it. Mr. Jno.
said every AVednesday and Friday in the yeare Usher was there, whether at y« very begining
(for the present, in the Library chamber in the or no I can't tell." — Sewall.
Town-house in Boston), and in the summer || Upon the proceedings of Andros, in thus
season to beginne at 7 of the clock in the infringing the rights of the peoj^le of the South
morning, and in the winter at nine of the Church, Mr. Greenwood remarks: "In look-
clock in the forenoon." — Ibid. 26. ing back on this event, we are obliged to con-
X After the application or proposal of Ran- sider it, though not of itself of great politica
470
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1689.
The Episcopalians kept constantly in view the erection of a Church
for themselves. Judge Sewall was several times applied to to sell a
piece of land at Cotton Hill,* to be improved for that purpose ; but
his consent could not be obtained; because, he said, " he would not
set up that which the people came from England to avoid ; and, besides,
the land was entailed." However, a site was obtained, and a Church
erected before the forcible ejectment of Andros and his satellites from
Boston, t
The first Church was built by contributions throughout the country ;
the Government being first applied to for " liberty and authority," for
persons authorized to receive donations, "to pass through the whole
territory of his Majesty in New England." | The business of raising
money being thus approbated, it was no doubt prosecuted with energy,
though almost two years elapsed before a house was so far finished as
to accommodate the Society. Then it was recorded, that £2^Q had
been contributed by ninety-six individuals. The house had then
1689.
July 4
been built, at a cost of about <£284.
Whether this account in-
cluded thirty-five shillings, paid to Mr. William Smith for
" benching " of it, it is not clearly stated. How the Society obtained
the land on which the Church stood, has not been discovered, but it is
not at all improbable that it was taken by
order of Governor Andros out of the com-
mon burial-place, which was given to the
Town by Mr. Isaac Johnson. It was of
wood, and stood upon part of the ground
now occupied by the present edifice, at the
, north-east corner of Tremont and School
streets. The Revolution was a sensible
check upon the prosperity of the Society,
and their House had no pews up to 1693 ;
in that year the officers of Sir Francis
Wheler's fleet which put into Boston to
recruit, made up a donation for the Church
FIRST EnSCOPAL CHUHCH.^
importauce, as one of the most arbitrary acts
ever perpetrated in this country, while it re-
mained under the English government. No
excuse is to be rendered for it. It was such a
deliberate outrage on the common rights of
property, to say nothing of conscience and
liberty, that we may only wonder that Andros
and his abettors suffered no personal violence
from the people." — Hist. King's Chapel, 39.
* Cotton Ilill was an eminence near the
southerly termination of Pemberton Square, and
nearly opposite the gate of King's Chapel
Burying-ground. The Rev. John Cotton re-
Bided near it, and hence its name.
I Francis Nicholson, Lieut. Governor of N.
York, in a letter to Andros, dated New York,
Nov. 15th, 1688, says, " j\Iy humble service to
all our friends and acquaintance, and I hope
the little Church and its Parson are both well.
You have taken away all the old Acts, bookes
of Council, and bookes of Pattens; soe people
comeing to have coppies from these bookes.
they not being here, you loose by it." — W. B.
Trask /rom Mass. Archives.
X Greenwood, 25. The application to the
Government was ordered at the second organ-
ized meeting, July 4tli, 1686.
^ From an old view of Boston, published in
1720 ; giving also a good view of Beacon Hill,
then very nearly in its primitive state.
1689.] king's chapel. 471
of fifty-six pounds. The next year pews were built at an expense of
eighty-five pounds.*
Between 1710 and 1713, the old Church was rebuilt and enlarp^ed
to twice its original size. Mr. Thomas Brattle gave an organ f when
it was finished. A clock was given in 1714.
No account of the dedication of the first Church has been found, but
1687. the first meeting in it is fixed upon the last day of June, which
June 30. .^j^g Sunday. The second building stood until 1753, when, on
the second day of April, it was begun to be taken down. Another was
completed on the same site, and opened for divine service on the twenty-
first of August, 1754. The amount expended in its erection and em-
bellishment, up to June, 1758, was <£7405, sterling. It has not since
undergone any essential alteration in its exterior appearance. J
Upon the great American Revolution in 1776, the Episcopal Society
was broken up. Many of its most important supporters were royalists,
who fled from Boston, and with them their minister, the Rev. Dr.
Caner, and their house was shut up. Here was a period in the history
of this Society of singular interest. It commenced its career by forci-
bly taking possession of the South Meeting-house ; and it was now
compelled to abandon its own. The King's troops had desecrated and
spoiled that house, as has been related heretofore ; that Society were
now accommodated in the King's Chapel, and continued to be for near
five years. Its name was changed to Stone Chapel, in conformity with
other changes, which grew out of a hatred to kingly authority.
It has continued to be so called to this day, by a majority of the
old inhabitants and their immediate descendants. The name of
King's Chapel is, however, applied to it by many. On the accession
of Queen Ann, some called it Queen's Chapel. If it is to be named
* The first house was provided with a bell f This was, no doubt, the first organ in Bos-
in 1G89, as appears by the following entry in ton. A Mr. Price was the first Organist, and
the Records : " July 23. By cash paid for our a Mr. Edward Enstone was the second. He
Church Bell to Mr. John Butler, by Mr. Fox- came from London in 1714, at which time he
croft, £13, 5s." was " living next door to ISIr. Masters' on
The wardens for the first few years were Tower Hill." His salary was small, but £30 ;
T> ■ • T. 11- 4. J r.- 1- J T> , i,.or. n yet, "with dancing, music, &c.," it was
Benjamin Bullivant and Kicliard Banks, 1086-7. Xu ui. -j. ii„ \ ij\ v ? /^t.
Francis Eoxcroft and Samuel Ravenscrott, 1G89. ^J'^^f^* '* ^''''^'^ ^nswev. —HtSt. King's Chap-
Benjamin Mountfort and Giles Dyer, 1090. ^', 74-5.
Savill Simpson and Harry Clark, 1691. % A list of the Rectors or Ministers from the
Nicholas Tippet and Edward Gouge, 1692. beginning to the time of Mr. Greenwood : —
William Hobby and George Turfrey, 1693.
Thaddeus Maccarty and Thomas Foxcroft, 1694-5. Robert Ratclifife, Rector, 1686, left, 1689.
Giles Dyer and Benjamin Mountfort, 1C96. Robert [1] Clarke, Assistant, 1G86.
Giles Dyer and Shubal Simpson, 1697. Samuel Myles, Rector, 1689, died, 1728.
George Turfrey and John Indicott, 1698. George Uatton, Assistant, 1693, left, 1096.
John Indicott and William Hobby, 1699. Christopher Bridge, " 1699, remd. 1706.
William Hobby and East Apthorp, 1700. Henry Harris, « 1709, died, 1729.
East Apthorp and Edward Lyde, 1701. Roger Price, Rector, 1729, resigned, 1746.
Edward Lydo and Samuel Checkley, 1702-3. Charles Harwood, Assistant, 1731, died, 1736.
Addington Davenport, " 1737, left, 1740.
The oflicers of the Society were increased, in Stephen Roe, «< 1741, removed, 1744.
1G99, by the appointment of Vestry men. The Henry Caner, Rector, 1747, left, 1776.
first were "Francis Foxcroft, Thaddeus Mac- Charles Brockwell, Assistant, 1747, died, 1755.
karty, Thomas Newton, Giles Dyer, Beni. ^"'^^ Troutbeck, " 1755, left 1775.
Tvr *^i.r i. T u n 1 o -ii o- "^ ' t-,N James Freeman, reader, 1782, died, 18.!.).
Mountfort, John Cooke, baviU Snupson, Ed- Samuel Gary, Associ. Minister, 1809, died, 1815.
ward Lyde and Edward Turfrey." E. W. P. Greenwood, " 1824, resigned, 1842.
472
HISTORY OF BOSTON.
[1686.
THE STONE CHArEL.
^ according to the prevailing , Government over
. the country, it should now be called the United
^ States Chapel.
^^ Overseers of corders of wood, Jeremiah Fitch,
J John Goffe, John More, John Lowell, John Bull
and Thomas ShepcoU. Fined for not serving as
Constables, "Mr. Joseph Parsons, Mr. Edward
Brumfield, Mr. Benj. Alford and Mr. Humphry
Luscombe."
CHAPTER L.
Death of Joseph Redknap. — Joseph Dudley President. — Colonial Seal. — Edmund Andros Gov-
ernor. — Town Affiiirs. ■ — Muddy River taken from Boston. — Number of persons taxed. — New
Order about Marriages. — People excessively taxed. — Their Lands declared forfeited to the King. —
Town Meetings forbid by Andros. — The King grants Toleration. — Andros forbids Thanksgiving.
— Mather's Embassy to the King. — Andros attempts to hinder it. — He goes against the Eastern
Indians. — Indian Hostages. — Andros continues his Oppressions. — Death of his Lady. — Wins-
low imprisoned. — The People take up Arms. — The Governor and others seized and imprisoned. —
The old Government restored. — News of the Revolution in England. — Joyously celebrated. — An-
dros and others sent prisoners to England.
JOSEPH REDKNAP died this year, aged, as was
supposed, one hundred and ten years. He had
been a wine cooper in London, and came over
here in or before 1634, as in that year he was
made a freeman. f
The Rose frigate arrived from England,
bringing a Commission appointing Joseph
Dudley, Esq., President of New England, § and
May! 14.
COLONY SEAL.
* Being now more
generally knoAvn
by this name than
by that of King's Chapel, I have so designated
the engraving which represents it at the pres-
ent day. To avoid confusion and prevent mis-
takes, a single name is desirable to the same
object. It matters but little what the name is,
60 long as uniformity is attained. The Phila-
delphians are remarkable for having double
names to some of their streets, to the no little
annoyance of strangers.
f Hutchinson, i. 341 ; Gen. Reg., iii. 93. In
the list of freemen his name is spelled Red-
nape. A Benjamin Rednap was a freeman of
Lynn, 109 1. He was, perhaps, a son of Jo-
seph, whose death is recorded in the text, and
who, according to Mr. Lewis, had 40 acres of
land granted to him in Lynn in 1638. The
latter author records his death from Sewall's
Diary, "23 Jan. 1G8G," which should proba-
bly b _ _ _ _
who testified concerning affairs of Lynn in 1657,
he was then only " about 60."
I At a Town-meeting the same day Capt.
Pen Townsend was chosen Deputy to the Gen-
eral Court, in place of Mr. Isaack Addington,
who was elected a Magistrate. At the regular
meeting on the 9 March preceding, Mr. Ad-
dington, Mr. John Saffin, and Capt. Timothy
Prout, had been chosen Deputies.
^ John Dunton was at this time selling books
in Boston, and in his Life and Errors (ii. Ill)
thus notices this arrival : — " About this time
[he has no date] arrived the Rose frigate from
England, with a new Charter, procured by one
Randal [Randolph] which gave Major Dudley
the title of President, and the Magistrates
.j;(n)&3iE^:iri£i 'jjDWii^irjii^T.
1686.]
DUDLEY S PRESIDENCY.
473
May 25.
certain gentlemen to be of the Council. * Mr. Dudley was not popular,
inasmuch as he had recommended an early compliance with Mr. Ran-
dolph's requirements, and had been in correspondence with him, and
now, no doubt, was chiefly indebted to him for this mark of the
King's favor. . The people, however, submitted more quietly to him
as a Royal Governor, having lately had so near a prospect of one,
though not an African, quite as much to be dreaded as any native mon-
ster from the deserts of that barbarous country. f
" The President and Council being assembled^ the exem-
plification of the Judgment against the Charter of the late
Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay, together with his
Majesty's Commission of Government were publicly read," J and re-
ceived with a sort of feigned satisfaction.
A new order of things was, of course, expected to take place. The
old Colonial Seal, which had been in use from an early date, was no
longer to be attached to documents. It was made of silver, and pre-
pared in England by the Massachusetts Company, and sent over to
Governor Endicott in 1629, and was used by him before Boston was
settled by the Second Colony under Mr. Winthrop.§
Mr. Dudley's Presidency was a very brief one, and it does not ap-
pear that there was any good reason for his being found fault with.
Civil affairs went on in a channel as near the former one as the nature
of the new arrangement in the government allowed ; and, as to reli-
gious concerns, they were not at all disturbed.
Sir Edmund Andros assumed the government on his arrival. ||
He lodged on his first coming into town, probably, at the house
of Mr. Gibbs, at Fort Hill. IF The people of Boston had had some
Dec. 20.
were changed into Counsellors. Parson Rat-
eliife came over •with the Charter, and on
Lord's-day read the Common Prayer in his sur-
plice, and preached in the Town-house. He
was an eminent preacher, and his sermons
were useful and well dressed. I was once or
twice to hear him ; and it was noised about
that Dr. Annesley's son-in-law was turned
apostate. But I could easily forgive them, in
regard the Common Prayer and the Surplice
were religious novelties in New England."
* Mr. Dudley's commission made him Presi-
dent of the Council for Massachusetts Bay, N.
Hampshire and Maine, and the Naraganset
country, or King's Province. Wra. Stoughton
was named Deputy President ; Simon Brad-
street, Robt. Mason, John Fitz Winthrop,
John Pynchon, Peter Bulkley, Edward Ran-
dolph, Wait Winthrop, Richard Wharton,
John Usher, Nathl. Saltonstall, Barthol. Ged-
ney, Jona. Tyng, Dudley Bradstreet, John
Hinks, and Edward Tyng were named as Coun-
cillors. Mr. Brad-
street and his son
Dudley Bradstreet,
declined. — Hutch-
inson, i. 351.
t See a Note in Hutchinson, i. 341.
X See Tully's Almanack for 1687. But in
the Almanack it is said that the reading of the
Commission, &c., was " received by persons of
all conditions, with general acceptance."
§ The accompanying engraving at the head of
the Chapter accurately represents it, though of
but half the size of the original. It is supposed
to have been destroyed in the time of Andros.
II He came in the Kingfisher, a fifty gun
frigate. Judge Sewall wrote in his Diary,
" Dec. 24. About 60 red coats are brought to
town, landed at Pool's wharf, where drew up,
and so marched to Mr. Gibbs' house at Fort
mil.'" — Holmes' Annals, i. 419.
^ Mr. Robert Gibbs. His house was of
stone, and one of the best in the Town. He
was the father of ^Ir. Henry Gibbs, who re-
moved to Providence, and of Mary, wife of the
Rev. John Cotton of Newton. Robert Gibbs
was dead in 1686. Soldiers were quartered in
his house for a year and a half, for which his
heirs claimed £87, 10*. rent and damages, in
1739. — Original Docmts. The street or alley
on which his house was situated, was called
Gibbs' Lane. This lane extended easterly from
the east end of Cow Lane (High street) to the
water, terminating not far from a wharf, long
known as Gibbs' wharf.
474 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1687.
knowledge of Andros. He had been here before, and they had, per-
haps, as much respect for him as for Mr. Dudley. His proceedings at
first gave some confidence that his government would not be altogether
unsatisfactory.
The " standinge charge" of Boston in 1686, was "about £400
per annum ; above £200 of which is in maintaining three Free Schools,
mending the high wayes," in the Town, at Rumneymarsh and Muddy
River. The rest is expended in paying for various services, "to the
poore people that are not like to get their liueings as long as they doe
line ; besides clothinge, burying y*' poore, and giueinge to peoples neces-
sities transientlie, repaire the Townehouse and schoole houses, main-
taininge poor people when they are sicke, blowing vp of houses, &c."*
In the beginning of the last year the inhabitants of Muddy River
moved in Townmeeting that they might be freed from taxes, for that
they desired to apply their amount of tax to the maintenance of a
writing school. In January of this year, the new Government
of the Colony, in answer to a petition from Muddy River,
" ordered, that, hence forth the said Hamlet of Muddie River, be free
from town rates to y^ Towne of Bostone ; they maintaing their own
high ways and poore, and other publique charges, amongst themselues ;
and that within one yeare they raise a schoole-house, and also main-
taine on able readinge and writinge master ; and that the inhabitants
annuallie meete to choose three men to manage their affairs." f
^^ g^ The taxable polls of the Town, from sixteen years of age
^^' ^ ' and upwards, were 1447. J
Meanwhile the new Governor iDcgan to give evidence that he in-
tended to effect a complete change in affairs. One of his first acts
was to put the Press under restraint, over which he appointed his
Secretary, Randolph, Licenser. This, however, was no new grievance,
but to put it into the hands of a man whom the people believed to be
their enemy in everything, was sufficient to cause a general rankling
among feelings already much irritated. § He proceeded to make a new
order concerning marriages, and intended to bring about a law making
no marriage valid, not solemnized by a minister of the Church of Eng-
land. Fees of office were enhanced to an insufferable rate. For the
probate of a will, fifty shillings were exacted. With four or five of his
Council, the Governor assessed such taxes as he thought proper. Poor
people, women and children, were obliged to come to Boston from re-
* " There is appointed by Authority, a Mar- ^ Three weeks before the arrival of Andros,
ket to be kept in Boston, and a Committee is his secretary, Randolph, ordered Mr. Samuel
ordered to meet and state the place and days. Green the printer, to print nothing without his
and other circumstances relating to the good approbation. The order was signed by " Ben.
settling thereof." — Tully's Almanack for BuUivant," in which it was said he must
1687. not print "any Almanack whatever." — See
t This order was signed " Edward Randolph HolmesMnna/s, i. 420. But Mr. Green did
Sect." " Benjamin Bullivant, late Gierke of print an Almanack for the year 1686, and I
y Councell " witnessed it. have seen and used one of them.
X A list of them " on ten sheets of paper " 1686-7. The Selectmen to appoint chimney
is spoken of in the Town Records. That list sweepers, and none else to be allowed to sweep
is not, probably, preserved. them.
1687.] ADMINISTRATION OF ANDROS. 47,
mote places upon all the business connected with the settlement o:
estates.
A plan was hit upon by Andros and his ill advisers, to extort mone
from the people, which, could he have succeeded in it, would have grati
tied his avarice, which seems to have been as much his ruling passio
as cruelty was that of Colonel Kirke. But happily any passion car
ried to excess defeats its own objects. Andros mistook the characte
of the people here. They were not to be insulted with impunit}
They had not grown up 'believing that all power emanated from th
King, or that his vicegerent could not be called in question for act
clearly against all reason, even though he might construe the law t
suit his purposes. Andros' plan of aggrandizement was no other tha
this. It was to declare all the landholders tenants at will. His argu
ment backed up by the King would have answered his designs. Bu
his King, not being able to back up his title to his Crown, his claim t
it and the arguments of Andros shared the fate of all tyrannical iniqui
ties. The sum of Andros' argument was, that as the people hel
their lands by a Charter from the Crown, and as they had forfeite
that Charter, they had forfeited their possessions under it.* This was
indeed, an alarming conclusion, and what would have been the result
had James the Second continued on the throne of England, it is no
difficult to decide. Such a King, with such a General as Kirke ha^
proved himself to be, submission first, and the gallows next, wer
about alike certain.
Under such prospects a free people Avould be very likely to be in
state of desperation. They were even so at that time, but their nerve
were steady, as in the sequel will appear.
Meanwliile James Second was making rapid strides in arbitrar
power, then perfectly consistent with Popery, with which he was thor
oughly imbued. Andros and Kirke were reputed to be of the sam
faith, but neither of them, probably, cared a straw's worth about an
religion further than was necessary to keep upon terms with thei
master.
The immediate affairs of the Town, during the administration o:
Dudley and Andros, seem to have been almost neglected, as it appear
from the records. f Some were discouraged, and others knew not wha
to do. A despotism was staring them full in the face. They kne^^
* Andros' object was to grant new titles to charges of patenting the lands at the hanc
estates himself, for which he was to receive of these crocodiles ; besides the considerab]
such foes as he chose to demand. " Accord- quit-rents for the King. Indeed, the bruitis
ingly "Writs of Intrusion were issued- out things done by these iviJd beasts of the earti
against the chief gentlemen in the Territory ; are too many to be related." — Mather's Jf?(
by the terror whereof many were driven to pe- markables, 101.
tition for patents, that they might enjoy their f " Sir Edmund Androsse, with a few of h:
lands, which had been 50 or 60 years in their Council, made a law prohilaiting any Towr
possession. But for these patents there were meeting, except once a year, viz. : on the thir
such exorbitant prices demanded, that £50 Monday in May." — The Revolution in i>
could not purchase for its owner an estate not Eng. Justified, p. 12. The Town Record
worth £200 : nor could all the money and show this to be true, or rather their absenc
moveables in the Territory have defrayed the shows it.
476 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1687.
not what would be law to-morrow, or whether there would be any law
save the will of an unprincipled despot. The General Court had been
abolished, and hence the people had no voice in any public measures.*
In the midst of this state of things Andros received an additional
Commission, adding New York to his government. This Commission
he caused to be published from the balcony of the Town-house. Not
long after he received the news of the birth of a Prince, and thereupon
ordered a general Thanksgiving, which was to take place on the first
of September. A special order was sent to *' Mr. Cotton Mather " to
read the Proclamation to his congregation, f
The only good act for which James Second has credit in New Eng-
land, was his "Declaration of Indulgence," or an order for universal
toleration in matters of religion. J This displeased Andros in proportion
as it pleased the people ; and he was bitter against Mr. Increase Mather
for his agency in causing an address of thanks to be sent to the King
for his Declaration. His hatred of Mr. Mather did not begin at this
time. That Minister had been looked upon all along as the cause of
opposition to his measures, and not only to his, but to those of all the
King's officers hitherto. Now, his wrath was at its height, and he
seemed determined to be revenged on him whom he considered the
leader of the people. §
Soon after the King's "Declaration" was received, the Churches
of Boston agreed to keep a Day of Thanksgiving on the account of
that event. This so irritated Governor Andros, that he forbid such a
demonstration, and threatened to set guards of soldiers at the doors of
the Churches if it should be attempted. ||
Encouraged by what James had lately done for religious liberty,
many of the "superior people" thought there was a prospect of ob-
taining from him some special favor for New England, if they were to
send over a suitable person to intercede with him. This it was con-
cluded should be done, and Mr. Mather was at once pitched upon as
the messenger. In the mean time Randolph had succeeded in bring-
ing Mr. Mather into difficulty, which happened in this wise. Mr.
* Randolph, writing to some friend, said they eternal farewell of him, with relating that he
were now become as arbitrary as the great proved a Blasted Wretch, followed with a sen-
Turk. — Hutchinson. sible curse of God wherever he came ; despised,
t The Proclamation and Order are inserted abhorred, unprosperous ; anon he died in Vir-
in Hutchinson, i. 372. ginia, and in such miserable circumstances,
% '_' By this general indulgence Popery was that (as it is said) , he had only tvro or three
craftily to be introduced. Mr. Mather and his Negro's to carry him unto his grave." — Be-
constituents were not Politicians sufficient to markahles, 107. This perhaps refers to Andros.
penetrate into the wicked and pernicious con- It will be well to observe, in connection witli
trivance of that toleration." — Douglass, Sum. this, that Andros did not die in Virginia. He
i« 440. -vv^as appointed Governor of that Province in
§ Dr. Cotton Mather speaks with great bit- 1G92, in which office he continued six years ;
terness of Andros. But against Randolph he and that he appears to have met with no diffi-
is more than bitter. His denunciations are culty there ; having, no doubt, learned, by his
highly characteristic of their author : — " O, experience in Boston, that Colonists could not
Randolph ! I said a good while ago, that I easily be made slaves of. He died in London,
should have a forther occasion to mention him, in February, 1714. — Hutchinson, ii. 208.
I have now done it; and, that I may never Allen, Biog. Diet.
mention him any more, I will here take my || See Jiemarhables, 103. 111.
1687.] Mather's embassy to the king. 477
Mather had been very active in all measures against the surrender of
the Charter, and had published reasons against it ; but he managed his
opposition with so much prudence that his enemies could not get any
legal hold upon him. At length a letter was forged under his name,
and being directed to some person in Amsterdam, was pretended to be
intercepted in its passage thither. And, as it reflected on Sir Lionel
Jenkins, and contained passages calculated to incense the King and his
ministers against the Country, it was used by Randolph for that pur-
p:^3e.* The forgery was believed to be the work of Randolph and a
brother of his,! and Mr. Mather so expressed himself in a letter to a
correspondent. This charge of Mr. Mather coming to Randolph's ears,
he at once brought an action of slander against the Author of it ; lay-
ing his damages at five hundred pounds. It came to trial ; Randolph
lost his case, and had to pay the costs of court. Notwithstanding, by
some means not stated, he commenced the action anew, and a writ was
out for the arrest of Mr. Mather, as he was just ready to sail on his
mission ; J but he was secreted by his friends, and at length went on
A ril 7 ^^^^'^ ^^^ ^^^^P prepared to convey him, in the night, disguised,
and thus thwarted the design of his implacable enemy. §
Mr. Mather took with him his youngest son, Nathaniel, then about
eighteen years of age. As their ship approached the English coast,
" they narrowly escaped perishing among the rocks of SciUy." And
soon after they were near being wrecked by following the false infor-
mation of some fishermen. II However, he soon after landed safely at
* " There were many passages in favor of assisted by one 'potheeary Bulliyant, a memo-
Ferguson, Lord Shaftsbury, Gates, &c. Sir rable Justice (and something else !) privately
Lionel Jenkins either suspected the forgery, or sent an officer to arrest him once more upon
treated the thing with contempt, asking vrhether the former action of defamation. But it fell
it was that Star-gazer wrote it. (Referring to out that he was just then under the operation of
Mr. Mather's then late treatise on comets.) " — a more Vfho\esom.e physic than what that 'pothe-
Hutchinson, i. 366. Sir Leoline Jenkins died cary had sent him ; and so the officer was igno-
1 Oct., 1685. — Grander. rantly denied admittance. The 'potheeary as
1 1 have made no researches respecting the ignorantly reported that Mv. Mather was ar-
family of Andros. There was a Captain Elisha rested ; and the report flying like lightning
Andros in the Indian wars of 1690, &c. Far- about the solicitous Town, it soon reached Mr.
mcr does not mention him. Sir Edmund's Au- Mather's ears ; who then kept upon his
tograph is subjoined. guard." — Remarkables, 106-7.
§ " Mr. Mather withdrew privately from
his house, in a changed habit, unto the house
of Col. Philips in Charlstown ; in which
withdraw, it is remarkaltle, that a wicked fel-
low, whose name was Thurton, and who was
placed as an undersheriff, to watch him, and
seize him, if he stir'd abroad, now saw him
% It appears from Mr. Mather's biographer and knew him, and yet found himself struck
that the new action was brought purposely to with such an enfeebling terror, that he had no
prevent his mission to England, and that ]Mr. power to meddle with him. From thence he
Mather himself had communicated his design was, by certain well disposed young men of his
to Andros. It is related as follows: — "He flock, transported unto Winnesimmet ; and
waited on Sir Edmund Andross, the Governor from thence he went aboard a ketch, which
and Oppressor of New England, and acquainted lay ready to assist his voyage ; from which he
him that he designed a voyage to London. He was, on April 7th, 1688, gladly received aboard
also gave the Country notice of his voyage, in the ship, called the Proesident, on which he
a sermon at the Great Lecture, on Exod. xxxiii. had at tirst shipped himself, and so bore away
15. If tluj presence go not with us, carry us for England." — Remarkables, 107-8.
not up from hence. Hereupon Randolph again, || " Some very wicked fishermen of St. Ives,
478 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1687.
Ma G Weymouth, " which was the last town he lodged in when he
left England seven and twenty years before."
^^ On the twenty-fifth of May he arrived in London, and five
^ ~'^' days after had an audience with the King, "in the Long Gal-
lery at Whitehall." And not long after, two or three other confer-
ences, in all of which, according to the report given of them, "his
Majesty" was -full of good words, and appeared kindly disposed to-
wards New England, while at the same time his sincerity was doubted.
And, as will be observed, his fiiir speeches amounted to nothing ; not-
withstanding Mr. Mather had the advice and help of persons of influ-
ence in England, as well as the counsel and aid of several of Massa-
chusetts. Among the latter were Mr. Samuel Nowel and Mr. Elisha
Hutchinson, who had been Assistants under the Charter government.
. Meanwhile the Eastern Indians were in open war with the
settlers in that part of the Country. Sir Edmund, with a con-
siderable armament, sailed from Boston to chastise them, but it was
productive of far more mischief than advantage. The war thus begun
continued near ten years.* Late in the season of the same year Gov-
^^ ernor Andros marched with a force of about 700 men against
the Eastern Indians by land.f In this, likewise, he accomplished
nothing against them, and his men suffered extremely, and many of
them died from exposure to the rigors of the season ; more, it is
afiirmed by some, than the whole number of Indians in hostility. But
Andros led his men in person, and shared their hardships with them.
After the return of Governor Andros from his first expedition against
the Indians, some of the ofi&cers in authority in the eastern country,
took a number of Indians prisoners and sent them to Boston. Here
they were held as hostages, and for safe-keeping imprisoned. This was
in the summer, and Sir Edmund was at the time absent from Town.
On his return he was greatly displeased that the Indians had been im-
also after that, gave them false advice, on pur- Governor that he could not go. Hence, it may
pose to have shipwrecked 'em, which they be fair to infer that there were many in Bos-
again escaped by Mr. Mather's taking one of ton who did what they could to render Sir Ed-
the sharks aside, and hiring him with four mund's expedition abortive. — See Church's
half crowns to tell the truth." — Remarkables, Hist., Sec, J 50.
108. If this is a fair picture of the liabilities f " And tho' 'tis judged that our Indian
of mariners on civilized coasts in those days, enemies are not above lOO in number, yet an
the situation of those thrown upon wn-civilized army of 1000 English hath been raised for the
ones was lamentable indeed. I have no doubt conquering of them ; which army our poor
of the facts in the al)ove extract. friends and brethren now under Popish com-
* Sir Edmund had calculated upon the as- manders (for in the army as in the Council,
sistance of tho experienced and brave Col. Papists are in commission), has been under
Benjamin Church, and sent for him to come to such a conduct, that not one Indian hath been
Boston. Ever ready to fight Indians when his killed, but more English are supposed to have
Country required it, he came immediately to died through sickness and hardship, than we
Town. The Governor offered him the second have adversaries there alive ; and the whole
place in command, and Church was at first war hath been so managed, that we cannot
disposed to accept ; but taking time to con- but suspect in it a branch of the plot to briny
sider of it before giving a final answer, and in us low ; which we leave to be further enquired
the interim consultin"; witli many of his into." — Declaration of the Inhahitants of Bos-
acquaintances in the Town, " who made it ion,&c.,in '■'■An Account of the Late Revolv-
their business, some to encourage and others tion by Nathaniel Byfield," p. 17. " Thus we
to discourage him," he returned answer to the are briar'd into another Indian war." — Jh.
1G89.]
ANDROS OFPUESSIONS.
479
prisoned, and ordered them set at liberty.* Some of his own Council
opposed the liberation of one of the Chiefs, long noted for his barbari-
ties. The name of that chief was Hopehood.f It is said that Andros
spent two or three hours in private w^ith Ilopehood before he was set
at liberty, and hence the depredations which that Chief committed not
long after, caused Andros to be charged with inciting the Indians to war
against the English. However, it is certain that Hopehood was a prin-
cipal leader in the butcheries at Salmon Falls in the following March,
and at Fox Point in the following May, to go no further.
The occurrence of these things, and the constant issue of AVrits of
Intrusion J against people of wealth, caused the poorer class to inquire,
" What was to become of them, when their turn should come ? " Peo-
ple were brought to Boston from Ipswich, and other places even more
remote, and put into prison, because they dared to question the legality
of being compelled to raise money without the authority of a General
Court. Cases of individual oppression cannot be enumerated, § but
that of Mr. Joseph Lynde of Charlestown, and that of Mr. Ichabod
Wiswall of Duxbury, were peculiarly aggravating.
At the same time that the news of the birth of a Prince was re-
ceived at Boston, suspicions accompanied it, that it had no foundation
in truth. The people were better prepared to entertain the suspicions
than to believe that they were provided with a successor thus early to
* " Upon his return, finding the Indians in
prison, fell into a great rage against those gen-
tlemen that had acted therein." — Thos. Dan-
forth in N. Eng. Justified, 34.
f Hutchinson says it was Madokawando,
and does not mention Hopehood at all. Mad-
okawando 7nay have been one of the captives
who accompanied Hopehood, as there were
" about a dozen " of them. — For the exploits
of both of these Chiefs See The Book of In-
dians. Dr. C. Mather says Hopehood was a
" bloody Devil."
X The nature of those writs will be best un-
derstood by a Deposition which I take out of
New Enf/land Justified, page 2G, which is as fol-
lows : — " The deposition of Capt. Daniel Turel
and Lieut. Edward Willis, sworn, say. That
upon a Writ of Intrusion being served on Deer
Island, belonging to the town of Boston, and
let unto Col. Samuel Shrimpton by the Select-
men of the said Town, the rent whereof being
of long time appropriated towards the main-
tainance of a Free School in the Town, Ave,
the Deponents, two of the Selectmen of the
said Town, do testify, that meeting with Mr.
James Graham upon the Town-house, and tell-
ing him, that if Col. Shrimpton did decline to
personate the case of the said Island, we the
Select-men would. The said Graham said. Are
you the men that will stand suit against the
King ? We the Deponents told him we would
answer in behalf of the Town. The said Gra-
ham replied. There was no Town of Boston,
nor was there any Town in the Country. We
made answer we were a Town, and owned so
to be by Sir Edmund Androsse, Governor, in
the warrant sent us for the making a rate.
Then the said Graham told us. We might stand
the trial if we would ,x but bid us have a care
of what we did, saying It might cost us all we
were worth, and something else too, for aught
he knew ; and further these deponents say not.
Sworn before William Johnson, Assistant, Jan.
30, 1689." — Mr. Graham was Andros' At-
torney General. Mrs. Mary Hooke, wife of
Francis Hooke, Esq., of Kittery, Me., pre-
suming, it may be, that Noddle's Island would
be wrested from Col. Shrimpton, petitioned
Andros for " consideration and relief," she
being daughter of Mr. Samuel Maverick, former
owner of said island. She urged that " her
father, in 1648, was fined £250 for attempting
to petition the King, and that when a commis-
sioner with Nichols, Carr and Cartwright, he
was interrupted by sound of trumpet." —
Mass. Archives, Vol. 128, p. 45. I may not
have noted, elsewhere, that Noddle's Island
(now East Boston) is supposed to have been
so named from one William Noddle, who was
a Freeman of the Colony, 18 IMay, 1631 ; the
same, perhaps, resident in Salem in 1632, and
who was drowned in the " South Eiver,"
while " carrying wood in a canoe," in Juno
of that year. Winthrop, Jour. i. 80, calls
him an honest man. — See Prince, Annals, ii.
29.
^ " Writs were issued out against Cul.
Shrimpton, Mr. Samuel Seawall [afterwards
Judge Sewall] and we know not how many
more besides." — N. Eng. Justified, p. 22.
480 HISTORY OF BOSTON. [1689.
<a monarch not at all agreeable to them ; and they were anxiously
hoping, if not expecting, some favorable turn in public affairs.*
Notwithstanding the death of Lady Andros occurred about this time,
no notice appears to have been taken of it in published accounts of
that day, nor did it have any perceivable influence on her husband the
J, . Governor, as respects the oppressive measures he was pursuing.
She was buried with all the Church of England ceremonies,
hitherto an unaccustomed sight in Boston, f The day was cloudy and
dark, well agreeing with the gloomy prospects of the people.
Early in the year 1689 there was a rumor that the Prince of Orange J
was about to assert his claim to the English throne ; and while the
people of Boston were in much suspense regarding it, Mr. John Wins-
low arrived in a ship from Nevis. While at that Island, in the month
of February preceding, he learned, by an arrival from England, that
the Prince had landed, and was actually declared King.§ The ship
which brought that news to Nevis, brought the "Prince's Declara-
tion," which Mr. Winslow procured to be copied, at an expense of
four shillings and sixpence, because he would bring it to Boston ; for,
he said, " It was very welcome news to me, and I knew it would be so
to the rest of the people of New England ; being bound thither, and
very willing to carry such news."
^ On the arrival of Mr. Winslow, Governor Andros, suspecting
he had brought news from England, sent James Sherlock, his
sheriff, to Mr. Winslow's house in Joyliff's lane,|| to demand his pa-
pers, and he accompanied the said Sherlock to the Governor's house.
The Governor insolently demanded why he had not brought him the
news ? To which Mr. Winslow replied, that he was not aware that it
was his duty to do so, nor was it customary for passengers to go with
news to the Governor on their arrival. He was then asked to produce
the Declaration of the Prince of Orange ; but he declined to comply.
At this Andros was much out of temper, and told Mr. Winslow he was
* James-Francis-Edward, son of James 11. , and torches. Therewas a great noise and clamor
was born June 18th, 1G88. He was after- to keep people out of the house, that they might
wards styled "The Pretender." — Salmon, not rush in too soon. I went home." — Sewall,
Hence the suspicions of the Bostonians turned in Hist. King''s Chapel, 40-1. The Lady
out to be suspicions only. Anne Andros appears to have been a relative
f Judge Sewall attended the funeral, con- of the family of Dr. Benjamin Church of Bos-
cerning which he made these brief notes : — ton, a descendant of which, many years ago,
" Between 4 and 5 I went to the funeral of found and repaired the tomb, upon a slab, in
Lady Andros, having been invited by the Clark the bottom of which the name of the tenant
of the South Company [Society]. Between 7 was inscribed, and by this it was identified. —
and 8 (lychns [Lychnites, a sort of white mar- Letter of Amos Lawrence in Brid<jman^ s King'' s
ble ; also a gem that shines best by candle- C. Inscriptions, p. 317-18.
light. Philips and Kersey. — Used by Sewall as % He was son of William II., Prince of Or-
torch or lamp] illuminating the cloudy air), ange, by Mary, eldest dau. of Charles I.
the corpse was carried into the herse drawn by Hence he was nephew of James H., whom he
six horses, the soldiers making a guard from dethroned. His wife was Mary, dau. of James
the Governor's house down the Prison Lane to II., and therefore his own cousin,
the South Meetinghouse ; there taken out and ^ He landed at Torbay, in Devonshire, Nov.
carried in at the western door, and set in the 5th, 1688.
alley ])eforo the pulpit, with six mourning || At the foot of Spring-lane, His place of
women by it. House made light with candles residence is inferred from circumstances.
1689.] RISING OF THE PEOPLE. CASE OP WINSLOW. 481
a saucy fellow, and ordered the Sheriff to take him before the Justices
of the Peace. Mr. Winslow asked the Sheriff to allow him to choose
his Justice, but he was told that he must go before "Doctor Bulli-
vant." When he came there, Bullivant was joined by Charles Liclget
and Francis Foxcroft. They demanded his papers, but were refused
them. They then imprisoned him "for bringing into the country a
traitorous and treasonable libel," notwithstanding he offered 2000
pounds bail.*
Without such occurrences as this, it may very reasonably be said
that the people had suffered enough to justify a rebellion ; and although
they were now ripe for it, it does not appear that there was any
plan to seize upon the Government, or to rise up in arms, as they
immediately proceeded to do, which is thus related by an eye-wit-
ness : — f
. . "I knew not anything of what was intended until it was
begun, I yet being at the north end of the town, where I saw
boys running along the streets with clubs in their hands, encouraging
one another to fight, I began to mistrust what was intended ; and,
hasting towards the Town Dock, I soon saw men running for their
arms, but before I got to the Eed Lion,§ I was told that Captain
George 1| and the Master of the frigate were seized and secured in Mr.
Colman's H house, at the North End ; and when I came to the Town
Dock, I understood that Bullivant and some others of them were laid
hold of, and then immediately the drums began to beat, and the people
hastened and ran, some with and some for arms. Young Dudley and
Colonel Lidget with some difiiculty attained to the Fort.** The Gov-
* New England Justified, 11, 12. was here in 1709 ; and is mentioned as situated
f The account which follows in the text is near the Red Lion in 1744. In 17G6 John
from Hutchinson, who did not know the author. Harris kept a vendue next door to it.
It is from a letter, dated " Boston, April 22, || Captain John George. — Byfield. George's
'89 " The writer withheld his name for ob- account is printed in Chalmer's Annals, 469.
vious reasons. It was, in Hutchinson's time, ^ Same perhaps, father of Dr. Benjamin Col-
the most circumstantial account that had ap- man of Brattle-street Church afterwards,
peared. ** This fort had been put into excellent con-
J The commotion began " about 8 o'clock in dition in the time of the war with the Dutch,
the morning. It was reported at the South A Committee of the General Court reported, in
End of the Town that at the North End they 16G6, that it was " apprehended to be the com-
were all in arms ; and the like report was at pletest work of the kind which hitherto had
the North End, respecting the South End. been ordered in this country." Maj. Gen. John
About 9 of the clock the drums beat through Leverett, " with the advice of the Committee
the Town, and an ensign was set upon the of the militia of Boston," superintended the
Beacon." — Byfield, Account of the Revolution, work. The Committee of the Gen. Court said,
3 and 4. that, " under the conduct of the Maj. General,
^^>^ they entered a well contrived fort, called Bos-
ton Sconce, the artillery whereof was of
good force and well mounted, the gunner
attending the same ; that the form thereof
was suitable to the place, so as to scour the
y/ harbor to the full length of their shot every
(/ way; the foundation of stone, and well
banked with earth." They found nine guns
§ Mention is made of this Tavern in 1676. mounted, with arrangements for four more
It was " at the North End," and long a noted " without." The same Committee examined,
Inn. Joseph Hiller, bookseller from London, at the same time, the North Battery, at
61
^^^//^^
482 REVOLUTION OF WILLIAM AND MARY. [1689.
ernor immediately sent Dudley on an errand, to request the four
ministers, Mr. Joyliffe, and one or two more, to come to him at the
Fort, pretending that, by them, he might still the people, not thinking
it safe for him to go to them. They returned for answer, that they
did not think it safe for them to go to him. Now, by this time, all the
persons whom they concluded not to be for their side were seized and
secured, except some few who had hid themselves, who afterwards
were found, and dealt by as the rest. The Governor, with Palmer,
Eandolph, Lidget, West, and one or two more, were in the Fort. All
the companies were soon rallied together at the Town House, where
assembled Captain Winthrop, Shrimpton, Page,* and many other sub-
stantial men, to consult matters ; in which time the old Governor came
among them, at whose appearance there was a great shout by the
soldiers. Soon after the Jack was set up at the Fort, and a pair of
colors at Beacon Hill, which gave notice to some thousand soldiers on
Charlestown side that the controversy was now to be ended, and multi-
tudes would have been there, but that there was no need. The frigate,
upon the news, put out all her flags and pendants, and opened all her
ports, and with all speed made ready for fight, under the command of
the Lieutenant ; he swearing that he would die before he should be
taken, although the Captain sent to him that if he fired one shot, or
did any hurt, they would kill him, whom they had seized already ;
but the Lieutenant, not regarding, kept those resolutions all that day.
Now, about four of the clock in the afternoon, orders were given to
go and demand the Fort, which hour the soldiers longed for ; f and
liad it not been just at the nick, the Governor and all the crew had
made their escape on board the frigate, a barge being sent for them,
but the soldiers, being so near, got the barge. J The army divided,
and part came up on the back side of the Fort, part went underneath
the hill to the lower battery or sconce, where the red coats were, who
immediately upon their approach retired up to the Fort to their master,
Merry's Point. In that there were seven elared the same to be pte of the streete, and
guns. For his special service about the Forts, warned him not to take it into his house."
Gen. Leverett received a vote of thanks and f The bearers of the order were " Mr. Oliver
£100. and Mr. Eyres." — Byjicld.
* Captain Nicholas Page, or Paige, I sup- | " There then came information to the
pose, who, though a churchman, did not go soldiers [in the Town] that a boat was come
with Andros in his ultra course. He was a from the Frigate that made towards the Fort,
Commissioner in Philip's war, and has been which made them haste thither, and come to
several times noticed in this work. On the the Sconce soon after the boat got thither ;
Town Records I find this: — "April 10th, and 'tis said that Gov. Andros, and about a
1688. Information being given, that Nicholas half score gentlemen, were coming down out
Paige, Esq., was inclosing the Town ground of the Fort; but the boat being seized, where-
on y' pte of y streete vnder the Jcttie of his in were small arms, hand grenadoes, and a
dwelling-house, 3 foot and 4 inches from the quantity of match, the Governor and the rest
house on each side of the corner, and into the went in again ; whereupon Mr. John Nelson,
streetes on both sides, the selectmen went to who was at the head of the soldiers, did de-
the place and there found John Temple and mand the Fort and Governor, who was loath
John Cimball [Kimball?], carpenters, about to submit to them, but did at length come
the worke, whome sd selectmen warned not to down," &c. — Byfield. In Hutchinson there
take in sd ground vnder sd Jettic. Lt. Coll. is a most interesting account of the courageous
Paige alsoe coming to the sd place, they dc- Nelson.
1689.] REVOLUTION. THE PEOPLE TAKE UP ARMS. 483
who rebuked them for not firing on our soldiers, and, as I am informed,
beat some of them. When the soldiers came to the battery or sconce,
they presently turned the great guns about and pointed them against
the Fort, which did much daunt those within ; and the soldiers were
so void of fear that, I presume, had those within the Fort been resolute
to have lost their lives in fight, they might have killed an hundred of
us at once, being so thick together before the mouths of the cannon of
the Fort, all laden with small shot, but God prevented it. Then they
demanded a surrender, which was denied until Mr. West and another
should first go to the Council, and, after their return, we would have
an answer, whether to fight or no. Upon their return, they came forth
from the Fort, and went disarmed to the Town House, and from thence
some to the close Jail, and the Governor, under a guard, to Mr. Usher's
house. The next day they sent the two Colonels to demand of him
the surrender of the Castle, which he resolved not to give ; but they
told him if he would not give it presently, under his hand and seal, he
would be exposed to the rage of the people, and so left him ; but he
sent and told them that he would, and did so ; * and they went down,
and it was surrendered to them with cursings, and they brought the
men away, and made Captain Fairweather commander in it.f Now,
by the time the men came back from the Castle, all the guns, both in
ships and batteries, were brought to bear against the frigate, which
were enough to have shattered her in pieces at once, resolving to have
her. It is incident to corrupt nature to lay the blame of our evil deeds
anywhere rather than on ourselves, so Captain George cast all the
blame now upon that devil Randolph ; for had it not been for him, he
had never troubled this good people ; earnestly soliciting that he might
* The paper drawn up and sent to the Gov- thia country from the iminent dangers they
ernor has been before referred to, but it is too many ways lie open and exposed to, and tender-
important to be omitted in any account of ing your own safety, we judge it necessary you
Boston at this period. It runs thus : — "At forthwith surrender and deliver up the Govern-
the Town-house in Boston, April 18, 1G89. ment and Fortifications, to be preserved and
To Sir Edmund Andros. Sir : Ourselves and disposed according to order and direction from
many others, the inhabitants of this town and the Crown of England, which suddenly is ex-
the places adjacent, being surprised with the pected may arrive ; promising all security from
people's sudden taking up arms ; in the first violence to yourself or any of your gentlemen
motion whereof we were wholly ignorant, being or souldiers in person and estate; otherwise
driven by the present accident, are necessitated we are assured they will endeavor the taking
to acquaint your Excellency, that for the quiet- of the Fortification by storm, if any opposition
ing and securing of the people inhabiting in be made : —
" Simon Bradstreet Peter Sergeant AVilliam Stoughton
John Richards David Waterhouso Thomas Danforth
Elisha Coolie - Adam Winthrop Samuel Shrimpton
Js. Addington J. Nelson Wm. Browne
John Foster Wait Winthrop Bartholo. Gedney."
Byfield, Acct. Revolution, p. 20. Neal, Hist. N. E., ii. 60. Hutchinson, i. 377-8.
t Capt. John Fairweather. Capt. Roger died here, 2 Feb., 1691-2. " The military of-
Clap had held the office of Captain of the Castle ficers pay'd their last respects by walking be-
from the death of Capt. Davenport, 1665 to fore the Corps at his funeral, and the Governor
1686. He resigned in the latter year, because and whole General Assembly by walking
he could not serve under the new Government, after." — Prince, Christian Hist.,\. 71. His pos-
He removed to Boston at that time, and be- terity are numerous and respectable at this day.
came associated with the South Church, and Capt. John Pipon had held it under Andros.
484 REVOLUTION. CAPT. FISHER. [1689.
not be constrained to surrender the ship, for by so doing both himself
and all his men would lose their wages, which otherwise would be
recovered in England, giving leave to go on board and strike the top-
masts, and bring the sails on shore, and so he did. The country people
came armed into the town, in the afternoon, in such rage and heat that
it made us all tremble to think what would follow, for nothing would
satisfy them but that the Governor must be bound in chains or cords,
and put in a more secure place ; and that they w^ould see done before
they went away, and, to satisfy them, he was guarded by them to the
Fort." *
Thus, in less than two days, was the Revolution achieved, and with-
out bloodshed, t or without the loss of a single life.
On the same day that the Revolution commenced, the venerable
Bradstreet, then near ninety years of age, with several of the Magis-
trates chosen in 1686, and some of the principal merchants and other
prominent gentlemen of Boston, assembled at the Town-house. These
were looked upon by all classes as the only proper persons to assume
the Government. J It was owing to their prudence at the critical
moment which prevented bloodshed, by calming a populace who, at
first, were ready to pour a terrible torrent of vengeance upon those
w4io had so lately and wickedly oppressed them.
A rii 18 Being convened in the Town-house on the same day, a
paper was drawn up and sent to the Governor, requiring him
to surrender the Government and Fortifications, which he at first refused
to do, but with which he complied on a little reflection.
At the same time, that is, on the same day, " about noon," an elab-
* Capt. Daniel Fisher, of Dedham, was came in, headed by one Shepperd, teacher of
Speaker of the House of Deputies in 1682, Lynn, who were like so many wild bears; and
when Mr. Randolph said something about tlie leader, mad with passion, more savage
sending some of the principal men to England than any of his followers. All the cry was for
to answer for certain alleged misdemeanors, the Governor and Mr. Randolph."
The Captain died Oct. 8th, 1683, but his son, f In a letter of Randolph, dated 25 Nov.,
of the same name, was living. This son had 1689, in the "Common Goal," he speaks of
not forgotten the proscription of hia father. " the poor wounded man, who had lain 16
He was a stout, athletic man, of a resolute days rotting in his own excrement," and begs
spirit. When the news of the tumult of the that he might be removed from the room where
18th of April reached Dedham, Capt. Fisher himself and " the other gentlemen were con-
I' instantly set out for Boston, and came rush- fined." — Hutchinson, Col. Oriff. Papers, 574.
ing in with the country people, who were in J " Mr. Bradstreet, Mr. Danforth, Major
such a rage and heat as made all tremble Richards, Dr. Cook, and Mr. Addington, &c.,
again. Nothing would satisfy the country were brought to the Council-house by a com-
party but binding the Governor with cords, pany of soldiers under Capt. Hill. Meanwhile
and carrying him to a more safe place. Soon the people in arms did take up and put into
was Capt. Fisher seen among the crowd, lead- goal Justice Bullivant, Justice Foxcroft, JNIr.
ing the pale and trembling Sir Edmund by the Randolph, Sherifl' Sherlock, Capt. Ravcnscroft,
collar of his coat from the house of Mr. Usher Capt. White, Farewel, Broadbent, Crafford,
back to Fort Hill." — Relation of the late Hon. Larkin, Smith, and many more ; as alsoMercey,
Ebenezer Fisher, of Dedham, to Francis Worth- the then goal-keeper, and put Scates, the brick-
ington, who printed it in his History of that layer, in his place." — Byfield, p. 4.
Town, p. 51. Mr. Lewis found and printed ,
the following in his Hist, of Lynn, supposed fjj f • f^ f^ /^
to have been written by Randolph : — X /j/Lfhfi I (HS^Ji
." April 19th, about 11 o'clock the Country ^^Uf^^f'-^^ jyj ^ -^
1689.] OLD GOVERNMENT RESTORED. 485
orate "Declanition of the Gentleiiion, Merchants, and Inhabitants of
Boston and the Country adjacent," much of the nature of that of 1776,
was read from the balcony of the Town-house.* Above twenty com-
panies of soldiers had marched into town, and there were above a
thousand men in arms in Charlestown, who could not get over the
ferry, f
The next day the new Council took into consideration the cir-
cumstances of the country, and after some deliberation, ad-
dressed the Government under the title of " A Council for the safety
of the people, and Conservation of the Peace."
At the time of the rising of the people of Boston on the eighteenth
instant, Judge Dudley was holding a Court at Southold, on Long Island.
A '1 21 ^^^ ^^^^ arrival at Newport, he heard the news of what had
^^^ * befallen the Government under which he acted. The day fol-
lowing he received letters advising him not to return to Boston, and he
thereupon fled into the Narraganset country, and lay concealed at Maj.
Richard Smith's about a week. At the end of that time " about
a dozen young men, went thither, of their own heads," took
him and proceeded with him to Boston, where he lay a long time in
prison, and suffered much. He was not alone a sufferer, for Sir Edmund
and his abettors also tenanted a prison.
^^ Meantime fifty-four towns had chosen Deputies to form a Gen-
"" eral Court, who now met, and were for resuming the old vacated
Charter ; but the Council thought it not prudent to do so, inasmuch as it
was not certain that it would not injure their cause in the eyes of the
present powers in England. It was finally concluded that the old officers
of Government of 1686 should assume a sort of conservative control, un-
til news should be received from England.
The day following the arrange-
ment for settling the Govern-
ment, a ship arrived from England,
bringing advice that William and Mary
had been proclaimed King and Queen
of England. This has been said by
writers of the time to have been the
most joyful news ever before received
in Boston.
All '>6 Three days after, the Procla-
' mation was published with great-
er ceremony than had been known on ---. *_ ^
any occasion in the town ; " Civil and william and mart.
military officers, merchants and principal gentlemen of the Town and
* It occupies thirteen small quarto pages in day in which it was required, and to have been
Mr Byfield's Narrative. — It is also in JSTeal. the performance of one of the Ministers of
Hutchinson says it might be supposed that this the Town, Mr. [Cotton] Mather, who had a
declaration was a work of time, and must have remarkable talent for very quick and sudden
been prepared beforehand; but he gives his composures." — Mass. Hist., i. 38} .
reason for believing it to be the work of the f Neal, Hist. N. Eng., ii. Gl-2.
486 ANDROS AND OTHERS IMPRISONED. [1689.
Country, being on horseback, the regiment of the Town, and many com-
panies of horse and foot from the Country, appearing in arms ; a grand
entertainment was prepared in the Town-house, and wine w^as served out
to the sohliers."*
Fears of being called to account by the Government in England were
now at an end, and the Council proposed to the Deputies to exhibit Ar-
ticles against Sir Edmund Andros, and the other prisoners, or
to set them at liberty upon security. This was not agreed to.
Soon after Andros was encouraged to demand his release and the release
of those concerned with him, then in prison. But the Deputies " re-
^^ solved that Mr. Joseph Dudley, Sir Edmund Andros, Mr. Ed-
ward Randolph, Mr. John Palmer, Mr. John West, Mr. James
Graham, Mr. George Farwell, and Mr. James Sherlock, were not bail-
able, and sent up several heads of charges against them."
The summer and autumn passed away, and Sir Edmund and his
companions were still prisoners to the Bostonians. Meanwhile some
attempts at escape were made. At one time Andros succeeded,
"° ' and got as far as Rhode Island, but was there taken by one of
Captain Church's old companions in the Indian war. Major Peleg San-
ford, and sent back again. He had made one attempt before, imme-
diately after his first imprisonment, by disguising himself in woman's
apparel. In this he passed two guards, but was stopped by a third,
being detected by his shoes, which he had not taken the precaution to
change.
Some time in the winter following an order was received from
their Majesties to send the prisoners over thence ; and they were
accordingly sent in the first ship bound for that country.
Mr. Mather still remained in England, and rendered excellent ser-
vice to his country. There was an artful and cunning attempt made
to have the deposed Governor reinstated, which coming to Mr. Mather's
knowledge, he prevented it ; yet, by a manoeuvre of a different nature,
Andros and his companions in iniquity escaped being called to account,
and during this reign Andros succeeded in procuring the appointment
of Governor of Virginia, as has before been incidentally mentioned.
The business of the Town now returned to its former course. f It
was voted in Town-meeting, "that the former custom and practice in
managing the affairs of the Free-schools be restored and continued."
* Juno 3. — The town chose " Dr. Thomas neglected." Those for this year were Darnell
Oakes, Capt. Penn Townsend, Capt. Timothy Turill, jr., Wm. Towers, Joseph Cowell, Wm.
Prout, and Mr. Addam Winthrop," for repre- Colman, John Cony, sen. and Giles Dyer. To
sentatives. audit the Selectmen's account, Mr. Peter Ser-
-^3 geant, Mr. Benj. Alford, Mv. Samson Shcafe.
''' — This was at a meeting June 24th. " To set
S
/ /_^ *— N Tins was at a meetmg dune z4tn. " io set
(^/ytp- ^ OZl^fy^Q^fy^) T P^i*^*^ ^^ corne to y'' white-bread bakers,
Nathl. OUivcr, Arthur Mason, Tym. Thornton,
f Among the proceedings of a Town-Meeting Treasurer, Mr. Edward Willis. Pvccorder,
of Sept. IGth, 1G89, were the following: — John Joy liffe. Measurers of corne, John Mar-
" Ordered, that y= Select-men send for and sliall, John Tucker. Of boards, Thomas Bar-
quicken the Hogg Reeves to the Aiithful dis- nard, Caleb Rawlins, Jabesh Negus, Ebenczer
charge of theire offices, which is of hite much Messenger." Overseers of woodcorders were
1686-1748.] FRENCH HUGUENOTS 487
CHAPTER LI.
Huguenots settle in Boston. — Found a Church. — Pierre Daille. — Andrew Le Mcrcier. — The Society
Dissolved. — Succeeded by another, under Rev. A. Croswell. — That succeeded by a Roman Catholic.
— Pirates. — Thomas Hawkins. — Thomas Pound. — Expedition against Canada. — Its Failure. —
Small Pox. — Major Walley. — First Issue of Paper Money. — Josiah Franklin. — Birthplace of
Dr. Franklin. — Earthquake. — Witchcraft. — First Case in this Period. — Case of Philip English.
ON the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in 1G85,
many thousands of French Protestants were obliged to
-s^-^-uQr-c'iK^N ^y from their native land. As this Edict Avas not
C^ -^^^IS P^^^^^ ^^^^ towards the end of the year, few or none of
^"^4, \^ p those against whom it was directed arrived in Boston
until the following year. The fugitives were called
Huguenots. Among those who came to this place were
\^j^^ </' Mr. Laurie and Pierre Daille, Ministers. Those who
^^^^ reached Boston in 1686 were joined by others in the
FoxcROFT.* ensuing year ; among whom was Pierre Baudouin. He
took refuge at first in Ireland, but soon after resolved to come to New
England, and arrived at Casco, in Maine, in 1687, and in Boston not
long after. Mr. Baudouin was the progenitor of the Bowdoin family.
Soon after the arrival of the first Huguenots in Boston, probably as
early as 1687, one of their Ministers preached regularly to them, and
they entered into a " Church estate." This was the origin of the
French Church in the Town. So far as has been ascertained, the Soci-
ety was first organized in the Town's School-house in School-street, and
that, in the same place, or one of the other public School-houses, meet-
ings continued to be held until after 1704. About twelve years after
this date, a small brick Church was erected in School-street on land
purchased in the year last named, f Whether the Rev. Pierre Daille
were the first minister does not appear, Avhile the first notice of him as
the Minister of the French Church is found in 1696. He had been
then officiating in that capacity many years, probably, and continued in
Henry Dawson, John Butler, Jeremiah Fitch, of the Foxcrofts. In the page last designated,
Lt. Ephm. Sale, Joseph Peirce, John Bull, their pedigree is traced in England for several
The corders were Samll. Davis, Thomas Nara- generations.
more, Danll. Fairefield, Jno. Fairefield, Davis f There is an " original deed from Jas. Mears,
Cumins, Fearenot Shaw, John Tuckerman, hatter, to John Tartarien, Frans. Bredon, and
Sen., Jno. Tuckerman, Jun., Jno. Alliset, John Dupuis, Elders of the French Church,
Mathew Grosse. At the Town-meeting in who, for £110 current silver money of N. E.,
September it was ordered, "That the Town sells all that land bounded northerly by School-
take into consideration against the next Towne house land so called, where it measures in front
meeting, the inconvenience and damage that 43,^ feet, easterly, &c. oG feet, westerly 88^
shod cart wheeles doe to the paveinge of the feet, southerly 354 feet, to erect and build a
streetes. ' ' Church upon for the use of the French Congre-
* In the TV. E. Hist, and Gen. Regr., vol. gation in Boston, according to the Reformed
viii., pages 174, 260, and 3G4, are good accounts Churches in France." Dated 4 Jan. 1704.
488 A FRENCH CHURCH FOUNDED. [168G-1T48.
the office till his death in 1715.* What became of Mr. Laurie is not
ascertained.
After the Elders of the French Church had purchased a lot in School-
street, in 1704, they petitioned the Selectmen for liberty to erect a
Meeting-house of wood upon it, thirty-five by thirty feet, but it was
refused them on the plea that the New School-house would well accom-
modate them, as the old one had done " for some years past," and that
it would accommodate, for the time to come, " a far greater number
of persons than then belonged to their congregation." The Society
continued thus until about 1716, when a brick Church was erected.
After the death of Mr. Daille, the Rev. Andrew Le Mercier suc-
ceeded to his place, as Minister of the French Church. lie continued
its Minister for many years, until the Society had become too much
diminished to bear the expense, when it was dissolved.! Their Church
ceased to be used by them several years before 1748. J Mr. Le Mer-
cier was a gentleman of great benevolence, and highly respected. The
distressing shipwrecks which had happened upon " Island Sables," in-
duced him, in the year 1738, to petition the Governor and Council of
Nova Scotia " for the property " of that Island, that he might erect
buildings thereon, and stock it with such domestic animals as would be
useful in preserving the lives of any mariners who might escape from
wrecks. His petition was complied with, and proclamations were
issued by that Government and also by this of Massachusetts, warning
all persons against removing or destroying whatever the Proprietor,
should, in his humane endeavors, place upon the Island. It should be
remembered that, through the efforts and perseverance of this gentle-
man, many lives were saved ; notwithstanding repeated depredations
were committed upon the goods and effects placed there for such a be-
nevolent end. §
* In his will Mr. Daille prohibited the use day of May, same year. Mr. Daille was
of wine at his funeral, and directed that glovea buried very near the centre of the Granary
only should be given to his wife's relatives. To Burying Ground, and upon the headstone of his
the Ministers of the Town he gave gloves and grave is this inscription : —
scarves, and to Mr. Walter of Koxbury. His " Here lies y^ Body of y«
French and Latin books he gave to form a Reverend Mr. Peter Daille,
library for the Church ; for tlie benefit of the Minister of the French Church in Boston,
Minister, the interest of £100, and £10 to be Died y'' 21st of May, 1715,
put at interest till a Meeting-house should be In the 67th year of his ao-e."
erected and then that sum was to go towards ^^^^ ^-^ -^ ^^^ ^f ^ \^^^^ ^jf
pI S^T 1 . ""x^? i^^^f Rawlings the u geyre Daille, wife tSy^ Eeverend Mr. Pete^
fhTTlnMl'^'l^T 'm '*^^°^^ Daille, aged about 60:" She died 30 Aug.
ni.i?i i^ 1 f ' T^/"^f^ ^r ^f^' ^^u^ 1712. This was probably his second wife. His
v!Sl nX f / 'o •'' r^/^'^T^ '^^•t. ^n ' first, Esther Latonice, died 14 Dec. 1696.
V. ?<.PlnI A r V"^ '^T^r ^^^} ^n'^^A t " That Society Dissolving," the Rev. An-
7vnf m1 llit"^ >-'''v "^ T*^- ^^""^ drew Croswell's Society pui-chased it of the
fnend Mr. James Bowdoin, Executor. Proprietors. - Croswell's Narralive, p. 18.
^ — N J Mr. Le Mercier styled himself, " Pastor of
^^^ ^\ /-y ' /7/7 y/^ the French Church " as late as 1753. See his
y^ y^ I / / 7 rl^ O /• Description of the Island Sables, published in
C^^ J O^^— t<t-C vl/ the IScws Letter of that year.
— ^ In an advertisement which !Mr. Le Mer-
cier published in the Boston newspapers in
It was dated 20th April, 1715 ; proved, last 1744, he says, "Notwithstanding these two
1686-1748.] A CATHOLIC CHURCH. 489
It is probable that Mr. Le Mercier had resided ia Nova Scotia, and
that he carae to Boston by way of that Province. His residence in this
Town was in Winter-street. His son, Andrew Le Mercier, Jr., resided
there also, in the house with his father, as late as 1744. Previous to
his death, which was in 1764,* Mr. Le Mercier the elder resided in Dor-
chester.
During the great religious excitement produced by the visit of Mr.
Whitefield to New England, a considerable number of persons, belong-
ing to Churches in Boston which opposed that gentleman's course, sepa-
rated from those Churches ; and that they might not only have " better
edification," but that, " being professed friends of the present Refor-
mation, they might have a pulpit open to receive Mr. Whitefield," pur-
chased the French Church of its proprietors,! and soon after installed
the Rev. Andrew Croswell, of Groton, in Connecticut, as their Pastor. J
Mr. Croswell having died in 1785, the house was next used as a
Roman Catholic Chapel, and Mass was performed in it for the first time
on the second of Nov. 1788. Such are the outlines of the history of
the French Protestant Church from its rise to its final dispersion. Few
of those who established it could have thought that a branch of that
power, from which they had fled their native land upon pain of death,
would so soon flourish on a spot which they had chosen for a place of
refuge. §
At the time the late Revolution was in progress, and immediately after
it, pirates were committing depredations upon the coast of New England.
Proclamations, ' the love of money, which is "Wm, Bowdoin and Andrew Sigourney, propri-
the root of all evil,' is so deeply rooted in the etors of said Church, made over their right
hearts of some fishermen, that they have sun- and interest in it to Thos. Fillebrown, James
dry times stole our cattle and our goods ; re- Davenport, Wm. Hickling, Nathl. Proctor,
garding neither the laws of God nor man," &c. and Thos. Handyside Peck, trustees for the
In this advertisement he offered a reward of New Congregational Church, whereof Mr. An-
£40 for the discovery of the wretches, " but to drew Croswell is Pastor, for the sum of £3000
forgive the offenders if they make known their old tenor, for the sole use of a Protestant
accomplices to Capt. John Gorham of Casco Church, from henceforth and forever." — Dr.
Bay, or to me." A. Holmes, in 2 Colls. Mass. H. Soc.,u. 63. The
* " Saturday last, departed this life in the house stood on the lot next east of the Univer-
72 year of his age, Mr. Andrew Le Mercier, sal Meeting-house. — Snoiv, 201.
formerly Pastor of the French Protestant J Mr. Croswell was installed 6 Oct. 1748.
Church in this Town. HisRemainsare to be in- He had been a preacher at Groton in Con.
terredfrom Deacon Wait's in Queen Street, to- The day previous had been set for the purpose,
morrow afternoon." — Boston Gazette, 2 April, but a sort of remonstrative injunction from the
1764. He had a wife Margaret. The births of Old South Church occasioned a delay of one
five of his children are found on the Boston Ree- day. — Rev. Mr. Croswell's Narrative, p. 7,9.
ords — James, 17 June 1720; Margaret, 10 — The Church was formed on the 17 Feb.
Dec. 1721; Peter, 7 Aug. 1723; Zechariah 1747-8. — J6ii. p. 3.
Andrew, 24th Oct. 1724 ; Jane, 6 May, 1726 ; ^ The Records of the French Church are
Stephen Bartholomew, 4 Dec. 1727. — The will supposed to be in existence, but their possessor
of Mr. Le Mercier was dated, Dorchester, 7 is unknown. The Great Bible used in the
Nov. 1761, proved 15 June, 1764. — Memo- Church, is, or was recently, in the hands of
randa furnished by Mr. W. B. Trask. George Livermore, Esq. It was a present from
f The deed of the purchase is dated 7 May, Queen Anne. INIany curious facts were col-
1748. " Stephen Botineau, the only surviving lected by L. M. Sargent, Esq., about members
Elder of the said French Church, Andrew Le of the French Society, and published in the
Mercier, Clerk, Minister of said Church, Daily Transcript, Jan. 28, Feb. 22, March 1,
Zechariah Johonnot, John Arnault, John and March 8th, 1851. These facts may be
Brown, Andrew Johonnot, Jas. Packenett, interesting to descendants of the Huguenots.
62
490 CAPTURE OF PIRATES. [1689.
They were perhaps encouraged to pursue that kind of lawless adven-
ture, considering, probably, that the Governments both in Old and New
England were in too distracted a state to be able to call them to
. „ account. One Thomas Hawkins, of Boston, with a small crew
of desperate young men, boarded the ketch Mary, of Salem, of
which Ilellen Chard was master, and forcibly robbed it of goods to the
amount of sixty pounds. The ketch was loaded principally with fish,
and the place of the robbery was about three leagues from Halfway
Kock, in the Massachusetts' Bay. It does not appear that any violence
was offered to the crew, further than was necessary to effect the object
of plunder. Hawkins was indicted of piracy by the Grand Jury, and
the Trial Jury brought him in guilty accorclingly. He was sentenced
to be hanged on Monday, the twenty-seventh of January, following.*
At the same term, nine others were convicted of piracy and
murder, and were all executed with Hawkins. The principal
of these was Thomas Ponnd.f The armed sloop Mary, of Boston, sailed
in quest of Hawkins and Pound, under the command of Captain Samuel
Pease, of Salem. J He discovered the latter at Tarpaulin Cove, in a
small vessel well manned and armed. On coming up to him. Captain
Pease ordered him to strike, but Pound, with his sword drawn, and
standing upon the quarter deck, flourished it in defiance, and ordered
his men to fire upon the Mary. They did so, and a smart skirmish
ensued, in which Captain Pease was mortally wounded. Pound and
his party were at length overpowered and taken. In his indictment it
was set forth that he, " being under a red flag at the head of the mast,
purposely, and in defiance of their Majesties' authority, had wilfully,
and with malice aforethought, committed murder and piracy upon the
high seas, being instigated thereunto by the Devil." §
One Edward Browne was found in Pound's company, and was ar-
raigned with the rest, but it was proved by the pirates themselves that
he had been forced into their service, and was detained among them
against his will, and was therefore acquitted.
Soon after the depredations above detailed, another piratical crew
* The Court was thus constituted : — Thorn- Downe. All the above names are spelled as
as Danforth, Esq., Deputy Governor, presided they stand upon the records made at the time,
as Chief Justice, and James Russell, Samuel f The evidence against Pound is printed
Appleton, John Hathorne, Samuel Sevrall, from the original minutes in the Gen. Reg.,
John Smith, John Richards, William Johnson, ii. 393,
Elisha Hutchinson, John Phillips, and Jere- { What number of men he had is not stated,
miah Swayne, Esquires, as Judges. The Grand Only four testified at the trial, who said they
Jury was composed of INIr. Bernard Trott, fore- were " of the company late belonging to the
man, Moses Paine, Thomas Ilarwood, Arthur sloop Mary, Capt. Samuel Pease commander."
Mason, John Marion, Sen., John Capen, Isaac Their names were, Benj. Gallop, Abraham
Jones, Robert Pierpont, William Garey, Rich- Adams, Colburn Turell, and Daniel Langley.
ard Louden, Henry Spring, John Alden, Sen., ^ Records in the Clerk's Office, S. J. Court.
Richard Buckley, Samuel Lynde,Ephraim Sale. Those concerned with Pound, and executed
The Trial Jury consisted of Elizur Holyoke, with him, were Thomas Johnson, Eleazer Buck,
foreman, Jacob Melyne, Isaia Tay, Joseph John Sicklerdam, William Dun, Richard Grif-
Griggs, Samuel Craft, James Bird, Samuell fin of Boston, gunsmith, Daniel Lander, Wm.
Hasting, Joseph Weekes, Edward Winchip, Warren, and Samuel Watts. The place of
A\^m. Welsteed, Sen., Benjamin Garfield, Tho. residence of Griffin only is given.
1690.] FAILURE OF CANADA EXPEDITION. PAPER MONEY. 491
took the ketch EUnor, of Boston, WilUam Shortriggs master.
They were charged only with piracy, but piracy, however
small, was visited with death, and four individuals were hanged as the
perpetrators.
^^ g The year 1690 is remarkable for Sir William Phips' ex-
"^' * pedition against Canada. Forces were collected at Boston,
whence they sailed upon that design, to the number of about 2000
men, in " between thirty and forty" transports and small men-of-war.
The largest vessel was a frigate of forty-four guns. The design utterly
J, failed, and Sir William returned to Boston in November,
having lost by the enemy and sickness near 300 men. The
fleet, upon its return voyage, was dispersed in storms ; two or three of the
vessels were never heard of after ; one was lost on Anticosti, and some
were blown off to the West Indies. The small-pox,* which prevailed
in the Town before the forces sailed, spread into the fleet, and on the
return of the fleet many died of the camp disease, and spread the
infection among the inhabitants.!
These were not all the calamities brought about by the failure of the
Canadian expedition of this year. No preparation was made by the
Government for paying the soldiers, most culpably relying upon the
plunder to be taken from the enemy for that purpose. There being no
money in the treasury, and no time to raise it by a levy upon the
Country, a mutiny was feared among the suff'ering troops. To avert
this, resort was had to Paper JNIoney, then called Bills of Credit. This
was the first introduction of a paper currency into New England. It
was an experiment, a new expedient, and of course the people were
slow in giving it currency. It turned out like other issues of Bills of
Credit of a later period ; the holders eventually lost large sums by their
depreciation. |
* In a private letter, dated Aug. 5th, 1G90, sole executor, and to have his present dwelling-
to the Rev. John Cotton, of Plymouth, from house, with the land and wharf belonging
his son, he says, " The small-pox is as bad as thereto, the garden and land on the southerly
ever; printer Green died of it in three days, side thereof to be laid out thence to Milk Street ;
his wife also is dead of it." This was the end also £3000. To dau. Sarah Chancey, widow,
of ISIr. Samuel Green, so favorably spoken of the land and tenement in the occupation of
by Mr. John Dunton, and before detailed ; Oapt. Nathl. Oliver, and £200. To his two
and of his wife, of surpassing excellence, ac- other daughters, Elizabeth and Lydia Walley,
cording to the same author. — See Thomas, £1500 each, when of lawful age. These were
Hist. Printing, i. 280-2. all his children. Major Walley's residence
f Major John Walley, of Boston, commanded was in Water Street. In 1755, John Walley,
the land foi-ces in that expedition, and bore Esq., the only son of the Major, was dead, and
his share of the blame for its miscari'iage. He the spacious mansion, " containing upwards of
was a member of the Artillery Company, and 20 rooms," was advertised for sale. Major
its Captain in 1679 ; one of Sir Edmund An- Walley's brother, Thomas, died before him.
dros' Council, a Councillor under the New Several JNIS. letters, written by early members
Charter, and a Judge of the Supreme Court, of Major Walley's family, are in possession of
His Journal of the Canada campaign may be the Author.
seen in the first volume of Gov. Hutchinson's J A Bill of the issue of 1690, a specimen of
Hist. Mass. He was among the founders of which is now before me, reads : — " N^. (916)
Bristol, R. I., and died in Boston, 11 Jan., 20s This indented Bill of Twenty Shillings due
1712, aged 68. His will is dated 4 Jan., 1711 from the Massachuscts Colony to the Possessor
[1711-12] ; the inventory of his estate, 14 Mar., shall be in value equal to money, and shall be
1712-13 ; amount, £9061 lis. 5J. Son John accordingly accepted by the Treasurer and Re-
492 BIRTH-PLACE OF FRANKLIN. [1691.
^ ^ Besides the disasters to Boston this year, already mentioned,
°" "■ there was a very extensive fire. It broke out on Saturday
evening, " consuming about fourteen houses, besides warehouses and
brue houses ; from the Mill Bridgh down half way to the Draw
Bridgh."*
Mir 10 ^^ Town-meeting it was voted that the eleven o'clock bell,
which had formerly been rung at the charge of the Town,
should now be discontinued ; voted also " that Muddy River inhabitants
are not discharged from Bostone to be a hamlett by themselves, but to
stand related to it as they were before the year 1686." f
At a Town-meeting, Mr. Theophilus Frarie was chosen
Moderator. The Selectmen were, Mr. Thomas Walker, Mr.
John Joyliffe, Capt. Bezoone Allen, Mr. John Foster, Capt. Timothy
Prout, Mr, Obediah Gill, Capt. Penn Townsend, Capt. Jeremiah Dum-
mer, and Mr. John Mirrian. Mr. James Taylor was Treasurer, and
Mr. Joyliffe Recorder. Deputies to the General Court chosen
were Capt. Penn Townsend, Capt. Theophilus Frarie, Capt.
Timothy Prout, and Mr. Adam Winthrop.
From the large number of officers appointed to oversee and
regulate the cording of wood, the business must have been
very extensive at this period. This year they were Lawrence White,
Henry Adams, Samuel Davis, Percie Clarke, Daniel Fairefield, Wm.
Ridghill, Fearnot Shaw, John Tuckerman, Sen., Stephen Swazie, John
Alisett, Robt. Noakes, Wm. Kine, Goodman Honywell, John Tucker-
man, Jun., James Mericke, and Wm. Dyer.
^ ^.^ ^^ The Town granted liberty to Josiah Franklin to erect a
building of eight foot square upon the land belonging to Lieut.
Nathaniel Reynolds, near the south meeting-house. This was the
father of Doctor Benjamin Franklin,J and on this spot the world-
renowned philosopher is said to have been born.
ceivers subordinate to him in all Publick pay- his goeinge about the Towne at least once a
m'' ; and for any Stock at any time in the month or oftner, as may be occasion, to inquire
Treasury. Boston in New-England, February after the New Comers into the Towne, and in-
the third, 1690. By order of the General Court, form the Select-men at theire monthlie meet-
Elisha Hutchinson, John Walley, Tim Thorn- inges ; for which he is to be paid 12 lb. for one
ton, Coiiiitee." The " Coinitee " were the year."
signers of the Bills. They were struck from Deputies to the General Court were, Capt.
an engraved plate, upon pieces of paper nearly Penn Townsend, Dr. John Clarke, Capt. Tim-
square, about 5| inches from top to bottom, othy Prout, Capt. Theophilus Frarie. Chosen,
and about five inches wide. In the left hand April 2d. July 18, the General Court order
corner, at the foot, was the Colony seal, a trifle the Selectmen " to take care that the house in
smaller than that given on page 472. the Fort on the hill be provided for entertain-
* Original Letter, cited in Thomas' Hist, ing of sick and wounded soldiers and seamen."
Printing, i. 282. J On the spot now covered by Messrs. JNIason
f Mar. 11th, Mr. Richd. Midlecot is chosen & Lawrence's mercantile house. But Franklin
Treasurer, and Mr. John Joyliffe, Recorder, himself told Mrs. Hannah M. Crocker, as she
Mar. 17th. — " Agreed that Robert Williams told me in 1828, that he was born at the sign
shall continue as formerlie to warne the Towne- of the Blue Ball, on the corner of Union and
meetings vpon occasion, to ringe the bell at Hanover streets, where his father then lived
Five of the clock in y= morning. Exchange bell and carried on his business. — MS. minutes of
at elcaven and at nine in the night ; and car- a conversation tvith Mrs. H. M. Crocker. It Is
fuUie looko after and keepe the Towne-clocke only necessary to show that Josiah Franklin
in the Old Meeting-house. To which is added removed from Milk street before the date of
1692.] WITCHCRAFT. 493
Mr. Francis Hudson, having held for some time a lease of the ferry
to Winesemet, relinquished it, and it was let to Samuel Hudson and
John ScoUy for one year.
The Deputies to the General Court were the same from Boston this
year as last. The Overseers of the poor, " chosen by paper votes,"
were Mr. Samuel Lynd, Lieut. Samuel Checkley, Mr. Edmond Browne,
and Mr. William Robie. The Selectmen chose Joseph Bridg-
ham. Recorder.* Major Elisha Hutchinson was chosen Com-
oo%A missioner, but he " being called to the Eastward," Mr. James
""' ■ Tayler was chosen in his stead. f
About this time a deep melancholy pervaded the whole community,
some gentlemen having returned to Boston from the West Indies,
where they had escaped being swallowed up by one of the most stupen-
dous earthquakes upon record. They were at Port Royal, in Jamaica,
and witnessed the dreadful ruin which came upon that city. Mne-
tenths of it was buried beneath the sea, in which above 2000 people
perished, and a much greater number upon the island fell victims to
the pestilence which followed it. The gentlemen who brought the
intelligence were William Harris, Esq., William Welsteed, Esq., Thomas
Steel, Esq., and Mr. William Turner. |
The witchcraft delusion of former ages has become a by- word, since
superstition has been so far subdued that laws among enlightened
people recognize no such crime ; and a belief in its existence has
become an object of ridicule among many. And yet it cannot be
denied that there was something manifested in those times never
fathomed by the keenest intellectual powers which have ever been
brought to bear upon it. Among a great amount of deceptions and
falsehoods, there was, nevertheless, an unexplained, and perhaps unex-
plainable, mystery, as far beyond human comprehension as the mystery
of life itself. That such mystery is near akin to the " spiritual mani-
festations" of the present day may be very possible, and a time may
come when to ridicule these may be as strong an indication of ignorance
as a belief in them in other days.
The testimonies which are adduced for many things, and by a multi-
tude of witnesses, against whose integrity none ever whispered aught,
have confounded many unbelievers, and overwhelmed others of strong
and clear minds. §
Benjamin's birth. Mr. Sparks appears to have ^ In the case of ]\Iargaret Rule, the witnesses
satisfied himself that he did not remove until testified that she was " lifted up from her bed,
after Jan. 6th, 170G, the date of the Doctor's -wholly by an invisible force, a great way
liirth. Mrs. Crocker may have misunderstood towards the top of the room where she lay,
Franklin, or may have misremembered. having no assistance even from her own arms
* He feU much short of Mr. Joyliflfe in spell- or hands ; and that, when so lifted up, a strong
ing. person could not pull her down, nor could the
f The Commissioner was chosen " to joyne weight of others upon her prevent her from
with the Select-men in order to mackeing a ascending up." The following named persons
valluation of each man's estate and the number were witnesses of the facts stated, viz. Samuel
of the heads." Aves, Robert Earle, John Wilkins, Daniel
t Sewall, N. Heaven, &c., 38-9. Holmes, Williams, Thomas Thornton, and William
Annals, i. 445. Hudson.
494 WITCHCRAFT. [1689.
No period in the history of New England possesses such an extraor-
dinary interest as that of the prosecutions for witchcraft. Nor are
there any events, the details of which cause such sorrows, such regrets,
and such humiliating reflections, as the sufferings of that period must
call forth in every mind, however indifferent they may be to other
distressing details. Nor can the consideration essentially alleviate the
anguish, that witchcraft did not originate in New England, — that a
belief in its existence was coeval with the remotest records of the
world, — that the most wise and learned of the Judges of England
fully believed in it, and up to the time of its appearance in New Eng-
land were sentencing those accused of it to be put to death, in great
numbers. At the period now under consideration, few could be found
who had the hardihood to deny the existence of witchcraft. Such
were infidels, in the most objectionable sense of the term, and were in
danger of personal violence in their own society. To deny its existence
was to deny the inspiration of the Bible ; for nothing was more plainly
set forth in that volume, than that witchcraft existed among mankind.
It is not strange, therefore, with the belief in such a supernatural
agency, and the law of God before them, — " Thou shalt not sufl'er a
witch to live," — that prosecutions for such a crime should take place.
Laws were made in accordance with the teachings of the Bible, and a
law once made must be enforced, or all laws would soon be disregarded.
Then, however, as now, there were a few minds in advance of their
age, who, although they did not deny that there was such a thing as
Avitchcraft, had the prudence to counteract the prosecutions against it
as much as was consistent with their own personal safety.*
Among the many remarkable things connected with the trials for
witchcraft, it is necessary to consider the following : the proceedings
of the Court with regard to the evidence ; that is, the inconsistency
practised in receiving the evidence of certain witnesses. The persons
complaining of being afflicted by witches, being brought into Court,
testified as to who tormented them. Then the evidence of those pro-
fessing themselves to be witches was taken against the accused. This
* A case of witchcraft was tried before the •woman was brought before him, charged with
founder of Pennsylvania. It is not stated being a witch. The pi-incipal evidence went
whether he believed in the capability of mor- to prove that she had ridden through the air
tals to commit such a crime or not, but certain upon a broomstick. She was asked by the
it is he got over the case in the following in- Judge if what was alleged against her were
gcnious way. The evidence having been gone true. The poor woman, thinking, perhaps,
througli witli. Gov. Penn so charged the jury that she had unconsciously so ridden, because
that they found they were to decide only the testimony was so strong to the point, con-
whether the accused was suspected of witchcraft fessed that she had done so. The Judge seemed
or not ! Their verdict was in accordance with to have been prepared for the confession, and
the charging; namely, that the accused was delivered his judgment to this effect: — That
"guilty of having the common fame of a witch, the prisoner was free to go where she pleased,
but not guilty in the manner and form she and to ride broomsticks as often as she pleased,
stands indicted." — Vf Siison, Annah Phila.,\. for he knew of no law against it! This was
2G5. probably at a much later period than that
It is related of a certain English Judge, that now treated of. Few Judges would have so
on one occasion a poor, old, superarinuated decided before 1700.
1687-8.] WITCHCRAFT. 495
led a worthy gentlemau* of the time to observe, that such proceeding
was " a thing never heard of in this world ; that such as confess them-
selves to be witches, to have renounced Grod and all that is sacred,
should yet be allowed and ordered to swear in the name of the great
God ! " t And though this glaring absurdity was seen and detected by
some in that age, one equally glaring and absurd is practised in the
courts of law at this day. J
€
CHAPTER LII.
Witchcraft of 1692 continued. — Case of the Goodwin Family. — Of Mr. Parris. — Sir William Phips,
Governor. — Joins the Crusade against Witchci-aft. — Case of Capt. John Alden. — Other Cases. —
Names of those executed. — Persons of high consideration accused. — Mary AVatkins. — Prosecu-
tions cease. — Town Affairs. — Slaughter-houses regulated. — Thomas Chalkley in Boston. — Society
of Quakers. — Build the first brick Meeting-house. — Another Canada Expedition disastrous. —
Fleet of Sir Francis Wheeler. — Troubles of Sir William Phips. — Returns to England. — His Death.
— Death of the Queen. — Order to collect the Town Records. — About Trees at Wheeler's Point. —
Agitation about Marriage of Relatives.
THE witchcraft of 1692 is sometimes spoken of as
belonging exclusively to Salem. That is far from the
truth. Boston has a share in the history of that unfor-
^ lllp tunate delusion ; and not only Boston, but the country in
Q general. About four years before its appearance
' in Salem, there were several cases in Boston.
\^ " Four of the children of John Goodwin, a grave man
'^tys^ and a good liver, at the north part of the Town, w^ere
QuiNCY. ^ generally believed to be bewitched." || Fifty years
after these cases, Mr. Thomas Hutchinson, the historian, says he often
heard persons of the neighborhood speak of the great consternation they
occasioned. The children supposed to be bewitched " were all remark-
able for ingenuity of temper, had been religiously educated, and were
* Mr. Thomas Brattle, who left a paper up- publication, entitled " Memoranda respecting
on the witch delusion of 1692, full of good the Families of Quincy and Adams," printed
sense and instruction. It has been printed in at Havana in 1841. But it should be stated
Mass. Hist. Colls., v. Gl-80. that the Author of the Memoranda does not
I Brattle, lb., p. 67. claim that the Arms given actually belonged to
j Persons of strict integrity, honor and hon- the branch of the Quincy family in New Eng-
esty have been denied the right to testify in land. I alone am responsible for the Crest. It
causes, from the very fact of their being truly explains itself to every Bostonian of the present
honest and truthful ! That is to say, persons day. But, in coming ages, when Quincy Mar-
who do not believe in certain received opin- ket shall have given way to improvements, or
ions, cannot be allowed to testify because been so elevated and enlarged as to lose its
they so believe; and being questioned, honestly identity, this Crest may tend to perpetuate the
confess that such is their belief! While an- memory of its origin and its Originator,
other, full of deceit and guile, swears to a lie, || " These were, in the year 1688, arrested by
and his oath is taken ! a very stupendous witchcraft." — Magnolia,
§ These Arms of Quincy are taken, so far as B. vi. 71. See Rev. Mr. Upham's interesting
the Shield is concerned, from a very curious Lectures on Witchcraft.
496 WITCHCRAFT. [1692.
thought to be without guile. The eldest was a girl of thirteen or four-
teen years. She had charged a laundress with taking away some of the
family linen. The mother of the laundress was one of the wild Irish,
of bad character, and gave the girl harsh language ; soon after which
she fell into fits, which were said to have something diabolical in them.
One of her sisters and two brothers followed her example." It ap-
peared that these children were afflicted in the same parts of their
bodies, at the same time, though the case of each was unknown to the
others, who were kept in separate apartments, and knew not the com-
plaints of the others. At least, such was the report and belief at the
time. Another remarkable circumstance was, that all their pains and
afflictions happened in the day-time, and that in the night they were
not disturbed. Another circumstance quite as remarkable was that
they were struck dumb at the sight of certain good books, as the
" Assembly's Catechism," "Cotton's Milk for Babes," and others of
the like kind ; while at the appearance of the Common Prayer, Popish
and Quaker books, they were pleased, and could read in them without
difficulty. Sometimes they appeared deaf, sometimes bUnd, and then
dumb ; and again they would have all these afflictions together. Their
tongues would disappear from their mouths, and at another time would
hang out of them to an unnatural length. Then their joints would be
dislocated, and they would make mournful complaints of being burnt
and cut in pieces ; and wounds were said to have been apparent after-
wards. At length the Ministers of Boston and Charlestown kept a day
of fasting and prayer ; whereupon the youngest child was relieved, but
the others continued in their afflictions. The magistrates interposed,
the old mother of the laundress was apprehended, and, perhaps from
consternation, would neither confess nor deny the charges brought
against her. Physicians pronounced her to be of sane mind, and she
was condemned and executed, declaring she could not relieve those
afflicted.*
* I am aware that Hutchinson says that vine, in writing afterwards to Mr. Increase
" the old woman would neither confess nor Mather respecting the transactions of 1692,
deny," and that " she was executed, declaring says, " All that I speak with much wonder that
the children should not be relieved." He adds, any man, much less a man of such abilities,
" some things are mentioned as extraordinary, learning and experience as Mr. Stoughton,
which tumblers [jugglers] are every day taught should take up a persuasion, that the devil
to perform ; others seem more than natural, cannot assume the likeness of an innocent to
But it was a time of great credulity. The afflict another person. In my opinion, it is a
children returned to their ordinary behavior, persuasion utterly destitute of any solid reason
lived to adult age, made profession of religion,' to render it so much as possible ; and, besides,
and the affliction they had been under they contradictory to many instances of facts in his-
publicly declared to be one motive for it. One tory. If you think good you may acquaint
of them I knew many years after, who had the Mr. Stoughton and the other Judges with what
character of a very sober, virtuous woman, and I write."
never made any acknowledgment of fraud in Calef refers to this case of witchcraft, in the
this transaction." The famous Richard Bax- following brief passage : " In the times of Sir
ter published an account of the affair, with a Ed. Andros his government, Goody Glover, a
preface by himself, in which he has this re- despised, crazy, ill-conditioned old woman, an
mark : " The evidence is so convincing, that Irish Roman Catholic, was tried for afflicting
he must be a very obdurate Sadducee who will Goodwin's children ; by tlie account of which
not believe it," And yet the same great Di- trial, taken in shortrhand, for the use of the
.1692.]
WITCHCRAFT.
497
The case of William English has never been circumstantially pub-
lished. He was a merchant, and, though not an inhabitant of Boston,
was nevertheless imprisoned here.*
From the execution of " Goody Glover" for bewitching the Goodwin
children, to the great commotion which broke out early this year in
what was then called Salem Village, now Danvers, the country cannot
be said to have been entirely quiet in respect to witchcraft. But to-
wards the end of February the tragedy was revived anew. It
1691-2. begun in the family of Mr. Samuel Parris, the minister of Salem
Village, and in a few months spread itself to the adjacent towns,
implicating great numbers of persons, many of whom were before pat-
terns of virtue in all the walks of life. And yet it had its rise at this
Jury, it may appear that the generality of her
answers were nonsense, and her behavior like
that of one distracted." — More Wonders, &e.
151, ed. 4to.
* " Augt. y= 2cond, 1692. William Beale
of Marblehead, aged upward of 60 yeares,
testifieth and saith, that last March past was
12 moenth, towards the latter end of the
moenth, then my self being in the house of
George Bonfeilds of Marblehead," &c., whither
he had gone, as he says, " that I might have
helpe to nurse or looke after mee because of a
very greate and wracking paine had seized upp
on my body." In this condition of body, a
mind necessarily sympathizing therewith, and
deeply imbued with the superstitions of the
age, it is by no means unaccountable that Wil-
liam Beale should imagine that he really saw,
" being broade awake, upon the iaume [jamb]
of the chimney, a darkc shade w"*" covred the
iaume aforesayed ; " and that "in the mid-
dllee of the darkness vppon the iaume " he
should "behold somethinge of the forme or
shape of a man." Then he says, "I turned
my head uppon the pillow, and in y= darkness
aforesayed, saw the plaine shape or else the
person of Phillip English of Salem, the w**" re-
ports say married with William Hollingworth's
daughter of Salem, according to my best iudge-
ment, knoledge and understandinge." But
■why Phillip English appeared and not some
old female, may possibly be found in some un-
pleasant occurrence between them at an earlier
day. The case of English is here cited chiefly
to show what kind of evidence was received at
that time to make out a case of witchcraft.
Beale further says, " As 1 had formerly knolege
and ackquaintance with him [English] my
coniecktures of him and these passages afore-
sayed were as followeth : — What is this man's
business heere now, or w"*" way came bee hither
so soone this morneing ? By land or water?
Then laboreing to correkt my [f/wvf/hts] not to
thiuke that hee was a wich, and flyinge to our
omnipotent lehovah for his blessing and pro-
tection by secret eiaculations, instantly the
roome aforesayed became cleare, and y" shape,
shade, or person vanished. And this was
63
about the time that news brought to mee in y'
morning that my son lames was very like to
recover of the small pox w"'' I left at home
sick ; and y" same day in y° afternoon came
news that hee was suddenly strooke with a paine
on his side and did not expect to live three
houres. And ack Cording to my Judgment
before three houres weere ended, newes came
that he was departed this life ; at w''' docktor
lackson w'^'' was his docktor, and William
Dagget w"*" was his nurse, both of Marblle
head told me y' they admired and wondred.
And it was not many moenths before that, my
son George Beale departed this life in y" same
house after he was recovered of the small pox.
Hee deceased ianuary y" 23, before my son
lames death aforesayed." A. modern Jurist
would probably find it difficult to see what
such testimony could have to do with Phillip
English. However, he and his wife Mary
were, in May following, imprisoned in Boston,
but they escaped to N. York. They after-
wards returned to Salem, where, as late as
1709, he was endeavoring to recover his confis-
cated estate. — Original Deposition, MSS. —
See also Felt, Annals of Salem.
One of the indictments against English rung
thus : ' ' The Jurors for o' Sou'" Lord and Lady
the King and Queen doe present that Phillip
English of Salem, in the County of Essex, mer-
chant, vpon the 31st day of May, in the year
aforesaid, 1692, and divers other dayes and
times as well before as fafter, certaine detesta-
ble arts called witchcraft, and sorceries, wick-
edly, mallistiously and felloniously hath vsed,
practiced and exercised, at and in the towne
of Salem in the county of Essex aforesaid, in,
vpon and against one Mary Wallcott of Salem
aforesaid, single woman. By said acts the said
]\Iary Wallcott y° day and year aforesaid and
divers other dayes and times both before and
after, was and is tortured, afllicted, consumed,
pined, wasted and tormented ; against the
peace and of o' Sou'' Lord and Lady the King
and Queen, their Crowne and dignity, and the
lawes in that case made and provided." En-
dorsed, " Ignoramus. Robert Payne, foreman."
— Orif/. MS.
498
WITCHCRAFT.
[1692.
time among some of the most ignorant persons in the village, who hap-
pened to belong to the family of Mr. Parris.*
Early in the following month, Mr. Parris invited several of
the neighboring ministers to join with him in keeping a day of
and prayer at his house, and soon after Mr. Deodat Lawson
preached a sermon at Salem Village, "being Lecture day there.
March 11.
fastinrr
and a time of public examination of some suspected for witch-
craft." f Thus prayers and sermons were resorted to, with the hope
that they might succeed " against the malicious and accursed opera-
tions of Satan and his instruments." But all to no purpose. The
delusion spread like the flames among the dry leaves of autumn. In a
short time the jails in Boston and Salem were filled with the accused.
At length it was foreseen, by many, that their own safety depended upon
their becoming accusers themselves. And thus the number of afflicted
persons "wonderfully increased ; and it was apparent that there would
soon be no witches, except those who had not joined in the cry against
somebody in sufficient season to escape by that wile.
Meantime Sir William Phips arrived in Boston J from Eng-
May 14.
land,
bringmg
with him the new Charter of the
Province,
him Gov-
ernor of the same. Unfortunately the new Governor fell in with the
granted by William and Mary, and a Commission constituting
* An Indian man and an Indian woman,
concerning whom particulars will be found in
Calefs and other accounts. Their names were
John and Tituba or Tittubo. The latter was
accused of afflictiug, by witchcraft, a daughter
of Mr. Parris, and two other girls. Her ex-
amination before Justice Corwin is extant in
his own autograph, now before me. At first
her answers were direct and simple, plainly de-
nying all knowledge of what she was accused ;
but the examination was pressed in an unwar-
rantable manner, by repetition upon repeti-
tion, until, through fear, or a thoroughly be-
wildered understanding, Tittube was brought
to confess whatever she thought would satisfy
her accusers. The first question was, " Why
doe you hurt these poor children? What
harm have they done unto you?" She re-
Elied, " They doe noe harme to mee. I noe
urt y" at all." Magistrate — "Why have
you done it?" Accused — "I have done
nothing." Magistrate — " What, doth y° Dev-
ill tell you that he hurts y° ? " Accused —
"No. He tells me nothing." Magistrate —
" Doe you never see something appeare in some
shape?" Accused — "Noe, never see any-
thing." Notwithstanding this plain denial of
all knowledge of anything wrong on her part,
yet four closely-written pages of foolscap pa-
per were completely covered with the examina-
tion of the simple Indian woman ; after this
was over she was committed to jail in Boston,
f It was considered a famous sermon, and
was soon after printed, with a dedication " To
tlie Worshepful and Worthily Honored Bar-
tholomew Gidney, John Hathorne, Jonathan
Corwin, Esqs. ; together with the Reverend
Mr. John Higginson, Pastor, and Mr. Nicho-
las Noyes, Teacher of the Church of Christ at
Salem." Mr. Lawson was under the same de-
lusion with the majority of persons of that day,
and his sermon was attested by I. Mather,
Charles Morton, James Allen, Samuel AVillard,
John Bailey and Cotton Mather. He had
been settled over the same society where INIr.
Parris preached, and there, in 1689, his wife
and a daughter Ann had died. In 1696 he
returned to England, and reprinted his sermon,
to which he added an appendix, giving an ac-
count of the witchcraft ; dedicating it " To the
Right Worshipful and truly Honourable Sir
Henry Ashhurst, Barr' and his truly Honour-
able and religious Consort, Lady Diana Ash-
hurst." Lawson was living in London several
years after this.
X His residence was at the corner of Charter
and Salem streets, which was long known as
Phip's Corner. Charter street was probably
so named at this time, to honor Sir William,
who l)rought over the Charter. Fifty years
ago Shaw said, " an upright third story had
changed the original appearance ' ' of the house
in which he dwelt. — Descript. of Boston, 291.
His first exercise of power on his arrival in
Boston, " was said to be his giving orders that
irons should be put upon those in prison." —
Calef, 95. Dr. Increase Mather came over
with the Governor, thus terminating a most
active agency of five years. He was received
with warm demonstrations of love and esteem.
1692.] WITCHCRAFT. 499
judges in their delusion respecting witchcraft, and condemnations and
executions followed.
In the same month Captain John Alden, of Boston, was
'accused of witchcraft, taken to Salem for examination, and cast
into prison. He offered bail, but no bail would be taken. After re-
maining in jail in Boston near three months, he efTected his escape.*
How long he kept out of the reach of his accusers is not stated, but he
returned, and " was bound over to answer at the Superior Court in
Boston, in April following." Before the time of trial, however, the
" spell was broken," and Captain Alden, with near a hundred others,
were cleared by proclamation. During his examination he behaved
himself manfully.f He was a well-known naval commander, had had
charge of the province galley for many years, and had been in service in
the Indian and French wars, both before and after these trials. In
1690 he was appointed to treat with the Indians, at Sagadahock, which
service he performed acceptably. In 1696 he commanded a brigan-
tine called the Endeavor, in an expedition on the eastern coast. | He
was a son of the first Mr. John Alden, who came to Plymouth, in 1620.
As early as December, 1659, he took up his residence in Boston, and
died here on the fourteenth of March, 1702, at the age of eighty years,
leaving a handsome estate of upwards of 2000 pounds. He lived
* In the History of Duxbury it is said that the accusers with it. After a considerable
he fled to that town and was there concealed space he was taken to the meeting-house,
in the house of a relative. When he arrived where his examination was more formal. Here
it was late at night, and his friends were sur- the accusers cried out " that Aldin did pinch
prised to see him, and to some anxious inquiry them." The Magistrates made him stand up
as to his strange arrival, he assured them that in a chair, and ordered the Marshal to hold his
though he had fled from the Devil, the Devil hands open to prevent his pinching " those
was after him. — Winsor. poor creatures." Capt. Alden demanded why
f He was examined before Gedney, Hathorn they should think he came there to afilict those
and Corwin. When brought into the presence persons whom he had never seen before? " Mr.
^^r/^o~^^*y Jj'(rfl7^^(Mixuik^
of the afflicted, they "plaid their juglingj
tricks, falling down, crying out, and staring Gedney bid him confess and give glory to
in people's faces. The Magistrates demanded God." Alden made an appropriate reply, and
of them several times, who it was of all the appealed to all who had ever known him to
people in the room that hurt them ? One of bring aught against him. Gedney replied that
the accusers pointed several times at one Capt. he had known him many years, and had been
Hall, but spake nothing. The same accuser at sea with him, and always looked upon him
had a man standing at her back to hold her to be an honest man, but now he had changed
up ; he stooped down to her ear, then she cried his opinion. Alden was then bid to look upon
out Aldin, Aldin. One of the Magistrates the afilicted, which when he did they would
asked her if she had ever seen Aldin ? She fall down. Then he inquired of Mr. Gedney
answered. No. He asked how she knew it was what reason could be given that his looking
Aldin? She said the man told her so. Then upon him, did not cause him to fall down also ;
all were ordered to go down into the street, but Gedney could give none,
where a ring was made, and the same accuser % Mr. Winsor, in his Hist, of Duxbury, says
cried out. There stands Aldin, a bold fellow, that it was John Alden, son of Capt. John,
with his hat on before the Judges. He sells named in the text, who was implicated in the
powder and shot to the Indians and French, witchcraft accusations. But that worthy
and lies with the Indian squaws, and has In- young Author was clearly wrong in that, for
dian papooses." He was then ordered into he was at the time called " John Aldin Senior
the custody of the marshal, and his sword was of Boston, mariner." Calef and Hutchinson
taken from him, because it was said lie afflicted are both explicit in regard to it.
500
WITCHCRAFT.
[1692.
on an alley leading from Cambridge to Sud-
buiy-street, from him called Alden's lane,
which it bore till 1846, when it was dignified
by the name of Alden street.
After the settlement of the new Government,
a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer was
ajDpointed for the trial of persons suspected of
^ witchcraft. The appointed Judges, or a
quorum of them, commenced a session at
Salem, on the second of June following,* the
day of the date of their Commission. f The
Court consisted of William Stoughton, now
SEWALL. Lieutenant Governor, Chief Justice ; Major
Nathaniel Saltonstall, who, refusing from conscientious scruples to act
at such trials, was superseded by Mr. Jonathan Corwin ; Major John
Eichards, Major Bartholomew Gedney, Mr. Wait Winthrop, Captain
Samuel Sewall and Mr. Peter Sergeant. Captain Anthony Checkley
had been appointed Attorney General, but refusing to serve in these
prosecutions, Mr. Thomas Newton was appointed in his stead. The
melancholy records of their proceedings are extant, and will ever re-
main an unfading scene to succeeding generations of the frailties of the
human mind.
The first person executed this year was " a poor, friendless
old woman," named Bridget Bishop. She confessed nothing.
And in little more than a month after, five others suffered. On
the fifth of August six others were sentenced to death, and
were all executed except one, a female, Elizabeth, wife of
George Procter, whose peculiar situation saved her. On the
ninth of September, six others were tried and received sentence of
death. And on the sixteenth of the same month, Giles Cory was
pressed to death ; the circumstances attending which are too revolting
to be detailed here. On the following day nine others were condemned,
and five days after suffered death, save one, Abigail Falkner,
of Andover, whose situation reprieved her, as in the case of
Elizabeth Procter.
„ . " And now," says an unimpeached historian of the time,
"nineteen persons having been hanged, and one prest to death,|
June 10.
July 19.
Aug. 19.
* Calef, 100. Village ; Mary Easty, of Topsfield ; Alice Par-
f Chandler, Crim. Trials, i. 93. ker and Ann Pudeater, of Salem ; JNIargarefc
j These are the names of those executed ; Scot, Willmet Redd, of ^Marblehead ; Samuel
Bridget Bishop; July 19th, Sarah Good, Re- Wardwell and Mary Parker, of Andover.
becca Nurse, of Salem Village ; Susanna Mar- In the case of Giles Cory, Roman Inquisitors
tin, of Amesbury; Elizabeth How, of Ips- could not have done more. He pleaded " Not
wich ; and Sarah Wildes, of Topsfield. August guilty " to the indictment, but could not put
19th, Mr. George Burroughs, sometime Minis- himself upon trial by a jury which he believed
ter of Wells ; John Procter, John Willard, of was sure to condemn him, for they had con-
Salem Village ; George Jacobs, Sen'., ^
of Salem, and Martha Currier, of /%> . — | r= ^
Andover. Sept. IGth, Giles Cory. V ^ jAj \\W»>JX>A.-
Sept. 22d, I\Iartha Cory, of Salem '
^>fVjW
1692.] WITCHCRAFT. 501
and eight more condemned, in all twenty- eight, of which above a third
part were members of some of the churches in New England, and more
than half of them of a good conversation in general, and not one
cleared ; " while of about fifty who had confessed themselves witches,
not one was executed. At the same time above 150 lay in prison, and
above 200 more accused. But now, fortunately, "the special Commis-
sion of Oyer and Terminer comes to a period," and there was to be no
Court to try those held for trial, until the Superior Court came together,
which was not till the following January. This delay gave opportunity
to all for reflection upon what had been done, and for those in author-
ity to determine whether they should again deluge the land in the blood
of their friends and neighbors, without the fearful prospect of carrying
that deluge into their own households, and perchance to their own wives
and children. Governor Phips looked to the Ministers for direction in
future ; * the chief of whom was now cautiously composing " Cases of
Conscience concerning Witchcraft; " a work, while it showed its author
to be a firm believer in its reality, at the same time condemned all, or
nearly all, the evidence which had been relied upon in the late trials,
as entirely insufficient to take away the life of any one accused, f In
brief, a change was coming over the community. Several of those who
had composed the Juries at the late trials, afterwards signed a recanta-
deinned every one brought before them, and he duce to promote thankfulness to God for such
had made up his mind " to undergo what executions."
death they would put him to." He was the
ueiiiu tn«y wuuiu puu iiiiii lu. xiu was lue yo
first, and so far as I can learn the last, ever Q /"T/l, ^VL 1/ 1- .f-y*
pressed to death for imputed crime in New t/i/ 3 C~t?''^^TA O ' L
Ensland. Mr. George Corwin was the sheriff. (J
;Mr. George Corwin was the sheriff.
The case of !Mr. Burroughs, a man of unex-
ceptionable character, was excruciating to the
multitude that were assembled to witness his
execution. On the ladder he made a speech, f Notwithstanding Dr. C. Mather was com-
declariug in firm simplicity his innocence ; and pletely carried away by the delusion, and
his last prayer was so fervent and sincere, that would, if he had had the power, in all proba-
it drew tears from many ; and it began to be bility, have executed all that happened to be
feared that the people would hinder the execu- accused; yet, in the "Advice of the Minis-
tion. lie was, however, " turned off." Dr. ters " to the Government relative to proceed-
Cotton Mather was there present, and, " being ings in the trials of the accused, which he pub-
mounted upon a horse," exerted his great in- lished, he claimed to have been the mover of
fliience to appease the spectators. He said, the Governor's clemency which he exercised, as
among other things, " that the Devil was wont related in the text. Upon this conduct of the
to transform himself into an Angel of light," Doctor, Mr. Calef severely animadverts, and in
and the executions went on. — Calefy 103-4. conclusion saj's : " But tho' the Minister's Ad-
* He was one of Dr. Cotton Mather's soci- vice, or rather Dr. C. Mather's was perfectly
ety, and ordered and sanctioned the publication ambidexter, giving as great or greater encour-
of the account of the witchcraft, since so well agement to proceed in those dark methods,
known by the title of " Wonders of the Invis- then cautious against them, yet many eminent
ihle World," &c. It is accompanied also with persons being accused, there was a necessity of
the certificates of two of the Judges, dated a stop to be put to it." — More Wonders, &c.,
Boston, October 11th, 1692; in which certifi- 153-1. Certainly there was something rather
cate they say, " Vpon perusal thereof, we find ambidexter, \n that the doctor should counto-
thc matters of fact and evidence truly reported, nance every severity towards those accused of
and a prospect given of the methods of convic- witchcraft, and at the same time applaud tho
tion, used in these proceedings of the Court at Governor for pardoning the prisoners ; calling
Salem. [Signed] William Stough ton, Samuel it " a vanquishing the Devil, adding this con-
Sewall." And the misguided author exclaimed, quest to the rest of his noble atchievements."
that " he should rejoice if his book might con- — Ibid.
502 WITCHCRAFT. [1692.
tion,* and the conscientious and honest Judge Sewall openly confessed
that he had committed a great error, while some others were apparently
confirmed in the course they had pursued.f
Agreeable to an Act of the General Court the first Superior
~~ ■ Court was held at Salem, and the Judges appointed were William
' Stoughton, Thomas Danforth, John Richards, Wait Winthrop, and
Samuel Sewall. Of fifty-six indictments, twenty-six were declared true
bills, and of all the persons against whom these were returned, but three
were adjudged guilty by the Jury. The reason so few were condemned
has been already stated. J Besides, the Jurors now inquired, " What
account they ought to make of the spectre evidence ? "and were answered,
" None whatever."
While the three persons above named awaited sentence in prison,
"" ■ the Court commenced its session at Charlestown. Here the
Judges received word that those they had lately condemned were
reprieved by the Governor. This so shocked the Chief Justice, that he
left the Bench, went out of Court and did not appear there again dur-
ing the session ; exclaiming as he went, " We were in a way to have
cleared the land of these, &c. Who it is obstructs the course of Justice
I know not. The Lord be merciful to the Country ! "
It cannot be disguised, that the tendency among the accusers to im-
plicate persons in the higher walks of life, had much to do in bringing
all accusations to be viewed as the grounds of the iniquity instead of
the object of them. And it is to be lamented that the discovery was
not made before the crime of taking the lives of innocent persons had
been ignorantly perpetrated ; for which no atonement can ever be
made.§ While the case of the wife of Mr. Hale wrought a change in
Essex, the case of the wife of Governor Phips had the same eftect in
Boston, where the mischief was already deeply rooted. ||
* " "We do heartily ask forgiveness of you all, vinced that the Devil might so afflict ; which
■whom we have justly offended, and do declare same reason did afterwards prevail with many
according to our present minds, we would none others, and much influenced to the succeeding
of us do such things again on such grounds, change at trials." — Calef, 108.
for the whole world," &c. [Signed] — "Thomas ^ An agreeable writer has said, that Mr.
risk, foreman, William Fisk, John Batcheler, Stoughton " made atonement for his bigotry by
Thos. Fisk, Jr., John Dane, Joseph Evelith, contributing, in his lifetime, to the cause of
Thos. Perly, Sen., John Pebody, Thos. Per- education. He erected, for the use of Harvard
kins, Samuel Sawyer, Andrew Elliot, Henry College, the building known as Stoughton
Herri ck, Sen." Hall." — Chandler, Crim. Trials, 1.35. Truly
f The Chief Justice, INIr. Stoughton, who I cannot see what erecting a Hall for Harvard
died in 1702, was never convinced of his error, College had to do with atoning for Mr. Stough-
as charity is inclined to suppose, for he never ton's errors while a judge. Did he intend that
acknowledged it. edifice for that purpose? As well might any
J In October, the wife of Mr. John Hale, good act of his life, however small, have bal-
the minister of Beverly was accused of being a anced the same errors.
witch by a person in Wenham. Mr. Hale || " If it be true what Avas said at the Coun-
had been one of the most forward to bring ac- cil Board, in answer to the commendations of
cused persons to punishment, but now, being Sir William, for his stopping the proceedings
fully convinced that his wife was unjustly ac- about witchcraft, namely, that it was high
cused, he soon altered his judgment ; " for it time for him to stop it, his own lady being ac-
was come to a stated controversie among cused. If that assertion were a truth, then
the New England Divines, whether the Devill New England may seem to be more beholden to
could afflict in a good man's shape ; yet when the accusers for accusing her, than to Sir Wil-
it came so near to himself, he Avas soon con- liam." — Calef, 154. — Hutchinson extracts
1693.] TOWN AFFAIRS. 503
The last Court held in these tragedies was at Boston ; over
A?ii "5 ^^^^^^ ^^^'- I^'^^^forth, Mr. Richards and Mr. Sewall presided. It
^^^ " " was at this Court that the aged Captain Alden " was acquitted
by proclamation," but "Mary Watkins, who had been a servant, and
lived about seven miles from the Town," was tried and condemned ;
not by the jury. Their repeated verdict was. Ignoramus ; but the
Court imprisoned her for some time, and she was finally sold into bon-
dage in Virginia.
Notwithstanding the tide had been some time at flood, trials would
not probably have ceased yet, but for the course of the miscreant accu-
sers themselves, in implicating those above all suspicion ; which had
now become too apparent, even to the most credulous to be farther
suffered, and prosecutions in consequence ceased.
At the June term of the General Court the last year, was passed
"An Act for building with stone or brick in the Town of Boston, and
preventing fire." This Act recites that "hence forth no dwelling-
house, shop, warehouse, barn, stable, or any other housing of more
than eight feet in length or breadth, and seven feet in height, shall be
erected and set up in Boston, but of stone or brick, and covered with
slate or tyle," except in particular cases ; and then not without license
from the proper authorities. By another Act, passed six years after,
this of 1692 does not seem to have answered the end of its enactment,
and the Legislature was obliged to legalize what it could not or did not
prevent, "forasmuch as the demolishing of such houses and buildings
(being now finished)" erected contrary to the Statute of 1692, " and pro-
ceeding according to the directions of the said law, would probably be
thought overgreat severity. Yet that such bold and open contempt
may not pass wholly unpunished ; and to the intent that others may
be deterred from doing the like in future. Be it enacted," &c.
The affairs of the Town seem to have gone on for the past year much
as though there had been no great commotions in the Country.
At the March meeting, Capt. Theophilus Frary was chosen
Moderator, and Thomas Walker, Bozoun Allen, Obediah Gill,
Samuel Checkley, Timothy Thornton, John Meryon, sen., Ephraim Sav-
age, Nathaniel Williams, and Capt. James Hill, were chosen Selectmen.
Treasurer and Commissioner, Mr. James Taylor. At the May Meeting,
j^j^ ^ Mr. James Taylor, Capt. Penn Townsend, John Eyers, Esq.,
^ "' and Capt. Theophilus Frary were chosen "Representatives."*
from a " MS. letter,''^ a curious circumstance the keeper [Mr. John Arnold] was discharged
about the Lady of the Governor, whose name from his trust and put out of liis employment,
being Mary (the same with the Queen), who as he himself told me." — Hist. Mass., ii. (Jl.
was applied to in her husband's absence for her * March 13. — Constables chosen were " Tim-
interposition in the case of a woman imprisoned othy Clarke, Tho. Cooper, Joseph Kussell,
for witchcraft. The good Lady took tho re- Richard Cheuers, Jacob Maline, Enocke Green-
sponsibility to sign a discharge, which the leafe, Wm. ParkmanandHezekiah Hinchman ;
Jailer obeyed. " And truly," says the writer for Rumny Marsh, Wm. Bordman ; for Muddy
of the letter, " I did not believe this story till River, Danall Harris. Clerks of the Market,
I saw a copy of the mittimus and discharge Nicholas Cocke, Isaac Meryon, Jolin Benet and
under the keeper's hand; for which delivery John Curtheue." Samuel Bridge agreed to
504 society: of Quakers. [1693.
The slaughtering of anunals about the Town having been
compkined of as a nuisance, " the Selectmen, with three of the
Justices of the Peace," ordered that "slaughter-houses for the killing
of meat" should be set up in these places only; namely, "on Mr.
Timothy Thornton's wharf, the wharves near the Salutation Tavern.*
In the middle of the Town near and over the Mill-stream. At the South
end, at or near Bendall's wharfe."
The Town chose Maj. Penn Townsend, Edward Bromfield,
Esq., Capt. Theophilus Frary, Mr. Timothy Thornton, for Rep-
resentatives " to serv in the General Assembly to be held eighth
November."
In the course of the year, Thomas Chalkley, an eminent Quaker,
visited Boston, and afterwards printed an account of his travels. In
his work he says : " I being a stranger and traveller, could not but ob-
serve the barbarous and unchristian-like welcome I had into Boston.
' 0! what a pity it was,' said one, ' that all of your society were not
hanged with the other four.' This shows that the spirit of persecution
was alive in some of that people, long after the power of it was re-
strained."!
Some laws had been passed the preceding year exempting the Quakers
from taxation, which may account for the vindictive attitude assumed by
some towards Thomas Chalkley. The exact time when a house was
set apart for public worship by the Denomination in Boston is not stated,
but it was not far from and perhaps as early as 1665. J However,
there had been, ever since the persecutions of 1677 an inconsiderable
number of Quakers in and about Boston. § In that year " their ordinary
place of meeting " is spoken of. In 1694 they possessed a lot of land
collect the Country rate for 3d the pound, for praying at the meeting, a warrant came from
which Mr. Simeon Stoddard stood his security Edward Rawson for the apprehension of the
in £1000. Fourteen Tythingmen were chosen Preacher. This meeting was at the house of
out of the seven military companies : — " Tho. Edward Wanton. The warrant sets forth
Banester, John Meryon, out of Capt. Sewall's ; that a stranger was there preaching, " public-
Samll. Bridges, John Adams, out of Capt. ly among many, and endeavoring to seduce his
Hills ; John Cunny [Coney], Wm. Adams, Majesty's good subjects and people to his
glover, out of Capt. Penn Townsends ; James cursed opinions." When the Constable reached
Barnes, John Kilbe, out of Capt. Allen's ; the place of meeting, the meeting was ended.
Tho. Messenger, James Smith, out of Maj. But he found Wharton at Nicholas Upsall's
Savages ; Tho. Gushing, Joshua Gee, out of house, and arrested him, and the next day he
Capt. John Wings ; John Farnum, John was whipped, and then sent to the Constable of .
Niccols, out of Maj. Ilutchinsons ; Joseph Lynn, who was ordered to whip him, and then
Grant, Wm. Iluffe, out of Capt. Greenoughs." to send him to Salem. — Details and copy of
* It was in Ship Street, at the corner of Sal- warrants may be seen in Besse, ii. 233.
utation Alley. It was standing long after this. ^ A law was made in 1675, subjecting every
June 2Gth, the following named persons were person found at a Quaker-Meeting to be corn-
appointed Innholdcrs : — " John Bishop, John mitted to jail, " to have the discipline of the
Prat, Joanna Ilunlock, Joshua Hewes, Eliza- house, and to be kept to work with bread and
beth Watkins, Hannah Kent, Enoch Hubbard, water, or else pay £5." Constables were em-
Mary Wright and Capt. Wright." powered to apprehend ex officio. See Besse, ii.
+ Chalkley in Besse, Sufferings, &c., ii. 220. 259. In consequence of this law some Friends
j May 4th, 16G4, Edward Wharton of Sa- received the barbarous usage referred to in the
lem, being at Boston, assembled with " George Old Indian Chronicle, cited ante, p. 410. By
Preston, Wenlock Christison and others of misinformation. Snow, jWsi.jBos^rt, 199, placed
their friends to worship God," &c. While they the important events of Quaker affairs of 1677
were exercised in the duties of preaching and under 1675.
1693.] ANOTHER CANADA EXPEDITION. 505
in Brattle street, one hundred and eight feet deep by twenty-five and a
quarter in width, for a Meeting-house and Burying-ground, and built a
brick house* on it twenty-four by twenty feet, which was secured to the
Society by William Mumford, Edward Sheppen,f John Soames, Edward
Wanton,J Walter Clark of Newport, and William Chamberlain of Hull.
In 1708 the Society desired to sell their house, and to erect a new one,
of wood, but on application to the Town Authorities, their request was
denied, and in the following year Walter Newberry, John Wing and
Thomas Richardson, the committee of Friends having charge of the
business, so reported to the Society. § " It was therefore concluded to
build, of brick, a house twenty-five by thirty feet. This was the build-
ing lately standing in Congress Street. It was burnt in the great fire
of 1760, and in the same year it was concluded by the Yearly Meeting
to repair it, which was done. This building stood till April 2nd, 1825,
when it was sold for 160 dollars, and immediately after demolished." ||
During and after the Revolution of 1776, the Quakers became so
much diminished, that it was said, in 1826, that their Meeting-house in
Congress street had been wholly unoccupied by them for nearly twenty
years.U " Their meetings were discontinued by a vote of the Society
in 1808. The Burying-ground had been undisturbed for eleven years,
when the remains of one hundred and eleven bodies were removed
thence to Lynn for re-interment, in July, 1826." The land was sold
in 1827, and the stone building opposite the west end of Lindall Street
occupies the site of the old Church. The Society has since erected a
neat stone edifice in Milton Place, but meetings are held in it only
occasionally, as resident members are very few.
Notwithstanding the disastrous issue of the Canada expedition of
1690, the Government in England soon after determined upon another,
but it was more ill-judged then the former. The first notice here that such
a design was on foot, was brought by the fleet which was to undertake it.
This was, enough to have caused a fatal delay, yet it was but a slight
error in comparison with another, which originated with it. The same
force destined to conquer Canada was ordered to reduce Martinico in
the West Indies, then to rendezvous at Boston, and after recruiting to
proceed into the St. Lawrence. Before anything could be effected
* The first Meeting-house built of brick in { Ancestor of the four Governors of Rhode
the Tovm. — Bowen, Picture Boston, 128. Its Island, of the name of Wanton. Edward, above
site is believed to have been " somewhere in the named, died in Scituate in 1716, £e. 85. See
neighborhood" of that on which Brattle- 'DesLne''s Hist. Scitiiate, S72.
street Church now stands. — See Lothrop, ^ The above facts are from Snow, who had
Hist. Brattle-st. Church, 6. them, and other items, " from a venerable
f He afterwards went to Philadelphia, and professor of the denomination." But as
was the first Mayor ofthat city, and filled other Snow's informant misled him in some of them
important places. His descendants have also and others are loosely stated, it is proper that
been distinguished, among whom was Edward my readers should be able to make the neces-
Shippen, LL. D., Chief Justice of Pennsylva- sary allowance by this notice,
nia, and William Shippin, ]M. D., first Profes- || Snow, 200.
sorof Anatomy in the University of Pennsylva- •[[ Boston Courier, 30 June, 1826. Their
nia. — See Miller's Retrospect, ii. 340. — Amer- lands in the Commonwealth were in the hands
ican Portrait Gallery, and Allen, Amer. Biog. of Trustees till 1823.
64
506 SIR AVILLIAM PHIPS. [1694.
against Martinico, a most fatal sickness broke out in the fleet, and be-
fore it reached Boston 3000 men had died, being three-fifths of
the whole force. Sir Francis Wheeler the commander of the
fleet, by and with the advice of the Government at Boston, relinquished
all ideas of effecting anything against Canada this year.*
At a Town-meeting it was agreed that Mr. Samuel Phillips
may have the ground where the Cage and Watch-house stand,
on a lease of twenty-one years, to build a shop on ; he building a
cellar under it ; and after one and a half years, to pay three pounds a
year for it.f
Sir William Phips has, not unjustly perhaps, been denominated " a
weak Governor," and that he was much better calculated to command
a ship of war than to be Governor of a Colony. Certain it is, he very
much disgraced himself by brutally assaulting Mr. Brenton, the Col-
lector of the Port of Boston, and for caning Captain Short of the Non-
such frigate, whom he met in the street. These assaults were
occasioned by a misunderstanding in respect to admiralty jurisdiction ;
the Governor assuming an authority which the Collector and the Cap-
tain thought did not belong to him. He was a man of great physical
strength, and seems to have been rather prone to employ that for want
of other kind of argument. Meanwhile representations were being
made to his prejudice in England, as the private letters from influential
men in Boston were generally against him. He had, at the same time,
quite as much as he could do to keep a majority of the General Court
on his side, as appears by a motion in that body to address the King
in favor of his being kept in his place of Governor ; out of fifty
members, there was but one majority for it. Many of the representa-
tives of the country towns then resided in Boston, and they went against
the Address. Out of this arose the Non-resident Act, an act requiring
that a representative should reside in the town which he represented.
This was carried, like the Address in favor of Sir William, by one ma-
jority. On this occasion, it is said that the Governor rushed into the
House, drove out the Non-residents, and, says this authority, "lam
mistaken if, either for estates or loyalty, they left any of their equals in
that House." J
^^^ Finally, Governor Phips was ordered to appear in England,
' to answer to the complaints against him, and he left Boston in
* Dr. C. Mather, then writing his Magnalia, tions for the Select-men, — Doct. Elisha Cook,
says Sir Francis Wheeler gave him the account Isaac Addington, Esq., Coll. Sam". Shrimpton,
of the mortality of his men himself. — Magnalia, Lt. Col. Elisha Hutchinson, and Maj. Pen
ii. 71. Hutchmson, ii. 72. Sir Francis was Townsend. — July IG, seven Assessors chosen,
cast away the year before near Gibralter. Capt. Bozoone Allen, Capt. Samuel Checkley,
t " May 9th, leave given to Joseph Maylam Ephm. Savage, Mr. Timothy Thornton, Mr.
to go forward in building a brick building Obediah Gill, Mr. Thomas Walker, Mr. John
neere the west end of the Town-house, consider- Marion, Sen. Mr. Checkley and Mr. Walker
ing the great benefit that thereby may accrew refusing to serve, Mr. Joseph Bridgham and
to the Town, being judged at least £8 p. year Mr. Sam". Lynd were chosen in their room,
at present coming in ; and the benefit of a brick Mr. Bridgham refusing, Capt. Nath". Green
watch-house and security from fire, &c." was chosen."
" May 14th. CoiSittee to draw up Instruc- J Ldter to London, in Hutchinson, ii. 80.
1695.] TOWN RECORDS. PLANTING TREES. 507
November, Lieut. Governor Stoughton assuming the Government. On
his arrival in England he was much harassed by actions at law for his
conduct at Boston. Damages were laid at 20,000 pounds, and Sir Henry
Ashurst, the friend of Dr. Increase Mather, became his bail. These
suits were thought to have brought on or aggravated the disease of
which he died. His death took place in London, in February fol-
lowing.*
Queen Mary died near the end of the year, at the early age
' " ' of thirty-three, and the next day William was recognized King
of England, as William the Third. What time the news of these
events reached Boston, and what notice was taken of them, if any, are
not ascertained, and it is probable that they were quietly passed over.
What called forth the following action of the Town does not
appear from the Records: "Voted, that the bookes of the
Register of birthes and deathes in the town of Boston shall be de-
manded by the Select-men in whose hands soever they be, and that all
bookes or other things belonging to the Library, and all the goods or
estate belonging to the Town, be demanded, and taken possession of by
the Selectmen."!
,, ^, It was ordered by the Town, that as Capt. Samuel Sewall
had been at charge "in severall essays to plant trees at the
south end of the Town for the shading of Wheeler's Point," he and his
heirs, " and none else," should have liberty to lop the trees so planted,
* He was buried at the east end of the church, visible "World." Sir "William Phips' fatlier,
St. Mary Woolnoth, London, over whose re- James Phips, came from Bristol, England, and
mains his wife caused the following inscription settled at Pemaquid. He had 26 children, of
to be placed : — whom 21 were sons, of whom Sir William was
" Near this place is interred the body of Sir Wil- one; born 2 Feb., 1G50. Hence he was but
liam Phipps, Knight, who, in the year 1687, by his 45 at his decease. His wife was Mary, daugh-
great Industry discovered among the rocks near ^^^. of Capt. Roger Spencer, and widow of John
the Uanks of Bahama, on the north side of ins- yy ,, '^ , P c xt 1. cu i, j i ••
paniola, a Spanish plate ship which had been under "^H' merchant of Boston. She had no chil-
water forty-four years ; out of which he took, in dren by Phips. Spencer Bennett, son of her
gold and silver, to the value of three hundred thou- sister Margaret, took the name of Phips, and
sand pounds sterling ; and, with a fidelity equal to was Lieut. Governor of Massachusetts. He
bis conduct, brought it all to London, where it was „j.ad. H C. 1703, died 4 April, 1757, £6. 73.
divided between himself and the rest of the adven, jjj^ ^^^ William grad. H. C. 1728. The wife
turers : ior which great service he was knighted ,■ t , r< tii • ^- i i n^ 1 • i „ t i\t„
by his then Majesty, King James II., and after- ^t Lt. Go^- P''iPf died at Camlmdge, 7 May
wards by the command of his present Majesty; and 1'64. In 1/39, John Phippsot Wrentham
at the request of the principallnhabitants of New petitioned the Gen. Court for a "Canada
England, he accepted the Uovernment of Massa- grant," in right of his uncle. Sir Wm. Phips,
chusetts, in which he continued to the time of bis ^nd for another in right of his brother James.
death, and discharged his trust with that zeal for rj^j^j^ j^^^^ pj^j ^.^^ probably son of John,
S! ^wnTn t r*""/''^^ Th./w'^in^tivl^nteri 1>oth of whom are remembered by Sir William
his own private advantage, that he justly gained ... ... , . , , i t o t/ -inniy j
the good esteem and affections of the greatest and m his Will, which he made 18 Dec. 1693, and
best part of the inhabitants of that Colony. He which was proved 13 June, 1695. Sir Wil-
died the ] 8th of February, 1694 [1694-5] ; and his liam's Avidow died in 1704, leaving to her
I-ady, to perpetuate his memory, hath caused this adopted son, Spencer Phips, the bulk of her
M<,nument to be erected." — Maitland, Hi.t. Lon- ^^^^^^_ gj^^ ^^g ^j^^^ ^j^g ^.jj^, ^f pg^gj. ggj.,
dm., vol. 11. p. 1145. See also Gen. ana Hist. Ker/., ,
iv 290 geant.
'Though this inscription is long, even the age t lAIar. 11. Maj. John Walley chosen Mod-
of the deceased is not mentioned, his parent- orator. Constables chosen were Daniel Oliver,
age, nor place of birth. Something of these John George, Edward Ihomas, Lpaphras
may ))e found in the Magnalia of liis intimate Shrmpton, Ihomas Palmer, Ihomas Gyalord
friend. Dr. Cotton [Mather. The reader of Sir ^^^i- ^Mountfort Eleazar Moody. Graford
William-s life, as given by that author, how- >va8 e.xcused. Palmer and Moody paid fines.
ever, should read in connectiou with it Calef 's I^'^^id Norton, Geo. Robinson, and W m. lurne?
notice of it iu his " More Woud ts of tlie In- ^^'^^re chosen in their room.
508 MARRIAGE OF RELATIVES. [1695.
and to cut them down and dispose of them, he or they planting others
and causing them to grow.
A '129 Winnesimmet ferry was let to John Scolly for seven
^" ' years.*
There was a good deal of agitation in the Churches of Boston upon
the subject of marriage, particularly in respect to the lawfulness or
unlawfulness of intermarriages among relatives. It is probable that
some case had occurred in one of the Churches which gave rise to that
agitation. However this may have been, " several of the Ministers in
and near Boston" felt themselves called upon to settle a question
which they thus stated : — " Whether it is lawful for a man to marry
his wife's own sister?" The Ministers who took it upon themselves
to decide upon the matter were Increase Mather, of the Second Church,
Charles Morton, of Charlestown Church, James Allen, of the First
Church, Samuel Willard, of the Third Church, Cotton Mather, of the
Second, John Danforth, of Dorchester, and James Sherman. They
published their judgment in a tract of eight pages, unqualifiedly assert-
ing, " We answer in the negative, that it is utterly unlawful, inces-
tuous, and an hainous sin in the sight of God." The answer occupies
but two lines, the arguments and authorities making up the rest of the
work.
This treatise of the Ministers, perhaps, influenced the General Court,
at its May session, to pass a law *' to prevent incestuous marriages."
It provides that no persons shall be allowed to marry where there is an
affinity between them, as declared in the Scriptures. Whoever offended
or broke this law, " such man and woman shall be set upon the gallows
by the space of an hour, with a rope about their neck, and the other
end cast over the gallows ; and, in the way from thence to the Common
Gaol, shall be severely whipped, not exceeding forty stripes each.
Also, every person so offending shall forever after wear a capital I, of
two inches long and proportionable bigness, cut out in cloth of a con-
trary color to their cloaths, and sewed upon their upper garments, on
the outside of their arm, or on their back, in open view." f If at any
time such criminals were found without the letter, they were to be
whipped, not exceeding fifteen stripes. |
* Sept. 30. The following is a list of persons "Col. Nicholas Paig, John Wing, Kichd.
ordered to appear before the Selectmen, to an- Basin, and Tho. Peck, Sen., for their trespas
swer for " breach of Town Orders or Bylaws neer their own houses." All were given to
in building to the inconvenience of the Streets the 1st of October " to remove the nusances, or
•with timber, stones, &c., being thereof con- pay 5s. for the use of the poor."
victed; viz., JamesBarton,Rich<i.Cheever, John "Thomas Harris paid one penny as an ac-
Orris, Josepli Ryall, John Coombs, John knowledgement that part of his shop stood on
Soames, Ralph Carter, John Gerish, Tho. Hitch- the Town land "
born, Gypon Fawer, Tho. Pcabody, Samii. Mat- f Colony Laws, edition 1714, p. 68. The
tock, Wm. Wilson, John La wson, John Nicols, same is upon the statute book published in
Richd. Middlecot, Saml. Burrell, David Adams, 1708. This law was the origin of the " Scarlet
Joseph Adams, Daniel Collins, John Bayley, Letter."
Christ Sleg. _ For their trespassing on the south | Justices were to consummate marriages
side of the high way, on the eastward side of only within their own counties, and ministers
the Draw Bridge." These persons were prob- only within their towns. The marriage fee
ably erecting buildings on the spot burnt over was fixed at 35., and for publishment and cer-
by the great fire of 5 Aug. 1690, before noticed, tificate, Is. — Laws, p. 16.
1694.]
FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.
509
CHAPTER LIII.
French and Indian War. — The Chief Bomazeen imprisoned in Boston. — Mission of Sheepscot John.
— Hopes and Prospects of the contending Parties. — The French plan the Capture of Boston. —
Severity of Winter. — Harbor frozen beyond former Experience. — Defences of the Town renewed. —
Order concerning the Marl^et. — Concerning further Defences. — Writing-school. — Death of Gov.
Bradstreet. — Jews. — Peace with France. — Order concerning the Records. — Number of Houses.
— Widows. — Ezekiel Cheever. — Edward Ward. — His description of Boston.. — Slanderers. —
Earl Bellamont Governor. — First Nobleman Governor. — His Popularity. — Arrests the Pirate
Kid. — Case of Maj. Mayhew. — Death of Gov. Bellamont. — Church in Brattle street founded. —
Its History. — Muddy River petitions to be set off. — Schools. — Rumney Marsh.
A DISTRESSING Indian war was now laying waste the
exposed frontiers of New England. Hundreds of the
inhabitants were killed or carried prisoners to Canada,
and a vast amount of property was destroyed. A few
Indians were from time to time taken and killed, but
their number bore no proportion to the mischief done
by them to the English.* The French, in Canada,
aided the Indians in fitting out their expeditions, and
afforded them a retreat after they had performed them,
joTLiFFE.f and often sent some of their own people to lead and
support them. Thus a most devastating warfare was
kept up for ten years together. J
In the early part of the year 1694, there was " bloody fishing
July 18. at Oyster River," in New Hampshire, as a Reverend Historian
* It is said that for every Indian killed it
had cost the country £1000 each.
f A name written with great variation. Mr.
John Joyliffe of Boston was a gentleman of
wealth and consideration from 1G63 to the time
of his death, which happened 23 Nov. 1701.
He lived in what is now Devonshire st., in that
part between Water and Milk st. It was one
of the few streets or lanes which retained its
former name, when, in 1708, the Selectmen
gave names to all the streets. It had been
known by the name of JoyliflFe's Lane for many
years before this confirmation. John Joyliffe
left a will, dated 17 Feb. 1699-1700, witnessed
by Anthony Checkley, Saml. Lynde, Edward
Creeke, and Benj. Stone. " To friends in Eng-
land, viz. to Katharine Bowles, dau. of mybro.
Dr. Geo. Joyliffe, 20s. ; to Katharine Coo^De
and Alice Moxley, daus., to my sister Dorothy
Cane, 20s. each ; to John Cooke of London,
merchant, son of my sister Martha, 20s. ; to
sister Spicer, dau. of my sister Rebecca Wol-
oott, 20s. ; to John Drake, son of my sister
Margaret Drake, 20s. ; to Margaret and Kath-
arine Drake, daus. of my sister Margaret, 20s.
each ; to Esther, dau. of my sister Mary Biss,
sometime wife of James Biss of Shepton Mallett,
in the C". of Somerset, 20s. ; to Rev. Saml. Wil-
lard of Boston, £5 ; to Mr. Simon W., son of
said Samuel W., £5 ; to the poor of the Town,
£10 ; to Martha Ballard, dau. of my late wife,
and now wife of Mr. Jarvis Ballard of Boston,
house and land in Boston, now in the occupa-
tion of Capt. Nathl. By field, sold to me by
mortgage of Richd. Price, late of Boston, mer-
chant, deceavsed, for £300 ; all else to go to
said dau. -in-law, ]\Iartha Ballard, who, with
her husband, to be exr^"
" Argent, on a Pile, Az. three dexter Gaunt-
lets of the field, is the coat Armor of John Jol-
liffe of the city of London, Esq., Governor of
the Muscovy Company, descended from the
Jolliffs of Botham in Staffordshire. Borne also
by William Jolliffe of Carswall Castle in the
same Shire, Esq." — Guillim, Heraldry, ed.
1679.
X Some spoil was occasionally done upon the
commerce of the French by daring and enter-
prising Boston seamen. In July, 1695, Capt.
Robert Glover ranged the eastern coast in a
privateer sloop called the Dragon. In the
mouth of the St. Lawrence he captured a
French ship, named the St. Joseph, with a
cargo valued at about £15,000,
510 INDIANS IMPRISONED. BOMAZEEN. SHEEPSCOT JOHN. [1G94.
of the time expressed himself.* Ninety-four people were killed and
J carried into captivity, and thirteen dwelling-houses were
burned. And only nine days after, thirty-five of the inhabit-
ants of Groton met a like fate. A noted Indian Chief, residing upon
the Kennebec river, was supposed to have led the parties which com-
„ mitted these enormities. The name of this Chief was Bomazeen ;
and, within about four months after, he was, by some stratagem,
taken by the English at Pemaquid, and shortly after brought to Bos-
ton, and closely confined in the common jail, with several others of
his countrymen. f Here he remained until December, 1698, at which
time he was liberated by an exchange of prisoners. While these pris-
. oners were lying in jail, Lieutenant Governor Stoughton issued
Jan. 21. a, Proclamation, J copies of which he sent to Canada, § and
to the Indians on the " Amarascogin." In that proclama-
tion the Governor called upon all the Indians who held any of the
English captives, to give immediate proof of their fidelity by a compli-
ance with a treaty they had recently entered into to deliver them up,
and to seize and deliver up to the English the Chiefs who had been
concerned " in this last and bloody tragedy;" otherwise they might
expect to be visited with the utmost rigors of the law. To this the
Indians replied by a counter proclamation ; in which they were not
behind the Lieutenant Governor in threats and denunciations. " That
which thou sayest to us, the same will we say to thee," is a fair speci-
men of their reply. However, through the mediation of Sheepscot
John, several captives were not long after restored, and a truce agreed
upon, but the war continued. ||
* Dr. Cotton Mather, Magnolia, ii. 626, makes Gov. Stoughton say, in speaking of dep-
new edition. redations, " Commit a I'endroit de plusieurs
f The French historians charge the English bon sujets de saMajestes de la, riviere d'Huitre-
mth great perfidy in that seizure of the In- Ec/foton,^^ &c. Now, unless one were familiar
dians. Against his account of the affair, with all the transactions, he would not sup-
Charlevoix sets in his margin, " Trahison faite pose that " Oyster River and Groton " was
par les Anglois aux Abenaquis." The English, meant by the words I have italicized. Nor did
he says, had turned all their attention to de- Mons. de la Potherie make much better work
bauch the people about Acadie. That seven in printing the counter proclamation of the In-
Abenaquis being sent to Pemaquid under a dians, in which document he makes them say,
flag of truce, they were seized ; three of them " J'envoye les presentes paries mains de Sheep-
were carried prisoners to Boston, and the other scot, Jean Alt, Bagataouaroonyan un de leurs
four were massacred in the way. " Sapt Abe- otages," &c. Now who would suppose that
naquis etant alles h. Pemkuit avec un drapeau the words in Italic here meant " Sheepscot
parlementaire, y furent arrGtis ; trois furent John,als. Bagataouaroongan ? " &c. — 76.41.
mencs prisonniers a Boston, et les quatre autres Potherie was licensed to print in 1702, but
furent massacres en chemin." — Hisloire et his work did not appear till 1722.
Desc. Gen. de la Nouvelle France, ii. 159. — ^ Sheepscot John was the bearer of the
Hutchinson says the Indians were no other- Proclamation. He was one of the Hostages
wise maltreated than by being kept in prison imprisoned with Bomazeen in Boston, and was
in Boston, " which, it must be acknowledged, a party to the Treaty of Pemaquid of 11 Aug.
was a very bad one." — Hist. Mass., ii. 87. 1693, made with Sir "William Phips. To that
J I have not met with this proclamation instrument his name stands, " John Baga-
escept in French, as rendered by Potherie, in tawawongo, alias Sheepscot John." — Book
his Histoire de UAmcrique Septent., iv. 40-2. of the Jiulians, 305. — Hutchinson, ii. 88. —
As is commonly the case, the author of that Magnalia, vii. 85.
book has made wretched work in translating || See note on p. 509.
the names of persons and places. Tiius he
1696.] FORTIFICATIONS REPAIRED. 511
England and France continued at war. Each nation hoped to suc-
ceed on this continent against the other, and to effect a complete con-
quest of it. Affairs on the whole, since the expedition of 1690, had
been in favor of the French and their Indian allies. The Canadians
believed that the English government would send out a strong naval
force against them in the spring of 1696 ; to counteract which they
applied to the King of France to send over a fleet of sufficient force to
overpower any the English might employ. It was planned that the
French fleet should Ml in with the English fleet on the coast, and,
having destroyed it, to proceed immediately to capture Boston, which
they believed to be a place of great trade. Yet the high hopes of the
French were blasted in respect to their great object.
The fortifications of the Town were examined early this
^ '^"^ ■ year, and were reported " very much out of repair, and
unfit for service in this time of war." And although the Province
was accountable for their efficiency, it was determined in Town-meet-
ing, that " forasmuch as our own safety doth necessarily depend upon
the speedy setting of the platform and carriages for the great artillery
in repair, so as they maybe of service in case of invasion," to have
them prepared at once for service. At the same time it was voted that
Col. Samuel Shrimpton, Lieut. Col. Hutchinson, and Maj. Penn Town-
send, with the Selectmen, should make application to the Commander
in Chief for his orders and direction, and to provide for whatever ex-
penditure the Town should incur in rendering the forts serviceable.*
It was voted that Joseph Belknap's lease might be renewed, but for
a term not exceeding ninety-nine years. f It was *' agreed that the
Market appointed by law should be kept at one place at pres-
ent ; namely, in and about the Town-house, and that it be
opened on the eleventh day of August next."
It was voted in Town-meeting, that the Town Rate should
■ not exceed 500 pounds ; that more money should be raised and
employed about the fortifications, and to buy powder for necessary de-
fence, but not to exceed 500 pounds. Lieut. Col. Hutchinson, Peter
Sergeant, Esq., and Henry Deering, were to examine the Treasurer's
accounts, and Col. Shrimpton, Col. Hutchinson and Maj. Townsend,
*The next year (22 Mar. 1697), "Col. had not £20 ratable estate " besides the poll."
Hutchinson, Mr. Samson Stoddard, and Mr. No person to keep more than one dog. " Noe
Tim. Clark, to be a committee to see all the person shall ride too and fro aboute the Com-
great ordnance belonging to the Town of Bos- mon on the Sabbath-day, to water horses, on
ton well mounted on sufficient carriages ; all the penalty of 5s., and Mr. Daniel Fairfield is
platforms repaired, and new ones erected as impowered to look after the transgressors."
they shall judge needful ; stores for powder in
time of Service, with all other materials neces-
sary for our defence, and to draw upon
Treasurer of the Town, which he is to answer,
not exceeding £500." The Gunner was
lowed £20 per annum. Mr. Cole, Master
the Free Writing-school, to have £10 added to j It was of a piece of ground leased to him
his salary for the coming year. It was before in 1657. See ante, p. 350.
£30. No person allowed to keep a dog who
r in ^
ces- V, ^ /7y^
■of / ^
512 DEATH OF GOV. BRADSTREET. [1697.
were " a committee to examine after the Town's powder that is lost,
and also to appoint the wages of William Tilly, Gunner for this
present year, and what is past." It was also " voted that part of the
money given by the late Major John Richards, to be improved for the
poor of the Town, should be laid out in building a chamber over Mr.
Phillips his shop, and the Watch-house, and it is to be left with the
Select-men to order the building of it, and to lease it out." A house
for a Writing-school, adjoining to the old School-house, was voted to
be built, and referred to the Selectmen also.*
The venerable and respected Governor Bradstreet died at
Salem, at the age of ninety-four. He was a son of Simon
Bradstreet,! and was born at Horbling, in the County of Lincoln, in
March, 1603. The father of Governor Bradstreet was "the son of a
Suffolk gentleman of fine estate," became a Nonconformist, preached
for a time in Lincolnshire, and afterwards at Middleburgh, in Holland.
He was at one time "one of the first Fellows of Immanuel College,
under Doctor Chadderton, and one afterwards highly esteemed by Mr.
Cotton and Mr. Preston." He died about 1617. Governor Bradstreet
had witnessed the events of near a century, the entire existence of
Boston, and in short New England. He was living when Capt. Josh-
ua Scottow wrote his " Narrative of the Planting of the Massachusetts
Colony," which was dedicated to him, and published three years
before his death.J In this his old friend saluted him as New Eng-
land's Nestor, to which Hutchinson subscribed, and says, "He was the
youngest of all the Assistants who came over with the first Charter,"
and he is said to have been the last survivor of all those who came to
New England with him in 1630. §
Governor Bradstreet married Anne, a daughter of Governor Thomas
Dudley, by whom he had eight children, and their posterity is widely
* The next year (Dec. 20th, 1698), at the longing to John Mears deceased is 11 pole and
request of Samuel Sewall, Esq., Joseph Prout one foot; from said north corner cross the
measured certain distances, an account of high-way to Capt. Bozoon Allen's land is 25^
which was entered on the Records. From this foote."
it appears that the New School-house had been /I /J
built at Cotton Hill. — "From the southerly /^iTf f ^ * ^ y» A-
corner of the New School-house at Cotton Hill, \J P/bC^l^-^ -^ ZJf-^^-^(^
to the northerly corner of Capt. Legg's land ia ccT^^* /y
55 foot ; from said north corner of said School- on i t p^o n r^
house to the southerly post of Capt. Sewall's J^n. 30th, 1698-9. ;' Ordered, that the
gate, being the breadth cross the high-way ia School-house lately built in the Prison-lane on
53 foot 4 inches ; from said gate-post to the ^^^ side of the Hill over against the land of
south-easterly end of the School-house fence is Capt. Samll. Sewall remain as it is now fenced
41i ; the breadth upon the high-way between i°' ^"<i that no more of said Hill be improved by
Mr. Coney and Belknap on the one side of building or otherways taken in, but left for
Capt. Sewall's land on the other side is 17 accommodation of the street or high-way."
foot ; from the easterly corner of the School- t I^ev. Samuel Sewall, out of ancient (Brad-
house cross the high-way to the N. W. gate st^^^et) family MSS.
post of the house late of Mr. Perkins is 36 X ^ee ante, p. 106.
foot ; from the east corner of said School-house k This is true, no doubt, as it respects the
to the northe corner of the land formerly be- fathers of the Colony, or prominent men.
of 4£ State House ilast
1697.] JEWS. INDIAN WAR. SEVERE WINTER. 513
spread over New England at this day ; including many families and
individuals of the highest respectability.*
Among all the sects which had given concern to the early Founders
of Boston, that of the Jews was among the least. At this time, there
w^ere but two of that faith in the Town. These were brothers, of the
name of Frazon, Joseph and Samuel. The former was some time a
scholar to the learned Da Sylva in London. Their father and grand-
father had lived in the Dutch Colony in Brazil. f
The Indian war continued to cause deep distress throughout almost
the entire inland borders of New England, and temporary relief only
could be expected during the winter now close at hand.
Nor did the joyful news of the Peace of Ryswick entirely
allay the fears of further miseries from Indian depredations.
However, Peace was proclaimed in Boston on the tenth of December,
and celebrated with an earnestness which the prospect of relief from the
horrors of war only could give.
The winter which had now commenced " was the severest that ever
was in the memory of man." | " From the middle of January to the
first or second of March it held cold, with very little or no intermission.
All the Bay was frozen over quite out to Sea ; so as it was com-
mon to go horse and man over all the ferries for two months to-
gether. The main channel in Boston harbor did not open till the
first of March. It snowed that year between twenty and thirty
times."§ "Slays and loaded sleds passed a great part of the time
upon the ice from Boston as far as Nantasket." There was also a
great scarcity of provisions. Grain was never at a higher price, nor
could it be readily had for money. Trade also suffered more than
at any former period. ||
At the Town-meeting, Samuel Sewall, Esq., was Moderator.
Mar 14 Samson Stoddard, Thomas Walker, Bozoon Allen, Obediah Gill,
Thomas Hunt, John Marion, Jr. , and Isaiah Tay, were Selectmen ;
William Griggs was Town Clerk, and James Taylor, Treasurer. The
Overseers of the Poor were Benjamin Walker, Henry Dering, Rich-
ard Draper and Samuel Lind. At the same Meeting, it was voted,
* I may well be excused from any enlarge- evidently made some errors in his transcript,
ment upon the posterity of Gov. Bradstreet, it The most accurate copy is probably that to be
having been so lately and so ably done in the found in Alden's Epitaphs, i. p. 71 ; or No. 85.
N. E. Hist, and Gen. Register, by two gen- f Sewall ; who says, " There are several
tlemen avIio take a deep interest in such eluci- families of Jews at New York, and New Eng-
dations of New England's History. See that land is seldom wholly without them."
work, vol. viii. 312 — 25. % Mather, Maejnalia, vii. 93, or ii. 693, new
The tomb-stone of Governor Bradstreet is edition. It is not easy to understand by the
still to bo seen in the Charter-street Burying- Magnalia the precise year of this severe win-
gi-ound in Salem, but the Inscription upon it ter. Hutchinson is a year out of the way.
has long been illegible; and yet, from copies See Hist. Mass., ii. 101. He does not give
often reprinted in this age, there is nothing to his authority, and it is not known, therefore,
indicate the fact that they are copied Irom who misled him.
copies. Nearly one hundred years ago, a Cor- ^ Clough's Almanack for 1701.
respondent of the " Boston Chronicle " made || Clough's Almanack iov 1701, and Hutch-
out the original with difficulty, and even then inson, ii. 101.
65
514 LATIN SCHOOL ASSISTANT. [1698.
*'That all choice of officers, on the day of a Public Town-meeting for
that work, should be entered in a book, and not on loose paper, and so
all other things voted by the Town, least they should be lost."*
Boston at this time contained above 1000 houses, and more than
7000 inhabitants.! " It was no sooner come to some consistence three-
score years ago, but the people found themselves plunged into a sad
non-plus what way to take for a subsistence. God then immediately
put them in a way. The Town is at this day full of widows and
orphans, and a multitude of them are very helpless creatures. I am
astonished how they live ! In that Church whereof I am a Servant, I
have counted the widows make about a sixth part of our Communi-
cants, and no doubt in the whole Town the proportion differs not very
much." J
1699. It was decided by the Town that an Assistant in the Latin
Mar. 13. gchool should be provided for Mr. Ezekiel Cheever. It being
committed to the Selectmen, Mr. Ezekiel Lewes, his grandson, was
^ g selected to fill the station, and to have a Salary of not exceed-
ing forty pounds a year. He entered upon his duties in the
Aug. 28. following August. §
Boston was this year visited by a remarkable character ; remark-
* At the same meetinc:;, " Col. Hutchinson, are to be seen on this little piece of ground, all
Mr. Samuel Lind, Mr. Timo. Clark, and Mr. filled with the undeserved favors of God." —
David Copp, senr., chosen a CoEte to join with Magnalia, i. 33 ; or new edition, i. 92.
the Select-men to renew the antiant bounds of % Ibid. B. i. 34. The Author calls earnestly
the high-way leading from the Black-horse lane upon the Town Authorities to suppress vice
to the Mill, by Centry Haven, and to propose of every kind, and relates many examples of
how it may be better laid out, if need be." judgments which had fallen upon other places
May 9th. " John Eyer, Esq., Oapt. Sam'l for the sins of their inhabitants. " Port Roy-
Legg, Capt. Nath. Byfield, and Penn Town- al in Jamaica," he says, " you know was
send," were chosen Representatives. On the swallowed up the other day in a stupendous
30th, Capt. Andrew Belcher was chosen in- Earthquake ; that just before the Earthquake
stead of Capt. Townsend, who had been chosen the people were violently and scandalously set
a Counsellor. July 11th, a rate of £800 was upon going to Fortune-tellers upon all occa-
ordered to be raised. sions. But none of these wretched Fortune-
Oct. 11th. •' Ordered that the natural and tellers could foresee or forestall the direful
antient water course at the south end of the catastrophe." He had heard there were some
Town, between the wharf lately set up by Mr. in Boston " consulted by the sinful inhabit-
Barrichia Arnold and the wharf of Peter Wei- ants;" and adds, "I wish the Town could
comb, deceased, in breadth 9 feet, shall for ever be made too hot for these dangerous trans-
remaine for that vse, and shall be kept open gressors. And ! that the drinking-houses
as a common priviledge." in the Town might once come under a laud-
Nov. 14. It was voted " that a rate of £60 able regulation. The Town has an enormous
be raised by the Select-men, for the repairing number of them."
of the Town-house, and no other use." ^ July 7. " Ordered that the Draw Bridge
f Sermon at the Boston Lecture, 7:2: 1698, over the Mill Creek be placed 3 foot 7 in.
by Doctor Cotton Mather. " The Small-pox from the range of the corner of Mr. Giles
has four times been a great plague upon us. Dyer's house, as now it is, and to extend in
In one twelvemonth, about 1000 of our neigh- breadth 10 ft. 11 in. from outside to outside
bors have one way or other been carried unto of the Joyce of said bridge, and 10 ft. more or
their long home; and yet we are, after all, less, being the remainder of the breadth of said
many more than 7000 souls of us at this hour way, over to the house of Mr. Christopher
living on the spot. Ten times has the fire Goffe, late of Boston, deceased."
made notable ruins among us, and our good Nov. 6. Mr. James Russell, of Charles-
servant been almost our master ; but the ruins town, and Mr. John Ballentine, of Boston, or
have mostly and quickly been rebuilt. I sup- " whoever else may be concerned," or owners
pose that many more than a thousand houses of the bridge over the Mill Creek, are ordered
1699.] VISIT OF EDWARD WARD. 515
able for nothing, however, entitling him to very respectful considera-
tion. His name was Edward Ward.*
Mr. Ward sailed from Gravesend in the ship Prudent Sarah, but at
what time in the year, or the date of his arrival in Boston, does not
appear from his Journal. He commences by saying that " Bishops,
Bailiflfs, and Bastards, were the three terrible persecutions which chiefly
drove our unhappy brethren to seek their fortunes in our foreign Col-
onies ; " and frankly acknowledges that "one of these bugbears"
(doubtless the latter, though he says otherwise), forced him " to leave
his own dear native country, for religious Boston." After a humorous
and ludicrous description of his voyage, being tossed by the waves
" like a dog in a blanket," as he expresses it, he " got sight of the
promised land of Boston," of which he promises to give an account,
" free from prejudice or partiality ;" proceeding as follows : —
" On the south-west side of ]\Iassachusetts Bay is Boston, whose
name is taken from a town in Lincolnshire, and is the metropolis of all
New England. The houses in some parts join, as in London. The
buildings, like their women, being neat and handsome ; and their
streets, like the hearts of the male inhabitants, are paved with peb-
bles."
At the " stately edifices in the chief or High-street," and their pro-
prietors, he sneers in a manner practised only by the envious or igno-
rant. Some of these edifices, he remarks, "have cost their owners
two or three thousand pounds ; which I think plainly proves two old
adages true, namely, ' that a fool and his money are soon parted;'
and ' set a beggar on horseback, he '11 ride to the devil ; ' the fathers
of these men were tinkers and pedlars."
The Meeting-houses and Ministers escape some better in the follow-
ing passage : — " To the glory of Religion and the credit of the Town,
there are four Churches, built with clapboards and shingles, after the
fashion of our Meeting-houses ; which are supplied by four Ministers ;
forthwith to repair the pavement on each side From another passage it seems our author
of the bridge, and to move the gutters beside had, some time or other, honored the Pillory,
it, that it might be passable for horse and cart, or the Pillory him : —
according to the grant of the Town, or pay
20s. a week till it should be done. " -As thick as bees o'er vernal blossoms fly,
* In Jacob's Lives and Characters of the Eng- ^' ^^'"^ ^^ ^SS^ ^t ^^'^''^ ^"^ Pillory."
lish Poets, i 225, printed in 1723, " Mr. Ed- ^^^ ^^^^ j^j^. W^ard's biographer fare much
ward Ward" is thus noticed : — " A very ^^^^^^ . though he was the Author of several
voluminous Poet, and an imitator of the famous j^w books of reputation : —
Jiutler. Oi late years, he has kept a pubhc
house in the City [of London], but in a gen- ".Taoob, the scourge of grammar, mark with awe,
teel way ; and with his wit, humor, and good Nor less revere him, blunderbuss of law."
liquor, has afforded his guests a pleasurable mi i ■, ^ •, p i i i
entertainment; especially the High Church , ,^\^''t .^ ^"^Sf retailer of scandal and
party, which is composed of men Sf his prin- falsehood, it was thought best to notice Ed-
ciples,andto whom he is very much obliged ^^F^^ Ward m this work, as many of his jests
fur their constant resort." Pope gives him a ^"^ «*0"^^ ^ave passed into by-words, and
very low seat among the " Dunces " : - are still remembered ; that their origin may
be known, or the vehicle through which they
"Nor sail with Ward, to ape-and-monkey olimes j,ave found their way to this age.
\\ hero vile Mundungus trucks for viler rhymes." *
516 ward's description of boston. [1699.
to whom some, very justly, applied these epithets ; — one a scholar, the
second a gentleman, the third a dunce, and the fourth a clown."
" Every stranger is unavoidably forced to take this notice, — that in
Boston there are more religious zealots than honest men ; more Parsons
than Churches, and more Churches than Parishes. The inhabitants
seem very religious, showing many outward and visible signs of an
inward and spiritual grace. Ijut though they wear in their faces the
innocence of doves, you will find them in their dealings as subtle as
serpents. Interest is their faith, money their God, and large posses-
sions the only heaven they covet. Election, Commencement, and
Training days are their only Holy-days. They keep no saints' days,
nor will they allow the Apostles to be saints "; yet they assume that
sacred dignity to themselves, and say, in the title-page of their Psalm-
book, ' Printed for the edification of the Saints in Old and New Eng-
land.' "
This Traveller has a few remarks upon certain laws then in force,
especially that upon kissing in public, which, he says, is " at the same
price as fornication." * The women afford a constant theme for the
Author's erratic pen. " They are not at all inferior," he says, " in
beauty to the ladies of London, having rather the advantage of a better
complexion ; but, for the men, they are generally meagre, and have
got the hypocritical knack, like our English Jews, of screwing their
faces into such puritanical postures that you would think they were
always praying to themselves, or running melancholy mad about some
mystery in the Revelations. So that 't is rare to see a handsome man
in the country, for they have all one cast, but of what tribe I know
not." t
The extracts here given are more favorable to their Author than the
parts omitted ; and, although there is some truth in his account, his
work, on the whole, is grossly slanderous, or was intended to be so,
but its extravagance in that respect defeats the object he had most in
view. Such is, and ever wdll be, the ultimate fate of dealers in slan-
der and detraction.
The Earl of Bellamont,j: a new Royal Governor, who had been
* In this connection Ward relates this anec- Richard, was the third son of Sir Charles
dote : — "A Captain of a ship, who had been Coote, Bart., and was born in 1620 ; and for
a long voyage, happened to meet his wife, and whose hearty concurrence with his brother,
kissed her in the street, for which he was fined Sir Charles Coote, in restoring Charles IE., he
10s. What a happiness, thought I, do we was raised to the Peerage, being, the same day
enjoy in Old England, that can not only kiss his brother was made an Earl, created Baron
our own wives, but other men's too, without Coote of Coloony. Of the three sons of Baron
the danger of such a penalty." Bellamont, our Governor, Kichard, was the
f " The gravity of their looks is of great ser- first. In 1688, he was returned Member of
vice to these ' American Christians.' It makes Parliament for Droitwich in Worcestershire,
Strangers that come amongst them give ci-edit and served in several succeeding Parliaments ;
to their words. And it is a proverb with those but in that held by James II. at Dublin, in
that know them, ' Whosoever believes a New 1689, he was attainted, having been, 27th
England Saint shall be sure to be cheated. He March preceding, made Treasurer to King Wil-
that knows how to deal with their traders, may liam's Queen, being one of the first who went
deal with the Devil and fear no craft.'" — Ibid, over to the Prince of Orange. He married
t His family name was Coote. His father, Catharine Nanfan of Bridgemorton, in the
1699.] EARL OF BELLAMONT. 517
some time looked for, arrived in Boston, and the people vied
'^^ '^ ' with each other in rendering him respect and homage. He was
appointed by the King to the government of New Hampshire, Massa-
chusetts, and New York, as far back as 1695,* but his affairs detained
him a long time in England, and he had a very protracted passage
thence to New York, having embarked in one of his Majesty's ships
early in the fall of the year 1698, was blown off the American coast,
and obliged to winter in Barbadoes. On his arrival at New York, a
government deputation was despatched to that Province from Boston
with congratulations, and to consult him upon matters of government.
Bellamont was the first Nobleman who had been sent over to govern
the Colony, and the novelty of such a presence among the people of
Boston caused a general feeling of respect, similar to that for Royalty,
even at a later day. The new Governor evidently understood more of
human nature than many of his predecessors ; sparing no pains to gain
the respect and esteem of all classes, by an affability and condescending
courtesy, which seldom fails of success. Though an Episcopalian, he
was not a High Churchman ; pursuing as well as professing the most
moderate course both in Religion and Government. He regularly at-
tended the Boston Weekly Lecture, and treated the Ministers of the
Town with marked attention and regard. f In administering the Govern-
ment, he avoided all controversies with the Legislature, and thus
became universally popular. This will account for his receiving a
larger salary than any Governor of the Province before him, which was
also larger than that of many which succeeded him, even though the
Province was fir better able than it was at this time. J
One object in the appointment of Lord Bellamont as Governor, is
said to have been that he might suppress piracy, which had long been
an appalling scourge on the wdiole American coast. What his abilities
were for this work, above others, does not appear, but certain it is he
effected something in this branch of duty. He caused Capt. William
County of Worcester, and had two sons, Nan- The Doctor, standing at his door, was accosted
fan and Richard, successively Earls of Bella- by His Lordship as he passed, in these words :
mont. — Lodgers Peerage of Ireland, i. 38G-93, — " Ah, Doctor, you have lost a precious ser-
ed. 1754. The well-known Sir Eyre Coote, mon to-day ! " BuUivant o))served, in an under
Governor-General of India, was of the same tone, to a person standing by, " If I could have
family. John Nanfixn, " a kinsman of the got as much by being there as His Lordship
Earl of Bellamont," came over with the Eari, will, I would have been there too." — Hutch-
" in quality of our Lieut. Governor." — Smith, inson.
N. Y., 150, ed. 1814. J " For though he remained but fourteen
* " In the beginning of the year 1695, his months in the Province, the grants made by
Lordship was named by the King Governor of the General Court amounted to £2500, lawful
New York, a place then remarkably infected money, or £1875 sterling." — Hutchinson.
with the two dangerous diseases of an unlawful There was at this time no house built for a
trade and the practice of piracy." — Lodge, Governor, and it cost Lord Bellamont £100 a
Ibid., 390. year for one, besides his stable expenses. He
f The General Court in those days always earnestly recommended that a house should be
adjourned to attend the Lecture. On one oc- built for the Governor, and designated a spot
casion tlie following pleasant occurrence took " in the best part of the Town, where Sir Ed-
place. In returning from Lecture, the Gov- mund Andros lived." — Hist, and Gen. Reg.,
ernor passed by the apothecary shop of the vi. 83. On or near the site where the Old
well-known Dr. Benjamin BuUivant, his friend. Province House stood.
518 DEATH OF GOV. BELLAMONT. [1699.
Kidd to be arrested, who was brought to Boston and imprisoned,
and subsequently hanged in England.* About the same time
Kidd was taken, one Bradish, a more noted pirate, and another,
escaped out of the jail, with the connivance, as was said, of the jailer;
but Bradish was afterwards retaken. He was also sent to England,
and suffered with Kidd.f
There were occasional disturbances of another character.
One month after the arrival of Governor Bellamont, Major Mat-
thew Mayhew, of Martha's Vineyard, was committed to jail in Boston,
charged, as by a copy of his mittimus appears, " for publickly declaring
sundry atheistical, seditious, scandalous and reproachful words and
speeches, to the great dishonor of Almighty God and the reproach of
his holy Religion ; maliciously and wickedly scandalizing and villi-
fying of his Majesty's Governor and Government." Whether the
charges were substantiated at his trial, if one took place, does not
appear. J
Soon after the May session of the General Court, Lord Bella-
jyJJ mont returned to New York, where he remained in the exercise
of his ofQce until the following March, on the fifth day of which
1700-1'. J3ionth he died. As soon as the news of his Lordship's death
reached Boston, a Proclamation was issued by the Deputy
Governor and the Council for the observance of a Fast throughout the
Province. In June, after his arrival in Boston, several "merchants
and traders " petitioned him for a bankrupt law, " as in England." §
The founding of Brattle-street Church was in the year 1699, al-
though steps had been taken earlier. || The reasons for establishing this
* The Governor declared the laws of the David Jeffries, Joseph Parson, Jos. and Samll.
province insuflBcient to execute criminals guilty Frazon, Samll. Phillips, Jos. Coysgarne, John
of piracy. Hence Kidd was sent to England, Ballantine, Tho. Ilubbart, and A. Roberts. —
and there tried, condemned, and executed. W. B. Traak from Mass. Archives.
f See Smith's Hisi. New York, 150-2, ed. || " The first movements towards the form-
1814. Hutchinson, ii. 119. ation of this Society seem to have been made
J I have not examined the Court Records for as early as 1697." — Lothrop's, iiT/s^ Brattle-
further facts, not deeming the circumstance of St. Church, 4. The deed from Thomas Brattle,
sufficient interest at this time. It appears conveying the land for a Meeting-house, is
from a deposition dated March 20th, 1700, dated 10 Jan. 1698. The number of persons
that his trial had not then taken place. interested in the conveyance was twenty, and
§ What action was taken upon the Petition, the lot conveyed was called Brattle's Close,
if any, does not appear from the original, and The consideration was £150, " and for other
I have not looked farther. The names of the good causes." The dimensions of the purchase
Petitioners were : — Penn Townsend, Fra. Bur- were 107 feet on the south and west sides, 97
roughs, John George and Co., Wm. Clarke, on the north, and 120 on the east, extending
Elias Heath, Simo. Stoddard, Samll. Keeling, to within 17 feet of the present south line of
CharlesChauncy, John Borland, William Clark Brattle-street, and on the east and north sides
of North Boston, P. Chardon, B. Walker, Samll. from 3 to 13 feet beyond the walls of the pres-
Legg, John Marshall, Jno. Cambbell, L.Bouch- ent Church. The original dimensions have
er, Daniel Oliver, Wm. Welsteed, Jun., Tho. since been extended on two sides by purchase,
Fitch, Danll. Zachary, John Colman, Jno. but some abridgment has also taken place for
JMaxwell, Fra. Foxcroft, Timo. Clarke, Zee. the convenience of the Town. The original
Tuthill, Ease Apthorp, William Tailer, George grantees were Thomas Clark, John Mico, Tho-
Whitehorn, Thaddeus Macarty, Robert How- mas Bannister, Thomas Cooper, Benjamin
ard, Joseph Sparrow, Ed. Martyn, John Fayr- "Walker, Benjamin Davis, Tuuothy Clark, Ste-
weather, Thos. Cooper, John Pitts, David phen Minot, William Keen, Richard Draper,
Jenner, for self and Partner, Roger Kilcup, William Harris, Abraham Blush, Zechariah
1699.]
BRATTLE- STREET CHURCH.
519
Church do not appear to have been the same as
for some of the others.* Mr. Benjamin Colman,
a native of Boston, but then residing in England,
" was invited to become its Pastor. He accepted
i the invitation, and arrived here on the first of
November, 1699. About this time an Edifice
had been completed, and on the twenty-fourth
of December following he preached the first ser-
mon in it. t
Having, in some particulars, departed from the Cambridge Platform,
and hence broken in upon " the Order of the Churches," the Brattle-
street Church could not be tolerated by some of the old Fathers of the
Churches of New England. A Protest was therefore publicly made by
BRATTLE-STREET CHURCH.
Nov. 17.
them against it. This drew from the Brattle-street Church a
defence of its course, which was denominated a " Manifesto or
Declaration." This gave the Church the name of the " Manifesto
Church," which it bore among many opposed to it for several years. J
However, a reconciliation was brought about in a few years, and no
Church in the City, perhaps, has had less of trouble and difficulty, in-
ternal and external, than this of Brattle-street, in the same period. It
has had a succession of talented preachers, not surpassed, if paralleled,
in any Church in any country. § Of these to speak separately would be
a most pleasing and agreeable task, but it cannot be indulged in in
these pages. Concerning nearly all of them truthful and elegant me-
morials are to be found. || That by Doctor Colman upon his colleague
Pastor, " Mr. William Cooper," is of surpassing excellence ; that of
the Rev. John Clarke upon Dr. Samuel Cooper, it is enough to say, is
one of that excellent minister's best efforts ; that of the Rev. William
Tuthill, Thomas Palmer, John Colman, James
Meers, Joseph Allen, Elkanah Pembroke, John
Kilby, and Addington Davenport. These were
called Undertakers. Brattle-street, and " a
way leading to the Town Dock" to it, are
mentioned in the Deed. On 17 Oct., 1700, a
new avenue to the Church was secured, 10 feet
wide, through land of John Dassett, since
called Dassett's Alley, " where a post, with a
lock to secure it for foot passengers, is still
maintained." — Palfrey's Sermon, 7, 31.
* This appears from the letter of invitation
to Mr. Colman, in the following passage : —
After stating " that they had chosen him to be
their INIinister, and urging him to make what
haste he could to them," they add, " We only
propose that the Holy Scriptures may be pub-
licly read every Sabbath in the worship of God,
which is not practised in other Churches of New
England at this time ; and that we may lay
aside the relation of Experiences, which are im-
posed in other Churches, in order to the ad-
mission of persons to the Lord's table." — Tu-
relPs Life of Dr. Colman, 43.
t Ibid., 47.
X It is printed in Mr. Palfrey's Sermon, 32-4.
^ They succeeded in the following order : —
Benjamin Colman, D.D., from 4 Aug., 1699,
to his death, 29 Aug., 1747, se. 73.
William Cooper, from 23 May, 171G, to 13
Dec, 1743, the time of his decease, se. 50.
Samuel Cooper, D. D., from 22 May, 1746,
to 20 Dec, 1783, the time of his decease,*. 58.
Peter Thacher, D. D., from 12 Jan., 1785,
to 16 Dec, 1802, the time of his decease, se. 50.
Joseph Stevens Buckminster, from 30 Jan.,
1805, to 9 June, 1812, the time of his decease,
JB. 28.
Edward Everett, from 8 Feb., 1814, to 5
Mar., 1815, when he resigned.
John Gorham Palfrey, from 17 June, 1818,
to 22 May, 1830, when he resigned.
Samuel Kirkland Lothrop, installed 17 June,
1834.
II The reader hardly need be referred to the
N. Eng. Biographical Diciionary of Dr. Eliot,
to Dr. Allen's American Biographical and His-
torical Dictionary, to Dr. Palfrey's Sermon,
and to Dr. Lothrop's History of the Church.
520 13 RATTLE- STREET CHURCH. [1699
Emerson upon Doctor Thacher is not only valuable as a funeral sermon,
but for the genealogical and historical notes which accompany it also. *
The Old or First Brattle-street Church was built of wood, and
*' never painted within or without. The tower and bell were on the
west side, and a door on the south, opposite to the pulpit. The window-
frames were of iron." It stood until 1772, when, having " fallen into
a ruinous and decayed state," it was agreed that a new one should be
built. Accordingly, on the twenty-third of June of that year, the
corner-stone of a new house was laid by Major Thomas Dawes, the
architect-! This is the house now standing. J It was opened for public
worship July the twenty-fifth, 1773. " In part of the years 1775 and
1776, a regiment or two of British troops were quartered in the Church,
a Sugar-house which stood north of it, and other houses in the neigh-
borhood." They kept possession of it till the town was evacuated in
March, 1776. The Society had been compelled to abandon it in April
the preceding year. " Gen. Gage had his head-quarters in the house
opposite the Church. He told Mr. Turell he had no fear of the shot
from Cambridge while his men were within such walls." The Ameri-
cans were cannonading some points in the Town, and a heavy cannon-
ball struck the house the night before the evacuation, knocking a hole
in the wall. The shot was picked up by Mr. Turell, who preserved it,
and when the house was afterwards repaired, it was placed in the
breach which it made, facing Brattle Square, where it is to be seen
projecting from the surface at this day. §
The Brattle-street Society early favored reforms, considered by it as
such. In 1699, it was voted to dispense with the custom of reading
and singing the Psalms line by line alternately ; and the first Singing
Society in the Town was established by its members. This was between
1717 and 1724. Singing by note was first practised in Boston, also,
by this Church. ||
At the Town-meeting in March, Capt. Nathaniel Byfield was chosen
* Those Funeral Sermons are in the Author's ter was done by John Stetson and Nathl. Call ;
Collection. Dr. Colman resided at one time the two latter companies were to admit Wm.
in State-street. In 1715 he removed thence Flagg, James Robbins, Benj. Sumner, Jos.
to a house at the nortli-west corner of Dassett's Eustis, and — Appleton to participate with
Alley. This situation was bought in 1769 of them. Capt. John Gore and Mr. Daniel Roe
Stephen Deblois for a Parsonage to the Society, were the painters. — Palfrey, 64-5.
for about £566. Dr. Samuel Cooper lived in J It has, however, undergone much change,
various places ; at one time in Brattle Square, ^ As represented in the above engraving,
where the Quincy House now is ; then in the || Palfrey's Sermon and Snow's Hist. The
Parsonage house in Court-street, now occupied following is a list of the Deacons : — Thomas
by Mr. Lothrop, in which James Otis had Brattle, chosen 1699 ; Benj. Davis, 1699 ;
lived. — Pa//>e?/, 56-7. Richard Draper, 1699; John Kilby, 1701;
f A liberal subscription was obtained among Benj. Gibson, 1717 ; Jacob Parker, 1722 ;
the opulent people, £3200 in one week. The John Phillips, 1729 ; Daniel Bell, Timothy
house cost £8000. Gov. Hancock gave £1000, Newell, Isaac Smith, Ebenezer Storer [no date
besides a bell ; and Gov. Bowdoin, £200. Ma- set against these]; John Gore, 1788; Saral.
jor Dawes did half the mason-work ; William Barrett, 1788 ; James Lanman, 1788 ; Nathl.
Homer, Benj. Richardson, and David Bell, the Hall, 1793 ; Moses Grant, 1793 ; Peter 0.
other half. Benj. Eustis and Wm. Crafts did Thacher, 1804 ; Wm. Andrews, 1808 ; Alden
half the carpenter's work ; Benj. Sumner, Jun., Bradford, 1814; Moses Grant, 1818. — Pal-
and James Sumner, a quarter ; the other quar- frey's Scrmo7i.
1700.] FREE SCHOOLS. 521
Moderator. The Selectmen were Daniel Oliver, Isaiah Tay,
Joseph Prout, John Marion, Jr., Timothy Clark, Elizer Holioke,
and Obediah Gill. Town Clerk, William Griggs; Treasurer, James
Taylor.* Constables Benj. Fitch, Henry Hill, Wm. Man, Wm. Wel-
sted, Wm. Clark, Joseph Billings, James Gooch, and Joseph Dowden.f
At the same meeting a Petition from the inhabitants of Muddy River
was presented, asking to be set off from Boston, because their children
could not have the benefit of the Public Schools, and some other consid-
erations. It was voted that they should not be set off, but it was or-
dered that the Selectmen should provide a School-master for them, "to
teach their children to read, write and cypher."
Then " some of the inhabitants of the north end of the Town stood
up and requested that they might have the libertie of a Free School, for
the teaching to write and cypher ; " whereupon a vote passed in their
favor. J " The inhabitants of Rumney Marsh standing by, and seeing
the Town in so good a frame, also put in their request " for a Free
School among them. The vote being put resulted favorable to them
also ; but the Selectmen were instructed, " that if there were a suit-
able number of children to come to the School," then they might pro-
ceed to provide a School-master. §
It was also voted that all the land on both sides of the Way between
the Oak and Walnut, and the Fortification should be given to persons who
would undertake to maintain the highway forever, not less than fifty
feet wide. Those accepting the offer were to have an " unquestionable
* After voting that there should be but seven in Love Lane, now Tileston-street. In 1792
Selectmen, and " That the Town be at no the old house was taken down, and a new one
charge to the maintaining the Water-ways over erected. In 1838 the present house was finished,
at AVinnicimet ferry," the services of Mr. Tay- fronting on N. Bennet-st. at a cost of $24,072.
lor as Treasurer were considered. He having This is the " Eliot School " so named after the
served the Town in that capacity for eight Rev. Doctors Eliot, Andrew and John, father
years, " never charging but £5 per year for and son.
the same," which " being far less than really the § A writer, describing Boston about 40 years
service is worth," it was voted that the Select- later, said there were then five Printing-
men " cause a piece of plate to be made to houses, and that the presses were generally fuU
the value of £20, and to present the same to of work, " which is in a great measure owing
the said Mr. James Taylor, as a small retal- to the Colleges and Schools for useful learning
uation." It was also voted that for the past in New England : whereas at New York there
year's service £10 be paid him. is but one little Bookseller's shop, and none at
f Constal)les for Rumney Marsh and Muddy all in Virginia, Maryland, Carolina, Barbadoes
River, Jesse Winthrop and Joseph Davis. Tyth- and the sugar Islands." That "the Town-
ing men, Wm. Everton, Joseph Williams, Tho. house or Exchange was surrounded with Book-
Jackson, Samll. Turell, John Jepson, Joseph sellers' shops." — Oldmixon. " The best fur-
Hillier, Samll. Jacklin, Geo. Eliston, Tho. nisht Printing House with Press and Let-
Clark, John Edwards, Richard Christopher, ters in tho Country," was consumed by fire,
John Gerrish, Benj. Hallowell, John Borland, IG Oct. 1690. The fire was very near the
Wm. Gibbins, Samll. Bridge, Samll. Townsend South Meeting-house, which hardly escaped,
and James Bell. Hogreaves, Anthony Gi-een- Several houses were burned, and a lad was
hill, Samll. Burnell, Samll, Bridge, Henry burned to death in the house where it begun."
Ernes, and Samll. Earle. — Almanack, for 1701. The " Printing House"
X Some temporary house was probably at first was that of Bartholomew Green. He had com-
provided, but about 1712, one adapted to the menced business in Boston the same year
use of a School was built on the spot ever (1690). He was Deacon of the Old South
since improved for a Public School. It stood Church, and died 28 Dec, 1733.
66
622
BY-LAWS.
ALMANACKS.
[1700.
title " to the land given them. Samuel Sewall, Esq. and Capt. Bozoon
Allen were appointed to attend to the order.
At this Town-meeting, Capt. Timothy Clark, Mr. Nathaniel
^^ ' Oliver, Mr. Isaiah Tay, and Mr. James Barnes, were chosen
Representatives. Mr. Oliver refusing to serve, Capt. Bozoon Allen
was chosen. Major John Wally, Col. Benjamin Townsend, Capt. By-
field, Mr. Nathl. Oliver, Capt. Samuel Checkley, and Capt. Thos. Frary,
were chosen a Committee to instruct the Representatives.
CHAPTER Liy.
By-laws. — Almanacks. — A House built for Master Cheever. — Windmill Watchmen's Orders. —
Bills of Credit. — Persons licensed to build. — Decline of the Churches. — Death of Lieut. Gov.
Stoughton. — Death of the King. — Queen Ann Proclaimed. — Great Fire. — Order about Streets.
— Privateering. — Great Sickness. — Preparations for War. — Indian Hostilities. — Appropriations
for Defence. — For Pavements. — New School-House — The first Newspaper. — Its Name, Rise,
Progress, and Termination. — Society for Propagating the Gospel. — Execution of Pirates. — Ex-
pedition against the French. — Muddy River set oflF. — Weights and Measures. — The Forts En-
larged. — A Powder House on the Common. — Death of President Willard.
1701.
MOUNTFORT.f
THE Town ordered a regular compilation of its
scattered By-laws, which had not hitherto been
done, and they were printed the next year.*
The popular Almanack of this period was by John
TuUey, who, to his "Friendly Readers" says, "I
have now served you with an Almanack twice seven
years, and as often given you the liberty to toss my
name about by censure and applause." That for this
year he says was more than he intended, because
"another ingenious person hath undertaken the work."
* They are embodied upon the records, and
occupy about 18 pages, and are entitled, " A
Body of Tovra Orders for one year." At the
end is, " Ordered, That the Town Orders be
put in print."
f The family of Mountfort claims descent
from an ancient Norman family, which came to
England with William the Conqueror. One of
the seats occupied by the early Mountforts is or
was very recently in possession of Henry Mount-
fort, Esq. This seat is known by the name
of Beamhurst Hall, and is near Uttoxeter in
StaflTordshire. " In Dugdale's Hist. Warwick-
shire is given an elaborate and authentic pedi-
gree of the family, from Turstain de Montfort,
1030, to Simon Mountfort, 1633 ; which
Simon was father of Edmund, who, with his
brother Henry, arrived at Boston from London,
in the ship Providence, in 1G5G. Benjamin,
also of Boston, was another brother." These
were called " educated merchants." The
Mountforts of Portland are descended from
Edmund. See Willis' Smith and Deane^s Jour-
nal, p. 8. On the tomb-stone of the first Ed-
mund, in the Granary Burying-ground, is this
inscription : — " Here lyeth buried Edmund
Mountfort, senior, brother to Henry and Ben-
jamin Mountfort. Left issue six sons and two
daughters. Deceased in y'^ 61 year of his age,
upon the 14th day of August, 1690." The
late Col. John Mountfort, formerly of the U.
S. A., Hon. Judge N. B. Mountfort of N. Y.,
and George Mountfort, Esq., now Consul to a
Port in the Mediterranean, are his descendants.
— Fa7nily Papers.
The arms, as given above, are copied from the
tomb of Jonathan Mountfort, in Copp's Hill
Burying-ground, erected 1724. Upon which is
inscribed, " Mr. John Mountfort, .^Etatis LIV.
Obt. Jan. VI. MDCCXXIV. — Benjamin
Mountfort, son of John Mountfort and Mary
Mountfort, J^Itatis XXV. Obit. March X.
MDCCXXI." — See Epitaphs from Copp's
Hill, 81.
1701.] WINDMILL. PERSONS LICENSED TO BUILD. 523
The "ingenious person" was probably " Samuel Clough," who pub-
lished the " New England Almanack," also, for this year. They were
both printed- by " B. Green and J. Allen," but the latter was for "Sam-
uel Phillips at the Brick Shop," and the former was sold as well as
" printed by B. Green and J. Allen, at the Printing-House at the South
End of the Town." They were both very neat specimens of printing
for that day.*
At the regular Town-meeting, Capt. Nathaniel Byfield was
chosen Moderator, and Joseph Prout, Town Clerk. A vote was
passed to build a house for " Old Mr. Ezekiel Cheever, the Latin
School-master." Mr. John Arnold requested liberty to set up a Wind-
mill on Fort-Hill, which was referred to the next meeting. It was then
voted that he might erect one there, "on the Town's land," paying
such quit rent therefor as the Selectmen should agree to.
j^j^ The Town now chose for Representatives, Mr. John White,
^^ ■ Capt. Samuel Legg, Mr. Nathaniel Oliver, and Capt. Andrew
Belcher. Watchmen were " enjoyned to be upon duty from ten o'clock
till broad day-light "f At an adjourned meeting, two days after, a
^ vote passed to raise 1050 pounds to meet the necessary expenses
of the Town. The following year but 1000 pounds were raised,
and the Treasurer was ordered to receive the "Province Bills of
Credit " in payment of rates.
Persons intending to build were required to apply to the Selectmen
for liberty.^ The only applicants this year were William Griggs, Wil-
liam Burroughs, Richard Henchman, Jonathan Loring, and Mr. Stephen
Minot. Their licenses were all for structures of wood or timber.
The Town, judging from its records, appears to have been steadily
advancing in wealth and importance at the commencement of the cen-
tury now begun. Nevertheless, was there no other record to which to
refer but some publications of the Fathers of the Town, a very different
* A transcript of CuUej's title-page may New England. By JOHN TULLEY. 2li=
be curious as well as interesting to readers. — ccnseD i)» ^utjoritj."
" TuUey 1701. An Almanack for the Year of The title of Clough's is similar, but he has
our Lord 1701. Being first after Leap-year, in the calendar pages " Brief Observations of
and from the Creation, 5650. And from the the most noted things hapning in Boston since
Discovery of atmcrica by Chr. Columbus, 209. its first settlement."
And the reign of our Gracious Sovereign K. f From 10. Mar. to 10 Sept., and from 9 to
WILLIAM the Third (which began Febr. the 8 the other half of the yeiir. They were to
Vith, 1688, 9.) the Vith year. Wherein is con- go about the Town " silently with watch bills,
tained the Lunatioiis, Courts, Spring Tides, forbearing to use any bell, and no watchman
Planets, Aspects, and Weather, the Rising and to smoke tobacco while walking their rounds ;
Setting of the SVN, together with the Sun and and where they see occasion, they are to call
Moon's place and time of Full Sea, or High to persons to take care of their lights."
Water, with an account of the Eclipses, and % The Selectmen were also charged with the
other matters useful and necessary. The Vul- admission of residents. I find a record of but
gar Notes of this Year are, ffifoltren Numfiec four for this year, viz. : Edwd. Croslet, and
11, Srije 13pact 1, CtBcle of tfte Sun 2, i3o= Richard Christophers gave his obligation that
ininical lletter E. Calculated for and Fitted he should not become chargeable to the Town,
to the Meridian of JSoston in :NetD ISnfllanfl, For Adam Bosquain, Peter DaiUe [Pierre
where the North Pole is Elevated 42 gr. 30 Daille] was security ; for Noah Guile, Wm.
min. But may indifferently serve any part of Rouse ; for Daniel Bernardo, James Mountor.
524 DEATH OF LIEUT. GOVERNOR STOUGHTON. [1702.
conclusion would be inevitable.* It is true that some parts of the pic-
ture of the period have a very gloomy aspect. The Indian and French
war had caused great desolation ; the crops for several years together
had been not only short, but in some parts had almost entirely failed ;
and the very long and severe winters of late had a tendency to make
the inhabitants distrust the future.
Lieut. Governor Stoughton died at his residence in Dorches-
"^■^ ter,t and the duties of Governor devolved, for the first time,
upon the Council. The Government did not continue in their hands
long. Joseph Dudley, Esq., having arrived from England with
^^'^ ' a Commission of Governor, asumed the Government. He had
been in England since 1693. In the winter of that year King Wil-
liam appointed him Governor of the Isle of Wight, where he con-
tinued eight years. During his residence there he was elected to Par-
liament from the Borough of Newton in that Island.|
Dudley had long hoped for the power which he now possessed. Ho
had not forgotten the twenty weeks' imprisonment he had suffered at
the hands of the Bostonians when Andros fell ; and one of his first
steps was to reject all those members of the Council who were members
at the time of his imprisonment. §
* Towards the close of this year Dr. Increase Capt. Heme, whose passage was six weeks and
Mather published two Sermons, which he enti- one day. The Lieut. Gov., Col. Thomas Povy,
tied ' ' Ichabod, or the Glory departing from New came with him. At the same time came " the
England." Although this had special reference Key. Geo. Keith, A.M.," Mr. John Talbot,
to the declining state of the Churches, a great Mr. Patrick Gordon, Missionary for Long
decline in the temporal affairs of the Country Island, and " Mr. Morris." The Governor
is often referred to. The following brief ex- and his company treated them with great kind-
tracts will show the desponding tone of one of ness and generosity, at whose desire, says Keith,
the greatest preachers in the Town. " NEW "we did eat at their table all the voyage on
ENGLAND! NEW ENGLAND ! Look to it free cost." Keith was an Episcopal Missionary.
that the Glory be not removed from thee. It He seceded from the Quakers in Pennsylvania
has come to the threshold of the house, if not in 1692. Talbot, who had been Chaplain to
to the East Gate." — "And if the fountain the Centurion, was associated with Keith in
should fail ; I mean the COLLEGE, which has his Mission. The latter preached in " the
been one of the Glories of New England ; and Queen's Chapel " the first Sunday after his
if that should fail, or (which is worse) be- arrival, and his Associate the following Sunday,
come a Nursery not of Plants of renown, but Keith printed his Sermon, which occasioned a
of degenerate plants, who will forsake those hot controversy with Dr. I. Mather,
holy principles of truth, which their Fathers ^ They were, according to Hutchinson,
came unto this Land with respect thereunto, " Winthrop, Cooke, Hutchinson, Foster, Ad-
the Glory is like to be gone from these Church- dington, Russell, Phillips, Browne, Sargent,
es in less than one Generation : So that little and others." His reminiscences of some of
or nothing of New England will be found in them are of much interest. " Elisha Cooke had
New England." — Ichabod, &g. A4:. been of the Council nine or ten years, had
f His age was 70. The Rev. Samuel Wil- been an Assistant before the Revolution, mar-
lard, of the Old South, preached his funeral Ser- ried a daughter of Gov. Leverett, and was allied
mon, to which he gave this title : — " Prognos- to the best families in the Province ; had a better
ticks of Impending Calamities. Delivered in a estate than the Governor himself. Peter Sar-
Sermon Preached on the Lecture at Boston, gent had married the relict of Sir WiUiamPhips,
July 17, 1701. Occasioned by the DEATH of Thomas Oakes had been one of the Agents in
the Truly Honorable William Stoughton, England with Cooke. Col. Ephraim Ilutchin-
Esq.," &c. Gov. Stoughton lived and died a son was discharged from the command of the
bachelor. The family arms are given ante, p. Castle. He was succeeded by Lieut. Gov. Po-
210. He was son of Capt. Israel Stoughton, vey, who came over with Dudley. The Legis-
often mentioned in previous pages. There is a lature granted Povcy £200 a year, but he com-
pedigree of the ancestors of Gov. Stoughton, in plained of its insufficiency, and returned to
the N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg., v. 350. England in 1705, and never came to NewEng-
t Ho came over in the Centurion frigate, land again.
mimm^^^ g'i^®iQr©-iii^(Q)STo
1702.] SEVENTH GREAT FIRE. 525
The Representatives were " desired to promote the encouraging the
bringing of White Servants and to put a period to Negroes being
Slaves."
" Thirty hundred weight of bullets, and five thousand flints were or-
dered to be forthwith provided for a Town Stock ; and Mr. Gyles Dyer,
Mr. Richard Draper and Mr. Robert Gibbs were deputed to provide
them."
The great number of licenses granted this year for the sale of
liquors indicate an alarming increase of tippling shops. They were
generally for selling " out of doors." *
Notifications of Town business were usually written documents, posted
up in three or four places. This year some were printed.f
A fire, which was for many years known as the " seventh
■ great fire," broke out near the Dock, destroying a large amount
of property. Three warehouses were blown up to hinder its spreading. J
Two days before, it was voted in Town-meeting " that the Select-men
should procure two water-engines § suitable for the extinguishing of
fire, either by sending for them to England, or otherwise to provide
them." II
"It being reported that as yet there hath been no sufiicient
^^ "■ record made of the breadth of the several streets and highways
belonging to the Town, it is voted that the Select-men cause the same
to be measured, and report to the next Town-meeting." "H This vote
does not appear to have been fully carried into effect till the year 1708.
* The Records of some of them are thus ex- to get the Water-Engine for the quenching of
pressed : — John Carthew may sell wine and fire repaired, as also the house for keeping the
liquors; John Lane may keep an Ordinary, same in." Pemberton ventured the conjecture
and sell all sorts of drink ; Jane Davis may that there were no fire-engines in the Town as
sell beer and cider out of doors, by retail ; Ex- late as 1711, and Shaw says the same, probably
ercise Conant, all sorts of drink, out of doors ; on Pemberton's authority. Conjectures in such
David Gwin, both within and without doors ; matters arc never safe.
Capt. Grigory Shugers, out of doors ; Thos. || This order was made at the Town-meeting
Phillips, same ; INIehitabell Pumery may keep on the 9th of March. At the same meeting
a victualing house and sell liquor ; John Pas- an other was made respecting the choice of
tree may keep an Ordnary or Public House ; Jurymen, directing that they should bo chosen
Peter Townsend, to sell liquor out of doors ; from a list to be made out by the Selectmen,
Mrs. Ann Checkley, same ; Mr. "Wm. Turner, which should contain the names of all the in-
same ; John Verrin, same. Many of these habitantswho, in their judgment, " were proper
were, doubtless, respectable inhabitants. to serve on juries."
Frequent warnings to people to leave the ^ At the same meeting, three Overseers of
Town are recorded. Such warnings, however, the Poor were added to the former numbef.
were not an indication that the persons " warn- These were, " Mr. Simion Stoddard, Mr. Fran-
ed out " were not good and respectable people, cis Thrasher, and Mr. Robert Calef." At the
All new comers who neglected to give security meeting June 3d, Mr. Samuel Sewall was Mod-
that they would not be chargeable to the Town, erator. Dr. Thomas Oaks was chosen a Re2>
were liable to be ordered to depart. Thus, resentative in place of Capt. Andrew Belcher.
" Sept. 30th, 1701, John Strong to depart the From the Selectmen's Minutes, it appears
Town with his wife and 4 children, unless he that the following named persons were allowed
give security; Henry Hed to forbear opening to reside in the Town. May 25, John Biles,
shop and to depart the Town, or give security," Josiah Biles being security. July 27, John
&c. Nichols, Thomas Gold security ; Anthony
t Oct. 2d. " Bartholomew Green is allowed Blount, Florence Maccarty security. July 28,
S5. for printing notifications for warning the Thomas Harvey, William Hough security.
Town-meeting last May." Aug. 21, Gosprit Teams, Henry Franckling
X Snow, Hist. Boston, 204. secu. ; Evan Floyd, same secu. Aug. 29, John
^ March 9th. " The Select-men are desired Danford, Henry Frames security.
526
QUEEN ANNE. — GREAT SICKNESS.
[1702-3.
May 28.
The news of the death of the King having reached Boston,
and, at the same time, that Anne was proclaimed Queen,* the
Council ordered a salute of twenty-one guns to be fired. f
1703. At the first Town-meeting this year, Mr. Henry Deering was
Jan. 18. Moderator. The Selectmen were instructed " Humbly to ad-
dress His Excellency the Governor that he will please to prevent men's
going out of the Province on privateering designs." War had been
declared against France the preceding year,| which was the occasion
of this action of the Town. Every man was wanted at home, as the
Indians and Canadian French were expected to ravage the frontiers of
New England in every direction.
At the close of the last year and the beginning of this, the Town
suffered greatly from sickness. The Small-pox carried off above three
hundred persons. § It is said not to have visited Boston for thirteen
years previous. || Thus, at this period, with pestilence upon them, and
the horrors of war at their very doors, it must be supposed that these
were days of despondency to great numbers of the inhabitants. And
yet the Records show a spirit and determination worthy of the founders
* King William III. died March 8th, 1701-
2, in the 52d year of his age. Queen Anne
was the only surviving child of King James II.,
by the Lady Anne Hyde, eldest daughter of
Edvrard Earl of Clarendon.
f The order for the Salute is now before me,
with the autographs of the Counsellors. It is
here copied: — "Province of the Massachu-
setts Bay. By the Council. Having, upon
the Intelligence arrived here of the death of
his late Majty King William the Third, of glo-
rious memory, ordered that the Proclamation
of the high and mighty Princess Anne of Den-
mark to be Queen of England, Scotland, France,
and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c., be
published to-morrow in Boston. We order,
that upon the publication thereof you cause
Twenty-one pieces of Ordnance to be dis-
charged from the Fort under your command.
Given under our hands, at the Council Chamber
in Boston, the 28th day of May, 1702. To
Capt. Timothy Clarke.
" John Pynchon, Ja. Russell, Elisha Cooke,
John Hathorne, Wm. Browne, Sam. Sewall,
Jonathan Corwin, John Foster, Peter Sergeant,
Joseph Lynde, Nathaniel Thomas, John Apple-
ton, Penn Townsend, Natha'. Byfield, £■".
Hutchinson,"
" Capt. Timothy Clark " had been chosen
" Cannoneer" by the Town on the 9th of
March preceding.
I May 4th, 1702. At what time the news
of the Declaration was received in Boston I
have met with no statement.
§ " It being proposed to the Town, for the
regulating of Funeralls and lessening the charge
thereof, that during the present sickness, and
untill farder order, that there be only a first
and second bell toUd at each Funerall, each
bell not to exceed the space of half a quarter
of an hour ; and that there be a moderation in
the prices of Coffins, digging of graves, and
wages of porters for carrying the corps, and
also that there be two or three black cloathes
provided at the Town charge to lay over the
corps."
At the same time, the Selectmen were di-
rected to place a pump in the " Condit " by
the Dock, nigh Wing's Lane, for the public
use in case of fire.
March 8, Mr. Joseph Prout was chosen Town
Treasurer, Mr. James Taylor having declined
serving. Constables at Muddy River, Daniel
Harris, Wm. Sharp, and Peter Bileston. Voted,
that an inventory of the Town's land be taken,
and to raise £700 to defray the expenses for
the year.
April 12, Mr. Daniel Oliver chosen to
assist about the valuation of estates in the
room of Mr. Robert Gibbs, deceased.
June 1, Mr. John Love chosen Con-
stable, in the room of Mr. John Ruck.
June 25, Mr. Nathaniel Williams to have
£80 for the year ensuing, as an Assistant to
Ezekiel Cheever in governing and instructing
the youth at the Latin School.
II Holmes' Annals and his Authorities.
1703-4.] EXPECTED ATTACK FROM THE FRENCH. 527
of an Empire. Every precaution was made to prevent the Enemy from
coming upon them unprepared. An attempt was made to conciliate
the Eastern Indians, and to prevent them from joining the French. In
June, Governor Dudley left Boston with some of the principal inhabit-
ants, to bring about so desirable an object. A grand Council
June - . ^^ ^^^ principal Tribes being assembled in the Fort at New
Casco, a Treaty was made with them, which they protested should
remain as " immovable as the mountains ; " and that, " as high as the
Sun was above the Earth, so far distant should their designs be of
making the least breach between the English and themselves." *
This Treaty had no other effect but to put off hostilities on
"^' ■ the part of the Indians, who, early in August following, " at
nine in the morning, began their bloody tragedy ; making a descent
on the inhabitants from Casco to Wells, at one and the same time,
sparing none of every age or sex." f This was the commencement of
another ten years' war.
The people of Boston had learned that the French were making
gigantic preparations to crush the power of the Heretic English in
America. This being the most important place in New England,
against this Town, therefore, it was with good reason believed a for-
1704. midable force would be directed. Whereupon, at the first
Mar. 13. Town-meeting, I a Committee § was appointed "to view the
Fortifications of this Town, and advise about the repairs thereof; "
and fifty pounds were placed at the disposal of the Selectmen to enable
them to proceed in any necessary steps.
A ril 19 "^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^™^' ^^^ hundred pounds were voted for paving
^" ' certain sections of streets. || At the meeting in April, a Com-
mittee was chosen " to inquire into the best expedient for the asserting
and maintaining the Town's interest in the Flats abutting on the
Streets, Lanes, and Highways." At the previous meeting, the Town
voted " to build a new School-house, instead of the old one in w""^ Mr.
Ezekiell Chever teacheth." The tax to be raised this year was fixed
at 1200 pounds. TI
* Penhallow's Indian Wars, p. 2. Willis' Hutchinson, Coll. Pen Townsend, Coll. The.
Portland, i. 6. Savage, and Capt. Timothy Clark" composed
f PenhaUow, p. 5. the Committee.
j At the same meeting the " Overseers of the || " Such places of the Streets as the Select-
Poor " had liberty to " procure some meet per- men shall judge most needful, and therein to
son " to preach to the people in the Almshouse, have particular regard to the Highway nigh
once on each Sabbath, " vrhen there was a old Mrs. Stoddard's house." Two years after,
competent number of persons there." For 29 Mar., 1706, another £100 was appropriated
such service the Preacher was to have lOs. a for pavements ; namely, " for paving the mayn
day. Andrew Faneuil, Joseph Marriner, and street towards the Landing to the South End
Wm. Brown, " accepting " to pay their fines, of the Town, and £50 for paving at the lower
were excused from serving as Constables. Capt. end of the Town-house."
Roger Lawson to Saml. Baker's place, in the T The thanks of the Town were voted to Mr.
same office ; and Thomas Foster and Nicholas Francis Thresher for his service in overseeing
Buttolph took the places of Thomas Hood and the repairing the Almshouse and yard, and
Thomas Newton. fencing the Burying-place and the Pound, and
§ " Elisha Cook, Esq., Collonell Elisha his managing the paving at the Neck, and
628 FIRST NEWSPAPER. [1704.
A ril n "^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ Town-meeting, was issued in Boston the
first Newspaper publislied in North America. This was the Bos-
ton News-Letter. * The Proprietor and Publisher was John Campbell,
of whom mention has been made in a previous page.f He was Post-
master of Boston, and this office gave him superior facilities for the cir-
culation of a Newspaper. Nicholas Boone was associated as PubHsher.
Boone published but a few numbers of the News-Letter. J Green
printed it until near the close of the year 1707. John Allen then
printed it until the Great Fire of 1711, which destroyed his printing-
office. § Then Green printed it again for Campbell, without his own
name. It was thus continued till 1715, when Green's name appeared
in the imprint as the printer. || Up to 1717, the old method of begin-
ning the year on the twenty-fifth of March was observed in the News-
Letter ; after that it was recorded from the first of January.
Notwithstanding the News-Letter was got out in the cheapest style,
at an expense hardly half of that of a common play-bill of the present
day, it is evident the Publisher found great difficulty in sustaining it.
And it was fifteen years before he thought seriously of permanently
enlarging his publication. It was, however, enlarged from time to
his service as Overseer of the Poor. Mr. Rob- which is thus expressed : — " This News-Letter
ert Calef was included in the vote for his ser- is to be continued Weekly ; and all Persons
vice as Overseer of the Poor also. who have any Houses, Lands, Tenements,
* It was printed on a half sheet, or single Farmes, Ships, Vessels, Goods, Wares, or Mer-
leaf, small folio. In the centre of the first chandizes, &c., to be Sold or Lett ; or Servants
page, at the top, is W. 35., and at the right Runaway; or Goods StoU or Lost, may have
hand margin, in a line with N. E., is Numb, the same Inserted at a reasonable Rate ; from
1. Then immediately below (the N. E.) is Twelve Pence to Five Shillings, and not to ex-
the title, " The Boston News-Letter." In the ceed ; Who may agree with Nicholas Boone
next line (separated from the title by a rule), for the same at his shop, next door to Major
"Published by Authority." That is, with Davis's Apothecary, in Boston, near the Old
the approbation of the Colonial Government. Meetinghouse.
Then another rule; then, "From Monday, " All persons in Tovra and Country may have
April 17, to Monday, April 24, 1704." The said News-Letter Weekly, upon reasonable
imprint is at the foot of the 2d page : — "Bos- tearms, agreeing with John Campbell, Post-
ton, Printed by B. Green, sold by Nicholas master, for the Same." This was the only
Boone, at his shop near the Old Meeting advertisement in the first paper.
House." t Ante, p. 455. He was a bookseller.
The following is the substance of nearly the % His name was left oif of No. 5, and in the
whole of the first News-Letter: — "Boston, imprint "Sold at the Post Office" was in-
April 18. Arrived Capt. Sill from Jamaica, serted.
about 4 weeks passage, says they continue very § It was in Pudding Lane. Allen had been
sickly. Mr. Nathaniel Oliver, a principal Mer- a London printer, and is supposed by Thomas
chant of this place, dyed April 15, and was to have come over to Boston by the invitation
decently inter'd, April 18th, ^tatis 53. The or encouragement of the Mathers. — Bist.Print-
Honourable Col. Nathanael B]/field is commis- ing, i. 287, ii. 194.
sioncd Judge of the Admiralty for the Province || Bartholomew Green's printing-office stood
of Massachusetts Bay, Now Hampshire, and on the easterly side of Newbury-st., on which
Rhode Island. And Thomas Newton, Esq., site a block of stone buildings was erected in
Judge Deputy for the Colony of Massachusetts 1825. A part of the old building in which
Bay. the News-Letter was last printed was standing
" The 20th, the Rev. Mr. Pemherton Preach'd when Dr. Thomas wrote his History of Print-
an excellent Sermon on Thes. 4 : 11, And do ing, which was published in 1810. It stood
your own business, which his Excellency has back of No. 56 Newbury-st., which corre-
ordered to be printed. sponds nearly to 264 Washington-st. at the
" The Rev. Mr. Lockyer dyed on Thursday present time. " At this place began and ended
last." the printing of the Boston News-Letter." —
This first number contained a Prospectus, Thomas, i. 485.
1704.] EXPEDITION AGAINST THE FRENCH. 629
time, and was continued till 1776, when the British troops evacuated
Boston.*
The Society, or " Company for Propagating the Gospel in
^ "^' ■ New England and the parts adjacent," resident in England,
empowered several gentlemen, chiefly of the Town of Boston, to manage
the affairs of the Company, in carrying out the objects for which it was
incorporated. The following are the names of those commissioned :
Waitstill Winthrop, Esq., Doctor Increase Mather, Gabriel Bernon,
Esq., Mr. Nehemiah Walter, Samuel Sewall, Esq., Peter Sergeant,
Esq., John Foster, Esq., Thomas Banister, Esq., Col. John Higginson,
Mr. Edward Bromfield, Mr. Eliakim Hutchinson, Mr. Penn Townsend,
Mr. Jeremiah Dummer, and Mr. Simeon Stoddard. f
At the Town-meeting in September there was little business
^^ ■ 'of moment transacted. Deacon John Marrion was Moderator.^
Acts of piracy had not ceased. " John Quelch, who had been
Master of the brigantine Charles, and had committed many piratical
acts in India, came with several of his crew and landed in various
parts of New England. Quelch and six more were condemned at
Boston and executed."§
Early in the year a large armament, for the country then, sailed from
Boston against the Eastern Indians and French. The well-known Col.
Benjamin Church was the Commander in Chief, || who carried out his
instructions of ravaging the coast and distressing the enemy as well as
the circumstances allowed ; but, as in most expeditions of the kind,
those guilty of murders and depredations upon the English, generally
escaped punishment, while the poor French inhabitants suffered lament-
ably. Many were killed, their houses and means of subsistence
destroyed, and women and little children were forced to fly into the
* The same day the first News-Letter was For an account of the origin of the Company
printed, Judge Sewall notes, in his Diary, that in England, see ante, p. 316. The present
he went over to Cambridge, and gave Mr. Commission closes thus: — "By order of a
Willard [the President of the College] " the Court held the third day of August, Anno
first News-Letter that ever was carried over Domini, 1704, at Sir William Ashhurst's the
the river." Sewall was one of the most curi- Governor's House in London. [Signed]
ous literary men of his time. He made a vast John Bellamy, Sec.y to the said Company."
collection of everything of the kind for hia J " Capt. Nathaniel Green, Jr., was chosen
private gratification ; as Almanacks, Pam- Constable in room of Mr. John Burnaby, who
phlets, Books, and Manuscripts, which, were is gone on a voyage to sea." The Selectmen
they now together and accessible, would be of admitted these as inhabitants : — " Mehitabell
infinite value to a Historian of Boston ; yea, Medcalfe, John Savel, security ; John Croad,
to all New England. But, unfortunately, his Thomas Platts, sec; Peter Patey, Andrew
collection has been scattered in every direction, Grarney and Edwd. Webb, securities."
and there is hardly an Antiquary in the coun- ^ Hutchinson, ii. 147.
try who has a library, and has not some book, || Church's instructions were dated at Bos-
paper or tract, which once belonged to him, ton, 4 May, 1704. He had under him 550
and has his autograph upon it. His residence soldiers in 14 small transports ; the Jersey, a
was in Newbur^-street. He had a good deal frigate of 48 guns, Capt. Thomas Smith ; the
to do with printing, and was at one period a Gosport, of 32, Capt. George Rogers ; the
Bookseller. I am indebted to Mrs. Anne S. Province Snow of 14, Capt. Cyprian South-
GiLBERT, of Boston, for an opportunity to ex- ack. Church embarked in Capt. Southack,
amine important MSS. of Judge Sewall. whom he met at Piscataqua, having accom-
t From a copy of the Commission among panied the Governor there by land, to raise
Judge Sewall's MSS., Sewall waa Treasurer, forces bv the way.
67
630 DEATH OF MR. HUBBARD AND PEREGRINE WHITE, [1704.
wilderness to escape the swords of the English. But the Indians, the
principal cause of the war, could not be found. They were ready,
however, to retaliate, and they continued to lay waste the frontiers.
The year 1704 was remarkable on several accounts, and marks an
era in the History of New England of great interest. The age of
Newspapers in America commenced ; a circumstance of immense mo-
ment. Newspapers were then considered of doubtful expediency, and
their continuation very precarious and uncertain. Contrasted with these
considerations, their omnipotence at this day is wonderful and sur-
prising. At first but a solitary individual invoked the aid of the
News-Letter, to forward his business, and that solitary individual was
the owner of the same News-Letter. To look at one of those News-
Letters now, it does not seem so strange that its aid was not sought by
the public ; for the little fragile single leaf on which it was printed
looked much more like supplicating aid for itself than being able to afford
it to others. It was, indeed, like the new-born infant ; helpless, and
without friends to nourish and strengthen, it must soon perish. The
first Newspaper survived, and has brought forth a progeny to whom a
race of Hercules would be insignificant pigmies.
g^ ^ ^^ The year 1704 is marked also by the death of that excellent
man and elegant Historian, the Rev. William Hubbard ; and
also by the death of the first white man born in New England — Pere-
grine White.
In this connection it may be well to note the great age to which
many of the early settlers arrived. The former of the persons above-
named died at the age of eighty-three, and the latter at the age of
eighty-four. And numerous instances might be given of persons
attaining even more years than those. In 1684, John Odlin, Robert
Walker, Francis Hudson and William Lytherland, said they were "an-
cient dwellers and inhabitants of the Town of Boston," and that their
ages were, 82, 78, 68, and 76, or thereabouts, respectively. Some of
these were living many years after that date. Odlin died the next
year. Hudson "was one of the first who set foot on the peninsula
^^^ g of Boston." He died in 1700, aged 82. He was son of
William Hudson, who was of Chatham, in the County of Kent,
England. To what age the other two lived has not been ascertained.*
* It may be here noted, that the four men They say they had " dwelt in Boston from the
named in the test appear to have been called first planting thereof, and continuing so at
upon, by the Authorities of the Province, to this day (June 10th, 1684) ; that in or about
testify in relation to the purchase of Boston 1634, the said inhabitants of Boston (of whom
by the inhabitants, of Mr. William Black- the Hon. John Winthrop, Esq., Governor of
stone. Their depositions were taken, to be the Colony, was chief ) did agree with Mr. W^il-
used, if necessary, to show that they had pur- liam Blackstone for the purchase of his estate
chased their land of its rightful owner ; as and right in any lands lying within the said
the Charter under which they held was ex- Neck called Boston ; and for said purchase
pected to be taken from them. (See ante, p. agreed that every householder should pay 6s.,
449.) They also resorted to a purchase of the none paying less, some considerably more,
Indians (as noted ante, p. 456), with the same which was collected and paid to Mr. Black-
view. As a valuable historical document, the stone to his full satisfaction for his whole
substance of the depositions is hero given, right, reserving only about six acres or. tba
1705.] BROOKLINE. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 531
The inhabitants of Muddy River having petitioned the
X arc -. Qgj^gj.g^], Qourt to be set off from Boston, it was voted to raise
a Committee to take the necessary steps to oppose the separation.
In the time of Andros an application to him was successful ; but
after he was deposed the Town held jurisdiction there again, as has
been noticed in the order in which the affairs took place. This year
the people were successful again, and they were incorporated into a
town by the name of Brookline.*
At this meeting it was proposed to purchase land for the enlarge-
ment of the North Burying-place.f
Capt. Timothy Clark, " Commander of the [south] Battery in Bos-
ton," was ordered by the Governor to furnish an account of the
" ordnance, ammunition, and other stores of war belonging to his Fort,
in due form, meet to be offered to his Grace the Duke of Marlborough,J
Great Master of her Maj'^'^ Ordnance." §
Castle William, on Castle Island in the harbor, was so named this
year ; probably in honor of the late King. ||
A law was made by the General Court regulating weights and
^^' measures. Every Town in the Colony was ordered to provide
" a nest of Troy weights, of a different form from Avoirdupois, the
biggest not to be less than eight ounces. As also pennyweights and
grains." The standard was to be provided for the Province, " a good
beam and scales, and a nest of Troy weights from 128 ounces, down-
ward to the least denomination, marked with the mark or stamp used in
her Majesty's Exchequer." H
point commonly called Blackstone's point, on f Tax this year was £1000. The amount
part whereof his then dwelling-house stood, voted the next year was £1150. Voted that
After which purchase the Town laid out a interest be not charged on the £120 in the
place for a training-field [the Common] which hands of Robt. Calef and Fra Thrasher,
ever since and now is used for that purpose, J The ancient Marlboro '-street was named
and for the feeding of cattle. Walker and in honor of the Duke, though not so named
Lytherland further testify that Mr. Blackstone till 1708. The streets afterwards known as Or-
bought a stock of cows with the money he re- ange, Newbury, Marlborough and Cornhill,
ceived as above, and removed and dwelt near are now "Washington-street.
Providence, where he lived till the day of his ^ Original Warrant, dated 25 Oct. 1705.
death." The Account was to be dated 29th Sept., and
The amount paid for Boston, excepting six a similar statement to be made out every six
acres, was £30 ; the raising of which is thus months and forwarded to England,
alluded to on the first page of the records of || " The fortifications of this Castle were
the Town : — " Y« 10"" day of y« 9"» month, very irregular till King William's reign, when
1G34. Item: y' Edmund Quinsey, Samuell Col.Romer, a famous engineer, was sent thither
Wilbore, W^illm Boston [Balston], Edward to repair them : the Colonel demolished all the
Hutchinson the elder, and Willm Cheesbrough old works, and raised an entirely new fortifi-
the Constable, shall make and assesse all these cation, now called Fort William." — NeaVs
rates, vizt., a rater for £30 to Mr. Blackston, New Eng., ii. 223.
a rater for the cowes keeping, a rater for the ^ In 1692 there was an act passed " for the
goates keeping and other charges in [torn aiid due regulation of Weights and Measures,"
tconi] and for losse in cowes, and a rater for requiring " that the brass and copper weights
the [young ?] cattle [and horse ?] keeping [at] and measures formerly sent out of England,
Muddy River." with certificate out of their Majesties' Escheq-
* As brooks form two of the boundary lines uer to be approved Winchester measure ac-
of the Town, it is supposed that the name cording to the standard in the Exchequer, be
Brook-line originated from that circumstance, the public allowed standard throughout this
It was incorporated November 13th. their Majesties' Province."
532 . A POWDER-HOUSE. — FORTIFICATIONS. [1706.
Mar 11 ^ petition from the people of Rumney Marsh was read in
' Town-meeting, requesting that they might have a Meeting-house
built for them. *
„ An act was passed for erecting a Powder-House in the Town,
and one was soon after built " on the Common or Training-field."
It stood on the hill near the Frog-pond, where a fortification was thrown
up at the commencement of the Revolution. It was to keep the pow-
der in belonging to the colony.
Jun 10 At a Town-meeting now held it was "voted, that the Com-
' mittee appointed to consider about the suppressing of fire are
continued till March next." Also, to raise another Committee " to
consider what was to be done about fortyfieing the Town for its defence
against the enemy," and to report at the next meeting, which was
two days after. The meetings had been held in the Town-house hith-
Jun i'> ^^^^' ^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^® " ^^^ South." At this
"' meeting the Committee on the fortifications reported " a projec-
tion " for carrying out the North Battery 120 feet in length, and forty
in breadth, and eighteen to high-water mark. The cost was estimated
at 450 pounds. The proposed alterations on the South Battery were
stated at 800 pounds. The matter being debated, 1000 pounds were
voted for both.
Q ^ 21 -^^ ^^^ October meeting of the inhabitants the Fortifications
" of the Town were again a primary object, and 1000 pounds were
voted " for securing and finishing the wharffs already begun and placed
att Merry's Point, and for the Fortification to be placed there ; and also
for some additional wharf to face the Old Wharfe where the guns form-
erly stood, in order to improve the same for an income to the Town." f
At this meeting it was voted to raise 100 pounds, to be added
Mar. lb. ^^ ^^^ same amount raised last year ; and that it be " laid out
in paving the Main street towards and leading to the South end
of this Town." I
g^ ^ j2 The death of the Rev. Mr. Samuel Willard, Minister of the
^^ ' "■ South or Third Church, and Vice-President of Harvard College,
occurred this year. He was among the most eminent of New England
Divines, and was very universally respected and admired, as well for
*At this meeting, " Robt. Gutridge, Sen., Oct., Capt. Thomas Fitch. " Capt. Winsor's "
John Brick [Breck], John Cotta, Jun., Ichabod was in Swing-bridge lane in 1708. "Capt.
Williston, Robt. Calef, Jun., and Daniel Lor- Fitch's Comer " was in King-st., and another
ing, wore chosen Clerks of the Market." in Union-st., corner of Marslial's lane.
Mar. 29. Samuel Bridge was chosen Col- f In 1708 it was entered upon the Town
lector " to collect the Province Tax." An Records, that "over and above the £50, or-
attempt to choose a Collector the last year dered to be laid out in Fortification in 1704,
failed. " Samuel Jackling and Josua Win- there was expended thereon £12, 8s. 4d. more,
sor alleging infirmity of body, and Lieut, including £11, lis. due to Mr. Nathl. Oliver
Samuel Johnson and Robert Butcher aledging for bread and beer."
their being under oath in other offices in the % May 12. Representatives for this year
Town, requested to be excused as Tythingmen;" were Col. Samuel Checkley, Mr. Elizur Hol-
but they were not excused. yoke. Dr. Thomas Oakes, and Capt. Ephraim
Capt. Ephraim Savage was Moderator of the Savage. Regular tax £1300. Joseph Prout
meeting on the 10 June. At the meeting, 21 to have £15 for his services as Treasurer.
1707.]
EXPEDITION AGAINST PORT ROYAL.
533
SAMUEL WILLJRD.
his abilities as for the good qualities of his
mind. He was son of Major Simon Willard,
who had been a man of high standing, and
one of the pillars of the Country during the
most trying periods of its history.* He was
the Minister of Groton, but was driven thence
by the Indian Avar of 1675-6, and soon after
settled in Boston as a colleague with Mr.
Thacher, over the Old South Church. Mr.
Pemberton became his assistant in 1700. He
took charge of Harvard College in 1701, on
the resignation of Mr. Mather.
CHAPTER LV.
Admissions of Inhabitants. — Sti-eets named. — Death of Ezekiel Cheever — Of Anthony Checkley.
Destruction of Haverhill. — Proposal to make the Town a City. — Rejected. — Chimney-sweep-
ing. — Long Wharf built. — Uring's visit to Boston. — Post Office established by Parliament.
Death of James Allen — of John Foster. — Expedition against Canada. — Sir Hovendeu Walker
arrives. — The Expedition fails. — Great Fire. ^^Fire Wards. — Ferry Regulations.
THERE appears this year to be recorded upon the
Selectmen's Records but one admission of one inhab-
itant, t
An expedition against Port Royal, consisting of
about 1500 men, which sailed from Boston on
the thirteenth of May, was an entire failure. It
was over by the seventh of the following month.
Many in Boston were disposed to censure the com-
manders, and as usual, probably, for their inabiUty to
surmount impossibilities. In compliance with pre-
* The age of President Willard was about 67.
He was the Author of a large number of works,
but that by which he is the most extensively
known, is "A Compleat Body of Divinity,"
&c., published by subscription eighteen years
after his death. The list of Subscribers for the
work is printed in it, and is a truly noble list,
and is ample evidence of the great popularity
of the Author ; whose successors, Mr. Sewall
and Mr. Prince, accompanied it with au elab-
orate and learned preface, in which occurs the
following passage : " These larger Lectures
soon sent forth their fame, and drew many of
the most knowing and judicious persons both
from Town and College, who heard them with
so great a relish, that they have ever since the
Author's death been earnestly desirous of
their publication, and given such a character
of them as has continuaUy rais'd the same de-
sire in others. And this has, very strangely,
rather increased than declined for these eight-
een years among us ; so as hardly any book has
been more passionately wished for, till this
growing Country's become now capable of
taking off the impression of so great a work.
The largest that was ever printed here, and the
first of Divinity in a folio volume."
The work contains 914 pages, double col-
umns, and has this imprint : " Boston in New
England : Printed by B. Green and S. Knee-
land for B. Eliot & D. Henchman, and sold
at their Shops. MDCCXXVL"
Other works had been jirinted here in folio,
but they were much smaller. The Laws and
General Court Journals were always in folio.
f This was James Batterson ; John Smith
and Thomas Thornton being his security. In
1705, there were seven admissions : — Elizabeth
534 FRENCH AND INDIAN EXPEDITIONS. [1708.
vious votes of the Town, the Selectmen furnished a list of all
* ^^ ■ the Streets, Lanes and Alleys, and it was " ordered that they
should be recorded in the Town Booke, as they are now bounded and
named." The whole number of them was one hundred and ten.*
^ ^ The present year is rendered memorable by the death of the
""' " ' venerable Schoolmaster, Ezekiel Chever. He was born in Lon-
don on the twenty-fifth of January, 1614, came to New England in
1G37. From Boston he went to New Haven, where he was an instructor
of youth for twelve years. In 1650 he went to Ipswich, where he con-
tinued eleven years ; thence to Charlestown, where he was employed nine
years ; thence to Boston, in 1670, where he finished his useful labors
at the age of ninety-three years and seven months, f
Another gentleman of distinction died also this year. This was
Anthony Checkley, Esquire, an eminent merchant, though bred
to the law, and was for some time Attorney General of the Province.
He was member of the Artillery Company in 1662, its Ensign in 1680,
and its Lieutenant in 1683. J
The ill-success of the English against the French and Indians the
preceding year emboldened the latter to set forth expeditions against
the frontiers. Fear and consternation fell upon the whole country on
learning the result of one of these, the news of Avhich was brought to
Boston upon the twenty-ninth of August ; on the morning of which day
Haverhill was surprised, and near 100 persons killed, and many were
carried away captive. The Rev. Benjamin Rolfe, Minister of the town,
was killed, while two of his daughters, then little children, were
remarkably preserved from the hands of the Indians. One of these,
Elizabeth, was afterwards the wife of the Rev. Samuel Checkley, of
Boston, and was livino: here when Governor Hutchinson wrote his
history. §
'O
Brigdon, Francis Holmes, sec; John Brown, never appeared in print an accurate list of
Nicholas Cook and John Mountfort, sec; them.
Hannah Eades, .John Fosdick, sec; George At the same meeting it was voted that £200
Ingerson, Timo. Thornton, sec; Geo. Webber, be laid out in paving "at the South End in
Joho Goff, Jr., sec; Geo. Shore, Thos. Plats, addition to the pavement there." Also £50
sec; Tho. Trot, Tho. Money and Ebenr. New- for improving at the North End, "partly
ell, sec. In 1706 there are but two entries : — towards paving the Street leading from Scar-
John Obison, Wm. Obison, sec; John Ballard, let's wharfe to Mr. Jonas Clark's, and the rest
John Ballard, Jr., and Wm. Worm well, sec in such place as the Select-men may direct."
In 1708 but four: — James Whippo, James Also £300 to support the Watch, and £900 for
Green and John Greenough, sec; Isaac Tay- other expenses.
lor, Saml. Kenney, sec; Tho. Hudson, Thos. f Dr. Cotton Mather's Funeral Sermon.
Powell, sec; Thankfull Trobridg, Francis j Some account of his family has been given,
Thresher, sec. In 1709, John Raynor, Elizur anle, p. 459,
Phillips, sec; Laurence Hood, Danl. Johonot, ^ This was the mother of the wife of Gov.
sec; Mary Harris, Eliza. Holmes, sec; James Samuel Adams, the patriot. The name of Mrs.
Buck, Ambrose Vincent, sec; Tho. Selbey, Mr. Adams was also Elizabeth, who was born 15
John Belcher, sec These entries end in 1710, Mar. 1725, married 17 Oct. 1749, died 6 July,
in which year there were but two admissions : 1757. The preservation of Mrs. Checkley from
Oliver Atwood and Edward Tillet ; for the the tomahawks of the Indians was most re-
former David Robinson was security, and for markable. Her father's maid-servant hearing
the latter Ellis Callcnder. that the Indians were upon them, jumped from
* It is proposed to give an alphabetical her bed, and with wonderful presence of mind,
account of them in the Appendix. There has took two of the little daughters, who probably
1708.] PROPOSAL TO MAKE THE TOWN A CITY. 535
At a meeting in December, the Selectmen recommended that,
' inasmuch as the By-laws of the Town had not answered the end
for which they were made, owing to the inability of the present Gov-
ernment to execute them, an Act of Incorporation should be obtained ;
and that, "as the Town grows more populous, it will stand in need
of a more strict regulation." They therefore proposed that a Commit-
tee should be raised to consider and report upon the subject at the
Town-meeting in March next. Accordingly one was appointed, which
consisted of thirty-one members, including the Selectmen. But when
the people came together, although the thanks of the Town were
1709. voted to the gentlemen who had with much labor prepared a
Mar. 14. (j^aft of an Act, yet it was rejected by a large majority.* And
thus this early attempt to make Boston an Incorporated Borough or
City proved abortive, notwithstanding many of the principal inhabi-
tants were in favor of it.
A general murmur continued. Town officers were censured ; some
for their inefficiency, some for their cupidity, and others for their want
of integrity. And yet the offices were filled with the most respectable
men in the Town. Offices now considered menial were then held by
men of note and high standing. In this state of things, the Rev.
Thomas Bridge, of the First Church, just before the Town-meeting in
March of the next year, preached an elaborate sermon " for Town Offi-
cers," in which covetousness is treated of in a manner, doubtless quite
significant if not suggestive to many of that day. What effect it had
to correct abuses is not now apparent. It is believed, however, to have
been popular at the time, and a new edition was issued some twenty
years after ; probably called for by similar abuses, f
slept in the room with her, one 13 and the 21 : 9th. 1st Month 1709-10. By Thomas
other 9, named Mary and Elizabeth, and fled Bridge, Pastor of a Church in Boston. The
with them into the cellar. There, under two Second Edition. Luke 12 : 15, — Take heed and
large tubs, she concealed them, and then sue- beware of Covetousness. 1733." Among the
cessfuUy concealed herself. And although the many pointed passages in the discourse which
Indians came into the cellar and rummaged it, might be useful in this age, the following only
yet the empty tubs were not thought worthy can be copied: " The covetous office-holders are
of their notice. The other child became the intent on getting gain. They have many subtle
wife of Col. Estes Hatch. — N. E, H. df Gen. artifices and devices to manage. Sometimes
jRey., ii. 353 ; iii. 151. — Myrick's Hist. Hav- they are contriving to remove obstructions.
erhill. — Hutchinson. — Adams' Family Bible. Sometimes to prevent discovery, that they may
* When the vote was about to be taken, a act with seci-ecy, that they may not be mis-
circumstance occurred ; though unimportant in trusted. Sometimes in supplanting their
itself, it had much to do, it is said, in the re- rivals. Sometimes in finding out and shaping
suit. An individual, forward in opposing the tools to be used in their service. And when
acceptance of the proposed Act, concluded all things are ready, to know the best methods
some observations, in which he compared a and fittest seasons for accomplishment. They
corporation to a lion, saying, "It is but a spend many waking hours in imagining mis-
whelp now. It will be a Lion by and by. chief upon their beds."
Mr. Moderator ! Put the Qu:tstion ; " This By the ensuing passage may be seen what
determined the wavering, and the matter was was expected of public officers : " There are
immediately settled. Had that Prophet lived indeed divers offices in the Town, which quali-
in our time, it may be, he would have seen the fied men ought to attend out of pure regard to
Lion in his full strength. the Public Good ; as members of the Body
fThis sermon is thus entitled: " Jethro's Politic, without expecting a salary. Men hating
Advice recommended to the Inhabitants of Bos- covetousness will serve the Town in such capac-
ton,_in New England, viz.: To Chuse well- ities, readily, cheerfully and impartially, and
qualified Men, and Haters of Covetousness, for ought to be treated with respect, loved and
Town Offic -s. In a Lecture on Exodus xviii. valued for their fidelity."
536
ORIGIN OF LONG WHARF.
[1709-10.
There was complaint that the business of chimney-sweeping, being
"performed by unfaithful slaves," was badly done, and consequently
there was much danger from chimneys being often on fire. Therefore,
a fine of ten shillings was to be collected of those who allowed " their
chimneys to take fire so as to blaze out." And, there being no persons
competent to teach " the mystery or trade " of sweeping chimneys in
the Town, the matter of employing suitable persons to sweep them was
committed to the Selectmen.
At the iCown-meeting in March, Mr. Henry Bering was
Moderator. It was voted to choose no Assessors, but to have
nine Selectmen, and that they should perform the duty. It was also
voted to excuse Mr. Timothy Lindall from serving as Constable, who
pleaded that he had paid a fine of ten pounds about five years before
to be excused from the same office in Salem.
A proposition to build a wharf, where Long Wharf now is, made
by Oliver Noyes,* Daniel Oliver, James Barnes, John George, John
Gerrish and Anthony Stoddard, was accepted by the Town. They were
to build it at their own charge, with a sufficient Common Sewer. It was
to run from the end of King-street to the Circular Line, and to low
water mark. To be of the width of King-street between Mr. East
Apthorp's and Mr. Andrew Faneuil's. f The wharf was to have a pub-
lic way "on one of its sides," thirty feet wide, " for the use of the
inhabitants and others forever." And about the middle of said wharf
there was to be " a gap of sixteen feet wide, covered over, for boats
and lighters to pass and repass." Also a passage-way on the new
wharves, on each side, for carts, leaving the end free for the Town to
plant guns on for defence, if occasion should require. Such was the
origin of Long Wharf. J
1710.
* Dr. Noyes died 16 Mar. 1720-1, being
taken very suddenly and awfully." — Snow's
MS. note. He had " a house and land near
Fort Hill." Wife Katharine, sons Belcher and
Oliver ; daus. Anna, wf. of Mather Byles, and
Sarah, wid. of Pulcepher. — Record of
1738.
f The Paneuils came to Boston in 1691, or,
it may be, in the previous year. For I find a
" List of persons of the ffrench nation admit-
ted into the Colony by the Governor and
Councill," dated, "Boston, Feb. 1, 1691."
There is nothing upon the Record to show
whether the 1691 should be so taken, or
whether it should be 1691-2. These are the
names of those then admitted, and their order
upon the Record : —
" Peter Devaux, his wife, daughter, and
an English maid ; Francis Legare [goldsmith]
and two sons ; James Montier, his wife and
an English maid ; Isaac Biscon, his wife ; Ben-
jamin, John and Andrew Funell; Docter Bas-
set ; Gabriel Bernon ; William Barbut ; Louis
AUare ; Moses Secq ; Peter Vrigne, to give
security next meeting."
The Faneuils came from Rochelle, in France,
and were brothers. Benjamin was the father
of Peter, a name indelibly associated with
Faneuil Hall. For some genealogical facts
I can only refer my readers to Mr. Sargent's
interesting Dealings with the Dead, Evening
Transcript, 22 Feb., 1851, for a satisfactory
account of the Faneuil family. The death
of Mrs. Mary Catharine, wife of Mr. An-
drew Faneuil, is recorded in the Boston Ga-
zette, No. 243. She died 16 July, 1724.
A high character is given of
her : — "A gentlewoman of
extraordinary perfections, both
of mind and body."
X The stores on Long wharf
were early numbered. At what
time buildings on the streets or
wharves were first numbered
1710.] uring's visit to boston. 537
Capt. Nathaniel Uring visited Boston in 1709,* and njives a very in-
teresting account of the place, in his " Voyages and Travels," which
he printed in 1726. He says he sailed from London in April of that
year, but does not mention the time of his arrival. He observes,
" The Town is near two miles in length, and in some places three quar-
ters of a mile broad, in which are reckoned 4000 houses ; most of them
are built with brick, and have about 18,000 inhabitants. It is much
the largest of any in America under the British government ; they have
built several wharfs ; one of which goes by the name of the Long
Wharf, and may well be called so, it running about 800 foot into the
harbour, where large ships, with great ease, may both lade and unlade :
on one side of which are warehouses, almost the whole length of the
wharf. The Town is very populous, and has in it eight or nine
large Meeting-houses, and a French Church, and but one English [Epis-
copal] and that built of wood ; but I am informed, since I was in that
country, they have another building with brick. I need say nothing
of the religion of this Country, by reason it is so well known."
' Captain Uring sailed from Boston " in the beginning of August,"
and about the middle of that month was captured by three French pri-
vateers. He was not long a captive. In 1722 he went out as Deputy
Governor for the Duke of jMontagu, to the Islands of St. Lucia and
St. Vincent. The Duke's establishment there proving a failure. Cap-
tain Uring returned to England in 1724. Two years after, he published
the account of his Expeditions, which is the last notice of him. He
appears now to have left the seas, after having followed them about
thirty years. He was in the " Grand Fleet under Sir George Rook,"
in his expedition to the Bay of Cadiz, in 1702. f
There was a vote to erect a line of defence across the Neck between
Boston and Roxbury. Accordingly, Fortifications were built upon
the site of the old ones, constructed of brick and stone, having a para-
pet of earth. On this great guns were placed. There were two gates,
one for carriages and the other for foot passengers. Through these was
the passage to and from the Town over the Neck. Here was the southern
cannot, perhaps, be determined. There was no * He visited it again in 1717 and 1720, and
order of the Town about it up to this time, that the reader should bear in mind, that though
I have met with. Tenants of small blocks began Capt. Uring's description is apparently /or
the practice, most likely, very soon after blocks 1709, it was evidently drawn up after 1723.
were erected. In some early instances the Many years ago I communicated Uring's ac-
shops were designated by the letters of the count of " Boston and New England " to the
alphabet. In 1724, Benjamin Foster adver- New Hampshire Hist. Society, and it was
tiscd " choice good Cables from 5 to 6 inches, printed in the third volume of the Collections
of 120 fathoms," at " No. 11 upon the Long of that Society. His work, though replete in
Wharffe." At the same time Adam Leyland's interesting incidents, is now rare, and seldom
warehouse was " No. E, in Dr. Cook's new to be found on sale.
buildings at the head of Long AVharfe." Ar- f He was born in Walsingham, Co. of Nor-
thur Savage sold W. I. Goods at No. 6 Long folk, about 1683. His father had followed
wharf in 1727-8 ; Cornelius Waldo was No. 17. the sea, but, at about 25 years of age, married,
On Bonner's plan (elsewhere described) of settled in Walsingham, also his native place,
1714, Long wharfis represented almost entirely and followed the business of " Shop Keeper.''
covered with warehouses. — Voyages and Travels of the Son.
68
638
POST OFFICE. JAMES ALLEN DIES.
[1710.
termination of Orange-street, corresponding now to the intersection of
Washington and Dover streets.
Until this year postal affairs were under colonial regulations. Par-
liament now took the matter in hand and established a General Post
Office in North America. This was its first enactment for the purpose,
and it had in view a revenue "for the service of the war, and other
her Majesty's occasions." * John Campbell was the first Post Master
under this Act. He was now an elderly man, and had kept the Post
Office in Boston for several years, as before noticed, f
From March, 1709, to March, 1710, there were 377 deaths in the
Town. Of these 295 were " Whites," eighty Negroes, and two In-
dians. The increase over the previous year was fifty of the former,
and thirty-six of the two latter. Among these was the Rev. James
Sept. 22.
Allen, of the First Church, who emigrated to this Country in
1662, was an Assistant to Mr. Davenport six years, and
ordained Teacher in 1668. |
1711. In the beginning of the next year the Town was deprived of
Feb. 9. another eminent man by death. This was the Honorable John
Mar. 5. Foster, who was followed in about a month after by his wife,
a lady highly esteemed. These were the grandparents of Governor
Hutchinson. §
Boston felt more the effects of war, and more of the blessings of
* The rate of letters from England to this
country -was about the same as at present
(1855), Is. for single letters, 2s. for double
ones, and so on.
f Mr. Campbell lived eight years after this.
His death is recorded thus in the N. Eng.
Weekly Journal of 11 Mar. 1728:— "On
Monday night died here, John Campbell, Esq.,
aged 75 years. He was many years Post Mas-
ter of Boston, and publisher of the Boston
News-Letter ; and for several years last past
one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for
the County of Suffolk ; and on Saturday last
was decently interred."
J He lived in what is since Beacon-st.,
at the corner of Somerset, in a stone
house which he built, supposed to have
been the oldest (of stone) in the Town,
and occupied by his descendants till about
1806. When the first Boston Directory
was made, that house was occupied by
" James Allen, gentleman, and Jeremiah
Allen, gentleman." The latter was the
"Old High Sheriff of Suffolk," who re-
Bided there until 1806, or later. The present
splendid granite pile, recently owned and occu-
Sied by the late Benjamin W . Crowninsliield and
ohn L. Gardner, was built by David Hinck-
ley, merchant, who resided there about a quar-
ter of a century since. It is now called the
Somerset Club House.
§ In his History the Governor says, " Col.
Foster was a wealthy merchant, of a most fair
and unblemished character." — ii. 190. See
ante, p. 227. Two Sermons were preached on
the death of Mr. and Mrs. Foster, by the two
Doctor Mathers, father and son, which were
printed in a volume together ; but, like most
Funeral Sermons, they are almost barren of
facts respecting the deceased. The latter says
Mr. Foster " was a faithful Magistrate ; a
Counsellor continued by annual elections with
the esteem of the people at the Board, for
more than thrice six years that have ran since
his name was inserted in the Koyal Charter of
the Province ; a Judge of inviolable integrity ;
just in his dealings ; charitable to the Poor ;
an exact and well-bred merchant ; one who
loved both our liberties as an Englishman,
and our principles as a New English-man."
Of Mrs. Foster the same Author says, " She
was courteous, affable, obliging. One of a
peaceable temper ; a hater of differences, and
a healer of them. One who dispensed her
alms with an uncommon generosity ; one full
of humble condescensions," etc. Col. Fos-
ter died intestate, and his son-in-law, Mr.
Thomas Hutchinson, was appointed Admin-
istrator on his estate.
1711.] ARRIVAL OF ADMIRAL WALKER's FLEET. 539
peace, than any other large town in the colonies, during the contests
between England and France. When war existed the people of Bos-
ton entered heartily into it, for they felt fully confident that so long as
the French retained Canada, so long would the Indians disturb the
frontiers, and French cruisers destroy their commerce. Hence, every
expedition undertaken in England against Canada met a ready response
in the inhabitants^of the Town. But they were alternately elated and
disappointed. Two years previous to this, high hopes were entertained
that a force was already on its way from England, which would sweep
the French from Canada, or reduce them to submission. Captain Uring
was charged with dispatches to the Authorities here, which warranted
these expectations ; but the expedition was diverted that year, owing
to the defeat of the confederate troops in Portugal ; the fleet being
ordered to proceed to that country for their relief.
But now a more stupendous undertaking was on foot. Admiral Sir
Hovenden Walker, Knt., arrived at Boston with far the largest fleet
Jun '>5 ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ floated upon the bosom of its
waters. He had fifteen men of war and forty transports, with
upwards of 5000 men.* Here they were joined by two regiments
raised in New England.
The next day after the fleet arrived arrangements were made for
landing the men on Noddle's Island. f They were therefore landed and
encamped at that place. Meantime the Admiral commenced negotia-
tions for a supply of provisions, of which his forces stood much in
need, and took up his lodgings with Captain Southack, in Tremont-
street. The Captain, in the Province Galley, was to lead the van in
the present expedition ; or " to go ahead of the fleet in Canada river."
But the Admiral met with difficulties henceforward in almost every
step, to detail all of which would occupy a moderate-sized volume.
They began with his attempts to victual his fleet. " One Captain Bel-
cher," | he says, "a very rich and leading man" in the Town, was
* A list of the ships, names of their Com- Council to the Town-house, and congratulated
manders, their number of men and guns, are on their safe ari"ival to New England." On
given in the Boston News-Letier of 23 July, the 29th, the Admiral, General, Colonels, and
1711, No. 379. The following extract from several of the Sea Captains, proceeded to the
that paper will give a tolerable idea of Governor's house in Roxbury, and dined there,
the stir which this arrival occasioned in the — Admiral Walker's Jowr., 75.
Town: — "On Monday, the 25th of June f At the same time the sick were provided
last, the Castle gave the usual signal of several for by the erection of booths " on one of the
ships seen in the Bay, and about noon the Islands near Nantasket Road." — Journal, &9.
alarm begun ; and in one hour's time the In the army which arrived in the fleet " were
Troop of Guards and Regiment of Foot were seven veteran regiments from the Army of the
underarms. And in his Excellency's absence Duke of Mai-lborough." The generation then
at the Congress in New London, the Gentle- inhabiting Boston had never before seen so
men of her Majesty's Council received his Ex- grand a military display as these veteran
cellency Brigadier Hill, Commander in Chief troops made as they performed their evolutions
of her Majesty's forces in North America, and on the fields of Noddle's Island,
the Honourable Sir Hovenden "Walker, Knt., J Andrew Belcher, who so efficiently re-
Admiral of her Majesty's fleet in the present lieved the army by his timely arrival in Nar-
expedition. The Troop and Regiment being raganset Bay with provisions after the great
still under arms, the General and Admiral Swamp fight of Dec. 19th, 1675. He was the
were conducted and attended by her Majesty's father of Gov. Jonathan Belcher, and died 31
540 EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA. [1711.
applied to, as being the only man able to undertake it ; but he would
have nothing to do in the matter, which the Admiral construed quite
to Mr. Belcher's discredit. He next apphed to " one Mr. [Andrew]
Faneuil," and he undertook to furnish the supplies. Provisions, how-
ever, were scarce, and there was doubtless a disposition among such as
possessed them to make the most they could out of the necessities of
their present customers. Such being the state of things, a competent
J ^ supply could not easily be had ; and, finally, the Governor was
obliged to issue an " Order for searching for provisions." In
the order, Mr. William Clarke and Mr. Francis Clarke were named as
searchers, to be joined with such others as the Admiral and Gen. Hill
of the fleet might appoint. In the same order Capt. Samuel Gookin
and Capt. Samuel Phips were appointed " to attend constantly at the
camp on Noddle's Island in the day-time, to see there be no extortion
or oppression in the sale of victuals or exchange of money."
Among the troubles which surrounded the expedition, that of deser-
tion of its men was not the least. To prevent this alarming mischief
the General Court passed an Act subjecting all persons to a penalty of
fifty pounds, or twelve months' imprisonment, if they harbored any sol-
dier, marine or sailor, who should desert from the fleet. Notwithstand-
ing this enactment, and an order previously issued to the various towns
to call out the military to guard the roads, a formidable number of men
succeeded in deserting, and could not be found when the fleet sailed
Jul 30 ^^^^ ^^^ intended design in the end of July ; "and thus,"
says the Admiral, "we left Boston, having struggled with
many difficulties to get dispatched from thence."*
The land forces were under the command of Brigadier Gen. John
Hill. The other commanders of note were Col. Charles Churchill,!
Col. William Windresse, Col. M. Kempenfelt, Col. Jasper Clayton,
Col. Percy Kirk,| Col. Henry Disney, Col. Richard Kane. Col. Samuel
Vetch and Col. Shadrack Walton commanded the New England forces.
Oct. 1728. — See Church, Hist. Philip's War, cellent summary of this Canada expedition, for
02. the failure of which he honorably acquits the
* The Admiral experienced great difficulty Commanders ; and there were few better judges
in procuring pilots for the River St. Lawrence, of the nature of such undertakings than that
and probably sailed without being properly candid author. His work can oiten be con-
supplied ; though during his stay in Boston ho suited with advantage by American authors,
seems to have spared no pains to procure suit- f He was the Commander of the Marines,
able men. As soon as he arrived here he sent The Duke of Marlborough had a brother, son
for Mr. John Nelson, who then lived on Long and nephew of the name of Charles. This
Island, and con- gentleman was neither of them, though the
ferred with him contrary has been sometimes inferred,
upon the subject, J He was a son of that " Col. Kirk " whose
he being "a person history has been touched upon in a previous
of good sense, and note (p. 458), and survived this unfortunate
well acquainted expedition, to find a resting-place in Westmin-
with the interest ster Abbey. He was now about 27 years of
and affairs of those age, and lived to be 57 ; dying Jan. 1st, 1757.
parts." The same person, I suppose, who acted His mother was " the Lady Mary, daughter to
eo conspicuous a part in the Revolution of George Howard, Earl of Suffolk. Diana Dor-
1689, and had lately been a prisoner in Canada mer, his niece and sole heiress, died Feb. 22d,
and in France. 1743, aged 32." — i/w^ Descript. Westmin-
Mr. Lediard, in his Naval History, has an ex- stcr Abbey, 164. Edition 1764.
1711.] GREAT FIRE. 541
Of the melancholy fate of this great armament, it is only necessary
to add, that it utterly failed, owing to adverse circumstances, beyond
the control of human power. A terrific storm wrecked nine of the
ships, in which were lost near 900 men. Another ship, the Edgar,
was blown up after reaching the coast of England, and with it 400
men more were lost.* As in all such cases, the Commanders were
blamed for the miscarriage, and retired from the service in disgrace, f
Censures did not stop here. There were those in England who attrib-
uted the ftiilure of the expedition " to the barbarous treatment of New
England." The falsity of this charge was at the time ably met by
Mr. Agent Dummer, | then in England.
In the month of October a considerable part of the business portion
of the Town was consumed by fire. It broke out about seven of the
^ clock, and by two the next morning " it reduced Cornhill into
miserable ruins, and it made its impression into King-street
and Queen-street, and a great part of Pudding-lane was also lost,
before the violence of it could be conquered. Among these ruins there
were two spacious Edifices, which, until now, made a most considerable
figure, because of the public relation to our greatest solemnities in
which they had stood from the days of our Fathers. The one was the
Town-house ; the other the Old Meeting-house. The number of houses,
and some of them very capacious buildings, which went into the fire
with these, is computed near about an hundred." It was found that
about one hundred and ten families were turned out of doors. This
part of the Town was then filled with dwellings, as well as stores and
shops, and these were stocked with valuable goods. " But that wdiich
very much added unto the horror of the dismal night was the tragical
death of many poor men, who were killed by the blowing up of houses,
or by venturing too far into the fire. Of these the bones of seven or
eight were supposed to be found." Others, strangers belonging to
vessels, were thought to have increased the number of those who per-
ished, and several received wounds from the effects of which they
afterwards died.
" Thus the Town of Boston, just going to get beyond fourscore years
of age, and conflicting with much labor and sorrow, is, a very vital and
valuable part of it, soon cut off and flown away ! " §
" The occasion of which is said to have been by the careless sottish-
ness of a woman, who suffered a flame which took the okum, the pick-
ing whereof was her business, to gain too far before it could be
mastered." ||
* But one of the New England transports | Letter to a Noble Lord, published in 1712.
was cast away, and from that all the men ^ Account appended to Janeway's Dreadful
were saved. This is remarkable. The New Fire of London, p. 41-3.
England men doubtless better understood the || Ibid. — " It broke out in an old Tenement
coast, or how to provide themselves with pilots within a back Yard in Cornhill, near the First
than their Ally, who, it is said, affected to look fleeting-house, occasioned by the carelessness
with contempt upon them. of a poor Scottish Woman, by using Fire near
I Admiral Walker resided in Dublin, Ire- a parcel of Ocum, Chips and other combustible
land, and died there in January, 1726. Rubbish." — News-Letter, 8 Oct. 1711. A
542 FIRE-WARDS. [1711.
Thus, from School-street to Dock Square, including both sides of
Cornhill, all the buildings were swept away.* It was soon found that
the First Church must go, and several sailors were prevailed upon to
ascend into the cupola to attempt to save the bell ; but so rapid were
the flames, and so intent were they to effect their object, that their
retreat was cut off before they were aware of it, and they fell in with
the roof and perished in the flames.
^^^ jj In consequence of the fire, " with special reference to the
frustrating of a great expedition, by the loss of part of our
fleet in Canada River," a General Fast was kept At this time a con-
tribution was taken up in the Churches for the sufferers by the fire,
which amounted to about 700 pounds.f
The occurrence of this extensive conflagration, happening about two
weeks before the adjournment of the General Court, probably occasioned
that body to pass "An Act, providing, in case of fire, for the more
speedy extinguishment thereof; and for the preserving of goods
endangered thereby." The Act provided also for the appointment of
Fire- wards in Boston, "not exceeding ten, in the several parts of the
Town ; and to have a proper badge assigned to distinguish them in their
office, namely, a staff of five feet in length, coloured red, and headed
with a bright brass spire of six inches long." They had full power to
command all persons at fires, to pull down or blow up houses, protect
goods, " by direction of two or three of the chief Civil or Military
Officers of the Town." J
Nov 16 "^^^^ ^^^^ Town-meeting after the fire was held in Dr. Col-
' man's Meeting-house ; at which meeting, a concurrence was voted
" with the proposals made by the General Assembly, about building a
House in or near the place where the old Town house stood." Thomas
Brattle, Esq., and Mr. William Payn, were appointed on the part of
the Town to make an arranjrement with a Committee of the General
number of this paper was printed only the stone of Capt. Scottow was placed in the
day before the fire. The office in which it was tower of the Old South Church,
printed being in Pudding-lane, was, of course. The old brick building on the corner of
consumed ; but that calamity did not prevent Washington and School streets, now and for
the issue of the paper the next week in New- several years occupied by W. D. Ticknor &
bury-street. — See ante, p. 528. Co. as a Book-store, was the first built on that
The out-house in which the fire took is said spot after this fire,
to have belonged to Capt. Ephraim Savage, * " From School-street to what is called the
who then lived in Williams Court, and that the stone shop in Dock Square." — Hutchinson,
"poor woman's name was Mary Morse." — ii. 200. The " Stone shop," noticed by Hutch-
See Snow, 210. The houses erected in Corn- inson, was the same probably called " Colson's
hill after this fire were of brick, three stories Stone House " about 1732, and stood at the
high, with a garret, flat roof, and balustrade. " north-easterly termination of Cornhill." On
— Holmes, i. 505. About four of them are an ancient MS. plan in my possession, '« Col-
yet standing on the east side, and one, No. 31, son's " is marked at the intersection of what is
on the west side. One of them, being No. 38, now called Cornhill and Brattle-street.
Washington-street, bearing the date of its erec- f Preface to Rev. Mr. Wadsworth's Sermons,
tion, 1712 ; and also the letters S. L., and a 1713. In this preface the author gives some-
coat of Arms belonging to the Lynde family, what of a circumstantial account of the fire, to
which was transferred from the ancient Lynde whom Snow and others have been indebted,
mansion on Lynde-street to its present locality, J Acts and Laivs of the Prov. of Mass. Bay,
with about as much propriety as the grave- <^-c. 1714, p. 218.
1711.]
FERRY REGULATIONS.
543
Court, for jointly constructing a House to
accommodate both the Town and Colony. An
arrangement was entered into, and in March
1714, the Town voted "235 pounds, fourteen
shillings, and eight pence," to pay its part of
the expense of the building.
At this session an Act was also passed,
" further regulating of the Ferry betwixt Boston
and Winisimmit." *' A third sufficient and
suitable boat " was ordered to be provided,
" with able, sober persons to row in her ;" and
"one of the three boats in turn to be always
C0LM.1N. passing on the water," unless prevented by ice
or "extraordinary stormy weather (except on the Lord's Day, and then
to pass no oftener than necessity shall require) ; from sunrise until nine
o'clock at night, from the first of April to the first of October ; and until
eight at night from the first of October to the first of April," " Posts,"
however had some special consideration. Mail routes had been estab-
lished to the east and west of Boston this year. A Post went to Maine
once a week, to Plymouth also ; and for Connecticut and New York
once in two weeks. This arrangement was not changed for many
years.
The Election Sermon, which hitherto had been preached in the
First Church, was this year preached in the " South Meeting-
house, by Mr. Samuel Cheever, of Marblehead." Mr. Peter Thacher
of Weymouth, preached the Sermon before the Artillery Company.*
Mar 10 At the Town-meeting in March, "the land that was lately
' John Mathew's in School-street," was ordered to be let out for
a term of years ; also " to make the Draw-bridge (so called) in Ann-
street, a fast, firm bridge, the width of the street. And in case Capt.
Ballentine, or any other person, sue or bring an action in the Law," the
Selectmen to defend the same. A Committee of five was raised to
inquire into the damage, if any, to be sustained by anybody in making
the bridge in question "a fast bridge." John Clark, Esq., Captain
Thomas Hutchinson, Major Thomas Fitch, Mr. Grove Hirst, and Capt.
Edward Martyn, were the Committee.
j^j^ ^^ At the next meeting, which was held in the " South Meet-
^^ ■ ing-house," Isaac Addington, Esq., was moderator. A Com-
mittee, which had been raised to see if land could be purchased on which
to erect a School-house at the North End, reported that a piece belong-
ing to Mrs. Susanna Love, on Bennet and Love streets, 100 feet long
and about 51 wide, could be had for 153 pounds, and they were
instructed to purchase it.
1712.
* Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton preached the Election Sermon last year, and Dr. Increase Mather
the Sermon to the Artillery.
544 NEW NORTH CHURCH. [1712.
CHAPTER LVI.
New North Church. — Church Discipline. — First Church Rebuilt. — Gunning on the Neck Prohib-
ited. — Bad state of Prisons. — Death of David Copp. — Copp's Hill. — First Meeting in the New-
Town House. — Counterfeiters. — Post-Office Regulation. — George I. Proclaimed. — Gov. Burgess.
Gov. Shute. — New South Church. — Lighthouse. — Death of Isaac Addington — of Elisha Cook
— of Grindal Rawson. — Tragical Fate of his sister Rebecca.
ANOTHER Church was founded at the north part of
the Town. This, in due time, received the name of
_ ^^ the New North.* Its original founders were " sub-
f-?^??^^^] stantial mechanics," whose names were Solomon
^_J .J__X.p Townsend, Erasmus Stevens, Moses Pierce, Caleb
\ Lyman, John Pecker, Alexander Sears, Ebenezer
J' Clough, John Goldthwait, Samuel Gardner, William
Parkman, John Barrett, Isaac Pierce, Joshua Cheever,
Matthew Butler, Elias Townsend, John GofF, James
LYNDE. Barnard.f Their first meeting was previous to the
month of Llarch, and at the house of Matthew Butler, who was consid-
ered the father of the Society ; and, though accidental, the pulpit of the
present edifice very appropriately stands over the spot on which his
pew was situated. In March following their organization, the project-
ors, having been joined by others, obtained liberty to erect a wooden
house for their worship. A piece of land was purchased of Col.
Thomas Hutchinson, at the corner of North and Clark streets, for about
455 pounds. Here a house of small dimensions was built, " without
the assistance of the more wealthy part of the community, excepting
what they derived from their prayers and good wishes." It appears to
have been some time in building, as it was not dedicated until
^^ ' 1714. Three members of the Old North Church were elected
Deacons ; namely, Robert Comby, Edward Proctor and James Clark.
This may have given rise to a jealousy said to have existed against the
New Church ; for when Dr. Cotton Mather was applied to to procure
their dismission from his Church, he gave a decided refusal to commu-
nicate the request, and Caleb Lyman, John Barrett and Solomon
Townsend, were made choice of. Mr. Townsend declined the office,
and it remained vacant till 1717, when it was filled by the election of
John Dixwell, who was son of the well-known Colonel Dixwell, one of
the regicide Judges.|
* On the 27th Nov. 1814, the Rev. Francis f The first thirteen, together with Mr. Webb,
Parkman delivered " A Sermon on the Com- the Minister, Benj. Gerrish, Nathaniel Kenny
Sletion of a Century since the Settlement of the and Lately Gee, were the original signers of
[ew North Church." Why the date 27 Nov. the Church Contract. Mr. Gee was blind.
1714 should be assigned for the " Settlement" Mr. Lyman died in 1742.
of this Church, is not clear ; for a Minister was | Mr. Dixwell died 24 April, 1725. He
ordained over it above a month before that date, was highly respected and much lamented. His
1712.] NEW NORTH CHURCH. 545
When a Minister was to be chosen, two only were thought of. These
were Mr. John Barnard, — afterward of Marblehead, — and Mr. John
Webb, who was then Chaplain at Castle William. Mr. Barnard was a
member of the Old North Church, and highly in favor with Dr. Increase
Mather. This was supposed to have excited the jealousy of Dr. Cotton
Mather, and through his influence Mr. Webb was brought forward, and
succeeded in being elected at a second trial ; unanimously, as
Auar. 2. ^^ ^^^ recorded.* The house had been dedicated on the fifth
of the preceding May. The two Doctors Mather officiated at
the ordination of Mr. Webb, and Mr. Barnard preached the Sermon.
The principles and practice of this Church were to be the same as those
established by the Synod of Cambridge in 1648, as far as that went ;
and as to the subject of baptism, it was agreed to follow the example
of their mother Church, the Old North ; which was in accordance with
the Synod of 1662. In 1719, Mr. John Frizell, a merchant of Bos-
ton, presented the Church with a bell, which, though of small size and
disagreeable sound, was used till 1802, when the old house was taken
down. It was then sold to the town of Charlton, in the county of
Worcester, where it is probably still in use.f
When, in 1719, it became advisable to settle a Colleague with Mr.
Webb, a fierce contest ensued between the majority and minority mem-
bers of the Society. The Rev. Peter Thacher, an ordained Minister at
Weymouth, was made choice of, and was installed with Mr.
Jan. 27. Webb, as Pastor ; being of an older standing at college than
Mr. Webb. The minority was quite small, but they were very
determined in their opposition to Mr. Thacher, and at his installation, a
tumultuous and disgraceful scene was presented. | Pamphlets were
place was supplied by Deacon Samuel Barrett, f Mr. John Frissell, presumed to be the same
8 Dec. following. Mr. Ephraim Hunt sue- who gave the bell, died in Roxbury, previous
cecded him as Deacon, 8 March, 1726. They to 4 January, 1752. Mr. Joseph Williams, of
were ordained 18 August of the same year, that town, administered on his estate. — News-
The last ordination of Deacons in this Church, Letter.
and perhaps in this town, was 7 Aug. 1737, { The Council for the installation of Mr.
when Deacon Joshua Cheever and Josiah Thacher met at the Rev. Mr. Webb's house on
Langdon were ordained. Mr. William Park- the corner of North Bennet and Salem streets.
man was the last Ruling Elder. He was The opposition or " aggrieved brethren " were
elected in 1743, and died in the country in assembled at the house of Thomas Lee, Esq.,
1775 or 1776, very aged. Mr. Samuel Hoi- in Bennet-st., next the since Universal Meeting-
land was chosen Deacon in 1752. He lived house, and must be passed, if the ordaining
to be the oldest man in Boston ; dying al)out Council had travelled the common streets to
1793. get to the New North Chuch. A deputation
* The succession of ^linisters in the New from the aggrieved members, consisting of Alex-
North Church is as follows : — ander Sears, Solomon Townsend and Owen
John Webb, ord. 20 Oct. 1714, died 16 Harris, of the Church, and Thomas Lee, Ed-
April, 1750. ward Pell and WiUiam Pell, of the congrega-
Peter Thacher, inst. 27 Jan. 1723, died 26 tion, waited upon the Council with a remon-
Feb. 1738 [1738-9?] strance against their proceeding to business.
Andrew Eliot, ord. 14 April, 1742, died 13 The purport of the remonstrance was, that the
Sept. 1778. ordination must not take place, and must be
John Eliot, ord. 3 Nov. 1779, died 14 Feb. prevented ; peaceably if possible, but at all
1813. events stopped it should be. Mean time, a
Francis Parkman, ord. 8 Dec. 1813, died 11 crowd having gathered about, which rendered
Nov. 1852. the quiet movement of the Council from Mr.
Arthur B. Fuller, 1853. Webb's house to the Church somewhat dubi-
69
546 NEW NORTH CHURCH. [1712.
afterwards issued upon the occasion, discovering a temper not very
creditable to some of their authors. *
This division in the New North Church was the cause of the with-
drawal of several of its members, and another Church at the North End
was the consequence, which eventually received the name of the New
Brick, f As in the case of the First and South Churches, animosity
continued between them for many years, sometimes exhibiting itself in
a ridiculous and ludicrous manner.
In April, 1721, the New North Church publicly ordained Ruling
Elders, and in the following month Deacons were ordained likewise.
In 1730, the House was enlarged. Up to the middle of the eighteenth
century. Church Discipline was far from being a slight matter-of-course
affair. After this it was gradually much relaxed. Before that period,
unfortunates, male or female, who had committed errors, were obliged
to confess them before the whole congregation, however peculiar those
errors might be. Females, under certain accusations, w^ere obliged to
stand up with a white robe or sheet over them, while the Minister read
aloud their confession. After about 1750, such " brethren and sisters
who should fall into scandal," were allowed to confess to the Church-
members only, after the other part of the congregation had retired.
The " New England version of the Psalmes " was continued in use in
this Church until 1755. It was then changed for " Tate and Brady's
ous, Mr. Webb led them out at a back gate that party the names most conspicuous are
into Love-lane, and through an alley which James Tyleston, Thomas Lee, Jonathan Mount-
opened directly opposite the Meeting-house ; fort, Ephraim Mower, James Halsey, Edward
and thus quiet possession of the pulpit was Pell, Alexander Seares, John Waldo, Owen
obtained. Whereupon a promiscuous multi- Harris, Francis Parnell, Solomon Townsend,
tude immediately nearly filled the house. The William Pell, and Pelatiah Kinsman,
opposing party in council at Mr. Lee's appear In justice to the opposing party it should be
to have been taken by surprise. They however said that they produced certificates from Nicli-
soon came, and, forcing their way into the olas Philips and Thomas White, *' members in
Meeting-house, forbid the proceedings of the full communion of the Church of Weymouth,"
ordination, and for a time the uproar was so that Mr. Thachcr had broken his promise in
great that it seemed impossible to proceed, leaving them. Abiah Whitman, Sen., and
Yet they did proceed, and Mr. Thacher was Abiah Whitman, Jr., also of Weymouth, made
declared duly qualified. a similar statement. And when the Remon-
* The titles of some of those tracts follow : strants laid their case before the " Ministers of
— '-A Brief Declaration of Mr. Peter Thacher Religion in Boston," desiring their opinion, as
and Mr. John Webb, Pastors of the New to the propriety of Mr. Thacher's leaving his
North Church in Boston, in behalf of them- people, those Ministers in reply said " he had
selves and said Church ; relating to some of not given or declared to them those Reasons
their late Ecclesiastical Proceedings." 1720. which they judged sufficient or satisfactory."
This was followed by Those Ministers were Increase Mather, Cotton
" An Account of the Reasons why a Consid- Mather, Benj. Wadsworth, Benj. Colman, Jo-
erable Number (about 50, whereof Ten are seph Sewall, Thos. Prince and William Cooper.
Members in full Communion) Belonging to the Upon the issue of the last-named Tract,
New North Congregation in Boston, could not another followed, entitled " A Vindication of
consent to Mr. Peter Thacher's Ordination the Now North Church from several Falsehoods
there. Who has left his Flock at Weymouth, spread in a Pamphlet lately published, tending
and Accepted a Call in Boston, without the to their defamation, entituled," as above. This
Approbation, and contrary to the Advice, of I have not seen ; not considering it important
the Ministers in this Town. With a Declara- to an understanding of the history of the difti-
tion of the Dissatisfied Brethren of the Church, culty, I have not sought for it. The " Vindica-
&c." 1720. tion" was followed by " An Answer to a Scan-
This was the production of the " aggrieved " dalous and Lying Pamphlet," &c.
party, and occupies near 60 pages. Among f See a«fe, p. 311.
1712.] NEW NORTH CHURCH. 547
version." Not long after this the practice of reading and singing the
psalms, line by line, alternately, was abolished, or discontinued.
During the Siege of Boston, or during its
occupancy by the British in 1775-6, public
worship was not suspended in this Church.
By the close of that century the House had
become old, out of repair and out of fash-
ion. It was large, and, being of wood, in
case of fire would much endanger that part
of the Town. This latter consideration,
doubtless, much influenced its owners to
propose its removal, and the erection of
one of brick ; especially as attempts to set
it, and buildings about it, on fire had sev-
eral times been made. Accordingly the old
NEW NORTH CHURCH. Houso was takon down in August, 1802,
and the corner-stone of the present House was laid in Sep-
S'-pt "23 tember of the same year.* It was dedicated on the second
of May, 1804. f In 1805 a bell, weighing upwards of 1300
pounds, was purchased at a cost of above 800 dollars. It was from the
foundery of Paul Revere.
Until 1749, the Ministers of this Church, as was probably the case
in most other Churches in the country, were supported by voluntary
contributions. These contributions were made in this manner. At a
stated time the Deacons stood up in their seats with boxes to receive
the money, and the congregation, or such of them as had anything to
give, came out of their pews, passed around in an established order
before the Deacons, and made their deposits for the Ministers. This
mode of maintaining them was abolished in the end of this year, and
that of assessments on pews adopted in its stead.
About this time portions of the Scriptures were begun to be read
" between the first prayer and the singing before the Sermon." Mr.
Nathaniel Holmes had lately presented the Church with an elegant folio
Bible. I
j-jo The First Church, which was burnt, as already detailed, in
May 3. 1711, having been rebuilt, was dedicated this year, on the third
* A silver plate and some American coins "Wm. Callender, $110 ; Sarah, widow of Capt.
were deposited under the S. W. corner-stone of John White, and James AVilliams, each $50 ;
the foundation. On the plate was inscribed : John Fleet, $20 ; Saml. Watts, John Richard-
" The New North Church was built, A. D. 1714. son, and Thomas Barker, each $10. The House
Enlarged and Repaired, 1730 : cost $27,288.44.
A new Tower and Steeple built, A. D. 1764 : J For much of his account of the New
August, 1802, taken down by a vote of the North, the Author is indebted to the exceed-
Society, pro bono publico, ingly valuable tract upon it by Mr, Ephraim
In Septemljer following, the Corner Stone of Eliot, published in 1822. In his " Advertise-
the New Edifice was laid, (Laus Deo,) ment," that gentleman observes, that he was
By the Rev. John Ei,iot, Pastor of the one of three male proprietors of the Now
Church." North. Mr. Charles Hammatt [deceased] de-
f A subscription towards rebuilding was ob- scended fVom Elder Barrett, and JNIr. Robert
tnined, but jt was very small -= only $396.25. Lash, descended from Elder Baker, were the
The donors were, Ebenezer Parsons, $136,25 ; others. " Ilis [Mr. Eliot's] materniil gr^nd-
548
FIRST CHURCH REBUILT.
[1712.
of May. It was the second house on the
same site, and stood until 1808, when it
was taken down. A new house had
been made ready for the Society in
Chauncy Place, and was dedicated on
the twenty-first of July, of the same
year. The accompanying view repre-
sents the old house as it stood in
Cornhill;* a durable relic of which was
deposited in the vestry of its successor.
It consisted of a thick piece of Slate-
stone, about two feet long, which was
taken from under a window in the sec-
ond story on the south side. On that is
inscribed this brief record : — " Burned to ashes Octobr. 3, 1711.
Rebuilding June 25th, 1712. July 20, 1713." f
Among the deaths this year occurred that of Mr. John Good-
win, an inhabitant of the North part of the Town since 1682.
He owned a wharf and warehouses, and also several houses in Lynn-
street. By trade he was a mason, and was engaged in rebuilding the
South Battery or Sconce, in 1697. J Mr. Thomas Atkins, house-
riRST CHURCH.
Jan. 21.
father, Josiah Langdon, was one of the com-
mittee which superintended the first building,
in 1713 and 1714. His father and his brother
for 70 years stood in pastoral relation to it.
From May, 1794, to May, 1817, he was himself
Treasurer of the Society, and has been one of
the Standing Committee for more than twenty-
six years." Mr. Eliot died in September,
1827, aged 66. A Robert Lash was allowed to
build with timber, 1701 ; perhaps the same
here named. The name is not common, but
still exists in the city.
* The regular succession of the Ministers of
the First Church, not having before been
given, may appropriately follow in this place :
John Wilson, inst. 23 Nov. 1632, d. 7 Aug.
1667, a. 78.
John Cotton, inst. 17 Oct. 1633, d. 23 Dec.
1652, a. 67.
John Devenport, inst. 9 Dec. 1668, d. 15
Mar. 1670, a. 72.
James Allen, inst. 9 Dec. 1668, d. 22 Sept.
1710, a. 78.
John Oxenbridge, inst. 10 April, 1670, d.
28 Dec. 1674, a. 65.
Joshua Moody, Asst. 3 May, 1684, to 1692,
d. 4 July, 1697, a. 65.
John Bailey, Asst. 17 July, 1693, d. 12
Dec. 1697, a. 53.
Beni. Wadsworth, ord. 8 Sept. 1696, d. 12
Mar. 1737, a. 67.
Thos. W. Bridge, inst. 10 May, 1705, d. 26
Sept. 1715, a 58.
Thomas Foxcroft, ord. 20 Nov. 1717, d. 18
June, 1769, a. 72.
Charles Chauncy, ord. 25 Oct. 1727, d. 10
Feb. 1787, a. 82.
John Clarke, ord, 8 July, 1778, d. 1 April,
1798, a. 42.
William Emmerson, inst. 16 Oct., 1799, d.
12 May, 1811, a. 42.
Jolm Lovejoy Abbott, ord. 14 July, 1813, d.
17 Oct. 1814, a. 31.
Nathl. Langdon Frothingham, ord. 15 Mar.
1815, resigned Mar. 1850.
Rufus Ellis, ord. 4 May, 1853, Mr. Ellis is
the present minister.
f Buckingham's Polyanthos, ii. 168 ; from
which work our engraving of the First Church
is also copied.
I Mr. Goodwin married Martha, daughter of
Benj. and Martha Lauthrop, of Charlestown, 2
Dec. 1669, where he then resided. The Rev.
John Lauthrop, or Lothrop, of Scituate and
Barnstable, was her grandfather. Mr. Good-
win was 65 years old at his death, and he was
buried at Copp's Hill. After her husband's
death, Mrs. Goodwin married John Pearson
(of Lynn?), 1714, died 26 Sept. 1728, aged 76,
and was buried by the side of her husband.
They had ten or more children. Nathaniel,
born 1672, finally settled in Middleton, Ct.
Martha, born 1674, married Ebenezer Clough,
and their daughter Martha married Elias Park-
man. John, born 1681, married Mary Hop-
kins. Benj., born 1683, married Frances White,
who after married Maj. John Bowles, of Rox-
bury. Hannah, b. 1687, married Wm. Park-
man. Elizabeth, born 1694, married Joseph
White. — Memoranda of J. G. Locke, Esq.
1713.] PRISONS. COPP'S HILL. 549
Wright, was employed on the wood-work of the same fort. In 1701
he did the mason-work of a house built by the Town for the School-
master, " on the land where Mr. Ezekiel Chever lately dwelt."
The establishment of Charity Schools was ably advocated by Dr.
Benjamin Colman, who drew up regulations for their government ; but
the public mind was not fully prepared for them.
The practice of shooting game on the Neck, between Boston and
Roxbury, had been probably attended with serious accidents ; for this
year the General Court passed " An Act to Prohibit shooting or Firing
off Guns, near the Road or High- way, on Boston Neck." In the pre-
amble of the Act it is said that " the Limbs and Lives of several per-
sons had been greatly endangered in Riding over Boston Neck, by
their Horses throwing of them ; being affrighted and starting at the
Firing of Guns by Gunners that frequent there after Game."*
There was a scarcity of bread this year, occasioning much suffering
among the poor of the Town, f Persons who had the misfortune to be
thrown into prison appear to have been little cared for by the proper
authorities, in respect to their wants of food or their sufferings from
cold. A " voice " from some of these has penetrated even to this dis-
tant day. J
Elder David Copp died, and was buried in the yard upon
the hill bearing the name of his family. His grave "is not
far from the north gate, on the west side of the path between the
gates ; and several others of the name of Copp lie around him." From
an early period of the settlement of the Town a portion of the hill
had belonged to the family, and received its name from them ; but at
what time it began to be called Copp's Hill, cannot be stated with cer-
tainty. § It was at one period called Snow Hill, perhaps from a hill of
* Colony Laws, 231. 1670. On the records are found, Jonathan, son
I Remains of Grove Hirst, Esq., p. 69. of William and Goodith Copp, born 23 Aug.
j " On the 3d. of November of this year, 1640 ; Rebecca, G May 1641 ; and Ruth, 24.
several persons in the common jail petitioned 9. 1643.
the Gen. Court " for relief; imprisoned, they The brick house of Elder Copp is mentioned
said, " for no great crime," and were com- in the Selectmen's Minutes, which Snow
pelled "to lie on the boards, cold, without thought was that "at the head of Hull-st.,
bed-clothes or fire, or any nourishment, no south side."
farther than just to keep them alive, and WiUiam Copp, " cordwainer," left a will
hardly that ;" therefore, say they, " We hum- dated 31 Oct. 1662, proved 27th 2d. mo.
bly beg of you to allow us some succor to keep 1670 ; inventory of his estate, £109, 175. Qd.
us from perishing. We are some of us been " Wife Goodeth, dau. Tewksbury ; grand-
here two or three months, as our ships we be- childn. William, Thomas, John, and Mary
long to are not nye sailing. So we humbly Harvey. To son Jonathan house and ground
beg of you to send us some relieve in the mis- in Boston where I now live ; he to pay daus.
erable condition we are in. It is very hard for Ruth and Lydia, and grandchildn John and
us, we having committed nothing to deserve Sarah Atwood, Sarah Norden, and Mary Har-
it." There were five of the prisoners who vey ; son David 30 acres, Jonathan 20, dau.
petitioned. Two of them appear to have been Lydia 10, dau. Ruth 10, John Atwood 10,
imprisoned only for safe-keeping, until their grandch. Saml. Norden 10, and grandch. W-".
vessels sailed, one for debt, one for " costs of Harvey 10, being my 100 acres beyond Brain-
Court;" the other, a female, o^mce not named, tree. Son David sole executor." — Suffolk
Whether relieved or not, my MS. does not Wills, viii. 32.
show. _ _ Among the first entries in the Book of Pos-
§ William Copp was made a Freeman, 2 sessions, is the description of " the possession
June, 1641 ; David, probably his son, 11 Oct. of William Copp within the limits of Bos-
550 POST-OFFICE. GEORGE I. [1714.
the same name in Liverpool, in England, or a street in London so
named also.
The war between France and England was brought to a close by the
treaty of Utrecht, the news of which caused great rejoicing in Boston,
and the hostile Indians sent deputations to offer peace to the harassed
frontiers.
The Town-house, which was destroyed in the great fire of
1711, having been rebuilt, the first meeting is held in it. The
peculiar class of vessels called schooners are believed to have been
first constructed about this time at Gloucester. Their importance
is confirmed by their superior numbers, compared at any late period
with all other craft in and about the waters of Boston. Mr. Andrew
Robinson is said to have been their original contriver.*
A person belonging to Salem was detected in passing coun-
^^' terfeit Province bills among the people of Boston. The bills
were of the denomination of twenty shillings. The individual who
passed them had the credit of making them also, and the plate from
which they were struck being found in his house, and some of the bills
upon his person, he declined contending "with the Queen," and was
dealt with " agreeably to the law in such cases made and provided."
^^ The Postmaster gave notice "that the Post-Office in Bos-
^ ^^ ' ton is opened every Monday morning from the middle of March
to the middle of September, at seven of the clock, to deliver out all
letters that do come by the Post, till twelve o'clock. From twelve to
two o'clock, being dinner-time, no office kept." In the afternoon it
was open from two to six, " to take in all letters to go by the southern
and western Post, and none to be taken in after that hour, excepting
for the eastern Post, and till seven at night." f
About the middle of September news reached Boston that
^^ ' * Queen Anne was dead, and that her successor to the Crown
was "Prince George, Elector of Brunswick-Lunenburg," as George
the First. J
Capt. John Bonner surveyed and made a Plan of the shore of the
Town from " Dr. Cook's wharf," a little to the north of Oliver's Dock
to "Ilels" [Hill's] wharf, about 100 yards beyond Windmill, now
Wheeler's Point. §
Although George I. had been proclaimed King immediately after
ton ;" namely, " one house, and lott of half | The Queen died Aug. 1st, in the 50th
an acre in the Mill field, bounded with Thomaa year of her age, and 13th of her reign. She
Buttolph, southeast, John Button, northeast, married, 28 July, 1683, Prince George of Den-
the marsh on the southwest, and the river on mark, 2d son of Frederick III., King of Den-
the northwest." The Mill field was on Copp's mark. She had several children, all of whom
Hill, and was so called because a Windmill died before her. — Salmon. George I. was
was early placed there. — See anie, p. 141. great-grand-son of James I. Anne stood in
Some of the family probably emigrated to the same relation to that Monarch.
Connecticut. I find a John Copp of Norwich, ^A copy of this Plan, made by Francis
Ct., 1727, who was Administrator on the estate Jackson, Esq., in 1836, was presented by him
of James Mead, of Greenwich, Ct. to the New Eng. Hist. Gen. Society. It is on
* Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., ii. 445. a scale of 120 feet to an inch. No wharves laid
t Boston Neivs-Letier. down between " Capt. Holmes' " and "Hels."
1715.] GOV. BURGESS. — NEW SOUTH CHURCH. 551
the news was received that the Queen was dead, yet, owing to
^^' "' several circumstances,* no orders were received from England
with directions until the March following that event.
By the death of the Queen Governor Dudley lost his chief supporters
in England, and the last year Col. Elizeus Burgess, who had served
under General Stanhope, was appointed in his stead. But the Colonel
sold out his Commission, and, perhaps, wisely remained in England.
There was a great deal of intrigue and manoeuvring in those days,
among aspirants for office, as well as in these. Boston was the heart
whence proceeded the various movements. There was a strong bank
party in Boston, and an almost equally strong anti-bank party. Which-
ever party could secure the Governor, considered itself in a fair way to
carry its favorite measures. Mr. Jonathan Belcher, a wealthy mer-
chant of Boston, was in London, and was opposed to the banking party.
He joined with the Massachusetts Agent, Mr. Jeremy Dummer ; they
together securing the interest of Sir William Ashurst, induced Mr.
Burgess to sell his Commission of Governor of Massachusetts for a
thousand pounds sterling. Of this sum Belcher and Dummer advanced
equally. They then procured the appointment of Col. James Shute as
Governor, and Mr. William Dummer was commissioned Lieut. Gov-
ernor. Thus Lieut. Gov. Tailer was supplanted in this ofiice, to which
he was commissioned in 1711. f
Colonel Shute was supposed to be well calculated to suit the people
here, and probably would have suited them had they been in a temper
to be suited. But party interest admitted of no reconciliation, and
this Governor had a stormy administration. |
A Church was founded at the South end of the Town, which, to dis-
tinguish it from the South Church, received the name of the New
Jul 14 ^^"^^ Church. The first steps for its formation were taken by
" ^ ' several persons assembled at the Bull tavern in Summer-street,
near the intersection of Sea and Summer streets. Mr. Nathaniel
Glover had made a donation for the object. Forty-four subscribers
were soon obtained for carrying it into effect. In September fol-
'^^ ■ *" ■ lowing the Town was petitioned by " sundry inhabitants at the
* The Hazard sloop, sent express from Eng- don, and hia mother was a daughter of the
land, with orders to the Government, was lost Kev. Mr. Joseph Caryl, who wrote eleven
on Cohaeset rocks, Nov. 12th, 1714. All on quartos on the book of Job, whose portrait
board were lost, and no papers saved ; enough may be seen in Calamy's Nonconformist's Me-
of the wreck, however, washed ashore to show morial. Lord Barrington, as the head of the
what the vessel was, and a man from it had dissenting interest in Parliament, was his
been landed at Nantucket. — Hutchinson, ii. brother. He served in the army under Wil-
209. liam IH., who gave him a Captain's commis-
f He arrived from England with his com- sion, and was a Colonel under the Duke of
in the fall of the year 1711. In 1730 Marlborough, and wounded in one of that
he was again in ofBce, and died in 1732. He Duke's sanguinary battles in Flanders. He
has descendants in this vicinity, who write their became tired of trying to reconcile a factious
name Taylor. ^^ ^^ ' n people, and returned suddenly to England,
^^]/[P^ CJ-Z^LeJl January Ist, 1723, and died there in 1742,
''* ^ *• ' aged 80. He left Boston so privately that not
X Gov. Shute belonged to a dissenting fam- a member of the Government knew of his in-
ily ; his father was an eminent citizen of Lon- tention.
552
NEW SOUTH CHURCH.
[1715.
southerly end of Boston, for leave to erect a Meeting-house at said
South End, and for a grant of that piece of land called Church Green,
in Summer-street, for the said House, to be sixty-five feet long and
forty-five broad ; and by the situation and name of said land, it was
no doubt intended by our forefathers for that purpose." The petition
was signed by Thomas Peck, Nicholas Boone, Samuel Adams, Eneas
Salter, Jr., Samuel Greenleaf, Henry Hill, Jonathan Simpson, Eleazer
Dorby, David Craige, William Engs, Eneas Salter, Thomas Salter,
John Barton, Daniel Legre. Several of these were prominent men,
Nicholas Boone was the bookseller of that name, whose "shop " was
in Cornhill, " over against the Meeting-house," as early as 1701.
Samuel Adams was the father of the Signer of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence of the same name.
The petition was granted, and the house was finished and dedicated
on the eighth of January, 1717. Mr. Wadsworth, of the Old South,
and Dr. Cotton Mather, of the Old North, preached sermons on the
occasion, which were printed. At first preaching was obtained by a
Committee, who were authorized to pay twenty shillings for each ser-
mon preached. There were in the mean time several candidates for
settlement. The choice fell on Mr. Samuel Checkley, September the
twenty-fourth, 1718, who was ordained on the fifteenth of April of the
following year. On the same day these persons signed the Church
Covenant, namely: — Henry Hill, Thomas Peck,
John Clough, Thomas Salter, Samuel Adams,
Samuel Bridgham, Benjamin White, and Thomas
Doane.*
The New South Meeting-house occupies one
of the most beautiful locations in Boston. The
house as it appeared after it was rebuilt in 1814,
and as it now appears, is represented in the
^ margin, from a view taken at the foot of Sum-
mer-street, near the site of the ancient Tavern,
where its design originated. It is built of
Cheknsford granite, under the architectural di-
NEw SOUTH CHURCH. rectlou of Charlcs Bulfinch, Esq.f
* The succession of Pastors in the New
South Church : —
Samuel Checkley, ord. 15 April, 1719, died
1 Dec. 1769.
Penuel Bowen, ord. colleague, 30 April,
1766, dismd. 12 May, 1772.
Joseph Howe, ord. 19 May, 1773, died 25
Aug. 1775.
Oliver Everett, ord. 2 Jan. 1782, dismd. 27
May, 1792.
John Thornton Kirkland, ord. 5 Feb. 1794,
dismd. 4 Nov. 1810.
Samuel Cooper Thacher, ord. 15 May, 1811,
died 2 Jan. 1818.
Francis William Pitt Greenwood, ord. 21
Oct. 1818, dismd. 24 Jan. 1821.
Alexander Young, ord. 19 Jan. 1825, died
16 Mar. 1854.
f The Building Committee consisted of Jona-
than Hunnewell, George G. Lee, John Dorr,
Stephen Higginson, and John Cotton, Esqs.
The body of the building is octagonal, formed
in a square of 76 feet diameter ; four sides
being 47 feet, and four smaller sides, 20 feet
each. The height from the ground is 34 feet.
The porch is of equal extent with one of the
sides, and projects 16 feet, in front of which
is a portico of four fluted Grecian Doric col-
umns. A tower rises from its attic, in which
is the belfry. The entire height is 190 feet.
The pulpit is richly built of mahogany, sup-
ported by Ionic and Corinthian columns. On
1715.] GREAT BREWSTER LIGHT-HOUSE. 653
In the course of May Session of the General Court there was passed
" An Act for Building and Maintaining a Light-house upon the Groat
Brewster (called Beacon Island), at the extreme of the Harbour of
Boston "; for the reason that the want of one " hath been a great dis-
couragement to Navigation, by the loss of the lives and estates of sev-
eral of his Majesty's subjects." It was ordered to be built " on the
southernmost part of the Great Brewster, called Beacon Island, to be
kept lighted from sun-setting to sun-rising." It was likewise ordered
that all vessels, except coasters, should, after the Light-house was
built, pay a duty of one penny per ton, inward and outward. Their
tonnage to be ascertained by a method still in practice.* It was built
at the charge of the Province, though Boston first moved in the mat-
ter, as appears from the records of the Town. John Hays, or Hayes,
was the first keeper of it.
Two distinguished men died this year ; Mr. Isaac Addington and
Doctor Elisha Cooke. They had been long in public office, and may
be considered as among the Fathers of the Town. Mr. Addington was
Secretary of the Province before the arrival of the new Charter ; was
opposed to Andros, and appointed to office by the adherents to the
old Charter, and received the same appointment under the Crown when
the new Charter went into effect. Mr. Cooke was a popular leader in
the General Court for above forty years ; was an Agent when the new
Charter was obtained. He was strenuous for the restoration of the old
one, saying he would have that or none at all. f
^ Died also this year the Rev. Grindal Rawson, a zealous and
distinguished Minister to the English and Indians for about
thirty-five years. He was born in Boston, on the 23d of Jan. 1659-60,
and was named Grindal, for Edmund Grindal, Archbishop of Canter-
bury, between whom and his father's mother there was a relationship.!
the floor are 118 pews, and in the gallery 32. Davenport, Commissioners for keeping the
— Dedication Ser. of S. C. Thacher, 29 Dec. Great Seal and the Public Records and Files,
1814. until His ^Majesty should appoint a Secretary
* Colony Laws, p. 238, edition 1726. — " It for the Province. One arrived here, 22 Sept.
is about 8| miles from the City." Sixty years following. His name was Samuel Woodward,
ago the island on which it stood " contained Mr. Addington Davenport was grandson of
about a quarter of an acre of soil. A bar, Isaac Addington, Esq., by his daughter Re-
dry at low water, connected it with the Great becca, and Eleazer, son of Capt. Richard
Brewster. Between Point Alderton and Mid- Davenport, killed by lightning at the Castle,
die Brewster." — Peinberton. It is in Lati- as noted aw<e, p. 285.
tude 42^ 19' 38.77" N. — U. S. Coast Survey, % I^r. Cotton Mather preached a sermon on
Re-port 1852, p. 202. Mr. Thomas Robie, the death of Mr. Rawson, which he dedicated
FeUow of Harvard College, computed the to Judge Sewall. In that dedication he copies
Latitude of Boston to be 42"^ 25', N., Lon. 7P the following from President Cakes' Com-
30'. mencement Oration : — " Tertius [having said
f Hutchinson, and Eliot. — Mr. Addington something of two other persons] Grande quid-
lived in what was called " Half Square Court," dam Sonans, Grindallus Rawsonus est; CJar-
near what is now the corner of State and Dev- issimo quoque Genere natus ; Nam Pater Ejus
onshire streets. He died on the 19th of March, Honorandus illustrem in R. P. locum tenet:
aged 70. Dr. Cooke died May 31st, a. 78. A Pientissimus et Oq9$o^oraro? JOHANNES
copy of the autograph of the former is given, WILSONUS, Apostolicus plane Vir Proa-
ante, p. 472, and the latter, p. 484. After vunculus, Reverendissimusque EDMUNDUS
Mr. Addington 's death, the Governor ap- GRINDALLUS, Archi-Episcopus olim Can-
pointed his son Pauld Dudley, and Addington tuarensis, Sanctissimus Vir, tantumque non in
70
554 REBECCA RAWSON. [1716.
He married Susanna, daughter of the Rev. John Wilson, first Minister
of Medfield, and grand-daughter of the Rev. John Wilson, the first
Minister of Boston. He was settled at Mendon about 1680 ; in 1690
he went " as Chaplain with the fleet that went into Canada." Becom-
ing greatly interested in the welfare of the Indians, he set about learn-
ing their language, that he might instruct them in Christianity and
improve their temporal condition ; and he so far mastered that barbar-
ous tongue, that in nine months he was able to preach to them so as to
be well understood ; and he continued his labors among them about
twenty-seven years.
Edward Rawson, the father of Grindal, came to Boston from New-
bury, and was a long time Secretary to the General Court, having suc-
ceeded Increase Nowell in that office, in May, 1650.* He residedin the
lane called from him Rawson's lane, afterwards Bromfield-street. He
had before represented Newbury in the General Court several years.
He died on the 27th of August, 1693, at the age of 78 years. Among
his twelve children, Grindal was the fifth son, and youngest child.
Another, a daughter, experienced a most singular fortune, and met with
a tragical and melancholy end. Her name was Rebecca. Being ac-
complished and beautiful, she naturally attracted the attentions of many
of the opposite sex, and in due time gave her hand to one, who, passing
under an assumed name, deceived her and her friends. Her deceiver
pretended to be Sir Thomas Hale, nephew of Lord Chief Justice Hale.
After they were married she went with him to England, with a good outfit
for those days. As soon as they arrived in London he plundered her
of nearly all her valuable effects, leaving her destitute among strangers.
She soon learned the name and character of the villain to whom she had
been connected, and that he had a wife then living in Canterbury. She
never saw him after. Thus abandoned she applied herself to various
employments, as painting and needle-work, and being very ingenious,
supported herself and child (for she had one by the wretch who had
abandoned her) comfortably for about thirteen years. Although she had
friends in England able to assist her, she would not apply to them ;
sufiering too keenly from mortification and pride. At length, the long,
tedious years having dissipated to some degree the latter, and overcome
the former, she determined to return again to the place of her nativity.
Accordingly, embarking for Boston in a ship bound thither by the way
of the West Indies, with an uncle whose name is not mentioned, she
arrived safely at Port Royal in Jamaica. And being there ready to
proceed on her voyage on the morning of the ninth of June, 1692, an
earthquake came, the sea where the ship rode opened under her, and
she went down into a gulf of unknown depth with all on board!
Archi-Episcopatu Puritanus, Ahavunculus , fue- years. He was then removed by Edward Ran-
runt. Detque Deus, ut Eruditionc, Sanctitate, dolph, who came over with a Commission from
Moribus optimus, WILSONUM, et GRIN- the King. — See p. 468. There is in the iV. £.
DALLUMexprimat:' Hist, and Gen. Reg., vol. iii., a minute gene-
* Mr. Rawson continued in the office 36 alogy of Secretary Rawson's descendants.
1717.]
PROJECT OF A MARKET HOUSE.
555
This was the sad fate of Rebecca Rawson, who had been one of the
ornaments of Boston. Her uncle, happening to be on shore at the time
of the earthquake, was saved.
CHAPTER LVII.
Feb. 20.
Project of a Market-house Defeated. — Town Clock. — South Burying-place Enlarged. Deer Island
Hospital. — School-house. — Pirates. — Moll's Notice of Boston. — Fire Society Incorporated.
Death of aged Men. — Free Writing-school. — Fortifications. — Lotteries Suppressed. — New Brick
Church. — Aurora Borealis. — Boston Gazette. — Bridge over Charles River Proposed. — Linen
Manuficture. — Small Pox. — Inoculation. — New England Courant. — James Franklin. Benj.
Franklin. — Ministers Aggrieved.
IN February this year there fell such an
immense quantity of snow, that it was referred
to, for a long time after, as "the Great Snow."
Many houses were entirely buried in it ; all communi-
cation between neighbors was cut off ; people in sick-
ness could not be visited ; vast numbers of domestic
animals perished, and the wild animals, especially
deer, were destroyed in great numbers.*
There had been frequent complaints among the
inhabitants that they were imposed upon by Hucksters.
The subject having been brought up in Town-meeting,
PARSONS. the last year, a Committee was raised to consider the
matter, and to report at the next meeting. Accordingly they reported
that to remedy the evil it was necessary to erect a public Market.f
By which it was understood that a Market-house was intended. The
report was not agreeable to the majority of the voters, and an addition
was made to the Committee, and they were requested further to con-
sider the subject, and to report at the next meeting. It was, however,
put over from one meeting to another, and was not finally disposed of
until two years after the first report. Then " it was debated and voted
disallowed." I
* Dr. Cotton !Mather gave an account of this
Snow in a long letter, which goes considerably
into particulars ; much more so than any other
writer which I have met with. Mr. Hanson
has printed it entire in his History of Danvers.
It will well repay a perusal.
f The original Committee consisted of Addi-
son Davenport, Esq., Thomas Fitch, Esq.,
Elisha Cooke, Esq., Oliver Noyes, Esq., Sam-
uel Keeling, Esq. To whom were now added,
Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., Adam Winthrop,
Esq., and Mr. John White.
X The building of Markets was kept in
abeyance until 1734. Hence Capt. Uring's ob-
servations on the subject were correct, even if
made in 1724, though Mr. Oldmixon, in his
attempt at exactness by correcting him, mis-
leads his readers. This is Uring's amusing
sketch : — " The Town of Boston is plentifully
supplied with good and wholesome provisions
of all sorts, not inferior to those in England.
Though the town is large and populous, they
could never be brought to establish a Market
in it, notwithstanding several of their Govern-
ors have taken great pains to convince the In-
habitants how useful and beneficial it would
be to 'em ; but the Country People always
opposed it; so that it could not be settled.
The reason they give for it is, if ^Market Days
were appointed, all the Country People coming
in at the same time would glut it, and the
Towns People would buy their provisions for
556 HOSPITAL. — SCHOOL-HOUSE. — PIRATES. [1716-17.
Four Representatives were chosen to serve in the General
^ ^^ ' Court. The subject of a Town Clock to be placed in the Brick
Meeting-house was introduced in Town-meeting, and postponed
"°^ "■ to the next. Then it was voted to request the Representatives
to move the General Court for aid in the project. If they made the
application it probably failed ; for the next year the Town
Ma ^^'5 "voted that the Selectmen be directed, at the Town's charge,
to procure a good Town Clock, and to set up the same in some
convenient place in Cornhill, for the benefit of the inhabitants."
At this meeting the Selectmen were authorized, if they thought best,
to enlarge the South Burying-place, by taking in part of the highway
on the easterly side, if it could be done without " too much straitening
said highway." And as to "erecting a row of tombs" in the same
Ground, it was " voted in the negative." But persons might arrange
for tombs with the Selectmen, at their own charge.*
The Selectmen were authorized to lease land on " Dere " Island, not
exceeding one acre, for a Hospital or Pest-house, but for a period not
to exceed ninety-nine years.
A School-house was located at the South part of the Town, " upon
the Common, adjoining to Cowell's lott, over against Mr. Wainwright's."
" Cowell's " was in West-street.
There was a proposal to repave Cornhill "from Mr. Boone's Corner
to the gutter leading down to Spring Street." Mr. Boone's corner was
where the apothecary shop now is, on the south corner of State and
Washington streets.
A pirate ship called the Whidah, commanded by Capt. Sam-
^^^ ' uel Bellamy, in cruising on the coast, captured several ves-
sels, and putting seven of his men on board of one of them, is soon after
cast away, by foUoAving this prize, " near the Table-land," and all the
crew except two persons were drowned. One of these was an Eng-
lishman, and the other an Indian. The prize into which the seven
pirates had been put was run on shore at Cape Cod by the captive Cap-
tain, who took advantage of his keepers in a drunken revel. Bellamy
had 130 men, who were now reduced to nine.f These were tried
at Boston in November by a special Court of Admiralty, and six of them
were condemned and executed. Governor Shute issued an
^^ " ■ order for firing salutes in honor of His Majesty's birthday. J
what they pleased, so rather chuse to send In 1719, Dr. Benjamin Colman published a
them as they think fit. And sometimes a tall pamphlet in favor of the erection of a JNIarket-
fellow brings in a turkey or goose to sell, and house, " fairly representing the advantages
will travel through the whole Town to see who thereof." — Life by Turell, p. 78.
will give most for it, and it is at last sold for * " Thomas Boylston may set his brick house
3s. and 6d. or 4s. ; and if he had stayed at partly on the northerly end of Pierce's Alley,
home he could have earned a crown by his labor, so as he leave the Alley there full 6 feet wide
which is the customary price for a day's work, betwixt his house and Dr. Noyes's brick walls.'*
So, any one may judge of the stupidity of the f After Bellamy was wrecked above 100
Country People." — Voyages and Travels, dead bodies were washed ashore. An interest-
111-12. Thus, if Capt. Uring's statements be ing account of the wreck of Bellamy and hia
correct, as to the opposition to a Market-house, companions may be found in Mass, Hist. Colls.,
and they probably are, a solution to the ques- iii. 120.
tion is obtained, for which the Town-records Jit is as follows: — "Boston, Maj 28 th,
furnish no clue, 1717. To Capt. Clarke This being his
1717.] DEATH OF AGED MEN. 557
An intelligent Geographer,* speaking of Boston this year, says, it
" is reckoned the biggest Town in America, except some which belong
to the Spaniards. It lies on the coast, defended by a strong Castle in
an island at the mouth of the harbor, and on the shore by forts on two
or three neighboring hills which command the avenues. Here are
abundance of fine buildings, public and private, as the Court-house, Sir
William Phipps' house, &c. The inhabitants are reckoned about 12,000.
Three or four hundred ships have been loaded here in a year, with lum-
ber, fish, beef, pork, &c., for Europe and America. Here 's a market
every Tuesday, and two fairs in May and October, which last three
days each."
A Fire Society was incorporated this year, which was in
existence many years after. In 1734 its regulations were
printed in the form of a handbill. By these regulations the Society
was to consist of but twenty members.f
Few years have been so remarkable as this in the death of aged
people in New England. Among them were five belonging to the
Council of this Province. These belonged to Boston : — Eliakim Hutch-
inson, Grove Hirst, Andrew Belcher, Wait Winthrop, Elisha Hutchin-
son. Henry Bering and his wife were buried in the same grave, also
Robert Winsor and his wife, all over seventy years of age. J
1718. The Town voted to raise a Committee " to inquire
Mar. 11. about encouraging the bringing in of Sea Coal." At the
same Town-meeting Mr. Thomas and Mr. Edward Hutchinson offered
to build a School-house at their own charge for a free Writing-
school at the north part of the Town. Upon which it was voted that
part of the land bought of Mrs. Susanna Love be taken for that pur-
pose. At a meeting in June a Committee was raised to examine the
state of the Fortifications, and to consider the expediency of
planting guns on the end of Long Wharf. In the reports at
Majesties Birth Day, you are hereby required parchment) I am indebted to the Hon. Fran-
to discharge the Guns upon the Eatery's cis Brinley, of Boston. These parchments
under your command, after you hear the Can- were probably equal to the number of the
nons at the Castle are Discharged. Members, and contained the names (in MS.)
of those composing the Society. The one now
before me contains the following names : —
Wm. Winter, Andrew Craige, Arthur Savage,
Thomas Handasyde Peek, John MoflFatt, Allan
Melvill, Wm. Murrey, John Cunningham,
{Original Warrant, MS.) In justice to the William Brattle, Thomas Tyler, Samuel Dog-
Governor it should be stated that said warrant gett, Samuel Bass, Jona. Simpson, Samuel Hill,
is only signed by him. It is probably in the Wm. Fairfield, Daniel Henchman, John Tyng,
hand of Secretary Woodward, who was super- David Cutler, John Hunt, Shrimpton Hunt,
seded in his office this year by Mr. Josiah Wil- Thomas Marshall, Daniel Rae,Thomas Symmes,
lard. "Tired of his post," says Hutchinson, Samuel Holbrook, Thomas Faijerweather, Wil-
of much labor and little emolument, disposed ham Andrus, Robert Williams, Bartholomew
of it to Josiah Willard, Esq., who obtained the Rand. These in italics are upon a part of the
Royal Commission and arrived at Boston from parchment so impervious to the ink, that there
London, December the 12th, 1717." is some uncertainty respecting them. The
* Herman Moll. His work is entitled Atlas first four names, also, Melvill, Murrey, Brat-
Geographus. He was an extensive publisher of tie, Simpson, Hill and Henchman, are erased,
maps. I See Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., i. 223.
t For a copy of the regulations (printed on Hirst's Remains, Int. iv.
558 NEW BRICK CHURCH. [1717-18.
subsequent meetings, the subject of guns on that wharf is not mentioned,
and none appear to have been placed there for defence. At a meeting
in December, the Selectmen informed the Town that they had, in view
of a scarcity of grain, "purchased 10,000 weight of bread, at
forty shillings per hundred, for the supply of the inhabitants."
It was ordered to be sold out in small quantities to such of the people
of the Town as had a mind to purchase, for one month.
In the several Churches there were raised by contributions 483
pounds, to be applied to the conversion of the Indians.
At the March meeting of the inhabitants, a Committee was appointed
*' to consider what can be done for the relief of the Town under its
present distresses;" while the nature of the distresses, so far as the
records go, are left to be conjectured. They may refer to the " unhappy
misunderstandings," as Governor Shute expresses it, between the
Upper and Lower Houses* of the General Court.
Three pounds were voted to pay a Bell-ringer at the New
South Meeting-house for a year. He was to ring at five in
the morning, and nine at night, as other Bell-ringers did.
The General Court passed a law suppressing lotteries. They were
declared " a public nusance, mischievous and unlawful games," and
forbidden under a penalty of 200 pounds.
Another Church was formed at the North End this year, to which the
name of New Brick was given. It, like many other Churches, grew
out of difficulties and disagreements among members of the same
Church. The disaffections in the New North have been detailed in the
account of that Church, and will not require to be repeated here, f
Those who had come off when Mr. Thacher was ordained, having en-
listed a number of others with them, held a meeting for the purpose of
taking measures to erect a House. They were Alexander Sears,
Solomon Townsend, John Waldo, Owen Harris, James Tileston,
Nathaniel Jar vis, Thomas Lee, Jonathan Mountfort, William Arnold,
Thaddeus Macarty, James Pecker, Ebenezer Bridge, Benjamin Edwards,
Peter Papillon, Thomas Dogget, Daniel Ballard, Robert Oring, Edward
Pell, Samuel Burnell, Francis Parnell, James Barnes, James Halsey and
Ephraim Moore. These voted to treat with Mr. Thomas Roby, of Cam-
bridge, for land to build upon. About five weeks after a Building Com-
* The names Upper and Lower Houses seem Revenge Church of Christ ; but they thought
to have arisen about this time. The Represen- better of it and called it the New Brick
tatives gave the name Upper House to the Church. However, the first name was re-
Council " as a fleer, and to intimate that they tained for many years among the common
might consider themselves in another capacity people. Yet their zeal was great indeed, and
than as a Privy Council." — Hutchinson. descended to puerility. They placed the
t The following extract from Mr. Ephraim figure of a Cock as a vane upon the steeple,
Eliot's work, before referred to, will convey a out of derision of Mr. Thacher, whose Christian
pretty correct idea of the state of feeling at the name was Peter. Taking advantage of a wind
time the New Brick Church was formed, which turned the head of the Cock towards
" The aggrieved Brethren," he says, " went off the New North when it was placed upon the
in bad humor, and proceeded to the gathering spindle, a merry fellow straddled over it and
of another Church. In the plenitude of zeal, crowed three times, to complete the ceremony."
they first thought of denominating it the Remarks are unnecessary.
1718-19.] BOSTON GAZETTE. 559
Dec. 20.
mittee was appointed, and in a short time the number of Pro-
prietors increased to forty. Mr. Edward Pell drew a plan of
the building, and it was finished for dedication in May, 1721. In one
year more the Church was regularly formed, and on the day
Mayio.'23. of its formation Mr. William Waldron was ordained.*
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, do not appear to
^°' * have been observed here until this time. They were viewed
by many, for a considerable period, as harbingers of some great calam-
ity shortly to follow, and some believed they portended the end of the
world. Their frequence has long since ceased to excite wonder or sur-
prise, though at times they seem to break over ordinary bounds, and
are the subject of conversation.
Near the close of the year a second Newspaper was estab-
lished in Boston. It was called the Boston Gazette, and the
first number was issued on the twenty-first of December. Like other
early Newspapers, one of them is strikingly curious at this day. f It
was published *'forWilliamBrooker,"who succeeded John Campbell as
Postmaster, and James Franklin was the printer of it ; a brother of
the afterwards celebrated Doctor Benjamin Franklin. In this paper
the year 1720 begun in March, but after that it begun with January.
This was the first "Boston Gazette," but there were two others before
the Revolution, of the same name. The establishment of a new Paper
was looked upon by the Proprietors of the old one with jealousy, and a
skirmishing between them soon commenced, and continued for some
time.
Mr. Brooker continued to publish the Gazette but a short period.
Philip Musgrave succeeded him as Postmaster, and became publisher
of it, and Samuel Kneeland printed it. This arrangement continued
till 1726, when it was printed for Thomas Lewis, Postmaster. The
following year Henry Marshall was Postmaster, and Bartholomew
Green printed the Paper for him. Marshall died in 1732, and Mr.
John Boydell became its publisher, and the printing went again into
the hands of Mr. Kneeland. J
* The succession of Ministers has been given inch and a half square ; one representing a
at p. 311, The signers of the Covenant on the ship of clumsy proportions, the other a Post,
23 of May, 1722, were Alexr. Sears, Solomon sounding his horn, mounted upon a horse at
Tovrasend, John Waldo, Moses Pierce, Jamea full speed, more clumsily represented, if pos-
Tileston, Josiah Baker, from the New North ; sible, than the ship ; copied perhaps from
and Wm. Lee, Nathaniel Loring, Daniel some old chronicle of Flanders. On a number
Pecker, Henry Wheeler, and Wm. Waldron. of that Paper, printed in 1736, now before me,
— Snow, 217. other and larger cuts appear, but of no better
t It was issued on a half-sheet of foolscap workmanship than the others. Boydell issued
paper, and was continued thus for several it in quarto.
years ; excepting occasionally, when it was % Mr. Boydell died on the 11th of Dec.
sent out on a whole sheet, a page of which 1739, in the 49th year of his age. He came
and to " be had at the Post Office, where Ad- Island, and afterwards Register of Probate for
vertisements are taken in." The head of the Suffolk, and Naval Officer for Boston. Heap-
sheet was adorned with two engravings, an pears to have been much respected.
560 LINEN MANUFACTURE. [1720.
On the death of Mr. Boydell, " Kneeland & Green'' printed the
^razette for his heirs, till October, 1741, and then those printers
became its proprietors, and incorporated it with " The New England
Weekly Journal." It was continued in this way nearly fifteen years.
M- 15 Captain Joseph Wadsworth was chosen Treasurer, in place
of Mr. Joseph Prout, who declined. The latter had served
many years. Ames Anger was chosen School-master for the new
Writing-school at the south part of the Town, at 100 pounds per
annum.*
A ril27 ^ Bridge over Charles River having been contemplated, the
Town voted to instruct its Representatives in the General
Court to move that body to promote the enterprise, but it was to be
built " at the place where the Ferry hath been kept usually ; namely,
between Mr. Gee's and Hudson's Point, and at no other place." This
appears to be the first movement upon record for a Bridge over
Charles river. Of course it did not then succeed, f
About two years previous to this there arrived in the country a large
colony of persons from in and about Londonderry in Ireland, denom-
inated Scotch Irish, because they emigrated originally from Scotland to
Ireland. The most of this colony settled in New Hampshire, but a con-
siderable number of them fixed their residence in Boston. These emi-
grants were chiefly manufacturers of linen, and they brought their
utensils for that purpose with them. J The foot
or linen wheel, since so familiar in the house-
holds of New England, was introduced by this
colony, and the raising of flax and the manufac-
ture of linen cloth was looked upon as of great
importance to the country. The people of Bos-
ton took hold of the matter with great earnestness.
The subject was put into the warrant for call-
28 ^"^ ^ Town-meeting, which assembled
^^ ' 'in September, and at which Judge Sew-
all presided as Moderator. A committee was appointed " to consider
about promoting of a Spinning School or Schools, for the instruction of
the children of this Town." The Committee, which consisted of seven
j^ persons, § reported at the meeting in December, recommending
the building a house for a School, " on the waste land before
* By vote of the Town the Selectmen were cil were " ready to promote the attainment of
directed to put that piece of the Town's land so beneficial a work," but recommended it to
nigh Mr. Belknap's, lying before Capt. South- be undertaken by private gentlemen, and
ack's, under some improvement. An order sketched out various regulations about toll,
regulating trucks was passed. None to be and what part of it should go to the College,
more than eighteen feet long ; to employ but that that institution should receive more than
two horses in one team ; to carry no more than it received from the ferry. Here the matter
one ton at a load, and wheel tires to be 4 inches seems to have rested.
wide ; the driver to go at the head of the thill J They introduced the Potato. This valu-
horse, which he must govern by a halter to be able plant was probably first carried to England
kept in the hand. in 1573, by Sir Francis Drake.
f Charlestown does not appear to have par- ^ Abijah Savage, Daniel Oliver, Wm. Payn,
ticipated in this afiair of a Bridge. It is seen Esqrs., Mr. Francis Thrasher, Mr. Abraham
by the General Court Records, that the Coun- Blish, Mr. John Oolman, and Mr. Benj. Fitch.
1721.]
SMALL -POX.
INOCULATION.
561
Captain Southack's ; because part of it is already built, a cellar
almost made, and a well in Belknap's yard belonging to the Town."
The result of this extensive movement was the establishment of Spin-
ning-schools. A large building was erected on Long Acre-street, which
stood about where Hamilton-place now is, and was standing till long
after the Revolution.*
Tea is said to have been about this time introduced into the
country.
The Town was visited by the Small-pox with much greater severity
than at any time before. The Selectmen were instructed by a vote of
the Town to wait upon the Governor with a request that the
^"^ " ■ Sea-horse [Capt. Thomas Durell] should be sent down to Spec-
tacle Island ; but whether she was sent there is not stated, and if she
were it was too late to keep the disease from getting into the Town, f
It was on this visitation of that dreaded contagion, that Inoculation
began to be practised ; and Dr. Zabdiel Boylston was the man who,
almost single-handed, stood forth and buffeted a storm which the prac-
tice cjilled forth, the violence of which is hardly conceivable in this
age. I The physicians were generally against him, § and Dr. William
Douglass and others wrote with severity against Inoculation. There
was at this time residing in Boston a Dr. Lawrence Dalhonde, who had
considerable reputation for his knowledge of the disease, and of Inocula-
* Long Acre-street was that part of what is
now Tremont-street between Winter and
School streets. Mr. Pemberton has something
to say about this Linen affair, but he has no
dates or localities to elucidate it. He says :
" The Manufactory-house, in Long Acre-street,
is an handsome, large brick building, on the
east side of the street. An act of the General
Court laying an excise on carriages and other
articles of luxury was appropriated to this
building, designed originally for carrying on
manufactures in the Town, particularly the linen
manufacture, which was begun here with a spirit
exerted too violently to continue long. Great
show and parade were exhibited on the Com-
mon at its commencement. Spinning-wheeles
were then the hobby-horses of the Publick.
The females of the Town, rich and poor, ap-
peared on the Common with their wheels, and
vied with each other in the dexterity of using
them. A larger concourse of people was per-
haps never drawn together on any occasion
before. At the anniversary of its institution
(for it continued three or four years), the
trustees and company attended public wor-
ship, when a sermon was delivered suited to
the occasion, and a contribution made to aid
the business. But some untoward circum-
stances taking place, the linen manufacture
was wholly set aside. The building was after-
wards occupied for a short time for the man-
ufacture of worsted hose, metal buttons, etc.
The Massachusetts Bank was kept here for a
time. It now [1794] belongs to that Corpora-
71
tion, and is let to private families, divided into
separate apartments. At the west end, front-
ing Long Acre, was portrayed on the wall a
female figure, holding a distaff in her hand,
emblematical of industry, which is now [17U-1]
eflliced."
f By a publication which the Selectmen
made on the 22d of July, it appears that the
Small-pox was communicated to the Town
" the middle of April " preceding ; " being
brought here then by the Saltertuda's [Saltor-
tugas] fleet." Dr. Douglass confirms this in
a letter of 28 July, 1721, to Dr. Cadwallader
Colden, of New York. He says : " It was im-
ported here about the middle of April last from
Barbadoes via Saltertudas. It is now 19 years
since we had it in Boston." — Mass. Hist.
Colls.
J In the preface to his " Historical Account
of the Inoculation," the doctor says : " I have
been basely used and treated by some who were
enemies to this method, and have suffered much
in my reputation and in my business too, from
the odiums and reflections cast upon me for
beginning and carrying on this practice in New
England."
^ Assuming every apothecary to have been a
physician, there were then in the Town four-
teen. This, however, is not given, as a suppo-
sition, even, that such was the exact number of
tlie latter, while it is true of the former,
according to Dr. Douglass. At which time he
says there was not in the Town a thermometer
nor barometer that he knew of.
662 SMALL-POX. — INOCULATION. [1721.
tion practised many years before in Europe, and he gave it as his
opinion that the practice was attended with the most pernicious conse-
quences. By order of the Selectmen he made a deposition respecting
cases which he had witnessed in the French army in Italy twenty-five
years before ; and in Flanders and Spain at a later period, all of which
went to prove the practice nothing better than murder. This deposi-
tion being published, and by authority of the Town, caused, says
" ^ ' Dr. Boylston, " a melanchoUy day to Inoculation in its infancy ;
and was sufficient to influence and set almost the whole Town and
Country against me and this method."
It is remarkable that Dr. Cotton Mather was on the side of Inocula-
tion,* and encouraged Dr. Boylston to put it in practice, f And it may
be pretty safely inferred, that, without the countenance and influence
of the former, the latter could never have succeeded ; | and even his
life would have been in as much jeopardy as his reputation. How-
ever, the result of this important undertaking proved that it was not
always the surest way to prove one's self a prophet to attempt to
destroy the chances of others for gaining a name, although appear-
ances might seem to favor such a course. Out of 286 persons who
were inoculated for the Small-pox, but six died ; while out of 5,759
who took it the natural way, 844 died. § Thus was exhibited the ben-
* " That eminent Person, the Learned Dr. Governor to read ; such was his extraordinary
Cotton Mather, Fellow of the Royal Society care, lest the People in time should have been
(also to his honor) , was the principal Instru- reconciled to the practice, and taken the ben-
rnent in promoting this method among us." — efit of it."
Vindication of the Boston Ministers, p. 7. Thirty years after. Dr. Douglass acknowl-
f Dr. Douglass looked upon Mr. Mather as edged that in 1721 he " was a sort of novice in
the cause of its being undertaken, at whom, the Small-pox practice, and that he confided
with his accustomed moroseness, he levelled his too much in Dr. Sydenham's practice, which he
blunt sarcasms. In writing to Dr. Golden, gradually corrected." — Summary, ii. 394.
May 1st, 1722, he says: " Having, some time J Dr. Boylston speaks thus upon his enter-
before the Small-pox arrived, lent to a credu- ingupon Inoculation : " Dr. Mather, in cora-
lous, vain Preacher, Mather, Jr., the Phi- passion to the lives of the people, transcribed
losophical Transactions, Nos. 339 and 377, from the Philosophical Transactions of the
which contain Timonius' and Pyllarinus' ac- Royal Society, the Accounts sent them by
counts of Inoculation from the Levant ; that Doctors Timonius and Pyllarinus of inoculat-
he might have something to send home to the ing the Small-pox in the Levant, and sent them
Royal Society, who had long neglected his to the Practitioners of the Town, for their
communications, as he complained, he sets consideration thereon. Upon reading of which I
Inoculation to work in June ; by 18 Nov. 100 was very well pleased, and resolved in my mind
were inoculated, and by January, in all, some to try the experiment ; well remembering the
few more than 250, in Town and Country." destruction the SmaU-pox made 19 years be-
That the doctor here disguised the truth some- fore, when last in Boston ; and how narrowly
what, will presently be seen. Dr. Boylston I then escaped with my life." — Histor. Ac-
remarks : count, Introd. This agrees with the following :
"As the practice was new in Europe, On the 6th of June, 1721, Dr. Mather ad-
so it must needs make a strange figure in dressed the physicians of the Town, requesting
New England, and more especially so when them to meet and to consult whether Inocula-
one or two of our learned Esculapian tribe had tion should be undertaken or not ; " that who-
made the discovery how this practice would ever first begins this practice," he concludes,
produce the Plague. They cavilled and said ( " 2/ you approve that it should be begun at all)
that Dr. Mather had not given a fair represen- may have the concurrence of his loorthy Breih-
tation from Timonius' and Pyllarinus' accounts. re?i to fortify him in it." — A Vindication of
I prayed that they might be read ; but Dr. the Ministers of Boston, p. 8. But " the
Douglass, who owned them, and had taken Physicians never met nor consulted about it."
them from Dr. Mather, refused to have them — Jb.
read, or even afterwards to lend them to the 6 There were 10,568 inhabitants in Boston,
1721.] SMALL-POX. — INOCULATION. 563
efit of Inoculation in the most striking manner. And Doctor Boylston
very clearly demonstrates that the six lost under Inoculation were so
circumstanced, that, had they lived, their recovery might well have
been classed with miracles. * That he was both sincere and confident
in the outset, is proved by his beginning the practice with inoculating
his own family. His little son Thomas, only six years of age,
' was the first upon whom the great experiment was tried. Then
his negro man, aged thirty-six, and a negro boy only two and a half
years. Before proceeding with others he waited to see if the effect
would be satisfactory. It proved eminently so. " It was plain and
easy to see," he observes, " with pleasure, the difference between
having the SmaU-pox this way, and that of having it in the natural
way."
With that singularity for which Dr. Cotton Mather was so remark-
able, he proclaimed, in the Life of his Father which he published soon
after this visitation of the Small-pox, that that Minister " expressly
fortold that an heavy judgment was impending over Boston that would
speedily be executed." This prophecy the Son says the Father made
*' in an awful sermon " which he preached in September, 1720. f The
Author might with as much propriety have claimed the gift of prophecy
for himself; for, only one year before the Small-pox broke out, he
preached from a Text which he characterized as " a very Awful Text; "
on which occasion he gave his hearers to understand that " the people
were a languishing if not a perishing people," about " to fall into very
grievous Distresses." However, he was content on this occasion to give
the credit to another. J
The SmaU-pox was a serious check to the prosperity of Boston ; but
in the midst of its ravages James Franklin commenced a Newspaper,
4,549 of whom lived in the north part of the that a sickness, a fire, or other misfortunes,
Town, that is, north of the Mill Creek ; and should happen after some of them.
6,018 to the south of it. — Swow. Dr. Douglass J It is a curious fact that Inoculation was
eays : " In the Spring of 1722, by order of the begun in England the same month it was begun
Select-men, Mr. Salter made a perlustration of in Boston. — Hutchinson. It is equally worthy
the Town of Boston. He reported 10,670 of remark that it was introduced by the cele-
souls." He gives the number of those who brated Lady Mary Wortley Montague. She
died of the Small-pox as in the text, and " observed the Turkish invention " in her then
adds : " About the same number fled from Bos- late travels in the East, and had suffered from
ton [to avoid it] ; thus we may estimate about the effects of the contagion herself. But she
12,000 people in Boston at its arrival." — Sum- met with almost as much trouble as Dr. Boyls-
mary, <^c., i. 530. ton. She began, like him, with her own child
* Of the 286 persons who received Inoeula- too, — a little daughter, Mary, aged about six
tion, 36 lived in the vicinity of Boston. Of years. " What a thankless enterprise it was,
the 36, Dr. Thomas Roby, of Cambridge, in- nobody is now in the least aware." "Four great
oculated about 11, and Dr. Thompson, of Physicians were deputed by the Government to
Charlestown, about 28. Dr. Roby was a son watch its progress with her daughter, with an
of William Roby, of Boston, and was a distin- evident unwillingness to have it succeed ; man-
guished mathematician, and had been a Pro- ifesting a spirit of rancor and malignity." —
feasor in Harvard College. He was of the Letters and Works of Mrs. Montague, ed.
same family as Jud^e Samuel Roby, of Hamp- Paris, 1837, i. 64 — 5. The little girl on whom
ton, N. H. He died at Salem, 28 August, the experiment was made, was afterwards Lady
1729, in the 4l8t year of his age. Bute, wife of the celebrated minister of George
t As it was almost a constant practice with III., so conspicuous in advocating the meas-
the ministers of those days to preach " awful ures against the Colonies which brought on thQ
Bcrmons," there is nothing very remarkable in Revolution.
564 NEW ENGLAND COURANT. [1721.
called the New England Courant, wliich was the third established in the
^^^ Town.* The general opinion then appears to have been that
"^' ■ a third Newspaper was altogether unnecessary ; and some
believed Franklin commenced it to be revenged on the publisher of the
Gazette, the printing of which he had taken from Franklin. In the
Courant appeared papers rudely attacking the practice of Inoculation ;
and essays, which in these days would be denominated rather liberal,
while at that time they were denounced in severer terms. The clergy
took offence, and Dr. Increase Mather came out against the Courant in
the Gazette, calling it the "Vile Courant," and said "he could well
remember when the Civil Government would have taken an effectual
course to suppress such a cursed libel." f The Doctor had commenced
taking it, but after a few numbers he refused it indignantly.
It was to James Franklin, then a young man only twenty-five years
of age, that Benjamin Franklin was apprenticed, and it was in his
Paper, the Courant, that the latter, about sixteen years of age, begun
his career as a writer. The Courant appears to have been very well
patronized, but it was as much in advance of the age as Dr. Mather's
"Thunderbolt" was behind it ; and some reflections contained in it
being construed into " a high affront to the Government," its publisher
was imprisoned, though his Paper went on under the management of
Benjamin. J Franklin was imprisoned about four weeks, and then, upon
an apology, and bonds for his good behavior for twelve months, he was
set at liberty, and his paper was put under the supervision of Mr. Wil-
lard, the Secretary of the Province. Franklin, however, published his
* Its imprint is, " Boston : Printed by James none better would offer. The offensive matter
Franklin, in Queen Street, where Advertise- was contained in an article purporting to have
ments are taken in." Franklin's shop was on been written in Newport, R. I., and related to
the north side of what is now Court-street, near an expedition to be sent from Boston in pursuit
the easterly corner of Franklin-avenue. Here, of pirates, who had been seen in the beginning
long within my recollection, stood a Bookstore, of June, 1722, about Block Island. The gov-
over the sign of which was a bust of Franklin, ernment at Boston had had timely notice of the
Wells & Lilly were many years Booksellers at pirates, and appear to have used the utmost
18 Court-street, to whom succeeded S. Burditt despatch in fitting out a vessel to go in pursuit ;
and F. Sales, about 1832 ; J. W. Burditt's, No. while, in the Newport communication, printed
27, was the Franklin Bookstore, 1828-35. in the Courant of 11th June, occurred these
fMr. Everett, in his Boyhood and Youth of words: " We are advised from Boston, that
[Dr.] Franklin (Works, ii. 26), says: "The the Government of Massachusetts are fitting
Thunderbolt of the offended Patriarch fell as out a ship to go after the pirates to be com-
harmless at young Franklin's feet, as the gren- manded by Capt. Peter Papillon, and 't is
ado had at [his] son Cotton's. It was behind thought he will sail some time this month,
the age." Mr. Everett had previously men- wind and weather permitting."
tioned the fact that in the time of the excite- Notwithstanding it was said in the same
ment against Inoculation, a '■'■ grenado ^' was number of the Courant, that above 100 men
thrown into one of Cotton Mather's win- had been enlisted, and that Capt. Papillon
dows. Consult Hutchinson for other partic- would probably sail that day, the General
ulars. Court on the next day proceeded to prosecute
{ The proceeding against Franklin was of Franklin as above stated, and for the words I
the most arbitrary kind, because the " reflec- have printed in capitals. See Mr. EvereWs
tion " complained of would hardly have fur- Address, as before cited, p. 44, who has cor-
nished a pretence in a far more despotic age rected an important inadvertence of Doctor
than this was. But the government had taken Thomas, in his excellent History of Printing,
offence, and were determined to crush the and added much valuable new matter, and to
Paper at all events ; it therefore seized upon whom I am much obliged for kindly directing
the matter in question, fearing, probably, that my attention to them.
1721.] ARCHIVES. MINISTERS AGGRIEVED. 565
Paper without the approval of his articles by the Secretary, and conse-
quently " a bill of indictment was some months after preferred against
him." To relieve himself from this dilemma, James Franklin published
his Paper in the name of his apprenticed brother, Benjamin. This
apparent change was made about the middle of January, 1723, and,
from anything which appears to the contrary, the Courant continued to
be so published until the beginning of 1727, when it ceased.*
Of Franklin's Courant no perfect file or series is known to exist.
Copies of this and similar papers and other documents would not only
be of immense value in the Archives of Boston, but in those of every
town in New England. Has even Boston to this day any Archives,
properly so called ? Not any ! The Inhabitants must look to this.
The Authorities have never yet looked to it. There are good records
of what they have done ; but what do those records tell else ? It is by
the Newspapers, Pamphlets, Handbills — every kind and description
of them — that the rise, progress and importance, of a place is to be
learned. Can the Authorities or anybody else point to the building in
the City containing anything of the kind ? f Let those answer who can.
But this is not the place to speak of the subject as it should be spoken
of. It may in due time be urged elsewhere, in a manner demanded by
its vast importance.
The "Ministers of Boston " were so seriously aggrieved by the
" Abuses and Scandals lately cast upon them, in Divers Printed Papers,"
that they came out in January with "A Vindication," purporting to
have been written " By some of their People." Though Franklin's
Courant was evidently the chief source of annoyance to them, yet
there had been some "foolish" pamphlets issued equally annoying. J
The pamphlets were chiefly upon the Inoculation question, of which
there were several.
* James Franklin subsequently settled in designedly to affront our Ministers, and render
Newport, R. I., and there, on the 27th of Sept., them Odious ; or else, it has hitherto wretch-
1732, issued a Newspaper, the first ever pub- edly deviated from its ultimate Intent, and been
lished in that Colony, which he called the notoriously prostituted to that Hellish Servi-
" Rhode Island Gazette.'' — Thomas. From tude. We know no Nation under the Sun,
an advertisement in the New England Weekly that has so openly and assiduously insulted the
Journal o?\\ Dec. 1727, it appears that Frank- Ministers of their GOD ; and been so stren-
lin printed the first Almanack in that place ; uous, in their Endeavors, to make them
or, as the advertisement says : " Being the first despicable and detestable to their People, as
that was ever published for that meridian." the Authors of this scandalous Slfbel." They
Sold by him in Newport: "also by John directly charge " John Williams, tobacconist,"
Fi-anklin, Tallow Chandler, in Cornhill, Bos- of saying, " The Ministers have generally re-
ton." This John was the oldest brother of vol ted from the good old way, and have set up
James, by Abiah Folgcr, the second wife of his a way that their Fathers knew not of * *
father. They are revolted and gone * * Defective in
f This in reference to anything provided by Morals.'^ In the Courant, No. 23: "Most
and for the City. There are indeed a few of the Ministers are for it, and that induces
small collections in private hands, but they are me to think it is from the Devil." In No.
nothing compared with what might and should 25 : " The Instruments of mischief and trouble
be. both in Church and State, from the Witch-
X The Authors of the Vindication say, craft to Inoculation." This the " Vindica-
" Above all, we wonder at a 5!l?[^eeklj 39aper, tion " thought was enough "to make the
which has been, and now is. Published, either most professed Libertine blush."
666
SINGING IN CHURCHES.
[1722.
CHAPTER LVIII
Singing in Churches. — Town Surveyed by Bonner. — Map. — Christ's Church. — Great Inundation
— Way on the Neck Fenced. — An aged Indian. — Death of Increase Mather. — Destruction of
Pirates. — Indian War. — Capt. Cornwall. — Great Storm. — First Insurance Office. — Capt. Love-
well. — Indian Treaty. — Depravity. — Execution of Pirates. — Hoop Petticoats. — The Pirate Fly.
— Death of Benj. Franklin. ■ — Traffic in Slaves. — Another Newspaper Established. — Death of the
King. — A Violent Storm. — Earthquake of 1727. — Scotch Irish Ax-rive. — Church in Long-lane.
THE subject of singing in Churches was
at the same time making considerable talk
both in Town and Country. Some thought
it a great innovation, and not to be tolerated.
The Society in Brattle-street, however, had
been singing for several years ; but it
was many years after this before singing
anything except paraphrased Scripture was
allowed, as may be observed in its proper
order. *
An accurate Survey was made of the
Town this year, from which an elegant Map
was engraved. The enterprising undertaker
was " Capt. John Bonner," and his Map
was the basis of all other plans of the Town
for many years.f William Price was inter-
ested in the sale of the Map, and had a
shop " against y* Town-House " as late
as the year 1727, and perhaps later.
* The Rev. Thomas Symmes, of Bradford,
wrote this year a tract in favor of " regular "
Singing. It was not printed, however, till the
next year. It was accompanied by a recom-
mendation as follows : — " We the Subscribers,
willing to Countenance and promote Regular
Singing, or Singing by Note, Do signifie our
Approbation of the Substance and Design of
the Ensuing Dialogue." Signed by Thomas
Blower of Beverly, Samuel Moody of York,
John Rogers of Bradford, John Tufts of New-
bury, and Thomas Foxcroft of Boston.
t It is entitled " The Town of Boston in
New England, By Capt. John Bonner, 1722.
JEtalis Sua 60." At the foot is the following :
" Engraven and Printed by Fra : Dewing.
Boston, N. _E., 1722. Sold by Capt. John Bon-
ner and Will'" Price against ye Town House,
where may be had all sorts of Prints, Maps,
&c." Its scale is that of 10 inches to the
mile, nearly. It also contains these interest-
ing statistics ; that the Town contains ' ' 42
streets, 36 lanes, 22 alleys, near 3000 houses ;
1000 brick, rest timber ; near 12,000 people."
In 1835 George G. Smith, Esq., caused a beau-
tiful fac simile of Capt. Bonner's map to be
made. In 1743 '• Capt. John Bonner " was
living in Mackerel Lane [Kilby-st.], near the
foot of Milk-st., " in a good double house, late
the estate of Deacon Samuel Marshal."
I This was the Sign of " John Phillips, Book-
seller, at the Stationer's Armes on the South-
side of the Town-House." It is taken from
a copper-plate shop-bill, struck on paper 7 by 4^
inches. The Sign occupied the top of the bill,
and underneath it Phillips says he " Sells Bi-
bles large & small, Testaments, Psalters, (Psalm
books with Tunes or without) Singing books
& School books, with Books of Divinity, Phi-
losophy, History, Navigation, Physick, Mathe-
maticks. Poetry, &c., also Pressing Cartridge &
Writing Paper, Books for Accounts or Records,
Ink, Quills, Sealing-wax, Inkhorns, Specta-
cles, Letter-cases, w'^ other Stationary wares
and all sorts of Cutlery ware, at y« lowest prices
by Wholesale or Retail. Old books are also
new Bound." For a copy of this curious shop-
bill I am indebted to Andrew Johonnot, Esq.
John Phillips died in Boston, 30 March,
1763, a. 62, and was buried with great cere-
1722.]
CHRIST S CHURCH.
567
July 26.
War was proclaimed at Boston against the Eastern Indians,
which has been denominated " The Three Years' Indian War."
The Episcopalians had become so numerous that the King's Chapel
could not contain them, and another Church was therefore resolved
g upon. Agreeably to notice given by Mr. Miles of the Chapel,
a meeting was held in that house on the following Wednesday,
at which Mr. John Barnes was chosen Treasurer, Thomas Graves, Esq.,
Mr. Greorge Cradock, Mr. Anthony Blount, Mr. John Gibbins, Mr.
Thomas Selby, and Mr. George Monk, were chosen
a Committee to receive Subscriptions for a build-
ing. A piece of ground had already been pur-
chased at the North End, and in the
following April, the Corner Stone of the
Second Episcopal Church was laid by
Mr, Myles, and in December following it
was dedicated by the Rev. Timothy Cut-
ler, who was its first Rector.* Such was the
origin of Christ's Church.
The architecture of Christ's Church has been
much admired, and justly so, and it still stands a
fine ornament to the north part of the City,
to some ex-
1723.
April 15.
Dec. 29.
though changed by various repairs.
mony. See News-Letter, 28 April, 1763, where
there is a long account of him. In 1734,
Nathaniel Belknap and John Phillips, " sta-
tioners in Cornhill," were executors to the
will of Mrs. Abigail Belknap.
* The succession of Rectors : —
Timothy Cutler, settled 29 Dec, 1793, d.
17 Aug., 1765.
James Greaton, settled 30 May, 1759, left
31 Aug.,1767.
Mather Byles, Jr., settled 22 April, 1768,
left April, 1775, d. in St. John, N. B., 12
Mar., 1814.
Stephen Lewis, settled Aug., 1778, left
Sept., 1784.
William Montague, settled April, 1786, left
May, 1792.
William Walter, settled 29 May, 1792, died
5 Dec, 1800.
Samuel Haskell, settled May, 1801, left
Sept., 1803.
Asa Eaton, settled 23 Oct., 1803, left May,
1829.
William Croswell, instituted 24 June, 1829,
left June, 1840, d. 9 Nov., 1851.
John Woart, instituted 1 Nov., 1840, left
1851.
William T. Smithett, instituted 1851.
When this Church was founded, it is stated
that there were about 400 regular attendants
on its services ; while the purchasers of pews
were but 53, of whom Dr. Snow gives the fol-
lowing list : —
William Abraham, Anthony Blount,
Joseph Amey, Bissell,
[Joseph?] Ballard,
Bedgood,
Thomas Bennet,
Walter Brown,
George Barrow,
Boulderson,
Daniel Crackford,
William Clarke,
Isaac Dickenson,
Timothy Daniel,
Thomas Graves,
Mary Gibbs,
Increase Gatchell,
[John ?] Hooton,
John Howard,
Robert Harris,
William Hislop,
Robert Harrison,
Hender,
North Ingham,
[Robt.?] Jenkins,
William Jones,
James King,
Lawlor,
Moall,
The earliest Wardens, according to Dr. Ea-
ton, were : —
Gillam Phillips,
AVilliam Patten,
William Priggs,
John Petell,
William Price,
Thomas Price,
George Pemberton,
Henry Pigeon,
Stephen Perks,
John Rachell,
Nicholas Roach,
William Rideout,
George Skinner,
Edward Stanbridge,
John Sowerby,
Arthur Savage,
Adam Tuck,
Robert Temple,
Thomas Tippen,
Mary Tomlins,
Henry Venner,
Maj. [Leonard] Vasall,
Robert Ward,
Abraham Winter.
1724-
1726
1727
1728
1729
1730
1731
1732-
1735
1736
1737
1738
1739-
5 Thomas Graves,
Anthony Blount,
Edward Watts,
Leonard Vassal,
Gillam Phillips,
George Monk,
William Patten,
4 William Price,
John Hooton,
Robert Jervis,
Robert Jenkins,
Edward Lutwyche,
40 Hugh McDaniel.
1741 John Hammock,
John Joanes,
1742 Robert Temple,
1743-6 Robert Jenkins,
Robert Gould,
1747 John Baker,
1747 Alex. Chamberlain,
1748 Capt. Grushea,
1749-50 John Gibbs,
1751 Joseph Ballard,
1752 JohnPullen,
1753 Giles Tidmarsh,
Then the same names
568 DEATH OF ROBERT CALEF. [1723.
tent. Its original steeple was blown down in the violent gale of Octo-
ber, 1804 ; but it was soon rebuilt under the direction of Charles
Bulfinch, Esq., who preserved the proportions and symmetry of the old
one, as far as practicable.* There is in this Church a bust to the memory
of Washington, — the first monument ever erected to his memory in
the Country.
In 1744, Christ's Church was furnished with a " Peal of eight
Bells," and it was for a long time the practice to chime them several
nights previous to Christmas, — " ringing the Old Year out and the
New Year in."t
The death of Mr. Robert Calef occurred this year. His name has
descended to this age, and will always be remembered for the able
manner in which he exposed the absurd proceedings against persons
accused of witchcraft. Justice was withheld from him in his day, and
traces of his unpopularity are discoverable in several proceedings of the
Town. His work exposing the witch delusion was published in London in
1700 ; probably no Bookseller in Boston would undertake it, from fear
of sharing with the Author in his unpopularity. To expose a delusion
in which almost the whole community were believers, was an under-
taking requiring not only a mind of firmness, but one of conscious rec-
titude also. These were attributes, it is believed, of the mind of
Robert Calef. J Another circumstance shows him to have been in
advance of his age, which was his favoring Inoculation for the Small-
pox ; several of his children being inoculated by Dr. Boylston, in
1721.
recur to 1760, when Thomas Ivers came in; 1763, bury, who died 13 April, 1719, and was a
Francis Shaw ; 1767, Daniel Malcolm ; 1782, James merchant of Boston, and died after April,
Sherman and George Bright. ^722, and before Feb., 1723. He m. Mar-
* The Church is 70 feet long, 50 wide, and garet Barton, 23 Dec, 1699, who d. before 11
35 high; walls 2^ feet thick; area of steeple Sept., 1744. They had eight or more chil-
24 feet ; brick tower 78 feet high ; spire 97 ^^^^^ "^^^t of whom died young. James was
feet ; in all, 175 feet. The amount of the living, though not in the Province, when his
original subscriptions towards its erection waa mother died. Ann married Green, and
£737, 18s. sterling, contributed by 214 per- had several children ; Margaret m. Star,
sons. and had four or more children. Our Robert
t The aggregate weight of these bells is Calfe left a will, dated 2 Jan., 1720, proved
7272 pounds. On each of them is an inscrip- 18 Feb., 1722-3. He wrote his name Ca/fe,
tion, showing that they were presented in "when he signed his will, and elsewhere, al-
1744, "by a number of generous persons." though in his " More Wonders of the Invisible
On one is this valuable piece of history ; — World " it stands as in the text. He had a
" We are the first Ring of Bells cast for the sister Martha, m. to Solomon Hews, 28 Sept.,
British Empire in North America. A. R. 1700, and Mary, m. to Mr. Samuel Stevens, 9
1744." On another, "William Shirley, Esq., Oct., 1712. Joseph Calfe of Boston, tanner,
Governour, 1744." The subscription for their nephew of our Robert, was appointed admin-
purchase waa obtained in 1743 and 4 by istrator of his grandfather's estate, 3 June,
"lohn Hammock, Robt. Temple, Robert Jen- 1720. This Joseph was son of Joseph, who
kins and Ino. Gould, Church Wardens." On "was the eldest eon of Robert of Roxbury,
another, "Abel Rudhall, of • Gloucester, cast clothier. The Autograph accompanying ia
us all. Anno 1744." copied from the
On the 28 Dec, 1823, Rev. Asa Eaton, D. will above men-
D., preached a Century Discourse in Christ's tioned.
Church, which waa published ; from which
the above is taken.
X He was 2d son of Robert Calfe of Rox-
1723.] DEATH OF INCREASE MATHER. 569
An exceeding high tide overflowed all the low parts of the
Town and did great damage.*
To avoid accidents to travellers by losing their way in coming and
going over the Neck, the Town made an effort to have the road fenced
in. The General Court, having been applied to, caused it to be done.
It cost about fifty pounds, which was put into the hands of William
Payne, Esq., " to satisfie the labourers, and to pay for the posts and
rails used therein."
An Indian named John Aquittamong, a Nipmuck, residing
''' " ' near Woodstock, visited Boston in August of this year, having
attained the great age of 112 years. He was entertained at Judge
Sewall's and Judge Dudley's ; and notwithstanding his great age he was
intelligent and active. He remembered coming to Boston the year it
was settled by the English ; saw them digging a cellar for the first
house. Hence he was born in 1611, and was nineteen years old in
1630. He lived about two years after this visit ; dying on the twenty-
first of July, 1725.t When he last visited Boston he was able to walk
ten miles a day.
The death of Dr. Increase Mather marks an era in 1723.
He was in the eighty-fifth year of his age ; had preached
sixty-six years, and presided over Harvard College about twenty. He
was a voluminous Author, though his works are generally small, chiefly
Sermons and Essays. |
The play of " throwing the long bullets" on the Common is forbid-
den ; and no person to dig sand, earth or stones, at Fox-hill, or " the
Ridg near thereto, between that and Windmill-hill in the Common."
* It is thus described by Dr. Cotton Mather : his father to Boston, and carried a bushel and
" It rose two feet higher than ever had been a half of corn all the way upon his back ; that
known unto the Country, and the City of Bos- there was then only one cellar begun in the
ton particularly suffered from it incredible Town, and that somewhere near the Corn-
mischiefs and losses. It rose two or three feet mon." — Hutchinson, ii. 306. Not knowing,
above the famous Long Wharf, and flowed over perhaps, that Aquittamong lived two years
the other wharves and streets to so surprising after this visit, Mr. Hutchinson compares his
an height, that we could sail in boats from the death to that of the famous Thomas Parr ;
Southern Battery to the rise of ground in King- inferring that it happened immediately after
street, and from thence to the rise of ground his journey, which is not correct, and the
ascending toward the North Meeting-house. It cases are not at all parallel. Parr is said to
filled all the cellars, and filled the floors of the have been killed by being feasted during a
lower rooms in the houses and warehouses in visit to London.
Town." — Hist. Colls., ii. 11. It was very J The last of his publications was in 1722,
common in those days to call Boston a City, according to his Biographer. For many years
Dr. Holmes thinks this inundation happened he used to speak in his discourses " as a dying
in 1724, and that Dr. Mather used the old man." In a Preface which he wrote to Mr.
style ; but I think, had that been the case, Webb's " Sermon to a Society of young men "
Mather would have written 1723-4. Besides, in 1718, he says, " Seven and fifty years are
I find no allusion to the matter in some News- the next week expired, since I began my min-
papers consulted, printed then in Boston, istry in Boston. It is matter of constant hu-
Again, Dr. Mather says it was on " the Lord's miliation that I have done so little good in so
day," and Lord's day did not happen on Feb. long a time. It is also matter of rejoicing,
24th, 1724, but it does fall on the 24th of 1723. that I shall leave those to succeed me, who I
f " Forty years before [this] he had been hope wiU exceed me in serviceableness to Christ
remarked as an old Indian. He constant- and his People. The Lord grant it may be so.
ly affirmed that in 1630, upon a message Boston, Aug. 28, 1718." There is a pedigree
from the English that they were in want of of the family in the N. E. Hist, and Gen.
corn, soon after their arrival, he went with Reg. for 1852.
72
570 PIRATES BROUGHT IN. [1724.
The Selectmen begin the practice of opening Town-meetings
^^'^ ' with prayer. , Dr. Cotton Mather at this time officiated.*
On the third of May the Town was thrown into much sur-
^^ ' prise by the arrival of an unknown vessel in the harbor, and it
was soon found that it had been captured from pirates. A few young
men, who, having been forced into the service of the dreaded sea-rover,
Capt. John Phillips, seizing an opportunity, killed him and his princi-
pal men, somewhere about the Banks of Newfoundland, and sailing
hence, succeeded in reaching Boston in safety with their prize, and six
of the pirates as prisoners. The names of the courageous men who had
thus ridden the seas of one of its worst scourges, were Capt. Andrew
Harridon, of Boston, Edward Cheesman, ship carpenter, John Fill-
more, of Ipswich, a Spanish Indian, taken with Harridon, and two or
three others not mentioned by name. These men were chiefly taken
out of fishing-vessels. They found great difficulty in making the
arrangements to effect their liberty, but after a captivity of near nine
months, they succeeded as already intimated. f
There appears to have been but three principal actors in the tragedy
on the part of the liberators ; namely, Cheesman, Fillmore and the
Indian. Harridon was so overcome with fear that nothing was allotted
to him to perform. At twelve of the clock at noon the attempt
^" * was to be made, as then the officers were usually upon deck.
The signal was given by Cheesman, which was to seize the Master,
named Nutt, and throw him into the sea, which he did ; at the same
moment, Fillmore split out the brains of PhilUps with an axe, and the
Indian seized Turrell, the boatswain, around his arms, and so held him till
his head was cleft with the axe. All was the work of a minute ; the
rest of the pirates were secured, six in number, all of whom Avere
afterwards tried, condemned and executed. J
John Fillmore, so conspicuous in this capture of pirates, was the
great grandfather of Millard Fillmore, ex-President of the United
States.§
The American seas continued to be almost constantly infested with
pirates. The Sea-horse man-of-war. Captain Durell, was stationed
here, and made occasional expeditions in pursuit of them ; but with
what success is not mentioned. || There was at the same time a dis-
*_I do not remember to have noticed any fate of two of Phillips's men : "On Tuesday
earlier mention of the custom upon the the 2d instant, were executed here, for piracy,
records. John Rose Archer, Quarter Master, aged about
t This account of the pirate Phillips is de- 27 years, and William White, aged about 22
duced from the Narrative of John Fillmore and years. After their death they were conveyed
the Boston Gazette of 1724. There is consid- in boats down to an island, where White was
erable discrepancy between them. Fillmore's buried, and the Quarter Master was hung up
was drawn up many years after the occurrence, in Irons, to be a Spectacle, and so a warning to
and apparently from memory, altogether. It is others." Bird Island is believed to have been
destitute of dates, and contains but few names, the usual place for burying and gibbeting such
and I have regarded the Gazette as more accu- malefactors,
rate in these respects. ^ This information I had direct from Mr.
X The following, taken from the Boston Ga- Fillmore himself, several years ago.
zette of June 8th, probably has reference to the || On the 25th of July, "Mr. William
1724.] INDIAN WAR. — INSURANCE OFFICE. 571
tressing Indian war in the eastern coasts, attended with the usual
miseries, and loss of life and property. Soon after war was declared,
the Government offered 100 pounds bounty for every Indian scalp, or
for every Indian killed, and occasionally scalps were brought into Bos-
ton, exhibited on poles, and the reward claimed. Towards the end of
December, Capt. John Lovewell, of Dunstable, brought in one scalp
and a captive, and received the bounty.*
A fire destroyed a large warehouse near Oliver's Dock, but it
"^' ■ was prevented from spreading by several buildings being pulled
down. The loss was considerable, and several men were much hurt,
^ ^ The man-of-war Sheerness, Capt. James Cornwall, arrived in
* "°"" ■ port. She was the "station-ship." How long Captain Corn-
wall continued here is not known. He was afterwards actively em-
ployed in various expeditions until 1743, when he was killed on board
his ship, the Marlborough, of 100 guns, while gallantly supporting
Admiral Matthews in his bloody engagement with the Spanish and
French fleets off Toulon.f
23 I^ ^^® ^^^^ of November, a storm of great violence from the
■ south-east did immense damage to the wharves and shipping,
*' some vessels being wholly ruined, others had their heads or sterns
broke, some their masts, and several boats stove in pieces. A boat
was overturned in the harbor, and one man drowned. A barn was
blown down, and a horse killed in it. Several chimneys were also
blown down." J
Mr. Joseph Marion established an Insurance Ofiice in Boston,
which appears to have been the first in the Town, and probably the first
in New England. §
Chambers, Lieut., Mr. Gilfoy, Master, and Mr. expedition soon after, in which he killed 10
Roberts, Master's Mate, of his Majesty's Ship Indians, the scalps of all which he brought to
Sea- Horse, sailed from this port to the East- Boston on March 3d following. A more full
ward in quest of the Indians; the former, Com- and particular account of Lovewell's last and
mander of a Sloop, and the two latter. Com- famous expedition may be found in the Ge?i.
nianders of two Schooners with 4 men each." Ret/r. for 1853, than in any other work.
— Gazette of 27 July, 172i. Nothing appears f^ costly monument was erected to his
to have been effected by this expedition. — memory in Westminster Abbey, the inscription
Hutchinson. on which, among other things, details that he
" Aug. 1st being the Anniversary of Ilis was " the thii-d son of Henry Cornwall, of
Majesty's happy accession to the Throne, the Bradwarden Castle, in the County of Here-
Guns at Castle William and onboard His Maj- ford, Esq., who was descended from the very
esty's Ship Sea Horse were discharged, and the old and illustrious stock of the Plantagenets."
Day concluded with Demonstrations of Joy on — Biographia Navalis, iv. 131, and Schom-
80 joyful an occasion." — lb., Aug. Sd. berg's Naval Chronology, i. 206.
How long Capt. Durell remained on this | Boston Gazette, 30 Nov. 1724. No. 2G2.
station is not mentioned; but in 1731 ho ^ The General Court Journal of Dec. 1720,
commanded the Exeter of 60 guns, and was contains the following interesting fiicts respecb-
with Sir Charles Wager in the Mediterranean, ing Mr. Marion : " A Memorial and Represen-
Aftervvards he had command of the Kent, a 70 tation of Joseph Ililler and Samuel Tyley,
gun sliip, and was ordered with Admiral Publick Notaries for the County of Suffolk,
Vernon against Porto Bello ; but the order as to shewing that Mr. Joseph Marion, of Boston,
him was countermanded, and he was sent on Scrivener, takes upon him the character and
other service. In an action with a Spanish 70 office of a Public Notary, under pretence, as
gun ship he lost one of his hands. He died at is commonly said, of a Commission from his
sea 23 Aug. 1741. — Charnock, iv. 82-3. Grace the Arch Bishop of Canterbury, request
* According to Hutchinson, Lovewell arrived the Court to interpose, and do therein as may
in Boston June 5th, 1725. He made a second seem meet, etc. Ordered, that the said Marion
572 INDIAN WAR. — INDIAN TREATY. [1725.
Early this Spring died Mr. Ambrose Vincent, a gentleman
" of note and much respected. He was for many years " A
Waiter of the Customs," and at his decease was " Marshall of Admi-
ralty." *
The Indian war continued with great fierceness throughout most of
the year 1725, but in the beginning of May the hostile Indians met
with a blow from which they never recovered. Capt. John Lovewell,
at the head of about forty men, penetrating far into the north-
^^ ■ ern wilderness, met the main body of the enemy upon their own
ground, at a place called Pigwocket, when there followed one of the
most bloody encounters, considering the numbers engaged, anywhere
recorded. The leaders on both sides were killed, as were their princi-
pal followers, yet the Indians were beaten, and in October following, a
large deputation from the eastern Tribes proceeded to Boston, where, by
previous arrangements, they had agreed to appear to make a treaty of
peace.
A formal Treaty was signed in the Council Chamber, to which
■ the names of Sauguaaram, Arexus, Francis Xavier, and Magu-
numba, on the part of the Indians, appear. Lieut. Gov. William Dum-
mer signed on the part of Massachusetts, Lieut. Gov. John Wentworth
on the part of New Hampshire, and Major Paul Mascarene as Commis-
sioner on the part of Nova Scotia.
Bears were uncommonly numerous this autumn. In the month of
September it was stated that not less than twenty had been killed in the
course of one week within two miles of Boston.f
A case of singular depravity was detected and summarily punished.
In the course of the preceding October, "a lad of about seventeen
years of age" enticed into by-places three little children, barbarously
whipped and otherwise abused them. Some days after he was acci-
dentally seen passing along the street by one of them, who gave timely
notice, and he was arrested and put into bridewell. On his trial in
the Superior Court, at the February term, the severe sentence
■ decreed to the culprit may be taken as an indication of the enor-
mity of his offence. He was ordered "to be whipped thirty-nine
be notified, that he may be heard before this Joseph Marion was son of Dea. John M., who
House to-morrow at 9 o'clock." Mr. Marion d. 3 Jan., 1728, in his 78th year, whose wife
having appeared acording to this order, and was Anna, dau. of John Harrison, rope-maker,
being requested " to produce his Commission Deacon Marion belonged to the First Church,
from the Arch Bishop, did so ; whereupon the Marion-street, I suppose, perpetuates the
Court resolved that no one had authority to name.
grant such license of Notary except this Gov- * He was in his 47th year. He left a wife,
ernment, and the said Marion was accordingly Sarah, who died very suddenly 14 March, 1728 ;
ordered not to practise as Notary any further." "as she was walking home from making a
In 1728 Mr. Joseph Marion's office was near visit, dropped down in the street," and died
where the Globe Bank now is, in State-street, soon after. Mr. Charles Apthorp was one of
where he advertised that proposals might be the executors of Mr. Vincent's will. There
seen " for the erecting an Assurance Office for was an Ambrose Vincent living in Bromfield's
houses and household goods from loss and dam- Lane in 1743. The same, perhaps, who died
age by fire, in any part of the Province, by the 16 Mar. 1800, JE. 87, and was buried in
name of the Sun Fire Office in Boston."- — King's Chapel burying-ground.
Weekly Jour. f Newspaper.
1726.] EXECUTION OF PIRATES. 573
lashes at the cart's tail, twelve at the gallows, thirteen at the head of
Summer-street, and thirteen below the Town-house ; and to be com-
mitted to bridewell for six months."*
This was the age of " Hoop Petticoats," but, judging from an adver-
tisement in Franklin's Courant, they had been pretty severely attacked,
and the assault was probably continued until they surrendered without
conditions, f
Three men were executed for piracy ; the principal of whom
^ "^ "■ was William Fly, the tragical story of whose life and death has
been often published to the world. He was boatswain to the Snow
Elizabeth, of which John Green was commander. In May preceding,
as they were upon their voyage from Jamaica to Guinea, Fly,
'^^ " ' having united with him several of the crew, cast the captain and
mate into the sea, took the Snow, changed its name to the Fame's Re-
venge, and "set out pirating." Their career was short, however.
Having coasted up into the New England seas, and captured several
vessels, they made a pilot of one William Atkinson, whom they took
out of a sloop on the coast of North Carolina. Atkinson submitted
quietly to a fate he could not avoid, and, though closely watched by
Captain Fly, he succeeded in organizing a mutiny to rescue the vessel
out of the hands of the pirates, and to liberate himself and the other
captives. Only three are named whom he enlisted in this dangerous ser-
vice. Their names were Samuel Walker, Thomas Streaton, and James
Benbrook. The plan succeeded, and the ship was retaken with-
" ■ out blqodshed, and soon after arrived in Boston, where the
pirates w^ere tried, condemned and executed. Four were sentenced to
die, but one was reprieved at the place of execution.
The dead bodies of the pirates were, as was then the custom, carried
to an island about two miles from the Town, and there buried, except
that of Fly, which was hung in chains upon a gibbet. J Six of
the piratical crew had been put on board a prize shortly before
Atkinson's successful attempt, and were absent, or he very probably
could not have effected it.
The well-known and worthy inhabitant, Mr. Benjamin
Mar 17 Franklin, died this Spring. He came to this country in 1715,
and was brother of Mr. Josiah Franklin, and uncle of Doctor
Benjamin Franklin ; of whom the latter made honorable mention in his
* Franklin's Courant of 26 Feb. 1726, as July 10, 1726. On the Lord's day, before
quoted by Mr. Buckingham in his Specimens, their Execution.'^ To the sermon is appended
etc., i. 87. a Narrative of the afiFair, from which the facts
f " Just published, and sold by the Printer in the text are taken. The names of those
hereof. *[* Hoop Petticoats. Arraigned and executed with Fly were Samuel Cole and Henry
Condemned by the Light of Nature and Law Greenvill. " Fly, at his trial, as well as be-
of God. Price 3J." fore and after it, behaved boldly and impen-
X It was customary then to preach sermons itently ; and when the cart came to take him
to condemned criminals. Sometimes they were to execution, he briskly and in a way of
taken into the Meeting-house and seated upon bravery jumped up into it, with a nosegay in
a stool in the broad aisle. Dr. Cohuan his hand, bowing with much unconcern to the
preached to these, except Fly, who would nob spectators as he passed along ; and at the Gal-
attend with the others. The discourse is entitled lows he behaved still obstinately and boldly till
" A Sermon preached to some miserable Pirates, his face was covered for death."
674
SLAVES. THE FOURTH NEWSPAPER.
[1727.
autobiography.* He was by trade a silk-dyer, at which business he
served an apprenticeship in London.
This year opened with a melancholy occurrence ; the accidental
death of several young persons.f
The traffic in Slaves appears to have been more an object in Boston,
than at any period before or since. For a time dealers had no hesita-
tion in advertising them for sale in their own names. At length a very
few who advertised would refer purchasers to " inquire of the Printer,
and know further." This indicated an early prejudice against the
trade ; and in a few years dealers suppressed their names altogether. J
A fourth Newspaper was commenced, called "The New
England Weekly Journal." Its imprint reads, *' Boston.
Printed by S. Kneeland, at the Printing-House in Queen Street, where
Advertisements are taken in." It was issued on a half sheet of fools-
cap, two pages, two columns on a page, chiefly in brevier type. When
the Journal had been published four months, the name of " T. Green"
was associated with that of Kneeland as one of its pubHshers, and it
was thus continued till it was united with the Gazette in 1741. The
Gazette was discontinued in 1752. The Rev. Thomas Prince is thought
to have had a good deal to do with the starting of the Weekly Journal.
It advocated the Rev. George Whitfield in the controversy which was
* He is thus handsomely and respectfully
spoken of in the N. Eng. Weekly Journal of
27 March, 1727: — "On Monday last was
decently Interred the Remains of Mr. Benja-
min Fi-anklin, who dyed here on Friday the
17th Instant, in the 77th Year of his age. A
person who was justly Esteemed and valued as
a rare and exemplary Christian ; one who
loved the people and Ministers of CHRIST :
His Presence in the House of GOD was always
solemn and aflFecting, and though he courted
not the observation of men, yet there were
many that could not but take notice of, and
admire the peculiar excellencies that so vividly
adorned him." Mr. Sparks gives the time of
his birth (22 Mar. 1650) but not that of his
death. He was probably born 1G50-1, which
agrees with his age as given at his death.
f How these deaths occurred has not been
ascertained. They are thus mentioned in a
note to a Sermon on the death of two of them,
by Rev. Thomas Prince. In the title-page of
his Sermon, Mr. Prince says it was " Occa-
sioned by the very Sudden Death of two young
gentlemen in Boston, on Saturday, January
14th, 1726-7." — The Note referred to fol-
lows : " On January 14th, Mr. Samuel Hirst,
aged 22, and Mr. Thomas Lewis, aged 32.
Besides these two that were the occasion, a
third falls out this very day, a fortnight after,
viz. : Mr. Simon Bradstreet, aged 20." Mr.
Hirst was a son of Grove Hirst, Esq., a grand-
son of Judge Sewall. Mr. Bradstreet was
probably son of Dudley Bradstreet, who mar-
ried Mary Wainwrightj grandson of Dudley B.
of Andover, and great-grandson of Gov. Simon
Bradstreet.
J A few advertisements as specimens follow :
— "A likely young Negro man for sale hy
John Brewster, at the Sign of the Boot near
the Draw Bridge." May 15th, 1727.
Benony Waterman had " a parcel of likely
Negroes " for sale, to be seen at Capt. Nathan-
iel Jarvis's house, near Scarlett's wharf. June
12th.
Andrew Treat, " several likely young Ne-
groes " for sale at " Mr. Brownes on Milk St."
But if anybody wanted to see him, " he might
be enquired for at Capt. Nath. Jarvis's at the
North End."
"John Miliken, in Hanover St." offered a
very likely young Negro woman. June 19th.
— Benj. Poole, of Reading, advertised a Negro
man who had run away from him. — Benj.
Muzzy, of Lexington, suffered in the same way.
His slave spoke " very good English, about
26 yrs. of age; had no hat on, but a horse-
lock on the small of one of his legs, and was
lately a servant to Mr. John Muzzy, of Men-
don."
Mr. James Lubbuck, of Boston, chocolate
grinder, living near Mr. Colman's Meeting-
house, offered £3 reward to anybody who
would catch his Negro.
Jo Daniels, an Indian man-servant, ran away
from Mr. Josiah Bacon, of Boston, sawyer.
Said Daniels was a tall, slim fellow, and had
on a pair of leather breeches. Oct. 16th.
Mr. John Plaisted, near the Mill-bridge,
wanted to sell a Negro, lately arrived from
1727.] EARTHQUAKE. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 575
raised by his preaching here and elsewhere in New England.* Mather
Byles, then a young man, wrote much for it, in prose and poetry. He
was at this time the greatest poet in New England ; or, at least, he
wrote the greatest amount of poetry of any one.
News reached Boston that the King was dead. He died on
"^' the night of the tenth of June, at Osnaburgh, in Westphalia, at
the age of sixty-seven years and thirteen days. He was succeeded by
his only son, as George the Second. Mr. Prince was invited to preach a
sermon on the occasion, which he did, "In the Audience of the Great
and General Assembly of the Province," and which was " Published at
the Desire of the Honorable House of Representatives." Mr. Byles
published a Poem on the same occasion, surcharged with that kind of
panegyric so common at that day. f
On the eighteenth of September occurred a violent storm, which
^ * ' caused very considerable damage to the wharves and shipping.
A kitchen chimney of Mr. Sheafe's blew down and beat in the roof,
which killed a child about seven years of age, wounded two others,
broke Mrs. Sheafe's leg, and otherwise bruised her, to that degree that
her life was in danger.
The greatest Earthquake which had ever occurred in New
'" ' ' England, since it was known to Europeans, was probably
that which happened on the night of the twenty-ninth and the thirtieth
day of October. There were two great shocks ; the first was about a
quarter before eleven o'clock at night, " which was the most surprising
and awful for the space of about two minutes, when the earth shook and
trembled to a very great degree. The houses rocked as if they would
have fallen down, and the people, being amazed, ran out into the
streets, calling upon the Lord for mercy." The doors, windows and
movables, " made a fearful clattering." The pewter and china were
thrown from their shelves. Stone walls and the tops of chimneys were
thrown down, doors were unlatched and thrown open, and people with
difficulty kept upon their feet. It extended all along the coast, and in
the West Indies it did great damage.
Governor Burnet appointed a Fast to be kept on the twenty-
first of December, " throughout this Province, on account of
the late surprising and amazing Earthquake ; and the repeated shakings
of the Earth."
A Church of Presbyterians was this year established in Boston ; at
the head of which was the Rev. John Moorhead, a young man about
twenty-three years of age, who arrived from Ireland with a consider-
able number of followers, chiefly Scotch, but who had lived some time
Guinea. Oct. 23. At the same time Augus- t " Thee every muse and every grace deplores,
tu8 Lucas, of Newport, oflFered a Negro man 'Siom Thames' banks to these Atlantick shores,
and woman for sale, both young and strong. Each bard his grief in gliding accents shews.
Col. Penn Townsend died in Aug., a. 75 ; ^f ^""''^'^ T' /« I 7 °7h'' tZl\ fir«
, , , , , ,. ^. . 1 1 T,, °. , , ' ! were my breast flushed with an equal fire,
he had long been a distinguished Magistrate. Vast as my theme, and strong as my desire ! " Ac.
* See Thomas, Hist. Printing, ii. 225-7.
576 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. [1727.
in and about Londonderry in Ireland.* They
were driven from the latter Country by the
impositions of exorbitant landlords ; and al-
though they were a good acquisition to this
place, being industrious and orderly, and in
time introduced several valuable arts and im-
provements among the people, yet they at
first met with a cold reception, being viewed
as inferiors and intruders.
These emigrants purchased a lot of ground
at the corner of Berry-street and Long-lane,
and converted a barn which stood on the
ground into a Meeting-house. This was in
FEDERAL-STREET CHURCH. 1729, aud thls humblo edifice served them for
a place of worship until 1744 ; although in the mean time two small
additions, in the shape of wings, were added to it. In the year last
mentioned a substantial and convenient Church was built, after the
fashion of the Churches of that time, as represented by the engraving
annexed.f And with that old Church there is much of interest asso-
ciated ; it was within its walls that Delegates met in Convention to
decide whether Massachusetts should accept of the Federal Constitution
proposed for the United States ; and it was here that it was finally
accepted, on the seventh of February, 1788. It was owing to this
circumstance that the name of Long-lane was changed to that of Fed-
eral-street.
The old or second House was of wood, the tower fronting on Federal-
street. The present Gothic structure was completed, on the site of the
old one, in the course of 1809.
The Rev. David Annan was the next Pastor after Mr. Moorhead.
He was installed in 1783, and was dismissed, at his own request, by the
Presbytery, in 1786, and was afterwards settled over a Church in Phil-
adelphia. In the period succeeding the death of Mr. Moorhead and
the settlement of Mr. Annan, occurred the war of the Revolution, dur-
ing which regular preaching was interrupted. After the evacuation of
the Town by the British in March, 1776, the Rev. Andrew Croswell
was employed to preach to this Society. In 1787, Dr. Jeremy Bel-
knap was installed over this Church, he having taken a dismission from
* Mv. Moorhead was born near Belfast in Latin and English, and may be seen in Dr.
Ireland in 1703 ; was an honest, blunt man, Douglass' Summary, i. 368. Dr. Channing
much beloved and respected. He died on the gives it the following intelligible reading : —
2 December, 1773, having preached the Sun- " This Church of Presbyterian Strangers was
day preceding^ He married, here, Miss Sarah congregated Anno Dom. 1729. This building
Parsons, an English lady, who survived him was begun Anno. Dom. 1742, and finished
about a year. One of their children, Mrs. Anno. Dom. 1744, by a small but generous
Agnes Wilson, widow of Capt. Alexander Wil- number. (Hujus fundamen saxum est. Domus
son, was living in Boston in 1824. ilia manebit. Labilis e contra si sit arena peri-
f There was in this Church, probably at an bit. Gloria Christi lex nostra suprema. De-
early period, an inscription giving some histor- siderio J. M. Anjus ecclesiae, Christique pastor)
ical facts respecting it. It was a mixture of and first preached in May 6th."
1727.] ADDITIONAL SUNDAY LAWS. 577
a Parish in Dover, New Hampshire, for that purpose. He was an em-
inent Scholar and Historian. " Before the settlement of this gentleman,
but not at his instance, or with any view of inviting him in particular, the
Society, which had become reduced to a small number, had relinquished
the Presbyterian regimen, and embraced the Congregational order."
Dr. Belknap died suddenly on the twentieth of June, 1798, aged
fifty-four.* He was succeeded by the Rev. John Snelling Popkin,
D.D., who, in 1802, being appointed to the Greek professorship in
Harvard College, was succeeded by the Rev. William Ellery Channing,
D.D., who was ordained June the first, 1803. The Rev. Ezra Stiles
Gannett was ordained there in 1824.f
The General Court projected a bill for fortifying the Sea-ports of the
Colony. Owing to the scarcity of money, a new emission of bills of
credit was proposed ; 30,000 pounds of which was to be loaned to Bos-
ton for a term of thirteen years, 10,000 pounds of which it was to lay
out on the forts and in stores.
The Act of 1716 having proved insufficient to cause a proper observ-
ance of Sunday, additional Acts were this year passed. Transgressors
were to be fined, which if they would not or could not pay immediately,
they were to be put into jail, " or set in the Cage or Stocks." People
were forbid keeping open shops " the evening preceding the Lord's day
or evening following." Swimming "in the water," unnecessary *' walk-
ing or riding in the streets, lanes or highways, or Common Field of the
Town of Boston," &c., were in like manner prohibited, under stipulated
penalties. J
Several arrivals on the closing days of the year brought the most
appalling intelligence of the destructions by the late earthquake in the
West Indies. Captain Cooper came in from Barbadoes on the 25th of
December, with the news that " the day before he left there the houses
were in great convulsion, and the streets arose and fell like the waves
of the sea." Six days after, Captain Wickham arrived in about thirty
days from ^Martinico, with the report that on the 27th of October, at
noon, many buildings were shaken down and several Negroes killed.
At four o'clock the same day there "was another terrible shock; which
were repeated almost every day till the 10th of November, on which
day, being in a boat," he thought the whole Island would be swallowed
up. The hills and mountains upon it rose and fell in a surprising manner.
The damage sustained was " estimated at 40,000 millions of livres."
,* There is an interesting reminiscence of Dr. Byles. His father was a leather-dresser, whose
Belknap in Dr. Griswold's late magnificent place of business Avas in Ann-street. Dr. Bel-
work, "The Republican Court." — Belknap- knap lived in Lincoln-street. There is a fine
street at the westerly part of the city was so tribute to his memory in the Columbian Cen-
named from the grandfather of the Doctor. ZmeZ of July 4th, 1798.
Dr. Belknap was born in Boston, 4 June, 1744. f For the principal facts in this account of
He died of j^aralysis, having been attacked the Federal-street Church I have been chiefly
about 4 o'clock in the afternoon of 19th, and indebted to the Appendix to Dr. Channing's
died a few minutes before 11 the next day. Sermon on the Ordination of Mr. Gannett.
His wife was Ruth, dau. of Samuel Eliot, book- J Province Laws, edition 1742, p. 266 — 8.
seller, and his mother was a niece of Mather Was this law ever literally executed ?
73
578
DEATH OF DR. COTTON MATHER.
[172S.
CHAPTER LIX.
Accidental Deaths. — Death of Dr. Cotton Mather. — Duel on the Common. — Its Cause, and Circum-
stances attending. — Arrival of Gov. Burnet. — His Family. — His Refutation of Catholicism. —
His Death. — Number of Inhabitants. — Traffic in Slaves continued. — Trinity Church. — Stamp
Offices. — Old South Church Rebuilt. — The General Court removed to Salem. — Gov. Dummer. —
Gov. Belchei". — Small-Pox. — Death of Judge Sewall. — Termination of the First Century. — Dis-
courses relating to the Event. — Heirs of Thomas Goffe. — Hollis-street Church founded. — Pow-
der Regulation. — Lotteries Suppressed. — Deaths of Daniel Oliver, Bartholomew Green, John
Jekyll.
Jan
THE year 1728, like the last, commenced by several
accidental deaths. Two boys, George and Nathan
Howell, skating " at the bottom of the Common,"
were drowned. Being the only children of
highly-respected parents, great sympathy was
expressed by the inhabitants for the severe bereave-
ment ; and when the news of it was carried to Dr.
Watts, on the other side of the Atlantic, he sent the
mother a beautiful letter of condolence.!
Another death, though not casual, happened early
this year, which occasioned a greater sensation throughout the
Town than almost any other since its settlement. This was the
death of the Rev. Cotton Mather, D. D. and F. R. S., a man possess-
ing extraordinary endowments of mind. His faculty for acquiring all
kinds of knowledge has seldom been equalled ; but his credulity led
him into extravagances, which some have used to his discredit ; and his
want of judgment in ordinary things has subjected him to severe cen-
sures, which time may materially soften. |
WILLIAM BURNET.*
Feb. 13.
* The family of Burnets, to whom our Gov-
ernor of the name belonged, though originally
Saxons, is traceable to high antiquity in the
south of Scotland. Bernard, Burnard, Bur-
net, Burnett, &c., appear to have the same
origin. Alexander Burnet, the great-grand-
father of the Governor, vras the tenth proprie-
tor of Leys. In 1673, there was living at New-
ton-Morrell, in the North-Riding of Yorkshire,
William Burnet, Gent., who bore the same
arms as the family of the Governor. There is
an interesting notice of Gov. Burnet in Dr.
Eliot's A''. Eng. Biographical Dictionary ; also
in Dr. Allen's work.
f The parents of these children were Nathan
and Katherine (George) Howell. The boys
were, one about 14, and the other about 15
years of age. Portraits of them are in the
Library of the N. Eng. Hist. Gen. Soc. — See
N. E. Hist, and Gen. Recj., i. 191, and N. Emj.
Wep.k. Jour., 15 Jan. 1728.
J The decease of Dr. Mather is thus noticed
at the time of its occurrence. " Last Tuesday
in the Forenoon, between .8 and 9 o'clock, died
here, the very Reverend COTTON MATHER,
Doctor in Divinity of Glasco, and Fellow of
the Royal Society in London, Senior Pastor of
the Old North Church in Boston, and an Over-
seer of Harvard College ; by whose Death
Persons of all Ranks are in Concern and Sor-
row. He was perhaps the principal Ornament
of this Country, and the greatest Scholar that
ever was bred in it. — But besides his universal
Learning ; his exalted Piety and extensive
Charity, his entertaining Wit, and singular
Goodness of temper, recommended him to all,
that were Judges of real and distinguished
Merit. After having spent above Forty-seven
years in the faithful and unwearied Discharge
of a lively, zealous and awakening Ministry,
and in incessant Endeavors to do Good and
spread abroad the Glory of CHRIST, he fin-
ished his Course with a Divine Composure and
Joy, the day after his Birth-Day, which com-
pleted his Siocty-Fifth year, being Iwrn on Feb.
12, 1662-3." — A^. Ene/. Weekly Journal, 19
Feb., 1728. A very particular pedigree of the
Mather family has appeared in a new edition
of the Magnolia, published at Hartford, by
Messrs. Andros & Sou, this present year, 1855.
1728.] DUEL ON THE COMMON. 579
As the death of Dr. Mather caused universal emotion, so the extraor-
dinary marks of honor and respect paid to his memory, at his funeral,
are additional proofs of the high consideration in which he was held by
his contemporaries. The publications of the time, Newspapers and
Funeral Sermons, bear ample testimony both to his worth and renown.*
While upon the subject of deaths, notice may be taken of one other
in this place ; which was that of a young man, Benjamin Woodbridge,
who fell in a duel.f It being the first death thus brought about in Bos-
ton, so far as can be ascertained,! created a great excitement. His
murderer was also a young man, whose name was Henry Phillips. They
were both merchants, and belonged to very respectable families. The
immediate cause of the encounter which resulted in the death of Wood-
bridge, and " which set the Town in mourning," was a falling out be-
tween him and Phillips at the tavern of Luke Vardy in King-street,
called the Royal Exchange Tavern. A number of young men had
been in the habit of assembUng at that noted house for the purpose of
J gaming and drinking. § Here, on the night of the third of July,
the before-named individuals were fitted for shedding each other's
blood. Accordingly, between ten and eleven of the clock in the
evening, they met alone on the Common, " near the water side," fought
* In the WeeZ:/y JoMrnaZ is given the following Rev. Benj. Woodbridge. — See N. E. H. and
account of his funeral : — " OnMondaylast the Gen. Re(/.,is.. p. 93.
Remains of the late very Reverend and Learned | " Tliis new and almost unknown case (in
Dr. Cotton Mather, who dec''* on Tuesday this country) has put almost the whole Town
the 1.3. Instant, to the great Loss and Sorrow into great Surprise." — N. E. Weekly Journal,
of this Town and Country, were very honor- 8 July, 1728.
ably interred. His Reverend Colleague in deep ^ Three days after the tragical event. Dr.
Mourning, with the Brethren of the Church Colman preached a Sermon on " the late
Avalking in a Body before the Corpse. The Six bloody Duel," which he introduces with the
first Ministers of the Boston Lecture supported words " Death and the Grave without any or-
the Pall. Several Gentlemen of the bereaved der." His Text was (Prov. ii. 15, 16), " My
flock took their turns to bear the Coffin. Af- son, walk not thou in the wnj with them,"
ter which followed, first, the bereaved Rela- &c. With his accustomed ability he treated
tives, in Mourning ; then his Honour the Lieu- the subject of intemperance and its conse-
tenant Governor, the Honourable His Majesty's quences. Addressing himself to young men
Council, and House of Representatives ; and especially, he said, " But the sad and dismal
then a large train of JNIinisters, Justices, Mer- disorder which the righteous God permitted to
chants, Scholars, and other principal Inhabi- fall out among us the last Aveek, horrible to
tants, both of Men and Women. The Streets mention, and to be bewailed with tears of blood,
were crowded with People, and the windows leads me into a more particular Address unto
filled with sorrowful Spectators, all the way our Young People, and to the Elders with
to the Burying place: Where the Corpse was them. — See the hasty and cursed fruit of
deposited in a Tomb belonging to the worthy criminal Disorders, in a double murder of a late
Family." — //»., 26 Feb., 1728". hopeful and promising youth, who was hereto-
The burial place of the fiunily is at Copp's fore of Us, a child of great expectation ; but
Ilill. ^ ^ he went out from us, and ran himself into
/ ' y,-fA,/\~^ ^yyi ^t^y, o A^ *'^6 paths of the Destroyer, and an untimely
K^OWOn fl iCMrVl<yV . death. — Duels are the Devil all over, vNho
f He was a son of Hon. Dudley W., of Barba- was a murderer from the beginning. — Cuil-
does, the same mentioned by Hutchinson, proba- dren, beware of forming yourselves into nightly
bly. Hist, Mass., i. 402 ; and therefore grandson or daily Tai-ern-cluhs ; or even into such weekly
of Rev. Benjamin W., of Medford, by Mary, or monthly Societies for meeting and spending
dau. of Rev. John Ward, and great-grandson your evenings in drinking together and gam-
of Rev. John Woodbridge of Newbury, by ing. — Gaming and AVine incite and inllame to
Mercy, dau. of Gov. Thomas Dudley. — Mem- Duels. So it was in the late lamented calam-
oranda of Mr. John Dean, a descendant of ity. What a hideous story is it ! " &c. p. 14-15.
580 LAW TO PREVENT DUELLING. [1728.
with swords, and Woodbridge was run through the body and immedi-
ately killed. Phillips fled at once to his brother Gillam Phillips, who,
with the aid of their kinsman, Peter Faneuil, * Adam Tuckf and Capt.
John Winslow,{ conveyed him on board the man-of-war Sheerness, then
ready to sail. The murderer thus escaped. He got to Rochelle, in
France, the home of some of his relatives, but he lived only a year to
reflect on the deed which had not only made him the most wretched of
all the wretched, but to reflect also upon the distress and anguish his
conduct had carried to the bosoms of all his friends and the friends of
his victiqi.
The body of Woodbridge was not found until the next morn-
^ ' ing. A Coroner's inquest was immediately held upon it, § and
Governor Dummer issued a Proclamation for the apprehension of Phil-
lips. II A new law was made to prevent duelling, providing that per-
sons engaged in any Avay in a duel, though no injury was done to either
party, should, upon conviction, " be carried publicly in a cart to the
gallows, with a rope about his neck, and set on the gallows an hour,
then to be imprisoned twelve months without bail." The person who
should be killed to be denied " Christian burial," but to be buried
" near the usual place of execution," " with a stake drove through the
body." The survivor to be treated as a wilful murderer, and to be
buried in like manner, " with a stake drove through his body."
* Peter was brother-in-law of G. Phillips. I| The Proclamation was published in the
— Sargent in £^. Trans., 26 April, 1851. Weekly Journal of July 8th. The preamble
t Tuck and Gillam PhilHps belonged to is thus expressed: — "Whereas a barbarous
Christ Church, or owned pews there. The Murder was last night committed on the body
former is styled farrier, and died in 1739, in- of Mr. Benjamin Woodbridge, a young gen-
testate. He appears to have had an extensive tleman resident in the Town of Boston, and
business, and the inventory of his estate Henry Phillips of said Town is suspected to be
amounted to about £1300. He had a brother the Author of the said Murder, and is now
John, and a Robert (Tucke) is mentioned in fled from Justice ; I have," &c. At the close
the probate account. the Proclamation states, — "The said Henry
X Capt. Winslow allowed them the use of his Phillips is a fair young man, about the age of
boat to convey Phillips on board the Sheerness. 22 years, well set and well dressed, and has a
^ The original finding of the Jury being wound in one of his hands."
brief, and at hand, is here copied : — The age of Woodbridge was but about 19 ;
" Suffolk ss. An Inquisition Indented, Taken presuming him to be the same person mentioned
at Boston," &c. " Before William Alden, by Dr. Boylston in 1722, and who was inocu-
Gent., One of the Coroners of Our said Lord lated by him for the Small-pox on the 11th of
the King," &c., " upon the view of the Body May of that year. The connections of Phillips
of Benjamin Woodbridge, then and there being being rich and influential, he was easily con-
dead, by the Oaths of Daniel Powning, Wil- veyed away by them, and they were not called
liam Wheeler, Giles Dulake Tidmarsh, Wil- to account for it.
liam Randall, John Taylor, Sam'l Oakes, Ja- It is mentioned, in the account of the Duel
cob Sheafe, Wm. Young, Sam'l Torrcy, Josh, in the Weekly Journal above cited, that the
Blanchard, William Rand, Sam'l Kneeland, body of Woodbridge was found " about 3 in
Benj. Bridge, James Boyer, Wm. Lambert, the morning, after some hours' search, near
Abraham Wendell, Jr. ; Good and lawful the Powder-house in the Common. The body
men of Boston," " who being sworn, upon was carried to the house of Mr. Jonathan
their Oaths say, that Benjamin Woodbridge Sewall (his partner), and on Saturday last
came to his death with a Sword run through [July 6th] was decently and handsomely in-
his Body by the hands of Henry Phillips of terred ; his funeral being attended by the Corn-
Boston, Merchant, on the Common in s' Bos- mander in Chief, several of the Council, and
ton, on the 3d of this inst., as appears to us by most of the Merchants and Gentlemen of the
sundry evidences. — July 4th, 1728." Town."
WEILILMS-a IBT0IISTII
1728.]
GOVERNOR BURNET.
581
July 19. Governor Dummer being succeeded by William Burnet, Esq.,
July 25. as Governor, the latter soon after entered upon the duties of
the office.* His arrival was enthusiastically hailed, but his administra-
tion was full of difficulty ; not, however, from any faults of his. The
people had long since determined never to submit quietly to Royal Gov-
ernors.! His troubles here were brief. He died on the seventh of
September, 1729. J He was son of Gilbert Burnet, Bishop of Salis-
following day the house -was surrounded with
a vast collection of gentlemen, to attend and
guard His Excellency to Boston ; in his pro-
gress to which he was met near the George [a
Tavern having a sign of the King, in Boston,
near the line dividing Roxbury from Boston],
by the Honorable Lieut. Governor, the Gentle-
men of the Council, etc., who all stepped out
of their coaches and congratulated His Excel-
lency's arrival with all the expressions of an
undissembled joy. Here His Excellency was
received and welcomed by Col. Dudley's regi-
ment. About twelve o'clock, with the attend-
ance of fine troops, a vast number of gentlemen
on horseback, and a great number of coaches
and shaies, he was ushered into Boston, with a
splendor and magnificence superior to what has
ever been known in these parts of the world.
At one of the clock. His Excellency was re-
ceived by the Boston militia, with a train of
Magistrates, etc., and conducted to the Court-
house, where his Commission was opened and
received with uncommon joy. Then the artil-
lery at the Castle and forts, and the cannon
in the ships were discharged amidst the
shouts and huzzas of an almost numberless
multitude. After this His Excellency was
conducted to the Bunch of Grapes a few doors
from the Town-house." He issued his procla-
mation the same day. The Province House not
being ready for his reception, he was accom-
modated at the house of Elisha Cooke,
Esq.
fHis successor told the General Court,
" that the King considered them as having
attempted, by unwarrantable practices, to
weaken, if not to cut ofi" the obedience which
they owed to the Crown." A.nd yet Mr.
Breck said, in his Election Sermon of the 29th
of May of this year, " At the demise of our
late most gracious Sovereign , of blessed mem-
ory, none paid a larger tribute of tears " than
this Province, and " none more heartily re-
joiced at the accession of his present Sacred
Majesty."
J His wife had died in New York at the
close of the last year. News reached Boston
in June, that by a ship at that port Mr. Bur-
net had received a Commission transferring
him to the Government of Massachusetts and
New Hampshire. On the 20th of the same
month the "General Assembly" appointed a
Committee " to repair to the confines of that
part of the Government which it may appear
probable His Excellency may first arrive at,"
to escort him to Boston, and £200 were voted
to be put into the hands of Mr. Sheriff
* Mr. :Mather Byles issued a Poem on the
Governor's arrival, which thus opens : —
" While rising Shouts a Ren'ral Joy proclaim,
And ev'ry Tongue, Bl'rset, lisps tliy name j
To view tliy Face, while crow<ling Armies run,
Whose waving Banners blaze against the Sun,
Anil (leep-mouth'd Cannon, with a thund'ring roar,
Sound thy Commission stretch'd from Shore to Shore."
This is tame compared with the following :
" Welcome, Great Man, to our desiring eyes ;
Thou Earth ! proclaim it ; ■ and resound, ye Skies !
Voice answering Voice, in joyful Consort meet.
The Hills all echo, and the Rocks repeat :
And Thou, Boston, Mistress of the Towns,
Whom the pleas'd Bay, with am'rous Arms, surrounds,
Let thy warm Transports blaze in num'rous ITii-es,
And beaming Glories glitter on thy Spires ;
Let Rockets, streaming, up the Kther glare.
And fJaming Serpents hiss along the Air," &c.
No person had hitherto made a public entry
into the Town, probably, when there had been
anything like the honors shown him that
were now exhibited for Mr. Burnet. The
following notice of it, written at the time,
gives a vivid picture of what the Bostonians of
that day did to honor a Royal Governor's
arrival.
His Excellency arrived at Newport on the
11th of July, "about ten at night," in a
schooner from New York. Here the next
day he was received with great ceremony. On
the following Monday [July 15th], a writer at
Newport says, " His Excellency took his leave
of our Gentlemen, acknowledging his very
handsome reception ; which put the Govern-
ment to the willing expense of about £500 ;
for the Taverns where His Excellency was en-
tertained were ordered to keep open house all
day, and the Governor [of K. I.] ordered the
Treasury to lie open also. In short, this Gov-
ernment never more exerted itself than on this
occasion."
His Excellency proceeded the same day to
Bristol, " and was entertained at Colonel
Paine's." On the 17th he set out for Bos-
ton, "accompanied by the Gentlemen who
went from hence on the 15th, and several
others. All along the road there was hand-
some provision made for him and his company,
Avho had a comfortable journey. The next
night, Thursday, July 18th, they came toDed-
hain, where he was received with all possible
preparations at the house of the Rev. Mr.
[Samuel] Dexter.* On the morning of the
* He was ordained over the First Church in Dedham in
1724. The end of the first century from the establishment
lit' the Church occurred on the 23 Nov. 1738, upon which
occasion Mr. Dexter delivered a Discourse which contains
m:uiy important facts. It was printed the same year.
Sir. Dexter died 29 Jan. 1755. His family pedigree is in
the N. E. Hist, and Gen. Reg., viii. 24.S.
582
NUMBER OF INHABITANTS. SLAVES.
[1728.
bury ; the since well-known author of " Memoirs of his own Times,"
"The Thirty-nine Articles," "Life of the Earl of E-ochester," and
other works of less note.
Governor Burnet possessed good literary attainments, and, though he
made considerable pretensions to a knowledge of theology, he was tol-
erant and liberal for the times. While he resided in Boston he wrote
and published an " Answer to a Letter of a Romish Priest," which
was viewed as a triumphant refutation of Popery.* Five years after
the Governor's death, the General Court voted his children the sum of
3000 pounds as justly due their father.
The ratable polls in Boston were at this time estimated at 3000. f
The number of burials for the year ending in March was 379 whites,
and 106 blacks. Early in the year a Mr. Nathaniel Pigot proposed to
open a school near Mr. Checkley's Meeting-house for the instruction of
Negroes. A good deal of business continued to be carried on in the
Town in buying and selling slaves.|
Winslow to be used in defraying the ex-
penses of his reception, etc. The Committee
of reception consisted of the " Hon. William
Tailer, Esq., Nathanael Byfield, Esq., Samuel
Thaxter, Esq., Spencer Phips, Esq., Mr. Sec-
retary Willard, William Dudley, Esq., and
John Wainwright, Esq."
His demise is thus noticed in the New
Eng. Weekly Jour, of Sept. 8th: — "Last
Tuesday [Sept. 2] Gov. Burnet was taken
ill at his house in Boston, of a feverish distem-
per, which quickly threw him into a degree of
the coma ; and last night, at 25 minutes after
10, to our very great surprise, he expired, in
the 42d year of his age."
The funeral of Governor Burnet was a great
display of respect to his memory, and cost the
Province about eleven hundred pounds. It
was conducted in the manner of such observ-
ances in England. From the arrangements it
appears that he had in his family two sons,
a daughter and " sisters," a steward named
George Burnet, and a French instructor.
These were to be dressed in mourning. Gloves
and rings were distributed to a large number,
and gloves only to still larger numbers.
Among the former were included the mem-
bers of the General Court, ministers of King's
Chapel, three doctors, the bearers. President
of the College, and the women who laid out the
body. Among the latter were the twelve
Under Bearers, Justices, Captains of the
Castle and Man-of-war, Custom-house Offi-
cers, Professors and Fellows of the College,
and Ministers of the Town, who attended the
funeral. Wine "needful" for the Boston
regiment was furnished. The Castle and Bat-
tery guns were discharged.
Giving scarfs at funerals had been prohibited
by the General Court in 1724, " because a
burdensome custom."
* The Refutation in question was printed
without the Governor's name. Its title is
' A Letter from a Romish Priest in Canada,
to One who was taken Captive in her In-
fancy, and Instructed in the Romish Faith,
but Sometime ago returned to this her
Native Country. With an Answer thereto,
by a Person to whom it was communi-
cated."
It may be interesting to the readers of the
History of Boston to have an explanation of
the Letter above referred to. fifteen years
ago (18 April, 1840), my then venerable
friend. Dr. T. M. Harris, of Dorchester, put
into my hands a copy of the Jesuit's Letter,
etc., upon a blank leaf of which was written,
in the autograph of Dr. Belknap, the histo-
rian, the following, which he extracted from
the "Evening Post" of 15 March, 1773:
" Died at Dover, Mrs. Christina Baker, born
there in March, 1688-9 ; and when the Town
was taken and destroyed by the Indians in
Juno following, she was carried captive with
her mother to Canada, and there brought up
in the Romish faith ; uiarried and had several
children ; but upon her husband's death, a
strong desire led her to return to the land of
her nativity, upon an exchange of prisoners in
1714. Upon her return she married Capt.
Thomas Baker, then of Northampton, where
she renounced the Romish religion, and joined
with the Church under the care of the Rev.
Solomon Stoddard. An attempt was made to
recover her by Mons. Siguenot, a Romish
priest, who sent a long and aflectionate letter
to her from Canada ; which being laid before
the late Governor Burnet, his Excellency wrote
a solid and judicious confutation of the erro-
neous principles therein advanced." The per-
son which tlje Jesuit endeavored to reclaim was
a daughter of Richard Otis. — See N. E. Hist,
and Gen. Reg., v. 181, etc.
f Douglass, Summary, i. 521.
i The dealers mentioned last year continued
to advertise Negroes, and there were often new
arrivals: April 1st. " Mr. Henry Richards "
wanted to sell " a parcel of likely Negro boys,
1728.]
TRINITY CHURCH.
583
TRINITV CHURCH.
^ ^.j ^g Steps appear to have been taken about the end of April for
^" " ■ the formation of a third Episcopal Church.*
Land was at this time purchased of William Speakman at the • corner
of Summer-street and Bishop 's-alley, now Ilawley-street, by Leonard
Vassall, John Barnes, John Gibbons, apothecary, who were "with all
convenient speed immediately " to erect a Church on it, to be contrived
in a manner " most conducing to the decent and
regular performance of divine service, according to
the rubrick of the Common Prayer Book, used by
the Church of England, as by law established."
The advance of this Church was, however, very
slow. Six years elapsed before its corner-stone was
laid, t The pulpit was supplied by the Ministers
of the other two Churches generally, until 1740 ; in
which year, on the eighth of May, Mr. Addington
Davenport became its regular Minister. It had
received the name of Trinity Church. The first
officers were William Speakman and Joseph Dowse, Wardens ; Law-
rence Lutwych, Charles Apthorp, William Coffin, James Griffin, John
Marrett, Henry Laughton, Peter Kenwood, John Arbuthnot, Benjamin
Faneuil, Rufus Green, Philip Dumaresq, Thomas Aston, and John
Hamack, Vestry-men ; John Crosby, Clerk ; John Hooker, Sexton. J
Stamp ofiices were expected to be established in New England.
News had reached Philadelphia, about the end of December, that Sir
William Keith had obtained the grant of a commission to set up such
offices. This unwelcome news was published in Boston in the course of
the following month. §
Boston then was within the Diocese of Lon-
don. Mr. Price was rector of King's Chapel.
He returned to England in 1747.
X Succession of Rectors, after Mr. Daven-
port : —
William Hooper, inducted 28 Aug. 1747. d.
5 April, 17G7.
William Walter, Asst. Oct. 1763, Eector
17G7, left 1775.
Samuel Parker, Asst. 1774, Rect. 1799, d
7 Dec. 1804.
John Sylvester John Gardiner, Asst. 1792
Rect. 1805, d. 1830.
Geo. W. Doane, Asst. 1828, Rect. 1830.
left 1833.
John H. Hopkins, Asst. Feb. 1831, left
Nov. 1832.
Jona. Mayhew Wainwright, Rect. Mar.
1833, left. Jan. 1838.
JohniC. Watson, Asst. 1 June, 1836.
Mantion Eastburn, Rect. 1843.
Joha Cotton Smith.
Thomas M. Clark, Asst. 1847, left 1851.
Henry Vandyke Johns, Asst. May, 1851.
^ New Ens;land Weekly Journal, 27 Jan.
1729. — "All Bills, Bonds, Deeds, Writs,
etc., as in England," were to pay stamp duties.
and one girl, arrived from Nevis, and were
brought from Guinea." "To be seen at the
house of Mr. Elias Parkman, mast-maker, at
the North End." April 22d. "Two very
likely Negro girls. Enquire two doors from
the Brick Meeting-houso in Middle-street. At
which place is to be sold women's stays, chil-
dren's good callamanco stiffned-boddy'd coats,
and children's stays of all sorts, and women's
hoop-coats; all at very reasonable rates."
These are merely given as a specimen from a
large number ; but I do not remember to have
seen any other notice of Hoop-coats and
Negroes being for sale at the same shop.
* " By reason that the Chapel is full, and
no pews to be bought by new comers."
fUpon which was engraved, "Trinity
Church. This Corner Stone was laid by
THE Rev. Mr. Commissary Price, the 15th
A;)/-/'/, 1734." Commissary (Roger) Price de-
rived his commissaryship from the Bishop of
London. He preached the first sermon in the
Church, August 15th, 1735 ; Gov. Belcher
being present. The Bishop of London was at
this time Edmund Gibson, since so favorably
known as an accurate antiquary, and for his
edition of the celebrated Camden's Britannia.
584 THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH TAKEN DOWN. [1728.
The South Church was begun to be taken down, after having
" stood for about threescore years." The event was looked
upon as one of great and reverential interest.* A " Publick
'. Fast " was kept, agreeably to the proclamation of the Governor ;
in which proclamation, as in others of the time, the divine blessing was
" particularly " besought in favor of " our Sovereign Lord the King,
with his Royal Consort our most Gracious Queen, the Royal Issue, and
the rest of the Royal Family." On the first of the month the anniver-
sary of the birth of Queen Caroline " was observed with abundant
demonstrations of loyalty and joy." The guns of the Castle were dis-
charged, and the Governor and Council " with many other gentlemen
repaired to the Town-house, where suitable provision was made for
celebrating the same at the public charge."
The General Court having been transferred to Salem in Octo-
ber last, the people of Boston were displeased at the measure,
and a motion was made at their Town-meeting in March, " That the
Town would take into consideration the extraordinary circumstances of
their present Representatives."! Their "respective allowances, as
stated by law," were voted them, " and the further sum of 120 pounds
to be equally divided between them." There had been a difference
between the Representatives and the Governor, chiefly arising from the
subject of a salary for the latter. But no Royal Governor Avas prepared
to meet a people so different from the subjects he had left at home.
Here they were subjects only in name, notwithstanding their pretensions
to, and protestations of, loyalty. Consequently difficulties increased.
Salaries had been fixed for Governors in all the Colonies but in those of
New England. In his Speech at the opening of the Session at Salem,
* The following notice of it appeared in the motion, the records express that, " Forasmuch
New England Weekly Journal of 3d March, as the last Session of the General Court was
1729: " The last Friday was kept as a day of continued to an unusual length, (viz.) from
prayer by the South Church and Congregation the 24th of July last to the 2(Jth ot December
in this Town, upon occasion of taking down following, and from the 31st of October last
their Old Cedar Meeting-house, and building a was held at Salem, which necessarily exposed
new one of brick ; which is to stand in the the said Representatives to unusual charge as
same place. The Rev. Mr. Prince preached in well as great fatigue and hardships. And
the forenoon, and the Rev. Mr. Sewall in the whereas the said Members have behaved them-
afternoon. Yesterday was the last time of selves as very loyal Subjects to our most
meeting in their Old House, which has stood Gracious Sovereign King George the Second,
for about threescore years, it being built in the and steadfastly adhered to the .rights and privi-
beginning of 1669. This day they begin to leges of the people of this Province, and have
take it down." The "stone foundation was been hitherto extraordinarily prevented any
begun to be laid, March 31, 7 foot below the allowances ; Therefore," the vote, as recorded
pavement of 'the street." The old house " was in the text. It should be remembered that the
near 75 feet long, and near 51 wide ; besides Governor, being thwarted in his demand for a
the southern, eastern, and western porches ; fixed salary, would not execute the necessary
the length of this is near 95 feet, breadth near documents to enable the Representatives to
68, besides the western tower, and eastern and draw their pay ; and it is well known that the
southern porches." — Ibid., 28 April. Boston members were the great cause of the
While the new house was in building, the opposition to fixing a salary for their Chief
South Society were accommodated in that of Magistrate ; and that they were instructed to
the First Church. The season for building persevere in their opposition by a Committee
was a remarkably fine one. — See Wisner, iZz's^ raised by the Town for that purpose; hence,
Old South, 26-7. to obviate the influence of Boston over the
f" After mature deliberation" upon the Court, the Governor convened it at Salem.
1729.]
WILLIAM WELSTEED. GOVERNOR BELCHER.
585
' the Governor said he expected a compliance with the King's
^" ■ instructions in that particular, but nothing was done, and he
adjourned the Court to meet in Cambridge in August following. This
increased his troubles, for it was complained that he adjourned the Court
from one place to another, to harass them into a compliance with his
measures. Meantime he fell sick of a fever, and died, as already
stated, in Boston. Some attributed his death to a severe cold which he
took, a little time before, from the overturning of his carriage on " Cam-
bridge Causeway ; " by which accident he fell into the water. Others
insinuated that the perplexities he had met with in his government
brought on the fever of which he died.
On the nineteenth of July deceased William Welsteed, Esq.,
a considerable merchant of this place, and late one of his
July 19.
Majesty's Justices for the County of Suffolk ; a person of singular worth
and usefulness." * When a young man he came near being swallowed
up by an earthquake ;f "he saw the Point at Jamaica sink down in a
moment into the Sea, and was himself drawn out of the boiling waters
by a gracious Providence for a blessing and honor to his Country."
Mr. Dummer reassumed the administra-
tion of affairs, but was superseded by
Mr. Belcher I in August of the following
year. The latter applied himself with " all
his powers " for the office, and succeeded in
obtaining a commission for it, with
^^^^ ' which he arrived in Boston in the small
man-of-war Blandford, of twenty guns, Capt.
George Protheroe, who had distinguished him-
self in the Mediterranean under Admiral Bing.
Mr. Shute might have returned and taken upon
him the office of Governor, but his experi-
ence of governing people here admonished him
to decline it, which he very prudently did.
GOT. BELCHER.
* He was the father of the Rev. William
Welsteed of the New Brick Church (see page
311), who was ordained 27 Mar. 1728, died
29 April, 1725. "Mrs. Mary Welsteed, the
mother-in-law of the Rev. Mr. Welsteed, who
attended his remains to the grave, was taken
ill a few days after, and died on Thursday
last [26 April], and was buried yesterday. "►—
Boston Gazette, 1 May, 1753.
Dr. Samuel Mather preached " A Funeral
Discourse after the decease of the Rev. Mr.
Welsteed, who died April 29th, and Mr. Ellis
Gray, who died on Jan. 7th preceding it;"
but it contains no fixcts relative to the former,
but of the latter he says ho was in his 37th
year. The wife of Rev. Mr. Welsteed was
Mary, sister of Governor Hutchinson. See p.
227.
f See ante, pages 490, 493 and 521.
j Col. William Tailer had, however, a brief
74
authority ; his commission of Lieut. Governor
having been received and published before Mr.
Belcher's arrival.
The residence of Gov. Dummer was in Or-
ange-street, near Hollis. — Shaw.
" At the beginning of Orange-street, next
to Mr. Henshaw's, northerly, before you come
to Bennet-street." — Ibid., 291.
Gov. Belcher resided in Orange-street in
1732. Shaw says he resided in King-street,
and that the State Bank occupied the site of
his residence. I locate him by the Selectmen's
books, in which they record, Jan. 12th, that
" His Excellency Gov. Belcher had liberty
granted him to dig up the pavement to carry
a drain from his house in Orange-street," etc.
Dr. Colman preached the Lecture-sermon,
Aug. 13th, following Mr. Belcher's arrival, at
which the Governor was present. The day
before, viz., Aug. 12th, the " Associated Pas-
586 SMALL-POX. DEATH OF CHIEF JUSTICE SEWALL. [1729-30.
The case was different with Mr. Belcher ; for, though he came as the
King's Governor, he was a native of Boston, and he thought perhaps,
that if the emoluments of the office did not make up for the 500 pounds
which he had advanced to secure the appointment of Mr. Shute, thirteen
years before, which he was still out of, perhaps it might be made up in
honors.
The Small-pox again visited Boston, and its ravages were extensive.
It was brought here by a vessel from Ireland the preceding autumn, but
was kept within the bounds of a few families until the beginning of
March of this year, when, "the watches being removed, it had free
course, and Inoculation was allowed." It continued till October. In
consequence of which the General Court was convened at Cambridge.
About 4,000 had the disease, of which about 500 died ; or about one
fell a victim of every eight who were seized with it. At this time, again.
Inoculation was shown to be of great advantage ; for those who opposed
the practice hitherto, allowed that but one in thirty-three of those
inoculated died.* The measles were also severe in the preceding year,
and in this also, which was fatal to many, especially to the young.
J The very beginning of the year 1730 is marked by the death
of an extraordinary man. This was the Hon. Samuel Sewall,
Chief Justice of the Province. He was a scholar, possessed remarkable
industry, and sterling integrity. Few men of that age, few indeed,
have left to posterity a memory so fondly to be cherished, as that of
Chief Justice Sewall. He Avas in the seventy- eighth year of his age,
and had lived in New England about seventy years. Seven days after
his decease, Mr. Prince of the Old South, whose parishioner the deceased
was, preached his funeral sermon, f And it must be allowed that it
tors of the Town waited on His Excellency " father. The oldest son of the Mayor, also
with an Address, which, being full of loyalty, named Henry, was the father of the Judge,
was replied to by him in a corresponding and came to Newbury in 1634. Mr. Henry
strain. The Sermon and Addresses were Sewall married (25 March, 16-lG) Jane, the
printed. oldest child of Mr. Stephen and Mrs. Alice
* Dr. Douglass, who says there was never Dummer, of Newbury. Mr. and Mrs. Dum-
any exact account taken of the number who mer returned to England in the Avinter of
had the Small-pox, or those who died of it. 1646-7, and Mr. and Mrs. Sewall with them.
t A copy of this excellent Sermon is now There, at Bishop Stoke, in Hampshire, March
before me, to which is appended " An Account 28th, 1652, Samuel Sewall was born. His
of the Deceased from the Weekly News-Letter, father returned to New England in 1659, and.
No. 158. Corrected. Boston, January 8, having sent for his family, they accordingly
1729-30." This account, although extracted came over, and landed in Boston on the 6th of
from the News-Letter, was no doubt by Mr. July, 1661.
Prince, who had had the substance of it, prob- Samuel Sewall grad. H. C. 1671. On 28
ably, from time to time, from the Chief Justice Feb. 1675-6, he married Hannah, the only
himself. The length of the " Account " ex- dau. of Hon. John Hull, by whom he inher-
cludes it from this note, excepting in a brief ited a large estate for that day, upon which
abridgment. " On the first of this instant, event he settled in Boston. In 1684 he was
at half an hour past five in the morning, made a magistrate. In the time of the Revolu-
after about a month's languishment, died at tion of 1688 he was in England, but returned
his house here, the Honorable Samuel Sew- the next year. In 1692 he received the ap-
ALL, Esq., in the 78th year of his age ; who pointment of Counsellor, to which he was
has for above forty years appeared a great annually chosen till 1725, when he resigned ;
ornament of this Town and Country." " having outlived all the others nominated "
Henry Sewall, Mayor of Coventry, in the under the new Charter. He was Judge in
County of Warwick, England, was his grand- 1692, Chief Justice in 1718, in which he con-
1730.] END OP THE FIRST CENTURY. 587
could have fallen to the lot of no one to perform that duty better quali-
fied for it. He not only possessed a congenial mind with the deceased,
but he had enjoyed a long acquaintance with him, and his special
friendship. Judge Sewall had known Boston since 1661 ; he had
known personally many of its Fathers, and had inquired of them con-
cerning their first coming to settle here. Much of the information thus
obtained he had noted down, and much of it he communicated to Mr.
Prince.
At the May session of the General Court the same able Minis-
ter preached the Election Sermon. Whether his appointment
was made in expectation that he would review the Century now about to
close since Boston was settled, does not appear. Certain it is, however,
the discourse then delivered is replete with historical information, and
a better Century Sermon would hardly be expected, had this at the
Election been so denominated. " How extremely proper it is," he
said, "upon the close of the First Century of our settlement in this
chief part of the Land, which will now within a few weeks expire, to
look back to the beginning of this remarkable transaction."* It has
been generally said, that, owing to the Small-pox, the expiration of the
century was not observed in Boston, It does not appear that the Gov-
ernment of the Town did take any action for its celebration or observ-
ance. But, besides this Discourse by Mr. Prince, there was one by
Mr. Foxcroft to the First Church, expressly for the occasion, f
The Thursday Lecture of Mr. Webb, in 1730-1, is much of the nature
of a Century Sermon. It was preached " in the Time of the Sessions
of the Great and General Court," and has for its introductory title,
*' The Great Concern of New England." |
tinned till 1728, when lie resigned. He was gregation, Aug. 23, 1730. Being the last
also Judge of Probate 1715 to 1728. His Sabbath of the first Century since its settle-
wife died 19 Oct., 1717. He m. secondly, Mrs. ment." His text was Psalm 80. By a ref-
Abigail Tilly, and thirdly, Mrs. Mary Gibbs, erence to a former page (548) it will be seen
wlio survived him. He had children only by that Mr. Foxcroft had preached to the First
the first, viz., seven sons and seven daughters ; Church about 14 years. In a note to his
of whom but two of the former and one of the Preface he says, " Feb. 1716-17. By Vote
Litter survived their father. — Ibid. He kept a of the Church I entered on stated Prcach-
Diary, soon to be published, it is hoped. ing-"
* To this passage the Author makes the fol- % In this Lecture Mr. Webb lays down the
lowing note : — "On Saturday, June 12, 1G30, following propositions : " I. We are the Pos-
arrived in Salem river the Arrabella, with Gov. terity of God's Covenant People; and may
Winthrop and some of his Assistants, bring- with humility call the Lord God of our
ing the Charter of the Massachusetts Colony Fathers, our God. II. This God was in a
and therewith the Government transferred very peculiar manner present with our Fathers.
hither. The other ten ships of the fleet, And therefore, HI. it highly concerns vs, at
with Deputy Gov. Dudley and the other this day, earnestly to desire and endeavor, that
Assistants, arrived in Salem and Charles rivers the Lord ovr God may be with us, as He icas
before July 11th. In the same month the loith our Fathers ; arid that He would not leave
Governor, Deputy Governor and Assistants, us, nor forsake us.'" Notwithstanding he
came with their goods to Charlestown. And afterwards says : ^' There arc many aivful signs
the first Court of Assistants was held there on of God's gradual ivithdrawing from vs.'' —
Aug. 23, the same year." See ante, p. 93. Among the " signs " he mentions " a flood of
f It is thus entitled : " Observations His- irreligion and prophaneness come in upon us.
torical and Practical on the Rise and Primitive So much terrible cursing and swearing, per-
State of New England. With special refer- nicious lying, slandering and backbiting,
ence to the Old or first gathered Chui-ch in cruel injustice and oppression, rioting and
Boston. A Sermon preached to the said Con- drunkenness," etc.
588 HEIRS OP THOMAS GOFFE. [1730.
The town was divided into eight Wards, in 1715. This year the
matter of wards was again considered by the Selectmen, but no altera-
tion was made in their number or boundaries ; while both were
enumerated and confirmed, and reentered upon their records, " accord-
ing to the assessment then agreed upon." At that time gentlemen in
each ward were appointed " to visit the families in the several wards,
to prevent and suppress disorders, to inspect disorderly persons, the
circumstances of the poor, and the education of their children." The
manner of visiting remained the same, and was performed by "the
Justices, Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, Assessors and Constables,"
probably without regard to their being residents of the wards assigned
them.*
There had been a claim of an interesting nature hanging over the
Colony many years, which was now revived. It was first urged, per-
haps, in 1718, by "one Sarah Watts," of London, as heir-at-law to
Deputy Governor Thomas Gofife, one of the twenty-six original Paten-
tees of Massachusetts, in virtue of his advances to the Massachusetts
Company. She claimed a twenty-sixth part of the Province ; but,
being baffled and foiled by the Massachusetts Agent in London, expenses
were incurred, until " the poor woman was at last arrested and thrown
into Newgate for debt, where she perished."! The claim, however, did
not end with the life of the " poor woman," though it appears to have
lain dormant until the present year. In the mean time a son of Sarah
Watts had emigrated to New England and settled in Boston. He
bore the name of Robert Rand, and was in the humble occupation of
sail-making. He petitioned the General Court for " a grant of a quan-
tity of the waste lands " on account of the claim ; setting forth that
"he was the eldest son of Sarah Watts, and next of kin, by the
mother's side, to his uncle, Thomas GofPe, Esq." No notice appears to
have been taken of the petition at this time. He petitioned again in
1734, at which time he says " that his great-uncle, Thomas Gofife,
Esq., after large adventures and great expense in bringing forward and
planting this Colony, took a voyage hither, but died in the passage.
* These early Wards were thus named and Change Ward, northerly by the south side of
numbered : North Ward was No. 1 ; Fleet, King and Queen streets, by the north side of
No. 2 ; Bridge, No. 3 ; Creek, No. 4 ; King's, Milk-street, thence the west side of Marlbor-
No. 5 ; Change, No. G ; Pond, No. 7 ; and ough-street as far as Eawson's lane, tlie north
Sorith, No. 8. - side thereof and the north side of the Common.
The North Ward comprised all north of Pond Ward, northerly by the south side of
Fleet and Bennet streets. Fleet Ward, all be- Milk-street, thence the east side of Marlbor-
tween Fleet and Bennet streets, and Wood and ough as far as Rawson's lane, the south side
Beer lanes. Bridge Ward, northerly by Wood thereof, southerly by the north side of West
and Beer lanes, and southerly by the Mill and Pond streets. Blind lane, and thence to the
Creek. Creek Ward, from the Mill Creek, and north side of Summer-street. South Ward,
southerly by the north side of Wing's lane, northerly by the south side of Summer, down
and from the upper end thereof, the north side to Church Green, the south side of Blind lane,
of Hanover-street to the Orange Tree and the of West and Pond streets, and southerly by the
north-east side of Cambridge-street, southerly Town's southern bounds.
by the north side of King and Queen streets to f Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., ii. 225, who ap-
the southward of the Writing-School house, pears to have known nothing further about
Mr. Cotton's house the southernmost house, the matter ; or he takes no further notice of it.
1730.] HOLLIS-STREET CHURCH. 589
That the Petitioner's grandmother was sister to Mr. Gofte ; and that he
is eldest son to her daughter, and is now in low and necessitous circum-
stances." Thus the case stood in the beginning of March, 1734 ; and
in the next month his petition was granted, by allowing him 1000
acres of the unappropriated lands of the Province ; — by which grant
the justness of the claim may be considered as established.
On the opening of the General Court, Mr. Samuel Fisk,
^^ " ■ of the First Church of Salem, preached the Election Sermon.*
^ Another newspaper, called " The Weekly Rehearsal," was
°^*' " ■ commenced in September of this year. It was established by
the afterwards well-known Jeremy Gridley, who, however, continued it
but about a year. The Printer was "J. Draper," who "took in"
advertisements. In 1733, Thomas Fleet became its proprietor, who
kept at the "Heart and Crown" in Cornhill. The Rehearsal was dis-
continued in August, 1735. It was of the usual size of papers of that
time, already described.!
Notwithstanding public schools had been established from time to
time, thought sufficient for the accommodation of the children of the
Town, private individuals often undertook to add to those advantages
by setting up others. At the beginning of this year Mr. Richard
Champion was allowed to open a School, in which he proposed to teach
" writing, arithmetic, navigation, and other parts of mathematics."
What success he met with does not appear. J
As the southerly part of the Town increased in families, the want of
another Church began to be felt. Governor Belcher was one of the
foremost for a new Church, and proposed to give a piece of ground in
Ilollis-street on which to erect one. Accordingly, a meeting was
held at the house of Mr. Hopestill Foster, where a Society was
formed. This was the orig-in of HoUis-street Church. ^ The
*That of the previoua year, at Salem, was Champion, Esq., late Dep. Paymaster General
by Mr. Jeremiah Wise, of Berwick. It was a of his Majestie's Forces," published " Consid-
very elaborate performance, — 54 close 8vo erations on the Present Situation of Great
pages. He strongly recommended a com- Britain and the United States of America," in
pliance with the requests and requirements of which he pretty ably attacked Lord Sheffield's
tlie Rulers ; spoke with enthusiasm of the late " Observations."
reigning Monarchs of England, whom he ^ The street was named in honor of Thomas
prayed might " live forever." Mr. Fisk'swas Ilollis, Esq., of London, a great benefactor to
much in the same strain. " What Province," New England, and especially to Harvard Col-
he asks, ■" subject to the British Crown, more lege; and it is remarkable that he died in the
values the Royal Family and Succession, or early part of this year (22 January, 1731), in
more constantly and heartily prays for the honor of whose memory the Church now
King, than this ? " erected also bears his name. There were three
f Fleet began another paper the following sermons published, preached on the news of
week, namely, Monday. August 18th, which Mr. Hollis's death being received here, but
he called " The Boston Evening Post," said by neither of them contain the date of his death.
Dr. Thomas to be the best Ne^rspaper then Dr. Colman's was the first, being " preached
published in Boston. "Fleet," he says, at the Lecture," April 1st, " Before His Ex-
*' was a wit and no bigot, was not a great cellency tlie Governor, and the General Court,
friend to itinerant preachers, etc. He con- upon the News of the Death of the much Hon-
tinued it till his death in 1758, and his two ored Thomas Ilollis, Esq., the most generous
eons, Thomas and John carried it on till the and noble Patron of Learning and Religion in
war stopped it, in 1775." the Churches of New England." Mr. IloUis'a
J About fifty years after this, " Richard age was 72.
590 HOLLIS- STREET CHURCH. [1731.
first meetin*^ was composed of William Payn, Samuel Wells, John
Clough, Caleb Eddy, John Bennett, Silence Allen, Thomas Walker,
John Walker, Israel How, John Blake, Henry Gibbon, Joseph Pay son,
James Day, Hopestill Foster, Ebenezer Clough, Thomas Trott, Thomas
Melvin, Thomas Clough, Sutton Byles, Alden Bass, Benjamin Russell,
Joseph Ilambleton, Nathaniel Fairfield, John Goldsmith, Isaac Loring,
and William Cunningham.
In April following, a petition was presented to the Select-
men, signed by Samuel Wells, William Payn, Caleb Eddy, John
Clough, and Henry Gibbon, asking for liberty to build a Meeting-house
and house for the Ministry, near the Main street leading to Roxbury,
of timber, which was granted. A house was commenced, forty by
thirty feet, with a steeple, and was finished and dedicated on the eight-
eenth of June, 1732. On the fourteenth of November following, the
Church was formed, and their Covenant was drawn up by the Rev. Dr.
Joseph Sewall, of the Old South.
Three years after the House was finished, a bell was given by Mr.
Thomas Hollis, of London, a nephew of the great benefactor of the
same name. Its weight was 800 pounds. The ship in which it
came was commanded by Capt. John Homans, who arrived on Sun-
day, April 14th, 1734, and the bell was soon after placed in the belfry.
This donation is said to have been made at the suggestion of Governor
Belcher.
The first Meeting-house in Hollis-street
was burnt in the extensive fire of the four-
teenth of April, 1787.* The following
year another was completed, on the same
spot, and like the former was constructed
of wood, but it had two steeples instead of
one. It is this Church a view of which is
given in the margin. It stood until 1810,
when it was taken down and removed to
Braintree. The House now standing is of
HOLLIS-STREET CHURCH. i • i i j i l^ ni i t-
brick, and was consecrated on the ^Ist ot
January, 1811. It is about seventy-nine by seventy-six feet, exclusive
of the tower, and contained 130 pews on the floor, and thirty- eight in
the gallery. The Steeple is 196 feet in height, f
The first Minister was the Rev. Mather Byles, who was ordained
December 20th, 1732. He continued its pastor till 1777, when he was
dismissed ; being one of the very few Tory Ministers of the country.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Ebenezer Wight, who was ordained
February 25th, 1778, and was dismissed, at his request, in September,
* Miss J. Fenno, in her volume of Poems, The House of God, wherein our friend did preach,
p. G5, has one '/ On the Dreadful Conflagra- ^ solemn lesson unto us may teach," etc.
tion in iJoston in 1787,'' and thus alludea to f It was struck by lightning on the 8th of
the burning of the Church : April, 1837, when lire was communicated to
the wood-work supporting the iron spire, which
was not quenched until the vane had fallen.
1731.] DEATHS — OLIVER, GREEN, JEKYLL. 591
1788. The third Minister was the Rev. Samuel West, who was installed
March 12th, 1789, and died April 10th, 1808, at the age of seventy.
To him succeeded the Rev. Horace Holly, installed in March, 1809,
who was dismissed 24 August, 1818. He died on the 31st. of July,
1827, at the age of forty years and five months. The Rev. John Pier
pont was ordained April 14th, 1819, dismissed May 10th, 1845. Rev.
David Fosdick, Jr., ordained in 1846, dismissed in 1847. In 1848
Thomas Starr King was settled there, and is the present Minister.
The Act providing for the safe keeping of powder "being
'^^ ■ found not sufficient to prevent the breaches of that Act," an
explanatory Act was passed, " for erecting a Powder-house in Boston."
It was now provided that if any persons were found to have powder in
their possession, without license, above a stipulated quantity, the Avhole
should be forfeited, and the former penalties were doubled.
An additional law was also made for the suppression of lotteries ;
" the good and wholesome design and true intent of the aforesaid Act
being very much eluded and evaded, to the great discouragement of
trade and industry, and grievous hurt and damage of many unwary
people."
The Town met with a severe loss this year in the death of
the Hon. Daniel Oliver, one of his Majesty's Council, " and
one of the most considerable merchants of this place." He was in
his sixty-ninth year. Of the Third Church he was one of the princi-
pal founders. He was distinguished for eminent piety, humility and
charity.* He was a great promoter of Schools, and of means lor
benefiting the poor, f
Mr. Jonathan Bowman was ordered to take care of the
°" ■ Water-engine that stands near the Old North Meeting-house.
He lived in Lynn-street.
Mr. Bartholomew Green died in his sixty-fifth year. He was
' " ' the Publisher of the Weekly News-Letter, and Printer to the
House of Representatives. Mr. Green was held in much esteem ; was
one of the Deacons of the Old South Church, "and one who had
much of that primitive piety in him which has always been the distin-
guishing glory of New England." j
On the 30th of December occurred the death of John Jekyll,
Esq. He was about forty-nine years of age, and had been Col-
lector of this Port twenty-five years ; having been appointed in 1707.
* Funeral Sermon by Rev. Thomas Prince, had been the Editor of this paper for about ten
See also ante, ]p. 203, for an account of his years, " and the principal printer of this Town
family. and Country near forty years." Samuel
t" In his will, among other legacies, he be- Green was his father, also a printer, who
stowed a pretty large house, called the Spin- came to New England in 1630, in the same
ni7iff School, for which use he first designed it, ship with Gov. Dudley. He lived in Cam-
and which cost him £G00. This house, with bridge, and died there, Jan. 1,1701-2, aged
the profits (about £40 a year) , he gave forever 87. John Draper, who continued the News-
to support a school, to learn poor children to Letter on the death of Bartholomew Green,
read the Scriptures, etc." — Prince. See ante, was his son-in-law. Samuel Green, Jr.,
p. 5G0-1. brother of Bartholomew, whose wife is so
X News-Letter o( 1 Jan. 1733. — Mr. Green much praised by John Dunton, has been no-
592
TREES ON THE COMMON.
[1732
The well-known Thomas Jekyll, D. D., was his father, and he was
nephew to Sir Joseph Jekyll. His disease was consumption.*
CHAPTER LX.
Death of Joseph Maylem. — Order respecting Trees on the Common. — Respecting a Fence. — Seven
Fire Engines. — Valley Acre. — Death of Judge Byfield. — First Prayer at a Funeral. — Granary
at the North End. — Death of John Dunton — of Thomas Fayerweather. — First Appearance of
Free Masons. — Gen. Oglethorpe expected. — Numbers Taxed. — Death of Samuel Granger —
of the Gunner of the Castle. — Light-house repaired. — Market-houses established. — Paper-Money
Troubles. — Overseers of the Poor. — Work-house. — Death of Edward Bromfield. — Another News-
paper. — Town Library. — A Dancing School. — New Instrument for Surveying invented. — Town
Divided into Twelve Wards. — Watchmen to cry the Time of Night. — Porters Regulated. — A
Fast. — AVest Church founded. — A Work-house. — Death of Benjamin Wadsworth — of Elisha
Cooke. — Quakers relieved. — Death of Nathaniel Williams. — Hospital at Rainsford's Island. —
Chelsea set otf. — Duty laid on Negroes. — Death of Elisha Calleuder. — Bridge to Cambridge
proposed.
Jan. 29.
ON the 29th of January, Mr. Joseph Maylem
died, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. " He
kept a noted (private) house in School-street for the en-
tertainment of strangers. By his will he left five pounds
to each of the Rev. Ministers, and twenty to the poor
of the South Church." f His sons, Mark and John, were
executors.
At the Town-meeting in March it was voted
that "the row of trees already planted on the
BYFiELD.j Common should be taken care of by the Select-men,"
who were at the same time instructed to plant another row at a suitable
distance from the former, and to set up a row of posts with a rail on the
top of them ; which posts and rails were to extend " through the Com-
mon from the Burying-Place § to Colonel Fitche's fence, leaving open-
March.
ticed. That probably justly-admired lady was
Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. Joseph Sill, an
officer in Philip's war. — Thomas, Hist. Print.,
i. 281, and MS. notes of Melvin Lord, Esq.
On the 30th of Jan. 1734, the " Printing-
Ilouse belonging to the widow and children of
the late Deacon Green, at the South End,"
was burned. In it two printing-presses were
destroyed, also a great quantity of type ; very
little saved. The fire took about 12 o'clock at
night. No other buildings burned.
*Mr. Jekyll was a gentleman much re-
spected. He was born in England, and was
for a time in the retinue of Lord Paget, in
which capacity he resided at the Court of
Vienna. He married first a dau. of Mr.
Thomas Clark, of New York ; second, the
widow of Archibald Cumming, Esq., Sur-
veyor and Searcher of the Port of Boston. Mr.
Jekyll left five sons and two daughters. —
Weekly Journal, 1 Jan. 1733, and News-Letter,
Jan. 4th. The island near Savannah, called
Jekyll's Island, was so named by Gen. Ogle-
thorp, in honor of Sir Thomas Jekyll, Master
of the Rolls, mentioned in the text. Sir
Joseph died about 1739. — Leycester Corres.
in Camden Soc. Introd., p. iii. John Jekyll,
second son of the late Collector, succeeded his
father in the Collectorship. He was married
in Philadelphia, 20 Oct. 1734, to " Mrs. Mar-
garet Shippe, a beautiful young lady."
t Weekly Rehearsal, 5 Feb., 1733._ (No. 71.)
— His widow, "a very discreet, industrious
woman," died on the 6th of March following.
The John Mylam, heretofore mentioned, may
have been the father of Joseph Maylem whose
decease is noticed in the text.
J The Arms of Byfield are copied from the
tomb-stone of the family in the Granary
Burying-ground ; not as it now appears, but ag
it was. The tomb having passed into the Lyde
family, as hereafter may be seen, the name of
Lyde was engraven on the shield, in chief.
^ The Granary is here meant.
1733.] DEATH OF JUDGE BYFIELD. 593
ings at the several streets and lanes." * It was five years before a sim-
ilar fence separated the Granary Burying-ground from the Common ;
then (in 1739) one was ordered to be " set up " from Common-street to
Beacon.
At this period there were seven engines for extinguishing fires
"^ " ' in the Town. One was kept under the Town-house ; one at the
North Watch-house ; one in Summer-street ; one at the Prison ; one at
the Dock ; one near the New North Meeting-house ; one, " the Copper
Engine," by the North Meeting-house, f
A Committee of the Selectmen, consisting of David Colson,|
■ Joshua Winslow, and William Downe, was appointed " to see
that Capt. Cyprian Southack secure his hill near Valley Acre, by rails
or otherwise, that people may not be in danger." §
On the sixth of June occurred the death of Judge Nathaniel
By field, in the eightieth year of his age ; a gentleman of great
worth, with whose name the readers of this History have already become
familiar. He was a grandson of Mr. Kichard Byfield, who, in Shaks-
peare's time, preached at Stratford-upon-Avon, and son of Mr. Kichard
Byfield, Pastor of Long Ditton, in Surrey, || who, being ejected upon
the restoration, spent the remainder of his days at Mortlake, rendered
somewhat famous as the residence of the celebrated astrologer and phy-
sician, Dr. John Dee.
* A similar fence was kept up until 1836, year he had liberty to build a house of wood
when the present iron one was substituted, at on his land, on the corner of Newbury-street
an expense of 82,159.85 dollars ; 16,292 dol- and Frog-lane. In March, 1733, he was " to
lairs of which'were raised by private subscrip- have the old buildings upon the Dock for £28,
tion. Its length is 5,932 feet, or a mile and taking them down as soon as may be, and
one eighth, nearly, and encloses 48| acres, leveling the rubbish." Dr. Adam CoUson was
The Common is usually said to contain 50 of Boston, 1746.
acres. § Valley Acre, as appears from an early map
f The names of those who had charge, or of the Town, was adjacent to a spur of Beacon
were Captains, of the engines, are as follow Hill, which extended north-easterly from the
(in the order of the text ) : — James Reed, with main hill, terminating abruptly not far from
12 men ; Mr. Jona. Bowman, with 16 ; Wm. the present northern termination of the iron
Wheeler, with 13 ; Wm. Young, with 15 ; fence in Pemberton square.
Thomas Pain, with 13 ; John Earl, with 11 ; || Mr. Nicholas Byfield, Vicar of Isleworth,
Joshua Baker, with 9 men. in Middlesex, was his half-brother, and hence.
To form a correct idea of what sort o/ ma- uncle to our Judge Byfield. Adoniram By-
chines, " Water Engines," as they were then field, the distinguished Puritan Divine and
called, were, the following notice is extracted : Author, was cousin to the Judge, being a son
" There is newly erected in the Town of Bos- of the Vicar of Isleworth by a previous mar-
ton, by Messieurs John and Thomas Hill, a riage. For his zeal in promoting Puritan
Water Engine at their Still-house, by the ad- principles, he was transfixed for all coming
vice and direction of Mr. Rowland Houghton, time by the pen of the author of Hudibras.
drawn by a horse, which delivers a large But to be posted there by the side of Nye,
quantity of water twelve feet above the Owen, and Oalamy, was certainly no dishonor :
ground. This being the first of the sort in » where had they aU their gifted phrases,
these parts, we thought taking notice of it But from our Calamles and Cases ?
might be of publick service, inasmuch as a Without whose sprinkling and sewing,
, , , f.^ 1 , . 1 ii 1. 5) Whoe'er had heard of Nye or Owen?
great deal ot labor is saved thereby. — Their dispensations had been stifled,
News-Letler, 25 Jan . , 1733. But for our Adoniram Byfield."
1 !Mr. Colson was many years an active Se- There is in some editions of this author a
lectman. His business was leather-dressing, most ludicrous portrait of " our Adoniram,"
" Collson's Stone House," before mentioned which, if it does him no credit, can do him
(p. 542), was probably his place of business no harm, while it displays no little ingenuity
before this time. In the beginning of the next on the part of the artist.
75
694 GRANARY AT NORTH END. [1733.
The mother of Judge Byfield was a sister of William Juxon, Bishop
of London, and the Judge was the youngest of twenty- one children.
He emigrated to this country in 1674, and settled in Boston, where, in
the following year, he married Miss Deborah Clarke, daughter of Capt.
Thomas Clarke, who dying in 1717, he married for his second wife
Miss Sarah Leverett, in 1718, the youngest daughter of Governor Lev-
erett. She died on the 21st of December, 1730. At her funeral a prayer
was made, which was the first introduction of the practice in the Town.*
Mr. Byfield had held the important office of Judge of the Court of
Vice Admiralty " for this and the neighboring Provinces, and first
Justice of the Court of General Sessions, and was for many years one
of His Majesty's Council of this Province."! He had five children,
three of whom died in infancy. The youngest married Lieut. Gov.
Tailor, " who quickly departed without issue ; " the other, Catharine,
who was the oldest, married Edward Lyde, Esq., of Boston. They had
children, Byfield, Mary, and Deborah. Byfield Lyde graduated at
Harvard College in 1723, and in the Revolution adhered to the cause
of the King, left Boston with the royal troops, and died in Halifax in
1776. His wife was Sarah, only daughter of Governor Belcher. She
died in Boston October tenth, 1768, aged sixty-one. To this son-in-law
Mr. Byfield " left the bulk of his estate." |
Judge Byfield was one of the founders of Bristol, in Rhode Island
in 1680, § and settled there, but returned to Boston in 1724, where he
died, as has been mentioned, and was interred in the Granary Burying-
ground. || He left no male descendants.
There is in the Magna Britannia an inter- Judge of Admiralty here, Collector of the
esting anecdote of the father of Judge By- Port, etc. He died in Boston 29 June, 1771,
field, in which Cromwell and Sir John Evelyn aged 87. He had five daughters ; Mary m. 1.
figure. — See that work, v. 404. Hon. Joseph Gerrish, of Halifax ; 2. Rev.
♦"Before carrying out the corpse [Dec. Dr. John Breynton, Rector of St. Paul's
28th], a Funeral-prayer was made by one of Church in that city. They died in London,
the Parsons of the Old Church, to whose com- Deborah m. Judge Robt. Auchmuty, the
munion she belonged ; which, though a custom younger, of Roxbury. Elizabeth m. her
in the Country-towns, is a singular instance in cousin, Thomas Brinley, Esq., of Boston,
this place. The Pall was held up by the Hon- Catharine m. her cousin, Nathaniel Brinley,
orable the late Lieut. Gov. Dummer, with Esq., of Boston. Sarah d. in Boston, un-
other gentlemen of His Majesty's Council, married. Deborah Lyde, the other sister, m.
Among the mourning relatives went His Excel- Col. Francis Brinley, of Roxbury.
lency, Gov. Belcher, and His Honor, Lieut. ^"In the memorable Indian war of 1675,
Gov. Tailer, followed by a long train of per- the territory of King Philip, the great Sachem
sons of public distinction." — Chauncy's of Mount-Haup, who was slain in 1676, was
Funeral Sermon, Appendix. vested by right of conquest, in the Colony of
f " He had the honor of five Commissions for New Plymouth ; whereupon the Governor and
Judge of the Vice Admiralty, from three Company of New Plymouth, in the year 1680,
crowned heads : William, in 1697 ; Anne, in granted and sold unto four proprietors, viz..
1702, 1703, and 1709 ; and from George II. Messieurs John Walley, Nathaniel Oliver, Na-
in 1728 ; was first Judge under our present thaniel Byfield, and Stephen Burton, all the
Charter, and never once had a decree reversed part of the conquered lands called Mount
upon an appeal home " to England. — Appen- Hope Neck, since called by the name of Bris-
dix to Chauncy's Funeral Sermon. The auto- tol." — Stiles' Account of the Origin and Set-
graph of Judge Byfield has been given on tlement of Bristol, -p. S. Of this Town Judge
page 481. • Byfield was said to be " the head and glory."
I Byfield Lyde's sister Mary married George — Neivs-Letier, 14 June, 1733.
Cradock, Esq., of Boston, who had been a ||,The stone, which bore the following in-
merchant in London, and subsequently Vice- scription to his memory, has long since disap-
1733.] FREE-MASONS. GEN. OGLETHORPE. 595
At a Town-meeting, on the 16th of October, a vote passed for erect-
ing a Granary at the North End ; the charge not to exceed jEIOO.*
A very serious accident occurred on the 20th. Mr. Commis-
sary Price's horse, a very unruly one, attached to a chaise or
chair, being left standing in the alley leading from Milk-street to Jus-
tice Clark's corner in Summer street, f from some affright, started and
ran through the alley. One Mrs. Stevens, *' a very ancient woman,"
being then in the alley, was run over, and so injured that she survived
but a few hours. A child was much hurt at the same time.
Mr. John Dunton is said to have died in obscurity in London this year.
He was full of schemes and projects, which seem uniformly to have
failed to realize his anticipations. J
On the 20th of November, Thomas Fayerweather, Esq., died
at the early age of forty-four. He was a merchant highly
respected. His wife was Hannah, daughter of Jonathan Waldo, Esq.,
" a pattern of every female virtue." She died on the 27th of January,
1755, aged fifty-two, leaving a son and two daughters surviving.
Free-masonry was first introduced into the Colonies, this year ; the
first lodge met in Boston on the 30th of July. The first Grand Master
received his power from Lord Montague, Grand Master of England.
On the opening of the General Court this year, Mr. Samuel
*^ ■ Wigglesworth, of Ipswich, preached the Election Sermon. The
following gentlemen were appointed to the " command of the regiment
of militia in Boston : " Edward Winslow, Esq., Colonel ; Jacob Wen-
dell, Esq., Lieutenant Colonel ; and Samuel Sewall, Esq., Major.
June 19 Information having been received that Gen. James Ogle-
thorpe would visit Boston this summer, the General Court,
"on a motion made and seconded by many members," ordered that
" Mr. [Elisha] Cooke, Mr. [Thomas] Cushing, Mr. [Samuel] Wells,
Major [William] Brattle and Mr. Thacher, be a Committee to prepare a
vote for his reception, that so the Government may express their grate-
ful sense of his good services to the public interest of the Province."
peared, and is supposed to be destroyed. This J For many years before ^Ir. Dunton's arri-
copy is from the Boston Gazette of 30 July, val in Boston, as well as for many years after-
1733. It is doubtless the production of the wards, it was a standing order of the Town,
Rev. Mather Byles, as nearly the same thing is that every person who came in, with the intcn-
found in his Poems, page 95 : tion of stopping above a certain number of
" BYFIELB beneath in peaceful slumber lies,
BYFIELD the good, the active and the wish.
His MANLY FRAME Contained an equal mind.
Faithful to God, and generous to mankind.
IligWn his Country's Honours long he stood,
Succour'd distress, and gave the hungry food.
In justice steady, in devotion warm,
A loyal subject and patriot firm.
Through every age his dauntless soul was try'd
Great while he lived, but greater when he dy "d." ,^^f^ ' ^ '^*?'^jfcr^''72.—
* In the Selectmen's Eecords the building to
be erected is called a Meal House. It was to days, must give security that they might not
be built " on a piece of land belongmg to the ^^^^^ upon the Town for support. Hence
Town near the North Mill. John Jeflries, ^^ig record is found : " February lOth, 1685
Esq., and Mr. David Colson, two of the Se- n 685-0], Fran. Burroughs became security for
lectmen , were to contract for the work. _ "^^^^ V>v.x,iQx, , Bookseller, in £40. " Signed by
trhen usually called Bishops-alley, since, both Dunton and Burroughs. — See anie, chap.
Hawley-street. ^Xx^^ 459^ etc.
J^^^^'^-^^^^^U-
596 ESTABLISHMENT OF MARKETS. [1733.
But the people of Boston did not have an opportunity to pay their
respects to the founder of Georgia, " one driven by strong benev-
olence of soul ; " for, though he intended to come here, he was diverted
from his purpose by the arduous duties in which he was engaged.*
The number of tax-payers was now about 3500. This was the num-
ber on the " Alarm-list," which pretty nearly corresponded with that
of taxables. The "Church of England people" were at the same
time said to pay " not exceeding one-tenth of the taxes of the Town."
Mr. Samuel Granger, a worthy School-master, died suddenly of
JuneU 9,poplexy. He was about 48 years of age, some fifteen of which
he had been a teacher in Boston. His funeral was attended by
" the principal persons of the Town, and about 150 children, who were
under his tuition, walking before the corpse." f
Mr. William Barnsdell died suddenly at Castle William, at the
age of 80. He had been Chief Gunner there for about thirty
years. The corpse was brought up to the town for interment.
The Light-house, which was built in 1715, being out of repair,
the keeper, Robert Ball, petitioned the General Court for an ap-
propriation to put it in order, and likewise the dwelling-house belonging
to it, which had gone to decay. Ball succeeded Captain Hayes this year,
who had rec^uested to be discharged, as he had become old and infirm. J
' The establishment of Markets in the Town had hitherto been
' successfully opposed, but at the present Town-meeting, although
a majority appeared in favor of the measure, yet the opposition was
pretty strong against it. § At the next meeting three places
^" ■ were assigned on which Market-houses were to be erected, and
700 pounds was appropriated for the object. This sum was placed at
the disposal of Thomas Fitch, Edward Hutchinson, Thomas Palmer, and
Jacob Wendell, Esquires ; Mr. Nathaniel Cunningham, Mr. James
* A Spanish and Indian war was probably Church of England gratis, as are not able to
the chief cause. He was compelled to take pay for the same." — i6ic/, 28 June, 1733, and
the field in person against them. See New other sources.
England Weekly Jour., 27 Aug., 1733 (No. J The appearance of a Polar Bear in Boston ,
cccsxxvi.), idem, 13 May, 1734 (No. ccclxxi.), in 1734, attracted great attention, and called
and Harris' Life of Oglethorfe. forth the following notice in the News-Letter
\ Weekly News-Letter, 17 Jan., 1734 (No. of 28 Feb, " Yesterday, in the afternoon, the
1564). In the notice in this paper, he is great White Bear, which was about a year
styled " the ingenious and learned Mr. Gran- ago brought hither by Capt. Atkins from
ger." He began an evening school " for Greenland, was carried in his cage on trucks
writing, accompts, and the mathematics," in from the White Horse at the South End, to
Sept., 1724. Eive days after he died, the Se- the Long- wharife, followed by a multitude of
lectmen directed that " his son and Usher, Mr. spectators, where he was shipped on board
Thomas Grainger, be allowed to go on with the Captain Walker, bound for London." The
school, under the oversight of Mr. Andrew Le " White Horse " tavern was established before
Mercier." Mr. Granger lived in Marlborough- 1724. In 1768, Mein and Fleming's Printing-
street, "near to the Governor's." At the Office was " almost opposite."
time of his death the house in which he lived ^The votes stood, 517 for and 399 against,
was advertised for sale by Mr. Jahleel Bren- Hence the number of voters is pretty nearly
ton, of Newport, R. I. Only the June pre- approximated, viz., 916. At the meeting
vious to his decease, the Society for Prop. (May 24), the vote stood 364 yeas and 339
the Gospel in Foreign Parts had appointed nays. " On which important occasion the
" Mr. Grainger School-master to succeed Mr. Assembly was so very numerous, it was ad
Edward Mills, Sen., lately deceased, to instruct journed over to the Old Brick Meeting-house.'
the children of such indigent members of the
1734.] MARKET. OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. 697
Watson, Mr. Francis Willoughby, and Mr. John Steel. The three places
designated for the buildings were, one in " Orange-street, over against
the house and land of Mr. Thomas Downe, there measuring seventy
feet ;" one " on the Town's ground, or open space on the Town dock
or wharf, commonly called Dock Square." The other was to be upon
" the open space before and about the Old North Meeting-house." *
An Order was passed authorizing the Markets to be kept open every
day in the week, except Sundays and such other days as the Govern-
ment might appoint, in which religious services were to be observed.
Market hours were from sunrise to one o'clock, afternoon, and a bell
was to be rung at the time of opening. The fourth day of June was
set for the first Market-day, which took place accordingly.! But so
strong was the prejudice against regular Markets, that, in less than four
years from their establishment, the houses were abandoned by the
market-men, and they fell quite into disuse. That at the North
End was eventually taken down, and the timber used in the construc-
tion of a "Work-house ; that at the South End was converted into
stores, and that at Dock Square was demolished by the populace. J
From a Fast sermon, preached by Dr. Colman, there appears to
have been much distress in the Town, partly arising from the
depreciation of the paper currency. " I fear," he observed, "we of
this Town and Land are coming apace into too much the like circum-
stances, both the Rich and the Poor. The poorer Brethren have, too
many of them, run themselves into bonds for moneys taken up of the
rich. The rich are alike to suffer much in that part of their estates that
lies in bonds. We are going, I fear, into excessive usury, which may
not seem so, considering the yearly fall of our paper-currency."
j^j^ ^g In the preamble to "An Act for employing and providing for
' the Poor of the Town of Boston," it is said that the " Town is
grown considerably populous, and the Idle and Poor much increased ;"
therefore the Town was empowered " to choose twelve Overseers of the
* Proposals about a market were published was very considerable ; abundance of provisions
as early as 1st Feb., 1733. On the 28th of the were brought for sale. Those that exceeded in
preceding July, in Town-meeting, " Messieurs goodness and cheapness went off quick, but
Joseph Marion, Edward Durant, Theophilus those that were poor or dear, more slowly."
Lillie, William Stoddard and Jeffry Bedgood," J Dr. Douglass considered the tendency of
were appointed a Committee to receive pro- the people to mobs in his time quite alarming ;
posals " touching the demolishing, repairing or and that severer acts against them ought to be
leasing, out the old buildings belonging to the made. A few days before the Market was
Town in Dock Square." The Committee to torn down, the doctor says, a mob demolished
give their attendance at Mr. William Coffin's, a notorious house of ill fame, under the coun-
the Bunch of Grapes tavern, on Thursdays, tenance " of some well-meaning Magistrates,"
weekly, from six to eight o'clock in the evening, and that "the consequence was, a few days
f There was something of ceremony on the afterwards, they demolished the public Market-
occasion, as appears from the News-Letler, house, and carried off the materials for their
published on the 6th of June, from which the own private use." To this he adds, " For
following is taken : " On Tuesday morning some years past, upon the 5th of November,
last, being the 4th of June, at sun-rising, the being the anniversary Gunpowder Treason day,
Bell rang for the first time, for opening the several mobs have carried about pageants of
public Markets the first time, in this Town, at the Pope, the Devil and pretender. These gun-
the three several places assigned. The con- powder-treason mobs yearly increase." — Sum-
course of people (sellers, buyers and spectators) mary, i. 238.
598 DEATH OF HON. EDWAED BROMFIELD. [1734.
Poor, from twelve several Wards, into which the Town is or shall be
divided." The Town was at the same time authorized to build a
Work-house, to be under the direction of the Overseers of the Poor,
and to receive donations for its endowment, " to the value of 3000
pounds per annum."
j^^^^ ^ The loss of the Town in the death of the Hon. Edward Brom-
"■ field, on the second of June, 1734, was as severely felt as almost
any which had occurred since its settlement. Though he was far ad-
vanced, being in his 86th year, yet his loss was not the less, but the
more regretted. He was born at Haywood House, near New Forest, in
Hampshire, the seat of his ancestors, on the 10th of January, 1648-9,
and was the third son of Henry, and grandson of Arthur Bromfield,
Esq. Being bred a merchant in London, he went to Jamaica, and,
afterwards, came to Boston, where he arrived in the year 1675, and
being a pious Puritan, decided to spend his days here.* He belonged
to the Old South Church, and was forward in all charities for the ad-
vancement of religious purposes as well as others. His residence wa»
in Rawson's-lane, since called Bromfield-street after him, and his man-
sion stood where the Bromfield House now stands. Here afterwards
was the noted Indian Queen tavern.
Q^^ Another Newspaper, called " The Boston Weekly Pos.t Boy,"
' was started in October of this year, by Mr. Ellis Huske,t the Post-
master, who continued it about twenty years. The name of the printer
of it is not given, but John Bushel is supposed to have printed it at
some part of the period of its existence. As hitherto "Advertisements
were taken in at the Post Office."
About the commencement of the year the Selectmen voted that
" Speedy care be taken to fit up a proper Office for the Town Clerk,
for reposing and securing his books, and that it be in part of the Green
Chamber ; that the ninety pounds in the hands of Nathaniel Green,
* In the N. E. Hist, and Gen. Reg., v. p. Edward Bromfield, as found to a receipt in
100, is some account of the family of Mr. 1718, is here copied. There was a Thomas
Bromfield, extracted from the newspapers of Bromfield, glover, at the Town Dock, 1734.
that day, but chiefly from the Neio England
Week. Journal, of 10 June, 1734 (No. 374),
probably written by the Rev. Thomas Prince.
In the Journal it is said, that, for a retired re-
cess from worldly noise and business, " he
turned the pasture behind his house into a very
shady grove, where, in the midst, he built an
Oratory, into which he used to retire several
times a day, in his most flourishing circum- f " Afterwards Deputy Post-master General
stances and heights of business," to enjoy pious for the Colonies. He was a brother to General
meditations, &c. In a copy of" The Morning Huske, who distinguished himself at the battles
Exercises at Cripple Gate," 4to, 1671, in the of Dittengen and Culloden. He had a son
Author's Library, is the autograph of " Ed- bred a merchant, in Boston, who was after-
ward Bromfield, Jr.," to which is added, " his ward a member of Parliament. Huske was
book ex Dono Francisci Burroughs, 1712 ; " superseded in the Post Ofiice by Franklin and
and on a fly-leaf is written a brief Family Rec- Hunter." — Thomas, ii. 231. He is the same,
ord in this order : "Edward Bromfield, Senr., I presume, who published a work entitled,
Marye B., Senr. [parents], Elizabeth, Sarah, " The Present State of North America." 4to,
Frances, Edward, Junr., Mary, Junr., Henrye. London, 1755, which was re-printed in Boston
Inuna Familia." The autograph of the Hon. the same year.
1734-5.] Houghton's invention. 599
Esq., given by Col. Fitch and others, in order to procure books for the
Town Library, "be secured by bond to Mr. Joseph Wadsworth, the
Town Treasurer." Bakers were ordered to stamp their loaves " with
the first and last letters of their names." *
A Dancing School was allowed. It was kept by Mr. George
May 28 Brownell.f But an application for an exhibition of Rope Danc-
ing was refused. J
Mr. Rowland Houghton, of Boston, a merchant, invented an instru-
ment for surveying land, which he called "The New Theodolite,"
the making and vending of which was secured to him by a special Act
of the General Court. In the Preamble to the Act, it is said that by it
" land could be surveyed with greater ease and dispatch than by any
surveying instrument heretofore projected or made within this Prov-
ince, which, upon careful view and examination, appears to be a pro-
jection tending to public benefit and service." His privilege was
limited to seven years.
Much attention had for some time been given to the cultivation of
Flax and Hemp in New England. To extend a knowledge of their
culture. Col. Daniel Henchman, bookseller in Cornhill, re-published
Lionel Slater's work upon the subject, which had been issued in Dublin
in 1724.§
Watchmen were required " in a moderate tone to cry the
' time of night, and give account of the weather, as they walk
their rounds, after twelve o'clock." || The practice was continued about
one hundred years.
The Selectmen were not unmindful of the importance of recording
the births and deaths which occurred in the Town, and gave notice that
there was a great neglect on the part of the inhabitants to comply with
a law made for that purpose. H
" Mr. John Bowles, Mr. Thomas Tileston and others," having
°' ' petitioned to have Boston made a County by itself, a Committee
* The weight of bread was prescribed as in a better manner than generally practised in
follows : " The penny white loaf, 3 oz. 5 dw. ; Ireland. By Lionel Slator, of Cabraugh, in the
wheaten, 4 oz. 15 dw. ; household, 6 oz. 10 dw.; County of Cavan, Flax and Hemp Dresser to the
sixpenny wheaten loaf, 1 lb. 13 oz. 13 dw." Honourable Thomas Coote, of Coote Hill, in the
f There was considerable opposition to such said County." There is an Introduction, signed
a school, and his application was previously by Mr. Coote, addressed " To the Honourable
refused by the Selectmen. The school was not the Trustees of the Flaxen and Hempen Manu-
merely for dancing ; as, doubtless, for that alone facturers of Ireland." He was probably of the
liberty could not have been obtained. "A same family of Coote noticed in page 5l6 of this
school for reading, vrriting, cyphering, danc- history.
ing and the use of the needle," are set forth in |1 The watch was at this time maintained at
the application. an expense of about £12,000 per annum.
I To the Petition of Mr. John Bradley (with T[ Mr. Samuel Gerrish, the Town Clerk,
others in his behalf ) for liberty to entertain made a record of the negligence complained of,
the Town with the diversion of Rope Dancing, from which it appears that, for the fourteen
the Selectmen say, " Fearing lest the said months preceding, " more than 950 births and
divertisement may tend to promote idleness in deaths " had occurred in the Town, of which
the Town and great mispense of time, the no record had been handed in ; " which
same is disallowed." neglect of theirs," he very sensibly added,
^ The title of the work is " Instructions for " may prove to be of ill consequence to their
the Cultivating and Raising of Flax and Hemp, posterity."
600 WARDS. porters' fees. FAST. [1735-6.
is appointed by the town to draw up a remonstrance, and the proposi-
tion was laid aside.* Mr. Joseph Marion recommended that certain
papers on file should be entered in the records of the Town, " that so
the Town may have recourse to them." f
A proposition to divide the Town into twelve Wards, having
Mar. 8. ^^^^ previously made at the Town-meeting in March, 1736, it
was voted to submit the subject to the Overseers of the Poor ;
who, at an adjourned meeting on the ninth of the same month, reported
a division, which was accepted. The names given to the former Wards
were disused, and the new ones were designated by numbers only.
The Committee who made this division consisted of Jacob Wendell,
William Tyler, Jeffery Bedgood, John Hill and Thomas Hubbard.
^ At a Town-meeting in May, Nathaniel Cuningham, Hugh
^^ " ' Vans, Samuel Waldo, Cornelius Waldo and James Peirpoint,
were appointed a Committee to instruct the Representatives.
Province bills were ordered to be received in payment of
^^ * taxes at the rate of twenty shillings for one ounce of silver.
Porters' fees were regulated by law. The Selectmen were author-
ized by the General Court to fix "the number of Porters, and the
rate or price they should ask, according to the distance of place or
other circumstances ; aU which persons shall, at all times, when in the
service, or doing the business of Porters, wear a badge or ticket, with
the figure of a Pine-tree marked thereon, on some part of his upper
garment or girdle ; which badge or ticket shall be numbered, and a
fair entry of each Porter's ticket made in the Selectmen's books."
Any one undertaking the business without license, to be fined twenty
shillings ; and any Porter charging more than authorized by the Select-
men, to be fined ten shillings.
The Council of the Province, " taking into consideration the
many and pressing difiiculties the public affairs now labor under,
and likely to increase, unless the Government be speedily led into some
happy methods for the remedy thereof," voted that the Governor be
desired to appoint a day of Fasting and Prayer, and that the reverend
Ministers of Boston be desired to assist in the solemnity. The Governor
Dec 10 accordingly appointed the tenth of December to be kept as a
Fast. On that day Dr. Colman preached a Sermon in the Coun-
cil Chamber before his Excellency and the Members of the General
Court.
* The Committee consisted of Mr. Joseph f Mr. Marion's recommendation is entered
Marion, W^illiam Stoddard, Esq., John Fayer- upon the records, and consists of several able
weather, Esq., and Robert Auchmuty, Esq. articles. Among them "The Release of Mr.
Mr. Fayerweather and Mr. JNIarion were active Blackston, the first Proprietor of the Town of
men in Town affairs. The former subscribed Boston," is mentioned as " now on file in the
£50 towards the Work-house. Town Clerk's Office, and also the Indian Deeds
/p to the Selectmen." I have never
^-v— »_ 2 yy ^^^ yvith the originals here re-
'■^^'-Pj^ ^ e\^-^Jl^^ ferred to, nor does it appear that
' Shaw or Snow ever saw them.
1736.]
GENERAL DISTRESS. WEST CHURCH.
601
Jan. 3.
The cause of sufferings at this period appears mainly to have been
occasioned by the bad state of the currency of the country, by which
its business relations were deranged in a manner not easily conceivable
at this day.*
The winter of 1736-7 was one of intense cold, occasioning great
sufferings everywhere, especially among the poor and improvident ; not
a. few of whom perished from the effects of its severity. Sermons were
preached upon the occasion, some of which were published.
The West Church was organized this
year, at the instigation, it was said, of
the Rev. William Hooper, who, on the 18th
of May following, was ordained over it. He
preached his ordination Sermon, Mr. Foxcroft
and Mr. Sewall made prayers, Mr. Prince gave
the Charge, and Dr. Colman the Right Hand
of Fellowship.!
Mr. Hooper continued in his office about
nine years, when, having embraced Episcopacy,
he abruptly left the Church, and went to Eng-
land to receive ordination in the established
Church.J He was afterwards Pastor of Trinity Church, which station
he held till his death in 1767, at the age of about sixty-five. He was
native of Edenham, in Scotland, possessed more than ordinary powers
of mind, of a noble aspect, an eloquent and popular preacher. He
married the daughter of Mr. John Dennie, an eminent merchant. His
son WilHam, the oldest of five children, read law with James Otis, set-
THH WEST CHDRCH.
* Something may be gathered from Hutch-
inson's History relative to the currency diflS-
oulties, but he jumps entirely over the pe-
riod from 1733 to 1737, the years of the
greatest trouble. From Dr. Colman's Fast
Sermon some valuable hints may be obtained
upon this particular period. I have room but
for the following brief' extracts : " And now,
my honoured Fathers, having said enough to
raise your just detestation of the sin of injus-
tice, and to excite your compassions to your
sinful, suffering people, may the righteous God
direct you what should or can be done by you
in the present unhappy juncture of our affairs."
- — "It ought to be very pleasing to us, and we
should be very thankful to God for it, that we
have a Governour who can heartily joyn with
us, and go before us in seeking to God for help
in this open manner." — " I will presume to
propose to the honourable Court, that if there
should sooner or later come any great loss,
thro' the miserable pass that our tatter'd
Bills of Credit are come to, will it not be
highly just that the Public should bear it in an
equal tax ? as I saw the damage easily borne
and repair 'd by the justice and wisdom of the
Parliament of England, when their coin was
76
reduc'd to a like scandalous state, that our
currency now is, Anno, 1695." The historian
of Massachusetts should read this Discourse.
I The Church was formed by seventeen indi-
viduals, whose names follow : " Hugh Hall,
William Stoddard, from the South Church ;
James Gooch, Jr., John Darroll, John Daniels,
from the First Church ; Joseph Ricks, John
Pierce, Samuel Sprague, Joseph Badger, from
Brattle-street Church ; William Williams, from
the First Church in Cambridge ; Ephraim Cope-
land, Abijah Adams, John Scot, from the New
North ; William More, from the North
Church ; James Watson, Robert Watt, John
Moffatt, noncommunicants."
X Dr. Lowell's Cent. Discourse, p. 11. My
author says, " Mr. Hooper resigned, or rather
abdicated." But eighteen members appear to
have been added to the Church during Mr.
Hooper's ministry. Their names are " Thomas
Chapman, Ebenezer Messinger, Harrison Gray,
Alexander Gregory, John Smibert, John Lit-
tle, James Scholie, Henry Berry, Ebenezer
Berry, Jeremiah Gridley, Stephen Greenleaf,
Mr. Franklin, Stephen Whiting, William
Winslow, Mr. Colburn, Story Dawes, Robert
Glen, Mr. Keys."
602 WEST . CHURCH. [1736.
tied in North Carolina, was a member of the Congress of 1776, and
signed the Declaration of Independence.
To Mr. Hooper succeeded Jonathan Mayhew, " a name," it is justly
said, " which cannot be pronounced without emotion by any friend of
civil liberty, or the right of private judgment in matters of religion ;
second to none in his profession, whom our country has ever pro-
duced."* Mr. Mayhew was ordained June 17, 1747, on which occa-
sion the Rev. Ebenezer Gay, of Hingham, preached the Sermon. The
Rev. Experience Mayhew, father of the candidate, gave the Charge,
and the Rev. Benjamin Prescott, of Salem, the Right Hand of Fellow-
ship. His ministry continued about nineteen years, when it was termi-
nated by his sudden death, on the ninth of July, 1766. On the fol-
lowing Sunday, Dr. Chauncy preached a funeral Discourse in the West
Church, and six weeks after, the Rev. Mr. John Browne, of Hingham,
preached another, both of which were printed.
The next Minister of the West Society was the Rev. Simeon Howard,
who was ordained on the sixth of May, 1761. He died August 14th,
1804, aged seventy-one. He was a native of Bridgewater.f
The Rev. Charles Lowell, a native of Boston, succeeded Mr. How-
ard, and was ordained January first, 1806 ; Eliphalet Porter, of Rox-
bury, preached the ordination sermon. Dr. Lowell is one of the pres-
ent Pastors. On the first of March, 1837, the Rev. Cyrus Augustus
Bartol was ordained as junior pastor of the same Church.
The formation of a Society at what was then called West or New
Boston, had been more than a year in agitation, when the Church was
formed, and the frame of a Meeting-house had been set up about the
first week in September, 1736 ; but it was not finished until the fol-
lowing April. It was of wood, and had a steeple. In 1775, the
British used it for a barrack, and took down the steeple, because it
had been used, as was said, by the Rebels, to make signals in to
their friends in Cambridge. The old or first house was taken down in
March, 1806, and on the fourth of April following the corner-stone of
the present edifice was laid, which was ready for dedication on the day
of the annual Thanksgiving of the same year. It was furnished with
an Organ in 1817. It stands in Lynde-street, fronting on Cambridge,
with a beautiful open square before it. In this square, which has
* Dr. Mayhew died at the early age of forty- ministry among the Aboriginal Natives for 45
six. He was born on Martha's Vineyard in years successively, and had spent of his own
1720, was grandson of Mr. John Mayhew, of estate about £1500, by which he was brought
that place, who died in 1698, aged 37 ; great- into great straits and difficulties." Dr. May-
grandson of Thomas Mayhew, who was the hew's wife was a daughter of Mr. John Clark,
only son of Thomas, the original emigrant. f During Mr. Howard's ministry, "A Col-
This (emigrant) ancestor of the Mayhews lived lection of Hymns " was published, "more
to be ninety-two, dying in 1681. His only son particularly designed for the use of the West
died at sea in 1657, aged thirty-seven. Dr. Society in Boston." It was a duodecimo of
Mayhew's father was the author of the " In- 162 pages, and was printed in 1783. No
dian Converts," 8vo, London, 1727 ; who, in a author's name is given in the work, nor is there
petition to the General Court in 1739, said, anything by way of preftice or introduction to
" he had labored in the work of the Gospel show whether tliey are original or selected.
1737.] DEATH OF PRESIDENT WADSWORTH AND ELISHA COOKE. 603
recently been surrounded b}'- an iron fence, there is a fountain, and it
is susceptible of being further beautified.
The subject of a Work-house had for several years been agitated,
but its expense had been the main obstacle to its erection. Two
years before, a subscription in aid of the object was circulated among
the inhabitants, to which some one hundred and twenty-three persons
subscribed about 4368 pounds, chiefly in small sums. Thus encouraged,
the Town committed the matter to several gentlemen, with instructions
to fix upon a location, and to recommend such building as they judged
J necessary. Accordingly those gentlemen made a Report at the
Town-meeting in March, 1737, which was accepted without
debate. The location recommended was on Common-street, on or near
where the Granary stood, and the Granary was to be removed down
to the corner of Tremont and Common-streets.
Harvard College suffered a great loss in the death of its
■ President, the Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth, who died on the six-
teenth of March, aged about sixty-eight. He was the seventh son of
Capt. Samuel Wadsworth, of Milton, who was killed in a battle with
the Indians ; or who, in the language of a Sermon preached at his
funeral, " was slain with others, on the high places of the field, bravely
fighting, at the head of his company, against the Indian enemy." His
connection with the First Church has been mentioned.
A distinguished and leading man, the Hon. Elisha Cooke, died
"' in August, at the age of fifty-nine. He was the son of a former
agent of the Province, the Hon. Elisha Cooke, who died in 1715, and,
like him, was true to that policy which led to the Independence of the
Country.* His son Middlecott Cooke, Esq., was many years Clerk of
the Court of Common Pleas for Suffolk. Mr. Cooke was a Member of
the General Court at the time of his death, and in September following
John Wheelwright, Esq., was chosen in his place.
* An interesting notice of the political charac- his health as a private gentleman, and not as
ter of the Cookes, father and son, is given by Governor of this Province, and to this I am
Hutchinson. In 1734, a story was got up to pre- ready to make solemn oath.
judice the election of Mr. Cooke, who was a can- " Samuel Waldo.*
didate for the office of Councillor. From the fol- " Tuesday, 7th of May, 1734."
lowing extracts of a handbill issued by Mr. Ebenezer Holmes and Eenj. Pollard, " being
Cooke's friends, the nature of the case may be present at Mr. Waldo's," made a similar state-
learned, and the manoeuvres of political parties of ment, to which the three made oath before
thosedays: "Whereas it is industriously reported " Nathanael Green, J. Pac."
(as I imagine with design, at this juncture, to Accompanying the above. Gov. Shirley made
prejudice the Hon. Elisha Cooke, Esq., in the a statement over his ovra signature, the pur-
good opinion of the Freeholders and Voters of port of which is, that he did not arrive at Mr.
this Town) that on Tuesday evening last, being Waldo's till the healths were drunk, but had
the 30th of April, he proposed or drank the heard Mr. ^Valdo decline drinking Col. Dun-
health of Col. [David] Dunbar as Governor of bar's health, on other occasions, as Governor ;
this Province," &c. " Now these are to certify that he made this statement, because it had
that Mr. Cooke and several other gentlemen, been reported that he heard the health so
being at my house, I proposed to drink the drunk on this occasion. — Original Handbill in
health of Col. Dunbar, and Mr. Cooke drank possession of Mr. J. W. Parker, of Roxbury.
* Samuel and Corneliu3 Waldo were eminent merchants of Swing Bridge. Lucy, wife of Mr. Saml. Waldo, died 7 Aug.,
Boston. Their place of business was for a considerable 1741, in the 3Sth year of her age. Cornelius Waldo lived in
period in Kinsr-street, near the Crown Coffee House. About Leverett's-lane, now Congress-street. Judge Samuel Waldo
the close of 1733, tliey removed to Merchant's Row, near the died at Falmouth, Casco Bay, Me., April, 1770.
604 HOSPITAL AT RAINSFORD ISLAND. CHELSEA. [1737-8.
This year is remarkable for some advancement of free principles in
the public mind. Quakers were to be exempted from taxes to sup-
port the Clergy, provided they attended their own meetings. Large
buckles began to be worn on shoes, a practice which continued in use
among some aged people till within a few years.
In answer to a petition from Boston, dated in 1735, for a grant of
unappropriated lands, the General Court ordered two Townships to be
set off the following year. This year, being in straitened circum-
stances, " owing to the decline of trade," those tracts of land were
ordered to be sold at auction. In the mean time, a third tract having
been acquired, all were disposed of; the first to John Reed, Esq.,
for 1020 pounds ; the second to Col. Joseph Heath, for 1320 pounds ;
and the third to Col. Jacob Wendell, for 1320 pounds. Towns in the
Commonwealth bear the names of Heath and Wendell, but they were
comparatively recently so named.
Mr. Nathaniel Williams died on the tenth of January, in his
Jan.^lO. sixty-third year.* He had been a Minister, Physician, and
School-master. He was Master in the Free Grammar School
from 1703 to 1734 ; having succeeded Master Cheever, and was himself
succeeded by the celebrated Master John Lovell. f
" A good and convenient house had lately been built, at the charge
of the Province, on the Island called Rainsford's Island, for the recep-
tion of such persons as might be visited with any contagious sick-
ness." Such were the steps which laid the foundation of a Hospital,
justly renowned to this day. J It is under the joint control of the City
and State. The City appoints the resident Physician.
At the May term of the General Court, " all the lands within
^ ^^' the Town of Boston, heretofore called Winnisimet, Rumney
Marsh, and Pullen Point," were " erected into a township of the name
of Chelsea." This separation had been many years meditated, and the
point was finally gained* with difficulty. The territory now set off was
before called Number Thirteen. Noddle's and Hog islands were not
included. §
* Mr. Prince, who preached his Funeral and direct the Masters of all vessels coming
Sermon, says, page 26, that " he was very dili- near them, wherein any infectious sickness is
gent and faithful in the school, and greatly or hath lately been, at their coming in, to
beloved by the scholars for an agreeable mix- come to anchor as near the before mentioned
ture of majesty and sweetness, both in his House as may be, that the sick persons, and
voice and countenance." In January, 1733-4, everything else on board said ship that might
he requested to be provided with an Usher, give infection, may be removed into it with
in room of Mr. Jer. Gridley, and Nathaniel the greater ease and safety." — Laws, 661.
Oliver, Jun., was appointed, at £80 a year. The island contains about 11 acres of land,
Mr. Samuel Gibson succeeded Mr. Oliver as and is distant from the city, by the channel,
Usher, 14 Aug. of the same year. Mr. Wil- about 7i miles.
liams was son of Nathaniel and Mary (Oliver) § In the Preamble of the Act of Incorpora-
Williams, and was born Aug. 16th, 1675. tion, the reasons for the separation are thus
See page 293, and Boston Records. briefly, and at the same time comprehensively,
f Mr. Lovell had been one of the Ushers in stated: "Whereas the inhabitants of the
the school " for some time past." Town of Boston, that dwell in the district
J The General Court enacted, " That the called Winnisimet, Rumney Marsh and PuUin
Commanding Officer at Castle William, and Point, lying on the northerly and north-easterly
the Keeper of the Light-house, shall notify side of the Harbor, have represented to this
1738.] CHURCH MUSIC. CHARLES RIVER BRIDGE. 605
There had been for some time a duty of four pounds a head on all
Negroes imported into the Province, but means were found to evade
the law requiring its payment, which led to one this year more strin-
gent. Masters of vessels bringing in any Negroes were obliged to give,
under oath, a list of them to the proper Authorities ; which list, if not
found to be a true one, subjected the Master to a penalty of 100
pounds. Similar obligations and penalties were also provided respecting
Negroes which might be brought in by land.
This Spring occurred the death of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Cal-
* lender. Minister of the Baptist Church, after a ministry of about
twenty years.* " He was a gentleman universally beloved by people
of all persuasions ; " was a son of Mr. Ellis Callender, of Boston, and
the Rev. Mr. John Callender, of Newport, in Rhode Island, was his
nephew. The latter was a son of Mr. John Callender, and was born
in Boston in 1706, and died at the early age of forty-two, sincerely
lamented, f
The subject of Church music was again agitated this year. It appears
that the singing of hymns, " of mere human composure," had begun
to be practised, and that the practice was opposed by the Churches
generally. |
For about nineteen years there does not appear to have been much
said about a bridge over Charles river. The subject was agitated in
1720, but was doubtless abandoned on account of the large amount of
funds its construction would require. This year Mr. John Staniford
petitioned to be authorized to build one " from the west part of
the town to Colonel Phipps' farm." The design was again laid aside,
probably from the same cause as before. §
Mar I'' "^^ ^^® request of several persons, liberty was granted them
"■ " to erect a brick wall with tombs on the front of the old Bury-
ing -place." This is now the Johnson or Chapel Burying-place. The
next year, "John Chambers and other grave-diggers" represented
to the Selectmen that this Burying-place, and also the South, or
Granary, " were so filled with dead bodies, that they were obliged, oft-
Court that they labor under great difficulties it. A copy is in the library of the writer,
by reason of their remoteness from the body with corrections by the Author's own hand,
of the said Town, and separated by the River | As late as 1744, Dr. Colman said, "I
that renders their attendance on Town-meet- heartily wish that no Hymns of mere human
ings very difficult ; and whereas they have a composure may be brought into the pvJjlic
long time since erected a Meeting-house in that worship among us in any congregation ; no, not
District," etc. the very best in the world, even those of Dr.
* See New Eng. Weekly Journal, 4 April, Watts himself, saving such as are a para-
1738. phrase or version of some part of Holy Scrip-
f He left a monument to his own memory, ture ; and so it was judged by the Fathers of
which will endure when marble has crumbled New England, as our Psalm Book is an abundant
to dust, and as valuable as it is durable. The testimony." — Letter to Mr. Solomon Williams,
mind of the intelligent reader will readily of Lebanon.
recur to "An Historical Discourse on the ^ Mr. Staniford asked to be allowed by the
Affiiirs of Rhode Island," which he delivered Town to obtain aid by a subscription. On the
this year (1738), it being the close of the First 12th of October of this year (1739), a Corn-
Century of the settlement of that Colony, mittee to whom this request was referred.
My early pages have been indebted to it, as coldly reported, " that a Bridge as proposed
will have been seen ; and no one can write sat- will be a public benefit, and that it will be
isfiictorily of Rhode Island without consulting proper for the Town to make no objection,"
606 PUBLIC SCHOOLS. — LEGACY TO THE POOR. [1739.
times, to bury them four deep," and desired to know what they should
do.* The Selectmen were desired to look into the matter.
John Ruck, Esq., having been elected one of the Overseers of the
Poor, requested to be excused, he "having for twenty years past served
in that capacity, and being now advanced in years." The Town
excused him, and gave him a vote of thanks for his long and faithful
services.
Gentlemen appointed to visit the Public Schools reported that they
were generally satisfactorily conducted, and that the children appeared
to be advancing ; but that in the South Writing-school, though the
scholars and their teacher had improved, they thought they would
improve more ; that there were in the five schools about 600 pupils ;
namely : in the South Grammar School about 120 ; in the North
about 60 ; in the North Writing School about 280 ; in the Writing
School in Queen-street about 73 ; and in the South Writing School
about 62.
The widow of the late Mr. John Frizzell f (Dorothy Saltonstall) had
left to the poor of the Town 200 pounds, and twenty pounds to be laid
out in Bibles and Testaments to be distributed among poor children. The
subject being brought up in Town-meeting, the Overseers of the Poor
were directed to call upon the Executors for the legacy. Mrs. Salton-
stall was the Executrix of Mr. Frizzell's will, and Thomas Hutchinson,
John Ruck and Nathaniel Saltonstall, Esquires, were Executors of her
will.
Christopher Kilby, one of the Representatives of the Town in the
General Court, having been appointed by that Court to go to England
as an agent for the Province, Capt. Nathaniel Cunningham was unani-
mously chosen to take his place.| The Committee chosen by the Town
to instruct the Representatives, consisted of Captain Cunningham, Mr.
Hugh Vans, Samuel Adams, Esq., Capt. Benjamin Pollard, and Mr.
Middlecott Cooke.
* Notwithstanding another Yard was after- passed an act granting the King an excise on
wards established on the south part of the spirituous liquors, wines, limes, lemons and
Common, these continued to be used ; and, if oranges, the Town " voted unanimously to
their condition was truly reported 115 years employ him to appear on behalf of the Town,
ago, and no doubt it was, what must be their and to use his utmost endeavor to prevent said
present condition? And who, knowing these Act's obtaining the Royal Assent," and like-
facts, could advocate intermural burials ? wise to be its Agent in other matters. This
jMr. Frizzell died 10 April, 1723. Dr. action of the Town was Jan. 3d, 1755.
Cotton Mather preached a Sermon on the occa- The name of Kilby is not found in Farmer's
sion, but nothing is to be learned from it Register, though John Kilby was a resident of
except that he was an honorable merchant, and Boston before 1700. Kilby-street was named
that the time of his death is as here given, in honor of the family. Thomas Kilby, Esq.,
Mrs. Frizzell (Saltonstall) died 4 April, 1733. was Commissary of the King's stores at Louis-
J Mr. Kilby embarked for London soon after, bourg, and died there on the 23d of August,
where he resided for several years. He was 1746. At the time of the great fire of Marcli
called the " Standing Agent " of the Province, 17th, 1700, Mr. Christopher Kilby was resid-
and was likewise the Special Agent of the ing in New York, in the service of the home
Town. Five years after this we find his re- Government. On hearing of the distressing
election recorded, at which election he had 102 fire in Boston, he sent the Town £200 sterling
votes out of 109. When the General Court as a present.
1740.]
OLUMIXON S ACCOUNT.
607
CHAPTER LXI.
Oldmixon's Account of Boston. — George Whitefield. — Visits Boston. — Preaches on the Common. —
Accident at Mr. Checkley 's Church. — A New Market-house — Faneuil's Gift. — Hall named for
him. — Death of Peter Faneuil. — Cradle of Liberty. — Land Bank Scheme. — Sliirley, Governor.
. — His Family. — Number of Inhabitants. — Samuel Mather's Church. — Second Baptist. — Boston
Marine Society. — Magazines begun. — Christian Histoiy. — American Magazine. — Death of
William Cooper. — War with France. — Proclaimed in Boston. — Great Arrival of Cannon.
THE Representatives chosen this year
^^ ' were Thomas Gushing, Jun., Edward
Bromfield, James Allen, and Thomas Hutchin-
son, Esquires. Mr. Hutchinson sailed not long
after for England, and Mr. Timothy Prout was
chosen in his stead.
"Sundry of the inhabitants " petitioned the
Town that they might have the privilege of en-
closing a small part of the top of Fort Hill for
a Bowling-green ; but they were refused. How-
ever, the next year Joseph Clewly was allowed
to remove his Wind-mill from Roxbury, and
to set it on Fort Hill ; and the year following a
vote was obtained for a Bowling-green there.
Mr. John Oldmixon corrected his work, called " The British Empire
in America," this year, and published the second edition of it in 1741,
and died in 1742. In it " The History of New England " occupies a
very large space, and Boston a due proportion of that space. The
* For the copy from which the above Arms
are taken, I am indebted to the kindness of
Mrs. Harriet A. T. Lewis, as also for a
fine mezzotinto engraving of Governor Belcher,
from which Mr. S. S. Kilburx, Jr., our Artist,
has given a good copy, though necessarily
much reduced in size. For good biographies of
Y^^Aer^
Gov. Belcher, see Eliot's and Allen's Diction-
aries, often referred to in my notes. He was
appointed to the Government of New Jersey,
after he was superseded by Shirley, and died at
Elizabeth Town, Aug. 31, 1757, aged 76. His
first wife was Mary, dau. of Lieut. Governor
Partridge, of New Hampshire, who died 6 Oct.,
1736. He m. secondly, Mrs. Mary Louisa
Emily Teal, 9 Sept., 1748. Mr. Belcher had
all the advantages of education and travel,
which the opulence of a fond fiither could
give ; " and added to these excellent endow-
ments of mind, were a peculiar beauty and
gracefulness of person, in which he was
equalled by no man in his day ; and there
was a dignity in his mien and deportment
which commanded respect." Mrs. Teal, his
second wife, is said to have been " a lady of
great merit and a handsome fortune." After
the Governor's death, she resided in this vicin-
ity. Gov. Belcher had given directions for
his remains to be brought to Cambridge and
interred there. Accordingly they were brought
to Boston, in the end of November following
his death, and deposited in a tomb in that
Town. — Harris, Cambridge Epitaphs, 173.
There were, probably, other families of Bel-
cher than that to which the Governor be-
longed, in and about Boston. I find mention
of Joseph, of Milton, " a great grandson of
John Gill, 1733." This Joseph Belcher's
father's name was also Joseph. See pages
181, 196, 236, 293, 319, 384, 403, 514. Bel-
chertown in this Commonwealth was named
in honor of the family of Gov. Belcher.
608 WHITEFIELD. [1740.
Town contained then, he says, ten Churcnes, the names of which
he gives. Upon the "conversation and way of living " of the inhab-
itants, he remarks: "The conversation in this Town is as polite as
in most of the Cities and Towns of England ; many of their mer-
chants having traded into Europe, and those that stayed at home
having the advantage of Society with travellers ; so that a gentleman
from London would almost think himself at home at Boston, when he
observes the number of people, their houses, their furniture, their
tables, their dress and conversation, which perhaps is as splendid and
showy as that of the most considerable tradesman in London. Upon
the whole, Boston is the most flourishing Town for trade and commerce
in the English America. Near 600 sail of ships have been laden here
in a year for Europe and the British Plantations. The goodness of the
pavement may compare with most in London ; to gallop a horse on it is
three shillings and fourpence forfeit."
A remarkable man had made his appearance in England some time
before this, who, by his singular zeal and eloquence, had made much
impression on the religious world. This was the Rev. George White-
field. A visit from him to Boston was fondly anticipated by some, and
by others such a visit, it was thought, would be productive of no per-
manent good. There was in Boston no lack of able and devoted
ministers, and it was argued that a man like Mr. Whitefield, might
divert their followers from their regular worship, which diversion in the
end would lead to a distrust of their ability to teach, and cause a gen-
eral dissatisfaction with them. On the other hand, it was said that there
was, from some cause, a general apathy with regard to religion, and
that something was wanting to awaken people to a sense of their condi-
tion. Hence there were, as in all similar cases, two parties ; and
eventually the leaders of those parties attacked each other, the conse-
quence of which was a pamphlet war, carried on with much acrimony,
and to a length that can hardly be imagined at this day, unless by those
who have met with their instruments of warfare.* Mr. Whitefield
himself, being the cause of the controversy, had to bear the brunt of
it. t And notwithstanding the matter was then thought to be one of
immense moment, few probably in this age care to inquire which party
had the advantage.
g^ ^ j^g Mr. Whitefield paid a second visit to Gen. Oglethorpe's Col-
' ony of Georgia in 1739 ; thence he travelled by land to
Boston, where he arrived in September of this year. As he approached
the Town he was met by a deputation of gentlemen, who conducted him
to lodgings, I He was now only in his twenty-sixth year, and it is
* I know not the number of those pamph- f Writing tracts defending himself must
lets, but I have found about thirty in my own have absorbed much of his tune, as they are
collection. The Rev. Mr. Foxcroft, and sev- very numerous, and some of them not incon-
eral of the Country Ministers, wrote in " vin- siderable in bulk. They were usually in
dication " of Mr. Whitefield, among whom quarto, as were those of his adversaries,
the Rev. William Balch, of Bradford, was % " Next day, in the afternoon, Dr. Sewall
conspicuous ; while Dr. Chauncy and Dr. and I made hun a visit ; found several Minis-
Wigglesworth with many others wrote against ters and other gentlemen of the Town with
him. him, and that Dr. Colman and Mr. Cooper
1740.] whitefield's visit. 609
doubtless true that few men have since lived, who, at so early an age,
have acquired so wide a reputation as a preacher.*
g^ The next day he preached in Brattle-street Meeting-house,
^ ■ ' " to a vast concourse of people ; " the next morning in the Old
South, but as the number which could not gain admittance there was far
greater than that within, he preached in the afternoon on the Common
to a great number.
The Sunday following, in the morning, he went to hear Dr.
* Colman preach, and in the afternoon he preached at the Old
Brick ; but there was such dissatisfaction among the multitude without,
that the Preacher led them to the Common, where he was heard by from
8,000 to 10,000 persons, as was supposed.
^^ On the morning of Monday he preached at Mr. Webb's
^ ' ""* Church, and proposed to preach at Mr. Checkley's in the after-
noon, but an accident prevented the services. The house being densely
filled, a noise was heard in the gallery, which some supposed to be the
breaking of timbers, and the utmost confusion ensued ; some jumped
from the gallery upon the people below, some out of the windows, while
others rushed for the doors, regardless of all consequences. In this wild
confusion " several were trod to death, three died almost presently, and
others were grievously wounded," some of whom died within a few
days after, f Mr. Whitefield was on the spot, and immediately led the
vast assemblage to the Common, and there held forth again. He con-
tinued preaching in Boston and its vicinity with increased reputation
until the second week in October, when he delivered his fare-
well sermon on the Common, " to a vast assembly, supposed to
be 20,000 or more." The next day he left for New York, where,
and in that vicinity, he preached some time. He reached Charles-
ton, in South Carolina, on the third of January following, and on the
18th of the same month he sailed for England. J
After the departure of Mr. Whitefield from this vicinity, the people
began to reflect, and the excitement induced by his presence was grad-
ually allayed ; and some who had welcomed him, and believed his visit
was calculated to do much good, changed their opinions. For a time
he seems to have carried all before him, and the Ministers, in order
that they should not be left alone, were obliged to join with their
parishioners in showing their devotion to him. But on his return to
had engaged him to preach this afternoon in ley. So remarkable did these young men be-
thcir house of Public Worship. And in about come for their correct deportment and exact
an hour we went to the place, which was method in all their affairs, that they received
quickly crowded with two or three thousand the name of Methodists. This was the origin
people." — Prince in Christ. Hist., ii. 379. of the name of the since well-known sect
" He addressed himself to the Audience in such bearing it. John, the elder Wesley, had pre-
a tender, earnest and moving manner, as ceded Whitefield in America,
melted the Assembly into tears." — Ibid., 380. f Rev. Joseph Sewall's Journal, in Wisner'a
* He was born in Gloucester, Gloucester- Hist. Old South, p. 103.
shire, 16 Dec. 1714, at the sign of the Bell, J Whitefield's Journal (original edition),
an Inn kept by his mother, and was educated Boston, 1741. He went by way of Northamp-
at Pembroke College, Oxford, where he found ton. From Philadelphia ho went by water to
those kindred spirits, John and Charles Wes- Charleston.
77
610 faneuil's market and hall. [1740.
this country, in 1744, his reception, though warm in many places, was
different from that he had received on his first coming. It was not until
this second visit that the " war of pamphlets," before adverted to,
commenced.*
To be as brief as possible, it must suffice here to say, that, after cross-
ing the Atlantic Ocean seven times upon his pious and benevolent labors,
he landed for the last time in this country on the 30th of November,
1769, and on the 30th of September of the following year he died at
Newburyport, and was there entombed.
On the whole, it must be confessed that Mr. Whitefield had the good
of his fellow-men at heart, and that if his labors did not have a lasting
benefit, it was not because he did not prosecute them in all sincerity.!
*' The Grreat Revival " which commenced this year, and which spread
over the country, was occasioned by his preaching.|
TS'otwithstanding the fate of the late Market-houses, the utility of
such structures was allowed by a large class of the people of the Town.
But when they were called upon to build a Market, it was hard to get
a majority in favor of it. Thus the case stood for several years.
To relieve the Town from this difficulty, there came forward, about
this time, a liberal and wealthy merchant, who proposed to build a
House at his own charge, and to make a present of it to the Town.
The name of this gentleman was Peter Faneuil, already brought to the
reader's notice.
j^^ ^^ Thomas Palmer, Edward Hutchinson, and John Osborn,
" ^ ■ Esquires, took an active part in this business. They circulated
a Petition, to which was procured 340 subscribers, which was pre-
sented in Town-meeting, in which the proposal of Mr. Faneuil was
introduced. § And, strange as it may now seem, that gentleman's lib-
eral offer was accepted by a majority of only seven votes ; 367 voting
its acceptance, and 360 against it. Such was the slender majority
that gave a Market-house to Boston, and a Faneuil Hall to the United
States. II
* He arrived at Pascataqua, in New Hamp- his thousand pounds a day would sink into in-
ehire, in the ship Wilmington, Capt. Darling, significance.
While on his passage he wrote a pamphlet in J The following remarks of Dr. Colman
answer to one by Dr. Smallbroke, Bishop of have reference to that Revival : " Whoever of
Litchfield, and soon after he arrived he wrote us went early and too suddenly into a good
another in answer to Dr. Chauncy. This is opinion of the transports of weak people and
dated Portsmouth, 19 Nov., 1744, while its children, in the beginning of the work of God
Preface is dated Boston, Jan. 18th, 1744-5. which we still judge has been among us in
f Dr. Douglass, who was writing his work many places ; let us look back with humility,
on the Colonies . at the time Mr. Whitefield even in the conscience of our integrity
was here, speaks of him as a " vagrant en- therein, and not be ashamed to confess our
thusiast, with an ill-pointed zeal, by whom inadvertence and imprudence in not being
poor deluded tradesmen and laborers (whose more aware of the tendency of those extraor-
time is their only estate) are called off to his dinaries and irregularities, unto these errors
exhortations, to the private detriment of their and extravagancies of others." — Letter to Mr.
families, and great damage to the Public ; Williams, of Lebanon.
thus, perhaps, every exhortation of his was ^ The meeting was so large that it was found
about £1000 damage to Boston." — Sum- necessary to adjourn to Brattle-street Meeting-
mary, i. 249-50. Had the Doctor lived in our house.
time, and witnessed the flocking after Maffit, || It is quite doubtful if Mr. Faneuil's ^ift
Miller, and others which might be mentioned, had not been refused, had not the following
1740.]
FANEUIL HALL.
611
About two years elapsed before it was finished ;* and then
Sept^^is ^^ ^ Town-meeting held in it, it was reported, that in pursuance
' of the vote of 1740, Mr. Faneuil had, " at a very great ex-
pense, erected a noble structure, far exceeding his first proposal,
inasmuch as it contains not only a large and sufficient accommodation
for a Market-place, but has also superadded a spacious and most beau-
tiful Town-hall over it, and several other convenient rooms, which may
prove very beneficial to the Town, for offices, or otherwise ; and, the
said building being now finished, has delivered possession thereof to the
Selectmen for the use of the Town."
It was, on motion of the Hon. John Jeffries, then voted, that "the
Town do, with the utmost gratitude, receive and accept this most gen-
erous and noble benefaction." The Moderator of the Meeting, " the
Hon. Thomas Gushing, the Hon. Adam Winthrop, Edward Hutchinson,
Ezekiel Lewis, and Samuel Waldo, Esquires, Thomas Hutchinson, Esq.,
the Selectmen, and the Representatives of the Town of Boston, the
Hon. Jacob Wendell, Esq., James Bowdoin, Esq., Andrew Oliver,
Esq.
Cunningham
Captain Nathaniel
Peter
Chardon, Esq., and Mr.
Charles Apthorp," were
appointed a Committee
to wait upon Mr. Fan-
euil, " and in the name
of the Town to render
him their most hearty
thanks for so beautiful a
gift." On motion of
Thomas Hutchinson,
Esq., it was also voted,
" that in testimony of
the Town's gratitude to
Peter Faneuil, Esq.,
and, to perpetuate his
memory, that the Hall over the Market-place be named Faneuil Hall,
and at all times hereafter be called and known by that name." Then
FANEUIL HALL.
clause accompanied and concluded the propo-
sal of it : " And we the said Subscribers would
humbly propose that, notwithstanding the said
building should be encouraged and come to ef-
fect, yet that the Market-people should be at
liberty to carry their Marketing wheresoever
they pleased about the Town, to dispose of
it." Such was the prejudice against Market-
houses at that day, and there are those now
(1855) who doubt their public utility.
When the Committee Avaited on Mr. Faneuil
to thank him for his donation, he made the
following remarkable observation ; — that " he
hoped what he had done would be for the
service of the whole country." Had this
benefactor lived but a few years longer, he
would have had the mortification to see his
commodious Market entirely abandoned. So
few people resorted to it, that it was shut
up by a vote of the Town, in Sept., 1747.
In the March following a vote was obtained
for its being open three days in the week, and
some time after it was opened every day ; but
in 1752 it was closed indefinitely, after a sharp
contest. However, in 1753, with a view to
deriving some income from it, it was opened
and the stalls leased.
*The work was begun on the 8th of Sept.,
1740, and finished on the 10th of Sept., 1742.
On the day last named, Mr. Samuel Ruggles,
who had been employed upon the building, de-
livered the key to the Selectmen.
612 FANEUIL HALL. [1740.
Mr. William Price moved that " his picture be drawn at full length, at
the expense of the Town, and placed in the Hall."*
The building was of brick, 100 by 40 feet, and was finished in a
style of elegance which rendered it an ornament to the Town. The
present Faneuil Hall occupies the same site as the original building,
which was destroyed by fire in 1761. It was rebuilt by the Town in
1763, and it is this building which is above represented. In 1775 the
British made a theatre of it, and had performances in it until they were
compelled to evacuate the Town the following year.
In about six months after he had provided Boston with a Market-
Mar^3 ^o^se, Mr. Faneuil died.f His age was but forty-two years and
about nine months. The maiden name of his mother was Anne
Bureau, and he was the oldest of eleven children, and was born, as
were the others, at New Rochelle, in the then Province of New York.
Upon the death of their benefactor, the Selectmen appointed Mr. John
Lovell, Principal of the South Grammar School, to deliver a funeral
oration, which he did, in the Hall bearing the name of Faneuil, eleven
days after his death.J
The Hall and other apartments in this building now became the prin-
cipal place for transacting the business of the Town, and it very well
served the purpose until it had fully recovered from the disasters of the
Revolution ; except in cases of extraordinary meetings, when it was
sometimes found necessary to adjourn to the Old South. At length,
public convenience required a more spacious building, and in 1805 the
enlargement of Faneuil Hall was undertaken, and carried through in
about twelve months. By this enlargement a Hall was provided seventy-
six feet square, and twenty-eight in height, with galleries on three
sides, resting upon Doric columns, as it now appears.
The magnificent paintings which adorn its western wall, with the
* Among the regulations adopted was one to be entered upon the records of the Town,
requiring the annual appointment of a Clerk, It has been copied into several works, and will
and Mr. Faneuil was desired to name one, to be found in Loring's Boston Orators, in the
Berve till the next Annual Meeting, and he re- Massachusetts Marjazine for March, 1789, p.
commended Mr. Thomas Jackson. At the 133, and in Snow's Hist. Boston, 235. March
Annual Meeting the next year (14 March, 14th, 1744, the Town " voted to purchase the
1743), John Staniford was chosen; probably Faneuil arms, elegantly carved and gilt by
the same who had been strenuously exerting Moses Deshon, to be fixed in the Hall."
himself about the erection of a bridge over The first meeting in the Hall, after the death
Charles River. of Mr. Faneuil, was held to perform funeral
f His residence was on the westerly side of solemnities over his remains. This was on
Tremont-street, opposite the old, or Johnson March 14th, 1743. The Rev. Charles Chauncy,
Burying-ground, in an elegant mansion built D. D., opened the meeting with prayer,
by his uncle, Andrew Faneuil; the same in " The Select-men having determined that some
which lived afterwards Lieut. Gov. Phillips, proper respect should be paid'to his memory,
Upon a summer-house belonging to it there had a2:)pointed Mr. John Lovell, Master of the
was a grasshopper for its vane, similar to that South Grammar School, to do the same. And
upon Faneuil Hall ; from the fact, no doubt, then the said Master Lovell having taken the
of its representing the crest of the Arms of Moderator's seat, which was hung in mourn-
Faneuil. ing cloth, made an handsome Oration on the
I Though there is nothing remarkable in death of the said Peter Faneuil, Esq., to the
Mr. Lovell's oration, the occasion was sufii- great acceptance of the Town." — Tovm
cient to give it importance, and it was ordered Records.
1740.] LAND BANK SCHEME. 613
exception of that of the founder,* have been added from time to time ;
among which none appear more appropriate than that of Samuel
Adams, who, of all others, was the chief cause of its being immortalized
as the Cradle of Liberty. A few days after the funeral oration on
Mr. Faneuil, Governor Shirley informed the Town, through the Select-
men, that " he had received his Majesty's picture from the Lord Cham-
berlain [the Duke of Grafton], and that he intended to present it to the
Town to be hung up in Faneuil Hall." A vote of thanks was
conveyed to him by a Committee raised for that purpose, and not
long after the portrait of George the Second was placed in the Ilall.
^^^^;^:^i>^^^^£.<ii2^^:^^2^
1
g^ ^ g A " Manufectory Company " was formed in Boston this
^ ' ' year ; its object being " for the ease of trade and commerce,"
as its projectors alleged ; to accomplish which they were to issue
150,000 pounds in bills of credit, to be called " Manufactory Bills."
This was a revival of a scheme for private banking, strongly urged in
1713, but which was then prevented from being carried into effect by
the governmental issue of paper money. This was called the " Land
Bank Scheme," because land was pledged for the redemption of the
bills. Mr. Hutchinson, the historian, the inveterate opposer of all
paper-money projects, opposed this with all his ability ; but it went into
operation, and although it terminated quite as well, if not better, than
any other paper-money affair hitherto, yet Mr. Hutchinson's hostility to
it prevented his taking a candid view of the subject, or treating its pro-
jectors with respectful consideration in his history. f
1741 Governor Belcher was superseded by William Shirley, Esq.,
and Henry Frankland, Esq.,J was made Collector of the Port. Mr.
Shirley was a lawyer, and came originally from Sussex, but he had
lived in Boston about seven years, and was esteemed for his gentlemanly
deportment. When the news of his appointment arrived, he was in
* That now in the Hall representing Mr. note afterwards. Leonard was the author of
Faneuil was copied from one of smaller size, the famous Letters sio;ned Massachusettensis,
hy Col. Henry Sargent. That of Washington mis-attributed by the first President Adams to
is by Stuart, and was presented, as was this of Jonathan Sewall, Esq. Auchmuty was Judge
Faneuil, by the late Samuel Parkman, Esq. of tlie Court of Vice Admiralty, in 1728.
f As I have not met with the names of the J Afterwards Sir llonry Frankland. He had
Undertakers of the Land Bank in any publica- an elegant residence in North Square, and
tion, they are here introduced : — Robert another in the town of Hopkinton, where he
Auchmuty, Esq.jOf Roxbury ; Samuel Adams, passed his summers in a style of elegance not
common at that day. Ilis history is a very
romantic one, and has been collected l)y the
Rev. ]\Ir. Nason, of Natick, a native of Fox-
borough, who is capable of giving it to the pul>
/ lie in a history of that Town, in a manner
which would be creditable to our local histori-
Esq. [father of the Patriot], William Stod- cal literature. Sir Henry Frankland died at
<lard, Esq., and Peter Chardon, merchant, of Bath, in England, the seat of the family,
Boston; Samuel Watts, Esq., of Chelsea; Jan. 11th, 1768, and his title descended to
George Leonard, Esq., of Norton; Robert Thomas Frankland, Esq., his nephew, a Vice
Hale, Esq., of Beverly ; John Choate, Esq., Admiral in the Navy. When a captain in t lie
of Ipswich, and Thomas Cheever, of Lynn, service, he commanded the Rose frigate, and
gentleman. — Original MS. 7/i f/cn/wre between was in Boston in 1743. Some poetry addressed
John Clap, of Scituate, and the Directors or to him at that time may be seen in the Even-
Undertakers. Several of these were men of ing Post of 22 Aug., No. 420,
614 GOVERNOE SHIRLEY. , [1741.
Rhode Island, acting as Counsel for Massachusetts before a Court
of Commissioners assembled at Providence to settle the boundary-
line between the two Colonies.* He had the address to secure in his
favor those who had opposed Governor Belcher, and also to uphold the
prerogative of the Crown, which was always obnoxious to the party
which may very properly be denominated the Republican party. The
interests of the Province were much advanced during Mr. Shirley's
administration. He gave the people something to do, and in that em-
ployment which fitted them to oppose the measures of the home govern-
ment. His operations against the French were of this character, and
some of them were peculiarly fortunate. He had a large family. Ttvo
of his sons, William and Thomas, were officers in the army. The
former was killed with General Braddock, in 1755. In 174G his wife,
Mrs. Frances Shirley, died, and was buried in King's Chapel burying-
ground.f In 1756, Governor Shirley was superseded by Thomas
Pownall, Esq. He was afterwards Governor of one of the Bahama
Islands, but, returning to America, died at his seat in Roxbury, March
24th, 1771, aged about seventy-seven. His remains were deposited in
a vault under King's Chapel, the corner-stone of which church he had
laid in 1749.
There were this year, "at one and the same time," upon the
stocks in Boston, forty topsail vessels, amounting to about 7,000
tons. J
The winter of 1740-1 was excessively severe, and, to mitigate the
sufferings of the poor, those in better circumstances contributed large
amounts. On a single Sunday, in the month of February, a collection
in the Churches amounted to 1251 pounds. §
* As was then the custom, " the Associated fired every half minute, as were those of four
Pastors of the Churches " waited on the new of the King's ships then in the harbor, and
Governor, on the 17th of August, and pre- several others. The corpse being carried into
sented him with their congratulatory Address, King's Chapel, the Rev. Mr. Commissary
in which they assured him they should pray Price preached a sermon from Rev. xiv. 13 ;
" that the spirit of wisdom might rest upon and on the morning of the same day Dr. Col-
him, to enable him to discharge his great man preached at the Lecture, " in audience
duties acceptably ; and that the Churches and of the General Court," on the same occasion,
the College would meet with his favor and pro- His Discourse was printed. Mrs. Shirley was
tection ; and that he would cause a strict ob- said to have been a Catholic, and that cir-
servance of the Lord's day." He, in return, cumstance was prejudicial to his popularity,
assured them that they might 'depend upon his | Douglass, Sutmnary, ii. 18. — Ship-build-
endeavors in those respects. They then pro- ing rapidly decreased from about this period,
ceeded to Ex-Governor Belcher's, and thanked and this author attributes the decline " to Mr.
him for "all his goodness and favor to the Shirley's faulty government," which is a very
Churches, and the Pastors of them." The prejudiced view of the case.
Associated Pastors were Benj. Colman, Joseph ^ To show the relative ability of the Societies
Sewall, Thomas Prince, John Webb, William at this time, the amount contributed by each
Cooper, Thomas Foxcroft, Samuel Checkley, is here given : — Dr. Cutler's, £72 14s. 2d ;
William Wclsteed, Joshua Gee, Mather Byles, Mr. Price's, £134: 10s.; Mr. Davenport's,
Ellis Gray, and Andrew Eliot. £133 3s. 3d. These were Episcopal. Mr.
I She died at Dorchester on the 4th of Sep- Welsteed's, £58; Mr. Hooper's, £143; Mr.
tember, and was buried with much ceremony Foxcroft's, £95 ; Dr. Colman's, £1G4 10s.;
on the 11th. Great numbers attended the Dr. Sewall's, £105 ; Mr. Webb's, £105 ; Mr.
funeral from the neighboring towns ; and, Gee's, £71 10s. 5d.; the French Church, £14
during the procession, which was formed about lis. 3d.; Anabaptist, £14 2; Mr. Moore-
three o'clock in the afternoon, the guns at the head's [known as the Irish meeting], £27 Ss.;
Castle and at the Batteries in the Town were Mr. Checkley's, £72 12s.; Mr. Byles', £4028.
1741-2.] MATHER CHURCH. FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 615
The subject of the Fortifications of the Town had been constantly
brought up in Town-meetings, but no effectual action had been taken,
owing chiefly to the " poverty and distress " of the inhabitants, arising
from a loss of trade and the state of the currency. The North and
South Batteries were so much decayed that they were entirely unservice-
able. At the general Town-meeting in March, a subscription was pro-
posed among the inhabitants, " in order to raise about 20,000
pounds," and a Committee was appointed to solicit donations ;
but to no purpose, as it appears from the Report of the Committee, who
said that " the inhabitants in general declared they would not subscribe
until they knew where the Fortifications were to be placed, and the
Committee who were to lay out the money." The consequence was
the General Court took the case in hand, and the old Forts were event-
ually repaired.
For the last nineteen months, " taking one time with another,"
there were forty persons in the Work-house. At this time there
were fifty-five, of wdiom but ten were men.
The burials in Boston in 1742 were 515, from which it was reck-
"' oned that there were about 18,000 inhabitants.* This computation
was based upon the notion that but one in thirty-five dies per annum,
which was not then very near the truth, probably. Sir William Petty
had about this time concluded that one in thirty, in cities, was a fair
estimate. There were, however, now in the Town 1200 widows, all but
200 of whom were in indigent circumstances ; in the Alms-house were
111 inmates, in the Work-house, thirty-six ; Negroes, 1514. The
dwelling-houses numbered 1719 ; warehouses, 116 ; horses, 418 ;
cows, 141.
The Church known as Mr. Samuel Mather's Church was formed this
year. Mr. Mather had been Minister in the Old North about nine years,
when, in February, 1741, he asked a dismission from it. The Church
at first refused to grant it ; but in October of that year, the matter
having been submitted to a Council, a dismission w^as granted. With
Mr. Mather about thirty men and twice as many women separated from
the Old North, and in the early part of 1742 they had a house ready
for their worship. It was of wood, and stood at the corner of North
Beunet and Hanover streets. After the death of Mr. Mather, in 1785,
his Meeting-house was purchased by Universalists, and became the First
Universalist Church in Boston.
Another Church was formed this year under similar circumstances.
This was the Second Baptist. Some persons belonging to the First
Baptist complained that the Pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Condy, | was an
*This is Dr. Douglass' statement; but in and died 7 July, 1773. Her father was a
another page he says, " By a new valuation, in claimant of Eastern lands under Elbridge and
1742, there were reported 16,382 souls in Aldsworth, which he derived through his wife,
Boston." daughter of Richard Russell. Mr. Drowne re-
f Mr. Condy died 28 Aug., 1768, and was sided for many years in Boston, and was often
buried in the Common Burying-ground. His employed in Town aSairs, especially in the
wife was Sarah, dau. of Mr. Shem Drowne. management of the Fortifications. The name
She mar. secondly. Dr. William Lee Perkins, does not occur among Farmer's early settlers.
616 SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. — MARINE SOCIETY. [1742.
Arminian, and that he had departed from the original Covenant of their
Church. The case or accusation being propounded to him in writing,
he would not make any reply to it. Accordingly, James Bound, John
Proctor, and Ephraim Bosworth, called themselves the First Baptist
Church, because they adhered to the original Covenant, " and on the
same day John Dabney and Thomas Boucher, then Ephraim Bound, and
then Thomas Lewis, acknowledged the aforenamed persons to be the First
Baptist Church, and were admitted members." The evening following
they made choice of Mr. Ephraim Bound to take the pastoral Charge
of them. As no Ministers here or in this vicinity would assist in ordain-
ing Mr. Bound, he was obliged to go to Warwick, in Rhode Island, and
was there ordained on the seventh of September, 1743.
This Society held its first Sunday-meetings in the dwelling-house of
Mr. James Bound, in Sheaf-street, which were begun on the third of
October, 1742. The first sermon preached in their Meeting-house was
on March 15th, 1746. Their first house was small, built of wood, and
stood upon the site occupied by the Church in Baldwin Place. It was
forty-five by thirty-three feet. Dr. John Gill, the well-known Com-
mentator on the Bible, presented the Church with plate, books, and
baptismal garments. Mr. Ephraim Bosworth and his wife, who were
of Hull, became members of this Church. At his death Mr. Bos-
worth bequeathed it a valuable house in the north part of Boston,
and the principal part of the island called the Great Brewster, in
the harbor, A few years after the settlement of Dr. Baldwin, the So-
ciety had so much increased, that it was found necessary to enlarge their
House. This was completed and opened for service. Thanksgiving-day,
November 30th, 1798. A clock was given, by Mr. John Hoffman, for
the front gallery. In 1810 the increase of the Society again rendered
their House too small, and a new one was erected, which is the present
edifice. It was dedicated on the first of January, 1810.*
The " Boston Marine Society " was established this year, but it was
not incorporated until the second of February, 1754. Its objects are
set forth in the Charter, most of which having been assumed by the
General Government, renders it of less importance now than at the time
of its formation.!
*The Ministers of this Church are thus here included. Dr. Baldwin died suddenly, 29
given: — Ephraim Bound, or Bond, 7 Sept., Aug., 1825, aged 71, at Waterville, Me.
1743, to 18 Juno, 1765 ; John Davis, 9 Sept., fit consisted of " a considerable number of
1770, July, 1772; Isaac Sliillman, 3 Oct., persons who were or had been masters of ships
1773, 7 Oct., 1787; Thomas Gair, 23 April, or other vessels." They associated "to im-
1788, 27 April, 1790 ; Thomas Baldwin, prove the knowledge of this Coast, by
11 Nov., 1790, 29 Aug., 1825; James D. communicating their observations, inward and
Knowles, 28 Dec, 1825, 7 Oct., 1832; Baron outward, of the variation of the needle, th.e
Stow, 15 Nov., 1832, 1 July, 1848; Levi soundings, courses, and distances, and all other
Tucker, 31 Dec, 1848. remarkable things about it, in writing, to
In Dr. Baldwin's Sermon at the Opening of be lodged with the Society, for the making of
the Church, Jan. 1st, 1811, and his New- the navigation more safe; and also to re-
Year's Discourse, Jan., 1824, may be found lieve one another and their families in poverty
interesting facts concerning the JNIinisters of or other adverse accidents in life ; and for
that Church, his predecessors. Also a more this end had raised a considerable common
particular history of the Church than can be Stock, out of wlaich they had, from time to
1742-3.] MAGAZINES COMMENCED. — GREAT CONVENTION. 617
The Schools had all along received the special attention of the Town.
Learned and efficient men made visits to them, and their reports were
anxiously listened to. Masters and Ushers were constantly petitioning
for an increase of salary, and these petitions received careful attention.*
A periodical was commenced on the third of March, 1743,
ulvh ^^^^^ " '^^^ Boston Weekly Magazine ; " but the age of Mag-
azines had hardly arrived in Boston, while in Philadelphia one
was started two years before this. The Boston Weekly Magazine,
issued in octavo form, continued only four weeks.f
It cannot be stated with certainty whether it was suspended for
want of patronage, or whether another Avork, partaking something
of the Magazine character, took its place. This was "The Christian
History," undertaken, no doubt, at the instance of the Rev. Thomas
Prince, one of the principal contributors to its pages. Thomas Prince,
Junior, son of the former, was its publisher. It was an octavo, eight
pages in each number, and issued weekly, on Saturdays. At the end
of two years it ceased.|
Ma 25 ^^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ May, at their annual Convention, the Pas-
tors of the Churches published a " Testimony against several
Errors in Doctrine, and Disorders in Practice," which had " of late
obtained, in various parts of the Land." It bears the signature only
of the Moderator, the Rev. Nathaniel Eells. And on the seventh
"^ ■ of July, " there met in Boston one of the largest Assembly of
Ministers that ever convened here, to bear their Testimony to this
remarkable Revival in the Land ; when ten Ministers in this Town "
joined in the Testimony. §
g^ ^ j^ On the 12th of September there appeared a work in opposi-
^^ * "■ sition to these "Testimonies." It was entitled "The Testi-
time, contribnteJ largely to the aforesaid pur- that £30 be added to the salary of the latter,
poses." On admission to a membership in the which was adopted.
Society, a fee of twenty dollars and twenty- The substance of the Report has been ex-
five cents was required. tracted here, as giving the best insight into a
* Mr. Zacheriah Hicks had the last year Boston School of 1741, that can be gathered
petitioned for an increase of salary. He was from the Records.
Usher in Mr. John Proctor's North Writing- f Thomas, Hist. Printing, ii. 253.
School. A Committee having been appointed JThe great object of " The Christian His-
to inquire into the merits of the case, reported tory '' appears to have been , to collect into a
that in said School they found about 280 permanent form an account of the great Revi-
scholars ; the JNIaster had £280 per annum ; val wliich had spread over the Country imme-
and the Usher, £150 ; that the children of the diately after the first sojourn of the Rev. Mr.
Town, who could read in the Psalter, had not AVhitefield, before noticed. The work is now
been refused admittance, and no entrance- very highly prized by Antiquaries, not for its
money demanded ; but of the children of rarity merely, but for its numerous obituaries,
strangers a fee was taken, and there were about biographical notices, and other facts connected
ten such in the School ; that for firing, poor with the period. It was, during its progress,
children paid nothing, others, as they think rudely attacked, both in newspapers and
fit ; so that " one with another " paid about pamphlets, but those attacks vrith their
5s., which the Master insisted on as his perqui- authors have gone to oblivion, while the Chris-
site, and could not subsist without it, he tian History remains a valuable repository for
having for some time paid an Assistant £100 future Historians of New England,
per annum out of his salary. Therefore the ^ Christian History, ii. 412. — The names
Committee were of opinion that nothing could of the " ten Ministers" I presume to be the
be taken from the Master's [Mr. John Proc- same as given in note *, p. 614, ante, though
ter'sl salary for the Usher, and recommended there are more than ten there enumerated.
78
618 AMERICAN MAGAZINE. DEATH OF DR. COOPER. [1743-4.
mony and Advice of a number of Laymen, respecting Religion and the
Teachers of it. Addressed to the Pastors of New England." In this,
those who had composed the Convention, and those of the Assembly,
were accused of inconsistencies, of holding to different principles, cal-
culated to mislead and bewilder the ignorant, and to set the Laity in a
very disadvantageous light.* The opposition to the Revival Ministers
probably subsided, as that excitement died away, and but little more is
heard about it.f
Notwithstanding the feeble support extended to periodicals,
another was undertaken in the Autumn of 1743. Its title was
" The American Magazine, and Historical Chronicle." The numbers
were issued monthly, contained about forty-five pages, in octavo, and
appeared as well, in, all respects, as similar works of the time in Eng-
land, excepting it had no plates. Some of the early numbers had a
cut in the first page, intended to represent Boston ; which it did quite
as well as that in the London Magazine represented London, probably.
But the American Magazine had a brief existence, extending only three
years and four months.J
On the 13th of December the Church in Brattle-street was de-
prived of one of its Pastors, the Rev. William Cooper, who died
at the age of fifty. He was a very eminent Preacher, and " his death
was greatly lamented by all the Town and Land."§ He had been a
Colleague of Dr. Colman about twenty-seven years, and was his first
assistant, with the exception of the Rev. Eliphalet Adams for about two
years, 1701 and 1702, afterwards of New London.
The affairs of Boston were much changed during the Summer of
' 1744. Its regular business met with serious obstructions, growing out
of a war between England and France. It had been declared in Lon-
don on the last day of March, and it was proclaimed in Boston in two
^ months after. All was now stir and bustle. Soldiers were col-
"' lected here as their place of departure upon proposed expedi-
tions ; and privateers were made ready at its wharves for the cruising
service.
*Read in this connection page 198, vol. i., had never been converted. — See Christ. Hist.,
of the Christian History. ii. 407.' See, also, ibid., 237 and 241. — Shep-^
f During the Whitefield excitement, one Mr. herd, in Backus, Discourse on Internal Call,'
James pavenport, " a wonderful man to search 106.
hypocrites," of Long Island, came to Boston, J It was published by Samuel Eliot, in Corn-
and, by his " fiery zeal," attracted many peo- hill, and Joshua Blanchard,in Dock Square,
pie to hear him preach. He expressed more and printed by Rogers and Fowle, in Prison
earnestness than Mr. Whitefield, with far less Lane. Dr. Thomas notes, that " it has been
prudence. On the 27th of July, 1742, he said that Jeremy Gridley, Esq., who had edited
preached on the Common to an immense as- the Rehearsal, was the Editor of this Maga-
semblage. From some circumstances it is pre- zine." In the imprint the following publishers
eumed he introduced the singing of hymns in are named : — " B. Franklin, in Philadelphia;
the streets. His conduct gave great offence, J. Parker, in New York ; J. Pomroy, in New
and several pamphlets were written about it. Haven ; C. Campbell, Post Master in Neio-
At length he came out with " A Confession port." The price was 3s. New Tenor a quar-
and Retractions ; " but it was not very satis- ter, about equal to two dollars a year,
fiictory. His principal offenpe seems to have ^ Christian History, i. 337 ; American Mag-
been a refusal to unite with other ministers azine, i. 176. He died suddenly of apoplexy,
here and elsewhere, under the belief that they Fine portraits of him are extant.
1744.]
EXPEDITION AGAINST LOUISBOURG.
619
This war had been expected for many months, and the Home Gov-
ernment had not been unmindful of the wants of the Metropolis of New
England ; for on the last day of the last year a ship came in from Eng-
land, which brought twenty forty-two pound cannon for Castle William ;
also two large mortars, with their carriages and beds, shell and shot,
with other utensils.
CHAPTER LXII.
Expedition against Louisbourg. — News of its Capture received. — Great Rejoicing. — Thanksgiving.
— Reception of Victors. — Great Arrival of Specie. — The Town threatened by the French. — Sun-
day Observance. — Deaths and Baptisms. — David Brainerd. — Impressment Tumult. — Commo-
dore Knowlcs. — Fire. — Town-house burnt.
cf?^^
l^ THE Expedition against Louisbourg has given to the
year 1745 a remarkable prominence in the History of
^Y(%^/)\^^ New England. It was planned in Boston by Governor
^•-^^JA,^. V^' X Shirley,* and when he communicated his intention to
rl -V' ^ Y^ ^^^^ General Court, an injunction of secrecy was en-
^ %.ii^ f( joined. t It was a hazardous undertaking, and nothing
S _- ;J,, ^3^t ^ \)q\^ c^Yid sudden stroke could ensure its success.
The originator had learned, by much perseverance and
^^ skill during the previous winter, that the place was
WENDELL.^ JQ jjQ very perfect condition for resistance, which put
* Much credit is probably due to several
Boston gentlemen for the ready support they
gave the Governor. Among them may be men-
tioned Col. James Gibson, who contributed up-
wards of £500, and went a volunteer in the
Expedition. He was a wealthy merchant,
whose place of business was in King-street, and
his residence was at Beacon Hill, and one of
the finest in the Town. The " Beacon Hill
Seminary " is near its site. — Johnson's edi-
tion of Gibson^s Journal. In this work it is
said that Col. Gibson came to Boston from
London (of which city he was a native) , about
1700 ; that he was a kindred of Bishop Gibson
the Antiquary. It is also claimed for Col. Gib-
son, that, but for his encouragement. Gov. Shir-
ley would never have gone forward in the at-
tempt on Louisbourg ; while an English writer
of respectability says, that to Robert Auch-
muty, Esq., "belonged the sole merit of set-
ting the glorious enterprise on foot." — Beat-
son, i. 265. Auchmuty was one of the prin-
cipal Land Bank founders. The same is also
claimed for Col. William Vaughan, who died
in London the next year.
f When the vote was taken which was to de-
cide upon the undertaking, there was but one
majority in favor of it. And yet it is matter
of astonishment with what alacrity the people
came forward to enter into it. One of the most
judicious writers of that day says : "As soon
as ever the design was known among us, it was
a marvellous thing, that when this Province
had lately lost so many hundred men, volunteers
in the sad expedition to Carthagena, not one in
ten being alive to return, their wives left wid-
ows and their children orphans : yet to see so
many likely 7nen, and I conclude the most of
them owners of lands and houses, and many
religious, in all our towns, readily listing even
as private soldiers ; with the small wages of 25
shillings [new tenor] a month, to leave their
gainful farms and trades, as well as parents,
wives and children ; all as free volunteers in
this hazardous enterprise ; yea, more than the
Court desired ; and that so many men of dis-
tinguished figure should cheerfully ofler them-
selves — even four of his Majesty's Council for
this Province, among them the Hon. William
Pepperrell, Esq., the first of the Council; as
also the Hon. Dep. Governor of Connecticut
Colony, and divers others of public esteem and
character." — Thanksgiving Ser. by Rev.
Thomas Prince, 18 July, 1745, p. 23.
{ The progenitor of the family of Wendell
came from Germany. Evert Jansen Wendell
is found at Albany, N. Y., about 1G45. He
came from East Friesland, in Hanover, and
died at the age of 88, in the year 1709. Hia
son, John Wendell, was the father of Abr^,.
620
LouisBOima taken.
[1745.
him upon the action. Fortunately the country was ready for the enter-
prise, and it succeeded beyond the expectations of the most sanguine.
The Governor had applied to the Court of England for direction and
assistance, but no answer had been received when the expedition was
resolved upon ; so that it was, in fact, a Boston undertaking. And there
are not many parallels to be found, perhaps, where an expedition of such
magnitude had been made ready in the incredibly short period of two
months. Within this time there had assembled at and in the vicinity
of Boston about 2070 men, who sailed on the intended enterprise on
the 24th of March. The details of the expedition belong to
^^' " ' the History of New England, and must be deferred here. The
famous fortress, sometimes called the Gibraltar of America, sur-
rendered on the IGth of June.
Few events have caused such rejoicing in Boston as did the reception
of the news of the capture of Louisbourg. An express packet arrived
in the night of the second of July, bringing despatches from
" ^ ' Lieut. General Pepperrell, containing the account that that strong-
hold of the power of France in America had surrendered.* As soon
as it was day the astounding intelligence was communicated to the
Town by the officers of the military, with three discharges of small
arms ; "at which summons the people, of all ranks, arose from their
beds to joy and thanksgiving, and each one severally contributed their
June 16.
\
ham, who came to Boston, and died here 28
Sept., 1734. His ninth child was the Hon.
Jacob Wendell, a wealthy merchant, a Colonel
of the Boston regiment, a Counsellor, and, in
1733, a Director in the first Banking institu-
tion in the Province. His residence was in
School-street, opposite King's Chapel, which
was recently standing, where he died 7 Sept.,
1761, aged 70. His wife was Sarah Oliver. —
(See pedigree of Oliver, p. 293). Among the
children of the Hon. Jacob Wendell were Ja-
cob, who m. Elizabeth Hunt, and d. 27 Nov.,
1753 ; Elizabeth, b. 1719, m. Richd. Wibird,
of Portsmouth; Mary, b. 14 Jan., 1724, m.
Saml. Sewall, d. 21 Jan., 1746; Katherine,
m. Wm. Cooper, Town Clerk of Boston ; John
Mico, m. Catherine Brattle ; Ann, m. John
Penhallow, of Portsmouth ; Oliver, b. 5 March,
1733, d. 15 Jan., 1818. He m., in 1762, Mary,
dau. of Edward Jackson, whose wife was Dor-
othy Quincy. This Oliver Wendell was the
recently well-known Judge Wendell. His dau.
Sarah m. the Pvev. Abiel Holmes, D.D., the
author of" American Annals,'^ &c., the father
of Mary Jackson, who m. Usher Parsons,
M. D., of Providence, R. I. ; Ann Susan, who
m. the Rev. Charles W. Upham, of Salem,
and Oliver Wendell Holmes, M. D., the
Poet. John Wendell, Esq., who lived at the
corner of Queen and Tremont streets, was the
oldest brother of the Hon. Jacob AV., before
named. He was a merchant, m. a dau. of Judge
Edmund Quincy, and d. 15 Dec., 1762, a. 60.
Their son John, b. 11 Sept., 1732, settled in
Portsmouth, N. H., and d. there 26 April,
1808. The present Jacob Wendell, Esq., of
that town, is a representative of this family.
Margaret, the twelfth child of the Hon. Jacob
Wendell, b. 20 Aug., 1739, m. William Phil-
lips, Esq., of Boston, and was mother of the
Hon. John Phillips, first Mayor of the City ;
and grandmother of Thomas W. and Wendell
Phillips, Esquires, of Boston. — W. P., in
Memorials of the Dead in Boston, &c.
The Arms of Wendell, as above given, "were
stained on nine panes of glass in the window
of the old Dutch Church, at Albany, of which
Evert Jansen Wendell (the grandfatiier of
Abraham who came to Boston) was, in 1056,
Regerendo Dijakeyi. That Church stood till
1805, and was then demolished. Judge Oliver
Wendell, of Boston, in expectation of the event,
had written to Killian Van Rensselaer to pre-
serve his family arms, but Mr. Van Rensselaer
was at Washington when the work of destruc-
tion was done, and to his sorrow learned that
they had not been saved ; and in writing of the
affair he said he would have given 100 dollars
if he could have saved them. — Munsell's An-
nals of Albany, 120, In the same work is pre-
served a view of the Church, and also a view
of a house built by one of the Wendell family,
which the writer remembers to have seen, and
which was demolished in 1841.
*So fatally secure were the French, that
they had not the slightest intimation of thia
design upon them, until they were completely
invested by the forces sent for the purpose.
1745.] LOUISBOURG TAKEN. 621
part to wear away the day in rejoicing. In the evening there was a
very handsome bonfire on the glad occasion, and the Town universally
illuminated, with all other public testimonies -of joy, with a surprising
decency and good order."*
The 18th of July was celebrated as a Thanksgiving for the
' occasion. And on the return of the officers and others to Boston,
Nov. 8. i\^Q event was again celebrated more extravagantly than before.
The Governor and his lady had been at the scene of action. They arrived
after eleven days' passage, in the Massachusetts frigate, Capt. Edward
Tyng. His Excellency debarked from the frigate, which saluted him
with seventeen guns ; and, on landing at the Castle, which was about
four in the afternoon, that fortress gave him twenty-one guns. Here he
passed the night of the eighth. The next morning he proceeded in the
Castle-barge to the Town, accompanied by the Lieut. Governor, Spen-
cer Phips, Esq., and other officers who came with him from Louisbourg,
being saluted all the way by the ships in the Harbor and the Town-bat-
teries. About twelve o'clock they landed at the end of Long Wharf,
amidst a crowd of people, who gave repeated shouts of acclamations.
Here they were received by his Majesty's Council, the Speaker of the
House, Magistrates, Gentlemen and Merchants of the Town. The regi-
ment of militia under Col. Jacob Wendell, with a foot company belong-
ing to Chelsea, were drawn up in King-street, as were also " the Troop
of Guards, with another Troop of the regiment of Horse, under Col.
Estes Hatch, and the Company of Cadets under Col. Benjamin Pollard,
who paid the proper salutes. The new set of bells, with all the
other bells in the Town, continued ringing the greater part of the day."
An illumination and fireworks in the evening closed the "joyous
occasion."!
The Expedition against Louisbourg has been called | an "uncom-
monly rash adventure," wherein, "if any one circumstance had taken
* American Magazine, \\. 323. ance for contingencies had been made by the
f On the 3d of January following, an Ad- projectors, it is doubtful whether it would
dress was presented to the Governor, " signed have been undertaken. When the proposal
by 70 of tlie principal Gentlemen, Merchants was sent from Boston to Pennsylvania, and the
and Traders," congratulating him upon the fiicts became knOwn to Benjamin Franklin, he
reduction of Louisbourg. In this Address he wrote a private letter to a friend hero, in which
is fully recognized as " the projector of the late he asked several of his shrewd questions
happy Expedition ; " and his "zeal and vigi- respecting what was proposed to be accom-
lance " in its accomplishment are likewise duly plished by the Expedition, and the means at
acknowledged. The Governor's reply is of the command to ensure its success ; what were the
most modest character, in which he claims means of annoyance on this hand, and of re-
nothing but "a desire for the welfare and sistance on that ; if the vast superiority neces-
prosperity of the Province in general, and the sary to storm a fortified place like Louisbourg
Town of Boston in particular." Nor have I had been well considered, and so forth. Had
discovered any confirmation of the often- the present allied Sovereigns of Europe seen this
repeated story, that while the Expedition was letter of Franklin before attempting Sebastopol,
in progress and the result uncertain , he spoke they would not have had much excuse for the
of it to the General Court as " our Expedition ill-success which has attended them. But, in
or your Expedition," and after the result the case of the Louisbourg undertaking, the
was known, as " his Expedition." accidents were all on one side, and thus the
J By Dr. Douglass, to whose prejudiced ap- scale turned in favor of New England. Yet
prehension Governor Shirley and his party could there should bo no detraction from the sagacity
do nothing right except by fortunate blunders, of Gov. Shirley. Jealousy and detraction should
And it must be confessed that, if a due allow- die with their propagators.
622 FRENCH DISASTERS. COMMODORE WARREN. [1746.
a wrong turn on the English side, and if any one circumstance had not
taken a wrong turn on the French side, it must have miscarried, and the
forces would have returned in shame."
To accomplish the work an immense outlay had been made by New
England, and an important appendage had been added to the British
Empire. Consequently, the Country looked to the English Parliament
to be reimbursed for its expenses ; and after about four years the claim
was allowed, and the money paid. It arrived in Boston on the 18th of
September, 1749.*
The loss of Louisbourg was a severely mortifying blow to France, and
stupendous preparations were made to recover it ; but the ill-fortune of
the French still continued. Constant alarms, however, were received,
occasioned by the presence of French men-of-war along the coast. On
one occasion an attack on Boston was daily expected, and within three
days there flocked into the Town from eight to ten thousand men in
arms to defend it. On this occasion unlimited authority was given to
the Governor to strengthen Castle William, and to do anything he
judged necessary to defend the Harbor.f This alarm, however, soon
died away ; the mighty French armament was chiefly destroyed by
tempests, and its experienced and valiant commander, the Duke D'An-
ville, perished, it is said, by his own sword.
^ ^^ Meanwhile, Boston was honored with a visit from the Naval
"' * Hero of Louisbourg, Admiral Warren, accompanied by General
Pepperrell. They arrived in a fifty gun-ship, the Chester, Capt. Eichard
Spry, with a blue flag at her mizzen topma3t.| Their reception was
similar to that before given on the arrival of Governor Shirley from the
scene of the late action. § The Admiral probably remained in Boston
till the end of the following August ; as on the 20th of that month he
advertised that he was " shortly to leave the place," and requested that
if any had demands against him, to present them.
The late large assemblages of soldiers in the Town, holiday celebra-
tions, and receptions of persons of rank, of course tended to loosen the
reins both of government and morals ; hence more stringent regulations
were attempted to be put in force. A disregard of Sunday was par-
ticularly noticed. \\
* Douglass, ii. 15. — It was brought by a Country, -well armed, appeared in Boston
frigate. The amount was £183,649 2s. 7hf., Common, some of them {v.g.) from Brook-
contained in 215 chests, 3000 pieces of eight field, travelled 70 miles in two days, each with
[dollars] in a chest, and 100 casks of coined a pack (in which was provi-sion for 14 days)
copper. There were 17 cart and truck loads of of about a bushel corn weight."
the silver, and about 10 of the copper, as it was J The color of the flag denoted that the Ad-
conveyed from the wharf to the Treasurer's miral of the Blue Squadron, Peter Warren,
Office. The payments to the other Colonies Esq., was on board.
show the amount of their services as compared ^ In the News-Lctter of June 2Gth will be
with this : — N. Hampshire received £16,355 found the particulars referred to.
13s. 4c?.; Connecticut, £28,863 19s. ld.\ || " The Justices in the Town of Boston have
11. Island, £6,332 12s. IM. agreed to walk, and observe the behavior of the
t Memoirs of the War, p. 65. — This alarm, people of said Town on the Lord's-day, and to
says Douglass, who was an eye-witness, was give j^ublic notice thereof, that persons pro-
" in the end of September, and was occa- faning said day by walking, standing on the
sioned from [the Duke] D'Anville's Brest streets, or any other way breaking the Law
Squadron." Ho says: "0,400 men from the made for its observance, may expect the execu-
1746.] DR. DOUGLASS. DAVID BRAINERD. 623
J At a Town-meeting on the fourth of Juno, Samuel Adams,
' Esq., was elected a Representative, to serve in the place of the
Hon. Andrew Oliver, who was chosen a Councillor.
A Packet Schooner began to run between Boston and Lynn. It was
commanded by Capt. Hugh Alley, and continued to run for many
years.*
An Act was passed to prevent " the firing of guns in the Town."
The number of deaths for the year ending January, 1746, was
706 whites, and seventy-four blacks ; there were baptized in the
Churches, 573. f
.^^ ,. There was a Thanksgiving for the victory of Culloden.
, °,^ Taxes in the Town were heavy, and caused many to complain.
Among them, Dr. Douglass protested that he was greatly over-
taxed, while many others were rated far below their income.J
The famous missionary to the Indians, David Brainerd, visited
"' Boston for the last time, being in the final stages of consump-
tion. Aware that he could live but a very short time, he was anxious
to return to Northampton, that he might not die here, Avhere much
parade and ceremony would be likely to take place, to which he had a
strong aversion. Accordingly, he returned to that Town on the 25th
tion of the law upon them." — News-Letter, £500, 0. T., on a Free School in Douglass,
12 June. The law referred to is that of and £50 per annum for 7 years on their Min
1692, by which "all and every person shall ister, besides other bounties; had contracted
carefully apply themselves to the duties of re- the business of his profession, etc. That, if
ligion and piety, publicly and privately ; " the Assessors did not relieve him, he should
and if any person presumed to work, he was to apply to the " Quarter Sessions." lie stated
be fined 5s.; " travelling, unless by some ad- further, that " Dr. Bulfinch, who had the best
versity persons were belated and forced to lodge practice in Boston, was assessed but £45 ; Drs.
in the woods, wilderness or highways, the night Kennedy, J. Perkins, and [John] Sprague,
before," to pay 205. whose practice was better than his, were as-
* Lewis, i//'s<. iynn, 203. sessed only £25 to £30." Among the mer-
f Nathaniel Wardell's term for using " the chants and tradesmen he mentioned " Mr.
Engine erected for weighing hay at the South Clark, the hatter, deceased, worth £30,000 to
part of the Town," expired in May ; any per- £40,000, taxed £38 ; Deacon Parker, the Top
sons wishing to take a lease of it were requested mason in Town, £11." The amount of the
to apply to the Selectmen. Doctor's Schedule is £2,615 2s. Among the
I In a note to the Assessors, accompanying items are "the Green Dragon; Jarvis in
the "Schedule of his income," the Doctor Roxbury, and appurtenances; Fowle, late
says: "lam sorry for the necessity of giving AValker's, near the Orange Tree; house in
you trouble, from time to time, of my com- Mill-creek lane ; Burnet, late Capt. Heel's ;
plaints as being aggrieved in my Rate-bills. Maj. Sewall, a warehouse late Capt. Hall's ;
Lastyearyouabated me £66, Old Tenor, which money at interest, £300; income by faculty
though not a sufficient abatement, that I might £500; a refuse Negro boy," etc. All O. T.
ease you of the trouble of further application,
I acquiesced with the same." This he handed
in on the 23d of April, and as late as August
22d it had not received attention, although yf yj'
his accompanying note must have been, as it (y f J
now seems, very satisfactory. In it he said [y
he was, or soon must be, in the decline of life, His tax last year, on which he obtained £60
[he was now about 55 years of age] did not en- abatement, was £112 8s. M. Dr. Douglass'
deavor to increase his fortune, having no family autograph, as attached to the Schedule above
to provide for ; but should yearly lessen it by mentioned, is here copied. The Town of
doing charities, by donations and bounties; Douglass, in this State, was named for him,
had this year sold his garden in Atkinson- of which he was a principal proprietor. He
street to Mr. Thos. Goldthwait ; had settled died intestate, 21 Oct., 1752, aged about 61.
m%u.^j
624 IMPRESSMENT TUMULT. [1747.
of July, and died there, October the ninth, in the thirtieth year of
his age.*
A dangerous tumult commenced on the 17th of November,
■ occasioned by the imprudent conduct of Commodore Charles
Knowles. j He was then lying in the harbor with a number of ships-of-
war. Some of the Commodore's men had deserted while the squadron
lay here, and although the deserters had probably fled further off than
Boston, yet Knowles sent a press-gang ashore in the night, or early
in the morning, and surprised, not only all the seamen that could be
found on board vessels outward bound as well as others, but swept
the wharves also, taking some ship-carpenters' apprentices, and other
laboring land-men.J To such outrages the people of Boston were not
accustomed, and that they would submit to them could not for a
moment be expected. For friends and kindred to be kidnapped in
this manner, no arbitrary or lawless proceeding could have been more
justly a cause of tumult and outrage. The lower class were the
especially aggrieved, because it was upon them the depredation was
made. Hence a mob of this order was speedily collected on the
morning of the 17th, armed with a few " rusty swords, cat-sticks,
pitchmops and clubs," and proceeded to make reprisal. Meeting with
a Lieutenant belonging to one of the ships, who happened to be on shore,
but who had had no hand in the outrage, they seized him ; and, while
in doubt what to do with him, Thomas Hutchinson, Esq.,§ came along,
who, knowing the Lieutenant to be innocent, endeavored to persuade the
mob to let him go. They however led him off to a place of safety,
and proceeded to the Governor's house, where they had learned that
several of the officers of the ships were. Meantime, several " persons
of discretion " got into the house, and prevented the populace from
entering, which soon filled the court leading to it, and quite surrounded
it. Seeing that the prospect of something really serious was at hand,
the officers of the navy within armed themselves with carbines, and,
placing themselves at the head of the stair-cases, seemed resolved to
* "While in Boston he was entertained at the Knowles in no very moderate manner, which in
house of Mr. Edward Bromfield. On Sunday, part may be accounted for from the fact that
the 19th July, he went to meeting at the Old that officer said, or was believed to have said,
South, heard Dr. Sewall in the forenoon, and that " all Scotchmen were rebels." Some of
Mr. Prince in the afternoon ; sat in Mr. Brom- the vessels out of which men were pressed, be-
field's pew, which was the second wall pew longed to Glasgow, in Scotland, which caused
on the left from the Milk-street entrance. — Knowles to think that the Scotch masters of
Edwards' Life Braincrd, 225, 248, 253, and those vessels had instigated the mob. This
Wisner, 103. caused him to make the rash expression above
fHe was appointed Governor of Cape cited, and Dr. Douglass to speak of his conduct
Breton after the capture of Louisbourg. — as being of the most outrageous character;
Beatson. lie was afterwards knighted for thus feeling the insult in common with his
services in the West Indies. His career was countrymen. The Conduct of the press-gang
a long and fortunate one in the Navy. In he thus characterizes : They " in the night-
1770 he went into the service of the Empress time, with armed boats, did kidnap or steal
of ^Russia, in which he continued four years, ship-builders' apprentices, and did rob ships
Returning then to England, he lived in retire- (cleared out) of their crews," etc. — Sum-
ment till his death, Dec. 9th, 1777. — Char- mary, i. 254.
nock. ^ The Author of the History of the ProviBce
X Dr. Douglass handles the conduct of of Mass. Bay.
1747.] IMPRESSMENT TUMULT. 625
proceed to the last extremity. At this stage of affairs, a circumstance
happened which diverted the besiegers from forcing the house. A sheriff
attempted to enforce his authority ; whereupon the mob took him,
and in a triumphant manner bore him to the front of the Town-house,
and there fixed him in the stocks. This they looked upon as a kind of
victory; and it seemed to cool their rage, and " disposed them to
separate, and go to dinner. "
Thus passed the forenoon, and there does not appear to have been
any gathering in the afternoon. But soon after dusk several thousand
people came together in King-street, whose chief attention was directed
to the Town-house, in which the General Court was sitting, and brick-
bats and other missiles were thrown through its windows into the Coun-
cil-chamber. The majority of the mob did not approve of this action,
which Avas done by boys, and some who were intoxicated. The Gover-
nor, and several of the Council and House, undauntedly appeared on the
balcony, and the former addressed them in a well-timed speech ; in
which he assured them that Commodore Kuowles' proceeding had no
justification, and that his utmost endeavors would be used to have all
the impressed persons restored. But they had become too much exas-
perated to hear to anything reasonable, and nothing short of the confine-
ment of the before mentioned officers in town would be listened to. In
the mean while a report came that a barge from one of the men-of-war
had landed at one of the wharves. This the mob immediately went in
quest of; and, coming to a boat belonging to a Scotch ship, they mis-
took it for the barge, seized it, dragged it up in front of the Governor's
House, " with as much seeming ease as if it had been in the water,"
and here proposed to burn it ; but, as burning it there might set the town
on fire, which they did not wish to do, they dragged it away and
burnt it elsewhere.
The next day the Governor gave orders for the military compa-
nies of the town to turn out, and that a Military Watch should
be kept the succeeding night ; but his orders were very imperfectly
obeyed ; the drummers were interrupted, and a general non-appearance
satisfied his Excellency that he had not only lost his control, but that
his personal safety was somewhat uncertain. He therefore retired to
Castle William. When the Governor's design was made known to cer-
tain gentlemen, they sent a message to him by Col. Edward Hutchinson,
assuring him that they would stand by and support him in maintaining
the laws and restoring order ; but he kept his resolution and proceeded
to the fort. Thence he wrote to Commodore Knowles, setting forth the
troubles which had been caused by the conduct of his press-gang.
Instead of releasing the pressed men, or proposing any accommoda-
tion, Knowles expressed himself passionately, and threatened to bring up
his ships and bombard tht town, unless his of&cers now on parole orf
shore were at once allowed to come on board ; and, as though to carry out
his threat, sail was begun to be made on some of the ships, and the eyes
of the town were turned in the direction of those floating batteries with
79
626 IMPRESSMENT TUMULT. [1747.
no little solicitation. Two of the paroled officers were Captain Eobert
Askew and Captain Robert Erskine of the Canterbury. The latter was
seized at the house of Col. Francis Brinley* in Roxbury.
The General Court still continued in session, *'not willing to
' interpose, lest they should encourage other Commanders of the
Navy " to dp as Knowles had done. But on the 19th, to relieve the
Governor, whose conduct had been unexceptionable, and if possible to
restore quiet to the Town, the House resolved that it would stand by
his Excellency the Governor, and support him with their lives and es-
tates ; that it would by all ways and means possible exert itself to re-
dress the grievance the people were under, which had caused the present
tumults. At the same time the Council ordered that Capt. Erskine,
and all other officers under restraint on account of the impressment affair,
should be set at liberty.
When the doings of the General Court became known to the inhab-
itants, the disorderly spirit began to abate. A Town-meeting was called,
and held the afternoon of the same day, to consider what was proper for
the Town to do on the occasion ; in which there was a strong revenge par-
ty, who urged that if this offence was slightly passed over, it would en-
courage a repetition of such outrages. But the orderly party pre-
vailed, and those who had insulted the Governor and the Court were
pointedly denounced and reprobated.
The Governor, not expecting the tumult would be allayed thus soon,
had given orders for the officers of the regiments in the neighboring
towns to be in readiness to march to any point he should indicate at an
hour's notice. " But the next day there was an uncommon appearance
of the militia of the Town ; many persons taking their muskets who
never carried one upon any other occasion, and the Governor was con-
ducted to his house" with as great parade as when he returned from
the conquest of Louisbourg.f s Then, or soon after, the Commodore dis-
missed the impressed men, and sailed out of the harbor, to the great joy
of the Town.
It is not likely that this attempt to impress men at Boston, by Com-
modore Knowles, was the first which had occurred ; for, six years be-
fore this, the Town had sent a Committee to request the Governor to
take measures to protect Coasters being pressed to serve on board the
King's ships. Such a measure would hardly have been taken without
some act of impressment had preceded it. The subject is alluded to
* Col. Brinley was born in London in 1690, and Catharine Lyde, April 18, 1718, grand-
and educated at Eaton, was son of Thomas, daughter of Hon. Nathaniel Byfield. The
the only surviving son of Francis Brinley, present Hon. Francis Brinlet, of Boston, is
Esq., of Newport, R. I. He was one of the a great-grandson. The first Francis B. was at
founders of King's Chapel, but returned to Newport in 1651-2, died in 1719-20, aged 87,
London, and died there 27 Nov. 1765. The was buried in King's Chapel, Boston.
Bouse in which he resided in Roxbury was f Hutchlfcson says the parade was as great
built after the plan of those at Dutchet, in as at the time of the Governor's arrival to eji-
England, and bore the same name. It is now ter upon his office as Governor, but I have fol-
owned and occupied by John Bumstead, Esq. lowed Douglass, in this, as I have in some oth-
Col. B. married Deborah, daughter of Edward er parts of the narrative.
1747.]
TOWN-HOUSE BURNT.
627
several years later. The Town, in its congratulatory address to Gover-
nor Pownall, on his departure for England in 1760, observed that he had
" with great prudence answered the demand for Seamen for his Majesty's
Service, and yet preserved them from the burden of naval impressments ;
a burden which they had sometimes severely felt."
On the ninth of December occurred a fire in the Town-house,
which destroyed that building, together with many records and
papers of great importance, as already detailed in a previous chapter.
The General Court, then in session, being deprived of their place of
meeting, were offered the use of Faneuil Hall, but they were accommo-
dated in the Royal Exchange tavern, kept by Mr. Luke Vardy, for the
few days which were left of the session. They adjourned on
the twelfth. When they met again in February, there was a
motion to have a house for their accommodation built in Cambridge, and
another that it should be located in Roxbury. But it was finally deter-
mined that the old one should be repaired.
CHAPTER LXIII.
Independent Advertiser begun. — View of tlie Commerce. — State of Schools. — Return of Indian Cap-
tives. — News of the Death of Dr. Watts. — First Masonic Procession. — First Bibles printed. —
Opposition to Parliament. — Theatrical Exhibitions forbidden. — Lotteries. — Small-pox. — Number
of Inhabitants. — Linen Manufactures. — New Style. — Indian Treaty. — Boston Gazette begun. —
Fire in Marlborough-st. — Singular Punishment of a Female. — Decline of Religion. — Intem-
perance. — Jlonster of Monsters. — Daniel Fowle. — Stone Jail. — Post Office in Cornhill. — Excise
Law. — Opposed. — Great Storm. — Franklin. — His Discoveries.
1748.
Jan. 4
SHIRLEY.*
A NEW Paper, called "The Independ-
ent Advertiser," made its appearance. It
did not differ much in its mechanical execution
from other papers of the time. " Rogers and
Fowle " were its publishers, " next to the Prison
in Queen-street." Its political tendency was
Whig, and it was supplied with essays of this
character by an Association of Gentlemen, of
whom Samuel Adams, afterwards Governor, was
one. The Advertiser continued but two years ;
*Paly of six, Or and Azure, a Canton,
Ermine. — Crest — A Saracen's head in profile,
-wreathed al)out the temples. Or and Azure.
The .Arms of the present representative of the
family. From an engraved Portrait of Gov.
William Shirley, in possession of a descendant,
Edward Shirley Erving, Esq., of Boston, is
taken the following Memorial : —
" The Honorable William Shirley, Esq., Ap-
pointed Captain General and Governor in Chief,
&c., of the Pi-ovince of Massachusetts Bay in
New England, in 1741. One of His Majesty's
Commissioners at Paris for Settling the Limits
of Xova Scotia and other controverted Rights
in America, 1750. General and Commander in
Chief of His Majesty's Forces in North Ameri-
ca, 1755, and Lieut. General in His Majesty's
Army, 1759. — 1. Nova Scotia or Acadie pre-
served during the late war, commenced in
1744. 2. The Island of Cape Breton taken in
the Expedition fitted out from the Massachu-
setts Bay in 1745." — On a scroll at his left
hand is, " 1. Conservation." Below it, " 2.
Expugnata." Under the Picture on one side,
—"I Hudson Pinxt., 1750." On the other
side, — " I. McArdell, fecit."
Under the Arms of Shirley in Blome's Bri-
tannia, edition fol. 1673, is as follows : —
628
COMMERCE. SCHOOLS,
[1748-9.
owing probably to the dissolution of the copartnership of the proprie-
tors.*
An idea of the commerce of Boston is obtained from the number of
arrivals and clearances of a given period. Between Christmas 1747, and
the same date 1748, there entered 430 vessels, and 540 cleared. This
is according to the Custom-house books ; while, from Michaelmas to
Michaelmas of the same years, the Boston Naval Office gives 491 clear-
ances on foreign voyages.f
Sept. 23.
The sympathies of the people were not unfrequently excited
by being obliged to witness the sufferings of persons who had
been in captivity among the Indians. Several at this time arrived from
Canada, among whom was the family of Mr. Jojin Fitch, taken from
Lunenburg on the third of July preceding. Mrs. Fitch had died while
on her return from captivity, the story of whose, sufferings is not less
thrilling than that of Mrs. Rowlandson, or Mrs. Johnson.
1749. The votes for Representatives stood thus this year : — The Hon.
May 9. James Allen had 543 ; Thomas Hubbard, Esq., 678; Mr. John
Tyng, 513 ; and the Hon. Samuel Waldo, 539. The Committee who
examined the Schools, reported that they found in the South Grammar
School 120 scholars; in the South Writing School "in the Common,"
220 ; in the Writing School in Queen-street, 57 ; in the North Gram-
mar School, 38 ; and in the North Writing School, 270. All were
reported to be "in good order." The Selectmen were desired to
recommend to the Masters of the schools, that they " instruct their schol-
ars in reading and spelling." They were also desired to provide suit-
able books for that purpose, at the charge of the Town, to be given to
" Sir Eobert Shirley of Staunton and Harold
in Leicestershire, of Chartley in Staffordshire,
of Ettington, Warwickshire, of Astwell in
Northamptonshire, of Shirley Brialsford and
Eddleston in Derbyshire, Bart."
There have been many persons of distinc-
tion among the race of Shirley, both in the iield
and in literature, descended from Sir Thomas
Shirley, of Whiston, in Sussex. The descent of
Governor Shirley from Thomas Shirley, Esq.,
of Preston, in Sussex, is briefly thus : — By
Elizabeth, daughter of Drew Stapley of Lon-
don, Thomas, of Preston, had AVilliam, a 3d
son, who had "William, an only son, merchant
of London. This son mai-ried Elizabeth,
daughter of John Goodman, and died in 1701.
These were the parents of the Governor, whose
first wife was Frances, dau. of Francis Baker, of
London, by whom he had, William, killed with
Gen. Braddock, 1755 ; John, a Captain in the
army, died at Oswego ; Thomas, only surviving
son, born in Boston, Governor of the Leeward
Islands, a Major General in the army, created
a baronet in 1786, He died in March, 1800,
leaving a son, the late Sir William Warden
Shirley, of Oat Hall, Wivelsfield, Sussex, who
dying siiie prole Feb. 1815, the Baronet-
cy became extinct. Of the daughters of
Governor Shirley, Elizabeth m. Eliakim
Hutchinson, Frances m. William Bollan, "the
King's Advocate in the Court of Vice-Admi-
ralty in Massachusetts." Mrs. Bollan d. 21
Mar. 1744, in her 24th year, in giving birth
to her first child. Harriet m. Kobert Tem-
ple, Esq. ; Maria m. John Erving, Esq., of
Boston. A daughter of Mr. Erving m.
Governor Scott, of the Island of Dominica, and
died at that Island, 13 Feb. 1768. The Er-
ving: mansion-house was in Milk-street.
Governor Shirley built the then spacious
mansion in Roxbury, since the well-known
residence of the late Governor "William Eustis,
to which ho gave the name of Shirley Place.
* Thomas, ii. 235. This paper had a cut
at its head containing a curious device, which
is described by this Author, and also by Mr.
Buckingham in his Reininiscences , i. 156.
f Namely, 51 ships, 44 snows, 54 brigs, 249
sloops, and 93 schooners. — Douglass, i. 538.
1749.]
FIRST MASONIC PROCESSION.
629
such poor children, as they might think proper. Two years later the
Masters were ordered not to exact " entrance money, so called," of any
children, belonging to the Town, but the Selectmen were to give direc-
tions what money they might receive from the scholars, " to defray the
expense of firing."
The news of the death of Doctor Isaac Watts was received about the
first of April, 1749, and with almost as much sorrow as if he had been a
native and resident of Boston. His Hymns and Sermons had been for
many years held in the highest repute, and had been published and
republished in Boston.* He died at Stoke Newington, Nov. 25th,
1748, aged about seventy-five years.
About the same time news was received of the death of the Prince
of Wales, "the first who had died for one hundred and thirty-eight
years." Sermons were preached on the occasion and printed.
A procession of the Masonic Fraternity was at this time a rare exhi-
bition in Boston, if not the first which had taken place. Such a pro-
^_ cession made its appearance on the Feast of Saint John, and of
" course excited great curiosity, and from a learned wit called forth
a short Poem, in which the circumstance is treated with much satirical
humor and ridicule. In this many of the principal Masons figure by
name.f A Lodge had now existed in Boston about nineteen years. It
* In the Independent Advertiser of April
3d, a notice of his death is given, in whicli he
is spoken of as " beloved, admired and re-
vered ; most remarkable for his moderate and
pacific sentiments ; whose works in prose and
verse, with which the world were obliged,
would perpetuate his eulogy to ages yet un-
born.' ' He was buried in Bunhill Fields, where
a monument to his memory, with a suitable
inscription, was soon after erected. He
preached in London, in the Church where the
Rev. Joseph Caryll, Dr. John Owen, Mr. Da-
vid Clarkson, and Dr. Isaac Chauncy, had
preceded him. He was a native of South-
ampton, son of Isaac, and grandson of Capt.
Thomas Watts, who, in 1656, was blown up
in his ship, in the Dutch war. — Lyric Poems,
12mo., Boston, 1748 ; Robinson's History of
Sloke Newington, 87.
Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns gradually
superseded the work of Dr. N. Brady, and N.
Tate, Esq. Mein and Fleeming published the
26th edition of Dr. Watts in 1768, with the
music at the end. IIow many editions had
preceded this, in Boston, I have not learned.
John Mycall published a 40th edition in New-
buryport, in 1781. I have seen but a single
copy of the first edition in England, and that
was procured in London, at a considerable cost,
some thi-ee years since, for my friend Geo. Liv-
ERMORE, Esq. Its date is 1719.
f The Poem is thus ludicrously entitled : —
" Entertainment for a Winter's Evening :
being a Full and True A ccount of a very Strange
and Wonderful SIGHT seen in Bostox, on the
27th of December, 1749, at NOON-DAY.
The Truth of which can be attested by a Great
Number of People, who actually saw the same
with their own Eyes. By ME, the Hon. B. B. ,
Esq." Said to be Joseph Green, Esq.*
The procession marching is thus described :
" See Buck before the apron'd throng
Marches with sword and book along ;
The stately ram, with courage bold,
So stalks before the fleecy fold,
And so the gander, on the brink
Of river, leads his geese to drink."
The noted keeper of the Royal Exchange
Tavern is taken notice of in this wise :
" Where 's honest Luke ? that cook from London ;
For without Luke the Lodge is undone.
'T was he who oft dispell'd their sadness,
And filled the Brethren's hearts with gladness.
Luke in return is made a Brother,
As good and true as any other,
And still, though broke with age and wine,
Preserves the token and the sigti."
In another place Luke comes in with less
credit :
"The high, the low, the great and small,
James Perkms f short, and Aston tall ;
Johnson as bulky as a house,
And Wethred smaller than a louse.
We all agree, both wet and dry,
From drunken Luke to sober I."
* The same probably who appeared early in oppo-
sition to Royal Authority. He died 1st July, 1765,
aged 62.
■}• Perhaps the same respectfully mentioned by
Tudor in his Life of Otis, p. 16. If so he was living
when that Author wrote, but died before he pub-
lished in 1823.
630 FIRST PRINTING OF BIBLES. [1749.
was first organized under Henry Price, who was styled " The Right
Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of New England." The other
officers were "The Right Worshipful Andrew Belcher, Deputy Grand
Master ; Right Worshipful Thomas Kennelly, Senior Grand Warden ;
Right Worshipful John Quann, Junior Grand Warden." This Lodge
had authority to establish others in any part of North America ; and on
application of Benjamin Franklin, one was immediately after founded at
Philadelphia, of which Franklin was appointed its "Right Worshipful
first Master."
Price, having resigned in 1736, was succeeded by Robert Tomlinson ;
and the latter was succeeded in 1774 by Thomas Oxnard.
The first Bibles printed in Boston were printed this year, or about
this time. Owing to the restrictions upon the publication of the Scrip-
tures in England, they could not be published in the Colonies with-
out the breach of an enactment of the British Parliament. But an
evasion of those enactments had not been very scrupulously regarded,
especially when the good of the people here was affected by their ob-
servance. Hence the printing of Bibles in Boston was begun clandes-
tinely, and their issue concealed by a false imprint ; the undertakers
arguing, no doubt, that " the end justified the means; " — an argument,
difficult, at all times, to be met successfully.
This edition of the Bible was undertaken principally by Daniel
Henchman, and " Kneeland and Green" were the printers. It was in
quarto, and so exact a copy of that printed " cum privilegio " by Mark
Basket, that it was not easy to distinguish a copy of the Boston edition
from it. This is not strange, as the materials used, type, paper, and
even ink, were all imported from England.*
The people always felt that the Mother Country had not morally any
right to legislate for them, which the most casual reader cannot fail to
have perceived in the perusal of these pages from -the first. This spirit
occasional!}'' exhibited itself, and on various occasions. What gave it the
more strength and efficiency, from time to time, was its declaration from
the Pulpit. Dr. Jonathan Mayhew, though a young man, had great
influence in giving direction and encouragement to those opposed to
The Poet designates Lewis Turner as " Pump * Dr. Thomas sajs, Hist. Printing, i. 305,
Turner,''' probably from his occupation. Dr. " When I was an apprentice, I often heard
Thomas Aston figures as " Aston tall." * those who had assisted at the case and press,
Francis Jo honnot is called " laughing Frank," in printing this Bible, make mention of the
and is thus nicely introduced : ■ fact," of its being published in the manner
" But still I see a numerous train : and under the circumstances stated in the text.
Shall they, alas ! unsung remain ? " Governor Hancock was related to Henchman,
Sage H««oiw; t of public soul, knew the particulars of the transaction, and
And laughing iiVan-t friend to the bowl, possessed a copy of this impression of the
Tfp'X V. '""^ !; c^ vf 'T ,' » Bible. Not long after the Bible was issued, a
And /iowf.S who sings at Church so loud." m . , ^ j. • xi tj.
^ , , ,. . i, ■, r^ , Testamentwasgotoutm the same way. It was
doIrrtL^ao^'tCur^^^^^^^^
eruor's House was the Province House, now Ordway's, There are doubtless many of these Bibles in
in Washington-street. existence, but as it is very difficult to identify
t No doubt Captain Benjamin Hallowell. them, they pass for the genuine English edition.
% Probably Mr. John Rea, who kept in Butler's
Row in 1748. He was a ship-chandler. on Belcher's Wharf in 1744. He lived in Essex-street
§ .John Rowe was a merchant, an importer, kept in 17(iO.
1750.] THEATRICAL EXHIBITIONS. 631
what was termed Parliamentary encroachments. A sermon, which he
preached about the commencement of the year, is not without
■ interest at this day, and is often sought after.*
It was long after this before anything like theatrical exhibitions was
tolerated, though something of the kind was no doubt clandestinely
practised at a much earlier period. One was brought to notice this
year, owing to a disturbance it occasioned among the applicants for ad-
mission to witness it. This was undertaken by two young Englishmen,
assisted by some volunteers from among the inhabitants. They were to
"bring out" "The Orphan, or Unhappy Marriage," a Tragedy, by
Thomas Otway ; but some persons attempting to force an entrance,
probably regardless of regulations, gave the affair publicity, and caused
the General Court to enact a law to prohibit all such representations,
which was continued for many years.f The place selected for this per-
formance, being the most public, or as much so as any in the Town,
was the more readily detected ; it being at the Royal Exchange
Tavern.
,j. By a late law of the Province, a duty was laid on tea, coffee,
'^ ' coaches, chaises, and some other articles. The people viewed it
a burden, operating very unequally upon the inhabitants, and, therefore,
at the Town Meeting on the 15th of May, a committee was raised to
memorialize the General Court for its repeal. | At the same meeting
the subject of removing the Powder House from the Common came up ;
but it was voted that " the Town will do nothing concerning it."
Among other transactions fifty pounds, lawful money, was voted " Mr.
Robert Treat Paine for his salary as Usher of the South Grammar
School ; and fifty more to repair the North Battery, and that John
Steele, Esq., the Captain of it, was to take care that the same be re-
paired." By another vote "the Marsh Lands at the bottom of the
Common" were ordered to be leased.
With the last year ended the services of Joseph Wadsworth, Esq.,
as Town Treasurer,§ and Mr. David Jeffries was chosen to succeed him.
1751. At the Town Meeting on the eleventh of March, Mr. Ezekiel
Mar. 11. Goldthwait, who for many years had been Town Clerk, was
rechosen, having 377 votes out of 398. At this meeting a vote was
passed, by which all persons were exempt from liability to serve as
Constables, if they had served in that capacity within seven years. The
subject " of the disorders that are frequently committed by Negroes in
the night," was discussed ; the proposition being, whether any more
effectual method than that already prescribed by law, could be taken
for that object, and it was referred to Thomas Hutchinson, Samuel
* Its title is very significant: — "A Dig- f See Minot's Hist. Mass. i. 142-3. The
course concerning Unlimited Submission," etc. Act 5 of William III. (1699), however, in-
" On the Anniversary of the Death of Charles eluded theatrical performers.
I. In which the mysterious Doctrine of that J It consisted of Abiel Walley, Hon. Samuel
PT'mce's sairitship and martyrdom is nnviddled.''^ Welles, Charles Apthorp, Thomas Hancock,
I have space only to refer my readers to page Esquires, and Mr. John Smith.
40, etc., of that work. ^ He served long and with great reputation.
632 SMALL-POX. [1752.
M 14 ^^"^^^^^j ^^^ Benjamin Pratt, Esquires. The meeting of the 14:th
' of May, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Mather opened with prayer, as all
the Town Meetings had been for many years ; on which occasions the
Ministers served in rotation.' The Hon. James Allen, Mr. John Tyng,
Mr. Harrison Gray, and the Hon, Thomas Hubbard were elected Repre-
sentatives. The three gentlemen first named had 253, 263 and 300
votes respectively ; but Mr. Hubbard had " a great majority."
By an Act of the Province, a lottery was authorized, " for supplying
the Treasury with 26,700 milled dollars." The Hon. Samuel Watts
was the chief manager of it, who had his office in Faneuil Hall, where
the lottery was drawn. The price of tickets was three dollars.
On the sixteenth of May, " a young Negro servant was exe-
' cuted for poisoning an infant."
There are recorded 624 deaths in the Town this year. Of this number
seventy-six were Blacks. The number of baptisms in the Churches
was 488.
The Town was again thrown into consternation from fear of the small-
pox. Captain Cousins, in. a ship from London, was cast away, on the
24th of December last, in Nahant Bay. The crew were saved, and
compassionately received by the people of Chelsea, and the disease
was in that manner communicated on shore. In the following January
it found its way into Boston, where it continued with its usual mortality
about six months. Nearly 1,800 people fled from the Town, which then
contained 15,734 souls, absentees and 1544 Negroes included. Inocu-
lation was resorted to, but a small proportion of the inhabitants appear
to have adopted that practice ; 5,059 having taken the small-pox the
natural way, while but 1,970 took it by inoculation. Of the latter
twenty-four died, and of the former 452.*
1752. Early in February the Selectmen endeavoured to obviate the
Feb. 9. effects of the alarm which the small-pox had occasioned, and
issued circulars to that effect. They said they had made strict inquiry
throughout the whole Town, and did not find it to exist, excepting in
the families of " Mr. Benjamin Hallowell's, in Batterymarch-street, Dr.
William Clarke's in Wing's lane, Mr. Benjamin Hodgdon's in Summer-
street, and in the Pest House, and all contrary reports were absolutely
false. t At all which places there was a flag hung out as the law directs."
Inoculation had not then commenced, and the Physicians had promised
the Selectmen that they would give them notice before they did so.
The efforts of the " Society for Encouraging Industry, and Employing
the Poor," were not remitted, though some interruption was occasioned
by the prevalence of the small-pox. But that had so far abated by the
first of August, that afljiirs began to resume their wonted course. The
manufacture of linen was an important object, and was the more thought
* Data in Douglass, ii. 397 ; but in the sons had industriously circulated the report,
News-Letter of 1754, the number is stated at to prevent the country people from bringing in
569. provisions " that they might engross 'em, in
f The Selectmen added, that ill-minded per- order to make great gains."
1752.] NEW STYLE. — A FIRE. 633
of, as it was to be a means of employing the Poor of the Town. In a
sermon before the society just mentioned, Dr. Chauncy spoke in
^^' "' the most encouraging terms of the advantages to be derived from
such manufacture, and adverted to the discouragements it met with from
some, who urged that it was quite too great an undertaking " for so
poor and small a people." But he argued that notwithstanding all the
obstacles and objections, linen could be made here cheaper than it could
be imported ; and that, " as poor and small as they were, they needed
linen, and couldn't do without it." *
Until the commencement of the present year all legal papers and
instruments bore date corresponding with the 25th of March, as the
beginning of the year. This year, in conformity to an Act of Parlia-
ment! of last year, was begun on January first ; and by the same Act
it was ordered that eleven days should be struck out of the following
September ; that is, that the third should be called the fourteenth,
which made the equinoxes and solstices fall on the same days as they
did at the Nicene Council, in the year 325. This change in the style
of dating occasioned the use 0/ the terms Old Style and New Style.
Lieutenant Governor Phips quieted the Eastern Indians by sending
Commissioners to meet their Chiefs at Fort St. George (now Warren in
Maine). Jacob Wendell, Samuel Watts, Thomas Hubbard, and Cham-
bers Russell, Esquires, were the Commissioners. J Another was held
the following year, at the same place, at which " Sir William Pepperell,
Baronet, Jacob Wendell, Thomas Hubbard, John Winslow, Esquires,
and Mr. James Bowdoin," were Commissioners. These acted under
the direction of Governor Shirley.
1753. With the new year commenced the publication of " The Boston
Jan. 3. Grazette, or Weekly Advertiser." It was issued by Samuel
Kneeland, and was the successor of " The Boston Gazette and Weekly
Journal." It continued but two years.
On the night of the seventh of February occurred a destructive
fire, " near Marlborough-street." It took in an out-house, burnt
two stables, Mr. Sellon's blacksmith shop, and the dwellings of Dr.
John Cutler, and Dr. Edward Ellis. The night was rainy, but it "raged
with great vehemence for two or three hours." Several people were
injured by the falling of a brick wall, and a horse was burnt to death.
On the tenth of May a spectacle was presented on King-street
^^^ ' as revolting to every feeling of humanity as it was disgraceful to
the community that tolerated it. An unfortunate female was exposed
* See also Rev. Samuel Phillips' Convention Bradley, His Majesty's Astronomer at Green-
sermon, 3d June, 1733. •wich, who computed the Tables at the end of
f" Peter Deval, of the Middle Temple, Secre- the Bill." — Almanack of 1752. In this Al-
tary to the Royal Society, drew the Bill, and manack eleven days are left out of the month
prepared most of the Tables, under direction of September, which gives it a curious appear-
of the Earl of Chesterfield, the first former of ance on the page. I have seen no other with
the design ; and the whole was carefully ex- the like omission.
amined and approved of by Martin Folkes, J Printed Treaty, 4to, Boston, 1753. Jabez
Esq., President of the Royal Society, and Dr. Bradbury, Esq., was Commander of the Fort,
80
634 MATTHEW ADAMS. DECLINE OF RELIGION. [1753.
near the Town-house, upon a scafFold above the heads of the people,
who, for her crimes, had been sentenced to stand there for the space of
an hour, and to face the four cardinal points of the compass a quarter
of an hour each. In this situation she was obliged to suffer the most
brutal treatment the mob could inflict ; the description of which is
altogether of too revolting a nature to be anywhere repeated.*
A Fast sermon, preached on the previous 19th of April, by the Rev.
Andrew Eliot, contains intimations respecting the state of society in
the Town, doubtless having reference to the case of the individual
alluded to ; its introductory title being " An evil and adulterous gen-
eration." t
Some time in July Lazarus Noble and Benjamin Mitchel re-
"^' turned to Boston from -Canada, where they had been to redeem
their families, which had been carried off captive by the Indians from
Swan Island, in Maine. They met with no success, being ordered by
the French to leave the country, or they would immediately imprison
them. I
Mr. Matthew Adams died this year, ^e deserves niention on several
accounts, but especially as he was one of the earliest friends of
Benjamin Franklin, who when a boy was invited into his house, and
furnished with books ; to which circumstance, it may be, the world is
indebted for the productions of a mind scarcely inferior to any which has
illuminated the annals of philosophy. § Mr. Adams was one of the
writers in the Courant, published by Franklin's brother.
Governor Shirley arrived from England on the sixth of August.
' The state of religion was at this period thought to be very low,
as appears from some of the Discourses then printed. In a Sermon "on
the Public Fast" of the last year, the Rev. Andrew Eliot said, " The
Table of the Lord is contemned ; but few come to seal their engagements
to be the Lord's there ; an attendance on the Christian Eucharist begins
to be thought a needless thing. In the way we have for some time been
* MS. Diary of Rev. Jacob Bailey, in pos- ^ Materials are very scanty for a biography
session of Rev. W.S.Bartlet, of Clielsea. Mr. of Matthew Adams. Eliot and Allen notice
Bailey was an eye-witness. him, but appear to have knovra nothing of
f Though there may be something of exag- his ancestry. According to a MS. note in a
geration in Mr. Eliot's sermon, it is an able and volume of Poems by the Rev. John Adams,
excellent performance. " Things did not use who died at Cambridge at the early age of
to be so in New England," varies a little from 36, that author was his nephew ; and the
my convictions in wading up from the begin- Prefece to that volume was written by his
ning thus far among the Records, with due al- uncle, Matthew Adams. The volume of Poems
lowance for the great increase of inhabitants, here referred to is, or was recently, in the
But what he says about intemperance is doubt- Boston Athenasum. My friend Charles Fred-
less true, and could not well be exaggerated. erick Adams, Esquire, of Boston, informs me
J Deposition of Noble and Mitchel before thattheRev. Hugh Adams, of Durham, N. H.,
Hon. Jacob Wendell and Thomas Hubbard, who died in 1750, was brother of Matthew ;
Noble was the father of the afterwards famous and that said Matthew married first Katherine
Francis Noble, one of the captives, well known Brigdon, 17th November, 1715 ; and, second,
in history. Nine years after this he was Meriel Cotton, 10th June, 1734 ; that he had
petitioning the General Court at Boston for children, William, Katherine, Matthew, John
remuneration on account of his Canada mis- — born 19th June, 1725, minister of Durham,
sion. N. H.. died 4th June, 1792 — and Nathaniel.
1754.] PROCEEDINGS AGAINST FOWLE. 635
our Churches are like to come to nothing ; there will be none to admin-
ister the Lord's Supper to."
The same preacher spoke of intemperance as prevalent beyond all
former example. " 'Tis surprising," he said, "what prodigious sums are
expended for spirituous liquors in this one poor Province. If things
are not greatly exaggerated, more than a million of our old currency in a
year."
In July a pamphlet was issued, called the "Monster of Monsters."
Daniel Fowle, the printer, was prosecuted " on suspicion of publishing "
it, and committed to jail. He was arrested on the warrant of the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, charged with issuing that
work, which the House resolved was " a false, scandalous libel, reflect-
ing upon their proceedings in general, and on many worthy Members in
particular." At the same time ordering " that the said pamphlet be
burnt by the hands of the common hangman below the Court House, in
King-street."
The proceeding against Fowle was arbitrary in the extreme. It is
true that in the "Monster" the Assembly had been satirized in an
allegory, or " romance " as its writer called it, while, at the same time,
had there been proof (which does not appear) that it was aimed at the
Assembly, from anything that is now discoverable in it, it was as harm-
less as any tea-table conversations by old ladies, to which the members
were compared. However, Fowle was sent to prison, among "mur-
derers, thieves, &c.,"* denied the use of pen, ink and paper, and not
allowed to speak with or to see any of his family or friends. His
description of the accommodations of the " Stone Jail" of that day,
shows that prisons in Boston had not greatly improved over those of a
much earlier date. ' ' If there is any such thing," he says, " as a hell upon
earth, I think this place is the nearest resemblance of any I can con-
ceive of." When ordered to be imprisoned, Mr. Fowle supposed he
would be allowed an apartment in the house of Mr. Young, the jailer ;
but when he came there he was told he must go into the Common Jail.
So, "after eleven at night," he continues, "I was, by the Prison Keeper
and several others, conducted through several apartments, each of which
was secured with locks and bolts; on each door of about 70 spickes,
the heads of which about two inches diameter." As he walked through
the passage-ways, he says he was forcibly reminded " of the dark valley
of the shadow of death." The way to his cell was " an ugly stum-
bling one." t It was near the end of October; the night was stormy
and cold, and the only bedding he found was a sort of pillow and one
blanket. The aperture which served to let in the light and air, served
equally well to let in the rain and snow, for there was nothing to keep
them out but the iron bars which kept the prisoners in. The outer
walls were of stone, and about three feet in thickness, but the cells were
partitioned off with plank.|
* Fowle's Total Eclipse of Liberty, p. 19. % This old Stone Jail stood on the south side
t Total Eclipse, p. 20. of Court-street, on a part of the lot now occu-
636 POST OFFICE. EXCISE LAW. [1754.
In the next cell to this prisoner lay a man, under sentence of death
for murder,* whose lamentations at the near approach of his end, added
to the pelting of a violent storm without, may well be supposed to give
an additional force to the before-mentioned reflections of Mr. Fowle. His
imprisonment lasted but about two days ; at the end of which time he
was taken from his cell to the keeper's house, and told " he might go."
But having been "imprisoned agamstlaw," he refused to be thus privately
set at liberty, and therefore demanded that the same authority which
had " at midnight confined him uncondemned," should perform the
office ; but after waiting three days without gaining that point, and hear-
ing his wife was dangerously ill, he left the keeper's house and re-
turned to his family.
Being disgusted with the government of Massachusetts, Mr. Fowle
subsequently removed to Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, and was the
first printer who settled in that province. f
The Post Office was opened in Cornhill, at Mr. John Franklin's ;
and Samuel Holbrook gave notice that all persons indebted for Post Boy
papers or postage of letters must make payment " as soon as possible." J
Franklin was Deputy Postmaster.
The burials in the Town from January third, 1753, to January
first, 1754, were 481 ; of which 63 were blacks. The baptisms in
the several churches were 396. The following year, ending January
seventh, 1754, the deaths were 439, of which 54 were blacks ; bap-
tisms, 439.
1755. The General Court having passed a law laying an excise on
Jan. 3. distilled spirits, wine, limes, lemons and oranges, the inhabit-
ants met in Town-meeting, to devise a plan to prevent its going into op-
eration. It was voted " to make application home to prevent the royal
assent to the measure." They accordingly chose Christopher Kilby,
Esq., of London, as their Agent to carry the resolution into effect.
j,^^ ^ The Postmaster gave notice that the western Postriders
"would perform their stages in future, every week, in winter as
well as summer ;" and that " he " would be dispatched every Monday
afternoon, precisely at two o'clock, during winter.
j,^^ g On the fifth of February the Town sufferfd great damage
from a most violent storm of wind and rain from the south-east.
pied by the Court House. Court-street was their copartnership begun in 1742), "over
called Prison Lane as late as 1762.— See Even- against the S. East Cor. of the Town House."
ing Post, 9 Aug., 1762. In 1746 they were " in Queen-street, next to the
* The man was named V^illiam Wieer. He Prison." In 1755 Fowle's office was in Ann-
was_ executed on the 19th of Nov. following, street. The next year he removed to Ports-
leaving a wife, children, father and mother, mouth. There he printed a Newspaper, the
The name of the murdered man was William Province Laws, &c., became a Magistrate, and
Chism. — Chauncy's Sermon on the day of Ex- died there in June, 1782, aged 72. — Thomas,
edition, p. 19-20. | A little later there were a great many let-
f Thomas, Hist. Printing, i. 336. — Daniel ters advertised as remaining in the olfice un-
Fowle had been a partner with Gamaliel Rog- called for. The first published list in a News-
ers. I have many books printed by Rogers & paper, which I have seen, is in the Neivs-Letter
Fowle, all of which are very well executed for of 30th Jan., 1755. It contained 351 names;
that jiay. They commenced printing as early a large proportion of which were of persons
as 1741 (Dr. Thomas is mistaken in saying out of Boston.
1755.]
DISCOVERIES OF FRANKLIN.
63'
The tide rose to an uncommon height, injuring the shipping and wharves
exceedingly. " The great Crane at the lower end of the Long Wharf was
broken down, as was the upper one on the south side, and the lower one
on that side suffered much. To give a detail of all the damage done
would be almost endless."
The extraordinary discoveries of Benjamin Franklin in electricity,
though they had been before the public above three years, do not appear
to be noticed in the Newspapers of Boston until this year ; and yet his
friend Peter Collinson, Esq., of London, had long before been giving
the letters of that since renowned Philosopher to the British Public ;
and these letters detailed the steps by which Franklin arrived at those
astonishing results, which, as the learned Collinson expresses it, "are
at once the most awful, and, hitherto, accounted for with the least veri-
similitude." *
CHAPTER LXIV.
Lectures on Electrical Fire. — Boston Gazette. — Colonial Stamp Act. — War News. — Arrival of war-
like Stores. — Soldiers march for the Frontiers. — Young Ladies malie Soldiers' Garments. — Writ-
ing School. — Arrival of French Prisoners. — The Great Earthquake. — Edward Tyng. — Concert
Hall. — Trade depressed. — Taxes increased. — Law against Pageants. — Edward Bromfield. — Jo-
siah Willard. — Visit of Lord Loudon. — Arrival of Gov. Pownall. — Lotteries granted. — Visitation
of Schools. — School Statistics. — Private Schools. — Jlagazine. — General Amherst arrives. —
Marches for Albany. — Death of Thomas Prince — of Charles Apthorp.
IT has long since become a proverb that Boston is slow
to appreciate merit in humble life. It may have been
so in the days of Franklin. However that may be, the
proverb will scarcely be laid aside for want of use in later
days.
The discoveries of Franklin had been some time known
to the public, and there were doubtless at this period
many persons endeavoring to experiment, as he
^ " ■ had done, in that branch of natural philosophy in
which he had surpassed all others. Joseph Miller ad-
* Preface to New Experime^its and Observa-
tions on Electricity. By Benjamin Franklin,
Esq. Communicated in Several Letters to P.
Collinson, Esq., of London, F. R. S. 4to. Lon-
don, 1760, 3d Edition.
In the Gentleman's Magazine {or Sept., 1754,
is a notice of Mr. CoUinson'a publication, and
this notice is noticed in the Boston News-Letter
of 2d Jan., 1755. As the communications of
Franklin to Collinson beo;un as early as July,
1747, it appears from an observation of the Rev.
Thomas Prince, that the result of his experi-
ments was unknown in Boston till late in
1755. In his Discourse upon the Earthquake
of Nov. 18th, of this year, Mr. Prince says :
" Since my composing of the foregoing Dis-
course, the sagacious Mr. Franklin, born and
brought up in Boston, but now living in Phil-
adelphia, has greatly surprised and obliged the
world with his discoveries of the Electrical
Substance, as one great and main instrument of
lightning and thunder." — P. 20. Prof. Win-
throp also refers to Franklin in his Lecture on
Earthquakes, as " the very ingenious and sa-
gacious Mr. Franklin, who with happy success
had accounted for the phenomena of Thunder
and Lightning." — P. 32.
f This engraving of the Arms of Prince is a
copy of one formerly possessed by the Reverend
Thomas Prince, Minister of the Old South.
He procured it during his sojourn in England,
it is believed, previous to his settlement in the
638 BOSTON GAZETTE. [1755.
vertised "A Course of Experiments on the newly discovered Electrical
Fire, at his house near the Blue Ball" in Hanover-street.* Price
of tickets of admission was " one pistareen each lecture."
A Newspaper, called "The Boston Gazette, or Country Jour-
^^'^ ' nal," was established. It was printed by Benjamin Edes and John
Gill, in King-street, near the east end of the Town House. This paper
ably advocated the cause of the Colonies against the Mother Country,
and consequently it met with interruptions during the Revolution. In
April, 1775, it was suspended, and Gill left it. But Edes removed his
press to Watertown, and there issued the Gazette till November, 1776.
He then returned to Boston, and published his paper, which was contin-
ued till 1798, when it ceased. f
A Stamp Act had been passed by the Legislature of the Colony,
laying duties on Vellum, Parchment, and Paper, for two years. The
Ministry here. Its heraldic reading is — Gules, antiquaries is that disposing of his "New
a Saltire Or, surmounted by a Cross engrailed England Library," which is as follows : —
Ermine. Crest — A dexter hand issuing from "Whereas I have been, a number of years,
a Ducal Coronet, holding a pine branch prop- collecting a number of books, pamphlets, maps,
er, fructed Or. papers in print and manuscript, whether pub-
The residence of Mr. Prince has already been lished in New England or pertaining to its his-
noticed. It was on what is now Washington- tory and public affairs, to whicli collection I
street, on the easterly side, in the same house have given the name of the New England Li-
in which Gov. Winthrop had lived. Tlie site brary, and have deposited it in the Steeple
is now covered by the South Row. It was Chamber of the Old South Church ; and as I
nearly opposite School-street. See p. 315, made the collection from a, public view, and
ante. His will is dated Oct. 2d, 1758, and desire that the memory of many important
proved Nov. 3 following, before Thos. Hutch- transactions might be pi-eserved, which other-
inson. He gave to his nephew, Samuel wise would be lost, I hereby bequeath the said
Prince, son of his brother, Moses Prince, de- collection to the Old South Church forever,
ceased, his land in Shepscut, in the County of But to the end that the same may be kept en-
York, the land given him by his cousin Jon- tire, I desire that this collection may always
athan Loring, of Boston, deceased. To said be kept in a different apartment from the other
Samuel and other children of his brother Mo- books, and that it may be so made that no
ses, " lands beyond Hartford in Connecticut person shall borrow any book or paper therefrom,
Colony," received also from his cousin Loring. but that any pei'son whom the Pastor and
To them also all his lands in the County of Deacons, for the time being, shall approve of,
Hampshire. All his lands in Boston to his may have access thereto and take copies there-
wife Deborah, and daughter Sarah Prince, from." The question has been propounded.
To said dear wife all land in Church Neck, in whether the will of the great Benefactor has
Rochester, in Plymouth Colony, and land in been kept inviolate, in respect to the part of
Cromasett Neck in Wareham, and all lands in it which I have italicized.
Leicester, in the County of Worcester, in the * A very appropriate location, being near the
East and West Wing of Rutland* in said identical spot where Franklin was born. I
County. He had some other lands, which he would here remark that since I wrote the note
also gave them. To his dear Colleague, the on page 492, I have had additional confirma-
Rev. Doctor Joseph Sewall, as a token of his tion that Franklin was born in Hanover-street,
affection, H»oght's Hebrew Bible, 2 vols.. An aged, intelligent, and well-informed lady
printed in 1705, and Witsteniu's Greek Testa- (Mrs. Harriet A. T. Lewis) well remembers
ment. To the Old South Church" a piece of hearing his birthplace spoken of by old per-
plate of the form and height of that last pre- sons, when she was young, as a matter fa-
sen ted to said Church. "I would have it miliarly known to them ; namely, that Frank-
plain, and to hold a full pint." But the part lin ivas born at the sign of the Blue Ball, in
of his will which will be most thought of by Hanover-street, as has been stated.
f Mr. Edes had sons Benjamin and Peter.
* 'f^''!,.-^ n* Wing of Rutland is included in Prince- Benjamm was associated with his father in the
was not incorporated till 1771; though in 1769 it was penod. He was born m Charlestown, began
"erected into a District by the name of Prince business with Gill in 1755, died in Boston, in
Town," one year after the death of Mr. Prince. May, 1800, aged 40. — Thomas.
1755.1
WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
639
May 13.
funds thus arising were to be applied " towards de-
fraying the charges of this Government." The Act
went into effect on the first of May, and on that day 0L
the News-Letter appeared with a stamp, which occu- if
pied a place near the right-hand corner near the foot %\^
of the first page. It is very exactly represented in ^-
the annexed engraving.*
Governor Shirley was chiefly occupied in
the military affairs of the Country. He visited
General Braddock at Alexa^idria, in Vir-
ginia, relative to the campaign now in
progress against the French, and returned to
Boston on the 13th of May. He had been
here but one month and ten days when the
news arrived of the defeat of Braddock, and
the destruction of the army. And probably
the additional news also reached the Governor,
that in that defeat his son William, who was
one of the General's Aids, had been killed.
War news had been for some time the most
prominent topic of the Town, and it was kept
alive by arrivals of various accounts from the frontiers, and the collecting
and marching of troops. Two days after the return of Gov. Shir-
ley from Virginia, there came in Captain Kirkwood from England,
bringing 2000 stand of arms and other munitions for the regiment of
soldiers raised in Boston and its vicinity, who were waiting their arrival
to march against the enemy. Two days after arrived Captain Trout,
who had on board a large quantity of powder, destined for the same ser-
vice. The Boston men being now ready for service, on the 28th of
May the Rev. Mr. Checkley preached a sermon to the company under
Captain Thomas Stoddard, about to proceed to join the main army, from
a text most appropriately chosen. f
When these soldiers had been in the field about three months, news
of their sufferings from want of suitable clothing reached their friends.
Immediately a number of young ladies volunteered their services to the
Town Authorities, offering gratuitously to make garments for those en-
gaged in the country's service.
j^j A Writing School was proposed to be opened in Long Lane,
"^ ■ now Federal-street, by Mr. William Elphinstone.J
WILLIAM SHIMJET.
May 15.
* Under date 1759, Dr. Holmes says : " The
Legislature of Massachusetts passed a Stamp
Act, m which Newspapers were included ; but,
on application from the Printers, the Duty was
taken off, in consideration that they were ve-
hicles of knowledge, and necessary for infor-
mation." This, it will readily be conceded, was
a very sensible reason why Newspapers should
not be taxed. I wish our reto grade Congress
could be influenced by such reasoning to take
oflF that wicked duty which they have imposed
on old books; they probably desire to keep
them out of the country, lest they should shed
some light on their — practices.
f Second Chron. xsxii. 7, 8. The reader
will find himself well repaid for his tune by
turning to and reading it ; it. being too long
for this note, is omitted.
X He was to teach " persons of both sexes,
from 12 to 50 years of age, who never wrote
640 THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE. [1755.
The Government of Nova Scotia having judged it necessary to remove
the French inhabitants from that Province,* about 200 families of them
were allotted to Massachusetts. Of these expatriated families, thirty
had arrived in Boston previous to the eleventh of November,
and others were daily expected. The General Court appointed
a Committee to attend to their dispersion among the inhabitants of
Boston and other towns, at the head of which was Samuel Watts,
Esq.f These French families were neutral as to the war that was going
on, and how this barbarous expulsion of them is to be justified by the
Historian, it ip not easy to discover.
But a few days after the arrival of the French neutrals in Bos-
ton, happened the most fearful Earthquake ever before or since
known in New England. Boston was by it " more dreadfully shaken "J
than any other place in all North America, through nearly the whole
extent of which it was felt with great severity. It began in this town
about four of the clock in the morning, § and continued nearly four and
a half minutes. Great damage was done to the buildings ; " about
100 chimneys were, in a manner, levelled with the roofs of the houses,
and about 1500 shattered and thrown down in part." Buildings erect-
ed upon made land suffered the most. Their tottering was extremely
frightful, and the ways about them were covered with bricks and other
fragments of building materials. The ends of about fifteen brick build-
ings were thrown down as far as the eaves. Many clocks stopped. The
vane of the Market House fell to the ground. The new vane of one of
the churches was bent several " points of the compass. "|| Some old
springs ceased to flow, and new ones broke out, and some wells afforded
water no longer. In his sermon upon the occasion, the Rev. Mather
Byles says, "It was a terrible night, the most so, perhaps, that ever
New England saw. When we remember it, we are afraid, and trem-
bling taketh hold of our flesh."
The violence of the shock of this earthquake may be conceived of
from the facts which follow. A brick was thrown thirty-two feet from
a house, the chimney of which was but thirty-one feet high. Some of
the chimneys were broken off several feet below the top, and by the
before, to write a good hand in five weeks, at dren were in one vesHel and husbands and fath-
one hour per day," &c. "At his house in ers in another, in many instances. Of the
Long Lane, wliere the Rev. Mr. Hooper lived, former, some were landed in Boston, while of
next door to Mr. Borland's." Elphinstone the latter some were landed in Philadelphia,
was probably a Scotchman. Whether a con- — Ibid.
nection of William " Elphinston," the author X Discourse on the occasion by the Rev. Thos.
of the Dictionary, &c., I do not know. Prince, p. 23.
* Governor Lawrence acted in accordance ^ Accident gave Prof. Winthrop, of Cam-
with the advice of Admirals Boscawen and bridge, an opportunity to measure the time of
Moyston respecting the orders for their expul- its duration, and also the exact time it com-
sion. ' menced. — See his Lecture on Earthquakes, p.
f An account of those French Neutrals is in 14. It was on Tuesday morning, at 4 h. 11' 35".
progress, by Mr. Wm. H. Whitmore, a young — Mems. Amer. Acad., i. 273. The article in
gentleman wanting in nothing for its successful this work upon the Earthquake is an excellent
completion. • one ; taken mainly, I perceive, from Dr. May-
Hutchinson, vol. iii. 40, gives other facts hew's Discourse on the same occasion,
respecting the Neutral French in Massachu- || Sermon by Dr. Charles Chauncy, p. 31. —
setts. Families were divided ; wives and chil- See also Holmes' Annals, ii. 67.
1755.] EDWARD TYNG. CONCERT HALL. 641
suddenness and violence of the jerks canted horizontally an inch or two
over, so as to stand very dangerously. Some others thus broken off
were turned round several points of the compass, as with a circular mo-
tion. The wooden spindle which supported the vane of the Market
House, though five inches in diameter, and had withstood the most vio-
lent tempests, was broken off; and a distiller's cistern, made of plank,
nearly new and very strong, was burst asunder by the agitation of the
liquid which it contained, which also broke down the whole side of the
building in which it was, at the same time demolishing a fence in its
way at some eight or ten feet distance.*
g Commodore Edward Tyng died in Boston, at the age of seventy-
^ ' ' two. He commanded the provincial fleet in the memorable Louis-
bourg Expedition ten years before. He captured the French frigate
Vigilant, of sixty-four guns, in that expedition, for which and other
important services Sir Peter Warren offered him the command of the
Vigilant, with the rank of Post Captain in the Royal Navy ; but, on
account of his age, being then sixty-two, he thought proper to decline
the offer. In the war of 1744, he commanded the Snow Prince of
Orange, and in her captured the first French privateer on the coast, on
the 24th of June of that year. For that brilliant action the merchants
of the town presented him with a piece of plate with a suitable in-
scription.!
Concert Hall was built prior to this, but may not have been so de-
nominated until about this time. It was not so called in a deed of the
30th of September, 1754,| by which the building afterwards designated
by that name was conveyed by Gilbert and Lewis Deblois, braziers, to
Stephen Deblois, for 2,000 pounds, lawful money. In 1769, Stephen
Deblois sold it to William Turner, gentleman, for 1,000 pounds sterling;
Turner at the same time mortgaging it to Deblois to secure the payment
of just half that sum, with the condition that the 500 pounds must be
* Appendix to Dr. Mayhew's Discourse, p. 4. dying in a dungeon there." The Court finally
— "VVinthrop's Lect., p. 11. granted them 2100 acres of land " lying west
f The omission of Tvxg in all the American of Salem Canada, and northerly of Ipswich
Biographical Dictionaries is to be seriously re- New Township."
gretted. The family is duly noticed by Farmer | It is described in the deed, — "A certain
m his Register. The ancestor of the Commo- brick dwelling-house or messuage, with the
dore was Edward Tyng, merchant of Boston, land belonging, being in the westerly part of
The mansion house of the family was on Milk- Boston, bounded westerly in the front on Queen-
street. The Commodore left a large estate, street, 48 ft. and 8 in. Northerly on Hanover-
Besides the house and land in Milk-street, he street, 66 ft. Easterly on the house and land
had two brick houses in Fleet-street, in which of Wm. Hyslop, now occupied by Mrs. Steele,
were living, in 1762, Dr. Yorke, and Mr. Sam- 49 ft. And southerly on the house and land
uel Goodwin ; a house, warehouse and wharf of Thomas Procter, 69 ft.," who was dead in
near Windmill Point, adjoining the estate of 1769. At this last date it is called Concert
Mr. Jabez Hatch. In 1736, Edward Tyng, Hall, in the deed of Deblois to Turner.
Temple Nelson and Nathaniel Alden, all of Shaw, in hia ^^ Description of Boston, ^^ fol-
Boston, petitioned the General Court, on their lowing Pemberton, says Concert Hall was built
own and the behalf of others, heirs of Col. Ed- in 1756, which is clearly wrong. As early as
ward Tyng, John Nelson, Esq., and Capt. John the 2d of Jan., 1755, " a Concert of Music "
Alden, all deceased, for some consideration was advertised to take place at Concert Hall
" for the deceased's extraordinary services and in Queen-street; Tickets to be had at the
sufi'erings ; they having suffered a long and place of performance at four shillings each, —
tedious captivity in France, the said Col. Tyng News-Letter.
81
642
CONCERT HALL. TRADE DEPRESSED.
[1755.
paid within eight years. It afterwards passed to the Amory family, in
which it has ever since remained.*
In the early times of the Revolution, Concert Hall was one of the
principal head-quarters of the Friends of Liberty, and the Society of
Cincinnati held their meetings in it for nearly fifty years. f About half
a century ago it was described as having been enlarged and improved
by the proprietor, at a great expense ; making the front hall in the sec-
ond story about sixty by thirty feet. This was the most elegant Hall
in the Town, and was much admired for its symmetry and elegant arch-
itectural finish. Its style was Corinthian, and there was an orchestra,
and superb mirrors adorned its walls. It was used as a tavern, prob-
ably from its commencement, till and during the time of the late Mr.
William Forster. It was for a long period the most noted Hall in Bos-
ton ; nor has its notoriety departed even to this day. The many-col-
ored lantern signj of its present enterprising proprietor§ is well calcu-
lated to make it a mark of distinction.
Owing to the continuance of the War there was a great stagnation
" in trade. This stagnation affected Boston more than any other place
in New England ; and with the depression of business there was a cor-
responding increase in taxes ; some merchants being assessed to the
amount of four hundred pounds.
An Act was passed by the General Court, regulating the Hospital at
Rainsford's Island, by which the Selectmen of Boston were empowered
to manage its chief concerns.
It had been a custom from a very early day, among the lower classes,
to have evening gatherings, to march in processions, following some
pageant, in mockery of persons or transactions which they had learned
to detest from former example. These gatherings frequently ended in
bloodshed and other mischiefs. A law was therefore made " to
' prevent riotous, tumultuous and disorderly assemblies, of more
* Messrs. Jonathan and John Amory were
importers of Dry Goods. In 1757 their store
was at " the sign of the Horse at the head of
Dock Square." They afterwards (before
1762) removed into King-street, "just below
the Town House." Their store was, I believe,
the last of the old stores in State-street.
f The meetings of Columbian Lodge of Free-
masons were held at Concert Hall from 22d
June, 1795, to 5th May, 1796, with five excep-
tions. After the installation of the Rt. Wor-
shipful Jeremy Gridley as Grand Master of
Masons of North America, Oct. 1st, 1755,
and after Divine Service on that occasion, "the
brotherhood returned to Concert Hall and cel-
ebrated the day in harmony and joy." — Hist,
of Columbian Lodge, by J. T. Heard, Esq., now
in course of publication.
J Singular signs are not so much in use as
formerly. Before the streets were numbered,
signs of an odd appearance were very impor-
tant to shop-keepers who Were unable to locate
themselves near some well-known residence
or public building. There has been given a
view of the sign of a
Bookseller, who prob-
ably outdid all his
brethren in that time.
In 1758, William Blair
Townsend and Edward
Wigglesworth, import-
ers of British and India
goods, kept in Marl-
boro'-street, opposite
Dr. Gibbins'. But the
Doctor was not suffi-
ciently known, per-
haps, and they put out
a large swing-sign, on which were painted the
figures of three doves ; which not only served
their own purpose, but that of their neighbors
also. For being one, two, or three " doors
from the Sign of the Three Doves " was almost
equal to having that sign.
^ Peter Brigham, Esq., who has conducted
it for about twenty-five years.
1756-7.] ARRIVAL OF GOV. POWNALL. 643
than three persons, all or any of them armed with sticks, clubs or any-
kind of weapons, or disguised with vizards, or painted or discolored
faces, or in any manner disguised, having any kind of imagery or pag-
eantry, in any street, lane or place in Boston." The penalty for being
in such a gathering subjected each person to a fine of forty shillings.
Among the deaths of the year 1756 should be mentioned that of Mr.
Edward Bromfield, a merchant. He died on the tenth of April, aged
sixty-one. He was born in Boston, in 1695. His father was the Hon.
Edward Bromfield, and his mother was Mary, eldest daughter of the
Rev. Samuel Danforth, of Roxbury, by Mary, daughter of the Rev.
John Wilson, the first minister of Boston. He was a gentleman of
great benevolence, and was much beloved by the people for his public
spirit and upright dealing. He was a Selectman in 1731, in 1735 an
Overseer of the Poor, in 1739 a Representative to the General Court.
This office he declined after four years,* but continued an Overseer of
the Poor for twenty-one years. f
On the sixth of December died Josiah Willard, Esquire, late Secre-
tary of the Province, at the age of seventy-six. He was son of the Rev.
Samuel Willard, of the Old South, born in May, 1681, graduated at
Harvard College in 1698, of which he was Tutor and Librarian in 1703.
In 1717 he was appointed Secretary of the Colony, which office he re-
signed in 1745, after a service of twenty-eight years. In 1731 he was
made Judge of Probate, and in 1734 he was chosen of His Majesty's
Council. J He was succeeded in the office of Judge of Probate by the
Hon. Edward Hutchinson, and in the Secretaryship by Andrew Oliver,
Esquire.
,-.„ In prosecuting the War against the French, Lord Loudon, who
had been some time in the country, came to Boston to meet the Gov-
ernors of the Colonies and others. Commissioners, to confer with them
upon measures to be pursued. The Massachusetts Commissioners were
Thomas Hutchinson and William Brattle, of the Council ; Samuel Wells,
Thomas Hubbard, and James Otis, of the Representatives. The Con-
vention lasted ten days. The number of men to be raised for the ser-
vice by each of the New England Colonies was agreed upon. Massa-
chusetts was to furnish 1800.
^ ^ Thomas Pownall, Esquire, having been appointed Governor of
°' "' Massachusetts, arrived in Boston on the second of August. This
was his third visit to the Colonies. He came over to New York in
1754, with Sir Danvers Osborn, and had a commission of Lieutenant
Governor of New Jersey. In June of that year he was at the famous
* The Hon. Thomas CuBhing, Speaker of was very remarkable for his scientific" attain-
the House, was Mr. Bromfield's brother-in- ments. He graduated at Harvard College,
law. He died on the 11th of April, 1740, aged 1738, died August 18th, 1746, at the age of 23.
53. His wife, Mrs. Mary, daughter of the There is a long and interesting account of his
Hon. Edward Bromfield, died 30th October, of microscopic investigations in the American
the same year. Magazine of 1746, p. 548, &c.
t Prince's Sermon at his Funeral, p. 30. J Sewall's and Prince's Funeral Sermons
Mr. Bromfield's oldest son, also named Edward, See also Eliot and Allen.
644
LOTTERIES GRANTED.
[1757-8.
THOMAS POWNALL.
Congress of Albany, where Franklin made his
memorable proposal for a union of the Colonies,
similar to that adopted at the commencement
of the Revolution. On coming to Boston soon
after, Governor Shirley appointed him a Com-
missioner, with two others to solicit aid from
New York and Pennsylvania, for carrying on
the War. He was also with Mr. Shirley and
the other Governors and gentlemen who met
General Braddock at Alexandria in 1755.
He returned to England the same year, but
the next year returned with Lord Loudon.
His stay was now limited to a few months.
Being again in England, he succeeded in being
appointed Governor of Massachusetts, and soon after arrived in Boston,
as has been mentioned. Mr. Shirley was thus superseded, and he suc-
ceeded General Braddock in the command of the Army.
Notwithstanding an Act had been passed in 1719, for the suppression of
Lotteries, " as common and public nuisances," the town was this year
carrying on a lottery, and the inhabitants were notified, on the 23d of
November, that if they did not " adventure " in the purchase of tickets
" on or before Monday the 28th, they would be excluded " from the
benefits of said Lottery, as the Town had voted to take all unsold tickets
to itself. What arguments had been made use of by the Fathers of the
Town to convince the General Court that they might gamble by Lotteries
without suffering in character, does not appear. But certain it is, that
body did authorize the Town to raise 2,100 dollars by a Lottery,
towards paving and repairing the Neck ; and not long after another, to
raise funds for paving the Highway from Boston line to Meeting-house
Hill in Roxbury. The days of Lotteries were not yet numbered.
1758. At the Town Meeting on March 13th, Ezekiel Goldthwait was
Mar. 13. chosen Town Clerk.
The visitation of the Schools had for some time been quite a formi-
dable circumstance. The Committee appointed by the Selectmen to
make the visitation reported that they were accompanied by the Hon.
John Osborn, Richard Bill, Jacob Wendell, Andrew Oliver, Stephen
Sewall, John Erving, Robert Hooper, Esquires, the Representatives of
the Town, Overseers of the Poor, the Ministers, Mr. Treasurer Gray,
Joshua Winslow, Richard Dana, James Boutineau, Stephen Greenleaf,
Esquires ; Dr. William Clark, and Mr. John Ruddock ; that they
found in the South Grammar School, 115 scholars ; in the South Writ-
the
All
ing School, 240 ; in the Writing School in Queen-street, 230 ; in
North Grammar School, 36 ; in the North Writing School, 220 : "
in very good order."
There were at the same time several Private Schools. Richard Pate-
shall * kept one in Hanover-street, "three houses below the Orange
* He was the only brother of Capt. Robert died at the Havana, about the beginning of
Pateshall. of the 40th Regiment of Foot, who 1763.
1758.] GENERAL AMHERST. 645
Tree,* at the house of Mr. Bradford." He instructed in all branches,
from the Alphabet to Latin, inclusive, and kept an Evening School at
his house in Pond Lane,t opposite to Capt. James Nickles, south of
" Seven Star Lane." He was living at the same place in 1763.
Thomas Hutchinson, Esquire, a native of Boston, was pro-
' claimed Lieutenant Governor of the Colony, and Andrew Oliver,
Esquire, Secretary. Their Commissions were published in Council on
the first of June.
A Periodical is commenced, called the New England Maga-
"^' ' zine. Judging from its contents it was a very feeble affair.J
But three or four numbers were published in the course of six or seven
months, and there the work ended. Benjamin Mecom was the Printer.
The thirteenth of September was a great day in Boston.
^^ ' ' General Jeffery Amherst, who had been appointed to take the
command of the Army in America, landed in the Town. Never before did
the Harbor exhibit such an amount of Shipping. The Men-of-War and
Transports from London, with those from Louisbourg which accompanied
the General, made a more grand and imposing appearance than the
people of Boston had been accustomed to see. His Excellency came in
a seventy-four gun ship, called the Captain, commanded by his brother
Captain John Amherst. With the General there came Lieutenant
Colonel William Forster, Lieutenant Colonel Morris, Lieutenant Colonel
John Hale, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Burton, and Colonel Simon
Fraser,§ of the Highland Regiment ; the same, it is supposed, who after-
wards fell fighting under General Burgoyne, at Saratoga. The men
under the immediate command of these officers were encamped on the
Common. After being refreshed for a few days, they marched,
^^ ■ ■ 4,500 strong, for Albany, led by General Amherst in person.
There was a marked difference between the movements of this officer
and those of Lord Loudon. Amherst was at all points in apparently
the briefest possible space. In about a month he was at Boston,
Albany, Lake George, New York, Boston again, and Halifax, j] His
* Corner of Queen and Hanover streets. The all that from the pen of Junius. One could
corner opposite Concert Hall. well afford to suffer some to find such a defend-
f Now Bedford-street. Seven Star Lane, now er. However, he received due honors at
Summer-street. length, being made a Knight of the Bath in
X Article I. was a Poetical Dedication ; V. 1761, was raised to the Peerage in 1776, as
Quintessence of Books — a great book is a great Baron Amherst of Ilolmesdale, in the County
evil ; XV. A Leai-ned Method to roast Eggs ; of Kent. In 1778 he was appointed to the
X\T^I. Seven Queer Notions. — See Thomas, chief command of all the land forces in Great
ii. 259. Britain. In 1796 he was made Field Marshal,
^ Capt. Thomas Fraser, of Colonel Simon and died the following year. Though twice
Fraser's Regiment, died on the march to Al- married he left no issue. The present Lord
bany, at Springfield, Septeml)er 28, of fever; Amherst was son of Lord Amherst's brother,
" an elderly gentleman, whose death was great- AYilliam, who also served in America, as Aid-
ly lamented." de-camp to the General, and was at the cap-
II General Amherst was a truly meritorious ture of Louisburg in 1758, and carried the
ofiBcer, but like others similarly circumstanced, news of its surrender to England. An auto-
he was treated by the then intriguing Ministry graph letter of General Amherst, dated Staten
with all the atrocity which corruption could Island, 28th October, 1761, is in my collection,
suggest. But he had more than a requital for Its direction is " Colonel Bradstreet, D. Q. M.
646
DEATH OF REV. T. PRINCE AND C. APTHORP, ESQ.
[1758.
Oct. 22.
men were in good health and spirits, generally, consequent upon their
activity and success at the reduction of Louisbourg, on the 26th of the
preceding July.
The 22d of October will be remem-
bered as a remarkable day in the history
of the Town, and not only of Boston, but of
New England ; for on that day died the Rev.
Mr. Thomas Prince, a benefactor to his coun-
try ; leaving a name which will be venerated
to the remotest ages, if literature shall then be
valued ; a name which may with pride be
emulated by the inquirers after historical
knowledge, and the admirers of precision and
accuracy in the paths of history.
Mr. Prince died at the age of seventy-two.
THOMAS PRINCE. jje had been one of the Pastors of the Old
South Church forty years and twenty-one days.* His father was Samuel
Prince, Esquire, of Middleborough, in the Colony of Plymouth, and his
mother was Mercy, daughter of Thomas Hinckley, Esquire, one of the
Governors of that Colony. His grandfather was Mr. John Prince, of
Hull, who emigrated to New England about 1633. The town of Prince-
ton was named for him, and Prince-street in the City perpetuates the
name, though not named for him.
But a few days after the death of Mr. Prince, occurred that
of Charles Apthorp, Esquire, at the age of sixty years. He was
reputed "the greatest and most noble Merchant on this Continent."
His death was very sudden. As he was about to retire for the night,
he complained of feeling cold, and nearly at the same moment fell life-
less upon the floor. His funeral took place twelve days after, at King's
Chapel, and his remains were therein deposited. He is characterized
Nov. 10.
G., at Albany." It gives minute directions
about the discharge of certain troops, with
paternal expressions for their comfort upon
their return march ; strictly ordering that they
should be well supplied with provisions and
other necessaries.
* As I have elsewhere published a Memoir
of Mr. Prince, it is not necessary to be more
particular here. — -See N. E. His. G. Reg.
(1851) v., p. 375, &c. In that Memoir an at-
tempt was made to make a perfect catalogue
of his writings. Since that publication I have
come into the possession of several other of his
works. In 1826, Mr. Hale, of the Boston
Daily Advertiser, printed an edition of the
"New England Chronology" (by the Eev.
Mr. Prince). After about twenty-five years
]\lr. Hale had left of his edition some fifty
copies. The greater part of these I purchased,
and added to them my INIemoir, some cori-ec-
tions, a list of the original subscribers (of
1736) and some engravings. This was denomi-
nated the third edition.
When Mr. Prince published his great work,
the New England Chronology, he presented a
copy to the General Court, of which circum-
stance the following record was made in the
Journals of the House : — " The House being
informed that the Rev. Mr. ThoiJias Prince was
at the door, and desired admittance. Ordered,
that Mr. Prince be admitted into the House,
and, coming up to the Table, he addressed him-
self to Mr. Speaker and the House in the fol-
lowing manner, viz. : ' Mr. Speaker, 1 most
humbly present to your Honor and this Honorable
House the first Volume of my Chronological His-
tory of New England, which at no small Ex-
pense and Pains I have composed and published
for the Instruction and Good of my Country.''
And then he made a Compliment of one of the
Books to Mr. Speaker, by presenting it to him,
and another he presented to and for the use
of the Members of the House of Representa-
tives, and laid it on the Table, and then with-
drew. ' ' But that laborious work was not fully
appreciated in the Author's day.
^ f^y Utyi c i
1758.]
PROGRESS OF THE WAR.
647
as " a truly valuable member of society;" and that "he left few
equals behind him." *
This was the birthday of the King, which appears to have been cele-
brated in Boston with greater earnestness than such days had hitherto
been.f
CHAPTER LXV.
Progress of the War. — Fire at Oliver's Dock. — Death of Sir William Pepperrell. — Departure of Gov.
Pownall. — Fire at New Boston. — Another at Griffin's AVharf. — The Great Fire. — Law respect-
ing rebuilding the Burnt District. — News of the Surrender of Montreal. — Thanksgiving.
1759.
HENCHMAN. §
BY a vigorous prosecution of the war, under the
direction of Amherst and other experienced officers,
nearly all Canada had fallen into the hands of the Eng-
lish, by the end of the summer of 1759. This was fol-
lowed by the great victory gained by Sir Edward Hawke,
over one of the most powerful French fleets which
had ever appeared on the ocean. This was com-
manded by Admiral Conflans, and had on board a large
force for the service in America. | A few days after
the news of this victory reached England, " A form of
Prayer and Thanksgiving" was issued " By Ilis Majesty's
* He was the son of John Apthorp, the
founder of the family in this country. To
King's Chapel he was a bountiful benefactor,
having given £5000 towards its rebuilding.
His father was a great proficient in the Fine
Arts, especially in Painting and Architecture ;
talents which have been transmitted to his
descendants, as Charles Bulfinch, Esquire, the
Architect of the State House and other edifices,
proves. A marble Monument with a Latin
inscription was placed in the Chapel to the
memory of the subject of this note, by his son,
"which monument covers the tomb of the
truly noble-minded race of Apthorp."
" Apthorp ! my proud paternal name,
The homage of my soul is thine," Ac.
Mrs. Morton.
I Arnold Welles advertises ' ' some very likely
Negro boys, from twelve to eighteen years, of
age, and three or four Negro men, between
twenty and thirty years old." — News-Letter.
This Mr. Welles I suppose to have been the
father of the Hon. John Welles, who died yes-
terday (25th September, 1855), in his Qlst
year. — See Papers of {he Dai/.
I The news of Hawke's victory did not ar-
rive in Boston until the following February ;
upon which arrival, Feb. 21st, the great guns
of the Castle were fired, and also those of the
batteries in the Town. — Sup. to the News-
Letter of 25 Feb., 1760.
^ The above representation of the Arms of
Henchman is taken from a drawing in pos-
session of Dr. Daniel Henchman, of Cambridge-
street, which has been handed down from
his ancestors. They do not materially difier
(with the exception of the Crest) from those
of Henchman, or Hinchman, of Nottingham-
shire. There is a notice of several of the
Henchman family, in the N. Eny. Hist. a?id
G. Reg., v. 374, communicated to that work by
Mr. Thomas Waterman, of Boston. Capt.
Daniel Henchman, freeman of Boston, 1G72,
was one of the original purchasers of Worces-
ter of the Indians, in 1G74. He died there,
Oct. 15th, 1685, intestate. The inventory
of his estate amounted to £1381.13.09. It
is dated 29 April, 168G, from which it ap-
pears that he was a dealer in military goods.
Many books are named in it, some of them in
Latin, some on geometry, &c., by which it is
inferred that he was a man of learning. His
property seems to have been nearly all in
Boston. " At the County Court for Suffolk,"
12 Nov., 1685, " administration was granted
on the estate of Capt. Daniel Henchman, for-
merly of Boston, unto Mary his relict, and his
two elder sons, Richard and Hezekiah Hench-
man." His [2d?] wife was a daughter of
William Pole [now Poole], of Dorchester, whom
he married 22 April, 1672. — Hist, and G. Reg.,
V. 402. Col. Daniel Henchman, the enterprising
Bookseller, who died 25 Feb., 1761, at the age
648 FIRE. — DEATH OF SIR W. PEPPERRELL. [1759.
Special Command." * Governor Pownall had ordered a Thanksgiving
in Massachusetts for the success against Canada, and the Eev. Samuel
Cooper preached a sermon f before His Excellency, the Governor, and
both branches of the General Court ; and the Rev. Andrew Eliot
preached on the same occasion on the 25th of the same month.
'In the Sermon of the last-named gentleman is found a detailed
account of the war.
In the two preceding years this Colony had furnished the army with
" little less than 2000 men." |
^r ns A fire occurred at Oliver's Dock, by which about fifteen fam-
Nov 14: ' •/
' ilies were rendered houseless. It began a little to the south-
ward of Oliver's Bridge, and extended to the lower end of Water and
Milk streets, to Hallo well's ship-yard. It continued to rage for about
two hours. Governor Pownall was present during the whole time, en-
couraging the people in their exertions against the flames, at the same
time exhibiting much sympathy for the distressed.
It cannot be foreign to a history of any portion of New Eng-
land, to notice the death of one of its noblest sons. Sir William
Pepperrell died at his seat in Kittery, on the sixth of July, at the
age of sixty-three years and nine days. He was son of William Pep-
perrell, Esq., a native of Wales, who came to New England, and set-
tled first on the Isles of Shoals, and not many years after at Kittery
Point, where Sir William was born. He married a Boston lady, Mary,
daughter of Grove Hirst, Esq., with whom he became acquainted while
residing here as a member of the General Court. §
of 72, was son of Hezekiah above named, son After I had written thus far, I received some
of Capt. Daniel H. Thomas Hancock, who memoranda from Dr. Henchman, of whom the
was a book-binder and book-seller, served his Coat of Arms was obtained, from which it
time with Henchman, whose daughter, Lydia, appears that Nathaniel, son of Capt. Daniel
he married. — Thomas, Hist. Print., ii. 430. H., was a book-binder, and was father of the
He lived in Queen-street, in what is now the Rev. Nathaniel H., of Lynn, and died in that
Brattle-street Society's parsonage, and which town, in July, 1749, aged 94. That Daniel H.,
was willed to that Society by Mrs. Hancock, son of the liev. Nathaniel, of Lynn, returned
Col. Henchman established the first Paper to Boston, and was the father, by Elizabeth,
Mill in the Colony, in which undertaking he dau. of Jacob Hurd, of twelve children,
was encouraged by the General Court. It * It was issued in an octavo tract of 4 pages,
was in Milton. In his will he remembers his a copy of which is before me.
brother Samuel, also John Wharton, and fit is dedicated to the Governor, in which
Nicholas Bowes, " who lived with him ; " and he says, " When our hearts overflowed with joy
sister Margaret Breck. at the news of the conquest of Quebec, your
There were several Daniel Henchmans. In Excellency, with both Houses, thought proper
1719, Jan. 4th, John Varney of Boston, brick- to point our attention to the Providence of
layer, was appointed "guardian to Daniel God, and to order that the civil demonstrations
Henchman, a minor, aged about 12 years, son of loyalty and gladness upon this event should
of Daniel H., late of Dorchester, in South be preceded by solemn Praise, and Thanksgiv-
Carolina, gent., deceased." Elizabeth, wife ing." — p. x. and xi.
of Daniel H., administered on the estate of \Coo'^ev''8 Thanksgiving Sermon, Dedication,
her husband, 1775. He was son of Rev. p. viii.
Nath'l. H., of Lynn. His wife was dau. of § She was grand-daughter of the Hon.
Jacob Hurd. Judge Samuel Sewall. A sister of Sir William,
Cap. Daniel Henchman, before named, was Miriam, older than himself, married Andrew
distinguished in the Indian war of 1675-6, a Tyler, of Boston ; another, Jane, younger,
merchant, and a dealer in real estate to a great married, let, Benj. Clarke, of Kingston, N.
extent. Conveyances to and from him began H., and, 2dly, William Tyler, of Boston,
as early as 1669. brother of Andrew. Catherine, dau. of An-
1760.] THE GREAT FlllE. 649
The administration of Governor Pownall, though short, was a very
popular one. At a full Town-meeting, an Address was unanimously
,, ,„ voted him, in which the inhabitants acknowledged their great
■ obligations to him.* He had been appointed to the Govern-
ment of South Carolina, but he did not leave Boston until the third of
June.
Until the present time the fire of 1711 had been denominated the
Great Fire, but now one occurred, which rendered that comparatively
unimportant. Before proceeding to narrate the history of that of the
20th of March, it is proper to state, that only three days before,
between eleven and twelve o'clock at noon, it being Monday, a
'' large house, and a joiner's shop adjoining, were burnt in the west
part of the town, called New Boston. Several other houses near by
Avere much damaged and many things destroyed. The wind being high,
and from the north-east, the roof of the West Meeting-house took fire
in several places, but by great exertion the house was saved.
The next day, between ten and eleven o'clock in the forenoon,
' a store at the upper end of Mr. James Griffin's wharf (since
Liverpool wharf), the chamber of which was improved as a laboratory
by a detachment of the Royal Artillery then here, accidentally took fire.
It soon communicated to a quantity of powder, by which the building
was blown up, wounding four or five men. Mr. Griffin's loss was con-
siderable, having a large quantity of merchandise in the lower story.
Two other buildings, lower down on the wharf, a carpenter's shop and
a blacksmith's, also took fire, and the former was destroyed. One or two
grenados and some small arms went off during the fire, and " the ex-
plosion was so great, that a considerable shock was felt over the extreme
parts of the Town."
" But the 20th of March will be a day memorable for the most
' ■ ~ ' terrible fire that has happened in this Town, or perhaps in any
other part of North America, far exceeding that of the second of Octo-
ber, 1711, till now termed the Great Fire." It broke out about two
of tlie clock " in the first watches of the morning, when our bodies
drew and jMiriam, m. David Ochterlony, who had signed the Address, " with upwards of
was the father of Gen. Sir David Ochterlony 150 merchants and others." They say to his
(also born in Boston), a distinguished command- Excellency, in the opening, "The happy iniiu-
er in the East Indies, who died 15 July, 1825. ence of your Administration, while it has
After the death of David Ochterlony, the extended itself to every branch of the Public
father, his widow, Catharine (Tyler) Ochter- Interest, has been too sensibly felt by the
lony, married Sir Isaac Heard, Garter King Merchants and others concerned in trade, to
at Arms, the same who took so much pains in allow us to part with your Excellency, with-
searching out the pedigree of Washington, out the most particular acknowledgment of
Dr. Usher Parsons has lately published an ex- gratitude and respect."
cellent work on Sir Wm. Pepperrell. The reply of the 'Governor was brief, but
* On the 17th of May the following named couched in language whicli plainly expressed
gentlemen waited on the Governor with the the goodness of his heart, and his great inter-
Address, namely, Samuel Wells, Andrew est in the welfare of the Country, and of Boston
Oliver, Thomas Hancock, Thomas Hubbard, especially. And to his lasting honor it should
Francis Borland, John Phillips, Harrison be remembered that he always remained the
Gray, Stephen Greenleaf, James Pitts, Joshua friend of the Colony, even in its darkest trials
Henshaw, and John Howe, Esqs., Dr. Sylves- of the Revolution. This, though well known,
ter Gardiner, and Mr. John ScoUay. These cannot be too often mentioned.
82
650 THE GREAT FIRE. [1760.
were fast fettered with soundest sleep, and the Town alarmed with an
outcry." It began in the dwelling-house of Mrs. Mary Jackson and
Son, at the sign of the Brazen Head in Cornhill,* but by what accident
it took was unknown. The flames immediately extended to the adjoin-
ing houses in the front of the street, and four large buildings were con-
sumed before it could be checked in that direction. It still raged vio-
lently towards the east ; the wind being strong at north-Avest, carried all
before it, from the back sides of the houses. All the stores and dwell-
ings in Pudding-lane, excepting those which fronted the south side of
King-street, and a store of Mr. JohnSpooner f in Water-street, to Quaker
lane ; thence, only leaving a large old wooden house and a house which be-
longed to the then late Cornelius Waldo, Esq., every house, shop, store and
out-house, to Oliver's Dock, was consumed. Then, by a sudden veer of
the wind, the fire was driven in a contrary course, taking the buildings
fronting the lower part of King-street, and burning the houses from the
corner opposite the Bunch of Grapes,J to the warehouse of Box & Aus-
tin, leaving only the warehouse of the Hon. John Erving, and the
dwelling-house of Mr. Hastings. The other brick warehouses towards
Long Wharf were considerably damaged. On the south-east part the
conflagration extended from Mr. Terry's, a baker, in Water-street, to
Mr. Hall's working-house, and thence to Milk-street, consuming every
house from Mr. Joseph Calef 's § to the foot of the street, and the oppo-
site way, including Mr. Dowse's ; likewise every house to Fort Hill,
excepting that of the Hon. Secretary Oliver's and two or three tene-
ments opposite ; also every house, warehouse, shop and store, from Oli-
ver's Dock, by Mr. Hallowell's ship-yard, taking the house of Mr. Hal-
lowell, the Sconce of the South Battery, all the buildings on Col. Wen-
dell's wharf, to the house of Mr. Hunt, ship-builder. Hence, from
Pudding-lane to the waterside, there was not a building of any descrip-
tion left, excepthig those on the side of King-street, and those above
mentioned. Besides, there was a large ship burnt, at Col. Wendell's
wharf, of which Capt. Eddy had been in command, also two or three
sloops and a schooner. ||
Such was the Great Fire of 1760, in which 349 dwelling-houses,
stores and shops, were consumed, H and above one thousand people were
left without a habitation ; many of whom, the day before, were in easy
circumstances. " But it is not easy," says an eye-witness, " to describe
the terrors of that fatal morning, in which the imaginations of the most
calm and steady received impressions that would not easily be effaced.
* Very nearly opposite Williams, Court, rebuilt after the fire, and perhaps lower down
answering to No. 96 Washington-street. the street, on the site of the present New Eng-
fTliis store was afterwards a blacksmith's land Bank,
shop, and made the westerly corner of Water i^ In Milk, corner of Congress. It was after-
and Devonshire streets, and stood till 1824, when wards the noted Julien's restaurant. It stood
it was replaced by a brick building, the lower till July, 1824.
Eart of which was occupied by Mr. Daniel || There were eight or nine vessels burnt at
[ersey as an auction room. the wharves. — Mayhew, Ser. on the Fire, 17.
I "In King-street, just below the Town- T[ Of the number were 174 dwelling-houses,
house, 1724." — jBos^ Gazt. 26 Oct. It was and 175 other buildings.
1760.] THE GREAT FIRE. 651
The distressed inhabitants of those buildings wrapped in fire scarce
knew where to take refuge. Numbers who were confined to beds of
sickness, as well as the aged and the infant, Avere removed from house
to house, and even the dying were obliged to take one remove more
before their final one." *
When the fire was discovered there was but little wind, but it soon
came on to blow a hard gale from the north-west ; " then was beheld,"
says the eye-witness, " a perfect torrent of fire, bearing down all before
it. In a seeming instant all was flame." The people living in the
neighborhood of the South Battery were in much terror, knowing there
was a large quantity of powder deposited there ; but the greater part of
it was removed, " by some hardy adventurers," just before the fire
reached the place of its deposit. As it was, enough was left to make
a heavy explosion, " which was heard and felt to a very great dis-
tance." t
People had flocked in from the neighboring country, who, with the
Town's people, fought with desperation against the flames, " encouraged
by the presence and example of the greatest personages of the place,
who condescended to the most laborious services, but to no purpose ; for
the haughty flames triumphed over our engines, our art, and our num-
bers." It continued to rage till near noon, about ten hours.
The amount of property destroyed was at first supposed to be
300,000 pounds ; but in the votes of the General Court upon the occa-
sion, it is said " that the loss upon a moderate computation could not
be less than 100,000 pounds sterling." J As there were a great many
persons requiring immediate relief, it was voted to advance, out of the
public treasury, 3,000 pounds of the money raised by Excise the pre-
vious year. This sum was committed to the Selectmen and Overseers
of the Poor, § to be by them distributed among the sufferers. ||
A large amount in donations was from time to time received. On
receipt of the news of the conflagration in Pennsylvania, which was com-
municated to Grovernor Hamilton by Governor Povvnall, the Assembly
of that Province voted 1,500 pounds sterling for the relief of the unfor-
tunate Bostonians. The Assembly of New York voted them a very
liberal sum.H Governor Lawrence, of Nova Scotia, wrote to Governor
* "We hear that the woman who was over- property destroyed was £73,112, 7s. and 3d. ;
taken in travail, and delivered in the open air and that " collective donations amounted to
on Fort Hill, in the time of the late dreadful £17,750, 155 and Sd.'"
fire, is likely to do well. ' ' — Newspaper, extract- § The gentlemen appointed by those ofBcers
cd in Janeway, 48. to receive contributions were John Phillips,
I The stones and timber were widely scat- Esq., Joshua Henshaw, Esq., Mr. Joshua
tered about. " The explosion, and light of the Barrett, Joseph Jackson, Esq., Thomas
fire, was heard and seen many miles in the Flucker, Esq. They accepted the appoint-
country and on the sea-coast." ment, and gave notice that they would attend
X " Others, who had observed the increased at Faneuil Hall, every jNIonday and Tuesday,
value of the land upon which the houses stood, where the sufferers were to apply,
estimated the loss at not more than £50,000 ; || The above account is chiefly made up
and judged, that if the donations could have from the News-Letter, and that appended to
been equally distributed, no great loss would Janeway's " Dreadful Fire of London."
have been sustained." — Hutchinsoji, iii. 81. — ^f £25,000, old tenor, which was in propor-
Dr. Holmes, Annals, ii. 103, says the value of tion to sterling as 25 to 1.
652 THE GREAT FIRE. [1760.
Pownall, advising hini that "480 dollars and one real" had been col-
lected for the same object. Mr. Charles Apthorp, of New York, ordered
100 pounds, " lawful money," to be paid for the benefit of the suf-
ferers ; and Mr. De Berdt, of London, gave 100 pounds. A petition was
forwarded to the King, drawn up and signed by the sufferers, praying
for relief, and, after two years, they learned that " it had been gracious-
ly received by his Majesty," but what finally became of it does not ap-
pear ; nor does it appear whether it was directed to George the Second,
who was living till the 25th of October of that year, or to his successor,
George the Third.* Mr. Whitefield collected and sent over 250 pounds.
It is remarkable that no lives Avere lost during the fire, though sev-
eral persons were one way and another wounded. It extended, on Corn-
hill, to the house of Mr. Peter Cotta on the north, and to that of Mrs.
* The following is a list of the persons burnt shops, Thos. Palfrey, Thos. Hartley, Jr., Ed-
out, as contained in the News-Letter, so far as mond Mann, Col. Thwing, James Thwing,
they could be ascertained at the time; com- widow Noyes, Edmund Quincy, Jr., Thos.
piled chiefly from the Assessors' books of the Walley, widow Parrott, Benj. Parrott, Mrs.
previous November : Stevenson, Thos. Read, Thos. Read, Jr.,
" 7?i Cornhill, Mary Jackson and Son, Brackley Read, Robt. Williams, James Tuck-
widow McNeal, Jona. Mason,* Mrs. Quick, er, John FuUerton, Capt. Nathaniel Wins-
— InPuddin(/Lanc,Wm.Fiiir&e\d, Rogers, low, Joseph Webb, Jr., Barnard & Wheel-
John Sterling, Geo. Glen, James Steward, Wright's shop and stores adjoining. — Milk-
widow Marshal, Edmond Dolbear. — Upper St., and Battery March, Mr. HaWs and Messrs.
fart of Water-street, Henry Lawton, Jr., an Calefs tan-houses, Thomas Barnes, widow
old house untenanted, Mrs. Grice, an empty Griffin, Jones, and Waters, Nathan
house of Mr. Cazneau, Wm. Palfrey, Jo- Foster, Thos. Speakman, Wm. Freeland, Isaac
seph Richax'dson, Dinley Wing, Benj. Jelfries, Hawse, Hon. John Osborn, widow Brown,
John Durant, Lawson. [Two or three Oliver Wiswall, Caleb Prince, Mary Oliver,
items xoanting in copy.] — In Quaker Lane, Joseph Dowse, Esq., David Burnet, Edward
Wm. Hyslop, Sampson Salter (brewer), Capt. Stone, Andrew Oliver, Jr., Esq., John Powell,
Robert Jarvis, Daniel Ray, Friends' Meeting- Edward Davis, Masters, Thos. Masters,
house. — Towards O/^'uej-'s DocA;, David Spear, Benj. Cobb, James Orill, John Pierce, Eben.
Thomas Bennet, Wm. Baker, Ebcnezer Dog- Gushing, Eben. Gushing, Jr., Jas. Rickford,
get, James Barnes, Daniel Henchman, Joseph Joseph Uran, Joseph Putman, Stephen Fuller-
Marion, Thomas Hawkins, shop and barns ton, John Province, Mr. Andrew Gardner,
opposite, widow Savel, James Thompson, Hugh Finnesey, Andrew Lepair, Samuel Hewes,
Moore, widow Davis, Nicholas Tabb, Michael Increase Blake, Capt. Edward Blake, Benjamin
Carrol, two tenements of free Negroes. — Mack- Hallowell, Esq., Daniel Ingerson, sundry
erel Lane [Kilby-st.J, John Gardner, John shops, Thos. Salter, Peter Bourn, widow Per-
Powell, Vincent Mundersal, Masseton's bar- kins, Nath. Eddy, Joshua Sprigg, Zephaniah
ber's shop, and a gunsmith's, Edmund Per- Hasset, John Boyce, Jacob Ridgeway, James
kins, James Perkins, several chair-makers' Moore, Muggot, Wm. Fullerton, Hill,
shops, James Graham, Capt. AthertonHaugh, John Nowell, AVm. Cox, Isaac Pierce and
John Doane, Capt. Benoni Smith, Samuel distil-house, a bake-house, Benj. Frothing-
Bangs, Daniel Remak, Geo. Perry, Paul Bax- ham, Edward King, John Giflcn, Bright,
ter'sshop,Benj. Salisbury, Nicholas Dyer ,Wm. Thos. Spear, Capt. Killeran, Isaiah Aude-
Stutely, Peter Airs, Francis Warden, Benj. bert, Ed, Brattle Oliver, Matthew Salter,
Phillips' store , McNeal's sail-loft, Joshua Bowles, James Phillips, Isaftc Wendell ,
Palfrey's do. , Potter's cooper shop, Davis' John Allen, Wallis, Wilson, all the
blacksmith's do., James Graham's do., FishMar- buildings on Col. Wendell's wharf. — Kinff-
ket, Sowerby's shop, Read'sdo., street, John Stevenson, cor. Mackerel-lane,
Harris' do. , Mellcn's do. , T. Palfrey's sail- widow Foster, Simon Eliot, Peck, glasier,
loft, widow Brailesford, John Osborn, Obed John Green, James Lamb, widow Checkley,
Cross, Isaac DaflForn. — The loioer part of John AYheatly, John Jepson, Ben. Jepson,
Water-st., Wm. Torrey, Jacob Bucknam, Thos. White, Hezekiah Cole, Goodwin's shop,
James Beaton, Nicholas Lobden, John Rice, John Peck's shop, Apthorp and Gardiner's
a blacksmith's^ carpenter's, and chaise-maker's warehouse, John Knight's do., Barthol Chee-
* The prefix of " Mr." is to all the names of men ^^^"'^ do., where the lire was stopt." It did
inthe original list, unless the Christian name was un- ^°^ extend to any part of the north Side ol
known, or the person ha4 some title, as "Capt.," Ac. King-street, nor to any part of the westerly
The use of " Mr." h.nd now become very genenil. - side of Cornhill.
1760.] SURRENDER OP MONTREAL. 653
West on the south, inclusive of them. Mrs. Ahce Quick kept next
north of Mrs. West, where she "sold all sorts of the best kinds of teas." *
At the May session of the General Court an Act was passed " for
the better rebuilding that part of the Town which was laid waste by the
late fire ; and for preventing fire in Boston for the future." In the
Preamble to the Act it is said that this "great desolation hath been
principally occasioned by the narrowness of the streets, and the houses
laeing built of wood, and covered with shingles." Therefore a commit-
tee was appointed to lay out the streets in the burnt district anew, who
reported, accompanying their report by a plan, which report and plan
were adopted. To settle difficulties which might arise by loss of l*and
to certain owners, three Commissioners were appointed to hear all such
causes. They were Samuel Danforth, Samuel Watts and Joseph
Williams, Esquires, who with twelve jurors (none of whom to be resi-
dents of Boston), constituted a Court. The General Court at the same
time enacted, " that no house or other building whatsoever more than
seven feet in height shall be erected in Boston, otherwise than of stone
or brick, and covered with slate or tiles." The penalty for non-observ-
ance of this Act was fifty pounds, which was to go to the poor of the town.
Although the power of the French in Canada was broken with the
fall of Quebec, yet the conquest was not complete until the final reduc-
tion of Montreal, to which place the French commander-in-chief, Gen.
Vaudreuil, had retreated with all the forces he could command. How-
ever, that last stronghold was now surrendered to the English, and
" Articles of Capitulation were signed in the Camp before Mon-
treal, September the eighth, by the French and English Com-
manders, Generals Amherst and Vaudreuil." Major Barref and Capt.
Joseph Deane were dispatched with the news for England.
The particulars of that event did not reach Boston until near three
months after it occurred, and then it came by way of England. J Yet,
that Montreal had fallen w^as well known throughout the Country in con-
■ siderably less then one month § after its occurrence, and a Public Thanks-
giving took place on the ninth of October following. Sermons were
preached in the churches, among which may be named one by
the Rev. Mr. Foxcroft, " in the Old Church in Boston," which
is regarded as of much historical value.
*Her liouso appears not to have been en- London is thus announced : — " Oct. 4. Ma-
tirely destroyed, for, she being dead in 1762, jor Barre and Capt. Deane arrived Express in
Thomas Knight, one of her executors, adver- the Vengeance frigate from Quebec, in 23 days,
tised that ' ' he lived in the same house in with the news of the Surrender of IMontreal
Cornhill that Mrs. Quick did, and kept the and the whole of Canada to the British.''
same shop." Capt. Deane had distinguished himself in the
Mrs. Jackson and Son [William] soon after naval service in America. He commanded the
opened another store in Cornhill, "a few frigate Lowestoff at the taking of Quebec,
doors from the Town House, and opposite j " It is but three months since the conquest
Deac. [John] Phillip's." She was,! suppose, was completed, and yet the account has been
widow of Mr. Jonathan Jackson, who died in home [to England] and the particulars re-
1736, leaving a large estate. turned here in so short a time." — News-Lct-
f This was the afterwards famous Col. ier of Dec. 4th, 1760.
Isaac Barre. He had lost an eye by a musket- ^ It was brought here on the 23d of Septem-
ball in the battle of Quebec. His arrival in ber.
654
ARRIVAL OP GOV. BERNARD.
[1760.
CHAPTER LVI.
Arrival of Gov. Bernard. — Festivity on the Occasion. — Death of the King. — George Third Pro-
claimed, — Last of New England's Kings. — Funeral of George Second. — Severe Winter. — Fire in
Dock Square. — Faneuil Hall burnt. —Lottery for rebuilding it. —Jealousies between the Colonists
and the Home Government. -^ Writs of Assistance. —James Otis.— Parties formed. — Hutchinson
Chief Justice. —Indian Deputation. — Whipping and the Pillory. — Foreign Bills of Credit Prohib-
ited. —War with Spain. — A Fast.— Surveyors of Wood and Bark. — Umbrellas. — Fire in Wil-
liams' Court. — A Privateer. — Spinning-School reopened. — Prelatical Influence. — Deaths. — Gun-
powder Treason Celebration. — Pope Day.
FRANCIS BERNARD, Esq., having been ap-
pointed Governor of the Colony, arrived in Boston
on the third of August. He was received with
great parade and ceremony. The Sheriff of Suffolk,
Stephen Greenleaf, Esc[.,t at the head of a part
of the Governor's troop of guards, met him at
Wrentham, thence escorted him to Dedham,
where Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson, several of the
powN.u,L.* Council, and Brigadier Gen. Isaac Royall, with
the rest of the troop of guards, received and accompanied him to
his residence at the Province House. The militia were drawn up in
the main street, and salutes were fired from all the forts, and the ships
in the harbor. The same day the new Governor was treated to an ele-
gant dinner, served up in Faneuil Hall ; at which the Lieutenant Gov-
ernor, the Council, Clergy, and many other gentlemen, were present.J
* Such were the Arms of Gov. Pownall, as
published under his portrait ; vrhich portrait
(from an engraving by Earlom after Cotes) is
one of great beauty, in point of artistic and
mechanical execution. It has this Inscrip-
tion : — " Thomas Pownall, Esq., Member of
Parliament, late Governor, Captain General
and Commander in Chief; and Vice Admiral
of His Majesty's Provinces of the Massachusetts
Bay and South Carolina, and Lieut. Governor
of New Jersey. London. Printed for R. Sayer
and J. Bennett, No. 53 Fleet-street, as the Act
directs, 5th June, 1777."
The accompanying
autograph is taken
from an original,
which is upon a fly-
leaf of a copy of
Edwards' " Treatise concerning Religious
Affections." Printed in Boston in 1746.
This " Treatise " of the great Metaphysician
(belonging to the Author's library) was doul)t-
less a companion to Gov. Pownall during his
travels in America, as he appears to have
written, at the same time with
his name, " Crown Point, 20th of
June, 17G0." A copy from this
book has been preferred, to one
from a commission politely furnished me by
Mr. W. F. Story ; it being much smaller.
Gov. Pownall, son of William Pownall,
Esq., was born in 1722, was of North Lynn,
Co. Norfolk, and Ever ton House in Bedford-
shire ; m. in 1765, widow Lady Faukener, dau.
of Gen. Churchill, and died at Bath, Eng., in
1805, aged 83, without issue. — See Gent.
Mag., vol. lxxv., p. 288, where there is a mi-
nute account of his literary labors and public
services. The curious antiquary will find an
interesting account of the origin of the name
Pownall in Burke's Landed Gentry, ii. 1063 ;
from which it appears to have been originally
Paganel, and was imported into England by a
follower of William the Conqueror.
I He was son of the Rev. Daniel Greenleaf.
His residence was in what is now Trcmont-st.,
near the site of the Masonic Temple. His ad-
jacent garden extended to West-street. When
the Revolution took place, he adhered to the
Crown, but did not leave Boston, and lived to
the great age of 91, dying in Jan. 1795. —
See Genealocjy of Greenleaf Fam. , by Rev. Jona.
Greenleaf, p. 69.
X Governor Bernard was of the family of
Bernard of Nettleham, in the county of Lin-
coln. The Governor (Sir Francis Bernard,
1769) was the 13th in descent from. Godfrey
Bernard of Wansford, in the East Riding of
the County of York, who flourished there in
the time of Henry HI. In 1741, he m.
1 , \
^
C ( / hr//- r-/ /A ( //// ./
//////////^'/^ \'k\vE. \ 'g7^^ \ 'n
'//r/7m^ '^
1760-1.] DEATH OF THE KING. 055
As before remarked, the administration of Governor Pownall, though
short, was highly pleasing to the majority of the Province. While here
he took great pains to gain information respecting the country, histori-
cal, geographical and statistical. After his return to England, he pub-
lished several able works on the Colonies, which were the result of his
acquaintance with them.*
Between seven and eight o'clock in the morning of the 25th
■ " ' of October, died George the Second. "He was suddenly seized,
at his Palace at Kensington, by a violent disorder, when he fell speech-
less, and, notwithstanding every medical aid, almost immediately
expired, in the 77th year of his age, and 34th of his reign." f And
on the following day, about noon, his grandson, George, son of
Frederick Lewis, Prince of Wales, was proclaimed King, as
George the Third.
The news of the death of the King was not received in Boston till
December the 25th, just two months after that event. Then the cere-
mony of Proclaiming the new King from the balcony of the
Town House took place. The guns w^ere fired at all the forts,
and this was followed by a dinner at Fanueil Hall, similar to that lately
given in honor of the new Governor. Thus ended the kingly celebrations
in Boston ; George the Third being the last of the line to be acknowl-
edged here.
1761. On the first of January mourning ceremonies were performed
Jan. 1. fQj, \)^Q i^j^Q King. All the bells in the Town were tolled during
the day, and minute guns, corresponding in number to the age of his
late Majesty, were fired at the Castle. This was the last show of mourn-
ing for a King in Boston. The deaths of Kings, when they occur, are
now regarded as the deaths of other men ; the people of this country
xVmelia, dau. of Stephen Offlay , Esq. , of Nor- the Preface was dated in Paris (25 Jan. , 1780) ,
ton Hall, Co. of Derl)y (by Mary, sister to was published by Almon, in London, the same
John Viscount Barrington). Sir Francis died year. In this treatise he declared, — "North
IGth June, 1779, and was succeeded by his America is de facto an Independent Power,
second son, Sir John Bernard ; Francis, his tohich has talien its equal station ivith other Toio-
eldest, died unmarried in 1770. These sons crs, and must be so de jure.'''' His "Map of
were both with their father in Boston. John the Middle British Colonies," accompanied
came over in 1760, and Francis in 1762. The with " A Description," was published in
Baronetcy is now in the name of Morland. London in 1776, imperial folio ; and is to this
Ciov. Bernard had ten children. His seventh, day a most desiraljle and valuable work. A
William, a Lieutenant in the army, perished copy of it, with MS. additions by Gov. Pownall
in the Canada expedition of 1776. himself, was recently imported by Mr. Wel-
* The accompanying view of Boston was ford, of New York, and sold at auction. Its
taken by Gov. Pownall, whose point of obser- present fortunate possessor is unknown to me.
vation was Castle William, now Fort Inde- In the Neius-Letter of 28 Feb., 1760, ap-
pendence. His chief work, "The Adminis- peared the following item of intelligence re-
tration of the Colonies," was published in specting Mr. Pownall: — " We hear that his
1768, and a fifth edition (2 vols. 8vo.) in Excellency, our Governor, who is appointed
1774. During the Revolution he advocated Captain General, and Governor in Chief of his
the cause of the Colonies, in and out of Parlia- Majesty's Province of South Carolina, has rc-
ment. And in the midst of the war, to reach ceived his Majesty's order to go to England ;
with his i^en those whom he could not reach and that the Hon. William Bull, Esq., ap-
with his oratory, he issued "A Memorial, most pointed Lieut. Governor of Carolina, is to ad
humbly addressed to the Sovereigns of Europe, minister the Government until his Excellen
on the present state of Affairs between the cy's arrival in that Province."'
Old and New World." This work, though f Boyle's CAro7to%y, 239.
656 ^ SEVERE WINTER. — FANEUIL HALL BURNT. [1761.
rationally concluding, that if a man has performed any acts worthy of
remembrance, he will be honorably remembered ; while another, who
has done nothing for the good and benefit of his fellow-man, though he
may have accidentally worn a crown, is entitled to no expression of re-
gard at his demise on that account.
The month of January was intensely cold. The harbor was for about
three days nearly filled with ice, and almost closed up. During the
extreme cold, a fire broke out about half-past nine o'clock in the
" evening of the thirteenth of the month. It began in a shop op-
posite the north side of Faneuil Hall, in Dock Square, destroying an
entire row of wooden buildings, from the store occupied by the Hon.
Thomas Hubbard, to the Swing Bridge. These shops were the property
of the Town, being leased to their occupants, most of whom had their
all in them, and hence lost everything. The fire did not extend to the
buildings on the north side of the Dock, but it caught Faneuil Hall,
which it entirely consumed, saving its brick walls. It then extended
to some shops on the south side of the Market, and destroyed a number of
them also ; the night being so dismally cold that water could be used
with but trifling effect, for it congealed as soon as it came in contact with
the atmosphere, falling from the engines in particles of ice. The
records and papers in Faneuil Hall were said to have been " mostly
saved."
At the Town Meeting on the loth of March a vote was passed
"for repairing Faneuil Hall, and the General Court granted a Lot-
tery for raising the necessary funds. The first meeting in it after it was
rebuilt was on the 14th of March, 1763. Upon that occasion James
Otis, Jr., Esq., delivered an appropriate address.
The jealousy which had existed between the Colonies and the Mother
Country increased materially upon -the fall of Canada. The French,
who had been a bar to the expansion and growth of the former, and oc-
casioned a constant scene of blood upon the frontiers, were no longer to
be dreaded. Now, by a very simple calculation, it was as easy for a
Briton as a Colonist to see that, at the rate the Colonies had increased,
with all their burthens upon them, the day was not very remote when
they would far outnumber in population Great Britain itself. Hence a
very natural feeling of independence constantly increased. This, of
course, was apparent to the officers of the Crown, for a spirit of inde-
pendence exhibited itself in various ways ; but in none touching the
Royal interest so much as the opposition to the laws of trade and
revenue.
Opposition to the revenue laws was no new thing in Boston in 1761.
It had in fact become so serious that the Home Government saw
pretty clearly that, without some new regulation, they would soon be
of no avail ; and hence the origin of the attempt to introduce what was
termed Writs of Assistance.*
* These writs authorized the officers of the places, wherever they had reason to believe
Customs to enter stores, houses, and any other there were any contraband goods, and to seize
1761.] JAMES OTIS. LIEUT. GOV. HUTCHINSON. 657
Notwithstanding, the Revenue Officers had for a long time acted un-
der Admiralty writs, and property to a large amount had from time to
time been seized, and a portion of the proceeds of such seizures, though
accruing to the Province, had never been paid to its Treasurer. A suit
had been brought for its recovery, and though advocated on the part of
the people by the learning and ability of James Otis, the case was lost ;
the Court unjustly declaring the proceeding illegal. This decision was
exceedingly irritating to the leaders in opposition to the Revenue Laws,
some of whom had been large sufferers by their operation.
At the same time the officers of the Crown had been charged, and no
doubt with some truth, with appropriating to their own use moneys be-
longing to the Province, arising from the forfeitures to which allusion
has just been made. This charge was embodied in a petition to the
General Court, signed by above fifty of the principal merchants of the
Town;* and though men of great influence, many of them, yet that
influence was not sufficient to reach, at this period, the officers of Gov-
ernment with the effect desired.
A crisis was fast forming when the people were to become one party,
and the officers under the Crown and their immediate friends another.
Leaders of the former had already begun to distinguish themselves, and
hence became necessarily arrayed against certain Government measures.
James Otis, eldest son of Col. James Otis, of Barnstable, was an early
advocate of the people. His father was the prominent man for the office
of Chief Justice of the Province, whenever a vacancy might occur ; but
when that time came Colonel Otis was passed over, and the office was
given to Lieut. Governor Hutchinson. f This was extremely disliked
by all the friends of Otis; and the son, of course, upon whom the slight
weighed heavily, cannot be supposed to have been more friendly to
Governor Bernard and his advisers than before that occurrence took
place.
Meanwhile, the proceeding under Writs of the Colonial Admiralty, for
all such goods. A statute of the 14 Charles Peter Boyer, Samuel Grant, Samuel Hughes,
II. authorized the Court of Exchequer to issue Benjamin Austin, George Erving, Joseph
"Writs of Assistance. Another of the 7th and Green, Samuel P. Savage, James Perkins,
8th of William III. made it imperative that all Thomas Boylston, John Kowe, Timothy New-
necessary aid and assistance should be given to ell, Joseph Domett, John Spooner, William
officers of the Customs in the Plantations, to Greenleaf, John Welch, Jr., John Scollay,
enable them to execute the law. John Baker, William Thompson, Christopher
* The Petition or Memorial was presented to Clarice, John Erving, Jr., John Powell, Na-
the General Court on the 19th Dec, 1760. As thaniel Holmes, John Barrett, Edward Davis,
the signers were the principal business men of Fitch Pool, Thomas Greene, Henderson Inches,
the Town, their names are here given, as ne- Daniel Malcom, Thomas Tyler, Jonathan Amo-
cessary to show the head and front of the oppo- ry, James Thompson, Samuel Wells, Jr.,
eition to the Crown officials then resident among Samuel Wentworth, Arnold Welles, Jonathan
them : — Sayward, James Boutineau."
" John Avery, Jonathan Williams, Thomas f This circumstanpe, according to Mr. Hutch-
Fitch, John Dennie, John Waldo, Thomas inson, iii. 88, was the origin of the Kevolu-
Green, Jr., William Molineaux, John Boyl- tion. "From so small a spark a great fire
ston, John Browne, Benj. Hallowell, Malatiah seems to have been kindled." President Ad-
Bourne, Thomas Gray, Samuel Austin, Joshua ams also says, " Here began the Eevolution ;"
Winslow, Ezekiel Goldthwaite, Samuel Dexter, not in the affront to Otis, however, but in the
John Greene, Jolin Tudor, Solomon Davis, principles he advocated in opposing the meas-
John Amory, John Gooch, Jonathan Mason, ures of an arbitrary Government.
83
658 WRITS OF ASSISTANCE. [1761.
the seizure of contraband goods, was attacked as illegal, arbitrary and
oppressive. Therefore, to give these Writs unquestionable authority,
application was made to the Superior Court for Writs of Assistance,
similar to those issued by the Admiralty in England. The Honorable
Stephen Sewall, then Chief Justice, being a greater friend to the liber-
ties of the country than to its oppressors, declined to give such Writs
his sanction; "having great doubt," as President John Adams writes,
"of the legality and constitutionality" of such Writs. He however
ordered that the subject should be argued before the Court in Boston,
at the February term, 1761. But before the meeting of the Court in
February, Mr. Sewall died, and Mr. Hutchinson was appointed his suc-
cessor.*
The appointment of Mr. Hutchinson gave great dissatisfaction to the
people in general, for several reasons ; but the principal one was, his
known leaning towards sustaining the Royal prerogative. Add to this,
that he was already holding a great number of offices — as Lieutenant
Governor, Judge of Probate, and Counsellor. His family were likewise
incumbents of several important offices. Andrew Oliver, Secretary of
the Province, married his wife's sister, and Peter, brother of Andrew,
was one of the Chief Justices,
In the same month that Mr. Hutchinson received the appointment of
Chief Justice, came on "the great cause of Writ of Assistance,"
which was argued before the Court in the Council Chamber, in Boston.
James Otis made the argument in opposition to those Writs, which is
thus described by one who heard it f : — "He displayed so comprehensive
a knowledge of the subject, showed not only the illegality of the Writ,
and its insidious and mischievous tendency, but he laid open the views
and designs of Great Britain in taxing us ; of destroying our Charters
and assuming the powers of our Government, legislative, executive and
judicial ; external and internal, civil and ecclesiastical, temporal and
spiritual ; and all this was performed with such a profusion of learning,
such convincing argument, and such a torrent of sublime and pathetic
eloquence, that a great crowd of spectators and auditors went away ab-
solutely electrified."
The next day Mr. Otis was elected a Representative, and re-elected
for ten years folio wing. J " He governed the Town of Boston and the
House of Representatives, notwithstanding a few eccentricities, with a
caution, a prudence and sagacity, which astonished his friends and con-
founded his enemies."
* Mr. Sewall died Sept. 10th, 1760, at the ous as if it had sprung from a sincere concern
age of 58 . He was son of Stephen Sewall, Esq. , for the liberties of the people. ' ' — Hist. Mass. ,
of Salem, and nephew of Judge Samuel Sewall, iii. 195. But to deny true patriotism to James
and had been Chief Justice eight years. Hutch- Otis is to deny that it ever existed in the world,
inson gives him an excellent character. Dr. J The others were Royal Tyler, John Phil-
Mayhew preached his funeral Sermon, an ex- lips, and Thomas Gushing. They were the
tensive and elegant performance. Mr. Sewall same in 1762, and William Whitwell was cho-
died a bachelor. All agree that he was a man sen Overseer of the Poor, in room of Mr. Isaac
of superior abilities. Walker, deceased; also. Belcher Noyes and
f President John Adams. Hutchinson sig- Capt. Samuel Doane were chosen Assessors, in
nificantly remarks: — "Mr. Otis' zeal in car- room of Mr. Samuel Edwards, deceased, and
rying on these causes was deemed as meritori- Mr. Joseph Bradford, who had resigned.
17G1.] WHIPPING AND THE PILLORY. A FAST. 659
A deputation of Indians from the Five Nations came to Boston, to
congratulate the people upon their success against the French ; and on
the last day of the year they had an audience of the Governor in the
Council Chamber. The name of the chief speaker was Hongougsani-
yonde, or Thomas King, who was an Oneida. It was said that "he
conducted himself with surprising dignity and politeness."
17G2. On the eleventh of February, the Hon. Harrison Gray was
Fob. 11. chosen Treasurer and Recorder General of the Province ; the
Hon. Thomas Hubbard, Commissary General, and the Hon. James
Russell, Impost Officer. A few days previous, a person was set in the
Pillory an hour, whipped twenty stripes, and fined twenty pounds, for
counterfeiting dollars, or for having tools for counterfeiting in his pos-
session. The sentence was executed upon him at Charlestown. The
Town voted to have the bells of IloUis-street Church, the Old Brick
juid Old North, rung at five o'clock every morning, except Sundays.
A Society for Encouraging Trade had been established, and a meeting was
held by its members at the British Coffee House, on the first of February.
At this meeting the subject of sending "some representations home
concerning their trade" was considered. The Governor signed a Bill
" for the effectual preventing the currency of the Bills of Credit of
Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, within this Province."
Some time in the month of February, the body of Major Gen. Edward
Whitmore was brought up to Town from Plymouth, in the schooner
Leopard, Thomas Church, master. He was upon his voyage from
Louisbourg to Boston, and, putting into Plymouth in stress of weather,
upon some occasion went upon deck about midnight, fell overboard and
was drowned. He was at the time Governor of Louisbourg, and com-
mander of the twenty-second Regiment of Foot ; and, at the second cap-
ture of that place, received the keys of the Citadel. He appears to have
had no family. His effects were sold by auction at the Royal Exchange,
in King-street, on the 24th of March. Thomas Hancock was appointed
administrator.* His age was seventy- one.
On the fifth of xipril the Castle guns and the Town batteries
^ ■ ' fired salutes on receiving the news of the reduction of Martinico.
Christopher Prince offered ten dollars reward to any body who would
catch his negro man, named Csesar, who could read and write, but had
run away.f
^ The General Court attended in the Old Brick Church, to hear
' a sermon by Doctor Sewall, occasioned by a Fast for the decla-
ration of war against Spain. General Amherst proposed to the mer-
chants to hire vessels of them for transports.
At the Town Meeting on the eleventh of May, it was alleged
' that great frauds were practised in the sale of wood and bark.
* He was probably of the family which had f May 24th. — " A parcel of hearty, likely
given several Aldermen and a Lord Mayor to Negroes, imported the last week from Africa,
London. — See Dale's Hist, of Harwich, ka. to be sold. Enquire of Capt. Wickham, or
71-2, 205-7, 409, &c. His remains were in- Mr. John Avery, at his house near the W^hite
tarred in King's Chapel. Horse," in Newbury-street.
660 FIRE. — PRIVATEER. — SPINNING SCHOOL. [1762.
Whereupon it was voted that all such fuel should be surveyed by an
officer appointed for that purpose, and the vender to be furnished with
a ticket, by which he should sell the article.
Umbrellas were probably introduced about this time, as " Umbrillos"
are advertised for sale in the papers of the day.*
The birthday of the new King was celebrated with the usual
' noise on such occasions ; and the example of the Government of-
ficials, as now-a-days, was followed by many, because they knew no
better.
About one o'clock a fire was discovered in the bakehouse of
■ Mr. George Bray, at the upper end of Williams' Court, Cornhill,
but it had made such progress at that time that nothing of much account
could be saved of the effects of Mr. Bray. It took his dwelling-house,
bedding and other furniture, and even his clothing, together with one
hundred and fifty barrels of flour ; the family barely escaping the flames
themselves. It immediately communicated to other houses and barns
in that confined vicinity, and great was the apprehension that an immense
conflagration could not be avoided. However, from the favorable time
of day, the engines of the Town were at once on the spot, also those of
Charlestown and Castle William, and, all being in fine condition, the fire
was subdued with less damage from its ravages than was at first ex-
pected. As it was, however, many families were burnt out, and many
new objects of charity were added to the list, already very large, occa-
sioned by the destructive fires during the three past years. Governor
Bernard was present during the whole time, encouraging the exertions
of the firemen. t
J „, Towards the close of June, exertions were made to raise men
" ' to go against the Spaniards. Captain William Augustus Peck
gave out that he was about to sail on a cruise, and invited able men to
join him. He commanded the private armed vessel Tartar, called a
"Billander," mounting fourteen six-pounders, twenty cohorns, and its
complement of men was 120. He sailed the following month, and was
reported from time to time as having taken several rich prizes.
„„ News havino; been received that the Moro Castle, at Havan-
''■ 'nah, had surrendered after a forty days' siege, occasioned great
Se % ^^Joici^S- Some time after. Dr. Sewall preached a sermon on
^ "^ ' the " Reduction of the Havannah," which was printed.
Notice was given, on the second of September, that the " Spinning
School in the Manufactory House is again opened, where any person
who inclines may learn to spin gratis ; and to be paid for their spinning
after the first three months." At the same time a premium of eighteen
pounds. Old Tenor, was offered to the four best spinners.
* Is it possible that, as Hayden, Dictionary Samuel Holbrook, Mr. Ephraim Copeland, Jr.,
of Dates, says, umbrellas were not used in Lon- Mr. Jacob Thayer, Mr. Benj . Loring, Widow
don, except in noblemen's houses, in 1778? Gould, and Mr. John Barker." — Evening
f The following list of persons, then living Post, June 14th. Mrs. Day was noted as a
in Williams' Court, were burnt out: — "Mr. school-teacher. She re-opened her school at
George Bray, Mr. John Popkins, Widow Sla- Mr. Head's, in Brattle-street, soon after. She
ter, Mrs. Jane Day, Capt. Arthur Noble, Mr. taught " embroidery in Gold and Silver," &c.
1762.] GUNPOWDER TREASON CELEBRATION. 661
Several tracts issued this year indicate pretty clearly the growing op-
position to Government measures, and especially the Prelacy, so inti-
mately connected with it, which had made fearful strides in the Province
within a few years, as it appeared to the descendants of the Puritans.
An anonymous tract came out, in favor of the Church of England, cal-
culated to irritate and alarm the fears of those who looked upon that
Church as having been intruded upon the Country, both in a spirit of
opposition, and a determination to supplant the religion which the foun-
ders of the State had established at so much sacrifice. This work was
written to show "The real advantages which ministers and people may
enjoy, especially in the Colonies, by conforming to the Church of Eng-
land." The writer prophesied "that the Dissenters in New England
were likely to break to pieces in a very little time ; " which must have
been viewed by such men as Samuel Adams with feelings of much
regret, if not with subdued indignation.* James Otis about the same
time issued his " Vindication of the House of Representatives."
Among the deaths this year were those of Capt. John Larabee,t the
commander of Castle William, and the Rev. Andrew Le Mercier.J Also
on the 30th of November died Mr. John 'Draper, a much respected
printer, " having just entered his 61st year." § He was a son of Mr.
Richard Draper, a merchant of Boston. Several newspapers were pub-
lished by him, the Laws of the Province, and many other works. At
the time of his death he published the Evening Post ; in the publication
of which he was succeeded by his son Richard. He owned and lived in
a house which stood at the east corner of the short alley which led to
Brattle-street Church. || His paternal ancestor came originally from
Banbury, in the County of Oxford. H
The anniversary of the discovery of the " Popish Gunpowder
Treason" was celebrated with all the licentiousness which long-
continued recurrences of such celebrations are calculated to produce. This
important era in the history of England had been observed by the people
of New England from its first settlement, but nowhere with such an enthu-
siasm as in Boston, especially of late years. The day was always sure
* The manner in which John Adams spoke Thomas Edes, of Boston, 1738. He rose from
and wrote about the "Established Church" a common soldier, and became distinguished
long after, shows something of what the feel- for his merit alone,
ing must have been at this period. — See his | See ante, p. 489.
Letter to Dr. Morse, in JMorse's Hist. American \ Evening Post, 6th Dec, 17G2.
Revolution; p. 199. || Thomas, Hist. Print., i. 328.
f Capt. Larabee died 12th Feb., 1762, at the *^ His son Richard died in Boston, June 5th,
age of 76. He had been an old soldier. Capt. 1774, in his 48th year. His father, also named
Benjamin Larabee, perhaps his father, died at Richard, was a Deacon of Brattle-street
Brunswick, Me., in May, 1748. He was com- Church. After the death of Mr. John Draper,
mander of Fort George in 1735, at which time Richard continued the News-Letter till his
his house was burnt, " which cost him £323 9s. death, which paper had been published by the
2d. ; " besides great loss of goods. Capt. John family for eighty years. The widow of the last
Larabee had been in command at the Castle named continued the paper (The Massachusetts
since the death of Capt. Fairweather, in 1712, Gazette, and Boston AVeekly News-Letter)
about 50 years. He had a wife, Elizabeth ; until the Town was evacuated by the British,
eon John, born 19th April, 1713 ; Elizabeth, with whom she retired to Halifax, thence to
born 4th Feb., 1715, died 2d May, 1746, aged England, where she was living long after tlie
29; Sarah, born 12th July, 1719, married war.
662 POPE DAY. [1763.
to invite all the frolicsome, wayward and turbulent young men as par-
ticipants ; and hence the termination was an extravagant and, some-
times, a riotous affair.
The manner of proceeding on these anniversaries was to form a pro-
cession at certain head-quarters, thence to proceed through the streets.
At the head of the procession went one with a bell in his hand, which
notified the people in their houses that the procession was in motion, and
that they were to be called upon to contribute something to carry out
the celebration.* Those who did not contribute were in danger of hav-
ing their windows broken, or of receiving some other injury. The money
thus obtained was to defray the expense of a supper provided for the
leaders.
An imposing pageant was carried along with the procession. It con-
sisted of a figure, or figures, upon a platform, or stage, mounted upon
wheels, and drawn by horses. On the front part of the stage a lantern
was elevated some six or eight feet, constructed with transparent paper,
upon which were inscriptions suited to the occasion ; usually significant
of some obnoxious political characters of the day. The Pretender, f on
a gibbet, stood next the lantern, and in the centre of the platform stood
the Pope, grotesquely attired, exhibiting a corresponding corpulency.
In the rear stood a devil, with a superabundance of tail, with a trident
in one hand, and a dark lantern in the other. Under the platform were
placed boys, or persons of small size, who, with rods which extended up
through the figures, caused them to perform certain motions with their
heads, — as making them face to the right or left, according to circum-
stances, or rise up as though to look into chamber windows.
Pope Day originated on the accession of Queen Elizabeth, in 1558.
At first the Pope and the Devil were the only pageantry, which were
burnt as soon as they had been satisfactorily exhibited. After the de-
tection of the Gunpowder Plot, in 1605, Guy Fawkes figured conspic-
uously. Hence, in process of time, the pageantry became considerably
changed, as it respected its subordinate characters. In this country the
conductors of the celebration took such liberties in the production and
arrangement of characters as suited their fancies. At what time Boston
first produced two celebrations, upon the same day and occasion, does not
appear. But there were two about this time, occasioned, no doubt, by
the rivalry which had grown up between the inhabitants of the North End
* The bellman chanted a ballad as he pro- Go chink, chink, chink ?
ceeded, which, accordina; to Tudor, in his life Please give me a little money
of Otis, ran thus : ' ^o buy my Pope some drink.
" Don't you remember + The effigy of the Pretender was added after
The fifth of November, the accession of Queen Anne. An epigram
I see n'reTson' «sed on the occasion has been preserved :
Why gunpowder treason " Three Strangers blaze amidst a bonfire's revel.
Should ever be forgot. The Pope, and the Pretender, and the Devil;
From Kome to Rome Three Strangers hate our faith, and faith's defender,
The Pope is come, The Devil, and the Pope, and the Pretender;
Amid ten thousand fears. Three Strangers will be strangers long, we hope,
With fiery serpents to be seen The Devil, the Pretender, and the Pope;
At eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Thus in three rhymes three Strangers dance the lay,
Don't you hear my little bell And he that chooses to dance after 'em may."
1762.
SERMON IN FANEUIL HALL.
063
and those of the South End. The two celebrating parties, after having
marched about to their content, used to meet in and about Union-street,
and then would commence a disgraceful fight for the possession of all the
effigies. These fights ended in bloodshed, broken bones, and sometimes
broken heads. The victors, if South-Enders, carried the trophies to the
Common, and there burnt them. If the North-Enders gained the day,
they took the trophies to Copp's Hill, and burnt them there.
These celebrations were kept up till 1774, when the patriot leaders
of the Revolution found means to reconcile the North and South Ends,
and to unite both in the common cause of the Country. So in November
of that year both parties joined in one celebration, which they called the
Union Pope, and this was the last Pope Day in Boston.
There were now four Newspapers published regularly, namely, the
News-Letter, The Evening Post, The Gazette, and The Advertiser, or
Post-Boy.
CHAPTER LXVII.
Fire iu Newbury-street. — Sermon in Faneuil Hall. — First Stage between Boston and Portsmoatb. —
Wilkes and Liberty. — Whig and Tory. — Opposition to Government. — Reasons for it. — Discus-
sions about Taxation. — Anti-Stamp Fire Society. — Crown Officers Churchmen. — East Apthorp.
— Jonathan Mayhew. — Great Pamphlet War. — The Participants in it. — Independence no new
Principle. — Its Leaders. — James Otis. — Oxenbridge Thacher. — Benjaman Pratt. — Thomas
Cashing. — Samuel Cooper. — Charles Chauncy. — Samuel Adams. — John Hancock. — Josiah
Quincy, Jr. — Joseph Warren.
Jan^lh ^^OUT ten of the clock in the forenoon of the
16th of January, a fire broke out in a building in
Newbury-street, by which five or six houses were de-
stroyed, and several others considerably damaged. The
weather was exceedingly cold, and the snow lay very deep ;
but the fire, occurring in the daytime, was not so de-
structive as it probably would otherwise have been.
On the evening of the sixth of March, the Rev.
' Mr. Samuel Mather preached a Charity Sermon in
BDLFixcii.* Faneuil Hall, for the relief of the poor, which was the
first sermon delivered in it after it was rebuilt.
* This engraving of the arms of Bulfinch is
from a copy in King's Chapel Inscriptions. —
Gules, a chevron Argent, between three garbs
Or. Crest — From a wreath on a helmet, a
dexter arm, couped below the elbow, grasp-
ing a baton, ppr.
The first of the family in Boston was Adino
Bulfinch, who settled here in 1681, a mer-
chant. From 1700 to 1708, he was often
chosen into town offices. He had four sons,
Jolin, Samuel, Adino and Thomas. He left a
valuable estate at his decease. His son John
married Jeanette, daughter of John Crawford,
whose only child, Elizabeth, married Daniel
Boyce. By this last marriage were two daugh-
ters, Elizabeth, married to Joseph Coolidgc,
1772, and Katharine, who married Josepli
Coolidge, 2d April, 1778, died 5th Dec, 1829.
Samuel had daughters, Abby and Elizabeth,
both of whom died unmarried. Adino, the
third son, died unmarried also, about 1740.
Thomas wus educated a physician in Paris,
664 STAGE-COACH TRAVELLING. [1763.
A Stage began to run regularly from Boston to Portsmouth, in
New Hampshire. Owing to the trouble of ferrying the stage and
horses over Charles River, they were kept at Charlestown, at the sign
of the Three Cranes. Bartholomew Stavers was the undertaker, who
had his head-quarters at the sign of the Lighthouse,* at the North End
of Boston. His vehicle was called the " Portsmouth Flying Stage-
Coach," and was to carry "six persons inside, each person to pay thirteen
shillings and sixpence sterling to Portsmouth, and nine shillings to New-
bury ; to set out every Friday morning, between six and seven o'clock ;
to put up at inns on the road, where good entertainment and attendance
Avere provided for the passengers in the coach. Returning, to leave
Portsmouth every Tuesday morning." Mr. Stavers further added, that
" as this was a convenient and genteel way of travelling, and greatly
cheaper than hiring carriages or horses, he hoped gentlemen and ladies
would encourage the same."
This was the commencement of Stage-Coach travelling between
Boston and Portsmouth, and was doubtless viewed with almost as much
astonishment by the people as the first train of railroad cars was a few
years since. Stage-travelling, thus begun, was continued between the
two Capitols until within the memory of the young people of this age.
It is said, by one high in authority, that at this period there did not
appear to be any cause of dissatisfaction with the administration of gov-
ernment in Massachusetts Bay, except such as arose from persons who
had not, but desired, a place in that government. From these and their
friends "the sound of 'Wilkes and Liberty' was heard in Boston, as
much as in London, in proportion to the number of inhabitants, and
squibs were thrown at the characters of officials, in newspapers and
handbills, f
Whig and Tory were new terms in New England, or they had not
been in general use previous to this time. " All on a sudden the officers
of the Crown, and such as were for keeping up their authority, were
whence he returned to Boston in 1722, and in Europe, returned to Boston in 1786. This
became very eminent in his profession. He was the great architect before mentioned in
married Judith, daughter of John Colman, these pages. He was chairman of the Board of
Esq., a distinguished merchant, often men- Selectmen twenty-one years, during which of-
tioned in this History. Dr. Bulfinch had but ficial service many of the great improvements
two children, Thomas, and Judith married to in the town, yet to be seen, were executed.
Dr. Samuel Cooper, of Brattle-street Church, Among others, the building of Franklin-street,
noticed in the present chapter. Thomas was the State House, City Hall, and General Hos-
of the profession of his father, having com- pital. After the Capitol of the United States
pleted his studies in medicine in Edinburgh, was burnt by the British, in 1814, Mr. Bulfinch
He married Susan, second daughter of Charles was applied to by President Monroe to super-
Apthorp, Esq. They had a number of chil- intend its reerection. He was also employed
dren, three only of whom arrived at marriage- on other public buildings of the General Gov-
able age. Charles, the only son, was born Sth ernment. His wife died in 1841, and he sur-
Aug., 1763, married Hannah, eldest daughter vived her but three years, dying April 15th,
of Mr. John Apthorp, 20th November, 1788. 1844.
Anna married Geo. Storer, May, 1795. Eliz- * Kobert "Whatley lived at the Lighthouse
a1)eth married Joseph Coolidge, 20th Sept., and Anchor at this time; perhaps the same
179G. Mr. Charles Bulfinch graduated H. place.
C, 1781, and, after spending some time f Hutchinson.
1763.] ANTI-STAMP FIRE SOCIETY. 666
branded with the name of Tories, which was always a term of reproach,
while their opposers assumed the name of Whigs.''*
The reason of much of the present opposition to the General Govern-
ment in Boston arose from the difficulties thrown in the way of certain
measures advocated by Mr. Otis, " the idol of the people."
The heavy duties upon molasses and other necessary articles
amounted almost to a prohibition of those articles, and this occasioned
the proposal of Lord Grenville to substitute a stamp duty ; but he con-
descended to give the Colonies an opportunity of taxing themselves
in some other way, if they could think of any they liked better. But
it was a shallow device of the Minister, and was no sooner proposed by
him than seen through by the people, who could see no difference in
the principle, as to whether they paid a certain amount of money, de-
manded of them, out of one pocket or the other. They very naturally
said that if the Mother Country could tax them without their consent,
it mattered not whether they paid such tax on one article or a dozen,
or none at all. They were not represented in Parliament, and, conse-
quently, there was no one in that body to protest against any measure
it should propose, however unjust it might be to them.
The daily discussion of this subject of taxation in Boston,
soon produced a considerable excitement among all classes. In
October a number of persons formed themselves into a society, which
they called "The Anti-Stamp Fire Society."! It probably became
dormant after the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766, and was not
revived until after the Declaration of Independence ; it is supposed it
did not survive the war, at least under that name.
The officers serving under the Crown were, from highest to lowest,
nearly all Churchmen. Hence it is not at all strange that the Epis-
copal Church should be looked upon with quite as much suspicion as
the Government, part of which it was. The Ministers of that Church,
viewing themselves secure under the wing of the Government, may
have, from a consciousness that it could protect them, acted in some
things injudiciously. An Episcopal Church frowned in the very pres-
ence of Harvard College. Here, Mr. East Ap thorp, "hot from Ox-
ford," J this year issued his " Considerations on the Institution and
Conduct of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign
* Hutchinson. { " And still more warmed by holy orders
f I have not ascertained the names of any of from Episcopal hands, returned to his native
the original members belonging to it. It was country ; and soon after arose a splendid
revived in November, 1776, and the following edifice, as it was then thought, which every-
names appear signed to their ' ' Kules and body immediately concluded was intended for
Eegulations " : Edward "Walker, "William an Episcopal Palace, and in time for a Lam-
Bant, Joseph Barrell, Samuel Eliot, Joshua beth. All sensible men knew that this system
Gardner, Thomas Chase, William Hickling, could not be efiected but by act of Parliament ;
John Lowel, Herman Brimmer, Samuel Al- and if Parliament could do this, they could do
leyne Otis, Ziphion Thayer, Lemuel Cox, all things. And what security could Ameri-
Nathaniel Abraham, Thomas Lee, Thomas cans have for life, liberty, property, or relig-
Hill, John Read, Nathaniel Barrett, John ion?" — John Adams. Mr. Adams is often
Hunt, tertius, Samuel Eliot, Jr., Edward quoted to show the spirit of the times, not
Gray, John Andrews, James Smithwick, and that I always fully subscribe to all he says.
John Hopkins.
84
JONATHAN MAYHEW.
■PAMPHLET WAR.
[1763.
Parts ; " in which, by implication, the conductors of that society were
accused of misapplying its funds in the cause of the Indians. He also
openly avowed that the conversion of the Indians was now the ^' sole
business " of the Society ; " whereas, in truth," he says, " the Indian
conversions are only subordinate to their principal, most excellent
and comprehensive object, that of giving all the British subjects on
this vast continent the means of public Eeligion." * This was at once
construed to mean nothing short of a design to supplant that religion
which the founders of the Colony had established.
But the Bostonians found they had a champion in the ecclesiastical
field, inferior to none in that of politics. This was the Rev. Jonathan
Mayhew, of the West Church, already brought to notice in this history.
Viewing Mr. Apthorp's " Considerations " in the nature of a challenge,
he composed and published " Observations
on the Charter and Conduct of the So-
ciety," f in. answer to it, in an incredibly
brief period. By an extract from the Apos-
tle Paul to the Galatians, which he inserted
as a sort of motto in his title-page, it is pretty
easy to judge of the whole tone of his work.
"Brethren unawares brought in, who came
in privily to spy out our liberties which we
have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring
us into BONDAGE. To whom we gave place by
subjection, no, not for an hour."
This was the commencement of a pamphlet
war, " which soon interested all men, spread
through America, and in Europe brought
forward the aged Doctor [Samuel] Johnson, and at last [Dr. Thomas
Seeker] Archbishop of Canterbury. All denominations in America
became interested in it, and began to think of the secret, latent prin-
ciple upon which all encroachments upon them must be founded, the
power of Parliament. The nature and extent of the authority of Par-
liament over the Colonies was discussed everywhere, till it was discovered
that it had none at all." §
JONATHAN MATHEW.|
* Considerations, 7, 13. — Mr. Adams says :
" Upon the death of Dr. Miller, of Braintree,
a satirical irony appeared in a newspaper, the
point of which turned upon this abuse of the
Society's resources." That " this jew d^esprit
soon produced an explosion," which explosion
was Mr. Apthorp's " Observations."
f The whole title to Dr. Mayhew's work is
too long to be transcribed. His design was to
show that between the " Charter and Con-
duct of the Society " there was a " Non-con-
formity, with Remarks on the Mistakes of
East Apthorp, M. A., Missionary at Cam-
bridge, in Quoting and Representing the
Sense of said Charter, &c. As also Tarious
incidental Reflections relative to the Church
of England, and the State of Religion in North
America, particularly in New England."
These " Considerations " extended to 176
pages, large octavo ; printed by Richard and
Samuel Draper, in Newbury-street, Edes &
Gill, in Queen-street, and Thomas and John
Fleet, at the Heart and Crown in Cornhill,
1763.
J Paul Revere engraved a portrait of Doctor
Mayhew, which accompanied a volume of the
Doctor's sermons. It is the most perfectly
awful-looking thing of the kind I have ever
seen. The above is a copy of that accompany-
ing Bradford's Life of Mayhew.
^ John Adams, who says : " If any gentle-
man supposes this controversy to be nothing to
^^^^^^-L,^-^^ ^^'^^C</
1763.] JAMES OTIS. 667
One of the most masterly productions, caused by the controversy
begun by Mr. Apthorp and the Rev. Dr. Mayhew, was by Samuel
Adams, though by some, who had probably never read it, ascribed to
Mr. Apthorp. It is, according to the judgment of the late President
John Adams, "a model of candor, sagacity, impartiality, and close,
correct reasoning."
Thus the agency of certain individuals, men of Boston, is touched
upon, in tracing the rise of Independence, clearly showing that it was
no new principle or idea ; but that it was to be asserted as soon as there
was power to maintain it. And hence, as in all times reached by his-
tory, great spirits suited to the great occasion were not wanting to
meet any emergency. And here, before proceeding to other details, it
is proper to take some special notice of several of the great men who
took the lead in the stirring events already begun.
The commencement of the career of James Otis has already come
under notice. He was now but thirty- eight years of age ; an age for
ardent and energetic action. He studied law under the direction of
Jeremy Gridley, now Attorney General of the Province, one of the first
civilians of his time. It was Mr. Gridley, who, by virtue of his office
under the Crown, pleaded the cause of Writs of Assistance in opposi-
tion to Mr. Otis ; a circumstance calculated to arouse the energies of
the mind of the latter. Mr. Otis well knew that the Attorney General
would come into the cause with abilities with which no other lawyer then
in the Province could come ; that he had every qualification necessary to
ensure a decision in favor of the Government which any man could pos-
sess. To overcome these was the task which Mr. Otis had undertaken ;
and thus were master and pupil set against each other in the cause of
Writs of Assistance, which was nothing more nor less than the cause of
Independence ; the great parties to which were the People on the one
side, and the Place-men on the other. For this cause Mr. Otis had
ample time to prepare himself; and that he did prepare himself there
is this CAddence, by one who heard the defence he made, and who has
left this account of it.
j,^^ " Alarm was spread far and wide. Merchants of Salem and
Boston applied to Mr. [Benjamin] Pratt, who refused, and to
Mr. Otis and Mr. [Oxenbridge] Thacher, who accepted, to defend them
against this terrible menacing monster, the Writ of Assistance. Great
fees were offered ; but Otis, and I believe Thacher, would accept of
none. ' In such a cause,' said Otis, ' I despise all fees.' Mr. Grid-
ley argued with his characteristic learning, ingenuity, and dignity, and
the present purpose, he is grossly mistaken, nor Archbishops, could appoint Bishops in
It spread an universal alarm against the America without an Act of Parliament ;
authority of Parliament. It excited a general and if Parliament could tax us, they could
and just apprehension that Bishops, and Dio- establish the Church of England, with all its
ceses, and Churches, and Priests, and Tythes, Creeds, Articles, Tests, Ceremonies andTythes,
were to be imposed on us by Parliament. It and prohibit all other Churches as ConVenti-
was known that neither King, nor Ministry, cles and Schism-shops."
668 OXENBRIDGE THACHER. [1763.
said everything that could be said in favor of Cockle's * petition, all
depending, however, on the ' If the Parliament of Great Britain is the
Sovereign Legislature of all the British Empire.' Mr. Thacher fol-
lowed him on the other side, and argued with the softness of manners,
the ingenuity, the cool reasoning, which were peculiar to his amiable
character. But Otis was a flame of fire ! With a promptitude of
classical allusions, a depth of research, a rapid summary of historical
events and dates, a profusion of legal authorities, a prophetic glare
of his eyes into futurity, and a rapid torrent of impetuous eloquence,
he hurried away all before him. American Independence was then and
there born.f Every man of an immense crowded audience appeared
to me to go away, as I did, ready to take up arms against Writs
of Assistance. "J
In passing from Mr. Otis, § the next upon the same side may be
mentioned Oxenbridge Thacher, his colleague, also before noticed. He
belonged to one of the most respectable families in New England ; had
been educated for the ministry, a calling in which his immediate
ancestors had been distinguished ; but his constitution being slender,
and his voice weak, he renounced the Pulpit for the Bar. He was
about two years older than Mr. Otis ; was a fine scholar, and had
acquired much general literature. Being in his manners affable, modest
and unassuming, he was well calculated to gain popular favor ; and his
practice had become as large as any one in Boston. Whenever he
entered into a subject, it was with his whole strength ; and his physical
system being entirely unequal to support the intellectual, he fell an
* James Cockle, the Collector of Salem, cial wigs. At a long table, all the Barristers
who, at the request of Charles Paxton, Sur- of Boston, and its neighboring County of
veyor General, of Boston, moved in the Supe- Middlesex, in their gowns, bands, and tye-
rior Court at Salem for its sanction of Writs wigs. They were not seated on ivory chairs,
of Assistance, as has been before observed, but their dress was more solemn and more
Roger Hale was at this time Collector of pompous than that of the Roman Senate
Boston. when the Gauls broke in upon them. Twopor-
f After what the reader may have seen in traits, at more than full-length, of King
the progress of this History, he will probably Charles II. and King James II., in splendid
decide that this sentence is a little poetical, golden frames, were hung up in the most con-
What can be truly said is, it received an spicuous side of the apartment. I believe
impulse then, and a confidence, hitherto they were by Vandyke, being far superior to
unknown. those of the King and Queen of France, in the
X The stage on which this primary act in Senate Chamber of Congress. Sure I am there
the great drama of the Revolution was per- was no painter in England capable of them at
formed, was, as before stated, in the Council that time. They had been sent over, without
Chamber of the old Town-house still standing frames, in Gov. Pownall's time. But, as he
at the head of State-street, one of the few re- was no admirer of Charleses or Jameses, they
mains of revolutionary scenery in the city, were stowed away in a garret among rubbish,
That chamber was in the east end, and is thus till Gov. Bernard came, had them cleaned,
described by John Adams : "It was as superbly framed, and placed in the Council
respectable an apartment, and more so too, in for the admiration and imitation of all
proportion, than the House of Lords or House men."
of Commons in Great Britain, or that in ^ For details respecting the family of Otis,
Philadelphia in which the Declaration of In- see the New Eng. Hist. ^ Gen. Reg., vols. ii.
dependence was signed in 1776. Near the and v., containing articles by one of its
fire were seated five Judges, with Lieut. Gov. members, Mr. Horatio N. Otis, of New York,
Hutchinson at their head, as Chief Justice ; discovering much patience, diligence and
all in their new fresh robes of scarlet English research. The admirable life of Otis by Tudor,
cloth, in their broad bands and immense judi- should be read by every one.
1763.] BENJAMIN PRATT. THOMAS GUSHING. 669
early martjT to the cause he so ardently espoused. He died of disease
of the lungs, in 1765, at the age of forty-five. His death is said to
have been much hastened by his great anxiety in public affairs.*
Hutchinson said of him, " Thacher was not born a plebeian, but he was
determined to die one."
Conspicuous at this time was Benjamin Pratt, one of the greatest
lawyers in this or any country. His father was poor, but circum-
stances gave the son an education at Harvard College, where he
graduated in 1737, at the age of twenty-eight, and hence, at this
period, was about fifty-three years of age. Being older than Otis or
Thacher, he was applied to by both parties to argue the great cause
of Writs of Assistance, but he had, through the influence of Governor
Pownall, received the appointment of Chief Justice of New York, in
1761, and, therefore, declined a _service which would have been
agreeable to him under other auspices. He, however, enjoyed his
high position but a short time, dying there this year (1763). f
He has been characterized as the embodiment of "wit, sense,
imagination, genius, pathos, reason, prudence, eloquence, learning, sci-
ence, and immense reading." When Mr. Pratt commenced his judicial
services in New York, he was viewed with jealousy by the Judges of
that Province, over whom he was placed ; but that jealousy soon gave
way to admiration of his legal knowledge and acumen. His intel-
lectual sagacity, displayed in a very important cause which had been
several years depending, at once secured the wavering in his favor, and
silenced all who were disposed to entertain a distrust of his abilities.
Another of the leading men was the Hon. Thomas Cushing. " His
good sense and sound judgment, the urbanity of his manners, his
universal good character, his numerous friends and connections, and
his continual intercourse with all sorts of people, added to his constant
attachment to the liberties of his country, gave him great and salutary
influence from the beginning in 1760." He was son of the Hon.
Thomas Cushing, merchant, of Boston, and his mother was Mary, a
daughter of Edward Bromfield, and was, at this time, about thirty-
seven years of age, I
* He was son of the Rev. Oxenbridge Thach- &c., 57. Mr. Peter Thacher, of Cleaveland,
er, of Milton, who died October 29, 1772, a. Ohio, is expected to give a history of the
91 ; grandson of the Rev. Peter T., of Milton, Thacher family.
by Theodora, dau. of the Rev. John Oxen- f He was son of Aaron Pratt, born in Bos-
bridge, of the First Church of Boston, who ton in 1709, grandson of Phinehas, the old
died Dec. 27, 1727, in his 77th year ; great- planter of Weymouth, a fac-simile of whose
grandson of the Rev. Thomas T., of the Old autograph is given at page 41. lie was mar-
South Church, who died Oct. 16, 1678, a. 58. ried to a Miss Wells, but left no male pos-
The Rev. Thomas T., of the Old South, was terity. He had been appointed Governor of
son of the Rev. Peter T., a Puritan minister one of the West India Islands, but had not
of Salisbui'y, in England. — Funeral Sermons, entered upon the duties of the office. — MS.
and Prince's Christian History. The intro- letter of Mr. E. F. Pratt, of Boston, 20 June,
duction of the name of Oxenbridge is appa- 1855.
rent. The Reverend John 0., before named, J Mr. James S. Loring, author of the
was son of " Daniel 0., Doctor in Physic," "Hundred Boston Orators," hiis communi-
of Daventry, in Northamptonshire, of whom cated a good account of the Cushing family to
there is a curious account in Magna Britan- the New Eng. Hist. Gen. Reg., which will be
nia, ui. 502. See, also, Se wall's iVew i/own, found in vol. viii. of that work
670
SAMUEL COOPER. CHARLES CHAUNCY.
[1763.
SAMUEL COOPEK.*
Among the ministers of the Town, there
was, besides Mr. Mayhew, Doctor Samuel
Cooper, to whom the patriots were much in-
debted for the exertion of his great talents
in the common cause. Pie was about the age
of Mr. Gushing, having been born the same
year, namely, 1725. He was not only great
in the pulpit, but he was remarkable for
extensive general acquirements. He well
understood the nature and objects for which
governments were instituted, and was early
attached to the cause of religious liberty, and
among the first to assert its importance at this
crisis. He was a fine classical scholar before
he entered college. In 1754 he wrote a
political tract against the Excise Act, which he entitled The Crisis.
Doctor Cooper was the son of the Rev. William Cooper, and succeeded
him in the ministry of the Brattle-street Society. In the founding of the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences he was one of the foremost,
and became very intimate with Doctor Franklin, the Adamses, and
other leading men, and through them became known and valued in
France, and other countries of Europe.
Nor should the name of Chauncy be overlooked in a notice of the
ministers who contributed to the cause of the Revolution. Doctor
Charles Chauncy was now in the vigor of manhood, being fifty-eight
years of age.f He entered Harvard College at the age of twelve
years, and received his first degree in 1721, at the age of sixteen.
In 1727 he became colleague with Mr. Foxcroft over the First Church,
and he lived to see the Independence of the United States, if not their
Consolidation. He died in 1787, having just entered upon his eighty-
third year. He was one of the good men who did not believe benefits
would accrue to the country from the preaching of Mr. Whitefield.
Neither did Colman, Sewall, Prince, Cooper, Foxcroft, nor Eliot,
* This portrait is from a copy in the March
number of the Boston Magazine for 1784, en-
graved for that work by J. Norman ; the
same, probably, who printed the first Direc-
tory of the Town five years after. The plate
in the ]\Iagazine is a very rude specimen of
copper-plate engraving of that or any other
time.
f I have a pedigree of the Chauncy family,
in the handwriting of Dr. Chauncy above
named, the concluding part of which is as
follows: "Isaac, the eldest of the sons of
Charles Chauncy, had three children ; Elisa-
beth, now alive in London, the widow of the
late Rev. Mr. John Nesbitt, one of the Lec-
turers at Penner's Hall ; Isaac, a linen-draper
in Bristol, who died in middle age, leaving two
daughters ; Charles, who came over into this
country, and settled here [in Boston], a mer-
chant, taking to wife Sarah Walley, eldest
daughter of the Hon. John Walley, Esq.
From this Charles descended Charles, who was
born Jan. 1st, 1704-5, and married to Elisa-
beth Hirst, May the 9th, 1728, by whom he
had the following children : Charles, born 16
May, 1729; Elisabeth, born 12 Nov., 1731,
and Sarah, born 22 Sept., 1733. Written by
me, their father, this 23d day of March,
1743. Charles Chauncy."
Isaac, above named, was the oldest son of
Dr. Charles Chauncy, President of H. C,
who " arrived at Plymouth from England, a
few days before the great Earthquake, which
happened Jan. 1st, 1638. There were five
others, Isaac, Ichabod, Barnabas, Nathanael,
Elnathan and Israel." — lb. See p. 393, ante.
*j^^;f^^ot^<o6- ^?l^Z€^yf-3^
Engrawd for Drakes Historj of Boston,
1763.J SAMUEL ADAMS. 671
although some of them were not unwilling to hear him, and to allow
him to speak for himself But Mr. Chauncy rendered his chief service
in the cause of Independence in the learned and able attacks which he
made upon Episcopacy as it was at that time practised.
Of Samuel Adams, so conspicuous from this time to the firm estab-
lishment of Independence, it is no easy task to speak ; of whom it has
been said, " He was in the Cabinet of his Country what General Greene
was in the field ; ever early, ever watchful, and never weary of toil or
fatigue, until he saw all was well."* And by another : " If Otis was
Martin Luther, Samuel Adams was John Calvin. If Luther was rough,
hasty, and loved good cheer, Calvin was cool, abstemious, polished and
refined, though more inflexible, uniform and consistent, who was des-
tined to a longer career than those before mentioned, and to act a more
conspicuous, and, perhaps, a more important part than any other
man." f
Samuel Adams was born in Boston, as appears by his father's
family record in his own hand, " The sixteenth day of September, at
twelve of the clock at noon, being Sabbath Day, 1722." He was
son of Samuel Adams, Esquire, a merchant, by Mary, daughter of
Richard and Mary Fifield, also of Boston. At the age of eighteen he
graduated with high honors at Harvard College, at which early day
he exhibited signs of those political principles which he so successfully
maintained in his manhood. When he took his Master's degree, in
1743, he proposed this question for discussion : " Whether it be law-
ful to resist the Supreme Magistrate, if the Commonwealth cannot be
otherwise preserved." He maintained the affirmative with marked
ability. He was a political writer as early as the commencement of
Governor Shirley's administration ; in which he always displayed
great ingenuity, wit, and profound argument. The office of Collector
of taxes in Boston was in those days one of importance. This he exer-
cised to the satisfaction of the people, though it is said Avith loss to
himself. However that may have been, the people all became
acquainted with him, and were ever after his fast friends. On the
death of Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher, in 1765, he was elected a Repre-
sentative, and soon after Clerk of the House ; in which house his influ-
ence soon became almost unbounded. He was now in the midst of the
most stirring events, but he possessed a courage which no danger could
shake. The prospect which sent dismay, and struck terror into the
hearts of many, he met with undisturbed dignity. For nearly ten years
he was a member of that House, and he was the soul which animated
it to the most important resolutions ; and to him belongs the credit of
drafting the able State Papers of that period. No man did so much.
Now in the prime of life, he pressed his measures with ardor, yet with
prudence. He knew how to bend the minds of others to the great pur-
poses of State. I
* Niles' Principles and Acts, 477. f John Adams. J Dr. Allen.
672 SAMUEL ADAMS. [1763.
No man was dreaded by the officers of the Crown like Samuel Adams.
In that day of ministerial corruption, a proposition to silence him by
bribery was entertained ; but when the proposition had proceeded as far
as Grovernor Hutchinson, he replied that bribes were out of the ques-
tion with such a man, and that if the authors of the proposition knew
him as well as he did, it would not be for a moment thought of
" For," he said, " such is the obstinacy and inflexibility of the man,
that he never can be conciliated by any office or gift whatever." Here,
then, was one man without a price !
The testimony of Thomas Jefferson respecting the character of
Samuel Adams will always be viewed by many with the greatest
respect. " I can say," says that shrewd and far-seeing philosopher,
" that Mr. Adams was truly a great man ; wise in council, fertile in
resources, immovable in his purposes ; and had, I think, a greater share
than any other member of Congress in advising and directing our
measures in the northern war.* In debate, although not of fluent
elocution, he was so vigorously logical, so clear in his views, abundant
in good sense, and master always of his subject, that he commanded
the most profound attention whenever he rose in an assembly by
which the froth of declamation was heard with sovereign contempt." f
There are many engraved likenesses of Samuel Adams. The ear-
liest is believed to be that upon copper, " done " for the Royal Amer-
ican Magazine by the patriotic Paul Revere, and accompanying the
April number, of 1744, of that work.J The head is surrounded by
devices emblematical of the state of the times. Above it is an angel
with wings displayed, sounding a trumpet ; below is a scroll, inscribed
Magna Charta. On the right, a female stands upon a large volume
as a pedestal, which volume is inscribed. Laws to enslave America.
In the right hand of the female figure is a rod, on which is elevated
the Cap of Liberty, while her left arm rests upon the portrait. In her
countenance is discovered an expression of security, and her breast is
bared in defiance. On the left is a corresponding figure representing
Wisdom, the pedestal of which is the prostrate Pope, with but one arm
visible, in the hand of which is grasped a hissing serpent.§
* This was doubtless so considered in Eng- London in 1780. This is a picture of much
land ; for in the picture of him published in interest ; for, besides being a good engraving, it
that country in 1780, hereafter to be described, is a tolerable likeness, which is worthy of re-
there appears a map suspended in his apart- mark. How it could have been produced in
ment, with "Canada" inscribed upon it. England at that time is matter for conjecture.
And in his left hand is exhibited a document The same work contained Hancock, Franklin,
disclosing the words, " Plan of the Reduction Washington, and others, all well done. These
of Canada." were reproduced here, in a reprint of the work
f From an extract in that popular work, by Coverly, with the addition of Warren and
The Hundred Boston Orators, by James S. others, but th-ey were perfectly shocking as
Loring, p. 12. specimens of art.
J Though this is the best engraving which I In the time of Mr. Adams' administration
remember to have seen by that Artist, it makes as Governor of Massachusetts, there was a very
but a sorry figure by the side of similar works good mezzotinto portrait of him published, but
of art of this age. no name of artist appears upon it. Of the
The next engraving of a portrait of Mr. numerous late portraits it is not necessary to
Adams that I now recollect is one of full length, add any account.
sitting, engraved for "An Impartial History ^ I have been particular in describing this
of the War in America," and published in rare portrait, as it is now very difficult to pro-
1763.] JOHN HANCOCK. 673
It is ii reproach to the present age that there has not appeared a
Life of Samuel Adams worthy of him. Unfortunately for his memory,
there are no male descendants of his name, and his private papers haA'e
not only gone out of the name, but out of New England also.
The most of the conspicuous characters here sketched were from
time to time honored by the publishers of almanacs, if the caricature
likenesses which they produced can be said to honor them ; for that of
James Otis, in " Bickerstaff's " Almanac for 1770, could never have
been recognized as a likeness. Aware of this, the publishers took care
to put his name under it. The same may be said of one of General
Warren, in George's, of 1776 ; nor did Washington and John Wilkes
fare any better in " Weatherwise," or Washington and Gates in
" Bickerstaff," in 1778.
The numerous portraits of the great Statesman, however well or
poorly executed, all represent him as no common man ; they discover a
majesty and dignity almost without a parallel, exhibiting a nobleness of
demeanor, harmoniously blended with that of benignity.*
There are fine paintings of Mr. Adams. That in Faneuil Hall, the
noble gift of a noble Bostonian,f is one of the best. Among the thou-
sands who annually visit that renowned edifice, few will probably forget
the marked features of Samuel Adams, as exhibited there upon canvas.
It has been pronounced by one of the best judges J to be Copley's
masterpiece. It is from that the copy has been made for this history.
The original was presented to the City early in 1842.
John Hancock was five years younger than Mr. Adams. § He was
early secured to the patriot side, and, once having taken that elevated
and enviable stand, he ever maintained it without wavering. His great
wealth and wide mercantile transactions made his name extensively
known before he declared himself in opposition to parliamentary usur-
pation. Indeed, it was not till a later period than this under consider-
ation, that he came before the people, as one of them, in the great
cause now fully commenced. But it was considered proper to introduce
him briefly in this connection, but to defer further particulars to a subse-
quent period.
cure, or oven to get a sight of; and as it is an f Adam W. Thaxter, Esq., wlio, with no
excellent auxiliary in a description of early little perseverance, secured it for Faneuil Hall,
revolutionary times in Boston. at a cost of about $400. It was painted for
* The reverend and venerable Dr. Jenks, of (jiov. Hancock, and when his eflects were sold
this city, recently gave the author some of his it went into the hands of Samuel A. Wells,
recollections of Samuel Adams, whom he knew Esq., grandson of Mr. Adams. Mr. Thaxter has
in his childhood; his demeanor towards said, " If he had performed any act to be proud
children being that of kindness and paternal of, it was this." But this, though enough to
affection. On a time when, with other chil- cause his name to be remembered with gratitude
dren, the future distinguished Divine was by the citizens of Boston, is ?to^ the only one.
playing about his dwelling, the venerable J Mr. Ilowarth.
Statesman called him to him, and, patting him \ He was son of Rev. John, of Braintree, gr.-
upon the head, among other things said to son of Rev. John, of Lexington, gr. grandson of
him : " Be good and love learning, and in Nathl.,who was son of Nathl. H., of Cam-
time you will become a great man." This, bridge. He was born on the 23d of January,
the reader may be assured, on no questionable 1737 ; died Oct. 8th, 1793. For a pedigree of
authority, had something to do in directing Hancock, prepared by Mr. W. H. Whitmore,
one to the paths of eminence. sdc New En(j. Hist. 4- (ien. Reg., ix., 352.
85
674 JOSIAH QUINCY. GEN. JOSEPH WARREN. [1768.
Josiah Quincy, junior, was still much younger, having been born
early in 1744 ; notice of him will be more proj^erly taken hereafter.
But as he was bred in that school of Patriots, many of whom have
received a passing glance, it may be but justice to observe, here, that
he graduated in 1763, and, being designed for the profession of the
law, he pursued its studies under the direction of the learned and able
Oxenbridge Thacher ; and, as he attended closely upon the courts of
the time, noted the arguments of those able barristers, Auchmuty,
Gridley, Thacher, Otis, Adams, and others, he was, from the first,
imbued with the lofty patriotism of those who advocated the cause of
independence ; and himself became one of its ablest defenders, as may
hereafter appear.*
The conspicuous figure of Gen. Joseph Warren will always rise in
the imagination whenever the American Revolution is mentioned, or
the pages of its history are opened. Due and deserved honors have
been paid to his memory, which will last when the firm granite col-
umn, which marks the spot where he yielded up his life's blood in the
cause of liberty, shall have given place to other memorials, perhaps in
other less sacred causes. He was born in Roxbury, but resided in
Boston, where he was a practising physician; and, though at this
period he was but twenty-three years of age, he took great interest
in political afiliirs, and became one of the most eminent physicians in
the Town. His acts, like his compatriots, are a part of the history of
Boston, and will occupy an important place in the sequel. f The
same may be said of John Adams, and many others.
Such is a passing glance of some of those leading Patriots who had
the boldness and the firmness to stem the torrent of what was then
generally believed a power which could not be resisted with even a
faint hope of success. And when the immense resources of that
power are considered, it is not to be wondered at that many, even
stout hearts, quailed at the prospect before them. It was, indeed,
literally, the rich against the poor ; strength against weakness ;
while equally true it is, that it was might against right ; a fact which
the issue has long since established.
* This was the father of the now venerable his family has been printed by his dis-
JosiAH Quincy, Senior, who, in 1825, pub- tinguished nephew, John Collins Wakren,
lished a life of his father worthy of the great M.D., of Boston ; which Memoir contains
patriot, and alike honorable to the son. Had a most beautiful engraving of the General,
the Memoir been accompanied by a likeness of This work, it is proper to state, was not
the former (for we are told that one exists), printed for sale, and the number of copies
it would have been a most desirable addition was very limited. It is to be hoped it will
to that able performance. be republished, and in a form for general
t An elegant Memorial of Gen. Warren and circulation.
1763.]
REASONS FOR TAXATION.
675
CFIAPTER LXVIII.
Cause of Taxing the Colonies. — A Stamp Duty proposed. — Small-Pox. — Inoculation.— Great Num-
bers fly from the Town. — General Gourt removed to Concord. — Fire at Harvard College. Har-
vard Hall and Library destroyed. — Depressing News from England. — Non-importation Agree-
ment. — Mourning Costume changed. — Habits of Economy adopted. — Power of Parliament ques-
tioned. — Colonial Representation in Parliament considered. — Otis' " Rights of the Colonies."
Ellis Callender. — Thomas Hancock. — Numerous Bankruptcies. — The Common. — Small-Pox
Hospitals. — Beacon Hill. — Sandemanians. — Geo. Whitefield. — Fire. — General Court meet in
Town. — Jealousies in England. — Stamp Act News from there. — Its Effect. — Stamps and Stamp
Masters. — Continental Congress. — Fire. — Lightning Rods first used.
AFTER the fall of Canada, the Home Government
found itself laboring under a great accumulation of
debts. Its own immediate subjects had long groaned
under excessive taxes, and it was hardly possible to
increase them further without the risk of insurrections.
The Colonies were represented as prosperous, and
they were looked to with anxious eyes by the Eng-
lish Ministers as the only source of relief. They ar-
gued that a large part of their present debt arose from
defending the Colonies, and it was just and reasona-
ble that the Colonies should contribute to relieve the
Mother Country. This was indeed plausible, but it
was only a side view of the subject. It should have
* In the Neio Eng. Hist, and G. Reg. for
1853, pages 39 — i5, is given some account of
the Adams family of Boston, originally settled
at Braintree, now Quincy. To this family
belonged Samuet. and John Adams, two of the
most distinguished men of the period now en-
tered upon in this History. By a reference
to the work above cited, it will be seen that
Henry Adams was the first ancestor in New
England of the two patriots here named, and
that his ancestry in England is traced up,
through sixteen generations, with as much
particularity, and consequently with as much
certainty, as any pedigrees appear to be, ex-
tending over as long a period.
jMr. Burke, in his Royal Families, shows
the descent of a branch of this family, now
represented by Edward Adams, Esq., of Mid-
dleton Hall, Co. of Carmarthen, from Ed-
ward THE Third. "We learn, from the same
source, that the ancient Arms of this family
are still to be seen (as represented in the above
engraving) in the upper part of a Gothic win-
dow on the south-east side of Tidenham
church, near Chepstow, County of Glouces-
ter. These Arms are described : — Argent, on
a cross gules, five mullets of five points or,
and were those of Lord Ab Adam, whose
name appears above the arms (Sojcs ^b ^0=
am. 1310) in Gothic type.
1,^^,d4^UJZ^^ ^(Z^^C^ of Matthew
^ Adams (no-
ticed ante, p. 634) is probaby distinct from that
of Braintree ; at least, no connection is yet
discovered. Since the previous pages of this
History were published, my friend, William
G. Brooks, Esq., has handed me some extracts
made by him from the MS. diary of Josiah
Cotton, of Plymouth, which correct, the date
of the death of Mr. Adams, and which exti-acts
follow : " Oct. 29th, 1734-5.— AV e hear that
Mrs. Meriel Cotton, youngest daughter to my
brother Rowland, is married, or about to be
married, to one JMr. Adams, a merchant in
Boston ; and God render them acceptable one
to another, and to y' people among whom they
reside and build vip their house. Amen."
"Aug. 19th, 174G-7. — Cousin Meriel Ad-
ams, a good woman and wife, died at Bos-
ton, and left one daughter." "March 2,
1748-9. Mr. Matthew Adams, that married
my brother Rowland's daughter, died at Bos-
ton."
There will be found in the New Eng. Hist.
and Gen. Reg., vol. x. p. 89, etc., a paper
upon the " Descendants of Matthew Adams,"
in which there are considerable valuable and
new materials. There was a Matthew Adams,
of Boston, lost at sea in 1768.
676 REASONS FOR TAXATION. [1763.
been considered at the same time, by those Ministers, that there was no
small sum due to the Colonists for the blood and treasure they had spent
in conquering a vast extent of country, all of which was added to the
British Empire ; and they should have entertained the question,
"Where were the Colonists to look for their remuneration?" For
the Colonies to fight the battles of the Mother Country, and then to be
made to pay for it, was the present aspect of things. The people here
had done their part in conquering Canada, and this, they very rea-
sonably thought, should exempt them from direct taxation. They had
conquered Louisbourg, in 1745, with very small assistance. For this
service England made them a partial remuneration. Now it was
different. All Canada had been conquered, and the English govern-
ment spread over it. This government must be supported. The
Colonists were willing to pay for their own government, even though
not of their own choosing, but to pay for the support of another was,
to say the least, of questionable justice. The people were already
obliged to support a government forced upon them, daily becoming
more and more expensive. New offices were created, and there was,
literally, a swarm of place-men pouring in upon them. The present
was a great departure from the simple days of the old charter, when
those who were to govern were chosen by and from among themselves.
This state of things never was, nor could it ever be, agreeable to them,
and was only submitted to because it could not be successfully resisted.
The numerous office-holders being viewed, therefore, as " spies upon
their liberties," it is not strange that whatever could be was kept
from the knowledge of the Home Government. Nor is it a matter of
wonder that when a census of the Colonies was ordered, it met with
opposition from the popular branch of the Legislature. When Gover-
nor Bernard brought the subject before them, the true friends of the
Country, well knowing that it was for purposes of taxation, directly
or indirectly, managed to have it postponed from one session to
another for some time ; but at length a majority was obtained for the
measure
*
The ships which arrived from London, early in May, brought the
doings of Parliament relative to the Colonies. They were looked for
with interest, and proved to be very important. A committee of the
House of Commons reported that, after the twenty-ninth of Septem-
ber of this year, instead of the present duty upon molasses and syrups,
one of three pence sterling on the same articles ought to be substi-
tuted. The report was long, and related entirely to the " ways and
means for raising the supply granted to His Majesty." The committee
* Hutchinson gives a wrong impression re- discover them, to the disadvantage of the
epecting this matter, to my apprehension ; Province ; others, and not a few, seemed to
intimating that the opposition to it arose have religious scruples, and compared it to
from a jealousy of something which they could David's numbering the people." — Hist. Mass.
not discover. " Some suspected that it was Bay, iii, 104. This is a direct charge of ig-
j^equired for purposes, though they could not norance by that Historian.
1764.] SMALL-POX. 677
also ' ' Resolved that it was their opinion that, towards further de-
fraying the necessary expenses of defending, protecting and securing
these Colonies and Plantations, it may he proper to charge certain
Stamp Duties in the said Colonies and Plantations."
Here was created a new cause of alarm. The Duties on some arti-
cles were proposed to be reduced, and at the same time, though under
another name, they were to he demanded upon others.
The year 17G4 was one of great depression to the Town, occasioned
by the Small-Pox. As yet there does not appear to have been any
proper system adopted for its management, and inoculation had its
opponents, singular as that may seem. Early in January,
Governor Bernard issued a proclamation, forbidding inocula-
tion until the Selectmen should give notice that all means to prevent
the spreading of the pestilence were like to prove ineffectual, or till
they should give permission for persons to be inoculated. About ten
Jan. 19. days later, the Selectmen advertised that the distemper was
20. in fourteen families ; * and a week later, that it was in eleven ;
that flags were kept suspended from those houses, as a warning to such
as were liable to take the infection.
The small-pox continued to spread, and great alarm pre-
vailed. People were constantly flying from the town in vari-
ous directions. Many of the merchants and traders removed their
goods into the country, opened stores in private houses, and there
advertised them for sale.f These persons were probably generally
* " All of -which were in Fish-street, near the sign of the Half Moon, near the Meeting-
where the first person who had it dwelt ; ex- house." He had " New England rum by the
cept Mr. Lebrees, by the Rev. j\Ir. Eliot's hogshead, barrel, or less quantity, W. I.
meeting-house : Mr. Hall's, in Paddy's Alley, goods," &c. Thomas Handasj-d Peck re-
to the northward of INIill-bridge ; Mrs. Jer- moved his hats and furs to Roxbury. Ezekiel
vis's, near the North Battery; Mr. Pease's, Lewis, Jr., went to the same town, " at the
at the head of Mr. Gray's ropewalk." The Upper end, commonly called Spring-street, in
"first person," mentioned above, was Capt. the house of Ebenezer Whiting." Besides
Joseph Bulkley, who died of the small-pox English goods, Mr. Lewis sold powder and
Jan. 2d. He arrived from Newfoundland some shot, W. L goods, &c. Theophilus Lillie,
time previous. His was the only case in town with a similar assortment, set dovra "near
at the time of his death. Milton Meeting-house." Thomas Knight, who
f Samuel Blodget fled to Medford, " to a kept at the "Sign of the Three Kings" in
house nigh the south side of the Bridge," with Cornhill, said " he had no one in his fiimily
his broadcloths and W. I. goods; Joshua to have the small-pox," and would sell his
Blanchard, to Watertown Bridge, where he W. I. and English goods where he was. Rich-
opened his English goods, 7 by 9 and 8 by 10 ard and Samuel Di-apcr, who printed the
glass, &c. ; William Greenleaf to Watertown, Mass. Gazette and News-Letter, in Newbury-
also, to the house of Mr. Saltmarsh. He had street, gave notice, on the 1st of March, that
English goods and " a few Boston Lottery " the small-pox was in no house nigh the
Tickets." Stephen Deblois, Jr., fled to Ded- Printing Ofiice of the printers thereof. " Wm.
ham, and got into the house of the Old Alma- Blair Townsend, at the " Sign of the Three
nack-maker, Dr. Ames. He had a great Doves," said, " as no person would have the
assortment, " too numerous to mention," from small-pox in his house, and he should be care-
fowling-pieces to violin-strings, " as cheap as ful of going where it was," people might come
in Boston." Gilbert Deblois did not stop to his shop, " through the Common," without
short of Weston, with his large stock of hard- danger. But " Stephen Cleverly & Co." would
ware, and had " a commodious shop and store not risk it, and went to Dedham, and opened
adjoining the house of Mr. Josiah Smith, inn- their W. I. and English goods close by Samu-
holdcr, on the Great Road to Worcester, at el Dexter, Esq. Ralph Ir.man wtnt to Wal-
678 FIEE AT HARVARD COLLEGE. [17G4.
such as had not had the small-pox. And, on the other hand, persons
in the country, who had not had it (who were a great majority), would
not venture into town. Hence, business was almost at an end. This
state of things lasted about three months. But by the beginning of
April there was such general confidence in inoculation, that in the
previous five weeks near 4000 persons received it ; of which number
only about one in a thousand died. People flocked in from New
Hampshire, and even from Connecticut, to forestall the small-pox by
this practice.
The Governor issued a Proclamation, proroguing the General
Court, which was to have met in Boston on the 28th of March,
to meet in Concord on the 18th of April, "there being nothing in
prospect for his Majesty's immediate service."
At the Town-meeting, James Otis was Moderator, and
"' Joshua Henshaw, Joseph Jackson, John ScoUay, Benjamin
Austin, Samuel Sewall, Nathaniel Thwing, and John Ruddock, were
chosen Selectmen. David Jeffries was Town Treasurer.
The Treasurer of the Province gave notice, on the twenty-
Mar 22 .
' second of March, that as it was probable the town would be
generally infected in a few days, and it would be hazardous for any
persons to come in, he would keep his office at the house of Mr. John
Greaton, in Roxbury, innholder, where dues to the Province might be
paid.
^ A distressing fire occurred at Cambridge on the 25th of
January. It was discovered soon aftei twelve o'clock, in the
morning, in what was then called the Old College, or Harvard Hall,
which was entirely consumed, together with the Library, and the ex-
tensive Philosophical Apparatus. Stoughton and Massachusetts Halls
were preserved from the flames with great difficulty, they having
been on fire several times. The fire was supposed to have originated
under the hearth (which was laid upon timber), as it had been kept
up for a week or more for the accommodation of the General Court
then sitting there.* Harvard Hall was four stories high, ninety-
seven feet in length, forty-two in breadth, and had been built almost
one hundred years. f
Although the General Court w^ere burnt out, no notice of it appears
in their journals ; nor does there appear to have been any interruption
in the business of the session, J which was continued in the house of
Mr. Ebenezer Bradish.
tham, and so did Herman Brimmer. Richard room of the College was occupied by the
Salter removed to Watertown, and Powers Governor and Council, and the Representatives
Marriott to Milton, " beyond Milton Bridge, had a room below.
over against Col. Gooch's house." He sold f It was erected in 1672. See Mass. Gaz.
English and India goods. These are all I have and News-Letter, 26th Jan., 1764. Mr. Quin-
space to mention. ey has been minute in his account of this con-
* They had been driven from the Town flagration, in his 7/iis^. i/flr. Co/., ii. 112-13.
Hall in Boston by the small-pox. The library- J There is, indeed, this entry on the 26th
1764.] NON-IMPORTATION AGREEMENT. 679
Boston had not emerged from one trouble before another was upon
it. Amidst the small-pox distress, frequent advices were received
from England, that oppressive taxes and restrictions were laid, or to
be laid, on the Colonies ; and, worst of all, that some persons, brought
up and educated in Boston, were movers of the oppression.* To this
effect wrote a gentleman in London to another in New York.
He said "he could write nothing agreeable; that there
would soon be sent over a parcel of Marmadonian ravens, who would
rip up and feed upon the very vitals of the people ; such as officers of
stamp duties, appraisers of lands, furniture and other goods ; and that
the Ministry were determined to make the Colonists pay for the peace
which they liked so well."
Such intelligence, with the news of the arrival of several Lieuten-
ants of the Navy,f to command cutters on the coast, whose duty it
was to see that the Custom House was not defrauded, was exceedingly
alarming, especially to the commercial part of the people.
With these prospects before them, many of the inhabitants of Bos-
ton decided upon a non-importation system, and a non-consumption
of articles on which heavy duties were laid. It was the practice then,
as it is at this day, to dress in black clothes on mourning occasions.
It was decided to discontinue such dresses, and the custom of wearing
black on those solemn occasions was generally laid aside. | An. agree-
ment to this effect was drawn up and very generally signed by the
inhabitants of the town, also by some members of the Council and
Representatives. § This would affect the sales of English goods, and
none were to be purchased but at fixed prices. At the same time
another agreement was very extensively signed, to eat no lamb-flesh
during the year. This was to increase the sheep in the country, and
consequently to encourage the manufacture of woollen goods, which
were -imported from England in large quantities.
following : — " Whereas, the Filos of the which he says they are well able to pay ; and
General Court, and the Minutes of Council, he was heard by the House with great joy and
for the present Session, are consumed by fire, attention." — Letter from London, 7th Feb.
Resolved, That tliere be allowed and paid out 17G4.
of the publick Treasury all such grants and f Six of those officers arrived at New York
allowances as shall appear upon the Journal in the Juno frigate, on the 29th of March,
of the House to have been made by them be- viz. : Thos. Langham, Thos. Allen, Kobt.
fore the 25th instant, and which shall not ap- Dugdale, Candler, Thos. Hill, and Ralph
pear to have been non-concurred by the Board, Dundass.
or refused by the Governor, and fur which J The only sign made use of was a piece of
warrants have not been already issued." — black crape about the hat, which was in use
Journal House Rep ., 221 . before, and a piece of the same stuff tied
* " What is most unlucky for us is, there around the arm.
is one Mr. Huske, who understands America ^ The Rhode Islanders came heartily into
very well, and has lately got a seat in the this arrangement. One of them wrote, at New-
House of Commons ; but, instead of standing port : "As we have always manifested a great
an advocate for his injured country (for he is attachment to 5o5^o/i/a5/w'o7i5, however ridicu-
an American born, and educated in Boston), lous and extravagant, it is to be hoped weshall
he has officiously proposed, in tlie House of not show an aversion to such as are decent.
Commons, to lay a tax on the Colonies, which reputable, and prudent ; but that we shall
will amount to £500,000 per annum, sterling, cheerfully join in the above resolutions."
680 POWER OF PARLIAMENT QUESTIONED. [1764.
As yet it was not generally agreed that Parliament had not the
right to tax the Colonies ; but it was agreed that if Parliament exer-
cised that power, the people had a right not to use the goods taxed
with duties.
Through the teachings of such men as Otis and Adams, the people
soon became very strong in the belief that any kind of taxation, with-
out representation, was arbitrary, illegal, and liable to the grossest
abuses ; and in England the same doctrine was not seriously denied.
A few, indeed, advocates of despotism, had the hardihood to aver that
the Colonists had no rights, except what the Crown or Parliament
might think proper to grant them. But when the Ministry saw the
stand made by the Bostonians, they began to think there would trouble
arise in levying taxes, unless the question of representation should be
disposed of satisfactorily to the party complaining of the grievance.
They therefore were about to propose, or did in fact propose, that the
Colonies might send Representatives to Parliament. But before any
actual decision was arrived at in England, the leaders in Boston had
discovered, and not only discovered but avowed openly, that Parlia-
ment had no right to tax the people here at all. Hence, the Mother
Country was placed in a truly awkward position. It must give up its
pretended right, or attempt to maintain it. Here was a dilemma, out
of which a deliverance only by the sword was eventually effected.
Mr. Otis published, early in the year, his " Rights of the British
Colonies Vindicated." In that he did not claim an exemption of the
Colonies from parliamentary taxation. His language upon the point,
however, is somewhat equivocal ; and he laid great stress upon the
inseparability of representation and taxation.
However, the idea had pretty extensively taken root, before the end
of this year, that the way to make the King's taxes under the name
of duties lightly felt was to make little use of the articles on which
such duties were laid. Encouraging letters were received in Boston,
from people of several other Colonies,* approving of the course they
had entered upon. An occasion, though a melancholy one, soon pre-
sented itself, when the swarm of Custom House and other officers of
the Crown had an opportunity to see that the Non-consumption Agree-
ment lately entered into might amount to something more than they
had anticipated. The occasion referred to was the funeral of Mr.
Ellis Callender,f which was conducted conformably to that Agreement,
" by a great number of respectable inhabitants." The corpse was
placed in a very plain coffin, and followed to the grave by a long train
of mourners, "without any sort of mourning at all. Mr.- Andrew
Hall, the chief mourner, appeared in his usual habit, with a crape
round his arm, and his wife, who was sister and nearest relation to
* Rhode Island, New York, and Pcnnsylva- f He was a son of tlie late Rev. Mr. Elisha
' ■■'• Callender, of the Baptist Society.
1764.]
THOMAS HANCOCK.
681
the deceased, with no other token of mourning than a black bonnet,
gloves, ribbons, and handkerchief." The funeral was attended "by a
large procession of merchants and gentlemen of figure, as a testimony
of their approbation of this piece of economy, and as a mark of their
esteem for a family who have shown virtue enough to break a custom
too long established, and which has proved ruinous to many families
in the community."*
This was, perhaps, the first public demonstration of the determina-
tion of the people of Boston to carry out the views expressed in the
late Agreement. There was a much greater funeral occasion but a
little more than a month before this of Mr. Callender's, but the time
for a demonstration had not then arrived, or the individual of the occa-
sion did not warrant such an exhibition of opposition to taxation prin-
ciples.
The individual occasion referred to was the funeral of the lion.
Thomas Hancock, " one of His Majesty's Council." He died of
apoplexy on the first day of August,
" about three of the clock in the
afternoon, having been seized about
noon of the same day, just as he was
entering the Council Chamber." He
was in the sixty-second year of his
age, " and was one of the most noted
merchants in New England."! He
was the first American to found a
professorship of any kind in this
country.
But the practice of wearing ex-
pensive mourning-dresses was soon
very generally laid aside. Other
funerals, which soon after followed
HANCOCK HOUSE.
* Gazette and News-Letter. languages in Harvard College ; £1,000, law-
t He was buried on the following Monday, ful money, to the Society for Propagating
August 6th, " with great respect." He was the Gospel among the Indians; £600 to the
eon of the Rev. Mr. John Hancock, of Lex- Town of Boston towards an Insane Hospital,
ington, and was born there July 13th, 1703 ; and £200 to the Society for carrying on the
being sent to Boston early in life to learn the Linen ]\Ianufactory. But, " having no issue,
business of stationer, etc., which business he he left the bulk of his estate to his nephew,
left for a more extensive field of mercantile Mr. John Hancock, eldest son of the late
enterprise. " His house was the seat of hos- Rev. Mr. [John] Hancock, of Braintree."
His wife, as mentioned in a
previous note, p. 648, was
Lydia Henchman. Tlie once
splendid mansion in Beacon-
street, yet standing, was built
by the Hon. Thomas Hancock,
pitality, where all his numerous acquaintances and which, as my friend N. I. Bowditch
and strangers of distinction met with an informs me, was finished in 1737. He pur-
open and elegant reception." He was boun- chased the lot on which it stands in 1735.
tiful to the poor, and what added to such Our artist, Mr. Kilbukx, made a drawing on
bounties was their being privately made. By the spot, of which the annexed engraving is an
bis will he gave £1,000 sterling for the exact copy. How long will modern ?//i/)?-o(T-
founding of a professorship of the Oriental /wtvi^s allow the "Hancock House" to remain?
86
^Mn^^ytTt^.
682 RUIN OF BUSINESS. BANKRUPTCIES. [1764.
that of Mr. Callender's, were conducted in the same manner in which
his was, in respect to mourning garments. It was now further pro-
posed "to give no other gloves than are of the manufacture of the
country, in lieu of white ones, that are seldom drawn on a second time."
It was suggested to the glovers that, " it might not be amiss if some
peculiar mark of distinction were put upon them, as a bow and arrow,
or pine tree,* instead of the usual stitching on the back." And " a
great number of the respectable tradesmen of the Town came into a
resolution to wear nothing but leather for their working habits for
the future, and that to be only of the manufacture of this Govern-
ment."
The course of the Government, and the determined stand made by
the people, had a ruinous effect on the business of Boston and its vicin-
ity, and innumerable bankruptcies were the consequence ; a catalogue
of the names alone of those who became bankrupts would make a
formidable portion of the whole community, embracing names connected
with all branches of business, and almost every family ; and, for a
long period, the newspapers are nearly filled with advertisements of
insolvent estates. Debtors, then, to avoid being thrown into loath-
some prisons, were compelled to abscond or keep themselves concealed.
Women as well as men were obliged to resort to the same humiliating
means, the better to enable them to contend with misfortune.
But amidst all the trials to which the people were subjected during
this period, the consequence of the Schools of Boston is strikingly
observable. Booksellers flourished, newspapers increased, and a Cir-
culating Library of above twelve hundred volumes was established.!
The most extensive bookseller of that day in Boston was the propri-
etor of this Circulating Library. A few months later his advertise-
ment of books, "just imported," covers an entire page of the
Massachusetts Gazette, in which he says his stock comprised " above
ten thousand volumes," which Avould be more for the Town then, than
a stock of 150,000 is at this time (1855).
-, The gentlemen chosen to serve as Representatives in the
General Court this year were the same as last year ; namely,
Royall Tyler, James Otis, Jr., Thomas Gushing, and Oxenbridge
Thacher, Esquires. Elaborate Instructions for their government were
* The lofty, majestic, and useful pine v,as Fleeming, before noticed, was the proprietor,
always an object of great regard. Whoever It was opened about the 7th of November,
has paused beneath its lofty branches, Avhen 1765. In his advertisement Mr. Mein says
swayed by tempests, and in a primitive wil- he was influenced to undertake it "by the
derness, as the writer has, will never forget repeated request of a number of gentlemen,
a feeling which no other occasion can produce the friends of literature." It was kept at
in the mind. the London Bookstore [late Rivington & Mil-
But what " Robert Hall, gardener," wanted ler's], second door above the British Coflee-
of a great quantity of " pine-tree seeds of House, north side of King-street. Yearly
different sorts," for which he at this time subscribers to pay £1 8s., Quarterly, 10s. 8r/.,
advertised, is not within the knowledge of the in advance. He had a printed catalogue of his
writer. He said he wanted ten pounds of library. He took the side of royalty, and was
that commodity, " more or less," and would one of the very few who would not come into
pay a dollar a pound for it, "at his house, the non-importation arrangement, and was ad-
the head of Long-lane " (Federal-street). vertised by the Liberty party. Ho came from
f John Mein, of the late firm of Mein & Scotland, with Mr. Robt. Sandeman. in 1701.
17G4.] INSTRUCTIONS TO REPUESENTATIVES. .683
drawn up by a Committee* appointed by the Town. Such Instructions
were common, and drawn with much ability. They were entered
at length upon the Records. The following passages from those
at this time, are a very important part of the History of the Town.
They commence by observing to those gentlemen that their election
was a strong testimony of the inhabitants to their integrity and ca-
pacity ; that they expected from them their " power and influence in
maintaining the invaluable rights and privileges of the Province, of
which this Town was so great a part, as well those rights which were
derived to them by the Royal Charter, as those which, being prior to
and independent on it, they held essential as free-born subjects of
Great Britain." These Instructions continue : " You will endeavor,
as fJir as you shall be able, to preserve that independence in the House
of Representatives which characterizes a free people ; and the want
of which may, in a great measure, prevent the happy effects of a free
government. Cultivating, as you shall have opportunity, that har-
mony and union there, which is ever desirable to good men, when
founded in principles of virtue and public spirit ; and guarding against
any undue weight which may tend to disadjust that critical balance
upon which our happy Constitution and the blessings of it do depend.
And for this purpose we particularly recommend it to you to use your
endeavors to have a law passed, whereby the seats of such gentlemen
as shall accept of posts of profit from the Crown, or the Governor,
while they are members of the House, shall be vacated, agreeable to
an Act of the British Parliament, till their constituents shall have
the opportunity of reelecting them if they please, or returning others
in their room. You will have a special regard to the morals of the
people, which are the basis of public happiness ; and endeavor to have
such laws made, if any are still wanting, as shall be best adapted to
secure them ; and we particularly desire you carefully to look into the
laws of Excise, that, if the virtue of the people is endangered by the
multiplicity of oaths therein enjoined, or their trade and business is
unreasonably impeded or embarrassed thereby, the grievance may be
redressed."
Those Instructions further propose that, '' as the Province still lies
under a very grievous burthen of debt," occasioned by the war with
France, frugality should be strongly recommended as one means of
lessening the public debt ; and that the necessity of continuing gar-
risons on the eastern frontier should be inquired into, as it was now
" a time of profound peace ; the French being totally subdued, and
there being hardly any remains of the Indian tribes left ever again to
give annoyance."! They continue : "Our trade has for a long time
labored under great discouragements ; and it is with the deepest con-
cern that we see such further difficulties coming upon it as will reduce
* It consisted of Richard Dana, Samuel f Governor Bernard was of a different opin-
Adams, John Ruddock, Nathaniel Bethune, ion. See his message at Concord, 31 May, of
iind Joseph Green, Esquires. this year.
684 CONSEQUENCES OP ARBITRARY TAXATION. [1764.
it to the lowest ebb, if not totally obstruct and ruin it. We cannot
help expressing our surprise, that, when so early notice was given by
the Agent of the intentions of the Ministry to burthen us with new
taxes, so little regard was had to this most interesting matter, that the
Court was not even called together to consult about it till the latter end
of the year ; the consequence of which was that the instructions could
not be sent to the Agent, though solicited by him, till the evil had got
beyond an easy remedy. We therefore expect that you will use your
earliest endeavors in the General Assembly that such methods may be
taken as will effectually prevent these proceedings against us."
The Instructions then proceed to show, by close and cogent reason-
ing, " that such severities will prove detrimental to Great Britain
itself. But what still heightens our apprehensions is," they say,
" that those unexpected proceedings may be preparatory to new tax-
ations upon us. For, if our trade may be taxed, why not our lands ?
Why not the produce of our lands, and everything we possess or make
use of? This we apprehend annihilates our Charter right to govern
and tax ourselves. It strikes at our British privileges, which, as we
have never forfeited them, we hold in common with our fellow-subjects,
who are natives of Britain. If taxes are laid upon us in any shape,
without our having a legal representation where they are made, are we
not reduced from the character of free subjects to the miserable state of
tributary slaves?"*
These and the other Instructions, given from time to time by the
Town to their representatives, embody the grievances, not only of Bos-
ton, but of the whole country.
^g According to the annual custom, the Town proceeded to fix
the salaries of the School-masters. Mr. John Level, of the
South Grammar School, 120 pounds ; Mr. Peleg Wiswall, of the North
Grammar School, 100 pounds ; Mr. Samuel Holyoke, of the Writing
School in Queen-street, eighty ; Mr. John Proctor, of the same school,
100 ; Mr. John Tileston, of the North Writing-School, 100 ; Abia
Holbrook, of the Writing School on the Common, 100 ; Mr. James
Level, Usher to the South Grammar School, sixty ; Mr. Ephraim Lang-
don, Usher in the North Grammar School, sixty ; and Mr. John Vinal,
Usher in the Writing School in the Common, fifty pounds.
The price of committing depredations on the Common was very low ;
or but a very small reward was offered by the Selectmen for the detec-
tion of those who committed them, notwithstanding they say " the
Town has suffered considerable damage from persons passing over it
with horses and carriages, and breaking down the rails and enclosures."
Two dollars was the reward tendered !
Ma 17 ^^ ^^^ complained of, as a great grievance, that people from
other towns obtruded themselves into this to be inoculated for
* James Otis uses the same language in lished on the 23d of July of this year. Hence
his " Rights of the British Colonists Vindi- he probably adopted the language of the In-
gated," before noticed. That work was pub- structions purposely.
1764.] BEACON HILL. 085
the small-pox, when the Selectmen were using all their exertions to
clear the Town of the distemper. They therefore ordered the inhabitants
to give them notice when any such intruders appeared. They at the
same time gave notice that the period for inoculating in the Town was
now ended. The physicians * also gave notice that they had removed
their inoculating Hospital from Castle William to Noddle's Island, at
the mansion-house where Robert Temple, Esq., had lately resided ;
" which contained elegant rooms, suitable for the reception of persons
of the first condition." One of the physicians, Dr.^Gelston, to reside
constantly on the island, and the others were to attend when desired.
Dr. Barnet continued to reside at the hospital at Point Shirley. There
were supposed to be " more down with the small-pox, in the natural
way, than there has been or will be this season."
On account of the prevalence of the contagion, it was decided not
to have any Election Sermon this year,f although a gentleman had been
elected to deliver one as usual. J
Up to this time Beacon Hill had probably suffered very little dimi-
nution in height ; the people of the Town appear to have looked upon
it as among the natural objects to be preserved and transmitted unim-
paired to other ages. But there was a certain owner of a small tract
of land on the north side of the hill, who, having a right, as he be-
lieved, to dig up his ground to any extent he pleased, in prosecution
of that right had jeopardized the very existence of this famous
eminence. The individual in question was named Thomas Hodson.
He was reasoned with by the Selectmen, but they could not succeed in
dissuading him from persisting in digging gravel on his lot, to the gen-
eral damage of the Town, and the particular damage of Beacon
Hill. The subject was therefore brought up in Town-meeting,
and a Committee was raised to take Thomas Hodson and his digging
gravel into consideration. Accordingly, Thomas Hancock, William
Phillips, Joseph Sherburne, Joshua Henshaw, and James Otis, Esquires,
M- 24 ^^^^'® appointed to serve as such committee. They accepted the
appointment, and a few days after reported that the said Thomas
Hodson would dig ground on his lot, and had dug to that extent that
the said hill was in very great danger of being destroyed, and that
there was no prospect of the Town being able to buy him off. That is
to say, he would not sell his land to the Town. That they saw no way
to prevent the destruction of Beacon Hill without the interposition of
* They were N. Perkins, M. Whitworth, J. f There appeared this announcement in the
Lloyd, S. Gelston, and J. Warren. There Gazette and News-Letter of the 24th of May,
were besides them, practising in Boston, Doc- relative to this important part of Election sor-
ters Kast, Sprague, Lord, Church, Roberts, vices :
Jackson, of Portsmouth, N. H., Sylvester " As the election of Counsellors this year
Gardiner, Gardner, Barnett, Clark, John and is to be at Concord, and the gentleman ap-
William Perkins, Yougust, Bulfinch, Pecker, pointed to preach on that day is obliged to
DoaI)t,* Crozier, and Pynchon. These gen- be conversant with persons sick of the small-
tlemen gratuitously inoculated 52G poor of pox in this Town, we hear, that to prevent all
the Town, and 499 were inoculated at the ex- apprehensions of danger, there will be no ser-
pense of the Town; making in all, 1025. mon on that occasion."
* Dr. Nyott Doubt. He died on the Uth of June follow- t ^he Rev. Andrew Eliot. — Jow: H. Reps. ,
ing. p. 226.
686 SANDEMANIANS. [1764.
the General Court. It was therefore voted that the Representatives
should be instructed to move in the Legislature for an act by which this
and similar mischiefs might be prevented. No law, however, appears to
have been passed concerning it.
One of the Representatives of the Town, Roy all Tyler, having
* been elected a Counsellor, ]Mr. Thomas Gray, merchant, was
chosen in his stead.
The Rev. Mr. Whitefield, who had been for some time sojourning
in this vicinity, preached a farewell sermon on the fifth of May, in the
Old South, being about to depart for the southern colonies.
In the time of the election, on the sixth, a fire occurred near the lower
end of Auchmuty's-lane,* but it was confined to a turpentine distillery,
which it consumed, but the damage was not great. From the second of
April to the seventh of June, the burials, including those who died of the
small-pox and other diseases, were 175 whites, and twenty-nine blacks.
The brig Hannah, Capt. Robert Jarvis, arrived from London,
" ^ ' bringing several gentlemen of note. Among them were Ben-
jamin Ilalloweil, Jr., Esq., who had lately been appointed Controller
of His Majesty's Customs for this Port, the Rev. Mr. William Walter,
an assistant minister at Trinity Church, and Mr. John Timmins, mer-
chant.f
^ ^ The Selectmen gave notice that there were but two cases
"^' "■ of the small- pox in Town ; " one in a house in Orange-street,
and one at a house behind Fort Hill."
The Town having suffered from a disproportionate taxation in respect
to the Colony tax, for some time past, had petitioned for an abatement.
After much delay the General Court granted the sum of 3,000 pounds
in 1763. This was but a part of what was claimed by the Town as
justly due, and it was consequently refused. But, subsequently, a vote
passed in Town-meeting, "that, considering the distressing circum-
stances of the inhabitants by means of the small-pox, and the absolute
necessity of ready money for the poor and needy, the Town do accept
the grant."
The new religious sect, since called Sandemanians, were first known
in Boston this year. They took their name from Robert Sandeman, a
native of Perth, in Scotland, whose writings had been read with avidity
by some of the people here. They accordingly invited him to visit
them, which he did, arriving in Town on the eighteenth of October,
direct from Glasgow. On the following Sunday he preached to a few
followers at Masons' Hall. After this he had regular meetings in a
large room in the house of Mr. Edward Foster, in that part of Prince-
street called Black Horse lane. His followers becoming more numer-
ous, meetings were held at the Green Dragon Tavern. J Soon after, his
*Tliat part of Essex-street between Short J They petitioned for the use of Fan euil Hall,
and South streets. 3 May, 1705, but the petition does not appear
t The following ships of war were now lying to have been granted. Masons' Hall was, I
in the hai'bor : The Fortune, 14 guns, Capt. suppose, in the Green Dragon Tavern. The
Bishop ; Cygnet, 18, Leslie ; Jamaica, 14, name of this tavern, as elsewhere mentioned,
Biirden ; Magdalene, 8, Capt. Dugdale. was changed to " The Fi-eemasons' Arms."
1765.] SANDEMANIANS. 687
friends bailt a house to worship in, at the foot of a lane " leading to
the Mill Pond, somewhere between the two Baptist meeting-houses."
This house was burnt on the fourth of April, 1773, by a fire which
originated in the cabinet-shop of Mr. Alexander Edwards, on a Sunday.
Several other buildings were at the same time burned. After the
destruction of their meeting-house, the Sandemanians met for a time in
a School-house ; then at Mr. Shippie Townsend's,* in Cross-street,
until a new house could be built, which was soon after erected in the
rear of Middle-street. Here they held their meetings until about
1823 ; at which time their numbers were so much diminished that they
were discontinued. Their house was soon after occupied as a Primary
School. Mr. Walford Butler, who died in Boston in 1829, at the age
of eighty-nine, is said to have been the last of the denomination here.
Those who first adhered to Mr. Sandeman in Boston, were, Edward
Foster, Alford Butler, and George Ogilvie, or Oglevie, with their fam-
ilies. To these were soon joined, Edward King, Henry Capen, Adam
Chizeau, Ebenezer Allen, Barnabas Allen, Hopestill Capen, Benjamin
Davies, Isaac Winslow, Colburn Barrell, Walter Barrell, Mr. Peck,
Hannah Robinson, Susanna Davies, Mary Cotton, Mary West, Keziah
West, Mrs. Stayner, and a few others ; and, at a later period, JNIr. Jo-
seph Howe, jMr. Samuel Harris and his w^ife. One of Mr. Sandeman's
Deacons was Daniel Humphries, Esq., brother of Col. David Hum-
phries, of the Revolution. He went to Danbury, in Connecticut, and
afterwards to Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, where he was District
Attorney of the United States, and died there in 1827, aged eighty-
eight.
The next year, in the month of June, a meeting-house was
" erected for Mr. Sandeman at Portsmouth, in JSIew Hampshire,
" near the Canoe bridge," and in the following November he preached
in that town, "in the audience of some hundreds of people, to the
acceptance of many." He died in Danbury, in Connecticut, April the
second, 1771, at the age of fifty-three.
The General Court now assembled in Boston at its former place
' " ' of meeting, to which it had been prorogued by the Governor on
the 24th of November. It had been notified to meet on the twelfth of
December, but that notification vv^as countermanded, and the assembling
was postponed to the present time, because, as Mr. Bernard says in his
Proclamation, there was nothing in prospect for His Majesty's imme-
diate service requiring an earlier meeting.
The spring arrivals from England furnished new proofs of an increas-
ing jealousy on the part of the Mother Country in respect to the grow-
ing prosperity of these Colonies. Since the addition of the French
* He -was a block-maker, and his shop was " Gospel News," 8 vo., 1794, and some other
on Barrett's wharf, " two wharves below the theological works. He died 31 Aug. 1798.
Draw-Bridge in Anne street." Dr. David He was Deacon of the Universalist Church at
Townsend was his son. The father was known the time of his death ; perhaps a son of Mr.
as Deac. Townsend, and was the author of Elias Townsend, of Boston, block-maker.
688 JEALOUSIES IN ENGLAND. [1765.
possessions to tlieni, their importance was magnified to a great extent,
and various projects were talked of relative to their commerce and
internal regulations. The managers in that country had found out that
the New England people tried to keep what was doing among them in
the way of manufactures from their knowledge. In the Government
organs, or publications, it was said that " The setting up manufactures
in the Colonies was no new complaint ; for as early as 1719, Governor
Shute informed the Board of Trade that in some parts of Massachusetts
the inhabitants then worked up their wool and flax, and made a coarse
sort of stuft' for their own use. There were also hatters in the maritime
towns ; they also manuflictured the greatest part of their leather ; and that
six iron furnaces and nineteen forges were set up for making iron." *
Governor Belcher, who succeeded Governor Shute in 1731, confirmed
the same ; and Col. Jeremiah Dunbar, Surveyor General of Ilis Maj-
esty's Woods in North America, in his letter to the same Board, of Sep-
tember, 1730, mentioned "their manufacturing and exporting hats to
Spain, Portugal, and the West Indies." Colonel Dunbar further in-
formed the Board of Trade, " that it was with the greatest difficulty
they [the Officers of Government] were able to procure true information
of the trade and manufactures of New England ; that the Assembly of
the Massachusetts Bay had the boldness to summon him [Col. Dunbar]
before them, and pass a severe censure upon him, for having given evi-
dence at the Bar of the ITouse of Commons with respect to the trade
and manufiictures of this Province."
For the more ready management of the business of government, the
establishment of a Line of Packets was in contemplation, between Eng-
land and the newly acquired possessions.
As an important item of news from London it was published that the
Queen had decided to wear a muff made of fur this winter, and it was
not doubted but that all the ladies would follow the example ; and that
the French ladies would wear feathered muffs, and not fur ones as here-
tofore, because, by the loss of Canada, the fur market Avas lost to
France. t Whether the ladies of Boston wore fur or feather muffs, or
no mulFs at all, is not mentioned.
^^ A remarkable woman died on the twelfth of February, named
Ruth Barnaby ; not only remarkable for her great age, but for
her usefulness, her retentive memory and physical constitution. She
was born at Marblehead, in August, 1G44, and hence at her decease
was in her 101st year. She practised midwifery forty years in Boston.
To avoid the small-pox she had formerly removed from the town, but
when it broke out here last spring, being then in her 100th year, she
* It was said about this time, in England, This was certainly a lesson to the advocates of
" We hear the North American Colonies en- taxation, by which they should have profited,
deavor to rival the Mother Country in divers f One might expect to find something re-
uiatcrial articles, which will occasion some specting the antiquity of muifs in Ilayden's
wholesome regulations shortly to take place. Dictionary of Dates, but tliere is nothing.
Demands for iron ware, from New England, Their antiquity is doubtless nearly coeval with
have sunk this year upwards of £10,000." the origin of the race who use them.
1765.] STAMP ACT. 689
gave out that she would not remove out of Town again, in consequence
of it, but would remain and be inoculated. But this precaution was not
taken, and yet she escaped the disease, although it visited the family
in which she resided. A few months after she was born, her father re-
moved with his family to New Harbor, in Maine, not far to the eastward
of Pemaquid. She resided there until Philip's war, about eleven
years, and then returned to Boston, where she continued till her death.
^^ The world-renowned Stamp Act passed the British Parlia-
""■ ment in March, and received the King's assent on the 22d
of the same month, but a copy of the Act itself did not reach Boston
until several months after.*
On the fourth of April, the Publishers of one of the Boston
^" ' papers announced that they had seen the Resolves of the House
of Commons respecting a Stamp Duty in the Colonies ; fifty-five in
number ; — "a terrible string of them ! " they said. Those which
more immediately affected the Printers and Publishers, were, one penny
to be laid on every newspaper of one sheet ; two shillings for every
advertisement inserted therein ; two pence for every almanack ; every
book and pamphlet according to number of sheets ; deeds, bonds, &c.,
were subject to higher duty.
When those resolves were passed, one member remarked " That
where the Colonies stand on such high pretensions of independence on
the supreme legislative authority of Great Britain, there was no moder-
ating anything ; " and among the speakers upon the same occasion,
there was not one who did not declare that America ought to be taxed.
This information, however, proved to be incorrect, as there were several
members who spoke against the measure. f
About the same time Thomas and John Fleet, at the Heart and Crown
in Cornhill, issued an edition of Dummer's Defence of the New England
charters. Thus was given an invitation, to all who had a mind to read,
to look into the rights of parliamentary taxation. Other works were
from time to time republished with the same view. A little later an
edition of Wood's New England's Prospect was sent forth ; and
although the original work had nothing in it relative to the political
state of these times, some able writer accompanied it with a dissertation
* The Stamp here rep- f Edmund Burke declared that " no more
resented is copied from the than two or three gentlemen spoke against the
London Morning Chron- Act." That " there was but one division in
icle of 1775. The im- the whole progress of the Bill, and the minor-
pression was usually in ity was but 39 or 40. In the House of
deep red r)r crimson ink, Lords," he said, " I do not recollect that there
and often from a different was any debate or division at all." " But
engraving. The Stamp amongst the ' two or three speakers ' against
Act was reprinted in Bos- the Bill was Col. Barre, who, in reply to Mr.
ton by Edes & Gill, in Charles Townsend, the most eloquent of its
Queen-street, 1765, in a supporters, made an admirable and forcible
folio pamphlet of 24 pages, a copy of which is appeal to the House." Gen. Conway and
now before me. A copy may be seen in Mr. Alderman Beckford were the other two. —
Lossing's Field Book of the Revolution. Britton's Authorship of Junius, p. 37.
87
690 STAMP-ACT AGITATION. [1765.
having special reference to them. Nor should mention be omitted of an
essay on the Canon and Feudal Law, by John Adams. A work of
power and ability.
XJnfovorable reports respecting the temper of the people of Boston
were often circulated in London. These, getting into the gazettes,
came back to Boston, and were again published. " Indeed," says a
London paper of the sixth of May, " at present all America seems to
be in a violent agitation ; they sing, up and down the streets of Boston,
the downfall of Old England, and the rise of New." And a gentle-
man in London wrote to a friend in Boston, under date of the eleventh
of June, saying, *' We have been making an addition to your troubles
by levying very heavy duties upon you, and if these are tamely borne,
you may yet have a few more."
News had been received at Boston, in July, that a large quantity of
stamped paper had been shipped for America, and on the fifth of August
Avas published for the first time in the Massachusetts Gazette & News-
Letter, a list of persons who had been appointed to distribute Stamps
in the various Colonies. Among them was Andrew Oliver for Massa-
chusetts. Rather than submit to this tax upon paper, several newspa-
pers in the other Colonies had been suspended by their Proprietors.*
A vessel having stamps on board arrived in Boston harbor in Sep-
tember.
Soon after, another letter from London announced that " Lord
"^" Bute and all that party were totally routed, to the joy of all the
people there." f
At the June session of the General Court, the House of Repre-
^^^^' sentatives issued a Circular to the other Colonies, purporting that
they had unanimously agreed to propose a meeting of Delegates from
each of them, to meet in New York on the first Tuesday in October ;
there " to consult together on the present circumstances of the Colo-
nies," and inviting those Colonies to send Delegates for the objects pro-
posed. This was the origin of the " Continental Congress." The Gen-
eral Court soon after appointed, as its Delegates, the Hon. James Otis,
Jr., Gen. Timothy Ruggles, and Col. Oliver Partridge, and one hundred
and ten pounds sterling was voted to each, " to defray the expenses of
their journey to New York." It may at this day be looked upon as
extraordinary that the Council should concur in this appropriation, and
still more extraordinary that it was approved by the Governor ; but
such are the facts.
* In the Gazette and News-Letter, of 26 April, next. " It was then expected that in October
1765, there is this paragraph : — " It is said the Stamp Act would go into effect,
that the prospect of the Stamp Act has put a f In an extract from a London paper, pub-
stop to three Gazettes already on this Conti- lished hereon the 16th of August, is thispas-
nent, viz. : Virginia, Providence, and one of sage : — "A cofSn of exquisite workmansliip
the New York." It is also said, " The Mary- was preparing for the interment of a young
land Gazette is in a very ill state, occasioned gentleman called the Stamp Act, who, it is
by a violent cruel kick, and it is thought said, expired soon after Lord B e [Bute]
cannot possibly survive the month of October went to Scotland."
1765.] FIRE. LIGHTNING-RODS FIRST USED. 691
^^ 111 Town-meeting, on the 14tli of May, a report was made by
'^^ ■ a Committee appointed in March preceding, to inquire " by what
terms or tenure the mill-owners hold the Mill-pond Mills." They
stated that on the 31st of July, 1G43, there was granted to Henry
Simons, Greorge Burden, John Button, John Hill, and their partners,
all the cove on the north-west side of the causeway leading towards
Charlestown, with all the Saltmarsh bordering thereupon, not formerly
granted, on these conditions : that, within three years they erect thereon
one or more corn-mills, " and maintain the same forever." Also, make
a gate ten feet wide to open with the flood for the passage of boats
into the cove, &g. This gate was also to be " maintained forever."
Four years after a committee took possession of the premises, as having
reverted to the Town.
June 4 ^^^ Tuesday evening of the fourth of June, died the Hon.
Thomas Lechmere, at an advanced age. He was for many years
Surveyor General of His Majesty's Customs for the Northern District of
America. The then late Lord Lechmere was his brother. His wife
Ann died in 1746. The Point bearing the name Lechmere received
its name from this family.
^^^^ j^ The Rev. Timothy Cutler, D. D., Rector of Christ. Church,
°' ' died on Saturday morning, the seventeenth of August, at the
age of eighty-two, after a long confinement. The Rev. Mr. Caner, of
King's Chapel, preached a Sermon at his funeral, after which the re-
mains were deposited under the Church.*
^ ^ On the morning of the 21st of August a fire broke out in
°' " ' one of six work-shops making the corner between Quaker-
lane and Water-street, Avhen the whole six were at once in flames,
but by the extraordinary exertions of the inhabitants the fire was con-
fined to these shops, and the upper part of them only was destroyed.
They were all in one large structure.
At this fire an engine of home manufacture was made trial of, and
*' was found to perform extremely well." It was made by Mr. Da-
vid Wheeler, a blacksmith, in Newbury-street. At the same time
notice was given that there was now an opportunity for those disposed
to encourage native artists ; that Mr. Wheeler would manufacture
engines " as good as any imported ; " and the same artisan proposed
*'to make and fix iron rods with points, upon houses or any other
eminences, for prevention from the effects of lightning." This was
doubtless about the time of the first introduction of lightning-rods into
Boston.
* There is extant a fine mezzotinto likeness Boston, by " P. Pelliam, pinx ; et fecit. 1750."
of Dr. Cutler. It was published and sold in A copy is in the author's collection.
692
STAMP-ACT RIOTS.
[1756.
CHAPTER LXIX.
Stamp-Act Riots. — Their Cause. — Evasion of Revenue Laws. — Elms of Hanover Square. — The
Great Tree. — Effigies upon it. — Burnt at Fort Hill. — Stamp Office demolished. — Andrew Oliver's
House attacked. — Union Club. — Oliver's Resignation. — Jared Ingersol. — Proclamation. — Re-
ward for Rioters. — Rioters encouraged. — Destroy Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson's House. —
His Narrative of the Affair. — Dr. Mayhew. — William Storey's House attacked. — Benj. Hallow-
ell's. — Town-meeting. — The Rioters denounced. — Another Proclamation. — Case of Mackintosh.
— Prisoners set at Liberty. — George Messervey. — News of a Change of Ministry. — Rejoicings. —
The Great Tree decorated and inscribed " Liberty Tree." — Lord Gordon. — Col. Barre. — General
Conway. — Riots out of Massachusetts. — Arrival of Stamps. — None to receive them. — A Gen-
eral Court convened. — Death of Joseph Green.
THE serious outbreak of the fourteenth
°' ' of August served to widen the breach
between the inhabitants of the town and the
King's officers, beyond anything which had oc-
curred hitherto. Its immediate occasion ap-
pears to have been an assurance that there was
no escape from the hated Stamp-tax. The
Revenue Laws of the Custom -House had been,
for a long time, very successfully evaded, but
the Stamp-law admitted of no such evasion.
Nothing could be done legally, where any kind
of a written instrument was required, unless
that instrument bore upon it the odious Stamp.
Newspapers could not be issued, the business of the courts could not
move, no process was valid, no vessel could go to sea, no person
could be married, no debts could be collected. This Act was made,
it may be, to punish the people for their former evasions of the Rev-
enue Law, as well as effectually to ensure its observance for the
future.
The Revenue Laws, as is well known, were regarded as the most
unjust aggressions upon the liberties of the people upon whom they
were made to bear ; and, hence, to elude their operation was consid-
* A full and interesting account of the fam-
ily of Otis will be found in the New Eng.
Hist, and Gen. Reg., vol. ii. 281, &c., vol. iv.
163, &c., and vol. v. pp. 177 — 223, collected
with persevering industry by Horatio N. Otis,
Esq., of New York. Of the great patriot of
the name, the Hon. James Otis, there is an ex-
cellent Life by the late William Tudor, which
deserves a new edition, with the additions and
corrections which can be easily made by a skil-
ful band, from the great store-houses of mate-
rials now accessible.
The first of the name of Otis in this country
was John, who settled inHingham, 1635, and
had, by wife ISIargaret, John, married to Ma-
I'y Jacob. They had also a son John, who
married (for his second wife) Mary Bacon, and
had issue, among others, James, who married
Mary Alleyne. These were tlie parents of
tlie great patriot, the Hon. Jame.s Otis, whose
wife was Ruth Cunningham, of Boston. He
was the eldest of thirteen children. The tenth
child was named Samuel Allyne, who married,
Ist, Elizabeth, only daughter of the Hon. Har-
rison Gray; and, 2d, Mary, widow of Edward
Gray, and daughter of Isaac Smith. The late
Hon. Hai-rison Gray Otis, third mayor of Bos-
ton, was thp first phjld by the first marriage.
1765.] RTAMP-ACT RIOTS. 698
ered, if not just and proper in every sense, quite justifiable under the
circumstances. Now the case was different ; no chance being left for
evasion.
The sky had hitherto been partially obscured, but now all was total
darkness. This state of things produced the scenes of the fourteenth
of August, before alluded to, which are, in the next place, to be
related.
As localities are of the utmost importance in describing any trans-
action, it is necessary to observe that, at the junction of Essex and
Newbury streets* (now Essex and Washington), there stood a number
of majestic elms. This place was sometimes called Hanover Square.
On one of these elms, usually called the Great Tree, which stood close
to the street, were discovered, very early on Wednesday morning,
suspended from a branch, " two effigies ; one of which, by the labels,
appeared to be designed to represent a Stamp Officer ; the other a Jack
Boot, with a head and horns peeping out of the top ; said by some of
the Printers to be the Devil or his Imp ; but, as we are not acquainted
with that species of gentlemen, we cannot so well determine whether
it was an exact resemblance or not." This is the account published,
eight days after the occurrence, in the News-Letter, a print which
took sides with the people, and which, for apparent reasons, is here
extracted. The Ne\vs-Letter proceeds : " The report of these images
soon spread through the Town, brought a vast number of spectators,!
and had such an effect on them, that they were immediately inspired
with a spirit of patriotism, which diffused itself through the whole con-
course. So much were they affected with a sense of liberty, that
scarce any could attend to the task of day-labor, but all seemed on the
wing for freedom. About dusk the images were taken down, placed
on a bier, supported in procession by six men, followed by a great
concourse of people, some of the highest reputation, and in the great-
est order, echoing forth ' Liberty and Property ! No Stamps ! ' &c.
Having passed through the Town-house, they proceeded with their
pageantry down King-street, and, it is said, intended for the north
part of the town. But orders being given, they turned their course
through Kilby-street, where an edifice had lately been erected, which
Avas supposed to be designed for a Stamp-office. J Here they halted,
and went to work to demolish that building, which they soon effected
without receiving any hurt, except one of the spectators, who happened
to be rather too nigh the brick wall when it fell. This being finished,
* The reader is reminded that Orange-street f Not only the inhabitants of the town col-
terminated at what is now Boylston-street. lected in great numbers to view them, but the
This was its northern termination. The elms people came in from the country in vast nura-
made the corner of Orange, Newbury, and bers ; so that when the procession moved from
Essex streets. The Sexton of the Old School the place there were several thousand persons
errs in saying " Auchmuty's-lane, now Essex- in it.
street." That par^ of Essex-street was never, | Gordon says it was not so designed.
I think, called Auchmuty's-lane. Essex-st. Hutchinson does not say as much, but tliat
had been so called nearly sixty years, having " it was conjectured ' to have been erected for
received that name as early as 1708. that purpose.
G94 STAMP-ACT RIOTS. [1765.
many of them loaded themselves with wooden trophies, and proceeded,
bearing the two effigies, to the top of Fort Hill, where a fire was soon
kindled, in which one of them was burnt ; we can't learn whether
they committed the other to the flames, or, if they did, whether it did
not survive the conflagration ; being, it is said, like the salamander,
conversant in that element.
" The populace after this went to work on the barn, fence, garden,
and dwelling-house, of the gentleman [the Hon. Andrew Oliver]
against whom their resentment was chiefly levelled, and which were
contiguous to said hill. And here, entering the house, they bravely
showed their loyalty, courage, and zeal, to defend the rights and lib-
erties of Englishmen. Here, it is said by some good men that were
present, they established their Society by the name of the Union Club.
Their business being finished, they retired and proceeded to the Prov-
ince-house, which was about eleven o'clock, gave three huzzas, and
all went quietly home.
" The next day the Honorable Gentleman who had been appointed
to the duty of Distributor of the Stamps when they should arrive, sup-
posing himself to be the object of their derision, informed the principal
gentlemen of the Town that, as it appeared so disagreeable to the people,
he should request the liberty of being excused from that office ; and in
the evening the populace reassembled, erected a pyramid, intending a
second bonfire ; but, upon hearing of the resignation, they desisted,
and repaired to the gentleman's gate, gave three cheers, and took
their departure without damage.
" But having heard it propagated that an Honorable Gentleman
[Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson] at the North part of the Town, had been
accessary in laying on the Stamp-duties, &c., they repaired to his
house, where, upon being informed, by some gentlemen of integrity
and reputation, that he had not only spoke but wrote to the contrary,
they retired, and, having patrolled the streets, returned to their
respective habitations as quietly as they had done the night be-
fore."
That the leaning of the writer of the above might not be mistaken,
he closed by a memorable saying of Lord Burleigh, much in use in
those days, — " England can never be undone but by a Parliament."
Thus the mob was encouraged, and, as by the sequel it will appear, a
very partial account was given of what had taken place. The course
taken by the papers under the control of the Government had some
effect in producing the above, for the News-Letter had been jeered by
them because it had not come out with early denunciations of the pro-
ceedings of the mob. That occasioned it to introduce the account
above given, with a sort of apology, or defence, in which, it is said,
" It was out of our power to give a perfect account before, as the trans-
actions were not finished, and a partial one would have drawn down
the resentment of many of the true Sons of Liberty." It was then
remarked that the News-Letter was a tool to no one, and hence it
1765.J STAMP-ACT RIOTS. 695
labored under a disadvantage about getting correct information, while
pens enough stood ready to assist on the other side.
The immediate cause of the proceedings now under consideration is
attributed by Mr. Hutchinson to the arrival of Jared IngersoU, Esq.,
from London, and the attentions shown him by Mr. Oliver ; the former
having been appointed Stamp Officer for Connecticut. His arrival was
only a few days before the fourteenth, and, when he left Boston, Mr.
Oliver accompanied him out of the Town. This exhibition of brother-
hood between the "brothers in iniquity," as some expressed it, called
forth audible murmurings among the people, and the Boston Gazette con-
tained an article which was pronounced inflammatory by the Government
party. It is also said that the news of the " Virginia Resolves" * had
not only encouraged the people to resist the Stamp Law, but that they
had " highly inflamed them." However, it was on the morning of the
following day that the efiigies or images were discovered upon the
Great Tree, as has been described.
The persons who prepared and suspended these effigies, " upon the
limb of a large old elm, toward the entrance of Boston," were John
Avery, Jr., Thomas Crafts, John Smith, Henry Wells, Thomas Chase,
Stephen Cleverly, Henry Bass, and Benjamin Edes. The figure repre-
senting a Stamp Officer, even without the label appended to it, was at
once recognized as intended for Mr. Oliver.
The Sheriff, Stephen Greenleaf, Esq., with his Deputy, Mr. Benja-
min Cudworth, was early on the spot, " but, by advice of some of the
graver persons present, forbore any attempt to remove the Image."
The Governor had already convened the Council, but the majority of
that body, on hearing the report of the Sherifl', " advised not to meddle
with the Image ; " arguing that the people were orderly, and, if left
alone, would take it down and bury it without any disturbance ; while
an attempt to remove it might bring on a riot, the very mischief sought
to be prevented. This was in the forenoon of the fourteenth. The Gov-
ernor convened the Council again in the afternoon, who were in session
in the Town-House when the effigies were carried through it, as men-
tioned in the News-Letter account above extracted. It is likewise
mentioned that the pageant was preceded " by forty or fifty tradesmen,
decently dressed."!
On the day following the riot. Governor Bernard issued a
"^' "^' Proclamation, offering 100 pounds reward to be paid "upon
* These were the first Acts of any Assem- treason there Tvould have been no Revolution ;
blies against the authority of tlie Act of Par- and but for a Revolution there woukl have
liament. They vrero expressed in such terms, been no Independence ; however unjust may
that many people, " upon the first surprise, have been the requirements of Government,
pronounced them treasonable ; particularly, they do not, in a legal point of view, aflect the
Mr. Otis, in the hearing of many persons in nature of the offence. If the Peopk
King-street." — Hutchinson, iii.- 119. This, the power to rek/ successfully, rebellion is at
as it respects James Otis, may be very true, once dignified with the name of Revolution.
It is also very true that all such opposition f Hutchinson. — The reason for destroying
partook of the nature of treason ; and but for Mr. Story's house, it is said, was, " because he
696
STAMP-ACT RIOTS.
[1765.
the conviction" of any person concerned therein.* But the current
of public sentiment was ah-eady too strong to be turned by, or even to
heed Proclamations, as will presently be seen.
Notwithstanding many persons were much distressed at the wanton
destruction of the property of an estimable fellow-townsman and gen-
tleman, and viewed the ruins with the sincerest and deepest regret, yet
" their prejudices were not abated against the Stamp Act."
This aspect of affairs brought Mr. Oliver " to a sudden resolution to
resign his office before another night, and he immediately signified, by a
writing under his hand,f to one of his friends, that he would send let-
ters, by a ship then ready to sail for London, which should contain such
resignation ; and he desired that the Town might be made acquainted
with it, and with the strong assurances he had given, that he would
never act in that capacity." This is Mr. Hutchinson's statement of the
case of his friend and relative.
did something amiss in the Office he sustained
in the Customs, relating to some gentlemen's
characters in this Town ; " and Mr. Hallowell,
" they say, had given out he would not value
taking the post of Stamp Master." — Copy of
a Letter from Joshua Henshaw, Jr., then in
Boston, to David Henshaw of Leicester, dated
28 Aug., 17G5. The original was recently in
possession of Mr. T. J. WniTTEiiORE of Cam-
bridge.
* As Gov. Hutchinson does not give tlie
Proclamation in his Appendix, it is thought it
would be proper to add it in a note here.
"By His Excellency FRANCIS BER-
NARD, ESQ., Captain-General, &c. A
PROCLAMATION.
" Whereas, yesterday, towards evening, a
great number of people unlawfully and riot-
ously assembled themselves together, in the
town of Boston, armed with clubs, staves, &c.,
and, with great noise and tumult, pulled down
a new erected building, belonging to the Sec-
retary of the Province, and, having so done,
surrounded his dwelling-house, pulled down
part of his fences, broke his windows ; at
length with force and violence entered the
house and damaged and destroyed his furni-
ture, and continued thus unlawfully assembled
until midnight, and committed divers other
outrages and enormities, to the great terror of
his Majesty's liege Subjects. I have therefore
thought fit, with the advice of his Majesty's
Council, to issue this Proclamation ; requiring
all Justices of Peace, and all Officers, civil
and military, to use their utmost endeavors
fdr discovering, apprehending and bringing to
justice all and every of the persons concerned
in the unlawful assembly aforesaid. And I do
hereby promise, that whosoever shall discover
and detect any of the persons concerned in the
outrages aforesaid, so that they or any of them
may be lawfully convicted, shall receive out
of the Public Treasury of this Province the
sum of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS as a re-
ward, to be paid upon the conviction of
such offender or offenders : And any person
concerned therein, over and above the reward
aforesaid, upon discovery of any of his accom-
plices as aforesaid, shall receive his Majesty's
free and gracious pardon.
" GIVEN at the Council Chamber in Bos-
ton, the 15th day of August, 1705, &c. &c.
" ERA. BERNARD.
" By His Excellency's Command,
" Jno. Cotton, Dep. Seer.
"GOD Save the KING."
I On the 2Gth of August following, Mr.
Oliver wrote to his friend Ingersoll : " Sir, the
newspapers will sufficiently inform you of the
abuse I have met with ; I am therefore only
to acquaint you, in short, that after having
stood the attack for 36 hours, a single man
against a whole people, the Government not
being able to afford me any help during that
whole time, I was persuaded to yield in order
to prevent what was coming on the second
night ; and, as I happened to give out in writ-
ing the terms of capitulation, I send you a
copy of them ; assuring you, at the same time,
that this only was what was given out by my
leave. I should be glad to hear from you,
and am,
" Sr. Yor. most humble Servant,
" Andw. Oliver."
[At the foot of the letter follows the Capit-
ulation.]
" Mr. Oliver acquaints Mr. "Waterhouse
that he has wrote to the Lords of the Treasury
to desire to be excused from executing the
office of Distributor of the Stamps, and that,
when they arrive, he shall only take proper
care to secure them for the Crown, but will
take no one step for distributing the same, at
the time appointed by the Act. And he may
inform his friends accordingly. Thursday
afternoon, 15 August." — From a copy of the
original, in possession of Dr. F. E. Oliver,
of Boston.
1765.] STAMP-ACT RIOTS. 697
The determination of the Distributor being made known to the people,
they were highly elated at their success, and looked upon it as, what in
fact it was, a great victory ; and it encouraged them to organize more
effectually in opposition to the Government. They were so much
pleased with Mr. Oliver's resignation, that the same night they assem-
bled on Fort Hill, and kindled a bonfire in honor of the event. And,
having been completely victorious, the officers of Government were en-
couraged to hope that the authors of the disturbance would quietly
resume their wonted affairs ; but they soon found they had deceived
themselves, and that even more serious troubles awaited them.
On the night of the attack on Mr. Oliver's house, Lieut. Governor
Hutchinson was in that house, and, as he acknowledges, had " excited
the Sheriff and the Colonel of the regiment to suppress the mob."
This, of course, it was his duty to do. But duty, on the part of those
the people considered as their oppressors, was but a small argument
with them for their forbearance to inflict retaliatory injury. Therefore,
the Lieut. Governor w^as next to be called upon to make atonement for
his offences against the sovereignty of the people. And as no one
could give so faithful an account of what befell him as himself, his own
relation of the wdiole transaction w ill presently be given in his own
words.
" A report was soon spread that he * was a favorer of the Stamp
Act, and had encouraged it by letters to the Ministry. Whereupon, on
the evening of the sixteenth of August, the mob surrounded the
°' ■ house of the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Justice. f Upon
notice of the approach of the people, he caused the doors and windows
to be barred, and remained in the house. After attempting to enter,
they called upon him to come into the balcony, and to declare that he
had not written in favor of the Act, and they would retire quite satis-
fied. This was an indignity to which he would not submit ; and
therefore he made no answer. An ancient reputable tradesman
obtained their attention, and endeavored to persuade them, not only of
the unwarrantableness of their proceedings, but of the groundlessness
of their suspicions of the Lieut. Governor, who might well enough wish
the Act of Parliament had not passed, though he disapproved of the
violent opposition to its execution. Some were for withdrawing, and
others for continuing ; when one of the neighbors called to them from
his window, and affirmed that he saw the Lieut. Governor in his car-
riage, just before night, and that he was gone to lodge at his house in
the country. J Upon this they dispersed, with only breaking some of
the glass."
Meanwhile, Dr. Mayhew preached a sermon in his own Church, from
* The Governor wrote in the third person. beyond the Neponset river, on the main road.
t iMr. Hutchinson, it will be remembered, The beautiful trees, which shade the avenue
held both these offices. leading from the river to that locality, are
X Mr. Hutchinson had an elegant country said to have been planted by Gov. Hutchin-
seat in Milton, on the summit of the hill just son's own hand.
88
698 STAMP-ACT RIOTS. [1765.
the text, " I would they were even cut off which trouble
"^' * you." * The Doctor's enemies seized upon this circumstance,
and reported that he had preached a sermon which went to encourage
the people to resist the Government, and had caused the mob to com-
mit the violence of which they had been guilty. This account of the
Sermon was circulated immediately after the enormities of the twenty-
sixth, next to be detailed.
As a reason for the proceedings of the mob against him. Governor
Hutchinson makes the following declaration : " Certain depositions had
been taken, many months before these transactions, by order of the
Governor [Bernard], concerning the illicit trade carrying on ; and one
of them, made by the Judge of the Admiralty, had, at the special
desire of the Governor, been sworn to before the Lieutenant Governor,
as Chief Justice. They had been shown at one of the Offices in Eng-
land to a person who arrived in Boston just at this time ; and he had
acquainted several merchants, whose names were in some of the deposi-
tions as smugglers, with the contents. This brought, though without
reason, the resentment of the merchants against the persons who, by
their office, were obliged to administer the oaths, as well as against
the Officers of the Customs and Admiralty, who had made the deposi-
tions."
These causes, though they may have more readily occurred to the
Lieut. Governor than others, do not seem to be quite sufficient to war-
rant the conclusion that they were the only ones, or even the chief
causes of the troubles. Gordon, who wrote at the time, and was con-
versant with the stirring men of the period, dates the prime cause much
earlier. However, on Monday evening following the decease of
^" * Dr. Mayhew, " about twilight, a small bonfire appeared to be
kindled in King-street, and surrounded only by a few boys and chil-
dren ; but one of the Fire Wards, perceiving it to rise to a dangerous
height, interposed and used his endeavors to extinguish, or at least to
diminish it ; in which salutary attempt, after several whispers from a
person unknown, warning him of danger, he received a blow and such
tokens of insult and outrage as obliged him to desist and take his de-
parture."
* Galatians v. 12,13. When it came to and I have heard your honor speak to the same
the knowledge of Mr. Mayhew that he was purpose. But, as my text led me to do, I cau-
charged with causing the destruction of Gov. tioned my hearers, very particularly, against
Hutchinson's house, he wrote a letter to that the abuses of liberty, and expressed the hopes
gentleman, in which he said : " God is my wit- that no persons amongst ourselves had encour-
ness, that from the bottom of my heart I de- aged the bringing of such a burden on their
test these proceedings ; and that I am sincerely Country, notwithstanding it had been strongly
grieved for them, and have a deep sympathy suspected. In truth, sir, I had rather lose my
with you and your distressed family on this hand than be an encourager of such outrages
occasion. 1 did, indeed, express myself strongly as were committed last night. I do not think
in favor of civil and religious liberty, as I my regard to truth was ever called in question
hope I shall ever continue to do ; and spoke by those that knew me ; and, therefore, hope
of the Stamp Act as a great grievance, like your Honor will be so just as to give entire
to prove detrimental, in a high degree, both credit to these solemn declarations." — Gordon's
to the Colonies and the Mother Country ; Hist. Am. Revolution, i. 178-9. Ed. Lon. 1788.
1765.] STAMP-ACT RIOTS. 699
This is the commencement of the account of what may be denomi-
nated the Great Riot, as published in a " Supplement to the Boston
News-Letter," printed one week after it happened; and, as Mr. Hutch-
inson but barely alludes to it, this account is continued from the same
source as the transactions preceding the destruction of the house of
the Lieutenant Governor, which, as before stated, will be given in his
own words.
" Soon after this" (the departure of the Fire Ward), " daylight
being scarce in,* the fire gradually decaying, a peculiar whoop and
whistle was observed to be sounded from various quarters, which in-
stantaneously drew together a great number of disguised ruffians, armed
with clubs, staves, etc. No sooner were they assembled than an attack
was made on the dwelling-house of William Story, Esq., opposite the
north side of the Court-house ; the lower part of which, being his office
as Dep. Register of the Court of Vice-Admiralty, was in a few moments
laid open. The public files of that Court, Mr. Story's private papers,
books of accounts, etc., were exposed to ravage and destruction, and
improved as fuel to revive the expiring flames of the bonfire. Little more
than half an hour sufficed them here.
" Boisterous and intrepid, from the first object of their rage, they
rushed onward, increasing still in numbers and fury, to the new and
elegantly-finished building of Benjamin Hallowell, Jr., Esq. [Comp-
troller of the Customs in Hanover-street] ,| where, after tearing down
the fences, breaking the windows, etc., they at length entered the
house, and, in the most savage and destructive manner, broke and
abused his furniture, chairs, tables, desk, glasses, china, and, in short,
everything they could lay their hands on ; at the same time purloining
his money, J and dispersing his private books and papers, until, by the
effect of wine and the other stores of his cellar, they ripened in ebriety
and madness, and became fit for the next more desolating and barbarous
operation."
* Another account says the mob went first barrel of punch probably prepared the way for
to Mr. Charles Paxtou's house (which was in the other mischiefs.
Tilley's-alley, afterwards Hutchinson, now f After the numbering of buildings was
Pearl-street, and stood on the east side of the adopted, that occupying the site of Mr. Hal-
street, some four doors from Milk, an elegant lowell's was No. 47. The Hon. John CoflBn
three-story brick) . But Mr. Paxton was only Jones afterwards lived on the same spot. Here
a tenant, and did not own the house, and its stood his mansion-house when the first Direc-
real owner, happening to be there, assured tory of the Town was made (1789), and here
them of the fact. He assured them also that he resided many years. Before 1818 he re-
Mr. Paxton had gone off, and had carried moved to Pearl-street, and afterwards to Som-
away most of his valuables ; that, as he (the erset Place, where he died, 25 Oct., 1829,
owner of the house) had not done them any aged 82. A church was built in Hanover-
harm, he hoped they would not injui-e his street, upon the site of Mr. Jones' former
property, and, at the same time, proposed to mansion, over which the Rev. Dr. Lyman
treat them with a barrel of punch " at the Beecher was installed 22 March, 1826. This
tavern." This offer was immediately accepted, church was burned on the 1st of Feb., 1830,
That after the punch was disposed of, the and the ground on which it stood has been
Mob went directly to Mr. Story's. There is no since improved for stores.
allusion to this prelude to the tragedy in the J " About £30 sterling."— Governor's Proc-
Governor's Proclamation of Aug. 28th. The lamation.
700 STAMP-ACT RIOTS. [1765.
"They came with intoxicated rage,"* writes Mr. Hutchinson
(whose account follows), "upon the house of the Lieut. Grovernor.f
The doors were immediately split to pieces with broad axes, and a way
made there, and at the windows, for the entry of the mob ; which
poured in, and filled in an instant every room in the house.
" The Lieut. Governor had very short notice of the approach of the
Mob. He directed his children and the rest of his family to leave the
house immediately, determining to keep possession himself. His eldest
daughter, after going a little way from the house, returned, and refused
to quit it unless her father would do the lil^e. This caused him to
depart from his resolution a few minutes before the mob entered. They
continued their possession until daylight ; destroyed, carried away, or
cast into the street, everything that was in the house ; demolished every
part of it, except the walls, as far as lay in their power, and had begun
to break away the brick work.|
" The damage was estimated at about 2,500 pounds sterling, without
any regard to a great collection of public as well as private papers, in
the possession and custody of the Lieut. Governor.§
" The Town was the whole night under the awe of this mob ; many
of the Magistrates, with the Field Officers of the militia, standing by
as spectators ; and nobody daring to oppose or contradict.
" The Governor was at the Castle, || and knew nothing of what had
happened until the next morning. He then went to Town, and caused
* In a MS. note in a copy of Snow's His- In an extract in Snow's History it is said,
tory it is said, that " Mr. John Rowe led the " they [the Mob] worked three hours at the
Mob against Mr. Hutchinson's house ; but cupola before they could get it down, and they
there was no intention to commit such violence uncovered part of the roof; but I suppose the
as was committed." The authority cited is thickness of the Avails, which were of very fine
" C. Hopkins to R[edford] Webster." But brick work, adorned with Ionic pilasters
Hutchinson himself says the leader was Mack- worked into the wall, prevented their com-
intosh. pleting their purpose, though they worked at
f In Garden Court-street. It was taken it till daylight. The next day the streets were
down about 1830. found scattered with money, plate, gold rings,
J Governor Bernard's proclamation is more etc. The whole loss in this house is reckoned
particular. It says those who had been at at £3,168 17s. 9d. lawful." This was the
Mr. Hallowell's, " or other riotous people, did amount he received afterwards as an indemnity
on the same night attack the dwelling-house of for his loss of property. — Eliot. But Gordon
the Hon. Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., Lieut, says, " Mr. Hutchinson's loss was £2,396 35.
Governor of the Province, and forcibly enter l^d; Mr. Oliver's, £129 3s.,- Mr. Hallowell's,
the same, break down and destroy the wain- £289 Os. 3i</."
ecot and partitions therein, leaving the house ^ These papers he was using in compiling
a mere shell from top to bottom, break and his History, the first volume of which was is-
destroy every window, with all the furniture sued the last year (1764). In the Preface to
belonging thereto, destroy or carry off all the the second volume he thus alludes to this
wearing apparel, jewels, books and papers of destruction of his papers : " The loss of many
every kind belonging to his Honor and his papers and books, in print as well as manu-
family, drink, take away or destroy eight script, besides my family memorials, never can
pipes and three quarter-casks of wine, and be rejiaired." Xor can any estimate be made
every bottle of liquors, and all provisions and of the real loss to the history of the Country,
stores of what kjnd so ever in his cellars, and || Gov. Bernard had a seat at Jamaica Plain,
carry off about £900 sterling in money, with in Roxbury, about which Luther M. Harris,
all his Honor's plate ; and did afterwards de- M. D., has communicated some interesting par-
liberately cut down the cupoja or lantern on ticulars to the Neiv Eng. Hist. <Sf G. Reg. for
top of the house, and uncover great part of the Jan. 1856, p. 23.
roof," etc.
1765.]
STAMP-ACT RIOTS.
701
a Council to be summoned. Before they could meet, the inhabitants
of Boston assembled in Faneuil Hall ; and in as full a meeting as had
been known, by an unanimous vote, declared an utter detestation of
the extraordinary and violent proceedings of a number of persons un-
known, against some of the inhabitants of the Town the preceding
night ; and desired the Selectmen and Magistrates of the Town to use
their utmost endeavors to suppress the like disorders for the future ; the
freeholders and other inhabitants being ready to do everything in their
power to assist them. It could not be doubted that many of those who
were immediate actors in, as well as of those who had been abettors of,
those violent proceedings, were present at this unanimous vote."
By advice of the Council, the Governor issued a Proclamation, offer-
ing a reward of 300 pounds for the detection of the ringleader, and
100 pounds for others concerned in the riot. Many of them were
probably well known. Indeed, several were apprehended, among whom
was one Moore ; but courts and law had the majority of the people
against them, and consequently jails had lost their strength.
One Mackintosh,* a mechanic of the Town, was apprehended in
King-street, as a ringleader ; but the Sheriff who had him in charge
was at once surrounded by a number of merchants, and other persons
of property and character, who assured him that if Mackintosh was pro-
ceeded against, not a man would appear in arms, as had been proposed,
for the security of the Town the next night. Whereupon the Sheriff
released him, and made return of his doings to the Governor, then in
Council. Some of the Council thought the Sheriff could not be ex-
cused ; but no action of disapprobation followed in that body ; all
being ready, probably, like the
Lieutenant Governor, to ex-
claim : "To this feeble state
were the powers of Government
reduced ! "
Six or eight others were ap-
prehended, and on examination
were committed to jail ; but be-
fore their trial came on, a party
of men entered the house of the
Jailer in the night, compelled
him to deliver them the keys of
the prison, which they opened
and set the accused at liberty.
All this was effected without tu-
mult or alarm to any except the
Jailer and his immediate family.
The persons liberated kept out
of the way for a time ; " but
Perhaps Peter M'IntosIi, a blacksmith, at the South End.
702 CONSEQUENCES OF THE RIOTS, [1765.
there was no authority," says Hutchinson, " which thought it advisable
to make any inquiry after them."
Au"- 2" ^ ^^^ ^^^ following this riot was the first day of the Superior
"■ * Court for the County of Suffolk. And while the four Judges
appeared in their robes of office, Mr. Hutchinson, as Chief Justice,
appeared in his ordinary dress, in which he was sitting in the evening
when the Mob came to his house ; because his robes and every other
garment had been destroyed or carried off.* Therefore, instead of a
Charge to the Grand Jury, the Chief Justice made a long speech to the
people, in which he endeavored to convince them of the fatal effects to
the Province of the violent opposition to Government which had begun
to take place. The Court then "showed their resentment by refusing
to do any business while the Town was in that disorderly state, and ad-
journed for six weeks."
Governor Hutchinson observes, that " many of the most ruffian part
of the Mob, who left the Town the next day after the Riot, returned in
the evening, and attempted again to collect the people together, in
order to further rapine ; but a military watch having been ordered, and
the Governor's company of Cadets appearing in arms, and showing
great spirit, the Mob was dispersed."
Se t 10 ^bout the tenth of September, there was a ship arrived di-
^^ ■ ■ rect from London. In her came George Messervey, Esq., with
a Commission as Distributor of Stamps for the Province of New Hamp-
shire. Having understood that such officers were not very welcome
in Boston, Mr. Messervey thought it best, before coming on shore, to
signify by letter to some gentlemen in the town, "that, as such an
office would be disagreeable to the people, he should resign it." This
announcement being made known, a large number of his friends and
other gentlemen assembled on the end of Long Wharf to greet him on
his landing, which immediately followed. Here he made a declaration
to this effect : "As he was the unhappy man who had personally
accepted of an office odious to his Country, he freely resigned it, and
would never act in that capacity." Upon this, three cheers were
given "by a vast concourse of people" which had now assembled.
Mr. Messervey was then escorted into the Town. On arriving at the
head of the wharf the cheering was repeated, and again on the Ex-
change, in King-street. In the ship with the Stamp Master came one
box of Stamps for New Hampshire, but no other mention is made of
them.
News came by the same ship that there was a change of Ministry
" at home," and that the Stamp Act Avould be laid aside. All this,
* The paraphernalia of office in those clays lated to produce regard to authority." Bag-
was supposed to be of great consequence, wigs, gaudy robes, and sashes, might have
Soon after the Revolution it was entirely dis- some influence in inspiring respect where ig-
pensed with. Mr. Gordon says, " Mr. Hutch- norance abounded, while they only excited
inson attended in his only suit, and necessarily contempt in a community where intelligence
without those ensigns of office so wisely calcu- and common sense had their due influence.
1765.] NEWS OF CHANGE OF MINISTRY. 703
together with what had just transpired, filled the Town generally with
joy ; " and in the evening, many loyal healths were drank by num-
bers of gentlemen who met at several public places for that purpose."
But the demonstration did not end here ; for, on the following
°^ ' ■ morning, all the bells were rung, " and joy and gladness ap-
peared on every countenance. At the south part of the town, the
trees, for which many have so great a veneration, were decorated with
the ensigns of loyalty, and the Colors embroidered with several mot-
toes. On the body of the largest tree was fixed, with large deck
nails, that it might last, as a poet said, ' like oaken bench to perpetu-
ity,' a copperplate, with these words stamped thereon, in golden let-
ters, ' THE TREE OF LIBERTY, August 14, 1765.' " A great
holiday ensued. Liquor was freely served out to the multitude who
had assembled about Liberty Tree, and salutes Avere fired. Soon
after one o'clock, " some of the train of artillery brought down some
cannon, placed them before the Town-house, and fired several rounds."
This appears to have been done without the authority of the Com-
mander in Chief, and without any notice to the Governor and Council,
then sitting.
The next day there was a Town-meeting in Faneuil Hall ;
°^ ■ "" the principal motive for which appears to have been to show
respect to Lord Adam Gordon, who, on the previous Sunday, had ar-
rived in Town from Albany, and to engage him to use his influence, on
his return to England, to effect the repeal of the Stamp Act.* Accord-
ingly, a committee was appointed to wait upon him, at the head of
which was James Otis, the Moderator. His Lordship received the
Committee with all due respect, but, in reply to Mr. Otis's address,
his language was so well guarded, that, while it contained nothing to
encourage the Patriots, it gave them no special ground to think he
would take particular pains to serve them. He was attached to the
Army, was Colonel of the sixty-sixth regiment, and soon after left
for England. The meeting was adjourned to the eighteenth following.
At the Town-meeting of the twelfth of September, gentlemen, as
usual, were appointed to draw up Instructions for the Representatives.
At the adjourned meeting, those Instructions were reported
^^ ■ ' and accepted. At the same meeting, special notice was
taken of those gentlemen who had stood up in Parliament in opposi-
tion to the laws which bore so heavily upon the Colonies ; f and it was
* He was a Member of Parliament, and was transmit by the first opportunity, to the Rt.
making a tour through the country. Hon. Gen. Conway, now one of his Majesty's
f On a motion made at the above meeting, principal Secretaries of State, and to Col.
it was unanimously voted that the Hon. James Isaac Barre, a Member of Parliament, several
Otis, Esq., the ^Moderator, the Hon. Samuel Addresses, humbly expressing the sincere
Welles, Esq., the Hon. Harrison Gray, Esq., thanks of this Metropolis of His Majesty's
the Hon. Royall Tyler, Esq., Joshua Hen- ancient and loyal Province, for their noble,
shaw, Esq., John Rowe, Esq., and Mr. Samu- generous, and truly patriotic speeches, at the
el Adams, be a Committee to draw up and last session of Parliament, in favor of the
704 ISAAC BARRE. [1765.
voted that letters of thanks should he transmitted to them, and that
their portraits should be requested, and, when obtained, be hung up
in Faneuil Hall. This was in due time accomplished, and the por-
traits of Gen. Conway* and Colonel Barre were afterwards placed
there. But what became of them is not known, though they are
supposed to have been destroyed or carried off when the British army
had control of the town in 1775-6.
Mr. Otis probably drafted the letters sent to those gentlemen, but
Colonel Barre did not receive that directed to him until the latter end
of December following, owing to his absence from London. In a few
days after its receipt, he replied to it, and in a style of surpassing felicity
of expression, glowing with the best feelings of the human heart.f
He commenced by observing that "it was with the highest sense of
honor done him he acknowledged the receipt" of the letter, and the
resolutions of the Town. He then referred to his services in, and
acquaintance with, America, and then to the immediate cause of the
notice taken of him by the Town of Boston, in these words: "My
conduct in Parliament, so obligingly referred to, being the real senti-
ments of my heart, was the natural result of these considerations.!
The terms in which they were delivered were such as the particular
circumstances of time and place first suggested, and such as I cannot
possibly, at this distance, charge my memory with. They were not
premeditated, nor are they, perhaps, worthy to be remembered. I
must, therefore, beg your mediation, Sir, with the respectable body
whose pen you hold, to excuse my troubling them with an imperfect
repetition of words, in themselves of little use in North America.
But if there should be any call for the like exertion in Europe, I beg
leave, through your means, to assure them that no consideration shall
make me forget my duty, whenever an occasion presents itself, of pro-
moting, to the utmost of my abilities, the united interests of Great
Britain and her Colonies."
Colonel Barre then modestly refers to the request for his portrait,
in this paragraph : "As long as the inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay
will continue to regard the motives of my conduct, and not the conse-
quences, I do not despair of retaining, what I shall ever esteem among
the greatest rewards, their approbation, of which I cannot have a more
honorable or distinguishing mark than that contained in the last part
Colonies, their Rights and Privileges ; and tary of State for the Northern Department,
thatcorrect copies of the same be desired, that then the leader of the House of Commons,
they may be deposited among our most pre- whom Junius, with no great justice, perhaps,
cious archives. Also voted, that those gentle- characterized as " Caution without foresight."
men's pictures, as soon as they can be ob- His career was a short one.
tained, be placed in Faneuil Hall, as a stand- f It was dated January 11th, 1766. The
ing monument to all posterity of the virtue date of Mr. Otis's was September the 20th,
and justice of our benefactors, and a lasting two days after the vote recorded in the text. .
proof of our gratitude. Attest, J Considerations respecting the interests of
" William Cooper, Town Clerk.^^ both countries, noticed in a previous paragraph
* The Hon. Henry Seymour Conway, Secre- of his letter.
1765.] RIOTS OUT OF BOSTON. 705
of their resolution. A flattering request, whicli I shall comply with
as soon as possible."*
Gen. Conway's letter, acknowledging the action of the Town, as
also that of Colonel Barre, are entered upon the Records of the Town.
The letter accompanying his portrait was not received until 17G7.t
Boston, though it took the lead in opposition to the Stamp Act, was
not the only place where a disposition was shown to set its provisions
at defiance. Stamp Masters had been burnt in effigy in nearly all the
Colonies, and those holding that office had been compelled to follow the
example of Mr. Oliver, and resign. " Mobs became frequent in Con-
necticut, Rhode Island, and New York." The first of November was
at hand. Then the Act was to take effect. All business requiring
forms must be suspended or done illegally. To proceed as before, using
instruments without Stamps, was hazardous in the extreme, inasmuch as
it was by no means certain that the Act would not be enforced. This
was the aspect of the political horizon in Boston in the autumn of
1765.
When the General Court met, in September, the Governor alluded to
the disturbances in his speech ; and, although he spoke sensibly in some
parts of it, it is plain that he did not well understand his position, nor
the people over whom he was placed. He had abundant proof that
his authority was set at defiance ; and for him to threaten them, under
such circumstances, was calculated to call forth ridicule, and to lessen
the little respect entertained for him. Even Mr. Hutchinson remarks
of Governor Bernard's speech, that though "animated, the conclusion
was faint.''
The General Court were expected to take some action by which
Stamps might be dispensed with. This was as well understood by the
people as by the Court, especially the popular branch of it. Hence,
when the subject came up, it was referred to a Committee of the two
Houses.
^Q Meanwhile, the Stamps having arrived, and as there was no
ept- - • ^^f^QQy having a commission to receive them, the Governor caused
them to be landed at the Castle, and there to be kept until the pleas-
ure of his Majesty should be known. J Therefore the Report of the
* It is not a little source of mortification to slow in finishing it, I hope it will not be im-
the Writer, to be obliged to saj^ that the por- puted to any neglect on my part, or to any
traits of Col. Barre and Gen. Conway have want of the just sense I ought ever to retain
never been replaced in Faneuil Hall. Could of the great distinction they were pleased to
some of the City's expenditures be converted favor me with on that occasion." — From the
into them, it wcTuld lose none of its honor by original in the possession of Fraxcis Jackson,
the chano-e. Esq., who kindly brought it to the notice of
f That°letter was brief, and in these words : the Author. It'should be stated that the let-
" London, March IGth, 1707. Sir, I am ter is not in the autograph of Secretary Con-
' ashamed to have so long deferred sending my way, but is signed by him.
Picture, which the Assembly of Boston have % Before taking the responsibility of con-
done me the honor to request. But as this cerning with the Stamps, Mr. Bernard desired
delay has been chiefly owing to the dilatori- the advice of the General Court in the matter ;
ness of the painter, who has been extremely but the Court declined giving any.
89
706 BUSINESS SUSPENDED. [1765.
Committee was in accordance with all the facts ; recommending that,
as there was nobody to distribute the Stamps, and that no persons
" would think it consistent with their reputation to become a Distrib-
utor," all business should proceed as before the passage of the Act,
using papers without Stamps, and that this course should be legalized
by the General Coart, or become valid. The Governor, of course, was
not expected to give his assent to such an Act, and it was recom-
mitted in the House. In the mean time the Assembly was prorogued,
but the opponents of the Stamp Act got all they expected, though
' they had not got authority to do business without Stamps. It
was therefore resolved by the business community to do all in their
power to cause the Act to be repealed. They were much encour-
aged in this movement, for about the time the General Court was
prorogued, several vessels arrived from England, bringing intelli-
gence that a great part of the people of that country were against
the Act.
The people had now pretty generally come to the conclusion that
they woulcl defeat the operation of the Stamp Act by refusing to
make any use of stamped paper ; that a suspension of all business
would necessarily follow, for a time, in which stamps Avere required,
was also expected.
At the same time the merchants and traders in and near Boston formed
an agreement to recall all unconditional English orders, except for sea-
coal, and a few other bulky articles, and to order none, except upon the
condition that the Stamp Act was repealed. All who did not come
into this agreement were looked upon as enemies to the Country. In
addition to this, all merchants, who were getting vessels ready for sea,
took out their papers before the first of November, although they did
not expect to use them for a month or more after that ; thereby avoid-
ing stamped clearances. Hence five or six weeks passed without any
business being done or required to be done at the Custom-house. It
was the same in the Courts of Law. No wills were proved nor ad-
ministrations granted; no deeds nor bonds were executed, or any
other business done, where stamped papers were required to make the
transaction legal. This was indeed a great inconvenience, and to
many a serious grievance.
While affairs were in this state, the Rulers must have seen that
fearful troubles might well be expected, and at no very distant day ;
but their hands were tied as well as those of the people ; and when a
gentleman of the Liberty Party complained, to some of the officers of
Government, that things were in such a condition, he was told that
" he had raised the Devil, and now could not lay him." Such an an-
swer may have discovered the feelings of the Official, but its eff'ect
naturally was to irritate the Liberty Men.
In the midst of the stirring scenes now opened, the Patriots lost one
of their substantial supporters. This was Joseph Green, Esq., a mer-
17G5.] ANTI-STAMP DEMONSTRATIONS. 707
chant, who has been before noticed in these pages. He died on the
first day of July, in the sixty-second year of his age.*
CHAPTER LXX.
Anti-Stamp Demonstrations. — GrenYille and Huske burnt in Effigy. — A Caricature. — Powder-plot
Celebration. — Union of the North and South End Pageants. — Scriptural Account of the Stamp Act.
— Vessels sail without Stamped Clearances. — Business at a Stand. — News from England favor-
able. — Mr. Oliver called upon to make a public llesignation. — Resigns at Liberty Tree. — The
Town memorialize the General Court. — No Redress. — Hutchinson i-esigns Office of Judge of Probate.
— Population of Town and Province. — Boston in Rebellion proclaimed in Parliament. — A Stamp
described. — Liberty Tree pruned. — Greuville and Bute burnt in Effigy. — Case of Capt. Thaclier.
— Ceremony of Burning a Stamp. — Case of Capt. Kirkwood.
Nov 1 -^^"^ ^^^® Liberty Party were determined to
make a demonstration on tlie day on which the
» — |— . Stamp Act was to have taken effect ; more, perhaps, to
/ ^-, __^, r?^ overawe the authorities, and cause them to abandon
p j any hope they might have of an acquiescence or submis-
\|||li[' j sion to that Act, than for any other purpose. Ac-
m ' cordingly, that morning, it being Friday, was "ush-
ered in l3y the tolling of bells, and the vessels in the
harbor displayed their colors at half mast." The au-
wAUKh.N.i tliorities feared there would be some outbreak, and had
* He was son of the Kev. Joseph Green, Some time after this lie went to England, and
of Salem Village, and was born 12 Dec. 1703 ; died there.
m. Anna Pierce, of Portsmouth, N. H. His f The Arms of Warren, here presented, are
portrait, by Copley, is in possession of Dr. copied from the magnifieent (privately printed)
Joshua Green, of Groton, a descendant. Gov. work entitled " Genealogy of Warren, with
Shirley commissioned him a Magistrate in some Historical Sketches ; by John C. War-
1755, and Gov. Bex-nard in. 1761. A large es- ren, M.D., Emeritus Professor of Harvard
tate in Hanover-street, on which now stands University," printed in Boston, in 1854. The
the American House, was purchased by him immediate family of Gen. Joseph Warren is
in 1734, of Gov. Belcher, for £3,000. He descended from Peter Warren, of Boston, who,
was of the well-known firm of Green & Walker March 8th, 1G59, purchased land of Theodore
of that day. Mr. W^alker's name was Isaac. Atkinson, " situated on the south side of Bos-
Their sons, Joseph Green and Edward Walker, ton, next the water-side, opposite and against
also merchants and co-partners, kept, in 1761, Dorchester Neck." South Boston was fbr-
" at the north corner of Queen-street, near the merly Dorchester Neck. He died 1704. By
Town-house." Joseph Green, Esq., had many his wife Sarah, daughter of Robert Tucker, of
children, sons and daughters. All the sons Dorchester, he had, besides other children, Jo-
died childless except Joshua, II. C. 1749. His seph Warren, of Roxbury, who died in 1729.
eldest daughter, Anna, m. Joshua Winslow of By his wife Deborah, daughter of Sam'l Wil-
Marshfield ; another, Susanna, m. Francis Hams, of Deerfield, Joseph of Roxbury had,
Green, her cousin, son of Benj. Green, of Hal- beside others, Joseph, also of Roxbury, who
ifax ; another, Elizabeth, m. Mr. Ebenezer died in October, 1775. This Joseph m. ;Ma-
Storer (II. 0. 1747). See N. E. Hist, and Gen. ry, daughter of Samuel Stevens, of Roxbury,
Reg., vol. vi. 275. George, son of Joseph 29 May, 1740, and had Joseph, who fell at
Green, Esq., m. Catherine Aspinwall, of Bunker's Hill, and left issue Samuel, of
Brookline. He was a merchant, and his shop Roxbury, who died unmarried ; Ebenezer, of
was at the corner of Williams Court in 1770. Foxborough, ]Mass., and John, of Salem and
708 GRENVILLE AND IIUSKE BURNT IN EFFIGY. [1765.
taken precautionary measures to prevent the repetition of similar
scenes to those of the fourteenth and twenty-sixth of August.* How-
ever, on the morning of the first of November, the Great Tree at Es-
sex-street, now well known as Liberty Tree, was "adorned" with
the effigies of George Grenville and John Iluske ; f the former had
been a principal in bringing about the Stamp Act, and the latter had,
it was said, been the first to advise it.
Those Images remained hanging upon the tree until about three
o'clock in the afternoon, nobody presuming to interfere. Meanwhile,
the, avenues to the tree were crowded by several thousands of people,
of all ranks and conditions, and in their presence the Figures were cut
down and placed in a cart, with great solemnity, and amidst deafening
acclamations of the surrounding multitude. As the cart moved from
the tree down Newbury-street, the people followed it in perfect order
and in regular ranks. The procession marched directly to the Court-
house, where the Assembly or General Court was in session ; thence
to the North End ; thence up Middle-street ; thence back through the
town to the gallows on the Neck. Here the Effigies were again sus-
pended, and, after remaining a short time, were cut down, and treated
with such indignities as were thought necessary to show the detestation
in which the characters of those were held whom they represented.
They were fiercely torn limb from limb, and the several parts tossed in
the air.
When this was finished, three cheers were given, and the multitude
were requested to go quietly to their homes ; which every one did in
a very orderly manner, and the following night was entirely free from
noise, to the happy astonishment of many, who had shuddered under
fearful apprehensions of a far different termination.
The above is the substance of the Massachusetts Gazette account J
of a memorable event in the history of Boston, which is thus closed :
*' The fears of many were great lest it should prove another 26th of
Boston, who died Apr. 4, 1815. The last-named The Gazette then goes on to give an account
gentleman was an eminent surgeon, a biogra- of the Effigies on Liberty Tree, as though the
phy of whom is contained in Dr. Thacher's affair had then happened.
Medical Biography and several other works. f In a speech, which Huske made not long
He married (in 1777) Abigail, daughter of after in the House of Commons, he referred to
Gov. John Collins, of Newport, K. I. She his being hung in eflBgy in Boston, and in a
died in 1832. These are the parents of the facetious and exulting manner called upon
present Dr. Johx Collins Warren, of Boston, Mr. Grenville in these words : " So, my Lord,
before named. — Genealogy of Warren, and I perceive I have the honor to be hung in effi-
Loring's Hundred Orators, p. 45. gy alongside your Lordship in America." —
* On the last day of October, " The Massa- See page 598 for some account of Mr. Huske,
chusetts Gazette Extraordinary '' was issued, and p. 680,
It contained an article with this heading : % Published Nov. 7, which is marked No.
35(.ston,Wobemfier first, one tDousanOscben ^^ '^he Massachusetts Gazette and Boston
JjunDvetr ant. st):t£=fibe. Neios-Letter ended {nndev that title) October
oist, preceding. But it was resumed atter-
0, fatal ! From and After ! wards, namely. May 22d, 17G6. In 1768 they
'Jove fixed it certain, that whatever day ^ere published separately, but in 1769 they
Makes man a slave, takes half his worth away ! ' "were again published together, on a whole
Pope's Homer, . sheet.
1765.] POWDER-PLOT CELEBRATION. 709
August ; for the horrid violence of which night we hope the good
order of this will in some measure atone, as it is a proof that such con-
duct was not agreeable to the sentiments of the Town, but was only
the lawless ravages of some foreign villains, who took advantage of
the overheated temper of a very few people of this place, and drew
them in to commit such violence and disorders as they shuddered at
with horror in their cooler hours." *
On the morning of the same day, November the first, Nathaniel
Hurd, " near the Town-house," issued an extraordinary caricature,
designed to increase the contempt in which the Stamp Act and its
promoters were held.f
j^^ ^ The Tuesday following was the anniversary of the Powder
Plot. " When the day arrived the morning was all quietness.
About noon the Pageantry, representing the Pope, Devil, and several
other Effigies, signifying Tyranny, Oppression, Slavery, etc., were
brought on stages from the North, and South, and met in King-st.,
where the Union, | previously entered into by the leaders, was estab-
lished in a very ceremonial manner, and, having given three huzzas,
they interchanged ground ; the South [men] marched to the North,
and the North [men] to the South, parading through the streets until
they again met near the Court-house. The whole then proceeded to
the Tree of Liberty, under the shadow of which they refreshed them-
selves for a while, and then retreated to the northward, agreeably to
their plan. They reached Copp's Hill before six o'clock, where they
halted, and having enkindled a fire, the whole Pageantry was com-
mitted to the flames and consumed. This being finished, every person
was requested to retire to their respective houses. And it must be
noticed, to the honor of all those concerned in this business, that every-
thing was conducted in a most regular manner, and such order observed
as could hardly be expected among a concourse of several thousand
people. All seemed to be joined agreeably to their principal motto,
'Lovely Unity.' The leaders, Mr. Mcintosh, § from the South, and
* " The Government party inferred that about a union, as mentioned in the text,
this was an evidence of an influence the mob Those Chiefs met on the day of the Stamp-Act
was under, and that they might be let loose demonstration, namely, Nov. 1st, " and Con-
or kept up, just as their leaders thought fit." ducted that affair in a very orderly manner.
— Hutchinson. In the evening the Commander of the South
f I have never met with a copy of this car- entered into a treaty with the Commander of
icature, and do not know that a copy exists, the North, and, after making several over-
It is described at length in the Gazette of Nov. tures, they reciprocally engaged in a union, the
7th. The description closes thus: "On the former distinctions to subside. At the same
other side [on the other hand of the picture] time the Chiefs with their assistants engaged,
is a Gallows with this inscription, ' Fit enter- upon their honor, no mischiefs should arise by
tainment for St[am]p jM[e]n.' A number of their means, and that they would prevent any
these gentlemen, with labels, expressing vari- disorders on the fifth." — Mass. Gaz. 7 Nov.
ous sentiments on the occasion. At the bottom 1765. Tudor, in his Life of Otis (whose
is a Coat of Arms proper for the Stamp Man." date is followed ante, p. 663), is probably
{ Deploring the bad effects of former cele- wrong as to the time when this pageant
brations of Pope Days, many of the better ceased, or the two parties united in one.
sort of inhabitants had, by their prudent in- ^ The same person mentioned before, prob-
tercession with the Chiefs or Leaders, brought ably.
710 STAMP ACT UNPOPULAR IN ENGLAND. [1765.
Mr. Swift, from tlie North, appeared in military habits, with small
canes resting on their left arms, having music in front and flank ;
their assistants appeared also distinguished with small reeds. Then
the respective corps followed ; among whom were a great number of
persons in rank. These, with the spectators, filled the streets. Not
a club was seen among the whole, nor was any Negro allowed to ap-
proach near the stages. After the conflagration the people retired,
and the Town remained the whole night in better order than it had
ever been on this occasion. Many gentlemen, seeing the affair so well
conducted, contributed to make up a handsome purse to entertain
those that carried it out."
" This union," the writer in the Gazette adds, " and one other
more extensive,* may be looked upon as the (perhaps the only) happy
effects arising from the Stamp Act."
About this time there was published in London, and not long after
republished in Boston, an ingenious account of the proceedings which
had grown out of the Stamp Act. It was in Scripture style, and con-
sisted of ninety-one verses, and was divided into three chapters. The
commencement of the second runs thus : " Now tidings came to the
men of America that the decree had gone forth for them to pay the
Stamp tribute. 2. And they were greatly amazed thereat, and they
cried Vith a loud voice, saying, 3. Now is fulfilled that which was
spoken of the Prophet ; America shall howl ; on all their heads shall
be baldness, and every beard cut off. 4. In their streets they shall
gird themselves with sackcloth ; on the tops of their houses, and in
their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly.
" 5. And many of the men of America waxed exceeding WToth, and
they took unto them garments and stuffed them with stuffing, yea, with
filthy rags did they stuff them, and they fashioned them till they did
represent men. 6. And they called them the representations of Stamp
Masters, and they hung them upon trees and gallowses, and they
were mocked by men until evening, when they were taken down and
burned with fire. 7. And they burned also a Jack Boot, but what they
meant by that is unknown at this day. 8. Yea, and they made like-
wise a stuffed figure with horns to represent Satan ; for they said, ' Go
to, for surely Satan himself was the deviser of this tribute.' 9. And
in like manner did they act all over the whole land." f
The whole was of this tenor, which showed that the Stamp Act found
adversaries at home as well as elsewhere.
^^^ g On the eighth of November, Gov. Bernard prorogued the
General Court to the fifteenth of January. This gave much dis-
* "Whether the writer had reference to the document, for the use of which I am indebted
unanimity of the Colonies in resisting the to my friend, John W. Parker, Esq., of
Stamp Act, or to the non-importation agree- Eoxbury, whose collection of old papers, con-
meiit entered into in Boston, is left to conject- sisting of ballads, hand-bills, and newspapers,
^^'^- _ is probably superior to any private collection
f I have seen but one copy of this curious in this vicinity.
1765.] INDIGNITY TO SECRETARY OLIVER. 711
satisfaction to the inhabitants, who hud been looking to that body for
some relief from the distresses which snrrounded them. But, as has
been before detailed, the Assembly was prorogued while the Bill in-
tended for their relief was in the hands of a Committee. Soon after
this several vessels went to sea without stamped clearances ; the Cus-
tom-house Officers giving the Masters certificate's that no Stamps could
be procured in their jurisdiction. The first ship to venture under such
circumstances, was the Boston Packet, Capt. John Marshall,* owned
and sent out by John Hancock, Esquire. She was bound for London,
where she safely arrived, and passed the Custom-house without her
certificate being ciuestioned.f
But, in general, business was at a stand. A Town-meeting was called
to see what could be done. It was appointed to take place on the
eighteenth of December. In the mean time, new arrivals from England
brought further advices of the opposition to the Stamp Act in that
country. This gave the "Sons of Liberty " J new courage, and
caused them to give the Government a further proof of their firmness
in the cause they had espoused. They were determined to compel Mr.
Oliver to make a new and public declaration that he would not act as
Stamp Distributor under any circumstances. And it is surprising that a
high-minded and honorable man, as Mr. Oliver certainly was, should
ever have submitted to the gross indignity. § However, he thought it
best to yield to the demands of the people ; considerably influenced,
no doubt, by the news from England, that the Ministry had been
turned out, chiefly because they had, by their imprudence, caused
measures to be adopted which could not be carried out.
However, a few days before the Town-meeting just adverted to, a
report was industriously circulated, that Mr. Oliver was using his en-
deavors to be reinstated in the office of Stamp Master. This report,
though under the circumstances it was very unlikely to be true, yet was
the ground of the present demand upon him. He, therefore, published
in the newspapers an unequivocal denial of any intention to obtain or to
act in the office of Distributor of Stamps. This, for reasons not men-
tioned, was deemed unsatisfactory by the Sons of Liberty, and another
letter was sent to him, which was left at his house "just as he was
going to bed," requiring his appearance the next day, at twelve o'clock,
under Liberty Tree, there to make a public resignation. The letter
acquainted him, also, that a non-appearance Avould bring upon him the
displeasure of the "True-born Sons of Liberty." With which request,
also, Mr. Oliver thought it best to comply ; nor did he consult his
* The same, probably, who died of a sur- J Col. Barre is said to be the first who thus
feit, and was buried on the 13th of jNIay, 1768, denominated the Liberty Men of Boston. He
aged but 32. His death was much himented. made use of the title in one of his early speech-
The vessels in the harbor disjjlayed their col- es in Parliament in favor of America,
ors at half-mast. I shall again have occa- ^ lie was the third officer in the Colonial
sion to mention Capt. Marshall. Government, in respect to the dignity of
t Massachusetts Gazette, 25 April, 176G. office.
712 OLIVER AT LIBERTY TREE. [1765.
friends as to the propriety of such compliance. The consequence was
the disapprobation of some of them. But that gentleman well knew the
inability of the Government to protect him, and that his immediate
friends were far less able to do so than the Government. He, therefore,
Dec 17 ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^y course he could take, and made his appearance at
Liberty Tree. But, before he went, he got a friend, an influen-
tial " tradesman," to intercede with the Sons of Liberty that he might
be allowed to make the required public Declaration at the Town-house ;
but the tradesman soon returned with the unwelcome intelligence that
his request could not be granted ; but it was promised that, if he readily
complied, he should be treated handsomely ; and that promise was scru-
pulously kept.
Affairs being thus arranged, early on the morning of the seventeenth,
advertisements were found posted up about the Town, inviting the Sons
of Liberty to assemble at the Tree at twelve o'clock, "to hear the resig-
nation of Andrew Oliver, Esq., Distributor of Stamps." It happened
to be a rainy and tempestuous day, and Mr. Oliver was obliged to march
through the streets exposed to the weather. But what added, prob-
ably, not a little to his mortification, Mr. Mackintosh, a chief leader
among the Liberty Party, attended him at his right hand to the Tree,
at the head of an immense multitude. Opposite Liberty Tree was the
house of Richard Dana, Esq. In that house were assembled the Select-
men* of the town, " and many other persons of condition." Thus, in
the presence of above two thousand persons, Mr. Dana administered an
oath to Secretary Oliver, to the purport that " he had never taken any
measures to act in the office, and that he never would do so, directly
nor indirectly." Three cheers were then given, after which Mr. Oliver
made a brief speech, in which he said " he had an utter detestation of
the Stamp Act, and would do all that lay in his power to serve this
Town or Province, and desired that he might no longer be considered
an enemy, but as another man." f Three cheers were again given, and
here the affair ended, and the throng soon after quietly dispersed. J
j^^^ ^g The next day was the Town-meeting, according to appoint-
ment, in which an unanimous vote was passed appointing a Com-
mittee to sign and present a Memorial, which was adopted, to His Ex-
* They were Joshua Henshaw, Joseph Jack- Letters," intercepted by Franklin in 1773, in
son, Benj. Austin, Samuel Sewall, Nathan- proof of the charge. But I must own, that,
iel Thwing, John Ruddock, and John Han- under the circumstances, I cannot see anything
cock. The Assessors were Wm. Fairfield, very terrible in those letters. They explain
John Keeland, Benj. Church, Belcher JSToyes, the state of the opposition to Government, in
Sam'l. Downe, Wm. Torrey, and John Green- tolerably plain language, in the political style
ough. Mr. Thwing resigned his place of Se- of those days. A serious game was com-
lectman, and, on the 14th of May, the Hon. menced, which in time became a desperate
Thomas Flucker was chosen in his stead. one ; life and death were the stakes, and many
t Comparing this compulsory conduct of found themselves compelled to do what they
Secretary Oliver with his course afterwards, gladly would have avoided.
our writers have unsparingly branded him as % The Gazette account says Hanover Square
a malignant Traitor to his Country ; and was cleared in ten minutes after the last
cite the famous " Hutchinson and Oliver cheers.
17G5.] TOWN MEETING. NEW JUDGE OF PROBATE. 713
cellency the Governor in Council.* The Memorial set forth that the
Courts of Law had been shut up, for which " no just and legal reason
could be assigned." For this and other causes the Memoriali?5ts
" humbly" requested, "that His Excellency, in Council, with whom
the executive power was constitutionally lodged, would give directions
to the several Courts and their Officers, so that under no pretence
whatever they might any longer be deprived of that invaluable bless-
ing." They also requested to be heard " by their Counsel, learned in
the Law."
In reply to the Memorialists, it was said that the people of the Town
had brought the state of things, of which they complained, upon them-
selves. The Courts could not proceed without the lawfully stamped
papers, and those papers were not to be had, because the Officers
appointed to distribute them had been terrified into a resignation, and
no other persons dared to take the oflice. It was, therefore, determined
by the Governor, in Council, that, as it was a doubt whether the pro-
ceedings of Courts without Stamps could be justified, inasmuch as the
violence of the people had been the cause complained of, that, there-
fore, the matter rested upon a point of law. However, they proposed
to refer the subject to the Judges of the Courts.
The Town-meeting was adjourned for two days, to await the action
of the Governor and Council. At the reassembling, and the result
being known, it was voted that it was " unsatisfactory."
Snch votes became common in the Town-meetings, " and had greater
effect than can well be imagined." f So that the final result was, that
the Courts did proceed without Stamps, excepting the Probate Court
of Boston, of which Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson was Judge, and ships
went to sea as usual. J But it was soon made apparent to Mr. Hutch-
inson, that he run quite a serious risk, if he much longer refused to suf-
fer his Court to go on. He therefore saw but one way to extricate
himself, and that was to resign, and he resigned accordingly. Gov-
ernor Bernard did not think it prudent to fill the office with any other
but a person who would comply with the requirements of the Town, and
agreeably to that suggestion, Foster Hutchinson, Esq., was ap-
pointed. §
* The committee consisted of Samuel Ad- § The same, I suppose, H. C. 1721, brother
ams, John Rowe, Thomas Cushing, John of the Lieut. Governor. — See p. 227. The
Ruddock, Samuel Sewall, John Ilancock, last time the Lieut. Governor officiated as
Joshua Ilenshaw, Benjamin Kent, and Arnold Judge of Probate vras on Oct. 25th, 17G5 ;
Welles ; and they were authorized to employ, and the first time his successor acted in that
as Counsel, Jeremy Gridley, James Otis, and capacity was on the Gth of Jan. following.
John Adams, to appear in support of the me- Hence the interval or interruption from want
morial. of Stamps is seen. The last instrument proved
f Hutchinson. before the Lt. Governor, was the Inventory of
j In the Mass. Gazette of Dec. 19th, is this the Estate of the Hon. Benjamin Prat, of New
notice : — " The Custom-house in this Town York, exhibited by his widow^ Isal>ella, taken
is now open for the clearing out of vessels, a by Samuel Swift, Samuel Quincy, and William
certificate being given that Stamp Papers are Spurr. Osenbridge Thaehcr was one of iMr.
nut to be had." Prat's executors. His Inventory of Estate
90
714 BOSTONIANS DECLARED REBELS IN PARLIAMENT, [1765.
At the pass to which things had now arrived, it is not strange, as
Governor Hutchinson says, that timidity pervaded both legislative and
that executive powers ; every measure which forwarded the deter-
mined design of compelling, at all events, all Officers within the
Province to pay no regard to the Stamp Act, succeeded.
When the ability of the Country to carry out its determination to
nullify the laws of England is considered, that determination is truly
a matter of surprise. Boston then had but about 15,000 inhab-
itants. These were contained in 2,000 families, and the number of
houses was but 1,676. The whole colony did not contain much, if
any, above 240,000 souls. Boston did not contain so many inhabitants
this year as it did in 1752, — thirteen years before; there were
then, — 1752, — 15,731, of which 1,541 were Negroes, or persons
of color ; and ten years earlier the population was still greater,
— 16,582.
On Wednesday, the twenty-seventh of November, Colonel
Francis Brinley died at Roxbury, at the age of seventy-five
years ; a gentleman distinguished for his manly virtues and acknoAvl-
edged moral worth. On the following Saturday his remains were de-
posited in the family tomb in the King's Chapel burying-ground.
The conduct of the Bostonians was the cause of the opposition to
' the Stamp Act in the other Colonies ; accounts of which had for
some time crowded the London papers. The current of public opinion
was too strong for the British Ministry, and nothing could be done to
allay the excitement, now reacting upon the people of England, but
the establishment of a Ministry that were with the people, and would
repeal that Act. These consequences made the Prime Minister furi-
ous ; and in his last struggles he declared the people of Boston
Rebels, and recommended the sending over at once an army to bring
them to obedience.* The King, in a late speech to Parliament, in
referring to the disturbances, gave them the mild appellation of " late
occurrences ; '* consequently Mr. Grenville's epithets caused quite a
sensation, and several members cried out, " To the Tower ! To the
Tower!" These proceedings were about the middle of December
last. An eminent merchant of New York, then in London, wrote
home : " Our friends seem apprehensive that George Grenville, the
proposer of the Act, who is determined to support it with all his
amounted to £2785, 14s .Vi. His autograph, * This was uttered by Earl Bute, probably
J2 Vy /'y\ under the smart he may have felt from that
^/^-^y^n^ . , i/^U-i^.^r' answer of Dr. Franklin to a question before
Jr y^^Xi^-'Tm^ the House of Commons, as to whether he did
// not think the Stamp Act could be enforced by
here introduced, shows that he spelt his name anarmy. ''Never,'' was his reply ; and to the
with but one /, while others often wrote it f ^«^^«"' V^^^Y « i I'n^' ^^,^™"^
with two. The date oflnventory is July 8th, force would not find a rebellion bu they
17(33. He had a mansion and farm in Milton! l^^^ht make one.'' - Franklin s Miscdlames,
See ante, page G69. \^ox,^ox,, 1779, p. 2/ 6.
1766.]
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. A STAMP DESCRIBED.
15
Mar. 1"
power, would have a party in the House strong enough for that pur-
pose, and Lord [George] Townsend was reckoned one of his supporters."
However, a postscript to the same letter put a different face on the
aflfiiir : — " Nine at night. This moment returned from the House of
Commons, where I had the pleasure to see Mr. Grenvillo sink under,
and withdraw the motion he made, of inserting in the Address of the
King, that the disturbances in America were open Rebellion, owing to
the opposition and powerful eloquence of Mr. Charles Townsend, Mr.
Cook, Lord George Sackville, and others."
On the sixth of February was taken up, in the General Court,
' the subject of the conduct of the Delegates to the late Congress
in New York. A debate ensued ; after which it was voted, that the
conduct of Brigadier Ruggles, " in not signing the petitions by said
Congress, and for leaving the Congress before they had completed
their business," was not satisfactory to the House. But it was re-
solved unanimously, " that the account given by James Otis, and
Oliver Partridge, Esquires," was satisfactory.
Writers in the public papers l)ecame emboldened, and ex-
pressed their sentiments in strong language. They denounced
the Stamp Act as unconstitutional. " Shall we not, then," wrote one in
the Massachusetts Gazette, "all as one man join in opposing it, and
spill the last drop of our blood, if necessary, rather than live to see it
take place in America? " Another said : " Any one, after a thorough
search and consideration, would, rather than lose his liberty, be bored
through the centre of life with the fital lead." A little later, the Edi-
tor of the Gazette thus speaks of stamped newspapers, on re-
ceiving some from Halifax on the twenty-sixth of February :
"The Publishers having, for the first time since November commenced,
received several Halifax papers, with bloody-red Stamp on each, as
terrible as death to Printers ; being two daggers through a crown or
under it, and the points toward the word America on the top, thought
not proper to harbor such unwelcome guests ; therefore immediately
despatched them to the Committee of the True-born Sons of Liberty,
to do with them as they may judge meet."*
Agreeably to previous arrangements, Liberty Tree was pruned by sev-
eral carpenters, under the direction of a
gentleman well skilled in that branch of
horticulture. This was in pursuance of a vote of
the Sons of Liberty, who likewise ordered a plate
bearing a suitable inscription to be placed conspic-
uously upon the Tree.
^^'SMTLJy.A^QS/
* For the copy rian friend, the Rev. Joseph B. Felt. There
of a Stamp here were different stamps for the different amounts
given I am indebt- from a half-pence to £6. I liave seen none
ed to my distin- exactly corresponding to that described in the
guished antiqua- above extract.
716 LIBERTY-TREE INSCRIPTION. [1766.
^ The plate being ready on the twentieth of the same month,
was with ceremony fixed in the pkce designed for it. The in-
scription was as follows : " This Tree was planted in the year 1646,
and pruned by order of the Sons of Liberty, February 14th, 1766."
The same day had been fixed upon for burning one of the stamped
papers in each of the principal towns in the several Colonies. Here
the affair was made great account of. The pitiful Stamp was not
thought sufficient to give importance to the Day, so fine Effigies of
Grenville and Bute, in full court dresses, were prepared. for the
sacrifice.
The ceremony commenced "with great decency and good order.
After parading the principal streets to the north part of the town, with
the Pageantry in a cart, they returned to Liberty Tree ; there giving
three cheers, proceeded to the usual place of execution on Boston
Neck, and at about one o'clock committed the Effigies, Stampt paper,
&c., to flames under the gallows, amidst the loud acclamations of a great
number of spectators, who immediately after dispersed." It is added :
" The Sons of Liberty retired to their apartment in Hanover Square,
where his Majesty's health was drank, and many other loyal toasts."
This, indeed, was loyalty with a vengeance ! Trampling the King's
laws under foot, and burning his Prime Ministers in effigy !
Before proceeding to further and subsequent details, it will be well
to pause, and to contrast in the mind the park of old elms in Hanover
Square with the present appearance of the same corner where they
stood. The name of Hanover Square was long ago discontinued for
that locality, and about the same time it became covered with buildings.
Those buildings had grown old in the days of the last generation, and
their site became the property of a benevolent and public-spirited gentle-
man, who, in 1849, erected thereon a most substantial, as well as orna-
mental, block of stores. In speaking of that undertaking, that gentle-
man himself says, " I have caused to be sculptured, in bas-relief, a
representation of this celebrated tree, with appropriate inscriptions, and
have inserted it on that part of the building which fronts on Washing-
ton-street, and directly over the spot where the tree itself formerly
stood."*
* Communication of the Hon. David Sears planted in 1646, but, as will have been seen
fco the City Government, dated 29 September, from the inscription copied in the text, the
1849 ; wiiich communication he thus com- Sons of Liberty assure us it %vas planted in
mences: "I liavc the honor to inform you that year. They probably took pains to sat-
that the old buildings at the corner of Essex isfy themselves with regard to the real date,
and Washington streets have been removed. The whole of Mr. Sears' communication is of
and that an extensive block of warehouses is great interest, and may be seen in Mr. Robert
being erected in their places, to cover the Sears' Pictorial Illustrations of the United
whole front of my estate on those two streets. States. It was also printed as a City Document.
As this site is somewhat remarkable in the One of the flags with which Liberty Tree
history of Boston, — it having sustained, and used to be decorated, has been preserved, and
for more than a century nourished, a splendid was in possession of an aged citizen at the time
American Elm, known and venerated as Lib- of his death, which happened recently, at the
erty Tree, — the present seems a fit occasion age of 96 ; a namesake, though not a relative
to bring it to your notice." of the Patriot, Samuel Adams. — See Hist, and
Mr. Sears supposes Liberty Tree to have been Gen. Reg. ix. 293,
176C.] STAMP ACT BURNT. 717
p^^^ ^.^ On the twenty- second, Capt. EHsba Thacher arrived from Jamai-
ca. It was immediately circulated that he had on board Stamped
Clearances. Accordingly, the Sons of Liberty issued a warrant to some
of their fraternity to go and demand the same, and, when obtained, to
bring them into King-street, and, at one o'clock, to burn them there.*
It does not appear that Captain Thacher had any others of the Stamped
Clearances except that which he used.
The person to whom the Warrant was directed, with such others as
were deemed necessary, repaired with it to the designated vessel. On
coming to it, the "officer" was told that Capt. Thacher had gone to
the Custom-house, to which also proceeded the Pursuivants. Here
they found the Captain, and demanded his Clearance ; for which de-
mand the above-named undoubted Warrant was produced. To this in-
contestable authority submission was at once granted, and the Stamped
Clearance was delivered up. It was then fixed upon a pole, and
solemnly taken into King-street. Here, at the lower end of the Court-
house (formerly called the Town-house), were the Town Stocks. Into
this engine oi justice was put, not the wicked Stamped Clearance, but
the pole to which it w\as fastened ; and thus exposed the paper to pub-
lic view until the time appointed for its execution. At one o'clock the
Executioner read the warrant with an audible voice, and then took his
culprit into the centre of the street. Then and there with a lighted
match he set fire to one of the Stamp Acts, and with the flames issuing
from it, burnt the "offspring of that hydra-headed monster," the
Stamped Clearance ; and, as the smoke from it was ascending, the
Executioner pronounced the following memorable words: "Behold!
the smoke ascends to heaven, to witness between the Isle of Britain
mid an injured people! " After Avhich three cheers were given, and
the multitude very quietly dispersed.
On the same day that Captain Thacher arrived. Captain James
Kirkwood came in, in the ship Endeavor, from London. It was re-
ported that he had Stamps on board. Therefore the proper Officers
visited him to ascertain the foundation of the report. The Captain
frankly declared he had no such article on board ; and that, though
that kind of freight had been offered him in London, he absolutely re-
fused to take it. This the vigilant Officers did not think quite satisfac-
tory ; and the Captain, having offered to make oath to the truth of his
assertion, was waited upon to the Court-house. There Mr. Justice
Dana, who had officiated at Liberty Tree, administered the oath to
Captain Kirkwood, in the presence of a great number of witnesses.
The solemnity being finished, three cheers were given, and then the
people went about their occasions.
* The Warrant is here given as a curiosity : those ]\Iarks of Creole Slavery ; and when you
" Boston, 24 Feb., 176(5. To*****. Mon- have obtained them, commit [them] to the
day, IX o'clock. — TJie Sons of Liberty being flames in King-street, this day at One o'clock ;
informed that a vessel has arrived here with and for so doing this shall be your Warrant.
Stamped Clearances, from Jamaica, desire that Signed by order of the True-born SONS OF
you would go and demand in their names LIeERTY. M. Y., Sec."
718
STAMP ACT REPEALED.
[17G6.
CHAPTER LXXI.
Stamp Act repealed. — Reception of the News. — Business revives. — Election. — Liberty Party Tri-
umphant. — Case of Samuel Adams. — Celebration of the Repeal. — Obelisk on the Common. —
Illuminations. — Celebrations in other Places. — Thanksgiving at the West Church. — General
Thanksgiving. — Death of Dr. Mayhew — Of Zabdiel Boylston. — New Troubles in the General
Court. — Its Debates opened to the Public. — Case of Mr. Hutchinson. — Fire at Mill Creek. —
Anti-Slavery Movement. — Barre's Picture. — Gun House. — Neck Improvement. — Instructions to
the Representatives. — Manufactures. — Brigadier Ruggles. — A Farmer's Letters. — Duck Manu-
f^icture encouraged. — Further Account of the Stamp Act Repeal Celebration. — Commissioners of
Customs. — Opposition to the Revenue Laws.
ii!j^y:;|::iiii ^^
ON the eighteenth of March, by the consent
of the King, the Stamp Act was repealed,! and
on the sixteenth of MayJ following, a copy of the Act
of Repeal was received in Boston. Never before, or
perhaps since, was any news received in the town which
caused such enthusiastic joy among all classes. Indeed,
the joy was universal throughout the British dominions ;
and was felt in greater sincerity and gladness than per-
haps on any other occasion that can be remembered. §
This is easy to be believed, when it is considered that
ships lay rotting at the wharves, and thousands of indus-
trious people had been driven into idleness. From such a state to life
and activity in a moment, as it were, was indeed ample cause for the
ebullitions of joy which ensued. The newspapers were filled with
* Arms — Per chev. or and sa. Three es-
challop shells counterchanged. Crest — A
lion's head az., crowned, or. The note on
page 626, ante, should conform in its facts to
this which follows. Col. Francis Brinley was
born in London, 1690, and educated at Eton,
lie was the only son of Thomas, the only sur-
viving child of Francis, of Newport, R. I.,
who was son of Thomas, Auditor General to
Charles First and Second. Francis Brinley,
of Newport, went to that town in 1652, about
14 years after its settlement, and held various
offices ; among them that of Judge. He died
In 1719-20, aged 87, and was buried in the
King's Chapel burial-ground in Boston. His
son Thomas resided in Boston, and was bne of
the founders of King's Chapel. He went to
England in 1684, and married Catharine, dau.
of John Page, of London. He died in that
city in 1693, leaving a widow and two chil-
dren, Elizabeth and Francis. These three, on
invitation of Francis Brinley, of Newport,
came to this country. Elizabeth married Wil-
liam Hutchinson, Esq., a grad. H. C. 1702.
Francis was the Col. Brinley who died in
1765, first named above. His residence was
in Roxbury, as mentioned on page 626, but
there Datchet was misprinted Dutchet. His
mansion was named Datchet from the house
at that place in England.
f Mass. Gazette and News-Letter, 22 May,
1766.
X Hutchinson, Hist. Mass., iii., p. 147.
\ Ajinual Register for 1766, p. 46. " Wlien
the King went to the House of Peers to give
the Royal assent, there was such a vast con-
course of people huzzaing, clapping of hands,
&c., that it was several hours before his Maj-
esty could reach the House." — Letter from
London. " In the evening a number of houses
in London were illuminated, one in particular
had 108 candles ; that being the number of
17 6G.] ELECTION. SAMUEL ADAMS. 719
advertisements of valuable wares, while notices of bankruptcies nearly
ceased. Ships were promptly freighted, every one found advantageous
employment, and the consequence was contentment and prosperity.
The General Court was forward to show its confidence in the perma-
nence of the state of things now commencing ; as a proof of which
the Manufactory House was ordered to be sold. It was described as
" that large and beautiful building, with the land thereunto belong-
ing, situate in Boston, opposite the public Granary, which, for sever-
al years past, has been improved in carrying on the Linen and Stock-
ing business, and may with little expense be converted to some other
public use ; but as the Stamp Act is repealed, there will not be that
occasion for it." But this was rather premature, as will hereafter be
seen. The building was not sold, probably for want of a pur-
chaser.
On the sixth of May was the annual election of Representa-
^ '^"^ ' tives ; which resulted to the entire satisfaction of the "Sons
of Liberty," who had now got everything their own way. The
gentlemen chosen were James Otis, Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams,
John Hancock, and John Rowe. Samuel Adams had the greatest
number of votes. Out of 746, the whole number cast, he had all but
55. Mr, Gushing had the next highest, Mr. Otis next, and Mr. Han-
cock next. And here it will be proper to remark respecting an impu-
tation upon Samuel Adams made by Governor Hutchinson, namely,
that Mr. Adams' conduct had not hitherto been honorable towards the
Town in the office of Gollector of Taxes. Whether the Historian made
that insinuation out of malice, or upon some slight ground,* is safely
left for the judgment of the reader ; while he may consider that no
charge of dishonesty was ever brought against Mr. Adams by the
Town, but on the contrary he was continually advanced in office, un-
til he was elevated to the highest station in the Commonwealth ; and
that at the very time he is said to be a defaulter, he was the mpst
popular man in the Town, as by its voters has been shown. f The
Land Bank alfair had soured Mr. Hutchinson seriously with the father
of Mr. Adams, and, on the death of the father, the son, in the course of
his duties as his executor, fell under the same displeasure. Add to
this that Mr. Adams was a leader in the political party opposed to
the Government, of which Mr. Hutchinson was an important member.
Mr. Adams was one of the Collectors of Taxes in 17(3o and 1704. In
the first majority in the House of Commons qucntly asked for more time to enable them to
for the Repeal." — Ibid. show lenity to poor tax-payers. This was Mr.
* There appears frequently upon the Town Adams' case, and the amount of his offence.
Records notice to the effect that the amounts f IMr. Hutchinson may have taken his hint of
given out for collecting to the officers perform- a slur on Mr. Adams' reputation from some
ing the duty of Collectors, were not paid into remarks contained in a series of grossly libel-
tlie Treasury ; and almost uniformly the rea- lous letters written anonymously in Boston in
eons for such deficit were the inability of the ITT'i, in which every patriot opposed to the
Collectors to collect the dues assessed upon cer- arbitrary government then exercised over the
tain individuals. The same occurs at this day. Colonies is slandered in the hottest fire of ma-
Consequently the Collectors of that day fre- lignity. See pp. 'J, 112 — 20, and elsewhere.
720 SAMUEL ADAMS. [1766.
1765, a Committee reported respecting the state of tlie outstanding
taxes ; from which report it appeared that none of the five Collectors
had settled up with tlie Treasurer. It was known that Mr. Adams was
embarrassed in his affairs, and yet the Town chose him again this year
(1765) a Collector, but he prudently declined the office. This was on
the 27th of May. On the eighth of July Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher died,
and a Representative was to be chosen in his place, A Town-meeting
was called for the purpose on the 27th of September. There were four
candidates, gentlemen of acknowledged worth and influence ; Mr. Ad-
ams was elected. Then, at the annual election of Representatives on the
sixth of the following May, he was rechosen, having a greater number
of votes than either of the others, — even larger than Mr. Gushing, then
considered the most popular man in Town.
At the Town-meeting in March, 1767, a vote was obtained to com-
mence a suit against three of the Collectors, among whom was Mr. Ad-
ams ; but at a subsequent meeting another vote was passed staying
proceedings against him. And when an attempt was made to recon-
sider that vote, so well were the people satisfied that Mr. Adams' inabil-
ity to meet his engagements arose from no dishonorable intention, that
motion to reconsider was voted down by " a very great majority."
Such were the grounds upon which Mr. Hutchinson made the injurious
insinuation against a man he could in no other way injure. This kind
of retaliation has been resorted to at all times, but it is a mode of war-
fare in which the party who employs it is, in the end, the suiferer. He
who takes advantage of such misfortunes in his fellow-man is to be
pitied for the malignity of his disposition.*
It is very true that Mr. Adams' concern was so great in public affairs,
and so many duties of a public nature were imposed upon him, that he
* The scurrilous letters before referred to Hancock, from the Old South meeting-house,
ssem not to have been known to writers of la- has lately repeated a hash of abusive trea-
tei^ times ; or, if known, they have been totally sonable stuff, composed for him by the joint
neglected by everybody except INIr. Ilutchin- efforts of the Kev. Divine Samuel Cooper, that
son, and he did not venture to cite them as Kose of Sharon, and by the very honest Sam-
authority ; being well aware that such author- uel Adams, Clerk, Psalm-singer, purloiner,
ity would destroy his own. A few exti-acts and curer of bacon. This great and honora-
from these letters may amuse the reader. Their ble master Hancock is very well known in
extravagance defeats any harm which their wri- London to many; indeed, unfortunately fur
ter might have intended, and renders them un- them, too well known. When he was in Lon-
worthy even of indignation. " A person who don about twelve years ago, he was the laugh-
enlists with the Faction, though formerly a ing-stock and the contempt of all his acquaint-
Tory, a Knave, or Atheist, instantly becomes a ances." — "He kept sneaking about the Kitch-
Whig, an honest man, and a Saint." — P. 9. enof his uncle's correspondent ; drank tea every
" The merchants, not only of London, but day with the housemaid, and on Sundays es-
over all the British dominions, strenuously corted her to White Conduit House," etc. —
exerted all their interest to obtain a repeal of "The temper and abilities of the rebellious
the Stamp Act. To this they were principally Saints in Boston are easily discoverable in Han-
excited by the piteous complaints of the Bos- cock's Oration, who, at his delivery of it, was
tonians, who held forth to them fallacious attended by most of His Majesty's Council, the
views of emolument. Unhappily, their exer- majority of the House of Kepresentatives, the
tions were successful." — P. 37. " The Saints Selectmen, Justices of the Peace, and the rest
professing loyalty and godliness at Boston, of the rebellious herd of Calves, Asses, Knaves
send us, by every vessel from their port, ac- * and Fools, which compose the Faction." — Pp.
cumulated proofs of their treasons and rebel- 103, 109. Other extracts may be given in the
lions. That mighty wise patriot, Mr. John Appendix.
1766.] ARRIVAL OF REPEAL NEWS. , 721
was obliged to neglect his own, or, what he considered of much greater
moment, the business of the country. There was scarcely an important
Committee of the Town or General Court upon which he was not ap-
pointed ; and he was not one to avoid the laboring oar, in whatever
company he chanced to be. If an important letter was to be drafted,
to be sent to officers or gentlemen in England, Mr. Adams was put upon
the Committee who had the matter in charge. If a letter was to be
written to a neighboring town, he was upon the Committee to do it, and
of such there were not a few. Besides, the laborious Reports of the
Committees are replete with the touches of his master hand.
At the same Town-meeting * (May sixth), Mr. Otis, the Moderator,
communicated a very polite letter from the Right Hon. Gen. Conway,
in which that gentleman signified his kind acceptance of the Address of
Thanks from this Metropolis. He also intimated his intention of favoring
the Town with his portrait. Of this mention has been made. The Hon.
William Pitt was mentioned in connection with Barre and Conway as
the " immortal Pitt," who, before his late secession from the ranks of
the old Ministry, was denounced by the Sons of Liberty in no measured
terms. f But he was now with them, so far as the Stamp Act was con-
cerned, and as to his contradictory assertion, that " Parliament had the
right to bind them in all cases whatsoever," that was left entirely out of
the account, as not important to be considered under present circum-
stances.
The greatest anxiety had prevailed in the Town, and the
' ^^ ' master of every ship from a foreign port was eagerly inquired
of before he could bring his vessel to the wharf, as to the fxte of
the Stamp Act. At length a brigantine hove to in the inner harbor.
It was soon ascertained to be the Harrison, Capt. Shubael Coffin, about
six weeks from London, whose good fortune it was to be the bearer of
the " important account of the Repeal of the American Stamp Act."
The enthusiastic joy with which the news was received has already been
mentioned. It remains now only to be narrated what was done by the
people of Boston to express their joy upon this great occasion.
As soon as. the news was spread, the bells in the different churches
were set a ringing, "the ships in the harbor displayed their colors,
guns were discharged in different parts of the Town, and in the even-
ing several bonfires were kindled, and the night passed off" with nothing
* Gordon gives the following humorous ac- very considerable fortune. Mr. Adams judged
count of the way in which Mr. Hancock came that the fortune would give credit and support
first to be elected to the House of Representa- to the cause of Liberty ; the popularity would
tives : " When the choice of members for please the possessor ; and that he might be
Boston, to represent the Town in the next Gen- easily secured by prudent management, and
eral Court, was approaching, jNIr. John Rowe, might make a conspicuous figure in the band
a merchant, who had been active on the side of of Patriots."
Liberty in matters of trade, was thought of f In his own country, the great Statesman
l)y some influential persons. Mr. Samuel Ad- i-eceived the name of Mr. " Turnover " Pitt,
aiiis artfully nominated a different one, l)y At least, so Thomas Hollis styles him in a let-
asking, with his eyes looking to Mr. Hancock's ter to the Rev. Andrew Eliot. — Copies of
House, ' Is there not another John that may MS. letters kindly loaned me by Mr. John F.
do better? ' The hint took. Mr. John Han- Eliot, of Boston, who possesses the originals,
cock's uncle was dead, and had left him a with other ante Revolutionary relics.
01
722 REPEAL JUBILEE. [1766
to mar the pleasures of the day. On the same day, in the afternoon,
the Selectmen met in Faneuil Hall, and appointed Monday the 19th fol-
lowing for a day of general rejoicing. And in the mean while there
were busy hands employed to produce a spectacle in a conspicuous place
worthy of the event, and equally busy heads were at work to prepare
devices suited to the handiwork.
The booming of cannon and ringing of bells broke the early
stillness of the morning, and many of the houses in the Town,
as well as the ships in the harbor, were set out with colors. The dawn
of day was too tardy on this occasion, and the sound of the one o'clock
bell had scarcely died on the air, when the bell of the Rev. Doctor
Byles' Church, that being the nearest to Liberty Tree, began to ring.
This was soon answered by the bells of Christ Church at the North End,
and in a few minutes all the other bells in the Town were in motion. As
soon, as it was light enough to see, Hollis-street steeple was hung with
banners, and Liberty Tree was decorated with flags and streamers, and
the very tops of houses exhibited the same kind of plumage. Be-
fore two in the morning, music was played in the streets, drums
were beat and guns fired. There were, at this time, many persons
confined in jail for debt. The liberal-spirited Sons of Liberty were
determined that they should share in the general joy ; they therefore
paid the debts of the poor prisoners, and they were all set at liberty.*
At one o'clock the guns of Castle William were fired, and that salute
was immediately answered by the North and South batteries of the
Town and also by those in Charlestown, the train of Artillery in Bos-
ton, and the ships in the Harbor.
As the evening closed in, the Town presented a
/'^"^ ^\^ most beautiful appearance, by a universal illumi-
/ ^ \ nation of the houses. Fireworks of various kinds
/ ^ li\ \ were played off in all directions. On the Common
\j&- JiB they were exhibited beyond anything of the kind
\v^ '^^ / hitherto known in New England. Here had been
\ iSM"^ / erected an Obelisk or Pyramid, four stories in
x^^^^^^y^ height,! which was illuminated with two hundred
^^=^^^^-^^^ and eighty lamps. On its top was ' ' fixed a round
box of fireworks horizontally." About one hundred yards from the
Pyramid the Sons of Liberty erected a stage for the exhibition of their
fireworks, which was near the Workhouse. In the Workhouse they
entertained " the gentlemen of the Town." The elegant mansion-
house of John Hancock, Esq., was brilliantly illuminated; in front
of which its liberal owner had a stage erected, from which fireworks
were exhibited at his own expense, and which answered those of the
* This was done by a subscription com- not found stated. The only copy of the print
menced in the morning, said to have been set ever heard of by the writer, belongs to his
on foot by " a fair Boston Nymph." I should friend, Mr. John F. Eliot, which, with other
be very glad to know her name. curious matters relating to this period, he has
t So it appears in a print then published, kindly put into his hands. The small engrav-
but its dimensions in " long measure " I have ing above shows the Pyramid reduced.
1766.] REPEAL CELEBRATION. 723
Sons of Liberty on the Common, in front of the Workhouse. At the
same time Mr. Hancock entertained in his house " the genteel part of
the Town." He also treated the populace with a pipe of Madeira
wine ; and Mr. Otis, and some other gentlemen, who lived near the
Common, kept open houses throughout the exhibition.
When the dusk of the evening began to be perceptible, the night's
entertainment commenced with the projection of eleven rockets from
each stage. The fireworks, thus begun, were kept up till eleven
o'clock, and consisted of an extensive variety. The air was filled
with rockets ; the ground was covered with beehives and serpents, and
the two stages with fire -wheels of various kinds. Precisely at eleven
a signal was given to set in motion the crowning pyrotechny of the
evening, which was the firing of the horizontal wheel upon the top of
the Pyramid. The signal was a grand discharge of twenty-one rock-
ets. When the brilliant wheel had nearly spent itself, it suddenly
disappeared, taking the form of " sixteen dozen fiery serpents," which
flew into the air in every direction.
How Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. Oliver, and their immediate friends en-
joyed this celebration, does not appear ; but Governor Bernard invited
his Council to meet him at the Province House on the afternoon of that
day, and there they drunk His Majesty's health, and " many other loyal
toasts ; " after which they walked on the Common with the people, and
expressed themselves highly gratified with the exhibition.* About
midnight there was a signal given on the Common, and the beating of a
drum was heard ; whereupon the people at once retired to their own
dwellings, the lights were extinguished, and the Town immediately be-
came hushed " in an unusual silence."
It should be particularly stated that Liberty Tree did not bear its
flags and streamers that night in the dark ; and that, though the Pyr-
amid on the Common was the great point of attraction, the Tree was
not forgotten ; but why it was particularly assigned to Mr. John Wilkes,
is to be explained only by inference. However, lanterns to the memo-
rable number forty-five illuminated it for that time. Yet the next
day the matter was reconsidered ; it being thought, probably, that that
glorious Tree had been treated unjustly ; therefore it was determined
to make it amends on the following night. Accordingly there were
suspended throughout its wide-spread branches at evening one hundred
and eight lamps ; after the example, probably, of the house in London,
before noticed. It is said that all the gentlemen in the Town contrib-
* To the credit of Mr. Bernard, it should ernors on the Continent, had pointed out the
be remembered, that he was always opposed to inconvenience of the Stamp Act ; that he had
the Stamp Act, and strongly urged its repeal ; done his duty like a friend to his Country,
and he was probabty the only one among the and he should ever respect him." But a
Colonial Governors who did not advocate its King's Governor in America was henceforth
enforcement. In a discussion with Lord Mans- doomed to be an uncomfortable man ; because
field, Lord Camden made the following re- there was a fixed determination to be dissat-
marks respecting the (Governor : — " That this isfied with him, which had taken too deep
great, good, and sensible man, of all the Gov- root ever to be eradicated.
724
REPEAL CELEBRATION.
[1766.
uted lanterns on this occasion,* and that the Tree was so full that it
could hold no more. In some of
the windows in the houses in that
vicinity were suspended elegant
transparencies, representing the
King, "the immortal Pitt,"
Camden, Barre, and others. f
The Pyramid or Obelisk erected
on the Common was only tempo-
rarily to remain there ; and after
the exhibition was over, it was to
be removed and set up under
Liberty Tree, " as a standing
Monument of this glorious era ; "
but by some accident it took fire about one o'clock on the night of the
celebration, and was consumed.| The four stories, or compartments,
exhibited each four sides. The
lower story or base was without
ornaments, and is only described
as "of the Doric order." The
next was- covered with what was
then called hieroglyphics ; § the
next with ten verses each, and
the last with four portraits
each, II It is necessary to repre-
sent only the "hieroglyphics"
by engravings, which the artist
has done with great exactness,
and of the same size as the orig-
inal plate. The small pyramid shows the form of the whole structure,
which, compared with the hieroglyphic cuts, an idea of the whole is had.
* If that report is strictly true, there were
but 108 gentlemen in Boston at that time.
Perhaps all the gentlemen who had lanterns
would be nearer the truth ; or perhaps, rather,
the Gazette statement should be taken with
allowance, for partaking a little of that ex-
travagance for which the celebration was quite
remarkable, and for which all parties are
excusable.
f In the front windows of Capt. Dawes'
and Mr. Thomas Symmes'" house, appeared
the portrait of Mr. Pitt, " as large as life,"
with this inscription :
" Hail, Pitt ! Hail, patrons ! pride of George's days •
How round the globe expand your patriot rays !
And the New World is brightened with the blaze."
X From the print representing the structure
before mentioned, no one would suppose it to
have been erected on the Common ; for it is
entitled, " A View of the Obelisk erected
under Liberty Tree in Boston on the Rejoic-
ings for the Repeal of the Stamp Act 1766."
This shows that the original intention of the
Sons was to set it under Liberty Tree for a per-
petual Memorial. It shows also that the
print was finished and circulated before tlie
day of celebration. At the foot of the plate
is this dedication : — "To every lover of LIB-
ERTY, this plate is humbly dedicated by her
true-born SONS, in BOSTON New Eng-
land." It was from a copper plate, in a
corner of which is " Paul Revere Sculp."
Where I have omitted punctuation in this
description, it is to show that it was disre-
garded by the engraver.
^ These are thus described on the print : —
" 1st, America in distress, apprehending the
total loss of Liberty. 2d, She implores the
aid of her Patrons. 3d, She endures the con-
flict for a short season. 4th, And has her
Liberty restored by the Royal hand of George
the Third."
II The poetry may be read in the Massachu'
setts Gazette Extraordinary, of 22 May, 1766.
1766.]
REPEAL THANKSGIVING.
725
The repeal of the Stamp Act was celebrated with great spirit in
Charlestown, Cambridge, and all this vicinity ; and, indeed, throughout
the whole Country, and but few
accidents are found recorded,
and all those at a distance from
Boston.
At the request of the Repre-
sentatives and Counsellors, Gov-
ernor Bernard appointed the
twenty-fourth of July to be kept
as a Thanksgiving ; but the
Society of the West Church
could not wait for so remote a
day, and they unanimously
to have their Thanksgiving on the twenty-third of May,
and requested Doctor Mayhew, their pastor, to deliver a Sermon
upon the occasion, which he accordingly did.* But the beloved pastor
enjoyed the blessings of the
repeal but a very brief period ;
for he died on the ninth of July
following, sincerely mourned by
innumerable friends in every
walk of life.f
July 24 ^^^^ Thanksgiving ap-
pointed by the Governor
was duly observed. Among the
Discourses on that day, one by
Doctor Chauncey, of the First
Church, was published, under a
well-chosen title. J Doctor Stillman also
published a discourse on
or more conveniently, probably, in Dealings
with the Dead. The portraits are generally tol-
erably good, judging by those we see in our
days of the same characters. Above the head
of each are the initials of the names of the
f)ersons intended to be represented, as fol-
ows : " D Y-k, M-q-s R-m, Q C, K Giiid,
G-1 C-y, L-d T-n, C-1 B-e, W-m P-t, I^d
D-h, A-n B-r[d ?], C-s T-d, L-d G-e S-k-e,
Mr. DeB-t, J-n W-s, L^d C-n." As the im-
port of these initials may not readily be made
out by every reader, they here follovr : Duke
of York, Marquis of Rockingham, Queen Char-
lotte, King George III., General Conway, Loi'd
Townshend, Colonel Barre, William Pitt,
Lord Dartmouth, Alderman Beckford, Charles
Townshend, Lord George Sackville, Mr. Dennis
De Berdt, John Wilkes, Lord Camden.
* The discourse which he then delivered was
printed, and is held in high estimation even at
this day. It was dedicated "To the Right
Honorable William Pitt, Esq.," " an illus-
trious Patron of America." It is entitled, —
•* The Snare Broken. A Thanksgiving Dis-
course," " occasioned by the Repenl of the
Stamp Act." In it he happily described the
condition the people were in before the repeal,
and vividly contrasted it with that now en-
tered upon. " It has at once," he said, " in a
good measure restored things to order, and
composed our minds ; commerce lifts up her
head, adorned with golden tresses, pearls and
precious stones ; almost every person you meet
wears the smile of contentment and joy ; and
even our slaves rejoice, as though they had re-
ceived their manumission." P. 23.
f See pages 602, 666, where are some no-
tices of Dr. Mayhew. His death is thus an-
nounced in the Mass.'Gazt. of July 10th:
" Yesterday morning died, in tlie 46th year of
his age, the Rev. Jonathan Mayhew, D. D.,
Pastor of the West Church in this Town. His
funeral is to be attended to-morrow afternoon,
jprecisely at 5 o'clock. It is requested the at-
tendance be seasonable, that the procession
may begin at the above hour." In the same
paper of the following week there is a very
full account of that estimable man.
I A Discourse on ' ' the Good News from a far
Oountrv "
726 DEATH OF DR. BOYLSTON. [176G.
repeal, but not on a Thanksgiving day, though it was earlier than
either of the other two.
Alhough not in the order of time, it is not out of place to record the
death of Dr. Zabdiel Boylston here. He was long a resident of Boston,
but died in Brookline on the first day of March, at the advanced age
of *' near" eighty-seven years. His efforts and perseverance in the
introduction of Inoculation, were only equalled by the success which
attended them, and his name may, and doubtless will be, handed down
to the remotest generations, as one of the greatest benefactors of the
human race. A Street and a Market perpetuate his memory in the city ;
those monuments, however, from a knowledge of former proceedings of
some in authority, may ere long be known only from the records of the
past. Doctor Boylston, as was usual in his time, kept a medicine shop,
was a large owner of real estate in the neighborhood of the street bear-
ing his name. In 1724 he described it as a good and convenient
garden, containing about twenty-seven acres, known by the name of
Cole's Garden. The grandftither of Dr. Boylston came to New England
in the year 1635, and settled in Watertown. His name was Thomas,
who was son of Thomas Boylston, cloth-worker of London, who died
about 1648, who had sons, John, a Doctor of Divinity, of Market Bos-
worth, the father of nineteen children ; Thomas, who came to New Eng-
land ; Edward, who died unmarried, and Richard, who followed the
occupation of his father.*
* Thomas Boylston, the cloth-worker of Lon- Dr. Zabdiel Boylston married, 18 Jan.
don, according to the researches of Dr. Henry 1706, Jerusha, dau. of John and Elizabeth
Bond (in Watertown Genealogies), was son of (Breck) Minot, of Dorchester. She died at
Henry, of Litchfield, England, who had an Brookline, of a cancer in her face, 15 April,
estate at W^eston in Staffordshire, and was 1764, in her 85th year. They had eight chil-
brother of Boylston of Derbyshire. From the dren ; Zabdiel, H. C, 1721, died in England,
investigations of Mr. T. B. Wyman, Jr. (in unmarried ; John, of Bath, England, d. there
Hist, and Gen. Reg., Watertown Genealogies), 1795, unmarried; Jerusha, m. Benj. Fitch;
and other sources, that Thomas Boylston, the Thomas, physician, of Boston, m. Mary
emigrant, was of Fenchurch-st., London, died Coales ; no children; Elizabeth, m. Gillum
at Watertown about 1053, aged about 38. /^ '^'^^■■f^ •» Taylor, of Bos-
He had children, Elizabeth, m. to John y*^/'X-tr — ^ *^"* F^^'i" ^ copy
Fisher, who had sons Joshua and Daniel ; Sa- C^^L^ cy^yl/i/J^Z^'fi''^^ ^^^ autograph
rah, m. Thos. Smith, butcher of Charlestown ; yf of Dr. Boylston,
Thomas, chirurgeon of Muddy river, m. ISIary, ^ I am indebted to
dau. of Thomas Gardner, and had, among E. W. Leffingwell, Esq., of New Haven, whose
others, Zabdiel, the great physician, the sub- collection of autographs has probably few
ject of this note. Thomas, the father, died equals in the country.
before 16 Dec. 1696 (probate), aged about 51. The late Rev. Daniel Barber, a native of
Dr. Zabdiel was the 7th of 12 children. Pe- Simsbury, in Connecticut, made one of the
ter, the 4th, m. Anne White ; their dau. Su- besieging army before Boston in 1775. On
sannah m. Deac. John Adams, father of Pres- attending the funeral of Adjutant Phineas
IDENT John Adams; another, Anns, m. Eben- Lyman Tracy (killed by a cannon-shot), who
ezer Adams, brother of Deac. John, and Avas was buried in the Brookline burial-ground,
the ancestor of the late Dr. Zabdiel B. Adams, he took notice of a grave with an ancient
of Boston ; Thomas, the 12th, and youngest marble monument, from which he copied tiio
brother of Dr. Zabdiel, merchant of Boston, following inscription : —
m. Sarah Morecock, and had Thomas, also " Sacred to the memory of Dr. Zabdiel Boyl-
merciiant of Boston, who died in London 30 ston, Esq., physician and F. R. S., who first
Dec. 1798, whose sister Mary m. Benjamin introduced the practice of Inoculation in
Ilallowell, and had 14 children, one of whom, America. Through a life of extensive benev-
Ward Nicholas, took the name of Boylston ; olence, he was always faithful to his word,
another sister (dau. of Thomas and Sarah), just in his dealings, affable in his manners;
Rebecca, m. Lieut, (jov. Moaes QiH- and after a long sickness, in which he was ex-
1766-7.] GENERAL COURT OPENED TO THE PUBLIC. 727
Notwithstanding the great joy which the repeal of the Stamp Act
occasioned, there was scarcely any cessation of a kind of warfare be-
tween the heads of the two parties. And although it was well known
that both Governor Bernard and Lieut. Governor Hutchinson had en-
deavored to bring about the Repeal ; that it had been acknowledged in
the highest places in England as it respected the former ; and that the
latter had drafted the Petition from the Council and House, in 1764,
which essentially forwarded the desired measure ; yet the Liberty Men
would not allow that those efforts were meritorious, inasmuch as they
solicited the object as a matter of favor, and not of right. In short, the
whole is explained in a few words. The people said by their acts at
least, " We will not havQ a King to rule over us." With this feeling, —
and it was become almost universal, — the best Governors and Coun-
sellors in the world, if placed in power by the King, could not have
pleased them. Hence, every General Court, from this time until the
King's power was finally annulled by the sword, was almost one con-
tinued scene of strife and contention.
The war in the General Court was commenced in the outset
'"^ " ' of the May session, apparently by the Governor himself; Mr.
Otis, having been chosen Speaker, was negatived by him. In this he
gained nothing, but lost much ; for he was obliged to take one of the
same party for the office, and that party retaliated by keeping Lieut.
Governor Hutchinson and Secretary Oliver out of the Council. Thus the
campaign was opened, but the details cannot be here entered into.
Before this session of the General Court, the debates and proceedings
had not been open to the public. As great interest was felt by the people
in those .proceedings, the Patriot party, taking advantage of their
"' strength, ordered, " That the debates of this House be open, and
that a gallery be erected for the accommodation of such as shall be in-
clined to attend them." Agreeably to this order the work was imme-
diately commenced, and in a few days finished. This added popularity
to an already popular party, and had the effect that was intended,
namely, to forward the common cause of opposition to Govern-
ment.
J\Ir. Hutchinson by virtue of his office of Lieut. Governor took
his seat at the Council Board, but the House were determined to
expel him ; and by a Resolve did expel him. The Resolve ex-
pressed, "That he, not being elected a Counsellor, had no right
by the Charter to a seat " there, " with or without a voice, while the
Commander-in-Chief is in the Province." Five days after,
the Council endorsed the proceedings of the House, and the
Lieut. Governor submitted to the decision. This was not so much on
account of ill-will to Mr. Hutchinson, though there was no lack of that,
emplary for his patience and resignation to his Mr. Barber made the above copy just fifty
Maiter, he quitted this mortal life, in a just years after the death of Adj. Tracy, and pub-
expectation of a happy immortality, on the lished " The History of My own Times," Wash-
first day of March, A. D. 1766, aged eighty- ington, D. C, 1827, 8vo. See Phelps' Hist.
seven years. ' ' Simskiri/ for some account of the Barber family.
728
PRIVILEGES OF COUNSELLORS. FIRE.
[1767.
as it was to punish Governor Bernard for his repeated reprimands of all
those who opposed his measures.
These decisions of the House and Council, however, were not sub-
mitted to by Mr. Bernard as they should have been, had he been dis-
posed to show a magnanimity which common sense would certainly
have dictated. But, instead of passing over and submitting quietly to
what he knew he could not help or avoid, he directed Mr. Secretary
Oliver to search the past records of the Government, to see if prece-
dents could not be found whereby Mr. Hutchinson could be reinstated.*
This had no other effect but to keep alive animosities and strengthen
opposition to his own measures.
j,^^ ^Q About ten o'clock in the evening of February third, a fire
broke out in Mr. Bray's bakehouse, adjoining Mill Creek, by
which were consumed upwards of twenty houses. It passed over the
Creek, taking the houses in Perraway's or Ball's alley, now Centre-
street, and about seventeen of the houses burned were on the north
side of the Creek.
March 16 "^^^^ Representatives of the Town in the General Court had
been instructed in May last to advocate the total abolition of
* As the Report made by Mr. Oliver is a
document of considerable historical value, the
substance of it is here given : — "I have exam-
ined the Records from the year 1692 until this
time, and cannot find that more than six gen-
tlemen have been commissioned by the Crown
since the present Charter, viz., William
Stoughton, Esq., Thomas Povey, Esq., Wil-
liam Tailer, Esq., William Dummer, Esq.,
Spencer Phipps, Esq., and Thomas Hutchin-
son, Esq. VVhen Sir Wm. Phipps arrived
with the Charter, in May, 1692, in that Char-
ter 28 persons were appointed Counsellors or
Assistants. Mr. Stoughton was not one of
them. Counsellors to take the oath before the
Governor, or Lieutenant or Dep. Governor, or
any two of the Council authorized by the Gov-
ernor. At the first Assembly, on the 8th of
June, 1692, Lieut. Governor Stoughton was
present in Council. The Governor appointed
the Lieut. Governor, attended by the Secre-
tary, to administer the oaths to the Represent-
atives. Mr. Stoughton generally sat in
Council that year. He was continued one of
the 28 Counsellors or Assistants, by election,
till his death in 1701, although Commander-in-
Chief, also, the greater part of the time. In
1702 Thomas Povey succeeded Mr. Stoughton
as Lieut. Governor. Mr. Povey never was
elected a Counsellor. He came over with
(Jov. Dudley, and returned to England in 1705.
lie was always pi-esent in Council during his
stay. In June, 1711, the Hon. Francis Nich-
olson, Esq., was present in Council ; his name
being entered next to Gov. Dudley for five
successive days. There is no mention of a
Lieut. Governor being in the Province after
Mr. Povey left it, till 17 Oct., 1711, when
"William Tailer, Esq. appears as Lieut. Gov-
ernor. The next day he was present in Coun-
cil, without the Governor ; but he was not of
the Council in 1711. The next year he was
chosen a Counsellor, and continued to be till
1716, when Mr. Dummer was commissioned
Lieut. Governor. Nov. 7, 1716, Gov. Shute
opened his Commission, and Mr. Dummer was
present in Council, and generally throughout
the year, though not a member. In 1717, 18,
19, and 20, Mr. Dummer was elected into the
Council, in 1721 and 22, though not elected,
he frequently sat in Council. Mr. Shute left
in Dec, 1722, and Mr. Dummer succeeded as
Commander-in-Chief, and so continued till
July, 1728, when Mr. Burnet came. Mr. Dum-
mer sat in Council but a few days after Gov.
Burnet's arrival. On 30 June, 1730, Col.
Tailer opened the Session of the Gen. Court.
In Aug. Gov. Belcher arrived, after which Mr.
Tailer sat in Council a few days only, and died
in the latter end of 1731, or beginningof 1732.
He was succeeded by Spencer Phipps, Esq., as
Lieut. Governor. Mr. Phipps died in April,
1757, and was succeeded by Mr. Hutchinson
the same year, in which he has ever since con-
tinued, and was then of the Council, and has
" ever since been annually elected. It was men-
tioned that Gov. Belcher denied the right of a
Lieut. Governor to si \n Council, and that he
excluded Col. Tailer and Col. Phipps from
the Board. Concerning which I am informed
by Mr. Boardman, son-in-law to Mr. Phipps,
that they both complained of it as a grievance ;
and that Mr. Phipps in particular would never
afterwards make his appearance on any public
occasion, as he could not do it in character."
Dated Q Feb., 1767.
1767.] barre's portrait. 729
Slavery in the Province. At the Town-meeting on the sixteenth of
March, the question came up, as to whether the Town would adhere
to that part of its Instructions, and it passed in the affirmative.*
At the same meeting, a vote passed to illuminate Faneuil Hall on the
eighteenth of March, in commemoration of the repeal of the Stamp
Act, which the Selectmen were requested to see carried into effect, and
also " to make provision for drinking the King's health."
At the May meeting of the Town, a letter was ordered to be
written to Colonel Barre, informing him that his Picture had been
received and placed in Faneuil Hall. Town-meetings of this period
were called at nine o'clock in the morning, and the people were duly
notified that " the Poll for the choice of Representatives would be
closed at twelve o'clock, and a strict scrutiny would be made as to the
qualification of voters." And, on the notifications was printed, " A
person entitled to vote must have a freehold of forty shillings per
"annum, or other estate worth forty pounds sterling." Notifications
were posted six days before the day of meeting.
The Gun-House on the Common was ordered to be repaired,
'and enlarged if necessary, "for the reception of the Artillery
lately given by the Province for the use of the Boston regiment."
On the tenth of September died Jeremy Gridley, Esq., the
'Attorney General of the Province, a preeminent lawyer. He
has been mentioned before as the Editor of the Rehearsal, the instructor
of James Otis in his legal studies, and as Grand Master in the Society
of Free Masons. Major General Richard Gridley, distinguished at
Louisbourg, was his brother. He was Colonel of the first regiment of
Boston, at the time of his death, and his age was about sixty-three.
Mr. Edward Payne, Benjamin Kent, Esq., Thomas Dowse,
Esq., Melatiah Bourne, Esq., Jonathan Williams, Esq., Mr. John
Boylston, and Col. John Hill, were a Committee " to take measures to
make the entrance into the Town near the Fortifications more
respectable."
^^ At the adjourned Town-meeting on the twenty-second of
December, Instructions to the Representatives were reported
and adopted. From these Instructions it appears that the restraint
which the people had voluntarily imposed upon themselves, of abstain-
ing from superfluities, had been entirely thrown off on the repeal of the
Stamp Act. "It is with concern," say the Instructions, " we are
obliged to say, that under all this difficulty our private debts to the
British merchants have been increasing ; and our importations, even of
superfluities, as well as other articles, have been so much beyond the
* The Bostonians are thus reproached in the freedom in their Town-meetings, they actually
anonymous letters before cited : — " What ! have in town 2000 Negro slaves." Page 38 — 9.
cries our good people hero, ' Negro slaves in That writer's extravagance, in stating the nuni-
Boston ! It cannot be.' It is nevertheless ber of slaves in Boston in 1774, shows him to
true. For though the Bostonians have ground- have written with but a shadow of a regard to
ed their rebellion on the ' immutable laws of na- truth. He maybe right as to the move for
ture,' yet, notwithstanding their resolves about the abolition of slavery.
92
730 REPRESENTATIVES INSTRUCTED. — MANUFACTURES. [1767.
bounds of prudence, that our utmost efforts, it is to be feared, will not
save us from impending ruin. At the same time our trade, by which
alone we are enabled to balance our accounts with Great Britain, is
almost every branch of it burthened with duties and restrictions, whereby
it is rendered unprofitable to us, and is, indeed, in danger of being
totally obstructed and ruined. In such a deplorable situation, we
warmly recommend to you, gentlemen, to exert yourselves in promoting
every prudent measure which may be proposed to put a stop to that
profusion of luxury, so threatening to the Country ; to encourage a
spirit of industry and frugality among the people, and to establish man-
ufactures in the Province." The Instructions also urged upon the
attention of the Representatives the necessity of restraining the exces-
sive use and consumption of spirituous liquors among the people ; "as
destructive to the morals as well as the health and substance of the
people." They further say, " As we have nothing more at heart than
to maintain a lasting and perpetual friendship and union with the people
of Great Britain, who are our fellow-subjects, we rely upon it, that you
will at all times readily join in any measures tending to cultivate and
establish it ; using your best endeavors to circumvent and frustrate the
designs of those who would create jealousies and foment divisions between
us." They were enjoined also to inspect the Acts of Parliament, to see if
any such were passed binding on the Colonies, that timely measures might
be adopted to remedy any inconvenience arising therefrom, " as we are
not, and cannot be, represented in the Parliament which passeth such
laws."
The establishment of manufactures came up in due course in the
General Court, and Brig. Timothy Ruggles, of Hardwick, was the onl)
member who voted against such establishment.* The Boston delega
j-gg tion were particularly sensitive with regard to the course of Mr
J, ' Ruggles, who handed in his reasons for his vote in writing ; and,
when the question was put for entering those reasons on the Jour
nal, it passed in the negative. The linen manufactory, which had beer
discontinued in the Town, was again attempted to be established.
A series of twelve interesting and able letters appeared in the vari-
ous newspapers of the day, signed "A Farmer." At the
' Town-meeting on the fourteenth of March, the subject of those
letters was taken up. It was voted " that the thanks of the Town be
given to the ingenious Author of those letters, published in Phila-
delphia- and in this place ; wherein the rights of the American subjects
are clearly stated and fully vindicated ; and Dr. Benjamin Church,
John Hancock, Esq., Mr. Samuel Adains, Dr. Joseph Warren, and
John Jlowe, Esq., were appointed a Committee to prepare and publish
* This gentleman made himself uunecessa- Mr. Ruggles interrupted him by the sneering
rily obnoxious to the Liberty party. After- remark, that when Representatives were to be
wards, when the subject of sending Represent- sent, he wished to have the privilege of recom-
atives to Parliament was debated in the Gen- mending a merchant who would carry them to
eral Court, while JMr. Otis was urging the England for lialf what they would sell for
inseparability of representation and taxation, when they got there.
1767.] STAMP-ACT CELEBRATION. 731
a letter of thanks accordingly." It does not appear from the records,
that the name of the Author of the since celebrated letters was at that
time known. It proved to be John Dickinson, Esq., of Delaware, who
was the Samuel Adams of the Middle States.
At the same Town-meeting, the subject of manufactures was
brought forward, and a large Committee * appointed to pro-
cure subscriptions for the encouragement of the manufticturing of Duck,
lately established in the Town by John Barret, Esq. Mr. Gawen
Browne was encouraged to exhibit at this meeting " the frame and prin-
cirpal movements of a new and curious Town-clock," which he had
manufactured.!
The Selectmen chosen were Joseph Jackson, Samuel Sewall, John
Ruddock, John Hancock, William Phillips, Timothy Newell, and John
Rowe. Sewall, Phillips, and Newell, resigned after having entered
upon their duties, and Joshua Ilenshaw, Samuel Pemberton, and Hen-
derson Inches, were elected in their stead.
On the eighteenth of the same month the repeal of the
' Stamp Act was celebrated " by a large company, who met at
the British Coffee-house, and Col. IngersoU's in King-street." In the
evening a great body of people assembled, and attempted to kindle a
bonfire, but were prevailed upon by some influential gentlemen to de-
sist, and they desisted accordingly. In the morning of the same day
there were found suspended on Liberty Tree two Images ; one repre-
sented a certain Commissioner, and the other, one of the Inspectors.
These were taken down without opposition; being done by two or
three gentlemen, weU-known friends of Liberty. J
The progress of the schemes, which finally resulted in the Acts of
Parliament for raising a revenue in the Colonies by imposts ; the grad-
ual and artful plans for rendering the Governments in them entirely
independent of the people ; the Act creating a Board of Commissioners
to carry into effect the new revenue laws ; and the Act for quartering
troops among the people, for the evident purpose of overawing them
into a submission to these arbitrary and iniquitous measures ; all impor-
* The Committee consisted of Ebenezer Sto- serve the motion during the winding-up. The
rer, Benj. Austin, Wm. Whitwell, Thos. pendulum wheel and j^lates to perform the
Daws, Joseph Waldo, Moses Gill, Saml. Aus- dead beat." Its " mathematical pendulum "
tin, Wm. Greenleaf, Wm. Gray, Saml. Part- was so contrived that it could be " altered the
ridge, Nathl. Barbour, and John Ballard. At 3500th part of an inch, while the clock is
the meeting on the 11th of May, the Com- going." *
mittee reported that they had not met with | The Governor had heard that an EflBgy
the encouragement anticipated ; had got but demonstration was in preparation. " On the
£150 subscribed, which was only one half of very day before," he says, " I spoke with the
what was required. They wore requested to most knowing men I could procure, who were
renew their efforts, and to report at a future very positive no EiEgies would be hung up,
time. • and yet late that evening I had certain advice
t Mr. Browne was an inhabitant of the that Effigies were prepared, but it was too late
Town. It is said, in a description of his Clock, to do anything. Early the next morning the
that " the two great wheels took near 90 lb. Sheriff came to me to inform me that Effigies
weight of cast Ijrass. It was calculated for 8 of Mr. Paxton and Mr. Williams were hang-
days, to show the hours and minutes ; to have ing upon Liberty Tree." — Bernard's Letter
three great dials, and a mechanic lever to pre- to Shelburne, 19 Mar., 1768.
732 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. [1768.
tant affairs for understanding the true character of the American Revo-
lution, which was the immediate consequence of them, are the concerns
of the general history of the Colonies, and cannot be fully considered,
even in the most important section of them.
But as the Board of Commissioners here necessarily referred to had
its head-quarters in Boston, and as the acts of those composing that
Board led to serious difficulties in the Town shortly after, the follow-
ing details cannot be dispensed with in this place.
Mr. Charles Paxton had left for England, for the express purpose,
no doubt, of causing the commission to he located in Boston, and for
being himself placed in it. He succeeded in his design.* The Board
consisted of Charles Paxton, Henry Hulton, WiUiam Burch, John
Temple,! and John Robinson, Esquires. The two last named were
already in this country, and the other three arrived in the beginning of
November, 1767. These appointments were made by the Chancellor
of the Exchequer, a situation given him on his pledging himself to
raise a revenue in America. But he did not live to see the mischief
his undertaking brought upon the two countries, for he died on the
fourth of September, 1767, at the early age of forty-two.
The sure effect of enforcing the new revenue laws was to revive
smuggling in one quarter, and in another the non-importation system.
The latter was immediately entered upon ; first in a private
club of gentlemen in the Town, and not long after in open
Town-meeting. Thus measures were agreed upon, by which industry,
economy, and manufactures, should be promoted. Committees and
subscription papers were set on foot to carry out these objects. J At
first they did not meet with the success anticipated. Many were in-
clined to submit to the new order of things, rather than to incur the
dangers which they imagined awaited such an opposition. The repe-
tition of the scenes of the Stamp-Act tragedies were certainly to be
avoided. Besides, Mr. Otis was against the measure ; and
^'^' " ' in a Town-meeting in November, 1767, spoke pointedly
against it; for at that time Boston stood almost alone. However, when
about two months after, it was found that Connecticut and New York
* " Mv. Paxton, thought to be the mostplau- scriptions were John Kowe, AVm. Greenleaf,
eible and insinuating of mankind, though not Melatiah Bourne, Samuel Austin, Edward
the most sincere, had free access to the Chan- Payne, Edmund Quincy, third, John Ruddock,
cellor of tj^e Exchequer, Mr. Charles Town- Jonathan Williams, Joshua Henshaw, Hend-
shend. It is said that he whined, cried, pro- erson Inches, Solomon Davis, Joshua Wins-
fessed, swore, and made his will in favor of low, and Thomas Cushing. By the terms of
that great man ; and then urged the necessity subscription, the subscribers were to encour-
of an ' American Board of Commissioners,' age the use and consumption of all articles
and his having a seat at it." — Gordon. manufactured in any of the British American
f Mr. Temple, by his temperate and careful Colonies, and more especially in this Province,
conduct, escaped the troubles which fell upon and after Tihe 31st of Dec. next, not to pur-
his companions in office. He was Surveyor Gen- chase certain specified articles imported from
eral before made a Commissioner, and it was abroad ; also to adhere strictly to the late
well known that he did not approve of a Board regulations respecting funerals. Copies of
of that kind, but Avas contented with his for- these terms were sent to every town in the
mer office. Province, and to the principal towns in the
J The gentlemen appointed to obtain sub- other Prqvjnces.
1768.]
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE.
733
had come out in favor, and that Newport and Providence were with
them, the Bostonians renewed their efforts to organize the non-
importation system. They were much encouraged by letters from
merchants in Philadelphia. It was said in that city, " If America is
saved from its impending danger, New England will be its acknowl-
edged guardian."
CHAPTER LXXII.
The Boston Chronicle. — Eminent Strangers. — The King's Birthday celebrated. — Frigate. — Im-
pressment Case. — Wine Seizure. — Capt. Marshall. — Capt. Malcom. — Officers of the Customs
mobbed. — Flight of Commissioners. — Town-meeting. — James Otis. — Committee wait on the
Governor. — Military Forces expected. — Position of Governors and Governed. — Resistance of the
People feared. — Rescinding Troubles. — Lady Franlcland. — The King's Governor a Soldier of For-
tune. — Troops ordered. — Convention of Towns. — A Tar-Barrel. — Inhabitants advised to arm. —
Arrival of Troops.
FOR above ten years there had not been any
new newspaper started in Boston. There were
regularly issued during that period four weekly
papers, namely, the News-Letter, the Evening
Post, the Gazette, and the Advertiser or Post-
boy. On the 21st of December, 1767, John
Mein, a bookseller, and John Fleeming, a printer,
commenced the publication of a fifth paper,
which they called the Boston Chronicle. It
was a model paper, as to size,f being in quarto,
though printed on a whole sheet demi. The
publishers continued it in this form for one year,
* The immediate ancestry of the Searses in
New England were of Colchester in Essex, Old
England. Richard, son of John Bourchier
Sears, of Colchester, arrived in Plymouth,
N. E., May 8th, 1630. He married Dorothy
Thacher, and was seated at Yarmouth, of
which he was some time a Representative in
the Old Colony Legislature ; dying in 1676,
leaving three sons. Knyvet, the oldest, made
two voyages to England to recover his paternal
estates, but, dying there in 1686, those estates
were not only lost to his family, but the evi-
dences of their right to them also. He died at
the residence of his relative, Catherine Kny-
vet, daughter of Sir John Knyvet, who after-
wards married Lord Berners. Knyvet Sears
left by wife Elizabeth (Dimoke) sons Daniel
and Richard. The former, born 1682, settled
at Chatham, and had by wife Sarah (Hawes),
Daniel, Richard and David. The two last
were slain in the battle of Culloden ; the for-
mer (Daniel), boi-n 1712, inherited the estates
of his father, and by his wife, Fear (Free-
man), had sons Richard, David and Daniel.
David, the second son, settled in Boston, be-
came an opulent merchant of the highest re-
spectability ; married, in 1786, Anna, dau. of
John Winthrop, Esq., and had one son, the
present Hon. David Sears, whose liberal bene-
factions on various occasions would be an en-
viable memorial to any citizen of a Metropolis
renowned for generous sons. The mansion of
Mr. Sears, fronting the northerly side of the
Common, built upon land once owned by John
Singleton Copley, is one of great beauty, dis-
playing a taste for permanence and comfort,
rather than for show and ornament, and of
which there is a good engraving.
f It is to be lamented that the taste of this
age for large newspapers is so entirely destrucr
734 EMINENT STRANGERS. KING'S BIRTHDAY. [1768.
and then issued it in a crown folio size, and published it twice a week,
which was the first semi-weekly paper in New England. It was a
valuable and impartial paper for the first year, but the next year it
lost its popularity by taking up the cause of the Mother Country, and
was suspended on the 25th of June, 1770.
^^^ ^^ On the twentieth of May, came in the ship London Packet,
Capt. Robert Calef, from London, with whom came passengers.
Commodore Joshua Loring,* and the Rev. Samson Occum, a Mohe-
gan Indian. Mr. Occum had been about two years in England, col-
lecting money for the benefit of Moore's Indian Charity School, at
Lebanon, in Connecticut, now under the charge of the Rev. Eleazer
Wheelock. He is said to have been the first Indian preacher in
Europe. f
^^ ^g At the meeting of the General Court the Hon. Thomas Cush-
ing was elected Speaker, and Samuel Adams, Esq., Clerk.
The Governor negatived six of the Councillors, among whom are the
historical names of James Otis, John Hancock and Artemas Ward. J
June 4 "^^^ fourth of June being the King's thirty-first birthday,
" it was celebrated with much spirit. At sunrise the flags were
displayed at Castle William, and each of the Town Batteries, and at
twelve o'clock the guns of those forts were discharged, and also those
of the frigate Romney, then in the harbor. The Governor's troop
of guards under Col. Phipps, the regiment of the Town, under Col.
Jackson, with the train of Artillery, under Capt. Paddock, all mus-
tered in King-street, where the troop and regiment fired three rounds,
and the artillery responded with their " new pieces." §
One irritating circumstance after another transpired, and at brief
tive of their preservation. Instead of increas- Dorchester. Sir John Wentworth Loring, b.
ing their number of pages, nearly all publish- 13 Oct., 1775, was his sonl Another son, Hen-
ers have the propensity to increase the size ry Lloyd, died Archdeacon of Calcutta, in
of their sheets ; under the erroneous notion, 1832.
probably, that their importance or circulation f The author of the scurrilous letters before
depends upon an immense broadside dis- cited has a good deal to say about Mr. Occum
play. The consequence is, such papers stand and his mission ; also about ti',()se v^'lio accom-
hardly any chance of being preserved ; and, if panied him. "The money- collecting expe-
preserved, they are so unwieldy, they cannot dition of the Rev. triumvirate, the two white
be consulted except at extreme inconvenience, parsons and the black one, sooty Mr. Occum.
Almost every important paper of this day is The latter was fitted out by that wise head of
printed upon an overgrown sheet, and hence the faction, Mr. Hancock, who also compli-
scarcely any of them will reach another age ; mented him with the use of the cabin of one
while the little papers, before the Revolution, his vessels bound to England." — Page 102.
will remain as sparkling pages of the his- J Another, Mr. Jerathmeel Bowers, of Swan-
tory of the world. The New York Tribune, zey, for whom the author of the anonymous
and a few others, are tolerable exceptions to letters seems to have had a particular hatred,
the unwieldy, unpreservable papers of our age. -^ See pages 112-13.
Some of these will be preserved, and cordially ^ These " new pieces " were, I presume, the
greeted in other days, while the more pretend- three-pounders, brought from London in the
ing sheets will sink into oblivion from their brigantine Abigail, Capt. James Harding Ste-
own weight, and be known only by name. vens, who arrived with them about tlie 1st of
* A son of the Commodore, Joshua Loring, February. They were of brass, and had been
Jr., Esq., was here the next year, having been cast for the Town, from two old cannon sent
appointed " permanent High Sheriff of Massa- over hj the General Court for that purpose,
chusetts." He married a Miss Lloyd, 19 Oct., Upon them were engraved the arms of the
1769. The wedding was at Col. Hatch's, jn Province.
1768.] FRIGATE ROMNEY. SEVERE AFFRAY. 735
intervals. The frigate Romney, of fifty guns, Capt. John Corner,
lately arrived from Halifax, was the station-ship, at this time, which
lay moored in the harbor.* Some men had been pressed from several
vessels into the ship's service, by his orders, on his passage from
Halifax. However, when visited by a deputation of gentlemen,! ^^6 was
found so conciliatory and agreeable, that the affair passed off much
more quietly than was anticipated. But the class of people from
among whom the impressments were made were much incensed, and
the merchants believed the Romney had been sent for by the Com-
missioners to compel them to submit to the revenue laws.
Soon after, a sloop belonging to John Hancock, Esq., bear-
■ ing the unfortunate name of " The Liberty," arrived loaded
with wine from Madeira. As she was lying at Hancock's wharf, on *
Friday, the tenth of June, the Tidewaiter, Thomas Kirk, went on
board, and was followed by Capt. John Marshall, — who commanded
Mr. Hancock's ship, the London Packet, — with five or six others.
These persons confined Kirk, below, and kept him some three hours ;
and in the mean while the wine was taken out, and no entry made of
it at the Custom-house or Naval Ofl&ce. The next morning, the mas-
ter, Mr. Nathaniel Barnard, entered, it is said, four or five pipes of
wine, and made ^ oath that that was all he brought into port. It
was therefore resolved to seize the sloop upon a charge of false
entry. Accordingly, Mr. Joseph Harrison, the Collector, and Ben-
jamin Hallowell, the Comptroller, repaired to Hancock's wharf. It
was now between six and seven o'clock in the evening, and Mr.
Harrison objected to making the seizure, as it was so late in the day ;
probably fearing some disturbance, as laboring people were just relieved
from their daily employments, and had begun to be numerous in the
streets. J However, the seizure was made, and Mr. Harrison proposed
to let the sloop lie at the wharf for the night, supposing she might
do so without interference, " the broad arrow " being upon her.
But Mr. Hallowell, judging from his former experience that the affair,
might not pass without trouble, decided that it was best to move the
sloop under the guns of the Romney. Signals were therefore made
for the frigate's boats to come to the place. A considerable number
* When a former Commander left this sta- f Koyal Tyler, Esq., one of the Council, was
tion, about the 1st of Dec, 1766, the Town of the Committee ; they made their report to
appointed a Committee to wait upon him with the Town on the 16th of June. Capt. Corner
expressions of gratitude for his kindness in the gave his word that no one should be pressed
discharge of his duties. The Committee was belongingto,or who were married in, this Prov-
composed of Samuel Adams, John Rowe, and ince ; nor any employed in the trade along
John Hancock. The following preamble pre- shore or neighboring Colonies,
faced a vote of thanks : " Whereas John Lewis J Hutchinson says that the wine taken from
Gideon, Esq., Commander of His Majesty's the vessel was carted through the streets in the
ship Jamaica, has, upon all occasions during night ; and, though it was notorious to a great
his station here, for about three years past, part of the Town, no officer of the Customs
discovered a readiness to do everytliing in his thought fit to attempt a seizure ; nor is it
power for promoting the interests of the probable he could have succeeded, if he had
Province and Town in particular, and by his attempted it, as it was guarded by 30 or 40
behavior and good services has given great sat- stout fellows armed with bludgeons. There
isfaetion to the Town." Therefore voted, etc. are some discrepancies in the accounts.
736 CUSTOM-HOUSE OFFICERS MOBBED. CAPT. MALCOM. [1768.
of people had by this time been attracted to the wharf, and some
one among them cried out that there was no occasion for the ves-
sel's removal, that she would be safe where she was, that no officer
had any right to remove her. But the Romney's boats arrived, cut
the sloop's moorings, and carried her off, though at much peril and
with no little difficulty.
The gathering upon the wharf was now increased to a Mob ; many
of whom, not understanding what, was done, supposedthere had been
another impressment affair, and hence were furious ; swore ven-
geance and destruction to the oppressors, as nearly all connected with
the Grovernment were called. Ill-temper and a spirit of revenge once
engendered are easily transferred from an imaginary object to a real
.one. Hence, when it became known that a vessel of a popular citizen
had been seized by order of the new Commissioners, the fury of the
Mob was as great as it was under the supposition before mentioned.
In this state of exasperation they fell upon the officers, several of
whom barely escaped with life. Among the numerous missiles
thrown at Mr. Harrison was a brick or stone, which struck him on the
breast ; from the effects of which he was confined to his bed. His
son, Mr. Richard Acklom Harrison,* was thrown down, dragged by
the hair of his head, and otherwise barbarously tre.ated. Mr. Hal-
lowell and Mr. Irving, f Inspectors, did not fare much better. The
former was confined to his house from the wounds and bruises he re-
ceived ; and the latter, besides having his sword broken, was beaten
with clubs and sticks and considerably wounded. The Mob next pro-
ceeded to the house of Mr. John Williams, the Inspector General, broke
his windows, and also those of the house of the Comptroller, Mr.
Hallowell. They then took the Collector's boat, and dragged it to the
Common, and there burnt every fragment of it. J This was the end
of Friday night's proceedings ; and, as Saturday and Sunday even-
ings were sacred, things remained quiet during those evenings.
In the mean time the community were surprised on hearing of the
death of Capt. Marshall, the popular master of the London Packet,
who died the same night of the riot at Hancock's wharf, and it is
said his death was caused by the over-exertions which he made in re-
moving the wine from the sloop Liberty.
The most conspicuous man on the part of the Mob was Captain
Daniel Malcom, a trader in Fleet-street, wdio, it is said, was deeply
interested in the wines attempted to be smuggled. The Revenue offi-
cers knew him well, and owed him no good-will for very good
* He was not one of the oflScers of the Rev- % This was a pleasnre-boat of Mr. Harri-
enue, but was accompanying his father in his son, " built by himself in a particular and
official duties. elegant manner." The boat-burners "got
fHis name is about as often found spelled some rum, and attempted to get more; if
Irving as Irvine. Governor Bernard has it both they had procured it in quantity God knows
yrays in his letters. He was not concerned where this fury would have ended ! " — Letter
in the seizure of the sloop. of Gov. Bernard.
1768.] COMMISSIONERS IN TROUBLE. 737
reasons ; for some eighteen months before they undertook to search
his premises for contraband goods, but were obliged to retreat before
deadly weapons, without effecting their object ; and, from his manner
and that of those about him, the Officers did not think it safe or pru-
. dent to attempt again to renew the search. On the occasion of the
seizure of the Liberty, he headed the party of men who exerted
themselves to prevent her removal to the Romney.* This affair was
said by the principal gentlemen of the Town to have been greatly
misrepresented by the Governor, who took measures to procure ex
parte depositions relative to it. The deponents mentioned were
Stephen Greenleaf, the Sheriff of the County, William Sheaff, Deputy
Collector of the Customs, and Benjamin Hallowell, Comptroller.
These depositions, it was believed, were taken for the express pur-
pose of being sent to the Ministry. Therefore a Town-meeting was
called to take the matter into consideration. The Town met accord-
ingly on the eighth of October, 1766, and appointed James Otis,
Joseph Jackson, John Hancock, William Phillips, Timothy Newell,
John Rowe, Samuel Adams, and Joshua Henshaw, a Committee to
wait on the Governor " to desire copies " of those depositions.
The Committee immediately waited upon his Excellency, and in
the afternoon of the same day reported to the adjourned meeting
that they were informed by him, '' that by order of Council said
depositions were to be kept secret ; but he would comply if so
ordered by said Council." Copies of the depositions were finally
obtained, and measures taken to counteract their ill effect in Eng-
land, t
The Commissioners had thus far escaped the resentment of
the people, so freely dealt out to the officers acting under them ;
but, feeling no security in their own houses, they fled during the riot
to those of their friends. J These, they soon had intimations, were very
insecure retreats, and they informed the Governor early on Monday
morning that they were going on board the Romney,§ and requested
* Daniel Malcom, John Matchet, Captain the Town in London, Dennis De Berdt, Esq.,
Hopkins, and others, said the sloop should to prepare him to meet the charges contained
not ha taken into custody ; and declared they in the Government depositions and other docu-
would go on board and throw the people be-' ments which might accompany them,
longing to the Romney overboard. — Deposi- | In vrriting to the Earl of Shelburne, of
tion of Benj. Hallowell, Jr., before Edmund date 19 March, 1768, Mr. Bernard says, on one
Quincy, J. P. Gov. Bernard said of Captain occasion, " A number of lads, about 100, pa-
Malcom, "This man was thought a fit per- raded the Town with a drum and horns, passed
son to be upon a Grand Jury before whom his by the Council Chamber whilst I was sitting
own Riots were to be inquired into ; who, there in Council, assembled before Mr. Pax-
having twice in a forcible manner set the laws ton's house, and huzzaed, and to the number
at defiance with success, has thereby raised of at least 60 lusty fellows invested Mr.
himself to be a Mob Captain." — Letter to Burch's house for some time, so that his lady
Hillsborough. Like his friend Marshall, Mai- and children were obliged to go out at the
com did not long survive these scenes. He back door to avoid the danger which was
died Oct. 23d, 1769, in his 44th year. He was threatened. This w:is, I think, on March the
by birth, I believe, an Irisliman. 4th."
f At a Town-meeting on the 22 Oct., 17G6, ^ It appears from the letters of Gov. Ber-
soon after the affair with Malcom, a Com- nard that the Commissioners went on board
mittee was appointed to write to the Agent of the Romney on Saturday evening following the
98
738 TOWN-MEETING. ADDRESS TO THE GOVERNOR. [1768.
an order from him to be received into the Castle, which his Excel-
lency gave them ; also informing them that he could not protect them.
.Shortly after, they were conveyed in boats to that fortress, where they
remained for a long time ; yet they went and came at their pleasure,
and were not molested.
At the time of their escape on board the Romney, the people were
assembling in different parts of the Town, apparently under some
organization for further movements against the officers of the Customs,
and particularly against the Commissioners, as was supposed \ but, as
the latter had escaped, and the others were mostly concealed, no fur-
ther violence was attempted. This state of things, perhaps, induced
the leaders of the people to post up notices * calling for a meeting
of the Sons of Liberty the next day at ten o'clock, at Liberty Hall.f
Several thousands accordingly assembled at the time and
place, but it being rainy, they chose their senior Selectman
Moderator, and then adjourned to Faneuil Hall. Here it was agreed
to have forthwith a legal Town-meeting, and notifications for that
object signed by the Selectmen were immediately posted up for a
meeting at three o'clock in the afternoon of the same day. So great
was the attendance at the hour, that Faneuil Hall could not accom-
modate them, and they adjourned to the Old South, that being the
largest house in the Town. Mr. Otis was elected Moderator. "After
very cool and deliberate debates," say the Records^, an Address to the
Governor was unanimously agreed upon. A Committee of twenty-one
gentlemen was appointed to wait upon his Excellency with the Address.|
Mr. Rowe,Mr. Hancock, and Dr. Warren, were made a sub-committee,
to wait first on his Excellency, to ascertain at what time it would be
convenient for him to receive the whole Committee. They soon came
into the meeting, and reported that the Chief Magistrate was at his
country-seat. Whereupon it was voted that the Committee proceed
to the Governor's country-seat in Roxbury. Then, after a Speech from
Mr. Otis, the Moderator, the meeting was adjourned to the next day
at four o'clock in the afternoon. In Mr. Otis's Speech he persuaded
riot. On June 18th he wrote : "The Com- f Liberty Hall was the ^rownrf immediately
missioners and their families, and Officers, are .about Liberty Tree. Since August last (1767),
still on board the Romney, where they proceed a flag-staff had been erected at Liberty Hall,
in their business. The Town won't hear of which went through Liberty Tree, extending
their return to Boston, and it is much better far above its topmost branches. When a
that they should not until the question is de- flag was seen flying on this staff, it was a
termined. I hear that they are to fix their signal to the Sons of Liberty to be prepared
residence at the Castle next Monday. The for action. Their primary movements appear
Romney is fell down, and now lies off the Cas- to have much puzzled the officials,
tie towards the Town. There is a Sloop of | These are the names of the Committee
War, of IG guns, just come in, which being of twenty-one ; James Otis, Joshua Henshaw,
stationed off the other side of the Castle will Joseph Jackson, John Ruddock, John Han-
complete the command of all the approaches to cock, John Rowe, Saml. Pemberton, Hender-
the Castle." son Inches, Dr. Thomas Young, Dr. Joseph
*In a letter of Governor Bernard's, dated Warren, Thomas Cushing, Samuel Adams, Dr.
the same day, he says: " There was found Benj. Church, Samuel Quincy, Edward Payne,
sticking upon Liberty Tree a paper inviting Daniel Malcom, Richard Dana, Melatiah
all the Sons of Liberty to meet at 6 o'clock. Bourne, Benj. Kent, Royal Tyler, and Josiah
to clear the land of the vermin, etc. etc." Quincy.
17G8.] COMMITTEE MEET THE GOVERNOR. 739
the people to be peaceable, and to keep good order, wbich was the
true course to obtain that which they sought for, a redress of
grievances. If, by adopting that course, he said, they failed, a re-
sistance unto blood by one and all would be justifiable before the
world ; but he prayed that that might never happen. The meeting
then closed in good order, and all waited patiently the report of the
Committee.
The influence which Mr. Otis had over the people is strikingly
observable throughout his whole career. His importance in every
Town-meeting has scarcely been equalled by any man's at any
period in the history of the Town. When he made his appearance
he was received with deafening shouts, a. universal clapping of
hands, and all other possible demonstrations of admiration. He could
successfully put aside any wild, violent or extravagant motions with-
out offending the movers. At the meeting now under consideration,
there was a proposition that every Captain of a man-of-war who came
into this Harbor should be under the command of the General Court.
Another was that if any person should promote or assist the bring-
ing of troops here, he should be deemed a disturber of the peace an*d
a traitor to his country ; but they were warded off.
Meantime the Committee of twenty-one proceeded to the Gov-
ernor's country-seat at Jamaica Plains, about four miles from Town.
They went in eleven chaises, and were received on their arrival by
the Governor with all possible civility. On receiving the Address or
Petition,* his Excellency told them he would give them an answer
to it in writing the next day. Wine was then passed round, and
they left highly pleased with their reception, " especially that part
of them which had not been used to an interview with him."
The next day the Town met again at the Old South to hear
the Report of the Committee. Mr. Otis delivered the Gov-
ernor's answer, taking notice at the same time of the kind entertain-
ment the Committee had met with at his house, and observed, that he
really believed the Governor was a well-wisher to the Province. Such
* In that Address it is said, " Dutiful Peti- parent State is, in our idea, the most shocking
tions have been preferred to our most gracious and dreadful extremity ; but tamely to relin-
Sovereign, which (though, to the great conster- quish the only security we and our posterity
nation of the people, we now learn have been retain of the enjoyment of our lives and
cruelly and insidiously prevented reaching the properties without one struggle, is so humil-
Royal presence) we have waited to receive a iating and base that we cannot support the
gracious answer to, with the greatest atten- reflection." They then go on to say that they
tion to the public peace, until we find ourselves hoped " in his inclination to prevent this dis-
invaded with an armed force, seizing, impress- tressed and justly incensed people from effect-
ing and imprisoning the persons of our fellow- ing too much, and from the shame and
subjects, contrary to express acts of Parliament, reproach of attempting too little." That the
Menaces have been thro\vn out, fit only for Board of Customs, having relinquished the
barbarians, which already affect us in the exercise of their Commission, would never
most sensible manner, and threaten us with resume it, they hoped, under the conviction of
famine and desolation ; as all navigation is its injustice and impropriety, and the inevita-
obstructed, upon which our whole support de- ble destruction which would ensue from the
pends ; and the Town is, at this crisLs, in a exercise of their office. And, lastly, it was
situation nearly sucli as if war was formally demanded that the frigate Romney should be
declared ajainst 'it. To contend" with our removed out of the Harbor.
740 THE governor's position. CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. [176^
an inference at this time was a very reasonable one, for the Governor,
knowing he was entirely at the mercy of the people, expressed him-
self in his reply in the mildest possible terms, though he did not
comply with the requests in the Petition, arguing that they were not
within his authority.
Governor Bernard had for some time considered himself driven to the
last extremity ; the people had not only got the control of the House
of Representatives, but of the Council also. His negativing Coun-
cillors had no other effect than to strengthen the opposition to his
measures, foT in the end none were brought forward by the House
but such as were known friends to its measures. Hence the Gov-
ernor plainly saw there was a crisis already arrived, and his only hope
was from a military power. This he had been intimating in his let-
ters to Earl Hillsborough,* to General Gage, in New York, and to
Admiral Hood, at Halifax. To anticipate events the latter had sent
two ships of war to support the station-ship, which already frowned
defiance in the harbor, and the former was only waiting for Governor
Bernard to signify his desire, and one or more regiments of soldiers
would be at once sent to his support.
It had been a long time since the people had begun to complain
of encroachments upon their rights. They had seen that one encroach-
ment was relinquished only to undertake another ; and that even more
oppressive than the former. They saw that every new project for
raising a revenue was creating new places for the favorites of their
originators. That, to carry these oppressions into effect, they were to
admit amongst them a large number of people, who were to be main-
tained by their industry ; in fact, the very tools of oppression.! But
it was all according to -law, and that law was sanctioned by the King.
They said, and said truly, that law was one thing, and right was, at
least, in their case, a very different thing. It was very clearly seen
by the Colonial Government in Boston that so long as the Representa-
tives of the people had the choosing of the Councillors, but little
would eventually be left for a Governor to do but to assent to what-
ever bill they might pass, or to reject them. This was no desirable
situation for a Governor. Hence originated an attempt to make the
Council as independent of the people as the Governor himself was.
This gave the people great alarm. They saw that if the Council was
to be appointed by the Crown all offices were liable to the same usur-
pation. And they very reasonably argued that they had no security
* He was his Majesty's principal Secretary longer to provide for the purposes of venality
of State for the American Department only, and corruption) , and tired with the reiterated
To him all communications from the Governor importunities of their dependents (for whom
were addressed. He had been at the head of no adequate provisions could be made, as the
the Board of Trade, and when it decided to advantage arising from the disposal of places
establish this new office, at the close of the was already anticipated by reversionary grants
last year, Hillsborough was appointed to fill it. of all the most lucrative sinecures in the King-
His original name was Willis Hill. dom), first formed the design of raising a
t " When the British Ministry, embarrassed Revenue from the Colonies." — Samuel Adams'
by the arrears of the Civil List (unable any Letter to Hilhhorough.
1768.] ROYAL TROOPS EXPECTED. 741
against the most arbitrary designs which tyranny might think proper
to exercise. It is not, therefore, strange that resistance was made
when, and in the manner it was.
The people were accused of being incendiaries, breakers of the
laws, and of maltreating the King's officers, as though there was no
fault in the laws, or those who undertook their execution ; while the
people believed that he who undertook to execute a bad law was, to
say the least, as bad as the law itself. In their case it was true,
because they had no voice in making the laws of which they com-
plained. Hence, a resistance to laws in an elective Government, as
that of the United States, is not a parallel case to that here adduced,
though there are those who run such a parallel.
That there was to be a general resistance of the people by arms
to the measures of Government, Mr. Bernard was well satisfied ; and
that immediately. For only eight days after the seizure of the
June 18 ^^^^^ Liberty he wrote to Hillsborough that the men-of-war
were stationed so as to defend the Castle from an attack by
the people ; and added, " If there was not a revolt, the leaders of the
Sons of Liberty must falsify their words and change their purposes';
yet I cannot think they will be so mad as to attempt to defend the
Town, in its defenceless state, against the King's forces. But the
lengths they have gone already are scarce short of madness."
The Instructions given by the Town to its Representatives, the day
before,* doubtless strengthened Governor Bernard in his convictions
that a resistance by arms must be the consequence, and caused him
to use the strong expression, that if they did not resist they " must
falsify their words." The Instructions state, " It is our unalterable
resolution, at all times, to assert and vindicate our dear and inval-
uable rights and liberties, at the utmost hazard of our lives and for-
tunes ; and we have full and rational confidence that no designs formed
against them will ever prosper."
If preparations had before this been in progress to bring troops
into the Town, those preparations would not afterwards be likely to
be relaxed. And after the Instructions to the Boston Representa-
tives were read in the House on the morning of the eighteenth, a
Committee was appointed in that body to inquire into the " grounds
and reasons of the present apprehensions of the people that measures
have been taken, or are now taking, for the execution of the late
Revenue Acts by a naval or military force." Suspicions that an armed
force was to be soon expected were well founded, for by the July
packet from England, General Gage received orders at New York to
remove one or two of the regiments at Halifax to Boston. Whatever
* That was the day (the 17th) on which Richard Dana, Esq., Dr. Benjamin Church,
tliey were reported and adopted in Town- John Adams, Esq., John Rowe, Esq., Mr.
meeting. The Committee to draft them was Henderson Inches, and Mv. Edward Payne,
appointed at the meeting of the 15th, and con- The Town Records state that the instructions
sisted of seven, namely : Dr. Joseph Warren, were accepted " unanimously."
742 ANTI-RESCINDERS. MRS. FRANKLAND. [1768
business had been lately transacted between the Governor and the
Assembly was done in a high spirit of antagonism. The Assembly
had received great encouragement from the other Colonies, and the
Governor had the assurance of being sustained by a military force.
But he acknowledged his inability to maintain the position expected
of him by his superiors, and excused himself in these words: "I
will here observe that it may be suggested that I have not conducted
this business with spirit ; but it must be remembered to what a weak-
ness this Government is reduced, which makes the most gentle way of
doing any business the most advisable."
The Governor prorogued the General Court on the first of
" ^ " July amidst much confusion. He had required them in his
Majesty's name to rescind the Resolutions * sent by the last House to
the several Colonies on the Continent, but they refused by a very
decisive majority. f Those members who were not present when the
vote was taken, wrote letters to the Speaker, endorsing the action of
the majority, and avowing that they should have voted against rescind-
ing if they had been present.
The Governor and his friends now gave up all hope of anything
but a shadow of authority until they should be seconded by force of
arms. No General Court could be called " till the pleasure of his
Majesty should be known."
On the seventh of June, the ship Juno, Capt. Constant Freeman,
arrived from Bristol, in which came passenger the lady and son of
the late Sir Henry Frankland.J He had died at Bath on the eleventh
of the preceding January, as previously mentioned. She was a native
of New England, a Miss Agnes Brown. At Lisbon, in 1755, at the
time of the great earthquake, she escaped being buried in the ruins
of that city in which her husband escaped perishing in an almost
miraculous manner, after being enveloped by those ruins above an
hour. She was in Boston at the commencement of hostilities in 1775,
and was an eye-witness to the battle of Bunker's Hill from her own
elegant mansion at the North End of the Town, which joined that of
Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson. Afterwards she returned to England, and
died at Chichester in 1783, aged about fifty-five years. She had a
second husband, Mr. John Drew, a banker of Chichester. In 1765,
in the absence of Sir Henry Frankland, his mansion-house in Town
was in the care of Mr. Ralph Inman, who advertised it as being to let. §
But to return.
* See Boston Chronicle, page 125, for a copy | According to Noble, Memoirs of the House
of them. These Resolutions were dated Feb. of Cromwell, ii. 433, his whole name is
11th, 1768, and were a means of uniting the Charles Henry Frankland ; that he had a nat-
Colonies in opposition to the mother covintry. ural son whom he named Henry Cromwell.
The ■ measure was at once seen through in This son went into the navy, and was with
England, and Lord Hillsborough made the Admiral Kempenfelt in his great action off the
demand for rescinding in a letter to Governor French coast, Nov. 14th, 1781.
Bernard, which the Governor laid before the ^ The month of July this year was remark-
House in his Lordship's own words. able for tempests, accompanied with thunder
f Ninety-one to seventeen. AH the names and lightning, On the 2d a summer-house
are given in the Boston Chronicle, pages 279, behind the Custom-house was partly demol-
^80, and in other papers of the day. ished, and an iron spire upon it liroken to
1768.] Bernard's equivocation. 743
Governor Bernard had not actually applied for troops to be sent to
his assistance, dreading the effects of such application if known to
the people of the Town ; while his complaints and insinuations
amounted to the same thing. Indeed, he could do nothing without an
armed force, and it was a dangerous experiment to attempt doing
anything with one. He was now in the situation of a soldier of for-
tune, where everything depends upon the success of the cause he had
chanced to espouse. It is not the business of one who enters the ranks
of an army to inquire whether the cause is just, but he is bound to
execute the will. of his master. If he succeeds his fortune may be
made, but if he fails disgrace awaits him. Thus it was with those who
came here to carry out the orders of George the Third.
The Governor would have ordered troops to Boston before the
" •*' ' end of July, but he could not obtain the advice of the Council
in his favor, and he dared not do it without. He strongly recom-
mended to Secretary Hillsborough that forces might be sent directly *
from England, and that the order for their being sent should orig-
inate at Westminster. Thus he hoped to throw the responsibility upon
his superiors, that he might be enabled to say to the people, as he had
all along, that he had ordered no troops to Boston. He received
information from General Gage, on the second of July, stating that he
had ordered troops to Boston from Halifax, " if they were wanted
here." He returned answer to the General that he could not apply
for troops ; and in writing home he said, " Though I thought it im-
proper for me to require troops, it was full as improper for me to
prevent their coming if they were otherwise ordered." This cer-
tainly was a very shallow mode of proceeding on the part of the
Governor.
On the night of the eighth of July occurred the following cir-
cumstance. A schooner was lying at the wharf, with some thirty
hogsheads of molasses on bpard. The vessel and cargo had been
seized for a violation of the law of entry, and was in the custody of
two of the officers of the Customs. About thirty men went on board,
confined the officers in the cabin, and carried off the molasses. This
coming to the knowledge of the Selectmen they immediately caused
it to be restored. Upon this Governor Bernard wrote to his superior :
"So we are not without a government, only it is in the hands of the
people of the Town, and not of those deputed by the King, or under
his authority." Many had said that there was no necessity for remov-
ing the sloop Liberty, and that she would have been safe in the hands
of the Custom-house officers. This affair of the molasses would have
falsified that assertion, had the article not been restored. Hence the
transaction demonstrated two very important points ; one that the
faith of the Town would be inviolate, and the other that the Selectmen
held authority over the people.
pieces. HoUis Hall, at Cambridge, was struck, of Representatives, the Hon. Thomas Gushing,
out the damage to it was not great, but sev- who happened to be there, narrowly escaped
oral students and the Speaker of the House with their lives.
744 TROOPS ORDERED TO BOSTON. [1768.
When the Ministry became advised concerning the Riots which
followed the seizure of the sloop Liberty, they gave orders for two
regiments to sail for Boston from Ireland. Although what was in-
tended to be brought about by Grovernor Bernard was kept secret, yet
the Town had good reason to believe that troops were at hand.
Therefore a Town-meeting was summoned, which met on the 12th of
September, of which, as usual, Mr. Otis was Moderator. At
this meeting the following record was made : — " Whereas it
hath been reported in this Town-meeting, that his Excellency the
Governor has intimated* his apprehensions, that one or more regi-
ments of his Majesty's troops are daily to be expected here, Voted,
that the Hon. Thomas Gushing, Richard Dana, Samuel Adams, Dr.
Joseph Warren, John Rowe, John Hancock, and Benjamin Kent,
Esquires, be a Committee to wait upon the Governor, if in Town,
humbly requesting that he would be pleased to communicate to the
Town the grounds and assurances he may have thereof." It was
voted also to petition the Governor to call " a General Assembly with
the utmost speed," and another large Committee was appointed! "^^
take the state of our public affairs into consideration," and to report
at the adjourned meeting, what, in their opinion, was " most salutary
to be done in the present emergency."
On the following day, the Committee to wait on the Gov-
ernor reported, that his Excellenc}^ answered, with regard to
the coming of troops, that his information was of a private nature,
and did not come from a public source. And, as to calling a General
Court, " that was now before the King, and he could do nothing in
it." At the same meeting, the Committee on " the present emer-
gency " reported ; upon which it was voted, " that, as the Governor
could do nothing to relieve the Town, a suitable number of persons
be raised to act for them as a Committee in Convention, with such as
might be sent to join them from the several towns in this Province ;
in order that such measures may be consulted and advised as his Maj-
esty's service, and the peace and safety of his subjects in this Prov-
ince, might require." Accordingly, James Otis, Thomas Cushing,
Samuel Adams and John Hancock were appointed.
What had given immediate rise to these proceedings was the arri-
val of an officer from Halifax, whose mission was rightly judged to
be to make arrangements for quartering troops in the Town. His
^ arrival was "about the beginning " of September, and imme-
diately after, a tar-barrel was discovered in the skillet of the
* The Governor himself says he thought it f James Otis, Samuel Adams, John Rud-
best that " the expectation of the troops dock, Thomas Cushing, John Hancock, Rich-
Bhould be gradually communicated;" that ard Dana, John Rowe, Samuel Quincy, Joseph
therefore he " took an occasion to mention to Warren, Wm. Molineux, John Bradford,
one of the Council, in the way of discourse, Dan'l Malcolm, William Greenleaf, Adino
that I had private advice that troops were Paddock,ThomasBoylston,and Arnold Wells,
ordered hither." — Letter to Hillsborough. were the Committee.
1768.] TAil-BARREL AFFAIR. 745
Beacon on Beacon Hill.* This, it was understood, was to be fired
when the King's ships containing troops from Halifax should make
their appearance in the bay. Construing the elevation of a tar-bar-
rel, under such circumstances, to be a gross insult to himself, in his
military capacity, the Governor summoned the Council,
^^ ' . ' which was held at a gentleman's house, half Avay between the
Grovernor's at Jamaica Plains and ' Boston. Here the tar-barrel
question "was debated, and it was resolved that the Selectmen
should be desired to take it down ; but they would not do it." f
However, Sheriff Grreenleaf had private orders from the Governor
and Council to remove it, using his discretion as to the proper time
to do it. He, therefore, taking about a half a dozen men with him,
proceeded stealthily to the Hill, just at dinner time, and effected the im-
portant object in the space of about ten minutes. This was a victory
over the Sons of Liberty, gained while they were not expecting the
enemy.
At the adjourned Town-meeting on the 13th of September,
''^ * ■ the Selectmen were requested to write to the Selectmen of
the other Towns in the Colony, communicating the vote of Boston
respecting a call upon the Governor to convene the Assembly, and his
refusal to comply, and to propose to them a Convention at Faneuil
Hall, on the 22d of September. A Convention followed accordingly.
. On the 15th of September the Town met again, and appar-
'^^ ' '^' ently many expected a collision would soon take place, for a
request was made that the inhabitants should " provide themselves
with firearms, that they may be prepared in case of sudden danger."
It was voted that application be made to the ministers to appoint a
Fast on the following Tuesday. But these proceedings give a very
fliint idea of the consternation which now pervaded the Town. The
officers thought they had ample reasons for believing that, when the
troops arrived, a desperate attempt would be made to prevent their
landing. They believed, also, that it was the determination of the
Boston people to surprise the Castle. However, if such proposi-
tions were talked of, and they doubtless were, they were laid aside
for further consideration.
The proceeding of the Town in calling a Convention was viewed
by the Governor as another great offence, and the Lieutenant Governor
said, that, in everything but the name, such a Convention would be
a House of Representatives ; and that the meeting which originated
the measure had a greater tendency toward a Revolution in govern-
* Governor Bernard says it was an empty f Letter of Gov. Bernard. — On the Town
turpentine-barrel, and " was put up upon the Records is this entry, Sept. 12th. " A vote
poll [pole] of the Beacon (which had lately of the Honorable Board respecting a tar-bar-
been erected anew in a great hurry by the Se- rel, which was the other night placed in the
lectmen without consulting him) , which gave skillet on Beacon Hill, by persons unknown,
great alarm," &c. Matters now, he said, " ex- was committed to the Town, but not acted
ceeded all former exceedings." upon."
94
746 NEWS FROM LONDON. THE GOVERNOE ASSUMES AUTHORITY. [1768.
ment than any preceding acts in any of the Colonies.* This, consid-
ered in connection with the recommendation about fire-arms, was
indeed ominous. The King's officers talked about the treasonable
acts of the Selectmen, in thus summoning a Convention, and "the
legal guilt of the promoters of it." Some among the people wavered ;
but, upon the whole, their cause gained ground ; and about ninety
towns sent Delegates to the Convention, many of whom had been the
Representatives from those towns in the General Court.
On the 18th of September, a ship. Captain Bruce, arrived
direct from London ; by which Governor Bernard received
intelligence that the two Irish regiments, and those from Halifax,
might soon be expected in Boston. Upon this, his Excellency exerted
himself to provide quarters for them in the Town. The Council
advised him to consult with the Selectmen ; but the Selectmen
would have nothing to do with it.
Meanwhile the Convention had assembled in Faneuil Hall, and this
received the Governor's attention ; who, relying upon the expected
fleet and army, began to assume a little more authority. He sent a
note to Mr. Cushing, Chairman of the Convention, directed "to the
gentlemen of a Committee of Convention, assembled at Faneuil Hall,"
in which he observed, that their assembling was a very high offence,
and they were liable to penalties ; that ignorance of law might
excuse them thus far, but, if they went a step further, that plea
would not serve them ; and added several threats of kingly ven-
geance. Soon after, the Convention sent an Address to the Governor ;
but he refused to receive it. They continued in session, however,
until the 29th of September ; the expected troops having arrived at
Nantasket the day before. f These troops were the 14th and
^^ ■ " ■ 29th regiments, and came in six ships of war. Of the
former, Lieut. Col. William Dalrymple, and of the latter, Lieut. Col.
Maurice Carr, were the commanders. In each regiment were about
500 men. Soon after, arrived a part of the 59th regiment, with a
company of the Train of Artillery. On the 30th of Septem-
ber, the vessels of war, amounting now to about twelve, sailed
into the harbor, and were ranged in a formidable manner about the
north-east part of the Town, and came to anchor. The next day, in
the forenoon, the men were embarked in the boats and other craft of
* About the same time, Robert Auchmuty, Catalines against you, that your life is greatly
Esq., Admiralty Judge, wrote a private note in danger." — Copies of Hutchinson, Oliver,
to the Lieut. Governor, warning him of some and others^ Letters, p. 13. Judge Auchmuty
plot against his person ; but no conspirators lived in School-street.
are named, nor does there appear any grounds | " On Thursday, the 29th, the boats from
for the suspicion. Mr. Auchmuty says, " Last the fleet came up and sounded the channel all
night I was informed by a gentleman of my around the Town. On Friday, the ships of
acquaintance, who had his information from war came up, and anchored off the Town, ex-
one intimate with, and knowing to, the infer- tending from the North Battery to the south
nal purposes of the Sons of Liberty, as they of the Long Wharf; their cannons loaded,
falsely stile themselves, that he verily believed, and tompkins out, as if intended for a formal
from the terrible threats and menaces by those siege." — Almanack,
1768.
TROOPS ARRIVE.
747
the squadron, and, at twelve o'clock, were landed on Long Wharf;
thence they marched into King-street, and thence to the Common.
Here they were joined by the Artillery about three o'clock. With
these were two pieces of cannon. Here the 29th regiment encamped ;
but the 14th marched, in the evening, to Faneuil Hall, and, after a
^ ^ delay of " some
Oct. 2. , "^ ,, ,
hours, was ad-
mitted into it.* On
Sunday night, a part
of the regiment were
quartered in the Court
House. The detach-
ment of the 59th, and
the Train, were quar-
tered in stores on Grif-
fin's wharf. I
Nothing transpired
bearing a show of oppo-
sition, on the part of the
Town, at the landing.
Such a display of troops
in gaudy uniforms at-
tracted great attention,
and, in many, an indig-
nant admiration. All
ideas of resistance were
stifled, and well they
might be. A fleet an-
chored in their very
presence, broadsides to
the Town, with springs
upon every cable, guns
shotted, and matches
lighted, — under that
threatening aspect,
something short of a
thousand men, in red
coats, with glittering
* ' ' Two or three hours were spent in alter-
cation, when, by some means or other, one of
the doors was opened without violence, and
they were sheltered there for that night." —
Hutchinson, iii. 212. The same author says
quarters had been demanded for them, by
Lieut. Col. Dalrymple, in the ]\Ianufactory
House, but that the occupiers were prepared
with an answer, and refused to open the doors.
— Ibid.
t The accompanying engraving, by Paul
Revere, is very exactly copied from " Edes
and GilVs North American Almanack and Mas-
sachusetts Register for the Year 1770 ; " the
only copy of which, seen by the Author, is
the property of Mr. John F. Eliot, and for
the use of which he is indebted to the kindness
of that gentleman. Above the engraving in
the Almanac is this title : " Prospective View
OF the Town of Boston, the Capital of Xew
England ; and of the Landing of Troops in
the Year 1768, in Consequence of Letters
748 SITUATION UNDER THE ARMY. [1768.
firelocks charged, and bayonets fixed, marched through the Town,
with drums beating and fifes playing.*
The order of the Governor admitting the troops into the Town House
or Court House, was condemned, by some of his own party, as an
unwarrantable stretch of power. The very apartment used by the
merchants as their exchange was occupied with armed soldiers ; and
the Hall of the Representatives fared no better.f Thus was the Town
unnecessarily insulted in the first instance, and the whole Colony in
the second. Then the main guard was posted opposite the House,
and two cannon were drawn up, unlimbered, and levelled against it.
Such a state of things was calculated to increase indignation to a
point where it admitted of no control. The halls of freedom and
justice were filled with armed mercenaries, and could be entered only
by passing through files of guards ! Thus the Town was converted
into a garrison. The inhabitants could not go about their ordinary
occupations without being challenged at every corner by sentinels !
Sunday devotions were disturbed by the music of the fife and drum !
All this was submitted to, happily establishing the truth of what
Doctor Franklin had said before the House of Commons ; namely,
that troops, if sent here, would find nobody in arms to oppose them.
Thus were the hopes of those who desired to find an open rebellion
defeated, and their bloody project frustrated. That opposition by
force was expected, there can be no doubt ; for it was currently
reported in England, the last August, that 10,000 armed men stood
ready in Boston to oppose the landing of the King's troops. One
captain of a ship, at least, from Boston, had made a deposition to
that efiect.
FROM Gov. Bkrnard, the Commissioners, &c., 13, though there were 18 places of worship.
TO THE British Ministry." The Friends' meeting-house had no steeple,
Who the Editor of the "Almanack" of and perhaps some others,
that year was, does not appear ; but, whoever * On the arrival of the troops, the Rev.
he may have been, he was a genuine " Son of Mather Byles perpetrated a pun,which was long
Liberty ; " and the little work embodies a bet- remembered. He said the people had sent over
ter notion of the political state of things in to England to ol)tain a redress of grievances,
Boston, at that time, than can be gathered out which grievances had returned red-dressed. —
of the most voluminous publications known to Diary of John Adams. I have seen a different
the Writer. The Editor, or Author, signs him- version of this anecdote in one of the papers of
self " Incog."; and he remains to this day, for that day.
aught there is known, ■■'■Stat nominis umbra,'''' f " Gov. Bernard, without consulting the
and perhaps '■^Stat mayni nominis umbra." Council, having given up the State House to
The numbers set to the ships are explained : the troops, at their landing, they took posses-
1, the Beaver, 14 guns ; 2, the Senegal, 14 ; 3, sion of the chambers where the Representa-
the Martin, 10 ; 4, the Glasgow, 20 ; 5, Mer- tives of the Province and the Courts of Law
maid, 28 ; 6, Romney, 50 ; 7, Launaston, 40 ; held their meetings, and (except the Council
8, Bonetta, 10. — These, though all the en- Chamber) of all other parts of the house ; to
graver had room for, perhaps, were not all the the great annoyance of those Courts while they
fleet. And so of the Churches and wharves, sat," &c. — Narrative of the Horrid Massacre,
The steeples represented in the picture number p. 9.
1768.
THE TOWN UNDER THE ARMY.
749
CHAPTER LXXIII.
The Town under the Army. — A Guard-House destroyed. — Anti-Tea Combinations. — Troubles in
quartering the Troops. — Manufactory House Attair. — A Military Execution. — Arrival of Com-
modore Hood. — Pope Day. — Visit of Gen. Gage. — Address to him. — Case of Capt. Wilson, —
of John Hancock. — New Jail burnt. — Town Officers. — Theatricals. — The Common. — Severe
Winter. — Desertions of Soldiers. — Gov. Bernard created a Baronet. — Election Protest. — Gen.
Mackay. — Stage to Marblehead. — Death of Rev. T. Foxcroft — of Rev. Dr. Sewall — of Capt.
Hamock. — Committee to request the Governor to remove the Troops. — His Refusal. — His Conduct
censured. — General Court adjourned to Cambridge. — Copies of Gov. Bernard's Letters received. —
Massachusetts Resolves. — Gov. Bernard sails for England.
THE British soldiers had now quiet possession
of the Town ; but it was only such a quiet as
precedes a storm. The inhabitants were, at
their first arrival, dazzled by their strange
equipments and equally strange manoeuvres ;
but these were novelties, which only arrested
the attention of those who had seen but little of
soldiers, and which soon wore off. To this suc-
ceeded a dislike, and, at length, hatred. The
soldiers were intruders, and could not be toler-
ated ; and hence, the people being once accustomed to them, a sort
of familiarity grew up between them, which resulted in mutual con-
tempt and ill-feeling. No other result could have been anticipated.
Consequently insults and injuries followed.
The King's ships commanded the entrance of the Town by sea,
and his soldiers had possession of the only entrance to it by land ;
* This name, when first imported into New
England, and for many years later, was written
Lowle. John and Richard Lowle, merchants
of Bristol, England, emigrated to New Eng-
land in 1639, and settled in Newbury, Massa-
chusetts. Joseph Lowle, sen., and jun., were
of Boston, 1693, and perhaps earlier. Eben-
ezer Lowell, merchant in King-street, 1748.
Michael Lowell, merchant, " at the corner
shop leading to Mr. James Davenport's bake-
house, near the Sign of the Cornfields," also
1748. In 1754, the Governor appointed Mr.
Michael Lowell " to be a keeper of the Powder-
house in this Town," in place of Capt. Wm.
Salter, deceased.
To do justice to the name of Lowell would
require more than a moderate-sized volume ;
a name not only distinguished in literature,
theology, and jurisprudence, but in all the
relations of life. The family is justly honored,
having derived its high position by works for
the public good, The name is fixed upon mon-
uments which can only perish in tlie wreck of
all things. Four of "the family have been of
the Corporation of Harvard College, — the
Hon. John Lowell; his son John, LL.D. ;
Charles Lowell, D.D. ; and John A. Lowell,
Esq. Mr. John Lowell, jun., was the founder
of the Lowell Institute. John Lowell, LL.D.,
A.A.S., &c.,was son of the Rev. John Lowell,
42 years pastor of the first Church in New-
buryport. He came to Boston in 1776, and
was a Delegate to the Convention which
formed the Constitution of Massachusetts ;
was Judge of the Court of Appeals ; ^Member
of Congress ; appointed, by President Wash-
ington, Judge of the District Court of this
State. John Lowell, LL.D., and Francis C.
Lowell, Esq., were sons of Judge Lowell ; and
from the latter the Town of Lowell was named.
There is extant, in MS., a pedigree of Lowell,
which, it is hoped, will ere long be published.
750
A GUARD-HOUSE DESTROYED.
[1768.
therefore the inhabitants were entirely at the mercy of those whose
trade was war. Quietness under such circumstances could not be
expected to last any great length of time.
The first considerable offence to the soldiers happened on the
ninth of October. Col. Dalrymple having ordered a large
guard-house to be built near the Fortification on the Neck, some per-
sons proceeded there in the night, pulled down the frame, and cut it
to pieces. Gov. Bernard offered a reward for the discovery of the
authors of the outrage ; but they were not to be found ; perhaps
owing to the smallness of the reward, which was but twenty pounds.
But the Governor would have been safe, probably, had he offered ten
times that amount ; that is to say, safe from being called upon to
pay it.*
On the 15th of October, towards evening. Gen. Thomas
Gage arrived in Town from New York. He was a veteran
ofiicer ; had seen hard service under Gen. Braddock ; being severely
wounded at the Monongahela, and carried a musket-ball in his side.
He was now commander-in-chief in North America. There accom-
panied him Colonels Robertson and Maitland, Majors Small and
Sheriff, and Captains Kemble, Mathurine, and Gamble. The troops
received him under arms on the Common, and he was saluted with
seventeen rounds from the artillery.
General Gage was now in the
prime of life, being about forty-
eight years of age. He was the
second son of Thomas Viscount
Gage ; entered the army at an
early age, and served, with con-
siderable credit, under several dis-
tinguished commanders. By his
wife, Margaret, daughter of Peter
Kemble, Esq., President of the
Council of New Jersey, he had
eleven children, six sons and five
daughters. His death occurred on
the second of April, 1788 ; and his
age was about sixty-seven. f Lord
Abingdon, of Wytham, living in
1853, married, for his first wife, Emily, daughter of Gen. Gage.
* The land on which the guard-house was accompanying autograph is copied from a
being erected had been hired of the Town by letter belonging
Mr. Robert Pierpoint for several years, and he to the Author,
forbid the erection of the guard-house before dated NewYork, ^^'^^ _ *^
evidence. It was said to be nearly finished May 3d, 1709,
when pulled down. and addressed to
f For the facts in this paragraph I am in- Col. Bradstreet,
debted to the Georgia}^ Era, li. 67-8. The then at Albany, in that Province.
1768.] ANTI-TEA COMBINATION. MANUFACTORY HOUSE AFFAIR.' 751
Her maternal grandmother was Margaret, daughter of the Hon.
Stephen Van Cortlandt, of New York.*
At thi.s period, anti-tea combinations were being formed in the
country towns, agreeably to the recommendation of the Boston Pa-
triots ; and other measures were taken to render the people independ-
ent of England in respect to the importation of goods. The students
of Harvard College, "with a spirit becoming Americans, came into
the solemn resolution to use no more of that pernicious herb, tea."
There were but four who refused to abide the arrangement. In Bos-
ton, the number of families which had "totally" discontinued the
use of tea was fifteen hundred. f
The troops quartered in Faneuil Hall, as before intimated, remained
there until the third of November ; in the mean time, all attempts
on the part of the Authorities having failed to procure for them the
Manufactory House, which belonged to the Province, but which had
been let to Mr. John Brown. | As the defeat of Col. Dalrymple on
the part of the troops, and of Gov. Bernard on the part of the civil
Authorities, was an important victory on the part of the people, a
brief detail of what led to it is necessary for an understanding of
subsequent transactions.
After Col. Dalrymple's repulse from the Manufactory House, Gov.
Bernard summoned the lessee to surrender the premises to the Sheriff.
But Mr. Brown was apprised of what was intended, and kept the
house securely closed up ; and when the Sheriff appeared with his
summons, Mr. Brown informed him that it was none of the Governor's
affair ; that he had hired it of the General Court, and to none but
the General Court would he give it up ; and as to Mr. Bernard, he
did not know him in the matter. Thus the affair stood until about
the 19th of October, at which time the Governor got the consent of
the Council for clearing the building in dispute. Therefore the Lieut.
Governor, accompanied by Sheriff Greenleaf, proceeded to the prem-
ises, which they found admitted no entrance but by force. Presently
Mr. Brown appeared at a window, and demanded their business. On
being told that the Council had ordered them to take possession of
the house, he replied that he had had no legal notice to give it up ;
that, as to the authority of the Council, it did not affect his rights ;
and he would not surrender unless compelled by force. Whereupon
Mr. Hutchinson and Mr. Greenleaf retreated, to report the situation
of affairs to his Excellency the Governor.
* jVIrs. Sumner, the present wife of Gen. f Statement in the News-Letter of 27th
William Hyslop Sumner, of Jamaica Plains, October, 1768. It was added, "that most
is a daughter of Peter Kemble, Esq. , and niece of the inhabitants of Charlestown, Dedham,
of Gen. Gage. Her maiden name was Mary Weymouth, Hingham, and many other towns,
Dickinson Kemble. In the N. Eng. Hist. G. had refused to use the despised article."
Reg., viii. 188, is a pleasant anecdote respect- J He had hired it for about twelve years,
ing a portrait of Gen. Gage, at the seat of There were several occupants besides Mr.
Lord Abingdon. Brown. A ^Ir. William Brown is mentioned.
752 A MILITARY EXECUTION. [1768.
The next day, the Sheriff undertook to get possession by
stratagem. Having learned by his spies that a certain aper-
ture in the cellar wall was assailable, he, taking several of his Depu-
ties with him, succeeded in gaining an entrance into the lower
apartment. But he soon found, to his surprise, that, instead of taking
possession of the house, he was himself taken prisoner ; nor was he
allowed to retreat, even, by the subterranean passage through which
he had entered. Thus ludicrously situated, the assaulting party was
harmlessly held for some time in captivity. At length, he found
means to communicate with the commanding officer of the forces on
the Common, who sent a guard of soldiers to relieve him. The
soldiers took possession of the cellar, which they held until the fourth
of November, when they evacuated it, and Mr. Brown was left in
quiet possession. He afterwards brought an action against the Sheriff
and those who aided him. The Sheriff called upon the Governor and
Council to sustain and hold him harmless ; and the matter caused
considerable excitement, as well as amusement.*
^„ Finding that Mr. Brown was not to be driven from the Man-
ufactory House, other quarters were obtained for the soldiers ;
and, on the 27th of October, they vacated Faneuil Hall, and went
into a store on Pitts' wharf, belonging to Justice Stoddard ; and, two
days after, the 29th regiment left the Common, and went into a house
provided for them in Green's lane, belonging to Major Green, distil-
ler, and a house in New Boston, belonging to a Mr. Forrest. Large
and commodious stores on Wheelright's wharf were hired of Mr.
William Molyneaux, attorney of Mr. Apthorp, at 300 pounds ster-
ling per annum, for the reception of the two regiments from Ireland
when they should arrive.
A few days after, the revolting spectacle of a military exe-
cution took place in the Town. Richard Ames, a soldier,
having deserted, and being taken, was shot on the Common, and
buried on the place of execution. His case was viewed as one of
unnecessary severity, it being a time of peace, and this his first
offence. t
Pope Day was celebrated as usual. " The Pope and other
Effigies were carried through the Town, as on these anniversa-
* How the suit finally terminated, I have strong hand, at Boston aforesaid, unlawfully
not inquired. But a passage from Mr. Brown's and injuriously did break and enter into the
Complaint may be regarded as sufficiently cu- dwelling-house of the said John Brown, then
rious to authorize the space which it occupies : and there being in the possession of the said
'^Sujfulk, ss. To the Worshipful Richard Dana, John Brown ; and that the said Greenleaf and
John Ruddock, and Joseph Williams, Esqrs., Otis, together with the said other malefac-
Justices of the peace in and for said County, tors," &c.
— Humbly shews John Brown, of Boston, in f Some of the first ladies of the Town inter-
said County, weaver, that Stephen Greenleaf, of ested themselves in his behalf, and petitioned
Boston aforesaid, Esq., and Joseph Otis, of said the commanding General for his pardon ; but
Boston, gentlemen, together with divers other it was of no avail. It was observed as remark-
malefactors and disturbers of the peace of our able, that, in the time of the French war, a
Lord the King (whose names to the Complain- greater number of troops had been here en-
ant are not yet known), on the 20th day of camped, but this was the first military execu-
October instant, with force and arms, and with tion.
1768.] ADDRESS TO GENERAL GAGE. HIS REPLY. 753
ries is customary, with great decency and decorum, agreeable to
their resolution of 1765, which has been practised ever since."
The Town being now considered under the control of the
' army, the obnoxious Commissioners of the Customs ventured
to return and take up their residence in it, and had an office in Con-
cert Hall, with a sentinel at the door. They had resided at the Castle
since the affair of the sloop Liberty.
On the fourteenth of November the Romney returned from
■ Halifax, in which came Commodore Hood with his wife and
family, proposing to spend the winter in Boston. The Commodore was
the Commander-in-chief of all the men-of-war in these parts. There
came also in the same ship. Lord William Campbell, Governor of
Nova Scotia. Within the previous week six transports had arrived
from Cork, having on board the long expected Irish regiments.*
These were quartered in the Town.
On the eighteenth of the same month Gren. Gage reviewed
Col. Pomeroy's regiment on Fort Hill. Everything now
seemed to be' quiet, and the General began to prepare for his return
to New York. Somewhat of a change was visible among the oppos-
ers of the measures of Government. Several who had been prom-
inent among the Liberty party were almost entirely silenced by the
scenes around them, while several others excused themselves for the
part they had taken by endeavoring to lay the blame upon others ;
and some came out openly in favor of the King. Add to this the
Council, or as many of them as were present on the 27th of October,
signed a conciliatory Address to the General,! in which they remind
him that the people had been misrepresented ; that there had been
disorders in the Town and criminal acts committed, they allowed, but
these " had been magnified beyond the truth." They spoke flat-
teringly of " the candor, generosity and justice, that distinguished his
character," and were persuaded he would counteract the misrepre-
sentations which had been made by the enemies of the Town. They
endeavored to convince him that there was no occasion for so great a
number of troops in the place, and hoped he would have, at least, a
part of them removed to the Castle, especially as there were more
here than had been intended, as, by Lord Hillsborough's letter of July
last, appeared. In reply to the Address, the General was very brief.
He thanked them for the honor done him in their Address ; but in
reference to removing the troops from the Town he gave them no satis-
^ faction whatever. And, on the 24th of November, he left
Boston for New York, by way of Springfield, leaving Brig.
Gen. Pomeroy in command of the forces.
Notwithstanding the quiet which seemed to prevail during the stay
♦Namely, the 64th, Col. John Pomeroy, Russell, John Bradbury, Royal Tyler, Samuel
which were quartered in the Town ; and the White, James Pitts, Samuel Dexter, Samuel
65th, Col. Alexander Mackey, at Castle Island. Danforth, John Hill, Isaac Royal, John Erv-
They consisted of 500 men each. ing, James Bowdoin, Gamaliel Bradford,
fThe signers were Harrison Gray, James Thomas Hubbard, and Nathaniel Sparhawk.
95
754 REASON OF DIFFICULTIES. [1768.
of Gen. Gage, there were frequent difficulties between individuals of
the army and the people. There were turbulent spirits on both sides.
Soldiers could not brook insults tamely, and, when they met with any
injury, they would naturally seek to be revenged. This would inflame
the friends of the injured, and inevitably lead to combats involving
large numbers on both sides. Those who caused the troops to be quar-
tered among the people as well understood what the consequences
would be before they happened, as afterwards, or they had not the
common sense and sagacity of ordinary minds. If an affray happened
between the people and the soldiers, with the former the soldiers were
the aggressors, and with the latter the people. That there was a dis-
position among the lower classes of the Town to insult the soldiers,
there can be no doubt ; and, in a majority of the cases of difficul-
ties, it is more than probable that they were the injured parties in
the outset.
In the end of October it was complained that several of the
inhabitants had been insulted and abused by soldiers and officers ;
and that some had been put under guard by order of the latter on
frivolous pretences, and without lawful Avarrants. That a physician
of the Town was jostled by an officer while walking the streets, and
a scuffle ensued, in which the physician was much injured. That " a
tradesman, on going under the rails of the Common, on his way
home," received a thrust with a bayonet from a soldier. That, on the
evening of the 28th of October, " a merchant was struck down by
an officer, who went into the Coffee-house ; several gentlemen,
following him in and expostulating with the officer there, were
treated in the most ungenteel manner." At the same time, Capt.
John Willson, of the fifty-ninth regiment, was accused of exciting the
slaves against their masters, assuring them that the soldiers had
come to procure their freedom ; and that, " with their assistance,
they should be able to drive the Liberty Boys to the Devil." The
Selectmen * were so well assured of the alleged practices of Captain
Willson, that they preferred a complaint to Justices Richard Dana
and John Ruddock, who issued a warrant for his arrest. Benjamin
Cudworth, the Deputy Sheriff, was charged with the execution of the
warrant, but he was unable to apprehend Willson, who was not taken
till the High Sheriff went " with divers Constables." Being brought
to Faneuil Hall, the complaint was so well supported, that he was
bound over to trial in March following, but, owing to the manoeu-
vres of the Attorney General, the indictment was quashed, and
Willson left the Province about the same time. These are but a
few of the cases which might be given ; nor were they all confined to
the male population. Many instances were reported in which females
were grossly insulted.
* They were Joshua Henshaw, Joseph Jackson, John Hancock, John Rowe, Samuel Pem-
berton, and Henderson Inches.
1768.] CASE OF JOHN HANCOCK. 755
Some outrage was complained of every day, and the nights were
rendered hideous by drunken brawls and revels. The regular Town-
watch were insulted during their rounds, and invaded in their
watch-houses in the night. Distilled spirits were so cheap that the
soldiers could easily command them ; and hence scenes of drunken-
ness and debauchery were constantly exhibited before the people,
vastly to the prejudice of the morals of the young. As a remedy for
such conduct, the equally demoralizing exhibition of whippings was
put in practice. These were not all the bad effects of soldiers being
quartered in the heart of the Town. Persons were often knocked
down and robbed in the night, as they were returning from their places
of business to their houses. Perhaps soldiers were not always guilty
of such outrages, but they generally had the credit of them.
There was another grievance very justly complained of. Several
hundreds of wretches, mostly females, the very dregs of an European
population, had clustered around the troops at Halifax. These found
means to follow the soldiers to Boston, and the Alms-house became
filled with them ; and thus the Town was burthened with a heavy addi-
tion of claims upon its charities.
While the Town was disturbed by constant tumults of this kind,
the arrest of John Hancock, Esq., tended materially to irritate the
minds of the people. The case of the sloop Liberty had lain dor-
mant since her seizure ; but now the presence of the army gave
the officers of the Customs confidence to prosecute her owner, and
those concerned with him, for the recovery of the value of the whole
cargo and treble damages. Therefore, Mr. Arodi Thayer, Marshal of
the Court of Admiralty for the three Provinces, on the morning of
November the third, arrested Mr. Hancock on a precept for 9000
pounds, and demanded bail for 3000 more. Mr. Hancock offered
ready money for security, which was refused by Mr. Thayer, accord-
ing to his directions, as he reported. However, bail was finally taken.
Five other gentlemen were levied upon in the same manner. Here
the matter rested until the following March, when the prosecutions
were dropped by order of the King's Advocate, the allegations, after
many trials, not being supported by sufiicient evidence.*
The Superior Court met agreeably to adjournment, on the
eighth of November, at their usual apartment in the Court-
house. In the afternoon of the same day Mr. Otis made a motion to
have the Court held in Faneuil Hall, " not only," he said, " as the
stench occasioned by the troops in the Representatives' chamber may
prove infectious, but as it was derogatory to the honor of the Court
to administer justice at the mouths of cannon and the points of
bayonets."
* Observations on Several Acts of Par- as his counsel and advocate, and a painful
liament, etc. Published hy the Merchants of drudgery I had of his cause. There were few
Boston, p. 19. John Adams says, Diary, ii. days through the whole winter when I was not
315, " Mr. Hancock thought fit to engage me summoned to attend the Court of Admiralty."
756 JAIL BURNT. PLAYS. [1769.
On Monday night, about ten o'clock, on the 30th January,
'^^°" ■ the new Jail in Queen-street was discovered to be on fire, and
when observed it had made such progress that great exertions were
necessary to save the lives of the prisoners ; but the hurry and con-
sternation caused the keys to be misplaced, and resort was had to
axes to break through the doors, which, owing to their thickness and
the iron about them, was effected with much difficulty. Hence, in
some cases, the prisoners were dragged through such small apertures
that their flesh was torn in a frightful manner. However, they were
all taken out alive, though two of them were considerably burned,
one of them badly. There was great fear of the fire's spreading ;
but the night, though very cold, was not attended with much wind,
and no other building was burned. Two of the prisoners made their
escape. On examining the others, it was found that the fire was set
to their door by two of them who were confined in one room. One
was a soldier and the other a young lad. Mr. Young was the
keeper of the Jail.
At the annual Town-meeting on the 13th of March, the
^^^' ' former Town Clerk was reelected. The Selectmen were the
same as before, with the exception of John Rowe, Esq., who* de-
clined, and Jonathan Mason was elected in his stead. Mr. Rowe had
a unanimous vote of thanks for his past services. David Jeffries was
continued in the office of Treasurer.*
It having been reported that the soldiers were making preparations
for the performance of plays, the subject caused much uneasiness among
many of the sober inhabitants. They contended that such represent-
ations were against the law, and that the officers of the troops had
no right to give leave to their men for any such entertainments.!
The public lands belonging to the Town were often subjects in the
warrants for calling Town-meetings. The Selectmen were now
appointed a Committee "to consider what measures maybe proper
to be taken for the preservation of the Common, and preventing any
incumbrances being laid thereon, to inquire into the title of the
lands," and to report " as soon as may be."| The late occupation
* The Overseers of the Poor were John Bar- Mackay, Mr. Samuel May, IMr. Wm. Powell,
ret, Esq., Hon. Royal Tyler, Mr. Benj. Dol- Mr. Joseph Turell, Mr. Thos. Walley, Mr.
beare, Mr. William Whitwell, Mr. William Benj. Goodwin, and Mr. Henry Hill.
Greenleaf, Wm. White, Esq., Mr. Joseph f It was said in reply that there was an Act
Waldo, John Leverett, Esq., John Gore, Esq., of Parliament for the licensing Theatrical
Capt. Samuel Partridge, Thomas Tyler, Esq., performances throughout the King's domin-
and Capt. John Bradford. Firewards, John ions, " which entirely superseded the Act of
Scollay, Newman Greenough, John Rowe, the Province for preventing the same." That,
Esq., Mr. Wm. Cooper, Mr. John Mico Wen- when " a few years ago, some bunglers, as the
dell, Thos. Marshall, W^m. Holmes, Esqs., Mr. means of making assignations, took upon
Joseph Tyler, Capt. Adino Paddock, Mr. James themselves to exhibit plays at unseasonable
Richardson, Capt. Benj. Waldo, John Hancock, hours, it highly incensed the sober part of the
Esq., Mr. Samuel Adams, Capt. Martin Gay, Town, as well'it might ; but the present have
Thomas Dawes, Esq., and Mr. Alex'r. Hill, different and strictly upright motives," &c.
Wardens, Mr. Daniel Marsh, Mr. Joseph Belk- | The Selectmen were also required to see
nap, Mr, Thos. Handasyd Peck. Mr. Wm. what could be done " to check the progress of
1769.] DESERTIONS OF SOLDIERS. 757
of the Common by the soldiery probably gave rise to this movement.*
A vote was passed " not to rent the land on which the gun-house is
erected to the officers of the train of artillery of the regiment of this
Town."t
It is recorded that the winter of 1768-9 had been more severe
after Februar}? commenced than in all the preceding months ; that
the ice having opened new passages out of town, desertions among
the soldiers were more numerous than at any former period, notwith-
standing the military guard which almost surrounded the Town, and
the vigilance of the officers ; that the practice of sending out Ser-
jeant's parties in disguise was kept up, but, up to the loth of Feb-
ruary " no deserter had been brought back excepting poor Ames,
whose execution was as impolitic as it was illegal. "J
Encouraging news was often brought to Town from the other Colo-
nies ; news that the non-importation system was gaining ground, and
that the inhabitants were heartily sympathized with in their distresses
occasioned by the quartering of troops among them. At a recent
meeting in Philadelphia, held to celebrate the late successes of the
brave Ceneral Paoli in attempting to free Corsica from its French
oppressors, among the toasts given on the occasion were, " The
Massachusetts Ninety-Two, the Town of Boston, Mr. Cushing, Mr.
Otis, and Mr. Adams. "§ At the same time the news from England
was calculated to cause despondency ; especially as some whom they
had considered the chief cause of their present difficulties had been
advanced in honors and places of emolument. By a letter from
London, dated on the 17th of February, and received here about the
first of May, it appeared that Governor Bernard had received the
title of Baronet. This had no tendency to reconcile the leaders of the
opposition to his course, and the attacks in the papers of the day
were more virulent upon him, if possible, than before. ||
vice and immoralities now breaking upon the adventured to Iieat time at a concert of music
Town like a flood; and of some suitable given at the ]\Janufactory-house." — Boston
methods for employing the poor, whose num- Evening Post.
bers and distresses are daily increasing, by a ^ There was much sympathy also in Boston
loss of trade and commerce," etc. with Gen. Paoli ; and there was not long be-
* Horse-racing on the Common by persons fore this a child 1)aptized in one of the churches,
belonging to the army is particularly mentioned named Paschal Paoli. Mr. Wilkes had been
as a grievance. honored in the same way, one having been chris-
t At an adjourned meeting on the 4th of tened, in the West Church, John Wilkes. The
April ^Ir. Samuel Calf, Mr. John Gore, and family names of those children are not given
Mr. George Green, were added to the Clerks of m my authority.
the j\Iarket. Those elected at the March meet- || On the 8th of May the following appeared :
ing previous, were Fitch Pool, Samuel Barret, " Alarch 14th, G[overno]r B[ernar]d's pictui-e
John Singleton Copley, Francis Green, George has been lately returned to Harvard College to
Spooner, Benj. Andrews, Elisha Hutchinson, be hung up in the Library. Our American
John Bernard, Joseph Barrell, And. Allen limner, Mr. Copely, by the surprising art of
[AUyne] Otis, Jonathan Clarke, and Bossinger his pencil, has actually restored asgood a heart
Foster. as has been taken from it ; though, upon a
J Feb. 17. "There have been within these near and accurate inspection, it will be found
few days a great many severe whippings ; no other than a false one. There may it long
among the number chastised was one of the remain hanging, to show posterity the true
Negro drummers, who received 100 lashes in picture of the man, who, during a weak and
part of the 150 he was sentenced to receive at w[icke]d Ad[ministratio]n was suflFered to
a Court Martial. It is said this fellow had continue in the S[ea]t of G[over]n[men]t,
758 representative's protest. — stage to marblehead. [1769.
On the fifth of May, James Otis, Thomas Gushing, Samuel
Adams, and John Hancock, were reelected Kepresentatives.
The late proceedings against the last named gentleman had a tend-
ency to make him more popular than hitherto, and he received the
highest number of votes ; even two more than Mr. Adams, who had
the next highest number. The gentlemen chosen to instruct the
Representatives were Richard Dana, John Adams,* John Ruddock,
Doctors Church and Warren, Joshua Henshaw, and William Mol-
lineux.f
Before proceeding to the choice of Representatives, ' ' the Town
made an order to be entered upon their records." The Selectmen
had waited upon General Mackay, and informed him that an election
of Representatives was to take place on the fifth of May, and requested
hiin to withdraw the troops from the Town, as their presence on that
occasion was not in accordance with the rights of British subjects.
To which the General replied that he had not the power to march the
troops out of the Town, but that he would confine them to their bar-
racks. This the Town declared, that though " a concession of the
rectitude of the claim, it was by no means adequate to the extent
of their constitutional rights, and they could not proceed to an elec-
tion without declaring their clear and full sense that the residence
of armed forces in the Town during an election of so great impor-
tance, is a high infringeinent of their constitutional rights ; protesting
that their proceeding to an election, under such circumstances, is
wholly from necessity, and not to be considered as a precedent at any
time hereafter."
At an adjourned meeting on the eighth of May, the Town
took notice of the proceedings of the merchants respecting a
Non-importation Agreement, voting, " That it gives high satisfaction
to the Town to be informed of that Agreement ; and it is hereby
recommended to the inhabitants not to purchase any goods of
those few persons who have imported any articles in the vessels
lately arrived from Great Britain, not allowed of by said Agree-
ment." -
Not long before this, a Stage commenced running between Boston
and Marblehead ; but it was discontinued. The undertaker was
Edward Wade ; and, on the eighth of May, he gave notice that he
was about to resume his trips, which would be performed twice a
week ; that " he might be spoken with at the widow Trefry's, oppo-
site Mr. Barber's insurance office, in Fish-street ; " and that his
a scourge to the people, until he had residence was in Brattle Square, in what was
happily awakened a whole continent to a called the White House, where William Bol-
thorough sense of their own interest, and Ian, Esq., had lived many years. Here, di-
thereby laid the foundation of American great- rectly in front of Mr. Adams' house. Major
ness." [John] Small exercised a regiment through the
* Mr. Adams had become a Townsman about whole of the succeeding fall and winter. —
a year before, at the very urgent request, he Diary of John Adams, ii. 210, 213.
says, " of my many friends in Boston." His f Often spelt Molyneaux and Molineux.
1769.] DEATHS DR. SEWALL, MR. FOXCROFT. 759
carriage was a handsome post-chaise, suited to carry ladies and
gentlemen.
On the 16th of June, died the Rev. Thomas Foxcroft,
minister of the First Church, in the seventy-third year of his
age, and fifty-second of his ministry. He was son of the Hon.
Francis Foxcroft, of Cambridge, who was an Episcopalian, and who
designed, this son for the service of the English Church. But, after
his graduation at Cambridge in 1714, he was engaged in instructing
a school at Roxbury, where, becoming intimate with the Rev. Mr.
Nehemiah Walter, he was convinced by that Divine of the truth and
excellence of the Puritan faith, which he adopted, and became an
eminent supporter of that doctrine to the end of his life. Though
born in Boston, he was, from early childhood, brought up in Cam-
bridge. He was settled over the First Church, as colleague with
Mr. Wadsworth, in 1717 ; and, in 1718, he married Anna, daughter
of Mr. John Coney, of Boston, goldsmith, and left, at his decease,
one son and five daughters.* Mr. Foxcroft was the author of a large
number of works, chiefly in the pamphlet form, some of which have
been duly noticed in this history. f
Only eleven days after Mr. Foxcroft died, happened the
death of the Rev. Joseph Sewall, of the Second, or Old South
Church, in which he had been settled about fifty-six years. He was
a son of the late Chief Justice Samuel Sewall, and, at his decease,
was in his eighty-first year ; of whom a contemporary said, " Scarce
any one ever passed through life with a more unblemished character,
or performed its various duties with more universal esteem." The
University of Glasgow conferred on him the degree of Doctor of
Divinity in 1731. He had before been offered the presidency of
Harvard College, namely, in 1724, on the decease of President
Leverett ; but his Church were unwilling that he should accept it.
The evening following the day on which he completed his eightieth
year, he preached to a large audience ; and, on the next Sunday, he
was seized with paralysis, which afterwards confined him to his house.
He had a large estate, which he liberally distributed to pious and
charitable uses. He published a considerable number of sermons,
chiefly occasional. J He married, in 1713, Elizabeth, daughter of
Major John Walley, who died before him-. A son, Samuel, was
Deacon of the Old South from 1763 to 1771. §
* The Rev. Samuel Foxcroft, H.C., 1754, G. i?e^.,viii. 171-2, and 364. See also Thores-
minister of New Gloucester, Me., was his son. by's Ducatus Leodiensis.
He died there 2 March, 1807, aged 72. Mr. f A catalogue of them may be found in
John Coney died 20 Aug., 1722, at whose Emerson's Hist. First Church.
funeral his son-in-law (Mr. Foxcroft) preached J See Wisner's Hist. Old South, pp. 23 and
a sermon, which he dedicated to the widow, 98, Dr. Allen's Hist, and Biog. Diet., and Bos-
JMrs. ]\Iary Coney. The Foxcrofts came origi- ton Evening Post, 3 July, 1769, and Chauncy's
nally from Foxcroft, in the county of Lancas- Funeral Sermon.
ter. The New England family descend from ^ On the 27th of June, arrived from New
John, who went to reside in Halifax, in York- Providence His Excellency William Shirley,
ehire. The pedigree will be found in the Hist. Esq., formerly Governor of this Province, and
760 PETITION FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE TROOPS. [1769.
Several other deaths occurred about this time, both in Town
and country. Among them was that of Capt. John Hamock,
" a noted vintner in Royal Exchange Lane." He was a large importer
of wines and other liquors for above twenty years.* The same day,
died, at Newburyport, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, eldest daughter of
the Rev. Charles Chauncy, D.D., of Boston, and wife of Benjamin
Greenleaf, Esq. And, on the 15th, died Mrs. Frances Tyler, eldest
daughter of John Tyng, Esq., and wife of Mr. Joseph Tyler.
The General Court, which met on the last Wednesday of
^ ^^ ' May, was stronger against Gov. Bernard than hitherto, and
sharp messages passed between them. One of the principal causes
of controversy was a demand upon the Province for funds to pay for
quartering the troops in Boston. This was a subject calculated to
cause great irritation, especially among the Boston Representatives,
who argued with great effect upon the enormity which forced a stand-
ing army upon them, to the destruction of their trade and the morals
of the people, and then to extort money from them to pay for it. But
the first business was concerning the repaoval of the troops from the
Town.
James Otis was made Chairman of a Committee to remonstrate with
the Governor upon keeping an armed force in the Town, and to re-
quest him at once to withdraw it "by sea and land, out of this Port,
and the gates of this City, during the session of the General Court."
The answer to this demand was as remarkable for its brevity as it was
significant of the importance the army was to his authority. " Gen-
tlemen," he answered, " I have no authority over his Majesty's
ships in this Port, or his troops in this Town ; nor qan I give any
orders for the removal of the same."
This gave rise to a most powerful and conclusive answer from a
Committee appointed for that purpose, which consisted of Major
Hawley, Mr. Hancock, Mr. Adams, Mr. Preble, and Mr. James
Warren. In their answer, they reminded the Governor that he was
here as the King's Lieutenant and Captain-General, and Commander-
in-Chief within the Province, in as ample a manner as the King's
Lieutenant was in Ireland. That his Majesty the King had ordered
the troops to Boston, was admitted ; but that he had ordered them
here owing to misrepresentations, was certain ; and hence they were
quartered in the Town as contrary to Act of Parliament as they
were to reason and justice. Thus, they said, a brave and loyal
people had been treated with insult, reproach, and contempt.
They said it was owing to the exaggerated reports of disturbances
late Governor of the Bahama Islands, and a * His eldest son, Mr. John Hamock, mer-
Lieut. General in his Majesty's army. He chant, died, "in the prime of life," 8 Jan.,
was saluted as he passed Castle William, and 1764. His second daughter, Hannah, was
many principal gentlemen waited on him with married to Andrew Cazneau, of Boston, attor-
their compliments. — Evening Post, 3 July, ney at law, 2 Sept., 1769. Hannah Cazneau,
1769. widow, died here, April, 1784.
1769.J GENERAL COURT REMOVED TO CAMBRIDGE. 761
that had caused the troops to be sent here, when it was well known
that those disturbances bore no proportion to similar tumults in many
of the best-regulated cities of Europe, and that they were " far, very
far, from being carried to that atrocious and alarming length to which
they had been in Britain, at the very gates of the Palace, and even
in the Royal presence." But the conclusion of the address placed
the Governor in a. dilemma which must have caused him no little
chagrin and vexation. Here was a military force, they said, not
under the control of any authority in the Province ; a power without
any check, and therefore completely absolute. This power, having
the sword constantly in its hand, may exercise a vigorous severity
whenever it pleases. Thus circumstanced, "what privilege," they
ask, "what security, is then left to this house, whose very existence
to any purpose depends on its privilege and security?" Hence, if
nothing by way of redress could be had of the King's Lieutenant,
they must apply to his Majesty. The dilemma is too apparent to
require explanation. Here was a Governor, a Commander-in-Chief
in and over the Province, but here was a force over which he had no
control ! Had he been superseded ? or had he been degraded ? If
the latter, he had degraded himself by calling in a power above
him.
While the subject of the removal of the troops was under discus-
sion, no business was done by the General Court ; nor would that
body proceed to business while the troops were stationed about them.
This caused the Governor to take another unwise step, which was to
adjourn them to Cambridge. Thus, to save himself the mortification
of complying with the request to remove the troops, he removed the
General Court ; not reflecting, it would seem, that they could not be
forced to do business there any more than in Boston, though they
would not have the same excuse for delay.* And when he reproached
them for sitting two weeks "without doing anything," and thereby
putting the Province to the great expense of 500 pounds, they smartly
retorted by comparing that sum with the tens of thousands of pounds
which the troops had cost the Province, brought upon it through his
means.
On the removal of the General Court from Boston to Cambridge,
a circumstance occurred well calculated to widen the breach between
the members and the Governor. It so happened, whether with design
or not cannot now be stated, that, the very night following the re-
moval to Cambridge, the Cannon were withdrawn from before the
Court House. This was, naturally enough, turned to the disadvan-
tage of the Chief Magistrate.
* Yet they urged, with much force, that small-pox required it. See Proceedings of the
their removal was illegal, and hence could Council and House of Representatives relative
well have justified themselves on that ground to the Convening at Harvard College, p. 7. The
if they had still refused to act. They showed next year, the General Court utterly refused to
how Gov. Shute considered a removal from proceed to business at Cambridge, as will be
Boston, when, in 1721, the fatality of the seen in the general histories of the Province.
96
762 MASSACHUSETTS RESOLVES. [1769.
However, after standing out till beyond the middle of June, the
House voted to proceed to business ; but under a protest, strongly
expressed, that it was from necessity, and that it was by no means to
be taken as a precedent in future. Thus, though the Governor had
gained his point, his days of rejoicing were few, for about the same
time he received orders from the King to repair to England, " to lay
before him the state of the Province." This he oommunicated to the
General Court on the 28th of June, and proceeded to make
' arrangements for his departure. It is worthy of note, that, only
the day before, namely, June 27th, the House voted a petition to the
King for the Governor's removal.
His situation had become one of intense anxiety ; for it was not
unknown to him that copies of his letters to the Ministry had been
obtained, and he was daily expecting their arrival in Boston. But it
so happened that they did not arrive until his Excellency had sailed.
They were procured by Mr. Bollan, and by him forwarded by Capt.
James Scott, of Mr. Hancock's ship, Boston Packet, which arrived
the second week in August.*
The state of affairs now existing gave rise to the famous Resolves
of the House of Representatives, in which were reiterated most of the
charges against Governor Bernard, and through him against the
Ministry.
The substance of those relating particularly to Boston are important
in this connection. They were reported as unanimous, and are as
follows: — "That Governor Bernard, by a wanton and precipitate
dissolution of the last year's Assembly, and refusing to call another,
though repeatedly requested by the people, acted against the spirit
of a free Constitution ; and, if such procedure be lawful, it may be in
his power, whenever he pleases, to render himself absolute." " That
the sending an armed force into this Colony, under a pretence of aiding
and assisting the Civil Authority, is an attempt to establish a Standing
Army here without our consent ; is highly dangerous to the people ; is
unprecedented and unconstitutional, manifestly tending to enslave
them. That whoever has represented to his Majesty's Ministers that
the people of this Colony in general, or the Town of Boston in partic-
ular, were in such a state of disobedience as to require a fleet and
army to support the Civil Magistrate, is an avowed enemy to this
Colony, and to the Nation in general. That the misrepresentations
of the state of this Colony, transmitted by Governor Bernard to his
Majesty's Ministers, have been the means of procuring the military
• * They were denied to Mr. Bollan, and when inson is singularly out of the way in saying
the Governor heard of the denial, he flattered they were received in Boston on the 5th of
himself that they could not be obtained ; but, April, 1769, as will be seen by a reference to
Members of Parliament having a right to copies the Boston Chronicle of 14th August of this
of all documents laid before that body. Alder- year. It is very possible that some letters of
man Beckford demanded and received them, the Governor may have been received on the 5th
and thus Mr. Bollan became possessed of them, of April, 1769 ; but his famous letters were not
— See Hutchinson, iii. 226. But Mr. Hutch- received until the time above stated.
1769.] GOVERNOR BERNARD SAILS FOR ENGLAND. 763
* force now quartered in the Town. That whoever gave order for quar-
tering even common soldiers and camp women in the Court House in
Boston, making a barrack of the same, placing a main guard with
cannon pointed near the said house, and sentinels at the door, designed
a high insult, and a triumphant indication that the military power was
master of the whole Legislature."
These extracts may be taken as a fair specimen of the entire docu-
ment, which covers nearly the whole ground of the Declaration of
Independence of 1776 ; the sentiments are the same, and in some
parts the language differs but little.
A few days after the passage of the Resolves, Commodore
^ " Samuel Hood,* who had resided in the Town for several months,
sailed for Halifax, and soon after Governor Bernard sailed for England.
His recall had been looked upon as certain for some time, and had
been familiarly talked of by the people. He left his seat at Roxbury
• on the 31st of July, and went to the Castle. The next day he em-
barked on board his Majesty's ship Rippon, Capt. Samuel Thompson,
then lying in King Road. On his leaving the fort a salute of fifteen
guns was fired ; and on entering the frigate the same number were
discharged. There went with him his third son. Master Thomas
Bernard ; and among the passengers were Col. Hoar, of Nova Scotia,
formerly of the Provincial service ; Captain Murray, of the 14th
regiment ; Ensign Bertrand, of the 29th ; Lieutenant Armstrong and
Ensign Burton, of the 64th.
Before embarking, his Excellency delivered the Province Seal to
the Lieutenant Governor, who appeared in Council, and took the oath
required by Act of Parliament, and assumed the Government. As
soon as the Rippon had spread her sails to a fair wind, the flag which
had been flying at the head of the staff at Liberty Tree was lowered.
Thus Governor Bernard not only made a timely escape from a trouble-
some Government, but he escaped witnessing the scenes of King-street,
which soon after followed, and the more terrible scenes of' Concord,
Lexington and Bunker's Hill ; while the people had got rid of an
implacable enemy, as they believed, and had one the less to misrepre-
sent their actions.
On the 26th of July, there was a meeting of the Merchants
" ^ ' and Traders of Boston, to take into consideration the late move-
ments in England relative to a reduction of Duties. The Ministry had
discovered that Duties on glass, paper and colors, were " contrary to
the principles of commerce," and that the Act laying them should be
repealed at the next Session of Parliament. The Merchants saw
through this, and declared, that such a reduction would " by no means
•Afterwards Lord Hood; was son of the feated; at Toulon, Corsica, &c. He married,
Rev. Samuel Hood, of Butleigh, county of in 1794, Miss Susanna Linzee, daughter of the
Somersett, where he was born 1724. He was Mayor of Plymouth, and died at Bath, 27th
long in active service ; was with Rodney in the Jan., 1816, aged 92. Little is said about the
West Indies in 1781, when De Grasse was de- Commodore during his residence in Boston.
764 PROCEEDINGS OF THE MERCHANTS. [1769.
relieve the trade from the difficulties under which it labored ; " and
they add, "we apprehend it is a measure intended only to quiet
the manufacturers in Great Britain, and to prevent the setting
up of those manufactures in the Colonies." They therefore voted
to adhere strictly to the non-importation agreement entered into in
August, 1768 ; to send for no goods contrary to that agreement ; and
a large Committee * was raised to procure a subscription among " the
inhabitants not to purchase any goods of such persons as have or may
import any goods from Great Britain, contrary to the late agreement
of the merchants."
At the same meeting a Committee was appointed ' ' To prepare a
State of the Embarrassments and Difiaculties the Trade labors under,
by means of the late Regulations and Revenue Acts ; and also a true
Representation of the Conduct of the Commissioners and other
Oflicers of the Customs, and lay the same before the Merchants
at their next meeting." The gentlemen who had this in charge-
were Arnold Wells, Esq., Mr. Henderson Inches, Mr. William
Dennie, Mr. William MoUineaul, and Mr. Isaac Smith. They
accordingly drew up an account, which was accepted, and soon after
printed.!
A little before this there was a Petition circulated in the Town which
caused a good deal of excitement among the people. The officers of
the Customs and their friends, to counteract the efforts of the Liberty
men to procure the removal of the troops, addressed a Petition to the
Governor, praying that the 14th or some other regiment might be de-
tained in the Town to protect the lives and property of the King's loyal
subjects. This proceeding of the Ministerial, or Royal Party, gave great
offence. A Town-meeting was called, in which it was denounced in
severe terms, as being a reflection upon tlie loyalty of the Town ;' as
though the " laws of the land " did not make ample provision for the
security of all his Majesty's subjects. It will not be very difficult for
the reader to judge which party had the most to fear. But the one
being supported by might and the other by right, made a difference
of vast importance.
* These are the names of the persons ap- England. — Boston Evening Post, 31 July,
pointed upon the Committee : — Mr. William 1769.
Bowes, Mr. Jona. Amory, Capt. Saml. Part- f It was a quarto pamphlet of 24 pages, very
ridge, Mr. Saml. Abbott,'Mr. Thomas Walley, handsomely printed, a copy of which is now
Mr. Moses Gill, Mr. Wm. Bout, Mr. Bartholo- by me. In this it is said, that " upwards of
mew Kneeland, Mr. Joshua Gardner, Mr. 20 sail of men-of-war, cutters and other armed
Thomas Brattle, Mr. Edwd. Church, and Mr. vessels, purchased by the Board of Commis-
Saml. Salisbury. sioners, have been employed this year to cruise
Capt. Partridge, Capt. Dashwood, Capt. on the trade of this Province." — P. 17. The
Bradford, Capt. Waldo and Capt. Matchet acts of some of the Commanders of these ves-
were a Committee to inspect the Manifests of sels were daily reported to be arbitrary and
the cargoes of vessels which might arrive from abusive in the extreme.
1769.] AFFAIR OF THE ROSE FRIGATE. 765
APPLETON.
CHAPTER LXXIV.
Affair of the Rose Frigate. — Deaths — of James Smith, William Torrey, William Edes, James Forbes.
— Non-Importation Committees. — Importers advertised. — Fourteenth of August celebrated. —
Manufactures encouraged. — Affair of Otis and Robinson. — Bernard's Letters to Hillsborough. —
"Appeal to the World." — Samuel Adams' Letter to Hillsborough. — Other Publications. — Free
Masons. — New Map. — One tarred and feathered. — Case of John Mein. — Deaths — of the Rev.
Samuel Checkley, Mr. John Knight, Mr. Samuel Kneeland. — Indictment of Gov. Bernard. —
Case of the Hutchinsons. — Affan- of the Wooden Head. — A Boy killed. — Ropewalk Affrays. —
Fifth of March Tumults. — Mob in King-street. — Fired upon by Soldiers. • — Several killed and
wounded. — Troops evacuate the Town. — Funeral Ceremonies. — Proceedings of the Town.
mA TRIAL of very deep interest came on in
June of this year, in a special Court of Admi-
■ ralty ; the circumstances of which were as follows :
The Rose frigate, of twenty guns, was at this time
the Boston station-ship, commanded by Capt.
Benjamin Caldwell, afterwards an Admiral. As
this ship was cruising off Cape Ann on the
morning of the 22d of April, the brigantine
Pitt-packet, Thomas Power, master, was fallen
in with. The frigate, being short of men, undertook to press some
of Capt. Power's ; accordingly,, the captain of the frigate sent his
Lieutenant, a Mr. Panton, with others, on board for that purpose.
There were but four seamen in the brig, and they, knowing the men
from the Rose to be a press-gang, retreated to the hold, and afterwards
to the fore-peak. Here they made solemn asseverations that they
would never be taken alive. The brigantine, or brig, as the vessel
was indifferently called, was loaded with salt, and was from Cadiz,
bound to Marblehead. Lieut. Panton gave the four men to understand
that they were in his power, and that it was not of the least use for
them to resist, and even laughed at their repeated oaths that they
would never yield. One of the men, Michael Corbett, was armed
with a harpoon, and the others with similar weapons. The parley was
kept up for some time, and the Lieutenant continued to advance upon
* The pedigree of Appleton has been ascer- in Philip's war, and in various other import-
tained with nearlyall the certainty and minute- ant stations in the Colony. The family settled
ness which can be desired. Samuel Appleton, in Ipswich, in the County of Essex, Massachu-
the first of this family in New England, came setts, descendants of which have since become
from a phice called Waldingfield, Co. of Suf- numerous, and spread into many of the States
folk-, England, in 1635. John " Apulton " of the Union. The present distinguished'fami-
was living at Great Waldingfield, 1396. Sam- lies of Boston are the descendants of the W'ald-
uel, the 7th in descent from that John, was born ingfield emigrant, and from whom also the
in 1586; hence he was 49 years of age when late Samuel Appleton, Esq., an honor and
he emigrated. His son Samuel was born at ornament to the name, was also descended.
Waldingfield in 1624. He was distinguished There is extant ajudicious Memoir of Appleton.
766 SMALL POX. DEATHS. [1769.
the men, until one of them made a mark in the salt, and then Corbett
called God to witness that if one of the gang attempted to pass it,
that moment he was a dead man. At this, Panton, in the most fool-
hardy manner, took out his snuff-box, and, coolly tapping it, proposed
to give them ten minutes to alter their minds. This had no effect,
and he ordered his men to fire upon the sailors, which they did, and
wounded Corbett and another ; but Corbett was not disabled, and kept
his harpoon in readiness. Panton, after jocularly observing that he
had seen as brave men before, and heard as high threats, proceeded to
pass the line in the salt. Whereupon, true to his oath, Corbett threw
his harpoon, and Panton fell dead upon the place. It struck him in
the neck, severing the jugular vein.* In the mean time, a reinforce-
ment having arrived from the frigate, the crew submitted, and the
brig was taken charge of by the frigate's men, and brought round into
the harbor before Boston. The next day, Gov. Bernard, Commodore
Hood, Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson, Secretary Oliver, and Judge Auch-
muty went on board the Rose, where the four men were in irons, to
inquire into the affair.
Great fears were entertained that the sailors would not have a fair
trial, as they could have no jury in a Court of Admiralty. John
Adams volunteered to defend them, and he said he never took so much
pains in any cause, before or after this, as he did to clear them of
the charge of murder, feeling it to be one of justifiable homicide.
They had, indeed, a powerful defender. He said : "I had appealed
to Heaven and earth ; I had investigated all laws, human and divine ;
I had searched all the authorities in the civil law, the law of nature
and nations ; and I vainly felt as if I could shake the Town and the
World. ' ' But Mr. Adams was prevented from making his world-shaking
argument, the Court dreading its effect upon the people. And the
judges, though they denied the plea of jurisdiction put in by the
prisoners' counsel, and would not allow a trial by jury, which had
been contended for, did not dare to go counter to the judgment of
nearly the whole community, by pronouncing Corbett and his fellows
guilty, and they therefore acquitted them.
The autumn of 1769 brought with it considerable sickness. There
had been a number of cases of the small-pox, besides the usual com-
plaints of the country, and many deaths occurred. Those infected
with the small-pox were sent to the Province Hospital at New Bos-
ton, and flags were kept out at places where persons had been taken
with it.
On the third of August Mr. James Smith died at his seat at
Brush Hill, in Milton, at the age of about 81. He had been many
* I have partly followed the account in the ant of the Rose was the person, who, not long
B!)ston Evening Post of July 3d and July 24th since, fought a duel with an inhabitant of this
1769. It differs considerably from that in Town, who generously gave him a life, which
the Boston Chronicle of May 1st, 1769. It he has since sacrificed to his rashness." I have
is uaid in the former paper " that the Lieuten- seen no other mention of such duel.
1769.] IMPORTERS ADVERTISED. /6/
years a sugar-refiner in Boston, and his remains were brought into
Town and buried from the house of James Murray, Esq., in Queen-
street.* On the following morning died Mr. William Torrey, baker,
one of the Assessors, and was buried on the seventh. His age was
69. The satne morning, namely, August the fourth, Mr. William Edes
died. He was a noted grocer and dealer in lemons. Capt. James
Forbes died on the evening of the seventh, in his 70th year ; and on
the night of the same day Mrs. Fairfield and Mrs. Hall ; the former
was the wife of Mr. AVilliahi Fairfield, one of the Assessors ; the latter
was wife of Capt. James Hall.
On the eleventh of August the merchants held a meeting at
"^' ' Faneuil Hall, to consider what was proper to be done to carry
out their Non-importation Agreement ; and, being satisfied that cer-
tain gentlemen could not be prevailed upon to come into the views
of the rest, a vote was passed to publish their names in the news-
papers. They were accordingly published as follows : John Bernard,
[son of the late Governor], Nathaniel Rogers, Theophilus Lillie,
James McMasters and Company, John Mein, Thomas Hutchinson,
Jun., and Elisha Hutchinson, sons of the Lieutenant Governor. f It
was voted at the same meeting that Mr. Cyrus Baldwin, Mr. Gilbert
Deblois, and Mr. John Avery, Jun., should prepare an Agreement
* His sugar-works occupied a part of the Anne and Elizabeth Cummings, opposite tiie
lot between Brattle-street Church and Wing's Old Brick Meeting-house."
lane ; probably the site of the present stables. . On the 23d of January (1770) following,
I find him there as early as 1724. John Head, at an adjourned meeting of the merchants and
I think, succeeded him. See ante, p. 520. In others in Faneuil Hall, to hear the Report of
an interleaved Almanac for this year, ^Ir. Smith a certain Committee respecting persons persist-
ia said to have been " buried from his o^vn ing in importing, Lieut. Gov. Hutchinson sent
house at y" corner of Queen-street." Mr. Sheriflf Greenleaf with a letter to the Hall, di-
Murray may have been a tenant of Mr. Smith, rected to the Moderator, Wm. Phillips, Esq.,
fin Edes & Gilt's A^. Amer. Almanack * etc., requesting the meeting " to disperse without
before cited, is the following list of Importers, delay, and to forbear all such unlawful assem-
with their localities accompanying it: "A blies, as they could not be justified under any
List of the names of those who audaciously authority or color of law." The Meeting de-
continue to counteract the united sentiments cided that they were doing their duty, and in
of the Body of Merchants throughout North a legal manner, and requested the SherifiF to
America, by importing British goods contrary inform his Honor that they should proceed in
to the Agreement. their business, and did proceed in pursuance
John Bernard, in King-st., almost opposite of that determination; and among other
Vernon's Head. doings. Voted, " That whereas John Bernard,
James McMasters, on Treat's wharf. James and Patrick McMasters & Co. , Anne
Patrick McMasters, opposite the sign of the and Elizabeth Cummins, and John Mein, most
Lamb. of whom being strangers in this Country, have
John Mein, opposite the "White Horse, and set themselves in open defiance of the body of
in King-st. Merchants and others throughout this Con-
Nathaniel Rogers, opposite Mr. Henderson tinent, by importing British Goods contrary to
Inches' store, lower end of King-st. the known and united sentiments of the mer-
William Jackson, at the Brazen Head, Corn- chants, freeholders, and inhabitants of every
hill, near the Town House. Colony ; therefore, they have in the_ most in-
Theophilus Lillie, near Mr. Pemberton's solent manner too long affronted this people,
Meeting-house, North End. and endeavored to undermine the liberties of
John Taylor, nearly opposite the Heart and this Country, to which they owe their little
Crowii, in Cornhill. importance ; and that they deserve to be driven
into that obscurity from which they origi-
* In the imprint of this Almanac appear the nated, and to the hole of the pit from whence
words " Printed [upon paper manufactured in this they were digged.'''' — Evening Post, 29 Jan.,
Country.]" 1770.
768 CELEBRATION. [1769.
for the Vendue Masters to sign, obliging them not to sell imported
goods ; and all of them signed the articles accordingly.
Great preparations had been in progress for some time to
°* ' celebrate the 14th of August of this year in a manner to
meet the wishes of all the Sons of Liberty. Therefore, on the morn-
ing of that day, the British flag was displayed on Liberty Tree,
" the day of the Union and firmly combined Association of the Sons
of Liberty in this Province, without the least view of licentiousness,
in a constitutional opposition to illegal, oppressive and arbitrary meas-
ures at home and from abroad. At eleven o'clock the Sons assembled
at ' Liberty Tree, High-street, Great Elm, South End, Boston,' where
they drank fourteen toasts."*
There was a large attendance on the occasion ; many gentlemen
had come from distant places, even from Pennsylvania ; among them
were the brother of John Dickinson, the author of the Farmer's Let-
ters, and Joseph Reed, of Philadelphia. Peyton Randolph, of Vir-
ginia, was expected, but did not, probably, come.
The meeting under Liberty Tree was adjourned to Liberty Tree
Tavern, in Dorchester, known as Robinson's Tavern, " where three
large pigs barbacued, and a variety of other provisions, were prepared
for dinner. The company being large, about 300 in number, the
tables were spread in the field under the covering of a tent, where
they dined about two o'clock." During the entertainment a variety
of colors were flying, music played, and, at proper intervals, cannon
were fired. After dinner, toasts to the number of forty-five were given
out ; t " and, by order of the day, excepting the first, an indispen-
* Boston Evening Post, 21 Aug., 17Q9. The King of Prussia. 27. Paschal Paoli —
editor adds a note to the words between the shamefully neglected by every power in Eu-
single inverted commas, — "See last edition rope. 28. Dr. Lucas and all other illustrious
or Budget of Nettleham Epistles," — which Patriots in Ireland. 30. May the detested
doubtless refers to Bernard's Letters to Hills- names of the very few importers everywhere
borough, and before referred to. be transmitted to posterity with infamy (dis-
Besides the King, Queen and Royal famUy, charge of cannon). 31. May Sir Francis
were toasted Alderman Wilkes, the "Glorious Bernard, of Nettleham, Baronet, the Com-
92," Paoli, American manufactures, and, missioners, and others his confederates, the
l-lthly, "May the 14th of August be the infamous calumniators of North America, soon
annual Jubilee of Americans till time shall meet with condign punishment {three cheers) .
be no more." 32. Annual Parliaments. 38. The speedy re-
f 3. Lord Camden. 4. Lord. Chatham. 5. moval of all Task-masters, and the redress of
Duke of Richmond. 6. Marquis of Rocking- all grievances. 43. The abolition of all craft
ham. 7. Gen. Conway. 8. Lord Dartmouth, and low cunning in Church and State. 44. A
9. Col. Isaac Barre. 10. Sir George Saville. safe lodgment to all peculators. State pirates,
11. Sir William Meredith. 12. John Wilkes, thieves, robbers and traitors. 45. Strong
Esq. 13. Mrs. [Catharine] Macaulay.* 14. halters, firm blocks, and sharp axes to all
The Farmer of Pennsylvania (three cheers), such as deserve either. {A discharge of cannon
15. The Massachusetts Ninety-Two (three and three cheers.)
cheers). 16. Mr. Bourke [Edmund Burke]. The article is closed with this uncivil lan-
17. Alderman Beckford. 18. Serjeant Glynn, guage : "Should this account overtake the
24. The Cantons of Switzerland. 26. The Baronet of Nettleham on this side T-b-n [Ty-
burn ?], he and Ld. H h [Hillslwrough]
* This lady had published a History of England, are at liberty to write seventy-seven volumes
in which she favored free principles, a copy of which of their High Dutch and low diabolical corn-
was just before this celebration sent over by the mentaries ' about it and about it.' '^
brother of the authoress to James Otis, Esq.
1769.] MANUFACTUllES. 769
sable bumper, drank as moderately as each gentleman inclined."* At
five o'clock, the whole set off in their chariots, chaises, and other vehi-
cles, and returned to Boston. f On their arrival, about six o'clock,
" the whole cavalcade passed in procession through the main street,
around the Town-house, and then returned to their respective dwell-
ings ; the whole having been conducted with the greatest decency
and good order," " which gentlemen ever observe. All gentlemen
of distinction from other Colonies, known to be in Town, had cards of
invitation sent them."
In the papers of the day accounts of the celebration are given, but
none of the names of the Patriots appear.J They were no doubt all
there, from Samuel Adams to those whose names have never found
their way among printers' types. John Adams was there, who says
there were 350 at the dinner ; that both Mr. Reed and Mr. Dickin-
son were " cool, reserved and guarded all day." " After dinner was
over, and the toasts were drunk," he says, "we were diverted with
Mr. Balch's mimicry and the Liberty Song, and a song by Dr. Church,
the whole company joining in the chorus." He remarks also, " Otis
and Adams are politic in promoting these festivals ; for they tinge the
minds of the people ; they impregnate them with the sentiments of
liberty ; they render the people fond of their leaders in the cause, and
averse and bitter against all opposers. To the honor of the Sons, I
did not see one person intoxicated, or near it. I felt it my duty to be
there ; but am not able to conjecture of what consequence it was
whether I was there or not. Jealousies arise from little causes ; and
many might suspect that I was not hearty in the cause, if I had been
absent, whereas none of them are more sincere and steadfast than
I am."
Great efforts continued to be made by the merchants to cause the
establishment of home manufactures of all kinds, which in the end had
the effect to render the country independent of England. § Improved
printing-presses began to be manufactured in Connecticut ; and Mr.
Mitchelson, of Boston, made printing-types " equal to any imported
from Great Britain," But there was another manufacture, which por-
tended not only independence, but a maintenance of independence ;
for the same merchants created a fund to be employed in carrying on
a manufactory " of guns and small arms."
* To the above passage the editor of the Even- J I am chiefly indebted to the News-Letter,
ing Post has this note : " This clearly explains Mass. Gazette, a.nd. Evening Post. The CAron-
a dark passage in the Nettleham codes, where icle, becoming a high tory paper, scarcely
there is a query made how forty-five drams can noticed the celebration at all.
be drunk in the morning, and ninety-two in ^" A gentleman, whom posterity will bless,
the afternoon consistently with temperance." " has deposited 100 dollars in the hands of the
f" Between four and five o'clock the car- Selectmen of Boston, 40 dollars to be given
riages were all got ready, and tlie company the person, who in the year 1771 shall have
rode off in procession, Mr. Hancock first, in raised the greatest number of mulberry trees ;
his chariot, and another chariot bringing up 30 dollars to him who shall have the next
the rear. I took my leave of the gentlemen greatest number, 20 to the next, and 10 to the
and turned off for Taunton." — Diary of John next." Thiswas to induce the manufacture of
Adams. silk. — See Ames'' Almanac for 1769.
97
770 OTIS AND llUBiNSON. [1769.
A very unfortunate affair happened, on the fifth of Septem-
^^^^*" ^' ber, at the British Coffee-house in King-street,* which was a
rencontre between James Otis and John Robinson. The latter was
one of the Commissioners of the Customs, who, Mr. Otis believed, had
deeply injured him by misrepresenting his motives for his political
course. He believed also, and probably with good reason, that Rob-
inson, with other Crown officers in Boston, had endeavored to have the
leading Patriots, and particularly himself, prosecuted for treason, and
sent to England for trial. For a long time, certainly ever since the
arrival of the Commissioners, there had been no good feeling towards
them among any of the Patriots; and Mr. Otis being considered the most
dangerous and most formidable of the latter, it was doubtless agree-
able to the Commissioners and their party to draw him injto collisions
and difficulties ; and, knowing his impetuous temper, they succeeded
in their object, without difficulty. To counteract their representations,
as well as to set their characters in an odious light, as it respected
veracity, Mr. Otis advertised the Commissioners and Governor Bernard.
In his advertisement he stated that he had " demanded personal satis-
faction, and given due warning, but could obtain no sufficient an-
swer." t Thus the quarrel was carried into the papers of the day, and
resulted in a fight, disgraceful to both parties.
Mr. Otis, it seems, went to the Coff^ee-house by appointment, where
he met Robinson, who began the assault upon him. Others, friends
of the former, joined in the assault, and Otis was severely handled ;
being cut in the head, and otherwise wounded. As usual in all such
cases, the friends of each party made out a good case for their respect-
ive sides. Mr. Otis appears to have gone to the Coffee-house unat-
tended by friends, while the other party was well provided by the
presence of. several ofiScers of the army and navy. A young man
named John Gridley| happened to be passing the Coffee-house when
the affair commenced, and, being a friend of Otis, he went to his assist-
ance, but he was roughly handled and soon put out of the house.
The matter was carried into court, where it was kept for about four
years. The Jury finally brought in damages in favor of Mr. Otis for
2000 pounds sterling. In the mean time Mr. Robinson had married a
Boston lady. Miss Nancy Boutineau, daughter of James Boutineau,
Esq., and gone to England. § Mr. Boutineau was a lawyer, and man-
aged the cause for his son-in-law, who, having expressed sorrow for
his treatment of Mr. Otis, and confessed himself the aggressor, the
fine was refused by Mr. Otis, and nothing was demanded of Robinson
but the costs of Court, and the amount of Mr. Otis' surgeon's bill ;
altogether being about 112 pounds, lawful money.
* Now No. 66 State-street. ]\Iarch they sailed for England. It is said that
f Mass. Gazette, 14th Sept., 1769. Robinson left without leave of his superiors,
X See his deposition, ibid. and so secretly that only a few friends knew of
^ They were married on the 5th of October his departure. — Narrative of the Boston Mas-
following the affray. On the 16th of the next sacre, p. 39.
1T69.] Bernard's letters. 771
Q^^ ^ At a Town meeting on the fourth of October, the subject of
the Letters and Memorials sent to Lord Hillsborough by Gov-
ernor Bernard and others was taken up, and the papers read. The
thanks of the Town were voted to Mr. Bollan for having procured and
transmitted them to the Selectmen. A Committee was appointed to
consider them and report at the adjourned meeting.* After which the
subject of a nonconformance by certain individuals to the Non-importa-
tion Agreement was acted upon, which is thus entered upon the
records : — "Be it therefore Solemnly voted ^ that the names of those
persons, /et^ indeed, to the honor of the Town," f " be entered on the
record of this Town, that posterity may know who those persons were
that preferred their little private advantage to the common interest of
all the Colonies, in a point of the greatest importance ; who not only
deserted but opposed their Country in a struggle for the rights of the
Constitution, that must ever do it honor ; and who, with a design to
enrich themselves, basely took advantage of the generous self-denial
of their fellow-citizens for the common good."
On the 18th of October the Town met according to adjourn-
ment, and the Committee to whom was referred the Letters
and Memorials, with instructions "to consider what measures are
proper to be taken to vindicate the character of the Town from the
false and injurious representations contained in them," now reported a
paper, entitled "An Appeal to the World, or a Vindication of the
Town of Boston, from many false and malicious Aspersions contained"
in those Letters and Memorials, and the same was ordered to be entered
upon the records of the Town, J and to be published ; which were ac-
cordingly done.§
The year 1769 was very fruitful in important works relating to the
difficulties which had arisen between the people of Boston and the
Government of Great Britain, on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as
on both sides of the question at issue. Among them, " Boston's Ap-
peal to the World" has been considered a work of consummate ability ;
* Thomas Cushiug, Samuel Adams, John a Member of Parliament ; Benjamin Franklin,
Adams, James Otis, Dr. Joseph Warren, Rich- Esq., Doctor of Laws ; WiLLi.\ii Bollam, Esq.,
ard Dana, Joshua Henshaw, Joseph Jackson Agent for his Majesty's Council of this Prov-
and Benjamin Kent, composed the Committee, ince ; Dennys De Berdt, Esq., Agent for the
f The names are the same as those given on House of Representatives, and Barlow Treco-
a previous page, and are therefore omitted thic, Esq., Alderman of the City of London,
here. and a Member of Parliament.
J The Appeal occupies 30 full pages of those "William Cooper, Town Clerk. ''^
records, which pages are of large demy size. Why a copy was not ordered for Alderman
The printed tract is now of rare occurrence. William Beckford, does not appear ; for Mr.
^ This Direction was printed with the Ap- Bollan was indebted to him for his success in
peal : " The following remarks upon the let- obtaining the pernicious documents, as already
ters Avritten by Gov. Bernard and others, were stated.
ordered to be published ; and the Committee In 1773 the General Court resolved to pay
were directed respectfully to transmit a printed "William Bollan, Esq., £1200 sterling for his
copy of the same to the following gentlemen, services from 12 July, 1769, to 12 July, 1773 ;
viz., the Hon. Col. Isaac Barre, Esq., Member and Dr. Franklin, for three years, ending 31-
of Parliament ; His Excellency Thomas Pow- Oct., 1773, £800 sterling. — Hoiise Journal,
NALL, Esq., late Governor of this Province, and p. 25.
772 PUBLICATIONS. NEW MAP. [ITOU.
and its composition is almost, if not entirely, the work of Samuel
Adams. He was also the author of the Letter to Earl Hillsborough,
published anonymously, and doubtless many other similar productions.
Edes & Gill printed the Charter of the Province, as granted by William
and Mary, in their Almanac, and also the Explanatory Charter of
George the First. *
The ' ' Royal Arch Lodge ' ' of Free Masons had its beginning in
Boston this year.f It was afterwards called " St. Andrew's Royal
Arch Chapter." The next year they held their meetings at the " Green
Dragon," in Union-street, which was their regular place of meeting
until 1805, when they removed to Mason's Hall, the north side of the
Market-house.
Notwithstanding the agitations in the Town in 1769, and the diffi-
culties and discouragements which beset it on every side, its progress
was onward, and a beautiful map of it was issued by Mr. William
Price, with this title : — "A New Plan of the Great Town of Boston
in New England in America, with the many additional Buildings and
new Streets, to the year 1769." It is dedicated to Governor Belcher,
whose Arms are conspicuously delineated in the upper left hand corner.J
Like the Map of 1722, it contains statistics of fires, times of small-pox
visitations, number and time of building of the several Churches, and
other matters, continued to the year of publication. It is also noted
that on the Castle "are mounted about 120 cannon." The number
of houses in the Town about 4,000, and inhabitants 20,000.
In a thickly settled Town, of so many inhabitants as were now in
Boston, it was a move highly criminal to quarter troops, and every
day they were continued difficulties increased, and it required no
prophet to predict that a time was near at hand when either the peo-
pie or the soldiers must be masters. There was an occurrence
on the 24th of October, which greatly irritated the Revenue
Offices, to redress whose grievances the soldiers were here specially
stationed. It was a high offence to the former for any goods to be
* This Charter is dated August 20th, 1725, scribed at page 566, ante. Mr._ Price was
12th Geo. I. Dr. Holmes does not mention it interested with Bonner in publishing that of
in his invaluable Annals. 1722, and he no doubt came into possession of
f Its first meeting was held on the 28th the plate, and used it from time to time. On
of August, at which were present, the Kt. the map is Mr. Price's advertisement, by which
Worshipful James Brown, Master; Charles it appears his sign was " The King's Head and
Chambers, Sen. Warden; Winthrop Gray, Looking-glass," and his shop was the 2d door
Jun. Warden ; William McMullen, Henry South of the Old Meeting-house in Cornhill,
Glynn, Wm. McKeen, John Woodington, " Where is sold a large New South-east Prospect
Joshua Loring, D. Sec. ; Samuel Sumner, Ty- of Boston, neatly done, and a Prospect of the
ler. — By-Lmos, &c., of St. Andrews' R. A. Colledg's in Cambridge, N. E. And great
Chapter, edited by Thomas Waterman, Esq., of variety of Maps and Prints of all kinds, Avith
Boston. Frames and Glasses or without. Also pictures
X This leads me to the opinion that maps painted in Oyle " — " Newest fashioned Look-
from the same plate were issued during Mr. ing Glasses, Tea Tables, China Ware, Eng-
Belcher's administration ; copies of which are lish and Dutch Toys, Flutes, Hautboys,
doubtless in existence, though I have not met Violin Strings," &c. In 1727 he published
with any, nor have I heard of such. How- " A Draught of the Meeting-house of the Old
ever, this (of 1769) is the same, as to outline Church in Boston, with the New Spire and
and scale, as that by Capt. John Bonner, de- Gallery."
1769.] POPE DAY. 71S
landed without being duly entered. On the other hand, it was an
equally high offence to the people for any one to inform against those
who should bring in goods without paying duties. On the occasion
referred to, a certain individual, not having the fear of the people
before his eyes, and happening to know that " a cask or two " of wine
had been brought in, in a sloop from Rhode Island, proceeded to give
information of the fact to his Majesty's Commissioners. Aware that
he had taken a A^ery dubious step, that individual kept himself se-
creted for a time ; but, in the evening of the 24th, he fell into the
hands of some persons who had been on the watch for him, and who,
unmolested, proceeded to substitute for his ordinary dress one of tar
and feathers. Thus attired, they carted him through the streets for
about three hours;* which period was ended in King-street near
nine o'clock. Here " he promised better behavior for time to come,
and asked pardon for his past offence." Then his clothes were re-
turned to him, and "all peaceably dispersed."
^ The fifth of November falling on Sunday this year. Pope
Day was celebrated on Monday the sixth. Salutes were fired
at the Castle and the Town "Batteries. " A number of young persons
exhibited some pageantry, and, after going through the principal
streets of the Town, they retired to Copp's Hill, where the effigies
were committed to the flames, about seven o'clock." Mr. John Mein
having rendered himself obnoxious by certain publications in his Bos-
ton Chronicle, his effigy was added to the number, and labelled in a
manner far beyond the bounds of decency. f He had taken the side
of the Home Government, and published the names of many of the
merchants as importers, who had pledged themselves not to import
British goods, and who had signed the Non-importation Agreement.
This he did in retaliation for the publications of the merchants before
* They proceeded first to Liberty Tree, equal to these, of which the following are a
" amidst a vast concourse of people," making specimen : —
him hold a large glass lantern in his hand, « jSTow shake, ye Tories, I see the rogue behind,
" that people might see the doleful condition he Hung up a scarecrow, to correct mankind."
was in, and to deter others from such infa- " Now we '11 be free, or bathed in honest blood,
mous practices." Under Liberty Tree they AVe '11 nobly perish for our Country's good.
" made him swear never to be guilty of the Y" " P"'"^^^^^ ^'^"•^„f *.^« \°/<^™' !\'V^' , „
,., . - n , ,, A ^i ^ < And at one stroke we'll give the Devil his due."
like crime m future." As the procession was ^^,1 t ^ i- xi, ri ^ xu
proceeding to Liberty Tree, it was fired upon The kispectors of the Customs are thus no-
from Mein & Fleeming's printing office. Upon ''^<'^^-
which some of those in the crowd broke into "Here stands the Devil for a Show,
the office ; but the persons inside had escaped. Yuu *''°/r?r,f '" f .'i?1' i
mi u r 1 iu u- u ii All bound to Hell, and that we know."
i hey however tound three guns, which they ,^.,, , ^ ., ' ^ ,^ ,, . ■, . .,
broiio-ht off. •' '< Wilkes and Liberty, No. 45," stood at the
t On one'of the transparencies was exhibited h*^^d of some lines, in which the " Informer "
this acrostic : — suffers thus : —
" Insulting wretch, we '11 him expose, " If ^,^7 o°f ZV^-^1 ^'! P*""''. »
O'er the whole world his deeds disclose ; He '11 go to Hell without a cart.'
Hell now gapes wide to take him in, I suppose Gov. Bernard to be referred to in
Now he is ripe, lump of sin ! these verses : —
Mean is the man, M_n is his name, ,. ^ ^^^ ^^^j^^^ ^^^^.t,, ^^ .^^^^
Enough he's spread his hellish fame, ^j^^ ^^j, J^^tion of some baneful birth,
Infernal Furies hurl his soul These ills proceed, -from him they took their birth.
Nine million times from Pole to Pole." jj- j j-^^gj^ ^.^^ '^^^^ f^,g,t ^,_ ^^^^.^^^
There were verses also to the " Tories," quite Or like a Wilkes may I from right be driven."
774 BERNARD INDICTED. [1769.
mentioned. His paper had, in fact, become completely subservient
to the oppressors, and he was free in impeaching the motives of the
men on whom the people looked as models of excellence. This
brought down the vengeance of the latter upon him, and he was at-
tacked in the street near his own office, and obliged to fly to the sol-
diers for protection. This affair happened on the 28th of October,
and he soon after sailed for England.
The Kev. Mr. Samuel Checkley, the first minister of the
New South Church, died on the 1st of December, in his 74th
year, after a long and able pastorate. He was son of Col. Samuel
Checkley, distinguished for his public services in the Town, and
for his excellent character. Mr. Checkley was father-in-law of the
distinguished patriot, Samuel Adams. And on the fourth fol-
lowing, an aged merchant, Mr. John Knight, died, aged 81
years. His warehouse was in the vicinity of Faneuil Hall.
On the 14th of December died Mr. Samuel Kneeland, many years
a well known and highly respectable printer, in the 73d year of his
age. He commenced business about 1718, and his office was in Prison
lane, at the corner of Dorset's or Dassett's alley, and was used as
such, by Mr. Kneeland and his successors, for eighty years. He was
a native of Boston, respectably connected, and served his time with
Bartholomew Green. In 1727 he commenced the publication of
" The New England Journal," and four months after went into part-
nership with Timothy Green, — a connection which was continued
twenty-five years. Kneeland and Green were engaged in printing
the first Bible ever issued from the Boston Press, as has been before
stated. Mr. Kneeland was many years printer to the House of Rep-
resentatives.*
A very curious farce was enacted soon after the departure of Gov-
ernor Bernard for England. The Grand Jury found bills of indict-
ment against him. General Gage, the five Commissioners of the Cus-
toms, the Collector and Comptroller, " for writing certain letters to
the Secretary of State, and other the King's Ministers, and therein
slandering the inhabitants of the Town and Province." This was of
course only to show the resentment of the people in a new light ; for
it was doubtless well known to the Grand Jury, that a King's Gov-
ernor could not be tried in a Colonial Court. Hence there were no
writs of attachment ever issued, and, after a while, a nolle prosequi was
entered upon each case.
The Non-importation Agreement ended with the year 1769, and
some of those who had been forced into it were determined to proceed
in their regular business, and would pay no attention to a renewal of
* In the Journal of the House, June 6th, Mr. Samuel Kneeland, the Printer to the
1738, it is entered, — " Col. Prescott, from the House, be allowed 14s. and 4d., new tenor bills,
Committee appointed to inquire into the mat- per sheet, for printing and delivering the votes
ter of charge, &c., of printing the Journal of of the House, as they shall be taken off from
the House, made report, &c. Ordered that the Journal."
1769.] CASE OF THE IIUTCHINSONS. 775
that Agreement. Two of the sons of Lieutenant-Governor Hutchin-
son* were of this number. They had delivered certain goods into
the custody of the Committee, or, what amounted to the same thing,
they had allowed the Committee to place its padlock on the warehouse
in which they were, and to keep the key. The first of January hav-
ing come, the Messrs. Hutchinsons removed the lock, and, taking
their goods from the warehouse, caused them to be secreted. They
were immediately called upon to return them to the custody of the
Committee, which they refused to do. A meeting of merchants was
called, the whole body of whom proceeded to Garden Court, the resi-
dence of the Lieut. Governor, a part of Avhose household were those
two sons. The merchants were attended by a great number of people,
and it is not surprising if the Lieut. Governor was apprehensive of a
repetition of the scenes of 1765 ; for, when the merchants made
known their business, and demanded the restoration of the goods,
" without sufficiently considering the consequences," he advised his
sons to comply ; " but had soon reason to repent ; and that he felt
more trouble and distress of mind from this error in his public trust,
than he had done from loss and damage to his private fortune, when
his house and great part of his property were destroyed ;" that " he
was triumphed over, and reproached for the concession, by the men
who, under color of friendship, advised him to it."
The Lieut. Governor could hardly suppress his indignation, and
reproached himself for doing what he did not dare to refuse to do.
The merchants continued their meetings, which he pronounced trea-
sonable, and endeavored to put a stop to, but all to no purpose. Joseph
Hawley said, in the General Court, that he should like to know how
the Parliament of England had acquired a right of legislation over
the Colonies. And Samuel Adams said at the same time, what was
reiterated afterwards in the same words in the Declaration of 1776,
" Independent we are, and independent we will be." This feeling
disseminated itself through all classes, and would not be controlled.!
Meetings oT the merchants were continued. The Lieut. Governor
called upon the Council to assist him in putting a stop to them, but
they refused. He next appealed to the Justices of the Peace, but
they were with the people. Then he sent Sheriff Greenleaf
"^ "^ "" into one of the meetings with a paper to read to those assem-
bled, which required them, in his Majesty's name, to disperse and
cease their unlawful proceedings. But his Majesty was too far off"
to be dreaded, though they allowed the paper to be read in his name,
and then went on with their business as though nothing had hap-
pened.
* Thomas and Elisha Hutchinson, before Public. — It is reported that a cursed design
noticed. They went to England, and both is on foot to ruin the credit of the merchants
died there. See an<e, page 227. of this Town, and enslave North America. If
f About the same time appeared, in the so, may the inhabitants behave like men and
Evening Post, these expressions: — "To the like Christians. A Freeholder."
776 AFFAIR OF THE WOODEN HEAD. [1770.
The proscribed Importers were dooQied to experience much trouble.
It was too humiliating for them to submit to the dictation of the other
merchants, and they had almost the whole community, on which they
depended for trade, against them. Boys and others would deride and
point at them as they passed by their shops. This feeling was kept
up, and the affair at length ended in blood, which thus came about,
j,^^ 29 ^^ ^^^ 22d of February, " some boys and children set up
a large Wooden Head, with a board faced with paper, on
which were painted the figures of four of the Importers, who had
violated the merchants' Agreement, in the middle of the street, be-
fore Theophilus Lillie's door." Soon after it was set up, a famous
Informer, who lived but a few doors off, came along, and endeavored
to persuade a countryman to drive his cart against it, but that indi-
vidual had no inclination to meddle. Not long after, the Informer
endeavored to get a man with a charcoal cart to break down the
Image, but he declined also. The Informer became vexed at his ill-
success, and the by-standers at the same time became incensed at his
attempts, and he retreated towards his own house, followed by numer-
ous boys and others. As he was retreating, he passed Mr. Edward
Proctor, Mr. Thomas Knox, Captains Riordon and Skillings, at whom
he cried Perjury ! Perjury ! Upon this, angry and insulting lan-
guage followed on both sides. Missiles were thrown at the Informer
by the boys, who at length compelled him to shut himself up in his
house. Not satisfied with being safe there, he most unwisely under-
took to revenge himself, which he did by firing a gun from his win-
dow, severely wounding a boy, Samael Gore, son of Capt. John Gore,
and mortally wounding another boy, Christopher Snider, about eleven
years of age, who died on the following evening. This boy lived
with "Madam Apthorp," and his father lived in Frog lane, from
whose house he was buried on the 26th following, with great cere-
mony ;* upon which Mr. Hutchinson remarked, that " a grand
funeral was very proper for him. Young and old, some of all ranks
and orders, attended in a solemn procession from Liberty 'Tree to the
Town House, and then to the Common Burying-ground." The His-
torian also injudiciously remarked upon this funeral, that it was only
for the son of a poor German. To return to the house of Ebenezer
Richardson, this being the name of the Informer.
As soon as the persons above named were shot, some of the people
" got into the New Brick Meeting-house and rang the bell, on which,
they soon had company enough to beset Mr. Richardson's house front
* The corpse was set down under Liberty tion for the life of a Murderer ; — he shall
Tree, whence the procession began. About 50 surely be put to death." Upon each side and
schoolboys preceded, and there were " at least at the foot of the coffin were Latin inscrip-
2000 in the procession, of all ranks, amidst a tions, with interpretations well calculated to
crowd of spectators." The pall was supported excite sympathy for the deceased, and at the
by six youths, chosen by the parents of the same time indignation against him who occa-
deceased. A board was fixed upon Liberty sioned his death. In the Evening Post of 26
Tree, inscribed, " Thou shalt take no satisfac- Feb. is a very minute account of the afiair.
1770.] IIOPEWALK AFFRAY. 777
and rear," and broke into it. There they found another obnoxious
person, Mr. George Wihiiot, from whom they took a gun, " heavily
charged with powder, and crammed with 179 goose and buck shot."
Whereupon Richardson and Wilmot were captured and taken before
Mr. Justice Ruddock. This gentleman, not caring to act alone in the
case, ordered them to Faneuil Hall. There, with the other Justices,
Richard Dana, Edmund Quincy, and Samuel Pemberton, the Exam-
ination was had, " before at least a thousand people," which resulted
in their committal to prison. It was remarked at the time that the
people were so exasperated, that, had not some gentlemen of influence
interposed their good offices, the prisoners would have been torn to
pieces before they reached the jail.
On the 20th of April following, the two culprits were tried for their
lives. Josiah Quincy and Sampson Salter Blowers were their Coun-
sel ; Samuel Quincy and Robert Treat Paine, of Taunton (afterwards
a Signer of the Declaration of Independence), conducted the cause on
the part of the Crown, the Attorney General being absent. Rich-
ardson was brought in guilty of murder, but Wilmot was cleared. Mr.
Hutchinson, the Chief Justice, viewed the guilt of the former, as every-
body would now, a clear case of justifiable homicide, and consequent-
ly refused to sign a warrant for his execution ; and, after lying in
prison two years, Richardson was, on application to the King, par-
doned and set at liberty.*
The next event of much importance was an affray between the
soldiers and ropemakers. The 14th and 29th regiments, it will be
remembered, were the regiments now remaining in the Town. The
former had their principal barracks in Brattle-street, nearly opposite
a little alley (then called Boylston's alley) now the covered passage
nearly in a line with Washington-street, and at the foot of Cornhill.
These were called Murray's barracks, and sometimes Smith's barracks.
The 29th was quartered in Water and Atkinson streets.
The merest spark has many times caused the most lamentable con-
flagrations. So a silly word, or a trifling action, has led to the sacri-
fice of many innocent lives. After the affair of the Wooden Figure
at Lillie's, the oflicers of the regiments were strict with their men,
and kept them more promptly at their posts of duty ; but old grudges
could not be removed by discipline. The 29th regiment being sta-
tioned in the vicinity of large ropewalks, in which were employed
many young men, ill-feeling had sprung up between them and the
soldiers, which ripened into a spirit for mastery. The week pre-
vious to the fifth of March, two soldiers met with a young man, prob-
ably one of the journeyman ropemakers, whom it is said they insulted,
and were by him knocked down. This was near the foot of King-
* In this account of the case of Richardson doubt insulted beyond endurance, which caused
and Wilmot, it must be borne in mind that it his rashness ; in a moment of intense excite-
is almost entirely made up from the facts de- ment he fired on the Mob. These facts doubt-
tailed by their enemies. Richardson was no less had their weight with the Court.
98
778 KOPEWALK AFFRAYS. [1770.
street. The soldiers were determined to be revenged. Several of
them, being armed with clubs or bludgeons, and swords, proceeded,
.^ about eleven o'clock, on Friday, the third of March, to Mr.
John Gray's Ropewalk. The leader of the soldiers told the
workmen at the Walk that he had come for satisfaction for a previous
transaction, and was prepared to take it. He of course met with
new insults and derision ; and no one offering himself for " satisfac-
tion," the "gentleman" soldier challenged any one to single combat.
Then one of the ropemakers went out, a fight ensued, the soldier was
worsted, had his sword taken from him, and was glad to retreat. He
soon returned, however, with some eight or nine more, who being
expected by the ropemakers, these were prepared for the emergency,
and a general fight followed. The soldiers were severely beaten, and
returned to their comrades for a reinforcement, which obtaining, to the
number, as it was said, of 30 or 40, they returned again to the Rope-
Avalk. Being now superior in numbers (three to one, as was reported),
an unequal but desperate encounter followed ; and, although none
were killed, two or three of the workmen were much wounded, and
many of the soldiers fared quite as hardly. As they were going to
the fight, Mr. John Hill, Justice of the Peace, met them, and en-
deavored to divert them from their purpose ; but he came near being
knocked down with a club, aimed at his head, and the individual who
aimed it knocked down a laborer in the Justice's presence, and beat
him badly after he fell. In this affair " a tall negro drummer" w^as
conspicuous, and led on a party sword in hand ; but he had reason
to regret his rashness, having his sword beat out of his hand, and was
otherwise punished for his temerity.*
On the evening of the same day another large party of the soldiers
])roceeded to renew the attack ; but Mr. Gray, the owner of the
Walk to which they were going, met them, and finally succeeded in
dissuading them from their purpose. But the next day, between
four and five o'clock in the afternoon, " three stout grenadiers," well
armed, went to Mr. Archibald M'Neil's Ropewalk, and finding three
young men there at work, called to them in highly offensive language.
In the mean time, Mr. James Bayley came up, and being seconded
by Mr. Archibald M'Neil, Jr., and a journeyman employed in Mr.
Winter Calef's tan-yard, near by, the three grenadiers were soon put
to flight.
The influence of these brutal affrays extended far and wide, in pro-
portion to the number and consequence of the friends of the parties
to them. That outrages were committed by the soldiers is no doubt
true, but those outrages were exaggerated ; and they, probably, in
nine cases out of ten, were the abused party. It was their misfortune
to occupy the very uncomfortable position which they now did, and
* Tliis is very nearly in accordance with Mr. Mr. John Gray's ropewalks near Green's bar-
IliU's deposition, who, when the occurrence racks." His age at this time was 69. Hia
took place, happened to be at a house " on the account favors the ropemakers.
corner of a way leading from Atkinson-st. to
IT 70. J FIFTH OF MARCH TUMULTS. 779
those who sent them here deserve all the execration of posterity, and
not the poor soldiers.*
In the order of events, the tragedy of the fifth of March is
next to be detailed. It commenced soon after nine o'clock in
the evening of a bright moonlight night, and had its immediate origin
in this manner. As four young men, or "youths," as they were
called, named Edward Archbald, William Merchant, Francis Arch-
bald and John Leach, Jr., came down Cornhill together, they sepa-
rated at Dr. John Loring's corner. The two former went on down
Cornhill, to pass through Boylston's alley, in which a sentinel was
posted. When they came near him he was "brandishing a broad
sword of an uncommon size," striking it against the wall, "out of
which he struck fire plentifully." This he appears to have been
doing by way of recreation. There was " a mean-looking Irish-
man " in company with the sentinel, who had in his hand a large
cudgel. Archbald and Merchant attempted to pass the sentinel
without answering his challenge ; whereupon a scuffle ensued, in
which Archbald was struck on the arm, and Merchant had his clothes
pierced under his arm-pit and his skin grazed ; and in turn he struck
the soldier with a short stick which he brought with him. The Irish-
man ran to the barracks to alarm the soldiers, and immediately re-
turned with two of them. One was armed with a pair of tongs, the
other with a shovel. The man with the tongs drove Archbald back
through the alley, and struck him over the head with them. By this
time the noise had brought several people to the place, and John
Hicks, "a young lad," knocked the soldier down. The soldiers
then retreated to the barracks, followed by their assailants. Imme-
diately after, about a dozen of the soldiers came out, armed, and the
people dispersed. About the same time Samuel Atwoodf came up
from Dock Square, and meeting the soldiers hurrying down the alley
leading to the Square, asked them if they intended to murder the
people? To which some of them replied, "Yes, by God, root and
branch ! ' ' and almost at the same instant one gave Atwood a blow
with a club ; being unarmed, he attempted to make ofT, but before he
got out of their reach another struck him, and another cut him on
the shoulder, to the bone. In the Square the soldiers inquired,
" Where are the Yankee boogers? Where are the Cowards? " This
being attended with much noise, many persons hurried into Dock
Square, pressed upon the soldiers, and some blows were given and
received. The officers, however, succeeded in causing the soldiers to
* The accounts of the Ropewalk affrays are troubles. Mr. Gray, the owner of the walk
stated with so much variation, that it is ex- where the principal fights were, did not undcr-
ceedingly difficult to arrive at the truth. Capt. stand it so, but ho was so well convinced that
Preston states that the ropemakers were the his men had been in fault, that he discharged
first aggressors, and that the trouble began one of them, after hearing Cols. Car r and Dal-
while two or three soldiers were quietly going rymple's accounts.
through one of the walks. But he was probably f He belonged to Wellfleet, and was from a
mistaken a« to the beginning or origin of the vessel then lying in the Town Dock.
780 MOB IN KING-STREET. [1770.
return to their barracks in Brattle-street, to which they were followed
by the Mob and besieged there. Then some among the assemblage
cried out, " Now for the Main Guard !" * which had its quarters in
King-street, opposite the south door of the State House. Upon this
the mass in the Square moved for King-street ; part of them running
up Cornhill, some up Wilson's lane, others up Eoyal Exchange
lane.
After the soldiers were withdrawn to their barracks, some well-dis-
posed persons among the crowd endeavored to persuade them to go to
their homes ;f but little or no attention was paid to them, and many
were engaged in tearing up the stalls of the Market place, probably
for the purpose of a supply of such arms as those materials afforded.
It appears that another party of the inhabitants from the south end
were assembled at Oliver's Dock, and that they began to appear in
King-street about the same time as those from Dock Square.
The sentinel at the Custom House (which stood on the lower corner
of Royal Exchange lane, fronting on King-street) was the object
aimed at by a part of the Mob,| and a boy pointed him out as one
who had at some time previous knocked him down ; whereupon this
first party, consisting of some twenty young men of various ages,
pressed upon the sentinel, some crying out, "Kill him, knock him
down ! " with other similar expressions. The poor sentinel retreated
up the steps by which the Custom House was entered, beset by a shower
of missiles, as snow-balls, pieces of ice, and sticks of wood. While
thus attacked the man loaded his gun, which the Mob observing,
hallooed, " Fire and be damned ! " He then knocked stoutly at the
door, hoping to escape into the house, but, gaining no admittance, he
called upon the Main Guard, whose station was within hearing.
The Main Guard on that day was commanded by Capt. Thomas
Preston of the 29th regiment, whose Lieutenant was James Bassett.
As soon as the sentinel called for protection, Lieut. Bassett detached a
Serjeant with a file of six men for his relief, and sent an express for
Capt. Preston, who was at Concert Hall. The Captain immediately
came, and, on learning that men had been sent to the Custom-House,
sent six others there, and said, " I will go there myself to see they do no
mischief; " and actually overtook them on the way, as their progress
was necessarily slow, from the great number of people which had
* Gordon says, the cry was, "Damn the J " We have been entertained," says John
dogs, where are they now? Let us go and kill Adams, " with a great variety of phrases to
that damn'd scoundrel of a sentry, and then at- avoid calling this sort of people a Mob. Some
tack the Main Guard ! " call them shavers, some call them geniuses.
t " The body of the Mob, when they have The plain English is, they were, most proba-
f nished their repeated attacks upon the bar- bly, a motley rabble of saucy boys, Negroes
racks, are addressed in the street by a tall and mulattoes, Irish teagues and outlandish
large man in a red cloak, and white wig. jack-tars ; and why we should scruple to call
After listening to what he has to offer in the such a set of people a Mob, I can't conceive,
space of three or four minutes, they huzza for unless the name is too respectable for them." —
Ihe Main Guard, and say, 'We will do for Plea in Defence of the Soldiers.
the soldiers.' " — Gordon.
1770.] SOLDIERS FIRE UPON THE MOB. 781
loj this time clustered into King-street. At the same time a large
number came rushing down that street from Cornhill, in the van of
which was a Mulatto, named Crispus Attucks, and a number of sailors.
Their object was, doubtless, the Main Guard, but when they came to
the Town House, they saw the gathering at the Custom House, and
immediately proceeded thither, — some of them exclaiming, "Damn
the rascals, this will never do ! The way to get rid of these soldiers
is to attack the Main Guard. Strike at the root. This is the
nest ! ' '
The bells had been set ringing, which some supposed was for fire,
and, coming out of their houses, were told that the^re was in King-
street, in order to concentrate the people there. Somebody told Capt.
Preston that it was a plan of the people, to give notice of an intended
massacre of the soldiers, and that a tar-barrel was to be fired on Bea-
con Hill to bring in the people from the country. These rumors,
whether true or false, must have given the officers great alarm.
Meanwhile the soldiers were so pressed upon and insulted, that the
only way they could keep upon their feet was by presenting charged
bayonets. This they dicl, forming a kind of half circle in front of the
Custom House. Their pieces were not charged when they left the
guard-house, and Capt. Preston testified that he never gave any
orders for them to be charged. However, it soon appeared that they
were charged, and it is not improbable that the Captain might have
given orders to that effect, and, being in much trepidation, and under
such excitement as not to have been conscious of the order after-
wards.
The soldiers were unable to keep off the crowd, even with fixed
bayonets, having their guns knocked this way and that with clubs ;
and Capt. Preston, at the utmost peril, stood for a time between his
men and the people, using every endeavor to prevent further outrage ;
but all to no purpose, while some called out, "Come on, you bloody
backs, you lobster scoundrels ! fire if you dare ! fire and be damned !
we know you dare not."* Immediately after a soldier received a
severe blow from a club, upon which he stepped a little on one side,
levelled his piece, and fired. Capt. Preston remonstrated with him for
firing, and while he was speaking he came near being knocked down
by a blow from a club aimed at his head.f The noise and confusion
was now so great, some calling out, "Fire, fire if you dare ! Damn
you, why don't you fire ! " with horrid oaths and imprecations, that no
one could tell whether Capt. Preston or anybody else ordered the men
to fire ; but fire they did, some seven or eight of them, and the pieces
of two or three more were snapped, but missed fire. The Mob seeing
* It was well understood by the people, that ground, reproached Capt. Preston for allowing
no soldier was allowed to fire his piece under his men to fire. Preston's reply was used
any circumstances, unless ordered to do so by against him at his trial,
the Civil INIagistrate. This may account for f Richard Palmer acknowledged a few days
the presumptuous conduct of the people. Gov. after, that he Avas the man who struck the
Hutchinson, it is said, on arriving on the soldier and Capt. Preston.
782 SEVERAL KILLED AND WOUNDED. [1770
that the soldiers were in earnest, began to leave the ground, fearing
the firing might be continued. The time occupied thus far had not
exceeded half an hour. That is, from the time the attack began on
the sentinel in King-street.
The result of the firing was now disclosed. Three lay dead on the
ground, two others were mortally wounded, and several slightly.*
On the return of some of the people to take away the dead and
wounded, the soldiers, supposing them coming to renew the attack,
levelled their guns to fire upon them, but the Captain struck them up
with his hands, and thus prevented further bloodshed. A few minutes
after, a citizen came to the Captain, and told him that there were
about 5000 people assembled close at hand, who were coming to
take his life and the lives of his men. He therefore disposed his
men into street firings ; set a guard at the entrance of King-street
from Cornhill, on the south side of the State-house, and another at the
east end of it, in King-street, to protect the Main Guard. The peo-
ple had set up the cry, in the mean time, — "To arms! to arms!
Turn out with your guns, every man ! " and the drums were beating
to arms. This was followed with the beating to arms in the regi-
ments. Several companies of the 29th soon arrived at the Town-
house, which were formed into street-firings also. At the same time
Capt. Preston despatched a Sergeant to Col. Dalrymple, the chief
officer, with an account of what had happened. As the officers were
repairing to their regiments, some were knocked down by the Mob
and very much hurt, and some had their swords taken from them.
The Lieut. Governor and Col. Carr immediately met at the head of
* The three immediately killed were Samuel lived about nine days after he was wounded.
Gray, Crispus Attucks, and James Caldwell. He was about 30 years of age, and worked
Gray was shot in the head, the ball beating with a Mr. Field, leather-breeches-maker in
off a large portion of his skull. He was one Queen-st. He was an Irishman,
of the Ropewalk men, and had been in fights John Clark, aged about 17, whose parents
with the soldiers. His brother, Benjamin Gray, lived in Medford, was an apprentice to Capt.
lived in a house '' on the north side of the Samuel Howard, of Boston. His wound was
Exchange," into which Samuel was taken, and severe, and it was supposed mortal, but he re-
whence he was buried. Caldwell and Attucks covered.
being strangers, were taken to Faneuil Hall. Mr. Edward Payne, merchant, was shot
The former was " mate of Capt. Norton's " through the right arm, as he was standing in
vess3l. The latter was a native of Framing- the front door of his own house, which stood
ham, " but lately belonged to New Providence, nearly opposite the east end of the Custom
and was here in order to go for North Caro- House in King-street. On finding himself
lina." He was instantly killed, two balls en- wounded, he coolly remarked to some persons
tering his breast. In one account he is said to who stood near him, " Those soldiers ought to
have been a slave ; and that he was the most be talked to."
insulting, fierce and outrageous of all the John Green, a tailor, received a ball in his
Mob. thigh, near his hip, as he was coming up Lev-
Samuel Maverick was mortally wounded, erett's lane. The ball was extracted,
and died on the following morning. He was Robert Patterson, a sailor, was shot through
a son of a widow, Mrs. Mary ]\Iaverick of the arm. He was in the crowd at Richard-
Union-st., and about 17 years of age ; was an son's in the affair of the Wooden Head, when a
apprentice to a joiner, a Mr. Greenwood. shot passed through his clothes.
Christopher Monk was badly wounded, also David Parker, a lad, apprentice to " Mr.
about 17 ; was an apprentice to a Mr. Walker, Eddy the wheelwright," received a ball in his
a shipwright. He finally recovered. thigh. In the if z'si. o/ Me Massacre, p. 11, it is
Patrick Carr 's wound was mortal, but he said the number killed and wounded was eleven.
1770.] REMOVAL OF THE TROOPS. 783
the 29th regiment, which was now paraded in King-street, and,
through the exertions of the former, and the influence of a number of
distinguished citizens, the people were persuaded to go to their homes,
and the regiment returned to its barracks. This was about one o'clock
at night. About 100 persons, among whom were some men of dis-
tinction, volunteered to form a Citizen's Guard for the remainder of
the night, which they did, and thus ended the ever memorable fifth
OF March, 1770.
,, , Late in the night of the fifth, several Justices assembled in
the Council Chamber, and warrants were issued for the arrest of
Capt. Preston, and they were soon after joined by Lieut. Gov. Hutch-
inson, at the request of Col. Dalrymple. It was some time before the
Captain could be found, but about three o'clock in the morning of the
6th he surrendered himself, and was committed to jail ; and, a few hours
later, the soldiers who had fired on the people, were committed also.
This did not satisfy the inhabitants, large bodies of whom were in
motion early in the morning, and at eleven o'clock a Town-meeting
Avas held in Faneuil Hall, and the affairs of the previous night were
recounted by several speakers. The crowd was immense, and an
adjournment to the Old South became necessary. A vote was passed,
that, as it was impossible for the soldiers and people to live together
in the Town, a committee should be appointed to request their imme-
diate removal. A committee of fifteen was accordingly raised for that
purpose, and the Governor and Council, being in session, were imme-
diately waited upon by that Committee, and received answer, by the
Lieut. Governor, that he had no authority to remove the soldiers, nor
could it be done except by the orders of the General at New York ; that
the Council also desired their removal, and Col. Dalrymple had con-
sented to take the responsibility of removing the 29th regiment to the
Castle, that being the one to which the soldiers belonged who had
fired on the people, and had the fights at the Rope walks.
When this was reported to the Meeting, the answer was voted to be
unsatisfactory ; one individual only dissenting. Then a committee of
seven was chosen out of the former committee, consisting of Samuel
Adams, John Hancock, William Molineaux, William Phillips, Joseph
Warren, Joshua Henshaw and Samuel Pemberton. This committee
was instructed to carry the vote of the Town to the Governor and
Council, which was. That their former answer "was by no means
satisfactory, and that nothing less will satisfy than a total and imme-
diate removal of the troops." Mr. Adams was Chairman, and he dis-
charged his duties with such intrepidity, consummate ability and
firmness, as not only to secure the object then demanded, but also
the admiration of the world through all coming ages. The Committee
were received, as before, by the Lieut. Governor, who returned a simi-
lar answer, — that he had not the power to comply. But Mr. Adams
showed, conclusively, though briefly, that by the Charter he had the
power. Mr. Hutchinson, not being able to meet the argument
784 FUNERAL OF THE VICTIMS. [1770.
advanced, consulted Col. Daliymple in a whisper, and then remarked,
that one of the regiments should be sent away. "At this critical
moment," says Tudor, "Mr. Adams showed the most noble presence
of mind. The of3&cers, civil and military, were abashed before him.
They shrank from the arrogance they had hitherto maintained, and
their reliance upon standing armies forsook them, while the Speaker,
seeming not to represent, but to personify the universal feeling and
opinion, with unhesitating promptness and dignified firmness, replied,
' If the Lieutenant Governor or Colonel Dalrymple, or both to-
gether, HAVE AUTHORITY TO REMOVE ONE REGIMENT, THEY HAVE AUTHORITY
to remove two ; and nothing short of the total evacuation of the
Town by all the regular troops, will satisfy the public mind, and
PRESERVE the PEACE OF THE PROVINCE.' "
This had the desired effect, and Col. Dalrymple pledged his honor
that the troops should be removed, and that immediately ; and they
were removed agreeably to promise.
On Thursday following the massacre, as it is called, took
place the funeral of those who were killed, for which great
preparations had been made. Most of the shops were closed for the
day, and the bells of the Town were effectually tolled, as were those
of Charlestown and Roxbury. There was an immense assemblage ;
more, it was said, than had ever come together on any former occa-
sion in the Town. The four hearses formed a junction in King-
street, upon the spot where the tragedy took place ; thence the
procession proceeded through the main street, six deep, followed by a
long train of carriages, belonging to the principal people in the Town.
The four bodies were deposited in one grave, " in the middle of the
ground."*
^^^^ ^^ The people of the Town, by a Committee duly appointed,
proceeded at once to collect a full account of the affair of the
fifth. Another was raised to write to Thomas Pownall, Esq., to give
the earliest possible notice in England of what had happened, to pre-
vent the effect of any adverse statements, which they had very good
reason to apprehend would reach that country at the earliest possible
moment. This Committee consisted of the same seven gentlemen who,
with Samuel Adams at their head, had effected the removal of the
troops from the Town, and they reported a letter the same day. The
other Committee were James Bowdoin, Joseph Warren and Samuel
Pemberton. They reported on the 19th following. Their
Report and accompanying documents were afterwards printed,
to which they gave this title : — "A Short Narrative of the Horrid
Massacre in Boston," f &c.
* The following verses were composed and Long as in freedom's cause ihe wise contend,
circulated on the occasion : — ^ear to your country shall your fame extend
While to the world the lettered stone shall tell
" Well-fated shades ! let no unmanly tear How Caldwell, Attacks, Gray and Maverick fell."
From Pity's eye distain your honored bier : . , i r- i x m/i x
Lost to their view, surviving friends may mourn, f It consisted of about 100 pages octavo.
Yet o'er thy pile shall flames celestial burn ; There was a reprint of it in N. York in 1849.
APPENDIX.
NO I.
THE BOOK OF POSSESSIONS
OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF BOSTON.
A Manuscript volume, bearing the above title, is in the City Clerk's office, and was compiled,
probably, in pursuance of an Order of the General Court of April 1st, 1634. In an original
MS. memorandum, made by Isaac Addington, that gentleman says, " When I was appointed
Clerk of the County Court in 1672, I found such a book in that office, entitled on the
cover, ' Possessions of the Inhabitants of Boston.' " Mr. Addington adds that while he
was in office persons often came to consult the work, but he did not see its " validity."
As to the validity of the Book of Possessions, I will suggest that, for about twenty years
after Boston was settled, there had been some litigation and much confusion about estates,
owing to a want of system in transfers and a regularity in recording them ; such matters not
then having been systematized. There was not at that time any book or books, for regularly
recording transfers of real estate, of which I am aware. The first book or volume in our
office appears to have been commenced about 1653, and the second, Mr. Edward Rawson
says, in his own hand, was begun April 7th, 1654. Hence, in the absence of a County Reg-
istry, the Book of Possessions was caused to be compiled, which stood as a basis of all after
transfers, and has been regarded as a sort of Dooms Day Book. My friend, N. I. Bowditch,
Esq., concurs with me in my estimate of the work.
The persons whose possessions are described were not all of them original settlers on the
peninsula. There had been a constant change of occupants for the twenty years before
named, and it is not easy at this day to designate the original possessors in the majority of
cases. Many had died, and many had gone to other parts, and their places were filled by
others.
In laying a copy of the Book of Possessions before my readers it is necessary to observe
that the original is preserved entu-e, so far as its facts, dates, names, etc., are concerned. I
have omitted all tautologies, all words not necessary for a clear understanding of the matter,
and abridged or abbreviated words and names which occur very frequently. The abbrevia-
tions wiU be generally understood at sight, and do not require a particular explanation.
Unless otherwise mentioned, the persons and property are to be considered as belonging to
Boston proper.
The names of persons and places are spelled as in the original.
It may facilitate the perusal of the work to note the following abbreviations : bnd., bound
or bounded ; pel., parcel ; ab., about, more or less ; a., acre or acres ; E'ly., Easterly ; E'd.,
Eastward, and so of the other points of the compass; gr., granted.
"Winthrop, Mr. Deane. —Farm at Pullen Pt., ab. 120 a., Mr. Pierce N, the Bay and Fisher's
Cove W. Pullen Pt. S, the Sea E. — 26 (10) 1649. Bridget and William Pierce gr. Mr.
Deane W. their farm at P. Pt. (join. sd. D. W.) ab. 100 a. ; by deed 14 (11) 1647. Wits.
Wm. Aspinwall, Jno. Evered.
Bellingham, Richard, Esq.— 1. House and lot, ab. 4 a., the St. E, Christ. Stanley, Jno.
Biggs, James Browne, and Alexr. Bccke, S, Josha. Scotto W, Mr. Wm. TyngeN. — 2.
Card, plot, Mr. Jno. Cottou and Danl. Maude N, the Highw. E, Jno. Coggan S. — 3.
Marsh, Jno. Hills and the Highw. W, the Common Marsh N, Jno. Lowe E, Hen. Sy-
monds, Jno. Hills and the Cove S.
99
786 APPENDIX.
FowLE, Thomas. — House and gard., Walt. Sinet S, Thos. Butolph E, the High-st. W, Jacob
Lcger N.
IIiBuiNS, Mr. William. — 1. House, gard. and stable, Mr. Jno. Winthrop W, Richd. Sher-
man and pt. of Fort-st. S, the Spring-gate N, Jno. Spoore E. — 2. At Mud. r, 6 score a.
Mr. Tlio. Oliver N, Edwd. Bendall,Tho. Snowe and Wm. Talmidge W, Boston Common S,
Roxbury bounds SE. — 3. Also 25 a. marsh at Mud. r., bnd. by Charles r. and a creek in
form of an isthmus. — 4. Also house and farm ab. 350. a. at Mud. r., Mr. Wm. Tyng S,
Cambridge bounds NW, Dedham bounds SW.
GiBONES, Maj. Edward. — 1. Dwell, h., other housing and garden, the St. on the W and
N, Mr. Jno. Wilson E and S. — 2. House and lot, Jno. Smith E, Robt. Nash W, the St.
S, the Cove or Mill-pond N. John Milom, Cooper, gr. E. G., merch., ^ of the Water
Mill or Mills and ayjpurtenances by deed 12 (8), 1(549. Wits., Jno. Davis, Jno. Mills. Ackn.
bef. Wm. Aspinwall, 15 (8) 1649.
Haugii, Mr. Atiierton. — 1. House and garden, the St, E and N, Arthur Perry W, Fran-
cis Lyle S. — 2. House and garden, Mr. Hibbins E, the Common W, Richd. Shei-man N,
the St. S.
Cotton, Mr. John. — House and garden, ab. ^ a., with an a. adjoining, Sudbury-street E,
Edwd. Bendall N, Gentry Plill W, Mr. Bellingham and Daniel Maude S.
Tyng, Mr. William. — 1. House, close, garden, great yard and little yard before the hall
window, Mr. Richd. Bellingham and the St. that goes to the Dock S, Benj. Thwing and
Wm. Wilson W, Geo. Burden, Fra. Dowse, Jer. Iloutchin, Sarah Knight and Saml.
Greames N, John Glover, AVm. Iludsun, Jr., Geo. Burden, and Hugh Gunnison and the St.
E. — 2. In the Mill-iicld inarsh, IS yarrls and 4 rods wide from the ditch, and so all the depth
of the Marsh. David IMiippmi on tlic ditch NE, the highway SE, the marsh granted to the
Milne SW, Thomas Marshall and John Oliver, NW.
Keayne, Capt. Robert. — 1. House and garden, the Market-st. N, the High-st. W, Richd.
Fairebanks S, Mr. Hudson E. — 2. Garden, John Spoore E, Wm. Pell N, and Robt. Rice N.
Wilson, Mr. John. — House and bam, two gardens and a yard, Water-st. S, Anth. Stod-
dard and Wm. Francklin E, the Cove-st. and Maj. Edwd. Gibons N, Maj. Gibons, Wm.
Courser and John Coggan W.
Dunster, Mr. [Henry.] — House and yard, Thomas Hawkins W and N, and the St. E
and S.
Newgate, John. — House and garden, ab. | a., Henry Fane N, the New-field W and S,
Anne Hunne vid. Geo. Hunne, Ed.
Maud, Daniell, — House and garden, Mr. Bellingham Sand W, Mr. Cotton N, and the
St. E.
Oliver, Mr. Thomas. — 1. House and garden, Richd. Fairebanks and Capt. Robt. Keayne
N, Wm. Courser and the Lane E, the Spring gate S, the St. W. — 2. Also IJ a. in the
New-field, Richd. Fairebanks S, Marsh W, Richd. Carter, S. — 3. Garden plot, Robt. Scott
E and W, James Pen and John Kenrick N.
Howen, Robert. — House and garden ab. ^ a., Sudbury-st. NE, Robt. Meeres SE, Anne
Hunne, vid. Geo. Hunne NW, Val. Hill SW.
Leverit, Mr. Thomas. — House and garden, Mr. John Winthrop E, St. and Robt. Scott N,
marsh of Mr. Winthrop S, the Old Meetingh., Robt. Scott, Mr. Henry Weebb and Thos.
Parsons W. David Selleck gr. to Mr. Thos. L. ab. 1 a., Richd. Parker and Edwd. Hutchin-
son W, Mr. Stonghton S, Thos. L. W, in the New-field, deed 20 (12) 1045; ackn. bef.
Mr. Winthrop, Dep. Gov., 30 (1) 1646. — 7 (12) 1650. John Milom gr. Capt. John Lev-
eret betn. 45 and 50 feet in length, near the Mill and by the Mill-creek NE, and Thos.
Marshall towards the S, with liberty of ingress and egress to the Mill-creek, with vessels
not prejudicing the Mill-stream, deed 27 (6) 1648.
Jackson, Edmund. — 1. House and garden, the Lane S, John Leverit E, John Mellowes N.
Sudbury-st. W. — 2. Ab. 3 a. in the New field, Valentine Hill S, Robt. Meeres W, Geo.
Burden N, David Sellick E. — 17 (5) 1645. John Davies gr. to Edm'd. J. 10 ft. wide 40 ft.
long, which was again sold to Hez. Usher, 1 (12) 1646. — 5 (8) 1646, sd. J. Davies gr. to
APPENDIX. 787
Bd. E. J. his dwell, h. and yard, Mr. Wilson N, Edm'd J. E, Market Place S, John Coggan
W, deed 5 (8) 16-1[6] ; ackn. bcf. John Winthrop, Gov., 6 (S) 1646, which is also sold to
Hezekiah Usher, 1 (12) 1646.
Copp, William. — House and lot of ^ an a. in the Mill-field, Thos. Butolph SE, John Button
NE, Marsh SW, River NW.
Mkllowes, John. — 1. House and garden, Edmund Jackson S, John Leveret E, John Cole
N, St. W. — 2. At Braintree 132 a., James Browne N, John Davies S, John Webb and the
Rocky Common W, the mouth of Monotaquit river and the Bay E. — 3. Ei{!;ht a., John
Webb, Capt. James Browne and Wm. Wendell N, Monotaquit river SW. — 4. Marsh 4ii a.,
Jas. Browne N, Zac. Bosworth W, and Monotaquit river SE.
Goodwin, Edward. — House and lot, ab. i a., John Sweete SE, Thomas Buttolph KW,
and SW, the Bay NE. House and garden bought of Sampson Shore ; sd. Sampson
S. SE and NW, ]Matthow Chaffie NE, Christopher Gibson SW, with privilege of well and
landing on sd. Shore's wharf; deed 5 (11) 1648, before Wm. Aspinwall, N. Pub. — Samp-
son Sliore gr. Edwd. Goodwin his garden, Thos. Faulconer SW, the Cove SE, Mr. John
Clerk and Matli. Chaffie NE, the St. NW ; deed 22 (10) 1649. — 1, (2) 1649. Sampson
Shore gr. Edw. Goodwin, house and garden, bnd. SE and NW with his land. Math. Chaffie
NE, Chr. Gibson SW, with privilege of well and landing; deed 5 (11) 1648, in presence
of Wm. Aspinwall, Not. Pub. This is again sold to Nathaniel Adams.
Fisn, Gabriel. — House and yard, John Davies S and W, Valentine Hill N, the St. E.
SwEETE, John. — House and lot, ab. 1^ a., Edwd. Goodwin NW, Isaac Grosse SE, Christopher
Stanly SW, the Bay NE. This is sold to Wm. Wicks.— 17 (1) 1648. Mark Hawes gr.
J. S. the shop formerly John Milom's, and ground to'rds the sea 14 8-12 feet wide, and in
length as far as sd. Milom had any right ; also that ground on the back side 10.^ feet wide,
and in length 26 feet, per a.ssignment dated 7 (9) 1647. Ackn. before Wm. Aspinwall, Not.
Pub. This is assigned to John Farnham.
Pease, Henry. — 1. House and garden, the Lane E, the St. S, John Leveret W, the Cove N. —
2. Farm at Braintree, the Common N and W, James Everill S and E. — 3. One and | a.
marsh at the Mount, compassed E, W and S by Jas. Everill's marsh, a salt bay N.
Seaberry, John. — House and garden, ab. ^ a., Isaac Grosse NW, Walter Merry SE and SW,
the sea or bay NE.
Smith, John. — House and garden, the St. S, John Davies E, Maj. Edwd. Gibones W, the Cove N.
Merry, Walter. — House and lot. ab. an a., John Seaberry and Isaac Grosse N~VV, John
Sweet SW and SE.
Davies, John. — 1. House and garden, James Johnson N, Gabriel Fish and Val. Hill E, John
Smith W, the St. S. — 2. At Braintree 36 a., John Mellowes N, Zacheus Bosworth S, John
Webb W, Monotaquid r. E. — 3. One a. of marsh, Zaccheus Bosworth N and W, Monotaquid
r. S. — Mr. John Wilson sold to John Davies 45 ft. front to the St., and 40 ft. deep, sd. Wil-
son'sgarden N and E, the Market Stead S, John Coggan W, deeds 5 (2) 1644 and 29 (2) 1645.
Ackn. ))efi)re John Winthrop, Gov'r.,23 (8) 1646. In which writing John Davies is bound
to make and maintain the fence between ]\Ir. Wilson and him, and not to annoy him with any
stincks or jackes. This was sold to Edmd. Jackson afterwards.
Beamsley, William. — 1. House and House lot, ab. i a., Anne Tuttle S and SW, the Bay E,
Isaac Grosse N and NW. — 2. At Muddy river 16 a., bnd. with John Biggs E, Thos. Grubb
W, Cedar Swamp S, Marsh and River N. — Wm. Phillips gr. to Wm. B. land in the Mill
field, 238 ft. long (towards the SW) 80 ft. wide, and NW 60 ft., Mrs. Mary Hawkins SE,
Richd. Bennet SW, my own lan<l NW and NE ; deed 6 (5) 1650.
Johnson, James. — 1. House and garden, Thos. Hawkins NE, the St. SE and SW, Cove NW.
— 2. Garden near the Common, John Leveret N, Geo. Burden S, Anthony Harker E, and
the Common W. — 3. An a. in the New-field, John Biggs N, Francis Loyall W, Zacheus
Bosworth S, Thos. Clarke E. — 4. Also % a. of marsh and upland, the Cove N and E, John
Smith W, John Davies S.
Tuttle, Anne. — 1. House and garden, Wm. Beamsley N, Neheniiah Bourne S, the Bay E.
— 2. Farm at Rumney Marsh,' J.ibn Coggan N, SamL Cole S, the Sea E, highway W.—
House and garden, Wm. Teft E, Thomas Foster S, Geo. Griggs W, the Mill-st. N.
788 APPENDIX.
Cheevers, Bartholomew. — House and garden, the St. SE, the Cove NW, Robt. Hull NE.
Bourne, Nehemiah. — House and garden, Anne Tuttle N, Capt. Hawkins S, the Bay EandN.
Arnold, John. — House and garden, Thos. Munt E, the St. S, highw. N, John Jackson W.
Hawkins, Capt. Thomas. — House and garden, Capt. Bourne N, the Bay E, Edward Bendall
S. — Edwd. Bendall gr. Capt. H. land beginning 40 ft. to the N'd of that lot which was Mr.
Robt. Thompson's, and so to Maj. Neh. Bourne's lot, running with a straight line accord-
ing as Maj. Bourne's pales run from the seaside (towards the E) to the rails of Christ. Stan-
ley W'd, the S'ly side running near parallel to this ; deed 30 (11) 1645. Executed in pres.
of Wm. Aspinwall, Not. Pub.
Jackson, John. — House and garden, John Arnold E, the St. S, Highw. N, Robert Hull W.
Savadge, Ens. Thomas. — 1. House and garden, the Bay E, Edwd. Bendall N, the Lane S, Chr.
Stanley W. — 2. Farm at Braintree, in two parts ; one 38^ a. rocky ground Wd, Jas. Everill
N, Ricd. Cooke S, a salt Bay E ; the other, 26 a. rocky ground E'd, Wm. Werdall and Geo.
Hunne Wd, Jas. Everill N, Richd. Cooke S. — 3. Also 1| a. of marsh, Oliver Mellowes E
and N, Rich. Cooke W, Monotaquit river S.
Oliver, John. — House and garden, ab. i a., Val. Hill NE and SE, Jno. Pierce and Jno.
Knight SW, the St. NW.
Grosse, Edmund. — House and lot, the Lane N, Saml. Cole S, Isaac Cullimer W, the Bay E. —
This was sold to John Anderson.
Werdall, William. — 1. House and garden, John Milom SW, John Hill NE, the St. NW,
highway SW. — 2. At Braintree 20 a., John Mellowes S, Geo. Hunne N, a rocky bottom
and Monotaquit river W, Jas. Browne, Richd. Cooke and Tho. Savage E.
Cole, Samuel. — House and garden, Edmd. Grosse N, the Bay E, Isaac Cullimer SW.
Hill, John. — 1. House, Henry Symons E, Mr. Bellingham N, the St. W, Cove S. — 2. Small
lot, i a, Sampson Shore NE, John Milom SW, the St. NW, the Cove SE.
Clarke, Mr. Thomas. — Warehouse and house lot, the Cove and Thos. Joy S, Isaac Cullimer
W, Tho. Joy NW, Isaac Cullimer NE.
Marshall, Thomas. — House and garden, ab. i a., the marsh SE, the St. SW and NW,
John Pierce or John Knight NE. — John Milom gr. Tho. M. land near the Water-mill,
Mill-creek NE, Tho. Marshall SW, the highw. NW, John Milom SE ; bemg 76 ft. on that
side nest Tho. Marshall, and 74 at the Creek, 30 on the SE side, and 44 on the NW side ; with
liberty of egress and regress in sd. Creek with boats, lighters and other vessels. That Tho.
M. shall not build any nearer the Creek than the now dwelling-house of the sd. Milom, and
that he shall not hinder the mills going by any vessel in the Creek ; dated 2 (3) 1648. Ackn.
bef. Mr. Richd. Bellingham, 8 (6) 1848.
Jot, Thomas. — 1. House and lot, ab. i a., and another house adjoining Mr. Thos. Clarke N W,
NE, and SE, the Cove SW. — 2. One a. between Isaac Cullimer NE, Richd. Rawlins SW,
Christopher Stanley NW, Mr. Clarke SE.
Lowe, John. — House and garden, the marsh N and E, the Cove S, Mr. Bellingham W.
Rawlins, Richard. — House and garden, ab. 1| a., Isaac Cullimer SW, Thos. Joy NE, Mr.
Clarke SE, Christ. Stanley NW.
Symons, Henry. — House and lot, Mr. Bellingham NE, John Hill W, the Cove S.
Cullimer, Isaac. — House and garden, ab. | a., Richd. Rawlins NE, Chris. Stanley NW, Era.
Hudson and Barthol. Pasmer SW, the Cove SE. — 2. Another house and lot, ab. 1^ a. , Christ.
Stanley, Saml. Cole, and the way NE, the Bay SE, Mr. Clarke and Richd. Rawlins SW.
Chr. Stanly NW. — 12 (7) 1650. Bartholomew Palmer sold John Sweete land below the
higw. next the water side ; deed 1 (10).
Milom, John. —House and garden, John Hill NE, Val. Hill SW, Wm. Werdall NW, the
CoveSE.
APPENDIX. 789
Pasmee, Bartholomew. — House and garden, ab. ^ a., Isaac Cullimer NE, John Gallop SW,
Cove SE, Era. Hudson NW.
Phippeni, David. —House and lot, Valent. Hill NE, Cove SE, ]SIr. Wm. Tjnge SW, John
Oliver NW. — 15 (12) 1650. John Milom gr. to David P. land in length 102 ft., in breadth
at the highway 9| ft., Barthol. Barlow SW, David Phippeni NE, highway SE ; deed 7 (12)
1649, executed in pres. of John Gore.
Hudson, Francis. — House and garden, ab. ^ a., Isaac CuUamer NE, Barthol. Pasmer SE, Jno.
Gallop SW, Wm. Hudson, Sen., NW.
Cole, John. — House and garden, Jolin Mellowes S, Nathl. Chappell N, John Leveritt E, the
Lane W.
Chaffie, Matthew. — House and lot, John Gallop NE, Samp. Shoare SW, Tho. Mekins NW,
the Cove SE. — Mr. John Clarke, late of Newbury, now of Boston, gr. Mat. Chaffie, ship-
wright, a farm ab. 400 a., between Merrimack and Newbury rivers, in Newbury, Co. Essex,
with the houses, buUdings, &c. ; deed 29 (7) 1649. Executed in pres. of Robert SaltonsaU,
John Davies. Wm. Aspinwall, Not. Pub.
Chappell, Nathaniel. — House and garden, ab. ^a., John Cole S, John Leveret E, the Cove N,
the Lane W.
Gallop, John. — House and garden, Mat. Chaffie SW, Era. Hudson NE, the Cove SE, and
the Way NW.
Hawkins, James. — House and garden, Wm. Kirkby S, Richd. Sanford W'ly. — John Milom
had gr. him 26 (12) 1646, which he gr. Jas. Hawkins, marsh lot NE, by a small parcel of
marsh reserved for a wharf, the highway SE, Mr. Bellingham SW, a small parcel of marsh
reserved for a wharf, NW, being on the NE 50 ft., on the SE 60 ft., on the SW 120 ft., on
the NW 115 ft., with liberty for sd. James, his heirs, &c., to bring any vessels into sd. creek,
or the branches thereof, and to land goods on sd. marsh or wharf, &c., per deed 28 (12)
1648, executed in pres. of Wm. Aspinwall, Not. Pub.
Shoare, Sampson. — House and garden, Mat. Chaffie NE, Cove SE, John Hill SW, Street NW.
— Richd. Hawghton gr. Sampson Shoare, tailor, hisdwellh. and gard., Mr.Thos. Clarke N,
John Anderson S and E, Highw. W. Deed 27 Oct. 1651, in pres, of W. Aspinwall, Not. Pub.
Kirkby, William. — House and garden, James Hawkins N, the Lane SE, Richard Sanford
W'ly.
Sanford, Richard. — House and lot, ab. one acre, Robert Meeres W, Richard Parker N,
James Hawkins and Wm. Kirkby E'ly, Street W.
Meeres, Robert. — 1. House and garden, the St. NE, Edwd. Bendall SE, Robt. Howen NW,
Val. Hill SW ; deed 22 (7) 1648.— 2. In the New-field, 2 a., Edwd. Jackson E, Robert
l\imer W, Richd. Cooke S, Geo. Burden N. — 3. In the New-field ^ a., Tho. Scotto S'd,
James Hawkins E'd, Mr. Richd. Parker N'd, Richd. Meeres W'd. Granted and confirmed
to Robt. Meeres by James Penniman, as was also the first parcel ; deed 22 (7) 1648. Sealed,
&c. bef. Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
Fanes, Henry. — House and garden, Sudbury St. E'ly, the Lane N, the New-field W, Mr.
John Newgate S.
HouTCHiN, Jeremy. — House and garden, ab. i a., Sudbury St. SW, Wm. Wilson SE, the
Lane NW, Thomas Makepeace and Wm. Wilson NE.
Makepeace, Thomas. -^ House and garden, Jeremy Houtchin SW, Wm. Wilson S, the St. W'ly,
the Lane N'ly.
Thwing, Benjamin. — House and garden, Sudbury St. SW, Wm. Wilson NW and NE, Joshua
Scotto SE.
Wilson, William. — 1. House and garden, Mr. Wm. Tyng E, Thomas Makepeace and Geo.
Bates N, Sudl)ury St. SW, Benj. Thwing S. — 2. In the New-field 2h a., Richd. Parker E,
John Ruggle W, Zac. Bosworth S, Wm. Hudson, Sen., N.
ScoTTO, Joshua. — 1. House and garden, abt. i a., Sudbury St. SW, Bfenj. Thwing NW, Mr.
790 APPENDIX.
Bellingham NE, Alex'r. Beck SE. — 2. In the New-field 2 a. — 7 (3) 1646. Mr. Rich'd
BcUingham gr. Joshua S. i the marsh formerly gr. him by the Town, between John Lowe'&
and Mr. Symonds ; deed 4 (4) 1644. — 30 (3) 1650. Jas. Everill, for £24, gr. Joshua S.
marsh lately Mr. Bellingham's, in form of a triangle, bnd. on one angle by pt. the marsh of
the sd. Everill, being 140 ft., on the other angle by land of Wm. Francklin, being 147 ft. ;
on the 3d angle by the back part of the house-lot of Good. Evans, with 6-1^ ft. at the lot
of Joshua S., at the E end ; deed 3 (3) 1650, ackn. bef. Mr. Bellingham.
Beck, Alexander. — 1. House and garden, the St. S, Jas. Browne E, Mr. Bellingham N,
Jash. Scotto W. — 2. In the New-field 1 a., Tho. Munt E, the water N, Maj. Edwd. Gib-
ons W and S. — 3. A small pel. first gr. for a house-lot, John Leverit S, Henry Pease E,
a small creek W, Cove N. Tho. Woodward gr. Alex'r. B. at Muddy r. ab. 4^ a., Richd. Car-
ter SE, Wm. Lamb SW, Nathl. Woodward and Robt. Root NW ; deed 11 Nov. 1651. In
pres. of John Angier and. Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
BiGGS, John. — House and yard, James Browne W, Mr. Bellingham N, Tho. Hawkins E, Val.
Hill, Tho. Buttolph, Chr. Stanley and Gentry Hill-st. S.
Browne, James. — 1. House and garden, John Biggs E, Mr. Bellingham N, Alex'r. Beck W,
Gentry Hill-st. S. — 2. In the New-field i a., the Common S, Mr. Wilson's garden NE,
Andw. Messinger NW. — 3. In the New-field ^ a. more, Richd. Fairebanks N, Isaac AUing-
ton E, Alex'r. Beck W, Thos. Clark S. — 4. At Braintree 26 a., Richd. Cooke N'd, John
Mellowes S'd, Bay E'd, common rocky ground W'd. — 5. Also 8 a. John Webb W'd, John
Mellowes S'd, Wm. Wardall W'd, Richd. Cooke N'd. — 6. Also 1 a. marsh, Monotaquit r.
E, Zac. Bosworth W.
Hawkins, Thomas. — 1. House and yard, Val. Hill N, the St. E, John Biggs W, Mr. Henry
Dunster and Gentry Hill-st. S. — 2. A ^ a. towards Gharlestown, Jas. Johnson SW, Gove
NW, John Button NE, St. SE.— 2 (7) 1648. John Pierce gr. Tho. H. his house-lot wh.
he lately purchd. of Mr. Val. Hill ; deed 12 (7) 1648.
Buttolph, Thomas. — 1. House and garden, Val. Hill S, the St. E, John Biggs W, Chr. Stan-
ley N. — 2. Abt. li a., (first laid out for gardens) ; Highw. S, a lot wh. lies common E'd,
Jacob Leaguer, Walter Sinet and the Lane N'd, Mr. Fowle and Robt. Woodward W'd. —
3. In the Mill-field abt. 4^ a., the Bay NE, Nicholas Parker and Val. Hill NW, Chr. Stanley
S. — 4. Abt. 1 a., compassed with Chr. Stanley's ground. — 5. Abt. ^ a., the Gausew. NE,
Wm. Copp NW, marsh SW. — 6. At Pulling Pt. 25 a., the Sea NE, Mr. Pierce SE, Jas.
Pen NW, John Webb and John Oliver SW. — 7. Also ab. 7 a. marsh, his ovra upland E,
River W, Edwd. Hutchinson, Jr., S, Jas. Pen N. — 8. Wm. Hudson, Sen. gr. Thos. B. 5 a.
in the New-field, Richd. Cooke E, Jas. Johnson W, Wm. Wilson S, Davies, apothecary,
N ; deed 16 (4) 1646, ackn. same day bef. Winthrop, Gov.
Stanley, Christopher. — And Wm. Phillips his successor. — 26 (6) 1648. Chr. Lawson gr.
Wm. Phillips in the Mill-field, abt. 2^ a. , the Highw. to Charlestovm NW, Gausew. W, Wm.
Phillips SE, Thos. Ruck and Chr. Lawson NE; deed, bef. Wm. Aspinwall and John Spoore,
23 (4) 1648; wh. sd. Phillips gr. Susan his wf. for life. —Richd. Bennet gr. Wm. Phil-
lips 2 or 3 a., Wm. P. and Chr. Lawson NW, land of Wm. P. and land lately exchgd. with
sd. Phillips SW, Wm. P. SE, the river and sund. small lots NE ; deed 26 (6) 1648, bef.
Wm. Aspinwall, N. P. — 10 (4) 1650. Thos. Clarke of Dorchester, merch., gr. Chr. S.,
tailor, land in Boston-neck, being pt. of house-lot once belong, to Wm. Weekes, contg.
abt. 60 poles, Isaac Cullimer SW, Thos. Clarke NW, Rawlins NE, the Sea SE, thro.
wh. are two highways, one towards the Mill-hill 12 ft. broad, the other 36 ft. to the lower-
most highw., thence to low-water mark 30 ft. ; deed 30 (2) 1644. In pres. of John Strat-
tan and Robt. Jeofi"reys. — Edwd. Bendall gr. Chr. S. land bnd. by an highway SW, Cajit.
Hawkins NE, Lieut. Savage's pales SE, Mr. Stanley's rails NE ; deed 20 (10) 1645. Wits.
Samuel Bellingham. — Edwd. Tyng gr. Mr. Stanley abt. 2 a. wh. was allotted JVir. Bauls-
ton, and sold by him to Mr. Cornewell, of whom the sd. Edwd. bo't it, and made sale
thereof to Mr. Stanley, dated 26 (10) 1643.
Gunnison, Hugh. — 1. House and garden, the St. SE, Geo. Burden NE, Wm. Hudson, Jr.
NW, Wm. Ting W'd. — 10 (4) 1650-. Robt. Saltonstall gr. Hugh G. 50 a. in Salem, near
Mr. Downing's farm, late the land of Richd. Walker of Salem ; deed 25 (5) 1647. In pres.
of Rich. Stileman, John Bushnell and Wm. Aspinwall.
Glover, John. — House and yard, the St. SE, Geo. Burden SW,Wm. Hudson, Jr., NWand NE.
Burden, George. — 1. House and yard, the St. S'd, Hugh Gunnison W'd, Wm. Hudson,
APPENDIX. 791
Jr.,N'd, John Glover E'd. — 2. Garden near the Common, Jas. Johnson N, Henry Webb
S, ThoB. Clarke E, the Common W. — 3. In the New-field 5i a., Eichd. FairebanksN, John
Alellowes W, Edmund Jackson S, marsh E.
Hudson, William, Jr. — House and garden, Mr. Wm. Tyng SW, Saml. Greames and the Lane
NE, the St. SE.
Greames, Samuel. — House and yard, the Lane NE, Wm. Hudson, Jr., SE, Mr. Wm. Tyng SW.
Sarah Knight NV^.
Knight, Sarah. — House and garden, Saml Greames S'd, the Lane E'd, Mr. Wm. Tyng W'd,
Jeremy Houtchin N'd.
Dowse, Francis. — House and yard, the Lane E'd, Jeremy Houtchin S'd, Mr. Wm. Tj-ng
W'd, Geo. Burden N'd.
Bates, George. — House and garden, Wm. Wilson S, Geo. Burden E, Anne Hunne N, Thos.
Makepeace W.
HuNNE. — Anne vid. [videlicet] George Hunne. — 1. House and garden, Georges E and S,
The. Makepeace W, the Lane N. — 2. Abt. ^ a. in the New-field, Robt. Howen S, the St.
E. — 3. At Braintree, 31 a., Tho. Savage, James Everill and Capt. Richd. Wright W, Wm.
Werdall S, and N by the rock that lies common.
Button, John. — 1. Three houses, garden and yard, abt. 1 a., the Cove SE, the Lane SW,
Jas. Everill NW, Nicholas Willis NE. — 2. In the Mill-field 1 a., Charles r. N'ly, marsh
SW, John Shaw NE and SE.
Willis, Nicholas. — House and garden, John Button SW, the St. E, Thos. Painter N'ly,
Jas. Everill W'ly.
Barrell, George. — House and lot, not ^ an a., Thos. Painter S, Nicholas Willis W, Jas.
Everill N, the St. E.
Painter, Thomas. — 1. House and garden, Geo. Barrell N, Nichols. Willis SW, the St. E'd. —
2. At Mud. r. 20 a., Ralph Goultrop E, Wm. Toy W, Griffith Bowen S, John Leverit N. —
25 (1) 1(349-50. Robt. Wing gr. Thos. Painter his dwell-h.both old and new built, Ralph
Mason N, the High-st. E, Henry Web W, the Lane S; deed 18 (3) 1648. Wits. John
Mainard, Job Judkin, Philemon Portmert [Pormort.] This is again " aliened " to Eph.
Hunt. — Richd. Bellingham sold to Tho. Painter marsh next Wm. Hudson, Sen., on the W,
on the S the Highw., E Hawkins, and Ri. Bellingham N ; in breadth to the St. abt. 46
ft., in breadth to the N abt. 14 ft., same length with Wm. Hudson's pales. Also sold to
Eph. Hunt.
Everill, James. — 1. House and house-lot, the St. E'ly and N'ly, the Lane SW, John Button,
Nicholas Willis and Geo. Barrell SE. — 2. At Braintree, farm of 88 a., Tho. Savage, and
rocky ground undisposed of S'ly, Geo. Hunne W'ly, Henry Pease and a swamp Nly,his
own marsh NE. — 3. Also 2| a. marsh, a salt bay NE, and partly by Henry Pease's marsh,
SW by his own ujjland, and upland of Hen. Pease. — 4. Tho. Savage gr. Jas. E. 26 a. at
Braintree, rocky ground E, Richd. Cooke S, AVm. Werdall and Geo. Hunne W, Jas. Everill
N. Also 1| a. marsh, MonotacutSE, Richd. Cooke SW, Oliver Mellowes N ; deed 15 (11)
1645 ; bef. Winthrop, Dep. Gov. ; 19 (11) 1645. — 5. John Shaw gr. Jas. E. land at the
Dock, in front on the dock abt. 40 ft., E. by Josha. Scotto, Edmd. Jackson W, the Cove S,
Highway N, with the cellar-frame, &c. 25 (8) 1648. Ackn. bef. Wm. Aspinwall, Re-
corder.
CoGGAN, Mr. John. — 1. House and garden, Mr. Jno. Wilson N and E, the St. W. and S. —
2. Abt. i a., Mr. Bellingham N'd, Mr. Wilson S'd, burying-place E, New-field W.
Leverit, John. — House and yard, Richd Parker S and W, the St. N and E.
Francklin, William. — House and garden, the St. E and N, Mr. Jno. Wilson W, Jno. Leverit
and Ant. Stoddard S.
Nash, Robert. —1. House and yard, N and W, [?] Val. Hill S, Edwd. Bendall E. — 2. House-
lot of 1 a., Maj. Edwd. Gibones E, the Lane W, the St. S, Cove N. — Wm. Phillips gr.
Robt. N. land near the New Meeting-house, abt. 60 ft. wide, and 6 score ft. long, more or
792 APPENDIX.
less, as now staked out ; -NW, SW and SE on sd. Wm. Phillips, and the river NE ; by deed
26 (1) 1650. — Susan P. wf. of sd. Wm. P. released to Robt. N. all her right in sd. land
by deed 26 (1) 1650. It was again sold sd. Wm. P. 28 (6) 1650, by sd. Nash. Mr. Aspin-
wall, N. P. — 5 (8) 1650, John Milom gr. Ro. Nash | his dwell-h. near the mill, with
wharf and land appertaining ; deed 2 (8) 1650. In pres. of Jo. Bushnell, Ri. Waite, Wm.
Aspinwall.
FoxcROFT, Mr. George. — House-lot, the Cove N, Edwd. Bendall E and S, Robt. Nash N.
Bendall, Edward. — 1. House and 4 a., Mr. Foxcroft and Robt. Nash W, Mr. Hill S, the
Cove N and E. — 2. House and garden, with 2 a. adj., Sudbury-st. E, Robt. Meers N, Mr.
Cotton S and W. — 3. House and lot, Capt. Hawkins N, Lt. Savage S, the Bay E. This
was by him sold to Anchor Ains worth.
Tyng, Edward. — House, yard, warehouse and brewhouse, the Bay E, Valentine [Hill?] Hen-
ry Webb and pt. of the Cove N, Jas. Oliver W, the St. S. At Braintree 217i a. upland,
9^ a. meadow, 53| a. swamp, as by plot made in 1640, by Mr. John Oliver, bnd. N. by a
swamp bottom ptng. betn. him and Mr. Edward Hutchinson, and also by a pond and Geo.
Burden. — 18 (10) 1650, Jane Harwood and Nathl. Bishop, attorneys to Geo. Harwood,
gr. Edwd. Tyng the dwell-h. of sd. George, and land, thei-eto belong., at the end of the land
which joineth the house and land of Mr. Thos. Oliver ; deed, Dec. 1650. Signed, Jane
Harwood's mark and a seal and Nath. Bishop and seal. Wits. Robert Reinolds, Nathl Rei-
nolds and Wm. Aspinwall.
Oliver, James. — House and yard, Edwd. Tyng E, Valentine Hill N, David Sellick W, the
St. S.
Sellick, David. — House and garden, Jas. Oliver E, Val. Hill N, Mr. Pierce W, the St. S. —
House purch'd of Christ. Lawson, formerly Hcni-y Symonds, and a garden, the St. W'd,
the common marsh tor'd the N and E, John Hill and Nathl Long tor'ds the S, together with
a lane of 10 ft., leading to sd. garden ; also the wharf or lane lying afore sd. house 42
ft. wide, and 56 ft. long ; by grant of Gen. Court. This by deed 20 (11) 1645. Acknl.
bef. Mr. Hibbins same day. — Edwd. Wells gr. David S. his house and garden, Samson
Shore NE, the Cove SE, John,Milom SW, John Hill's garden NW ; by deed 11 (7) 1647;
ackng. bef. Winthrop, Govr. 14 (7) 1647.
Pierce, William. — House and garden, David Sellick E, Isaac Grosse and St. N, Wm. Davies,
Jr., and St. S, Edwd. Bendall, Val. Hill and Wm. Davies W.
Grosse, Isaac. — 1. House, Wm. Pierce S and E, Edwd. Bendall W, the Cove N. — 2. House
and garden, abt. ^ a., Wm. Beamsley S, the way W, the Bay and John Sweete N'ly. —
3. House and garden, John Seaberry S, John Sweete N, Walter Merry W, and the
Bay E.
Davies, William, Jr. — House, Wm. Pierce E and N, Valent. Hill W, the St. S.
Hudson, William, Sen. — 1. House and yard, the St. N, the Bay E, Mr. Winthrop S, Wm.
Davies, Sen., W. — 2. In the New-field abt. 5 a., Richd. Cooke E, Mr. Tho. Clarke W.
Sold to Thos. Buttolph. — 3. Garden to'rd Fort Hill, Robt. Scott E, Nathl. Eaton, Richd.
Hogg and Fra. East W, Amos Richardson S, Nicholas Parker N.
Davies, William, Sen. — 1. House, Wm. Hudson, Sen., E, the St. N, Mr. Winthrop S and
W. — 2. House and abt. | a., the water SE, Richd. Gridley SW, NW, and NE. — 3. One
a., Jacob Eliot E and S, Mr. Colbourne W, the sea N. This lies in Mr. Colbourne's field.
Scott, Robert. — House, Mr. Thos. Leverit E and S, the St. W and N. — 2. A garden, Capt.
Robert Keine E, Thos. Oliver W, John Webb N. — 3. A garden, Mr. Thos. Leverit E, Hen-
ry Webb S, the St. W and N. — 4. A garden plot, Jacob Leger E, Wm. Hudson, Sen., W,
Nicholas Parker and Jas. Pen N, Edwd. Bates S.
Parsons, William. — House and garden, the Lane W, Hen. Webb N, James Davies E, the
Swing-gate S.
Davies, James. — House and garden, Thos. Leverit N, the marsh E, Wm. Parsons W, the
Spring-gate S.
Webb, Henry. ■ — 1. House and garden, the Market-place N, the Old Meeting-house and Lane
E, the Highway S, Mr. Hudson W. — 2. Garden, John Leverit E, the Highway and Robt.
APPENDIX. 793
Scott N, the Lane W, Mr. Thos. Oliver S. — 3. Gardeu, llobt. Wing and Ralph. Mason E,
the Lane S, Geo. Burden N, the Cove W.
Fairebankes, Richard. — House and garden, Capt. Keine N and E, Mr. Oliver S, and the High-
st. ^Y. — 2. Garden, Win. Aspinw^all S and £, Zac. Bosvrorth, John Synderland, Richd.
Cooke, John Lugg and Arthur Perry N, the Common W. — 3. In the New-field 4 a., Mr.
Tho. Oliver N, Geo. Burden and Hen. Pease S, Isaac AUingtun, Alexr. Beck and James
BrovrneW, the River E. — 4. In the Fort-field 6 a., Mr. Hibbins NE, Robt. Turner SW,
John Spoore W, the Common N, Richd. Gridley SE.
CoRSER, William. — House and garden, Mr. Thos. Oliver S and W, Capt. Robt. Keine N,
and the Lane E. — James Everill gr. W. C. house-lot, Robt. Porter SE, the Street NE,
Wm. Tyng and Evan Thomas NW ; deed 22 (6) 1649, bef. Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
Leverit, John. — House and yard, Richd. Parker S and W, the Street N and E.
Parker, Richard. — House, barn and yard, the Marketstead E, John Leverit N, Prison yard
W, Richd. Truesdale and the Meeting-house S. — 18(8) 1651. Mr. Adam Winthrop by ord.
from his bro. Maj. Steph. W., gr. Mr. Richd. Parker that house in the yard that belonged
to his father's dwelling-house ])y the Spring, SE from sd. dwell-h. , with 40 ft. of ground front-
ing the Spring, and liackward to the pales of the garden, datd. 7 Dec. 1650. Wits. Micliael
Powell, Valentine Hill. [Then follows an abstract of Mr. Steph. Winthrop's letter to Mr.
Adam W., authorizing the sale ; dated Feb. 6th, 1650.]
Truesdale, Richard. — 1. House and garden, Richd. Parker N, Val. Hill S, the Prison yard
W, the Meeting-house E. — 2. In the New-field | a., the Common S, Nathl. Eaton N, Zac-
cheus Bosworth W, Thos. Millard E.
Hill, Valentine. — House and garden, the Street E, the Meeting-house and Richd. Trues-
dale N, Capt. Robt. Sedgwick S, the Prison garden W. — Another house and backside, John
Biggs W, Thos. Buttolph N, Thos. Hawkins S, the Street E.
Sedgwick, Maj. Robert. — House and garden, Thos. Clarke, Robt. Turner and the St. E, Mr.
Hutchinson S, Valentine Hill N, Henry ]\Iessinger W.
Hutchinson, Mr. Richard. — House and garden, the Street E and S, Thos. Scotto W, Mr. Sedg-
wick N.
Scotto, Thomas. — 1. House and garden, the Burying-place W, Henry Messinger N, the Street
S, Mr. Richd. Hutchinson E. — 2. At Muddy r. 4 a. upland, Wm. Beamsley and Thos.
Grubb S, Richd. Sanford and Alexr. Beck N, the Cedar swamp W'd,and his own marsh E.
— 3. Also 1 a. marsh at Muddy r., Charles r. E, Richd. Sanford, Thos. Grubb and his own
upland W, Jacob Eliot S'd.
Messinger, Henry. — House and garden, the Street W'd, Richd. Crychley N, Thos. Scotto
and the Burying-place S, Maj. Sedgwick E.
Croychley, Richard. — 1^ House and garden, the Street N and W, Richd. Tapping J], Henry
~{ich('
iger S. — 2. In Mr. Coleborne's field 2 a., Jacob Eliot E and W, Richd. Parker S,
Wm. Salter N. — It is to be understood that both the house and garden, and also the 2
acres do belong [to] the wife and children of William Dinely, although they be put under
the name of RicHid. Croychley, who only possesseth them in the right of his wife and her
former husband's children. — Nathl. Williams gr. Richd. Critehley his house and land
thereto belonging, the Street N, the Prison E, Hen. Messinger S, Richd Critehley W. By
deed 22 (12) 1648. — This house and land last named, being formerly the possession of
Richd. Tapping, [said Tapping] did acknowlg. himself satisfied, and did release unto Nathl.
Williams all his right therein, 5 (11)1649. Test. Wm. Aspinwall, Robt. Meeres.
Tapping, Richard. — House and garden, Richd. Croychley W, the Prison E, Street N, Hen.
Messenger S. — Henry Bridgara gr. Richd. Tapping the house wherein sd. Richd. now lives,
and half the lot as now it is marked out, Thds. Millard S, Arthur Perry W, the High-
street E, sd. Henry Bridgham N, as by deed 12 (11) 1648 ; in pres. of Wm. Aspinwall,
N. P.
GiLLOM, Benj.\min. — House and garden, Benj. Ward W, Mr. Wm. Hibbins S, John Compton
and the Cove E, the Marsh N. — Also house and lot, Wm. Deming W'd and N'd, Robt.
Turner's pasture E, the Lane SE.
100
794 APPENDIX.
Ward, Benjamin. — House and abt. 1 a., Nathl. Woodward the younger W, Benj. (jillom E,
Mr. Hibbins S, Edwd. Hutchinson and the Marsh N.
CoMPToN, John. — House and garden, the Cove E, Benj. Gillom W, the Fort Hill S, Benj.
Gillom N.
Woodward, Nathaniel. — House and garden, Benj. Ward and Edwd. Hutchinson E, the
Marsh N and W.
Hutchinson, Edward. — House and yard, Benj. Ward E and S, Nathl. Woodward W, the
Marsh N.
Sherman, Richard. — House and garden, Mr. Hibbins N and E, Mr. Atherton Haugh S, the
Green W.
Spoore, John. — 1. House and garden, Mr. Hibbins W, Creek N, Marsh E, Street S. — 2.
Abt. li a., Richd. Fairebanks E, Robt. Turner S'd, Street N, Capt. Robt. Keine and Wm.
Pell W. — Henry Bridgham gr. John S. his dwell-h. and lot as now marked out, Richd.
Tapping S, Arthur Perry W, Mr. Haugh N, the High-st. E ; as by deed 13 (11) 1648 ; in pres.
of Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
Pell, William. — House and garden, John Spoore E, the Street N, Capt. Keine S, Miles Robt.
Rice W.
DiNSDALE, William. — House and garden, Robt. Rice E, Street N, John Kenrick W, Robt.
Scot S.
Rice, Robert. — House and garden, Wm. Pell E, Wm. Dinsdale W, Capt. Keine S, the
Street N.
Kenrick, John. — House and garden, Wm. Dinsdale E, James Pen W, the Street N and S.
Pen, James. — House and garden, John Kenrick E, Street N, Richd. Parker W.
Parker, Nicholas. — 1. House and garden, Jas. Pen E, the Street N, Nathl. Bishop W, Robt.
Scots. — 2. At Rumneymarsh 260 a., Jno. Newgate N and E, Mr. Bellingham and the
Creek S, Charlestown bounds W. — 3. Also at Rumneymarsh abt. 20 a., Saml. Cole E and
N, John Newgate W and S. —4. In the Mill-field 2 a., Thos. Buttolph SE and SW, Val.
Hill. NW, the Water NE.
Bishop, Nathaniel. — House and garden, Nicholas Parker E, Wm. Hudson, Sen., S, John
Stevenson, Richd. Waite and Edwd. Fletcher W, the Street N.
Stevenson, John. — House and yard, Nathl. Bishop E, Street N, Robt. Reinolds W and S. —
Richd. Parker gr. John S. land, Richd. Truesdale and the Meeting-house yard S, his own
landN, E, and W ; as by deed 5 (11) 1646. Wit. Tho. Roberts. — This was again sold
to Richd. Astwood. — James Everill gr. John S. a house-lot, Wm. Hayward SE, Wm. Tyng
S, Robt. Porter NW, the Street NE, as pr. deed 22 (6) 1649. Before Wm. Aspinwall,
N. P.
BoswoRTH Zacchecs. — 1. House and garden, the Street W and N, Richd. Fairebanks S,
John Synderland E. — 2. In the New-field 2 a., the Common S, Richd. Truesdale E, Jane
Parker W, Wm. Wilson and John Ruggle N. — 3. In the New-field U a., Thos. Millard S,
James Johnson N, Edmund Dennis E, Richd. Sherman W. — 4. At Braintree 51 a., rocky
Common and Richd. Cooke N, John Mellowes, John Davies and Monotaquit r. S, John
Mellowes and Jas. Browne W, Zac. Bosworth, John Davies and John Mellows E.
Synderland, John. — House and garden, Zacc. Bosworth W, Street N, Richd. Fairebanks S,
Richd. Cooke E'ly. — 15 (6) 1650. Whereas John Gallup deceased, gr. John S. land 9
rods wide, more or less, and 20 rods long, more or less, the St. SE, the Mill-dam (where it
is but 8 rods wide) NW, Francis Hudson E'ly, Mr. Coale W'ly ; also a pel. 80 ft. long,
36 ft. wide, the St. N'd, John Sweete S'd, John Gallop W'd, John Synderland E'd, Meheta-
bel Gallop, wf. of sd. John, confirmed the same by deed 27 Feb. 1649.
Cooke, Richard. — 1. House and garden, John Synderland W, the St. N, Richd. Fairebanks
S. John Lugg E 2. Garden, the Common W, Danl. Maud S, Wm. Aspinwall N, and
Ephraim Pope E. — This is again sold. — 3. In the New-field a pel., Wm. Hudson, Sen.,
W, Val. Hill E. — 4. At Braintree 35 a., Tho. Savage N'ds, Jas. Brown S'ds, the Bay E'ds,
APPENDIX. 796
rocky ground Wds. — 5. Abt. 7 a. more, Tho. Savage N, Jas. Browne and Jno. Webb S,
Wm. Werdall W. — G. Also 1^ a. marsh, Tho. Savage and Monotaquit r. E, Jno. Davies and
Oliver Mellowes W.
LuGG, John. — House and garden, Richd. Cooke W, Richd. Fairebauks S, Arthur Perry E,
the Street N.
Pery, Arthur. — House, yard and garden, John Lugg W, Richd. Fairebanks S, Street N, Mr.
Haugh, Francis Loyall, Thos. Grubb and Thos. Millard E.
Lyle, Francis. — 1. House and garden, Mr. Haugh N, Street E, Arthur Perry W, Thos. !Mil-
lard S. — 2. In the New-field i a.
Millard, Thomas. — House and garden, Fra. Lyle N, Tho. Grubb S, Arthur Perry W, Street
E. — 2. In the New-field h a., Richd. Truesdale W, Tho. Scotto E, Nathl. Eaton N, the
Common S. — 3. In the New-field 1 a., Jane Parker W, "Wm. Wilson E, Zacc. Bosvvorth,
Jno. Ruggle, and Edwd. Dennis N and S. — Zaccheus Bosworth gr. Tho. M. ab. 1 a. in
Centry-tield, Edwd. Hutchinson N, the Common S, Tho. INIillard E, Zacc. Bosworth W ; as
by deed 10 Oct. 1651. In pres. of Wm. Aspinwall, N. P. and Ralph Roote.
AsPiNWALL, William. — 1. House and garden, Richd. and Tho. Grubb N, Common W, Iligh-
st. E, Richd. Cooke and Eph. Pope S. — 2. At Mud. r. 9 a., surrounded with the Cedar-
swamp and Nathl. Woodward the elder. — 3. At Hogg Island 1 a. upland, and | a.
marsli, bo"t of Mr. Ormsbie. — Concerning the Windmill, see the great book of Records of
copies, &c. — Wm. Davies, apothecary, gr. Wm. A. abt. i a., the land of sd. Aspinwall S
and E, Common W, Zacc. Bosworth, Baker, Richd. Cooke, Rubt. Wright and
Bomsted N, as by deed 11 Nov. 1652. In pres. Jno. Sanford.
Grubb, Thomas. — House and garden, Tho. Millard N, Arthur Perry W, Wm. Aspinwall S,
High-st. E.
Pope, Ephraim. — House and garden, Wm. Aspinwall N, Richd. Cooke W, Edmund Dennis S,
High-st. E.
Dennis, Edmund. — 1. House and garden, Eph. Pope N, Edmd Jacklin S, Street E, Richd.
Cooke and Danl. Maud W. — 2. In the New-field ^ a., Jno. Ruggle E, Zac. Bosworth W,
Tho. Millard S, Mr. Tho. Clark N.— 3. A small pel., Jas. Everill E'ds, the Lane and St.
SW and NW.— 4. At Braintree, ab. 20 a., Tho. Metson E, Alexr. Plimley W'ds,Val. Hill
S'ds.
Jacklin, Edmund. — House and garden, Edmd. Dennis N, Wm. Townsend S, Street E, Danl.
Maud W.— -22 (3) 1647. Richd. Cooke gr. Edmd. J. i a., Wm. Aspinwall N, Daniel
MaudS, Common W, Eph. Pope E; by deed 10 (2) 1645; wits. Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
— 22 (3) 1647. Danl. Maud gr. Edmd. J. the same i a., Richd. Cooke N, Common W,
Richd. Sherman S, Edmd. Jacklin E ; by deed 13 (8) 1643. Wits. Hutavill Nutter and
Edwd. Starbuck, Elders of the Ch. at Dover.
Townsend, William. — House and garden, Edmd. Jacklin N, Jane Parker S, Street E, Danl.
Maud W.
Parker, Jane. — 1. House and garden, the St. E and S, Wm. Townsend N, Richd. Sherman W.
— 2. In the New-field i a., Thos. Millard E'ds, David Sellick, Nathl. Chappell, Jacob Leger
and Mr. Pope S'ds, Wm. Bamsley, Richd. Sherman and Zac. Bosworth NW. — 3. Also
40 a. at Muddy r. — Jane P. the wid. of Richd. P. intending to marry, did by deed of gift
give Margaret her dau. out of her house-lot 21 ft. square in the angle at the meeting of
the streets ; then all her house and lot, the ^ a. in the New-field, and 40 a. at Mud. r. to her
sons; viz., to John P. her eldest, half; the other half equally bet. Thomas and Noah, by
deed 15 (5) 1646; same day acknolg bef. the Governor.
Blott, Robert. — House and garden, the St. E and N, Mr. Flint S, Jno. Leverit W.
Flint, Mr. . — House and garden, Robt. Blot N, John Leverit'W, Street E, Anthony Har-
ker S. — House and garden, Anthony Harker N, Thos. Clarke S, Street E, Geo. Burden W.
Harker, Anthony. — House and garden. Street E, James Johnson W, Mr. Flint N, and Mr.
Flint S.
Clarke, Thom.is. — House and garden, Mr. Flint N, Henry Webb and Geo. Burden W, Street
E, Ralph Mason S.
796 APFENl^lX.
Mason, Ealph. — House and garden, Thos. Clarke N, Henry Webb W, Street E, Robt. Wing
S. — This is sold to Thos. Painter. — 21 (12) 1645. Isaac Perry gr. Ralph M. 10 a., more
or less, at Mud. r., Ralph M. S, Thomas Scotto N, Mr. Ilibbins W ; by deed 20 (10) 1045,
before Mr. Winthrop.
Wing, Robert. — 1. House and garden, the St. S and E, Henry VYebb W, Ralph Mason N.
— 2. Also i a. the River W, Mr. Pope S, James Everill and E.
Carter, Richard. — House and garden, Mr. Oliver N, Common W, Street E, Jacob Leger S.
— Wm. Parsons gr. Richd. C. abt. an a., Robert Wing and Ralph Mason E, the Lane S,
Common ^Y , Geo. Burden N ; by deed 2 (9) 1646, bef. Winthrop, Gov. — 2 (1) 1647. Wm.
Aspinwall gr. Richd. C. his lot at Mud. r., abt. 9 a., Nathl. Woodward, Sen., to'rd NAV,
Cedar Swamp on the other side ; by deed 7 (1) 1647.— 4 (11) 1648, Richd. Gridley gr.
Richd. C. his lot at Spectacle I., abt". 3 a., on the hithermost part of the Eastern Specta-
cle ; by deed 2 (11) 1648, in pres. Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
Leger, Jacob. — 1. House and garden, Mr. Coleborue S, Common W, Street E, Richd. Carter
N. — 2. House and garden, Mr. Thos. Fowle S, Street W, Robt. Woodward N, Thos. But-
tolph E. — 3. Abt. an a., Chaplaine E, Richd. Parker N, Common S, Mr. Pope W.
CoLEBORNE, Mr. William. — House and garden, the High-st. E, the Lane and Edwd. Belchar
S, Jacob Leger N.
Belchar, Edward. — House and garden, Mr. Colborne E and N, the Lane S, Wm. Talmage W.
Talmage, William. — 1. House and garden, the St. S, Edwd. Belchar E, Thos. Snow N and
W. — 2. Garden, Robt. Walker W, Jacob Eliot E and S, the Street N.
Walker, Robert. — 1. House and garden, Thos. Snow E, Common N, St. S, Wm. Briscoe W.
— 2. Garden, Thos. Snow E, Common N, &c., bounded before. — 3. Garden, Wm. Talmage
E, Street N, John Cranwell W, Jacob Eliot S.
Briscoe, William. — House and garden, Robt. Walker E, Common N, Street S, Flacke
W. _24 (4) 1651. Thos. Alcock of Dedham gr. Wm. B. abt. 20 a., Edmd. Grosse E,
• Edwd. Belchar W, half a mile from Mr. Hibbins' farm ; by deed in the year 1644.
Roote, Ralph. — House and garden, John Cranwell E, John Cranwell and Richd. Croychley
S, Wm. Salter W, the Street N.
Salter, Willi.\M. — 1. House and garden, Ralph Roote E, Common W, Street N, Jacob Eliot
and Richd. Croychley S. — 2. In Mr. Colborne's field 1 a., Jacob Eliot S and E, the Bay W,
Common N. — 3. At Mud. r. 8 a., Robt. Burden W, Wm. Briscoe E, Nathl. Woodward,
Sen., N, Jacob Eliot S. Again sold Ed. Devotion.
Eliot, Jacob. — House and garden, the Highway E, the Lane N, Wm. Talmage W, Mr.
Colborne's field S.
Bourne, Garret. — House and garden, Edwd. Rainsford E, the Marsh S, Street W and N.
Cranwell, John. — House and garden, Ralph Roote W, Robt. W^alker E, Street N, and on
the S 2 a. belonging to it ; wch. 2 a. has the garden N, Mr. Roe E, Mr. Richd. Croychley
W and S.
Rainsford, Edward. — House and garden, Garret Bourne W, David OfiSey E, Street N, Cove S.
Offley, David. — House and garden, Edwd. Rainsford W, the Lane E, Street N, Cove S.
Roe, Mr. Owen. — House and garden. Street N, Lane W, Cove S, John Pelton E.
Pelton, John. — House and house-lot, Owen Roe, W, Street N, Cove S, the Marsh E.
Bowen, Griffith. — House and garden, the St. S and W, Miles Reading E, Cole N.
Cole. . — House and garden, Grifiith Bowen S, the St. W, ISIiles Reading E, John Od-
lin N.
Odlin, John. — House and garden, the St. W, Miles Reading E, Cole S, Walter Sinet N.
— 12 (8) 1650. John Bateman gr. Jno. 0. house and lot (lately bo'tof Jno. Cuddington),
APPENDIX. 797
sd. Jno. 0. N, Grif. Bowen S, the High-st. W, Richd. Wilson E, by deed 10 (8) 1650.
Test. Wm. Aspinwall, Jno. Cuddington.
SiNET, Walter. — House and garden, Jno. Odlin S, the St. W, Thos. Buttolph and Miles
Reading E, Jacob Leger N.
Woodward, Robert. — House and garden, Jacob Leger S, Thos. Buttolph E, the Hi^h-st. W,
the Lane N.
Wheeler, Thomas. — 1. House and garden, the Lane S, High-st. W, the Watering-place E,
Wm. Blantaine N. — 2. At Mud. r. 15 a., Mr. Hibbins W, Cambridge bounds N, Robt. Hall
E, Hen. Fane S.
Blantaine, William. — 1. House and garden, Thos. Wheeler S, John Hurd N, the St. W, the
Watering-place E. — 2. House-lot, Jno. Serch W, Wm. Briscoe E, the St. S, Common N.
— Wm. Davies, gunsmith, gr. Wm. B., carpenter, abt. ^ a., Thos. Bel W, the Mill-st. N,
Geo. Griggs E, Wm. Blantaine S ; by deed 2 7(4) 1646. Acknlgd. same day bef. Jno. Win-
throp, Gov.
Hurd, John. — House and garden, Wm. Blantaine S, the High-st. W, Gaml. Waite E, Robt.
Hull N.
Hpll, Robert. — House and garden, Jno. Hurd S, the High-st. W, Job Judkin N, Gaml.
Waite E.
JuDKiNS, Job. — House and garden, Robt. Hull S, Elizabeth Purton N, the St. W, Gamaliel
Waite E.
Woodward, Nathaniel (the elder). — House and garden, the Mill-lane S, the High-st. W,
Jno. Palmer, Jr., E, Jno. Marshall N.
Marshall, Johx. — House and garden, Nathl. Woodward, Sen., S, Richd. Hogg N, Amos
Richardson E, the Street W.
Hogg, Richard. — House and gai-den, Jno. Marshall S, Nathl. Eaton N, Amos Richardson
and Wm. Hudson E, Street W. " Aliened " to Jno. Lake.
Eaton, Nathaniel. — House and garden, Richd. HoggS, Era. East N, Wm. Hudson, Sen., E,
the St. W.
East, Francis. — House and garden, Nathl. Eaton S, Charitie and Richard Waite N, Wm.
Hudson and the St. E.
White, Charity. — House and small yard, Fra. East S and E, the St. W, Richd. Waite N.
Waite, Richard. — House and garden, Charity White and Fra. East S, Edwd. Fletcher N,
the St. W, Nathl. Bishop E.
Fletcher, Edward. — House and garden, Richd. Waite S, Robt. Reinolds N, the High-st. W,
Nathl. Bishop E.
Refnolds, Robert. — House and garden, Edwd. Fletcher S, the High-st. W, the Fort-st. N,
.John Stevenson E.
Palmer, John, Jr. — House and yard, Nathl. Woodward, Sen., W, theMill-st. S, Aaron Rich-
ardson E, John Marshall N.
Richardson, Amos. — House and garden, Jno. Palmer, Jno. Marshall and Richd. Hogg W,
the Street S, Jno. Palmer, vSen., E, Wm. Hudson, Sen., and Robt. Scott N. — Francis'Smith
gr. Amos R. 2 a., bo't of Edmd. Jacklin and Richd. Sherman. Wm. Aspinwall N, the Com-
mon W, the St. S, Jane Parker, Wm. Townsend. Edmd. Jacklin, Edmd. Jackson and Eph.
Pope E ; by deed 22 (3) 1647. Wm. Aspinwall. N. P.
Palmer, John, Sen. — House and garden or house-lot, Amos Richardson W, Gaml. Waite E,
Robt. Scot and young Wm. Hudson N, the Mill-st. S.
Waite, Gamaliel. — House and lot, Jno. Palmer W, Mr. Thos. Oliver N. Benj. Negoos E'ly,
798 APPENDIX.
the Mill-st. S. — Also, a garden plot, Richd. HoUich E, Eliz'th. PurtonTV, Wm. Blantaine
S, the St. N.
Negoos, Benjamin. — House and lot. Garni. Waite W, Maded P]ngles E, Mill-st. S, Mr. Oli-
ver W.
Engles. Madid. — House and lot, Mr. Scott N, Benj. Negoos W'd, Wm. Deming E'd, the
Millstead S'd.
Deming, William. — House and lot, Capt. Keine N, Madid Engles W, and Benj. Gillom E'ly,
and the Lane SE.
Gridley, Richard. — House and lot, the Street S and W, the Bay E'ly, Jno. Harrison N'ly.
— Also a lot, Robt. Turner NW, Jno. Harrison SW, the Bay SE, the Fort NE.
Harrison, John. — House and lot, Richd. Gridley S'ly, the Bay E'ly, Richd. Gridley N'ly,
Robt. Turner W'ly.
Baxter, Nicholas. — House and lot, the Street or Lane N and W, Edwd. Browne and the
Bay E, Matthew Jyons S'ds.
Browne, Edward. — House and garden, Nicholas Baxter N'ly and W'ly, the Bay E'ly, Mat-
thew Jyons S'ly.
Jyons, Matthew. — House and lot, the Lane W'd, Nich. Baxter and Edwd. Browne N'd, the
Bay E'd, Wm. Netherland [Letherland ?] S'ds.
Letherland, William. — House and lot, the Lane W'd, the Bay E'd, Matthew Jyons N'd,
Abel Porter and the Cove S'd.
Teft, William. — House and lot, the Cove S, the Lane E, the Mill-st. N, Thos. Munt and
Tuttle W'd.
Munt, Thomas, — House and lot, Wm. Teft E and N, the Cove S, Jona. Negoos W'd.
Negoos, Jonathan. — House and lot, Thos. Munt E, Thos. Foster W, Wm. Teft N, the CoveS.
Foster, Thomas.— House and lot, Jona. Negoos E, Richd. Woodhouse W, Mrs. Tuttle N, the
CoveS. —Sold to Wm. Browne. — 30 (7) 1639, Boston gr. Thos. Foster, the gunner at
Castle Island, a great lot at the Mount for 6 heads, upon condition expressed for Mount
WoUaston lands ; being 49 a. ; land of Mr. Haugh N'd, Benj. Keaine W'd, Fr. Lyall S'd,
Nathl. Williams and Fra. Lyall E'd. If it be aliened from the town, they require 2 a.
in 7 to be returned to the Town, or 2s. 4d. instead.
Woodhouse, Richard. — House and House-lot, Thos. Foster E, Jno. Vyall W, Geo. Griggs N,
the Cove S.
Griggs, George. — House-lot, Mrs. Tuttle E, Wm. Davis W, Jno. Viall S, the Mill-st, N.
Bell, Thomas. — House and lot, Wm. Davies E, Richd. Hollich W, Wm. Blantaine S, the
Street N.
Hollich, Richard. — House and lot, Thos. Bell E, Garni. Waite W, Wm. Blantaine S, the
Street N.
Lawson, Christopher. — 20 (11) 1645, Richd. Bellingham, Esq., gr. Chr. L. i the marsh land
anciently gr. to him by the Town, between his own house wh. he bo't of Mr. Symonds and
Jno. Lowes, by deed 4 (4) 1644. Wits. Saml. Bellingham, Thos. Lake. — Thos. Buttolph
gr. Chr. L. abt. 4^ a. in the Mill-field, the Bay NE, Nich. Parker and Val. Hill NW, Chr.
Stanley S ; by deed 20 (6) 1646. Ackng. bef. Jno. Winthrop, Gov.
Nanney, Robert. — David SoUeck gr. R. N. his house and garden, with 10 ft. wide for a
way to sd. garden (formerly purchased of Chris. Lawson) also 10 ft. of the wharf in
breadth from Jno. Hills, and in length from the Dock to his house ; Jno. Hills and St.
W'ly, the Marsh N'ly, the Marsh and Nathl. Long E'ly, the Cove S'ly, by deed 25 (1) 1646.
Acknlg. same day bef. Winthrop, Dep. Gov. David Selleck gr. also 6 ft. more of the wharf
next the former 10 ft., deed 29 (5) 1648. — Paul Allistre gr. R. N. his dwelling:-h. taken in
execution of a judgment agt. Richd. Straine, land of Thos. Lake SW, Arthur Perry NE,
APPENDIX. 799
Robt. Wing NW, the Cove SE, iu breadth 31 ft., together with the land and wharf to sd.
house belonging; by deed 16 (7) 1650.
Fletcher, Mr. Roger. — Jeremy Houtchin, tanner, gr. R. F., late of London, merch., his
dwell-h. garden and orchard, and tan-pits, Benj. Thwing S, Jno. Ruggle and "NVid. llunne
E, Sudbury-st. W, the Lane N ; also a pel. of land, Jno. Newgate SW, Mrs. Staughton NW,
Highway NE, Tlios. Ludkin SE ; by deed 26 (4) 1646 ; ackng. same day bcf. Mr. Richd. Bel-
lingham.
BusBiE, Nicholas. — Edmd. Jacklin gr. N. Busbie, worsted weaver, dwell-h. and garden, abt.
i a., Edmd. Dennis N, Wm. Townsend and the Iligh-st. E, Edmd. Jacklin W ; by deed 22
(G) 1646, ackn. bef. Gov. Jno. Winthrop, Esq.
Hailestoxe, Willlam. — Edwd. Fletcher gr. W. Hailestone, late of Taunton, tailor, pt. his
dwell-h., viz. the N end, being 13 ft. N and S, 26 ft. E and W, or thereab., with ^ his gar-
den, Thos. Painter N, High-w. E, Nathl. Woodward and Edwd. Fletcher S, the Iligh-st,
and Edwd. Fletcher W ; by deed 29 (6) 1646 ; ackn. bef. the Gov. same day.
Shrimptox, Hexry. — 28 (7) 1646. Anth. Stoddard and Jno. Leverit sold H. Shrimpton, bra-
zier, dwell-h. and garden, the Water-st. S, the New-st, E, Mr. Jno. Wilson W, Jno. Par-
ker N ; by deed 9 (5) 1646. Ackn. 26 (7) 1646, bef. Jno. Winthrop, Gov.
Pace, AsRAnAM. — Jno. Stevenson gr. his house and yard to A. P., Nathl. Bishop E, the
Fort-st. N, Robt. Reinold S and W ; by deed 22 (8) 1646. Ackn, bef. Mr. Jno. Winthrop,
Gov., same day, — This is sold to Jno. Hansett.
Haxsett, JoHX. — Abra. Page gr. Jno.H., of Roxbury, house and yard in Boston, Nathl.
Bishop E, the Fort-st. N, Robt. Remold S and W ; by deed 28 (8) 1646. Ackn. as above.
Usher, Hezekia. — Edmund Jackson gr. H. U. his house and garden, Mr. Jno. Wilson N and
E, the Marketstead S, Jno. Coggan W ; 25 ft., front on the St. 40 ft. deep ; by deed 1 (12)
1646. Ackn. bef. Jno. Winthrop, Gov. 2 (12) 1646.
Wicks, William. — 12 (1) 1646. Jno, Sweete gr, Wm. W. house and garden, Thos, Ankor
SE, Chr. Stanley SW and NE, by deed 25 (12) 1644. Ackn. 12 (1) 1646, bef. Gov. Win-
throp.
Phippexi, Joseph. — House-plot wh, was formerly Anchor Aiusworth's, and by Hen. Rashley,
attorney to sd. Anchor, sold to J. P., by deed 30 (1) 1647. Ackn. bef. Gov. Winthrop.
Jephsox, Johx. — Jas. Oliver by virtue of will of Jno. Oliver, decsd., gr. J. J. the house and
garden formerly Jno. Oliver's ; Val. Hill SE and NE, the St. NW, Jno. Pierce and Jno,
Knight SW ; as also the lot of Thos. Marshall wh. (for 1 rod length abutteth on the SW, at
the S'ly end of Jno. Knights and Joseph Pierce's lot) ; by deed 30 (2) 1647. Ackn. same
day bef. the Gov'r.
Andersox, Johx. — Edwd. Grosse gr. John A., shipwright, his dwell-h., next Geo. Harlsall's,
as by deed 1 (3) 1647. Ackn. bef. Gov'r. 20 (3) 1647.
Smith, Fr.\xcis. — Edmd. Jacklin gr. P. S. ab. 1^ a., by him formerly purchsd of Danl. Maud
and Richd. Cooke, Wm. Aspinwall N, the Common W, Richd. Sherman S, Wm. Townsend,
Edmd. Jacklin, Edwd. Dennis and Eph. Pope E ; by deed 22 (3) 1647 ; bef. Wm. Aspin-
wall, N. P. —Richd. Sherman gr. F. S.^n., sd. Fra. Smith N. the Common W, the St. S,
Isaac Parker E ; by deed 22 (3) 1647 ; bef. W. A., N. P. — Wm. Hudson, Jr., gr. Fr. Smith
his pt. in the dwell-h. of Wm. Hudson, Sen., being £46 (the whole being £130) ; by deed
12 (7) 1648 ; W. A., N. P. —John Milom, cooper, gr. F. S. his pt. in the same, £40 ster-
ling, deed 29 (12) 1637. — Wm. Chamberlaine assignd F. S. his house and ground, formerly
bo't of sd. Francis ; the Lane N, High-st. E, Richd. Carter S, the Common W ; assignmt,
5 (11) 1648. — 18 (2) 1651. Ambrose Leech gr. F. S. land in breadth bet. the house wh.
is Joseph Wormall's and the land of sd. Francis, being at the St. 8 or 9 ft., and so accord-
ing to the range by the end of sd. Wormall's house to the wharf or Cove ; by deed 16 (2)
1651. Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
Clarke, Arthur. — Henry Pease, planter, gr. A. Clarke, carpenter, land, 42^ ft. wide on
front, and 8^ long on SW side, the other side 91.^, and the end 38 ft. ; bnd. SE by the
Street, jNlrs. Paine SW, his own lot NE and NW ; by deed 23 (4) 1647. Ackn. bef. Mr.
Nowel, 5 (5) 1647. — Wm. Tyng gives i his 5 rods, bet. Goodm. Fippenys and the bridge to
his cousin Jno. Francknlyn, forever ; dated 15 (11) 1652. — Testimony of Wm. Francklin a.
800 APPENDIX.
ab. 45; being by occasion at Mr. Wm. Tjngs houfSi; upon 15 (11) 1652, heard sd. Tyng
say i the 5 rods before the highway l)et. the Bridge and goodm. Fippenies he did give hif
cousin J no. Francklin, and would confirm it by deed ; this on oath 1 (12) 1G52, before Mr.
~ - - - - - - _. _ - ^^^ j^^ .
Hibbins. — This deed of gift within written by Capt. Wm. Tyng's owne liand, I Wm. Phil-
lips, Jr., testify that it was did. ' ' " ".
Wits, my hand this 1 (12)1052.
lips, Jr., testify that it was did. to my bro. Jno. Francklin by Mr Wm. Tyng in my prence.
id f " "
LippiNCOT, Richard. — Wm. Hailestone, tailor, gr. Richd. L., barber, his house and garden,
Thos. Painter N, the High-st. and Edwd. Fletcher's garden W, the Highw. E, Nathl. Wood-
ward E, Edwd. Fletcher S ; by deed 31 (5) 1647. Aekn. bef. Mr. Endecot 10 (6) 1647.
Vyall, John. — House and garden of ^ a., Richd. Woodhouse E, Highway W, Geo. Griggs
N, the Marsh and Cove \S.
Browne. William. — Thos. Foster gr. W. B., late of Salem, his house and garden, Jona. Ne-
goos E, Geo. Griggs N, Richd. Woodhouse W, the Cove S ; by deed 13 (8) 1647. Ackn. bef.
Gov. same day.
Beamont, Thomas. — Thos. Foster gr. T. B., of London, mariner, 49 a. at Mount Wolaston, Ath-
erton Haugh N, Benj. Keaine W, Era. Lyle S, Nath. Williams and Era. Lyle E ; by deed 9
(8) 1647. Acknowl. bef. Gov. 29 (8) 1647. — Also he gr. a highway of 6 ft. bet. Barnab.
Fawer, James Mattox, Arthur Perry and his own, at the head of the lots, 14 (1) 1648.
Chamberlaine, William. — Era. Smith gr. Wm. C. his house and gai'den, with the shop and
out-housing, the Lane N, the Common W, High-st. E, Richd. Carter S ; by deed 30 Oct. 1647.
Ackn. 9 (9) 1647, bef. Mr. Hibbins.
Fawer, Barnabas. — Val. Hill gr. B. F. house-lot, the Cove SE, the Lane NE, Jas. Mattocks
SW, his own NW, by deed 23 (9) 1646. Ackn. bef. Wm. Hibbins 14 (7) 1647.
Mattox, James. — Val. Hill gr. J. M. a house-lot, Arthur Perry SW, the Cove SE, Barnabas
Fawer NE, his own land NW ; by deed 23 (9) 1646. Ackn. bef. Mr. Wm. Hibbins 14 (1)
1648 : he also gr. a high-way of 6 ft. at the head of the lots of Bar. Fawer, Jas. Mattox
and Arthur Perry, 14 (1) 1647.
Turner, Robert. — Val. Hill gr. R. Turner, shoemaker, house and garden, Thos. Buttolph N,
Thos. Hawkins S, John Biggs W, the Street E ; by deed 1 (10) 1644. Ackn. bef. Mr. Bel-
lingham 10 (2) 1648.
Clarke, Christopher. -— Nichls. Willis gr. C. C, mariner, his house and garden, Jno. Button
SW, the Street E, thos. Painter N'ly, Jas. Everill W'ly; by deed 12 (3) 1648. Wits. Wm.
Aspinwall, Jas. Allison.
Nash, James. — John Milom gr. Jas. N., of Weymouth, marsh 40 ft. wide, front, the Mill
Creek SW, the High-w. NW, Mr. Wm. Tyng NE and SE. as far as low-water mark ; by
deed 7 (4) 1648. Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
Lake, John. — 14 (4) 1648. Richd. Hogg gr. J. L. his house and garden, John Marshall S,
Nathl. Eaton N, Amos Richardson and Wm. Hudson E, the High-st. W ; by deed 21 (8)
1645. Wit. Philemon Pormort. — Sold to Thos. Wiborne. —Thos. Wiborne gr. J. L. 11
perches, m. or 1., Robt. Reinolds N and E, Edwd. Fletcher S, the High-st. W ; by deed 26
(4) 1648. In pres. of Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
Wiborne, Thomas. — John Lake gr. T. W. his dwell-h. and garden, John Marshall S, Nathl.
Eaton N, Amos Richardson and Wm. Hudson E, the High-st. W ; by deed 14 (4) 1648. Bef.
Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
Phillips, John. — John Milom gr. J. P. his dwell-h., shop and garden, John Hill NE, the Lane
SW, Thos. Yow NW, the Cove SE, by deed 16 (4) 1648. Before Wm. Aspinwall, N. P.
Browne, Henry. — Wm. Douglas gr. H. B., of Limehouse, mariner, pt. of his house-lot, abt.
56| perches, in front at the sea 31 ft., in front to'rd the Street abt. 5 rod 3 ft., Joseph Ras-
ter, the River and Wm. Douglas NE, Wm. Douglas and the Street SE, Wm. Phillips and
SW, Joseph Raster and Thos. Anchor NW ; by deed 20 (4) 1648. W. A., N. P.
Douglas, William. — Walter Merry, in behalf of self and Thos. Anchor, gr. W. D., cooper,
dwell-h. bet. the lots of Jno. Sweete and Jno. Seabury, with the shop that was Thos. An-
chor's, and ground thereto belong. ; by deed 1 (3) 1646. Ackn. bef. Mr. Bellingham, 15
APPENDIX. 801
(4) 1648. Walter Merry gr. W. J), one little house with the house late in tenure of Jno.
Newgrove, adjoining the former ; by deed 12 (1) 1647. Ackn. bef. Mr. Bellingham 15 (4)
1648.
Baker, John. — 1 (5) 1648. Joseph Phippeni gr. Jno. B. J his house-lot 20 ft. wide, Thos.
Savage S, Wm. Phillips W, sd. Phippeni N, the Bay E ; by deed, dlvd. in pres. W. A., N. P.
Davies, Willi.\m. — Val. Hill gr. Wm. Davies, apothecary, abt. 4 a. in the New-field, Jas.
Pen N, Jno. Biggs and Jas. Pen W, Robt. Turner E, Thos. Buttolph S ; by deed 2 (G) 1648.
Wm. A., N. P.
Bennet, Richard. — Wm. Phillips and wf. Susan gr. R. B. 2 or 3 a. in the Mill-field, their
own land NW, SW and NE, Richd. Bennet and Wm. Phillips SE ; by deed 26 (6) 1648 ; bef.
W. A., N. P. — Thos. Clark, merch. gr. R. B. i a. in the Mill-field, the farm and barn
yard of sd. Richd. NE, the St. SE, Wm. Phillip SW and NW, by deed 12 (1) 1650 ; bef.
Wm. A., N. P.
Straine, Richard. — Val. Hill gr. R. S. abt. 1 a., Mr. Nathl. Eldred, Mr. Jno. Oliver and the
High-w. SW, Arthur Perry NW and NE, the great Cove SE ; by deed 27 Aug. 1648. Ackn.
by Mr. Hill bf. Wm. Aspinwall, 25 (7) 1648. Wits. Henry Shrimpton, Thos. Bomsted.
MiCHELL, George. — Joseph Phippeni gr. G. M. house and lot, Capt. Thomas Hawkins N, Jno.
Baker S, the Bay E, Wm. Phillips W ; deed 10 (8) 1648 ; bef. W. A., N, P.
Langdon, Johx. — Nathl. Woodward, Jr., gr. J. L. his dwell-h. and garden, Richd. Waito S,
Edwd. Fletcher N, Nathl. Bishop E, the High-st. W ; deed 16 (8) 1648 ; bef. Wm. A. and
Robert Button.
Rice, Joanes. — Robert Burnam gr. Jones Rice a house-lot, Robt. Burnam S, old Rawlins N,
the Highw. E, Wm. PhiUips W ; by deed 27 (9) 1648 ; bef. Wm. Aspinwall, Not. Pub.
APPENDIX
NO. II.
ANCIENT OBJECTS AND LOCALITIES.
To do full justice to this department of the History and Antiquities of Boston would
require a volume of considerable magnitude, at the present time, and one of far greater com-
prehensiveness, at the end of fifty years from now, provided the spirit or organ of destructive-
ness should gather strength in time to come, as it has for some fifty years past, among those
who have the power to exercise it. I refer to the continual changes of the names of Streets,
Lanes, Alleys, &c. Not but what changes are sometimes necessary and highly proper. But
reference is here made to those changes of names having no other foundation than a whim, for
which no good reason has been or ever can be assigned. For example ; what possible advan-
tage could be expected from changing Pudding-lane to Devonshire-street ? There should be
a statute imposing a penalty for every such unreasonable proposal. It would be my decision,
in the case of Pudding-Jane, that the culprit should never be allowed again to taste any more
pudding " during his natural life " ! Such innovators do not consider that they are destroy-
ino- all historical associations ; that they make the task of the historian an endless one ; that
they insult the valuable citizen who undertakes to make correct Directories, and confound
and confuse every stranger who honors the City by his presence.
Who does not take sincere pleasure in reading any portion of English history, when the
scene is laid in London, to meet with the well-knovm names of Temple-bar, Cheapside, Thread-
needle-street, Charter-lane, Old Bailey, Bolt-court, Soho, Distaff-lane, Leadenhall-street, Shad-
well, Mile-End, Pali-Mall, &c. &c.? Many of these have come down from a period not
reached by records, and nothing would more displease the good substantial citizens of that
Metropolis than a proposition to have any of them obliterated, or others substituted in their
stead. So it is hoped it will soon be in Boston.
The following list is but a meagre abstract of a MS. collection of ranch extent, and is all
that room can possibly be spared for in this Appendix ; but, as meagre as it is, it has cost
great labor, and it is believed it will be found useful. My general plan was to give all the
names which had gone out of use, and to show what the present names are of those places and
objects once known by other names ; also, to give the names now borne which were early
bestowed or acquired. In many instances I have fixed the dates of origin and change. This
could be done in a majority of cases, but has been only partially attempted in this brief analy-
sis. Hence completeness must not be looked for, and exactness is only approximated through-
out. It is possible I may carry out my plan at some future day, in a separate volume ; but I
make no promise. I may also make a supplement to this Article, at the end of my second
volume, should I publish anotheT. This will depend on the countenance of the Public, and
the continuance of health.
Adams Street. —That part of Kilby-st. from Liberty sq. to Milk-st. 1806 to 1825.
Adams' Wharf. — Owned by Samuel Adams, father of Gov. Saml. Adams. On maps from
1722 to 1777. Now Tileston's wharf.
Admiral Vernon Tavern. — In King-st. In 1743, Peter Faneuil had a warehouse opposite.
About this time it was kept by Richd. Smith. In 1775, it was kept by Mrs. Mary Bean.
The sign was a portrait of Admiral Vernon. Its site was near high water-mark.
Aikin's Lime-kiln. — In Lynn-st. at Lyme-alley, in 1732.
Alden's Lane. —So named from Capt. John Alden. See p. 500.
Alford's Corner. — Cor. Century and Beacon sts. 1728.
APPENDIX. 803
Alford's Wharf. — The next N. of the foot of King-st. in 1673. Butler's in 1769.
Allen's Corner. -^In Ann-st. corner of Wentworth's lane, 1732.
Allen's Farm House. — Northerly end of Green-st. in 1708.
Allen's Wharf. — At the South End, foot of Allen's lane, next S. of Bennet-st. 1777.
Almshouse. — The Town appointed persons to receive Capt. Keayne's legacy of £100, and Mr.
Webb's of £100, with several other gifts, for erecting an Almshouse, and to ao-ree with work-
men to erect one, 31 (1) 1662. It was burnt in 1682, on what is now called Park-st. One
was built in 1800, at the head of Leverett-st., and called the New Almshouse. This stood
25 years. Deer Island is now its location.
Almshouse Wharf. — Near the Almshouse at Craigie's Bridge.
American Coffee House. — In King-st. 1774, where the Massachusetts Bank now is.
Amory's Wharf. — At the East end of Castle-st., 1777, on which Amory had a still-house.
Anchor Tavern. — Committees of the General Court used to meet there, 1661.
Ann Street. — So named in honor of Queen Anne. In 1708, " from the Conduit in Union-st.
over the bridge to Elliston's cor., lower end of Cross-st." Changed to North-st. in 1853.
Anstram's Corner. — Near the Conduit, at the end of the Fish Market, 1708.
Apple Island. — Between Snake and Green Islands ; 2i miles from Long wharf.
Apthorp's Island. — A part of Calf Island.
Armory. — Mentioned in the Town Kecords 30 (3) 1659, but not located.
Asylum for Indigent Boys. — Charter, cor. of Salem-st., where Gov. Phips once lived.
Athen,«:um. — In Pearl near High-st. till 1848. It originated in 1806.
Atkinson Street. — So named from the ancient Atkinson family. From Cow-lane to Milk-
st. in 1732. Now disgraced by the name of Congress-st., 1855.
AucHMUTY Street. — Part of what is now Essex-st. — See p. 693.
Auction Hall. — "In King-st. close by the Town-house." John Gerrish occupied it in
1769.
Austin's Long Room. — In King-st. 1736. Auctions were held in it.
Avery Street. — Hog-alley, Sheafe's la. — See Hog Alley.
AvEs' Corner. — Corner of Lynn-st. and Henchman's lane.
Back Street. — From Stanbury's, nigh the Mill Bridge, to Mr. Gee's cor. in Prince-st. 1708.
Since Salem-st.
Baker's Ship-Yard. — At the North End, next N of Rucks, 1722. So 1777,.
Ballantine's Corner. — Hanover-st. cor. Marshall's lane, 1732.
Ballard's Wharf. — Near the North Battery, 1769.
Ball's Alley. — Centre-st., p. 728.
Barrett Street. — Wentworth's lane. In 1831, from 83 Ann to Fulton-st.
Barrett's Wharf. — Near the foot of Cross-st. 1769. See p. 687.
Barrill's Corner. — In Newbury-st. cor. Sheafe's lane, 1732.
Barton's Point. — Termination of Leverett-st. Formely Blackstone's Point.
Bath Street. — See Horn Lane.
Battery Alley. — From Charter-st. by Mr. William Parkman's into Ship-st., nigh the North
Battery, 1708. — From Parkman's Corner in Ship-st. W to North-st., 1732. Battery-street.
Battery March. — From Hallaways [Hollowell's] Cor. by the end of Milk-st. liy the Batter}^
to the lower end of Gibb's lane.
Baxter's Corner. — Summer-st. cor. South, 1708.
Beach Street. — The way below Eliot's Barn in Orange-st., Eastward by the sea side, 1708.
Beacon. — In the early period of the settlement of Boston, the highest of the hills was selected
for a Beacon. This gave the name of Beacon Hill. See p. 327-8.
Beacon Hill. — The State House stands upon the southern part of Beacon Hill. It was at
first called Gentry Hill. See page 685.
Beacon Street. — So named from its vicinity to Beacon Hill, over the southern spur of which
it passes. The name was confirmed by the Town in 1732 ; at which time it extended only to
the present State House grounds.
Beard's Corner. — High-st. cor. Long-lane, 1708.
Beer L.\ne. — Bridge's lane, then Richmond-st. in 1708. Shaw says it was anciently called
Bur-lane ; if so, it was a corruption of Beer-lane, so named, doubtless, from Beer-lane in
London.
Belcher's Lane. — Southerly from Gibb's lane on Fort Hill, passing by Drinker's to the Rope-
walk, 1708. High-st.
Belcher's Wharf. — Second from Long whf. N side, 1722, 1769. This was Gov. Belcher's.
There was another Belcher's whf. at the North End, 1727.
Delknap Street. — Belknap's lane 1797, Belknap-st. 1803, Irving-st. 1855. In 1800, betw.
the late Gov. Hancock's and John Joy's to Cambridge-st.
Belknap's Yard. — Between Queen and Brattle streets. Cornhill-st. was cut through it.
Bell Alley. — From Wadsworth's cor. in Middle-st. E to the North Ch. 1708 ; so in 1732.
From Mrs. Barret's cor. E. to the Old North Square, 1800.
Belmont Street. — Gibb's lane, which see.
804 APPENDIX.
Bendall's Dock. — Where Quincy Market now is. So named from its principal owner, Edwd,
Bendall. There was also a Bendall-st. See p. 504.
Bennet Street. — The same now. Bennet's wharf was at the foot of Bennet-st. 1777.
Berry Lane. — At Hudson's Point, from Leverett-st. to the water, 1769. Berry's Ship-yard
near the same, 1769. So 1777.
Berry Street. — From the Meeting-house in Federal-st. to Atkinson-st. It bore this name
till 1845. It is now Channing-st. Said to have been named Bury-st. by Theodore Atkin-
son, who came from Bury in Lancashire, England.
Bethune's Corner. — Northern termination of Newbury, cor. Summer-st. in 1732.
BiELE AND Dove. — Sign at N. Proctor's Bookstore, 1741.
Bible and Three Crowns. — Sign at T. Henchman's Bookstore in Ann-st. 1728.
Bible and Heart. — Heart and Crown before 1775. — See Heart and Crown.
Bill's Corner. — In Ship-st. cor. Whitebread alley, 1732.
Bird Island. — About a mile from Long wharf. A considerable island in 1630, but has dis-
appeared. In 1794 it was dry at low tide. It was between Noddle's and Governor's Islands.
See p. 183.
Bishop's Alley. — From Clark's cor. in Summer-st. NW to Brovm's Cor. in Milk-st. 1732-
1800. Now Hawley-st.
Black Boy and Butt. — Jonathan Williams' sign, op. the Brazen Head in Cornhill, 1733.
It existed in 1760. A noted wine-store.
Black Horse Lane. — Mention is made of it in 1698. A part of what is now Prince-st. It
bore the original name as late as 1765.
Blackstone's Point. — Since Barton's Point, which see. It received its original name from
Wm. Blackstone, the first settler of Boston. See p. 96.
Blackstone Street. — Formerly Royal's alley, which see. The great Street now called after
Blackstone, was opened about 1834.
Blind Lane. — From the New South Church at Church Green, westerly to Pond-st. 1708.
So in 1732. Called Bedford-st in 1800.
Blue Anchor. — A noted tavern, for fifty years before the Revolution. Locality not ascer-
tained. There are to this day Blue Anchor signs in London.
Blue Ball. — The sign at Josiah Franklin's shop in Hanover, cor. Union st., where it is
believed Dr. Franklin was born. The building was standing in 1824.
Blue Bell. — The house of Nathaniel Bishop was so called in 1673. Perhaps in Bishop's
alley.
Blue Dog and Rainbow. — Sign of James Vincent, silk-dyer, in Cambridge-st. , "near the
Bowling Green, 1729. Vincent was from London.
Blue Gate. — See Crown and Blue Gate.
Blue Glove. — Sign of Philip Freeman's Bookstore in Union-st. 1762.
Board Alley. — Hawley-st., so called in 1792.
Bolt's Lane. — Changed to Winter-st. 1708. Paved about 1743.
Borland's Corner. — Milk-st., cor. Long-lane, 1708.
Boston Aqueduct Comp^vny. — Formed 1795, for bringing water from Jamaica Pond in Rox-
bury to the Town.
Boston Library. — Incorporated 1794. In Franklin-st., over the Arch.
Boston Museum. — " Feb. 28th, 1804, just opened by Philip Woods, at the large five-story
building over No. 6, north side of the Market." In 1807 Mr. Woods was at No. 8 Market
Square with his Museum ; in 1809, No. 5 Dock Square. This Museum was discontinued in
1822. — See Columbian Museum.
Boston Pier. — Long wharf was formerly so called.
Boston Stone. — A well known point in Marshall-st. since 1737. The Stone was originally a
paint-mill, and was imported from England, about 1700. It is hollow, and of a conical
form, of the capacity of about two barrels. The grinder to it was for a time lost ; but, being
found in the neighborhood, Avas restored to its fellow. It is of cylindrical form, and about
one and an half foot in diameter. Thus fixed it stood for about 100 years, at the end of
which period its appearance was somcAyhat changed by the erection of the present buildings
upon the site adjacent to it. It was sometimes used as a starting-point for surveyors.
Boston Theatre. — Stood at the cor. of Federal and Franklin sts., fronting the former. Built
1794, burnt Feb. 2d, 1798, re-built same year. This was Boston's first Theatre. When it
was built, and for some time after, there was no building very near it, so that when it was
burnt no other structure was destroyed. After other Theatres were built in the Town, this
was usually called the Federal-street. Theatre, for the sake of distinction. Its walls were of
brick. A distillery occupied the site on which it was built, and the ground was all open
from the rear of the Theatre to Hawley-st., and used as a pasture. It was often called by
play-goers. Old Drury. It stood till May, 1852, when it was sold, and the ground on which
it stood was immediately covered with capacious warehouses. The last play acted in " Old
Drury " was on the 8th of May, 1852, having the appropriate name of Speed the Plough.
It had been on the decline for several years, owing to the rise of other houses. It came near
APPENDIX.
806
being destroyed by a mob on the 19th Dec, 1825 ; occasioned by 'the imprudence of Edmund
Kean. The Handel and Haydn Soc. hired and converted it into a music hall, and named it
the Odeon, about 1837. See Odeon.
Bowdoin's Corner. — Corner of Southack's court and Tremont-st. 1732.
Bowe's Corner. — Union-st. cor. Salt-lane, 1708.
Bowling Green. — The space between Cambridge-st., the Mill Pond, and Sudbury-st. 1722.
BoYLSTON Alley. — In 1770 a passage leading from Cornhill to Brattle-st. See p. 777.
BoYLSTON Street. — Anciently Frug-lane, which see ; also p. 726.
Brattle Street — Is thus described in 1708 : — " The way from the middle of Wing's lane
to Mr. Column's Church, thence the two ways, viz., southerly to Queen-st. and easterly to
Dock Square." In 1732 : — "From Dock Square between Hutchinson's and Colson's to
Brattle-st. Church, thence S to Queen-st. and N to Wing's lane." In 1800 : — " Between
King's Tavern and Tuckerman's store to Dr. Thacher's Church, thence N to Wing's lane."
Brazen Head, The. — See p. 6-50. Long a noted sign in ancient Cornhill.
Bkeedons Wharf. — Capt. Thomas Breedon had a grant of a wharf, or a site on which to
erect one, prior to 30 (4) 1662, for 21 years. At this date the Town granted him an addi-
tional ten years' occupancy.
Brewsters The. — Islands belonging to Hull, to which Town they were granted about 1644
by the Gen. Court. They were claimed by Boston people afterwards. Contain about 25
acres.
Brick Alley. — Crooked-lane formerly.
Bridge's Lane. — See Beer Lane.
Bridewell. — See Almshouse.
Briscoe's Corner. — Marlborough-st. cor. Rawson's lane, 1708. So in 1732.
British Coffee House. — In Iving-st. kept by a Mr. Ballard, 1762. P. 731.
Broad Street. — See Marlborough-st.
Broad Street. — The way through the Town from the Neck was at first called the Broadway,
Broad-street, and often simply the Way. What is now Washington-st.
Broad Street. — The present Broad-street was built in 1806. It was anciently Flounder-
lane, which see. Broad is one of the most spacious streets in the city, being 70 feet in
width.
Bromfield Lane. — Rawson's lane till 1796. Changed to Bromfield-st. in 1829. See p. 598.
Brookline. — A part of Boston till 1705. Anciently Muddy River. See p. 531.
Brown's Corner. — In Milk-st. cor. Bishop's alley, 1732.
Buck, Sign of the. — Robert Pattishall's in Marlborough-st. 1733.
Buck and Breeches. — Joseph Belknap's sign in Ann-st. near the Draw Bridge, 1758.
Bull's Corner. — Summer-st. cor. Sea, 1708.
Bull's Wharf. — Foot of Summer-st.
Bunch of Grapes Tavern. — "In King-st. just below the Town House, 1724." — Kept by
Wm. Coffin, 1731, by Col. Joseph Ingersoll in 1764-9. On the present site of the N. Eng.
Bank.
Bury Street. — Miscalled Berry-st., which see. Also p. 576.
Butler's Corner. — The cor. made by King-st. and Merchants' Row, 1724.
Butler's Dock. — From ]\lerchants' Row to Spear's wharf.
Butler's Wharf. — Was next N. of Long wharf in 1722.
Byles' Wharf. — On the E side of the Neck, near Castle-st. 1777.
Cabinet and Chest of Drawers. — Mr. John Maverick's in ]Middle-st. 1733 ; where he sold
" choice good silver and gold lace, silver buttons, thread, and cloths."
Cambridge Street. — So named in 1708, and then described as " leading from Emmons' Cor-
ner, passing by Justice Lynde's pasture, and thence westerly to the Sea."
Carnes' Court. — In Ann-st. 1767.
Castle Island. — About 2^ miles from Long wharf. As early as 1634, a kind of fort was
erected upon it, which consisted of earthen embankments. Shaw says its first commander
was Capt. Simpkins. There was a Capt. Nicholas Simpkin at a later period. The Island
contained about eight acres, as estimated in the time of Capt. Edward Johnson. On this
Island has always been the chief fortification of Boston. On the accession of King William
it was named, in honor of him. Castle William, or Fort William. After the Revolution it
received its present name. Fort Independence.
Castle Street. — In 1732, crossed Orange-st. E and W, and extended each way " to the Sea."
Now E and W. Castle-st.
Castle Tavern. — In Mackerel-lane, cor. Crab-lane. Mentioned in 1675, and in 1693, as of
brick. Not a tavern in 1708.
Castle William. — The fort on Castle Island was so called from the accession of William and
Mary to the war of the Revolution.
Causeway. — One formerly connected the N and W portions of the Town.
Centre Street. — From Hanover to Ann, laid out in 1773, probably. See p. 728,
806 APPENDIX.
Gentry Haven. — See p. 514.
Gentry Hill. — Afterwards Beacon Hill.
Gentry Street. — " The way leading from Beacon-st. between Capt. Alford's land and Madam
Shrimpton's pasture," 1708. — Other streets have been called Gentry or Gentury-st., as a
part of Sudbury, part of Queen, and the whole of Park.
Gerwithy's Gorner. — In Prince-st. cor. Salem, 1708 ; so 1732.
Ghambers Street. — In 1732, from Gambridge to Green-st.
Ghange Alley. — Now Ghange-avenue, formerly Pierce's alley.
Ghange Avenue. — From 54 State to Market Sq. Formerly Pierce's alley, then Flagg-a., then
Ghange-avenue.
Ghanning Street. — Formerly Bury, then Berry-st.
Ghardon Street. — So named from Peter Ghardon, an eminent merchant, who lived at the
cor. Gambridge and Ghardon streets, on the spot where the Bowdoin Square Ghurch now
stands.
Gharlestown Bridge. — Extends from the foot of Prince-st. to Gharlestown, built in 1785-6 ;
1503 feet long, 42 broad, said to have cost £15,000 "lawful money." Its corporate name
is Gharles River Bridge. See p. 605. ,
Gharlestown Ferry. — From the first settlement of the Town to the completion of the
Gharles River Bridge, a Ferry was maintained over Gharles river to Gharlestown, nearly
upon the same line now occupied by the Bridge.
Gharter Street. — " Northwesterly from Mr. Rainsford's cor. in North-st. towards the Ferry-
point at Gharlestown," 1708. Same in 1732. So named, probably, on the grant of the new
Gharter of William and Mary.
Ghauncy Place. — The Place leading to the First Ghurch, from Summer-st. now (1856) made
a part of Ghauncy-st.
Gheckley's Entry. — Ann-st. cor. Swallow's alley, 1732.
Gheever's Wharf. — " Gapt. Cheever's wharf at the North End," 1746.
Ghelsea. — xV part of Boston till 1738. See p. 604.
Ghurch Square. — An open space around the Old or First Ghurch, when it stood in Cornhill,
afterAvards Gornhiil Square.
Glarke's Gorner. — Numerous corners have borne this name from an early period of the
Town's history ; and several at the same time.
Glarke's Square. — The space afterwards called North Square.
Glark Street. — Formerly Foster-st., which see. From 337 Hanover to Gommercial-st.
Glarke's Wharf. — A little to the south of the foot of Fleet-st., 1722. Afterwards Hancock's
whf., noted in the early revolutionary troubles.
Glough Street. — That part of the present Tremont-st. betw. Boylston and Hollis sts., 1769
to 1775.
Goffin's Field. — All that oblong space betw. Essex, Short, Summer and South sts. in 1777.
Gold Lane. — Now Portland-st. -In 1708, " from Hanover-st. NW'ly to the Mill Pond." In
1732, " from Harris' cor. in Hanover-st. to the Mill Pond." So in 1800. Called Cok lane,
1709. Ghanged to Portland-st. before 1816.
Gole's Garden. — Afterwards Boylston's. See p. 726.
Golson's Lane. — " Near the Great Trees at the South End," 1740.
Golson's Stone House. — In Dock Sq. bet. Gornhiil and Brattle sts., 1732.
Golumbian Museum. — Near the head of the Mall, cor. Bromfield-lane. Established by Daniel
Bowen in 1795. He commenced an exhibition of wax figures in 1791, opp. the Bunch of
Grapes in Ann-st. It was burnt 15 Jan., 1803. ]\Ir. Bowen then opened another at the
cor. of Milk and Oliver sts.. May following. In 1806, Mr. B., in connection with Wm. M.
S. Doyle, erected an extensive building of five stories in Tremont-street, bet. the Ghapel
burying-ground and Gourt-st. This was burnt 16 Jan., 1807. Another small edifice was
soon erected, and this Museum was kept up till 1 Jan., 1825, when it was sold to the New
Eng. Museum. Daniel Bowen died in Philadelphia, Pa., 29 Feb. 1856, aged 96. He was
uncle to the late Abel Bowen, publisher of the Picture of Boston, Snow's History, the Bos-
ton News- Letter, &c.
Gommon, The. — Received its name from the fact of its being common land, land common to
all the inhabitants. It is a reservation out of the original grant to the Massachusetts
Gompany ; and was held by the Government of said Company for the common benefit of
the Gompany and their successors. It was originally much larger than it now appears,
having been curtailed by grants of parts of it, until it was thought by those in office to be
sufiiciently reduced in size to be in just proportion to the settled parts of the Town. See
page 530. There wei'e several common fields which were granted to the people from time
to time. The wooden fence around the Common was burnt for fuel when the British troops
occupied the Town in the Revolution. It was a common cow-pasture within the present
century.
Common Burying-ground. — South-westerly part of the Gommon, set apart soon after the
Revolution.
Conant's Island. — So calU'd in 16.^2. in Avliich year. April 3d, it was granted to Gov. Win-
APPENDIX.
807
tlirop for a garden, and after that it went by the name of the Governor's Garden, then Gov-
ernor's Island.
Concert Hall. See p. 641.
Concert Room. — In Wing's lane, 1733.
Conduit. — In Dock Sq. See p. 350.
Congress Street. — Formerly Leverett's lane, also Quaker-lane. It received the name of
Congress-st. 1788.
Cook's Court. — The way back of the South Grammar School, 1784.
Cooper's Allev. — From Milk-st. to Water-st, 1708. Afterwards Miller's lane, then Adams-
st. now Kilby.
Copper Street. — From the foot of Leverett by the water to Poplar, 1807 ; changed to Brigh-
ton-st. in 1820.
Copp's Hill. — See pages 141, 549-50.
Corn Court. — " The way leading from Justice Palmer's warehouse in Corn Market up to
Moorcock's buildings," 1708. " Opposite the S side of Faneuil Hall," 1803. Same now.
In 1784, up by Dr. Noyes'.
Cornfield. — "The sign of the Cornfield," near the Mill Bridge, 1733. In Union-st.
17G3.
CoRNHiLL. — Fort Hill was so called at one time ; then the section of the Main-st. from School-
st. to " Clark the pewterer's shop." This was in 1708. In 1732, the same space is de-
scribed, "from Marlborough-st. to Colsou's stone house." The name was transferred, in
1828, to what is now Cornhill. See Market-st.
CoRNHiLL Square. — Church Square in Cornhill took this name about 1809.
Corn Market. — " From the Sun Tavern in Dock Sq. E. to Merchant's Row," 1732. " Be-
tween King-st. and Dock Sq. on Pierce's alley." It was the same in 1708.
Cotton Hill. — So named from the residence of the Rev. John Cotton. See Index.
Court Square. — In King-st. 1763. See Half Square Court. Since the completion of the
New Court House (now the City Hall) in 1811, the square on its S front, has been so
called.
Cove. — The several coves about the Town are simply so called in the early records, but in
time The Cove was that where Quincy Market now stands.
Cowell's Corner. — In Newbury, cor. West st. 1708. So in 1732.
Cow Lane. — " From Mory's cor. in Summer-st. NE to F«rt Hill," 1708. Changed to High-
st. about 1803.
Crab Alley. — " The way back of late Read's, pump and bl. maker, to Vose's Wood-wharf,"
1800. From Liberty Square to Broad-st., 1817.
Crab Lane. — " From the house formerly the Castle Tavern, in Mackerel-lane, by Halloway's
wharf to the sea," 1732. Part of what is now Kilby-st.
Creek Lane. — " From Brooks's cor. in Marshall's lane, by Mr. Bulfinch's to Scottow's alley,"
1708. " From Scottow's alley to Boston Stone," 1800. Since Creek Square.
Creek Square. — South side Mill Creek, back of Union and Ann sts., since 1803.
Crescent. — Franklin-st. at first called The Crescent, then Franklin-place.
Cromwell's Head. — Tavern in School-st., kept by Anthony Bracket in 1760, by his widow
from 1764 to 1768, by Joshua Bracket, 1789. Building No. 19 and 21 are nearly upon the
site.
Crooked Alley. — From Cow to Belcher's lane, or, " by Wharton's house in Cow-lane east-
erly into Harrison's Ropewalk." 1708 — 1732.
Crooked Lane. — In 1708, " the way from Mr. Powning's cor. by Dock Sq. southerly into
King-st." So in 1769. Now Wilson's lane.
Cross Street. — " From the Mill Pond south-easterly, by the late Dea. Phillips' stone house
to the sea," 1708. From the N end of Ann-st. to the Mill Pond, 1732. Now, from Com-
mercial-st. to Endicott-st.
Cross Tavern. — On the cor. of Cross and Ann streets, 1732.
Crown and Blue Gate. — Mr. John Checkley's sign, 1732, " over against the W end of the
Town House," where he sold books.
Crovtn and Comb. — Richard Billing's sign, in Cornhill near the Post Office, 1760.
Crown and Sceptre. — A noted sign in Back-st., 1768.
Crown Coffee House. — At the foot of King-st., 1724.
Custom House — Before the Revolution it stood in State-st., on the E cor. of Royal Exchange
lane, where the Union Bank now stands. Perez Morton afterwards lived there. See p.
780.
Daforn's Corner. — See Mackerel Lane. Mrs. Dafforn's cor. in Milk-st., 1708.
Daggett's Alley. — Battery-al. so called as late as 1807.
Dalton's Lane. — That part of Leverett's lane bet. Water and Milk sts. So named for Peter
Roe Dalton, the first Cashier of the Massachusetts Bank, 1784.
Dalton's Row. — In Dalton's lane.
Dassett's Alley. — From Brattle Sq. southerly to Court-st. Now Franklin Avenue. See p.
520. Miscalled Dorset's Alley from 1803 to about 1815, when it received its present name.
808 APPENDIX.
•
Davies' Lane. — That part of what is now Beacon-st. from the State House yard to near
Walnut-st., then Allen's orchard.
D'Acosta's' Pasture. — The space betw. Milk and Summer sts., and fr. Bishop's alley to
Long-lane, 1777.
Deering's Corner. — In Cornhill, cor. Queen-st. 1708-1732.
Deer Island. — On 23 (12) 1662, " John Shaw having assigned his lease of Deer I. to Sir
Thomas Temple, who desireth to renew said lease, which is granted him for 21 years."' It
is 4i miles from Long whf. The New Almshouse has been located here since its removal
fi'om Barton's point, in 1825.
Devonshire Street. — First so called in 1784. Previously Pudding-lane, which see. De-
scribed in 1800, " from Abiel Smith's in State-st. S to Water-st.
DiSTiLLHOusE Square. — From the foot of HaAvkins-st. , round by Ivers, to Sudbury-st. 1800.
DoANE Street. — First so called in 1807. Nearly corresponding to what was Lobster-alley.
Doble's AV"nARF — Afterwards Noble's whf.
Dock. — The Cove at Dock Sq. was The Dock, The Cove, dfc.
Dock Square. — The place around The Dock, thus laid down in 1708. " The Sq. from the
house of Eliakim Hutchinson, Esq., to Mr. Pemberton's cor., on one side ; and from Ken-
ney's shop to Mr. Meer's cor. on the other side." In 1732, " From Colson's stone house to
the Sun Tavern, thence to Jackson's & Brook's cors., and back to Hutchinson's."
Dog and Pot. — An ancient sign in Fish-st. at the head of Barrett's whf.
Dorset's x\LLEy. — See Dasset's Alley.
Drake's Wharf. — Sea-st. 1826. Formerly Capen & Drake's.
Draw Bridge. — In Ann-st. Ordered to be re-built in 1686.
Draw Bridge Street. — Afterwards Ann-st.
Dummer's Corner. — " Justice Dummer's cor. in King-st., cor. Mackrill-la.," 1708. " Dum-
mer's cor. in School-st., cor. Governor's alley," 1732.
Dyer's Wharf. — On " the back of the Town Dock." Wm. Stow kept a store there 1755.
E.\gle. — The sign of Elcazer Phillips' Bookstore, in Newbury-st. 1712.
Edes' Ship-yard. — Near the E end of Flounder-la. 1722; afterwards Tilestofi's wharf.
Edwards' Corner. — In Fish-st. cor. Wood-lane, 1732.
Elbow Alley. — In 1708, from Ann-st. bet. the late Capt. Lake's and Nanney's buildings, to
Mr. Indicot's shop in Cross-st. It was a quarter of a circle, cutting off the S'ly cor. of Ann
and Cross sts. Does not appear in maps after 1769.
Elephant. — Benjamin Landon's sign at the lower end of King-st. 1733.
Eliot's Corner. — In Orange, cor. Essex st. 1732.
Ellis' Corner. — In Newbury, cor. Winter st. 1732.
Elliston's Corner. — Lower end of Cross, cor. Ann st. 1708.
Elm Street. — Wing's lane till 1799. From Dock Sq. to Hanover st.
Emmons' Corner. — Cor. Sudbury and Cambridge sts. 1708. So in 1732.
Endicott Street. — Opened about 1836. From Hanover and Salem sts. to Charlestown
Bridge. A part of the ancient Old Way.
Essex Street. — Same now. Described in 1708, " easterly from Dea. Eliott's cor. in Orange-
st., by the late Dea. Allen's, to Windmill point." So in 1732.
Everton's Corner. — Near Scarlet's whf. in Ship-st. 1708.
Exchange. — The lower part of the Town House formerly, and then that of the Court or State
House.
Exchange Coffee House. — The most imposing building of its time, having cost about 500,000
dollars. It was burnt 3 Nov. 1818, and rebuilt not long after. It was taken down in 1854,
and an immense free-stone structure erected on the spot, which was finished in May, 1855,
and called The City Exchange.
Exchange Lane. — Shrimpton's la. till 1803.
E.xchange Street. — Exchange-lane till 1816.
Faireweather's Corner. — Corner of School and Tremont sts. 1708.
Faneuil's Corner. — In King-st. cor. Merchants' Row, 1732.
Faneuil Hall. — See pages 610, 611.
Faneuil Hall Square. — Same as Corn Market, which see.
Faust's Statue. — Long the sign of a printing-house in Newbury-st.
Federal Street. — Long-lane till 1788. See p. 576.
Ferry Way. — Part of Lynn-st. In 1708, " along the shore from Hudson's point SW'ly to
the Mill stream by Mr. Gee's building yard." In 1732, "from the W end of Lynn-st.
round the beach to Ferry wharf."
Ferry Wharf. — At Hudson's point.
Fields. — Ungranted spaces or lots belonging to the Town, during the early period of its set-
tlement ; as, the Fort-field, at or about Fort Hill ; the Mill-field, about the Windmill on
Copp's Hill ; the New-field, between Cambridge-st. and Poplar-st. on the Cove ; Gentry
Hill field, at Beacon Hill, &c.
FrsH Market. — In 1708, " from Antram's cor. nigh the Conduit, NE'ly by the side of the
APPENDIX. 809
Dock, to Mr. Winsor's warehouse." In 1732, " from Pitt's cor. in Ann-st. round the Dock
to Pitt's whf."
Fish Street. — " From Mountjoy's cor. lower end of Cross-st. , N'ly to the sign of the Swan, by
Scarlet's whf. 1708." North-st.
Fitch's Allev. — See Pierce's Alley.
Fitche's Lane. — The way op. Mrs. Carter's into Cambridge-st. 1800. See Stoddard Street.
Fitche's Corner. — In Union-st., end of Marshall's lane, 1708. So in 1732. Capt. Fitch's
cor. in King-st. cor. Pierce's alley.
Flagg Alley. — So called from 1828 to 1840. From 60 State-st. to Market Sq. Change-
avenue.
Flag-Staff. — A noted one in Liberty Square, called Liberty Pole, and at Liberty Tree ; one
raised on the Common 28 June, 1837, 120 feet in height.
Fleet Street. — In 1708, " from Williams' cor. nigh Mr. Jonas Clark's, E'ly to the Sea by
Scarlet's whf." In 1732, " at the N end of Fish-st. from Scarlet's whf. W to the upper end
of Middle-st." In 1800, " from Scarlet's whf. to Mr. Murray's meeting-house." Now (1856)
from 349 Hanover-st. to Eastern Rail-r. whf. Its name is doubtless from old Fleet-st. in
London.
Flounder Lane. — From the foot of Summer-st. KE'ly by the water, " with the turn up to
the Ropewalk," 1708. From Bull's to Adams' whfs. 1722. So 1732. Name not used
after 1803. Now the S end of Broad-st.
Fore Street. — An early name for Ann-st., or a part of it ; probably the part opposite Back-
st. I do not find it so called upon any of the maps.
Forts. — See Fortification, Fort Hill, Battery, &c.
Fort Hill. — See Index.
Fort Independence. — See Castle Island.
Fort Strong. — On Noddle's Island, built in 1814, and named in honor of Gov. Strong.
Fort "Warren. — On Governor's Island.
Fort William. — Or Castle William. See Castle Island.
Foster Street. — TFrom Richard's cor. in Ship-st. W by the New North Ch. to North-st. 1732.
Now Clark-st.
Foster's Wharf. — Next S of Rowe's whf. ; formerly Wheelwright's.
Four Point Channel. — Near the end of Long wharf.
Fox Hill. — Several small knolls were known by this name in early times. The principal is
on the shore of the Back Bay, laid dovra on the map of 1722, in a line with the Great
Tree and West-st. — On a map of 1777 there is a Fox Hill to the N of Beacon-st. near the
water.
Franklest Aventje. — Formerly Dassett's alley. Ben. Franklin served his time in a printing-
office standing at the head of this alley in Court-st. ; hence the present name. The change
of name was about 1815.
Franklin Place. — Laid out in 1792, through Greenleaf's, formerly D'Acasta's pasture, and
was built as it now appears in 1793-4, and at first called The Crescent. Now Franklin-st.
Franklin Street. — From 47 Marlboro' to Hawley-st., formerly Vincent's lane. Now from
184 Washington to Federal st. Name applied to the whole in 1846.
Frary's Corner. — The late Capt. Frary's cor. in Orange-st. and Frog-lane, 1708.
Freeman's Wharf. — Near the foot of Sliding-alley NE of the Ferryway, 1792. So 1769.
Freemasons' Arms. — Name given to the Green Dragon tavern in 1764, but it did not long
obtain.
Friend Street. — Formerly Friends-st. Opened before 1769. "From Noble's cor. to the
Mill Pond, 1800."
Frizzell's Corner. — In Garden Court in 1708.
Frog Lane. — " From the late Capt. Frary's cor. [in Orange-st.] W'd to the bottom of the
Common, with a turn S'ly down to the sea," 1708. " From Well's cor. in Orange-st. Wto
the Sea at the bottom of the Common," 1732. Called Boylston-st. 1809.
Front Street. — Built in 1806-7, near three fourths of a mile in length, perfectly straight,
and 70 feet wide. From Rainsford's lane to South Boston bridge. Changed to Harrison-
avenue in honor of Gen. Harrison, in 1841.
Gallop's Alley. — " From Fish to Middle st. bet. land of John Clark, Esq., and the suc-
cessor of Samuel Gallop, deceased," 1708. Changed to Mechanic-st. 1825.
Gallop's Island. — Between Lovell's and Rainsford's islands, six miles from the City. Con-
tained about 16 acres in 1649, and then belonged to Capt. John Gallop, and valued at £12.
Gallows. — Before the Revolution there was a permanent Gallows on the Neck near the pres-
ent burying-ground, and on the E side of the highway.
Garden. — See Public Garden.
Garden Court. — " Northerly from Madam Winsley's cor. betw. Col. Foster's and Mr. Friz-
zell's into Fleet-st." 1708. In 1732, from Bell-alley cor. North to Fleet-st. Name retained.
See p. 700.
Garden Street. — Laid out about 1800. From Cambridge S to May st. 1803. Now from
114 Cambridge to Myrtle st.
102
810 APPENDIX.
Gardner's Corner. — In Fish-st. cor. Sun-court, 1732.
Gay Alley. — Killer's lane, sometimes so called.
Gee's Corner. — Prince, cor. Back st., 1732.
Gee's Ship-Yard. — At the foot of Prince-st. 1722. So 1732.
George's Island. — Six and an half miles from the City.
George Street. — In 1732, from Beacon, nearly to Cambridge st. In 1784, fi'om Capt. Mac-
Kay's still-house, S'ly by Box's to Gov. Hancock's stables. Now Hancock-st.
George Tavern. — On the Neck, near Roxbury line. The Gen. Court sat there in 1721.
Simon Rogers kept it from 1730 to 1734, in vrhich last year (7 April) he died. In 1769 it
was taken by Edwd. Bardin from N. York, and called the King's Arms. One Gideon Gard-
ner preceded him.
Gibbin's Ship-Yard. — On the E side of the Neck, near the Fortification, 1722. So 1777.
Gibbon's Court. — Out of Newbury-st. W, 1784. In 1816, bet. 7 and 8 Newbury-st.
GiBBs' Lane. — From Belcher's to Cow-lane, 1708. Belmont-st. 1845.
GiBBs' Wharf. — Near what is now Fort Hill whf.
Glidden's Ship-Yard. — Near Fish-st. before the Revolution.
Golden Ball. — Dock Sq., near the head of Green's whf., 1760.
Golden Cock, — In Ann-st. 1733. John Cutler's sign, who kept hard ware " over against
Dr. Ashton's, in Marlboro ugh-st." 1762.
Golden Eagle. — In Dock Sq. 1758. Kept by Lewis Deblois in 1769.
Golden Fleece. — In King-st. 1749, near Mr. Jotham Maverick's. Ebenezer Lowell's store
in 1762.
Golden Key. — Nathaniel Abrahams' sign in Ann-st. 1761. He kept English goods.
Governor's Alley. — "From Dummer's cor. in School-st. SW to Rawson's lane," 1732.
Changed to Province-st. in 1833.
Governor's Island. — See Conant's Island.
Granary. — In the Common where Park-st. now is, at or near the site of Park-st. Church. It
was a long wooden building, calculated to contain 12,000 bushels of grain.
Gray's Lane. — " From Belcher's to Cow-lane," 1732. Included in Atkinson-st. 1816.
Gray's Ropewalk. — In the vicinity of Atkinson-street.
Gray's Wharf. — Near the foot of Gray's lane in 1722, then called Gray-alley. RuBsell's
wharf, 1794.
Green's Corner. — Queen-st. cor. Hiller's lane, 1732.
Green Lane. — Salem-st. was so called at one period.
Green's Lane. — A part of what was afterwards Atkinson-st.
Green Dragon. — Sign of a noted tavern in Union-st. John Gary was licensed to keep it 5
Oct. 1697. Joseph Kilder kept it in 1734, who came from " The Three Cranes " in Charles-
town. See Freemasons' Arms. Its last vestiges disappeared about 1854.
Green Street. — " The way on that side of the livery-stable in Justice Lynde's pasture to Mr.
Allen's farm-house," 1708. "From Wells' cor. in Cambridge-st. NW to Barton's Point,"
1732.
Greenough's Alley. — From Lynn-st. through Greenough's ship-yard, SW to Charter-st., 1732.
Greenough's Ship- Yard. — At the North End, foot of Greenough's alley, 1732. So 1777.
Gridley's Lane. — From Belcher's to Cow-lane, 1732. So in 1708, but described, — "the
way from John Roberts' house in Cow-lane, E'ly by Capt. John Bonner's into the rope-
walk." Changed to Gridley-st. about 1824.
Gridley Street. — Formerly Gridley's lane.
Griffin's Wharf. — James Griffin kept on it 1760, and William Griffin, 1769. The wharf
where the Indians destroyed the tea, 16 Dec. 1773. Called Liverpool whf. since about 1815.
Half Square Court. — " From King-st. by the house of Isaac Addington, Esq., with the re-
turn into Pudding-lane," 1708. In 1732, "from Maccarty's cor. turning into Pudding-
lane." About what is now the City Exchange.
Hallowell's Corner. — Milk, cor. Battery-march st., 1732 — 1769.
Hallowell's Ship- Yard. — Between the foot of Milk and Battery-m. st., 1732 — 1769.
Hallowell's Wharf. — On Crab-alley.
Hamilton Avenue. — Named in 1823. — See Quincy Lane.
Hamilton Place. — So named about 1806. Here stood the old Manufactory-house.
Hamilton Street. — So named about 1808. Formerly Sconce-lane.
Hancock Street. — Named for the Patriot John Hancock, before 1800. " From Joseph Rip-
ley's house in Cambridge-st., S'ly by B. Austin's to the late Gov. Hancock's stables." 1800.
Hancock's Wharf. — Previously Clark's whf., which see.
Hanover Street. — Between Houchin's cor. and the sign of the Orange-tree, N'ly to the Mill
bridge, 1708. Extends now from Court-st. to Chelsea ferry.
Hanover Square. — Corner of Essex and Newbury. See pp. 713, 716, 717.
Harris' Corner. — In Hanover-st. cor. Cold-lane, 1732.
Harrison Avenue. — See Front-st. Now from Essex to Northampton-st.
Harrison's Ropewalk. — See Crooked Alley.
APPENDIX. 811
Harrod's Corner. — In Prince-st. cor. of Salem, 1782.
Hart's Ship- Yard. — At the North End. Here the Continental frigate was built, about
1795.
Harvard Street. — Original name of HoUis-st. Harvard's wharf was at the foot of it.
Hat and Helmet. — The sign of Daniel Jones, furrier, Newbury-st., 1758.
Haugh's Corner. — In Marlborough-st. cor. School, 1708.
Hawkins Street. — From Bill and Smith's cor. into Cambridge-st., 1732. In 1800, from about
the middle of Sudbury-st. to Distill-house Sq. Familiarly known as Tattle-st.
Hawley Street. — So named in 1800. From Trinity Church in Summer-st. to Milk-st.
Haymarket Theatre. — A large wooden building, on what is now Tremont-st., just N of the
Winthrop House, open 26 Dec. 1796 ; said then to be the most spacious and convenient.
Theatre in America. The late James A. Dickson, a well-known merchant in Cornhill,
then made his fii-st appearance upon the stage. He died April 1st, 1853, fe. 79. It con-
tinued but six years, being then sold and demolished at an expense of 700 dollars. Great
danger was apprehended from its liability to take fire. It took it name, probably, from
being built upon the site of a hay-market.
Heart and Crown. — Sign of T. Fleet's printing-office, cor. Cornhill and Water-st., 1748. In
1763, Thomas and John Fleet kept there. They published the Boston Evening Post, with
an engraving of the Heart and Crown in the centre of the heading. After the Revolu-
tion it was changed to the Bible and Crown. Now 124 Washington-st.
Henchman's Lane. — From Aves' cor. in Lynn-st. S to Charter-st., 1732. Changed to Hench-
man-st. , 1850. From 35 Charter to Commercial st.
High Street. — Cow-lane. Took the name of High-st. 1803. " The High-st." is mentioned
as early as 1645. See Index.
High Way. — Several of the principal ways were so denominated during the early settlement
of the Town.
Killer's Lane. — From Pollard's cor. in Brattle-st. through Mr. Belknap's yard into Queen-
St., 1708 ; som^imes Gay-alley. In 1800, from Prentice's cor. by Gore's painting-yard to
Court-st. Took the name of Brattle-st. 1821.
Hill's Wharf. — Next Scarlet's in 1671 ; another at the foot of South-st., 1732.
Hog Alley. — In 1708, the new al. bet. ]\Ir. Blyn's and Durant's, in Newbury-st., W'ly to the
Common. An attempt to shut it up was made in 1763, being complained of as a nuisance ;
but the attempt did not succeed. It soon after took the name of Sheaf's lane, which it bore
till 1827. Now Avery-st.
Hog Island. — Bet. Noddle's isl. and Chelsea, 2i miles from Long whf. June 4th, 1687. ' ' The
lightning awfully shattered a tree there." Thomas Cornell sold it (or 3 a. of it) in 1639
to Edwd. Tyng.
Holland's Coffee House. — Near cor. Howard and Court sts., 1723. Ephraim Holland kept
it till ab. 1830. See Pemberton House.
Hollis Street. — Formerly Harvard-st. Changed to its present name in 1731. Page 589.
HoLYOKE Street. — From Dr. Byles' house to Wm. Foster's, late Powell's, 1784. Treraont-st.
Horn Lane. — From Milk, N to Water st., 1708, between Maj. Walley's and Mr. Bridgham's
land. Bath-st. 1807, on account of the baths in it. See Tanner's Lant:, which was its
proper name. Called Horn-la. from its crookedness.
Houchin's Corner. — N cor. Queen and Hanover sts., 1708.
House of Industry. — At South Boston. It succeeded the old Almshouse, which was at Bar-
ton's Point, ab. 1821.
Howard Street. — Formerly Southack's court, which see.
Hudson's Lane. — So called from William Hudson. Between Elder Pen's and Mr. Wilson's
Garden, 1658. Wing's la. 1708. Elm-st. 1799.
Hudson's Point. — The extreme NW point of the Tovra. See Index.
Hull Street. — Southerly from Snow Hill to Salem-st., 1708.
Hutchinson Street. — - From Cow-la. to Milk, 1732. So 1796. Pearl-st. 1800. See p. 699.
Hutchinson's Wharf. — Between Clarke and Scarlet's whfs., 1722. So 1777.
Indian Queen Tavern. — In Bromfield-la. Had a sign of an Indian Queen for a long period.
The present Bromfield House occupies the spot. It was a noted stage-tavern in clays of
stages. Isaac Trask kept it, and after him his widow, Nabby, till 1816. Then the late well-
known Simeon Boyden. Preston Shepard in 1823.
India Street. — Built about 1807.
Inner Temple. — In Prison-lane, 1727. The name was probably given by Caleb Spurrier, and
continued but a short time.
Island of Boston. — All N of Mill Creek was formerly so designated.
Ireland's Wharf. — "A good wood warffe, near the North Battery, commonly called Ire-
land's warfFe," 1729.
Jackson's Corner. — In Dock Sq. at the head of Town Dock, 1732. There was at the same
time a cor. at the Mill creek in Ann-st. of the same name.
Jephson's Corner. — In Marshal's, cor. Creek lane, 1732.
812 APPENDIX.
Jotlieff's Lane. — From "Water to Milk st. 1708, " the name by which it hath been formerly
known." Written JolUff's, 1732. Devonshire-st. 1796.
Kennyr's Corner. — In Dock Square, 1708.
Kenrick's Wharf. — On the E side of Town Dock, 1652.
KiLBY Street. — Mackerel-la. till ab. 1769.
King's Arms. — The George Tavern took this name, 1769. See George Tavern. In 1650
Hugh Gunnison, vintner, owned a house " known by the name of the sign of the King's
Arms," which with lands, brew-house, &c., he mortgaged to John Sampson, Henry Shrimp-
ton, and Wm. Brenton, for £000. In 1740, John Kneeland, " near the Town Dock," had a
store with a sign of the King's Arms.
King's Head. — Tavern "by Scarlet's whf.," burnt in 1691. Rebuilt. James Davenport
kept it 1755, or another of the same sign, and his widow 1758.
King Road. — A road-stead for ships near Castle Island. Now President's road.
King Street. — " From Cornhill, including the ways on each side of the Town-house, east-
erly to the Sea," 1708. " From the W. end of the Town-house to Long whf. ," 1732. Called
State-st. in 1784.
Kneeland Street. — From Orange-st. to the water, next S of Beech-st., 1777. Kneeland 's
whf. at the foot.
L.\JiB Tavern. — The sign of the Lamb is mentioned as early as 1746. In 1700 Col. Doty's
was the sign of the Lamb. In 1826, Edward Kingman, Jr., kept the Lamb Tavern, 896
Washington-st. It was discontinued as a tavern soon after.
Leverett's Lane. — From Maccarty's cor. in King-st. to Elder Bridgham's warehouse in
Water-st. 1708. After 1788, Congress-st. Called at one time Quaker-lane.
Leverett Street. — So named before 1769. From Tucker's cor. to the New Almshouse, 1800.
Leverett's Wharf. — At the foot of what is now State-st., on the S side.
Liberty Hall. — About Liberty Tree. P. 738.
Liberty Pole. — A lofty flag-staff several years standing in Liberty Sq. Removed about the
close of the last war with England.
Liberty Square. — The space at the termination of Kilby, Water, and Adams sts. 1803.
Liberty Tree. — Cor. Essex and Newbury st. See p. 693, 703. It was cut down about the
last week in August, 1775, by a party of British, led by one Job Williams. One of the
party lost his life by accident on the occasion. It made 14 cords of wood.
Lighthouse. — Built at Beacon Island, 1715. See p. 553. One on Minot's Ledge was de-
stroyed in a terrible storm on the night of the 16th of April, 1851, and two men in it.
xVrrangements to rebuild it made in 1855.
Lighthouse Tavern. — In King-st., 1718, on the S side opposite the Town-house. There was
one at the North End in 1763. See p. 664.
Lime Alley. — From the burying-place in Charter-st. to Aikin's lime-kiln in Lynn-st., 1708.
From Aikin's lime-kiln in Lynn-st. SW to the new burying-place, 1732. Now from Charter
to Commercial.
Link Alley. — From the Sign of the Star in Hanover, N'd behind Capt. Everton's, 1708. From
the Star Tavern N to the mill, 1722. From Frobusher's cor. in Hanover, the back way to the
Mills, 1784.
Liverpool Wharf. — Formerly Griffin's, which see.
Lobster Alley. — From Kilby-st. to the water, on or near the present Doane-st.
Logwood Tree. — A tavern sign in Lynn-st., 1732, kept by Joshua Pierce.
London Bookstore. — Head of King-st. N side, 1762, kept by James Rivington. Kept by
Mien & Fleeming, in 1768.
London Coffee House. — Benj. Harris sold books there in 1689.
Longacre Street. — Bet. Winter and School, next the Mall, 1777, now Tremont.
Long Island. — Between Nix's Mate and Spectacle IsL, 4| miles from the City. Long Island
Light is on its NE head, "over against Nix's Mate." William Joy owned land there in
1643, and sold 2 a. of it to Leonard Buttells. John Gallop owned 4 a. of it, 1649. The
Long Island House, an elegant hotel, was erected there previous to 1853.
Long Lane. — From Cow-lane to Milk-st., afterwards Federal, which see.
Long Wharf. — See p. 530.
Love Lane. — In 1708, NW'ly from Capt. Stephens' cor. in North-st. into Bennet-st. So
named from a family. Mrs. Susanna L. owned an estate at the cor. of Bennet and Tileston
sts., which she sold in 1712, on which now stands the Eliot school. Changed to Tileston-st.
ab. 1820.
Lovel's Island. — Betw. Long Isl. and Great Brewster, 0.^ ms. fi-om the city ; perhaps reed, its
name from William Lovel, who was here as early as 1635. Hull had it by grant in 1652,
but did not possess it in 1663. One Geoi'ge Worthylake lived on it in 1734.
Lynde Street. — From Cambridge to Green st., so named from the Lynde family. In 1708,
" Justice Lynde's pasture " extended across from one of those sti-eets to the other. Laid out
and named ab. 1732. "The late Simon Lynde's mansion-house" was at the northerly
termination of Tremont-st., 1708. At the same time " Justice Lynde's corner" was in
Hanover-st, cor. Wing's lane.
APPENDIX. 813
Lynn Street. — From the North Battery, NW'ly to the Ferry-way at Hudson's point, 1708.
In 1784, from the North Battery to the Old Ferry-way at Hudson's point where the new 74
is on the stocks.
Maccarty's Corner. — Cor. of King-st. and Leverett's lane, 1708. See Half Square Court.
Mack-Rill Lane. — In 1708, " the way leading from Justice Duramer's cor. in King-st., pass-
ing over the bridge as far as INIr. Daforn's cor. in Milk-st." In 1732, from King to Water
St. Very narrow till the great fire of 1760.
MacNeil's Ropewalk. — Along Hutchinson-st. , between it and Atkinson, before and during
the Revolution.
Mall. — About 1790, the Mall is thus described : " It is on the eastern side of the Common ;
in length 1410 feet ; divided into two walks parallel to each other, separated by a row of
trees. On the outside of each walk is also a row of trees which agreeably shade them."
In 1807, " a public walk, 600 yds. in length," &c.
Manley's Buildings. — In Elbow-alley in 1708.
Manufactory House. — See General Index.
Margaret Lane. — The way about the middle of Sheaffe-st. down to Prince-st., 1784.
Market Place. — About the Dock. Same as Market Square.
Market Street. — Afterwards Cornhill, which see.
MjVRLborough Street. — In 1708, the Broad-st., from Penneman's cor. head of Summer-st., to
Haugh's cor. School-st. Now "Washington-st.
Marshall's Lane. — In 1708, from Capt. Ballentine's cor. near the Mill bridge, to the cor.
of Capt. Fitche's tenement in Union-st. So in 1732. Also from Webb's cor. E to Creek-
lane. Marshall-st.
Marsh Lane. — From Bradford's in Dock Sq. E to Creek-lane.
Market Street. — What is now Cornhill was named Market-st. in 1817 ; being then newly
laid out. See Cornhill.
May Street. — Revere-st. It had borne its original name about 100 years, and now (1855)
changed for no good reason.
Mechanic Street. — See Gallop's Alley.
Meer's Corner. — On the S'ly side of Dock Sq., cor. of Corn Market, 1708.
Melyne's Corner. — In 1708, the N'ly termination of Common-st.
Merchants' Row. — In 1732, from Faneuil's cor. in King-st. " i-ound to Woodmansie's
wharf." Capt. George Mead's warehouse was in M. R. in 1724, also Mr. Wm. Clarke ;
Tidmarsh & Appleton, in 1727.
Merry's Point. — The point on which was built the North Battery; " highly finished " in
1666. Now Battery wharf. Here was also Merry's wharf. There was a Merry's wharf nt
the foot of Fleet-st. in 1796.
Middle Street. — In 1708, from the Mill bridge N'ly to Jonas Clarke's cor., at the end of
Bennet-st. In 1815, from Mill creek to North-st. Called Hanover-st. 1825.
MiDDLECOTT Street. — From Joseph Coolidge's in Cambridge-st. up to Joseph Callender's,
1800. Bowdoin-st. 1825.
Milk Street. — So named probably from Milk-st. in London. Described in 1708, " from the
South Meeting-house, passing by Mr. Borland's and Madam Oliver's down to the Sea by
Halloway's " [Hallowell's.]
Miller's Lane. — In 1807, from Liberty Sq. to Milk-st. — See Cooper's Alley.
Mill Bridge. — In Hanover-st., over the Mill creek It was of wood till 1793, when one of
stone was substituted.
Mill Creek. — Extended from the Harbor to the Bay or Mill pond, nearly upon a line with
the present Blackstone-st.
Mill Field. — On Copp's Hill, about the Windmill. See Index.
Minot's Court. — From Union-st. SW'ly, bet. the buildings of the late Capt. Clarke, 1708.
From Royal's house in Dock Sq. W, 1732. From Grant's cor. in Union-st. up to Faxon's,
1800. Scott-st.
Minot's Ledge. — Rendered memorable by the destruction of a Light-house erected on it in
1843 by the U. S. government. It stood upon iron posts, and in a storm of almost unpar-
alleled rage, April 16th, 1851, it disappeared. Two men were lost in it, Joseph Wilson and
Joseph Antonio, a Portuguese. It is about 20 miles from the city.
Minot's T. — A wharf on the N'ly side of Long w. and connected with it. It took its name
from its form, and an early proprietor. George Minot occupied a warehouse on it in 1754.
Moon Island. — Between Thompson's and Hangman's isls., 4| miles from the city. Tho
property of Dorchester.
Moon Street. — From the North Meeting-house N'ly by Capt. Barnard's to Fleet-st. 1708,
From Mountfort's cor. in Fish-st. by the E side of the North Ch. to Fleet-st. 1732. So 1784.
Moorcock's Buildings. — In Corn Court, 1708.
Morey's Corner. — In Summer-st. cor. Cow-lane, 1732.
Morrill's Corner. — In Middle-st. cor. Prince, 1708, 1732.
Mountfort's Corner. — Fish, cor. Moon, 1732. Another, cor. Pierce's alley and Dock
Sq. 1708.
814 APPENDIX.
Mountjoy's Corner. — Fish and Anne, 1708.
Mount Whordom. — Between Beacon Ilill and the Bay ; near what is now Louisbourg Sq.
Muddy Kiver. — Part of Boston till 1705. Now Brookline.
Museum. — See Boston, Columbian, and New England Museums.
Nanney's Buildings. — In Elbow-alley, 1708 ; " the late Capt. Lake " lived opposite, in the
same alley.
Nassau Street. — So named in 1788. In 1796, from Gooch's cor. in Orange-st. to ]\Ir. Wesfs
house, thence to Wm. Foster's, at the foot of the Mall. So called till 1824, when it took
the name of Common-st. A new st. from Front to Ash, made abt. 1826, took the name of
Nassau, which it retains.
National Theatre. — Established about 1832, on the Mill Pond land, by W. and T. L. Stew-
arts. It passed the same year into the hands of Wm. Pelby, who made great additions to
it, and gave it its present name. It was burnt 21 April, 1852, and soon after rebuilt. At
fii-st it was called the American Amphitheatre.
New Boston. — The section of the Town Wly of Beacon Hill.
Newbury Street. — In 1708, from the cor. of the house near Dea. Eliot's cor. in Orange-st.,
into Town by the house of Saml. Sewall, Esq., to Dr. Oakes' cor. In 1732, from Eliot's
cor. NNE to Bethiine's cor. at Summer-st. Washuigton-st.
New Cornhill. — Now Cornhill, which see. It was laid out in 1817. In 1828 the name was
changed to Cornhill.
New England Museum. — Formed in 1825, from the old Columbian, E. A. Greenwood, pro-
prietor. It was in Court-st. betw. Brattle and Cornhill. Moses Kimball purchased it in
1839, which was the foundation of his present splendid establishment, opened in 1846.
Nix's Mate. — Nix's Island, mentioned 163G. In that year John Gallop had 12 acres of it
granted him forever, "if the island be so much." There is a tradition that it took its
present name from the execution thereon of the murderer of one Capt. Nix ; which mur-
derer was ]\Iate to the Captain. It is 6 miles from the City.
Noah's Ark. — Samuel Dashwood's sign, in Marlboro '-st., near Seven-Star-lane, in 1769. He
kept English and India goods.
Noble's Wharf. — On the site of Scares' Ship- Yard, which see.
Noddle's Island. — East Boston. On it was living Samuel Maverick when Boston was set-
tled. See Index. Thomas Clarke Avas living on it, 1661 ; John Burch claimed it in 1652,
It was at one period called Williams Island. In 1814 it was fortified by strong works,
called Fort Sti'ong. It is about | of a mile from Battery wharf.
Nook's Hill. — Noted in revolutionary annals. It is the NW'ly extremity of South Boston,
and commanded the Town. Washington sent men to take possession of it on March 9th,
1776, two days before Boston was evacuated.
North Battery. — See Merry's Point and Index.
North Centre Street. — At first called Centre-st., which see.
North Street. — N'ly from the E'ly end of Bennet near Mr. Jonas Clark's, to the Sea, 1708.
From Clark's cor. across Lynn-st. to the Sea, 1732. It now embraces Ann-st. ; the latter
name no longer existing there, which had been in use about 150 years.
North Square. — Formerly Clarke's Square.
Nut Island. — Between Petteck's and Germantown, 7^ miles from the city.
Oakes' Corner. — Corner Summer and Newbury sts. Residence of Dr. Oakes.
Odells. — A noted place, in 1708, in Cooper's Alley.
Odeon. — In 1835 the Federal-st. Theatre was hired for religious services and music ; opened
May 18th. Here, in Oct. following, a silver vase was presented to Daniel Webster.
Old Way. — From the NW'ly end of Cross-st., N'ly by Veriiig's house near the Mill Pond,
1708. It was a foot- way from •' the centre of the Town to the foot of Snowhill-st." Long
since closed up.
Oliver's Bridge. — That at Oliver's Dock, perhaps ; at the foot of W"ater-st.
Oliver's Dock. — " Peter Oliver's Dock formerly ran up as high as where Merchants' Hall
now [1817] stands ; the lower part of State-st. running along the edge of the Dock." Isaac
Dupee kept there in 1724.
Olive Street. — From Belknap to Charles, 1803 ; Sumner-st. in 1825. Changed to Mount
Vernon-st. in 1833.
Oliver Street. — From Milk-st. up to Fort Hill, "where Mr. Daniel Oliver now (1708)
dwells." Name retained.
Orange Street. — " The Broad-st. or Highway from the Old Fortifications on the Neck lead-
ing into the Town, as far as the cor. of the late Dea. Eliot's house," 1708. An order for
paving 42 rods of it was made in 1715.
Orange Tree. — A noted sign at the head of Hanover-st. , 1708. N'ly termination of Tremont-
st. in 1732. A Mrs. Wardwell kept it in 1724.
Paddy's Alley. — So named from Capt. William Paddy, whose residence was there. He died
in 1658. From Ann to Middle-st. North Centre-st.
Pantheon Hall. — In Washington- st. cor. Boylston Sq. Called Adams' Hall, 1856.
Pakkman's Corner. — In Ship-st. cor. Battery-alley, 1708-1732.
APPENDIX. . 815
Pemberton's Corner. — Cor. Wing's la. and Dock Sq., 1708. Mrs. Pemberton's in Ann-st.,
cor. Swing-bridge-lane, 1708.
Pemberton's Hill. — Where Pemberton Sq. now is. The hill was digged down in 1835 ; sold
for house-lots at auction, 7 Oct., same year.
Pemberton House. — In Howard, near Court st., many years a noted tavern. It was before
called Holland's Coffee House ; ceased to be a tavern in 1853 ; burnt 16 Feb., 1854.
Penneman's Corner. — Head of Summer, making the S'ly cor. of Marlboro' st., 1708.
Perbenton Island. — Brewster's and Lovett's islands, with Perbenton's, gr. to Hull, 1652, but
taken from it in 1663.
Perra way's Alley. — Called also Ball's al. Centre-st.
Pest House. — There was one on the Point where West Boston Bridge was afterwards built.
At the foot of Cambridge-st., 1784-.
Phillips' Corner. — Cor. Cornhill and Water-st. 1732. The late Dea. Phillips' stone house
in Cross-st., 1708.
Phipp's Corner. — Charter and Salem sts., 1708. Here Gov. Sir William Phips resided.
Pierce's Alley. — From King-st. into Corn Market, 1732. Fitche's alley in 1800. Flagg-
alley from 1828 to 1840, then Change-alley.
Pine Apple. — The sign of the Pine Apple was in Ann-st., 1724.
Pitts Lane. — 0pp. Ladd & Saunder's in Green-st., down to Todd's & Coolidge's, 1784. Pitts
St. 1820.
Pitts Wharf. — At the E'ly end of the Fish Market.
Platt's Corner. — Southerly end of Union-st. in 1708.
Point Alderton. — Supposed to have been so named from Isaac Allerton. A part of Hull,
9i miles from Boston.
Point Shirley. — Part of Chelsea. Anciently PuUin Point, which see. Changed to Shirley
in honor of Gov. Shirley.
Pollard's Corner. — Brattle-st., cor. Gay-alley, 1708. So 1732.
Pool's Wharf. — Foot of Central-st. Here ^Sir Edmd. Andross landed when he came to
assume the Government of the Colony.
Pond Lane. — Pond-st., which see.
Pond Street. — E'ly from Wheeler's Cor. in Newbury-st., by the Town's watering-place, as
far as Capt. Dyer's barn, 1708. Bedford-st.
Poor House. — One on Fort Hill, 1732.
Portland Street. — See Cold Lane.
Post Office. — At the corner of Queen-st. and Cornhill in 1784.
Pound. — One formerly stood on what is now Park-st., where the Hon. Josiah Quincy, Jr.'s,
house is.
Powder-horn Hill. — In Chelsea, about 4 miles from the City, 220 feet in height. It is early
mentioned on the Town Records. Sometimes called Powder-house Hill.
Powder House. — See Index.
Powder Hill. — See Index.
Powning's Corner. — See Crooked Lane.
President's Road. — The Ship-road near the Castle ; called King Road before the Revolution.
Prince Street. — From Morrell's cor. in Middle-st., by David Norton's, to the salt water,
1708. Probably so named to honor the Royal family. There are many places so named in
London and other cities.
Prison Lane. — See pp. 480, 512. Queen-st.
Proctor's Lane. — In 1800 from Clap's cor. in Fish to Middle st.
Province Hospital. — At New Boston before the Revolution.
Province House. — See Index.
Public Garden. — Principally made land on the W'ly side of the Common. It was granted
by the City for a Public Garden, 26 Oct., 1837.
Pudding Lane. — From the Exchange in King-st., passing by Mrs. Phillips', into Water-st..
1708. Doubtless so called from a street of the same name in Loudon. After the Revolu-
tion it was changed to Devonshire-st.
PuLLiN Point. — See p. 147. Point Shirley, Chelsea. Taken from Boston iu 1738.
Pulling's Wharf. — Next N of the foot of Cross-st., 1769.
Purchase Street. — In 1769, from Summer-st. to Tilley's lane. In 1784, up by Col. Dawes'
to Hubbard's wharf.
Quaker Lane. — So called from the Quaker Meeting-house. See p. 504—5. Now Congress-st.
Queen Street. — From Mr. Dering's cor. in Cornhill to Houchen's at the upper end of Han-
over-st., 1708. Changed to Court-st. in 1784.
Queen's Head. — In 1732, Joshua Pierce, innholder, allowed to remove his license from the
sign of the Logwood-tree in Lynn-st. to the Queen's Head, near Scarlet's whf., where
Anthony Young last dwelt.
QuxNCY Lane. — From 95 Broad to Hamilton st. Changed to Hamilton-av. 1823. The first
name having stood not above two years.
816 APPENDIX.
Rainsford's Cornkr. — North, cor. Charter, 1708. So 1732.
Raixsford's Island. — See p. 442. Sometimes called Hospital Island, as the City Hospital is
thereon situated. First used for a hospital about 1737.
Raixsford's Lane. — From the late Elder Rainsford's cor. in Essex-st. to Beach-st., thence to
the sea, 1708. Included in Front-st. in 1825.
Rawson's Lane. — So named from the Province Secretary, Edwd. Rawson, who died 27 Aug.,
1693. See Bromfield Street.
Razor and Crown. — Samuel Franklin's sign in 1766. He dealt in hardware.
Red Cross. — Probably a Tavern, kept by John Osborn, 1746.
Red Lion Tavern. — Noticed as early as 1676, and as late as 1766. It was at the North End.
Perhaps by Red Lion Wharf. See Index.
Red Lion Wharf. — Next north of Richmond-st., at an early period.
Richards' Corner. — Corner of Ship and Foster sts., 1708. So 1732. Cor. Whitebread-alley.
Richmond Street. — W from Middle to Back st., late (1807) Bridge lane.
Robbinson's Allev. — The passage-way in North-st. from Hunt's corner, 1784.
Roebuck Passage. — From the Town Dock to Ann-st. In use from abt. 1815 to 1825. So
named from the Roebuck Tavern.
RoPEWALKS. — See Index.
Round Lane. — From Long-la. E'ly to Atkinson-st., 1732. Changed to Williams-st. in 1821 ;
probably in memory of Capt. John Foster Williams.
Rowe's Field. — Between Pond and Essex sts., 1777.
Royal Exchange Lane. — So called from the Royal Exchange Tavern, to which it led from
Dock Sq., called Exchange-st. after the Revolution.
Royal Exchange Tavern. — In King-st. Noticed 1727. The Columbian Bank now occupies
the spot.
Royal's Alley. — From Simpkins' cor. in Ann-st. E to the wharf, 1732. Does not appear
in 1803, but the name was in use in 1800.
Ruck's Corner. — In Charter, cor. Salem st., 1732. Ruck's wharf, at the North End, 1722-
1777.
Rumney-INIarsh. — In Chelsea. So named from Rumney-Marsh in Kent, England. Called by
the Indians Winnisimmet.
Russell's Wharf. — Formerly Gray's, now Russia wharf. It took the name of Russell from
Mr. Thomas Russell, who owned it.
Salem Street. — In 1708, " from Cerwithy's cor. in Prince, to Mr. Phipp's cor. in Charter st."
In 1732, from Ruck's cor. in Charter, to Harrod's cor. in Prince st. Called Green-lane at
one period.
Salt Lane. — From Bowes' cor. in Union-st. E to Creek-lane, 1708. So 1732.
Salutation Alley. — " Down by the Salutation [tavern] into Ship-st," 1708. From Ship-st.,
at the Salutation Tavern, W to North-st., 1732.
Salutation Tavern. — In Ship-st. cor. Salutation-alley. So named from a sign of much ele-
gance at that day, which represented the meeting of two gentlemen dressed in the height of
fashion, small clothes, and cocked hats, and in the act of shaking hands. In 1731, Samuel
Green, innholder at Pool's wharf, had liberty to remove to the Salutation. In 1773, Wm.
Campbell kept it, who died suddenly in a fit the same year.
Savage's Court. — From Webster's Arch in Cornhill, W'd, 1732. Afterwards Williams'
Court. Capt. Savage's cor. was in Dock Sq., cor. Shrimpton's lane. In 1708, Capt. Ha-
bijah Savage's was in Ann-st., cor. Scottow's alley.
Scarlet's Wharf. — On " 25.10. 1671, John Skarlet had libertie to wharfe before the ground
he bought of Nathl. Fryer, and is to be 20 fte. easterlie from the lowermost cor. of Mr.
Hill's wharf." At the foot of Fleet-st., 1673.
School Alley. — Opposite the North Gram. School into Prince-st., 1784.
ScnooL-HOUSE Lane. — School-st. So named from the school-house in it.
School Street. — From Haugh's cor. in Marlboro '-st., by the Latin Free School to Whet-
comb's cor. [in Trcmont], 1708. So 1732.
Sconce Lane. — From the N'ly side of Fort Hill, E'ly by the old Brewhouse to Battery-march,
1708. Took its name from the Sconce or South Battery. Sconce-st., 1784. The name
ceased after 1800. Hamilton-st.
Scott Court. — Formerly Minot's court. Changed to Scott or Scott's court ab. 1803.
Scottow's Alley. — By'Capt. Habijah Savage's in Ann-st. NW to Creek-lane, 1708. From
Checkley's Entry in Ann-st. NW to Creek-la., 1732. So named from Capt. Joshua
Scottow.
Sea Street. — From the bottom of Summer-st. S to Windmill-point, 1732.
Sears' Ship-Yard. — Between Clark's and Halsey's wharves, 1722.
Selby's Coffee House. — On Long wharf, 1724.
Seven Star Lane. — Summer-st. was often so called from ab. 1758 to the Revolution. Prob-
ably from the tavern, sign of the Seven Stars. There was the Sign of the Seven Stars near
the Drawbridge, in 1763, William Whitwell, grocer, ironmonger, &c.
APPENDIX. 817
SBTfiAFte's Lane. — From Barrill's cor. in Newbury-st. to the Common, 1732. Avery-st. See
Hog Alley.
Sheafe Street. — From Salem, NW to Snow st. 1732. Same now.
Sheep Lane. — Hog-alley was so called in 1789.
Sheep ]\L\rk.et. — At the W end of Faneuil Hall.
Ship-in-distress. — An ancient tavern " nearly opposite Moon-st."
Ship Street. — From Everton's cor., near Scarlet's wharf, to the North Battery, 1708.
Ship Tavern. — Cor. of Clark and Ann sts., kept in 1666-7 by John Vials. See p. 373.
Shirley Battery — In 1775 was on the E side of Castle Island.
Short Street. — The next S of Rainsford's lane, running to Pond-st., 1732.
Shrimpton's Lane. — From Capt. Savage's cor. in Dock Sq. to Madam Shrimpton's cor. in
King-st., 1708. Took the name of Exchange-lane ab. 1803. Now Exchange-st.
Sister Street. — From Round-la. N into Bury-st., 1732.
Six Sugar-loaves. — John Quane's sign in Union-st., 1733.
Slate Island. — Near HuU, 9| miles from the city. Granted to Hull in 1652.
Sliding Alley. — From Charter, down by Benj. Williams, in Lynn st., 1708. Foster-st., 1803.
Snake Island. — Between Apple Isl. and Point Shirley, 3^ miles from the city.
Snowhill Street. — From Prairie's cor. in Prince-st. to the Old Ferry-way, by Hudson's
point, 1708.
Southack's Court. — From Bowdoin's cor. "W, 1732. From Kirk Boot's AY, by Mrs. Carter's
boarding-house, 1800. Howard-st., 1821.
South Bennet Street. — Formerly Bennet-st., then S. Bennet, and now again Bennet.
South Row. — See Index.
South Street. — From Baxter's cor. in Summer-st. S'ly by Dea. Allen's to the Sea, 1708.
Spear's "Wharf. — The third N of Long wharf. Called Nathaniel Spear's wharf, 1769.
Spectacle Island. — Called Saml. Bill's Isl. in 1693; was then well wooded with "large
timber trees." Between Castle and Long Island, 3| miles from the City. — See p. 796.
Spring Garden. — " Over against the Powderhouse " in 1724. On the Common, about half
way from the Frog Pond to the intersection of Beacon and Charles sts.
Spring Lane. — From a tenement of Capt. Clarke, near the lower end of School-st., to Wins-
low's cor. in Joyliff's lane, 1708. Spring-st.
Staniford Street. — From Cambridge, N'ly to Green, 1732.
Star Tavern. — In Hanover-st. cor. Link-alley, 1708. So 1732.
State Arms. — A noted tavern in King-st. cor. Shrimpton's lane. " The Ordinary where the
Magistrates used to diet," 1653. Owned by Henry Shrimpton, 1666.
State Street. — Formerly King-st., which see.
Stationers' Arms. — Thomas Hancock's Bookstore in Ann-st. was known by that name
in 1729.
Stephens' Corner. — In North-st. cor. Love-lane, 1708, 1732.
Stillman Street. — So named for the Rev. Dr. S. Stillman, ab. 1821. From Back-st. to
Mill pond.
St. Luke's Head. — A Druggist's sign in Marshall's lane before the Revolution.
Stoddard's Lane. — From Cambridge-st. SW into Southack's court, 1732. Stoddard-st., 1833.
Fitche's lane previously.
Sudbury Street. — From the sign of the Orange-tree, by Mr. Stephen Minot's, to the [Mill
pond, 1708 ; to Cold-lane, 1732.
Suffolk Hotel. — In Elm-st. in 1821, on the S. side, and kept by Edwd. Kingman. It ceased
to be a hotel ab. 1825.
Summer Street. — From Dr. Oake's cor. in Newbury-st., passing by the house of Capt.
Thomas Clarke, to the Sea, 1708 ; from Bethune's cor. in 1732.
Sumner Street. — Named in honor of the popular Gov. Increase Sumner, but was soon ex-
changed for a foreign name, in violence of good taste. " From Rogers' cor. round the new
State House, SW by Beacon Hill," 1800. In 1833 it was erased.
Sun Court. — SE'ly from the North meeting-house into Fish-st., 1708.
Sunken Island. — Between Long and Pettick's Isls. 6^ miles from the city.
Sun Tavern. — In Cornhill, 1755, kept by Capt. James Day. One in Corn-court, Dock Sq.,
1724. Kept by Samuel Mears, who was " lately deceased " in 1727. One in Battery-march-
st. for many years previous to the late improvements.
Swan Tavern. — By Scarlet's wharf, 1708. In Fish-st., near Scarlet's wharf, 1732. One at
the South End in 1784.
Swing Bridge. — Between IMerchants' Row and the lower end of Woodmansie's wharf, 1708.
Over the Town Dock. Removed and the Dock filled up about 1790.
Swing Bridge Lane. — Between Capt. Winsor's and Mi-s. Pemberton's, in Ann-st., to the
wharves by the Swing Bridge, 1708. From the Golden Key, in Ann-st, to the Swing
Bridge, 1784.
Tanner's Lane. — In 1708, from Water-st., betw. ]Maj. Walley's and Mr. Brigham's land,
into ]\Iilk-st. Received its name from the tanneries in that locality. Afterwards called
Horn-lane, then Bath-st.
103
818
APPENDIX.
Tattle Street. — A nick-name of Sudbury-st. about 100 years ago.
Thistle and Crown. — Sign at the lower end of Wing's lane, 1728.
Thompson's Island. — Between Moon Isl. and Dorchester, 3i miles from Boston. — See Index.
In 1G50 John Thompson, of London, sold it to Joseph Jackson and Hugh Browne, of Bristol,
Eng. At one period it belonged to Dorchester. In 1834 it was annexed to Boston,
Thompson's Ship- Yard. — On the N side of the North Battery, 1722. So 1777.
Three Crowns. — A noted sign in Fish-st., 1733.
Three Doves. — William Blair Townsend's sign, 1758, &c., in Marlboro '-st., W side, nest the
cor. of Broomfield-st. John Boyle the bookseller kept next door to it in 1773.
Three Horseshoes. — A noted inn, " near the Common," kept by a Mrs. Glover, who died
abt. 1744. Wm. Clears kept it in 1775.
Three Kings. — Thomas Knights' sign in Cornhill, 1762-70 ; English and W. I. goods.
Three Nuns and Comb. — " Opposite the Town-pump in Cornhill." Samuel Hardcastle kept
there in 1758 ; a tobacconist. John and Thomas Stevenson moved there in 1762.
Three Sugar-loaves and Canister. — John Meritt's sign, grocer, in King-st., near the Town-
house, 1733. Near Thomas Bromfield, glover, in King-st., 1746.
Tileston Street, — So named for Master John Tileston, whose school-house was at the cor. of
Tileston and N. Bennet sts., where now stands the Eliot school. — See Love Lane.
Tileston's Wharf. — Next north of Adams' wharf in 1769.
Tilley's Lane. — From Belcher's to Cow-lane, 1732. From Cow-lane to Purchase-st. 1769.
Tontine Buildings. — In Franklin-st., begun in 1793. The arch leading to Summer-st. is the
centre of them.
Town Pump. — One stood near the cor. of Queen-st. and Cornhill, before and after the Revolu-
tion.
Townsend's Corner. — The southern termination of Tremont-st. in 1708.
Trask's Wharf. — Between Harvard and Bennet sts., 1796.
Treat's Wharf. — Robert Ritchie had a warehouse on it, 1757, next Messrs. Melvils.
Tremont Street. — From the mansion of the late Simon Lynde, Esq., by Capt. Southack's, to
Col. Townsend's cor., 1708. In 1732, from Common-st., by Jeckyrs,to the Orange-tree. In
1824 it was named Common-st., changed back again in 1829, and included Nassau. Extended
to Roxbury line in 1831, and opened Oct., 1832.
Tudor's Wharf. — " Dea. Tudor's " whf., next S of Lewis', 1762.
Tun and Bacchus. — James Townsend's sign, 1733, N side of King-st.
Turk's Head. — A sign on Scarlet's whf., 1724.
Turn-again Alley. — In 1708, from Common-st., on the N side'of Madam Usher's house, E by
Hamilton-place, 1807. There is a Turn-again lane in London at this day.
Two Sugar-loaves. — William Patten's sign, grocer, in CornhiU, 1760. Also John Dobel's in
King-st., 1760-2.
Tyler's Corner. — In Ann-st., at Swing Bridge lane, 1732
Tyng's Wharf. — On the E'ly side of the Town Dock. Owned by John Kenrick, and sold by
him in 1652.
Unicorn. — There were several Unicorn signs formerly. William Rand, apothecary, near the
Town Dock, 1733. One in Cornhill, 1744.
Union Street. — From Piatt's cor. NW'ly, by the Green Dragon, to the Mill pond, 1708. From
the Conduit at Dock-head, NW, as above, 1732.
Ursuline Convent. — Mount Benedict, Somerville. Burnt 11 Aug., 1834.
Usher's Lane. — Noticed 1677. Capt. Usher's, at the head of Short-st., 1708.
Valley Acre. — On a spur of Beacon Hill. See Index.
Vincent's Lane. — From Marlboro '-st. to Bishop's alley, opened ab. 1792. Ambros Vincent
lived there. Franklin-st.
Wadsworth's Corner. — In Middle-st., cor Bell-alley, 1732.
Wale's Corner. — In Middle-st., cor. Prince, 1708, 1732.
Walnut Tree. — Sarah Decoster's sign, in Milk-st., near Dr. Sewall's meeting-house, 1755.
Washington Buildings. — The stone-front buildings on the E side of Washington-st., erected
Washington Gardens. — In Common-st., near West ; on a part of which now stands the Ma-
sonic Temple.
Washington Street. — So named in 1789, in honor of a visit of Washington. It extended at
first only from Roxbury line to Orange-st.
Water Street. — From Cox the butcher's shop in Cornhill, by Maj. Walley's, to Oliver's
Corner, 1708. From Phillip's cor. in Cornhill to Mackerel-lane, 1732.
Webster's Arch. — In Cornhill. See Savage's Court.
Well's Corner. — In Orange-st., cor. Frog-lane, 1732; another, at the same time, in Cam-
bridge, cor. Green st.
Well's Wharf. — Arnold Wells' at the South End, 1762.
Wentworth's Lane. — From Allen's cor., in Anne-st., E to the Wood wharf, 1732. Name not
in use in 1800. Barrett-st. 1831.
APPENDIX. 819
Wentworth's Wharf. — Next N of Mill creek, 1722, &c.
West Street. — From Cowell's cor. in Newbury-st. to the Common, 1708. So 1752. So now.
West Hill. — At the foot of Beacon Hill, next the water, a little north of Beacon-st.
Wheeler's Corner. — In Newbury-st., cor. Blind-lane, 1732.
Wheeler's Point. — Windmill point. Foot of Sea-st. See Index.
Wheelwright's Wharf. — " By the South Battery," 1762. Afterwards Foster's wharf.
Whipping-post. — One stood inKing-st., near the cor. Pudding-lane. Removed about 1750,
and culprits were whipped near the same spot upon the top of a cage, in which they were
conveyed from the jail. Public whippings discontinued about 1800.
Whitebread Alley. — From Bill's cor. in Ship-st. W to North-st., 1732. Bartlett-st., 1826.
Whitehorn's Wharf. — Afterwards Griffin's, now Liverpool. George Whitehorn, mariner,
owned the whf. before 1722, who was dead in 1724.
White-horse Tavern. — " At the South End," 1724, where Hayward Place now is. Kept by
Joseph Morton, 1760-4.
Wilson's Lane. — From King-st. to Dock Sq., 1732. Named for the Rev. John Wilson of the
First Church.
Williams' Court. — Formerly Savage's court, which see.
Williams Street. — Named for Capt. John Foster Williams, who lived in it in 1789. See
Round Lane.
Wiltshire Street. — From Allen's house, up by Phillips & Winthrop's new Ropewalk, 1784.
Chambers-st., 1812.
Winnisimmet Ferry. — " One and | miles and 803 yards across from Mill-creek." Winnisimmet,
now Chelsea.
Windmills. — See Index.
Wing's Lane. — From Mr. Pemberton's cor., at the head of Dock Sq., to Justifie Lyde's
[Lynde's?] cor. in Hanover-st., 1708. See Hudson's Lane.
WiNSLow's Corner. — Foot of Spring-lane, cor. JoyliflTs, 1708.
Winter Street. — From Elis' cor. in Newbury-st. to the Common, 1708. Provision for pav-
ing, 1743.
Wood Lane. — By the house of the late Capt. Timothy Prout, deceased, from Middle-st. to the
sea, 1708. See Procter's Lane.
Woodmansy's Wharf. — At Dock Sq., 1708. The name continued on maps in 1769. On Page's
map of 1777 it is miscalled Woodman's wharf.
Work House. — See Index. In 1086, John Search gave £10 " towards a stock to be laid out
in the Work-house." See Alms House.
Errata. — P. 3, n. f, r. Martyr's Decades. P. 35, 2d IT, 1. 11, r. December. P. 37 dele I. 10, 2d ir. P. 51, 2d IT, ;. 2, r.
Peter Palfrey. P. 68, i. 12 of n., r. 1588. P. 85, deZe n. §. P. 90, A 6, r. George Alcock. P. 164, /. 6, 2d IT r. Elias (?) Mav-
erick. P. 171, /. 7,/or first, r. second. P. 175, I. 15 of foot, r. Symmes. P. 182, r. 1635 at top ; I. 2 of foot, for Henry
Wane r. Henry Fane, and dele [Vane], same /. and n. §. P. 206, I. 7, 3d IT, r. Van Twiller. P. 208, I. 2, 2d IT, for twenty
r. two. P. 239, I. 18, r. Tliursday. P. 273, n. t, I- 4 and 5, change places of Hopkins and Eaton. P. 292, 1st I. of Con-
tents, for Dudley r. Endicott. P. 310, I. 15, r. James Astwood. P. .^^15, /. 10, r. easterly. P. 320, I. 5 of foot, for Dud-
ley r. ilndicott, /. 6, for Endicott r. Dudley. P. 371, last I. n. f, 1673. P. 378, 2d I. 2d. col. r. 1673. P. 384, /. 1, n.,for
installed r. deceased. P. 387, n., /. 7, r. 79 years old. P. 400, I. 6 of n. for grandson r. nephew. P. 433, n. *, after and
stood, in /. 18, r. on what is now Stillnian-street, and dele the rest of the sentence. P. 462, ?!. *, I. 2, for Thomas, r. John ;
/. 4, for John r. Thomas ; same /. for He r. John. P. 472, /. 6, r. Thomas Shepcott. P. 497, l- 1, r. Philip English. P. 548,
after I. 19 of n. insert John Norton, 10 Oct., 1633, d. 15 Dec, 1652, a. 67 ; /. 20, r. Davenport ; /. 30, r. 16 Mar. P. 55a
and 7, r. Christ Church. 613, n. t, 1 1- 2d col., after Leonard was the, insert uncle of the. P. 659, n. ♦, /. 4, r. 449. P.
672, /. 11 of foot, r. 1774. 688, /. 4 of foot, r. 1664. P. 698, I. 9 of foot, for decease r. discourse. P. 726, /. 16 of 2d
col. of n., r. E. H. Leffingwell. P. 751, /. 3, n. *,for Peter Kemble, r. Robert Tuite Kemble.
MAP OF BOSTON, 1733.
BY WILLIAM PRICK.
When the History and Antiquities of Boston was all printed but the Index, a
Map of the Town, of the above date, was put into the Author's hands by his
friend, David Pulsifer, Esq., who, at the same time, expressed much regret that
circumstances had prevented his doing so, as was his intention, at a much earlier
period ; said Map having been loaned by him to another individual.
On a comparison of this Map with that of 1*722, and also with that of 1769,
there appears conclusive evidence that the three are from the same plate ; that
of 1733, and that of 1769, showing that the plate was altered to suit their respect-
ive dates. See note to page 772 of this History ; which note was printed before
the Author was in possession of the Map of 1733. The difference between this
and that of 1769 is less than between that of 1722 and 1733 ; that is to say,
judging from the contents of each, the Town progressed more between 1722 and
1733, than it did between 1733 and 1769. Hence, during eleven years, according
to the Maps of 1722 and 1733, the Town advanced in importance more than in
thirty-six years of a later period.
On Captain Bonner's Map (of 1722) but three trees appear on the Common ;
two in front of and near Bridewell (which stood a little above the centre of the
present Pai'k-street) ; the other, considerably to the south of the hill, by the
Frog-pond; so much so that it could hardly have been meant for the Great Tree
which now stands and for a long time has stood near that Pond. On Price's, of
1733, the three trees occupy the same localities as on Bonner's, and there appears
a row of sixteen trees along the Mall. This row had then been lately planted,
probably. See page 592. Another row, which appears on the Map of 1769, was
no doubt planted in 1733. See ibid.
Among the statistics recorded in this Map (1733), the number of houses in the
Town is stated to be " about 4000 ; inhabitants about 18,000 ; two Churches
of England, eight Congregational Meeting-houses, one French, one Anabaptist,
one Irish, one Quaker, and a veiy handsome Town House, where the Courts are
held. The Town and Country daily increasing. In the year 1723 were built in
New England above seven hundred sail of ships and other vessels, most of which
are fitted out at Boston. There are in one year cleared out of this port at the Cus-
tom House, about 1200 sail of vessels, which may, in some measure, shew the
great trade of this flourishing Town and Country."
Although this Map bears date 1733, it may have been issued one or two years
earlier, for the two last figures of its date, namely, the 33, is the work of the
pen, and not of the engraver, and the latest date among its statistics is 1731.
Hence there maj' be many editions of it, to suit the time and demand. Such tricks
of venders of sinriilar articles are not yet out of fashion, Therefore if maps from
Bonner's plate come to light with dates between 1731 and 1769, there may be
nothing new on them, or nothing much affecting their importance.
INDEX
KsPLANATioN. — An ludex of the Engravings is placed at the beginning of the History. A Dictionary of Places, or of
Objects and Localities, is comprised in Appendix No. II., at page 802, &c.
Names of persons spelled differently are not entered under the various spellings, unless the difference is thought sufficient
to mislead the reader. Such names are usually entered under the most common spelling ; as Brown and Browne, Green
and Greene, &c. But if the spelling differs, as in Phelps and Felps, Philbrook and Filbrook, &c., then such names are
entered separately, although they refer to the same individual.
Christian names are generally given, but when a number of them occur on a page, belonging to the same family, they are
sometimes omitted, except those of the heads of such family.
Abbot, Frances, 25 ; John L., 540 ; Jo-
seph, 415 ; Samuel, 764.
Abenaquis, war with, 510.
Aberdecest (Indian), 40.
Aberginians, Eastern Indians, 57.
Abeskiest (Indian), 40.
Abey, Thomas, 414.
Abingdon, Lord, 750 — 1.
Abraham, Nathaniel, 665, 810 ; William,
567 i Zachery (Indian), 402.
Acrod, John, 317.
Adams, Abraham, 490 , Alexander, 302,
347 ; Charles Frederick, 634 ; David,
508 ; Elizabeth, 534 ; Henry, 250, 492,
675 ; John, Capt., 459, 504 ; John,
Pres., on Feudal Law, 690 ; on ori-
gin of the Revolution, 657, 661 ; on
Episcopacy, 665 ; on Samuel Adams,
667, 671 ; counsel for the Patriots,
713 ; of Boylston descent, 726, 758 ;
on the case of Corbett, 766 ; on a
Repeal Celebration, 769, 771 ; de-
fends Hancock, 755 ; settles in Bos-
ton, 758 ; John of Plymouth, 36 ; Mat-
thew, 634, 675 ; Nathaniel, 335, 341,
349, 418, 787 ; Samuel, 552, 613, 623,
802 ; Samuel, Gov., marriage, &c.,
534 ; political writer, 627 ; account of
671 ; without a price, 672 ; his char-
acter by Jefferson, ib. ; by Dr. Jenks,
673 ; portraits of, 672 ; slandered,
719 — 20 ; brings forward John Han-
cock, 721; Clerk of General Court,
734 ; Letter to Hillsborough, 740 ;
toasted in Philadelphia, 757 ; Appeal
to the World, 771 — 2 ; noble conduct
after the massacre, 783—4 ; Richard,
230, 414 ; Thomas, 54, 62, 73 ; WU-
liam, 236, 504, 634.
Adderly, William, 161.
Addington, Isaac, 434, 441, 445, 472,
483—5, 506, 524, 543, 553, 810.
Agamang (Indian), 405.
Ahanmanpowet (Indian), 412.
Ahaton (Indian), 397, 456.
Ainsworth, Anchor, 799.
Aires, Thomas, 316.
Alarm-list, of 1733, 596.
Albemarle, George, Duke of, 317.
Albve, Benjamin, 250.
Alcick, George, 90 ; Mr., 147, 170, 230 ;
John, 329 ; Thomas, 233, 327, 336,
342.
Alden, Elizabeth, 384 ; John, 36, 133,
384, 490, 498—500 ; Nathaniel, 641 ;
WUliam, 580.
Aldersey, Samuel, 54, 62, 70, 72—3.
Alderton, Point, 45, 553.
Aldrich, George, 260.
Alexander, Andrew, 47 ; Robert, 455 ;
William, Sir, 43, 47.
Alexander (Indian), brother of King
Philip, 365, 400.
Alford, Benjamin, 472, 486 ; Capt., 806 ;
William, 395.
Allare, Louis, 536.
Allen, Bouzoun, 327, 492, 503, 506, 522 ;
Barnabas, 687, Ebenezer, 687 ; Henry,
318, 347, 423, 457 ; Hope, 327 ; James,
236, 336, 452 ; John, 380, 385, 498,
508, 538, 548, 607, 632 ; Joseph, 519 ;
Jeremiah, 339, 538 ; Ralph, 357 ; Si-
lence, 357 ; Thomas, 679 ; William,
57 ; family of, 339.
AUerton, Isaac, 36, 43,86, 114, 183, 186,
790, 793, 815 ; John, 36.
AUeyn Edward, 428 ; Mary, 692 ; Sam-
uel, 665.
Alley, Hugh, 623.
Alliset, John, 487, 492.
AUyce, William, 250.
Almanacs, 242 ; Clough's, 513, 523 ;
Foster's, 424; Franklin's, 565; Green's,
474, 748 ; Sherman's, 242, 396, 425,
431, 767 ; TuUev's, 473—4, 522—3.
Alms-house, 527,803.
American Independence, 349, 352, 757.
American House, 707.
American Magazine, 618.
Amherst, Gen., 645, 653, 659; John,
645 ; William, 645.
Ames, Nathaniel, 677 ; Richard, 752—7 ;
Samuel, 459.
Amey, Joseph, 567.
Amory, Jonathan, 642, 764 ; John, 657 ;
Amory's wharf, 803.
Anabaptists, 258, 290, 292, 299, 301, 378,
433, 820.
Ancient Objects and Localities, 802.
Anderson, David, 409 ; James, 456 ;
John, 307, 331, 395, 455, 788, 789,
799.
Andrews, Benjamin, 757 ; John, 243,
349, 427, 665 ; Richard, 171 ; Robert,
414 i Thomas, 54, 131, 171 ; William,
520 ; Zechariah, 489.
Andros, Su- Edmund, visits Boston, 442 ;
failed to take away the Charter of
Connecticut, 448 ; opinion of Indian
deeds, 456, 470 ; Gov. of Mass., 473 ;
puts the Press under restraint, 474 ;
his extortions, 475 ; goes against the
Indians, 478 ; accused of treachery,
479 ; his government overthrown, 481
—6 ; residence, 517; 815 ; Anne, death
of, 480 ; Elisha, 477.
Andrus, William, 557.
Angel Gabriel, the ship, lost, 185.
Angel, John, 14.
Anger, Ames, schoolmaster, 560 ; John,
790.
Anglesey, Arthur, Earl of, 317.
Ankor, Thomas, 799, 800.
Anne, Queen, proclaimed, 526, dies, 550.
Annan, David, 576.
Annesley, Samuel, 460, 462, 466, 473.
Antinomians, 148, 175, 218, 219, 222, 244,
255, 290, 314, 355, 361.
Anti-stamp Fire Society, 665.
Antonio, Joseph, 813.
Antrobus, William, 317.
Appleton, John, 376, 447, 526 ; Samuel,
411, 413, 414, 490, 706 ; family, 765.
Apthorp, Charles, 583, 611, 631 ; death
of, 654 ; 652, 664 ; East, 471, 518,
536, 665 ; John, 647, 664, 752.
Aquetneck, supposed voyage to, 108 ;
Aquida, 254.
Aquittamaug, John (Indian), 569.
Arabella, Arbella, the ship, 70—1, 587.
Arbuckle, William, 455.
Arbuthnot, John, 583.
Archbald, Edward, 779.
Archer, Gabriel, 12, 14 ; John, 54 ; Mr.,
70, 74, 76 ; John Rose, a pirate, 570.
Archives, Boston has none, 565.
Argal, John, 34 ; Samuel, 85.
Arexus, an eastern Chief, 572.
Armada, the Spanish, overthrown, 7 ;
invincible, 263.
Armine, Elizabeth, 68, 306.
Armmians, 616.
Armitage, Thomas, 185.
Arnold, Andrew, 54 ; Benedict, 274 ;
Barrichia, 514 ; Edward, 249, 259 ;
Goodman, 332 ; John, 250, 274, 503,
523, 558, 788.
Arratt, John, 235.
Arundel, Earl, 15, 34.
Artillery Company, origin of the Ancient
and Honorable, 235—6.
Ashton, Dr., 810.
Askew, Robert, 626.
Aspinwall, Catherine, 707 ; WUliam, 193,
785, 795.
Astwood, James, 310, 331; Richard,
795.
Atherton, Humphrey, 275; killed by
accident, 361.
Atkins, Thomas, 431, 548 ; Capt., ex-
hibits a Polar bear, 596.
Atkinson, Theodore, 253, 318, 331, 341,
414, 707 ; William, 573.
Attucks, Crispus, 781—2, 1784.
Atwood, Harman, 268 ; John, 427, 549 ;
Oliver, 5.34 ; Samuel, 779 ; Sarah,
549.
822
INDEX.
Aubert, Thomas, voyage, 3.
Auchmuty, Kobert, marriage, 594, 600 ;
in tlie Land Banli enterpinse, 613, 619,
746, 766.
Aucimiuty-lane, 686, 693.
Audebert, , 652 ; Isaiah, 652.
Audley, John, 190.
Aurora Borealis, first seen, 559.
Austin, Anne, 342, 343 ; Benjamin, 657,
678, 702, 810 ; Box and A., 650 ; Sam-
uel, 657, 731—2.
Averiil, James, 351.
Avery, Christopher, 342, 383 ; John, 657,
659, 695, 767.
Aves, John, 431 ; Samuel, 493 ; Aves'
corner, 803.
Award, Richard, 235.
Awashanlis (Indian), squaw, 398.
Ayscough, Sir George, 321.
Babbington, Abraham, 316.
Babcoclj, Nathaniel, 418.
Bachelder, Alexander, Ann, 87 ; Ste-
phen, arrival, 140 ; accused, 144 ;
falsely, 152 ; John, a juror at the trials
for witchcraft, 502.
Back Bay, proposed improvements of,
VIII.
Backhouse, , 54.
Backus, Isaac, historian, 230, 258, 274
—5, 239, 301—2, 306, 324, 326, 378,
380, 424, 618.
Bacon, John, 384 ; Josiah, 574 ; Mary,
692.
Badger, Josoph, 601.
Baffin, William, discoverer, 29, 32.
Bailey, Jacob, 634 ; John, 236, 464, 498,
543 -, Thomas, 462." ■
Bairstoiv, George, 532.
Baker, Christina, 532 -, Daniel, 25 ; Eb-
cnezer, 415 ; Francis, 628 ; John, 368,
319, 351, 427 -, Joshua, 593 ; Joseph,
567, 635 ; Josiah, 559 ; Richard, 409 ;
Samuel, 527 ; Thomas, 445, 547, 532 ;
William, 230, 327, 427.
Baker's bread, regulated, 436, 599.
Balch, John, 51, 57 ; William, 608, 769.
Bal Iwin, Cyrus, 767 ; Thomas, 616.
Baldwin Place, 616.
Ballantine, John, 427, 455, 514, 518, 543,
803 ; Capt., 813.
Ballard, Daniel, 54 ; Jarvis, 503 ; John,
534, 731 ; Josepli, 567 ; Martha, 509 ;
Ballard's wharf, 803 ; Mr., 805.
r.all, Jlr., hi3 ship, 193 ; Robert, 59C.
Balston, James, 350, 790; Jonathan, 236,
313 ; William, 176, 183, 189, 190, 193,
194, 225, 223, 233, 241, 531.
Baltimore, Lord, 278.
Bancroft, George, 53 ; unjust towards
the Indians, 273.
Bancroft, one, 154, 273.
Banister, Thomas, 504, 518, 529.
Bangs, Edward, 36 ; Samuel, 652.
Bank of Credit, 551, 577 ; Land Bank,
613 ; bills, 491, 523, 659.
Baukes, Richard, 463, 471.
Bankrupt law, 518.
Bankruptcies, frequent, 632, 719.
Bant, William, 665.
Baptist Churches, 346, 375, 379, 380,
332—3, 615.
Barbut, William, 536.
Barber, Daniel, 726—7 ; Peter, 455 ;
Nathaniel, 731.
Barker, John, 660 ; Thomas, 547.
Bardin, Edward, 810.
Barlow, Bartholomew, 789.
Barkley, William, 154.
Barnaby, Ruth, 688—9.
Barnam, Rickard, 414.
Barnard, John, 431 ; James, 544 ;
Thomas, 486 ; Nathaniel, 735 ; Thom-
as, 486 ; Capt., 813.
Barney, Jacob, 186, 378.
Barnes, James, 504, 522, 536 ; John,
567, 583; Matthew, 333, 336, 342,
349, 465 ; Nathaniel, 434 ; Samuel,
318 ; Thomas, 652.
Barnsdell, WilUam, 596.
Earre, Isaac, a friend to the Colonies,
653, 639, 703—5, 711, 768, 771, 724
—6, 729.
BarreU, James, 426; John, 291, 318,
333, 335 ; George, 241, 250, 253 ; Col-
burn, 687.
Barrett, John, 342, 344, 657, 756 ; Josh-
uh, 651 ; Nathaniel, 605 ; Samuel, 547,
550, 557.
Barnet, Dr. , 685.
Barrington, Thomas, 284 ; Lord, 551 ;
Viscount, 655.
Baron, Capt. , 363.
Barrow, George, 567.
Bartholomew, Stephen,
230, 237, 428.
Bartlett, W. H., artist,
634 ; Robert, 336.
Bartol, C. A., 602.
Barton, James, 508 ; John, 522
— T^sr
439; WUUam,
139 ; WilUam S.,
Mar-
garei
Basin, Richard, 508.
Basket, Mark, 630.
Bass, Alden, 590 ; Henry, 695 ; Samuel,
577, 268 ; William, 318.
Bassett, James, 780 ; William, 36.
Baster [Baxter ?] Joseph, 395.
Batt, Paul, 414^-15, 427 ; tan house,
342.
Bateman, John, 154, 312, 319, 320, 331,
336, 796 ; Joseph, 418 ; William, 317.
BateSjEdward, 229, 235, 792 ; George,
?83,"7yi ^"Tames, 342.
Bath, William, Earl of, 34.
Bathurst, John, 317, 447.
Batter, Edward, 230.
Battery March, street, 632.
Battery, the, 320, 348, 615.
Batterson, James, 533.
Bayley, Benjamin, 395 ; Capt., 283 — 4 ;
Joseph, 440.
Bayns, Mr., 159.
Baxter, 248, 268, 318, 395 ; Joseph, 800 ;
Mr., 465, 803 ; Nicholas, 798 ; Paul,
652 ; sister, 341 ; Richard, 496.
Beacon Hill, 141, 433, 470, 482, 593, 619,
6S5 ; tar barrel on, 744—5.
Beacon Island, 553.
Beale, B., 395 ; WilUam, 36, 497.
Beamont, Thomas, 800.
Beamsley, WilUam, 235, 312, 319, 320,
347—8, 787, 793.
Bean, Mary, 802.
Beard, Thomas, 57 ; Beard's Comer,
803.
Bear, Polar. See Atkins. Bears near
Boston, 572.
Beatson, R., Memoirs, 624.
Beaton, James, 652.
Beauchamp, Mr., 36.
Beaver Brook, named, 137.
Beaver, the ship, 748.
Beck, Alexander, 235, 254, 291, 318, 320,
785, 790, 793.
Beckford, WilUam, 689, 725, 762.
Bede, the historian, 101.
Bedgood, Jeffrey, 567, 597, 600.
Beecher, Thomas, 54, 79, 88, 170 ; Ly-
man, 699.
Beckman's Hist. Inventions, 263.
Beer Lane, 588, 803.
Beers, Richard, 407, 409, 410.
Belcher, Gregory, 248; Andrew, 293, 403,
514, 523, 525, 539 ; dies, 557 ;.R. W.,
6.30 ; Edward, 181, 196, 319, 796 ;
Elizabeth, 293 ; Jonathan, 403, 539,
551, 583, 535, 589, 594, 613, 688;
John, 534 ; Joseph, 336, 607 ; Jo-
siah, 384.
Belcher's Wharf, 630, 803.
Belknap, AbigaU, 567 ; Jeremy, 14—16,
19, 21, 26, 39, 44, 49, 130, 224, 256,
282, 526, 577 ; Joseph, 350, 384, 511,
512, 560, 756, 805 ; Nathaniel, 567 ;
Belknap's yard, 811.
Bell, Daniel, 250 ; David, ib. ; James,
521 ; Thomas, 235, 317, 320, 798.
Bells of Churches, of New and Old North,
545—6 ; Peal of 8, 568 ; for King's
Chapel, 471.
Bell-ringers, appointed, 558, 509.
BeUamont, Earl, Governor, 516 ; arrival,
517 ; death of, 518.
BeUamy, John, 529 ; Samuel, pirate, 556.
Bellingham, Richard, 54, 62, 174, 176,
182, 184, 189, 230, 234, "US, 253, 257,
259, 267, 294, 298, 312, 315, 317, 334
—5, 339, 368, 375, 330, 385, 394 ; 453,
785 ; Samuel, 790 ; Henry, 176.
Benbowe, John, 317.
Bcnbrook, James, 573.
Bendall, Edward, 229, 234—5, 241, 245,
250, 253, 257, 262—3, 268, 278, 286,
311, 312, 318, 319, 341, 504, 786, 783,
791—2 ; John, 190, 229.
Benjamin, John, 190 ; Joseph, ib.
Benk, Menasses, 427.
Bennet, George, 336 ; Henry, 176 ; John,
503, 590 ; Richard, 259, 333, 357, 373,
787, 790 ; Peter, 414 ; Spencer, 507 ;
Bennet's Wharf, 804.
Bentley, WilUam, 347.
Berdt, Dennis, 725, 737.
Beresford, Henry, 418.
Berkley, Sir WilUam, 311.
Bernard, Francis, appointed Governor,
654 ; family, 654—5 ; measures op-
posed, 676 ; small-pox regulation, 677 ;
did not understand his position, 705 ;
opposed to the Stamp Act, 723, 727 ;
opposed by the General Court, 728 ;
tar baiTel affair, 744—5 ; disturbed by
a Convention of the people, 746 ; man-
ufactory house affair, 751 ; created a
Baronet, 757 ; portraits, ib. ; other
difficulties with the Gen. Court, 762 ;
sails for England, ib. ; rude allusions
to, 768 ; Otis's accusation, 770 ; burnt
in effigy, 772 ; Uidicted, 774.
Berners, Lord, 80, 733.
Bernon, Gabriel, 529, 536.
Berry, Ebenezer, 601 ; Henry, 601 ;
John, 286, 301 ; Richard, 307.
Bertrand, Ensign, 763.
Besse, sufferings of the Quakers, 342 — 3,
352—3, 356—7, 361, 369, 394, 429,
604.
Bewett, Hugh, 252.
Bibbles, John, 234, 253.
Bible, of the French Church, 489 ; first
printed, 630.
Bickner, Joseph, 418.
Biddle's Memoir of Sebastian Cabot, 2.
Biddolph, Sir Theophilus, 317.
Bigelow, John P., 103.
Biggs, John, 151, 229, 235, 259, 785, 790.
Bilbowes, ship's stocks, 93 ; Indians in,
141.
Bill, Dorothie, 245, 250; James, 250,
342, 423 ; Richard, 644, 807 ; Thomas,
395 , BiU and Smith, 811 ; Samuel,
817.
BilUngs, Joseph, 521, 415.
Billington, Francis, 108 ; John, 36, 107.
Bing, Admiral, 585.
Bilson, , 54.
Birchall, John, 342.
Birch's Life of Boyle, 317.
Bird Island, 183, 231, 320, 570.
Bird, Simon, 341 ; Thomas, 250.
Bishop, Nathaniel, 804.
Bishop's AUey, 533, 595.
Biscon, Isaac, 536.
Bishop, Bridget, 500 ; Capt. of the
Fortune, 686 ; John, 504 ; Nathaniel,
320, 792, 794 ; Townsend, 230.
Bishop's New Eng. Judged, 343, 355.
BisseU, , 567.
Bitfield, Samuel, 250, 331. -
Black-horse lane, 514 ; alley, 686.
Blackstone, William, assessed in 1628,
50 ; invites the settlers to Shawmut,
95; first settler of Boston, 96; death of,
97 ; freeman, 107 ; sells his lands in
Boston, 530 ; his release lost, 600.
Blackstone's Beach, 273 ; Point, 97, 239,
531 ; River, 96 ; Spring, 97.
Blakiston, J., 284.
Blake, Edward, 350, 652 ; Increase, 652 ;
John, 350, 390 ; annals, 70, 84.
Blagden, George W., 384.
Blagne, Henry, 350.
Blanchard, Joshua, 580, 618, 677.
Blancher, William, 302.
Blandford, ship, 585.
Blantaine, WilUam, 248, 250, 302, 312,
318, 337, 342, 350, 797.
Blashwait, William, 458.
Blessing of the Bay, first vessel, 128.
INDEX.
823
BUgh, Thomas, 332.
Blish, Abraham, 518, 5G0.
Bliss, Hist. Discourse, 90, 319 ; Reho-
both, 96-7, 126.
Bliss, Thomas, 250.
Block Island, expedition against, 197,
201 , Indian name, 202 ; belonged to
Massachusetts, 234 ; deputation from,
237.
Blodget, Samuel, 677.
Blome's Britannia, 232, 430, 627.
Bloomfleld's Hist. Norfolk, 349.
Blott, Robert, 795.
Blount, Anthony, 527, 567.
Blower, Thomas, 566 ; Sampson S., 777.
Blue Ball, sign of the, 492, 638.
Blue Hills, belong to Boston. 321.
Blyn, Mr., 811.
Boardman, Mr., 502, 728.
Bodman, Joseph, 427 ; Sara, 384.
Body of Liberties, 259.
Bogel, Alexander, 414.
Bollan, William, 628 ; residence, 758 ;
procures Bernard's lettei-s, 762, 771.
Bolton's Hist. Westchester, 210, 251.
Bomazeen, unprisoned, 510.
Bompasse, Edward, 36.
Bomsted, , 795.
Bonaventure, George, ship, 88.
Bond, Dennis, 302 ; William, 409.
Bouetta, ship, 748.
Bonighton, Richard, 60.
Bonner, John, plan of Boston, 537, 550,
566, 772, 810, 820.
Book of Possessions, 785.
Books, burning of, 343.
Booksellers, numerous, 521, 682.
Boone, Nicholas, 528, 552.
Boone's Corner, 556.
Boott, Ku-k, 817.
Borden, George, 793.
Boreman, Felix, 55.
Borington, Bartholomew, 176.
Borland, Francis, 72, 455, 649 ; Jane,
72 ; John, 455, 518 -, Mr., 804, 813.
Boscawen, Edward, 317.
Bosquain, Adam, 523.
Boston, metropolis of a vast country, 1 ;
events which led to its settlement, 2 —
8 ; name on a map of 1614, 21 ; Smith
prevented from settling at, 25 ; ex-
plorations adjacent by Plymouth men,
43-6 ; by Wiuthrop and others, 86-7 ;
its first settler, Blackstone invites the
emigrants to settle on Shawmut, 95-6 ;
Shawmut named Boston, 98 ; date of
its settlement, 99; origin of name,
101 ; Boston in Lincolnshire, 100-1 ;
first General Court at, 106 ; ancient
Indian settlement, 119 ; claims land
in Ct., 126 ; ship-building begun at,
129 ; the first meeting-house, 104, 142 ;
its fortifications, 164 ; jealousy in
England of its prosperity, 172 ; its
records, 173 ; maps of, 550, 566, 772,
820 ; commerce begins, 266, 628 ;
governors required to reside in, 339 ;
land transfers, to be recorded, 347 ;
royal commissioners arrive in, 369 ;
commissioners' account of, 377 ; pur-
chased of the Indians, 456-7 ; order
about its records, &c., 507, 514, 599 ;
attempt to become a city fails, 535 ;
its latitude and longitude, 553 ; pro-
posal for a market-house fails, 555 ;
succeeds, 596 ; described by Moll,
557 ; has no archives, 565 ; surveyed
by Bonner. 566 ; early called a city,
669 ; town-meetings opened with
prayer, 570, 632 ; its Sunday laws,
677 ; divided into wards, 588, 600 ;
watchmen to cry the time of night,
639 ; proposal to make it a county,
699 ; Chelsea, taken from, 604 ;
townships granted to, 604 ; described
by Oldmixon, 608 ; taken possession
of by the King's trops, 747 ; appeal to
the world, 771 ; evacuated by the
troops, 784 ; Book of Possessions,
785 ; often called a city, 569.
Boston Museum, 804.
Boston Marine Society, 616.
Boston Gazette, 638.
Boston Stone, the, 804.
Boston Theatre, 804.
Bosway, William, 418.
Bosworth, Ephraim, 616 ; Nathaniel,
CSl ; Zaccheus, 189, 229, 285, 7S7, 794.
Boterus, Relations of the World, 5.
Boucher, Thomas, 616.
Boulderson, , 567.
Bound, James, Ephraim, 616.
Bourchier, Lord Berners, 14, SO, 733.
Bourle, William, 414.
Bourne, Garret, 235, 335, 442, 796 ;
Melatiah, 657, 729, 732, 738 ; Nehe-
miah, 101, 259, 279, 289, 299, 787-8.
Bouterick, Samuel, 414.
Boutiuau, James, 414, 644, 657, 770 ;
Stephen, 4S9.
Bowditch, Nathaniel I., 785.
Bowdoin, Elizabeth, 72 ; James, 72, 488,
520, 611, 633, 753, 784.
Bowen, Abel, Picture Boston, 311, 505,
886 ; Daniel, 806.
Bowen, Griffin, 245, 285, 791 ; Penuel,
652.
Bowers, Elizabeth, 429 ; Jerathmeel, 734.
Bowes, Nicholas, 648 ; WilUara, 764.
Bowles, John, 409 ; Joshua, 652.
BowUng Green, 607 ; another, 805.
Bowman, Jonathan, 591, 593.
Bowry, Richard, 55.
Box, Mr. , merchant, 650.
Boyce, Catherine, 663 ; Daniel, 662 ;
John, 652.
Boyd, John P., 456.
Boydell, John, 559.
Boyden, Simeon, 811.
Boyer, James, 580 ; Peter, 657.
Boyle, Alexander, 455 ; John, 818 ;
Robert, 313, 316—17, 375-6.
Boyle's Chronology, 655.
Boylston, John, 657, 729 ; Peter, 526 ;
Thomas, 556-7, 744; Zabdiel, 561,
568, 580 ; his death and family, 726.
Boynton, Francis, 176, 188 ; Su: Mat-
thew, 181, 187.
Boys, Antipas, 340, 376.
Brackenbury, John, 418 ; Richard, 57.
Bracket, Anthony, 807 ; Mary, 384 ;
Peter, 250 ; Richard, 189.
Bradley, John, 599 ; the astronomer, 633.
Bradbury, ,161; Jabez,633; John,
753.
Braddock, Gen. Edward, 614, 628,- 639,
644.
Bradford, William, one of the Pilgrims,
36 ; voyage to Massachusetts, 43 ; on
early settlers, 50 ; on a capital execu-
tion, 107-8 ; about Thos. Morton, 113 ;
Letter to Winthrop, 131 ; visit to Bos-
ton, 137 ; visited at Plymouth, 145 ;
at Boston about trading at Connecti-
cut, 155 ; about the Quakers, 345.
Bradford, Mr. , 645 ; Captain, 764 ;
GamaUel, 753; John, 744, 756;
Joseph, 658 ; Moses, 427 ; Robert,
332, 427 ; Mr., 813.
Bradford, Alden, 620 ; Life of Mayhew,
666.
Bradish, Ebenezer, 678 ; one, a purate,
518.
Bradshaw, Job, 55 ; Joseph, 55.
Bradstreet, Simon, of the Mass. Com-
pany, 55 ; Assistant, 77 ; at Charles-
town, 92 ; joins the church, 93 ;
secretary of the colony, 94 ; at Gen.
Court in Boston, 106, 110, 118—19 ;
Assistant, 139, 152-3 ; of the banish-
ing Court, 230 ; on the Churchmen,
295-6 ; commiss. of the U. Cols., 308 ;
on long hair, 315 ; embassy to Eng-
land, 358 ; petitioner, 376 ; on the
Baptists, 380; on the Quakers, 429,
440 ; moderate partisan, 445 11 6 ;
Counsellor, 473 ; active against An-
dross, 483-4 ; again Governor, ib. ;
death of, 512 ; a descendant, 363 ;
Anne, 446.
Bradstreet, Dudley, 473, 574, 645 ;
Mercy, 293 ; Simon, Jr., 574.
Brailsford, widow, 652.
Brainard, David, 363, 623, 624.
Braintree, separated from Boston, 248.
Bram, Benjamin, 427.
Brand, Thomas, 57 ; William, 343.
Brand's Antiquities, 437.
Brattle, Catlierine, 620 ; Elizabeth, 29.3,
449 ; Thomas, rebuilds First Church,
142 ; Petitioner, 376 ; of Old Sjuth
Church, 384 ; Selectman, 423 ; gives
an organ to King's Chapel, 471 ; on
Witchcraft, 495 ; gives land for a
Church, 518 ; on non-import, commit-
tee, 704.
Brattle, Capt. Thomas, 417, 434, 4.39,
447 ; dies, 449 ; WilUam, 142, 557,
595, 643.
Brattle-street Church, 518—19.
Bray, George, 660.
Brayley and Britton, Hist. Essex, 101.
Bread, weight of regulated, 486, 599.
Breck, Elizabeth, 407, 726 ; John, 532 ;
Margaret, 648 ; Widow, '465.
Breedon, Francis, 487 ; Thomas, 364,
372, 374, 376, 805.
Breet, Sarah, 339.
Brend, William, 352.
Brenton, Jahleel, 596; William, 174,
181-2, 186, 189, 190, 194-6, 201, 233-
5, 245, 313, 328, 331, 333, 335, 341,
347, 349, 506, 812.
Brereton, Sir WiUiam, 12—14, 53, 67,
76-7, 95.
Brewster. JFear, 36 ; John, 574 ; Jona-
than, 36 ; Margaret, 428 ; Patience,
36 ; William, 36, 145.
Brewster Islands, 235, 375, 381, 805.
Briant, Robert, 418.
Brickhead, Thomas, 65.
Bridewell, 820.
Bridge, Benja min, 580 ; Christopher,
4.1 ; John,L'3U; Robert, 315 ; Samuel,
503-4, 521, 532 ; Thomas, 534, 548 ;
William, 161.
Bridge, Charles River, 560, 605, 612,
664.
Bridgham, Henry, 333, 336 ; James,
Joseph, 493, 506 ; Elder, 812.
Bridgman's Blemorials, 315, 480.
Brigdon, Elizabeth, 533 — 34 ; Katherinc,
634.
Briggs, Clement, 36.
Brigham, Peter, 642.
Bright, Francis, 55, 57 ; George, 563.
Brimmer, Herman, 665, 673.
Brinley, Francis, 395, 594 ; death of,
714 ; family, 718 ; Hon. Francis, 557,
626 ; Nathaniel, 594 ; Thomas, 403,
594, 626.
Brinsley, Lawrence, 317.
Brisanton, Thomas, 418.
Briscoe, Daniel, 268 ; William, 796 ;
Mr., 805.
Britteridge, Richard, 36.
Broadbent, Mr., 4S0.
Brocket, Richard, 241.
Brocke, John, 385, 443.
Brocklebank, Samuel, 418.
Brockwell, Charles, 471.
Brodhead's Hist. New York, 180, 251,
368, 391.
Bromdon, Mr., 395.
Bromfield, Arthur, 598 ; Edward, 317,
492, 504, 529, 598, 607, 624, 643, 669 ;
Mary, 643, 669.
Brooke, John, 34, 42, 88, 187.
Brookfield, attack upon, 405-6.
Brookline, origin of name, 531 ; sepa-
rates from Boston, ib.
Brooks, , 161 ; Robert, 336 ; Wil-
liam, 323 ; William G., 675 ; Brook's
Corner, 807.
Brookin, William, Mary, 87.
Brooksup, Joane, 357.
Broome, George, 350.
Broughton, Thomas, 332, 336, 341, 350 ;
John, 418.
Brown, Anne, 72 ; Asa W., 87 ; Capt.
, 15 ; Edmund, 236, 385, 493 ;
Edward, 490 ; Henry, 800 ; Hugh, 57,
818 ; James, 318, 399, 412, 785, 787.
790 ; John, 41, 55, 57, 62, 65, 67, 73,
251, 534, 602, 657 ; Josiah, 363 ; Ju-
dith, 357, 363 ; KiUam, 66 ; Mary,
72 ; Peter, 36 ; Robert, 52 ; Samurl,
55, 57, 62, 65, 67, 72-3, 353 ; William,
483, 526-7, 800.
824
INDEX.
Brownists, 27, 52, 118, 290.
Bi-uce, Capt. , 716 ; David, 456.
Bi-uff, William, 336.
Brumiing, a bookseller, 462.
Buck, Eleazer, executed, 490 ; James,
534.
Bucket, Mary, 36.
Buckingham's Magazine, 186 ; Polyan-
thos, 548 ; Marquis of, 34.
Bucklanii, William, 131.
Buckuall, Jacob, 652.
Buckminster, Joseph S., 519.
Buco, Pequot, 405.
Bufham, Joshua, 352—3.
Bulev, John, 19.
Bulfiiich, Charles, 552, 568 ; 623, i
family, 663 ; Mr., 807.
Bulgar, Richard, 224, 235.
Bulkley, Mr., 222, 469 ; Edward,
385, 436, 473 ; Joseph, Peter, 396 ;
Richard, 490.
Bull, Dixy, 147 ; Henry, 229 ; Jerah,
413 ; John, 472, 487 ; William, 655.
Bullivant, Beujamin, 464, 467—8, 471,
474, 481, 484, 517.
BuUocke, Erasmus, 235.
Bmnstead, John, 626 ; , 795.
Bunch of Grapes tavern, 581, 597, 650,
Burch, John, 814 ; WiUiam, 732, 737.
Burcher, Edward, 36.
Bunlen, George, 235, 241, 248, 259, 267,
278, 320, 386, 691, 790 ; Sarah, 357.
Bunlitt, James W., 564.
Burdock, Capt. of the William and Jane,
153.
Burgess, Elizeus, Governor of Mass.,
■ 551 ; James, 418 ; John, 319 ; Wil-
liam, 5.
Burke's Baronetcies, 250 ; Landed
Gentry, 355.
Burke, Edmund, 689, 768.
Burleigh, Capt. at the Isle of Wight, 79.
Burnaby, John, 259 ; Ruth, 688.
Burnham, Thomas, 323.
Burnell, Samuel, 521, 528 ; William, 268.
Burnet, family, 578, 581—2 ; David, 652 ;
Gov. William, 573, 581.
Burrill, GL'orge, 34:1, 427 ; James, 418 ;
. John, 312 ; Samuel, 508.
Burnu-hs, Edward, 356 ; Francis, 460,
518, 535 ; Gsorge, 500 ; James, 427 ;
Jeremiah, 161, 287 ; William, 523.
Buvsliii, John, 50.
Burton, Boniface, 386 ; David, 294 ;
John, 352 ; Joseph, 294 ; Ralph, 645 ;
Stephen, 234, 445, 594 ; Thomas, 294.
Bushnall, Francis, 223, 235, 251, 376 ;
John, 730.
Busby, Nicholas, 312, 799.
Bushel, John, 598.
Bushord, Richard, 55.
Butcher, Robert, 532.
Bute, Ljrd, 563, 690, 714; burnt in
effigy, 716.
Butler, Alford, 687 ; John, 487, 471 ;
Matthew, 544 ; Stephen, 313, 318 ;
Walf.inl, 6S7.
Butler's Iludibras, 40, 309, 687.
Butler's Row, 630.
Butman, John, 319.
Buts, Thomas, 6 ; Sir William, 6.
Buttles, Leonard, 318, 248, 250, 254, 259,
280, S12.
Buttulph, Leonard, 318 ; Nicholas, 257 ;
Thomas, 102, 255, 259, 278, 307, 790.
Button, John, 223, 234, 253—4, 278, 312,
318, 327, 374, 550, 787, 790—1 ; Mat-
thias, 57 ; Robert, 227, 320.
Bybie, Annie, 423.
Byticld, Adoniram, 160, 287 ; Nathaniel,
478, 481—2, 484, 509, 514, 620, 522—3,
526, 528, 582, 592—4, 626 ; Richard,
533.
Byles, John, Josiah, 525 ; Mather, wife
of, 536 ; poem on the King, 575 ; on
Gov. Burnet, 581 ; minister of Hollis-
st. Church, 590 ; his Ch. contribution,
614 ; on the earthquake, 640 ; on
redress of grievances, 748 ; Sutton,
530 ; wharf, 805 ; 811.
^ylot, Robert, 32.
Cabot, John, Sebastian, discoveries, 1—6.
Cade, Jack, his rebellion referred to, 80.
Cage, Daniel, 25.
Cages for criminals, 428, 506, 577, 819 •,
for Indians, 377.
Cakebread, Thomas, 236.
Calamy, Edmund, 172, 288, 593.
Caldwell, Benjamin, 765 ; James, 782—4.
Callicott, Richard, 214, 230, 428.
Calef, Robert, 496, 498, 500, 528. 531—2,
568, 734 ; Joseph, 568, . 6a0, 813 ;
Samuel, 757 ; Winter, 652, 77S. ■>
Callender, Elisha,~3Sl, 605 ; Ellis, 379,
381, 427, 432, 534, 605 ; death of, 680 ;
William, 547.
Callender's Hist. Discom-se, 118, 122,
223—30.
Calvert, Sir George, 42.
Camden's Britannia, 101—2, 218, 583.
Camden, Lord, 723—5, 768.
Camock, Thomas, 144.
Campbell, C, 618 ; Duncan, 455, 462 ;
John, 518, 528, 538 ; Lord WiUiam,
753 ; WiUam, 816.
Canada, settlement of, 16 ; French name
of N. Eng., 27 ; trade to, .305 ; em-
bassy to, 319 ; captives there, 430 ;
expedition, 491, 505, 535, 539 ; procla-
mation to, 510.
Caner, Henry, 471, 691.
Canon, John, 36.
Canon, some received from London, 734.
Canonchet, taken prisoner, 405, 412.
Canonicus, 129, 200, 203, 303, 306.
Canterbury, Archbishop of, 666.
Capen, Henry, Hopestill, 687 ; John,
340, 345, 490.
Captain, a seventy-four, 645.
Carr, Maurice, 746, 782 ; Patrick, 782 ;
Robert, Sir, 368—9, 372.
Card, William, 440.
Carder, Richard, disarmed, 229, 275—6.
Caring, Edward, 230.
Caron, Joseph, 55.
Carpenter, William, 274.
Carlton, Bishop, Remembrances, 104.
Carol, Michael, 652.
Carter, James, 156 ; Lydia, 459 ; Ralph,
427 ; Richard, 245, 250, 318, 786, 790,
795—6.
Carthagena, expedition, 619.
Carthew, John, 418, 427, 503, 525.
Cartwright, George, 368—73, 453, 479.
CaryU, Joseph, 287, 380, 452, 551, 620.
Cary, Samuel, 471 ; John, 810.
Casey, John, 414.
Cushman, Robert, Thomas, 36.
Casson, Edward, 55.
Castell, William, 287.
Castle Island, order for a fort on, 172 ;
affair of the colors, 192 ; in ruins, 269,
280 ; repaired, 285 ; men for, 286 ;
loan of Maverick, 291, 296 ; a bell for,
347 ; appropriation for, 351 ; order
about salutes, 381 ; burnt, 396 ; be-
sieged, and taken from Andross, 483 ;
named Castle WiUiam, 531 ; a chap-
lain, 545 ; death of the gunner, 596 ;
quarantine regulations, 604; a hos-
pital, 685 ; about 120 cannon mounted,
772.
Catchmay, Sir Richard, 34.
Candler, Lieut. R. N., 679.
Caulkin's Hist. New London, 100, 126,
198.
Cazneau, Andrew, 760 ; Mr. , 652.
CecU, Su- Robert, 10,
Census. See Popclation.
Center Haven, 360.
Centry Haven, 514.
Centry Hill, 786, 790.
Centurion, frigate, 524.
Chadderton, Dr. , 100, 512.
Chaddock, John, 279—80.
Chadwick, James, 414.
Chatfe, Matthew, 235, 243, 285, 303,
318, 789.
Chalkley, Thomas, 504.
Challounge, Heni-y, voyager, 16.
Chalmers' Annals, 16, 52—3, 55, 58, 61—
2, 282, 438, 440.
Chambers, Charles, 772 ; John, 605 ;
WiUiam, 571.
Chamberlain, Ale.xander, 567 ; Edmund,
414; John, 327, 367; MeUen, 54}
William, 505, 800.
Chamberlayne's Pres. State, 430, 458.
Champion, Richard, 589.
Champlain, Samuel de, names Mount
Desert, 85.
Chandlei-, George, 34 ; John, 307 ; WU-
liam, 440.
Chandler's Crim. Trials, 500, 502.
Channing, WiUiam E., 676—7.
Chapman, Jacob, 268 ; Thomas, 418,
601.
ChappeU, Andrew, 241 ; John, 418 ;
Nathaniel, 241, 789.
Chard, Hellen, 490 ; Thomas, 418.
Chardon, Peter, 518, 611, 617, 806.
Charity, ship, 37, 38, 188, 190.
Charles, brigantme, 529.
Charles River, mistakes of early voya-
gers about, 22, 46, 82—3, 87—9.
Charles I., names New England, 27 ;
beheaded, 315, 450 ; saintship of, 631.
Charles 11., death of, 557 ; on costume,
105 ; on N. Eng. coinage, 330 ; inter-
feres for Quakers, 356 ; demands the
charter, 446 ; portrait, 668.
Charles, ship, 79, 87, 140.
Charlestown, settlement of, 57 — 9 ; Win-
throp's company there, 92 — 4.
Charlevoix, Nov. Fra., 3, 496.
Charlton, Robert,55.
Charnock's Biog. Nav., 571, 624.
Charon's Ferry, 215.
Charter, 183, 359, 362, 367—9 ; vacated,
446 ; explanatory, 772.
Charter-street, 498.
Chase, John, 440 ; Thomas, 665, 695 ;
William H., 363.
Chatham, Lord, 768.
Chattam, Catherine, 357.
Chauncy, Charles, 362, 390 ; George,
393 ; Sarah, 491 ; family, 393, 670 ;
Stamp-act sermon, 725 ; Elizabeth
Greenleaf, 760 ; against Whitfield,
608 ; Isaac, 629.
Checkley, family, 459 ; Ann, 525 ; An-
thony, 395, 396, 434, 603 ; death of,
534 ; EUzabeth, 535 ; John, Robert,
Samuel, 459 ; John, 807 ; 522, 532,
552, 614, 311, 471, 493, 503, 506, 639 ;
Mary, 535 ; Rev. S., death of, 774.
Cheesman, Edward, 570.
Chedley, Mr. , 259.
Cheever, Bartholomew, 333, 427—8, 652,
788 ; Ezekiel, 514, 523, 526—7, 534,
548, 604 ; Joshua, 544 ; Richard, 418,
503 ; Samuel, 236, 543 ; Thomas, 613 ;
Capt., 806.
Chelsea, made a town, 604 ; small-pox
there, 632.
Chesebrough, Nathaniel, 126 ; Samuel,
"Wimam", 126, 139, 181—2, 234, 531.
Chester, ship, 622.
Chester, Dorcas, 363 ; Leonard, ib.
Chesterfield, Earl of, 633.
Chesy, Samuel, 418.
Chichele, Henry, 90.
Chichester, WUliam, 342.
Chickataubut, sells Nantasket, 41 ; resi-
dence, 44 ; visits Boston, 121, 125 ;
complains of injuries, 131 ; joins the
Narragansets to fight the Pokanokets,
138 ; again at Boston, 141 ; dies of
smaU-pox, 165 ; his successor, 280 ;
killed in a war with the Mohawks,
387 ; his son gives a deed of Boston,
456.
Child, Isaac, 452; John, 297, 427;
Richard, 440 ; Robert, 292, 294^8.
Chilton, James, 36.
Chunney-sweepers, 474 ; order about,
536.
ChiseU, Walter, 25.
Chism, WiUiam, 626.
Chizeau, Adam, 687.
Choate, John, 613.
Chochichawick, Andover, 278.
Christ Church, 568, 691.
Christison, Wenlock, 357, 504.
Christmas, celebration of forbidden,
358.
Christopher, Richard, 521, 523.
Church, Dr. Benjamin, 685, 758, 769 ;
INDEX.
825
Col. Benjamm, 132,398, 401, 415,478,
480 ; 486, 529, 712, 738, 758.
Church of England. See Episcopalians.
Chui'ches : —
Brattle-street, 518—19.
Christ Church, 567—8.
Croswell's. See Frekch Churoh.
Federal-street, 576—7.
First Church, 141—2, 541, 547—8.
First Baptist, 433.
First Universalist, 615.
French Church, 487-9.
HoUis-street, 590—1.
Irish Church. See Federal Street.
King's Chapel, 467 — 72.
Mather's, 425, 615.
Morehead's. See Federal Street.
New Brick Church, 558.
New North " 544^7.
New South " 551—2.
Old North. See Second Church.
Old South, 383—6.
Roman Catholic, 489.
Sandemanian, 686.
Second Baptist, 615.
Second Church, 310—11.
Trinity Church, 583.
Churchill, ArabeUa, 71 ; Chas., 540 ; 654.
Churchill's Voyages, 79.
Churchman, John, 361.
Cincinnati, Society of, 642.
Clap, David, 84, 185 ; John, 613 ; Roser,
78, 82—3, 106, 109, 141, 147, 483 ;
Clap's Corner, 815.
Clarendon, Earl of, 70, 79, 231, 317, 367,
447, 526.
Clarke, Arthur, 291, 799 ; Benjamin,
648 ; Christopher, 342, 428, 434, 657,
800 ; Deborah, 594 ; Francis, 540 ;
George, 317 ; H;irry, 471 ; John, 235,
325—6, 351, 380, 424, 455, 468, 519,
513, 548, 602, 685, 782, 787, 809;
Jonas, 534, 594, 809 ; Joseph, 424 ;
Jonathan, 757 ; Josiah, 469 ; Mary,
351 ; Matthew, 623 ; Peaceful, 418 ;
Perice, 432 ; Richard, 36, 293 ; Robert,
471 ; Tmiothy, 503, 511, 514, 518, 521,
526—7, 531, 556 ; Thomas, 36, 227,
248, 250, 278, 294, 320, 327, 331, 333,
335—6, 341, 346—7, 363, 368, 394—5,
397, 418, 422, 434, 453—4, 518, 521,
592, 787, 790, 793, 814 ; Thomas M.,
583, 791 ; "Walter, 505 ; WUUam, 151,
518, 521, 540, 567, 632, 644 ; , 55,
229, 319, 322, 554, 813, 817.
Clark's Ship-yard, 373 ; street, 373,426,
544.
Clarkson, Alderman, 74 ; David, 629.
Clay, Joseph, 381.
Claydon, Barnabas, 55, 57 ; Jasper, 540.
Cleer, John, 414 ; William (Clears), 818.
Clemens, Augustus, 395 ; the ship, 269.
Clesbe, John, 427.
Cleveland, Duke of, 232.
Cleverly, Stephen, 677, 695.
Clewley, Joseph, 607.
CUfford, George, 278.
Clifton, Hope, 356.
Clock, one proposed for the Town, 320 ;
one for Dock Square, 331 ; one or-
dered, 556.
Clopton, Thomasui, 72.
Clouston, William, 455.
Clough, Ebenezer, 544, 548, 590 ; John,
350, 427, 552, 590 ; Samuel, 523 ;
Thomas, 590.
Clough's Almanac, 513, 523.
Clud, Edward, 316.
Coaches, first used, 386.
Cobb, Benjamin, 652.
Cobbet, Thomas, 130, 196, 385.
Cochran, William, 455.
Cocke, Nicholas, 503.
Cockle, James, petition, 668.
Coddington, John, 796 — 7 ; Mrs., 90
Nathaniel, 227 ; William, 56, 77, 80!
110, 118—9, 122—3, 139, 153, 174
176, 180, 189, 212, 228, 234, 237, 245,
291, 302.
Codman, Hepzibah, 431.
Coffin, 376 ; Shubael, 721 ; WiUiam, 58S
597, 805.
CofiEn's History of Newbury, 440—1.
104
Coggan, John, opened the first store,
166 ; selectman, 174 ; freeman, &c.,
181, 189, 235, 241, 253—4, 791.
Coggeshall, John, 171, 174, 184, 189
—90, 193—5, 201, 218, 225, 229, 233,
235.
Coin, regulations about, 329—30, 366 ;
coining ordered to be discontinued,
371.
Colborn, WUliam, 55, 93, 100, 120, 139,
176, 181—3, 189, 193—4, 225, 236,
237, 243, 246, 253—4, 259, 285, 291,
302, 307, 311, 796.
Cole, Alexander, 455 ; Clement, 246,
316 ; Hezekiah, 652 ; John, 300, 519,
787, 789; Peter, 161; Robert, 139,
151, 267, 342 ; Samuel, kept first Inn,
166j_194r^5,. 2ft4, a20,_2S2, 235—6,
3117318-19, 333, 335—6, 345, 347,
349, 351, 511, 573, 796.
Collicott, Richard, 236.
College, Cambridge, account of, 377,
772.
ColUer, Thomas, 381 ; William, 273.
CoUimore, Isaac, 193, 195, 235, 285, 333,
347—8, 351, 788.
Collins, Daniel, 508 ; Christopher, 250 ;
John, 250, 349, 708 ; WiUiam, 258.
CoUinson, Peter, 637.
Colman, Benjamin, 236, 481, 519, 542,
546, 548, 556, 573, 585, 589, 597, 600
—1, 605, 610, 614 ; John, 518, 560.
Colors, cross cut out of the, 168—9, 353.
Colson, Adam, 593 ; Christopher, 55 ;
David, 593, 595 ; Colson's-lane, 806.
Colson's Stone House, 542, 593.
Columbian Museum, 806.
Comby, Robert, 544.
Commissioners, of Charles II., complain
that the regicides are protected, 359 ;
arrival of, 368 ; proceedings, 369—
378.
Common, rights of inhabitants to the,
303 ; no more land to be granted out
of the, 253 ; no person to sell his right
of Commonage, 303 ; the Quakers
hanged there, 355 ; place for gallants,
392 ; origin of, 530 — 1 ; spinning aflfair
on, 561 ; game of long buUet on, forbid,
569 ; to be taken care of by Select-
men, 592 ; Common-street, 603 ; Iron
fence, 593 ; boat burnt there, 736 ;
troops encamped on, 747 ; execution
of a soldier on, 752 ; horse-racing on,
756 — 7 ; order about a powder-house
on, &c., 631 ; lease of lands at the
foot of, ib. ; described, 806 ; no per-
sons to ride to and ft'O about it on
Sundays, 511.
Compton, John, 229, 313, 318, 793.
Conant, Christopher, 36 ; Hannah, 363 ;
Roger, 43, 48, 51-2, 57, 130, 139, 170,
263.
Concert Hall, 641, 753.
Concord, Gen. Court at, 678, 685.
Condy, Jeremiah, 381, 615; Thomas,
418 ; WUliam, 437.
Conduit, erected, 331 ; 334.
Coner, William, 36.
Coney, John, 347, 427, 486, 504, 512,
75tJ:
Conflans, Admiral, 647.
Congress, a Continental proposed, 690.
Congress-street, 505.
Congregationalists, 820.
Corners, George, 158 ; John and othei-s,
ib.
ConnebaU, John, 418.
Connecticut, emigration to, 176 — 8.
Connell, Thomas, 245.
Consert, Cornelius, 410.
Consociation of churches, 362.
Conway, Gen. Henry Seymour, 679,
703—5, 721, 725, 768.
Cooke, Alice, 363 ; Edward, 55 ; Elisha,
68, 395, 434, 445, 447, 456, 483—4, 524
—7, 537, 553, 555, 557, 5S1, 603 ; Fran-
cis, 36 ; George, 275, 287 ; John, 269,
471 ; Joseph, 230 ; Mary, 68 ; Middle-
cott, 603 ; Nicholas, 534 ; Richard,
307, 331, 340, 715, 788—9, 793—4;
Cook's Wharf, 550.
Cool, Jacob, 414.
Cooley, Henry, 395.
Coolidge, Joseph, 664, 813.
Cooper, David, 25 ; Michael, 23 ; Sam-
uel, 519, 522, 608, 648, 664, 670,
720 ; Thomas, 324, 503, 518 ; Wil-
liam, 519, 5i6, 614, 618, 620, 070,
704, 756, 771.
Copeland, Ephraim, 660; John, 343,
351.
Copley, John, Singleton, 707, 733, 757. ^
Copp, David, 427, 514, 549 ; Goodith, f
549 ; John, 456 ; Jonathan, 549 ;
William, 259, 307, 318.
Copp's Hill, 44—5, 141, 422, 522, 548-9,
709.
Coote, Charles, Richard, 516 ; Thomas,
599.
Corbet, Michael, 765—6 ; Mdes, 284.
Corey, Giles, 500 ; John, 759 ; Martha,
500.
Corman, Indian ambassador, 405, 412.
Corn, price of, regulated, 486.
Cornell, Thomas, 241, 811. ' '
Corner, John, 735.
Coruhill, fortified, 139 ; Washington-
street, 531 ; great fire in, 541 ; a clock
for, 556.
Cornwall Henry, 571.
Corwin, Alice, 428 ; George, 439; Jona-
than, 498, 500, 526 ; Thomas, 428.
Coryate, Thomas, 466.
Cesser, Hercules, William, 455.
Costume, CathoUc, 104 ; Puritan, 104,
682.
CotU, John, 427, 532 ; Peter, 652.
Cotton, HUl, 329, 470, 512.
Cotton, John, 103 ; escapes to New Eng-
land, 157, 159 ; other events in his
history, 160, 167, 170, 176—7, 180,
183, 195, 218, 220, 225, 227—8, 230,
232, 239, 244, 257, 203, 267, 271, 290,
299, 307, 322, 332, 339, 363, 366 ; John
of Hampton, 423 ; of Newton, 473 ;
Dep. Secretary, 696 ; Mary, 363 ; Me-
riel, 634 ; Rowland, 63, 158 ; Seaborn,
161, 236, 356 ; William, 157, 320, 327,
332, 341, 347.
Counties, division of the colony into,
278.
Courant, the newspaper, 564.
Courser, William, 2.33, 262, 307, 330—1,
333, 341, 455, 786, 790, 793.
Coui-t-house. See Town-house.
Cousins, Capt., cast away, 632.
Cove, the, 241, 286, 332 ; Cove-street,
786.
Coventry, Henry, 439.
Coverley, Nathaniel, printer, 672.
Covey, James, 250.
CoweU, Edward, 418, 556 ; Cowell's Cor-
ner, 807.
Cow-Lane, 473.
Cowin, EUzabeth, 384.
Cowland, Alice, 354, 356.
Cox, , 818, 293 ; Joseph, 395 ; Na-
thaniel, 665 , Robert, 396 ; WiUiam,
652.
Coxall, John. See Coggeshall.
Coysgarne, Joseph, 518.
Coytmore, Capt. Thomas, 72 ; Voyage,
268, 288.
Crabtree, John, 235, 248.
Crackford, Daniel, 567.
Craokston, John, 36.
Cradock, George, 567, 594.
Cra<lock, Mathew, chosen Governor, 55 ;
proposes to remove the Government
of the Mass. Comp. to N. Eng., 67 ;
an Assistant, 73 ; his plantation, 119 ;
treatment of his agent, 127 ; com-
manded to surrender the Patent, 172 ;
another agent of, 347.
Cradle of Liberty, 613.
Crafford, , imprisoned, 484. ,■•
Crafts, Samuel, 490 ; Thomas, 690 j WU-
liam, 520.
Craige, Andrew, 557 ; David, 552.
Gramme, John, 235.
Crampton, Samuel, 19.
Crandal, John, 322, 325.
Crane, Benjamin, 414 ; Robert, 55.
Ci-anfield, Gov. Edward, 447.
CranweU, John, 235.
826
INDEX.
Crawford, Elizabeth, 663 ; John, 455,
484 ; Mungo, 663.
Creeke, Edward, 331, 337, 427 431, 509.
Creighton, William, 456.
Crentch, David, 418.
Crispe, Richard, 220.
Critchley, Kichard, 250, 335, 341.
Croad, John, 529.
Crocker, Hannah Mather, 492.
Crosby, John, 583 ; Simon, 247.
Croslet, Edward, 523.
Cross, St. George's, cut out of the Eng-
lish colors, 168—9, 353.
Cross, Obed, 652.
Croswell, Andrew, 488 ; WiUiam, 567.
Cromwell, John, 418 ; Oliver, " paint me
as I am," 273 ; jeered by Chalmers,
282 ; a puritan, 289 ; court of, 346 ;
death of, 354, 450, 363, 594 ; Thomas,
300, 304, 320—1, 331 ; 346.
Crowmer, William, SO.
Crowne, John, 354, 360 ; WUliam, ib.
Crowninshield, Benjamin W., 538.
Croychley, Richard, 793.
Crozier, Dr. , 685.
Cudworth, Benjamin, 695, 754.
Cullen, James, 418.
CuUlmer, Isaac. See Collimore.
CuUoden, ship, 293.
Culpeper, Lord Thomas, 441—2.
Cumings, Amie, 767 ; Alexander, 384 ;
Archibald, 592 ; David (Cumins), 487.
Cunningham, Andrew, 455 ; John, 657 ;
Nathaniel, 596, 600, 606, 611 ; Ruth,
692 ; WiUiam, 590.
Currier, Martha, executed, 500.
Curtis, George, 248 ; Philip, 351.
Cashing, 161 ; Ebenezer, 662 ; Thomas,
447, 504, 595, 607, 611, 658, 669, 682,
713, 719—20, 732, 733 — 4, 767—8.
Cushman, Robert, 36.
Custom-house, 447.
Cuthbertson, Cuthbert, 36, 41.
Cuting, John, 340.
Cutler, David, 557 ; John, 417, 633, 810 ;
Timothy, 614, 657 ; dies, 691.
Cutshamakin, Indian Chief, 280.
Dabney, John, 616.
Dacre, Francis, Lord, 80, 301.
Dafforn, Isaac, 652 ; Mrs., 807 ; Mr.,
812.
Daggett, William, 497.
DaUle, Pierre, 487—8, 523 ; Paul, 488.
D'Aillebout, Gov. of Canada, 319.
Dalhonde, Lawrence, 561.
Dall, WUllam, 456.
Dalrymple, WiUiam, 746—7, 751, 782,
784.
Dalton, Peter Roe, 807.
DameriU, John, 329.
Dana, Richard, 644, 683, 712, 717, 738,
744, 750, 758, 771, 727.
Band, John, 294, 296, 297.
Dancing, law against, 322 ; school, 599.
Danforth, John, 336, 339, 608, 625 ;
Mary, 363 ; Samuel, 236, 306, 397,
643, 653, 753 ; Thomas, 363, 380,
389, 416, 443, 447, 479, 483, 490, 602 ;
WUliam, 363.
Daniels, Jo., 474 ; John, 601 ; Timothy,
567.
Danson, George, 429, 437.
D'AnviUe, Duke, 622.
Darbie, WilUam, 55.
Darley, Henry, 65.
Darting, Capt., 610.
DarroU, John, 601.
DarryfaU, Barnabie, 190. 243.
Dartmouth, Lord, 725, 768.
Dashwood, Capt., 764 ; Samuel, 814.
Dassett, John, 250, 442, 519 ; AUey, i6.,
808.
Davenport, Addington, 214, 227, 471 ;
519, 563, 555, 583 ; Benedict A., 76 ;
Benjamin, 618, 520 ; James, 618, 749,
812, Jane, 625 ; John, 55, 65, 70, 76,
157—8, 216, 222, 227, 231, 237, 347,
362, 369, 383, 408, 427, 443, 453, 548 ;
Nathaniel, 413—14 ; Richard, 57, 201,
213, 263, 288 ; Truecross, 286.
Davis, Benjamin, 687 ; Edward, 662,
667 ; George, 327 ; Humphrey, 434 ;
James, 278, 318, 286, 235, 337, 351,
443 ; John, 243, 259, 787 ; Joseph,
621; Nathaniel, 413; Richard, 65;
Samuel, 487, 492; Solomon, 732;
Susanna, 687 ; William, 307, 313, 320,
341, 389, 347, 384 ; others, 39, 49, 286,
336, 351, 395, 662 ; 241, 253, 335, 340,
347, 373, 384, 388, 423.
Davison, Nicholas, 127.
Davy, Humphrey, 439, 447.
Dawes, Story, 601 ; Susannah, 384 ;
Thomas, 520, 731, 756 ; William, 347,
384; Col., 815.
Dawbeney, OUver, 6.
Dawson, George, 429 ; Henry, 269, 418,
487.
Dawstin, Josiah, 127.
Day, James, 690 ; Jane, 660 ; Stephen,
first printer, 240, 264; Wentworth,
259, 817.
Dayley, Charles, 317.
Dealings with the dead, 536.
Deane, Charies, 102, 344 ; James, 371 ;
John, 180, 194, 427, 446, 579 ; Joseph,
653 ; Stephen, 36 ; Thomas, 369, 371,
376, 409, 439 ; WiUiam R., 370.
D'Aulnay, Mons., 266, 270, 283, 303.
Deblois, Gilbert, 677, 767 ; Lewis, 641,
810 ; Stephen, 520, 641, 677.
De Berdt, Dennis, 771.
Decoster, Sarah, 818.
Deeble, Jeremy, 429.
Dee, Dr. John, 693.
Deering, Henry, 511, 613, 526, 536, 657.
Deer Island, 147, 183, 195, 267, 286,
311, 318, 342, 356, 379, 467, 479, 556.
De Ewes, Sir Simon, 114.
Defence, the ship, 186.
Delano, PhUip, 36.
De la Tour, Charies, 270.
De la Ware, Lord, 68.
De Monts, voyage, 1, 6.
DeU, George, 306, 342.
Deming, William, 798.
Denning, WiUiam, 196.
Dennis, Edmund, 795 ; Edward, 234—5,
318 ; James, 431.
Dennison, Anne, 346 ; Daniel, 230, 380 ;
Elizabeth, 68 ; George, 126 ; Stephen,
287. ~"-"
Dermer, Thomas, 17, 24—5, 29, 30,
Deshon, Moses, 612.
Deval, Peter, 633.
Devaux, Peter, 536.
DevU, Indians ruled by the, 38 ; pecu-
liar notions respecting, 149 ; the father
of the Jesuits, 150 ; one dispossessed
of a, 201 ; the ancient enemy of free
grace, 225 ; a disturber of the peace,
241 ; public schools instituted to coun-
teract hun, 308 ; appears at a synod
in a snake, 310 ; busy in making
witches at Springfield, 323 ; stirs up
the Anabaptists, 378 ; Capt. Alden's
escape from the, 499 ; deal with devil
and fear witchcraft, 516; duels are the
devil aU over, 579 ; the patriots ac-
cused of raising, 706 ; represented
among stamp officers, 693 ; Liberty
boys to be driven to the, 754.
Devonshire-street, 509, 553, 690.
Dewer, Samson, Thomas, 427.
Devotion, Edward, 796.
Dewing, Francis, 666.
Dexter, John H., 406 ; Richard, 267 ;
Samuel, 581, 657, 677, 753 ; Thomas,
127.
Dickinson, Isaac, 56 ; John, 731 ; the
Samuel Adams of the Middle States,
731 ; 768-9.
Digby Kenehn, Sir, 465 ; Thomas, 25.
Diggs, Dudley, Sir, 32, 34, 42.
Dighenton, James, 414.
Dimoke, Elizabeth, 733.
Dindly, Joseph, 418.
Dinely, William, 226, 333, 236, 793.
Dinsdale, WUliam, 318, 333, 335, 341,
350, 794.
Diodat, Francis, 317.
Directory, first, of Boston, 188, 538.
Discovery, the ship, 32.
Disney, Henry, 540.
Diving-beU, 251, 263.
Dix, Anthony, 36, 147.
Dixon, James A., 811.
Dixwell, Jolm, 544.
Dixey, WiUiam, 67.
Doane, George W., 683 ; John, 502,
662 ; Samuel, 668, 712 ; Thomas, 662.
Dobbs, Arthur, 338.
Dobel, John. 818.
Dobson, Capt., 305.
Dockett, John, 317.
Dock Square, 432, 542, 697.
Dodge, WilUam, 67.
Doggett, Ebenezer, 652; Samuel, 401,
557 ; Thomas, 558.
Dolbeare, Benjamin, 756; Edmond, 652.
Dolbery, , 395.
Domett, Joseph, 657.
DooUttle, John, 333, 342.
Dorley, Ebenezer, 652.
Dorchester, settled, 84 ; named, 86 ;
celebration, 768 ; Lord, 62.
Dorety, , 181.
Dormer, Diana, 540.
DorreU, John, 49, 67—8.
Dorr, John, 562.
Dorset, Eari of, 160.
Dotey, Edward, 36 ; Col., 812.
Doubt, Nyott, 685.
Doughty, Francis, 267.
Doutch, Robert, 348.
Douglass, Henry, 320 ; Dr. WiUiam, op-
poses inoculation, 561 — 2 ; on mobs,
597 ; Whitfield, 610 ; Shirley's Louis-
burg expedition, 621 ; death of, 623 ;
WUliam, 253, 320, 360, 800.
Douglass' Summary Hist. &c., 138, 178,
305, 342, 405, 476, 663, 586, 597, 614,
621, 623.
Doux, Francis, 427.
Dowden, Joseph, 521.
Dowdney, Richard, 352.
Downe, Thomas, 490 ; WiUiam^^^i
Downes, Edmund, 19, 157,TgS7374,
460.
Downing, Emanuel, 55, 70, 72, 122, 299,
790.
Dowse, Francis, 248, 786, 791 ; Joseph,
583 ; Thomas, 729.
Doyle, WUliam, M. S., 806.
Dragon, sloop, 509.
Drake, Francis, Sir, 8—12, 20, 29, 30 ;
carries potatoes to England, 560 ;
John, and family, 609 ; John, Esq.,
34 ; John, Sir, and family, 62.
Draper, John, and Richard, and Sam-
uel, 513, 520, 525, 689, 591, 661,
666—7.
Drawbridge, 335, 348 ; accident at, 356 ;
fire near, 492 ; order about, 614, 643.
Dreror, Splende, 414.
Drew, John, 742.
Drinker, Edward, 378, 380, 418—19 ;
Elizabeth, Jolin, PhUip, 378 ; Mr.,
803.
Drowne, Shem, 616.
Drums, used to summon people, 183,
278 ; laws proclaimed by beat of, 345 ;
drum-heads paid for by the town,
291.
Drury, Hugh, 335, 341, 347.
Duckworth, Charles, 419.
Dudley, Anne, 72, 512 ; Dean, 92, 334 ;
Joseph, to treat with the Indians,
405 ; to purchase Boston, 456 ; wel-
comesDunton, 461 ; President of New
England, 472 ; Imprisoned, 485 ; made
Governor, 624 ; superseded, 661 ;
Judge, 669 ; Colonel, 681 ; Mary, 72 ;
Paul, 445, 553 ; Samuel, 72 ; Thomas,
of the Mass. Company, 55, 70 ; Assist-
ant, 73 ; undertaker, 76 ; at South-
ampton, 77 ; Letter to the Church of
England, 79 — 80 ; sails for New ling-
land, 80 ; Letter to the Countess of
Lincoln, 88 — 91 ; Dep. Governor, 94 ;
108—12 ; 122 ; at Watertown about au
opinion, 129 ; censures Winthrop, 133;
difficulty thereupon, 133—6 ; another,
164; Governor, 169; Colonel, 244;
death, 334 ; WUliam, 582.
Duel, on the Common, 579 — SO ; law re.
specting duels, 580.
INDEX.
827
Duer, Thomas, 342.
Dugdale, Lieut., 679 ; Capt., 686.
Dugdale, the antiquary, 102—3, 552.
Dumaresq, Philip, 5S3.
Dummer, Alice. 586 ; Hannah, 339
Jeremiah, 492, 529, 541, 551, 585
defence of New Eng. Charters, 689
Richard, 139, 184, 248, 249 ; WilUam,
317, 572, 580—1, 585, 594, 728 ; Jus-
tice, 813.
Dun, George, 316 ; WilUam, 490.
Dunbar, David, 603 ; Jeremiah, 688.
Duncan, Nathaniel, 186, 230, 236 ; P. 351.
Dundas, Ralph, 679.
Duninge, Jonathan, 418.
Dunkom Nathaniel, 333.
Dunster, Henry, 242, 786.
Dunton, John, 459 — 67 ; death of, 595.
Dupee, Isaac, 814.
Dupru, Estienne, 271.
Dupuis, John, 487.
Durant, Edward, 597 ; William, 311.
Durbridge, Mr. , 55.
Durell, Thomas, 561, 670, 571.
Dutch, Robert, 348.
Dutchfield, Mr., 259.
Duties, e.xcise, taxes, 631 ; parliament-
ary, 676 ; stamp duties, 677.
Dyer, Giles, 445, 471, 486, 514, 525 ;
Maiy, 354—6 ; Nicholas, 552 ; Wil-
liam, 189, 226, 229, 235, 492 ; Capt.,
Earle, John, 593 ; Samuel, 521. •
Earlom, the engraver, 654.
Earthquakes, 237—8, 280, 354, 366, 387,
514, 575, 577, 585, 640, 742.
East, Benjamin, 318 ; Francis, 235, 318,
797 i John, 431.
Eastburn, Manton, 583.
Easty, Mary, executed, 500.
Easton, John, 429.
Eaton, Asa, 568 ; Francis, 36 ; Nathan-
iel, 792—3, 797 ; Samuel, 237 ; The-
ophilus, 55, 62, 70, 73, 75, 77, 231, 237,
273 ; Thomas, 394.
Ecklev, Joseph. 384.
Eddy, John, 132 ; Mr. , 782.
Edes, Benjamin, 695 ; Hannah, 534 ;
Thomas, 661 ; William, 57 ; dies, 767.
Edes and Gill, print the Stamp Act, 666,
Edgar, ship, 541.
Edgecomb, Richard, Sir, 34.
Edmonds, James, 55, 57 ; Robert, 429.
Edwards, Alexander, 687 ; Benjamin,
558 -, John, 821 j Mr. , 307 ;
RobertV^llSamuel, 658.
Eells, Nathaniel, 617.
Egartou, Anne, Sir Thomas, 72.
Elbridge, Thomas, 431.
Election, manner of proceeding at an,
184.
Election Sermon, the first, 170.
Electricity, experiments in, 638.
Elias, frigate 368.
Eliot Andrew, 502; Asaph, 427, 521,
545, 614, 685 ; Benjamin, 5-33 ; Eph-
raim, 558 ; Francis, 235 ; Gilbert, Sir,
313 ; Jacob. 189, 233, 237, 291, 312,
318, 342, 347, 423, 792, 796 ; John, 90,
106, 128, 136—8, 145, 148, 161, 178,
180, 213, 224, 253, 259, 302, 305, 312
— :13, 319, 334, 358, 366, 380, 421, 466,
521, 545, 547 ; John, Jr., 449 ; John
F., 747 ; others, 320, 337, 384, 519,
577, 618, 665 ; Deacon, 804.
EUery. See Illert.
Elliston, George, 521.
Elizabeth, Queen, 5, 9, 10, 12, 31, 662.
Elkins, Henry, 229, 235.
EUicott, Thomas, 427.
Ellis, Edward, 427, 633 ; Charles M.,
90 ; George E., 228, 230 ; Rufus, 548.
Elphinstone, WilUam, 639.
EUiston, , 803.
Else, Rog<!r, 335.
Elsynge, Henrv, 269.
Elton, Romeo, "ll7.
Emblen, John, 381.
Emerson, Ralph W., 311 ; WUUam,
Hist. First Church, 163, 520, 54?.
Emery, Jonathan, 414.
Emmes, Henry, 511, 525.
Emons, Samuel, 427 ; Emmons' Corner,
805.
Endicott, John, one of the original Mass.
Company, 53 ; appointed Governor,
55 i sails for N. Eng., 56 ; sends
home EpiscopaUans, 65 ; receives
Winthrop's Company, 86 ; again ap-
pointed Governor, 94 ; takes Morton,
113 ; denounces veils, 167 ; afifair of
the colors, 167—9, 184 ; idolatrous
French, 271 ; fears for the decUne of
Salem, 283 ; Serg., Maj. General, 292 ;
again Governor, 315 ; requested to
reside in Boston, 339 ; author of Amer-
ican Independence, 353 ; treatment
of Quakers, 355 — 7 ; dies, 370 ; John,
Jr., 339 ; Zerubbabel, 376.
Engine, fire, first, 431 ; house for, 525 ;
one of, 1733 ; described, 593.
Engles, Madid, 798 ; WUUam, 552. See
Ingles.
English, Philip, 497 ; Thomas 36 ; WU-
liam, 332, 347.
Enstone, Edward, 471.
Epinow, a Cape Indian, 18—23, 33.
EpiscopaUans, first society of, formed,
467 ; distui-bances with, 292—8 ; 820.
Erving, Edward S., 627 ; George, 657 ;
John, 628, 644, 657 ; mobbed, 736 ;
753 ; WilUam, 455.
Eustis, Benjamin, 520 ; WiUiam, 628.
Evans, Goodman, 790.
Evelith, Joseph, 502.
Evelyn, Sir John, 594.
Evered, John, alias Webb, 257, 785.
Everett. Edward, 161, 375, 519, 564;
OUver, 552.
EverUl, James, 195, 234, 245, 259, 302,
307, 311, 318, 331, 348, 427—8, 787,
790 ; John,
Everton, William, 521 ; House, 654 ;
Capt., 812, 817.
Ewar, Thomas, 230.
Ewstead, Richard, 57.
Exchange, the, 521.
Execution, first in New England, 40 ;
for witchcraft, 308, 600 ; for infanti-
cide, 240—1 ; for piracy, 490—1, 570,
573 ; of Quakers, 355.
Exeter, founded, 218.
Eyers, John, 482, 503, 514.
Fabian, Robert, 1.
Fairbanks, 182, 189 ; Jonas, 321, 333 ;
Richard, 193, 195, 229, 234, 241, 245,
247, 793.
Fairfax, Sir Thomas, 110, 147, 188.
Fau-field, Daniel, 492, 511 ; John, 487 ;
Mrs., 761 ; Nathaniel, 590 ; William,
712.
FaUnouth, Earl of, 231.
FamaUsts, 129, 148, 175, 218, 226.
Fane, Henry, 182, 786, 789.
Faneuil, Andrew, 527, 536, 540, 612;
Benjamin, 536, 583 ; Peter, 536, 580,
610 ; dies, 612, 802.
Faneuil Hall, 611 ; burnt, 656, 663 ;
iUuminated, 729 ; soldiers quartered
in, 747, 751.
Fanning, WUliam, 440.
Farewell, George, 484, 486.
Farlow, George, 378.
Farmer, John, killed, 414.
Farnesid, Mr., 341.
Farnham, John, 335—6, 378—9, 504,787.
Faron , 813.
Farrington, John, 414.
Faulkner, Lady, 654 ; Thomas, 787.
Fawer, Barnabas, 54, 302, 800 ; Benja-
min, 312, 318 ; Gypon, 608.
Fawkes, Guy, 662.
Fayerweather, John, 409, 416, 434, 450,
457, 483, 518, 600, 661 ; Thomas, 190,
235, 557, 595.
Fay, William, 268.
Feake, Elizabeth, 251 ; Robert, 137—8,
170 ; Island, 152.
Featley, Daniel, 287, 290.
Federal-street, 639, 682 ; Church, 576—7.
Felt, Joseph B., 715 ; Annals, 52, 86,
329— 30,,497.
Fencing, school for, 464.
Femio, J., Poems of, 590.
Fenwick, George, 273, 301.
Fergusson, , 477.
Fermace, Alice, 227.
Fermin, Giles, 201.
Feme, Captain, 191.
Ferries, 115, 188, 320, 327, 332, 621,
543.
Field, Robert, 231 ; Mr., 782.
Fields, common, persons appointed to
take charge of, 190.
Filcher, Mr. , 48.
Fillmore, John, Millard, 570.
Finch, Abraham, John, 206 : Henry,
418 ; Mons., 30.
Fines, Charles, 80.
Finnessey, , 652.
Fippeny, Joseph, 799.
Fires, 190, 334, 425, 431, 436, 442, 452,
492, 508, 521, 525, 628, 541, 571, 590,
627, 633, 648—9, 656, 660, 663, 686—7,
691, 728, 756.
Fire-engines, 425, 431, 493, 593, 691.
Firewards, 542.
Fireworks, 722 — 3.
First Church, 141—2 ; burnt, 541 ; re-
built, 547—8.
Fish, Gabriel, 222, 787 ; Samuel, 589 ;
Thomas, 502 ; William, ib.
Fisher, Daniel, 342, 427, 447—8 ; Ebene-
zer, 484 ; John, Joshua, 726 ; Mary,
339, 342—4.
Fisher's Cove, 785.
Fiskc, Moses, 236.
Fitch, Benjamin, 521, 560, 726 ; Edward,
317 ; James, 335 ; Jeremiah, 472,
487 ; John, 628 ; Richard, 235 ;
Thomas, 293, 317, 436, 518, 332, 555,
592, 596, 599 ; Capt., 803, 813.
Flacke, Cotton, 253, 312, 796.
Flag, New England, 330 ; used at
Bunker HiU, ib. ; trouble about one
at the Castle, 191—2.
Flagg, WUliam, 520.
Flanders mares, importation of, 185.
Flavell, Goodwife, Thomas, 36.
Flax, cultivation of, 599.
Fleet, John and Thomas, 547, 589, 641,
666, 689, 811.
Fletcher, Edward, 250, 254, 268, 307,
321, 327, 331, 797 ; Moses, 36 ; Roger,
799.
Flint, Alice, 333 ; Henry, 250, 295, 325,
380 ; Josiah, 236, 795 ; Thomas, 234,
315, 325, 414.
Flood, Edward, 36 ; John, 445.
Fordich, Samuel, 414.
Floyd, Evan, 525 ; John, 336 ; Richard,
316, 318.
Flucker, Thomas, 651, 712.
Fly, WiUiam, pirate, 573.
Flyer, Francis, 55.
Fogg, John H., 160.
Folkes, Slartin, 633.
Foote, famUy, 206 ; Mr., 335.
Forbes, Alexander, 414 ; James, 767.
Forde, widow, 36 ; Edward, 55.
Forrest, Mr., 752.
Forster, Edward, 686—7 ; WUliam, 642,
645.
Fort, 268 ; Narraganset, 414 ; Fort-field,
181, 234, 253 ; Fort HiU, named, 139,
141, 187, 190, M5, 285, 290, 339, 347
—8, 473, 484, 607, 650, 694, 697, 792 ;
windmill on, 523 ; Fort-street, 786 ;
Fort WUliam, 531.
Forth, John, Mary, 72.
Fortification, at the South End, 537 ;
others, 615.
Fortune-teller, 461, 514.
Fosdick, David, 591 ; John, 554.
Foster, Benjamin, 537 ; Bossinger, 557 ;
Edward, 686—7 ; John, 227, 317, 424,
483, 492, 526, 538 ; HopestUl, 589—90 ;
Thomas, 379, 527, 787, 798, 800;
Miles, 429 ; Nathan, 652 ; WUUam S.,
350 ; 524 ; 652, 811.
Fowle, Daniel, 635 ; Jacob, 427 ; Mr.
, 623 ; Thomas, 246, 250, 291,
294—5, 297, 290, 786, 790.
Fox, John, 242 ; Lucas, 79 ; Fox HUl,
254, 319, 569 ; Fox Point, 479.
Foxcroft, George, 55, 62, 792 ; Francis,
628
INDEX.
481, 518, 769 ; Thomas, 93, 179, 471,
487, 548, 566, 587, 601, 608, 614, 653 ;
famUy, 759.
Foxley, William, 334.
Foy, Mrs., 465.
Francis, Convers, 117, 190.
Trankland, Henry, 613 ; Lady, 742.
Franklin, Benjamin, Mr., death of, 573 ;
Benjamin, Dr., on emigration, 249 ;
birthplace not in Milk-st., 492 ; an
apprentice, 564 ; begins to write, 564
— 5 ; his uncle dies, 573 ; in Phila-
delpliia, 618 ; on the Louisbourg ex-
pedition, 621 ; a Free Mason, 630 ;
noticed by Matthew Adams, 634 ;
discoveries, in electricity, 637 ; birth-
place, 638, 804; on the Stamp-act,
714 ; remuneration for services, 771 ;
Henry, 525 ; James, 559, 563—5 ;
John, 565 ; postmaster, 636, 799, 800 ;
Josiah, 804 ; Samuel, 816 ; Mr., 601 ;
WilUam, 268, 278, 283, 286, 291, 319,
327, 331, 335, 791.
Frarye, Theophilus, 384, 427, 457, 469,
503 ; Thomas. 492, 522, 809.
Frazer, Simon, Thomas, 645.
Frazon, Joseph, Samuel, 513, 518.
Freake, John, 227, 376, 453.
Frederick III., of Denmark, 550.
Freeborne, William, 229.
Freeland, WiUiam, 652.
Freeman, Constant, 742 ; Edmund, 354 ;
PhiUp, 804.
Freemasonry, introduced, 595, 629, 772 ;
celebrations, 629.
Freemen, what constituted them, 106 —
7 ; number of, 434.
Free Schools, 276, 279, 286, 342, 349,
457, 479, 486, 511, 521 ; writing, 557.
French Church, 487—8 ; Protestants,
26-2—3, 820.
French, Edward, 317 ; Robert, 455.
Friend, John, 253.
Friends' Meeting-house, 652.
FrizeU, John, 545, 606, 809.
Frobisher, Sir Martin, 7, 8, 10, 17, 29 ;
WilUam, 812.
Frost, Mr. , 267.
Frothingham, Benjamin, 652 ; Nathan-
iel L., 167, 548 ; Bicliard, Hist., 58,
77, 83, 87, 92—3, 161, 308, 375 ; WU-
Uam, 230.
Fryar, Nathaniel, 351.
Frye, Love, 293 ; Peter, 293.
Fuller, Arthur B., 545 ; Bridget, 36 ;
Edward, 36 ; John, 414 ; Samuel,
25—6, 36, 133, 145 ; Thomas, the
facetious, 79 ; Worthies, 176.
Fullerton, John, and others, 652.
Fur Company formed, 281.
Funerals, reform in garments, 362, 366 ;
scarfs forbidden at, 582; 679—80;
first prayer, at a, 594.
Gace, John, 55.
Gage, John, 151 ; Thomas, head-quar-
ters, 620 ; applied to for troops, 740 ;
notice of, 750 ; reviews troops on the
Common, 753 ; returns to New York,
ib. ; indictment against, 774.
Gager, Deacon, 97 ; William, 91, 93,
100.
Gain, Thomas, 616.
Gale, Theophilus, 465.
Qallard, William, 186.
Gallop, Benjamin, 490 ; John, 157, 195
—8, 200, 215, 234 ; 243, 250, 285, 415,
789, 794, 812, 814 ; Joseph, 418 ; Sam-
uel, 418, 809.
Gallop's Point, 278, 280, 320.
Gallows, the, 339, 348, 708.
Gamble, Capt. , 750.
Gannett, Ezra S., 577.
Gardner, Andrew, 329, 652 ; Christopher.
Su-, 119, 127—8 ; Gideon, 810 ; Hor-
red, 352 ; John, 5S3, 652 ; John L.,
538 ; John S. J., 583 ; Joseph, 41:
—14 ; Lyon, 178, 187—9, 197, 200.
202, 205 ; Richard, 36, 43 ; Samuel,
544 ; Sylvester, 649, 685 ; Thomas.
48, 57, 349, 414, 726 ; Mr. , 55.
Garfield, Benjamin, 490.
Garney, Andrew, 529.
Garret, Capt., 351 ; Deborah and others,
113 ; Richard, 106, 111, 112.
Garrold, Henry, 245.
Gaskin, Samuel, 352.
Gatchell, Increase, 567.
Gates, Horatio, 673 ; Simon, 329 ; Thom-
as, 34.
Gauden, Henry, 55 — 6.
Gay, Ebenezer, 601 ; Martin, 756.
Gay lor, Samuel, 451.
Gedney, Bartholomew, 473, 483, 498,
500.
Gee, Joshua, 311, 504, 544, 560, 614 ;
Gee's corner, 803.
Gelston, Dr. S., 685.
General Court, constituted, 63 ; change
in time of holding of, 138 ; attended
by all Freemen, 169 ; Quarterly Gen-
eral Court, 186 ; hog case, 260—1 ;
proceeding in favor of Parliament,
321 ; order about apparel, ib. ; au-
thorizes coining money, 329 ; abol-
ished, 476 ; removed to Salem, 584 ;
board of members, 337 ; burnt out,
678, 685 ; at Concord, 678 ; proposes
a Congress, 690 ; debates open to the
public, 727 ; at Cambridge, 761.
George I., accession of, 550 ; dies, 575 ;
II., 575, 584, 594 ; dies, 655 ; III.,
accession of, 655.
George, John, 481, 507, 518, 536 ; David,
290.
Gerrish, Benjamin, 391, 473, 544 ; John,
521, 536 ; Joseph, 463 ; Samuel, 599 ;
William, 449 ; Gerrishes, 376.
Gery, Mr. , 463.
Gideon, John Lewis, 735.
Gibbs, Benjamm, 384, 391; Elizabeth,
384 ; John, 567 ; Mary, 587 ; Robert,
376, 525—6 ; William, 35, 157.
Gibbins, John, 567, 583 ; William, 521;
Dr., 642.
Gibbons, Ambrose, 60, 107, 331 ; Henry,
590 ; Edward, 139, 184 ; his services,
200 ; land granted, 233, 235, 243 ;
representative, 245, 278 ; purchase of
estate, 250 ; sells it, 253 ; Selectman,
259 ; Indian agent, 267 ; m the French
interest, 271 ; on fortifications, 286 ;
Justice of Peace, 290 ; Major, 303 ;
losses, 305 ; lands, 786 ; John, 338 ;
Mrs., 270 ; Sarah, 243, 252.
Gibson, Benjamin, 520 ; Christopher,
Edmund, T'
James, 619 ; John, 307,
343 ; Samuel, 604 ; WiUiam, 427, 455.
Giffen, John, 652.
Gifi'ord, WiUiam, 334.
Giggles, Thomas, 214.
Giles, Sir Edward, 34.
GiU, John, 616, 638 ; Obadiah, 603, 521.
Gilbert, Bartholomew, 14 ; Humphrey,
Sir, 9, 29. 31 ; John, 17, 349 ; Raw-
leigh, 17, 34 ; Thomas, 250 ; WUliam,
427.
Gill, John, 403, 607, 616, 638 ; 513, 521 ;
Moses, 726, 731, 764; Obadiah, .395,
431, 492, 503.
Gilfoy, Mr. , 571.
GUlam, Benjamin, 235, 253, 360, 436,
442, 452 ; Joseph, 395 ; Robert, 234,
318.
Gillard, John, 139.
Gillon, Mr. , 464.
Gillman, Anne, 293 ; Benjamin, 241 ;
Ezekiel, 418 ; Joseph, 395.
Givan, John, 455.
Gladwing, John, 55, 440.
Gleison, Thomas, 338.
Glen, George, 652 ; Robert, 601.
GUde, John, 418.
Glover, EUzabeth, 72 ; Goody, 496 — 7 ;
Ilibakkuk, 335, 347, 376 ; John, 55,
2i0, 786; Joseph, 242; Nathaniel,
551 ; Robert, 509 ; Mrs., 818.
Glynn, Sergeant, 768 ; Heiu^r, 772.
G )ban, Donald, 455.
Godfrey, Edward, 144.
Goffe, Charles, 57 ; Christopher, 614 ;
John, 472, 534, 544; Thomas, Dep.
Governor, 55, 62, 67, 70, 73, 75, 77,
588—9 ; WiUiam, 358—9.
Goldthwait, Ezekiel, 644, 657; John.
544 ; Thomas, 623.
Goldsmith, John, 590 ; Ralph, 356—7.
Go(5ch, Col. , 678 ; James, 621 ;
John, 657.
Good, Sarah, executed, 500.
Goodall, Mary, Richard, 378.
Goodland, Captain, 255.
Goodman and Goodwife, who were so
caUed, 111.
Goodwin Edward, 253, 787 ; John, 161,
495, 518, 652 ; Samuel, 641 ; Thomas,
160—1 ; William, 170.
Goodyear, Stephen, 363.
Gookin, Daniel, about Indians, 31, 178,
378, 397 ; comes to Boston, 281 ; his
Hist. Collections, 317 ; protects the
Regicides, 359; Assistant, 363; ap-
pointed to oversee printing, 366 ;
against the Baptists, 380 ; services in
PhiUp's war, 404 ; abused for taking
the part of the Indians, 410 ; his life
threatened, 416 ; Samuel, 540.
Goose, Capt., 452 ; carter, 341 ; sur-
veyor, 335.
Gore, John, 520, 757, 787 ; Samuel,
wounded, 776 ; painter, 811 ; Thom-
as, 409.
Gorges, Edward, Lord, 34 ; Ferdinando,
Sir, 15 ; unfortunate, 23 ; his efforts
to colonize New England, 31 ; em-
ploys Dermer, 33 ; enlists Sir W.
Alexander, 47 ; his agency for the
Massachusetts Company, 63 ; sends
over Neale, 111 ; his claim, 128 ;
plantation at Agamentacus, 196 ; that
plantation not invited to join the oth-
ers, 269 ; Maine restored to him by
the King, 438 ; Henry, 249 ; Robert,
comes to New England, 42 ; son of
Sir Ferdinando, 53 ; his patent, 68 ;
Thomas, at Boston, 249 ; some account
of the famUy, 249—50.
Gorham, John, 489.
Gorton, Samuel, takes the part of Mian-
tonimo, 273 ; his settlement at Shao-
met, 274 ; brought prisoner to Boston,
275—7 ; interpreter, 399, 412.
Goslin, Jane, John, 25 ; Thomas, 72.
Gosnold, Bartholomew, 8, 12, 14, 17.
Gouge, Edward, 471 ; Thomas, 464, 407.
Gould, Daniel, 356 ; Edward, 350 ; Mary,
379 ; Robert, 5G7 ; Thomas, 375, 378
—9, 525 ; widow, 660.
Goultrop, Ralph, 791.
Gove, , 463 ; John, 756.
Governor's Garden, 364; Island, 183,
235, 240.
Gowen, Simon, 414.
Graham, James, 455, 479, 486, 652.
Graford, Thomas, 507.
Grafton's Chronicle, 7.
Grafton, Duke of, 613.
Granary, 810 ; at the North End, 594.
Granary Burial Ground, 459, 488, 692,
594, 603, 605.
Grand Jury, the first, 186.
Griinger, Samuel, dies, 596.
Granger's Biographical History, 52, 79,
187, 477.
Grant, Alexander, 455 ; Edward, 395 ;
James, 71, 455—6 ; John, 40, 88, 140,
161 ; Joseph, 504 ; Moses, 620 ; Sam-
uel, 657, 813.
Grattan, Thomas C, 456.
Graves, John, 361 ; Thomas, 55, 67, 129,
139, 154, 163, 178, 185, 281, 567.
Gray, Edward, 665, 692 ; Elizabeth, 692 ;
ElUs, 311, 585, 614 ; Harrison, 601,
632, 644, 649, 659, 692, 703, 712—13,
715 ; Henry, 52, 235, 253 ; John, 41,
52, 135, 778 ; Samuel, kUled, 782, 784 ;
Winthrop, 772.
Greames, Samuel [Graiue f 245 ; Grame ?
250], 791 [Orymes?241].
Greaton, John, 678.
Green, Bartholomew, 422, 462, 521, 623,
525, 628, 533, 559, 691; Benjamin,
707 ; Francis, 757 ; James, 427, 534 ;
John, 68, 275, 342, 440, 573, 662, 667,
782 ; Joshua, 707 ; Joseph, 436, 467,
683 ; Nathaniel, 529, 598, 603 ; Rich-
ard, 39, 336, 341, 347—8 ; Rufus, 683 ;
INDEX.
829
Samuel, 393, 420, 591, 816 ; Timothy,
774.
Greencliff, Edward, 336, 342, 348 ; Eliz-
abeth, 760.
Greenfield, Mr. , 194; Greenfield
HiU, 216.
GreenhiU, Anthony, 521, 452 ; WiUiam,
161.
Greenleaf, Daniel, 654 ; Mary, 379 ;
Stephen, 654, 695, 737, 745, 751, 767,
775 ; William, 677, 731, 756.
Greenough, Capt., 504 ; John, 534, 712,
756, 782.
Greenwood, Samuel, 431 ; E. A., 814 ;
F. W. P., 463—9, 471, 552.
Gregson, Thomas, 273.
Grenville, Henry, 579 ; George, hung In
effigy, 708, 716 ; declares the Bosto-
nians rebels, 714.
Gregory, Alexander, 601.
Gridley, Jeremiah, 589, 601, 604, 618,
642, 667, 713 ; dies, 729 ; John, 770 ;
Kichard, 190, 226, 229. 234, 241 [broth-
er?]; 253, 307, 331, 336, 347—8, 798.
Grifeth, WiUiam, 427 ; Bowen, 796.
Griffin, James, 583, 649, 810; Joseph,
418 ; Richard, 490 ; William, 610.
Griggs, George, 190, 235, 241, 302, 318,
787, 798 ; Joseph, 490 ; WiUiam, 427,
513, 521, 523.
Grindal, Edmund, 93, 553.
Griswold, Rufus W., KepubUcan Court,
577.
Grose, Clement, 350, 436 ; Edmund, 248,
250, 788 ; Isaac, 224, 229, 233, 235,
245, 248, 250, 307, 787, 792 ; Matthew,
487 ; one, 431.
Grosvenor, Cyrus P., 381.
Grushea, Captain, 567.
Grubb, Thomas, 181, 233, 235, 245, 278,
302, 318, 787, 793, 795.
GuUe, Noah, 523.
GuUlim, John, Banner displayed, 80,
157, 313, 509.
GuUman, Ezekiel, 418.
Gulthorp, Ralph, 268.
Gunhouse, order to repair the, 729.
Gunnison, Hugh, 229, 233,267, 312,319,
786, 790, 812.
Gurden, Brampton, 68.
Guttridge, John, 267 ; Robert, 532.
Guy, John, 42.
Gwin, Darid, 525.
Hakluyt, George, 30 ; Richard, 1, 2, 4,
7, 10, 32.
Haddington, Viscount, 34.
Hagar, John, 414.
Hagburne, Abraham, 259.
Hahaton. See Ahaton.
Hailton. See Hilton.
HaUshaU, George, 327.
Hailestone, WUham, 303, 799, 800.
Hair, protest against wearing long, 315.
Hale, John, 645 ; Mathew, Sir, 554 ;
Nathan, 646; Robert, 613; Roger,
668 ; Warwick, Sir, 34, 161.
Hales, John, 236, 385, 502.
Half Square Coiu-t, 553.
UaU, Andrew, 680; Capt., 650, 652,
623 ; John, 5, 7, 25, 165, 349, 521 ;
Mr., 617, 767 ; Nathaniel, 520; Robert,
682 ; others, 350, 414, 677.
HaU's ship-yard, 648, 650.
HaUoweU, Benjamin, 630, 632, 657, 686,
696 ; his house destroyed, 699—700 ;
Ward Nicholas, 726, 736, 737 ; WU-
liam, 395.
HalsUl, George, 302, 307, 319—20.
Halsey, James, 546, 558.
Hamberye, Mr. , 227, 332 ; William,
318 ; Miss, 342.
HambUn, Clement, 418 ; David, 190.
Hamblo, Mrs. , 332.
Hames, Mark, 342.
Hamock, John, 567, 583.
Hammatt, Charles, 547.
Hammond, Thomas, 341, 447.
HamUton, James, 651 ; Marquis of, 34.
Hamilton, Place, 561.
Hampden, John, 100.
Hanbury. See Hamberye.
Hancock, John, donation to Brattle-
street Church, 520 ; notice of, 673 ;
his ship sails without stamped clear-
ance, 711 ; Selectman, 712 ; commit-
tee, 713 ; Representative, 719 ; slan-
dered, 720 ; anecdote of, 721 ; -Jghn,
Kev., 48—9, 227, 681 ; Thomas, 631,
648, 659, 681, 685, 817.
Handscombe, Thomas, 55, 57.
Hansett, John, 234.
Hanson's Hist. Danvers, 86.
Harbert, John, 250 ; Sylvester, 331.
Harbye, John, 68.
Harcourt, Robert. 8, 9 ; Richard, Sir, 80.
Hardcastle, Samuel, 818.
Hardy, Thomas, 6, 151.
Harden, Edward, 415 ; Richard, 427.
Harding, Robert, 174, 189, 195, 210, 233,
235, 244—5, 313, 318 ; Richard, 243 ;
Thomas, 348.
Harker, Anthony, 190, 235, 318, 341,
795.
arley, Thomas, 53.
Harlow, Edward, 17, 18, 23.
Harper, Robert, 356.
Harrett, Robert, 55.
Harridon, Andrew, 570.
Harrington's Century Sermon, 421.
Harris, Benjamin, 812 ; Daniel, 526 ;
Henry, 471 ; Luther M., 700 ; Mary,
534 ; Owen, 545—6, 558 ; Robert, 567 ;
Samuel, 687 ; Thaddeus M., 582 ;
Thaddeus W., 402 ; Thomas, 352, 508 ;
WiUiam, 493; WUUam Thaddeus,
44.
Harrison, Capt., 453 ; Edward, 302 ;
Rev. Mr., 311 ; John, rope-maker,
381—2, 572, 798 ; Joseph, CoUector,
735.
Harrod, Thomas, 440.
Hart, John, 349.
Hartford, Indian name of, 123.
Hartley, Thomas, 652 ; WiUiam, 418.
HartsaU, George, 799.
Harvard College, founded, 241—2 ; de-
scribed, 377 ; rebuilt, 393 ; Stoughton
HaU built, 502 ; bui-nt, 678 ; struck
with Ughtning, 742 ; first professor-
ship, 681.
Harvard, John, 242.
Harvey, John, 414, 459.
Harwood, Charles, 471 ; George, 55, 62,
73, 76, 111—12, 233 ; Thomas, 347,
490.
Harker, Anthony, 787, 795.
Harnden, Robert, 394.
Haskell, Samuel, 567.
Hasting, Samuel, 490.
Hatch, Estes, 535, 621, 734; Jabez,
641.
Hathome, John, 490, 498—9, 526 ; WU-
Uam, 230, 292, 363, 418, 423, 447.
Hatton, George, 471.
Haugh, Atherton, 157, 183, 188, 212,
652, 794 ; Daniel, 236 ; Mr., 813.
Haugh, Haulgh. See Hough.
Haughton, Richard, 789.
Haverhill, surprised by the French and
Indians, 534.
Hawes, Dr. Joel, Cent. Discoui-se, 177 ;
Mark, 787.
Hawke, Sir Edwai-d, 647.
^awkins, James, 235, 245, 312, 789 ;
\ John, Sir, 6 ; Mary, 787 ; Richard,
30, 34 ; Thomas, Capt., 235, 271, 287,
307, 312, 334, 336 ; hanged, 491 ;
Thomas, 790.
Hawlaws, Henry, Indian, 405.
Hawthorne. See Hathorse.
Hayes, Captain, 5D6 ; James, 317.
Hayle, Mary, 336.
Haywood, John, 430, 445 ; Haywood
House, 598 ; WiUiam, 794.
Haymarket Theatre, 811.
Haynes, John, Gov., 157, 164, 178, 184,
206, 214, 263.
Hazelton, Charles, 398.
Hazel, John, 326.
Head, John, 767 ; Mr. , 660 ; Henry
(Hed), 525.
Healths, drinking of, abolished, 105.
Healy, George, 428 ; Nathaniel, 414.
Heard, Henry, 525 ; John T., 642 ;
Isaac, Sir, 355, 649 ; WUliam, 170.
Heart and Crown, 666, 811.
Heath, Elias, 518 ; Richard, 431 ; WU-
liam, 170 ; a pious merchant, 463, 467.
Heathcot, George, 394.
Heathfield, Lord, 313.
Heaton, Nathaniel, 235.
Hedge, Master, 208.
Henchman, Daniel, 329, 395; marches
against the Indians, 402 ; a friend of
the Christian Indians, 404 ; marches
again, 410 ; at Maj. Willard's burial,
425 ; pubUsher, 533, 599 ; member of
a Fire Society, 557 ; printed the first
Bible, 630 ; his family, 647—8 ; Rich-
ard, 523, 647 ; Hezekiah, 503.
Hender, , 567.
Henshaw, Joshua, 649, 651 ; Selectman,
678, 731 ; committee about BAcon
HiU, 685 ; of a Committee to wait on
Gov. Bernard, 737 — 8 ; to instruct the
Representatives, 758 ; to consider the
Bernard Letters, &c., 771 ; to demand
the removal of the troops, 783.
Hentz, Caroline Lee, 363.
Herle, Charles, 247.
Heme, Captain, 524.
Herrick, Henry, 57, 502.
Hersey, Daniel, 650.
Heslerigge, Sir Arthur, 187.
Hewes, Joshua, 504 ; Mr. , 67 ;
Samuel, 652 ; Solomon, 568.
Hewson, George, John, Thomas, 55.
Hewsted, Robert, 250.
Heymiin, John, 381 ; Nathan, 440.
Hibbins, Anne, 346 ; WUliam, 245, 253,
259, 269, 278, 285, 334, 346, 786,
793—4.
Hiccock. , 191.
Hichbone, David, 320, 335, 347 ; Thom-
as, 508.
Hickes, Margaret, Robert, 36.
HickUng, WiUiam, 489, 665.
Hicks, John, 779 ; Mrs. , 466 -,
Zachariah, 617.
Higginson, Francis, 55, 57, 79, 91, 347,
366 ; John, 200, 236, 317, 385, 498,
529 ; Stephen, 552.
High-street, 473, 515, 786.
Hilbourne, Thomas, 429.
HUl, Alexander, 756 ; Henry, 521, 552,
756 ; James, 427 ; John, 14, 132, 278,
285, 291, 313, 318, 381, 427, 470, 593,
600, 691, 729, 753, 778, 792 ; John,
Gen., 539 ; Samuel, 557 ; Thomas,
341, 455, 593, 665, 679; Valentine,
786, 789, 792—3 ; WUlis, Earl of HiUs-
borough, 740.
HUls, John, 785, 788, 789 ; HUls' Wharf,
550.
HiUier, Joseph, 481, 521, 571 ; HUler's
lane, 810.
HUlsborough, Earl of, 740, 742.
Hilton, Edward, 50, 60; WUUam, 36,
455.
Hinks, John, 473.
Hinckley, David, 538 ; Thomas, 646.
Hirst, Eliz., 670 ; Grove, 543, 549, 557,
574, 648 ; Mary, 648 ; Samuel, 574.
Hoar, Bridget, 425, 429 ; Master, 6 ;
Joanna, 449; WUUam, 329, 437;
others, 1, 763.
Hobart, Edward, 445 ; Jeremiah, 363 ;
Peter, 363.
Hobby, WiUiam, 471.
Hobson, Capt., 17, 23.
Hodgdon, Benjamin, 632.
Hodges, Capt. , 152, 183; Hum-
phrey, 429.
Hodgson, John, 316.
Hodson, Daniel, 55 ; Thomas, 685.
Hoff. See HocGH.
Hoffman, John, 616.
Hog, controversy, 257, 260 ; Island, 233,
245, 248, 253, 259, 604 ; Hog-reeves,
to be quickened, 486.
Hogge, Richard, 250, 792, 797.
Hog Island, 233, 259.
Hogscote Island, 329.
HoU, Arthur, 455.
Holbrook, Abia, 684 ; John, 447, 636 ;
Samuel, 557, 660.
Holden, , 301—2 ; Randal, 275—6,
302.
830
INDEX.
Holder, Christopher, 251, 256, 343.
Holeton, Joseph, 414 ; Robert, 235.
Holgrave, John, 170.
Holland, Christopher, 351 ; Ephraim,
811 ; John, 302 ; Lord, 294 ; Samuel,
545.
HoUege, Richard, 245, 318, 341.
Hollich (HoUedse), 245, 318, 341, V98.
HoUingworth, William, 497.
HoUis, Thomas, 457, 489, 590; HoUis-
street, 685; HoUis-street Church,
589—90.
Holman, Edward, 36 ; John, 144, 236.
Holly, Horace, 591.
Holmes, Abiel, 620 ; Capt., 550 ; Eben-
ezer, 603 ; Eliza, 534 ; Obadiah, 325
—26 i Oliver W., 620 ; Robert, 126 ;
Samuel, 418 ; William, 145, 756.
Holyoke, Elizar, 490, 522 ; Dr. 91 ;
Samuel, 684 ; Edward A., 91.
Homes, Joseph, 427, 445.
Homans, John, 590.
Homer, William, 520.
Hongougsaniyonde, Indian, 659.
Honywell, Goodman, 492.
Hood, Thomas, 527 ; Lawrence, 634 ;
Samuel, Com., 753, 763, 766.
Hooke, Francis, 443, 479 ; Mary, 479.
Hooker, John, 583 ; Thomas, 15Y, 161,-
164, 177, 180, 184, 186, 217, 222, 303,
306.
Hoop petticoats, days of, 573, 583.
Hooper, Robert, 644 ; William, 583, 601,
640.
Hooton, Elizabeth, 357 ; John, 567. See
HorGHTOX.
Hopehood, Indian, 479.
Hopkins, Capt., 737 ; Edward, 231 ;
John, 583, 665 ; Mary, 548 ; Mat-
thew, 309.
Herd, John, 245.
Horrocks, Elizabeth, James, 159.
Horsey, Elizabeth, Hercules, 68.
Hospital, Rainsford Island, 604 ; Insane,
681 ; others, 556, 685.
Houckin, Jeremy, 312, 818, 327, 331,
333, 335—6, 339, 349, 452, 786, 789,
791 ; Houckin's Corner, 815.
Hough, Atherton, 157, 183, 188, 236—7,
253—4, 259, 786 ; Daniel, 236 ; Wil-
liam, 525 ; Hough's End, 403.
Houghton, Henry, 57 ; Richard, Sir,
158 ; Robert, 190—1, 316 ; Rowland,
593, 599 i Tower, 158 ; William, 396.
House of Correction, ordered, 144.
Houses, regulation about building, 194.
How, Elizabeth, 500 ; Israel, 590 ; Jo-
seph, 312.
Howard, George, 414, 540 ; James, 427,
John, 567 ; Mary, 458, 540 ; Richard,
57 ; Robert, 618 ; Samuel, 782 ; Sun-
eon, 602.
Howe, Daniel, 230 ; Joseph, 552, 687 ;
William, Sir, 311.
Howell, James, 290 ; two drowned, 578.
Howen, Robert, 253, 786, 789, 791;
widow, 286.
Howland, John, 36, 43, 186.
Howlet, Thomas, 151.
Hoyte, Simon, 67.
Hubbard, Ann, 293 ; Benjamin, 230 ;
Enoch, 504 ; Thomas, 518, 600, 631,
634, 643, 649 ; William, death of, 530.
Hucken, Thomas, 236.
Hucksters, complaints against, 555.
Hudibras, 62, 593.
Hudson, Francis, 334, 435, 493, 530, 789 ;
Henry, 18, 279 ; James, 267—8 ; 318 ;
Miss, 342 ; Ralph, 234 ; Samuel, 493 ;
Thomas, 534, William, 181, 189, 194,
241, 245, 250, 253, 289, 307, 313, 318,
337, 340, 348, 387—8, 454, 493, 530,
786, 789—90—2, 811.
Hudson's Point, 560.
Huen, Jacob, 440.
Hues, Sargeant, 286 ; Hue's Cross, 146.
Huflfe, William, 504. See HonoH.
Hughes, Samuel, 657.
Huguenots, arrival of, 487.
Hull, Elizabeth, 248, 329, 450—1 ; Han-
nah, 329, 586 ; Isaac, 329, 378 -, John,
Mint-master, 328, 331, 341, 366, 384,
433, 442, 469, 507, 586 ; death of, 449 ;
Judith, 329, 384, 452; Mary, 329;
Richard, 234 ; Robert, 196, 229, 246,
250, 307, 329, 449—50 ; death of, 451 ;
797.
Hull-street, 549.
Hulton, Henry, 732.
Humphrey, David, 687 ; John, 52, 55,
62, 70, 72—3, 77, 139, 153, 166, 177,
210, 214, 263, 266, 317 ; Susan, 172.
Hunlock, Joanna, 504.
Hunne, Anne, 786, 788 ; George, 235,
786, 788.
Hunnewell, Jonathan, 492, 552.
Hunt, Elizabeth, 620; Ephraim, .320,
545, 791 ; John, 384, 557, 665 ;
Shrimpton, 557 ; Thomas, 17, 20, 23,
112 ; another, 513, 650 ; Hunt's Cor-
ner, 816.
Hunting, Samuel, 417.
Huntington, Joshua, 384.
Hurd, Goodman, 320 ; Jacob, 648 ;
John, 245, 250, 312, 797; Joseph,
427 ; Nathaniel, 708.
Hurlstone, Nicholas, 79, 86, 88, 178, 184.
Iluske, Ellis, 598 ; General, 598 ; John,
679, 708.
Huson, Mr. , 70.
Hutchins, Thomas, 55, 62, 72.
Hutchinson, Anne, her parentage, 175 ;
controversy with, 218—229 ; banish-
ment and death, 22S— 9 ; Edward,
196, 227, 234, 245, 250, 313, 318, 323,
332, 340, 342, 345, 369, 364, 404, 411,
447, 454, 611, 626, 531, 557, 696, 610,
640, 796 ; killed, 406 ; Elisha, 434,
456, 478, 490, 492, 527, 786, 790, 792 ;
death of, 557 ; family pedigree, 227 ;
Foster, Judge of Probate, 713 ; Ralph,
227, 349 ; Richard, 229, 246, 286,316 ;
Thomas, his ancestry, 175 ; connec-
tion with the Olivers, 293 ; on the
treatment of Episcopalians, 295 ; 631 ;
on the origin of the Revolution, 657 ;
threatened by a mob, 694 ; opposed
to the Stamp Act, 697 ; his house
destroyed, 699 ; letters intercepted,
712 ; resigns, as Judge of Probate,
712 ; cause of enmity to Samuel
Adams, 719 ; expelled the Council,
727 ; at the manufactory house, 751 ;
receives the Province Seal from Gov.
Bernard, and is constituted Governor,
763 ; conduct of the merchants
towards, 775.
Hyde, Lord. 447 ; Lady Anne, 726.
Hyslop, William, 576, 641, 652.
Hyrick, WilUam, 245.
lans, Matthew, 229, 235, 341, 798.
Illery, Isaac, 414.
Ilsley, Isaac, 414.
Impressments, 624 — 6, 735.
Inches, Henderson, 667, 731, 738, 741,
764, 764.
Ince, Mr. , 351.
Indecott, John, 427, 471.
Independence, American, 348, 353,
655 ; birth of, 668.
Independent Advertiser, begun,' 627.
India Warf, 394.
Indian Bible, 362, 366, 421.
Indian Chronicle, 421.
Indian Queen Tavern, 598.
Indians, first in England, 1 ; first in
France, 3 ; Gosnold's interview with,
13 ; five taken to England by Wey-
mouth, 15 ; fight with Harlow's men
at Cape Cod, 18 ; twenty-four kid-
napped by Hunt, 20 ; escape of Epa-
now, 23 ; their treatment of Captain
Smith, 28 ; Capture a French ship,
30 ; pestilence among, 31, 36 ; kill
Capt. Dermer, 33 — 4 ; described by
T. Morton, 38 ; plot to cut off Wes-
ton's Colony, 39 — 10 ; about Boston,
44 — 6, 57, 83 ; complain of injuries,
119 ; visit Boston, 121 — 2 ; a deputa-
tion from Connecticut, 123 ; Narra-
gansets at Boston, 141 ; troubles, 143,
365 ; some disarmed, 263 ; war be-
tween the Massachusetts and Mo-
hawks, 387 ; treaty with the Wam-
panoagSj3S9 ; Philip's war, 397 — 425 ;
deed Boston to the inhabitants, 458 —
7 ; war with the Eastern, 510 ; de-
stroy Haverhill, 504 ; war in the
East, 671 ; fear from the Mohawks,
249.
Ines [Jions, lans, &c.] See Ians.
Ingalls, Edmund, 67.
Ingersoll, Jared, 695—6 ; Joseph, 805 ;
Richard, 57 ; Ingersoll's tavern, 731.
Ingerson, Daniel, 652 ; George, 534.
Ingham, North, 567.
Ingles [Inge], James, 456 ; Maudit,
241, 318, 342, 347. See Engles.
Inglish, William, 332, 427. See Eng-
lish.
Ingraham, William, 25, 427.
Inhabitants. See Popclation.
Inman, Ralph, 742, 677.
Inns. See Ordinaries.
Inoculation, introduction of, 561 ; op-
posed, 662.
Insane Hospital, founded, 681.
Insurance Office, established, 571.
Inspectors of Customs, burnt in effigy,
731.
Intemperance, prevalence of, 634.
Invincible, Armada, 263.
Ipswich, settled, 150 — 1.
Ireland, contribution of to New England,
424 ; emigrants from sold, 335, 342.
Ireland, William, 336, 347.
Irish Church, 820.
Iroquois Indians, 319.
Irving. See Erving.
Ironside, Mr. , 66.
Ironsides, Cromwell's at Marston Moor,
289.
Islebius, John, 218.
Isle, Sables, 253, 257.
Isle, Shoales, 12, 21, 60, 85, 185, 260,
268.
Isle, Wight, 18, 75, 79, 81, 88, 312, 424.
Ivers, Thomas, 668.
lyans. See Ians.
Jack Straw, 123.
Jacklene, Edmund, 243, 253—4, 798;
Samuel, 427, 521, 532 ; Thomas, 612.
Jackson, Capt., 239, 300 ; Dr., 497, 685 ;
Edmund, 312, 318-20 ; Edward, 235,
245, 620 ; Francis, 550, 705 ; John,
235, 318, 788 ; Jonathan, 653 ; Joseph,
678, 712, 731, 734, 737, 754, 818 ;
Mary, 620, 650, 653 ; Susanna, 379 ;
Thomas, 521 ; William, 663, 767.
Jacob, George, 500 ; John, 417 ; Mary,
692.
Jail, the, 635 ; burnt, 756.
James, Gawdy, 351.
James I., his accession, 12 ; ancestor
of the Georges, 550 ; II. proclaimed,
467 ; occasions new troubles, 476 — 6 ;
portrait of, 668.
James, Thomas, 148—9 ; Gawdy, 351.
Jameson, Andrew, 455.
Janeway, James, 541 ; William, 287.
Janson, Sir Bryan, 55, 77.
Jarvis, Charles, 363; Nathaniel, 568,
574 ; Robert, 662, 686 ; Jarvis estate,
623.
Jarmon, Sypron, 431.
Jay, John, 418 ; Thomas, 416.
Jefferson, Thomas, 672.
Jeffrey, Benjamin, 652; John, 595;
Judge, 458 ; William, 37, 113.
Jeffries, David, Town Treasurer, 518,
556, 678, 756 ; Robert, 790 ; , 50,
107.
Jekyll, John, 591—2 ; 818.
Jemison, James, 318, 327 ; William, 418.
Jencks, Joseph, 326, 335, 340.
Jenkins, Lionel, Sir, 446, 477 ; Robert,
567.
Jenks, William, D.D., 673.
Jenner, David, 518 ; Thomas, 460.
Jennings, Abraham, 33.
Jennison, Samuel, 249, 251, 360 ; Wil-
liam, 201, 228, 236.
Jenny, John, 36.
Jephson, Benjamin, 662; John, 521,
652, 799 ; Thomas. 652.
Jervis ; Mrs., 677 ; Robert, 567.
Jesnp, John, 210.
INDEX.
831
Jesuits, law against, 307.
Jethro, Indian, 420.
Jewell, Samuel, 342 ; Thomas, 250.
Jewett, Temperance, 2.52.
John, Augustln, 418 ; Indian, 498. •
Johns, Henry Vandyke, 583.
JoJiflaoii, Abiiaham, 100 ; Arbella, death
of, 91 ; Francis, 55 ; Edward, 56, 135,
202, 204, 222, 236, 275, 314, 322, 328,
342, 368, 381; Isaac, of the Mass.
Company, 55, 62, 65, 70, 72, 75, 77,
80, 90 ; death of his lady, 91 ; at
Charlestown, 93 ; advised a removal
to Shawmut, 99 ; death and burial,
99—100 ; Isaac, Capt., 404, 413, 470 ;
James, 787, 790, 791, 795 ; another,
98, 100, 107, 189, 235, 241, 243, 259,
278, 312, 320, 349 ; John, 139, 170,
342, 378, 455 ; Marmaduke, 396 ;
Peter, 241 ; Robert, 100 ; Samuel,
427, 532, 666; Thomas, 490; Wil-
liam, 479, 490; Johnson Burial-ground,
605, 612.
Johonnot, Andrew, 489, 566 ; Daniel,
634 ; Francis, 630.
Jones, Anna, 72 ; David, 418 ; Daniel,
811 ; Isaac, 490 ; John, 186, 567 ;
John Coffin, 699 ; J. Winter, 3, 5 ;
Margaret, 303, 308, 322; Matthew,
318 ; PhUip, 10 ; Kichard, 308 ; Ro-
ger, 418 ; Thomas, 302—3, 309, 342 ;
William, 427, 567.
Jordan, Thomas, 456.
Josias (Indian), 280, 387 ; sells Boston,
456 ; paid for acknowledgment, 457.
Josselyn, Henry, 239 — 40 ; John, 44 ;
visit to Boston, 238—9, 244, 390—1,
396.
Joy, M., 6 ; 233, 268, 286 ; John, 803 ;
Thomas, 297, 788 ; WiUiam, 812.
Joy's Buildings, 142.
Joyce, Mr. , 55.
Joylifife, John, notice of, 423, 430, 434,
456, 480, 482, 492.
Judd, Roger, 427.
Judkin, Jobe, 259, 791, 797 ; Samuel,
418.
Julien's Restaurant, 650.
Junius, defends Gen. Amherst, 645 ;
cited, 689 ; on Gen. Conway, 704.
Jurian, John, 317.
Jurors, how to be chosen, 525. See
Grand Jury.
Juxon, William, 594.
Jyans. See Ians.
Kane, Richard, 540.
Kast, Dr. , 685.
Keat, Benjamin, 771.
Keayne, Benjamin, 245, 250 ; Robert,
93, 180, 139, 194, 230, 233, 235, 237,
243, 245—7, 260—1, 271, 287, 291,
303, 308, 334, 336, 342, 346, 349, 786,
792, 803.
Keeling, Samuel, 293, 518, 555.
Keith, George, 524 ; William, Su-, 583.
Kelt, James, 455.
KeUond, Thomas, 373, 376.
Kean, Edmund, 805.
Keen, William, 518.
Kemble, Capt., 750 ; Henry, 414 ; Rob-
ert Tuite, 751 ; William, 414.
Kempenfelt, Admkal, 742 ; Col. M.,
540.
Kempthorne, Simon, 343.
Kempton, Manasses, 36.
Kendall, Mr. , 395.
Kennedy, William, 455, 623.
Kennelly, Thomas, 630.
Kennet, Hist. England, cited, 458.
Kenney, Samuel, 534.
Kenrick, George, 185 ; John, 248, 331,
786, 794, 818.
Kent, Benjamin, 713, 729, 738, 744;
Hannah, 504.
Kenwood, Peter, 583.
Kerby, Henry, 418 ; Richard, 357 ;
William, 318.
Kerke, Jarvis, 55.
Keyley, Edward, 302.
Keys, Mr. , 601.
Keyser, Thomas, 279, 288.
Kidby, Lewis, 250 ; Richard, ib.
Kidd, Capt. William, his piracies, 518.
Kidder, Frederic, 176, 342 ; S., 363 ;
Joseph, 810.
Kieft, Gov. William, 251.
Kiffin, William, 255, 326, 378.
Kilbv, Christopher, 606, 636 ; John,
504, 519—20 ; Thomas, 606 ; Kilby-
street, 566 ; named, 606.
Kilburn, Samuel S., 607.
Kilcup, Roger, 518.
Killeran, Capt. , 652.
Kimball, John, 482 ; Moses, 814.
Kine, John, 395 ; William, 492.
King-street Tragedy, 386, 532 ; tumult,
780.
King, Isaac, 414 ; James, 567 ; T. S.,
591.
Kingman, Edward, 812, 817.
King's Chapel, 439, 444, 464, 467, 572,
646—7, 649.
Kingsley, Stephen, 234, 235, 245.
Kinsman, Pelatiah, 546.
Kirk, David, 300 ; Percy, 457, 459, 475,
540 ; Thomas, 735.
Kirkley, WUliam, 250, 789.
Kirkland, John Thomson, 96, 552 ; Sam-
uel, 15.
Kirkwood, James, 639, 717.
Kissing, one .fined for, 516.
Knap, Elizabeth, 351.
Kneeland, Henry, 559 ; John, 455, 712,
812 ; Samuel, 533, 574, 633, 774 ;
Kneeland and Green, 630.
Knight, Charles, 414 ; Isaac, 70 ; John,
440, 652, 788 ; MackUn, 286, 347, 383 ;
Richard, 267; Robert, 384; Sarah,
786, 791 ; Thomas, 653, 677 ; Walter,
41, 57, 62 ; 376.
Knyvet, Catherine, 733.
Knowles, Charles, 624, 625 ; James D.,
616.
KnoUys, Hanserd, 220, 242, 254, 256,
378.
Knolton, Thomas, 441.
Knopp, Nicholas, 119.
Knox, Thomas, 776.
Kutshamokin (Indian), 200, 204, 263,
305, 387.
Ladd, , 815.
Lake, Margaret, 198 ; Mary, 363, 459 ;
John, 800; Tliomas, 294, 338, 340,
364, 395; Captain in PhUip's War,
410 ; killed, 422 ; his parentage, 423 ;
owned lands early in Boston, 798,
814.
Lamb, James, 652 ; William, 790.
Lambert, Robert, 378 ; William, 580.
Lamson, Joseph, 418 ; Roger, 527.
Lancaster, James, 394.
Landaff, Bishop of, 19.
Lander, Daniel, 490.
Land Bank, 613, 720.
Landon, James, 379.
Lane, John, 525; WilUam, 318, 342,
442.
Langam, George, 19.
Langdon, Benjamin, 427 ; Ephraim,
684.
Langham, Mary, 350 ; Thomas, 679.
Langley, Daniel, 490.
Lanman, James, 520.
Lauquet, Thomas, his Chronicle, 2.
Larkin, Mr. , 484.
Larabee, Benjamin, 661 ; John, dies,
661 ; Richard, ib.
Larnet, William, 230.
Lash, Robert, 547—8.
Lathrop, John, his arrival, 175, 310,
548 ; John, of the second church,
311.
La Tour, Mons. de, 178, 183, 266, 270,
279, 281, 283, 292, 300, 303, 338.
Latin School, 230, 514, 523, 526.
Latonice, Esther, 488.
Laud, Archbishop, 113, 393.
Laughton, Goodman and wife, 323.
Lawrence, Amos, 480 ; Governor, 651 ;
John, 160 ; Timothy B., 102.
Lawson, Admiral, 231 ; Charles, 427 ;
Christopher, 302, 790 ; Deodat, 498 ;
John, 508, 798 ; Roger, 527.
Lawton, Henry, 652.
Leach, Ambros, 799 ; Andrew, 455 ;
John, 779 ; Ljiwrence, 57.
Leader, John, 297, 342; Thomas, 327,
341, 347.
Leger, Jacob, 796 ; John, 241 ; Francis,
536.
Learned, Isaac, 414.
Leavitt, Christopher, 86, 118, 279, 327 ;
Thomas, 60.
Lebrees, Mr. , 677.
Lechford, Thomas, 95, 242, 250, 257,
206 ; death of, 691.
Lechmere, Thomas, Lord, 72 ; and Thom-
as, 691.
Lechmere's Point, 691.
Leddra, William, 349, 352.
Lediard's Naval History, 540.
Lee, , 161 ; Henry, 347 ; Thomas,
545, 558, 665 ; William, 559.
Leffingwell, E. H., 726.
Legg, Capt., 512; Samuel, 467, 514,
518, 523.
Leighton, Thomas, 456.
Leister, Edward, 36.
Le Mercier, Andrew, 488, 596, 661.
Leonard, George, 613.
Lenox, Duke of, 34.
Lepair, Andrew, 652.
Leslie, Captain, 686.
Letherland, WUliam, 229, 250, 530.
Leverett, Anna, 402 ; Hudson, 329 ;
John, 245, 259, 289, 339, 373, 381,
394, 412, 431, 439, 481, 524, 594, 756,
759, 786, 791, 793 ; Sarah, 436, 594 ;
Tliomas, 157, 159, 162, 174, 182, 189,
193, 201, 23;3, 235, 237, 279, 305, 333,
346, 368, 379—80, 389, 786, 792.
Leverett's Lane, 603.
Levy, Robert, 429.
Lewis, Ezekiel, 514, 611, 677 ; Harriet A.
T., 607, 638 ; Humphrey, 55 ; John,
351 ; Thomas, 559, 616 ; 322.
Lewis' Hist, of Lynn, 57, 122, 171, 369,
387, 472, 484.
Ley, James, Lord, 231 — 2.
Ley land, Adam, 537.
Liberty HaU, 738 ; Liberty Boys, 754.
Liberty Tree, inscription, 703 ; pruned,
715, 731 ; effigies hung on, 708, 763 ;
history of, 716 ; destroyed, 812.
Library, circulatuig, 507, 682.
Licences for retailing liquors, 525.
Lidget, Charles, 481—2 ; M) . , 371.
Light House, 553, 596; Sign of the,
664.
Lightning, strikes a windmill, 260 ; kills
Capt. Davenport, 285, 369 ; strikes
HolUs-street Church, 590.
Lightning-rods first used, 691.
Lillie, TheophUus, 597, 677, 767, 776.
Lioll, Mr. Surgeon, 289.
Lippencott, Richard, 286, 800.
Linchorne, Henry, Robert, 318 ; Wil-
Uam, 414.
Lincoln, Countess of, 88, 122—3.
Lincoln's Hist, of Hingham, 307.
LindaU, Timothy, 536; LindaU-street,
505.
Lindon, Awguston, 331.
Linnen Wheele, 560.
Linzee, Susanna, 763.
Littlefield, John, 240. »
Little, John, Indian, 601 ; hanged, 411.
Livermore, George, 489, 629.
Livingston, William, 47.
Lloyd, Henry, 734 ; J., 685 ; Rebecca,
293.
Lobden, Nicholas, 652.
Locke, John Q., 548 ; Robert, 343,
345.
Lockwood, Mr. , 139.
Lockj-er, Mr. , dies, 528.
Locusts, 153.
Lodge, Edmund, 71 ; Lodge's Peerage
of Ireland, 517.
Logan, Alexander, 455.
Lok, Michael, 4.
London, great fire in, 452.
Londonderry, settled, 560.
Long Acre street, 561.
Long Lane, 576, 639, 682.
Long Wharf, origin of, 536.
Long, Nath., 792 ; Long's Ordinary, 239.
832
INDEX.
Longley, , 68.
Lord, Dr. , 686 ; Melvin, 592.
Loring, Benjamin, 660; Daniel, 532;
James S., 669, 672 ; Isaac, 590 ; John,
- 455 ; John, Dr., 779 ; Jonathan, 523 ;
Joshua, 734, 772 ; Nathaniel, 559.
Loring's Boston Orators, 612, 708.
Lorphelin, Peter, 437.
Lossing's Field Book of the Revolution,
689.
Lothrop, Thomas, 407 ; killed, 410.
Lotteries, grant for, authorized, 632, 644,
656 ; suppressed, 558 ; law against,
Louden, Richard, 490.
Louder, Jonathan, 293.
Loudon, Lord, 643.
Louis, Monsieur, 303.
Louisbourg, Expeditions against, 619,
641, 645.
Love, John, 235, 526 ; Master, 70 ; Su-
sanna, 543, 557, 812 ; William, 317 ;
Love-lane, 531 ; street, 543.
Lovell, Daniel, 250 ; James, 684 ; John,
604, 612, 684.
Lovell's Island, 157, 291, 812.
Lovewell, John, 571 — 2.
Lowe, John, 79, 81, 86, 233, 235, 250,
259, 267, 286, 300, 318, 334, 785, 788,
790 ; Joseph, 414, 798.
Lowd, Solomon, 418.
Lowell, originally Lowle, 427, 376, 749 ;
Charles, D.D., 602 ; Ebenezer, 810 ;
John, 427, 665 ; family of, 740.
Loyall, Francis, 795.
Lubbuck, James, 574.
Lucas, Augustus, 575 ; Dr. , 768.
Luddam's ford, 145 — 6.
Ludbin, William, 318, 331.
Ludlow, Roger, 43, 79, 92, 95, 106, 110,
118, 124, 129, 152—3, 169, 184, 214,
217, 263, 267.
Luflf, John, 793.
Luke, Samuel, 52.
Lunt's Century Sermon, 43.
Luscomb, Humphrey, 472 ; Mr. ,
Maline, Jacob, 503.
Mall, the, 820,
Manatanoo (Indian), 412.
Mann, Edmund, 652 ; John, 437 ; Jo-
siah, 418.
Manchester, Earl of, 289.
Manley, William, 418.
Mansel, Sir Robert, 34, 78, 85.
Mansfield, Elizabeth, 93 ; John, Sir, 93,
178, 190, 241, 723.
Manstrye, Nathaniel, 55.
Manufacture of cotton goods begun,
271 ; spinning ordered by law, 340 ;
Manufactory bank, 613 ; complained
of in England, 688 ; General Court
moves in, 730 ; of printing presses,
types, guns, &c., 769.
Manufactory House, 561, 660 ; ordered
to be sold, 719 ; refused to the army,
751—2.
Maps, 550, 566, 772, 820.
Marbury, Edward, 175, 226—7, 253,
Lusher, Eleazer, 363, 379.
Lullicr, Capt., 287.
Lutwyche, Lawrence, 583.
Lurford, , 248.
Luxon, Capt., 239.
Lyall, Francis, 241, 245—6, 795, 786,
798, 800.
Lyde, Byfield, 591, 594 ; Catherine,
626 ; Edward, 457, 471.
Lydgett, Capt., 468.
Lyle. See Ltall.
Lyman, Caleb. 544 ; Goodman, 147.
Lynde, Benjamin, 293 ; Edward, ib- ;
Joseph, 479, 426 ; Samuel, 348, 463,
490, 493, 506, 509, 513—14 ; Simon,
376, 433, 456, 818 ; Lynde-st., 602,
812.
Lynn, Henry, 195.
Lynn-st., 548, 599.
Lyndhurst, Lord, 293.
Lyon, Joseph, 418.
Macauley, Catherine, 768.
Mp'-..rty, Florence, 468, 575 ; Thad-
u \s, 518, C:-8 ; Maccarty's Corner,
463, 810.
Machiavel, Indians equal to, 204.
Makrenell, James, 418.
Mackay, Alexander, 753, 758 ; William,
756.
Mackie, , 275.
Mackintosh, Peter, 700, 701, 709, 711.
Mackowmes, Alexander, 455.
Macktallome, Malcolm, 445.
Madokawando (Indian), 479.
Magna Britannia, 6, 102—3, 594, 669.
Magunumba (Indian), 572.
Mainard, John, 791.
Maitland's Hist, of London, 26, 102, 507.
Maitland, Col., under Gen. Gage, 750.
Major, R. H., 8.
Makepeace, Thomas, 234, 245, 256, 789.
Malbon. John, 55, 57.
Malcom, Andrew, 464; Daniel, 568,
657 ; mob leader, 736—7 ; dies, 737
—8, 744.
Marchant, John, 250.
Maremount, 30, 49, 114, 116.
Margeson, Edward, 36.
Mariana, 43, 47.
Marie, Monsieur, 303—4.
Mariat, Obadiah, 466 ; Powers, 678.
Marine Society, 616.
Marion, John, 427, 490, 503, 606, 513,
521, 529, 672 ; Joseph, 671, 597, 600,
652 ; Samuel, 427.
Marion-st., 572.
Market, the first, 166, 334, 474, 555,
596, 610—11.
Market-st., 786.
Marks, Roger, 414.
Marlborough, Duke of, 71, 231, 531, 539,
551.
Marlborough-st., 531.
Marrett, John, 683.
Marriages, order concerning, 474, 508.
Marriner, Joseph, 527.
Marsh, Daniel, 756.
MarshaU, Mr., 180, 250, 253, 312, 327,
331, 342, 350, 486, 618 ; Christopher,
224 ; Henry, 559 ; John, Deacon, 396,
466 ; John, Capt., 711, 735 ; dies, 736 ;
Samuel, 414 ; Thomas, 70, 188, 195,
226, 229, 235, 241, 268, 286, 290, 303,
312, 318, 320, 335, 341, 349, 557, 786,
788.
Marshall's Lane, 532.
Marston, Eliza, 72.
Martha's Ylneyard, named, 14 ; affair
with Indians at, 23.
Martin, Christopher, 36 ; Edward, 431,
518, 543 ; John, 235, 462 ; Susannah,
600.
Martyr, Peter, 1.
Mary, Queen, dies, 607.
Mascarene, Paul, 572.
Mascononomo, 35, 86, ISO, 280.
Masham, William, 284.
Mason, Arthur, 374, 464, 486, 490;
Henry, 351 ; Hugh, 396, 418, 454 ;
Joanna, 384 ; Jonathan, 652, 667,
756 ; Ralph, 127, 236, 318, 427, 791,
793, 795 ; Robert, 427, 473 ; Samuel,
427 ; Mason and Lawrence, 492.
Masonic celebration, 629 ; temple, 664.
See Freemasonry.
Mason's Hall, 686, 772.
Massachusetts Bank, 661.
Massachusetts Resolves, 762.
Massachusetts Frigate, 621.
Massachusetts Gazette and News-Letttr,
661,708. ^„ ^
Massachusetts, origin of name, 43 ; Com-
pany foi-med, 62 ; Patent of, 63 ; In-
dians, 121 ; claims in Connecticut,
126 ; interferes with Rhode Island,
272 — 7 ; coins money, 329.
Massacre of Indians, 40, 287 ; of inhab-
itants in King-st., 780-^.
Massasoit, Indian, 262, 364—5, 399.
Masseton, ,652.
Masters, Mr. , 138—9, 471, 652 ;
Matapan, 22, 183.
Matataog (Indian), 405.
Matchet, John, 737, 764.
Mather, Church. 615 ; Church of the
Mathers, 310. '
Mather, Cotton, describes Boston, 102,
431, 614 ; on John Cotton, 168, 161 ;
\ninlster of the Old North Church,
311 ; of the Society for Propagating
Gospel, 317 ; makes an Almanac, .329 ;
on Mr. Norton's death, 360 ; member
of the Royal Society, 438 ; John Dun-
ton's notice of, 461 ; on Audross, 476 ;
agency in the Revolution of 1689, 485 ;
Calef's animadversions on, 501, 507 ;
promotes inoculation, 562 ; dies, 579 ;
Eleazer, 380 ; Eliakim, 329.
Mather, Increase, wrote a Preface to
Torrey's Election Sermon, 396 ; mar-
riage with a sister of Thomas Lake,
423 ; caUs a Synod, 432 ; a great part
of it, 438 ; speech against a surrender
of the Charter, 448 ; President of Har-
vard College, 457 ; opposes Andross,
476 ; sent to England as Agent of the
Colony, 477 ; audience with the King ;
return to Boston, 498 ; deplores the
departed glory of New England, 624 ;
attacks Franklin's Couranl, 564; m-ged
to compUe a Hist, of N. Eng., 426 ;
dies, 569 ; Nathaniel, 310, 477; Rich-
ard, 178, 185, 203, 247, 262, 267, 381,
453.
Matthew (Indian), 421.
Matthews, Admiral, 571 ; John, 543 ;
Marmaduke, 240.
Mathm-ine, Capt., 750.
Matoonas (Indian), 389, 420.
Mattocke, James, 241, 341, 8
293 ; Samuel, 608.
Maude, Daniel, 64, 185, 187, 230, 234,
794^5.
Maverick, Elias, allowance for service,
148 ; buries Indians, 164 ; land grant-
ed, 236 ; of a committee at Riminey
Marsh, 320 ; John, arrival of, 78 ;
arbiter between Dudley and Winthrop,
134 ; another John, 805 ; Jotham,
810 ; Samuel, 57, 60, 82 ; visited by
Winthrop, 87 ; merchant, 148 ; re-
turns from Virginia, 194 ; visited by
Lord Ley, 232 ; visited by Josselyn,
238 ; has a grant of land from Boston,
250 ; prosecuted, 259 ; loan towards
fortifications, 291 ; fined, 296 ; a
King's Commissioner, 368, 453 ; ac-
cuses one of treason, 374 — 5 ; daugh-
ter Hooke, 479 ; one killed, 782, 784.
Mawer, Ephraun, 546 ; William, 194,
235, 250, 253.
Maxwell, James, 455 ; John, 518.
Mayflower, the ship, 36, 73, 79. 87—8,
146, 186, 206, 339.
Maypole, 49.
May, Samuel, 756.
Mayhew, Experience, 602 ; Jonathan,
minister of the West Church, his pa-
rentage, 602 ; sermon on unlimited
subpiission, 631 ; on the earthquake,
640 ; controversy with Apthorp, 666 ;
charged with causing the Stamp Act
Riots, 698 ; Thanksgiving sermon on
the repeal of the Stamp Act, 725 ;
Mary,
dies, ib. ; Matthew, 518 ; Thomas,
lost at sea, 361.
Maylam. See Mylom.
Mayo, John, 55, 311.
McArdell, I., 627.
McCombe, Henry, 363.
McCulloch, Thomas, 455.
McDaniel, Hugh, 667.
McDaniel, John, 465.
McDowal, Sturgis, 455.
McKay, Mr., his Great Republic, 304 ;
Capt., 810.
McKeen, William, 455.
McLelan, Alexander, 456.
McMasters, James, 767.
McMullens, William, 772.
McNeU, Archibald, 778 ; widow, 652.
Mead, James, 550.
Meakins, Thomas, 189.
Meares, Barnabas, 317 ; James, 519 ;
John, 512 ; Richard, 789 ; Robert,
235, 260, 786, 789, 792 ; Samuel, 817 ;
Thomas, 789.
INDEX.
833
Mecom, BenjamiD, 645.
Mecumeh (Indian), 140. See Mianto-
NIMO.
Mead, George, 813 ; James, 550.
Medcalfe, Mehitabell, 529.
Meech, John, 57.
Meetings, people compelled to attend,
259.
Meeting-houses, not allowed to be
churches, 141.
Mein, John, bookseller, 682, 767 ; burnt
in efiSgy, 772 ; mobbed and flies to
England, 773, 812.
Mellen, , 652.
Mellows, Edward, 230 ; John, 786—7,
790—1 ; Oliver, 229, 235, 241, 788,
791, 795.
Melville, Allan, 557 ; Thomas, 455, 590 ;
Messrs., 818.
Melyne, Jacob, 490.
Mercey, Mr., jailer, 484.
Merchant, William, 779.
Meredith, Sir William, 768.
Meriam, John, 445.
Mericke, Goodwife, 324 ; James, 429.
Meritt, John, 818.
Merry, James, 427 ; John, 186 ; Rich-
ard, 224 ; Walter, 245—6, 285, 302,
312, 318, 320, 348, 532, 787, 792.
Messinger, Alexander, 790 ; Ebenezer,
486, 601 ; Henry, 250, 286, 291, 331,
427, 793 ; John, 427 ; Simeon, 427 ;
Thomas, 504.
Measervey, George, 702.
Methodists, origin of the sect, 609.
Mettoons, Philip, 408.
Miantonimo comes to Boston, 129; again,
140—1 ; a friend to the English, 200 ;
at Boston, 203, 205, 234, 251 ; gives
intelligence of the Pequots, 212 ; in-
sulted, 251 — 2 ; suspicions against,
groundless, 254, 272 ; put to death,
274.
Michelson, Edward, 355 ; Mr., 769.
Micklethwait, John, 317.
Middlecott, Madam, 466 ; Richard, 440,
492, 508.
Middle-st., meeting-house, 583.
Mighill, John, 440.
Milom, Humphrey, 327 ; John, 243,
278, 286, 307, 319, 320, 786, 788, 792,
799.
Mitburne, Peter, 55, 70, 79, 81, 88.
Miles. See Myles.
Mildmay, William, 72.
Miles, John, 381 ; Sarah, 429.
Miliken, John, 574.
Mill Bridge, 349 ; Cove, 336 ; Creek,
174, 286 ; field, 190, 234 ; the new, ib.
Millpond Mills, revert to the Town, 691.
Mills, Edward, 286, 596 : John, 248,
250, 431, 786.
Millard, Thomas, 191, 246, 793, 795.
Miller, Dr., 666 ; John h., 455 ; Joseph,
on electric fire, 638 ; Robert, 418 ;
Sydrach, 55—7; William Turner,
378.
Milner, Tempest, 317.
Minot, George, 813 ; John, 126, 407,
726 ; Stephen, 285, 518, 523, 817.
Mint, establishment of, 328 ; Mint Mas-
ter, 366.
Murack, Margaret, 440.
Miriam, John, 492.
Mitchell, Barnard, 55 ; Benjamin, 634 ;
Experience, 36 ; Matthew, 185, 203,
366, 380, 382 ; Nahum, Hist. Bridge-
water, 400.
Miter, Robert, 25.
Mob, outrages by, 625, 735.
Moffatt, John, 557, 601.
Mohawks. See Indians.
Mohegans. See Indians.
Molineaux, WiUiam, 657, 774, 752, 758,
764, 783.
Moll, Herman, Geography, 557.
Momentauge (Indian), 456.
Momowalluck (Indian), 214.
Mompesson, Sir Giles, 34.
Money, Thomas, 534.
Monk, Christopher, 782 ; George, 463,
667 ; James, 463 ; Monk's Corner,
463.
105
Monoco (Indian), 420.
Monmouth, Duke of, 105, 458, 460, 462.
Monopet (Indian), 18.
Monster of Monsters, 635.
Montier, James, 523, 536.
Montague, Mary Wortley, 563 ; Lord,
537, 595.
Monroe, Pres. James, 664.
Montgomery, Earl, 302.
Montowampate (Indian), 122, 130, 143.
Moody, Caleb, 440 ; Eleazer, 507 ;
Joshua, 236, 548 ; Samuel, 566 ;
Thomas, 455, 461.
Moor, Ephraim, 546, 558 ; Hugh,
652 ; James, 455, 652 ; John, 250,
346, 428.
Moores, John, 427 ; WiUiam, 601.
Morecock, Sarah, 726.
Morgan, Bennet, 36 ; one, 462.
Moorhead, John, 575 — 6.
Morley, Robert, 55.
Morris [Maurice], Secretary, 453 ; Mr.
, 524 ; Col. , 645 ; Richard,
191—2 ; 236.
Morse, Charles H., 54 ; Mrs., 441 ; Eph-
raim, 427 ; Mary, 542 ; William, 440.
Mortimer, Edward, 463 ; Mrs., 463, 467.
Morton, Charles, 461, 466 ; George, 36 ;
Mrs., 647 ; Perez, 807 ; Joseph, 819 ;
Thomas, 36 ; arrives at Plymouth, 37 ;
comes to New England with Weston,
48 ; trouble with Plymouth people, 49
— 50 ; ordered to be taken up, 94 ;
further account of him, 113 ; set in
bilboes, 114 ; his notice of Winthrop,
Mory,' Mr., 807.
Mosley, Anne, 402 ; Edward, Sir, 68 ;
Mary, 251 ; Samuel, Capt. in Philip's
war, 402 ; in the Narraganset fight,
413 ; Marches for Lancaster, 416 ;
Commissioner under Andross, 439 ;
family of, 408.
Mosse, John, 341.
Moulton, Robert, 57, 170, 183 ; Mr., 460.
Mountfort, Benjamin, 471, 507, 522 ; Ed-
mund, 395 ; George, 522 ; Jonathan,
546, 558 ; John, 534 ; family, 522 ;
Mountfort's Corner, 813.
Mountjoy's Corner, 809.
Mourning dresses, change in, 679, 680.
Mousall, Ralph, 230.
Mowall, , 567.
Mower, Ephraim, 546, 558.
Moxley, Alice, 509.
Muddy river, set off from Boston, 531.
Muffs, when introduced, 688.
Muggleton, Lodowick, 328, 337, 343.
Muggot, , 652.
Mulberry-trees, premium for raising,
769.
MuUekin, Hugh, 455 ; Isaac, John, Na-
thaniel, 363.
MuUins, William, 36, 189, 316.
Mumford, William, 429, 505.
Mundersal, Tincent, 652.
Munnings, George, 201.
Munscll's Annals of Albany, 620.
Munte, Thomas, 196, 318, 320, 341, 348,
788, 790, 798.
Munthorp, Benjamin, 471.
Murray, Capt,, 736 ; James, 767 ; AVil-
liam, 557 ; Murray's Barracks, 777.
Museum. See Columbian Mcsecm.
Musgrave, Philip, 559.
Mushauwomuk, Indian name of Boston,
467.
Mushnall, Martha, 235.
Muskerry, Lord, 231.
Musket balls, to pass for money, 184.
Muzzy, Benjamin, 574 ; John, ib.
Mvcall, John, 629.
Myles, Samuel, 471, 567.
Mylom, John, 195, 235, 243, 286, 506,
692.
Myrick's History of Haverhill, 535.
Nabors, James, 348.
Nanepashemet (Indian), 44—5.
Nanny, Robert, 342, 798.
Nanfan, Catherine, 516.
Nantasket, a fort ordered there, 150—1.
Nanuntanoo (Indian), 412.
Narraganset Indians, number of, 200 ;
Swamp ficht, 342.
Niish, James, 800 ; John, 427 ; Robert,
268, 307, 319.
Nason, Kllas, C13.
Naumkeag. See Salem.
Neal, Henry, 250 ; Walter, 111, 147,
15S ; William, 429 ; widow, 455 ; the
Historian, 160, 219, 383, 485, 531.
Needham, Anne, 353 ; John, 149, 469 ;
Nicholas, 233 ; William, 245, 250, 427.
Neff, Job, 405.
Negus, Jonathan, 233, 241, 24:3, 253,
303, 798 ; Benjamin, 250, 318, 798 ;
Jabesh, 486.
Negroes, slaves, 623, 647 ; disorderly,
631 ; duty on imported, 005 ; instruc-
tion of, 582 ; trade in, 582 ; not al-
lowed in celebrations, 710 ; numbers
in town, 714 ; executions, 632 ; killed,
577 ; sold, 659 ; whipped, 757.
Nelson, John, 482— 3, 540 ; Temple, 641.
Nettleham Epistles, 768.
New Boston, 170 ; church, 602, 648 ;
hospital, 766.
New Brick Meeting-house, 303.
Newbury, Walter, 505.
Newcastle, Duke of, 686.
Newdigate, John, 293.
New Brick Church, formed, 558.
New England, its discovery by the
Northmen merely speculative, 1 ; its
coast seen by Yerazzani, 4 ; its early
fishery, 6 ; owes its settlement to the
success of Drake, 8 ; attempts to col-
onize it, 14 — 17 ; Smith's voyages to,
18—29 ; visited by Sir Richard Hawk-
ins, 30 ; pestilence carries off the
natives, 31 ; voyages to, 34 ; first
permanent settlement in, 35 ; N-'W
England Flag, 330 ; Jonas. 297 i
Salamander, ib. ; proposed hist, of
by the Author, 33 ; by J. Mather, 426.
New England Courant, 563 — 4.
New England Weekly Journal, 574.
New North Church, 544—7.
New South Church, 551 — 2.
Newspapers, age of commenced, 528 ;
those before the Revolution contra^t>"l
with others since, 734 ; first semi-
weekly, ib.
American Magazine, 618.
Boston Chronicle, 733.
Boston Evening Post, 589.
Boston Gazette, 559.
Boston Weekly Journal, 574.
Boston Gazette and Co. Journal, 638.
Boston Gazette and Weekly Adver-
tiser, 633.
Boston Weekly Magazine, 617.
Boston Weekly Post Boy, 598.
Christian History, 617.
Independent Advertiser, 627.
Weekly Rehearsal, 589.
Newman, John, 418.
Newell, Ebenezer, 534; Mary, 378;
Timothy, 520, 657, 731, 737.
Newgate, John, 194—5, 235, 237, 246,
253, 320, 336, 786, 789, 794 ; Nathan-
iel, 278.
News-Letter, first Newspaper, 628.
New Style, adopted, 633.
Newton, Anthony, 250 ; Ellen, 36; John,
418, 427 ; Thomas, 500, 527—8.
Newton, settlement of. 111, 133.
Nicol, John, 504, 508.
Nichols, Ely, 443 ; John, 525 ; Richard,
368, 372, 391, 479.
Nicholson, Francis, 728.
Nicholas, Austin, 36 ; Henry, 218.
Nicholson, Francis, 470.
Nickles, James, 645.
Niles, Samuel, note on his history, 203.
Ninigret (Indian), comes to Boston, 215 ;
visits the Dutch at New York, 333 ;
expedition against, 336 ; sends a dep-
utation to Boston, 409 ; they execute
a treaty, 412.
Noakes, Robert, 492.
Noble, Arthui-, 634, 660 ; Thomas, 331 ;
Mr., 809.
834
INDEX.
Noddle, William ; Noddle's Island sup-
posed to have been named from him,
479. See Maverick, Samoel.
Noell, Martin, of London, 317.
Non-importation decision, 679 — 80 ;
agreement, 706 ; revived, 732 ; action
of the town, 758, 764.
Norden, Robert, 242 ; Samuel, 327, 342,
347, 427, 549 ; Sarah, 549.
Norfolk County, towns composing, 278.
Norman, Richard, 14, 57, 80.
Norris, Edward, 292.
Norsey Bark, 188.
North Battery, 302, 327 ; order for re-
pairing, 348 ; appropriation for ex-
tending, 532, 631.
North Burying-ground, enlargement
proposed, 531.
North Grammar School, 644.
North Writing School, 606, 617, 644.
Northern Lights, observed, 559.
Norton, David, 815 ; Freegrace, 411 ;
Humphrey, 352 ; John, 236 ; ap-
pointed to answer Pynchon's book,
318 ; his Heart of New Eng. Rent,
344 ; manner of his death ; 358, 366
— 7 i Mrs., gives land to the Old South
Church, 384, 469 ; Richard, 336 ;
Walter, Capt., killed, 166.
Nowell, Increase, 55, 58, 62, 74, 77, 92,
97, 106, 110, 118, 123, 129, 134, 138,
152, 230, 267, 294, 315, 554 ; Samuel,
236, 447, 478.
Noyes, Belcher, 712 ; John, 423 ; Oliver,
555 ; family, 536, 659 ; Nicholas, 376,
498 ; widow, 652 ; Dr., 556, 807.
Nurse, Rebecca, executed, SOO.
Nutt, , a pirate, taken, 570.
Nutter, Hutavill, 795.
Nye, PhUip, 55, 70, 74, 76, 157, 160, 380,
Oakes, Edward, 404; Richard, 189;
Samuel, 580 ; Thomas, 464, 486, 524,
532, 628 ; Urian, 236, 393, 447, 553 ;
Dr., 814.
Oateley, Mr , 259.
Oaths, contest about, 184 ; uncertainty
of, 494—5.
Obbatinewat (Indian), pilot to the pil-
grims, 44.
Obelisk, on the Common, 722; burnt, 724.
Obison, John, 534 ; William, ib.
Occam, Samson, 734.
Ochterlony, Sir David, 649.
Odlin, John, 229, 235, 244, 302, 318,
530 ; EUsha, Peter, 427.
Offield, Joseph, 55.
Offlay, Amelia, Stephen, 655; David,
241, 246, 442, 796.
Ogden, Elizabeth, Thomas, 68.
Ogilby, John, his America, 328.
Ogilvie, George, 687.
Oglethorp, James, 592, 608.
Olcott, Thomas, 336. See Alcock.
Old Brick Church, 659. See First
Church.
Oldham, John, 36 ; at Nantasket, 41 ;
driven from Plymouth, 48 ; his grant,
58—9 ; representation, 139, 170 ; his
house burnt, 143 ; journey to Con-
necticut, 163 ; killed, 198—201.
Oldmixon, John, 12, 316, 607.
Old North Church, 310—11.
Old South Church, 383—5 ; taken by
Episcopalians, 469.
Old State-house, 350. See Town-house.
Old Style, mistaken, 396; New, 633.
See Style.
Old Tenor, explained, 651.
Old Wharf, 394—5, 532.
Oliver, Andrew, 611, 623, 643, 645, 650,
652, 658 ; distributor of Stamps, 690 ;
his house attacked, 694 ; resigns, 696 ;
at Liberty-tree, 611—12 ; Letter, 712 ;
786 ; Daniel, 317, 507, 518, 521, 526,
536, 560, 591, 814 ; Isaac, 652; James,
278, 331, 333, 335, 340, 341, 347, 357,
379, 381, 792 ; John, 233, 235, 237,
242, 259, 278, 286, 202, 331, 336, 384,
620, 652, 786, 788, 790 ; Nathaniel,
4S6, 491, 522, 594, 604 ; Peter, 452 ;
Thomas, 148, 176, 182, 189, 193, 195,
201, 229, 235, 237, 245, 259, 303, 307,
469, 528, 532 ; pedigree, 293.
Oliver's Dock, 436, 550, 571.
Oliver's Bridge, 650, 652.
Oneko (Indian), 274.
Onge, Frances, 117.
Onyou, John, 250.
Opdam, Admiral, 231.
Ordeway, John, 440.
Ordinary (Tavern), first, 166 ; regula-
tions of, 240.
Organ, first in the town, 471.
Orlng, Robert, 558.
Ormsby, Edward, 241 ; widow, 235 ;
Mr., 795.
Orris, John, 508 ; Jonathan, 418.
Osamekin (Indian), 237, 257, 262.
Osborne, Danvers, Sir, 643 ; John, 610 ;
644, 652 ; 816 ; Thomas, 378.
Otis, AUyne, 757 ; Harrison Gray, 692 ;
Horatio N., 294, 668, 692 ; James,
notice of, 667 — 8 ; portrait in an al-
manac, 673 ; memorial to Gov. Ber-
nard, 713 ; address at Faneuil Hall,
656 ; representative, 658 ; vindication
of House of Represent's., 661, 682 ;
opposes Writs of Assistants, 667 ; his
pedigree, 692 ; Rights of the British
Colonies, 680 ; delegate to a Conti-
nental Congress, 690 ; on the "Virginia
Resolutions, 695 ; address to Lord
Gordon, 703 ; negatived by Bernard,
727 ; opposes non-importation, 732 ;
influence over the people, 738 — 9 ;
toasted in Philadelphia, 757 ; compli-
ment from England, 768 ; affray with
Robinson, 770—1 ; John, 294, 692 ;
Joseph, 752 ; Samuel AUyne, 692.
Otway, Thomas, 631.
Owaneco (Indian), 274.
Owen, John, Dr., 362, 367, 452, 493, 593,
629 ; Thomas, 380.
Oxenbridge, John, 236, 380, 548, 669.
Oxnard, Thomas, 630.
Oyster River, bloody fishing at, 509—10.
Pacey, Mrs., 336, 342.
Packenet, James, 489.
Packets, line of between England and
America contemplated, 688. ,
Paddock, Adino, 734, 756. /
Paddy, Samuel, 354 ; WiUiam, 340 ;
selectman, 241, 347, 349 ; paid for re-
pairing Battery, 348 ; death of, 353 ;
an Alley named for him, 354. "^
Pafflyn, John, 250.
Pageants, law against, 642 — 3.
Page, Abraham, 779 ; John, 482, 718 ;
Nicholas, 376, 405, 442, 482, 508.
Paine, Moses, 318, 321, 449, 490 ; Rob-
ert, 497 ; Robert Treat, 631, 777 ;
Thomas, 195 ; William, 542, 560.
Painter, Henry, 287 ; Thomas, 195, 791.
Palfrey, John Gorham, 519—20 ; Peter,
57, 139 ; Thomas, 652 ; William, 652.
Palmer, Abraham, 57, 170, 191, 230,
482 ; Bartholomew, 788—9 ; Edward,
246 ; Francis, 36 ; George, 336 ; John,
139, 189, 253, 291, 486, 797 ; Richard,
781 ; Samuel, 466 ; Thomas, 507, 519,
596, 610 ; Walter, 57 ; WiUiam, 36,
126, 245 ; Justice, 807.
Palsous, Thomas, 455.
Panton, Lieut., killed, 765—6.
Paoli, Paschal, 757, 768.
Paper, manufacture of, 769.
Paper MiU, first, 648.
Paper Currency, 491 ; votes, 493.
Papillon, Peter, 558, 564.
Paris, Christopher, 318 ; Samuel, 497,
498.
Parish, Mr., , 266.
Parker, Alice, 500 ; Capt., 421 ; David,
782 ; Jane, 795 ; James, 418, 618 ;
Jacob, 520 ; John, 331, 347—8, 603,
710 ; John Wells, 603, 710 ; Nicholas,
291, 327, 790, 792, 794 ; Richard, 246,
250, 327, 340, 786, 789, 793 ; Samuel,
421, 583, 623 ; WiUiam, 245.
Parks, Mr., 126, 342; Edward, 316;
Nicholas, 302 ; WiUiam, 245, 396.
Parr, Thomas, 569.
Parkhurst, Thomas, 459.
Parkman, Elias, 548, 583 ; Francis, 505,
544 ; Samuel, 613 ; William, 503, 544,
545, 548.
Parnell, Francis, 546, 558.
Parsons, Ebenezer, 547 ; Hu^^h, 322,
324 ; Joseph, 427, 518 ; Mary, 322—
3 ; Sarah, 576 ; Thomas, 786 ; Usher,
97, 620, 649 ; WiUiam, 286, 489, 792,
795.
Partridge, Alexander, 290 ; Daniel, 29,
279 ; Oliver, 690, 715 ; Ralph, 196 ;
Samuel, 756, 764; Gov. [WUliam],
607.
Passaconaway (Indian), 279, 286.
Pastree, John, 525.
Patch, Marv, 57, 151.
Patten, WiUiam, 818.
Patterson, Robert, 782.
Pateshall, Richard, 644 ; Robert, 341,
644, 805.
Patey, Peter, 529.
Patten, William, 25, 567.
Paving of streets, 349, 396, 527, 534,
551, 644, 804.
Paxton, Charles, Conamissioner, 599,
666, 737.
Payson, Joseph, 590.
Peacocke, Samuel, 427.
Peake, WiUiam, 317.
Peapes, Richard, 278 ; John, 350.
Pearson, Peter, 357, 548. '
Pearse, Joseph, 427, 445, ; WUliam, 348.
Pease, Hannah, 87 ; Henry, 245, 254,
787, 790—1, 793 ; Mr., 677 ; Samuel,
290.
Peabody, John, 502.
Pechmo (Indian), 18.
Peck, Eleazer, 652 ; John, 652, 687 ;
Thomas Handasyd, 489, 508, 552, 557,
677, 756 ; WiUiam Augustus, 660.
Pecker, Daniel, 559, 685 ; James, 558.
Peirce, Mr., 36, 157, 174 ; Nathaniel,
421 ; WiUiam, 257 ; Michael, 417.
Peksout (Indian), 40.
Pelby, William, 814.
Pelham, Herbert, 55, 278, 286, 292, 316,
351.
Pell, Edward, 545, 558 ; WilUam, 229,
235, 545, 786, 794.
Pelton, John, 796.
Perabcrton, Ebenezer, 236, 311, 384,
528, 532, 543 ; George, 567 ; John,
195, 235 ; James, 333, 349 ; Sarah,
384 ; Samuel, 731, 738, 754, 777, 783
—4 ; Mrs., 815.
Pemberton Square, 119.
Pembroke, Elkanah, 519 ; Earl of, 34,
302.
Pendleton, Bryan, 439.
Penhallow, John, 527 ; Samuel, 620.
Penn, Admiral, 340 ; Christian, 36 ;
James, 181, 189, 193, 233, 235, 237,
286, 291, 302, .307, 312, 318, 320, 385,
390, 786, 790, 792, 794 ; WiUiam, 337,
378, 494 ; Elder, 811.
Penney, William, 427, 431.
Peniiiman, James, 789.
Pepperrell, WiUiam, 622, 633, 649.
Pequots, variations of the name, 178 ;
war with, 197—209.
Perkins, Edward, 652 ; James, 652, 657,
513 ; John, 117, 130, 157, 623, 685 ;
Thomas, 502 ; WUUam, 151, 159, 615,
685.
Perks, Stephen, 567.
Perley, Thomas, 502.
Pen-y, Abraham, 259 ; Arthur, 241, 248,
250, 278, 291, 302, 786, 793, 795, 798 ;
Geor?e, 652 ; Isaac, 235 ; Richard,
55, 02, 70 ; Seth, 384, 427.
Pessacus (Indian), 280.
Peters, Hugh, 55, 178, 186, 188, 190,
240, 252 ; Thomas, 191.
Pettit, Thomas, 235.
Petty, Sir William, 615.
Peyton, Bazaleel, 303, 311.
Phelps, naimah,356 ; Nicholas,l252— 3,
Phippen, David, 259, 286, 312, 786, 789 ;
Joseph, 799 ; Sarah, 329.
Philip, King (Indian), 41, 57, 196, 216,
293, 355, 378, 387 ; war with, 393—
424.
835
Phillips, Benjamin, 652 ; Elizur, 534 ;
Gmani, 567, 580 ; George, 55, 80, 90,
92, 94, 110, 121, 141 ; Henry, 348,
351, 320, 579 ; John, 566, 570 ; 652,
649, 651, 658, 800 ; Nicholas, 546 ;
Samuel, 236, 385, 506, 518, 523, 633 ;
Thomas, 525 ; William, 318, 320, 524,
612, 620, 685, 731, 737, 767, 783, 787,
790 ; Zechariah, 406 ; Deacon, 807.
Philosophical Society established, 438.
PhUpot, Margaret, 378 ; William, 268.
Phinley, Alexander, 795.
Phips, John, 507 ; Mai-garet, ib. ; Sam-
uel, 540 ; Spencer, 507, 582, 621, 728,
734 ; WilUam, Sir, 491, 498, 506, 510,
524, 557, 633 ; death, and epitaph,
507, 728 ; Phipp's Corner, 816.
Pickworth, John, 132 ; Samuel, 414.
Pierce, Anna, 707 ; Isaac, 544 ; John,
36, 171, 251, 267, 601, 788, 790;
Joshua, 812, 815 ; Michael, 417 ;
William, 58, 88, 108, 116, 123, 126,
136, 144 150, 152, 171, 234, 242, 245,
358, 785, 792.
Pierpont, John, 591 ; Eobert, 490, 750.
Pigeon, Henry, 567.
Pike, , 447 -, Joseph, 440.
Piggot, Chi-istopher, 334, 342 ; Nathan-
iel, 582.
Pilbeam, James, 319.
Pilgrims, arrive at Plymouth, 35.
Pillory, view of one, 437 ; 659.
Pinetree, badge, 600 ; coins, 330 ; flag,
330.
Pipon, John, 483.
Pirates, first on the coast, 147, 490 — 1,
492, 529, 556, 570, 573.
Pitcher, Jonathan, 414.
Pitney, James, 331.
Pitt, WilUam, supposed friendship, 724,
725 ; Tui-nover Pitt, 721.
Pittman, Richard, 348.
Pitts, James, 649, 753 ; John, 518.
Place, Thomas, 250.
Plaisted, John, 574.
Plaistow, Josias, 131.
Platts, Thomas, 529, 534 ; Piatt's Corner,
818.
Plough Patent, 129.
Plommei-, Samuel, 427.
Plumley, Alexander, 246.
Plymouth, settlement of, 35 ; names of
those who arrived in the three first
ships, 36.
Pocahontas, what Capt. Smith says of, 28.
Pocock, John, 55.
Poffer, George, 250.
Polar Bear, one exhibited, 596.
Pole, WilUam, 647.
Pollard, Anna, 98 ; Benjamin, 603, 621 ;
Samuel. 427 ; William, 98, 227, 348,
350 ; PoUard's Corner, 811.
Pollock, Thomas, 456.
Pomeroy, John, 753 ; J., 618 ; Mehit-
able, 525.
Pometacom, afterwards King Philip,
364.
Pomham. See Pujiham.
Pond, Doctor , 332.
Pond Lane, 645 ; street, 588.
Pound, Thomas, 490.
Poole, Benjamin, 574 ; Fitch, 657, 757 ;
John, 348, 395 ; Jonathan, 411, 417 ;
William, 348.
Poole's Wharf, 473.
Poor, society for employing the, &c.,
632.
Pope Day, celebration, 662, 708, 752,
772.
Pope, Ephraim, 794 — 5.
Pope's Dunciad, 515.
Popham, Capt., 17 ; Francis, Sir, 20,
34 ; George, 31 ; John, Sir, 16, 29.
Popkin, John S., 577 ; John, 660.
Population : —
in 1639, data for, 244.
" 1674, 1500 families, 296.
" 1679, near 400 freemen, 434.
" 1680, about 808 taxable polls, 435.
" 1687, tJixable polls were 1447, 474.
" 1698, more than "000 inhab., 514.
" 1710, about 18,000, 537.
" 1717, about 12,000, 557.
in 1721, by " perlustration," 10,670,
563.
" 1722, about 12,000, 566.
" 1728, taxable polls 3000, 582.
" 1733, " " 3500, 596.
" " , number of souls 18,000, 820.
« 1742, " " " 615.
" 1752, " « 15,731, 714.
" 1765, « " 16,000, "
" 1769, " " 20,000, 772.
Pormort, Philemon, 182, 224, 230, 235,
791.
Porter, Abel, 235, 318 ; Eliphalet, 602 ;
Robert, 793 ; WUliam S., 177.
Porters, fees and badges regulated, 600.
Post Boy, 636.
Post Office, first, 195, 242, 247 ; affairs
of, 430, 528, 538, 550, 636, 598 ; Brit-
ish, 430 ; routes estabUshed, 541 ; in
CornhUl, 636.
Portland, Earl of, 231.
Potatoes, introduction of, 560.
Porteous, Robert, 455.
Potock(Indian), 405, 414.
Port Royal, 227 ; earthquake at, 493,
514, 554.
Port Royal, expedition against, 533.
Pound, ordered at Rumneymarsh, 348.
Potter, , 652; Robert, 275-6;
William, 248.
Povy, Thomas, arrives, 524.
Powder Hill, 147, 248 ; house, 532, 591.
Power, Nicholas, 275, 277 ; Thomas,
765.
Powell, Gov., 651 ; John, 657 ; Michael,
793; Thomas, 534; WUliam, 756;
811.
Powhatan, of Virginia, 28, 125.
Pownall, Thomas, 614 ; Governor, 643,
648 ; pedigree of, 654 ; view of Boston,
655 ; fi-iend of Boston, 771, 784.
Pownmg, Daniel, 580 ; Hemy, 333, 341,
427 ; Mr., 807.
Pratt, Aaron, 41 ; Benjamin, 631, 667,
669, 713—14 ; Ephraim, 41 ; John,
55, 504; Josima, 36; Phinehas, 39,
41, 288 ; Timothy, 427.
Prayer, first at Town-meeting, 570 ; at
a funeral, 594.
Praying Indians, 409, 416—17.
Preble, Mr. , 760.
Prence, Thomas, 36, 133.
Prescott. Benjamin, 293, 602 ; Col., 774 ;
Thomas, 780, 782.
Preston, George, 504 ; Mr. , 512 ;
Thomas, 780, 782.
Prentice, Thomas, 402—4, 414; Pren-
tice's Comer, 811.
Price, Henry, 630 ; Matthew, 342 ;
Richard, 376 ; 471, 509, 594 ; Roger,
471, 583, 614 ; Thomas, 567, 586, 591 ;
William, map of the to^vn, 566—7, 612,
772, 820.
Prince, Caleb, 652; Christopher, 659;
Edward, 480 ; Francis, 480 ; Thomas,
in England, 149 ; value of his labors,
156 ; minister of the Old South, 384,
546, 574, 614 ; Christian History, 617 ;
pedigree, 637—8 ; death of, 646.
Priest, Degory, 36.
Priggs, William, 567.
Pring, Martin, 8, 14, 16.
Printing, first, 241 ; house, burnt, 521 ;
restrictions uiJon, 366, 474 ; construc-
tion of presses, 769 ; types manufac-
tured, ib.
Printz, John, 287.
Prison. See Jail.
Privateering, 509, 660.
Proctor, Edward, 544 ; Elizabeth, 500 ;
George, ib. ; John, 616—17, 684 ;
Nathaniel, 469, 489.
Prothero, George, 585.
Prout, Joseph, 512, 521, 523, 526, 532,
560; Timothy, 395, 457, 472, 486,
492, 606—7, 819.
Province House, 517.
Province, John, 652.
Prudden, Mr. , 207.
Pryer, Matthew, 251.
Public Schools. See Schools.
Pudeater, Ann, 500.
Pulcepher, , 536.
Pulsifer, David, 820.
PuUen, John, 567.
Pullin, Point, why so named, 147 ; cattle
kept there, 182 ; in Chelsea, 604.
Puliston, Thomas, 55.
Pumham (Indian), 272, 281, 286.
Purefoy, William, 302.
Puritans, fathers of New England, 52,
168, 380.
Purton, Elizabeth, 233, 235, 245, 798.
Putnam Joseph, 652.
Pynchon, Agnes, 90 ; Dr., 562 ; John,
90, 411, 453—4, 473 ; Joseph, 455 ;
WilUam, 55, 62, 65, 70, 73, 77, 106,
110, 119, 124, 139 ; Treasurer of the
Colony, 143 ; Assistant, 152 ; at Bos-
ton, 217 ; 294 ; his book ordered to be
burnt, 318 ; investigates a case of
witchcraft, 322 ; returns to England.
319 ; dies, ib.
Quaiapen (Indian), 405.
Quaker Meeting-house, 652.
Quakers, arrival of some, 342 ; laws
against, 344 ; seized and whipped,
351 — 3 ; some executed, 355 ; some
whipped, 357 ; complain to the King,
359 ; the King annuls the laws, 360—
1 ; others arrive, 428 ; one goes into
the Old South Church with sackcloth,
&c., 429 ; other affairs, 504, 604, 820.
Quann, John, 630, 817.
Quannapohut (Indian), 402.
Quanonshit. See Canonchet.
Quarles, Francis, 239.
Queen, Anne, death of, 550, 662.
Quelch, a pirate, executed, 529.
Quick, Alice, 652 — 3.
Quincy, Edmund, 170, 174, 183, 449—
50, 531, 620, 732, 737, 777 ; Daniel,
329, 449 ; Josiah, 450, 678, 738, 777 ;
Samuel, 738, 777 ; pedigree of the
famUy, 449—50, 495.
Rachell, John, 567.
Radnor, Lord, 446.
Rainsborow, William, 289.
Rainsford, Edward, 193, 229, 250, 318,
335, 442, 796 ; EUzabeth, 384 ; John,
431 ; Solomon, ib.
Raleigh, Sir Walter, 8—10, 15, 29, 31,
71, 123.
Ramsay, Alexander, 455.
Ramsden, Anne, John, 68.
Rand, Bartholomew, 557 ; James, 36 ;
Robert, 588 ; WiUiam, 818.
BandaU, WiUiam, 588.
Randolph, Edward, 436, 439, 442, 447,
467—8, 472, 484 ; Peyton, 768.
Rasdale, Mr. , 48.
Rashley, Hemy, 799.
Rastall, Sergeant, 6.
RatcUffe, PhiUp, 115 ; his ears cut off,
127, 135 ; Robert, 36, 468—71.
Ravenscroft, Mr., 468, 484.
RawUns, Caleb, 431, 486 ; Jasper, 336,
347 ; John, 488, 790 ; Richard, 241,
788.
Rawlinson, John, 287.
Rawson, Edward, 329, 368, 384 ; death
of, 816 ; Grandall, 457, 553 ; Rachel,
384 ; Rebecca, 554.
Ray, Daniel, 132, 6327
Raymond, John, 413.
Raynor, John, 389, 534.
Rea, Daniel, 557 ; John, 630.
Read, Brackley, 652 ; Esdras, 241, 427 ;
James, 593 ; John, 250, 604, 665 ;
Joseph, 768—9; Thomas, 348, 652, 807.
Reading, Miles, 796.
Rebels, Boston people denounced as, in
Parliament, 714—15, 720.
Redman, interpreter, 287.
lledknap, Joseph, 472.
Reeve, John, 328, 339.
Regicides protected in Boston, 360.
Religion, decline of, 634.
Remak, Daniel, 652.
ReveU, John, 70, 73, 75.
Revenge Church, the, 558.
Revenue laws, evasion of, 692.
Revenue, officers of the, reproached, 738.
Revolution of 1689, 480—484.
836
INDEX.
Revere, Paul, 547, 666, 672, 724, 747.
lleynoldg, Capt., 418, 492; Nathaniel,
374, 427, 492 ; Kobert, 235, 263, 291,
312, 797.
Rhode Island, boundary between it and
Plymouth settled, 138 ; its first Gov-
ernor, 175 ; settled by people from
Boston, 218 ; their names, 229 ; mo-
lested by Boston, 254 — 5 ; not included
in the Union of 1643, 269 ; Charter of
arrives, 284 ; protected by the gov-
ernment in England, 301 ; how pro-
cured of the Indians, 306 ; first news-
paper in, 565 ; joins Boston In the
non-importation system, 679.
Rice, John, 652; Philip, 259; Robert,
229, 786, 794.
Rich, Sir Nathaniel, 34 ; Robert, 277.
Richards, Henry, 582 ; John, 364, 430,
434, 446, 483—4, 490, 500, 502, 512 ;
809.
Richardson, Amos, 291, 336, 339, 384,
792, 797 ; Benjamin, 440, 520 ; Capt.,
227, 284—5 ; Ebenezer, 776—7 ; Eze-
kiel, 230, James, 756; John, 236,
547 ; Joseph, 652 ; Joshua, 440 ;
Richard, 313, 318 ; Thomas, 505.
Rickford, James, 652.
Ricraft, Josiah, 77.
Rider, Eliza, 342 ; Thomas, 334.
Riileout, William, 567.
Ridgdale, John, 36.
Ridghill, William, 492.
Ridley, Master, 6.
Rigby, P^rdinaudo, 301.
Riggs, Sergeant, 216.
Riurdon, Capt., 776.
Ripley, George, 418 ; Joseph, 810.
Ritchie, Robert, 818.
Rivington, James, 682, 812.
R mch, Joseph, 334 ; Nicholas, 567.
R .berts, John, Lord, 317, 810 ; Dr., 685 ;
S., 518, 570.
Robertson, John, 253.
Robins, Chandler, 310—11 ; Richard,
440; William, 418.
Robinson, Andrew, 550 ; Col., 750 ; Da-
vid, 534 ; George, 431. 507 ; James,
335 ; John, 246, 732, 770 ; Wilham,
355—6, 358.
Robie, Samuel, 563 ; Thomas, 553, 558,
563; William, 493, 563.
R )cl<ctt, Richard, 250.
11 >cking-ship, the, 303.
Rockingham, Marquis of, 725, 768.
Rjcroft, Edward, 25, 29, 33.
Roe, Lawrence, 55 ; Owen, 55, 188, 193
—4, 796 ; Robert, 79 ; Stephen, 471 ;
Thomas, Sir, 78—9.
Rogers, Ezekiel, 269, 618, 627 ; David,
250 ; Daniel, 263, 287 ; GamaUel, 636 ;
George, 227 ; John, 150, 160, 257, 457,
566 ; Nathaniel, 160, 196, 227, 767 ;
Sunon, 268, 336, 810 ; Thomas, 36 ;
TUnothy, 464 ; , 70, 305, 652.
Rolfe, Benjamin, 534 ; Daniel, 414.
Roman Catholic Church, 489.
Romanists, law against, 307.
Romer, Col., 531.
Rooke, Sir George, 537.
Root, Ralph, 235, 307, 342, 706 ; Robert,
790.
Rope-dancing, not allowed, 599.
Rope-maker, the first, 375, 382.
Ropewalks, 382 ; affrays at the, 777—8,
382 ; Gray's, 677.
Roper, Ephraim, 418.
Rose, George, 153, 250 ; John, 750.
Rosewell, Henry, Sir, 52.
Rosier, James, 14.
Rositer, Edward, 55, 73, 79, 91.
Rounds, Mark, 414.
Rouse, John, 351—3 ; William, 523.
Rovell, William, 55.
Rowe, John, 649, 657, 700, 703, 719,
721, 731, 735, 737, 741, 744, 756.
Rowland, Elizabeth, 293.
Rowhuul.son, Mary, 417.
Roxbury, name, when given, 89.
Roy, Alexander, 456.
Royal Exchange Tavern, 579.
Royal, Isaac, 753, 813.
Roydon, Marmaduke, 19.
Ruck, John, 227, 526, 606 ; Thomas, 335,
433, 790.
Ruddock, John, 644, 678, 683, 712, 731,
738, 752, 754, 758, 777.
Rudston, Barbara, 68.
Rudyer, Benjamin, 302.
Ruggle, George, 234^5 ; John, 116, 789,
794 ; Samuel, 611 ; Timothy, 690, 715,
730.
Rule, Margaret, 493.
Rumney Marsh, 312, 335, 341, 347, 349,
445, 474, 503 ; bridge at, 254 ; Rum-
ley-Marsh, 320, 331, 333, 335; free
school at, 521 ; Chelsea, 604, 787.
Rupert, Prince, 282, 423.
Rust, Hem-y, 327.
Russell, Benjamin, 590 ; Chambers, 633 ;
James, 355, 490, 524, 526, 659, 735 ;
John, 378, 381, 433; Richard, 355,
357, 363, 381, 615 ; Thomas, 379, 816 ;
William S., 145.
Ryall, John, 353; Joseph, 508; Wil-
Sables, Island, voyage to, 257, 488
Sackville, Lord George, 715, 725.
Saflin, John, 456, 472.
Sagadahock, settlement at, 17.
Sagamore, James (Indian), 122, 165 ;
John, 57, 119, 122, 138, 143, 147, 164 ;
Sam, 421 ; hanged, 423.
Saint Botolph, Church, 101—3.
Saint Christophers, 268.
Saint George's Cross mutilated, 192.
Saint John, OUver, 284, 363.
Saint Patrick, the ship, 188, 191—2.
Saints of Boston, Ward's account of, 516 ;
a Tory's account of, 720.
Sale, Ephraim, 427, 487,490; Francis
(Sales), 564 ; John, 293.
Salem, called Naumkeag by the Indians,
47 ; English settle there, 56—7 ; dis-
turbed by witches, 497 ; Gen. Court
held at, 584.
Salem Canada, granted Edward Tyng
and others, 641.
Salisbury, Benjamin, 652 ; Earl of, 34 ;
Samuel, 764.
Salisbury, settlement of, 238 ; import-
ance of, 431.
Salter, Eneas, 552 ; Mary, 384 ; Mat-
thew, 652 ; Richard, 678 ; Sampson,
652 ; Thomas, 552, 652 ; William, 229,
235, 241, 251, 253, 257, 351, 384, 563,
749, 793, 796.
Saltpetre-house, order for building, 268.
Sallmarsh, Mr., 677.
Saltonstall, Dorothy, 606 ; Nathaniel,
473 ; Richard, Sir, of the Massachu-
setts Company, 55, 62 ; pedigree of,
68 ; an Assistant, 77 ; settles Water-
town, 95 ; returns to England, 122,
137 ; indemnifies Indians for injury
by his cattle, 147 ; moves the prose-
cution of slavers, 288 ; dissents from
proceedings against Episcopalians,
296 ; against long hair, 315 ; against
the severities to Rhode Island, 326 ;
Robert, 256, 789.
Samfield, John, 181, 189, 193—4, 229,
233, 235.
Saiiitnia. Ui.-h;u-d, 347, 350.
Sanion, (i,«.„lwilr, 349.
Sami'X'ii, Kihvar.l, 418; John, 190, 812.
Saudcuuuiiiius, 686 ; Sandeman, Robert,
687.
Sanderson, Robert, 329, 342.
Sanford, Bridget, 336 ; Peleg, 227, 486 ;
Richard, 789, 793 ; WUliam, 293.
Sandys, Sir Edwm, 42.
Sargent, Digory, 427 ; Henry, 613 ; Lu-
cius M., 489, 536 ; Peter, 371, 483, 486,
500, 511—12, 524, 526.
chief of the Pequots, slain,
14.
ee WUSSASSAMON.
Satan. See Devil.
Sauguaram (Indian), 572.
Saunders, John, 39, 40; Martin, 234,
318 ; Robert, 335, 815.
Savage, Abijah, 560 ; Arthur, 537, 557,
567; Ephraim, 503, 506, 532, 542;
Elizabeth, 87 ; James, 86, 149, 156,
196, 201, 221, 244, 266, 273, 296, 337 ;
Mary, 384 ; Perez, 403, 414 ; Samuel
Phillips, 657, 816 ; Thomas, 195, 285,
312, 331, 335, 347, 349, 351, 376, 395,
403, 431, 439, 504, 788.
Savel, widow, 652.
Saville, Sir George, 768.
Say and Scale, Lord, 80, 107, 317, 354,
360.
Saybrook, fight near, with Indians, 205.
Sayer, R., 654.
Sayward, Jonathan, 657.
Scalps, Indian, first brought to Boston,
404 ; reward for, 571.
Scarlet Letter, origin of, 461, 508.
Scarlet, John, 253, 445, 816; Samuel,
376, 453.
Scarlet's Wharf, 394, 534, 574.
Scates, Mr., jailer, 484.
Schools, a master for, appointed, 182 ;
land appropriated for the mainten-
ance of, 267 ; salary of master of, 286 ;
school-house to be mended, 291 ; Pub-
Uc Schools provided by law, 267, 307
—8, 479 ; Town School, 331 ; Writing
School-house to be built, 512, 588 ;
one on the Common, 556, 639 ; one at
the North End, 557 ; a Spinning-
school, 560 ; Evening-school, 596 ;
Committee for visiting, 606 ; state of
schools in 1741, 617 ; report of, in
1749, 628 ; in 1757, 644 ; Private
Schools, 644—5; effects of schools,
682 ; Salaries of Masters in 1764,
684 ; other provisions, 342, 349.
Schooler, James, 456 ; Robert, 456 ;
WilUam, hanged, 234, 456.
Schooners, their origin, 550.
Scollay, James, 601 ; John, 455, 493, 508,
657, 678, 756.
Sconce, the, 481, 548. See Sodth
Battery.
Scott, Gov., 628 ; James, 762 ; John.
601 ; Katharine, 355 ; Mary, 353,
356 ; Patience, 353 ; Robert, 235, 245,
254, 786, 792 ; Richard, 416 ; Ser
geant, 320 ; Thomas, 429.
Scotch prisoners, 339 ; Scotch Irish em
igrants, 560 ; slaves, 342.
Scotch Charitable Society, 454.
Scottow, John, 318, 427 ; Joshua, 106,
159, 161, 167, 200, 250, 286, 331, 335,
338, 349, 372, 384, 512, 542, 785, 789
—90 ; Richard, 349 ; Thomas, 233,
235, 302, 789 ; 245, 286, 793 ; Thom-
asine, 233, 235.
Scruggs, Thomas, 57.
Scythes, improvements in, 331.
Seaborne, John, 245.
Sea-coal, importation of proposed, 557.
Seale, Humphrey, 55 ; John, 165.
Seal, Colonial, 472, 801.
Search, John, 259, 291, 428, 819.
Searls, Mrs., 453.
Sears, Alexander, 544—6, 558—9 ; Ann,
72 ; David, 72, 716, 733 ; Robert, 418,
716 ; pedigree of, 733.
Seeker, Thomas, 666.
Second Church, 310—11.
Sedgwick, Robert, 230, 236, 290, 299,
304.
Seely, Robert, 336—7, 414.
Selbey, Thomas, 634.
Selectmen, origin of, 173 — 4, 278.
Sellecke, David, 278, 286, 792.
Sellen, Thomas, 241 ; Sellon, Mr., 633.
Senate, origin of the, 262.
Senot, Walter, 318, 345. See Sinnot.
Sentry-field, 259.
Sentry-hill, 253, 259.
Separatists, the, 113, 127.
Sequin (Indian), 206.
Sewall, Bessie, 323—4 ; Elizabeth, 329 ;
Hannah, 329 ; Joseph, 533, 646, 684,
690, 614, 759; Jonathan, 680, 613;
Nathaniel, 283 ; Samuel, 98, 100, 315,
317, 329 ; a judge at the witch trials,
500—3, 512, 553, 560 ; death of, 586.
Seymour, Edward, 34 ; Henry, Sir, 52 ;
Lord, 458.
Shaomet (Warwick, R. I.) besieged and
taken, 274—6.
Shapley, Nicholas, 460.
INDEX.
837
Sharp, Robert, 250 ; Samuel, of the
Massachusetts Company, 55, &1, 60,
73, 118, 122—3 ; death of, 347 ; Thom-
as, 55, 73, 93, 111, 115, 120, 250;
William, 526.
Shattuck, Samuel, 351—2, 356—7 ; Wil-
liam, 331, 352.
Shatton, Sampson, 275.
Shaw, Fearnot, 418, 487, 492 ; Francis,
568 ; John, 318, 341, 791.
Shawmut, not seen by Smith, 22 ; Black-
stone at, 50, 87 ; English invited to
settle on, 95 — 6 ; named Boston, 98 ;
origin of the name, 457.
Sheafe, Herman, 317 ; Jacob, 331 ;
James, 575, 580 ; Sampson, 442, 486 ;
William, 737.
SlieffieUl, Lord, 34, 589.
Shearer, Thomas, 427, 455.
Sheepscott, John (Indian), 510.
Shelley, widow, 234.
Shelton, Sampson, 233, 347.
Shepcott, 472.
Shepherd, John, 414 ; Preston, 811 ;
Samuel, 380, 385 ; Thomas, 178, 186,
- 211,236,393—4.
Sherburne, Joseph, 685.
Sheriff, William, 72 ; Maj., 750.
Sherlock, James, 480, 484, 486.
Sherman, James, 508, 568 ; Rev. John,
382, 385, 393—4; Mrs., 257, 260;
PhiUp, 229, 234; Richard, 248, 286,
794, 799: Samuel, 241, 246, 253;
Thomas, 216 ; William, 55.
Shew, Joseph, 427.
Shippe, Margaret, 592.
Shippen, Edward, 295, 429, 435, 505.
Ship-building, 614, 242, 820.
Shirley, William, Governor, 613 ; plans
an expedition against Louisbourg,
619 ; is successful, 622 ; pedigree,
627 ; returns from England, 634 ;
confers with Gen. Braddock, 639 ;
succeeds Braddock, 644 ; saluted,
759 ; James, 316 ; Thomas, 614 ;
Francis, 614.
Sholan (Indian), 421.
Shore, George, 539 ; Sampson, 259, 285,
302, 789 ; Samuel, 342.
Short-alley, 661.
Short, Capt. Richard, 506.
Shove, Sampson, 427.
Shower, John, 466.
Shortriggs, William, 491.
Shoshanim (Indian), 421.
Shrimpton, Epaphras, 507 ; Henry, 227,
245, 250, 299, 349, 799, 812 ; Jona-
than, 293, 341 ; Samuel, 410, 456, 479,
483, 606, 511 ; Madam, 817.
Shute, James, 551 ; Samuel, 317 ; Gov-
ernor, 556—7, 558, 586, 688, 728.
Sidewalks, footways, 348.
Sibley, John, 57.
Sicklerdam, John, 490.
Sigourney, Andrew, 489.
Silverwood, Joshua, 414.
Sill, Joseph, 418, 528, 592.
Simson, Alexander, 427.
Simsbury, burnt by Indians, 417.
Simonds, Henry, 278, 691, 785, 788, 790,
792 ; Samuel, 269, 363, 379, 380, 394.
Sunmons, Moses, 36.
Simpkins, Nicholas, 805, 816.
Simpson, Jonathan, 552, 557 ; Saville,
471 ; Shubael, ib. ; Sydrack, 161.
Singing, in churches, 520 ; and reading
line by line, discontinued, 547 ; matter
of discussed, 566 ; in the streets, 618.
Smnot, Walter, 241, 250, 318, 335, 345,
797.
Skelton, Samuel, 55, 57, 86 ; WUUam,
19, 167.
SkilUngs, Captain, 776.
Skinner, George, 567 ; Thomas, 379,
437.
Slator, Lionel, 599 ; widow, 660.
Slaughter-houses, order about, 504.
Slaves, not allowed from Africa, 288 ;
Scotch and Irish sold for, 342 ; not
above 20 in the colony, 441 ; attempt
to substitute white servants for, 525 ;
increased traffic in, 574 ; advertised
for sale, 574, 647, 659 ; a tory writer
taunts the Bostonians for holding, 729 ,
Representatives instructed to urge the
aboUtion of, 728 — 9 ; attempt to excite
them to murder their masters, 754.
Smallbroke, Bishop, 610.
Small, John, 750, 752, 758.
Small-pox, 164, 238, 375, 377, 382, 491,
514, 526, 561, 568, 586, 632, 672, 685
—6, 766.
Sraallwood, Mr., 70.
Smibert, John, 601.
Smitlv-AdiUiL, 25 ; Arthur, 25, 431 ;
Erasmus, 317 ; Francis, 227, 342, 799 ;
George G., 566 ; Isaac, 520, 692, 764 ;
James, 504 ; James, Capt., 228, 455,
766 ; John, 245, 278, 294—6, 357, 455,
490, 496, 533, 683, 695, 631, 787 ;
John (Capt.), 9, 17—29 ; first Gov-
ernor of New England, 42 ; 55 ; Mar-
garet, 356—7 ; Matthew, 250 ; Mat-
thias, 418 ; Richard, 342, 350 ; Rich-
ard (Maj.), 404, 413, 485; Robert,
350 ; Thomas, 32, 286, 293, 313, 318,
336, 726 ; Thomas (Capt.), 529 ; WU-
liam, 428, 470 ; Zachary, 389.
Smith's Barracks, 777.
Smithwick, James, 665.
Snelling, George, 302.
Snider, Christopher, 776.
Snow Hill, 549, 817.
Snow, Nicholas, 36 ; Thomas, 196, 235,
786 ; Zachary, 414.
Snow, the great, 555.
Soames, John, 429, 505, 508 ; Joseph,
414.
Socononoco (Indian), 272, 281, 286.
Somerby, Daniel, 414 ; Horatio G., 355 ;
others, 376.
Somerset, Duke of, 52.
Sons of Liberty, 694, 711, 715, 717, 719,
740, 746, 768.
Soule, George, 36.
Southack, Cyprian, 529, 539, 593.
Southampton, Earl of, 34, 317.
South Battery, 531, 548, 569, 650. See
Sconce.
South Boston, 707.
South Burial-place, 656.
South Church. See Old South.
South Row, 638.
Southcote, Richard, 52, 83 ; Thomas, 52,
55, 62, 130.
Souther, Mr., 319.
Southwick, Casandra, 352 ; Josiah, 352,
429 ; Lawrence, 351.
Southworth, Alice, 36.
Sowerby, John, 567.
Sowers, Roger, 334.
Spalle, Thomas, 318.
Sparhawk, Nathaniel, 753.
Sparrow, Joseph, 518.
Speakman, Jhomas, 652 ; William, 583.
Spear, David, 652 ; Thomas, 652.
Spectacle Island, 231, 234, 253, 318,
561.
Speed, Thomas, 317.
Spencer. John, 139, 186 ; Roger, 507 ;
William, 170, 236.
Spicer, sister, 509.
Spilsbiu-y, John, 326.
Spinning-school, proposed, 560 — 1 ; leg-
acy for the support of, 591 ; reopened,
660.
Spooner, George, 757 ; John, 293, 650,
657.
Spoore, John, 241, 250, 786, 790, 793.
Spot Pond, 137—8.
SpoweU, William, 347, 351.
Sprague, Dr., 685 ; Francis, 36 ; John,
623 ; Ralph, 57, 230, 447 ; Richard,
57, 230 ; Samuel, 601 ; WUUam, 57.
Spring-gate, 786 ; Spring-lane, 480.
Sprmg, Henry, 490.
Sprigg, Joshua, 652.
Springfield, witchcraft breaks out at,
322.
Sprint, Mr., 160.
Spry, Richard, 622, 753.
Spurr, John, 326, 414 ; William, 713.
Spurrier, Caleb, 811.
Spurstowe, WilUam, 55, 68, 70.
Squanto (Indian), 43 — 6.
Squaumaug (Indian), 387, 397.
Squeb, Captain, 22, 78, 82, 87—8.
Squire, Philip, 379, 418, 432.
Stacy, Hugh, 36 ; Thomas, 418.
Stage-coaches, travelling in commenced,
664 ; one to Marblehead, 758.
Stagg, Captain, 279, 282, 289.
Staines, Richard, 418.
Stalling, Edward, 25, 33.
Stamp-act, colonial, 639 ; parUamentary,
689 ; arrival of stamps, 705 ; stamps
of 1775, 689, 715- ; one burnt in King-
street, 717 ; Burke's account of the
stamp act, 689 ; stamp officers hung
in effigy, 693 ; stamp act repealed,
718, 721 ; repeal jubilee, 722 ; repeal
thanksgiving, 725 ; celebration, 731.
Stanbridge, Edward, 567.
Stanbury, Thomas, 259, 318, 803.
Standish, Barbara, 36 ; MUes, 35—6, 40,
43, 48—9, 110, 133, 154, 339, 347.
Staniford, John, 612.
Stanley, Christopher, 190, 253, 285, 312,
318, 320, 785, 787, 790.
Stanton^ Jpse^ 405 ; Mary, 352 •,
Thomas, 126, 224.
Stanyon, Anthony, 235, 259.
State-house, architect of, 664. ,
Stavers, Bartholomew, 664. ^v
Stayner, Mrs., 687 ; Thomas, 317. '
Stebbin, John, 323 ; Martm, 307, 327,
331 ; Rowland, 323.
Steele, John, 597, 631 ; Mrs., 641 ;
Thomas, 455, 493 ; William, 316.
Sterling, 'John, 363, 652.
Stetson, John, 520 ; William, 235.
Stevens, Jirasmus, 544 ; Henry, 259,
— 3?T; James H., 734 ; John, 278 ;
Robert, 250 ; Samuel, 268, 707 ;
Thomas, 55, 70 ; 812.
Stevenson, John, 96, 307, 347, 652, 818 ;
Marmaduke, 354—6 ; Mary, 96 ;
Richard, 794.
Steward, Hee., 318 ; James, 36.
Stewart, James, 456, 652.
Stileman, Elias, 57, 381 ; Richard, 790.
Stiles. See Styles.
Stillman, Samuel, 433 ; his stamp-act
sermon, 725.
Stirling, Lord, 47.
Stocker, Samuel, 414; Thomas, 335,
342.
Stocks, the, 242, 246, 525 ; a stamp put
in the, 717.
Stoddard, Anthony, 245, 250, 267, 235,
312, 318, 320, 327, 349, 4:i0, 434, 447,
537, 752, 786, 791 ; Mary, 3S4, 527 ;
'Sampson, 511, 513, 529 ; Simeon, 317,
504, 518, 525 ; Thomas, 639 ; Wil-
liam, 597, 600, 613.
Stone, Edward, 652 ; Hugh, 351 ; John,
150, 153, 157, 161, 166, 178, 197, 201,
217, 316 ; Samuel, 415 ; Thomas, 414.
StorCTvriTOnezer,-620, 707 ;"EIizaUeth,
449 ; George, 664 ; Richard, 161, 248,
Storms, great, 541, 571, 875.
Story, Augustine, 60, 159 ; George, 257,
265 ; Rowland, 445 ; Sarah, 159 ;
WiUiam, 654, 695—6, 699.
Stoughton, Israel, 170, 178, 198, 210,
213, 216, 230, 236, 287, 289, 307, 436,
446, 496, 524 ; WiUiam, 456, 464, 483,
500, 502, 510 ; death of, 510 ; 728,
786.
Stow, Baron, 616 ; John, his Chronicle,
1,3.
Stowers, Nicholas, 57.
Strafford, Wentworth, Earl of, 187, 191.
Straine, Richard, 798.
Strange, John, 318.
Stratton, Elisha, 429 ; John, 790 ;
Richard, 461 ; Thomas, 573.
Streets, laid out, 253 ; order for record-
ing, 525 ; carried into effect, 533 — 4.
Strickline, John, 57.
Strong, John, 525 ; Simeon, 363.
Stuart, Arabella, 71 ; W., 814.
Stuyvessant, Peter, 307.
Style, change in the, 633.
Styles, Ezra, 249, 359, 388 ; John, 440 ;
Matthias, 287.
Sudbury, attacked by Indians, 416.
Suffolk, Earl of, 640.
838
INDEX.
Benjamin, 520; James, 520;
John, 341; Samuel, 772; WilUam,
409 ; WUliam H., 751.
Sunday-laws, 557 ; disregarded, 622.
Sunderland, Richard, 68—9.
Sutliff, Dr., 24. ^
Sutton, Richard, 418.
Swaine, Jeremiah, 414, 490 ; William,
260.
Swan, James, 455.
Swazie, Stephen, 492.
Swanzey, Philip's War begins at, 401
Sweet,' John, 285, 293, 395, 423, 788, 792,
794, 800.
Sweetser, Benjamin, 378 ; John, ib. ;
Joseph, ib.; Mrs., 379.
Swett, Joseph, 161, 336.
Swift, Samuel, 710, 713.
Swingbridge, 175, 656.
Swingbridge-lane, 532.
Switchell, Abraham, 414.
Sylvester, John, 583.
Symmes, Thomas, 557, 566, 308 ; Zecha-
riah, 175, 308. 380, 385.
Symonds. See Simonds.
Syndal), Samuel, 347.
Synderland, John, 327, 793—4.
Synods, 310, 362, 383, 385, 432, 438.
Tabb, Nicholas, 652. *
Tailor, William, Gov., 518, 551, 582. 594,
728.
Taitson (Indian), 405.
Talbot, John, 524 ; William, 327.
Talbye, Dorothy, 241.
Talcott, John, 170.
Talmage, WUUam, 196, 235, 254, 347,
786, 796.
Tantor, Joseph, 409.
Tappin, EUzabeth, 384 ; Richard, 384.
Tar-and-feathering, a case of, 772.
Tar-barrel, disturbance about one, 744.
Tarne, MUes, 254, 259.
Tartarien, John, 487.
Tate and Brady, psahns of, introduced,
646, 629.
Taverns. See Ordinaries.
Taxation, parliamentary, cause of, 675
— 6 ; inseparable from representation,
680 ; news respecting, 679 ; reasons
against, 684.
Tay, John, 427 ; Josiah. 418, 427, 490,
513, 521—2.
Tayer, Thomas, 250.
Taylor, GiUum, 726 ; Isaac, 534 ; James,
492—3, 503, 513, 520—1, 526 ; John,
580, 767 ; Madam, 469 ; Phoebe, 72 ;
Robert, 185, 238 ; Richard, 267, 318,
332, 341, 347 ; William, 376, 439, 521.
Tayntor, Robert, 459.
Tea, introduction of, 561 ; tax on, 631 ;
combination against the use of, 751 ;
destroyed at Griffin's wharf, 810.
Teal, Mary Louisa E., 607.
Teams Gosprit, 525.
Tefife, William, 241, 245, 250, 253, 787,
798.
Temple, John, 427, 482, 732 ; Robert,
567, 628, 685 ; Thomas, Sir, 374,
452.
Tench, WiUiam, 36.
Ten-hills, farm at, 119.
Thacher, Anthony, 145, 186; Dorothy,
733 ; EUsha, 717 ; James, 186, 708 ;
Margaret, 384; Mr., 236, 532, 595,
436 ; Oxenbridge, 667, 674, 682, 713,
720; Peter, 519, 543, 545; Samuel
Cooper, 552—3; Thomas, 236, 383,
393.
Thaxter, Adam W., 673 ; Jacob, 660 ;
Samuel, 582.
Thayer, Arodi, 755 ; John E., 333 ;
Richard, 331 ; Samuel, 351.
Theatre, in Faneuil Hall, 612 ; disturb-
ance at a, 631 ; set up by the soldiers,
766 ; first Boston, 804.
Thebe (Indian), kUled, 404.
Theodolite, invention of a, 599.
Third Church, 385. See Old South.
Thomas, Edward, 507 ; Evan, 140, 254,
259, 307, 332, 340, 384; Nathaniel,
Thompson's Island, 35, 50, 282, 310.
Thomson, James, 657 ; John, 455 ; Mrs.,
50 ; Pishey, 102 ; Samuel, 763 ; Thom-
as, Robert, 316, 788 ; William, 657.
Thorn, Robert, 7, 9.
Thorncomb, Andrew, 462.
Thorndike, Herbert, 147 ; Israel, 151 ;
John, 161 ; Paul, ib.
Thornton, John, 102 ; John W., 151, 161,
422—3 ; Thomas, 493, 532 ; Timothy,
486, 492, 503—4, 606, 534.
Three Doves, tavern, 642.
Three-hill marsh, 268.
Three Turk's-heads, tavern, 664.
Thresher, Francis, 525, 527, 531, 534,
560.
Throgmorton, John, 116, 228.
Thropp, John, 418.
Thursday Lecture, 167.
Thurston, Benjamin, 384; Elizabeth, ib. ;
Thomas, 343.
Thurston, Mr., 477.
Thwing, Benjamin, 268 ; Colonel, 652 ;
James, 652 ; Nathaniel, 678, 712.
Ticknor, WUliam D., 542.
Tide, an extraordinary one, 569.
Tidmarsh, GUes, 567 ; Giles Dulake,
580, 813.
Tilden, Thomas, 36.
Tileston, James, 558 ; John, 684.
Tillet, Edward, 534.
Tilley, AbigaU, 587 ; Edward, 36, 205 ;
John, 36, 48, 57, 205 ; WUliam, 384,
512.
Timmins, John, 686.
Tindale, Sir John, 72 ; Margaret, 72.
Ting, Benjamin, 786, 789 ; Edward, 192,
238, 246, 248, 253, 278, 312, 319, 327,
379, 413, 428, 621, 790, 792, 811;
death of, 640 ; John, 557, 632 ; Jona-
than, 473 ; 785, 789, 793, 800 ; Wil-
liam, 194, 245, 259, 268, 271, 307.
Tinker, Thomas, 36.
Tippen, Thomas, 567.
Tippet, Nicholas, 471.
Titcomb, Elizabeth, 440 , Lydia, ib.
Tithingmen, 428.
Tituba (Indian), 498.
Tomlins, Mary, 567 ; Edward, 170, 236.
Tomlinson, Robert, 630.
Tompson, Abigail, Anne, 247 ; Benja-
min, ib. ; James, 652 ; William, 242,
247, 250.
Topan, Susan, 440.
Tory, origin of name of, 664.
Torrey, Mr., 660 ; Samuel, 236, 285, 397,
580 ; William, 363, 652, 712 ; death
of, 767.
Tower, Barnabas, 186, 187 ; WiUiam,
486.
Town Bull, 331 ; Clock, 492, 556 ; Cove,
276 ; Dock, 174—5, 463, 481, 519,
598.
Town Clerk, first chosen, 269.
Town Clock, move about one, 556.
Town House, 349, 550, 625, 669, 717,
820.
Townsend, Benjamin, 552 ; Charles,
against the Stamp Act, 689, 715 ;
dies, 732 ; Elias, 544 ; George, 715 ;
James, 818 ; Penn, 293, 317, 463, 472,
486, 492, 503, 511, 514, 518, 526—7 ;
Peter, 525; Shippie, 687; Solomon,
544—6, 568 ; WUliam, 229, 236, 795 ;
William B., 642, 677.
Toy, WilUam, 247, 791.
Tracy, Phmeas L., 726—7; Stephen,
36, 161.
Trainiug-fleld, the, 532.
Training, tlie great, 258.
Trask, Isaac, 811 ; Mary, 356—7 ; Wil-
liam, 57, 186, 213, 216 ; WUUam B.,
470, 489, 618.
Travis, Richard, 427.
Treat, Andrew, 574.
Treaty with Indians, 527, 672.
Trecothio, Barlow, 771.
Trees, planted on the Neck, 342 ; at
Wheeler's Point, 607 ; on the Common,
592, 693, 820.
Trelawney, William, 6.
Trevoyre, William, 36.
Triangular Warehouse, the, 166, 174.
Trimountain (Boston), 92, 98.
Trinity Church, 583, 686.
Trott, Bernard, 376, 490 ; Joshua, 343 ;
Thomas, 534, 590.
Trout, Captain, 639.
Troutbeck, John, 471.
Trowbridge, Caleb, 293 ; Thankful, 534.
Truesdale, Richard, 384, 793.
Trucks, regulations for, 660.
Tryon, Mr., 467.
Tucke, Adam, 567, 580 ; John, ib. ;
Master, 6 ; Robert, 5'"
Tucker, James, 652 ; John, 486 ; Levi,
616 ; Robert, 707 ; Thomas, 409 ;
812.
Tuckerman, John, 487, 492, 805.
Tuckfleld, Master, 6.
Tuffneale, Richard, 66.
Tufts, John, 666 ; , 161.
Tulley, John, ahuanacs, 473 — 4, 522—3.
Turen, George, 243 ; Daniel, 319, 347,
4.34.
Turell, Colburn, 490 ; Daniel, 351, 395,
456, 479, 486; Ebenezer, 316, 556;
Joseph, 756 ; Mr., 520 ; a pu'ate,
570.
Turfery, George, 468, 471.
Turner, Ephraim, 375, 376 ; John, 36 ;
Joshua, 379 ; Lewis, 630 ; Nathaniel,
170, 201, 236 ; Robert, 233, 235, 245,
268, 302, 318, 332, 336, 341, 798, 800 ;
WiUiam, 378, 418, 427, 493, 507, 525.
Tuttell, Anne, 787—8, 798 ; John, 331,
336, 342 ; Richard, 189, 193, 235, 241,
243, 245, 336; widow, 268; Zacha-
riah, 518—19.
Twining, WUliam, 418, 791.
Tyler, Andrew, 648 ; Frances, 760 ;
John, 760 ; Joseph, 756, 730 ; Royal,
658, 682, 686, 736, 738,*783, 756;
Thomas, 557, 756 ; WUliam, 600, 648.
Tileston, James, 546.
Tyley, Samuel, 571.
Tyng. See Ting.
Udal, Mr., murdered, 160.
UmbreUas, first used, 660.
Umpames, Plimouth men, 398.
Uncas (Indian), goes with the EngUsh
against the Pequots, 207 ; visits Bos-
ton, 238 ; exposed by Miantonimo,
265 ; takes that Chief prisoner, 273.
UnderhiU, John, 99, 130, 143—4, 170,
174, 178, 189, 191, 197, 201, 205, 208,
213, 218, 228, 231, 235, 242, 245, 251,
Union Club, 694.
United Colonies, origin of the. 269.
Universal Meetmg-house, first, 616.
Upham, Charles W., 495, 620 ; Phineas,
414.
Upsal, Nicholas, 337, 339, 345, 365,
Uring, Nathaniel, 537, 539, 565.
Usher, Capt., 818 ; Hezekiah, 327, 336,
340, 417, 423, 436, 786—7, 799 ; John,
435, 462, 473, 484 ; Madam, 818.
Valley-acre, 593.
Van, Ann, 70 ; Jeoffrey, ib.
VandUie, Anthony, 315, 668.
Van RensseUaer, KUUan, 620.
Van TwUler, Wouter, 206.
Vane, Sii- Henry, 178, 182, 186, 188, 190,
192, 196, 197, 199, 201, 205, 211, 221,
231—2, 235, 284, 206, 314, 332.
Vans, Hugh, 600.
Vardy, Luke, 579, 627.
Varney, John, 648.
Vassal, Leonard, 567, 683 ; Samuel, 65,
62, 65, 70, 172, 290, 296, 301 ; WiUiam
5, 62, 65, 73, 293.
VaudreuU, General, 652.
Vaughan, George, 60 ; WUUam, 619.
VeUs, dissensions about wearing, 167.
Ven, John, 56, 62, 69, 70, 72—3.
Venables, Admiral, 340.
Venner, Henry, 567 ; Thomas, 318.
Verazzani, John, 1, 4, 12.
Vernon, Admii-al, 571 ; Daniel, 227.
Verrin, John, 525 ; Vering's, 814.
Vespucius, Americus, 1.
INDEX.
839
Vetch, Samuel, 540.
ViaU, John, 250, 318, 333, 350, 373, 817.
Vickers, John, 77.
Vinal, John, 684.
Vincent, Ambros, 818 ; James, 804 •,
Nathaniel, 105, 178 ; Sarah, 572 ;
Thomas, 452.
Vines, Richard, 31, 60, 285.
Virginia Company, 24, 32.
Voters, qualifications of, 729 ; paper
votes first used at elections, 184.
(In' ^i), 305.
Wade, Armigil, 6 ; William, 6, 55.
Waddell, William, 276.
Wading river, 387.
Wadsworth, Benjamin, 142, 236, 542,
596, 548, 552, 603, 759 ; Joseph, 560,
599 ; Samuel, 142, 143, 418, 603.
Wager, Sir Charles, 570. \
Wages, regulation of, 163.
Wahginnacut (Indian), 123. ^^
Waite, Gamaliel, 229, 797 ; Richard, 229,
234—5, 252, 331, 489, 792 ; Samuel,
235.
Wakefield, Obadiah, 427.
Wakeman, Samuel, 258.
Wainwright, John, 582 ; Jonathan May-
hew, 583 ; Mary, 574 ; Mr., 556.
Waldo Benjamin, 576, 764 ; Cornelius,
537, 600, 603 ; John, 546, 559, 595,
657 ; Joseph, 731, 756 ; Samuel, 600,
603, 611.
Walcutt, Thomas, 339.
Waldron, Richard, 31, 412; WiUiam,
311, 559.
Walford, Thomas, 50, 57—8, 83, 95,115,
125 ; family of, 87.
Wales, Goodman, 336, 348 ; Nathaniel,
185 ; Thomas, 414.
Walker, Anne, 252 ; Benjamm, 518 ;
CapE7 596 ; Edward, 665 ; George,
Admu-al, 429 ; Hovenden, Sir, 541 ;
Isaac, 312, 318, 342, 658, 707 ; John,
229, 590 ; Mr., 782 ; Nehemiah, 759 ;
Peter, 227 •, Richard, 189, 252, 790 ;
Robert, 235 ; Samuel, 573 ; Thomas,
349, 427, 492, 513, 590.
Walkins, Robert, 235.
Wallaston, Captain, 43, 49, 259 ; Mount,
settlement at, 48 — 9 ; broken up, 94—
5, 98 ; a boundary of Boston, 318.
Wallen, Ralph, 36.
Waller, Goodman, 348 ; Henry, 55, 70,
77, 90 ; Robert, 796 ; William, 302.
Wallav, Abiel, 631 ; Elizabeth, 491 ;
John, 371, 434, 491, 507, 522, 594, 759,
811 ; Lydia, 491 ; Sarah, 670 ; Thomas,
491, 652, 756, 764 ; famUy of, 670.
Wallis, Mr., 652.
Walsingham, Sir Francis, 10.
W.alter, Henry, 321 ; Nehemiah, 161,
166, 236, 317, 488, 529 ; William, 583,
686.
Walton, Shadrack, 540.
Wamesits (Indians), some killed, 387.
Wampanoags (Indians), 43 ; relations
of the Nipnuks, 138 ; war with the,
397—424.
Wampatuck, Josias, 456 — 7.
Wampum, value of, 326.
Wamsutta (Indian), 362, 364.
Wanalaucet (Indian), 293.
Wanton, Edward, 395, 504—5 ; Gover-
nor, 72.
Ward, Artemas, 734 ; Benjamin, 235,
307, 312, 318, 336, 349, 793 ; Edward,
515 ; Elizabeth, 68 ; John, 68, 287, '
385, 579 ; Mary, 579 ; Nathaniel, 55
—6, 141, 169, 174, 257, 259 ; Robert,
567 ; Samuel, 230, 236.
Warden, Francis, 652.
Wardens, church, 567.
Wardell, Nathaniel, 623 ; Thomas, 182,
224, 229, 235 ; WilUam, 224, 229, 233,
235, 788.
Wards, the Town divided into eight,
588 ; into twelve, 600.
Wardwell, Samuel, 500 ; Mrs., 814.
Ware, Henry, 311 ; William, 324, 351.
Warham, Rev. Mr. John, 40, 78, 134.
Warner, Francis, 317 ; John, 275—6,
414 ; Thomas, Sir, 268.
Warren, Abraham, 259 ; Ebenezcr, 707 ;
Frances, 317 ; Humphrey, 395, 439 ;
John, 707 ; Joseph, 673—4, 707, 738
741, 744, 758, 771, 783—4 ; Peter, Sir,
622, 041 ; family, 707 ; William, 490.
Warwick, Earl of, 34, 53, 111, 166, 172,
274, 277, 301.
Warwick, R. I., beseiged and taken,
275—6.
Washington, George, 568, 2S3, 672, 814 ;
almanac likeness of, 673 ; portrait of,
613 ; Sir I. Heard's researches for his
pedigree, 649 ; street named for, 818.
Washburn, Emory, 262 ; John, 55.
Watchmen, first established, 189 ; time
to watch, 523 ; to cry the time of
night, 599.
Water-baiUffs, appointment of, 194, 445.
Water Engines. See Engines.
Waterhouse, David, 483, 696.
Waterman, Benoni, 574 ; Richard, 57,
275—6 ; Thomas, 647, 772.
Water mill, 196, 320.
Waters, Goodman, 334 ; 652.
Waterston, Robert, 456 ; Robert C, 167.
Watertown, landmg at, 83—4 ; settled,
89.
Watkins, Elizabeth, 504 ; Mary, 504.
Watts, Robert, 601.
Watson, James, 595, 601 ; John F., his
Annals, 378, 494 ; John C, 583 ; Mr.,
464 ; Thomas, 25.
Watts, Edward, 567 ; Isaac, 578, 605,
629 ; Samuel, Hon., 547, 613, 640 ;
Samuel, 490 ; Solomon, 414, 490.
Waugh, Borothy, 343, 352.
Way, Aaron, 336, 350 ; George, 55, 115 ;
Henry, 116, 144 ; Richard, 427.
Wayland, Francis P., 271.
Weatherhead, Mary, 413.
Web, Edward, 529 ; Francis, 55, 57,
132; Henry, 234—5, 253,' 267, 307,
786, 79J, 803 ; Joseph, 652 ; John,
545, 587, 609, 614, 787, 793 ; John,
brazier, 257, 327, 341, 350, 356, 790 ;
Mr., 320, 587; Richard, 318, 348;
Thomas, 55 ; family, 569, 813.
Webber, George, 534.
Webcowet (Indian), 338.
Webster, Benjamin, 414 ; Daniel, 814 ;
George, 534 ; James, 455 ; Noah, 130 ;
196, 263 ; Samuel, 363.
Weden, Edward, 267, 341 ; Joseph, 427.
Wedgewood, John, 216.
Weeks, Joseph, 490 ; WiUiam, 790.
Weetamoo (Indian), 400.
Weever, John, Funeral Monuments, 80,
158.
Weights and Measures, regulation of,
531.
Welch, John, 657.
Weleomb, Peter, 514.
Weld, Joseph, 230, 236, 284 ; Thomas,
70, 134, 140, 148—9, 180, 191, 218—
19, 221, 228, 253, 301, 363.
Welden, Robert, 118.
Welford, Charles, 655.
Welles, Arnold, 647, 657, 713, 744, 764 ;
Daniel, 60, 132, 224, 250 ; Edward,
792 ; Henry, 695 ; John, 647 ; Sam-
uel, 595, 631, 643, 657, 703 ; Thomas,
418.
Welsteed, William, 490, 493, 518 ; Wil-
liam, Rev., 311, 521, 585, 614.
Wenborne, William, 333, 336.
WendeU, Abraham, 580 ; Evart Janson,
/ 619 ; Jacob, 293, 595—6, 600, 604,
611, 620, 633, 634, 644 ; Isaac, 652 ;
John, 293, 619, 756 ; WUham, 787.
Wendell's Wharf, 650.
Wentworth, John, 572 ; Samuel, 293 ;
Wilham, 60.
Wesaguscus. See Mount Wallaston.
Wesley, Charles, John, 460, 609 ; Sam-
uel, 460, 466.
West, Francis, 36, 42 ; John, 486 ; Ke-
ziah, 687 ; Mr., 482 ; Mary, 687 ;
Mrs., 652 ; Nicholas, 55 ; Samuel,
590.
West Church, 601—2, 649.
Westbrook, Martha, 87.
Westcote, Thomas, 52.
Westmorland, James, 331.
Weston, Francis, 170, 275, 276 ; Thomas,
36—9.
Wethersfield, murders there, 206.
Weymouth, George, 15—16.
Whalley, Edward, 358—9.
Wharton, Edward, 356, 504, 807 ; P.,
284 ; Richard, 376, 439, 473.
Whately, John, 652 ; Robert, 664 ; 160.
Wheeler, Francis, Sir, 470, 506 ; George,
691 ; Henry, 559 ; Joseph, 427 ;
Thomas, 196, 229, 241, 246, 285, 405
—6, 797 ; William, 580, 593.
Wheeler's Point, 406, 507, 550.
^VUeelook, Eleazer, 734.
Wheelwright, Hannah, 459 ; Jeremiah,
339, 435—6 ; John, 57, 60, 183, 212 ;
founds Exeter, 218, 224 ; settled at
the Mount, 220 ; tried for heresy, 222 ;
banished, 223 ; married a Hutchinson,
227 ; wrote Mercurius Americanus,
229 ; family of, 435—6.
Wheelwright's wharf, 752.
Wessaguscusset, state of in 1733, 37.
Whetcomb, Simon, 63, 55, 62, 65, 70 ;
James, 376, 409, 439.
Whichcote, Charles, 55.
Whig and Tory, origin of, 664.
Whipping, practice of, 573, 659.
Whipple, John, 417.
Whippo, James, 534.
Whitbourne, Richard, 29.
White, Anna, 68 ; Benjamin, 552 ;
Charity, 285, 797 ; Edmund, 55 ;
Francis, 548 ; John, 48, 51, 52, 55,
65, 71, 74, 287, 335, 341—2 ; Joseph,
548 ; M., 395 ; Peregrine, 530 ; Ralph,
55 ; Richard, 55 ; Samuel, 68, 753 ;
Thomas, 230, 546, 652 ; WUliam, 570,
576.
White Angel, the ship, 128—9.
White Bear, first exhibited, 596.
White Horse Tavern, 596, 659.
Whitefield, George, 489, 574, 608, 618,
652, 686.
Whitehorn, George, 518, 819.
Whiting, Caroline Lee, Dorothy, &c.,
363 ; Ebenezer, 617 ; Samuel, 219, 230,
262, 363, 366, 385 ; Stephen, 601 ;
William, 256, 262 ; family of, 363.
Whitman, Zachariah G., 236 ; Abiali,
546.
Whitmore, 408 ; Madam, 461 ; Edward,
659 ; William H., 640, 673.
Whitwell, William, 331, 342, 658, 731,
756, 816 ; Bartholomew, 418.
Whitworth, Mr., 685.
Wibird, Richard, 620.
Wiburne, Thomas, 333.
Wickabaug Pond, English cut off at,
196, 405—6.
Wickes, 6 ; John, 275—6 ; WiUiam, 787,
799.
Widows, number of in 1698, 514.
Wieer, WUliam, 636.
Wiggin, Thomas, 60.
Wigglesworth, Edward, 642 ; Michael,
236 ; Samuel, 595, 608.
Wight, Ebenezer, 590.
Willbee, Mary, 259.
Wilbore, Samuel, 181, 193, 229, 234-5,
241, 531 ; Thomas, 335.
Wildes, Sarah, 500.
Wilford, Martha, 68.
WUkes, John, 723, 725, 768, 772; a
child named for, 757 ; ahnanac like-
ness of, 673 ; Wilkes and Liberty,
664 ; William, 195.
Wilkins, John, 493 ; Mrs., 466 ; Rich-
ard, 461—2.
Willard, John, 500 ; Josiah, 293, 557,
582, 643 ; Paul, 363 ; Samuel, 417,
461, 498, 508, 524, 529, 533, 643 ; Si-
mon, 230, 236, 328, 335, 363, 380, 406,
420—1, 532.
William and Mary, proclaimed in Bos-
ton, 485 ; their charter, 498.
William the Third, accession of to the
throne of England, 507 ; death of,
626.
Williams, Benjamin, 817 ; Capt., 20 ;
Daniel, 493 ; Francis, 288 ; Freeborn,
118 ; Hugh, 336, 341 ; James, 547 ;
Job, 812 ; John, 736 ; John Foster,
840
INDEX.
16, 816, 819 ; Jonathan, 657, 629, 732 ;
Joseph, 117, 234, 545 ;. Joseph, Esq.,
653, 752 ; Mary, 604 ; Nathaniel, 245
—6, 349, 526, 604 ;, Robert, 492, 557,
652 ; Roger, arrival of, 117 ; his
principles, 124 ; at Plymouth, 145 ; on
veils, 167 ; on oaths ; banished, 187 ;
his kindness in return, 199, 203 ; his
fearful embassy, 204 ; Samuel, 707 ;
Solomon, 605 ; Thomas, 36, 126 ; Wil-
liam, 457, 601.
Willis, Edward, 456, 472, 486 ; Georpe,
256 ; John, 181 ; Michael, 312, 318,
34S ; Nathaniel, 253 ; Nicholas, 182,
235, 245, 253, 791; Thomas, 170;
William, 33, 227, 527.
Willoughby, Francis, 375, 379, 390, 596 ;
William, 375.
Willy, Mr., 462.
Wilmot, George, 777.
Wilson, Agnes, 567 ; Alexander, 576 ;
Anne, 429 ; George, 357 ; Jacob,
241, 245, 250 ; John, his church
formed, 93 ; removes to Shawmut,
97 ; his meeting-house, 104 ; salary of,
110 ; returns to England, 122 ; arbi-
ter between Dudley and Winthrop,
134 ; grant of laud to, 176, 786 ; gar-
den of, 811 ; connections, 180 ; returns
from England, 186 ; chaplain In the
Pequot war, 213 ; returns, 217 ; bitter
against Antinomians, 219, &c. ; death
of, 382; John, Capt., 754; Joseph,
813 ; Lambert, 57 ; Mary, 293, 643 ;
Richard, 797 ; William, 229, 508, 789 ;
William, D.D., 93.
Winbourne, William, 312.
Winchell, James, 378—81.
Winchester, Alexander, 233, 234.
Winchip, Edward, 490 ; Major, 84.
Windmills, 523, 550, 607.
Windmill Hill, 282, 569.
Windmill Point, 188, 196, 260, 285. 291,
331, 641.
Windresse, William, 540.
Wing's Lane, 526, 588, 632.
Wing, John, 504r— 5 ; Robert, 791, 793,
795 ; William, 245, 259.
Winnicowett, Hampton, settled, 238,
285.
Winnepoykin, David (Indian), 457.
Winnisimet, 122 ; its orthography, 126 ;
Indians of, die, 164 ; a ferry to, 188.
Winsley, John, 395 ; Madam, 809.
Winslow, Edward, 36, 131, 178, 202,
210, 213, 227, 273, 294, 296, 302, 305,
316, 339—40, 365, 395, 400, 416, 580,
595 ; Gilbert, 36 ; Isaac, 687 ; John,
36, 376, 480, 633 ; Josiah, 155, 202,
294; Joshua, 593, 707, 732; Job,
400 ; Nathaniel, 652 ; WilUam, 601,
809, 817.
Winsor, Joshua, 427, 499, 532 ; Justin,
70, 93, 145, 414; Robert, death of,
557.
Winter, William, 325, 557.
Winthrop, Adam, 72, 137, 317, 320, 331,
362, 364, 383, 486, 492, 555, 611 ;
Alice, 72 ; Anna, 72, 733 ; Augustus,
72 ; Bazil, 72 ; Benjamin, 72 ; Deane,
72, 336, 785; Elizabeth, 72; Fitz
John, 72 ; Francis, 72 ; George, 72 ;
Granville T., 72, 216 ; Henry, 72, 88 ;
Jaue, 72 ; James Bowdoin, 72 ; Jesse,
521 ; John, Gov., 55, 65 ; of the Mas-
sachusetts Company, 70 ; chosen its
Governor, 73 ; sails for New England,
80 ; his voyage, 81—86 ; elected Gov-
ernor by the people, 94 ; removes to
Shawmut, 97 ; abolishes drinking
healths, 105 ; interview with Indians,
121, 125 ; builds the first ship, 128 ;
correspondence with Gov. Bradford,
131 — 2 ; charges against by Gov.
Dudley, 133 ; censured, 134 ; the is-
sue, 135—6 ; visit to Plymouth, 145 ;
his death and character, 312 — 15 ;
John, Jr., 72 ; settles Ipswich, 150 ;
returns from England, 186 ; settles in
Connecticut, 187—8 ; John StUl, 72 ;
Joseph, 72 ; Judith, 72, 374 ; Martha,
72 ; Robert C, 72, 315 ; Waitstill, 72,
405, 473, 483, 502, 529 ; death of, 557.
Wise, Jeremiah, 589 ; John, 351.
Wiseman, James, 250.
Wisner, Benjamin, 384, 468—9, 584,
609, 624.
WiswaU, Enoch, 293 ; Ichabod, 479 ;
Oliver, 652 ; Peleg, 684.
Witchcraft, 308, 314, 322, 324, 339, 493
—4.
Walcott, Rebecca, 509.
Wonohaqueham (Indian), 119, 122—3,
130, 143.
Wood, Mark, 418 ; Philip, 804 ; Rich-
ard, 127, 178, 329 ; William, 37, 39,
44, 57, 133.
Wood, order about preserving, 181 — 2 ;
at Deer Island, 195.
Woodbridge, Benjamin, 579 ; Dudley,
ib. ; John, 230, 286, 440.
Woodhouse, Richard, 800.
Woodbury, Humphrey, 57 ; John, 51,
57, 186.
Wooddy, Ricliard, 234, 248, 331, 349, 409.
Woodenhead, alTair of the, 776.
Woodgate, Mr., 55.
Woodhouse, Richard, 234.
Woolnough, Joshua, 317.
Woodman, Edward, 230.
Woodmansey, John, 331, 335, 376, 395,
435.
Woodward, George, 234 ; John, 253 ;
Nathaniel, 189—90, 234—5, 246—7,
797 ; Robert, 790, 797 ; Samuel, 553 ;
Thomas, 285, 790.
Worcester, William, 224, 417.
Workhouse proposed, 603 ; built, 598.
WormaU, Joseph, 318, 351 ; William,
534.
Worthington, Francis, 484.
Worthylake, George, 812.
Wowaus (Indian), 421.
Wowequa (Indian), 274.
Writing-school. See Schools.
Wright, Alexander, 456 ; Captain, 504 ;
George, 250 ; Hannah, 357 ; Henry,
418 ; Lydia, 429 ; Master, 6 ; Mary,
357, 504 ; Nathaniel, 55, 62, 68, 70,
72—3, 75; Richard, 139, 183, 190,
245, 791 ; Robert, 347, 795 ; Thomas,
60 ; William, 36, 60.
AVritten Tree, 248.
Writs of Assistance, 656 — 667.
Wyatt, Robert, 342.
Wyman, Ross, and others, 336.
Wynche, Mr., 55.
Yale, David, 294 ; Elihu, ib.
York, Duke of, 231, 268, 725 ; Dr., 641 ;
Mr., 463.
Yougust, Dr., 685.
Young, Alexander, 339 ; Anthony, 815 ;
Mr., 635, 756 ; Thomas, 738 ; WU-
, Uam, 580, 593.
Tow, Thomas, 800.
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